//------------------------------// // Chapter 14: A new direction // Story: Shield and Shadow Part 1: Rise and Fall // by LucidReverie //------------------------------// Elation. Spring Mist trotted through the streets of Everfree with a noticeable bounce in his step. In the dark of the night, everything looked more beautiful, every sound more lovely. Mist was happy. Not just happy, but truly excited. The first time he had been this excited was when he received his first telescope as a colt. Next was his first time seeing the Princesses, being mere hoofsteps away. Then, his acceptance into Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns. And tonight, when he had not only made history, but also been accepted as a scholar at the astronomy tower. Mist smiled brightly as he walked. Even the prospect of leaving his home seemed a non-issue. Nothing could stop his sheer joy. It was early still, so he decided to pay a visit to The Salted Clove for some dinner. Mist took the appropriate turns through the city streets and soon came upon the market square. The shops had mostly closed up, save the eateries. Mist smiled as he walked across the square and to door of The Salted Clove. He walked in, hearing the small bell chime. Within, a few ponies sat at the tables, conversing quietly and enjoying their evening meals. Clove looked up from the counter and offered a bright smile. “’Ello, Spring Mist! What brings you in tonight? Shouldn’t you be so dutifully guarding our fine city? And why do you look so happy?” Mist barely contained his joy, bounding to the counter. “I was asked to join the scholars at the astronomy tower!” he whispered excitedly. “Well done, my boy! Congratulations! ‘Ow did that happen?” “Well, I was guarding up at the tower when I spotted a new star. So I went to confirm it and the Head Scholar offered me a spot. I start tomorrow.” “That’s amazing! Well, I wish you luck on that. Just remember to come down here an’ say ‘ello. Don’t you be forgetting about us little ponies.” “Oh, come now, Clove. I would never forget you. After all you’ve done for me? Only, I will be moving to the tower tomorrow, too, so I may not see you as much.” “Oh, it’s nothing. Now! Time to celebrate! What will you have? Whatever you want, on me.” “Thank you, but I really should pay for my meal.” “No, I insist. Please. What will you have?” Mist smiled and shook his head, “Alright, Clove. I’ll have your famous soup, of course.” “And dessert? You must have dessert!” “What would you suggest, then?” “Well, ol’ Shortcake at Sugar Lump across the way proposed an idea, so he’ll be selling some items here. So, I’d suggest a fine cranberry and carrot cupcake. Will that do?” “Mmm, I think so.” “Alright then, have a seat.” “Thank you.” Mist turned to find a seat, and decided to go outside. He spoke to Celery, who had replaced her husband at the front counter, “I’ll be outside.” She simply nodded with a smile. Mist then walked out into the dark, finding a table that looked out into the market. He saw a few ponies walking through the streets, making their way to their homes for the night. The sky was dark and filled with the familiar pinpricks of light. Mist looked to the moon, basking in its glow, and found his new star. He stared at that little point, the one that had begun to change so much in his life. Mist had begun relaxing, finding calm in the night. He was always amazed by its ability to do that. Calm and relax him. Fascinate him and awe him. And now he would be able to spend as much time in the night, without breaking rules or straying from duty. Duty. Mist would need to see Rockhoof and Rainy Shores, say ‘goodbye’ before he started a new life. “That’ll be an interesting conversation.” Mist said to himself. A gentle cough sounded behind him. Mist looked back and Clove approached, carrying a tray with a bowl of slightly steaming soup and a delicious-looking cupcake. “Here’s your food, Mist. Enjoy!” Clove said cheerfully, “And congratulations again, Mist. You really deserve it.” With a bright smile, Clove walked back into The Salted Clove. “Thank you, Clove,” Mist said quietly. It was now a bittersweet realization that grasped Mist – working in the tower would be the most amazing experience Mist could hope for, but at the same time, he would be leaving behind his friends and life he had had for years. He knew that he would ultimately be happy, and now he was happy, but it would still be a significant change. He blew gently on his soup to cool it before levitating the spoon to his mouth. The warm and delicious soup filled him with a simple joy. Maybe that’s why it was so famed – it felt like a home-cooked meal that a parent would give a child. Nothing beats a mother’s cooking. A small smile formed on Mist's face, and stayed as he savored his meal, taking in the sights of the quiet market square before him. Finishing up the last crumbs of his rather pleasant cupcake, Mist wrapped the dishes in his magic and walked into The Salted Clove, items floating beside him. The bell jingled, announcing his presence. Celery Salt looked up, “Oh, you didn’t have to do that, deary.” She said softly. Mist grinned, “I know. But I wanted to.” “Well, thank you. Did you enjoy your meal?” “I did,” Mist nodded, “Thank you. It was lovely as always. You two never cease to amaze.” “You flatter us, Spring Mist. Now, before you leave, I’ll get Clove so that he can see you out.” “Thank you, Celery, I appreciated it.” She nodded as she walked into the kitchen. A few moments later, both Celery and Clove emerged. Clove walked to Mist, looking him in the eye. “Don’t you forget us, sonny” he said as he wrapped a foreleg around Mist's neck, pulling him into a hug. “Never, Clove,” Mist said, reciprocating the hug. Pulling away, Clove said, “Visit us sometime. Now shoo, you’ve got a big day tomorrow.” “Thank you again, Clove, Celery,” Mist turned out of the door. He had walked a few paces when he heard Clove again, standing in the doorway, “Mist, your parents would be proud of you.” “I hope so,” Mist said as he offered a last wave before turning in the direction of his house, his home. Mist continued walking through the streets, simply enjoying the familiar buildings, pathways, places filled with childhood memories. Soon he happened upon his house and pushed open the door. He lit the sconces on the wall with a small light spell, filling the house with a soft white light. Before him, he took in the sight of his home. The main room, where one could host dinners and small gatherings. Off to the left, the kitchen. The door in the back led to the bathroom, and the door left and to the back was the way to his bedroom. Up the stairs on the right wall was a section of the house he rarely went into. His parents had stayed up there, as had he until he moved downstairs. Now, much of the upper floor was storage, where he kept the few items he had saved as mementos. Mist looked at the house, the place he had called home since he could first talk. Where he had learned so much about being a pony. The birthdays, holidays, parties, dinners, schooldays, homework, friends. So many memories. But it was time to make more. In a new place, with new faces, new work. Mist immediately set to work, putting down his now empty bag. He took down the decorations in his house and set them into groups. Next, he moved into his room and packed what clothes he owned. Next, books. So many books. Mist was glad that there were empty chests upstairs – they were definitely coming in handy. Mist remarked several time at just how many belongings he had acquired over the years. Mist moved upstairs and began towards his parents’ old bedroom. It was here he kept the most significant items he owned, the ones with the most intrinsic value. He steeled himself before entering. After a few breaths, Mist nudged the door open. Within, the room looked much like the rest of the floor – a few chests and bags, a few baubles and trinkets adorning the flat surfaces. Mist looked around the room. It had been weeks since he was last in this room. It was never difficult to be in, but it was still a bit odd. Mist gathered what little there was and slowly carried everything downstairs. When he was done, he looked at the pile of belongings, then at his house, which looked largely bare and empty. His home. It would be bittersweet, but good. Healthy. A new life awaited. Sleep now. Tomorrow, I am a new stallion. Author's Note: Well, we somehow hit 1000 views. Not much, but I found it quite exciting. Thank you to all of my readers for your support. I hope you have enjoyed this double feature. As always, feel free to leave comments and suggestions. I'm always open to input!