Chapter 17
Not that Gala part 2 end
With a wave of goodbye to the Princess and Lyra, I closed the doors to our carriage, a quick mention of direction, followed by a few bits to the carriage driver and we’re off in the air.
Outside, out the window lays the City of Canterlot, watching it rushed past, her mind elsewhere, rather than on the glamorous grass filled mansions and villas of the wealthier districts, or the slightly less spacious but still open upper districts, and the quite cramped apartments of the lower spaces.
It doesn’t really seem all that strange to me, the rush of it all, one moment you’d find yourself talking to some nice gentle-stallion, and another you’d be deflecting the advances by some colt who wants to show off.
My concentration faltered however, when the sound of snoring filled the carriage.
Looking down I found Charm, near haphazardly sprawled on the other carriage seat. Her tiara, still unblemished and as new as ever seemed to shine in contrast to Charms dishevelled state.
Charm for the most part was a considerate sleeper, though the snoring was a point, though I had never really found the snoring to be that much of a problem, it was rather cute in a way. She just never gave much problems to deal with. No haphazard sleeping positions in odd places, no sleepwalking, no incidents.
But with the previous events, I'd find it hard to NOT justifying her haphazard and dishevelled state. After all, it wasn’t as if we had an easy time at all.
[{=o=}]
The Gala had begun, and though the princess’s speech had kicked off the event, alongside signalling the beginning hour, I had heard no other topic spreading through the crowd aside from my friend. My friend had remained somewhat blissfully oblivious to her increasingly growing popularity. Not that I would have wanted to ruin her night by telling her. The word just kept on spreading, pony to pony, table to table, delegate to delegate.
‘Honestly I don't think even Charm thought this would happen.’ I thought aloud as I listen in on noble’s conversations while I made my way through the crowds to gage their reactions while I make my way to the snack table spread with Charm following a ways back.
“Did you see that young lady?” One noble lady tittered into her hoof. Upon closer inspection I find that she was wearing the ostentatious piece in the gala. Most of her outfit seemed imported from foreign seas with bright red and swirling green and gold. “She seemed to have stolen the show! Talk about being rather bold!”
“Yes, she’s quite the charmer if I do say so myself.” Another noble lady commented as she eyed Charm from afar.
Charm on her end of things seemed to be busy looking anywhere but the gala itself, she busied herself with inspecting the pattern on the tablecloth, then the carving on the table, then the embroidery on her own dress, then the tapestries, never really keeping her focus on one thing for long. She had followed me to the snack table and had helped herself to some of the more fancy spreads while destroying chocolate with gusto, although refrain herself from making a mess of her dress in the process.
All in all she looked like a diplomat’s or a merchant's daughter, too busy trying to focus on something else while dearest father was busy settling with matters of business. Still, it did lend aid to her cover story, though I wonder if her staring at the moonlight now and again out of the window near the table might attract other kinds of attention. I could not help but chuckle at the wistful look Charm is throwing at the freedom of the night sky. ‘She does love her flying.’
Lyra for the most part sat on her end of the table, though her eyes seemed glued to a thousand places at once, first to her current location, then to the fountain of wine a few tables away and finally to Charm. Who was too busy pretending to be fascinated with the patterns on the tablecloth to notice anything else happening. ‘Although that's her effort on not listening in on the fact most conversations were on her.’ I rolled my eyes while my ears flick to the continued sounds of conversations while I listened in discreetly
“I’ve seen her shopping for some silk in the Market district!” That had caught my attention, Silk was expensive, and a roll of the stuff costs hundreds, where had she been getting that kind of coin? Never mind finding somepony who would sell silk in a large enough amount to make a whole dress from it, most cloths are made from a magically created synthetic material that simulated the texture of silk.
However now that I think about it it's not too farfetched that Charm could get such materials, she does have a business of her own with some hefty buyers, *cough Celestia cough,* that is one way on how she managed to pay for her expensive dress. With ingredients from the Everfree she charges a fairly high price for her potions.
While potion craft is rather common subject, Charms is more magical in the fact that they are fast acting potions that instantly imbue their effects.
I’m not very familiar in the field of what she does now, but I do know she had enough plant samples and seeds to re-grow the more exotic plants from her homeland in the Everfree.
But that's change in compare to her enchanting skills. A lot of ponies had shot down the idea she was an enchanter and had dismissed her work. She had to lie to make any profit on items that were deemed a hoax. Lyra being a unicorn and a friend had volunteered her services in selling the fact she was the enchanter rather than Charm, it was a boon and many customers flock to the superior chanted items.
Still this doesn’t mean money isn’t going to be tight for some time though, as most of the money made goes to rent, shipping, materials and specialized equipment as well as ores, to be in used for most of those things as they are very expensive skills with very expensive ingredients in need.
“Silk? Oh my how Exquisite.” One of the more fashion savvy nobles commented before fanning herself seeming to excuse herself as she made known of her own perches on the rather expensive material. I rolled my eyes shaking my thoughts away from depressing thoughts. On closer inspection her comments were warranted, as her fan seemed to be silken whenever the light shone on it I could see come gold imbued into the wire frame of the no doubt really expensive and impractical item.
“I believe I do see a one Miss Heartstrings, my they must be close friends the way they are acting.” Lyra isn't a household name but anyone could point her out as the ‘Enchanter genius’ from a crowd. Personally I find it rather unfair and diminish Charms efforts and hard work.
The conversations droned on, though I paid most of them no mind, Charm for the most part was content in looking around with a smile on her face, ‘no doubt enjoying the chocolate, one would wonder how long it had been since she had the stuff, to pretty much pig out on them.’ Perhaps this night would be good for her after all.
Once again I moved to see to the rest of the crowd. The floor was open now, though the dancing wouldn’t happen for quite some time. Most of the guests were just mingling, perhaps following up on some unfinished business in some cases.
I raised my ear as one particular conversation that caught my attention.
“Did you see her?” Whisper an earth pony mare to the mares.
“That tiara though… it looked like it was woven...” Swoons another mare impressed at the rather elegant piece of jewellery.
“What about her mane? I thought it looked rather exotic.” One noble mare said aloud as she eyes Charms custom made hair job with a measuring gaze approving on what she sees.
“That dress was very well done as well.” Another mare said who was also sizing the dress Charm was wearing.
“Last I heard, some families were pushing for their sons to make a good impression.” That… was disconcerting, though I couldn’t help but laugh quite a bit. The idea of Charm being left to fend off that rabble was equal parts intriguing and disturbing. ‘It’s best if I return to my table now.’ I decided.
“That stare… it was rather ruthless.” Whispers a unicorn colt who seemed to be a student here, ‘I recognize him he must be a year ahead of me.’ I had wondered I thought while watching them distance themselves from the herd of mares looking rather uncomfortable from Charms entrance and rather cold demeanour.
“She didn’t seem so cold to my folks.” A pegasus colt shrugs not at all that impressed at his friend's behaviour as it's rather common for most military family pegasi to be rather harsh with military discipline, he personally believes that this mare was falling back to habits due to the attention attracted towards her.
“Well it is rather expected she seems a more down to earth pegasus then most who much prefer anything relating to the sky such as the Wonderbolts. Her outfit seems to reflect that being as she may probably have a more favourable view towards you earth ponies.” He points at one of his friends next to him who chuckled.
“The way she walked around though… That's definitely pegasus pride, I believe she may be of a military family the way she moves.” One pegasus colt helpfully pointed out to his friends interrupting anything the Earth pony may had said.
It is true that Charm is a trained warrior of sorts, she reflects this in her movement, not a ounce of her movement is wasted the way the colt looks at her he had noticed it. I couldn't help the amused grin, it's rather funny when Charm catches the eyes of most colts, at our age it isn't out of the realm of possibilities that they be dating, however Charm doesn't show much interest in that.
I couldn't help but to sigh at that, at least her rather foolish facade of hers ended. Even if it worked she had already captured the floor as it were. Though rumours of the cultural bias and other such aside. Charm just seemed content to watch as the proceedings go on.
Finally making my way to her after slowing down to listen in on conversations around the ballroom I greeted Charm with a smile. “Well dearie, how did it go~!” I sing song throwing a smile Charms way.
I turned my focus back to Charm who looked back with a smile of her own, off to her side Lyra was busy doing her own thing, though for all intents and purposes the sea green unicorn seemed to be enjoying the role of hoof maiden.
[“Nothing for the most part… some of them are just keeping a short distance for the time being. Better for me really, the sooner this is done the sooner we get to end this.”] Charm said seeming exhausted by the party, while I had grown used to such things. Charm mostly enjoys small get together rather than a big party hard kind of pony. [Although I love the fact I get to indulge on the chocolate here! Not as good as Pinkie pies though, but I enjoy it none the less.]
I gave her a bright smile I was happy for her, she hardly seem to enjoy herself now a days, to busy training with her powers to really indulge in luxurious items to often. It would seem that Charm’s little facade was all for naught. While she can in fact pull the looks off, she just isn't the type to keep it up, although that had left her with some rather exquisite clothing, and a fair bit of attention. That I’m sure she would rather pass to somepony else. Although once we go home I’m going to hang her dress on a ponyquin it's a work of art and would really liven the shop quite a bit.
“Now come on, she’s right there, all you have to do is make nice with her~!” I heard at the edge of my hearing as ponies made their way to us. I turn my head to see who it was.
Ah, it’s those ponies again, off to the side one would be hard pressed to miss the more affluent families, some of whom merely attended these functions out of reputation than actual business.
This gala was mostly thrown for the students and their accomplishments in the school, but really it’s just another ball for the adults to brag or show off then anything, what I know of is that Celestia only attends because she is genuinely here to show her pride of the students who pass.
The group moved forward. Hum one middle sister, two elder sisters, a pushy mother, probably meant for gathering information.
Leaving Charm with them as her language acts as a shield from them from getting any answers besides polite greetings in that magical language of hers.
Rarity sees she was being waved by a servant, she was told to approach Princess Celestia, nodding at the servant she slowly approached the Alicorn before her, the Alicorn who for the most part remained ever watchful, and her gaze always sweeping over the assembly as a whole in one way or another. In front of her levitated a simple glass of wine. It was encased in a golden aura which should be obvious. Celestia simply took small sips, giggling to herself in long intervals.
Rarity pondered her options, on one hoof there was much opportunity for engaging in polite conversation with her peers, and though she knew for a fact that the majority of those in attendance had enough pedigree to simply scoff in her face and leave, many of those in attendance were of the Lower nobility, and probably kind enough to listen to her for a minute or two.
Relax Rarity. This is the princess, the kind benevolent princess.
Steeling herself, and unintentionally wiping sweat from her brow in the process she moved forward. Mindful of how the Princess’s gaze flickered towards her for a brief moment, before returning to the scene before her.
She had barely made it to within a dozen paces near her when one of the cushions surrounding the monarch glowed, levitated for a fair bit and settled itself next to the Alicorn.
Celestia’s eyes moved to have her in their sights, before glancing to the cushion. Taking that as invitation the white unicorn moved to take a seat, silently surprised at the softness.
“Surprising isn’t it?” The Princess asked, before taking a sip. “I had them imported from the east.”
Rarity’s eyebrow rose, The East? She wondered. There was nothing but sand there, and the occasional oasis kingdom, At least, that’s what she thinks is there anyways.
“Not there dear, further east, past Rub Al Khalid- that is The Endless Desert.” She imparted her knowledge with a smile.
Rarity nodded silently, before looking back at the princess, her eyes roamed the palace hall, settling upon one group or another randomly, though her eyes always lingered on one individual in particular.
Charm sat off on the other end of the veranda, a rather content Lyra with her, not too far away, several sets of noble parents continued to push their heirs to at least introduce themselves.
“Strange- for one to find enough silk for such a dress, even stranger would be her jewelry.” The Princess looked to Rarity, eyebrows raised. “I don’t suppose you had any hoof in their creation?”
Rarity shook her head. “A friend of mine had helped with the dress, Charm provided the materials and design I believe, her tiara and her other jewellery were something I believe she commissioned herself.”
“Oh you don’t say?” The Princess said seemingly disappointed for some unknown reason.
“Perhaps I could inspect it myself, her translation spell is basically gone correct?” Rarity nodded to confirm her highness. As well as a well performed a conversational social dodge that Rarity had not noticed not being too well versed in the machinations of politics. “Perhaps the Jewel smith has left his mark on one of her pieces? “She pondered placing a hoof on her chin in contemplation.” Maybe I’d even commission a new crown.” She said rather smug at Rarity’s scandalized look. She had been in the market for new crowns, ones that aren’t overpriced piece of junk that wouldn't really work well with her figure.
“Gasp, truly?” Rarity said sarcastically while sounding scandalized after all the crown she wore has been the same one for thousands of years, or at least a copy of the original.
“Of course, besides, the pattern does look as if the tiara was woven, it may very well have been.” Celestia said, she was rather impressed at the impressive original crown, nowadays most tiara are over gaudy things with too much gems and gold that it had made the crown to heavy to be practical. As well as not really for her taste very well. As would with most ponies who wore such a thing. However she is really impressed at Charm for stepping out from the norm of most ponies especially pegasi who wear more uniform outfits then fancy dresses.
Rarity sat, noting the glint in the Princesses eye, one that focused on the chestnut mare, who was currently enjoying a glass of wine, courtesy of Lyra, who smiled as she poured herself a fair bit too.
“Though she does seem a bit cold doesn’t she dear?” Princess Celestia remarked, taking another sip.
Rarity chuckled “She’s not used to being social your grace, aside from Lyra and I, pending Fluttershy she barely speaks to anypony else.” Rarity was very sure it was her more advanced mature attitude that was the cause hanging around those who she feel is younger than her made for isolation at best worse a hermit.
“What a shame then.” The princess sighed, seeing to much of her own sister at then she liked and determined to fix that.
Rarity nodded, before moving to sip her tea.
“Though I suppose-” Celestia said her mind already thinking of things with a smile towards the young mare.
Rarity’s brow raised at that, “Suppose what your grace?” Try to follow along what she was saying she opted out on taking another sip of her tea rather curious about what her monarch is thinking.
“-I suppose it would be a bit eventful if something were to happen would it not? A counter rumour to deal with the distance all the others are showing her.” Celestia said a twinkle in her eye ever stronger.
Rarity blinked for a few moments, before feeling the beginnings of a grin forming, as improper at that may have been at the moment, the princess held a similar grin of her own.
“Yes, indeed your grace, indeed, may I then ask what story you had planned for Charm?”
“Well- “ Celestia started, mulling to herself quite a bit, taking a bite of some scones a servant had presented to her. “-I did have her listed as an ambassador's daughter and given the usual fuss, and her apparent difference, it held up well.” The princess finished.
“I suppose then it wouldn’t be too much trouble to let loose that her father has fallen ill-” Rarity started as the gears began to turn in her mind.
“-and that he wouldn’t be able to join his dear little daughter for the gala.” Celestia finished both of them giggled for a while, before quieting.
“My little pony, I think you and I will have to meet like this more often.” Celestia spoke smiling at the young mare, she seemed to make for a good adviser who would tell it to her straight when she is messing up rather than agree with whatever she says, as well as one who wouldn't be so serious and make a joke every once in awhile.
Rarity smiled in return. “I surely do hope so your highness.” Unaware of the thoughts in Celestia's mind she continued to smile pleasantly at Celestia.
“Not Your Grace?” Celestia asked curious at the younger mare.
“With all the planning I’d think that being graceful is the least attribute you have on you at the moment.” Rarity responded, bowing before leaving for her friend.
“A rather clever child one,” Celestia whispered, chuckling to herself. She bade a servant to come near, whispering into the servant's ear, before biding her to spread the news around to the rest of the serving staff.
Yes, the counter rumour would be known within the hour.
The little pegasus would learn to have fun with others, one way or another.
…
Charm sat in thought for what seemed to be the umpteenth time that night, Lyra had kept the wine pouring for a short while, before noting that perhaps it wasn’t wise to inebriate both herself, and made off to find some other beverage she could bring back to the table.
Wine is legal here, well for minors however my first time drinking ever I won't get into the habit, drinking alcohol is a home wrecker in the relationship in my opinion.
While in her musings she notices small things in play around her. Right on the corner of her sight at times, the servants would speak amongst themselves, some of them occasionally taking a glance in her direction, before making some distinct sound of what seemed to be sympathy, then looking away. ‘I know not why, but I shouldn't let it bother me there are bound to be many rumours around by now.’
Shortly after that she began to get the same looks from a few others, and then the guards, and soon enough most of the guests in her radius seemed to look on her one way or another.
Then the dance requests began to pile up.
Although she wasn't fully aware of all this right away as she was too busy trying not to be noticed, to some degree of failure not of her doing. But she had picked up on subtle cues she had learned from Guiding stars social etiquette lessons.
Now she had a whole line of dance partners and she didn't even know how to dance!
‘Oh by the Nine what is going on?’ She muttered to herself as a worrying feeling crept up her spine.
…
“Was this the Princesses doing?” Rarity wondered to herself, nearby another colt found her was looking at the situation with some manner of amusement.
“I suggest you take a look at the balcony for the answer to that question.” The colt muttered, Rarity decided to take his advice, looking to the balcony.
Her eyes met Celestia’s, whose eyes were filled with mirth, and was staring at the chestnut pegasus while fending off giggles.
The colt got up, making to move towards the situation. “I think that’s my cue to move in, the young lady seems a tad bit confused as is.” He expressed his worries.
“I suppose I’ll go with you then- ah! I'm sorry what your name is?” Rarity responded, making to step forward.
“Pants.” He smiled smartly holding himself rather proper. “Fancy Pants.” He nodded his head. “Shall we miss?”
Rarity smiled rather charmed by the older stallion. “Rarity belle, a pleasure.” she greeted.
“Charmed” he returned as they walked and talk.
…
‘Okay, I don’t speak their language. The closest pony I have to backup is off looking for something that isn’t Wine.’ Charm thought to herself now in distressed at the crowd around her and unable to ask for space.
A smartly dressed stallion, ‘if wearing a tie and having a rather overly groomed mane is being smartly dressed, but I guess for ponies it's overdressed for them.’ She thought amused feeling a little relaxed as the crowd parted around him. ‘He must be important to warrant such a reaction.’
Clearing his throat as he bowed to her, making her feel rather flustered at the action.
“Greetings I am blue blood,” The colt said smiling as he grabbed her foreleg and gave it a rather sloppy kiss, however she just knew she was not going to like him, being rather straight forward with his now obvious flirting. “I am sure it is a pleasure to meet one as important such as I.” Yup she didn't like him one bit.
Sighing over the top at his rather rude behaviour at her obvious discomfort as he drones on about being so, so, so important. She interrupted his rather self serving speech, getting a rather perplexed and offended look from him.
[Look I'm sure you're just being nice and all. But I don't feel like socializing right about now, if you could understand me I'm sure you would be kind enough to leave me alone.] If he doesn't get the hint I'm sure it's just a language barrier thing. With a wave I dismissed him, but he grab hold of my hoof startling me at his rather forceful approached, I was not really used to something’s like this. If I were human I’d had flipped him over and onto his back at the look he was giving me.
It was true being human I had studied plenty of martial arts, them helping with my survival whenever I ended up in a fight in Nirn. I wouldn't call me the strongest person, but I will lay someone twice my size, twice my strength, and twice the skilled with a sword on their back and defenceless, if I was approached with ill intent.
With most people's strongest unarmed attack being to hit you as hard as you can overtop telegraph haymaker had made it easy to counter.
But being a pony with only mild training in said body I had no idea what to do, while I had retain some strength and reflexes from my training back in Mundus I however am rather perplex on what to do now. See while I had been training I was more focus on my other forms and my movement in this body rather than the grapple styles of combat, although I am now regretting that. So I couldn't prevent myself from being dragged forcefully to the dance floor, only my wings flared out in alarm as he brought me into a two legged dance that was grudgingly simple enough to follow along.
But I could not hide my anger from my face, I said no, sure he may had taken my hoof wave as a invitation, sure I could had just shook my head if he had trouble understanding that. But when someone tries to stop following you and protesting by pulling back you stop what you're doing you jerk! Were the many thoughts I had on the matter as I watched my footing to try not fall down and make a fool of myself, I was still rather panicked at being the center of attention.
I saw Rarity who I could see she was accompanied by a stallion herself, but she looked rather panicked at something I figured it was me, but a hoof under my chin brought me out of my wandering thought, my eyes following to the face as he leans to me, and I got a mouth full of tongue.
My eyes could not be any higher as my breath was stolen from me, my shock evidence enough as I stared wide eyed as many conflicting thoughts went through my mind. ‘A guy was kissing me! A. Guy. Was. Kissing. Me! Why. The. heck?!’ Was one of the examples of what was going through my mind.
Frustrated and scared of my conflicting emotions I couldn't think up anything to say, to do or anything at all! So I ran from the ballroom tears in my eyes my thoughts confused.
…
Oh dear, was all that was going through Rarity's mind as she watches her friend run off. The Colt who had stolen a kiss seemed rather satisfied with himself. “Well, she must be a pure innocent at heart to be so moved to tears by my kiss.” He boasted to the crowd of his fans.
‘That isn't it you moron!’ Was what Rarity wanted to say but restrain herself from attacking him out of anger.
Fancy Pants next to her could do nothing but shake his head in bewilderment “That colt is going to be a hooful to hand when he grows up with that attitude.”
Somehow Rarity knows it to be true as she made her way to Charm who had made her way to the Gardens out back excusing herself from Fancy Pants who nodded in understanding and left.
The sight she walked into was a scary sight, Rarity had seen many things from Charm, from amazing awe inspiring magic her craft in alchemy and how she sometimes warm up to strangers and rather insightful advice in social interactions with her friends.
But she had never seen Charm angry or furious. But she can now say she had seen her enrage as with what looked like a considerable and impressive amount of strength lifting a boulder above her tiny frame and making her way to the ballroom with the most angered face she had seen on her.
Startled momentarily she exclaimed in shock. “Oh! My goodness!! What are you doing with that?”
[I’m going to kill him!] She yelled out holding the large boulder above her, Rarity now noticing a trail of her hoof prints leading further into the garden where she had gotten her giant murder instrument.
Delicately Rarity place a hoof on her withers catching Charms attention and drawing her eyes to Rarity, seeing the tears in her eyes showing her distraught and despair had brought a twinge in her own heart at the sight.
“I know it may seem like a good idea, but doing so you will come to regret it dear, I know I would want to kill him for doing this to you but just please, put down the rock.” Rarity said soothingly even though it was true she did want to hurt the colt that had hurt her Charm, with great effort she drop the rock and sat next to it and sobbed.
Placing herself next to the sadden mare Rarity rubbed her back, there they remain till a sea foam green mare trotted in hesitantly and sat down next to them. “I’m sorry I wasn't there to stop him.” Lyra said morosely as she stared off to nothing as both of us listened. “I-I abandoned you to the crowds when I should had been the one to defend you from them.”
A wing wraps around the saddened mare and brought her close to her, [I hold no grudge against you Lyra I- right can't understand me.] She turned to Rarity for help.
“She said it's ok, and that it wasn't really your fault, we were all rather caught off guard by that colt’s action.” At that she sighed. ‘It was looking to be a rather amusing evening as well, but I guess not everypony would fall into place like in movies or novels where everything seems to go accordingly to plan, goes to show reality can really pop up and surprise you with rather seemingly innocent things.’
Standing up she offered an alternative to the evening, “I saw a new shop opened selling pastries of all things opened at this hour, shall we make like a tree and leave?” She chuckled at the unanimous vote in yes as everypony's stomach growls at the mention of food.
In the end they all had fun.
....
It had been an hour the bustling of the cart had broken her musings of the gala, allowing her to waken Charm as they make it back home, she waved a goodnight to Charm who no doubt had shrugged off her dress and is now already asleep in mid fall onto her bed.
She checked on Sweetie belle who was asleep in her own bed, unknown to her Sweetie jolted awake the moment she had entered her room, listening in and keeping a single scrunched eye on her till she had left the room, now going back to sleeping and dreams of the past.
…
HA!
Tonk
HA!
Tonk
Ha!
Tonk…
I panted as I had punched the tree, I was wearing my full gear of armoured robes and leather hind boots, I just didn't feel comfortable being so exposed anymore.
The image of a certain white coated unicorn stallion leaning down on me, pinning me in his hooves in my compromising position as he kissed me, the image had cause an unholy rage to allow me to stand back away from the tree.
I hadn't been all that angry in life. Sure I get upset or mad, but fury? I would lying if I said I hadn't been that angry before, but it happened so rarely that afterwards I feel sick and exhausted from the ordeal.
So here I am now, far enough away from the town that none of the ponies would come this way, but still close enough that I can still see it. I resume my attacking of the tree, I didn't buck the trees like the farm ponies do down at the farm here do. That would leave my back side exposed to be exploited, a more agile foe could take advantage of my exposed rear, then I’d be on the defensive and I did not like that idea at all.
I had learn, that while I may be in fact, in a new body, younger, and have to grow up all over again, doesn't mean I have a new preference to the other sex, sure I may have… enjoyed it. Only a little bit. I hadn't had such attention brought onto me for years but that doesn't mean anything, what I was truly angry at… was the fact I was so helpless.
I had learn I been taking it easy for a long while, getting fat and lazy in my training, I used to at least train in the blade arts in Skyrim everyday, and have at least three other spars with Leona, here I hardly pick up the blade and only do short adventures into the dangerous forest for a camping trip in my usual spot.
Sure Equestria is peaceful I had learned it's like it was back home before my adventures.
But this place has its own danger that isn’t human made. Monsters live here, this should be obvious, I had heard stories of towns just going dark overnight of how small towns like Ponyville isn't the only place near some dangerous location, heck I had considered joining the Militia here in an effort to defend the town better.
Although even with my cutie mark I had to be required to learn how to handle a spear, as it seems to be the iconic symbol of the pony army since swords is impractical for a quadruped species.
I sighed, wasn’t important right now, it’s for the future, right now I still felt shivers go down my spine over what happened.
I hate feeling helpless, for years I been at the whims of higher beings so powerful, I cannot scale them as anything more than gods.
From Sheogorath to Vaermina, to the lesser Dremoras I been at the mercy of these terrible creatures, and I hated it. I thought I managed to escape that, reached a plane of oblivion that isn't populated fully of Daedric Princes and Dremora.
It’s not in the realm of possibility that Equestria may have their own version of them, who are manipulating everything behind the scenes, heck everything that happened here could be their doing.
Celestia could be a avatar of such beings, a rather uncomfortable prospect to tell the truth.
Skyrim was a real eye opener to such thoughts, heck I’m a believer in the supernatural now, I live threw them how could I not?
Oh, seems I’m crying, I just can’t help thinking on how useless I feel now. Yeah the truth of the universe can drastically change your outlook on your naivety on life.
“God I’m getting too old for this.” I muttered calming down some as I can hear someone approaching. I figure my smacking the trees and yelling so loudly had attracted attention.
Turning my head I see it is Fluttershy, she wore a look of concern upon seeing me in full gear.
She is a good friend of mine, while my mental age had made me dominant in our friendship and I had pretty much strong armed her into self help courses for self esteem building.
She is still shy, but she no longer timid when it comes to speaking her mind now.
If I had followed Rainbow Dash's suggestion she would be scarred for life and scared of anything that even so much as look at her general direction, the poor dear.
She landed and proceeds to hug me, I had guessed Rarity had filled her in, or is hugging me because she sees I am sad, I’m not fully sure. But it's consoling regardless, it doesn't however doesn't mean I hadn't stiffen at her touch, or blush at the fact this isn't the first time she had hugged out of the blue like this.
So I told her what was wrong, up first she thought the prince was charming, but after I had told how I knew he was just doing it for bragging rights to his friends, and the fact he had stolen a very unwanted kiss had set her emotions from stun to kill when she expressed her anger.
Fluttershy is like this adorable friend one would have that you just can't help but pet their manes and have a good hearted chuckle, even if they are showing so much anger to an individual.
She puffed her cheeks when I had pet her mane as she looked rather miffed at being pat like she was a pet, although she doesn't discourage such an action.
I really needed that, I guess I had let it get to me, doesn't mean I wasn't going to stop training however.
Besides it's good exercise, and if something were to happen that I needed to defend myself I’d rather be able to give it a black eye.
Now that I have calmed down me and Fluttershy are in a comfortable silence just enjoying the nature around us. She turned to me and spoke.
“I was wondering, Rainbow and I are going to a summer flight camp to improve our flying, do you want to join us?” She asked and I put some thought into it, I do need to improve my flying, it is a great way to learn how to control my pegasus magic more better.
“Sure, sounds like fun.” I agreed and we hanged out for the rest of the day.
It turned out to be a great day.
Chapter End...