Eric’s P.O.V.
The journey from Hollow Shades was mostly quiet, the confrontation between Sanguine and her mother left us all with a sense of unease. For the most part I was fine after Twilight reassured me that the princesses would understand that I was protecting them. But Sanguine was worse off, after the first confrontation she had seemed not to let it get to her. This time however, her smile seemed forced, like there was a great burden she was trying to keep from view. Twilight and I tried to keep her spirits up by distracting her with conversation. And while it worked, whenever the conversation ended an awkward silence would appear.
Hours passed us by while we sat in the back of Stick’s carriage, we told him stories and learnt much of each other. I could barely believe that Twilight had saved the entire world several times with the help of her friends. They must be amazing ponies! As we neared the town I could only think how nice it would be to meet them.
I’m not only friends with a princess, but her and her friends are also world renowned heroes! I really hope they like me. I thought with a nervous smile on my face.
“Hey Twilight, what are your friends names again? I would like to introduce myself to them properly when we get to Ponyville.” I asked the purple alicorn.
“Well there’s Pinkie Pie, she will probably be the first one you’ll meet and don’t be surprised when she wants to throw you a party the moment we arrive. Next is Applejack, then Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Don’t worry Eric, I’m sure they will all love you.” She replied with a big smile.
“I hope so, I don’t want everyone to think I’m a monster.”
“Ohh don’t worry about that Eric, my friends trust me and I’m sure they will take me at my word that you are safe. With how close me and my friends are I bet that they will be your friends too in no time.”
“Do you think they will like me too Twilight?” Sanguine asked quietly, her smile still looking forced.
“Of course Sanguine! How could they not enjoy the company of such a nice pony?” Twilight exclaimed, giving our new friend a hug.
I watched as Sanguine’s smile became more genuine. It was the widest smile I’d seen her make since the confrontation with her mother. Looking at that smile I couldn’t help but smile myself, it was like her happiness just exuded from her. Like just having her presence around was enough to make the world brighter and more colorful.
Not that this world is lacking in color. I thought with a big grin.
Night fell over the world as we pulled up in Ponyville, the rustic wooden buildings sparingly lit by gas lanterns that framed the small towns streets. When we climbed out of the carriage Stick detached himself from his harness and smiled at us.
“Now ah would like ta thank y’all fah riding with me, I haven’t ‘eard such fantastic tales in many ah year.” He said.
“No, it is us that must thank you Stick. If it weren’t for you it would have taken us days to reach Ponyville.” Twilight replied with a big smile on her face.
“Tweren’t no thang princess, it’s always good tah have company on the road.”
We smiled at the stallion before turning back to the town.
“So uhh Twilight, where are we meant to go?” I asked, noting the late hour of our arrival. “I don’t think your friends are going to be awake to meet us.”
“Yeah, I guess we will have to go back to my place until morning. Is that ok with you two?”
Sanguine and I looked as each other before smiling back at Twilight. “Are you sure Twilight? Well I wouldn’t like to impose on you.” I asked, suddenly nervous.
“It won’t be a problem Eric, I have another bed in the loft for Sanguine and you can pick from either the couch or the basement. I have a spare bed in there just in case my friends want to have a sleepover.” She explained.
Why am I so nervous about staying in her home? We stayed together last night at Sanguine’s place, so why would this be any different? These thoughts are so confusing!
“Eric, are you ok?” Sanguine asked me before I noticed I had been staring at Twilight, the redness of my cheeks and the matching look on her own.
“Yeah, sorry I was just lost in thought.” I said while forcing out a nervous laugh and rubbing a hand on the back of my neck. “Don’t worry about it. Let’s go to your house Twilight.”
My words snapped her back to reality and she took a deep breath. “Y-Yeah Eric, let’s go!” She stammered before galloping off.
What was she thinking about? I bet it was nothing like my thoughts. Oh god, what if she knew what I was thinking though? I can’t let her know, it would ruin this new friendship of ours. Okay, calm down, everything will be fine. We will just go stay the night at Twilight’s house, get up and meet her friends, then get ready to go meet royalty. I stumbled for a moment, remembering plans that I had forgotten. Royalty, I’m supposed to meet the rulers of this country! I’m not ready for that. How do I talk to them? I mean Twilight is a princess but she said that Celestia had been ruling for thousands of years! A culture doesn’t live this long without protecting itself and I bet some weird creature showing up out of nowhere doesn’t look too good.
I stopped, my thoughts overriding my ability to keep walking. Panic surged through me and my body started to shake, tears began streaming down my cheeks and my legs were rooted into the ground. In the distance I could hear voices but they were muted, almost not even there. I tried to look around, find something to latch onto, something to keep me safe. That was when I noticed the lavender eyes staring at me. Like the other times I fell into them and as I did the world came slowly back into contrast, sounds began reaching my ears again and I regained control of my body. “Eric, Eric, can you hear me? Everything is ok, you’re safe here.” I heard coming from the direction of those hypnotic eyes.
“Twi-Twilight?” I asked, my voice dry and raspy.
“Yes Eric, I’m right here.” She said and it brought me a measure of calm.
I looked around and everything looked the same as before, a quiet town and no one but us around. I let out a breath I hadn’t realised I had been holding and smiled.
“Thank you Twilight and I’m sorry you keep having to deal with me.”
“It’s ok Eric, I’m here for you and I’m happy to help you. After all, what are friends for?”
“Exactly! We wouldn’t be very much good as friends if we didn’t help each other out, right Twilight?” Sanguine added in a cheerful voice.
“That’s right Sanguine. Now let’s get going.” Twilight added, giving me one last worried glance before turning around and walking off further into town.
I followed the two mares while thinking to myself.
How does she do that? There’s just something about those eyes.