I ran through the muddy puddles that were everywhere on the dirt road. I could still smell the smoke through the rain. I felt tears roll down my face, but I only felt numb. I couldn't believe what just happened only a few hours ago. I, I just watched my home burn down with some pones still inside. I hope my friends are okay. If they weren't, I'd, I wouldn't know what to do. I kept running, my breath coming in short gasps. I was a small light green filly with a darker green mane that had a white stripe run through it. I felt my light wings shiver as I ran. I couldn't fly yet, and don't think I ever will. But I still unfolded them and flapped them uselessly before folding them again. I stumbled into the Ever-free Forest, ignoring the howls of Timber Wolves as I ran. I eventually collapsed under a large oak tree. I layed there, panting like a dog, sobs racking my body. I let out a muffled cry, wiping the tears away with my muddy hoof. I hated being alone. Ever since my parents abandoned me, I always hated being by myself. Luckily, my friends always stayed by my side. But they're gone now... I thought, more tears flowing down my face. I must have looked like a mess. My legs were all muddy and my face was red and puffy. My mane was singed and tangled. I suddenly silence my crying. I hear hoofsteps. Thump, thump, thump.
I widen my eyes with fear and realize where I was. What was I thinking!? This is the Ever-free Forest! I held my breath as the hoofsteps came closer. I could feel my heart beating in my ears.
"Hello?" A female voice rang out. I lower myself closer to the ground, accidentally snapping a twig. I heard a rustle and was face-to-face with a large black allicorn. I widen my eyes even further when I realize it's Princess Luna, ruler of the night. I open my mouth as if to speak, but nothing comes out except a squeak. I break eye contact with her old blue eyes and stare at my hooves.
:What are you doing all by yourself, little filly?" She asked with her deep voice.
"Um, I was r-running," I trailed off, thinking back to the fire.
"From what?"
"A f-fire." I stutter, closing my eyes for fear of me crying again. I would not cry in front of the princess, I would not.
"Do you need a place to stay?" She asked, though she already knew the answer. I simply nod and shakily stand up. She leans against me so I can support myself on her. She was very warm and smelled like sleep and morning dew. I felt my eyes grow heavy and didn't object when Princess Luna let me lie on her back. I close my eyes and sleep without dreams.
I blinked my eyes open and noticed that I was in a very comfy bed in a dark blue room filled with paintings of the stars and a large moon in the center of the ceiling. There were massive bookshelves lining the walls, all filled to the brim with books. I looked toward a elegant-looking door with beautiful details on the frame. I could hear voices outside of the room, they sounded as if they were arguing..
"We cannot keep her here!" A calm sounding female voice hissed quietly.
"But sister, she has no where else to stay," Luna insisted.
"Did you even ask if she has her parents? They are probably worried sick about her disappearing out of the blue," The older voice said. I could hear one of the two mares stomp their feet with anger.
"Fine, I will ask her, if she has no one to take care of her, then she will stay, okay?" Luna said impatiently. It was silent for a few moments before the other mare agreed quietly. I heard Luna open the door and quietly walk to the side of the bed.
"Are you awake yet filly?" She whispered.
"Y-yes," I murmur.
"What is your name?"
"E-emerald Dust, but you can call me Emmy if you like." I say, sitting up.
"Do you have anyone looking after you?" I shake my head, thinking back to the fire, the smoke and the intense heat. The fearful screams and the crack of the fire when it sparks. I start to hyperventilate, my whole body shaking.
"A-are you okay?" Luna asks, gently touching my forehead with her hoof. I let out a shaky sigh and nod.
"Can you tell me what happened before I found you?"
"I-I lived in the Happy Hooves orphanage. I have lived there my whole life, because my p-parents didn't w-want me." I whispered, my eyes starting to tear up. Don't cry, don't cry in front of the princess! I thought.
"Now you have nowhere to go, is that correct?" Princess Luna asked quietly. I nodded for fear of crying if I spoke. She nodded before exiting the room that I assumed was hers. She closed the door behind her and I fell asleep again, whimpering as I relived the destruction of my home.
When I woke up again, the sun was shining through the giant windows, gently streaming into the room. I sat up and got out of the soft bed. I walked out of the door, wondering where to go. I ended up in a nearby kitchen that was filled with unicorns busily cooking all kinds of breakfast. I then continued into an observatory-like room where I saw Luna looking through a telescope, writing down what she saw in a thick leather-bound notebook that looked one-hundred years old.
"Finally you're awake Emmy," Luna said, not looking up from her writing.
"Um, g-good morning," I said, sitting next to Luna, looking out of the glass walls. I looked out at the beautiful city of Counterlot, the cobbled streets busy with ponies doing their daily jobs. I squinted and could barely see Ponyville, my old hometown.
"Do you wish to return to Ponyville?" Luna asked, glancing at me.
"I can't go back there, I won't be able to live the same. My friends are gone and my home is gone too. I have n-nothing left, except a memory." I whisper loud enough for the princess to hear. I could feel her sympathetic gaze rest on me.
"We are the same then." She said. I widen my eyes and look at her with surprise.
"H-how?" I asked.
"We have both lost our home and friends that we grew up with." she said as she glanced down at the floor, a sad expression on her face. I suddenly realize how old Luna is. She has probably lost a life's worth of friends, maybe more. We really are the same.
