"Please be okay. Pleeeaase be okay."
"Rainbow you are carving a rut in my floor do you mind staying still? I know it is bothering you, but you have to relax. You look like you haven't slept in days." Twilight complained.
"I'm sorry but what if I really hurt it. I didn't hit it that hard. Ok yes I did, and after what it did for Fluttershy. I have been trying to get it out of my head ever since, but I just can't."
"Look dash you just didn't know. From where you were it looked really bad. Anypony could have made the same mistake. Plus even though you and I have been too busy to go and see him, I checked and the doctor said he was reacting very well to the treatment and will be fine."
Rainbow Dash sighs and lays in a chair.
"You’re [c]right Twilight, thanks for agreeing to talk with me. Ya know, Fluttershy said it talks like we do but walks on two legs. Do you know what it er he, well I assume it was a stallion didn't get that good a look at it before I....., anyway do you know what he is?"
"Yea I think I do in fact. I do believe he is human and I think it is my fault for bringing him here" She winced a little as she said this.
"What! How did you bring him here? Why did you bring him here?"
"I didn't mean to Lyra asked me if I could teleport a statue she made to her house, but when I tried nothing happened... or so I thought. At the time it appeared that a lot of energy released but did nothing. I think instead of the statue I brought the real thing over. He must have been the one who most resembled the statue. I guess I ran out of strength before I could bring him all the way to Lyra's." A flash of guilt washed over her. "I can't send him back either without a good picture of where I am sending him. I plucked him from his home and may never be able to send him back."
"Don't be so hard on yourself. I mean this stallion is sucked into another world and still has it in him to swoop in and awesomely save a pony's life. Then I buck his lights out and give him a mortal wound in the process.
"I think now would be a good time to go check and see if he is awake."
"Good idea." agreed Dash.
* * * * *
Sirlen cracked open his eyes. I have got to stop waking up like this, he thought. Though the pain is a bit less than last time. That is funny because I am sure I had added a few injuries since last time. "What hit me? Felt like I got hit by a hammer, a fuzzy one.
He shrugged and looked around he appeared to be in a really nice clinic. The room was primarily white with a desk with some flowers on it. He also noticed that he was nude from the waist up except for a bandage around his middle. He was about to panic it had been along time since he had been without[d] his weapons and his cloak but calmed down when he saw it all piled up on a chair across the room. On the wall above it was a very peculiar painting it had a bunch of the small horses like the one before some had wings and some had horns. If a pegasus is here could unicorns be real too? Surprisingly unicorns and pegasi were not the oddest things, some of the horses were wearing outfits and doing things humanlike. On was holding an ice cream cone with nothing but his hooves.
"That is some artist."
"I Know, right!?"
Sirlen jumped. "I didn't here you com..... "You're a horse!" He was dumbfounded. Standing right there was a talking horse. Well not quite a horse, a little on the short side, and the anatomy doesn't quite match up. Like it's big eyes. All in all though, it was a horse.
"Hey I'm Nurse Redheart and no, I'm a pony. I imagine you aren't from around here, but didn't think you could go anywhere under the sun and not see a few ponies."
"Ponies?"
"Yes that's right, now let me exchange that bandage for a new one, ok."
"....sure..." So talking ponies is normal here and apparently widespread, Great! "No I guess I am not from around here. Where I am from there are no talking ponies."
"What do you mean no 'talking' ponies?"
Best not get into that here it might lead to some awkward questions.
"I just mean there aren't any that's all" Sirlen said rubbing the back of his head. It didn't look like she bought it but decided not to press the subject. That could have been bad.
She finished up and said, "Anyway you never told me your name."
"Oh, I am sorry. I think that bump to my head must've knocked something loose. I am Sir Sirlen but please just call me Sirlen."
"Ok Sirlen it is then" ,She replied with a smile that matched her coat.
"Hey Miss.. er."
"Please call me Miss. Heart."
"Ok Miss. Heart. I have a question for you. Do you happen to know what hit me or what happened to that yellow ...pony?”
"The Yellow pegasus is a dear named Fluttershy. She is Quite alright and feels really bad that you were injured protecting her. As for your first question I don't think I am the right pony to answer that question."
"Well as long as she is alright" So she was the one yelling for help. It makes a lot of sense now, guess I chose not to see it at the time. "So if you can't tell me then who can?" Sirlen was slightly confused by her dodge of the question.
"We can."
Sirlen turns his head to see two ponies walk in the door. Damn three ponies managed to sneak up on me on a hard floor. Either I am getting rusty, or that that bump to the head did a lot more damage than I originally thought. I guess that would explain the talking ponies. One of them was purple with a purple mane that has a pink streak. Oh and a horn, it was a real life unicorn! It, well I guess 'she' would be more appropriate, came in cautiously but with a smile. The other was a cyan blue pegasus with a mane straight from the sky itself. Gees, those ponies eyes, incredible, but the blue one seemed to be trying to avoid his gaze. Sirlen had spent enough time in the queens court to know something was not right in that shifty glance.
"Twilight how long have you been standing out there? I mean I could sort of see Rainbow Dash eavesdropping , but you should know better."
The purple pony blushed and kicked the floor a bit with her front hooves. The other one didn't seem to react to Redheart's words; she was still looking anywhere but at him. So, the purple one is Twilight and it doesn't take a genius to figure out who Rainbow Dash is.
"I'm sorry Nurse Redheart. I just didn't want to interrupt."
"Well no harm done I suppose, but don't let me catch you at it again. Well I best be off I have other ponies that need my help so you three talk and Mr.Sirlen you can go soon as you like."
She left and the silence after was beginning to get uncomfortable. So I decided to break the ice. "Hello I'm Sir Sirlen Queen Vanneta's Royal Sleuth.”
"Are you a human? You work for royalty? What did you do? What is a royal sleuth? Who is Queen Vanneta. How does...." "BWAHAHAHAHAHA!" Rainbow interrupted Twilight's stream of questions. "Sir Sir-len .That's hilarious.”
"You know for somepony named Rainbow D...." Twilight Faltered as Rainbow Dash's voice cut off as quickly as it began. Her eyes were locked on the bandages around Sirlens chest. She immediately looked back to the ground. She kicked her right forehoof back and forth. Things started to get awkward again.
Mistaking her look Sirlen said, "Don't worry about me I'll heal in no time. However your healers do it, they do it right." By the looks of it he was making it worse somehow. "Sooo..um.. I have introduced myself, but have yet to officially meet the two of you"
"Oh! I'm Sorry! I am Twilight Sparkle, personal student of Princess Celestia and the element of magic, and this.., she gave Rainbow a worried look, is Rainbow Dash, one of the fastest fliers you will ever meet and the element of loyalty. Apparently satisfied with her brief intro she got right back to the questions. "So, Sirlen do you know how you got here?"
"I don't know, I just awoke in that forest. I have no idea how or why I was there."
"Wait, you just appeared in a strange place with no idea how you got there, and the first thing you do is save somepony’s life." The pony called Dash said, sinking even lower to the ground.
"Well yea, I guess so. It is kind of my job, but at the time I didn't know it was the pony who called for help."
"That was still very noble of you Sirlen you saved a very good friend of ours. She would've come herself but.. well you'll see soon enough. If you don't know where you are, then I guess you have nowhere to stay" Twilight suddenly grinned real wide. “You can stay with one of us until we figure out how to get you back home, it is the least we can do."
"One of us?"
"Yea me and my friends."
"Ok that...is very hospitable of you it would be an honor." What could go wrong, he thought. "Let's get going then."
* * * * *
Twilight watched Sirlen from the corner of her eye. He had donned his clothing. Quite a lot of clothing, but I guess if you have no fur and a very small mane one would need it. He also had re-equipped his 'gear'. Which was surprisingly a lot for someone who didn't even have a saddlebag. She was sure she had never seen a pony,
"Can I call him a pony?", as well equipped as him. She would have to ask what it all was, later though. He caught her staring and she quickly turned away with a blush.
Twilight and Sirlen were walking to Sugarcube Corner to see Pinkie pie; Rainbow Dash had gone to get Fluttershy and Rarity. Saying it would be faster, but Twilight thought she was just uncomfortable around Sirlen after what she had done. Dash was worried about how Sirlen would react if he knew the truth, so was Twilight, but she hid it better. Twilight was also a little apprehensive about how Sirlen might react to Pinkie, "please do not pull out the cannon", but might as well get it over with. At least they could get a meal while their at it. Hmmm, that brings a question to mind, what is the human's diet? "You hungry Sirlen? I was thinking about getting us something."
"Yea, I'm so hungry I could eat a h-h-h.....ouse. I feel like I haven't eaten in a week. Thanks."
"That would be because you..haven't." Twilight winced as she said this, not even noticing his slight pause. "I probably should have told you sooner but it just kinda slipped my mind.
"So, I was out for a week well, that would explain why I feel a lot better than I should."
"Actually, if you were a pony you would still be in that hospital bed. Your body reacts really funny to magic. Which is one thing I would like to find out about later, if you wouldn't mind."
"Well you are treating me to lunch and have done more for me than most people would do for a stranger who just dropped from nowhere even if I helped your friend, you have still been great to offer to help me any way you can. It is the least I can do.”
She instantly felt guilty. "We felt bad about what happened and were going to commission a healing potion to make your recovery faster, but it seems are local potion mixer, Zecora, has unexpectedly went home for a visit."
"Well then all is for the best, because I would never been able to accept your offer had I been conscience, and there is no reason for you to feel bad or responsible. You can not control attacks from wild beasts even in a town."
"Well it was kind of my..." She was almost relieved to get cut off by a practically euphoric Pinkie pie.
"Oh! Oh! HimynameisPinkiePiebutjustcallmePinkie.Areyounew,becaseifyouare.Iwillhavetothroughyouthemostsuperfantasticlypinkierificwelcomepartyever."
* * * * *
Sirlen was stunned by vibrating pony before him. They were in front of a candy house but Sirlen didn't notice; he was too busy watching the candy(filled) pony that that was spouting an almost unintelligible stream of words. "Hello." He said backing up a step.
"Slow it down Pinkie. You are scarring him. We just came to inform you that we are meeting at my house tonight to...well try and help Sirlen here and we hoped to get a bite to eat while we were at it."
"Oh! I have never had a whatever-you-are here before. You have to try everything! Then tell me how you like it. Oooo do you even eat cupcakes? Have you ever had a cupcake? Oh my gosh you just have to have one right now!
Sirlen doesn't resist as Pinkie tries to pull him inside. "It is very nice to meet you Pinkie. My name is Sirlen, and I am sure whatever you give me will be just fine."
"Okey Dokie" She replies right before he hears someone inside call out her name. "Oops! Sorry we are kinda busy at the moment. Come in and have a seat and I will get you something scrumdiddlyumptious."
Sirlen and Twilight did as she asked and were served two giant cupcakes. Sirlen was sure this was more sugar than he had ever had in his life. When he said so to Pinkie she just beamed and bounced away laughing. After they finished they thanked Pinkie and made their way out of town a ways. "Where are we going now?"
"We are going to see Applejack, another friend of mine. We should have just enough time to get there and back before it gets too dark."
"Not to be rude, but why are we telling all your friends about me? I kind of feel on display. I appreciate what you did and all, but I am uncomfortable in the surroundings."
" I know this is all strange to you, but it is a small town and you will need to get to know ponies, so I thought why not start with my friends. Also, I want to say some things that involves everyone."
"Sirlen wasn't sure what that meant but didn't press. I guess I will find out tonight. He refocused to find that he was walking in the biggest grove of apple trees he had ever seen.
"Whoa, this is the most apple trees I have ever seen." He whispered to himself.
"Well thank ya kindly. I will take that as a complement."
Sirlen was a little surprised. For one, he didn't think anyone was close enough for him to be heard, and for two, someone was. He had been so awed at the sheer size of the farm, he didn't see the orange pony in the stetson hat pull a cart out onto the path. "Well, you should. Where I'm from food like this is hard to come by. The apples are the biggest I've ever seen."
The pony blushed then beamed so hard she was practically breaking the laws of physics.
"My name’s Applejack, and who might you be?" She said extending a hoof.
"My name is Sirlen and it is a pleasure to meet you ma'am." The words rolled off his lips without thought , royal sleuths were sometimes used as envoys to other nations. It always served to speak there language. He gave her hoof a firm shake, and she seemed to approve.
"It's nice ta meet ya as well, Sirlen."
"Glad to see you two getting along so well. I was afraid you might not." Twilight was thrilled, if a little taken aback by his speech. Ponies had surprisingly readable faces.
"Well, to tell ya'll the honest truth, I probably wouldn't have behaved anywhere near as good if you hadn't been here Twilight."
"I would probably acted worse if I ran into anyone like you were I come from." Sirlen said.
"Any what?", They said in unison. "Oh, I think he means anypony."Twilight corrected.
I'll have to ask about that later, Sirlen thought.
"Well ok then" ,Applejack replied. So what brings ya'll round?"
Applejack after you're done could you come to my house, so we can talk about some things." Hinting not so subtly in Sirlen's direction.
"Ok, just let me take this last wagonful to the barn and I'll walk with ya."
"Would you like some help, ma'am?"
"Naw, I can handle it ma'self but thanks, and no need to be so formal call me Applejack."
As they walked to Applejack's barn and started back Sirlen's mind clouded a bit as Applejacks words reminded him of his last chat with Vanneta. His world would be lesser without her. It seems he had failed again, just like he had failed his sweetheart, his Samantha. Her death had hardened his heart, to a degree that made him the worst adversary. For years, he performed his tasks as efficiently as possible without remorse, no matter what it was. That was until he was assigned to Vanneta; she had a smile like a hearth fire , and a personality to match. She became like a grandmother to Sirlen, who had no family of his own. The thought of her dead almost made Sirlen push all the pain away and become that familiar stone figure he once was. His thoughts were once again interrupted. He was dragged to a halt by Applejack, who was looking up at him, eyebrows bent in concern. "Someth'n wrong sugarcube?"
"Just taking it all in that's all. I'll be fine."
If ever there was a no nonsense pony, it was Applejack. "No that is not all, I can tell there is someth'n eaten at cha, but I can understand you not wantin' to talk about it." She said giving him a stern but somehow caring look.
Sirlen couldn't think of a reply, so he just nodded and walked on. I will have to put on my royal court face when I am around that pony. Most trained men couldn't divulge his emotions from one moment to the next.
Twilight had watched this exchange in a little too avid of an interest for Sirlen's taste, but the rest of the walk was uneventful. Until they had arrived at the giant tree, that was their library. How is this tree still alive. Twilight opened the door, and they were greeted by..That is a small dragon isn't it. Whatever why start asking questions now?
"Twilight oh, good your here, and Applejack too that is great the rest are already here so.." At this moment Sirlen stepped into the light of the open door, towering behind Applejack. "Cool, you must be that guy that fought the manticore."
"Spike this is Sirlen, Sirlen this is Spike. Now lets go introduce Sirlen to the rest." They walked into a room lined with books in the middle was a circle of cushions, four of witch were occupied. Sirlen recognized three of them Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and the yellow pegasus from before, but there was also a white unicorn with a purple mane. "Alright everypony I am glade you could make it. Some of you already know, but this is Sirlen. He is the reason I invited you all over. A week ago he mysteriously disappeared from where he lived and was transported here to Equestria. The other reason I invited you here is because Princess Celestia wants all of us to go to Canterlot at the end of the week to meet are new friend here." This got everyone's attention. Sirlen was especially confused, his appearance was enough to attract the eye of royalty. The most a talking horse would have gotten back home was a sideshow attraction.
"Now that that is out of the way, Rainbow Dash and I have something we would like to tell you, Sirlen." Twilight said, looking like she wanted nothing more than ball up and cry. Rainbow Dash wasn't faring too much better, but she stepped up first. Taking a deep breath she said, "Sirlen I am kind of the reason you were in the hospital. I heard Fluttershy scream and I rushed to her house as quick as I could, but by time I got there all I saw was you standing over her. I assumed you were the reason she was screaming. Then I sort of bucked you into a tree as hard as I could." She looked really bad, like she was about to throw up.
That was what she was so worked up about. "Rainbow Dash" Sirlen said. She looked up. He gave her a warm smile and said, "I would have done the same thing had I been in your place instead. I can not be mad at you for protecting your friend." She looked at him with eyes brimming with something close to joy. " You're not mad? Awesome!" She looked like she was going to hug him but thought better of it. She coughed into her hoof the hide it.
"No, not at all. Half of the injuries I obtained before that little encounter."
"Wait, you rescued Fluttershy while you were injured. That is totally awesome! "
"Thanks, but it wasn't anything special." He said thinking on how he almost got his butt kicked by the beast. Well, she seemed to be feeling better. Sirlen then looked to Twilight." So, what was it you wanted to tell me? She looked a little more confident after watching me with Dash, but she still looked scared.
* * * * *
Twilight was shaking throughout Rainbow Dash's confession, and was now near a meltdown. What have I done I tore this stallion from his home and possibly his family. When Sirlen finished with Dash she felt even worse. He is so nice and I have possibly doomed him to a life forever alone. No one deserved that, especially somepony willing to risk themselves for a stranger. Sirlen looked at her then asked, "So, what was it you wanted to tell me?"
She looked at her hooves as she spoke to him. "I think I accidently brought you here from your world, and I don't know how to send you back. You could be stuck here forever." The silence in the room seemed to drag on for an eternity. There was a collective gasp. She looked up to see Sirlen towering above her. She closed her eyes tightly, deciding to accept any form of punishment he chose for ruining his life. She took in a deep breath and "EEP!" She couldn't help letting out a squeal as he..., laid his arm across her back? She opened her eyes and was greeted by Sirlen's deep brown ones. He was kneeling with his right arm over her shoulder, looking her right in the eyes. "You saved my life for that, I am forever grateful."
"This was not the response she was expecting. Save his life, how? "What? How?"
"If you hadn't brought me here when you did I would be dead right now, and so might Fluttershy. Even if it was not your intention you saved my life and your friends."
Twilight struggled to accept what she heard "What about your family or your special somepony. Won't you miss them?"
His eyes saddened a bit. "I don't have any family left, and the only special one in my life died long ago. Don't you worry about it though it was quite a while ago."
"I am so sorry I didn't mean to bring up bad memories"
"No, not bad memories. Good ones, for the time we spent together was the best I ever had. Samantha was the sweetest girl, untainted by the world. Just being in the same room was enough for me to be happy, and I think she felt the same. We were to be married before she died. Alas, it is no good to dwell on the past." Sirlen seemed to literally have to drag himself back to reality.
Everypony in the room was misty eyed, except for Rarity, who was crying and Rainbow Dash, who was fighting it with everything she had. After everypony got ahold of them selves, Rarity and Fluttershy officially introduced themselves. Rarity was simply insistent that Sirlen stop by tomorrow and let her make him some new clothing. While the ones he wore were no longer bloodstained, thanks to the nurses, they were tore up in a bunch of places. Fluttershy managed a thank you loud enough for Sirlen to hear, but barely and said nothing else. She seemed content with it, and he didn't pressure Fluttershy for more.
* * * * *
The rest of the night Sirlen spent asking and answering questions. He was asked Questions like. "What is your diet" "I am omnivorous and I don't eat grass or hay or jewels for that matter." Apparently spike does. "What is your species." "Human" "What is a royal sleuth?" He told them that "Over the years the meaning of the word grew and warped into something else entirely. What a sleuth dose is much easier to tell. We were charged with any and all jobs that the average soldier, scout, or even diplomat , in some cases, couldn't or wouldn't do. We were known to use unorthodox methods to achieve a goal by any means, most of the time without being seen, if at all possible. The command of a sleuth was second only to the royalty he served and those above the one he served in the royal line. He himself being the Queens answered only to her. Most of these questions were asked by Twilight who along with poor spike was jotting down every word. He even read her describing his facial expressions then she wrote down that he was reading it over her shoulder as he was.
It was beginning to get really late. There was talk of heading home, which again brought up the question. "Were am I going to be staying?"
"You can stay here, we have a guest room" Twilight said. Rarity was appalled by the idea though. "No, darling that simply will not do. You can't sleep in the same house as a stallion that you don't know unsupervised. Spike is one thing, but he is just a baby."
Applejack spoke up. "I'm sure he can sleep in ma barn if'n he don't mind that is."
"That will be just fine, thanks for your hospitality." God knows I have slept in worse places.
"Then it's settled." Applejack said. Rarity seemed content with this. The little gathering started to disperse. Just before Sirlen got out the door Twilight pulled him aside and asked him one last question. "Why did you tell us about Samantha, I mean I'm glad you did but we have barely known each other for a day. I have to know why."
"It just felt like time to stop running away, time to let it go, to accept it." With that he said his goodbyes and followed Applejack down the road.
Author's Note
sorry for the change in pov well not sure if pov but you will probably see the shift. It should stay this way now.
Tips would be helpful Thanks. ps the name is pronounced ( Sir-len) in case that wasn't quite clear.:)
Big thanks to Ryan Darling for editing.
I might as well accept it
Sirlen awoke feeling great. He hadn't slept on something as soft as straw in weeks." Wait..straw?" Sirlen's whole body tensed as he tried to remember were he was. After a long moment he remembered and let loose a sigh. He got up and put on his equipment; some knives, his short sword, his bow, tinderbox, cloak, cloths, the mixture Vanetta called his "Herbalist brew, and a few other odds and ends.
Sirlen Stepped out of the barn and instantly took note of his surroundings out of habit. Then stopped in awe and saw what he had been too distracted and confused to see yesterday. There was a blatant good cheer about the place and everything was so colorful; he looked out of place among it. It was peaceful, almost too much so that he didn't trust it.
Sirlen let out a violent cough into his hand ,and his hand came back a little blood stained. Was that normal for someone who might have had his lung pierced by a rib?
"Damn, that pony really did a number on me."
Sirlen took a very tense, leisurely stroll around the farm. It was simple, but there was something about this place that made even a farm vibrant. Looking at this farm made life feel ,simple;you work, go to bed, work again at an honest job. It was fulfilling. So all in all, his walk was uneventful besides a cough ever now and again. He had nothing to do and it made him nervous. He never had nothing to do; Queen Vanetta relied on him so heavily that he was always on assignment.
He heard the hooves coming this time, so he turned around to greet Applejack. He had his mouth open in a greeting when, he abruptly shut it. In front of him was the biggest pony he had seen since he got here. A big red stallion stood not seven yards off. He looked like he could buck Sirlen through a tree.
"Want breakfast?" The stallion asked and keeping the same bored expression, he walked away towards the farmhouse
Sirlen decided he best fallow him, he had to eat something.
As Sirlen entered the farmhouse sweet smells of delight wafted to his nose. Taking a deep, involuntary breath he almost coughed his lungs out but managed to stifle it a little.
"Hey ..uh Sirlen mornin'. Hope it weren't to chilly last night. Applejack said picking up a spoon in her mouth and stirring I something in a big pot. She had to move her whole head to stir it.
" Almost done with breakfast. Take a seat while I finish up."
Sirlen did as he was asked and sat down at one of the many chairs at the old, wooden table. As he did he gave a small nod to the two other ponies already seated at the table. One was an old green mare ,and one was a small filly. Both of which were staring at him. The red stallion took a seat across the table to the right of him. The filly is directly across from him and the green mare is at the far right end of the table. Applejack brought the pot (some type of apple porridge) to the table, then sat to his left. Sirlen felt properly awkward.
"Alright, before we dig in I would like to introduce everypony. Sirlen this is Applebloom; Applebloom, Sirlen. Sirlen, Big Macintosh: Big Macintosh... "and so on until Sirlen was sure he had shaken everybody's hoof twice including Applejacks, and his own hand at least once. By the end all the ice was broken an Sirlen was almost laughing out loud and would have but his lungs weren't having any of it.
The rest of breakfast was pretty much filled with the little red haired filly. She described some ways for him to help her get her "cutie mark"? Most of them seemed to be hazardous to his well being.
"Hey, mister do you want to come and help the cutie mark crusaders? Please. Ah'm sure you can help ,and we might be able to earn our cutie marks in surgery or somethin' "
"Ah,.." By the Undying Queen, the wrath of kings have nothing on those eyes. He looked to Applejack for help. She gave him a look that told him he was getting no help from her. He looked to the others, they were not looking at him, he was alone. Then he remembered. I'm saved! "Actually Rarity wants to see me about a new set of cloths ..." Thanking Applejack for the food. He was gone at a speed that would make Dash blink. Applejack just laughed and shook her head.
On his way to town he remembered something else, he didn't know where Rarity lived. That would have been okay it was a small town after all, but it started raining, sheets. He could have sworn there hadn't been a cloud in the sky. From what he could see ,which wasn't much, rain and all, the clouds were moving unusually fast. "Pegasi!" He saw them flying for the first time. What must have been a dozen were moving all the clouds. It was breathtaking even standing there soaked he could see the structural beauty in it. The way the raindrops rolled off of what could have been Rainbow Dash's wings in the sunlight right before she closed a gap in the clouds.
"Wow" He said barely audible.
Sirlen still had his head in the clouds when he tripped on something and landed with a face full of mud.
"Oh no! Please forgive me I didn't see you there" ,Said the unfortunately kicked object.
"It's quite alright I wasn't looking were I was going. I should apologize. " Said Sirlen getting up to see Rarity. She was in the middle of a jungle of floating bags and boxes, and she didn't have a drop of water on her. Or mud or anything out of place; how she managed in this weather was beyond him.
Sirlen shook his head this world was getting to him he was going soft.
"Rarity you are actually just the mare I came to see."
"Really?" She asked with what might have been a blush.
Sirlen oblivious said, "Yes, you said something yesterday about making me an outfit or something."
"Oh yes" ,she said excited, "Come with me. I am on my way to my shop right now."
* * * *
Rairity was nervous, nervous and embarrassed. She couldn't tell what Sirlen was thinking, but it probably wasn't nice. She held the door open for him and he came in muddy from hoof to mane. Worse it was her fault. "Goodness, but I make terrible first impressions" she thought.
"Sirlen come on in and make yourself at home. Go on in the work room. I'll be there just as soon as I put all this away."
Sirlen nodded and she went to put every thing in her supply room. When she got back she noticed Sirlen pacing the room looking at everything, almost like he was taking inventory.
His eyes shifted to her. "Normally I would sit, but all this stuff is too nice to get muddy."
She smiled at the compliment then remembered. "Oh, I'm sorry where are my manners go ahead and step out of that and I will get it washed and back to you." She said.
He stiffened and looked at her funny then realization dawned on his face. "Uh, Lady Rarity...." He whispered into her ear.
"Uh! Un that case you can use the upstairs bathroom" ,She said a little panicked, hoping she wasn't as red faced as she felt," and here is something to cover up with." She passed him the ugliest shade of green fabric, just in case the fabric got mud on it. He disappeared upstairs. "Good job Rarity, that is two faux pas in a matter of minutes. Next thing you know you are going to be dancing like Twilight." She shuddered at the thought.
* * * * *
Sirlen walked down the stairs, cloths and equipment bundled in his arms. He wore the green fabric as a sort of toga with one arm and head exposed. He looked over to Rarity, who was busy tidying up her shop, the faintest tinges of red still shown through her coat.
She noticed him and said, "Good, now that your nice and dry let me get some measurements."
The seamstress was no novice, she had all kinds of measuring instruments floating around him like a hailstorm. Though he felt she was very thorough, very thorough. Then she was done just like that. It was as if being an entirely new species didn't matter.
"I have to say I'm impressed. I've never- 'Cough' never been sized that fast, and the numbers look accurate enough." Sirlen said as he looked at the clipboard Rarity was scribbling on.
Rarity tuned to face him and looked shocked almost as if she had forgotten he was there. She was wearing a small pair of red glasses balanced on her nose. "Wha..? Ah yes, the measurements were the easy part. Now I just have to examine your cloths to see how they move and bend, so we can avoid uncomfortable pinches and creases. Then their is your shoes I have never seen their like. They would have been almost artfully crafted if they weren't so drab. and...............................................What is this."
She was staring at his cloak horn glowing slightly. It was the cloak every sleuth received at the end of his apprenticeship. It was charmed to distort the human shape of his body so he could better hide in shadow.
Rarity. was. transfixed. She was staring in open mouthed wonder. Sirlen couldn't see why. The cloak was made to be unremarkable. Part of its magic made it hard to look at ,the eye wanted to slide past it. How Rarity was even concentrating on it was a mystery.
"Celestia, it's beautiful the colors, the patterns, the delicate flow of magic through every stich. SIRLEN can you believe it, it is like someone made a second cloak entirely out of magic and combined the two. A magic cloak! The possibilities are endless. I would have never thought to..... even to form it like that it would take great skill.....can it be done in the visible spectrum?"
She stared at it for a good twenty minutes before she remembered she wasn't alone. "Oh, I'm sorry", She flushed, "I normally don't geek out like that sorry."
"Don't worry about it", Sirlen said waving it off," As long as you're happy I don't mind. Plus, It isn't like I have somewhere to be." He said with a smile.
Rarity looked relieved, embarrassed, then worried. "Somewhere to be... OMC!(Oh my celestia, just so you know)"
"Sirlen", She said suddenly calm." could you help me carry some food over to Twilights. The gals and I were planning to have a little get together.
* * * * *
And so Sirlen was walking down the road carrying a huge dish that smelled really good, reminding him of his short breakfast. Rarity had quickly made him something to wear before he left her shop. He was wearing some pants that were made for some pony named String Bean. They were the only ones close to his size. For a shirt she had wrapped the green fabric in a way that wasn't terrible. The way it was done made it look like it was longer in the back than the front, so it looked a little like a suit with a tail, not terrible.
She as always looked pristine. It didn't take her any time at all to go from working, to going out. Though that doesn't mean it was done with little effort. Sirlen couldn't see her for a full minute as beauty supplies floated around her. "This must be some get together", Sirlen thought," or does she do this every time she goes out?"
"So who al- 'cough' who all is going to be there?" As Sirlen said this he dropped to one knee in a hacking fit.
"Oh Dear! Are you alright" Rarity said concern written in her features.
"Yea, 'cough' It's nothing to worry about honestly." Sirlen said suddenly glad the farm pony wasn't around to call him out on that.
"Are you sure? Because it sure didn't look like nothing darling. You haven't been straining your injuries ,have you?"
"No, I'm fine. It is just part of the healing process" , Or at least he hoped it was. "It doesn't hurt so try to think nothing of it." At least that part is true. He felt no pain from it.
He was saved from further inquiries by their arrival at the library. As Rarity reached up to knock on the door, Sirlen noticed something eerie, all the lights were out in the library. Not only that but it was silent. This was certainly not what a friendly get together was supposed to sound like. When he strained he could hear muffled movement and hushed whispers.
Sirlen must've missed the reply to Rarity's knock because she was already opening the door. Every bone in his body screamed of ambush. "Rarity wait!" He whispered hurriedly. It was too late, she didn't hear, he had to act.
* * * * *
Pinkie Pie was bouncing through the darkened library, not making a sound. Everpony had been idly chatting until she had told them with her pinkie sense that Rarity and Sirlen were close. Then everypony quieted down and hid for their arrival. Oh, how she just loved parties. And it had been a while since she had thrown a Welcome-to-Ponyville-creature-I-didn't-know-existed-a-few-days-ago-party. Luckily she still had the banner.
Somepony knocked on the door. 'OOOOoh this was her favorite part.' Nopony answered but the door was opening anyway. As soon as it opened at the best angle for a good surprise. Pinkie flicked the lights on.
SUPRISE!!!
The doorway was empty except for a tub of casserole. "Silly casserole we are waiting for Sirlen", Pinkie said as she walked up to it, only her head out of the door way. Her pinkie sense went off. She turned her head 180 degrees to see Sirlen, one foot one the lamp that above Twilights step , one arm hung on a tree limb and the other holding a very surprised Rarity.
"Hi what'cha doin'?"
* * * * *
Pinkie's question broke the spell for Rarity. She was in the air. Sirlen was holding her in just one of his arms, incredible. How? Why? His arms were starting to shake, so he dropped down taking all the impact as they landed and gently put her down. He looked at the party and the assembled guests sheepishly, some of who were just as confused as she was and some a little worried.
"I'll just go", he said before walking away.
Rarity took one look at Pinkie and the others before fallowing him down the road.
"Wait! Sirlen ,wait.", She called after him. He paused, but he didn't turn around. "What happened back there?" Rarity asked.
"I thought 'sigh' I thought we were going to be attacked."Sirlen said. Rarity couldn't read his voice to tell what he was feeling.
"So you tried.....you tried to protect me" Rarity said trailing off into an inaudible whisper. "Wait, there is nothing wrong with how you reacted. What has you so worried darling?"
"I-,I frightened them." Sirlen said shoulders slumped. "Don't worry I'm used to it. You should go back and enjoy your get together." He continued to walk down the street.
"They weren't.." Rarity trailed off again. "Yea, they were weren't they." She thought. Even though they ad been warned of what to expect they were still frightened. It was like Zecora all over again, but .. they still came.
"Sirlen wait. this wasn't just a get together. It was a welcome to Ponyville party for you. They may have been frightened , but they came for you, to say you are welcome here. Now, stop being sorry for yourself and enjoy yourself.
Sirlen Stopped walking.
* * * * *
As Sirlen and Rarity reentered the library they were greeted pleasantly, it was like they had never left. Music was playing, though Sirlen couldn't see the musicians, and everyone was having fun. Pinkie was set on introducing all the ponies of ponyville to him. He was greeted with mostly trepidation at first, but when they got talking they warmed up nicely.
The ponies danced to songs he had never herd. Songs of grief and woe. Songs of love found and lost. Songs of happiness and joy. Songs he couldn't even describe. The ponies danced in a very familiar style to that of his folk back home. He didn't dance, but not for lack of trying on Pinkie's part. He just watched them twirl.
Near the end of the night only single or childless couples were still partying. He had had a good time. When the little ones went home to bed Pinkie broke out some wine, and it was funny watching some of the ponies that couldn't handle their drink. Which was surprising given how weak the stuff was and how much the average pony must weigh. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy being two of the ones that couldn't hold their wine. Sirlen figured it must be a pegasus thing, them being lighter for flying and all.
It was in this calm time at the end of the party that Pinkie thought it a good idea to liven the place up a bit. She played the only song he recognized all evening "The Queens Eighth Calvary". Oh, the memories this song brought back. As the song started he walked over to Twilight who was doing her own thing in a corner, a wide radius around her for the safety of the party goers.
"Twilight, Would you like this dance."
"What me? Y-you want to dance with me."
"Yes, that is if you will give me the honor of tonight's last dance."
She blushed but allowed him to take her hoof and lead her out to the middle of the dance floor. It was a little awkward at first because he had to teach her his way of dancing to the music, but Pinkie kept the song going and twilight learned fast. And then it just clicked for her she suddenly was matching him step for step. He might have been faster but she never missed a step. The other ponies watched as they spun faster and faster as the song grew older. Soon other ponies were mirroring them as best they could, never quite matching their ferocity. Twilight was cracking a smile as big as his own. She looked like she was made for this kind of dancing. The way she flowed from one move to the next. It was simply remarkable, almost flawless. They danced on and on until they were sweating and breathing hard. She let out a laugh as the song finally slowed. It was a beautiful laugh, almost musical. Sirlen just sat there panting, his breathing labored then constricted.
Twilights worried face was the last thing he saw before hitting the ground.
.
Author's Note
Please leave me a comment. How am I to know how terrible I am unless you all tell me. I have not had an editor work on this yet.