Enchantè

                                                            A Promise and a Pink Surprise

For the next few days Pawise did not accomplish very much. He stayed mostly in his room. He moved in a daze, he was barely responsive, hardly ate and he seemed to sleep for only a few minutes each night.

Zecora visited him every day, having seen this “ailment” before, and wisely knowing he needed some time to himself.

One day he roused himself to ask, “Zecora, who is that pony? Can you tell me anything about her?”

She nodded and said, “I will tell you what is generally known, but for more detail you must speak to her…on your own.”

Pawise blanched. “I...I don’t think I can do that. What’s wrong with me?”

“Your condition seems quite clear: it’s plain you are in love, my dear.”

Pawise grew silent again. In love? He had never been in love before, and there was a part of him that didn’t like this…loss of control. All his life, he’d been the master of his emotions. The closest he’d ever come to feeling this way had been the night before his finals, when he’d worked so hard for so long towards a goal, and stood the chance of losing it all. Love was something with which he had no personal experience.

But he had his parents’ example to fall back on. As gruff and as prejudiced as he knew his father to be, he also knew he and Mom loved each other deeply. He thought a moment more, while Zecora patiently waited for him to sort out his feelings. He’d have to ask them what to do, but there could be a problem: his one brief glimpse of…Fluttershy, that name sounded like music to him, had revealed she’s a pegasus. His Dad would not like that. Assuming she herself wouldn’t have a problem with a unicorn even speaking to her, let alone one feeling the way he does about her. A big assumption.

Then a horrible thought occurred to him: what if she’s seeing someone, or…or even…Celestia forbid…already married?

Reading the turmoil of his thoughts on his face, Zecora gently spoke, “There is one more thing I can do. I can introduce her to you.”

Hope filled Pawise’s heart at these words.“Really? When?” he asked.

“We must know each other first,” and then her expression hardened, “I would not see her heart be burst.”

“Oh.”

Even in the midst of his conflicting emotions, he could see the logic in her attitude. Despite himself, his admiration for Zecora grew. She must care very much about Fluttershy for her to make sure he would be safe to introduce him to her. After all, he’d just arrived there, and knew no one but Zecora. And outside of some brief descriptions about her from his professors, he hardly knew Zecora at all. It only made sense to wait. Or so his brain was telling him. His heart though…his heart spoke a different story.

Zecora stood and said, “Focus on your work my friend, this matter soon will find its end.”

“Okay. And Zecora?” She turned back to look at him. “Thank you. I won’t disappoint.”

She smiled and then left him alone.

The next day he got up bright and early, and ordered a huge breakfast. When had he last eaten? He couldn’t remember, but he fell to as if he’d been starving. Afterwards, he decided to go for a walk, the first time he had left his room since arriving at Ponyville. The first pony he met was a very enthusiastic bright pink mare that ran up to him and introduced herself.

“HI! I’m Pinkie Pie! Who are you?!”

She was shaking his hoof so fast it was making him slightly dizzy, so he gently disengaged himself and managed to reply, “I’m Pawise.”

“I’ve never seen you before! When did you get to Ponyville?"

She seemed so friendly he regained some of his focus, and replied, “Just a few days ago. I’ve been up in my room at the Inn mostly, but I thought I’d come out for some air.”

Pinkie took on a concerned look. “Up in your room? For days? No wonder I didn’t see you, and I know every pony in Ponyville! Were you sick?”

“Kind of.”

Pinkie grew even more concerned. “Then you should go see the doctor! What are we waiting for?!”

She got behind him and started pushing him in the direction of the clinic.

Even though she was smaller than he, her earth pony strength was able to get him quite a distance before he could grab a light post and cry out, “Hey! Wait! I don’t want a doctor!”

“Nonsense!” she cried. “You just…(grunt)…need…(shove) a professional!”

“Pinkie Pie! What in tarnation are you doin' ?” said a blonde pony wearing a cowboy hat.

Pawise looked at her and cried, “Help me!”

Pinkie, slightly out of breath, continued to pull on the stallion and wheezed, “I’m…trying…to get this…pony…to a doctor!”

By now Pawise was completely horizontal, hanging desperately onto the streetlamp while Pinkie put all her strength into pulling his legs. They were starting to draw a crowd.

“Let him go, you silly filly!” The blonde pony grabbed Pawise’s midsection and started pulling in the opposite direction.

“I can’t take this!” cried Pawise. “Ow!”

At his “ow” both mares let go of him at once. “I’m so sorry, Pawise! Are you okay?” asked Pinkie.

Still hanging onto the post, Pawise looked up at her and quickly said “I’m okay, I’m okay! Just don’t pull me anymore!”

The blonde pony reached down and helped him up. “You sure yer alright there, partner?”

As he nodded and continued to catch his breath, the small crowd dispersed, most chuckling to themselves over another example of ‘Pinkie Pie.’ “Well ah’m Applejack. Pleased to meet ya!”

“And I’m really, really sorry, Pawise!” said Pinkie, looking very contrite with her ears folded down.

Pawise smiled at her, and said “No real harm done…umm…Pinkie.” He was starting to see the humor in the situation, so he added, “you really know how to make a first impression!” He turned to Applejack. “Pleased to meet you too, Miss Jack.”

“Aw shucks! No need to be so formal! Just call me Applejack!”

"Okay…Applejack. I’m Pawise.”

“Been in Ponyville long?” she asked.

“No!” cried Pinkie. “He’s only been here a few days, he hasn’t left his room because he’s been sick, and he needs to see the doctor!”

Pawise blinked at this sudden profusion of words, but Applejack seemed to take it in stride.

“It’s okay, sugarcube. We’ll get him help if he needs it. That true, Pawise? You been sick?”

“Sort of. As I was trying to explain to Pinkie here, it’s not something with which a doctor can help.”

“GASP! I see now! You’re in love!” cried Pinkie.

Pawise’s head snapped up at this. “How did you know?”

“It’s written all over yer face, darlin', ” added Applejack. “Is it someone here in Ponyville?”

Pawise grew suddenly shy. “I…I think so. I only saw her the one time, for the first time, and…”

“OOOOO! Love At First Sight! This is SOOO exciting!” cried Pinkie. “Who is she?”

“PINKIE!” cried Applejack. “That’s none uh our business!”

“Well, YOU asked him if it’s someone here in Ponyville!” she pouted.

“That’s not the same as asking the mare’s name! It could be anypony!”

“Ladies, please. I couldn’t say right now anyway. I promised somepony I would wait for her to introduce us.”

Both mares nodded at once. “You want to get to know her first. That’s sweet,” said Applejack. “Pinkie’s right; this is exciting! But you need some time.” She smiled and added, “Ah think we’re gonna get along just fine, Pawise. You just come on out to Sweet Apple Acres when you get the chance. The first basket of apples is on me!”

“And you’re welcome at Sugarcube Corner, Pawise. That’s where I work! Best cakes, pies and muffins in Ponyville!”

“Thank you, ladies. I certainly will” said Pawise, while making a mental note to steer clear of Sugarcube Corner for a few days at least. Just as he was turning away, and thinking he’d made his escape, there was another loud gasp from Pinkie.

“What am I thinking?! We have to throw you a ‘Welcome to Ponyville Party’!”

“Umm…that’s okay. No need to make a fuss.”

“Oh, it’s no fuss at all! It’s what I do! I’ll arrange it as soon as I can!” And with that she skipped off, singing “lalalalala!” to herself.

Pawise stared after her, still a bit dazed. “I’m going to have a party, aren’t I?” he asked Applejack.

“ ‘Fraid so, partner. A course you don’t hafta go, but it would be a nice way to meet everypony.”

“Does she do this with every new pony?”

“Pretty much. Don’t worry none, though. Ah’m sure you’ll like it.”

“If you say so.” Then a thought hit him. “Wait…did you say…everypony will be there?”

“Sure, most of them. Why...” then her voice trailed off. “Ah see. That could be a problem.” Then she added, “If she's there, you don’t hafta speak to her.”

Sweat started to form on his brow. “If she’s there, I’m not sure I can be in the same room without giving myself away. You ponies picked up on it quickly enough.”

Applejack thought a moment. “Here’s what we’ll do: we have the party at mah ranch, and give everypony a few weeks’ notice. That way it will be outside, with plenty o room. You two could be yards away from each other!”

Pawise brightened. “That just might work!” He looked at her with new found affection. “Thank you, Applejack. You don’t have to do this, but I thank you.”

“ ‘T’aint no problem, Pawise. Jus’ the neighborly thing to do.”

As she trotted off, Pawise watched her go. Ponyville was nothing like he’d expected! If there’s more ponies as nice as Applejack, or even as enthusiastic as Pinkie, but not as enthusiastic, he may just enjoy living here.