Ashes to Ashes

Alex awoke to the warm sun beaming through the window, bathing him in its light. He felt lifted, he felt better than he had ever been. Today he would get a tour of Ponyville and perhaps some history of Equestria and Ponyville as well. He stood up and stretched out like a cat. He felt soothed and refreshed, although he still felt a little bit empty he carried himself in better spirits. He patted down his mane with his hoof and it straightened from an unruly mess into a slightly combed mane. He walked out in a much happier mood, no doubt from the peacefulness of the place.

He walked out and down the stairs. Finding himself in the dining area, where sitting at the table was Sweetie Belle. She lightened up as Alex entered and she said, "Good morning Alex! Did you sleep well?"

Alex sat opposite of her and he said, "I slept well. And I take it the night found peace with you as well?"

There was a pause in Sweetie's words and she said, "...Yes?"

Alex smiled at her and he said looking around the room, "Where is Rarity?"

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes and began doing an impression of Rarity, "Why every morning a lady must look her best. Whether she goes to a fancy party or just a stroll in the park."

Alex laughed slightly and they both stopped when they heard a judgmental voice, "Sweetie you should know that impressions are the lowest form of comedy. That and you should work on it a bit more."

Sweetie smiled and crossed her hooves. Alex turned in his seat and saw Rarity. The light bounced off of her coat and it shone brightly in the dawning light almost looking like she was glowing. Every feature he saw her in a yesterday was all there. Every bit of makeup and lack thereof, an expert in her craft. Alex knew of some makeup artists on Azeroth but none could match Rarity's handy work. More often than not, we become the subject in our own experiments. Alex can't even begin to imagine how long it took her to master her morning routine. It slightly reminded him of Elena, sadness washed over him but he hit it back and fought down inside of him. He was not going to have this pleasant morning ruined by those feelings.

Alex finally said, "So what's for breakfast?"

Rarity stepped into the kitchen and said in a heart felt voice, "Why we are having oatmeal, toast and eggs."

It sounded relatively simple and yet elegant. Alex shrugged his shoulders and said, "Mind if I help out?"

Rarity looked at him with a surprised look and he said defensively, "Renault and Darion didn't feed themselves you know? I insist that I help you. It's the least I can do for a friend."

Rarity smiled warmly and said, "Alright...darling. First and for most can you set up the table?"

Alex nodded his head and went to work. For years filled with slaying the undead hordes of the Scourge he was a gracious guest. He set up the table, prepared the eggs, brought out the bread, and helped Rarity make the oatmeal. Alex noticed that Rarity took her time with every detail. Perfection is key, so to speak. The measurements, the amount of ingredients, and everything in between. Her attention to detail was uncanny. While the eggs were crackling and cooking over the fire he found Rarity looking at him, more specifically his muscles and she said, "You know...Applejack could always use a helping hoof at Sweet Apple Acres."

Alex recalled the mare and he said, "She is the...farm pony. The orange one who shares the same reluctance as Rainbow Dash towards me."

Rarity said briskly, "I'm sure if you spent a few hours with her and Applejack they will no doubt warm up to. They are very stubborn."

Alex shook his hoof and said, "I'm used to know that sort of thing. In my position a lot of ponies were reluctant to my...ideals...they loosened up eventually. Besides, I can't turn this down. I need all the physical activity I need."

"Considering there's no constant battling to keep his muscles toned."

All the battles he went through kept him in shape and alert. But in those short times of peace he found himself doing laborious farm tasks. It helped clear his mind and soul. His muscles had to be hardened in some way, Alex is not used to these muscles he had now. They felt soft and weak despite their size. He looked over at Rarity and finally at the breakfast that was prepared and ready for the three of them.

It was a very delicious breakfast. Everything prepared perfectly and expertly. He never had a finer meal. He saw Sweetie Belle take down her last bite and looked a the clock on the wall. Her eyes grew wide and she grabbed some saddlebags and she sprinted out the door and in a whirlwind she shouted, "I'mlateforschoolbye!"

Alex had a puzzled look and said, "School? What in the Light's name is School?"

Rarity took note of that sentence. It was the third time he said 'Light' like it was figurative. Either he is using it incorrectly or it is apart of some sort of tradition over on Azeroth. When they stopped by Golden Oaks she's going to have to look into where this Azeroth was and their traditions, including how they dressed. She put away her thoughts and answered, "It's a place of higher learning and where they learn how to use their special talents in society."

After her explanation she said two things. "Why, do they not have schools where you're from?"

Alex said in a neutral toned voice, "Not especially. There were higher places of learning but normally that is exclusive for those who are born with a talent of arcane magic. Dalaran it is called."

Rarity could already tell that him and Twilight will become the best of friends. Rarity's second statement was, "How do you like your coffee?"

Alex thought for a moment. In his personal experience he never drank coffee exclusively from trying to batter down a severe hangover. He never drank it for pleasure. He knew the many ways to prepare it as well and there was no need for him to pass down rarity's hospitality. He answered, "I would like mine with some milk and some sugar."

Rarity did not answer and she went right to making the coffee. She asked as she made the coffee, "Are their any particular positions that one couldn't reach if they did not attend this Dalaran?"

Alex answered rather swiftly and comfortably, "Well yes and no. From what I have seen so far, the Mages of Dalaran are quite similar to you unicorns. Magic exclusively reserved for those who can wield it. Dalaran is its own city governed by the Archmage of the Kirin Tor."

Rarity slowly nodded and turned to face Alex and she asked, "Were you one such as these Mages?"

Alex ran over his response and said, "Light no. I can't even imagine myself in a place like that. Too much reading and studying. The Kirin Tor prefer to talk about their problems rather than act. I'd probably be expelled from Dalaran in less than a day."

It was a healthy change of pace that Alex was happier, it made it easier to be around him. Rarity took down mental notes of everything that Alex said. She was going to do seek help from Twilight to further understand what this Azeroth was. The coffee was brewed and as she prepared the coffee she heard Alex ask, "So, what is it you do for a living?"

Rarity smiled and answered warmly, "I make outfits for ponies. Whether it is for a special occasion or just for average wear. I am a seamstress."

She turned and saw Alex deep in thought. He said skeptically, "Like a tailor?"

Rarity stopped dead in her tracks and slowly turned around. her face was very unfriendly and Alex saw a multitude of expressions pass over and she said through clenched teeth, "Do not. Ever. Compare my work with that of those...uncultured swine! They claim they know their way around cloth, pfft...twenty of my outfits aren't worth one of that of a 'tailor'."

Alex was shocked by the anger that she showed. He had been on the receiving end of a bloodthirsty Orc rampage and that was nothing compared to the amount of rage that rarity suppressed. So much hate quelled over Rarity's peaceful form that Alex reeled in fear. Rarity saw that and regained her dignified composure and coughed. She finished making the coffee and stepped closer. Alex said, "Okay...I apologize. I obviously struck a nerve, I won't mention it again. Anyways, what other manner of aggressive wildlife is there besides these Timber Wolves?"

Rarity levitated Alex's cup of coffee over to him and she sat down and took a sip before she responded. She said, "Well, I personally don't know much about this but most of the wildlife is peaceful. The only on sentient beings that act aggressive are Timber Wolves. If you want a better understanding of Equestria's nature you should talk with Fluttershy, I'm sure she'll share a lot of information with you about wildlife."

Alex took a sip of coffee and as it cascaded down his throat he let a satisfied 'ah' of ecstasy escape his lips and Rarity giggled and said, "Good?"

Alex looked over at Rarity and said, "Yes. Beyond so, I've never had a drink like this in a long time."

Rarity giggled again as she took another sip of her coffee. She had so much to tell Twilight, she would explode with happiness and curiosity.

"So where are the guards?" Alex asked curiously as they walked through the streets of Ponyville. Rarity locked the boutique and changed the sign from 'Open' to 'Closed'.

She said turning around and began walking next to him, "What do you mean?"

He had to be careful of his next words. He said in response as they neared the main square, "Well...you mean to tell me that there is not a single crime committed here?"

Rarity responded, "Well no. Normally everypony here is here to live in peace and to be away from the heavily populated cities for some quiet rest."

Alex seemed surprised by her answer. He asked, "Then who protects Ponyville if such a thing happened?"

Rarity honestly did not have an answer to that question. While her and her friends usually took care of most of the problems, she knew what he meant. He implied dark deeds, like murder and the likes. She slightly shivered at the thought of blood, she never found any amount of restraint when she even thought of it. Her stomach clenched in nausea at the mere thought of blood. She had to control herself when her sister got injured but other than that, she was sickened by the thought. She looked over at Alex as they continued on. He carried himself solemnly, like he held something on his shoulders. She as well noticed that he carried himself like a royal guard, with purpose and determination. Ready for anything to happen.

She remembered back to the fight he had with those timber wolves. He was swift and appeared to be no stranger when it came to knowing the rules of engagement. When she saw him, his strikes were strong and barbaric and almost wanted to flee at the sight of him. But as she thought about it he was incredibly merciful and controlled. His actions were not fueled by anything else, that was the first time she ever saw a pony fight with their bare hooves.

Her train of thought was interrupted as she felt a large wall of strength crash against her, easily knocking her to the ground. Her vision was blurry for a moment as she was carried through the air to the ground. As she made contact with the ground she heard and felt a thundering sound hit the ground. She laid on the ground with dust filling her vision. As the dust cleared she saw Alex lying on top of her. She blushed slightly at see him on top of her as their faces were mere inches away from each other. She stared long in his green eyes, seas of endless lush green field. She shook her head slightly and they both got up. She opened her mouth to ask why he had tackle her to the ground when she looked over to where she once stood. A giant grand piano lied in a heap of black splintered wood. They looked as they saw two figures appraoching. A grey coated mare with long blonde colored mane and a black and white stallion with short silver hair. Rarity instantly recognized both of them, the mare was Ditzy Doo and the stallion was Virtuoso. Virtuoso was her elder brother and her expression brightened at his approach, Ditzy and Virtuoso landed in front of the pair and Ditzy said in a worried tone, "Oh sweet Celestia! Is everypony okay?!"

Virtuoso had his eyes wide and in his loving and tender voice he said, "Are you alright sis?"

Rarity gave them both a warm smile and waved her hoof as she said, "I'm quite alright, all thanks to my new friend Alex."

Virtuoso and Ditzy inspected the stallion and Virtuoso stepped up and said in a appreciative tone, "You have no idea how much thanks I have for you, for saving my little sister's life. Allow me to offer my eternal gratitude."

Virtuoso held out his hoof and Alex clasped his hoof with his and said, "Think nothing of it."

Virtuoso let go of Alex's hoof and bowed low, "I am Virtuoso, and this is my marefriend Ditzy Doo."

Alex turned to greet her when he noticed that she was staring at him wide eyed and her mouth almost hitting the ground. Alex looked at to where she held her stare and he saw a large splinter sticking out of his left shoulder. Letting his instincts take him over he brought his hoof to the large splinter and faster than a snake bite he snapped off most of it, leaving a small sliver in his shoulder. He walked over to the piano and found a piece of cloth. He wrapped it around the sliver tightly and he moved his shoulder to see how it felt. It was tight but not too much that it was uncomfortable.

Now everypony stood wide eyed at him, Alex shrugged his shoulders and said towards Ditzy, "A pleasure meeting you two."

Rarity chuckled slightly and said, "You never cease to amaze me Alex."

They continued on their tour of Ponyville and they met many faces and some that Alex was a little familiar with. He went to Sugarcube Corner and met with Pinkie Pie and the Cakes. She talked about how great his party is going to be and she baked him some cupcakes which was some of the best dessert type items he had ever tasted. He asked her what her secret was but she just smiled and ignored him, Alex noticed a slight change in her tone as she dismissed him. Alex was sure it was nothing but he decided not to say or do anything about it.

Making their way through the streets and stopping by the various shops and being introduced to all sorts of characters. Eventually they found themselves at what looked to be an out of place hovel for Ponyville standards. They stopped befire a dark brown colored rustic house with a strong wooden roof as opposed to thatch roofed. Alex looked around and saw a sign hanging from above the door and he saw an anvile with a hammer and tongs crossed, Alex narrowed his eyes and read the faded lettering on the sign. "Steel's Smithy".

Alex looked over at Rarity and said, "Is he the town blacksmith?"

Rarity made no physical response to his question and simply said in a neutral toned voice, "You could say that. Steel Flash owns this shop and so did his father, his grandfather, and his great grandfather. The Flash family have been here ever since the founding of Ponyville and besides the Apple Farm this is the longest standing structure in all of Ponyville. There are legends of the craftmanship of the Flash family, the metal they shape is like no other. Words cannot simply describe how magnificent it is."

Alex felt something towards the shop, it was subtle but it was there. He noticed and saw no smoke coming out of the chimney and noticed the sign on the door flipped to closed. They continued on their tour of Ponyville and they found their last destination.

Standing tall in front of him was Golden Oaks Library, and the title of the shop said it all. A light shaded brown tree stood tall in the mid afternoon sky. The leaves were bright green and accented the town well. It was almost like a beacon, gathering everypony towards it. It's beauty neared that of some of the Night Elf tree homes in Teldrissil. Alex huffed out a breath and said, "By the Light, it's like looking at a tree hom of the Kal'Dorei."

"The what?" Rarity asked arching a large eyebrow. It was clear to Alex now that his reluctence to hide some of his planet's history as childish and stupid.

Alex answered, "The Kal'Dorei. A race of bipedal immortal beings that were looked at as peace keepers and a race of beauty. But like most of the races that inhabited the land of Azeroth they as well were encompassed by war. My knowledge of them only goes that far, I lived in a time where the races were separated."

Rarity took in the knowledge given to her and she stored it in her mind. He held a vast knowledge of where he came from and no doubt Twilight wanted to know every detail. She knocked twice on the door ad the all too familiar voice answered serenely, "One moment please."

They stood in silence for a few seconds before Rarity spoke up and asked, "Hey Alex? I have been meaning to say this but you mentioned something about dark memories, and those scars are in two of the most fatal spots on a pony. What are still hiding from me?"

Alex lowered his head and his expression darkened he was about to say something when Rarity came close and stopped him. He stood a full head taller than her but she lifted Alex's head resting her hoof on his chin and he met her eyes and in a soft and gentle voice she said, "It's alright darling. I'm right here with you. Tell me what still ails you. Please?"

Alex thought long for a second. Her voice was genuine and pleasurable to the ears, it had a certain melody that calmed her nerves. He lifted his hoof to her's that was on his chin and gently moved it away and said after a sigh, "Not here. Not now. I will tell you but...later. The truth will come out soon."

Rarity kept well within her soul his words. He pushed her away again and it hurt Rarity. But he was willing to do so later, while it was comforting it did not help him at all. It just meant more nights of pain and suffering. She hid her true words and instead replied in a stern voice, "Alright. But, I'm holding you to your words Alex."

"I'm counting on it." Alex replied in the same dark toned voice and his posture returning to normal. His face lightened and no doubt welcomed the friendly atmosphere of Golden Oaks. But Rarity saw in his dark green eyes the same hurtful gaze, just hidden behind a veil of sadness. Rarity brightened up as the door swung open and revealed the light hearted and friendly lavender form of Twilight Sparkle. Rarity smiled and said as she hugged one of her closest friends, "Twilight! Darling, so good to see you."

Twilight smiled warmly and said, "Likewise Rarity. Always happy to see you."

The hug ended and Twilight eyed Alex. He carried himself more stoicly and with more confidence. Twilight said, "Alex."

Her abruptness somewhat surprised Alex. She clearly hid in her features the want to talk mor to him but she held it back by something and Alex did not know what exactly it was. Alex smiled and said, "It is a pleasure to see you unde better terms Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight smiled warmly and said, "Please, just call me Twilight."

Alex gave a nod and Twilight motioned for both of them to enter. Twilight said as they crossed the threshold, "Make yourselves at home. There is a pot of tea I am currently making on the stove and-"

There was a loud bang as something hit the ground and Twilight simply pressed her hoof to her forehead and they all heard Spike's voice shout out, "I'm okay!"

Twilight said, "I swear if you tell him one thing he turns and does the opposite."

She motioned to go and assist the baby dragon but Alex stopped her and said, "No, allow me to help him."

Twilight seemed surprised by his touch and said said pulling away from him, "Well...you're my guest and...I just couldn't ask of you to..."

Alex stopped her and said, "I insist."

Twilight thought about it and shrugged she said, "Alright. He's down the hall and its the first door on the right."

Alex nodded and left with a certain brisk swiftness in his steps. Once he was gone Twilight said, "He seems like a nice pony."

Rarity rubbed her hoof and said, "You don't even know half of it darling."

Twilight turned to her friend's remark and thought of her statement. She motioned for Rarity to follow her into the living room area and they found seats on the couch. Sitting down they got comfortable and Twilight said, "What do you mean?"

"Well, where do I begin," Rarity said tapping her chin with her hoof, "I guess I start with yesterday. Yesterday he appeared so sad and distant, I heard him mumbling to himself when I left to make him something to eat. He is very resistant when it comes to talking about his past."

Twilight thought for a moment, analyzing everything her friend said. Twilight interjected, "What do you know about him though?"

Rarity leaned in close and her voice grew more quiet as she said, "Well, he had a wife and two sons. But his wife died giving birth to the second oldest."

Twilight gasped in shock and she looked over to where he left to help Spike and she said, "Oh no...that poor pony."

"That's not even all," Rarity said shaking her head slightly, "As his sons grew older they grew apart from each other and they both...hurt him in some way."

Twilight spoke again raising an eyebrow, "What do you mean hurt?"

Rarity's expression grew darker as she said, "If you look closely he has three scars. One large one on his chest and the other inthe exact same spot on his back. And the other just beneath his chin where his head and neck met."

Twilight gasped again bringing her hoof to her mouth. She seemed genuinely concerned and sorry for him and that is what Rarity loved about Twilight she was such a pony person. She could meet a stranger on the street and be their friend. Rarity said, "There is more but he won't tell me, like I said he is very distant...I think...I think he fears my reaction if he tells me."

Twilight thought long and hard of what to do. Alex was no doubt very hesitant to have a friend and has likely not had one in a while. And his first friend in Ponyville being Rarity it can be...well in all honesty it canbe tiring sometimes. Rarity means well but she can sometimes let gossip overwhelm her so Twilight thought of what she should do next as Twilight took this as Rarity asking for advise on what to do. Twilight cleared her throat and said, "Well with all that you told me, it it important to keep in mind that he is likely very hurt by his family fatally wounding him. Both mentally and emotionally, it's clear that he is distant because he doesn't want to hurt anypony else.

"He's not pushing you away he's trying to protect you in some shape or form. He holds a dark past, one that is filled with even mor loss. Just remember to take a deep breath, ease him into friendship. You don't need to know everything right this second. Give him time and he will open up I'm sure of it."

Rarity thought for a moment and said, "Thanks for the advise Twilight I'll keep that in mind."

After a few moments of silence Rarity spoke up again and said, "By the way, I forgot to mention something. He is from a land called Azeroth. I was wondering if you ever heard of such a place?"