Artorias and Princess Luna were strolling through the castle halls; chatting and joking with each other. Along the way, they encountered some royal guards whose expressions remained stoic as ever but still eyed them curiously; never they saw their Princess of the Night being that friendly to a strange creature that appeared yesterday.

"I've got to say, you are more hilarious than I expected Artorias." she said between giggles.

Artorias chuckled in response, and moments later they've reached his chamber.

"This shouldn't take long" he said to her.

She nodded with a soft smile.

He entered his chamber, but left the door ajar. After coming across his armor, he double checked them to make sure that everything is in order.

'No piece missing, trust intensifies' he thought with a smirk.

Without further delay, he strapped his armor back on with great speed and efficiency; boots, leggings, chest plate, gauntlets, and finally his helmet. But instead of putting his helmet on, he tucked it with his right arm. He looked at the mirror, to make his final checks; but something seemed off.

'Great, I left my greatsword and satchel back in the field.' Artorias mentally face-palmed.

"Can't let my focus waver..." he said quietly

"Artorias, you know it's not nice to keep a mare waiting." Luna said with a sarcastic tone while poking her head through the door's gap.

"Yes Luna, I am almost done; just going to make some final checks."

Again, he checked his chamber to make sure he left nothing behind, walked to the door, and closed it. When he got to her, Luna was smiling and a light shade of red could be seen on her cheeks.

'Is she sick?' he thought.

"Er, are you okay Luna?" he asked nervously.

"Yes, I am okay; why do you ask?" she said nonchalantly, still smiling.

"Well, your cheeks are red. Are you having a fever?" he said while taking his left arm gauntlet off to check her temperature.

Luna blushed harder at this "N-no o-of course not, it must be the heat eheheh." she stuttered.

'She is not feverish. Well, it is pretty hot though...but it's like she is, blushing?' he thought with a bewildered expression. He quickly shook his thought off and regained his composure.

"Well, I guess you are right. Lets get you to your room." he said with a smile.

Luna nodded with a smile and walked beside him. The walk to Luna's chamber was silent; with only a few occasional chatters and chuckles could be heard from the pair.

"Thank you Artorias, for today and the escort." Princess Luna said with a soft smile as they reached her room.

"Don't mention it Luna, I guess I better get going now." he said with a smile "Good day, I will see you around princess." he smiled

Just as he turned around, he felt a wing with dark blue feathers draped on his shoulder; he turned and Luna locked her forelegs behind his neck. Again, Artorias was surprised about how hugy and snugly she was;but returned the hug nevertheless. Fragrant smell filled his nostrils as her ethereal mane swept across his face in a teasing manner, they stayed like this for a minute before letting go of each other.

"I guess that counts as my personal thanks for saving Canterlot and today." she said with a smirk.

He smiled "I am just doing my duty, well then I guess I better get going." she nodded with a smile. With that, he took off towards the field.

On the way there, he pondered why she has been so friendly to him. Well, the ponies have been very friendly to him, and he was very grateful for that;but it seemed or at least he felt like her friendliness was different.

He continued towards the field, quickening his pace with each step; trying to push his thoughts aside. Five minutes later he arrived at the field, with Princess Celestia and the main six staring at him with a smirk on their faces.

"Okay I am ready to go--why are you all looking at me like that?"

As he said this, they burst into laughter.

Artorias looked at the scene with a dumbfounded expression, after a while they regained their composures and Princess Celestia was the first to spoke up.

"Forgive us Artorias, but before you go to the train station I'd like to have a word with you in private." she said.

Artorias nodded instead of speaking to avoid anymore 'awkward' situation.

"Twilight, please wait here for a moment." Princess Celestia said with a smile to her student.

"Of course princess." Twilight said with a wink to her as if signaling something.

'Never in my life I felt so awkward and nervous before.' he thought while bracing himself for what lies ahead.

Then, she motioned Artorias to follow her and began walking to a more isolated area of the garden. After a while of walking through the gardens, they arrived at the same tree where did his story-telling earlier today.

"Artorias" the solar monarch's voice changed into serious but kind tone.

'Uh-oh' he could feel his heart thumping rapidly inside his chest, but nevertheless maintained a neutral expression.

"Yes Celestia?" he replied with a somewhat sheepish tone.

She smiled at him before continuing "This is about my sister, Princess Luna."

His heart fell on his stomach as she said this. Sweat started to form on his palms due to his extreme nervousness. He tried to speak; but lost his voice to do so.

Princess Celestia noticed this and chuckled "Calm down Artorias" she paused "I know maybe this is too early to ask but..." she trailed off.

"I need you to do me a favor" Princess Celestia said softly.

Artorias was surprised when he heard this "What kind of favor Celestia?" he asked politely.

"It's about you and Luna." she continued.

"Forgive me Celestia, but I am afraid I don't catch your point." he said matter-of-factly.

Princess Celestia smiled "Ever since she returned from her banishment, she changed drastically. She can't socialize well,can't adjust well, closed herself when she have problems; even to me." the solar monarch said while lowering her head a bit "Were it not for Twilight and the citizens of Ponyville, she would have been worse." she paused.

"But this morning, when I saw both of you underneath this tree..." she trailed off again.

Artorias froze in place; this is the first time in his life he felt so...nervous. He charged right into the Abyss with no fear nor hesitation, heck he literally died.

But now, he felt so...powerless.

"I never found her to open up to somepony she barely knows; much like acting as friendly as she did to you." she continued.

Artorias nodded in acknowledgement, slowly his heartbeat returned to normal.

"I need you, to help her." Princess Celestia continued. "I need you to get closer to her, help her to get out of her shell." she said with hope present in her voice.

"I need your help Artorias; Luna needs your help; all of us do" Princess Celestia said with a soft smile. "That is, if you accept of course."

Artorias thought about this for a moment; he knows both of them have similar pasts. But Artorias have retained his personality after being freed from the Abyss' grasp.

Purified.

But as for Luna, she was still scarred from both her transformation and banishment to the moon. He really feel for her; and wanted to help her as best as he could. He knew that as Equestria's defender, is not just about defending her from physical threats but also helping her denizens in their time of need; in this case their rulers.

Something clicked in his mind, something that tells him to accept her request.

"Of course princess, I would be honored to do so." Artorias said while bowing politely.

Princess Celestia's face beamed with happiness as he said this, Artorias couldn't help but to cast a smile as well.

"Oh, thank you very much Artorias" she said while draping a wing on his shoulders.

"Don't mention it Celestia" he smiled "Both Luna and I have similar pasts; I understand how it feels like to be trapped within your own body and committing atrocities beyond your darkest dreams." he said with a sympathetic smile. "I am going to do everything in my power to help."

She smiled gently,"Well you better get going then, the train is leaving soon."

"Until we meet again Celestia" he said while bowing politely, which she returned. Suddenly, her horn sparked to life and a bright flash popped in front of him and in an instant she was gone.

'That's new' he thought to himself, 'I guess I better get going' with that he sprinted towards the field.

Moments later, he arrived at the field with Twilight and her friends staring at him with huge smiles on their faces.

"Hey, how did it go?" Twilight asked, smiling.

"Smooth as silk Twilight" he said nonchalantly, while walking up to retrieve his greatsword and satchel. After inspecting his satchel and greatsword he turned towards the group.

"Well, I guess we better get going now" he said while slinging his greatsword on his back "After you ladies" he said with a smile.

"Oh darling you are such a gentlecolt" Rarity said with her typical tone.

Artorias wasn't sure what a 'gentlecolt' means, but he is sure it has a similar meaning to 'gentleman'. He smiled at the compliment.

He motioned for Twilight and her friends to walk ahead of him, the walk to the train station was quite interesting; occasionally chaters were shared among the group and quite often; mares,stallions,even colts and fillies would run up to Artorias thanking him for saving them. He responded to them by saying 'I am just doing my duty' and such answers, he even met with the unicorn and pegasus mare he saved when he arrived at Equestria.

"You are getting popular here Artorias; especially among mares." Twilight said with a mischievous smile.

Artorias just chuckled in response "Being a knight has its perks" he joked. This received giggles from Twilight and her friends.

Shortly, they reached the train station.

"Is that this 'train' you speak of?" he said while pointing at a strange, snake like contraption.

"Oh, yes Artorias that is the train." Twilight replied.

"Are you sure it could travel as well as you said before?" he asked again.

"Trust me, we will get to Ponyville in no time." Twilight said proudly.

"Okay then, after you ladies" Artorias motioned for them to walk ahead of him, which they complied. But this time, he has two intentions; one being to live up his knight code of honor and another one because he was utterly confused at the strange contraption in front of him. After Twilight and her friends have entered the train, he proceeded to enter as well.

Shortly, the conductor yelled "All aboard to Ponyville!" with that, the train blew its whistle and they started their journey towards Ponyville.

Due to his size, he had to duck to fit in the interior of the train. Luckily, Princess Celestia had rented a private first class car for them so he had at least more space to get comfortable with; not an easy feat. He was busy observing the strange new transportation's interior until a voice snapped him out of his observation.

"Artorias" Twilight called while patting an empty spot on a circle couch where she and the rest of her friends are seated. He got the message and sit down next to her.

"So, what do we do now?" Rainbow spoke up "I am getting bored" she said with a yawn.

"Usually when I come back from a mission; I'd hang out with my friends or stroll through the city or villages to mingle with the people there." Artorias replied.

"And that's exactly what you I mean we are about to do" Rainbow said rather impatiently "I guess you could answer our questions?" she asked, the others nod in agreement with smiles plastered on their faces.

He reached for his helmet and took it off, revealing his face "Okay then, I guess hanging out with my friends it is" he chuckled "So, what do you want to know?"

"I guess you can tell us more about yourself?"

Artorias nodded "I haven't tell you about the Four Knights of Gwyn in detail did I?" They nodded.

"Well, you only mentioned them briefly; you were one of their members right?" Twilight asked.

Artorias nodded

"Then, who were the other three?" Rainbow asked again.

Artorias smiled and continued "The Four Knights of Gwyn were consisted of four of the best of the best knights in my kingdom. They are known as 'Dragonslayer' Ornstein, 'Hawkeye' Gough, me, and 'Lord's Blade' Ciaran. As members of the best of the best we were given leeway to customize or forge our own weapons and equipment; oh and we were granted special rings engraved with animals that depicts our abilities and talents." he said while showing his signature Wolf Ring "I know all of them very well. So, who do you want to know first?"

Rainbow hovered and landed beside him," This 'Dragonslayer' Ornstein sounds cool!" Rainbow exclaimed "Lets start with him first!"

Artorias chuckled "You remind me of him; in fact both of you are really similar in personalities"

Rainbow's face beamed with even more pride than before "Really?! how so?"

"Both of you always aims for the best, very competitive, and very confident in your abilities" he said, Rainbow's grin grew even wider "Both of you always wanted to be the center of attention, and finally both of you have an unflinching loyalty" he said with a smile. "Don't let it go to your head" he said while ruffling her mane. She wanted to relent, but somehow enjoyed it; this received giggles from the girls.

"Okay, back to the topic" Artorias said; he stopped his touch much to Rainbow's dismay "He was always clad in his signature golden armor; resembling a lion's visage and wields his signature golden cross spear, imbued with lightning." he paused "His combat skills are amazing. His spear coupled with his sheer speed and agility; could destroy an entire family of dragons with ease and there was this one occasion where his spear sliced a large boulder into two pieces." he continued "We were the best of friends, and he was the one who taught me how to use a spear; in his style" he paused "Oh, and he was the captain of our group. Due to his personality and combat skills, he was granted a ring with a lion engraved on it."

"He must be so fabulous!" Rarity exclaimed

Artorias smirked "He was our resident star when it comes to that, no matter what when he walked the streets of Anor Londo his fans would come running to him like crazy." he paused

"That sounds really familiar" Twilight said with a mischievous smile while glancing towards him.

"That was nothing compared to what he had" Artorias smirked at her. "There was this one time; when me and him were heading back from hunting a lone ancient dragon that had been terrorizing a local village. Long story short, we made short work of that dragon" he paused "When we entered Anor Londo's gates; we--particularly him were swarmed by crowds of women; or mares in your version." he chuckled when he remembered that silly moment "And we ended up flirting our way out of the group" the girls snickered at this. "Talking about dragons, where is Spike? I haven't seen him since this morning." Artorias asked.

"Oh, I sent him to Ponyville earlier today." Twilight replied

"Oh I see, so who do you want to know next?"

"What about 'Hawkeye' Gough?" Twilight asked "You said he was your kingdom's top archer." she added.

Artorias smiled "That's correct my friend, but have I told you that he's a giant?" the girls were astonished by this; and shook their heads.

Artorias chuckled "He was the wisest, gentle, and the most kind-hearted giant I have ever known; because of his personality, we considered him to be a mentor and a father figure of our group" he smiled as he remembered the good times he had with him "He was the leader of the Greatarchers, archers who wielded greatbows with spear-like arrows capable of shooting down dragons flying high in the sky. He wields his own signature greatbow, the bow proved to be unwieldy by the rest of the Greatarchers and only he had the strength to handle it. And trust me, he never missed a shot with that bow of his. Even when his enemies 'blinded' him by stuffing his helmet's eye holes with resin; he never missed his shot. Due to his deadly accuracy, he was granted a ring with a hawk engraved on it."

Rainbow raised her hoof.

"Yes Rainbow?" Artorias asked.

"I've got a question, why didn't he just clean his helmet?"

"He was too stubborn to do that, I know it's very ridiculous; but I guess he was too 'obsessed' with his helmet" Artorias said.

"So Artorias, how about 'Lord's Blade' Ciaran?" Twilight asked.

"She was a member of Lordran's espionage division; the Lord's Blades." Artorias said.

"Whoa, so Ciaran is a mare? I mean, female?" Rainbow asked again.

"Yes, in fact the Lord's Blades were entirely consisted of females." he paused with a smile.

Rainbow was astonished "So, what makes them so special?"

"Their training granted them stealth,speed, agility, and proficiency in using tracer swords and venomous daggers." he continued "Everything enhances that; even their clothing." as he said the word 'clothing' Rarity shot up.

"So what do they wear darling? I presume they wear robes, is that correct?" she asked.

Artorias smiled and nodded "How do you know that?" he asked.

"Let's just say, years of making fashion-lines granted you a decent ability in interpretation." Rarity said while flicking her mane.

"But they also wear masks to conceal their faces during missions to conceal their faces and most importantly their identities; as I said before even their clothing enhances their abilities." he paused "During the war with the Everlasting Dragons, the Lord's Blades breached their sanctuaries; causing chaos from within, forcing the dragons out due to their disadvantage in position, and once they are outside they were finished by our great arrows and lightning bolts." he chuckled when he remembered that victorious moment.

"It was then, when I met Ciaran." he continued "She was unique, because her mask was different than the rest of the Lord's Blades'. While they wear rough wooden cyclops headpiece, she was determined to earn her soft porcelain mask as a unique decoration of honor." he paused "In combat, when she was wearing her mask most of the time; she was like the representation of death itself. But that mask, hides her true character. Underneath, lies a beautiful face with shimmering golden eyes and even a more beautiful personality within; you won't even believe she was an assassin after knowing her true character." Artorias said with a smile. "Due to her skills she was granted a ring with a hornet engraved on it." he added

"It looks like you and her were very close darling" Rarity said in a kind but serious tone "She was more than just a friend wasn't she?"

Artorias sighed sadly before answering, tears forming in his eyes "Yes, she was more than just a friend. She meant the world to me, but I can't even keep a simple promise to her."

Rarity inched closer to him and spoke softly "If it's okay with you, can you tell us your promise darling?"

"I promised to..." he became hesitant "to..." he closed his eyes and sighed sadly.

"To stay alive, to return safely into her arms...but I-" he was cut off when he felt soft spotless hooves embracing him in a friendly, comforting hug. The rest of the girls followed suit, making the hug even stronger. Artorias returned the hug with his own.

They stayed like this for a minute, before letting go.

"Thank you, I needed that." he said with a genuine smile.

The girls smiled in return, then the train stopped.

"Oh look, we are here!" Twilight said with a cheery tone.

Taking it as a message Artorias put his helmet back on.

With that done, they disembarked from the train and into the station of Ponyville. What lies before their eyes held their mouths agape. Ponies from all over Ponyville had gathered in front of the station, cheering for them.

"Oh my--" Fluttershy squeaked.

"Well, I know we are awesome and all; but I didn't expect we will be greeted by THIS many ponies." Rainbow said sheepishly.

"This calls for a PARTY!!!" Pinkie Pie said while bouncing up and down.

Then, a certain baby dragon made his way towards them.

"Twilight!" Spike exclaimed and proceeded to hug her.

"Hey Spike, what's going on? Why are all these ponies here?" she asked.

"Uhm, you see..." Spike smiled sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head "I told everypony what happened back in Canterlot, the Changelings, everything!" he exclaimed "Oh and of course about Artorias" he said while glancing at Artorias who stood motionless, observing the crowd. "Hey Artorias!"

"Hey Spike; looks like you brought quite a crowd here." he chuckled.

'Amazing, this is even twice bigger from the crowd back in Anor Londo; Ornstein is going to be so jealous if he sees this' he smirked underneath his helmet.

"Settle down everypony!" a mare earth pony with a light grey mane and tan coat spoke up; the cheering died down until only mumbles are heard.

'She must be the local authority here' Artorias thought to himself.

Then the mare stepped forward and cleared her throat "Today, we gather here to greet the heroes of Ponyville who didn't only save Canterlot but also all of Equestria." with that said, hoofs stomped rapidly to the grounds "And also to welcome a new hero among us; Sir Artorias please step forward."

Artorias looked at the girls, who nodded with smiles on their faces. 'With grace and elegance' he reminded himself mentally.

He stepped out into the sun and bowed before the crowd "As you may or may not heard my name is Sir Artorias the Abysswalker; but please call me Artorias or Sir Artorias whichever do you feel like." the crowd smiled back towards him, but still he could sense great curiosity and fear emanating from them.

'Time to take off the helmet I guess.'

Then, he reached for his helmet and took it off; the ponies winced a bit at the scene but after seeing what lies beneath his helmet, his face and it's features were nothing compared to Spike's description. Mares blushed upon seeing his face, stallions envied his features, colts and fillies were astonished right on their spots.

"Do not be afraid, as you can see I am made of flesh and blood just like all of you; I do hope we could get better acquainted soon." he said confidently with a smile.

"Sir Artorias" the mare from before trotted next to him "My name is Mayor Mare, and I believe I represent everypony when I say; welcome to Ponyville!" she gave her right hoof which he shook.

"It's nice to meet you mayor" Artorias replied with a smile.

"Sir Artorias, seeing the curiosity of everypony here today; how about a short Q&A session?"

'Another Q&A session huh? well lets make it quick.' he thought, then Artorias turned to his friends who nodded.

"Well, a short Q&A session will be nice. By 'short' I am not trying be rude here but me and my friends had been through an exhausting day." he said while glancing to his friends who nodded.

"Awwwwww!" everypony in the area grumbled playfully.

Then, a mint green unicorn mare raise her hoof.

"Yes you there, please step forward." Artorias said while pointing at her.

Then, the mare stepped forward "Are you a human?" she asked.

Artorias was greatly surprised by her question "Well, not quite. Because I look exactly like them but we have our 'differences'." he paused "How do you know about humans, Ms--?"

"Lyra Heartstrings." she said with a smile while extending her hoof which Artorias shook "I just know that they exist somehow, but nopony believed me" she said while lowering her head.

Artorias gently placed his hand on her shoulder, much to everypony's surprise "Well, you know they are real now." he said with a smile.

She smiled "Thank you Sir Artorias"

"You are welcome Miss Heartstrings" he smiled back, with that she returned to the crowd.

Next, a mare earth pony with three carrots as a mark on her flank raised her hoof.

"Yes, you there step forward please." Artorias addressed her.

She complied, "May I know your name Ms?" he asked politely, the mares blushed even harder by his courtesy.

She smiled and extended her hoof which again he shook "My name is Golden Harvest, it's nice to meet you Sir Artorias." she said.

He chuckled "It's nice to meet you too Miss Harvest. Okay, Miss Harvest what was your question?"

"What do you usually eat?" she asked.

"I am an omnivore, so basically I could eat meat and plants." this drew gasps from the crowd, noticing this he quickly spoke up "But don't worry, I don't eat ponies." he chuckled. The crowd sighed in relief; "In fact, if it's your custom or perhaps law that forbids you from eating meat; I won't eat them." he declared to them, with that they smiled even wider.

"Thank you Sir Artorias" she said with a bow which he returned.

"Derpy incoming, brace yourselves!" A random stallion shouted. With that said, the crowd ducked.

Suddenly, Artorias saw a grey pegasus mare with saddlebags flying towards him in an awkward manner but at a great speed. His instincts told him to dodge, but if he do the mare will crash through the stations' window and possibly injuring her. Sure he got his miracles, but he won't use it unless he really needs to and he is Equestria's defender after all, so he would anything in his power to prevent harm from befalling every single citizen of Equestria .

Artorias put his helmet back on and widened his stance at a parallel line, both of his legs acting as support, and moved into her flight trajectory. The pegasus tried to control her movements to no avail and closed her eyes for another clumsy crash; but instead of a painful collision she felt a firm but gentle grip around her midsection. She opened her eyes only to make eye contact with the hero everypony have been talking about; Sir Artorias the Abysswalker. Derpy closed her eyes in embarrassment.

'What's wrong with her eyes?' he thought. He turned to the crowd, who held their mouths agape; realizing the awkward situation he gently put her down and knelt on one knee to meet her on eye level.

Then, he gently spoke "Hey, Derpy isn't it? are you alright?"

Derpy's eyes shot open immediately "Oh my, I am so sorry Sir Artorias I didn't mean too" she said with a hint of embarrassment.

"It's fine Derpy, besides I intended to catch you or else you would crash through that window" he said while glancing over the window "I can't let that happen." he said with a smile.

"Thank you Sir Artorias; I wish we have met under better...um, conditions." Derpy said sheepishly "Now I have to deliver these mails before my shift ends; it's almost evening after all." she said with a smile.

"So, you are a courier?" he asked "And yes, you are right; today went so fast."

"Yeah, a mailmare to be exact" Derpy said with a smile "Okay then, I have to go; I will see you around Sir Artorias."

Artorias nodded "Be careful, and try not to crash into something or somepony; alright?"

"I will!" with that, she took off.

The crowd stomped the ground's surface rapidly with their hoofs while cheering for Artorias, and the girls followed suit; rounding up on him.

"That.Was.AWESOME!" Rainbow exclaimed in a high-pitched voice.

"That was marvelous darling!" Rarity exclaimed.

"That was cool!" Spike exclaimed.

"Ah never saw anypony do anythin' like that!" Applejack joined in.

Twilight and Fluttershy were speechless but nodded in agreement.

"Girls, I am just doing my duty" he said nonchalantly.

Then Mayor Mare spoke up "Thank you Sir Artorias for saving us and Derpy from another clumsy crash" she chuckled "Now, I think you can ask more questions tomorrow; it's getting late and I am sure Sir Artorias and everypony else need to call the day off."

The crowd agreed and dispersed like ants.

With them gone, Mayor Mare turned to Artorias and the girls "Well, today's sure a very interesting day" she chuckled "Sir Artorias where will you sleep tonight?"

"Me and my friends can take care of that." Twilight said with a smile.

"Oh, well then; I guess things are settled for now. See you tomorrow everypony and Sir Artorias." with that, she left the group towards the Town Hall.

"Now Artorias, where do you want to sleep tonight?" Twilight asked him "Any six of us will do, right girls?"

"Of course!" they replied in unison with smiles on their faces.

Artorias pondered about this for a moment, he was not concerned about the facilities he may have or anything like that; he was thinking about how he can reach any place in Ponyville the fastest if something happens.

"Girls, whose place is the most strategic here? I mean, where I can reach any location I wanted in case something happens." he asked them.

"Well, my Library is in the center of Ponyville" Twilight said with a smile.

"Okay, that will do." Artorias said.

"YES!" Twilight and Spike exclaimed in unison, the girls deflated a bit but chuckled afterwards.

"Okay then, we might as well walk there together since we are going to pass our homes on the way; well maybe not for Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash." Twilight added.

"Okay, I will see you guys tomorrow." Rainbow said, with that the girls and Artorias shared a group hug with Rainbow and Fluttershy before heading on their separate ways.

"Okay then, I guess we better get going." Artorias said with a smile.

The girls giggled and nodded. Along the way, they talked and chat with each other while showing him around; each of them contributing to Artorias' travel guide of Ponyville.

"Over there, is my boutique; the Carousel Boutique." Rarity said while flicking her mane "Well, I should be heading home now; Sweetiebelle must be worried about me. Good evening girls and good evening Artorias." with that, they shared another group hug, and Rarity entered her boutique.

Next, they came across a building that seemed to be made of sweets and cakes.

"This is the Sugarcube Corner; I live and work here." Pinkie Pie said while bouncing up and down "Whoa look at the time I should be going now or Mr and Mrs Cake would be worried about me because I haven't returned yet!" she said with that signature smile of hers. With that, she zipped to the door in a blinding speed.

'I can never get used to that.' he thought with a smirk.

Then, they continued onward towards Twilight's library.

"Er, may I ask you girls something?" Artorias asked out of the blue.

"Sure." Twilight and Applejack replied in unison.

"You maybe consider this uncouth but, I have been wondering; what is that mark on your *ahem* flanks?" he asked sheepishly.

Twilight and Applejack chuckled "Oh, this is a Cutie Mark." Twilight said.

"Cutie Mark?" Artorias asked with a dumbfounded expression.

"The Cutie Mark appears when somepony discovers his or her special talents; a self discovery to be simple." Twilight added.

"Oh, I see; then all of you must have discovered yourself since you have these marks yourselves." he concluded.

"Yep, ya can say so." Applejack said.

"Oh look, we are here!" Twilight said when they arrived at a tree with a house fashioned into a tree "Welcome to Golden Oak Library!"

"This is your house Twilight? Amazing!" Artorias complimented.

"Thanks, Star Swirl the Bearded planted this tree himself a long time ago."

"Who?" Artorias asked with bewilderment.

"Umm, never mind." Twilight smiled sheepishly.

"Alrighty then," Applejack said with a yawn "Guess ah better get goin' Bic Mac, Applebloom, and Granny Smith must be worried 'bout me. See ya tomorrow Twi, Spike." she said while hugging them "Oh, and ah'll see ya tomorrow partner" she said with a smile towards Artorias. With that, she sprinted towards a nearby orchard.

"Okay, shall we go in?" Artorias asked.

"Oh yeah, of course." Spike said while unlocking the door.

Once they are inside, Artorias was astonished about the library. Even though it's quite small for a library; it held a vast array of books.

"It's like a mini Duke's Archives in here" he said to no one in particular.

"What was that?" Twilight asked.

"Oh it's nothing Twilight, it's just your library reminds me of the Duke's Archives"

"Wait, the library where Seath the Scaleless lives?" she asked "But you said it was so massive, that books were literally everywhere. Maybe the Royal Archives in Canterlot is more worthy in comparison, I'll show you when we visit Canterlot next time." she said with a smile.

"Sure, I'd love to. Besides, I also love to read."

"You love to read? then that makes two of us." Twilight replied with a cheery tone. "Then, feel free to read these books as long as you don't do anything to them." she gave Artorias a playful glare, which he chuckled at. After that Twilight showed him around the library; starting from the main reading room, bathroom, the basement, her room, and finally the balconies where she usually do her stargazing.

When they retruned to the ground floor Twilight spoke up,"Well then, it's getting late." she said with a yawn "Good night Artorias" she said while giving him a hug which he returned.

"Good night Twilight, good night Spike." Spike was no longer responding, since he has fallen asleep at Twilight's back.

"Oh, poor thing." Twilight said playfully, with that she proceeded up the stairs to her room.

"Oh Artorias I almost forgot, you can use the couch to sleep if you want. And there is a spare blanket on the drawer next to it" Twilight said while poking her head down the stairs.

"Alright, thank you Twilight."

Then, he glanced at a large couch with a drawer next to it at the main reading room 'That will do'; he proceeded to strip his armor, greatsword, and satchell off; setting them neatly against the wall. With his tunic remained he decided to do some late night reading before going to bed. He decided to read a book about Equestrian History which thankfully were written in a language he understood. With that done, he proceeded to think about his new life here, his role as Equestria's defender, his new friends, and for some reason Princess Luna.

After a while, he dropped them off, retrieved the blanket from the drawer, and lay down to sleep. Slowly his eye lids began to close, but before he could fall asleep; an all too familiar howl echoed through the night air and snapped him from his sleepiness.

"Sif...?" he whispered quietly.

Author's Note

And that was another chapter!

So, yeah I decided to take Sif into the story as well. With her presence there, things are going to get better for the ponies and of course Artorias.

Oh, just so you know; my school schedule is in full effect now. Don't worry I am continuing this story

Thank you very much for your support , I am glad and thankful for those who stayed with me and my story so far.

As usual feel free to leave a like and comment on my story, the next chapter's coming up as soon as possible.

Until then, I will see you in the next one

-Lightning Spear