Chapters Angel of Nature: Guidance
Angel of Nature: Guidance
Everfree, Angel of Nature and resident of the Heavens above, was roaming through his own domain within the Heavens. It was peaceful landscape to say the least. Wildlife was all over the place, although they were tame and were all friendly to one another, streams seemingly ran on by without so much as a whisper, the surrounding forests had their trees swaying slightly in the light breeze that filled the area.
It was the Garden of Tranquility
This was the true peace that the Angel of Nature loved, the peace and tranquility that he was quite content on living in for the rest of his Angelic life. Standing up and facing the direction that the breeze was coming from, Everfree spread his arms and wings, embracing the breeze, smiling slightly.
However, the peace wasn't bound to last forever.
"I knew I should have come here first." A voice spoke out from behind him.
The wildlife in the area was spooked by the sudden presence, but Everfree's radiating aura calmed them substantially causing them to resume whatever it was they were doing as Everfree dealt with the disruption in the peace, the quiet and the tranquility.
For the most part, the Nature loving Angel didn't need to turn around to see who was talking to him, so he kept his arms and wings out wide, also shutting his eyes this time which was accompanied by a sigh.
"It is my domain after all, Izhull. I don't have power over Nature just for the sake of it." He retorted to the Archangel.
Not that he could see it, but Izhull nodded. "I understand that, but there's always the chance that you could be elsewhere, which I'm starting to really doubt."
Everfree chuckled slightly. "I prefer Nature and solitude over most other things. You of all Angels, well Archangels, I would expect to know this, Izhull. It's not like we haven't know each for centuries."
The Archangel couldn't help but laugh a bit himself. "Yes, well, you may have to leave it behind for a while."
Everfree's arms dropped and his wings sagged slightly as he felt his inner peace melt away.
"Where am I going now?" He said with a resigned sigh.
"To the world of Equis, and specifically to the country of Equestria."
Equestria? The name rang a bell within his mind but he wasn't sure if the current information he possessed was up to date or not.
"Equestria? Is that not the land in which Princess Celestia rules alone after having banished her sister to the moon?" Everfree asked.
"It is indeed." Izhull confirmed with a nod.
This time, Everfree turned around so that he was facing the Archangel. Everyone knew how much Everfree liked his space, Izhull most of all and he was standing a fair distance away from the Nature Angel. Everfree was glad everyone respected the fact that he liked his space, but they didn't have to stand so far away, it wasn't like he was going to bite them.
But one of his friends might.
"What am I going to be doing?"
Izhull hesitated slightly, and Everfree picked up on it, not liking it.
"You are going to be guiding Princess Celestia's student whom I believe is called Twilight Sparkle."
Everfree raised an eyebrow in question. "Guiding? Shouldn't Ezra do it then? She is the Angel of Guidance after all."
"And I would send her, if it wasn't for the fact that Celestia somehow managed to contact me to request you personally."
That shocked Everfree, causing an eyebrow to raise as well. Very few creatures outside of the Heavens ever knew the means or the way with which to contact the Heavens, let alone an Archangel, to do so would mean you'd have to have an tremendous amount magical power within you.
Now, he knew that Princess Celestia was a powerful being, but to able to contact Izhull, he had gained a new found amount of respect for the Sun Princess. Then again, he was thoroughly confused as to why she was even asking for help from an Angel. Yes Izhull had said guiding, but why ask an Angel to do it?
"I guess I should be leaving soon then?"
"As soon as possible." After which he left the Garden, leaving Everfree once again with his many friends.
Everfree sighed. He had just recently gotten to the Heavens, or his domain of Nature to be specific, after having gone to another world, to watch and care for the many species of that world. However, he was never allowed to directly interfere with the natural course of life, despite being the Angel of Nature.
With another resigned sigh, he moved into one the forests around him, walking for sometime with many of his companions walking with him, trying their best to cheer up their friend and caretaker as much as they could. It worked as well due some of the silly and crazy antics that the animals did brought a smile to Everfree's face.
"You guys are the best." He said gratefully.
The trees soon thinned out to open into a clearing. In the middle of the clearing was wooden cabin that Everfree had created with his own magic, after which he had made the forest come up and around the cabin. It was for protection as well as giving him time to walk to, but mostly protection in the absolute rare case something attacked the Heavens.
He walked inside the cabin and was into the main room straight away. He moved off to the right and opened a door which led to a bedroom with a cloak sitting on the bed, neatly folded up, looking as if it was ready to be put away. This was Everfree's cloak that he wore when going away to watch and observe, or in this case guide. It granted him the ability to hide better among Nature as it broke up his person, making it hard to see him.
Although, it was going to be of little use to him where he was going.
Regardless, he slung it around his shoulders and did the clasp up, letting it rest at his neck afterwards. He moved his arms and upper body around a bit, too make sure he hadn't hindered his movements. With that checked, he moved out of the room, closing the door behind him and back into the main room where he over to the main door where a bow and a quiver of arrows were hanging.
Picking up the quiver, he slung it over his head, letting it hang diagonally across his back, the strap over one shoulder and under the other. He then grabbed the bow and bowstring that lay next to it. He always unstrung his bow when he was done with it, otherwise, it would put tension on the limbs of the bow, causing them to snap more easily.
Once the bow was strung, he lightly thrummed it to test it. Satisfied, he walked out of the cabin and to his animal friends that waited outside. Kneeling down, he looked at them and spoke in a soft and caring voice.
"I have to go away once more my friends, for how long I do not know."
There were many sad cries and whines coming from the small crowd of animals in front of him. They had just seen him come and were all happy to be able to spend time with him once more, only to find out days later that he would sent somewhere else again for who knows how long.
"I am sad as well to leave, my friends, but it has to be done. If you need anything, please speak with Aleera, she will be able to help you."
Aleera is a winter wolf that Everfree had saved many years ago. She had wanted to come with him the Heavens and watch over his domain whenever he was away, it was her way of saying thank you and repaying a debt that would never be repaid ironically.
Everfree found some of his more closer animal friends, and said goodbye to them individually, mostly involving a heartwarming hug and then proceeded to leave, stopping by Aleera first. Aleera was the one who usually missed Everfree the most and as such, their farewells were always sad.
As he left, Everfree knew that before he went to Equestria, he should check in with Izhull first, to see if there was any additional information he needed to know.
It didn't take him long to find the Archangel, he fact, he seemed to be waiting for Everfree. Seeing that, Everfree walked over to the Archangel.
"I assume you wish for me to check in periodically?"
It was what all Angels had to do when doing a job away from the Heavens. From time to time, they had to find a private and secluded area where they would communicate with the Archangel in charge of them. In this case, it would be Izhull for Everfree to check in with.
Izhull nodded in response. "Yes please, every few months if possible and also give Celestia a periodic update on how Twilight is doing yourself and by that I mean in person when possible."
Everfree nodded. "That all?"
"Yes, good luck to you, Everfree."
Everfree nodded once again and began focusing on his inner self, willing himself away from the Heavens and to the world known as Equis, towards the country known as Equestria.
Author's Note
Enjoyed the chapter? Thought it could've been better? Want to point out something I did well?
Then please comment below answering any of those question or just giving me general feedback!
~ShadowfireAngel
Angel of Nature: Guidance
Angel of Nature: Guidance
"An Angel? What in all of Equestria possessed you to call an Angel to our world, Aunty?" Blueblood questioned, none to gently either.
"Who or what I call is my own choice, Blueblood. However, it would be in your best interest to show him respect. The Angel of Nature is not to be taken lightly." Celestia warned.
Prince Blueblood simply scoffed in disgust. There was no need for an Angel to be coming to Equestria, everything was perfectly fine the way it was...well as well as it could be ever since the purple pest known as Twilight Sparkle somehow managed to become Celestia's 'prized student.'
Before either had a chance to say something, the room was briefly filled a semi-dark green light that flashed throughout the room. Then there was nothing for a few moments more and just as Blueblood was about to ask something, Celestia spoke up with a serene smile gracing her face.
"He's here."
No sooner had she finished speaking, the top of the room was filled a glowing ball of green light then after hovering for a few seconds, it began to descend as voice echoed throughout the throne room.
"Indeed, I am and your Princess is correct, Blueblood. I'm not to be taken lightly."
The light touched down on the ground where it materialised in a tall man, roughly 5'9 in height, rather slim for his height but at a healthy stage. Dark brown hair adorned the top of his head, sweeping down to just below his ears, piercing green eyes staring at Blueblood as he discerned what the arrogant Prince was like.
He was dressed in a simple dark green shirt and brown breeches but around his shoulders was equally dark green cloak with the hood thrown up over his head, but not in a way to conceal his face totally. Finally, slung across his shoulders was an oak bow and a quiver of arrows.
However, the one thing that stood out most of all about this man, were the two large, white and majestic wings protruding from his shoulders that seemed to shimmer slightly with magic and with a simple wave of his hand, the wings shimmered out of view.
"Everfree, Angel of Nature." Celestia smiled, offering a slight bow.
"Princess Celestia, Princess of the Day and Equestria." Everfree replied, also bowing in response.
Both stood back up straight, facing each other, however, Everfree couldn't help but let a sly smile spread over his face.
"Quite the title you got there, Princess."
Celestia laughed slightly in reply. Oddly enough, it had some sort of effect on Everfree, he felt strange in a way and wasn't sure what it was but was hoping to avoid it if it was what he thought it was.
"Leave us please."
The guards that were around the throne room all bowed to their Princess and then to the Angel who inclined his head in return as gesture of respect. However, Blueblood refused to leave the room.
"I will not leave while this...this freak of nature is here. His very presence is a disgrace to you, Aunty! Surely you see that!"
Then within an instant, the air seemingly got cold and Blueblood shivered intensely. He also found it strangely harder to breath than what it normally was.
"Freak of nature you say?" Everfree asked from behind, but there was no emotion present.
Slowly, the cloaked Angel began to stride forward towards the arrogant Prince. His footsteps echoing throughout the room as they clacked against the marble floor. He gaze wondered all around the throne room as if inspecting it, even resting it occasionally on Celestia.
She knew what he was getting at and wisely did nothing.
He eventually stopped just in front of the now shivering Prince who squirmed under the Angel's gaze that was now locked on him.
"Well, allow me to enlighten you on something, Prince Blueblood." And then to add to the effect, Everfree leaned in closer so that his face was centimetres away from Blueblood's. "I am Nature itself."
Blueblood shivered again as he gulped rather loudly and backed up slightly, nodding hastily, doing anything he could to get as much distance between him and the Angel.
"Now, do as the Princess asked and leave."
Blueblood nodded vigorously and made all haste to leave the room. Once the door was shut behind him, Everfree heard the musical voice of Celestia chuckling slightly behind him.
"Not how I would have handle it, but it was effective enough."
Everfree simply shrugged. "What's been done is done. Now, onto other things. What is it I can help you with, Princess?"
"Well, you start by calling me Celestia please, just plain and simple, no need for titles." The Princess started. "Secondly, I wish for you to watch over and guide my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."
Everfree nodded. "I was told as much, however, why me? You could have called on Ezra. She is the Angel of Guidance."
Celestia smiled at the confused Angel and inclined her head slightly in a gesture of understanding.
"I can understand why your confused. However, Twilight seems more focused on her studies than anything else, I suppose you could say that she doesn't get out often and with you being Nature, I was hoping you could help her appreciate the magic of...Nature and the magic of Friendship in making friends."
Everfree nodded his head a couple of times in contemplation. "I understand. I'll try, but I can't make any promises."
Princess Celestia smiled warmly. "That is all I ask. Although, your not going to be able to go about the way you are. You'll need a more...suitable form."
Everfree knew what the Princess was getting at. The populace probably would overact a little bit to an Angel walking in their midst. Although, the thought of being somewhat like the arrogant Prince he had just spoken with didn't appeal to him.
"If I'm judging you apprehension correctly, you need not worry, you won't being helping Twilight within Canterlot, you'll be doing it in the small town of Ponyville that isn't far from here."
Everfree sighed with relief. However, he had never heard of Ponyville, plenty about Canterlot, but not Ponyville.
Ah well, just a new experience for me. He thought.
"Sounds good to me. Shall we get started then?"
Author's Note
And so Everfree has touched down on Equestria and has met with Princess Celestia and the arrogant, by his reckoning, Prince Blueblood. There also seems to be some other development he is slowly discovering as well
~ShadowfireAngel
Angel of Nature: Guidance
Angel of Nature: Guidance
Twilight Sparkle was currently wondering through the halls of Canterlot Castle as she made her way to the throne room, where her mentor, Princess Celestia had summoned her to. As she always was, Twilight was curious as to what it was her mentor wanted her for but never argued with her decisions.
It would even give her the opportunity to talk about the prophecy she had discovered.
It didn't take much longer for Twilight to reach her destination, even with how large the castle was, then again for Twilight, it helps being in the castle nearly all her life. At the far end of the hall were two large doors, with two Pegasus guards standing either side of the doors, that led into the throne room. She quickly relayed to the guards that the Princess had asked for her and they opened the doors for her, sparing not a word.
Into the throne room she walked and although Princess Celestia was sitting at the far end of the room on her throne, it was the silver furred stallion standing not far from the Princess that caught her attention. She hadn't seen this pony around before and was therefore curious about him.
"Ah, here she is now!" Princess Celestia said, a large smile adorning her face.
Momentarily forgetting about the stallion in the room, Twilight perked up when she realised the Princess was talking about her. She stopped just before the Princess and bowed out of respect to her.
"You called for me, Princess?" She asked after standing back up straight.
"Yes I did. As you may well know, the Summer Sun Celebration will be happening the day after tomorrow, and as I'm sure you also know, one of the towns throughout Equestria hosts this event?"
Twilight simply nodded. She was throwing glances at the stallion, who she now knew was a unicorn, out of the corner of her eye. Just who was this unicorn?
She quickly turned her attention back to the Princess when she started speaking again.
"This year it is going to be held in the nearby town of Ponyville. Now, I would normally send a group of representatives to oversee the preparations, but they are otherwise occupied at this current stage, so I wish for you to go and oversee the preparations."
"Me?" The unicorn mare asked in disbelief.
"Yes, you. I have every confidence in you, Twilight, that you will be able to get this task done." Celestia calmly responded, her smile still ever present.
"Yes, Princess! I won't let you down!" Twilight exclaimed, a smile now also gracing her muzzle.
"I know you want." Celestia said as the two of them shared a nuzzle before turning her gaze to Everfree. "Allow me to introduce the other pony here who I'm sure your curious about."
Indeed she was as she remembered once that he was here, despite having been throwing glances at him moments ago. She turned to face the unicorn, a smile still present on her face as attempted to be friendly, but that was the least of her worries at the moment.
"This is Silver. He will be accompanying you to Ponyville simply because he needs a 'change of scenery' as he put it."
Well played, Princess. Everfree thought slyly and mentally applauded her.
Twilight simply shrugged. She didn't care if he accompanied her, she was simply here to tell her mentor what she had discovered then go complete her task as quickly as possible so that she may continue to look for ways to combat the evil to return, should they return.
"Ok, well nice to meet you." Twilight said as politely as possible before turning back to Princess Celestia. "Can I talk to you please, Princess?"
Knowing that this mostly would be his cue to leave, Everfree spoke up. "We were pretty much finished here anyway, Princess?"
"Yes, indeed. You may now leave and I wish you all the best in Ponyville, Silver."
Everfree bowed to Princess Celestia for the second time inside the time span of two hours, turned on his heels and proceeded towards the double doors. When he got halfway, he heard Twilight speak up again as she must have assumed he wouldn't be able to hear what she was saying from where he was.
"I have come across a prophecy that may very well leave Equestria in ruins if we don't do something to prepare!"
"And what is this prophecy you came across in those dusty, old tomes, my faithful student?"
And just like that, Twilight began reciting the exact prophecy and then followed it up with some pretty damning reasoning.
"'The Mare in the Moon, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal.' Princess, that is the day after tomorrow!"
Celestia simply laughed at Twilight's statement. "Twilight, you simply must stop reading those old books. The Mare in the Moon is a ponytale, nothing more. Now, while your Ponyville, I wish for you to also make some friends. Do this for me?"
Twilight sighed. "Yes, Princess."
Celestia gave a hug Twilight. "It won't be so bad. Now go."
Twilight turned to leave pretty much at the same time as Everfree looked back at the Princess despite having supposedly left, but Twilight walked straight past him without noticing or if she did, she didn't care. Now, that she was gone and his curiosity peaked, Everfree walked back over to Celestia.
"Is it true? Is Nightmare Moon, or rather, Princess Luna due to return?"
Celestia's smile had faded seconds ago as she nodded with what was obviously a heavy heart. Everfree knew vaguely what had happened, but he never knew the full story of what truly happened and given how Celestia was taking it at the moment, he didn't want to.
"Yes, the day after tomorrow marks the thousandth year...the day I had to banish my dear sister."
Everfree changed back into his Angelic form and moved over to the Ruler of the Day. He gently place a hand upon her shoulder after noticing a stray tear run down her muzzle. Said Princess looked up at the Angel and smiled gratefully, although, she was slightly surprised when Everfree took it a step further and hugged her, both arms and wings.
It was only in a reassuring manner though.
A smile wormed its way back onto Celestia's face as she returned the hug simply by wrapping her wings around Everfree.
"Thank you, Everfree. It would seem I chose correct in requesting your aid. You seem to understand me well."
"Well, I'm not the Angel of Nature for nothing you know." Everfree smirked.
Celestia giggled slightly which drew Everfree in. Again, there was slight flutter in his emotions at hearing the Princess laugh, well giggle in this case. The Angel of Nature frowned slightly but straightened it again as the two move apart from each other, as they gazed into each others eyes.
For a mere seconds, but what felt like hours to them, the Angel and Alicorn Princess seemed to get lost in each others eyes before Everfree quickly realised what was going as their faces suddenly seemed closer and rapidly tore his gaze away from hers.
Dammit! I can't get involved with anyone! Let alone an Alicorn Princess!
"I...I...I should probably get going now."
Celestia simply nodded and watched as Everfree simply backed away, changed back into a unicorn then left her in the throne room.
Many thoughts were raging through her mind. She's had millennium to contemplate emotions such as what she just experienced with the Angel, but she knew full well that he wouldn't be able to engage in a romantic relationship, even if his heart wished it.
It was simply the rules of the Angels and she had to be honest with herself, it did hurt her that the one pony, or Angel in this case, that would be able to understand her, care for her and potentially love her was unable to pursue his feelings.
Princess Celestia simply sighed as she accepted this fate.
Author's Note
Onwards to Ponyville! Things seem to be drawing a Princess and an Angel closer together, but what is it? I know I know, but do you?
Leave me comment and let me know how I did!
~ShadowfireAngel
Angel of Nature: Guidance
Angel of Nature: Guidance
Damn Angelic laws...it also doesn't help that I'm the Angel of Nature...oh well, nothing I can do about it.
With his current course being Ponyville, Everfree had been mulling over what had happened between him and Princess Celestia for quite sometime now, ever since he left actually and while he was faintly aware of Spike, Twilight's baby dragon and assistant, talking to the purple unicorn, he wasn't focused on it at the moment.
From up here in the carriage that the Princess had supplied for them to be carried in, the Angel of Nature felt at peace but he couldn't experience the true freedom of flying around and enjoying the feeling the wind whipping in his face. For now, he was going to have to be content with this.
"Yes, yes it does. You know why? Because I'm right! I'll check on the preparations as fast as I can, then get to the library to find some proof of Nightmare Moon's return."
Twilight talking is what brought Everfree's thoughts back to reality as heard what she was saying as he simply rolled his eyes.
This mare will do nothing but study...this could be the most difficult one of the species I may have to deal with...
"Uh huh...and what about making friends like the Princess asked?"
The carriage was starting to touch down as Twilight spoke up once more, announcing that she had no time to make friends. All she was going to do was check on the preparations then research more on the Mare in the Moon because 'Equestria does not rest me making friends.'
This mare is impossible!
They all disembarked with Twilight quickly thanking the Pegasus guards who had flown them to Ponyville while Everfree simply gave them a nod, which they returned. Normally, Everfree would have went off somewhere else but seeing as he had to try and guide Twilight to making friends, he may as well stay with her.
"If it's alright with you, I'll be staying with you for a bit as I want to meet some of the locals and seeing as your going to be meeting some of them with the preparations and all, I thought I may as well come with."
Twilight simply shrugged. She didn't seem to care whether or not he came, she was just eager to get started and finished at the same time.
"Spike, where are we going first?" She asked her assistant.
"Summer Sun Celebration official overseer's checklist. Number one, banquet preparations: Sweet Apple Acres." He read from the scroll he pulled out.
"If I may, when we were approaching, I saw what looked to be an apple farm over that way." Everfree spoke, pointing in the direction he believed to be the apple farm.
Twilight nodded and simply headed in that direction, again not really caring whether or not Everfree joined her. The Angel simply sighed and followed after her.
Everfree now understood well why this area was called 'Sweet Apple Acres.' For as far the eye could see, there were lots and lots and lots of apple trees, some looking bare as if they had just been harvested, while others still had apples on them.
"Yeehaw!" Came cry seemingly out of nowhere.
There was suddenly a loud thump from behind them and as they turned around, they saw all the apples on an apple tree fall off and land in all the baskets around the tree, not one apple missing. Everfree let out a low whistle in amazement while Twilight just rolled her eyes and approached the orange mare that was standing near the baskets, looking rather proud.
"Let's get this over with..." Twilight said. "Good afternoon, my name is Twilight Sparkle-"
The orange mare suddenly grabbed Twilight's hoof and started shaking it vigorously which Everfree found slightly amusing, especially after the mare let go considering Twilight's hoof didn't stop moving up and down until she forced it to.
"Well, howdy-doo, Miss Twilight, a pleasure makin' your acquaintance. Ah'm Applejack. We here at Sweet Apple Acres sure do like making new friends!"
"Greetings to you, Applejack. I'm Silver and you'll most likely see more of me as I'm moving into Ponyville now. Needed a change of scenery." Everfree explained with a warm smile as held his hoof out.
"A pleasure makin' your acquaintance as well, Silver! Y'all be findin' Ponyville to be a great place to be livin' in!" Applejack said as she smiled in return as she shook Everfree's hoof, but not a vigorously as Twilight's.
"Now, what can I do y'all for?" Applejack queried as she turned back to Twilight.
"Well, I am in fact here to supervise preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration. You're in charge of the food, correct?"
This should be interesting...
Applejack smiled largely. "We sure as sugar are! Come right this way!"
Everfree followed after but Twilight was a bit hesitant, however, after some persuasion from Applejack in the form of sampling some of it, Twilight followed as well and soon, both unicorns were equally surprised to see the amount of apple products that were present on the table in front of them. Again, Everfree let out a low whistle in amazement.
Wow...they sure are good when it comes to apples.
"Allow me ta introduce y'all to the Apple family."
Everfree could see that this was going to take sometime but that didn't bother him, it did with Twilight as she tried weasel her way out. Applejack went on to introduce every single pony that was present with a slight pause for breath. All bar one of the ponies were up and awake, Granny Smith, as Applejack introduced, was still asleep till the orange mare awoke her.
"Up'n'attem, Granny Smith, we got guests."
As Granny Smith slowly made her way over, Twilight chuckled nervously and slowly started to back away before the small filly that was known as Apple Bloom looked up at Twilight with innocent eyes.
"Aren't you gonna stay for brunch?"
"Sorry but we have an awful lot to do..."
The whole Apple family sighed in disappointment.
Cue the guilty conscience.
Twilight groaned. "Fine..."
This time the family cheered happily as Twilight joined, as did Everfree, for something to eat.
...
The trio were currently walking back through the town with Twilight groaning about having eaten too much but still wanting to know what was next to do.
"Next is weather...there is supposed to be a Pegasus pony named Rainbow Dash clearing the skies." Spike explained as he again read the scroll he had.
"Doesn't look like she's doing a very good job." Twilight dryly remarked before she suddenly found herself a puddle of mud.
"Uh, 'scuse me?" The blue mare, that had crashed into her, sheepishly laughed. "Lemme help you."
The blue mare suddenly flew off somewhere, grabbed a cloud, came back, put it over the top of Twilight and then jumped on it, causing rain the come gushing out, drenching Twilight with water but also cleaning her in the process.
"Oops, I guess I overdid it." The mare said, again laughing slightly. " Um, uh, how about this?"
She suddenly flew around and around Twilight at a very fast speed, causing a rainbow tornado to spin around Twilight, sucking away all the mud and water, before flying into the air a little ways away and landing on the ground.
"My very own patented Rain-Blow Dry! No no. Don't thank me. You're quite welcome."
The mare then looked at Twilight and just burst out laughing, as did Spike and Everfree couldn't resist laughing as well as Twilight's mane and tail was all messed up and poofy.
"Let me guess, you're Rainbow Dash."
Rainbow Dash was suddenly in Twilight's face at the mention of her name. "The one and only. Why, you heard of me? Either of you?"
"I heard you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear." Twilight sighed. "I'm Twilight Sparkle, and the Princess sent me to check on the weather."
"As for me, Miss Dash, I'm Silver. You'll probably be seeing more of me around here as I'm moving to live here in Ponyville as I need a new change of scenery."
"Cool, I can tell you it'll be great here. Ponyville is 20% cooler than any other place seeing as I'm here."
Everfree chuckled slightly. "Don't let that ego grow too big, Miss Dash."
Rainbow Dash simply grinned at him. "No idea what you could possibly be talking about...and just call me Rainbow Dash, or Rainbow, or Dash, something like that. None of that 'Miss' stuff, save it for Rarity."
Before the two could converse any further, Twilight decided to push in.
"So about the skies..."
Everfree glared slightly at Twilight. Well, that was rude.
"Yeah, yeah, I'll get to it in a snap, I'll do it in a jiffy but I was having a conversation here and then I was going to finish practicing."
Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Practicing for what?"
"The Wonderbolts!" Was all Rainbow Dash replied with before getting up close in Twilight's face again. "They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I'm gonna show 'em my stuff!"
"THE Wonderbolts?"
"Yep!"
"The most talented flyers in all of Equestria?"
"That's them!"
Twilight scoffed. "Please, they'd never accept a Pegasus who can't even keep the sky clear for one measly day."
Rainbow glared at Twilight. "Hey! I could clear these skies in ten seconds flat."
Twilight smirked in defiance. "Prove it."
Rainbow smirked in return as she leapt into the air, destroying a cloud above her in the process before zooming around the sky, clearing out any other clouds she came across. Ironically, Everfree found himself counting how long she was taking, and true to her word, she managed to finish in exactly ten seconds.
Rainbow Dash had a laugh at Twilight, saying they should hang out again some other time and said the same to Everfree as well as welcoming him to Ponyville before flying away as they shared a quick hoofbump. Everfree and Spike laughed slightly at Twilight's expense.
"Look, I know you wish to get it over done with so tell me what the last thing on that list and I'll go do it for you." Everfree said, having calmed down somewhat.
"Spike?"
"Music is last, and should be getting done that way." Spike read before pointing to a bridge that led to the outskirts of town.
Everfree nodded and began heading that way.
...
It wasn't hard for the Angel of Nature to feel at peace once again as he left the town behind him. Simply standing out in the open and enjoying the breeze made him feel great so he slowly dug his hooves into the earth beneath him as he closed his eyes and enjoyed the silence around him.
Until he heard some noise that sounded harmonious to him.
Having the need to go investigate, Everfree brought his hooves back out of the earth and followed the noise and soon found himself watching a yellow mare directing some birds in singing. He assumed this was the music he was looking for. However, he stayed where he was for now, as to not scare the mare as he had a feeling she was easily scared. He let the music continue playing till the mare had to stop them briefly.
"Excuse me?" He quietly spoke.
Author's Note
Meetings with the Elements of Harmony, not that they know yet, have begun. Everfree seems to already be making as many friends as he can.
Shows he truly is one with nature. Leave a comment letting me know what you think!
~ShadowfireAngel
Angel of Nature: Guidance
Angel of Nature: Guidance
Fluttershy had been attending to her birds that were going to singing at the Summer Sun Celebration. So far, she was happy with the results despite all minor fixes that had occurred.
Like now.
One of her birds had fallen out of rhythm slightly with the rest causing Fluttershy to stop them.
"Excuse me, sir? I mean, no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off." She explained in a soft and caring voice.
The bird nodded graciously at Fluttershy, who smiled in return. She was just about to start them going again until she heard a voice speak from somewhere behind her.
"Excuse me?"
Although the voice didn't speak overly loud, the fact that someone was there still made Fluttershy jump somewhat in surprise. The birds were also slightly surprised as they didn't see the unicorn standing where he was.
"Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you, miss." They said.
Fluttershy turned around nervously to see who was there. She came face to face with a silver furred unicorn standing a few metres away from her.
"It's alright...I just wasn't expecting anyone to be here..." She replied softly.
The silver furred unicorn took a few steps closer to Fluttershy making her grew slightly more nervous, although, as he got closer, there was something about the unicorn that now actually made her calm down somewhat.
The unicorn in question was currently looking at the birds Fluttershy had been speaking with moments ago and smiled.
"I see you have an appreciation for nature."
Fluttershy perked up slightly at that. "Oh yes, ever since I was a filly I have loved animals and have come to care for many of them."
The unicorn nodded before realising something. "Oh where are my manners, I am Silver. You will be seeing more of me in Ponyville as I'm moving here to have a change of scenery, and I see I may have made the right choice."
"Do you like nature as well, mister Silver? Oh and I'm Fluttershy."
"Yes, I do indeed and please, just call me Silver." Silver answered, now smiling at Fluttershy.
Fluttershy smiled right back at Silver. Being in this unicorn's presence for some reason her feel calmer then she has ever been in the past. Usually, the calmest she ever is when she is alone with her animal friends. However, Fluttershy was now wondering why Silver was looking around in the immediate vicinity.
With a smile still present on his face and now sure there was no-one else around, Everfree took the biggest risk he had ever taken in going to other worlds. Normally, he would never consider doing this unless he had no other choice, but with Fluttershy, being a lover of nature as well and seeming like a mare who keeps to herself often, he felt he could share this with her.
"How good are you at keeping secrets, Fluttershy?"
The question caught her off guard as her eyes widen considerably.
"Secrets? Well, I don't share much with others often so...pretty well. Why are you asking me though?"
Again, Everfree had quick glance around the area to make sure they were alone, excluding the birds because he was pretty sure they already knew who he was.
"Normally, I wouldn't tell or show anyone else who I really am unless the situation called for it, but seeing as you a fellow nature lover, I know I can trust you not to tell anyone else. So, I'm putting a lot at risk by doing this you understand?"
Fluttershy simply nodded and then watched in amazement as the unicorn before her turned into a bipedal creature standing taller then her. Normally, she would've have been scared at what was going on, but she immediately recognised who was now standing in front of her,
"Oh my gosh..." She whispered.
"I see you know who I am."
Fluttershy nodded. "You are Everfree, Angel of Nature! This is such an honor! I won't let you down."
Everfree got down on his knees and placed a hand on Fluttershy's shoulder, smiling warmly at her.
"I know you won't. When we are in town however, I ask that you refer to me as Silver. No-one else, other then Princess Celestia, knows of my real identity."
Again, Fluttershy nodded. "I can do that."
Everfree's smile widen slightly. Fluttershy was such an innocent mare but a loving and caring one nonetheless, he knew she wouldn't say anything unless she was given no other choice. If that was the case, then he could forgive her for that.
With nothing more to reveal, Everfree simply changed back into his unicorn form with a bit of a sigh. "I always miss my wings when I have to change form."
"Then why not be a Pegasus?" Fluttershy asked as she flapped her wings lightly to reinforce the point.
Everfree chuckled. "Because then I would miss my magic, and more often then not, I need it. For example, your feeling calm now aren't you? That's because I have a magical aura that generally calms things within a few feet of me, without a form that can use magic, I can't use that, and that is my most basic power."
Fluttershy nodded in understanding.
"And I'm sure you understand why I didn't choose to be an Alicorn. An Alicorn wandering around the town isn't exactly the most subtle thing around but anyway, what say we head back to town?"
"Ok, I was just about finished anyway." Fluttershy quietly said with a nod.
"Oh, that reminds me. You were here doing the music for the Summer Sun Celebration right?"
Fluttershy nodded. "Yes I was."
"Well, you have done a very good job, Fluttershy. Now, let's head off."
Everfree and Fluttershy had wondered back into town just in time to see Twilight running towards what looked to be a treehouse. Everfree looked amuse as he assumed she had ran from something that she didn't want to be a part of, however, Fluttershy saw something that piqued her interest.
"Is that a baby dragon?"
"That's Spike, and from what I gather, he is Twilight's assistant."
"Oh, I simply must speak with him and learn all there is!"
After Twilight disappeared into the building, the two ponies followed after. However, they heard a rather loud sound as they got near the building, it had sounding like someone, or a bunch of someones, had shouted 'surprise' and considering the fact that Fluttershy had giggled slightly, Everfree had a feeling she knew what it was.
"Seems Pinkie Pie has thrown another of her parties."
Fluttershy walked into the building with Everfree entering not far behind her and when he got inside, to say he was surprised would be an understatement. The inside of the tree had been completely hollowed out to make it look like a room and there were bookshelves all around the place, with stairs off to the far right leading up to what Everfree assumed to be living space.
Wow...although, should have figured there'd be a library here, just wasn't expecting this.
"Come meet my friends, Silver." Fluttershy said, pausing briefly to make sure she had said the correct name.
Fluttershy led Everfree through the crowd of ponies to a group of four mares, two of which he recognised, conversing and as the two approached, they looked at them, smiling at them both.
"Well, howdy, Fluttershy. Ah see you have met Silver." Applejack said.
Fluttershy simply nodded.
"Hey Silver!" Rainbow greeted, smiling happily, sharing another hoofbump with him.
Everfree looked at the other two ponies that he didn't know. One was a white furred mare with a very stylish purple mane and tail, her Cutie Mark being three diamonds. The other was a pink furred mare with a very poofy pink mane and tail, but it looked better then what Twilight's had when Rainbow messed it up, her Cutie Mark was three balloons.
"Hi there! I'm Pinkie Pie! Your new here as well aren't you? I saw you with Twilight earlier today and just had to throw a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party for you both! Two new people for me to know now!" The pink mare said quickly, getting right up in Everfree's face.
"Simmer down, Pinkie." Applejack said, pulling the mare back.
"As for me, darling, I am Rarity. I own the Carousel Boutique. Do stop by if you need anything designed."
After introductions, the six ponies simply conversed.
...
Throughout the night, the six ponies that now all knew each other, simply talked with each other, getting to know one another better until they were moved over to the town hall where the celebration was to take place and till it was time, the ponies continued talking with one another.
"Filles and gentlecolts!" Mayor Mare called and once all ponies looked at her, she continued.
"As mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!"
All the ponies crowded in the current room cheered with joy before quieting down to allow the Mayor to continue once again.
"In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year!"
Again, the ponies cheered.
"And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria..."
Everyone waited with baited breath, Rarity prepared to pull the curtain open that was hiding the Princess, Fluttershy made sure her birds were ready and when Mayor was sure every pair of eyes was on her, she finished.
"Princess Celestia!"
As the curtain opened, Everfree's heart nearly stopped when he saw that Princess wasn't where she should have been and feared for the worst. Looking out a nearby window and up at the moon, his heart sunk. A few seconds ago, there was a shadow of a mare's head on it, but now it was gone and Everfree knew what this meant.
Oh no...
Purple smoke rolled into the building, cause everypony to become nervous and chatter anxiously, trying to discern what was going and before too long, they got their answer as the purple smoke turned into the corporal form of a pony...a pony both Everfree and Twilight had hoped wouldn't appear.
"Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious, little sun-loving faces."
Rainbow Dash was immediately, or tried to be, in the mare's face, demanding that she tell them where Princess Celestia was. Applejack was the one restraining her though, if only just.
The mare simply chuckled. "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?"
Pinkie went into a rant about the possible names that could be the mare's but the mare was starting to get annoyed very quickly.
"Does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not recall the legend? Did you not see the signs?"
"I did." Everypony looked to see Twilight had spoken. "And I know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon – Nightmare Moon!"
Nightmare Moon chuckled again. "Well, well, well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here."
"You're here to... to..." Twilight stuttered.
Don't say it...don't let it be true. Everfree silently hoped.
"Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!"
Nightmare Moon laughed madly and evilly as thunder echoed throughout the town hall along with her cries of laughter, causing all the ponies to fear for the worst and indeed it was the worst.
Nightmare Moon has returned...
Author's Note
Nightmare Moon has returned! How is this issue going to be dealt with? How is Everfree going to help deal with the problem? Stick around to find out!
And don't forget to leave a comment telling me how I did!
~ShadowfireAngel
Angel of Nature: Guidance
Angel of Nature: Guidance
Laughter from Nightmare Moon and screams from all other ponies are what filled the room, however one voice, Mayor Mare's, was heard above all others as she pointed a hoof at Nightmare Moon.
"Seize her!" She yelled, "Only she knows where the Princess is!"
Two Pegasus guards that were present launched into action, flying full speed at Nightmare Moon, seemingly fearless. However, Nightmare Moon was prepared for them, her night sky mane billowing about and holding them back.
As quick as she appeared, she turned into a mist and flew out of the building, Rainbow Dash in hot pursuit. Everfree would have chased after as well, but he had other plans and while it would include going after Nightmare Moon, it was how he was going to go about it.
He noticed that Twilight had slipped away, presumably back to the treehouse library and it would seem that the other girls, Rainbow most likely included, had gone after her. Everfree wouldn't be surprised if they questioned her throughly, perhaps she would learn something in the process.
He slipped out of the building and started heading out of town. After crossing the bridge at the edge of town, moving past where he met Fluttershy, Everfree soon came face to face with the infamous Everfree Forest which he found ironic, considering it was named after him.
Although, from what he had heard, the forest is in complete chaos, clouds move on their own and animals fend for themselves. Apparently it's not 'natural', but Everfree was Nature itself and he would be damned if Nature here would stop him, even if such Nature was beyond his control.
With a steel resolve, he strided in confidently despite still being in the form of Unicorn. It was a spine chilling place to be in, especially at night but the silver Unicorn was going to endure it if it meant bringing back the Princess.
Or even two of them...maybe even preserving life in the process.
Every minute and every hoof clop grated on Everfree's nerves, but it soon ended, for better or worse the Angel did not know. The path opened into a small clearing and seconds later the whole clearing went extremely dark, the trees around him lighting up in contorted faces of horror.
Everfree's heart was beating rapid and he forced his eyes closed, taking a few steadying breaths before opening his eyes again, staring directly at each of the faces before speaking up in a soft voice.
"Spirits of the Everfree Forest, leave this place and let it be in peace. You need not terrify those that move through here."
A deep chuckle echoed throughout the clearing causing Everfree to begin looking around to isolate the source of the laugh. It was hard to see anything with the clearing being darker than what it was but he was fairly certain he knew who it was.
"You seriously think there are spirits here? Spirits do not exist here, it is the simple will of life that controls this forest. You of all beings should know that...Everfree."
"Any forest has spirits that guides it through its actions, whether for ill or good. I wouldn't expect you to know however Nightmare Moon." Everfree countered.
From directly in front of him appeared a large mare, standing several feet taller than him and could be identified as an Alicorn with her wings and large, long horn. She was clad in what could only be described as armour, covering most of her body.
"And, pray tell, what makes you so sure of that?"
Everfree shrugged. "Simple, you and Princess Luna are that of the Night, I am Nature itself and am linked with Nature anywhere. I know what and what doesn't exist."
"I am of the Night! Not Luna!" Nightmare Moon growled.
"Oh? And how long has Luna reigned over the Night while you slowly manifested? How long while you slowly consumed her and twisted her emotions? Why not simply rid yourself from her body and start anew in another or your own?"
"I would of if I could have but I was restricted, restrained within Luna so I did the next best thing, I locked her within her body and now the Night is mine and always mine!"
"You realise the Spirits of the Harmony will come looking for you, to put an end to you? I can give you life anew and somewhere away from here. You need only release Luna's body back to her and promise never to bother Equestria again."
Silence, absolute and complete silence lapsed between the two as Nightmare Moon went deep into thinking, considering the Angel's proposal. If what he was saying was true, she could have her own body and most likely her own land to rule, land that would forever be shrouded in night.
However, before she could reply, there was something within her that alerted her but it wasn't anything to do with Everfree, it was to do with her creations she had made to drive back any pony that attempted to reach the castle deep within the forest.
"We'll continue this another time."
She had barely finished before turning into a mist, floating away at a rapid speed towards the castle, growling internally and cursing herself for not having set up better defences than what she had.
Everfree had been chasing after almost straight after she started floating away, having a fair idea of where she was going and what had triggered her response. He just hoped he could get there in time to stop any drastic harm.
To both the Harmony Spirits and Nightmare Moon.
It took him over ten minutes, after passing a tamed Manticore and calmed serpent, but the Castle of the Royal Sisters finally came into view. A bridge, which Everfree assumed was not tied earlier, was tied at the other end but looked rather unstable, nonetheless, he crossed hurriedly.
Everfree paused momentarily as he looked back at the bridge he just crossed. His mind also flickered back to the tamed manticore that he had passed. That was none of his doing, neither was the calmed serpent. Someponys were ahead of him, someponys were now in the castle.
Flashes of light from the tallest tower drew Everfree's attention and he ran towards it. The sounds of a struggle greeted his ears as he barrelled up the tallest tower of the castle, hearing Twilight's final words about the Spirits of the Elements of Harmony being present with her, her friends, friends she had recently discovered.
Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash.
A bright flash came forth just as Everfree entered the room where all were. Nightmare Moon at the far end of the room and the six mares near him, all their backs towards him and all hovering in the air as the power of the Elements took their course.
Acting quickly, Everfree closed his eyes and lit up his horn, muttering a small sentence under his breath.
"Spirits and Elements of Harmony, be fair on Nightmare Moon for she knew not what she had done. Give her over to me and I'll see her away from here."
The room shook as magic flooded the entire room, Nightmare Moon's cry of defeat echoing throughout the room as she tried desperately to bat away the Elements power that rained down on her.
White light exploded throughout the room as everypony was knocked backwards, making all collapse onto their stomach. Groans of protest ran from each mare as they made sure everypony was alright, quickly complementing each other on their necklaces and Twilight's crown once positive everypony was fine.
Everfree groaned as he got to his hooves and swayed slightly when he felt a lingering presence in his mind. He smiled when he realised his prayer had been answered. Nightmare Moon lay dormant within his mind, safe and sound.
His Angelic Essence would essentially keep her at rest and kept her contained until he released her from within himself.
"Silver? What are you doing here?"
Everfree glanced up to see all six mares looking at him in confusion and he himself was starting to have troubles coming up with some kind of explanation. Thankfully one wouldn't be needed for his hide was saved...this time at least.
"I told him to do an investigation of the forest."
All eyes turned the far end of the room and to a window where the sun could be seen rising up over the horizon but standing there in all her beauty and grace was Princess Celestia, a large smile across her face, showing how proud she was.
"Princess Celestia!"
All six mares bowed down, giving their respect to the Princess before Twilight got up and rushed over, leaning up and nuzzling the Princess with her returning it, much like a mother does with a young foal.
Princess Celestia and Everfree found that both their gazes were locked once again as either one of them tried to determine what to say next. Never before had the Angel of Nature found himself so speechless before and so many times.
"Were you able to find what I ask you to look for?"
Everfree nodded, getting the underlying message that Princess Celestia had sent him. She was basically asking if Nightmare Moon was contained, safe and sound. With a light tap of his head and small smile, Everfree replied.
"It's all up here, ready to take home."
Princess Celestia smiled and nodded. "You may go do that then."
With a bow of his head, Everfree turned about and exited the room, descending the stairs quickly as well as being forgotten about by all mares in the room he was just in when they come to the realisation of another discovery.
Everfree knew that Princess Luna was free of Nightmare Moon once again, but he had another task of his own that he had to complete. Making sure there was no-one around, the Angel shifted back into his natural form, his two majestic wings spreading wide and proud.
With a simple incantation muttered under his breath, eyes closed and arms spread, Everfree willed himself back to the place he consider to be his true home.
The Garden of Tranquility.
It was here that Everfree created a separate space that he believed Nightmare Moon would love to be apart of and live. A land of eternal darkness where she could live with other nocturnal creatures and perhaps he could 'create' a few new species for her, pony-like, so that she wasn't alone.
With the landscape set, Everfree reached within himself and guided out the presence in his mind, a light forming in front of him as he gently set it on the ground where the light disappeared to reveal Nightmare Moon, still as she was when defeated by Harmony.
She stirred almost as soon as she was settled on the ground. Her eyes flitted open, head rising up off the ground and glancing around, to get a bearing of where she was, confusion filling her eyes.
"This your new home, a place of everlasting night."
Nightmare Moon looked over to Everfree, taking in his natural form for the first time before switching her gaze back to the surrounding landscape. She could hardly believe that the Angel had been true to his word.
"All for me?" She asked with uncertainty.
Everfree nodded, a smile gliding across his lips. "Yes, and we change it suit you further if you wish."
Author's Note
Nightmare Moon and Princess Luna are now two completely separate beings, Nightmare Moon now being provided with her domain for not only her protection, but so that she may have her wish an everlasting night.
There is still more to come so keep reading to find out how Everfree's journey turns out and as always, don't forget to leave a comment to let me know how I did!
~ShadowfireAngel
Angel of Nature: Guidance
Angel of Nature: Guidance
"You sure?"
For the past few hours now, Everfree had been trying to convince Nightmare Moon to allow him to 'create' more company for her, based on what she wanted but she was constantly declining, saying that she was content with his already existing Nature.
She let a laugh in reply. Another thing that Everfree completely confused was that she had seemed to do a complete one-eighty in terms of her personality. Instead of being cruel and whatnot, she seemed to be caring, it all confused him greatly.
Females... He thought.
"I'm positive. What you have here already is fine, it shall do me fine."
The Angel of Nautre gave a shrug, not bothering to argue the point any further, knowing that it would most likely get him no-where. Besides, he needed get back to his other job that he had been tasked with.
"Alright then. If you need anything just mentally or verbally call for Aleera, she'll be able to assist you in anyway she can."
Nightmare Moon nodded. "I will, now go back. I'm sure Princess Celestia doesn't want you gone to long."
She reinforced her point further by pushing Everfree along with one of her wings which he chuckled to, shaking his head in amusement before willing himself away from the Heavens once again and back to Equestria.
...
Twilight and Applejack had just finished picking apples from one of the many orchards on Sweet Apple Acres and we're now heading back to the barn to drop of the bushels of apples they were carrying.
However, with Spike sorting through Twilight's bushels, and by sorting he was throwing them on the ground, all that work would be for nothing soon.
"Thank y'all kindly, Twilight, for helping me out. Ah bet Big Mac Ah could get all these Golden Delicious in the barn by lunchtime. If Ah win, he's gonna walk down Stirrup Street in one of Granny's girdles."
Both girls giggled at that thought, Applejack more so as she was fairly certain she was going to win the bet she had placed with her brother.
"No problem at all, Applejack. I'm glad the goal is lunchtime. All this hard work is making me hungry."
"I know, right?" Spike chirped.
A deep chuckle came from behind them, causing them to look over their shoulder as they saw Silver walking up the road behind them.
"If I'm guessing right, I doubt you've done much Spike."
"That's an understatement." Twilight said with a roll of her eyes.
"Howdy Silver! What brings y'all out this way?"
"Just figured I'd get to know my neighbours, particularly if six of them are going to be the wielders of the Elements of Harmony." Silver explained.
"Wait a minute...how do you know about the Elements of Harmony." Twilight asked, moving closer to Silver.
"Well, I'm a lot closer to than Princess than what I said I was and it has it's perks, such as being informed about powerful artefacts of Equestria."
Both Twilight and Applejack accepted the reasoning for what it was, despite the fact that the latter was the Element of Honesty, so she'd know if he was lying or not, yet she didn't seem to think he was.
Nor did she have any reason to.
"Well how's about we head over to the barn and we can get acquainted there."
The two mares and stallion, or rather Angel, trotted along the path that lead them back to the home of Sweet Apple Acres where Applejack and her family lived. Silver enjoyed the walk, or trot in this case, he always enjoyed a walk wherever it may lead him.
"So with the trouble that occurred only last night, your already back to work?" Silver asked, breaking the silence as he tried to make small talk.
Applejack gave a chuckle. "Sure am, Sugarcube. Just 'cause something occurs doesn't stop us Apples from doin' our work."
"Dedicated, very nice. I guess Ponyville would have you and your family to thank for its delicious apples and apple products."
"Thanks Silver. That's not tha first time Ah have heard that compliment."
"Well he does have a point, Applejack." Twilight chirped. "Ponyville has some of best apples I've eaten."
"Can we just hurry up?" Spike whined. "I'm hungry."
All three ponies laughed at Spike's expense and that's the way it was for most of the trip, Spike whining from Twilight's back about how hungry he was as he continued 'sorting' through the apples on her back.
That was until he held up a large and very shiny red apple.
"A-ha!" He exclaimed before promptly eating it.
"Spike!" Twilight groaned.
Spike's paws quickly went to stomach as he made a face of sickness and made gagging sounds before burping loudly as a wisp of magic flew out of his mouth, forming into a scroll, a letter specifically.
"Hear ye, hear ye. Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce The Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of, eh, yadda yadda yadda, cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest."
"The Grand Galloping Gala!" Squealed both mares.
"The Grand Galloping Gala huh?" Silver asked, making it seem like he was disappointed.
It caught both the mares attention as they turned their gazes towards him, the lingering question speaking out from their eyes.
"I've spent nearly my whole life in Canterlot and with how close I was to the Princess, I still had miss every Gala...there was always some important job that needed to be done on that night."
"Oh wow...what about you Spike? Ever been to the Gala?" Twilight asked.
"No, and I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense."
That made Silver raise one of his eyebrows at Spike. Obviously he hadn't heard what the Unicorn had just said or he did and just disregarded it.
"'Girly frilly frou-frou nonsense?' Spike, in case you didn't hear, I was basically saying I've wanted to go to the Gala."
"So?"
"Well, wouldn't you technically be calling me 'girl' then?"
Spike simply shrugged, not completely understanding what Silver was getting at, the latter of the two was just shaking his head as a sigh escaped his mouth but quickly pushed it aside as he moved his attention to Applejack.
"What about you Applejack? Ever been?"
"I wish I have. Ah'd love to go. Land sakes, if Ah had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles 'til the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business Ah could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big McIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip."
"Wow..." Silver murmured after Applejack had finally finished.
"Why, Ah'd give my left hind leg to go."
"Twilight, why don't you-"
Silver was suddenly cut off by a loud cry of alarm from above followed by a loud thud as something hit the ground, that something being none other than the rainbow maned mare, Rainbow Dash. The silver furred Unicorn turned his gaze upwards to that there was a pillow set up in the branch of tree.
"Napping on the job?" He asked with a chuckle.
"Nah, just napping. Anyway, are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?"
Applejack stepped up in Rainbow's face. "I thought you were too busy to help harvest apples and you were napping this whole time? Or should I say spyin'?"
"I was napping and happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?"
"Yeah, but-"
Silver was starting to tune out now. It was just a constant back and forth of who should get the ticket, why and what their dreams for going to Gala were. Couldn't they just simply go just to spend time as friends?
Although, that brought up another question in Silver's mind.
He turned to leave but spoke, letting the three arguing mares know what he was doing.
"I gotta go now girls and you two might want to do Twilight a favour and let her decide, let her think about it."
The three mares watched him as he trotted away, curious as to why he suddenly departed, but all shrugged it off and were soon arguing again, completely ignoring Silver's last words.
...
Silver was soon back in town, although he had no idea where to go from where he was. He tried desperately to remember where everything was in relation to everything else, but it was to no avail. He was about a nearby pony for directions when a voice spoke out to him.
"Silver?"
He turned to see Fluttershy approaching him, a small smile gracing her features. He smiled in return, thankful that somepony had come to him and not he to another.
"Hello Fluttershy. How are you?"
"I'm well enough thank you, I am just getting something's for some of the animal critters I care for."
Indeed she cared for animals, Silver remembered this well and figured he may stop by her place one day to see how she goes about caring for her woodland creatures. It would be an interesting experience.
"Perhaps I'll stop by one day?" Silver asked.
Fluttershy nodded eagerly. "Oh yes please, I would very much like that, and I'm sure my animal friends would as well."
"Then I shall one day, but for now, can you direct me to the train station please?"
Fluttershy beckoned him to follow her, saying that to get to where she was going that she was going to pass by it, making it easier for Silver to find. He also made note of his surroundings as they went so that next time he'd be able to find his way.
It took them only a few minutes to get there and they bid each other farewell for now, going their separate ways. However, from what Silver could see, Fluttershy had spotted Twilight and the commotion that was going on.
It's going to be a long day for Twilight.
...
After a five minute wait then a further hour, Silver soon found himself in Canterlot once again and it had only been one day since he was last here. Disembarking from the train, he moved through the train station till he was on the main street.
From there he made his way towards the palace, located at the opposite side of the city despite being visible from miles away. There many of the Canterlot ponies were about at the moment, all holding their heads up high.
Stuck up nobles. Silver thought, I can never stand them, no matter the race.
His thoughts were rushed back to his first meeting with Princess Celestia. He was reminded of Prince Blueblood, who he thought was probably the most arrogant of all the nobles, even for royalty.
Silver shook his head of the thoughts and focused on the path before him, winding his way through the streets of Canterlot before finally coming face to face with the palace, the drawbridge being lowered. It was generally always lowered.
He strode across the bridge and up to the grand doors that led into the palace. All guards were aware of who he was, even in his current form, the two at the door bowing low to him as he came closer.
He gave a small bow in return a small smile crossing his face as he asked where he could find the Princess. The guard on his left told him that she could currently being found in her room, most likely going over reports.
Silver thanked them and moved into the palace, traversing it, using his knowledge of its layout to get him to the Princess' room in the shortest possible route. It took roughly five minutes to get there and was thankful when the doors were in front of him.
He nodded his head at the two guards standing either side and they bowed in return as he stepped up to the door and gave three sharp knocks. A faint voice from within echoed out telling him that he may enter.
Opening the door wide, he stepped in before promptly shutting it behind him again and quickly shifting back to his natural form, his wings stretching out wide causing him to sigh in relief. Even as a pony he could feel his wings needing to be stretched.
Although, it was more that they needed to be used.
"You've no idea how much better that feels." Everfree murmured.
"And to what do I owe this visit?" Princess Celestia asked.
Everfree had never seen the Princess' room in full detail before and was surprised by how...graceful it was but it was what he expected, after all, she is a Princess. She'll generally gets the best.
"Well I figured you might like to hear on how Twilight is doing."
"If your referring to her new friends, I'm aware of that. It became evident when they used the Elements."
Everfree nodded. "Yes, I'm aware of that as well, but I was more meaning today."
Celestia tipped her head slightly to one side. "Oh?"
"I noticed that you sent her a letter with two tickets to the Gala, one for herself and a plus one, yet she has five other friends, why not send one for the other five as well?"
Celestia's head straightened again as a smile danced across her lips and a musical laughter springing forth from her mouth, again making Everfree feel drawn in slightly.
Dammit! Stop! Everfree berated himself.
"I would have but I want to see if she can decide that herself and simply ask."
Everfree nodded several times, understanding the reasoning behind the Princess' decision. It would help Twilight to learn to ask when you need help with something or don't want something unless your friends can be with you.
It was at that moment that Celestia's horn flared up, a golden aura coating it as a wisp of magic flowed from it, forming into a scroll much like what had happened with Spike, only this letter was from Twilight.
"Speaking of which..."
Celestia grabbed the scroll in the magic and unraveled it, her eyes skimming over the contents as the smile on her face grew larger, a smile that showed she was proud of what she was reading. She turned the scroll around and moved it over to Everfree.
"Read it."
Everfree grabbed the scroll in his hands and promptly read what was scrawled on the parchment.
Dear Princess Celestia,
I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there's not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful. So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to The Grand Galloping Gala.
The Angel looked up from the scroll and looked over to Celestia who seemed to already be busy with preparing another letter, this time six tickets laying next to it as she wrote down whatever she was writing.
She then rolled it up with the tickets tucked into it before zapping with a bit of magic from her horn, turning it into a mist of magic as it floated away, most likely to Spike. Celestia then gasped as she grabbed another piece of parchment and ticket with her magic, scrawling a small message before sending that one off as well.
"Now they all can go and I would be happy if you could be there as well, Everfree."
The Angel of Nature did not know if he had heard things properly but he could have sworn he heard an underlying tone of hope in her words, maybe something even deeper and given the way she was looking at him he was starting think her emotions may be more prominent than his.
But why? She has had centuries, if not a millennium, to be able to suppress the emotions she doesn't want to display unless she sure, those probably being related to romance. However, it would seem that was coming crashing down with him.
Despite all this, Everfree spoke up with a little emotion than he wanted.
"I'd love to."
Despite only being a smile on her face, Everfree could see in that internally Princess Celestia was absolutely pleased and happy. It was time for Everfree to consult an expert about all of this, he wasn't comfortable pursuing something if it wasn't real or true.
"And as much as I'd like to stay longer, I must leave. I need to check on my home."
...
Everfree was walking through the hallways of the Crystalline Tower, the central structure in Heaven where most Angels reside and where the one Angel was looking for would probably be.
So far his search had turned up nothing, but the tower was large structure so she could be anywhere, however, luck was on his side this time as he could see the Angel walking back his way.
"Aliyah!" He called.
The Angel looked up to see who had called out to her, seeing Everfree walking towards her. A smile graced her features as her eyes told him to continue his inquiry.
"I was hoping you could help me with something."
"And what would that be?"
Everfree then went into a lengthy and deep explanation of everything that he has been feeling in the past few days towards the Princess of the Day. Aliyah's smile grew larger with each detail he added in, knowing exactly what he was feeling.
And to be honest, it surprised her.
"It's love, plain and simple."
Everfree had looked down to the ground after he finished, his head still whirling around the thoughts as he tried to sort them out, but his head came whipping when he heard her words, almost doing a double take.
"You're in love."
Author's Note
It would seem Everfree is now trying to get to solve the mystery that is his conflicting emotions that are in constant turmoil and who better to seek counsel from than th Angel of Love?
It would seem that by Aliyah's understanding, Everfree is in love...but why? Keep reading to find out and remember to please leave a comment letting me know how I did!
~ShadowfireAngel