Sentinel of The Starry Skies

The campfire before me crackled with life, small embers lifting into the sky, framing the pale orb that was the moon. On a night such as this, I could only marvel at the beauty of it all. The crisp night air, the stars twinkling in the dark, and best of all, the serene disc that shone its soft light on all, embracing the land with it's ethereal rays. The wind whistled it's eons old tunes gently in my ears, the soothing melody making me feel at peace. All was calm, all was serene. My camp lay around me, consisting of a simple log that I had found to lay my back agaisnt and the fire in front of me. I didn't know much about camping aside from how to make a fire, but I made do. My camp lay on a hill overlooking a plain, allowing me to hear the sweet and soothing melody of the grass swaying with the wind.

Sadly, this was all I could manage for now, at least until I found civilization. But as of this moment, I just wanted to sit here and enjoy the beauty of the night. I thought back to how I came here. I had just finished making my costume for Sakura Con, and as soon I got it on a portal swept me away. Strangely enough, I didn't miss my family or friends. At least, not as much as I thought I would. Then again, I hadn't had a real family or real friends for years, and usually all of them were too busy to hang out. Not to mention I just didn't feel a connection with any of them. I knew this was a different world because the constellations were completely different. Not to mention the moon didn't look the same and was much closer than I remember it being. Even so, I liked it. It was beautiful.

Still, I was worried. I needed to find some actual shelter soon. I loved being outdoors, what with the smells and the beauty and the overall sense of a deep rooted connection between man and nature, but everytime I left home for the wilderness I just felt so...lost. So...scared. And with the fact that my armor was now real and I now had a sword and shield as well as knowledge of abilities and techniques that I don't remember having, I grew more worried. Sure, it was cool and all, but it freaked me out a little that I now had that knowledge out of nowhere.

But maybe...this could be my escape. My eyelids felt heavy, and eventually I couldn't stay awake any longer.

I awoke to the feeling of someone poking me on the side of my helmet. I could only tell they were because they were poking with enough force to jostle my head. I gently placed my hand in front of the offending appendage that was poking me and turned to face who was there. To my surprise, it was a butter yellow pegasus pony with a pink mane and cerulean eyes. Thanks to my time on Earth reading fanfiction about MLP, I recognized her as Fluttershy, Element of Kindness. Seems my wish was granted in full.

"Um...hello?" she said timidly.

"Hello," I replied. She seemed somewhat startled by my response.

"Y-you can talk?" she asked, hiding behind her mane.

"Yes. Yes I can. Who are you?" I asked. Didn't want to seem suspicious, knowing her name already before actually meeting her.

"Oh...I'm...Fluttershy..."

"Nice to meet you, I'm..." I began. It didn't feel right, using my real name. So I made up a new one. This was a new world, which meant a new me. Which means I need a new name. "...Praan."

"N-nice to meet y-you too. Um...What are you doing here?"

"Just came from that forest over yonder. Decided to rest here before continuing my look for civilization."

"Oh...W-what are you? If you d-don't mind me asking..."

"I'm human."

"Human? I haven't heard of anything called a human," she said, her voice no longer quavering thanks to her curiosity.

"You haven't?"

"No, not at all," she paused for a moment before asking, "Where do you live?"

"Well..." I hesitated.

"Well what?"

"Pretty much...nowhere." I answered finally.

"You mean you don't have a home?!" she excalimed.

"...Not anymore."

"That's terrible! Don't you have a family to stay with?"

"...I did."

"Oh...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up something painful!"

"It's...fine. You didn't know."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, yeah I'm fine."

"Are you lost?" she asked, taking a seat next to me and wrapping a wing around me.

"Well...Yes."

"Are you okay?"

"Honestly? I don't know."

"Would you like to come with me for a cup of tea? It might help," she asked. I thought about it. I would be getting shelter, at least temporarily. But no doubt she would introduce me to the town or her friends. I'm not sure I'm ready for that. But...it might be fun. Ah, what the hell.

"I don't see why not," I answered. And so we got up, and left after I made sure the fire was out. As we walked, or trotted, in the case of Fluttershy, I noticed that there was a cottage beyond the hill. It wasn't a very long walk, as the cottage was just about fifty yards away. Honestly, I'm surprised I didn't notice it the night before. We crossed a tiny cobblestone bridge with a stream running underneath, and I could see some fish swimming below the waters.

I opened the door for her and she stepped inside, I followed in soon after. As I walked in, my boots creating dull thuds and clanks as I did so, I realized just how little justice the stories did on descriptions of the cottage. The whole place was absolutely riddled with birdcages, mouse holes, multiple grottos, perches, cat posts, dog houses and various other things. Yet somehow it managed to make room for somewhat artistic and rustic furniture. She led me into the dining room and kitchen, where she immediately set about brewing the tea.

"Please, take a seat," she said politely. I complied and took a seat at one of the four chairs made of birch with simple gold trims. Thankfully the chair only cracked slightly as I sat upon it. I waited as patiently as I could, but my ADHD got the better of me, and I started rapping my fingers rythmically on the table softly. Or as soft as I could with metal gauntlets. After some time, the tea was done, and she carried a tray with two china cups and plates along with the kettle and some sugar and milk.

"Thank you, it smells heavenly," I complemented. She blushed lightly, but smiled despite herself. I placed a copious amount of sugar and milk into the tea, as I didn't like tea that much, but knew to be polite. I took off my helmet and placed it on the table. Then, I took a sip. It was bitter, but that was to be expected. I noticed Fluttershy staring at me with a blush. "Yes? What is it?"

"Oh! Sorry! I didn't mean to stare! I'm just intrigued!" she said quickly. I chuckled.

"It's fine, really. Might I ask what was so intriguing?"

"Well...I'm an animal expert, and seeing a new species is just...fascinating. I get this urge to learn all about them and make friends with them. It's a little embarassing..."

"I see. Well, I find it endearing."

"R-really?"

"Of course. It's admirable." I complemented. She blushed a bright crimson.

"Th-th-thank y-you..." she said meekly. How adorable!

"Now, I'm sure we both have questions, right?" I asked. Fluttershy nodded. "Well, let's begin then! Ladies first."

"What are your eating habits?" Fluttershy queried. Bit of an odd question.

"Well, I'm an omnivore. I eat both vegetables and meat," I answered. She paled slightly, but recovered quickly. "Now, where am I?" I asked, once again feigning ignorance of what I really knew.

"Well, you're in Equestria, on the outskirts of Ponyville, near the Everfree Forest." she answered.

I sipped my tea, hiding my disgust for it as well as faking contemplation. " I see."

"You...don't eat ponies, do you?" she asked fearfully.

"Not at all. We humans abhor the idea of eating anything sentient. Well, most of us."

"Most?"

"There are some cannibals."

"C-cannibals?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so. But like I said, most of us hate the idea of eating something sentient."

"O-oh, good." she said, getting her breathing under control.

"So how did you find me? Was it the smoke from the fire?"

"Yes, actually. I woke up bright and early as always, then noticed a plume of smoke coming from the hill. So I walked over and there you were, just sleeping there. By the way, aren't you uncomfortable after sleeping in your armor like that?"

"A little, not much."

"Oh that's good," She hesitated to speak for a moment. "Um...so...are you feeling better?"

"I'm still unsure of things, but I am content. Happy, even."

"What are you unsure of?"

"Just some things," I said carefully, trying not to show any emotion.

Before she could question me further, a knock came from the door, and I thanked my stars for the interruption. I didn't want to be spilling my guts to somepony I just met, even if I knew so much about them.

"Fluttershy? You in there?" asked a voice with a southern drawl.

"Coming!" said Fluttershy as she got up from her chair and walked out of the dining room towards the front door. I finished my tea, disgusting as it was, and got up as well. After putting my helmet back on, I leaned against the entryway to the dining room. Fluttershy opened the door to reveal another mare I recognized. Applejack. Her mane and tail were as golden as the stories said, and they were tied up into ponytails. Her orange fur seemed to have some dirt in it, no doubt from the days work. Her signature stetson sat atop her head in all its glory. Her eyes were like emeralds.

"Ah came soon as Ah saw the smoke. What's goin' on?" Applejack asked. She noticed me standing in the dining room doorway and I could see her visibly tense. "What is that thing?" she asked in a low voice.

"He's a friend Applejack! I found him sleeping in a dreary little camp on the hill! I know he looks scary, but he's really nice!" Fluttershy said urgently, trying to keep Applejack from doing anything hasty. "Praan, why don't you introduce yourself?"

I walked over slowly and carefully, trying not to make any sudden moves. Finally, I reached the door. "Hello, Applejack. Nice to meet you," I greeted. Applejack looked me up and down.

"What's with the getup? You a guard or somethin'?" she asked, motioning to my armor. I suppose it only makes sense she would question it. It is a somewhat intimidating armor, that I'm wearing. The light blue metal, the gold trims, the jewel in the forehead, the horns, the cape, the mask, all of it was rather imposing. It just screamed, 'I am a warrior, and I demand respect!' Not to mention the fierce green and yellow sword strapped to my back along with the wicked black shield. Yeah, not the best first impression.

"Nope. Just...a traveller. I'm new to these parts," I answered. Applejack narrowed her eyes when I said traveller. Shit.

"Uh-huh. Where are you from?" she asked.

"I'd rather not talk about my home," I said defensively.

"Now why is that?"

"Not to be rude, but it isn't your business."

"Ah'm pretty sure it is. Especially when ya just came out of the blue and and are armed ta the teeth." Applejack said in a dangerous voice.

"I don't want to fight, and I don't mean any harm," I said, showing my palms in a surrender.

"And Ah'm just 'spose to trust your word?"

"Look, I'm being honest here, I don't mean any harm."

Applejack glared at me for a moment, before she sighed and shook her head. "Alright, Ah believe ya. But Ahm watchin' you!" she warned.  Seemed she could she could tell I wasn't lying. Fluttershy sighed in relief, as did I, and then she suggested something I was still hesitant about.

"Why don't we take Praan here on a tour of Ponyville?"

"Ah don't see why not," said Applejack.

"Um, welll..." I began.

"Come on, Praan!" Fluttershy said, pulling me out of the doorway and into the outside world. I sighed, and resigned myself to my fate. Luck, don't fail me now.