Storm of Feelings

Nothing could have prepare me for what I was feeling right now. During all this years I have been constantly reminded by scholars, mages even fanatics and racists that my kind could not have feelings; that the Lesser Ones have been purged or cleansed of those things that a *normal* pony possesses. Despite everything that had been told to me, despite all those years… that made me think that I am a emotionless being… I was feeling pain, terrible pain that I did not feel since Sagitta's death.

I hit the nearby wall with my head. The echo of the hit cut through the air, small loose fragments of the wall fell down on the ground while dust have been caught by my long mane. The mare, that was behind me, yelped and jumped back.

The stallion who was carrying the name Corvus suddenly hit the wall with his head. It scared me so much that I yelped loudly and jumped back surprisingly far.  Once the shock faded I watched the black silhouette who was biting his lips till blood stared to drip down on the ground, followed by the blood that was floating down his forehead, nose and neck.

I indirectly saw the pain in his eyes, pain that had not been caused by the hit against the wall. Many times I witnessed Unicorns in that state in those troublesome times. Though I did not know what the conversation between him and my master was about… it must have been a very hard thing for both of them; especially for the visitor. Master Artemis told me who he really was for him and it simply filled my heart with grief and pity for the being in front of me.

I completely forgot that I was being followed by the mare that showed me the way to Artemis but right now I did not really care about her presence.  Yet once I saw how she was looking at me…

I had to get out of here… I had to leave that cursed tower! I apologized for behavior, the red spot on the wall and a hole that had been left by my broken horn.

Quickly I turned around and ran as fast as I could, leaving the mare alone in the corridor. I welcomed the cold wind like an old friend. It cooled me down a little bit, the unpleasant ache in the head vanished and a numb feeling took its place. My sudden appearance attracted the eyes of ponies who were passing me by.

I could only imagine what they were thinking now; the blood on my fur scared the most of them away and to be honest I was glad about it. The unpaved ground around the tower was wet and filled with puddles and soon my hooves started to sink in the mud. To avoid more gossip and unwanted attention I decided to use the alleys and walk around the main street.

The stain that hit my sensitive senses made me let out a dampen curse. Wondering how the citizens could live with it I moved thought the complex system of alleys. Gladly I had a rather good memory besides that even if I would get lost I was able to feel Luna. We have established a secret bound between us after my confession to her.

In all it was a very deep bound that only lovers could web together. I still remember her smile once she told me that she shared my feelings. First she was not sure if that what I said was true but once I allowed her to look through my very soul, that apparently Lesser Ones do not posses, she allowed me to do the same.

And then it happened. A bound had been established after I connected with her. To allow another being to look through the soul was a sign of trust towards him or her. The sudden connection could be compared with mating. It affected both of us in that way. I smiled after I recalled that I had to carry her all the way back to Canterlot.

The nice memory has been corrupted by the words of Artemis that were still echoing in my thoughts. I stopped to move and remained motionless. Could she really betray me after all this? After the bound of soul and flesh? After so many nights where she was crying in my arms?

My head started to hurt again and though I could not see it I felt that my illusion of the eye was weakening. Small blood drops mixed up with the rain water beneath me and have been flushed down into the sewers. My body was still paying its tribute and the brute act of mine did not make it any better.

The groan that echoed through the alleys scared some ponies on the very edges of the main street. Standing around with the wound on my forehead was bloody dumb which is why I kept going on; trying not to think about Luna… but it was simply not possible. Many times I was fighting against something that was lurking in me, which helped me to survive the challenges that have been thrown at me by the wilderness of this cursed land.

A thing that kept me alive for so long… and now it was rebelling in me since the bound have been established. What could it possibly mean? I could not think about it for the pain in my heart and soul was overwhelming any other thoughts. Without realizing it I completely lost the illusion spell and my eye became fully white.

Those thoughts made the time pass by like a wild fire and soon I realized that I went too far into the alleys. Annoyed I turned around and kept going forward until I was back at the place where I found Bronze Lute. From here on it was easy to find the way back. My movements became slower once our apartment was nearby.

I could feel her as probably felt me; even if it was something that could be only a small echo. The cold and often wet weather made the streets slippery, not to mention the fact that the blood on my fur and attire remained fluid because of it. To avoid any attention I decided to fly to the balcony, despite the laws of the city that kept those rules for generations.

Once I was sure that nopony could see it I flew up to the balcony. The sound of the hooves sounded unpleasantly loud on the wooden floor but something different caught my attention. A quiet yelp came from the inside but I could not see anything through the glass that was covered by a thin frost.

I nearly knocked on the window but it was not necessary for I felt how Luna was already on her way and soon, once the balcony door was open I was standing in front of her. I did not say anything. My ears went down once I saw her shocked face. Through her eyes I saw how I looked like… it shocked me too.

''Corvus… '' She came closer and nuzzled me and right away she started to inspect my wound. ''What happened?''

I was not sure how I should answer but I was sure that I would not do it on the balcony.

'' Let me in. I will explain it after I clean myself up… ''

I expected to wake up her stubborn side but she simply nodded and let me in. The warmth was a nice and a very welcome change; while my body adapted to the new temperature I started to open the buttons of my attire with magic but all of the sudden I stopped. A bothersome feeling of being watched let a shiver run down my spine and I was completely sure it was not because Luna was with me in the room.

'' Luna… after I landed on the balcony I've heard a strange noise. Now I literally feel that something is watching me. ''

Luna chuckled behind me and helped me to take the attire off my back; those darn wings were sometimes a real pain in the flank.

'' Because you are being watched right now my dear *ambassador*. ''

I was about to ask her but she cut in and kept talking.

'' I've just came out of the bath. The water should be still warm… '' she said it with a barely noticeable disgusted tone once she saw my soaked mane. Luna placed herself in front of me and gently moved the mane away so she could inspect the forehead. I hissed once some parts of my hair got loose from the wound.

'' Sorry… that does not look good. Allow me to heal it. ''

With a nod I gave in for I lacked the will to argue with her now. Carefully she place the tip of her horn  on the wounded place; starting the healing process and the unpleasant pain for both of us. I never liked it when she had to endure my pain. During the treatment I placed my hoof on hers what brought fourth her pretty smile.

Once the pain was gone she looked into my eyes and leaned forward trying to kiss me. In that very moment the words of Artemis came back out of the shadow of my mind and I hesitated. She thought that I was teasing her which is why she started the kiss and once our lips found each other I joined it; despite those painful words I joined the kiss.

We both relaxed and enjoyed the moment until I separated our lips and tongues.

'' Thank you… '' I passed her by with a rather heavy heart for I knew that she noticed that there was something lasting on my heart. I entered the bathroom and closed the door, instantly hiding my face in my right hoof. The horn started to glow with its slight shine and I took off the remaining parts of the attire that had been given to me by the kind nurse back in the hospital.

Right away I leaped into the bath and let out a relieved sigh. Though the water was still warm and the entire building was properly adapted to the cold and rough climate, I had to warm it up. It did not take long and soon the temperature was on my favorite level but once I looked for a comfortable position pain went through my body.

The effort for the heating was unexpectedly high what weakened my body even more. For a moment I was considering if I should call for help but my unnatural organism somehow strengthened up on its own as it always did in such situation.  The smell of the herbal bath calmed me down, relaxed my tense muscles and granted my spirit some peace but after I sniff again I realized that I would carry that smell on my fur… It was sure that it was not designed for stallions.

Once my mane and fur were cleansed out of any dirt and blood I came out of the bathroom without wearing anything. A slight shiver went through my body. On my way to the wardrobe I heard some slight movement on the wooden floor that did not come from me or Luna. The never ending search through the tons of cloths started till I managed to find a warm jacket and leggings.

While dressing up I levitated some wood into the chimney that was surprisingly not being used; what usually meant that a spell was heating the room. My eyes open wide and flames shrouded the wood nearly instantly. Though the bane of the dancing flames usually easily got my attention something different managed to overcome it; a surprised gasp behind me.

As any pony would do on my place I quickly turned around and saw *nothing* yet I was able to grasp some smell, I could hear its breath and if I was not wrong I even heard a heart beat; a very fast one. It was clear that a living being was shrouded by magic. But why would it do it? What was it doing here? I did not hesitate.

I moved forward and pushed my hoof against *nothing*. The same yelp filled the air and the invisible individual started desperately to free itself of my hoof. In all it looked like I was pushing against the air.

'' Corvus! '' I did not notice that Luna left the room while I was bussy with the search. She came back with an small basket that was filled with freshly baked bread rolls. '' Stop it! You are hurting him! ''

I did what she demand and I lifted my hoof, freeing the invisible individual. It ran towards the Princess yet before it reached her it started to reveal its true form. Seems like I broke *his* concentration what in the end caused the spell to be undone. A small foal… it was a small foal!

How could he possibly know an invisibility spell at such young age? Luna kneeled down and hugged the small fur ball who was shaking in fear. A Unicorn foal… Once the spell has been broken the well known stain filled the air. My wings opened on their own and I suppressed a hateful hiss.  No… this could not be. Did she really visit him while I was in the hospital? My eyes narrowed while I watched the small foal.

'' Stop that! You are frightening him! ''

It seemed like my hiss had not been suppressed… I kept looking at the foal that was literally penetrating me with his big grey eyes. I let my wings go down in their proper position and turn away from them. While she was calming him down I was fighting against my boiling blood.

'' Why did you act like that? '' asked Luna. Though I could not see it I could feel her eyes on me that in a way reminded me of a stab of a dagger.

'' I… it was my instinct. ''

'' Moron… '' I heard her quiet mumble despite the distance and the quite volume. '' Where have you been? ''

'' I should be the one asking that question. ''

'' What? ''

'' Where have you been while I was unconscious? '' It was sure that both of them could see that my body tensed once I asked that question.

'' I was at your side nearly the entire time.''

'' Then tell me… '' I turned back to them what made the boy yelp quietly. '' What is a foal with *his* stain doing here? '' Only with extreme effort I did not hit the ground with my hoof.

'' His smell is on him because he was living in his tower. He is an orphan! One of countless riot victims! ''

As fast as my unleashed anger appeared as fast it started to fade away. Though I felt pity for the child… I know it might sound heartless but I was so used to those things that it simply did not affect me at all. Or perhaps was it my heritage? I feel so lost in all of this.

'' Welcome to my world… such things are considered common. ''

'' I know… and it fills my heart with grief.''

'' Grief will not help at all… nothing can. ''

'' That is not true! With a lot of effort everything can be changed. You only have to believe in it. ''

'' I believe that it is already too late for any kind of help.  '' She was about to say something but this time it was me who cut in. '' Do you really believe that the effort of an Alicorn will be of any use in this land? Where our kind is being hated for simply existing in this world? To make a difference you would have to slaughter those who are spreading madness among the folk. Time? The subjects of those days will be long gone while their hatred will be continued by their children. No Luna… nothing can cure this land. Nothing! '' Right now I noticed how my tone changed and ashamed for it I turned back to the fire.

His sudden outburst surprised me deeply. Since he was living with me only one time he has yelled indirectly at me. I knew that right now shame took over the place of anger and he was about to sit down…

'' Won't you introduce yourself to our guest? ''

'' I admit the beginning was a failure… but he should be the one who should introduce himself first. ''

'' I am sure he would have already done that… but he lost his voice. ''

For a moment he was motionless, like a statue that has been placed where it does not belong, until he turned around to us. Corvus looked at the boy and his ears went down. The missing illusion of his iris made me think of a painting that was about to be finished.

I did lose my voice as well in the past… after the horrors of the turning. Yet back then I was in the age of adulthood. My steps were unsure while moving towards them but once I was in front of my beloved Princess I kneeled down establishing a eye contact with the boy. My parents always told me that it was a very important aspect for a child to have the feeling of being on the same level:

'' My name is Corvus little one. Please forgive me for my rude behavior. '' I tried to smile at him but the smell of the tower, mixed up with Artemis and… the herbal bath. What a little lucky fellah! He was carrying her smell on him and it was sure that it was not because of a simple hug.

The boy though smiled at me, completely ignoring my appearance and offered his tiny hoof. I sealed the old greeting and moved back to the chimney… surprisingly followed by our small guest. He sat down next to me and inspected my wings with a big curiosity.

'' Aren't you afraid of me?

He hesitated with the answer but then he shook his head rather fast, nearly losing his balance. Though I did not see it I was sure that Luna was smiling at us.

'' Do you know his name? ''

'' Sadly no… not even Artemis knew it. ''

'' Can you write? '' I asked and actually smiled at him. His nod was expected for he was living in a tower of a mage. Despite his age where he was supposed to play and have fun, he was learning things that would normally start probably in a year maybe two.

'' Could you write down your name? '' The foal nod again what made Luna gasp behind us.

'' I asked him the same question two days ago… he did not react to it. ''

With a slight shrug I levitated a blank scroll and an ink bottle, which was already holding a feather in it, towards him. He grabbed the items with his magic without having any problems, quickly he grabbed the quill and jotted down his name. Several times our small guest looked at us then back on the scroll.

Once he found the guts to hand it over to me he quickly pulled it back to himself. I lost the count at ten times but we both granted him time he needed to break the wall. It was not a big surprise that it was the Princess who got to see the scroll first. With a smile on her face she read what has been written.

'' Caelen. His name is Caelen. '' She kneeled down and nuzzled the fur ball. '' You have a very pretty name.''

Caelen blushed and smiled shyly at her; what I did not expect was the way he looked at me after her compliment. Expectance was written in his small eyes.

'' Caelen… there was once a Unicorn called that way. Caelen the Explorer who discovered the land of the Zebras: Zebrica. You are called after a great pony boy.''

It seemed like he knew the answer already but his small chest swelled with pride. Luna chuckled and ruffled his mane a little bit. Caelen pointed at the scroll again and after he grabbed it with his magic he wrote down something with surprisingly speed. This time he brought it to me.

The slightly color of my magic stated to surround the scroll. Once my magic surrounded the edges of the scroll I saw the very perfect looking letters… yes Artemis was teaching him. My silence and a rather grim look made the boy worried that have been right away noticed by Luna.

'' What did he write to you dear? ''

I blinked and read his message loudly.

'' Definition of Corvus: Raven. You are called after an star constellation Mr. Corvus? ''

'' Yes! Yes he is called after a constellation. ''

My eyes were focusing on the scroll but in fact my thoughts were somewhere else. The scroll went down as did my ears. Luna was too busy with Caelen who right now was enjoying her attention. Who would not to be honest? Of course I was impressed that in such young age he knew so much already.

But being reminded that I was called after a star constellation always brought fourths many memories that were nice yet far more painful to me. During the struggle of feelings Luna was questioning our guest to find out how many things he knew about the night sky. Though it took him some time, not to mention the ink and scrolls, Caelen answered every question in a remarkable way, showing his knowledge of the 88 known start constellations.

Gladly the pain vanished and with it the memories. I let out a relaxed sigh that have not been noticed by the two ponies. In a way Luna was acting like a little girl who got a new toy; between the constant praising of his knowledge she prayed to the Elements for more students like him and to be honest I wished that those prayers would come true.

She puts a lot of effort into her classes and far, far more love and passion. Since our arrival in Marehime I did not see her so happy for quite a while. Luna's smile mixed the happy face expression of the boy cheered me up and I think…. At least for a moment I felt like a normal pony and not as a Lesser One.

Actually I realized that I should check my equipment; what was not much in fact. While I was looking for my casket I did not realize that Caelen was watching me. Despite the flask I used in the hospital everything seemed to be at the right place… but my training made me check the flasks and their position.

A simple security measure for if I would drink a wrong flask in the moment of need… let's say it would be like asking a cutpurse to stab me in the back. Once everything has been double checked I noticed the boy standing next to me. A curse echoed in my mind and as fast as I could I closed the casket and sealed it with a spell. Only with extreme effort I did not let out an angry hiss at Luna who just realized what the foal just has seen.

'' Listen carefully Caelen for I will not repeat it twice… Do not dare to look for the casket for it contains very dangerous things. Do you understand me? ''

A quick yet very shy nod was his answer. The casket has been cloaked with a spell and levitated away from us but in that very moment I noticed something. Caelen was looking at the casket like there would be no spell at all. To be sure that I was not only my imagination I moved it to the left and right.

As expected Caelen was following the movement like he would be watching a match of tennis. The casket landed on the top of the wardrobe:

'' Look at me boy. '' I said and kneeled down but nearly instantly he looked away. '' Look at me… '' I repeated with a slight annoyed tone what scared him a bit but he did not follow my bidding. The Lesser One in me had enough of this game which is why I grabbed him with magic what caused a panic attack.

'' By the Elements what are you doing!? '' She was about to free him of the grip but with a direct look into her eyes and a wide open right wing I stopped her. Gladly she understood that my own action was not pointless.

'' Caelen… relax boy I will not do anything bad to you. '' This time the foal listened to me and relaxed a bit but his tiny chest was moving up and down in a rather unnatural way. I looked into his eyes and inspected them. At the very first sight both of them looked normal but if we would focus completely on them all of us, even those not gifted with magic, would notice the pattern that was melting together with the natural color of the iris.

A magically improved eye simply called the *third eye* that allowed to see through illusions and other magical security systems. A forbidden spell in those lands for many thieves abused it. To make it even worse… it allowed another pony to look though that eye. I placed the boy back on his hooves and moved towards Luna.

'' The foal has a third eye my Princess. ''

'' Are you sure? '' asked Luna and looked at Caelen who right now started to play with a ball, which he probably brought with him.

'' Quite sure of that… and I am sure that he is watching us. ''

'' He would never… ''

'' I know him good enough to be sure that he will go so low and use a child as his third eye! ''

'' You keep telling me that you know him but you never told me where you met him Corvus.''

'' As there are things you wouldn't like to talk about, I have my own things I would not like nor wish to talk about… ''

'' One day you will have to let it out dear… ''

'' This day is not today… and now I will have to deal with Caelen's eye. ''

'' You can't be serious! What if he lost his sight in that eye? What if Artemis granted him the third eye so he can see with it again? You want to dispell it and blind the boy? ''

'' Of course I had it in mind that Artemis might have done that for him… but I will not allow that he will spy on us.''

'' Since we are here you became very paranoid. ''

'' Being paranoid allowed me to survive in this blasted land! ''

'' You do not have to be like that anymore! You are under royal protection and you have political immunity. ''

'' Do you really believe that… '' I stopped to talk for a moment. '' We will never be safe in this country. '' I thought but kept it for myself.

'' What shall we do then? ''

'' I will not allow you to do anything that could harm him. ''

'' And I will not stand by and let him watch or listen to us! ''

'' In that case… I might have a solution that will satisfy both of us. '' Luna moved towards the wardrobe. The door open wide and as always I've been amazed by the speed she was inspecting and moving the cloths with magic. It did not take long until she pulled out a black cloak… that belonged to me.

Before I realized what she was up to the Princess cut into one of my favorite cloths I brought with me; believe me my friends… it is a very rare thing that I actually like something.

'' Hey! ''

She did not pay any attention to me for she concentrated in the former peace of my cloak. My shout caught the attention of Caelen who sit down next to me, holding his ball with a levitation spell in front of him. While the foal was following the movement of the piece of cloth, that slowly started to change its form, with a curious yet confused look I understood what she was up to.

The Princess of the Night smiled but did not look at any of us, what actually caused that we look at each other. Trying not to think of any possibility that the third eye really existed, I smiled at him even if it was a forced smile.

'' It might take a while till she will be ready with her work. '' I touched the ball with my hoof. '' Want to play a bit? '' Caelen seemed to be surprised by that offer of mine, as was Luna too for she stopped her work for a couple of seconds. He started to jump in the place and was about to throw the ball to me but I interrupted him quickly before he would cause some damage.

'' Not here Caelen. Let's go to the park. ''

Like the country itself Marehime was a very pretty city, despite the bad smell that was especially noticeable in the alleys.  The nearest park was one out of four big parks that were doting the city of Marehime in all cardinal points. The west park was the biggest and prettiest one, showing the well known skill in botanic and architecture.

If a pony from Equestria would walk here he or she would feel like they never left it. I have to say that it was a very strange yet surprisingly nice to go to the park. The streets were crowded as always and I was afraid that somepony could stomp on the boy which is why I levitated him on my back.

He was holding on my tightly but even tighter he held his ball. I did not remember when the last time I was involved with children and to be honest I would not like to think about it. Caelen enjoyed the ride and smiled brightly. Of course I could not see it for he was on my back but the ponies that were passing me by actually smiled at me; or better said at my small guest.

Nopony would ever smile at me like that in this city. In this cursed land. Gladly I was used to it though deep in me my soul and heart there was pain as old as the shell I call a body. While our journey through the crowded street continued I recalled the surprise that was written into Luna's eyes and face.

She did not expected that a stallion like me would take time for a kid, especially a kid connected to Artemis, but I realized that he should not be involved into that very old fight between brothers. He was still a child after all… a child that did lose everypony he knew, he lost his home, simply everything that was of importance for a foal.

It was a very astounding thing that he was holding out like that but it was obvious that Caelen learned to show the world a mask he was wearing in that very moment. While he was alone… this mask would be replaced by a other one that was showing his hidden feelings and pain.

Playfully I jumped a bit, Caelen, though he was a bit surprised smiled brightly and if I was not mistaken… I heard a quiet chuckle. After a while and some traffic problems we managed to leave the main street. It was always nice to leave the chaotic behind; my poor ears were still ringing from all the shouting and swearing.

For a moment I was forced to use a spell on Caelen's ears so he would not have to listen to a mare, who was throwing out some cloths and belongings of a stallion that apparently cheated on her. The melancholy of curses, mixing up with her teary yet angry eyes and broken voice was proving that the local mares had sharp tongues and strong backbones.

I did not realize it first but soon I had the feeling of being followed. I turned around and saw Bronze Lute moving towards me. Actually it was a miracle that he was able to move; the bard was a moving pile of cloths, which was trying not to bump into ponies that did not intend to help him or even let him pass by.

Once more I use a spell on the boy who seemed not to have a problem with it. Bronze Lute was openly cursing back to those who started to curse around in the first place. It did not take long and he reached and bump into me.

'' I hope you will land in the sewers! ''

'' Meh… I visited it one time… one time to often if you ask me. ''

'' Corvus my friend! '' the pile of cloths jumped happily. '' Please forgive me… ''

'' I am used to worse things. What happened over there? '' I took some of his cloths with my magic wondering what story was about to be told.

'' I am quite sure that you heard or even saw that I've been thrown out… ''

'' I would use a different term for… ''

'' Never than less… '' he quickly interrupted me and put his hat where it belongs. '' She claims that I was cheating on her… because I was playing a ballade for a group of mares. But look at that! '' He pointed at the big pile of cloths. '' More than a half of it does not belong to me! ''

'' Seems like the roles have changed. '' I chuckled and clap his shoulder with my wing. His affairs were nearly always a reason why he got into trouble. During our many pointless journeys through the last remaining marshes in the south, we were traveling in the company of a Minotaur called Swifthorn; a sword for hire but a great companion who would never put friends above money.

While we were smoking some good and strong Minotaur tobacco, we often joked about the bard; creating fictional stories about his death with some colorful details that were explaining how it could look like. After a night of pleasure beyond the ability of comprehension, in the biggest tower of a rich city, where Ale and Cider were floating in rivers, the partner of a cheating mare would bump into the room and throw Bronze Lute out through the window, the very window through which he saw the pretty and lustful mare, into his death and only a small towel would hide his manliness from the face of the world.

It seemed like the bard was aware of my thoughts and he simply rolled with his eyes.

'' Sooo… '' I wiped a single tear away not paying attention to Caelen who was wondering what was going on. '' Why did you take those cloths with you? ''

'' They are clean and in a very good shape. Not all Unicorns in the Alienage are able of buying something to wear… and the days are about to get colder. '' He let his ears go down for a moment. '' I know that they can protect themselves with magic but you know the local rules… you have to wear appropriate attire in the city. ''

'' I am aware of that. '' for some reason I had my representative equestrian armor in my mind. A shiver went through my body only by remembering how a pony was not able to scratch himself under the thick plates…

'' Oh… who do we have here? '' Bronze Lute stood next to me and looked at my small guest. Of course the boy did not hear anything which is why I removed he spell from his ears. The bard saw that my horn was glowing for a few heart beats and blushed slightly, realizing why I did use a spell on the boy in the first place.

'' This is Lu… our small guest. Caelen is his name. '' Caelen smiled shyly and waved at the bard who introduced himself right away.

'' What are you both up to? ''

'' We go to the park. I offered to play with him ''

My old friend looked at me rather surprised maybe even shocked… what actually annoyed me.

'' Do you want to join us? '' I was trying to hide my annoyed tone as good as I could but the lavender pony knew me way too long to not notice it.

'' Errr… I would like to do it… but I have to deliver those cloths to the Alienage. '' He scratched the backside of his head and grabbed the levitating cloths. '' Maybe we could catch up later? ''

'' I am looking forward to it… I need to talk with you my friend. But this time no alcohol! ''

'' Sure thing. I will try to find some good tobacco. '' he smiled at us. '' Have fun… '' he was looking at Caelen but my glare was more than enough for him to end the sentence in that way:

'' … both of you. '' With this words he left them and turned left, taking a shorter way to the Alienage; starting a new cacophony of curses. Once I lost him in the crowds I moved on, following the way that was supposed to lead to the park. While there were not many problems with the moving forward, because the ponies were avoiding me like I would have the Black Death itself, my mind was filled with old thoughts and memories.

Caelen literally pulled me out of them by pulling my mane surprisingly strong. We were passing some stands that were selling all kind of stuff but there was only one stand of importance for the small Unicorn. One of the vendors was selling sweets and other stuff that was desired by kids, bah by everypony!

With a smile on my face I moved towards the stand and took a place in a small line of customers. Most of them were mares with their children and some wealthy but incredibly round ponies that could not wait for their turn. While the children were watching me with big fascination and a wide open mouth, that was being constantly closed by their mothers, I listened to a nearby fruit vendor, a older mare who was warning the ponies that candies were bad for the teeth and most importantly none of them could ever beat the sweetness of her fruits.

The line grew smaller while the comments of the vendors became more colorful what made it sound like a good spectacle in a theater. After many comments and some foal fights our turn has finally arrived. Caelen was inspecting the sweets with wide open eyes, unable to decide which candy he should choose.

Gladly for me and a stallion behind me, my small companion decided to take a round and big red lollipop. I was about to pull out the required amount of bits but suddenly the vendor looked at us like he would watch a deformed and ugly abominations.

'' I am not selling my good to horned ones! Be gone you worthless scum! ''

My eyes narrowed slightly but my attention did not belong to him. Caelen, who only few moments ago was happy as any child should be, let his ears go down, hiding his face in my mane while his small body started to shake. The ponies behind us and the surrounding vendors rebelled once they heard the racist statement; especially the fruit vendor was outraged about it.

'' Shut up you old hag! And you! What are you still here? Be gone before I will call the guards! ''

With a dampen growl I turned away and left the sweets stand as did the other customers. The poor boy was at the verge of tears but somehow he managed to suppress it.

'' It 's okay if you will cry… my boy. Be assured that it's not your fault in any way. '' The Unicorn cradled against me and relaxed a bit my ears went down on their own. I was deeply bothered that he had to hear that… monster. Something pulled my tail so I turned around. It was a small Pegasi filly, probably in the same age as Caelen.

She had an interesting green fur and a simply yet nicely styled mane that had the color of a flawless blue sapphire. Shyly she smiled at me and lifted her tiny hoof that was holding two lollypops. A bit surprised that she was alone I looked around for a adult pony that should be with her. Right away I saw how the older mare form the fruit stand waved at me. With a bright smile I looked at Caelen:

'' Our little friend here have something for you. ''

The quiet sobs ended once he saw the Pegasi who came closer to me who stood up on her back legs, hoping that it would help him to get the lollipop. A very cute performance. I was about to kneel down but the foal already grabbed the lollipop with magic, what made me shake the head slightly while the filly laughed about a simple common spell. The Unicorn waved at the filly showing her his gratitude in the best way he could perform. Then she looked back at me:

'' This one is for you. ''

I smiled and levitated my small bit purse into her hoof.

'' Thank you for your kindness little one. Keep the lollipop and give it to your grandmother. ''

'' How do you know that she is my grandma? ''

'' You have her wings. '' I answered but it was kind of obvious that on my place everypony would think the same. She smiled at me and ran back to the fruit stand. We kept going on.

Leandra watched how her grandchild Elizabeth ran back to their stand. The older mare witnessed everything from the distance but once the filly came back she noticed a round purse of a small size but it seemed like it was full with bits.

'' Grandma! The strange stallion gave me this purse and let me keep the lollipop! ''

The older mare smiled at her grandchild and pat her gently.

'' Because a pony looks strange it does not mean that he can't be kind. This is why nopony should be judge by their appearance. Did you say thank you? ''

'' Ups…''

'' I am sure that next time you will not forget it. '' She looked at the purse and took it from Elizabeth.

'' It is heavy grandma… ''

'' Indeed it is. '' She opened the purse and nearly had an heart attack. It was filled with pure golden bits! Quickly she looked after the stranger but he was already gone… lost in the crowds of the Marehime.

'' Whoever you are Lesser One… thank you… '' She thought and hid the purse that would help her to pay off her debts.

'' As long such ponies are among us… I still have some hope left for this land. '' I thought and hit the ball with my wing towards my small yet happy guest.