It was late and there had been, so far, no word from Fendral. Normally I would have started worrying, but I knew him well enough that the thought was immediately disregarded.

As I sat in the soft leather chair, I silently stared into the fire place, the crackling creating a pleasantly comforting atmosphere, a hot mug of tea in hand. The early evening of the mid autumn year soon turned into a mild night, a soft low hanging fog permeating the surrounding area. It was late hours of night before I heard the door open, revealing Fendral still within his previous state.

Walking up to his chair, he groaned as he softly sat, loosely staring into the fire.

"I've been in Equestria for forty years." He sighed suddenly. "Forty years of honing my skill. Forty years of trial and error. In all that time, I had held my family in the highest regard. But despite that..."

He trailed off, his voice becoming light and distant, akin to remembering an old, once long forgotten memory and he looked to me.

"I was unable to save them."

There was crack in his voice as he continued. It was slight, but it was there. He suddenly stood, walking over to the window, staring out it in an almost wistful way. His shoulders slackened as he clasped his hands behind his back and let his head hang slightly.

"I'm getting old Selene. I may not look it, or even act it, but I can feel it. Both in my body and mind." He conceded. "I've lived a long life, and I'm afraid I'm going to live for time longer than most. And it scares me."

I remained quiet during his monologue, not wanting to miss a single piece of information. I couldn't, however, figure out why he was telling me these things and I couldn't help but ask.

"Why are telling me all of this?"

"There are a great many things about me that few know about me." He said. "And there are more that I wish to never see the light of day."

Peering back at me, he takes a quick glance out the window before closing the blinds, shielding us from the outside world, casting a comfortable shadow over the room.

"But if there is one thing that most know, and that it's my trust is not easily earned." He said, turning back to me. "And you have earned that trust."

Walking towards me, I took that as a sign to stand. I did and I found myself looking up to match Fendral's gaze. Putting out his hand, I put out my own and firmly gripped his forearm and he mine.

"I tell you this, not because I seek pity. I am long past that." He continued. "I tell you this, not as a teacher or trainer. I tell you this as a sign of that trust, as a friend."

"Promise me you will stick by my side." He asked. "Through thick and thin."

Giving a strong nod, I tighten my grip around his arm in a reassuring manner, one I'm sure he felt.

"I promise."

He gave a quiet sigh in an almost relieved manner and let go of my arm, repeating my nod of one of his own.

"Good." He said, stepping back slightly. "Go get some sleep. You have another long day ahead of you."

And without another word uttered, I turned and made my way to my room, softly closing the door behind me, setting my helmet on the bedside table and hunkered my self in the soft duvet, the words Fendral spoke to me bouncing around in my head.
Two questions, however, were at the forefront of my mind. Just who was his family? What happened to them? Deciding to dwell on these thoughts at a later date, I swiftly fell asleep soon after, ready for the trial and tribulations of the day ahead.

Author's Note

yea, just a short, in between chapter

please point out any mistakes I may have made
constructive criticism is always appreciated
until next time, TTFN!