As I walk the dirt path, I walked with a heaviness in my step.
The payment I had received put me in a much fowler mood than I had already been in and I think the citizens sensed this, as they did their best to avoid me. A good decision on their part. I'm not saying I would have said or done anything harmful to them, it's just anything they'd say wouldn't help my mood any.

Eventually, though I arrived at my destination. I arrived home.

It was a simple, one storey bungalow. It was about as generic as you could get, but it was as comfortable as you could get. Light cream painted walls, brown tiled roof, the works. Your generic rural townhome. It served me well.
The interior, however, felt more like something you'd find in a cabin in the woods or the snowy mountains of Alaska, being of a mostly wooden finish and a nice, sizable fireplace with a decent mantlepiece on top. Not to mention it was quite spacious.

Opening the door, I walked in, letting the wind close the door gently behind me. I simply stood there a while, letting the quiet take over my senses briefly. I let out a sigh. It's been a long four day's, but at least I was lucky enough to come back.

Taking my rifle off my back, I walked towards my storage room. Entering, I swiftly made my way towards the back, gently placing my firearm on the wall, I quickly stepped out and strolled towards the living room.
I began taking off my armour, starting with my grieves and making my way up. Neatly folding the fabrics, putting them on the long sofa near the back, placing the armour pieces atop the pile.

So there I sat, staring into the newly started fireplace, a hot cup of tea in hand, a warm hoodie and a loose pair of joggers and my helmet sitting on the table next to me. It was peaceful.

I just sat there, thinking. Thinking about what my life had come to. Thinking about how long I've been here. And about life, I could have had. I find myself doing this rather often, especially now as I've gotten older. It's not quite an existential crisis, Just an ageing man thinking about his life.
I was abruptly taken back to reality when I heard a popping sound from behind me. Smiling, I put down my tea and reached out for my helmet and affixed it to my head. Theirs only one pony I know who would come to my home unannounced.

"Long day?"

I gave a slight chuckle. Getting up from my seat, I turned round to greet my guest. The Nocturnal protector, the lunar matriarch, Princess Luna.

"You could say that," I said spreading my arms slightly before letting them fall limp to my side.

Luna and I go back. Her being one of the first I befriended when I came to Equestria. Well, the first I properly befriended anyway. Most before her being quick acquaintances I was friendly with, those I met on my travels or just people I worked with. It's nice having someone who I can rely on.

"How so?"

"Where to start? Well for one your guards bumped down my payment for that Manticore Bounty. Which I had to track for four fucking days. With my supplies ran dry" I said my irritation making itself known. "And you know the reason why they didn't pay in full?"

She seemed to be caught off guard and very surprised at my accusation, her head tilting slightly to the side, eyebrows furrowed slightly.

"No. No, I do not." She said shaking her head. As I expected. Not seeking the approval of your higher-ups. Shouldn't have expected anything else

"They got 'impatient'."

It was her turn to become exasperated. Her hands coming up to meet her face and with a mighty groan, she tilted her head back.

"What?"

"I told them specifically not to. Purely because I knew you had picked up that particular job. I told them you'd bring them results. You always do. You always have. I'll have that looked into."

I had guessed they hadn't sought approval, but going against direct orders? Now, don't get me wrong, orders are always being broken, but orders from your ruler? That was rare, not anything to worry about, but still rare none the less.

"That would be best. Anyway, if you don't mind me asking. Why're you here? You come for a reason or what?"

"What? Can I not visit a dear friend of mine?" She asked, giving a mock pout, seemingly forgetting her previous irritation.

"No, you can. I was just wandering. Come, please, sit. No point in standing around." I said motioning to the chair beside me, to which she smiled and obliged. I was about to offer some tea, but she summoned her own cup. Where she had it and when she had it made, I have no idea.

"I think you'll be happy to know Hard Strike was willing to compensate a little," I said indicating to the smaller bag sitting next to my armour. "So, What's the news in Canterlot then?"

"That's good. Hard strike has always been reasonable mare. In regards to Canterlot. What's to tell? Nobles are trying and failing to gain more power. The renovation's to the castle is as slow as ever. And don't get me started on the paperwork!"

"So, same as usual then?" I said a genuine smile spread across my face. One Luna shared. Even though she can't see my face, I think she could feel it. And that was enough for me.

"Hmm."

"And what of the unicorn? The one that caused all of this. What happened to him?"

"Cinder has been taken care of. He had gone for a couple of tests at the royal infirmary for any corruption he may have gotten. He had trace amount's and was treated shortly after. He should make a full recovery in a few days or so."

"Good."

For the next while, we just sat there, looking at the bright fireplace as the wood snapped, crackled and popped, taking in the presence of each other. If you've known someone for long enough, no words are needed. Just the comfortable silence. But, of course, all silence must be broken.

"So what's next for the mighty veteran then?" She asked putting her cup on the side table next to her.

That got a genuine laugh from me. I've been described as many things in my years, but never that.

"Way to make me feel my age. To be honest, I don't really know to be honest with you. I've got more than enough money to take an extended break, so I might just to that."

"Sounds like a splendid idea! You might actually get some much-needed peace. Faust above knows you need it."

I simply hummed in agreement. It has been a while since I've just sat back and relaxed.

Looking at the clock above the fireplace, Luna grumbled. I could guess as to why.

"Unfortunately, I must head back to Canterlot. As much as it pains me to no end, I have duties I must attend to. I could only allocate an hour for this little visit." She said as she got up from her chair.

"Well, as always, Luna, I enjoyed your company. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to visit me." I said before giving a wave goodbye. She gave one back before popping out of existence, leaving me alone once again with the crackle of the fireplace.
Taking a look in my fridge, I saw a lack of in date produce. Throwing out any spoiled foods and drinks, putting out the fire and grabbing my coat, I made my way out the door. Making sure my helmet was secure, I wandered off to the main market area of the town. As I walked I got a few strange looks from some of the travelling merchants. And that's due to the fact I still had my helmet on.

That's what most don't understand about my order. Most of us are unable to remove our helmets in front of any living being. And there a simple, but significant to that. Mandalorians are not one particular race. It is a religion. A way of life to those willing to following the code. The point of the helmet is to show the individual is Mandalorian and not what they appear underneath the helmet. I may be the only Mandalorian left, but I will sure as hell enforce our customs. Even if it's just on myself.

I had explained this to some of the local populace, who then spread it to those who didn't know. That's why it's just some of the non-permanent merchants giving me looks. Some of the merchants were frequent visitors to ponyville, so as a result, they had gotten used to my religions customs.

Like a well-oiled clock, I got into my shopping routine, going from stall to stall, buying any essentials I had ran out of or had to throw away. While I was doing this, I couldn't help shake the feeling I was being watched. My instinct was confirmed when I saw something shift in the left of my peripheral. Taking a step back, a pink blur whizzed it's way past me.

"Su'cuy Pinkie."

"Why is it no matter how many times I try to sneak up on you, your always prepared?" she said lightly rubbing her head, still as upbeat as ever. I offered her my hand which she gratefully accepted.

"I think you know exactly why," I said, pulling the pink earth-pony to her hooves. But when I got her up, I saw her eyes gaze behind me ever so briefly. It was a 'blink and you miss it', but I saw it. Stepping to my left, another blur shot past me, this with a rainbow hue, giving an almighty thud as it barrelled into the energetic pony in front of me.

"Su cuy'gar to you too, Dash," I said, smiling at the two groaning ponies. I knew the two of them could take the hit, which is why I wasn't concerned. They've taken harder hits and walked away just fine.

"Ah buck it! Why can't we ever hit ya!? I just don't understand!" The Rainbow haired trickster shouted as the locals around us either laughed at the display or just shook their heads, somewhat amused.

We've been doing this sort of 'game' for a while. If they could hit me, I would teach them and their friends more about my society and it's culture. They wouldn't be integrated, just taught about my customs.

"That might be because I'm much older than you and much more experienced," I said, lifting the two to their hooves.

"Well, you don't move for your age. How old are you again?"

"Thanks for the vote of confidence. Besides, I already told you my age. Now, what're you two doing?"

"I felt someone wasn't in a good mood so I was going to try and cheer them up and when I saw it was you, I thought me and Dashie could try our luck! Why are you feeling down anyway?" Pinkie stated, dusting herself and Dash off of any dirt they had on them.

"You know the Manticore that the unicorn brought back?"

A look of realization slowly dawned on the pair's faces. "Oh yea, I remember that one! What about it?" Dash asked

"Well let's just say tracking the thing down was harder than expected and to top it all off I wasn't correctly paid." I said moving over to a stall "Your best spices please." I asked the stallion manning the stall. He nodded before stepping over the bags behind him.

"So what's the plan for you two then?"

"Not much. You?" Dash asked.

"I have more than enough money to be able to take a long-needed break. So I plan on relaxing a bit."

"Relaxing? do you even know how to relax?" Dash remarked

I gave her an unamused stare. Even though she can't see my face, I think she could feel the look I was giving her, as she rubbed the back of her neck and adopted a sheepish look. I paid for the spices and picked up the small amount of bags, tied them together and placed them on my belt to free up my hands.

"Well I don't know about you girls, But I'm quite tired and I need a good nights sleep. So I'll see you later."

"Okie Dokie lokie, see ya later then Fen! Hey, that rhythmed."

I waved the girls bye as I walked back home, chuckling lightly at the pink mares antics as I went. When I got home, I got right to work, putting away the items I had bought in there rightful place in my kitchen. Making my way to my room, I made sure I sure I was alone I sat on my bed before I removed my helmet from my head. Taking out a few tools, I touched up my helm. Mainly cleaning it of dirt and removing any dents it may have had. Placing it on the nightstand, I laid down on my bed, letting sleep take me soon after.
The next day being a mystery in what it would bring.

Author's Note

And then there were two
constructive critisism is massivly appreciated
any mistakes or the like, please tell me

Edit: same as last time, grammatical corrections