“Don’t come any closer! I’ll whack ya’ good if-” He landed with a thud, surrendering to the powerful blow against his head. The midday sun was the last thing he saw before slipping into unconsciousness. His attacker took a few steps forward, over the other limp bodies, and gave an airy chuckle.

“First ancient solar gemstones, now this bundle of obscure ores. One of these days, Maud, somepony’s going to think you’re up to something.”

“What if I am? Maybe I have a mask and costume in this cart, too,” the grey mare responded with a drone. A few tugs secured her cargo in place against the sturdy cart it sat upon as the black-clad stallion approached.

“What even is this stuff? To attack you on the road seems bold, almost too bold for the kind of rabble out this way.”

“My former professor wants me to identify it, and clearly so do others.” She yoked herself to the cart and began her march. “Are you coming?”

“Give me a minute.” The Ghost took his time disrobing. Carefully, he slipped his well-worn uniform into a dark grey saddlebag hanging off the side of the cart before flinging it over his haunches. Twice he shook the satchels to cover the patchwork of fur and scars that lined his back. Once he was satisfied, he swept his argent mane back and stood beside Maud.

“I’ve never had a stallion strip for me before,” she monotoned with a sly smirk.

“Oh, yes, tired and dripping sweat is sure to rile up the mares,” he teased back.

“Clearly you don’t know most mares.”

The road before them was lined with brilliant verdant trees. Birdsong rode on the gentle breeze and seemed to echo across the entire valley, coaxing new tunes from other birds who listened. The orchestra of nature filled Maud and Silver with a dull warmth. Further down the road the woods thickened, and Celestia’s sunlight beamed through the green canopy above them, painting the road like stars in the night sky. Still, the birdsong flew.

They approached a clearing. The archway of vine and brush stood as a portal to the outside field, a perfect frame of shaded leaves and brilliant sunlight. As they passed the threshold they stood beholden to a sight that brought a smile from even Maud. Just down the hill, across the glittering waters of the river, stood the small town of Ponyville.

“Been a long time since I’ve come through here,” Silver said with a content sigh. “I didn’t know you lived here.”

“I don’t,” Maud returned. “I live just over there. Ponyville-adjacent.”

With firm hoofsteps Maud carefully made her way down the slope of the hill. Silver backed himself against the cart to help, but the sheer weight of it reminded him of Maud’s unusual strength. Nevertheless, he struggled to assist, and before long they walked toward the large bridge leading into Ponyville’s town center.

“Good day, Miss Maud.”

“Good morning, doctor. Nice to see you brought a friend!”

“Hello there, Maud. Thank you so much for fixing the house’s foundation! Why, we might’ve slid right down the hill if it weren’t for you.”

Maud simply waved at the barrage of attention. Silver, though, was stunned.

“Cheery,” he stated.

“Ponyville’s like that,” Maud replied. “Takes a bit to get used to, but after a while you learn they’re good ponies. Don’t you have something like this in Coltistrano?”

“Well, ponies there are friendly, but not so much like this.” Silver motioned to a frizzy pink pony in the distance, bouncing and singing around an equally pink cart adorned with flags and streamers. The two ponies she performed for applauded and cheered. The pony in question, however, turned to meet his gaze and grew an intimidating smile. In an instant the pony charged the duo and wrapped her hooves around Maud.

“You’re back!” The pony screamed to the high heavens. “You start living in Ponyville-adjacent for all of five seconds and then you’re off on another super secret rock adventure! Did you do anything cool, huh? And... oh my gosh, you made a new friend!”

“Silver, this is my sister, Pinkie.” Maud’s words were unimpeded by Pinkie who, literally, hung off of her. “Pinkie, this is a friend I met in Manehatten. Silver Spade.”

“Well, Pinkie, it’s a pleasure to me-”

“You have a double initial, too?! My name is “Pinkie Pie”, and your name is “Silver Spade”! That’s “PP” and “SS”, and that means we’re double-initial buddies!” Pinkie reached into her flopping curls and produced a blue and gold sticker with the words “Double Initial Buddies” before slapping it onto Silver’s bag. Finally, she took his hoof and shook. “A pleasure to meet ya’.”

Pinkie, at last, relinquished Silver’s hoof and left him speechless. Maud gave a weak laugh and nudged Silver.

“Pinkie takes a little more to get used to.”

“Aw, don’t say that, Maud.” Pinkie interjected. “Everypony deserves a warm welcome, especially in Ponyville! Do you know anypony in town, Silver? Any way I can help you get around?”

“I know Rarity lives here. If you could point me in the-”

“Oh my gosh! Are you...?” Pinkie’s face contorted with the force of a suppressed cheer, eyes bright with glee. “She’s just down the road at the Carousel Boutique. You’ll know it when you see it. It looks like a carousel!”

“Well, thank you, Pinkie,” Silver said through an irresistible laugh. “Maud, are you gonna be okay on your own?”

“Go see Rarity. If anypony can handle my sister, it’s yours truly.”

Maud trotted alongside her now bouncing polar opposite as the two continued through town and out of sight, leaving Silver alone on the side of the colorful street. Again, he was met with the smiling faces of ponies who greeted him along his path. It was a pleasant feeling. Far too often Silver found himself at the business end of somepony’s hoof while on the trail of a criminal or saboteur, but a strange tingling sense of relief filled his chest and drained him of tension with every smile he saw. It reminded him of Coltistrano when he was a child. Happy and free.

Breath escaped his lips in a pleasant sigh as he continued down the road with renewed vigor. Rhythmic hoofsteps clopped along the road and carried him to the eastern part of town. He spied a purple flag peaking just over thatched rooftops. Another corner and Silver found himself in the presence of Carousel Boutique, chuckling at the accuracy of the shop’s title.

“She wasn’t kidding,” he laughed. With confident steps he approached and gently pushed upon the door. A small ring announced his arrival, at which he gently doffed his saddlebags and waited. Hurried steps could be heard from up the stairs.

“Oh! Forgive me, I was just in the middle of a new order,” Rarity blurted out, pulling stray threads from her coat and straightening herself. “Now, welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique! Would you like a fitting or... Silver!”

Rarity bounded down the rest of the stairs and launched into Silver’s waiting hooves. They twirled in the center of the display floor, giggling as Rarity squeezed with all her excitement. Silver placed a peck on her cheek.

“Dearest! I didn’t know you were in town, I would’ve prepared something. And you’ve caught me looking dreadful.”

“Thread-ful, you mean?” Silver’s pun earned a groan from the unicorn in his forelegs.

“Of all the things I missed about you, your witticism wasn’t one.” Rarity caught his lips in hers, humming at the contact. “How long are you staying? Or is this... work?”

“Just helping Maud get back home safe, thieves on the road. Was thinking of shaking up at the hotel for the-”

“Oh no, no, no, no! If you’re to stay, you’ll be staying with moi.” Her eyes fluttered as she smirked. “A fine arrangement, no?”

“If you insist.” Silver returned her alluring advances, pressing his muzzle to hers.

“Wonderful.” She spun out from his embrace and returned to the foot of the stairs. “Although, I am still on the clock, as it were, with much work that needs done. Oh! This would be a wonderful opportunity to introduce you to my friends. Wouldn’t that be lovely?”

“Meet the Elements of Harmony?” Silver’s words trembled with a hint of excitement.

“Of course. It’ll have to happen someday if we’re to be an item. Besides, it’s only fair after my wild introduction to you and yours.”

“You wound me,” Silver teased, holding a sarcastic hoof to his heart. “It was life changing. An adventure! A tale for the ages, and one to flaunt to all your friends and family.”

“Oh, trust me, I already have.” Rarity giggled and stuck her tongue out at Silver before turning to the stairs. “Now, I do still have work and can’t afford to be distracted, no matter how delicious he may be. Will you be ready by six? I may have a surprise for you after, too.”

Rarity ascended the stairs, swaying her hips just slightly as she peered over the violet locks on her shoulder. Silver’s heart did a flip in his chest as the pure white mare disappeared into her work room. Heat filled his cheeks. He once more donned his saddlebags and stepped out the door and into the brilliant sunlight. He shook his head, smiling, and took off in the direction of Ponyville-adjacent.

Author's Note

I've decided to release parts individually on a weekly basis. My usual schedule has shifted a bit and this is a much more convenient way to deliver content instead of trying to force an entire story in two weeks or less.