He had never felt more awkward than this.

He was in this cottage only a couple weeks ago, trying to end this little Pegasus. Whichever was worse, that she did nothing but sip her tea, or the chilling presence of the god of chaos Discord lingering in the room. But battling the feeling of that ghostly glare burning into the back of Sombra’s neck, there was a serene atmosphere. The smell of flowers, mint, wood and dirt, coupled with the teas that steamed the air.

Fluttershy looked at the empty space behind Sombra, nodding politely at it. “We’re fine for now Discord, he won’t do anything.”

The next second the menacing presence faded away. Now Sombra sighed in relief, having a demon like that while himself did not have magic to defend himself, would have been a dangerous situation. Now it was quiet, no pony dressing him up, forcing him to watch acrobatics, or working in a field. Say for the one pony here, the quiet and calm was a relief. Even with the two guards standing outside the front door.

Fluttershy set her cup on the table, “So how are you doing, I know this place is uch warmer than you’re used to.”

Sombra looked at her cautiously, tensing his muscles from his relaxed position. “It’s fine…”

Starlight had tried to express some hospitality, but it was in a more professional manner. This soft-spoken Pegasus had no sternness in her tone, or any clear sign of trying to deceive her guest.

“That’s good, are you also getting enough sleep?” She chirped.

Sombra stared, and narrowed his eyes. “Yes…”

Fluttershy smiled, looking pleased by the answer. “Good thing we had a spare alicorn bed, you’re quite tall.”

Sombra’s eyes narrowed at that.

“What’s the matter?” Fluttershy tipped her head to the side.

Sombra straightened up in his seat, “Aren’t you angry, or scared?”

“Terrified.” She smiled, and picked up her cup and sipped her tea.

Okay…
Sombra relaxed in his chair, “Then what are we doing?”

The pony took a deep breath, letting it out as her nerves calmed. “Probably something really important if you have not noticed already.”

Her smile faded slightly. “When was the last time some pony treated you with kindness?”

It was too good to be true. The question made everything slow down, and the stallion put his face in a hoof. Can he not be left to forget? His past was not worth it after everything that happened.

Hmm… not worth it…

He let out a long sigh as he met the mare’s gaze from across the gap between them, the steam from the teapot and sun rays gently floating down. “A long time ago…” He answered flatly.

“And? Was it nice?”

Sombra looked at her, the same distain he mustered in his tone. “Patronizing.”

Fluttershy’s wing flipped around to cover her dropped jaw, clearly not expecting the answer.

“I was a young colt, lost in the wastes, I could not speak. They pitied me and my situation.” He grumbled, words becoming easier to enforce his lie. In reality during the time he first came to the Crystal Empire he had no perception of what was even happening, but his version was enough.

“I see.” The pegasus nodded, “I’m sure they meant well, they tried caring for you the best they could.”

Her guest was silent, the stallion thinking of another lie. It was becoming obvious he was covering for something, more so than earlier in the day but now he was wearing out.

“You don’t need to say anything if you don’t want too.” The mare spoke softly.

Thoughts cleared form Sombra’s mind as he looked up, watching the pegasus take her cup. No more talking, hardly any eye contact. Except for refilling tea and tea snacks, there was not much interaction.

Now the sun was setting, Fluttershy’s voice had awoken him, and a small white rabbit pushing his shoulder.

“Wake up, it’s time to go.”

Sombra had fallen asleep, sitting upright in the chair. His back and legs were sore as a result, but his mind was clear. There was a knock on the door as Sombra knelt down, arching his crackling back.

He dragged his hooves down the trail, constantly glancing back. Fluttershy waved goodbye, and he answered with a wave as well. It was a different experience than the other days, much more peaceful. The weirdest part however, was that the element of harmony did not even say a word about lessons.

Hmm, now that I think of it, I don’t even know what element she was supposed to be…

Maybe Starlight Glimmer knew, he would meet her at the castle soon.

Author's Note

she's something else