Awry

Metallic clattering of hooves reached my ears. I didn't even have to move, didn't even have to reach out to feel it was her. However, she wasn't alone. There was somepony... else with her.

Only perking my ears I waited there sitting silently. Seconds went by uncounted until the sounds of hoofsteps died out again. They both stood in front of me, but of course I could not see them. I felt as they watched me. They were much alike; I couldn’t believe it’s possible anypony to be so much like her.

But they didn't say a word so I waited patiently. I really didn't want to be impolite.

I felt she took a deep breath and finally opened her mouth to speak. I straightened myself up and turned to her with my whole being to memorize each of her words. But she wasn't talking to me. "I'll leave you two alone," she said in her always sweet, calm, mirthful voice.

I heared as they touched their horns together and then she flitted her long mane and turned to leave with slow, comfortable steps. Minutes flew by us in the muted darkness as we mutually observed each other with my guest. They didn't initiate, didn't even made the slightest move, so I did instead. Lighter than a sigh, I reached out and touched them, without ever moving from my place. Even though I could feel the disgusted shiver that ran through their body, they didn't pull away as I carefully prodded.

She was even more like her than I initially presumed. She was also a mare, that was pretty easy to find out, but a little smaller than her. Their most prominently similar features were obviously that her forehead was also adorned by a horn, and her wings, like a silky blanket of feathers, lightly covered her back. I found it strange, however, that their faces were almost identical. As if they were sisters...

I retreated. It was more than enough to feel her repugnance. Of course, I could understand. But she was still just staring silently at me, so I took in some air in my lungs to vibrate my vocal cords and form audible words towards her. What else could be the reason she stayed?

"I don't know who you are," I murmured hoarsely, like I had to stir up years of subsided dust. "And I don't care. But I can tell you who I am. I suppose you came here for this. It will be a long story, but if you get bored or you decide not to care anymore, you are free to leave me alone. I won't be offended. I won't go after you. I won't ask questions. And don't worry, I will not touch you again."

My 'chat partner' snorted condescendingly but otherwise made no commentary. Not that I minded. I always liked to tell stories. It was enough for me if she stayed and listened.

"It isn't easy, but I'll try to tell my tale so that you can understand me," I said finally. "And for this, I have to start from the beginning."