The Legend of the Six

Dusk and Feron trotted toward downtown Ponyville. Passerby looked rather shocked to see the two of them talking, and avoided them as best they could. This did not go unnoticed by Dusk or Feron, but the latter simply assumed it was because nopony had seen Dusk until now. Dusk wasn’t so sure about that; however, he kept that thought to himself.

Passing a nearby food stand, Dusk quietly caused an apple to start rolling down the street toward their destination. When he was sure Feron was distracted, and that nopony else was looking, he slipped the apple under his hat for later, as a midday snack. This little magical stunt, though, did not go completely unnoticed. A lone, gray pegasus saw, and was curious enough to follow, despite his own opinions on talking to people.

“Ah! We’re here, ‘The Sweet Apple Cider Bar.’” Feron began one of her infinitely long conversations.  “This is one of favorite place to eat, and catch a mug of cider after a hard day of friend making. There are always new faces to see, and old faces to see in a new light. You never know who you’re going to see in here!”

Dusk sighed inwardly, and spoke up, hoping to catch her attention. “Uh, Feron, can I say something?” He asked, hoping not to offend her. Wait…hoping to not offend her? That’s new. I suppose it comes with having a friend. Anyway, back to what I was saying.

“Hmm? Oh of course silly! We’re friends now, so of course you can!” She giggled, and looked back over at Dusk.

“Well….Why do you wear that bright pink robe thing?” he asked, cringing a little. “I hate to say it, but I think it scares ponies away with how bright and cheery it is, uh, no offense.” He expanded, noting how people are staying away from them.

“Huh? Oh, this old thing? It was a gift from my grandmother!” Feron replied in a somber yet still cheery tone. After a few seconds lost in memories, she continued. “It was her priestess robe, back when the Pinkamena was still worshiped. It’s a shame no one practices it anymore. The world could use a little more laughter and fun, especially in these dark days…”

After a few more moments of reflection, Feron returned to her usual cheery self. “Anyway,” she replied, “Why do you ask?”

Dusk was a little unprepared for that, but sighed, and finally said what had been on his mind. “Well, one reason I think people don’t, uh, want to tell you their name is because of that robe. I think it scares people off.” He seemed genuinely afraid of how she’d react. “Perhaps if you took it off, just for the party, then perhaps people would be more willing to talk to ya.” Dusk was practically flinching at this point, dreading her response.

“OK!” Was her only reply. With a smile, and a giggle, she slipped off the robe, and stored it in her saddle bag.

Dusk was stunned, speechless at how easy that was. “Umm, alright then.”

“Mhmm!” She nodded, and giggled more. “To the cider!” She yelled, nearly running inside.

“Hey, wait for me!” Dusk yelled, following her lead. The inside of the bar was rather quiet and somber. Trotting directly up to the counter, the pair, smiling, waved for the barkeep to come over.

“Well, if it isn’t Feron Pix, Disciple of Pinka-what’s-her-face.” Barkeep snickered a little, before continuing on. “Here to try and make friends with people again?” He brushed his semi-long brown main out of his blue eyes. His light brown coat glistened a little from all the cider.

“Nope, not today, Barkeep! Just here to drink cider, and celebrate!” she replied, a huge grin plastered onto her face. This intrigued the cider-man, grabbing a mug for the giddy mare.

As he poured the cider from the tap, he couldn’t help but ask, “And what kind of celebration could cause you to take off your fancy robe?” He slid the mug down toward Feron, awaiting her response with some amount of anticipation.

“Well, I made a new friend today!” She beamed, stepping back to show Dusk to Barkeep. “This is Dusk! He’s new in town!” Feron threw a hoof around Dusk’s neck, jokingly. Dusk grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Umm, hi.” He nodded to Barkeep. “Mind if I get a mug too? This is a party after all.”

“Oh, of course! So long as you’re paying, that is.” Barkeep nodded, grabbing the next mug in line.

“Heh, don’t worry about that, Barkeep! Put it on my tab. In fact, I’m buying everyone in the room a round!” Feron exclaimed happily. Everyone in the room perked up at the sound of free drinks. Seeing as everyone knew her name, there were thanks all around to the tune of, “Wow! Thanks Feron!”

Several hours, and many drinks later, Dusk and Feron were the last to stagger from the bar, a new friend in tow. “Hey Barkeep, what is your real name anyway?” Feron asked, truly curious. The cider had made her a little braver than normal.

“Well, I suppose after all that, I owe you my first name, at least. Call me Barry." He nodded with a hint of a smile. "Now good night you two. Get to your homes safely.” He added, turning back to the bar for closing and sleep.

“Will do, Barry!” Feron replied, more bubbly than ever. “I’d say that party covers both him and you, Dusk. Wouldn’t you say?”

“Agreed. Tomorrow is a new day, so let’s sleep the night off, my friend.” Dusk smiled, happy with his newfound friend. With that, they parted ways for the night.

The shy, grey pegasus had watched from the corner as the two friends shared their drink and their dreams, cider flowing like a waterfall. They seem to be doing well for themselves. I can’t say the same for myself, but that’s ok. I just hope things turn out ok for all of us.