My grey hooves clomped through the lit streets of Filly Delphia, passing plenty of other ponies along the way. It was good to see that there were still places mostly unaffected by the Chaos. Much of the Equestrian way of life has yet been preserved, but anypony you talk to can tell you that they've experienced changes. Many say that it's the things that they keep doing, the things they've always done, that makes this new Equestria easy to live in. It was usually a big deal to see ponies in armor, wearing weapons at their flank, but now I don't seem to get quite as many odd looks. Thank Celestia not everypony need arm themselves, but the fact that every city, town, and village has some kind of guard tells you that everypony's life has altered course at least a little bit.
Anyway, I wasn't moving through the street at night because I wanted to think about the Chaos some more. Tonight I was hoping to find some respite, a place where I could relax and enjoy myself, to not be the war veteran I found myself becoming. Out in the square of town, I caught the sounds of a party. Perhaps not as wild and energetic as the ones Pinkie Pie used to throw, but a celebration nonetheless. It was open-air, so I took the opportunity to join in. As I trotted up, a few individuals gave me graven looks, instantly knowing what kind of pony I was and what I did, but they quickly brightened up after, giving me welcoming smiles, then returned to their dancing, drinks, and snacks. One earth pony walked up to me and graced me with the most genuine smile I've seen in many years. Her deep red coat and soft green mane were so simply beautiful, I was honestly taken aback for a moment. "Hello there! I don't think we've met, I'm Berry Twist! What's your name?" I admit I was in a bit of a daze admiring the sweetly small curls in her mane and the darker red freckles on her cheeks that I stammered for a moment to respond.
"U-uh, hmm? Oh, oh, uh, Glint Hoof."
"Glint Hoof, huh? A good, strong name, good sir! Why don't you come on and join in on the fun? We're celebrating Luna's Return tonight, so feel free to enjoy the evening! We've got cider!"
"You've got me there. I would love a mug."
"Well then come on, Glinty!" She led me by the hoof over to the refreshments table and passed me a glass of cider. It was the best I've tasted in a long time, perhaps for two reasons. One, since the last I'd had was from Sweet Apple Acres, and two, because that was well before the Chaos Moment. And maybe three because she was the one who gave it too me. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't smitten. "So, taste good?" Her cheery disposition was infectious.
"Darn right it does!" I licked the foam off my upper lip.
"Well, come on, let's have some fun tonight. To the dance floor!"
"Oh, just a moment." I rubbed at my armor, and she seemed to get it.
"Sure, sure, can't dance very well in that heavy gear. I'll be waiting for you!" She gave me a wink before she turned and trotted off. I watched her go, then turned to find an empty table where I could deposit my equipment. I certainly had a lot of it, and it took me several minutes to take off all the straps. Nopony seemed to mind all the noise I was making as my plate clattered to the ground, then as I placed it all on the low table. The music coming from the speakers seemed to drown out most of the ruckus I was making anyway. I got the chance to watch Berry as she danced with the others while I stowed everything, and I have to say even the way she danced was appealing. There was hardly any restraint, coupled with an undoubted grace, even on her hind legs. That kind of freedom was something I quickly came to admire. My thoughts followed through on just why I admired her brand of freedom that she seemed to exude. It was something I wouldn't truly be able to experience for myself. I was duty- and honor-bound to service to Her Majesty Celestia. I do not regret that decision, but, at least for the foreseeable future, there was no way I could let myself simply enjoy life. I'd sworn to protect it. To protect ponies like Berry, so they didn't have to worry.
She must have noticed my now glum expression, because I looked up to the sound of her hoof-steps as she approached me once more. "Something wrong, Glint Hoof?" There was genuine concern in her eyes. I was beating myself up for that; bringing her out of the happiness she should be feeling.
"Oh, no, no, nothing's wrong. I was just lost in thought, that's all."
"Oh, you sure? Okay then. Well, it looks like you're good to go, and they're changing the music. I just might need a dance partner." She gave me a sly look, and the deejay had indeed just started a slower tune.
I changed to a soft smile, and held out my hoof. "Then we'd best get out there," I said. She put her hoof on top of mine as I guided her out to the floor, then we stood up and started to dance, rocking back and forth to the tune. Her soft pink eyes seemed to catch the light just perfectly, and my spirits flew to be here. Whether she knew it already or not, she certainly had succeeded in making me feel welcome. Then she asked the one thing I hoped she wouldn't have.
"So, where are you from?" I halted, unable to continue the swaying to the music.
"...Ponyville," I eventually curtly replied.
"Oh. I'm sorry." She put her forelegs further around me in a close hug, then slowly guided me back into the movement of the dance.
"You're okay. You couldn't have known."
"No, but maybe I shouldn't have asked," she continued, speaking from my shoulder. Her mane even smelled like fruit. Part of me was glad she did ask though. She was showing interest in me, and truth be told I needed a friend. We continued the slow, rocking motion for several minutes in silence, while I carefully thought of what my next words should be.
She actually broke the quiet before I had the courage to myself. "Is that why you do what you do? I have seen your type before, but you seem even more distant than the rest of them." I nodded, once, and slowly, my cheek brushing against hers.
"I owe Celestia a great deal, and just as much to the Ponyville. Twilight Sparkle and her friends especially."
"Right, the Harmonic Six..." More silence followed, and I internally stewed, feeling guilty now for having carried a note of somberness into the party. The song ended, and the two of us released the embrace, dropping back down to all fours. "You know what, Mr. Hoof? Come with me. You could use some cheering up, I think." She put on a brave smile and guided me back to the refreshments, where she scooped up several mugs of cider. The two of us cantered over to the table where I had left all my equipment. She deposited a mug in front of me and started to drink from her own. I stared dumbly at the vessel with the golden-bronze liquid for a short while. "Oh, come on, Glint. Drink up!" She was evidently bound and determined to ensure that I was happy, which I was happy to allow. "I'll grab some snacks. Dandelion, or alfalfa?"
"Oh, dandelion, please. Don't much care for alfalfa." I ran my hoof along the handle of the glass as she once again trotted off. I looked at my shield, with the Celestial Sun emblazoned across it, and let out a deep sigh. There was so much to do, so much to investigate, and more still that needed protection. What was I doing here? Celestia is depending on me, Equestria is depending on me, I can't be dilly-dallying here. Once again, Miss Twist seemed to read my mind as she returned with a plate of mini sandwiches.
"Hey, now, you're worried, I get that. But this is a night for cheery faces and fun with friends. You're allowed to do that much, aren't you?" She lay her head against my neck at the word 'friends.' Celestia's mane, this mare was bold. The deep green locks of her hair were so soft against my coat though. I closed my eyes and took a long and deep breath.
"Yes, I think I can do that much. It would be good for me," I eventually responded. Her head came up and she looked me in the eye as she spoke again.
"Good. You may have a duty to a great many people, but you do have a duty to yourself too, Glint. It'd be hard to spread light if you're weary in the dark. So relax tonight. You owe that to yourself." Her insight was simple, yet it rang true to my soul. I allowed myself a smile and scooped up one of the dandelion hors d'oeuvres. "That's better!" Her face brightened like it had so many times before. Her smile was something magical. I finally allowed myself to give into the cheer she was so insistent on sharing, and the two of us conversed for several hours, sharing stories of our happy times, mine mostly from back in Ponyville. It was usually painful to speak of that time of my life, but for one reason or another it happened naturally with Berry Twist. Across our table, over several mugs of cider, I can happily report that there was indeed laughter ringing in the night.
When we realized that the party was wrapping up for the night, Berry continued to impress with her hospitality. "I don't suppose you have a place to stay here in Filly Delphia already?" By the light of dawn, she really was forward.
"No, I can't say that I do."
"Well, you can spend the night in my apartment. I'll save you a couple bits, rather than staying in a hotel. I do happen to have a spare bed."
"Oh, no, no, I couldn't. It just isn't proper."
"What, is there a paladin's code or something? Come on, Glint, just take the offer. I'm just trying to help a friend out, I mean nothing by it."
"...Very well, Miss Twist, lead on," I eventually answered.
"Come now, Sir Hoof," she spoke in kind with a mock-dignity. "Miss Twist? It's Berry. Berry's just fine. Just up the street, come on." She broke into a light gallup, one that I wasn't prepared for. I scooped up my gear as fast as I could into the pack and made to follow her. She made it to the doorstep well before I could, and stood waiting for my approach. "Come on in, Sir Hoof," she invited, continuing the false refinement for comedic effect. I gazed around the immediate interior and located a sofa in the middle of the first room.
"That'll work."
"The sofa? No, no, I have a proper bed over here." She gestured with her hoof towards the back of the apartment, presumably where she slept too.
"Oh, no, I couldn't. The sofa will be just fine. I insist."
"You sure...?" I gave single, strong nod. "Well, okay. If you insist." I dropped my pack on the floor next to the couch, and lowered myself into the cushions. "Let me know if you need anything, Glint," she said, as she started towards the back.
"I'll be sure to. Thanks for your hospitality, Berry. It's been a wonderful night, thanks to you," I said, with a light grin spreading across my face. I couldn't tell if it was with a gasp or a giggle, but she quickly disappeared into the hallway. I shook my head, hopefully not having just said something stupid. My head drooped to my forelegs, and I laid down on my side across the couch. A few minutes passed, and I heard her voice over the back of the couch.
"Good night, Glint. Rest well...my friend."
"Thanks. You too." The apartment was thrown into darkness as she flicked off the light switch, and I closed my eyes. I didn't know how I felt exactly, her calling me friend. It pleased me, but I think there was two parts of me arguing that there should be more and that there shouldn't even be that much. My mind relinquished the thought to the dark. It wasn't very long before I dropped off; it rarely was.
My dreams that night were a muddled mess of flashing images. The white flash of the Chaos, Celestia's blessing, the frightening faces of the monsters that confronted my family on the path to Canterlot. Berry came through my mind too, along with the faces of many of the other ponies I've met on my travels. Some of the denizens of Ponyville too. It wasn't a fitful dream, just a peculiar one, as if my subconscious was taking stock of everything I've done and must do.
I woke early the next morning, feeling satisfied. I admit I wish I could have just stayed there in Filly Delphia, but there was a tugging in my heart that I knew would not let me linger. There was a pad of paper on the counter in the room, so I scribbled down a note. "Thanks for making the night a time of joy. I have many things I still need to do, so very much, so I can't stay. I promise though, someday, things will be different, and I'll be able to return. Celestia's light guard you. -Glint." I donned my armor, strapped on my shield and scabbard, then walked out the door, halting for a moment at the threshold, then left Filly Delphia behind.
~X~
Berry woke late that morning. She sat up in her bed, then went to brush her mane. She halted when she remembered who ought to be out in her living room, and hurried out to see. Resting on top of the back of the couch was a sheet of paper, with a brief message. She glanced over it, slowing at the last two sentences and the signature. As an unexpected, single tear ran down her cheek and splashed on the page, she spoke aloud. "Why can't YOU guard me, Glint?"