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 Posted: Mon Jan 13, 2014 6:42 pm
The need to protect, and the desire not to become what he disliked whirled in his mind like a windigo storm. He managed out something though, "Hardest part of every journey is always the first step." For a reason she had yet to take it herself, he wondered what was keeping her. As he rolled his shoulders, he was also glad she hadn't. Everypony seemed to find beauty in magic, or use it for everyday. He'd hardly expect less of such a passionate pony to not act the same. There was no blame or shame, just not something he wanted for himself. The defender and the loner battled, a twitch of the ear or subtle jerk of the tail the only indications he gave of it.
"The Tree called to me and I followed, it was the same for you as well, yes?" Luna had indicated as much when they spoke the night before.
Her curiosity was charming, though he wondered if she'd regret it when he answered her. "I lived in the forest that shared my name, the Everfree Forest. I miss my home, most ponies were scared of it, I suppose they have their reasons. The forest has its dangers, but the same could be said of anywhere. I enjoyed protecting it as it was wild and free, I also did my part to help by protecting the ponies around it." He knew of the zebra that lived within his kingdom, though he had no idea if she knew of him.
Seemed like a life time ago that he split from the Princesses, became a Lost Prince and ceased to contact others. Harder to make friends when others were afraid of the timberwolves.
Cautious, Everfree looked away as the inkling of fear that she'd pull away from him after hearing where he was from. He worried for her reaction and busied himself by responding, "You are welcome, Twilight." Nothing he said was without being earned by merit. "I agree, there are key traits for anypony, honesty is a big one. I respect anyone honest with their feelings and intentions." Well, could not be taken seriously. He had little time for the idea of empty words or deceptive phrases.
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Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 11:45 am
Twilight shrugged. She mostly just hadn't gotten around to it yet. She had been busy with so many other things that she'd almost entirely forgotten she had yet to swear herself to the tree. "It's not that I don't want to, I just.. I've all but forgotten. If the chief wishes anything of me, I'll do it in a heartbeat. He is our leader and of course would know best. But I just.. I've forgotten." She sighed, it wasn't something she was comfortable with. Back in Equestria, Twilight was one of the most magically gifted unicorns around. Here in Telrunya? Not so much. But everyone seemed to share an equal amount. It was a good thing, she knew it was. Maybe that was why she had hesitated in trying to partake. To let others have her share of the magic for a while.
But he gave the same answer she had expected. The Tree was calling. Trying to make sure her children made it home safely. "She is a kind tree. I hope you enjoy life here as much as I do." Came her response, including a smirk.
"The Everfree Forest was scary. There were so many scary stories, tales, ghost stories... I could go on for hours about what was said about your forest. Without it, there would have been no real natural horror. But at the same time, none of the creatures that called it home would exist." The purple fauny frowned. "There are... Were so many amazing beasts and creatures inside the forest. There are a lot in the forests here too." She glanced up at him. "I had no idea you were there. You must have been a great protector."
Twilight Sparkle squeezed his hand, clearly not going to let go of it any time soon. "Then, what are your intentions?"
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Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 2:43 pm
Listening to her, he thought of how or if he should respond to much of what she was suggesting. He could hardly say he was glad she hadn't gone on her journey, that wasn't very fair of him. "I have heard good things about the Chief." The idea still seemed so weird to him, that a male was leading and his Princesses were not. The Everfree was his realm but he always deferred to the Princesses. It could not have been easy for them, to put the faith that their ponies would be safe in another pony's hooves.
The most diplomatic thing he could think to do was avoid speaking on the magic. Instead he moved on to the tree, "She? Yes, I can see that." Looking back at the Great Tree, he gave her a smile as well. Attention pulled back, now Twilight had a warm smile directed towards her, "I suspect I will, just the first day and I already feel at home." Sort of, the magic use made his feathers itch. His heart was heavy, wondering if he could get used to it or would have to revert back to living in the forests alone.
Seeming to confirm his fears, he looked away as the Everfree Forest was called scary. Lowering he head, his woody brown mane fell forward shielding his eyes. While his ears lowered, he never stopped listening to her.
His world wasn't horror, it was freedom.
Ears perking, he cast his brown eyes on her again as she mentioned the amazing creatures, "There were, more then most ponies would ever see. I think it scared most because it existed without magic, grew wild and free as it willed. That was a new thing for the ponies who were used to doing everything one way or another. From something they could control, to a place they didn't was new. New can be scary." Smiling even wider he said with twinkling eyes and great pride, "Thank you for thinking such. I did my best to protect. It was a duty I took pride in." Just what did he have now? The Tree he guessed if he could find a way to help protect it.
The squeeze was comforting, minutes ago he was afraid she'd let go and run from him. In turn, he responded by gently brushing a thumb along the knuckle and outer finger of their joined hands, small show of affection for his companion. "My intentions?" Giving a small show of thinking about it, he answered, "To help keep you smiling, to explore and learn all that I can. I also intend to spend as much time with you as you will allow." She was a new friend and so far a joy to be around.
What he didn't say was he intended to keep her safe as well. What was out there he didn't know, there would be beings ready to attack around any corner or it could be peaceful. Even in Equestria there were dangers and he didn't mean his forest. However, saying such would be making a promise he didn't know yet if he could fully keep.
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Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 3:07 pm
"He is a good man. I trust him as much as I trust Princess Celestia and Princess Luna." Twilight smiled, reflecting on it. She had never met the man, she had only heard the good things about him. Twilight had seen him about the tree as well. And his wife waddling about. The fauny felt a little sorry for her, constantly waddling, but it looked like she was going to be a mommy soon.
"I really do hope you come to find it home the way I do." The purple one nodded, only to blink when he started talking about the forest. There must have been a lot more to it than she'd ever imagined possible. It must have been a good thing he was protecting it. "I'm sure you did a wonderful job."
It wasn't until she heard the last of his intentions that she blushed again. He really was flirting with her! "Well then you better stick around a good long time." Twilight nudged him a little. She was grinning pretty big. "But speaking of sticking around, it's freezing out here." As if to emphasize her point, she started shivering. How had she made it this long without noticing the extreme cold? "Would you come inside with me? We can explore the tree, where it's nice and cozy warm." Twilight offered, trying not to shake too terribly much.
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Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 3:32 pm
He nodded, just the same he trusted the Princesses explicitly. He really did need to met the chief and find out where his place in the tree would be. That had been part of his intent today, though he had hoped to see Celestia first. Instead, he met a delightful unicorn and there was not a complaint in his mind of it. Hopefully the chief would forgive his tardiness.
Certainly, he hoped as well that he would find it home and get used to the way things were here. Grinning he nodded to her, "I think so." He was proud of it and of his part for the forest and the ponies.
Chuckling warmly, she got an enthusiastic, "It would be my pleasure." He intended to stick around as long he could. If it was forever or tomorrow, best to make the most of the time.
The nudge earned her a playful tap on the back utilizing the wings he kept close to his body. The cold made him want to wrap them round but that wasn't fair to twilight. If he could have one thing right now, it would be something to give her to keep her warm. "The Tree is a perfect place to start exploring, Let us hurry too it. " Taking a step towards it, he was unwilling to move back until she was walking as well hoping to stay in step with her to walk together.
Part of him had some trepidation going back into the tree so soon, he could almost feel the itch in his feathers starting back up.
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Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 3:57 pm
Twilight leaned into him, trying to gather a little warmth from his body. "Brrrrr." She shivered, wrapping her free arm around herself to rub against her arm. "Hurry sounds good." She agreed, taking a step towards the tree. Followed by another. "At least we aren't too far away?" The purple fauny tried to grin. She wasn't too far away from her teeth chattering. Oh Celestia why had she not noticed the cold before? This was terrible!
"Ho-how much of the tree have you seen?" She asked, only tripping over her words once. Twilight was more than willing to believe it was because of the weather.
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Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 4:15 pm
Pulling out his arm, he wrapped it around her shoulder and extended a wing to offer her what little warmth he could. He didn't break his stride as he kept up with her. The cold was biting but his concern was her comfort.
The question had an easy answer, "I have seen the entrance and the room I was given, finding it again might be a trick." He wasn't completely sure where it was anymore. Everyone was given a place in the Tree as he understood it. A fitful night sleeping and he was out. With nothing personal of his because he owned nothing, finding an empty one would be his end solution.
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Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 4:57 pm
Twilight was grateful for the warmth, even if it wasn't much. It was better than just standing out there without a jacket or scarf to keep her warm. "Maybe we should stop by Fi's and get some warm clothes?" She shivered, trying not to rush terribly to get into the warmth of the great tree. Oh Celestia it was cold. How could she have not noticed this before?
"You really haven't seen much of her at all then have you?" Twilight blinked in surprise. It was a shock. But then, it really shouldn't have been a surprise. He had barely been there a day, how could she expect him to explore their new home? "We could find your room after a quick stop to the Clothier?"
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Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 5:08 pm
Closing in on the Tree he listened to her, splitting his attention from the tree to looking at her when she spoke. Back in Equestria he couldn't remember being that terribly cold to need clothes of any sort. Here, without his forest around him, he felt it.
"No, I haven't" He concurred with her conclusion. He knew the Tree was huge and there was so much he hadn't seen. Time could be passed just looking everywhere, mayhaps a few days to truly see it all. Somewhere in there was the Chief, Luna and Celestia. Plus more ponies then he had ever seen and with him was the best guide he could ask for.
At the threshold of the Tree he says, "That is an excellent plan, please lead the way." What ever was between them and the clothier he hoped she'd spare the time to explain to him
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Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 6:12 pm
Twilight grinned, glad to finally be inside the tree. "Oh thank Celestia it's warm in here." She was so happy to not see her breath as they all but ran for the tree.
"Fi's is right over there, it's on the ground level with the rest of the shops. The bar is pretty close to her shop. She sells clothing and accessories when she's in." Twilight explained, pointing out where everything was when she said it. "The bar, well it's a bar. I haven't been in there, but I've heard it's pretty good." She shrugged, gently tugging on his hand to pull him towards the clothier.
"She might be out getting supplies, she leaves... Well not often, but she's gone a long time when she goes." Twilight had honestly only seen her once since she'd come to Telrunya, and even that was in passing.
"Up higher are everyone's homes. I'm not certain where Chief Rais and his wife live, but I think they're high up. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna might be around there too, but I've never seen where they come from when I do see them."
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Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 6:30 pm
Everfree laughed softly, and looked at Twilight with a warm smile. That she still swore by the Princess was endearing. He didn't exactly expect for them to completely forget their old lives, it warmed him that at least Twilight still reminded him a little bit of home. The time between seemed small for him, like it was just a day ago; however, the time for them had to be longer. To what extent he didn't know. Their shock of his arrival led him to believe it had been a while.
Looking everywhere she pointed, he made a mental note with each place. Shifting his wings behind his back, he extended them fully before tucking them back against his body folded neatly. Conveniently, he forgot to let go of her, content to keep her hand until she decided to let him go.
Giving no resistance, he followed her as he was being tugged. "Hopefully she will be in. What does one use for currency here?" Even in Equestria he didn't worry about bits as everything he needed was within his home. However, nothing really came for nothing and he had not a thing with him to exchange for anything.
At least if she could get things to keep her warm he would be just fine with that.
Looking higher up he states, "Stallion Justmo said he would set up an audience, I'll try to find him again to remember where I need to go." Another time, he'd follow Twilight where she wanted to go and learn everything he could from her.
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Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 8:26 pm
Twilight beamed, enjoying that he was listening and actually understood what she was talking about. She knew there were times when her mouth just ran away from her and she kept droning on and on about what something was or how it worked. While Twilight didn't mind it, she was aware that not all the fauns or faunies could appreciate it the way she did.
"It depends on Fi to be honest. Sometimes she takes trade, other times she'll ask for a favor... Or so I've heard. There has been some gorgeous clothing that came out of there though." The purple fauness nodded, noticing the closed door. She sighed, "Looks like it's closed though. Maybe next time?" Her eyes darted upwards, looking to him. Twilight almost couldn't believe how much shorter than him she was. Goodness Gracious he was tall!
"You're going to have an audience with the princesses?" She inquired, curious as to why he would need one. Or was it with Chief Rais? It would make sense to ask Adviser Mo to set up an audience with the chief at least.
"The layout of the tree is pretty easy to navigate when you've learned the basic patterns for getting around. As soon as you remember where your room is I can show you how to get around as quick as possible."
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Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 8:50 pm
A favor sounded interesting, "Do you know what kind of favor?" With a sense of humor he didn't often share he added, "I don't make a very good dress model." His grin fell, that joke wasn't quite as funny as he expected to be. The reaction, he coughed like he had a scratchy throat.
Princesses? Shaking his head, he responded with a hint of sadness he says, "No, the Chief, must learn this new world. Though I do hope to run into Princess Celestia first. Princess Luna is happy here, I'd like to know that Princess Celestia is as well. Feels rude, seeing him before her. The world has changed but Equestria is still alive and well in each pony from there." His words trailed off as he finished his thought ahead of what he was saying. Split leadership wouldn't work, but it felt rude all the same. Princess Celestia would still be a leader, he couldn't imagine her personality changing. It wasn't the land or the title that made a Princess. It was the heart, the spirit and the mind that made a Princess.
His room, right. looking around, he looked first to the door then to the left of it, "I think it is over there, nothing in it would say mine though, and empty one anywhere would do." With no attachment to anything in a space he slept in, it wasn't where that he cared much for. Bare walls were bare walls, it was the memories he looked forward to filling.
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Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 12:42 pm
Twilight giggled, "Who knows, she seems better than Rarity. You might wind up wearing a fancy dress~" She teased, thinking it was funny.
But he wanted to meet Celestia first? Well, that made sense, it was kind of hard to get over reporting straight to the princesses. "I believe the princesses are still our princesses, but we still have to listen to Chief Rais over them." Twilight offered. Hopefully it would make him feel a little better about seeing one before the other. "Chief Rais is a kind chief." The purple fauny smiled, thinking about him. It was an interesting change to make. Not always a hard one, but it might be for others who weren't intent on learning everything they could about their new home.
"That sounds really lonely Prince Everfree." Twilight frowned. "You brought nothing at all with you?" Her head tilted, looking up at him while she squeezed his hand. It was so very strange to not have anything of your own in a new world like this. It made it all sound so lonely
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Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 2:02 pm
Everfree laughed, delighted she found his joke funny. Humor was tricky, failing at a joke was just embarrassing. He liked that she got his humor and enjoyed the joke. The mental image of him in a pink frilly dress was decidedly not as funny.
He listened to what she had to say, "I understand, just one of many things to get used to." His respect and admiration for the Princesses would never fade; however, Twilight Sparkle was very right about the new order. It would just take time. He would try to find Rais first. If he saw Celestia first he'd still stop and talk.
Tilting his head to the side, he looked down at the mare as she expressed a sense of him being lonely. He'd never seen himself as exactly lonely. Alone maybe but he had his forest and everything within. Giving her hand a squeeze back he told her, "I am alright, I didn't have anything to bring with me but what is here is more special than any items." He had friends here both in the Princesses and a new friend in Twilight Sparkle.
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