Twilight Sparkle had expected a swift reply from Princess Celestia, but nothing like this. It had been less than a minute since she'd sent Celestia a letter explaining the events of the last hour and before she could finish cleaning up the quills and ink, Celestia had already appeared in a bright flash of golden light in the middle of Golden Oak Library.

“Celestia!” cried out Twilight in surprise as she used her wings to shield her eyes from the bright light, “I wasn't expecting you to come so quickly! Is everything alright?”

Celestia smiled as she looked down to Twilight, “Everything is fine, Twilight. However, it is a matter of utmost importance that I speak to Bardac ri—” but before she could finish her sentence, the door to the library burst open and skidding to a halt in front of them was Rainbow Dash.

“Bardac, big trouble,” Rainbow Dash managed to explain as she panted heavily. As she looked towards Celestia she did her best to bow in respect, though only managed to stumble forward into Twilight.

Catching her friend, Twilight reacted quickly as her horn started to glow. Celestia however, acted even quicker and with a bright flash of golden light from her horn, the group was teleported out of the library and to Sugar Cube Corner where they were met with a disturbing sight. It was the smell however, that hit them first.

“I only gave him one...” whimpered Pinkie Pie as she huddled next to Light Flight, her eyes wide and wet as she gazed to Bardac who was on his hands and knees, retching heavily with a puddle of thick vomit already pooling around his hands.

“What happened?” asked Celestia in alarm as she looked towards Light Flight, then down at Bardac.

“Pinkie Pie gave him a cupcake because he was hungry. He had one bite, then... this,” Light Flight replied. Blood and guts she had no problem dealing with, but the sight and smell of vomit was something entirely different and judging by the slight green tint on her cheeks, Light Flight wasn't far off emptying the contents of her stomach as well.

With a groan, Bardac finally lifted himself off his arms to rest on his knees, “Well, that was... interesting,” Bardac coughed as he wiped his lips with the back of his gauntlet. Thankfully he was the type that felt fine after emptying what ever it was upsetting his stomach, rather than spending days sleeping it off. However, when he spotted Celestia his expression soon sunk, though only slightly, “Hello Celestia,” he said as politely as he could.

Celestia's horn shone for barely a second, but within that time both the smell and the pool of vomit disappeared, “Now that is out of the way,” Celestia said with a tilt of her head, “Are you alright, Bardac? I have never seen somepony have such a violent reaction to a cupcake before.”

“Sugar is somewhat of a rarity where I am from,” Bardac replied, the tone of his voice softened slightly in response to Celestia's question, after all she did sound concerned, “There was enough sugar in that... cupcake, for a family to use in a year. But to answer your question, I have been better.”

“Clearly,” huffed Light Flight, her usual wit returning now that the putrid smell of fresh sick had vanished from the air, “And here I thought you were made of steel.”

Bardac didn't reply, instead he just shook his head before turning his gaze on the pink pony next to her, “You there... come here,” Bardac said, his voice for the time being remaining calm.

Pinkie Pie shook slightly as she stepped towards Bardac, though before she could stop herself she flung herself in front of Bardac, her hooves on his knees with tears streaming from her eyes, “Please don't be mad at me! I didn't know!” what she didn't expect was something to start rubbing the base of her ear. She didn't know why, but it felt quite relaxing even in her current state.

“Hush now...” Bardac replied soothingly, his fingers kneading lightly at the base of Pinkie Pie's ear until her head was resting on the floor in front of him, “Now, I do not suppose you have some bread?” though as soon as the word left his lips, the pink pony had already disappeared into what he could assume was the kitchen. Only to return a second later with a large, crusty loaf balanced on her head, “Thank you,” Bardac said with a smile as he took the bread from her.

“So... you're not mad?” asked Pinkie hesitantly as she watched Bardac devour the bread almost as quickly as she managed to bring it to him, “Even after I caused you to throw up all over the place?” and when Bardac shook his head in reply, she let out a thankful sigh.

This display of kindness took Celestia surprise, it certainly made her rethink her original opinion of Bardac. But not once did she let her guard down, “I must admit... I didn't expect you to be found so quickly,” Celestia said after a moment of thought, “Twilight mentioned you were suffering in this heat, with all that heavy armour on, I am surprised you didn't blackout a long time ago.”

“Wait a minute... where's Apple Bloom?” asked Twilight as she looked around.

Rainbow Dash, who had kept quiet for the time being to catch her breath piped up, “She's upstairs in the bathroom. She... err... lets just say she was standing in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Twilight stuck out her tongue while crinkling her snout slightly, “Say no more...”

Meanwhile Bardac, who'd finished devouring the large loaf of bread had now risen to his feet, much to the surprise of the ponies around him. It was amazing what a little bit of food could do, “I will be,” Bardac replied to Celestia as he took of his heavy gauntlets and bit by bit, the heavy metal of his upper body armour clattered to the table in front of him as thick clasps and ties were undone.

“Skyrim must be very cold...” Celestia murmured as she observed the padding that seemed to be inside every piece of armour as well as the thickness of Bardac's inner layer of clothing.

“Skyrim?” questioned Twilight as she looked towards Celestia and Bardac. Her curiosity about this strange being in front of her growing by the minute.

With a loud thud, Bardac laid down the last piece of his armour on the table, “My home. One of the nine provinces of Tamriel and yes, it is cold,” answered Bardac, “If it is above freezing, it is considered a warm day. Actually, now that I think about it. I am glad you are here Celestia... I believe you have a few items of mine which I would very much like to have back.”

Celestia rose her eyebrow ever so slightly, but it was Light Flight who responded first, “You think we're stupid? Why would we give you your weapons back?”

Bardac's reply was as cold as the glare he shot toward Light Flight, “You must be, if you think it is my weapons that make me dangerous.”

“Enough,” interrupted Celestia, she didn't want the two kicking off in such a confined space, “Bardac. I would love to return what belongs to you, but they are simply too dangerous for any of my ponies to handle. If you're willing to return to Canterlot with me, I am sure we can arrange for them to be returned to you.”

“You are not going to magically teleport me straight into another jail cell are you?” Bardac asked with a raised eyebrow, but his lips did spread into a small grin.

Celestia let out a small chuckle, “No... you've already proven to me that trying to contain you will only result in a hefty repair bill and a lot of work for my servants.”

“You going already?” came a disappointed voice from the nearby stairs. Stood about halfway up the stairs was a slightly soggy Apple Bloom, “Oh! Princess Celestia!” she cried out soon after before rushing down the stairs with a beaming smile, “Can he come to Sweet Apple Acres first to meet my sister? Please?”

With the kindest smile she could manage, Celestia replied, “I don't think that is such a good idea.”

“I think that is a marvellous idea,” Bardac said with a sly smile on his lips, “Lead the way, Apple Bloom,” and before anypony could respond. Bardac had already scooped up Apple Bloom and disappeared out of the door which had been left open to vent the previous smell of sick.

“Horse-apples,” growled Light Flight as she started towards the door, but as her path was blocked by Celestia's hoof, she cried out, “He's going to make a run for it. I'm sure! It's Sweeper all over again.”

“I wouldn't be so sure,” replied Celestia, “Twilight. Would you be so kind as to meet our guest at Sweet Apple Acres? I will be along shortly. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash, you may go as well if you wish.”

“He's certainly... different,” muttered Twilight, though from where she stood she could see Bardac and Apple Bloom having a rather animated conversation in the middle of the town to which she couldn't help but giggle at, “I... think some of us better go with him. Rather than meet him there.”

Celestia gave a small tilt of her head, “Oh? Why is that?” but when she too peered out the door, she chuckled softly, “Well... that explains a lot, or at least why he wasn't able to leave Canterlot.”

“What do you mean?” asked Rainbow Dash.

Among the waving of hooves from Apple Bloom and the pointing of fingers in random directions from Bardac, Celestia easily came to one conclusion, “He seems to be lacking any sense of direction,” replied Celestia, finding it difficult to hide the amusement in her voice, “Come now. We better hurry before he draws even more of a crowd.”

“See! I told you it was this way!” snickered Apple Bloom from on top of Bardac's shoulders, seems the little filly had taken a liking to the view she could get from up there.

Bardac didn't reply, instead he trudged along with a scowl on his face, much to the amusement of Celestia who was walking beside him, “Don't tell me you're sulking because Apple Bloom knew the direction to her home and you did not?” Celestia said with a slight grin.

“Well it's only natural that you wouldn't kn—” Twilight started to say, but got cut off when she walked straight into the back of Bardac's leg, who for some strange reason had stopped in his tracks, “Ouch...” she muttered as she rubbed the end of her snout, “Why did you stop?”

Again, Bardac didn't reply. His head was raised skyward to a peculiar looking cloud floating above them. It didn't seem to be moving and its shape was highly unnatural. Too many sharp edges, “Did something... shape that cloud?” asked Bardac quietly. It sounded just as stupid as he thought.

“Oh not again...” groaned Rainbow Dash as she took off in an instant. As she reached the cloud, she started to fly slowly around it, pounding at the edges until it couldn't be told apart from the other clouds around it and when she landed back down in front of Bardac, she let out a huff, “Some joker at Cloudsdale must be messing with the shapes again.”

“Right...” murmured Bardac as he started walking again, “Let us move on, shall we?”

The rest of the journey was covered in silence, but as they reached the front archway that lead into Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom chimed up, “Applejack should be workin' in the barn. C'mon!” before hopping off Bardac's shoulders and heading up the path as fast as her little legs could carry her.

As the rest of the group followed, Twilight walked up along side Bardac and said, “Now, I should warn you. The Apple family are quite hooves on, when I first arrived in Ponyville and met Applejack for the first time. She made me stay as she introduced me to most of her extended family.”

Celestia chuckled ever so softly, “Ah, yes. I remember the letter you sent about that encounter. I must say it did make me smile.”

“I will keep that in mind,” said Bardac as a large, red barn came into view. Near the front he could see little Apple Bloom talking to something on the other side of the barn door where he swore he could see the rim of a brown hat.

“Now Apple Bloom, what did I tell you bout makin' up such ridiculous stories. I know what we both saw, but I doubt it'll be waltzin' up the path to meet me,” chuckled Applejack as the group got within earshot of their conversation, “C'mon now. We got plenty more chores left to do.”

Apple Bloom huffed loudly, “Will you just come outside for just one second? He's waitin' right here!”

“Better do as she asks,” called out Bardac, “I sense a temper tantrum brewing.”

Celestia looked towards Bardac and asked curiously, “Do you have offspring of your own?”

With a shake of his head, Bardac replied with a chuckle, “One of me is enough for the world to handle.”

“Don't I know it,” Celestia said quietly.

“What was that?”

“Nothing!”

“Right...”

“Wait a sec... that sounded like Princess Celestia, what's she doin' here?” came Applejack's voice and as she rounded the barn door to see what was going on, her eyes shrunk when she laid eyes on not only Celestia, but Bardac as well, “You're the critter that was nappin' in my farm! And eatin' all my apples!” and instinctively, Applejack stepped in front of her little sister.

“What can I say... they were good apples,” Bardac replied with a shrug.

Twilight stepped forward and cleared her throat, “Now Bardac. I think you owe Applejack an apology for taking her apples without asking. She works hard to grow them you know!”

Bardac looked down to Twilight with a raised eyebrow, there was something not quite right about being told off like a little child by a small, purple pony. However before he had a chance to reply, Apple Bloom said, “Weren't his fault! He's been runnin' all over Equestria and was starvin' by the time he got here!”

“Well... I can't say no to a starvin' pony...” muttered Applejack as she looked over to Bardac with a sceptical expression, “What were you doin' runnin' all over Equestria?”

“That, is a story for another time,” said Celestia, “Now, little Apple Bloom. Bardac has met Applejack. Is there anypony else you would like him to meet before Bardac and I return to Canterlot?”

“Nope!” replied Apple Bloom with a smile as she ran up to Bardac to give his leg a hug, “It was nice meetin' you! Stop by the farm sometime!” and as she turned back to Applejack, Apple Bloom giggled, “See, told you he was real.”

“Yeah yeah. Nopony likes a... hey, where'd he go?” Applejack said with a frown. She was sure Bardac was standing right in front of her a second ago even though she took her eyes off him for barely a moment.

The others looked around as well, but there seemed to be no sign of the Nord anywhere. That is until Rainbow Dash pointed up at the roof of the barn, “How the hay did he get up there so quickly? Yo! Bardac! What're you doing up there?”

“Did you see him move?” whispered Twilight to Celestia, her eyes locked on Bardac.

“No...” murmured Celestia, “What is he up to.”

“Your farm seems to be on fire,” Bardac called down as he pointed towards wisps of smoke barely visible from the tree tops.

Applejack gave a tilt of her head, “Oh, don't you worry none. That's just my brother, Big Mac burnin' some of the dead tree's from last year's harvest.”

As Bardac rejoined the group by simply sliding down off of the sloped roof, he asked, “What do you do with the ashes?”

“Spread'em,” replied Applejack with a small, knowing grin, “I take it you've done a bit of farmin' yourself?”

“Born and raised on one,” said Bardac with a faint smile.

This gave Celestia an idea as she asked, “Applejack, may I ask a small request?”

With a look of curiosity over at Celestia, Applejack replied, “Err... sure, anythin' you want Princess.”

“It will take a while to get Canterlot ready for Bardac's return, however in the mean time. Would it be too much trouble if Bardac could remain here on the farm? He seems comfortable here and it'll only be until everything is ready,” Celestia said with a small smile.

“How long are we talking about?” asked Bardac with a raised eyebrow.

Celestia looked towards Bardac with a twinkle in her eye, “A day or two, at the most. I'm sure you'll find something to occupy yourself with,” she said before looking back to Applejack, “I promise you he will not be any trouble.”

Bardac couldn't help but let out a snort, he knew exactly what Celestia was up to but for the time being he simply played along with her little game, though honestly he probably would of done the same given the circumstances.

“Hmm... well, we don't really have any place for a critter as big as Bardac to sleep. But we'll figure somethin' out. Don't you worry Princess,” said Applejack with a tip of her hat.

“Do I get a say in this?” grumbled Bardac.

“Oh don't be such a sourpuss,” Rainbow Dash said with a grin as she hovered just above him, “It's not like you've got anywhere better to sleep tonight.”

With a shake of his head, Bardac sighed and walked over to the nearest tree to sit down underneath the cooling shade it offered, “I own nine homes, I would have had somewhere better to sleep tonight...” but instead of finishing his sentence, he simply let out a huff and leant his head back against the tree.

“Nine? Why would anypony need so many houses?” asked Twilight in surprise.

Bardac looked over with a shrug of his shoulders and replied, “A journey in Skyrim is not measured by minutes, but hours or days. I simply made sure I have a place to rest if I need to where ever I am... however. It is true, I do not have any place better to sleep tonight,” and as Bardac looked over to Applejack, his lip curled into a faint smile, “Dii kogaan wah hi, Applejack.”

“Err... you're welcome?” replied Applejack, though she wasn't entirely sure what it was that Bardac just said.

“What was that?” asked Twilight as she looked between Bardac and Celestia, “I didn't know such a language exists on Equus!”

“It doesn't,” said Celestia. She wasn't sure about the others, but hearing those words sent a very faint tingle down the length of her spine, “Perhaps it is a language from Bardac's home? I am sure he will tell us when he feels like it.”

“Well, what ever it is... gave me the chills,” shuddered Rainbow Dash as she landed in front of Bardac, “What's the big idea?” she said as she gave his knee a firm poke, “You using some sort of magic on us?”

“Oh leave him alone Rainbow Dash,” huffed Apple Bloom as she walked up and sat down by Bardac's side, “See, he ain't doin' anything,” and with her tiny hoof, prodded Bardac lightly in the side.

Celestia chuckled slightly before looking back to Applejack, “I'll leave him in your capable hooves. Goodbye my little ponies. I'm sure we'll see each other again soon, and Bardac? Please be nice,” and with a bright flash from her horn, Celestia disappeared.

Twilight wasn't entirely sure what to do, on one hoof she had Applejack looking as bemused as ever, while on the other, she had Rainbow Dash and Apple Bloom poking and prodding an unamused looking Bardac, “Well then...” Twilight said with an air of caution, “Who's hungry?”

“Where does it all go...”

“I... have no idea.”

Plates were piled up upon the table and though Bardac ate in near silent, any food that arrived was disappearing at an alarming rate, “By my calculations he should have been full over six courses ago!” muttered Twilight as she sat staring at Bardac who was still eating as though he'd not been fed for weeks.

“At this rate he'll knock Pinkie off the top spot,” said Rainbow Dash quietly. What amazed her was that even though Bardac was eating almost everything in sight, including the flowers that had been decorating the table. Not a shred of food had ended up spilt on the table, their own plates also remained remarkably untouched by Bardac's relentless appetite.

As Applejack returned to check up on the destruction, she let out a small whistle and said, “If I didn't know any better, I'd say Bardac here could out eat a dragon... he eats enough to be one for sure!”

“That is because I am one,” Bardac replied casually. Though when he brought another spoonful of apple stew to his mouth, he paused as he felt four strange looks upon him, “Yes?”

The silence was deafening for a moment or two before the room filled with laughter, “Oh good one Bardac! You really had us going there!” laughed Rainbow Dash, “You look nothing like a dragon!”

With a wide grin, Bardac said calmly, “You are not the first to doubt and I am sure you are not going to be the last,” he then leant over to the blue pegasus and whispered, “Korah, ahrk hi fent koraav...”

Rainbow Dash stared into Bardac's eyes for only a second before jumping from her chair in fright, her fur standing on end as her pupils shrunk. The moment she looked into those golden eyes of the Nord, her mind was filled with a deafening roar, the heat of flame and the vision of a monstrous head obscured in the heat haze. It took her a few minutes to realise what she thought she saw, wasn't actually real, “Dude... don't ever do that again...” Rainbow Dash said with a heavy shiver as she landed back into her chair.

Apple Bloom looked between Bardac and Rainbow Dash before leaning over to Applejack to whisper, “I don't think he was lyin'...”

“I don't think so either...” muttered Applejack to her sister. Sighing, she looked over to Bardac with a raised eyebrow and said, “I'd appreciate if you didn't go scarin' my friends like that Bardac.”

“Sorry,” replied Bardac with a light chuckle before going back to his stew, though at a much calmer pace.

Twilight in the mean time was eyeing Bardac with a twinkle in her eye, “Bardac?” she said in the sweetest voice she could, “Could you tell me what that language is called?”

Bardac looked up for a moment, “Dovahzul,” came his short reply as he went back to his stew, “Compliments on the food, Applejack. It has been many a moon since I have had a decent, home cooked meal.”

“You've almost eaten me outta house and home,” said Applejack as she glanced back into the kitchen, “Are you hollow or somethin'?”

Meanwhile, Twilight was scribbling down something hidden underneath the table, her tongue poking out of the side of her lips, “Dovahzul... interesting. What language does that belong to?” Twilight asked as casually as she could.

“It is the language of the dragons,” Bardac replied once again before picking up a large, flat object from between the piles of empty plates and bowls, “Is this pure iron?” he asked curiously as he weighed the object, it felt as though it weighed around a pound or so.

“Yeah, it's just a paperweight,” said Apple Bloom as she looked over to see what it was Bardac had picked up from the table, “Why, don't you have paper where you come from?”

Bardac chuckled, “Just watch little one...” and as his face strained in concentration, the paperweight started to pulse in bright, white light. The pulses grew in speed and brightness before the weight glowed with an intensity that made the ponies around him shield their eyes, “This should cover the food,” Bardac said and as he set down the paperweight back onto the table, revealing that the iron had turned into pure, glittering silver.

“Did you just...” murmured Twilight as she grasped the silver paperweight in her magic and brought it over to get a better look, “Did you just turn this iron paperweight into pure silver?”

“I can go one better, if that did not impress you,” replied Bardac, extending his hand towards Twilight to take back the paperweight when she was done with it.

Twilight was always excited to learn new and valuable knowledge and spells, “Of course!” she said with glee as she placed the paperweight back in Bardac's hand with a flick of her horn.

“Now wait just a minute,” interrupted Applejack as she looked up at Bardac, her eyes wide with wonder just like Apple Bloom and Rainbow Dash on the other side of the table, “Just... what're you gonna do that's more impressive than turnin' iron into silver?”

With a grin on his lips, Bardac placed his other hand on top of the silver paperweight, “You may wish to shield your eyes. This gets... a little brighter,” and with the same look of pained concentration, Bardac forced his magic to flow. The silver paperweight glowing brightly, almost twice as intense as before. Though now that both hands were covering it, it was difficult to tell what was going on. It was a little longer than before but as the light faded and Bardac lifted off his hand, what sat in his palm was no longer a silver paperweight, but one made of solid, shimmering gold.

“That's... that's impossible!” gasped Twilight as she jumped off her chair and as she skidded to a halt besides Bardac, she pressed her snout as close as she could to the paperweight without physically touching it, “Not even Celestia can create gold!” though after a moment or two, she gazed intensely up at Bardac, “Do it again.”

“I am afraid I cannot,” said Bardac with a shake of his head, “The magic in my world is... fickle at best. It does not allow you to cast that spell more than twice in a month,” but he did lean back and scratch his chin thoughtfully, “Though, for some reason it does not seem to matter about the volume you use.”

Twilight looked as though she was about to blow a fuse, her eye twitched slightly and her wings rustled restlessly, “But... but...” she muttered to herself over and over again.

“Bardac, I think you broke her,” said Rainbow Dash as she got down off the table and walked over to Twilight to give her a slight poke to the side, “Equus to Twilight, you in there?”

Applejack in the mean time remained quiet as she looked at the golden paperweight in Bardac's hand, “I couldn't rightfully accept this Bardac. You might of eaten me outta house and home. But darn it, you could buy half the crops in Ponyville with that!” Applejack said with a shake of her head.

“Is that not what I just ate?” Bardac replied with short, deep laugh.

“He's got you there sis!” giggled Apple Bloom as she held out her hoof and when Bardac placed the golden paperweight in it, she ran off to store it somewhere safe, “Thanks!” but just before she ran out the door, the trailing sound of, “Wait until I tell Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle about this!” could be heard from the little filly.

As Applejack and Rainbow Dash tried to stir Twilight from what ever it was that happened to her, Bardac quietly left the table and made his way outside of the Apple family home, “I am not on Nirn anymore...” he murmured quietly to himself, “Equus, Equestria, Canterlot... Ponyville. Just where in sweet Aetherius am I,” his fist rose to bang against the side of his head, “Come now... think,” though as hard as he tried, nothing could explain that bright white light he saw moments before he ended up in Canterlot.

Meanwhile, inside the house Twilight finally shook herself out of her daze, much to the relief of her two friends, “Girls, I'm fine,” chuckled Twilight sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her head, she hadn't really meant to shut them out like that, “I was just having a hard time believing what I was seeing.”

“Comin' from you? That's sayin' a lot,” snickered Applejack as she looked towards the front door, “I think we better keep a close eye on this one. Who knows what he's gonna do next,” but as she turned to look at the table, she let out a loud huff, “If he thinks I'm cleanin' up this mess on my own, he's got another thing comin'.”

With a twinkle in her eye, Twilight leant over to Rainbow Dash and asked, “So... what exactly did you see? It's not like you to get all freaked out just by looking at somepony.”

Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously, “Don't worry about it, something just made me jump. That's all.”

“Rainbow Dash, I know that's a load of hogwash,” said Applejack with a raised eyebrow, “Now don't be silly filly and tell us what you saw!”

“It was nothing!” grizzled Rainbow Dash as she looked away with a huff, but as she got a rather searching glare from Twilight, she let out a sigh, “Oh alright! I saw a dragon! You happy now?”

That wasn't quite the answer Twilight and Applejack were expecting, “A... dragon?” asked Twilight with a tilt of her head, “Wait... didn't he say he was a dragon or something? He's the strangest dragon I've ever seen. But maybe dragons can shape-shift where he's from?”

“He can't be a changeling, that's for sure. Those things can only turn into ponies or creatures they've seen and I've never seen a creature as funny lookin' as Bardac. He's like a short Minotaur without any fur!” chuckled Applejack perhaps a little too loudly.

“Who you calling funny looking?” echoed a voice through the dining room, the voice belonged to Bardac and it sounded as though he was standing right beside them. How was a complete mystery though as he could be seen outside the window leaning against the wall.

“For a creature with such little ears,” whispered Twilight, “His hearing is impeccable.”

“You can say that again,” agreed Rainbow Dash quietly and as she approached the window to open it, she noticed that Bardac was transfixed on something that he'd seen near the edge of the barn, “Yo, Bardac,” Rainbow Dash said as she finally got the window open, “What'cha looking at?”

“I thought I saw a wolf... at least, it was shaped like a wolf...” replied Bardac, he sounded unsure, “But it could not of been. It was made of wood.”

“That'd be a Timberwolf,” sighed Applejack as she looked out the window as well, “Some of the smaller ones come pretty close to the farm now and again. Leave them be and they leave us be, at least usually.”

“A... what?” asked Bardac as he turned to look at Applejack with a raised eyebrow.

Twilight chuckled, “A Timberwolf, it is a magical creature made from wood and takes the shape of a wolf. They are a pack creature, where one is, there is usually more nearby. But they are fairly harmless once you know how to deal with them.”

Bardac thought for a moment, then smiled slightly, “You certainly have some... interesting creatures in Equestria. Here I thought we would have been attacked by a troll or a mammoth already,” he said with a chuckle.

“Well, there's no risk of that! Trolls do not exist in Equestria and mammoths are extinct,” said Twilight with a smile, “You know you should try smiling more often Bardac, it makes you look a lot less grumpy.”

“Is that not the idea of a smile?” chuckled Bardac as he looked over to Twilight, though he soon frowned, “Wait, extinct? Mammoth's are not extinct. They thrive all over Skyrim,” it was difficult for Bardac to believe, after all he passed several just over a week ago, “This was made just over a month ago,” he said as he reached into a small pouch attached around his waist and pulled out a small, ivory carving before placing it on the window frame.

Twilight's smile faltered a little as she looked at the small carving, “That... is a fresh carving,” she said in awe, “But, that's impossible! They went extinct over a thousand years ago, around the year 1010.”

Bardac felt his heart drop into the pit of his stomach, “Impossible...” Bardac murmured, “That is impossible, I was born in the year 1010. I think I should know.”

“But that'd make you over a thousand years old. You're not immortal are you?” asked Applejack with a tilt of her head, though as she watched the colour drain from Bardac's face, she added, “You alright sugar cube?”

“No, I am not, Applejack,” replied Bardac as he placed his hand on the window frame to lean against it. He then looked towards Twilight and asked, “What year is it?”

Twilight wasn't sure if giving Bardac the answer was the best course of action, but when his look grew desperate, she gave in, “It's 2015,” Twilight said.

There was a splintering of wood as Bardac's fingers crushed part of the window frame he was using to lean against, his legs went weak and what little colour was left in his face had completely vanished, “2015?” he said quietly, “There is... no way that is correct,” though the more he thought about it, the more unlikely it seemed, “No. That is not right. How can I be a thousand years into the future... and should I not be dead?” Bardac's voice got steadily stronger as he found his balance again, “Either way. Permanent time travel is all but impossible without the help of an elder scroll and even that event was a freak accident.”

“Now that's just silly,” said Twilight with a shake of her head, “I've travelled to the past before, though only for a few seconds,” but with a tap to her chin, she added, “But... theoretically. A much more powerful version of the same spell would be able to transport somepony even further back, or forward through time and for a much greater length of time. But I can't imagine the amount of power it would need to send somepony over a thousand years into the future! I doubt even Celestia and Luna have that kind of power.”

“Not helping...” hissed Bardac through clenched teeth and as he turned away, his hands cupped the side of his head with a loud groan, he could feel a headache thumping between his ears. Eventually, Bardac went as still as a rock, “Then, they are truly gone...” he murmured quietly before letting out a slow sigh, “I never even got a chance to say goodbye...”

“What are you talking about?” asked Rainbow Dash.

It wasn't Bardac that answered, it was Twilight. Her eyes brimming with tears when she finally understood, “Everypony he knew lived over a thousand years ago...” Twilight said quietly, “If they were not immortal, they would of died long ago. Bardac never got to say goodbye. Oh Bardac, I'm so sorry...”

“Oh...” Rainbow Dash said quietly as she looked over to Applejack who'd covered her eyes with the brim of her hat, “Wow that's... that's rough. It's reversible, right?” she asked.

“Sorry is not going to get me back to Skyrim...” Bardac replied, though he did turn around and say, “But... I appreciate the fact you understand,” though. His sadness soon started to change, a boiling rage bubbled within him, “They will pay for what they have done to me,” Bardac whispered at first, though with each passing second his voice grew more and more powerful until the ground shuddered beneath him, “I WILL SEND THEM TO OBLIVION!” as the last words burst from his lips. A torrent of flames erupted around Bardac's body, churning and swirling violently, threatening to burn anything that it touched.

“Bardac! Calm down! You're going to set the entire barn on fire!” shouted Twilight as she shielded her eyes from the intense heat that radiated from Bardac. Though thankfully the flames died almost as quickly as they appeared.

“Remind me not to make him mad,” muttered Rainbow Dash as she blinked her eyes several times, trying to stop them from stinging.

Meanwhile, Applejack made her way over to Bardac and stood by his side, “You know... I never got to say g'bye to some ponies I care about either,” Applejack said quietly before looking up at him, “Now what I'm gonna tell you is the honest to goodness truth. We'll find a way to get you back, I dunno how, or when. But we'll manage it. Somethin' got you here, so somethin' has to be able to get you back the same way.”

Bardac reached down and placed his hand on Applejack's neck, giving it a weak, but thankful pat, “It has only ever been done once before. But the creation of a man made elder scroll is possible. I do not know if it was an elder scroll that sent me here but... if one sent me here. Perhaps one can send me back. Though, as much as I know about magic, this knowledge is beyond me,” he said with a low sigh.

“Just promise me one thing,” Applejack said, “I know you're upset and angry. But don't go takin' it out on us. We ain't done anythin' wrong. I know this might sound harsh, but it ain't our fault you're here.”

“Since when did Applejack get sentimental?” whispered Rainbow Dash to Twilight as she watched the two.

“Applejack is probably the only one of us who understands what Bardac is going through right now... don't you remember what she told us about her parents?” replied Twilight quietly.

“Oh... yeah...” murmured Rainbow Dash as she rubbed the back of her head with her wing.

Meanwhile, Bardac let out a long, drawn out sigh, “I know Applejack, and I am sorry. It... has been a very long time since I have been left without a single idea of what I am going to do. I have no where to go. I am used to being far from home, but... this is the first time I have had to deal with the prospect of never returning.”

Applejack gave a small nod of her head and said, “I know how that feels as well... there was this time where me and the others got sucked into one of Spike's comic books. Crazy I know.”

“Not... as crazy as you would think,” replied Bardac with a very faint twitch of his lips.

“You've been sucked into books too?” asked Applejack in surprise, “Huh, and here I thought it was a one of a kind thing.”

“Several, actually... though, granted they all belonged to the same creature,” Bardac said dryly. They were not fond memories, though as he let out a final sigh, he walked to the edge of the barn where it was the most shaded and settled down, “If... you do not mind,” he called to the others, “I need to rest.”

“Sure thing, just call if you need anythin',” Applejack called back with a small smile on her lips, she then turned to Twilight and Rainbow Dash, “C'mon. Let's give him some peace, I ain't too sure what I'd do if I were in his hooves... but tryin' to get some rest seems a pretty smart way to start.”

Twilight gave a small nod in agreement, “That makes two of us,” she said quietly.

“Make that three,” murmured Rainbow Dash as she looked over at Bardac, “Talk about having it rough,” and as she followed the other two into the barn, she whispered to the others, “Don't tell Pinkie Pie, that mare won't leave him alone if she found out.”

“Agreed...” replied Twilight, “I just hope we're able to help him. Somehow...”

It was evening by the time Bardac moved at all, though it was simply to go from sitting back against the walls of the barn to laying down beside it.

“You think we better offer him somethin' to eat?” asked Apple Bloom as she peered out the window into the darkness, only just able to see where Bardac was laying.

Applejack let out a snort and took a bite out of the slice of pie in front of her, “Trust me, if he was hungry, you'd know about it,” she said after swallowing a mouthful, “Let him loose and I reckon he'd beat Pinkie in a contest.”

“Nope,” muttered Big Mac. The large, red pony had only just got back from burning the dead trees, the rather appealing smell of burnt wood clung to his fur, “That pony's bottomless.”

Twilight, who had stayed behind to keep an eye on Bardac let out a small giggle, “I wouldn't count on it Big Mac. I've seen it for myself, once he gets going he'd eat pretty much anything you'd put in front of him,” and as she helped herself to a few dumplings, she said, “Though, something doesn't quite add up...”

“What doesn't add up?” asked Apple Bloom as she hopped up onto her chair to look at Twilight curiously.

Twilight let out a frustrated huff, “Well. I've been going over the books Spike brought over earlier and I can't find any connection between Equestria or Equus to Skyrim. None what so ever! I've even sent a letter to Luna, asking her if she's ever encountered Skyrim in the royal archives. But so far, no luck... which is just bizarre. As far as I know, if you don't know where you are going, you could end up anywhere with a bad teleportation spell.”

“Like the time you ended up in the apple cellar?” chuckled Big Mac quietly, causing Twilight to blush faintly.

Applejack gave her chin a rub in thought, “Well maybe that's just it. Who ever sent him here had no clue about Equestria. It was just dumb luck,” she said with a frown.

“Maybe. But, on the bright side, since he knows where to return to. Hopefully once we find a way to send him there, it'll be a piece of cake,” Twilight said with a cough, trying to rid her mind that particularly embarrassing incident.

“Tell you one thing though. Rarity's gonna spit her bit when she sees him for the first time, she'll be tryin' to scrub that armour clean,” chuckled Applejack, “As for Fluttershy... I reckon she'll be alright with him. In small doses, he ain't that scary to look at after all.”

Before anypony could answer, the room shook violently as something outside smashed into the walls, “Just what do you think you are playing at?” growled Bardac's voice from near the window, “Twilight, Applejack. Will one of you get out here and explain to me exactly what I am looking at here!”

There was a loud scraping of chairs as the four pony group rushed outside to see what was going on, though as they rounded the doorway and saw Bardac, they could see he had a creature pinned to the wall by its throat, “What in the name of sweet Celestia is a Diamond Dog doin' on the farm?” asked Applejack with a raised eyebrow.

“Wait! Wait! Don't hurt!” pleaded the Diamond Dog as he tried to hold itself up on Bardac's arm so he didn't choke, “Rumour of powerful creature with farm pony. Wanted to see for myself, get it to help Diamond Dogs. Creature is strong, yes. I sneak and still caught me.”

Bardac dropped the Diamond Dog to the ground with a sigh, slowly crouched down in front of it and said, “Start talking...”