Applejack heard the familiar crowing of the farm rooster pulling her out of another restful nights rest, the rays of sunlight slightly warming the blanket that covered her, all of which bringing a small smile to her face. She allowed herself to enjoy a small moment of peace keeping her eyes closed as she listened to the farm begin to wake up for the day. She could hear Granny Smith begin to prepare breakfast down in the kitchen as well as the familiar creak of the front door opening and slamming shut. That would be Big Mac making his way out to the barn to get things ready for the day of work in the orchard and fields.

She opened her eyes and quickly hopped onto her hooves taking only a few moments to make her bed. Sure she was a bit rough and tumble most of the time but she still had manners and she remembered Granny Smith always getting after her about making a proper bed so it was that much more comfortable when you went bed that evening. She shook her loose mane away from her eyes and made her way over to her dresser where she took her hair brush and began to smooth out her mane putting the familiar ties in the long locks nearly completing her ensemble. She checked herself briefly in the dresser mirror and glanced up at her favorite hat hanging on the upper right hand corner of the mirror. She grabbed it and placed it on it's right location atop her head completing her preparation for the day.

She cantered up to her window and rested her hooves on the sill looking out towards the orchard waiting for the next part of her morning ritual. She rested her chin on her arm as she waited and within a few minutes another all to familiar sight greeted her vision. There coming out from the orchard, was Grevin his cloak open and flowing with every step he took, his armor shining slightly in the morning light as well as a few drops of water remaining on his head from his typical ritual of cleaning up after his exercises.

It had been a week and a half since they had confronted him in the orchard and while some things had changed, some had stayed the same. He was still going out to the edges of the orchard and training but now he would go early in the morning before everyone would wake up and come back just before breakfast with wet hair and the slightest odor of sweat on him. He would always go out with his armor and weapons but then put them away while working out in the fields. Rarity had even helped him out by making him a pair of gloves to cover his hands so they wouldn't blister from carrying the baskets.

He had even opened up to the point that he felt so comfortable around the entire Apple Family that he would keep his hood down and his face exposed. Initially he was worried about how Apple Bloom would take seeing his face, but much to his surprise, and only his she had accepted him without so much as a bat of an eye. In fact she had tried to convince him to walk her to school from time to time, most likely so she could show him off to her classmates and possibly intimidate some of the bullies there too. However, no matter how much she begged him he would always politely say no telling her that the other ponies would need a little more time getting used to the idea of him even being around. She would usually pout for a few moment until he would catch her off guard and tickle her sides a bit until she cried uncle, then all was forgotten...until next time.

Applejack felt her smile grow and her eyes soften as she thought about how good he was with her. Normally the bundle of energy known as her sister could easily wear out even the most seasoned of ponies, but Grevin took it all in stride. The only other pony she knew of besides herself that could do that besides her was her brother and Granny Smith. She watched him stride through the yard his eyes distant clearly in thought unaware that she was watching him from her second story window.

Part of her wondered what he was thinking about as he made his way into the barn but her common sense told her that if he wanted to talk to her about it, he would. After their little chat in the orchard, he had opened up a little more and wasn't as formal as he used to be, but he still seemed a little uptight. That probably would still be the case for a little while, but hopefully after tonight he would be able to loosen up a bit. Secretly she and the other mane six had gone and planned a big surprise party for the man similar to the welcome to Ponyville party Pinkie had thrown for Twilight when she first arrived.

They had gotten together and planned everything down to the last detail. Pinkie was the overall party planner in charge of food and games, Rarity was in charge of decorations with Fluttershy helping with that. Twilight provided the space needed by asking Mayor Mare for the use of the town hall, which she gladly gave, and Rainbow Dash was in charge of setting the weather for the evening. Once that everything was planned, they all went around town and explained to everypony Grevin's unique situation, similar to how they had gone around town to introduce Zecora. They made certain not to tell anything to personal about him and this time all the Ponyville citizens were quite ready to welcome the newcomer. All Applejack had to do was get him into town...and that was going to easier than making apple pie.

Her thoughts were brought back to reality when she heard the familiar sound of Grevin greeting Big Mac on his way up to the loft. It was getting close to her most recent slightly guilty pleasure. She had to admit that while seeing him without his hood or armor on had relieved some of the mysteriousness he had, she was still curious. The more she saw him, the more curious she would become, it was beginning to bother her quite a bit. Then one night while she was looking up a the stars from her window, a light from the barn caught her attention. There on the second level were two windows which were left open to let the barn remain cool despite the hot summer air. She had focused her attention on those windows and discovered that the light was coming from a few candles on the simple table in the loft...giving her a clear view of the room and Grevin.

She hadn't seen anything like bare skin but she couldn't help but enjoy watching him go about removing his armor and stretch out any sore muscles he may have. Yes it wasn't the most decent thing to do, but it wasn't as though she was watching him in the bath, just doing a little observation that didn't hurt anypony. Besides...she was curious. She shook her head away from her thoughts once again and she focused her attention to the windows smiling as she once again caught a glimpse of Grevin walking into the loft and beginning to remove his gauntlets, shin guards, chest plate, then finally his swords and cloak setting them all on the floor in a nice organized pile. She leaned forward a bit as he began to stretch his arms over his head then bending down touching his toes for a moment pulling his back muscles tight then relaxing once more a satisfied smile forming over his features. Applejack couldn't help but grin at that sight only to be jarred back to reality once more, this time by Granny Smith calling up to her from the kitchen.

“Applejack! Quit your lollygag-in and come get some grub. There's work tah do!”

Applejack tried to force the blush from her face as she pulled back from the window and made her way to the door. “Comin Granny Smith.” She glanced back over her shoulder a bit worried that Grevin had heard that conversation but thankfully he was still going about his daily routine. Her green eyes brightened as she focused her mind on the days work, and the fun they would have later that evening at the party.

She settled herself down at the kitchen table and began to dig into the bowl of oatmeal set before her by Granny Smith just as Grevin opened the front door and walked into the room. “Good morning, I hope you all had a restful sleep, it looks like it's going to be a beautiful day today...perfect for working out in the orchard and fields.” He sat down in an open seat and began to dig into another bowl of oatmeal placed in front of him before he could say another word.

Applejack pushed her now empty bowl to the center of the table and took a quick drink of apple juice before looking over at Grevin and lightly clearing her throat. “So Grevin, what are you going to be doing today?”

He swallowed his current bite of food an gave a small smile. “Well, as far as I know we'll be harvesting more from the orchard, and if Big Mac needs a hand with the other crops, I'll do my best to help there as well.”

She nodded resting her front hooves in front of her on the table. “Sounds like a mighty busy day...but...” She paused mid sentence looking away a small frown forming on her face. “Nah, never mind.”

He quietly finished his oatmeal before sitting back to get a better look at her. “What? What is it?”

She looked over at him and kept her eyes downcast ever so slightly making her appear to be timid about something, a nice little trick she picked up from Fluttershy. “Well, I was going to be moving several barrels of special cider from our cellar and delivering them to Ponyville Town Hall but they are pretty heavy and I could used a hand carrying them all...”

He leaned forward in his chair lacing his fingers together in his lap a slight frown on his face. “A.J. I would have no problem helping you move them, but if it means going into town...well I'm not certain that the town folk could handle seeing me. The last thing I want to do is give some little foal nightmares for the next week and a half.”

She smiled her eyes twinkling now. “Well shoot, that’s no problem. By the time we finish all our chores it'll be dark out, and if you wear your cloak then you'll blend right in no problem. Besides, you're so good at sneakin around I bet no pony will even notice you. They won't need that cider till tomorrow so it'll work out fine.” She watched his face intently looking for any sign of his answer.

He closed his eyes giving it some thought leaving the kitchen in silence for several moments before giving a simple curt nod. “Alright...but only if we leave after sunset...and we hurry. I don't want to take to much risk.”

She grinned “That's more than fair. Thank you kindly.”

He nodded as he rose to his feet and made his way to the door. “You're welcome. I need to get out there and help your brother before he thinks I'm slacking off. I'll see you this evening.” With that he was gone and walking out to the orchard for the day.

Applejack smirked as she relaxed back into her seat. He had bought it so now it was just a matter of time till he got to meet everypony. Granny Smith eased her way down into her own seat and lightly poked Applejack's shoulder with a smirk of her own on her lips. “Got him hook line and sinker huh?”

Applejack could only grin and nod at her ever knowing and wise grand parent. “Yup. I think it's bout time he got to meet everypony.”

Granny nodded as she sipped on some tea. “So...how long till you tell him?”

Applejack paused a small lump forming in her throat. “Uh...tell him what Granny?”

She simply smiled and took another sip of tea her eyebrows raising a few times, a hint of humor shining in her eyes. “Hmm?”

Applejack blushed and looked away from her elder and began to move away towards the door her eyes darting quickly back and forth looking for some sort of way out of the conversation. “Ah don't rightly know what you're hinting at there Granny, but I need to head out and get to the apple stand and earn us some bits.” With that she galloped out the door without another word.

Granny Smith chuckled as she shook her head as she watched the door the door slam shut behind her grandchild. “Hmph...filly's these days.”

-Several Hours Later-

Applejack stood outside the barn next to a large cart waiting for Grevin who had just returned from his work in the fields and was getting his cloak on. She tapped her foot impatiently as she waited but after a few moments he joined her and took a single glance at the cart next to her. “So we need to load this thing up right?”

She nodded. “Yes-sir. Follow me and I'll show you the Apple Family Cider Cellar.”

With that she led him around the back of the barn and to a set of aged cellar doors set into the ground. She opened them up revealing a set of stairs going deep into the earth. “Here we are. We've been storing all kinds of our cider here for decades.” She flipped a small switch with her hoof turning on a chain of small lights. “Come on, follow me.” Without waiting for him to say anything she made her way down into the cool hold leading him through several twists and turns until they came to a more open area where the walls were lined with barrel upon barrel of cider.

Applejack took a few moments to look through the rows of barrels until she found the ones she wanted. “Here we go. We need to take three of these,” She motioned the three older looking barrels in the corner, “And four of those.” She pointed behind Grevin at a row of newer looking barrels.

He took a moment to look around the store room taking care not to hit his head, curious as to why they had to take those specific barrels and not just ones closest to the doors. “Any reason why we just don't grab the ones closest to the doors and go?”

“Yep, we want to make sure we get cider that has been properly aged...otherwise it's just apple juice.”

That was enough to satisfy his curiosity and with a shrug he picked up the nearest barrel wrapping his arms around it in a firm grip. “Fair enough. We should have this loaded no problem.”

After several minutes and a few drops of spent sweat the cart was loaded and the two were making their ways into Ponyville with Applejack leading the way and Grevin walking just behind the cart. He saw the outline of the town grow closer with every step he took and with every second of time that passed his concern grew. If he were seen, if any of the locals noticed him it could be disastrous...thankfully it was plenty dark and his cloak would help keep him concealed in shadows if he were quick enough.

Applejack on the other hand, could barely contain her smile. She knew it wasn't very kind to trick Grevin like this but she and everypony else knew that he wouldn't come to the town if he didn't have to. He was going to need a little push from her and her friends in order to get him out of his shell, even if it were just a little bit. As they made their way into the outer edge of town she noticed that some house lights were left on, just like Twilight had planned, to give the impression that the townsfolk were going through their every day routine getting ready to turn in for the night.

She glanced over her shoulder and could see him beginning to step into the shadows of the various houses with careful controlled steps, making no sound as he moved while still keeping pace. Something she realized is that, that couldn't easily be done...he wasn't kidding about being trained for such things. She also couldn't believe how well he blended into the shadows as they walked. If she didn't know to look for him, she would have never seen him. Refocusing her attention she saw that they were passing the Library which meant they were getting close. “Almost there partner.”

He nodded as he kept close to the cart. “Good...Lets hurry up. The longer I'm here the bigger the risk of giving some poor pony a heart attack.”

She rolled her eyes as she continued to lead the way. “Sugar-cube, the only way you'd give somepony a heart attack is if you gave them way to many fried foods.”

He tilted his head in confusion glancing over at her. “...What?”

She chuckled “Never mind.” She led him further into the village and soon enough the town hall came into view. Pulling the cart up the front she knew it was now or never. “Alright, we're here. Grab a barrel and lets get them inside.”

Grevin frowned seeing how she pulled the cart further into the dim light of the moon than he would of liked but he pulled his hood down over his face as best he could and proceeded to join her lifting a barrel in his arms. He followed her into the pitch dark town hall with careful steps making certain not to trip. “Awfully dark in here isn't it? How can you see where you're going?”

He heard her call back to him from deeper within the dark chamber. “Oh I've been here lots of times. Almost got the place memorized even. Come on, we're almost there.”

He continued his careful steps trying to follow her voice while his mind began to wander a bit. The town was unusually quiet for this time of night...on Bastion there would still be some people wandering around mostly from taverns, but here it would most likely be ponies out enjoying the evening air...truth be told he hadn't seen a single pony besides Applejack all the way into town. He honestly expected to see at least Twilight at the town library but no...nothing, it was desolate.

He shook his head reminding himself to focus on his walking...he couldn't see a thing so he had to be careful of his foot placement lest he trip and fall. He had no idea how Applejack was doing it. She would have to memorize the entire floor plan to avoid tripping in this dark, he was having a hard time with it. “Are we almost there Applejack?”

He heard her chuckle “Yeah, we're here.”

He frowned hearing her sudden change in tone. It sounded mirthful...like she knew something. Then it hit him. It was dark...too dark...far to dark for regular night hours with moonlight coming in from the hall windows...it was almost like there was a spell cast on the building itself.... “Oh...Son of a b-”

“SURPRISE!!!!” His eyes were blinded by bright lights being switched on and he couldn't help but jump at the loud cheering that surrounded him.

As his eyes adjusted he found himself surrounded by what appeared to be countless ponies, all of who were smiling with bright shimmering eyes. He saw Applejack standing several feet ahead of him resting her hooves on the barrel she had been pushing. Twilight was next to her, a small glow fading from her horn...so she was the one who cast the shadow spell. Next to her stood Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Rarity all of who were grinning ear to ear and finally the pink party pony known as Pinkie Pie was next to the wall her hoof still on the freshly flicked light switch.

He felt a wave of nervousness wash over him. In a corner he could see Nurse Redheart who had patched him up when he had first arrived in Ponyville, and there was even Big Macintosh just a few feet to his right. But there were so many others. He knew that the ponies he knew were a fairly accepting lot, but these new ones, they could be the exception. He had to get away before more damage was done...now. Very slowly he set the barrel down and as he rose back up he shifted his weight to his back leg sliding it back ever so slightly hoping they wouldn't notice...they did.

Pinkie Pie was behind him in a flash gently pushing him into the room further her manic grin still plastered on her face. “Where are you going silly? This is your party!”

He tried to hold his footing but somehow the pink party machine was able to move him forward with little effort. “I don't think this is a good idea...”

Twilight stepped forward and shook her head her mane shifting slightly down her neck. “Nonsense...just relax. We've got everything taken care of Grevin.”

He frowned as his fear grew. “One look at my face and they'll run...I'm surprised they aren't running right now!” He spoke in a harsh whisper his eyes still darting around, his mind still working out possible ways of escape.

Applejack shook her head as she walked up to him and placed a hoof on his hand. He felt the familiar tingle of her hoof taking a hold of his palm trying to calm him. “Relax Sugar-cube, we've spoken to everypony and told them about how you helped mah sister, her friends, and even how you saved Fluttershy's life.”

Fluttershy had a soft smile on her face as she fluttered her wings to bring herself to his eye level. “Oh yes, and after the misunderstandings with Zecora the pony folk have really been better about meeting anypony new...so...um...please give them a chance.”

This made him pause and take a moment to look at his surroundings. He pulled his foot back under him and stood up straight taking a moment to look at all the bright smiling faces waiting patiently for him to pull his hood down and let them get to know him. It was a risk...but they did come out to meet him...so...maybe...just maybe.

He let out a small sigh looking down somewhat in defeat. He knew he would have to address the crowd at some point so he might as well do so now. “I...well...” He paused before clearing his throat rather loudly gaining the attention of everyone in the hall.

He waited for the various rumbles of conversation to stop before he took a steadying breath and began to speak in a calm, even voice that belied his nervousness and filled the room. “Good evening...I'd like to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Grevin...Grevin Hades. I wanted to thank you for coming out to welcome me to your lovely town. I know it can be difficult to meet someone – erm...somepony new especially when they look and sound different. I've been in the area for a few weeks but I've made it a point to try and stay out of the way because I don't wish to cause any alarm due to my appearance. At the encouragement of my newest friends I am going to take my hood off...so if I happen to make anyone uncomfortable please speak up and it'll be put on without another word. I consider myself a guest in your land and the last thing I wish to do is upset anyone.”

He glanced around once more surprised to see that instead of worried looks he saw several ponies take small steps forward their eager faces shining with anticipation. He took another steadying breath before raising his hands to his hood and gently gripped the fabric pulling it back slowly. He kept his eyes closed and after a second he felt the cool air of the room wash against his face. He paused when he heard a small intake of breath but ignored it. Slowly he opened his eyes once more and much to his surprise there was no sound at all. Once his vision had adjusted to the light he could see that instead of looks of worry, fear or even hate there were simply smiles to greet him. It truly threw him off balance, where was the hatred, the anger, the fear? He looked down to Twilight his face showing his doubt. “Have they gone blind?”

She just laughed and shook her head once more before smiling brightly at him. “Of course not, they already know that just because someone looks different that doesn't mean that they are evil or full of ill will. While not everypony in Ponyville learned that lesson, but many of us did.”

He nodded finally understanding what she was saying, what the whole group had been saying. This place was vastly different from Bastion. He had to make certain to do his best to make a good first impression. “I understand and when I meet those ponies I'll do my best to make a good impression on them and show them there is nothing to fear.”

A tan colored mare with a gray mane stepped forward and cleared her throat drawing the attention of the two as well as the rest of the room. She adjusted the glasses on her face and gave Grevin a polite smile before addressing the room. “Now that we have that all taken care of, as Mayor of Ponyville I want to welcome our new resident Mr. Hades-”

Pinkie Pie suddenly slammed into the mayor from the side knocking her off balance and into the crowd with a small yelp. She grinned and shouted as she rose up on her hind legs. “Alright everypony! Lets get this party started! We have one of our great local musicians here to perform for us,” She pointed to a table set up across the room with large speakers and a turntable on it. Behind it stood a white unicorn pony whose mane was cut rather punkish with two shades of blue, wore a set of shaded goggles and had a set of eighth notes for her cutie mark. “I present to you Vinyl Scratch, or as you probably know her, DJ PON-3!”

The pony waved as the crowd cheered and then the lights dimmed a bit followed by a loud bass thudding through the room nearly knocking some ponies onto the ground. Then what came next can only be described as a wave of music flowing through the room with vibrant lights flashing all over the place.

Grevin had never seen anything like this and to say the least he was floored. The initial wave of bass that had sounded at first seemed to rattle his very teeth. He wasn't given much time to take it all in before a line of different ponies all came up to greet him effectively surrounding him and cutting him off from Twilight, Applejack and the others.

One was a dark pink earth pony with a white and pink mane as well as three flowers as her cutie mark. She gave a polite smile as she looked up at him with bright green eyes . “Hello Mr. Hades, my name is Cheerilee. I'm the teacher down at the school house and I wanted to meet the one that little Apple Bloom can't stop talking about.”

He felt his cheeks redden slightly at the attention. “Well, I do hope that I'm not causing her to become distracted from her school work.”

Cheerilee laughed and shook her head. “Not at all. That little filly and her two friends are just full of all sorts of energy. I really wanted to say thank you for saving them that day you first arrived. You see...when I first began to teach there was an accident with a young colt at one of our lakes...he...well, he passed away. Seeing a student buried was one of the hardest things I've had to do as a teacher...and thanks to you I didn't have to see three more follow that route...so thank you so much for what you did.” She stepped forward and placed an arm around his middle giving a slight hug before stepping back.

Grevin blinked caught off guard momentarily before smiling softly and nodding. “If I can do anything to prevent the loss of precious life I will do what I can. It was nice to meet you Miss. Cheerilee...and please just call me Grevin.”

She nodded as she moved away and was soon replaced by another pony, a unicorn. This one had a light mint green coat with a similarly light green and white mane. Her cutie mark was a stringed lyre and she had soft golden eyes. For several moments she stood there staring at him her eyes darting over his form glancing at his hands, feet, head, hands, arms, face, hands, again and again and again. It made him very uncomfortable. “Um...”

Before anything else could be said another pony came forward and pulled the other one back saying some sort of apology and something about an obsession with hands. Shrugging that small encounter off Grevin turned with a small smile to the next pony waiting to meet him.

Applejack stood next to Twilight across the room from where Grevin was being mobbed, both holding mugs of cider and both smirking at how he was squirming under the attention he was being given. They looked at one another before laughing and lightly tapping their mugs together and taking a drink. Twilight quickly pulled her mug away from her lips as a few quick coughs escaped her lips, her eyes squeezing shut for a moment. “Wow Applejack, this cider has bit of bite to it don't you think?”

The orange mare smirked and gave a curt nod before taking another drink. “Sure as shoot does Twilight. It's some of the apple family special reserve that's been aged a bit longer than regular cider so it has some alcohol in it. Be careful though Twi, this stuff will sneak up on you once you get used to it.”

Twilight smiled and took another drink. “It does grow on you...I'll be careful Applejack I may be a bit bookish, but I know how to handle my drinks.” She took a moment to see what all her other friends were doing noting that Pinkie was tending to the snacks, Rainbow was showing off her dance moves, Rarity was dancing with Spike while Fluttershy seemed content to keep to herself in the back smiling as she watched the different ponies dance and have fun.

She glanced back to Applejack who was watching Grevin with a soft smile. “So how are things at Sweet Apple Acres now AJ? Is he opening up more?”

Applejack turned and refilled her drink while shaking her head. “Well, yes and no. He's still going out to train but doing it in the mornings now. He isn't wearing that armor anymore though...and he lets us see his face too...So things are better than before...say...Twilight?”

She took another swig from her mug before looking back at her blonde maned friend. “Yes?”

Applejack looked down for a moment then took a large gulp of her drink and set the mug down. “Have you...uh...by chance...learned anything more about Grevin's people in your books? Are there any books about them in our history?”

Twilight blinked then slowly shook her head before taking another drink. “Nothing yet. All we know is what we find in myths, and it's impossible to tell fact from fiction in those. I'm hoping to have him come to the library though so I can learn more about him. I have all sorts of questions to ask him, notes to take, measurements, like his height and weight and the like.”

Applejack refilled her drink once more then grabbed Twilight's and refilled it. “Well, I'm awfully curious to be honest. There isn't anypony out there quite like him.” She giggled a bit looking over at Grevin her cheeks a little red. “Whew...this stuff is stronger than I remember...”

An hour later a majority of the town had gone on their way leaving a handful of ponies including the mane six to dance and party for the rest of the evening. Grevin had finally been pulled away from the crowd of ponies by Pinkie Pie after about a hour of questions so that she could get him to try some of the sweet treats she had prepared. He now was making his way around the room hoping to sip some cider and relax a bit. The rest of the mane six had enjoyed some of the Apple Family special cider and needless to say some of them were feeling a bit more than relaxed.

Applejack and Twilight both sat at a table, mug in had laughing at various stories they were telling one another both of whom had a few empty mugs next to them on the table. Their manes were slightly mussed and their cheeks were red, their inebriation was beginning to show despite how well they held themselves.

Fluttershy, while hiding it much more easily had, had a few drinks herself and had joined Rainbow Dash and Big Macintosh out on the dance floor while Spike and Rarity had headed out for the evening due to Rarity heading to Canterlot in the morning for a fashion show and Spike was going to join her and help her by running various errands and the like which he enjoyed doing for the mare that held his heart. He had grown up somewhat from the little baby dragon he once was and now he was eye level with most ponies. He even had moved into the basement of the library, with Twilight's permission, when he decided he'd like a space of his own.

Applejack smirked as she took another sip from her cider as she let her eyes watch Grevin move through the room making his way away from the crowd on the dance floor, her eyes moving down from his face to his chest, and then his abdomen and back up to his eyes once more as he finally settled back against a wall near the back of the room. She nudged Twilight and darted her eyes to him making the other mare look in that direction. “Hey Twi, look at the wall-flower over there. Looks like he might be trying to go back into his shell a bit.”

Twilight lazily looked over at Grevin taking some time to let her vision cast up and down his form before nodding. “He...he needs to loosen up.”

Applejack chuckled as she took another sip. “Question is, how is that going to happen?”

It was then that the lights dimmed more than they had before and a mirrored ball lit the room casting it's lights in a beautiful pattern spinning around the room as a popular soulful slow song began to play over the speakers. DJ PON-3 could be heard speaking over the music, “Alright fillies and colts, it's time we slow things down a bit. So grab your special somepony, or somepony you care about and get out there on the floor.”

Twilight's eyes brightened her smile as an idea hit her. She quickly hopped down off her chair as Applejack watched with a curious look in her eyes. “I think I just found a solution to that...excuse me.”

Applejack's eyes widened and her ears drooped a bit as she watched her friend trot away from the table and make her way towards him. “Well ah'll be...”

Grevin had just taken a drink of the cider he had helped deliver here only to have it cause him to break out in a small coughing fit. This stuff had a kick to it...kind of fitting for the family that made it. His attention was brought back to the dance floor when he heard the DJ announce a slower song, and normally he would of slid into a somewhat depressing line of thought about how he was the only one of his kind in this world, but something else caught his attention.

Heading his way, with a bit of a sway in her step and a look that could only be described to him as nervous eyes and a small smile was Twilight. He quickly composed himself and gave a polite smile to her as she stepped up to him her eyes shimmering in the dim light. “Hello Twilight, can I help you with something?”

She grinned and nodded “Yes, yes there is. I had a small question for you. I've noticed that you're always polite and try to be a gentleman almost all the time...am I right?”

He nodded “Aye, I try to be polite...though I know I've failed at that from time to t-”

She closed her eyes and raised her hoof effectively silencing him waiting a moment before opening her eyes once more to look at him. “Well, you haven't asked anypony to dance yet...so...wouldn't it be gentlemanly to do so?”

He paused blinking in surprise before collecting himself and clearing his throat. She was trying to keep him from retreating back into his shell...and she was right to try to keep that from happening. He took a final drink from his mug and set it on the table before holding out his hand to her. “Very well...I get the hint Twilight, would you care to dance?”

She grinned and nodded turning to walk with him out to the dance floor her tail swishing back and forth slightly with each step. Once there she took a moment to look at him and then down at her feet before a nervous smile came across her lips. “Um...well, I seem to have forgotten something,” She motioned to another couple next to them and how they were dancing in front of one another with their necks meeting on the side so they were dancing in a small embrace. “You're taller than I am...so that won't work.”

He smiled a bit and shook his head. “I think I have a solution to that. Can you reach up and put your hooves on my shoulders?”

She nodded and reached up and moments later she found his hands sliding around her in a steadying yet comfortable grip and her eyes were mere inches from his own. She didn't have long to think about it before he began to move with her to the soft subtle beat of the song. She glanced over his face seeing a small smile on his lips and a hint of enjoyment in his eyes and that with the light headed feeling the cider gave her caused her cheeks to redden.

“Well miss Sparkle? Will this work?” He hadn't missed the hint of red forming on her cheeks, and it was clear by the faint traces on her breath that she had been enjoying some cider. He hoped that she wasn't feeling to inebriated, or that she was doing this on some kind of drunken whim...Truth be told he hadn't danced with anyone for a very long time and it was a nice change of pace for him.

Twilight for her part had turned her gaze back to his face and gave him a shy little smile. “Yes, this takes a little getting used to but...this is quite enjoyable.”

He accepted that and focused more of his attention on helping them keep their balance while moving to the music. “So...Twilight, do you go dancing often?”

She shook her head her mane shifting a bit in front of her eyes. “Well, I like dancing but I'm not very good at it...the last time I danced was at my brother wedding.”

This caught his attention. “I didn't know you had a brother, is he as well educated as yourself?”

She chuckled and shook her head. “No, and while I did learn some things from him he is more of a soldier than scholar. He's the captain of the guard in Canterlot.”

“Captain of the guard? If he is that he must be a very competent and talented warrior, not to mention a good leader. You must be very proud of him.”

She smiled and nodded. “I am. He is great at what he does and he is all that and more, he was my best friend growing up.” She leaned in a little closer and rested her chin on his shoulder while closing her eyes another wave of light headedness from the cider washing over her. “Heh...sorry, the cider seems to be getting to me.”

He nodded with a small chuckle. “It's no problem, do you wish to sit down?”

He felt her tilt her head in a bit, snuggling against him slightly as she took a deep breath and let out a small sigh. “No, I'll be fine.” What he failed to see was the content smile on her face as she swayed to the music.

Applejack, despite a small envious feeling in the back of her mind, couldn't help but laugh as Twilight hung onto Grevin though the final songs of the evening. It was clear her friend was drunk and while she did keep him from hiding himself away, she herself was going to fall off her hooves after a while. She waited for the end of the last song before trotting over to the pair and tapping Grevin on his shoulder. “Hey you two, I think it may be time to call it a night. It looks like a little tap on your shoulder could knock you over Twi.”

Twilight grumbled as she lowered herself from his shoulders only to take a few missteps once on her hooves almost bumping into her farm pony friend. “I...I'm fine...honest”

Applejack shook her head and looked to Grevin. “Sugar-cube, I need to help take back the extra barrels of cider. Big Mac can help me with that, so can you take Twilight back to the library? I just don't think it'd be right to let her go home without an escort.”

Twilight swayed a bit as she shook her head. “No, no, no, no...I don't want to trouble you...”

He shook his head a look of concern in his eyes. “Twilight, it's no trouble. Please, let me help my friend get home safely.”

She looked up at him staring a few moments into his red eyes causing a blush to form on her cheeks once more before she gave a hesitant nod. “Alright...” She made her way to the door as Grevin turned to Applejack.

“A.J. Are you certain you don't need my help with this?” He hated leaving others to do work he could help with. Even if the party was in his honor he didn't like leaving others to clean up the mess without help.

She smirked and shook her head. “Shoot no, Big Mac can help, and if worse comes to worse Pinkie, Fluttershy and R.D. Can always lend a hoof. And don't go worryin about me getting all tipsy either. I can handle this stuff just fine compared to most pony folk. I'll see you back at the farm.”

He nodded once before turning and heading out the door to join Twilight out on the street. They made their way through the dark village to her home making sure to take it nice and slow so she didn't fall over during their walk. She swayed every now and then but as she the library came into view her step faltered, her front hooves slipped and she found herself falling forward toward the cold hard road below. However, instead of hitting the hard cobbled road, she felt a gentle yet firm grip catch her and then lift her from the ground and into a warm embrace. “Alright Twilight, I've got you.”

She blushed at the warm feeling he gave off as he held her in his arms and nodded feeling fairly sheepish. “S...sorry. The door to the library should be unlocked.” She couldn't help but stare into his eyes once more as she realized just how kind he was being to her. While she had lots of friends, she never would of met a stallion who was as nice as he was. He should get some sort of reward for his kindness.

He nodded and after a few moments they were making their way through the darkened library surrounded by hundreds of books. She pointed him up the stairs towards her room and within a few moments he was gently setting her down on the cool comforter of her bed. “There you go.” He began to stand back up only to find her wrapping a hoof back around his neck and pulling him down towards the medium sized bed knocking him off balance.

He threw his hands down to catch his fall landing one on either side of Twilight's head stopping himself before just before their foreheads would have connected. Once he had his barrings he looked down at her a small frown on his lips. “Twilight you-” A single hoof being placed over his lips made him pause.

He looked down and his eyes widened to see that Twilight was looking back up at him with a soft smile and half lidded, seductive eyes. He felt his cheeks heat up and a small twinge of worry form in the back of his mind. She pulled her hoof back and laid down a little bit more, snuggling back into the comforter. “Sorry...I just wanted to thank you for helping me.”

He nodded as he tried to pull back once more without making it too obvious. “It's nothing, no trouble at all.” Ever since the incident with the woman he had fallen for back in Bastion, he would always find himself feeling nervous around most members of the opposite sex, and right now he was feeling quite nervous.

She smiled and leaned her head up lightly brushing her cheek to his in a small nuzzle and turned her head in to brush her lips just ever so lightly over his neck letting her warm breath wash over his skin. “I know but still, I wanted thank you. You...could stay a while...with me...” She smiled softly up at him her eyes still sultry and seductive.

This set off red flags in his mind. She was clearly drunk, vulnerable, and this was not a position he wanted to be in and he highly doubted she would want to be in the position if she were sober. He balanced himself with one hand and placed the other on her shoulder gently pushing her back making her let go of him. “You're quite welcome Twilight, but I think it's best that you probably get some sleep now. It's been a long night after all and I'm sure you're tired.”

She closed her eyes and nodded turning her head away. “You're right...I...I'm sorry...I didn't mean to-” It was her turn to be cut off by a finger pressing against the edges of her lips. Her eyes shot open to look up seeing a soft and understanding smile on his face.

“Twilight, it's perfectly fine. I am not going to hold anything against you and I'm going to just forget the whole thing happened.”

She nodded just looking up at him looking up at him with wide eyes. He was being too kind again. “Alright...thank you.”

He got up on his feet and made his way to the door turning to look over his shoulder making sure she was alright before he left. “It's no problem. Have a good night, alright?”

She closed her eyes once more in defeat and settled back into her sheets letting the alcohol in her system wash over her and ease her into a deep sleep. “Good night.”

He made his way downstairs quickly and out the front door in just a few seconds. He knew that it was simply the cider that got to her but in the back of his mind he knew that he would likely never see a female human ever again, and while in Bastion it was alright for a Dwarf to enjoy the company of a another race such as a Human, Elf or vice verse, here he had no idea how such things were viewed in Equestria. Even if they acted the same as girls from any other land, romance seemed like something that wouldn't be possible here.

He didn't wish to make any of his friends be made into outcasts so the best thing he felt he could do was try to push any feelings he had of that nature away and try to dissuade any others from having those sorts of feelings for him. He sighed a bit as the realization hit him. He may have friends, but he would most likely not have love, and while he had that kind of situation in Bastion, here it was much more difficult to accept. However, perhaps it was better that way. After all the last time he allowed someone to take a hold of his heart, they ended up hurting him deeply. While that may never happen again he didn't know if he could stand to risk it once more.

He was pulled from his thoughts as the farm came into view. The cart carrying the cider was already back near the barn and empty meaning that the others had already gone to bed leaving him to take in the sounds of the night. He found peace in the sounds of the breeze rustling through the tree's of the orchard and the crickets chirping as he made his way up the stairs to the loft. Once there he went through his daily ritual of preparing to sleep, but this night as he closed his eyes he had no idea that his dreams would be returning to the dark place that they had been taking him before.

Authors Note: Hi guys, sorry it took so long to get this chapter out but as you can see it's a bit longer than my usual set. I also hope I'm able to keep it interesting and fun to read. I really am working to a more exciting plot I swear it, and it is coming...soon. As I've said before I appreciate all reviews and comments so keep them coming I love the feedback. I'll do my best to keep things consistent in the story so if you notice something off feel free to let me know. Thanks again for reading and have yourselves a good day. - Brohoof - /)*(\