Cadance slowly trotted past Grevin watching him gather his items from the guard ponies while making her way towards Applejack and Fluttershy who stood off in a small alcove waiting patiently while the rest of the group made their way out of the castle and to the markets before heading to the train station to return to Ponyville. A small smirk coming across her lips as she heard the quick gallop of Twilight moving up behind her. She slowed her walk until her sister in law had passed by her and joined her friends rolling her eyes slightly at how nervous yet excited they seemed to be. She moved herself in front of them and lightly cleared her throat. “Alright girls, are you ready for me to give you some advice?”

The three nodded, each looking at her with wide eager eyes and nervous smiles, it was actually pretty cute. Cadance held back her chuckle and simply smiled as she glanced over her shoulder making sure Grevin was still trying to get his equipment back. She had given the guard orders to stall him until she had finished speaking with the girls. Sure enough he was indeed waiting while the guard took his time listing off everything that had been turned in to verify that it indeed belonged to Grevin. She turned back and smiled at the three before her and sat down on her haunches. “Very well. You've told me that he used to have a love back on his home world that betrayed him and was just using him for his abilities. I believe that the trauma of that combined with his loveless environment growing up has caused him to believe that something as wonderful as love is something that he isn't capable of having, or in the very least, handle. I think he doesn't see it as an option for himself even if he wants it.”

All three mares frowned upon hearing these words, but as Twilight and Applejack lowered their gaze to the floor Fluttershy took a hesitant step forward. “Um...if I may ask...is that why he blushes so much when we try to get close to him?”

This caused the other two to perk up and glance at their timid friend before looking back at Cadance who now had a bring smile on her lips a soft giggle escaping her. “Honestly I don't think so...well not all of it. While he is brave in a fight, shows tremendous strength and has a wonderful sense of character, I think that deep down it's all a front. I think he is shy especially around females.”

The three ponies all paused before glancing over at the man they felt for looks of surprise washing over their features before turning back to the princess of love. Applejack quirked an eyebrow tilting her head to the side. “Uh...Princess...you're not serious are yah?”

Cadance smiled and nodded. “I am, and I think if you really think about his behavior, you might come to the same conclusion I have.”

Twilight sat down raising her hoof to her chin a look of concentration coming across her face. “Well...lets see. When ever I got very close to him he would always blush and avert his eyes....not to mention he would tense up whenever there was physical contact...”

Fluttershy nodded in agreement. “Don't forget how he wouldn't let us see his face for the longest time? He said it was because he didn't want to frighten anypony, even when he was seriously injured after helping me...but I think that there was more to it. Maybe it was his way of avoiding getting close to anyone back in his home and he just continued it here.”

Applejack sighed as she finally realized that it all made sense. “Even at Sweet Apple Acres, he wouldn't let us see his face until the night we had that lil' cookout. Even when I tried to get him to loosen up in the pond with some splashing he seemed very tense and blushed an awful lot.”

Cadance grinned and took a moment to look at each mare in the eyes before continuing. “Well, the question now is how do you get him to open up and realize that you can be more than friends.”

Fluttershy quietly raised a shaky hoof. “Um...Princess, don't you have a spell that could easily remedy that?”

Cadance frowned and quickly shook her head causing the timid mare to shrink back with a small squeak. “No way...that spell is meant to help those already in love remember why they loved their significant other or others in the first place. If I were to try and use that spell on you three and Grevin...chances are it could blow things far out of proportion...or perhaps even backfire.”

Applejack frowned “Well that option's no good.” She sighed a bit as she lowered her gaze. “There has to be something we can do.”

Cadance simply smiled and nodded. “There is. You should be a bit more assertive when trying to get him to take notice. He needs to learn that he can see you as more than a friend.”

Twilight frowned. “But I tried that already...and it didn't work, if anything it drove him away...”

Cadance closed her eyes. “Twilight, I believe you may not fully understand what I mean. You shouldn't back down right away. If you, and your friends would be willing, I could give you a small demonstration as to what I'm referring too. But I won't do it unless you all three are alright with it.”

Twilight bit her bottom lip and glanced over at her two friends. Applejack had a small frown on her lips, her eyes narrowed slightly as she gave a curt nod while Fluttershy quickly shook her head her pink mane flowing in front of her eyes momentarily. “Yes, please. After that assertiveness training I had before, I took things too far. I don't want to make that mistake again.”

Twilight turned back to her sister in law and nodded “Alright Cadance.”

She nodded and rose to her hooves. “Very well. I'm going to speak to Grevin in another room. Please cast an observation spell on me, and no matter what happens you must not leave this spot until I've finished Understood?” She waited for the three to agree to her terms before slowly turning to walk away only pausing to look back over her shoulder for a moment. “And Twilight?”

“Yes?” She tilted her head to the side, her mane draping lightly across her forehead and horn.”

Cadance sighed. “Please don't read to much into this.”

Twilight blinked a moment then nodded a small smile coming to her lips. “Don't worry Cadance, I know you love my brother more than anything.”

Cadance smiled and nodded as she made her way over to Grevin. As she did, Twilight turned to face Applejack and Fluttershy her horn glowing slightly causing a small window to appear on the wall behind them showing Cadance approaching Grevin with a simple smile on her face.

-Perspective Change-

Grevin had been waiting patiently as the white pegasus guard in golden armor double checked the list of his belongings. He could feel his frustration growing as he crossed his arms and closed his eyes taking a slow deep breath.

“Mr. Hades?”

His breathing paused a moment as he opened his eyes and looked over his shoulder to see Princess Cadance making her way towards him, her usual smile on her face, though something else seemed to be in her eyes. “Yes princess?”

She stopped just a few steps from him and smiled softly her eyes glancing to the guard, his belongings and then him. “I was hoping I could speak to you for a few moments...” She glanced at the guard again “Privately. I can assure you that once we are finished Sergeant Irons here will return your belongings without question, right Sergeant?”

The guard saluted and stood at attention. “Yes Ma'am.”

Grevin quietly nodded letting his arms fall to his sides as he moved to walk beside the crystal princess. She moved at a light trot leading him from the main hall way down a side hall and after a few turns, into a large sitting room that despite it's large windows, seemed somewhat dim lit.

The room itself was fairly large, clearly designed to hold enough ponies for a medium sized dinner party. The ceiling rose several feet into the air and had ornate designs all over it, all of it very intricate flowing from one section into the next, all of it leading up to the large crystal chandelier that hung in the center of the room. The floor had a soft, very beautiful carpet laid out across it that led to small set of tiles that surrounded a large fireplace. There were several couches, all of which appeared to be covered with leather, and covered with plush pillows as well as at least five different chairs, all spread out through the room. The windows themselves had large red drapes that were pulled to the sides revealing a beautiful view of the land below Canterlot, showing the mountains, plains and rivers in the distance.

Grevin paused at the doorway taking the room in before slowing making his way inside and moving to the window to look out and see the view it offered. He heard the clop of Cadances hooves step off the stone floor of the hallway move onto the soft carpeting, muffling her every step. “Alright Princess, what did you need to speak to me about?” He kept his back turned as he listened to her take a small breath.

“I wanted to thank you personally for saving Shining, the school foals, and myself from that dragon attack. If you hadn't arrived when you did, we all would of likely been killed. You're a hero.”

He shook his head lowering his gaze, his shoulder slumping a bit. “If I had been faster, no loss of life would of occurred, and if I had never come to Canterlot this whole mess would have been avoided. I'm glad I was able to help as much as I did, but I don't agree with me being a hero.”

Cadance sighed as she took a few steps closer. “Grevin...I saw you do something that hardly anypony had ever done before. I saw you rush in with no concern for yourself and fight to save lives against a dragon. I saw you take a beating being thrown into a building and rise up ready to fight more...and then I saw something truly amazing. As you were trying to heal that mare...I saw a powerful, strange magic coming from you...not around you but inside you shining like a bright light. With every second that passed, that light grew brighter and brighter...it was almost frightening, and...beautiful.”

Grevin frowned once more but took a slow breath and pushed down his stubborn nature and instead gave a small nod. “I tried to help where I could. Nothing more, but if you say that makes me a hero...then thank you for your kind words.”

He heard Cadance giggle a bit before the sound of magic being surged through her horn reached his ears followed by the sound of the room doors slamming shut followed by the very audible *click* of their locks. He began to rise up to stand straight and turn around when he felt something that caused him to visibly tense up stopping him cold. He felt a soft hoof slowly slide over his back to his hip while a warm breath wash over his right shoulder, ear and part of his neck followed by a sultry, soft voice sounding in his ear. “Then don't you think you should receive a hero's reward?”

He felt his cheeks begin to redden as he quickly turned to the left stepping back noticing that Cadance had somehow moved to within inches of him, her light purple eyes staring into his as she tried to move closer, her lips parted slightly as a small hint of blush rose to her cheeks. He quickly stepped back putting some distance between her and him moving to his right, along the far wall of the room. “Princess? What is the meaning of this?”

Cadance smirked and slowly moved after him, her wings extending outward allowing her to make it easier for her to block him from getting around her as she moved closer. “I'm simply trying to give you a reward for your actions Grevin. I have every right to do so as a Princess of Equestria.”

He shook his head once more as he continued to step back, his cheeks continued to hold their blush as he tried to keep himself calm. “Princess, I don't need any sort of reward. Being made a Spectral Knight is plenty reward for me.”

Cadance smirked and sent him a sultry pout as she moved closer trying to back him into a corner. “Nonsense. This is something I wish to do on my own...you don't see Aunt Celestia or Luna in here with us do you? Now allow me to give you a well deserved kiss.”

Grevin blinked and quickly turned once more using a chair to block her path as he moved around her so he could back up to the door. He lightly shook his hands in front of him as he tried to remain polite and not rude. “No, that's alright. Besides, you're a married pony, I doubt Shining Armor would like the idea of his wife kissing someone, let alone an outsider like me. I don't wish to upset the Captain of the Guard.”

Cadance paused her eyes softening as she turned to face him fully, and for a moment Grevin thought he had gotten through to her, until he watched her lips curl up into a sultry smile once more. She continued to move steadily towards him moving around another chair as he voice became huskier. “Now now...don't worry about Shining. He knows I'm the Princess of Love...and he accepts that I'm going to do things that normally would make a marriage difficult. It's one of the many reasons I love him so much. He accepts me for who I am. ”

She lowered her head like a predator watching him with determined eyes. “And honestly Sir Hades...if I hadn't ever met Shining...I could easily see myself falling for one such as yourself. It's quite clear that many a mare will take an interest in you once news of the Dragon attack spreads out from Canterlot. You may even find a companion...or even a herd to call your own.”

This caused Grevin to freeze for a moment confusion washing over his features for a few seconds. This all sounded awfully familiar to what Luna had spoken to him about the night before. Was Cadance really just trying to get him to open his heart? What was with these ponies and matters of the heart, and love.... and what the hell was a herd? He wasn't given much time to think on that though before his vision was filled with Cadance leaning into him once more, her lips parted ever so slightly, her eyes fluttering shut as she leaned in for the kiss. “Now hold still...”

Grevin growled a bit his frustration growing and quickly pulled back jerking himself to the side once more putting more distance between himself and the pink princess, who was beginning to look frustrated with her prey. “I don't think I want to be kissed Princess, I mean no disrespect, but I'm just not comfortable with it...can't a simple thank you be enough?”

Cadance blew a few strands of her yellow, pink and purple mane from her face and looked at him with narrowed eyes for a few moments before once again giggling and breaking into a bright smile. “Well why didn't you say you weren't comfortable with a kiss?”

Grevin paused a moment before visibly relaxing a look of confusion washing over him at the sudden change in her demeanor. She finally understood his position and was going to stop coming after him. He closed his eyes in relief glad to be out of that situation, only to hear the familiar tingle of magic being used once again. He had no chance to react as one of the large couches surged forward, slamming into his legs from behind knocking him backwards onto the soft cushions. He barely had time to get his bearings before he felt a few light gusts of air wash over him followed by a soft weight on his shoulders. Looking straight up above him, he saw Cadance looking down at him with a seductive gaze, her mane flowing down around her face in a fine cascade causing him to blush once more and avert his gaze.

Cadance leaned down and slowly nuzzled her cheek against his and lightly nibbled on his ear before speaking with a soft, sultry voice. “If a kiss will not do...then I know of other ways to thank a hero...though I didn't think you would want to take things on this kind of route, but I don't mind. Quite adventurous of you actually...and so out in the open...kinky.”

Grevin froze, his face paling while his eyes grew wide as he felt himself begin to react to her words and close proximity his pants beginning to grow tighter. He quickly moved a hand down to his pants in an attempt to cover his shame only to have a magical aura surround his limbs and force them to the side, holding him there against his will. “P...Princess. This isn't right.”

Cadance slowly lowered herself down and began to brush her lips over his neck kissing it lightly as she slid a hoof down along his chest then to his side. She could feel his heartbeat pulsing and while it was beating faster than normal, it was clear to her that deep in the back of his mind, part of him was enjoying it. “Grevin...why do you hesitate to accept this? Are you afraid you'll enjoy it? Do you think you can't be loved by a pony?”

Grevin frowned and jerked his head pulling his neck away from her teasing lips a small growl escaping him “No! I don't! Not by a pony, not by anyone! I've been lied too, I've been cheated, and I've been looked at with disdain! The one woman I gave my heart too drove a dagger into it. Why after all that would I think I'm capable of love?! The better question is why would I want to try to love again!?”

This made Cadance pause for a moment, her eyes softening with sadness at his words. She could feel the pain in his voice and it made her eyes water at how he had been treated in the past. However rather than become discouraged, she became more determined. She couldn't help but smile knowing that if he were to give them a chance, the three mares outside, and perhaps others would easily help him overcome his past, his hurt and his self doubt.

Much to his frustration Cadance simply paused in her actions only to them move in closer under his chin in order to begin to nibble at his collar, a soft moan escaping her throat. Grevin tried to pull his head back but her magic forced him to stay still and take her teasing. “Cadance...Princess, stop...” His voice was softer this time...more subdued.

She smirked and moved to his ear once more nibbling as she went, her soft hoof sliding down further brushing over his hip causing him to shift under her. “Hmm? I don't think so...not until you know what I've come to realize about you.”

He grunted as he once again tried to free himself but her magic held strong keeping him in place while she moved over him subtly and with deliberate motions, her soft coat teasing his skin, her breath hot as it washed over him. Despite his strength he was still susceptible to her strong magic, it was similar to the magic in Bastion. While he could fight physically and hold his own, the correct kind of spell could easily take him down and make him useless. He grit his teeth trying to resist the sensations she caused him to feel. “Fine...what is it that you know...”

She smiled softly and pulled back so she could look down at him with soft, sincere eyes and raised a hoof to his chest tapping it gently against him. “You try to convince yourself that love is not meant for you...that you should be alone...all because of a terrible past. But I can see something deep inside you that few others can. There is love inside you...great love shining like a beacon in the dark. You care for everyone you know...you are willing to die to help those who cannot help themselves including strangers you have never met before...You care...you empathize...that is the very essence of love! You are capable of not only giving love, but you secretly want to be loved...”

She slowly lowered her head her gaze never wavering from his as she moved closer and closer, raising her hooves to his neck sliding them around him. “And...the only one holding you back from that...” She closed her eyes and tilted her head parting her lips slightly “Is you.”

She pressed her lips into his in a deep, slow kiss that caused him tense and jerk back in an attempt to break free however, she did not relent and pushed him down into the cushioned couch and after a few moments his attempts to fight it began to slow. He felt her gently push her tongue against his lips asking for entrance and slowly he allowed her to have her way, his eyes closing as she did.

Cadance mentally cheered in victory as she slid her tongue into his mouth allowing the muscle to lightly dance with his, a soft moan escaping her throat. It was certain to her that Grevin had been kissed before, but he clearly had never been kissed like this, not by someone who cared...and had some real experience. His motions were hesitant at best but she soon coaxed him into being a little braver. She leaned in and pressed against him deepening the kiss letting her lower half rub against him as she dropped the force field holding his hands in place under her. She half expected him to try and escape once more and she did feel him move under her, tensing his legs as if he was preparing to toss her aside and make a run for it but as quickly as that started, it stopped and he slowly raised a hand to her mane and ran his fingers through it earning another soft moan from her.

Slowly she began to pull back breaking the kiss leaving a small trail of saliva between their lips. She quickly darted her tongue out snatching it into her mouth with a soft sigh before letting her gaze move across his face. He was blushing crimson now, his breathing was slow, but not stable. His eyes we wide and it was clear he was shocked. She giggled and lightly ran her hoof over his cheek. “I didn't break you did I? I'm pretty sure that your friends would be upset with me if I did.”

Grevin blinked a moment trying to gather his thoughts about him confusion showing in his eyes. “Wha...bu....I don-” A soft hoof on his lips forced him to stop and look up at the pony resting atop him, her eyes soft and smiling promising that everything was alright.

“Grevin, I know you feel that love can never find you, but I wanted to make sure you knew that you can and will find love someday...perhaps with a pony...perhaps even a herd, perhaps a lady dragon or even a Griffon. The possibilities are endless, and it all comes down to you being willing to give love an opportunity to find you. Do you understand what I'm saying?”

He slowly pushed himself out from underneath her forcing her to sit back a bit on his legs while he did his best to sit up. His eyes were downcast in thought and his face emotionless as he said nothing for several seconds. Cadance frowned a bit and slowly reached out a hoof to his cheek only to have his hand come up and catch it in a firm but gentle grip, keeping her from getting any closer. “Grevin....” She prayed he wasn't going to put up a shell around himself once again.

He sighed a bit, his shoulders shifting slightly as he raised his head bringing his eyes to meet hers causing her to pause her breathing, his stare was empty...unreadable. “Princess...I understand what you're trying to do but you have to understand that I am having a very hard time accepting what you're saying. I've always been looked down on...hated even, and now for that to suddenly change, and for me to be accepted...hell even seen a possible love interest...it's a lot to take in. I don't know if I can handle it to be honest.”

Cadance smiled and leaned forward wrapping her forelegs around him holding him close in a warm embrace. She rested her forehead against his taking care to avoid hitting him with her horn, her eyes locked onto his causing him to freeze mid sentence. “...You stallions are all the same...just big goofballs at heart. I have no doubt that you can handle it.” She tilted her head forward a bit catching him in a light but warm kiss pulling back a bit slower. “All I ask is that you please consider what I've said Grevin. I wasn't making things up when I told you that you could easily win the heart of many a mare here in Equestria.”

She pulled back letting her hooves drop from his shoulders as he looked away clearly stunned. She giggled as she moved off the couch and stood next to him smiling at the bright blush on his cheeks. She smirked deciding to tease him a bit and leaned in once more. “Grevin...tell me you'll consider what I told you...if you don't I could always try to convince you by showing you what your hands could do to help a pony feel...well, amazing.”

His reaction was immediate. He quickly rose to his feet and moved back shaking his head. “Nope, no, that's alright...no need for that.” Honestly, he felt terrible about kissing the Princess, especially since he had just become friends with Shining Armor. Cadance however simply took a few steps towards him with raise eyebrows and a tilted head, silently urging him to finish his sentence.

He gave a slow nod giving into her wishes and sighed. “I..I'll consider what you have told me. Perhaps in time I can comfortably open my heart once more and maybe even find some pony to love...time will tell.”

As soon as the words left his lips Cadance's horn lit and the doors to the room flew open providing him with a route of escape. She simply smiled and nodded. “Thank you Grevin...and I promise this won't happen again...well unless you happen to save Shining and my life again...then it will be a simple kiss on the cheek.”

He gave a small smile of thanks and a curt nod before slowly turning to the exit. “That would be more acceptable, thank you.”

She laughed as he made his way out of the room leaving her there for a moment to gather her thoughts. She knew that if she were to return to the main hall now she would see three blushing mares running after and equally blushing man all making their way to the train station to return to Ponyville.

She hoped that he would at least consider her words and let himself see Twilight and her friends as they view him. They could easily be happy together, either as a single couple or even as a herd. A small smirk came across her lips as another thought came to mind. Those girls were going to give him a hell of a time now...and the competition would surely grow because of what happened in Canterlot. He was a hero now, and hero's always get adoring fans. Even she and Shining had several notes mailed to them after the Changeling invasion was thwarted.

As she began walking down the main hall she noticed that her Aunt Celestia had joined her, walking quietly beside her. She turned her head noting the simple smile on her aunts face. Celestia turned to her niece and laughed softly. “I am guessing you had a small discussion with Grevin about his possible love life here in Equestria, am I right?”

Cadance smiled and nodded as she continued to walk. “I did...and it took a little bit of convincing to get him to understand that he could make a mare very happy some day.”

Celestia giggled softly and shook her head. “He came back to the main hall with mussed hair, wrinkled clothing, and a deep blush upon his cheeks. He put his cloak and hood on as soon as he could get his hands on them to hide his face...and to top things off, Twilight and her friends Applejack and Fluttershy quickly ran after him as he left, their own faces a bit red....just what did you do Cadance?”

Cadance laughed and looked to the side. “I may have had to convince him in a more...unconventional manner than usual.”

Celestia smirked and returned her gaze forward stopping at the castle entrance, her niece standing beside her and in the distance Grevin could be seen running toward the train station his cloak billowing behind him, his swords and armor in its rightful place, but just behind him were three mares, all watching him intently, doing their best to keep pace. “You know what Cadance?”

Cadance looked at her aunt curiously “What?”

Celestia's smirk grew to a small grin. “Back when I was your age, I would of done more than pin him down and kiss him a couple of times...to be honest I probably would of done more even at my current age, after all, I do enjoy a good workout from time to time.”

Cadance blinked a few moments stepping back a look of surprise in her eyes followed quickly by a blush on her cheeks as the implications raced through her mind. “Oh...I see...oh my...”

Celestia laughed seeing her blush and lightly nudged her niece with her wing. “Gotcha.”

-Ponyville Train-

Grevin sat silently in the main compartment, his hood up hiding his still red cheeks from view. He settled himself in a window seat and sat turned facing so he could watch the country side pass by while he tried to gather his rushing thoughts. He barely paid any attention to the excited conversations of the girls going on around him. A small frown formed on his lips as Cadance's words echoed through his mind, and the vivid encounter with her replaying over and over again in his memory. He could still feel the unexpected softness of her lips pressing to his, her smooth coat brushing over his skin...her tongue teasing his...even the faint hint of Strawberries on her breath.

All of it shook him to his very core making him nervous and angry all at the same time. He clenched a fist as he closed his eyes and took a slow breath trying to calm his nerves. He couldn't help but begin to wonder if Cadance was right about him. Maybe, just maybe, deep down in his heart, he really did want to give love another chance. But it was ridiculous to even think that. Even if a female were interested in him, it was for his power, not his heart. Power always attracts people, even if they don't realize it. The prospect of being with someone who had the abilities he has could easily cloud the vision of many a woman...mare.

He had seen it happen in Bastion. Back when he would brawl in the bars, there would always be a bar-maid trying to hang on his arm and get him to fall for her so she could show off her newest catch, but they never tried to get to know him...even a few flinched when they got a good look at his face. He glanced over his shoulder at the six ponies talking amongst themselves and his train of thought paused.

They never flinched at his looks...nor did they seem to care about his abilities. From the moment he healed Fluttershy, they all accepted him without hesitation. Of course they had questions, who wouldn't but they accepted his answers and continued to try and get him to come out of his shell. They even threw him a party introducing him to a majority of Ponyville...who with their help had welcomed him warmly. It was so...foreign to him. He hardly knew how to respond to it all. It was a total opposite of what he had become so accustomed too...and hard to adapt too, but still pleasant. He began to turn his head back to the window letting his gaze return to the countryside as his mind slowly began to consider the possibility of pursuing matters of the heart once again.

Would it be so bad to try and open his heart once more? Maybe date...or even possibly find love? There is always the risk of being hurt again...but at the same time, every time he expected something bad to happen...more often than not, the exact opposite occurred.

“Grevin!”

He jumped, his thoughts torn to shreds by the sharp voice sounding in his ear, and turned his head finding a pair of bright blue eyes trying to peak in under his hood causing him to jerk backwards making his head hit the glass window with a solid thunk. “Gah! Pinkie...don't do that...”

The pink mare giggled sitting back tilting her head to the side. “Okie Doki Loki! So are you ready for Nightmare Night?”

He blinked a moment noting that all the girls had turned and faced him, and slowly shook his head side to side. “Um...honestly I don't know what that is.”

Pinkie Pie gasped her eyes growing wide. “You don't know?!”

He again shook his head as Twilight moved forward placing herself between Pinkie and him a small smile on her lips. “Pinkie, he isn't from Equestria. Chances are he doesn't know any of our traditions yet.” She looked over her shoulder and nodded at Grevin. “So...would you like to hear about this holiday?”

He reached up and quietly pulled his hood back, confident that he finally had control over his cheeks now and nodded. “Aye, I'm a bit curious. For such a dark name you certainly do sound quite happy about it.”

Rarity grinned and nodded as Twilight, as well as the rest of the Mane Six all formed a small circle in the cabin, Twilight sitting almost uncomfortably close to his right, while Applejack took his left and Fluttershy sat directly in front of him, with the rest filling in the empty spaces. “Oh darling, it's simply a wonderful event that is filled with fun, games, silly scares and even some mystery.”

He blinked a moment before tilting his head to the side. “Well it sounds like quite the party but why would it have mystery?”

Rainbow Dash rose into the air with a laugh. “Because of the costumes, duh. A couple of years ago I dressed up as a Shadow Bolt and used a small thunder cloud to scare everypony...it was totally awesome.”

Applejack cleared her throat drawing the groups attention to her. She smiled and tilted her hat back a bit as she looked up at Grevin a bright smile on her face. “What they mean sugar-cube is that we all dress up in costume for the night. It's tradition. It all goes back to when Princess Luna had been taken over by the power of Nightmare Moon. All the ponies would dress up in a disguise to hide from Nightmare, and leave her morsels of food so that she would eat that rather than some poor pony she happened to find.”

Twilight grinned and flared her horn to life causing a small image of the fake Nightmare Moon Princess Luna had turned into from the previous year to appear in the middle of the group. Grevin watched as it snapped it's jaws causing several foals to run from it before it changed back into Luna and burst into laughter. “Currently the tradition has changed into a lighter atmosphere. Ponies still dress up but we play games, party, and the foals gather little candy treats to offer up to Nightmare Moon as tribute...but they get to keep most of the candy.”

Pinkie giggled and bounced on her tail a moment. “Oh-oh-oh, and this year will be the best one yet! After ten o'clock all the little foals get to go home and be all snugly wugly in their beds and the adult ponies will get to have a big PARTY! There will be more adult games, cider, even a few Nightmare Night themed drinks! It's going to rock!

Grevin paused a moment as he listened to the pink pony before slowly nodding, still trying to completely grasp everything they had told him thus far. “I see...it sounds like a lively evening of fun...we never had anything like this back in Bastion. We had some celebrations but those were mostly for royal events such as weddings and the like. It sounds pretty interesting. What do ponies dress up as for this?”

Fluttershy shivered as she ruffled her wings. “Ponies dress up as all kinds of things...some like to dress up in fun silly outfits...others like...eep...scary ones...I don't like those very much...but that's alright. I just like seeing everypony have fun.”

Twilight jumped up a bit and grinned. “Oh, that reminds me,” She turned to Grevin and leaned in a bit till her eyes were just inches from his causing him to lean back. “Grevin, I wanted to ask you about the different creatures from your home land. I know about that Dragon but what are some other creatures? Maybe we can make costumes of them for this year's celebration.” She smirked as she pulled back knowing that this was not only a great chance to learn about Bastion but to also possibly learn more about the mysterious man.

Rarity smiled brightly. “I think that is absolutely a wonderful idea Twilight. I might even be able to help make some of these costumes if you like. It would be a great change of pace for one so fashion savvy as moi.”

Applejack rolled her eyes at her friend before turning to Grevin who had sat forward once more and rested his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped while his brow looked furrowed, deep in thought. “Grevin...please, could you tell us more about your home land?”

He nodded quietly a moment before raising his head back up to look at the group. “Of course. I just wasn't quite sure where to begin. I'm not used to teaching anyone...erm...pony about my home land. I guess I could begin with one of the more legendary and dangerous creatures known to Bastion.”

Rainbow leaned forward with a look of skepticism in her eyes, but her body language told him that she was just as curious as the rest. “This better be good buddy, it takes a lot to impress us.”

Grevin smirked and nodded as he cleared his throat. “Well I guess I could begin with one of the more dangerous creatures known as a Vampire.”

Pinkie Pie gasped and hid behind Fluttershy who was already shivering at the dark tone his voice had begun to develop. Rainbow glanced over Fluttershy's shoulder and looked at the grinning mare. “Pinkie...what are you doing?”

The pink mare poked her head out from behind her timid friend a large grin plastered onto her face. “I'm practicing for when it gets to be really scary.”

The group laughed a bit before turning their gaze back to Grevin who had shifted in his seat, leaning forward now looking similar to a person telling a ghost story over an open fire at a camp site. “Vampires are a very unique and dangerous creature to face in Bastion. They can blend in with regular people or creatures with ease. They tend to only appear at night, and mingle with the crowds of people in the taverns finding prey to stalk and eventually attack when the moment is right, but they have been seen out in daylight as well.”

Applejack tilted her head to the side as she scratched the side of her head. “Well, how is it they can blend in so easily, and why are you being so specific about day and night?”

“Well, the reason they can blend in so easily is because they can hide their features from people. You see, Vampires feed off the blood, or energy of every day people. They have fangs that can retract in their mouths, and eyes that can change color, from blood red to a soft blue for example, making it easier for them sneak up on their prey in a crowd. Vampires tend to be very...seductive, making it easy for them to pick a poor soul and pull them into a dark alley where they strike, biting into their neck and draining them of their blood. As for day and night...well some people think that daylight hurts vampires and thus they can only come out at night, but this isn't true. They can come out in daylight but are in a very weakened state. It's much easier to kill a Vampire in daylight than at night.”

He held out a small portion of his cloak. “Many people believe that most Vampires wear black cloaks similar to mine, and dress in provocative clothing making it easy to spot them, but that isn't always the case. They are smart, very intelligent, cunning, strong and fast. They have powerful magic and can manipulate shadow, and even levitate. But they prefer to seduce their victims, luring them into a false sense of security. I've seen many a man in my old mercenary guild fall victim to a Vampires bite...and then be exterminated.”

Rarity frowned, her blue eyes widening. “W...what do you mean by exterminated?”

He sighed. “Well, you see Vampires aren't a race that looks like you or me...they are people like you or me. Their condition is similar to a disease that infects them when bitten. If enough blood is drained and they drink the blood of the Vampire who attacked them...they themselves will become one. It slowly takes them over, causing people to slowly fall into the darkness until their first blood lust kicks in and then they go mad trying to bite and feed on anyone they can get their hands on.”

He paused a moment as the group shifted slightly, swaying with the train as it barreled down the tracks. “Oddly enough, older Vampires exist and have even been known to socially interact with people without any problems. It could be that with age, comes the ability and wisdom to control themselves.”

Twilight blinked a moment as she took in everything he said. They were strong with magic, wore capes and provocative clothing, were wise, cunning, strong and fast...and seductive. A small smirk made its way onto her lips as she watched Grevin out of the corner of her eye.

Applejack noticed Twilights smirk and frowned realizing just what her friend had begun to think of. She quickly wrapped a hoof around Grevin's arm and gave a small tug getting his attention. “What other kinds of creatures are there? Surely this Vampithingy isn't the only night time creature around, right?”

He nodded as he steadied himself sitting upright once more. “That is true, there are many creatures in Bastion that favor the dark. Werewolves are another good example. They are similar to the Vampire, in that their condition is spread through a bite, but they don't exactly drink blood.”

Fluttershy blinked as she peaked her head out from her pink mane, her curiosity peaked at hearing about a kind of wolf. “Um...what do they do then...if I may ask....”

He looked over at her and leaned forward a bit making her lean in with anticipation. “Well...they eat their prey, man, beast...ponies, it doesn't matter to them.”

Fluttershy squeaked and pulled back away shivering slightly. He smiled reassuringly hoping to calm the timid mare. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.”

She didn't get a chance to reply as Dash zipped in between them her eyes wide. “I gotta know what these things look like. They sound like something out of Daring Doo.”

He shifted in his seat slightly as he pulled away from the cyan mare. “Well, they have two forms, a regular form and then their transformed state. When they are in their regular form they tend to have strong fierce eyes and a muscular body. They emit a sense of wildness from themselves. They know what they want and will get it. They can be seductive, ugly or plain as can be. They also have a strong sense of family. When they transform...well that's where it gets interesting. They grow thick fur all over their bodies and they also grow a long snout where their mouth's are filled with razor sharp teeth. Their arms and legs grow longer and they gain very sharp claws. Their muscle mass also nearly triples, making them very strong, fast and quite imposing. Most believe that these creatures cannot change unless there is a full moon however, there are some that can change forms on will making them very dangerous.”

Fluttershy shivered and ducked her head down. “Grevin...aren't there any nice creatures you could tell us about?”

He blinked for a moment before lightly bopping his forehead with the palm of his head. “Of course...I'm sorry. I have a tendency to only remember the dangerous beings in Bastion. There are most certainly creatures of great beauty, kindness and joy. One that comes to mind actually reminds me a bit of you Fluttershy.”

She blinked as her cheeks reddened slightly. “Reminds you of me?”

He smiled and nodded as he rested his hands on his lap. “Yes. These creatures are known as Dryads, or wood nymphs in Bastion. They are magical creatures of great beauty known for their kindness and joyful ways. They are the spirits that inhabit some of the great forests in Bastion connected through magic to the trees there making them one with nature. They tend to shy away from humans, but some have been known to help wary or lost travelers who may be injured, sick, or suffering from a total loss of hope. They move with incredible grace through the forest, their feet hardly ever touching the ground, and their voices are so soft and gentle that it makes one feel at ease the moment they speak. They can be dangerous if their trees are threatened but for the most part they are very kind.”

She smiled as she fluttered her wings slightly, raising into the air a bit. “Oh they sound wonderful.”

“They are, I was lucky to have met one when I was young. I had wandered out of the city I was living in at the time in an attempt to find food in the nearby forest. There was a terrible storm that night and the rain was coming down so hard that I was afraid I was going to be swept away in a flash flood. I had managed to take refuge under a large tree where I cried myself to sleep-”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “A tough guy like you cried?”

He sighed and shook his head. “Rainbow, I was probably five at the time...not a well trained battle hardened soldier.”

She grinned slightly as she sat down. “Oh yeah...sorry.”

“Anyway, the storm was getting worse and I could hear thunder moving closer and closer as the rain fell harder and harder. I was terrified and crying loudly for help...and that's when I felt a soft hand on my shoulder. At first I thought I was imagining things but then I felt a pair of arms wrap around me and lift me up into a warm hug, holding me so I could rest my head on a soft shoulder. I heard a soft voice speak into my ear telling me that everything was alright and I would be fine and I opened my eyes to see an incredibly beautiful woman holding me. She had pale white skin, soft brown eyes and earthy dark hair that had leaves weaved into it. She wore a simple green dress that seemed to sparkle in the rain and wore no shoes. She smiled at me and held me until the storm passed. I remember that she had the scent of a fresh spring day, and she was so warm, it made me totally relax. I couldn't help but notice that as she held me in that warm hug, the rain seemed to never touch her or I...like it moved around us so it wouldn't get us wet. After the storm was over she led me back to the edge of the forest where I could find my way back to the city. It wasn't until I turned to thank her that I realized just what had occurred. She had disappeared into thin air and I realized that a Dryad had saved me that night. It was one of the best moments of my young life.”

A small sniff could be heard from several of the girls as the listened to his story. Rarity had small tears running down her face while Fluttershy's eyes were beginning to well up. Pinkie Pie was comically crying forcing Rainbow Dash to use an umbrella to avoid the spray of tears coming from her friend. Fluttershy smiled and looked down at her hooves avoiding his eyes for the moment. “Grevin...that's an amazing story...The kindness of the creature is wonderful.”

“Aye...they are very special.”

Applejack cleared her throat pulling his attention to her causing a small frown to come across Fluttershy's lips. “Grevin, can you tell us more about the creatures of your homeland? I think that we all could learn a lot more about them before this train ride is over.”

“Well...if you wish. I don't want to bore you.”

She grinned putting a hoof on his shoulder. “Sugarcube, don't you worry a lick about that.”

-The next morning-

By the time the group had made their way to bed for the night, Grevin had managed to tell them about several creatures known in Bastion including some of the more peaceful bunches such as the Dwarfs and their stone cities in the mountains, as well as the Dark Elves who lived underground and even the sirens off the coast of the Crimson Islands. He had even mentioned some of the more dark natured creatures including more Dragons, Harpies and even Kobolds.

The girls all sat and listened with great interest as he spoke taking in each word he spoke as if he were weaving some sort of grand tale. There of course were a few odd moments as the evening went on, mostly from the antics of Pinkie Pie but nothing to awkward until the group had decided to get some sleep and retire to the sleeping car.

Grevin made his way into the cabin and took his usual bunk in the far corner of the car allowing the front more comfortable bunks for the girls, but as he began to remove his swords and gauntlets he began to bend over only to bump into a soft form just behind him. He quickly turned to see Applejack looking over her shoulder at him grinning as she began to settle herself into her bunk just opposite of his. “Pardon me sugar-cube. I didn't realize I was standing so close there.”

He nodded quietly as he shifted his position a bit giving her more room to move about. “That's alright, I wasn't paying close attention to where I was going.”

Just as he began to turn around he felt something soft brush over his left arm quickly followed by something sliding over his lower back making him pause and glance back at the orange mare who had turned back around to finish preparing her bunk the only sign of movement being a small flick of the tip of her tail. He shook his head deciding to pursue the issue and continued to turn around only to meet a pair of soft cyan eyes looking at him from an uncomfortably close distance.

He pulled back a bit to see that Fluttershy had pulled back a bit as well clearly a bit startled by his reaction. “Oh...oh my I'm sorry. I didn't mean to spook you Grevin.”

He sighed a bit and gave a small smile. “It's alright Fluttershy. I was just surprised that's all. No harm done.”

She smiled and flew past him, the tip of her wing lightly brushing over his shoulder as she moved to the bunk above Applejack's.

He turned once more and removed his armor setting it down at the base of his bed leaving him in a simple shirt, cloak and trousers. He moved into his bunk and shifted his position so that he could look out the window watching the setting sun in the distance. He didn't get much chance to gather his thoughts though when the sound of hooves approaching drew his attention back to the aisle where he saw Twilight trot up, a small smile on her lips.

She grinned at the quiet man and lightly propped her forelegs up on his bed making him shift further into the small space. “You look comfy in there.”

He nodded a bit. “Aye, it's not as bad this time around now that I'm not worried about meeting the Princesses.”

She nodded in agreement and slowly climbed up onto the bunk above his moving slowly letting her tail flick towards him a bit as she pulled herself up. For a few moments there was silence and he began to feel himself relax once more until Twilight popped her head down from above looking at him with wide eyes and a friendly upside down grin. “I can't wait to learn more about the Spectral Knights...I've always enjoyed a good research project...are you looking forward to it?”

He blinked a moment taking a few seconds to respond as he watched her mane bob slightly with each subtle movement of the train car. “Well, I must admit I am curious to learn more about them...and to be honest there are several things I feel a need to learn more about.”

She tilted her head to the side her face taking on a cute confused look while Applejack and Fluttershy turned in their own bunks to face the man their own faces matching the question Twilight asked next. “What other things do you need to learn about?”

He let his hands rest on his legs quietly as he shifted in his bunk once more. “Well, to be honest I want to go back to the castle where we all first really met. When I was hiding from you I discovered a small crest on the wall that seemed quite similar to the crest on my armor. When I tried to touch it there was a massive backlash that knocked me out for a time and caused the accident that nearly...” He glanced at Fluttershy a small frown coming to his lips before averting his gaze and clearing his throat.

“Anyhow...I plan on going back there alone next time to avoid endangering anyone other than myself.”

A sudden sharp gasp drew his eyes up to look at Fluttershy who had moved her hooves to her mouth with wide, teary eyes. Applejack had a harsh from on her face, her eyes narrowed and Twilight had a very concerned look on her face. “W...what? What did I say?”

Applejack lunged forward placing her front hooves on his bed leaning forward pushing Twilight to the side a bit and forcing him to push back against the window effectively cornering him, a small frown forming across his lips. “Oh no you don't. That place is dangerous and I'll be pushin up daisies before I let you just wander in there to get hurt without anypony there to help you.”

His frown grew as his own stubborn nature beginning to take hold in his mind. “No. You will not be going there with me. I'm not going to let another incident occur. You know what happened in Canterlot...I can take a beating just fine. I'm not letting any of you put yourself at risk, not after what happened before.”

Twilight shook her head. “Grevin we wouldn't be good friends that cared if we let you go off alone to face the unknown like that. I'm sorry but I have to agree with Applejack, you shouldn't go alone.”

He narrowed his eyes as his right hand began to grip the cloth of his trousers. “I'm not a foolish man who can't handle himself in a bad situation. A few booby traps aren't enough to put me down. Besides, it isn't as though you would be able to keep me from going there. Don't forget, I can be sneaky as hell when I want to be.”

“Um...excuse me...” The three's eyes were drawn to the soft voice behind them forcing them to turn to see Fluttershy peaking out from under her long mane, her blue eyes locking onto Grevin. “I..um...well, I can't help but remember that the last trap there knocked you out cold...so what if the next one is worse. What if you're knocked out and there is some sort of spell used that could really hurt you...you wouldn't be able to defend yourself. Also...um...I do think we would be able to keep you from sneaking off...if we really had too.”

Twilight quirked an eyebrow and looked at her friend. “What do you mean Fluttershy?”

She smiled a bit as she sat up letting her mane move from hiding her face. “Well...I could ask the birds and other woodland creatures to keep an eye open for Grevin, and if they saw him they could get in his way, or at least tell us where he went.”

He frowned knowing that she was right. From what he knew, she could talk to the animals in this world...and even the most highly trained stealth experts in Bastion couldn't get to a goal without being seen by some kind of bird or other creature, andwhile he knew he had some skill, he was by no means a master at the craft. He bit his tongue and growled a bit looking away from the three mares his frustration showing. “...Very well, I won't go back to the castle for now...but someday soon I plan on going out there. I need to see what that symbol is all about. I'll try to research the castle in the library in Ponyville first but once that resource is exhausted, I'm going...does that sound fair?”

Applejack nodded as a small smirk came to her lips. “Sure, so long as we get to come along sugar-cube.”

He sighed and slowly crossed his arms. “I'll consider it.”

The three mares each took a moment to look at one another before returning to their bunks, seemingly satisfied with the answer he gave. Meanwhile a few feet away Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash all sat in their bunks looking down the aisle at their friends, each one of them smirking a bit. Rarity turned and winked at Pinkie Pie a small giggle escaping her while Rainbow Dash simply rolled her eyes.

The group finally settled for the night, extinguishing all the candles in the car leaving them enveloped in darkness. The only sound that filled the room was the click-clack of the train and the soft breathing escaping the sleeping ponies. Grevin however didn't fall asleep right away. He sat with his back against the wall for most of the night his eyes looking out the window watching the moonlit country side as he resumed his thoughts from before.

-Ponyville, a few days later-

Grevin stepped out of the hot barn and wiped his forehead with a simple cloth before stuffing back into his pocket and bending down to pick up his now empty basket rigs. It had been a few days since they had returned to Ponyville from their adventures in Canterlot and for a time things had returned to normal with the exception of life on the farm.

One morning he had woken up to learn that he was being moved from the fields to the orchards in order to help with something called Apple Buck season, which he learned was the time of year in which the entire Apple clan go about harvesting the massive crop of apples that they had tended too so carefully. As such he, Big Macintosh, and Applejack had spent the last several days bucking and carrying apples into the barn, which was nearly bursting at the seams now.

Grevin took a small breath and smiled lightly as he turned and looked out at the massive fields of trees that now appeared to be completely empty. He had to admit, he enjoyed this work. It was simple, productive and didn't involve weapons. His attention was drawn to the large work pony, and his friend Big Macintosh who was bringing in another load of apples from the orchard. “Is that the last load Mac?”

The red stallion shook his head, “Nnnope.” He glanced over his shoulder and seemed to slump a bit before looking back at the man before him. “A.J. Has a few more tree's to clear. She said she could use your help and that you two should be able to handle it no problem.”

This made Grevin pause for just a moment before nodding and beginning his trek past the farmer. “So, I take it you are going to pack it in for the night then?”

Big Mac nodded as he moved past his friend. “Eeyup...” He paused mid step though and shifted slightly to look at unique friend for a moment looking as though he wanted to say something but instead he turned and resumed his path to the barn.

Grevin kept his eyes on the ground as his mind thought about the orange mare he was on his way to meet. Ever since their trip to Canterlot, she had begun to behave a little differently around him. At first it was little things, catching her looking at him from across the dinner table where, when he caught her, would quickly avert her gaze. Then more recently she asked him to come help her in the orchard leaving Big Mac to tend the fields alone. For a time work had progressed normally with simple conversations between the two friends, but from time to time he would be bent over to pick up fallen leaves or branches and feel something soft brush up against his side. When ever he would turn and look he would sometimes see Applejack's tail flicking innocently behind her as she faced away from him, but other times he would turn and bump into her finding that she had been trying to help him with his current task. Normally she would sheepishly smile, apologize and turn away letting the matter rest. Grevin however found it a little troubling.

He couldn't help but think back to what had happened with the princess in the castle, her actions still playing out through his mind, her words echoing in his thoughts, but it didn't last long though. A sharp whistle made him look up where he could see the smiling face of Applejack waving him over in the distance, behind her were a few remaining trees that needed to be harvested.

He waved and quickly made his way over and set his baskets down around the bases of the tree's stepping back to let the mare do her work. “Sorry it took me so long to get back out here. I guess I'm beginning to tire out.”

Applejack smirked and shook her head, her blonde mane shifting with the movement, small drops of sweat flying off as she moved over to the first tree and gave it a mighty buck knocking it's bounty down into the baskets below. “I can't help but have a hard time believing that Sugar-cube. I think you could even out run Rainbow Dash in a marathon and not get tired.”

Grevin shook his head as he moved to the side allowing her room to do her work. “I doubt that. She is the fastest Pegasus I've ever seen in Equestria.”

Applejack laughs and bucks the next tree sending more apples into the well placed baskets, just a few missing their intended target and rolling out from the base of the tree. She leans down to begin picking up the stray apples when a loud creak from atop the old tree caught her attention.

Looking up, both Applejack and Grevin saw a large, dead branch begin to sway and groan before snapping and falling through the foliage toward the orange mare. Grevin quickly lunged forward tackling her and pulling them both into small somersault narrowly avoiding the heavy branch crashing down where they once were.

Applejack sighed as she felt herself come to a stop resting on something warm, soft and quite comfortable. She took a slow breath enjoying the earthy scent that wafted to her nose. Slowly she opened her eyes and couldn't help but smile as she noticed that she had landed on top of Grevin and was resting comfortably on his chest while her hooves rested on his shoulders. She slowly sat up while letting her haunches stay rested against his waist and looked down at the man under her, a small hint of red coming to her lips.

“Thanks Grevin...you sure kept my hind end out of the fire there. That could have been pretty bad.” She smiles brightly down at him noting the small hint of red coming to his cheeks even as he shook his head.

Grevin looked up at the orange mare his cheeks beginning to warm as he noticed the way the sunlight drew his attention to her blonde mane, her soft smile, the small freckles on her face as well as he bright green eyes. He looked to the side and cleared his throat trying to push the image from his mind a sheepish smile coming to his lips. “You’re welcome A.J. I didn’t think Big Mac or Apple-Bloom would want me to bring you back to the farm injured, but I doubt that, that branch would really have hurt you at all if it had hurt you.”

She couldn’t help but find it cute how he smiled and looked away while trying to play down his actions. She had noticed that he never really bragged about what he did. He never boasted about his strength, nor his bravery, she liked that about him. Slowly she began to lean down letting her chest rest against his moving her face closer. “Grevin?”

The tone in her voice made him turn his head to look back up at her and the sight that greeted him made his breath hitch in his throat. Applejack had a sultry smile on her lips, her eyes were half lidded and her Stetson was pushed back shielding them both from the sunlight. “Y-yes?”

She pushed a hoof over his shoulder and took a quiet breath. “I know that I already thanked you back when we first met but I wanted to say it again, thank you for saving Apple-Bloom and her friends from that fire. If you hadn’t…well there is no doubt in my mind that they would have been killed.”

He shook his head as he began to rise to his elbows trying to move out from under the farm pony. “I didn’t do anything special A.J. I just did what any decent being would do.”

She frowned and pushed him back down holding him there with her hooves on his chest. “No! It was pretty darn special, and I want to thank you. If you hadn’t been there, for them…for Fluttershy, for the ponies in the market place in Canterlot, and now me just moments ago...” She leaned down further her voice becoming softer, her eyes beginning to close as the gap between them narrowed. “Well, I think we’re all very lucky that you came to Equestria.”

He reached back and lightly scratched the back of his head and he began to turn his head to the side.. “Well, thank you. I’m glad you think so, but um…A.J. don’t we have work that needs to be done?”

She blinked pulling back from him, coming back to her senses. What was she doing? She was ready to kiss him, she didn't even know how he felt. Her ears lowered as she sheepishly looked away and quickly got off of him stepping to the side letting him sit up. “Heh...sorry about that.”

“It's fine, really.” He began brushing the dirt from his shirt and pants not seeing how Applejack was watching him.

In her mind there was a small battle being waged. Should she tell him how she is beginning to feel, or even ask him how he would feel about having a mare friend, or should she wait and give him more time? If she gave him more time then he could eventually allow himself to love, or he could easily slide back into his shell. If she told him how she felt, he could accept her feelings and perhaps even return them or he could reject her and possibly be driven away by how she feels.

Applejack grit her teeth as her eyes narrowed. She knew what she had to do, she had to be honest with him, it was her element after all. She cleared her throat a bit and looked at him a moment while he rose to his feet. “Ahem....Grevin?”

He looked over at her as he finished dusting off his pants. “Hm? Yes?”

She fidgeted a bit letting her front hoof dig into the ground a bit her eyes lowered as her nerves began to get to her. “Well...I've been wanting to ask you a question.”

He took a small step back and let himself rest against the nearby apple tree. “What is it?”

She sighed and kept her eyes averted. “I was wondering...” She froze. She knew she has to talk to him, it was easy. He was still Grevin, the nice, kind, gentle, understanding man he had always been... “Um...I was wondering...”

He tilted his head to the side, a small frown coming to his lips. “...Yes?”

She blinked. It was now or never. She had to tell him her feelings, “I was wondering if you know what you're going to dress up as for Nightmare Night and the after party?”...next time...she will tell him next time.

He blinked a few moments as confusion washed over his face. He reached down and began to attach the now filled baskets of apples to his carrying rig. “Well...to be honest, I don't know if I'll even go.”

She frowned and stepped closer to him as he hefted the baskets up off the ground and began to walk. She slowly let herself get a little too close from time to time letting him brush against her side as they moved. “What? Why not? It'll be a lot of fun.”

He looked forward toward the farm a frown on his lips. “I wouldn't want to scary any of the young foals, and on top of that, what could I dress up as?”

She smirked and laughed a bit shaking her head, her blonde mane shifting somewhat over her back. “Scare the foals? Pfft, sugar-cube, after what happened in Canterlot, Pinkie pie went around and told your tale to everypony she could. You're pretty much a celebrity in Ponyville now. A regular hero...hey wait a minute, that's perfect.”

He blinked looking over at her a small sense of worry growing deep in the back of his mind when he saw the excited smile on her face. “What's perfect?”

She grinned and lightly hip checked him. “You could come as a hero. You have very shiny armor...so why not just lose your cloak and hood and come like that? I think it would be perfect for the party.”

He took a few moments to think it over before looking back over at the orange mare. “You think so?”

She smiled and nodded. “Sure and shoot do!”

“Well...perhaps...”

Applejack grinned as another idea popped into her mind. She already got wind of what Twilight's costume was so she figured that tonight she would go and see her and see about making it a theme. This could be a very interesting Nightmare Night indeed.

Author's Notes:

Authors Notes: Hey guys. I wanted to let you know that I really wanted to push this chapter further but after looking at the word count I thought it might be getting a bit too long and needed a bit of a cut. So next time we FINALLY get to Nightmare Night. Several months too late I know but better late than never I guess.

As always please leave me some reviews because I really, really, really want to know what you guys thought about this chapter. To be honest I'm a bit nervous about the Cadance thing but I figure it should work, and I did enjoy writing it a bit.

I know that A.J. Is a little bit out of character toward the end here but I just had a hard time getting into the mindset to properly write her so hopefully I can correct it later on and smooth it over.

On a nice/funny note, I got my wife to become a fan of the show...now she watched it nightly with me and our little one. One big brony family :D .

Once again thank you for taking the time to read my work, and I really hope you enjoyed it. Leave some reviews and have a good day. Bro-hoof /)*(\ -Grev