I stepped out of the bathroom, feeling much better. Since my wounds were properly dressed I felt that much more presentable. I slung my towel over my shoulder as the steam from my shower drifted onto the floor. I then adjusted my clean bandages, and attempted to brush my mane back, to no avail. ‘I might need a mane-cut soon,’ I thought distastefully. I had always had a long mane, but cutting it shorter could keep it from blowing in my face during flight… like during that storm. Tilting my head back as I inhaled deeply, my nostrils were met with an intoxicating variety of scents; including fruits, leafy greens, grains, and a few other things I couldn’t quite make out. I reminded myself that I was now in a foreign land that no doubt was home to exotic plants I had never seen before.

I made my way to the kitchen and there I saw quite the sight. Before me was dozens of plates and platters with food of all sorts, some I had never even seen before, stacked onto a small table. I gawked at the display, and turned to the mare who stood near the table, pawing the ground with her hoof. She looked up for a moment and saw my surprise and averted her gaze again before beginng to explain herself:

“I’m sorry, Mr. Prince Red Storm. I had never had royalty over before, so I decided to prepare a little of everything.” She stared shyly at the ground, not knowing what to expect from me. She jumped when I broke out laughing. I quickly made my way to the table, bowing my head before saying:

“Miss Fluttershy, I’m sorry for not making this clear, but I do not wish to be treated like royalty. The flashy introduction is simply second nature to me, but I would certainly prefer if you treated me as an equal, and I will try to do the same. It would likely be better that way.” She nodded slowly to this, still obviously nervous regardless of my calmer demeanor.

“Despite my poor first impressions, I would like for you to just treat me like a normal stallion, ok?” I said while smiling lightly. The mare before me meekly nodded with in return. I then nudged the mare over to the table, setting a chair for her. Once she sat down, I sat on another chair across from her.

I could hardly see her over the mounds of food she had prepared, but something did catch my eye. I saw that the rabbit had seated himself next to Fluttershy. I began:

“Pray tell, what is that creature?” I said, gesturing to the rabbit. “He shows no fear towards me like the other animals do, and he persists on making rather rude gestures at me.” Fluttershy straightened up to see me over the food before speaking:

“Oh, that’s Angel. He can be a hoof-full at times, but he is really a dear once you get to know him.” I looked again at the rabbit, who then began to shake his head before miming the act of slitting one’s throat and pointing at me.

“Indeed,” I said as I turned my attention back to Fluttershy. “Quite the… charmer.” She smiled innocently and moved her hoof as to indicate for me to start.

“Please, after you, Miss Fluttershy,” I said, trying my best to sound polite, if not friendly.

“Oh! Why thank you,” she said, before serving herself, trying her best to cover up her forming blush. I then began to sift through the mounds myself before spotting something. Wheat cakes. I snatched up three of them and without thinking dug into them losing myself, much to Fluttershy’s shock. Stopping myself at her expression, I patted my mouth with a napkin, blushing before speaking:

“I apologize for that savage display. I have not had wheat cakes in almost ten years, due to a rather strict diet my father had proposed back home. I am also quite famished, and the favorite food in front of a starving stallion is just asking for an empty platter.” The yellow pegasus just nodded, as if trying to understand. I added a few more wheat cakes and tied my napkin around my neck before beginning to cut and eat them more formally when she spoke:

“So, Red Storm, what exactly brings you here to Equestria?”

I paused for a moment, not expecting the question. I knew it would be coming, but not at this nice moment. I sat there, chewing slowly while I thought of a way to tackle this with some tact. I put down my utensils and said:

“I am looking for a new place to settle, as I did not like my life back home. I put on my armour, took some bits, and started flying. Honestly, I was headed for Canterlot, but that wretched storm landed me here.” I chuckled lightly, but Fluttershy looked on inquisitively.

“You said you were a prince. How was your past life not enjoyable?” I frowned slightly, realizing my blatant error. If I never mentioned the royalty I could have passed for a soldier. ‘Damnit. I set myself up for that one.’

“My father is not like your Princesses. He is a... warlord, so to speak. He trained my sister and me for battle, every day since we could speak. And I know what you’re thinking; ‘Oh but you’re the HEIR. You can’t just run away from that responsibility!’ Well, I actually can. When I left, my sister became heir sibling. I just keep the title because if I were ever to go back, I could easily take the throne, even if she were ruling at the time. Not like I ever will.” The yellow mare just nodded. I mentally kicked myself for such foalish explanation. I was getting nowhere fast. I picked up my silverware again and took another bite as she asked:

“How come I’ve never heard of your family?” Pausing again, I thought more carefully about my next words. Swallowing my mouthful, I replied:

“I’m not surprised. We only have influence in our lands, and we are also overseas. My family rose to power during the Great Nightmare Moon catastrophe, because... she actually enlisted my ancestors in the takeover of our half of the world. She failed on her front, but she made us powerful enough to build a kingdom out of ours. We actually are considered some of the best and most powerful rulers in our country’s history, which makes sense as nopony had ever rebelled. In theory, we could invade if my father cared enough, but he is too busy dealing with civil skirmishes around the kingdom itself.” She just nodded again as I finished my meal with some vegetables. After we were both done eating, I helped her wash the dishes and wrap up the leftovers.

We sat in silence, sipping tea in the living room together on her couch. After about ten minutes of this, she spoke up.

“I should let you know, I have friends in town I could introduce you to. And I’m sure there’s plenty of work you could do as well, after that storm and all.” I thought about it. Meeting new ponies and helping out are essential to make a standing for myself in this new community. I put down my tea and nodded with a smile.

“Yes… I think I would like that very much.”