Chivalry Pt. 1

>After about ten minutes of walking, a few houses and building finally come into view.
>Ah… so this must be P0nyville.
>You observe the simple cottage-like houses as you cross the border into town.
>How… quaint compared to Canterlot…
>You rest your hand on your sheathed blade, your cape blowing softly in the wind.
>P0nies of all kinds mingle and converse outside.
>A few turn to look at you.
>Their mouths gape.
>Eventually, you begin to hear the murmurs.
>”Who’s that over there walking?”
>”Oh my, is that the knight they were talking about?”
>”They weren’t lying, he really DOES exist!”
>You look over at these whispering p0nies and smile a bashful smile.
>This is… awkward…
>”He’s so tall and… handsome~.”
>”I’ve heard of a creature like him living in Canterlot, he’s a hoo-man!”
>You walk forward, trying not to make eye contact anymore.
>This only works to make you more mysterious.
>”That knight saved those fillies!”
>”Look at him walk his confident walk~!”
>Oh man…
>”Excuse me, Sir Knight…?” A voice calls from your right.
>You glance down to see two mares following behind you from either side.
Oh, good afternoon, ladies.
>They giggle and swoon at these words.
>You scratch behind your head a bit.
>They continue following you as you walk.
>”Um, we just wanted to know… is it true? Did you really slay an alpha timberwolf?”
>Alpha timberwolf, huh…?
>The mares look at you expectedly with wide eyes and curvy smiles.
>You avert your eyes straight ahead.
>You’re probably noticeably blushing.
>You aren’t used to this kind of attention.
Um… well, yes, I suppose.
>They squee and giggle a bit.
>”And with magic!?” The other asks, “did you really cast fire from your… um… your—”
Hand…?
>”Yes! Did you really cast fire from your hand to vanquish it!?”
>You look down to your hand, then to the mares.
Well, um… yes. Ignis. It’s only a… Class One Combat spell…
>You don’t know what to say.
Rather simple, actually… heh.
>You begin drumming the hilt of your sword with your fingers.
>They giggle and squee once more, then run off talking to each other at a rapid pace
>Are they really… swooning over you…?
>You wipe your face, as if that’ll relieve your blushing.
>Even if they weren’t mares… even if they were regular women… how would you react to this?
>Are you really… some kind of hero now?
>You look over to the other residents, all smiling and holding their hooves secretly over their mouths, with their eyes on you, as they talk.
>Presumably about you
>…guess so…
>You press your tongue against your cheek and keep walking.
>Best to try to stay passive or ignore this for now.
>You begin to look at the buildings as you arrive in what seems to be the town square.
>…now where does Miss Twilight Sparkle live…?
>…shoot, the pegasi guards were going to show you that, weren’t they?
>”Excuse me~! Sir Knight!” You hear from your left.
>You glance over and see a white unicorn with a curly purple mane trot briskly over.
>Oh Lord… “Sir Knight” seems to be sticking.
>You’ll have to issue some kind of correction later about your “trainee” status of mage warrior.
>The white unicorn approaches, and you bow down courteously before her.
Good afternoon, madame.
>She gapes her mouth open, then lets out a thinly disguised swoon.
>”Oh… oh my~” she fans herself a little with her hoof, flashing her eye lashes a bit, “you certainly know how to greet a lady, don’t you Sir?”
>You bring yourself back up and smile bashfully.
What may I do for you, Miss?
>She grins once again.
>”I just wanted to thank you for saving my dear sister Sweetie Belle earlier today,” she says with a smile.
>Ah! Yes, you see the similarities. The small white unicorn of the three.
>You place your hand on the hilt of your sword once again.
Of course, Miss. I’m sure anyone would have done the same.
>She flutters her eyes another time.
>”Oh, I’m not so sure, Sir Knight. I don’t think anyp0ny around here has the same… attributes that you do…~”
>You feel your face flush
>You kind of fumble another bow in an attempt to hide it.
Th-Thank you, madame. I was only doing what was right.
>She giggles a little.
>”You may call me Rarity. What do I have the honor of calling you, Sir?”
Anonymous, at your service.
>She stifles another giggle.
>”Well Anonymous, if there’s ANYTHING I can do to help you, please, don’t hesitate to ask~.”
>She winks swiftly at you.
A-Actually…
>You say quickly, intent on shifting the focus.
I’m looking for a Miss Twilight Sparkle. Do you know where I may locate her?
>”Ah of course,” she says, glancing over at a direction in town. “She’s a good friend of mine… why are you seeking her out, if I may ask?”
>The tone of her voice has changed slightly.
>You try to ignore this.
She’s to be my mentor, actually. I’ve been recommended to study magic under her by my Master and the Princess back in Canterlot.
>Her eyes light up.
>”Oh! Is that it? And you’ll be staying here in P0nyville?”
Yes, Miss Rarity, this is correct.
>She smiles brightly.
>”In that case,” she motions to a large tree structure not very far away, “she lives over there in that tree. It actually doubles as a library.”
>Your eyes widen a little at the word “library.”
>She lives…
>…in a library?
>And you’ll be staying there?
>You hear a giggle.
>”What’s got your attention, Sir Anonymous?”
>You snap out of your little trance.
>Apparently you were noticeably smiling, quite widely.
>You shake your head and laugh a little.
N-Nothing.
>You shift a little in place.
Well Miss Rarity, it was an honor and a pleasure to make your acquaintance, but I believe I must take my leave now.
>You give one final bow.
>She fans herself with her hoof once again.
>”So courteous, Anonymous…~” she giggles
>You stand back up and, once again, scratch behind your head.
>”Likewise, Sir. I’ll be in my shop here, Carousel Boutique, if you ever need me. Ta-Ta~.”
>With that, she turns around and saunters off, swaying her hips back and forth.
Oh Lord…
>You say to yourself under your breath and laugh.
>Canterlot mares were definitely not like this…
>Or at least, Canterlot mares didn’t hear second-hand of your combat experiences and hold you to some kind of hero…
>You move your eyes to the treehouse-library and begin your short journey there.
>From the distance, you see the door to it open.
>A yellow pegasus mare exits the library, still talking with a happy expression to whomever is behind the door.
>Obviously, you can’t make out their speech.
>Soon, as you get closer, the mare departs, and begins happily walking to wherever her destination may be.
>She opens her eyes.
>They lock with yours.
>Instantly, her expression changes from that of joy to one of panic.
>She tilts her head downward, allowing her mane to fall meekly in front of her face.
>By this time, you’re near crossing paths, not too far from the library.
Good afternoon, Miss.
>You say to her, slowing to a stop.
>She tilts her head away and doesn’t say anything.
>She almost looks as if she’s going to cry.
>Oh my…
…this is the residence of Miss Twilight Sparkle, correct?
>She doesn’t say anything.
>After a few seconds, while still avoiding eye contact, she nods her head up and down.
>Boy, she’s an awkward one.
>Just let this one go.
Thank you, ma’am.
>You begin to walk ahead of her, approaching the library.
>”U-Uhm…” you hear softly behind you.
>You stop in your tracks, turning your head around to meet the maker of the mutter.
>The yellow mare, still hiding meekly behind her pink mane, has turned to you.
>”A-Are you th-the… b-b-brave knight wh-who saved the fillies in… in the Everfree F-F-Forest…?”
>My… she’s really shaken up.
>She’s so… cute.
>It brings a smile to your face.
>She notices this, and quickly avoids eye contact once again.
>You laugh a little under your breath.
>So meek and timid… you just want to comfort and reassure her.
>You walk over and kneel down before her.
>She continues to avert her gaze.
I did save those fillies, yes. But I am no knight yet, just a simple trainee.
>Your voice is calm and soothing.
>She slowly brings her large, teal eyes to meet yours.
You may call me Anonymous, dear lady. What do I have the honor of calling you?
>She smiles a little, her cheeks flushing slightly.
>”Um… Fl-Fluttersh-shy…”
>Well… she certainly lives up to the name.
It’s a pleasure, Miss Fluttershy.
>You stand back up, and bow before her.
Perhaps we will meet again soon.
>”Oh… my…” she smiles bashfully and looks to the ground.
>It warms your heart.
I bid you adieu.
>You say with a smile, then turn to walk toward the door once more.
>”Uhm…” she mutters again.
>You twist your head to her, showing your attention with a simple smile.
>”Th-Thank you for… your bravery… and s-saving those ch-children…” she smiles once again.
>You return it.
Of course, Miss. I was simply doing my duty.
>She looks to the ground, then ahead of her, before taking to the air and fluttering away.
>You watch her leave.
>What a sweet p0ny.
>Your attention returns to the door.
>You approach it, lift your fist, and knock a few times.
>You hear the faint sound of shuffling come from behind it.
>”Coming!” a female voice calls.
>Clopping hooves approach the door rapidly.
>It flings open, and a purple unicorn gazes up to you wondrously.
>She smiles wide.
>You kneel down before her and lower your head.
Miss Twilight Sparkle, greetings. I am Anonymous, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
>Her smile broadens and widens, practically growing off her face.
>”Oh my gosh!” she exclaims.

>”I was SO excited when I got the news from Princess Celestia last night!” she cries once again.
>You’re in your new room, provided by Miss Twilight, setting up a few things.
Not hindered by the short notice?
>You say, taking your blade off of your belt and resting it in the corner.
>”No, not at all!” She reiterates, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! To train an extremely rare species in magic! I could have only dreamed!”
>You laugh a little to yourself.
>She seems so… casual and unprofessional about it.
>But… she IS Sir Shining Armor’s sister, the laid-back captain of the guards and another mentor to you.
Of course, Miss, and I’m honored to give you this opportunity.
>You take off your cape and fold it neatly.
Just remember that *I* am the one being trained.
>You say with a smirk.
>She blushes a little and smiles back.
>”O-Of course! I’ll do my best as a mentor!”
>She trots over.
>”Don’t expect me to go easy on you, I’m a tough teacher!”
I wouldn’t want it any other way.
>You both share a laugh.
>Your room, now fully accustomed to your liking, is looking pretty slick.
>You feel nice and settled in.
Well…
>You say with a stretch.
That’s finished… should we begin some sort of study?
>She looks to you, at first a little bewildered, then slowly showing excitement.
>”You want to study already…?”
>You nod, most likely smiling from her obvious display of emotion.
Of course. Is this not why I’m here?
>She smiles even wider.
>Then catches herself, shaking her head, and putting on a more “mature” look.
>”…sure Anonymous, we can do some quick work today if you like.”
>She turns to the door and begins to leave.
>You follow suit.
>”Well… the first thing I’d like to do is see what kind of magic you’re already capable of… that’d be the logical first step…”
>She turns to you with a smirk.
>”Of course, if word around town holds any water, I’d say you’ve already demonstrated a spell or two, eh ‘Sir Knight’?”
>You halt in your tracks.
>You feel your face flush once more.
>Twilight laughs a little, then turns back around, waving her hoof passively in the air.
>”Only joking, Anon…”
>She turns back toward you.
>”Is it okay if I call you Anon?”
>…Anon, hmm?
>You think it over a little…
>…a nickname? No one’s ever really given you a nickname… shortening or otherwise…
>…you kind of like it.
>You meet her eyes, nod, and smile.
Of course, Miss Twilight, that sounds fine.
>She laughs, then turns back around, continuing her walk.
>”Just ‘Twilight’ will do, Anon.”
Okay… Twilight.

>You arrive in Twilight’s basement.
>It’s a clear, open room, with many and various forms of targets and dummies set up.
>On the other side of the room is a selection of sand bags, vases, jugs of water, and other miscellaneous gear.
>”Okay, Anon,” Twilight begins, “this is where I usually practice my own magic. I just want to see a quick demonstration of the spells you can cast.”
>You nod to her.
Of course, Twilight. Do I… just fire them off?
>She nods
>”Sure, whatever you’re comfortable with.”
Okay…
>You look around the room.
>The side with the sandbags seems near-useless for the spells you know.
>So you turn to the targeted side.
>A stone slab rests against the wall.
>That should do…
>You focus your mind and tense your muscles.
>With a catalog of spell names fresh in your mind, you quickly get to work.
Ignis!
>You shout, extending your arm and opening your palm.
>Much like before, a warm feeling channels in your chest, barreling out from your palm and slamming into the stone slab in the shape of a fireball.
>A small scorch mark rests where the fireball hit.
>The sound of pencil scratching paper etches against the walls of the room as Twilight takes notes.
>You exhale, then ready your second.
>You point your fingers toward the slab.
Bronte!
>A vibrating sensation graces your torso before traveling down your arm.
>Thin, blue bolts of electricity jet from your fingertips, scraping and dancing against the slab.
>Twilight takes more notes.
>Okay… what next?
>Ahh…
>You drop your hand near your thigh, position your legs apart, and focus at the ground near the slab.
>You swing your hand in an upward motion, across your body.
Glacies!
>A soft blue aura forms on the ground next to the slab…
>…then fizzles out.
>You drop your hand and gaze at the spot.
>You then look to your hand.
>What did you do wrong this time…?
>You think back to your Master’s teachings…
>Eyes closed, you recall, slowly muttering to yourself.
Arm down… upward motion… ah.
>You reposition yourself, place your hand by your thigh once again, and swing your arm up around.
>You’re sure to flick your wrist up slightly at the peak of the arc
Glacies!
>The blue aura appears once more, this time, spawning a thick stalactite of ice.
>It grows quickly and crashes against the rock, shattering as it does.
>…better.
>The demonstration continues like this for another ten minutes or so.
>Twilight scribbles down quick notes as you perform each spell.
>Presumably what you cast, what the effect was, and how it was you performed it (technique, stature, etc).
>At the end, Twilight smiles and taps her hooves together softly.
>”Very well done, Anon.”
>You turn to her, a little out of breath, and smile.
Thank you, Twilight.
>She flips open her notebook with her magic and begins scanning her scribblings.
>”Hmm… mhmm… mmm… Anon…”
>She looks to you.
>”Are these all the spells you know?”
>You cross your arms and think for a moment.
…yes. Well, all the ones I can actually perform.
>She nods slowly, looking back at her notes.
>”They’re all… combat spells. Every one of them…”
>She flips another page.
>”Do you know any standard magic?”
>Your blood freezes a little in your veins.
Like… what, Twilight?
>She looks to the other side of the room.
>”Well, levitation, balance, object manipulation… telekinesis… any of those?”
>You bite your lip a bit.
>You don’t want to tell her how difficult it is for you to grasp these spells…
>Even high level Practical Magic, like levitation, should be easier to learn than a basic Class One Combat spell like Ignis…
>You’re completely backwards from these p0nies…
I, um… haven’t really been focusing those very much.
>Twilight’s eyes widen a bit.
Master Spellweave has me learn Combat Magic first and foremost.
>Twilight nods, then looks through her notes once more, before shutting it.
>”Okay… if Master Spellweave wants you focusing on those, I suppose we should too.”
>She begins walking towards the stairs.
>Once again, you follow.
>”Your grasp of Class One Combat spells is very advanced, Anon,” she starts as you leave the basement, “you’re proficient in almost every one you performed. You might want to try focusing on casting without vocalization, though.”
>You nod and listen carefully.
>”Tomorrow we can start you with some Class Two spells, with a side of refining your Class Ones. Does that sound good?”
>You smile.
Yes, that sounds excellent, Twilight.
>”Good,” she says happily. “I’ll also assist you with some meditation exercises you can do to refine and strengthen your magic reservoir.”
>Wow…
This is all so much…
>You say as you enter the main floor of the library.
Thank you, Twilight.
>She giggles a bit.
>”Think nothing of it, Anon.”
>She looks outside the window.
>The sun is still rather high in the sky.
>”It’s still pretty early… why don’t you take the rest of the day off, Anon?”
>You raise your eyebrows slightly.
Take the day off…?
>She looks to you, then laughs.
>”Of course! Never had one?”
>You think it over.
…no, I… guess I haven’t. I’m usually always studying something…
>She giggles again, putting her hoof over her mouth.
>”It’s scary, Anon,” she says as she walks toward her room, “how much you remind me of myself when I first came to P0nyville.”
>You watch her ascend the stairs.
>You breathe out a breathy sigh and laugh.
>What a unique teacher…
>This is definitely a different experience from Master Spellweave…
>But the day off, huh…?
>…perhaps you can use this to get in your daily sword training.
>Sir Shining Armor’s words echo through your head.
>You laugh as you recall them, heading towards your own room on the main floor.
>You grasp your sheathed blade and return to the main common area…
>…
>What can you really do with your sword?
>You draw the blade and examine it, still shimmering from the last time you cleaned it, reflecting yourself in its steel.
>Well… basic techniques you suppose.
>As you go over the fundamentals in the open space, Twilight glances over the railing at you.
>”Anon!” she calls down with a laugh, “What are you doing?”
>You look up to her, lower your blade, and scratch behind your head.
>This is becoming a trademark.
Well… magic isn’t the only thing I need to practice.
>She laughs once more.
>Suddenly, there’s a knock at the door.
>Twilight rises from her position and begins descending the stairs.
>”Well remind me to set up another station in the basement for your blade training then,” she says with a smile.
>You return her smile, then follow through with your basic blocks and swipes.
>Twilight, not too far from you, opens the door.
>”Oh, hello Fluttershy,” she says.
>Your eyes move toward the door.
>The quiet mare from before?
>What’s she doing here again so soon?
>Hmm…
>You reason with yourself that it’s none of your business, and continue your self-training.
>After a few moments, Twilight closes the door and trots over to you.
>”Anon! That was Fluttershy, she says she’s met you already, is this true?”
>You lower the blade from its high position, then sheathe it beside you.
Yes, I met Miss Fluttershy right before I made your own acquaintance, actually.
>You say with cheer.
>”How wonderful!” She chirps happily. “Well, that was her, and she wants to invite you and my other friends over to her cottage for a welcome party!”
>A welcome party?
>Her?
>”My friend Pinkie Pie is going to throw it, she’s the best at parties!” she smiles widely. “You’re coming, of course, right?”
>You grip your blade’s hilt and smile bashfully.
W-Well I suppose… but… aren’t I here to train? Not socialize?
>She laughs again, heartily.
>”Oh wow, Anon… really, are you me?”
>…You’re a little perplexed by her question.
>”There’s tons of time to study and train, Anon, trust me. Please, come with me and meet my friends?”
>You sit in thought for a bit.
>Well… it’d be most rude and unchivalrous to decline such an offer from a lady…
…Yes, I’ll attend, Twilight.
>”Great!” she jumps in cheer.
>You smile at her giddy response.
>She looks to you again.
>”You can resume your training now, if you like.”
>You nod.
Thanks, Twilight.
>You draw your blade once more.
>Fundamentals…
>Fundamentals…

>You are Fluttershy.
>And you’re so happy now you can barely contain it!
>Twilight agreed to bring Anonymous over for a small welcome party.
>How wonderful!
>He’s such a kind, gentle creature.
>He has a soothing aura, and is so polite.
>And brave too…
>…oh, joy!
>You can barely contain your excitement!
>You could just cheer!
…yay.
>You softly clasp your hoof over your mouth, darting your eyes from left to right.
>Oh, my, was that a little too noisy…?
>You hope no one is staring at you…
>…well, off to the last person on your guest list.
>You quickly trot over to Carousal Boutique and knock your hoof on the door.
>”Coming~”
>Hoofsteps fall louder and louder towards the door.
>The glamorous white unicorn opens it to greet you.
>”Ah, Fluttershy, how nice to see you,” she says cheerily.
You as well, Rarity…
>You say with a meek smile.
Anyway, the reason I came is: I’m going to be hosting a small welcome get-together for Anonymous at my cottage, and was wondering if you’d like to join us.
>Her eyes light up at Anonymous’s name.
>”Oh, a party for Anonymous?! How splendid~! I’d absolutely LOVE to attend!”
>You discreetly furl your brow at this.
O-Oh, have you m-met Anonymous already?
>She gazes off toward the treehouse.
>”Yes, I had the privilege of meeting that charming, chivalrous creature earlier today…” she turns to you and sighs a relaxing and satisfied sigh. “Any mare would be lucky to snag such a handsome, courteous stallion such as he.”
>You force a smile at her.
Y-Yeah, I agree…
>She smiles back at you.
>”Okay darling, I’ll see you tonight then?”
>You nod back at her.
>She says her goodbyes and closes the door.
>You turn and begin slowly walking toward your cottage.
>Rarity and Anonymous have already met…?
>And Rarity… she seemed so…
>…no, that can’t be. What would a lady like Rarity see in a chivalrous, charming… polite… gentlecoltly… oh… my…
>You droop your head slightly.
>That’s everything Rarity wants in a stallion…
>…
>You scrunch your eyebrows together.
>No… you haven’t felt this happy in a long time. Rarity can’t take this from you. You’ll prove tonight that you’re the one Anonymous will want.

End of Part 1