A Rare Breed - (AiE) (AnonXBoxPone) (Chapter 4) by S_Noble

>Morning frowned, pulling the map back out and setting it on the soft, cool snow, turning the pages back to the city map.
>Again, not a full map, mind you. But enough to help a tourist. Areas such as living quarters and guard posts weren't necessarily mentioned in finer detail, just the vitals.
>For example, the Train Station and a few Inns were highlighted on the map, helpful for anyone looking to stay a night or two.
>She looked it over for another minute, before quickly folding it back up and stuffing it into what you'd like to think was an inner pocket on the dress.
>You don't know pony fashion, but you thought that was very neat of Rarity to include that for her. Little things like that are really thoughtful, in your mind.
>She turned about on her hindlegs with a little bit of a flourish, looking about as she took her very first steps into the city proper.
>You weren't the best with maps. But damn it, you outright refused to ask for directions. Besides, if you ever got lost, you can always build a house.
>People would notice that. "Hey, who built a house in my backyard? Better yet, how did they do it overnight?"
>Sticking by her side, she directs you through traffic, herself taking in the sights and not to mention the street signs.
>"I think this is the right path..."
>She said, as you turned down Mane Street.
>These fucking horse puns.
>But on Mane Street, you definitely could see the castle. It led right to it, from what you could tell. The large spirals of the white and gold towers stood above the town, piercing the sky with its brilliance.
>You really didn't even need a map anymore. But then again, you've only been here what, a few times in your few years here? Better safe than sorry.
>The sound of singing fills your ears as Carolers sit in front of an Ice-laden fountain, singing Hearth's Warming Eve dribble about sharing kindness and hope with friends.
>You groaned, knowing full well that the very same songs won't leave your head until late March this year.
>At least, you call it March. Ponies refer to it as Trot, though that was the only real difference between your calenders. Which you were thankful for. It was hard enough remembering some of the more horsey dialect.
>"Dashing through the snow, with your friends drawn in your sleigh, o'er the fields we go, laughing all the way, ha ha ha!..."
>At least most of the lyrics were the same, right?
>Even through the chatter of the ground, and the singing of others, you can hear Morning hum in tune with the song.
>She wasn't singing, but you were pretty sure she could put angels to shame, if she would share her voice.
>Maybe you can ask her about it later.
>The cheery winter decoration continued along the road, past the many homes and shops flowing with that beautiful light from before. The sun was slowly hiding behind the mountains, as the light of day began to dim.
>By magic, each of the lamplight began to flicker with candlelight, as it lit the streets in their cheery, though rather short glow.
>You can see rushes of ponies leaving shops as the night began to grow over the dim light of day, beautiful stars filling the horizon as night began to sweep through the town.
>A thought pops into your head, "What a horrible night to have a curse."
>You're not sure where that came from, either. It just did.
>The crowd began to recede quicker than you'd think, as a cold draft hit you rather hard. The snow fell a little harder.
"It's probably going to start snowing pretty hard in a couple hours, Morning. We may have to cut our night short."
>She turns to look at you, and you can see the sadness in her eyes. She must really want to see the Gardens.
>You were at least thirty minutes away...
>You correct yourself.
"May. Let's hurry, and we'll see when we get there."
>She smiles again, nodding.
>"I promise Anon, you won't regret it!" She chirps, before turning about and galloping off towards the castle.
"Hey! Wait for me!"
>And so, you chase after Morning as she takes off through the town, past the last few buildings as you reach the uphill road to the castle itself. After twelve minutes of panting, sweating, and cursing ponies for having nearly infinite stamina (apparently), you finally reach the entrance to the Gardens.
>All of the trees in the garden were covered in a fresh layer of snow, and the branches seemed to creak as even more fell on top. Small lanterns hanging from four foot high iron posts dangled in the nearly non-existent wind, lighting the way along the light cobblestone path as it slowly became powder ridden.
>You slump forward, hands gripping onto your knees as you pant tiredly for a few moments.
>"What's wrong Anon, out of shape?"
"For a human? I'm not in peak form, no, but... I'm not a marathon runner, either, Morning... fuck... my species can't keep up with you horses like that."
>She giggles, though she looks tired, too, her chest rising and falling pretty quickly.
>She's sick. And emaciated. Why is she running and giggling like a school girl? The pony who couldn't even make it down your stairs, galloping like nothing was wrong.
"Morning, I thought you were sick, and weak."
>She freezes.
>"I... uhm... am?"
"Then why the fuck are you running like nothing is wrong with you?"
>"I-I just had some energy Anon, I'm sorry..."
>It's like she's an entirely different person now, her head falling forward as she avoids eye contact.
>"I'm sorry Anon... I-I was just a little excited, that's all..."
>You facepalm, groaning tiredly.
"It's alright, Morning, but you're sick... you shouldn't be galloping like that. How about we calm down a bit, take it a little slower, huh?"
>She nods again, her rather thin hind legs slipping forward until her flank is pressed into the cold snow below.
>You can't have that. She may get even worse.
>You reach forward, your breath still a little ragged as you pull her off the ground, and into her arms.
"Well, we're here. We should make the best of it. What would you like to do while we're here?"
>She doesn't respond for a moment, instead opting to nuzzle into your chest before her snout reaches into dress, pulling out the map from before.
>On one of the other pages, she turns it over to a picture of a pond, nestled in with beautiful trees on a summer's day, reading "Visit the Royal Canterlot Gardens!" in cursive Equestrian above.
>You drop the bad feelings as you smile, hugging her closer.
"We'll find it, then. Okay? I'm not mad, Morning. Just a little confused where that sudden energy came from."
>She adverts her eyes, cheeks slowly turning red as you slip a hand forward, feeling her head before comparing it to your own.
>A little warm, but it may be nothing. You'll have to bring her to the Castle Doctor after dinner tonight.
>Speaking of which, you check your Earth-made watch again.
>5:26. You had about an hour before you had to return to the Castle, and the snow could do nothing more but fall quicker, a slight breeze picking up.
"Will you be alright, Morning?" You ask, as you follow the path deeper into the Gardens, the Castle standing as a large pillar of lights throughout the night to your right.
>She nods quickly, but doesn't say a thing.
>It was a little worrying to see her suddenly lose motivation like this, but you would have to talk to her about it later. You have some pond-hunting to do.
>After twenty minutes of chilly exploration, the cool night slowly began to turn bitter as snow piled up around your feet, Morning curling up close in your warm embrace.
>You're more than eager to hold her, now, as she seemed to be the only source of warmth in the freezing gardens.
>Slinging your bag off of your shoulder, you unzip it quickly to check the contents.
>Oh thank God. Twilight learned that you needed actual clothing for Winter, and packed your thick, Winter jacket.
>You set Morning down, much to her chilly protests as she began to shake, slipping on the jacket before zipping up the back and hoisting her back up.
"You sure you want to keep looking, Morning?" You ask, pulling her into your jacket and zipping it up around her, as she wrapped her cold hooves around you, nosing into your neck.
>She remained firm, and nodded.
>"Y-Yes Anon, I do... I've heard so many beautiful things about Canterlot."
>You sighed, reaching up to gently scratch behind her ears, her eyes closing as she buried her snout further into your neck.
>Walking around a wall of thick, snow covered bush, you finally find the pond seen in the photo.
>You weren't disappointed.
>Even though it was covered in a layer of ice, what little moonlight that showed through the clouds bounced off the silvery white surface, ice gleaming as lanterns surrounded the natural sculpture before you. Trees dotted the edges of this natural beauty, standing tall and snow covered in this beautiful land.
"We're here, Morning." You say, stroking her mane. She wriggles a bit, turning about in your jacket as your hands wrap around her chest, so she doesn't slip out.
>She gasps, taking in the image herself.
>"It's... beautiful, just like I imagined it would be..."
"Imagined? That was rather fast. Didn't we just find these pamphlets?"
>"Q-Quiet, Anon..." she mumbled, "Don't ruin a good moment..."
>She continued to stare out into the glimmering pond, the torchlit surface glimmering softly with the occasional flick of silvery moonlight.
>You throw a quick glance around you, spotting a nearby willow tree resting by the pond's edge.
>The thin leaves managed to catch the snow, forming a makeshift shelter from the elements as dry, winter grass shown green against the world of white.
>It would be a great place to enjoy the view, if only for a while.
>You tug against the small form resting on your chest, making sure she's secure as you tread through the white powder.
>She doesn't say a word as you lay against the softwood, facing towards the pond. Glimmering lanterns caused golden flickers of light through the dim world, exposing the entirety of its beauty.
>Morning was right. It was a beautiful sight, especially during this time of the year.
>The snow began to fall harder as the two of you enjoyed each other's company, warm puffs of steam rising through the air.
>The world wasn't as cold with your own personal heater tucked against your chest. In fact, it quite warm, regardless of the air's bite.
>Too warm. You press your hand against your head, before cautiously sampling Morning's temperature.
>Her fever is back.
"Morning, I think it's time we head in... your fever is back. I don't want you getting any worse."
>"...Just another minute... please, Anon?" She asks, turning back around in your jacket to look at you, before you give in.
"One... two... three... four..."
>She turns back around as her eyes take in the gorgeous pond once again, settling the sight into her memory as you finish the countdown, resting your chin on her warm mane.
"Ready?"
>"...I'm ready."
>You stand up, pulling her closer still as you check your watch.
>6:27.
>You may actually be on time tonight.
>You smile a bit at the thought of eating with the Princesses, following your original path out of the maze of a garden as distant memories fill your head.
>When you first came here, you spent a few nights in Canterlot, introducing yourself as an alien creature. They considered imprisoning you-if only briefly, of course, because of your odd stature and appearance. But Twilight convinced them otherwise.
>How she did so, you never learned. That's probably something you should ask her, eventually.
>But regardless, the Royal Dining Hall was a special place for you.
>Unlike the rest of the massive castle, with its twisting, pristine halls and endless doors, the Dining Hall seemed to be the most welcoming, and the most familiar.
>It was a tall, long chamber, windows on each side filled with the light of the sun or moon, depending on the hour. Clear windows that showed the beauty of the outside world as the long table stretched for hundreds of feet, large pillows adorning the floors around it.
>At the end of the table, usually sat Princess Celestia, with her Sister on the right. And at dining hours, it was usually just those two, and a few other officials who sat farther along its tall, wooden structure.
>The Royal Dining Hall was just that. A Dining Hall for Royalty, and with the massive white walls and golden trimmed table, it really fit the bill. Not only that, but it was reserved for royalty during most of the year. So to be seated there and dine with the Princesses was a great honor, one you partaked without really knowing the full details of at the time.
>Your past self really was a strange thing.
>Finding the exit to the seemingly endless gardens, you round the corner to the entrance of the Castle.
>The massive entryway stood tall before you. Heavy, painted oak doors of a bright purple shade hung open as the cast iron gate was withdrawn with massive chains, two guards standing on watch with two more within the door way.
>You step past the guards without a hitch. After all, you're not something to be easily forgotten.
>Ornate pillars lead past the primary entryway and into the greeting hall in proper.
>You could feel the bundle of pony shift around inside your jacket, taking in the amazing sights before her as she gasps.
>"Who would have thought... that I would ever be inside this castle for even a moment."
>You smile as you pat her head, taking in the beauty that is Canterlot.
>A massive red Carpet led upstairs to the throne room, with two splitting sections finding separate paths into the castle. You recall the left hand side leading to the lower class guest chambers, where you briefly explored with Twilight on your first few days.
>If you were to take the right hand path across the throne room, you would find yourself near the armory and classic storage. Chairs, brooms, and other things were usually kept here, close to both the dining hall, throne room, and guest rooms.
>It was quite surprising how often you saw chairs from storage shuffled about the castle, into guest rooms and the gardens, sometimes in the strangest of places. Once, you were sure you saw a butler drag a chair onto the roof. For what purpose, you have no clue, but it must have been important.
>The Throne Room sat above the ground floor of the castle, as on each side two equally important rooms sat. On the right side, you had the Royal Dining Hall, which could seat a small army on its plush, purple cushions across its massive table. The doorway sat tucked under an archway that held the storage and armory stairs. Even so, it was a massive door that stood out.
>On the opposite side, was the Ballroom. This room was used less often for dancing and more often for common dining, as most Guards and servants did not often find themselves in the Royal Dining Halls, eating alongside the Princesses. The door was of equal size to the Royal Dining, at least thirty feet high.
>You learned from Twilight that it was for the occasional dragon guest of the castle, as it seemed rude to force them to enter through the exterior, if they were particularly important.
>A large, ornate chandelier hung freely from the ceiling, illuminating the pearly white walls with flickering gold flame.
>You've come to learn that most lights in Equestria came from magic infused candles. These were no exception. As the world began to dim to the nightly hues, the candles would flicker on, one by one until the white marble reflected its cheer light across the gold trimmed pillars.
>Similarly, smaller candles hung from the walls and sprouted their flames at about the same time. The difference between magic candles and normal candles was drastic; the magic made them burn far longer than you would, if need be.
>Just one of the many amenities you've come to love of this world.
>As you make your way across the massive hall, the Royal Dining Hall's door slowly crept open, a singular maid of common appearance standing at the entrance.
>A simple cream white mare with a dark chocolate mane gave you a warm smile, waving you in.
>"I was just coming to greet you, Sir Anon and Madam Morning. Right this way." She said, as you bowed your head in thanks.
>You enter the royal dining hall, and Morning can't resist but to gasp once more.
>"Is everything in Canterlot this beautiful?..."
"I think so... usually. You should've been here during the Grand Galloping Gala. It's like Celestia pays ponies to wreck it every year after something Twilight told me."
>She giggles softly, one of many newspapers she's slept on filling her mind.
>"I remember reading about that..."
>You continue to follow behind the maid, as she directs you to your seats.
>Of course, there was only one place you could really go, in the end.
>And that's the very head of the Table, where you could count four tiaras... crowns... head piece things.
>Are they crowns, or tiaras? They're all Princesses, if you recall... and Twilight hardly ever wears her own.
>Regardless, you clear your mind as you take in the beauty of the dining hall once again.
>Massive, arced ceiling of sterling white, adorning three chandeliers along its length as the clear windows on either side showed the dim winter night to the occupants. As you approached the kitchens near the back, the smell of delicious food finally hit you as your mouth watered.
>You wish Twilight didn't steal Pinkie's cupcakes earlier.
>Soon, your eyes centered on the four mares near the end of the table, as you can't help but smile.
>It would be a lie to say you didn't dream about their beauty. For talking horses, they wore the horse bit pretty well.
>Celestia sat at the end of the table, her billowing mane steadily fluttering as she talked to Twilight about her studies. You could pick up occasional quips of their conversation over the sound of Cadence and Luna catching up.
>Sound traveled well in the echoing room, but for some reason, they were whispering quietly among each other.
>And for another reason, the word "love" stood out among the chatter.
>"Shh, shh, they're here." Cadence said, giving you the widest fake smile you've seen to date.
>"Greetings, Anon Y. Mous, how art thou this fine eve?" Luna asked, sitting on Celestia's right hoof side. The maid points quietly to a seat next to Cadence, as you unzip your jacket, placing the mare inside on the pillow next to you.
>No matter what you did, it seemed her eyes were glued to Princess Celestia, as she continued to stare at the almighty sun horse.
"I'm uh... fine, I guess. Thanks, Luna."