Blind Faith Ch. 4

>Time passes and the warm feeling of sunlight on your face fades.
>You were deep in your book, living the adventure in your own mind.
>Some time ago, Feather had brought you a sandwich and some fresh tea, and all you could do was smile.
>When she asked why you were so happy, all you could say was “I have my friends, my food, my tea and a book to read. There is nothing I shouldn’t be happy about.”
>As you turn the page, nearing the end of the chapter, there was a heavy knock at the door.
‘Sir or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore; but the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping, and so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door.’
>’Anon?’ came a male voice ‘It’s me.’
‘Captain, please come in.’
>Your door creaked open and the heavy hoofsteps of the captain ring out as they enter.
>’Good evening Anon.’
‘Good evening Shining Armour.’
>’What?’ he said in a faux shocked tone. ‘No “captain”? No “sir”?’
‘If you recall, in my room you leave your rank at the door. How was your day?’
>’It was…exhausting.’
‘I do apologise if it was something I did.’
>’Thank you, but I do not blame you. My guards have been hounding me, asking about the new diplomat who was able to stop a thief. Some even want to try and challenge you.’
>You hear his hoofsteps approach, and his breath exiting his nose.
>’Anon?’
‘Yes, Armour?’
>’That book is blank.’
‘What use is there for a book without pictures or conversations?’

>You run your index finger over the braille lettering, finishing up the last of the chapter.
>’Bumps?’
‘It’s called braille. It’s how I can read. Each character is represented by a certain pattern of bumps on a 3 by 2 space.’
>’Is it hard to learn?’
‘Was it hard to learn to read with your eyes?’
>’Not…not really.’
‘It’s the same for me. Now, learning it as a second way to read is hard, though not impossible.’
>’Oh.’
>You both sit there in silence, waiting for the other to make a move.
‘No I am not going to teach you.’
>’What?’
‘I will not teach you to read braille.’
>’Why not?’
‘Cos a) you need to have a slender focal point, like I do.’
>You wiggle your finger around.
‘And b) I don’t think I can teach braille. It would be like teaching me to walk on four legs. You can do it because you learnt it at a young age, but it has become innate to you now.’
>’You raise fairly valid points.’
‘I’m glad you see it my way.’
>’Shall we get going then?’
‘Yes, I believe now is a good time. I would hate to make your wife wait.’
>’Oh? So you know her too?’
>You chuckle and stand from your desk.
‘Can you help me find my cane?’
>’Anon, you should really keep an eye on where you throw your stuff.’
>You smile at his joking tone.
‘I should, I really should.’
>’Here you go, Anon.’
>You feel the cool rubber of your cane handle nudge your hand and you wrap your finger around it.
‘Alright, time to go.’

>The walk down the castle halls way a silent one, your soft footsteps mixing with Shining’s hard hoofsteps.
>Shining Armour leads you outside and down the castle steps again, the cool night air refreshing your lungs.
>A thought crosses your mind and you tilt your head.
‘Shining, do you have any younger siblings?’
>He stumbles again before correcting himself.
>’Who told you?’ he growled.
‘No one, I swear.’ You put your hands up in a non-threatening manner, ‘It’s just, the way you told me off about my cane, you sounded like an older sibling.’
>Shining sighed a deep breath and slowed.
>’I’m sorry Anon. I get defensive about my little sister.’
‘Still don’t trust me fully, I see.’
>’It’s nothing against you, it’s just-‘
‘It’s fine, Captain. You probably spent your life being her hero, so old habits are hard to break.’
>’It’s not just that. I’ve known you for a day and you put your faith in me, like we are old friends.’
‘Being blind has that effect. I need to know I can trust someone fast and if I make a bad choice, it could mean something…dreadful.’
>’But I can’t do that. I can’t trust you outright because…’
‘Because I look different?’ you chuckle and smile. ‘Shining, don’t let that worry you. I know you trust me, even if you don’t. I mean, you did invite me to dinner.’
>’Yeah. You are right.’
>You round a corner and a breeze washes over your face.
‘It’s going to rain tonight.’
>’How can you tell?’
‘I can smell the moisture in the air. It’s a wonderful smell on a calm night like this.’
>’Well, you are about to smell my wife’s cooking, so be prepared for a treat.’

>Shining stops you after a few minutes and you can smell the cooking aromas coming from inside.
>There was a distinct smell of onions and potatoes wafting through the air, making your stomach growl.
>’Hungry?’
‘No, that was my alarm. Seems I need to cause meaningless violence to a unicorn.’
>’Didn’t we have this conversation today?’
‘And I stick by it. When your wife comes outside, she’ll see you beating up a blind creature. How much trouble would you be in?’
>’Do you really believe she’d take your side?’
‘I can be very convincing at times.’
>’And what if she is sitting at the window, watching us?’
‘Well if she is, then my plan fails. But if you are lying, you are mean for picking on a blind guy and I will be very cross.’
>Shining chuckles and you feel a tug at your cane.
>’Come on, Anon. I don’t want to make my wife any angrier than I already have.’
>You follow the tugging as you hear a door click in front of you.
>’Cadance, I’m home.’
>? ‘Welcome home, Shining,’ came a melodic voice.
>From the echo of her voice, she was on the other side of the house, possibly the kitchen.
>Light hoofsteps walked from where her voice originated.
>C‘Did you get stuck at the barracks again?’
>The room fell silent.
>C ‘Honey?’ she whispered.
>SA ‘Yes, Cadance?’
>C ‘There’s a shaved Diamond Dog in the house.’
‘Captain? Does your wife know this “shaved diamond dog” can hear her from where he is standing?’
>There was a high pitched squeak and you chuckled.
>SA ‘Cadance, this is Anonymous. He is a new diplomat staying at the castle.’
>You smile and bow in her general direction.
‘It is a pleasure to meet you, Ma’am.’
>C ‘The pleasure is mine.’

>You hear the soft hoofsteps get closer and stop in front of you.
>C ‘I am sorry…for saying what I did…and being so rude.’
‘Think nothing of it.’
>You fold up your cane, sliding it into your pocket.
>C ‘No, I should not have whispered about you to my husband. I just found it surprising that there was a breed of hairless Diamond Dog.’
>You smile, try not to seem rude.
>SA ’Cadance, Anon isn’t a Diamond Dog. He’s a human.’
>C ‘Oh my! I am dreadfully sorry, Anonymous. I keep insulting you tonight.’
‘Please, don’t worry about it.’
>C ‘Well it is very nice to see you are so forgiving.’
‘It’d be very nice to see at all, I’d say.’
>C ‘Pardon?’
‘I’m blind. My vision is null and void.’
>Again Cadance squeaks and again you must hold back your laughter.
>C ‘I…I… I might just go banish myself to the moon now…’
>You raise an eyebrow, but shake your head.
‘Please, it is not your fault. Many p0nies have made the mistake of thinking I am something that I am not, and I can guarantee more will make that mistake in the future.’
>Suddenly, and without warning, you feel something soft and warm wrap around your waist and hold you tight, and a sharp stab in your gut.
>It only takes your mind a few seconds to realise what was happening.
>You lower a hand to Cadance’s shoulder and hug her back.
>C ‘Thank you, Anon. Thank you thank you thank you.’
‘It’s fine, Miss Cadance. Thank you for the hug.’

>A gruff throat-clear wakes you from the hug and you remember that Shining Armour was in the room still.
‘You want in on this, Captain? It’s very nice.’
>SA ‘No, I’m fine. ‘
‘Come on! Hug a human! Only one unit of currency!’
>You hear him step forward, only to stop.
‘Holy crap, you seriously want a hug?!’ Your voice raises pitch in shock.
>SA ‘N-no I don’t.’
‘CADANCE! GRAB HIM! HE NEEDS A HUG!’
>The stabbing in your gut is replaced by a tingly sensation and the sound of scuffling hooves rings out.
>SA ‘CADANCE STOP!!’
>C ‘YOU’LL THANK US LATER!’
>You laugh as you feel Shining knock into your left leg.
>SA ‘I hate you Anon.’ he mutters.
‘No you don’t. You don’t know me enough to hate me.’
>SA ‘It feels like I do.’
‘Well, I don’t hate you, so you aren’t allowed to hate me. Thems that rules.’
>SA ‘What kind of logic is that?’
>C ‘Shh…no tears, only hugs.’
>You laugh again and take a step back.
‘Well, I had my fun. I would hate to anger the Captain any more than I have. Especially since I am dealing with more unicorns.’
>C ‘I’m not a unicorn.’
‘Oh, I do apologise. Alicorn?’
>C ‘Yes, how did you know?’
‘You were stabbing me in the gut with your horn.’
>C ‘WHY CAN’T I DO ANYTHING RIGHT?!’
>You chuckle at her overdramatic acting before smelling the air.
‘Miss Cadance, whatever you are cooking smells like it is burning.’
>C ‘MY CASSEROLE!’
>You hear rushed steps leading away from you, and you slump down.

>SA ‘Anon?’
>You lift your head in common courtesy.
‘Yeah?’
>’Are you alright?’
‘Yeah…yeah, I’m good. Just… urrgh.’
>’Do you want a drink?’
‘Sure, why not?’
>Shining walks away from you and you slowly follow the sound of his steps.
>SA ‘Come on, Anon. You are so slow.’
>You smile in his direction, reaching for your cane, only to feel it brush past your hand and through the air.
‘Would be easier if I had my cane.’
>SA ‘Well, you shouldn’t be blind then.’
‘Captain…’ you growl.
>You swipe your hand through the air, desperately hoping to find your cane.
>C ‘Shining!’
>You turn your head to the sound of Cadance’s voice.
>C ‘What do you think you are doing?!’
>SA ‘Shhhh!’
> You let out an exaggerated sigh, feigning offense before turning towards the door.
‘Fine, I’m going. See you later, Shining.  Cadence, dinner smelled lovely, it's a pity I couldn't stay for it.’
>Your feet suddenly feel like they are stuck in jelly.
>C ‘You are not leaving, not until I have fed you and Shining explains why he was levitating the coffee table next to you.’
>Something nudges the back of your knees, forcing you to sit down in it.
>You find it’s a chair that was floating in the air as well.
>Though it was small, it seemed to carry your size well.
>C ‘Sit down, enjoy the meal and BE HAPPY!’
>You shrug to yourself, muttering ‘It was just a joke…’
>The chair flies forwards and your hands brush against a flat wooden object as it lands.
>There is a soft ceramic thud in front of you and the aromas of a home cooked meal rise up from it.
>You can’t hide your smile, believing it is bordering on creepy.
>C ‘Anon? Are you okay?’
‘Yes, thank you. Just…’ you smile in her direction ‘thinking.’

>You run your hands over the table, memorizing where the edges of the plate sit and where the cutlery was.
>SA ‘Anon, what’s your poison?’
‘Water.’
>SA ‘Pardon.’
‘Water. Dihydrogen oxide. What rains from the sky when it isn’t hellfire after angering your wife.’
>Cadance giggles.
>SA ‘Are you sure? I mean, we have a wide variety of spirits, liqueurs, wines-‘
>You hold up a hand to stop him.
‘No, thank you.  Water will be fine.’
>C ‘Of course Anon.’
>You hear some liquid pour into a glass and the deep thud of it being placed in front of you.
>Grabbing your fork, you go for your food, only to stop.
>C ‘Anon?’
>From the sound of her muffled voice, she held something in her mouth.
‘Sorry, I do not know your traditions around meal time. Do you say some sort of thanks or…something like that?’
>C ‘Anon, it’s okay for you to start eating.’
>You nod your head and stab at your dinner.
>Bringing the small amount of food to your mouth, your tastebuds come to life, sensing the new and delicious flavours that have invaded.
>Tomato, caramelised onion, zucchini, eggplant…this is delicious.
>You finish your first bite quickly, the sound of your enthusiastic chewing blocking out your hearing for the moment.
>As you quickly swallow, you can’t hide the massive smile on your face, until you notice the whispering.
>SA ‘…so he wouldn’t feel abnormal.’
>C ‘Oh, I see.’
‘So who wouldn’t feel abnormal, Captain?’
>SA ‘Just… just one of the guards. He’s gone into magical defence, even though he’s an earth p0ny. Usually we fight magic with magic, but he has gusto. ’
‘Interesting. Let him know he shouldn’t give up. I’d vote for him.’

>Dinner consisted of you talking about the wonders you could tell of Earth and explaining the advantages of being blind in greater detail for Cadance.
>She was inquisitive about your condition, and your reasoning for calling it such.
>C ‘Can you hear if somep0ny is lying?’
‘Sometimes.’
>C ‘Can you pick up a voice in a crowd?’
‘Depends on how annoying it is.’
>SA ‘You spoke about other disabilities. What was the one where they couldn’t hear?’
‘Deaf. I argue they have it as rough as we do, but from what I have learnt, they gain heightened senses in other forms.’
>C ‘Oh? You have met a deaf creature? How were you able to communicate?’
‘Very slowly.’
>You smile and laugh, as do Cadance and Shining.
>You also find out about Cadance, and the fact Shining never told you she was a princess.
>You, of course, began to grovel at the table, begging her royal highness for forgiveness.
>She giggled again.
>By the end of the meal, your belly was stuffed and your heart felt at home.
>C ‘Can we offer you some dessert?’
‘No. I have been eating way too many sweets lately. I don’t want to become a heavy-set shaved Diamond Dog. I should really be off.’
>You smile and you hear Cadance approach.
>Immediately you feel her forehooves wrap around your shoulders.
>You quickly return her hug, feeling the tickle of her mane.
>C ‘Thank you for being so forgiving, Anonymous.’
‘No, thank you for being so accepting. Thank you for having me around for dinner.’
>SA ‘Come Anon. I’ll walk you back to the castle.’ He says, slipping the cane into your open hand.

>As you hit the cool night air, you breathe deeply, enjoying the smell.
>Shining walked out behind you, stopping next to your left leg.
>’Ready to go?’
‘Yeah. I hope you brought a coat.’
>’Well, yeah, but it doesn’t look like-‘
>There was a crack of thunder as rain began to fall heavily.
‘There we go.’
>You begin walking in no particular direction, Shining following you.
‘Now would be a good time to test my theory, Shining.’
>’What theory?’
‘Close your eyes and use your other senses.’
>The two of you stop again, the rain pelting down on you, and you allow nature to show you its true beauty.
>After a few minutes, you speak up.
‘What do you hear?’
>’A lot of water hitting the ground.
‘Okay, try the other senses.’
>’I…uh, I can smell…something. It smells sort of metallic but wet.’
‘That’s how rain smells to me. You have an excellent nose.’
>’Wait… I can hear something.’
‘Don’t open your eyes!’ you say hastily. ‘Just…tell me what you hear.’
>’Okay…’  you hear Shining take a deep breath before falling silent. ‘I hear… I hear a metallic sound, like water hitting thin metal. It’s soft though. I can barely make it out from where we are.’
‘Yes, I can hear it too. Can you guess where and what it is?’
>’Uhh… It’s coming from behind us. From what I can remember, it might be… the news stand?’
‘Is that a question? Cos I don’t know what you have around here.’
>’Okay, it is the news stand.’
>You chuckle before crouching down, feeling around.
>You stop when your hand finds his mane.
>’Anon?’

‘Sorry, should ask first.  I want to show you one last thing, it might help you.’
>’What does it have to do with you touching my mane?’
‘Well, I need you to keep your eyes closed, and I will lead you along until I find a perfect spot.’
>’Uh…don’t want to sound unsure, but…’
‘Just try to trust me. I just want you to see things like I do.’
>You hear him scuffle his hooves before sighing.
>’Alright. I trust you.’
‘Goodie.’
>You softly grasp his mane with your left hand and unfold your cane with your right.
‘Okay, just follow my lead.’
>You slowly begin to walk, Shining following your steps as best he could.
>You had to slow down at times so he could correct a stumble.
>After a few minutes, you stop, holding Shining back from moving.
‘We are here.’
>’And where is here?’
‘You tell me. Tell me what you hear.’
>More silence as you revel in the soft mixture of rain and Shining’s breathing.
>’The rain sounds different somehow.’
>You let go of his mane, forgetting it was still there.
‘Try moving your head around.’
>More silence and you take a step back.
>’When I turn my head to the right and tweak my ears, the rain sounds more echoed. But when I face forward or to the left, it sounds the same.’
‘Do you know what caused this?’
>’No… I don’t know.’
>You hear him softly gasp and you chuckle.
‘Yes, the echo meant a corner. You did well. Maybe someday you might notice the music being played.’
>’I don’t see any lights on in the buildings.’
‘Exactly.’
>’Thank you, anyway, Anon.’
‘No problem.’

>The two of you begin walking again, but another thing plays on your mind.
‘You were lying at the dinner table, weren’t you?’
>’Huh?’
‘When you spoke about making someone not feel abnormal, you meant me, yes?’
>’Anon…’
‘Or how about the whole “floating the coffee table”? What was that about?’
>’Anon, I… yes. Yes, we were talking about you. And it did involve the floating coffee table.’
>You stop walking, letting the rain run over you.
>’The truth is… I moved the table before you could walk into it.’
>You turn your head to make it seem like you are looking at him.
>’I know you want to seem independent but still need help at times, so…’
‘So you helped me out without my knowledge…’
>You ball up your fists and begin shaking all over.
>’Anon?’
>Your breathing gets heavy and you grit your teeth.
>’Anon, are you okay?’
>You spin, now facing Shining Armour, before taking a deep breath.
‘Yes, I am fine.’ You smile at him ‘Just a little… upset. Thank you deeply for trying to spare my feelings. I need to remember that I’m in a land where others are willing to help, no matter what.’
>’Nop0ny helped others back on Earth?’
‘No, they helped. But there was always some hidden agenda.’
>’They don’t sound like a very good species.’
‘Some were, most weren’t.’

>You turn and begin to walk again, whistling as you did.
>The heavy hoofsteps of Shining splashed through the puddles next to you.
>’I’m sorry.’
‘For what? You didn’t do anything against me. If you want to apologise to anyone, apologise to Feather.’
>’Who?’
>You stop, using your cane to stop Shining.
>Shining watched on as you folded up your cane and sat on the cold, wet ground.
>You place a hand on Shining’s back, forcing him to sit next to you.
‘My friend, the maid. She gets enough crap dragged on her from dragons and gryphons. Don’t be a dick, Shining.’
>’Anon, it’s raining and cold. Can’t we do this tomo-.’
>You bring your hand up to his mouth, stopping his speech.
‘Shush, it’s time to please listen. She isn’t just a p0ny, she’s a unicorn who works-‘
>Shining struggles in your grasp.
>’Anon! I’m getting soaked.’
>You grab his snout and turn it to face you.
‘This is important, Shining Armour, and you need to listen.’
>You feel his snout move up and down, making you smile.
‘Thank you. Now where was i? Oh, work! She works hard in that castle, under the rule of Princess Celestia…’
>You put your arm around his mid-section, giving him a squeeze.
‘… just like you. Feather works hard to make others happy, all she wants is not to be yelled at.’
>’I… I get it, kinda. Feather Duster is the same as I am, despite what roles we have in life.’
‘Exactly. Both of you are my friends, and I will treat you with the same amount of love and care.’
>’Would you make her sit in the rain just to listen to you ramble?’ he says, jokingly.
‘No, because she isn’t ignorant.’

>The two of you have a good chuckle before standing up.
>’I… I can’t promise it will happen immediately, Anon. But I will try to do better with all the p0nies I me…. ACHOOOO!’
>Your face is showered  in small spittle, and you quickly wipe it away.
‘Good… Now go home. I know my way from here.’
>’Are you sure?’
‘Shining, I don’t want to get you sick. Go be with your wife, and remember our chat.’
>’Okay. Night Anon.’
‘Night Shining. And remember, look after the senses and the sounds will look after themselves’
>You walk forwards, feeling your cane’s tip wash through random puddles, listening to Shining walk away and you can’t help but to smile again.
>Raindrops softly hit your surroundings, creating their own little orchestra, a private performance for you as you strolled through the cobblestone streets.
>With your mind wandering, you quickly arrive at the castle steps.
>You choose to differ from the norm and walk up the steps without the aid of the hand railing.
>You counted as you climbed, until your reached the top.
‘…34…35…36 aaaand 37.’
>You breathe a sigh of relief, for the hard part was over.
>You slowly tap your way up to the castle doors, only to hear the rattling of metal.
>G1‘Who goes there?!’ came a male voice.
‘Hey, that’s my line.’
>G2’Speak your business, creature.’ Came a second male voice.
‘I do apologise for my appearance. My name is Anonymous, visiting diplomat from Earth.’
>G1’How do we know you are who you say you are?’
‘Only three p0nies know me personally. Princess Celestia-‘
>G1’She is asleep.’
‘Captain Shining Armour, who is at home with his wife, yes I know.’
>G2 ‘And the third?’
‘Feather Duster.’

>Both guards began to snigger at you.
>G1 ‘Feather Duster? The maid?’
‘Yes. Now can I please come in?’
>G2 ‘I’ll go wake her. You stay here with Corporal Smiles.’
>There is the sound of hoofsteps leaving as the door creaks open.
>You are left with the soft sound of rain hitting all around you.
‘Corporal Smiles?’
>’Yes?’
‘As in Sunshine Smiles?’
>’Yes?’ He growled.
‘Nice name.’ you try not to chuckle.
>’Yeah yeah, let it out. I’ve heard it all before.’
‘Sorry, but it is funny.’
>’And Anonymous isn’t?’
‘I don’t know. But I didn’t let it get to me. Keep up the good work Corporal.’
>You give him a full salute as you hear hoofsteps approach.
>G ‘Miss Duster, do you recognise this… creature?’
>FD ‘I don’t know. He looks like an ugly monkey.’
‘Love you too Duster.’
>You smile as you fold up the cane.
>FD ‘Yes, that’s Anon. Come on.’
>You nod as you walk towards her voice, the raindrops stopping as you walk through the doorway.
>You continue to walk as you hear Feather’s soft steps join you, the sound of the rain becoming a distant noise.
>When you round the familiar corner, you are suddenly knocked over and pinned to the ground.
>The familiar warm jello feeling of magic holds you in place as you hear hoofsteps approach your head.
>’I was worried sick!’ Feather hissed.
>You stayed silent.
>’Do you know what time it is?!’
‘Not really…’ you mutter.
>’It’s almost midnight! And you are soaked to the bone!’
>As you listen to her voice, you realise her underlining tone.
>’And to top it all off, you have me woken up when I was asleep! What do you have to say for yourself?’
>She was worried, not angry.
‘Sorry…’

>’What?’
‘I’m sorry, Feather Duster.’ You say a little louder. ‘I didn’t mean to get lost on the way here, and I didn’t want to wake you. As friends go, I am not doing the best of jobs.’
>The pressure on your limbs lifts and you sit up.
>’You aren’t making a joke? Not trying to laugh it off?’
‘No. I’m sorry that I made you worry about me. I guess I haven’t gotten used to others caring.’
>’What happened? Where is the Captain?’
‘I left Shining Armour halfway home. It was raining and I didn’t need him to get sick. I tried to hurry, but I guess it took longer than expected. The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.’
>’Well…alright then. Come on.’
>You feel the same force that held you down, lift you back up again.
>’Let’s get you to your room so I can get some sleep.’
‘Thank you Feather.’
>You smile.
>’And wipe that goofy grin off your face. I’m still angry at you.’
‘Yes mom.’
>You hear her giggle and a feeling of at ease washes over you.
>It doesn’t take you long to find your room, and severe exhaustion overtakes you.
>’Bed young man.’
‘Okay. Night Feather.’
>’Night Anon.’
>You crouch down and give her a quick surprise hug, before walking into your room and shutting the door.
>You quickly climb into bed, feeling the silk sheets on your skin, and sleep comes easily.

>You slip into the land of dreams quicker than you expected, though you do not complain.
>You smell spring flowers and fresh baked cakes as the wind blows past your face.
>Soft piano music rings through the area, and your feet feel like you are floating through clouds.
>Your mind was at peace after a long day, you were content.
>You suddenly turn your head to the side, hearing a new sound.
>A flapping sound, like bird wings but large.
>’Hello? Is there anyp0ny out there?’
>This can’t be good…