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Description
When Cloud had finished his tale, he kept his gaze on the sandwich still on the table. He was afraid of the reaction Rarity would give. After a minute of silence, he looked up to the mare across from him. Her mouth was open slightly, and she had a look of horror on her face. She finally sputtered out a few words.

"I... I... Didn't know that... There were places like that still..... I thought....."

Cloud understood what she was trying to say, and finished her sentance.

"That Celestia kept peace throughout the world? That is so in the great land of Equestria, but beyond her borders, it is not so. There are still many lands that do not know of her, and that she is the one who raises the sun."

"What do they think? It just raises every day on it's own?"

"Yes. It is a very big world, Rarity, and not all of it is civilized. There are parts of it populated only by barbaric tribes, with twisted and insane religions, based on old tales and superstitions."

"Well, someone should educate them! There is no reason to live as barbarians when they can live posh and educated lives."

Hearing this, Cloud burst into laughter, making Rarity flinch and frown.

"What are you laughing for? It is not humurous!"

"I am laughing at your suggestion. Do you not think there are those that have tried? These ponies have been living such lives of violence and poverty for so long, they do not understand how to live any other way. Show them any simple item we take for granted, like a lamp, and they will run screaming of witchcraft and demons. No, the best we can do for them is leave them in peace."

Rarity did not seem satisfied with his answer, but she switched topics anyway.

"You said this started twenty years ago. You don't seem that old. You look barely older than I!"

"One of the perks of being Einhart is the best medical treatment in the country. Besides, I am not very old. I was barely out of foalhood when I joined the military."

Rarity looked at Cloud as if she was seeing him in a new light. He could practically see all the questions whizzing about in her head.

"Do you have any other questions, Rarity?"

"Oh, tons. I don't even know where to start. But at the same time, I feel that I know all the important parts. But I want to know more about you, as a stallion."

"Well, ask away."

"Well, first off, what would you rather I call you? Your alias, Cloud, or Tod Der Sh... Your real name."

"Please, Cloud is my real name now. I do not want to be Tod Der Schatten anymore. He was a fool, a killer who took orders with little question. I am Cloud."

Rarity flinched at the venom in his voice, but it seemed directed to his name rather than her.

"I'm sorry. Everyone makes mistakes. You may have done things you regret, but so has everyone."

"Not in the same scale I have. Please, next question."

"Um... Okay. Do you have any siblings?"

"No."

"Could you tell me about your parents?"

"The fire that took my parents happened when I was very young. I can barely remember them."

"Tell me what you do remember."

"My father.... Was a pegasus. His coat was dark blue, as dark as the midnight sky, with a grey mane, the color of a full moon. His name was Orion. I remember he was very proper, and dignified, but had a good sense of humor as well. My mother's name was Patience. She was an earth pony. She was kind, gentle, and as sweet as could be. Her coat was a gentle orange, the color of a burning candle. I wish I could show you them, but I only had one picture of my parents and... I lost it long ago."

Cloud had to resist the urge to wipe a tear from his eye. He settled for looking into the empty fireplace instead. He tried to remember last time he had talked about his parents, and couldn't.

What is it about this Rarity that makes me want to talk? I have never revealed this much about myself. It's dangerous. But.... I think I can trust her. I hope.

He jumped a little as he felt a hoof on his shoulder. He turned to see Rarity had moved over to sit beside him, and saw her flinch at his reaction.

"I'm sorry, Cloud... I didn't mean to..."

"No, it is fine. I am sorry for startling you."

Cloud looked into those big, beautiful eyes for a moment longer, and Rarity stared back. Cloud felt there was something in those eyes, something he could trust. There was a spark of genuity, and softness. A spark ran through his mind, a spark the same color as the eyes that entrapped him. Cloud thought he could be happy staring into those eyes for the rest of his life. Eyes that could never give up, could never let him down, could never run around and desert him.

When the tension got almost unbearable, Cloud turned his head and stood, blinking and confused at what had transpired. He needed some time to rest before figuring out what had just happened.

"I know it is still early in the day, but I am tired and weak. I hope you do not mind if I sleep for a few hours."

Rarity did not seem to mind the extended eye contact, or the interruption. She seemed to be as conflicted as Cloud.

"Oh, Cloud it's not a problem. It is mid-afternoon anyway. How about you take a nap and I'll wake you for dinner? I'm making soup."

"Thank you, Rarity. You are too kind. I will repay you somehow."

"Don't worry about it. It is my pleasure to help those who need it."

The two ponies wrapped up their conversation with a few more formalities, and Cloud went back to his room and climbed in bed. Right before he went to sleep, a single thought floated through his head.

Such generosity.......

******************************************************************************************

Rarity woke Cloud from his dreamless sleep a few hours later, and the two had dinner. The soup was wonderful. Cloud was used to hard, stale bread and maybe some fruit. He had a hard time remembering last time he had such good food. He told Rarity so, and she giggled and blushed as red as a strawberry.

"Oh, stop it, Cloud! You flatter me."

"I meerly tell the truth as I see it."

Rarity blushed, and continued eating. The meal came and went, with Cloud and Rarity exchanging trivial small talk. After the food was gone, Cloud volunteered to wash the dishes. Once he was done, Rarity levitated a bottle of red wine and two glasses out onto a small patio behind her house, indicating Cloud to follow her.

"I thought it would be a nice night to have some fine wine and gaze at the stars. Would you
like to join me?"

"Very much. Both sound good on a night like tonight."

The sun had set half an hour previously, and the moon was just coming over the trees. The stars were barely out, but a few could be spotted. It was warm, but not uncomfortably so.The sky was clear, and the wind was calm. Cloud and Rarity sat, sipping wine and star gazing. The scene was so serene, neither pony could bear to break the peace for several minutes. Then Cloud had a sudden thought.

"Rarity, may I ask you something?"

"Of course! I've asked you plenty of questions. Feel free."

"In the living room, as I was sitting down, you reacted as if you hadn't seen my cutie mark before. Yet, you brought me all the way here, and cleaned me of mud before laying me in bed. How did you not see it then?"

"Very simply, Cloud. When you were brought here, it was dark. I used magic to clean you, and you were laying on your side. I put you in bed before I turned on any lights in the house, for fear of waking you. Not to mention I was tired from carrying you here."

"Ah. You are very gracious. I cannot think of many ponies who would take home a stranger they found in the road."

"Think nothing of it, dear. I am the Element of Generosity, and it is a good time in Equestria. We need not fear strangers here."

Cloud's mind was once again racing, and it was a struggle to maintain his calm outward demeanor. He had heard all the stories of the Elements of Harmony, and how they had saved the world from eternal night and Discord. He was fully aware he was in the presence of a member of the most powerful group in the world. It was several moments before he could reply without his voice shaking.

"One of the Elements of Harmony? Wow. That is... Amazing."

"Yes, I suppose it is. You wouldn't believe how many invitations we got for various events after we were discovered. Balls, parties, any large social event for six months felt like they needed us. But we were content to carry on our simple lives, Twilight with her library, Applejack with her apples, Fluttershy with her animals, Rainbow Dash with the weather, me with my dresses, and Pinkie Pie with..... Whatever it is she does. All the publicity was nerve-wracking. Although, I willing to admit I am loving the extra orders I am getting just because of who I am now."

"I bet they are lovely dresses."

"I do my best. Perhaps tomorrow I will show you a few. They look so much better in the sunlight than they do in the candle light."

"That sounds magnificent."

The two lapsed back into silence. The bottle of wine son had more air than drink left in it, and words began to flow again. They weren't the cultured and dignified words of before, but slurred half-sentances and nonsensible observations. The alcohol also made them more bold.

"Cloud, have you ever notished that you have REEAALLY pretty eyesh? They remind me of... Shomething. Shomething shiny."

"I was just thinking earlier that your eyesh are shimply gorgoush. Like gemstonesh. Or really colorful, big, starsh. I could just shtare at them all night."

"Awwww. Thank yooouuu. That's one of the shweeteshed thingsh anypony hash told me, ever."

"It ish my pleashure."

"Come here, shit beside me- OH! I mean shi..... SSSHHHH..... Oh dear, I can't shay it. Come here, be beshide me."

With wobbly movements, Cloud carefully moved from the wicker chair he had been relaxing in to the padded wicker couch Rarity was slouched in. He was wondering why she wanted him to sit beside her, when he felt pressure on his shoulder. He looked down to see a Rarity was now leaning against him, using him as a pillow. He did not object. She sighed and kept talking.

"Ahh, this is nishe. It'sh sho pretty tonight. I'm glad you're here, Cloud."

"I am glad to be here too."

More drunken nonsense passed between them. A second bottle was opened when the first ran dry. The inebriated ponies soon found even speech beyond them and went back to gazing at the sky. The moon kept rising, and was soon at it's highest point. Cloud stared at it, enraptured.

His reverie was broken, however, by a snore from his shoulder. He looked down to see his host had fallen asleep. He smiled as he studied her sleeping face. A half-formed thought slowly oozed its way across his mind.

So pretty when she sleeps.

After a further half hour of splitting his gaze between the moon and the beautiful unicorn beside him, Cloud realized he was shivering. It might have been late summer, but fall was just beginning to interrupt. He belatedly realized Rarity must be cold as well.

Can't leave her in the cold. I can carry her. I'm not that drunk.

Cloud stood and turned to lift her, and immediately fell over.

Okay, I'm a little drunk.

On the second try, Cloud managed to stand successfully. He leaned over Rarity and paused, unsure of how to pick her up without waking her. He eventually made a decision. He slid his head under her shoulder, and was preparing to lift his head and slide her onto his back, when Rarity began to mumble.

"Whassit... Wha' you doin?"

Cloud blushed and gently set her down before backing a few steps away, embarrassed. Rarity watched him, looking more amused than anything.

"I was just going to carry you to your bed. It is getting a little cold out here."

"Well, carry on."

Cloud hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by her non-chalant compliance at being carried. He carefully approached her, and attempted to lift her again. It was a bit awkward, but with Rarity awake and trying to help, they finally succeeded. Rarity was laying on his back, with her head on his shoulder and her hind legs dragging on the ground. Cloud's wings were open, perventing her from rolling off. Cloud began to slowly walk towards the house. After he got Rarity situated in her bed and walked back to his own, a clear thought punched through his drunken haze.

This has been a very interesting day.

Description
When Cloud had finished his tale, he kept his gaze on the sandwich still on the table. He was afraid of the reaction Rarity would give. After a minute of silence, he looked up to the mare across from him. Her mouth was open slightly, and she had a look of horror on her face. She finally sputtered out a few words.

"I... I... Didn't know that... There were places like that still..... I thought....."

Cloud understood what she was trying to say, and finished her sentance.

"That Celestia kept peace throughout the world? That is so in the great land of Equestria, but beyond her borders, it is not so. There are still many lands that do not know of her, and that she is the one who raises the sun."

"What do they think? It just raises every day on it's own?"

"Yes. It is a very big world, Rarity, and not all of it is civilized. There are parts of it populated only by barbaric tribes, with twisted and insane religions, based on old tales and superstitions."

"Well, someone should educate them! There is no reason to live as barbarians when they can live posh and educated lives."

Hearing this, Cloud burst into laughter, making Rarity flinch and frown.

"What are you laughing for? It is not humurous!"

"I am laughing at your suggestion. Do you not think there are those that have tried? These ponies have been living such lives of violence and poverty for so long, they do not understand how to live any other way. Show them any simple item we take for granted, like a lamp, and they will run screaming of witchcraft and demons. No, the best we can do for them is leave them in peace."

Rarity did not seem satisfied with his answer, but she switched topics anyway.

"You said this started twenty years ago. You don't seem that old. You look barely older than I!"

"One of the perks of being Einhart is the best medical treatment in the country. Besides, I am not very old. I was barely out of foalhood when I joined the military."

Rarity looked at Cloud as if she was seeing him in a new light. He could practically see all the questions whizzing about in her head.

"Do you have any other questions, Rarity?"

"Oh, tons. I don't even know where to start. But at the same time, I feel that I know all the important parts. But I want to know more about you, as a stallion."

"Well, ask away."

"Well, first off, what would you rather I call you? Your alias, Cloud, or Tod Der Sh... Your real name."

"Please, Cloud is my real name now. I do not want to be Tod Der Schatten anymore. He was a fool, a killer who took orders with little question. I am Cloud."

Rarity flinched at the venom in his voice, but it seemed directed to his name rather than her.

"I'm sorry. Everyone makes mistakes. You may have done things you regret, but so has everyone."

"Not in the same scale I have. Please, next question."

"Um... Okay. Do you have any siblings?"

"No."

"Could you tell me about your parents?"

"The fire that took my parents happened when I was very young. I can barely remember them."

"Tell me what you do remember."

"My father.... Was a pegasus. His coat was dark blue, as dark as the midnight sky, with a grey mane, the color of a full moon. His name was Orion. I remember he was very proper, and dignified, but had a good sense of humor as well. My mother's name was Patience. She was an earth pony. She was kind, gentle, and as sweet as could be. Her coat was a gentle orange, the color of a burning candle. I wish I could show you them, but I only had one picture of my parents and... I lost it long ago."

Cloud had to resist the urge to wipe a tear from his eye. He settled for looking into the empty fireplace instead. He tried to remember last time he had talked about his parents, and couldn't.

What is it about this Rarity that makes me want to talk? I have never revealed this much about myself. It's dangerous. But.... I think I can trust her. I hope.

He jumped a little as he felt a hoof on his shoulder. He turned to see Rarity had moved over to sit beside him, and saw her flinch at his reaction.

"I'm sorry, Cloud... I didn't mean to..."

"No, it is fine. I am sorry for startling you."

Cloud looked into those big, beautiful eyes for a moment longer, and Rarity stared back. Cloud felt there was something in those eyes, something he could trust. There was a spark of genuity, and softness. A spark ran through his mind, a spark the same color as the eyes that entrapped him. Cloud thought he could be happy staring into those eyes for the rest of his life. Eyes that could never give up, could never let him down, could never run around and desert him.

When the tension got almost unbearable, Cloud turned his head and stood, blinking and confused at what had transpired. He needed some time to rest before figuring out what had just happened.

"I know it is still early in the day, but I am tired and weak. I hope you do not mind if I sleep for a few hours."

Rarity did not seem to mind the extended eye contact, or the interruption. She seemed to be as conflicted as Cloud.

"Oh, Cloud it's not a problem. It is mid-afternoon anyway. How about you take a nap and I'll wake you for dinner? I'm making soup."

"Thank you, Rarity. You are too kind. I will repay you somehow."

"Don't worry about it. It is my pleasure to help those who need it."

The two ponies wrapped up their conversation with a few more formalities, and Cloud went back to his room and climbed in bed. Right before he went to sleep, a single thought floated through his head.

Such generosity.......

******************************************************************************************

Rarity woke Cloud from his dreamless sleep a few hours later, and the two had dinner. The soup was wonderful. Cloud was used to hard, stale bread and maybe some fruit. He had a hard time remembering last time he had such good food. He told Rarity so, and she giggled and blushed as red as a strawberry.

"Oh, stop it, Cloud! You flatter me."

"I meerly tell the truth as I see it."

Rarity blushed, and continued eating. The meal came and went, with Cloud and Rarity exchanging trivial small talk. After the food was gone, Cloud volunteered to wash the dishes. Once he was done, Rarity levitated a bottle of red wine and two glasses out onto a small patio behind her house, indicating Cloud to follow her.

"I thought it would be a nice night to have some fine wine and gaze at the stars. Would you
like to join me?"

"Very much. Both sound good on a night like tonight."

The sun had set half an hour previously, and the moon was just coming over the trees. The stars were barely out, but a few could be spotted. It was warm, but not uncomfortably so.The sky was clear, and the wind was calm. Cloud and Rarity sat, sipping wine and star gazing. The scene was so serene, neither pony could bear to break the peace for several minutes. Then Cloud had a sudden thought.

"Rarity, may I ask you something?"

"Of course! I've asked you plenty of questions. Feel free."

"In the living room, as I was sitting down, you reacted as if you hadn't seen my cutie mark before. Yet, you brought me all the way here, and cleaned me of mud before laying me in bed. How did you not see it then?"

"Very simply, Cloud. When you were brought here, it was dark. I used magic to clean you, and you were laying on your side. I put you in bed before I turned on any lights in the house, for fear of waking you. Not to mention I was tired from carrying you here."

"Ah. You are very gracious. I cannot think of many ponies who would take home a stranger they found in the road."

"Think nothing of it, dear. I am the Element of Generosity, and it is a good time in Equestria. We need not fear strangers here."

Cloud's mind was once again racing, and it was a struggle to maintain his calm outward demeanor. He had heard all the stories of the Elements of Harmony, and how they had saved the world from eternal night and Discord. He was fully aware he was in the presence of a member of the most powerful group in the world. It was several moments before he could reply without his voice shaking.

"One of the Elements of Harmony? Wow. That is... Amazing."

"Yes, I suppose it is. You wouldn't believe how many invitations we got for various events after we were discovered. Balls, parties, any large social event for six months felt like they needed us. But we were content to carry on our simple lives, Twilight with her library, Applejack with her apples, Fluttershy with her animals, Rainbow Dash with the weather, me with my dresses, and Pinkie Pie with..... Whatever it is she does. All the publicity was nerve-wracking. Although, I willing to admit I am loving the extra orders I am getting just because of who I am now."

"I bet they are lovely dresses."

"I do my best. Perhaps tomorrow I will show you a few. They look so much better in the sunlight than they do in the candle light."

"That sounds magnificent."

The two lapsed back into silence. The bottle of wine son had more air than drink left in it, and words began to flow again. They weren't the cultured and dignified words of before, but slurred half-sentances and nonsensible observations. The alcohol also made them more bold.

"Cloud, have you ever notished that you have REEAALLY pretty eyesh? They remind me of... Shomething. Shomething shiny."

"I was just thinking earlier that your eyesh are shimply gorgoush. Like gemstonesh. Or really colorful, big, starsh. I could just shtare at them all night."

"Awwww. Thank yooouuu. That's one of the shweeteshed thingsh anypony hash told me, ever."

"It ish my pleashure."

"Come here, shit beside me- OH! I mean shi..... SSSHHHH..... Oh dear, I can't shay it. Come here, be beshide me."

With wobbly movements, Cloud carefully moved from the wicker chair he had been relaxing in to the padded wicker couch Rarity was slouched in. He was wondering why she wanted him to sit beside her, when he felt pressure on his shoulder. He looked down to see a Rarity was now leaning against him, using him as a pillow. He did not object. She sighed and kept talking.

"Ahh, this is nishe. It'sh sho pretty tonight. I'm glad you're here, Cloud."

"I am glad to be here too."

More drunken nonsense passed between them. A second bottle was opened when the first ran dry. The inebriated ponies soon found even speech beyond them and went back to gazing at the sky. The moon kept rising, and was soon at it's highest point. Cloud stared at it, enraptured.

His reverie was broken, however, by a snore from his shoulder. He looked down to see his host had fallen asleep. He smiled as he studied her sleeping face. A half-formed thought slowly oozed its way across his mind.

So pretty when she sleeps.

After a further half hour of splitting his gaze between the moon and the beautiful unicorn beside him, Cloud realized he was shivering. It might have been late summer, but fall was just beginning to interrupt. He belatedly realized Rarity must be cold as well.

Can't leave her in the cold. I can carry her. I'm not that drunk.

Cloud stood and turned to lift her, and immediately fell over.

Okay, I'm a little drunk.

On the second try, Cloud managed to stand successfully. He leaned over Rarity and paused, unsure of how to pick her up without waking her. He eventually made a decision. He slid his head under her shoulder, and was preparing to lift his head and slide her onto his back, when Rarity began to mumble.

"Whassit... Wha' you doin?"

Cloud blushed and gently set her down before backing a few steps away, embarrassed. Rarity watched him, looking more amused than anything.

"I was just going to carry you to your bed. It is getting a little cold out here."

"Well, carry on."

Cloud hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by her non-chalant compliance at being carried. He carefully approached her, and attempted to lift her again. It was a bit awkward, but with Rarity awake and trying to help, they finally succeeded. Rarity was laying on his back, with her head on his shoulder and her hind legs dragging on the ground. Cloud's wings were open, perventing her from rolling off. Cloud began to slowly walk towards the house. After he got Rarity situated in her bed and walked back to his own, a clear thought punched through his drunken haze.

This has been a very interesting day.