*~Somethings wrong in ponytown~*

New faces

As Nightlight guided Michi to the cozy stone cottage nestled in the valley between the towering Rocky Mountains, a sense of relief washed over them both. The journey had been arduous, filled with peril and uncertainty, but they had finally found a safe haven to catch their breath.

Michi's eyes swept over the modest interior, taking in the homely atmosphere that permeated the space. The cottage was snug and warm, with a crackling fire casting a soft, flickering glow over the scattered furnishings and faint traces of a recent meal.

Nightlight wasted no time, quickly unfastening her weathered green cloak and tossing it onto a well-worn sofa that sat before the fireplace. The familiar gesture spoke of a certain familiarity with this place, a sense of belonging that Michi couldn't help but envy.

"It's not much, but it's safe," Nightlight said, her voice tinged with a weary sigh as she moved closer to the fire, its warmth embracing her. "Make yourself at home, Michi. We'll need to rest and regroup before we can continue on."

Michi nodded, her gaze sweeping over the cluttered, yet cozy, interior. Books and papers were scattered haphazardly, testament to the hasty departure of the cottage's previous occupant. A half-eaten plate of food sat on the sturdy wooden table, the scent of herbs and spices still lingering in the air.

Despite the evident disarray, there was an undeniable sense of homeliness to the space – a lived-in quality that Michi found both intriguing and comforting. She slowly wandered the room, his fingers tracing the spines of the books, each one a potential clue or piece of information that could aid them in their quest.

As she explored the cottage, Michi couldn't help but marvel at the stark contrast between this place and the sterile, impersonal spaces he had grown accustomed to in her former life. There was a history and a sense of character to this humble abode that resonated with him on a deeper level.

Nightlight watched Michi with a keen, yet understanding, gaze, her own weary features softening slightly as she observed his exploration. Nightlight giggled. "Haven't you ever seen a house before silly?"

Michi looked up from her examination of the cottage, a slightly sheepish expression on her face as Nightlight's gentle laughter filled the air.

"Well, of course I've seen houses before," she replied, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his tone. "But this place... it's just so different from what I'm used to."

Nightlight's eyes sparkled with amusement as she watched Michi navigate the cluttered, yet cozy, interior. "Ah, I see," she said, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "You're more accustomed to the sterile, impersonal spaces of your former life, aren't you?"

Michi nodded, a faint blush tinting her cheeks. "It's just... there's a sense of character and history here that I find both intriguing and a bit overwhelming," she admitted, her gaze sweeping over the scattered books and half-eaten meal.

The sound of a male voice from behind caught Michi by surprise, and she turned around to find a pale red unicorn standing there, his vibrant red mane framing a face that held a playful, mischievous grin.

"A new visitor, Nightlight?" the unicorn asked, his brown cloak falling in soft folds around his frame as he stepped closer. "And here I thought this was our little hideaway."

Nightlight chuckled, the sound light and airy as she ushered Michi forward. "Michi, this is Harvestbeam, a recent friend as of three days who's been keeping an eye on this place for me."

Harvestbeam's eyes sparkled with amusement as he gave Michi a friendly nod. "Pleased to meet you, Michi. I must say, Nightlight's never brought a guest here before." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the mare's form with a curious tilt of his head. "Not that I'm complaining, of course."

Michi felt a faint blush creeping up her cheeks as Harvestbeam's gaze lingered, unsure of how to respond to the unicorn's friendly, yet subtly flirtatious, demeanor.

"Harvestbeam," Nightlight interjected, her tone laced with a hint of warning, "Michi is a valued companion, and she'll be staying with us for a while. I trust you'll make her feel welcome."

Harvestbeam raised a hoof in a mock salute, his smile widening. "Of course, of course. Any friend of Nightlight's is a friend of mine." He turned his attention to Michi, his expression softening. "Welcome to our humble abode, my dear. Make yourself at home."

Michi nodded, some of the tension leaving her body as Harvestbeam's friendly nature put her at ease. "Thank you," she replied, her voice soft but sincere. "I appreciate your hospitality."

As Harvestbeam moved closer to the fireplace, Michi couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity about this enigmatic unicorn and his newfound friendship with Nightlight. But for now, she was grateful for the shelter and the chance to rest. and she looked forward to learning.

Nightlight moved around the cozy cottage, setting out four places at the simple wooden table. Michi watched curiously as the mare laid out four plates, each one carefully positioned.

"Nightlight," Michi spoke up, "Why are you setting four places? I thought there were just the three of us."

Nightlight glanced up, a slight smile on her lips. "Ah, that's a good question, my dear," she replied. "You see, Harvestbeam has a brother who's also been staying with us."

As if on cue, Harvestbeam entered the room, a warm smile on his face. Trailing behind him was a pale-colored unicorn, his eyes downcast and his posture nervous.

"Michi, this is my brother, Silverbeam," Harvestbeam introduced, his voice filled with affection. "Silverbeam, this is our new friend, Michi."

Michi blinked in surprise, her gaze shifting between the two siblings. "But... you two look nothing alike," she remarked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Harvestbeam chuckled good-naturedly. "Ah, yes, that's because Silverbeam was born with a lack of melanin," he explained. "Hence his rather... unique appearance."

Silverbeam remained silent, his pale blue eyes fixed on the floor. He seemed to shrink into himself, his body language radiating a sense of discomfort.

Michi offered the shy unicorn a gentle smile, hoping to put him at ease. "It's nice to meet you, Silverbeam," she said softly.

Silverbeam glanced up briefly, his lips curving into a small, hesitant smile, but he still did not speak. Michi could see the vulnerability in his eyes, and she felt a pang of sympathy for the seemingly reserved unicorn.

Harvestbeam beamed, draping a hoof around his brother's shoulders. "Ah, don't mind Silvey," he chuckled. "He's a bit on the quiet side, but he's a good lad, I assure you."