The Search

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong smiled and nodded, following the family into the house. "A very nice home that you have here" he said politely.

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

"Well yes, even if it is in the middle of a forest." Arty replied, pulling out a seat for Tara, then Ali, and taking his place at the head of the table.

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong took a seat at the end of the table, facing Ali's father, Ali to his right, and her mother to his left. "I'm curious... why did you move out here in the first place?

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

"We had....... troubles." Arty replied.

 

Tara looked up "We could've stayed in Canterlot. Or at least moved somewhere more accessible."

 

"Well I wasn't the one that suggested it, was I?" Arty replied.

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong looked slightly confused. <what kind of troubles?> he wondered as her parents spoke.

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

While her parents were talking, Ali looked at Strong, happiness in her eyes.

 

"Thank you" she mouthed, reaching under the table and squeezing his hoof.

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong smiled back at Ali, holding her hoof. He nodded a silent 'youre welcome' to her. A tug was felt at his heart, he knew that he wasn't going to be able to stay here. This was their home, not his.

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

By this point, the parents had finished their conversation.

 

Tara looked up, and saw Ali's gaze towards Strong, and vice-versa.

 

"Oh dear," she mumbled under her breath, soft enough so that it was indistinguishable.

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong noticed their conversation was finished, but did not hear Ali's mothers words. He did notice the look Tara gave him and Ali however, he gave a curious look and asked "Is something the matter miss Tara?"

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

She recoiled slightly. "I.... I uh.... well no, nothing's wrong dearie. I was just thinking how kind of you it was to accompany our Ali all the way here."

 

"There wasn't any trouble, was there?"

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong noticed the recoil, something was up, but he didn't press the matter. When asked if there was trouble, he chuckled, "Let me start from the beginning..." he then proceeded to tell them their adventure from the very beginning

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

"Dear Celestia..." started Arty.

 

"It's like you've been to the Sun and back!" finished Tara.

 

"Pretty much." Giggled Ali.

[Strong Hooves 289]

"And now our little... journey... has reached the end..." said Strong quietly as his eyes drifted back over to Ali. His heart feeling heavy.

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

Tara looked at Strong, then back to Ali.

 

"If you'll excuse us." she said, before turning to Ali. "Come on dear, we need to talk."

 

((Cue awkward dialogue scene between Strong and Arty!! ))

[Strong Hooves 289]

As the two mares left, Strong was left with an awkward silence with Ali's father Arty. For what seemed like ages though was only a minute, Strong said "So... how long did you live in Canterlot?" <awkward>

Edited May 6, 2012 by Strong Hooves

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

Arty put his hoof on his chin, gazing slightly at the ceiling.

 

"Let's see.... there was those..... then that....." He soon trailed off for a few seconds.

 

"Ah, I don't know, I was never good at math. Let's just say 'a while'"

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong nodded "Right... Uhh... another question... any ideas what that... Thing was that hunted me and ali? The one she killed and saved my sorry flank?"

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

"I've never seen one, and from the way you described it, I don't think I wan't to."

 

It was at this time that Ali and her mother walked back into the room.

 

Both felt slightly dishearten, but tried not to show it.

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong sensed that Ali was bothered by something, he looked at her and mouthed the words "What's wrong?"

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

Ali didn't answer, but instead turned to her father.

 

"Strong won't be able to stay, will he?"

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strongs heart dropped to his stomach and a knot formed in his throat. He figured this would happen soon... He turned to Ali's father waiting for a response.

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

"I'm afraid not, Ali. As much as he helped to get you here, he doesn't have a place in this house."

 

 

Ali's head dropped at the response.

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strong breathed a deep sigh, he knew this was coming. He looked at Ali and placed a comforting hoof over hers.

[Parties like Pinkie 385]

Ali looked into Strong's eyes.

 

"It's okay." she said.

[Strong Hooves 289]

Strongs eyes shined with unshed tears. This was it, time for goodbye, he was going to be alone... again. He smiled at Ali, "I'm happy to have helped you"