Trinity of Time Scene 1 Act 2

The crowds of people were especially large today. Obviously, today was the Eclipse Carnival; a special event when Luna and Celestia raise their appropriate stars together under the cheers and applause of the crowd. I was glad I could finally see it with my own eyes. I had been here before, many times actually, but was never able to experience it through functionning eyes.

Three years ago, I was completely blind by birth. I always had to rely on others just to guide myself. It was a frustrating reality of mine, but I had no other choice. This defect shaped my lifestyle; everything I did revolved around my faulty eyes. Over the years, I learned how to read somepony's emotions like an open book, just by their footsteps, which is very hard to do in extremely crowded places.

Everypony walks differently. It reflects one's emotions just as much as writing. Ponies who are in a rush tend to pace. Their hoofsteps clop louder than those of ponies on a casual stroll. Excitement usually leads to one stepping in place. I can hear that too. The beats are much faster than for those in a rush, and usually come from only one place. When somepony's trying to go unnoticed, their try and make the least noise possible. During large gatherings like this, there are many sets of hoofsteps, each reflecting different thoughts and feelings.

Why does such a thing matter anymore? Ever since that day, I've had real eyes. I'm not blind anymore; no need to rely on such gimmicks from now on. Finally, I can see this place with my own two eyes.

Ponies everywhere carried a lantern with them. They were made of red paper, with symbols written in pure black ink. Each character symbolized something different, but they all revolved around luck and prosperity. To think I had to learn in three years what others had been taught over a lifetime. It's a miracle I succeeded. No; it's because I am a member of the Maverick Clan that I succeeded. We were some of the most well-renown philosophers in this part of Equestria. My personal dream has always been to travel west, and settle in the faraway city of Canterlot. I heard great things about the Western cities. It's about time I go take a look for myself.

Before I could go anywhere, a little filly crossed my path. I couldn't even tell what color her fur coat and mane were, since  they were covered in filth and trash. If I had to guess though, I'd say they were of a pearl white color, and a pure black hue respectively. A very frail creature she was; her legs and body almost bearing no fat. I could see her thoracic cage and ribs through layers and layers of mud. Had she been born under different conditions, maybe she could have been a beautiful lady of the court.

She knelt before me, and shakily held her hooves open, begging for some loose change. I had no idea how to respond to her demands. On one hand, agreeing seems like the most logical solution. However, if I was caught with a beggar like her, it would tarnish the Maverick name. My blindness already brought a taint of disgrace to my family.

Finally, against my will, I decided to ignore her demands. She sat there for a second, letting bitter tears wash of the mud from her nearly hollow cheeks. Silently, I snuck in behind her, and pretended dropping a 100 bits bill. I made no efforts whatsoever to pick it up. After all, my family still had lots of them in our treasury.

She swiftly grabbed the bill, clenching it tightly against her chest. I smiled as she looked me in the eyes. Before she could even thank me, I covered my mouth with my left hoof. She understood what I meant, and ran away from me, not looking back even once. I chuckled. The armor over my wings suddenly felt lighter, and my silk robes no longer itched. Is this what happiness feels like? It's so.. sporadic, and somewhat warm too. I like it.