The Stranger in Everfree Forest

"Before you were born," Ember Heart began, "I lived in a beautiful Kirin village near the Peaks of Peril."

Golden gasped.

"A village full of Daddies?"

Her mother giggled.

"Not exactly, sweetheart."

Ember Heart laughed.

"A village full of Kirin."

Golden looked at his golden horn.

"With horns?"

"Yes."

"And fire?"

"Some of us could use our Kirin fire, just like you can."

Golden smiled proudly.

"Daddy's fire!"

Ember Heart nodded.

"That's right."

He continued.

"One day, I traveled beyond the mountains to explore the forests of Equestria."

His expression softened.

"And that's when I found Everfree Forest."

Golden leaned forward.

"Was it scary?"

"A little."

Her mother smiled.

"Especially for a Kirin who wasn't used to walking around at night."

Ember Heart looked at her.

"I was perfectly brave."

She raised an eyebrow.

"Ember, you screamed when an owl landed above your head."

Golden burst into laughter.

"DADDY WAS SCARED OF AN OWL?!"

Ember Heart sighed.

"It surprised me!"

Her mother laughed.

"And that's when I first heard him."

Golden's eyes widened.

"YOU HEARD DADDY SCREAM?"

"Yes, sweetheart."

Ember Heart groaned.

"Oh, wonderful."