Sky Weaver's Day in Ponyville

Sky Weaver’s Day in Ponyville

Story by Ben Paddock

MLP belongs to Hasbro.

Introduction

In a quiet, secluded wood on the outskirts of the town of Ponyville, stood a small log cabin. It was by no means extravagant, but instead quaint and welcoming. Constructed by hoof from the nearby trees it sat, a humble sign of respect to Nature. Not far from the cabin was a crystal clear stream, dancing across the landscape from up a faraway mountain spring.

In the distance, a shape appeared from around the edge of the wood, ambling towards the cabin, slowed by the weight of what it was carrying. It was a stallion - of larger build than average and somewhat shaggy - just about managing to carry a considerable amount of bags, each one stuffed almost to bursting with food, lamp oil and other provisions. Still, the stallion resolutely pressed onward despite his burden, shambling towards the cabin on this familiar path, hooves moving slowly but with determination.

At last the equine had reached the front door of the cabin and slowed to a halt. He paused to catch his breath for a moment of respite, but now that he was stood still, it occurred to him how much the bags weighed him down. He set down the heaviest of the load on the ground beside him and arched his back downwards and tilted his head up, taking in a deep breath of fresh air as he stretched out. The trickling sound of the nearby stream and the scent of pine from the woods sent a tingling sensation down his back, followed by a feeling of sanctuary and tranquillity. He was home.

Moving to the door, he paused to ponder how he was going to shift the load of shopping into the house. He debated his options for a moment, eyeing the door handle and one of the heavier bags. He took another deep breath and lowered his head, concentrating hard. A series of sparks erupted from his horn as it became surrounded in crackling energy. The energy began to surge and spark until his horn was shining brightly in a pale saffron aura. He strained as he directed his horn to the bag, and a beam of white lightning gripped the bag. He raised his head, and the bag raised also, as if it had been rendered weightless. The Unicorn let out an audible grunt as he held the bag in mid-air, slowing but carefully turning himself back towards the door. Looping the remaining bags under one foreleg, he pushed the door open.

Inside, the cabin was compact - carefully designed to house a variety of appliances for living. Small rooms were walled off for bedrooms, a rug and chairs were placed in the center to act as a lounge, and in the corner was a fully working fireplace and stove.

He carefully lowered the shopping bag and released his magical grip, letting it sit against the wall in the kitchen area. He breathed a sigh of relief and put a hoof to his forehead, then set the rest of the bags down, opening several drawers and cupboards where everything would have to fit into.

“I’m back!” he called out cheerfully. He began taking out various cans and placing them on a high shelf, making sure that they were spaced evenly, categorised and that the labels faced straight forward, tilting and nudging the cans as he stacked them up. After a minute of this, the Unicorn turned back and paused to notice that the cabin was silent.

“Hey! Can I get a little help?” he called out, ensuring that his voice didn’t reach too loud a volume. The cabin remained silent. The Unicorn was left puzzled for a moment, and not wanting to do all of the work, made his way over towards another room.

The door to the room had been left ajar. The Unicorn peeked through as he slowly opened the door. The room had soothing cream-coloured wallpaper with little white patterns on it. A small but comfy bed, with a dresser next to it, was propped against the wall, on which the young Pegasus in his care was lying. A few years younger than him, she was a beige-coated Pegasus mare with a long, straight, raven black mane, sky blue eyes, and striking white feathers. She was lying on her back, staring up at the ceiling with a serene, yet distant expression, gently breathing and hooves occasionally twitching.

The Unicorn smiled as he pushed the door open and quietly walked over. The younger mare blinked, and her eyes, still wide, focused right on him. Her smile grew and she rolled over, carefully moved off the bed and onto her four hooves, and greeted him with a rub of her head on his chin.

“Heya,” the Unicorn greeted her softly. “Still daydreaming, huh? I was gone for almost an hour.”

“Yeah...” she replied, almost apologetically. “My story got pretty awesome.” She smiled, blushing slightly.

“Sometimes I’d love to know what goes on in that little head of yours.” The Unicorn replied warmly. “You’ve gotta give me some idea, one of these days.”

She hesitated. “I don’t know...” She sighed. “I’ve been doing this last story for about… a week now. So much has happened, I wouldn’t know how to explain it. I mean, where to start? Well, last week, Lord Arthur’s legacy was in dispute between his blood relatives and his closest friends, each of them claiming to be the true inheritor of Arthur’s will. It can only be decided by finding the Seven Artifacts of Truth. And in Victoria’s vision, it was said that they were hidden within the most spiritual places in Brantonia...”

“I... see,” he nodded hesitantly, though his expression read that he clearly didn’t.

“I know,” the Pegasus said, somewhat disheartened. “I just love making my stories so much. I don’t want to have to sit and write down everything that happens when I could be thinking up the next part. Who’s gonna want to read a whole book about the whole Brantonian royal family line?”

“You’d be surprised,” he replied reassuringly. “Now come on, I need some help putting the shopping away. I even got us some white chocolate muffins.”

The mare’s eyes lit up and she gave a delighted gasp. A smirk escaped the Unicorn.

“I thought you’d like that,” he smiled.

The two were sat at a wooden table. The Unicorn sat quietly deliberating his thoughts as the Pegasus happily and nonchalantly feasted on the tasty treat. She looked over to him – his expression was steely and distant and very intense, and her expression turned to one of timid concern. He looked up at her, and straightened up and cleared his throat, averting her gaze.

“You know, Sky, I’ve been thinking. A few years ago, I hardly had any reason just to get out of bed. If it weren’t for the ponies I’d met, I’d never know how lucky I was to be living in Equestria. I’m glad you’ve got your stories to get you through the day...” he looked at the plate his muffin had been on. He pushed it away slightly so that he could place his hooves on the table, and met with her eyes again, as the situation was important enough for it. “But... I dunno. Day in and day out, it’s just you and me in this little cabin of mine.”

“What... you don’t like it here anymore, Royal Blue? With me?” she guessed, eyebrows raising with worry.

“No, of course I do. That wasn’t what I meant. I’ve been thinking about your future, Sky.” Royal Blue stated firmly. “Is it really right of me to just keep you here, shutting you out from the world around you? I just really think it would do you a lot of good if you spent some time around other ponies.”

Sky Weaver’s eyes widened in response, and her expression sank. “Y-You’re... s-sending me away?” she barely squeaked with fear, her eyes welling up with tears as her mind filled with dread.

“No, come on, don’t be silly.” Royal Blue patted her hoof to comfort her. “Look, you’re a lovely young mare with a brilliant mind, Sky Weaver. I think a lot more ponies should recognise that.”

“I...I...” Sky whimpered. “I mean, s-sure, I guess, but... I-I wouldn’t even know where to go...”

“Don’t worry.” Royal gave her a pat on the back. “I have some friends in Ponyville, the town not far from here. They’re fantastic. They’ll be good to you. I bet you won’t even need me to be there with you for the day.”

“But, what about m-my thing with...”

“Oh yeah. Well, don’t forget to let them know about that.” Royal stated.

“I’ve never told anypony else before about it...” Sky wilted.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be able to trust them. Maybe it won’t even be an issue. Won’t know until you try, right?” He reasoned with her.

Sky nodded again.

“Hey, with all those stories you come up with, I bet you’ve always wanted to go on an adventure of your own, right?”

“Yeah, I guess.” She sniffed.

“Right. Now don’t cry. It's not till tomorrow.” Royal Blue embraced her, holding her closely to him, closing his eyes and letting out a happy sigh as she calmed down. “Good girl.” Royal eased her.

Celestia’s blazing sun smiled down upon the town of Ponyville. Amongst the bustle of market stools, fillies playing, and other happy residents going about their merry business, a group of six friends were making their way towards the central town square, exchanging banter in eager anticipation.

“Can you believe it?!” the pink Earth pony chirped, as she merrily bounced along. “We’re about to meet a brand new friend in just a few moments! I can’t contain my excitement!”

“Well THAT’S nothing new,” Rainbow Dash quipped.

“Meeting us will be new for her, Rainbow,” Princess Twilight asserted. “Apparently she’s never had many friends.”

“Well, she’s in fer a real treat!” Applejack declared. “We’ll give her a real good ‘n’ proper Ponyville welcome!”

“You said it, Applejack!” Pinkie Pie cheered. “And nothing says ‘welcome to Ponyville new best friend forever’ like a Welcome To Ponyville Best Friend Forever Party!!! I’ve already made a ton of preparations. I just need a couple more hours...”

“Wow. You sure work fast, Pinkie,” Fluttershy smiled.

“Um, girls? Aren’t we getting a little ahead of ourselves, here?” Twilight asked. “What this is difficult for her? Let’s try not to overwhelm her, okay? That goes for you too, Pinkie.”

Pinkie Pie giggled. “Well, of COURSE, Twilight! I’m not gonna spoil the surprise party! It’s a SURPRISE!” Twilight looked back at her, unamused. Pinkie leaned right into Twilight, causing her to flinch. “…Got that?” Pinkie said in a slightly darker and more threatening tone.

“That’s not what I meant...” Twilight stated, as Pinkie’s manic grin returned as she pulled back. “I mean that we don’t know a whole lot about her.”

“The way ah remember, Royal Blue didn’t say too much ’bout her.” Applejack recalled.

“Ooh! Ooh!” Pinkie interjected. “What is she is impossible to explain?” She said, voice wavering spookily as if telling a ghost story.

“Pinkie!” Twilight protested, miffed.

“Oh Twilight, dear, perhaps you’re over-thinking this a little as well.” Rarity soothed. “If there was anything to be concerned about, I’m sure we’d know about it. Nothing’s going to get out of hoof, surely.”

“Hm. Yeah, you’re right.” Twilight conceded. “Look! There they are now!”

Royal Blue and the mare came into view.

“How is everypony?” Royal smiled at them.

“Howdy, Roy!” Applejack greeted.

Royal nodded in reply, and indicated the little Pegasus beside him. “This is Sky Weaver. I’ve been looking after her for just over a year now. Sky, I’d like you to meet a very special group of friends.”

Sky Weaver simply looked towards the mares, eyes wide and grinning inquisitively.

“...Adventure?” she queried, tilting her head a little.

“She’s, um... very eager to meet new friends.” Royal grinned, feeling the awkwardness creeping in.

“Well, why don’t you introduce us then, silly?” Pinkie Pie beamed, who seemed to be the only one who wasn’t fazed. Royal wasn’t sure how surprising this was to him.

“Right.” He coughed. “Well, Sky, these are my friends. This is, to use her full title, Princess Twilight Sparkle, she’s--”

Sky cut him off with an awestruck gasp. “A PRINCESS?!?! Oh my gosh, I didn’t even notice you’re an Alicorn! This is an honor, forgive me, Your Majesty.” She bowed obsequiously.

“Oh, please, it’s no problem, really...” Twilight began. But Sky, unable to contain her excitement, cut her off.

“Please, Your Majesty, this one is yours to command! Whatever duties you have, I will gladly serve!”

“Geez,” Rainbow whispered. “This one’s quite the character, alright.”

“Okay, okay,” Twilight chuckled uneasily. “First, I’d like you to calm down.”

“AT ONCE!” Sky cried. She stood upright, heavily breathing, concentrating intensely on calming down. It seemed to have more of the opposite effect.

“Um, okay,” Twilight said. “Let’s try something else. Just relax.”

Sky slumped down, her last position clearly having taken quite a toll on her.

“Hee hee! This is just like Simon says!” Pinkie Pie gleefully giggled. “I wanna play! Twilight, try me!”

“Sky Weaver, please,” Twilight said. “It’s not a big deal, really. You don’t have to bow to me or take orders or anything just because I’m a Princess. I’ve only recently been made one as a result of my studies of magic and friendship - I don’t want to rule over or conquer anypony. We’re all just friends here, okay?”

Sky looked up at Twilight, her face still in awe. “Yes, Princess Twilight.” She sighed. “Your modesty and virtue is what makes you truly worthy to be a Princess!” She gave another overgenerous bow.

“Heheh, sure, okay,” Twilight chuckled, starting to become mildly irritated.

“Anyway...” Royal Blue interjected. “That’s Applejack. She’s the strongest pony around, and I’m not just talking physically. She’s got a big heart, too.”

Applejack tilted her hat and gave a smile. “A pleasure.”

“Oh!” Sky realised. “So she’s like Brianette, the courageous she-barbarian!”

Applejack paused in bafflement.

“It’s a compliment, I assure you.” Royal stated, raising a hoof in honesty.

“Oh,” Applejack said. “Uh... thanks!” She replied, trying to mask her confusion.

“Here’s Rainbow Dash. A phenomenal flier. Perhaps she can teach you a few extra things about flying.”

“Sup?” Rainbow grinned, landing in front of her. “You wanna pit your wings against mine, stop by anytime!” she boasted, flaring her wings. Sky shrunk back timidly a little, not wanting to seem overtly competitive.

“This is Rarity. She’s uh...” Royal Blue paused. He exhaled sharply, preparing himself for whatever was coming next. “...A dressmaker.”

“A WHAT?!” Sky shrieked, seemingly out of terror.

“What? It’s a noble profession,” Rarity huffed, defensively.

“Oh, no,” Royal reasoned. “She didn’t mean to sound insulting, did you Sky?” Sky frantically shook her head, apologetically.

“Hm,” said Rarity. She saw that Sky wore a troubled look. “Is something on your mind, dear?” she inquired softly. Sky's eyes were darting about to avert the gaze of the group. She looked to Royal Blue, who nodded to her, prompting her to speak. Sky looked at the ground by Rarity’s hooves.

“Um, no. Never mind. I’m fine.” Sky mumbled.

“Are you sure?” asked Fluttershy, stepping forward slightly. Sky looked up at her, pausing to recall if she had even noticed her standing there before. There was something about that mare’s gentle, tranquil eyes and soft appearance that eased Sky's anxiety, and putting her worries aside, nodded cheerfully.

“That’s Fluttershy. Isn’t she a sweetheart?” Royal smiled. Fluttershy blushed. “And finally, a mare who needs no introduction. Except this one. It’s Pinkie Pie!”

Pinkie Pie bounced forward.

“Hi!” she chirped.
“Um, hey!” Sky greeted her merrily.
“Do you like fun?”
“I like adventure.”
“So you think adventures are fun?”
“Yep!”
“YAY!!!” Pinkie gleefully hopped about on the spot.
“Yay!!!” Sky joined her in the cheerful bouncing.

“I just knew you two were gonna get on.” Royal sighed. “Well! You’ve got a whole lot of enjoyment AND adventure in store for you today!”

Sky beamed at him excitedly. “What are we going to do first, Roy?”

Royal scratched the back of his head a little sheepishly. “Actually, I was thinking of just leaving you to it. I mean, I know these mares already. I don’t want to get in the way.”

Sky paused. “Oh... well… okay.”

“You’re in good hooves.” Royal reassured her. She nodded.

“So, y’all won’t be stayin’, Roy?” Applejack asked.

“I’m afraid not,” Royal said. “Still, it’s all for the best, I think. Maybe I’ll drop by later when I get the chance. Anyway, I’ll see you mares around!”

“Bye, Roy!” Pinkie Pie called out. Royal Blue waved as he left the town square.

And so, Sky Weaver was left with the six other ponies. Lost for the right words, she simply looked up and beamed at them like she had done earlier.

“So...” she said cheerily, eying each of the mares in an almost predatory manner. “Um, where to begin?”

“Well... I’d be happy to show you around first,” Twilight volunteered, to break the tension. “You’re new to this place, after all. But don’t worry! I’ve got all the information on this place that you might need!”

“Oh, THANK you, Princess!” Sky bowed once again. “Please, bestow your great wisdom upon this humble servant! Teach me your ways of strength and resplendence!”

“Well, by having information, I meant that I run the library in town. Let’s make that your first stop! I can’t wait to show you my assortment of books!” Twilight squeaked.

“A... library?” Sky asked, disconcerted.

“I’d say that’s as good a place to start as any!” Rarity cheered. “What say you drop by each of us today? All of us can spare some time for you, I’m sure.”

“You bet!” Applejack said.

Rainbow yawned. “Well, I was gonna take a nap in a bit, but sure, okay.”

“Of course!” Fluttershy smiled. “You can stop by anytime! ...I mean, when you’re free. Not that you have to. Sorry to impose.” She meeped.

“Ooh! That reminds me!” Pinkie Pie cried. “Make sure you visit me last! Don’t ask! It’s a secret. Gotta go! Bye!” And with that, she sped off.

“Sounds good! Now come on, Sky!” Twilight beamed, taking her hoof. “It’s time to get you reading!”

“R...reading?!” Sky repeated, a little apprehensively. Still, not wanting to disobey a Princess, she reluctantly allowed herself to let the cheerful purple Alicorn lead her the way to the Library.