Of Fire and Ice

I wasn’t really sure what to say. I had assumed, what with all the bright colors and how the main inhabitants of the land being ponies and all, that everything would be sunshine and rainbows. It would seem I was as wrong as I could have possibly been. I looked down at the now sobbing Cold Snap who was at this point on my lap. It had been strange, I thought, that she had been willing to open up to a strange creature like she had, but now I understand. It would seem she didn’t trust other ponies at all, and she lived in this forest out of fear. Living for so long with only minimal contact with others is quite detrimental to one’s health, both mental and physical.

“Do you feel any better after getting that of your chest?” I asked softly, be careful not to startle her. I saw her look up at me.

“Y-yeah, a bit. You’re a good listener, you know?” She said, with a ghost of a smile on her face.

“Yeah well, they don’t give out Professional Counseling Doctorates to just anyone y’know?” I said, with a smile of my own. She giggled a bit as she moved her head out of my lap. “So, I never did ask, how is life out here in the forest? It would seem a bit lonely to me.” I said, wiggling a bit in my own seat.

“Well, it is pretty lonely, but I’m used to it.” She said, the smile dying a bit. I knew I would be stepping out on a limb here with what I was going to ask next, but I felt it would probably be best for both of us.

“So, are we what you would consider friends?” I asked, and she nodded in response, though she showed obvious confusion at the question. “And friends don’t let friends feel sad, right?” I inquired again, a small smile starting to form on my face. She nodded again, still confused at my line of questioning. “Would you say that I’m a silly being lost in a world that isn’t his?” I asked, the smile growing wider. She looked at me for a moment, before nodding for a third time. “So, would it be safe to say that you are not an alien?” I asked, quickly nearing the end of my little line of questions.

“I guess you couldn’t call me an alien. Where are you going with thi-” She said, before her eyes widened and her muzzle scrunched up in adorable realization of what I had in mind.

“Yeah, I think you see where this was going. So wanna come? Adventure, see the sights, and what not?” I asked. “I could use a friend, and with you as a companion I’ll probably be attacked by the local population somewhat less. I mean, worst comes to worst, you can shove me at them with your magic and run.” I said with a smile. She was still quiet, though it was more a look of contemplation than shock on her face. “Take your time, I know it’s a tall order, but you’re lonely and I need a friend to help me find a way home. It would be good for both of us.”

“I-I don’t know, I’ve never really been out of this forest before, and I don’t know how much help I would be, and how do I know I can trust you, and-” I put my finger up to her mouth, silencing her nervous rambling.

“Say no more.” I said “I said I wouldn’t force you to go, and I won’t. I am a man of my word, after all.” I moved to stand up, then stretched a bit. I was a bit sad to say goodbye to Cold, but I did say I wouldn’t force her. I started walking to the door, but was stopped by a pull on the back of my shirt. I turned around and saw Cold’s horn glowing, and my shirt glowing as well. I looked at her, eyebrow raised, waiting for an answer.

“Silly forest beast, I never said no.” She said, grabbing what looked like saddlebags in her magic. She packed a few things, including a small bag of what I assumed was currency, a few carrots, and a map. She then turned back to me. “Alright, let’s find a way to get you out of this world.” I smiled.

“Right on. Let’s go Freezie.” I said, walking through the door. She trotted up next to me, looking somewhat indignant at something.

“Freezie?” She said dryly. I didn’t need to turn to know she was looking at me.

“Yeah, Freezie. Your name is Cold Snap and your mane looks a bit like ice. The mark on your flank is an icicle over a snowflake. Anything else you do that’s related to that sort of thing?” I asked, turning to look at her. She looked a bit sheepish and turned away, then mumbled something. “I didn’t quite catch that Freezie, say again?” She looked toward me this time and mumbled something again. “I still can’t quite hear you, could you speak up?” I said, my tone teasing. She picked up on this, because she started glaring at me, then took a deep breath. I was already moving my hands to my ears when she started to speak.

“I SPECIALIZE IN ICE RELATED MAGICKS OK? HAPPY?” She shouted, trying to look intimidating.

“Very happy. So, do you like your new nickname or not? I couldn’t tell.” I said cheekily. She grunted noncommittally prompting me to chuckle but continue walking.

It had been a couple of hours of walking, but we were finally at the entrance to the forest. I saw that the road ahead split into a fork. At the head of this fork was a couple of road signs. One pointed east and said ‘Maresden’ and the other pointed somewhat west and read ‘Ponyville’. I stopped and turned to Cold.

“So, which way do we go now?” I asked, unsettled by the surprisingly self-aware horse puns in the town names.

“Well, you’re looking for a way home, and the best hope for that would be magic. We could go to either really, as they both have something magically unique about them.” She said, looking at her map. I studied both the signs and trails as if the answer would appear if I stared hard enough.

“What do you mean by magically unique?” I asked, still waiting for the signs to give me an answer. She lifted a hoof and pointed toward Maresden.

“Maresden is home to one of the very few gryphon mages in the world. Not much is known about their magic, so he or she may be able to help,” She moved her hoof toward Ponyville. “However Ponyville is home to the Elements of Harmony, a group of magic artefacts. Your choice, really.”

I closed my eyes, stuck out my hand, and did what any sane human would do. I started mumbling the age old rhyme, moving my hand back and forth to the rhythm.

“-and you are… it!” I exclaimed, opening my eyes. I was pointing directly at the Maresden sign. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” I said excitedly, walking down the eastern trail. I faintly heard Freezie ask herself what she had gotten into. “Your guess is as good as mine, Snap. Your guess is as good as mine.” I said cheerily, then continued walking.