A study of Harmony

by Sugar Dove

Rating: everyone
Tags: Princess Celestia, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Princess Luna, Original Character, Other, Adventure, Random
Length: 23880

Hundreds of years after the events taken place with Twilight Sparkle and her friends Princess Celestia and Luna have a new apprentice.

An unlikely group of friends are called upon to go on a pilgrimage to rediscover something that had been lost to Equestria.
Under the orders of Luna, student Sugar Dove leads her group on a journey that is bound to be full of fun and adventure.
Lets just hope they can all keep it together.

Published 2014-05-12 21:10:06 UTC
Last updated 2014-08-02 19:14:49 UTC

Prelude to Harmony

Author's Note

An introductory chapter.
Will follow with more when I fix my keyboard.

Prelude to Harmony

A Study of Harmony.
In the Royal Canterlot Libraries.
Early Afternoon.

A young white Pegasus is sitting atop one of the book shelves reading quietly. She blows her scruffy brown mane from her eyes and folds her hooves into a comfortable position. Boom! The room shudders as the doors swing open.
"SUGAR DOVE WHERE ARE'ST THOU?"
The deep booming voice of Princess Luna disturbs the peace and caused the nearby book shelves to shake. The silent Pegasus lost balance as the shelf rocked. The book and she landed upon the floor in a dusty heap.
"Here your majesty..." She groaned as she got to her hooves and blew the dust from her flank to reveal her twin turtle dove cutie mark.
"Ah yes," The princess spoke, "I have come to see how your studies have progressed. Have you completed the task you have been set by my sister and I?"
Sugar Dove looked at the floor and flicked her tail absently.
"Well?" pronounced the Princess loudly.
"I...I...I've started. But I don't see how it’s possible your Majesty."
Luna looked down upon her, she smiled softly, which suited her and said, "What is the problem?"
The Pegasus crossed her hoofs and shrugged, "The book says you have to have one of the gifts, and well one pony alone couldn't harness it and certainly not a Pegasus or earth pony. I simply don't see how I'm going to help your Highness find these elements. I haven't the skills or the powers to be of..."
"Sugar Dove my dear," The Princess interrupted, "Celestia knows as do I that you are more than capable of helping us find what we are looking for. You simply have to believe in our judgement. Now take what you need. Perhaps you have over worked. Go home and consider what I am asking."
The Pegasus nods. "Yes your majesty."
Luna nods, Sugar Dove bows, and Luna leaves.
Sugar Dove sighs loudly and picks up the book she was reading. She sets it on the reading platform and flicks the fragile old cover open. The spine of the book although beautifully bound makes a soft creaking sound as it is opened. She touches the title on the opening page with her hoof thoughtfully. She smiles to herself and fetches her travel bag. She slides into it and walks around the library collecting her study material. Into the bag go scrolls, letters and finally the golden clasped leather book. With a flick of her tail and a ruffle of feathers she turns on her tail and trots idly out of the library.

Chapter One - Preparations.

Sugar Dove was flying back and forth frantically across her room in the palace.
"No this won't do. Oh where did I put it? Ah this will help! Eeep mustn't forget that!" She rambled as she knocked things off shelves and sent paper work flying. She was to engrossed with her task that she failed to notice the arrival of Princess Celestia. Celestia stood by the door and giggled at the little Pegasus, who bumped her head on a shelf from surprise.
"Oh your Highness!" She floated down and bowed before the princess, "Forgive me I did not see you arrive."
The Princess in her infinite kindness smiled and beckoned for her to rise. She trotted over to the Pegasus' desk and levitated an overstuffed bag so she could look closely at the contents. "I see you are preparing for the task," She gave her most playful grin, "But maybe you might want to consider packing a little less."
Sugar Dove blushed and took the bag from the Princess, laying it on the floor she began to empty it and started again. "I agree Princess. It’s just that I really don't know what it is I need for such a venture. It seems like an impossible task."
"My dearest Dove you needn't pack much. I hope you have made the appropriate arrangements other than worry about what you need to be packing."
Dove stopped what she was doing. She closed her eyes and began to recite as though from memory, "I've asked Steadfast your guard to accompany me, and D the inventor in the hope that his intelligence will help on the journey and I've asked Rouge and Gamers Edge as my friends if they would like to travel with me. Just as you asked your Highness."
The princess levitated a pair of goggles onto the Pegasus head and winked at her when she looked up in response. "I'm glad you invited your friends it’s important that you enjoy adventures together." And with that the princess dipped her horn in farewell and went to the door, "Please come see me and my sister before you leave, I would be very upset if you did not come to say good bye. And do bring your friends. Perhaps high tea is in order. Tomorrow Night will that be enough time for you to prepare."
Sugar Dove bowed. "Yes your Majesty."
The Princess left. As soon as she was out of sight the little Pegasus returned to her messy task of preparing.

Royal Palace
Next Morning.

"I can't believe we're going to meet the Princesses!" Gamers Edge leapt about gleefully ahead down the long corridor.
"Really?! Pull yourself together! We are in the palace we should behave properly!" Rouge retorted.
Sugar Dove smiled to herself as her friends wandered on ahead.
"Hey wait for me!" D called from the rear, dressed in a perfect little shirt and tie which he was adjusting with his horn as he ran.
Steadfast walked next to Dove, his duty armour gleaming and chingling and added sternly, "I can't believe you agreed to this. I mean I can understand you managing this from time to time but as soon as the sugar cubes come out we've lost Edge. And most likely D as soon as Luna mentions anything about lunar alignments."
Dove nodded with concern. “I agree but did you expect me to say no to the Princess."
The group reached the end of the hallway. A huge door with the royal seal stood towering in front of them. Steadfast wrapped on the door and it swung slowly open. Inside was a grand hall. Tall and wide and a calming shade of purple. Not that it was likely to keep any of them calm as they stared in awe. The room was supported by ornate pillars and crystal clear windows let in great beams of sunshine that made the floor glitter. Outside was the gardens in which could be heard a variety birds and creatures. Around the edges of the hall were huge vases of the most divine flower arrangements and in the middle of the hall had been set a table with an aromatic selection of fine herbs and drinks. In the place of chairs were soft cushions. In one of the places Princess Luna sat waiting.
"LOYAL SUBJECTS WE WELCOME YOU TO THE PALACE, PLEASE BE SEATED!" She declared in the royal Canterlot voice.
Trembling with a combination of fear, excitement and admiration the unusual band each bowed to the princess and took their places. Dove sat by Luna with Rouge next to her, then D, Edge and Steadfast who would keep guard by Celestia.
"PLEASE EAT!" Boomed the Princess, "DO NOT WAIT FOR OUR SISTER."
"Your Majesty," Sugar Dove stretched her snout up and whispered to the princess, "Your shouting, you needn't use the royal voice my friends will appreciate your presence without its aide."
Luna smiled at her and nodded, helping herself to refreshments.
For a while the group giggled excitedly and spoke of their great pleasure of being in the palace. A short while passed before the Royal trumpets sounded and Princess Celestia herself trotted into the hall. Everyone was hurried to their hooves to bow and watch her in silent awe. Steadfast rose to his feet and prepared her place but Celestia shooed him and announced that today they were gathered as friends and there was no need for such formalities. The group sighed gladly and sat merrily again to dine. Eventually the topic of conversation turned to the reason for their visit.
"I am proud to meet such a wonderful group of dedicated friends who are willing to give up their time to help one another. Are you excited about your journey ahead?" Celestia asked.
They looked among each other to be sure none would interrupt the other in front of the princess. D therefore spoke up first, "Yes your Majesty, very much so, I have studied here for so very long that an opportunity to travel is welcome indeed."
"And I've worked so much that having time away with friends is like a holiday I'm happy to go on." Edge added.
"I'm hoping this will help me find new inspiration for my art while we're travelling." Rouge suggested.
"I will perform my duties as guard to these travellers, Majesty."
Dove remained quiet. Luna smiled knowingly at her. Although the little Pegasus didn't notice.
"Then are none of you excited about strengthening your friendships?" Celestia turned the conversation.
They all looked to one another again. Each with an expression more guilty than the last. None of them had thought about the needs of the other.
Dove then spoke up, "We'll do all those things and more, your Highness. It’s important that we help each other with our own individual goals as well as those of the group. It said so in the letters. We will watch over each other, teach each other, be inspired from one another and rest ourselves from the mundane. We will complete your task however as I am aware that this is more than a trip for pleasure."
The group ponies sighed from relief of not having to answer the question. Celestia could see they had much to learn and was glad. "Remember the first lesson Dove. Not everything can be learned from the books."
From there the group returned to the happy banter once again. Until Luna informed them that evening drew near. They bid their farewells to the Princesses and arranged to meet one another in the morning at the path leading down from Canterlot. One by one they went until only Dove was left. Luna and Celestia towered over her as she bowed to them good night. Celestia bowed and Luna walked beside her as she left.
"I have to bring out the moon, perhaps you will join me on the terrace tonight. I have a few more things to teach you before you depart."
The pair sat together on the tallest balcony of the palace. Here was where the daily tasks of the princesses were often conducted. Luna sat and dipped her head. Her horn shone like starlight and the clouds above them parted to reveal a round shining moon and a clear starry sky. Dove stared up for a while and basked in the radiant light of the night. Luna was satisfied by her action.
"Tell me Dove are you worried?" the princess opened.
"Yes your majesty,"
"And why are you worried?"
"I don't know how a misfit group like mine will ever succeed in your task, we're not like the ones described in the letters."
"You must trust in my sister’s decision to take your friends rather than our guard. And you must believe in them. They will get you through the difficulties of travelling so far."
"Yes your majesty."
Luna laughed, "For tonight I am just Luna. Consider me as you consider your friends."
Dove looked up at her uncertainly. She opened her mouth to speak but couldn't think of anything to say.
"Do not say anything, just wait here." Luna said as she rose and left the balcony. Leaving Dove to admire the stars a while longer. A while later Luna returned with a strange shaped object covered in linen cloth. She set it down beside dove and removed the cloth. Underneath was a birdcage. Inside was a beautiful white dove. Luna opened the cage and the dove cooed and flew to the edge of the balcony, "She is yours. My gift as a friend to you."
Dove was speechless, she had never been given a present like this before and was lost for words. She leapt to the air and grasped Luna firmly in a hug. Luna surprised at first flinched but then raised her hoof and returned the favour. "I shall call it Moonlight after your beautiful night."
Luna was honoured and grinned to show her happiness. "She is a delivery Dove. Whenever you feel the need to tell us anything. Whether it be news on your quest or just a story about what you and your friends have experienced I want you to write it and Moonlight will take them to whoever you wish and she will always know where to find you."
Sugar Dove beamed with delight but quite suddenly yawned. "Excuse me your majesty I do not mean to insult your night..."
Luna held up a hoof to silence the pony. "No need to worry. You have had a long day. Please rest and safe travels to you and your friends tomorrow."
Sugar Dove bowed and signalled for the bird to follow. The pair flew off home for the night.

Next Morning,
Sunrise.
The gates to the city glittered in many colours as the sun rose. The mismatched group stood together, bags packed and dressed warmly watching the sun come up from behind Canterlot. They were just outside the gates sitting watching. Just as there was enough light to see by Dove turned to her friends, Moonlight on her forehead.
"Alright Guys let’s go!"

Rocky Road

Chapter 2

A Rocky Road.

The excited band trotted down the hillside from Canterlot. The sun had barely risen above the horizon. They animatedly talked about all the places they wanted to see and the things they wanted to do. It wasn't long though before the early start started getting to some of the ponies.
Sugar Dove yawned, closely followed by Gamersedge. The pair laughed at each other, "That was totally your fault," Egde joked,
"Probably," yawned Dove in response.
"Honestly!" Steadfast called from the front of the group, "Do you two ever go to sleep or are you always this sleepy?"
"Always this sleepy." Dove replied, holding a hoof to her snout to stop from yawning, "So where to first?"
"Well I don't know," D said, "You packed a map right?"
Dove nodded sleepily and pulled it from her bag, Rouge instantly levitated it before the group.
"Ponyville would be the obvious choice," Dove suggested, "That is where the last barers came from. It would be a good place to start and we could visit the famous Apple Orchards."
"Sounds good to me," Edge licked his lips at the thought of the apples.
"Why not." Rouge said rolling up the map and returning it to Doves bag.
Steadfast turned to take the lead. "Well then we'll just stick to the path downhill. Less stress on the hooves for our first days travel."
The group let Steadfast take the lead. He was more of an outdoor type than the rest of them. And since they couldn't go wrong with following the path they simply returned to general banter. The main topic of conversation being D's attire.
"So tell me again whats with the contracption?" Sugar nodded to the mechanical wings strapped onto his back, his bags hanging stuffed underneath them.
D raised his head with pride and flicked his tail as if on show. "They are simply mechanical wings, fully working and absolutely fantastic if I do say so myself. However I do need a high up area to take off from as they need a bit of speed to get started. They are rather heavy."
"They look steampunk." Dove said plainly.
"You think...I never noticed."
Rouge looked back at them and admired them artistically but added, "But why do you need wings. You have magic?"
"Well yes but unicorns can't fly, you need really powerful magic to conjure spells that can do that. Not to mention I have the technical skills to build them so why not."
"He has a point." Edge agreed.
"We could test them." D said.
"Really?" Edge said excitedly.
"No!" Dove's tone edged up a notch.
"Why not?" D asked.
"Cause I can't catch you if anything goes wrong."
"I'm not expecting you to catch me. They are going to work. I looked at all the possibilities and we're definitely above the needed height to gain the necassary velocity."
"No!"
"But..."
"No. Period. No. There is no way you figured everything out! Its impossible and I'm not fast enough, strong enough or brave enough to catch you if it goes wrong."
"Oh come on Dove! Its going to work. Besides, you can't stop me."
"Pride before the fall D." Dove warned.
"Nah! I got this. Watch." He stepped confidently up to the road edge looked down and assessed the drop, with magic from his horn he flicked a switch below the metallic wings. They heaved into life, flapping up and down, the leather between the panels going ridgid and loose with each swaying beat. D took a few hoof steps back and galloped off the edge into a dive. Rouge, Dove and Edge leaned eagerly over the edge to watch. Steadfast hadn't noticed form the front of the group.
At first everything looked alright then it dawned on them that he wasn't pulling up. It wasn't going to work. Edge bit on his lip anxiously. Dove kicked off her bags, opened her wings and without thinking leapt after D. She straightened her body and folded her wings to gain speed. She was barely catching up, and just managed to grip onto D's tail. She opened her wings and tried to catch the air, then flapped desparately trying to either pull up or slow the pair down.
Crash! Crackle! Creek! Snap! Ruslte! Erk! Thud!
"They Crashed!" Edge leapt back from the ledge from panic almost tripping on Doves abandoned backpack. Moonlight was sitting on it peacefully at the time and pecked in annoyance at the pony. "Ow!"
Steadfast stopped in his trails when he had heard Edge yell, looking back to see only two of his fellow travellers immediately looked down to see a break in the trees where he assumed the other two had ended up. "What happened?!" He yelled back.
"D was testing his new invention, clearly didn't work, Dove went to catch him and they've both crashed." Rouge said, the height of calm.
Edge on the other hand had grabbed Doves bags and had taken off at a gallop downhill.
"Quick we gotta find them!"
Steadfast nodded to Rouge and the pair galloped after him.
Meanwhile beneath the tree line a dazed D shrugged out of his battered contraption and sat on the leafy, pine covered ground. He looked up at Dove.
"Shut Up." She said flatly. Her tail caught in a tree branch above, her wings hanging loosly behind her.
"Sorry." D said simply.
The pair looked a little shaky, both covered in scratches and bruises. D mostly protected by his contraption had a few scratches on his cheeks. Dove was thoroughly battered, a small bruise forming on her flank and feathers malting from her wings.
She sighed weakly. "Thats ok, it was a pretty cool idea. You'll fix it I'm sure."
"Guess your right about the pride thing." D joked, smiling. "Now lets get you down." He said going round to her wings and tugging.
"OW!" She complained, but still didn't budge from the tree. Her tail properly knotted.
D tried a different approach, but still no luck. "Looks like we may have to cut you down. Tail or branch."
Dove peered up at her tail, she was rather fond of it, but she was getting head light from hanging. "What can we use?"
The unicorn rumaged in his bags, but couldn't find anything significant. He looked about for rocks or loose bark. Nothing. "I'm going to try find the path. I'll get help ok."
"Dont leave me!" Dove pleaded.
"Just hang in there, you leapt didn't you. You'll be brave..." He said as he galloped off into the treeline and out of sight.
Dove hung alone.

A Race to the bottom.

Edge was fast and was the first to get half way down the hill. However he wasn't pacing himself well and within moments of stopping to breath Steadfast galloped past. Edge wearily lifted a hoof in protest then sighed. Rouge came up behind him. "Are you ok? You look a little ... off."
Edge frowned determined and chased after Steadfast. Rouge shrugged to herself and continued on at the pace that suited her. She tried to look calm but on the inside was full of butterflies. Truth be told, she thought to herself, I'm not a calm pony.
Nor, clearly, was Edge. Frantically giving it his all to get to the bottom of the hill. He had known Dove for the longest of the group, he knew she wasnt a strong flier. What if she was hurt?!? He paniced.

Meanwhile D had dashed his way through the tree line, occasionally making a trail by carving crosses into tree's with his horn. He had remembered the angle he had come down at and knew which way would return him to the path. After a couple of scrapes and and carving up what felt like half the forest he reached the edge. The light of the sun was dazzling and almost blinded him at first. He blinked and looked about. The path wasn't far from the tree line. Up above was the mountain. Rouge and Steadfast's bright pelts could be seen clearly from there even though they were still a considerable height up.
D took in his surroundings and snatched up a twig. He trotted over to the path and carved less than delicately with the twig and arrow pointing towards the blackness he had just come out of. He even drew a squiggle picture of himself for good measure. Not that it would necassarily be recognisable to anypony except him. He looked up again. Thought for a moment. Then put a hoof to his mouth and shouted as loud as he possibly could. His voice echoed upwards.
"Down here!"
To his surprise and to those above. They heard him. Rouge stopped in her tracks, as did Edge who skidded straight into Steadfast; D waved up to them, he pointed at the arrow and ran back into the woods to make sure Dove was ok.

Back on the trail, having seen D the group were relieved slightly. At least D was alright. "What was he pointing at? Or at least I think he was pointing." Rouge said as the group again took to the task of speeding down the mountain. "Hey! Hold up! I'm not that fast!"

D hopped between trees and branches following his simple trail. This time he took it easy heading back in, careful not to get any more scraps. It took a while but he eventually found dove, he could hear her breathing heavily before he could even see her. When he saw her he found that her eyes were puffy and her forehead and mane were damp.
"Were you crying?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No," She said simply rubbing a hoof to her snour absently as though she had sniffled, although D asumed that by hanging upside down sniffling would have been impossible.
"That is a lie." He said back, as he came over and got underneath her, "Now I'm gonna push your head up, you have to use your wings to lift yourself up to the branch. Maybe we can get you loose before the rest get here."
Dove nodded, something that D noted as odd looking if you were hanging upside down, then he pushed her upwards, careful to keep his horn well clear, as she took over from there and flapped desparately at odd angles to hoist herself up. After what felt like forever with a swing here, push there and feathers strewn across the forest floor Dove was holding onto the branch but still with her wings pointing to the ground.
"Thats a start. Now swing round."
"I can't." Dove said. Hooves wrapped tightly around the branch as if for dear life. "My tails tugging, I'll just make it worse."
"Course you won't just gotta move back a bit and swing."
After a moment she nodded and shifted slowly back a bit. She moved her wings to create a sideways draft and after much mucking about on her part was able to get another front hoof on the branch. Then with a final pull was upright on the branch. She sighed with relief and tucked her head into her hoofs, eyes closed and breathing softly.
"Now you've gotta start on your tail." D said.
Dove didn't move.
"Dove are you listening?"
"Let me get the blood back in my flank D! "
"Oh. Sorry."

Back on the trail. Steadfast had reached the bottom. "A new personal best," he muttered to himself. Rouge and Edge still a considerable bit up the hill. "I'll go ahead!" He called up to them.
There was a barely audible ok from Rouge.
Steadfast galloped on. Every thud of his hooves on the soft dirt track sent dust flying up behind him. It took him no time at all to find the drawing on the path. The arrow pointing towards the woods. Crosses on the trees. It was safe to assume this was a trail.
He simply got stuck in. He was a keen outdoor pony. He could handle the rough ground. However his backpack didn't agree as it snagged occasionally on passing branches. From time to time he would stop to consider the trail but otherwise reached the pair in no time.
D was sat on his haunches looking up and Sugar Dove.
"What the hay are you two up to?" He said.
The pair jumped when they heard him.
"How did you sneak up on us? I made heaps of noise getting through the trees!"
"I'm a professional. So whats happening? Why didn't you just go to the path?"
Dove blushed a little from where she sat. "I'm stuck." She flicked her tail only to cause a rustle of the twigs and leaves it was caught in.
"Ah." He sighed, "That is typical of you Dove."
"Thanks I'll remember that when you get stuck."
The pair smiled. D looked at them each in turn with a confused look on his face. "In joke." Dove confirmed.
"Right so move over little one and let the stallion have a look."
"Hey!" D complained, even though he moved aside, "And how are you going to reach her?" He questioned Steadfast.
Steadfast stopped dead. "Um..."
Suddenly there was some crashing of leaves and some yelling. Edge tumbled into view. "Dove!" He wheezed, "You alright?!?!"
Dove smiled softly, "I'm fine, you need a sit down." Edge nodded and oblidged, Rouge right behind him complained.
"What the hay was that stick thing you drew on the path meant to be and how the hay were we meant to follow those little barely visible carvings!!! D you are hopeless!"
"Thats why your the artist." He swiftly replied.
The group went silent then looked to one another. Then they all laughed at the akwardness of the situation. Steadfast set down his pack and started to see if there was anything in there that could help. Edge panted wearily for a moment but was soon his normal self. Rouge came and stood beneath Dove and looked up. She then simply stated.
"Your stuck."
"Yes."
She paused.
"This is why you failed flight school isn't it?"
Dove mumbled something under her breath.
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
"So nobody packed a knife or anything?" Rouge said loudly.
All the ponies dipped their heads and didn't look directly at her. Rouge almost laughed. "And you call yourselves prepared!" She said as she rummaged in her bag.
"Actually I didn't say..." D started but Rouge interupted.
"Ah! Here we are." She said levitating a small make shift blade like tool. "Its for sculpting models but it was sitting in my art tools so I grabbed it. " She brought it up to Doves height, "Now hold still and I'll see what I can do."
"Please watch the tail..." Dove whinced.
A few crackles later and a pile of leaves and twigs fell to the ground along with some strands of matted tail. Rouge's tool considerably more blunt that before.
She put it away with satisfaction. Dove flicked her tail and the rest of the debris flew off. There was still some bits stuck in her tail but she was free and much happier for it. With a happy breigh she leapt down from the tree but found that her knees were still wobbly from having hung so long. With a little Whoah she lay down on her front.
"Whats wrong?" Edge creapt forward concerned.
"Nothing. Just numb. I was hanging there for a while."
"Hanging?" Steadfast chipped in.
"Dont even go there." Dove stopped him.
"Can you walk?" Edge said.
Dove looked to her hooves, flapped her roughed up wings and decided, "With difficulty."
Rouge shrugged, as did D. "Well we're too small to carry you."
"Well dont look at me!" Steadfast added swiftly.
Edge didn't need prompting he had swiftly leapt to Doves side. Flicked her over his back and smiled. "I've got it covered."
"Shall I take both the bags them to reduce the wait?" Rouge offered.
"No I got this!" Edge said far too keenly.
"Well at least we're not far now, that little mishap has saved us half a days journey. We'll be at ponyville by sundown." Steadfast pointed out.
"We'd be there now if we took the train." D added cheerfully.

****

Updates

The sun had gotten up extra early this morning. Rouge had taken to early morning tea with her new found friend, Edge and Steadfast to the games consoles and Midnight had work to do. That left Dove and D to themselves sitting quietly at the breakfast table.
Dove wasn’t talkative in the mornings and thankfully for her nor was D. D had already hefted out a variety of gadgets and had a computer on the table along with an array of other technological devices. Munching away on her food she was happy to ignore his tinkering at the table, at least until the deafening clang of metal bounced off the floor beside him.
“D! It is too early to be clatter banging!” She complained.
D looked up with the most carefree grin. “I have to finish these mechanisms though for the flight controls on the wings or we’ll never get to Cloudsdale. I just have to figure out these....”
“Just stop D! It’s too early for technical jargon too.” Dove interrupted.
“Well what do you expect me to do?”
Dove banged her head off the table in an exaggerated manner. “Why not go work in the library D? See the sights and finish the maths. Now is not the time for banging!”
D blinked at Dove as though she’d asked him to jump off a bridge. “Look up the answer you mean?”
“Yes.” Dove mumbled with her face against the table.
D shrugged. “Ok.” He got up and grabbed a mouthful of his devices and trotted out without delay. Dove looked up and sighed to herself. At least she’d now get breakfast in peace.

** Peaceful Ponyville

Outside D trotted idly along to the town library. He knew the way. He’d noticed the large tree on their approach to the town earlier. The town folk all muttered to themselves as he passed, D thought nothing of it. It was common for ponies to think him strange with his gadgets.
The road to the library was old and disused, the cobbles worn and left in their old state, perhaps as a tourist attraction might be left untouched for ponies to admire. D grumbled about the state of the area to himself. It would make sense to modernise places like this and make them more accessible to the younger generations much like himself. Or at least that is how he felt.
D cantered up to the door and then stopped and looked up at the leafy bush like top that towered above him. It was much bigger than he had anticipated. With great happiness D puffs up his chest and pushes the door open. It creaks slightly and floods the floor with sunlight. Inside is lit with further candles and dim old fashioned lanterns and the first area although an open space is dusty and seemingly neglected. D immediately pauses and gapes at the sight in front of him. It was a downright shame. This building could be looked after so much better.
He kicked the door softly shut with a single back hoof and moved forward to look at the layout map on the nearby board. Mechanics would be the best bet he decided but what would that came under. Gadgetry he supposed. Lameponies term for engineering he supposed, up the stairs and on the left.
So up he trotted. The light was better up here with an open window and study desk in the centre so there was room to work. He set his bags down and went over to the bookshelves. The old tomes were covered in dust and frayed around the edges. Some of the titles were illegible. “What a shame...” he muttered to himself.
“Indeed it is.” A rasping elderly voice said.
D leapt to attention and bounced around his eyes darting this way and that looking for the speaker. Coming down from another set of steps was an elderly earth colt. His dark green pelt faded over the years and his mane was a short stubble. On his flank were three books in a triangular shaped glitter effect levitation. Or at least that is what D could make out. “This here place has been so sorely neglected and I am hardly the sprite I used to be. It is tricky to keep her shiny.”
“I’m sorry? What?” D looked utterly confused.
“This place,” The old colt motions to the shelves around him, “it is an absolute shame. The ponies in this town don’t care for her no more. The responsibility is up to old colts like me. It isn’t easy work either keeping her tidy.” He points to his head and says, “No magic here. I’m all by myself.” He rambles slightly.
D blinked in bemusement. He wasn’t sure what the old colt was on about. He took a second to analyse what the pony said and then replied. “Oh! I get it. You mean nobody comes here? Not even to clean this up place? Surely somebody has a hoover or at least a broom.”
“Curse’d machines!” The colt yelled making D jump. “Nobody uses magic these days!”
“Sheesh granpa calm it! Technology is just science and cogs. It isn’t the end of the world. And science is magic so what is the big deal!? Besides you are an earth pony. Why would you care about magic?”
“Well I never!” The old colt stamped a hoof and trotted off in a huff.
“What?! What did I say?” D yelled after him but he was well out of hearing range. D thought to himself for a moment. He had work to do and didn’t want to follow the old colt. He had to finish his invention if the group wanted to go to Cloudsdale together. Then again he never gave up an opportunity to make a point. “Now wait a moment!” He called after the colt chasing after him.
Down the stairs, the old colt was replacing some books onto the shelves. Lifting some with his hooves and others in his jaws; he would occasionally shake from his age as he lifted them. D could see a large pile of books on the floor. The old colt surely could not get through all of them. For the moment however that was none of his concern.
“Excuse me!” D cleared his throat. The old colt continued working. “Excuse me....Hello!”
“Young Whipper Snapper I have not the time for the likes of you!” The old colt snorted in derision.
D was taken aback. “Now see here...” He began.
“No you see here!” The colt came right up to his face, forcing D to skip back a few steps. “You and your technology and your science! Taking away from the arts that made Equestria what it was in my day! I have no time for you and your machines and ...and...” The colt shook himself with frustration his pelt seeming to grey to match his mood and went back to his task.
D just stood on the spot. His assessing mind was buzzing with thoughts. He looked at the pile of books, quickly checked off the titles in his head, looked at the library map then levitated the lot, trotting to the centre of the room where he could see all of the shelves, putting them away quickly and neatly. Then he turned and noticed the old colt that was just standing there looking at him with both confusion and seemed to be a little impressed. D didn’t stay there though, he returned to the desk he had settled on and went to work on his equations.
A little while later the old colt game up again. He just stood by the stairs and watched D. Spying upon the gadgetry and the work he was doing. After a good time the old Colt spoke. “What are you workin’ on?”
D shrugged, assuming that this was a close to an apology as he was going to get for the old colts rudeness earlier. The colt asked again. This time D lifted his head and sighed. “I am working on the internal mechanisms and connecting pivots for the analogue controls of the wings that I have been building. I have to make them useable for earth ponies.”
The old pony could be heard making enthused sounds. D ignored this and continued to look at the basic plans he had. Magically unicorns could move the controls but the earth ponies couldn’t. These wings just weren’t going to work. And then he had to find the necessary strong materials to build the joins with. He trotted over to some of the mechanic manuals. Picking out a few on joins and gears, levitating them to his work space and continuing; by then the old Colt had shuffled over and was peering over the blueprints that D had drafted up. D quickly got fed up with him standing over his work when he was trying to think.
“Sir, can you just....”
“Dusty.” The old pony said softly.
“I’m sorry?”
“My name is Dusty. Do use it.”
“Ok, Dusty. I kind of need the space to work.”
Dusty smiled a crooked smile and ignored this statement. “You have quite a powerful levitation spell. I could use a bright young colt like you around. What do you need this strange doo hickey for?”
“My friends and I are planning a trip to Cloudsdale, I’m trying to invent a device that will enable my friends to walk on the clouds without the need for magic. It would revolutionise travel.”
“And what is wrong with casting spells? You seem perfectly adept at magic.”
“There is nothing wrong with magic. Science derived from magic and technology from science. I just want to bring magic to the ponies that cannot use it. If I need to use machines and illusions then I will. Unicorns are natural conduits for energy. We absorb it in the world around us and then expel it in a focused form. That is science. Magic is just the outcome.”
“You sure do talk a lot. What you say sounds noble enough. However do you really think all these contraptions of yours are the answer to good old fashioned magic?”
D sighed heavily. He looked at all his work, then at Dusty. The old Colt wasn’t letting up. “What do you want really?”
The old colt smiled brightly. A twinkle in his old eyes, “Help me clean this place up, make an old Colts day and show him some good old fashioned magic. I could really use a young un’ like you. No pony ever comes here nowadays.”
For a second D felt a little depressed by the notion of all the good works of these ancient writers going to waste. The notion quickly passed. The new texts on his devices sufficed. Change was good he felt. He looked at his calculations. He didn’t feel very enthusiastic about those though. Perhaps a little focused magic use would make him feel more like using his brain. “Ok Dusty what do you need?”
The old colt seemed to come to life. He beamed broadly and motioned that D should come with him. Down the stairs into the main lobby, then he paused at a pastel pink coloured door. The hinges were all rusted and the lock appeared to be completely eroded away. “You can start by getting that door open for me. Please.” There was a hint of joy in his tone, like opening a hearths warming gift.
Wrinkling her nose D looked closely at the lock. He wasn’t built for bucking in doors. Maybe he could use a little spark to get the rust off the lock or possibly unscrew the hinges and take the door out using levitation. The lock would probably be easier, or better still. An unlocking spell, “Excuse me a moment.” He trotted off, checking the map as he went. He browsed a few shelves quickly, found a book which seemed appropriate, levitated it to his eye level and flicked through it quickly. He came back over to the door and stared at the writing on the page for a few moments then looked intently at the lock. He set the book down, closed his eyes in concentration, pointing his horn at the door, the pale glow of magic sparking to life both at its tip and inside the inner mechanism of the lock. With a deep heave and creak the lock began to turn, the keyhole seeping with dust and with a final thud the door unlocked. D paused and let out the breath he had been holding while he concentrated. The door had opened slightly as it had been unlocked, the lock having been holding it in place.
D opened it in his usual unicorn way then turned to look at the old colt for more instructions. Dusty looked far too giddy for an old colt, springing from the tips of his hooves as he passed D and rushed down the stairs. “Come on then young un’ we’ve got a basement to clear!”
D rolled his eyes but followed the old pony down the stairs. They creaked with age and each clop made dust fly into the air. It was dark in the basement and D lit up his horn so he could see. At the bottom the Dusty had started rummaging for lights. D spotted an old torch hanging on the wall. He looked around a little more before noticing a little light through the thick dust from above. A tiny window boarded up right by the roof. It wouldn’t give out much light but it would do. He rushed up the stairs again so he was slightly closer to the roof and used his levitation spell to pull at the old wood. It practically fell apart and sunlight flooded in. It bounced around the room hitting hidden dust covered mirrors. D rushed down the stairs, his canter raising all the dust and leaving the mirrors clear for the light to reflect all the way down until the whole room was lit. The old colt was almost bouncing at the bottom of the stairs by now. It was only upon seeing him that D stopped to take in the room.
More books all the way up and strange machines and equipment all over the floor. There was what looked like a treadmill at one side, linking into some sort of capacitor unit which ran to another device which D thought looked like a read out panel. There were piles of scrolls in one of the corners, and boxes labelled ‘letters to Celestia’. D had a funny feeling he knew what this room was; the experiment lab of one of the foremost magical ponies in Equestria. Although D didn’t want to say it out loud for worrying that he could be wrong. He rarely was but still it was best not to be found out as so. Or at least that was how he felt.
“Perhaps this little den could be just right for you to fix your em...thing. You just need to tidy up a bit. A wind spell would have the dust out of here in no time and I’m sure you could find a spell on cloud walking in here somewhere just in case you didn’t finish your project.” Dusty seemed to know exactly what this place was.
“For a pony that doesn’t like machines you sure seem to keep a lot,” D remarks.
“And for a tech savvy youth you aren’t half bad with your unlocking spells.”
D pauses and considers this. Using magic was second nature to a unicorn. Second nature, naturally, he could do it without thinking. “Dusty you’re a genius!” D rushes back to his equipment and blue prints. Earth ponies are naturally build for hard earth work; connect the mechanics up so they could run it themselves. Galloping would be plenty. He started drawing up a sketch of the mechanisms. He could test the necessary adjustments on Edge or Steadfast. The treadmill downstairs would be great.
DOWNSTAIRS! He rushed back to Dusty. Dusty had started dusting a bookshelf. D didn’t like cleaning but he knew exactly what to do. “Dusty, just wait right there I have an idea.”

**

The day was getting on. The sun was fully up and Ponyville was bustling and busy. Back in the library a lively group of friends had gathered.
“Remind me why I’m running not steadfast?” Edge panted as the treadmill sped up; D looking at the readouts on the screen and taking sketches and notes nearby.
“Because you’re the only one stupid enough,” Dove muttered with her head in the scrolls in the corner.
“You are the prime example of an earth pony which is perfect for my calculations.” D replied.
“Since when was Edge a prime example of a pony?” Steadfast jested. Edge snorted in annoyance.
Rouge was unhappily carrying things with Steadfast for Dusty; taking books up and down the stairs. Midnight had returned early and was dusting away on the higher shelves. Dove had started packing the scrolls; she was muttering something about them being vital for her studies.
“Thank you so much everypony! This is the most ponies I’ve ever seen in this library in years. Guess science and magic come hand in hand after all.” Dusty adds as he was leading the activities.
“No Dusty thank you.” D remarked. “I now know that we should use the abilities that we have to the maximum and make the most of each opportunity. And I will now be able to channel what I’ve got much better.”
Dove paused to listen and snuck off to make notes on something.
“We’ll never get her out now.” Steadfast says as he steps aside as she ran up the stairs, causing general giggles among the group.

Ghost Light

Ghost Light
The sun was at its peak and the lunch time rush was very much in flow in Ponyville. Sugar Dove had left Midnights place bright and early and had packed herself a picnic. She stopped by a few of the sights like the boutique that Rouge had told her about, checked in on Dusty at the library and even booked a flight on the balloon service. For a short time she stopped at the postal Pegasus office and arranged a delivery. She had arranged with Dusty to send the scrolls that D had found to Princess Luna. If Dove was correct about their relevance to the studies Luna had her conducting then they would prove vital. It would be twice as amazing if they were the lost texts that Celestia had mentioned some time ago at her last research summary.
Now however Dove was standing in a cue in Sugar Cube Corner. She had planned to get there much sooner and beat the rush but some things just couldn’t be helped. Ponies jostled and jested as they picked out their choices and left. Dove being near the end of the cue took the opportunity to look around and take in the amazingly old yet colourful establishment. It was hard to believe it had been around for a hundred years or so. At the counter Dove was greeted by a young pair of ponies, a unicorn and an earth pony. The pair smiled brightly coats of blue and pale yellow covered in flour; their flanks adorned with baking implements and cakes.
“Welcome to Sugar Cube Corner! Been in the cake family for a Hundred years! How can we serve you?” The earth pony mare smiled.
Dove beamed back at the pleasant pony placing an order for a selection of cupcakes. Midnight had told her they were amazing so what better to get for a picnic. “So it’s true your family have been doing this for a hundred years?” She asks as the colt fetches her order.
“Oh yes,” the mare replies. “My husband is the full blood who took it over from his father and so on and so forth. We’re proud to serve Ponyville. It is just such a shame we couldn’t have been around when this place was first established,” she mare looked a little grey faced at the thought but soon brightened up, “I’d have loved to meet the original Mr and Mrs Cake. I bet they were amazing bakers!” The colt returns with Doves order which Dove takes and slides into her picnic basket.
“Thank you very much!” Dove adds before picking up the basket in her mouth and carrying it happily away.
She headed to the Ponyville garden and park. There was a nice fountain there that had recently been renovated and she wanted a nosy.
The park was full of ponies; young fillies and foals playing and running around, other picnicking ponies and a few gardeners doing their jobs. Dove sneezed when she got too close to a flower patch. The fountain was indeed a marvel and Dove would have admired it more if not for the foals playing around the edges. So instead she settled for finding a picnic spot.
She settled herself in one of the open field areas and set down her basket which she then pulled out a blanket from and sat herself down. She was glad to have packed her camera which she immediately took out and took some shots of the edges of Ponyville and the tree’s behind her. For a while she just sat and enjoyed the peace, occasionally taking a snack out of her basket and nibbling away at it. Not far from her some fillies were playing. Even from a distance away she could hear them talking, fillies weren’t quiet at the best of times.
“I’m telling you I say her!” One was complaining to her friends who seemed less than convinced.
“No way! It’s an old mare’s tale!” Another retorted.
“I did, I really did. I saw her out my bedroom window. She was all glowing and strange just like Granny said. She was moving at the edge of the Ever Free forest. I’m telling you the ghostly mare lives in that old witch’s house!”
Dove was instantly drawn in by the little filly’s story. A ghost mare? Witches house? It sounded very interesting. She had never heard any such stories about a ghost mare near Ponyville. “Excuse me!” Dove called, sitting low so as not to seem threatening, “I believe you! Can you tell me a bit more about this ghost mare?” She looks hopefully at the fillies. They look amongst themselves and then at Dove. “I’ll trade you a cupcake for the story and you don’t even have to come near.” She says leaning towards her basket. One of the fillies comes over slowly. Wild red mane and flashy yellow flank, the little one gave her a curious glance. “I’m not going to bite.” Dove loves placing a cupcake from the basket in front of her.
The filly smiles and waves her friends over. “I’m Zap.” She declares. “Short for Zap Apple.”
“I’m Sugar Dove. Will you tell me the story please? I’m only visiting Ponyville and I’ve never heard such tales.”
The little ponies all gather round, telling tales always seemed to start like this, and Zap begins to tell the tale.
“Well firstly I live at Sweet Apple Acres so all my family knows of the ghost mare. They see her sometimes at night at the edge of the Ever Free Forest. They say that in the woods there is an old witch’s cottage that is all over grown and that one day a pony went in and got cursed. And from then on became the ghost mare! At night she wanders the edges of the woods because she wants to keep fillies and foals from coming in and becoming like her.”
“That is kinda noble of her don’t you think? Protecting little fillies from becoming ghosts.” Dove says as she takes out cupcakes for the fillies. They merely look confused by her statement.
“I’m not scared of the Ever Free forest!” announces one.
“I’ve been in the edges with my Dad.” says another.
“I saw the witch’s house!” proclaims Zap.
Dove giggles at the little ones. “Can you get in to see the house?” She asks curiously.
“Not really.” Zap confesses. “It isn’t safe in there; there are nasty plants and timber wolves. I only went in to get my scarf that had blown away. My Pa says it isn’t safe in the woods. I saw the house and galloped back.”
Dove smiles at the little fillies; she is starting to feel a little adventurous. She thanks them for telling her their story, passes them their cupcakes and watches them canter off giggling amongst themselves. Straight away Dove packs up her picnic gear.
That filly said she lived at Sweet Apple Acres when she saw the mare and at night. Well Dove wasn’t brave enough to sneak about at night. She did know about Sweet Apple Acres however, the best producers of Zap Apple Jam in all Equestria. Dove figured that she could do two things that she wanted to do at once. Visit the farm and sneak around to find an opening into the forest to look for the ghost mare. She didn’t believe in ghosts but she did like old buildings and stories.
So that is what she did. She cantered along merrily through town again and this time took the town bridge out to the country tracks. The estate was large and went on for miles so it wasn’t difficult to make out the apple orchards. The farm buildings looked reasonably new and outside the long road to the family house was a sign which read “APPLE FAMILY, PRODUCERS OF CIDER, PRESERVES AND THE FINEST APPLES IN EQUESTRIA.” Certainly a modest family Dove thought to herself.
For now Dove decided that going through would be rude so instead she followed the fence back to the river then along the river until she came to the forest edge. She then trailed further along until she could see the house again. She tracked the windows and made a guess at which one would be the fillies. When she was sure she turned to look at the trees. They loomed tall and scarily above her. A minute passed and Dove was still staring at them.
Taking a deep breath Dove slipped through some prickly bushes and into the woods. It was like jumping into a different world. The light almost completely gone and all the colours changes to dark greens, browns and blues, the ground however was surprisingly clear and Dove was almost sure she could see what she thought was a path. There were broken twigs and crunched up leaves all across the ground along that area. Dove decided to follow the apparent path.
It went on for quite some time. From time to time Dove would have to duck under branches or leap over roots. Occasionally she would snag her wings on the bushes and drop her basket. Sometimes she thought she heard noises; snapping twigs or birds and wolves and she couldn’t shake the feeling that somepony was following her.
After what felt like a half hour of walking she came to a small clearing and in front of her was a tall think hollowed out tree. It seemed to be converted into some sort of house. An old wooden door slightly ajar and coming off its hinges, and old charms and animal bones hung from the branches. Strange however was that there was a light flickering inside through open spaces which Dove could only assume were windows. Dove approached with caution and tapped the door with her hoof. “Hello?” Dove said slightly quieter than she had intended.
The door swung open. T here was small brackets on the walls lit with dull blue flames, the kind that a unicorn with a greater magic level might cast. There were charms, and old books, and foreign relics all over the room. Dove laid aside her picnic basket outside of the door and stepped in slowly. Instinctively ducking down and looking up and around. Dove felt that there had to be something around, ghosts didn’t have magic that would light torches. Not to her knowledge anyway. So she looked around. She picked up a few books and flicked through the pages; she admired the relics and gave the torches a closer look. The more she looked the more she thought that somepony was actually staying here and when a branch snapped outside she knew there had to be.
She leapt to attention and spun to face the door. Standing there was a mare unicorn. Tall and slender, she looked youthful and her mane seemed to glow eerily like a ghost, on her flank was a cutie mark of fungus or mushroom that had brightly lit spots on it much like those on her legs. There was a stern look on her face as she stood tall towering over Dove. Dove ducked down folding her wings in tight and tensing all her muscles, partly from fear and partially because she felt she had done something wrong.
“How dare you disturb the sanctity of my domain!?” She raised her voice to a terrifying pitch.
“I...I...I’m s...s...sorry...I d...d...didn’t know.” Dove stuttered hopelessly.
“Get out!” The mare stamped her hoof adamantly, stepping back from the door, making a small space for Dove to leave. As she moved back she knocked over Doves picnic basket and looked over to see what it was. Dove’s camera had fallen out along with a few leftover cupcakes.
The mare stared at the items; Dove just crouched petrified that she was in trouble. “I....I didn’t come to disturb anything.” She mumbled slowly moving forward.
The mare turned back to look at her, as Dove crept past keeping her eyes fixed to the ground. She moved round behind the mare, picking up her belongings and backing slowly away. While backing away Dove snapped a twig beneath her hoof, the sound startling her so she turned and galloped away. The last thing she saw of the mare was her deep blue piercing eyes like swirling waves.

***
It was late now and Rouge and Dove were settling in for the night.
Dove had come back with leaves and twigs matted into her mane and tail. Nopony questioned her strange appearance, probably because Dove was forever doing strange things. Now that she was clean and relatively relaxed she sat on her bed and wrote her letter for the day. She had barely started when she felt that the story was incomplete.
“Rouge.”
“What?” Rouge mumbled sleepily.
“If you accidentally walked into somepony’s house and they found you, what would you do? Could you make it up to them?”
“What kind of question is that?” Rouge yawned.
“Never mind. Night Rouge.” Dove said softly as Rouge rolled over to sleep.
Dove felt guilty for accidentally walking into somepony’s home. Who was that mysterious mare anyway? Certainly no ghost. Dove decided that she should make it up to this pony. Then perhaps she could find out a bit about her and this ghost story.

***
Dove had been on the go early the next day and had left long before anypony had gotten up. Now she was hiding behind the bushes, slunk low to the ground. She was watching the door way of that house, the lights were on as before and Dove was sure that she had heard movement inside. However before hiding Dove had placed a little wrapped up surprise outside the door. She had gotten the bakers to box up their freshly backed cupcakes and Dove had left a note. The note simply read “I’m sorry.”
Dove had been lying against the ground for a while now and was getting stiff; she stretched her wings rustling the leaves around her as she did so. This prompted activity from inside.
The mare swung the door open suddenly, pointing her horn out menacingly. Realising there was nothing around she looked about and noticed Dove’s package. She levitated it in front of her a bit away and turned the label to read it, then slowly opened the box. When nothing leapt out she peeped inside. Seeing the cupcakes she lowered the box and looked around. Dove stayed as motionless as she could even though her wings were cramping up.
“I know you’re out there!” The unicorn declared.
Dove flinched. She paused, holding her breath, not moving despite the cramp now set in her wings.
“I mean it!” The mare shouts, her call is slightly intimidating but mainly because she spoke with authority.
Instinctively as though spoken to by a teacher Dove stepped out, she kept low to the ground, both because she respected the mare and because she was too stiff to move.
“What is the meaning of this?” The mare said calmly.
“I...I just wanted to say sorry. I really am. I couldn’t think of a better way to do it. I didn’t want to invade your space again. So I bought you a present.”
The mare considered Dove for a second. She levitated the cupcake in front of her. She took a bite and smiled. “Thank you.”
Dove looked up, seeing the smile on the mare’s face she knew she was forgiven.
“Are you going to crouch there or get going?” The mare asked.
Dove shook herself, “Em...actually... I er..I just wanted to...”
“Spit it out.”
“I wanted to talk to you.”
“Why?” The mare looked startled, “Nopony comes out here. Nopony speaks to me.”
“I want to. I heard stories, I was curious. I don’t like leaving on sad notes. I hurt your feelings I wanted to make it up to you.”
The mare stared at Dove. She blinked her glowing flank paler in the light coming from her doorway.
Dove wriggled a little on the spot and scuffed her hoof along the ground. “So...eh...My name is Sugar Dove. What’s yours?”
The unicorn stared at her for a moment. Then spoke, “Are you trying to ‘make friends’ with me?”
Dove smiled and nodded vigorously to which the unicorn just continued to stare.
“Em...Nice to meet you.” Dove continued, “Look I really am sorry.”
The pair stood quietly for a minute. Then eventually the Unicorn spoke. “Lantern Light.”
“I’m sorry? What?”
“My name is Lantern Light.” She said turning back into her house. She levitated the cake and wrapping in front of her. “You best come in I suppose.”
Dove perked up and cantered inside. She hadn’t realised how bright the inside had been last time she was there. There was a reading desk, food cupboards and an old rug. The relics and charms were dust covered and the ancient books were stacked high all over the little home. Dove must have been gapping as the mare looked over at her with a look of amusement.
“I’m sorry you’re house is amazing. What is with all the old artefacts?”
The mare settles down. She looks up at Dove and wrinkles her nose. “They must have belonged to the previous owner.” She shrugged and looked grey and sad. “I thought they were unique.”
“So why do you live out here?”
“Do you always ask lots of questions?”
Dove blushed and shuffled her hooves. “I guess I do...”
“I like to be alone. Most ponies find me strange so I like the solitude. There are plenty of fresh plants to eat out here so I rarely need to go to town.”
“Is it to do with the glowing thing?”
Lantern Light tilted her head with a look of disdain, “What do you think?”
“Oh...I’m sorry. I think that’s cool.”
She shrugged again, and gives Dove a look over. “What made you come back? Most ponies around here see ghosts and run for the hills.”
Dove smiled. “I was wondering about the ghost thing. I can see why they would think you are a ghost. Why do you go with it?”
“Gives me peace now what is it that brought you back?”
For a moment Dove looked thoughtful, she sat herself down and wrinkled her nose as she often does when she thinks. “I guess I don’t like leaving on a bad note. I mean you clearly weren’t a ghost. Besides ghosts can’t light torches.” She smiles knowingly.
“You know your magic then? That is uncommon for a Pegasus.”
“I’m a student in Canterlot, they teach lots of things there.”
“I know all about Canterlot.” Lantern tilts her head towards the book pile. “I’ve read all about it.”
“My turn again. You like solitude but why this house?”
Lantern Light looked around and smiled with pride. “I liked it since I was a filly. I heard stories of the witch that lived here. Although living here I realise now that it was an alchemist or a medicine pony. Probably foreign based on the relics or well travelled. I imagine they were just like me. They must have liked solitude as well. I didn’t want it to go to waste or be abandoned forever it would be a shame.” Her glow seemed to fade as she considered the tale.
“Do you mind that I came back?” Dove said with a gentle smile, looking at the nostalgic pony.
Lantern Light looked up at her and considered. “I guess it’s nice to talk to somepony once in a while.”
“Then I have a great idea. It will make up for all the trouble I’ve caused.” Dove smiled.

***

Its dark, there street lights are glowing softly and all of Ponyville is asleep. Two cloaked figures peek from an alleyway. One is wearing a hooded top, the other a full body cloak of murky brown.
“Hang on its just round the corner I’m going ahead. You wait here ok?” It was Dove, she had grabbed her hoody earlier in the day and spent hours convincing the now cloaked Lantern Light to come outside.
“Ok but I’m not waiting for long.” Lantern whispered back, “Ghost ponies aren’t welcome you know.”
Dove grins and sneaks across to Midnights house where she had planted a present for Lantern Light. She gently pushed open the door and vanished inside. Lantern Light shuffled nervously in the dark. A moment later Dove appeared again. She had a package in her mouth hanging by the string. She set it down in front of Lantern Light looked up at her hopefully.
“What is this? You dragged me out for a parcel?”
“I dragged you out for two things. The best practical joke you’ll ever play and this is a present from me. You can have solitude but you’ll never have to be lonely. This is a writing set. Ok its half of mine. But it has got all my details in it. I’ll send my Dove with a letter and you can send her back with one if you like. You don’t have to though.”
Lantern Light literally lights up with delight. “Like a penpal!?”
“Yeah like a penpal.” Dove smiled softly. “So how about that joke?”
“What do you have in mind?”
“Put Ponyville on the map again? The ghost of Ponyille! You’ll be able to come out on nightmare night at least and nopony would bat an eyelid.”
“Ok the chance to get out more and play a prank on a town. I suppose I could do that.” She plays coy but nods away happily after a second.
Dove grins, “Hide your things and follow me.”

An hour later Dove had Steadfast, Edge and Scribe outside. She didn’t dare wake up Rouge, that would be cruel and D would be too rational to play a prank on. If this worked Scribes writing would make short work of this prank.
“Why on earth are we out here at this time of night?” Steadfast asked as Dove pretended to sneak forward.
“I swear I saw it I saw it!” She mumbled as convincingly as she could.
“Saw what?!” Edge asked excitedly.
As if on cue from leaping onto the town fountain Lantern Light aglow brightly, using her magic to make her eyes glow and horn shimmer, she bellows loudly and bounds forward.
Simultaneously all three colts scream and belt it. Clearly video game ghosts less scary than real ones. Dove canters into a nearby alley. Once all three colts are out of view and sound Lantern Lights joins her and covers herself in her cloak quickly before any other pony is roused by the noise. Once they are hidden Dove and Lantern burst into laughter.
“I can’t wait for nightmare night now.” Lantern Light giggles with delight, “Thank you Dove.”
“What for?” Dove manages between giggles and tears.
“For coming back.”

On the wings of Kindness

Chapter Six
On the Wings of Kindness

“You know Dove,” D said as the group sat together to breakfast; “I haven’t seen you fly since we came to Ponyville.”
Dove shrugged, “Don’t need to.”
“It’s a fair observation Dove, you didn’t hurt yourself or anything when you fell did you?” Edge said with concern.
“Don’t worry Dove is a strong one,” Scribe piped up, “We’re going to Cloudsdale anyway, why don’t I take Dove to get checked by a specialist?”
“I’m fine you know!” Dove snarled, “I don’t need checked!”
“When was the last time you got a check up Dove?” Rouge said quietly eating her daisy salad.
Dove muttered incoherently.
“That’s what I thought.” Rouge said, “So may as well get a check up if you are going to be in Cloudsdale.”
Dove grumbled to herself, D however piped up loudly, “When do we head out? I can’t wait to test these wings out! I finally finished the last of the enchantments last night and all the screws are tightened and ready to go.”
“We could go at lunchtime?” Steadfast nodded, “The winds are low and the sun will be high in the sky, couldn’t ask for better weather.”
“I’m up for that,” Scribe said, “it will be great to visit Cloudsdale again.”
“I’ll take the balloon.” Dove mumbled.
“Really? Not helping your argument about not needing a check up there Dove.” D said in the matter of fact tone.
“I’ll go with her.” Edge piped up, Rouge looked at him with her head dipped slightly so only he could tell. “I’ll wear the wings and try them out in Cloudsdale but I’ve never been on a balloon before.” He lowered his voice and spoke to Dove softly so as no other pony could hear, “And I’m scared of heights anyway, easier to hide in the basket.” Dove smiled at him softly.
“It’s settled then! I’ll go get the wings!” D leapt up and galloped up the stairs to get his gadgets.

Midday Sun

The group were congregating at the balloon on the outskirts of town. Rouge was talking hushed to Edge.
“Don’t be upset if she doesn’t notice Edge, she’ll come round eventually.”
“I know. She is out of my league anyway. No harm in being nice right?” Edge responded.
“I worry about you. You are far too kind to everypony. I just hope one day you get something nice back.”
“A smile is all I need.” Edge grinned at her.
“You look after her.” Rouge said as they arrived at the balloon dock.
“Two to Cloudsdale!” Dove was bouncing about happily giving bits to the vender.
D meanwhile was helping Rouge with the straps on her wings and Scribe was giving Steadfast flight tips. Edge shrugged into his wings, D having informed him that the cloud standing enchantment was on them. Everypony struggled to get there travel supplies attached over the wings.
Dove came bounding over, “All set at the balloon.”
“Cool, I know the route, I’ll lead.” Midnight scribe leapt up flapping his wings then hovering while D showed the others how to get airborne.
“We’ll see you there.” D said as the rest of the group struck ahead, wings flapping with the galloping of hooves before taking off into the cloud line.
Dove jumped into the balloon basket and shouted “Weeee!” before even taking off. Edge sighed at her but then smiled widely and sat beside her. The balloon pony settled in for what they assumed was going to be a long journey with an excitable Pegasus on board.
Edge sat with his head below the basket edge so he didn’t have to look at the ground getting farther away. Dove on the other hoof was leaning over the edge shaking with excitement. “Look down there! Oh and over there! I can see Canterlot from here! Oh look at the snow on the mountains!”
With a soft smile Edge came closer to her and peeked over the edge trying to only look forward. Dove laughed at him and dragged him up with her hoof and pointed over the horizon where the metal glints of their friends technical wings could be seen as the sunlight bounced off them. She was almost bouncing out of the basket, clearly loving being in the air. He stayed stalk still trying not to shake the basket anymore than Dove was. He always wondered why she didn’t fly much. She had gorgeous wings much larger than the other Pegasus. And her eyes sparkled when she was smiling, and her main always curled cutely when it was wet, not to mention he’d heard rumours that she had a gorgeous singing voice, and...
“Hey Edge look down there! Isn’t that the town your brother played that gig?”
Edge snapped out of his thoughts and gulped as he looked over the edge without thinking. “Uhhh....”
Dove giggled at him, she sat him down and patted his back. “Maybe next time we’ll get Celestia to use her magic and just zap you there.” She smiled brightly.
“Yeah....” He breathed, “I like that plan slightly better.”

A tour of Cloudsdale
Upon arrival in Cloudsdale Edge leaps off the balloon and starts gasping happily for air. “Air! Sweet air! And clouds! Never thought I’d be so happy to be standing on clouds!”
Dove laughs at him.
Steadfast facehoofs “Honestly Edge you really bring up the class of this group!”
“Right,” Scribe says, “I’ll drop off Dove and catch up with you lot at the weather factory and then we’ll come back and pick you up in the evening? Or we can meet you at the Cloudsdale inn?”
“I’ll meet you at the inn. I’ll catch you later, have fun on the tour!” Dove trots off with Scribe.
“Awesome, so we’re hoofing it to the factory solo. Guess it’s explore and get lost for the none-Pegasus.” Steadfast says flatly.
“Just ask for directions.” Rouge states. “Come on I’ll get us there.”
The ponies start to follow her but Edge stopped and stretched his limbs. He watched the group but didn’t feel interested in a weather factory. “Edge you coming?” Rouge called.
“You know what I’ll catch you all up; I need to stretch my legs a little.”
“Alright, but don’t be too long.” Rouge shrugs, “Come on colts lets go see some rainbows.”
Edge stood on the spot for a while watching them canter away until they were lost in the crowd of Pegasus.
Once the coast was clear he sighed deeply and flexed his legs, the wings beating with each movement. They were heavy but not uncomfortable, maybe now he was off the balloon he could try them out. He would need somewhere with space though, and where he would not be able to see the ground below. Only problem, he didn’t know anything about Cloudsdale or the surrounding area.
He trudged along as he tried to think of a solution to his predicament when a sound caught his ear. Somepony sobbing, he just made out the figure of a mare as her dark coat and tear stricken face as she galloped off almost out of sight. Edge hated the sound of somepony crying and in his heart knew only one solution. So he gave chase, calling out. “Hey! Excuse me! Hello!”
The mare galloped surprisingly fast and with the weight of D’s wings on his back Edge struggled to keep up. A few turns around cloud buildings and pillars and eventually Edge came to an edge. The pony, a Pegasus had glided down to a lower level of clouds and had settled next to a rainbow pond. From where Edge stood he could hear her sob softly. He looked down the gap and panicked. “Oh no....oh colt....!” He shuffled on his hoofs, wanting to help but not able to pluck up the courage to jump.
As he deliberated and muttered to himself in frustration he failed to notice the mare stop crying and look up at him. She had cocked her head to the side and was watching Edge with a mixture of confusion and amusement. “What are you doing?” She said nervously.
Edge startled leapt back the wings catching the breeze jolting him forward, curling up in fright the wings spread open further and he crashed forward, rolling onto the clouds and skidding to a halt beside the mare that had leapt to her hoofs and taken a step back.
“Goodness, are you ok?”
Edge dazed and startled looked up from the heap he was in and eventually muttered. “Ow...”
“I’ll go get help!” The mare said calmly and was about to gallop off when Edge rolled onto his hooves.
“No no it’s alright! I’m sturdy.”
“Are you sure you’re alright?” The mare said with concern.
“I actually was coming down here to ask you that.”
The mare was taken aback. “You came to ask me if I was ok.”
“Yes. You were galloping around crying. It’s only right to ask if a pony is ok. Is there anything I can do?”
The mare sat down in shock, “You came to ask if I was ok?” She repeated.
“Yes. Are you?”
The mare sat quietly for a second, her lip quivered. She gulped and opened and closed her mouth a few times. Edge knew this routine well. Dove did the same thing when she was upset. Clumsily he got to his hooves and sat beside the mare and put a hoof around her. “It’s ok. My name is Edge and I’m here to help.” He smiled softly to the mare whom instantly started to cry again.
She sobbed for a while and he just held onto her. “You want to talk about it?” He eventually said.
She sniffled then replied “I have a flight test today and I’m never going to pass.”
Edge tilted his head and smiled at her. “Oh that’s nothing to worry about...” He looked at her flank trying to guess her name; the flaming storm brazened on her flank gave him no clue. “Err..?”
“Ember. My name is Ember.”
“Well Ember. Tests can be scary but so long as you try your best and you are sure that you have then it doesn’t matter if you pass or fail. I’m sure you’ll do great. At least you don’t have great hefty metal things on your back that catch any breeze that comes along.”
Sniffling again she rubs her hoof against her nose and looks up at him, “What are those things anyway?”
“These are wings. A friend of mine is an inventor. He enchanted them so I could walk on clouds. Earth ponies cant you know.”
“I know but I’ve never seen a contraption like those.”
“Me either. Maybe you could show me how it’s done?” Edge said slyly.
“But how do they work?” She had gotten up and was prodding his wings with enthusiasm.
“I think it depends on when I move my hooves.” Edge lifted a front hoof and one of the wings folded up.
She compared her wings flexing to his. “That is pretty rough for a wing movement. You must need smoother motions. Try galloping.”
“What now?” Edge acted cool, wanting her to think she had the lead, that and he didn’t want her to realise he was scared of heights.
“Yes now. Look like this.” She galloped forward her wings flapping hastily till she lifted off the ground; she came back round with a smooth slow glide and hovered in front of him. “You try!”
Edge lacking in confidence but seeing the instant joy he’d created just from a moments comforting took a deep breath and started to gallop. He closed his eyes not daring to look ahead; he could hear the wings beat the air as she came up beside him. “You’re doing great!” She exclaimed.
Edge opened an eye and instantly wished he hadn’t. “Wahhh!”
He curled up in fright the wings opening up further causing him to be lifted higher. The ground looked a long way down.
“Don’t stop now.” Ember encouraged but Edge just made a squeal noise and closed his eyes tight. So she flew up beside him, controlled and calm and grabbed the underside of his wings and pulled up controlling his flight and hers. She took him lower and eventually got him onto a cloud where he rolled all over it repeatedly giggling and saying “cloud soft cloud!” She rolled her eyes at him.
After he took a moment to compose himself he sat up and looked over at her. “So flight test you say?”
Ember looked down a quiver on her lip once again.
“Well I’d say you’re ready, that was great strength and control and you seemed to know exactly how to explain it to a beginner.” Edge said matter of fact.
She looked up confused, she paused to think, then a smile broke out and she beamed at him ecstatic. With a cry of “Yeah!” she bounced into the sky and looped before landing again.
“And bonus points for the fancy tricks.”
She blushed. “I didn’t think I was any good.”
“You are perfect.” Edge complimented.
Ember flew straight into him. “Thank you Edge! You’re so Kind!”
“Nah,” He said, “Just being me.”
“No really, you are so kind. I just wish more ponies were like you, everypony used to be so kind back in the old days. I wish the flight schools were less harsh.” She seemed gray as she pondered what things must have been like.
“I bet things haven’t changed that much.” Edge suggested, “But I wouldn’t worry. Go show them what you are made of.” He added cheerily.
“Oh I will!” Ember almost flew off.
“Ember!” He called after her, “Listen if you ever feel down again send a message my way. My friends and I will always cheer you up.”
She looked at him blankly. “Really? Are you sure? I’m sure no pony wants to hear my problems.”
“I do. I’m here to help. I’m Gamers Edge from Canterlot. I’m travelling at the moment but if you need a friendly hoof consider me happy to help. Although maybe with my hoofs on the ground next time.”
Again she flew back and hugged him, “Thank you so much!” And in a moments breeze she was gone.
Feeling like He had done his good deed for the day Edge went off smiling to catch up with his

One trail to another

Later on the group had booked into an inn in Cloudsdale and were waiting anxiously for Dove in the lobby. They had been talking excitedly about the weather factory and Rouge had taken photos for Dove. When Dove arrived she didn’t look happy. She said one thing.
“I have to sit a flight test.”

Dedication

Author's Note

This chapter features Original characters by a deviant artist unitoone. He has kindly let me include them in my story.
Head over to him on deviantart and take a look at his work if you can spare a moment. Not advertising just a polite thank you on my part.

Dedication

The group had not responded as Dove had hoped. The giggled at the idea of a grown pegasus sitting a flight test and then after a moment moved on and started going on about how wonderful their day had been. Even Edge seemed a little more relaxed. Dove overheard him mention a pegasus he had met but she was hardly in the mood to listen. They just went on and on until Dove just couldn’t take it anymore. Sneaking out of the inn she waited until she was out of sight and sound then galloped off. She didn’t care where she just galloped. However not being the fittest in the group she didn’t get far. But at least it was away. She couldn’t sit a flight test. She would never pass a flight test.

She eventually stopped trotting around and was about to sit herself down on the spot with an immense amount of displeasure when in the distance a building caught her eye. The setting sun glowed around its edges making it all the more clear and brilliant. The Cloudsdale Stadium; one of the oldest buildings in the town and one of the most loved. From where Dove stood she could hear a familiar sound, one which she had not heard since the last winter solstice festival. The shooting stars of Cloudsdale; the replacement squad for the long disbanded Wonderbolts. The familiar shimmering sound and whoosh of a pegasus in flight was very familiar to her after having sat with Luna at their last display. Perhaps watching them fly would calm her nerves. With a little shimmy she cantered over and let herself into the stadium and worked her way to one of the seating areas.

The ponies which flew about Dove were all acquaintances of Luna but despite being a student at the Castle Dove had never plucked up the courage to say hello at any of the displays. She watched as the oldest colt Star Dust yelled up brashly at the youngest of the team. His belt was a dusty pale navy and like his team he had stars emblazoned on his flank. Dove had always thought he was very loud and a little obnoxious. One the benches near him was Star Light, a white pegasus although her flank looked silver in this light, she swept her blue mane back with her hoof as she took a drink from a stadium side fountain. Dove didn’t know much about her but knew she was quieter than Dust. Above were Star Sky and Star Fighter. It was easy to notice these two. They always stood nearby each other at events and Fighter had the most peculiar mane. The tips would glow red in the dark. In fact it was very rare to see any of these ponies about in the daytime. Maybe they just trained a lot Dove thought to herself. Star Sky was very gentle natured, and was often heard during displays encouraging her team mates. She was also the hardest to spot at night with her dark grey pelt and dark blue mane. During displays they often used her for crowd sweeps. Nopony would see her coming. Fighter was the easiest to spot and despite the obvious presence of their trainer he was the most noticed. Just now in the sunset his black flank was very visible and his single star cutie mark looked out of place in the daytime.

Dove watched them fly about in turns then as a group. They must train for hours. The sun had long since set and Dove wasn’t even tired. She could watch these ponies all night. The moon had now risen and now some stars were twinkling in the dark night. By now the pegasus were getting tired and Dust shouted for them all to cease. He went throw what Dove can only assume was some finishing stretches then dismissed them. Light left straight away without a goodbye or any gesture of recognition. Dust wasn’t far behind her. But the two most tired ponies sat by the water fountain and giggle with each other and smiled. Fighter and Sky.

It was at that moment Dove realised how alone she was. Her friends didn’t seem to understand and now she was sitting outside alone in the dead of night. She started to cry. At first she didn’t even notice the tears. But soon they were just coming and she just sobbed as silently as she could but her breathing quickly became heavy and it was hard to stay silent as she hiccupped to breath. She didn’t hear the two pegasus approach her.

“What’s wrong sweetie?” Star Sky bent down to look dove in the eye, standing a little in front of her.

Dove startled tumbled off her seat and hiccupped. “I’m sorry.” She sobbed, “I...I didn’t mean to ...disturb you.”

Star Fighter kept the most straight face Dove had ever seen but he had a very calming voice. “Its alright we’d finished for the night. Now what is the matter?”

“It’s nothing really.” Dove tried to bluff.

“Come now,” Star Sky smiled a little, “we’re not going to go telling anypony.”

Dove looked up at her, this is the first time had ever seen a pony with eyes like hers. One green and one red, very unusual but very beautiful and she was most sincere.

Dove spluttered everything in one go, “I have a flight test tomorrow and I will undoubtledly fail and my friends don’t seem to understand and if I fail I’ll have to stay behind then all that we’ve achieved will be worthless and I will not be able to finish my study and Luna will be upset and...”

“Woah woah!” Star Fighter held a hoof up. “One thing at a time. Now, did you say Luna?”

“mmhmm,” Dove nodded, getting to her hooves.

“Why would Luna be upset?”

“I’m her student,” She stated, “and I’m on a journey with my friends to gain information for her on a new study. And if I don’t pass this test I’ll hold everypony back.”

“Why would you fail a flight test?” Star Sky tilted her head in curiosity.

Dove just lifted her wings, they were slightly larger than a normal pegasus and always stopped her from doing some of the necessary manoeuvres for a flight test. “My wings are awkward and I’m uncoordinated.”

The pair giggled, Dove felt bruised on the inside. She must have looked it too as the two stopped. “Well then...uh...?”
“Sugar Dove.”

“Sugar Dove, why don’t we help? I’m sure you’d be wonderful at gliding with wings like that and I bet I could teach you to swirl and dive no bother!” Star Sky said excitedly.

Dove was taken aback. One of the Shooting Stars offering to teach her would be a privilege but she could accept such an offer. She was about to state as such when Star Fighter piped up.

“That would be great! It would be fun to teach somepony instead of taking orders. I do my best flying at night anyway. So how about it?”

Dove wrinkled her nose. “o.k” She said slowly.

“Yeah!” Star Sky squealed, “You can call me Sky and this is Star. It’s much easier than referring to us as our full titles. Come on!” Sky leaped down to the open expanse of the stadium landing on one of the training clouds.

Star smiled and slowly trotted down after her. Dove was so unsure but followed anyway. Why would these two ponies help her? They don’t know her or owe her anything.

“So you study under Princess Luna?” Star asked. He had a very steady and slightly quiet voice. It reminded Dove of a foal in a strange way.

“Yeah,” she responded, “She is trying to recover knowledge that has been lost to equestrian for a hundred years. And the topic at hand is my speciality.” Dove indicated the cutie mark on her flank.

“I’ve only met Luna for a moment myself.” Star confessed, “Star Dust deals with all the royal affairs. I haven’t spoken with her since before ...” He trailed off. Dove has a sense that she shouldn’t ask.

“Come on slow pokes! We need to stretch before getting started!” Sky giggled.

Star rolled his eyes in a sarcastic manner, “To think she is normally a quiet mare.”

Dove came and joined her, gliding clumsily over to the training cloud. Sky was already stretching, Wings to opposite hoof first then push ups, which Dove couldn’t do, then jumps and hovers. Dove was so unfit she struggled to keep up with the athlete. Hovering was a real struggle; Dove couldn’t really get off the ground from the spot. That was the main reason she avoided flying with her friends. When Sky was satisfied with Doves attempts to get started she signalled for her to join her in the air. So Dove stepped up to the cloud edge, took one look down and forward and froze on the spot. She began to panic. What if she couldn’t do it anymore?
Star came and stood beside her. He opened up his wings and crouched down slightly and motioned for Dove to copy. For a moment she just stared at him. He wasn’t much taller than her and his wings were only slightly smaller than hers. With a wrinkle of her nose she copied and took a deep breath in. He leaned forward tipping off the cloud slightly and went into a short dive and glided back to a sensible height before using his wings to stay aloft. Dove leaned forward and made a squealing noise as she felt a breeze rush against her face. She was both excited and terrified. With a sudden jolt something pushed for forward, her open wings stopped her form going into free fall and instinct kicked in. She pulled her head up and evened out. She didn’t gain much height but she wasn’t falling anymore. She flapped her wings down hard but she failed to stop on the spot and most certainly didn’t hover. “Eeeep!”

“Keep calm.” Star said coming up beside her, “Curl your wings with the air currents. That will change your angle. You can do it.”
“Yeah Dove you can do it!” Sky gleefully exclaimed from in front of her.

Dove was so unsure that each beat of her wings felt heavy. Like her very feathers were made of rock. Gradually and with some very heavy breathing on her part she came to a halt in the air and she beat her wings down against the invisible air around her until she was hovering. She exclaimed loudly, “I did it! I’m hovering!”

Sky withheld a giggle by planting a hoof over her mouth. Star seemed very reserved about the entire exercise. Dove wasn’t sure he approved of the sudden flight lesson with a stranger. Or maybe he thought Dove was a little pathetic. Hovering was a basic manoeuvre and Dove was failing horribly. It was hard to tell.

“Ok let’s get you doing some turns. I’ll spread out some clouds and rings and such and we’ll get you ready for a galloping start.” Sky stated as she flew off midsentence to set up.

“Um...ok but how do I....?” Dove began but didn’t get the chance to finish but Star responded.

“Do what?”

Dove blushed and looked at her hooves.

“What?” He asked with a hint of concern.

“How do I start moving again?”

Star did a little eye roll. “Tilt your wings as you flap and lean forward. To turn change the pacing of your flaps or the angle at which you hold the wind in your wings.”

Dove just smiled and eased herself forward. It was a moment of wobbling and varying heights before Dove made it back to the cloud for a galloping start. Sky had made some cloud swirls and bucked up some hoops. She was happily demonstrating at a fair pace while doing quick loop the loops and bouncing off the stray cloud puff. It was dizzying to watch. Star watched smiling at Sky. Dove could only assume he had a fond relationship of sort s with her; probably best friends.

“You ready?” Sky hollered to them.

“Yeah!” Sky responded, Dove just looked at him as she didn’t feel ready at all, “we’ll go together,” He said to her calmly, “I’ll match your pace, you match my movements.”

Dove nodded and did a little wriggle in anticipation. She took a deep breath and galloped; she lost the feeling in her legs with nerves but kept bounding forward anyway. All she knew was that her instinct took over and the cloud edge was drawing closer and she had to leap and catch the updraft and then she was up in the air and the wind rushed under her and she had to move forward. She looked over to Star and watched his wing tips twitch to catch the breeze. She attempted to mimic. At first she was a little clumsy and he would have to move aside so she didn’t crash but after a moment she had it. After a little while she just assumed from the corner of her eye what he was going to do. A minute longer and she was doing the cloud turns. When she looked over she realised Star wasn’t there. For a second she panicked but only for a second as she realised. She was flying!

After a few hoops and turns she had gained a little speed and was comfort with on the level flying. But she had a feeling there were some important things she still needed to know. “Sky?”

“Yeah Dove?”

“How do I land?”

Again Sky tried to withhold a giggle. So she did a little loop and hovered up a few feet got closer to the cloud and let the air go so that she only dropped a short height. Behind her Star did a galloping landing, whooshing in at speed but trotting in the air so his hooves were prepared for the run. Once on the cloud he slowed himself. Dove nodded at them and did her best to copy. As per the norm her landings were shaky but much better than they had been.

“Ok. Last question promise!”

“Shoot?” Sky grinned.

“When you are on the ground and you need to start flying how do you do it? There isn’t an updraft.”

Sky had to think about this one. Star thankfully had this. “You can use the running start and use momentum to lift you or if you have good legs and strong wings you can lift yourself from a leap. It only takes a little air to lift us. Pegasus have inert magic that aids us in that way.”

For a student under alicorns it surprised her she didn’t think of the inert magic of pegasus.

“That everything? Good! Let’s go get a drink and chill!” Sky declared and trotted over to the fountain. Star and Dove trailing behind.
Once the three were settled back on the seating they rested and watched the sky alight with stars and a shining moon. Dove sighed content. Learning to fly in one night was beyond a miracle. She had been lucky to find such good teachers.
“What are you thinking?” Star watched Dove.

“I’m just thinking how lucky I’ve been. You have both been wonderful I cannot thank you enough for all you’ve done!”

“Any pony as loyal to a quest as you deserves the help.” Sky said beaming.

Dove grinned.

“I wish there were others with a heart like yours. Like the dedicated ponies of old. Like the Wonderbolts! I heard they were harder working than any pegasus you or I would know.” Star said as his coat seemed to dull and grey like he was looking back on a fond memory but the moment soon passed.

“You’ll have to keep in touch now Dove. No excuse for hiding in the shadows as Canterlot affairs now. You can invite us to your table so Old Dusty can’t jibe us.“ Sky said as a matter of fact.

“I’d love that!” Dove exclaimed, “Does that make us friends?” She said with a nose wrinkle.

“Of course it does. “ Star said. “Now go get some rest and ace that test.”

Dove leapt to her hooves. “You bet! Good night!” and she galloped off into the night.

****
The crew were gathered around in the seating area of the athletics hall. The doctor was on the central cloud with his clipboard and was watching Dove do the basic flight test. She was going at a decent pace and wasn’t too showy although she did buck her tail out as she cloud hopped. Each time she went past Edge gave her a cheer and Rouge or Scribe would clap their hooves. It was a little intense watching the doctor tick or take notes down below. When Dove eventually landed and stood chatting with him a while the group help their breath before the doctor trotted off and Dove smiled up at them waving her hoof.

She had passed!

The gang came down to meet her and chat and talk about what to do next. But Dove wasn’t listening. There were some other bystanders she needed to talk to. She trotted over to the fountain where some shadowy ponies were standing and hugged them both. “Thank you both so much.”

“You did great Dove! Just keep in touch.” Sky smiled hugging her back.

“Whip that tail a little tighter on those turns and you’ll be flying with us in no time.” Star joked.

The crew watched her unable to hear or fully make out the ponies from where they stood. But Scribe had an idea, “Is that the Shooting Stars?” He exclaimed but nopony was brave enough to find out.

True Talent

The group were enjoying lunch outside the rainbow factory gift shop. The mares had some keyrings and were attempting to pick the ones they wanted without arguing. Steadfast was doing his best not to laugh at the pair. D however was ignoring them and was contentedly messing with his wings by looking back and forth at an enchanting lexicon he had picked up back in Ponyville. Edge and Scribe were chatting to themselves.

“So where do you think we’ll go next?” Edge asked casually.

“I have no idea.” Scribe responded, “but knowing Dove she’ll have something in mind.”

It was as if in response that a mail pony flew past. “Excuse me?” He approached, “I was told that I would find a Midnight Scribe here?”

“That’s me,” he responded.

“Here.” He passed him a letter, “I think its urgent.” And he flew off without another word.

“Gotta love the mail force around here, very efficient.” Commented Dove between snatching keyrings.

Scribe had opened the letter and was scanning it carefully. He sighed, then he mused and finally he declared. “I have to go to Manehatten. I’ve been assigned a review there. I could do with this. I am slightly concerned though?”

“Sounds awesome! What’s up though?” Steadfast chipped in.

“My boss wants me to write a bad review. Before I’ve even seen the act I’m reviewing.”

“Why would you be told to do that?” Rouge joined in.

“I assume he’s been paid off by a competing firm to ruin the performer I’m being told to meet.”

“Then we’d best go so you can meet this performer. It’s still professional to follow procedures I assume?” Dove added.

“You all want to go with me?” Scribe looked at them all.

They all nodded almost in unison.

“It’s settled!” Dove declared, “we’re going to Manehatten!”

***

One short balloon ride later and the crew were landing on a rooftop in busy Manehatten.

“Ok so we’re all clear on where and when we are going?” Scribe checked.

D replied “I’m off to sort the hotel for us.”

“I’ll take this opportunity to get my hoof into the comedy circuit.” Steadfast grinned.

“We’re going shopping!” Dove had grabbed Edge and was already dragging him off into the distance leaving D to pick up the gadgetry he had dropped in the process.

Rouge rolled her eyes at Dove but smiled anyway and silently followed a bit behind.

“Guess I’ll see them later. Good luck Gentlecolts I’ll meet you at the hotel.”

The colts nodded and went on their way.

Scribe had only been to Manehatten once. Head office was here and he had done his best to keep his distance. So hopefully if he did right by them he could keep to himself in Ponyville as a small time reviewer.

He worked his way toward the theatre district. This was his first time here. The roads were busy, the walkways were busy, even the air was packed. There were queues out the buildings and on the sidewalks for shows, shops and cabs. Scribe felt a little overwhelmed at first but kept his cool and found the building he was told to head too. He took the side door to avoid the hectic streets and ridiculous queue out the door. Entering he found himself in a long corridor. The vinyl floors went on for ages and there were numbered doors on all the walls. There were ponies galloping about in a rush and others in costumes and warming up their voices and muscles. Scribe tapped the first pony that didn’t look too busy on the shoulder to ask for directions. They nodded in the general direction but as with many performers that he knows they really weren’t interested in talking to him. Cantering in that general direction he finds that he can hear music. A piano is playing and is slowly getting louder as he approaches a room towards the end of the hall. At its loudest he turns to face the door. This seemed like the place.

He tapped on the door and pushed it open. The piano was a recording the music blasting from a digital player at one end of the room. Prancing around the middle of the room is the pony Scribe has come to see. Rhythm Heart; a new comer to the performing world, this young pegasus is about Scribes age, his pelt is a pale sky blue and his mane is a powerful blonde with shimmering streaks through it that glint in the sunlight that occasionally glitters through the window to the small rehearsal studio and on his flank rhythm lines and music notes wave in bold black. The colt sways this way and that in time to the rhythm and he stamps his hooves to the ground with each sudden heavy note.

Scribe waits for the colt to finish. He watches in amazement at the flowing movements and the sudden turns. The colt was very elegant, more so than even Scribe thought possible for a colt. When the music came to its dramatic climax Scribe applauded. The pony was not startled by Scribe instead bounding over gleefully to greet him taking his hoof in his and shaking them then hugging him without thought or permission. “You must be from the press?!” Rhythm Heart announced happily.

Scribe nodded, “Yes, I’m from Ponyville press but this might go further. I hear there is a promotion in this for both of us.”

“Yeah this is my first big show! I’m so excited. What did you think?” Rhythm Heart spoke fast.

“Em. Well I don’t know a huge amount about dancing but that was fairly impressive. I liked that bit I cantered into. “

“Oh that bit. I love that bit too. I enjoy the pulsing sudden nature of the music and I wanted to portray it in style. You know a bit of flair!”

The boundless energy of the colt had Scribe slightly off guard. After all that dancing the colt was still bouncing about delightedly.

“Well uh I suppose we should conduct this interview, is in here ok, it seemed a bit busy out there?”

“All the performers get in such a mix up here. You’d think they had never done a show before! Sure we can do it here. Pull up a couple chairs I’ll just turn my music player off.”

So Scribe set up some chairs by the light of the window. He pulled a dictaphone from his bag and paper, ink and quill and set them down on the window pane. Rhythm Heart noticed Scribe was struggling to set up a place to write so snuck into the corridor knocked a vase off a decorative table in the hallway and dragged the table in before another pony could see. He pulled the table up to Scribe and smiled. Scribe then set up the space and hit record on the machine.

Scribe rambled through the list of usual questions. Who, what, where, why etcetera before asking about the performance and times and dates and travelling and future plans. Rhythm Heart was a natural and answered everything politely and enthusiastically. Scribe was impressed by the colt. His honesty and manner were much nicer than most in the performing arts.

“I never did ask but what drove you to follow this path? I suppose your cutie mark story?”

Rhythm Heart grinned broadly, a gleam in his eyes. “I’ve always loved performing for as long as I can remember. I danced first, made lots of friends. Then moved on to study and teach dance. Before I knew it I was studying acting and singing and everything in between. To be honest I don’t remember ever not having my cutie mark. I love rhythm and music and sound and movement. But I do remember the moment. My first dance teacher, a salsa mare, she was wonderful. She had a wonderful flank that moved so fluidly. She taught me so much. I remember the day I did my first full dance as a lead colt. She was so proud and I just knew right then that I was meant to dance and perform.” The sudden change in his pelt was apparent as his face saddened for a moment and his pelt seemed to grey. “I really miss those days, I wish I could go back and visit. I would love to show her how far I have come. But alas...” He adds the colour returning to his pelt, “Ever onwards!”

“Yes of course,” Scribe stops his recorder. “So how about a preview performance?”

“Yeah I can do that, if you wait till tomorrow morning I have a stage rehearsal I can sneak you in?”

“Sounds awesome!” Scribe responds delightedly, he is really beginning to like this colt and his attitude. “Oh I’m here with some friends could I perhaps take one along?”

“Yeah of course, I love feedback, the more the merrier.” Rhythm Heart shakes Scribes hooves once again before Scribe bids the colt farewell for now and leaves the studio, being careful not to bump into any of the frantic staff milling about.

***

Dove, Rouge and Edge had eventually settled down for an evening meal when Scribe arrived at the hotel. He sat between the two mares and set his belongings on the floor beneath the table.

“Evenings Mares and Gentlecolt.” He said happily.

“Things going well I take it?” Dove asked.

“Couldn’t be any better. I have an invitation to a private viewing of the performance.”

“You’re joking?” Rouge pipes up.

“No. I have a viewing and I can take a plus one.”

“Sounds delightful Scribe, who you planning on taking?”

The colt rubs his chin with his hoof thoughtfully. “You know I’m not totally sure. Would one of you mares like to come?”
Rouge and Dove looked at each other. Rouge was a cultured pony and would probably enjoy the performance more. Dove however a natural with socialites would be great at getting extra words out of the colt before Scribe had to write his article. However Scribe could see he would now have a squabble on his hooves. “Now don’t start either of you. There is a good chance that you will enjoy it Rouge but Dove I know how you are with ponies so if you two could squabble in your room later I’d appreciate it.”

Edge who had been quiet up until now addressed Scribe. “Aren’t you meant to write a negative review? How are you going to do that if things are going so well?”

Scribe hadn’t thought of this. He did like the colt. How could he say something bad about this colt when it clearly wouldn’t be the truth? Scribe had always been an honest reviewer. That was how he rolled. “I’m not sure. Perhaps tomorrow’s performance will make things easier for me.”

With that the group ordered dinner and conversed about the shopping that Dove had Edge doing for her. Rouge sat quietly throughout. As she usually did, piping up sometimes to correct Doves excited anecdotes. Steadfast was very late to join the crew and from what Scribe had heard D had been working all evening which was typical of him.

Once all settled in for the night Scribe sat to himself in his room and with his quill in hoof he tickled his chin thoughtfully and attempted to write. He played the recordings over and over and replayed in his head the few movements of the colt he could recall. The more he thought the harder it was to find a fault with this hard working colt. After a few hours of stewing to himself Scribe decided that some rest might be what he needs. Although he knows he’ll probably sit all night as he always does.

***

When morning comes Scribe has barely slept but that isn’t unusual. He had started writing for himself in the night and was feeling content enough to go out and do some good work today. When he got to the hotel lobby Dove was bouncing up and down excitedly.

“Rouge said I can go! She is going out with D. Literally I think....” Dove trails off distracted.

Rouge and D were hardly a surprise to Scribe. He had known them a while and seemed well suited to each other. Although this was the first time he had heard of it. However since Dove was being a little silly he took the comment with a pinch of salt so to speak and dragged her away to the theatre before she started dithering on the subject. It took longer to get there this time as Dove had to stop and take photographs of everything. She always had a camera on her but this was the first time Scribe had seen her use it so much. Once in the theatre district he pushed his way to the rear of the theatre in question and with the same difficulty as last time dragging Dove behind him he made his way to the side door of the stage marked rehearsal. Pushing the door, Scribe can see ponies bustling around and musicians settling and dancers rushing about the stage. Out the front among the seats is Rhythm Heart. He waves to the pair and flies up to meet them.

“Glad you can make it Scribe. And oh my gosh!”

Scribe is bewildered at first then realises that Dove has leapt on Rhythm Heart.

“Oh my word I didn’t realise you were the target of interest! You finally made it to Manehatten?”

“Hang on Hang on!” Scribe halted the pair, “You know each other?”

“He was teaching in Canterlot last we met, he taught me some Salsa. That was awesome by the way.” Dove grinned.

“Yes indeed, I wish we’d kept in touch. We’ll have to catch up some time. So this is your friend then?”

Dove nodded while Scribe just laughed. “Dove you never fail to surprise me. So shall we get on with proceedings? We can maybe all go out for lunch when you have finished your shows? Get properly introduced.”

“A great idea, yes just make yourself comfortable, “Rhythm Heart points a hoof to the seats, “I’ll be on shortly.”

Dove and Scribe hover down to the audience seating. The red velvet seats in steep rows all the way up the tilted floor and then vertically in booths up the walls all around; and the musicians in a little alcove just below the stage; and the stage itself was huge and wide and massive thick curtains to match the chairs are being held up by massive gold cords. Dove sat beside Scribe and giggled with delight.

The stage lit up with a single beam of light. It focused on Rhythm Heart centre stage and stretched out boldly. Dove went instantly silent. The music started, subtly at first then built up as it reverberated around the room. Scribe fixed his eyes on the colt and he pondered on whether he should take notes, but in his heart he knew what he wanted to do.

Rhythm Heart started his performance. He was a bold colt and very flexible. He leapt and bound and spinned and flipped, and from what Scribe could tell without the use of his wings. The music pounded and the colt just kept getting faster and hitting the floor harder until the music came to a sudden and sharp stop and he was panting doing the splits on the floor. Dove bounced up and applauded excitedly. Scribe raised his hooves in support also and professionally waves Rhythm Heart down. The exhausted colt still manages to fly over excitedly.

“What did you think?” He beams.

“You are a natural. I look forward to writing this review.” Scribe confidently replied, “and speaking of this review I must be off as I have to get it written before your show! Do excuse me.” Scribe takes the colts hooves shakes them firmly and takes his leave.

Leaving Dove to beam and make odd girly noises at the colt.

Scribe had so much he wanted to say. And he had made a decision.

***

It was early in the morning and Scribe was sitting in the hotels fine dining room with a paper on his lap and a steaming cup in front of him. In the arts section was his review. His manager had yelled something fierce when he received the last minute piece before it went to print from lack of other resources.

Scribe smiled at his handiwork as he sipped his drink reclined in the chair.

In Manehatten you get the best of the best theatre. But there are very few performers that have really made the cut. However there is one colt who has made it his personal mission to climb that career ladder. And I can say that this colt does not disappoint. Full of energy and with a focus unlike any I have ever seen. He gives a performance that even the greatest of showmares would praise. Enter Rhythm Heart. Manehatten needs more talent like this. And in his showcase he displays an array of modern and show dance with the skill of an extremist earth pony and when he fully utilises his wings there are no words that can describe the elegance that this colt displays. Do not miss this show!

Author's Note

Sorry this took so long to finish it has been a very tricky few months for me.
This is for my friend Kyle. You always were honest with me. Never change.

Dont Judge Generosity

Chapter three

Don't judge Generosity.

The weary band trotted on. Dove eventually regained the feeling in her hooves and took up the rear, Edge close beside her. Steadfast had taken the lead again and D was surprisingly chatty after having fallen off a mountain. Ahead of them in plain sight now was Ponyville. The first and most important part of their journey.
Sugar Dove had immediately made Rouge take a letter, which Moonlight had flown off with to a friend ahead in Ponyville. The group had planned to stay with said friend. The recent misadventure had caused them to be ahead of time and so Dove suggested giving the friend a fair warning of their arrival.
Ponyville slowly came closer. The moment the band made the edge of the town they gave a triumphant cheer. Each promptly gaining a skip to their step as they looked about in wonder.
Ponyville was bright and cheerful. Old rustic cottages decorated with flower and candy motifs. At the edge of town a steam train tooted loudly. Ponies hard at work called out from produce stalls and busy shoppers cantered about merrily approaching the town Centre. The air itself scented of sweet apples from the surrounding famous apple orchards. Fillies and foals played carefree in the streets and lanes, school clearly out for the evening. A few buildings stood out from the crowd. The mayors office, the hollowed out library tree, an old boutique that looked like it had been remodeled one time too many. The sky was mostly clear, the occasional cloud hanging lazily above the town.
"This is going to be awesome!" Rouge piped up, "I've got a list the length of my tail of things I've wanted to see in Ponyville."
"I haven't been here since I was a filly." Dove said softly, "My Mother and I lived here when I was really little but only for a little while. It hasn't changed since I was here. Its still beautiful."
"So where are we going to first?" D helpfully brought up.
Sugar Dove grinned knowingly and pointed a hoof to a narrow lane just past the library. The buildings around there were simple with flowers on most of the window sills and dusty used mats outside the doors. One in particular lacked both of those features. The house looked old but was clearly lived in. Curtains fluttered at an open window and the door was open slightly. The group bounded over excitedly only to stop at the door unsure what to do. Dove giggled as she came up behind them, pushed her way forward and wrapped on the door.
It was answered but a young pegasus stallion. His pelt an evening blue and his curly brown mane flicked upwards. His plain quill cutie mark on his flank and inquisitive earthy green eyes suggested he was a writer. Edge and Steadfast jaw dropped at the young pony.
"No Way!" The said in unison.
"Sugar Dove!" the pegasus hugged her warmly, his deep bass voice soft and kind. "It has been ages! You look in a right state. Must have been some fall." He looked at the ragged group. "You must all be exhausted come on in. I'll get some hay on the go and we can get introductions underway." He smiled cheerfully and waved them inside.
Rouge and D went on in happily, Steadfast and Edge both leapt at Dove as she went to go in.
"How do you know Midnight Scribe?" They both eagerly asked.
"School mates, why?" Dove gave them a quizzical glance.
"But he's like the best game journalist in all Equestria! He's practically famous!" Edge gaped.
Dove laughed at the pair, "Well Duh."
Inside was cosy and homely but only just barely lived in. There were boxes strewn across the rooms and electronics everywhere. The pegasus lead them each to there rooms before heading off himself to start on food. Edge hovered a moment in Doves quarters.
"You are alright after that fall, aren't you Dove?"
Dove smiled softly at him. "Of course, I'm fine. I've done far worse than that. Nothing a day of rest and a bath wont fix. Now on you go and meet your idol. I presume he is anyway?"
"Oh yes indeed. I love his reviews!"
"Then go on then. Oh just let the guys know that I'm staying up here for the rest of this evening. I apologize for seeming antisocial. But you can probably imagine why." She lifted a wing wearily.
"Oh! Of course." Edge nodded and left her, closing the door behind him.
Down the stairs the rest of the group sat around an old wooden table in a surprisingly spacious dining room. Moonlight the Dove sat on a perch by the doorway and was cooing away happily, a tray of seeds hanging beside her. Midnight struggled through a door with a tray of assorted goodies. Edge joined the group just in time as he nabbed a cupcake from the tray before it was even set on the table.
"So your Doves mystery contact?" Steadfast commented helping himself to food.
"I wasn't aware I was a mystery." He chuckled his mane bouncing as he did so, "I'm merely accommodating friends between jobs. My next big story isn't due for a while."
"Speaking of stories I loved your article on the old game Conquest Equestria." Edge beamed at the opportunity to speak to Scribe.
"Um thanks." The pegasus cocked his head to the side in a bashful sort of way.
"We have to thank you for letting us stay here. We're complete strangers after all. It is most kind of you." Rouge said politely.
"Not a problem at all, a friend of Dove is a friend of mine. I just apologize for the mess. I just acquired this property and I'm struggling to get everything into its rightful places. I'm certainly going to need the extra rooms by the time I'm finished unpacking."
The conversation went on for some time. It was established that Midnight was a busy pony indeed. He was an avid collector and player of retro game platforms and games, he liked to mix music and had a fair number of instruments in his spare rooms and that he and Dove had been good friends in flight school. He told them all about her ability to lead even then. D was fascinated by his knowledge of game fan bases, Steadfast and Midnight compared stories from the last gamers convention. Edge hung on his every word. As the evening grew on and the night drew in the sleep group began to become less talkative.
"Wow it must be late..." Rouge said yawning, "I didn't even get the chance to ask about the best places to go in Ponyville are."
"No worries, I'll write up a list of cool hang outs for you," Midnight said sleepily "I'll leave it out at breakfast for you all and you can have a nosy in the morning."
"Good plan. Well Good Night everypony. I'm off to bed." Steadfast stretched.
"Good idea, we should all get some rest. Night." Edge added lastly.
They each went up to their rooms, the stallions in one and the mares in another. As Rouge went to enter her room Edge stopped her, "Erm Rouge, sorry, but could you maybe leave this for Dove for me." He held up the cupcake he had snatched earlier.
"Sure. Good idea, she did miss lunch."
"Night Rouge." Hes smiled before clopping quietly down the corridor to his room.
Rouge entered quietly, the room dimly lit by the moonlight from the open window, Dove was already snoozing softly on her bed, resting above the bed sheets curled up like filly. A letter beside her addressed to Luna. Rouge didn't read it. She knew exactly what it would say. "Night Dove." She whispered setting the cupcake by her bedside before slipping under the covers of her own bed.

******* A bright and beautiful morning.***********

The sun rose, the birds sang and Rouge fell out of bed.
The tired pony yawned from her late night and slipped quietly down the stairs as Dove still slept soundly. Steadfast was already awake and at the dining table. There was food laid out and a note on the table. "Please help yourselves" and another beneath that with a long list of things to do in Ponyville. Rouge scrambled for the note excitedly. There was the usual stuff; shops, boutique, cafe, spa but nothing that really piped her interest. Glumly she set her head on the table and let out a "Humph."
Steadfast laughed softly at the look Rouge had on her face. "No it's not really what I'm into either." he passed her a bowl of hay, " but I hear the area is pleasant for walking so long as you don't go into the forest. Maybe there will be a trail for walking or something." He shrugged as he idly went to the front door.

"And where are you going?" Rouge enquired.
"Morning gallop. Didn't get into the guard for being idle you know."
Rouge laughed softly, "Of course."
Once steadfast was gone Rouge sat in silence. No pony else was up yet. Pleasant walks, forest? She thought. Perhaps there would be some scenery to sketch. It would certainly brighten up her gallery come the grand opening if she had some decent pictures. So scoffing her hay she crept back up stairs, grabbed her whole travel back and snuck out.
Outside the air was crisp. It was early and only a few ponies were about. A few weather ponies flew about clearing the sky and fillies and colts lazily went about their way to school. Rouge smiled at the colours of the buildings and the quietness of the streets. This was much better than Canterlot she thought. With a smile and a flick of the tail Rouge set off at a gentle trot down the street. She passed shops smelling of sweet fresh baking and flower venders setting up their wares bright and early. The main road glittered in the morning sun.
Something wasn't sitting right for Rouge. It was very much beautiful and just the right level of noise to work but everything was the same. She would draw some of the town at some point but not yet. She needed something different. She began to feel blue again. As she walked the path became less shiny and more country road, she went over a stream the water trickling pleasantly under her hooves as she went over an old bridge, the road got thinner, nature became a little more rampant but not entirely unkempt. Up ahead was a cottage. Old and long forgotten, taken over by the plants and animals, in the yard a scrapped chicken coup and an old fence hanging loosely to its posts. This was the spot.
Rouge sat on the grass in what was presumably the garden. The grass was long and it tickled her belly as she lay on it. With a glow of her horn her sketch pad flew in front of her, carefully she selected a pencil and began.
For a short time she drew undisturbed, only the twitter of birds and the occasional rabbit made a sound. At least until:
"EEEEEEPPPPP!!!" A mare screamed loudly in the most outrageous girlie voice. It came from a unicorn. She was white except from the mud plastered to her flank and her shiny blue mane and tail were tangled in twigs and leaves. She ran around all panicked. A variety of small and angry animals clinging to her. "GET THEM OFF, EEEEPPEEEEEEP, GET THEM OFF!" She squealed helplessly, trotting on the spot with a disgusted look on her face.
Rouge looked at her with an impatient sigh. She hated people that made a fuss over trivial things, she hated noise too. Reluctantly she stood up and wandered over to the fussing mare who was still trotting with a girly flounce on the spot.
"Really!?" Rouge said firmly with a motherly glare in her eyes, "Is that any way to behave?"
Both the unicorn and the animals stopped and stared at her. The animals hissed at loudly.
"Ah!" They were about to it again, "Ah! What did I say? Now off with you!" The animals looked to one another with an unhappy glance and fled back into the old wooden building.
The unicorn looked stunned. Her jaw stood open. Rouge ignored her and sat back in her spot to draw. After as second or so longer the surprised mare came over to her. "Thank you kindly!" She said with what sounded like a very put on city accent, "I simply have no idea what I would have done if you had not scared of those fiends."
Rouge didn't look up as she replied, "And what the hay were you doing in there in the first place? Disturbing their den I imagine."
The mare looked hurt and yet blushed embarrassed. "Well no, you see I was looking for inspiration for my latest designs. I've recently taken over the boutique in town and wanted to capture the nature of the surrounding area in my designs but it seems nature captured me. " She looked over at Rouges sketching, "My goodness! That is simply beautiful! If only my work could come to life like yours does."
Rouge squinted at her rough sketch of the building. She had barely begun the ivy on the walls. "Thank you I guess but it is far from complete nor is it anything good."
"Not Good? You are simply marvelous! You must stop at my boutique and look at my designs! An eye like yours would see exactly where I'm going wrong!" She beamed delighted as though she had discovered a hidden treasure. "So I shall expect you at mine place this afternoon then! After I have taken care of my mane!" With a satisfied grin the unicorn lifted her head high and galloped away, "See you soon!"
There wasn't a moment in the unicorns speech that Rouge could protest. She merely rolled her eyes and continued with her drawing. By the time the sun was high in the sky she was nearly finished and had already started colouring the piece. She had gone to the stream and had collected water in a small jar, she had been painting and since she had been sitting so still for so long even the animals had come out and many birds were looking for worms i the ground around about her. A curious white rabbit sniffed at the edge of her paper before scampering off. If it had not been for the rabbit unusual closeness Rouge would not have realised the time. With a stretch and a breath of satisfaction she collected her art and cantered merrily back through town.
Past the train station and the school and the boutique. The boutique. Rouge Stops. She looks at it. The tall building looks like one of the oldest in Ponyville, the colours faded and worn, rustic yet charming, in the windows were some mannequins dressed in city finery. She walked towards the windows, she looked in, she thought about how stupid the idea she was having would be, she walked in.
The door chime tingled and within a second, "Welcome to Bedazzled Boutique! How can I be of assistance today!" The young mare from earlier had bounced to the centre of the room , her appearance much improved from her earlier escapades. Her blue mane and tail now beautifully trimmed and her flank a fine white and a dazzling glittery cutiemark shone for all to see. "You made it!" She said with hooves open and grinning wide as she realised it was Rouge.
"Yeah...." Rouge said with a diminishing tone, "I did."
"I'm so happy!" She said as she suddenly began to levitate half the things in the shop about her. A table for two suddenly set out for them, scrap books, fabrics and threads all thrown upon it, the curtains rammed shut, the door sign turned and a dust chandelier lit up above them. The unicorn ran to another room and then back with a tray of already steaming pot of some liquid or another and fine china teacups. "Sit! This is going to be so much fun!" She clapped her hooves together excitedly.
Rouge couldn't help but thing about her first meeting with Dove, she had equally as giddy and eager to please. "Perhaps names would be a good start?" she began as she sat at the table.
"Dazzle!" Said the unicorn swishing her mane, "And you?"
"Rouge." She said simply.
"Rouge! It is a pleasure! Oh and you must think me a complete ninny. Running about like a filly. As a fellow artist you must please help me! I cannot pin down the faults in me designs at all!" She said with a dramatic hoof to the head.
With a sigh, Rouge helped herself to the steamy liquid, flicked open the scrap books and tested the fabrics. She sat quietly. Dazzle waited eagerly looking to her with wide eyes. The pause felt like it went on forever. "Well?" Dazzle eventually pleaded.
Rouge looked up at her and with one breath "They are all simply too loud, you have too much colour, too much sequins , the fabrics are too harsh, you clearly don't work with a good enough light level, your considerations of your surroundings are minimal in your earlier pieces and you pile too much of your abundantly bouncy and noisy nature into your works. Your meaning is good you simply need to tone down the you and make it more the needs of others. Use lighter materials, work in better light, less is more in your case."
Dazzle blinked. Rouge just looked at her. "Thank you." Dazzle said simply. "I'm so glad that someone admitted that to me." She looked relieved. "Its been so hard since moving here. Nopony ever wants to tell the new pony that they aren't fitting in."
Rouge nods taking a sip from the cup. The liquid is sweet and soothing. "I know what you mean."
The pair sit quietly for a while. Dazzle wrinkles her nose. "So what brings an artist like you to Ponyville?" She enquires.
"My friends." Rouge replies, "We're on a journey, my friend Dove is a student and is studying friendship. So we are traveling as a group."
"That must be exciting but I'd like to be settled. Especially in old places, and Ponyville has been around for about a hundred or so years."
"I hear that. Most of the buildings around here look old."
"Indeed." Dazzle gives her best smile, "This building has been here for almost exactly 100 years, I'm a huge fan of the original owners works. I wish I could have been there to see her work..." Her town lowers as she says this last bit and for a moment the pony seems to lose her colour, like a grey filter had been put over her. Rouge thought nothing of it, merely a trick of the light. "And that old cottage was the same. The towns people honour it because the owner left it to her animals so they could have a place to live. Once a year it is checked my worker ponies so that it is kept secure. She was a pegasus I'm told, she must have been reclusive to have wanted to live there."
"You certainly know a lot about this place." Rouge began to smile.
"Oh yes, you see most of the important buildings in this town all go back to about that period, Miss Rarity the great designer was friends with the pegasus in the cottage, that is how I know so much."
Rouge smiled. The mare seemed far less annoying than she had first thought. She was clever, polite and had a charming smile, perhaps this idea had been a good one after all. Dove was always saying making friends is easy. "I want you to have something." She levitated the half finished painting from her bag. "Next time instead of going into the cottage, just look at this, it's simply coloured so you have a reference of some less garish colours and this way you can see your inspiration instead of being chased by it."
The unicorns jaw dropped. "I cannot accept that! It was your hard work!"
"Not at all. A generous gift should be generously accepted. You were a surprising pleasure to speak with."
Dazzle took the picture and smiled softly. "Oh thank you, your generosity is amazing!" She came around and hugged her. Rouge grudgingly let her.
For the rest of the afternoon they discussed colours, fabrics and the local history. Rouge almost lost track of time. By the time they bid good byes it was dark and Rouge had to gallop briskly back to her accommodation.
As the group once again settle in for the night Rouge confided in Dove about the interesting mare she had met and how she learned that not judging can help you make some surprising friends and how she hoped her gift would be helpful. Dove smiled to her as she wrote down every word Rouge said.

"What are you writing?" Rouge asked.
"Everything so we can tell Luna." Dove replied.
Rouge just smiled. "Night Dove."
"Night Rouge." The pegasus said as she rolled up the letter and left it aside to be sent in the morning.

Outside a soft breeze blew through the town and swept past the windows. A sequin blew from the boutiques doorway its shine lost in the night.