The Mare of the Snow

Chapters

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three

Chapter One

Once, on a dark night, where the blackened clouds hid the moon as they rained their tears from the sky, a lonely mare was forced into the nearest café during her evening walk. Her mauve mane laid like a wet mop over her eyes, and her baby blue dress was completely soaked. Her peachy coat glistened under the lights hanging from the ceiling. She listened to the sounds of water droplets falling from the ends of her mane until they hit the wooden floor.

She loved to walk through Bloom Park, a wonderful little place where lilies grew, and fillies played. With fall coming to a close, all the trees have nearly lost all of their leaves, and the icy wind has begun to take effect. There was one spot in particular she would always pay a visit to, and that was the large water fountain in the center of the park. Stone statues of two pegasi sculpted in flying positions were spouting water through their mouths and into the hexagonal pool. The mare would always stop by this fountain to stare into the glimmering water, but the floor of the pool also glistened as shiny bits lay at the bottom. She’s watched them collect as the days went by, because she knew they were her coins. Of course she wasn’t the only one that would add to the growing pile of coins, but most of them came from her. She would toss one into the water, and as the ripples formed, she would close her eyes, put her hooves together, and make a wish.

She wished for the same thing every day, and every day she would tell herself that she should stop wasting her time. She knew that such magic doesn’t and will never exist; but still she wished, and sought no end to her frequent trips to the fountain. Every time she spoke her wish in her mind, she would feel shame soon after. She felt childish and silly for ever making such a wish, she felt it pointless to even dream anymore. Despite her constant hammering of this idea into her mind, she felt drawn to try again. To her, it relieved her from the stress of the world, to give her a moments worth of retreat.

Today, on her way to the fountain, she happened to walk into the middle of a game of tag a few young fillies were playing in the center of the park around the fountain. Their dresses blew about in the wind as they chased each other, and their manes had become big poufy messes. The young fillies stopped their game immediately at the sight of her. She was struck with anxiety, and froze in place as they stared at her. “Oh don’t mind me, I’m just passing by.” She finally uttered after a short silence.

“It’s okay Miss!” One said.

“Say, are you busy?” Another asked.

“Me? Well I . . . no, I suppose not.” She said awkwardly.

“We could use another player! Would you like to play with us?” One asked excitedly.

“Why that’s very sweet of you to ask—”

“So will you?” One asked, cutting her sentence off.

“Oh, well you see I don’t think that—”

“You’re it!”

“Catch us if you can!” Another shouted, as they all scampered away behind the hedges that fence the park like a maze.

“Wait! I . . . !” She knew that she couldn’t just let these kids hide and not play along. She saw no harm in it, so she sighed and decided to go on and find them. The mare trotted and searched, and one by one she would find each little filly, tagging them gently as they ‘awed’ with disappointment once they were tagged. She had found two, but the last one seemed elusive. Finally she caught up to the filly and chased her through what seemed like the entire park. The mare tagged her and sat down from exhaustion. All the fillies gathered around her, giggling, and bouncing with so much energy.

“That was fun!” One filly hopped about in the grass.

“Again again!” Another begged.

“No I . . . I really should get going now.” The mare said, still recovering her breath.

“Aww!” They all whined in unison.

“You girls really shouldn’t just talk to random strangers anyway.” The mare explained.

“Well, what’s your name Miss?”

“Meriva, why?”

“Hello Meriva! My name is Cotton Blossom! This is Peach Drops and Periwinkle!” The little filly said happily while introducing the other two. Cotton Blossom had a white coat and creamy mane, and her golden dress shimmered in the sunlight. As she introduced her other two friends, she first held out her little hoof to Peach Drops; whom of which had a blonde mane, and a rich, orange coat that contradicted her indigo dress. Next, she pointed to Periwinkle, whose long bangs of her dark, blue mane nearly drooped over her eyes. Meriva found her name fitting, as her coat was just that, periwinkle. Her white dress reminded Meriva of a similar dress she had in her closet back at her cottage.

“. . . Well, it’s nice to meet you.” Said Meriva.

“Now that we’re not strangers anymore . . . wanna play?!” Cotton Blossom, excitedly holding her little hooves up to her cheeks. Meriva looked at all three of them as they gleamed at her with their big shiny eyes and tiny smiles. She chuckled, and found the first ray of happiness she’s felt in a long time.

“. . . Okay, but just one more game.”

“Two more!” Cotton Blossom shouted.

“Okay, fine.”

“Three more!” Peach Drops added.

“Maybe.” Meriva said with a chuckle. Now getting back to her hooves, she tried to get herself ready for the next round.

“Run!” One of the fillies shouted before they all dispersed. Meriva played a few more rounds of tag with them until she completely wore out. They spent all that time laughing and adorably accusing one or the other of being tagged. Meriva sat down in the grass, panting, as the children bounced around filled to the brim with joy.

“Let’s go again!” Cotton Blossom playfully demanded.

“Yeah! Again! Again!” Peach Drops begged.

“Oh, I don’t know girls.” Meriva still panting.

“Come on Miss, can’t you play just one more? Please?” Periwinkle timidly looking through the spaces between the bangs of her mane.

“Well . . . I don’t see why not!” The children then cheered, and Meriva was happy to see their faces alighted with such smiles; but the clouds up above had other plans. They were gathering like a jigsaw puzzle, fitting perfectly into place, and turning to a heavy gray color, rumbling in the sky. Her home was a bit of a walk away, and she knew that a storm was about to brew, knowing her luck. Before she knew it, the rain began to pour down.

“Uh-oh . . . rain!” Cotton Blossom gallops out of the park, followed by her two friends. Just like that, Meriva’s heart was sliced right in two. The only ponies that were able to give her that moment of retreat, were now retreating themselves. She stood up, still in shock from how swiftly they took off. The cold rain, mixed with the heavy winds, blew dead leaves and drops of the cold hard rain against her face. The dirt roads were empty; she was getting drenched, and her dress became heavier as it collected the rain. She couldn’t take it anymore, so she trotted into Giano’s Café. She knew the owner Giano, he was a kind stallion, and she would consider him a good friend. She knew he wouldn’t have a problem with her staying in there until the storm blew over, so she hurried inside. At the sound of a bell jingling upon opening the door to the café, Meriva was instantly noticed. She was greeted by the shop’s Giano, a relatively middle-aged stallion with a pale coat, black mane, mustache below his snout, and white apron, drying a cup with a dish rag.

“Ah Meriva! What were you doing out in the rain?” He asked, concerned from behind the counter.

“I was just on my way home; then this storm started.” She said, dripping with rain.

“Well come in! Come in! Just take a seat and let me get you a towel to dry off eh?” Meriva took a seat on the rubber sheeted stool and parted her mane out of her lush blue eyes. Good old Giano, always such a kind fellow. In her hoof she held the shiny golden coin she had planned to toss into the fountain, and with the dark atmosphere of the outside, and evil pounding of the rain, she slid it back into her little red handbag. She almost didn’t even want to see it again as she rested her hoof onto the opening of her bag to keep it closed. “Ah, here you go Meriva.” Giano wrapped a big, white towel around her before returning behind the counter. “So, where were you before you decided to head home?”

“. . . Nowhere.”

“Meriva, you know you're not the best liar. I can tell something is bothering you.” Giano was always very good at telling when Meriva was upset. It didn’t matter how big or how small the matter was, he just always sort of knew. Even though he was an earth pony just like Meriva, he had this magical sense about him like any unicorn.

“I just . . .”

“Oh Meriva, don’t start crying now.”

“I’m not.” Meriva now trying to wipe away any tears that may have been beginning to form. “Why would I cry over something so silly?”

“It’s not silly. We’ve talked about this time and time again. Don’t you remember what I said?”

“. . . Yes.”

“You’ll find the right pony someday, or . . . ?” Giano waited for Meriva to finish the sentence.

“He just may find me.” A smile beginning to peak between Meriva’s cheeks.

“Right! Meriva you’ve got your whole life ahead of you! Just because you haven’t found him now doesn’t mean you won’t ‘ever’ find him. Meriva, there’s something you have to understand.”

“And what’s that?”

“A wish is like a promise. Once you make one you should never, under any circumstances, go back on it. As long as you hold it in your heart it will surely shine through someday, you just have to give it time.”

“You’re right, as always. Thanks Giano.” Her smile now fully fledged.

“Hey, that’s what friends are for. Now, would you like a warm cup of coffee?”

“No thanks Giano.”

“Oh come on, it’s on me!” No matter how many times she told him no he still persisted on making her that cup. As he grabbed a clean glass cup from the rack, the jingling of the bell rang behind them. A stallion entered with a hat over his short, black mane, dripping with rain from the edge of the brim. He wore an unbuttoned overcoat around his body revealing his dark gray coat, which left its own trail of water behind him as he took a seat at the counter, one away from Meriva. Giano turned and greeted the stallion. “Welcome! A beautiful night out isn’t it?”

“Yep, it sure is.” He chuckled.

“What’ll ya have?”

“Uhh, one cup, dark please.”

“Comin’ right up.” Giano filled one cup with cream and sugar, and let the coffee machine pour its warm steamy liquid into the cup. He filled another with just the coffee, and brought the two cups to the counter. He slid Meriva her cup, and then the stallion’s.

“That’ll be one bit sir.”

“Sure, umm . . .” He searched his pockets, but then sighed out of frustration. “Ugh, I left my wallet at my cottage.”

“You know what, don’t worry about it. Just take it.”

“No, that’s okay. I don’t want you to think I’m lying or anything just to get a free cup.”

“Oh sir please, I insist.”

“No, that’s alright.”

“Here.” Meriva, breaking into the conversation, handed over the bit she had in her bag to the stallion.

“Oh, but miss I couldn’t I—”

“No, just take it. I want you to have it.”

“. . . Thank you.” He handed over the bit to Giano, as he thanked him for the payment. Giano took one glance at Meriva, then at the stallion, and he felt that this just might be the moment. With his unknown sense he felt that it was about time he left them alone, but not without an attempt at starting a conversation, as it appeared Meriva wouldn’t have started one on her own.

“So, sir, I haven’t seen you around town. Are you new here?”

“Oh, yes I just moved in this morning.”

“Well then welcome! I hope you like it here.”

“Oh I do, it is quite nice—”

“Ah! I just remembered I have to go to the back and clean up the spill from earlier. I’ll be back as soon as I’m finished.” He gave Meriva a subtle wink as he moved into the back of the store. Meriva began to shudder and tried to secretly beckon him back, but he just smiled and left. Leaving Meriva all alone with the stallion, as he sipped his coffee feeling confused about how abruptly Giano just left, and she felt an anxiety she hasn’t felt in a long time. She glanced at him, and tried to force herself to utter just a friendly hello, but her voice could not muster it. Her stomach quivered in fear, and her heart trembled. Until finally, she took a deep breath, and tried her best to sound natural.

“So, you like it here?”

“Hm? Oh yes, it’s such a nice little town. Everypony is quite friendly. . .” A silence then filled the room as Meriva was left with nothing further to say. “Um, thank you.”

“What?”

“Thank you, for paying for my drink. That was very kind of you.”

“Oh, you’re welcome.”

“. . . My name is Dawston by the way.”

“I-It’s nice to meet you, my name’s Meriva.” She said shyly.

“Meriva?” Meriva squirmed in her chair at the sound of Dawston repeating her name. To her it sounded like he was about to criticize her name, and she prepared for it, expecting the worst. Her mind was running so crazily, that she even had to double check herself to be sure that truly was indeed her name. “That’s a nice name, a beautiful name in fact.”

“R-Really?” At that moment they both raised their heads away from their cups and finally made eye contact. As soon as their vision met, they were glued. Without a single blink, it was as if tape were keeping their eyelids open, and a padlock kept their eyes chained to each other. They didn’t know it, but a spark had just ignited within both their hearts, and from here it would grow into a much stronger fire. Giano was right, he was always right.

Chapter Two

Dawston tore through the front door to his little wooden cottage, out of breath from galloping through the harsh rain. He was greeted by the warmth of his fireplace, as the flames waved hello. He tossed his soaking overcoat onto the floor, and slummed down on his soft armchair near the fire. He sighed, and wiped away the rain from his cheeks as another stallion entered his cottage. His brown coat glistened by the glow of the fire, and as did his silver mane, as he took off his gray hat and overcoat and hung them on the coat rack standing near the door. He noticed how Dawston has left his coat sprawled across the floor without a care. “Well, you could’ve at least ‘hung’ your coat.” He said with a look of disappointment written across his face. Dawston remained silent, and gave the stallion only a subtle glance before he turned his attention back over to the crackling fire. “I don’t know why you’re upset, you’re the one that decided to leave the café in such a hurry.”

“Well, Zach, if you hadn’t come along, then perhaps I wouldn’t have had to cut my time there short.”

“Oh, so you’re blaming me for this? I see. So tell me, who was that mare you were talking to?”

“Just some stranger, nothing for you to worry about.”

“On the contrary, it’s my job to worry about you Dawston. When I saw you through the window, it seemed you two had your eyes glued right together.”

“Then perhaps it’s time you quit your worrying and let me go about my own business for a change.”

“You know why I can’t let you do that!” Zach’s voice jolted Dawston, and made him turn his head to him out of fear. “. . . I apologize for my outburst, but Dawston, whatever it is you’re thinking, I suggest you forget all about it.”

“I can’t, not this time.”

“. . . What is her name? Do you know?”

“Meriva, the most beautiful name my ears have ever been told. Looking into her eyes was like watching the sunlight shimmer off the wavy waters of the ocean. Her clothes and mane were both soiled and drenched by the rain, yet still she managed to look perfect. Zach, I swear to you, never have I felt this kind of sensation explode inside my heart before, not like that. She’s different, and I wish you could understand that.”

“You’re right, I don’t. But I wish ‘you’ could understand, little brother, that I am doing this for your protection—”

“Well, have you ever considered that your protection is what’s keeping me from being happy?” Zach refrained from lashing out at his brother for his arrogance, and instead, thought deeply about his statement. “When I’m with you, I have no freedom. I can’t even leave the house for a brisk walk without you just mere inches away.”

“How many nights are we going to sit and bicker about this Dawston? We’re not children anymore!”

“That’s my whole point.” Again, Zach’s anger had been repressed. “Things aren’t like how they were back then. Instead of being paranoid, you can start to let go of what’s happened in the past, and maybe then you can start to live your life without having to worry about me.”

“Dawston, I . . . you and I both know we can’t just forget—”

“Brother, please, I need this. That mare, she . . . she’s different, I know she is.” Zach thought long and hard, considering the points Dawston had brought to his attention. Perhaps it truly was time, and perhaps that mare truly was different. Now faced with a difficult decision, Zach turned his attention over to the dancing flames in the pit of their fireplace.

“Perhaps you’re right. Maybe it is just that time.”

“Are you saying . . ?”

“Go on brother, find her. I will not interfere any longer.” Dawston could barely contain himself. He rocketed out from his seat to embrace Zach tighter than he ever has. Finally, he felt the chains binding him to Zach’s side break apart. To him, this marked the start of a new beginning for the both of them.

“Thank you Zach, you have no idea how much this means to me.” Dawston’s voice quivered.

“There is no need to thank me, now go.” Dawston collected his coat and rushed out the door, galloping back to the café where he hoped to find Meriva once again. He hadn’t been gone that long, so there was indeed a possibility she could still be there. Zach watched him leave into the storm, and as the door creaked and clicked shut, he couldn’t stop the feeling that had arose in his chest. “Just don’t make me regret it.” He muttered.

Meriva sat in her chair at the café, befuddled by how quickly Dawston had took off through the doors. She found it quite peculiar that as soon as that other stallion entered, Dawston left without as much as a goodbye. Whatever the reason, she was alone once again, and that feeling that sparked at the core of her heart, had suddenly diminished. Giano peeked from around the doorway to the back room, curious to see what might have happened. However, he was shocked to see Meriva alone, returned to the state of gloom she first walked through his doors with. “Meriva, what happened? Where had that stallion gone?” He asked.

“He’s gone, took off without a word.”

“Meriva—”

“Don’t, please, I’m fine.”

“Listen, I know what you’re feeling, but don’t let this discourage you. Perhaps, he just wasn’t the one.” Meriva refused to lift her head up to meet Giano’s eyes, as the water that built behind her eyes was too heavy. She didn’t utter another word, leading Giano’s heart into a cold cave of guilt. This time, it was he who felt responsible for her sadness. He didn’t know what else to say, so he spoke the first words that came to his mind, hoping he could stitch the gash delivered to Meriva’s heart. “Meriva, dear, I’m sorry. I just, I thought for sure he. . .” Giano didn’t want to continue, as Meriva sat still and lifeless, he let silence overtake him.

“I thought so too.” Meriva had then gotten up from her seat.

“Meriva?”

“Have a good rest of the evening Giano.” She walked to the two glass doors that led out of the café, and it seemed no matter how much Giano were to beg, she showed no signs of turning back. He wanted her to stay, so that he could assure her that she still had him for comfort.

“Meriva, wait. . !” Giano begged, but Meriva refused to halt. This time, she didn’t want comfort, she just wanted to go home. To lay in her bed, shut her eyes, and escape this world, even if it were for just a short moment. With the jingling of the bell above the doors, she entered the storm that continued to rage on amongst the town. Giano watched her through the windows as she fought the wind. He wanted to offer her a coat to protect her from the cold, harsh rain, but she left before he could even attempt to. His café, now empty, felt devoid of life with just the sounds of a ticking clock, and the pitter-pattering of rain drops along the rooftop to keep him company. He grabbed a white dish rag, dabbed a small amount of soap on its soft surface, and soaked it under the cold running water of the sink. He began wiping down the filthy glass tables, but couldn’t help but glance every now and then at the doors, hoping that Meriva would return. He moved from table to table, and stopped by the sounds of a jingling bell. However, he was greeted by a sight he hadn’t thought he’d see.

Dawston trotted inside, drenched by the rain, gasping for breath and shooting his eyes at every corner of the café. At first, Giano was surprised to see him again, but it quickly turned bitter. All he could think about was how lifeless Meriva appeared as she walked out of his café, all because of his rude departure. “Well, I didn’t expect to see you again.” Giano then turned back to continue wiping the table.

“Uh, sir, where’d Meriva go?”

“Afraid she’s not here. She left a while ago.”

“Well, do you know if she’ll be back?”

“Not too sure, why are you so curious?”

“Because I need to talk to her.”

“Well if that were the case, you wouldn’t have chosen to leave so abruptly.”

“Look, are you going to help me or not?” Dawston’s tone became agitated, and Giano hadn’t appreciated the aggravated expression amongst his face.

“Why should I? I have a business to run you know.”

“Well by the looks of it this shop isn’t having much business now is it?”

“Listen son, I don’t know why you’re getting all riled up—”

“I’m getting riled up because of you, sir. Right now, you’re giving me a hard time when all I want to know is when I might be able to see her again!”

“Well, if you were to just lower your voice, and ease back on the attitude, then I would consider it.” In the blink of an eye Dawston shoved Giano against the wall, and pressed his foreleg against his throat.

“Attitude? You haven’t ‘seen’ attitude yet!” At the sound of the jingling bell Dawston released Giano, still infuriated by his stubbornness, but afraid of being seen by whoever walks through the doors. As they regained their composure, both Dawston and Giano turned to see a rather unexpected pony walk into the café.

“Giano? Are you there?” Meriva asked as she moved her drenched mane out of her eyes, “I think I left my purse here, have you. . ?” She drifted to a pause as she noticed Dawston staring at her. She hadn’t the slightest clue of what to say, and at the same time, neither did Dawston, nor Giano.

“Meriva . . . hello again.” Dawston quivered nervously.

“I-I didn’t expect to see you here again. Um, what’s going on?”

“Oh! Well uh, Mister Giano and I were just having a talk. I came back as quick as I could, hoping I’d find you, but you weren’t here. So, I was just asking him if you’d be back. Isn’t that right sir?” Giano thought, as Dawston watched him he felt something boiling inside him, but once he looked over to Meriva, he knew he had to let it go. He saw this as an opportunity for Meriva, and he didn’t want to tear it to pieces. No matter how much he despised even looking in Dawston’s direction, he had to remember that his qualms were with him, and not Meriva. He did come back through the storm, and he seemed very intent on finding Meriva. He thought that perhaps this young stallion’s intentions were truer than he first thought. Giano wasn’t certain how to answer, but he knew what he wanted, and that was to see Meriva happy.

“That’s right.” He assured her, “I’m gonna go see if I can find your bag Meriva.” Giano walked over to the counter where Meriva had previously sat, and scanned the ground for her little bag.

“So,” Dawston cleared his throat, “gotta love this weather huh?”

“Yeah, I wish winter would hurry.”

“You like winter?”

“Oh, so much. Everypony in town would much rather stay inside their homes when winter comes around, but me, I think it’s beautiful. Just watching the snow fall from the sky, and becoming surrounded as it piles up over the ground, each little flake sparkling from the moonlight, it’s so . . . enchanting.”

“For me, I can’t quite look at winter the same way anymore.”

“Why’s that?”

“It’s just, when I was little, my brother and I we . . . we went through a rough time in our lives.”

“Oh, well, would you mind if I asked what happened?” Dawston suddenly went silent, leading Meriva to believe she must’ve stepped a bit too far in his personal business. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked.”

“Oh no, it’s alright. It’s just that I’ve been trying to forget all about it, and it’s becoming extremely difficult to ignore it. . . So, um, how long have you known Mister Giano?” Meriva, thankful he had decided to change the subject, gladly began to speak about Giano.

“Giano, I’ve known him since the first day I moved here. I wasn’t able to make any friends, I just didn’t know how. Every time I would even enter a place full of ponies, I just got so . . . scared. I was taking my usual walk through town, then I spotted this little café. I waked in, took my seat, and immediately, there he was. With his big smile and kind greeting, I didn’t even know how to react. It was after we shared a few words that I suddenly felt comfortable. And something I hadn’t noticed, was that as we were talking, I realized that I was smiling. It felt like ages since the last time I’ve smiled, and he made it happen.”

“Sounds like you two are really close.” Dawston realized just exactly how much that stallion meant to Meriva. On one token, he felt a bit of jealousy, but on another, he became overwhelmed with guilt. He took Giano for just a simple stranger, but right then he captured a glimpse of the true bond between them.

“I wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world.” Giano, with his hoof on Meriva’s little purse, had been listening in on their conversation as soon as he heard his name was mentioned. He felt guilty for eavesdropping, but his curiosity had gotten the best of him. Once Meriva had finished, his heart flooded with emotion. A tear escaped from his reddening eyes, and he tried to wipe it away as quickly as he could. He took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself, then turned with Meriva’s bag in his hoof, and the remnants of his tears along the base of his eye sockets.

“Ah, here you are Meriva. It was right next to your seat.” Giano then outstretched his hoof to her, and as he didn’t want her to see his reddened eyes or rosy cheeks, he kept his face lowered to escape her view.

“Thank you Giano, you’re a good friend, I don’t think I say that as often as I should.”

“I could say the same, as I feel I’m the one that doesn’t say it enough to ‘you’.” Meriva smiled, as did Giano.

“Say uh, Meriva?” Dawston asked.

“Yes?”

“I was wondering if . . . if you’d like to join me for dinner?”

“M-Me?” Meriva stuttered, unsure of how to respond as her heart pounded vigorously on the inside of her chest, “I’d love to! But . . .”

“But what?” Meriva leaned towards Dawston, and began to whisper in his ear as quietly as she could.

“I shouldn’t just leave Giano here all by himself. I already almost did, and that makes me feel guilty enough.”

“Meriva,” Giano broke in, “go right ahead.”

“Giano I—”

“You don’t worry about me, I don’t want to feel like I’m holding you back. Now go and have fun, I’ll be just fine, I promise.” Meriva threw herself into Giano’s chest, where he found her embracing him tightly.

“I’ll be back soon.” She said.

“Meriva, you come back whenever you feel. I won’t be going anywhere.” Meriva released him, and stepped back next to Dawston.

“Ready to go?” Dawston asked.

“Yes, I am.” Meriva took in a deep breath. Dawston opened one of the doors, and was struck by a thought that caused him to smack his hoof on his forehead.

“Ugh! I didn’t even think about my wallet. Would you mind if we made a quick stop by my cottage to pick it up?”

“No, not at all.”

“Great, and here, this’ll protect you from the rain.” Dawston removed his overcoat and wrapped it around Meriva. This meant he would have to take on the storm in just his plain dark shirt, but he didn’t care. Just as they pushed open the doors to leave, Dawston froze, and he reentered the café to pull Giano aside for a moment. Meriva waited by the door, confused by his sudden actions. Once he made sure they were far enough, they stopped, and Dawston sighed, unsure of how to begin.

“What are you doing? Shouldn’t you be going?” Giano asked.

“Not yet. I wanted to say . . . I’m sorry about earlier. And, I was hoping, that we could just keep what happened between us. It’s just I’m really short-tempered, I’ve had this problem since I was young. I hope you can forgive me.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it, I understand. It was my fault anyway, I was the one who gave you a hard time. So, I’m sorry about that.”

“No it really was my fault. I shouldn’t have let it get to me like it did, and I shouldn’t have done what I did. I should be the one apologizing.”

“Well, how about I just accept your apology before this chain of apologies continues any further huh?”

“Right, sorry.”

“Now don’t you go startin’ it again.” The both of them chuckled, and to Dawston, a chuckle was all it took to prove to him that he had just stitched the fabric he had torn with his violent outbreak. Giano patted him on the shoulder, and he then began his walk back towards Meriva. “Dawston!” Giano beckoned him back, and he leaned to whisper to him, “Now, I know young love when I see it, I know what can happen. With this in mind, I swear that if you ever, ever hurt her—”

“Sir, I won’t, I promise you that.”

“Okay, I’ll hold you to that. Now go on, don’t you keep her waiting for too long.” Dawston returned to Meriva, and the first thing she did was question him about what they spoke about. He assured her it was nothing to worry about, and they went on their way into the storm that had continued to roar outside. Giano watched the two gallop until the darkness overtook their bodies. For some reason, as he stared through the glass, he felt she might never come back. He felt silly for considering such a thought, she could walk right through his doors the very next day. But, as the darkness overtook her body, he suddenly felt disconnected. He didn’t know why, but he just couldn’t shake the feeling away. He walked back to the table he was cleaning and grabbed the still-wet dish rag, ready to finish up before he flipped the little paper sign in the window to read ‘closed’. Accompanied once again by only the ticking of the clock, and the drops of rain pelting the roof, he had never felt so alone.

Chapter Three

Dawston and Meriva stood before the door leading into his cottage, as he was reluctant to open it up. He had become so overwhelmed with excitement, that he didn’t even consider the consequences that could be awaiting him inside. He wondered, and as Meriva stood safe from the rain under his overcoat, she glanced at him, wondering herself why he stood motionless with his eyes fixated on the door. Dawston thought about what his brother might do or say that just might worry, or even frighten Meriva. He knew he couldn’t delay the inevitable any longer, and so he twisted the old knob of the door, and welcomed Meriva inside.

The both of them were greeted by a burst of warm air that relaxed their intense shivering. Meriva took one long look around the main room of the wooden cottage, and felt that it had this sort-of comfy atmosphere about it. The crackling fire, the furniture, and the shelves that held little knick-knacks, all helped build up this sense of coziness.

“I must’ve left it somewhere in my bedroom. Just wait here, I shouldn’t be long.” Dawston assured her. Meriva nodded and smiled at him, as she was prepared to wait as long as she had to. Dawston left the room and proceeded further back into the cottage. She felt a bit awkward, as she can’t quite remember a time she had entered someone else’s home. She stood motionless in the center of the living room, feeling tense, as if she stood on a small island of land and everything else around her was a pit of blackness. Meriva knew she had to break through this uneasiness, so step by little step, she ventured out from her small island of land to explore the rest of the room. Since Dawston was just starting to move into his home, bags and boxes were scattered around the room. Some were empty, some still contained his belongings, and for those that did, Meriva could not contain her curiosity to peek inside just a couple.

Some merely contained clothing and household objects such as dishware, rags, and candles; but something did capture her interest, a picture frame resting atop everything else inside this one particular box. The photo it held faced upward, and Meriva’s heart was touched by the scene depicted. She lifted it out from the box and into the glow of the fire that reflected off the glass surface of the frame. Two young colts were being held tightly by a cheery, older stallion, whom she could have only presumed that it was a family member. They’re outside, in what appears to be summer-like weather with the green grass and blue sky. Their faces alighted with smiles brings one to Meriva’s. Their manes are all messy, and their coats are littered with loose flower petals and blades of grass. Which made it seem the picture must’ve been taken after they had finished rolling around in the field. A closer look at the colors of the coat and mane on one of the young colts reminded her of Dawston’s. For something as small as a photo, it brought out emotions larger than Meriva had expected. She felt happy and peaceful, but at the same time, sadness and anxiety.

“I found it!” Dawston called from down the hall. Immediately, Meriva set back down the photo. She stood timidly after she took a step away from the box, and watched Dawston emerge from the doorway, frantically shoving his wallet in his coat pocket. “Okay, let’s go. I saw a place that looked nice just down the road.” As Dawston and Meriva began their way to the door, she wondered why he was in such distress. Until, once again, Meriva’s eyes were drawn to an item in his house. However, this particular item seemed to possess a sort of aura about it unlike anything else.

“Wait, what’s that?” She halted before the door, forcing Dawston to stop as well. Resting along one of the shelves, sat a lonely little trinket. A miniature statue of a mare dressed in white is posed to look as though she’s dancing in the snow, and the entire scene is encased in a little, round, glass dome.

“What? The snow globe?”

“Is that what it is?”

“Yeah, you’ve never seen one before?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“Come on, I’ll show you.” Dawston walked Meriva closer to the shelf where he brought down the snow globe for Meriva to see, “You see, it’s this little glass thing that’s filled with water.” Dawston held it in his hooves as Meriva gazed down to it. She saw the fine detail in the small mare’s white dress, mane, and even her eyes have been dotted perfectly with paint. “And when you shake it around . . .” He shook the little globe as they heard the liquid swishing around inside, “You look at it again, and it looks like it’s snowing!” Dawston held the globe still for Meriva, where her eyes were dazzled to see small fragments of white mixed with tiny speckles of glitter gently floating down from the top. She could just imagine herself in the place of the mare inside the globe, frolicking about in a field of snow as it continues to fall from the gray sky. She could almost feel the icy wind against her face, and the flakes of snow falling into her hooves.

“You like it?” A different voice broke into Meriva’s moment of bliss, and caused both she and Dawson to jolt. They turned to the hall to see a stallion with a wet, black mane and beige coat standing in the middle of the doorway. “A beautiful little thing isn’t it? It was a gift from our Father years ago.”

“It’s very nice.” She said.

“What’s the matter Dawston? Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”

“. . . Meriva, this is my brother, Zach. Zach, this is Meriva.”

“It’s a pleasure.” Said Meriva.

“The pleasure is all mine dear. So, brother, you seemed to have been trying to leave in a hurry. Why is that?”

“I just came to get my wallet, then Meriva and I were going out right after.”

“Well what’s the rush? Come now Miss Meriva, take a seat by the fire and warm up a little before you go. You too brother, you’re completely soaked. Would you like me to get you a—?”

“No Zach, that won’t be necessary.” Dawston broke in. “Meriva, let’s go.”

“Wait, now are you two sure you don’t want to stay for just a few minutes? I could fix up a few cups of hot chocolate for all of us if you’d like?”

“Thank you Zach, but we really should be going.” Dawston rushed Meriva to the door, ready to ignore whatever his brother would say next in an attempt to get them to stay.

“Alright, well goodbye then! It was nice meeting you Meriva!”

“Same to you!” Was all Meriva could say before Dawston hurried her out of the house. Now back into the clutches of the raging storm, Dawston wrapped Meriva in his coat as he wasted no time before they crossed over the muddy path to the other side. “What was that all about?” Meriva tried to have her voice overcome the roaring of the winds.

“Don’t worry about it, it’s nothing.” She had to accept his answer, as he wouldn’t say another word as they pushed their way through the rain. She felt like she was invading something private when she asked. He didn’t even turn to look her way once she did, which already placed a weight of guilt over her shoulders. Within minutes, they came to a big alighted building with a pair of ponies galloping out through the doors to try and escape the rain. They saw many more inside through the glass windows, their silhouettes casted against the golden glow of the lamp lights.

They approached the doors, which to Meriva, she saw them as the gates to an entirely new territory. She had never been to a place so populated, which began to fill her with nervousness. Dawston pushed open the door and held out his hoof granting her entry. Meriva was stunned by his gentlecolt-like gesture, and for a moment, stood completely motionless to stare at him as he waited. He only looked to her with a smile, which made her feel comfortable enough to enter the fortress of voices and the clanking of dishware. They were greeted by a stallion in a sleek black suit and red tie who offered Dawston a towel, since he was completely soaked by the rain without his coat. He then guided them to an empty table sheeted in maroon linen and surrounded by cushioned seats. The kind, suited stallion set a pair of menus onto the table as they both took their seats. He left only for a moment to leave them to decide on their orders, and Meriva had just been struck by the realization that she hadn’t that much money with her. “. . . Dawston,” Meriva whispered, afraid of being heard by any of the neighboring ponies. “I don’t think I have enough money on me right now. I’m sorry, I didn’t think about it—”

“I’ve got it, don’t worry. I wasn’t planning on having you pay anyway.”

“Thank you.” Grateful, yet unsettled was she. Combined with the feeling that several pairs of eyes were all on her accompanied by all the voices, her entire body felt tense as she kept her hooves on her lap and her eyes down at her menu. Dawston peered up from his to see Meriva clearly anxious, and wondered just what it was that may have been bothering her.

“Meriva? Is everything alright?”

“Yes . . . yes everything’s fine. I’m just . . . not used to being in places like this.”

“Really? I would’ve thought a girl like you would have been to places like this plenty of times. If anything, I should be the one feeling nervous.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I never thought I’d be in a place like this with a girl as beautiful as you.” Dawston’s comment almost startled her with how sudden it was; but it was almost instantaneous that the feeling of eyes glaring at her vanished and was replaced by only his eyes, and every voice became a blur except for his. She couldn’t believe how quick the muscles in her body relaxed, as well as the return of the spark in her heart she felt back at Giano’s café. Their evening went on as the suited stallion returned to write down their orders on his little notepad. After their meals arrived, the rest of their conversations were filled with laughter and smiles, something Meriva hadn’t done in quite some time.

However, somewhere in the midst of their conversation, Meriva found Dawston staring out in the dining area behind her. His smile diminished to what seemed like dread. Immediately, she grew curious. “Dawston. . ? Is something wrong?”

“Hm?” His eyes then focused on her, “Oh, uh no, no nothing’s wrong. Say, um, about earlier I . . . I didn’t mean to just walk out like that. It was just—”

“It’s fine, you don’t have to apologize.”

“No, I do. It was rude, and I feel I should explain myself. When we met I had no intention of leaving, but something just forced me to.”

“What?”

“When I glanced out through the window of the shop, I saw my brother through the glass. I didn’t know if he was going to come in or not, but I didn’t want to take the chance. So, I just got up and left. I was afraid, that’s all.”

“Afraid of what? Why wouldn’t you want him to come in?”

“I-It’s a long story, you wouldn’t want to hear it.”

“I don’t mind.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course! Go on, tell me. Unless, you’re too uncomfortable to tell me.”

“No, no, I’ll tell you. It’s just . . . a hard subject to talk about. It goes all the way back to when Zach and I were just kids. You see, when we were little, we were just like any other family. We had a Mom, a Dad, a house, and nothing but a positive outlook on life. The bond between my brother and I was so strong back then. We didn’t need any friends, because we had each other. All the little things we did like pushing each other on the swing set, hide-n-seek, and all the times we ventured out into the woods around our house like little explorers meant so much more. But, as time went on and our bond grew, we noticed something dwindle; and that was the bond between our parents. . .”

As Dawston weaved his story, Meriva could see the whole thing play in her mind. Almost as if she was there herself.

The night was cold, dark, but both Zach and Dawston were tucked away under their thick bed sheets. The moon’s light casted a shadow of the tree by their bedroom window across the floor. The tree’s branches were bare, as fall had been in full effect introducing the chilling winds. The two brothers’ lay their sleepy heads against the soft pillows, as they explored the limits of their dreams that their young minds could handle. Until a loud bang jolted them awake. They sat up from their beds with a gasp, and they glanced at each other in fear. “What was that?” Zach asked.

“I don’t know. I think it came from downstairs.” Dawston replied.

“Let’s go check it out!”

“No way!”

“Come on, what are you? Scared?” Zach teased.

“. . . No.” Dawston fiddled with his blanket.

“Then let’s go!” Zach jumped out of bed and rushed to the door.

“Zach wait!” But Zach didn’t listen, instead he stood up on his little hind legs to reach the doorknob. The door creaked open, and Zach beckoned Dawston to follow. Reluctant, Dawston moved his covers aside to follow Zach into the shadowed hall. They came to the stairwell leading down to the living room, and a dim yellow light at the bottom guided them down. After every step they took down, they began to hear muffled voices below. Once they reached the bottom, they found the source of the light, which was peeking out from under the door leading to the kitchen. Zach put his ear against the door, and he heard the voices coming from inside the kitchen. “What do you hear?”

“It’s . . . Mom and Dad.”

“What’re they saying?”

“I don’t know.” The curiosity built inside Zach until he felt compelled to open the door just a sliver. The both of them peeked through the space to see their parents standing near the counter below the cupboards.

“Why is it like this all of a sudden?” Their Father asked.

“Sweetheart, I’ve already told you. Fridays are getting busier at work, and I just have to work late on those days with all the customers we get.” Their Mother replied.

“But how come it’s like that now? It’s never been like this before. You’ve rarely had to work late.”

“Why are you so concerned about this?”

“Why shouldn’t I concerned about this? You’ve been working later and later, and right now it’s midnight. You’ve never come home this late.”

“But I’m home now. Come on, get to bed, and I’ll meet you there in a moment.”

“Why do you keep trying to push me away from the subject?”

“Why are you making such a big deal of this?”

“Because I love you! I’ve been sitting here in the living room just watching the hours tick away on the clock, waiting for you to walk through the front door! I worry about you, and you know that.”

“Well, have you ever considered that maybe you worry a little too much?”

“What are you talking about? You’re my wife-of course I’m going to worry!”

“Would you lower your voice? You’re going to wake up the kids!”

“I just. . ! I just want to make sure you’re safe, and that nothing else is going on.”

“Sweetie, everything is fine. There is nothing for you to worry about, okay?”

“. . . Do you promise?”

“Yes dear, I promise.”

“Okay.”

“Now come on, let’s get to bed.” It was then that Zach and Dawston scurried away from the door and back up the stairs to their room. Zach closed the door as quietly as he could before they both bolted to their beds and under the covers. They had never seen their parents have an argument like that, but they seemed to resolve it in the end. They managed to return to their dreams, but not without their parents’ voices echoing in their heads. They thought they would never have to wake to the same thing again, but little did they know, it would only get worse with every passing day. As their nightly eavesdropping on their parents’ constant arguing would become almost routine, and with every new argument, the voices became harsher. In time, they noticed that their Mother rarely ever called their Father the sweet names she used to. From then on, she had begun to refer to him by his real name: Herald.

The two young colts watched as the love that had been shared by both of their parents had begun to shift. It seemed that only one of them was trying to keep the feeling alive, and that was their Father. Their Mother soon became more and more distant. Before, it used to be the few hours she spent running errands that she would be away from the house during the day. Then as night began to fall she would leave to work. Until it turned to her rarely being at the house at all. Their Father tried to get days off to be there for his sons, and the days he could were spent with them watching as his heart had been crumbling down to nothing. The energy he used to have was vanishing, he hadn’t played with Zach nor Dawston as much as he used to. His voice had retired, and his smiles mysteriously vanished. They tried to find out what had been bothering their Father, but the only answer he gave them was, “I think your Mother broke her promise.”

Zach and Dawston spent more time outside than ever, as it was the only place they felt safe discussing the matters regarding their parents. The winter winds had been revealing themselves to the town, and the cheer of the upcoming holiday had begun to take effect. One afternoon, they made their trip to the little wooded area that surrounded their home to speak their minds to each other about the thoughts that had been haunting them. However, it was here, that their own bond had shown signs of diminishment. “Zach?” Dawston asked as he leaned against the cold trunk of a thin tree.

“Yeah?” Zach chucked a small stone across the pond that had frozen over.

“Do you think that Mom and Dad will be happy again?”

“Of course I do.”

“Are you sure?”

“Dawston, Mom and Dad have been together forever. They used to always be happy. So, yes I’m sure.”

“. . . What if they split up?”

“What do you mean ‘split up’?”

“Well, I’ve heard some of the other kids at school say that their parents split up.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, I didn’t hear them talk about why, but maybe this could be why.”

“Well, they won’t”

“But, what if they do?”

“I said they won’t.”

“But Zach, what do you think will happen if they do?”

“Shut up! Will you stop saying that?!” Zach shouted as he stomped towards Dawston. He violently shoved and pressed Dawston against the tree trunk in a sudden explosion of fury. “Shut up! Just shut up! Mom and Dad would never split up! Got it?!” Fear grasped Dawston’s voice by the throat as he couldn’t utter a response, so he simply nodded his head. In an instant, Zach noticed his rage as Dawston’s eyes watered. He looked down to his hooves which had still held Dawston to the tree, and quickly released him. It was as though some unknown force had taken him over during that short moment, and influenced him to turn on his brother. Zach didn’t know what to do, or what to say. All he knew was that he had truly frightened Dawston, and that maybe ‘sorry’ wasn’t good enough. Dawston stayed a considerable distance away from Zach the rest of that evening, desperately trying to avoid eye contact with him the entire time.

When the sun had completely retired, and the moon and stars overtook the sky, the time for them to attempt another night of sleep came. Their Father walked them to their room, and got them settled in their beds. Usually, it was their Mother who came home just in time from work to leave a kiss on their heads and wish them sweet dreams. Then, it was there Father who filled in that role, as their Mother was nowhere to be seen during these nights. He left them, and gently closed the door to avoid any noise. Dawston turned over to his side, hoping Zach wouldn’t look his way. Zach stared up at the ceiling as guilt ate away at his stomach. He turned his head to Dawston, where his eyes only met his backside. “Dawston. . .” He whispered. “Dawston!” He tried whispering louder. “Dawston I know you’re awake. Look, I’m sorry about what I did earlier. I was just scared.”

“. . . Scared of what?”

“Of you being right.” Dawston turned over to see Zach as he still hid half his face behind his blanket. “I guess I just . . . lost it for a minute there.”

“It’s okay.”

“So, you’re not mad?” Dawston then shook his head. “Dawston, I promise I won’t do that ever again.” With Zach’s stomach settled, he felt that he just may be able to get to sleep that night as he brought the edge of his blanket up to his chest.

“. . . Zach?”

“Yes?”

“If Mom and Dad split up, do you think the same thing will happen to us?” Zach took a deep breath in, and let it out easily. The very thought of him being separated from Dawston frightened him to his core. The pace of his heart picked up rapidly, but he tried to keep his composure to give Dawston his answer.

“Dawston, as long I’m here, I’ll never let something like that happen. We’re brothers, we’ll always be together, no matter what.” Dawston pulled his little hoof out from under the blanket, and held it outward from his bed towards Zach.

“Hoofie promise?” Zach climbed out of his bed, and walked over to Dawston’s bedside. He placed his hoof against his, and smiled.

“Hoofie promise.” Dawston smiled as he felt that their bond was now secure after their promise. Whenever they made their special promises, they’ve always kept them; and during a time like this, perhaps a promise is what they needed to feel safe.