My Little Pony, Chaining Stars

by Mimkage

Rating: teen
Tags: Adventure, Alternate Universe, Drama, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Romance, Tragedy
Length: 8276

The sister land of Equestria, a place called Altama, is a place known to be open to all intelligent creatures. However, odd occurrences have been happening as of late that threatens to end that long held peace.

Once upon a time, in a land separated from Equestria there lived a regal Queen by the name of Athena and her son. Under her protection a land where creatures from ponies to camels, deer, Gryphons and several others live together in harmony and with Athena at the throne they thrived. However, in the wake of a horrible event the Prince and Queen were lost and the land of Altama left heavily scarred. For a while, war had consumed the land until a group of creatures, once Athena's council, came together to form the Grand Altama Council and together began to remedy the land with the help of a mystical tree. Now in an age of peace again odd things have been happening as of late that threaten to relive events of the past.

For starters a unicorn emerging from a ball of light.

Can Altama's creatures pull through these odd and threatening events or will the nation fall without it's beloved Queen and Prince to lead them?

Published 2016-04-10 22:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-05-16 23:16:33 UTC

Mlp Chaining Stars Ch1: New Years

“Clouds swirls above the tree, tinted red and purple in color it appeared to be a wound and perhaps it was so the world bellow shivered in agony and fear. A great power, something not seen since the times of yore had been awake; a great power that once divided so that actions so atrocious were enacted against one another.... The great Fear.... where it came from, no one could say as it seem to appear out of the blink of an eye but even in the moments it had emerged the world coward to it.

To protect their subject, Queen Athena and her son, a Prince’s name lost to time, flew to contain the fear and contain the fear they did. However, this action was not without consequence. Details to what had occurred were unclear as the Queen could not being herself to say the events that transpired. All that was known in certainty is that after the evil clouds shrouding the world had vanish so had the valiant prince with the aftermath leaving only a severely injured Queen Athena spared. Having lost her beloved son, Athena plunged into a sorrow so deep none could console her. Even the mention of her son’s name sent her into an agonizing sadness so deep nothing could calm her. However, in her sadness she had failed to realize that her Kingdom which she defended so had begun to crumble. The world had become infected, the wound inflicted upon it left untreated the land began to appear as if it were burned. Magic was no longer plentiful as it had been and creatures of many species began to fight over what remained. Those once friends became foes and stained the poison soil in the red of rage and greed. By the time Athena snapped from her deep sorrow her kingdom, once so beautiful, had collapsed into war. Knowing what she had to do she left her council with a single command to maintain her precious country in her place and she flew. According to her council she left to the regal Altama Star Tree where she would use every ounce of her alicorn magic. Traveling through the roots of the tree, the land’s magic had been rejuvenated as the tree radiated a beautiful gray aura.

In return to restoring the land, Athena gave her life. Her body turned to stone and was left cold. In a short time Altama had lost both of its rulers and even though the magic had returned, the land was still heavily scarred. Under the control of Athena’s great council the land did indeed begin to remedy but it would take many dozens of years before peace would truly return to Altama in the wake of the tragedy.”

Reading to herself, a young Pegasus mare with long, fluffy wings, mane the color of the sky and fur the color of caramel, laid under the glow of the moonlight. She had several books beside her, each of different topics ranging from “The Marry Trotter” to the book she had now which was titled “The History of Altama.” It appeared she had finished reading a chapter, making a heavy sigh as she looked down at her phone. It read ’11:55’ which made her smile.

“Just 5 minutes to go.”

Gently, she closed the worn out book and placed it on top of the small pile she had beside her and sat up. Excitedly, her ruby red eyes fixated on something most magnificent. A tree, giant in size, stood before her radiating a beautiful silver glow. Indeed, this was the same tree from the book she had just read, Altama’s Star tree. However, unlike those creatures below the tree living in the city built around it, this mare was not lost in the festivities and noise. Instead she was on her own sitting upon a floating island suspended high up above a crater with a large river flowing into it. Several other islands surrounded it, seemly glued into the sky in place somehow. She was far from the loud hussle and bussle of the city but from here nothing obscured her vision of the tree.

Why would she want such a clear view? Well, today just so happens to be a special day.

Unable to contain her excitement, she looked at her phone again which now read ’11:59’ only a minute left. As the seconds ticked away the glow from the tree only became more and more intense. Sparkles began to emerge, surrounding the tree in a thin veil. At the same time the mare’s anticipation also grew as she stood at the very edge of the island. Counting back in unison the town to seem to share in this mare’s excitement.

“Ten.... nine...” She mouthed along with the two, her wings poofing up. “Eight.... seven...”

As the countdown continued, something began to happen to the tree, something that made the mare flinch and fold her wings in surprise. A powerful shockwave burst from the tree, the gray aura gaining many different colors, becoming similar to a rainbow pond. Clearly by the expression of the mare this wasn’t normal as she seemed to be quite dumbfounded. The colors began to collect and separate from the aura into six small masses, leaving the aura silver again. Each mass had a specific color, Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Orange and Purple each spinning around the tree in a ring.

“Five.... four....”

The mare simply watched, unsure as to how she should react until she again surprised by the islands shaking under her. Caught off guard she trips over onto her side where she clings to the grass with her hooves. It didn’t last long, seemly also coming over in a pulse as the islands settled back into place. The masses began to float over the tree and move closer together. The masses join into one, making a large, white orb above the tree where it floats slowly higher and higher.

“Three.... two...”

She stands, being very cautious as she stares up at the orb, her heavy breathing making white puffs of fog form as her hot breath hit the frigid air
.

“One”

Suddenly, the tree’s aura bursts, sending sparkles high up into the sky, covering the night sky in veils of silver. This was normally what would happen so it didn’t startle the mare but her gaze still remained fixated on that mass above. Suddenly, the orb shot in her direction which made her duck, covering herself with her wings.

After a few seconds she peaked through her feathers to take a quick glance, only to see there was nothing in front of her. However, a loud, popping noise from behind her made her jump and turn to face the noise. There, floating in the middle of the islands was the orb and as she approached it to settle her own curiosity she could see a faint outline inside. Clearly there was something within the orb but she was too cautious to approach it quite yet.

Another popping sound from it made her back up more as one of the colored masses, the purple one, that collected to make it flew out and was shot off into the distance. It was then followed by another then another, each flying off in different directions. It sounded like fireworks with each orb that flew away. After the fourth one the mare, still cautious, took a step towards it only to hear another popping sound. A Yellow mass flew from it and when straight for her. It moved so quickly she had no time to react. It entered her chest, glowing inside her for a second before covering her in a light, gold light and vanishing completely. Clearly freaked out the mare frantically touched her chest, unsure of what happened exactly. A final popping sound from the mass caught her attention again, making her look over with a hoof over her heart.

A blue orb flew out, flying off into the distance like the others. Once it was out of sight the mass began to fall, dissolving away as it plummeted to a river below. The mare trots over to the other edge, watching it as it fell down past her island. What she saw made her instantly jump off the island after it.

The light eroded away it was revealed that a unicorn stallion, mane the color of earth and fur the color of cream, had been inside!

Wasting not a second, she nose dove down as fast as she could after him. She folded her wings in like a peregrine falcon, flying just as fast as the predatory bird. Making up the distance the mare focused squarely on the stallion since, if she missed, it wouldn’t end well for him.

Unknown to her, the stallion was still somewhat conscious, his eyes slightly open but his expression being bland and blank. He looked up at her, seeing her simply as a brown blur against the dark sky. He breathes, a white puff of fog coming from his muzzle as he softly said.

“Forgive me...”

His eyes closed as he passed out, his body beginning to flip around in the air as he fell. The mare, eyes squinted and mane flying everywhere, reached out for him. She grabbed him, holding him close to her as she opened her wings. However, she had no time to pull back up especially with the dead weight so both she and he plunged into the fridge waters.

It felt like a million needles piercing her skin all at once and someone punching the air out of her lungs the moment her body was submerged. She needed air, her lungs cried in agony for just a breath as the frigid pain filled her entire body. Still, she refused to release the stallion from her hooves. She kicked frantically, finally managing to break the surface where she took a deep breath in. However, the sudden cold constricted her lungs making it painful to take in sudden breaths in. Her body felt numb and weak; so much so it took her all her strength just to hold her and the stallion’s head above water. However, she knew she couldn’t stay here, if she did both would die of hyperthermia. So, she used her oversized wings to her advantage as she used them as paddles to move through the icy water.

By the time she managed to reach the bank her body was so weak from the water she could barely stand. Again, she used her wings to help hold her up as she drags the stallion out of the water on her back. Ensuring both were safely on solid ground the mare collapsed, flopping down against the ground with heavy breaths.

“Ahh not the way I planned to spend New Years....”

Her body hurt all over, it was sore and very painful but still her concern was still aimed towards the stallion. She turned her head to look at him only to notice no fog puffs were leaving his muzzle. Panicked she rolled him off her back and onto his.

“H-hey! Wake up! Common!”

Dragging herself over to him she places her ear on his chest, hearing a faint heart beat but not hearing him take in breaths. Frantically she thought, trying to think of ways to save him. First, she places her hooves over his chest and pushed down but with her measly strength she could barely put down any pressure.

“Agh common guy, breath!”

Opening his mouth she tested for breath but there was nothing. She was losing him and fast. Thinking she could only come to one solution and honestly it wasn’t a matter of choice to her.

She tilted his head back, placing her hoof behind his head to open his air way and with a heavy blush on her face begun to lower down to his.

“Breath.....” She thought, exhaling a breath of life into him.

“Breath...” Another one.

“Please!”

Feeling that this was a lost cause tears began to collect in her eyes. Shivering, she kept trying to revive him, she refused to give up on him.

“Please! BREATH!”

Just then, her body began to glow a golden light, transferring over to him. Her mane began to rise, flowing up as the magical aura consumed them both in warmth. Slowly, as she continued to try and wake him, the magic seeped into him, sinking into her chest. With one, final breath the aura dissipated and the Stallion coughed. Water spluts from his muzzle, freeing his lungs to take in deep breaths at last. It surprised the mare but finally seeing him breathing brought a smile of relief. He’ll be okay and that finally allowed her to finally relax. Now, without all the adrenaline and stress rushing her body she finally felt the fatigue hit her all at once. Even if she wanted to move she couldn’t possibly. So, she simply laid her head on his chest, letting the water drip off her body onto the floor.

“... Maybe a little nap... wouldn’t hurt... what do you think?” He was still out cold, breathing softly now. She simply giggled a bit, finding his heart beat to be very soothing.

“Yeah.... you’ve got the right idea...” In the distance the sound of trotting hooves could be heard, seemly a small group but the mare cared not. Her eyes just slowly closed, a smile on her face as she settled.

She soon joined the stallion in slumber.

Author's Note

So what does the story start with..... nearly drowning and locking lips with a complete stranger

Yay~

ch:2 Beginning of a friendship pt1

“I never understood one thing. Why is it that creatures of this world tend to assume the extreme as truth? Nothing in the world is white, nor is it as black as it may seem and judging life as so is nothing but foolishness. In the end, such closed minds will lead to ruin… I know for I have seen it. No. Strip away the colors of the world you’ll be left with only gray. Values that are the true makings of the world; that make the world as it is. Without those values, those beautiful depths that can only be when the extremes compromise, the world is left just an empty husk without reason. That compromise is what determines the colors of our world.”

Delicately, the early morning light rose beyond the tree tops, illuminating the thin layer of snow resting upon them in sparkles. Here, among the rows of forest sat a barn house where the sunlight crept through the curtains of the windows.

Laying in a bed, snuggled up in the warm, soft sheets, a familiar mare slept comfortably. Sadly, the sleep was soon to end as the light moved slowly across the floor and over her face. She groans, pulling the blankets over her crunched face but sadly this provided no relief. The light only grew stronger as more of it peaked past the thin, lacey fabric covering her windows.

“Ahh… night never lasts long enough…” she groans silently under her breath, laying for a second longer before slowly sitting up. Stretching out her arms, her wings poofed up to do the same. A loud yawn escapes her muzzle as her hoof brushes through her messy bed head. Not wanting to leave the comfort of her bed so hastily she just sat there for a few moments, her gaze turning to the window that allowed the light to so rudely awake her.

Her room was a mess with all her stuff seemly just tossed everywhere, she wasn’t much for organization. Horse slippers by the door, a rug crooked and folded and her saddle bags dropped on the floor, nothing really seemed to have an assigned place. She knew she couldn’t delay it any longer, life was a calling and to ignore its call would be a waste for her. So, she dragged herself from the soft hug of the sheets and slowly walked over to window where she threw open the curtains; allowing the light to flood the room.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen some mushroom where being fried in a pan; the smell filling it and the living room in a pleasant aroma.

“Where art the celery stalks?”

Floating with a light, blue magical aura around it, a salt shaker shakes over the mushrooms, sprinkling a bit of salt onto it. The mare from before enters the living room, picking up the pleasant aroma filling the room. Following it she goes over to the kitchen where a familiar stallion can be seen with his head in the fridge.

“Oh! Alto! I thought you’d still be asleep.” She said as he pulls his head from the fridge to look at her with a couple of celery stalks floating by his head with his magic around it.

“A-ah, my apologize Lady Cherry.” He places the stalks on a cutting board that sat on the counter. “I did not desire to remain confined to the bedroom. Thus I decided to prepare a morning meal. Does that displease you?”

As he talked he chopped up the stalks with a sharp knife and flipped the mushrooms cooking in the pan with his magic.

“No, no, it’s not that. It’s just….” She glances down at his back where he had bandages wrapping around his shoulders and ribcage.

“The wounds no longer inflict pain, there is no need to concern yourself.” He didn’t even need to ask, knowing very well why Cherry was hesitant.

“If you say so.” Her voice was uncertain but if he was sure then that was that. “I wish I could lend a hoof but I’m a terrible cook. I swear I would find a way to burn water.” She giggled a bit at her own joke but he seemed not to pay it much mind. He was too wrapped up in what he was doing.

“Do you… remember anything?” She asked, seeing him suddenly stop everything he was doing. A frown stretched across his face as he replied.

“No.”

Honestly, Cherry had no idea how to reply further. It was clear he wasn’t comfortable with the question so she decided to instead leave him be for a bit.

“I’ll just be in the living room...”

She delayed a bit on leaving, making absolutely sure he was fine before leaving him to his devices. Walking through the hallway she passed by a calendar on the wall and stopped to take a quick glance.

“Week two of the first moon cycle... Hmm Rosemary’s day for shipment…”

It was only a brief thought as she made her way over to the plushy, green couch and plopped into it in a comfortable laying position. For a few seconds she stares at the ceiling, thinking to herself.

“Two weeks…..”

She remembered waking up in a hospital bed the morning after she had saved Alto; her body still sore and bruised from the situation. Considering what happened, her injuries were minor, thankfully so. Alto however wasn’t as lucky.

It took her a moment to remember what had happened the night before but once she did she quickly jumped out of bed and trot to the door. But as she was about to leave a reindeer entered the room.

“Oh, you’re awake, good.” She wore a white coat, showing she was obviously a doctor, and acted rather neutral towards Cherry but she didn’t really care much about that. She simply worried about the stallion she saved.

“W-where’s the guy? The one that was with me? Is he o-“The doctor placed a hoof over her mouth, silencing her.

“Shhh shh shh, he’s in the next room resting. The injuries he sustained were much more severe than yours.”

“Injuries!?” Cherry tried to move past the deer, desperate to see him. However, she refused to move out of her way, standing stubbornly like a mule.

“Hey!”

“There isn’t use in you bursting in there and waking him. If anything it’ll cause more harm than good. If you want to help him then I’m going to need you to give me information about him.” It’s then Cherry cringes, realizing she knew next to nothing about him. Heck, he came out of basically nowhere from a ball of gray light.

“How did he obtain these injuries?”

“O-oh! He fell fr-“It’s then she realized she couldn’t tell them the truth. After all, who would believe the guy just popped out from thin air? So, she tweaked the story a bit, just a tiny bit, so she wouldn’t sound crazy.

“He fell from one of the floating islands at the Pegasus Paris and fell into the river. I tried to catch him but I kinda fell in with him…”

“I see…. Do you know anything else like his name of his age?” She simply shook her head in response.

“That’s odd…. His injuries don’t seem to correlate to what you’ve said….” Cherry’s head tilts, confused.

“What do you mean?”

“He sustained open wounds on his back…. But they don’t look like slash or slab marks…. It looks like a chunk of his skin was ripped from his back…”

Alto would wake up later that evening, battered and confused. It turned out that he had no memory of what happened nor did he know anything about himself; his memory had been completely erased. After a week of therapy he was able to recall his first name.

“Alto”

But that was all they could do as any further attempt rendered no further response.

“We don’t exactly know what’s wrong with him since he’s perfectly fine physically.” Cherry sat alone with the Gryphon who examined him.

“All that seems to be effected is his personal memories since he can still do basic math and read.”

“So, he can he lead a normal life?” The gryphon removed his glasses and looks directly at Cherry.

“Logically yes.” He sighs, “But whether or not he’ll get his memory back is to be determined. He might recover it over time but there isn’t any guarantees.”

A question in Cherry’s mind bugged her, a question that any logical creature would ask.

“Why? What happened to him to make him just… forget anything about himself?”

“Well… judging by what I collected the last couple of sessions it’s likely something extremely traumatic, something that was so mentally shocking and damaging happened to him that, to protect his psyche, his brain just rejected it completely… the memory lose is likely a side effect to that. If course, that’s just a theory… “

Thinking about it Cherry couldn’t just leave him alone. He was stuck in a world he doesn’t know with no memory of who he used to be, to leave him now would be beyond cruel. Now that some time has passed it was clear that it was more than just his memory that seemed to be hindering him.

“Lady Cherry, the morning meal had been completed.” Her ear twitches, her thought popping as her attention is switched over to reality.

“U-uh coming!”

As she trots back to the kitchen where she sees that makes her face just go blank. The table was set up as if it were a fancy party with a lavender table cloth, a tall candle set in the middle and a ring of roses around it, the napkins had floral patterns, the entire thing looked like a fancy date more than a casual breakfast.

“Hu…. Changed out the blue for purple?” She said jokingly as she walks to the table. Alto pulls out the chair for her, using his magic to do so.

“Indeed, the color is much more suitable to the structure of the dwelling.”

All Cherry could do was roll her eyes at his silliness.

“Well thanks... I guess...”

She sits, looking down at the food he prepared. It looked really well made and had a nice smell to it but it kind of made her feel she was in a restaurant rather than comfortably eating in her own home. Alto had begun to eat, using his magic to levitate the utensils. He was so proper and uptight, it made Cherry feel uneasy. Even so she ate the food, finding the taste to be quite pleasant.

“It’s really good.”

“The compliment is most appreciated, m’lady.”

He bowed slightly, moving in a very polite and slow way. In fact, he ate so slowly that by the time Cherry had finished her meal he was barely a third of the way done with his.

“Umm.. Well I have some deliveries to do... thanks for the food it was good.”

This seemed to attract his attention as she cleaned up her side of the table.

“Oh? One does wish to mingle with the common folk. Tis be amusing. May one come as well?”

She cringes a bit, her ear twitching the moment his words hit her ears. It was clear by her expression she wasn’t at all thrilled to abide him.

“Umm... I don’t really think that’s a good idea.... I’m going to be working and stuff...”

“Then one will simply follow behind m’lady and not interfere with your affairs.”

A groan leaves her as she takes a moment to think to herself.

“Ugh.... fine. Just finish eating and get ready okay?”

Chapter 3 Galloping a memory's lane

“How absolutely stunning!”

Wagon full of assorted fruit and vegies Cherry walked behind an excited Alto, seemly marveling at every single thing he saw. The city was full of creatures, all doing their own thing as Cherry pulled her wagon and kept an eye on the stallion. She tried to keep patience with him but stopping ever couple of seconds to explain things to him started to grade on her a bit.

“Tell me Lady Cherry, what function does this device serve?”

Turning to face his direction she sees him looking into a window where a coffee machine was on display.

“It makes coffee.....”

“Does one place the hoof ground beans into the contraption? From where does one insert the hot water?”

She rolls her eyes, groaning softly.

“You just put one of those little cups into the machine push the button.... I guess you pour in the water in the back... not really sure since every brand is a bit different.”

“Little cups?”

She points to a stack of instant coffee cups next to the machine, each row having a different color and name from ‘Morning Brew’ to ‘Dark Roast’. This seem to amaze the Stallion as he pressed his hooves against the glass.

“No, such a small object! Surely it shalt make not a single tassel of coffee!”

“Well... Last time I tried I was able to use one to make three cups before the taste got kinda... diluted.”

“Goodness! What such sorcery is this!?”

She looked at him, seeing his eyes full of wonder. While it was a bit annoying to stop every few seconds she found his smile to be pretty cute.

“Geez... he’s just like a child... getting so excited about a coffee machine...” She thought to herself, giggling a bit, “It’s kind of cute...”

Hearing her giggle instantly prompted the stallion to compose himself, returning back to his uptight ways.

“Er herm.... my apologizes. Such behavior is unbecoming of I. Shall we continue?”

She nods, feeling both happy to finally be able to progress but also a bit sad to see him snap back to being proper. The two trot down the street, heading towards a giant tree growing in the center of the city. Cherry looked up at it, seeing it too having some snow upon it.

“Hmm, the tree looks nice today. The snow makes it all sparkly.”

“Indeed, the radiance of the tree glistens in all its majesty as it always does at the dawn of every New Year. How stunning....”

Cherry’s ears perked up, stopping in her tracks as she realized something.

“Y... you’ve seen the tree before?”

“But of course! The glorious Star tree is the center of all magic of the land. One would be a fool not to have seen it prior to today.”

“That means... you’ve been in Aeithon City before? You haveta been! After all you haven’t seen the tree since the day you appeared in the Pegasus Paris!”

He thought about it, realizing she was right. He knew about the tree and referred to it like he’s seen it many times before.

“Y-yes... One has..... has....”

He taps his head, thinking hard as he feels like something was just on the edge of coming back. His body trembled, shaking as he tried hard to remember but at the same time tried to resist the earth crushing fear clearly displayed in his face.

“Alto?” His struggle was clear, causing Cherry great concern as the closer he got to remember the more he shivered and cowered to the feelings attached to it.

“P-please forgive me.....

“ALTO!”

Her voice echoes, radiating through the area thus prompting many gazes from the citizens. Thankfully, her voice seemed to make him snap back into reality. Her hoof rested on his shoulder, reassuring him as he breaths heavily.

“Hey, you okay?”

He shakes his head, stepping to the side as he composed himself.

“Yes, forgive me m’lady. Tis be unbecoming of a pony to behave in such a manner.” He coughs, gazing back at the mare, seeing her face full of concern and confusion, “Let us... disregard my outburst. Shall we continue on? After all, you yourself said you have much work to complete do you not?”

From that moment on, Alto walked in silence, keeping his uptight behavior and proper demeanor. To others, particularly the shops where Cherry delivered groceries too, his behavior was rather charming and very polite but as they walked together it was clear Cherry didn’t like it. Something told her he was hiding something away, trying to mask himself. Soon, the two made it to a particularly well decorated brick building with plants growing all over in a very beautiful manner. Outside the establishment was a mare, mane the color of red velvet, which was kept in a ponytail, and dressed in a dark blue and while maid outfit. She swept the front porch, whistling a soft tune to herself. The moment her eyes opened and she spotted Cherry a smile spread across her muzzle as she puts the broom aside.

“Cherry!”

She galloped over to the two, a cheerful expression consuming her face as she grabs Cherry in a tight hug. Cherry giggled, hugging back.

“Hey Clair, long time to see!”

“Yeah! Haven’t seen you in weeks, where you’ve been?”

“Ahh... long story, tell you about it later.” Alto simply stares at the two, a bit dumbfounded but still composed. “Ah! Right, Alto, this is Clair; A really close buddy of mine and Clair this is Alto; a new buddy of mine who’s bunking at my house.”

Respectfully, he extends his hoof to her.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, lady Clair.”

Not wanting to be rude, she shakes his hoof only to have him take it and give it a small kiss. A light crimson colored her cream colored face as she turned back to Cherry with a confused and unsure look. All Cherry could do was keep from busting into laughter, her small snorts making Clair give her a sour look. In short, this situation was all kinds of awkward for Clair, so she simply took her hoof back, patted Alto two times on the head and hopped back over to Cherry who was tearing up from how hard she kept from lavishing in her friend’s discomfort.

Slightly annoyed, Clair bumped Cherry’s side, shoving her a bit which made the mare reply by sticking her tongue out playfully at her. At that moment another pony, mane sun blonde and coat lavender, exited the shop.

“My my, if it ain’t little miss Cherry! How ya doing, doll face?”

“Ah! Miss Rosemary! I’m doing great thanks!” She trots up to the mare, meeting her as she climbs down the stairs. Alto tilted his head, noticing this mare seemed to be quite a bit plumper than the others. Still he refrained from saying anything and trots right behind Cherry.

The instant Rosemary spotted Alto she was right in front of him before he could say ‘hello’.

“Oh my, what a hot hunk of spicy stallion. Mmm I could just eat him right up, the sweet heart.”

Surprised, he nearly jumped out of his skin as he came face to face with a pair of emerald shaded eyes giving him a very seductive look.

“U-umm... T-thank you m’lady. Such a complement is flattering from a fine one such as yourself.”

“Oh! And he’s such a gentlestallion too! Cherry, where in the hay did ya lasso this handsome specimen? Mhm, if I weren’t a taken mare I’d scoop him up and gobble him up for dinner!”

All he could do was sit there, dumbfounded, as Rosemary sized him up like a head of lettuce. Both Cherry and Clair just watched, wearing expressions that made it clear this was a regular thing for her.

“Err... not to interrupt but... I have your order. A barrel of cherries, apples.... and other things...”

“Oh ye, ‘scuse me dear. BASIL, HONEY! GROCERIES HERE!”

Thud, thud, thud. The ground shook with each step, the tables rumbled and the broom Clair once used to clean fell over to the floor. The door opened slowly and from it emerged a hulking stallion colored green all around. Just the sight of him made Alto’s jaw drop down to the ground.

He approached Cherry, a stern look scribbled upon his face. Alto’s horn flares with a blue aura, preparing to protect her from him only to see Cherry hug the giant stallion.

“Basil! It’s great to see you again!”

He said nothing in response, he simply smiled and gently patted her head. Cherry held the hug for a second before letting him go and pointing back to her cart.

“The tree barrels in the front and the crate behind that are for you guys. Everything you ordered neat and orderly.”

As he unloaded the items specified by Cherry, Alto slowly moved closer to her in order to keep an eye out for her. Basil seemed not to pay attention at all to Alto as he just went along with his business. The guy was just intimidating overall and he couldn’t really make sense of what was going on.

“Well that’s enough Chit chat dear. We got a long day of servin’ ta do and them tables ain’t gonna clean themselves. Hop to it, precious.”

Clair saluted Rosemary, standing at attention. “Aye aye Captian! See ya later Cherry.... and umm... Alto.”

She quickly gave Cherry one more hug before trotting off back inside the restaurant, stopping to pick up the broom on the way. Basil carried all the objects brought to them with one hoof, balancing the barrels on the crate. As he made his way inside Rosemary followed suit, stopping just short of entering the restaurant behind him.

She looked back at the two, give them a wink.

“Come by any time, sugar”

She entered the building, closing the door behind her as she did.

“Well, that’s all my deliveries for today. Just two more stops then we can go exploring around town if you want.”

It took a moment for Alto’s brain to catch up to the situation, causing him to shake his head to snap back to the now.

“Umm... yes... that would be wonderful.”

Cherry smiles, trotting off with Alto right by her. It seemed that visiting these particular ponies brought a skip in her step. It made him curious, his glance focusing on her as she skips along.

“My, it appears you certainly have a good standing with those ponies.”

“Oh yeah, we go back a long time. Practically family to me.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah, Clair’s been with me through thick and thin, sticking by my side through everything. Don’t know where’d I’d be now without her shoulder to cry on. As for Rosemary and Basil, I’ve known them since I was a little filly. Heck, I remember back when they first opened Herbal Café and how mom would bring me and my brother here almost every week. Whenever he was on break, Basil would always give a pony back ride around the park just down the street! It was loads of fun! And whenever me or Blue were down in the dumps Miss Rosemary would always bake us up a warm, delicious pie and cheer us up....” She giggles, looking at Alto with a soft look, “Yeah, they’re a little.... weird... Rosemary has her flirting thing and Basil scares the living daylights out of any pony he meets for the first time... but they’re good ponies. I honestly couldn’t picture my life without them.”

Her face, it showed the loving look so sweet Alto blushed looking at it. Her eyes shimmered, a delicate smile spread across her face as she reminisced along with the sweet ring in every word that left her lips it was clear that these ponies truly held a special place in her heart. All Alto could do was smile in return, feeling the warmth in her voice life his heart.

“Truthfully, I believe they think the same for you, m’lady.” Cherry’s ears twitch as she gave him a curious look. “I may not be the greatest of judges as my mindset seems not to be shared with others of this place... however, in the few weeks I have known you... I shalt deny that the brightness of your soul is one rivaled by none. I am truly blessed and honored to be associated with a pony like yourself and I am forever in your debt for the kindness, the charity, you have given to me.”

A thick blush spread across her face as his gorgeous sapphire eyes gazed down at her. The sweetness and sincerity, it made her heart melt to hear somepony speak so highly of her. In a way, it was a bit embarrassing.
“O-oh no! It’s nothing, really! It’s not like I wouldta just left you out in the cold or anything. What kind of pony would I... Err I mean.... umm... Oh stars, this is embarrassing...”

Suddenly, Cherry heard something she had never heard from him before; something she thought for a second wasn’t real but indeed it was.

Alto laughed

After a small outburst of laughter he attempted to muffle his giggles with his hoof but slight chuckles still escaped his muzzle. For some reason, Cherry couldn’t help but laugh along, prompting Alto to release his own again. The two went down the road, laughing together, as the sun rose higher into the sky.

Chapter 4 Daffodil Tears

Trotting side by side, the two made their way down the much more crowded streets. In her hoof, Cherry carried a bouquet of bright, vibrant, yellow daffodils wrapped in white wax paper possessing a floral pattern upon it. Alto, while still having a proper air to him, now walked more casually with a bright smile upon his face rather than an uptight frown. He glances down at Cherry from the corner of his eye, being curious as to why she would need them.

“That Griffon, Miss Gardenia was it? She was quite an orderly creature. Such admirable is that woman.”

“Yeah, she alright. Just between you and me I think she’s a little o.c.d.” Alto’s head tilts, as he didn’t understand.

“O.c.d? What is that? If you do not mind me asking.”

“Hmm? Well it’s kinda this thing where creatures are super attentive to certain things to an unhealthy amount. There’s more to it but I’m not a doctor so… eh.”

“Is that so? I do not see what you mean.”

Alto thought back to the flower shop, thinking carefully about what he saw.

“A-ah pl-please don’t touch the vases! Clean your hooves before coming in!”

A frantic griffon, seemly being a mix between a snow owl and a snow leopard, ran around the shop, staring at every stem of every plant she came across. Coming up to a plant she looked at it very closely, inspecting every leaf before carefully taking her garden sheers and snipping off a single leaf. Moving quickly, she snatched the leaf in her claws, refusing to allow it to taint her perfectly waxed, shiny floors.

“Good morning, Miss Gardenia.”

Around this character, Cherry acted very polite, offering only the upmost respect as she cleaned her hooves on the welcome mat before entering the shop. Everywhere was adorned with lovely flowers, each blooming bright and beautifully; even in the middle of winter.

“A-ah! Hellooo Cherry. It has been quite a while since I’ve seen yooou.” She gazed at Alto, giving him a curious, snarky stare as he entered the shop after cleaning his hooves like she had asked.

“And Whoooo is this? He seems tooo be newwww.”

“He is, this is a new friend of mine.”

Alto bowed slightly, giving Gardenia only the upmost respect.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, m’lady. My name is Alto.”

“Pleasure indeed. Hooow looong has it been since I’ve seen a newww face?” Gardenia walked over to a wall where many tools laid organized against it. She hung up her sheers, making her way to the back.

“I have a lovely booouquet of daffodils for yooooou. They just bloooomed a fewww days ago.” As she came out from the back she held the flowers, wrapped them up in some lovely wax paper and brought the to Cherry who delicately took them.

“Oh my, they’re beautiful! How do you do it, Gardenia?”

She closed her eyes, looking up in a prideful manner

“Perfection is my virtue, was there ever any doubt? If it is not perfect I shall make it sooooo.” Cherry giggled.

“Of course, Gardenia, of course. Mom will be really happy with these. Daffodils were always her favorite.” Alto looked at cherry, finding that comment very curious as he raised an eyebrow slightly.

“Ahh, yes, Bloom indeed was always fond of my daffodils. Please, give her my regards will yoouuu? I wish I could visit her toooo, however, the flowers need tending toooo.”

“Sure, no problem. How much do I owe ya?”

“Consider it a gift from me. A pleasant way to begin the newwww year, isn’t it ?”

“Aww, thank you, Gardenia! That’s really sweet!” Gardenia smiled, but the smile quickly faded as a leaf fell from one of the plants and began to drift down to the ground. Instantly, in a blink and you’ll miss it moment, Gardenia clenched the tiny leaf in the palm of her claws.

“Well I must get back tooo work. I cannot afford to allow my shop to be tainted with molting leaves.”

“Right, see you again next month.”

The two left the shop, walking down the street.

“On second thought, I suppose she was just a bit… compulsive.”

“It’s just how she is. Just don’t mess up her floors or touch anything without asking and you two are golden.”

“Golden? Oh no, lady Cherry. I am but a shade of cream and her white with gray; it surely would not make gold if combined.”

It took a moment for Cherry to calculate what he said but the moment it registered cherry laughed at him.

“A-ahaha N-no, Alto, it’s an expression. It means you two will get along fine.”

“Oh….”

He blushed, lowering his head as they trekked along. Soon, they reached gates that lead into what seemed to be a hilly park at first glance.

“We’re here…” Pulling her wagon, she entered the park, which had patches of snow covering it’s hills, releasing the harness around her waist and leaving the wagon parked near the entrance.

“You.. um… you can just wait here. I won’t take to long, promise.”

“Oh? No, I wish to meet your mother. Is that not the reason we are here?” She seemed surprised he would infer that.

“How did you?...”

“Back at the flower establishment you had mentioned those delightful flowers were for one’s mother. I, for one, would love to meet the lovely woman responsible for raising such a delightful mare as you. But, of course, if you wish for me to remain here instead I shall respect your wishes.” A look of hesitation was pasted clear across Cherry’s face as she thought for a few moments.

“W-well.” She glances at Alto, seeing him stand there with a intense stare. It was obvious he really wanted to meet her. She sighs, starting to make her way over a nearby hill.

“Okay, fine. Follow me.”

A huge smile spread across Alto’s face as he gallops after her, sticking close to her. However, the moment the two reached the top of the hill Alto’s smile vanished; making way to a frown. He froze; looking over the land he finally understood Cherry’s hesitation.

Carved stones stood in rows, lined neatly among the hills; it became clear to Alto this was no park.

“Alto? You coming?”

He looked down at Cherry, seeing she was already quite a way ahead of him.
“Y-yes…”

He galloped to catch up with her as she continued to walk through the rows of gravestones. A great sadness gripped him as he read some of the stones he passed; it didn’t take a genius to know where Cherry’s mother was.

They soon came to a stone, clean and very well kept, that had some old, dried up flowers at its base.

“Bloom Berry…”

Cherry removed the old flowers, placing the new ones in its place as Alto sat next to her, staring at the stone. Working, Cherry glanced at Alto from the corner of her eye, watching him stare intensely at the stone.

“She was a very sickly pony….” Hearing her speak, Alto looked at her with a started look.

“Two years ago, she became very ill and ended up fainting when we were harvesting some pears. The doctors did everything they could but her body couldn’t take the treatment and she died three days later.”

Finishing up, she tossed the old flowers to her side and stared down at the stone with a sad, but loving, look.

“Those three days me and Blue never once left her side…”

“… I see…”

Alto honestly didn’t know what to say. His heart winched inside his chest from the pity he felt for her. Somehow, he felt like he could relate. The two sat in silence, almost as if Cherry was waiting for Alto to say something but quickly realized he had nothing to say, so, she began to talk instead but not to him.

“Hey mom… I got to see Clair again today… she looks really happy working at herbal café. Gardenia says ‘hi’ or, more specifically, she gives you ‘her regard’ hehe… but still, better regards than being ignored no?”

His heart, it felt so odd, all he could do was stare at Cherry as she spoke.

“Oh, I brought a new friend today. He really wanted to meet you.”

She pointed at him, acting as if she was actually introducing him to someone. It took him a moment to say anything in reply but he wasn’t about to just leave someone hanging.

“Hmm herm…” He clears his throat and gives a slight bow. “It is a great honor to meet you, Lady Bloom. I must say, you have a very lovely, kind hearted and generous daughter. One has done an excellent job raising her into a delightful young mare.”

Cherry blushed slightly, smiling yet keeping her sober look. From the corner of his eye Alto could see her expression and he couldn’t help but want to remedy it.

“I have been informed that you are quite fond of daffodils. That is quite sensible; the daffodil is quite an exquisite flower. As a memento of our meeting please allow me to give you a small token of my admiration of you and of your dear daughter.”

His horn flared a sapphire, fiery aura; sending a stream of magic to a single daffodil Cherry had place upon her stone. After a second he spread the beam all over. Suddenly, from the cold, snow covered earth, grass blades and daffodil buds began to grow, bursting into beautiful flowers surrounding the edges of the stone. Cherry stared in awe as they burst free to greet the world. She was left speechless, tears gathering in her eyes.

“Pardon me, I know this isn’t much of gift. However I-“

“No!” She cried out, her voice lingering for a second. ”N-no Alto… no it’s…”

He looked at her, seeing the tears crawl down her face.

“It’s perfect! She’d love it…. She’d adore it… I mean…”

She couldn’t help herself, in that moment she felt joy so overwhelming, she lunged at him and grabbed him in a tight hug.

“Thank you Alto…Thank you so much.”

It took him a moment, as he wasn’t really keen on the whole hugging thing, but he hugged her back and held her close. It made his heart feel light.

They stayed like that for a moment, enjoying the company for a while. The cold around them nibbled at their skin and blowing through their manes but the couldn’t feel it.

All they felt was warmth

Author's Note

The simple gifts are the ones that means the most