Cold. Dark. These are just two of the words that can be used to describe that night. As the snow blanketed the city and ponies retreated into their homes for warmth, one mare stumbled through the ice and snow covered streets. The snow bit at her unprotected hooves as she shuffled to the park she had come to call home.

A month prior, she had come to the city for some reason she doesn’t remember. She didn’t know what she was doing there, where she was, or even who she was. All she knew was she had to get to warmth. She had to get to her tent in the park where she was found. As she shuffled down the dark streets, the wind picked up, it nearly blew her off her hooves; it kicked up snow into her face. White accented her grey coat as she shivered.

How long had she been wandering? Minutes? Hours? Days? Perhaps she had been wandering aimlessly since she woke up in a hospital bed with no recollection of who she was. However long it had been, the dark grey mare grew tired with every step she took. It had been the coldest evening of the year and she was ready to lay down and let the day end. She neared her destination, the park in the middle of the town. She could almost feel the heat from her enchanted tent. Some generous pony had donated the tent to her to help stave off the cold and give her some modicum of privacy as she slept, though that didn’t stop the odd fellow homeless pony from staying with her now and then. After all, homeless folk have to look out for each other in this cold, cruel world.

Just a little further, she thought to herself. Her legs started to get heavier with each step. The cold bit at her legs, the fatigue of being out in the cold so long tired her. Why did I walk so far? She had entered the park. Why didn’t I just stay close to my tent? As her thoughts came and went, so did her strength to continue walking. Just a few more meters. One step, then another, then one more, and she fell to her knees. Her breath caught in her throat, visible as she exhaled in the cold winter air. She was so cold, she was so hungry, and she was so tired.

*****

The mint green unicorn laughed with her friends at her favorite tavern. She loved to go out and have a drink after her set at the establishment. She received many discounts as the local entertainment, and the pay was great for her too. She can frequently be seen playing her lyre until the late hours when she could grab a drink, or several, before taking her leave. The crowd was exceptionally energetic tonight, they jumped around and sang shanties to their hearts content with their favorite music pony. Lyra was truly happy with her job and wouldn’t change it for the world.

Something on the radio caught her ear however, “Everypony quiet! Frothy, turn the radio up.” The crowd quieted as the pony behind the counter, ‘Frothy Mug,’ turned the knob on the radio.

“…the coldest night in the last hundred years or so. All residents are advised to stay indoors as a massive blizzard is making its way south towards Manehattan. The blizzard is bound to hit at approximately 2 A.M. If you have any plans to go out dancing, you may want to cancel them as it appears to be the worst blizzard in recorded history. Back to you D…” The unicorn began to pack up her lyre in its case.

“Sorry guys, looks like its last call for me. Bonny can get pretty worried with me being out as late as it is.” With a chorus of groans from her fellow bar patrons, Lyra slammed back her last drink with a single gulp that left the fellow barflies stunned. She then collected her pay with a generous amount of tips from her fans. “See you all next time!” With that farewell she collected her boots and scarf and left the bar as she began her walk in the cold night.

The snow had begun to pick up, reigning true to the newscast on the radio. As the care free unicorn walked she started to whistle a tune to herself as she thought about coming home to her loving marefriend. Just as she came up to the park she decided to pull her phone out to call her mare when she looked over and saw a figure lying in the snow. With a sense of urgency she rushed over to the figure’s aid.

“Hey! Are you ok? Hey!” When no response came she picked up her pace as she came upon the laying figure. She was an earth pony with dark grey fur and charcoal black mane. She was covered in snow, so much so that her cutie mark, a magenta treble clef, was barely visible by the white. She put her hoof to her neck to feel for a pulse, grateful to find one there. “Oh thank Celestia. You’re not dead.”

With her phone already floating beside her she dialed the number for emergency services. When the signal failed to go through she cursed the snowstorm. On a whim she dialed another number, she hoped beyond hope the call would go through. At the very least she could have help on the way as she tries emergency services again. She looked around for anything that could help her, the line connected and she could hear music in the background.

“Heya! If it isn’t my favorite harpist! Wassup Ly?” Her gaze fell upon a tent nearby, a set of glowing runes along the top alluded to a heat and weather charm to help keep the inhabitants warm. “Hello? Lyra? Alright I get it, you’re not a harpist you’re a lyrist. Does that really call for the silent treatment because, if so I’m so-“

“V!” The unicorn began to drag the earth pony to the tent. “I need your help. Now!” She was desperate for some help. “I was walking home from work when I spotted a pony in the park. It looks like she’s unconscious and its freezing out here. There’s a blizzard on its way and I couldn’t get a hold of emergency services. I need you to help me move her. We’re at the park near ‘Dice’s bar.’”

“Ok, I’m on my way. You keep trying for help and I’ll be there in five.” With a click the line disconnected and Lyra once again tried to call for help. And again. And again.

“You’re gonna be ok. Stay with me.” She stripped off her boots and scarf and slipped them onto the frozen mare as she continued to drag her into the nearby tent.

*****

What’s that sound, the earth pony thought? Why am I moving? She could feel herself being dragged, but her vision was too hazy to make out by whom. She could feel the familiar warmth of her tent, just enough to stave off the frostbite but not enough to make a significant difference. I’m still alive, how? The grey mare was sure she would perish in the cold. Voices could be heard outside her tent, the wind outside her tent making them inaudible.

Just as she started to get comfortable she felt herself being moved by some invisible force. She felt her tent moving with her as well. Not knowing what was going on, and having no strength to do anything about it she just lay there and let the darkness take her into a dreamless sleep. She passed out.

Author's Note

This is my first story, I have no idea how well this is going to be received. If my friends' words are any indication then this story should be met warmly. I want to thank any and everyone that gives this story and look and I welcome all feedback and criticism (please go easy on me, ;P).
I wanted to start with a Vinyl and Octavia fic mostly because for the past two weeks I've been doing nothing but reading TaviScratch stories and couldn't resist. Another reason was many of my peers that have read my random short stories have encouraged and supported my writing with nothing but kind words and the odd bit of criticism here and there. The main reason was I wanted to challenge myself; I didn't want to start with just a one shot or a simple 5k or so story. I wanted to start out with a story, something I could be proud of. Also me being a huge fan of Vinyl and Octavia, and my love of Alegrezza and University days I know I'm going to hold myself to a much higher standard than if I were to start with something simpler. I know that if I can make a story I can be immensely proud of then I set a good standard for future stories I may write.
Thank you once again for giving this a once over and a fair shot, and thank you for sitting through this lengthy, ramble filled author's note.