Snowy Days at the Turnpine Inn

Starlight had a warm, restful sleep. It was just after sunrise when she awoke, little fragments of light shining through the curtains. For a brief moment she thought it might have been sunny, and the disastrous day before would just be a far-off memory, but then a gust of wind brought her back to reality. The storm was still raging outside, and as she opened her eyes and craned her head, she saw nothing but grey and white through the spaces in the window where light broke through.

She was still pressed incredibly close to Vapor Trail, the proximity barely even registering at first. Bringing up a forehoof, Starlight rubbed sleep from her eyes and yawned, remembering how she’d found herself here: how she’d arrived, the dangerous journey outside, waking up in the middle of the night, the softness of Vapor’s fur.

Despite the chill of the room around them she was still warm and cozy. After such a good sleep she almost didn’t want to pull away, but she did retract her hooves enough to put an inch or two between them. Vapor Trail started to stir awake, letting out an enormous yawn and blinking away sleep. Her wide blue eyes peered at Starlight and there was a moment of silence as they lay there, gazing at each other.

“Morning, heh. Sleep okay?” Vapor was the first to speak, her voice barely more than a whisper.

“Yeah, I did, actually. I really, really needed that. I had no idea how exhausted I was.” Starlight, suddenly much more aware of how close together they were, started to wiggle herself away. She missed Vapor’s warmth immediately. It was so much warmer next to her.

“Brrr...it’s really cold.” Vapor shivered. Did she think so, too? “Huck said the heater was on the fritz but it’s way worse than I thought it would be. Good thing I had you here. I probably would have frozen all by myself!”

Starlight had started to scoot herself back inch by inch until she was at a respectable distance. Vapor’s words caught her off guard, and she blinked in surprise.

“Uh, yeah, totally! You know what they say, keep close to somepony to share body heat. Perfectly normal thing to do!” Starlight could have sworn she saw Vapor smile wryly, but who was to say that wasn’t her usual smile? The other mare started to sit up, stretching her hooves and her wings while she yawned again. Starlight looked away, somewhat flustered. Being so close to her in the middle of the night, when it was dark and she was tired, wasn’t the same as waking up that way. Now it felt like a tension was hanging in the air. Had she done something wrong? Starlight perished the thought.

“M-hm.” Vapor kicked away the covers and wiggled out of bed, the sound of her hooves hitting the wooden floor a soft clip-clop. She was careful to smooth out the blankets on the bed, leaving it as neatly made as she found it. “I’m gonna go get something to eat. Smell’s like Huck’s got oats going. You coming?”

“Sure. I guess I could use something to eat.” Starlight tried to be casual but her stomach groaned. She’d smelled it, too: the wonderful smell of freshly cooked oats and fruit. Starlight rose from bed and attempted to follow suit. Her hind hooves were stuck a little further under the covers then she’d realized, down where the blankets were tucked neatly under the bed. She started to wiggle her body out and to the side, prepared to land on the floor gracefully like Vapor had done. She swivelled her body, turned to the side, and her hooves got stuck. Instead of the graceful turn and shuffle she’d been anticipating, she rolled out of bed, panicked when she got stuck, flailed her hooves, and flopped head-first onto the floor with a thud.

“Oh my gosh, are you okay?” Vapor rushed to her side, concern written all over her face. Starlight looked up at her upside-down, blew a strand of mane from her eyes, and laughed awkwardly.

“Uh... I’m fine. Nothing hurt but my pride!”

Vapor Trail held back a snicker, her face turning from concern to mild amusement.

“Oh, well, I recommend getting out of bed before rolling out of it. Tends to work for me.” Vapor giggled.

“You know, that’s not a half-bad idea. I’ll try it sometime.” Starlight replied with a deadpan expression, and began to unravel herself from the mess of blankets and sheets. She managed to reorient herself onto her hooves, hurriedly remaking the bed with her magic.

“That sounds like a good plan,” Vapor smiled wryly, turning around and trotting out the door to get breakfast. She stopped, glanced at Starlight to see if she was joining her, and continued on.

The first thing that Starlight noticed when she walked into the inn proper was the smell of the food. Oats, berries, toast with jam, freshly-squeezed orange juice. Such simple foodstuffs smelled heavenly in her state of hunger. Her stomach growled again.

The food was all laid out on the enormous oak table which as positioned under two large windows, across from the fireplace and sitting area. The curtains were pulled open to allow some sunlight in, but all that one could see outside was the raging storm and wind that piled more white snow up against the glass. It made Starlight think of her father in Sire’s Hollow and she relished the thought of being out there now.

To her right, Huck was in the kitchen on the other side of the bar table, making extra oats and washing fruit. He smiled and nodded politely as Starlight walked past, drawn by the smell of food. On her left, the mother with the young colt, who was all bundled up in star-patterned pajamas and looking adorable, ate together on the sofa. Neither the gryphon nor the stallion were anywhere to be seen.

Starlight filled a bowl with oats and some manner of fruit, and poured herself a coffee. Vapour had made herself comfortable by the fire, so Starlight followed her there.

“Hope the cold didn’t bother you too much last night.” Huck joined them with a mug of his own coffee, taking the large lounger where Gideon had been sitting the night before.

“The heater, I heard.” Starlight acknowledged. “It, uh...wasn’t too much of a problem.” She avoided Vapor’s gaze, turning to look in the opposite direction. Suddenly her oats were quite interesting.

“Right you are. Old girl’s had her best years behind her. Meant to replace it years ago but never could get around to it. Ain’t easy bringing a new one all the way out here. Wouldn’t have dreamed we’d see a storm like this, though.” Huck sighed. Starlight could see he was proud of what he’d built here, and not being able to provide for his patrons must have weighed heavily on his mind. Starlight sipped her coffee and picked her words carefully, trying to change the subject.

“Where are the other two?” Starlight glanced between Huck, and the little family on the sofa next to her.

“Papa’s chopping wood!” The colt announced proudly.

“And Gideon’s probably still sleeping. That gryphon sure likes his beauty sleep,” said Huck. The little colt seemed to find that incredibly amusing, as he cackled loudly.

“Yeah, he’s a big sleepy head!”

Starlight couldn’t help but crack a smile, too. She munched on her oats and sipped coffee in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the tranquility of the room around her, admiring how the chaos of the world outside seemed to do little to damper the mood of this happy band of ponies who were just thankful to be somewhere warm.

Control—Starlight couldn’t control the weather. Couldn’t control being stuck here until the storm passed. She made a conscious decision not to dwell on Sire’s Hollow for at least a day. Let the troubles of the world be something to worry about when she could do something about them. For now, she enjoyed her oats and coffee.

“I’m Cinnamon Bun, by the way!” The little colt had hopped up from his mother’s lap, bounded across the sofa, and perched himself right next to Starlight. “I saw you come in last night. You must have been soooo cold out there! Brrrr! I’m not cold, ‘cause I’ve got these really neat jammies, see? Maybe you should get jammies so you won’t be cold, either!” He proudly leaned back on his haunches and balanced there, forehooves spread out to either side to let Starlight see his obviously super cool pajama designs. She had to admit, they did look comfy and warm.

“Hi Cinnamon,” Starlight reached out to ruffle his straw-like mane, “I’m Starlight. Starlight Glimmer. It’s nice to meet you, and yes, it was very cold outside. I don’t have pajamas like yours, but they do look pretty nice!”

“M-hm!” Cinnamon nodded proudly.

“I’m Spring Melody,” Cinnamon’s mother gave a little wave of her wing, “Sorry about Cinny. He likes meeting new ponies. My husband’s name is Emerald.”

“It’s nice to meet you. Don’t worry about it, I like kids.” Starlight nodded in return. Cinnamon had burrowed his way into Starlight’s side, making himself nice and comfy leaning into her. Starlight instinctively tucked a hoof around him. He was a cuddly kid, and that suited her just fine. Off to the side, she heard Vapor Trail give off a soft ‘awww’ sound.

“So how did you end up here in the storm?” It occurred to Starlight that, barring Huck, everyone here was trapped like her, and must have been going somewhere.

“Oh, we were supposed to be with family in Ponyville but got trapped by the storm like you. We decided to play it safe since we have Cinny with us. We’ve been here, oh, three, four days?” Spring Melody tapped her hoof to her chin.

“And Gideon?” Starlight glanced at the only closed door on the opposite side of the fireplace.

“He was here when we got here. I’m not sure, actually.” Melody replied, turning to look at Huck for answers. The old stallion sipped his coffee slowly.

“T’ain’t my business. Didn’t ask.”

“Surely you must be curious, Huck.” Starlight pressed on.

“Sure, but when you’ve been doing this as long as I have, you learn not to ask questions to a certain type of folk.”

“Maybe he’s a spy, Momma?” Cinnamon hopped up out of his comfy spot under the crook of Starlight’s foreleg, hopping back to his mother and sprawling across her lap.

“Hmm, I don’t think so, hon. What would a spy be doing out here?” Melody rubbed the colt’s back.

“Well, how long has he been out here for?” Vapor Trail spoke for the first time in several minutes. Starlight had almost forgotten she was there, on another chair closer to the fire.

“’Bout a week, maybe more...”

“Maybe...maybe he’s a spy who sabotaged the weather factory, Momma?” Cinny piped up, his eyes full of mischief and delight. The adults all laughed, and Cinny seemed satisfied he’d spread more good cheer.

“Don’t think so, laddy. Nothing to gain out of misery like this.” Huck stroked his beard as he gazed out the window. “Ah, here’s Emerald with the wood. My, but look at how white he’s gotten!”

Cinny and Melody both rose from their seats as the front door burst open, catching on the wind and rattling the whole building when it slammed against the wall. Emerald, his coat matted with clumps of fur and ice, wrapped in layers of sweaters, coat, and scarves, trudged in dragging a large bundle of wood in a sled behind him that hooked around his shoulders. He kicked the door shut behind him, pushing back against the wind until he was satisfied it wouldn’t budge.

“Mmf Fffm Feff,” announced Emerald beneath all his scarves.

“Speak up!”

Emerald yanked the scarves from his mouth and tore off the multiple layers of hats.

“I said it’s bucking cold!”

“Honey, language! Your son is right here!” Melody covered the ears of a giggling colt, who had taken up chanting the word over and over again.

“Sorry, dear. Just had to get it out of my system.”

“Buck!” squealed Cinnamon, wriggling out of his mother’s grasp and traipsing across the sofa to Starlight. “Buck! Bucking buck!”

“Well I hope you’re happy. Look at what you’ve done.” Melody crossed her forehooves, and Emerald gave a tired sigh.

“Yes, dear.”

“Buck!”

Huck let out a bellowing laugh.

When breakfast was done Starlight took up some of the plates and bowls and offered to help clean. Huck was grateful, even if he normally wasn’t comfortable with his patrons doing chores, and he told her as much. He was up to his neck in things to do to keep up with the sudden influx of visitors, not least of which was the heater; it was an older model and was years out of circulation. The inside was caked in soot and parts didn’t simply come off without tools anymore. To fix it would be to break it. The old girl had done her time, even if Emerald insisted on taking a look.

“I’m not the handiest pony but I do have my magic. I could at least try. I’m always fixing stuff at home.”

“Ain’t no use, I’ve been working that thing for years. Nopony knows her like I do. She’s up and quit.”

While they cleaned up, Starlight listened to Huck talk about days gone by when the inn was still young. His was a happening place by the way he spoke of it, always seeing visitors and he would scant see a day when all three of the rooms were empty. Those were days when ponies had a mind for adventure and took the trail at leisure.

While Huck talked about the time that Princess Celestia had visited in complete disguise and only he had known, Starlight found her attention drawn elsewhere. Vapor Trail was helping Cinny practice his numbers while Emerald laid some wood in the fire. Vapor’s back was to the kitchen, her voice too low to hear what she was saying. Starlight admired her mane, how it flowed and spooled around her shoulders, wondering if it took her long to style her mane like that, or was it just natural?

“And then I says, iffin it’s fit enough for a Princess, the rest of you lot outta eat the porridge, too. Mind you, the Princess did not appreciate me outtin’ her like that, no siree, but she stood up for me all the same.” Huck finished putting away the plates and gave Starlight a cursory glance. Following her gaze, he cleared his throat, and his tone of voice altered. “Something on your mind, Miss?”

“Huh?” Starlight snapped out of her stupor and turned around, seeing the look Huck had been giving her. “O-oh, it was nothing. Just deep in thought is all.”

“Sure you are.” He chuckled softly, a hearty belly-laugh that seemed to jostle his whole body. “Oh-ho, yes. I’ve seen that look before.”

“What do you--” It was Starlight’s turn to give him a quizzical look, the gears visibly turning in her head while it processed. “Oh no. I-it’s not like that at all. We were cold last night is all. Heater was busted, you know!”

“Ain’t my business so I don’t mean to pry, but there ain’t no use in lying to yourself. That’s what my mother used to say.” Chortling to nobody but himself, Huck walked away, leaving Starlight standing in the middle of the floor, stunned. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and breathed deeply. ‘No, he’s just an old codger. Doesn’t know what he’s talking about.’

A commotion on the far side of the room caught Starlight’s attention. Gideon had swung open his door abruptly, causing a neatly-stacked pile of wood near the fireplace to topple over. Emerald was fuming, mouth opening to start shouting a string of cuss words. Gideon’s wings unfurled aggressively as he stared down at the pony.

“Boys, please!” Melody interrupted, standing between them to defuse the situation. “This isn’t anything worth fighting over and not in front of the kid.” She hissed the last part, mostly directed at Gideon, who got the hint and re-furled his wings. He briskly brushed past both and went straight for the kitchen where Starlight was. No one else seemed to notice, but there was a faint hint of fear in his eyes. Was he afraid of Melody? Starlight couldn’t hold back a small smirk

“Mornin’.” Gideon grumbled to Starlight as he plucked the coffee off the counter and took a swig of the black, unsweetened liquid straight from the pot.

“Good morning. Me and Huck just finished putting away the food but there’s some oats over there.” Starlight nodded to the counter where the leftovers were stored. Gideon nodded appreciatively.

“Thanks.”

Starlight had known enough gryphons to understand that this was the best she was going to get for the time being, and the fact that he’d even greeted her at all meant he was taking a liking to her. Leaving him to eat his breakfast in peace she took a moment to take stock of everything around her.

The big table took up more than its fair share of space around them. Next to the sofa and chairs there was barely any space left for much else, but Huck had managed to squeeze a couple bookcases on the wall adjacent to the front door, and the last door on the left wall which, by what Vapor had told her, was probably the bathroom. Gazing over the various titles on the shelf, Starlight sighed in relief, knowing she wouldn’t die of boredom when there was at least something decent to read. She spotted a few board games tucked in one shelf, even a few she recognized, and made a mental note to bring one out later.

As much as settling in to read sounded like a pretty comfortable plan, a hot bath sounded better. It had been several days since she’d had one, at least since she’d left Ponyville, and though she certainly didn’t smell bad, her fur had started to become matted and a little greasy. She poked her head into the bathroom—there were two stalls with wash basins and curtains hanging from the ceiling for some privacy, and a toilet in a stall of its own.

“Hot water’s limited but it’s hot so long as you’re quick. Or, if you like a cold bath, take all the time you need.” Huck shouted from behind, anticipating her question.

“Got it!” she called back.

She filled the large wash basin with water and slipped in. It wasn’t as hot as she would have preferred but it was still warm, and that was enough for her. She quickly washed herself, getting out all the dirt and grime from the bottom of her hooves and her tail. She ran some shampoo through her coat, getting out some of the matted spots and what must have been sap from the tree.

Turning onto her back, Starlight let her head rest against the edge and closed her eyes, enjoying a moment of quiet while she soaked in the warm water. She tried not to think about the rattling of the windows, and instead focused her mind back home. Twilight must have been worried sick. No doubt word about the weather factory accident had come back to her. Knowing Twilight, she was probably frantically pacing back and forth, trying to deduce some way of reaching her. Starlight made a promise to herself to write a letter as soon as she could and hope that it would reach her quickly.

She wondered if Twilight had told the others, too. Likely they would have reassured Twilight that Starlight was strong and would survive on her own, as she always had. Would Twilight believe them? They would all go back home, worry in the back of their own minds. She hated that she’d put them all through that. Leaving was a mistake, and Twilight was right.

Her mind had started diverting back to thoughts about her father and Starlight put a stop to that at once. She had promised herself she wouldn’t think of that, at least not for awhile. It was nice here, the ponies were friendly, and even Gideon had his gryphon-y charm. Then there was Vapor: kind, sweet-smelling, comfy-to-cuddle Vapor Trail. Starlight’s eyes snapped open.

Not wanting to be alone with her thoughts any longer, she pulled herself out of the tub and levitated over a towel to dry off her hooves one-by-one, then patted down her back, haunches, and tail. She fluffed up her mane as she tousled it around with the towel, running a brush through it after to make sure it was straight.

Out in the foyer, there was quite a bit of activity. Gideon seemed much more awake then he had been before; both claws were gripping the handle of the front door, his back paws at a wide stance as he pulled with all his might. He grunted and panted from exertion.

Beside him, Emerald egged him on, looking panicked and distraught. Melody hugged and cradled little Cinnamon who’d taken to crying and wailing. Huck and Vapor looked on solemnly. Before Starlight had a chance to ask, Gideon let go of the door and dropped onto all fours, wiping sweat from his brow.

“It won’t budge.”

“Well... what’s that supposed to mean? We can’t leave?” Emerald shouted.

“I mean it’s jammed. Won’t move. Frozen solid. Probably a huge drift of snow on the other side.” Gideon glanced at Melody and the colt sympathetically, before looking to Huck. “Old man, is there another way out of this place? A back door?”

“Nope, was never a need for it.” Huck tried to look calm, but there was obvious strain written on his face. Starlight didn’t need to ask to understand that there was not enough firewood to last them for very long.

“What about the windows?” Starlight took a step toward the group, trying to make her voice sound calm and collected even though she was just as worried.

“Tried that.” Gideon grumbled. “Frozen shut.”

“The chimney?”

There was a definite pause. Everyone looked toward the grand fireplace. It was big enough for a pegasus, certainly, but it would be a tight squeeze. Not to mention they wouldn’t be able to wear a snow-coat, and they’d come out covered in soot. Nobody envied the pony who was going to have to endure that.

“I think it might work, but it’d be a tight squeeze.” Melody mused. “Once I’m on the other side, I could--” The colt squeezed his mother tightly and immediately started bawling.

“No Mama, nooo! Don’t leave! You’re gonna turn into an icicle!” He sobbed. Melody tried to soothe him, but it was no use, he was inconsolable.

Silence fell over the room for a few seconds while the colt quietly sniffled. Emerald had moved to their side and was doing his share to quiet him. It wasn’t until Vapor, who had been silent the whole time, got out of her chair and spoke, that the colt stopped shuddering.

“I’ll do it. I’m smaller and I can fit. I’ll go through and clear the front door.” Her voice was soft and delicate, but held a certain confidence. Like her voice would easily be drowned out amidst all the chatter but held a certainty that caused everyone to stop talking anyway.

“That’s all well and good sweetheart, but nopony is doing nothin’ while there’s a fire in that there chimney, and I don’t fancy letting it cool off enough to get somepony through only to have to start it up again. Sides, we’ve got enough firewood to last the night.”

“So, tomorrow then?” Vapor pried her eyes away from the chimney that rose up the roof and toward Huck, the only one who hadn’t left his chair since plopping himself there with his coffee just after breakfast.

“Tomorrow.” He nodded.

The room suddenly felt collectively lighter as everyone took a breath of relief. Gideon mumbled something about needing a drink and wandered toward the kitchen. Cinnamon, having returned to his happy self, was bouncing around between his Momma and Papa.

Starlight took a seat back on the sofa to be close to the fire. Her fur was still damp and had made her a little chilly since getting out of the bath. Vapor was sitting next to her quietly.

“That was...really brave of you, Vapor.” Starlight spoke first, offering a glance over her shoulder in the other pony’s direction. “Offering to go yourself so that Cinnamon won’t be scared. It was...sweet.”

“You think so? It was nothing, really. I figure it’d be easier if she didn’t have to leave anyway. And if anything happened, I don’t have a family to look after...”

That came at a surprise to Starlight. She straightened her expression

“You shouldn’t say things like that.”

“You’re right, I’m sorry.”

In a different life, Starlight would have left it at that, unsure of what to say next or where to go, but Student Councillor Starlight took her job seriously, and knew a thing or two about having these kind of talks.

“Is everything okay, Vapor?”

Vapor looked up from the fire and into Starlight’s eyes for the first time. Her eyes were soft, timid—not unlike another pony she knew—but there was also something else. Starlight stopped that idea before she found herself having wishful thoughts and projecting again. She had a habit of doing that. What was it that she wished for now, though?

“I’m fine, Starlight, honest. It was just a dumb joke.”

“Well, at any rate, I think Cinnamon will be much better now thanks to you. Everyone will be.”

“I hadn’t really thought of it that way. I guess you’re right.” Vapor lit up and smiled.

Hours later, after they’d had their supper and dined quietly together on toasted sandwiches made over the dwindling flames, Starlight was packing up the remains of a board game. They’d let Cinnamon win nearly every round, much to his delight. He picked up on it quickly, and toward the end they didn’t even have to go easy for him to steamroll them.

Cinnamon let out a huge yawn and settled into his mother’s lap. He was the first to go, napping peacefully before his parents scooped him up and took him to bed, wishing the rest of the room goodnight. Starlight finished packing up the game and put it away.

Huck was next, the old stallion falling asleep in his chair to loud snores. Gideon gives him a small shove and growled.

“I’m not listening to you snoring for the rest of the night.”

“I ain’t asleep, just resting my eyes, but if you insist.” Huck waved them off and trudged to bed.

The rest of them sat in silence. Gideon in the other chair, Vapor and Starlight on the sofa, enjoying the remnants of hot cocoa and some buttered tarts. The gryphon hadn’t spoken much in hours since the fiasco with the door, and had kept mostly to himself. Starlight remembered the conversation they’d had about him in his absence before, working up the courage to ask.

“So, Gideon, how’d you end up here?”

Gideon didn’t look up or shift his gaze. He let out a small grunt and, realizing the question wasn’t about to go away, exhaled slowly.

“I got lost. Was heading to Canterlot.”

“We’re a long way from there. How’d you end up this lost?” Starlight wasn’t sure if she believed him.

“Look, I’m directionally challenged. The winds mixed me up and I went west instead of east.” He clacked his beak. “I’m not proud of myself for it, but here we are.”

For some reason, Starlight believed him. All the talk about him being a secret spy on some undercover mission were so ludicrous, but she had to admit, they were amusing to think about. Instead, this mysterious, quiet gryphon was merely lost.

Starlight started to laugh. It came as a chuckle, a small sound that left her throat, until she was unable to hold it back. She’d been so stressed with the state of everything around her that she’d failed to fully understand that they were all very much in a similar state as her. No one could leave, no one truly wanted to be here, except maybe Huck. Her fears and worries of the day came crashing down, and the silliness in the idea that such a mean and tough gryphon had gotten hopelessly lost simply caused her to break down.

She was worried that Gideon might become angry or feel threatened. Gryphon’s had a way of doing so whenever their pride was hurt or their ego was shattered. Instead, Gideon started laughing, too. He wasn’t terribly loud, and it was more of a chuckle, but he was laughing all the same. To Starlight’s side, Vapor was snickering as well.

No one said anything further, and nothing more needed to be said. They all understood that in the very situation they found themselves in, trapped in a storm on a hill in the middle of nowhere, they at the very least had each other. Maybe, that would be enough.

Vapor was the first among them to stretch and yawn.

“I think...I’m gonna head in. G’night, Gideon.” She whispered.

“That sounds like a good idea.” Starlight nodded, getting up herself.

Gideon nodded to the two of them wordlessly, bidding them goodnight.

When both Starlight and Vapor Trail had pulled themselves under the covers, and Starlight had made sure to leave her distance from the middle, Starlight stared at the ceiling. Vapor started to quietly snore almost as soon as her head had hit the pillow. Sleep didn’t come so readily to Starlight, but she did revel in how cute Vapor’s snores were.

She thought again about her father, and in the darkness of the night when there’s nothing between you and your thoughts, and you can’t stop it from wandering, your mind does what it will. Starlight thought about him lying awake in their family home, the power shut off and wind battering at the window. His blankets all had holes and were worn from use. The heater barely worked and wouldn’t keep him warm, and he didn’t have enough firewood for more than a day, because the whole town was blanketed in snow and no one could get to him. In her dreams, Starlight watched him wither away and starve, all alone, with no one by his side. She didn’t feel even a single ounce sorry for him.