Chapters A Sour Hearth's Warming Breeze
Ah, Hearth's Warming, a season of joy and being together with creatures you care for. The celebration of unity between ponies (and now, creatures of all kinds) and the love they share for one another.
Ponyville is no short of celebratory preparations, either; streamers and snow, trees and lights, and everycreature, big or small. Families divided by borders, getting together to share the festivities of the event.
However, this tale starts off with a young manestylist who recently moved to ponyville to-
"Uhh... Zeph? What are you doing?" said Spike, wondering why the pegasus was hiding in a bush.
"O-oh hey Spike!" said Zephyr, popping his muzzle out of the bush, "I-I was just... examining the... t-topiary of this bush! yeah..."
"That's just a regular bush, dude."
"Ah, it appears you're right." Zephyr admitted, as he got out of the bush, his mane and scarf covered in leaves. He sighed as he looked at his now messed up mane "That's gonna take at least an hour to fix... What brings you here?"
"I was getting Gabby a gift, you?"
"I told you!" the pegasus gestured his hoof in the air, "Topiary!"
Spike folded his arms, unamused, Zephyr cleared his throat. "Fine, maybe I was hiding from somepony."
"Rainbow dash?"
The stallion was offended, "For the last time, I'm over that mare!" Zephyr rolls his eyes, "Besides, she scares me more than anything" he shuddered.
"Really?" Spike asked, skeptical.
"I have a job now-"
"Yeah." the dragon scoffed "So you could impress Rainbow Dash."
"Celestia forbid a stallion work for himself. I do NOT want to impress-" he cuts himself off and pauses, stroking his stubble, "I see the errors of my ways."
"About time ya did." Spike added, still unamused, "So if you weren't stalking Rainbow then what exactly were you doing?"
"Goodness Spike, you know more than anypony-"
"I'm a dragon."
"More than anydragon that there's more to me than... that. "
Spike rolled his eyes, "That doesn't answer my question."
At this point, the pegasus realized there was no point in arguing, so he decided to admit it outright.
"That mare over there, with the short, silver mane." he pointed.
In appearance, the mare did indeed have a short, silver mane, a dark stone blue coat, olive green eyes, mulberry earmuffs, and a cutie mark depicting a sliced lime and two small chunks of limestone.
"What about her?" Spike asked.
Zephyr hesitated a bit, a light blush on his cheeks.
"Seriously? You fall for every mare you see." Spike looked back at him, disappointed.
"Says the dragon that was obsessed with a mare twice his age."
"I was 11." Spike defended himself, "And you know I'm right"
"I do NOT fall for every mare I see!"
"Berry Shine?"
"She likes wine more than anything."
"Parasol?"
"She likes mares."
"Cheerilee?"
"She's not interested in a relationship."
"Applejack!?"
"She's with Rainbow."
"...Rarity...?"
"Hmmm... I don't think I've asked her out yet-"
"HEY!"
"What!? I thought you were over her. "
"That's still pretty weird, Zeph!"
"Listen, what I'm saying is that I have a chance with her!"
"Rarity?"
"No?- well- maybe- but I'm talking about that mare over there!"
Spike shaked his head in disapproval, "You do NOT want to mess with her. "
"Why not!? She seems-" Zephyr paused, "There's no way you know her."
"I know everycreature, and everycreature knows me!" Spike boasted, "And that is Pinkie's oldest sister."
"Very funny, Spike, you should be a comedian."
"I'm not joking!"
The stallion ignored Spike's warnings and decided to introduce himself to the mare, who just so happened to be standing alone outside Sugarcube Corner; only to stop midway and hide in the bush again. Spike, was watching all of this and was conflicted on whether to help or laugh at his pathetic attempt.
"N-nevermind, I'm content being single."
"Riiight... I'll be going then, cya!"
"W-wait! you can't leave!" Zephyr pleaded, begging the dragon to stay, who, on the other hand, had his own can of worms to open.
"Sorry Zeph, but I kinda-"
"C'mon! Help a buddy out, will ya? I-I promise I'll make it up to you!"
The dragon thought for a moment, he and his griffinfriend could go for a spa day; maybe that'd be a good enough Hearth's Warming gift for her?
"I have a condition..." Spike smirked cheekily. Zephyr knew where this was heading, as this wasn't the first time he'd done something like this.
"Fine, I'll get you a coupon." he said, unwillingly, however, to his surprise, the dragon declined, "Weeell... I was thinking of something else."
Zephyr gulped.
"I'd like the most expensive spa bundle... twice, thank you very much." Spike grinned.
"But that's-"
"Do you want me to be your wingdragon?"
It seemed he had no other choice but to pay for Spike and his partner, and after a moment of reconsideration; he sighed.
"No."
"What?"
The stallion had made up his mind, he'd rather make a fool of himself than be 500 bits in debt. This, however, was unacceptable for Spike, as he had no other gift in mind.
"H-how about something cheaper? then?"
"Nope."
Zephyr turned away, hiding a grin on his face, as it turned out this was merely an act to get Spike to do as he said.
And after a moment of silence;
"Fine." the dragon groaned, "I'll take those coupons." after all, a discount is better than nothing.
"Great! So... what's her name?"
The dragon presented his hand, expecting his part of the deal before answering any questions. Zephyr shrugged, and gave him some stackable coupons which he had conveniently buried under his wing.
"Limestone Pie, and once again, you do NOT wanna mess with her."
"Right, right, totally... what does she like?"
"Take a wild guess."
Zephyr thought for a minute;
"Limes?"
The dragon shook his head; the stallion guessed again.
"Pies?"
"Not even close."
Zephyr squinted his eyes, "Limestone... pie?"
"...what?"
"I give up."
"It's rocks"
"Rocks? Seriously? "
"Yep."
The pegasus tilted his head, skeptical, "You sure? " to which, Spike nodded.
"I see..."
After which, Zephyr decided to get something rocky in an attempt to impress the mare, who, instead of spending time with her family inside, was outside the bakery.
Limestone looked around, a village, coated in a blanket of snow, decorations put up by ponies and creatures alike, snowflakes falling from the sky, yet a miserable look on her face.
The mare was never one for gatherings, especially not with her extended family (the apples) as she preferred spending time on the rock farm, and rarely, with her youngest sister, Marble Pie. Even as a filly, she never had any friends, thus never felt the magic of friendship (although you could argue that's because of how the Pies live their lives).
Her ears perked up, and she turned around to the sound of hoofsteps on the snow, and a mint green pegasus stallion, with a light yellow mane neatly tied in a bun (slightly ruined, thanks to the bush), a purple scarf around his neck, holding a rock pouch in his hoof. Looking at the expression on his face, Limestone was already getting annoyed by his presence.
Author's Note
Hi, thanks for reading!
A Sour Hearth's Warming Breeze
"Hey uh... thanks for-"
"Don't care."
"Well sorry for showing gratitude."
The mare continued to walk ahead with the plush in her mouth, ignoring everything Zephyr was saying.
"You see- uh- nopony really stands up for-"
"I wasn't standing up for you." Limestone replied bluntly, "I don't really care if you fall down a ditch or something."
"Wha- but... but you almost killed that guy!"
"Because he was being unfair."
"T-to me... right?"
The mare looked back; the plush still in her mouth, raising an eyebrow. The pegasus groaned, "Right- you wanted that dumb rock."
He sighed, "Why exactly do you need that thing?"
"..."
"Well? You're not gonna leave me hanging, are you?"
She continued walking, not saying a word.
Suddenly, the pegasus had an idea, and flew over in front of her.
"It'd be rude of me to let a mare like yourself carry weight. Why don't you give that to me?" he grinned smugly.
"No thanks. I'm good." Limestone replied nonchalantly; but after making sure he couldn't see her face, she scoffed to herself.
He's such a loser.
Meanwhile;
What does she want from me!? Ugh! Mares are so hard to read!
Zephyr cleared his throat, "Ahem, it seems you're clearly just- uh- busy... so- I'll just- leave you be."
He stepped back, waiting for her to notice.
No response.
He stepped back again.
Nothing.
He began to flap his wings.
Nope.
"S-see ya around... I guess..." the stallion finally decided to leave... and hide in a tree, covered with snow thanks to the weather.
Limestone looked behind her.
Huh... he actually left.
She placed her "gift" on the snow.
Did I go too far?
She scoffed.
Nah.
The mare picked up the plush again and continued heading back to Sugarcube Corner. When she was finally out of reach, Zephyr put down his binoculars and sighed.
"Heya Zephyr!"
The pegasus jumped and almost fell out of the tree, if his hoof wasn't stuck between the branches.
"Ugh... what do you want, Sprinkles."
"Pinkie! And why are you upside down? Are you a bat?" the pink mare giggled, "This is Hearth's Warming Eve! Not Nightmare Night, silly!"
"Can you at least help me get-" the branch cracked, causing him to fall on his face, "-down..."
"But you're already down!"
"No shit, Cupcake."
"Aaaanyway... have you seen my sister? She's about this tall, has earmuffs about this wide and-"
"No, no I have not." he sat up and brushed off the snow off his coat.
"Really? huh... I swear I saw Limey go through here..."
Zephyr paused, "H-hang on... Limey? "
"Mhm!"
"Can you... elaborate?"
"What's there to elaborate about Limestone? She's short, grumpy..."
Huh... guess Spike wasn't lying.
"...aggressive, quiet, short-"
"She went that way." he pointed to the path that leads to Sugarcube Corner.
"Oh, thanks!" she bounced away in said direction.
"W-wait... didn't you just come from-"
"Byeeee!"
"...nevermind."
"Oh... I'm really sorry if he made you uncomfortable... He's not very good with boundaries..."
"Why does everypony keep saying that? He seems fine to me."
During her walk, the gray mare had come across Fluttershy, little did she know-
"You're his sister?"
The yellow pegasus nodded, "And if there's anything you want me to say to him, let me know." she smiled, a bit intimidated by Limestone's gaze.
"Right... do you know where he is? He disappeared while we were talking and hasn't shown up yet."
Fluttershy's eyes widened, "Oh there's no reason for that! Haha... l-like I said- n-no need to attack him, I-I'll talk to him."
Thanks to Applejack, Fluttershy had known about the mare's attitude and roughness. From her perspective, it felt as if she was going to beat her brother to a pulp.
This made Limestone more confused, "What in Equestria did that stallion do!? First the rainbow one tells me I shouldn't waste my time with him, now you're saying he's a bad person?"
"Nonono! You misunderstand! Z-zephyr is... well... uhm... how do I say this... full of himself? I-I'm sorry if he made you mad or... anything..."
"He got me this cool rock."
"He did?"
"Yeah."
"Oh... then... why were you looking for him?"
"Because I-"
"I hope you're treating my sister with kindness." a familiar voice spoke up, "I'm honestly surprised why Pinkie hasn't found you yet."
"Pinkie? Don't tell me-"
"Yes... Limey , she's looking for you."
"Don't you dare call me that."
Fluttershy spoke up, "I-if I'm not... interrupting... h-how did you find us before Pinkie Pie?"
"I have my ways." He smirked.
"Ugh, now I see why half the town hates you."
"Oh please, just say it already."
"it already." the mare spoke up, annoyed.
"Not... literally-" he groaned, "I was talking about your obsession with me."
Limestone blushed, "I am NOT obsessed with you!"
"Uhm... Zephyr... maybe you should-"
"Oh really ? Then why were you trying to find me just now?" he teased, a cocky grin on his face.
"B-because I- uh-"
"LIMESTONE PIE!!!"
"Oh, thank Celestia." as if out of no where, a pink hurricane came by along with the disappearance of Limestone.
"Hey! We were still-" the hurricane disappeared, "-talking..."
Zephyr felt a tug on his tail, and met the eyes of a very disappointed Fluttershy.
"Zephyr Breeze, we need to talk."
He gulped and forced a smile, "S-sure thing, sis! W-what seems to be the problem?"
"Can you... explain what exactly you've been up to today?"
"I- well... nothing of interest."
"Then why was Pinkie's sister looking for you?"
"Oh you know." He smirked, "About time a mare realized my talents."
The yellow mare raised an eyebrow.
"A-after you of course... hehe..."
"Anything else?"
"Oh nothing... just that she's the most beautiful mare in equestria and the fact that we met today is a sign for Celestia herself!"
"Zephyr, we talked about this."
"What do you mean?"
"Last Hearth's Warming Eve, you bumped into Cheerilee and didn't let the poor thing go until she knocked you out with that golf club."
"I- well- yes but- that was last year! I'm practically a whole new pony now!"
"You say that every day." she spoke up, anamused.
"Besides ! I promised myself I wouldn't bother her if she didn't have any interest in me."
"No offense, brother, but you really need to -"
"Need to what, huh?" the stallion spoke with an angry tone, "Need to get a job? Got it."
"I-"
"Need to live on my own? I have an apartment."
"But-"
"Need to believe in myself I can do better? It's hard as HELL but I try my best!"
"O-okay, y-you can-"
"Need to force myself to wake up at early hours of the day to go pick up lotion from the fancy store outside of ponyville because Lotus keeps forgetting to get them every. single. day ? Well guess what? I do that too! What more do you ponies want from me!?"
"Zephyr..."
"Is it so selfish of me to have a simple crush on a simple mare that I'll probably never be able to see again!?"
At this point, he had completely broken down, his lip quivering and tears down his eyes, "I've just- tried to do everything I can... I really have..."
"Is this about mom and dad?"
He looked away, "I-I was never able to make them proud. N-not that it matters now."
The mare wrapped him in a hug, "It's okay... Zephyr... I'm always going to be here for you."
He hugged back, "P-promise?"
"Promise."
Author's Note
Sorry for taking too long guys
A Sour Hearth's Warming Breeze
"What do you want." the mare asked, her voice almost as gravely as the paths below them.
"Nothing... per se-"
"Okay, then leave."
"Aren't you gonna at least-"
"I don't want your sketchy deals, salespony."
"S-salespony!?" the stallion was offended, "Celestia forbid a pony deliver a gift!"
"You got the wrong sister, Maud's inside."
"Maud?"
"Yes."
"Who?"
"My sister."
"And???"
"Listen, delivery boy, you can leave the pouch here or go inside to give it to her. I'm staying here."
"B-but this pouch is for you ..."
The mare paused, it was clear she didn't expect this, it was obviously not from Pinkie. Who would sent her of all ponies, a rock pouch?
"Also, I'm not- a delivery pony, this a gift... to you... from me." Zephyr informed.
"...why?"
"B-because I- uh- think your mane's... pretty?"
"I don't do pretty."
"Well you're certainly doing a hell of a good job looking like that. Especially with those rock crumbs in your mane." the pegasus winked.
Limestone didn't understand how to feel about this, nopony had ever commented on her mane, not even Pinkie Pie, "M-my mane isn't my speciality, a-and these are rock fragments not crumbs, know the difference, it might save your life someday- n-not that I'd care." she looked away.
"Riiight ... So... do you like the pouch?"
"Oh... Uh- it's- whatever." Limestone commented, attempting to change the subject, "Where did you even get that thing? The garbage?"
"Sweet Celestia! I know I don't shave but seriously?? Even I have standards."
"..."
"..."
Zephyr sighed, "I got it from a stall, this was the cheapest one there."
Limestone chuckled, a cocky grin on her face; Zephyr rolled his eyes and continued.
Alright, something... rocky.
The pegasus thought to himself, looking at the various stalls set up for Hearth's Warming.
Apples? Nah, too basic.
Jewelery? Too expensive.
Flowers? Hell no, not after last time.
Sticks? No- why is there even a stall for that!?
Rock pouches...
Hmm... a rock pouch seems... affordable, but which color...?
he thought to himself, until eventually picking out a murky green colored pouch.
I doubt she'd be picky over something as simple as color.
"I hate green."
"Oh." the stallion sighed, "Fine, I'll... take this back with me-"
"Don't."
"Huh?" Zephyr tilted his head.
Limestone cleared her throat, "Ahem- I mean- I'll give it to Maud."
"So... you're keeping it?"
"I said I'll give it to Maud ." the mare spoke through gritted teeth, glaring into his eyes.
The stallion backed up, "Fiesty..."
Limestone snatched the pouch off his hoof and began to head inside.
"N-nice meeting ya- L-Limestone..."
The mare paused and looked back, "How'd you know my name?"
"Uh- w-well- I uh-"
"Were you... stalking me?"
The pegasus began to sweat, "W-what makes you think that!?" he started tapping his hoof, starting to panic.
"It's flattering to think you'd do that." the mare admitted, looking away.
"It is?- N-not that I would do that! ha...ha..."
"Yeah... I- wait, why are you still here?"
"G-good question."
The mare groaned and finally went inside the bakery, slamming the door behind her, leaving Zephyr to himself.
Inside, everypony was busy, Marble Pie and Applebloom drawing together, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Sugar Belle and both the Cakes in the kitchen, and Granny Smith discussing the Apple family history with Maud, Mudbriar and the Pie parents. The only ponies missing were Big Macintosh and Cheese Sandwich, but Limestone didn't care enough to ask where they were. In fact, she didn't care much about what anypony was doing.
Same as last year. Why did we have to come here again? I miss the rock farm already. This place is too colorful for my taste.
As she was heading upstairs to hide the pouch, Pinkie noticed her.
"Heeeey, Limey~"
"Leave me alone."
"Aw c'mon! We could REALLY use your help-"
"Not interested." Limestone continued heading upstairs.
"Oh! Weeell... maybe you could-"
"Not. Interested." Limestone was getting increasingly annoyed. Pinkie wasn't giving up, either.
"Hey! As your favorite little sister, I-"
"You're not my favorite."
"As your second favorite little sister, I-"
"Leave. Me. ALONE!!" Limestone glared into Pinkie's eyes, who sunk into the stairs like a deflated balloon.
"Thank you." she returned to walking up the stairs, but doing so, she dropped the pouch, which somehow landed into Pinkie's hooves.
"Ooooh! I didn't know you liked-"
"That's not mine." the gray mare looked away, her cheeks darkening slightly.
Pinkie shrugged, "Oh... weeell... I think Maud'll love this!"
"Huh?"
"Maud likes collecting rocks-"
"I know, dumbflank, you're not gonna-"
"I'm gonna give it to Maud!" the pink mare smiled widely.
Without another word, Limestone snatched the pouch out of her hoof, and walked upstairs, leaving Pinkie confused, "Huh? Where'd the pouch go?"
Finally alone, Limestone placed the pouch on a table and stared at it.
Standards, huh? This is the worst gift I've ever gotten. I should really just give it to Maud.
She thought back to the pegasus that gave it to her.
He's such a loser... why do I feel guilty for giving it away?
But upon picking it up, she couldn't stop thinking about what he said.
"This is a gift... to you... from me..."
After much contemplation, the mare decided she should just return it to the pegasus that gave it to her.
She looked at the mirror in front of her, noticing the blush on her face.
What the!?
Instantly, she got down like a cat about to catch a mouse and growled, practically forcing the blush off her face. She smirked.
That's more like it.
She gazed out the window and for the first time since landing in Ponyville, she smiled genuinely.
I think he likes me.
"Just to be clear, I am getting paid for this, right?" Zephyr asked, carrying a few bags Rainbow Dash had given him.
"Pffft yeah totally!" the rainbow maned pegasus waved her hoof looking at the stalls.
It seems everypony wanted to give their special somepony a gift, Rainbow Dash in particular, was getting one for Applejack.
"What do you think?" Rainbow Dash held up a poster of herself.
"Do you want to be honest or nice?"
"Yeah, as if you'd ever be nice to me."
"If she really does love you back she'd be fine with... I don't know... an apple!"
"No thanks, Romeo, that's too basic, not that I'd expect you to give a straight answer." the mare rolled her eyes.
"Excuse me?"
"You're still single aren't ya? And you still fan over me like I'd ever give you a chance."
"Do I have to spell it out in the clouds or something!? I'm over you!"
"I forgot you could fly."
"Rainbow, who the fuck says that."
"Language!"
"Sorry, whom the fuck says that?"
"That's not what I- ugh!" the mare facehooved, "You say you're not obsessed yet you decide to help me the instant you got the chance."
"You literally asked me to!"
"Yeah, that's because we're friends... unfortunately , and friends don't flirt with each other, that's weird!"
"I don't recall you being so thick skulled, and by the way, you still need to pay me."
Rainbow dash groaned and took the bags he was holding.
"Here."
"These are tickets to the Wonderbolts show in Cloudsdale."
"You're lucky I'm even letting ya in." the mare smirked, proud of herself for forgiving her former stalker.
"Did you have to insult me by giving me two tickets?"
"This is nothing compared to the stuff you did."
"Fair enough." he watched as the rainbow mare dashed away with her gift bags.
"Are you two friends?"
"I hope not." Zephyr groaned, before turning to look at the source of the voice.
"Oh! I-it's you! H-hi!"
"Hello." Limestone looked up at him, holding the same pouch he gave to her a while ago.
Zephyr looked at the pouch, confused, "I thought you said you were gonna-"
"You can have it back, thanks for the thought."
"Oh, y-you're... welcome, I guess." he took the gift back and placed it under his wing.
The mare tapped her hoof nervously, "I'll... be going now..."
"R-right..."
Before leaving, she noticed a stall with a few plushies hung up on the walls; one in particular, caught her eye.
She walked up to the stall, with Zephyr following her. He looked around, "I didn't think you'd like plushies-"
"Shut up, I'm only interested in that one."
"That's... a rock..."
"And? You got a problem with that!?" she glared into his eyes, this seemed to be a common gesture for her, the stallion noticed.
"N-not at all!"
Curious, he decided to ask the pony running the stall how much it costs.
"2 bits." the unicorn spoke up, "If you can knock down those cups in three tries, that is."
"Oh, so it's a- I see."
"I doubt you have good aim." Limestone rolled her eyes.
"I did aim for you, didn't I? And in my opinion I landed a bull's eye." the pegasus teased.
To his surprise, the mare blushed, "D-don't push your luck."
Zephyr handed the unicorn the bits and picked up the first ball, and threw it with all his force.
"You were supposed to hit the cups, idiot." Limestone groaned, watching the ball hit a pedestrian after bouncing off the back wall of the stall.
"I know that, I was just- uh- warming up."
The pegasus picked up the second ball, and this time, actually aimed for the cups.
"My coffee!" the unicorn exclaimed, his coffee cup now on the floor.
"Wrong cup, bozo."
Zephyr was getting nervous, he couldn't let Limestone think he was a failure.
Come on, Zeph, this is just a stupid carnival game. There's no way I'm embarrassing myself... not this time.
He picked up the third and final ball, aimed for the paper cups at the back of the stall, took a step back and-
Nothing.
"What?" the pegasus was confused, "B-but I hit the cups!"
"Too bad." the unicorn scoffed, "Pay up again or leave."
Zephyr sighed, "I'm going again, here."
Just as he was about to pay, Limestone stopped him, and grabbed the unicorn by his collar.
"You think you're slick, huh? I know ponies like you, glueing the cups so you could scam everypony, give him the plush or I'll make you sorry."
"Okay! Easy, miss! Sheesh!" the unicorn fixed his attire, and handed the rock plush to Zephyr, "Oh, uh- thanks, I guess?"
The mare grabbed the plush with a smug smile on her face, "I'll be holding on to that, thank you very much."
At this point, the pegasus had so many thoughts running through his head, out of everypony he's talked to, none of them, besides his sister of course, would've even bothered to stand up for him.
I think I really DO like her.
