The Gift of a Feather

My afternoon tea with the princess concluded in a manner that was consistent with how the day had gone. When she told me who the lead weather-patrol mare in Ponyville was Rainbow Dash, well... I stared at her for about five seconds and then keeled over.

Yes, I actually fainted right then and there. Following that embarrassing moment, the short version is that she generously let me stay a night in that castle suite before sending me off to Ponyville with a royal guard escort.

To say the Princess left a lasting impression would be understatement. I knew she was ordained by heaven to be our ruler - that's what equines say anyway - but like I mentioned earlier, far from being some intimidating absolute authority figure, she came across more as the just the world's best mom, or at least the world's best boss.

As wonderfully comfortable as the castle suite was, I could barely sleep. I finally fell asleep a few hours before dawn, with my special feather tucked snuggly under my neck.

I had just been thrown the biggest bone I could ever imagine. I could barely even process the blessing and the opportunity that awaited me. One night ago, I was dreaming of a home, some friends, and above all, a chance to once again be in the mere presence of the filly that saved my life. The one who, I dare say, made the last ten years not just bearable, but often times enjoyable and even euphoric.

It was impossible to not reflect on my life as I laid in bed that night. Even through all of the sorrow and the strife, the sleeping outside, and thinking of my parents. At the end of the day, when I pulled out that feather and thought about who gave it to me, I could always feel good. I was at peace, and I dreamt of the day that I made it back to Cloudsdale.

Now I have a home and a job. A job that involves a skill of mine that I hope will only continue to move me up in my career. Not in Cloudsdale, but the place where Rainbow Dash now lives - Ponyville. It was visible from my castle suite with Canterlot itself sitting on a high hill, and the Princess was correct about it being in a breathtakingly beautiful valley.

Around midnight that night, I got out of my one-night bed and made my over to the balcony. It was dark, but the city of Ponyville was visible in the moonlight, and the night is beautiful in it's own way.

Sitting my rump down balcony, I stared up at the stars and pondered everything that had taken place. I had always looked up to them for guidance, especially after the separation. With all of the anticipation, excitement, fear, and the great number other feelings and emotions swirling around inside me, it felt like I needed it more than ever.

I thought about what she might look like now. I hadn't seen her in ten years. I am much different then I was; I used to be small, now I'm actually kind of tall. She was just a filly, and even though I was colt, I still perceived her as the most beautiful creature I'd ever seen. I knew that seeing Rainbow Dash was going to be breathtaking sight but I could only imagine it until I saw her, and the anticipation of seeing her again consumed me.

The burning question was how she would react when she saw me. What if she has a boyfriend? What if she doesn't remember me? In my heart, I felt it was terrible of me to be frightened about such things after the blessings I had received that day. I still found it hard to believe that I was gazing at the stars from where I was. I don't care if she has a boyfriend. I only want her in my life.

Walking back into the castle suite I noticed a small white cloth on the nightstand; it was made with a rare and delicate fabric and embroidered with colorful painted flowers on the edges. By the fireplace there appeared to be a leather neck strap with a lighting bolt pendant on it. It resembled the mark on my own flank so much I wondered if the Princess had it left in here for me, and if not I didn't think she'd care if I asked to keep it.

I took my feather and carefully folded it into the cloth with the intention of keeping it there, and when I traveled to this new hometown of mine I could keep it safely tucked under this necklace. As I looked at the feather, I realized it was just as meaningful to me as it was the day I received it. I knew the one that gave it to me could not have forgotten me. There was too much depth of feeling in those eyes, too much devastation in that face.

A short while longer and I laid my body down back in the bed for the longest sleepless night of my life. Deep breaths, Sonic, deep breaths... five seconds in, five seconds out... It was now mere hours away.

It was another uncommonly gorgeous day in Equestria. The shining green countryside against a blue skies and white clouds backdrop seemed amplified in majesty. I sat in the chariot as it was pulled by two pegasi royal guards down the country road. I had no idea what my new home would look like. All I knew was that it was in Ponyville.

When the chariot came to a halt in front of a large tree with a built-in home, it started to sink in. I sat in the chariot for several minutes staring at my new house. The guards were silent and attentive, showing little emotion. After some time my emotions started to get the best of me. It was a beautiful home built into a ludicrously huge, living tree. It's brilliant green leaves shimmered like gold in the sun. It appeared as everything outsiders describe my homeland as; friendly, beautiful, and welcoming.

I didn't want to get teary-eyed in front of the guards, but I couldn't help it. I stepped off of the chariot slowly so they could head back if they needed to.

"Thanks guys," I offered with my best look of gratitude I could muster, and with that they departed back for Canterlot and I was left all by myself to take in my new home.

The only sounds were the melodies of birds and the wind in the leaves. I shut my eyes and inhaled a long, fresh breath of the fine air. The scent of the leaves, the meadow, and the life all around me filled my nostrils. When I opened my eyes - and my new home was still before me - I fell to the ground. Here was a place I could call my own, with a bed, a kitchen, furniture... Living off the land and all the hardships that come with it were behind me.

It wasn't long after I had entered inside when I got the first knock on the door. I had been taking in the inside, which was perfect for me. There were not many possessions or things of that sort I didn't need, save the pots and pans in the kitchen, some flower pots, a bed, a desk, and some books on the shelves. But there was space. There were windows, and plenty of natural sunlight. Anything else I could easily add when I needed it.

I walked slowly over to the door and hesitated for a moment before opening it. Is this my new neighbor? I wondered, excited to meet them. Suddenly I had an incredible thought... What if it's *her*??? Confidence, Sonic. Confidence!!!!

Pushing the door open with my forehead, I saw quickly that instead it was a smiling, very friendly-looking young mare who had a green coat, golden eyes, a streaky white and grey mane, and a golden harp marking on her flank. She was also a unicorn.

Remember that there are three types of equine species in this world: pegasus, unicorns, and what are called earth ponies. Each species has different skills and specialities that lends itself to harmonious society. There's also some cultural variations between us, naturally. Pegasus like me have wings. We're flyers. We tend to be a bit more athletic with emphasis on competition and adventure. We're charged not only with managing the weather - primarily the precipitation, which is done through the movement of clouds - but also watching over the other two species who can't fly from the skies.

Unicorns are able to harness magic with their horns. They can make objects move without touching them. They tend to write more, since many of them have learned to write using their magic to use feathers and ink (much easier than writing with one's mouth), though there's also devices that allow us to clip feathers to our hooves for us to write with. Beyond writing they also play a heavy hand in using magic to assist in things that don't come naturally to equines given our biology, like building houses. Unicorn culture tends to place more of an emphasis on the finer things of life like art and fashion.

Earth ponies have neither horns nor wings, but they have a strong connections to nature, which is why they are charged with protecting it. Connected to that is their tendency to grow and harvest food, such as the oversight of apple orchards. Earth ponies are sometimes said to have the strongest family values of the 3 species. They have a culture of love and simplicity, and being one with nature.

Back to present, this unicorn seemed to have some kind of expression of 'delightfully surprised' when she saw me with a glance from head to hoof, prompting me to smile sheepishly.

"Uh, hi there!" I offered. She put her hoof on her chest apologetically.

"Hello there!" she said softly but enthusiastically, her face turning into a warm smile. I looked down at the ground and laughed embarrassingly. I tried to say something then I laughed again.

"Are you my new neighbor?" I asked. I hoped so, considering how friendly she seemed.

"My name is Lyra Heartstrings. I happened to see you outside earlier, so I figured knowing that we have a new neighbor here in Ponyville, I just ... wanted to say hi," she continued, blushing.

I wondered if it surprised her that I was a stallion her age. Sometimes it's a little odd if I find myself talking to a young mare. I would never want to give them the impression that I'm romantically interested, even if I loved them very much as friends and neighbors. Though I couldn't hide that I was delighted to see that someone was already here befriending me, and that she had a wonderful smile in her own right.

"Oh, well gosh! Thank you! To tell you the truth, uh, I actually don't really know anyone here in Ponyville, you're literally the first one I've just now met. So I'll definitely remember you. I mean, I clearly would remember you anyway," I said, the last of which was true but I also instantly regretted saying it for fear of how it came across.

"Wow, I'm honored!" she declared with a chuckle.

"I mean," I said, thinking myself into nervousness. "I would remember you regardless, you seem incredibly nice. I didn't mean it, you know, like," I tried to assure her.

"Well thank you very much for saying so," she said, turning her head with another blushing smile. Oh boy...

"Oh, my name is Sonic. Sonic Rain," I said frantically. She at least seemed to find it amusing, and started laughing sweetly.

"Would you like to come to a party with me tomorrow? It would be a great way for you to get to know some of the ponies in town, and for them to meet you," she said. I thought for a moment, probably overthinking it. Party, party. I can do parties. Can't I? Yes, I can. Slow down... Then it hit me again. Rainbow will be there, I bet.

"A party? That sounds wonderful actually. Where do you live?"

"It's not at my house, but I'm flattered you would think that," she replied.

"Oh, right. Why did I say that?" I said out loud concernedly, hoping she didn't take it the wrong way but that I only seemed to be amusing her further and she laughed once again. I started consciously trying to calm down my thought process and relax more in general. "Or maybe I figured I don't know where it is so I was supposed to walk to your house to let you show me where it is. Or I guess you could just come me get here if that works, either one," I continued, talking fast.

"Pinkie Pie is hosting it at noon, she lives in the center of town at Sugarcube Corner. It looks like a gingerbread house, you can't miss it," she said, staring daintily at me. Suddenly I wanted to ask her the question.

"Um... can I ask you something?" She looked surprised and emotion took her over, I guessed maybe she was expecting something other than what I was going to ask. "Is-is everyone in town going to be there?"

I hoped the answer was yes, because with the way I asked the question I would know Rainbow was going to be there without having to mention her by name to Lyra.

"Well, I'm guessing not literally every single one.." she started, smiling as her eyes drifted, "but just about all of the younger ponies should be there."

My face lit up with excitement, and she reacted with delight.

"You'll have fun, I promise," she continued. "I won't keep you away from your new house, I'm sure you have a lot of unpacking to do. Just don't forget that I was the first pony you talked with, and I'll see you tomorrow!"

"I won't! And see you tomorrow! Great meeting you!"

Trying to be genuinely grateful for her genuine kindness, I closed the door with a surge of confidence. Tomorrow, Sonic. Tomorrow's the day. My heart was pumping fast, and I was breathing heavily. Somewhat surprisingly, I was hardly nervous now.

Instead a feeling of inexplicable happiness and excitement was coming over me as I pulled out my prized feather and snuggly pressed it against my chest. I had waited ten years for this moment, and it was finally here... Tomorrow I meet the one who I thought about every single day. Tomorrow's the day! I galloped out the door and launched myself off the grass into the air, and the view of the country around me expanded with every second as I soared into the sky.

"Whooo hoooo!!!!!"

With incredible energy I flew higher and higher through the clouds until I nosed dive straight down towards the valley. The wind in my face was so fierce that it forced the water out of my eyes. I came upon the valley floor and glided just above the tree line as fast I could for what seemed like miles, when suddenly I noticed overhead an amazing and magnificent ring of rainbow colors expanding in all directions in an area of the sky, the part I had just flown through. What in the world is that?

I landed to a halt in an open meadow and stared in every direction above me at the phenomena which dissipated after a fe, with not the slightest idea at what this could be. I must have a lot to learn about Ponyville...

I left my home the next day at noon, making my way into town for Sugarcube Corner, the place where the pony named Pinkie Pie was hosting the party. I trotted along the road, full of bliss and spreading a friendly smile. I was even whipping my tail back and fourth. Nervousness and anxiousness were not gone altogether, but the joy of seeing Rainbow for the first time along with my desire to bring a friendly and positive energy seemed victorious.

It was another gorgeous day and I as I came into town I made my way down the center of the row of houses and shops. They were either side of me as I trotted along, most of them vanilla-cream-colored with hay rooftops. I had never lived in a city (well, town is the better word, given the usually bigger population attributed to cities) with homes like this before, but they were pretty and unique nonetheless.

I started getting a lot of looks and I got the sense that folks were turning their heads to get a look at the new stallion in town. At first I was a little shaken given all the eyes looking me but once I saw the smiles that everypony seemed to be giving me, any hint of uneasiness scattered away. Elderly mares and stallions were shooting me looks of welcome, and even groups of little foals took a short break from their games like jump rope and hop scotch to send me a wave and a smile. I could hear more than one "Welcome to Ponyville!" and "Stop by later if you can!"

I returned every smile with my own, and some ponies were even waving and smiling at me from the windows. I had never experienced a friendlier environment in my entire life. Everyone was so amazingly kind that I couldn't help but feel warm and fuzzy inside as I skipped my legs back and fourth. I could live here the rest of my life!

There seemed to be a twinkle in the eye of every equine I saw, which led to me to believe that truly, this little town in rural Equestria was something special outside of being the home to the greatest mare in the world.

I noticed one thing, though, there were no ponies my age so Lyra must have been right that they were all at Pinkie's party. All of the welcoming attention had taken my mind off what I where I was going and who I was about to meet. That changed when I turned my head forward and stood right before a lonely house in the middle of the street; a house that greatly resembled, as Lyra had said, a gingerbread house.

Time seemed to slow down and it seemed to get further away as I approached it. My smile faded. I couldn't avoid thinking about it anymore. This was it. The love of my life, the comfort of my afflictions - who I hadn't seen in ten years - was in there, blissfully unaware that I stood outside. It was a colossal moment for me, yet I was also terribly excited. I tied to reinforce to myself that parties were meant to be enjoyed, and I fully intended to enjoy this one.

So I took a deep breath, walked forward, and put my right hoof on the door and pushed it open.

As soon as the door opened, the typical sounds one might expect to hear at a party could be heard; music, pony voices in all directions, dancing, decorations, and just about everything you can think of. Thankfully as I entered the party did not stop for me; everypony didn't turn their heads in unison and stare at me in silence or welcome me with cheers or some other thing to make me the center of attention. I guess you rarely catch someone coming in the door of a good party.

Now I was deep inside and there were ponies all around me. I started looking around for her, watching for a flash of colors or a light blue coat that matched my special feather. I looked through all the ponies and wandered in a little further, and I felt a tap on my shoulder. After a short heart-jump, I turned around and saw Lyra Heartstrings with a vanilla-colored mare with a pink and blue mane, and what appeared to be candy for a cutie mark.

"Hi Sonic, glad you made it! Did you just get here?"

"Oh, you scared me," I said, laughing though my heart rate still raced. "I just walked in. Thank you so much for inviting me," I said heartily, and Lyra beamed.

"It's my pleasure... I loved our first encounter yesterday," she said, and her friend tapped her on the shoulder with an embarrassed smile. Lyra giggled. "This is my friend Bon Bon. She doesn't like talking to stallions." Bon Bon rolled her eyes.

"I do too," she responded.

"Why don't you get a drink and come hang out with us!" said Lyra, pointing to a table of beverages.

"Alright!" I replied. It was almost a guilty feeling; I deeply appreciated her kindness, though my mind was primarily on one thing.

I started to move towards the drink table and slowed down, looking through as many ponies as I could on either side of me and sticking my head over the top of the crowd for any sign of her. I stopped under a doorway. A few ponies in front of me moved to the side, and then...

My heart stopped. My breath stood still... my entire existence came to a screeching halt.

Standing in between a shy yellow pegasus and female white unicorn, laughing and talking, we're unmistakably the wings from which my gift had come.

They belonged to the most beautiful mare who ever lived.

I stood there with a gaping mouth and all locomotive functions suspended practically at the point of tears. In all my life... I never could have imagined this.

Her mane and tail were magnificent. Every color of the rainbow, with a bright and brilliant hue to each one. She had the prettiest coat I'd seen on any creature, a wonderful shade of light blue.

Her eyes were the same lovely magenta color - just like I remembered - but there were so many more thoughts and memories in them now then there were the last time I saw her. Yet in those eyes I beheld exactly the same filly that I developed the biggest crush on as a colt... a crush that grew every day of my life. In them were the most radiant representations of loyalty, confidence, toughness that one could imagine... and I was so happy I felt like I was going to faint.

My heart pumped and pumped though I stood perfectly still as it was overflowing with pure affection. What do I say to her? I wanted to trot right up to her. Part of me wanted to tell her everything. How my parents left me, how I lived in some very rough standards, but I never lost joy or hope because I thought about her and the days we spent together as foals and I dreamed every night of this moment. Of being reunited with her.

Then... it happened. I don't know what a heart attack feels like, but I imagine it can't be far off from what I felt when the unthinkable happened.

Rainbow Dash's face turned and she saw me through the crowd... our eyes met for the first time in ten years. When she first saw me the smile on her face vanished instantly. Her mouth fell wide open and her eyes glowed with fascination. It looked as though one of her friends could wave a hoof before her face and she wouldn't react in the slightest.

She studied and studied me, working through it in her mind. To feel her gaze on me once more was like having every last part of my body chained up; I couldn't move a single muscle. I breathed slowly in and out. Do you... do you remember me?

She stared and stared, and then her eyes lit up with a wondrous twinkle that sent shivers down my spine. I knew right then that she remembered me. I could almost see the memories of us together in her eyes. She remembered me. Not only that... but her expression seemed to be filled with excitement and happiness. After ten years all it seemed she knew exactly who I was.

A gentle smile came over me as the most magical and enchanting moment of my life to this point began to unfold. She was smiling back at me.