//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1: Life in Vanhoover 
// Story: Larkspur Blossom 
// by Pone_Heap 
//------------------------------//

It had been three weeks since Lark and his sisters moved to Vanhoover. Summer would soon give way to Autumn. Lark thought his sisters were adjusting well, considering. They understood the concept of death. It was hard, but things were about as good as they could be. Sure, they missed Dad, and he did too, but… he may have felt differently if Dad had been more of a father… if he knew him better.

Approaching the city had been interesting. Used to the taller buildings back home, Vanhoover proved to be… shorter, in their young eyes. While Fillydelphia was a major city, it was landlocked. Vanhoover was a port, and it handled more surface cargo than anywhere else in Equestria. Well, the westernmost part of the city was a port. The siblings’ aunt and uncle lived in the eastern part of the city, far away from any and all industry.

Their mom, Sugar Plum, had a sister; Fairy Charmer, with her husband, Star Charmer, had a sizable four-bedroom house in the suburbs. Both were real estate agents, so they knew how to pick a house. Money was no issue, either, and they had plenty of everything. They even had a pool and a tennis court they barely used.

Lark had his own room and his sisters shared a room, which had previously been an office. Their aunt and uncle had each had a home office. The foals would have been crammed into one room to keep the second office, but the age difference seemed too great.

Their dad, Beige Gunner, had taken care of arrangements well. Each of his foals would receive a sizable chunk of money once they turned 18 and had significant funds for education and necessary expenses in the meantime. Their aunt, uncle, and the rest of the family were well provided for, and they didn’t even see the need to chase after the faraway, paltry fortune of the 3 little ponies.

Lark never liked his aunt and uncle. He didn’t like them the two or three times he had met them, and he could barely remember them to begin with. They were at his mom’s funeral, and that was the last time he had heard of or from them. He hadn’t known much about them, nor had he cared to.

Whether it was deserved or not, he wasn’t sure and he didn’t really care, but he knew they had thought of him as a nasty little colt. Maybe he had been. Was he going to ask them? Pfft. No way. Whatever he may have been in the faraway place of his early foalhood, it went away when his mom died.

Whether it was Lark's young mind--or he was right--he was convinced these two never wanted children. The only reason the foals were there was they had promised Sugar Plum they'd take them, if the situation arose. Now, perhaps, their aunt and uncle had changed their minds... at least about having fillies. They adored Valley and Copper. Maybe they just didn’t want a colt around. Lark wasn’t treated badly by any stretch, but they were cold to him, sometimes. He still didn’t like them very much, but they were family. And he loved his family. He would do what he could for his sisters.

Also, Lark was old enough to realize what it meant to take in foals when they had previously had none. It wasn’t an easy transition for anypony, so he tried for patience and they tried as well. It was an understood thing between them.

Their aunt and uncle certainly provided for the three of them. They left behind some things they didn’t need back home, but didn’t have to leave anything important. Lark saved his mom’s violin and her library of classic music. He had learned to play a little, and he was getting better. He also saved most of the books from the house, including his dad’s extensive history collection, which he had pilfered since he could read.

As their father had died closer to the end of summer, the siblings wound up starting a fresh school year, Lark a 5th grader, with Valley and Copper in 2nd and 1st, respectively. The closest school was East Vanhoover Private, a three-campus school, serving elementary, middle, and high school. It wasn’t a cheap place, but the siblings’ allowance certainly covered it.

Considering the money their aunt and uncle had, they might have been sent there out of sheer convenience, anyway. The closest public school was miles away, and East Vanhoover was a block away. One could see it from the kitchen window. They were enrolled. The school taught Earth ponies, unicorns, and Pegasi alike, but tailored some classes to whatever type of pony a student may be.

The week before school started, all students underwent a brief examination to determine their progress and peer standing. This was done yearly, and determined placement for several subjects, from simple to more advanced. It was not necessarily a test of intelligence, but of ability. Lark had never heard of such a thing, but he’d never been to a private school, either.

Valley underwent her tests, mainly gauging her flight abilities and athletic prowess. The results were astonishing. She had the speed and wingpower of a high school mare at age seven. Her endurance was good, but her mobility was only about average for her age. Even more amazing, was the fact she had just learned to fly in the previous couple years. With some training and a little practice, she would probably grow up to be Wonderbolt caliber. Lark was proud of her, and admittedly, without his help, she wouldn’t be where she was. He could only do so much, but she had learned a lot from him.

Copper proved even more interesting. The level of magic in her body was relatively low, and her natural ability was considerably below average, but her magical knowledge was nothing short of amazing. She could solve magic problems, even at high school level, with reasonable success. A college level text was even consulted for some topics. The only reason she couldn’t work through some of the material, they decided, was she had no previous exposure to it.

The fact Copper knew some relatively high level dark magic wasn’t exactly a pleasant surprise, but she could be considered gifted, at least in some areas. Outside of her normal 1st grade obligations, she was assigned a private tutor to help with her practical magic material and she would occasionally participate in high school theory courses. Lark was equally proud, but wished he hadn’t let her get into some of the crazy stuff he decided to teach her that he had thought of funny as a foal.

Lark, being an Earth pony, received an eye exam and not much else. The tests didn’t concern the ability to tend things or anything physical in and of itself. He hadn’t had such an eye exam in two years and was dismayed to learn he failed. So, for his 11th birthday, he received a pair of glasses. Unhappy about the specs, but amazed at what he had been missing, not even realizing his vision was poor, he accepted this. Sitting in his new room, he noticed he could now read the titles of the books on the shelf from the bed. He could see across the park outside his window. He realized he’d have no more trouble seeing the board in class, or having to sit close out of necessity.

That was nice, but… he sometimes felt useless around the house. Valley, being a Pegasus, could help their aunt and uncle in many ways, especially when they needed an extra set of hooves in the air. Even Copper was helpful, figuring out all sorts of handy little spells for around the house. Lark… he could cook and clean and take care of his sisters. But they had mostly grown out of needing his help with everyday tasks.

The chores didn’t bother him; it was what he knew. His sisters had chores too, but while their abilities helped them along, he was stuck on the ground. He knew they weren’t being taken advantage of; he just wished he could do something other than clean. They didn’t let him cook much, considering they could use magic to cook. Why not use their magic to scrub the toilets, then?

He’d never thought much about it, but being an Earth pony sucked, sometimes. Doing everything by hoof or mouth and not even being able to fly? Feh. He’d never forget the first time he changed a diaper. It was easy after a couple tries, but… the first time? Ish…

Rolling from his side to his back, Lark looked up at the ceiling from his bed, his hooves resting behind his head. School started Monday. It was Thursday. He thought about going outside, maybe wandering around town, but couldn’t get the motivation to do so. Making friends would be good, but it wasn’t on the top of his mental list. He didn’t even have much of a list going. He decided he’d meet plenty of ponies once the next week started.

Half the reason he didn’t want to poke around the neighborhood was the indisputable lack of ponies his age. There were high school students and little foals, with no in-between. Reflecting again on his sisters, they were indeed adjusting well. With their closeness in age, they already had a group of friends right in the neighborhood.

Even Copper was enjoying herself. She had never been known for her sense of humor, but it made an appearance. Lark never expected her to be much of a prankster, but she enjoyed testing her magic in fun, though thankfully, generally harmless ways. He had woken up with his bed set up on the ceiling twice in the same week. The second time, he hadn’t even fallen out, straight to the floor, with his bed crashing down behind him, once he woke up. She was learning. Both girls thought it hilarious, and pranks were outlawed in the house soon after.

Lark was happy for his sisters. But he wasn’t all that happy, himself. There was still the weekend, but Lark wanted to hurry up and start school. He may have been the only colt feeling that way, but he was bored out of his skull. Finding no pleasure in reading, he dozed.





Lark...

What?

A voice called from far away, “Lark.”

His eyes opened. His aunt was standing in the doorway.

He stirred, “Yes, Aunt Fairy?”

“You really should go spend some time outside. It’s a nice day, and you’ll regret it if you let it pass you by. Once school starts, you’ll only have weekends to play so much.”

He knew she cared, in her way, but he had little interest in going outside. He’d mowed the grass for them earlier. Hadn’t that been ‘outside’ enough? Looking at the clock on his wall, he saw it was 3:00 p.m. He’d had a pretty good nap.

“I’ve been around already. You know there are no foals my age around here, so what’s the big deal? I just want to relax.”

She thought a moment and said, “You did do a fine job with the yard this morning. Your Uncle Star’s never been much for yardwork, and the last time the yard looked this good, we’d been hiring this landscape company we work with. You should be proud.”

And he was a little proud. He enjoyed working. Always a results-oriented foal, he loved to stand back and look over a job well done.

He actually let a smile pass, “Thanks, Aunt Fairy. Sometimes on weekends, I’d do yards back home. And you and Uncle Star have such a nice mower! I’ve never used one like it.”

“Well, we do appreciate the job you did. How about this? Your sisters are out playing in the yard. Why don’t you take some bits and the girls and go to the ice cream shop down the road? Think of it as a little reward.”

That actually sounded pretty good.

Lark stood up, “Thanks, Aunt Fairy. I wasn’t thinking about it, but ice cream would be good today.”

He followed her downstairs. His uncle was home early that day, having been showing houses.

Uncle Star looked up, “Hey there, Lark. Yard looks great! And thanks for cleaning up.”

Lark did appreciate what they said; they meant it, but they only tended to be warm with him when he had done something for them. That didn’t bother him very much, but it did a little.

Aunt Fairy spoke, “I told Lark we’d give him some bits to take his sisters for ice cream. It’s such a nice day.”

He had no qualms, “Of course. Be careful around the street, and try not to spoil your dinner. Get what you like, and keep the change.”

Uncle Star pulled out his change purse and gave Lark 10 whole bits. It wasn’t an incredible amount of money, but it would get them most anything they’d want.

Genuinely grateful, Lark took the money, “Thanks. Since we’ll be out, is there anything you need?”

The two of them did enjoy how conscientious Lark could be. It was unusual to see in a colt his age. Any time he had gone out, he had offered to run errands that were on the way, and whenever he found them sitting, he’d offer to get them snacks or drinks.

“Since you ask, we are low on milk. Eggs could wait a couple days, but if you’re there, you might as well get some. Also, we’re having pasta with pesto for dinner. We have everything else we need, but if you could get a garlic bulb or two, we’d be set until next week.”

Lark didn’t mind. He was hoofed another 6 bits--not for his keeping. He thanked them again and went out the front door. There he found his sisters.

Valley was rolling around in the grass, giggling, a few green stains appearing on her coat. Copper was watching an ant colony attempt to pull a caterpillar carcass down their hole. She wasn’t interfering, just watching. She did find fascination in nature.

“Girls. Uncle Star gave me some bits. We’re going out for ice cream.”

This got their attention. Valley jumped up, shook off, and trotted over, a goofy grin pasted on her face. Her mane was full of grass. Copper got up and paddled over, a little smile on her lips.

Valley was walking herself in circles, excited, “Yay! Did he say we could get whatever we wanted?”

Trying to hold Valley still, he pulled grass clippings from her mane, “As long as we don’t spoil our dinner. Aunt Fairy is making that pesto later.”

This pleased Copper, “Great. I love that stuff.”

Lark marshaled them along, “We don’t have all day. Aunt Fairy wants us to stop by the store for a few things on the way back.”

His sisters didn’t complain about this. He didn’t expect them to and they rarely complained about anything. Like him, they had grown up rather quickly, and he was happy to say, they usually didn’t throw fits when they didn’t get the things they wanted. It didn’t stop them from asking for the occasional sweet, but to them it was a treat. This was why they were so happy to go get ice cream. Lark was happy too.

The three of them ambled down the sidewalk towards the east downtown area. Lark had been here before, for the exact reasons he was out now. Valley pranced around, thinking about what she might get at the shop. Lark looked to Copper; she just paddled along, a contented look on her face. She was enjoying this more than she let on. He knew her well enough. Not given to fits of glee, it was still easy enough to see when she was happy.

Lark looked around. He’d never really thought about the architecture in Fillydelphia. Now, he found he missed it. There were few skyscrapers in Vanhoover. Seeing something his whole life, he never really appreciated it until it was missed. Still, Vanhoover was interesting enough. He had yet to be to the western park of the city, but he wanted to see the port.

There had been mountains out east, the Foal Mountains. It was a far older range than the Unicorn Range that rose up east of Vanhoover. Compared to the rounded peaks back home, these mountains were positively jagged. Turning around, he could see them rising in the distance; Vanhoover was built on a river delta and the land was quite flat away from the mountains, allowing a good view.

One of the biggest differences was the flora. Back in Filly, and around it, it was mostly deciduous forest. Old growth forest he had heard it called, far more ancient than the younger forests around Vanhoover. But evergreen trees met less raking for Lark. There were plenty of deciduous trees in the city--ponies liked them--but there was no overabundance, so the streets and yards would never be inundated with fallen leaves.

Of course, he had noticed the accents. Ponies sure sounded different out there.

The lack of agriculture was jarring. Other than a few specialty crops, there was very little farmland around Vanhoover. Used to seeing the rolling hills growing wheat, barley, and oats, Lark saw it was largely restricted to vineyards and edible fruit production.

Lark sure didn’t know much about farming, but it seemed ponies out west thought food came from the grocery store. He knew better, but he still knew squat about raising much. He had kept a garden back home... nothing major, but they didn’t have to buy so many vegetables in the summer and fall. Maybe his aunt and uncle would let him keep one there; they had the space, and he was reasonably sure the yardwork was now his. Still, if they had Valley clean the gutters, instead of him plodding up a ladder, he could live with that. The various tools his aunt and uncle had made any work almost enjoyable, if not pleasant and productive. It made little sense to him, the things they had, considering they really didn’t do yardwork.

Coming back to reality, he saw they had reached the vicinity of the ice cream shop. It was more crowded now, and he pulled Valley back closer to him, so she wouldn’t run into anypony. Ponies out there seemed less likely to take offense to bumping into another pony, but it was still unappreciated.

Entering the shop, they could smell cake baking. Getting in line, Lark checked the menu. Things weren’t cheap in Vanhoover, but Filly hadn’t been either. 10 bits could still get them practically anything they wanted. Valley wanted a raspberry shake, while Copper settled for a few scoops of mint. Lark thought a raspberry shake sounded good, so he got one himself, leaving them with four bits. Lark was pleased. Even when the girls had opportunity to get anything they wanted, they stuck to the sensible. He tried to, as well.

By 4:30 p.m., they were finishing up, sitting on a bench outside the shop.

Lark told them, “Make sure to thank our aunt and uncle later.”

He didn’t really need to do that. They were very courteous little foals and usually had nothing but the best manners. Despite some of the mischief they got up to, they were good fillies. Still marveling at how well they were doing, this close to Dad’s death, he was very glad they had a decent place to be. He wasn’t crazy about everything, but they had it pretty good. And school would start up in a few days. He’d meet ponies then, he kept telling himself. Deciding to try to look at the bright side, he looked forward to the next week.

On the way home, they stopped by the store and picked up the requested items. Holding onto his uncle’s change, he decided to give his sisters the four bits he could have kept. Grateful--and never wasteful with money--they decided to buy a few tubs of mixed berries. It would be a nice treat over the next couple days. As Lark often admired, they were sensible.

Lark thought, four bits. Not a lot of money, but he could have kept it. Then again, there was really nothing he wanted to buy, and he loved seeing his sisters happy. Content at this, they went back to the house.

Dinner was nice, and afterwards, Lark read to his sisters. They might get too old for this soon, but for now it was a pleasure shared by all of them. By the time he finished the story, it was just about bedtime. Their aunt and uncle wished them goodnight, but little more. Lark had been tucking his sisters in their whole lives, and he didn’t stop now.

Copper was already asleep. For such a reserved filly, who didn’t appear to expend much energy, she could sleep at the drop of a hat. Valley, on the other hand, had trouble settling down. It was always this way with her, but had been worse since they moved. New house, new family… It wasn’t hard to figure out.

“Lark…”

“Yes, Valley?”

“Do you miss home?”

He couldn’t say he expected this question, but, “I do. And it’s okay if you miss it. I know Copper misses it too. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“I miss my friends…”

Though he'd had few, there were some ponies he missed as well, “I miss mine, too. But we’re here, now. Your aunt and uncle love you, and they’ll take care of us. It may be a new place, but we have each other, too. I know school isn’t your favorite place, but we get to go back on Monday. Once you settle into things, everything will be fine. And I’ll be there for you... whenever you need me.”

She yawned, “I guess I am kind of excited to go. Some of the stuff looks really fun!”

“It will be fun. You’ll get to go there with your new friends, and you’ll meet so many more ponies.”

But Valley didn’t hear him. She had drifted off to sleep, a pleasant look on her face. Lark tucked in Valley, checked on Copper, and left them.

He decided to go downstairs for a minute, to thank his aunt and uncle for giving his sisters a treat. He found them on the couch, reading.

Aunt Fairy looked up, “Yes, Lark? What is it?”

“… I just wanted to thank you again for the bits earlier. The girls really enjoyed their ice cream… I enjoyed it too.”

Uncle Star smiled, “Oh, you’re welcome, Lark. We were glad to do it. Are your sisters tucked in?”

Lark nodded, “Yes. Valley said she misses home, but… she’ll be fine.”

The degree to which he cared for his sisters didn’t exactly baffle them, but it was most unusual. But that’s what growing up for him was like. They had never wanted foals, but with a colt like Lark... and fillies like Valley and Copper... maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.

Uncle Star looked evenly at Lark, “Lark, listen. If there’s anything you want, please let us know. You don’t need to think only of others.”

They knew Lark gave up the four bits for his sisters. What a colt could do with four bits if he wanted to! What full-grown pony doesn’t like to have a few extra bits? And he gave it all to them? Lark certainly thought of himself--he certainly had his share of complaints--but he often put that aside for the girls. It was all he really knew.

Still, “I want to start a garden. In the yard.”

His aunt and uncle stared at him and then at each other; they asked in unison, “You want a garden?”

“Yes. We kept one back home. I… kind of miss it. It’s just… all city around here.”

If this was what Lark wanted… it was a small thing. After discussing it, both agreed.

“Sure Lark. You can have your garden. And you can use our tools. Just don’t tear up the entire yard...” Aunt Fairy ended in a giggle.

Lark almost leapt for joy, “Yes! I have something to do this weekend!”

Both were dumbfounded... a garden in Autumn?

His uncle almost laughed, “Lark, you can’t grow-”

Lark had his motor running, “I’m not planting anything. With the soil around here, if I turn it over in the Autumn, it’ll settle out nicely in the Spring. It’s mostly silty-clay in the delta. When it freezes, it swells the soil, so the soil is rejuvenated. I can get the hard part done now. And then when it’s time to plant come Spring, I just have to fence it off and plant.”

This little colt probably knew more about this than they did, so they gave him the okay.

Uncle Star finished, “Okay. But like your aunt said, don’t tear up the whole yard.”

“Don’t worry. This time next year, you’ll be glad for this. Homegrown beats the store any day.”

So, they watched their odd little ward gallop up the steps to bed.