//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Winters' Wanderings // by JediShy //------------------------------// As Winter Bolt gathered the last of his belongings into his saddlebag he slung the pack over his flank and instantly his knees buckled and he flopped to the floor. He felt a deep throbbing coming from his left flank. So much so that he could not put weight on it. “Great this is just what I needed today. First I crash, now I'm hurt and without a bit to my name.” Grumbling Winter Bolt tries once more to get to his hooves but he crumbles once more into the dirt. It appears he might have sprained something in the crash. Laying in the sweet smelling earth of the apple orchard his mind drifted to his time apple bucking in Appleloosa. He met some very kind ponies there that had treated him like family. It was probably the longest he had spent in one location. Right up until he accidentally caused a flood rather than light sprinkles when trying to help water the trees.... A soft country accent breaks his unpleasant memory. “ Hey, there sugarcub you doin ok? Ya look like you mighta took a nasty spill.” Looking up he sees a light golden mare in a cowpony hat standing over him. Her cutie mark consists of a triangle of red apples and she is followed by a filly that is clearly her little sister. Reaching out a hoof she bringing Winter Bolt upright and helps him shakily towards what appears to be a family run apple farm. “I'm Apple Jack and this is my little sister Apple Bloom. What brings you to Poneyville?” The mares soft drawl was oddly warm for a first meeting but Winter Bolt was so sore from the crash and confused from his inner turmoil that he could only welcome the helping hoof offered. “ My names Winter Bolt and I sort of just ended up here. I tend to wander a lot and just crashed into your apple trees when I got distracted. I had flown so long I forgot to eat and so I was not as focused as I needed to be” Winter Bolt scuffed his forehoof into the dirt hoping that AppleJack did not pry too much as he was never very good at hiding his family issues. A tendency to wear his heart on his mane so to speak was what always left him feeling raw and venerable. As they got to the house a large red stallion comes out to lend a hoof. He gets one broad shoulder under Winter Bolt and gets him wincing into a cart before yet another member of this family comes to the door of the house. “ Whats goin on now AppleJack? Oh my is this young pony hurt?” The elderly green mare looked over Winter noting a nasty bruise forming on his flank. Clicking her tongue she nods towards the road heading away from the farm. “ Landsakes filly get this pony to Poneyville hospital it looks like he done banging up his hindquarters somethin fierce.” Winter Bolt flinched at the idea of a hospital stay. He couldn't even buy a meal yet let alone pay for treatment. He went to open his muzzle but something stopped him. He saw some fire in the elder pony's eyes that told him that he was not going to win that fight even if he protested. So he sighed and nodded wordless assent As they drew further down the road, each bump aggravating his bruised flank he spoke up rather softly. “Umm AppleJack I dont exactly have the bits to pay for a meal never mind a stay at the hospital. And with my being busted up I dont think I can earn them any time in the next few days” The mare let out a soft whinny of laughter as did BigMacontosh who had introduced himself as they got their journey started. As he was about to protest AppleJack spoke up cutting him off “ Now dont you worry none about the bits. We will help you out and I am sure you will repay us just as soon as you get better.” The large stallion nods saying only “ Eeeh Yup “ in that deep laconic way of his. With a sigh Winter again gave a nod of defeat. Something about these ponies made him sure that to argue with their kindness would get him nowhere. So he resolved to get better and get to work just as soon as he could. As they approached the main part of town Winter Bolt started to get stares from many of the pony folk in the market. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment to be seen in such a state on his very first time to Poneyville. He knew that many a famous pony came from here and being carted around like a sack of apples was not the first impression he had in mind. Snickering to himself at the apple pun he started to take in the sights. As they passed a backed goods shop his stomach rumbled at the smell. He could see a bright pink pony with the biggest smile he ever laid eyes on passing out cupcakes as fast as ponies could line up. They finally got to the hospital and some attendant ponies came and helped him into a wheelchair. In a few moments, he was brought before a doctor with a kindly smile who examined him carefully only causing a few winces when he poked a bit at the bruised area. “ Well, it appears you just have a nasty sprain and a bruise to match. We will get you a brace and some crutches to use for the next few days while you rest. You will need to take it easy and not push yourself for at least 3 days is that understood?” Winter Bolt nodded but his stomach had turned to ice all thoughts of hungry driven from him. He had no bits, no place to stay and no way to work for at least three days. He had never let himself run this low on funds before and now he knew why his parents always harped on him about money management. Within a few minutes, he was able to hobble around fairly well without assistance. AppleJack true to her word paid for the bill despite weak protests from Winter Bolt that he should work out a payment plan or something. BigMacontosh held the door for him as they headed out of the hospital and back towards town. Winter Bolt was feeling weak from hunger, his injury and flying all day. But he did not want to bring it up as these strange ponies had already done so much for him. Before the got but a few minutes down the road AppleJack turned to him “ Now I reckon you dont have a place to stay and I heard your belly rumblin as we passed through town.. So you are ah comin home with us at least until you are back on your hooves.” Winter Bolt could not help but marvel at these strangely friendly ponies. With a smile he nodded and accepted the offer knowing to refuse would be futile. As they headed back towards what he now knew to be Sweet Apple Acres he could only hope that at last Poneyville might be a place he could call home.