//------------------------------// // Birds. // Story: Her Routine // by SketchPadProductions //------------------------------// Birds, the winged animals had a way of living that even the most prideful of ponies found admirable. Being so free and open to the air, even the most laid back of the sky goers in Cloudsdale had worries of there own, stress even. But birds had few needs other than to eat and populate the world with more birds. This sort of mentality and easy going feeling was something that many others would find primitive, but in all honesty most would be found longing for a simple life despite its hardships. This is what most, think. But not a certain pink maned pegasus, her eyes saw what most only ponder for a few moments. Knowing that a simple bird has its own story to tell, its own struggles that most ponies don’t even know they are spared from. This pony in particular made it her own mission to help the birds and other creatures around her that had deferent, yet all the same problems in life. Much like herself and her quiet voice, the animals she cared for where not heard by most ponies. And those that where didn’t get the message across that was intended. Yes, it was a struggle having your words trip and fumble before your very ears. But as she spread her wings with a bag of seed in her hooves her smile couldn’t be stopped once she saw her fine feathered friends waiting for her. A delightful chirp here, a cute hoot there. She could feel the happiness she brought with her as the little seeds tumbled from the burlap sack into a large dish that now had food for the animals in the trees. The mare’s eyes seemed soft and caring to those who saw them, but those who knew those eyes could tell the joy that sparked in her every time she would finish her routine. Not that she did it for joy, it was a nice side effect none the less. After the quiet thud from her hooves sounded out her wings closed slowly with small little pops and cracks, the long day’s hours just now rearing its head around to remind the mare of the same thing her growling stomach did, dinner time. She thought to herself about the days work and this routine of hers as her hooves made way across the crunchy fall leaves, thinking on how to better it somehow. But that would need to wait until after she quieted her needy belly. Quickening her pace just a bit her eyes wondered to the little hovels and holes that kept many a furry friend and scaly serpent. If anypony else had been looking at the same sight it could be missed rather easily, but she knew. She knew every little critter in the woods near her home by name. The thought of them being so safe under her care warmed her chest in contrast to the tingling cold that was setting in as the sun started to set in the far-off hills of Ponyville. The mare who walked this path almost every night had a habit of keeping her movements as quiet as a field mouse, as to not wake them up. But this evening she made extra care not to rush her steps too quickly, knowing that these animals needed sleep more than she did. This thought of her animals being more than what they seemed always crept into her mind past all the worries of the world. Making her appreciate what gifts she has been given by the ponies in her life, the woods around her, and the animals who help the mare in day to day life. If only the rest of the world could listen, would, listen to the animals like she does. Maybe then would they fight less or think more of the others around them. Too often would she see squabbles around her and wonder the why of it all. As she was having her thoughts of the world however, her tummy made yet another loud growl. And with that sound of need and quick shake of her head she fluttered above the trees on the rise before her home, slipping into an open window she had left for herself this morning. Her home was warm and soft from the fireplace and many plush pillows and rounded edges on the furniture. Small perches and shelves turned into stands covered the walls for smaller more prey like animals. The smell of fur and sage permeated the air with some lavender hidden in the mix, a smell that the mare had come to enjoy. Breathing inward deeply her muzzle’s end had a smile that was so faint that one could only tell if you knew her well. Soon after she had fully landed and closed the glass window her eyes found themselves looking at what her hooves had led her too. A small salad plate with a red cherry on top in the ice box sat neatly on a wooden checkered plate with a carrot sticking out from under the salad itself. With a tired hoof she took the plate and sat it next to the table before a little white bunny found the treat and began to eat. Satisfied with her pets smiling face her belly yet again filled the room with a growl that she had become accustomed too on days like this, taking out a small bowl of pre-made oats from the ice box herself she then proceeded to find a spoon and turn to head up the small flight of stairs leading up into her room. Her eyes kind as they where, had some darkened bags under them to match the sag in her drooping wings and thumping hooves. Soon enough she made it to her bedroom and sat down with a springy pomf with the bowl between her hooves. As she began to eat her so called meal her mind started to shut down most thoughts to remind her only of her bed. But despite this she thought on her life and how lucky she was to be here. Having one last bite she sat her bowl down on the nightstand and blew out the almost fully melted candle, wishing one last silent goodnight to her furry friends before closing her eyes. That little smile growing from her knowledge that she had a forest of animals waiting to welcome her back to share her luck, to welcome this mare. Fluttershy.