//------------------------------//
// The letter 
// Story: Love Letter 
// by Nailah 
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It wasn't easy being born in Canterlot. Most think that we unicorns living up here are privileged and get everything hoofed to us on a silver platter, but that just isn't the case. I'm here to tell you my story, a struggle about learning how to grow in an ever changing world, and how that led me to finding the love of my life and having a wonderful family. I know you don't know me yet, but I'm hoping after you've read what I've written you might at least understand why I was so protective of you when you were young. This is for both my girls, so that they might not make the same mistakes, and mishaps I did. My name is Melody Heart, and this is my tale...

Just like you, I was young and naive, but my heart was full of fiery passion to pursue my dreams. I was a young unicorn mare. I remember getting my cutie mark during a performance in front of my close friends and family. It ignited a spark in me, and I knew I wanted to be a singer. I was going to entertain Princess Celestia and show her just how special I was. However, every pony has to start out small. I couldn't get my father to agree, but my mother let me sneak out one night to visit the local karaoke bar.

I made sure to pack only the essentials, some bottled water, bits, and a blanket. After everything was packed, I hugged my mother tightly. Her fur always felt so soft and comforting. I always knew I could trust her. I kissed her cheeks, and she kissed mine back, before shutting the door behind me. I made my way to the local karaoke bar. I was nervous, but I took a deep gulp and entered.

The entire place smelt like booze, and the wafting scent of stallions filled the air, making me gasp and start choking slightly. Despite that, I pressed on. I wasn't about to let fear overwhelm me. I had to show them just what I was made of, and I wasn't about to turn back now.

Every pony noticed my entrance. They were all staring at me. I could feel the weight of the world suddenly on my shoulders, but I kept walking forward, right up to the island bar.

“Excuse me, I'm here to enter the karaoke competition,” I said. My eyes darting back and forth. I tucked my tail behind me, my whole body trembled.

The stallion coughed against his forehoof, before addressing me. “Name?”

I opened my lips to speak, feeling the sweatdrop pouring down my cheeks, his solid blank expression was terrifying, but I managed to squeak out some sort of response.

“My name is Melody Heart, sir,” I spoke with urgency. I just wanted to be able to perform. I glanced over to the empty stage. The red curtains hanging behind it, how it was all set up, and how the many stallions, and even a few mares, were just waiting for the main act to begin. They were all waiting for not just me, but other ponies to show off their talents. I had to be perfect, I had to show I was worthy, good enough to sing for somepony as regal as our Princess.

“Melody Heart. Got it. Now take this number and find a seat. We will call when it is your turn. Good luck,” The stallion smiled at me, but the look in his eyes told me he couldn't care less. I didn't let it get to me though. I made my way from the island bar through the crowd of ponies; though the majority were stallions from what I could see.. I couldn't help but notice that there weren't many mares here and it was hard. I could feel them staring at me.. I wasn't sure how to feel about it as I took my seat, and tried to breathe. It was just a competition. I had never been to a bar before this evening, but my mother told me to keep to myself, obey the rules of the staff and I would be just fine.

I sat at the table for what felt like hours, my head in my hooves, I left out a groan, as I finally heard my name being called to the stage. Instantly, my eyes went from a dull expression, to wide eyed and bushy tailed. I hopped out of my chair, and trotted eagerly to the stage. I couldn't wait to sing for this crowd, to show them all how talented I was.

The reaction to my song was better than I could have expected. The whole audience applauded and some stallions threw bits at my feet. I wasn't sure whether to take them or leave them, so I decided to let the bar have them. I sighed happily as I trotted back to the mare's room. After I came out, there were three, maybe four stallions waiting for me.

“Hello there, sweetheart. We were hoping maybe you could give us an encore,” the blue one spoke up first.

“Yeah yeah, your voice is so lovely, and you are so beautiful. We just couldn't let you walk out without seeing you again,” spoke the second charcoal one.

The other two, or maybe it was one, I really don't remember vividly. I felt trapped, I wasn't sure what to say or do. It would be rude, but I tried to make up an excuse.

“Um...why thank you. I really should be going though. My mom will be worried if I'm late,” I spoke, my voice cracking as I tried to keep my composure. I could handle this. This was normal for an up and coming stars to have fans that were a bit...weird. I started scooting away from the door to the hallway, but they had me surrounded. There was no way I could leave without going through them. I am a mare with a light sky blue body, with dark blue mane and tail, my horn on my head a sign I was born a unicorn, and the cutie mark on my flank of a heart with two musical notes beside it, my emerald eyes wide eyed. I panicked and screamed.

“Noooo! Leave me alone!” I spoke, trying to get through the three or four of them. It was probably four. I couldn't believe this was happening. The two stallions grabbed me by my arms, I struggled against them as I felt the third wrapping a cloth around my mouth, I suddenly felt woozy. I had no idea where I was, the room began to spin, and everything went dark...

It was hazy when she shook me awake. I groaned, and tried to visualize the pony hundling over me, immediately I noticed this genuine look of concern spread across her deep blue eyes.

“Hey...Hey...Hey....” she spoke over and over again, until I spoke up.

“What happened?” I asked, groaning. I wasn't even sure I wanted to remember. The last thing I remembered was being grabbed. My mind immediately went to the worst case scenario, and I couldn't help covering my naughty bits with my tail.

The lavender unicorn with blue eyes looked at me, shaking her head as she seemed to be stuttering.

“Honestly, I don't know what exactly happened. I was cleaning through the rooms of the tavern after most had left, when I heard a strange noise coming from this room. Of course I went to see what was going on, and that's when I found you. There were also stallions, three of them hovering over you. They ran off after seeing me, since I'm a staff member at this inn.”

I blushed darkly, and lowered my head, covering my face in my forehooves. I sobbed. I didn't even know what happened, but just the scare of it all, and how my father had warned me. It was suddenly sinking in. I needed to get out of here, I wanted to go home. I felt the gentle touch of the unicorn's hoof on my shoulder.

“Ssssshhhh. Is there anything I can do? Get you water? Anything?” she asked politely. I shook my head no. This nice lavender unicorn with the blue eyes was the nicest pony I had met in my brief time here. But I had to leave. Tears streaming down my face, I ran out the establishment and didn't look back. I ran for the train station, all I wanted was to go home. Go home and feel the embrace of my family.

I couldn't help but notice him from a distance. Standing there directing ponies on board was an earth pony with violet mane and tail, his cutie mark was that of a train whistle, and he had a bandanna wrapped around his neck. I hurried over to him, wanting this all to be over.

“Excuse me, but are you quite alright? You don't look well...” he spoke as he noticed the tears in my eyes. Without even a second thought, he removed his bandanna from around his neck, and offered it to me.

“Now, how can I help?” he asked, and immediately I felt his arms wrapping around me. I didn't even know this pony, and yet here he was trying to comfort me in whatever way he could. I felt safe. I took a deep breath in, and then out. I closed my eyes and tried to calm myself enough to speak without sounding like my voice was cracked.

“My name is Melody Heart, I just want to go home. I live in Canterlot,” I whimpered out as best I could.

“Well, then you don't want this train. This train goes to Ponyville. It's a nice quiet place, I live there when I'm not working at the station. Takes up most of my time, but I do quite enjoy it,” he smiled as he suddenly shook his head at me, realizing he was probably talking too much to a beautiful mare like me that he had just met.

I could see the sweat drops pouring down his face as he realized this, blushing and fidgeting awkwardly. I didn't know why, but I chuckled, covering my mouth with my hoof. It was cute to see a stallion act in such a way. Something I had never seen from any stallion before. He was different from the rest, he wasn't a stuck up jerk for one thing, I could just tell he had a heart of gold. Little did I know at that time that he would become my husband, my special some pony and we'd raise two beautiful daughters together, but I suppose we should get back to where I was then.

“Oh...” I spoke, blushing a bit myself. My parents would be worried if I didn't come home tonight, but I wasn't sure I could face them right now. I decided then and there, that I wanted to go to Ponyville.

“I think I'll go to this Ponyville you speak of, but first may I know your name?” I questioned him. I didn't want to leave without knowing the name of the first stallion to ever make me feel warm and fuzzy. He made me feel safe.

“Train Tracks.” he smiled gently leaning down to kiss my hoof.

“That’s a nice name.”  I blushed as I attempted to hide my embarrassment under my dark blue mane. I didn't even know why, but this pony just had the ability to make me feel light headed, almost like I was floating on a cloud. But I had just met this guy. I shouldn't feel so strongly. At least that's what I told myself.

“If you wish to stay, the next train is going to Canterlot castle, but if you still want to go to Ponyville, I wouldn't mind giving you the tour of the town. My shift's just about over and you look like you could use a friend.”

My heart melted. He was offering to go with me, and show me around town, and he expected nothing out of it. He just was genuine and kind. I bit my bottom lip, not understanding why he'd offer this, but I shook my head up and down eagerly, wiping the remaining tears from my eyes. I was just so glad to not be alone. I thought I wanted to be alone, to curl up into a ball and cry. But the moment he offered to be with me, I couldn't help but feel a smile forming onto my lips.

We got on the train together, he allowed me to have the window seat, even though I had tried telling him that wasn't necessary. I didn't mind sitting on the outside.

“You need to enjoy the ride. I ride trains all the time. I insist,” he gestured his forehoof in front of his body, with a gentle smile, closing his eyes. I took the seat by the window, and buckled in.

I looked at him as he sat down beside me. He was so handsome. I couldn't help looking towards the window and seeing the buildings on the outside. I could see a familiar pony near the train station. That same lavender unicorn with blue eyes had followed me. I wanted to thank her, but all I could do was wave from my window seat.

“Some pony you know?” questioned Train Tracks being curious and looking over my shoulder.

“Well I don't really know her. She...um, helped me in my moment of weakness,” I admitted. I mean I couldn't possibly tell him about what had happened. We had just met, and I didn't want him to think I was scared of all stallions. I knew from my experience with my own father, not all stallions were jerks. I just had the misfortune of running into the bad.

“What makes you say that? You don't seem weak to me,” he tilted his head, putting a hoof on my shoulder once more.

“Are you sure you are okay?” he asked.

I sniffled and nodded, quickly looking back at the window. I made it very clear I wasn't ready to talk about this yet. He took the hint. I was surprised he didn't ask for his bandana back. He actually told me to keep it. He said he had more at home. Never left home without one due to how much grease he had to work with during the day. And here I thought it was just a fashion choice, but it was actually very practical.

The ride to Ponyville was very calm, and soothing. I didn't even realize it when we finally stopped, it was just so relaxing.

“Next stop, Ponyville,” the train conductor announced.

Train Tracks tapped me a few times before giving me a gentle shake. I groaned and batted my eyelashes a bit, letting out a yawn.

“We're here? Oh, I didn't mean to doze off like that. So improper of me,” I spoke, flushing and shaking my head. He just chuckled, shaking his head, lifting his hoof to stroke the top of my mane, almost as if he was petting me.

“Now now now. You aren't in Canterlot anymore. You don't need to act like a lady or noble here. Just be yourself,” he smiled as he got up. “Now I do believe I promised you a tour. Shall we?” he asked, extending his foreleg towards me. I reached out and accepted it with a smile of my own. My eyes sparkled as I saw the outside for the very first time, it was nothing like Canterlot at all…

There were huts all around the small quaint town, I could see buildings that were bigger than the others, including one right in the center, a giant purple Castle that kind of drew a contrast to the rest of the place. My eyes sparkled astonished by what I was seeing, it almost left me breathless.

“Hey now, welcome to Ponyville. This is where I live. My humble home, but um enough about me, how would you like a cupcake? You seem like you could use a bit of a lift in spirits, and nothing does it better than a tasty treat from Sugarcube Corner.”

I was about to argue that I wasn’t hungry, nor in the mood for sweets, when I felt him taking my hoof in his so gently, with tender care. I couldn’t help blushing. He was leading me to Sugarcube Corner, and I was too busy staring at the ground to argue. Though his hoof was so warm, I didn’t know why but I enjoyed holding hooves with him.

“Welcome to Sugarcube Corner, and don’t mind Pinkie Pie, she tends to get just a little excited whenever there’s a newcomer,” smiled Train Tracks holding the door and allowing me to enter first. 

I entered this strange place of wonders, and immediately a pink pony appeared in front of me. I quickly sought to hide behind Train Tracks, feeling startled.

“Oh! Some pony new? Party! Do tell me what’s your name?” asked Pinkie Pie looking right at me, even though I was trying to cower behind Train Tracks. 

“Um...Melody Heart. Who are you?” I asked in return, trying to regain my composure, I was surprised at how welcoming Train Tracks was to me clinging to him like a lost foal.

“Pinkie Pie! It’s a pleasure to meet you! I see you already met Train Tracks here. He is one of our best customers! He’s always coming by for cupcakes,” Pinkie Pie giggled, leaning forward to give Train Tracks a warm nuzzle.

I didn’t know why but seeing her nuzzle him like that, made me want to try it too. I stood up, and leaned into him.

“Oh...what’s this? Do I sense a ship here? How exciting. I’m going to need more cupcakes, and more balloons!” Pinkie Pie shouted as she dashed off in a hurry. I blinked, unable to understand what she meant by a “ship,” since there was no water here.

“She was strange…” I stated, clearing my throat. I didn’t want to be rude or anything. I had never met any pony quite like Pinkie Pie before.

“Don’t worry, she’s just being friendly. That’s the way we folks here in Ponyville are. Pinkie Pie is just friendlier than most, she thrives on making others smile. Wouldn’t want to disappoint her huh? Come on, let’s see that beautiful smile,” he tilted my chin so I was staring him in the eyes, and I found myself frozen. Not with fear, but with awe. Was I being swooned and not even realizing it? No...he was just being nice.

My lips curled upwards, and I couldn’t help but smile. His words were soothing, I finally let go of his hoof, realizing I had been holding onto it this entire time. He went ahead of me to place his order. I looked around. The place looked like it had confetti on the walls, and yet strangely that felt welcoming. I walked beside Train, not wanting to be too far from him. When I was with him I felt safe. 

“Oh boy Mrs. Cake, you sure do know how to make your sweets,” Train Tracks said, licking his chops as he bit into the first one after she handed him his dozen..

“Oh, well, you know, we try to put our love into everything we make here at Sugarcube corner. It’s really sweet of you to say that though,” Mrs Cake giggled, covering her mouth with her foreleg. “Oh, why hello dearie! You don’t have to be so shy. Go on, try one.” 

I stepped forward, and used my magic to take one of the dozen cupcakes from Train Tracks. He was beaming at me, eagerly awaiting to see my reaction. The cupcake was covered in frosting, with sprinkles on top. I stared at the cupcake, then up at him. I gulped, as I opened my mouth, and took a small bite of the cupcake, and chewed it slowly to get a feel for the taste, before swallowing it down my gullet. I felt this strange joy running through my entire body, as my eyes sparkled, and I  licked my lips.

“Wow, these really are good,” I said as I took the rest of the cupcake and munched it down eagerly.

“Woah now there Melody. Don’t eat too fast or you’ll get all queasy. We wouldn’t want that!” Train Tracks said, as he put an arm around me. I felt a tingling sensation running down my spine, yet I didn’t pull away, or feel uneasy by his touch. He wasn’t like them, I thought to myself. He was gentle, loving, and truly cared for my happiness. Not to mention he was quite the looker. I nodded towards him, and didn’t feel I needed more than one cupcake. He then led me out of Sugarcube corner, as he waved to a fellow friend of his that happened to be walking in.

“Hey Train Tracks, you get back from your shift? Gosh man, you really work too much, you should relax a bit. Enjoy the fruits life brings. Oh? Who’s this?” he asked him.

“This is Melody Heart, she’s a bit skittish, but she’s a friend of mine from Canterlot.”

“Well gosh...she sure is quite beautiful. It’s a pleasure to meet you Melody. You’re in good hooves with Train here, he’s one of the nicest guys around. Well, I’ve got a cake to get. Wouldn’t want the wife upset at me for being late!” he spoke as he dashed into Sugarcube corner.

I just blinked and felt Train Tracks grabbing my hoof in his. “Now that was only the start, there’s still so much more to show you,” he said as he led her through the town. Ponyville was so quiet and calm. Nothing at all like Canterlot. Granted, it was quiet most of the time, but it was hard not to notice every pony watching you, studying your every movement. Here, I felt like I wasn’t being judged. Ponies smiled, waved at me, welcoming me as if I was just another member of an extended family. As I followed Train Tracks, holding my hoof, I was glad to be away from my home, but I worried about being away too long. Mom and dad would surely worry, as I was still a young woman, and hadn’t quite stepped out into the world on my own yet. 

“This is the golden oaks library,” He smiled, pointing it out to me. I looked to it, raising an eyebrow.

“This is a library? I mean no offense, but it looks like a tree,” I stated calmly, letting out a huff. He just smiled and shook his head.

“Oh, you are so adorable when you pout,” He said as he opened the door, and showed me around. “See? Lots of books. You’d get lost in them if you stayed too long.”

“I could get lost in something else…” I muttered aloud, quickly covering my lips, hoping he hadn’t heard that. Oh dear...he’d think I was a total pervert!

“Yeah, you certainly could,” He said, as he seemed to think I was talking about the books and not him. I felt my heart pounding inside of my chest, I found myself sweating, and staring at him. The more I was around him, the more I realized I was crushing on this pony I had just met today. There was no way he would respond well to me saying I liked him. Keep control, young lady.

“Hey, are you alright? You’re burning up,” he asked me as my face was a deep dark shade of red.

“I don’t feel so great. Maybe I should just go home,” I suggested, anything to keep him from discovering the real reason my face was flushed. I felt so confused. I shouldn’t be feeling this way. He was a total stranger, a cute one...but still. I felt this turmoil inside of me, and I began to doubt myself.

“Awwh, that’s a shame, I was going to show you Apple Acres next, but if you need to head on home, I understand. Wouldn’t want your parents to worry about ya,” He said as he let go of my hoof.

I felt like something was missing. Him holding my hoof had been helping calm  my nerves this whole time, that I almost forgot about what had happened back at the bar. Memories started flooding back, I staggered away from him, suddenly it was like I was reliving my worst nightmare.

“No! Please stop,” I begged as I hunkered to the ground, covering my naughty bits with my tail and trembling. I felt the tears starting to form, and then, I felt his forearms wrapping around me.

“Ssshh...it’s okay. I’m here. I don’t reckon I know what got into you all of a sudden, but I’m here. It’s going to be okay. You are safe, I will protect you,” He whispered against my ear, as he stroked his forehoof up and down my spine, I found myself clinging to him, like he was my rock. I sobbed into his chest, and I just had to tell someone.

“I just wanted to sing for the crowd, to share my voice with the world...and they tried to…” I bit my bottom lip not wanting to continue on as it just made me remember more of that movement, two of them holding me down, while the third played with me.

“Ssshh...I know it’s hard. But just tell me exactly what happened,” Train Tracks said, as he simply continued holding me. I barely managed to tilt my head up to look into his eyes. His expression had shifted from the calm and kind pony I had met at the train station, to a more cold, almost bitter expression, as I felt how he held me securely against his frame, ensuring I was safe within his arms.

“I don’t know where to even start,” I pouted as he held me. I shivered. My whole body felt weak. Letting out a soft sigh, I tried telling him what happened. At least the parts I remembered. I tried to bury it in the back of my mind. I didn’t even want to think about the possibility I had been deflowered by random stallions. What would my mother think? What would my father do? What was Train Tracks going to do? He was just a kind soul that was showing me a good time, and teaching me not all stallions were the same.

“Melody...I’m sorry,” he began, as he held me tightly, I felt the strong hooves clinging to me like he was terrified of losing me. I blinked as I didn’t understand. He didn’t do anything wrong. Why was he sorry?

“Why? You didn’t do anything,” I said as I looked up into his soft lavender eyes. I felt myself getting lost in his eyes.

“Exactly. I didn’t do anything. I couldn’t save you from this hurt. It pains me knowing you’ve been suffering this whole time, and I didn’t know,” He said as he held me, rubbing his foreleg up and down my spine, whispering into my mane. “I’m sorry, Melody. I wish I had known.”

“It’s okay...I am alright now. I’m just happy to be here with you,” I admitted shyly, trying to hide my darkened cheeks under my blue locks. I could feel his free hoof shifting to my chin, cupping my cheek, and forcing me to look at him.

“Now, why would you be happy? I don’t understand,” he asked me, as I flushed darkly.

“Well...after everything happened. I saw this pony by the train station. He was so calm, he looked so handsome, and he showed me nothing but a good time. I found myself wanting to know him better. Wanting to spend time with him. Now it’s like a dream come true. Sure...the circumstances of how this happened aren’t that great, but feeling your arms around me, I feel whole,” I admitted bashfully.

“Melody...are you saying you like me?” he asked me, as I nodded my head, and then leaned in, daring to make the first move. I planted a kiss right on his lips, closing my eyes, and leaning into him.

He flushed as I kissed him, at first it seemed he hesitated to respond, like he was afraid to hurt me, but then I felt him wrapping his hooves around me, and leaning into the kiss. At that moment, I knew he was the stallion of my dreams. I knew he would be my husband someday.

“Snow Heart, Frost Heart, you girls mean the world to me. I’m so happy to call you both my daughters, but I want you both to know there is love out there waiting for you. You just have to find it, and it’s not something that can just magically show up. You have to wait and experience the world. See its wonders, feel the burn of the blade at times, and always know I love you both. I want you both to find happiness like I did, and that’s why I’m writing this letter for you both.” 

With that I sealed the letter, nodding for Derpy to take it, and deliver it to my kids, I made a copy of the letter so they’d each be able to have one for themselves. Train Tracks was there, fast asleep on the recliner. I giggled softly, and made my way towards the kitchen to get a jump start on breakfast. It was still early, and I didn’t feel like waking up my angel. My love. My everything. For without him, I’d still be afraid of so many things, but with him, I felt the confidence to stand up for myself, as I held another letter in my hooves. An audition with Celestia’s choir as a lead soloist. Perhaps it wasn’t too late for me to achieve that dream. I looked over to Train Tracks, and instantly knew I didn’t need to be a star in every pony’s eyes. Just his.