//------------------------------// // Cold Flight, Warm Hearth // Story: Pony Shorts // by Miyajima //------------------------------// The sky above Ponyville was thick with grey cloud, as another helping of snow began to fall. Inside their homes, the ponies of the town were gathered in front of blazing fires and warm hearths, celebrating the day of Equestria's founding with their family and loved ones. This year, Rainbow Dash was alone. Her responsibilities as the leader of Ponyville's weather team kept her in town over the holiday, and traditionally she would go spend time with her family in Cloudsdale at a later date to make up for it. Besides, the pay bonus was always welcome. She stood on the edge of her cloud-home, which at this time of year was mostly obscured by the banks of snow clouds that sat near-permanently over Equestria during winter. She pulled her scarf tighter and tucked the ends into her jacket for extra warmth. Her saddlebags were bound tight around her waist, carrying one last Hearth's Warming gift she had left to deliver. Stretching her wings, she inhaled deeply, enjoying the feeling of the crisp winter air blowing through her mane and running through her feathers. With a crouch and a leap, she dove off the edge of her estate and down into the thinner clouds below, scything through them with her wings folded before bringing herself into a glide as she passed over the town. Dash enjoyed flying in the snow. It offered far more challenge than a simple flight on a summer afternoon, and the biting wind tended to dissuade all but the most dedicated of thrill-seeking pegasi. Another blast of icy wind blew over Dash's wings as she banked into it, flying on the up-draught back up and through the cloud cover. She revelled the feeling of the cloud soaking her mane and coat, the sudden chill giving her body an extra push as her heart pumped faster to warm her. With a spin, she pointed down and punctured through the clouds, soaring over Sweet Apple Acres and shaking the last few stubborn leaves off the orchard trees. She turned towards her destination, giving another beat of her wings to push her forward, leaving the farm behind. Following the path of the nearby stream, she soon came to Fluttershy's Cottage. With one final wing-beat, she slowed her descent, landing lightly on the snow-covered meadow. Light streamed from the window of the cottage, and as Dash approached, the door swung open, framing the silhouette of Fluttershy as she stood in the doorway, beckoning. Hurrying inside, she shook the snow off her body and breathed a sigh of relief, shivering as she acclimated to the warmth of Fluttershy's home. "Rainbow! Are you alright? You know flying in this weather is dangerous!" the yellow pegasus said, fussing around her friend as she helped her with her jacket. "Psh, I'm fine. Flying in that? Nothin'!" Rainbow replied, ruffling her mane with her hooves and shaking out the last few ice crystals. "Happy Hearth's Warming, Fluttershy." "And you, Rainbow." the normally timid pegasus grabbed her friend in a warm hug. "Can I get you some hot chocolate?" "That'd be great, thanks. Oh! Fluttershy!" Fluttershy stopped half-way to the kitchen. "How is he?" She smiled, pointing towards the back room. Rainbow followed, nodding to Angel as she passed, the little rabbit lounging in front of the fire with a book and a carrot in his paws. He gave a curt nod back, as one equal to another. Smirking, Rainbow pushed the door to the back room open, heading inside. There, on top of a table, was a cardboard box, painted with a design reminiscent of her own cutie mark. She unhitched her saddlebags and pulled out a small box of her own, opening it to reveal a pair of fins, carved to look like pegasus wings. Leaning over the table, she nudged the lid off the larger box, revealing a round shape within. "Happy Hearth's Warming, buddy. I know you'll sleep right through it, but I got you somethin' anyway. I'll just put 'em on you for when you wake up in spring, okay?" The motionless Tank didn't respond, deep in hibernation. Rainbow smiled at her beloved companion and gently affixed the fins to his shell. As she closed the lid of the box, Fluttershy leant her head in. "Your hot chocolate's out here by the fire, Dash. When you're ready, that is." Rainbow Dash grinned at her friend. "Sure, I'll be with ya in a sec'." ~~~ Merry Christmas to one and all! Whether you celebrate it or not!