//------------------------------//
// Chapter IV - Don't Give Up Now 
// Story: Little Donkey 
// by 8_Bit 
//------------------------------//

Ahh fuck... my head. Ow.

Sleep dust obscures my vision as I pull myself up into a sitting position. Or rather, push myself up, as I'd somehow fallen asleep face down. On the floor. Surrounded by confetti, streamers, and discarded paper cups. At least I'd had the good sense to put a pillow down to rest my head on, but everything still aches. Every limb I stretch out makes hideous cracks and pops as I bring myself up onto my haunches. Some thin piece of fabric slides down my back, and I reach around to hold it aloft in front of me with a trembling hoof. I squint, recognising the tattered remains of the banner that previously read 'Happy New Year'. In its present state, it now says something more along the lines of 'Ha p ew ar'.

Hehehehe... it was a really good party then. Because my memory of it cuts off somewhere in the rough vicinity of nine in the evening.

Another wave of pain echoes through my skull, and I drop the banner as I let out a low moan. This aggravates the bitter dryness of my throat, which also feels tight and constricted for reasons known only to itself. I consider standing up, but this seems like a gargantuan task right now. So I settle for lying back down again, rolling over to lean my head against the pillow as I look upwards to the ceiling. Then my ears flop down over my eyes, blessing me with sweet darkness. A single, somewhat melodramatically mournful bray slips out of my mouth.

"Hell of a party, huh?" groans Lyra's voice, with a croaky undertone that I can wholeheartedly empathise with.

"Shh shh shh, am eepy donkey," I moan back, holding a limp hoof up in a placating gesture. "No can do much the talky thing right now, less of the mouth noises please thank you."

"Woah, oh mare," Vinyl's voice enters into the fray. "Why is everything so damn blurry?"

"Because you're wearing Tara's glasses," Octavia replies with a yawn.

Huh. That's strange. I can feel the weight of glasses pressing down on my muzzle, so I had reasoned I must have passed out last night while still wearing them. But if Vinyl's wearing my glasses, then...

I reach up with a hoof, brushing my ears off of my face. The darkness is wiped away, and I can see the ceiling again. Was it always purple? It is sleep dust making my vision blurry, right? What are the symptoms of a stroke again?

Oh, wait. "It would appear that we may have exchanged spectacles in our drunken hijinks," I explain, making what I feel to be a rather valiant, but fruitless, effort to enunciate.

I hear the creaks and squeaks that normally accompany some poor soul trying to climb off of an air mattress. Hoofsteps follow, growing closer and closer, until Octavia herself draws into my line of sight, a grey splodge gazing down at me. Even when I can't see her clearly, I can still tell she looks rough. The black outline of her hair points outwards in all directions like a bobbing, mangled afro.

"Here, trade you," she mumbles, holding a hoof out to me.

Reaching out blindly, I feel something small held in her grasp. Mouthing a 'thank you', I take it and remove Vinyl's glasses from my muzzle. In an instant, the light in the room becomes several times more painful. My eyelids slam shut in protest, and I hold Vinyl's glasses out to Octavia as I return my own glasses to their rightful place.

"And if you're quite finished with it," Octavia adds, taking the purple frames. "I'd like my bow tie back, please."

Huh? My hooves shoot to my neck, and feel around. What with the hangover, mind fog makes the movements difficult. Confusion sets in for a moment as my hooves scratch only at my coat, but then the soft touch of silk confirms the presence of the missing article. I don't even wear bow ties, so the antics last night must have gotten particularly wild if I'm the one who ended up wearing it. With some uncooperative hooves, I eventually manage to untie it. Delicate in my attempts to not tangle it up, I pull it from my neck and hold it up for Octavia.

"Sorry, here you go," I murmur, feeling the tightness against my throat lift as the offending bow tie returns to its rightful owner.

"Thank you," she replies with a nod of gratitude.

"Anypony else feeling like a herd of buffalo stampeded through their head?" Vinyl groans from across the room.

"Maybe we should think about having a little less booze next time," Lyra shoots back.

"I second that motion," Octavia agrees, a slight smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

One by one, the rest of our motley crew begin to rise from their pseudo-slumber. With a collective effort, we begin the arduous process of hauling ourselves up onto sofas and chairs. Half-hearted attempts are made to start the process of clearing the detritus from the room. These all, invariably, end up with us retreating to the safety of comfortable seating. During this time, whispered promises of a quieter celebration next year trudge from mouths to ears. 

Pfft, fat chance.

"You know," I moan, slumping against a cushion. "At times like this, I wish I listened to what my grandparents told me when I was younger."

A short pause precedes Vinyl's reply. "And what did they tell you?"

"Dunno, wasn't listening."

Before any of the several lethargic equines can process this thought, the final weary face, Amethyst, finally emerges down the stairs from her loft bedroom. "I believe some water would do us all some good," she proposes, glancing around at us in our zombie-esque state.

"I think that'll perk us up just right," Bon Bon chimes in, nodding vigorously (and regretting it immediately, judging from her pained expression).

Vinyl, who is still unsteady on her hooves, gestures toward the kitchen door. "I'll grab us a pitcher. No more mix-ups this time," she declares with a lopsided grin.

As she heads towards the kitchen, the others begin a collective effort to regain some semblance of order in the room. Bon Bon, still somewhat bleary-eyed, starts picking up the scattered cups and placing them on a nearby table. Lyra, with a sheepish grin, gathers the torn remnants of the banner, chuckling softly at the sight.

I make an attempt to sweep up crumbs, but it quickly ends with me lowering myself onto the sofa and resting my head in my hooves. A dull throb continues to echo through my skull, but the prospect of hydrating seems like a beacon of hope amidst the haze of the morning. Water first, cleaning after.

Vinyl stumbles back in, a pitcher of water precariously balanced in her magic. She places it on the table with a satisfied smile. "Success! No mix-ups this time, I promise."

"Thank you, Vinyl," Octavia says, her voice noticably carrying a hint of amusement. "I'm sure we're all quite grateful for your diligence."

With a collective sigh of relief, the group gathers around the table, each grabbing a glass and taking a long, refreshing gulp of water. Amethyst delivers a cup to me, and I sip delicately at its contents. The cool liquid feels like a soothing balm to our parched throats, alleviating some of the lingering effects of the night before.

As we sit there, contemplating the morbid horrors of late morning on New Years Day, one by one we start to resume the cleaning. The room begins to regain its usual orderliness, and the disarray of the party is slowly replaced by the familiar comfort of our shared space.

"We should probably avoid too many late-night celebrations in the future," Bon Bon suggests with a smirk, breaking the momentary silence.

"Agreed," Amethyst says with a nod. "But where's the fun in that?"

"Another year done, another wild party," muses Lyra. "Guess we'll be done with winter soon."

"Oh, that's a good point actually," Amethyst replies. "Everypony got their assignments for Winter Wrap Up?"

"Well, I'm on the animal team this year, as usual," Lyra says with a cheeky smirk. "Gonna help wake up all the hibernating critters in the park. Last year was hilarious. I accidentally startled a family of groundhogs. You should've seen them scatter!"

"I'll be working with the plant team again," Octavia adds. "I do so enjoy nurturing the flowers and ensuring they're ready to bloom for spring."

"Cleaning up the old nests and homes for our returning bird friends, that's me this year," Bon Bon shares. "I like knowing I'm helping them settle back in comfortably, and it's fun working with Rarity."

Vinyl, with a grin, exclaims, "I'm leading the music team! New addition for this year, gonna be blasting tunes to keep everypony energized and motivated. Can't have a good Wrap Up without some sweet beats, right?"

"Say what?" Bon Bon scoffed. "They're allowing that?"

"Yeah! Ponyville FM is loaning out portable stereos for the day to anypony who wants one. They've got me lined up with some other DJs to get everypony fired up for the whole day."

"What about you, Tara?" Amethyst asks.

The fact that this question is aimed at me, is a fact that registers in my head much in the same way as a Griffonian Gnat registers the intricate complexities of Working Tax Credit in the nation of Coltugal. Which is to say, with my head slumped in my hooves and my eyes squinted against the sunlight filtering in through the window? The question passes in and out of my brain without being paid the slightest bit of attention.

"Tara?" Amethyst ventures to ask a second time.

"Forty-two," I mumble, feeling my consciousness starting to slip away to somewhere cosy.

"Tara!"

"Huh, wazzit?"

"I asked, what are you doing for Winter Wrap Up?

I try to shrug, but my shoulder muscles don't seem to be up to the task. "Dunno. Whatever job they give me, I guess."

"Well, what are you good at?" Amethyst presses on, her voice taking on a strange tone that I imagine she reserves for dawdling customers at her stall who are 'all touch but no buy'. Which, to be fair, I probably deserve right now. "What did you do during Winter Wrap Up when you were growing up?"

"Nothing." Why so many questions before I've had any caffeine, Ammy?

This answer takes the room by surprise, as the assorted noises of ponies cleaning up after a night of jolly good festivities cease. Scattered whispering shreds of micro-conversations fall silent. Oh fuck me, I've said something controversial again, haven't I?

"What do you mean, you did 'nothing' during Winter Wrap Up?" Lyra asks, sounding almost offended. I suppose to them, it sounds like I spend all of the transitional period between Winter and Spring laid around on my arse. Which is only half-true.

"I mean, we never did Winter Wrap Up when I was growing up. Or... well, ever, as far as I know. It's a pony thing, I guess donkey society decided a long time ago we wanted no part of it."

Blissful, if awkward, silence hangs in the air again for a few delightful moments.

"Wait, seriously?" Amethyst breaks the silence in a rather tactless manner. "You never did Winter Wrap Up? That's like, the most fun tradition in Ponyville!"

I shift on the sofa, suddenly very aware of the weight of the gazes focused on me as my ears give a twitch. "Yeah, well, donkeys just have a different way of doing things."

Bon Bon, still holding a stack of cups, raises an eyebrow. "No Winter Wrap Up? So, what did you do in the run up to spring, then?"

I ponder the question for a moment, the haze of the hangover making it difficult to summon clear memories. "Honestly? Not much. Maybe some general maintenance, but nothing like the whole town coming together for a big event."

"Well... well..." Vinyl stutters, clearly chasing a thought process that is a few paces in front of her and therefore just out of reach. "Then how does spring come around, huh?" Well caught.

Ponies are adorable sometimes, even if slightly on the arrogant side.

"What do you think happens around the world in places where pony society is less prevalent, or absent altogether? The seasons are capable of changing all by themselves, they don't need ponies to interfere. Sure it's more convenient, in the socioeconomic sense, to bring about seasonal changes and compact it all to a single working day. But the world doesn't implode if you fail to do that, it got along just fine before ponies started bringing their traditions along, didn't it?"

Once again, the room sinks into silence. Welp, if dropping truth bombs is the key to getting momentary interludes where my throbbing head can sit and not have to participate in just about anything? So be it. It's a fair price.

"So, what, you just stay out of everything?" Vinyl asks, taking up the mantle of silence breaker.

Ooh, 'Silencebreaker'... note to self, good name for a homebrewed O&O magical weapon. Write up some stats for it when I don't feel like the entire Equestrian Naval Fleet is playing 'Let's Spin Around Making Whirlpools' in my stomach.

"I mean, yes and no," I explain patiently. "Like, you see a newly built nest fallen out of a tree? You pick it up, it's not like a nature book where the author has to let things take their course. And we occasionally had to go lend a hoof at local farms to clear snow for crops because, newsflash, we need food in the valiant pursuit of not-starving-to-death. But otherwise, the snow melts on its own. The weather gets warmer. The migratory birds come back. Life, uh... sort of 'gets on with it', you know?"

Octavia, having finished straightening up a nearby shelf, approaches with a thoughtful expression. "It's fascinating to learn about the cultural differences. Myself, I've always enjoyed the sense of community during Winter Wrap Up, be it Ponyville or back home in Trottingham. Everypony working together towards a common goal, it really is most invigorating to partake in."

Amethyst, who had been silently observing the exchange, adds, "And it's not just about the work. It's about welcoming the new season, breaking free from winter's grip and ushering in the warmth of spring. Doing it all with the ponies you love most."

Vinyl, having regained some of her usual energy, spins around and grins. "Well, if Tara here missed out on the fun when she was growing up, we'll have to make sure this year's Winter Wrap Up is extra special for her! Right, everypony?"

Oh bugger, they aren't going to put me in any kind of bloody spotlight, are they?

Amethyst, taking charge as usual, announces, "Alright, Tara, we're assigning you a special task for Winter Wrap Up this year. Something to make up for all those missed opportunities."

The thought of a 'special task' doesn't exactly fill me with excitement, but I play along. "Sure, what do you have in mind?"

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Amethyst declares, "I'll put in a word with the Mayor, you can be in charge of the hot cocoa station. Every hardworking pony deserves a warm treat, right?"

The idea of being responsible for hot cocoa sounds far more appealing than wrestling with groundhogs or cleaning out bird nests. I nod in agreement, though I can't currently account for the evil look on her face. I really hope she's not pulling something cheeky.





She was pulling something cheeky.

Okay, so further elaboration needed. I get up the morning of Winter Wrap Up, walk into the town centre with Merry and Holly. Find my assigned team, Support Staff (same as Vinyl), and report to my team lead. She gives me an orange vest that is slightly too large, Equestrian Small being a bit bigger than Donkeyan Small, and brings me to my station. Well, I say 'station', it's a cart. A large catering cart. It holds several of the vat-sized insulated flasks that you normally see at well-attended outdoor events. As well as cocoa, we have tea and coffee. Also included in my equipment for the day is a folding table, several boxes of paper cups, and an assortment of condiments like milk and sugar. For a bonus, little packets of biscuits for dunking. Or cookies, as the Equestrians inaccurately refer to them as.

Well, I call it my equipment for the day. I mean our equipment for the day.

See, it's a mobile job. It follows a circuitous route around Ponyville and the outlying areas, stopping at a number of pre-determined locations throughout the day. Stop, set up the hot drink station, warm up the frozen denizens of Ponyville working in that particular area, move on to the next. Keep going until we run out of stock. Head back to a little tent in the square, refill, pick up where we left off on the route. Then when we've done a full lap, we repeat the route. All day. And the cart, with three big tubs of liquid, is heavy. It's not a one-creature job, hauling it around, so the cart has two sets of harnesses. And I guess an extra pair of hooves at each stop will make lines move faster.

The exact moment it dawns on me that Amethyst had pulled something cheeky, is as I am strapping myself to the wagon, and my partner for the day saunters over. When I spot her, she is in the process of losing herself in fits of giggles as she dons her own orange vest. Desperately excited at the prospect of a day stomping around in the cold, while serving warm drinks to the shivering masses. Her face takes on a whole new light of excitement as she spots me.

"Hi Tara!" exclaims Derpy.

Aw fuck.





One-eighth of a mile.

That's how far we made it, more or less. Then I had to pull the emergency release on my straps, dash away in a frenzy, and lower my posterior into a cold snow bank to relieve myself of the intense burning pain that had suddenly washed itself over me.

Or, to be more specific, over my arse.

"I just dunno what happened," Derpy mumbles to Nurse Redheart, a frosty-pelted mare in charge of the first aid station. "I checked the lids on all the flasks before we set off, one of them musta come loose somehow."

"Derpy," I say through gritted teeth, as the nurse rubs cooling salve too close to my unmentionables to mention. "I told you that I already made sure they were tight enough."

"Yeah but I double checked," Derpy reasons. "So now we're doubly sure that they were tight enough."

"And how did you check them, exactly?"

"Turning them, duh."

You cross-eyed nitwit... "Which way did you turn them, do I dare ask?"

"Uhhhh.... the tight way." she declares with a sense of confidence she has no right to wield.

"The tight way?"

"Yeah! 'Lefty tighty, righty loosey', that's how the poem goes. Right?"

Winter may be wrapped up, or at least about to be in the process of being wrapped up, but right about now I could sure do with a snowfall heavy enough to hide a corpse.

"Okay, Derpy," Nurse Redheart interjects before I can let loose a colourful string of expletives. "How about you go make sure the coffee flask is refilled, and see that all those flasks are super tightly sealed, then get yourself strapped into the wagon? I'll finish up with Tara while you do that, kay?"

"Sure thing, Nursey!" Derpy beams, giving us both a salute as she gallops off back across the square.

"You got any morphine?" I grumble as Nurse Redheart starts wrapping my butt up in white bandages, like an especially naff Hearth's Warming gift.

She chuckles as she tucks lengths of bandage neatly into place. "You know, Tara, Derpy has a reputation for being a bit... accident-prone."

"Really? You don't say."

"It's one of those things you get used to when you're around her," she adds, glancing across the square to where Derpy had dashed off to refill the coffee vat.

I wince as I adjust my position to allow her hoof access to... well, I won't say where. But the bandage needed to be wrapped in proximity. "This is my first time experiencing it firsthoof, and I must say, it's quite the introduction."

"Derpy means well, she really does. She just has an uncanny ability to find herself in unusual situations."

"I've noticed," I deadpan. "But seriously, is she always like this?"

Nurse Redheart (badly) suppresses a chuckle. "Pretty much. But you get used to it. And to be honest, Ponyville wouldn't be the same without her. Derpy may be a walking disaster, but she's also one of the most genuine and caring ponies you'll ever meet."

"It's funny how many ponies here manage to walk that fine line," I sigh. "I suppose I'll have to learn to navigate her unique brand of chaos then. On top of my other responsibilities for today."

"Just give it some time," Nurse Redheart advises. "You might find that her quirks add a certain charm to the day."

She gives my bottom a gentle tap, indicating that she's done. It also is clear that whatever she's done has helped, because her doing so doesn't send jolts of pain through me. When I pull myself to my haunches, adjusting myself so I'm not sitting on my own tail, I am also the recipient of some reassuring shoulder rubs.

"You'll be fine," she promises. "And don't worry too much about Winter Wrap Up. It's all in good fun. Just be prepared for a few unexpected moments along the way."

"Oh goody goody gumdrops, I don't know how many more of those I can take," I mutter, feeling my ears droop.

Nurse Redheart gives a quiet, genuine chuckle, and bids me on my way. I make my way across the square, through crowds of ponies that are slowly beginning to disperse as they prepare to head off to carry out their assigned tasks. A number of them completely and utterly fail to be subtle about the fact that they're staring at the large bandage covering my arse. But each of them clocks on to the icy stare I'm shooting them, and suddenly become very interested in a nondescript piece of scenery somewhere in the opposite direction.

As I round town hall, the hot drinks cart draws into view in front of the supply tent. Anxiety and trepidation fills me as I watch Derpy hover above it, screwing the lid onto the coffee flask, but somewhere deep down I can't help but find the amusement in the scene. There's a distinct look of concentration in her face. One eye fixed on the vat. The other flailing wildly around in an attempt to locate it. Her tongue poking out as she puts all her willpower into (I hope) making sure we don't have a repeat incident.

"Need some help with that, Derps?" I call out, approaching cautiously.

She glances up at me. "Oh, hi Tara!" she exclaims. The eye that had previously been looking for the vat has now found it, while the eye that had been staring it down is now in fact staring me down. "Nah, I got this. Just making sure it's super tight this time. Did the nurse make your butt better?"

For fucks sake Derpy, don't make me laugh when I'm trying to be annoyed with you.

"Yes, she did," I chuckle. "I'll supervise you then, shall I?"

Derpy nods eagerly, and continues to try and tighten the lid of the steaming flask of coffee.

"That poem you mentioned, it's 'righty tighty', by the way," I say, feeling it my civic duty to inform Derpy of this. For the health, safety and general wellbeing of every creature in a five-mile radius.

She hovers there for a moment as my words sink in. Then she holds both her front hooves aloft in front of her, looking back and forth between them as she mutters silently to herself. Her focus seems to fixate on the left one.

"Your other right," I explain.

This draws her attention to her right hoof, the correct hoof, and a wide grin spreads across her face. She returns to her task of tightening the lid of the flask, turning it... yep, to the right, she's learning. There's a noticeable sense of satisfaction about her with this. And don't get me wrong, I'm still pissed about her scorching my arse. But watching her joy at accomplishing simple tasks... I dunno, something melts inside me a little.

"You know, Derps," I say, a small smile tugging at the corner of my mouth as my ears fold themselves ever-so-slightly backwards. "I'm starting to understand why they put me on hot cocoa duty."

Derpy tilts her head at me in confusion. "Why's that then?"

"Because apparently, I have the perfect partner for it," I reply, earning a giggle from the grey pegasus.

I carry on supervising her as she double and triple checks the lids on all three flasks. When I'm satisfied that they are all, in fact, tightly sealed, we buckle ourselves to the front of the cart. Then we head off through the snow in the direction of our first stop. Sweet Apple Acres, as well as providing the apples that were the bedrock for the founding of the town, also is home to many acres of farmland for crop cultivation. Thus, it is a high priority for Winter Wrap Up. The ponies assigned there have been working since before sunrise, and get first dibs for a warm beverage.

Above us, the sky begins to empty itself of clouds as the weather ponies bring sunlight back to the town. Under the gentle morning sun, we traverse from the bustling square en route to Sweet Apple Acres, the heavy cart in tow. As we make our way through the snow-covered streets, the remnants of the festive season linger. Which is to say, I over-indulged and now regret it immensely. There's a good reason that donkeys leave Winter Wrap Up to the ponies: we know better.

"Well, this is one way to burn off those party calories," I jest, glancing over at Derpy, who is taking in the sights of the town hard at work. "Who needs a gym when you have Winter Wrap Up, right?"

Derpy responds with an enthusiastic nod, her eyes perpetually wandering in different directions as she processes the comment. Her infectious joy and unbridled optimism, if a little apropos of nowhere in particular, are in fact growing on me. Let's face it, the start of this collaborative effort was... let's be generous and say it was 'a bit rocky'. But if Derpy can at least learn from her cock-ups, maybe there's something endearing to be said for her.

We trot along the snowy path, the crisp air tinged with the freshness of a new day. Sweet Apple Acres comes into view, a sea of apple trees adorned with a light dusting of snow. The hardworking ponies on the farm greet us with smiles and waves as we approach. I can't help but appreciate the picturesque scene, even if the weight of the cart on my back is a constant reminder of the day's responsibilities.

Mind you, my only task for today is hauling a cart from A to B. Then either onwards to C, or back to A again depending on the supply levels when we finish at B. D will have to wait, and E is just too far off to bother thinking about right now. F has drawn an even shorter straw there, and Luna forbid we even mention G. Comparatively, the workers on the farm are having to clear snow, plough and cultivate fields, and make sure the newly planted seeds are evenly distributed in land that is suitable to encourage growth. Too much responsibility, I'm content with mine and Derpy's game of 'Join The Dots' on a municipal scale.

As we near the designated stop, Derpy's enthusiasm bubbles over. "Tara, look everypony at work! It's great so see the whole town come together like this."

"Yeah, Derps, it's pretty great," I reply, trying not to let my sore muscles dampen my appreciation for the spectacle. "Let's get this cart set up, so those ponies can warm up a little."

We find a spot just a short distance from the main gate into the complex of farm buildings. It's slightly more central, giving us a good eye over rolling fields to one side and an apple orchard to the other. After unhooking ourselves from the cart, we go about the process of setting up our stand. Derpy is buzzing with excitement, her eyes darting around to take in every detail of the farm. Despite the cold, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, as distant shouts go out to the ponies working the fields about the arrival of warm drinks.

It isn't long before the first farm pony approaches, a mare wearing a green vest with several markings to identify her as the head of the agricultural team. I offer Applejack a friendly wave as a crashing sound from behind me alerts me to the fact that Derpy is attempting to set up the folding table.

"Morning, y'all!" Applejack asks in her stereotypical twang, apparently not too distracted by Derpy's furniture mishap. "Miss Tara, Miss Derpy, thanks a bunch for bringing some warmth to our chilly morning."

"No problem at all," I say, inclining my head back towards Derpy. "Just errr... give us a few minutes to set up and we'll be with you."

"Whut happened to yer keister?" Applejack inquires, a touch of concern creeping into her voice as her eyes linger on my bandaged flank.

"Err... long story."

As the ponies line up for their drinks, I help extricate Derpy from the spindly legs of the folding table. Her focus shifts from the gathering crowd, to the surrounding orchard, and back again. She begins humming a tune to herself, seemingly lost in the rhythm of the farm, as I set up the table myself.

The process of getting everything else sorted goes smoothly for a while, with ponies expressing gratitude for the warm drinks and exchanging cheerful banter. But then, with the growd growing larger, I can't help but notice something missing.

"Hey, Derps, where's the box of paper cups?"

"Err... which box was that?"

"The box with 'paper cups' written on it."

"Well..." Derpy says, her brow furrowed as she searches the depths of her memory. "There were a whole bunch of boxes in the little tent next to where we picked up the cart."

"Yes," I say, exhaling deeply through my nose. "The extra boxes for when we need to go back to the square to resupply. I put two boxes on the back of the cart, one for the condiments and one for the paper cups."

Derpy thinks for a moment. "Well, I had to put one of the boxes back in the tent so I could climb onto the cart to tighten the lids."

My brow twitches. "...but you're a pegasus, you can fly."

"Yeah, I know that already," she says, her voice shifting to a tone of somecreature trying to explain something to a child. "It was only when I was flying that I could get the leverage to tighten the lid."

"So why did you need to move the box?"

"I... err... hmm." She stops again to think for a few moments. "Good point, I musta just had a brain farty moment."

"And why didn't you put the box back when you were done? Or tell me that you'd taken it off?"

"...another brain farty moment?"

Oh give me strength. "Right, wait here Derps."

As I turn away, I catch her expression turning crestfallen in the corner of my eye. It appears she's finally done the mental arithmetic and arrived at a conclusion that is at least close enough to the ballpark for her to realise that she's cocked up. Again. But, for the time being, we have a job to do and no cups with which to do it. So two options currently present themselves, one of which is me making a dash all the way back to the square to retrieve a box of cups. Pursuing the other option, I spot the Stetscolt-clad mare near the front of the crowd.

"Hey Applejack!" I call out over the ruckus. "Long shot, but I don't suppose you've got any spare disposable cups laying around? Seems we missed a trick and left ours back where we started."

Applejack furrows her brow. "Well, ain't that a pickle. We don't usually stockpile any cups at the farm, but... oh, hold on a sec." She breaks into a grin. "'Ah reckon we might have some leftover from the most recent Apple family reunion."

My eyes widen in delight. "Any chance you could go check? Save me running all the way back to town."

"Sure, gimme two secs, 'ah seem to recall Granny Smith stashing a box or two in our cellar. Y'all sit tight, 'ah'll be right back."

She disappears into the crowd, and I breathe a sigh of relief. "Hopefully avoiding another disaster, eh Derpy?"

No reply.

I tilt my head back, twisting my ears backwards, venturing to ask again. "Derps?"

Still no reply.

Looking around, I see Derpy making a feeble effort to conceal herself from the crowd, and from me, behind the large back wheels of our cart. Her effort to hide is somewhat impeded by the fact that her tail is sticking out for all to see, but I can see the faintest of trembles jostling the hairs.

"Derpy?" I ask again, causing her to flinch away from me.

"I just keep feathering everything up."

I blink. Was that the pegasus equivalent of an F-bomb?

"Err... would you kindly elaborate?"

"The coffee lid! The table! The box! Just like always, I'm nothing but a useless klutz. All I want is to help out with Winter Wrap Up, and all I've done all morning is be a nuisance. No wonder I'm always asked to sit out of Winter Wrap Up..."

Oh bloody hell... I'm not the best at encouragement but... well, I hate to see a creature so down in the dumps.

"Derps, we all make mistakes," I say, taking a step closer to Derpy and doing my utmost to sound comforting without being too condescending. "It's life. And yeah, maybe things didn't go perfectly, but that doesn't mean you're useless. You're here, you're helping, and that counts for a lot. Besides, it's Winter Wrap Up, not a military operation. We're all learning as we go."

She peeks out from behind the cart, one eye locking onto mine, and the other eye making a valiant effort to do so. "You really think so?"

I nod. "Absolutely. And look, Applejack's fetching some spare cups for us. We'll get through this, okay?"

"But... but..." Her expression falls again. "I'll just mess up again like I always do."

I take a step closer. "Look, we're a team. We'll figure things out together. And trust me, the ponies here appreciate your effort. You might be a little clumsy sometimes, but you're also genuinely caring and kind. Ponyville loves having you around, Derpy. You're adored by the townsfolk."

Her eyes widen at my words, a mix of surprise and disbelief. "Adored?"

"Yes, Derpy," I emphasize. "Adored. Your quirks make you unique, and the ponies here wouldn't have it any other way. You bring a special kind of joy to this town, and they see that. So, let's shake off these little mishaps, and keep spreading warmth and cheer together, alright?"

Derpy hesitates for a moment, processing my words. A small, hesitant smile begins to form on her face. "You really think they like having me around?"

"Absolutely," I affirm, putting a hoof on her shoulder.

"Hey, over here Miss Tara!" twangs Applejack's voice, catching both mine and Derpy's attention. The mare in question emerges through a parting in the crowd, an apple-emblazoned box sat atop her shoulders. "These should do the trick. Leftovers from Granny Smith's mulled cider toast."

"Absolute legend, cheers," I gush, accepting the box and pulling out stacks of paper cups adorned with little apple prints. "Thanks a bunch, Applejack. You're a lifesaver."

At this point, the crowd seems to sense that their ability to receive warm beverages is teetering towards imminent. Thus, in a manner that is equal parts hypnotic and disturbing, they organise their writhing mass into something that more or less resembles a queue. A disorganised queue, but a queue nonetheless.

"Hi there, Carrot Top!" Derpy exclaims, taking up position next to me as the first pony approaches, one I recognise from her market stall. "Oh you got your mane cut, it suits you! I hope you're having a fantastic Winter Wrap Up! What can we get you today?"

"Thanks Derpy. Yeah, s'going okay but I'm already beat. Some coffee wouldn't go amiss though!"

"One jug of hot caffeinated bean water, coming right up!" I declare, eliciting giggles from Derpy and a look of bemusement from Carrot Top.

And... well, that's pretty much how things go. Derpy greets each pony, one by one, and I serve them their drinks. Though interestingly, for a pony as scatterbrained as she might appear to be, Derpy knows each and every one of them by name. And bear in mind, these are ponies working in sub zero temperatures (that's Celsius, not Fahrenheit, you plebian) and have been going flat out since before sunrise while I was still tucked up warm in bed. If anycreature has the right to act grumpy, it's them.

But instead, each and every one of their faces seems to light up as Derpy calls them by name. She'll drop in an anecdote. Ask about an ill relative. Inquire if their significant other appreciated their Hearth's Warming present. In short? Derpy may be a clumsy oaf, but she has a real knack for reaching out to every pony she meets and maintaining a genuine connection. Certainly better than I could ever manage.

Derpy's interactions are a spectacle to behold. Ponies approach her with smiles and friendly greetings, and they seem to genuinely enjoy her company. Whether it's a casual chat about the festive season or a quick exchange of pleasantries, Derpy effortlessly connects with the ponies one by one. Her infectious enthusiasm seems to bring as much warmth as the piping hot beverages we serve them.

The vast number of ponies working the farm pretty much clears us of our stock, so we need a resupply before we head to the next one. As we make our way back to the Town Hall to replenish our supplies, I find myself looking at Derpy in a new light. The initial frustration I felt over her mishaps has transformed into a genuine appreciation for her role in the community. I notice the subtle gestures of gratitude from the ponies we served. A pat on Derpy's back. A whispered 'thank you'. All reinforcing the idea that her presence is genuinely cherished.

Derpy, oblivious to the impact she has on the townfolk, strolls beside me cheerfully. She hums a tune, even breaking into spontaneous fits of laughter when we refill our cart. She grabs the box of paper cups, and gives me a exaggerated wink when she puts it on the cart. Which gets giggles from me. It's during these moments that I realize Derpy's connection to Ponyville runs deeper than I initially understood. She's not just a character of chaos. She's a symbol of community, resilience, and the beauty found in embracing life's quirks.

And apparently she's able to get me to wax poetic in a way I can normally only achieve with absinthe.

The remainder of our Winter Wrap Up continues with a sense of camaraderie between Derpy and me. Her joy proves to be a valuable asset, lifting the spirits of both the townfolk and, I must admit, myself. Her genuine interactions create an atmosphere of unity and connection as we make rounds through the picturesque town. The route bring us all across town. From the market square, to the schoolhouse, and even to a little cottage on the outskirts owned by a zoologist named Fluttershy.

Her pet bunny is something demonic, I swear. I do not wish to elaborate further.

When we finally approach the square to conclude our rounds, the cart significantly lighter now, a sense of accomplishment washes over us. The sun, having fully arched across the sky and beginning to bathe the horizon in orange, casts a warm glow over Ponyville as the afternoon leans closer to evening. The snow-free landscape begins to sparkle with condensation, twinkling with the shared efforts of the community. Every muscle in my body aches, but I feel pretty bloody pleased with myself.

Pulling up next to our supply tent, we spot Amethyst walking across from town hall wearing her Organization Team vest. Her eyes light up as she spots us unhooking ourselves from the cart, and she gives us an enthusiastic wave as she gallops towards us.

"Tara! Derpy! How'd it go?" she asks, that mischievous glint burning in her eyes.

I exchange a glance with Derpy, and we share a subtle, knowing smile. "It was quite the adventure," I reply. "A few hiccups here and there, but we made it through."

Derpy chimes in with a cheerful nod. "And everypony was so nice! We even played with some bunnies!"

Amethyst chuckles, her eyes flickering between us. "I can only imagine. Derpy, you've got a knack for turning any task into a character-building experience."

Derpy beams at the compliment, seemingly unaware of the deeper meaning behind Amethyst's words.

As we tidy up the cart and prepare to wrap up our Winter Wrap Up duties, Amethyst takes another moment to express her appreciation. "You two did an excellent job. The town is buzzing with positive energy, and I've heard nothing but praise from the residents."

While Derpy gives herself a self-satisfied little squeal of joy, I take a moment to check the flasks on the cart. To my surprise, there's still a decent amount of cocoa left in one of them. A smile plays on my lips as I realize we have a chance to savour the fruits of our labour.

"Hey, Derpy," I call out, catching her attention. "Looks like we've got a little cocoa left. How about a celebratory cup?"

Derpy's eyes light up, and she nods. "Oh, that sounds wonderful, Tara! I could use a warm pick-me-up."

I grab two paper cups from the nearly-empty box, carefully pouring the rich, steaming cocoa into each. The aroma of chocolate fills the air, and I can't help but feel a sense of contentment as the tap gives a small sputter. Just enough for two cups. As I pass one to Derpy, I raise mine in a toast.

"To a successful Winter Wrap Up and unexpected adventures," I say, spotting an amused twinkle in Amethyst's eyes.

Derpy grins, clinking her cup against mine. "To warmth, friendship, and the joy of a little chaos."

We sip the hot cocoa, the warmth spreading through us, both from the delicious beverage and the shared camaraderie. The town square bustles with ponies, wrapping up their own tasks and exchanging laughter. The sun continues its descent in the sky, casting a golden glow over Ponyville.

"So, Derps, what's next for you? Any plans for the rest of the day?"

Derpy shrugs, a carefree expression on her face. "Not really. After the Mayor does her closing speech, I thought I'd just go with the flow, see where the evening takes me. Maybe visit a few friends, or just explore. How about you?"

I chuckle. "Sweet fuck-all, Derpy. And it'll be bloody lovely."

Her eyes widen at my foul mouth, but a smile replaces it as she lets out a scandalous giggle. "Oooh!" she exclaims, pointing a hoof into the crowd. "Oooh, I can see Minuette and Berry Punch! I'mma go say hi!"

"Go on, Derpy," I encourage with a smile. "You bugger off, now. We can catch up later."

Derpy beams at me, gratitude evident in her eyes as the Trottingham-esque slang passes her by. "Thanks, Tara! You're the best! And Amethyst, thanks for letting me be a part of the Winter Wrap Up team. It was a blast!"

Amethyst chuckles. "You were a great addition, Derpy. Feel free to join us anytime. Have fun catching up with your friends!"

"So..." I murmur as Derpy merges into the crowd. "You let her be a part of the team?"

"I did indeed," Amethyst nods, looking distinctly and disturbingly pleased with herself.

"You decided Derpy should be allowed near boiling hot liquids."

"Oh pssh, don't be so dramatic," she laughs with a wave of her hoof. "I already spoke to Nurse Redheart about what happened, she says you'll be fine in a few days."

"It still bloody hurt though."

Amethyst smirks. "Well, consider it a lesson in the unpredictable nature of Winter Wrap Up. Besides, you handled it like a champ. Now come on, looks like the Mayor's ready to give her speech."

We make our way towards the centre of the town square. The crowd gathers around the podium where Mayor Mare stands, ready to give the closing speech to mark the end of Winter Wrap Up. We find a good spot to stand, and join in anticipation as the Mayor unfurls the scroll that I'm guessing holds her speech. It's a whopper, by the looks of things. The sunlight begins to wane, exaggerating the warm, golden glow over Ponyville. Mayor Mare clears her throat, and the crowd hushes in anticipation.

"Ponies of Ponyville!" she announces with a beaming smile, her voice carrying across the square. "What an extraordinary Winter Wrap Up we've had! Today, we worked together, side by side, to usher in the joys of spring. Each and every one of you played a crucial role, and I couldn't be more grateful for your hard work and dedication. Our fields are prepared, the skies are clear, and the enchantment of spring is upon us."

The crowd erupts into cheers and applause, a collective celebration of the collaborative effort. Amethyst and I exchange smiles, sharing in the sense of community pride that permeates the air. Mayor Mare continues, starting a spiel where she thanks all three primary pony races in succession. I only catch the first few lines, as Amethyst nudges my shoulder.

"Actually, what if we slip away and carry on our celebration over a few drinks? A little relaxation after a day of hard work?" she asks wickedly, with a wide grin.

"Oh yeah, what you feeling?"

She raises her eyebrows. "Pub?"

This mare, she knows how to speak my language.

"Pub," I confirm.