It had been a long and testing journey. The young bird had never made one that long before. This would be her first mating season. She had crossed the Erif desert and finally reached the Everfree forest. But where to stop? After coming this far, she had wanted her breeding place to be perfect.
She landed on a possible place to stop. There was water all around this large tree. Indeed, the great oak in horseshoe pond would’ve been perfect to raise her children. Sadly, Blade Rippon was there that morning, and he needed to practice his aim with his throwing knife. It smashed into the tree just beside the raven, who instinctively darted off to find a safer place. Blade smiled. His aim was still true.
The raven continued despite her tired wings until she came across another place to stop. This one was near Fluttershy’s cottage. The raven looked around for signs of trouble. The only thing she saw was Synther walking up the path, a wide smile on his face. She stretched her tired wings. This place would do, but her work was not done. For now she would have to collect twigs and cut grass to make a nest and then, only then, would she rest.
Synther was sure it was staring at him. He stopped and stared at the creature as she got to work, bringing dead leaves and grass back up to her future home. He told himself that it was nothing, that he should just knock on the mare’s door already, but his paranoia kept him there. Staring. Wondering why he was there.
Fluttershy noticed the Pegasus outside and joined him, opening the door and trotting over to him without drawing his attention. They both stared silently for a couple more minutes, The raven's tired efforts entrancing them.
“Amazing creatures, aren’t they?” Said Fluttershy, startling Synther in the process.
“Fluttershy! I didn’t know you were there!” Fluttershy, who was still staring at the raven continued:
“This one is a girl. She’s nearly finished building her nest. In a moment she’ll start calling for a partner. Many more will gather here, and soon we’ll have lot cute baby ravens stumbling about. That is if we don’t scare her off.”
The Raven looked around. Not too bad for her first nest. She knew she needed to call for a mate, but she was very tired. She decided to call once before taking a well deserved nap.
Down below, the two watched as the raven cawed for a partner before she lay down to rest.
“She's migrating here for the summer. She normally resides in the desert, but it gets too hot during the summer months.”
Synther turned to Fluttershy, who was still gazing at the now resting creature.
“How in all of Equestria do you know so much about ravens?” Fluttershy turned to Synther and replied:
“Oh, I know a lot about all of the woodland critters. Ever since I fell from Cloudsdale a few years back, I’ve been befriending them and learning everything there is to know about them!”
“Wow, that’s incredible!” Synther said, knowing to act impressed. Fluttershy accordingly blushed.
“Oh...well... I... It’s nothing really. Do you want to come in?” Synther nodded followed the mare into her humble cottage as the raven they had been observing twisted and turned in a restless nightmare.