//------------------------------//
// Chapter 3: Appreciation and It's Consequences 
// Story: Taylor Talker 
// by taywing 
//------------------------------//


Chapter 3



Appreciation and it's consequences

“...but they didn't mean anything by it,” Taylor Talker said.
“Well, it's rather unfortunate, but no real surprise. This is often my busiest day of the year,” stated Nurse Redheart after hearing what had transpired earlier that day. Nurse Redheart was a simple white earth pony with a pink mane and a red cross cutie-mark. She made quick work  of setting Taylor's wing into a firm cast made with aid of a unicorn's magic so the weight of the bandages wouldn't cause lasting damage. The damage had been a bit more severe than the sprain Taylor Talker had thought it was. A small fracture near a joint would keep him grounded for a few days.
Nurse Redheart had a special tent for such busy days. Taylor thought it the size of a large tent from a circus, and it was filled with stations outlined by divider curtains. Each station had a number and a letter for organization. Taylor was currently uncomfortably resting in station B-2.
“I don't suppose you'd know where I need to go to help now?” Taylor asked. He never liked feeling unhelpful, and with a hurt wing, he wasn't cloudbucking anytime soon.
“Absolutely not! You are going to get some rest while your wing recovers: doctor's orders,” Nurse Redheart sternly ordered
“I'm not one to sit around when work needs to be done. Everypony needs help, so I have to do something constructive. It's what Mayor Mare would want,” Taylor begged.
“I'm not letting one of my patients--” Nurse Redheart began.
“Nurse Redheart,” stated a mint green unicorn with a lyre cutie-mark stepping into view from beyond Taylor's divider curtain, “we have ten more patients from a warehouse collapsing next to Sweet Apple Acres.”
Nurse Redheart paused and weighed the options. Taylor could read the name-tag on this new pony's temporary nursing gown (temporary for having volunteered to help Nurse Redheart while Winter-Wrap-Up was in progress. Lyra Heartstrings, Taylor read.
“Mr. Talker, you seem perfectly willing to give orders and make demands from what I've seen of you,” Nurse Redheart said calmly. “How good are you at following them?”
Taylor immediately responded, “I always follow any and all orders given me to the best of my abilities.” Taylor mentally kicked himself for not having ridden himself of that almost robotic response he had drilled into his head in basic flight school. Thankfully, the response did seem befitting the situation at hoof, so he felt no need to correct himself.
“Good to hear,” Nurse Redheart replied while writing orders for her assistants. “Now, notice the number-letter combinations on the dividing curtains. I'm going to be trotting around quite a bit, so when you hear me shout one of those combinations, get to it and either assist the active assistant or handle the situation yourself.” She had pulled Taylor out of his cell by this point, and they were trotting toward G-3. “The first I need you to attend is C-5. Aloe and Lotus are dealing with the more delicate issues, so I'm sure they'll appreciate having the extra hooves.” With that, Nurse Redheart disappeared into the G-3 station.
Taylor wasted no time in arriving at C-5, being careful to keep his wing from bumping anything or anypony. When he arrived, he saw two bright-colored assistants attending to a small orange pegasus filly with a purple mane. A large piece of wood seemed to have been driven through her leg. Taylor was distraught at the sight, but kept his composure for the sake of those who needed him here.
“Taylor Talker reporting to aid Ms. Aloe and Ms. Lotus,” Taylor forced out. The two nurses glanced at him before continuing their work. The filly's face seemed to twitch in response. They apparently had knocked her out with morphine so they could work without hurting her too badly.
“Please grab the bandages behind my sister over there,” the pink assistant ordered. Taylor did so and stood nearby, though far back enough that he would not get in the way, as they seemed ready to remove the wood from the filly's leg.
“We need you to dab some rubbing alcohol on that and apply it immediately as we remove this splinter from dear Scootaloo here,” the green assistant instructed. “Can you do that quickly enough?”
Taylor dabbed the bandages well with alcohol, fighting the urge to pinch his nose. He never cared for the smell, but in this moment it seemed so much worse because it was necessary. Taylor then got in position between the sisters, over the wound. Taylor gave a terse nod and the nurses removed the over-sized splinter by pushing from one side and pulling from the other. Taylor thought he heard the sound of tearing skin, but blocked it from his mind and started binding the wound as fast and tight as he could. When the bandage was securely in place, Taylor looked up to see the assistants looking at him with an unspoken question written o their faces.
“Did I do something wrong?” Taylor asked, feeling panic rising within himself.
“No, not at all,” stated the pink mare. “You seemed to be lost in those bandages, though. You were staring at them so intently I thought you might burn them.” 
“I feel protective over those who need my aid,” Taylor replied honestly. “What happened that she--”
“TALKER! A-2!” rang Redheart's voice from off in the distance.
“On it!” Taylor shouted in response. “Please, fill me in later?” Taylor pleaded with the nurses, backing out of the station. Taylor saw them nod before the curtain swung shut.

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Hours later, the last patient was sent home from the tent minutes before the Town Hall bell chimed. Winter-Wrap-Up was officially over. Taylor could not imagine that they had broken any records with this many injuries, but kept hopes high as he cantered toward Town Hall himself. I wish I could have learned more about that first little filly, Taylor though to himself. At that moment, Aloe and Lotus approached Taylor from each side simultaneously.
“I didn't do it,” Taylor said with a slight laugh.
“Haha, well you aren't too down after all,” the pink mare laughed.
“You wanted to know more about Scootaloo, yes?” the green pony asked.
“Yes, I'd like you to tell me what you can about the injury before we get to Town Hall. She was the only filly I noticed in the medic tent today,” Taylor inquired.
“Well, you're rather new here, so we'll give you the basics,” began the green mare.
“Scootaloo and her two friends were trying to earn their cutie-marks by helping retrieve seeds from one of the warehouses for planting in the fields,” the pink mare explained. Taylor shot a quizzical look at the green mare, who just shook her head slightly in a “we know it's ridiculous” manner.
“So she was injured in that warehouse collapse I heard about earlier. Are her friends ok?” Taylor inquired further.
“They were unharmed, save their 'crusaders' pride,” stated the green mare evenly. Taylor was confused at the word “crusaders”, but thought better of asking further into it. Town Hall was close-by now, so he didn't have much time left.
“What about Scootaloo's parents? Were they able to help her home?” Taylor asked. The mares at his sides stopped simultaneously. Taylor looked back in confusion to see the two sisters looking at each other, engaged in what appeared to be some sort of silent debate. After a few seconds, the green mare deflated a bit and turned back to Taylor.
“Scootaloo is an orphan Mr. Talker, nopony is sure where she lives either. She is fiercely independent, so she won't accept help from anypony but her two friends, normally. We had to drug her just to operate without a fight earlier,” the green mare confessed.
It was one of the few times in his life Taylor was ever left speechless. His heart went out to poor Scootaloo, but wasn't sure what could be done about her situation. Perplexed, Taylor continued his trek to Town Hall. Perhaps I can have a chat with Mayor Mare about this and she what she knows, Taylor reasoned.
Taylor was now approaching Town Hall. The other inhabitants were gathering quickly, eager to hear their timing and celebrate the arrival of spring. Princess Twilight Sparkle was to give this speech, and Taylor could see her preparing a stack of index cards the size of her head at the podium. Taylor briefly considered trying to blend in with the crowd to avoid any excess concern over his wing, but then thought it would only cause more worry should Mayor Mare not have her new companion at her side at the ceremony. With a sigh, Taylor Talker cantered up to his spot on stage: to the left of Mayor Mare, who was positioned behind the princess and to the left.
“Mr. Talker,” Mayor Mare whispered, “what happened to your wing? The captain of our weather team, Ms. Dash, reported to me immediately after your injury, but didn't seem to know many details.”
“It's nothing too serious Mayor,” Taylor shrugged. “There was an issue with air pressure and I took the brunt of it. I have a small fracture, but I'll be fine in a few days. I'm just grounded for now, Nurse Redheart's orders.” Taylor and the mayor shared a short laugh before hearing Twilight begin her speech.
“Thank you everypony! You all made great contributions today. We made consistent progress and everypony showed great diligence. Unfortunately, there was an incident today involving the collapse of a warehouse.” Many in the crowd who seemed not to have heard of the incident collectively gasped. Taylor noticed two fillies in particular at the front of the crowd start quietly crying at the mention. He made a mental note to see into it after this was all over. The princess seemed to let the words float through the crowd for a few seconds before continuing.
“There were many injuries: none of which were fatal. Thankfully, Nurse Redheart's expertise did not disappoint in the organization of their treatment. Everypony has been treated and will recover in due time. Understandably, we did not set a new record this year.” Several “aww’s” came from the crowd before the princess spoke on. As she did so, Taylor noticed she was on only her fourth card in the enormous pile. Taylor winced at the thought of any speech being as long as this promised to be.
“The last of Winter-Wrap-Up's activities were completed ten hours, fifty-two minutes, and thirty-seven seconds after beginning. That's still an incredible time-slot, especially with so many ponies not being able to work and other ponies looking after them. So...” Twilight paused and seemed to be looking through the crowd for something. Taylor Talker looked around to see if he could spot the oddity. Taylor noticed just as he heard the princess take a deep breath to collect herself: nopony was smiling. This was one of the few large-scale events the citizens could look forward to, and a small disaster had occurred. It seemed nopony wanted to listen to speeches anymore. Taylor realized the princess had not resumed speaking, and looked over to her again.
The princess was shaking visibly, a few note-cards were falling away from the stack as she tried to regain her compsure. Taylor looked to the mayor and noticed she wasn't faring any better. The elder mare seemed locked down in defeat-- she had blamed herself for disappointing all of these citizens. Taylor raced through his mind for a solution. I can't let it go on like this. It seems everypony is going to break down into tears altogether. Taylor couldn't let such a remarkable town mourn on a relatively small detail on this meaningful day.
“Ms. Mayor,” Taylor whispered, “with your permission, I have something I need to say to the town quickly.”
Mayor Mare looked at Taylor, and he thought he saw something break behind those old, wise eyes. “Are you going to abandon this town after seeing us all like this? I couldn't blame you, seeing what my leadership has done in your short time here must be discouraging for one in your position.” The mayor let her head drop. Before Taylor could respond, she stated, “Make it fast.”
Taylor Talker approached the podium and prodded Princess Twilight's shoulder. She didn't even look at him before walking away. She must think I'm the mayor, Taylor reasoned. Taylor hurriedly shifted into speaking position. His mind had stopped working in this atmosphere, so he would have to speak from the heart. Taylor shuddered slightly, whether for the cold weather or for the thought, Taylor couldn't be sure. He was always one to think before he spoke but that luxury was gone. Taylor cleared his throat.
“Citizens of Ponyville!” Everypony looked up from their reverie at the loud interruption. Taylor noticed the princess turn and stare. There was slight surprise in her eyes, but it didn't seem she could bring herself to have much emotion at the moment without breaking into tears.
“This has been my first full day spent in Ponyville. Indeed, I did hear about this unfortunate event earlier, but that didn't dampen my spirits.” Taylor felt a few glares at this, but continued regardless. “I could not feel dispirited, because at the same moment that the patients were brought to Nurse Redheart's attention, I saw her and her team of today's assistants coordinate every effort and skill to help those who needed aid. I have always held my duty to help others in high regard, but I have never seen so many different ponies come together for a single, noble cause-- each and every one of them setting aside their respective differences. I saw a great evil today in the accident, but I saw a greater good in the town. I understand that friends and family have been hurt, but I need to say that I saw, in this community today, what I have always striven for: pure, heartfelt, selfless efforts for the sake of others. I am honored to work for the mayor of such a fine community. Thank you all, both for welcoming me as you have and for holding such tremendous value in what truly matters.” Taylor took a deep breath and waited for the inevitable response-- good or bad, it was about to pour forth in all it's splendor.
The seconds ticked by, and the crowd slowly started giving mixed responses. Some shrugged before walking away with their heads hung low, others would crack small, appreciative grins before cantering off to their homes or to visit the wounded, still others seemed miffed at his outburst and cantered off with a flick of their tails. Soon, there was nothing left of the crowd that had been amassed for the closing of winter wrap-up. Taylor had known it was a long-shot. It's what I get for acting on emotional impulses, he thought to himself.
“Mr. Talker?” came a voice from behind Taylor accompanied by a prod at his shoulder. Taylor jumped and inhaled sharply as he realized he had been holding his breath in anticipation. He turned to see that Mayor Mare had approached him from behind, still teary-eyed but with a slight smile. “It means a great deal that you tried to salvage the situation. It didn't work as well as either of us had hoped, but the fervor and passion in your demeanor told me how dedicated you are to this town and keeping smiles on everypony's faces.” She paused to remove here spectacles and dab at her eyes with a handkerchief. “Nopony else would have done what you did. I'm glad you're helping me in such a tragic time.”
“I didn't accomplish anything,” Taylor complained lowering his head a little. “I spoke out of turn, made an improvised speech based solely on emotional impulse, I offended several citizens by trying to apply my outsider's view to their personal tragedies, I--” Taylor began to blubber, hurt that he broke his own rules and it still didn't work.
“You made it clear to the townsfolk that you care, that you want to be a friend to the town as a whole,” Princess Twilight Sparkle interrupted, hastily approaching him from the right. “I came to Ponyville to study the magic of friendship, and I have learned that friends don't always want help, but they come around and understand that you are there for them when needed. All you need to do now is wait for a chance to prove yourself to those who still haven't warmed up. Just give it time: all friendships need it,” Princess Twilight finished with a grin akin to that of a school-filly who had aced a pop-quiz.
Taylor felt a bit better, but knew he had a lot of learning to do himself if he was going to continue acting as an important part of Ponyville beside Mayor Mare.
“Taylor, it may be best we get some rest, the sun has been down for a while,” Mayor Mare suggested. Taylor knew it couldn't be later than 8:00p.m., but he knew the Mayor needed her rest, especially after a day like this. He replied with a simple nod and small smile. The pair turned to the princess and bowed before trotting toward the town hall.
The princess had just teleported when Mayor Mare mentioned something that Taylor had not yet considered, “Taylor, does it not feel awkward living in the same building as me?”
The question had been innocent enough, but there was no doubt it was awkward for Taylor to share housing with a woman. He didn't know how to respond, so he kept walking in silence.
“How about I help you start looking for a place you can stay nearby, tomorrow? I'm sure things will be easier that way, and it will help taking our minds off of this madness,” Mayor Mare added.
Taylor thought it would be interesting if nothing else, and he could take the time spent together tomorrow to ask more about that homeless orange filly, but right now, the only question he could conjure was: Is the main office or the lobby a better place to sleep tonight?