“Almost there..” She whispered to herself as she stared out the window at the quickly passing scenery. The powerful engine rumbled through the train, rattling the glass window. She wondered if the windows ever broke from the intense shaking. Trees and mountains alike came and went, and scattered, isolated houses dotted the land scape. A small smile spread across her face and her eyes glimmered with anticipation. Between her teeth she played with the end of a pen, flicking it up and down as she lost herself in thought. A blank paper lay before her on a pop out table that was folded into her seat. Her flank was sore from the long ride. Glancing down at the paper she flicked the pen up and down with her mouth rapidly in frustration.
“What should I say? I only just left, but I kind of feel like I should write something. My folks are probably worried that I transferred to the wrong train, or that I lost all my bags.” Her warm smile turned bitter sweet as thoughts of home played through her mind. Finally she set pen to paper and began shakily writing down her thoughts.
Dear Mama and Papa
Right now I'm safely on the train heading to Manehattan, and yes I have all my bags. I made it here without getting lost, seems like a good sign to me. I guess we're almost there from what the conductor told us. I wont lie I'm real nervous and miss you both bunches already, but I know once I get settled in I'll feel right at home. It's a wonderful opportunity ya know, getting to work at on of the most famous bakeries in all of Equestria. Oh, and I'm sorry my writing is more messy than usual, I'm writing this on the train. I just miss you all and everyone back home and I know you two will be worry'n so I just had to start writing this now. I'll be sending you both a letter every week I promise. Say hi to all my friends back home and I wish you all the best. Keep me posted on how my little brother is coming along, I can't wait to meet him, I want to be there when he's born. Well, I think I'm gonna stretch my legs, I sure am sore from this ride, I guess I expected these seats to be more comfortable. Love you both and hope to hear from you soon.
Love, your daughter: Honeybun
With a pleased and satisfied smile she looked over what she had written. It may not be my best writing but it looks readable enough. She carefully folded the paper in half with her hooves. Opening a messenger bag hanging from her side, she dropped the letter with her mouth into a small pocket to keep it safe. Pushing the folding table back into her seat she slowly stood and gave an exaggerated stretch putting her forelegs out in front of her and bowing her head. Her muscles trembled under her pale brown fur and a content sigh escaped her lips. It's amazing how fast these trains can go and all, but I didn't think it would be this long a ride. My hind end is killing me. And I swear even my cutie mark fell asleep. She gave a dopey giggle as she turned into the isle. Suddenly, a heavy impact on her side nearly knocked her off balance, then, she heard something fall as a weight left her shoulders. Recovering from the recoil she looked down to see the her bag and it's contents scattered on the trains floor. Her face heated up with a blush when she saw that she had attracted the attention of the other passengers who were now glancing up at her.
“I- I'm sorry. I wasn't paying attention and I..” She stopped as she laid eyes on the pony who bumped into her. A young unicorn mare with light lavender fur and a brilliant red main and tail curled to look almost just like roses. She looked like she could have been royalty, especially with her deep forest green eyes. Honeybun stared wide eyed at the mare. She's beautiful
The unicorn glanced away uncomfortably, shying away from the earth pony's gaze. She shrunk back slightly before speaking.
“I- I'm sorry, I wasn't paying any attention either.” She looked down to the floor, unwilling to meet the still enthralled eyes of passenger she had collided with. “Oh you're bag, I'm sorry. Here, let me help you.” Her horn began to glow with a soothing green aura, much like the color of her eyes.
“Oh, no, it's my fault! I'll take care of it!” Honeybun said snapping to attention. Before she could turn around towards her bags however, they were already floating in midair, suspended in a haze of green magic. Her things levitating one by one into her bag and the strap seemed to fix it's self. A wide and bright smile of amazement spread across her face as she watched the show unfold. The bag hovered over her head and dropped over her, the strap landing softly over her neck and shoulder. Looking down at her bag her smile intensified.
“That was amazing!” She said gleefully, turning her attention back to the unicorn who was nervously fumbling with her hooves and looking down at the floor.
“It was nothing really. Haven't you ever seen unicorn magic?” She raised her head up, trying to regain her composure under the earth pony's stare.
Honeybun's eyes soften from excitement to her normal friendly look, realizing that she was making her new acquaintance uncomfortable. “Not really, can't say we have many unicorns where I'm from. Just the occasional passerby stopping at Mom and Pa's bakery and they don't really show off any magic, and I was usually in the back anyhow.”
“Oh, I see. You must be from a small town then. What brings you to Manehattan? Relatives perhaps?” She spoke softly, but enunciated perfectly. Honeybun couldn't help but feel the unicorn had an aspect of sophistication about her that she admired.
“No, I'm moving out here all on my own. I got an amazing offer to work and study under one of the best chefs in all of Equestria. I just couldn't refuse so here I am.” She spoke amiably.
“Wow, it must be quite a change for you.” Honeybun was thrilled that the unicorn sounded impressed by her. She almost wanted to hug the stranger, but thought better of it.
“It'll be hard, no doubt about that that, but my folks believe in me and I know they're proud.” She puffed out her chest and stood slightly taller as she spoke with pride for her family. The unicorn surprised her by smiling right along with her. Then, a feature on her face stole Honeybun's attention. A feature only noticeable when she smiled. Her jovial air faded into concern and her eyes softened. “What happened there? On your lip?” She spoke sympathetically and sensitively. The unicorn's eyes widened slightly as she bit her lip back, hiding a gash that ran it's length vertically towards her gums.
She smiled, still keeping her lower lip bit back. “Well, as you saw, I can be a bit of a klutz. I walked into a pole while I was getting to the station.”
“Oh, that must have hurt, you gonna be alright?”
“Oh yes, I'll be alright, I forgot it was even there. Um, If you'll excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”
“Well don't let me keep you. Anyway it was nice meeting you.” She said, returning to her normal demeanor.
“Of course, and you as well.” As Honeybun stepped aside the unicorn made her way down the cart towards the restroom. She was half way there before Honeybun called out to her, ignoring the looks she received from the other passengers.
“Hey, what's your name?! Mine's Honeybun!” The mare stopped in her tracks and stood almost perfectly still. After a moment she began to think she said something that may have offended the unicorn, but then, she slowly turned her head facing her. Her beautiful rosy hair swaying as she moved. With a smile she finally responded.
“Morning Rose. My name is Morning Rose. It's nice to meet you Ms. Honeybun. I hope we meet again.” With that she proceeded down the isle.
I hope we meet again to. She thought to herself returning to her seat. No sooner than as she sat down, the train whistled and chugged to a crawl before stopping completely. Looking out the window, she could see the expansive cityscape stretch out before her eyes. It was immense, it was amazing. 'It's beautiful! This is it. The city where all my dreams will come true. With eye burning with strength and optimism, she stepped back into the isle and proceeded down towards the exit. My future is here, I can just feel it!