//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: The Long Road to Normal // by scifidude47 //------------------------------// Iron Wing was trotting through the golden meadow. It was evening, and the long blades of grass cast interesting shadows on the ground. His wife, Robin Feather was on the other side of the field, bird-watching. She always found beauty in nature like that. She was close to the Everfree forest, but Iron Wing didn't mind since he knew she was capable of taking care of herself. He sat at the picnic table, watching her as she galloped in pursuit of a family of robins, her favorite bird, hence her name and cutie mark. She was always smiling playfully, as Iron Wing watched her and waited for her to return. It was their fifth anniversary of their marriage, and Iron Wing wanted to take her someplace he knew she would love. She had seen a small robin flying further into the forest. Iron Wing always wondered how she could stay attached to a certain area for hours at a time. Iron Wing called her back, not wanting her to go too far into the forest where he couldn't see her. She trotted back, letting the robin she was watching flutter away, into the deeper parts of the forest. "Hi honey." Robin Feather said, greeting Iron Wing. "Glad to see you're enjoying the nature." "You bet your wings I am, this is our best anniversary yet!" Robin Feather said, kissing Iron Wing before settling down at the table. Iron Wing sat in thought for a moment, nibbling at his small sandwich, deep in thought. "You alright honey? You seem to have something on your mind." Robin Feather said, looking into his eyes. "Hmm? Oh, it's nothing." She put her hoof on his muzzle and gently pushed it so he was looking at her. "Come on, we've been married for five years today. You can tell me anything!" She said, kissing him again. "Well... have you ever thought of having children?" Iron Wing said. Robin Feather was slightly shocked by the question. She sat there with a puzzled look on her face before finally answering. "Well, I don't know..." She paused, looking into the forest. "I just... I think it'd be a bit much, don't you think? I mean, we have to hold two jobs just to get by. I really think we should wait until we're in a better financial position. Sorry..." "Oh no, it's quite alright. It was just a thought." Robin Feather put a small smile on her face. "Besides, who knows what the future holds?" She said. It was Iron Wing this time that lead the kiss, holding it for a while. He didn't mind lengthy moments of embrace since they were alone in this place. In fact, besides some picnic tables and a dirt road, There was nearly no other evidence that ponies had been there. "If we did have a child, what would you name it?" Robin Feather asked, seemingly out of the blue. "I thought you said it wasn't a possibility." Iron Wing responded. "May as well be ready." She said with a hopeful smile. They resumed their meal, which was composed of grass sandwiches, apple pie, some cupcakes, and finished with a very large Red Velvet cake bought from Sugarcube Corner. "Honey, this is amazing. I have no idea how I can repay you." "Just keep doing what you do Robin." Iron Wing responded with a hopeful smile. "Um... honey?" "Yes?" "Would you mind... going on a nature walk?" "Not at all." Iron Wing cleaned up the table and packed the left-overs into a large wicker basket before He followed Robin Feather on a dirt path into the forest, the sun was very close to setting... And then he woke up.