//------------------------------//
// 02: That Spring Sunrise. 
// Story: One Last Snowfall 
// by Chaos Phantasm 
//------------------------------//


Snowdrop: One Last Snowfall


By Chaos Phantasm


Preread and edited by


Word Worthy


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Chapter 2


That Spring Sunrise


===============


Snowdrop and Skylight arrived in Canterlot that morning. They were well rested but also hungry. Skylights stomach rumbled as she hopped off the carriage. She stretched her legs and wings, the snow was falling all over the place, accompanied by the wind. Skylight looked up at the Canterlot Clock tower to see it was only seven twelve AM, the school would be starting in an hour. Skylight pulled the pull along bag out of the carriage and placed it on the ground, stretching her wings and cracking her back after. She took a deep breath of morning winter air and kicked at the snow, turning her head to look at her sleeping grandmother who stayed curled in the back seat of the carriage. She walked around the bags to the door and nudged Snowdrop with her right hoof.

"Grandma?"

Snowdrop covered her mouth with her right wing and yawned into it. "Good morning, Skylight."

Skylight, smiled while she walked around to Snowdrops side of the carriage, opened the door and helped her out. "Did you have a nice ride?"

"It wasn't relaxing, but I still got a few winks of sleep." Snowdrop replied with a smile. 

Once she had stepped out of the carriage her stomach rumbled which made her laugh. "Sounds to me like I'm hungry. Shall we go to a store and get some food, Skylight?"

"I don't know if any are open, Grandma."

"What time is it? I can't see anything."

"The clock tower says 7:12 AM. Maybe there's a tea shop open?"

"I wouldn't mind some tea actually." Said Snowdrop, her coat blowing in the wind.

"Wait here, Grandma." Skylight walked over to the carriage pulling pegasus and cleared her throat. "Excuse me, do you know if there are any shops or stores open at this hour?"

The pegasus nodded and pointed her in the direction of a cafe in the market district. Skylight thanked the pegasus and returned to Snowdrop who continued to sit where Skylight had told her to. The cream colored pegasus told the old mare where there was a cafe. Skylight attached the suitcase around her back leg and walked, pulling it behind her. Snowdrop, placed her wing on top of Skylights so they wouldn't lose each other. Skylight smiled at the elder Snowdrop and continued to walk with her to the market distract through the harsh cold weather. Half an hour of walking later, both mare's found themselves in a circular area where multiple shops were. The cafe the carriage pulling pegasus mentioned was the last shop at the end of the left row of buildings, arching outward then back inward to form an oval like shape. Skylight led Snowdrop over to the cafe's doors, and pushed it open. They stepped inside and were met with a feeling of warmth as the bell chimed with the doors opening.

There were unicorns, earth ponies and some pegasi in there, drinking tea and eating cookies, reading newspapers and trying to get warm. Skylight asked Snowdrop to sit down while she went to the counter and ordered some warm tea for herself and the old mare. While Skylight did that, Snowdrop felt for a chair which she found right beside her. She smiled and sat in it, she waited for Skylight to come back with her tea. The twinkles of the snow outside kept the old mare in a state of calm and quiet, she didn't utter a word during the whole wait. She closed her eyes and started imagining a large field of grass, white clouds in the sky, her family waiting for her through the gates. Snowdrop felt herself growing weary until she was pulled out of her imagination by the voice of Skylight who came back to sit with her.

"Our tea is coming Grandma."

"W-What..? Oh.. Oh yes the tea, thank you dear." Snowdrop smiled and started thinking of the school they were visiting. 

Skylight tilted her head a little, watching the old pegasus when the tea arrived. The cups were carried out via unicorn magic by a mare who smiled as she placed down their cups. 

"Enjoy Madams." The unicorn spoke with peculiar accent, very similar to Aloe and Lotus's in modern day Equestria. She bowed and turned around to return to the counter.

Snowdrop was surprised to hear such an accent. She clicked loudly and the sound enabled her to see where her cup was. She picked up her cup and sipped her tea which made her warm all over. Skylight drank her tea like it was cider, or coffee. While it made her feel warmer, it wasn't very fulfilling.

"I thought this would be as good as coffee..."

Snowdrop snickered. "You and your beans dear. Tea is a leaf, I don't like that coffee stuff you drink."

"Oh you don't do you? Why would that be?"

"I tried some, I didn't like it. You tend to try things as you grow up, after which you either dislike it or like it."

Skylight took another huge sip of her tea, finishing it. She put the cup down and stuck out her tongue as if in disgust. 

"I don't think I'll ever drink tea again." She shook her head.

"That's the way you want it, I won't complain." Snowdrop sipped her tea slowly until it was finished.

Skylight looked at the tea cup and chuckled. "Maybe I'll have another when we get home. I think you brew tea better."

"And you say you don't trust me making your tea."

"You do it anyway, Grandma."

"I know." Snowdrop grinned.

Skylight looked at a clock and saw it was eight o'clock already. She stretched her wings and stood up. "We better head to that school. Wouldn't want to disappoint the teacher and students now would we?"

Snowdrop slowly got out of the chair and blinked. "Lead the way dear." She smiled.

Skylight smiled and left twelve bits behind on the table, along with a tip, and together both grandmother and grandchild left the cafe together. They walked out through the front door, Snowdrop was slower then Skylight who held the door open for her. When Snowdrop was outside, Skylight closed the door and walked with the ninety seven year old down the the street, both mare's disappearing around the corner. The wind outside had died down and the snow was falling gently. Snowdrop listened out for children though she could hear none. she heard everything else around her though. Skylight asked for directions every now and again and would be pointed in the right direction, but half the time it only got them more and more lost. they ended up getting pointed in the direction of the market place all over again, much to the irritation of Skylight who hit her head on a nearby wall while Snowdrop had her head turned in the direction of her granddaughter. 

"I'm sure we'll find it dear, there's no need to beat yourself up over it."

Skylight looked at Snowdrop and sighed. "I know, but it just seems that everyone is deliberately giving us a run around the city, just to find this school. I don't understand how you can be so optimistic." Skylight sat down on a bench chair and held her head between her hooves.

Snowdrop blinked her white pale eyes and sat down beside her bag. Her cloak blew in the wind. The market began to fill up with ponies of all sorts, looking to buy cloths, food and other wares. 

"I learned to be optimistic you know? It's better then being negative all the time and putting yourself down, or blaming others. I have a feeling our luck will change very soon."

"I disagree, Grandma. The chances of us finding the school before it starts is like you trying to find the Crystal Empire."

"Don't bring my blindness into this, Skylight. I've been around much longer than you have, I know where I'm going, I can see without sight."

"I don't see how!"

"Because I can listen when you won't!" Snowdrop panted and took a moment to rest.

Skylight took Snowdrops words really hard and sat still thinking about them. Some passerby's who heard the argument looked at the blind mare and the younger light cream pegasus before moving on. Skylight looked at her grandmother and opened her mouth to say something only to be cut off by the arrival of a turquise pegasus mare with blue eyes, green hair, and a cutie mark which consisted of three green music notes. The pegasus rounded the corner carrying a basket when she saw the two. She instantly noticed Snowdrop and had landed, approaching just before Skylight could speak. The mare put down her basket and smiled.

"Hello, Ms. Snowdrop." The pegasus said with a wide smile.

"Hello there stranger, I don't think we've met so I assume my name gets around like my stars." The blind mare smiled.

The pegasus chuckled. "You were my teacher back when I used to attend Ms. Windith's school for foals. Allow me to re-introduce myself, my name is, Medly."

"You sent the invitation to bring Grandma Snowdrop to the school for that talk, didn't you?" Asked Skylight

Medly nodded. "I did. It's for the Spring Sunrise celebration this Friday, the children have finished making their seasonal gifts. I figured it would be great for my teacher to come down and tell the students about her Spring Sunrise."

"I would be more then happy to, Medly." Snowdrop smiled.

"I can show you both where to go. I'm heading to the school right now."

Skylight brightened up and started laughing. "Thank Celestia, somepony who can actual help us, instead of pointing us around in circles."

Medly looked at Skylight, then back to Snowdrop. "Were you two being led around the city?"

"Anypony we asked always pointed us in the direction of the market, here." Replied Snowdrop.

Medly sighed. "That happens quite a lot around here. But I'm here now, and we should get going, please follow me."

Medly started walking down the street, Snowdrop and Skylight following behind. Along the way Medly spoke with her old teacher about what's been going on and about her students. Snowdrop couldn't help but comment on how grown up Medly had become since her days of mischief.

"I remember having to sit you down with your mother and having a talk with her. I know I didn't stay as a teacher long enough to see you finish, but to know you became a teacher yourself fills me with joy. You've made an old mare proud, Medly."

Skylight listened to the conversation and felt she wasn't doing her grandmother proud enough. She stopped for a moment and looked down to her hooves in wonder. Snowdrop stopped and waited to feel vibrations from Skylights hooves and frowned. 

"Skylight dear, are you flying?"

"Huh?" Skylight looked up. "N-No Grandma, I'm just stopping for a moment."

"We mustn't dawdle, dear. School starts in a few minutes according to Medly."

"R-Right." Skylight sighed. "Don't rush yourself, Grandma!"

"I'm not rushing, I'm walking at an equal pace with Medly."

Skylight quickly caught up to Snowdrop and started walking beside her. "Right, of course you were."

Snowdrop sighed. "You dote on me too much, Skylight. When are you going to trust that I can be perfectly independent."

Skylight started to frown. "I wasn't... I-I didn't..." She sighed quietly and started falling behind, but continued to follow both mares without falling too far behind.

"Maybe I do worry too much..."


~~~


The school bell rung, signalling the start of class. The fillies and colts of varying races watched the bell and expected to see Ms. Medly come out of the school house to usher them in, only she didn't. The colts started talking among themselves about whether there was school on or not, while the fillies, overhearing the colts conversations, stated that school was on this day, and that Ms. Medly was running late. The colts laughed and disagreed with the girls until Medly appeared down the street, walking up to them from over the hill accompanied by two strangers.

"Ms. Medly!" A filly called out.

The fillies and colts looked in Medly's direction, the turquise mare was met with smiles and hellos from her students, who gathered around her and talked over one another to her. Medly giggled happily while Skylight watched and Snowdrop listened. The blind mare sat down and waited for things to settle down.

"Okay my little ponies, time for class. Go to your seats and wait there. I'll come in shortly."

"Okay Ms. Medly..." The students said in unenthusiastic unison.

They all headed into the school through the front door, Medly watched closely with a wide smile before turning back to Snowdrop and Skylight.

"They sound like nice kids." Snowdrop smiled.

"They are amazing, they pay attention, they're willing to learn, and they're some of the brightest children in Canterlot. One or two have very low self esteem, which I've taken upon myself to nurture and help them strive to be some of society's shining examples."

"You're like the sweetest teacher I've ever met." Skylight smiled widely.

Medly blushed. "N-No I'm not, my sense of duty's just large that's all." She gave a nervous smile and chuckle.

"You're quite modest aren't you dear?" Said Snowdrop.

Medly sighed. "I suppose so. Well, I'll go in and let the students know you're here. When I call your name come on in."

Snowdrop nodded. "Alright, Medly. We'll be waiting."

Medly turned toward the door and stepped into the class room while Snowdrop And Skylight waited. It started snowing during the short wait, the old blind mare turned her head to the sky and let the flakes fall upon her face. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of cool frozen water on her. Skylight watched on from beside the elderly pegasus, taking a deep breath and letting it out.

"I'm so nervous, it's been so long since I've done this. What do I say to the youngsters?"

Skylight smiled. "I think you're supposed to introduce yourself first. You'll do fine Grandma, you've done it five times before, I think."

Snowdrop chuckled. "You think? Haven't you been paying attention to my stories dear?"

"I'm usually more busy worrying about you."

"Of course..." Snowdrop made an unsure face.

While Snowdrop and Skylight spoke outside, Medly walked in front of the rows of desks, stopping in front of the class while the students all settled down in their seats and attentively sat up and focused their eyes on the pegasus while she did the roll call. She called each filly and colts name, and each one would raise a hoof and announce themselves present. Each time they did brightened the smile Medly wore on her face, she was as happy she could be with her job. She looked at the last name on the roll and looked at all the rows as she stretched herself up to look at an empty desk on the back second last right seat. 

"Ember." Medly called out.

The fillies and colts all looked to the seat Medly had been looking at, but they couldn't see Ember anywhere. Medly frowned.

"Ember, if you're here please speak up." 

"I found her Ms. Medly, she's under her desk!" Called out Fireball.

Medly frowned and walked over to Embers desk, passing the other colts and fillies on the way.

"What's the matter, Ember, is something bothering you?"

"N-No Ms. Medly... I-I'm fine..."

"You know if there's a problem you could always talk to me..."

"I-I'm fine... Really.."

"Ember, please. You need to be in your desk, we have visitors coming and I want all of you to be ready to meet them. Please, Ember."

Ember moved her chair out from under her desk and crawled out along with it. She stood up with her head down, facing the teachers direction with a sad expression. Ember had a purple coat, blue eyes and pink mane and tail, she also lacked a cutie mark.

"Present... Ms. Medly..."

Medly frowned and marked Embers name off the role. "Take your seat please, Ember."

Ember nodded and sat in her chair. The fillies sitting beside her looked at her sadly as if they felt bad for her. The purple filly sat in her seat and looked down at her desk while Medly returned to the front of the class. She looked at each of her students and smiled brightly.

"Now everypony, as you know the Spring Sunrise is in three days, and in three days the princess arrives to see what you have made."

The fillies and colts started talking among themselves about the seasonal gifts they made, all while Medly watched and listened.

"Now now class, settle down."

The class went silent.

"Good, now in light of the upcoming spring sunrise, I invited a very special pony. Now all of you should know her, we did a study on her earlier this month while researching this topic. She gave a gift that has lasted the last eighty seven years. I've invited her down to talk about her winter stars and the one hundredth spring sunrise, which she attended."

The students started talking again, all of them were confused by the teachers words. A visit from a mare who gifted Equestria eighty seven years ago? It sounded silly to the young ponies who gave Medly odd looks as if wondering if she was okay. Medly cleared her throat.

"Please everypony, I ask that you remain quiet while she's here. She's very old and I don't know what loud noise would do to her. I also ask that you remain seated while she talks to us. She was my teacher too for a time, so I also ask that you show the same respect you show me. Now, without further ado, I'd like to introduce you to Lady Snowdrop."

The school doors opened and everypony turned to see Skylight escorting her elderly grandmother up to the front of the classroom. The silence of the room only made it exceedingly difficult for Snowdrop to find her way around. She held onto Skylight who kept the old mare straight. Soon both mare's were in front of the class. Skylight let go of Snowdrop and stood beside Medly at the teachers desk. The fillies and colts waited for Snowdrop to say something but the mare only stood there, her pale eyes open for all to see. The colts started whispering to themselves, commenting on her eyes and her age.

"How old do you think she is?" Whispered one to another.

"Beats me, look at her eyes, do you suppose she can see? They don't look healthy." Replied the other colt.

Snowdrop's ears twitched and in her mind she caught a brief glimpse of the colts while they whispered. The mare moved her head a little and cleared her throat, the two colts returning to their positions of facing the front of the room. Snowdrop pressed her tongue onto the roof of her mouth, opened her jaw slightly and let out a loud click that startled many of the fillies. The sound of the click was so loud it allowed Snowdrop to see the room, and students. The elderly mare smiled widely.

"Well, it's been such a long time since I've had this opportunity. Greetings everypony, my name is, Snowdrop."

The class clapped which brought and even bigger smile to Snowdrop.

"Thank you, thank you, and thank you to Ms. Medly, who invited me here today to talk to you young ones. Now, I hear you've made gifts for the spring sunrise, right?"

"Yes Ms. Snowdrop." The students said together, all except Ember.

Snowdrop giggled. "Well, it pleases an old mare to know that the younger generation has such fine manners, I must say, Ms. Medly has much to be proud of. Now, where shall I start with my tale." Snowdrop lowered her head and closed her pale eyes.

"Hmhm.. Well how about I start at the beginning." The old mare smiled.

"I remember that winter very clearly. It was windy, grey and depressing. Back then winter was a harsh and indominable time. The snow would never yield to the weather teams commands, and harsh blizzards would blow all the time, allowing only very few moments of calm. My mother would describe the weather all the time, what color the sky was, how hard the wind blew. It was dreadful, I remember having to walk too and from school in that weather. I wasn't forced, mother would offer to walk me during the worst blizzards. I wasn't shy of her help, I welcomed it when I needed it. But just like today, I wanted to be able to do things myself."

Snowdrop chuckled. "Oh my, listen to me prattling on, allow me to tell you my story now."


~~~


I woke up early in the morning that cold winter day to the sound of wind blowing against the window. I lifted my head up and opened my eyes, slowly lifting myself from my warm bed, when a cool breeze washed over me. It made me shiver and brought back down under my blankets so I could stay all warm and snug.

"Snowdrop, are you awake yet?" My mother called from the kitchen.

"Y-Yes mother.. I-I'm awake."

"Come and have your breakfast sweetie, you don't want to be late for school."

I couldn't help but frown sadly at having to go to school that day. "O-Okay mother.. I'll be right there." I said while trying to sound happy about it.

After that I let out a sigh. "What's the use.. I'd only get in everypony's way... Again..."

I stood up and felt my way to the edge of my bed. I was a filly back then, no older then ten. I was born blind, and I relied on my other senses greatly. I had found the side of my bed, then I heard my mother enter.

"Would you like some help there, Snowdrop?" She asked.

"N-No, I-I can do it." I said as I got up on my four legs and hopped off the bed with ease.

"You know, there's nothing to be afraid of. I'm always here to help you when you need it."

"How am I to learn to do things on my own if I rely on others." I smiled. "Thank you anyway mother." 

I assume my mother smiled at that moment. "Come along now, Snowdrop. Breakfast is ready and waiting."

I followed the sound of my mothers hoof steps out of my room, down the hall, and into the kitchen. brrr, I remember the floor was like ice, it was cold and sent shiver all through my body, by that point I had remembered I had slippers. They were in my room although, but I had already left, and was already sitting in my chair. I heard my mother set down my breakfast in front of me. If I recall correctly, I had a yummy warm soup. In about an hour following, mother helped me with my winter coat, it was much like the one I wear today. 

"Now are you sure you won't need me this time? I know you say you know your way to school and back, but..." She sighed. "I'm just worried you know."

"I know mother, but I'll be fine... I've done this twice now, a third time won't hurt."

"I suppose not. Well, have a nice day sweetie."

"I will mother." I hugged my mother and set out through the door, and down the path. Taking a right at the gate. In no time at all, I was on my way.

I knew how to get to school very easily. I knew my way around from walking with mother down those same paths everyday for the past ten years. It was as if I could see. I would occasionally trip but I quickly got back up and pushed on, even when I didn't want to. I could hear the school bell ringing in the distance, I hurried myself, I ran to the school so I wouldn't be late. I remember the snow was pelting down harshly that day, as it did every other day during those three months. I remember I hit something hard a little bit after I had started running, I'd hit the door of the school house and fell back.

"Ow.." I rubbed my head and shook it.

I heard the door open not long after, then the voice of my teacher graced my young ears.

"Snowdrop?" Ms. Windith called my name.

"P-Present..." I said in my shaky and shy voice.

"I'm sorry, I didn't see you in class, I assumed you wouldn't be coming. I'm so sorry..."

"N-No, d-don't be. It's alright." I smiled at her to make it seem it was okay, but in truth I felt upset that none of them waited for me. 

I passed Ms. Windith, put up my coat and approached my desk. I could tell I was being watched, I could never get used to that feeling of eyes that could see watching me. I felt for my chair, climbing up and sitting in it when I found it. I could hear the other kids behind me talking to one another, Cirrus at the front of the class talking to Starshine, and Cumulo Nimbus mumbling to herself about something pretty, at least I thought so. Ms. Windith stepped in front of the class and cleared her throat, we all started paying attention, all except I.

"Good morning class. I have great news for you all. Our school has been chosen by Princess Celestia herself to present a gift at the spring sunrise. One that could be used as a centennial symbol for the one hundredth winter under the princess's rule. Now for this, you'll all need a partner to work with in making your gift. Your group may consist of two or three, but the gift must be a team effort."

The class started talking among themselves, but I sat in my chair, silently, playing with a piece of cloud I had picked up. I lifted my head slightly and moved it around, left, then right. I put the cloud down and rested my head on my desk with a sigh. 

"Hey Snowdrop, I hope you won't hold back your team. Not like the last group you worked with didn't get dragged down or anything." Cumulo Nimbus laughed.

Cumulo Nimbus was much like an unintentional bully, she came from a rich family and had the attitude to boot. She and I became close friends during our teen-aged years, she would become an author in her twilight years. I lifted my head and faced down, I felt disheartened by her words. Soon everypony else in the room started talking about me and my problem as they put it. They singled out my sight more often then not. All except one particular colt who didn't shun me for my eyes. But, the class talking about my eyes like that hurt, and would put me off working on a gift for several weeks before the end. I already felt so useless before hand.

"Now class, you mustn't be so hard on Snowdrop. She's just as able as the rest of you to contribute. Right Snowdrop?"

"Oh.. um... Yes, I-I can contribute." I said without believing in myself. Even though I didn't believe I could, I did.

That month was long and cold. It was busy for the children in my class, they would talk about the gifts they made, they bragged and gloated, all while I sat by and listened with ever growing doubt and self pity. Two days before my Spring Sunrise, we were learning about where the rain came from, I still hadn't found a partner, nor had I started my project. 

"Snowdrop, how's your project coming along?" My teacher asked.

"My... my project?"

"Yes, are you and your partner ready to present your gift for the Spring Sunrise?"

Of course I didn't have it, as you already know. I remember the entire conversation so well. The ponies behind me complained about having to work with me again. But there was no need. I didn't have a partner, but I had something even greater. That night after walking home during the last blizzard of the month, I sat on my thinking cloud, tied to the mother cloud my house rested on, and I lamented to myself. I remembered my mother and I sat on that cloud together and talked about the stars I'm so fond of. That night I felt even more worthless then I'd ever been. Then I heard it, the twinkles I had scoffed at that night. 

"Twinkles... hmph... What good are Twinkles? You can't wish on sounds like Twinkles..." I stood up and faced the sky. 

"I don't know if any of you are out there tonight, in all this snow... I don't think you are... But... please, if you are out there tonight... I... I..."

I wish... I hope... I dream... I pray. By the princesses' rule, light my way. Those are the very words I spoke, my own wish to the stars. My wish, to show I could do something for once. Everyone else said I couldn't do anything... then It happened. As I was giving up, I shed a tear which froze as quickly as it came. It fell from the corner of my eye and touched my leg, It twinkled, then fell onto the cloud in front of me. I heard its sound clearly. 

"Wait... that wasn't snow." I got down and scooped the little piece of frozen ice in my hoof as gently as I could.

Then I started to hear it, the stars. They were twinkling all around me. 

"Snow... snow is..." I was silenced by the wind, the shooting starts rushed past my ears making the most beautiful sound.

I started to recall what my mother said after that, about my hearing. I listen better then anypony else, anypony she knew. She told me that there are all sorts of stars, different shapes and sizes, and that they had pointed edges. I pulled a weather from my right wing and got down, laying the star in front of me. I took my feather and started to make edges in its odd shape. I used the end of my feather to do this, make the little grooves and such, I put holes in it for spaces to sparkle, and I remembered the shooting stars she mentioned, and how they carry your strongest wishes. It was here I realized that winter... winter shouldn't be shunned, or hated. Winter was sad, miserable, it needed ponies to care about it. When I felt I was finished, I blew my feather away and scooped it up. I spent.. I think an hour out there before my mother came out looking for me. She called my name in a worried tone and asked me to come inside.

"Snowdrop! What are you doing?! It's freezing out there! Please come inside."

"Mother..? Mother, look!" I flew over to her and landed just inches away. "Look, mother!" I had the largest smile I ever had. I held out my hoof and showed her the star.

"Snow? You wanted to show me... snow?"

I shook my head. "Look closer mother, it's not snow, it's a star." I continued to hold my smile for a very long time. All through the night and through the next day.

The following day, before the spring sunrise, Ms. Windith excused me from school, that made me sad a little, but I didn't care very much, I had my gift, and I determined to present it. I spent a majority of that day trying to perfect it, trying to perfect my star. Then the spring sunrise came. Mother and I were running late, Princess Celestia was preparing to choose a gift to be the centennial symbol, then I arrived.

"Wait!" I called out as my mother and I pushed past everypony to the front.

I stood at the front of the group, beside the other kids from school. They started talking about my arrival and how I hadn't showed up to school the day before.

"Snowdrop?" Ms. Windith asked.

"Forgive us the interruption, your Highness, it's just that--" Before my mother could finish, I spoke up.

"I've been working so hard! Please, I have a gift for the seasons too and-"

"I doubt that." Said Cumulo.

I simply faced down at her comment. Once again I began to doubt myself, it was only a moment until the princess asked to see it. Mother urged me forward, and I stepped toward the princesses with my star in my hoof. I stopped in front of... I-I think it was Celestia, and held up my star for all to see. Cirrus was confused at my gift, Cumulo thought it was silly of me to do so, and my other classmates thought I grabbed the wrong gift on the way there, and another just didn't get it.

"It's not snow, I made a star."

"A star? It doesn't even look like one. You can't make stars!"

I started getting annoyed. "Maybe it doesn't look like one but it's still a star! It's a star for winter!"

I couldn't see what the stars looked like up there. I can't see what spring looks like either. But I could hear it all, the wonderful sounds. I heard the snow twinkling just like the stars do every night. I believed they should be able to grant wishes too. All that time winter had been giving us a gift, but we'd just been ignoring it. Celebrating spring was good, winter couldn't have been all bad if it gave us things such as those stars, winter was dark back then, and cold, and that didn't mean there wasn't any good in it. Winter was sad we had all been hating it, and making wishes on its snow, just like the stars at night, might give us a happy winter. The other seasons were happy, all but winter which truly needed something, it needed us to care for it.

My my that brings back so many memories, I haven't recalled anything that well in so long. My words seemed to have had a profound effect on a very special pony, I can only call my closest, and dearest friend... Princess Luna stepped forward, and she spoke to me.

"May we see your wishing snow?"

I held up my hoof again, and felt the star leave my hoof. A few seconds passed, then I heard Princess Celestia.

"Is it possible you could make us some more?"

I gasped with delight and nodded happily. The whole class was shocked, the other pegasi were happy, my mother and teacher were very proud, which I came to find out after the ceremony. I spent the next year making more stars. I felt important for once in my starting life. By my eleventh birthday the stars were ready. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna arrived back in Cloudsdale, the weather team loaded up buckets of stars and placed them in the clouds, at least that's what I believed. I threw the first snowflake which became a tradition for me, every year I'd throw the first snowflake, but now that duty is passed to my eldest daughter, Firn. That following year was one of the most celebrated in Equestria's history. Winters were calm from then on, and I got my cutie mark. However I only made so many stars until it became too much for me. I taught the weather ponies today how to care and create my wishing snow, and I hope my teachings will continue for generations to come.


~~~


"And that children, is the end of my tale." Snowdrop smiled widely at the class.

Medly started stamping her hooves in applause with the fillies and colts, who tamped their front hooves on their desks. Skylight smiled warmly toward her grandmother and applauded her alongside the class.

"Thank you everpony, you're too kind."

Medly approached the old mare with a smile. "Thank you Lady Snowdrop. Now class you may ask Lady Snowdrop one question, that's one for each of you."

Snowdrop smiled. "I don't mind if they want ask more then one question dear."

"Are your sure? I don't overload you."

"I'm sure Ms. Medly. Have a little faith in me." Snowdrop sounded very sure, more so then Medly did about letting the student ask more then one question. 

Medly looked at Skylight and sighed with a smile. "Alright Lad Snowdrop." She turned her head away from Snowdrop to look in the direction of the class. "You heard our guest children, feel free to ask as many questions you like."

"But how can she tell when we raise our hooves? Isn't she... blind?"

Snowdrop chuckled. "that doesn't mean I can't see little one. The sound you make paints a picture in my mind of what everything looks like, only when that sound bounces off an object. As long as you make a sound, I can hear you."

A unicorn filly on the last row on the right at the back raised her hoof, she tapped on the table to allow Snowdrop to tell where she was. The elder pegasus moved her head in the filly's direction and smiled.

"Yes, child?"

"How did you and Cumulo Nimbus become friends?" The filly asked with curiosity.

"She didn't pick on me as often as I may have lead you all to believe, I helped her when she needed it. Her family was going through a hard time, so I sat by her and listened to her thoughts, I told her to unleash her anger onto me, and she started yelling at me, venting her frustration until she ran out of anger. I won't go into detail of what happened, just that she changed. She grew to be patient, kinder, and came to think about others. Time can change a pony, like me. I wasn't always this way, I used to be quite shy and doubtful as I explained, but I grew more confident during my teens, I even married a bit too early, earlier then my mother would have liked."

Snowdrop started laughing to herself, much to the classes confusion. Skylight scrunched her face, containing her laughter. She leaned closer to Medly and whispered. 

"Listen to this."

Snowdrop stopped laughing and regained her composure. Another filly raised her hoof, making the same tapping her classmate made to get the mare's attention. Snowdrop instantly turned her head in that direction of the young pegasus, her ears reacting to the sound first.

"H-How old were you when you got married?"

"Wave Runner!" Medly was appalled by Wave Runner's question.

"No It's okay Medly. I don't mind." Snowdrop contained her laughter. "Well since you wish to know how old I was, I must first ask that none of you make my mistake, my marriage wasn't a mistake, just my decision to go through with it at that age. I was almost seventeen on my wedding night to be honest, even I was a bad mare once."

The students all giggled while Medly looked at Snowdrop then to her students, then back to Snowdrop.

"This isn't something you'd..." She looked back at the class. "Please don't follow her example children!" Medly said with extreme worry.

The class, Snowdrop and Skylight laughed.

"But with all seriousness children, don't make my mistake, it was silly of me to do so. My husband and I didn't even start living together until we were both nineteen. It was a silly decision, but I have no regrets, I loved him so much."

"Was he that colt you mentioned?" Asked an earth pony filly.

Snowdrop lowered her head in what was a mixture of happiness but complete sadness. "He was, he was a silly, reckless showoff, a sweetheart, a dutiful husband, faithful and caring, and he was the most amazing father to our children." Snowdrop lifted her head, wiping a tear away.

Medly frowned at Snowdrop and looked to the class. "Class, that's enough of those questions, they are off topic and irrelevant to the subject. I know it's fascinating, but please I implore that you ask questions that are a little less personal..."

Skylight looked at Snowdrop and started frowning. "There's more to him then that, isn't there Grandma?" Skylight thought to herself.

The questions kept coming each filly asked different tings related all her eighty seven Spring sunrises she's celebrated since that day all those years ago, snowdrop would answer each and everyone of them. An hour went by and Snowdrop was still being questioned. She didn't tire of the questions, and answered each one happily.

"Now class we have time for one more question, we've been on topic so far so lets keep it that way shall we? I know a lot of yous till have questions but Lady Snowdrop has to go shortly. Does anypony have one more question?"

A colt raised his hoof and tapped on the desktop. 

"What is your question dear?" Snowdrop asked.

"Would you relive that day, if you could?"

Snowdrop smiled warmly. "Despite how much doubt, and pity I had for myself, I would. Because that day helped me find my closest friend, erased all doubt in my mind, and marked the beginning of winters wishing stars. It was a wonderful day, one of many I'd certainly love re-live."

"But the stars didn't come until the winter after that." Said Fireball.

"Yes, the following winter. You've been listening." Snowdrop was happy that they were listening.

The school bell rang, signalling the end of class, and Snowdrops visit. The fillies and colts in the class started getting ready to go out into the yard while Medly watched on.

"Class, what do we say to Lady Snowdrop?"

The students all looked at Snowdrop and thanked her for her visit. "Thank you for visiting Lady Snowdrop!" They all said together.

Snowdrop smiled. "You're very welcome children. Thank you to Ms. Medly, who invited me to visit."

Medly smiled. "You're welcome Lady Snowdrop."

The fillies all gathered around Snowdrop while the colts went outside to play in the snow. Snowdrop was surprised and laughed quite merrily at the sudden crowding. The fillies had seen Snowdrops gold and silver wedding band and were curious about it, the fillies were asking all at once what is was. Skylight headed toward the door, looking back and Snowdrop for a moment before stepping out and waiting by the door.

"Lady Snowdrop, what kind of bracelet is that?" Said Kimono.

"This old thing?" Snowdrop put her right off over the bracelet.

The fillies nodded with smiles all around. Snowdrop smiled a little differently now, it began to take on a tinge of sadness as she thought of her dearly beloved. Her eyes grew misty, and her throat started to hurt.

"This my little pony's... this is my wedding band. I've worn it ever since my wedding, roughly eighty years ago. Even after his passing I rarely take it off, only when I need to take it off do I ever remove it. Fifteen years and I still... I still..."

The fillies all started to hug Snowdrop together, surprising the old mare who shed tears. She returned the hugs of each of them all at once and smiled.

"Thank you girls, I'll be alright, you all run along now, I want to think for a bit."

Snowdrop let go of the fillies, all of which let go of her and went outside, each one saying goodbye as they passed. Snowdrop smiled as they did, but when all was silent she lowered her head and delved into her thoughts for a while. When the fillies had all left and Snowdrop was silent, Ember emerged from her hiding place under the desk and looked around for everypony else. She looked at Snowdrop who lifted her head and smiled.

"Don't be afraid little one, I won't hurt you."

Ember was startled and hid shyly. "Y-You know I'm here?"

"I knew you were here the whole time, child. What's your name?"

"Em-Ember..." The filly said with a tremble in her voice.

Snowdrop frowned. "What's the matter, Ember? From the cadence of your voice I can tell you are upset. You can talk to me, it's okay."

Ember looked at Snowdrops cutie mark, then at her own flank. "I'm a blank flank..."

Snowdrop blinked in surprise. "A blank flank? I've never heard of that before."

Ember hung her head, her ears folded. "It means I have no cutie mark... I'm not special..."

"When I was a filly, a long time ago, some kids at my school would call one another bare backs if they didn't have a cutie mark. It was an awful name, and "blank flank" sounds even worse. Ember, is that really what you believe? That you're not special."

Ember shook her head. "I don't know. I'm just unsure on what my talent could be. I want to fly like Wonderbolt captain Firefly and Ms. Medly, or disappear like a unicorn... I'm an earth pony, I can't do those thing. I'm worried what my talent might be, it's eating me away..." Ember started whimpering.

"If you were listening to my story then I'm sure you know that you and I are the same. I too was swallowed up in self pity, worry and doubt at your age, much like you are now. But when I made the stars, I realized my talent was to bring snow every winter, making the stars and sending them to the ground below for a calm winter, fully of wishes and happiness. Oh dear, I'm going to start rambling again."

Ember looked up to Snowdrop. "How would you know? We aren't alike at all..."

"You'd be surprised, dear. If I may impart some of my wisdom to you, I'd like to say that; being a "blank flank" as you put it, isn't as bad as you may think. You have a chance at being something great, something spectacular. When I got my cutie mark, I had no Idea I had it until my mother spoke up, it made me who I am. A flower in winter, who stood against the cold winds, and blossomed into the pony I am today. Your talent make's you who you are, it just take's a while to find yourself. Tell me Ember, what did you like to do before you got down in the dumps about your cutie mark?"

Ember started smiling. "Well... my mommy said that I had a burning passion to be happy and make other ponies happy... Like my smile sparks embers of happiness like a bright star in the sky." Ember started to smile, her trembling voice gone and replaced with a happy, cheery and sweet voice.

"Your mother sounds like a very sweet mare." Snowdrop chuckled.

Skylight re-entered the school house to retrieve her grandmother. She saw Snowdrop was talking with Ember and stopped to watch them.

"Lady Snowdrop..."

"Hm?" 

"W-Were you and Princess Luna, friends."

Skylight looked at the filly, then slowly looked at Snowdrop to see how she would react.

Snowdrop smiled and took a deep breath. "She was my best friend, and the closest I've ever had to a sister."

Ember smiled and hugged Snowdrop. "I hope I can be your friend too."

Snowdrop paused for a moment, slowly, she brought her old wings around and returned Embers hug, closing her pale eyes and smiling. Skylight watched on and tried to remember the last time she was hugged the way Ember was.

"I was just a filly when you hugged me like that, wasn't I grandma." She looked down and sighed.

Snowdrop and Ember let go of the hug. 

"How do you feel now Ember?"

Ember's smile stayed, her frown and sad personality gone, bringing ember back to her old self. "Happier, I feel much happier now."

"That's better. Nopony should be as glum as you were, nopony your age that is. When ponies get to my age, they can be as sad as they have to be."

Ember hugged Snowdrop once again before letting go. "You don't have to be sad Lady Snowdrop..."

"Please dear, call me Snowdrop."

Skylight tapped her hoof on the floor, looking down at her hooves while she did. Snowdrops ears twitched and reacted to the sound. She turned her head in Skylights direction and sighed.

"You'd better go outside now Ember, please keep on smiling. There will be times for sadness, but always be happy, everyday, and share your joy with everypony around you. Someday, those embers of happiness will become a star."

The young filly nodded and thanked Snowdrop, she stepped away from the mare and headed toward the door. She ran past Skylight who lifted her left front leg and her left wing while she watched. The cream colored pegasus giggled and looked over to Snowdrop. The old mare was walking over to Skylight, stopping just in front of her and letting out a sigh of content. Skylight looked at Snowdrop, while Snowdrop faced her. The old mare held out her left wing to Skylight who stood beside Snowdrop, and laid her right wing over her grandmothers left. The cream colored pegasus lead Snowdrop out of the school house, where the entire class and Ms. Medly were waiting to say goodbye. Skylight stopped, and so did Snowdrop.

"Lady Snowdrop, the students and I would like to once again thank you for visiting our wonderful school. Lady Snowdrop..."

"Thank you for coming to our school!" The students all said together with their teacher.

Snowdrop shed tears at this, she felt smothered in gratitude, in a good way. She bowed her head and spoke in a voice that betrayed her attempt to keep calm.

"Y-You're a-all v-very welcome, m-my little ponies." Her tears streaked down her cheek, turning to ice once they began their fall to the ground.

A small amount of time passed after that. Skylight and Snowdrop were heading back to the tea shop they had visited earlier for some brunch.

"After brunch we're heading straight back to Cloudesdale, okay Grandma?"

"Very well dear... If you think that is best." Snowdrop sighed.

After rounding a corner, both mare's found themselves back in the circular area where the cafe was. Knowing where they were, Skylight lead Snowdrop over to the cafe again, where they stepped inside, the door bell ringing at the doors opening. Skylight and Snowdrop found the same seats they sat in that morning to be empty.

"Here Grandma, please sit, I'll go get your tea, and I'll get myself some coffee." Skylight snorted and walked over to the counter.

Snowdrop sighed and got up onto the chair. She sat down, and waited for Skylight to come back. During this time however, the old mare's breathing grew heavier, she took two quick breaths as if trying to get more air into her lungs before she could properly breath again, even then it took a few moments to recover. The old mare placed her right hoof over her chest, and shortly realized what was wrong. Instead of reacting with fear, she simply closed her eyes, and smiled contently.

"No my granddaughter... There are things I need to do..." 


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