//------------------------------//
// The Cottage 
// Story: Why Don't You Love Me Anymore Celestia? 
// by RustyNails4 
//------------------------------//


Why Don't You Love Me Anymore Celestia?



Chapter 3



The Cottage


Philomena soared high in the sky and away from the castle. She looked back at the castle. She was flying farther and farther away from her beloved master. She knew in her heart that no matter what she will always love Celestia. She would always be Philomena's mother, even if she wasn't a phoenix.

Celestia, raised her from an egg, she taught her how to eat, how to fly, how to sing, dance, and talk. Philomena never thought things would end up this way. Celestia was in her eyes a mother. She had always felt safe curled up under Celestia's pure white wings during loud thunderstorms. She would keep Celestia warm during the chilly winter months. Philomena never thought her master, and her beloved mother would ever stop loving her.

Philomena was crying now, her vision becoming blurry as she flew over farms and forests. The tears stinging her eyes with their chilly embrace.

"Why Don't You Love Me Anymore Celestia?" Philomena thought to herself. The castle no longer in sight Philomena flew on at a steady pace. She looked away from the direction of the castle. 

After some time, Philomena remembered where she was going, she was going to live with that sweet yellow Pegasus. Philomena stopped crying, as she began thinking of cuddling with the Pegasus and being loved and cared for once again. This brought joy to the phoenix's heart. Time began to pass much faster for Philomena. 

As Ponyville came into view Philomena's wings began to ache, the bare patches of skin stinging from the crisp, cool spring air. Flapping her wings faster and faster Philomena gained speed. Her body was screaming at her to stop flying, her muscles burning from her long journey. Her stomach began protesting, the sharp pain urging her to stop and eat. Philomena ignored the pain and pressed on.

It did not take much longer for her to reach Fluttershy's cottage. Philomena slowed and looked for spot to land. She nearly gave a family of small songbirds heart attacks as she landed near their nest. The little birds trembled with fear, unsure if Philomena was going to eat them. To their surprise Philomena gave them a friendly chirp. The little song birds relaxed no longer feeling threatened by the Phoenix, they returned her greeting with a small chorus of peeps and chirps. 

They heard a soft voice followed by the singing of song sparrows. Philomena's heart skipped a beat, she had finally found the Pegasus. She attempted to fly to the mare but her wings would not cooperate. The exhaustion from her long flight from the castle was finally catching up to her.  Her wings hardly moved, emitting a sharp burning pain that caused her to cry out. 

The Pegasus heard Philomena's cry of distress and quickly ran over to see what had happened.

"Philomena?" The Pegasus asked as she ran over to the branch where the Phoenix had been resting. "Philomena are you hurt?"  she said, her voice was filled with concern and worry for the poor bird.

Philomena replied with a feeble caw as she nodded her head. Philomena slowly spread her wings, they shook from the pain. Fluttershy flew up to Philomena and scooped her up with her front legs. 

"Oh you poor thing. Don't worry Philomena, I'll have you feeling better in no time. I promise." She said as she flew over to the door of the cottage. She carefully entered and set Philomena down on a soft fluffy pillow.