Chapter 3
We pull into Appleloosa's main drag a little after 9 o'clock that night. The sun having gone down about an hour ago the town was bathed in the blue light of Princess Luna's moon, shining like a street light over the small desert oasis of civilization. The town is new, a little less than five years old, and boasting a growing population of only around a hundred residents, which is expected to steadily grow now with further expansion and the growing Apple Orchard from my relations. As such a few lights are still on in the windows of the Inn and Saloon, ready to welcome the new comers we brought with us.
As per the usual, the wagons branch off to their various destinations in town, each throwing us a grateful wave as they depart. Number four in particular, gives an energetic wave as they pass us.
"T'anks again, son." The white earth pony in a floral tropical shirt calls in his thick north Hoofdale accent, doffing his gawdy wicker hat in salute as he passes by my more than usual red faced brother.
"And we will be sure to tell our daughter all about you." His pink unicorn wife exclaims with a toothy smile before snapping another shot with her camera. The resulting flash makes me see spots for a while thereafter.
Knowing well that he needs to be polite to customers, Cross forces a smile and waves back. "Sounds lovely, ma'am. You two have a good rest of your trip." He says through clenched teeth.
When they are out of sight, Cross finally breaks down. "Oh thank Faust, they're gone."
"They seemed nice to me," I said, being honest, but more trying to be a smart Alec, "and they were gonna hook you up with their daughter?" I said enthusiastically, nudging him with my foreleg.
"Forget it!" He says pushing my hoof away and turning up his nose at the thought. "She a seamstress in Ponyville. Ah don't need some nutty unicorn potion maker bangin' on my door." He says with a shiver.
"...A 'seamstress' is somepony who makes clothes, dummy." I say flatly.
"Whatever." He says dismissively with a yawn and a stretch of his limbs. "Ah'm headin' home, night y'all." With that, he kicks off and I can make out his outline heading toward the direction of our family ranch, just a stone's throw outside of town.
As the last wagon passes, I lean off the Roadster and take a peek into the back. Glory lay there, curled up and passed out not twenty minutes before we pulled into town.
"She was so proud that her route worked." I hear Momma say coming up behind me.
"Yeah." I smile, love in my heart for my baby as I pull a blanket over her to keep out the desert chill for the short ride home.
"Ah can take her home, darlin'" Momma says softly, before she narrows her eyes at me with a mischievous smirk. "Word on the line was you 'lost a tussle' and owe a certain coworker dinner?"
I tense up and feel my face go red, and even in the dim light I know my mother can tell. I open my mouth to try and deny or even defend my honor but she beats me to it.
"Well it weren't the way ah'd do it, but you did finally ask him out." She says with a girlish giggle, bumping her wither against mine, a Cheshire grin distinctly visible in the moonlight.
"IT'S NOT- HOW DID!?" I try to start but then realize what's the point? "...maybe..." I finally admit slumping a bit.
Momma smiles wider, if that's possible, then her expression softens. "It's been ten years, baby. Ah know that sleaze ball hurt you when he ran off," her expression darkens at the mention of Glory's father, but instantly melts back to tenderness, 'but you got a beautiful lil filly out of it." She adds running a hoof gently through Glory's orange mane, a hum of contentment escapes the little dreaming mare's lips as she leans into the familiar caress. "Take a shot. I think you'll find that it's not as big of a gamble as you might guess." She then uses a hoof and tips my eyes so I am looking right into hers. "And don't you ever be ashamed 'bout your feelings."
I inhale sharply as I look into her honest and loving eyes. I can't help but be a little choked up. Momma is so tough and she rarely shows a tender side like this, but when she does, it's real, and completely from her heart.
In fear I might start to blubber a bit, I utter what I can. "...'kay." It comes out a hair above a whisper, but it's loud enough and speaks volumes between the two of us.
The mare who raised me pulls me into a warm hug, which I gladly return. She then moves back to the hitch of the family wagon and latches herself in.
Before she pulls off, I hook my forelegs over the side of the Roadster and lean in to my daughter.
"Traitor." I whisper down to her and smile. It doesn't take a detective to figure out she had blabbed to Momma that I lost that wrestling match to Ranger, and his price to let me out of one his painless, but immobilizing holds, was dinner at his favorite greasy spoon when we got back, and I had to treat. I lean down and she smiles in her sleep as I kiss her on the forehead goodnight.
"Just one question, Winding." Momma says as she sured up the hitch.
"Yeah, Momma?"
"Did you throw the fight or did he really have you kissin' the canvas?"
She doesn't wait for answer, instead she just chuckles a bit at my mute indignation and rolls on out of town. The truth was the latter but the idea that she thought the former was just as bad. Instead, I just kick at the dirt and stomp off.
"Why is everypony naggin' on me today?" I growl to myself.
"I told you, you make it so easy." A familiar voice comes from above. I look up to see Ranger peering down at me from the top of the Appleloosa water tower. How he managed to squirrel up there without anypony noticing was beyond me, but the fact that he heard me muttering to myself all the way down here was something I had grown accustomed to. That stallion has 'rabbit ears', that's the only explanation for it.
"So," I say arching my neck up to meet his gaze, "shall we get going?"
"In a minute." He says casually, before pulling his head back from the edge. After a moment of silence I spread my wings and ascend to the top with a series of light flaps and leaps. I come to the top of the red wood tower to find him sitting on his haunches, and its no surprise to me that he is staring up at the stars.
This was a usual tradition for him. Whether on the trail or back on the homestead, I would find him outside just staring off into Luna's painted night sky. Those first few weeks it was a manic, frantic affair. His eyes would be desperately searching for something, anything familiar. As the months past, it became more subdued, until eventually it just became a quiet pastime before he turned in for the night.
I remember the first night I sat out with him. At first it was just another silent affair. We didn't speak of why we were out there, even though I knew it wasn't the view, not entirely. Eventually I got to telling him all about the constellations and the stories behind them; the ones Daddy told me. Then he got to telling me about the things he and his father did together, and that bled into things he did with his family, his children, and his...wife.
I come up quietly from behind, trying not disturb my friend. On my approach I take a moment and regard the stallion before me. He was a strong, certainly tough, and about as brave as they come, but against the backdrop of the vastness of the sky he looked so small and unassuming. Insignificant. Above all else though, he looked so...lost.
"Princess Luna is spoiling us tonight." He says, not taking his eyes off the canvas that was dotted with millions of sparkling stars only partially dimmed by the bright third quarter moon.
"Yeah, Princess Celestia may have painted the night for the last thousand years," I come to a seat next to the big guy, "but her sister does have more of a flare for what she does best."
He gives a quiet affirmation before we drift back into a companionable silence.
After a few minutes he speaks up, "You don't really have to take me out." His voice level and reverent in the hallowed silence of the night.
"A deal is a deal." I insist proudly. "B'sides I am a bit hungry." I admit, feeling the ache for something substantial to eat apart from the beans, apples, dry grass, and hard tack we had got the last four days on the trail. "And your not the worst company to have." I hope he didn't notice me blush when I said that.
Either way, Ranger chuckles lightly as he looks down to the horizon. The barren landscape is basked in a blanket of muted blue; a stark contrast to the copper red it has during the day. A small desert wind whips past and causes me to shudder a bit, as the chill cuts through me. I look down and close up my jacket and roll the collar up. It helps, but a sudden shift in the roof of the water tower startles me for a moment...and then wind is no longer a problem.
I look up to find that Ranger has scooted closer to me and is now gently pressing his side against mine to help keep me warm and block the wind. Its by no means a lewd, nor overly forward gesture; ponies after all are social creatures and contact helps us bond as friends. However, he didn't always share that understanding or belief, making this moment something of no minor significance. I look over to see he isn't looking at me, in fact he is doing his best to hide his eyes with his cap tilted down, and I swear I can detect the hint of his own blush beneath the shade of the brim. Doing what feels right, I press back against him, savoring the feeling as the warmth of bodies feed into one another.
It's quiet for the longest time, all I can hear is his steady breath and my heart pounding in my chest like a sledgehammer.
Momma's words echo in my mind, so 'I take a shot'. I slowly turn my head and gently press the brim of my hat against his chin allowing it to push off my head and fall back onto my neck. The stampede strap goes taught and I find myself in the very comfortable but VERY forward position of being snugly pressed against his neck. My head tucked beneath his chin, and now my heart is beating louder then a locomotive.
I half expect him to shuffle back confused or repulsed. But neither happens. Instead he seems to lean back into me, letting out a heavy breath as I feel him relax into my affection.
'Oh sweet Luna, please don't let this be a dream.' I beg to the Princess whose night sky made this moment happen, and whose world of dreams could make it all a cruel fantasy.
"This is a big step." His voice comes quietly above me.
Confused, I reluctantly tilt my head back to face him, but leave my body pressed to him. His face has a tender smile on it. "For... ponies. Isn't it?"
At that moment, I slowly feel my resolve buckle. "A-ah ain't tryin' to be...pushy, or forward. Ah'd understand...if you don't feel ready...to...move on." All of the sudden, this seems like the worst idea I ever had and I can feel panic start to creep through my mind. I pull away as I feel my heart sink and my courage utterly abandons me.
"Ah'm sorry, Ah shouldn't of done that." I take a step back, and flare my wings. I want to bolt, I want to fly away, far away from my mistake and never look back. I feel so bad that I can't look at him, and feel tears come to my eyes.
"Ah-ah was only t-thinking of what ah wanted. I didn't even consider...how different....this would be for you." Tears begin to fall freely as my legs begin to buckle.
Just as I feel my world is about to break, I feel a pair of grey hooves wrap around me and pulls me close once more. The action eases my anxiety but only just so.
"It's okay, Windy." He coos softly into my ear. "Please...don't leave." With those words I fall limp into his embrace and bury my head into his chest. We stay like that for a time, he cradles me in his forelegs as the last of my bottled up fear and doubt ebb away with each dwindling sob that escapes me. All that I feel now is the warm embrace of the pony I came to care so deeply for....
the pony who I selfishly wanted for myself...the pony who could never go home again.
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(reads description)
You know, for some reason this reminds me of
6673724 yes, but their will be no "laying of money down" nor selling of bottles of Dr.Good
I found this story by accident and now I want MORE! I like the perspective you choose to write it in. It's something rare and you did a great job with it. I'm looking forward to more
6673923
thank ya. So glad you found it! This was suppose to be a one shot but grew bit by bit.
I hope to keep you interested.
Great job! I know I said it before but I really am loving it. Keep up the good work!
LateBronyWriter
6674487 I owe you a 'mention' when I get to it.
thank ya!
I loved this chapter. Had me smiling all the way through. From Rarity's world traveling parents and Cross thinking a seamstress is a potion maker, to Glory's moment and finally the spark of a relationship! This chapter bumped you up to favourites XD
I love it, and I want more of it, and I want it now
I read this out of curiousity and found to not be dissapointing at all. Love the perspective and pacing with a thirst for more of it. Doing really great so far and hope to see more in the future.
6675668 Thanks hope to keep things rolling after the holiday
6675520 Thanks a bunch. Will get back to work after the holiday.
6675253 Oh! You caught that, ehh? I was hoping someone did. I paint Cross as the kind of guy who learns what he needs and goes for their.
Glad to have you along for the ride.
This is awesome! You've definitely got me hooked.
Is Glory's father eventually going to make an appearance? If he does, I hope that Ranger knocks out all of his teeth when they meet. Also is there any chance of Ranger, Windy and the rest of the family visiting Ponyville for the Apple family reunion in the future?
6697527 Thankya kindly. Truth be told I'm not sure what I was gonna do with this story, but I definitely was gonna have them cross pathes with the mane 6, especially Applejack
Thanks for the support hope to keep you riveted.
This is pretty good. Strong narrative voice, strong characterizations though Cross Roads and Ranger's are a little thin at the moment. Glory is adorable as all-get-out. The romance moves at a rather decent clip but she was at that stage where things are spilling over, after all.
Overall, I like it pretty much. :3
Keep up the good work.
Interesting so far. I like the feel of the story and how it's progressing. I'll be looking forward to seeing more of these characters.
You've got a number of technical errors here and there, sometimes odd capitalization or wording, but for the most part it remains relatively moderate.
6710437 Yeah, I need an editor but finding one is a lot of work.
Thanks for the support.
I am conflicted over which direction to take,
1.A romp on everyday life with Ranger and Windy taking a relationship slow, working through the cultural differences and social norms
2. Back track and show how they met
3. A switch and have them go on an adventure that could send Ranger home.
Thoughts?
6707894 Thanks a lot for the support! I really appreciate it.
Not sure which way to head with it though. What's something you would like to see? (Not a request, just fishing for feedback to make a decision.)
6712007
Well for as much of this as you have so far, it's going well. With that said, think about what motivates your characters as the most likely course they'll take. Considering the development of their personalities so far, I'll bet you already have the answer sitting in front of you.
Why not simply roll this in with little flashbacks at key moments when something makes Windy remember this or that moment when they made a new connection, worked through a faux pas of culture clash, or perhaps a moment Ranger was feeling crushed under the weight of his circumstances and Windy was there for him? I've had these kinds of questions come up with my stuff, and once had an editor say I should pick one or another direction. After a moment to consider, I ended up using both options to both have my main character degrade himself and express self-sacrificing tendencies. My favorite part of fiction is the great truth of literally being free to do anything you bloody well please, and with the right wording, it will make sense in context.
Depends greatly on what kind of feel you want. Windy suffering intense anxiety, possibly from helping Ranger leave her? An external view of Ranger trying to come to terms with getting back what he lost or accepting what he's gained? There is also the part where you need to decide if you want an adventure feel, or if a slice of life romance like you have so far is what you're after.
You've got a good base to continue on from, and I think that, regardless of the direction you take, if you continue giving it honest consideration as it appears you have done, you will have something worth reading. Personally, I write what the story tells me to when I'm on my own stuff. I let the characters take over their own responses. I consider the background events of each character's life and how those things affect them in their present state. I do the same with the events of the world around the characters, such as history that led to this or that, such as one of my current efforts (ancient history in the same verse as my main effort) where I'm exploring earth ponies gaining social and military parity with pegasi and unicorns.
I suppose the most concise way of expressing what I'm trying to say is simply to consider everything, and most of this focus is on the most directly relevant pieces of the story. In this case, definitely the characters and their interactions.
6712087 Wow! Input GOLD!
Your right, I did have a plan but I was trying to feel it out for its implementation, because it coincides with someone else's fic. I wanted to lean towards making it my own but I like how I had it written. It might take some considerable time to make it more original, but either way.
The real problem I want Ranger to face is his conflicting feelings about being in Equestria and the temptation of moving on with his duty as a father and husband to return to Earth. This will be seen through Windy's eyes and it will tear her apart wanting to be there for him but the end game being him possibly leaving.
That's great advice implementing both, sorta Tarantino's it telling the story out of order. Not the first time someone told me to go with both ideas, and that's where it's golden.
Thanks a lot, you have given me much sage wisdom to ponder.
6712214 Tch, I don't know about any "sage wisdom" you might have heard. I barely know what the crap I'm doing with my own stuff!
One other thing to always remember though, and something I personal adhere to. Write what YOU would personally want to read, would possibly even read a second time or more. You can't please everyone, so please your own sense of taste as your goal first, and those that like similar things will enjoy it too. Respecting good storytelling, of course.
6712360 Pee shaw! It's perspective and a good one at that! I don't consider myself a writer, I am more of a artist...doodler, anyway. Any way, I love to talk with others about this stuff. Nobody in IRL I can.
So I look forward to your insight in the future
6712938 Well, in order to have a chance of further perspectives, you'll have to write and post more.
6713138 Quite so
6712036
You can probably mix 1. and 3. together and let the dilemma of choosing between leaving or staying hit the new couple in the climax. Or finding out in the end, he still couldn't leave.
... I'm a bad person. D:
This... this right here. All of this. All of it. I want...
i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/facebook/000/169/432/nic_cage_moar.gif
Nice idea, followed by good story telling, world building and interesting characters.
Some typos and punctuation errors here and there.
"Its" -> "It's"
"your" -> "you're"
"must of" vs. "must've or must have"
To name a few. I'd point out the quote but typing on a phone is hardly easy as it is. Though, that can probably be easily taken cared of with a once-over. Looking past that, I love the characters, Glory and Windy in particular. I wouldn't have taken Windy for being a mother from how she acts. Glory is just adorable. With the story following a traveling caravan, I wonder what else is going to happen. Especially with poor Ranger's predicament. Man's got a family to think about! Also makes me wonder why Windy can just go along with his story.
Alright, I'll keep track of this.
6921822 I always have trouble with those. That and "their", "there", and "they're". It just never stuck. I am using google docs now and that seems to catch those things, so hopefully that will patch those up.
As for the story, yeah I loved writing Windy! I see her as Applejack (best pony) mixed in with a little Tifa from Final Fantasy 7. Glory I based greatly off of one of my students, smart as a whip, but retaining that child like spirit.
I am attempting to write more of it, but I am stuck, unsure of which direction to take.
I may just go with it, and see where it leads me.
6921834
I'd say just write and let the story take you were it will, maybe after awhile something will pop up you could expand on. I have really enjoyed this thus far.