Mud the Kelpie

by Topazzia

Hold Your Breath

Whether the Tree of Harmony new about household decoration or not, the fact it formed a divot in the roof for a pool was a surprise when the ponies actually got to exploring the massive structure. And after Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy helped gather enough rain clouds to fill it, it became a perfect relaxation spot. But for testing the lung capacity of a new aquatic mammal, it is the perfect choice.

Twilight stood at the very edge of the tiles, leaning over the water to see better. Her eyes filled with amazement and flicking her gaze to the water and to the chain watch. Starlight however was laying back on one of the lawn chairs, completely asleep.

The princess smiled big, staring at the watch. “Almost two hours… This is so exciting!”
Starlight rolled over.
“Extra cheese…” She mumbled.

Mud floated just above the bottom, her hind hooves dragging on the stone. Her eyes closed and her mouth clamped shut while she dozed on. Her ears flattened against her head to keep water from flowing in, the her nose released only a couple tiny bubbles now and then. The water was warm and her own body heat became insulated under the surface. It was a pleasant enough feeling that Mud had also fallen to sleep.

She dreamed about fish and frogs at first, how she used to hunt them, and after failing too many times she went to find turtles. But the thing about swamp turtles, is that she could never remember the difference between the ones that bite, and the ones that don’t.

But when the memories of being so embarrassed by being chased by turtles and never being quick enough to catch a fish, the simplest things a kelpie could do, Mud than dreamed about her new fortune in the ponies just giving her the best food ever. She never would have to worry about hunting, or any sneaking gazes looking to make fun of her at any opportunity.

But dreaming about food only made her hungry, and sitting at the bottom of a pool wasn’t going to help with that. Mud blinked open her eyes, the clear scales shielding them from the slightly less warm water, and her body heat, which would have made it seem cooler. The kelpie began rising to the surface, stomach growling as she went.

Sleep still tugged at her, making moving her arms and legs sluggish as she slid up and onto the hard sun warmed flooring. Taking a deep breath of clean Spring air, she finished pulling herself up and sat back on her haunches, eyes closed.

Twilight gave a slight jump as she wrote down the time, “Two hours! That beats your record from this morning!”
Mud smiled a bit, letting a purr rise in her throat.

The alicorn laid a wing over the kelpie’s shoulder, pulling her close. “What should we do now? Starlight?”
The two looked up at the sleeping unicorn, who startled awake.

“Uh? Two number forty-fives…” She passed out again.

Twilight smiled, “Great idea, let’s get some lunch first.”
Mud’s eyes opened up, and her soaked tail began swinging side to side. Just one shrill and excited bark, forced Starlight to startle awake, ready to go.

Author's Note:

bit of kelpie facts

there are art pieces of Mud on DeviantArt, search Topazzia or Child of the Swamp :)