To say that life is simple for Berry Punch, regular of the pubs and bars of Ponyville, would be understating her routine. Go to work; deal with mental anguish at the hooves of unrelenting mares, stallions, or whoever, who thought they could push around managers and service workers; then go to one of her favorite establishments to forget the day. The Hearth's Warming season is no different, and in fact, brings more reason to end each evening in a mental fog. Who can have an enjoyable time while they live alone and rarely meet with anyone during the holidays?
However, at some point, everypony needs a little help to get out of a rut, and after a particularly difficult day, she might finally have the pony to help nudge her on the right path. Somepony just as broken as her. Just with a little magic inside her.
This epic has been written for Winter_Solstice for Jinglemas 2023.
Once again, an infinite thanks to Everfree Pony for editing this. Cover art by slushpony.
This is amazing! I want you to know I truly appreciate you going above and beyond like this, for you certainly did not have to do it!
I simply love the world-building you're doing so far, and you've done an excellent job of bringing all the characters to life and giving them meaning. The visuals are spot-on as well, for I could feel myself in the snowbank with Berry, hear the crunch of her hooves over the snow...and unfortunately, relate FAR too well with her addiction. Although, as one who has imbibed many, many a drink, one does not mix wine with beer, nor scotch with hard cider! Not unless one wishes to become violently ill, very quickly!
I'll probably finish the rest tomorrow once I'm good and rested; I made the colossal mistake of accepting too many story requests, so I have to turn my energies there and keep my mind fresh. But know that I LOVE this story already, and I thank you for a wonderful Present!
I think it's easy to sing praises, but I'll do it anyway. This was absolutely phenomenal. You do such an amazing job of setting the scene, painting such a vivid image for the reader while still doing a fantastic job of keeping the story flowing. Not to mention the way you write characters, I never would have imagined seeing these two, not just in a story together, but written in such a way that gives a blend I will probably never see again from any other author. You made me love Berry and Coloratura a lot more. This is how you do characterization.
And the most important parts of the story, the most touching ones, hit as good as you intended them to, if not probably more. Easy to put in words, but I could tell I was drawn to the emotional scenes, especially the one with Berry rushing home. I'd say this is a hard thing to do since I almost never get pulled into stories like this, but these scenes definitely made me emotional.
This is already one of my favorite stories, and this'll probably stay on my mind for some time.
11784323
Thanks, Gonder! The thoughts you left here and also DMed me really made my day. I'm pleased that you were able to get into the fic so much, as that's what every author wants from their stories.
11784129
You don't know how much that means to me. I'm overjoyed at your response. I am sure that you'll enjoy the rest of the story when you have time to read it.
I suppose, yes, my one sign of inexperience (for good and bad, I suppose?) would be those drink combinations, but I'm glad it didn't detract from anything for you.
You're welcome again! Thank you for the story prompt which led to this fic. A belated Merry Christmas and Happy Hearth's Warming!
To The Author - Late merry Christmas and a happy new year!
anyways i saw this in new stories section bout 4 days ago and looking at said cover art/image going like ''hm? interesting concept. gotta read it''
in chapter two: rara's confession to berry about being a drug addict while in mane attraction was very in-cannon & absolute highlight in this whole fic!!! really incredible work
👏
note/p.s: you're probably wondering why i'm tagging my message as that.
it's specific meant for said person/author whose written the story & to prevent random users from jumping into the conversation!
11787021
Thank you for the kind words! I'm pleased that you enjoyed that section of the story, it was one of my favourite parts to write, and it made me like Rara even further.
A late Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, too!
11787334
No problem!
i wish that hasbro showed her a little bit more as a character not just a one-off guest appearance, never read the comics for mlp. although i'm glad 4 gen mlp ended the way it did cause now they're going broke! still am not forgiving them not releasing the last two seasons of mlp: friendship is magic on DVD & leaving the equestria girls film series without a conclusion/ending!
p.s: interestingly enough i had written a fic way back in 2017 that used Rara/Coloratura & berry punch in major roles
but it's left unpublish due to irl problems...nothing personal mind you just issues that couldn't be fixed in time!! if u wanna know more details just PM me, i'll answer back asap
11787393
I don't believe that either had major roles in the comics, sadly. Especially Coloratura. We all need more Coloratura.
Also, never say never with your story. Maybe you'll get it posted some day, you know? I'd be interested if it ever did see the light of day.
11787852
definitely we need more of her😇👍👍
Yeah. that's what i thought
Oh i could republish it again but not right now...way too busy with other things at the moment.
p.s: about that i'd rather explain the details of my story in a PM (private message) because there's a lot information & kinda worried bout you not liking the content surrounding it!?!
11787897
Send me a PM if you want.
That was a good story.
11822391
Thanks again. I am pleased that you liked it.