> Fluttershy's Wynter Sonnet
>  by Night Rush
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> Chapter 1
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Edited by: NyxiaStarlight
 
It was about three months since they had defeated Tirek, and with peace having retuned to the land Fluttershy had decided to go study the rare Frost Bears in the north near the Crystal Empire. It was during this time that everything in her life would change. It was a cold Wednesday morning and Celestia’s sun had not yet risen above the horizon. The wind came cutting through the mountain, blowing through the rocks and by the open mouths of caves, causing an eerie howling sound to sometimes be heard. It was at times like this, that she wished she had invited Applejack or Rainbow Dash along with her so that she had comfort that she was not alone in this winter tundra. She had chosen to go out early that morning because she wanted to set up her observation point before the bears left their cave and could spot her. She went down the side of the mountain into what appeared to be a deep ravine. On the far side of the ravine, near the western bank of the frozen river, there was a cave where she believed a family of Frost Bears lived. Slightly perpendicular from there was a formation of boulders just high enough to obscure her from the sight of her future friends, while still allowing her to watch them and get to know their habits before she tried to befriend them.

On that first day she learned that the family of Frost Bears consisted of two cubs and a mother bear.  The bears themselves were of an impressive size the cubs alone stood roughly five feet high at the shoulders when walking on all fours and were roughly four to six feet long. The mother stood nine feet high at the shoulder when on fours and appeared to be around twelve to fifteen feet in length. The cubs and mother shared the same silver blue fur like that of an ice storm. The only difference was that the two cubs had darker gray patches on their chests while the mother did not.

On the first day of observation, there was little activity from the Frost Bears and the inactivity continued for almost a full week. It was not until the seventh day that she noticed that the mother bear was acting strange. She was not leaving the cave as often and seemed to be bringing an inordinate amount of vegetation into her cave. This was strange because Fluttershy knew that Frost Bears were omnivores, and it was not normal for them to go out of their way to seek out vegetation in the colder months. From everything she knew from her research in Twilight’s Library and from her own observations of other species of bears. Frost Bears typically searched out fish to eat by breaking the ice with their tremendous strength and razor sharp claws. As more time passed Fluttershy decided that she wanted to figure out what was happening and the only way to do that was to get inside the bear’s den, and the safest way to do that was to befriend them.

Over the next five days Fluttershy slowly introduced herself to the family of bears. On the first day she let herself be seen by the bears but did not approach for fear that it would startle them and get one or all of them hurt including herself. On the second day she moved a little closer to the opposite bank of the frozen river across from the den of the bears. It was on this day that she realized that even the cubs were showing signs of unusual behavior. She noticed that one would always stay behind in the cave out of site. While the mother bear and its sibling went out and scrounged for food. When the bears returned to their cave they brought with them copious amounts of whatever edible plants and fruits they could find as well as the usual fish that was the primary part of their diet. It was as one of the cubs was coming back to the den after an unsuccessful foraging trip that it first approached Fluttershy. The grey patch on the chest of this cub was roughly in the shape of a hook and it was from that that Fluttershy started referring to it as Fisher and the other as Shadow for the young cub was always in the cave and rarely came out. The only exception to this being when it greeted its mother on her return to the cave. When Fisher approached Fluttershy for the very first time, it gave her a tentative sniff as if trying to ascertain whether or not she was threat. After having reached a non-hostile decision, Fisher walked off. That evening after all the bears had returned home, Shadow would was seen to be trying to get as close to Fluttershy as possible without leaving the area of the den’s entrance. The cub’s action further impressed upon Fluttershy that they were guarding something in that cave. Something they were very protective of. The next morning, Fluttershy was awoken by the mother bear’s approach. She seemed to be just as curious as her cubs but much more wary.

Something had changed the mother bear as well as the cubs. Fisher and Shadow seemed to be upset. Fluttershy observed the anomaly from their frantic pacing in and out of the cave and their behavior of acting as if they would approach her but hurriedly changing their mind and walking away from her, as if unsure of whether it was ok to trust her.  Things changed when she was finally approached by the mother bear, who seemed frantic and frightened.   Although frightened, Fluttershy although frightened, Fluttershy withheld a frantic cry as she backed away, shivering. The mother bear looked at her with wide, fearful eyes, seemingly at a loss for what to do. The mother bear recovered from it quickly for whatever it was causing her unusual behavior seemed to have her really stirred up.  Before Fluttershy knew it, the mother bear plucked her off the ground by the scruff of her neck and started running in the direction of her den.

                    While this is happening Fluttershy could be heard to say, “Stop…Stop please…Whatever it is that is bothering you we can figure it out.”

“...Um please?” Fluttershy asked. The mother bear slowed to a stop and whined... She put Fluttershy down and looked at the demure yellow pegasus with the pink mane as if reevaluating whatever thought process she had been running through. Fluttershy sensed that something was wrong and turned to look at the big Momma bear and noticed the panicked look in her eyes.

“Whatever is scaring you, I’d like to help...um if that’s okay that is?” Fluttershy murmured.  With a nod, the mother bear took off with just a single glance to make sure that the yellow pegasus was behind her. When she arrived at the bear’s den she noticed that neither of the cubs were out near the entrance. She waited a moment and watched the momma bear go into the den. She was trying to decide if it was okay for her to enter when the she bear came back out and stepped to the side as if making way for her to come in. Seeing this, Fluttershy went into the bear's den unsure of what to expect since there was something that made the momma bear so panicky that she would invite a stranger into her den along with her cubs. Toward the back of the cave, where the afternoon light just barely reached, Fluttershy could make out the shape of Fisher and Shadow huddled around something. She could not be sure what it was from that distance, but whatever it was must be the reason for the distress seen in the mother bear and her cubs. As she got closer to the back of the cave she noticed that whatever it was that the two cubs were huddling around was moving. With another few steps, Fisher and Shadow moved away from the small being they were sheltering. What was revealed when they moved was a young, infantile bat pony, or Thestral, and after closer inspection she discovered that the young pony was a filly but in the dim light of the cave that was all she could tell. The poor thing was shaking as if caught in some horrible nightmare. Fluttershy went to gently touch the young foal's face to wake her up only to discover the poor baby was burning up with a fever. After being in the young foal’s presence and seeing her condition she could see why the bear family became so frantic.

Giving the mother bear a measuring look she was heard to say, “Umm...I’m going to take her now…I can help her...She could get better.” the mother bear, still very wary of Fluttershy, was not allowing her to move closer to the young foal.

“Please I am begging you let me take her. I promise to help her all I can!” Fluttershy said as a desperate tear trickled down her cheek. The mother bear sensing no ill will emanating from this demure and gentle pegasus warily stepped aside, allowing Fluttershy to gently scoop the foal into her arms and fly her out of the cave to her camp where she could give the foal a fighting chance. The only thing on Fluttershy’s mind on her trip back to her camp was that she had to get this foal some treatment. The foal was obviously sick and she wanted to give the infant a fighting chance to beat whatever it was that plagued her.

“It is going to be okay.” Fluttershy whispered over and over again as she flew. She was about half way back to her camp when she was possessed by the urge to look behind her. What she saw was the entire Frost Bear family following in her wake just as concerned as she was with the little ones health possibly even more so considering they had been caring for her for probably at least the last couple of days. When she arrived at her camp she hurried inside her tent and wrapped the baby in a blanket to keep her warm. From there, she went to her bag and got out her emergency medical gear that included some herbs and other medicinal substances.

“Just hang in there” Fluttershy whispered as she set the herbs down to go outside her tent.
Once there, she addressed the bears. “Fisher, Shadow” she said addressing the cubs, “I need you to gather around the baby and keep her warm until the fire is ready and I have her medicine ready.”

Going back to pick up her herbs she looked in on the young filly who continued to shudder. She seemed to have a horrible fever dream, if the soft frightened sounds she was making were any indication. Spurred on by this further evidence of the young pony’s dire situation Fluttershy, with the teapot and herb pouch hanging from her mouth, started a fire. After the fire was started, she sat her teapot on its stand over the fire. She hurriedly went back into her tent where she got out one of her canteens of water and poured it into the pot waiting for the water to boil. Fluttershy turned to the mother bear and pulled out some fever weed from her bag of herbs. She held it out in front of the mother bear.

“I need you to find some any plants you can like this one, they should be found growing on the on the edge of warm moist areas. I know it’s cold but, maybe if you found a hot spring or a geyser you might find some...” After having said that the momma bear came up to her sniffed deeply of the herb and took off as if she had fire on her heels.

“I hope she will be okay.” Fluttershy said, thinking of both the young filly and of the mother bear. She then turned and went quickly to her tea pot which just let out a loud piercing whistle letting her know the water was ready. In the background she could hear the foal let out a pained cry having been disturbed by the high pitched piercing noise caused by the teapot.  Fluttershy carefully picked up the lid of the pot moved it aside and dropped a couple sprigs of the fever weed inside so that it could steep in the boiling water. Having done that she rushed back inside to check on the foal only to find the two cubs doing their best to comfort her and calm her down from being startled by the noise she heard. Having checked on the foal and reassured herself of her safety she decided to go and gathered some snow in her scarf to make a compress for the foal while she waited on the tea to be ready. After carefully wrapping some snow into her scarf she brought it into the tent where the cubs were huddled around the filly she placed the snow laden scarf on her head and prayed it would bring down her fever.

After placing the cold scarf on the baby’s head she stepped back and got her first good look at her she was very small her body was a light teal blue . The filly had pale indigo, medium blue maine with streaks of mint shot through both her mane and tail that was matted against her face from perspiration. Taking her eyes off of the filly, Fluttershy set her mind back to the remedy she was concocting. She went back to her fire and checked the tea pot. From the smell emanating from the teapot and the color of the liquid inside, she could tell that the mixture was ready. She took the pot off the fire and on her way inside broke an icicle off and dropped it into the pot so as to bring down the temperature of the tea. She carried the teapot inside to where she gently lifted the foal’s head and dripped the remedy into her mouth a little at a time until Fluttershy thought she had enough.

At that moment a commotion could be heard outside the tent. Fluttershy hurried outside to see what it was only to find the mother bear she knew along with some other animals all carrying a variety of herbs and vegetables. It appeared that the mother bear not knowing what else to do enlisted the help of some of the other animals in the area and they all went looking for things that might help. Fluttershy took stock of the things that had been brought to her with a smile. They had brought her tubers, ice mint, fever weed, and believe it or not some carrots and potatoes. She just hoped they did not steal them from anypony’s home. With all of this, she had enough supplies to make a good healing vegetable soup.  She went to the momma bear and hugged her neck.

“Thank you.” Fluttershy whispered to the bear, “You did great, I will take it from here.” Over the next few days, Fluttershy continued to make the herbal tea and vegetable soup under the watchful gaze of the mother bear and her cubs just hoping for a miracle. She hopedthat the young filly would get better. It was the sunset of the fourth day after she started caring for the baby and she was singing a lullaby to try and ease the young filly to sleep when the foal opened her eyes and started babbling.  It was not until Fluttershy took a breath to continue the soft hum that she realized the baby was awake and babbling. With shock and relief Fluttershy smiled for this was the first sound she had made, besides the pained whimpers and cries that the little filly had made. Fluttershy placed a gentle hoof against the foal’s forehead to test for signs of a fever. When it was clear that the little one had recovered, Fluttershy returned to her humming and the infant giggled and even gave a faint smile before drifting off to sleep. It was when she awoke that she started packing up so as to take the young filly somewhere safe. Seeing the commotion the mother bear cornered her seeing her as a possible threat to her young charge.

“Please Miss Bear let me take the foal with me. She will be safe and I promise to look after her. She will grow up happy and healthy. I promise to bring her back to visit just let me take her with me...Please.” Pleaded with the bear. Having come to a decision the bear left imparting the message that she had better come and let the cubs say goodbye to the foal before going.

Having packed up her camp she hoisted the young filly into makeshift pouch that was strapped to her chest and went to say goodbye to Fisher, Shadow and their mother. When she finally arrived at their den the mother bear hurried out to see her. Seeing the young filly smiling and cooing the mother bear nuzzled her with her nose lovingly. Looking up from the filly the bear mother rubbed her head alongside of Fluttershy’s as if in thanks and returned to her cubs. It was at that point that Fisher and Shadow approached her and the foal giving the little one comforting nuzzles and licks causing her to smile and chortle at the two of them. Having said their goodbyes to the young Infant foal the two cubs gave Fluttershy a measuring look, as if to say “Take care of our sister Miss.” and walked away returning to their mother.  After coming back together the family of bears looked to be at peace, more so than any other time she had seen them in since she first laid eyes upon them. With that thought she gathered her gear and left to catch the train from the Crystal Empire to Ponyville so as to start her search for whatever answers she could for this little beauty who was slowly claiming her heart.
 





> Chapter 2
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	When Fluttershy arrived back in the Crystal Empire she became nervous. She was unsure what to do now, all she knew was that she wanted to help this little one out and to do what was best for her. Over the last few days in which she had walked to the Crystal Empire from the mountains she had become closer to the little foal who she was caring for. Through the times where she spent feeding her, cleaning her, and changing her with whatever materials she had at hand. It had been some of the most memorable times she had ever known and some of the most frustrating.  Now that she was around others she did not know what to do.

It was as she was contemplating these things that she was struck by the idea to go see Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadence, maybe they would know something or be able to help her. So without further ado, she made a beeline straight for the Palace. When she arrived at the palace she was stopped by the gate guards and asked what her purpose was.

 “Well you see… I just wanted….uh...” she began, hiding behind her mane. “I wanted to… I wanted to ask for help from the Princess…” The gate guard snorted in a derisively before he responded in an overly harsh manner.

  “The Princess does not have time to help every single pony who asks for her help, regardless of whether or not they bear an Element of Harmony. If you want her help you can come back later when she is holding court, otherwise handle your problem yourself!”  This caused the young foal who was observing all this from its pouch on Fluttershy’s chest to start crying because of the deep, cold baritone that had refused the pegasus holding her. Fluttershy, trying to comfort the young foal, Fluttershy began crooning and talking to her as she walked away, trying to not cause any more of a commotion than what she had. As she walked away the young foal started crying even louder. This got the attention of Princess Cadence who had been coming down the stairs to check that the preparations for her court were in order.

“Fluttershy!” Princess Cadence called, “How are you? Twilight told me that you were coming up to the Empire to study some animals.”  “Is there anything I can do for you?”

Fluttershy halted in her retreat and turned towards the Princess. Cadence gave her a gentle smile, as her gaze traveled to the bundle that Fluttershy was carrying.“Well umm...If it would not be too much trouble I would like to ask for your help on something. I mean umm… That is if you’re not busy.” Fluttershy managed over the crying foal. Nodding in acknowledgment of Fluttershy’s request, Cadence replied in a soft voice to not disturb the foal who was just starting to calm down, “It would be my pleasure Fluttershy. Please come inside..”

Fluttershy was ushered into the palace, passed the shocked guard who was trying to hide his face in embarrassment, after a stern look from Cadence.. They walked down a couple of hallways before arriving at a room with two large ornate oak doors guarded by two crystal pegasi. The Princess nodded to them and proceeded to open the doors to what appeared to be a large room that was comfortably furnished with lounge chairs and couches. When they entered the room, Princess Cadence gestured for her to take seat. As Fluttershy was trying to figure out if there was any particular seat she should take the Princess proceeded to talk to the guards before closing the door to the room.

Fluttershy decided to sit in the seat closest to her. As she sits down on the couch she let out a sigh of relief, glad to be able to relax a little. She gingerly removed the pouch from her chest and laid the foal on the cushion beside her while tender stroking her face with her hoof.

“So, how may I help you Fluttershy?” The princess asked softly as she took a seat on Fluttershy’s other side.
“I would like your help in finding out if there is a family in the area who is missing one of their children.” She said gesturing to the young foal who now lay asleep beside them. “I found her in the mountains with a family of frost bears. The poor thing...she almost died because of a fever.  I was hoping that maybe you knew something that would help?” She said this as she looked at Cadence, not knowing what answer she might receive or what help she could even give.

Cadence  gave the young thestral foal a tender look before looking back to Fluttershy. “I will do what I can. Would you mind staying with us while we try and find some answers for you?” Fluttershy smiled and nodded as tears of relief welled up in her eyes. Cadence seeing that Fluttershy was emotional put a foreleg around her and comforted her until she managed to regain her composure.

“Can I ask you a favor now Fluttershy?” Cadence asked. With a nod, Cadence continued, “Tell me the story from the beginning of how you came upon this foal.”   Fluttershy nodded and gave a small smile as she began to retell her story or how she had noticed the bears’ strange actions and how she had been lead into the den to find this small beauty. She explained the seriousness of her condition at the time and even how the time walking back to the Empire had been with the foal
.
“I can’t believe it. “  Cadence said, “You mean to tell me a family of wild and possibly dangerous frost bears took in this foal and were trying to help her the best they could. It is just too much.”

“Oh, but the bears are not dangerous.” Flutter shy responded, “They are just protective is all. They don’t do well with strangers and, well they did great.” She said, ready to stand up for the bears. “Don’t get me wrong Fluttershy.” Cadence responded putting a hoof on her shoulder and gently pressing her back in her seat, “I have nothing against the Frost Bears I am just surprised, is all. It’s not often you even hear of them let alone encounter them taking care of a foal they found. It’s just shocking is all.” Fluttershy gave a smile, grateful that the princess understood.

It's okay, everything's fine. She is going to help us. I hope we find her family. I really really do.
Fluttershy was so lost in thought that it was not until the third time Princess Cadence called her name that she snapped out of it and came back to her present situation.

“Fluttershy would you like to rest for a while? I can look after the foal if you would like?” Princess Cadence asked her.
“Oh no, I’m fine. I could never ask you to do that. You have so many important things to do, and I have taken so much of your time already. I could never ask for you to watch the foal.”

Smiling and letting out a small chuckle Princess Cadence nodded her head, “If that is how you feel at least let me show you to your room and have somepony assigned to help you. Will you let me at least do that for you?” Seeing sense in the Princess’ idea Fluttershy nodded in agreement.

“Alright then. If you would follow me, I would be glad to show you to your room.”
Fluttershy turned to the foal thinking she would be asleep only to find her staring back at her with her big blue eyes and a smile on her face. Seeing this Fluttershy nuzzled the infant's cheek before putting her back in the pouch and strapping her to Fluttershy’s chest.

She followed Princess Cadence out of the room and up the main stairs. They took a left turn and made their way down the hall until they came to a door. . During the whole trip the young foal was pleasantly burbling away at whatever she saw. The only exception to this was when they exited the first flight of stairs and were assailed by the smell a fresh breads and cooked vegetables smelling this the foal began to cry making her hunger known. Beyond that she was perfect little cherub of a pony.

The room they entered was lavishly decorated and had its own seating area separate from the bedroom as well a balcony. This was not even taking into consideration the size of the bedroom, its connected bathroom, and the exquisite four poster curtained bed. Looking at all this Fluttershy was in shock. She was not expecting anyone to go out of their way for her and she felt bad enough to have taken up the Princess’ time with her request and now she was being put in this magnificent suite. She just did not know how to respond.

“This is where you will be staying while you are here” Cadence said to her while tickling the young foals chin eliciting a cute little laugh from her. “Should you need anything just let me, Shining Armor, or the attendant I will be sending you and it will be taken care of. Remember Fluttershy you are my guest and one of Twilight’s closest friends. If there is anything I can do for you I will.”

Fluttershy gave Cadence a smile, but she knew that her shyness was apparent on her face. “Um...would it be okay if maybe...I could get some food? If thats okay, I mean. I know that you are all so busy and-”

Cadence raised her hoof to silence the timid pegasus. “Of course. You both must hungry after such a trip. I’ll have some brought up right away.” 

Fluttershy thanked Cadence before the princess left her and the young foal to their own devices. It was not long before a knock came to the door and Fluttershy, who had been playing with the giggling foal, called to the pony beyond the door.   Standing on the other side of the door was a chestnut colored crystal unicorn mare with a silvery pink and white mane, holding five different platters of food and a white paper bag in her pink magic. The mare stepped inside the room and found the occupants on the cushions and gave a smile as she bowed to Fluttershy.

 The mare put the platters of food on the table and the bag in a chair beside where the young foal was lying. The mare turned to Fluttershy to  introduce herself. 

“My name is Delicatessa I will be attending to you and the foal while you are here. In the three larger platters you will find an herb salad, vegetable soup, and a fresh made apple pie with the apple having come from Equestria’s Sweet Apple Acres, itself. In the smaller two you will find food for the foal. The food that was prepared for her are a carrot mash and a warm bottle of formula.”

“Oh, um...thank you! But um....What is in the bag?” Fluttershy asked, eyeing the bag.
Delicatessa grabbed the bag back up and turned towards the guest, taking a seat before her and opened the bag. Her bright pink magic pulled out a four packages of various sizes and placed them in between herself and Fluttershy and began to open each box.. The first item to come out of the first item, which was tiny, was a small envelope with Fluttershy’s name on it. The second one was a green box roughly the size of a birthday cake. The box was placed in Fluttershy’s lap and the top was lifted off. Under the light blue tissue paper was a yellow piece of cloth. Fluttershy lifted out the piece of cloth only to find out that it was a baby blanket.

“As soon as the Princess left your company, she had one of the staff go and get this so that the young foal might have something, besides yourself, to keep her warm.” Fluttershy had been shedding a lot of tears recently and this was no different for as she looked upon this blanket more tears came out of her eyes.

The reason for this is that she had not expected anypony to go out of their way for this young foal who had no one and nothing not too long ago, and the fact that Princess Cadence had taken it upon herself to have this done touched her deeply. She picked up the young foal and sat her atop her new blanket in her lap. It was then that the third Item was brought out of the bag this one in a medium sized white box and inside was a green scarf much like the one that had been used to cool the foal’s fever and was now wrapped around her like a cape. The only difference being that this one was made a slightly finer material.

“After hearing your story, the Princess thought you might be in need of a new scarf as well. The last item was something I suggested to the princess and received her approval on as well as a suggestion from her.”  Delicatessa brought out the final package. This one wasa slightly smaller box with a big bow on it. Fluttershy undid the bow and lifted the box’s top off. Inside was a stuffed rabbit that looked a lot like Angel bunny, but it was the same yellow as the blanket. 

“The princess suggested this after remembering that you have all sorts of small and adorable animals that live at and around your place. Also, I think we had better get you to eating before your food cools down any more.”

Fluttershy nodded in agreement and began to take bite of the food that had been placed before her. She reached for the foal food and began to feed the little filly, the action coming to her as second nature. She smiled at the foal as she happily swallowed the carrot mash and between feeding the foal some bites, Fluttershy ate her own food.

“Um… Miss Delicatessa, I have a question.” Delicatessa turned her way with a smile since she herself just finished off her meal. “Do you think we could have a doctor check her over? Umm...you know. Since she just got over being sick and all. I mean...if that is no trouble that is.” The attendant pony smiled at her and nodded. She got up from her seat and quietly left. After Delicatesa had departed, Fluttershy placed the foal on the couch and wrapped her in her new blanket.

During the time Delicatessa was gone, Fluttershy opened the letter. It was from Twilight and was dated one week ago, Wednesday, which would be the exact day she first noticed something was wrong with the Frost Bear family. This brought a smile to her face when she thought of everything that had transpired since that day.  Continuing on, she began to read the letter.
 


Dear Fluttershy,
I hope you have a wonderful time in the mountain studying the Frost Bears. I know you were really excited. I bet when you come back you will have a lot of stories to tell us about everything that happened. Everyone here is fine Rainbow Dash and Applejack have been competing with one another in a who is better at winter sports, and according to PinkIe Pie they are tied. Again.
Pinkie is doing as well as Pinkie ever does. Just yesterday, she launched herself out of her party cannon in an attempt to have the first ever “super-duper canon launch flying confetti party” ever. It was interesting, to say the least, the only down side was being roped into helping her clean up afterwards and put away all her cannons. Believe it or not she has thirteen one for every month of the year and a special one she uses only for emergency parties, whatever that means.
Rarity is trying to design a new line of spring clothing before the season arrives and has enlisted Spike’s help in the process. About once a week the two of them go out searching for gems and inspiration. She has made all of us promise to be her models when she has it finished so do not be surprised if, when you get back, you are forced to model her clothing as well. Though if what I saw the other day is any indication I think she may have really outdone herself this time.
As for me, I have been doing my own research trying to figure out a couple of new spells here and there as well as going by your place and checking in on everything. Angel has been staying with me for the past few days. Before that he was at Rarity’s, but it turns out that he and Opal don’t get along and he does not want anything to do with Gummy. Of course, that left me or Applejack to care for him and out of the two of us, he came to my place. I think he might be a carrot con artist because I swear I have given him carrots but he tries to make me believe I didn’t so I end up giving him more sometimes. We all miss you and are excited for you to come home.
Your friend,
Twilight Sparkle
P.S. I think Pinkie is going to try to throw you a party when you come back. Just a heads up. 



After she finished reading the letter, she folded it back up and slid it back into its envelope. It was nice to know that her friends were doing well, and that they were thinking about her. The only thing she wondered was what made them think that she would end up at the castle in the first place to get the letter, but she was glad that Twilight had written it. When she looked down to where the foal was laying on the couch wrapped in her blanket, she had fallen asleep with a full stomach..

It was during this time that she lost herself in thought staring down at this little winter miracle.  
I don’t know what happened that you ended up alone out there but so long as I am around you will not be alone again. Fluttershy thought to herself. I will find you a family one way or another. You have become precious to me like a song that I never will forget or stop singing.

 As Fluttershy became lost in her thoughts, Delicatessa had returned with news about a doctor. The crystal unicorn coughed lightly and softly tapped Fluttershy on the shoulder to get her attention. Briefly startled, Fluttershy turned her attention to whoever had tapped her shoulder and she found Delicatessa standing there.

“Miss Fluttershy, I sent your request about having the foal checked out by the doctor and received word back that he could make time for you and the foal tomorrow afternoon around one o’clock. Is there anything else I can do for you?” Fluttershy thought briefly debating whether or not it was okay to make the request she had in mind before coming to a decision.

“Umm... D-do you think it would be okay if maybe you might just be willing to watch the little one while I take a bath?” Delicatessa smiled and responded with a nod. “I would be glad to do that for you.” Fluttershy hesitantly headed to the bedroom and its connected shower while stopping now and again to look over her shoulder to look at infant just to make sure she was okay.

The whole time Fluttershy was taking her bath she could not help but think about the foal in the other room. On two separate occasions she left her bath to check on her, and each time Delicatessa reassured her that everything was fine.  When she finished her bath she decided she would give the young foal a bath as well.

In the end, the bath for the foal was entertaining. Every time Fluttershy went to put her in the water to wash her, the young foal would start kicking and flailing. This caused water to be splashed everywhere in the bathroom. When she was able to finally sit the young pony in the water you would have thought the whole tirade beforehand must have been somepony else entirely. The reason being that once in the water she was once again as sweet as pie, just staring up at Fluttershy and splashing her hooves in the water as she got washed.

The whole time that Fluttershy was washing the little foal she could be heard humming a chorus from one of her favorite songs. It was the same one she had hummed to her that first time, and it seemed put her at ease.

I wonder what your name is little one, or if you were even given one. If it were up to me I wonder what I would name you?

 While this thought ran through her mind, she once again started humming the song from before \while she continued to wash the infant. It was later that night after Delicatessa had left that Fluttershy took the foal and laid her on the bed beside herself. The last thing she said that night were words that might have well have been dipped in honey for the love and sweetness they contained.

“Good night my little Wyntre Sonnet.”

> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was still the middle of the night when Fluttershy was awoken by the desperate cries of her young charge. The young foal was thrashing, caught in the throes of what appeared to a vivid and nasty nightmare. 

“It’s okay little one, I am here. Nothing is going to hurt you, I promise.” Fluttershy whispered softly to the young foal as she brushed lock of indigo hair out of her face. 

As she did this the young foal started to wake. She slowly opened her big azure blue eyes and saw Fluttershy by her side. The young foal nuzzled closer to her side as if Fluttershy’s warmth and gentle heart were all she would ever need to keep whatever it was that had scared her away, and soon the foal drifted off to sleep. It was moments like that, which Fluttershy would later remember. These are the moments that make a lifetime and, in this moment, Fluttershy could not think of a life without that little foal in it. In the short time she had been with the filly her heart had been completely and utterly captivated like a bee drawn to flowers in the spring .

She did not know why, but for some reason she could not help but to think of the foal as her own. This tiny precious life whom, without her help, may not have survived. All this time she never once took her eyes off the young foal who was sleeping with her face nuzzled up to Fluttershy chest with her head placed ever so gently against Fluttershy’s heart. 

Fluttershy gently stroked the young foal’s mane as she came to a decision. It was a decision that would hopefully allow the two of them to remain together indefinitely, that is assuming her family could not be located. Fluttershy had decided that she would ask Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor to let her adopt her, and while this decision excited her it also scared her. She knew if she did this, things in her life would change, and change can be a very scary thing. 

The next thing she knew she was waking to the plaintive and hungry cries of her young foal, for not only was the foal hungry also needed cleaned and changed. When Fluttershy undid  the messy diaper on the foal’s bottom she was assailed by a stench far worse than any she had dealt with before. It was the smell one would expect if they came across a mixture of rotten eggs, and vegetable that had been let to ferment and fester in pool of swamp water. 

“For something so cute you sure can make quite a nasty smell.”  Fluttershy said in an exasperated tone of voice. With that she began her search for something she could use to clean and change the foal with. She went around the bedroom stumbling and bumping into things. The first thing she bumped into was the nightstand on her side of the bed. It was that very same night stand that a few moments later she stubbed her right forehoof on. Having searched their bedroom she exited into the main living area of their suite of rooms.

It was in the main room that she came across a package wrapped in utilitarian brown paper with a card on top. The card appeared to be the standard type of card one would receive with a gift. On the front it had a cartoon image of two foals playing. Inside the card written in crisp, clean, elegant handwriting was a message.



Dear Fluttershy,
        After leaving last night, I realized that you did not have some things that you might need,  so I took it upon myself to make sure you got them. I hope the supplies will meet needs and make things a little bit easier on you.
        
        Hope this helps,
        Delicatessa.




        Fluttershy closed the card and quickly opened the parcel. Inside she found a package of high quality diapers with pictures of what she took to be a baby version of Princesses Luna and Celestia on them. Beside the diapers were foal wipes. The packaging had a picture of a smiling foal on it 

Picking up the package, she rushed back to the bedroom so quickly it was a miracle she did not create a small tornado in her wake. Once she had returned to young foal who was still lying on the bed where she had been left, the smell once again assaulted Fluttershy’s senses. Taking a deep breath Fluttershy began cleaning her. 

She started by lifting her hind legs into the air and pulling the dirty diaper out from under her. Having successfully managed that, she took the wipe in her free hoof and began wiping the foal clean. Having finished wiping her clean Fluttershy took one of the new diapers Delicatessa had graciously provided her with and fastened it around the foal. It was as she finished tossing the used diaper away that Fluttershy’s stomach made itself known, gurgling its discontent at being empty. Her face flushed a bit in embarrassment at the sound, but decided that it was time for breakfast for both herself and the filly. She picked the filly up and placed her in the pouch she secured around her neck, but the foal began to scream and cry. Fluttershy’s ears fell as she looked down at the crying infant, her eyes wide as she scanned the filly for anything that would cause her discomfort or pain. She pulled her from the pouch and checked her over, finding nothing. What could have been wrong? 

The foal would not stop even as Fluttershy crooned to her. She tried stroking her hair, humming to her, and even nuzzling her, but nothing seemed to work. It was she sat back down on the bed that she noticed that the foal was reaching out for the old scarf that she had been previously wrapped in. The foal seemed desperate to have it reaching for it like a pony starved would reach for a piece of bread. Fluttershy reached across the bed to where the scarf lay and took it on to her hoof. Once she had it, she gently secured it around foal's neck so that it would not come loose.

 Once the foal was settled and in place, secured in her little pouch, Fluttershy ventured out into the hall. She was met with a silence like no other as she found herself standing alone in the long crystal corridor and with her memory guiding her, she made a right and ambled along. She was careful to not jostle the filly, who was babbling happily with the scarf around her and Fluttershy smiled as she watched the infant with kind eyes. She seemed content, but Fluttershy’s grumbling stomach told her that the filly would begin to cry again if she did not get to the kitchens soon. Fluttershy reached the end of the corridor to the glimmering crystal stairs and with cautious steps, she began her descent down. 



 Its best if I find someone soon. If I don’t, we could get lost in this part of the castle.

While these thoughts ran rampant through her mind she temporarily stopped paying attention to what was in front of her and as she watched her hooves, she ran right into the side of another pony.

“Oof! Watch where you are walking will you-- Oh it’s you.”  

Hearing the familiar baritone voice, Fluttershy looked up on to find the guard from the previous day standing before her. Without his helmet and armor, she almost did not recognize him. Had he been a normal pony, without the crystalline glimmer to his coat, he would have been a gunmetal grey, but instead his coat was that of grey stibnite, shining in the morning light. He was a unicorn with a carnelian mane with topaz like streaks throughout. He was quite large, a little bit taller than Shining Armor yet not quite as well built. His body was lithe and looked like that of a runner or acrobat pony with supple, corded, wiry muscle instead of the normal bulk that most guards seemed to have.

“I want to apologize for yesterday. I should not have treated you the way I did. I had a lot on my mind and ended up taking some of it out on you, and for that I do apologize. My name is Blast Centurion. If I can do anything to make up for it please do not hesitate to ask for me.” Blast Centurion said. He began to turn and walk away when Fluttershy gasped and reached out a hoof. 

“Wait! Um...well...there is one thing you can do.” Fluttershy said softly as she tried to hide her face behind her mane, retracting her outstretched hoof. “Um...Could you maybe show me to the dining room? If you want to that is?” 

With a slight smile, Blast Centurion nodded. He did not seem so bad now that he was not being rude. Signaling for her to follow with a wave of his hoof, he started walking down the hall to their left.

 It was a few minutes later that they arrived at a set of navy double doors, and in the background you could hear ponies calling out orders as well as the shuffling and clanging of pots and pans. Those sounds were accompanied by the smell of fresh baked breads and other delectables being cooked up, ready to be eaten.

“Here we are, Miss. I hope we meet again some time.” With a bow,Blast Centurion went on his way.

Smelling all the fresh food, the foal began to cry and while Fluttershy focused on quieting the young foal down, Delicatessa came through the kitchen doors as if summoned to them by a spell.

“This will not do at all.” Delicatessa tsked, “If you would both follow me to the dining room we can take care of both of you.” 

With a beckoning nod, Delicatessa lead them to a room just a little further down the hall. The large navy doors were wide open like the arms of a waiting mother, inviting them to enter her embrace and be taken care of. Inside the room, three tables were set up and lined with food like a buffet. A little further away were smaller tables with flower centerpieces in the middle of the table. It was to one of these smaller tables that Delicatessa lead them to. 

After they were at their table, Delicatessa left and started to gather food onto different platters using her pink magic. The only time she stopped was to make a request of the pony at the end of the buffet tables, who quickly left and returned with what looked like a bottle. When she returned she had a plate for each of them. On the plate she sat in front of Fluttershy was a fresh garden salad with a turnip and arugula sandwich, followed with fresh oatmeal and a glass of milk. For the foal, she had a small bowl of applesauce and a plate containing  what appeared to be a bottle of formula. 

“Now Miss Fluttershy, if you will hand me the young foal, I will feed her while you take care of your own needs.” Delicatessa said as she began gently lifting the baby out of the pouch with her magic. 

“Aah!!” Fluttershy screamed. She had not been expecting anypony to try and take the foal from her and Fluttershy instinctively wrapped one arm around the foal and backed away from the table. 

The foal, having been scared by the sudden motion, started screaming at the top of her lungs. The noise of the foal’s cries gathered attention from not only the those in the dining room but the people in the kitchen, as well as those passing by in the hallway. 

“What is going on here?” Said a concerned stallion somewhere near the door to the dining room. Turning in the direction of the voice, Fluttershy saw Blast Centurion, who was slowly making his way in her direction. 

“I just… Please don’t...Don’t Take Wyntre from me!” Fluttershy gasped while trying to calm the foal who was still screaming and crying.

“Its okay. No pony is going to hurt you. Who is Wyntre? Is that the foal’s name?” Blast Centurion asked Fluttershy in the calmest tone he could muster while a foal screamed in his ears. Fluttershy, seeing that her fear was causing the already scared and cranky baby to cry more, began trying to calm herself enough to return her to her demure behavior. She ducked her face behind her pink mane, her cheeks red from the embarrassment as she nodded, still holding the filly close to her chest.

“Uh...Well you see… I, uh,sorta over reacted when Miss Delicatessa tried to lift her to feed her. And, umm, Wyntre is what I call her… I mean if that is okay… I would like to name her Wyntre Sonnet. If that is okay that is.” Fluttershy said with hesitation, as if fearing someone would tell her she had no right to name the foal in her care.

“I think it’s a beautiful name” Delicatessa said trying to both calm and appease Fluttershy from her previous action.

“I would have to agree. It is most certainly a pretty name and I don’t think anyone would have a problem with you naming her, but if you are still worried about it you can ask the Prince and Princess what they think.” Blast Centurion stated. 

        “The reason I came to the dining room was because I was given orders from the Princess to tell you that she and Prince Shining Armor will be coming by to see you later today and that should you have any concerns they will be taken care of then.” He said, placing a gentle hoof on the yellow mare’s shoulder.. Realizing neither she nor the foal had eaten yet, Fluttershy went back to the table.

        “Umm...Miss Delicatessa….Would you still like to feed her.” Fluttershy asked the chestnut colored mare, her face flushing from embarrassment due to her brief episode of panic. “I mean you can…if you still want to.” Nervously pawing the ground and trying to hide her face, Fluttershy waited for Delicatessa’s response.

 Delicatessa gave the pegasus a thin lipped smile in an attempt to hide the small bout of offense she had initially taken at Fluttershy’s reaction and nodded. “Yes, Miss Fluttershy. I would love to feed her, if you will allow it, of course.”

Although she was hesitant, Fluttershy handed the young filly to the hoofmaid. Delicatessa was gentle with the foal, but the shaking of Fluttershy’s hoof did not slide by the hoofmaid unnoticed.  

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Later that morning, Delicatessa led Fluttershy out to the gardens behind the palace for some fresh air. Fluttershy took a deep breath of the spring air, a gentle smile on her face. The fed filly cooed and hiccupped happily in her spot while Fluttershy made her way through the garden behind Delicatessa. Flowers bloomed in the warmth of the Crystal Empire's love; a beauitful garden of reds, blues, purples and yellows stretched before her and Fluttershy took a seat, lifting the filly from her pouch and placing her near the flowers. 

The infant babbled happily as she reached for the colorful petals. Fluttershy watched the filly make motions of crawling, reaching and clutching the flower petals in a staggered pattern. It was not until she tried to stuff a petal in her mouth that Fluttershy finally intervened. She picked the filly up, making the little one giggle. Fluttershy's laughter  caught Delicatessa's ears and the crystal pony turned, finding the pegasus mare happily chuckling at the foal in her hooves. 

The pale blue foal tapped Fluttershy's cheek, smearing dirt on the yellow pegasus' face. Fluttershy laughed as she nuzzled the small filly, holding her closer to her heart. Upon closer inspection, Fluttershy could see that the filly had gotten herself dirty. With a laugh she turned to Delicatessa. 

"Delicatessa?" she asked. 

"Yes, Miss Fluttershy?" the crystal mare replied, turning towards her with a smile.

"Um...I think I'll take her to the room." Fluttershy said with a light chuckle as the filly smeared more dirt on her cheek, giggling. "She's got herself covered in dirt and petals. I think I should give her a bath." 

"A wonderful idea." Delicatessa said, watering some of the flowers. "Go on ahead. I'll check on you shortly."

Fluttershy nodded and flew off with the foal, finding her way back to their room with a bit more ease than before. The filly giggled at the gentle flight and as Fluttershy let herself into her room, she chuckled at the light tug on her hair. The filly cooed and began to happily munch on her caretaker’s hair. 

“Oh, no.” Fluttershy chuckled. “I don’t think that my mane is good for you, little one.” 

She pried her locks from the infant and took her into the bathroom. It was not long afterwards that the little foal, being worn out from playing, fell asleep. As the infant slept, Fluttershy decided to write a letter in response to the one Twilight had sent her.




Dear Twilight, 

I’m glad everything is well back home. Oh, I have so much to tell you girls! 

I have had a great time with the Frost Bears and learned a lot about them that weren’t in the books you have at the library, but there is something more exciting than the bears that I want to tell you about! But I don’t know where to start. 

I am staying at the palace right now. Princess Cadence graciously let me stay and I would hate to bother her with this, but I had to. Oh Twilight if you could see her, you’d love her! She’s so cute and likes flowers. I didn’t know that foals liked scarves either. I just can’t believe it, Twilight! This little thing is just so adorable! Who would leave her out in the mountains? I just can’t imagine it! 

        I miss you and the girls, but I have to see if I can find this poor little thing’s parents. I just have to try, so tell Angel Bunny that I’ll be home a little later than I planned. I just wanted you girls to know I’m okay! I promise, no Pinkie Promise, that I will explain everything in detail when I come home! 

        I can’t wait to see you all! 

        Your Friend, 
                Fluttershy
 




After she finished writing her letter home to her friends, she folded it and put it on the table ready to send out first chance she got. Walking back over to where the young foal was sleeping, she briefly re-wrapped the blanket and scarf back around her before going and taking a seat at the table and sitting with her head in her hooves to think about the days to come.

She must have dozed off because the next thing she heard was a knocking at the door. She quickly rubbed the sleep from her eyes and ran a hoof through her mane trying to at least make a halfway decent appearance. When she opened the door she was greeted by two ponies One was Delicatessa and the other was an older crystal earth pony mare with a faded pink fur and a mane grey from age. She appeared the happy grandmotherly sort and reminded her a little of Granny Smith. 

“Hello.” The older mare said in a voice that carried both weariness and kindness, “I am Doctor Soft Heart I am the local pediatrician. May I come in and take a look at the foal?”

“Uh...Umm...Yes...She is right over here. She might still be asleep so please...Please be gentle.” Fluttershy said showing the two mares at the door into the room. 

“I did all I knew to do for her when I found her and she seems okay and all, but I wanted to be sure, so I asked for Delicatessa to get you if you were not busy.” Fluttershy said, her rambling disappearing into nervous looks of fear that she might have done something wrong.  Doctor Soft Heart smiled as if hearing Fluttershy ramble and stutter was something she had heard a thousand times. She took her stethoscope from around her neck and blew on it to warm it up so that when she put it to the young foal’s chest it would not scare her. 

The moment before she put the stethoscope to the foal’s chest, her eyes popped open as wide as saucers and she began to whimper, seeing a strange person standing over her. Hearing the filly whimper, Fluttershy rushed over to comfort the foal. With the foal in her arms, she stroked her mane making the young foal relax. Reassuring her that she was safe and nothing would harm her. Doctor Softheart placed the stethoscope to the baby’s chest and listened to her lungs and heart. she then had Fluttershy get the foal to open her mouth so she could look down her throat. he looked into the infant's ears next, completing the basic steps of the check up before getting into the part that neither Fluttershy or the child would like.

Doctor Soft Heart sighed knowing what was to come, “I need you to hold the child while I get a Blood sample. This requires me to use a needle and draw out a couple of vials of blood.” Hearing this Fluttershy turned white as a ghost and nodded her agreement the best she could. Holding onto the baby firmly so that doctor could draw blood Fluttershy turned a further shade of white and began to get woozy. It was as the second vial of blood was taken and the needle had been pulled out that fluttershy fainted dead away.

She came back to her senses a few minutes later stutter and apologizing. “Uh ...I can’t believe...I am so so sorry… I...I...Sorry I do not do well with needles or blood.” Fluttershy said blushing deeply.

“Dear me, I think this might be the first time the parent and not the child had the problem with this. Usually The child throws a fit, cries and screams.” Doctor Softheart said chuckling all the while, “This time it was the parent who did the passing out and making things interesting for me, but onto business. I half expected to find she had the makings of pneumonia and an ear infection after I was told by Delicatessa what your foal has been through but it turns out she is perfectly fine if little on the thin side. I will know more when I run tests on the samples I took, but from what I can deduce she is roughly about five month old putting her birthday roughly in the First week of November. My advice to you is to give her lots of tender love and care and she should be just fine. I will have one of my associates send a list of things you will need for her care so that you will know what to expect in the coming months. “ 

With that being said Doctor Softheart gathered her stuff and left with Delicatessa following in her wake carrying the doctor’s gear and samples. All that was left to do now was wait on Princess Cadence and Prince Shining  Armor.

> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	After the doctor left, Fluttershy let out a sigh of nervous relief. She was very happy to find out that the foal was in good health, but the whole time the doctor had been there, she had been afraid that Doctor Soft Heart would tell her that something was wrong with the filly. While she waited, she played peek-a-boo with the foal. The foal would giggle every time she uncovered her face. It was right after Fluttershy had finished a round of peek-a-boo, that Delicatessa came back into the the room.

        “Miss Fluttershy, may I ask you something?” Fluttershy nodded to Delicatessa wondering what the hoofmaid could want to ask her.

“If I can arrange it, would you like to learn how to prepare her food? I could even show you  a few tricks that might help you with her a bit more.?” Fluttershy’s face lit up upon hearing this, and she gave an enthusiastic squeal of excitement. 

        “Oh my yes, I would love it. I know a lot about animals but caring for a foal is new territory for me. You would really do that for me?” Delicatessa smiled. “Absolutely dear. That is what I am here for.” 

Fluttershy walked carefully away from the young foal who had easily fallen asleep after playing so much. When she sat down at the table, Delicatessa had a quill in her pink magic and was writing a list. The list appeared to be the different things that Delicatessa was going to show her. The list had things like formula and mash preparation, shopping for supplies and feeding practices.

        “These are some of the things I thought would be helpful, I know they would have been when I had my own foals.” Delicatessa commented as she reminisced back to when she had her first foal, “Let me tell you now I am going to work you like the proverbial red headed step child until I am satisfied you can care for her properly, But before that I believe you have an audience with their Royal Highnesses.who knows maybe we can even get Cadence in on the fun heaven knows sooner or later she is going to have a foal of her own.”

        After Delicatessa’s reminder, Fluttershy hurried about the room picking up things from the floor and quickly cleaned up the small mess she had created while playing with the baby.. The last thing she wanted was for the Prince and Princess to come in and see a mess after their kindness in helping her and giving her a room to use. Just as soon as she had finished, a knock was heard at the door. When she opened the door, the Prince and Princess were standing there waiting to be let in. 


        Cadence and Shining Armor stood there like Royals. Normally, Fluttershy would be flustered and stuttering, but after everything that had happened at the wedding, she found them to be less frightening than a Prince and Princess would seem. Fluttershy gave them a warm smile and stepped aside. She lead them to the same table that she had been talking with Delicatessa at and sat with them, taking the seat closest to the open bedroom door. She kept an ear out for the filly just in case.  

        “Fluttershy,” Princess Cadance began, “I have sent guards out to check the  local villages and towns to see if there are any missing foals. I have had some of the guards look up whether there have been any reports of missing foals in the city, as well. So far, we have not had any luck in finding her family. For the moment, I am still waiting to hear back from two of my pegasus scouts that went out to the farthest towns, one of which has been known to have a small thestral population, but until then I will not know any more on the matter.” Cadence let out a heavy sigh and looked Fluttershy in the eye with a sympathetic and worried expression on her face. 

“Yes.” Cadence said. “I want to be ready for the worse possible solution, of course, but if we can’t find her parents, would you want to take care of her?”

Fluttershy’s ears swiveled as she heard rustling in the bedroom, followed by silence. The foal shifting put her mind at ease as she considered Cadence’s question. 

“You don’t have to give us a response immediately. I do want you to think it over. Being a parent is a huge responsibility and I don’t want to force it on you. You are free to say no.” Cadence continued with a smile. “But she would be your’s. Its a decision that would change both of your lies, forever.” 

        “If her family is not found….I...I would want to take care of her.” Fluttershy said sincerely to the royal couple. “I do have a question though. Would It be okay for me to name her?”

“Until we have final confirmation of whether or not the possibility for you to adopt her even exist, I think it would be in both of your best interests that you did not.” Shining Armor replied to Fluttershy’s question. “I don’t want to see one of Twily’s friends get hurt because you got too attached to her. After caring for her for so long, I can only imagine that it would be painful to give her back if her parents are found.” He said as he placed a tender hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder.

Fluttershy looked at them both on the edge of tears. The mere thought of giving up the foal was a gut wrenching idea, but should her family be found she would, for the last thing Fluttershy wanted was to break up a family. She knew that if it were her, she would want the foal back had she gone missing from her sight. Before she could say anything more, a cry from the bedroom told Fluttershy that the infant had woken up.

“Excuse me.” Fluttershy said to excuse herself to tend to the foal.
  The yellow pegasus could tell that the filly needed to be changed the moment she reached her side. Fluttershy gently scooped her up and took her to the bedroom where she began to change her. As she changed the filly, Fluttershy thought of how bereft she would feel if she had to give the infant up.  Despite not being with her for very long, the time that Fluttershy had spent with the filly made the thought of parting extremely painful and deep inside of her, the wish for her more time with the filly whispered at her. As she pushed the selfish thought aside, she wrapped the scarf around the foal's neck and carried her out to where everyone else was waiting. She placed the foal down at the table and let her crawl around on her own. The foal headed back to the living room and to where the stuffed bunny  was waiting on her.

“Fluttershy, it’s not that we do not want you to have the foal. We want what is best for everyone and that means we have to make sure that you do not get too hurt in this process whatever the outcome is.” Shining Armor reiterated his previous point, “But, should we not find her family you will have our full support whatever you decide.” Shining Armor said to her as his wife nodded agreement with him.

As Shining Armor finished, a knock was heard at the door. Not knowing who it could be, Fluttershy got up and went to answer the door. On the other side stood Blast Centurion in full armor. 

        “Miss Fluttershy, would you let the prince and princess know that I have a message for them?” Fluttershy nodded to Blast Centurion and went to the table to deliver the message.  

She ventured over to the Royal Couple and told them. A silent look passed between the royal couple as if they were having a conversation that needed no words. Shining Armor stood and left the table to see what message was awaiting them. 

“Umm… Delicatessa when can you start showing me how to make food for the little one? she should be getting hungry any moment.” Fluttershy asked as the princess made her way over to the foal and started playing with her.

“Hmm, well I suppose we can start as soon as you are through hosting the Prince and Princess. That is assuming the princess herself does not wish to participate.” Delicatessa said with a laugh as she and Fluttershy watched the baby crawl on the princess as they played.

The Princess overheard their conversation. She laughed and called over her shoulder, “No thank you. As much as I enjoy playing with this little lady, I would much prefer to leave that to the one who has much more experience than me.” No sooner had she said that than the foal crawled in her lap and pulled on her mane to get her attention.

“Ow!” Cadence laughed. “Alright you have my attention. Now, let go of my mane.” As she returned her attention back to the foal, Fluttershy’s attention was arrested by the dour look on Shining Armor’s face as he returned to the table.

        “It appears one of our two scouts has returned.” Shining armor said letting out an unhappy sigh, “The scout reported that no one in that town was missing any children and that no thestrals have lived in that community for the past decade. That leaves us waiting on the report of our final scout. We probably will not hear back from her till tomorrow due to how far out she was sent.” He turned to look at his wife who was happily entertaining the foal and said to her, “Honey, I think it is time we got going. Your second court session will begin soon and it would not be good for us to keep them waiting.”

        Having heard what Shining Armor said to Cadance, Fluttershy quickly made her way over to the Princess and took the baby off her hooves so she could be on her way. Cadance smiled and gave the foal a kiss on the cheek before she and Shining Armor made their way to the door.

        “We will keep you informed of what we find out about the foal as we get it, but until then, relax and think things over” Shining Armor said as he and Cadance exited the room.

        Shortly after Cadance and Shining Armor’s departure, Fluttershy and Delicatessa made their way down to their kitchens where Delicatessa would show Fluttershy how to prepare a couple of things for the filly. Fluttershy carried the infant in her makeshift pouch as she flew behind the crystal unicorn.. When they reached the kitchen, Delicatessa briefly had a conversation with the head chef to make sure that it was okay for her to use a small area for Fluttershy’s instruction. Having gotten the chef’s approval she led Fluttershy to a small double burner stove that had a table and sink next to it.

“Alright first things first, you need to hand the foal to me seeing as you will be doing the work so that you have first hoof experience.” Fluttershy reluctantly handed the baby over to to Delicatessa who held her to her carefully with her magic until she securely got her foreleg around her.

“Now, the first thing we need to do is to take those apples that are on the table to the right of the sink and start peeling them.” 

Fluttershy picked up a knife and began peeling the apples. She slowly ran the knife over the edge of the apple so as to not cut too deeply into it and possibly cut too much off. It was as she finished her sixth apple she received her next set of instructions.

“Next, get a frying pan from the chef or one of his assistants and fill it with about an inch of water. Once you have done that begin roughly chopping up the apples into small pieces. When you are ready, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat, cover and simmer gently until the chunks of apple are tender. That should take about ten minutes to get the apple to the appropriate tenderness.” As Delicatessa dictated these instructions to her Fluttershy found herself thinking that the she was lucky to be getting help. Meanwhile, she had to track down a the chef or one of his assistants, so that she could get a frying pan. 
Once she finally got her frying pan she hurried back to her work station and filled it with an inch of water before she started the chopping of the apples. After she had the apples in the pan and had the lid on it she took a deep breath. She now had renewed appreciation for the cooking and all it entailed, also it felt good that she was learning to make the food herself instead of relying on others.
“After your apples reach the appropriate tenderness take them out of the pan and mash them to the desired consistency and place them in a bowl ready to serve, and that fluttershy is how you make applesauce. ” After that Delicatessa started instructing Fluttershy on how to make Curried Carrot slices that would be tender enough for the foal to eat with little to no problem at all. 
Fluttershy did her best to keep the instructions straight in her head. If there is one thing she did not like it was performing in front of others and here she was cooking in front of what to her felt like the most important audience in the world. At one point, after adding the carrots to the pot, she took those two minutes and used them to have Delicatessa check her preparations and to take a deep calming breath. She felt like she was back on the runway in front of Photo Finish with all the pressure she was placing on herself. She wanted to do it perfectly.
“Fluttershy, dear you might want to attend to you carrots or they will burn.” Delicatessa said to her snapping her back to reality and to the task she had at hand. when it was all finished the carrots were just a tiny bit over cooked from her moment of spacing out. All in all she had done an excellent job and Delicatessa even said as much later.
“Now Fluttershy, I want to show you how to feed a child of this age. when they are seated take a spoonful of either the applesauce or the carrots and guide them gently into the foal's mouth. there will be times that they will try and refuse eating. I found that at least with some kids that if you make it into a game, such as the spoon is a train or some other such thing you will have better luck.” After explaining that to Fluttershy Delicatessa demonstrated what she meant and had Fluttershy repeat it. 
When fluttershy went to feed the filly with the spoon she initially refused the spoon after that she tried the train method suggested by Delicatessa, this too ended in failure. 
Not knowing what else to do fluttershy preceded to say, “Open up for Fluttershy, say ahh!” and without another complaint the little one opened her mouth and took a bite of applesauce. causing both Delicatessa and Fluttershy to smile. So for the next ten minutes she sat there feed the foal the applesauce and carrots feeling extremely proud of herself for making the food herself.
“Delicatessa, thank you, It… It means alot that you helped me like this. If there is anything I can do to repay you please, oh please let me know.” Fluttershy said to Delicatessa her voice ladened with gratitude for what had been done for her.
“I will keep that in mind dear, but for now lets move on to preparing formula and how you feed it to the foal when you hold her.” With that the instruction continued. By the time Delicatessa Was done showing her how to make the formula the little imp was starting to fall asleep.
“One thing you need to remember Fluttershy is that whenever you hold her you need to support her head so that it does not hang. It is important to do that for one if you are feeding her because it will help insure that she does not to choke on her food, and another reason is that it is better for her spine. also do not forget to burp her. it also helps to ensure she grows up healthy.” Having finished her explanation she demonstrated each of the different thing she had talked about from placing the foal on her shoulder and patting her back to the cradling of her head while holding her in her arms.
Afterwards Fluttershy did the same feeling once again both proud of herself and grateful to Delicatessa for being here for her. When they returned to their rooms the sun had already went down. Seeing this Fluttershy thanked Delicatessa for her help and wished her a good evening. Walking over to the sink she filled it with lukewarm water. Afterwards she undressed the foal and began gently washing her with the brand new foam sponge lying beside the sink. After this was finished she took the little one to the room and laid her down in the center of the bed and waiting till the filly was asleep before taking her own quick shower. When she returned to the room she quietly laid down in bed beside the foal place one arm around her and fell asleep.
	
	
	

> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The warm sunlight beamed through the curtains in Fluttershy’s cottage as she hummed happily with the song birds.The giggles from the foal echoed as she played with Angel; the white bunny was highly displeased with the coat of slobber he wore,but the giggling foal was one of only two ponies he could not seem to resist. The laughter made Fluttershy’s smile grow, but the sudden rush of darkness caused her and the filly to pause. A crack of thunder roared and with the heavy rain came the infant's cries. Fluttershy ran to the foal and picked her up, shakily cooing to the child despite the rapid bearing of her heart. Outside  the winds began to stir  and it quickly grew into a cacophony that billowed against the cottages exterior. Lightening Illuminated the the dark home with its sudden flashes of light,
 and sent them shaking with the roar of the thunder that followed.

It was as if magic was powering the storm. The cottage walls shook and fell, peeling away like the layers of an onion, one by one and piece by piece. Fluttershy’s ears dropped in fear, but the cries of the of the foal suddenly stopped, sending the pegasus’ senses in overdrive. she glanced at her hooves to find the fill gone. Panic set in as she searched, her eyes  scanning  the dark and damp terrain. The fallen wall of the cottage slowly began to rebuild themselves around the frightened pony, closing in on her as she scrambled around in desperation, searching for the filly.

The cottage that surrounded her now was was  dark and gloomy. Cobwebs lined the the corners of the ceiling, and the windows were covered in vines. The raging storm  made the house creak as it withheld against the harsh battering winds. The fear in her was quelled as she reminded herself of the foal and she trudged through the desolate building to find the infant. There was no crying to lead her, so fluttershy pushed forward through the fear to search for the infant who needed her. As she searched from room to room her hope could not help to sink when each and room turned to be empty with no sign of the foal to be had. The filly was nowhere to be found. She slammed the door to the last room open in a panic, but the crib in the room was covered in a thick layer of dust as if no one had stepped foot in here for far too long. Fluttershy stepped into the room and glanced around at the crib with the adorable teddy bear mobile, except to colorful thing looked worn with some of the bears ripped and missing limbs. The wood of the crib was splintered and rotting. Inside the crib laid a butterfly blanket that was yellowed with age and motheaten. She knew that this was the filly's room, but she stared at the foreign objects with a hysterical gasp. 

Overlooking the crib was a window that seemed free of the ever present vines that seemed to be choking the house. She could see flashes illuminating the deteriorating crib, but with her concentration on the child's resting spot the sudden slam of the window opening startled her. A loud squeal escaped her and she jumped away with fear filled eyes. The harsh winds forced the shutters of the window open and they slammed against the walls with the torrent. Fluttershy rushed to close the window to keep the storm outside and locked the panes with a slightly relieved sigh. She worried for the infant and turned to search the house once more when a piece of paper fluttered to the floor. It was  a piece of parchment that looked newer than the rest of the worn and decrepit cottage with scrawled lettering in fresh ink. she picked it up, her eyes widening as she skimmed the note again and again



She’s mine! The foal is mine! your last chance to see her is now, so you better hurry before she returns with me!




Fluttershy dropped the parchment and galloped from the room. The threatening tone of the note frightened her and she was determined to find the filly no matter what it would take. the foal was no longer in the cottage with her. Fluttershy threw open the front door, ready to brace herself against the raging storm to find the child, but the sight that greeted her stopped her dead in her tracks.

The rotting door had given way to a skeletal figure that resembled a pegasus with rotting flesh that seemed to drip of its grotesque figure. It held a rather small box, holding out toward Fluttershy. As she stepped forward on shaky hooves, she looked into the the box. Her eyes fell upon the infants body and she recoiled. The sight of the foal, her foal, curled up in the box and lifeless pained her. Tears stung her eyes , but she had no time to mourn because the phantom began to step away taking, her Wyntre, with him. She ran to take the baby from him, but she could not keep up. she watched as the phantom took the infant  up high and dropped the box. Fluttershy watched in horror as the filly fell and the darkness closed in on her  as she screamed. 

 It was at that moment that she awoke from her nightmare screaming and thrashing as the morning light filtered in from the window. She looked around frantically trying to figure out where she was and find the foal. As she realized she where she was, she quickly looked the her side and found the foal who was now starting to cry due to being frightened by Fluttershy’s abrupt awakening. Never was she more happy to see the little foal than at that moment when she realized it was just a bad dream. She brushed her hoof across the foal’s hair and began to get things ready  for the day. She planned to take the foal and go shopping, and after that head to the park, but before any of that came more important things such as feeding and cleaning her. 

Fluttershy comforted foal gently and picked her up and checked her diaper. Once she was sure the diaper needed to be changed she gathered up the diapers and wipes, and changed her. Changing her went smoothly for the most part with the only hiccup being when the young foal decided to let out a small tinkle and got both of them messy. After she cleaned herself up she prepared some formula and fed her.

Fluttershy then put the foal carrying pouch and placed her in it and without any interruptions set out to see things around town with the young foal. The first store they arrived at was a boutique that specialized in foal nutrition. Inside there was books on proper food preparation and recipes for foals. One such book was called Cooking For Your Miracle: A New Mother's Guide to Proper Foal Nutrition and Food Care. The book had different ways to prepare foods so that they would be soft enough to eat for a foal as well as different recipes and recommendations to make sure they had a balanced diet. The store also contained tools for making a foals food such as extra bottles, tenderizers for different types of vegetables and other things. In the end Fluttershy decided all she needed from here was the Cooking For Your Miracle book and some extra bottles. 

The next store they went to was a young pony’s paradise, or possibly Pinkie Pie’s, depending on the party she was throwing. It had toys, blankets, party supplies, playpens, and more. The only thing it was missing was a giant cake and a party cannon. She walked around letting the foal look at all the different toys they had available to her. In the end the little one decided on a beige stuffed unicorn mare with a blue mane and purple headphone along with a tan earth pony mare holding a small ciello. To Fluttershy they looked suspiciously like Vinyl Scratch and Octavia, and for herself she marked down things that she would keep in mind for the future should she be allowed to keep the filly. After that they found a supply store and made the necessary purchases of diapers, wipes, and formula. 

By this point, both Fluttershy and the foal were hungry. This caused the young one to start crying and making Fluttershy herself uncomfortable with the loud rumbling of her stomach. Lucky for them there was a small cafe off the side of the park where they were headed. Once they arrived and were seated at a table Fluttershy ordered herself a sandwich with diced crystal barries  with lettuce tomato and and and crystal corn with a tart crystal berry and apple dressing to top it off, with cubed apples and hot caramel on the side to finish off the meal. For the foal she asked for the cinnamon crystal-berrysauce with and proceeded to feed her with a bottle until it arrived. Once the food arrived, Fluttershy alternated between feeding herself and spooning berrysauce into the young foal’s mouth. Unfortunately the young foal got as much of it in her as she did on her causing her to have it running down the sides of her face and down her chin. When they had finished eating, Fluttershy attempted to clean the foal’s face, but every time she tried the foal would try to get away by ducking her face or turning it to the side. It took the next couple of minutes to get the young filly cleaned, and by the time it was done you would have thought the young foal had been offended in the highest manner possible by the look on her face.

After leaving the little cafe, they went and relaxed in the park. Fluttershy watched the butterflies dance as the young filly played with newly aquired stuffed animals. The little foal was having a blast giggling and laughing as she played with Fluttershy on the grass. By the time they left the foal had finished all of her bottles of formula and was ready for her nap as was made evident by her falling asleep in Fluttershy’s lap while playing.

Fluttershy got up placed the foal in her pouch and made her way back to the palace.when she arrived back and made it to their quarters she found a note on her door.



Dear Fluttershy, I am sorry to have missed you. I hope you and the foal had a great day out in town. I know that with everything that's been going on you probably needed some time to just have a little fun and relax after everything we talked about yesterday. Shining Armor and I expect to hear from our scout later this afternoon so with any luck we'll have news for you tomorrow.

Your Friend,
Cadence

 

        
        Having read this Fluttershy could not help but feel both excited and scared for depending on what the scout reported this little foal would either be going back to its parents or be joining her. After having given it much thought, she honestly could not picture a life where she did not have this child in it, and though it may be a little selfish, she honestly hoped the child would come home with her. However if her parents were found, and proved to be good ponies, she would want the baby to rejoin them because she did not wish to split a family apart. These feelings often left her conflicted and not knowing what she should feel or hope for. In the end, the only things she was certain of was that she loved this filly and wanted the best for her. 

        After entering their quarters, Fluttershy laid the young foal down as gently as she could tenderly planting a kiss on her forehead. She quietly walked across the room, hoping the foal would remain asleep for her nap. Fluttershy intended to read through the book she bought earlier in the day, and  luckily for her the little thing was sound asleep and would not be easily disturbed.  For the next hour, Fluttershy read through her book and occasionally bookmarked a page so that she could return to it latter, should she have questions or be unable to remember something.  

        It was toward the end of the foal’s nap that she woke up crying. Fluttershy rushed over to check her only to find out she was just cranky because she needed to be changed. After calming the foal down, Fluttershy set out to change her, giving her a fresh diaper and a clean bottom. Having done that, the foal decided she wanted to play and gave a look to her care taker that all but insisted that Fluttershy play with her. Fluttershy spent the next little while alternating between playing peek-a-boo and tickling her. It was during a moment when the foal was being tickled that a knock came at the door. Fluttershy with a tender smile on her face kissed the little filly on her nose and went to answer the door. When she opened the door she found Delicatessa standing there waiting on her. 

        “Delicatessa! Good morning! How are you doing, would you like to come In?” Fluttershy asked Delicatessa unsure what the pony would come to see her about.

        “Thank you, Fluttershy. Sorry about just popping in unannounced, but since I had not seen the two of you today I thought I would see how you were getting on.” 

        Having stated her purpose for coming over she followed Fluttershy into her quarters. They sat in silence for a little bit just watching the foal crawl around and play with herself on the floor. She would pick up her various stuffed animals and alternate between chewing on their ears and noses to prancing them roughly back and forth in front of herself.

Delicatessa broke the silence, “So, how has your day been? Anything you have questions about or just want to get off your chest?”

        Fluttershy sighed a little, She had kept herself occupied most of the day so that she would not have time to worry about whether or not the foal's parents would be found or the nightmare she had the previous night would ever come to pass.

        “Its been good for the most part. I just keep myself busy and do what I can.” Fluttershy said quietly, as if speaking even softer would make her worries vanish just like the breath used to speak her words, but unfortunately that was not the case.

Delicatessa seemed to pick up on to Fluttershy’s nervousness, “Would you like to tell me what is bothering you? I am not promising you I will have all the answers, but sometimes just sharing your troubles with somebody can make them more bearable.”

        When those words were spoken it was as if the floodgates that were all Fluttershy’s worries and fears opened as she poured her heart out to the kind mare next to her. This included everything from not knowing what she was doing and worrying about losing the foal to the nightmare she had the previous night. When she was done talking about everything the two once again sat in silence. The last thing Fluttershy had talked about with Delicatessa was her nightmare and it seemed that the older mare was mulling it over in her head as if it were a complex riddle that needed solving.

        With a heavy sigh Delicatessa put a comforting hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder and said, “Most likely your nightmare was caused by your fear of losing the foal and being thrust into a world that you felt would be cold, scary and desolate without her. Mind you, this is just my own personal opinion but it makes sense to me. A pony’s mind can take fears and worries and transform them into true nastiness and if anypony knows about the effects fear it is a crystal pony.” 

        After thinking for a little bit on what the mare said, Fluttershy could not help but agree what Delicatessa said made sense, but more than anything she felt a lot better after having talked to her about what had been on her mind. For the rest of the time that Delicatessa visited they just sat and talked with one another about different things with the occasional break, so that fluttershy could feed and change the little foal who was starting to wind down for the night. Finally, Delicatessa said her farewell and departed having seen how late it had grown.

That night, Fluttershy slept much better than the previous one, only waking up when the foal cried or when she herself needed to go to the bathroom. When morning finally did arrive, Fluttershy was both excited and nervous because there was a chance that today she would find out whether or not she would have an opportunity to keep the little foal who had grown so dear to her heart. Having gotten herself together for the day, she gently roused the little foal from its slumber so that she could give the little thing her breakfast. it was not too long after that, that a loud knock could be heard coming from the main room. 

Fluttershy carried the foal into the main room and placed her down on her blanket before going to answer the door. Fluttershy stood in front of the door, nervous to open it when the knock came again. Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she carefully opened the door. Standing on the other side was Shining Armor and Princess Cadance being escorted by none other than Blast Centurion. Fluttershy moved to the side, and gestured for them to come in since she was to nervous to say anything quite yet.

When everyone had made themselves comfortable Fluttershy finally worked up the nerve and asked, “Is there an...any news regarding the foal’s parents?”

The royal couple looked at one another sharing looks of mixed emotion before either of them spoke. Finally it was Cadance who broke the silence.

“Yes. We received word last night from our last scout when she returned, and I am really unsure of where to begin.” Cadance said, frustration and worry both showing in her tone of voice.

Shining Armor interjected himself there, “But, from what was reported the village the scout was sent to was abandoned. This is troubling news because this was one of the largest known villages of Thestral ponies in the kingdom. We are launching a full investigation into disappearance of the village’s residents. What this means, is that the foal is to be a ward of the state unless a suitable home can be found for her.”

Fluttershy having heard all the information that was presented to her about the disappearance of an entire villages population and how the young foal would be an orphan and ward of the state could not help but to shed tears, but the tears were of conflicting emotions. The tears were born out of both sorrow and hope. The sorrow was that all those ponies had just vanished and left this little foal with no one to call her own, but the tears born of hope came from the idea that just maybe she would be allowed to care for the foal herself so that she would never grow up without love and a home.

“P...Princess Cadance, Pr...Prince Shining Armor” Fluttershy said thinking that for what she had say next it was best to do so formally even with people who she considered friends, “I would like to adopt the foal if you would let me. I have thought it over and I know that taking this on is a greater responsibility than any I have ever taken before but it would break my heart for this foal to grow up without a home and without the love of one who truly cares for her. So it is for these reasons that I would like to adopt her...if you would allow it that is.”

Cadance and Shining Armor shared a look and then the biggest smiles spread across their faces as they both nodded, “ We had hoped you would say that.”

In the next moment, Princess Cadence used her magic to teleport a roll of parchment to the table.
 “Fluttershy” she said smiling at her, “to start the process and to make it official we will need you to sign this form which is a statement that you will provide the best home possible for the child and will be taking over her primary care from the state, but more importantly upon signing this form the foal will officially be your child minus one or two more documents you will have to sign at a later date after further home studies have been done in which a representative of the government will observe how you and the child interact with one another and the environment in which she we will be raised.” 

“Can I name her?” Fluttershy asked looking from Cadence to Shining Armor and back again. 
Seeing them nod consent that she can name her Fluttershy, went and picked up the young foal and while carrying her over to the Prince and Princess says, “Her name will be Wyntre Sonnet.” 

Shining Armor looked upon Fluttershy and the baby smiling as he did so when he asked, “May we be the first to hold Wyntre Sonnet?” 

Fluttershy smiled and nodded as tears of happiness coursed down her cheeks. She gently handed Wyntre to Shining Armor and watched as he tickled her chin gently with hoof. After that it was Cadence who held Wyntre smiling at her and and making funny faces at the foal causing her to laugh.

Cadence looked up at Fluttershy smiling when she said, “This child could not have gotten luckier than when she found you. You will be a great mother and if anyone gives you trouble you have the two of us in your corner. Remember that, okay?”

Fluttershy nodded. She w too choked up to say anything in response as Cadence gently handed Wyntre to Fluttershy. Fluttershy beamed down at the foal and it was as she looked into the azure eyes of her child that she realized this is happiest she had ever been.

Fluttershy looked down upon her child and said, “I will always love you my Wyntre Sonnet.”
	

> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Fluttershy’s decision was not easily accepted by the laws of their lands. For the following two weeks, she was bombarded with paperwork and interviews, each demanding proof that Fluttershy was qualified and prepared to be a mother. The circle of signatures and examinations would have driven the timid pegasus up the wall if not for the foal she adored, all because she had to be seen as a fit mother to the abandoned filly. Luckily, she had the assistance of Princess Cadance and Prince Armor in order to speed the usually slow process up by vouching for their friend. Her favorite time during those two weeks had been the rare moments where she was able to be with Wyntre alone in their room because it was during those times that she could simply relax and be with the adorable infant that had stolen her heart and soon would be her very own. The adoption finalized, Fluttershy was finally able to return home with Wyntre and she eagerly awaited her return to show off her little bundle of joy to her friends. 

On the day of her departure from the Crystal Kingdom she was accompanied to the train station by both Princess Cadence and Delicatessa. 

        “I am going to miss you. The castle will be quieter without you and Wyntre there.” Cadence said with tears in her eyes and a watery smile on her face. “You take care of her, okay? And don’t forget about us.  You are free to come back any time. We will keep a room ready for you.”

        Fluttershy, embarrassed by the Princess’ offer, spoke softly from behind the curtain of her pink mane, “Thank you… But you really shouldn’t. I am sure you can find a better use for it. We will do our best to come back and visit when we have the chance.” The last was said while Fluttershy swept her mane back from her face.

At the Princess’ side, Delicatessa looked as if she was fighting a losing battle against her own tears. In the end, the older mare rushed over to Fluttershy and wrapped her in her hooves,  startling the young foal as she cried. The infant cried from the scare, wailing loudly.

        Delicatessa wiped the tears from her eyes, after seeing what she had caused, and hugged both mother and daughter. While holding them in a tight embrace, she did her best to say goodbye. She told Fluttershy that if she got the chance, she would come by and visit sometime.

        It was after more hugs, tears, and calming the little one down, when Fluttershy also started to cry because of the emotions being displayed and felt by all. Fluttershy gave them both a teary eyed smile as she stepped onto the train with Wyntre tucked securely in her scarf. Once aboard, Fluttershy was quickly relieved of her bags and shown to her seat. The train attendant also informed her that the train would be leaving very shortly, and that if they wanted to wave goodbye it would be best to do so now. 

        Fluttershy lifted the foal into her hooves and let her look out the window as the train started to move so that she could see what was happening and wave goodbye to the Princess and Delicatessa. 

        The train ride was scheduled to take a day and a half, and during that time Fluttershy worried to herself a lot.

 She wondered,What will my friends think? I hope they like her? I wonder if Rarity can make her an outfit. I mean, what if they don’t like Wyntre or want to be around me now that I have a child?

 With these thoughts going through her mind she began to work herself into a frenzy worrying about it. As these thoughts were starting to get the best of her Wyntre began laughing bringing her out of her troubled thoughts. Smiling at the foal she thought to herself

  What am I thinking? My friends have never abandoned me before they are not likely to start now, and even if they do as long as I have her it does not matter. Besides, I know that Rarity at least will be head over hooves to help me. With that thought finished she focused her attention on the foal and the scenery passed them by.

        When the train arrived in Ponyville, Fluttershy gathered her bags from the attendant and prepared to exit the train. As she stepped down onto the platform, she heard two party cannons go off and was showered in confetti and streamers. The loud noise startled Wyntre and she began to cry. When the air cleared and Fluttershy managed to once again calm her daughter, she looked up to see her friends staring at her in shock. It looked as if each and every one of them had been hit by one of Pinkie’s joy buzzers and were just coming out of it.

        The first to regain her senses was Twilight. “I knew something was up when wrote your letter to me and asked if Rarity could make baby clothes, but I had no idea that you were talking about a child of your own….Wait… Is this your child!? Who is the father? When were you pregnant? How? When? -” Twilight drifted off as she tried to rationalize the appearance of a foal with the limited information she had.. 

        The next to come out their daze was Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack. Pinky Pie came up to her, bouncing on her tail. When she neared Fluttershy, she stuck her face next to the filly’s and squealed, “She is SO CUTE!...Where did you get her? Wait! Let me guess… You were in the mountains studying bears when you noticed something weird and went to investigate only to find the foal! You then convinced the bears to let you take care of her and then nursed her back to health! Once she was well enough to travel you went to the Crystal Kingdom and with the help of the Princess adopted her and became her mom!”

As Pinkie Pie took a deep breath, Fluttershy stared at her in awe. How could Pinkie Pie have known such a delicate situation without--oh yeah!--Fluttershy smiled. This was Pinkie Pie, after all. . 

In the time it took Pinkie to come to her conclusion and explain it, Rainbow Dash had come out of her daze and joined them. 

“Oh my, she is so adorable. Fluttershy dear, would you mind if I held her? Pretty please? I promise I will be careful.” Rarity asked, practically gushing all over both Fluttershy and Wynter. “She is just too adorable!  I will start making clothes for her right away! She will be the most fashionable baby around. What’s her name? Ohhh, I bet it is something wonderful.”

Fluttershy smiled and nodded, holding the babbling filly out to Rarity. The permission granted, Rarity trotted over and gently took the filly from Fluttershy. Unable to contain herself, Rarity cuddled the foal with a giggle as her question was answered.  “Her name is Wyntre Sonnet.”  

“Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle, I never would’ve guessed you’d of come home with a little one of yer own Fluttershy.Honestly, I just don’t know what to think...”

It was at that moment, that Rainbow Dash inserted herself into the conversation, “What are you thinking? I mean, this is a baby we are talking about, here! Are you really ready for this, Fluttershy? This is not like one of your animals. You can’t just feed it and expect it to take care of itself the rest of the time! This is serious. This is the life of another pony placed squarely in your hooves!”

Fluttershy frowned. “So, what if it is a big responsibility? I know what I’m doing, Rainbow Dash. I know that you’re worried, Rainbow, but I’ve been taking care of her for about a month. I think I can handle it.”

Rainbow Dash glanced from her friend to the foal. “I...I guess if you’re sure.I’m sorry Fluttershy. I know I’m overreacting. I just never expected you to come home with a foal in your hooves.”

“Well as much as I would love to continue standing on the platform talking, how about we take this conversation to Fluttershy’s cottage so she can relax?” Twilight said, looking to her friends when she noticed something strange. “Uhhh...Has anyone seen Pinkie Pie? I swear she was just here.” 

Everyone looked around and noticed that Pinkie Pie was gone. 

After a moment of confusion, Rarity finally spoke up, “Darling, you know how Pinkie is. She probably ran off thinking about making a party for itsy, bitsy, cutesie, Wyntre here.” 

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Of course.” 

Together, with Rainbow Dash and Applejack taking a hold of some of the luggage to help Fluttershy, the group began to make their way towards Fluttershy’s cottage. About half way there, Twilight paused as she remembered something and she bopped herself on the forehead with her hoof..

“You guys go ahead and I will meet you there. I just remembered something.” Twilight said with a smile as she disappeared in a flash of magenta magic.

The others looked at one another, unsure of what she could have forgotten that was so important that she would teleport herself away. 

With a shake of her head and a shrug of her shoulders Applejack sighed, “Let’s get going y’all. I’m sure she has a good reason, and ya know how she can be when she gets an idea.”

The group continued on without any further delays or interruptions. When they arrived at Fluttershy’s home, it was a strange sight that greeted them. The lights in the house were on and the animals that normally visited her were lined up blocking any direct view into it. Fluttershy walked forward, slowly and cautiously closing the distance to her front door and her home. When she opened the door the sight that greeted her took her breath away.

Inside her house waiting for her were Pinkie Pie and Twilight and all around them were pink ribbons, baby toys and gifts covered in brightly colored wrapping paper. Sitting on top of the biggest box was Angel Bunny who was tapping his foot impatiently and looking at her. 

After a moment, Angel Bunny hopped over to her and gave her hug. It was at that moment when Wyntre let out a cheerful sound and a giggle reaching from where she rested on Rarity’s back having been held there on the way over by the gentle glow of her pale blue magic.

The noise startled Angel and he jumped back onto his previous perch atop the box and gave the little foal a better look. Fluttershy walked over to Wyntre and scooped her up in her hooves and gestured for Angel Bunny to come to her. He crept closer, cautious of the squirming foal in Fluttershy’s grasp.

“This is our new family member, Angel. Think of her as little sister.” Fluttershy said to the little white rabbit whose ears had shot back at hearing what his owner had said.

The look on his small white face was one shock and indignation. Once he recovered himself, he began squeaking away at her and stamping his foot. From there he marched off in apparent disatisfaction.  Everyone gathered, minus Fluttershy, gave a little laugh at the bunny’s antics. 

It was at that moment that Spike came out from the kitchen with a chef hat on his head, holding a platter of cupcakes. “Hope everyone’s hungry! Pinkie Pie worked real hard getting all of this ready.” Spike said as he laid the platter down on the table that had been left empty and uncluttered by gifts or ribbons.  

“Umm...Thank you….I mean...how did you do this?” Fluttershy stammered as she came back to her surroundings. 

Twilight smiled as she said, “Well you see, Princess Cadence sent me a letter a couple of days ago about your surprise and everything that had been happening recently, and while I was shocked at first, I quickly came to realize that it could not have happened to a better pony. After that, I got a hold of Pinkie and set the whole operation in motion, but since I wanted to keep it a surprise I told no one else and swore Pinkie Pie to secrecy.”

Rarity looked at Twilight quizzically as she asked, “But dear, you asked where she went as if you didn’t know where she was, and if you had this planned you would have known wouldn’t you?”

Twilight looked at Rarity and nodded. “You are absolutely right! You see, it wasn’t like I forgot what we had planned, I just didn’t get to remind Pinkie to grab Spike from the library and find Angel. Of course, I had to make sure she got them and I couldn’t spoil the surprise. I had to act confused.”

Having heard Twilight's explanation and seeing her reasoning behind it, Rarity nodded in understanding. 

Rarity then turned to Pinkie, “Pinkie, darling, what is next in this soiree you have thrown for our dear Fluttershy?”
                                                                                 
“The next thing on the agenda, on any party I throw, is present opening and cupcake eating!” Pinkie Pie said as she tossed a hoof full of confetti into the air.

Fluttershy stepped up to the pile of gifts and began unwrapping them. The first gift she opened was a small rectangular package wrapped in purple wrapping paper and adorned with a bright pink bow in the center. She carefully unwrapped the gift so as not to destroy the wrapping paper in the process. The gift was a book titled “A Thousand and More Tips and Tricks to Help You Raise a Foal”.

Fluttershy smiled at Twilight. “ Thank you Twilight! This will most definitely be helpful.”

Twilight blushed, “You’re welcome. I just hope it is helpful.”
The next gift was a large affair wrapped in pink paper with streamers and bows and ribbons all over it. It had so many balloons tied to its corners that Fluttershy shook her head in the amazement that it wasn’t floating off of the ground.

Pinkie Pie could be seen in the back of the room jumping up and down all the while asking everyone, “Has she opened it yet? Well has she? Oh I can not wait until she opens it.”

        Fluttershy laughed at the antics of her friend and figured she would put her out of her misery and proceeded to open the gift. Underneath all the wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, streamers, and balloon was a baby bed filled with stuffed animals, baby blankets, diapers, and other necessities for raising a child. Having seen what her friends had done for her and Wyntre she began to cry. 

It was good to be home.
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	A few weeks had passed since Fluttershy returned home. She had expected things to be different with a young foal, but she did not realize how much her life would change. She could no longer return to her old life, especially now that she had to think about Wyntre. When she wanted to go out with her friends, she had to either take the foal with her, or find a babysitter. Just as she thought about it, she remembered her routine spa day with Rarity. She had to make sure that little Wyntre could come with her. Aloe was more than accommodating and agreed that she could bring Wyntre. The first time she did, Aloe and Lotus gave Wyntre her own mini spa treatment in which they thoroughly washed her, styled her little mane and massaged her tiny wings and hooves while she and “auntie” Rarity enjoyed their own spa treatment nearby. When they were finished with their spa treatment, Fluttershy came out to see Wyntre all dolled up and looking beautiful! The spa mares had styled Wyntre’s mane with a few forelock curls and painted her hooves a delicate pastel green. 

The moment that she saw Wyntre, Rarity squealed in excitement as she fawned over the baby. She turned to Fluttershy, “Oooh! We must stop by the boutique on the way home, Fluttershy. Why, I absolutely must get this little one’s measurements! I have the perfect outfit in mind for the little dear! The ensemble will be absolutely adorable!”

Fluttershy smiled, “That sounds lovely.”

After Fluttershy collected Wyntre, the two set off for Carousel Boutique. The rest of that afternoon, Fluttershy played with the baby while Rarity took her measurements and compared the foal’s coat with different colored fabrics. Once Rarity had finished, Fluttershy left with a promise that the baby would have a new, and amazingly adorable, outfit. 

On another occasion, Fluttershy went out to meet with Applejack. With a baby, she wanted to see about expanding her cottage, so she could accommodate her growing foal. While she and Applejack talked over the plans at the farm, Apple Bloom and Big Mac watched Wyntre. Applejack showed her a design for her cottage which added a whole new wing to it for her and Wyntre’s use, and so that she could do more for her animals as well. The initial design for the new addition to her cottage had four new rooms down stairs along with an expansion of three new rooms being added to the upstairs area. While taking a break from drafting up the new blueprints later that day, Fluttershy and Applejack found Big Mac and Apple Bloom chasing after Wyntre, who had apparently figured out how to use her wings as she clumsily flitted about the Apple family barn. Seeing what was going on, Fluttershy did not know what to do. On one hoof, she wanted to rush out there and scoop up her daughter, but on the other hoof she wanted to laugh because of the silliness of what was taking place before her. In the end, she compromised. She flew up to Wyntre and scooped her up in her arms and once she was safe and the commotion was over she could not help but laugh. 

Fluttershy would have never thought that she would see the day when Big Mac was running in circles beneath a foal, while Apple Bloom tried jumping from beam to beam trying to catch the filly mid air. It was just so surreal.

After coming back to her senses Applejack rushed over, “Apple Bloom get down from there right now!” she yelled,”Are you tryin’ to break your neck?”

 For the rest of the day, Fluttershy kept Wyntre by her side as she and Applejack talked over and reworked the new blueprint for the addition to her house.

Few days later Twilight invited her over to her place, where she said she had found some things that might help Fluttershy with Wyntre.

 When she arrived at Twilight’s castle, she was told by Spike that she would be able to find the princess in her library. As she approached the library’s door, all Fluttershy could hear were books being thrown around and Twilight’s panicked screams.  
“Where is it? I know I placed it around here somewhere, so where is it?! I absolutely must find it!”

 When she knocked on the door, all the noise on the other side went silent and the next thing she knew, the door opened to a rather frazzled looking Twilight. Her mane looked as if it had been shocked by lightning and stood up on end.  Twilight told her how she had been looking through the books, and had found the perfect one. The book's title was “How to Raise a Thestral Foal for the Novice Parent”, but she could not find where she put it. She had checked everywhere. It was then that Wyntre decided to let them both know that she was hungry by using a plaintive cry, so without wasting another moment Twilight suggested they go to Hay Belle’s Cafe in downtown Ponyville.

 While Wyntre and Fluttershy ate, Twilight filled them in on everything that had been happening since Fluttershy had been away. She told her how she had been organizing events to spread friendship and holding summits with the other princesses and nations to talk about the issues that they all faced. 

“I wrote to Princess Luna about the thestral foal you found and the circumstances surrounding your discovery. She said that she would like you to write her a letter so she can get a first hoof account of what happened, so that she might be able to find out what exactly went down and why Wyntre had been abandoned in the frozen wastes.”

“Oh...Okay? That is very nice of her to be concerned about Wyntre. I will write back to her as soon as I get home. I hope she can help us figure out what happened”Fluttershy responded timidly.

After they finished eating, they returned to the Twilight’s castle where Spike greeted them while he carried a book under one arm.

“Hey Fluttershy, hope you had a good lunch. I just finished reading this book I think it will be very helpful to you.” Spike said as he handed Fluttershy the very same book that Twilight had told her about. Twilight, realizing that Spike had the book she had spent her entire night looking for the whole time,began to develop an eye twitch.

She slowly walked towards him with a dangerous smile., “ Oohhhhhh SPIIIIIKE,” she sang with a low, menacing tone, “We need to have a taaaaalk.”

Fluttershy decided it would be best if she excused herself, not wanting her daughter to see what would be happening to Spike after his mistake, especially since Twilight had that crazy look in her eye again.

The next day,  construction started on Fluttershy’s cottage for the new addition that was being built on to her house. Not being able to stay at her house while the construction was going on, she was left with a dilemma of where to stay. Her first thought was to ask Twilight, but with her being so busy with her princess duties, she really did not want to impose on her. Her next thought was staying at Rarity’s, but she just kept thinking of all the scissors and the needles over at her place and decided that it would be better if she didn’t for the filly’s’s safety. She had also briefly considered staying at Sweet Apple Acres with Applejack, but thinking about what happened last time she was there, she decided against it. In the end, she was left with Pinkie Pie and the Cake’s or Rainbow Dash’s place. 

 Filled with worry, Fluttershy set off to go see how Rainbow and Tank were doing. She flew to Rainbow’s cloud home, soaring through the clouds with the foal strapped to her chest. The whole time she was flying, Wyntre cooed and laughed as she enjoyed the feeling of the wind caressing her face and body as she and her mommy flew through the sky.

 As she neared Rainbow’s home, she spotted the blue mare sunbathing on her balcony overlooking the land below her. Tank was sitting beside her on a lounge chair of his own, sporting a pair of shades on his tortoise face and looking utterly relaxed. When she and Wyntre arrived Rainbow sat up and waved for her to come over and join them. They talked about how Tank was doing and what practices were like for her in the Wonderbolts’ reserves. They also talked about what happened at Applejack’s when Wyntre took her first flight and the events that followed, including the antics of Big Mac and Apple Bloom.

 Hearing that the filly already started to fly, Rainbow became excited and insisted on seeing if she could help the young foal fly. So for the next few hours Fluttershy and Raibow discussed who would give Wyntre her flying lesson and how they would take place when she was old enough to start them.
“I really think she could start learning now Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash said, “I mean, if she ever hopes to be as awesome as me she needs to start early.”

“Rainbow Dash...I know you mean well, but she is not even a year old. I...I think it much too soon for flying lessons. I mean you didn’t even start learning to fly till you were older.” Fluttershy responded to her friend.

At one point when they were talking and playing with Wyntre the young foal almost went over the side balcony. Rainbow Dash rushed over scooped the little foal up and deposited her back into her mother's arms.Fluttershy hugged the little foal close to her chest and let a sigh of relief that nothing had happened to her.

In the end she decided she would ask if it was okay if she stayed with Pinkie and the Cake’s while her house was being worked on. When she arrived at Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie came bursting through the doors with a huge grin. ‘’

“You’re here, you’re here! Of course you’re here! I mean, your house is being worked on, and you don’t want to stay at Twilight's because she is busy, and Rarity is out because of all the pointy things at her place, and you won’t stay at Applejacks because of an incident that happened there not to mention Rainbow lives too high up for you to feel comfortable with your filly, so of course you would come here!”

Fluttershy “eep’d” as Pinkie Pie finally released her and Wyntre. When she had jumped onto them, the pink mare had lifted them up and spun in cricles as she raved about Fluttershy finally arriving.

“I have already talked to Mr. and Mrs. Cake and they said you could stay here until your house is done being worked on! This is going to be sooooo much fun. We can talk about how you have been and Wyntre can play with Pound and Pumpkin! They are going to have a blast!” 

That day while Fluttershy and Pinkie were talking about possibly having a housewarming party for the new addition that was being built onto Fluttershy’s house, the three young foals were playing in the next room over where Pinkie kept her supplies. Pumpkin was riding Gummy like a bull at the rodeo while Wyntre and Pound were getting into the “hard to reach” cabinets, where the good candies were stored, using the limited flight capabilities of their young wings. It was while she and Pound Cake were on such an excursion that they found the mother load of frosting and candies. 

Seeing that it was to big for them to handle, they got Pumpkin’s attention so that she could help them with her magic. When they had finally managed to get the frosting and candies to the floor the three of them and Gummy proceeded to devour it like there was no tomorrow. This ended up fuelling a sugar induced frenzy that had the three of them bouncing off of the walls. It was during this frenzy that Pinkie Pie’s Pinkie Sense went off and she and Fluttershy rushed to check on the three of them. They found Wyntre, Pound, and Pumpkin covered head to toe in frosting with candy stuck all over their hooves and in their manes.

“Well that’s the last time I take my eyes off of you three,and you are just as bad as they are Gummy.” Pinkie Pie said laughing.

While Fluttershy was indeed upset about the mess her daughter had helped cause for Pinkie and the Cakes, she could not help but to laugh because the three of them looked absolutely adorable in their current frosting and candy covered state.

“Pinkie Pie, do you have a camera?” Fluttershy asked her friend.

Pinkie nodded and reached into her mane to pull out a high definition camera. She quickly took a picture and promised to make a copy for Fluttershy. After taking the picture, Pinkie and Fluttershy grabbed the three foals and took them upstairs to wash the candy covered trouble makers completely clean. They filled the tub with warm water and bubbles and proceeded to scrub each child clean as the three of them played in the tub. When the children were completely clean and dried off, Wyntre, Pound and Pumpkin were put to bed where they quickly fell asleep having finally crashed from their sugar high.

This left Fluttershy and Pinkie with the quiet and peace of mind to talk about planning the housewarming party that Pinkie wanted to throw for her and Wyntre. They talked it over for the rest of the night until Fluttershy finally called a halt to it, needing to get some sleep. 

The next day came and Mr. and Mrs. Cake came to pick up their children from Pinkie Pie, having just returned from Equestria’s Iron Baker competition, where they won and had received the title of Iron Bakers. When they saw the three kids playing together, and having such fun, they smiled and nodded their approval to Fluttershy.

“Feel free to bring Wyntre over to play any time you want.” Mrs. Cake said, smiling at Fluttershy as she picked up Pumpkin and Pound Cake.

Without any further delays the cakes left and went down stairs to open Sugarcube Corner. Fluttershy, feeling a bit restless about not being in her own home, asked Pinkie Pie to look after Wyntre while she went to check on how things were proceeding with the work on her house.

With Fluttershy gone, that left just Wyntre and Pinkie to figure out what to do with the rest of their day. Pinkie’s first idea was to get Pumpkin and Pound Cake and let her play with the twins a little more, but upon further thought she decided that might not be such a good idea after what the three of them got into the night before. So, she decided that she would take Wyntre to meet Ms.Cherilee at the school house. When she arrived at the school, the young ones were outside playing on the playground and having fun. Ms. Cherilee trotted up to her upon seeing Pinkie Pie and the foal she was carrying in her hooves.

“Now who is this cute bundle of joy, Pinkie?” Ms. Cherilee asked.

“Oh, this is Wyntre. She’s Fluttershy’s new daughter. I figured I would bring her over to the school house so you could meet one of your future students and so she could play a little.”
        
No sooner than the words left her mouth the little foal flittered out of her arms with her little wings and started making her way over toward the other children where she ran face first into Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

  “Eww!” Said Diamond Tiara, “ This baby just slobbered on me! Will some pony get it away from me? NOW!!”
        
Having heard the commotion, the CMC rushed over to see who Diamond was abusing this time. Upon seeing Wyntre, Apple Bloom ran over and quickly separated the young foal from the abusive tirade of the stuck up rich pony that was making a spectacle of herself. 
        
The CMC carried Wyntre over to where Pinkie and Ms. Cherilee were standing.
Apple Bloom turned to her friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle and said, “Guys, this here is Fluttershy’s daughter Wyntre. You can’t take your eye off of her for a moment or she will get herself in to trouble. Believe me, I know.”
        
Sweetie Belle looked at the little foal smiling as she said, “Guys we should try to get our cutie marks in foalsitting! I don't think we have tried that one yet.” 

        The three of them looked at one another thinking it over when Pinkie Pie and Ms. Cherilee said in unison, “That is something you need to talk about with Wyntre’s mother.” 

Ms.Cherilee added, “and aren’t you three a little young to be foalsitting in the first place.” 
        
The three young fillies thought about it for a moment before shrugging their shoulders, “Well it was worth a try. We can at least play with her right?” Apple Bloom said as she and her friends gave Pinkie Pie and Cherilee wide, hopeful grins. 
        
Pinkie Pie hought about it for a moment, “I guess that would be okay.” she replied, “But you have to stay where we can see you at all times or the deal is off.”
        
So for the rest of the children’s recess the Cutie Mark Crusaded played with Wyntre and some of the other children. They played on the seesaw, the slide and peek a boo as well. When it was time for the young one to go in Pinkie Pie gathered Wyntre up and headed back to Sugarcube Corner. 
        
When she arrived back at Sugarcube Fluttershy was their waiting on her.
        
“My house will be ready by tonight. Thank you oh so much for looking after Wyntre for me. I do not know what I would do without such good friends.” Fluttershy said as she took the sleeping foal from Pinkie Pie’s arms.
        
“No worries, I was happy to help.” Pinkie Pie replied, smiling happily at both mother and child.

        “I will have the party ready to roll when you come home to your newly remodeled house.” Pinkie stated before walking off to do whatever it is Pinkie does when planning for a party.
        
When Fluttershy arrived home, she could not believe her eyes and she had yet to see the inside.They had overhauled  the outside giving her cottage a facelift. It now had trellaces going up the walls where joseph's coat rose bushes could grow with their blossoms of various colors, and on top of that it looked like someone had built a balcony onto her house where her bedroom had been.  When she entered her house, the lights came on and the only thought to enter her mind was that it was gorgeous. There were elegant green curtains hanging in her windows and the picture of Wyntre, Pound, and Pumpkin Cake was hanging on the wall along with a larger picture of herself holding Wyntre that looked to be hand painted. 

When did that happen? she wondered to herself. 
        
Not to mention all her friends standing there eager to show her what was waiting for her in the rest of the house.  Of course Pinkie had balloons and streamers everywhere that read “Welcome home Fluttershy and Wyntre.”
        
Applejack explained the technical aspects of what went into building the addition to her house, while Rarity explained how the color scheme had been decided upon for the curtains and other accent pieces. When they came upon a small room lined with books, Twilight explained that she felt that any good home should have plenty of books so that if you ever have a question about something you can find out the answer. Further down the hall were three animal care and relaxation rooms where she could take care of the animals that came to her for help. They then went upstairs, where she was shown her newly revamped master bedroom with the attached bathroom. 

Down the hall was the Wyntre’s room, which they had all secretly been dying to show her. When they opened the door to the room, Fluttershy set her eyes upon the most beautiful room she had ever seen. The walls were a paisley pink with teal blue accents. The crib was on the far wall across from the window with a mobile hanging above it. There was a dresser filled with all sorts of adorable outfits for her sorted by size to accommodate her as she grew. And on top of it all was a rocking chair just like Granny Smith’s, sitting right beside the crib with a book of bedtime stories resting on the seat beside a baby monitor that could be mounted on the wall.

Fluttershy’s eyes filled with tears. She had never expected her friends to actually decorate, design and buy all the stuff that they were giving her. She felt really special in that moment. Eager to see the rocking chair, Fluttershy flitted over to it and took a seat, holding Wyntre as she giggled softly. A small sniffle escaped her and she placed Wyntre in the new crib before flying to her friends and enveloping them in a tight hug. 

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she said, “I love it so much!”

The rest of the girls laughed as they hugged their weeping friend back.