> A Second Chance
>  by nimaru
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Mountain Encounter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rose Petal stepped into the cool pre-dawn air and glanced to the Eastern horizon. She was setting out a little later than she hoped, but knew she could still make the city’s edge before Princess Celestia raised the sun if she hurried. With a slight shoulder jiggle, she settled her saddlepacks and struck out, weaving though the shadowed pathways of the royal garden.

She passed the well-kept hedges and flowerbeds, but paused when she noticed a few hidden weeds beginning to take root. She stared for a moment and scowled. Frost Lily seeds could only be harvested in the first few days of Spring and she wouldn't make it high enough into the mountains if she wasted time here.

“Soon,” she whispered menacingly before reluctantly walking on.





As she left the safety of the gardens for the main road, she activated her “mind quieting spell”; a special trick she’d learned long ago that made most ponies unable to notice her. Even though there would be fewer ponies out this early and she was far from the timid filly she used to be, she still preferred to move unhindered.

In the safety of her spell, she quickly navigated the streets and neared the city gates where guardponies stood watchful as ever. In preparation, she dropped her spell, and not just as a courtesy. She’d learned the hard way how just how much resentment the guard felt when they were bypassed so easily. 

When her naturally soft hoof-falls were close enough to be heard, the closest one gave a slight smile and a nod ; a gesture she returned before walking through. She felt fortunate that a little consideration on her part and a few years passage had gone a long way towards earning their forgiveness.

A few minutes later, she forked onto the narrow mountain road just as the sun started to rise behind her. She took a moment to take in the scenery of the valley below; the shadows slowly giving way to the light. Dew sparkled brightly on the flowers and a gentle breeze danced through the grassy fields.

Rose smiled. Today was going to be perfect.

*******************

As the sun lazily began its descent into afternoon, Rose was already winding her way back down into the foothills above the city. The harvest had gone much better than expected and she was finding it hard to contain her excitement. As she ticked off the list of things she’d need to do once she got back, she began to hum in spite of herself.

“Oof…” came a voice from the silence.

Rose froze. Instantly alert and not the type of pony to take chances, she took stock: her spell was still active, but even if she were to meet a dangerous pony or animal that was unaffected, she was well within the guards’ patrol range. Though the skies were clear as from what she could see, they flew in a thirty minute circuit and would not easily miss a pony in trouble should the worst occur. Slightly more at ease, she started back through the woods again; a little more cautiously this time.

“OOF!” Again, but more insistently this time. The voice was high and a little musical; definitely belonging to a younger mare or perhaps a filly. Judging it safe, Rose headed into the clearing for a better look.

*Grunt* Flop “aw…” said the voice as Rose walked into view.

In the clearing her eyes were drawn first to a mighty oak standing protectively over a crystal-clear mountain pool. Beautiful to be sure, but Rose was most interested in locating the source of the commotion. Glancing around slightly, Rose’s eyes locked on a white shape rising from the knee-high grass near the tree. 

It stood fully just as a light breeze blew whipped by. Smiling widely, a white unicorn closed her eyes and turned to let the wind caress her long mane. Rose’s jaw dropped slightly in surprise.





Her well-groomed coat and hair were pure white and so glossy as to be almost reflective.  Her impossibly sky-colored blue eyes were framed by jet-black lashes. Her mane and tail were both so long that they dragged on the ground even when she stood full height. Put simply, she was very pretty;  almost certainly a noblepony.

But few nobles would risk their “perfect look” to the brambles and dirt of the wilderness. Even less would venture this far and none of those alone. While Rose stood dumbstruck by the absurdity of it, the wind had died and the white mare began moving again. With a resolute expression, she took a step… and then fell to the ground.

“Oof!” she exclaimed.

Shocked, Rose wondered if she were hurt. A part of her said, Don’t get involved, the patrol can handle this, but Rose quickly buried that thought. This pony was far out of her element and could put herself in even greater danger long before she was found. Rose dropped her spell and trotted over, being sure to stay in the mare’s line of sight so as not to startle her. 

Even still, with the combination of long grass, Rose’s light step, and the fact that the mare seemed content to lie in the grass for the moment, Rose was quite close by the time their eyes met. 

“Are you o…kay?…” Rose offered weakly as she noticed something even stranger: no cutie mark. Feeling overwhelmed, Rose sat to collect her thoughts as the mare mirrored her pose.

“Hi!” smiled the mare as they now stood face to face, a few feet apart. Rose stayed silent as she tried to reconcile the encounter. She realized she must be looking quite confused when the mare smiled even bigger and giggled musically.





Rose suddenly remembered once hearing how ponies who weren’t right in the head would often move and respond in unusual ways. In fact, several ponies had suspected the same of Rose when she was younger due to her extremely quiet and anti-social behavior.

Rose had grown out of it of course, but if a pony didn’t, could that prevent them from earning their cutie mark? She supposed it must be possible. After all, only a few feet away sat a full-grown mare with no cutie mark; completely out of her element high in the mountains and yet still smiling innocently at her.

Rose decided to try again. “My name is Rose Petal. What’s yours?”

The mare frowned and cocked her head to the side slightly. Rose waited politely, but no answer came. Even a daft pony would know her own name, she thought. Maybe she took a blow to the head?





That had to be it! Noble families would hide daft offspring, not groom them within an inch of their life. This pony must have lost her memory… though would that have caused her cutie mark to disappear? Would that keep her from being able to walk?

Rose closed her eyes and raised a hoof to her forehead. The complexity of the situation was causing her a headache. Her eyes turned longingly to her saddlepacks ash she wistfully thought of her carefully laid plans for the afternoon. Clearly, this mare needed help and not the kind that Rose could offer. If she could just get her back to the city…

“Can you stand?” Rose asked instead.

“Yes!”

The mare smiled and stood in response. She had still been considering Rose’s last question, but seemed relieved to be asked something she could answer. Rose stood as well.

“Can you walk?”

The mare frowned again. “That’s harder…”

Rose began to circle the mare to look for injuries when she noticed the mare staring intently at her; studying her movement. Rose paused while the mare attempted to mimic what she’d seen, though quite a bit more wobbly and with less coordination.

Rose walked again, moving deliberately to allow the mare the chance to observe. Again, the mare copied the movement. After a few tries, they were walking at nearly a normal pace side by side. Rose was relieved. First because the mare was ok, but also because she didn’t want to have to send up an emergency spark for the guard. Waiting for the guard and explaining the situation would have taken longer than just walking back to the city at this point. 

Rose watched curiously as the mare stared at her own hooves, smiling open-mouthed as if in wonder at the simple workings of walking through a forest. Soon enough she tired of that and instead looked at her surroundings. She grinned at blooming flowers; her eyes sparkled as she listened to the singing birds; chattering squirrels made her giggle. She said nothing, seeming content to follow Rose for the moment.

That suited Rose fine. She preferred the silence and would rather leave the strange mare in more capable hooves. Fortunately, she knew just the pony with the talent for things like this. Seeing the city walls in the distance, she thoughtlessly picked up the pace and began to trot. 

“OOF!” responded the mare from behind her.

Rose stopped, looked back at the mare grinning sheepishly from the ground, and sighed. Maybe I should have waited for the guard, she thought. 




> Relay
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Separate from the palace proper, just inside the royal gardens stood a mid-sized building that, by most standards, demanded little notice. A simple structure, it had only one floor of rectangular shape, but high ceilings with many windows along each side to let in natural light. Inside were rows of beds and sitting pillows for visitors to rest, relax, and utilize the unique services offered by the ponies who worked there. 

The hospitals of Canterlot are where ponies with injuries of legs, wings, or body would find relief, but here in Heart Healer Hall, ponies could seek comfort of the heart and of the mind. Between drop-ins and overnight patients, the hall could accommodate perhaps twenty ponies at once, though most days they saw barely half that many. 

Besides hall duties, healers answered requests to assist with negotiations, provide consultation, or promote general well-being. Despite the busy and sometimes brutal nature of their work, each found joy in using their talents to make Equestria a better and brighter place for everypony, every day. 

Well, almost every day.

Sitting with her snout resting flatly on a desk, lay an icy-white pegasus with her bright green hair tied into braids. Her hooves lay drooped in the most undignified manner to her sides as she studied the dust motes riding the early afternoon sunbeams that shone through the wide open windows. The day was more than half-over with no patients, no walk-ins, no requests of any kind. Winter Willow was bored.



*SIGH*

Without lifting her head from the table, she turned to see the other healers taking full advantage of the lull to catch up on some reading, have casual conversations, or prepare beds and supplies for when they’d next be needed. For a moment, Willow considered joining them, but instead flopped to the floor, kicking her legs weakly in a faux tantrum.

 “Uuuuuuuugh!” she complained aloud. From behind, somepony giggled lightly in response.

Lying on her back and lacking the strength to do much else, she traced the pattern of the wood grain in the closest ceiling support beam. Normally, she had very little time to devote to personal tasks and projects, but now that she did, she couldn’t find the motivation. Instead she spent her energy lamenting how quiet things were and grumbling to herself.

If something doesn’t happen soon I swear I’m going to… 

Suddenly, she rolled upright and raised her head; her ears snapping to attention. Somepony was coming. Somepony special.

Willow smiled.



Her reaction hadn’t gone unnoticed; so well did they know their capricious leader that Willow was barely half-way through the window before Inner Light yelled, “Use the door!” to which Willow unapologetically shouted back, “Sorry!” 
Landing in the soft grass outside, Willow took a moment to orient herself and then, like an arrow, took flight.

**********

It was only moments before Willow saw Rose making her way through the garden. Even at this distance, Willow could feel Rose’s heart wrapping around her like a warm embrace. Unable to contain herself anymore, she shouted:

“Rose!” 

In one motion, Rose looked skyward and braced for impact, but Willow halted mid-pounce when a nearby garden statue turned it’s piercing blue eyes up to stare directly at her. Startled, she dropped to the ground and crossed the rest of the distance on hoof.

Willow walked close, studying the non-statue, while the non-statue studied her back. Their gaze was only broken when Rose leaned close to share a muzzle-nuzzle with Willow. On contact, Rose’s heart came sharply into focus: some images of the mountains and the white pony followed by sensations of confusion. She’d found the pony on her trip and didn’t know what to do with her… A fleeting splash of color, ice-blue and then brown along with a sense of urgency. And she’s worried about her flowers.



Willow broke contact and grinned at her; Rose smiled back knowing that she’d been understood.

Willow turned to the white pony. “Hello. My name is Winter Willow. I’m pleased to meet you.”

The white pony had been watching them with a bemused expression, but brightened upon being spoken to. “Hello!” she said. “It’s beautiful here,” she added, glancing towards the garden.

Willow’s eyes widened slightly and her wings quivered in excitement. Everything about this pony was strange. From her coloration, to the missing cutie mark, to the lack of proper social skills; she was quite a mystery.

The pony was acting like one who’d taken a blow to the head, but there were no signs of injury. Instead, her condition must have been caused by emotional trauma. But if that were the case, she’d buried or forgotten it as Willow could sense nothing of the sort. If anything, “miss statue” had a foal-like quality about her. She was easily distracted and seemed to take joy in everything and everypony she encountered.

As Willow played with various scenarios in her head, she felt Rose’s urgency increase. A quick glance confirmed it; Rose was silently pleading for escape.

Turning back to the white pony, she said “Rose harvested some rare flowers with very particular needs and must tend to them. But I’d love to chat with you a while and introduce you to my friends if that’s alright.”

“I’d love to” she replied excitedly.

“Wonderful! It’s just this way,” Willow said turning towards the hall. “Thanks for bringing her Rose”.

The white pony, already walking to Willow’s side, absently turned to Rose as well. “Thank you Rose Petal! Have fun with your flowers”.

Relieved, Rose smiled and simply said, “goodbye!” as she walked away.

Willow and her new companion strolled to the hall’s entrance where two curious healers had opened the door to watch. The white pony smiled at them as her heart whispered of wonder and adventure. Willow also smiled while silently thanking Rose for breaking the tedium of her day. 



**************
Vexing. Annoying. Frustrating!

Willlow was irritated.

The white pony was perfectly happy to openly chat with anypony who wanted to talk to her. Willow took advantage of her willingness to pair her with each healer, one at a time. They asked simple questions, trying to feel her out for what lay underneath the surface, but when they stepped aside to report their findings in hushed tones, each said the same thing:  “well… she’s nice?”

They still knew nothing of her past, her situation, or even her name. What in Equestria am I going to do with her!? Willow wondered.

FEAR

Willow snapped to attention and studied the white mare. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

“I’m… hungry” she replied haltingly. She looked confused, but before Willow could chase the sensation, it subsided. The white mare’s face cleared and the emotion was gone. But there was no mistaking it, no matter how brief, this pony was afraid of something.

Willow closed her eyes and mentally held the remaining fragments of the emotional burst. She turned it over, pushed and pulled it… trying to get a sense of its “scent”.  As she did, a certain pony’s face kept popping into her head and, though she tried to brush it off, it stubbornly fought its way back.

“Oh!” Willow exclaimed, opening her eyes and grinning broadly.

Inner Light who was in the middle of a second attempt with the mystery patient turned to Willow. “What is it?”

“We should go get some food!” she responded excitedly. Then, walking slightly toward the door and turning to the white mare, she said “I’d like to take you to Artisan Square to meet an… ah… acquaintance of mine. We should be able to get dinner there as well.”

Her eyes brightened as she responded, “that sounds fun!” She was already walking to Willow’s side as Inner Light, looking comically constipated finally put the pieces together.

“Wait… Wait! You can’t mean…”

Willow giggled as she kicked the entrance door shut behind them, cutting off the argument she knew was coming. As usual, the white mare seemed amused by the interaction, but said nothing.

“Shall we go?” Willow asked.

“Yes” came the cheerful reply.


> A Decent Proposal
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3. A Decent Proposal

Crystal Quarry had lost track of time. She couldn’t remember how long it had been since she’d eaten or slept though, judging by light beams shining from the upper windows, it was sometime in the late afternoon.

She stepped back and stared at the monolithic hunk of marble that was carefully transported to her workshop almost a week ago. It was an impressive stone; standing a full three-pony’s height and weighing many tons. Even with the shop’s arched ceilings, the slab had barely fit. 

It would be a dream-come-true under most circumstances, but at that moment, it seemed to Crystal to be much more of a nightmare. Despite the singular honor and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity this task entailed, the expectations were steep; probably impossible.

She narrowed her eyes then turned her head; trying to see the figure inside the stone; waiting for her to release it. She raised her chisel once more and struck it weakly with her hammer. 





*TINK* 

 “Urgh!” she grunted as she flopped to the floor. No matter what she did, she couldn’t find inspiration and, as much as she wished for it, the masterpiece wasn’t going to fall out on its own.

“How did I get into this mess!?” she wondered aloud.

She thought back to the day she met Rose Petal. The pretty mare had seen several of Crystal’s works in the garden and wanted to commission a piece of her own. But being timid by nature, she’d brought a friend to help her.

Crystal Quarry shuddered at the memory. 

Winter Willow seemed nice enough though Crystal had caught her intently staring in her direction several times. Eventually she and Rose Petal finished making the request and had left, but for weeks afterward, Winter Willow would find excuses to “drop by and chat”. 

Crystal didn’t know what to make of it, but figured some of the other artisans would have noticed the outsider. Thus with a little investigation, she learned the green menace’s true identity: Canterlot’s Minister of Social Restructure. 

She wracked her brain trying to figure out what in Equestria could she have possibly done to capture the attention of a pony with such authority and status. Nothing came to mind, but rumors said that Winter Willow’s true passion lie in her secondary duties as head of Heart Healer Hall and that if she thought you were in need, she was relentless.

It was ridiculous of course. Crystal was successful and productive; just because she preferred solitude didn’t mean there was anything wrong with her. Besides, as far as she was concerned, the whole concept of heart healing was a sham in the first place. Anypony who stayed at home crying instead of picking themselves off the floor and facing their problems head on needed a firm hoof, not cuddles. Regardless, Crystal tolerated the interruptions mostly because Winter Willow was the client’s chosen representative, but also because she always brought food. 

During their “lunch chats”, Willow would occasionally ask about Rose’s request, but more often than not tried to engage Crystal in casual conversation. Crystal held back at first, but Winter Willow was a really good listener; nodding, prompting her to continue, and seeming to be genuinely interested in what she had to say. Before she knew it, she was ranting about her thoughts on responsibility, hard work, self-reliance, and her disdain for “heart-healing”. 





As the thoughts and feelings came flooding out, Crystal had suddenly felt uncomfortable and stopped speaking mid-sentence; though she didn’t know why. She hated feeling vulnerable and was about to lash out when Winter Willow stood, thanked Crystal for the conversation, and excused herself. As she left, Crystal thought she looked pensive and maybe even a little sad.

The next few weeks passed blissfully without interruption until again there was a knock on her door. She expected that Winter Willow had made her return, but instead found a pony that every artisan knew by reputation if not by name… Luau.

Luau didn’t have an official title, but from trade routes and commerce to construction and urban planning, it was said you could see her hoof in every corner of the city. Her organizational skill and energy were the stuff of legends; there was hardly an event in Canterlot that she didn’t help to prepare.

For now, she was serving as grandmaster of ceremonies for the upcoming “castle completion celebration”. Crystal already knew all about it of course; everypony did. But Luau couldn’t contain her excitement and prattled on anyway:

“… the city isn’t complete, but we’ve already accomplished so much… much needed distraction after the banishment… ”

It took so long to get to the point that Crystal had almost missed it: “need a grand sculpture. One crafted by a master to inspire the public for generations with its beauty and strength! A creation so divine that Celestia herself would be in awe!” 





It was a lofty goal pitched with unparalleled enthusiasm, but Crystal wasn’t sure if her talents could produce the kind of greatness Luau hoped for. She tried to turn down the request, but a loud bang followed by a small quake announced the delivery of the stone to Crystal’s back shop door. 

Whatever protests Crystal had were drowned out as Luau loudly shouted commands to a grunting team of pegasi and unicorns. They positioned the enormous slab in the workshop and disappeared moments later. As Luau left, she called back with one last ominous statement, “my liaison will be along soon to see to your needs.” 

And before Crystal could shake the chill that ran down her spine, Winter Willow landed gracefully with a “hello” and a smile.

In the days that followed, the green menace made herself surprisingly useful; supplying Crystal with whatever tools she needed, regularly restocking the pantry, and taking over cleaning and gardening duties. The healer no longer attempted to pry into personal matters, but there was a constant and subtle expectation of … something that kept Crystal permanently on edge. It was exhausting.

*KNOCK* *KNOCK*

“Coming!” Crystal yelled in response as she rolled upright. 

She walked upstairs grateful for the distraction. No amount of dwelling would solve her creative block and even if it was Winter Willow behind that door, after staring at white marble for hours straight, she thought it would be nice to see some color.

************* 

Crystal stared for a moment at the pure white pony, unable to believe her eyes. She was so plain that if it weren’t for her blue eyes, she’d have seemed like a statue herself. Even her flank was bare!





It was so unexpected that it took Crystal a moment to notice the green menace sitting and smirking beside her. Crystal was sorely tempted to shut the door since anything that made Winter Willow that happy could only mean trouble.

But knowing there was no way to avoid her, she instead said, “Oh. It’s you,” with all the politeness she could muster.

“HelllLLO Crystal Quarry!” Winter Willow replied cheerfully.

Her enthusiasm filled Crystal with dread. “What do you want?” Crystal flatly asked. 

“Actually, I have a bit of a problem that I’m hoping you can help me with!” 

“Yeah…?” Crystal reluctantly prompted.

“My friend here appears to have memory loss and I just don’t know what to do with her,” Winter Willow shrugged.

Crystal blinked slowly. Don’t know what to do with her!? Don’t you have an entire hall with beds and attendants to handle just this kind of problem?

“I would have kept her in the hall” she continued; seeming to read Crystal’s thoughts. “But I really think she needs to be with other ponies in the city. And then I thought of you! The Artisan District is fairly quiet and you have plenty of room…. and of course we’ll pay you for her expenses.”

“I don’t think I need the distraction of two ponies Winter Willow,” Crystal objected coolly.

“Oh did I forget to mention that she’d be taking over for me for the time being?” Winter Willow smiled innocently. “Why, with her here, I just wouldn’t have any reason to stop by anymore. You can certainly come visit if you have questions about the commission, but I’ll be happy to leave you to your work for as long as you’re willing to provide for my friend here.”

Crystal held her breath. 

She had no idea what Winter Willow hoped to gain from this, but it seemed too good to be true. She may not know the white pony’s circumstances, but if Winter Willow felt comfortable leaving her in a workshop with heavy stone, sharp tools, and a distracted artisan, she couldn’t need too much attention. 

Crystal momentarily considered that the white pony might not be what she seemed, but while Winter Willow was devious, she was no liar. 

The deal was as clear as the blue sky, a houseguest in exchange for freedom from the green menace’s unwanted attention. And even if things went badly, powder pony could be escorted back to healer hall and Crystal would be no worse off than before.





Winter Willow sat patiently with a smug look on her face while Crystal worked it through. Then, somehow sensing when the time was right, she said “So are we in agreement?”

“Alright Winter Willow,” Crystal replied. “I’ll take care of your friend for you.”

She turned to the blank pony and said, “So… I guess you’re going to be staying with me for a while. What’s your name?”

 “Wouldn’t you usually give your name first?” Winter Willow cloyingly asked.

Crystal glared at her briefly, celebrating on the inside that she’d not have to deal with her for much longer. “Uh… yeah. Sure. So…” She habitually flipped her hair out of her eyes, causing a small cloud of marble dust to fall in the process.

She impatiently blew the dust away and said, “I’m Crystal Quarry.”

The white pony had been staring at her curiously, but frowned suddenly and said nothing. 

“And you are?” Crystal asked, annoyed. Is she daft too? 

The white pony smiled genuinely in response while Crystal’s question hung uncomfortably in the air. The silence was finally broken when the pony’s stomach grumbled so loudly that Crystal nearly started.

Crystal looked wide eyed to Winter Willow who was smiling; clearly amused at the outburst. She met Crystal’s gaze for a moment before saying, “It looks like everything’s fine here. See you around Crystal Quarry.” And with a quick flap, she was gone. 

She turned back to the white pony who looked sheepish at the outburst. Now that they were alone, the reality of the situation set in and Crystal started to have second thoughts.

What have I gotten myself into!?




> Houseguest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 4. Houseguest

“You might as well come in then” Crystal said, turning back inside and starting downstairs. The white pony followed obediently.  She was silent, but her stomach was not:

*GRUMBLLLLLLE*

Surprised, Crystal looked back and said, “When was the last time you ate!?”

“Probably… some time yesterday?” she replied uncertainly.

Disgusting! Crystal thought. This pony has spent most of the day surrounded with heart healers who never managed to notice that she was hungry!? She was so irritated she nearly walked down to the bottom floor by habit, and only barely remembered to head across the second level balcony towards the kitchen instead. After a few more steps, she stopped and was about to speak when…

BUMP!





Crystal whipped her head back to give the absent-minded guest a piece of her mind. But before she could, powder pony gestured to the slab and stammered, “Sorry! It’s just… it’s so big!”

Crystal glanced up at her stony-nemesis. It was far more imposing when standing on the shop level below, but even here, it stood almost a leg higher than eye level.

“It’s a big pain is what it is! Bah! I’m done with it for tonight anyway.” She jerked her head toward the kitchen and added, “Go ahead and pull out whatever you want. I’m going to jump in the fountain”. Crystal was hungry too, but she was still caked in dust and rock which make for lousy condiments.

She walked downstairs and eyed the stone as she passed. With as much work left to do, it would be hard to take the time to train a live-in assistant. Still… she couldn’t run from the fact that she was suffering from an artist’s block; the cure for which was finding something to keep her mind off the job for a while. Luckily, because of Winter Willow’s deal, she wouldn’t be doing much real work for the next day or two anyway.

This wasn’t part of her plan too was it!? she wondered. She shook her head slightly. No. Some things are just coincidences. Don’t get paranoid Crystal!

She exited the double doors of her shop walked out onto the terrace where her secluded garden looked as calm and inviting as ever. Pleased, she smiled and breathed in the fresh air; letting the distracting thoughts dissipate on the gentle evening breeze.

Originally, her house was going to be the last in a single row bordering the square on one side and a steep retaining wall overlooking the royal gardens on the other. The choice spots were highly contested, but the city planners insisted on placing the metal and stone artisan shops in this way for “noise reduction”.

The plan was well reasoned except for two problems: as late as Crystal liked to work, there would be no way for her to avoid disturbing nearby ponies during night hours. And second, being the last house in the row, her shop bordered the busy street leading down to the lower city. There would be no way for her to avoid being disturbed by city noise during the day.

Crystal stared at the plans for some time when an idea struck her. She suggested that her house be lowered two levels and the retaining wall curved in a U shape around it. The floorplan would be shrunk by a third to allow room for the garden and fountain, while the reduced space would still fit a sizable house/shop by turning the building sideways. 





Her design meant that barely any city noises would reach her shop during the day and if she chose to work late, her noise would get absorbed by the garden or deflected out by the wall. Since her shop windows and doors weren’t on the street level, curious passer-bys couldn’t peek in and distract her. And, if she was frustrated or needed to relax, she could rest in the garden with little chance of anypony else trying to make conversation. It was the perfect solution… for her.

But the builders were quick to balk at the extra work her plan called for. At first they argued, but Crystal reminded them that her talents were well suited to the modification. Once she promised to personally provide all of the necessary cut stone for the construction, their objections died out.

And thus she gained blissful solitude.

*Clunk, CLATTER* came a noise from in the shop. “Sorry!” a voice immediately followed.

Crystal’s laid her ears back and rolled her eyes. It was blissful solitude. 

Feeling that it was a bad idea to leave the white pony unsupervised for long, Crystal jumped into the fountain. A few dips and shakes later, she stepped out onto the lush grass. She briefly shook off the dripping water before walking back towards the stone patio leading into the shop. She reached out with her magic and levitated a clean cloth to wipe the remaining water as she simultaneously used a broom to brush the dust out of her path. 

Crystal walked up the stairs and then crossed over to the kitchen area where the white pony stood waiting with a strangely guilty look on her face. The table was still bare; the cupboards and pantry doors shut.





She scowled in confusion. “Did you eat already?”

*Growl*

The white pony looked sheepish as her stomach answered for her.

“What have you been doing then?” Crystal asked exasperatedly.

The white pony said nothing and started to blush. Crystal was about to speak again when her own stomach reminded her that it had been quite a while since she last ate: *SQUERRRRRR*

Crystal snorted, deciding to focus on more pressing matters.

She magically opened the various cupboards and pulled out bowls and cups; setting them carefully on the either side of the table by the window. Leaving some of the doors open, she said, “See if there’s anything in here that you want. I’m going to get some sunflowers from the pantry”.

She glanced back to see the white pony looking cautiously at the contents of the kitchen and shook her head. You wouldn’t think a pony would forget how to eat!

She quickly found and levitated a few sunflowers into a serving bowl and, feeling uncharacteristically hospitable, decided to add a few of her favorite dried berries and grains to share as well. She floated the bowl in front of her as she walked and set it on the table.

The white pony, upon seeing her return, had moved out of Crystal’s way and was content to watch again. Crystal reached into the garden and magically pulled up some carrots, dipped them briefly in the fountain, and brought them up to the table as well. 

“You didn’t see anything you wanted?” she asked.

The white pony shook her head and said, “No. Thank you.”

Crystal considered for a moment and pulled out a few crackers before closing the various pantry and cupboard doors again.  The white pony watched with fascination before looking starry-eyed at Crystal and asking, “Can you teach me that!?”





Crystal blinked slowly as was her habit when faced with something that she needed time to process. She can’t use magic!? Oh Celestia!

She slumped down on her hindquarters and lifted a hoof to her forehead to briefly massage the tension that had suddenly built there. She sighed deeply.

“Just sit for now… we’ll take this one step at a time,” Crystal said, gesturing to the area opposite her at the table. As the white pony took the designated spot, Crystal levitated the cups to the kitchen water pump and filled them with fresh water. She set them down and then filled each food bowl with a mixture of the food items she’d collected. Finally starting to feel the hunger that had built during the day, she munched on a berry and then bit one of the carrots in half.

She glanced out the window where shadows were growing in the royal gardens below. The sky was painted orange as, somewhere on the horizon, the sun crept closer to its nightly resting place. The two ponies ate in silence as Crystal concentrated. The white pony was daintily nibbling on her food when Crystal finally spoke:

“You need a name. I can’t just call you “white pony” all the time.”

The white pony’s eyes brightened and she beamed. “You could give me a nickname!” she exclaimed.

“Yes, that’s kind of the idea…” Crystal started.

“And I could give you one too!!” she said as she plopped her two front hooves excitedly on the table, knocking over one of the water cups in the process. “Can I call you Dusty!?” she practically shouted.





Crystal eyed the spill and looked accusingly at the white pony who sat back down and blushed at her clumsiness. Crystal levitated a cloth to cover the spill while sending the cup to the sink for replacement water.

“I just… I just wanted to call you that. It just fits you and it’s cute and… I’m sorry. I guess that’s not really very polite to just name someone like that,” she said demurely.

“I don’t mind.” Crystal answered as she placed the refilled water in front of her guest. “Call me Dusty if you want. As you said; it fits.”

The white pony smiled so brightly that Crystal was dazzled for a moment. 

“Ahem! Anyway… the question is what we should call you. What do you want me to call you?”

The white pony frowned. With determination, she pleaded, “No! It has to be you. You have to give me a name”. 

Crystal wasn’t sure, but the white pony’s pouting face brooked no argument.

“Fine then.” Crystal said; not feeling up to a long discussion. “I’ll call you Snow… for obvious reasons”.

She considered it for a moment and then smiled even bigger than before. “I LOVE IT! It’s so pretty!”

Crystal blinked slowly. She hadn’t expected this reaction from such a plain name. But if she was happy, Crystal sure wasn’t going to argue.

“Alright then Snow, if you’re done, we should probably figure out sleeping arrangements.”

“Snow” flicked her head sideways too look outside, unaware that the sun had set. Confused, her eyes searched the room until she located the fairy light lanterns which she stared at with awe for a few moments. 

Apparently satisfied, she looked back to the food and thought for a moment before gulping the rest of it down. Next she awkwardly thrust her snout into her watercup and tilted it up to drink it. 





Crystal inwardly cringed to see a grown unicorn eating so inelegantly, but, though she’d never admit it, she found her innocent enthusiasm endearing.

Snow set the cup down and looked Crystal in the eye with a wet snout and satisfied smile. Then, suddenly, Snow’s face when blank and seemed far away. Crystal, irritated at the lack of response, was about to snap at her, but something told her not to. Instead, she studied Snow while she waited for her to collect her thoughts.

It was hard to make out her expression; was it concern? Or confusion? Maybe she had suddenly remembered something? Crystal couldn’t even guess, but didn’t have to as Snow finally asked, “uh… where do you… when you need to… umm.”

She was standing now and moved in a way that suggested discomfort. Crystal watched as she stammered and shifted her weight back and forth on her hind legs. Suddenly, Crystal understood.

“If you needed the outhouse, you should just say so,” she explained. “Come on then; I need to go too.”

Snow smiled weakly in response and followed Crystal downstairs and out into the garden. Situated between two leafy trees was the small wooden structure designed for bodily relief while also ingeniously providing nutrients for the nearby garden plots.

“You first,” Crystal offered politely. Snow looked apprehensive, but obliged after struggling to open the door with her hoof. Crystal helped close the door magically behind her. She listened to the fountain and relaxed in the cool night breeze as she waited her turn.

“Uh… Dusty?”

Crystal’s brow furrowed. Outhouses weren’t a common place to have a conversation after all. 

“Yeah?” she answered suspiciously.

“I… uh… what do I do?”

Oh merciful Celestia, save me! Crystal silently swore.





****************
Crystal fumed in frustration. She couldn’t have anticipated having to teach a full grown pony how to use an outhouse! She wanted to crawl under her covers and forget that it ever happened, but that wouldn’t be possible until she had decided who was going to sleep where.

Crystal led Snow back to the top level and then down the hall to the bedroom. Snow hadn’t said a word since the “incident” and looked at the floor shamefully. Crystal was still angry, but felt a pang of pity for the poor thing.

“You sleep here,” she said curtly, pointing to the mattress and pile and blankets in the corner. 

Snow obediently lay down on the bed, but looked sorrowfully at Crystal. “But where will you sleep?”

Crystal magically pulled several thick blankets from the cupboard against the wall. “I’ll sleep down in the shop. It’s hardly the first time”.

“Oh.” Said Snow, looking down again. “Okay.”

Crystal, stared a moment. Something felt “off”, but she couldn’t quite place it. “Well, uh. Goodnight then Snow”.

“Goodnight Dusty!” Snow answered with a smile, but her enthusiasm seemed forced.



 

Crystal lingered for a few seconds and then made her way down stairs. She’s probably just tired, she rationalized while she stepped up on the raised wooden floor in the back of the shop. She laid the blankets out in her usual spot by the window.

Then she magically shuttered the fairy lights through the house and laid down on the blankets. For a time she stared at the massive white stone which, in the light of the bright moon streaming through the windows, seemed to glow softly in the dark workshop.

Until tomorrow you wretch, she threatened.

***********
Crystal woke confused. The house was still dark and, based on the light’s position on the floor, not much time had passed since she’d fallen asleep. She was about to rest her head again, when an odd noise came from above.

Snow must be a fitful sleeper, she thought. She listened for a moment and, just before she tried to lay down again, heard more noise. 

*Urgh* Crystal complained. It was a shame to leave her warm blankets, but it appeared the noises wouldn’t stop without intervention.

She stood and walked up the stairs to her room expecting to have to lay down more blankets to cushion the walls from Snow’s tossing and turning. But as she rounded the corner, she found the white pony awake and standing… or more correctly; wobbling. 

Crystal watched for a moment as Snow walked to one side of the room, stood for a moment, and then walked back. On her second run, she stumbled and fell into the wall; huffing from exhaustion. A few times her eyes closed and her face relaxed only for her to inhale noisily and open her eyes wide.





After a few minutes, Crystal couldn’t watch any more.

“Are you ok?”

Snow recoiled and flailed into the wall; her eyes wide with surprise. Crystal jumped slightly then froze in response to the sudden movement.

“Oh,” Snow responded. “Hi.” She smiled weakly. “Did I wake you up?”

She yawned wide and long and Crystal had to fight hard not to mimic the action.

“I’m sorry,” she continued. “I’m just not tired. I’ll be fine. You should go back to bed”.

Crystal examined her restless guest: she was obviously not “fine”. While this pony was an adult, many things about her were foal-like; possibly due to the memory loss. But whatever the reason, it was clear from the look on her face. She was afraid to be alone. Crystal didn’t much like it, but she knew what she had to do.

“I’ve changed my mind,” she said as she floated the blankets from the bottom floor upstairs and laid them out on the floor by the window. “I’m going to sleep here.”

“But…” Snow objected half-heartedly.

Crystal ignored her and laid on the blankets. Then she stared meaningfully at Snow until she did likewise on the bed. Snow wiggled into place and futilely tried to use her teeth to pull a blanket over her.  Crystal  magically straightened the blanket and tucked it around the white pony who smiled tiredly in response.

Snow set her head down and Crystal mimicked the motion. Then they stared quietly at each other until Snow’s lids slowly closed; fluttered once, and then shut entirely. Soon, Crystal saw her body relax into the bed and her breathing became slow and rhythmic.

For a time, she stared at the mysterious white pony who, in the reflected light of the bright moon, seemed to glow softly in the dark bedroom.

Goodnight Snow, she thought as she rested her head and closed her eyes.

Seconds later, her eyelids flipped open and her brow furrowed.

I’m wide awake! she fumed.




 
> Awakenings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ash Carver made his way up the darkened street. The sun was just coming up, but the clouds and steadily falling rain made it seem like dawn was hours away. The water rolled down between the cobblestones of the hill he walked, but the streets were well designed to give solid hoofing.

He wasn’t close enough to the square yet, but he knew what he’d see: ponies arriving for the day’s work; preparing supplies; lighting lamps; stoking fires. That was the normal routine for the many craftsponies in the district… except for one.

He lifted his head to look at the “odd house”; the one he passed each morning on the way to the wood-master’s shop. It looked like an accident had collapsed the ground under it, but rumor said it was made that way on purpose. The other masters derided the reclusive pony who lived there, but Carver had met her a few times and thought she seemed nice enough. To be honest, he envied her private shop and secluded garden. 

Per usual, he glanced to her hidden getaway which was just visible in the rapidly growing morning light. But just before he turned his eyes back to the road, something caught his eye.





At first, he wasn’t sure what it was; just a stark white splotch against the dark wet grass, but then it laughed. The giggling blob was rolling and splashing in a very undignified manner on the ground!

Realizing that he’d stopped walking and was staring with his mouth agape, Carver turned away by force of will and kept walking. He knew it wasn’t Crystal Quarry since the coloring wasn’t right and he just couldn’t see her ever behaving that way, even if she thought nopony would see her.  His curiosity built until he could no longer keep his gaze averted. 

Now the white mare was lying on her back in the grass looking soulfully at the sky in silence with one raised hoof. Thinking she might be hurt, Carver sprang forward to call out to her when she suddenly turned and stood upright.

She walked to the edge of the garden and looked calmly out over the city. And then she sang.

**********************

	The wind is moving
But I am standing still
A life of pages
Waiting to be filled

Her voice was full and powerful and, like a weapon, it struck Carver senseless. The rain, the city, and every thought melted away; there was only song. 





	A heart that's hopeful
A head that's full of dreams
But this becoming
Is harder than it seems

It was a song of uncertainty; of trying to find oneself. And though he was certain she sang for herself, it still felt a little like she was singing it for him too. He’d been feeling so trapped, so underutilized, so unsure of what he should really be doing.

	Hear me asking
Where do I belong?
Is there a vision
That I can call my own?

The lyrics cut deep, but the song carried a hint of warmth, of hope and determination. And hearing… no feeling her song, he couldn't help but feel a little bit hopeful too. 

	I need your light to help me find
My place in this world
My place in this world

The last notes faded into the noise of the falling rain and Carver’s senses began to return.  He shook his head and looked around to get his bearings.

I’m going to be late!

Carver sprinted for the square and soon lost sight of the strange white pony. But though he couldn’t see her anymore, her image and song would remain with him for hours to come.

**********************

Crystal was not a morning pony. She awoke unwillingly and spent several seconds trying to figure out why she felt so stiff, where her bed was, and where that song was coming from. She closed her eyes again, but a little voice warned that there was something she needed to do.
 
And then she remembered. Opening her eyes again took some effort and when she did, Snow was predictably not there. But the melody coming from the garden gave Crystal a pretty good idea of where she was.
 
"Bleur", she moaned.
 
She rolled and put her front hooves on the floor, pushing off weakly until her head was high enough to see out of the window. Rain. Would Snow have the sense to stay out of the garden? Crystal wondered.
 




*Sigh* I better go check.
 
Moving, let alone being awake, this early in the day was a legendary feat for her. It consumed an enormous amount of concentration and willpower which was mostly fueled by worrying what that white pony might do unsupervised. She was supposed to be "helping" around the shop, but right now Crystal felt more like a foalsitter.
 
Crystal reached the stairs in the middle of huge yawn... and missed the first step. Luckily, she only rolled to the first landing this time, but she didn’t have the energy to yell from there out to the garden. With a sigh of exertion, she employed another regular tactic: stair sliding. Even though gravity did most of the work, she was still exhausted by the time she reached the shop floor.





She stared at the open door, willing it to move towards her. Failing that, she rotated her body so her hooves faced the door, tucked her legs in, sat on them, and fell to the side. And then she did it again. And again. And in this manner, she lazily rolled close enough to see outside.
 
"Mehech!" Crystal bleated into the empty garden. Confused, she studied the scene. The garden drain had gotten blocked again and the grass had nearly disappeared under the pool of water that had collected as a result. With a few moments of staring at the odd patterns in the grass, it was clear what  Snow had been doing.
 
"What kind of pony gets up this early and rolls around in wet grass!?" she tried to say though it came out more like "whaeryponeeh blech!"
 
She scowled for a moment then looked back to the stairs where she had fallen, slid, and then rolled to get where she was. Well, maybe it's not that strange after all, she thought. Then she caught sight of something white outside the topmost window.
 
"aawwwwWWWWW!" Crystal exclaimed.
 
Snow was going through the outer gate into the square... all the way back at the top of the stairs. Stairs which at this moment seemed very much like an insurmountable mountain. There was only one possible solution.

Crystal awkwardly shifted her weight, using as little energy as possible, until she was facing the right direction. Then she flipped one; twice, and....

*SPLASH*





****************************

After a few seconds of chill water and some deep breaths, Crystal Quarry felt awake enough to stand. She followed Snow up the outdoor steps and through the gate at the top. Then she sighed heavily when she found the white pony splashing playfully in puddles between cobblestones. Didn't she get enough water in the garden!? Crystal wondered. 
 
Snow had bits of dirt and rock on her hooves and blades of green grass sticking out of her mane and tail; though on the bright side, she somehow avoided getting stained. Crystal was relieved that she’d be easy to clean off, but it was scant comfort. I should still be warm and asleep; not awake, wet, and cold! She whined internally.

She grump-stomped close and said, “Stop that!”

Snow turned and smiled, but then paused and looked quizzically at her. Slowly she looked around the square at the bustling and other very-awake, already-productive ponies working in the various shops; and then back to Crystal. Her thought process couldn’t have been any clearer.

“Not everypony is an early riser,” Crystal defended. “Some of us work better late at night and… oh nevermind!” she said exasperatedly. “Let’s just go inside.”

“Ok!” Snow replied as she trotted to catch up to Crystal who had already started walking away. When snow turned toward the front door, Crystal said, “No, not that way. We need to get this water off.”

So Crystal carefully (so as to avoid any more tumbles) led the way back down the stone stairs to the shop doors.  Then she stepped inside and shook off the water, levitating some towels from the cabinets under the stairs to finish drying. 

Snow followed the example and shook off.“Here,” said Crystal, using her magic to offer a dry towel. 

Snow stared at Crystal for a few moments as the towel hung awkwardly in the air between them. Then she opened her mouth and leaned forward while looking at Crystal questioningly.

“No, NO!” Crystal admonished pulling the towel away. “Magic!” she said whipping a hoof up to point at her own glowing horn. “How are you going to help around here if you can’t even use magic!?”

Snow looked positively crushed. “But… I don’t know” *swallow* “how to use magic” she said; clearly moments from breaking down right then and there. It really was hard to believe that a pony her age couldn’t use any magic, but then again, it was hard to imagine a pony who couldn’t use an outhouse either! 

Crystal shuddered at the memory and forced it from her mind.

“I’ll teach you, just…” *SIGH* “just don’t cry.”

Snow looked surprised and raised a hoof to her eye where she wouldn’t have been able to feel tears anyway considering how wet she still was. Then she smiled and awkwardly laughed a little before sitting and waiting patiently.

Crystal sighed again, though a little less forcefully this time. Snow may drive her to distraction, but it was hard to stay mad at her for long. But not being sure where to begin instruction she stalled by drying Snow and pulling the various pieces of grass from her hair and coat. 

Thinking back, Crystal suddenly remembered something her mother had taught her. She reached up and touched Snow’s snout with her hoof. Snow’s eyes widened slightly. She looked at the hoof and then into Crystal’s eyes. 





“Do you feel that?” Crystal asked.

“Y..yes?” Snow said questioningly.

“And this?” Crystal said as she touched each ear one after the other.

“Yes?” Snow said, her eyes even wider now, her face turning slightly pink.

“Don’t blush!” Crystal said; suddenly feeling a little awkward at the white pony’s response. 

*Er-hem!* “Anyway!” Crystal continued as she sat back and restored the distance between them. “Think of your nose and your ears. Concentrate on what they feel like and think of where they are on your head. Now shift your concentration to the parts in the middle, not where your eyes are, but higher, right here,” she said as she pointed a hoof to her forehead.

Snow closed her eyes and for a moment nothing happened. But after a few seconds, her horn began to glow lightly.

She’s a fast learner, Crystal admired. But then again, she’s really only relearning something she forgot.

Snow opened one eye and then opened both excitedly.

“I did it!” she sang. But then she nearly fell over trying to get a better look at the horn on her head that moved as she did.
“Yes, yes,” Crystal replied impatiently. “Now concentrate. Do it again, but try to extend your consciousness out through your horn. You should be able to feel some of the things around us”.

Snow snapped back to attention and then closed her eyes as she did as she was told. The glow brightened and a few sparkles flickered within.

“Whoah… that’s weird,” she said. And a few moments later, “I feel something round.”

Her magic had found a medium sized chunk of rock on the table that Crystal used to keep paper sketches from blowing away when it was windy outside. Sparkles formed around it as she got a better grip on it and lifted it a few feet up. 





“See?” Crystal said. “That wasn’t so hard”.

Snow’s opened on squinty eye to see what she was holding and then jumped to her hooves, “It worked! I did…” *CRASH*.

Having lost her concentration, the rock fell hard onto the table, flipping up one of the boards, and launching a large chisel towards the back of the shop.

Crack!

Snow’s jaw dropped, her eyes widened, and the color drained from her face… maybe. She was so white already that it was hard for Crystal to tell.

“Oh! Oh NO” Snow exclaimed as she sprinted to assess the damage.

“It’s fine Snow,” Crystal said frustrated by her over-reaction. She stood and rounded the white slab to see Snow hunched and forlorn; looking as if she had just stepped on a puppy. She was standing next to the table by the back window where normally, a small tarp kept a special project of Crystal’s hidden from view. A tarp that now had a lengthy chisel sticking straight out of it.





“I’m so sorry,” Snow sobbed. Her bright blue eyes watered and ran over with tears. “I didn’t mean to break your heart!”

Crystal’s eyes widened and her brows furrowed as she struggled not to laugh. Snow must have snooped around earlier if she knew what was under the tarp, but Crystal wasn’t mad; she could only expect that a live-in assistant would find the piece soon enough. But she looked so forlorn and pathetic that Crystal couldn’t form the words to reassure her.

Snow was beginning to hyperventilate so Crystal stepped forward instead; thinking to get her point across with actions instead.

“Just watch!” she commanded.

Surprised, Snow backed out of the way as Crystal rocked the chisel out of wood and set it aside. Next, she lifted the tarp to uncover the delicate piece kept beneath:  her most difficult accomplishment to date and her greatest pride.

At first, it had only been a little gemstone heart; pretty enough, but plain. Then inspiration had struck and Crystal crafted a spectacularly detailed rose flower to match; placing the heart in the center.  

Crystal concentrated, studying the deep crack the chisel’s impact had made. Her horn began to glow.

Although gemstones weren’t rare in Canterlot and there were probably a few other gem cutting ponies who could replicate the shape, there was one aspect of its design that nopony Crystal knew could match… a special feature which led to its name: “The Rainbow Rose”.

“Did you know what kind of gemstone has this rainbow coloration?” she asked; never taking her eyes from the rose. Her horn grew brighter still as a torrent of sparkles swirled within. Snow watched; her mouth agape.

“None,” Crystal continued as her horn exploded with energy.





Crystal sent her consciousness down, deep into the gemstone where she saw the crack as if it were a gaping chasm in the ground below her. With her magic, she reached out with pseudo-hooves to tug on the sides; pulling them closer and closer together. When they touched, she smoothed them over joining them as one. 

She continued her work carefully repairing the break, aligning the facets and shards and urging them to mend. Then, she walked to and fro over the break, tucking here, pushing there, until she was satisfied. She released her magic and exhaled deeply before dropping her snout heavily onto the table.

“Dusty!” Snow exclaimed, jumping forward to help. But Crystal held up a single hoof as she regained her breath.

“Blah,” She moaned. “I’m too tired for this.”

She took a few more deep breaths until Snow, who was trying very hard to be patient, looked as if she were ready to pounce again.

Crystal lifted herself from the table and stretched out her back and neck, cracking her head one way and then the other. 

*PHEW* she said.

She magically lifted the rose and showed it to Snow, who backed away from it as if it would bite her.

“Look,” Crystal commanded. “It’s fine now.”

Snow craned her neck forward to verify that it was indeed so. She looked to Crystal, confused.

“Obviously I don’t want you tossing any more chisels,” Crystal said as she set the rose in its place with the tarp on top. “But the same trick I used to make this multi-gem can be used to repair it; or anything else made from gem or stone for that matter. It’s my special talent: gem mending.”

As with most ponies, and especially ones with rare skills, Crystal couldn’t help but brag a little. Snow looked suitably impressed and then beamed brightly.

“I’m so happy it wasn’t broken! That’s such an amazing talent! Oh Dusty, you’re so amazing!”

“Yes… well,” Crystal stammered turning away so Snow wouldn’t see her blush. “Why don’t we go upstairs so you can practice magic on something safer… like our breakfast?”

“OK!” Snow chirped as she hopped to Crystal’s side.

And thankfully, nothing else was broken that day.
> Discoveries
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Snow practiced the whole morning and was soon able to use levitation magic proficiently. But she tired of moving rocks from place to place and begged Crystal for something else to do. Not one to pass up such a golden opportunity, Crystal showed her “things to do”… all various shop chores, starting with the ones Crystal hated the most.

But despite the mundane nature of cleaning, organizing, preparing, gardening, and restocking, Snow did each cheerfully with a spring in her step. Crystal was happy for the freedom, but sometimes found it hard to concentrate as Snow moved from task to task singing softly to herself and giggling at odd intervals for no apparent reason.  

When the chores were done, Snow would find a space nearby where she could watch and ask questions:

“So what are you sculpting? Do you have any brothers or sisters? What’s your favorite place in Canterlot? Have you ever eaten honey before?” and so on…





Between the chatter and the irritating cheerfulness, Cyrstal was surprised that she was getting anything done at all, but little by little, the stone was giving way to a shape… though what shape, Crystal didn’t yet know.

On the fourth day, Snow had another accident and broke a window. As usual, she over-reacted and practically went into hysterics; apologizing and fighting back tears. With a sigh, Crystal used her gem-mending to seal the cracks; explaining to a stunned Snow that glass, being a form of rock, could be easily fixed.

But not even an hour later, Snow knocked a few wooden bowls from the upper level, splitting them clean in half on impact below. She huddled into an apologetic ball and wouldn’t listen to reason until Crystal took her across the square to the wood shop to order replacements.  

Her face had positively lit up at the chance to meet new ponies, though if Crystal was reading right, one of the colt apprentices was even happier to see her. Ever since then, she spent a fair amount of time out in the square socializing instead of being a distraction.

But during those times when Crystal’s concentration should have been uninterrupted, Snow was constantly on her mind. She’d often look at the windows trying to see or hear… something. What, she wondered, is that pony doing? 

The artisan community was not well known for welcoming strangers and some of the masters in particular were grouchy old colts that could be downright hostile. Snow’s bubbly presence and relentless questions should be causing quite a ruckus in the square.  

Worried, Crystal accompanied a surprised Snow the next afternoon. “I’m overdue for calling on the other masters,” she explained truthfully. 

So she went from shop to shop to chat politely about business and upcoming construction with the other masters: stubborn Blockhead the wood master and his gruff neighbor, Stonewall. Then there was Ripple Gleam, the water master and her brother, Deeproot the garden master. Next the earth-shaping master, the glass master, the clay master, the iron master and so on.

Amazingly, each smiled and greeted Snow by name. Though she knew each for less than a week, she spoke to them as if they were her dearest friends. At each shop, master and student vied for the privilege of showed off their talents while Snow vapidly cheered and clopped her hooves happily. If Crystal hadn’t known better, she’d have thought Snow was manipulating them magically.





Once they returned, Crystal brooded as she worked. Snow had taken the most unruly, unfriendly ponies in Canterlot and melted them like butter. She seemed to know just the right tone and choice of words to wrap anypony around her hooves.

She still didn’t believe the white pony had any sort of ulterior motives, but how much did she really know about her anyway? In the time they’d been together Snow learned plenty about her host, but without revealing anything of herself.

Crystal paused and leaned around the slab to look at Snow who, upon noticing the attention, waved and smiled.

Crystal scowled and lifted her chisel again. In the next hours, she tried casually asking about her guest… with frustrating results. Snow cheerfully answered what she could, but met more than half of the questions with a sad look and silence.

In the end, the effort was wasteful. Maybe the white pony was a master spy and infiltrator, but the far more likely option was that she was exactly what she appeared: a lost and confused pony who possessed natural charm… possibly related to her forgotten talent. Either way, Crystal would keep her at leg’s length until the project was done and Snow returned to where she came from.

It’s better that way, Crystal reminisced.

An image of a young colt flashed in her mind. His gleaming smile filled her with warmth, his mane flowing picturesquely in the breeze. But then faceless masks surrounded him, whispering; laughing; sneering in Crystal’s direction. The picture of the smiling colt rippled and became blurry… changing to a mask of disgust and disdain. Soon, his face became indistinguishable from the others.





Never again, she thought bitterly.

***************

As the days passed, the two ponies settled into a routine. 

The morning started with Snow waking up at ungodly hours while Crystal remained in her ever-growing pile of blankets by the window. Snow would head downstairs to clean the debris from the previous night’s work and then head out to tend the garden. 

At some point, Crystal would walk/tumble/slide down the stairs to the kitchen where Snow waited with breakfast and a "Good Morning!" that was far too cheerful for anypony to deal with before noon. As she ate, Snow went through the shop throwing aside and tying back drapes. First the small ones by the stairs then the lower shop… circling slowly to the kitchen so Crystal had time to acclimate to the day.

Next, Snow would clear the dishes while Crystal, who was mostly awake by that point, made her way down to the shop with minimal tumbling. As she prepped her tools and work area, Snow set to work with bucket and cloth, obsessively cleaning any dust and grime from the windows.

Crystal tried to tell her that it wasn’t necessary, but discovered Snow had a bit of a stubborn streak. She wanted to be sure “that there was enough light to work”. Crystal scoffed, but only at first. She had never realized how much light the dust on the windows blocked.

It was hard to admit, but things were a little bit better with Snow around. Sure, she was irritating and an obstacle and a distraction and an imposition and…

Crystal paused from her work and leaned sideways to look at Snow … and her breath caught at the sight.





Snow was sitting on her haunches by the open shop door staring slightly skyward.  The light wind gently set her mane to waving and the sunlight glimmered in streaks through her bright hair. The chisel and hammer twitched in Crystal’s grip as inspiration struck, but she hesitated. 

Until now, Snow’s irritating joy was always present; even in the quiet moments. But now she seemed… lost? Crystal leaned back and stared at the stone; trying to see the shape inside, but only seeing Snow’s sad face instead. Something had to be done.

“Snow!” she exclaimed, tossing her tools noisily to the bench. 

“EEP!*SMACK*” came the reply.

Crystal walked to the door where she found Snow splayed out on the floor, facing the opposite direction from the moment before. She definitely would have apologized for startling her if she weren’t trying so hard not to laugh.

“Ahem! We’re *Cough* running low on some things in the pantry and the weather’s nice. I was thinking about going to the market. Would you like to go?”

“YES!” Snow responded, pouncing in Crystal’s direction with an enormous grin.

Well that did the trick, Crystal thought as she placed floated a cloth over to wipe the dust off of her coat. Meanwhile Snow had excitedly pulled a saddlebag from the cupboard and put it on. 

“It’s backwards,” Crystal said.

Snow pouted but didn’t object when Crystal removed the buckle and corrected the bag’s placement. When the strap was finally pulled tight, Snow was trotting lightly in place and looked painfully into Crystal’s eyes:

“Can we go now!?”

Crystal smiled and pulled out a bag of her own attaching it as she walked up the stairs. She stepped out into the late morning light of the square while Snow eagerly stepped to her side with a wide smile on her face.

***********************

The two ponies walked down the street which was becoming busier and more crowded by the moment. Crystal faced forward, but could feel the excited energy emanating from the white pony who walked beside her. 

Crystal smiled smugly. You haven’t seen anything yet!

They rounded a building into full view of Canterlot’s market square and Snow skidded to a halt; her mouth gaping open. As she took it all in, Crystal indulged herself in a moment of gloating. After all, she and the other craftmasters all had a hoof in its construction. And while most would point to the castle as the city’s grandest structure, the masters knew better.





The square was enormous, with tall buildings on all sides and a series of tents and stalls specifically placed to maximize the efficiency of vendors and their patrons on both the ground and in the air. All of this surrounded a vast park measuring nearly six gallop/seconds* across and a full ten gallop/seconds long. Fountains were placed strategically to provide water to travelers and divert hoof traffic to prevent loitering in walking areas. Trees served to provide shade in all the right places in spring and summer, but would lose their leaves in the winter to let in more light and warmth. And even though tall buildings stood in every direction, some trick allowed bright sun to shine down on every corner from early in the morning until late in the afternoon.

Crystal had always wondered about that one, but her talents were in stone, not city planning. Regardless, it was a marvel which left a certain white pony dumbstruck and looking as if her jaw were about to detach. 

Actually starting to wonder if the shock would cause her injury, Crystal decided it was time to stop gazing and start walking.
“Let’s go,” she said as she led the way through the packed square. 

> Bright Seed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crystal leisurely led the way through the market, stopping at the usual stores and stalls. Normally, she liked to keep small talk to a minimum so she could quickly return to her work, but today was not a normal day. 

It’s only natural that a pony as striking as Snow would draw attention, but her unusual blankness magnified that tenfold. Both in the stores and on the street, ponies that Crystal knew went out of their way to quickly exchange formalities so they could ask about Snow. Most were genuinely curious, but a few bold colts stood a little too close and stared a little too intently. 

Oblivious as always, Snow encouraged them with a smile and a laugh and it was up to Crystal to step in and make up some excuse to separate them. After the fifth such exchange, Crystal was becoming rather irritable. Growing hyper-conscious of the attention, she moved close and placed herself between Snow and other ponies.

 You’re too popular for your own good!  she scolded internally.





Crystal glanced at Snow, worried that her protection was unwelcome. Instead, she became inexplicably irritated to find that Snow hadn’t even noticed. 

She needn’t have followed her gaze to know what captured the white pony’s attention so. After all, she’d had been staring at it distractedly for most of the morning. 

Market Park.

Placed exactly in the center of the square, the enormous park was full of trees, fountains, walking paths and even a lake. And while Crystal could go on about the expertly crafted amphitheater and stone inlaid artwork to the north, the feature that drew her companion’s attention was far less interesting as far as she was concerned.

To the south, just below the lake and bordered on three sides by strips of shade trees, lay a large grassy meadow. Crystal never learned if there was a purpose to leaving so much empty space, but these days it was only used for one thing: foalsitting.

Nopony, especially Canterlot mothers, wanted to spend their mornings in the company of bored and whiney foals. That’s why they were only too happy to send their restless little ones off to run and play so they could take their time in the market. And when the shopping was done, they found space under the shade trees where they could relaxed and socialize. 

It wasn’t artful or noteworthy by any means, but their constant presence kept the square full of the sounds of laughter and playful squeals. Sounds that were like a siren’s song to the white pony who was so absorbed that, once again, she was paying no attention to the irate craftpony at her side.

*SIGH*





Crystal glanced skyward to check the position of the sun. 

“Hey, Snow…”

“Hmmmm?” she answered, turning her head, but keeping her eyes on the park for as long as possible before glancing to Crystal questioningly.

“Why don’t you go find a place to sit over there,” she said, nodding towards the trees on the edge of the field. “I’ll go get us some lunch and meet you.”

“Ok, that sounds nice,” said Snow calmly. She was trying to play it cool, but her twitching tail betrayed her inner excitement.
“I’ll be back soon,” said Crystal as she nonchalantly turned down the street. After a few strides, she ever-so-slightly tilted her head to the side so she could see Snow, who, believing she wasn’t being watched, set off at a run to the trees.

She must really love foals, Crystal thought with a smile.

*************

Crystal Quarry stood patiently in line, waiting for fresh honey rolls from the city’s most popular baker. It really wasn’t in her character to care about such frivolities, but the moment she saw them, Snow’s face flashed in her mind. She could see her childlike joy when she’d bite into them, overreacting the way she always did…

The colt in front of her suddenly turned to face her with a wide grin. Crystal hadn’t realized until just then that she’d been giggling to herself, but it wasn’t for him so she frowned to make that clear. But the embarrassed blush she couldn’t hold back only encouraged him. He made his best flirting face and took a step towards her.

She scowled and averted her eyes, feeling small and unsure. She started to have trouble breathing and struggled to hold back tears. She wanted to run, but her legs turned to jelly. 





The colt, frowned and raised an eyebrow before shrugging and turning forward again. Released from his stare, the panic subsided replaced almost immediately with anger.

What was THAT? Crystal fumed. 

For the next several minutes she brooded about honey rolls and foalish white ponies and how humiliated she felt and how she should just leave and how she should just find something else to eat and…

But every time thought about stepping out of line, she thought of Snow. And each time, she countered herself with a new excuse:  “She’d really like these rolls”, “I’ve already come this far”, “the baking staff would be offended”, “I’m not giving this colt the satisfaction of seeing me run…”

Colts!

Where is she!? Crystal craned her neck to see past the ponies in line behind her, not noticing that she had reached the front.

“Your order miss?” asked the bakery pony. 

“I…uh…” she replied, caught off guard. “Fourhoneyroll please” she blurted, still scanning the trees for a stark white pony.

How could I have left her alone? What was I thinking! 

Crystal began to trot in place. 

“Here you are. Fresh from the oven miss!”

Crystal grabbed them magically and flung a generous chunk of bits onto the bench in exchange.

“Keep the change!” she yelled as she ran.

********************

She trotted as quickly as she could through the shade trees, but only found a herd of mothers lounging in the shade as usual. Seeing a mare she knew, she rushed breathlessly to her to ask about Snow, but Glacial Drift didn’t pay any attention. She, like all the others, was staring at the field in unnatural silence.

Compelled, she followed their gaze… and in that brief moment of calm, finally noticed the song.

Several gallop-lengths away a group of fillies and foals sat in rapt attention as a certain white pony sang. The green grass swayed gently and the sun glinted off her long locks making it seem as if she were glowing. Cuddled in her embrace, a single foal, his mouth hanging slightly open as he too sat mesmerized. 

The song wasn’t one that Crystal had ever heard before, but its power was undeniable. With a gentle intensity, it spoke of inner beauty and being true to yourself. How in the times that you’re too weak alone, a good friend can be your strength. 





And even though Crystal knew that the song was for the little foal that she held, it somehow felt as if Snow was singing it for her too. 

The world seemed to slow, and every sensation blurred until the last notes disappeared into the air. Crystal blinked several times and shook her head. She turned to Glacial Drift.

“What was that ab…” she began.

SHHHH! the pony hissed without even glancing her way.

Slightly offended, Crystal tried to formulate a response when screams erupted from the field sending chills up her spine. She whipped her head back to see what happened; her heart racing.

MAMA MAMA MAMA!  the foal shouted as he ran. The other little ponies fled before Snow who trotted lightly behind.

What did you DO, Snow!? Crystal panicked.

Before Crystal could recover from the shock and confusion, the little pony reached Glacial Drift and started jumping and babbling wildly. Moments later, the other young ponies ran to their mothers or spun excitedly in circles and zigzags as they shouted incoherently. Over the din, Crystal could just make out what the foal was saying:

“…ark… I got my cutie mark! SEE! SEE!?” He thrust his flank practically into her snout in his excitement. There, bright and bold, was a white thunderbolt touching down at the head of three horseshoes in a straight line.





The mothers all hollered and clopped their hooves in applause. Glacial Drift nuzzled him and fluffed his mane. “Congratulations, Dart Hoof! It’s a wonderful mark” she encouraged.

He beamed and ran like a flash back into the field with the others trailing close behind. Crystal followed them with her eyes, still stunned.

“Mmmmm! Those smell wonderful!” Snow said.

Crystal jumped a little, having failed to notice the white pony standing right next to her.

“But I’d like to spend a little more time with the foals before lunch… if you don’t mind,” she said, turned back to Glacial Drift as she spoke the last words, asking them both at the same time.

“Feel free,” Glacial Drift answered. “Today, you’re their hero!”

Snow smiled briefly before running off. Crystal watched Dart Hoof separate from the vortex of foals and meet Snow halfway. A breath later, they simultaneously ran together to some arbitrary point, laughing; the wave of little ponies not far behind.
Watching them made Crystal’s breath catch and her chest felt tight. For the second time that day, she endured the same mildly uncomfortable and very confusing sensation.

“So…” Glacial Drift began, breaking Crystal’s trance.

The other mothers had long since resumed their chatter, but Glacial Drift was looking directly at Crystal. 

“…this is the white pony my husband has been flirting with all week,” she teased, patting the ground next to her. Crystal accepted the invitation, sitting next to her.





“Well, she does draw a lot of attention,” Crystal answered, determined not to take the bait.  “Speaking of,” she deflected, “I seem to recall Stonewall not thinking much of runner-ponies. How are you going to handle him?”

She snorted in response.

“As much as he denied it, Dart Hoof’s talent has been obvious for a while. Besides I’ve been subtly working him for weeks. You know as well as I do that even the smallest pressure will break stone eventually.”

Crystal stared at her and blinked slowly. The cold and calculated way she spoke would have sounded very sinister if Crystal hadn’t known her so well. 

“Well, that’s good then,” she finally said, turning back to stare into the field. 

The two ponies watched Snow, who was lying on her back, kicked in false terror at the mound of little attackers who’d pinned her down. Crystal smiled in spite of herself. 

“You seemed pretty upset when you arrived. Is everything alright?”

Crystal sucked in air through her teeth and her ears flattened. That was not the question she expected.





“I… uh… she… alone and colts… and…” she stuttered, looking downward.

“I see,” Glacial Drift answered, sounding oddly satisfied by the answer.

Crystal flushed a little, but said nothing.

“He’s quite taken with her you know…”

“What!?” Crystal barked involuntarily, snapping her head up to look the direction that Glacial Drift indicated.

Out in the field, where Crystal expected to see another lovestruck colt by Snow’s side, she instead saw Dart Hoof showing off; running to and fro while jumping and doing little tricks.

Glacial Drift giggled a little under her breath while Crystal blushed furiously. She laid her ears back and opened her mouth, but before she could speak the tidal wave of little ponies returned; flowing through the trees, each to their respective mothers.

Packs opened on all sides and food came out. Lunchtime had begun. 

Snow walked calmly into the shade, her face a mask of satisfaction. She took her place at Crystal’s side then took a deep breath; exhaling slowly.

“Phew!” She exclaimed, turning to face Crystal.

“Is everything alright?” Snow suddenly asked.

“Her? Oh, she has a terrible aching on the inside,” Glacial Drift teased.

“What!? Why didn’t you say anything!” Snow worried. 

Crystal rolled her eyes and pulled a warm honey roll from her bag and shoved it into Snow’s mouth. 

“I’m fine. She just means I’m hungry,” she said.

Snow looked for a moment as if she was going to object, but then her face melted into a mask of joy from the sweet taste of the rolls.

Crystal bit into her own roll and tried to enjoy Snow’s reaction while ignoring the cloud of smug amusement coming from the mare behind her.




 
> Beneath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crystal stomped angrily through the streets with Snow trailing behind. 

I don’t know what Glacial Drift is trying to imply, she fumed. I’m just protecting Snow from getting her heart broken by those vain and selfish colts!

She grumbled as she walked, so engrossed in her thoughts that it took several moments before she became aware that she was walking alone. Stopping suddenly, she looked behind her, then turned and glanced around, trying to see where Snow had gone.

She finally spotted her a few lengths away, sitting in the middle of the street with… Luau. 

*SIGH* 

Crystal furrowed her brow and reluctantly started towards them. Due to her various quirks, dealing with Luau could be challenging, especially if one was in a bad mood. And by the look of things, today would be no different. 

Though she’d never seen it first-hoof, she had heard the stories. Luau almost never slept, and when she did, it was without warning; sometimes mid-step. Because of this, there were rumors of her being found floating down the river, hanging from construction scaffolding, or, as in this case, standing in the middle of a bustling city street. While most ponies had learned to leave her be, it certainly wasn’t unusual for a first-timer like Snow to be concerned.

Except that wasn’t concern on her face, it was confusion. And as Crystal neared, the reason became clear: Luau was standing on Snow’s tail; leaning so heavily that Snow couldn’t have moved even if she wanted to.



 

It was Crystal Quarry’s turn to be confused. 

It was said that Luau only moved in her sleep if she was in harm’s way… or if somepony else was. But glancing around, Crystal saw no dangers. The streets were calm, the skies were clear, and the ground was stable… there appeared to be nothing that would have set off Luau’s protective instincts. 

She laid her ears back. It was bad enough that she had to deal with Luau today, but to have to do so for no reason at all?

“Luau, let Snow go,” she said tersely as she reached the two ponies.

Mid-snore, Luau came back to life, opened her bright blue eyes, and smiled, “Hello Crystal Quarry. Good morning!”

“It’s afternoon,” Crystal replied impatiently.

“Yes, yes, of course,” Luau said dismissively. “Well, I have a lot to do so I’ll be off!”

That’s it? Crystal thought, shocked. Interactions with Luau are never this easy.

Luau flipped her hair into place before walking briskly towards them. Crystal eyed her warily, relaxing only when Luau started to pass her by. But the instant she was within earshot, Luau imperceptibly leaned in and whispered two words:

“Look beneath!”





Crystal whipped around, but Luau didn’t stop or look back. In a few breaths, she’d disappeared down a side alley and was gone.

Beneath what?  Crystal wondered. 

She turned to Snow who was watching the alley with a mixture of confusion and amusement. There was no doubt in her mind that the warning referred to the white pony, but what could it mean? Crystal had spent quite a bit of time with Snow; enough to be sure she was precisely what she appeared to be.

But maybe that’s not ALL she is? Crystal wondered. 

For the rest of the walk home, having completely forgotten her frustrations from the park, she pondered those two words.

*******************

Inspiration is a fickle thing. It’s a recipe of concentration, timing, luck, and a good deal many other factors. Under the best of circumstances, any commissioned artist will still struggle with fatigue and frustration as they do everything they can to create work that’s both personally satisfying and acceptable to the customer.

But on this, her most important and daunting task to date, Crystal was constantly assaulted by interruptions and distractions. Just like so many other days since her houseguest arrived, applying her talent was a constant struggle. She stared at the lumpy stone; concentrating until she could just begin to make out the shape of what was inside… 

Look beneath! the words rang out again.

She threw her tools angrily on the bench, turned on her hooves, and headed towards the garden fountain where Snow was bathing. Not that Crystal had any idea what to do or say... all she knew is that Luau’s warning would not be ignored and Snow was somehow the key to making it stop.

As she stepped outside and took in the scene, Crystal snorted with frustration.

Despite the difficulties and challenges Crystal had faced throughout the day, Snow looked as peaceful and innocent as always. She rested blissfully in the cool fountain water; her whole body submerged except for her head which rested on the edge of the basin. The water, full to the brim, was flowing lazily past her fuzzy snout and splattered to the ground where it disappeared down the overflow drain. 





Crystal scowled in confusion. Why is it doing that? she wondered.

The bathing pony noticed her approach and smiled, but Crystal stepped past her to the other side. There, in the over-flow channel she’d cut into the wall, she found a strange clump blocking the water’s normal path.

“What’s this?” she asked, magically pulling the object out and pulling it close enough to examine. Cleared of obstruction, water ran and tumbled down the channel.

“Whoop!” Snow exclaimed, hopping splashily out of the bath. 

Crystal nearly dropped the… thing… in surprise, but Snow caught it with her magic and lifted it back up.

“I made it,” she said. “To stop the water.”

She passed it over to Crystal who reached out to hold it in her hooves. It was heavy like a rock, but covered on all sides by tightly woven grass. Crystal turned it over and over, trying to understand what she was seeing. It wasn’t art, but it was elegant in its functional simplicity.

Snow made this!? 





Crystal stared at her and blinked slowly, baffled. Then she set the “water plug” down on the basin’s edge and snorted.

“Why would you do that? It’s supposed to flow. That’s how the garden gets watered!” 

“Well sure,” Snow said disarmingly. “Displaced water fills the channel and flows into the beds; anypony could see that. But you only planned on one pony bathing in here. If I didn’t block it, the gardens would get twice the amount and the plants would drown.”

Drown?

Crystal thought back to the time that Rose Petal had walked through the garden complaining about “overwatering the plants”. But that was ridiculous… everypony knew that plants died if they were too dry so naturally: “the wetter the better”… or so she’d thought.

“And when it rains, the beds get rain water AND fountain water which is just way too much,” Snow continued. “See? Don’t they look healthy now?”

Snow made a sweeping arc with her hoof indicating the whole garden and all the plants in it. Crystal looked them over with confusion. Snow’s talent surely wasn’t gardening… but she had to admit, the plants were much thicker and greener than before. 

“Not that your design wasn’t great!” Snow quickly added. “I just love how you cut the spouts for each bed so they’d get water based on the size of the plot!”

She noticed that!? Crystal thought, whipping her head around; her eyes wide.

Standing before her was a white pony; blank from head to hoof except for her clear blue eyes. She still had an ever-present little smile and looked as innocent and sweet as the day they met. It was definitely the same pony she knew, but somehow she’d missed something important. 



 

Look beneath!

What was there to see? She’d been living with a pony who didn’t have the sense to stay out of the rain. A pony who played like a little filly for hours in the park. Who had to be taught everything ranging from simple magic to using an outhouse!

And yet, she not only recognized the function of Crystal’s channel design, she improved it. She helped a young pony earn his cutie mark. She sang in a way that made the whole world stand still to listen. 

Though Crystal had been blaming her for being a distraction and a bother, hadn’t Snow dedicated nearly every waking hour to supporting her work? She cleaned, she cooked, she tended the garden… all so Crystal didn’t have to.

But that wasn’t all. Crystal had never thought to keep the windows clean for better light. And drawing outlines of each tool on the desk so they could be quickly and easily organized at the end of the day; that was Snow’s idea. And now that she thought about it, all the ponies in the square were reacting to her differently. She wondered… could Snow’s socializing be creating a bridge between her and the other craft-ponies? Hadn’t just about everything become better now that Snow was with her?

Why did it take so long to see this!?

Snow suddenly tilted her head as if to say, “why are you staring at me?”

Crystal coughed and averted her gaze. She felt strange… unstable. There was an odd pressure in her chest and throat and she felt an uncontrollable urge to blink repeatedly… but then Snow opened her snout wide in a large, long yawn. 

“Oh, sorry!” she apologized.

Taking the opportunity to regain her composure, Crystal glanced to the sky quickly darkening sky. It was still pretty early for them, but Snow had run herself ragged in the park and Crystal felt pretty ragged herself… if for entirely different reasons.

“Why don’t we turn in early?” she said, careful to avoid looking directly at Snow. “It’s been a long day.”

“Okay,” Snow agreed with another little yawn.

Crystal grabbed the water plug and placed it firmly back in the channel.

“Uh… Thanks” she started. “… for that,” she awkwardly finished as she walked past the white pony towards the shop.
Though she couldn’t see her, and it was probably just her imagination, she could have sworn she felt Snow beaming… and was that… singing she heard?





She shook her head.

“Why don’t you dry off and I’ll meet you upstairs,” she said while floating a drying cloth back to the white pony she knew was just behind her.

“Okay!” Snow chirped happily.

The response was as normal as could be, but still filled Crystal with conflicting emotions. She shook her head again and walked quickly up both flights of stairs, not slowing until she was safely in the bedroom.

Finally out of sight, Crystal sighed in relief. The sounds of cleaning coming from downstairs told her she’d have a minute or two of peace before having to face Snow again.

Crystal turned solemnly to her pile of blankets and fluffed them as she pondered. Had Luau really known something or was it just a coincidence? Either way, Snow was much more than Crystal had given her credit for. She wasn’t just a pretty featherhead; she was smart, dedicated, hardworking, patient, and…

She opened her eyes in mild surprise. Without realizing it, Crystal had walked to the bed mattress and started fluffing it as well. It had been so long since she’d slept here, she’d almost forgotten that it was hers. As she stared at the bed, bemused by her mistake, the words whispered in her mind one more time:

Look beneath.

“Ha!” She said as, feeling suddenly whimsical, she lifted up the mattress to literally “look beneath”… and then she saw it.

Oh no! NO! Snow! Why!?





************

The mattress trembled in her magic’s grasp as she clasped her hoof to her mouth. There, in plain view, tear stains ran down the mattress. In places, the stains ran deep enough that Crystal could practically see a silhouette of the pony who’d made them.

“There’s so many!” Crystal squeaked.

In her line of work, it wasn’t too uncommon to take a stray stone to the gut. But as painful as that could be, this felt much worse. She couldn’t breathe and her heart skipped beats. Her legs shook so badly that she had to sit down.

How did I miss this? How!? 

The realization that Snow had been crying nightly and then flipping the mattress every day to hide it made her magic falter. The mattress plopped back into place bare moments before Snow walked in.

“You’re still up?” she asked. 

Crystal was startled, but grateful her back was to the hall.

“Moonrise,” she choked out; hoping Snow didn’t notice the crack in her voice.

“Hmmm,” Snow replied; clearly considering. “I think I’m going to go ahead and lay down. But I’d love to watch it with you sometime.”

Crystal nodded, not trusting herself to speak again. She fumbled with the doorknob a bit before walking out to the balcony. She threw her hooves over the rail and looked off to the skyline in case Snow changed her mind. But thankfully, the white pony never came. 





Crystal spent the next minutes focused on breathing and getting her heart rate under control. By the time she felt a little like herself again, the moon had already climbed above the distant mountains.

She turned and walked slowly into the room, shutting the door quietly behind her. Snow, having heard her come in, half-opened one sleepy eye. Seeing Crystal, she smiled before resting her snout again and letting out a satisfied sigh.

Crystal winced. In the bright moonlight, she saw how Snow had been carefully laying her hooves to keep the stains hidden. 

With a heavy lump in her throat, Crystal set herself down in her blanket pile and tried to sleep in vain.

*****************

Crystal didn’t know how late it was when she heard a noise that roused her from her fitful rest. She perked up her ears, Twisting them slightly to and fro as she listened closely.

*Whimper*

She snapped her head up and looked to where Snow was sleeping. Though she’d curled in and buried her face into the mattress to muffle the noise, Crystal knew.

Feeling a little like she was floating, almost as if it were a dream, she walked to the bedside and looked at the balled-up pony who had been suffering every night in silence, all alone.

Snow twitched with a tiny cry and Crystal twitched in kind. 

How did I miss it!? Crystal berated herself again.

At her hooves lay a pony who was… what? A friend? Surely that. And if she were honest, Snow was her only real friend; her best friend. And that friend was suffering.

She knew what she had to do.

She magically pulled her blanket pile over and used them to extend the mattress. Then, gently, she lay next to the white pony; so close that they were connected from flank to shoulder. Snow stiffened slightly at the touch, but didn’t wake. Crystal could feel her trembling.

Crystal extended her neck and nuzzled Snow’s forehead with her snout.





“It’s ok, Snow,” she said softly. “I’m here.”

Snow whimpered again and buried her face in the crook between Crystal’s foreleg and the mattress. Then her whole body shuddered once before relaxing. Snow let out a stuttered sigh and relaxed; her eyes still moist, but now with the barest of a smile on her sleepy face.

Relieved that she’d calmed down, Crystal allowed herself to relax. She set her head down on the mattress’s edge so she could watch Snow. 

Snow’s face twisted briefly as if she were in pain, but then she sleepily rubbed her snout on Crystal’s side, and her expression returned to normal.

Crystal stared at her with deeply furrowed brows; wracked with guilt.

Why didn’t I notice?

Snow looked peaceful, but Crystal didn’t feel any better. She agonized over every night of tears she hadn’t been there to stop. 

Why didn’t I see?

Snow giggled lightly in her sleep; the noise like daggers in Crystal’s heart.

Why didn’t I protect you?

Unable to hold it back any longer, she turned her head away from the white pony, buried her snout in the mattress and then, deep into the night, added some stains of her own.




 
> Distance
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crystal opened her eyes and smiled.

Despite the shade trees all around her, she had a clear view of the market; a wonder of the city that she had helped to create. Before her the tall buildings and shops stood like giants, and at their feet, the cleverly styled cobblestones of the street. Along the street’s edge, flowers grew in intricately fashioned stone basins and light glimmered in the water of ornately cut drinking fountains. Nearly everything she could see had been touched by her talent.

But the longer she looked, the stranger and more chilling the scene became. Instead of vibrant color, there were only shades of grey. Instead of bustling streets, there was vacant silence. The fountains didn’t flow, the banners didn’t wave, and the trees stood unnaturally still. Even the clouds were frozen in the colorless sky. 

Everything about the barren landscape felt wrong. It was if a hidden darkness were lying in wait; peering at her. Crystal took a fearful step backwards…. 

*Giggle*

She froze; startled by the gleeful sound. In the cold silence, it took a moment to separate the source from the numerous echoes…

Somepony’s in the park, she thought, looking over her shoulder.

But it wasn’t just, somepony, it was Snow. She was running happily; her sun-soaked coat and mane glimmered as she zipped through the impossibly green-colored grass. Not far away, another Snow was sitting in a rainbow of flowers, delighting in sniffing one after the other. Still more Snows were jumping, rolling, or chatting amiably.





The sight filled her with joy and despair in equal measure. Out there was a pony who once needed and depended on her… but was that really true? From the beginning Snow had been full of life and light. A mare who shone so brightly that nopony who’d met her could dislike her. And in contrast, there was Crystal: a pony who lived in the dark; aloof and alone. 

Who needed who? She wondered sadly.

With a heavy heart, Crystal averted her eyes. She looked deep into the monochrome city where her empty shop awaited her.  Her front hoof lifted off the ground...

I don’t want to go! she pleaded, but her hooves ignored her; stepping boldly forward. 

“It’s where I belong,” she heard herself say. “I don’t need anypony else.”

No! She argued fruitlessly.

Her legs carried her through the shadows, leaving frost in every hoofstep. The playful sounds behind her grew distant and she began to forget color and sunlight. Feeling numb, she stumbled, falling to the ground in a heap. She tried to get up, but the icy shadows, eager for company, leapt upon her, snapping and crackling joyously as it grew. The cold set in, draining her warmth and will to fight.

“What does it matter?” she resigned. “This is for the best.” 

Crystal Quarry closed her eyes… and felt herself letting go...





Dusty! 

The muffled voice blew past her on a warm breeze. Crystal lifted her head and twisted her ear. She was almost sure somepony had called her. She turned to see Snow standing by the edge of the trees, looking at her earnestly.

Dusty! she called again.

The wind blew again and where it touched, color and life reached out; pleading for release. Then, one by one, the Snows in the field turned in Crystal’s direction and added their voice.

Dusty...Dusty… Dusty! 

The wind whipped through the trees which shed their ashen coats like rain. Returned to life, the trees waved and rustled, letting spots of light down to pierce the shadows. The dancing sunbeams bent and twisted towards the frozen pony, forming a single bright ray. The Snows all fell silent and watched closely.

CRACK! the ice loudly protested.

Seemingly satisfied, the closest Snow grinned then turned; galloping deep into the meadow where the rest had already gathered together. She stopped and turned; sitting in their center. Each Snow leaned close, touching her lightly with a hoof and then, as one, they whispered:

DUSTY! 

With a roar like the ocean, her soft voice sent a shockwave blowing through the meadow and then out into trees, the square, and the city beyond. Crystal watched as color leapt and splashed over every surface, extending to the distant horizon and across the sky. Defeated, the ice shattered; falling into clumps around her before vanishing into the ground.

Still numbed, Crystal stood and turned to the field where a single snow remained; waiting. Drawn, by Snow’s encouraging smile, she raised a shaking hoof and took a cautious step… and then another… and another. 

But when her front hoof touched the sunlit grass, she hesitated; afraid to step out from the cold, but familiar shadows. 





Snow, seeming to understand, closed her eyes and curled in, crossing her hooves in front of her chest. Then she raised her head and threw her hooves open wide; light bursting burst forth like the dawn. In a flash, the shadows that surrounded and lived within Crystal were burnt away. She was free… but…

Snow smiled in a way that made Crystal’s heart skip. The invitation was clear.

Finally free of doubt, Crystal walked toward Snow.

“Faster”, Crystal urged.

She trotted, but Snow was still too far away.

“Faster!”, Crystal said.

She cantered, but the distance between them was agony.

“Faster. Faster!” she begged.

She flew across the grass, holding nothing back as she raced for Snow. Though blinded by the brightness before her, Crystal didn’t slow down until, guided only by warmth and joy, she collided with Snow and melted into her soft embrace. 

I don’t want to be alone, she pleaded; surrendering to the light.

Then she was floating. She couldn’t see, but she heard giggling and a strange, but happy tune.

********************

“SHadDup!” Crystal moaned, rousing slowly.

“Sorry!” a voice responded. 

Suddenly awake, Crystal opened her eyes to find Snow mere inches from her face; looking as if she were about to burst from happiness.





Crystal scowled for a moment in confusion.

Oh. Right.

“You’re still here,” Crystal accused.

Snow just smiled bigger. She tried to say something, but it came out in a giggle instead so she closed her mouth again.

She’s enjoying this a little too much, Crystal griped internally.

“I didn’t really have much choice did I?” she lashed, tapping the mattress with her hoof accusingly. 

Snow’s face fell and her ears flipped down. She pushed away, but with the wall behind her, she couldn’t move far. So instead she put her nose down and covered it with her hooves, shutting her eyes tight.

“I… I didn’t want to trouble you,” the muffled voice responded.

“Any more than you already have?” Crystal said, instantly regretted her words.

Snow squeaked, and magically tossed a blanket over herself. The sight was ridiculous and Crystal would have laughed if she wasn’t keenly aware she’d just said something hurtful.

“I meant…” Crystal started. “That you’re already pretty much my roommate,” she said, looking away as if that particular corner on the ceiling had become suddenly fascinating. “We’re f…f…friends,” she blushed. The words hung awkwardly in the silence.

Snow pulled the blanket back with her hooves to peek out from underneath. Crystal saw her from the corner of her eye and faced her again.





“And something like this isn’t something you should from your friend. You should have told me!” she finished.

“But…” 

“But nothing,” Crystal said stamping her hoof on the wooden floor for emphasis. “Now tell me; what’s going on?”

Snow raised her head, but clasped her hooves in front of her protectively causing the blanket to form into a hood around her.

“It’s just nightmares,” she replied slowly, looking down and away, her voice trailing off as she spoke.

“Nightmares?” Crystal challenged, pointedly looking to the tear stains before glancing back in Snow’s direction. “What about?” she pressed.

Snow glanced at her and opened her mouth before closing it and looking away again. She repeated this several times before looking at Crystal sadly.

*SIGH*

“Fine, I understand”, Crystal said. “I know you have your own situation to deal with. You don’t have to tell me anything you aren’t comfortable with, but from now on, we sleep together!”

Snow unconsciously leaned forward; a poorly suppressed smile at the edges of her mouth. “You don’t have to do that,” she said unconvincingly.

“How can I tell that green menace that I took good care of you if you can never get a good night’s sleep? Besides,” she said, again touching her hoof to the tearstains on the mattress. “I don’t think the bed can take much more.”

“Well, if you think that’s what we should do,” Snow said levelly before standing and walking to the hall. She tried to hide her smile, but Crystal knew her well enough now that she could see it in her posture and hear it in her voice. And was that the tinkling of tiny bells she heard? She strained her ear and twisted her head looking for the source of the noise, but it eluded her.

“Bah!” she cried, flailing her legs and flipping the blankets. She was only barely up and the day was already full of challenges.





****************

The next day, Crystal had a larger mattress delivered and lightly teased Snow about “not ruining this one too”. Snow laughed it off, but Crystal made good on her word and stayed close from then on. Each night, when Snow’s torment began, Crystal was there with a reassuring touch. Soon, the nightmares became less frequent and then disappeared entirely. They were both finally able to get decent sleep… though far too often, Crystal grumpily awoke to find Snow giggling beside her.

The days went on and Crystal worked with ever increasing focus and determination. The deadline loomed and there was still far too much work to be done. 

In response to her host’s foul mood, Snow found excuses to be out for longer and longer periods of time. She still cleaned, handled most meals and cared for the garden, but much of the rest of the time, she was out in the square or exploring who-knows-where.

Of course Crystal knew that Snow was trying to give her creative space, but the longer she was alone, the more uncomfortable she became. As she hammered and chipped the stone away, fine dust obscured colors and choked light from the windows. Shadows grew darker and the greenery of the garden sparkled in contrast… a scene far too similar to a certain dream she hadn’t been able to shake.

Like many of the previous days, Crystal found herself adrift in battlefield where inspiration and restlessness waged war. After scanning the shop and staircase for the umpteenth time and seeing nopony there, she set her tools down in exasperation. She needed a break.

Not that long ago, relief was found by flopping around on the shop floor or lounging about in the garden. But lately, Crystal had taken to standing on the rooftop balcony. Being nearly level with the square above, she was in plain sight of passing ponies who were more often than not shocked to see her outside.





They would offer polite greetings which Crystal would return with noticeable sincerity. The craft-ponies, hesitant and first, tried light conversation and then, encouraged by Crystal’s responsiveness, graduated to gossip and friendly banter. 

She asked questions and actually cared about the responses, she learned about their dreams and their challenges; gradually understanding that she’d never really known them at all. The stiff and careful conversations she once had seemed so shallow and meaningless in comparison. 

When did I become this pony? Crystal wondered. 

Spending time on the balcony exchanging pleasantries with her peers became an unexpected highlight of her day. But despite her change of heart, she originally had a more pressing motive for choosing that particular spot. Standing several hooves above the streets, Crystal had a perfect vantage point for searching the square for her bright roommate. 

And so, like so many days before, she scaled the steps; prepared for social interaction though her real hope was that that Snow would be there, that she was close enough to call out to, and that she could come up with some excuse to call her back.

As luck would have it, the square was very lightly populated and she spotted Snow right away; drinking from the fountain. Crystal smiled, leaning her snout on the railing with a happy little sigh. The splashing water would keep Snow from hearing her, but for the moment, Crystal was content to watch.

Why does everything you do seem so wonderful? 

Snow lifted her fuzzy snout from the water and then paused for a moment with a satisfied smile. Crystal nearly waved to get her attention but then Snow did something strange… She spoke… to the fountain?

Crystal’s brows furrowed.

She walked to the end of the balcony, keeping her eyes on the white pony. With each step, she moved closer to Snow’s line of sight… and then she noticed the colt standing next to her.





Looking as lovestruck as Crystal had ever seen a pony be, was the young and talented woodmaster’s apprentice, Ash Carver. They were leaning very close, in almost an intimate way as they whispered about something. He must have said something funny, because she laughed and gently brushed his side with a hoof.

Crystal’s whole body tingled, her hooves painfully gripping the railing and her ears laying back of their own accord. 

Get away from her! she fumed.

But suddenly, the pieces clicked. So many times in the past week, Crystal had seen Snow entering or exiting the woodshop where he worked. And though it seemed random at the time, Snow had been obsessed with work working recently; going on about carved art and asking “wouldn’t you like some for the shop?”

But that wasn’t all…

***************

(A few days prior)

Crystal woke, relieved to be alone for a change. Not that she didn’t enjoy Snow’s company, but something about the white pony’s obvious glee was unsettling.

She walked down the steps, but paused uncomfortably mid-yawn when she noticed a muffled voice coming from the shop. 

Snow doesn’t usually talk to herself does she? she wondered. 

She listened as the voice suddenly sounded strange… deeper. 

“Snow?” she called out. The voice went sharply silent.

Crystal walked the rest of the way down to the shop, furrowing her brow at the flurry of hoofsteps that met her approach.

“What are you doin…” she started accusingly, but her words died in her throat.

Snow was standing at the edge of the raised wooden floor looking tremendously guilty and doing a poor job at hiding her abnormally fast breathing and the movement behind her.

“G..good morning!” she said suspiciously.

“Good morning. Crystal Quarry. Uh… Please pardon the intrusion,” Ash Carver stammered, stepping out from behind the cornered-looking white pony.





He paused next to her and said, “Thanks for showing me the sculptures” before continuing toward the shop door. He turned the latch, turning briefly to Crystal. “It’s excellent work. Very educational.” 

“Aha ha ha! Yes, no problem!” Snow said with unnatural volume. Ash Carver, waved from outside the window before walking up the garden steps to the square.

“What was that about?” Crystal interrogated. 

Snow’s ears were down and her face was flushed.

“It’s nothing,” she blurted. “I was just showing him your work. It’s so wonderful after all!” she flattered.

Crystal’s displeasure must have showed because Snow dropped the fake smile and looked at her earnestly.

“It’s true… I really wanted him to see it… them. He’s a really nice pony and didn’t do anything wrong, I swear!”

Crystal winced. All this time, she hoped Snow hadn’t noticed the way she’d been keeping colts at a distance. She didn’t have to take Snow’s word to know that Ash Carver was a good colt. He had always been hardworking, earnest, polite, and proper… of course Snow found a friend in him.

Sure she was seeing too much into it, she let the matter drop. And considering how quickly everything returned to normal, she’d nearly forgotten the whole thing.

*************

Snow suddenly turned Crystal’s way. Just like before, she put on a guilty face and tried to hide Ash Carver; shifting her rump over and pushing him with a hind leg until he stood behind the fountain. Red in the face, she waved to Crystal enthusiastically.

Crystal responded with a forced smile and a weakly waved hoof before turning around and stumbling to the steps. She couldn’t bear to see whatever happened next.





It’s fine Crystal Quarry, she coached herself. You knew that Snow wouldn’t be here forever and you have no right to keep her away from anypony. She’s her own mare!

She missed a step and fell in a heap on the landing by the bedroom. 

“Ow.” She said aloud. She rose slowly, the tight knot in her gut suggesting that she’d tumbled harder than normal. But she knew gut impact and this was different. 

She couldn’t get the picture of two ponies by the fountain out of her head and more she tried, the tighter and tighter her center became. Her eyes began to water and she started gulping for air. 

Get a grip! she scolded herself with confidence she didn’t feel. What business is it of yours if Snow has a coltfriend?

Crystal collapsed on the mattress, bawling like a newborn.

Why? Why does this hurt so much!?

> Bloom
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Crystal started avoiding Snow. She ate at odd times and only went to bed after Snow had already fallen asleep. When Snow next tried to take her usual watching spot in the shop, Crystal threw a tarp over the sculpture and made some excuse about having to keep the rest of the sculpting secret until the ceremony. 

“Go make yourself useful outside somewhere,” she said. “Or with somepony…” she added bitterly, under her breath. Crystal half-believed that Snow would protest; that she’d see through the deception; but she hoped in vain.

“Well, if it will help,” Snow said; her excitement clear as sunshine.

And so the days passed.

The two ponies still shared a bed, ate many meals together, and had light conversation, but it was like two strangers living in the same house. Snow would be gone from early in the day until late in the evening, coming back only to speed through the cooking and cleaning and then turn in early. Meanwhile Crystal would pour herself into finishing the statue, letting it become the only thing she thought about.

But there was something wrong… She was finding it harder and harder to make the next cut or strike the next blow. Something about it all seemed wrong, but she couldn’t figure it out for her life.

What’s wrong with you! Crystal accused the stone.

“Bah!” she said aloud, laying the tarp over it to keep it hidden. Given Snow’s recent patterns, it was pretty unlikely that she would have seen it, but that wasn’t her only reason for keeping it covered. Crystal was genuinely ashamed of the work and couldn’t bear to look at it.

Crystal grumbled as she plodded up the steps to her room. As she passed the middle landing window, she looked outside, but for what she didn’t know. Instead, she saw her own reflection; sad and alone. 

“What’s wrong with you?” mirror Crystal asked. 





She shook her head and scaled the steps to the rooftop… which she still found odd. The growning distance between her and Snow should have driven her back to being a recluse, but it seemed that whatever part of her allowed her to live in silence and solitude was permanently broken.

But when she arrived, a quick glance told her there would be no conversation today. The square was nearly barren since many artisans were out supporting ceremonial preparations. She laid her head weakly on the banister and slipped into deep thought.

Snow had lived with her for months now and, until recently, life had never been better. But hoping for her to stay was selfish and foalish. There had been no progress in discovering her missing memories or her cutie mark… maybe it was time to pass the torch to another pony. Somepony who could give her something that Crystal couldn’t.

Ash Carver walked out of the wood shop and trotted towards the fountain.

Speak of the devil, Crystal scowled bitterly.

No! She scolded herself. He’s done nothing wrong. If Snow cares for him, that’s just proof that he’s worthy of her.

Not entirely convinced, but exhausted from weeks of brooding, she calmly followed Ash Carver with her eyes until he reached the center of the square. Then Snow, who she hadn’t seen sitting on the fountain’s edge, walked forward to meet him.

Crystal’s heartbeat quickened and her ears lay flat. But then she took a deep breath and centered.

I need to let her be with who she wants. It’s ok.

They talked for a minute and then Snow pounced, hugging him tightly.





“Geh!” Crystal blurted as her muscles tensed, locking her in place.

I don’t want to see this! she pleaded with herself, yet knowing that it’s something she had to see.

The embrace lasted for a while… just as she’d expect between ponies who were more than “just friends”, but just before Crystal became too uncomfortable to watch further, something happened.

Ash Carver pushed her away…no… he held her, but at hoof’s length. He said something; his body language intense, but not angry. Snow looked stunned, but didn’t pull away.

What, Crystal wondered, is going on?

And then it hit her; she was watching a love confession. They weren’t officially together yet!

A moment ago, she couldn’t watch anymore, but now she couldn’t look away. Of course she’s going to say yes… Crystal reasoned. Yet she waited; eyes wide, teeth clenched, and holding her breath.

In later years, when she looked back on this event, it seemed to unfold in slow-motion. Ash Carver sat back on his haunches waiting for an answer. Snow shook her head slowly and spoke softly. Ash Carver looked crushed.

Crystal knew it was petty to gloat, yet she was struggling hard… very hard… not to cheer aloud.





But it wasn’t over.

Ash Carver tried to pull away; clearly bitter about the outcome. But Snow leaned in, trying to draw him back out. Her actions told Crystal how much she truly cared for him and she started to worry that Snow had changed her mind.

A song was her answer:

Some say love, it is a river
That drowns the tender reed
Some say love, it is a razor
That leaves your soul to bleed

Snow’s song captured her, wrapped around her like a blanket and Crystal, powerless, slipped into a frightening memory. But with the song in her ears, she felt as if Snow were there; ready to face Crystal’s demons by her side.

Together they saw three masked colts. The one in the center reached up and removed his mask to reveal Zephyr, a colt who’d been her close friend… and her first love. Crystal remembered the confession, how he recoiled in embarrassment; how he never again spoke a kind word to her.

In her own voice, she heard words coming from the darkness; “Never again!”

It's the one who won't be taken
Who cannot seem to give
And the soul, afraid of dying
That never learns to live





“Love isn’t wrong,” Snow’s voice gently said. She touched Crystal on the shoulder with her hoof and Crystal’s body moved of its own accord; stepping forward until she was a hooflength away from Zephyr’s disgusted face.

Afraid, but feeling Snow’s gentle encouragement, she looked directly at Zephyr, steeled herself briefly, and then spoke… hesitantly at first, but with rising strength and volume:

“I loved what I thought you were. It wasn’t wrong and I don’t regret it! I’m giving you up, but I won’t give up on love!”

As she spoke the last word, light burst forth from behind her. Crystal’s shadow stretched forward, large and strong; standing over the three with her head held high. The memory wasn’t gone; it never would be, but it was small and faded. Never again would it hold any power over her. 

Unafraid, Crystal turned her back on them and saw only Snow, shining like the sun.

And you think that love is only
For the lucky and the strong
Just remember in the winter
Far beneath the bitter snows
Lies the seed that with the sun's love
In the spring becomes the rose

Then the scene faded into the light and once again she was on the terrace, overlooking the fountain where a pony she cared deeply for was comforting the young colt she’d rejected.  

She’d seen enough.

Crystal stood and walked shakily back to the bedroom; feeling as if she were still dreaming. 

She glanced at the mattress where, weeks prior, she had cried herself out; wondering why she cared so much about the target of Snow’s affections. Why she feared so much being apart from her. Why she couldn’t stop thinking about her and only her.

“I love her…” she said uncertainly, but realizing the truth of it as she heard it aloud. “I love Snow!”

Suddenly, she knew what she needed to do. 

Crystal ran down the steps, but her hoof slipped and she tumbled end over end all the way down to the shop. Unfazed, she leapt up and ripped the canvas from the snow-white sculpture.

Then, with her new-found feelings coursing through her, she concentrated like never before. She grabbed tools; ALL of the tools; and attacked. Blending hammer strikes, cutting blows, and mending, she reshaped the statue, breaking chunks off and reattaching them elsewhere.





Crystal focused, sweating with exertion. Even with her intensity, it shouldn’t have been possible to work with such speed on that vast of a scale. But curiously, the stone cut like butter and mended like clay. It made no sense, but it felt almost like it was helping her along; like it had always known the form it should take and was assuming it of its own will.

So together, the artisan and the stone worked in a flurry of form and power, cracking, breaking, and joining until Crystal’s vision blurred, and, panting heavily, she fell to the ground along with all the tools she’d been holding.

She took several slow breaths before she recovered the energy to stand. She took several steps backwards and lifted her head to gaze at the statue that had received all her skill, all her talent, and all of her love… then tears rolled down her face.

It’s you, Crystal thought. “It was always you,” she whispered aloud.

Long ago, a strange white pony came into her life and somehow, a seed was quietly planted in Crystal’s heart. Despite the shadows, despite the thorns, Snow found it and cared for it; giving it nourishment and light until, strong and beautiful, it burst forth. 

Crystal, still shaking from exertion, stared in wonder at the statue before her. It was a masterpiece, but was somehow incomplete.

Her eyes flicked to the back table by the window. There, under a dust-covered tarp, her most precious work and vulnerable expression of self lay hidden. She magically pulled the Rainbow Rose forward and placed it between the statue’s raised hooves; and with the last of her strength, mended it in place.

“My heart is in your hooves,” she said softly with a smile.

Crystal stepped shakily outside and launched a messenger summons with her magic. When the pegasus arrived a minute later she told him, “Send word to Luau at the castle. The centerpiece is complete.”

With a nod he was off.

Luau would certainly have a group of couriers on standby, but it would still be a few minutes before they arrived. Crystal jumped into the fountain and let the cool water wash her tensions away along with the dust and rock fragments. For a little while, she rested with her snout on the edge of the fountain, feeling lighter than she had for as long as she could remember.





********************
She must have dozed off, because she didn’t see the pegasus and unicorn team arrive. 

“Crystal Quarry?” a voice said.

Crystal opened her eyes and saw a palace guard waiting patiently with the transport team behind him. She stepped out of the fountain and pulled a towel from inside.

“Yes, thank you for coming,” she replied as she dried herself.

With a slight nod, he continued. “My name is Rook. We’re prepared to take the statue, but I’ll need to know about the direction of the grain and any possible stress points that might be more fragile during the move.”

This guard knows stone, Crystal marveled silently. But it was all the better since she was far too tired to mend any move-related cracks or breaks.

After a short conversation, he was satisfied that he had enough information and thanked her. Crystal watched nervously, but needn’t have worried. The team worked carefully and efficiently; wrapping the statue, binding it with ropes, and pulling it outside.

“You’re surprisingly good at this,” she said to Rook as the pegasus team took their positions; each holding a rope.

“Consider demolition a hobby of mine,” he laughed. “I know a little about how to break stone, but I leave creation to ponies like you.”

“It’s pretty amazing though,” he continued, staring at the wrapped statue.

Crystal looked at him curiously. 

“Most ponies assume Luau exaggerates, but I know her better than most ponies. So when she talked about how amazing your work would be I knew it would be something special. And…” he said with a knowing glance in her direction. “… it most certainly is. Even a pony like me can hear the message that it’s sending.”

Crystal blushed, but held her head up proudly. 





Rook smiled encouragingly and lifted up his wings.

“We’ll get it there safely,” he said.

Then with a flap, he took his position at the center and a unicorn lifted several ropes up; attaching them to his breastplate. He barked a few more orders and then he and the others lifted the statue into the air and disappeared into the city.

Satisfied that, for the moment, there was nothing pressing that needed her, she went upstairs and slept.

*******************

Crystal woke, confused by the bright afternoon sunlight streaming through the window.

Well, since I’m up, I should work on the sculpture, she thought with a yawn.

She sleepily walked down the first flight of steps and glanced to where the giant statue should have been. Then she paused; tilting her head curiously as she stared at the empty space. The gears turned slowly in her head until:





The statue! The CEREMONY! Oh no! I’m late!

She ran down the stairs and pulled a saddle pack from the cupboard as she burst out the garden door.  “Snow? Snow?” she called looking to the sides and spinning once before grabbing two carrots from the garden. She dunked them quickly in the fountain and shoved one in her pack and the other in her mouth as she ran up the steps. A quick glance through the eerily quiet square confirmed that Snow wasn’t there. 

*Boom*

Cyrstal jerked her head toward the castle where flying teams were already engaged in opening ceremonies. She started running; hoping that Snow was already there. Though she made great time through the empty streets, she was entirely unprepared for what she saw when she arrived. Slowing to a trot, she stared with her mouth hanging open. 

Crystal knew the ceremony was important, but was still surprised by the turnout. If somepony told her that every resident of the city were present, she’d have believed them. Earth Ponies and Unicorns choked the courtyard and every hoof of rooftop was covered in pegasi. 

At the far end by the castle doors was a raised platform decorated with flowers and banners. On the right sat Luau and other leaders in city construction and administration. On the left, Princess Celestia stood, regal as ever, but uncharacteristically with only one guard in attendance. In the center stood Crystal’s statue, still covered. 

I’m not too late! Crystal sighed in relief.

But standing center stage in front of the statue, Prime Minister Crabapple was already addressing the crowd; his voice amplified by unicorn magic so that it reached the far corners of the courtyard. He was talking about the power of cooperation and the strides they’d made together since Nightmare Night while Crystal looked desperately for a path, but found none.





“… this statue. It was made by one of own to stand in front of the castle, to stand for all time, to stand for the heart and soul of the capital and every pony within it.”

Crystal started to panic; pacing in place.

I’ll never make it through this… “EEP!”

She was airborne, flying over the crowd in a wide circle. She looked down at the rapidly nearing ceremony stage where Luau caught her eye and winked.

“We thought this might happen,” said Rook with amusement in his voice. He deftly set her down out of view behind the stage. “You’re on,” he said with a smile before walking over to resume his place at princess Celestia’s side.

“… and now, let me introduce the pony who created this sculpture…” Prime Minister Crabapple continued.

Crystal hurried to the steps. 

“Crystal Quarry!” Prime Minister Crabapple’s voice called out confidently.

Crystal jumped onstage and trotted to the Prime Minister who smiled and stepped back to let her take his place.
She smiled nervously, feeling uncomfortable being in the presence of so many important ponies. But that was nothing compared to what she felt when she first looked over the sea of eyeballs that stared at her… waiting.

“Uh…” she said; her voice cracking.

Briefly, scattered laughs broke out and then returned to silence as they waited for Crystal to speak.

But, paralyzed by the intensity of the moment, she couldn’t utter a word. She instinctively searched the crowd, her eyes falling on one light colored pony after another until, finally, one stood out from the rest. Far away, but clear as solitary cloud in clear skies, Snow stood with a wide smile and an encouraging wave.

Crystal closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled slowly. 

She opened her eyes and looked at Snow, only Snow, then spoke:





“A few months ago, I was assigned a task that seemed impossible. I lamented my luck and cursed my fate believing with all my heart that I wasn’t strong enough. Well, I was right.”

A murmur went through the crowd.

Crystal puffed out her chest and spoke with confidence. “Yes, I made this with my own two hooves, but not with my strength alone. It was only because of the support of the ones… the one closest to me that it was possible.”

“I finally realized that no matter how strong or capable you are, it’s nothing compared to what you can accomplish when you have the bonds of friendship… and love.”

Crystal let her words hang in the air as she looked pointedly at Snow. A few in the crowd tried to follow her gaze, but snapped forward again as Crystal continued.

“And so this statue will stand in the city’s heart just as the pony who inspired it stands in mine. I give you…”

Crystal stepped to the side and grasped the ropes on the statue. Princess Celestia, Prime Minister Crabapple, and the others all turned and the crowd leaned forward; all breathless with anticipation.

“Crystal’s Heart!”

She pulled the ropes and the tarp fell in a heap, exposing the statue for all to see. 




 

> Wither
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In that moment, Crystal finally knew what it meant for silence to be deafening. For the rest of her life, she would never understand how it was possible for that many ponies to be so still that she could hear them breathing individually.

Finally, a single hoof clopped down with a noise like a thunderclap. Then the dam burst, filling the air with cheers and applause so powerful that stage began to sway. 

Crystal fought tears as she looked over the hundreds of cheering ponies. Grinning uncontrollably, she sought out Snow, but couldn’t see her among the waving throng. She struggled to catch a glimpse of the white pony, focusing so hard that she didn’t notice the crowd growing quiet.

When she finally saw the Princess approaching, she hopped to the side landing in a bow. Princess Celestia giggled and said, “Rise Crystal Quarry,” and then quietly, so only she could hear: “Stand with me.” Blushing furiously and standing lock-jointed and wide eyed, she paused her search and concentrated instead on not passing out.





“Ponies of Canterlot,” the Princess began. “Of what has already been said, I have but one thing to add. There are those among you who believe that your work and your talents go unnoticed. That if it’s not grand and on display for all to see that it doesn’t matter; that it doesn’t count.”

“This is false.”

“Greatness is not found only in the castle or the beautiful statue that will stand before it. I see it in every cart, in every cobblestone, and even in the sod.”

“Not a single day has gone by these past two years that I haven’t been in awe of what we have accomplished together.  It doesn’t mean that the healing is complete...”

She looked pointedly to the sky and paused sadly.

Many in the crowd hung their heads, knowing what that gesture implied.

“But…” she continued. “This city and every wondrous part of it is a testament that healing is possible; and that it has already begun. And for that, I am humbled and more grateful than you can imagine.”

She bowed her head to the ponies of the land and said, “Thank you!”

Then, with wings and head raised high, her voice booming across the courtyard, she said it again:

“Thank you all!”

The square exploded. Ponies cheered and yelled. Some embraced or shared hoof bumps while others cried.

Princess Celestia turned to give up the stage, leaning close to Crystal briefly as she did.

“And thank you. I will cherish your gift for the rest of my days.”

Then she nodded slightly to Luau, who leapt forward and raised a hoof above her head. 

At her signal, a line of unicorns launched colored flares into the sky and flying teams performed stunts in tandem. And while the enthralled crowd enjoyed the show, Crystal and the rest of the city leaders retreated to the relatively quiet area behind the stage.

Crystal wanted to look for Snow, but pony after pony took turns congratulating her and asking her about the work. And last in line; the green menace herself.





Well I needed to talk to you anyway. Might as well be now, Crystal thought.

“Hello Winter Willow,” Crystal said politely. 

“Ah. Yes. Hi,” She replied. 

Something seemed off. Winter Willow wasn’t maintaining eye contact and her voice faltered. Her stance was strange and her feathers were fluffed. Winter Willow wasn’t the easily flustered sort, but Crystal had a pretty good idea what was behind it.
“So I suppose you have more on your mind than congratulating me. It’s about Snow, yes?” Crystal prompted.

Winter Willow actually winced.

Bullseye…

Crystal sighed. Her next words didn’t come easy.

“It’s ok Winter Willow… you win. You were right all along. Snow changed me; ‘healed me’ I suppose you could say.”
Crystal turned around, staring off into the city.

“And I want to return the favor. Until Snow finds her true self and her pain disappears, I want to be there for her… if she’ll allow it. Besides…” she continued, facing Winter Willow again.

“She’s already so much better than before!”

Winter Willow stared; her face a mask of sadness. 





“Snow…” she began uncertainly. “Snow stopped by the hall this morning.”

Crystal blinked slowly.

“I’ll be at the hall tonight… in case you need me.”

“Why would…” Crystal started.

Winter Willow held up a hoof and stared at her with frightening intensity. “I’ll just… be there.” And without another word she flew off.

**********************

The sky was turning orange and pink by the time the celebration had died down enough for Crystal to escape. Even then it took some time to make it through the crowd of well wishers and fans. 

“Wonderful speech!” they said. “Amazing sculpture!” they said.

Crystal hurriedly thanked them before asking if they’d seen Snow. If they had, Crystal would follow their pointed hoof further into the city, following Snow’s trail until the last pony she asked confirmed her suspicion: Snow had returned to the shop. Crystal thanked him and started walking away when he added, “she was running pretty fast too.”

Running? 

Crystal started to doubt herself. 

Was she upset by what I did? What if Snow can’t accept my feelings? What if I embarrassed her and nothing’s the same between us again? What if…

Crystal shook her head. She had resolved to see this through and would, no matter the outcome. 

Finally, she reached the shop door and reached for the handle, but hesitated. And then she smiled and walked down the stone steps instead. 

She’s usually in the fountain this time of day.

But after a few steps, she was able to clearly see that the fountain was unoccupied.





Maybe she’s in the garden?

But when she reached the bottom, a quick glance showed she wasn’t there either.

She must be cleaning inside. I did leave a pretty big mess in there, She thought with a smile.

She opened the doors wide and frowned. The shop was immaculate, but otherwise bare. It felt wrong seeing the shop devoid of both the white slab and the white pony at the same time. In fact, there was only one spot of white left anywhere.

Sitting exactly where the statue had been, in an afternoon sunbeam, was a single small stone that Snow had somehow left behind. 

That’s odd, Crystal thought, lifting it up.

But what she held was no rock. It was a flower.

“Bleurgh?” Crystal said aloud, completely flabbergasted.

It was a rose made of a wood so pale that it was almost pure white. By some wood-carver’s trick, the delicate-looking petals were adorned with what looked like water drops. And in its exact center, a smoothed wooden heart.





Crystal’s heart raced. Suddenly, it all made sense! 

The fact that this rose looked so much like Crystal’s was no accident! The time she’d caught Snow and Ash carver in the shop; Snow was showing him the Rainbow Rose. But that wouldn’t explain all that time she’d spent in the wood shop, unless… 

Crystal closely examined the flower. The curves were uneven and the surface rougher than any carver would have allowed. Ash Carver may have been involved, but he didn’t create it by himself.

Snow made this… for me!

For a few minutes Crystal cried quietly, holding the rose closely. Snow had already answered the question Crystal was terrified of asking. Crystal felt relieved, happy, and excited, but…

She mustered the strength to stand and walked up to the second level. Swallowing hard to clear the lump in her throat, she called out:

“Snow?” 

The kitchen was dark and silent. Something wasn’t right. Just like her uncomfortable encounter with Winter Willow earlier, the emptiness seemed to be speaking to her; saying something she didn’t want to hear.

Where is she? Crystal panicked.

*bump*

The sound came from above. 

“Snow!” she called on her way up the stairs. She nearly collapsed from relief. 

Crystal ran upstairs, feeling ready to burst. She’d waited so long to see Snow’s smiling face; to hold her tight; to feel her warmth, and smell the sweet scent of her soft hair…

She sprinted down the hall and skidded into the bedroom, crying happy tears.

“Snow! I…”

The words died in her throat. 

Snow lay on the bed in a heap, her hair splayed out in every direction, her limbs and head spasming sporadically. Her breathing was irregular and forced. Crystal watched in horror as Snow stretched her neck out and bumped her head rhythmically on the wall.

*bump*

*bump*

*bump*

“S…Snow?”





Snow froze… then slowly lifted her head and turned lifeless eyes toward Crystal. 

“Dusty...” she said with a dreamy smile. “I’m so happy! I wanted to see you one more time before… before…” She gritted her teeth and sobbed quietly before resuming her head bumping.

“Snow!” Crystal cried. “What… what’s going on! What’s wrong!?”

“I have to… I,” she bumped her head once more and took a gulping breath. “I have to… have…”

She laid her head on the ground and cried out painfully. “I don’t want to go!” she wailed quietly.

“Go?” Crystal squeaked. “No. NO! Snow!”

She sobbed again and whispered, “I’m sorry…”

*bump* “I’m sorry…”

*bump* “I’m sorry…”

Crystal backed into the wall and fell on her rump. She stared, terrified.

This can’t be happening! I only just found you, I can’t lose you now! I can’t! What do I do? WHAT DO I DO!?

A voice sounded in her head: “…in case you need me.”

She jerked her head up. 

Winter Willow!

She leapt to her feet and steadied herself momentarily before wrapping her magic around Snow and lifting her up. Then agonizingly, she walked backwards down the hall, carefully wrapping Snow’s long hair so it wouldn’t drag. Once outside, it took every ounce of her self control to stay still while she steadied the nearly lifeless body with her magic. 

Then, when she was sure Snow was safely in her grasp, she ran. 





The few ponies on the street leapt out of the way, barely able to see the tan pony as she barreled. But as she faded into the distance, they could hear her screams:

“WINTER WILLOW!”

“ WINTER WILLOW!”

“ WINTER WILLOW!”

******************

Late afternoon light streamed through every window. The beds were all made and tucked with new linens. Their stock of supplies was full. Every healer of the hall was in attendance. They were ready.

Inner Light gritted her teeth in frustration. Ready for what!?

Every pony in the hall loved and respected their leader and rightfully so. Her often capricious and childish behavior was balanced by her impressive talents and intense dedication to her craft. Though she and Winter Willow had butted heads many times before, there were few ponies she respected more.

But why do you have to shoulder everything yourself! She lectured internally.

Inner Light knew that Willow believed she was protecting everypony else by keeping silent, but she was surprisingly dense about how hard it was for others to see her that way. And this day was the worst by far that she’d ever seen.

Willow cleaned and polished without her normal whining and complaints. She pushed off or delegated healing tasks that she usually would have jumped at. Several times that day, Winter Willow went out into the gardens and each time, Rose Petal was waiting for her by the door. 

Of course, everypony loved Rose Petal, but to Winter Willow, she was much more; like a physical incarnation of joy. Inner Light wondered what burden could be so heavy that Winter Willow didn’t sense the green pony until she was already at the door. What worry cut so deep that she didn’t pounce on her on sight. What was so serious that even when they walked off together, Willow quietly leaned on Rose with her head hanging.





Each time she returned, looking not much better than when she’d left, somepony or other would try to draw her out, but Willow would just smiled and said, “I’m fine. I’m just worrying about nothing.” But in a hall of heart healers, Willow obviously wasn’t fooling anypony.

When Willow flew off to participate in the ceremony, they wished her well and hoped that whatever was putting her under such stress would end with the event. But when she returned, the cloak of tension that surrounded her was stronger than ever, filling the hall like a bank of fog. 

Inner Light glanced around at the others who were huddled in groups or working out their nervousness with needless tasks. Peapod was folding the same bedsheet repeatedly and Tranquil Trail was obsessively reorganizing pillows. Last Lily stood nervously and lent a shoulder to poor Tender Embrace who held her tightly and buried his head in her mane. 

*FLIT* *FLIT*

Speaking of nervous ponies…

A skittish little pegasus named Feather Fern was hiding in the shadows by the window; flapping her wings at random intervals. She once was a talented thief who was healed by Winter Willow then selected as personal messenger to Prime Minister Crabapple. Though she’d made great strides since the troubled days of her youth, she still suffered from a variety of personality quirks… and the tension in the room wasn’t helping. Catlike, she whipped her head around to stare at every noise with watchful eyes. 

*FLIT*

And at the front of the hall, oblivious to the effect she was having on the rest, Winter Willow paced. Left. Right. Then left again. As she walked, she alternated between staring at the door and looking sadly at the floor. Like a clock spring, the tension grew with each revolution. Finally, Inner Light couldn’t keep silent any longer.

“Winter Willow,” she said softly.

Winter Willow stopped in her tracks and turned an ear.





Good, Inner Light thought, She’s listening.

“Don’t you think it’s about time you…” 

Winter Willow cut her off with a raised hoof.

“Open the doors,” she said, her voice trembling.

Inner Light complied, but only barely in time.

A pony burst into the hall at a full gallop skidding to a halt with the ear-splitting scrape of hoof on stone, spinning full circle so she stopped with her head pointing back out the door she came in from. With her cutie mark in full view, Inner Light was quickly able to identify Crystal Quarry; Winter Willow’s pet project from several months back. And above her, floating magically, was another pony; one that couldn’t be mistaken for any other.

Snow!?

Crystal Quarry gasped for breath, trying several times to speak until, with a sob, she managed a single word:

“Please!”

*******************

Winter Willow snapped to action, reaching out to hold the broken-looking pony’s head in her hooves. The torrent of feelings and images that flowed into her was unlike anything she’d ever experienced. Anguish flashed like lightning and fear rumbled like thunder. It was if every part of her mind was at war with itself and her very life-force the casualty. 

She glanced briefly up at Crystal Quarry. Her panicked eyes flowed with tears; still desperately struggling to breathe between wracking sobs. It didn’t take a healing talent to know that if she didn’t act fast, she might lose them both.





She whipped her head to Feather Fern who was already standing in a crouch with her wings extended.

“To Rook: we need a chariot immediately. To Crabapple: I request an emergency audience with the Princess as quickly as he can manage. Go!”

Winter Willow blinked, and when she opened her eyes, Feather Fern was gone.

Perceptive as always, the other healers were already sprinting to her side. It took a few moments to get Crystal Quarry steadied and balance Snow between them, but they still made it outside just as Rook was touching down.

The healers helped the two ponies into the chariot while Winter Willow hopped over to Rook and extended a hoof to touch his side. Well used to her wordless form of communication, he only needed a breath to sort through the information before nodding his understanding.

With a quick check to see that his passengers were situated, he took off; flying quickly, but cautiously with Winter Willow close behind. Feather Fern appeared by Rook’s side, spoke briefly, then disappeared just as quickly. He turned and circled a tall castle spire setting the chariot down softly on a high balcony.

In one motion, Winter Willow landed while Rook shed the chariot straps and took a lead position. A breathe later, Crystal Quarry was beside them and lifting Snow carefully. Rook raised his wings just slightly and looked expectantly to the craftpony who obediently placed Snow on his back. 

He balanced her carefully and started walking. “We’re to go to the Sun Chamber,” he said.

Crystal Quarry walked beside him using her magic to help Snow balance and keep her hair away from the guard pony’s legs. Winter Willow trailed behind wishing with all her heart that there was more she could do, but knowing that there was only one pony who could help them now.

Just ahead, Feather Fern was standing in front of a doorway where a solitary unicorn guard stood waiting. Once she was sure they had seen her, she launching up to the safety of the shadowed rafters. Their presence could only mean that both Crabapple and the Princess were already in the room.





A few steps away, Winter Willow could hear their voices go silent as Rook walked inside. He gently set the white pony down on some sitting pillows while Crystal Quarry steadied her. 

“Don’t worry Snow,” Crystal said shakily. “Princess Celestia will help you.”

Winter Willow nodded to the Prime Minister and bowed quickly to Princess Celestia. She opened her mouth to speak when suddenly a high pitch scream erupted from behind her.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”

The ear-splitting noise seemed to come from everywhere at once, reverberating through the room and in Winter Willow’s mind. Riding the sound waves was an overwhelming sense of panic that practically flattened her against the floor. She covered her ears with her hooves, but it barely helped.

With practiced reflexes Rook and the guard skidded to the center of the room in a fighting stance. They both had pained looks on their faces, but dutifully withstood the onslaught to protect the Prime Minister and Princess. 

Crabapple was similarly crippled by the cries, but the Princess only winced once before quickly raising her glowing horn. Suddenly, the screams quieted and the sense of panic abated with it. Rook and his partner stood, recovering quickly while Crabapple shook his head vigorously and raised a hoof to his pained brow. Feather Fern had zipped into the room at some point and was flitting back and forth near Crabapple, waiting for orders. 

Then the two guards parted as Princess Celestia stepped forward. Winter Willow was just catching her breath when the Princess reached her. “You were right to call me.”





Winter Willow followed her gaze to see the white pony who was sobbing and staring in fear at… the Princess?

“Fear not,” Princess Celestia said. “I only calmed her slightly. I believe I know what must be done, but I must do it alone.”

Crabapple dismissed Feather Fern who resumed her place outside. The guard and Crabapple followed after, but Rook walked past Winter Willow to Crystal Quarry who’d taken the brunt of the blast. Still stunned, she didn’t protest when he led her out the door.

Winter Willow walked behind them, but stopped momentarily to gaze at the miserable white pony who was crying into a pillow. She glanced at the Princess questioningly.

Princess Celestia smiled slightly in encouragement. Trust me, her heart said.

She weakly returned the smile and joined the others in the hall. 

The unicorn guard closed the doors and held them fast with his magic just as Crystal Quarry finally recovered from the shock.

“Snow? Snow!? She cried, looking from side to side. Then, hearing the muffled sobs of the white pony from behind her, she leapt up and pushed fruitlessly against the locked door. “Snow!”

“Be still,” Crabapple said calmly. “She’s in the Princess’s hooves. You have nothing to…”

*FLASH*

Bright light burst through the cracks around the doors followed by deathly silence. Everypony froze in horror, their mouths hanging open.

Then, with all the anguish of love lost, Crystal threw herself against the doors and screamed.

 SNOOOOOOOOOOW!!!






END PART 1

> The Dream
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why is my room so bright? I wondered, squinting tightly. But the light would not be ignored and started dancing across my face, flickering away and then back again playfully. With an irritated sigh, I opened my eyes to an unexpected scene.

Directly above, the waving branches of a grand oak tree let sparkling sunlight down in patches. Leaning over me on all sides was tall, cool grass that swayed gently in the breeze. The sounds of nature were everywhere; chirping birds, the rustling of wind through leaves, and the happy gurgling of a nearby stream.

Confused, I stared skyward until I noticed a white animal of some kind resting on my face. At the same moment I reach up to brush it away, another one appeared at my side. I froze and it froze in response. I made a few more attempts to shoo the critter away before understanding what it was that I was seeing.  

I let my “arm” down and relaxed into the grass for the moment as I tried to remember what I had been doing before I woke up.

I was at singing lessons. It hadn’t been going well and I was frustrated. Coach had “given it to me straight” that he thought I was about as good as I’d ever be. We fought; I said a few things I shouldn’t have, and then stormed out. I knew he was right, but that didn’t make it any easier to face. I rushed home,went to bed, then… and then I was here.

Here where every sight and sound spoke of nature and harmony. Where I felt entirely at peace even though I possessed fuzzy lumps where my nose and arm should be. I rolled to my stomach and crawl-kicked to the nearby stream where I pulled up to full height and leaned over the water to gaze at my reflection. 

Yup, I thought, I’m a pony.





**********
In every genre from fantasy to sci-fi to ancient history, there are some stories told with such depth and intensity that you can’t help but feel like the world they describe is almost real; or wish that it were. But unlike those who yearned for the magic of wizards or the adventure of time travel, the world I most admired was far more peaceful and kind. That didn’t mean I didn’t love an epic space saga like everyone else, but something about the pony world spoke to my heart. For me, it was just on a different level.

Of course, I never went nuts over it or anything. Sure I tried lucid dreaming a few times, but that was years ago and I’d never actually succeed. Until now, I thought.

As upset as I had been yesterday I supposed it made sense that my subconscious would send me here as a defense… though my appearance wasn’t what I would have expected.  

The “pony me” in the water stared with familiar blue eyes framed by a face covered in bright white fur. My mane was long; falling in waves and curls, but was just as colorless. The little horn on my head meant I should be able to do magic, but before I had the chance to try, I remembered an even more important feature and whipped my head back to examine my flank. Blank as a sheet of paper.

Great, I grumbled inwardly. Even in my dreams I have no idea what I should be.

I sighed in the most ugly, frustrated way I could, and then giggled when I discovered it was quite impossible to make uncute noises while in pony form.

Finished with self-examination for the moment, I looked up to see a soft wind running down the valley and through distant trees. The sky was crisp and clear and the mountains tall and stoic. The landscape was almost cartoonish vibrant and every direction I turned showed signs of creatures living harmoniously. 





If I had known lucid dreaming would be this amazing, I would tried a lot harder. But it won’t mean anything if I spend all my time sitting here!

I stood carefully and took a step forward… before crashing to the ground. I tried again… and again.

After my fourth or fifth crash, I was starting to feel a little frustrated, but considering how real the dream felt, I supposed it made sense to start with the basics. Unfortunately, balancing and coordinating four legs was anything but “basic”. 

As I readied myself for the next attempt, a strong gust blew noisily through the gale. I smiled, closed my eyes, and let the wind whip around me. I relaxed into the wind’s embrace and wondered if, as an adult, I had too often forgotten to appreciate life’s little moments. 

But soon enough it was gone and I returned to the task at hand… with the same results. I was so preoccupied staring at my front hooves, trying to figure out what I’d been doing wrong, that I almost didn’t notice I had company until she spoke.

“Are you alright?” said a little pony before sitting down.

I rose to her eye level and blurted the first thing that came to mind: “Hi!”





So it wasn’t awe-inspiring for first contact, but I was too excited to think clearly. She was light-green with a soft pink mane and tail and had a flowery-looking cutie-mark on her flank. A “proper” pony from horn to tail and utterly adorable.

I wanted to ask her how to use magic, but I couldn’t help but giggle at the odd face she was making. 

“My name is Rose Petal. What’s yours?” she finally asked.

“Rose Petal” huh? That certainly made sense.  But as for myself… what could I tell her? Obviously “Sam” wasn’t much of a pony name and, if the dream lasted long enough, I might get a chance to learn about a new side of myself. Maybe I’d earn a cutie mark and matching name; discovering a hidden inner truth in the process. Given the way my week had gone, it was a very attractive option.

“Can you stand?” Rose Petal asked, clearly tired of waiting for a response.

Thankful for the change of subject, I answered affirmatively, though perhaps a little too enthusiastically. 

“Can you walk?” she asked next to which I truthfully replied, “That’s harder…”

She looked thoroughly confused, and started circling me. She might have said something, but I was far too preoccupied watching her legs to notice. After a moment studying how each leg and hoof moved in sequence, I was ready to try again, but it appeared to be harder than I expected.

Realizing my intention, “Rose Petal”, walked in front of me again, but slower so I could better observe the movement. After a few cycles of demonstration then practice, I soon found myself walking by her side through the forest.

I was ecstatic! I watched my hooves and marveled and how easy and light the movement felt. After a few minutes, I was able to look at the scenery without concentrating so hard on my feet.

Hooves rather, I corrected myself with a smile.

We paced lazily through the forest, though for how long, I’m not sure. Usually great dreams never lasted, but along with all the other strangeness, I hadn’t yet felt even the slightest pull towards wakefulness. 

It looks like I might actually have some time to enjoy this! I thought happily.

Just then, we exited the woods and I could see a grand city just ahead. 





Canterlot! What better place to be to see and experience the pony world? Rose Petal seemed eager to return and picked up the pace. Being excited myself, I tried to match her speed…

*Crash*

…and with predictable results.

********************

I could tell that my frustrated escort wanted to move quickly, but the best I could manage was a fast walk. Still, it wasn’t long before we reached the gates where bored-looking guard ponies eyed the incoming and outgoing traffic.

When we were close enough, I gleefully met a guard’s gaze and smiled. He glanced at me in a routine fashion before doing a double-take; most likely noticing my… bareness. I saw his eyes pass to Rose Petal who must have reassured him somehow because he nodded slightly and returned to his work.

I looked at her curiously and she wordlessly returned the gaze. I wondered just how important my new friend must be to mollify the guards with only a look. But I didn’t have time to dwell as the entrance opened to a bustling street full of ponies of all kinds; pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies milling about on various errands. There were shops, stalls, tall houses and buildings; and towering over all of them in the background was majestic Canterlot Castle. It was amazing.

There was a unicorn magically carrying some parcels and a little further off, a pegasus jumped out of a window and flew off between some buildings. I turned excitedly to my escort, but the question died on my lips when I found no one there. Rose Petal was gone. 

My heart sunk into my gut. Of course I could explore the dream city on my own, but somehow it didn’t look as friendly and magical as it had the moment prior. I sat down and hung my head, feeling like a lost child.

“… so sorry!” 

I looked up to see Rose fade back to existence in front of me. 

“It’s a habit and I wasn’t thinking. Please don’t cry!” she pleaded.

Cry? I wondered. 





I raised my hoof to wipe away the tears I hadn’t realized I shed and then found myself breathing hard; struggling not to bawl outright. I knew it was irrational and childish, but I couldn’t help it. Whatever mechanism the waking me used to keep emotions under control wasn’t working.

I fought the urge to break down and started to hyperventilate when Rose Petal leaned close to rest her fuzzy forehead on mine. In her soft voice, almost in sing-song, she said “I won’t leave you alone, I promise”. I stared at her wide eyed and open mouthed as she smiled gently. The negative emotions ebbed and in their place was a warmth that was hard to describe. 





Was this more of her magic? I wondered. Then I felt foolish as I remembered that this was just a dream and the only magic here was in my imagination. Still, the happiness and relief I felt were real.

She stepped back and waited patiently while I took a few moments to compose myself. After a few slow breaths, I smiled to reassure her that I was alright and asked, “Where are we going?” 

“I want you to meet my friend” she answered. Then, seeming to realize she hadn’t given me much information, she added “She’s in the palace gardens.”

Glancing around the crowded square once more, I realized that I really would rather experience this world a few ponies at a time.

“I’d love to!” I responded honestly.

Rose Petal smiled and started walking deeper into the city, being careful to walk at my speed and staying in sight. I dutifully followed her lead and wondered what the next dream-pony would be like.

I can’t wait! I thought.


> The Hall in the Garden
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The gardens were everything I imagined they’d be. The grounds were lush and green with gobs of beautiful flowers on sculpted bushes, ivy arches, and topiary. We passed intricate marble statues and burbling fountains that filled the whole area with the soothing sounds of running water.

Eventually, we neared a smallish building that appeared to be our destination. I noticed it had a simpler, less artistic style than most and tried to ask Rose Petal about it when suddenly:

“ROSE!”

With surprising speed and reflex, Rose Petal hopped and landed in a bracing stance with each hoof planted steadily into the ground. She was looking skyward and I followed her gaze to see a flash of green heading towards us.





But as soon as I did, the green flash recoiled briefly before floating to the ground. She turned out to be a pegasus with icy-white fur and leaf-green hair tied with pink ribbons into a cascade of large braids. The pretty, but confused-looking pony walked close to Rose Petal while staring at me intently.

Rose Petal quickly tired of the standoff and leaned toward the new pony who, seemingly involuntarily, mirrored the movement. They lightly rubbed their muzzles together in an intimate display of affection to which “Green Flash” smiled and shuddered; likely feeling the same effect I had when Rose had touched me. I closely studied the maneuver and half-considered going over to join them...

“Hello. My name is Winter Willow. I’m pleased to meet you”.

“Hello!” I replied. I resigned myself to introductions for now, but made a mental note to try a nose rub with someone eventually. A little too late, I realized she was waiting for me to say my name so I deflected with some non-consequential statement about the gardens.

She stared at me for a few seconds and seemed to be considering something when she suddenly glanced to Rose Petal and said, “Rose harvested some rare flowers with very particular needs and must tend to them. But I’d love to chat with you a while and introduce you to my friends if that’s alright.”

“I’d love to!” I replied and meant it. I had already noticed two other ponies down at the hall waiting for us and reasoned that if that’s where Rose Petal had been taking me, it must be where I should go. I walked next to my new escort as Winter Willow said, “Wonderful! It’s just this way”. “Thanks for bringing her Rose”, she added.

Having already forgotten that Rose Petal wasn’t coming with us, I turned and said, “Thank you Rose Petal! Have fun with your flowers”.

She smiled genuinely and said goodbye before walking off.

I watched her for just a moment before turning to Winter Willow who was busy watching me. She certainly is a curious pony, I thought. But I was curious too so I asked, “Is Rose Petal your… ah… partner?”

Willow’s face brightened and she smiled widely. “No, no. She’s just a very, very dear friend. She’s actually recently become interested in a handsome colt she met in the garden. It’s quite adorable and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.” She was buzzing with infectious excitement and I couldn’t help but laugh in response.

When we walked in range of the hall, the closest pony addressed us: “Who’s your friend Winter Willow?”

Taking it as her cue, Winter Willow hopped forward to make introductions. “Rose Petal brought her. She found her in the mountains.”





Surprised, I looked at Winter Willow. I was certain Rose Petal had never told her that.

Well, it is just a dream, I reasoned.

My attention was drawn forward again when Willow continued. She gestured to a mare with smartly-cut mid-length brown hair and lighter brown fur. She had bright yellow eyes and a diamond cutie mark.  This is Inner light,” she said. “And the quiet one over there is Tender Embrace.” The colt she pointed at next seemed fairly young though he was still nearly as big as me. His fur was white and his eyes blue like mine, though a darker shade. His mane and tail were navy blue and his cutie mark was the face of a smiling foal… which was fascinating to me.

I’d never seen such a thing, but was given no time to ponder it when Winter Willow flew above the entrance and gestured widely as if introducing the building itself. 

“Welcome to Heart Healer Hall!” she said enthusiastically.

Heart Healer Hall!? What could that imply? I wondered. And then suddenly it hit me.

I covered my mouth with my hoof, but couldn’t stop the chortle from escaping. The three reacted predictably; staring at me with a mixture of surprise and confusion which wasn’t helping. I laughed harder and harder until my legs turned to jelly. As I dropped to ground in a fit of giggles, I could only think of how my actions would confirm what they already suspected:

They think I’m insane!

***********
The three waited patiently until I had regained control and then escorted me inside.

I would have been nervous about walking into an asylum, even in a dream, but the building wasn’t barred or guarded. It was bright and open with soft places to sit and tables with flower vases on top. If anything, it reminded me of a tea room; spacious, comfortable, and inviting. 

There were only a few ponies inside, none who appeared to be patients. I guess I’m the guest of honor! I thought. And so it appeared to be as Winter Willow introduced me to each of her “friends” one after the other.

They politely chatted and asked questions, which I knew was an attempt to learn more about me and my “madness”. I answered truthfully what I could, but stayed in character and kept the information to a minimum.

Eventually it was time for Tender Embrace to take a crack at me. He was so bashful that I had to smile at him encouragingly before he would look at me. It took a few moments for him to work up the courage, but all he asked was, “may I hug you?”





“Of course!” I chirped. He seemed so harmless and sweet that I didn’t hesitate, but since I didn’t know the mechanics of how ponies hugged, I let him take the lead. He sat close, leaned in, and put his unusually large hooves around my neck; resting his head to the side of mine. He squeezed me snugly, but gently filling me with an indescribable joy. 

EEEEEEEE! I squealed. 

I’m not sure what he’d hoped to accomplish, but as soon as he let me go, I excitedly jumped from pony to pony, hugging whoever would let me. Before long, we were all laughing, hugging, and having a good time… all except for Winter Willow who seemed frustrated.

I wanted to give her a hug too, but my attention was captured by Inner Light who was clearly bothered by my lack of cutie mark. When she explained that her talent was “talent finding”, she had my full undivided attention.

This is what I was waiting for! I thought excitedly. 

She predictably asked about my dreams and hobbies, but also some really strange things like whether I preferred oceans to rivers and if I liked high places. Either way, I was fully committed to helping her as much as possible while avoided specifics of my non-pony existence.

Soon I felt as if we might be getting somewhere, but an increasingly strange feeling in my guy was making the conversation difficult. 

Something’s wrong, my inner voice counseled. I began to feel uncomfortable and cold...





“How are you feeling?” Winter Willow suddenly asked.

“I’m… hungry,” I realized. I tried to remember if I’d ever felt hungry in dreams before. Sure I have, I thought. At least, I think I have… I’m sure it’s fine, I rationalized. I’ve never had a lucid dream before. Maybe this is part of the realism. Yes, I’m sure that’s it…

Winter Willow was intently staring at me, but the negative sensations subsided so I was content to wait and see what would happen next.

She closed her eyes and appeared to be thinking deeply for a few moments. 

“Oh!” she said loudly with a wide smile.

“What is it?” Inner light asked just before I could.

“We should get some food!” she responded; though perhaps a little too excitedly. Then, addressing me, she said, “I’d like to take you to Artisan Square to meet an… ah… acquaintance of mine. We should be able to get dinner there as well.”

She had already started for the door and I walked over to join her. “That sounds fun!” I said.

I wondered what kinds of food I’d be able to try and if they would taste the same while in dream-pony form. At the very least, it might ease the realistic sensations of hunger I was feeling so it was a good idea no matter how I looked at it.

As we exited the building, Inner Light started protesting, “Wait… Wait! You can’t mean…”





*SLAM*

Winter Willow mischievously giggled as she cut off whatever Inner Light had been trying to say by kicking the door shut behind us.

“Shall we go?” she asked innocently.

Intrigued, I simply answered, “Yes”, and joined her as she walked towards the city.

> Wall of Stone
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unlike my first escort, Winter Willow cheerfully chatted with me as we walked. She talked proudly about construction of the new city and the spectacular accomplishments they’d made in the last few years, but if Canterlot was new, then that meant…
I looked to the sky where the sun was nearing the horizon. The moon wasn’t yet out and even if it were, I knew what I would see. 

This is Equestria’s distant past, I realized sadly. None of the ponies I know and love will be here.

Winter Willow had stopped talking and turned to eye me curiously until she followed my gaze upwards. Seeming to know what I was thinking, she laid a wing gently on my side and smiled encouragingly. 





I sighed in resignation and returned the smile to let her know I was alright. Though I was disappointed, it just meant that everything I experienced in the dream would be new and different. Besides, at least Princess Celestia would still be around.

I wonder if I’ll get to meet her eventually…

“Welcome to Artisan’s Square!” Winter Willow exclaimed.

I realized I hadn’t been paying attention and looked around to reorient myself. We were standing in an open square with multi-story buildings in each direction. Each one had large double doors open wide to show bustling workshops inside. In one, I could see stacks of wood that ponies inside were using to make straight timbers. Another glowed brightly and rang with the sounds of metal striking metal. In yet another, a variety of ceramic pots and bowls were on display.

The streets leading to the square were few, but built wide to allow carts loaded with supplies or crafted goods to pass easily. There was plenty of room to accommodate heavy traffic, but it was mostly empty at the moment so we quickly reached our destination. 

We stopped in front of a building that looked shorter than the rest at first, but turned out to only be built into the slope leading to a lower part of the city. It was conspicuous both in its unique placement, overall design, and general shabbiness. Unlike the others, it used no sign or markings to invite patronage and the single, standard-sized door at the front was shut tight. I thought that if the building could speak, it would be saying “go away”.

Undeterred, Winter Willow walked straight for the door, knocked on it smartly, and then sat down. She looked immensely pleased with herself and, though it may have been my imagination, I could swear she was chuckling under her breath. I did as she did and sat; awaiting whatever it was that Winter Willow anticipated with such glee.

“Coming!” hollered an exasperated voice from the other side.

Then the door opened, but only a few hoof-widths as a pure white unicorn peeked out suspiciously. She seemed surprised to see me, but I was far more surprised when she noticed Winter Willow and visibly twitched. I’m certain she considered slamming the door shut, but instead simply said, “Oh. It’s you.”





“HelllLLO Crystal Quarry!” Winter Willow replied cheerfully. 

As they chatted, I studied the reclusive unicorn. Between the walk to and from the gardens, I’d been able to see a fair stretch of the city and a good number of its residents; none of which were pure white. But other than the pink eyes and shorter hair, this pony was just like me. 

“I wondered if that’s why Winter Willow’s brought me here…”

Suddenly, the white unicorn looked my way and said, “So… I guess you’re going to be staying with me for a while. What’s your name?”

“Wouldn’t you usually give your name first?” chided Winter Willow.

Throwing her an annoyed look, Crystal Quarry said, “uh… yeah. Sure. So…” She flipped her hair with her hoof and blew away the cloud of white dust that fell as a result. “I’m Crystal Quarry,” she continued.

I was both intrigued and disappointed to find out that instead of being a pure white pony, she was just very dirty. I couldn’t quite make out the color of her fur and mane, but her pink eyes were staring at me in half-lidded frustration. 

“And, you are?” she demanded.

She looked at me expectantly, her dusty mouth pursed into a mask of impatience. She was clearly irritated, but not at all threatening… sort of like an angry kitten. Struck by her adorableness, I couldn’t think of what to say and tried to stall for time. I opened my mouth…

*grUUMMBLEEE!!!* my stomach said instead.

****************

Thanks to the timely diversion, I was able to evade the question and was soon following Crystal down the steps into her house. I should have used the time to come up with some kind of name for myself, but instead I stared at the sparkling glow that shut the door behind us. I knew unicorns could use magic, but that was the first time I’d actually seen it!

I was about to ask her about it when my stomach interrupted again. Real or not, I certainly FEEL hungry, I grumbled inwardly.

Crystal Quarry tersely asked, “when is the last time you ate?”





I thought back, but didn’t know how to answer. I didn’t remember eating before going to bed and I’d spent about half a day in the dream though who knew how time passed here relative to the real world. 

“Probably… some time yesterday?” I answered uncertainly.

Her eyes widened slightly and then she turned away. “Heart Healers… HA! Can’t even tell when a pony is hungry” she muttered under her breath.

I couldn’t help but smile. Crystal Quarry was complaining about the nice people… ponies… I’d met earlier, but I could tell there was no real emotion behind her words. She held no malice for the healers, though she obviously had some sort of history with Winter Willow and I resolved to ask her about it when she was in a better mood.

We walked downstairs to a large open room that was divided into two levels. The balcony we stood on opened at the far side of the room to what, judging by the table and cupboards, must have been the kitchen area. Light from the setting sun streamed through the windows on the wall, the largest of which extended from eye-level down to the shop below, looking large enough to drive a cart through. Below that, I could see benches with a smattering of tools and supplies. And, sitting proudly in the center of the room, like an indoor mountain, was a massive block of white marble.

Even though I was on the second level, the stone looked down upon me, nearly touching the high ceiling. Though strictly rectangular, the indents and carved portions explained the white dust that covered my host from nose to tail. 



 

*oof* I said as I rammed into Crystal Quarry’s backside; having failed to notice that she’d stopped. 

She whipped her head back to glare at me angrily.

“Sorry!” I deflected. “I just… it’s so big!” I added, gesturing toward the monolith.

Crystal Quarry’s expression softened slightly and she turned to look at it as well. 

“It’s a big pain is what it is!” she snorted. “Bah! I’m done with it for tonight anyway,” she added waving a dismissive hoof in its direction. I was amused to notice that small puffs of dust that flew off as she did. “Go ahead and pull out whatever you want,” she added, gesturing towards the kitchen. “I’m going to jump in the fountain”.

Fountain? I wondered. 

Meanwhile, she walked back to the stairs and then down to the bottom level where the white giant sat stoically.

I watched until she was out of sight then walked over to the tall window on the far wall. It was peculiar… from the square, her house seemed crowded in and surrounded by city, but from where I stood, it was as if I were in a secluded mountain-side cabin. To the right was the retaining wall for the street leading from Crystal’s front door to the lower city, but most of the rest of my view was of the beautiful royal gardens. On the far side, several hundred feet away, was another part of the city where I could make out the bustle of ponies conducting the last of their daily business.  

There was so much to see; so much to do that I felt a pang of regret. I didn't have much experience with these kinds of things, but I strongly suspected the dream would end with nightfall. And with the sun already so low on the horizon, the only thing left to do was make the most of the time I had left.

I turned and studied the eating area. Next to me was one small table and against the wall were many cupboards and a small sink where an old-fashioned water pump rested. On the other side of the kitchen area was a door which I knew must be a pantry or store room.





I was still hungry and debated poking around for food as she’d suggested, but I could hear the running water from outside and curiosity got the better of me. I peeked around the white slab and crouched down. 

Peering out the windows and door, I could see a garden, but I didn’t have a good view of Crystal herself. I stretched my neck down, and could just see Crystal’s hooves in the grass in front of a stone basin of some kind. Maybe the fountain she spoke of?

*Clunk, CLATTER!* 

“Sorry!” I called instinctively. The pony body moved differently than I was used to and I’d accidentally knocked several items off the table with my tail. In response, Crystal’s hooves disappeared with a noisy splash. 

I felt childishly compelled to run downstairs and see what she was doing, but I didn’t want to leave the mess I’d made. I tried several times to lift the bowls magically, but unsurprisingly wanting to do magic wasn’t enough to actually do it. So I attempted to hold the fallen items between my front hooves, but that was about as effective as lifting eggs with broom handles.

After several frustrating failed attempts, I heard another loud splash and saw a towel float magically out into the garden. Crystal Quarry was coming.

I panicked and lifted the cups and bowls with my mouth, setting them noisily back on the table. Only after I replaced the last one did I finally realize:

She’d be more upset about me slobbering on these than finding them on the floor wouldn’t she? 

But it was too late. Crystal Quarry just reached the top step as I set the last one down; turning to face her and projecting what I hoped was an aura of innocence.

She walked close and I was finally able to get a good look at the pony beneath the dust. Before she looked like an albino bunny, but now I could see her tan fur with smooth brown hair in her mane and tail. Her pink eyes were staring at me again, accusingly.

“Did you eat already?” she asked.





I stared blankly as my face grew hotter. Then, my stomach saved me again:

*GROWL* 

“What have you been doing then?” she exclaimed, rolling her eyes. But before she could lecture further, her stomach loudly announced that I wasn’t the only one skipping meals. With a frustrated snort, she turned to magically open the cupboards and told me to grab anything that I wanted while she disappeared into the pantry. 

I looked over the foods dubiously. I had no reason to fear breads and dried fruits, but I wasn’t so sure about the more… planty things. I’d jumped in plenty of leaf piles in my day, but never once found the taste pleasant nor appetizing. 

But then again…

I raised a hoof and stared at the strange limb; bending it, twisting it, and placing it gently against my chest. Through it, I could feel my fur, the warmth of my skin, and my beating heart. If I could feel so completely… pony… then maybe it would affect my taste as well. 

Come to think of it, have I even eaten in dreams before? Did I taste anything when I did?

My musing was interrupted when Crystal returned magically carrying a bowl in front of her as I watched with envy. Next, I watched some carrots floated in from outside and she pulled crackers from the cupboards before simultaneously closing all the doors and setting the food down on the table.

“Can you teach me that!?” I asked wistfully.

I had to struggle not to laugh at the pained face she made. She massaged her forehead for a moment and sighed deeply, but soon composed herself. She suggested that we eat first which, considering how hungry I was, seemed like a good idea.

Crystal fetched us some water and divided the foodstuffs between us before munching absently on a sunflower and staring pensively out the window. Meanwhile, I occupied myself by exploring pony palate.

The carrots were about what I expected, but were fresher and more flavorful than I was used to. Next I braved the sunflower, which, judging by my host’s example, was best eaten whole. Even with the petals and stem mixed in, it was surprisingly edible. It was hard to say if it was hunger making everything taste so good, but either way I was so absorbed by trying new “foods” that I almost jumped when Crystal spoke again:

“You need a name,” she said resolutely. “I can’t just call you “white pony” all the time.”





Before I knew it, I hopped to my feet, pounded my hooves down on the table and nearly shouted, “Can I call you Dusty!?” 

Crystal looked surprised for a moment before glancing pointedly at the cup of water I’d spilled in my excitement. Embarrassed, I sat back down and mumbled some weak excuse while I racked my brain.

What was that about!? I lamented, hanging my head shamefully.

I’d been so excited to get a nickname… but why? I peeked at Crystal Quarry through my bangs.

Unlike me, this person… pony… was patient and observant; attributes that were essential for an artist who worked with stone. But the same skill that could visualize beautiful possibilities within stone should also be able to see something in me that I couldn’t. I thought that if she were to give me a name…

But then I thought about when I first met her; covered in white dust that fell in powdery clouds whenever she moved. I think it was back then that I first thought of it, but only after she suggested nicknames did I finally realize that I’d already given her one… and the childish impulse inside jumped at the chance to share it. 

I berated myself for several painful seconds until she nonchalantly said, “I don’t mind. Call me Dusty if you want...”

I smiled so widely that my cheeks hurt. I was so relieved that I hadn’t offended her and so happy that she accepted the name that I felt like I was floating. After savoring the feeling for a few moments, I coaxed her back to thinking of a name for me.

I waited in breathless anticipation until she finally said, “I’ll call you Snow…  for obvious reasons.”

I struggled to hide my dissapointment. A nickname is supposed to be based on how you see someone; it’s supposed to have meaning and value… like Dusty. I didn’t just carelessly pick the name because she’d been dirty. It was my apology for being disappointed that she wasn’t what I first assumed. It was my admiration for the artistic and dedicated pony I soon found underneath. And it was a testament to my heart’s desire, that somehow I too could wipe my dust away and find something beautiful. 

That’s why, to be given a generic name like Snow…  I found it hard to hold back the tears. I looked at Dusty and tried to understand what she was thinking; how she could be so careless about something that important. 

I blinked.

Suddenly, I was standing in the woods while fat snowflakes fell softly all around me. Even though the moon was hidden behind the clouds, enough light leaked through that I could see the thick blanket of snow on the trees and across the undisturbed meadow. The wind was still and the world was silent… except for the sound of gently falling snow.





I opened my eyes, feeling disoriented, but serene. Scenes of snow falling gently in the moonlight were among my most treasured memories, but the vision I’d seen wasn’t mine. I stared at Dusty face where a moment ago I expected to see hints of teasing or apathy, but instead found a soft and wistful expression.

Suddenly I understood. Most people I knew saw snow as a white inconvenience; just something that got in the way of their daily lives… but Dusty was like me. We knew that snow had potential to bring joy and wonder and move the heart.

I smiled. Even if the name was based mostly on my outward appearance, now I knew that we had something important in common. And that thought filled me with joy.

“I LOVE IT!” I said a little too loudly. “It’s so pretty!” I added more calmly.

“All right Snow”, she said. I felt a little shiver of excitement when she called me by my nickname the first time. “If you’re done, we should probably figure out sleeping arrangements.”

Surprised, I looked outside to find that the sun had already set. I hadn’t even noticed the “fairy lights” that had kept the room bright, but there was no time to examine them. Dusty was finished with her food and was waiting for me.

I gulped down the rest of my food (hoping I wasn’t being too rude in doing so), downed the water, and set the empty cup back on the table.

Satisfied, I sighed happily. It had been a good day.

But then I became aware of an odd sensation that quickly turned into discomfort. Slowly, I began to understand what was happening and with that realization came the cold grip of fear.

> Into Darkness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I had been feeling the pressure for a while, but I didn’t recognize until it was almost too late: 

I need to pee… What should I do!?

Instinctively, I braced myself for a fight with wakefulness. I’d had a lifetime of good dreams ruined by rising water pressure, but this one was too special to let go so easily. The only problem is that I was ready for a battle that never came.

Just like the rest of the day, I was so deeply grounded in the dream that I never once noticed normal signs of dreaming: periods of weightlessness, shifting viewpoints, time dilation… nothing. I began to wonder if I could wake up even if I wanted to.

It was an uncomfortable thought, but one that would have to wait. Even if it meant wetting the bed in the real world, all I cared about at the moment was relief. But I figured if the bedsheets were doomed either way, I’m much rather not embarrass myself in front of Dusty.

“Uh…”, I said as I rose to my feet. 

Dusty looked at with a curious mixture of interest and disinterest, patience and impatience as she waited for me to finish my sentence. I lost my nerve and started to babble while by bladder grew more insistent.





“If you needed the outhouse, you should just say so,” she said as she rose to her hooves. “Come on then; I need to go too.”

I followed her to the stairs, relieved that she’d somehow interpreted my need. The wide double doors of the shop were still open so she stepped out into the darkness of the garden without hesitation while I, not knowing the way, did the best I could to stay close.

By the time we touched grass, it was taking a fair amount of concentration to hold back the flood and the sounds coming from the happily gurgling fountain weren’t helping. I began to sweat knowing that I was seconds away from disaster.

At last, Dusty stopped and gestured to a small hut, offering to let me go first. I nearly cried in relief and, though I struggled briefly with the door, quickly found myself inside. But as the door shut behind me and I glanced at the features inside, I had an important realization:

I have no idea how to use this! 

********************

If only I realized my need sooner. I could have asked about it more casually or I might have been able to figure it out by myself.

But no amount of regret would save me from having to ask a mortified-looking Dusty for help. She begrudgingly explained the basics while blushing furiously; whether from anger or embarrassment I couldn’t tell. When I came out, I avoided eye contact and looked at the grass while she took her turn. I hoped it was my imagination that she slammed the door on the way in.





I awkwardly wrestled with what to do next. Should I go inside and wait there? Should I just stay here? 

Humiliated, I tried to look anywhere except the outhouse where Dusty would soon be emerging. But after staring at the ground for a few moments the ambiance started to intrude on my brooding.

The grass under me was lush and cool. A gentle evening breeze caressed my fur and made the tree limbs wave rhythmically. A cricket lazily chirped from somewhere in the garden where fragrant plantlife and flowers grew. In the distance, the sleepy city was still with only a handful of ponies still wandering the streets and skies. On the horizon, swimming in an ocean of twinkling stars, the full moon gleamed brightly. And on its face, the mare in the moon, Princess Luna, lie sleeping.

Oh Princess Luna… I thought sadly. May the years pass quickly.

I stared at the moon as the fountain burbled and bubbled. The moon started to waver and the stars blurred; the sky seeming to become water itself. I started to feel light…

*squeak*

The door had hardly made any noise, but it might as well have been a cannon blast the way I jumped. My heart raced as I whipped my head around to face a pony whose body language left no mystery as to her current mood.

I didn’t feel up to talking anyway as something far more urgent now occupied my mind: I had almost fallen asleep. All of the surprises, the events of the day, and the strangeness of my situation lined up leaving me to face some extremely uncomfortable possibilities. 

“You sleep here,” Dusty commanded; pointing with her hoof to a large round mattress on the floor. I had been so preoccupied that I didn’t notice we had gone inside and upstairs. I was too shaken to disobey and laid down on the mattress as instructed; curling my legs in tightly to squeeze away the fear I felt in my gut. I looked longingly at Dusty…





“But where will you sleep?” I said instead of what I really wanted to ask.

“I’ll sleep down in the shop. It’s hardly the first time,” she answered levelly as she magically pulled several blankets from the wardrobe. I was relieved that she didn’t seem angry anymore, but I didn’t want to watch her leave. I stared at the floor as she said goodnight. 

“Goodnight Dusty!” I answered, hoping she didn’t notice the crack in my voice.

I heard her linger for a few seconds and I thought that maybe she had changed her mind. But when I looked up again, she was already gone.

I could hear the sound of her hooves clop on her way down the stairs; quieter and quieter until there was silence. Then, softly so she wouldn’t hear, I buried my face in the mattress and cried.

****************************

Soon enough, the tears ran out and fatigue set in. But as much as I wanted to close my eyes and rest, I was afraid of what would happen if I did. 

So I stood and paced, trying to keep myself awake as I worried:  

If this is a hallucination, what happens if I fall asleep? If I’m in a coma does sleeping here mean I won’t ever wake up for real? 

I started to shake, but didn’t dare stop moving. I focused on my breathing, but still my mind started to drift… 

Walk left! I commanded myself.

Was this one of those dreams that you spend a mini-lifetime in? Where you live in another world for weeks or years? I wasn’t sure that I believed that could actually happen and even then, were they this real? And did they keep you from waking even if you wanted to? I had tried several times to wake myself, but… 

*BUMP*





The impact with the wall briefly filled me with energy, but I couldn’t shake the dizziness. I started panting and trotted lightly in place, trying to raise my heart-rate and oxygenate my blood, but it only worked for a few moments. 

Walk right!

My mind was spinning and I found it hard to stand. I looked hazily at the mattress which seemed so warm and inviting; it practically glowed. I began to think that giving in would be easier… that it would end the misery. I felt myself letting go… 

WALK LEFT! I demanded.

My senses started to dim and I lost track of time as my world became an endless sequence of tearfully fighting sleep’s gravity while I stumbled to and fro. 

“Are you ok?”

I hit the wall hard as instinct told my legs to fling me as far from the sudden noise as possible.

My heart was racing and my senses came back into focus. After a few moments, I perceived Dusty standing in the hallway. 

“Oh, hi. Did I wake you up? I’m sorry,” I babbled with false calm. Despite the storm of emotion within, I managed to keep a level voice and said, “I’m just not tired. I’ll be fine. You should go back to bed.”

Crystal briefly considered the situation; her face a mask. Then she said, “I’ve changed my mind. I’m going to sleep here.”

I tried to object, but Crystal ignored me and magically recalled her blankets from below which she placed on the floor by the window. Then she laid down and stared at me until I took the hint and did the same. 





The adrenaline was wearing off and exhaustion returned. I still didn’t know what would happen, but at least now I wasn’t alone. I laid down again, and positioned myself so I could see her, resting my head on my hooves while she mirrored the movement.

She was resting in the corner of the room in a patch of bright moonlight. The bunched up blankets under her were probably only barely more comfortable than sleeping on the floor, but she said nothing and showed no signs of discomfort. Her head rested gently on her front hooves as she watched me silently.

From outside, I could hear the mysterious song of night birds and lost myself in the melody. The mattress cradled me and I relaxed into it. I became aware of my own breathing and a distinct but not unpleasant odor coming from the mattress.

My eyelids were heavy and I felt like I was floating, but I was no longer afraid. Because across from me was the glowing form of the irritable little pony who, despite the trouble and aggravation I’d caused her, was determined to keep watch over me. And I thought that if that was the last thing I ever saw, maybe that wouldn’t be so bad.

I wonder if this scent is hers…

And then, darkness.

> New Dawn
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I drove down an empty residential street lined with leafy trees. Between their branches, I could see the sky grow dark with rolling clouds. Coach's voice spoke to me through the radio: “You’ll never be a pro; at best, a hobby”. I frowned and reached out to turn it off, but the knob spun freely in my hand. Frustrated, I punched button after button, but couldn’t block the noise. It started to rain.

I ignored my wet clothes and hair, but I was having trouble seeing through the downpour. I blinked and squinted to block out the splattering raindrops until I found the wiper switch. But no matter what speed I chose, the torrent only worsened. Too late, I saw the approaching ledge and kicked the brakes which bobbed uselessly in the puddle at my feet.

Just before I hit, I jumped and landed on the wet grass, feet spread wide and arms flailing as I tried to maintain balance. But I helplessly slid faster and faster plunging deeply into the dark whirlpool below. Floating like a cork, I swirled around the hole once; twice; and was dragged down. It grew quiet.

I saw nothing but darkness and heard only my own breathing. Carefully, I uncurled and looked about; noticing a single pinpoint of light in the distance above me. I thrust my hand upward, setting a small storm of bubbles flying to the faraway surface. The light answered, rushing towards me. In a flash, it surrounded me like a bright cocoon before melting away leaving behind a picturesque forest scene: plants, birds, a nearby mountain stream... and, above the thick grass where I lay, a tall leafy tree letting sunlight fall down in patches.

Oh, I thought. I remember this dream…

*****************

I woke slowly, regaining my senses one by one. I heard the calming sounds of rain pattering gently on the window. The soft blanket and warm mattress comforted me with their embrace. Glancing out the window, I saw the early dawn’s light beginning to filter through the nighttime rainclouds. 





Everywhere around me, proof of my strange predicament remained: white muzzle and hooves, the bedroom that most definitely wasn’t mine, and below the window, the vigilant Dusty lay splayed out with the blankets heaped in places and completely missing in others. 

For a few moments, I sat mesmerized by the scene. I watched the rise and fall of Dusty's sleeping torso while the falling rain on the window made patterns of light dance over the floor where she lay. The patter of raindrops on the window and the rhythmic exhales of my sleeping companion filled me with calm. I couldn’t remember the last time I didn’t have someplace to be, something I had to do; a time when I stopped to notice things like rainy day light patterns.

But it wasn’t long until the calm ended and I began to feel restless. I needed to think, and to think, I needed to move. 

Carefully, I stood and shook off the blankets. I gingerly stepped on the wooden floor which creaked loudly. Thankfully there was no response from the sleeping mare save a single ear twitch. I stepped as carefully as I could around the corner and down both flights of stairs until I reached the stone floor of the bottom level. 

There, the monolith greeted me with its massive blank whiteness. I hadn’t been able to get a proper look at it the night before so I paused a moment to examine it more closely. I saw that there were only a few chipped and carved areas here and there; as if Dusty had just been striking it randomly. Circling it showed no significant progress on any side. How did she get covered in so much dust from just this!? I wondered.   





Looking around, I saw various tools and implements of her trade, and towards the back on the raised wooden floor, shelves and stands where other completed works sat. I stepped up and browsed the rows. First I found an ornate fish with cut sapphires for eyes; clearly for use in a fountain or bath. Next was a series of mortars and pestles each with varying degrees of carved designs and jeweled insets. I examined her various works, but what each piece shared was mastery of design and function.

Then a tiny twinkle caught my eye. On a small table under the window, framed in the morning light as if on display, was a dusty cloth with a curious lump underneath. Looking back later, it seemed like I walked in slow motion; the sound of each hoof distinct as I stepped closer and closer. I carefully lifted the cloth with my hoof and gasped at what I saw. 

Carved from what appeared to be a single large gemstone was an intricately faceted rose with a gemstone heart at its center. I thought it might have been a trick of the light, but I couldn’t tell what color it was. First it seemed red, then blue, and then green… and sometimes all of them at once. 

Involuntarily, I stared in awe at the ceiling where, a few floors up, a pony with the talent and vision to create something this wonderful lay sleeping.

I covered the rose as best as I was able and started for the shop doors. I couldn’t imagine why something this masterfully crafted would be left to gather dust. The very thought filled me with an indescribable restlessness and, more than ever, I needed to be outside. 

****************

It was glorious. 

The rain rolled in sheets down the steep stone walls and splattered down on the greenery of the garden. On the wall leading up to the square was a carved fish that spewed a furious stream of water which gushed and splattered from the overflowing basin to the grass below. At the other side of the garden was a little whirlpool surrounded by a cluster of leaves where I imagined a heavily blocked drain would be. I probably should have tried to clear the blockage, but then I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy the lawn pool…





I jumped and landed with all fours from the stone patio into the water. I swished and kicked my feet around make waves run from side to side. I sloshed over to fountain and then, on a whim, dropped down and started rolling; splashing and laughing like a child. For just a moment, I worried that someone might see me, but figured, who needs to be reserved in a dream?

But this isn’t a dream is it? I wondered. I laid still, my face to the sky, my back in the grass-pool as I pondered.

I thought about how talentless and useless I had felt after this week’s singing lesson. How much I wanted to find purpose and how I hoped being here would help me do so. Why else would I dream of a world where talents are so important that they’re permanently displayed on your flank for all to see?

Maybe the dream really was a gift; a chance for me to earn a mark of my own. The world and all within it actors on the stage during a production of “Who Is Sam”. And maybe that’s why I couldn’t wake up: I hadn’t done what I came to do.

But that was not the only possibility. For me, Equestria represented peace, caring and magic. When my days were stressful, I’d often turn on the show or pick up a comic to lose myself in their world. It was the place that could always raise my spirits.

What if this was an extreme extension of an old habit? A defense mechanism protecting my mind against a harsh reality? If I had been overcome by a dire sickness or an accident… 

Can you dream in a coma? I wondered before shaking my head vigorously. No need to assume the worst.

Relaxing into the wet grass, I looked to the sky and held my hoof aloft as if to touch the clouds. They sky was so vast and far away, I wondered if my reality were on the other side.





*Sigh*

Regardless, the inarguable truth was that this place felt real. More than real; alive.

It was hard to describe, but I felt… light, like I was truly free for the first time in my life. My emotions were so close to the surface that I held nothing back. When I was happy, I laughed and smiled. When I was sad, I cried without reservation.

I closed my eyes and felt the rain falling on my face. 

Maybe I don’t know why I’m here or what it means. Maybe it really is due to dire circumstances, but…

I rose and walked to the balcony overlooking the rainy gardens and city. It was a vast land of wonder and magic and opportunity
.
… that doesn’t change the fact that being here, for as long as it lasts, is a gift if I allow it to be.

Suddenly filled with a sense of hope and determination, I hooked my front hooves over the railing, took a deep breath, and sang.

**********************

I held my breath as the last note disappeared into the rainy sky.

With natural talent or training, better singers were able to avoid the voice break that I’d struggled with my whole life. They could sing from high to low with strength and dexterity that would make songbirds jealous. I always believed that one day, with enough practice, I would be able to do it too… until my voice coach made me face the facts. 

If only he could hear me now! I thought with glee. Fantasy or not, it was the greatest moment of my life just the same.

I wanted to sing again, but I was too excited to stand still. I looked to the shop, but was too sopping wet to go back inside. Besides, I wanted room to move around and I knew just where to get it. A stone stairway by the shop led to a little iron gate and, beyond that, Artisan Square.

Though there were few ponies out and about, most shop doors were already open and bustling with activity. Craft ponies of various kinds barked orders to their apprentices who responded crisply before turning to their tasks. The warm lights of the shops reflected into small pools of water that had collected between the cobblestones of the square.

I smiled.

After a few minutes hopping from puddle to puddle and giggling excitedly, I heard a voice behind me:

“Stop that!”





I turned to see a grumpy looking Dusty who, judging by her mood and her mane, had only just gotten out of bed.  I glanced back around the square and tried to find any shop that didn’t look as if it had been operating for hours, but couldn’t find any. When I looked back at Dusty questioningly, she scowled.

“Not everypony is an early riser,” she said exasperatedly, having guessed my thought process. “Some of us work better late at night and… oh nevermind! Let’s just go inside.”

I followed, but felt someone watching. I turned to look at the shop across the square where a colt stared intently in our direction. I smiled and he, surprised at having been noticed, whipped his head around and conspicuously busied himself with his work.

I giggled to myself. I hope I get to meet more ponies today! 

> Small Push
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I woke with a start, but the nightmare was already forgotten; the only evidence the tear stains on the mattress and the coldness in my chest.

As usual, Dusty was sleeping soundly by the window, twisted into a position that I couldn't imagine being comfortable. And as usual I quietly walked to the hall while magically folding my blanket and flipping the mattress over so its good side showed. Like every other day, I quietly walked out the front door and closed it behind me. And like every other day, I walked out into the square to clear my mind in the early morning air.

Yes, it was just a normal day... so why couldn't I shake the sense of foreboding? As I trotted through the square, I felt a darkness creeping close. Not knowing where else to go, I ducked into a nearby alley.

For the next minute, I struggled for control against... I had no idea what. I leaned against the wall and tried to breathe the way I'd been taught when dealing with stage fright, but the anxiety was so much more powerful; and getting worse.

My mouth went dry and my chest felt tight; I began to sweat and when I willed my body to move, it didn't respond. Tears flowed unbidden and I began to hyperventilate. I opened my mouth to scream...





"Miss Snow?"

My breath caught, my muscles locked, and my vision blurred as I nearly passed out from the shock. But in moments both the fear subsided; the episode was over.

I blinked hard and took a slow, stuttered breath before turning around. 

"Oh, hello!" I said, trying to sound natural. "Good morning Ash Carver."

He stared for a moment then glanced around the alley before returning his gaze to me. "Are you alright?" he finally asked, clearly unconvinced by my act.

"I'm fine!" I lied. "I just... ah... I had a bad dream is all and decided to go for a walk!"

In the time since I first met him in the wood shop, Ash Carver had been one of the most polite and considerate ponies I’d met. But the intense way he stared at me… I felt his deep concern and gentle chiding for keeping my pain to myself. My resolve began to crumble…

"Alright then," he finally replied. "Well your bowls are ready if you'd like.”  

"Yes of course!" I exhaled, happy to change the subject. "But is it ok to get them now? The woodshop isn’t even open yet.” 
"They've already been paid for and I can have them out for you immediately." 

"Ok Ash Carver. That would be wonderful." I smiled genuinely this time. 





He grinned encouragingly and set off for the wood shop. I followed, but trailed just behind, wanting a few moments to turn the event over in my mind. The nightmares had become a regular, if unwelcome, side effect of living in a dream, but what happened in the alley was entirely different. 

I lost it back there. If Ash Carver hadn’t come along…

I shuddered. I’d never had a panic attack before and now that I knew just how terrifying they were, I never wanted to again. 

But what triggered it? Was it the nightmare?

Even if I tried, I couldn’t recall anything but a feeling… fear of losing control, of being lost and helpless and of… of…
I felt a chilly touch and the blood drained from my face. Another attack was slowly clasping itself around me. Reflexively, I reached my magic out to the nearby fountain and launched a bucket-full of water into my face.

"M... Miss?" Ash Carver said, a good portion of his back and flank sopping wet. His eyes were wide as he silently questioned me about the unprovoked attack. 

"Oh! I'm so sorry Ash Carver!" I apologized awkwardly between chortles. "That was just supposed to be for me!" Despite my embarrassment and knowing full well how hard it is to accept an apology from someone who's laughing at you, I couldn’t hold back the giggles.

"Call me Carver," he shrugged, turning towards the shop. "Shall we go? If you're done with your bath, that is," he said with a smile in his voice.

I shook off the water and stepped up to pace him, relieved that he wasn't offended and, thanks to the sudden levity, feeling relaxed for the first time that day. 

*******************************

It was nearly mid-day. Normally, I’d be chatting with Dusty or one of the other talented craft-ponies of the square; watching them bend elements into form. Instead, I sat by the door and watched the slow-moving clouds crawl across the sky while the wind gently blew through the open shop doors.

What I wanted most was to understand the morning’s events, but the memory was like a bruise that was painful to touch. Avoiding the issue seemed like the wrong thing to do, but I could feel the attack lurking and waiting to pounce if given the slightest invitation.

I struggled to think of something to do to take my mind off of it. It was too early to clean and I’d already tended the garden. I could have gone for a walk, but lacked the energy. I thought about sleeping, but wasn’t the least bit tired. I thought I might cry, but felt emotionally dead inside. So I did the only thing I was able: I stared skyward and sighed. 





I wasn’t sure how long I sat there, fighting to find the motivation to do anything until… 

CLANK! "Snow!"

My legs spasmed, flinging me to the ground in a heap. It took a few moments to coordinate my hooves properly and a few deep breaths to reign in my racing heartbeat. 

"Y..Yes?" I answered suspiciously.

With barely contained mirth, Dusty said, "We’re running low on some things in the pantry and the weather’s nice. I was thinking about going to the market. Would you like to go?"

 Does the Princess raise the sun!? 

***************

I had always assumed that “I was stunned” and “it took my breath away” were just sayings; colorful metaphors people used for emphasis. But that was before I saw the “market”.

On the left side of the street was a long row of shops and stalls overflowing with food and goods of all kinds. Many extended high into the sky to service the many pegasi who darted from place to place, balancing their wares expertly on their backs as they flew.

The streets were similarly packed with ponies of all types and colors who made their way through the wide streets. Some carried or magically floated their parcels while others, most likely nobles, were trailed at a respectful distance by attendants who carried the burdens for them.

On our right was an enormous park full of trees, grass and, beautiful stonework. Looking through the trees, I could see more shops and ponies on the other side and, though it was too long to see its furthest end, I imagined I’d see a similar view there. 

They should call it Market CITY! I thought with awe.





But the hardest thing to describe, something I don’t think would be possible to convey in words, was the how inviting and harmonious it felt. Despite the crowds, it never seemed crowded. Despite the bustle, it wasn’t at all intimidating or stressful. Every pony looked relaxed, and happy; chatting amiably and going about their business or resting in the park.

It took a while to get even a quarter of the way down the street, but Dusty wasn’t in any hurry and neither was I. I enjoyed seeing all the new things and meeting the ponies that Dusty introduced me to, but I found my attention constantly divided.

A little way off, just inside the park, a sizable gathering of mares sat relaxing in the shade as they watched over their foals. The little ponies laughed and ran, chased and rolled; squealing happily. As I watched them, my legs started to feel tingly and twitchy and I felt a compulsive need to get a closer look.

“Hey, Snow,” Dusty started. I snapped back to face her, hoping she hadn’t thought my inattention rude.

“Why don’t you go find a place to sit over there,” she said, nodding towards the trees where the mothers lounged. “I’ll go get us some lunch and meet you.”

It took extraordinary willpower not to bolt on the spot.

“Ok, that sounds nice,” I said in a weak attempt to contain my enthusiasm.





She smiled a little and headed off down the street. I only watched her for a moment before cantering as quickly as I could manage to the trees. 

As expected, the chattering mothers fell silent at my approach and stared. The polite thing to do would have been to introduce myself and go through the same boring conversations that I’d been repeating all day, but I was in a little bit of a hurry so I got right to the point instead.

“Good afternoon!” I greeted them. “Would it be alright if I played too?”

Most looked at me in confusion and a few stared shocked before whispering quietly to the others and pointing, but several looked questioningly at an Earth pony who sat near the center. The plain, but confident-looking pony locked eyes with me. I wasn’t sure what she was looking for so I waited politely, until my head involuntarily turned in the direction of joyous squeals.

I looked back quickly, my ears dropping in embarrassment. Unphased, the stoic pony calmly glanced to the foals and then back to me with a strange grin. 

“I’m sure they wouldn’t mind having a big pony to play with.” She said. “Go right ahead.”  The others, who had been waiting for their apparent leader’s decision, relaxed. A few smiled encouragingly and the rest returned to their chat.

“Thank you!” I said, nodding as I walked.

The leader nodded in returned and watched as I walked out into the sunny field. I briefly wondered what that had been about, but playful noises would not be ignored. I increased my pace and soon found myself face-to-face with many little ponies who clearly found “a big white pony” more interesting than the game they’d been playing.

If normal ponies were adorable and cuddly, these were at least twice that. They were all colorful and unique, but shared several traits: they were small, fluffy, and stared at me with innocent curiosity. The urge to pounce on them was so strong, that I quickly sat down lest I give in to the temptation.





“Hi!” I said.

“You don’t have a cutie mark!” a pink-maned filly said from behind me. “Why not?”

I giggled. She was so adorable, I could barely stand it.

“Well little one, I don’t really know what my special talent is yet.”

An older grey-maned foal scowled at the response. “You’re too old to not have a cutie mark. Are you slow or something?”

Years of living with a younger brother taught me exactly how to respond.

“Oh yes!” I chirped. I’m pretty slow. In fact, “I bet you could run much faster than I can!”

He looked offended that I had “misunderstood” him, but I stood up before he could correct me. The little ponies who had crowded around backed up in response. 

“So what do you say?” I challenged. “Do you want to race?”





He briefly looked shocked, but then made a determined face and took off for a giant tree. I struck out with a strong canter and the others were quick to follow, squealing and laughing in delight. Though they were much smaller, all of them beat me easily except the little yellow-maned one who, even though he fell down several times along the way, still arrived before I did.

The others cheered when I finally arrived, but grey-mane scowled again.

“You don’t have to go easy on us.”

I was so enamored with a green-maned foal who was tugging fearlessly on my long tail that I almost forgot to answer.

“I… uh. What do you mean?” I asked distractedly.

“You didn’t even gallop. You weren’t running as hard as you could.”

“But I don’t know how to gallop,” I confessed, giving him my full attention. “I never had the chance to learn.” A few of the little ponies looked at me sadly, while others; especially grey-mane; looked skeptical.

“What!?” he exclaimed. “That’s not true!”

“It is!” I smiled. “I know it seems unlikely, but I bet you’ve never seen a pony as big as me without a cutie mark either” I continued, raising my flank up and wiggling it for all to see.

Most of them nodded as their doubt faltered, but not grey-mane, who’s stubborn face made his disbelief obvious. 

I giggled. He really did remind me of my brother.

“You knoooow…” I started slyly, “you really are a fast little pony. Maybe you could teach me!”

His face broadcasted his distrust, but he took a small step forward anyway; betraying his inner feelings. It wasn’t long until I had him giving lessons; with him barking impatient instructions and demonstrating “how easy it is” over and over. 

The others were really into it too, pacing alongside me when I ran and shouting encouragements when I fell. It took some work to get the coordination down, but I finally got it and was able to run a fair distance at gallop. I turned to grey-mane.

“I’m ready for a rematch! Just you and me this time. What do you say?”

“You’re on,” he said without hesitation.

Moments later, we stood side by side at some arbitrary starting line while one of the others told us the “rules”: To the giant tree and back. Whoever was first was the winner.

“Oooonee… Twooo… threeeee… GO!” 

And we were off. 





I quickly left the little guy in the dust, but when I neared the tree, I stumbled a bit and had to slow down. As I rounded it, grey-mane was right on top of me. 

With a slight adjustment to my gait and a straight path back to the cheering little ponies, I let loose and bolted as fast as I could. Just like with my brother, I wasn’t going to let him win unless he earned it.

But in a flash, I forgot all about the race. The wind blew my hair back as I sprinted, and everything blurred around me, my hooves moving so fast that it couldn’t have been more than a few seconds before I reached the finish line. It was so exhilarating and I couldn’t help but squeal and prance in place as grey-mane arrived looking dejected. 

“That was SO MUCH FUN!” I exclaimed.

“Well, you won,” he griped.

“But you taught me,” I reasoned.

“Yeah…” he said begrudgingly.

“AND you nearly caught me by the tree” 

“You stumbled…” he objected weakly.

I looked at him and his blank flank and a thought suddenly occurred to me. “You know,” I said. “You never told me your name. I’m Snow.”

“I’m Dart Hoof,” he said with a little smile.

I thought as much, I thought smugly.

“Well Dart Hoof, I want to thank you! I’ve never been able to run like that before and I really, honestly loved it. Don’t you think running is fun?”

“Yeah!” he piped. Then he looked away sadly and added, “But it’s not useful.”

It was odd, but when he said that, his voice sounded like someone else’s. Someone older with an edge of criticism in his voice.





“Not useful!?” I exclaimed. “What about messenger ponies?”

“They’re all pegasus ponies. Don’t you know anything?” he criticized.

“Nonsense!” I admonished. “There could never be enough pegasus ponies to deliver ALL the messages in the whole city. Besides, what about the pony scouts who watch for trouble around the city? If they weren’t there, who’d make sure that everything and everypony is safe?”

“But the pegasus guards do that too!” he said, nearly in tears. It was clear as a mountain stream that he had been through this very conversation before with someone else. Someone who didn’t believe in his talent.

My heart and my hooves reached out to him. I pulled him close and though the others were watching, he didn’t resist.
And then I sang:

You with the sad eyes
Don't be discouraged
Though I realize
It's hard to take courage
In a world full of ponies
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness there inside you
Make you feel so small

Like before in the garden, the song extended out with a purity and strength that was palpable. I closed my eyes.

If this world makes you crazy
You've taken all you can bear
You call me up
Because you know I'll be there

I knew the frustration and pain he felt; The poor little foal felt passion, but not the freedom to use it. I tightened my embrace, trying to convey feelings of encouragement from the bottom of my heart as I sang.

But I see your true colors
Shinin' through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors, 
…are beautiful,
Like a rainbow.

***************

The song ended, but he didn’t budge and, caught in the moment, neither did I. I hoped that I managed to ease the pain of the soft heartbeat I could feel in his chest. 

“Oh Dart Hoof... In this world, the thing that you love most is always right for you. Even if you can’t see it right away. Besides…” I said as I opened my eyes and nuzzled his soft mane.

“... pegasus guards can’t see through trees can they? Who’s going to scout down in the valleys and forests if not fast runners like you?”

He stiffened. Afraid I’d said something wrong, I let him go and leaned back.

He took a few steps forward, his back to me, his head hanging. All the little ponies and I stared; afraid to break the uncomfortable silence.

He raised his head and looked at the sky and took a deep breath. And then, with a bright flash, his cutie mark appeared.






> Bliss
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dart Hoof set off like a bullet with the others trailing close behind. They squealed and laughed as they ran; calling for their mothers who craning their necks to see what the commotion was all about. Moments later, the little ponies hit the trees like a wave, leaping and swirling, crashing to and fro in their excitement. 

In short order, the mares grasped what had happened and started cheering as well. Together, between the applause, the squeals, the yelps, and cheers, the ponies created a cacophony of joy… a strangely musical celebration; discordant, but with an undertone of loving harmony. 

I couldn’t help but smile at the sight, though it was odd…  for just a moment, I thought I really did hear a song. 

I closed my eyes and strained my ears… but then it was over. The foals bolted back to the field while their mothers, having seen many cutie marks appear in their day, soon returned to their chatter. And with the reverie broken, I finally became aware of the wonderful smell coming from Crystal’s packs.

My stomach made a strong case for sitting down for lunch and a little voice in my head agreed, quietly whispering that I was the cusp of grasping something important and that I should pause a moment to discover what it was. But the restless energy coursing through my body drowned them out. 

I excused myself and dashed back out to the meadow where I was instantly swarmed by little ponies. Together, we ran and played in the warm sun and rolled with abandon in the cool grass. I couldn't remember the last time I’d run so hard or laughed so much.





But soon enough, stomachs moaned, mothers called, and the adorable wave flowed back to the trees; each little pony making their way to their respective mothers. Dart Hoof made a beeline for the “leader pony” and I headed for Dusty who was sitting next to her. After distributing food from saddlepacks and brief introductions, the adults and I engaged in light conversation while excitable little ponies focused on market treats. 

The older foals and fillies finished quickly and ran back to the field, but some of the younger ones, yawning heavily, nestled close to the mares instead. Protected from cool breeze by their mother’s close embrace or flip of a tail, their eyes began to flutter and heads began to nod. The filly closest to me was already fast asleep and one hind leg was twitching. I giggled.

Dusty looked at me curiously, her face so close that our noses were practically touching. I grinned at her, so happy and content that, without thinking, I extended my neck…





And then turned suddenly and coughed, hoping she hadn’t noticed what I almost did. After a moment, I peeked at her from the corner of my eye and was relieved that she’d resumed her conversation with Glacial Drift. Dusty hadn’t caught on, but Glacial Drift was staring right at me with a knowing smile. 

I blushed and averted my eyes; racking my brain to understand what had just happened.

An image popped into my mind of the nuzzle that Winter Willow and Rose had shared that first day. They’d seemed so happy and blissful… I’d almost forgotten until I saw Dusty so close. My eyes slid unbidden to Dusty’s fuzzy snout and I felt a terrible longing. I leaned in her direction…

“Are you alright?” Dusty asked, having noticed the motion.

“Fine!” I said, sounding very guilty. “I’m just… ah… tired.”

“Maybe we should head back then,” she replied, glancing behind me.

Following her eyes, I noticed that several of the mothers had already gathered their goods and young ones and were saying their goodbyes. In any gathering, there comes a point when everybody knows it’s time to go and it seemed that the time had come.

While I was reluctant to let the magic end, it had been a busy day and the thought of heading home… or to Dusty’s home rather… did sound nice.

We stood and parted ways with Glacial Drift and Dart Hoof who waved in his childishly enthusiastic way. I returned it with just as much vigor; hoping that I’d see him again soon.

**************

We plodded through the streets; our hooves striking a steady rhythm on the cobblestone. Dusty seemed preoccupied, but each time I thought to ask her about it, my mind turned instead to the field where, before my eyes, a young pony had found his talent. Somehow I was certain that cutiemarks were the key to my problems, but the days I’d spent searching for answers had only ended in frustration.

Crafters, masters, delivery ponies… I’d probably heard every cutiemark story that Artisan Square had to offer without finding a single clue that would help me solve my own mystery. And yet there was something about the way they told it… the reverence in their voice and the sparkle in their eye.

I could sense that it was important; a critical piece of the puzzle, but it was maddeningly just beyond my grasp… Until, in the seconds following my song, Dart Hoof earned his mark. I always believed music connected hearts, but in this case, the connection was real and lasted just long enough that I felt it through him. And then I finally knew.

What if the ponyverse were alive? An entity so vast and incomprehensible that nopony could normally perceive it. But once, just once, in the instant a young pony discovered their talent, their inner light shone so bright that the cosmos itself took note. And with the might of all creation, it reached across time and space to touch them and whisper their name, saying “I acknowledge you.”





Feeling lightheaded, I turned to stare at my own blank side. Would it feel the same when… IF I earn a mark? 

I turned forward again sadly and finally noticed that I was alone. Dusty was gone.

Needing no further encouragement, hidden fears leapt forth. My gut constricted and a chill grasped my shoulders, crawling insect-like down my spine. My legs shook and I felt a dark presence closing in… closer… closer.

Tug

The darkness retreated and my senses returned to normal. I became aware that someone was standing on my tail. Relieved and grateful, I blinked back the tears, took a quick calming breath, and turned around.

“Excuse me…” I started.

It was a mare with gorgeous jet-black hair and soft brown fur. She had a pretty pink flower just behind her ear and one of the most colorful cutie marks I’d yet seen. But the most unusual part about her wasn’t her appearance and it wasn’t the way she resolutely stood on my tail, pinning me in place on the busy street.

It was the way her head hung, her tightly shut eyes, and her gaping mouth from which loud snores escaped in a steady rhythm. The most unusual thing about this pony is that she was fast asleep.

I blinked several times, wondering if I might be seeing things.





Sleeping beauty didn’t budge: not when I politely tried to get her attention, not when I gently tugged my tail. I looked around, and a few passer-bys were looking our way, but nopony… nobody stopped to help. Not knowing what else to do, I sat down.

A few confusing moments later, an irritated voice appeared beside me.

“Luau, let Snow go.”

Like a robot coming to life, “Luau” raised her head, opened her eyes, and closed her mouth in one motion.

“Hello Crystal Quarry,” she said cheerfully. “Good morning!”

“It’s afternoon,” Dusty answered testily. She sounded genuinely irritated this time, but I was still relieved that we were back together.

“Yes, yes, of course,” Luau dismissed with a wave of her hoof. “Well, I have a lot to do so I’ll be off!” she continued before walking past Dusty and turning down a side alley.

I stared after her for a few moments, dumbfounded, until Dusty started off again.

“Let’s go,” she said.

“What was that about?” I laughed as I hurried to Dusty’s side. I was feeling like myself again, but I didn’t want to risk getting left behind.

“That’s Grandmaster Luau,” Dusty answered without looking back. “She’s the one who dumped that huge white block on me. She’s also a little… different… as you can see.”

“Grandmaster?” I asked, looking back to the alley. To think that a pony with a sleeping disorder could hold positions of power… it was heartwarming.

“Yes,” Dusty replied. “She has a talent for organization and has been working harder than anypony else to make the castle ceremony perfect.”





Something in her tone caught my attention.

“You respect her,” I said.

Dusty looked back at me wide eyed before quickly turning forward again.

“Everypony respects her. She’s smart and efficient, but more than that, she’s a local hero. She’s prevented countless construction accidents. Everypony else says she has a weird extra sense about things.”

Another strange tone. “But not you?” I asked. 

Dusty cocked her head curiously and flipped an ear.

“Well…” she began slowly. “I don’t know about that stuff, but…”

She stopped walking and stared off into the distance.

“The stranger the things she says, the more likely they are to be true,” she finished.

Yet another tone; this time a little worried.

“Dusty, I…”

“Let’s go,” she interrupted, walking forward suddenly.

************
For the rest of the afternoon, Dusty was a quieter than usual. Though I desperately wanted to ask her about it, I felt that she needed some space. So when she picked at her food during dinner, I let it go. And when she said she was going to take a bath first before she’d finished sculpting for the day, I said nothing.

Instead, I prepared towels (or “drying cloths” as she called them) and then got an early start on cleaning the shop.  She always seemed surprised how much I liked to clean and honestly, it surprised me too. But I’d never had magic before…. Cleaning three places at once was challenging, but kept me entertained until Dusty came back in, dripping. 





“The fountain’s all yours if you want it. I’m going to work a little more,” she said before vigorously rubbing the water from her face.

I was proud that I managed not to say anything as she picked up her tools, though I did accidentally let out a disapproving snort. She paused and pulled the cloth away to look at me with a raised eyebrow.

Finding her expression hilarious, I laughed and jumped out of the door with no explanation. Feeling whimsical, I hopped the rest of the way to the fountain and then splashed right into the basin. Though I’m sure I would seem very silly to anyone watching, I couldn’t help it. Of the many wonderful things I’d discovered since being a pony, bathing was one of my favorites.

After all, the fountain basin sat in the garden overlooking the even more impressive palace gardens below. And on the far side of that, Canterlot city, the wilds, and the tall mountains. A light breeze blew in spurts setting the plants and trees to waving. Behind me, the fountain was fed by a constant stream of running water that burbled peacefully. The warm evening sun painted the puffy clouds in sunset colors.

I set my snout down on the basin’s edge and closed my eyes. I felt the slowly running water overflowing from the basin and heard it splashing to the ground. For a time, I didn’t think about cutiemarks, or talents, or dreams, or darkness; I just bobbed in the water, delighting in the experience.

It was bliss.





Engrossed in the gentle comfort of the cool water, it took a moment to notice the sound of approaching hooves. Dusty had finished earlier than I expected. Peeking through barely open eyelids, I could see that she was irritated about something again. I giggled close-mouthed so she wouldn’t hear. 

Why do I enjoy the company of this moody little pony so much? I wondered.

She was a pony who couldn’t wake up at any normal hour, who avoided socializing unless she had to, and who couldn’t be bothered to clean properly. 

And yet, she was patient and kind. She taught me so many things. She forgave my intrusions and constant interruptions. She included me in her life in everything from meals to work to socializing in the square. She was smart, and adorable, and more considerate than she’d ever admit. She probably thought I didn’t notice that she’d taken me to the market to make me feel better… but I did.

Certainly Dusty was my very favorite pony, but more than that. She was an inspiration and my guide and…friend? Yes, surely that. That wasn’t quite right either, but…

“What’s this?” Dusty asked. 

She’d finally noticed the water plug I made to keep her from overwatering her plants. As smart and creative as Dusty was, it was a wonder that anything living survived her “care”. So I explained what it was and why I used it, reveling in the chance to teach her something for a change. She seemed a little bewildered, but accepted it easily enough. After all, it was hard to deny that the garden looked much better since I came. 

She stared and blinked slowly the way she always did when processing information, but her expression was odd. After a while, I wondered if there wasn’t something more, but before I could ask, a surprise yawn overtook me. By the time I opened my eyes again, the moment was gone.

Darn it! I cursed internally. I was about to press the issue when Dusty suggested turning in early.

I exuberantly agreed. Usually Dusty liked to work late and I never saw her actually come to bed. Excited by the chance to see a new side of her, I followed her inside happily. But then I remembered the mattress.





How do I keep her from seeing? I worried.

I urged her to go upstairs first while I dried off. Then I straightened and dusted and wiped down the shop, even in places that were already clean, stalling for time while I searched for a solution.

If I could have just washed the stains out, I’d have done it long ago, but they were stubborn; needing a thorough soaking. I once became desperate enough to bring a full bucket of water up the stairs to attack it more vigorously, but then realized a sopping wet mattress in the bedroom would lead to just as many questions. Taking it to the roof terrace to dry in the sun was a possibility, but I had a hard enough time just flipping it over that I seriously doubted my ability to maneuver out the door and back… even assuming it would dry in time.

Flipping it daily was my only option and it worked, but if she were right there in the room… what would I say? What excuse could I use to focus her attention elsewhere?

An image popped into my head : She was lying on her blanket pile as I walked into the room. I pointed out the window and yelled, Look! A UFO!

I scowled and slumped my shoulders; setting down the cloth I’d been cleaning with. If that was the best I could come up with, then obviously postponing the situation wasn’t helping. Reluctantly, I headed up the stairs hoping that she was busy with arranging her blankets or at least had her back turned.

When I entered the room, she did have her back to me, but her body language was odd.  I was torn between asking her about it and trying to quietly flip the mattress while she was occupied. 





Unable to make a decision, I simply said, “You’re still up?”

“Moonrise,” she replied simply.

“Hmmm,” I stalled. My immediate reaction was to go with her and watch it too, but… I flicked my eyes to the mattress… I had something else important to attend to.

“I think I’m going to go ahead and lay down. But I’d love to watch it with you sometime,” I finished. I really did want to go with her, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. I just wasn’t ready to let Dusty know about my difficult nights. It was a miracle that she hadn’t found out already!

She nodded, opened the patio door, and walked out. I waited a second and craned my neck as inconspicuously as I could; trying to make sure she wasn’t going to suddenly come back in. With my magic, I flipped the mattress as noiselessly as possible and then quickly laid down with my hooves carefully positioned to keep the stains hidden.

Dusty had left the door open which let in a cool night breeze. Outside the window, I could see the light of the quickly rising moon begin to crawl along ceiling and then the wall.

Though we weren’t together exactly, I took comfort in knowing Dusty was right outside the door. Thinking back, there had been another moonlit night she’d stayed with me as I fell asleep.

It seemed so far away, and yet the memory was crisp in my mind. I was lying on the mattress and she was resting on some blankets below the window. I could almost see her bright eyes watching over me again as she did that night. 

I glanced sleepily at the steadily growing blanket pile. I often worried that it wasn’t comfortable, but Dusty would always say it was fine and that she’d slept on the floor many times when working. True or not, to think that she’d do that for me made me smile.

And then, happy, warm, and close to the pony who was dearest to me, I fell asleep.

> Looming
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I opened my eyes and smiled. Dusty was fast asleep as usual, one of her hooves in a position I was certain wasn't comfortable. Giggling slightly under my breath, I pushed the hoof forward with my nose until it looked more natural.

Why does everything you do seem so wonderful?

Where once I greeted the day exhausted from a night of fleeing nightmares, in the weeks since Dusty began sleeping next to me, the only sensations I woke to were the soft warmth of her body; the calming rhythm of her breathing; the pleasant smell of her hair…

Dusty sleepily repositioned herself; her snout briefly touching mine in the process. Confused by the unexpected sensation, she paused, scowling.  I watched, frozen and wide-eyed; waiting to see what she would do. Her face softened and she nuzzled me briefly before turning away and announcing her return to sleep with a loud sigh.





I popped out of bed like a spring, magically moving my blanket to fill the gap I’d left. I fled down the hall and out the front door then took several slow, deep breaths of the cool morning air to calm my fluttering heart. She’d nuzzled me in her sleep before, but a gentle stroke on the hoof or shoulder was nothing compared to nose contact… though I couldn’t begin to explain why. 

Before I could dwell on it for too long, a shadow darted across the ground. Looking upwards, I saw a passing pegasus messenger; hurrying to her destination. Across the square, delivery ponies were dropping off supplies or loading finished works as usual. In the shops, most artisans would already be busy at their trade. All around was the city I’d come to know and love, full of ponies that I’d soon be parting with for the last time. I smiled, though I didn’t feel happy.

The time had passed far too quickly since that day...  The day I learned when this all would end…

********************************

(Nearly two weeks prior)

It was a beautiful day and I was heading to the market, grinning. Glacial Drift walked beside me and Dart Hoof hopped and spun around us; calling to me every few seconds to “watch this!” A few times, he looked as if he might crash into another pony or a cart before deftly dodging out of the way. 

Glacial Drift just shook her head and sighed.

“He’s been practicing every day,” she said, referring to the obstacle course he’d made in their backyard. “He barely crashes anymore,” she added with a motherly eye roll. 

I knew exactly what she meant.  I’d seen it myself a few days prior when he begged me to come over. He explained how he’d been training to improve his reflexes and stamina so he could “run full speed through the wilderness” then demonstrated while I watched anxiously.

Sure he was dexterous, but he was still a novice and it was very difficult not to cringe every time he tripped or rammed into a wall. He’d quickly pop back up and glance at me with an embarrassed look, but I’d cheer a little and put on a face as if I hadn’t noticed. Then, thrilled as only kids could be, he’d go off again.





I didn’t want to discourage him, but I did start to worry that his showing off was going to lead to brain damage. Luckily, it was well before I’d hit my stress limits that Glacial Drift ordered a break, cutting off Dart Hoof’s complaints by setting down a tray of warm, hoof-made honey rolls for us to share.

The rolls were a welcome distraction not just because they kept Dart Hoof from further injury, but also because they tasted even better than the ones in the market. I begged Glacial Drift to teach me how to make them, but she just stared for a moment and slowly asked, “you want to make some for Dusty?”

A few moments later, she cut off my stuttered protests with a laugh and agreed to teach me. I couldn’t say why I felt so corned by the question, but I didn’t dwell on it. Instead I threw myself into cooking practice and, a few days and a mountain of failures later, I finally mastered it.

“Now with a few supplies you’re ready to try it on your own,” Glacial Drift had said.

She offered to show me the best places to buy ingredients and so, the very next morning while Dusty still slept, I set out for the market with my baking coach and her excitable little show-off.

“Watch me! Ms. Snow, watch!”

“Dart Hoof!,” His mother scolded. “Be careful!”

The exchange made me giggle. They reminded me so much of my own mother and little brother somewhere on the other side of the dream. I missed them, but I had hope. After all, in my favorite stories, ponies… er, people, who spent time in other worlds would return after days, years, or even an entire lifetime and find that no real-world time had passed.





But… not every story was like that. In some, they awoke years later, sick and debilitated, having found that life passed them by as they slept away their life.

My pace slowed and I hung my head. 

What will I find when… if I wake up? I worried, realizing too late what my lamenting had invited.

My breath caught and my stomach knotted as fear covered me like a hungry blanket. Suddenly numb, my chilled legs faltered and stumbled. Then, all at once, Dart Hoof jump forward, yelling back as spun: “Watch this Miss Snow!” Glacial Drift, having seen me fall, turned my way to ask if I was ok. The fast moving carriage neither of them saw careened down a side road, its wheels rumbling over the cobblestones like an avalanche.

No! I pleaded voicelessly, extending my hoof in vain.

Everything moved in slow motion: The carriage pony ran full speed like he was possessed. Glacial Drift looked at me in confusion; trying to understand my body language while her flicking ears sluggishly relayed the sound of approaching danger. Dart Hoof spun and spun, obvious.

Glacial Drift, suddenly understanding, whipped around so fast that her front hooves lifted off the ground. 

“DART HOOF!” She screamed.

But she was a breath too late, and I, too horrified to look away, saw it all.

*******************

A bystander screamed; everypony in the street and in the air froze. The only noises were Glacial Drift’s desperate cries and the carriage thundering into the distance.

In the street, the crumpled form of the little pony, tangled hopelessly in… 

What is that?

I tried to make sense of what I had just seen: Dart Hoof had nearly fallen into the path of the carriage’s wheels, but bare moments before they collided, a brownish-blackish lump had broken off and fallen on top of him. 

Glacial Drift scooped Dart Hoof up, pulling him from the black threads that covered him. She frantically checked him over for injuries ignoring his protest until, satisfied he was ok, she hugged him tightly. Then she held him at hoof’s length and yelled.





“What were you thinking!? How many times have I told you to be careful on the streets!?”

Dart Hoof had the decency to look ashamed as Glacial Drift piled on every admonishment motherly instinct had to offer. Meanwhile, another pony had run over to check the lump. He yelled something I couldn’t understand and the other nearby ponies cheered before resuming their day.

Finally adrenaline won over shock and I shakily hobbled over to the two.

“I’M SO SORRY! It’s my fault! I should have stopped him! I… should…” I choked out before collapsing again in a fit of tears.

Glacial Drift and Dart Hoof both looked at me in stunned silence as I wailed. I knew crying wasn’t helping, but I was adrift in a cyclone of shame. 

If I hadn’t had that attack, Glacial Drift would have noticed! I could have warned him! I could have used my magic to stop him. I could have done anything!  

“Miss Snow,” Dart Hoof said, lightly touching my hoof with his. “Don’t be sad. I’m ok! See!”

“Snow, it’s ok. It’s not your fault,” Glacial Drift offered.

Having them try to comfort me under the circumstances only made me more miserable. I cursed my weakness; for having the attacks in the first place and doubly for worrying them both as I cried uncontrollably on the street.

Suddenly, the brown and black lump behind Dart Hoof rose from the ground, its hair hanging down in long black strands like something out of a Japanese horror movie.

Instinctively, I froze mid-wail, unable to take my eyes off the… thing. 

Then, the hair started spinning, flipping in a wide circle before me. The blood drained from my face and my mouth hung open as I watched, completely terrified.





Dart Hoof jumped behind his mother, but she remained calm and bowed low to the hair monster.

“I am ever in you debt Grandmaster!” Glacial Drift said as gravity finally caught the rotating hair and dropped it into place on Luau’s back.

“Oh! Hello Glacial Drift,” she said briefly glancing her direction before looking skyward. “Three hours huh? That’s a little longer than usual.”

I stared in shock, still trying to reconcile what was happening as Luau searched the ground briefly before reaching down to pick up a pink flower. But finding it hopelessly trampled, she discarded it and pulled another one from somewhere; popping it in her mane.

“Much better!” she piped.

Finally, she looked at the mother and son before her. “Well, I best be off. Be sure to soak that in the lake”.

Glacial Drift looked at her curiously for a moment before glancing sharply at Dart Hoof.  With a stern look, she responded, “Yes. I will. Thank you Grandmaster.”

“Just call me Luau,” she laughed, heading towards me.

I watched as she approached, still unable to move.

“Here,” she said, a hoof outstretched.

I put my hoof in hers and she helped me up.

“Don’t be sad,” she said quietly so only I would hear. “It will all be over after the celebration.”





My heart beat quickly and my ears laid back. What did that mean?

Before I recovered enough to speak the words, Luau was long gone. 

“Come on,” Glacial Drift said. I complied and walked over to the before noticing she was speaking to Dart Hoof while motioning resolutely to her back.

“Awwwww!” he griped.

“No arguing. Your hoof is sprained and unless you want to go right home, you’re riding the rest of the way!”

Once that was settled, we began walking again, but this time in silence. Dart Hoof pouted while Glacial Drift seemed to know that I needed some time to think.

And think I did. Luau, who had rescued me twice now, was the only pony I’d met who seemed to know what was really going on. I turned the words over in my mind; stretched them; turned them inside out.

The stranger the things she says, the more likely they are to be true, Crystal’s voice echoed in my mind. It will all be over after the celebration, Luau’s voice followed.

The Castle Completion Ceremony… for which Luau was master of ceremonies. For which Dusty had been commissioned to create a centerpiece for. A centerpiece that she’d started sculpting on my arrival. And one that I now knew my fate was tied to.

It all made sense.

The day of the ceremony would be my last.

********************************

And that day had finally come. 

I spun around and looked the drab and uninviting shop where a pony who matched it perfectly lay sleeping inside.

I’m going to miss Dusty… I thought sadly.

I put my hoof to the spot on my muzzle where I could still feel her breath. But then I shook my head, reminding myself to stay grounded. I repeated the same phrase as always; like a mantra:

It’s a dream…a wonderful dream, but a dream. I can’t stay here forever. I have to go home and I’ll be ready when it’s time.

And it was enough. Whenever I felt sad, or worried; whenever I feared the panic would return, the truth that Luau shared that day kept me stable. Since then, I explored freely and found wonders, I made friends, I learned new skills, I played… I was no longer lost or afraid. I was ready.

Well… almost ready anyway.

I looked to the sky.

12 hours until the ceremony, I estimated. I better hurry.

> Saying Goodbye
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I set out leisurely, delighting in the warm sun that fell in patches through the cool early morning streets. The plants and trees were still moist with twinkling dew and the birds chirped happily; flitting from tree branch to tree branch. I was in no hurry, but soon left behind the sparsely traveled streets and found myself in front of the royal gardens.

I had been here just once before… my first day in the dream. Seeing it like this on my last was… well… a little bittersweet. But time was short and I couldn’t afford to hesitate. I stepped boldly through the ivy choked archway onto the smooth stone-cut pathways of the garden.

And then I smiled. 

Before me stood a fountain, one that I’d seen many times from Dusty’s garden terrace. But only up close was I able to see its gentle curvature, the intricate bends and folds, and undeniable character… features that spoke to the hoofwork of the grumpy little pony who’d created it. 

But more than that; though there wasn’t anything specific that pointed to it, I knew that she’d loved this piece. Despite her complaints and frustrated rants, sculpting was not only her talent, but her life’s joy. I didn’t doubt for a second that whatever she sculpted for the celebration would be just as amazing… probably more so.

They were right to pick you, I thought.

I walked on, thinking about how great artists conveyed emotion through their work. Before I’d come here, I only ever thought about music and song, but now I could see it in stone, in wood, and even in the garden itself.





The immense sense of calm and peace I felt walking down the rows of vibrant flower bushes was no accident. Everything was carefully cultivated for that purpose: from the species of plant, from the spacing and direction of the walkways, from the strangely musical fountains…

Wait… I actually do hear something.

Somepony was singing. The song had no words, and yet transmitted thoughts of flowers, sunshine, and growth. Though I didn’t recognize it, I did recognize the voice; and it was coming from just around the corner.

“Good morning Rose P…” I started as I stepped around the bushes where she should have been.

I looked left and right, but nopony was there... just a watering can.

“Uh…” I said to the empty air.

Next to the Azaleas, Rose Petal stepped towards me, fading into view as she approached. 

I’d like to say that I hadn’t forgotten about her unique talent. I’d like to say that I didn’t jump in surprise. I’d like to say that I didn’t make an embarrassing startled noise that sounded like, “eep!” But luckily, Rose Petal didn’t seem to mind. 





“Miss Snow!” she smiled, stepping forward. “It’s very nice to see you again… but…”

“But?” I asked, my heart still racing.

“Well…” she stammered. “how did you know I was here?”

“I heard you singing silly!” I explained.

“…oh,” she said frowning. She seemed unsatisfied by the answer, but didn’t question me any further.

“So what brings you by this morning?” she smiled, walking to the fountain to wash the dirt from her hooves.

“Well, I was thinking about when we first met in the mountains. You went through so much trouble to help me. I just wanted to… I want to thank you.” My voice caught a little, but I managed to hold back the tears. This was harder than I thought it would be.

Showing more perception that I’d given her credit for, Rose Petal peered back at me intently, cocking her ears forward as if she were listening for something. Finally her expression became sad and maybe a little worried. 

“You’ll say goodbye to Winter Willow too?” she finally said, not quite asking.

How did she know I was saying goodbye?

“Yes,” I decided. I hadn’t really spent much time with the healer ponies, and wasn’t actually planned to see them again, but Rose Petal had an oddly insistent air about her and I saw no reason to refuse.

“I’ll come with you,” she said levelly, turning towards the hall.

“Ok,” I answered, a little puzzled by her reaction. She stayed close, guiding me, but it also felt a little like being corralled; almost as if she were afraid I’d run away. But whatever her reason, it was pleasantly nostalgic walking through the garden with her again. Just like before, we walked together to the little hall. And just like before, Winter Willow hurried outside, stumbling out the door to greet Rose Petal long before she should have known we were there.

“Rose!” she hollered. “I…”

She faltered midstride and stared at me, her face and wings falling, her voice dying in her throat. I cocked my head wondering why seeing me would make her so upset.

“She’s come to say goodbye,” Rose Petal said, leaning forward to touch Winter Willow on the chest with a hoof. I’d never seen the gesture before and wondered what it might mean.





But before I could ask, Winter Willow recovered.

“Snow!” she smiled thinly; tucking her wings comfortably at her side. “We’ve been hearing stories about you! You seem to be getting along well in the city.”

“Yes!” I answered. “It’s been… wonderful”.

For the second time, I stumbled over the words. I was clearly more upset than I had admitted to myself, but there was no helping that now. I wasn’t sure if I’d really accomplished whatever I had been meant to do, but no matter what, being in the pony dream was a one-in-a-lifetime event that I would never forget. 

“Will we be seeing you at the ceremony?” Rose Petal asked.

She was standing very close to Winter Willow for some reason… almost protectively.

“Yes. I’m sure I can stay that long at least,” I said. 

Rose still seemed tense and Winter Willow’s false smile was a little unnerving so I added, “Luau told me so.”

I had seen firsthoof how the ponies of the city respected and trusted Luau so I hoped sharing that detail would lighten the mood, but I miscalculated. Instead of reassuring them, the two ponies stiffened; their eyes widening slightly.





“Oh… I see,” said Rose Petal slowly.

I wondered at their reaction and why they hadn’t yet asked about my time here, my memory, my mark, or even where I was going. But I didn’t press my luck since time was growing short and there were still things to do.

“Well,” I said, “I’ll be off then. Please give my regards to the others and take care!”

“Take care Snow,” said Winter Willow.

I made way out of the garden, looking back just once to see the two ponies still staring at me sadly.

I wish I had been able to get to know you better, I thought with a little smile.

******************

The wood shop was as busy as ever, but I walked right in without stopping. The head carver on duty smiled and nodded in my direction before yelling at a nearby apprentice.

“No! With the grain!”

I giggled. Barkbiter was loud, but well-meaning. Next I came to Arabesque who was so focused on her work that she didn’t see me. Spiral Pine and the others waved or smiled, but none stopped me. They knew where I was headed.

In the back corner, by a window, was the small work area set aside for the pony I’d come to see.

“Ash!,” I called. 

He looked back and pulled down the cloth that covered his snout.

“Miss,*cough* , Snow!” he replied. “It’s almost done; just a few more touches. Why don’t you just meet me in the square.”

“Ok!” I agreed, craning my neck to peek at the object on his table. 

“Go on,” he teased, shifting his stance to block my view. “I promise it’ll be perfect.”

“Poo,” I complained, turning on my hoof and winding my way back to the entrance.

Once I reached the fountain, I looked at the sun again to check the time. 

Still plenty of time.





I sat by the fountain’s edge and waited. And waited.

“You’re taking forever!” I said to nopony in particular.

Bored, I looked up to the castle whose tall spires shone brightly in the sun. A breeze had set the banners to waving majestically and soft puffy clouds crawled lazily in the distance. The peaceful scene belied the flurry of activity that must have been occurring that very moment in the castle’s entrance. In a few more hours, the ceremony would begin.


And the last thing I need to be ready is…


“Finished!” Ash Carver said, turning sideways to display the pack at his side.

I hopped of the fountain’s edge and hastily reached for the object in his pack, magically floating it up close so I could get a good look at it.

The hoof-carved flower before me was everything I hoped it would be. Certainly Ash Carver could have done a better job in half the time, but with his patient instruction, I hadn’t done half bad. And without his help, I’d never have been able to bleach the wood pure white or make the resin droplets that looked like dew.

It wasn’t an exact copy, but the inspiration was clear: from the intricate petals to the delicate heart placed in the center… they looked as if they belonged together.

“It’s perfect!” I squealed, jumping forward to hug him tightly.

I was so enraptured imagining the moment that I gave Dusty the rose that when I felt his hooves on my shoulders, I was slightly startled. 

He pushed me back to hoof’s length and stared at me with an intensity that left me stunned and wide-eyed.





“Miss Snow…” he started. “Snow,” he repeated with more confidence.

I blinked.

“I know I’m a little young and I don’t have much to offer,” he said, his voice confident, but with an undertone that betrayed his nervousness. “But I’m doing well in the shop and soon I’ll be able to take care of both of us. So… would you…” He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before speaking again. 

“Would you be my special somepony?”

What? WHAT!? 

He released me and sat on his haunches, blushing as he waited nervously for me to respond. But how was I supposed to react?  By the time the sun set, I would be gone… his whole WORLD would be gone and I wasn’t so naïve to believe that I could ever return. I knew that I held his heart in my hooves.

Smiling just a little, I shook my head gently. “I wish I could. I do. You’re such a wonderful pony and I care for you a lot… even if it’s not the way you hoped.”

He hung his head, but listened to the end.

“I hope that you can believe me… and that you can forgive me.”

His head whipped up and he blurted, “It’s not your fault!”

“I know,” I answered. “But that still doesn’t mean you can forgive me.”

Then calmer, he said, “It’s not like that. Sn… Miss Snow, but… I mean, it’s no surprise… how could a pony like you love a pony like me?”

His words weighed heavily on my heart. Even if he was a dream fragment, it was one that was special to me and seeing him in pain wasn’t something I could take quietly.

So I sang. And through the song, I spoke from my heart to his…





Even with care and nurturing, a dream may not come true. But every dream you neglect will surely wither away.

As the song rolled on, I realized that I too had let myself slip into despair over a crushed dream. When I arrived in this world, I was just like he was now: sure that nothing good would ever happen again. So, as much for me as for him, I sang the words we both needed to hear. 

Never give up on love. Never give up on happiness! 

I opened my eyes; the song’s final notes floating into the sky.

Ash Carver was crying, but smiling too. I could feel his pain, but with it; hope.

“You’re something else,” he laughed, holding a hoof to his head. Then he looked to the sky and took a deep breath.

I smiled encouragingly and waited patiently.

“Miss Snow,” he started.

“Snow is fine,” I interrupted.

“Snow,” he smiled, “I won’t be able to stop loving you… not right away. But I hope we can still be friends in the end. Even if for today… and maybe a few days I’ll need some space.” 

I was so relieved and humbled by his response that I couldn’t hold the tears in.

“I’d like that,” I smiled, grateful that we were able to part on good terms.

He smiled again, took another deep breath and exhaled as he stood. Then he started walking back to the shop before pausing to look my way once more.

“Snow, your songs are magical you know,” he said, holding my gaze for a few moments before continuing. “I just wanted to say that.”

And then, heartbroken, but not broken, he walked back to the shop with his head held high.






> In Pieces
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ash Carver walked confidently to the shop-front where the other woodworkers stood waiting. He hunched a little under the weight of Barkbiter’s stern gaze, but the head-carver only set his hoof gently on Ash Carver’s shoulder before stepping wordlessly aside. 

The others followed suit, moving back to let Ash Carver through; each shared an encouraging word or a soft pat on the shoulder before falling in line behind him. Together they filed into the shop with Barkbiter taking up the rear.

Just before he too walked inside, he paused and looked back; staring me square in the eye. I blushed and dropped my ears, suddenly feeling self conscious. Had they all been watching? Had they known all along? What did they think of me after turning down one of their own?

Barkbiter’s eyebrow shot up, his eyes widening slightly. Then, with a half-laugh half-sigh, he smiled wryly as if to admonish me for the doubts I’d clearly been projecting. “I was just wanted to be sure you were ok,” he seemed to say. My heart fluttered and I smiled sheepishly… humbled that he was thinking of me even in these circumstances. Seemingly satisfied that I had understood, he nodded once and disappeared inside. 

I was relieved, but saddened at the same time. First in the garden, again at the fountain, and now by the shop…  Was there a pony I’d met that day who I hadn’t left disappointed or heartbroken? I glanced over the square. In it, the ponies who I’d been neglecting the past weeks in favor of my wood project. It was no big deal, right? After being so careful to keep them just at hoof’s length all this time, I thought it wouldn’t matter…





But I was wrong. They had looked out for me, cared for me… trusting me without reservation. To them I was family. Afraid and ashamed, I hid behind my hooves; my face hot and my stomach knotted. How foalish had I been; thinking that I could just “pop in” during the last hours and say goodbye with no regrets? 

The haunting faces of Winter Willow and Rose Petal flashed before me; their eyes etched with sorrow; their lips barely containing words yearning to be voiced. My heart sank like a stone. I wished I could do it over again; that I could have time to make it right. 

But time was the one thing I didn’t have. 

I took at deep breath… and exhaled, setting my hooves down again. I didn’t want to ever see a face like that again, but I couldn’t just leave without speaking to the ponies I loved one last time. I steeled myself, flashed my best smile, and trotted over to Ripple Gleam’s shop. 

It was so odd… the way she smiled at me… it felt so happy. So warm. Had she always looked at me that way? Did the apprentices always stop what they were doing to smile and wave and call me by name? Dwelling on it was already making it hard to keep smiling.

Luckily, Ripple Gleam wasted no time playfully teasing me about the confession and suggesting a few other “good colts” that she could introduce me to.





“What confession!?” I asked innocently. Of course we all knew that if there was anypony in the square who managed to miss the confession, the fountain-side concert, and Ash Carver’s defeated march back to the shop, they’d certainly hear about it all in short order. 

“How’s your new project coming?” I countered. She laughed at the obvious diversion, but few masters of Artisan’s Square could resist the chance to show off their work and Ripple Gleam was no exception. She waxed eloquent while I gushed with admiration for her skill. And just like that, it was an ordinary day.

We joked and laughed loudly as we always did… as if no time at all had passed since we last talked. But all too soon it was time for her get back to work. We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways, but before I’d gone more than a few steps, she turned back and with a serious tone said, “Don’t stay away so long next time, okay?”

“Okay!” I agreed; my stomach clenching tightly. My last words to her had been a lie. 

So it went, shop after shop. In each, the ponies I loved chided me for staying away too long and made me promise to stop by more often. And little by little, despite repeating my mantra to myself silently, my heart began to collapse under the weight of my lies.

“I’ll come again soon”, I told Gold Gilder. 

It’s just a dream, I reminded myself.

“I can’t wait to see it finished”, I said to Wrought Iron.

I can’t stay forever. I have to go home! I repeated.

“We’ll play again soon”, I lied to Dart Hoof. 

I’ll be ready when it’s time, I lied to myself.

Then, barely managing to shamble into a nearby alley in time, I wept.





**********************

I told myself so many times that I’d cried enough and it was time to be an adult, but the tears just wouldn’t stop.

This isn’t how it was supposed to be, I lamented to the empty alley.

*Giggle*  "Hurry! Hurry!" called a voice from behind me.

Startled, I spun around. But the little filly in the square wasn’t looking at me. And as soon as her laughing mother and father caught up, she was off again. Relieved for the distraction, I took a deep, stuttered breath and wiped the tears from my face.

I looked to the sky… The celebration was rapidly approaching. 

Before I could think too much about it and lose my nerve, I trotted out to the iron gate, walked down the stone steps, rounded the corner, and stepped boldly through the wide-open shop doors.

But there was no artisan pony working hard, no large white stone waiting to be struck; just scattered chunks of marble, sloppily discarded tools, and dust spread so far and so thick that it looked as if nopony had been there in years. 

Phew! I exhaled explosively, relieved to not have to face Dusty directly and irritated at the same time for feeling that way.

How am I going to give her the rose and go with her to the celebration if I’m like this!?

I needed to think and to think, I needed to move. I set my pack down and magically picked up dusting cloths and brooms. 





As I moved back and forth through the shop, I settled into a calming rhythm of activity. I dropped the larger rocks went into the usual bin, placed the tools back to their usual places on the workbenches, and gave the windows a light scrubbing to let in the bright afternoon sun. 

Not having the huge slab in the way made the work much faster and easier, but it did feel a little strange with it gone. Though, as I thought about it, I didn’t miss the stone… it was something else that felt off. What was it?

I dropped the last large rock in the bin, shut the lid, and looked over the room. The brown walls met with the grey floor as usual, the hanging plants were green and full of flowers, and bright yellow-tinted sunlight streamed through the windows. Color was everywhere, even in Dusty’s other stoneworks at the back of the shop. It was unnerving.

I sat down and lifted a forehoof up, holding it high. When I squinted one eye, and held it just so, it almost looked like the stone slab was still there. 

The shop isn’t right without something white in it, I decided. My eyes darted to the left where atop a workbench my pack sat. And within it, something white. 

With my magic, I pulled out the snowy wooden rose and placed it on the floor in the exact center of Dusty’s home, in the spot where the statue used to be. And suddenly, the whole room seemed brighter and just a little bit warmer somehow.

I smiled.





Even if she didn’t see it in time, the rose was a piece of my heart; a physical representation of my love for this world and the ponies within it. It was enough for me to know that when it was all over, Dusty and the rose heart would be together. It wasn’t quite how I’d planned it, but it felt right.

Satisfied for the moment, I had a new problem to face. If I knew Dusty, the explosion of marble I’d just cleaned meant she had a last-minute carving spree and was likely upstairs napping as a result. But I also knew that it was unlikely she’d wake in time for the unveiling if I left her alone.

Well, we were going to go together anyway…

I slowly climbed the stairs; each step filling me with dread. By the time I reached the hall, I could barely bring myself to move forward. Then, just before rounding the corner to the bedroom, I stopped entirely. The rhythmic breathing up ahead confirmed my suspicions, but I was paralyzed; completely unable to move or speak.

What will I say to her? How will I face her?  

I took an involuntary step backward. 

This is stupid! I argued with myself, shaking my head.

I leaned forward, but my hooves wouldn’t move. I looked at them in frustration then stretched my neck forward as far as I could. Again I tried to summon my voice, but my mouth moved wordlessly.

*SIGH*

I couldn’t have been any more helpless than if there had been a magical barrier between us. 

I sat down. What am I going to do?

At that moment, the thing I wanted to do most was crawl into bed with her stay there until the end, but Dusty deserved her moment of glory and I wanted to see it… even if it wasn’t up close. 

My eyes lit up and my ears jumped forward. That’s it!

I couldn’t face her, but I could watch her from afar. I would go to the ceremony ahead of her and stand with the rest of the spectators.

I spun, walked out the front door, and slammed it hard behind me. 

That should do it, I smiled. 





Without looking back, I stepped out into the city.

***************************

*BOOM*

The opening ceremonies ended with a final loud sparkburst while I and the others in the crowd watched expectantly. At the far end of the courtyard, ponies of prominence stood upon a stage with the large, tarp-covered statue behind them.

I didn’t see Dusty yet, but just when I started to worry that I hadn’t slammed the door hard enough, a white flash at the edge of my vision drew my attention. A large pegasus guard carried Dusty and set her deftly down behind the stage.

Then, just in time, she hopped into view just as Prime Minister Crabapple gestured his hoof in her direction. She trotted to center stage and stared over the crowd nervously. A few awkward moments later, some ponies started to laugh, but she resolutely continued her search. 

Finally she looked my way so I beamed and waved my hoof. 





You can do it! I encouraged.

Dusty smiled, took a breath, then spoke; nervously at first, but with more confidence as she went. She talked about the statue and her inspiration, though, for some reason, I became increasingly more nervous as she talked. 

At first, I thought I just sensed the dream’s end coming, but the more I thought about it the less likely it seemed. There was something in Dusty’s tone… something…

I was so focused on how she was speaking that I didn’t see where she was going until it was too late.

“… when you have the bonds of friendship … and love.”

My teeth clenched as she turned to stare directly at me. 

No… 

“And so this statue will stand in the city’s heart,” she continued. “Just as the pony who inspired it stands in mine.”

No… please, no!

“I give you… Crystal’s Heart!” her voice boomed like thunder.

The tarp fell; exposing for all to see the truth I’d been trying so hard to deny. That I feared would break me if I had to face it.

And I was right.


> Two Worlds
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

How long had I lain there? I could barely recall the fevered dash through the city, but I clearly remembered throwing myself on the bed and waiting tearfully for the end that never came. I was left alone and confused; the agonizing thoughts flying like spears, each cutting deeply as it fell.

I was ready to go. To leave the magic, and the wonder… even my friends. But… Dusty… 

I was powerless in the face of the assault; shuddering and spasming with each blow. My body felt strange… or did it feel familiar? I had almost forgotten was it was like to be human. Or was I ever human at all?

No! My mother and brother are waiting for me. They’re waiting for me…

I almost felt like I could see their faces. Looking so sad… heartbroken… afraid. Just as Winter Willow and Rose petal had. 

Just like Dusty would if she knew… if she could see me now…

“S…Snow?”

Dusty appeared before me, but was the horrified face I saw real? I didn’t know, but it was breaking my heart just the same. I put on a smile and spoke sweetly:





“Dusty. I’m so happy. I wanted to see you one more time before…” I choked over the words. I’d been strong for so long… hiding the panic attacks; burying my worries and fears; pretending not to be conflicted about leaving the pony world.

I rocked back and forth, my head bumping rhythmically against the wall. 

How long will this torture last? If I have to leave, why can’t it just happen? Why can’t it just be over with? But I don’t want to go. Oh, Celestia help me, I don’t want to go.

Dusty yelled something… she looked so sad. 

“I’m sorry,” I whispered. Then, using the swaying to give me strength, I closed my eyes and repeated: “I’m sorry.”

Mom… Dusty… What do I do? What can I do? How can I make the pain stop?

Then I was floating. The ocean of uncertainty and indecision crashed into me again and again; eroding my senses; sapping my strength; erasing my grip on reality. Winter Willow’s face was the next to appear, but then it was Mom’s. I was in Heart Healer Hall… or was it somewhere else? 

The steady beeping of equipment needled me, the bright lamps glaring into my unfocused eyes. 

“… fading fast. We’re losing…”, two disparate voices said in tandem.

I could feel the activity around me, but was unable to make sense of it. I didn’t know where I was, or where I was going, or why. But at that moment all I wanted was peace. 

Somepony was holding me and crying. I heard female voice, “don’t worry Sam.” 

Mom?

And the voice changed pitch and continued, “Princess Celestia will help you”.

Dusty?





In a lucid moment, I found myself in a room that I didn’t recognize. I was confused and disoriented, but then I saw somepony special beside me. “Dusty”, I smiled.

I hope she found the rose, I thought. But why is she crying? Is the ceremony over? Did something happen?

Then my eyes were drawn to movement. Winter Willow was walking towards a majestic pony that I thought I knew. Dreamily, I smiled. 

It’s Princess Celestia… Princess… Celestia…?

Princess Celestia!

Limbs locked and my blood ran cold. Everything came rushing back all at once: fear, hope, uncertainty, love, loss… I didn’t know where the screaming was coming from, but the anguish that rode it was my own. 

Is this it? Is she the one who sends me back? Do I even want to go back? What about my family? Who is my family? Who am I?

I was drowning and no longer had the power to fight it… I felt my sanity slipping away.

Then there was a burst of magic and the torrent surrounding me settled; if only for the moment. I think Dusty left my side, but I didn’t protest. All I wanted was to think nothing… to feel nothing. 

The majestic pony princess stood over me sadly.

Why does everypony look at me that way? I lamented. No more! No more...

Weary and numb, I whispered, “D…do… what you have to.”





************************

I looked up at her, intending to face whatever was to come with dignity.

Princess Celestia’s horn glowed slightly and I heard the door lock slide into place with a click. Then she turned to the window where the bright light of the rapidly setting sun shone.

“Mother,” she said. “I need you.”

The sun… pulsed. The rays bent forward creating a beam of light that filled every part of the room in a flash. Somehow, I was aware that time had stopped and, in the crack in time, there was only me, the princess, and…

“Mother,” Princess Celestia said, walking close to the half-pony, half-sun who stood by the window. She was slightly shorter than Princess Celestia, but radiated power and confidence that made it seem as if she encompassed the entire world. Her hair burned and danced like fire and I felt like I could see the universe through her eyes.

At Princess Celestia’s approach, the sun pony leaned in and nuzzled her with a love as vast as the sky and tenderness like a butterfly’s kiss. After sharing their affections, Princess Celestia stepped back and simply said, “I think this is one of yours? She needs you.”

The sun pony approached; her gravity warping the room around her as she walked. At her approach, every fear and worry inside me sprung forth again, but was powerless in the face of her majesty. Unable to move, to think, to speak, or even look away, I did the only thing that I could; I basked in her radiance and waited.





I AM TAU SUNFLARE LITTLE ONE, her voice spoke to my mind. BUT THIS IS NOT OUR FIRST MEETING. PART OF YOU WAS LOST ON THE JOURNEY AND FOR THAT OVERSIGHT, I AM SHAMED.

She reached forward with a blazing hoof and placed it on my paralyzed forehead. Her fire surrounded and filled me and I fell deep, deep into the light. Then, slowly, the light faded away to reveal a strangely familiar scene.

REMEMBER, a faraway voice commanded.

*******************

Sam! Sam!

I tried to answer, but coughed wetly into my hand instead. I stared in wonder at the blood covering my fingers and the myriad of wires and tubes springing from every part of my body. My breathing was shallow and I couldn’t feel my feet.

Above me were lights. So many bright lights… but one stood out from the rest. Far away… somehow farther than the ceiling itself was a pinpoint of light that shone like a star. It spoke to me. Or rather, it twinkled and I understood. 

SAY YOUR GOODBYES it finally said… or was that the doctor next to me? 

“I’ve administered some pain medication, but there’s nothing more we can do. I’ll leave you alone,” he said, moving away and turning off the bright surgery lamps as walked out the door. 

Every part of me raised alarms of pain, but whether due to shock or medication, I only felt numb tingling. 

“Sam”, a voice sobbed.

I looked for the source and managed to make out the details of her face through my red-tinted vision.

“Mom. What happened?”

She put a hand to her mouth instead of speaking. Tears streamed from both eyes. 





“You wrecked,” my little brother said simply. I couldn’t help but laugh at his frankness, but I immediately regretted it.

“Ah! Ugh… Yeah… I guess I did,” I winced, biting off the words between stabs of pain. “Wasn’t too smart of me huh?”

I opened my eyes again and looked directly into their tear-soaked eyes. “Hey buddy, hey Mom.”

I lifted up my heavily-bandaged left hand which they gingerly clasped in their fingertips. They listened quietly; both knowing that they were about to hear my last words.

“I wanted to stay a little longer,” I breathed, relaxing into the bed and looking again at the tiny star beyond the ceiling. “But that light up there says it’s time for me to go.”

Mom sobbed and closed her eyes. My brother, scared and confused, searched the ceiling. Meanwhile, the star neither of them could see steadily approached. I knew that time was short.

“Hey.” I said as sternly as I could. “It’s ok to be sad.” I took another shallow breath before continuing. “It’s ok to cry.”

Another breath. The star crept closer and I began to see a shape within the light.

“But don’t be sad for me. I’ll be ok.” 

Another breath. My body started float and the pain seemed far away. The glowing shape drew closer.





“Hey buddy.” My brother had his face buried in Mom’s dress, but peeked at me with one miserable eye. “When it’s hard, remember…*gulp* the smiles.”

“Mom,” I said, looking briefly her way. She was trying so hard to be brave, despite the tears. Hot liquid streamed down my face as well. “Mom…” I repeated weakly.

“She wants me to sing. I get to sing!” I said dreamily. The sun pony was close now; she reached out with her hoof.

“Her wings are so beautiful!” I said.

And then the pain was gone. Every sensation ceased and there was only light. I was sad for the world that was already so far away, but at the same time, I felt peace. 

The light’s magic started to fade and a different scene came into view. Directly above, the waving branches of a grand oak tree let sparkling sunlight down in patches…

*************************

I cried. 

I cried for the family I’d left behind, but mostly I cried for the gift I’d been given. For my second chance. 

I looked with tear soaked eyes at Tua Sunflare; Princess Celestia’s mother and so much more; and I wished there was some way for me to express my gratitude.

I ALREADY KNOW, her cavernous voice whispered in my mind.

She turned and shared another nuzzle with the Princess. Unburdened by tormenting thoughts, this time I heard the melodic tone the burst forth as they touched. It was indescribably beautiful; as if love itself had a voice.

I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, she thought.

“I know,” Princess Celestia smiled. 

Tau Sunflare looked to the sun, but then briefly reconsidered. 

WHAT YOU LACK, YOU’LL FIND BEFORE DAY’S END, She sent briefly before disappearing with a flash.

The room of light began to darken with her departure, but time hadn’t caught up quite yet. I relished the moment, finally free of the darkness, of the doubt, and worry, and panic; marveling at how light my body felt while Princess Celestia looked on patiently.





Feeling grateful, but suddenly self conscious for having put so many ponies through so much trouble, I spoke. “Princess… I…”

“It can be overwhelming.” She said. “But I know what you want to say. After all, you’re not the first person to make that journey,” she said mysteriously. I burned with curiosity, but before I had a chance to ask, she continued.

“But that’s a conversation for another day.”

“Does that mean I can see you again?” Preferably a time when I’m not screaming at you?

“I have no doubt,” she said; a tiny laugh in her voice. “But first you have somepony else to attend to first?”

She looked to the door which was now clearly visible. The room and time with it had returned to normal. From the other side a voice; desperate and heartbreaking, called my name.

Snow! SNOW!

“Are you ready?”

I wasn’t sure I was, but the Princess’s horn glowed anyway. There was an audible click and the then the doors burst open. Dusty bounded into the room, skidding as she found her bearings. She looked to me; her face painted in agony. I’d never wanted to hug somepony so badly… to make their pain go away… than in that moment. 

“Dust…” was all I could manage before she’d barreled into me at full speed. We tumbled in a flurry of hooves and pillows leaving me temporarily stunned. When I regained my senses, I was aware of her warmth, of her scent, of the softness of her coat and mane, and the pitiable way her body shook next to mine.





“Snow! Snow…” she cried softly. 

“Dusty,” I said. “It’s alright. I’m ok! Everything’s fine now.”

“Snow!” she wailed, inconsolable. “Snow! Snow! Please don’t leave me…”

“Dusty. I’m fine, I won’t. Dusty, I…” I said with a lump in my throat. In danger of breaking down yet again, I swung my head forward and bumped her gently, but firmly on the forehead. Dusty, fell silent in surprise. “I won’t leave you. I’ll stay with you forever… if you’ll have me.”

She blubbered something incomprehensible and the tears returned. I laughed a little and held her tightly, shedding a few tears of my own. The shaking began to subside, but I could sense a tiny broken melody playing deep within.

I’ve wounded you, I thought sadly. But I’ll heal the hurt no matter how long it takes.

I looked around the room while Dusty cried herself out in my hooves. Princess Celestia was speaking quietly to a nervous looking pegasus pony who disappeared a breath later. Then she turned to others. 

“Crabapple, we’ve done a good thing here today. Thank you and your assistant for your part in it. And Winter Willow dear, well done.”

Winter Willow beamed, and once again, sourceless music played. Strong, happy, and full of light; it burst forth seeming to come from deep within the green-haired pony herself. I began to realize that it wasn’t just my imagination… all those times before… when I could hear the emotion behind the expression, the unspoken words…

Before I had time to explore it, the little nervous pegasus was back with a haughty looking unicorn in tow.  She wasted no time pulling out scissors and a brush with which she vigorously attacked Dusty and me. Too confused to protest, I just looked to the Princess for explanation. Dusty, finally shocked out of her misery, did the same.



  

With a laugh, she obliged. “You two have had a very busy afternoon. I’m sure that the ponies who care about you are worried enough without having you return looking as if you’ve spent the day in a manticore’s jaws.” 

I smiled a little though Dusty, not a pony for fancy appearances, just blushed. “Don’t worry,” the prissy unicorn said. “The request was that I just make you look normal again, not gala-worthy. That would make your friends worry too, yes?” 

She put an indifferent act, but I could hear the kindness beneath. “Thank you!” I said with a smile. 

Wide-eyed, she blushed, but kept at her work. Soon enough made her exit with a bow to Crabapple and the Princess just as a guard pony entered. He nodded silently and then resumed his place outside.

“It’s seems your ride home is ready,” the Princess said.

I stood, ready to protest, but thinking better of it when my legs nearly gave out on me. With some effort, I kept from falling and then helped Dusty up who seemed no better off. Perhaps a ride was a good idea after all.

”Thank you,” I said to the Princess. She just smiled and took the lead while we followed. It was slow going with Dusty clinging so close, but I didn’t rush her. Even still, it was no time at all before we were in the back of a sky chariot; ready to depart. 

“Snow,” the princess started, stepping close to look me in the eyes. “It’s no accident that you’re here. All ponies, regardless of where they’re from,” she said, pausing meaningfully. “has something special to offer. I look forward to seeing what you’ll accomplish.”

I blushed. “I understand Princess Celestia. Thank you again… for everything.”

She nodded once, and then signaled the guard. In a flash, we were airborne. 

During the brief trip, I considered her words. What did I have to offer? I’d forgotten Tau Sunflare’s wish for me to sing, but I’d done plenty of that with no prompting. Now I’d discovered an ability to hear music of the heart, but even that realization didn’t make my flank any less bare. There was something else I was missing…

Dusty shifted her weight and I looked her way. She was staring wearily at the horizon where the sun was slowly sinking away. In the light of the warm evening sun, she seemed to me to be the most wonderful pony who ever lived. 

She caught me staring and turned towards me. Leaning in, I nuzzled her snout tenderly. 





“I love you,” I said.

Dusty blushed and looked away, but she wasn’t fooling anypony. I could hear her heart singing. 

Then the chariot tilted and Dusty leaned close. I smiled and rested my head next to hers and, together, we took in the beautiful view as we began our downward spiral. The sun was sliding slowly behind the mountains when we touched down with a light bump by our front door.

I was still relishing the view when I heard the noise of hoof clops behind me. I turned to find myself face-to-face with… everypony. They swarmed the chariot, packed so full on all sides that we couldn’t even get out. The worried craftponies called our names and asked for answers. 

The intensity of their worry might have been frightening if their heartfelt concern hadn’t nearly moved me to tears. I wanted from the bottom of my heart to reassure them; to thank them; and let them know how much I cared for them too, but I couldn’t find the words. So instead, I stood tall, leaning my front hooves on the edge of the chariot so they could all see me. And then I sang.





I sang of my sadness and my joy, about the family left behind and the new friends I’d found. About the pony I loved and admired who was so special to me. How she was patient, and caring, and always there for me. About her amazing talent that could transmit emotion and move hearts. And…

Your songs are magical you know…

I fell silent, Ash Carver’s words so clear in my head that I briefly looked to see if he’d actually spoken them. 

Magical.

Every pony was looking at me intently, wordlessly enveloped in my song... just like with Ash Carver by the fountain. Just like the time with Dart Hoof in the park. Not a trace of worry remained, only silent anticipation and light smiles.

I did this! I finally realized. 
I eased their fears, just like I salved Ash Carver’s disappointment,  just like I lit the light of purpose in Dart Hoof … all because of my singing. I don’t just hear hearts… I can help them heal. I’m a heart healer!


Bright light burst from behind me and again time seemed to slow. On the horizon, the last rays of the sun bent down to touch me and I felt Tau Sunflare smile. But far, far beyond her, deep in the sea of stars, I sensed a greater pony still. She looked upon me and spoke with the voice of all.

HEARTSONG, I ACKNOWLEDGE YOU.

Time lurched forward and the sun laid to rest with a final twinkle; but it left something behind. In the spot where it touched me, from both flanks, light burst forth.  And the instant my beautiful cutie mark appeared, I knew that I was truly a part of their world and that my real story could begin.






THE END.



> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The party lasted long into the night with pony after pony coming to learn my true name and see my mark. My friends, still call me “Snow” of course, but I started work in Heart Healer Hall the very next day. Those ponies and I used our talents to make the world a better place one heart at a time and what could possibly be more fulfilling or wonderful than that?

But I know you’re wondering… Did I ever tell Dusty everything? Did I ever meet any other humans turned pony? 

Well that’s a story for another day, but I can say this: our worlds are connected… probably more than you realize. And no matter what world you’re born in or what world you live in now, remember always that peace and harmony grow where there is love. 


***************