I’m Back Where I Belong…Right? (With IceStormx, Lux, and Otsdarva)

[osprey77]

Heart Song smiled as she walked the streets of Ponyville once more. After so long, it’s good to be home. She’d made the decision to return to her hometown after almost two years of roaming Equestria and, of course, six years in Canterlot. She’d been traveling, in search of a new home. Little did I know, new home is old home.

There was no doubt about it—she knew as soon as she came back to town that this was where she belonged. She’d rented a home in the same neighborhood as her parents, and contacted her brother, Earth Writer, to send her stuff from her old apartment in Canterlot. As a matter of fact, I’ve got to be sure to meet the train this afternoon, and find someone to help carry it all to the house…

But, for now, there was nothing to do but re-acquaint herself with the old place. There are so many ponies that must’ve moved here since I left—I barely recognize a soul! The pale-pink earth pony’s smile widened as the warm sunlight bathed her, and she began trotting with eyes-half closed, indigo mane and tail bouncing slightly.

Of course, sun t at bright meant heat, and soon, Heart began searching for something to help cool off. There! An ice cream/ice treats stand! Perfect! I don’t recognize the pony running it though…Oh, well, no time like the present to meet new ponies in the old neighborhood!

Heart nodded to the unicorn mare running the stand. “Excuse me? I would like a scoop of raspberry sherbet in a cone, please.”

[Otsdarva]

Douglas trotted along the roads of Ponyville, his wagon in tow. He had just finished a delivery from Fillydelphia and he was more than happy at the payoff he got. It certainly gave him an extra spring in his step. 'Things are looking on the up and up lately. Hopefully I'll be able to locate another pony who needs my services. I might actually knock the bills out on time this month!' He thought, letting his gaze wander across the town.

As of lately, Douglas has found his business picking up substantially. So much in fact, that he was often unable to rest before the next order was in. He had been moving around quite a bit and now finally with Summer half way through and Fall only a few months away was he able to get some time to actually relax! Even then, he still wasn't sure if he already had his next client waiting for him back in Hoofington.

'You know what? I've earned a nice break. I think I'll just hang around Ponyville for the day!' He thought, as Douglas began looking for something that could occupy his time for the day. The sun was out, the air wasn't sweltering, it was a perfect day! What better time for a nice bite to eat. In fact, he remembered a place where two good friends once enjoyed a day with him. This time though, he'd actually get to try something on their menu.

“Excuse me? I would like a scoop of raspberry sherbet in a cone, please.”

Just then was Douglas brought out of his thoughts as he heard a mare speak at a passing ice cream stand. That's when the idea hit him, it's been ages since he's enjoyed a nice cone! Looking back at the place, he could see there was no line there except for the mare already being serviced.

Douglas immediately looked around for a nice out of the way spot to place his wagon while he got himself a snack. Finding a safe spot just off the main street, he quickly unhitched himself and cantered back to the stand and got in line behind the Mare already there.

[Lux]

Being a business owner, Lore Weaver was granted many opportunities. He could sell what he wanted, decorate and organize the store as he wanted and within reason take a few breaks during the day when there was a lull in the action of selling books. It was a nice summer's day, so what better way to enjoy it and celebrate his successful business than to have a frozen treat.

He knew the mare that operated it named Ice Storm. He remembered how she was unsure about moving to Ponyvill and had an unpleasant time in Canterlot. The two formed a mutual relationship where Ice helped Lore get his store ready and Lore had Ice stay in the spare room above the store. Best of all, the two ponies who were at the time new to Ponyville became instant friends!

Approaching Ice's Frozen Treats stand, he saw that there were already two ponies ahead of him. It looked like business was booming for his unicorn friend as well.

[IceStorm]

Ice had been very happy with how her shop had turned out. It was becoming quite the popular location for a lot of fillies after school and it seemed to be hitting home with some of the older ponies as well. It was a small quiet period for her, as she had begun to notice the routines of ponies and she knew that a lot of her business was in the mornings, mid afternoons, and evenings. with late mornings and early evenings being quite slow. It was a good thing though. It let her make sure everything was neat and clean. Everything was perfect. Then a pony that she didn't recognize came up to the counter and before she even had a chance to greet her. She was a very light pink in color with a mane that was a very deep blue. IT was very eye catching and the pink complemented it nicely. "Hi, sure thing," Ice replied handing her the cone, noticing that another pony had gotten in line behind her.

She also spotted Lore Weaver just behind the other two, and she smiled. It certainly is a busy day today, he thought to herself as she greeted the next customer. "Good afternoon, welcome to Frozen Delights, anything catching your eye?" she asked in her normal friendly voice. She made a mental note to introduce herself afterwards making sure everypony got what they needed first before carrying on idle conversation. After all, no pony should have to wait for something delicious.

[osprey77]

Heart Song smiled at the unicorn mare running the stand, taking the cone. She scanned the menu, saw the price, and gave a moderate tip as well. The last job had paid well, so she was feeling generous. As she tried the sherbet, her smile widened. Raspberry was her all-time favorite flavor, and this was one of the best raspberry sherbets she’d ever had.

Ashe stepped to the side, allowing the ponies behind her to step up to the stand, but didn’t go far. She wanted to talk to someone—get to know ponies. It was all a part of settling down. Perhaps, once they got their treats, she could strike up a conversation.

Thes wouldn’t have waited…but then, Thes could’ve started talking to a grouchy griffon, and they’d have been a good friend by the end of the conversation… Heart’s good mood subdued slightly at the thought of her gregarious friend, remembering how long it’d been since she’d seen him, and why.

Heart shook her head, trying to banish gloomy thoughts.

[Otsdarva]

Douglas was just quietly waiting in line as the mare ahead of him got her treat when a third pony joined in line behind him. Before he could turn around and look at this new pony the mare working the stand spoke in his direction.

"Good afternoon, welcome to Frozen Delights, anything catching your eye?"

Douglas gave a quick glance at the menu as he thought over his choices. 'Why do I honestly bother looking at the menu? I always get the same thing anyway.' he thought, smiling at the mare before finally giving his order. "Scoop of Chocolate in a cone, please." Douglas said, laying out the correct amount of bits for the order.

[Lux]

Lore saw that Ice was busy, so he didn't know how much he'd be able to talk to his friend. He then saw a pony who was reviewing the menu. More importantly, she looked like she was wanting for a pony to talk to.

"Hello there. I'm Lore Weaver. What's your name?"

[IceStorm]

Ice nodded to the colt, "Sure thing, One scoop of chocolate coming up!" she smiled and prepared it. Cones were the simplest thing for her to prepare as they required no further decorating. Even as it was though, she enjoyed making the more decorative treats that she offered mainly because they let her use a bit more style. But there were just as many customers that liked to keep things simple, and that was always a good thing too. She handed him the cone, "Here you go sir, enjoy!" she stated in a perky tone. She was then about to wave at Lore but saw him striking up a conversation with one of the other ponies at the stand. She just gave a soft laugh to herself and simply waited patiently. Her shop wasn't going anywhere, so he had all the time in the world.

[osprey77]

Heart looked up at the unicorn stallion who’d come over to speak to her. “I’m Heart Song. It’s nice to meet you, Lore Weaver, have you lived here long?” She briefly remembered him coming out of a bookstore, and made a mental note to check it out later—he may have some interesting song books she could purchase, or she could find another fiction series to hold her interest.

Heart nodded to the colt who’d just received his treat. “Good day to you, sir. I’m Heart Song, this is Lore Weaver, and you would be?”

[Otsdarva]

"Here you go sir, enjoy!"

Douglas reached out and took the cone. "Thank you very much, Ma'am." he said, as he stepped aside of the stand. He was going to simply return to his cart and enjoy his treat before moving on when another voice spoke to him. It was the mare who was in front of him in line!

“Good day to you, sir. I’m Heart Song, this is Lore Weaver, and you would be?”

Douglas looked over to the other pony she mentioned, the one that was behind him. 'Well shoot, you came here for a reason, Trotter. Why back off now?' he thought. Giving a toothy smile he looked back to the mare and answered. "I'm Douglas Trotter. Nice to meet ya, Ms. Song. As well as you too, Mr. Weaver." he finished, giving a quick nod to both ponies.

[osprey77]

((Lux? You there?))

[Lux]

(OOC: Sorry)

"Nice to meet you, Heart Song. I've been living in Ponyville for a few months now. I think I'm finally getting to know where everything is now."

With that the stallion gave a little chuckle. He remembered how when he first moved in the town was very foreign to him. He didn't know where certain businesses where or any pony. Thankfully the ponies were nice to meet him and introduce him to the town.

Heart Song then introduced Lore to another pony named Douglas Trotter.

"And nice to meet you too, Douglas Trotter. Are you two from Ponyville or from another city?"

[osprey77]

((Sorry for skipping you, IceStormx, but I don’t want this to die. You should probably work your character into this conversation, if you can.))

Heart Song smiled when Lore Weaver chuckled, remembering her myriad of experiences at being the ‘new pony.’ Heart bobbed her head politely to Douglas as he introduced himself.

In answer to Lore Weaver’s question, Heart’s smile turned a little wry. “Well, both, to tell the truth.” She laughed, shaking her head at the odd situation. “I grew up here, but I moved around a lot, recently. I finally figured out that this is really the best place for me, so I came back a few days ago.” She turned expectantly to Douglas, awaiting his answer to the question, enjoying her raspberry sherbet all the while. It was really good.

[Otsdarva]

Douglas chuckled to himself quickly before taking a lick of his cone. 'Ones only been here a few months and the other is just returning home after living abroad, huh? You sure pick 'em, Trotter..' Douglas thought before he noticed the attention had shifted onto him. It was nice to be socializing again, Luna knows how long it's been since the last time he got to hold a pleasant conversation.

"Matter o' fact, I hail from Hoofington. I suppose you could say I'm a delivery pony. My trusty wagon and I haul whatever a pony wants hauled anywhere throughout Equestria. Ponyville is certainly one of the more pleasant stops I make." Douglas said, motion to his wagon off to the side of the street before giving his treat another lick. "In fact I just finished a run from Trottingham and I was looking for a nice way to unwind. It's nice speaking with y'all. Good company isn't always easy to find."

[Lux]

"Well then I'm glad that you're glad about coming back to Ponyville then," Lore said to Heart as he understood what she was saying, "I just moved from Canterlot to Ponyville, so it was only one trip. I still go back to Canterlot alot though as my friends and family are there."

[IceStorm]

The bulk of the conversation in the store went over Ice's head of the most part. she made it a habit to not eavesdrop on everypony's conversations while they were in her store. That was just rude on so many levels and that just wouldn't fly. After all, what type of reputation would she set for herself if she got on to everypony else for being rude and her to do the same? that being said, she had noticed that Lore had gotten caught up in conversation and it did look like he was coming for his usual treat, which Ice went ahead and got started. It was a double-shot raspberry smoothie, and she had it together relatively quickly and approached from behind him. "Hey Lore, I have your usual here!" she told him with a smile. She wasn't sure what the previous conversation entailed but she figured if they wanted her in the conversation, or to know what they were talking about, they'd tell her.

[osprey77]

Heart Song perked up when Douglas mentioned his profession. “You don’t say? My stuff should be coming down from Canterlot on a train later today…If it wouldn’t be too much of a bother, I’d like to hire you to help—it shouldn’t be too much, I only lived in an apartment there for a few months after graduation…”

She smiled at Lore as he offered his greetings. “It really is good to be back,” she said sincerely, “I’m looking forward to the more relaxed pace of life here. I don’t know how my brother stands it in Canterlot, but he seems, well, suited to it.”

The pale pink earth pony smiled as the proprietor of the shop walked up. “Hello there! I’m sort of new, and I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before—my name’s Heart Song.”

[Otsdarva]

“You don’t say? My stuff should be coming down from Canterlot on a train later today…If it wouldn’t be too much of a bother, I’d like to hire you to help—it shouldn’t be too much, I only lived in an apartment there for a few months after graduation…”

"Coming back in from Canterlot, huh? I suppose I could lend a friendly hoof. We'll debate the price when I see how much I'll be moving. Till then..." Douglas said, giving his cone a lick. "Let's enjoy our cones before they melt." With that done, Douglas focused mostly upon his cone, making sure it wasn't going to start dripping. He was simply listening to the others talk when the owner of the stand came over and joined them as well.

"Hey Lore, I have your usual here!" The pony spoke, it wasn't long though before Ms. Song saw her arrival as well and acted upon it.

“Hello there! I’m sort of new, and I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before—my name’s Heart Song.”

Letting out a chuckle, Douglas decided it would be best to show the store owner some gratitude as well. "Hello Miss, name's Douglas Trotter. Let me say, this ice cream is very good. I haven't had a good cone in a long time."

[Lux]

Amidst the conversation, Lore had forgotten the primary reason why he was here: to get a yummy frozen treat from his friend Ice Storm and to talk to her. Being that they were two business ponies, it was difficult to do so.

"Oh hello Ice. Yes the usual is fine. How are things with your store? It looks like you still have many ponies showing up."

Lore noticed that the two ponies had already introduced themselves. He was happy to introduce new ponies, especially to his friend, but they took the initiative. He heart Heart Song mention that she had things to take to her house.

"Well if you need another hoof to help you move Heart Song, I can be of service. I know what it's like moving by one's self and how nice it is for other ponies to help you."

Lore remembered how it was when he arrived at Ponyville. Most of his things were at his house and store already, but he still needed a pony to help organize things. Thanks to Ice Storm, he was able to get his house in order and have his store opened in half the expected time.

He then heard Douglas mention eating the ice cream. Lore levitated the frozen treat it front of him and began to happily lick the ice cream, enjoying the mix of sweet and tart on his tongue.