Chamomile Tea (20monkies)

[Tinkie]

Snow Shoe led the way from the snow covered park towards the residential area of Ponyville. He led her towards a small, quaint house. Snow opened the door gesturing for Raven and Black to go inside. Inside the house it decorated in Ponyville fashion with pink wallpaper with white, curvy stripes with a heart in white. The house had most of the normal furniture couches, chairs tables and whatnot in there proper places. There were a few pictures depicting Snow Shoe with his mother and father back in Phillydalphia. One picture that sat on a side table by the couch depicted Snow Shoe when he was a foal with his mother and father outside the family home during the winter season.

Snow Shoe shut the door behind him and headed towards the fire place and quickly started a fire to heat the home. As he said "Sorry its a bit of a mess in here, I tend to drag soot in from the shop." There indeed was some hoof-prints of soot in front of the door but other than that there was few elsewhere. There was also some bits of metal sitting in random places that Snow had forgotten about when leaving the house to take to the shop. Snow got the fire started and hurried to fetch the kettle from the kitchen. "Do you like tea? I have a few different kinds I keep around. If you don't like that I have some hot cocoa mix somewhere? Or maybe coffee?" Snow filled the kettle with water and put it over the fire to heat. He then came back to Raven. "Here let me take your cloak and hang it by the fire to dry." Snow was trying to hid the fact that he was a little flustered. It had been a long time since he had had any visitors in his little home.

[20monkies]

Raven was very nervous following a stranger back to his home - and that, too, a stallion! But she didn't let the thought intimidate her for too long. She just wasn't used to male company. When they approached the small house, Raven noticed the little nuances and architectural detail of it and relaxed some. She could tell it was a comfortable little place, taking a step inside with Black still on her tail.

She had to halt for a moment at the door, but not for long. She was only taking in the surroundings of the house, getting comfortable and familiar with it. Seeing the mess here and there, forgotten pieces of metal and soot made her more curious and inquisitive about what he did at the shop. She could only put two and two together without making a wrong guess.

"It's warm." was her first impression reply as the stallion shuffled around heating the fireplace and a kettle of water. Black yowled from behind and Raven had to turn around and smile at her cat. "I know you love the fire. You can sit there." and without any further instruction, the black cat padded over to the fire place and curled up off to the side so that Snowshoe wasn't disturbed.

Raven, on the other hand, didn't need instructing. She bent her muzzle down, untied her cloak and hung it by the fire. Her saddlebag was set down by Black, the warmth of the fireplace washing over her cold and tired limbs. Snow would have seen that she was a pegasi, silver in colour with wings red at the tips as her hoofs were the same shade. Raven opened up her wings and stretched them out, happy to have them free of their confinement. It felt so good to have them open after several days curled up at her sides.

At hearing the word 'tea', Raven perked up and peered at Snow from beneath her bangs again. They seemed to be getting in the way of her sight all the time. Giving him a pleased smile, she nodded. "I love tea. I can help, if you don't mind." she didn't want him to be catering to every single need of hers. She just liked to help out in even the smallest way if it was possible.

[Tinkie]

Snow Shoe couldn’t help but smile fondly at Raven, he didn’t realize what a difference his home would be compared to the cold outside. Snow could tell that Raven was already becoming a good friend, even if he didn’t know he that well. He liked her there was just something about her that he couldn’t put his hoof on yet. He wanted to get to know her better. Hopefully he would get his chance to do that.

Snow stepped aside so Raven could go near the fire and then followed her. As she took of her cloak Snow got his first glimpse of Raven without the cloak. Snow couldn’t help but gap a little bit, he had no idea she was a pegasi, nor that she was so beautiful. Snow blushed a bit and turned his attention else ware. He didn’t want Raven to see the most obvious of blushes on his cheeks. Instead he headed into the kitchen to get some cups. At the offer of help Snow nodded “If you would like to pick out what kind of tea you would like I keep it in the drawer there.” Snow gestured toward the drawer.

Having the tea cups on a small tray Snow returned to the fire and sat the trey down on the coffee table settled in front of a couch. “If you don’t mind would you grab me a chamomile tea while you are in that drawer?” Snow asked Raven as he went to get the now boiling kettle by the fire. “S’cus me kittie.” Snow stepped over Black, reaching for the kettle. He got it and poured the water in the tea pot and set it back over the fire. “Water is hot and waiting” Snow smiled at Raven and waited for her to return to the sitting area.

[20monkies]

Her ears couldn't help perking up at the sound of Chamomile Tea. A joy this was! It was her favourite tea in all of Equestria! She wasn't the type of pony to jump up and down in happiness, so all Raven did was smile at the other, nod her head and followed his instructions to where the tea was contained in the drawer. She took out to sachets of chamomile tea and brought them over, hesitating for a moment before settling down where Snow had put the pot.

"Not many a pony drinks chamomile tea." Raven put the sachets into the pot, covered the lid, and allowed the tea to steep. "But there is something most calming about it's fragrance and taste. It's addictive." she pushed her mane back and glanced over at where Black was settled, already snoozing away. Raven smiled fondly at her pet before turning her attention back to Snow. This felt a little awkward - he was a complete stranger, she knew nothing about him and yet she was feeling comfortable.

"Do you live alone here...?" she asked, her ice blue eyes wandering around the house, catching a glimpse of Snow's family picture. It was clear he was on his own, there seemed to be no other photographs of fillies or a mate anywhere. "I wouldn't want to trouble you if you have a family to tend to."

[Tinkie]

Snow settled himself on the couch that was settled behind the coffee table. He watched Raven as she went about getting the tea, she seemed rather happy about something. Whatever it was it was unknown to him. Something personal he suspected. “I take it your one of the many that do like the tea?” Snow said as he watched her put the tea bags into the pot. “I like the taste and the smell. I like to drink it after a long day down at the workshop, it helps me settle down after spending all day on my legs.” As much as it took a tool on his body Snow loved his work and everything about it. He had gotten used to the hard labor.

Snow followed Raven’s gaze to the cat that was laying on the floor in front of the fire snoozing. Snow smiled a little bit, he could tell Raven was rather fond of her little pet. He had never had a pet himself and had never really desired to have one. He turned his attention back to Raven who was now asking him a question. “Oh your not disturbing anyone. I don’t have a mate or a family. I just have my parents who live in Fillydalphia.” It was kind of a lonely life but Snow liked it some of the time. He would have to make a trip home to see his parents sometime. “I haven’t had a guest in a while, I’m enjoying your company.”

[20monkies]

Raven gave the other a nod of the head and a kind smile. Of course she was one of the many that liked the tea - she even went through the trouble of collecting her own chamomile for fresh loose leaf tea. But that was one thing she wasn't exactly comfortable yet in telling the stallion.

Raven listened to the other, about his workshop, working all day there, his family. While he was talking, Raven checked on the pot and inhaled deeply. The scent was overpowering, and she knew that the tea was ready to be served. She took a spoon and scooped out the sachets before the flavour started to go bad from oversteeping, and began to pour out the tea for Snow and herself. She handed him a cup and settled back into the couch to take a long sip. So he was alone? She wondered.

"Do you have any friends?" She asked. She watched the other carefully, wondering as curiousity swept over her. She wasn't sure why, but knowing that other ponies didn't have friends just like her made her feel just a tiny bit sad deep down. If only everypony could trust everypony, there wouldn't have to be that problem of not having friends. It was so difficult for her to trust others easily. But she kept her mind open until she could make a better judgement of another pony's personality.

"I travel a lot, so I know what it's like to want friends."

[Tinkie]

Hmm, one thing was becoming prominent to Snow Shoe and that was that Raven was more of a listener than a talker. He barely knew anything about her but she knew more about him. He wanted to know more but he also didn’t want to invade in her personal life. Well this was going to take some time then if they were to become good friends. Snow watched as she took the tea from the pot and poured it into his little tea cups. He took the offered cup and took a sip of the hot tea, it was still a little on the hot side for him so he held it and waited for it too cool a little more.

“I have you. I haven’t really made anymore friends than that yet. I have a few acquaintances .” Snow realized just how pathetic that sounded after he said it. He was normally a shy pony and it took a great deal for him to just waltz up to a pony and be all ‘hi how you doing?’ and whatnot. “I want to make friends too.” Snow said sympathizing with Raven, he decided to take this conversation another way and not so dark. “So you travel? Where all have you been too?”

[20monkies]

Blowing gently at the surface of her tea before taking another sip, she continued to listen to the other. She could feel the cold in her bones melting away, every muscle relaxing considerably. The tea and the warmth of Snow's home made her feel at ease. When he said that he had her, she had to blink a few times to let those words register. They were friends? But they had just met. She supposed that considering she was invited, he had thought that he had befriended her. It was a nice feeling to know. She still felt a little uneasy coming into his home, but with his warm reception and kind personality, it was hard to say no to him.

When he turned around to ask her a question, she felt that she owed him as much. There was nothing to hide about her travels, after all.

"All over Equestria, really. Canterlot, Filly Delphia, Manehatten, Baltimare, Neighagra Falls, Cloudsdale, the White Tail Woods just to name a few..." She furrowed her brows, trying to remember a couple of other places. There were really a lot of other little places that she had gone, and of course not to mention the Everfree Forest but mentioning that was quite dangerous. No one really dared go there, and only the mere mention of it would cause panic and concern to the other. "But my favourite place to be is here, in Ponyville. It feels just like home to me, even though I don't have a home here."

It was only then she realized she said that, admitting she didn't have a home, and had to bite her tongue. She didn't want the other to think that her mentioning it was an opportunity for her to take advantage of the other to stay here. She could always find a hotel or inn to stay at - she just didn't have enough funds for that.

"I have a few acquaintances I often visit, so I can never tell where the time has gone before I decide to move on to the next town."

[Tinkie]

Snow brought his tea close to him again, blowing on it slightly before taking another sip. It was cool enough for him to drink and he continued to sip at it as he listened to Raven. He couldn’t take her eyes off of her. It was just amazing to him that she had been to all of these places and yet was in this quiet little town. He found himself wanting to hear more about her travels. Just the thought of them made him want to travel and see the world but it was that same thought that scared him a little. He wasn’t one to travel, he rather be settled in one place than spend the rest of his days traveling. After all he did have a desire to find a mate and start a family one day. That day however was far away.

“I bet you have many a story to tell about each of those places. I would love to hear them sometimes.” Snow said while putting his now empty cup back onto the tray. At the mention of her favorite being the little town they were in he couldn’t help but show a little surprise. “I love the town for the same reason. It feels like –wait a second did you just say you don’t have a home?” Snow was mid-sentence when he realized what she had told him. This was saddening to him. No home? It was no wonder they were out in the snow. Snow’s face warped from happy to very concered in a few seconds. He didn’t like this.

Snow’s thoughts were going wild with this new information, but he knew he had to at least offer his spare bed, even if she didn’t want to take up the offer at least it would be on the table. “Raven if you ever need somewhere to stay I have a spare bed. You don’t have to take the offer but I want you to know its there. I know we just met but I can’t stand seeing someone that could use some help and not do anything. I just can’t sit by and do nothing.” Yes you could say that Snow’s emotions had taken a turn and were just a little bit out of control. He wasn’t usually one to admit something about himself, but it wasn’t a secret. Snow took a few seconds to try and get himself under control and upon doing so he realized he kinda sounded like a creep. “I kinda sound like a creep but I’m not.” Snow sighed and rubbed his hoof against his neck, it was clear he was having an inner battle.

[20monkies]

She knew that her mere mentioning of not having a home would have the other coming forward with an offer. And it was a generous offer, too. She wasn't exactly staying at anyponies home at the moment, since she had just arrived to Ponyville the day before. She had already met a few ponies and was getting comfortable with the small town, despite the chilly winter weather. She even stayed at a couple of ponies homes too, but never longer than a day. She never wanted to be a burden on another ponies schedule and life.

"You are very kind, Snow, and I appreciate you taking the time to have me and my company. Black seems to enjoy being here as well." Her cat was still fast asleep at the fireplace, snoozing and purring away quietly. She stretched herself, reaching out towards the coals, but pulled her little paws back underneath herself and seemed perfectly content being there by the warmth.

"You do not sound like a creep at all. Every pony I have come across, be it here in Ponyville, or in another city, they have all said the same thing. I have never stayed at the same ponies home twice. Even those who are my acquaintances. Except for Canterlot." She laughed a little, recalling some memories of her time there. "Well, many a pony in Canterlot have always been shocked into paralysis at hearing that I don't have a home and can't imagine my wandering the lands. All of them have beautiful homes there, and quite large too. Perhaps its all that money talk that happens there, being their high standards in punctuality and manners." Raven stopped short, blushing a little. She was talking way too much, more than she ever had with any pony. It must have been the tea. It was really calming her nerves down and the bit of uptightness she usually had when talking to another pony.

She poured herself another cup of tea, and offered some more to Snow Shoe.

"I guess, I would love staying here. I could help clean up around the house, if that is alright with you. It's the least I can do." It was also her way of pulling her own weight wherever she stayed. She hated being waited on and having things done for her. Not so much hated, it just felt like if one pony could do something for themself, then they should do it. She enjoyed helping others too if it would be beneficial for the other.

[Tinkie]

Snow was glad to hea r that she was not rejecting his offer, this made him feel a little better. He managaed a small smile and looked over at the fire place. He couldn’t really comprehend the thought of being homeless but it kind of made sense to him. Why would she have one if she traveled all the time? There was really no need for one. However not having a place to call your home wasn’t his idea of anyting positive. Snow watched Black as she stretched herslef and curled her legs back underneath her. He brought his attention back to Raven as she began to speak again.

Hearing her words made him chuckle a bit. “At least I’m not the only pony trying to take care of you. I’m glad other ponies have let you stay and that you weren’t in the cold freezing your tail off.” Snow said breifly before she continued telling about the ponies of Canterlot. He could only imagine what they were like since he never really spent time in Canterlot. Snow couldn’t help but notice how much more she was letting spill now. This made him happy, she was finally relaxing. Even when she blushed Snow couldn’t help but grin, by his standards he found this cute. “I have never been to Canterlot. I’m glad there are nice ponies there, I hate for it to all be about money and fashion and gossip.”

Snow took the offered cup of tea, blowing on it gently before taking a sip. He was mid sip when she said she would take up the offer of a spare bed. He looked up at Raven, he was rather pleased she was taking up his spare room. “You do not have to do that but if you won’t to I will not object. It will be nice to have some company around here. I could get used to having a nice clean house, I might not let you leave.” It was ment as a joke and Snow laughed after he said it.

[20monkies]

"Of course." She smiled, nodding her head a little bit as he talked about other ponies.

"Sometimes, staying up on the clouds above all that snow and cold is ideal during this season. But nothing is better than the warmth of a hearth." She sighed and relaxed further into the couch, curling up almost like her cat with the tea in her hand. Raven continued to sip on it, steadily draining it until there was no more tea left to be had. This saddened her a bit, but she knew another pot could easily be prepared.

She wanted to help. She was always ready to help where she could. Hearing him him saying it would be nice to have company around here was nice. And when he said that he could get used to her - not let her leave, well... that made her heart stop for a millisecond. She couldn't possibly stay longer than a day. She wasn't used to it - it was in her nature to move around, keep travelling, helping others. Thats why her cutie mark were of two black feathers - travelling with the wind so easily, never stopping for too long until the wind picked them up again.

Snow laughed off the comment, and Raven couldn't help but giggle softly as well.

"Don't mind if I am assuming wrongly, but by any chance are you a blacksmith?" She nodded her head towards the scrap metal pieces littering the floor here and there, the soot by the door, his cutie mark. "I would love to see your shop some time, if that is okay. My father... he is sort of a silversmith, but I've helped out in a workshop before." She knew a thing or two about handling metal.

[Tinkie]

Snow listen as she spoke about living above the clouds. He wouldn’t know but that sounded kind of fun to him. Though he would miss the snow and the ground. He wouldn’t know any other life besides below the clouds, still being on one kind of made him feel uneasy. Standing on a cloud just seem absurd to him, not that he could even try let alone get up to a cloud. “If I had the ability to do that I would miss the snow and the cold. I agree though there is nothing like sitting by a fire and drinking tea.” At that Snow drank the last few sips he had.

Knowing that the pot of tea was now empty, Snow got up to get the kettle off the fire once more and fill the pot. He put the bags of tea back in and put the lid back on the pot. Snow settled back into the couch, much more comfortable than he had been before. The tea was really relaxing him now, he couldn’t help but be a touch sleepy.

“You assume correct, I am indeed a blacksmith.” Snow said, this was a topic he could go on and on and on about. Blacksmithing was one of his favorite things, hence his talent for it. “I would love for you to come and see it. I had no idea you had that kind of background. To be honest I would love to see what you could do with metal. I have never met a silversmith before.” Sure he had worked with silver once or twice but for him it was a difficult task. Something he needed more practice . He would definitely be interested in learning more about it.

[20monkies]

"It would be a pleasure, I'm sure." Raven watched the other filling the pot of tea, but honestly, she was beginning to doze off. "Silversmithing... it is more time consuming, requiring delicate work. Too restricting for me. Blacksmithing, I enjoy more." She yawned a little bit and closed her eyes.

Just one minute, she would rest them. She opened them again and saw Snow prepare more tea and and relax into the couch as well.

"I can always teach you, if you have time." She didn't want to mess up his schedule. After all, he had a job that required a lot of hard work and most likely many customers too.

She yawned again, and shut her eyes again. Another minute... but in no time, Raven was snoozing softly, her hair cascading over her face and over her shoulder, like a black waterfall. She was curled up on the couch, comfortable and easy. Her wing had also drooped open and was resting, open, on one side while the other was pressed against the back of the couch. She shuddered a little, but had a small smile as she slept.

[Tinkie]

Time seemed to start to move very slowly. Snow was getting drowsy and even as Raven spoke he could tell that we was too getting tired. As much as he would like to pick her brain about silversmithing it could wait until tomorrow. Snow didn't say a word but as soon as Raven fell asleep he got up and fetched a blanket from part of the living room and returned to the couch. Snow gently folded Raven's open wing so it was back against her body and then draped the blanket over her. Snow laid back on the couch and snuggled in. He watched the fire for a while, before he too drifted off into a gentle slumber. He couldn't believe the day he had had. Waking up to the snow, the park, and meeting Raven. What an exhausting day. Well tomorrow was a new day and he would find out what it would bring soon enough.

(I will leave it up to you if you wish to continue or not.)