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Post by prudence on Jul 30, 2011 5:36:25 GMT -5
Hoofington has always prided itself to being a home to heroes. Ponies that are the bravest of the brave.
One year, not too long ago, an earth pony of hardy stock was skating on the icey surface of Lake Steed. He was such a large pony that on that fateful day, the ice broke beneath his great weight and he plunged into the icey waters. Ponies instantly galloped into action, some flying overhead to try to pull him out and others diving into the lake themselves in an attempt to rescue him. Their attempts were successful and the whole city celebrated with joy and awarded them for their gallantry.
So now at noon every year on a mid-winter day, to commemorate the indomnitable spirit and valor residing in every Hoofington pony's heart, the bravest (or craziest) ponies brace themselves before taking a dip in Hoofington's Lake Steed. They arrive wrapped in the warmest fleeces with fluffy towels at the ready. A crowd of fellow Hoofingtonians all gather around the water's edge to cheer the ponies on. 3-2-1 and it's into the freezing depths. Some ponies put in a hoof tip and run away giggling happy to have at least participated, but some of the more daring ponies try to swim out to the center! Emergency Pegasi are on call to make sure every pony gets out safe. After the rousing events of the afternoon, all the citizens come back into town to enjoy the festivities of the evening including an award ceremony (Fastest Dive, Longest Duration, etc.) and a bonfire lit dance where every pony warms up once again with friends, family, fun and fun!
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Prudence was going over the checklist one last time. Today was the big day and she lived for this kind of work. Invitations had been sent to ponies all over Equestria, even Princess Luna! Special preparations had been made this year to recieve her in style. It was just about 10 a.m. so Prudence knew that ponies would be beginning to gather at the Lake Steed shortly. She needed to get to the shore to make sure that everything was prepared. Tea and hot chocolate on hand for all the ponies who attended as well as ensuring there were enough Emergency Pegasi and healing ponies on hand for overly enthusiastic anypony who got in a little over their head.
Prudence trotted briskly to the sandy frozen shores of Lake Steed. It was FREEZING! The podium was set up. Decorations looked lovely. Everything seemed to be in place. With a frown Prudence set down her own blankets and towels. In her duties as Mayor she had to help lead the run into the lake. Prudence did not look forward to the freezing waters, but seeing the fruits of her labor come to fruition was good enough. Now, all that was left to do, was wait for the participants and on-lookers to show up.
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Post by applecider on Jul 30, 2011 19:01:58 GMT -5
Apple Cider was excited to participate in the Lake Steed Shivering Swim. Although she now lived in Appleoosa, she never forgot her roots being born and raised in Hoofington. She made sure to make it back to Hoofington in time to participate and now she trotted down from her parent's home where she was staying towards Lake Steed. There was no pony else at the lake, save for the mayor of Hoofington.
"Well howdy, Mayor," Apple Cider said laying her towel down nearby the podium, "Nice day fer' a swim, eh? I just got arrived from Appleoosa yesterday. Took a little time gettin' use to a Hoofington winter again, but I think I'm rarin' to go take the plunge."
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Post by juniperleaf on Jul 30, 2011 19:44:18 GMT -5
Juniper walked slowly into the field of view. She was pulling a wagon behind her, slowing her down even more than usual. The physical labor wasn't exceeding her limits, but the cold made her sluggish already and the small patches of mushy snow made her wince timidly and stop in her tracks. She headed straight for the two ponies already near the lake and came to a gentle halt.
"Good morning, dears," Junie said sweetly with a beaming smile. She looked back at the wagon she had pulled, unhitching the strap around her shoulders and neck to release her burden. "I know it's not much, but, I made some floral wreaths for the swimmers. I should have enough for each pony who attempts the event."
True to her word, the wagon was filled to the brim with intricate wreaths made from all colors of roses. Some were red and white, others were gold and orange. Blue and violet. Each wreath was crafted carefully from two complimentary colors. The makeshift necklaces were just wide enough to fit comfortable around the neck of any average-sized pony.
"I wish I could try the swim this year, but..." she looked longingly at her own stomach. "The little one probably shouldn't be exposed to the elements. Still, I wanted to participate, so I made the wreaths." She had a carefully tender tone in her words as she spoke. She laughed gingerly and looked at Apple Cider. "Will you be swimming today, Miss...?" She suggested a desire to know the pony's name.
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Post by prudence on Aug 7, 2011 19:40:02 GMT -5
"Ah, hello." Prudence turned to face the blonde pony. "Good to see you made it back. I'm glad to see you haven't forgotten us ponies back home." Prudence recognized Apple Cider from previous town events. "You've certainly grown into the Apple family accent since you've left us."
Prudence shifted her attentions as Juniper walked up to them. A rare smiled tweaked the edges of her mouth. "That is just lovely of you, Ms. Leaf." She noted the huge supply of wreaths. "Good that you could join us even though I expect you'll just be a observer at this year's swim. How is junior doing today? Not too cold I hope."
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Post by applecider on Aug 7, 2011 19:54:54 GMT -5
"Awww thanks, mayor," Apple Cider said, "You know I wouldn't miss the opportunity to participate in this event. It's a tradition in my family! Plus the cider business will be ok if I leave fer a few days."
She then noticed the pony next to her. She had a familiar face, but who was she? Then she remembered! "Oh my stars! Juniper, is that you? If this isn't a pleasant surprise. I guess you don't remember me, as I was just a little foal when you knew me. I'm Apple Cider. I'd helped you move yer plants around in the store when my family didn't need me at the farm. How are things at your shop?"
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Post by juniperleaf on Aug 7, 2011 20:45:45 GMT -5
"I think the darling likes the cold," Juniper said with a small laugh. "It bucks more when I'm outside; oh, maybe it's trying buck me back home instead?" The mayor is so nice, Junie thought. She takes the time to talk to us - even unimportant ponies like me.
She turned and squinted at Apple Cider. A smile crept slowly across her face and her eyes opened wide with her intense realization. "No."
She moved closer to the pony and tilted her head; all of her mane swept over as she did so. "You aren't the little apple juice that hung around my shop." She grinned and leaned forward, nuzzling Apple Cider into a gentle hug. "My, you're so big! I mean, tall. Grown!"
Good job, Junie. Now she thinks you called her fat, Juniper yelled at herself in thoughts.
"When did my little seedling become such a big apple tree all on her own? When you left, I promise you were half as tall as you are now."
Oh, my. I'm getting old, aren't I? Ponies are growing up all around me, Juniper managed to pull herself out of her negative thoughts before they consumed her.
"You have to sit right here and tell me everything about your travels." Juniper didn't have the option of travelling much herself, especially now that she was with foal. Her plants needed tending constantly, too. She spoke to Apple Cider, "Oh, but you asked me first, didn't you? Silly me. The shop is just doing oh-so well, but no one wants flowers in the winter, and the poor things are just so cold out in the garden. I wish I could keep them warmer."
She frowned at that last thought, unaware of her own expression at that moment.
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