Walking side by side were Healthy Light and their new friend, Syrah. Light had been heading back from one of their adventures to visit his love, Melon Grumps, when they stumbled upon another traveler in the darkness of the forest. She was hard to see with her deep teal coat blotched with lighter spots but Light was well trained in detection and was quick to offer a helping hoof when they met.
“I must say,” Syrah began, “you are very quick with the whole ‘magic of friendship thing’. Are all kirin like that?” The kirin gave a snort and smiled. “Not always, but since Apple Jack and Fluttershy visited our forest, my herd have been working on it more.” Syrah’s ears perked. “Fluttershy? That’s my neighbor!”
Before Light could respond they had reached the edge of the forest. From this vantage point they could see the Mel-Inn and this caused Light’s heart to flutter in their chest. Syrah gave them a look of smug knowledge, “is someone waiting for you down there?” “Well, yes.” Light’s cheeks grew warm and they looked away shyly, “you see today is my birthday. My mare friend has invited me over, if I could make it, for a small get together with my friends.” “That sounds lovely.” Syrah smiled as she started down the hill. “Where are you going?” Light called to her. “I don’t think your mare friend would like to be kept waiting!”
Finally, Healthy Light had made it back to their home away from home. Though they enjoyed their adventures very much, it was always a blessing to be able to come back to the soft kindness of Melon and the business she had set up for herself. Light admired her drive and passion greatly. Syrah was still with them, wanting to properly drop off her new friend before heading on her way home back to her own love.
“Syrah,” Light called as she started to walk away. “Would you like to come in for a rest as well? I’ll just need to ask if Melon can accommodate another guest.” The mare turned to face them. “You don’t need to worry about me. Besides I need to get back, left my husband with our filly and I’m sure dealing with a little batpony all on his own was been very difficult for him.” Light nodded to her. “I see, I completely understand.”
Just then the door to the Inn opened. Standing there was a smaller pink mare with green hair and black dapples down her back. Light’s eyes light up at the sight of her. “Oh Light! You are here, Im so glad to see you.” She started for a hug before noticing Syrah. “O-oh!” Next to Light she whispered, “a friend of yours?” To which the kirin nodded. “Would you like to come in?” Offered Melon.
“You outdid yourself.” Light looked around the space. It wasn’t anything too fancy but it was still beautiful. There was punch and a few pastries on a near by table as well as a small cake on another with plates out ready for when the cake was served. There were golden streamers about but only to accent the existing beauty of the building, it was beautiful in a reserved way. Perfect for Healthy Light. In the room was Prism with Honey at his side, Blueberry chatting with Squeaky Clean, Flux who invited Aerial, as well as a few others. “This is absolutely lovely Melon, thank you.” The earnestness in their voice flustered the mare. “It was nothing. I wanted to make sure you knew just how special you are.”
….“Now that every creature is here I’d like to hold a toast to Healthy Light.” All the guests shifted their attention to Melon as she spoke. “Don’t worry Honey you will get cake soon.” Melon seemed slightly annoyed at her sister which made the Honeydew stick out her tongue in guest.
“My dear, Healthy Light. You have made a difference in the lives of every creature you have met. You are kind, loyal, understanding, and endlessly patient. I know you have changed my life for the better…” Melon mumbled the last bit, blushing. “If it weren’t for you and your wonderful character we wouldn’t all be here today and this community wouldn’t be the same. So thank you, my love, for being exactly who you are. Happy birthday.” She finished by giving the kirin a small kiss on the cheek which caused the crowd to coo.
Finally, now that everyone had their cake and was sitting around bantering to one another; Syrah found Light. “This was quite the get together.” The batpony smiled. “You know I’m going to have to hear more stories from you if this is what others think of you! Let me know next time you are traveling this way, maybe I can meet you on the way.”