The air was nice as usual as the darling changeling Wally made his way for his daily walk. A beautiful winters chill stung his nose that contradicted the toasty ground. The market was especially busy due to the creatures seeking shelter from the snow storm that raged not too far out of town as well as those curious to be the first to find the spring responsible for the cozy floors.
No matter. Business is business. At least that's what Howdy always says. Funny he doesn't like his.
He says he needs bits. Wally didn't understand the interest in bits. Round, shiny pieces of gold that he thought only dragons and ponies liked. He does fine without them.
Still, bits got him pony food! Tasty, juicy, even salty! He didn't need it of course. Feeding on love and all.
He got plenty of that from Poppy and Eddy and sometimes Frank. Sweet as the ponys candy floss. Still didn't compare to the gorgeous red apples that Howdy often had. Speaking of which, howdy was getting more imported from Ponyville. His mouth watered at the idea of swiping one. Of course he'd pay howdy back once he could.
Wally found a ally that was a little less crowded and shifted into a sunny yellow and blue griffin. Stretching his large wings and pushing himself in the air and b lining it to the market. Slipping into the crowd like nothing happened.
Howdy was making sure his homegrown carrots looked pretty. Stacking them ever so carefully. The other changeling was spooked however when a slightly larger version of the sunny griffin surprised him. The imposter to hide behind a stack of crates. Catching a few confused eyes.
"Howdy, Howdy!" the bubbly griffin greeted. She could hardly stay still. "Is that fabric in yet? Jewels has been really excited for it to come in. The costumes are going to look just as nice with that special touch!"
"And you arent excited?" the large changeling sighed as his carrots fell to the ground. A little annoyed with the busy day but trying to be jovial.
"Crap- I'm sorry Howdy. Let me help you pick those up." the griffin already had a tallon full of juicy carrot bunches. Feeling bad that a few were broken. "I'll buy them-" the smaller griffin snuck his way over to the apples. Might as well go when he's less likely to be spotted.
The larger walked out with many plans of carrot cake and talking to herself about how good she will look with the perfect neck ruffle to match her partners gown. Wally however, didn't make it as far before his cloak was removed. His apples were just in reach. Turning around, a disappointed Howdy stood. Wings crossed.
"Ya got bits?" the glare that came from his one good eye said he already knew his answer.
"No but I can pay later." he tried to say but got ever so rudely inturupted.
"Come back then. I'll save you some." there was no arguing with the queen. He took his stand very seriously.
"But-"
"No buts. You can wait."
"Fiiiine." the smaller changling sulked out. Maybe he could go berry picking today. The spark berries should be ready if he's careful.
One organge stalion took notice even though the changeling didn't. the sweet aura he carried overshadowed by the changelings thoughts of the spicy sweet berries and plans to grab his basket.
The sun was close to setting by the time he got his gear together. He hadn't gone out this late in the season but heard they are better. He was definitely exited.
The berry patch was somewhat calm besides the fog and occasional zap of electricity from bush to bush. A little stronger than normal. No biggie. Spicer berries. He knew how to navigate it.
The first time he got shocked knocked him to the ground. The snow storm down south had made them much stronger and was gradually getting worse. The electric arcs reaching further. Wally had to scramble too his hooves and dodge a particularly strong bolt from hitting his already sore flank. He needed to run. Immediately.
He dashed and dodged. Trying to get to some shelter. Shelter was hard to come by in the patch that was slowly becoming a lightning storm. He saw a small cave in his spooked haze. Making his way to some sort of protection. A stray bolt right to his tail caused him to trip and slide just barely missing a bolt that would definitely send him to the queen directly. Just barely making into the safety of the cave.
The poor changling took a second to catch his breath and calm his heart. Taking in the interior. A very warm, almost hot air took him by surprise. The fog was even stronger in here he noticed. In fact, the cozy conditions as well as the adrenaline of almost becoming fried bug running dry made him really sleepy. He could just take a nap right here and wait the storm out.
He didn't notice the hulking form woken from its sleep carefully eyeing him. Watching the tired changeling walk to walk to their side and lay down. Asleep before he ha a chance to stop him. The form took a second before shrugging it off and resting a wing over him. Keeping an eye on the entrance and letting him rest.