Room with a view (Patreon)

The Sky Shad was on final approach for Cloudsdale in my Equestria dreamscape. As the massive airship approached the city one could observe literally thousands of pegasi flying out to get a better look at this aerial leviathan. From as distance they looked like brilliant bits of colorful confetti swirling in the afternoon sky.

      However amongst the onlookers there was a small army of weather pegasi who were making certain absolutely nothing unfortunate happened to it during its inaugural docking. The air positively pulsed with pegasi weather magic. As the Sky Shad drew closer to the city I started to sense a different kind of weather magic. It was slower but ancient and mighty in nature. Glancing out the window confirmed my suspicions.

      Great streams of virga were slowly forming like tendrils. They were emerging from southern part of the city. They snaked and slowly turned like titanic tentacles searching for a lost item. As the airship drew near they started bending and twisting in our direction. Finally one brushed alongside the airship until it found the section of structural cloud and latched on to it. Like a great beast having discovered its prey more tendrils quickly latched onto the Sky Shad; then slowly it brought the mighty craft into its mooring.

      A great buttress of structural cloud had been formed into a pier from which the airship now docked with. The First Officer had been correct when she said that all non-pegasi ponies would not be allowed to disembark until they had received a Cloud Walking spell. A platoon of unicorns quickly boarded the airship and took up positions at each of the exits. As ponies disembarked they were zapped with the spell. Well except for pegasus ponies like me.

      To quote RD. “Pegasi come with awesome already installed!”

      EACS had arranged to have a station/terminal constructed so ponies could be reunited with their luggage. We quickly found with our luggage; the next task was simply a matter of acquiring a sky-chariot for our trip to the hotel and loading the luggage aboard it. Then it we'd be off to our hotel/ home for the next couple of days.

      I was organizing my little party when a familiar voice called out above the general rumble of the terminal.

      “Hey Brick!” Rainbow Dash's echoed throughout the terminal causing many a pegasi there giggle at my misfortune. I winced but then flew over to where she was hovering.

      “Thanks Dash.” I said with a flat tone. “For what reason do I owe this visit from my boss. Besides the obligatory razing?”

      RD gave a good-natured elbowing and laughed. “What's the matter Brick? Being cooped up in that oversized gas bag all day made you grumpy? Come on your in Cloudsdale! The capital of Awesome!” She then waved at Petina and Carousel. “Excellent you two made it! I am so happy you gals could attend! It really means a lot. Where are you guys staying?”

      “At the Grand Cumulus.” I said. “It's pricey but it was available.” Dash whistled and nodded her head.

      “Well Brick I'll help take a bite out of your travel bill. Tonight dinner is on me, and not some cheap pub food. I want to introduce you guys to some ponies I know. I got us reservations for 9pm tonight at the Lenticular Lounge. You guys will come right?”

      All of us nodded our heads. Dash smiled. “Oh thanks! Look I've got several other errands to runs and then there is a meeting at the stadium for all contestants of tomorrow's competition. I'll meet you all at the Lounge at 9 then!” Then she tore off like a rocket.

      After that it was a matter of wrangling up a sky-chariot/cab and getting the two mares and the luggage stowed onboard. I used the excuse of stretching my wings from the trip for flying alongside the cab. The trip was a short one and soon we were landing at the front entrance of the Grand Cumulus. With military precision our bags were whisked into the lobby and we were registered in. The staff was working at full strength to handle the deluge of visitors who were arriving in Cloudsdale for tomorrow's Best Young Fliers Competition. Fortunately the hotel had stairs for non-fliers and our bellhop grudgingly led my party slowly to our room.

      The room was a bit bland compared to the Black Stallion Hotel in Canterlot, but what it lacked in décor it made for in view. From the balcony/launching pad connected to our room one had a sweeping view of the center of Cloudsdale. One could look over the structural cloud railing and look down 2,000ft of city terraces, platforms, home entrances and transit tunnels. Peering up the column that the hotel was built into rose one could view another 1,000 or more feet of similar architecture. To the west Celestia's orb slowly sank toward the horizon setting sky afire in glorious riot of yellow, oranges, and reds. There was steady 10kt breeze blowing from the same direction. It is a view that I've observed hundreds of time while flying, but for the two mares of my household it was their first time.

      “Wow Brick I have to admit you pegasi get some pretty impressive views while you punch the clock!” Petina strolled over and casually leaned on the railing.

      Carousel face was full of wonder; she said nothing but slowly she'd reached out and hugged and buried her face into my mane. After a few seconds she whispered in my ear.

      “Equestria is such a beautiful place. I'm such a lucky pony to live here!”

      We unpacked our bags and then spent the next hour or so laying on the balcony watching as the sun slowly sunk below the horizon and Luna reign slowly took charge. The two mares snuggled under my wings.

      Around 7 in the evening we started getting dressed and ready for dinner and by 8:30 we headed down to the lobby and caught a sky-cab to the Lenticular Lounge. Ten minutes to 9 we landed at the lounge. Rainbow Dash was standing out front of the lounge. It was very obvious that she’d the last couple of hours bathing and grooming. She was wearing a rather short, attractive black evening dress. I sensed a recent purchase from Carousel Boutique. RD had this happy but nervous smile on her face. She quickly trotted over as we landed.

      “You guys made it! Great! I've already ordered some appetizers and drinks are on the way. The rest of the party is already here so let's go in!” With that she turned in and trotted into the club.

     As we followed in her a little thought that had been tickling in the back of my head started to really itch. “So Dash who is the rest of our dinner party tonight? Anypony I might have met already?”

      RD shook her head. “No. They were out of town when we came up here a month or so ago and they were out of town for last years competition and since this is my last year to compete they swore they'd be there rooting for me. Besides I've describe you guys to them and they are really interested in meeting all of you guys. Especially you.”

      “Oh. Are they old classmates, or other REWS employees?” I asked as we made our way through the dimly lit lounge. RD came to a stop in front of a large booth that was already occupied by a older stallion and mare. Dash turned around and giggled at me.

      “No you big lunk! I want to introduce you guys to my parents!”

      Suddenly I wasn't paying attention to that itch. My attention was all focused on the feeling of my heart hammering in my chest.

To be continued.