destined meeting

Some time had passed since Alyss had last seen the overo teddy. He had somehow snuck his way out of the first bell she tied, curious to continue exploring the wildlife instead. Although Alyss was a bit discouraged, she decided that she would give it another try. Previously, the teddy eared cob had been quite intrigued by her love for art. Alyss was spending the end of the expedition by painting the scene of people and teddy cobs alike. The artwork interested Olsynium, bringing him close to her. He silently walked up and made his mark on her artwork. This piece, now sitting above her bed, gave her another burst of inspiration. 

“A new day, a new try!” Alyss smiled as she got up into her fuzzy slippers. Slowly making her way downstairs she recalled the look of her desired teddy. They truly had connected that day, she thought. 

“If he returns to me again, it must be fate.” She said to herself. “There's no way he would approach me again if he wasn't seriously interested in my art and I.” All along the walls were paintings of different teddy cobs she had seen, a progression of the journey she had taken to find Olsynium. Not many teddies were keen on approaching people right away. He was truly different. The short blonde finally arrived at the kitchen, putting a hot kettle onto the stove. Water started to boil as she poured some oatmeal into a baby blue ceramic bowl. It had little glazed teddy cobs on the side, running in an endless circle around her meal. 

“Ahhh, I wonder what kind of ribbon you’d prefer this time Olsynium.” She twiddled around with some different textures and colors. A variety of ribbons, with many variations, sat next to a box of bells. Alyss enjoyed making the bell ribbon herself, carefully choosing little details to entice the teddy. After taking another bite of oatmeal, she selected a small glittered bell, not too heavy but large enough to make a soft jingle.

“Maybe something a bit more unique for you,” She gave the bell a ring before tying it to a soft blue ribbon. “It would make for such a pretty accessory.” She got up, putting her dishes away into the dishwasher before going to gather her supplies. The plan was simple, Alyss would travel back to the meadow and begin to paint her latest project. A large acrylic of her and Olsynium back at the farm. If he made a reappearance, then Alyss would know he was ready to be belled again, hopefully for good this time. 

“Maybe something interfered,” She started thinking about the bells. “I mean, anything could have gotten caught on it and pulled it off.” Fluffy paintbrushes clanged against each other as she set them into her backpack. 

“Oh goodness, it's already getting late!” Alyss zipped up the bag and quickly ran for the door. She turned around quickly and ran back into the kitchen to grab some baby carrots, and then made her way outside. 

The trip to the meadow was uneventful. The sky was a greyish blue with heavy clouds, the sun peeking through now and then. On the way, Alyss passed a few other barns, sporting various fuzzy teddy cobs in their pastures. Each one, keeping their bell in their manes proudly. She smiled and continued. Before she knew it, she was back. The breeze moved a sweet smell of the meadow flowers to her car, reminding her of the previous encounter. 

“This time, we will know for sure.” She got up, bringing everything she had and made her way through the tall grass. Unlike previous times, the meadow was quiet. Not a teddy cob or person in sight. Usually, many others were attempting their shot. 

“I guess most of the herd has bonded already,” She looked around. “I wonder if he’s still out here.” Alyss approached the spot where she started last time, finding the various flowers again. The sight of the red flower was bittersweet. It reminded her a lot of Olsynium. She bent down and gently picked a few, tossing in some of the other colors as well. If anything, they’d be good for inspiration or a centerpiece back home. At last, she got to the old painting location. The easel was set up quickly and she began painting the sky. Back at home, she had small apple trees and a perfect pasture for him. The grass she chose to paint, was a perfect match to the yard. She reimagined Olsynium’s beautiful plush coat, reminded of all his fuzz. He had large rounded teddy ears, which she painted with joy. Even just being in their meeting place, Alyss was happy again. Regardless of the outcome, it was so nice to just be reminded of him. Time passed and the painting got closer and closer to completion. The meadow was still silent and barren, no ponies had visited or even passed through. 

“I guess it really was a one time thing.” Alyss smiled as a few tears fell from her face. It was good to know he was doing well somewhere. Just then, a familiar face slowly appeared from behind the easel. Olsynium had returned! He gave her a small little knicker and then licked the easel, leaving a slobber mark on the canvas and the side of the wooden supports. 

“Oh my gosh, hello!!” She excitedly greeted him. Alyss reached into her bag and got him the most juicy carrot. He happily accepted it, and just like he did originally, he nosed the painting, leaving a little smudge marking from his own artistic view. Alyss tenderly tied the glitter bell into his mane and sat down next to him. “This is such a special moment, boy, you have no idea.” She smiled and the two enjoyed the rest of the afternoon together. Alyss wasn't sure if this would be her last time seeing him, or if he would finally come home, but either way, she enjoyed the precious moment with him.