Far from the public eye, a battle against dark forces has raged for centuries. The time has come for a newly minted hero to do his part in the war. To win, however, he must learn much more than the warriors' craft.
Many thanks to Pre-reader 63.546 for their sagacious editing and proofreading guidance.
Featured on EQD on 27 Feb 2024!
Written as a spin-off of Garden of Roses and set in the Tenderverse, both creations of jmj. Also, dedicated to jmj.
You grabbed my interest! I can't wait for the next chapter!
I can't wait to see where this goes. Thanks so much. It was a fun read and I appreciate the work you put into it.
This is deliciously gory. Please continue.
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Thanks! Chapter 2 is underway. Hoping to get it out by next weekend.
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This pleases the Ixu. 👀
Holy crap... that was his mom.
This is getting super fun, sir.
What's the Tenderverse?
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It's kind of an alternate universe where there's a secret society of Caretakers that fight zombies, which are presumably are brought to un-life by an ancient magic connected to Luna. I say 'kind of', because I don't recall anything in the originating story (Garden of Roses by jmj) that contradicts canon, so it could be taking place in the canon universe.
"In a way, she'd always be with him, " pretty creepy way of doing that but I loved it.
The adventure begins. A boy sets off to become a man.
I love the name Shriek. I hope cinnamon is ok.
I like to think every Caretaker has a touch and go relationship with ponies unaccustomed to the horrors of the night. Tender Rows was certainly an outcast and isolationist, prompting her to have a strained relationship with the ponies of Ponyville. The other, unwritten, characters I've come up with are also suffering in some way with their tenuous grasp of socializing from whatever makes them different. First's upbringing is strange to say the least and he may never really understand other, normal ponies.
Learning lessons right out the gate. Lol. Poor First.
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Definitely takes place in the Canon universe. It's just a secret that few know about. That few would understand.
What is Selene?
I figured Wild was a caretaker in disguise. It was cool though. This was a super fun chapter. I keep picturing this equestria as one really far back in time for some reason. That or the area First is in is extremely rural and pretty distant from any major areas.
Poor Cinnamon.
Cinnamon...
Do I need to read Garden of Roses in order to understand this story?
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No, it's intended as a stand-alone, but you should definitely read Garden of Roses regardless
Lots of history in this one. Really deep and cool. Also ended it right when I needed to know more!
Time to make history!
Baal-Kaas, what a great title.
You've added so much more I don't think I can keep up. It's so good.
Special blades, an adventure upcoming, and a bad guy in need of a beating. Hope our 3 survive.
I hope we get to understand what the image on the weapons mean!
I'm really enjoying this. The setting's fun (so props to you and jmj there!) and the characters are solid. Excited to see things progress!
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Thanks so much for the kind words! More to come soon ...
Fun times. We use that proverb at work. Thieves hate it when you call them by name.
Boy, Sundew sure seems familiar. I'm pretty interested in her. A blonde pony that can't talk?
It was a good chapter. Seems like something big is about to happen.
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You may be on to something ...
Jesus... bog bodies are horrifying. Really good descriptions with a flare that only you can provide. I like the adversity and that twist at the end was sweet.
Eels up inside ya.
Finding an entrance where they can.
Eels up inside ya
https://youtu.be/0AckvdGbk4w
I love this story, it's very unique. Started getting concerned for Bellows' wellbeing about halfway through this chapter...
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Well that makes my day! Very glad you're enjoying it. Yes indeed, Bellows has been a bit overconfident. Let's see how the next chapter finds him ...
We love a good bog body.
Foreshadowing? Maybe not. Probably just worshiping the thing they know. Cool chapter.
I love when people casually utilize accurate equine terms.
Bal Kas is in for a whooping! Great chapter after the battle! Sundew is a super cool character.
why do all the horses in this comment section have black fur
Is that really their username?
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On EQD it is, afaik.
I do love little Cinnamon 💜
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She's in for a rough ride: we'll see if she pulls through ...
Y shall kleave hys kyrsed heade from hys neck
Lol.
I hate this is drawing to a close. It's been really fun.