//------------------------------// // Chapter One // Story: The Princess of the Rings - The Herd of the Ring // by ScarlettPeace //------------------------------// The Princess of the Rings Part 1 – The Herd of the Ring Prologue The world is changed: I feel it in the water, I feel it in the earth, I smell it in the air. Much that once was is lost, for none now live who remember it. It began with the forging of the Great Rings. Three were given to the Pegeselves, immortal, wisest...fairest of all beings. Seven to the Dwarficorn Lords, great miners and craftsmen of the mountain halls. And Nine...nine rings were gifted to the race of Earth Pony who, above all else, desire power. For within these rings was bound the strength and will to govern each race. But they were all of them deceived...for another ring was made. In the land of Canterlot, in the fires of Mount Moon, the Dark Lord Princess Celestia forged in secret a Master Ring to control all others...and into this Ring she poured her cruelty, her malice and her will to dominate all life. One Ring to rule them all. One by one the free lands of Equestria fell to the power of the ring. But there were some...who resisted. A last alliance of Earth Pony and Pegeselves marched against the armies of Canterlot. On the slopes of Mount Moon they fought for the freedom of Equestria. Victory was near! But the power of the Ring could not be undone. It was in the moment…when Celestia killed the king, the father of Golden Delicious...when all hope had faded, that Golden Delicious, son of the king, took up his father's sword and sliced the hoof of Princess Celestia that bore the great ring. Princess Celestia, the enemy of the Free Ponies of Equestria, was defeated. The Ring passed to Golden Delicious...who had this one chance to destroy evil forever. But the hearts of Earth Ponies are easily corrupted. And the Ring of Power has a will of its own. It betrayed Golden Delicious to his death. And some things that should not have been forgotten...were lost. History became legend...legend became myth. And for two and a half thousand years the Ring passed out of all knowledge. Until, when chance came, it ensnared a new bearer! The Ring came to the creature Spike, who took it deep into the tunnels of the Maney Mountains. And there, it consumed him. . “It came to me.” He said in a raspy voice. “My own. My love...My precious.” The Ring brought to Spike unnatural long life. For five hundred years it poisoned his mind. And in the gloom of Spike's cave...It waited. Darkness crept back into the forests of the world. Rumor grew of a Shadow in the East...whispers of a nameless fear. And the Ring of Power perceived...its time had now come. It abandoned Spike. But something happened then the Ring did not intend…fumbling in the dark a small hoof closed over the ring and it was picked up by the most unlikely creature imaginable. “What's this?” said an old voice with southern edge. “A ring.” A Shetland....Granny Smith of Ponyville. “Lost!” Granny Smith heard a voice scream, its anguish ringing through the cave. “Lost! Lost! My Precious is lost!!” Frightened Granny Smith quickly pocketed the one ring and hurried on. For the time will soon come when Shetlands will shape the fortunes of all. CHAPTER ONE 60 YEARS LATER Beneath the dappled sunlight of an old tree a young filly Shetland lies, reading her book. White flowers are scattered among the well seeded grasses, an idyllic setting at the end of a long hot summer. In the distance, growing louder over the gentle clip clop of an approaching cart Apple Bloom hears a familiar tune being hummed by an even more familiar voice. Suddenly Apple Bloom sits up, the realization of the voice’s owner excites her. She steps out of the shade of the tree and the light of the sun finally illuminates her amaranth colored mane and pale yellow coat. As the cart nears her eyes alight with excitement. She tosses away the long stem of grass in her mouth and runs off. The cart rattles along a leafy lane, pulled by a lavender pony with a gray cloak and hat. Apple Bloom runs towards her as fast as her little hooves can manage, careering down a hill and jumping over logs. The lavender pony slowly comes to a stop as Apple Bloom suddenly appears on a bank above the cart. “You're late.” She says in her high pitched filly voice, sharing the same southern inflection as her grandmother. “A Magic Mare is never late, Apple Bloom,” the purple unicorn said, still staring straight ahead, the brim of her gray hat covering the majority of her face. “nor is she early.” She continued, slowly looking up and finally making eye contact with the filly. “She arrives precisely when she means to.” The two look at each other for a moment but then break their stare as they both start laughing. Apple Bloom giggles as she leaps from the bank next to the unicorn, trotting along beside her. “It's wonderful to see you, Twilight!” The filly said happily. Next to Twilight, it’s clear how small Shetlands are, Apple Bloom being even smaller than usual being a filly. The unicorn laughed. “You didn't think I'd miss your Granny Smith's birthday, did you?” “So, what news of the outside world?” Apple Bloom asked enthusiastically. “Tell me everything!” Twilight looks down at Apple Bloom, a twinkle in her eye. “What, everything? Far too eager and curious for a Shetland. Most unnatural...” The cart rattles over a Stone bridge towards a Busy Marketplace as Twilight continues. “Well, what can I tell you? Life in the wide world goes on much as if it has past age. Full of its own comings and goings, scarcely even aware of the existence of Shetlands...” Twilight surveys the peaceful scene before her. “...for which I am very thankful.” The unicorn notices several Shetlands look up exclaiming in wonder and excitement as her cart rolls past the Green Dragon Inn. Beyond it is the party field. Where an abundance of Shetlands are busy preparing for the big night. “Ah, the long expected party.” Twilight chuckles. “So, how is the old rascal? I hear it's going to be a Party of Special Magnificence.” Smiling, Apple Bloom rolls her eyes. “Well, you know Granny Smith...she's got the whole place in an uproar.” “Oh,” says Twilight “well...that should please her.” “Half of Ponyville's been invited!” “Good gracious, me.” Apple Blooms eyes squint in thought. “She's up to something.” “Oh, really?” Twilight responds a little too innocently. Apple Bloom shoots a knowing look, as Twilight averts her eyes. “Alright then…keep your secrets.” The filly says in a sarcastic huff. “You know, before you came along we from the Apple Family were very well thought of.” “Indeed?” Twilight responds curiously. “Yup! Never had any adventures or did anything unexpected.” “If you're referring to the incident with the Dragon...” Twilight smiles. “I was barely involved...all I did was give your Granny a little nudge out the door.” “Whatever you did...you've been officially labeled as a Disturber of the Peace.” “Oh, really?” The unicorn says as she notices a pony following the cart with his eyes, deeply suspicious. The cart rattles into the small village of Ponyville, a quaint rustic settlement, nestled amongst rolling green hills and large trees. Apple Bloom looks behind her seeing excited children, even younger than her, chasing after the cart. She hears the words ‘Twilight!’ ‘It’s Twilight!’ and ‘fireworks! Please Twilight fireworks!’ being shouted with joy. Twilight, looking straight ahead, ignores the children's cries. Apple Bloom sees the foals stand deflated, watching them disappear down the lane. At that moment, spinning balls of bright color suddenly leap out of the cart, fizzing over the heads of the delighted ponies. Each of them jumping up and down with laughter. Twilight smiles to herself, well pleased with her joke. Even the staring smug pony from before is unable to suppress a chuckle. Twilight slows to a halt as Apple Bloom begins to turn down another path. “Twilight... I'm glad you're back.” Apple Bloom says with a grin. “So am I, dear filly...so am I” Twilight’s cart finds its way outside the gate to Sweet Apple Acres. A particularly fine example of a Shetland home, a large red barn-like structure in front of a grassy hillside. The lavender pony sees a sign on the gate which reads: "NO ADMITTANCE EXCEPT ON PARTY BUSINESS." Twilight strides up to the garden path of Sweet Apple Acres and raises her hoof to rap on the front door. A familiar southern voice calls out. “No, thank you! We don't want any more visitors, well wishers, or distant relations!” Twilight laughs. “And what about very old friends?” Slowly the door opens and Granny Smith stands before her, wearing a deep red cloak. The look of a pleasant surprise comes over her face with a mischievous Twinkle in her eye. “Twilight?” The old green pony asks. “Granny Smith.” The unicorn says with a nostalgic tone. “My dear Twilight Sparkle!” Granny Smith says as she embraces her old friend. “It's good to see you.” Says Twilight. “One hundred and eleven years old, who would believe it!” Twilight looks at her more keenly. “You haven't aged a day…” Granny Smith laughs and makes way for her to enter. “Come on, come in! Welcome, welcome!!” Twilight looks around the home, cozy and cluttered with souvenirs of Granny Smith's travels as the old pony hangs up Twilight's hat on a peg, revealing more of the unicorn’s dark purple mane, and trots off down the hall. “Tea? Or maybe something stronger...” Granny Smith calls. “I've a few bottles of Cider left, 1296...a very good year, almost as old as I am!” Granny Smith disappears into the kitchen as Twilight looks around enjoying the familiarity of the home. Twilight stops in front of a framed map, charred in one corner, she smiles to herself. Granny Smith’s blathering begins to get louder as she steps from the kitchen. “I could do you some eggs if you like?” Granny Smith jumps, a half eaten pork pie in her hoof, as Twilight mysteriously appears behind her. “Just tea, thank you.” “Oh..right.” She again, jumps at the sudden loud knock on the front door. “Granny Smith!” A female voice from outside calls. “You open this door! I know you're in there!” Granny Smith huddles up against a wall. “I'm not home.” She whispers to Twilight. Twilight watches, amused as old pony tries to hide. “I've got to get away from these confounded relatives!” Granny Smith complains. “hanging on the bell all day, never giving me a moment's peace. I want to see mountains...mountains, Twilight... and then find somewhere quiet where I can finish my book...Oh, Tea!” She quickly lifts the kettle from the flames. “So, you mean to go through with your plan, then?” Twilight asks. “Yes, yes...it's all ready. All the arrangements are made.” Twilight watches as Granny Smith pours the boiling water. “Apple Bloom suspects something.” “'Course she does,” Granny Smith says with her mouth full. “She's from the Apple Family...she’s not some block headed pony.” “You will tell her, won't you?” “Yes, yes.” Twilight pulls her tea closer. “She's very fond of you.” Granny Smith sighs. “I know. She'd probably come with me if I asked her. I think, in her heart, Apple Bloom's still in love with Ponyville, the woods and the fields... little rivers.” Granny Smith stands gazing out of the kitchen window. “I am old, Twilight...” Granny Smith looks at the unicorn sadly. “I know I don't look as old as I am, but I'm beginning to feel it in my heart.” Granny Smith leans on the table and her hoof enter her cloak pocket, gripping a small, hidden object. “I feel thin...” she says “sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread. I need a holiday...a very long holiday and I don't expect I shall return...in fact, I mean not to.” - Evening has come and Twilight and Granny Smith are sitting on the porch enjoying the warm Dodge Junctionze. Below them, final preparations are being made on the Party field. Granny Smith strikes a match and lights her pipe, she blows a perfect smoke ring and watches it rise into the air. Twilight smiles as she puffs on her own pipe. From her lips a tiny Smokey sailing ship with masts and sails glides through the Center of Granny Smith's smoke ring. “Ohhhh,” The old pony says in admiration. “Twilight my old friend...this will be a night to remember!” - BOOM! A firework explodes into the night sky high above Ponyville in the shape of a great green tree with unfolding branches, with its glowing flowers raining down from the branches evaporating just above the up turned faces of the delighted party-goers. Hundreds of ponies, feasting and drinking. Carts of cider are scattered about, and the tables are piled high with steaming scones and savories. Twilight hurries about, lighting fireworks with a blue spark that dances magically from her horn while Granny Smith is greeting visitors. Apple Bloom and her very best friend Sweetie Belle sit at a table drinking the beverages allowed for the younger ponies. Apple Bloom notices Sweetie Belle's eyes keep flicking to another hoofsome pony, Pipsqueak, dancing some distance away. “Go on, Sweetie Belle,” Apple Bloom giggles. “Ask Pip for a dance.” “Isn’t that the boy pony’s job?” “Who cares? Go on!” Suddenly Sweetie Belle’s cup is snatched out of her hoofs as Apple Bloom thrusts her into the middle of a passing throng of dancers. Sweetie Belle looks horrified as she is swept away. Apple Bloom laughs and finishes Sweetie Belle's drink. She looks over to see Twilight as she sets alight a particularly spectacular firework that draws gasps of admiration from the party guests. Granny Smith is off in a corner relating stories of her adventure to a group of young Shetland children. So, there I was...at the mercy of three monstrous buffalos” She said melodramatically “and they're arguing...arguing about how they were going to cook us!” A filly stares with an upturned face, her eyes growing larger and larger. “Whether it be turned on a spit or minced in a pie or whether they were going to sit on us one by one and squash us into jelly!” She continued. “But they spent so long arguing that the sun's first light crept over the top of the trees...and POOF!” Stunned gasps escaped the lips of her young audience. “turned them all to stone!” By Twilight’s cart, filled to the brim with fireworks are two mischievous young ponies. One is Scootaloo, a small pony with an orange coat and fuchsia mane. The other, Pinkie Pie, larger in stature but equal in lack of maturity. Pinkie Pie scrambles on to the back of Twilight's wagon, snatching up a small firework. Scootaloo whispers urgently. “No, no..the big one...the big one!” Pinkie Pie grabs a huge red rocket with a curling almost tail like top. Scootaloo gives a nod of satisfaction. Inside of a tent the two look as the fuse crackles with flame. Scootaloo is holding out the big rocket, she looks aghast at the fizzing fuse that Pinkie Pie has just lit. “You're supposed to stick it in the ground!” Scootaloo says in a worried whisper. “It is in the ground!” Pinkie replies. Scootaloo fearfully tosses the Rocket to Pinkie Pie, the fuse sizzles angrily. “Outside!” “This was your idea!” Pinkie says defensively. Pinkie Pie attempts to throw the fizzing rocket back to Scootaloo when WHOOSH! The two ponies are suddenly blown off their hooves in a shower of sparks as the rocket blasts off with frightening power. The rocket zooms over the party, it suddenly bursts apart, forming the shape of a great red golden dragon! Fire gushes from its nostrils as it turns back and Flies low towards the startled crowd. Apple Bloom looks up and watches the fireworks dragon with alarm...but Granny Smith is oblivious to the panicking crowd and impending danger! “Granny Smith!” Apple Bloom shouts. “Watch out for the dragon!!” Dragon?” Granny Smith asks. “Nonsense...there hasn’t been a dragon in these parts for a thousand years!” Apple Bloom hurriedly pulls Granny Smith to the ground, just as the dragon roars a few feet above their heads like a flaming express train! Ponies dive to the ground, tables overturn, tents collapse, food flies everywhere. The fireworks dragon turns a somersault and explodes over the hills with a deafening bang! This gets the biggest Cheer of the night. Scootaloo and Pinkie Pie smile up at it with ashy faces and smoking manes. “That was good!” Scootaloo says. “Let's get another one!” Pinkie Pie speaks excitedly. Two lavender hooves suddenly clamp down on Scootaloo and Pinkie Pie's shoulders. The two look up at Twilight’s stern face. “Scootaloo and Pinkie Pie...I might have known!” - The two mischievous ponies are now leaning over a barrel, washing dishes in soapy water with Twilight sitting nearby, smoking her pipe and sipping cider. Cries of "SPEECH! SPEECH!" erupt from the party. Twilight watches as Granny Smith steps on a stool. She bows in gratitude at the applause. “Speech!” Apple Bloom shouts. Granny Smith clears her through as the crowd’s shouts begin to die down. “My dear ponies! My dear Shetlands! Today is my one hundred and eleventh birthday. Yes, and alas...Eleventy- one years is far too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable Shetlands!” There is a tremendous outburst of approval at the statement. “I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you as well as well as you deserve.” There is scattered clapping and confused murmurs as the guests try to work out if that was a compliment or not. Twilight smiles to herself. A strange hum seems to fill Granny Smith’s head as a bead of sweat rolls down her brow. Her hoof pulls something out of her cloak pocket and holds it under her draping shroud. “I have…things to do” Granny Smith says almost in a whisper. “and I have put this off for far too long...” She tightens her grip on the small object under her cloak. “I regret to announce,” She says loudly to the crowd. “that this is the end. I am going now. I bid you all a very fond farewell!” Granny Smith looks across at Apple Bloom, which makes her hesitate a moment. “Goodbye.” She whispers. At this moment Granny Smith instantly vanishes.