Oh sweet Glory, this is amazing!

I... I feel complete now. I feel like going through all the trollfics and abominations has all be worth it now!

Tracked and favorited.

Interesting, tracking! I love these kind of historical and adventure stuff!

That was, I feel, the start of something rather epic. I love your portrayal of Star Swirl, Clover and the politics of the pre-classical era.

I've been looking forward to this ever since you teased it on your blog. Now, one chapter in, and I love Star Swirl already. The guy knows how to throw down and suss out in equal measures. I'm looking forward to how this adventure is going to play out.

Heh, Red Tape. I love it. You are really good with coming up with puns for pony names.

This setup is rather neat since it's obvious to us that the unicorns will not head Star Swirl's advice. Depending on how this goes, I can see a bit of tragedy slipping in regarding Star Swirl's ultimate fate. But, now I'm speculating too much and need to just let the story flow naturally.

Looking forward to more!

Really digging the story and the world building. I also like the little touches that call back to The Hobbit, with Star Swirl's Gandalf impression (though still being his own character) and Humble Pie's "unexpected party."

Looks like the plot will be kicked into high gear next time. Looking forward to it!

>>449871449871

Me too. The nods to the Hobbit really made me smile. The world building is coming along great.

No, I don't need to say anything.

Faved. Tracking.

OMG, I am getting The Hobbit flashbacks so bad, I almost couldn't finish the chapter I was smiling so widely.

Awesome. But it's been a while since I've read the Hobbit, and this story's very nice in its own right.

Its great.

This looks good.

Hey, hey! This is looking like it's going to be a really fun ride! The Hobbit homage's are really quite awesome, yet it is managing to stand alone with its own sources of tension building. The chapters are a little on the short side, but hey, at least the pacing is good! Some pretty nice world construction, as well. I am rather enjoying it.

Overall, I am liking where this is going. Keep it up!

I said this before, but I like where this is going. I like that Humble Pie isn't a direct copy of Bilbo and that he's got a better reason to be going on this adventure. He actually has some prejudice (minor but it's still there) of other races, particularly the pegasus. So, I look forward to seeing how he adjusts to being included in a pack of 'em.

Now we have the plot, so ADVENTURE TIME!

Better be careful stepping out that door. It's dangerous business.

I like Star Swirl's reasons for getting this quest together. All the characters reasons and motivations for going all make sense.  This is looking like it will be a fun read all the way to the end. Keep it up.

Oh, I do so hope that Humble Pie and the dragon have a brag-off. Humble Pie, barrel rider!

Haha, this is awesome.

This is very interesting, i must say it has a VERY The hobbit feel to it.

btw here some song from the movie inspired by said book.

(This one very fitting if encountering Diamond dogs)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogTDa-vG2MQ

(And this fitting if facing Changeling.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKdsBlRNgX0

Now this is good stuff, really i must say its a good start to it.

i like how you introduce star swirls traveling companion (Btw another good song that would be good for chap three is this

The greatest adventure

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dQ5c5SIYnc&feature=relmfu

After reading the first chapter, I feel this is missing a strong hook. But lets see how this continues.

OK, now there is definately a strong hook. But now I am missing the songs from the hobbit. Five pegasi singing about their misty mountain clouds.

It's a really a shame that there exist so few classical fimfics.  But, after seeing this, I feel like just one does the trick.  Because this is amazing!  I expect nothing but the most epic of epic quests in the chapters to come.  

cant wait for the next part

And the journey begins!

Humble Pie has got to be one of the best OC ponies EVAR.

>>552248552248

And yet he's so modest.

I've shared my thoughts on things though I'll comment again in that I looking forward to seeing more!

For the Hoofshire!

OH NOES

Incoming unknown pairs of eyes. GET UP YOU GUYS

Looking good!

I like how well this story blends what we know of the political climate, and the story of adventure.

Oh dear either thieves, or cutthroats. Either way not good!

Sorry i mean beast for the second one.

This chapter eases us into the danger part of the journey very well. No serious harm is done, but it gives the ponies (and us) the wake-up call needed that danger is on the way.

I think we've all had that moment where emotions get the better of us and we can't hold it in. Humble Pie really comes off as, forgive the analogy, human. When written right, it doesn't matter if the story is about ponies or any other type of creature. Equines might be the shape that these characters take, but they still show all the quibbles that make us who we are. Well done.

Looking forward to how events go from here!

Love the explaination for the bells.

Oh, Swift Cloud and Humble Pie.  She really tries, and is just a tad socially awkward.   But hey, at least she's genuinely caring for Humble Pie.  (Who is still the best of all OC ponies. )  

pretty good interaction with oc and eases us into the danger part of the journey, good work

This story inspired me to re-read The Hobbit, There and Back Again, or the Red Book, depending on which version you pick.

I likes. I likes very much.

I'm curious to see what these new creatures look like. Given what I know of sirens from Greek mythology, I doubt they're calling the ponies in for a spot of tea.

I also like the growing relationship that Humble Pie is having with Swift Cloud. Though, Humble should realize that you should never start a sentence with, "Don't take this the wrong way." It's always taken the wrong way. Especially when speaking to a woman.

And it seems that Star Swirl and Humble can get on each others' nerves. I'm wondering if that will lead to anything.

Good goin'! Looking forward to more!

Hmn, and now I am wondering if Pinkie Pie is going to get a little pegasi in her ancestry.

Awesome. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Am I the only one who went back to check if Humble Pie has a wife?

Bilbo meets smaug

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uvPXTDKwWM

love this chap nice to see star swirl and humble interaction very interesting, also now we see Siren in action, not good.

Featured! At least for now.

Ah, a fake out. Or perhaps a team-up of two sets of creatures? Double whammy!

I had to laugh when Swift Cloud hid herself in a cloud, as all I could think of was that picture of Rainbow Dash with most of her body in a cloud and going, "Beep. Beep. I'mma jeep!" At least I thought it was funny.

Oh, and Swift Cloud and Humble Pie seem to be getting closer with each encounter. Interesting...

Till next time!

Humble Pie and Swift Cloud, OTP.

>>640815640815 I had that exact same thought about the cloud.

Aw yeah Swift Cloud/ Humble Pie shipping

Another great chapter. This is a lot of fun, haha!

Star Swirl really knows how to throw down when needed. When in doubt, kill it with fire!

Heh, Hurricane's going to be eating her words next time at being saved by an earth and unicorn pony. That won't end well.

And Tempest starts entering the fray! That sword of hers was just itching to bust out and start powning everything in sight.

As always, looking forward to more!

Hurricane is so never going to live it down that she was save by both a unicorn and a earth pony.

but seriously Tempest and Star swirl are badass!

Image: http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/400x/10029987.jpg

Couldn't resist, sorry. Read the ASOIAF too recently.

Anyways, I really enjoy reading this story and as I have finally found cause to post, I'm going to tell you that you're awesome and should feel awesome.

Excellent chapter. I'm really enjoying this series.

It's going to be tough to read/watch LOTR without imagining Gandalf having little bells on his hat though

Star Swirl the Bearded? More like Star Swirl the Badass!

Since I already consider this entire story canon (it's just that good) I demand that sirens should be canon!  (And I still insist that Humble Pie is best pony. )

Hahaha, Star Swirl is such a badass! Awesome.

Awwwwww man that's what my story was going to be about oh guess i can say im not trying to rip off your story when mine comes out xD Star-swirled is merlin in a sense no one really knows his true story and i might use it in my tale A Wish Upon a Wonder

Calling it now.

Swift Cloud and Humble Pie fall in love, and have kids.

First one is a white pegasus with a yellow mane.

And that's how Pinkie Pie got her Cutie Mark.

I've said a lot about this part already, so I'll just say that it was a good wind down chapter after all the action from last time. The characters remain interesting and the potential for more strife in the party wants me to continue on with the story right now.

Good work!

Griffons as the elves who are traveling into the West, I love it.

It does seem like any potential Humble Cloud romance could hit some rocky shoals pretty quickly. Unless Silver Lining is somehow keeping his wife and child a secret (and I didn't get that impression at all from the chapter), the other pegasi appear to be accepting of some forms of pegasus/non-pegasus relationships, but griffons are at least other winged warriors. Unicorns and (more importantly) earth ponies may not be quite as acceptable.

Absolutely brilliant!  A pegasus and griffon pairing!  I love it!  (Also, more emotes, because of Humble Pie )

Good twist there.

As stated, it seems as though you're using the gryphns as the elves. Really enjoying this tory so far. Loved The Hobbit and I'm a big Star Swirl the Bearded fan as could probably be gathered from my own fic.

This is pretty good (I can see the griffin as the elves) how will you portray the minotaurs and the donkeys (I kinda doubt they will see a zebra or diamond dog)

btw heres Rolling Down a Hole

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&list=ULY30LAj502mY&v=VqDksugN2mw

oh and ps, i see Thunderhead possibly becoming the Boromir of the group.

Swift Cloud is such a badlank, headbutting a changeling into the ground!

Now Silver Lining is the badflank, for hitting it off with a griffon!

Hehe, another great update! There is some good expansion on character depth here, and I think it will benefit you in the long run.

the flying pony was a windigo wasn't it...

>>759760759760 That would be my guess.

Seems like we've moved into the goblin town part of the story.

Starswirl can't do telekinesis?

>>760454760454  He can, the idea is that there's too many boulders in the way for him to clear in time before the diamond dogs catch the ponies underground. Sorry if I didn't make that very clear.

Or he could have lifted out Humble by himself...

>>760523760523  

...

Oh, before the tunnel collapse...

Well, he didn't want to be carried out, right? ...Yeah, I don't really have an excuse for that plot hole.  All I can offer is that with Swift Cloud and Thunderhead offering to go down into the cave, Star Swirl probably didn't see the need to step in right at the moment (since, you know, they didn't know the tunnel was about to collapse and there seemed to be no urgency).

>>760670760670 Lets just say a wizard caused it and leave it at that.

Aww man! Silver Lining is gonna die D: I liked his character too!

Another enjoyable chapter. I know I for one love Humble Pie/Swift Cloud shipping!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPkqjc23yqs

This was going through my head the ENTIRE time...

>>762404762404

Wow, it's been a long time since I've seen that movie adaptation. And I always thought it weird that those goblins have two throats. What's up with that?

As for this installment, total win! Let's see Humble Pie show up the pegasi now that he's in his element! Element of Earth that is.

Great, now I have the Captain Planet theme song in my head. Way to go, me.

>>760670760670

Orrrrrrr, he figured it would make for an effective bonding exercise between the Pegasi and Earth Ponies.

Plus, I'm not convinced that Staw-Swirl isn't a secret Humble Pie/Swift Cloud shipper, and the thought of her helping to rescue her Twu Wuv made him squee.

>>760670760670

Unicorns don't seem to carry anypony very often in the show.  It happens, but it's something pegasi do more readily and more often.  It's almost like directly grabbing somepony with your magic is considered inappropriate.  Perhaps it used to be considered dangerous.

>>766036766036

In addition to that, it seems that the earth ponies and the pegasi don't really trust unicorn magic and even fear it. Could've influenced the decision a little bit.

It seems like you borrowed a LOT of ideas from The Hobbit, but you've done a good job at keeping it fresh. Instead of an overwhelming amount of Dwarves, you've given us a smaller band of more memorable characters.

Just started Act II. Good so far.

>>763883763883 >>766036766036 >>767553767553  Admit potential plot hole, then watch as your readers jump in and defend your story. You guys are awesome.

>>770446770446  "Borrowed" would be an understatement. There's a reason why I tagged this "the Hobbit ponified" when I submitted this to Equestria Daily. I've never claimed this to be a wholly original piece of writing.

This is really great! Don't know why I didn't read it earlier. A new favourite definitely. I haven't read The Hobbit, so I don't know how close an analogue this is to it, but I can definitely see the influences there. It'll be fun to see whether the pegasi and Humble Pie finally butt heads as the tension reaches critical mass.

"She offered it to him and a thrill went through Humble Pie when their muzzles touched as he grabbed the part of the handle the pegasus wasn’t biting down on.  She gave him a sly grin, causing the earth pony to blush slightly before she let go of the handle"   *ahem* This story is very much win.  Keep up the good work.

I don't know about that General Hurricane. She's got a cold practicality about her. She's the type that screams, "the mission comes before all else."

It must have been really difficult for Humble Pie to pass by all that swag. Imagine the rates he could get on pBay!

Always a pleasure to read through this!

stinging his skin and slightly singeing his fur.

the best way to work around the awkwardness of the word 'singe' would be to adjust the clause.

observe:

the flame of the torch he still held in his mouth flicked at the side of his face, stinging his skin as it singed his fur.

you also don't need to use slightly since singe is just a way of saying "slightly burned"

Another great chapter.

Too bad, unless something goes wrong it looks like Humble isn't going to find the One Ring. Probably for the best.

I am still lovin' this story.

>>782331782331 Ah, thank you for catching that. Thanks also for clarifying the difference between 'singe' and 'burn' - in my mind they were basically the same thing.

>>782364782364 Yeah, heads up - probably not going to happen.

A good chapter. Action, romance, intrigue. Solid story.

Image: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/misc_Lyra.png

>>782364782364  Of course he won't find the One Ring.  They're ponies.  It'll be the One Horseshoe.  

To reiterate: , and excellent work, sir.  The romance in this has got to be some of the best I've read anywhere.

Starswirl is officially Gandalf.

Sorry, but am I still reading TFQoSStB? Because this looks more and more like a political version of The Hobbit...

Congratulations on emulating master Tolkien's style!

In my head I now hear all of Star Swirl's lines in the voice of Sir Ian McKellen.  I am okay with this.

Act the Second, Chapter the Ninth: Attack of the "wub"s. (<-- This, by the way, likely to be the most commonly used emoticon when commenting on this chapter.)

D'aww!

(Does anything else need to be said?)

So awesome!

And I don't even care much for shipfics! BUT, this pairing is so well weaved in and I CARE about these characters, that I can't help myself that these two getting together!

Good work! Can't wait for Fortune's Peak!

Oh sweet mother of god it better 'all work out'. I have grown quite attached to this pair! It's all so cute! :D

C'est adorable!

Yep. So very win. I love these two. This has gotta be the best shipping pair I've ever seen. Keep up the good work.

I really hope it works out.

We have come to a decision! Pegasi are not orcs!

>>817198817198

Image: http://c.cslacker.com/969l.jpg