They say minotaurs live by the scars they bear. Bismuth's hide is a map of the world. His life was the blade, and the blade was his life, carried unto a hundred red fields, down a thousand roads, singing among elk, deer, and dragons. He stood at ramparts long since fallen, and was counted a hero in lands forgotten, when ponies had only begun to dream.

Maybe it's all true, but now he rocks in his chair, stirring at embers, while his deeds turn to rust in the shadows. What kind of scars call that living? And if you ask him, would he tell you?

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Seek hope even in darkness.
Spanish translation by SPANIARD KIWI: https://www.deviantart.com/spaniard-kiwi/art/Los-debiles-968627541
Audio reading by CreepyPastaSalad: Clicket!
Inspired by Jetfire's "Dangerous Business" and "Besides the Will of Evil."

It's a story everyone knows. Nightmare Moon wins, the Princess disappears (sun preserve her), and eternal night descends on Equestria. Darkness begets terror, and terror smothers friendship. In other words, things fall apart exactly as expected. And then ponies get on with their lives. Funny how that works.

Applejack's a natural at getting on with things. But in this world, farming just ain't an option. So what's a pony to do?

Well, in her defense, monster hunting seemed like a nice gig at the time.
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Spanish translation by SPANIARD KIWI: https://www.deviantart.com/spaniard-kiwi/art/Noche-eterna-968627201

It's been at least five years. Sorry I fell apart rather than finish my drafts. I've uploaded a special draft chapter as an apology to anyone who reads this. It follows most of the battle, and contains a song I wrote myself. "Game of Thrones" beat me to everything. Consider this a celebration of that show.

(oh god why did this story get featured NOW, this was supposed to be a goodbye)
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It's been five long years since Red Pommel rose from mud and fought his way to the top. Alas, the office of Master Swordpony was not the adventure he imagined. Instead of quests or saving damsels, all Red got was a heap of court politics and five years of guard duty. What does he have to show for his work? More money than he knows what to do with, and at least as many enemies.

Now dragons stir in the far north, unleashed from an age before Discord. The Sisters Alicorn call for an envoy, and it's no surprise that Red jumps at the opportunity. But when his swashbuckling leads him astray, he finds himself caught up in a tale of dark forests, dead gods, and gleaming steel...

A story of medieval Equestria, set over a thousand years before the events of the show.

Cover art by local neighborhood Tim015 on DA: EPIC SAUCE