Yes, that's right!

I have finally composed another piece, this being my first one using the new equipment that I gained during the fundraiser. To all who donated, thank you for your help. I truly appreciate every bit that you contributed, no matter how big or small, and I hope that you'll find that your money was not wasted. To those who couldn't donate, I still hope you are able to enjoy the piece!

This piece focuses specifically on Sombra, for I found a great deal of potential in his story: the rise and fall of his Kingdom/Empire, which disappeared in a blink of an eye after the intervention of the Princesses. Since Sombra only seemed to bring darkness to the Empire, the piece has been aptly named The Darkbringer (a little shout out to Razorbeam for helping me change the name to something simpler and more poetic). Either way, I used all the tools I had at my disposal and this is by far my longest piece, as well as my most technically complicated.

I hope, however, that doesn't take away from the emotion and tone that I want to convey.

Regardless, time to get on with the show!

I present to you, the audience:

All the best,

Socratic Brony

This is me trying to hug you all. Why you might ask?

Because the goal for the program fundraiser was reached!

That's right! After only a week or so, the goal of $1,000 was reached, and it's all thanks to you guys! I don't really know what I can say except say thank you to everyone who donated. Thank you to all who simply considered it and passed the word along!

Most importantly, thank you all for listening to my music and giving me an audience. I might compose my music for myself as a means of expression, but it's the feedback and attentive ear from all of you who really make it worthwhile. Thank you. A million times thank you.

Now, I have some writing to do and, once the program arrives, a bit more composing.

Best,

Socratic Brony

Hello my dear friends,

I am not usually one to do this sort of thing, and simply asking this right now is quite difficult for me, but I have decided to try to swallow my pride and ask for assistance on raising funds for new musical equipment. As many of you may or may not know, I am a far more prolific composer for the community than I am a writer (at least currently). Most of my music can be found here if you would like to give a listen.

Currently, I am trying to raise money to buy a large musical program package that will, in theory, help increase the quality of my music and allow me to create the best works I can for the community. Normally, I would not ask for any assistance and just shell the cash out for the programme myself. However, this particular programme equates to about $1,200 USD after it is all said and done, which is quite a hefty sum for a postgraduate student like myself. So, with the suggestion of some close friends, I have decided to ask my followers and listeners for assistance in trying to slowly raise funds for this programme.

The only thing I can promise in return is to do the best I can in creating more works with the program and, hopefully, to continually improve in both sound quality and actual compositional quality.

Either way, here is the programme in question I am raising funds for (albeit not the exact price as I will be shifting around some of the customizeable programme options for my own style of music).

To donate, simply go here.

If you are unable to or do not feel comfortable with donating, I understand! This is not a demand, just a simple request if you have the free funds and the time!

Regardless, thank you for listening and I hope to have more music and perhaps a new chapter to you all very soon.

Best,

Socratic

Yes, my dear followers, it has been a long time since I have last updated and the above picture pretty much summarizes my feelings from the past couple of months, though this isn't to say things haven't been fun and exciting. First of all, let me apologize for how long it has taken me to get to updating Master of Stars: Dawn of Friendship. The story itself is NOT to be discontinued and I should be starting on it again here soon, hopefully bringing you guys a new chapter and a stronger writing style than that which was present in the first two.

One of the main reasons that I have no updated was because of school and how busy I usually am kept with that. However, another reason is that I was participating in the Unity Games, a writing tournament held by my good friend, Razorbeam. I decided to submit an OC for the tournament and, perhaps, try to win a round or two if I could.

I ended up winning the whole thing.

After many weeks of dueling, writing, and roleplaying, I was able to finally propel my OC, Virgil Cor'adamas, to the final round and win an intense and exciting match against the always so great, Nathan Traveler. Though I never expect to win, the victory itself isn't what is most important. Through the tournament I have made new friends and rediscovered a couple things about myself. I have strengthened my writing and storytelling ability and I am hopeful this will reflect in my future prose.

I have also come to love a new character.

So, with that, I might also start a series of fics based around Virgil himself, a pony who has suffered a great tragedy and is spending his life in search of the peace he so desires. However, perhaps he loses himself along the way? Can darkness change even the purest of hearts?

Either way, I hope you guys enjoy reading about his adventures as much as I did dreaming them up. He's a character that is very near and dear to my heart and, like Star Swirl, I hope to take him on a powerful journey that will not only lead to self discovery within the characters, but perhaps self discovery within ourselves.

Sorry again for the delays, but I will do my best to keep updating!

Best wishes and kindest regards,

Socratic

Sometimes we type words down to represent our emotions

Sometimes we type words down to hide them

Sometimes we don't remove our masks around our friends

Sometimes we can't even if we tried

Sometimes we get lost in our own thoughts and imaginations

Sometimes we desperately wish we could daydream and let reality pass by

Sometimes we want to shout out in anger

Sometimes we want to break down and cry

Sometimes we shake with restrained emotion

Sometimes we are simply too numb

Sometimes you ask for a friend to listen

Sometimes they seem too busy to try

Sometimes it feels like you're in a sound proof room

Sometimes it's your own damn fault they can't hear your cries

Sometimes I wish I was a better man

Sometimes I wish to do it all over again

Sometimes I wish I was a better friend

Sometimes I wish I could make the confusion end

And as each hour seems to drift into days

I reflect on the words that i type

For I have never been one to open myself

To cold strangers eyes gazing by

But though it might seem like a call for attention

A blog simply to garner sympathy

I respond to the critics with a bowed head

"Sometimes the words are not for you, but for me"

Yup, that's pretty accurate.

I know it has been a long time since I have last given an update, so I thought I'd post a blog to let all my followers and readers know what exactly was going on.

I went home for the Christmas break, which when traveling from Scotland to the States makes the trip quite a long one. Though I hoped I'd write some on the plane, I also discovered that my laptop was kinda big for writing on a plane, especially when someone has their seat leaned back nearly as far as it could go. Though I would have attempted to write at some point while I was there, I spent most of the days with my family and friends and my nights researching and continuing to talk to friends back in the UK. Thus, I neglected my duties as an author to you all and, for that, I apologize.

However, there is good news. Yes, this semester of grad school is starting up again and I will have to return to my studies, but this does not mean I won't have time for some personal writing. In fact, chances are that I should be able to do fairly more consistent updates (especially if a couple of friends stay on me about it. You guys know who you are). Also, on that note, I will try to recommence with writing this story and hopefully have something for you guys within a relatively short period of time. I won't make promises on the date, but I will definitely try to continue writing.

That said, I hope you all had an amazing break and I look forward to writing for you all very soon.

Best,

Socratic Brony

If there was ever an image that completely encapsulated all of my anxiety and feelings regarding this upcoming week, it would definitely be this one. I have a final coming up that is worth 75% of my grade on Wednesday and, on Friday, I have a research paper due that is worth 100% of my grade. As if this wasn't stressful enough, the grades I earn this semester will be one of the determining factors on whether or not I am given a conditional offer by Edinburgh to stay for my Ph.D. So, it's a bit of a stress when it all comes down to 2 grades that I could either very easily pass or fail, depending on how prepared I am. I am not so much worried about the exam, for I can study for that and know what to study for it (It's a Latin exam, with translations and passages, etc), but the paper is another matter. Though I have written plenty of research papers in the past and received high marks on the majority of them, this is my first paper that I am writing at Grad level. Couple that with the fact that it is also the first paper I am writing in the UK and I have little experience on what they look for or desire in their writing, which leads me to wonder whether or not it will be up to their standards.

Either way, I am saying all this to give you guys a further update on Master of Stars: Dawn of Friendship. I obviously will not be putting out any new chapters this upcoming week due to the reasons previously outlined. However, after Friday I will be a relatively free man for the next month, with the exception of time that I spend with friends and family. I will not have to worry about studying or finals, relieving stress and opening the door for my writing opportunities. Also, I will be flying home for Christmas, which opens up a nine hour period for me to write while on the plane (tis a long way across the Atlantic). Even when home, I should be able to find time to write late at night in the comforts of my bed. I am hoping to produce at least several strong chapters for you guys by the time school kicks off again and, hopefully, you will all have a greater idea about the direction I hope to take the plot and the story.

The adventure is far from over. In fact, it's only just beginning.

Best wishes and the kindest regards,

Socratic Brony

Hey guys!

I just wanted you to all know why things have been taking a while to update. First of all, I am also composing some music for a couple of people that won a contest a while ago. Though this doesn't completely take the place of my writing, it does take some of its time. Another reason, perhaps the most important, is that I am getting later into this semester of school and have to finish finalizing my plans for research papers/applying for my Ph.D study/meeting with supervisor. All of these things take precedence over anything else, music and writing included.

However, I am at work on Chapter 2 of Dawn of Friendship and hope you guys will enjoy it just as much as you did the Prologue and Chapter 1. Many people have been curious to where the plot of this tale will go. Without giving away too many spoilers, I can tell you that Star Swirl is in for an adventure that will take him across the land and into interactions with many types of individuals, some ponies and some not. Dawn of Friendship is the first book of a trilogy that will focus on Star Swirl and what I believe to be his true story. I am excited to go on this adventure and I hope you are all excited to go on it with me.

Best of wishes and the kindest of regards,

Socratic Brony

Hello all,

As in all two or three of you that are actually subscribed to me. Either way, I wanted to point out my updated profile, with a bio and music section and everything! Go check it out after the break and let me know what you think.

I also wanted to mention that, within a week or two, I would be posting up the beginnings of my first story. What is this story, you ask? What does it entail? You will have to wait and see, I guess! Just know that I intend to try to make it an epic and exciting adventure for all who read it! Stay tuned!

Best of wishes and kindest regards,

Socratic Brony