//------------------------------//
// A Single Step 
// Story: A Knight's Tales 
// by Modern Masquerade 
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Before the sun had risen, a unicorn filly was already awake, making ready for the day ahead. While Prism was nervous, that could hardly top her excitement, today was finally her first day at the school. A breakfast of oats and molasses did nothing to settle the butterflies in her stomach, but she still ate quickly, looking for energy she’d need in the climb ahead. Hurriedly, she went to get her father to walk to the edge of town with her, only to find him sleeping heavily as always, “Pa. Pa!” The filly jumped up onto her parent’s bed and began shaking her father’s heavy body as best she could, “Pa get up, it’s my first day of school, Ma said you have to walk me to the pathway.”

The massive bulk of the earth pony barely shifted under the filly’s assault, his head rising groggily, “No no, that can’t be right. School is for big fillies, you’re much too little.” Prism started to protest before being pulled into a great hug, “Besides, you’d have to get away from me first!” he continued playfully.

Squirming wildly, Prism made about as much progress as could be expected, which is to say none. “Pa! Please, I’ll be late for the test!” This made a bout of laughter bellow forth from her father as he let her go and ruffled her mane lightly. This made the filly’s grin practically stretch from ear to ear as she tried to fix it.

Responding more seriously he spoke again, “Alright fine, but you’ll have to tell me everything that happens, promise.” As he spoke this promise, he made a cross over his heart that was copied by Prism. After helping with her last preparations, Prism and her proud father started their way to the edge of town. Well before most other ponies of the town were awake, the two walked through empty streets before coming to a trail cutting into the thick forest. Still with only the barest traces of dawn, the woods were dark. Sensing a bit of fear in his favorite filly, Heavy Hammer decided to comfort her, “You know, your mother patrols around this time every day.” Stars of amazement fill Prism’s eyes as he continues, “Who knows, maybe you’ll run into her. Just be safe and stay on the trail. I love you sweet pea!”

Prism blushed, “I love you too, pa. I’ll tell you all about school tonight.” Turning to the trail, she could feel her hooves getting cold, and her leg heavy as she lifted it. Taking a deep breath, she took her first step alone outside the village. As nothing went immediately wrong, excitement took over once again as she began practically running down the trail, waving goodbye to her father at the first curve. The trail was uneventful but gorgeous, making its way around the base of the great mountain that her village was nestled against the side of. Nearly halfway there, she found a clearing where the light of the sun was shining on her destination up the mountain, the great unicorn city of Canterlot. It gleamed beautifully against the mountainside like a sparkling jewel of marble and gold. As she stopped to admire it, she realized also that it having light meant she’d be running late. With this spurring the filly on, the rest of the trail blurred as she ran to the end.

Here at the end she came to a sight she’d been told of, but only seen herself once or twice, the carriage train road to Canterlot. Ponies from all around Equestria were queued here to get into the carriages and make their way up toward the great city. A few guards went about keeping order and resolving complaints. One approached Prism, a unicorn mare in great plates of armor befitting a knight. Approaching silently behind the filly as she tried to find which carriage was the school shuttle, the knight spoke just a hair’s breadth away, “I think you forgot something, little one.” Prism jumped with shock before turning and smiling wide as the knight continued, “You forgot to give me a hug!” The knight pulled up her faceplate as she said this, and pulled Prism in close with her magic before pulling her into another crushing hug for the big morning.

Prism squealed with delight, “Ma! You made it to see me?” She buried her face into the steel plated chest of her mother. The filly’s excitement was so great she couldn’t help but laugh with her sheer joy.

Her mother cooed softly, “Do you think I’d miss this? This is your big day.” After holding the embrace for a moment, she finally stood up, putting Prism down as well. “Now, let’s get you to your carriage, sweet pea.” Escorted by a knight, the little filly had no trouble getting to the carriage. A display of wealth, the carriage stood out from the crowd with its velvet and rare wood construction.

Once there, a unicorn in ornate wizard’s robes greeted them professionally, “I am to assume that you are Dame Sight Ward, and her daughter?”

Seeing her daughter’s anxiety starting to worsen at the crowd of new ponies, Sight Ward spoke for her, “Yes, Prism here will be attending the academy this year to begin her schooling.” Satisfied, the wizard opened the carriage door with a flourish of magic and bowed to the knight. Nodding, she turned to Prism and spoke softly to her daughter, “I know it’s a lot, but you’re more brave than any filly I know. You’re going to do great things, and this is where it starts. You tell me all about school tonight. I love you my little prism!”

Emboldened by her mother’s words, Prism nodded bravely and gathered herself to step foot onto the carriage. Turning before she stepped on, she managed to speak in spite of the crowds, “I love you too, ma!” Seeing her mother’s proud smile gave Prism the confidence she needed to step into the velvet lined interior of the carriage, joining a couple of other fillies and colts on the trip to the academy.