The Legend of Cozy Glow

by kleia

Rook on a Book

Sprout, as Sprout does, was bored of community service. And of course, the majority of Maretime Bay made sure he knew they felt that community service wasn't enough for what he did. Sprout pouted at the broom he held in his hoof, brows furrowed in stubborn refusal. You know what? To hay with community service! Sprout smiled widely as he let the broom drop to the ground, and then in an instant, that satisfaction fled, his smile fading.

Was there truly nothing more Sprout could do to feel the satisfaction of crushing his enemies under his might? Sprout picked his broom back up and continued sweeping, thoughts swirling in is mind.

Hmm... that was it! Chess! Chess would allow him to crush his enemies underhoof without more community service! Now if only he knew how to play. There were books at the library - surely there had to be a book on how to play chess, right? Chess For Dummies or something? He'd take a look after his community service was wrapped up for the day.

The Maretime Library was quiet and still, the jingle of the bell above the door signifying Sprout's entrance. Why did a library have a bell? Wasn't the point to be quiet? Sprouts angered thoughts on why a library had a bell were quickly interrupted.

"Welcome to the Maretime Library," spoke a sweet, elderly woman. "Is there anything I can help you find?" she asked, offering a shaky smile to Sprout.

"Oh! Uh, yes! I'm looking to learn chess." Sprout replied, trying not to giggle at how his words rhymed.

"Of course, dearie, if you head to the back and make a right, there you'll find a whole section on chess!" the elder replied. "Just do be careful! Not a lot of ponies read about chess nowadays. and it's more than a little dusty," her tone shifted a little to one of a polite warning.

"Thank you, ma'am," Sprout said as he made his way to the back. She was certainly right. It was far more than a little dusty. Dusting off some books, Sprout stifled a cough, waving the dust from the air.