//------------------------------//
// The Disclaimer 
// Story: Ancient Memories 
// by Skeeter The Lurker 
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Greetings, gentle reader!  And thank you!

The tome you now hold in your hands is the complete, uncut, and unabridged recording of my life.  Everything I have experienced in this grand world has been written down for you to read and, perhaps, reflect on.

Many of you may know of me in passing, or you may have heard of my name in passing at a school or gathering of scholars and magicians.  Indeed, if you are a pursuer of things that are archaic or magic in nature, you have certainly read one of my many, many books on the subjects.

You must forgive me; writing this book means writing what is effectively my autobiography and I am unsure as to how I should go about with the introduction to it.

Doing something like I normally would for another's book, say, a forward, seems to me a bit self-serving.  So, I think instead I shall go forth and start by writing a disclaimer to what will follow:

This book is true.  Everything in here is as accurate as can be.   Whether or not you believe it is up to you.  I cannot demand you accept what I say as the truth, nor do I want to, as that is not the purpose of this in the first place.

I do, however, ask only that you read to the end and then judge me.  Listen to what I say, consider what I tell you, keep an open mind and I will be content.

I can also say, with absolute certainty, that this shall be my final book I write.  Once I finish writing what I have to say, I believe that my time will have come and I shall move on to the next life.  I do not expect my passing to be of any import to anyone, save two particular individuals, and, quite honestly, that is how I would prefer it.

I have done everything possible in this world.

I have seen the days when the sun and moon rose of their own accord.

I have traveled everywhere in this world.

I have traveled outside this realm and into areas no one should see unless they are dead…  And survived them.

I have learned everything I can from whomever I could.

I have met with many different races in this world…  Earth Pony.  Unicorn.  Pegasus.  Griffon.  Buffalo.  Zebra.  Diamond Dog.  Dragon.  And yes, even Changeling.

I have seen war.

I have seen peace.

And as I look back, here, in my final, twilight hours, I realize only one thing:

I don’t know a damn thing.  Not.  One.  Thing.

Oh sure, my knowledge of magic, and the very land we inhabit, and the ponies who live in it, and the ways of the governments it has, and everything outside and in-between, I am unmatched.  Unrivaled.

“Why do you claim to know nothing?” You ask.  It’s simple:  six ponies.  One place.

It is their arrival that has given me my greatest revelation, and also shown me that my time is indeed finished.  Every last one of them is, I know now, the grand culmination of my entire life’s work…

“The Elements of Harmony.”

Yes…  I am aware of what I have just said.  And as I have already stated before, I mean every word.

Explaining what I mean by life’s work would take some time, but rest assured, you will know what I mean by the end of this book, for, you see, my life is tied closely to the history of Equestria itself.  And it is that which I intend to reveal in these very pages.

Why have I chosen now to write this book?  Well, I guess the reason would deal with the most recent of events. Rather, the continuing exploits of Twilight Sparkle and her five friends.  I have, from my tower in Everfree forest (not, mind you, to be confused with Luna’s old castle) watched these young mares go about the days with not a care in the world.  And yet, in times of need, you would always find them at the front of the line to help with whatever problem you had.

Indeed, the battle with Nightmare Moon was the most surprising, and most enlightening, event I have ever seen.  I have, with great care, gone over what I could on that day and every time I arrive at the same conclusion:

It should not have been possible for them to break the curse, and subsequently her power.  I am one of the few in this world who could say they know of her better than anyone could claim.  I know her power very well; I was foremost in their teaching.  Yet, they succeeded in not only stopping her, but, and this is what made me surprised the most, actually managed to redeem her from her jealousy and hate.

I’d say it was that right there which made me take an interest in the group of friends.  You could probably imagine my surprise when, once again, they did it again, this time with the crazed draconequus Discord.  He is yet another creature I know of well. To see them withstand his nature and see them, Twilight in particular, strengthen their bonds of friendship further was nothing short of spectacular.  Very seldom have I seen looks of surprise on Discord.

I suppose the final strike against me was when the Changelings began their attack. When the wedding was being planned, I had met with the bride and groom before Twilight had done so, not once did I suspect her of being Queen Chrysalis.  Yet Twilight saw through the charade in seconds!

Needless to say, after said events, I went back over my notes and life and this time took a long hard look at everything.  I sat and contemplated much:  My life, my actions, my overall research and my conclusions were staggering.

Those very conclusions I found are what convinced me to do this.  But before I truly begin, I’d like to say the following to you:


If, in my lifetime, I have inspired you to seek new places, learn new things, or meet new ponies…  You are welcome.

If I have crossed paths with you before, or if you have taught me something I did not know before…  I thank you.

If, for some reason, and they are many, I have offended you, or wronged you in any way…  I am sorry.

Once again, I ask you only to read to the end and pass judgment on me then.

Now turn the page, and let my story begin…