//------------------------------//
// The Coming Of Age 
// Story: Frostbite 
// by oklin 
//------------------------------//

The saddlebag seemed as it would crush the body of the miserable small filly the instant in which she wore it.
It was time to leave the cave  and the sad memories behind, she wanted more than anything to keep her tribe alive.Not because of her descendants but of what her mother would want if she were still alive.

Bleak took a last glance at the cave and took a step forward towards the deep forest which could be seen miles away as a black lump in the middle of the snow wonderland.
Luckily the storm had finaly calmed down and allowed Bleak to have a quiet and peaceful journey that gave her a chance to organize her thoughts.

She halfway there, the journey had been short aside from a few stops to have a quick meal, when she lowered her head to quench her thirst with the crstal clear lake water a voice resonated close to her, her heart sank as she quickly looked around for the source but all she saw was the usual scenery.

"I must be hearing things..again"

Once she turned around her reflection stood out to her, she seemed different than a few days ago.Her mane was dirty and full of dirt while her hooves had scratches and bruises.
She quickly snapped put of her inner thoughts when she heard the same voice but louder, it was the same cloaked pony she had seen several times now standing next to her.

Bleak had been taken by surprise but quickly regained her composture and approached the figure with caution.

"Tell me...how do I exactly begin my journey, I haven't the foggiest on what to do"

the cloaked figure removed its hood and revealed itslef as an old bearded pegasi with a permanent frown.

"Bleak..head for the mountain west of here and salvage the blue orb that is hidden in the heart of it, once you regain it your destiny will be clear"

Bleak analyzed what the pegasi had said and spoke back.

"Can you guide me to the place..your wings could be uselful"

The pegasi shrugged and let out a deep sigh before his response.

"No..my physical form is about to collapse, I must return to the skies and ascend.I will not be able to appear in this form ever again...but keep in mind that we will be watching you with great care.
A time will come when you'll have to finish your journey alone and without the help of anyone, until then be brave"

The figure of the pegasi slowly faded before after he gave a small smile to Bleak who stood speechless and waited for her only guide to dssappear.



Bleak seemed an ant compared to the size of the mountain on which foot she was stepping, she rose her head and looked for the top of the mountain with here eyes but all was hidden by a cloud of fog.

After a few minutes of investigation Bleak noticed a cave entrance on the far west of the mountain, without thinking it twice she stepped inside unaware of what it would conceal.

She felt ready for this task, a few hours ago she was nothing but a small filly but now she felt as strong as a mare.