//------------------------------// // Noctia Starherb // Story: The Misfits of Ponyville // by NoctiaoftheNight //------------------------------// If remembered, last you were at the doorstep of Noctia Starherb's house--a tall house with a foreboding air. The ponies around you hurry endlessly as you gape at the tall lapis lazuli colored library. You knock tentatively on the red door, the oak that makes it is strong and rough. Almost immediately, the door is swung open by purple magic, and standing there is what could only be a pony of 15. She fit the Mayor's description of Miss Noctia though... She spoke kindly and thoughtfully, her voice seeming to pluck out the feeling that swam about her--the kind of feeling you get when snuggled up in a warm blanket with a book by a fire on a chilly fall afternoon--and made her grass green eyes dance and glitter. "Hello. You must be the new stallion around town. I am Noctia Starherb, but you may call me Nikki, if you wish." she said. Her words did not drawl, exactly, but were slow and well thought out. She was a dark navy color, like the night sky that hung over the sea. Her mane and tail were both a light purple, that seemed to give off it's own radiance as her horn glowed, holding a book she had been in the midst of re-stocking by magic. Her flank held a picture of 3 white, bright stars connected by thin, vine-like strands of purple, and surrounded by smaller stars. She stood upon a red carpet, trimmed with gold, and was surrounded by numerous amounts of bookshelves, holding numerous amounts of books. Just then, your words decided to stumble as her green eyes inspected you, and you took in the beauty behind the somewhat scruffy purple mane that hung over half her face. "H-hello, Miss N-Noctia. Th-the Mayor s-sent me h-here. T-Told me to get s-some kind of...w-welcoming g-gift of sorts?" you felt your face grow hot as she grinned, looking somewhat amused. "Right. The bedtime story book for weary travelers. Got it." She turned and brought a large book down from her desk, setting it into your saddle pack."This has all the stories from around Ponyville, tall tales or not." She grinned and tilted her head. "Why did you come to Ponyville, anyways?"the question almost makes you jump. "I'd rather keep my old life a secret, madam. I'm looking for some down time before I really begin my life around here." you answer humbly. That only makes her eyes narrow to a keen-gleam stare. "Well, if you're looking for down time, I suggest heading to the west, towards the Everfree forest. Look up and find a cloud with a conch shell on it, then call up." She sounded almost defeated but her eyes betrayed her true victory. "Righto, ma'am." you say almost cheerfully. She grins as she waves you off. You'll have to come here more often. You do as she says and walk to the west. Soon, you find that there is less of a crowd, and it is a lot more peaceful. You walk across a bridge and onto a pathway with tall pine trees in neat rows along side you. Then, you walk into a clearing that leads to the Everfree forest. The forest is dark and scary-looking, with tall trees and hanging vines that look like snakes ready to bite your head off. Many ferns and shrubby-looking plants inhabit the ground. You shudder and turn to the laughing, cheery blue sky. Theres only a few clouds in the sky, and one immediately catches your eye. It's fluffy and white, and it has a blue conch shell with a music note floating out of it. This must be the place Noctia was talking about. A harsh cold wind whips around your legs as you begin to dread moving to Ponyville. That cloud was up high and-- Was that a pony jumping off of it?!