//------------------------------// // A Walk in the Woods // Story: Castle Crushers // by Ebonysdagger //------------------------------// It was a lovely day in Equestria unless you happened to be in the middle of the Everfree for it was a dark and ominous as ever or at least it appeared that way at first at any rate. For Luna and Twilight Sparkle the forest seemed to be merely thick with overgrowth that morning. The sunlight somewhat choked out by the canopy above and vines hiding a path that seemed to exist more in Luna’s memories than in physical material after all these years. The two were on a trip to the old castle to see if they could not find some of the kingdom’s older tomes on governance so as to help bolster Twilight’s education. Luna had insisted on retrieving not only the records in the former library but also her personal collection of records so as to help Twilight understand some of the evolution of the governmental process over all these years. “Why are we doing this again? There are records of how things were back before you were banished in the history books.” Twilight asked as they made their way through the forest. “It is because those books lack spirit. I understand the need for emotional detachment when teaching about history but that will not explain to somepony the why of what happened merely that it did.” Luna turned to answer Twilight just as they had come upon the river that might still house a river serpent. “So why not tell me about it yourself?” Twilight asked the second question, well it was really the primary question but she felt it needed to be worked toward, that was on her mind. “A millennium spent seething in rage and hate does things to one’s memories, fair Twilight. It is hard sometimes for me to recall even some of my memories of growing up never mind the memories of why I might have called for food to be set aside for a few years just in case a famine might happen or why I might have presided over the wedding of so and so lords of whatever over another couple of equal standing.” Luna answered as her eyes, adept to darkness, located the minute traces of the former path through the forest on the other side. “Ah, I see.” Twilight could indeed see how such a time might mess with memories if by nothing else than coloring them with the emotions and thus altering the perception of one’s own reasons. The two took flight across the river to its other side and continued on their way. As they did so they failed to notice glowing blue eyes watching them from the branches of the trees above them. Elsewhere, somewhere in the depths of the badlands, a wicked queen observed their journey through the forest through those eyes and began to grin. “Keep watch. If they start to leave, do whatever it takes to keep them in the forest.” Chrysalis severed the connection with her changelings and turned to her green crystal orb which depicted a glassy eyed Celestia. “Now, Tia, I believe we were discussing some changes about your troop movement.” Nearing the rope bridge Luna decided to ask Twilight her own question as she had to know how Twilight kept her figure if she stayed indoors most of the time. “Given that you live near this forest have you taken the chance to use it for exercise?” “I suppose you could say that. I travel into it on a regular basis to speak with Zecora. She is that zebra friend of mine I’ve mentioned before. You know we should stop by and see her on our way out. I think you would enjoy meeting her.” Twilight answered as she took flight across the gap leaving Luna behind for a moment. Taking wing to catch up with Twilight, Luna pondered if they could work in the visit. “Sure, we are not on any schedule or anything. This is the one you said used magic even though she doesn’t have a horn, yes?” “Indeed. Admittedly she seemed to be mostly knowledgeable about meditation techniques a unicorn could use to refine and strengthen their power. If I was a more suspicious mare I would assume Celestia placed her out here for my training.” Luna laughed at that. “While my sister is given to such machinations I am sure she would not go quite that far. Zebras were never fond of playing those kinds of games and even less at being the pawns in them. Shamans, as this one sounds like she is, less so. “ Twilight giggled a bit at that as she had found upon her ascension records backing up Luna’s statement to some degree. The whole reason Ponyville occupied the land it did was so it would be near the elements. There were foot notes that indicated Celestia expected the settlement to grow and house strange and unique ponies as a result. That plan had paid off in her opinion even if she felt strange could be replaced with crazy in the description. “Why did you ask about me using the Everfree for exercise?” “Curiosity mostly. I come here regularly and test myself against the creatures here to keep from getting too soft. Sure there are large creatures elsewhere but this is the most packed place for threats to do so with. I had pondered if you did similar to keep your magic up.” “You would get along with Rainbow I think, Luna. She likes to test herself by buzzing the quarry eels down in Ghastly Gorge. No, I don’t regularly do anything quite that extreme. Never saw much reason to take the risk before though I did give a cockatrice a wallop up the side of the head a year ago after it had turned me into stone.” “Ah, here we are. As for being turned to stone I have heard it’s unpleasant. Thankfully you got out and with any luck that will never happen to you again.” Luna alighted outside the castle with Twilight coming in to land at her side. “Shall we go inside and start?” Luna personally could not wait to see Twilight go on a tear through the library and begin studying. It always amused her so to see the former unicorn enjoying herself so much. Twilight nodded her head and the two entered into the old castle. Luna lead the way toward the library Twilight knew about from her previous visits. As always the moment they entered Twilight’s eyes began to sparkle much like Luna’s treasured stars and the purple alicorn begin to set out to start reading. “Remember Twilight, just the books on court sessions.” Luna felt bad the moment she saw a slight slump in Twilight’s demeanor but smiled when she saw the magical prodigy perk back up after hearing what she said next. “After all, we have my personal archive after this. With any luck some of my old magic books are still there.”