We crossed into the thick brush of the untamed forest and the wind died down to a complete halt. The air inside the prison bars of trees was trapped in, and the outside wind, locked out. We were isolated from the world beyond the wild woods. But, we certainly were not alone.
Silently we stalked through to our destination which lay deeper and deeper into this overgrown amalgamation of shrubbery. I had heard stories of the Forest Everfree. I knew of its weather that acted sentient and how the plants grew without earth pony care. My father would tell me tales to keep me on my hooves. When I was younger, much younger, I dreaded the thought of going to such a place. But, I had nothing to fear, being safe inside Canterlot Castle.
I didn't think Celestia to be the kind of pony who feared anything, but still. Why were we in a place like this? As we drew deeper the lurking creatures who observed our every move got braver. At first I would see one set of eyes in the distance, every so often. But now, I could catch glimpses of their shadowy forms moving swiftly and preparing to strike.
If they ever got too close I felt a warmth in my soul as if reassuring me of my safety. I knew it was her. Right before it happened Celestia would tilt her head and shuffle her wings ever so slightly. To a master of the arcane like myself I knew that even the smallest twitches could mean something tremendous if done properly. This further reassured me of Celestia's awesome might.
We came upon a few clearings and then a river. Celestia froze the water so we could pass unhindered. Or she could anyway. I on the other hoof had great trouble keeping my balance and slid to and fro before finally reaching the appropriate side. This of course made her giggle but I was too concerned to be amused. On one of my passes across the ice I saw a large ominous creature swim directly under me. I told Celestia about it but she only told me not to worry about "him". As if it meant nothing to her. Was this large and quite possibly dangerous creature a pet of hers!? I began to feel like I'd gotten in far deeper into this web of secrets than I wanted to.
But, before I could finish my thought the next thing I knew Celestia was saving me from falling off a cliff. I screamed when I realized what had happened and it echoed on throughout the whole forest. "I'm sorry Celestia I wasn't paying attention". I said after my screaming had ceased and I had calmed down, realizing now I was no longer in danger.
"It's alright, I'm glad you're safe".
"Thank you".
"Of course Shadow. It's not much further ahead". She said as she lifted the bridge up with her magic and tied it securely in place. "Can you manage"?
"Yes of course". I said jumping to my hooves. "I'm not out yet".
"I'd hope not. Nothing has really happened". She said laughing. It was good to see her happy again. Even if it was at me. However, this happiness soon faded as we approached our journey’s end. A short ways across the rope bridge we came upon the tattered remains of an old castle. The large doors to the entrance of the castle hall were flung open, though, the holes in the brick walls were large enough for most ponies to sneak in anyways. Moss clung to the bricks seeping deep into the core of the building blocks that made up the castle walls. Truly these dilapidated ruins had seen brighter days.
“It’s a shame such marvelous workponyship has been forgotten and left to rot away”. I said turning to Celestia hoping this would spark a conversation that might last. She merely regarded my comment with a nod followed by a soft sigh. I looked around and noticed that all the dark creatures that had been so eager to pounce on us before, had left. All that remained was an eerie silence that swept through like fog in early mornings. Not a hiss or purr broke the spell of muteness. As Celestia marched onward into this unnamed but familiar castle she was unfazed by the change in volume. But to me the silence was deafening. I couldn't shake the unsettling feeling in my ‘heart’.
I wouldn't be left alone in a place like this so I followed behind the Princess very closely. The walls creaked and the floor squeaked. Wind reached this part of the forest and blew through the broken windows with ease. The night was cold and the cobblestone floor was freezing to the touch. It wasn't long before I started to shiver and shake. I tore my thoughts away from the cold and tried to think about where I was. As I looked around I saw long ornate tapestry hanging on the walls. Although they were torn and faded I could tell that they seemed to detail events that took place long ago. Similar to the stained glass windows in Canterlot castle.
We stepped out of the hall and through another set of doors into a large library. Two or more stories high at least. Piled high with bookcases lined with books. I wasn't much for reading and I didn't have my favorite little chronicler so I just skimmed over the titles. We ponies sure love to alliterate. The sheer size of the library was impressive to me but I would have preferred it in better shape. I silently took in the awe of the room as Celestia walked to a table near the center. Turning back she smiled and said to me.
“Watch this” Her gentle hoof outstretched and ever so gingerly tipped over one of the chairs that accompanied the table. My eyes widened and I tensed up in anticipation waiting to for the loud crash of the chair hitting the floor but it stopped itself from falling. With each subtle inch that it moved a click resonated through the silence in the library and one final, slightly louder, click echoed before its halt. Then, almost instantly air rushed towards two nearby bookcases and they were suddenly flung ajar.
My jaw hung loosely and Celestia smiled as she entered and lit up the small hidden room she had now revealed. I eagerly rushed in after her taking a look around. Inside was yet another bookcase but this was much smaller and most the books I could see at a quick glance were about magic training. To the right was an assortment of chairs and pillows lined the outer edge of the small antechamber. Plenty of places to sit and read. If one wished to stand and read a single podium was in the very center. But, the most interesting thing in the room were the two stained glass windows at the back. One was day themed and the other moon themed. And that's when it hit me. I then knew where I was.