//------------------------------// // Chapter 36 // Story: New Beginnings // by Hiver //------------------------------// Day 450. My new book was released yesterday. I sent a copy to Twilight Sparkle a few days ago, signed and everything like I promised. Most of yesterday was spent on a booksigning session. I was shocked by how many ponies showed up. Luna did, of course, get an early copy as well. I did show her the first movie in my dreams, but she never saw any of the others. I wanted to keep it a surprise for her as well. Honestly, I can't wait for the reactions to start filtering in. A entire world introduced to 'Sky, I am your Father!'. It's not just writing and spreading the stories that I love. The reactions are often even better... and not only that, but it get people thinking, imagining. Even using a story I know, like an adaptation of Star Wars, it's still creating worlds, people, in people's minds. The right... or wrong... word in the right place can change the course of the world. That's why people say the pen is mightier than the sword. Not that I think my writing does that, even with this magic butt tattoo boosting my skill. But I do hope it provides people with at least some entertainment. Give them fantastical worlds to get lost in for a moment. To get them to dream of new thi XXXXXXXXXX I looked up from my journal at the knock on the door. Hmm? It's not mail time now. Letting the quill drop onto the table, I headed over to open it. “Oh, hey, Thunder Cloud.” The pegasus grinned. “Hey Page, was passing by and figured I would check what you were up to.” “Nothing, really.” I answered and shook my head, stepping aside to let him inside as I closed the journal with my magic. “Just... kind of relaxing. Taking a couple of days to do nothing now that the new book is finally out.” “Oh yeah, I saw that on the way here. Empire Strikes Back. Good title. You know, I should probably get around to reading them at some point.” He said and looked around. “You know, I expected your place to be more... you know... bookish.” I looked around as well. I guess it was still a bit spartan, I had only upgraded the bed and put in a bookshelf that was currently quite full. Other than that, there was a pile of papers on the table next to the journal. “What did you expect, papers piled up everywhere?” I chuckled and then reached to pull a copy of A New Hope from the shelf with my magic, floating it over to him. “Here.” “Oh... thanks. But I can just buy one...” He said but took it, putting it beneath his wing. I shrugged. “I have like five of them laying around. So what are you up to?” He shrugged his free wing. “Nothing, really. No training today and nothing else planned.” he said and continued; “Most of my friends are off to weather school or whatever.” School system here was interesting. It actually reminded me a bit of home. From seven to sixteen, you went to school no matter what. Learning the basic things, reading, writing, geography, history. Math. At sixteen you graduated and then you either did something you discovered was your special talent... or in case of more advanced things, such as controlling the weather, you went to school or got to work as a apprentice. The guard, however, had a minimum age of seventeen to apply which meant he was stuck for another year while basically between stuff to do. I nodded. “I know that feeling.” I frowned in thought and continued; “Well, I'm not exactly doing anything. We should be able to find something to do. If nothing else, we can stop by the training ground and you can throw stuff at me, I really think I have that shield down by now. We can figure out something else to do later.” Cloud grinned at that. “Oh, really?” “Yes, really. It has not failed on me for over a month.” I wisely left out that it was with no strain on it and just casting it on its own. “Well, sounds go-” he started to say before there was a knock on the door. Raising an eyebrow, I walked over to look outside and spotted a batpony. “Yes?” “Blank Page?” He asked and reached to pull a scroll from his saddlebag. I opened the door fully. “Yes, that's me.” “A message, sir.” He said and handed the scrolls over, allowing me to take it with my magic. I nodded. “Thank you.” “Have a good day, sir.” He said before trotting away down the stairs. Eyeing the scrolls thoughtfully, I closed the door to find Cloud watching me curiously. “I can leave you to check that in private. If they were delivered by a royal guard, it must be important.” I shook my head. “Don't worry about it, I'll just check this and then we can head out.” Starting with the small one, I slid the strap off it and unrolled it. XXXXXXXXXX Dear Page, I LOVE IT! Luna, Princess of the Night and Mistress of Dreams. XXXXXXXXXX Grinning, I put the scroll away on the bookshelf. Glad she liked it. “Come on, let's go.”