It was hazy at first, like a brown flea clinging to a dog's rocky nose. But there was no denying that it was pony-made. As Rainbow Dash flew closer, the wooden cabin came into focus. It stood on the eastern promontory of a jutting mountain, one of the last few peaks of the ridge dividing the rough topography of the west from the sloping terrain stretching comfortably in front of the pegasus. What was more, the cabin wasn't alone. There stood a tall wooden tower to the side of it, complete with a red flag that billowed in the wind. It appeared to be a lookout post of sorts, but as Rainbow Dash touched down, she discovered that the tower was deserted.
With dull anticipation, Rainbow Dash trotted around until she was peering into a faded blue panel of glass in the north side of the cabin. Sure enough, nopony was inside. Regardless, this hardly depressed her. She was certain that she'd stumble upon further evidence of civilization beyond the peak, and soon she would be in the company of things that were slightly less boring than snow-covered mountains.
Without a second breath, Rainbow Dash kicked off the wooden building and flew under the midday sun. The clouds were heavy here, but they were hardly ominous. A gentle, silken quality embodied them, causing them to drift like translucent balloons over the enormity of the outstretched plains.
Rainbow Dash was coming upon the largest valley she had witnessed in her life. Instead of being arid and dry like the deserts of Appleloosa, this place was teaming with grass and bushes. The landscape had a moist, teal color to it, as if the morning dew never evaporated from the floor of the world. Whatever this “Emeraldine” was, it not only lived up to its name, it surpassed it. A tangy freshness filled Rainbow's nostrils as she coasted lower and lower across the landscape. The air was still cold, but not in an excrutiating way. She enjoyed the full breaths she was able to afford suddenly, skimming over the last of several rocky barricades as she came upon the full depth of the enormous valley.
As she soared past a final cluster of stone, she heard the thick trickle of cascading water and glanced down. She was startled to see a flat wooden roof, followed by a slowly revolving wheel of oaken panels.
It was a mill, and a waterwheel had been erected at the neck of a rapidly gushing waterfall. What was more, there were four-legged figures trotting back and forth between instruments and workstations. They were earth ponies, Rainbow Dash surmised with a prolonged, yet smiling groan. Instead of leather, many of them had their front halves and lower legs bundled in wool. A glittering sheen of moisture danced off the fabric of their sweaters as they briskly worked to make meal out of a thatched collection of harvested wheat.
Unlike the grim inhabitants of Windthrow, these ponies bore a relatively pleasant complexion. They'd frequently pause in the middle of their own work to greet other ponies and share a happy little conversation. Several ponies laughed, others nuzzled each other, and as soon as the disparate bits of discussion ended, the workers went on their merry way. Overall, they were as happy and resplendent as the immense land they worked off of.
Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. She heard shouting sounds ahead of her. Facing east once again, she discovered that she was gliding over several rooftops of a tiny little wooden village lying at the foot of the mountains. The place was tinier then Ponyville, and it hugged the smallest, quietest of lakes that was collected at the far end of a creek beyond the mill. Still, the dwelling felt as densely populated as from where Rainbow hailed. Ponies formed busy clusters in the marketplace, took their pets for walks, chatted with their loved ones, and escorted their foals to and from school. If Rainbow Dash tried really hard, she imagined that she could even hear singing.
Attracted once again to the sound of shouts, Rainbow Dash glanced to her left. She saw a wide open field between a triad of large buildings. Within it, several ponies had lined up into two groups, and several more ponies were spectating as the teams fought for control of a bouncing ball. Rainbow spotted netted goals on the far ends of each field, and was swiftly beginning to figure out the rules without even asking anypony.
Not a single soul glanced up at her as she circled lower and lower around the field. She imagined that it was because these earth ponies—much like the norther populace of Wintergait—just weren't familiar with pegasi. Stifling a tiny snicker, Rainbow Dash flew down and settled atop a wooden shed just behind a line of cheering bystanders. Relaxing her wings, she squatted low and listened in on the ball game...
So ... what exactly is this story? I'm not certain if I want to get invested yet.
1033611
It's about rainbow dash and exploration. It's an adventure story! Each chapter is short but beautifully written. It updates with a short chapter every day.
1033611
Rainbow Dash does Far Lands or Bust. See the scenery, have adventures, tease us with mysteries.
So I've had this one on the back burner for a while because I was trying to clear the completed storied out of my read later list before I invested in a new one. I finally broke down and spent the last 6 or so hours immersed in this story. You sir, are a master off your craft and I eagerly await the continuation of this work of art.
Totally expected her to watch just long enough to learn the rules of the game and then swoop in and score for the losing team.
Rugby? Rugby!? dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/misc_Lyra_smile.png
Awww yeah I think it's a game of hoofball (football or what Americans call soccer)
1035114 a brony farlander?! Where have you been all my life!?
IIIIIt's Dashie's evaluation time!
So in this chapter, we get some more civilization. Presumably, the town of Emeraldine. But there doesn't seem to be anything bad going on with it's inhabitants right now, so...I'm not really sure where the author is going with this. But get, if it means dialogue, I'm all for it. These are my thoughts so far.
-MASH
P.S. Be glad I wrote this. I just got back from the homecoming dance and the music was like 120 decibels. So...just be glad.
Pedodash
From 56 to 106 in a little over five hours' total reading time. Another quarter of the story done.
Because most of the commentators are such great predictors and I am not, I've resolved to trying to completely ignore comments from now on.
Wow a whole new civilization. It's too bad they can't communicate with Equestria. Telegraph maybe?
2096070
I'm very far behind you, but I fully agree.
I think the initial lack of a plot and withholding of details encouraged a lot of speculation. It's like everybody knows one another in the comment section.
1518755>>2096070>>3347157
We do not know each other, yet we empathize. The only communication we have will likely never reach each other's eyes. No response is given, no thought recognized. Yet we are connected, for we read this story and puzzle at the mysteries and sigh at the size.
Ah, I love this place already. everything is fresh and green, the ponies are friendly, there seems to be no trouble in this lovely little village... something very bad will occur.
Interesting. Proto-Ponyville is interesting.
Such civilisation! And more earth ponies. I wonder why there aren't pegasi and unicorns this far out... Also, hoofball/football! Soccer for you "'Muricans".
"people are strange, when youre a stranger"...
It must feel strange to find such a happy town after enduring such harsh conditions alone for so long...
Reminds me of returning from Iraq. After a year in a desolate environment to just see green again true green, everywhere is overwhelming. You go through life usually not noticing such things until you've lived without and then seeing what others consider normal is a spectacle beyond words.
7534011
You served?
Thank you
7534011
wow thank you so much for that beautiful description, and thank you for being a hero and protecting our freedom
It's nice that this place seems so peaceful and welcoming....
I don't trust it.
Civilisation once more! That means there's food.
The only important thing here.9892538
Probaby hate pegasi and unicorns. this far out they may hold a pre-unificarion culture.