Chapter 1: The Lost Filly
The cold wind blew wildly, as a dark storm covered the clear night sky; blocking the radiant moon and the diamond like stars that lit the night sky behind its dark clouds. Apart from the wind only the sound of raindrops were steadily beginning to echo through the forest, which surrounded the mid-eastern section of the country known as Equestria, slowly getting louder. The trees creaked and swayed as the wind pushed against their leaves. The rain poured through the gaps within the vast forest. Flooding puddles on the ground. The creatures of the forest were all hidden in their homes, trying to stay dry from the rain. The occasional clash of lightning lit the sky revealing the dark grey clouds, Thunder roaring with each bolt.
Deep within the forest, out of sight from the ponies that inhabited Equestria, laid a large meadow. The fresh, new flowers of spring littered the ground as it slopped down to a small pond. The rain poured on the meadow, drenching the ground as puddles formed in the occasional dip and holes in the ground. The clearing lit up like a candle with every crack of lightning, giving a radiant blue-grey shade to the scenery. On the edge of the northern part of the clearing, just under the trees that bordered it, was a large cottage. Its roof was lined with straw and moss. Its walls had light brown shingles with white frames around the brown door and windows. Along the front of the cottage was a porch with a canopy above it. On the door was a small magic torch that shown bright under the darkness of the trees lighting up the porch and the yard in front of the cottage. Water from the rain trickled off the porch’s wood canopy and splashed on the ground.
The cottage was still and quite. The only light within the cottage was the soft red glow from the leftover coals in the fireplace, but even that was not enough to have any significance in lighting the room in which they lay. The silence that flooded the cottage was only broken by the storm outside. The rain echoed softly through the rooms as it hit against the wood walls and windows. The thunder roared with each flash of lightning, lighting up nearly every room for a mere moment. None of which was enough to wake the two ponies sisters who lived here. Both had been fast asleep.
The younger sister’s night however, was rough. She tossed and turned as she slept. Her breathing increased and her heart raced. Nightmares flooded her mind; it was one she had on occasion. With a yell of terror she shot up right in her bed. She breathed deeply and dug her hooves into her covers. Her midnight blue coat and navy blue mane was drench with sweat. Her mane hung down covering her face allowing only the tip of her horn to be seen. Her body trembled from both the dream and the cold air that filled her room. She slowly turned her head to examine her surroundings and herself. She extended both her wings then continued to look around. She sighed in relief when she recognized her room; the nightmare was over.
“Luna?” said a voice from behind her as the sound of her door opening echoed throughout the room. Luna turned to see a white pony with a pink mane and tail. Like Luna she had a horn, wings, and (not common for ponies their ages) had no cutie mark; although her horn was slightly longer then Luna’s. “Tia,” Luna said in a soft voice, with a slight tremble. Tia (or Celestia, which happens is her real name) walked over to Luna’s bed and sat down next to her. “Are you alright Luna? I heard you scream,” Celestia asked, her eyes revealing the worry she felt. Luna lowered her head “I’m fine,” Luna replied with hesitation.
“Was it the dream again?” Celestia continued as she levitated a blanket around her sister. The soft yellow glow of her magic surrounded the blanket and her horn letting an aura of light. Luna nodded slowly, clenching the covers of her bed between her hooves. “Every time it’s the same,” Luna said with a slight tremble, “I’m basking in the warm sun, and then the sky turns red. All around me Ponies like large shadows race towards me. They yell and call me monster. They chase me through paths of fire and thorns till the ground cracks in front of me, creating a massive chasm. And when I try to fly, my wings won’t move. And then the ground beneath me gives way and I fall. At the bottom of the chasm a pair of red eyes appears and a monstrous mouth opens and I fall in.” Luna stopped; tears begin to flow down her face. “Why, Tia?” Luna asked. Celestia hugged Luna and rested her head on hers. “Why, did we have to be born Alicorns?” Luna continued, whipping her tears away with her fore hoof.
“Believe me, I to wish we hadn’t been born Alicorn. Things would have been different, and we wouldn’t have to live in hiding. But we are and that won’t change. And I don’t know why things happen the way they do.” Celestia spoke softly, “but I do know that because of the things our kind have done in the past, the ponies of Equestria fear and hate us.”
“But why must we be blamed and feared for the actions of our ancestors?”
“Heaven knows Luna, and I wish I had the answers. It is just the way the world is, they fear and judge with hate; blaming others for the past actions that are not of their doing.” Celestia stood up and walked to the window. Her reflection on the glass rippled from the rain water. She closed her eyes and was quite for a moment. “Tia,” Luna asked breaking the silence, “Is something the matter?” Celestia turned and smiled. She walked over to Luna and hugged her, placing her forehead against Luna’s. “It’s nothing Luna I just got lost in thought. I’m fine. Now get some sleep, my dear sister.” Celestia replied. She turned and walked toward the door. Luna watched her leave. “Good night sister,” Luna said as Celestia turned to shut the door. Celestia smiled and replied “good night,” as she slowly closed the door so she wouldn’t disturb her sister who was already fast asleep again. Celestia laughed quietly and she turned and left down the hall.
The next morning was a clear sunny day. The Weather Ponies, which was made up of large teams of Pegasi and Unicorns, cleared up the rain storm early in the morning. Birds chirped and sang from within the trees. Rays of sun light shone brightly through the gaps in the leaves. A warm breeze blew softly through the grass in the small meadow. Celestia was active in the cottage preparing breakfast for her and Luna. Smoke rose from the stove chimney, letting a lovely aroma of freshly cooked oat cakes and hot tea. “Luna,” Celestia called out, “rise and shine or you will miss the day.” Celestia lifted a few hot oat cakes with her magic, the pale yellow glow surrounding the bunch, and set them on a plate then sat the plate on the dining table. A few short moments later Luna came straggling into the dining room. “Morning Tia,” Luna said yawning, “Did you sleep well?” Luna sat down on one of the mats that were at the dining table.
“Yes, I had a lovely nights rest,” Celestia replied as she sat down at the end of the table across from Luna, and took a sip of her tea. “You on the other hoof look as though you are still asleep.” Luna let a small chuckle and turned to look out the window. The warm sun light shone brightly through the window. “The Weather Ponies sure out did themselves with clearing up that storm” Luna said trying to make a conversation.
“Yes, it was all clear when I got up,” Celestia continued.
“Wait, the Weather Ponies were up before you Tia?” Luna asked with a laugh, “that’s a first; normally you’re up at the crack of dawn. No pony is up before for you.” Luna let out a big laugh. Celestia rolled her eyes and laughed as she took another drink of her tea. “Yes, well shortly after you fell back asleep, I was disturbed by a loud noise.” Celestia said after Luna calmed down.
“Noise, what from?” Luna asked.
“Not sure, when I went out to check what it was there was nothing. Although it sounded like something crashed into the side of the cottage.”
“It may have been an animal.”
“Yes well, due to it I didn’t get to sleep right away so I over slept.”
“Hmm, I see, okay I’ll let it go…but just this once.” Luna finished with a laugh.
After they finished their breakfast Luna went out to work on the garden, which Luna took pride in tending too every day. “I’m going to check on my garden,” Luna said as she walked out the front door. The garden was set at the back of the cottage where it got a decent amount of sun light during most of the day due to a gap in the trees. Luna walked around to the garden and noticed something was wrong the moment she entered the fence. She walked over to a path that had been trampled through her lettuce patch. Luna looked around toward the fence. “What’s this?” Luna asked herself as she approached an area of the fence, “a hole, but what could have made this?” The hole was small and had been smashed though the wood planks it was made from. Luna froze when she noticed massive claw marks running along the wood and on the ground. “Timberwolves,” She said as a cold chill went along her back. Then something else caught her attention; a large rock was embedded into the ground by her feet. As though it were shoot out of a canon. Immediately she turned back to her garden where the lettuce was, she slowly walked toward the patch. She had a hunch as to what made the hole and trampled the lettuce, but didn’t want to believe it. When she got closer she noticed a few shingles torn perfectly off their nails creating a small hole. Luna looked inside and was taken aback, shocked at what she saw, her hunch was right. “CELESTIA!” She yelled as loud as she could, “GET OUT HERE QUICK!”
Luna looked back into the hole to see a young filly unicorn with a silvery-gray coat and a yellow-blond mane and tale with a single golden strip that ran down the left side of her bangs and down her tail. Her mane was cut at a medium length and was let hang loose, in a rather casual style and her tail was the same but a slightly longer length. Her coat was soft and looked like silver velvet (apart from the dirt and mud that covered it.) The filly crawled backwards deeper into the underbelly of the cottage at the sight of Luna. “Oh no, it’s okay little one,” Luna said softly. The filly looked at her; tears flowed from her pale-purple eyes from fear. The filly’s gaze trailed past Luna and back to her before backing in deeper. “I’m not going to hurt you,” Luna continued in the same soft, kind tone as before, “can you come out little one?” The filly shook her head tears still flowing. “It’s okay, the monsters are gone you’re safe now. I won’t let anything hurt you. Can you come out please little one?” The filly, through her tears, looked out past Luna before slowly crawling towards the opening. Luna sat down to wait for the filly by the hole, giving a few feet of a space between her and the hole.
The filly stuck her head out for a second before pulling it back in. She eventually started to crawl out and instantly ran behind Luna’s front legs, and stuck her head out between them to observe her surroundings. Luna smiled; this was all new to her. Luna observed the filly; she was covered with dirt and mud. Her mane and tail was littered with leaves and twigs. Luna’s expression changed to concern. Thoughts began to flood her mind like where did she come from and how long was she alone in the forest? “Luna, what’s wrong?” Luna turned to see Celestia run around the corner, breathing heavily, “I heard you yell my name…and” Celestia continued as she panted.
“I fine, but…” Luna hesitated.
“What is it?” Celestia approached Luna. Luna moved her right leg revealing the filly that was now staring down Celestia. “I-I found your loud noise,” Luna replied as the filly backed into her stomach. “It’s okay she’s me sister, she won’t hurt you.” Luna said softly to the filly. She looked up at Luna, “Your sister,” she stuttered still a little fearful. Luna smiled as she nodded. Celestia stood in shock: not knowing what to make of it. Here was this little filly lost, scared and confused at what was going on. She clung to Luna like a child to her mother, looking for security. Celestia walked toward Luna slowly (so she wouldn’t scare the already frightened filly) and watched the filly. “Where was she, Luna?” Celestia asked still trying to grasp the situation. Luna didn’t answer directly, she merely pointed to the hole in the wall; never once taking her eyes off of the filly. A sinking feeling loomed over Celestia; this filly had been hiding in there all night cold and scared.
“Celestia,” Luna asked, “What should we do?” Celestia was quiet for a moment.
“Well, we can’t just leave her out here. Come, let’s go inside.” Celestia replied as she turned to walk back inside.
“Yes, of course. Come on little one let’s get you cleaned up shall we?” The filly looked up at Luna.
“Okay,” she said softly and immediately scurry to her hooves and followed close to Luna’s Side.
“Celestia,” Luna called as she entered the main room of the Cottage. Celestia turned in response, “yes Luna?” she asked and then her attention was drawn to the small silver pony, who was fresh from her bath, prancing up next to Luna. Her coat, which was covered in dirt and dry mud, was now nice and clean and look as though is were made of silver velvet. Her mane and tail were brushed but maintained that casual look she had before. Each strand of hair shone like the purest gold, and was as smooth as the finest silk. “Dear me little one, you look absolutely beautiful.” Celestia said with a smile. The filly’s eyes lit up at Celestia’s remake.
“Th-Thank you, ma’am,” she said in the sweetest and most polite tone that was like a soothing symphony of perfect harmony.
“Are you hungry?” Celestia asked even though she already knew the answer. The filly nodded and made her way to the dining table and sat down. Immediately her eyes widened at the sight of the food that was prepared, the sweet aroma tickling her muzzle. “Well, what are you waiting for? Dig in little one,” Celestia said with a smile. With that she took a big bite of an oat cake, the delectable flavors danced a lovely ballet in her mouth. Luna sat down in front of her and let of a silent chuckle. “So my dear do you have a name we could call you, so that we don’t have to refer to you as little one?” Luna asked.
“Yes my name is Velvet Harmony,” Velvet replied softly.
“Velvet Harmony, what a lovely name. Well I’m Luna and my sister over there is Celestia.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Velvet.” Celestia said kindly.
“It’s nice to meet you too,” Velvet said before taking another bite of her oat cake. Luna watched quietly as Velvet ate, she still didn’t know what to make of this. The only interactions she had, had been with her sister, and this had been the first time a pony from outside the forest had found their cottage. Ponies tend to avoid going this far into the Everfree Forest, due to the creatures that dwelt this deep in the forest. The thoughts of the Timberwolves held its grip on Luna’s mind. “Poor thing, she must have been horrified.” Luna thought to herself. Her thoughts traveled deeper into a trance like state. “Luna… Luna… Luna” Celestia said knocking Luna out of her trance.
“Huh,” Luna said as she looked at Celestia, who was nodding towards Velvet, who was fast asleep with her head resting in her hooves on the table. “Oh my, how long was I spaced out?” Luna asked. Celestia looked over at Velvet.
“My guess is about ten minutes. She fell asleep before she could finish her food.” Celestia replied.
“I see, poor thing, she must have been up all night due to the Timberwolves.”
“Timberwolves?” Celestia said in a worried tone turning her attention to Luna.
“Yes there were claw marks on the fence; my bet is she was chased by them to our Cottage. And I believe that’s what you heard last night.” Celestia look back at Velvet with even more regret, wishing she had taken a better look outside. Celestia collected her thoughts and composure. “Well, we can be grateful that she wasn’t hurt. Now how about you put her to bed, and let her rest” Celestia spoke softly as she levitated Velvet’s plates with her magic and put it in the sink.
“Alright,” Luna replied. She got up and walked over to Velvet, gently picked her up with her hoof, and took her to her room.
A few moments later Luna walked into the living room to see Celestia reading under candle light. Celestia looked up at Luna and watched her sit down on her seat. Luna looked off in the direction of her room where Velvet was. An expression of unease and concern bore itself on Luna’s normally cheerful face. “What’s on your mind, Luna?” Celestia asked setting her book down on the end table next to her chair. Luna turned to her attention to her sister.
“I just, can’t stop thinking about what we are going to do about Velvet Harmony, and what she is doing this far into the Everfree Forest of all place.” Luna replied calmly. Celestia’s gaze traveled to the hall, which lead to their rooms. Celestia, for the first time in years, had no clue as to what to do. Their lives had been simple (difficult, and complicated, but simple) from finding this meadow till now. Not having to worry about trouble. Apart from the occasional creature trying to break into the garden or a Timberwolf, nothing of major concern ever happened. “I’m not sure what we’re going to do, to be perfectly honest,” Celestia said with a sigh. Luna looked deeply at her sister.
“Well,” Luna spoke suddenly, “maybe we could, I don’t know, take her home.” Celestia’s attention snapped to Luna, her eyes wide.
“You know we can’t do that, Luna,” Celestia said in a stern tone. Luna lowered her head.
“I know the risk of being discovered, but…” Luna paused, “but I just what to help her get home…”
“Luna,” Celestia tried to interrupt but Luna just kept going.
“Her family must be worried sick and…”
“Luna,” Celestia said again, but Luna kept going.
“If we hide our wings we could…”
“Luna!” Celestia yelled. Luna stopped that instant. A frown stretched along her face. Celestia stood up and walked over to Luna and sat down in front of her. “Listen Luna, I understand your only thinking about Velvet and want to get her home. But you must understand that you can’t just go out into the world. The other ponies will give only hatred and fear towards you.” Luna turned her head to the side, “I too want nothing more than for her to be able to return home, but I need to figure out a way to do so without putting myself or you in danger…”
“Danger of what? Their hateful words and fearful eyes?” Luna interrupted. Celestia paused for a moment, stunned by her tone. Something had suddenly changed in Luna, who just last night had nightmares due to her fear of the ponies that lived outside the forest. Did Velvet bring this change? Or was she never truly afraid of the outside world and the nightmares were a product of something else entirely? All these questions and more raced through Celestia’s mind. Then the memories of the past, when she was young, popped into her mind; memories of a painful event. Celestia collected herself, “Luna, I have seen what fear and hatred can bring out in ponies. And the pain it can cause.” Celestia said turning away from Luna. Luna caught a tear run down Celestia’s cheek, causing her heart to sink.
“Sister, it’s been twenty years since that day, and I feel there’s a chance they could learn to accept us.” Luna said softly remembering that Celestia experienced price of being an Alicorn.
“I wish that could be so, but one cannot learn what they refuse to see.” Celestia said turning back to Luna.
“But how can they get the chance to see if we don’t let them by hiding?”
“Luna, I’m sorry but I can’t let you, give me some time I’ll figure out what to do.”
“And how long will that take a day, a week. And all the while her parents have no idea if she is alright or where she is.”
“I’m sorry Luna, but if you’ve been though what I have then you would feel the same. You would know how great their fear and hate for us is.” Celestia picked up her book and left for her room. Her head hang low, she felt awful to have had to do what she did. But unlike Luna, who was still an infant at the time, she truly knew what hate and fear could bring ponies to do. Tears began to flow from Celestia’s eyes when she closed her bedroom door. Celestia flopped on her bed and begin to weep quietly. She looked up at her night stand and stared a photo though her tears. It was a photo of an elegant and graceful mare Alicorn and two fillies, Luna and Celestia. Luna, an infant at the time, was being held in the mare’s hooves as she lay on a large pillow. Celestia, who is several years older than Luna, was standing next to the mare looking at Luna with curiosity. Celestia began to cry some more and wrapped her hooves around the picture. “Mother, I wish you were here. I miss you so much.” She said to herself, and then she cried herself to sleep, gripping the picture in her embrace.
Late that night when the moon was at its peak, Luna was active, quietly darting back and forth in her room. Velvet Harmony was wide awake; lying on Luna’s bed watching her as she went back and forth. Luna dug in her wardrobe and pulled out a midnight-black cloak that had a metal clip in the shape of a Crescent moon, that held the cloak together at the collar near her left shoulder. “This will work.” Luna said to herself as she set the cloak, folded neatly on her bed. She turned and went back to her wardrobe and pulled out a saddle bag and set on the bed. Then with her magic, filled each side of the bag with supplies, including food, blankets, a compass, and an Atlas of Equestria. Velvet tilted her head to the side, not sure what Luna was doing. “There, that’s everything,” Luna said closing her bags and putting on her cloak. Luna sat on the bed next to Velvet. “Now Velvet, can you tell me where you’re from?” Luna asked softly. Velvet looked at Luna still confused. “Do you know where you live?” Luna continued.
“Yes, I live in Saddle Shores,” Velvet replied with a slow nod, “Why do you want to know?”
“Because, I’m going to take you home.” At that moment Velvet lit up and a big smile spread across her face in an instant.
“You are!” Velvet let out in a cheerful voice; jumping to her hooves.
“Hush now, we need to remain quiet,” Luna said quickly, “we can’t wake my sister.” Velvet looked at her with a confused expression. She didn’t understand why they couldn’t wake Celestia.
“Why?” she asked in an innocent manner. Luna hesitated to answer.
“Because…because she doesn’t know I’m doing this, nor does she want me to,” Luna replied softly.
“Why, doesn’t she want you to take me home? Does she not want me to get home?” Velvet asked lying back down. Luna watched as her head drooped.
“No she wants to get you home just as much as I do.” Luna replied petting Velvet’s mane softly with her hoof. Velvet looked up at Luna.
“Then why doesn’t she want you to take me home?”
“It’s because, she’s afraid of the ponies outside the forest.”
“Why is that?”
“Because, the other ponies hate and fear mine and my sister’s kind and a long time ago my sister experienced that in full. And will never forget it.”
“I don’t understand why would ponies hate and be afraid of you?”
“It’s because of our kinds past.” Velvet stared at Luna and leapt into her hooves and hugged her.
“Well I’m not afraid of you or hate you two,” Velvet said as she tightened her embrace. Luna smiled and returned the hug.
“I know, and I’m going to get you home, so let’s get going okay.” Luna said as she let Velvet go.
“Okay.” Velvet replied with a nod. Luna got off the bed place the saddle bag on her back, and told Velvet to climb on her back. Once Velvet was settled comfortably on Luna’s shoulders they quietly crept their way out of the cottage.
It was a cold, clear night. The sky was flooded with stars that danced like a million fireflies. The moon was full and its radiant light shone brightly; lighting up the meadow with a lovely bluish tint. Luna felt Velvet let out a shiver, and immediately pulled out her old cloak she had as a filly and wrapped it around Velvet. Luna originally had her cloak on to hide her wings, and brought the other for Velvet for when it gets cold. Saddle Shores is far to the south from the cottage and would be about a four or five day journey on hoof, it would be needed at some point. “Is that better Velvet?” Luna asked as she finished fastening Velvet’s cloak, which was a rose-red color.
“Yes much better,” Velvet replied. Luna smiled and with a small flash of magic from her horn, a beam of light shone from its tip pointing directly in front of her. And they made their way south across the meadow, around the pond and into the trees. Velvet ducked down as they entered the trees, still remembering the Timberwolves from the night before. “It’s alright; I won’t let anything hurt you. You’re perfectly safe.” Luna said reassuringly. Velvet relaxed and lifted her head up again. The forest was dark under the trees. The black silhouettes of the trees overlapped tightly creating a pitch black wall. The only light that was present was the moonlight from where the entered and the single ray of light from Luna’s horn. Luna looked behind her, the ray of light still pointing in the same direction, and noticed Velvet was still a little uneasy. Luna checked to see how far in they were but she could barely see the light where they entered. And with that Luna’s horn lit up once more and the ray of light expanded, lighting up the area around them at a ten foot radius.
Velvet marveled at the spell, as the area around them lit up as though it were day. Lovely forest flowers were scattered here and there, their reds, yellows, and purples contrasting with the green grass. The bright blues of a dew covered poison joke patch a few yards away from them reflected in the light, casting a small rainbow. Moss covered the trees and the occasional fallen log with beautiful shades of green and browns. Luna glanced back at Velvet, whose eyes were filled with an innocent wonder, and smirked. “Not so scary, now is it Velvet?” Luna asked turn her eyes back in front of her. Velvet looked at her, not quite understanding Luna’s question.
“What’s not?” Velvet asked. Luna giggled at the question; she didn’t know why she just found it funny for some reason.
“The forest, it’s not so scary now that you can see it.”
“Oh, no its not, it’s very pretty.” Luna smiled, as they walked they continued in conversation. Luna would laugh at times when Velvet said something so innocent it was funny. Their journey continued for several hours, until Luna heard Velvet let out a light snore after a few moments of silence. Luna turned to see Velvet fast asleep. She began to search for a good spot to rest for the night which didn’t take long. Luna found a small, flat area that was tightly surrounded by trees. Luna used her magic to gently lift Velvet off her back, the sapphire-blue glow of her magic circling the sleeping filly. She placed her bag on the ground and pulled out a blanket and a small pillow. She then fixed the blanket into a sleeping bag with the pillow inside. She then took off Velvet’s cloak off and laid her into the blanket softly. Then she quietly went just outside the trees to get fire wood, a simple task. There were dead logs, branches, and twigs all over the place (one of the benefit of no pony entering this deep into the forest, no campfires.) Luna returned with a large bundle of branches and stones, and after a few moments and a spark of flame from Luna’s horn a nice warm fire was burning brightly. Luna then went and rested by Velvet and watched the area around them. She wasn’t at all bothered by the dark forest. The moon was shining through the breaks in the trees, lighting the area in its soft glow.
Luna closed her eyes and took a breath and let it out with a comforting sigh. She never knew why but she had always felt at peace during a clear night when the moon was out. Luna looked up at the moon and stars that shone through the gap in the trees above them. The light from the moon reflected in Luna’s eyes. And finally she settled down and fell asleep.
The next morning Celestia woke at the crack of dawn as she always did. She walked through the hall, past Luna’s room without a thought, and made her way into the kitchen to prepare tea and breakfast. The sun began to shine over the trees, illuminating the due covered grass with an array of brilliant shades of oranges and yellows that blended perfectly. The suns light reflected off the water of the pond, and danced with each ripple. The tea pot began to hiss as the water inside begin boiled. The fragrance of the food filled the room. “Luna, Velvet, breakfast. It’s time to get up.” Celestia called out. A few moments past and there was no sign of the two. Celestia Called for them again and no response. “For crying out loud,” Celestia said to herself as she made her way to Luna’s room. “Luna it’s time to get up and…” she continued as she opened the door but stopped when she saw the room was empty. Celestia entered the room confused and noticed a piece of parchment rolled up on the bed. Celestia picked it up and started to read it.
“Celestia, I know you are only concerned about my safety. And no pony appreciates that more than me, but I must do this. I can’t just sit around with the thought of her parents worrying; not knowing if she’s safe or not. I can’t take that on my conscience. I will take her home; I’m not going to tell you not to follow us, because I know you will. In fact I expect you to. But I will ask you not to stop us. I don’t like having to go against you, but I just want to get her home and nothing more. And I promise to return upon doing so. I’ll back soon; follow us if you wish we are going south to Saddle Shores.’
‘Love, Luna.”
Celestia dropped the letter and rushed out of the room, into hers and gathered her things. She left the cottage and began to mutter a spell. “Lost to me, she who is dear. Till found, her path I shall see.” Celestia’s horn shone and (visible only to her) a path of purple light formed in the direction Luna was heading. Celestia took a deep breath and started for the forest with her cloak and bags. “I can’t fly because I’ll lose visibility of the trail. So all I can do is follow her on hoof till I’m out of the forest. But even then it’s very risky.” Celestia thought to herself as she entered the tree line of the meadow. “So it’s on hoof from now on.” Celestia stopped and took a quick glance back at the cottage and then made her way deeper and deeper into the forest.
Velvet rubbed her eyes with her fore hoof as she awoke. “Good morning, did you sleep well?” Velvet heard Luna ask from above her. Velvet looked up at Luna, who was lying next to her, and nodded as she rubbed her eyes and yawned. “Are you hungry?” Luna Asked as she got up and walked over to the fire, where some food was freshly cooked.
“Yes,” Velvet replied politely and hopped up and trotted toward Luna.
“Well then let’s eat.” Luna set the food onto plates and poured two cups of nice hot tea. “Dig in Velvet; we have a big day ahead of us.” Luna said as she took a bit of an oat cake. Velvet gave a nod before starting to eat.
They had finished their breakfast and had been walking for about an hour and enjoying each other’s company talking about the different things they saw along the way. Velvet listened as the birds chirped their song in perfect harmonic rhythm. All around them was the sweet fragrance of wild flowers. Velvet trotted along, beside Luna, surveying her surroundings; watching the birds and other forest creatures. She hadn’t noticed how beautiful the forest was before now. She had a sense of safety that was absent when she was alone. She couldn’t remember the fear she had of the forest. “So,” Luna spoke breaking a silence that had been going on for a few moments now, “what’s Saddle Shores like?” Velvet turned her attention to Luna.
“It’s a really big town, with tall buildings. And its right next to the ocean and everypony is always out and about.” Velvet said with a huge smile.
“Is that so? That does sound lovely.” Luna smiled, “you’ll have to show me around.”
“Really? Oh I could take you to my most favorite place in Saddle Shores!”
“Oh, and what might that be?”
“Clydesdale Park,” Velvet leapt up onto Luna’s back, “it’s the most beautiful place in town. There are cherry and apple trees everywhere, and in spring flower cover the grass. And the best part is the pond near the weeping willow tree. There are always duck there.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
“It is, Mommy always takes me there to feed the ducks and…” Velvet paused and remained silent. Luna turned to see sadness in Velvets eyes. Luna stopped walking and watched her for a moment. A tear trickled for Velvets eyes. “Velvet dear, might I ask how long you were lost in the forest before we found, or rather you found us?” Luna asked softly. Velvets eyes drifted.
“About two weeks.” Velvet replied. This hit Luna like a stone, Luna couldn’t believe she had been alone that long.
“What were you doing in the forest?” Luna continued softly trying hard not to upset her or herself for that matter.
“Mommy, Daddy and I were on a camping trip in our favorite spot, in a little clearing.”
‘So her parents were with her before she got lost,’ Luna thought to herself.
“You want to tell me what happened?” Velvet was silent tears still in her eyes. Luna could tell it was hard and painful for her to remember it.
“I see, that’s alright, I understand if you don’t want to think about it,” Luna spoke softly.
“No it’s okay. I’ll tell you what happened. It was a couple days after we arrived, and we heard howling and suddenly there were Timberwolves everywhere. Daddy told me to run and hide as he fought them off. But two of them ran after me, and by time I lost the Timberwolves I too was lost. And couldn’t find my way back.”
“And the night before we found you, the Timberwolves found you again.” Velvet nodded slowly not saying a word. “You miss them don’t you?” Luna asked, Velvet nodded and tears began to fall from her eyes even more. “I know how that feels,” Luna said as she continued walking. Velvet looked up at Luna.
“You do?” Velvet asked wiping her tears away with part of her cloak.
“Yes, my mother pasted away when I was very young. I never got to truly know her, and I wish I had.” Luna replied keeping a steady pace. Velvet watched her. “Celestia use to tell me stories about her and about how great she was.” Luna fell silent.
“Luna,” Velvet said breaking the silence.
“Yes, what is it Velvet,”
“Is your mom gone because you’re an Alicorn?” Velvet asked in a soft tone. Luna glanced at her for a moment and turned back.
“Yes.” Luna replied in joyless tone, Velvet lowered her gaze.
“How could ponies fear and hate you to a point you’d have to lose your mom because of it?” Velvet spoke in a tone of sheer disbelief. Luna stopped dead in her tracks.
“What, did you say?” Luna asked turning to Velvet.
“I don’t know how ponies could fear and hate you to a point that you’d have to lose your mom because of it. It’s wrong, mean and pointless.” Velvet turned, “I despise hatred, especially if it’s towards somepony who doesn’t deserve it. The world is better off without hatred.” She finished in a bitter tone. Luna remained quiet, speechless at her words. Then her thoughts and words returned. She knew why they feared her and her sister.
“They fear us because of the actions of our kind in the past,” Luna said as she continued walking, “that much I’ve told you. But there’s more to it. I’ll admit I don’t blame them for fearing us at first, but not to the point it has reached. And it’s all because of one Dark and Evil Alicorn and his followers that my kind has all but disappeared.” Luna paused for a moment. Velvet listened intently as Luna spoke. “And now we are feared, hated and called monsters. And so Celestia and I have had to spend our lives in that cottage that we built. Because of our history, we had to suffer, struggle, and…” Luna stopped, “oh I’m sorry I didn’t mean to go into all of that.”
“Oh no it’s okay.” Velvet said kindly then out of now where gave Luna a big hug.
“Velvet, what is this for?” Luna asked with a chuckle.
“Because, you need it Luna” Luna’s heart leapt in her chest. “And you are no monster; the only monsters are the ones that made you and your sister’s life hard. The ponies who took everything from you, because of their hate, are the true monsters not you.” Tears began to fall from Luna’s eyes as Velvet’s kind and meaningful words sunk deep into Luna’s heart. Luna closed her eyes and pulled Velvet off her back and returned her embrace. “Thank you, Velvet,” Luna said softly.
A few hours after the sun set, Luna and Velvet had stopped in a clearing to set up camp for the night. Luna had already made a fire and started to make some dinner. She hadn’t laid out their bedding yet. Velvet watched the fire across from Luna. “What are you making Luna?” Velvet asked as the scent from the food reached her muzzle. Luna smiled.
“I’m making a carrot and hay soup; it’s a recipe Celestia came up with. You’re going to love…” at that moment Luna turned, jumping to her hooves.
“Luna, what is it?” Velvet asked, but Luna attention remained fixed at the dark tree line. A serious look went across her face. Velvet went to get closer to Luna.
“Don’t! Stay still,” Luna said suddenly.
“What is it, what’s wrong?” Velvet asked, fear creeping into her voice. Without a word Luna (with her magic) pulled a ball of flame from the campfire and whisked it along the ground ten feet in front of her, creating a wall of fire revealing a group of large Timberwolves. Their bodies made up of various branches and leaves. Their glowing green eyes shone bright in the orange light of the flames. Drool dripped from their mouths as they snarled and growled. Terror rushed over Velvet as the memory of the incident flood in her mind. Immediately she bolted for Luna and hid under her. “Luna, I’m scared.” Velvet said as she trembled. Luna kept watch on the Timberwolves.
“Don’t worry Velvet I won’t let them hurt you. Not so long as I live.” Luna said and at that moment a Timberwolf bolted to Luna’s left trying to get around the fire, Luna turned and, using the fire ball, shot a blast of flame in its direction just barely missing it. Then another one bolted in the other direction, but Luna was quicker. She shot another blast of fire as she turned hitting the ground and it in the shoulder. The Timberwolf yelped in pain and rolled on the ground in an attempt to put out the flames. Luna turned and hit the other with a bolt of dark blue-magic. “Hold onto me Velvet!” Luna yelled out as she levitated Velvet onto her back. Velvet held onto Luna with all her strength. Blasts of fire and bolts of magic shot in every direction as the Timberwolves darted throughout the clearing. A magic bolt stuck a tree; exploding the trunk into tiny pieces. The tree fell with a crash behind them. Luna turned towards where the tree landed. A mistake she wish she hadn’t made. WHAM! A large Timberwolf tackled Luna, knocking her to the ground, sending Velvet tumbling on the ground.
The Timberwolf pinned Luna to the ground, its claws dug deep into her left shoulder; its drool dripping on her face. Luna struggled, trying to break free, but each movement sent a piercing pain from her shoulder. Terror flooded Luna mind send a fearful expression across Luna’s face as the Timberwolf began to growl. “LUNA!” Luna turned to see Velvet backed into the tree by two Timberwolves. She had a burning branch, swinging it back and forth, tears flowing from her eyes.
“Velvet!” Luna yelled pulling a blast of fire hitting the Timberwolf setting it ablaze. Luna bolted into the air towards them and set herself between Velvet and the Timberwolves with a thundering boom as her hooves hit the ground. A shockwave, from the impact, blasted a gust of wind knocking the Timberwolves to the ground and putting the flames from the branch. “Hear me now creatures of darkness, you will not touch her!” Luna yelled in a thundering voice, her eyes glowing white. A massive ball of fire, turned a purplish blue from the immense and powerful amount of magical energy being emanated from Luna, was suspended in midair. The Timberwolves growled with displeasure. Luna stomped her hoof and shot a blast of fire creating another wall of fire. “Now, be gone! Or feel the wrath of the burning flame, you wretched creatures!” Luna stood tall over the Timberwolves as they watch the fire. And with an annoyed barking growl the two Timberwolves and the others turned and left. The one Luna burned on the shoulder turned and growled then limped off into the trees. Luna sighed and released the flame and it flickered away. “Are you okay?” Luna asked as she turned and kneeled down in front of Velvet, whose eye were flooded with tears. Velvet leapt into Luna’s hooves and started to cry. “There, there it’s alright you’re safe now.” Luna said softly petting the back of Velvet’s head with her hoof.
“Your hurt,” Velvet gasped seeing a cut where the Timberwolf had her pinned.
“I’ll be alright.” Luna said kindly, worried more about Velvet then herself at the moment. “I’m just happy you’re alright.”
The next day, Velvet was asleep on Luna’s back as they walked. She had had trouble sleeping that night due to the events that happened and even though Luna stayed up all night with for her, she was wide awake. Luna’s injury had been patched up shortly before they headed out early that morning. The forest was quiet and peaceful, but Luna couldn’t forget the Timberwolves and the fear she had felt. It wasn’t too long (about midday in fact) before they reached the edge of the forest. Luna stepped out of the trees and was greeted with the sight of a seemingly endless field that stretched to the horizon. Luna marveled at the sight; this had been the first time she had seen anything like it. “Velvet, wake up,” Luna said softly, “we made it out of the forest.” Velvet rubbed her eye and blinked to gain focus. She lit up when she saw the plain.
“The Equestrian Plains,” Velvet shouted cheerfully, “That means home is only two day away!”
“Well then what are we doing waiting around her for? Let’s go shall we?” With a quick and excited nod from Velvet, the two headed out through the Plains.
Luna and Velvet had been traveling for some time now (about two days.) And they found a small farm along the way. It was an elegant little piece of land with a large red barn that stood just to the east of a quaint little farm house. Luna felt it would be best to avoid the farm but then she felt Velvet’s stomach rumble. She had no choice, they had to stop there. They had lost a lot of their supplies, including food, from the Timberwolf attack. And they had run out ran of food last night, so they didn’t get to eat before heading out. So she shifted her path towards the farm. “What’s going on Luna?” Velvet asked. Luna continued walking.
“We’re going to see if we can get something to eat here, alright” Luna replied with a smile. When they reached the entrance to the farm there was a large sign that arched over the gate that read Apple Family Farm. In bold red letters and underneath them was an image of a large red apple. They made their way up to the farm house. Luna hesitated to knock on the door, not knowing what could happen. She swallowed hard and knocked twice. A few moments later a filly, who was a few years older than Velvet, with a yellow coat and an orange mane and tail came to the door. Her mane was braided on both sides and she wore a red bandanna on her head. “Oh hello dear, are your parents home?” Luna asked politely.
“Eeyup, well Ma’s here but Pa’s gone for the day, hold on ah’ll get her,” she replied and turned and entered their living room, “Ma, two ponies are here to see ya.” A few moments later a pony came along with the filly.
“Hello there, how may I help y’all?” she asked kindly in a southern accent like her daughter but not as strong.
“Well, I was wondering if I could get some food for the little one here? We ran out last night and still have a distance to go.” Luna replied. The mare looked over Luna’s shoulder at Velvet, who greeted her with a smile.
“Oh how can I say no to such a cute little filly, come on in and we’ll get ya all nice and feed.” Luna followed them into the house which was quite cozy.
“Um could you tell me how far Saddle Shores is from here?” Luna asked as they entered the living room, figuring she would know.
“Sure can it’s just about ten miles southeast of here. Should only take ya about an hour or so to reach it” She replied.
“Thank you.” They entered the kitchen and the filly had already fixed up a couple plated of food for them. “I hope we aren’t intruding, I’d hate to be a bother.” Luna said suddenly. The mare waved her hoof in the air.
“Oh, not at all, we Apple’s love helping our fellow pony folk. So it’s no trouble at all,” She replied, “now eat up you two there’s plenty.” As Luna and Velvet made their way to the kitchen table, Luna’s cloak got caught on something, sticking out of the door frame, and pulled it up revealing one of her wings. Luna turned quickly to hide her wing, nearly causing Velvet to fall off from the sudden movement. Luna began to sweat and tremble. “Did they notice my wings? What are they going to do? No, there’s no use fretting about it. Just relax.” Luna thought to herself slowly calming down but afraid to turn.
“Is something wrong dear?” said the mare. Luna sighed internally; they didn’t notice she had wings.
“No everything’s alright, my cloak just got caught on a louse nail is all.” Luna replied unhooking it with her magic, “I just didn’t want to rip it.” Luna turned and walked over to the table and sat down. The food that was place on the table was a huge assortment of apple goods, hay and oats. Luna nodded to Velvet, who was staring at her, to go ahead and eat. “So, may I ask your names dear?” the mare asked sitting down with a cup of coffee.
“Oh, please forgive me I’m Luna and she’s Velvet Harmony.” Luna replied quickly.
“Luna and Velvet, well it sure is a pleasure to meet the two of ya. I’m Maple Rose and the filly here with the red bandana is my daughter Golden Apple.” Maple received a cold stare from her daughter,
“Ma,” Golden Apple whispered through her teeth.
“Oh do forgive me I meant young mare.” Maple said as she rolled her eyes. Then she reached over and pulled Golden Apple into her hooves, “but you’re still my little filly.” Luna laughed as she watched them.
“Ma, let me go.” Golden Apple said as she giggled from her mother tickling her with her hooves. Maple let her go as she laughed and got back to her coffee. Then she glanced at Luna who wasn’t paying too much attention to them but more so, on her food. Maple looked at her cloak and raised an eyebrow as she smiled.
“Ya can take off the cloak dear, I already know about your wings” She said a calm unchanged tone. Luna’s heart stopped and she froze on the spot. Everything was quiet, and Luna’s heart raced. It happened, the one thing she was afraid of the most happened. Somepony found out she was an Alicorn. Luna trembled and she went pale. Cold sweat dripped from Luna’s face as her breathing increased. Maple looked back up at her. “Oh no dear, ya don’t have to worry,” Maple said in a soft, kind tone. Luna looked up at her slowly, trying to take in what she just said. “I don’t care if you’re an Alicorn or not.” Maple continued.
“Y-You don’t, but what about our past?” Luna asked in a confused tone.
“Tell me dear, were ya there or had anything to do with it?”
“N-No, I wasn’t, I didn’t”
“Then I see no reason to have anything against ya or to treat ya any differently than somepony else. You won’t experience anything but welcome kindness from us.” Luna didn’t know what to think, she felt a sense of relief. “Although that may not be the case with other ponies out there, so I suggest not flashing wings around. And be careful not to snag your cloak on anything, okay.” Maple continued. Luna nodded and with her magic she removed cloak, still a little uneasy, and gave her wings a quick stretch. She had fought to keep them still the whole time they were there, so they were a bit cramped. Golden Apple marveled at Luna’s wings. She had seen Pegasi and Unicorn before but never an Alicorn. Luna noticed Golden Apple staring at her. “Oh ah’m sorry ma’am, ah don’t mean to stare,” Golden Apple said, “it’s just ah’ve never seen a pony with both a horn and wings before. It’s amazing.” Luna smiled and closed her wings into a more comfortable manner.
“It’s quite alright little one. I just wasn’t expecting this much kindness and acceptance from somepony apart from my sister and Velvet. Thank you, both of you; I feel a lot better now.” Luna said with a warm smile, and Maple returned it.
“Thanks again!” Luna called out as they left down the road that lead up to the farm house; putting her cloak back on over her newly filled saddle bag..
“Sure thing, y’all come back anytime now ya hear.” Maple Rose called back.
“We may just have to take you up on that offer.” Luna and Velvet left through the farm gate and, with a quick check of the compass, made their way southeast.
It was only about an hour or so before they were greeted with the glorious sight of Saddle Shores from the top of the hill they had to climb (which was more like a small mountain then a normal hill.) “Look Luna there it is, Saddle Shores. I’m home!” Velvet shouted joyfully. The city was quite large and sat in between the grassy field and the radiant blue ocean. Luna marveled at the city and the ocean it hugged.
“Yes, we made at last,” Luna replied, “it’s beautiful, I never imagined I’d see something like this.” The city was still a few miles away, but the hill they were on gave a great view of the city. They could see the white stone buildings as they stretched high above the ground, and the cobblestone roads that ran throughout the city like a spider’s web. They could see Clydesdale Park that Velvet had talked about before. At the edge of the city, along the coast, was a harbor that had large Galleons and other cargo ships. At the center of the city Luna could barely see a large fountain, although she couldn’t make out what was on it. All throughout the city ponies could be seen scurrying around like ants from up on the hill where Luna and Velvet stood. And with the sounds of the ocean and a nice cool breeze, they made their way down the hill with a trot in their step; towards Saddle Shores.