Reading

by Sputniik

First published

Nothing like a good book on a gloomy day...

((Mild Hiatus))
The mane six take quality time to explore the wonders of reading.

Cover by: Mysticalpha
Art is not mine in any shape or form

First Storm

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The castle was in an almost silence, except for the faint, wrinkling sound of pages turning every few minutes. The sound of a warm, welcoming fire crackle somewhere behind the audience of listeners. The sound of an ocean- the rain, splashed and trickled against the walls, to match the evilish, gloomy, grey skies.

Thunder growled menacingly, as it shook the ground with all it's might. It was followed by Lightning, who struck the ground in a flash of gold light. Under the raging of the storm, was one, little castle of peace, and in said castle, on the edge of town, were four friends, enjoying and taking in the wonders of this tale.

The library, in its usual neat and nearly dust-free state was littered in pillows and ponies, who layed empty, stained mugs of coffee or Hot Cocoa, or whatever drink they'd finished nearly hours ago. Or maybe only minutes. Time didn't seem to exist as the story, of the savior pony, was told.

Time ticked slowly, and everything seemed to be in slow motion, but the heavy rain that pattered the windows, didn't have a care in the world.

A yellow pegasus flinched, and pressed her body closer to the lavender Alicorn, who was engrossed with the contents of her storybook.
Fluttershy pushed her muzzle into her shoulder softly, and imagined the heroic events in her mind silently. Her eyes fearfully sparkled in the faint candlelight, as thunder rolled once again. Twilight gave her a short, sympathetic smile, and continued reading.

The other pegasus, the multicolored maned one, sighed contently. She curled up into a small, fluffy and sky blue ball as the words soaked into her, the comforting aftertaste of her drink radiated her body still. Every sentence was another step closer through the story, and she believe to enjoy it while she could. Nothing lasted forever.

Secretly, the way the story rolled along was facinating. The character was plainky amazing and fearless, every victim in the tale saved by him, the hero! It had such great detail and adentures! It was all like as if she was living it, as if it was... real. As if.... She was the hero, saving lives of the innocent.
The princess glanced shortly over at the athlete who lay on her furry stomach and listened to every word. Rainbow closed her eyes, ears perked up. Maybe she could get Rainbow a copy of her own for Hearth's Warming.

Twilight shortly gazed over at the purple dragon who lay silently by her hindlegs. His spikes pressed against her flank softly, as he took a breath, then exhaled. He was asleep.
The young dragon grumbled as he fixed his position to get comfortable. Spike mumbled a few slurred words in his sleep, and tossed his head into the warmth of the alicorn's stomach. He sighed, his tail between his legs. Twilight smiled, then continued her story.

Another roll of thunder. The butter-yellow pegasus sqeaked almost silently, then settled down again. Her rapid breaths and her heartbeat thudded against the alicorn's back. She slowly unfurled her wing, and wrapped it soothingly around the frightened filly. Behind her, she could hear a soft yawn.
The storm outside began to worsen. It angrily beat against the windows in fury, as the wind blew it into many directions. A streak of light trailed down the sky, with a crash and a crack, and even this frightened the reader. She got up, gently nuzzling the dragon awake. Twilight levitated the book, enveloped in a pink aura. The three listeners looked up at her with expectation.
"Come," Was all she said, as she trotted quietly into the dark halls. The others groggily followed, one in a slight fear. The hallway was dark and silent, except for the trickle and patter of rain, which was now faint. The others perked up slightly, when they noticed where the Alicorn was leading them. The bedroom.
Twilight silently opened the door without a creak, and motioned for her audience to get into the bed. Without hesitation, all three leapt into the sheets, accepting the warmth it offered them. After all were settled, the narrator sat on the end of the bed and re-opened her book, and asked with relaxed enthusiasm,
"Would you like me to continue?"

All listeners nodded tiredly.
The story returned to life. Twilight read with great meaning and happiness, yet with gentleness. The rain continued to splatter, but as if the sound of the mare reading was enough to sooth the angriest of storms, it began to calm.

The rain and the wind relaxed, and the lightning and thunder died out slowly. Other than the soft voice of her speaking the contents of the book aloud, was the faint trickle of water tapping and dancing againts rooftops.
The was another yawn.

Twilight looked up to see the shy pegasus was fast asleep, ears pricked as if she was still listening to the story. The other two stared up at her in relaxation, and yet, tired joy, as she began again.
Another flip of a page. Then another. And more. Minutes passed, and soon hours, until the cyan pegasus ducked into the safety of the sheets and began to softly snore.

Twilight tilted her head. I'll have to tell them the end in the morning... She thought. A few drops of the pegasus' saliva leaked onto the mattress. Twilight giggled quietly at this, then lowered her gaze into the book. She read.

Twilight soon made herself lay flat on her stomach, and continued through the chapter. The final chapter. Spike struggled to keep his eyes open, hoping and praying to hear the end. But it just wouldn't come.
Another hour. The dragon pulled the covers over his scaly body, and nestled his head into the pillow. It was all too much; he couldn't resist sleep any longer.

Spike gave one more yawn, as his eyes slowly closed, his vision replaced by beautiful dreams. He smiled to himself, as he fought the impossible battle, but he lost.
Sleep took over, as the dragon rolled onto his back and went out. The alicorn sighed, and nuzzled him lovingly, as she closed the book, and rested her head on his stomach. He was asleep. Finally asleep.
The alicorn's mouth was lifted up into another smile, as she yawned, and shut her eyes, allowing sleep to take over.

The sky was clear, and stars twinkled brightly. Water dripped onto the grass and the streets and the dirt, and it was over. Not a single sound was in Ponyville, excpet in that small drop of peace, slept four friends, under the silence and the rays of the moon.

And when dawn climbed into existence, a bright, vibrant rainbow painted the skies.