Some legends called him the blacksmith god, others referred to him as the artisan of Faust, but very few mention his name, Brok.
An old blacksmith does not know his past, driven only by a promise and a new company, he hopes that time will give him the answers while he looks for his creations to contain them.
The life of a hermit was not easy, from food and water to a safe place to sleep, not counting on the weather.
I don't know how much time has passed now, every certain time I usually sleep to recover, sometimes it only lasts a couple of days, sometimes even years.
I guess it's a characteristic of my abilities.
But now, the cave where he had slept had changed.
No one but time had modified it.
How much time has passed?
You tend to forget things when you concentrate so much time on others, I've been alive for a long time, I don't even know my origin, except for my name engraved on the only thing I've always had, my forge hammer.
I have met so many creatures, so many places, loved and lost.
After traveling a few months from the north, I found a cave and in its depths, I created a bedroom with stone and magic and fell into my dream.
Upon leaving the cave I found a forest that I swear was not there before.
The deepest cave and a new forest?
I guess it's a consequence of my type.
After a couple of days out of the cave, I found a ruined castle, I had two mares with horn and wings on their flag, strange, but vaguely familiar.
I didn't find anything useful in that castle, nothing that revealed anything about how much time has passed.
Kingdoms that I never heard of, completely different political maps, my consolation is that only that changed, the territory of the pony alliance has changed, even the island where they used to live disappeared.
In the mountains of ice, nothing appears, to my concern.
"Aaaaahh!!!!!!"
A distant shout woke me from my rest, the voice seemed of someone young.
Although my height is somewhat lower than that of a standard pony, my strength and endurance know no limits, thanks to that I won several battles with enemies who underestimated me when they sought to steal my creations.
Crossing the wooden bridge and entering the forest, I followed the cries for help, because of the scandal it became obvious that it was a fight.
Then I saw a ghost of the past, Timberwofls, wooden wolves, driven by environmental magic, were a request of King Cerberus of the Diamond dogs.
Every request they made only asked for one thing.
That they gave me the materials they wanted to do what they asked me to do.
King Cerberus was very stingy, but that is also a challenge, with only a piece of wood, the king's saliva and some ivy, the Timberwolfs was born.
Nothing but fire can destroy them, multiply by each lost, their virtue is their numbers.
Who would say that they would end up in a forest, only a Diamond dog king can control them, but just in case, they have certain weaknesses for occasions like these.
A whistle for Timberwolfs, small and thin, not even a Diamond dog could hear, but for a Timberwolf it is a drill in his ears.
Everyone ran away, howling in pain.
Making sure they were far away, I approached a tree in which a teenage mare was clinging to the tip.
Her way of dressing is very rare, but I guess it's common now, I hope my blacksmith's clothes are common today.
"Are you alright young lady?" - I asked in a soft voice, hoping not to disturb her.
Even shaking a little, she managed to soften her grip on the tree, slowly descending to the ground.
"Thank you very much for helping me, I'm fine," he said as he looked around cautiously.
"Okay, they won't come back, I used this whistle to get them away, it causes them a lot of pain and they prefer to run away than to attack after listening to it," I said as I showed him the whistle.
"Sorry to ask but what does a young mare as you do in a forest at night? Especially in one as scary as this?" I asked as she watched the whistle fascinated.
"I was trying to find food for my family, we don't have much and Canterlot is far away, it doesn't have much that we planted our seeds so I didn't have much choice" - he said with some sadness.
"Although noble your motive, it was stupid to come at this hour, in the day it is safer"
"They do not want to enter because of how dangerous it is, some who enter never leave or are found, if things went on like this we would have to leave our house" - he said with a defensive tone.
I guess she already had this part of her family, that's why she decided the night.
"Let me take you to your house, although the Timberwolfs left, it is still dangerous" - I said, while she looked at the floor.
"Please" - said resigned.
While we were walking in the direction of her home and after a brief presentation, she told me that her family was nomadic, collecting seeds and selling it in the villages they visited, but wanting to settle in a place after a particularly bad season, the princess of Equestria gave them land in this place.
After a few more minutes, we reach the end of the forest, only to find two more prepared ponies with a stick and a sword.
"Smith !!" - shouted a mare that was at the door of the house, while the other two threw away what they had and also went to hug her, they were a head taller than mine, since it was at Smith's height.
After a funny and moving talk between them, they turned to see me.
Before saying anything else they also hugged me, to my discomfort, I suppose saving your daughter can be a reason to hug a stranger.
"Thank you very much, if you had not helped her she could be dead now" - said the mother.
"When we didn't see her in the morning we thought the worst, how can we pay you?" - said the father.
"It is not necessary, I was resting near the ruins of the castle when I heard his cry for help" - I said while trying to get out of the tight hug.
"My name is Seed Red, and my husband here is Strong Hoof, and quiet behind us is my brother Wood Light, what's your name?" - asked Seed.
"Only Brok is fine, now that Smith is fine I think I have to go, I need -" - I did not finish when Strong Hoof stopped me.
"At least let us invite you to breakfast, have not eaten since the night and I'm sure you're hungry" - he said in a firm but kind voice, I was about to protest, but his wife's look finally convinced me that it would be Useless.
The house was quite small and modest, it had only the kitchen and three rooms, they made me sit down while Strong asked me where I came from and what I was doing, his brother-in-law and his daughter just sat down to listen.
It was surprised that a blacksmith was traveling since they were quite important in the economy of a town and city, all I said was that I was looking for my creations to keep them when I ask why, I simply said that it was a promise to my late wife.
"I regret your lost my friend, and I understand you, as husband and father" - he said simply, but there was a shared feeling.
"There's breakfast, I'm sorry it's not much," said Seed, as he passed us a few green beans with some soup and water.
"If you have no place to stay, you can be with us as long as you want, we are building a warehouse, but you can use it as a room" - said Strong Hoof
Although he will save his daughter, that they offered me a place with them and the little food they had in gratitude struck me, maybe I could help them, although my journey is just beginning, maybe staying a while there would not be a bad idea.
Opening my saddlebag, I took out a small bottle of wine, it is one of my personal creations.
"In gratitude for your hospitality, how about we provide?" - I asked with a smile.
Just when everyone drank, they were speechless, even Seed Rose blushed, just like Smith.
"God, how tasty, where did you get it?" - asked Strong, with curiosity and fascination.
"I did it, I used plums from the tree of light and let it ferment with seawater for two nights and a half-day, then let it rest in a glass bottle of water in a lake for one night, no matter how much it is drunk from the bottle, every time the moonlight touches the bottle, it will be filled "- I said proudly.
Surprised faces were to be expected, they even asked how I could do magic if I am not a unicorn.
"Everyone can do magic, I'm only good at doing things, so I dedicated to making them"
Smith bombarded me with questions about what else I could do, I showed them my whistle, I promised to do more for each of them, just in case, I also showed them my saddlebag, it is capable of keeping an infinite amount of things, as long as they are not very large.
When I finished breakfast, they took me to where my new room would be, it was separated from the house as it was initially a warehouse, but it wasn't bad, they would let me build what I needed, maybe expand it more and make a new workshop would be good,
Food was still a problem, and although I had several things that could easily be solved, I was surprised that they refused to accept it.
They wanted to start a family business, they were farmers first of all, and they wanted to harvest their food.
Then I offered to make them their tools in exchange for a place to stay for a while, they gladly accepted, although they worried about how I would do it, I assured them that I had everything I needed in my saddlebag.
I promised them that I would finish their tools in 4 days, one day for each, they were skeptical, but they believed me.
Later and after a trip to the forest to look for food, I was quite surprised when they found storm apples, or as they called them, zap.
Very rare and uncommon, but delicious and nutritious, in the past, those apples were a rarity, even I only ate them rarely.
I explained how they could plant them, although there was a possibility that it would not work, they are very selective, if they do not like the land they simply do not grow.
Seed Rose, bless the mare, managed to make all kinds of dishes with that apple, nobody went hungry to bed.
In a blink the 4 days passed, and personally I was excited.
It had been a while since I last did something like that, a kind of competition, nothing makes a blacksmith's blood boil that a challenge, even more, when they tell you it's impossible, I have my pride.
"It took a little effort, but I'm sure they appreciated their new tools, although they might be called treasures."
"First, Strong Hoof, for you I have this" - I said while I showed him an obsidian shovel, it had small inlays of black gold, of normal size and with a lightweight.
"No matter what type of land it is, this shovel will give you the ability to dig without problems, even among solid stone, if you leave it one night stuck in a mound of earth, in the center you will find seeds to plant, its name is Atoloxo"
"For Rose, your cooking skills are incredible, you fed your family with very few ingredients, so this will be your treasure" - I said as I showed her a small amber closet, it looked like it was carved from a large tree.
"When you store ingredients in this closet, from fruit, vegetables or spices, the closet will refill it, they will always be in perfect condition, but it does not work with anything else, with this they will no longer go hungry, but they will not be able to replicate the food, their name is Staxhe. "
"For you, my friend, your great strength at the service of your family is something to admire, this plow will not use your strength, it will add it to his" - I said while teaching him a plow in a fairly simple appearance.
"Your heart will move the earth, and in that land what you plant will grow much faster and with much force, they won't have to wait months, a few weeks are enough to grow an apple tree."
"And finally, Smith, your will is impeccably strong, it has the strength of a river" - I said while pulling out a canteen, its brown color made it look like it was made of mud, but being so liza gave the impression of being of metal.
"You will always find fresh water in this canteen, you can let the water be discarded and it will never be emptied, and who drinks their water will heal faster and the fatigue will disappear, but you will not be able to do much in case of a mortal wound, so it is better to be careful "- I said while giving it to Smith.
It seemed pretty simple, nobody could say it was a magic canteen, but it was one of my most interesting creations, unlike mine, which is just simple water, Smith's is healing water, it took a little more work.
Their faces were a delight to my eyes, I never get tired of showing my creations, although the eyes of the humblest creatures are always the most sincere, admiration and wonder.
they thanked me with a hug, even going so far as to offer me a place in their home.
In all the time I have lived, some things are learned, thanks to what I learned in the ruined castle and with the stories of his travels, recovering my things may be easier.
This princess Celestia, could help me, but I honestly do not like getting tangled up with royalty, it never ends well, if my previous experience is of any use, but living relatively close to this small farm may help me, at some point they will appear, and if the story of this family tells me something, is that with them you may not have to be alone.
My perception of time is very different from that of others, it is one of the first things I learned in my younger years, or perhaps it is the custom, although i seems a pony, one shorter than normal, my strength and apparent invulnerability, is not normal, even the legendary magical beings of the world that I have known have perished by time, disease or war.
Some were my friends, others asked me to make weapons for them, I had almost no enemies, or at least I never had any, I never really cared much.
I hardly remember almost anything from my first years, it has been a long time, but when the great dream claimed me the first time and when I woke up, it had been so long that even my best friend, an alicorn, king of Ovalan, was not more than a legend, even the language had changed a lot.
Time taught me that nothing was eternal, I suppose that made me focus on my work, I never had a family, the fear of leaving it terrified me, until I met the mountain ponies, I guess I had hit bottom and couldn't live like this much longer.
They were the best moments of my life, but everything has to end at some point, but what I regret most is leaving without seeing my daughter having her children.
But that taught me that I can also seek happiness, and that leaves me with the apple family since I saved Smith they treated me like if i be one of them.
I have all the time in the world to complete my homework, speaking a bit with Strong and Seed, fearing that they would change their perception of me, I was surprised that they didn't care what I could do or who I was, even Strong said he knew a legend that related my work.
Secretly my ego inflated a little.
But what they said left me shocked.
"You may be a living legend, a king or a blacksmith, but in the end, you are a pony who helped our family, and we consider you part of our family, no more, no less" - Strong said.
"and you will not alone if the dream reaches you, the apples will take care of you, when you wake up you will see your family" -said Seed.
The universe has curious ways of working, if I had stayed with my old family (which Strong helped me confirm that the village in the mountains had disappeared), I may never have met these wonderful ponies.
And that leaves me in the now.
"For the last time Smith, I understand that you want to go with your boyfriend to Canterlot, but your parents did not give you tickets to the gala for the last time!" - I shouted while working on some iron nails, my workshop was hidden with magic, just next to the huge barn still under construction.
"Please, just for this time? I swear I am not going to ask you for anything else!" - Smith said as he gave me puppy eyes that have even Strong can´t resist.
"You said that the last time, you asked me for seed for an apple tree that always has fruit, and what happened?"
"....."
"Exactly, nothing happened because you lost it, if your mother had not found it, or God forbid, someone else would find it, you know it could have caused a disaster, plus Seed also scolded me for spoiling you, so no and that's final! "
"Thank you!!, I promise I will bring you some memories of the castle, I love you grandfather!" - Smith shouted as she went to look for her date, I think he is one of the new settlers that arrived in the caravans.
"You better not make a mess!"-I screamed as I said goodbye, praying that their date would keep her calm.
Seed scold me so much when they returned, that it almost left me without dessert, she showed me a signed letter from many nobles demanding that they not appear again at the gala, apparently, Smith and her boyfriend had accidentally released the animals, making a mess in the living room.
According to Strong, Celestia had enjoyed it, along with the letter there were enough tickets for another 50 galas.
"So, could you help us with that?" - Wood asked, when I meeting him he was so quiet, I suppose that the time and saving his sister made him more communicative, and although he is the eldest of the family (that I know), he does not stop asking me for pretty crazy things once he got get confidence.
"Wood, you know well that I love them, you are like the son I never had, but I think Smith's attitude is partly your fault, why in the name of harmony do you want a hat made of apple threads?!" - I shouted, Although it is not the wildest thing they have asked of me, it is one of the most .... useless.
"Well, since I helped you calm my sister about the gala, and get you some bottles of hard apple cider, maybe a simple hat is not much to ask for" - said Wood, although he was considerably taller than me, frankly he behaved more like a foal.
"In addition, it is also to promote our farm, it is very annoying to smell dead after working in the morning and go out to sell like this, at least with that we could not scare our clients"
..... That is a good point, I managed to install showers in the house, but the best sale in the new town was in the morning, Wood and Strong were in charge of the harvest and sale, Seed was helping me build more buildings for the farm, I tried to convince her that I could alone, but she is very stubborn.
Smith took care of the financial side and dealings with the new merchants coming into town, I even heard he had gotten a pretty juicy contract for the Zap apples.
But still, I think Wood only wants a new hat.
"What you need is to organize themselves better, Seed already told you two that you could take turns taking a bath, even without wasting time" - he said while returning to my work.
My workshop could not be compared to others I have had, but I would not change it for anything, everyone helped me build it, from the small cabin, now seemed more like a kind of burrow.
From the outside, nothing seemed to have changed, but now the cabin was the entrance for my forge, although I still have plans to expand it to cover the entire area of the farm underneath, all I need is my hammer and anvil.
If I needed fire, one of my skills is to heat even the densest metal with a simple breath, I don't need wood or coal, at least for most of my creations, the smoke came out of the chimney that was connected to the house, just below, and because it is easier for me to be called screaming through the fireplace than to go down to my workshop.
I also managed to create an aqueduct to not only supply the farm, but also my forge, it is quite self sufficient.
"At least for my birthday?" - he asked, getting a sigh from me, I swear to God he's like a child.
"Okay, but in exchange, you would ask for a date to that mare you talk about so much, if you want to be more presentable for her, you could be honest" - I said with a smile, making him blush, even for someone as red as He was quite notorious.
Getting him to leave, I just continued with my work, these moments, although annoying, made me smile, they remind me......to my first family.
"Could you at least try?" - asked Seed, although I tried to do everything possible to ignore her, but those eyes didn't let me.
"Why do you need me to go again?" - I asked as I put my hammer on my belt, preparing myself mentally for a long argument that I will surely lose, but not without fighting.
"Our family is the founder of the town, they want all of us to be there for a commemorative photo, they just finished the train station together with the mayor's office, and they want to meet the famous blacksmith of the apple family" - before I can say something, she continued as she practically pushed me out of the house.
"I understand that you do not want to attract attention, but only we know your name, in their eyes, you are a blacksmith who helped build the town"
That's true, I made many parts of metal, as well as the tools, although it was rather Smith who had suggested that an extra income for the farm would help in difficult times in case of bad harvest.
Although that will never happen, I swallowed my words when I saw her all excited.
"Fine, but I don't like it" - I said as we walked to the barn.
When we entered, i saw everyone gathered, Strong and Wood looked dejected, their suits fit very well, Smith had a green dress that would surely make her boyfriend look with his mouth open, but in the middle of them was a small suit ... ....Oh no.
"I have never felt so used in my life"
"Don't be ridiculous, you look great, we are also almost there, although I would have liked to shave that beard a little" - said Seed, Strong and Wood looked at me with understanding, they also had no choice.
"Besides, your works are fantastic, even Canterlot orders have even arrived" - said Smith, of course they are fantastic!!.
Upon arrival there were quite a few ponies, although not more than 50 maybe.
Many looked at me in surprise, although many tried to talk to me.
Some curious why it was so low, and others thanking me for making such good and reliable tools.
Thank heaven it didn't last long, they gave us a copy of the photo, although I think that will be a problem in a few years since they will know that I am not aging.
The day Wood told us he was getting married was a surprise to everyone, or at least to me, how long had it been already? I still remember that it wasn't long that I convinced him to invite his now wife to go out to an appointment in exchange for a hat.
That day was memorable, and for their wedding gift, I made them a special apple cider, using water from the Elysée river, along with a seed from the first Zap apple, whoever drinks it will always have good health and great harvests.
Quite surprising I would say, as long as the bottle is not broken it will never run out, my creations are made to last thank you very much.
In addition to wishing them good luck, it seems that it is customary for each child in the family to leave home to found another farm when they marry.
Although he already knew those details thanks to family gatherings, and that Strong and Seed seem to be the current bosses of the entire Apple family, seeing Wood leave with his wife, Cherry Sky, was hard.
"If things get tough, you can come back with us little brother, you and Cherry could wait a bit before their first foal is born" - Seed said, with tears in her eyes, Strong also had a somewhat sad look, while the poor Smith practically drowned the poor stud and his wife in a hug.
"Although we would love it, Wood and I also want to go out and experiment a little, just like you did before" - Cherry said, her white fur and red mane contrasted a lot with her blue eyes, it was interesting to see them together, it was like seeing the heaven and earth united.
"Besides, we still don't have any plans to have a foal, first we want to settle in one place" - Wood said with great difficulty.
"Smith, leave your poor brother, the train is about to leave" - I said as I saw several ponies board the train, the town had been quite modernized.
It's funny how kingdoms evolve with certain things, I still remember that an entire kingdom of earth ponies had invented very advanced machines that worked with fire crystals, even they surprised me, but unfortunately when I woke up from a dream, that kingdom had disappeared, I think Equestria is the first to last for so many years.
Smith separated from her uncle with a few more tears, but she looked quite happy, I don't blame her, I'm also quite happy for him.
Just over 10 years have passed since I arrived, and seeing them grow so much fills me with joy, and a little sadness.
"We will be fine little green apple, I heard that on the edges of the forest, even if it is desert, there is a nomadic tribe of buffaloes that are quite friendly, Princess Celestia assured us that we could stay with them for a while" - Wood said.
Celestia for some strange reason was very friendly to the Apple family, but we were good business partners and Seed seemed to be a close friend of hers, even though Strong thanked the princess more than necessary in Seed's words.
I still remember Strong sleeping on the floor the first days he arrived.
"Do you have your necklaces?" - I asked.
"Of course grandpa, don't worry, we'll be fine, we'll be back to the family reunion in a few months" - Wood said, as he hugged me, it was funny to see him go down to the floor just to a hug me without having to carry me.
"ALL ON BOARD!" - yelled the train driver.
Saying goodbye to everyone, they both got on, their seats were by the window, we saw them depart towards the horizon.
"They are going to do well Seed, Wood is very strong and skilled, give them time and they will have a beautiful complete family" - I said for sure, their necklaces are a modification of my whistle, in case of danger they can use it to escape.
The golden whistles, one of my most complex creations to date, using the light of dawn captured for a year, I shaped them using molds made from the wood of the first tree planted on the farm, I could only make 4.
They melted into the souls of their bearers, making it a family heirloom, when used, an intense golden light is released that destroys all darkness and whoever wishes to hurt will be temporarily blinded.
Although they can do more things, the most important are only two.
It is possible to inherit and share it, when a user marries someone, the whistle separates, creating a half apple core, symbolizing the marriage bond.
And if they do have children, the new member of the family will have a new whistle around their neck, a symbol of the new fruit of the family, the whistle will seem like a simple seed the first time, which will grow together with its bearer, until it has the shape of a fully ripe apple.
They cannot steal it, since only the wearer can take it away, and when he dies, the whistle will disappear, releasing the light that contained in it, only the symbol of its the cutiemark will remain.
At least like this, even I will be able to remember those who have left, and I hoped that would be able to protect my new family, but even I cannot bring the dead.
"Thanks for coming !!, you better go back by the end of the year!" - Seed shouted, saying goodbye to the last guest.
The family reunion was as fun as the previous ones, I still remember my first time.
If this family has taught me anything, it is that they are all stubborn and loyal to the family to the core, when they presented me with my real name, at the cost of my wishes, they all reacted in the same way, they welcomed me with them with a hug.
They even let me participate in the weaving of a blanket that, according to Smith, they never manage to finish.
Although I couldn't give everyone a golden whistle, if I gave them an emblem with the family symbol, an apple, it works almost the same as the whistle, except that instead of releasing light, it simply teleports the user upon detecting danger to an area. Safer.
What can I say?, I like to do useful things, and more for my family.
However, this meeting was very special, after Wood and Cherry had moved, they managed to settle quite well in an area that the buffalo had previously prepared, managing to start a farm.
Just a few minutes from the train tracks, even now her small farm is a rest stop for travelers, they have grown a lot, even now Cherry is pregnant with their first foal, something that we all get excited about.
"Please Seed, relax, they are doing very well, much better than it was for us when we arrived" -said Strong as he drank his cider.
"I'm just worried, that's all, since our parents died I can't help but look at the little foal that cried for them at night" - Seed said wistfully.
Apparently their parents had died at an early age in a rock avalanche, Seed was just 20 years old and Strong about 9 years old.
"You also see him as a son, perhaps more than a brother, but he already has a family, you did well" - I said, although I also could not help but feel worried.
Looking around me a little, you could tell how things were changing.
The farm was finally complete, the house is big enough to accommodate at least 20 other ponies, a suggestion of mine.
On some walls they had photos, it was like seeing a timeline, Seed and Strong had aged a little, Smith and Wood had grown a little more, especially Smith, before she was my height, now she is taller than me for a was head, it was funny and sad for me.
Turning to where Smith was, the wretch had passed out after losing a nonstop drinking contest, she was still on the couch.
Smith is almost fully a mare, next month she will be 18, I already want to see Seed's face when her daughter tells her about her marriage.
"Grandpa, calm down, you're making everyone nervous" - said Wood, we are waiting in the new Ponyville hospital, Smith was delivering her first foal, her husband was with her in the delivery room.
The news of her pregnancy was a surprise, but a very well received one, it was an interesting few months, the already energetic in itself Smith seemed to have no control in his cravings, as a precaution I made him drink from the water of the canteen, that gave her all the strength necessary for her first pregnancy.
But that did not reassure me or Strong.
"I'm very worried, it's been over two hours!" - I screamed, that's a long time, no ?, damn it!, the last time I was in labor, it hadn't lasted long.
Although that had been my first time.
"It took me almost three hours from the first contractions with Smith, and she was a high-risk pregnancy, so calm down, you make me nervous," said Seed.
Strong lost the ability to speak when he gets very nervous, God knows why, but I don't blame him, we both looked crazy walking from one side to the other in front of the door.
Then the doctor came out, a terrestrial pony with fluffy hair and brown fur, but I didn't like his look at all.
"Doctor, what happened? How is my daughter?" - Seed asked, worried, even scared, something was not right.
"We had no complications in the delivery, her daughter is fine, but I regret to report that one of her foals was born dead, but her other son is fine"
.... did she have twins?
"Twins ?, but we always thought there was only one, what happened?!" - Wood shouted.
"It can happen, it is very rare, one of the fetuses may not develop well, it is not known why, in this case, it was their heart and brain, although the rest developed, it is just a body without life, sorry, you can enter "- said the doctor as he left.
As we walked through the door, the spell that kept the noise separate from the outside enveloped us, and we heard a cry, not just from the baby, also from Smith.
I could not move, what the hell had happened?!, Smith had taken healing water from the magic fountain of the continent !!.
The sight tore my soul, Smith was holding two small packages, one pink and one blue, her husband was at her side, also sobbing.
Wood and Seed ran to hug Smith, nothing but cries could be heard in the room, Strong just dropped his hat while crying too.
Why had it not worked? The healing water must have ensured a healthy pregnancy for her and for the two lives within her!
"Grandpa, don't blame yourself, this is not your fault" - someone said to me, then I saw Smith's eyes, red from crying.
"Your water worked as it should, because, from the beginning, my little girl had never lived" - said Smith while hugging her children more.
.............. It would never have worked since the filly was dead from the start, soulless, an empty shell.
So for the first time since I woke up at this time, I cried.
We cried for what seemed like hours, until Seed spoke.
"What are their names?"- she asked in a voice so sweet, it seemed to calm Smith's heart, at least a little.
"If it was a girl, Buttercup apple, if it was a boy, Bright mac" - said Smith while she showed us her foals.
The foal had yellow fur and red mane, even with all the scandal, he slept peacefully, on his neck hung the golden tear, at this age, only the apples can see it, he looked very much like his grandfather, but with the color of his father.
The filly had yellow fur, her mane was deep golden, I could swear by my hammer that she looked like she was sleeping, she did not have a golden tear.
Then a nurse came in, Smith handed over her foals to check on Bright, while Buttercup was also taken away.
Seed stayed with her in the hospital with her husband, when we returned to the farm everything felt off.
All these years I was always aware that I would see this family grow and die at some point, but that even I had never heard of such a disease.
Can I bring Buttercup's soul to life by uniting some of the parents' magical essence? Tools with a conscience are almost a conscious being, but I had never tried to create life, i even can? I should?.
No, life is not played with, and less with the family, the least I can do for my granddaughter who was denied the opportunity to live, is at least immortalizing that she tried.
And with that idea in mind, I used all my power.
Three days later, it was Buttercup's funeral, Smith had left the hospital that same day, but along with her daughter, something in her died too.
Even her husband, who was a living copy of her, also changed.
The funeral was small, just us, and it was in a section of the farm, destined to bury our members, we never expected that it would be released like this.
Already at sunset, everyone was preparing to rest.
"Wait, please" - I said as I looked at the small mound of earth, her gravestone was simply a small shoot from a tree.
"Smith, your daughter, my granddaughter, deserved a full life in this world, but even I cannot bring the dead, but I can do this for her"
Taking out a small package from my bag, I gave it to Smith.
Everyone saw us, they knew that I had not left my forge in all this time, honestly, just before the funeral I had managed to finish it.
When Smith opened the box, a dim golden light came out.
And Smith started to sob.
"This is all I can do for her, but you are her mother, and it is your decision, with this star, you can see her, she will join the stars in the sky, she will be eternal, the only golden flower in a white field "
Smith only saw me with sad eyes, but with gratitude in them, with a hug that I returned, she walked to her daughter's grave.
She held the flake of light for a moment and laid it on her daughter's grave.
A pillar of golden light that would normally blind anyone rose from the ground, within it was a silhouette of a small filly.
Then it shot out into the sky, and a new star was born.
For centuries that star would be known as the golden star, patron saint of foals, a star that even the gods could not move, until the end of time
I have never liked politics, and even less have I been involved in it all my life, if possible I always try to evade the governments I run into, with clear exceptions of kings and queens, as well as warriors or generals who want something, even dragons are no exception.
Although I suppose that after yesterday's small exhibition it could generate curiosity.
Apparently a small garrison of the royal guard was stationed a few kilometers away, something about protecting the town in case the creatures of the forest wanted to eat more than other animals.
In addition to living near the capital of a country, it is common sense that they have patrols nearby, I guess.
"For the last time, it was an accident of the Zap apple harvest!" - I heard Seed shout at the entrance.
The royal guards were very interested in what had happened, a new star in the sky, as well as a magical explosion as powerful as being mistaken for an alicorn, I suppose it might draw attention.
"Madam, we just want to make sure of your well-being, we need to know everything that happened and what caused it" - said the guard, a huge pegasus in golden armor.
He was accompanied by two other guards, a unicorn and an earth pony, but the latter had something strange.
Thanks to my height I can go unnoticed while hiding in the trees, it was fortunate that I was looking for an apple to eat when they arrived.
My work as a blacksmith, as always, stood out from the rest, which made Canterlot try to find the origin of such good tools, when the smug unicorn blacksmiths realized that the apple symbol was the insignia of a family of ponies farmers, tried to discredit my work.
It was a very entertaining time for me, Smith said that they even tried to break a sword that I had made to order for a ceremony for a good 1000 bits, stabbing a solid rock, to demonstrate the low quality of my tools compared to others made by unicorns.
Suffice it to say that it is now known as the sword in the stone.
Since then, even the guard has harassed Smith to find out who the blacksmith is, even trying to hire me directly.
It took a letter to the princess from Seed to stop them harassing us, saying that I don't make weapons, and that this time it was because of a request for a ceremonial sword (which is honestly pure decoration, but I did it very well), and would not do it again.
In revenge for harassing us, I made Smith enchanted the sword with a white light powder, so that the stone can never be broken or moved, as well as the sword, 5 years have passed and the guard has it as a tourist attraction.
But now the guard is only looking for an excuse to go into my farm and look for my forge, or kidnap me.
"I already told you that it was an accident, we tried to make the Zap apples harvested all year round, but we did not succeed, and the result was the total loss of the Zap apples due to the explosion of their magic" - said Seed while she watched In the eyes of a rather nervous guard, an angry apple is something to fear.
It was funny to see her in that state, when that look was not directed at you.
I guess they gave up as they left, I got out of the bushes and walked over to Seed.
Although she was a 65-year-old mare, thanks to eating food and drinking water from her treasures, she seemed to be no more than 40.
But the look in her eyes was tired.
"Someday they will see you, grandpa, you cannot hide your whole life" - Seed said as we entered the house.
"I know, but the less they see me, the less they will suspect" - I said with a smile, although deep down I was worried, it has not been more than 30 years since I arrived.
"The princess would not do anything to you, nor would she ask you for anything, unless it is for something that is to protect her subjects" - Seed said while pouring some tea.
"Maybe not, but you know very well that she is not exempt from the darkness."
On one of my trips to the castle in the woods, I came across the diary of the princess and her sister, it was surprising, to say the least, even Seed almost cried when he found out about the tragic outcome.
In the end, Seed returned it to the princess, saying that she found it, apparently everything ended in an oath to keep the secret of the fallen princess.
But if her sister fell into darkness, who guarantees that Celestia does not, I have already dealt with enough evil beings in my life.
And I don't want to risk my family.
"Sigh, I know, but I don't like that you're locked up in this farm" -he said while looking at me with pity.
"I like it that way, I have never liked traveling, but ok, how about I make a talisman that allows me to change shape? That way I could go out without anyone noticing, adjusting a little bit could even make those avatars age, like that I could keep them for a long time "- I said with emotion, I don't know why it hadn't occurred to me before! I had already made an amulet the same before.
"It could work, but if you feel more comfortable like that, that's fine" -said Seed while looking at me with resignation.
"What do you think?, be honest" -I said as I posed in front of Smith.
An artifact that changes shape is something that has i already made before, it is not the easiest, especially when you want to change species.
I made mine very simple, just change my physical appearance to a bigger stud.
Living an eternity looking up to be able to talk to others is really tiring, even hurtful.
"Well, now you look like a normal stallion, grandfather" - Smith said with a smile.
"har har, how funny"
"And what does it do? Does it only make you grow?"
"yes, as long as I don't remove the earring, I will keep this shape as if it were my original body"
It was particularly difficult to do so, but it is the safest, only my own magic could harm it, I discovered it the hard way in a past event when I accidentally almost lost an eye due to an explosion from my forge.
The earring was made of lunar silver with opal inscriptions, it absorbs my magic to maintain my shape, nobody could take it from me, only me, and it did not emit magic, so they would confuse it with a simple earring.
"Nothing else?" - Smith asked, irritating me a little.
"Yes, nothing else, by the way, where are your husband and the rest?" - I asked as I looked around the room, Smith carrying Bright on her chest while sitting in the rocking chair I made for her.
"Did you forget? They told you in the morning before leaving" - she asked with a smile, one that I didn't like at all.
Shit, if they left it was for a reason, and a very good one, they would have told me, but maybe it was when I was working and I didn't pay attention.
Wait.
"They went to help on your brother's new farm, didn't they?"
"Good thing you didn't forget, and the good thing about your new form is that you can take over the sales in town, without worrying about raising suspicions, right?"
heck, well, it was fair, I finished all the metal orders, so I had plenty of time, and with Smith taking care of Bright, it was necessary, in the future I will make golems to help with the harvest.
"Sure, I'm going to check the farm, if you need anything, touch your necklace"
"don't worry grandpa, we'll be fine"
"It would be 5 bits for the two apples" - I said as I received the money and delivered the apples.
This brings back old memories, it is nostalgic, plus it is refreshing to talk to someone else.
The town had grown a lot, many new faces, I honestly do not recognize anyone, I have a bad memory for these things.
The only thing I don't like is the looks they give me, although seeing a stallion attending one of the oldest stalls in town is something that would cause curiosity.
"Excuse me, do you work on the Sweet Apple Acres farm?" - asked a deep voice, when I turned around I saw a unicorn guard.
Shit.
"Yes, I'm a relative, what do you need?" - I asked calmly, trying not to sound nervous, I have never liked governments, whenever they find me they ask me to do things for them, they are annoying, and I don't want them to do anything to my family.
"I just wanted to ask if you know anything about the blacksmith who works in that place, we have tried to locate him to talk to him about his work but we have never been able to locate him" - he said as he took something out of his saddlebags.
It was one of the kitchen tools they had asked me for the palace, a set of cutlery for the princess, Seed had asked me for Celestia as a birthday gift.
"Yes, he is the best blacksmith in our family, he doesn't go out much, he is very old and he doesn't like strangers, because they are looking for him? They could make their order if they want something"
Then he did something that caught me by surprise and others nearby.
He levitated one of the cutlery and drew his sword, then brandished it trying to destroy the innocent fork.
Only for his sword to break.
I must admit that this guard had very good reflections to prevent the pieces from flying off, closing the remains in a bubble.
"As you can see, a simple place setting can resist a sword attack, and a very good one, we would like to hire him, and if necessary the princess herself would be willing to come in person to meet him" - she said while keeping what was left of her sword and cutlery.
These guys are fools, if I want to get rid of them, I think I should leave my pride for a moment, I did not want to get to this, but I think it is necessary.
"I will try to talk to him, but I promise nothing" - I said with a smile, I hope it works.
Things went pretty well, at least the royal guard didn't arrest me, but Smith didn't like at all that I make that little joke on royalty.
What part of NO, they don't understand?
Well, at least that would be enough, for now, to keep them away for a while.
Although I think I should be more careful about my things, even if I make them the most "common" as I can, they finish with great quality and that is bad if I want to go unnoticed.
I still cannot find any clues about any of my most powerful artifacts, although thanks to the Apple family, I managed to find, to my great chagrin, several legends that mention some of my creations.
My stupid pride has created very powerful and dangerous things, I even remember that a king in a southern country, a zebra king, if I remember correctly, asked me to create something that would provide him with all the knowledge in the world.
Why does anyone want to know everything?
I ended up building a well of gold, by offering one eye, silver water will give you knowledge of all magic, by offering both eyes, golden water will give you the wisdom of a thousand lives.
It was a challenge, that thing is connected to every magical essence, even mine.
Although I doubt they can do what I do without my physical abilities.
I also did for a crazy goat a long time ago, a little bell made of windigos, that part was hard to do but is one of my best works.
I would like to say I was young and stupid, but things are fine, I guess every potentially dangerous artifact was just forgotten.
Apparently, Seed didn't like what I did to make those nobles and soldiers from the capital leave us alone, but to my credit the princess liked it, or so Seed told me that Celestia told her in her letters, not yet I understand why Seed is such a friend of hers.
"At least a little? That meal is difficult to do please!" - I said with eyes so miserable that even a god would bend.
"No, it was reckless what you did, they might as well take the farm away from us in retaliation" - said Seed.
"But they didn't, and if they did it right we could hide the farm like I did my workshop"
"I don't want to live as a fugitive, but it would be nice if you did anyway, recently there have been robbery problems around town with so many arriving on the train"
Recently many more ponies had arrived in town thanks to the train and the sacred Zap jam from the farm, I swear by my hammer that that jam is the most incredible thing I did, at least on purpose.
I had heard that the Rich had suffered a theft of one of their caravan, maybe it is a good idea to hide the farm, only guests can enter and those with good intentions.
...
Why hadn't I thought about it before?!
"Maybe because you always get lost in that workshop of yours?" - said Seed.
She is getting too good at reading my thoughts.
"By the way, where did the others go? No one in their right mind would miss this breakfast with Zap jam" - I said as I finished my coffee, small victories, it did not count as dessert.
"They went to the town to finish negotiating the boundaries of the land, a new family of farmers arrived and the mayor wants to distribute the growing areas better" - Seed said while she swallowed pancakes with Zap jam, she did it on purpose, I swear it.
"And who will be our new neighbors?" - I asked, why do I always find out at the end of things?
"I think they are called pears"
"I wonder what they are going to cultivate" - I said sarcastically.
"Very good, little Mac, what we have here is a thread of golden light, it is a bit difficult to achieve, first you reflect the morning light in a mirror on magic water and you let it pass through until dawn is over, the result They are these beautiful threads, threads that cannot be eaten !, spit that out Mac! "- I said as I took the children out of his mouth, I swear to God that this little guy doesn't eat the earth because maybe he already tasted it.
I think it is not a good idea to bring a colt to the workshop, but I can watch him better in this place, also his medallion keeps him safe from any danger, but even so he can cry a lot and that is not good.
"Grandpa, are you downstairs?" - I heard Smith speak from the kitchen, maybe the food is already there.
"Come on little! You heard your mother Mac, let's finally eat, I have a beastly hunger" - I said while carrying the golden foal.
He's already big, or at least for me, maybe in a few years he'll be taller than me, I hate my short stature.
When I left the workshop, the sunlight had already hidden, I think we spent more time in the workshop than I thought.
"We are here Smith" - I said as I entered the kitchen.
"My parents are not long in coming Grandpa, make yourself comfortable, my husband is still in the fields, he will arrive later," Smith said as he grabbed the little Mac.
I think I will never tire of seeing them, they make me nostalgic of another times.
"I think your parents said they were going to the capital, right? For any special reason?" - I asked while I served myself some tea.
"Well, it's a surprise" - said Smith with a look that I didn't like at all.
"Very well dear, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to continue in my work, that mirror will not end on its own, if you need something just call by the fireplace" - I said while grabbing what you could eat and I left as quickly as possible.
Only to bump into something and spill all my food.
"Excuse me, Brown, I didn't see you...." - I said as I looked at what I thought was Smith's husband, only to see a long white leg.
I usually enjoy a good meal with the family while we talk about new things that have happened or gossip about the town, like that curious rivalry that Smith started with the pears, if I remember correctly it was with the youngest of the family, although he has the same age as Smith, they behave like foals.
But now I would like to be somewhere else.
"Well, Smith, that was delicious, and thanks for inviting me Seed, being out of the castle for a while is what I needed, these last few weeks have been very exhausting" - Celestia said while she had some tea.
"It's the least i could do Tia, right grandpa?" - Seed said as she gave me such a dark look that I thought this was a nightmare, maybe it is, although a sip of my boiling tea tells me that this is very real .
"Of course my dear, it's good to help friends" - I said while trying to avoid looking at the huge princess.
I must admit that I had forgotten how huge alicorns can be, practically half of her leg is taller than me.
Also her magic was incredible, like a lake of light in the middle of the night fed by an almost infinite golden river, perhaps it was because of her connection with the sun.
"I must admit that it is a pleasure to meet the legendary blacksmith of the Apple family, you are a little difficult to contact" - Celestia said while looking at me, god I hate this part.
"Well, princess, my encounters with royalty or any type of government for a change have not been very pleasant" - I said as cordially as possible, but considering that almost everyone at the table was shaken by my voice, I think it did not work.
"Considering what you went through, I'm not surprised, I don't blame you for not trusting me" -she said, surprising me.
Turning my head towards Seed, her embarrassed look only makes me feel less angry at her.
Before politely yelling at him for talking to someone else about other people's personal things, Strong interrupted me by putting his hoof on my shoulder.
"We promised to help you with your mission, but years have passed and we still haven't been able to find anything but stories, the princess is someone you can trust, she helped us when no one else could, just like you" -said Strong as he looked at me to the eyes.
"We trust her grandfather, give her a chance" - said Seed, looking at me with a pleading look, it almost seemed like she was going to burst into tears.
Frankly, I don't know what to think, I could only look at my family.
My family...
I can't make the same mistake.
'you can take a leap of faith, just like you did with me'
After so many years, her words from her still follow me.
"I know you can't trust my Brok, but Seed told me about your story, frankly I was very surprised, I have so many questions that I want to ask you, but I think I can help you with something that may bring you some peace" - said Celestia while she teleported a kind of crystal and the table and chairs disappeared, gently leaving us on the floor.
"To say that I was septic of what Seed was talking about was saying little, but the more he told me, the more things seemed to fit, even details that escape me" - she said as she shot magic at the crystal, causing a kind of white light came out of the crystal tip and drew a crystal city
"The mountains where you left your family were the cradle of a great civilization, the crystal ponies thrived for centuries even before my birth, their last ruler was Princess Amore, but one day he fell under a cruel unicorn called Sombra" - said Celestia while showing images of Sombra and Princess Amore.
Even the image of Sombra did not leave to the imagination how powerful he was, but there was something strange in his magical aura, he was not a pure unicorn, something else was mixed, something familiar.
And Amore, she was beautiful, but what surprised me most was the resemblance to my late wife.
"When Sombra was about to fall, he launched a curse that made the empire disappear along with him, almost 1000 years have passed since then, and maybe he will return in a couple of dozen more years, I believe the royal family of the crystal empire are your descendants "- Celestia finished, leaving the image of Amore.
It makes sense, I gave them what I could to make them prosper, I'm glad that in the end, everything turned out well, or at least until Sombra appeared.
I felt my heart clench, I touched my chest for the pain, a pain that I only experienced twice in my entire life appeared again.
"What happened to Amore?" - I asked fearfully.
"She was killed by Sombra, or so I think, we didn't find her dead or alive" - Celestia said as she left the crystal in my reach.
Grabbing it, hugging it to my chest, I think I have to make a trip to a certain place, or at least until the empire appears again.
"Thank you very much" - I said as I looked at Celestia with tears in my eyes.
"I hope that with this you can trust me a little, if there are so many more dangers, I want to help you contain or destroy them before they cause harm"
"I guess at least I owe you that" - I said with a soft smile, while my family hugged me and the crystal.
Almost 7 years have passed the Apples know me, and they are crying for a family they don't know.
I don't deserve them.
Leaving the hug, I composed myself enough to put the crystal in one of the bags on my belt.
I think Celestia was surprised that it would fit in it, but it was a magic belt.
"As a favor for the crystal, I think I can do something for you, what if I help you with your family problem? I think your sister has been alone for a long time, don't you think?" - I said with a soft smile.
Perhaps I was a bit cocky, although Celestia's look was worth it, it seemed that she had hit her with a fish.
"ho..how do you know?"
"I can see things that others don't, besides, you really thought I wouldn't notice the huge face stuck to the Moon? I can help you free your sister from the madness of a nightmare, it is not the first time that an alicorn falls due to corruption".
And there it is, my ability to render beautiful mares speechless still works.
Me and my big mouth will be my downfall, it is on many occasions, it is not because of my age, I usually work until I am satisfied, but when it comes to talking or counting stories, well, it makes me want to immerse Celestia in to "the river of silence ", I did it for that old shaman in the mountains, now I understand why he wanted one.
"So, just to confirm, my sister and I are not the first of our kind?" - asked Celestia while writing in some kind of notebook.
The others had gone to sleep hours ago, I think it is even going to dawn.
"I can't say how many, but at least I met 4, the last one was a great friend, I knew him before he was converted into an alicorn" -I said while trying to stay awake-"besides that, if it is possible to have children, even they are almost always alicorns, after the first generation the others are from a tribe "
Seeing as Celestia was incredulous, I guess she never tried to have children, or unless it was something else.
"I guess you never tried to have children?" - I asked as kindly as possible, an offended mare is one of the most frightening dangers in the world.
"No, Luna and I barely had time to us, or at least after ascending we didn't try, many saw us as goddesses, untouchables, after Luna it was worse, with the time you get used to it, and the potions and spells against the seasons of heat help a lot "-she said with a slight blush on her cheeks
"My condolences, I understand you, although I would like to start with these elements of harmony, they are not my work and I would like to see them" - I said with great emotion, these artifacts were rare, something that could rival my creations is something that appears once every ... many dreams.
"They are in my old castle, later I can bring them, I lost my ability to use them, and without them, I don't know how to free my sister from the darkness" - Celestia said with sadness in her voice.
"Luckily for you, your majesty, and with all due respect to your master, these elements are mere toys for me, it is not the only way to free your sister" -I said with great confidence.
I have my pride, and although these elements sound powerful, from the descriptions of Celestia they have many drawbacks at the time of use, I am tempted to make my own version of the elements.
"My master was the greatest unicorn of his time, even now no one rivals him in knowledge and power, he could defeat me and my sister without breaking a sweat" -said Celestia with a defensive touch in her voice.
Understandably, he was their teacher for a long time, but things as they are, as far as I am concerned, I am as old as time, I am a legendary blacksmith, master of heroes, and slayer of gods, my artifacts have shaped to the world.
"So, your majesty, how about a contest?" - I said with a smile that I hadn't done in a while.
I suppose that Celestia is also excited because she emulated the smile.
"And what kind would it be, grandpa?"
"Give me a list of all the most important achievements of your teacher, these elements should not be the only ones, if I do something that makes them useless, you will admit that your teacher is hardly a child compared to me"
At some point, we got up from the table and we were looking into each other's eyes, face to face, I think that even small sparks could be seen flying between us.
"What if my teacher wins?" - She said while she kept that smile, I like her attitude, I want my grandson to marry her.
"Well, I suppose you always had problems with your powers, considering you melt everything in your path by using all your power, what if I made you a weapon that allows you to use everything you have, I did the same with my friend, alicorns are symbols of virtue, it's only fair that you have something that allows you to use everything you have "- I said with an innocent smile.
Her look says she was right, only powerful artifacts could withstand the magic of an alicorn.
"Very good, I'm excited, I've wanted a new complete set of armor and weapon for a long time, I'll be back with the list and the artifacts in two days, I look forward to my award" - she said while teleporting.
Right at that moment, Smith appeared in the kitchen, looking tired.
"Has the princess left?" - she asked.
"Yes, and I think I already know why your father kissed the princess as much as he could, if you hurry, I think your son would be perfect for the princess, she would be good for the family, Smith" - I said with a smile, although she threw me a cup of coffee, if things go well my grandson will be a lucky bastard.
