> Musings of a Bookhorse > by Kentavritsa > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- . I am sitting on my throne, where I have been sitting for a few minutes; ruefully contemplating the current situation, as I notice Pinkie Pie trotting into the room. I had never heard the door, either open or close. Then again, this is Pinkie Pie I have before me. (What had I been expecting?) “Hiya, Twilly!” Pinkie exclaims, now stretching her neck and ogles me intensely. “Hi, Pinkie..” I respond, before I am catching on. “My cutie-mark is glowing, flashing incessantly!” she now blurts out, still gazing into my eyes intensively. “Congratulations, Pinkie!” I offer; I hope it will be an exciting mission!” I then continue. I can sense the scent of sugary sweetness from her, just as I am sensing the tightness of the curls of her mane as she is pronking before me. She is vibrating, almost making a purring sound in her exuberant excitement. “I have a book, see!” she exclaims, lifting up her right fore-hoof to her head; inserting the hoof into the tight curls of her mane, extracting the book for me to see. “Oh...” I mumble; “Yes; a book!” I then exclaim. “I just realized, she will be excited; when I present her with this one!” Pinkie proclaims, almost bursting by the seams. “Wait, what?” I exclaim; “Why does it feel, almost as if she had been a stuffed plush toy animal?” I ponder, as it strikes me. “Thank you, Twilly..” she blurts out; “gotta go!” she then states. With that, she is inserting the book into her mane, once more; before she extracts the hoof, moving towards the back-door towards the mirror. “Boing.. boing.. boing...” is heard, as she bounces off towards the door. The door opens all by itself, almost as if it had been anticipating her. Well, this is Pinkie Pie we're talking about. Though I know the castle is sentient. But still. . Should I have followed her? No, because I have not been summoned. “Boing.. boing.. boing...” is heard, as she bounces out of the room. I hear her, as she is bouncing out of the room. However, I don't hear the door closing; more than I had heard it, when it had opened before her a mere moment earlier. Of course, this is Pinkie Pie. I had given up the pursuit, attempting to understand her. Now, that is way back, several years ago. It had been fruitless, Pain-full. I am not eager to experience this again. Not just for the embarrassment of the failure. Maybe I could have taken a failure? No, who am I kidding. Still, this one in particular had hit be hard. Like an anvil on the top of my head, or a piano; falling down onto me, from that transport. Hay, I just do not enjoy pain particularly, or, at all. What Pony in her right mind would, if anyone? Not that I am judging. It's just not my place. Just as I don't judge that Stallion, who immerses himself in Jelly or marmalade. At least, so long as I'm not cleaning up after him. Which of course, I am not. (What had you been expecting?) . The door to the throne room is closing behind me, as I bounce towards the mirror. I stop momentarily, before the mirror; as I make sure the book is properly seated, in its place before I bounce into the mirror. The mirror is glowing, shimmering with its light flowing out from inside. Since I had seen Twilight using the mirror, stepping into it; I know it is safe, though I guess I had known that all along. I find myself moving through the swirling vortex of colours, Twilight had been describing; before I step out behind the statue before the school of Canterlot High, just as Twilight had on her adventures through this Mirror Portal. Just as her, I am a Human Girl, on this side of the mirror; and just as she was, I am retaining all my personal features and quirks. If you had not known better; you would see me, as the spitting image of my counterpart on this side. There is a Pinkie Pie over here; still attending this school, just as there was, when Twilight had last been here. No, I am most certainly not spitting; that is just one of these silly expressions, but what the hay. No, of course I am not wearing a Uniform; they never established any Uniform, here at Canterlot High. How silly. Why should they? Besides, the students are getting along quite nicely, after Twilight had corrected the issue and mistake made by Sunset Shimmer when she had arrived. While not a Uniform, technically; the Tail and Ears had been turned into an unofficial Uniform of sorts, even if none ever pointed it out if you did not wear them. It's just a fun thing, a ploy and marketing item; designed, and produced by the local Rarity. Everyone had loved it, while Twilight reintroduced it; at her first entry, into the student body back then. With the popularity Twilight had built up, for herself in the process; it was only natural, for the ears and tail to be popular as well. Popular, to the point; where even Snips and snails had opted to wear them, as they went behind the back of Sunset Shimmer. She had not taken to this, at the time. Of course, what had you been expecting; on the account of her being the antagonist, doing her best to topple the friendship we had back then. (Maybe I should let Sunset Shimmer have a copy of the book I am offering Twilight Sparkle?) I had found myself wearing a pink knee-long skirt and t-shirt, as I was stepping through. Just as I wear the yellow and blue ears. (not the exact model, but one looking as if they had been natural such as I had before I had stepped through the mirror!) As opposed to my friend: Twilight Sparkle, I had not stopped as I was exiting the portal; since I had been forewarn, I knew what I was to be expecting. I merely stopped, for a moment; walking up towards the entrance of the building before me: the Canterlot High school. As opposed to the gait I had maintained, bouncing up to the mirror; I am walking, like the girl I am. I may be Pinkie Pie (Pinkamena Diane Pie); but how does this suggest, that I have to walk any different from anyone else here? I have no idea, and don't even bother trying to come up with reasons and push them into my face. I do not have the time. After a short moment of walk, I reach the entrance; opening the door before me, promptly entering the building. “Hiya, Rarity!” I exclaim, as I see her moving along; slipping a hand in into my hair (mane), extracting a pristine plush Rarity. “Hello, Pinkie!” she responds, accepting the plush Plushy replica of her. “Thank you, Pinkie!” she responds; “A most thoughtful gift, and I will treasure her!” she now concludes. “You are most welcome, Rarity!” I respond, walking along the hall; waving at friends as I greet them on my way. . “She left!” I ponder, as I hear the bouncing quiet, behind Pinkie entering the mirror. . I am approaching the library, only for the door to open just as I arrive. The girl who came out of the library hastily scurries off, most likely late for her next class. I don't stop her, in order to ask; I leave her to what she was doing, as I walk through the library towards the flight of stairs up to the second level. “Hello, Pinkie!” I hear from the top of the stairs. “Hiya, Twilight!” I respond, as I approach the stairs and climb up to where Twilight is by a table with a book before her. I am climbing the flight of stairs, all the way up to Twilight. Now I am continuing over to the table, where she is sitting; slipping my right hand into my mane, extracting the book I had selected for her enjoyment. “Since you enjoy reading, I brought you something just a little bit extra!” I put forth, handing her the book. “Thank you, Pinkie!” she exclaims, as she is standing before me; hugging me tightly. “You are quite welcome, my deer Twilight!” I respond; “Hope you will be enjoying the content as much as I predicted!” I explain. “Send Twilight and our friends my regards!” she offers. “Okeley, dokeley...” I respond, as I leave her alone with the book I just gave her. . “Let's see, what book she gave me..” I ponder; “I have to see, what treasure I have before me!” I continue. The book is a comforting Lavender, just the hue of Twilight and me. Curious, but what to be expecting from Pinkie Pie? The book has a frame on the front, almost as if it had a mirror glued on it. On second thought, the frame is Star Silver, and the glazed mirror is iridium. “Adventures” the title reads. “Adventures?” I ponder; “What kind of a title is that?” I ponder, as I am opening the book, to the title page. “Adventures” I read; “by Quantum Leap” I continue, as I read who the author is. For now, I ignore all the details from the publisher and such. Of course, there is a table of contents on the next page; listing what I have to look forwards to. What had I been expecting, this is obligatory. At least, in my opinion. “Page 01: 'Filly 'N' Inky Socks” I read. “Page 02: Neko Phillie A(I)" I continue. --- --- --- Pass: From one, to another. > In a Bit: 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- . “Page 03: 'In a Bit” I read. I am flipping the page, falling forwards and down into the narrative in a swift, fluid motion. “Whoa!” I exclaim, thanking my lucky Star, for being in this secluded location where I don't expect anyone to see me or find out. . I step into the crafting supply shop, intent on browsing their wears. It's fun, shopping, even if you don't intend to actually buy anything. Just browsing their wears, looking at various items. After a while, I enter the section for crafting hobbyhorses. How curious. Not only do they have a set of more or less complete hobbyhorses; but various odds and ends intent to craft what you like to personalize and dress up your favourite hobbyhorse as well. Including the crafting of a stable for your hobby horses. Plural, as in multiple hobbyhorses. From the components I can see, I could craft anything and everything for a hobbyhorse, as if it had been a horse of flesh and blood. I find it curious, almost stumbling over the implications. Hobbyhorses seems to have been the latest screech. Of course, they had to include bits to these hobbyhorses. In the same vein, these bits have to look as if they had been intended for actual horses; just in the size for a hobbyhorse in place of the actual horse. Incidentally, the size of the bit would actually fit in the mouth of a Human, wouldn't it? I just had to pick up one of these bits in my hand; wiping it off with my hands and a small piece of cloth in order to try it on for myself. There was none around at the time, thankfully. I think it would have been embarrassing no end, had I been found out; trying this bit replica on for myself, in the store. While I don't know if anyone would actually had cared, if they had seen it; maybe this is just in my head, but it is still embarrassing to me all the same. While the bit appears to fit me, perfectly; but it would not stay in place, all by itself. I will need a halter, in order to hold my bit in my mouth. Just as the bit will not stay in the mouth of a horse; without this halter, either. Not just because the horse may choose to spit it out, for any reason; but the bit was never designed, to stay inside the mouth all by itself in the first place. Why would it? It's supposed to be taken out, every once in a while. On closer inspection; I can see various types of bits, to look as if they had been intended for use on horses. How curious? But, if you want to sell the idea, you have to play the part; which includes making several different models. For the same reason, they had plated or coated these bits with various metals of different colours to sell the idea. Though I could see it, as if the colour could play a more decorative role as well. Maybe I want the light gray, high polished finish? Or, I may prefer a matter finish, or a different hue? I pick up a white, yellow and red bit; intent on purchasing them for myself. The price is reasonable enough, for me to afford picking them up; even if I were to change my mind tomorrow, without even attempting to return these items afterwards. “Gold and Silver!” I ponder, knowing they are not truly gold or silver; just made to look like it, for my benefit. Gold and Silver are far too expensive, for these items, in the price-range I or anyone like me could possibly afford. Though the red could actually be copper, even if I know it is just plated with a thin layer of the precious metal. Picking the bit proved only too easy. It is simple to pick up a standard bit, of course. Once I had confirmed that the bit was to fit comfortably in my mouth, I had selected the type that was closest to my idea. I choose the double link model. What isn't quite as easy, is to find the halter. Since I can't use the standard model, I have to craft it from scratch; or it could never fit my face, of course. Just as I could not ask, for what I am looking for. I end up, picking a length of leather looking straps matching what is used in the standard model. I choose to pick one black, white and light pink branded skin-tone. How this would possibly work, but I ran with the idea just for the fun of it. Maybe I could use this to a bracelet too? “Should I have one or two inch wide?” I ponder. Since the store is not oriented towards the hobby horse exclusively, I could ask for the information I need; just so long as I don't explain the exact intent, but dress up the questions for a more general crafting purpose. How convenient, I don't need to pick up material for the blinders; but I don't feel, as if I need them in the first place. This is not the kind of store, where they sell the item in the first place. Conveniently enough, I find the item intended for cutting and linking the straps respectively. With these in hand, I can craft the halter with relative ease. . I had paid for my purchase and left the store, smiling. The bit itself is fitting into my mouth, comfortably; partially due to the fact, I am missing the teeth where the bit is intended to fit into the mouth. Silly detail? But, it's what it is; I am currently missing these teeth. With the bit securely in my mouth, the rings are sticking out in the corners of my mouth. I'm quietly giggling at this image, as I am looking into the mirror, as I am examining my appearance. Of course, I had to see how I am looking; with the new bit in my mouth, and to see if and how well it is actually fitting. Maybe I had picked it up on a whim, but once I had picked it up, it is no longer a random act. On second thought; I have a tiara with Pony ears on top of it. I rearrange my hair, before I am sticking it in on top of my head; changing my hair style, by combing enough hair back over it to hide the tiara completely. In the mirror, I can see myself smiling back; the equine ears on top of my head, sticking out between the strands of hair. How curious, but it does look pretty cute this way. I snicker. . While I had to craft the halter free-hand, stretching a strap under my chin and another behind my neck; but I think I had managed to get the size and fit just right, in order to give me a comfortable fit for me. The only real trick, is in how to make these Leather straps to hold my bit in place. With a bit of experimentation, I soon get the straps to hold the bit in place. “There...” I exclaim, under my breath, as I complete the first of my bits. “Whoa!!” I proclaim, as I manage to insert the bit and secure it behind my neck. The fit is surprisingly tight and snug around my face, as the halter is holding the bit in a firm grip; securing it into my mouth, quite comfortably. Since I have the first bit, just right, I cut straps of the next colour in exact length; crafting myself the second halter. Repeating the process, crafting the halters for all my bits. Black straps for the gold, skin-tone for the Copper and white for silver. “Okay, that was actually rather fun!” I mouth, under my breath. If I am looking at my reflection, in the mirror; I can barely see the outlines of the halter, while I wear the light pink, skin-tone halter. How curious? Yet, I barely feel it, as the straps are hugging my skin; in its skin-tight fashion, and it slips smoothly over my skin, as my skin moves. What if I were to attach a head-set mike to this halter, even if the bit is restraining my speech a little. I can't exactly deny the effect, even if I can put effort into minimizing it. I just so happen to have such a head-set, in a matching tone; I had chosen this a while back, in the hopes of wearing it without it showing. With just a little bit of an effort, on my part; I manage to attach the mike on the side of my face, on the halter-strap on my right side. Slapping the tiny ear-pieces into my ears with the halter on my face, proves only too easy. I undo the strap behind my neck, before I am polishing the halter-straps up nicely; putting the halter back on, before securing the halter firmly and seamlessly. Once I had repeated the entire process, perfecting each of my remaining two halters; I place them on their respective make-up head-model. I leave these on my desk, as if I was expecting them to respond to me; permitting me to converse with them, if I sit before my desk. I walk up to the door of my room, opening it before I step out of my room without a thought; before I continue to walk and ends up before the door to my sister, knocking. . “Enter!” my sister exclaims, bidding me to enter her room. I open the door and enter her room. “Hi, Sis!” she responds, as she sees me entering her room. “Hi, Sis!” I respond, just as I had closed the door behind myself. She is looking at me, studying me critically; without really notice the halter and bit I am wearing. “Kind of unexpected..” she now offers;”what did you have in mind?” she inquires. “I wanted to see your reaction, on what I had crafted..” I explain; “and hear your opinion on this as an accessory; if you don't mind!” I conclude. “Wait, you are wearing an accessory, you crafted yourself?” she inquires, critically looking at me even closer. “You recall the skin-tone head-set I bought a while back?” I inquire. “Oh, yes..” she responds; “and you are wearing it right now?” she then inquires, giggling. “Oh, but of course!” I respond, nodding my head. “It's very hard to see, in the skin-tone hue!” she affirms; “so I had to ask!” she then points out. “So, you approve of my accessory?” I inquire. “Wait, what?” she now blurts out; “If I had one, just like yours; we could talk to one-another, without anyone even realizing!” she then pushes forth. “If you like; I could take you to the stores, and help you craft one of your own!” I promise. “You could?” she inquires; “I would love that, very much!” she continues; “Just curious; are the ears part of the item, or are they optional?” she then inquires. “My ears are a separate accessory, for now!” I respond; “Though I guess, one could integrate them into the design, if so desired..” I then add; “if you would like it, that is!” I offer; “Just have to figure out, how to integrate these ears and make the best use of them!” I then ponder, nodding as I giggle at the result. “Are you thinking of Wi-Fi, or Mikes?” she inquires. “Since you mention it; both could work, all depending on what you want!” I offer. “If possible; both is better than just the one!” she points out; “This could be our sisterly secret..” she suggests; “if this is what you had in mind, I am all for it!” she responds. “Sisterly Secret it is!” I confirm; “While I could make hers without the bit, but I should still leave this choice up to her!” I ponder; “We'll hit the mall in a few days, and you can pick the items for yourself!” I then promise. . “These are the straps you used to craft your accessory?” she inquires. “Yes..” I respond; "but you could choose straps in any hue available; if you don't want them skin-tone!” I then add. She is picking up a skin-tone, a black and a red strap, all one and a half inch wide. I point out the equipment I had used in crafting the halter, without directly naming it as such. In public, I leave the sensitive details out. “These are the hobby-horse bits!” I indicate, pointing the items out. “Whoa!!” she breathes. “Rather cute, if I can say so myself!” I put forth. “Yes, you can..” she responds; “and I will need one of these!” she puts forth, as she is picking up a double-jointed bit in Copper, as we continue. I take the opportunity, picking a head-piece for my hobby horse; which incidentally happens to be me, matching my ears just for the fun of it. She is blushing, as she is picking a black, a red and a gold one for herself. “Sisterly secret!” she whispers; as we are walking up to the counter, in order to pay for our respective purchases. “Exactly!” I respond. . Just as I had promised, I had crafted a halter for my sister. I used the straps she had selected, in the process. Once she had put the halter on, with the bit securely in her mouth; I attach the mike and the head-phone. “Neat!!” she exclaims; and you don't even notice it is there!” she now concludes; as if she is indecided on if she describes what she is feeling, or what she is seeing in the mirror. Since she chose the skin-tone, the straps blends in with her sin perfectly. Considering the material of the straps, the halter is all but impossible to feel. Once the mikes and Wi-Fi antennae had been integrated into the ears; one could connect them to the head-set and quietly converse even well out of earshot and eye-sight with ease. Just for play, I had crafted a second halter for the both of us. Choosing a red double-jointed bit, only to polish the mid-section with a gel to make a curious sensation. Though I guess the gel is inducing increased salivating as well. I watch her putting on her new halter, inserting the bit into her mouth; only for her to blush, as the bit slip over her tongue How could I blame her, when I am reacting the same way? I find my face go read and hot as I find myself a bit excited and wet. “Sisterly secret!” we exclaim in chorus, still experiencing the blush. Once the proclamation had been pronounced, the flush slowly resides. She had chosen to play along with the idea I had presented, sharing in the secret. Just that she had expanded on the secret, I offered her. If she had been interested, impressed or excited initially, but the secret had eventually been shared. “You surprised me, as you shared this with me!” she points out. “But you enjoy what I offered you?” I inquire. “You presented your idea, in such a light as to make it irresistible!” she responds; “It may be a bit out there, but since you chose to forgo the blinders and any other overtly obvious item; you sold it to me, and now I find this exciting!” she pushes forth. “An open secret, hidden in plain sight?” I inquire. “We can wear this in plain sight, yes..” she responds, giggling; “and none would be the wiser!” she concludes. “I was never into being loud, but I still love to chat and have things to share with you!” I mouth. “I have always loved the sisterly secrets, we have shared; and I will love sharing them with you, always!” she concludes. . The story works like a charm, playing out like a dream. Not quite like the regular book walking, but is still enjoyable to experience And just like a dream, it slowly fades and blurs out; permitting me to return to the land of the living, still remembering the entire adventure as if I had experience it in the flesh. I sit, where I had been sitting; as I was starting to read the book, as the adventure claimed me. It is almost, like an Isekai, aside from me being returned to my own body. “Whoa!” I exclaim, closing my mouth as I am coming back to myself. I had been the girl, for the duration of the entire adventure; experiencing everything, as if I had been her. I recall what had happened, every last tiny minute sensory perception. Not just the images and the words, but how she felt and what she had thought in the moment of the event taking place. Guess I had known this all along; since it isn't exactly the first chapter, of the book. The book is already closed, as I am exiting the book. Just like the previous chapter of the adventure. --- --- --- > A Crescent Moon: 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- . “Page 06: A Crescent Moon” I read. I am flipping the page, falling forwards and down into the narrative in a swift, fluid motion. “Whoa!” I exclaim, thanking my lucky Star, for being in this secluded location where I don't expect anyone to see me or find out. . It is the night of the Crescent Moon festival. I had prepared myself, for what is to come. Or, at least it is my impression. After all, I had acquired the items I need for the festival at hand. At first glance, it's a holiday and a festival, like most all others. Though just like every holiday and festival; it has traditions, requiring preparations and garb. It is not a mere suit or costume, of the sort; but, I intend to wear it proudly for the night. . The Crescent Moon is special to me, in the same way the Full Moon is to the Moon worshiper of every stripe and denomination currently practiced. This is a three days, or nights event; just like the Full Moon and the day before and after. Though the Crescent Moon is not just the phase of the Moon, as one may have assumed; it is also a part of the suit worn at this very special festival. This is a thigh-high boot. Like high heels, but without the heel; only with the delicately rounded soul, in the image of an Equine hoof. Even if others may prefer the cloven hoof of the Bovine or Cervine denomination. To some, this is a most solemn night; to some, it is a frenetic festival. To me, and my kind; this is a very special occasion. While the Crescent Moon is technically seen twice a month, the Festival is only celebrated once a year, on the first Crescent moon directly following upon the Spring Equinox. This is in the Spring, and not the Harvest Moon. It may never occur in either the Red or the Blue Moon. The Red, or blue Moon: Blood Moon, is a deeply dark omen, to us and thus feared above all. Just as the Blue Moon is a dark omen of hard times and sorrow. The Yellow Moon, or Sun Tide is an omen of great joy and profound fortune. The calendar is promising a Yellow Moon to be on high. . I am wearing my black cotton daytime panties and matching brassier. Furthermore, I have slipped into my full-length toe-stockings and matching gloves to honour the day of the festival, as required of this very festive occasion. While it may be acceptable to show skin, but these skin-tone garments still enhance my experience and feels smooth. Gloves and stockings is a set, not two separate items. Just like the boots, my gloves comes with the Equine likeness; miniature hooves, in place of my effeminate beauty of human nails. I wear them, in order to honour the Deity on this very special night. If I had a Companion; he, or she would wear these gloves just as I wear mine. Naturally, I am wearing a skin-tight, golden yellow knee-long skirt and matching blouse on this night. Tradition demands it out of me. I am just buttoning up the blouse, before I am looking up; closing the door of my wardrobe, before I turn to face the festival. I can not eat, during the festival; I have already buttoned up my blouse and thus sealed away my appetite and lust for food. The fast is not long, just the few hours. I am walking over the floor of my room, extending my right hand; pressing the palm of my hand and spread my fingers wide, thus opening the door and walk out of the room. Walking over to the door to the cloaking room, repeating the process of opening the door with my right hand fully extended once more. The door quietly slides shut behind me, just as I had cleared the threshold. Just as always, I do not even notice the door closing behind me. Once in the cloaking room, I pull out the festival mask and put it onto my face; feeling it eagerly sliding over my skin and touching my lips. For a brief moment, I feel the slippery wetness of the mask covering my face; before the sensation evaporates and leaves me with nothing more than the new sensitivity, of my new second skin. Curiously enough, I sense the scent of excitement on the air; confirming my excitement, brought on by the moment of the festival that is upon me. My ears twitch, momentarily; before zooming in on the noises around me, permitting me to focus more precisely on the sounds of interest over the noises of my surroundings. Maybe this is part of the excitement, but it is something I have always been enjoying each year. Maybe, just maybe; this is what I am looking forwards to the most, yearning for this special freedom of the festival. I had chosen my denomination, for the aspect and what it is offering me in person. Why shouldn't I be looking forwards to this? Why shouldn't it excite me? I can not say, because it excites me far too much for me to even consider these questions. Now I had extracted the promised ears, slipping them into place onto the top of my head; guiding a few strands of my bangs back over the sides of my ears; hiding what they are and forcing them to blend into my mane. I lift up my right foot, as I pick up the right boot; slipping my foot into it, feeling how eagerly it is swallowing my foot. As I set the foot, or hoof down; the boot is fully on, leaving me with the half-finished look. Only for me to repeat the process of slipping on the second, left boot. Now I am standing on my own two hooves. No, I had never been into the notion of the Unicorn; more than I had been into the image of the Pegasus. Why? Even if I may enjoy the image of the purity, the power to manipulate my surroundings and casting spells. Just as I can still understand it, if you enjoy the freedom of flight. Yet, neither spoke to me. It still doesn't. This simply is not me, simple as that. I never tried either. However, I have heard the tales of my friends; explaining the experience to me, even to this day. It just is not me. Even if you don't feel the wings, as anything other than natural extensions of your body, as if you had been born with them. I still do feel the wind in my mane, as the frisky breeze is trying to tease me as best it can. All I have to do, is to go out of my home; stepping out the door, closing it behind me. While I do go out each and every day, this is special to me; because only today, can I truly feel the equine spirit flowing through my veins. Only today. Yes, only today is the equine spirit free to take hold of me. This is the festival, where the spirit is liberated, when I can be myself as I see fit. I am rejoicing, already; before I have even opened the door. As I open the door, I feel the breeze flowing through my mane. The hairs on the back of my neck is standing, in excitement; as I step out, before I am closing the door behind myself. Once the door is closed behind me, I am free to roam the streets. “Clip, clop; clip, clop..” is heard, as I move across the path from the door and all the way out to the fence around the garden of my home. I am enjoying the touch of the hard surface of the stone tiles on my way across the path out through my garden. Each glistering black stone one foot square. Naturally, I had chosen these stones with deliberate care; both for the smooth black surface, and the hard surface upon which I am placing my hooves on my way as I walk. I could have done nothing else, as I could accept nothing less. These stones are hot, under my hooves as I continue to walk; leaving a trace of distinct clopping noises, in my wake. Such delightful, delicate noises I can barely contain myself. The sound of freedom, I can hear but this one night of the year. The sounds I have been yearning for, all year long. How could you refuse me this? Who could possibly? This was my choice and I am standing by it. I am still enjoying the sounds of my hooves just as much today, as I did the first time I was graced by the chance the first time. How could I be denied? Why? By whom? Just as I am reaching the fence, I am turning to the right. . I had turned to the south, as I entered the street my home is bordering. Had I turned around, looking where I had just walked; I would have seen the marks of my steps, in the form of the bright yellow Crescent Moons along the path I follow. The path is to remain, for the duration of the festival. Only to vanish, as the moon goes down on the following day, and the spell is broken. I enjoy the blessing offered, for as long as it is afforded. On the sacred day, or night of the Festival; there is no Tomorrow, no Regret. Only once this festival is at an end, the day after; is there a tomorrow, and option of regret. Not that this is why I enjoy and celebrate the festival. Why worry? Why bother? There is no tomorrow. Just as there is no yesterday. There is but this one instant, the here and now. The joy and the excitement. Who needs anything more? Or, anything else? “Clip, clop; clip, clop..” is heard, as I continue down the street. I can clearly see everything before me. Yet, I can see nothing behind me. There is no looking back. I am looking forwards, as the breeze is playing in my mane. The path is laid with the black stone-tiles; leaving me with the frisky; “Clip, clop; clip, clop.” as I continue down the street. Jolly neighs are greeting me; as I continue down the street, due south as intended. Friends, all friends; under the bright light of the Crescent Moon. The Festival is still in full force. I am content, as I am enjoying the moment. What else is there? What else, indeed. I do not know, I can't fathom the concept. I can not even make myself consider the possibility, even if I wanted to. I do not. It's sacrilege. You simply do not consider these things. Not tonight, under the bright light of the Crescent Moon. . “Clip clop, clip clop, clip clop..” is heard, as I continue trotting down the street, stepping on the black pavement. The moon is high in the sky, gracing me and everyone else with the yellow glow of the crescent. The crescent blade; that cuts through time and space, granting the gift of this very moment. On this very occasion, there are no stars, and the sun is not in sight. Friends are heard, as well as the warm noises of friendly shatter all around. One is not alone, on this night. None is alone, it is not permitted. How? Why? There is a tranquil sense of companions close by. The air is warm, frisky; a warm, friendly breeze caressing my skin as I continue on my way down the path. My belly full, despite not having a single bite since I left my home; content, with the moment within which I am kept. I feel muscles contracting, skin stretching. How could I not? Yet, it is the blessing, the bliss of the moment. This is all there is. What more could be desired or wished for? Nothing. Not right now. Tomorrow. But, there is no tomorrow. Just today, tonight; this very instant. I had chosen my denomination. I chose to acquire the garb, just as I chose to step out. It is my choice. I love this moment, for all it is worth. For as long as it may last. . “Clip clop, clip clop; clip clop, clip clop..” is heard, as the moment is lasting. Of course it is a sunny day with a frisky breeze; never mind it was chilly or smeltering the other night. I continue down the street, following the path of the Crescent Moon; carefree, not a care in the world. Each step taking me forwards, as I continue; chatting with friends I meet in the moment, just enjoying myself. The Crescent Moon is under a favourable light, the positive Omen of Fortunes and Success. Distance is covered, friends are greeted and chatted with, fun and good time is had. Oblivious, I continue forwards. Everyone continue. Everything continues. As the time is up, I notice I had reached the end of the path; I can see my home, as I continue further down the path of the Festival. As I reach my home, I take off on the path leaving the Street for my Home; walking up to the door, opening it, entering my home. As I close the door behind myself, the spell lingers for but a moment; weakening, as the door is closed; weakening with each part of the suit of the Festival removed from my body. I had known it, all along; this moment was bound to come and claim me, taking me back. There is no escaping it, fate can not be denied. Yet, I still put my faith in the promise of the Festival. Even if it is nothing more than a reprieve from the inevitable; I had chosen to dedicate myself to the Festival and all it stands to offer. Maybe, it is just borrowed time; but I can not deny what I gain, even if it is just a few hours of blissful joy in the moment. Its effects holding me up, leaving me stronger in the time ahead. If I can hold on to the positivity, the joy of the Moment; I remain stronger because of it, leaving me capable, more capable to deal with the life I am living. I had chosen to leave the Boots of the Crescent Moon on for last. Not that it would have made any difference really. Once I had slipped the boots off of my feet, putting my bare feet back onto the floor, the spell is finally broken. I am tired, but happy. The Festival had been a complete and utter Success, for me. Just as I imagine, it had been for everyone else participating. Why wouldn’t it? I have no idea. I do not even care to know. I am just revelling in the joy I had just had. Maybe this Festival could be compared with a Party, drinking with Friends; but I will not have a Hangover, tomorrow. No cleaning up. I am fresh as a Daisy, as I wake up. I have always been, and thus imagine I always will be. . The story works like a charm, playing out like a dream.    Not quite like the regular book walking, but is still enjoyable to experience And just like a dream, it slowly fades and blurs out; permitting me to return to the land of the living, still remembering the entire adventure as if I had experience it in the flesh. I sit, where I had been sitting; as I was starting to read the book, as the adventure claimed me.    It is almost, like an Isekai, aside from me being returned to my own body. “Whoa!” I exclaim, closing my mouth as I am coming back to myself. I had been the girl, for the duration of the entire adventure; experiencing everything, as if I had been her. I recall what had happened, every last tiny minute sensory perception.    Not just the images and the words, but how she felt and what she had thought in the moment of the event taking place. Guess I had known this all along; since it isn't exactly the first chapter, of the book. The book is already closed, as I am exiting the book.    Just like the previous chapter of the adventure. --- --- ---