The Explorers of Middle Equestria
Concerning Ponies
Ponies are curious creatures that are wide spread across the strange land of Middle Equestria. One of the most peculiar facts about said ponies is that witin their own species they differ into three separate types, unicorn, pegasi, and earth ponies. Pegasi have the unique ability to fly, in most lands they are responsible for controlling the weather, except of course for the Dark Lands. Unicorns posess the arcane arts of magic, although unicorns are few they are ageless and were one of the first inhabitants of Middle Equestria. Earth ponies are the most common breed of pony they are a proud and simple race, normally they are farmers or small storeowners in towns. Although, this story focuses on one particular earth pony, this earth pony is particularly brave and is kind-hearted and diligent. This concludes our basic history lesson.
The reason I am writing this introduction is to get some things out of the way, first and foremost this story would in no way be possible without the help of my friend Sattarelle415. He not only came up with the names of all the characters but helped the story progression and helped motivate me at times. Now, regarding the back stories of everypony, they will be revealed as the story progresses.
~Zach
The Explorers of Middle Equestria
Chapter 1
"But Mom! Why can't I go on an adventure?" said Bread Tie. "Because you're too young." said his mother. "But Dad went on adventures" he replied. "That was different, your father was older than you are and he wasn't traveling alone." his mother said calmly. "Who said I was travelling alone? I have Cloud Spark coming with me!". "No, and that is my final answer". "But Mom!". "Do you want me to get your father's opinion on this?" replied his mother. "Yes, I do." replied Bread Tie.
"Sure!" said a gruff voice, with alcohol in his breath. "What?" his mother squealed. "Yes!" screamed Bread Tie. "But why?" his mother whined. "'Cause he needs to grow up some time." he replied calmly. "But he is still too young and you know..." screamed his mother as Bread Tie walked out into the open. He knew not to be there when his parents were arguing. His dark brown eyes darted looking out into the large green field and his eyes locked on a small shack in the distance. He had decided to go visit Cloud Spark, the only pony his age within a 20 mile radius. He galloped through the open field and knocked on the door.
"Are you sure about this?" asked Cloud Spark. "You bet, Chicken." chuckled Bread Tie. "Will you ever stop calling me that?" groaned Cloud Spark. "Nope" chortled Bread Tie. Cloud Spark groaned "Fine I'll go with you."."Cool! We are leaving first thing tomorrow" said Bread Tie as he walked away.
It was dusk in the meadow and his family's wheat crop was doing well "Ah!! I can't sleep!". He went downstairs to see his father sitting the his usual chair. Bread Tie approached him and noticed he was still awake, which is unusual for him. "Bread Tie, you are finally growing up. And I have some gifts for you, come, follow me" he trotted into the basement with Bread Tie directly on his flank. "I've never been allowed down here" stated Bread Tie. "That was due to your mother, she never wanted you following in my hoofprints" said his father sadly. He trotted over to a wall and tore down a blanket covering the wall, on said wall there were many shelves filled with assorted curiosities. He took a sword off the wall and took off the sheath, "The blade is two feet long and made of steel, I keep it razor sharp and I hope you use it well" he handed it to Bread Tie. Next he pulled a pair of saddle bags out and slung them across Bread Tie's flank. He handed Bread Tie a small bag "This has 20 bits in it and that should be plenty for your trip" after that he pulls a small silvery clasp and puts it on Bread Tie's right forehoof. "I got this for helping the elves with a problem they had, it shows that you are a friend and it glows bright blue when Changelings are nearby" said his father soberly. "What is a changeling?" questioned Bread Tie. "Nasty creatures with a habit of changing appearances to be whatever they want." replied his father. "Woah" said Bread Tie fearfully. Lastly his father took out a map and placed the tip of his hoof on a part near the top left labeled The Shire "This is where you are going, stick to the road and you will be there in about a day". Bread Tie nodded as his father threw the blanket back over the wall. His father hugged him and said "Now go get some sleep, you have a big day tomorrow". Bread Tie obeyed and went to his room put his new things on his table, and somehow managed to fall asleep.
At the break of dawn Bread Tie was ready to go. He had his saddlebags with the bits and plenty of bread, which his family was famous for, and his sword hanging off of his flank. As he was walking along the dirt road he saw Cloud Spark, who was normally late for this sort of thing, with similar saddle bags to his.
"Ready for some adventure?" asked Bread Tie.
"Sure, I see you got some cool new stuff."
"Oh yeah, what do you think?"
"It's a cool ring."
"Thanks, my dad gave it to me"
"I'm assuming he also gave you the sword."
"Yep."
"Lucky"
Bread Tie realized that Cloud Spark didn't have any special adventure gear.
"Sorry"
"It's fine"