Tales of Equestria

                                                           Chapter 4: Arrival and Deep Cryptic Stuff

After what seemed like hours and hours of walking, we finally exited the mountain range. We were met with a rather impressive view of what appeared to be a town with a large castle (Or was it a rather large castle with a town in it?). Several guards gave an exhausted sigh of relief. Even the princess sagged slightly with relief. Judging from what she told me on the way here and the reactions of everybody, I guessed this was Canterlot. And after another half an hour of walking, we were staring up at the huge gates. After a quick exchange between the gate guards and Celestia, we were quickly ushered through the gate and into the town.

The town itself looked even bigger in person and was definitely "upper-crust". Several ritzy looking ponies were staring our strange procession exchanging looks of worry. Celestia must have noticed this, as she quickly addressed them and reassured them that the threat had dealt with. After that, we made our way up to the castle. I was in deep thought still trying to process everything that had and still was happening, when I suddenly bumped into the dude directly in front of me. Mumbling an apology, I looked up to see the grand epicness of the structure that was the castle. Needless to say, I sat there and gawked at it for at LEAST a good minute or so. It was the biggest and grandest thing I had ever seen! I couldn't find enough adjectives to describe how majestic it looked. And then there was the inside! Walking in, Large sprawling halls greeted you. Each lined with paintings and regal looking decor. I took a few minutes to take it all in. "Do you like it?" Celestia suddenly asked me with the slightest grin on her face. I realized I probably looked like a child. Slightly embarrassed, l sheepishly replied "Y-yeah! I mean, yes your highness." Celestia nodded "Good, now I realize you must have many questions you want answered. However, it has been a long day, and there are matters that I must attend to. I will have some of my servants show you a room and tend to your wounds, as well as give you something to eat. We will discuss your questions as well as other matters tomorrow." While I REALLY wanted and needed some answers, I couldn't blame her. She sounded completely exhausted. And frankly, so was I. After nodding my agreement, she turned around and addressed some ponies who I guessed were part of the staff here. After directing them to show me to a room and to tend to my needs. She turned back to me, nodded to me, then walked off.

Soon after being shown a place to sleep. I was visited by what I guessed was a physician who tended to my various wounds using magic. (Magic healing spells...they WORK!) Afterwords, I was served some food. At first glance, they appeared to be normal sandwiches. But closer inspection revealed that not only lettuce, but grass and dandelions were sticking out between slices of bread. After awhile of contemplation, I realized that this is what actual ponies would eat. So, swallowing my hesitation, and figuring that despite it being made with...well...grass, it couldn't possibly be THAT bad. I braved up and took a bite. And to my surprise, it didn't taste half bad! A few tasty "Vegetarian" sandwiches later. I noticed that the sun went down. I feeling rather sleepy, I decided that it was time to call it a day. I settled into the bed, and despite the fact that my new wings and horn kept getting in the way (Seriously! How did they sleep like this?) I quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Another strange dream. Like last time, I was standing on a large stained glass looking platform. But this time, I wasn't alone. Standing before me, were six beings wearing white hoods. They were definitely pony, and were varying sizes ranging from average pony height, to about the size of the young foals I had seen in town. One of the smaller ones stepped forward and spoke. "So, you are the new chosen hero?" It said "You definitely appear to be hero material, but you have a lot to learn before you can truly be named a hero!" Then the others started stepping up and speaking in turn.

"A hero must have strength! So that he or she can fight those that oppose the light!"

"But being a hero isn't all about fighting. A true hero must have wisdom, as well as a clear mind."

"A true hero must also be pure and strong of heart. Willing to help those around him, even if they don't deserve it."

"A hero must be honorable. Doing what is right and just, and showing mercy even to those that don't deserve it."

"A real hero has the courage to face even the deepest darkness."

"But what is a hero without friends? A hero does not rely on just his or her own strength alone. He or she must have harmony as well as friends if he or she wishes to succeed!"

"These are things that you must keep in mind young hero. Your path is long and dangerous, but if you follow your heart, you will rise victorious!"

Well, that was...deep! I was about to ask what they were talking about, when suddenly the very air itself seemed to ripple. "Somepony is trying to peer into you dream" one of the ponies said, "Looks like we're out of time, remember our words hero. We will meet again" Before I could do anything, the entire dream melted away and other dreams took its place.