Day 1 - Entering the Everfree
Day 1: 9:00 AM, Canterlot
My name is Tripper E. Scott, pegasus and zoology professor at the University of Canterlot. I am 28 years old, and I am on a mission: to enter the Everfree Forest, track down a pack of Timberwolves, and study them to bring new discoveries to light.
So little is known about these strange creatures. They have the appearance of being made of wood, but is that really what they are made of? It is possible that it is simply a protective outer shell, much like the skin of the crockodile. However, most ponies assume that these creatures are beings of magic, wooden wolves held together by the Life Stream*, able to be traced back to the Discordian era*. There is logic behind this belief; the draconequus did create some of the more unusual animals living in Equestria today, such as the cockatrice or the paraserpents*.
It is my belief that Timberwolves are beings of magic. From what little research the scientific community has done, I can safely conclude this. My colleague Mel G. Biv, a unicorn, has taken samples of rare Timberwolf “skin” and analyzed it with his magic. His report stated that there were small traces of magic on the wood. This magic would hold the wolves together, thus leading me to assume that they are creatures of living magic, much like us ponies. However, that is all I can assume. The only other magic they seem to possess is a strange ability recently witnessed by residents of a small town near the Everfree Forest known as Ponyville. This ability allows the wolves to, if broken apart, join together to form a larger wolf. This does point to some kind of magic, but how is that possible if the amount of magic present in them is but enough to hold together one body?
So little is known about the mysterious beasts. Many ask why that is, and the reasons are really quite simple. For one, the area they live in is considered to be one of the most dangerous in Equestria, on the level of that of the Dragon Badlands. The Everfree is an unusual place, one of old magic and fear. Second, when a living organism dies in the Everfree the body decomposes so quickly that it anything left would be in poor state to study. Not only that, but it is hard to recognize a deceased Timberwolf; it is a being whose outer shell looks exactly like that of wood. Identifying such remains are a challenge in and of itself.
Upon entering the Everfree, I will need to locate the hut of a zebra by the name of Zecora to rest for the night and gather supplies. She has invited me into her abode, for which I am grateful. I also plan to interview her, as she is a resident of the Forest and may know something about Timberwolves. If not that, then at the very least Zecora may be able to help me track them.
However, I am looking too far ahead. First I need to get to Ponyville and interview some rather famous ponies about their experiences with the Timberwolves. My train leaves in 15 minutes now; I must get to the station.
Signed,
Tripper E. Scott
Day 1: 10:34 AM, Ponyville
I have now spoken with the ponies I was to interview. These ponies were the Elements of Harmony: Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and of course her Highness Princess Twilight. I must say it was quite a privilege to speak with them. However, all that aside, they had some very interesting things to say about their experience with the wolves.
Upon being asked about Timberwolves, each of the mares seemed to shudder.
“I don’t like them all that much,” Applejack had said, shivering. “Them Timberwolves are nasty critters, and my friends and I have a history tangling with them.”
Fluttershy, on the other hoof, had a different view.
“Oh, I don’t think they’re all that bad…” She said, smiling shyly at me. “I just think that if you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone.”
The rest of the Elements didn’t share the shy one’s view, however, and agreed with their friend Applejack: Timberwolves were dangerous creatures, and should be avoided at all costs.
As my interviews came to a close, I must say I was getting a little frustrated. What these ponies told me did nothing except reiterate what the scientific community knew already. That, however, was when Princess Twilight enlightened me of something.
“I remembered seeing it after the attack that happened a few weeks before my coronation,” the Princess said. “They had broken apart into several pieces, but soon came back and formed an even larger wolf. I could sense an immense amount of magic emanating from the creature.”
This intrigued me. What was the purpose of this transformation? Was it a defense mechanism? Or perhaps was it the first time it had ever happened? Could the wolves perform such a feat at will?
I suppose I’ll find out more as I head into the forest. I leave at one o’clock this afternoon.
Signed,
Tripper E. Scott
Day 1, 2:47 PM, Everfree Forest
Blast these damned maps! None of them are accurate enough to guide me anywhere. It seemed as if immediately after stepping into the forest, the paths began to twist and turn to confuse me. I am reminded of the Mirkwood Forest written in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Pony: There and Back Again; the path is practically invisible! Thankfully, the trees do not block out the sun as they did in the fictional Mirkwood, but this does not make navigating the area any easier. I have ventured into this forest for more than an hour, and I appear to be no closer to Zecora’s hut than when I began. After twisting and turning for what seemed like an eternity, I decided to stop by this river and write this entry. Thankfully, the little supplies I packed are enough to sustain me for a day or two, should I get extensively lost.
Hopefully such a thing won’t happen.
Signed,
Tripper E. Scott
Day 1, 7:26 PM, Everfree Forest
I am sorry to report this, though I doubt anyone will read this.
I am lost. I am lost in the most dangerous place in Equestria, where the most dangerous creatures in Equestria live. I fear for my life as dusk draws closer; the forests’ most fearsome animals come out to hunt at night. I hope that pegasi are not among their dietary choices.
After wandering for a few more hours, I chose once more to rest, this time in a small clearing with a few rocks in it. This is a rather interesting area; not much grows here. It is completely circular with no plant life in it. No trees, no flowers, not even a blade of grass. This area too...it gives me a chilling feeling. I do not a single living thing resides here. Definitely not the creatures I am looking for.
Thus, I turned my back, and—
Day 1, 9:17 PM, Zecora’s Hut
I am now writing this entry from Zecora’s hut. My gracious host had saved me since the last entry; a group of wild Everfree boar had stumbled upon me and attacked. I must have been invading their territory. The zebra happened to be out, looking for me as she said I was late and was beginning to worry. I thank the stars again and again that she arrived when she did.
Thankfully, I am not badly injured; a few cuts here and there, but nothing too serious. This is again thanks to Zecora saving my life. I now rest in her hut, sipping some delicious herbal tea and resting until tomorrow. My host is preparing my saddlebags, loading it with supplies for my journey tomorrow.
It is now getting late and dark. I must sleep now, if I am to have enough energy to track down the Timberwolf pack tomorrow.
Signed,
Tripper E. Scott
