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// Hey dol! Merry dol!// Story: A Marry Fellow// by Dartack//------------------------------//
One fine morning not far in the Everfree Forest three fillies we're walking down a dimly lit path. in the lead was a yellow pony with a large bow in her red hair, on her back was a bulging saddlebag. Behind her was an orange pegasus with a purple mane. At the back of the group was a white unicorn with a pink and purple mane who seemed to be dragging her hooves. “This is a stupid idea” said the unicorn.
“What'ch mean” said the pony “if this works we’ll get our cutie marks in no time.”
“All’s we have to do is find the that pool Pinkie Pie used to copy herself, use it to make a few copies of ourselves.” Said the pegasus “Then we have each set do different jobs till they get there cutie marks and copy them!”
“But what about all the copies? And didn’t twilight seal the entrance? And for that matter do ether of you know where the cave is?”
“Well we’ll come clean and tell Dash or AJ and they can get Twilight to take care of the copies, sure we’ll get in a little trouble, maybe grounded. But we’ll know what are talents are” said the pegasus “small price to pay if you ask me.”
“And I grabbed some of Pinkie’s fireworks, an’t real dynamite but it should do the trick if there is enough stuffed in the right spots. And Twilight marked it on a map she’s been makin of the Everfree.” Said the little earth pony pulling a paper out of her saddlebag. “An I made a copy.”
Sitting the paper on the ground so the three fillies could all see it did seem to be a map if very crudely drawn. “See all we got to do is stay on the main path just past the old castle till we get to a tree that looks like a flamingo… least ways that’s what Twilight’s map made it look like.”
“Alright the faster we get this done the faster we can get out here.”
Putting there map away the three fillies continued down the forest path. Walking in silence for what felt like an eternity for the young ponies though was really only about an hour the old castle came in to sight. “Hey as long as wer’re pass’in by whana check out that tree of harmony the Twilight keeps going on about?” said Apple Bloom “we should have more than enough time.”
“Really I’ve wanted to see it ever sense Rainbow told me about it” said Scootaloo
“Yha Rarity said she found it inspirational” added Sweetie Belle
“OK lets go!”
The three fillies took a small side path that led down in to a small chasm. Small shafts of light were caught and reflected off of a tree that seemed to be made of crystal. Upon the ends of the largest branches where cradled five of the elements of harmony with the sixth element, magic, at the center.
“Wow, its beautiful” said Sweetie Belle.
“Sure is” replied Apple Bloom
“Look its Rainbow’s element, this is so awesome!” said Scootaloo her wings buzzing so fast all that could be seen was an orange blur. Her eyes fixed on the branch that held a red lighting bolt as she made little hops. “Lets get a closer look.”
The fillies drew close to the base of the tree eventually climbing over the roots to see every side of the mysterious tree. Ending there inspection of the tree the three fillies turned there attention to the locked box that sprang from one of its roots. “So this is the thing that’s driving Twilight crazy every other day?” said Sweetie bell poking the box with a hoof.
“I guess don’t look like much tho.” Said Apple Bloom looking around “Ya know it really is peaceful here, what do you girls say we take an early lunch?”
“Sure, I can eat.” Said Scootaloo.
“I’m not hungry, but I wouldn’t mind resting my hooves” said Sweetie Belle dropping to her belly.
Apple Bloom dropped her saddlebag and pulled an apple out. She yelled “Catch Scoots!” just before gently tossing it in her friends direction. After making sure Scootaloo caught the apple she dug one out for herself. Leaving her bag where she dropped it she took her apple and laid down beside Sweetie Belle.
“Thanks Bloom.” Said Scootaloo laying down to Sweetie’s other side taking a bite of her apple.
The three lay there in a companionable silence listening to the sound of crystalline leaves tinkling against each other in a gentle breeze. Sweetie closed her eyes and began to hum along with the tree’s music. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo blinked a few times then both let out a deep yawn, the latter dropping the half eaten apple core from her mouth. “knock that off Sweetie yur gona put me ta sleep like that” grunted Apple Bloom halfheartedly.
“I don’t know, a nap sounds good right now” said Scootaloo laying her head down forgetting about her unfinished lunch.
Sweetie’s humming turned in to a soft snore and she slumped against Scootaloo. Apple Bloom yawned again looking over at her two friends already fast asleep. “I guess a nap couldn’t hurt none.” She said to herself snuggling in to Sweetie Belle’s side and putting her head down on her crossed hooves.
The grove around the tree went quiet except for the sound of sleeping fillies, witch all and all did not amount to much. For a few minutes all was still but slowly a root closest to the sleeping fillies began to pull itself free of the ground around it. Slowly and gently it started to push the sleepers toward the base of the tree toward a small hollow that was not there before. After the fillies were all tucked in to the hollow the root slowly put itself back. After another moment there was a quiet snap and the hollow was gone leaving the grove empty except for a small saddle bag and a half eaten apple core.
***
At the Golden Oaks Library Spike was milling around the kitchen per pairing to start lunch for himself and his sister/boss. “Hey Twilight! I’m about to make lunch what do you want?” Spike called out. Getting no answer he let out an annoyed huff as he headed out of the kitchen and made his way to Twilight’s personal study. After a quick knock on the closed door Spike pushed it open “Twilight lun…” was all he managed to get out as he took in the state of the room. Almost every book was pulled off the shelves laying open on every table, seat and a crossed the floor.
Twilight sat with her muzzle buried deep in a book with many more scattered around her. Her mane was frizzed and in desperate need of a brushing. One eye began to twitch as she pushed away one book with her magic only to have it be replaced with another book seemingly at random.
Watching the frazzled alicorn from the door he let out a tired sigh “3,2,1 and…” he mumbled to himself.
“GWAAA!” Twilight shouted her magic cut out and fell backward wings splayed out. The book her magic had been holding fell heavily on her stomach driving the air from her.
“Twilight lunch time”
“No lunch, research” came a moan.
“You have two choices, ether you come down for food or I send all your reference books to Celestia and tell her not to give them back for a week.”
“You wouldn’t dare” Said Twilight with a scowl witch looked comical sense she was still on her back with a heavy book digging in to her stomach.
“Two weeks and you have five minutes to the table” was all Spike said as he left the room.
“Tyrant!”
Exactly four minutes and forty-seven seconds later found a still scowling Twilight sitting at her dinning table. Spike placed a simple daffodil sandwich and a glass of milk in front of her. Using her magic she brought it to her mouth and took a bite just then realizing how hungry she was. Making short work of the rest of the sandwich followed by the glass of milk. Her scowl gone replaced by a sheepish grin “Um, thank you Spike, I guess I just got to wrapped up in my research again.”
“You know Twi a wise pony once said ‘Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’” Spike said finishing his own plate.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” said Twilight eyeing her assistant.
“It means no ponies ever heard of this before, you’ve never even heard of the tree of harmony before the Everfree attacked. And you’ve read every book here, every book in Canterlot except the princess’s privet collections. And you made a large dent in the crystal empire’s library.” Taking a deep breath before continuing “Your going to drive yourself nuts, your in here reading the same books over and over getting no answers. Driving you self to mini mental breakdowns till I pull you away by threatening to take your books away. Face it Twi this is something new, your not going to find your answers in a book this time.”
Letting out a sigh Twilight began “Maybe your right Spike, Its just books have never let me down in the past and…”
Twilight’s words were cut off by the sound of the library's front door slamming open. “Twi! Yall in here we got an emergency!” It was the familiar voice of Applejack.
“We’re in the kitchen AJ” Twilight called out. A moment later Applejack was standing in the kitchen looking scared as Twilight had ever seen her. “AJ what’s wrong, what happened?”
"Pinkie Pie just told me she was checking her party supplies, said she had a feeling a new pony be showin up soon. But when she checked her fire work supply she said that most of them were gone.”
“That’s it?” Twilight asked.
“Course that an’t it.” Applejack nearly shouted “She also said there was a note in the box that said her fire works were commandeered by the cutie mark crusaders”
Spikes face went pale “Wait the crusaders have fire works… they have explosives?!” He squealed “How many are hurt, what’s on fire, is anypony dead?”
“Nothin yet Spike no ponies seen a crusader all day. Twi, I need you to find Apple Bloom now!”
About twenty minutes later found all six elements and Spike out side the Everfree Forest. Along the way Applejack and Twilight were joined by the rest of there friends. Twilight paced in front of her friends.
“OK, Pinkie can you and Fluttershy patrol the edge of the forest? I can only track Apple Bloom if Sweetie Belle or Scootaloo have gotten separated they may wonder out some where off the main path. Pinkie if you think you can get some of the town ponies to help that will be a big help.” Said Twilight.
“On it.” Said Pinkie Pie giving Twilight a salute then disappearing in a pink blur.
“Um, OK.” Said Fluttershy looking relieved she would not have to go in to the forest.
Twilight stood in front of Spike “ I want you to go to Zecora's and see if she has seen the fillies.”
“Got it, Twi” said Spike turning and running down the path in to the forest.
“The rest of us will head in the direction of Apple Bloom, hopefully the others are with her.”
Rainbow Dash gave Twilight a suspicious look “Why can you only track Bloom and not the squirt?”
Twilight looked over at Applejack “Care to take this one?”
Applejack looked at the ground rubbing her fore hooves together. “Well after Bloom took my pie cart and tried to make my rounds I promised Bloom I’d give her space. But I was still worried about her so I pestered Twi till she put trackin spell on all of Blooms ribbons. Ya know just in case an all.”
“Look darling we can go in to magical ethics later after we find the girls.” Said Rarity.
“Right” Twilight said her horn lighting up “follow me. This will take us in a straight line so keep an eye out we probably wont be on the path much.” With that Twilight followed by AJ, Dash and Rarity took off in to the forest.
***
In a clearing at the center of the forest sat a cottage. It was made of stone surrounded by a neat lawn and a straight path leading from the forest right up to a large wooden door. Two feet from the door a small blue stem pushed it’s way from the packed dirt of the path. From the end of the stem a blue bloom began to grow and grew till it was the size of a full grown pony. With a loud pop the bloom opened leaving three little fillies sleeping on the path, the bloom and stem dissolving in to a silvery dust that scattered in a nonexistent breeze leaving only a small hole in the ground. A moment later the door was opened wide filled by a large figure. “Hmm, hey now. What be this now?”
The first to awaken was Sweetie Belle. With a yawn she brought a hoof up to rub the sleep from her eyes. It took a moment of looking around for her to realize something was off. She was a laying on a large pillow, be side her were Apple Bloom and Scootaloo each on there own pillows, they were in a large room before a fire place. The fire place was unlit but was clean with a stack of logs on a metal stand ready for lighting. Bright sun light was coming in through large windows. Sweetie jumped up and hopped in between her two sleeping friends wrapping a foreleg around each. “Girls! Wake up!”
Apple Bloom gave a wide yawn and started to blink awake. She started to silently look around the room taking in a kind of bleary puzzlement. Scootaloo groaned “Five more minutes” as she pulled herself out of Sweetie’s grip and rolled on to her back.
“Where are we?” said Bloom. “Last thing I remember was laying down by the tree of harmony.”
Sweetie was poking Scootaloo’s shoulder. “No clue, I just woke up myself.”
Apple Bloom stood up and began to explore the room. Beside the pillows sat a large arm chair, it looked old but well cared for. Behind her was a long table to big for any pony to use except the princesses. Everything in the room seem to be scaled for something bigger then the average pony. “Think a minotaur lives here? Everything here is to big.”
“Got me.” Said Sweetie who had given up trying to wake up Scootaloo, who had rolled over to her side. Looking around the room herself her eyes locked on to a tall podium with a large red book sitting on top. “Hey can you give me a boost? I want to see that book.”
“Sure thing”
Going over to Sweetie Apple Bloom knelt down allowing Sweetie to climb on to her back. Standing the ponies still came short of the top of the podium but it allowed Sweetie to safely hop up landing beside the book. Gripping the book in her magic she opened the cover and flipped the first few pages.
“So what’s it say?”
“I don’t know, I’ve never seen this language before”
Apple Bloom’s eyes where drawn to one of the windows when a large shape outside went past followed by loud thumps that came from the other side of the door. At the sudden noise Sweetie shut the book and jumped down beside Bloom. ”Someponies coming” said Bloom “We need to wake Scoots up, who knows what this ponies like.” Both fillies ran over to the sleeping Scootaloo. Apple Bloom grabbed Scootaloo pulling her in to a sitting position and started shaking her back and forth. “Scoots you need to wake up now!”
“Hu what? I’m up, I’m awake!” said Scootaloo. As She was getting her baring’s the knob on the door began to turn.
When the door swung open a tall figure was revealed. Sweetie studied the creature in the door way, it stood on two hind legs and was as tall as Celestia but broader in the shoulders. From hoof to head it was wearing clothes and a pointed hat. It had hands much like a minotaur but except for a brown beard and mane it seemed to be hairless on the rest of his, if the beard was any indication, exposed skin. She thought Rarity would have a fit at the creatures apparel, it wore yellow boots and light brown pants. Over his chest was a long blue over coat with a green shirt poking out around his neck. The hat he wore looked to be made of the same material as the pants with a band of darker material that ran around the base it’s end join by what seemed to be a silver brooch of blue stones. In one of it’s hands was the door knob and in the other was a tray piled with loafs of bread.
The fillies staring fixed on the creature none of them have ever seen anything like it. His blue eyes seemed to sparkle when he saw his guests where awake. “Well now my furry friends it's nice to see you awaken. I’m Tom Bombadil and this is my home.” His voice was deep and filled with mirth. He walked in to the room leaving the door open behind him. Placing the tray on the long table he turned to face his guests, they just stood there seeming unable to move or speak. “Well then I hope that you'll join me for food and then you can tell me your tale.”
Twilight led her group of friends deeper in to the Everfree often passing thru thick bushes and undergrowth. The foliage did not pose much of a resistance as it parted with a gentle push from Twilight and did not close till the last pony finished passing. At first the oddity was not noticed but the further in to the forest they went the more it felt off, almost welcoming. The three ponies walked behind Twilight, even Rainbow who looked antsy her wings twitching occasionally. They walked in silence after an earlier dramatization of what ‘cruel fate had befallen her dearest sister’ from Rarity cause Twilight to loose her concentration.
The glow from Twilight’s horn faded as she let out a deep breath. “Sorry girls just need to catch my breath. So far the trails been straight lets just keep moving forward and I’ll check the direction every few minutes. Keeping that spell going is more draining then I thought it be.”
“it’s quiet alright, the forest seems to be agreeable today at least.” Said Rarity
“I know and it’s freaking me out.” Said Rainbow as she swung her head from side to side like she was expecting some thing to jump out at any second. “No timber wolves howling, no manticores growling not even an ill temped squirrel. What’s going on with this place?”
“Feels more like the Whitetail Woods in here right now, least ways it would if some more light came through them trees.” Added Applejack. As if on cue a the canopy seemed to shift allowing light to shine in a straight line ahead of them brightening their path. The ponies froze looking up at the treetops. “Um Twi…”
Looking worried Twilight brought her head back down looking forward at the lit way before them. “Lets keep going, seems the forest wants us to find the crusaders” she said. “But I think I know which way to go.” With a quick flash of her horn to check the direction, it did indeed followed the light. “Let’s go, but keep an eye open this can’t be natural even for the Everfree.”
***
Back in the home of Bombadil the three fillies still stood in confusion as there host moved around the room. He had removed his hat and placed it on a peg by the door and then began to hop and spin as he grabbed plates and baskets full of food and placed them on the table. This Tom Bombadil did not scare them at all, the three felt at ease in his company. But the strangeness of his movements along with his grace and precision seem to hold them in a hypnotic state.
Placing one last dish on the table Tom stepped back to look at his work, “Well then the tables all set, nuts and berries, white bread, honey comb and butter. Yes, fresh water, vegetables and herbs.” He said more to himself but loud enough any one could hear. Tom paused for a moment and seem to be thinking. Giving the ponies a side glance while scratching his chin “hmm maybe some sugar cubes and saltlicks?” he mumbled. Shaking his head he spun to face his guests his smile never once leaving his face. “Well now, are you going to introduce yourselves or should I give you names to be called by. I don’t break my bread with strangers after all.”
As if released from a spell Apple Bloom said “A’m Apple Bloom”
“Sweetie Belle” said the unicorn.
“Scootaloo” said the pegasus.
“Long names are such a tire to use. So Bloom, Bell and Loo will do then.” He gave a deep laugh at the look on Scootaloo’s face. “As you may recall my name is Tom Bombadil but, you can call me Tom or Bombadil even crazy old man. I was always fond of that last one.” Gesturing one arm to the table “Well then shall we take food and afterward you can tell me why I found you sleeping on my door step.”
“Um mister Bombadil..” said Sweetie.
“Just Bombadil or Tom will do. Mister makes me sound old” Said Tom. Then with a booming laugh he continued “Make no mistake Tom is very old but no reason to be reminded of it.”
“OK, um, Tom I think we’re to small to sit at your table.”
Tom paused a moment to studying his table and chairs and the small ponies, they we’re indeed to short to sit at his table. The only way for them to see over the edge of the table was for them to stand on there hind hooves witch would not be very easy or comfortable. “Oh Tom what be you a thinking? Your little guests can not sit at a table made for men.” Looking around the room as if the answer was to be found on one of the walls. “Ha that’s it!”
With a spin he dash through a door that went deeper into the house. A few thumps could be heard as the three fillies stared at each other. “um what yalls take on this fella?” said Bloom at last
“He’s weird.” Said Scootaloo “ Think we should make a break for it while he's gone?”
“He seems nice. Lets stay for a bit after all we don’t know where we are… and that bread smells good.” Added Sweetie
Before Apple Bloom could say anything Tom came back in to the room caring a large bundle of cloth. “Well then the day is young, the weather is fair. I think a picnic is the answer here! Come now my little friends.” With that Tom grabbed a basket of fruit in his free hand and dashed out of the still open door.
Following their host out of the door the fillies took in a large circler lawn it was neatly mown and surrounded by a thick wall of trees with only a single opening that had a neat path of packed dirt running in to the shadows. Tom strode to a spot that met with his approval a few feet off the path. The fillies watched open mouthed as he set the basket down and grabbed one corner of the cloth bundle. With a spin he cast the cloth out, with out any resistance it unfurled laying in a perfect squire. The blanket looked to be made of many small patches of cloth of different colors. Tom then picked up the basket and with a fling sent it sailing to the center of the blanket landing up right nothing in it disturbed.
“How’d you do that?” said Scootaloo
Not seeming to hear Tom said “Well then how about you three settle in.“ With that he dashed back in to the cabin.
“Well…” said Bloom “I guess we just sit.” Glancing at the blanket. The three fillies cautiously stepped on to the blanket Bloom and Scootaloo sat on the edge closest to the path. Sweetie laid down beside them crossing her forelegs.
No sooner had the fillies settled in then plates and bowls full of food came sailing out of the door way. Each dish landed much as the basket, not a single bowl spilled or plate tipped. Then Tom exited the cabin in one hand was a stack of plates witch held a stack of cups in the top cup was a few butter knives. In the other were two large pitchers. Hopping down the path straight up to the edge of the blanket and with another spin he sent the plates, cups and knives sailing each landing in front of one of the fillies a forth set and the pitchers simply fell to rest right at his feet landing on the blanket. As his spin ended he tucked one leg behind the other and dropped to a sitting position with his legs crossed landing on the grass.
Once again staring in wonder at the strange creature before them it took a loud clap from Bombadil to bring them back to themselves. “Well then this be more like it. Dig in my little friends there is plenty and to spare.” Said Tom as he grabbed a loaf from a near by plate.
Not taking her eyes off of Tom, Apple Bloom asked “Mist-, I mean Tom how did you do that?”
“hum?” Tom looked up from buttering his bread. “Well not much to do, the table was set, everything knew how it was to go. All I had to do was give it a toss out the door, it knew where to land and to not drop it’s bounty.” With that Tom grabbed his mug and one of the pitchers.
Before he could fill his mug Scootaloo asked “Just what are you any way?”
Lowering his mug he looked at Scootaloo “What? Weren’t you listening? I told you, I’m Tom Bombadil.”
Shaking her head she said “No that’s who you are, not what you are.”
Filling his mug he look at the pegusas “I’m Tom Bombadil, that’s the only answer.”
As he set the pitcher down Sweetie asked “So where are we and do you know how far Ponyville is?”
Eyeing the three fillies Tom let out a little chuckle, “Normally questions go after food, but I guess young minds are hungrier then there stomachs.” Setting down his mug he placed his hands on his knees. “Well as to where you are, you are in what is left of the Old Forest but now it’s called Everfree I believe. But as for Ponyville, there was no such place when I last had news from the outside.”
“What do you mean? When was the last time you had any visitors?” said Scootaloo.
“Many many years maybe an age, I’ve stopped keeping track. But some time ago a unicorn wandered in to my clearing, Star Swirl I believe he said his name was. I took him for a jester with all the bells on his cap, he left it behind with some of his books. We talked for a time and he told me much of what happened in the world sense the fall of men, or maybe more accurate to say the rise of ponies. No one remembers the first races any more.” With the last statement the smile he constantly wore faded a bit as if he were remembering something sad.
Silence fell as none of the fillies knew what to say. In the silence the sound of sticks braking and leaves shifting could be herd. Fore heads turned to face the noise, what ever it was it was getting closer. The little ponies looked a nervously at the edge of trees but Tom stood with the smile returning in full force.
Peering in to the tress as if he could see thru them Tom let out a chuckle “Well it seems we’ll soon have more guests and my guess is that you Ponyville is to the north and west of here.” With that he dashed back up the path in to the cabin. A moment later he was dashing out with more plates mugs and knives. How ever this time instead of flinging the dishes he placed them on the blanket, two sets on each side. Tom still standing turned to face the noise he was joined by the fillies who still looked apprehensive. The sounds had gotten very close.
***
Twilight and company continued to move down the lit lane still having to push thru bushes and duck under branches. Every few minutes Twilight’s horn lit up to double check the direction. Not a word was spoken, none of them trusted the forests actions. Even though nothing had happened the apparent cooperation of the forest had everypony on edge. Twilight had to muffle a laugh as a thought passed thru her mind.
Noticing Applejack asked “Somethin wrong Twi?” looking from side to side even up in to the tree tops.
“No sorry AJ, just a thought” said Twilight in a low voice. “Maybe the forest heard of the crusaders reputation and it wants them out.”
At that Applejack had to smile “Might be scared they’’ll be tryin for there lumber jack cutie mark.”
Looking back Twilight saw that Rainbow and Rarity also had grins on there faces from what they over heard. Looking back ahead Twilight checked her spell again they were getting close very close maybe three hundred yards and closing. “Look sharp girls we’re almost there.”
Soon Twilight held up a hoof to stop the others. She could tell their was a clearing of some kind on the other side of a leafy bush that stood before them. “I’m sure Bloom is on the other side of this bush.” She whispered.
“What’s wrong dear you look worried” asked Rarity softly.
“I’m not sure.” She said “I can feel something else over there to, something strange. Maybe we should go out their maybe what ever it is is friendly.”
“Forget that” said Dash “this is the Everfree forest we’re in, I say we go out their bucking.”
“Im with Dash on this Twi, we don’t know what’s out there.” Added Applejack.
“I guess you have a point” said Twilight though she looked hesitant. “Dash you and AJ deal with anything that might be out there. I’ll back you up with magic.” Turning to face Rarity. “If there is anything out there we’ll keep it busy you get any of the girls that are out there.” Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath she readied herself. “Ready lets go!”
Rainbow Dash took off followed close be hind by Applejack and Twilight. When Twilight broke out of the bush the first thing she saw was the three fillies, her eyes widened when she saw the thing behind them. It was like nothing she had seen before. “Welc—whoa” it said in a load voice what ever it had been about to say cut off as it ducked a tackle from Rainbow Dash. Almost before it could recover Applejack rushed it from the side pivoting on her front hooves to give it a good buck. But just before contact it jumped far to the side. Both Rarity and Twilight saw this as their opportunity. Rarity running to the fillies grabbing them in her magic tossing Sweetie on her back and carrying the other two. While Twilight grabbed the creature in her magic trying to immobilize it.
To her shock the creature seem to roll it’s shoulders and the magic washed off like it was never there. As it came to it’s feet it turned to face them. Rainbow was circling around for another dive bomb, then the creature thrust both of it’s arms in to the air palms open and yelled “STOP!” in a booming voice that shook the forest. And for a moment everything did, Rarity froze dropping Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, Applejack's back legs seemed to give out as she suddenly dropped in to a very undignified sit. Rainbow’s wings seemed to lock up and she was barely able to get her legs under her landing hard on her hooves before collapsing to her stomach. Twilight found her self unable to move or even think of moving, even the sun shining down in to the clearing stopped it’s journey a crossed the sky. Though unnoticed it was felt and much confused a certain princess.
***
Tom stared at his would be attackers “Well then lets try this again shall we?” the smile not quite returning to his face “Welcome to the home of Tom Bombadil. Come along me and my young friends were about to eat. Tom has set a place for you as well, if you can keep your horns and hooves to yourselves at least.” With that he walk back over to the picnic and sat in his place.
The moment he sat down Twilight and the others found they could move again. The fillies being the closest along with Rarity went back to there spots, Rarity followed much more hesitantly.
Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Twilight met up not venturing any closer. “What the bucking tartarus was that?” ask Rainbow barely keeping her voice in check.
“Ya got me, one sec I'm to rush that feller next it’s like I forgot how my legs worked.” Said Applejack
I don’t know, I didn’t feel any magic but he definitely has some kind of power.” Said Twilight looking at the creature. “At any rate I guess we should head over, at least he doesn’t seem to be to angry.” With that Twilight followed by Applejack and Rainbow made there way over to the group.
The crusader’s returned to the plates a crossed from Tom with Rarity taking one of the side plates closest to the fillies set. Rainbow took the spot next to Rarity. While Applejack and Twilight took the spots a crossed from them, the latter sitting at the spot closer to Tom.
When the last pony had settled in Tom’s full smile had returned, “Well now that everyone is settled and civil I believe introductions are in order. I’m Tom Bombadil, now who might you be?”
Twilight looked at her friends before saying “I’m princess Twilight Sparkle, and I wanted to apologize for our rash actions just now. The Everfree's not a safe place and it seems to be behaving stranger then normal today. We were a bit jumpy I guess.”
“Think nothing of it Twi, no harm done” Said Tom.
“Wait, how do you know my nickname?”
“Ha, lucky guess. In my old age I find long names tiring to use over and over, so I started shortening them.”
“I'm Applejack, you can call me AJ if that helps.” Scratching the back of her neck she continued “And like Twi said I'm mighty sorry I tried to buck ya. I was just worried bout mi sister here.” She gestured to Apple Bloom. Tom just continued to smile and gave her a nod.
“I’m Rarity, I to would like to apologize and thank you for looking after my sister Sweetie”
Puffing up her chest Rainbow started to hover “Rainbow Dash is the name, the toughest, fastest and all around most awesome pony in all of Equestria.”
With a mischievous glint in his eyes Tom said “Hmm hmm, well then such a special pony needs a special calling.”
“That’s what I’m talking about”
“Yes, yes. Now please sit Daisy.”
“What!? Do I look like a Daisy to you?”
All the ponies even Scootaloo started laughing at the indignant Rainbow. Where as Tom made a show of looking her over. "No you look like a pegasus who crashed in to a rainbow and took some of it with you."
"You are so not awesome" Rainbow muttered dropping back to the ground.
With introductions done lunch was started. Twilight eyed the food suspiciously, the small loafs of bread were one thing but the selections of fruits and vegetables along with the butter this all sent her mind racing as she looked around the clearing. The meal started off quiet, the four adult ponies still not sure of there host. As they ate the fillies started talking about some of there past attempts at getting their cutie marks, this quickly drew Applejack and Rarity in to the conversation when they found out about some of the lest known yet no less dangerous crusades. Tom laughed at the stories and in turn told a few of his own. By the end Rainbow was talking about her stunts, the only one who did not join in much of the conversation was Twilight. She ate little drank less and kept an eye on Bombadil through most of the meal.
After his guests had finished Tom stood and gathered up all the dishes in to one tall stack leaving only the mugs and pitchers. After a promise to return he walked up to the cabin. Applejack let out a content sigh “That feller sure puts out a mighty fine spread. Them apples he had weren’t half bad, no match to one of mine mind ya but still decent.” All the ponies seem to agree but Twilight just grunted looking in to her mug.
“What’s wrong dear you didn’t say or eat much. Are you feeling alright?” asked Rarity.
“It might be nothing, maybe… but look around us” Twilight said gesturing with a hoof. “All the vegetables he had, the bread the fruit the butter. Do you see any fields or even a garden, do you see any fruit bearing trees, do you hear any cows?” Twilight looked at the pitchers. “Two pitchers full of water even after filling all our cups, the two together should not have been able to fill all eight cups. I’m not even going to go in to some of the things in his stories.”
“Look Twi, if theirs one thing I learned from knowing Pinkie is that sometimes you just need to roll with it.” Said Dash as the others nodded in agreement.
“He’s real nice just a little strange” said Sweetie “I think it’s because he doesn’t get many visitors out here.”
“Yeah, what did he say again?” said Apple Bloom “His last visitor was a fella named Star Swirl and that was ‘an age ago’ as he put it.”
Twilight stared at the filly before slowly asking “Are you telling me he said he met Star Swirl, thee Star Swirl the Bearded?”
“Well he didn’t add ‘the bearded’ part but yeah. He said he thought he was a jester cause of the bells on his hat.” said Scootaloo.
“That can’t be right.” Said Twilight to herself “That would make him over a thousand years old. Records only have alicorns and dragons with life spans like that.”
Applejack look at Twilight nervously as the purple pony who began mumbling. “Um, Twi you all right sugarcube?”
“Yes, fine, I’m fine. It must be a coincidence”
“Oh, he has one of Star Swirl’s hats that he left behind and a few books.” Added Sweetie.
As soon as the word ‘book’ left sweeties mouth Twilight shot to her hooves and started running to the open door.
“Great, egghead unleashed, you know if he really did know this Swirly guy she’s probably going to start interrogateing him.” Said Rainbow torn between laughing and sighing.
“I hope his good humor holds out” added Rarity.
Just before Twilight reached the threshold she was stopped then lightly flung back, if she was not moving so fast she could have easily caught herself. But as it was she lost her balance and toppled backwards landing flat on her back, wings again spread out beneath her. Well at least theres no book this time she thought ruefully. “I’m fine” she called out starting to pull herself back up.
“Well then, What be this then?” came a voice from above her. “Sorry little friend but my home will not let you in till you have been invited.”
As Twilight looked up she saw Tom carrying a barrel under one arm and a folding stand in the other. She looked Tom right in the eyes and with the biggest sweetest grin she could manage and said “May I please come in and look at your books?”
“Later little Twi” said Tom smiling down at the alicorn “But now’s the time Tom wants his questions answered. Afterword’s you can see my little knowledge horde.”
Twilight’s ears pricked up at the thought of a knowledge horde, and if Sweetie was right there was some tasty brain treats in there. She followed Tom back to her friends, who had obviously been having fun watching her. Blushing a little she returned to her seat while Tom set up the barrel.
“Well I believe AJ let it slip that this little Daisy grows happier when watered with apple cider. It just so happens I have some cider made from a strange rainbow apple I some times find in the forest”
“Zap apple cider!” squealed Rainbow
“Now hold on a minute mister.” Said Applejack “My Granny Smith knows bout all there is to know bout zap apples, an she an’t never got a good batch of cider to come from it. Not to menshen it an’t any where near cider season or zap apple season. That stuff can’t be safe to drink.”
“Zap apples is that what you call them? Well I’ll admit it took a long time of playing with them to learn about them, but I have the time and new things come along so rarely that I throw myself in to anything I find appealing.” Picking up Applejacks mug he dumped out what was left of the water and filled it from the barrels tap. A liquid rainbow came from the tap and filled the mug. Returning it to Applejack he added “and why would I let good drink go bad?”
Cautiously Applejack lifted the mug first looking at it, it looked fine. Then she gave it a sniff, it smelled like zap apple but with the same bite normal cider had. All eyes were on her, especially Rainbows, as she finally lifted the mug to her mouth taking a small sip letting it sit on her toung before swallowing. There where no words the farm pony could think of to describe it, she doubted Rarity or Twilight had the right words either. With out a word she took a single pull and finished the rest of the mug off and held it back out to Tom who was laughing heartily.
After refilling Applejacks mug then Rainbow’s, Rarity’s, Twilight’s, Rainbow’s again, the three fillies, Rainbow’s yet again and finally his own mug. “Well now I, and I assume the others, would like to know why I found little ponies sleeping on my door step.”
All eyes turned to regard the fillies. Under the gazes of there sisters the three began to divulge there plan, the map, the pool and the fire works. Then there stop at the tree of harmony and the nap under the tree ending with waking up in Tom’s cabin.
“Well I am very disappointed in you Sweetie.” Huffed Rarity “Taking Pinkies fireworks and wandering in to the Everfree Forest.”
“Wait my Everfree map is in my private study” said Twilight eyeing Apple Bloom “that I keep locked.”
“Um well I was trying my hoof at covert infiltration and information gathering.” Said Apple Bloom head down pawing the blanket.
“Now I know you three are anxious to be gettin your cutie marks but ya can’t rush it like that.” Said Applejack.
“Yeah and the town goes through enough without setting an army of crusaders on it.” Said Rainbow as she finished off another mug.
Rainbow staired at the barrel behind Tom as if to summon it to her. Seeing this Tom made a show of rolling his eyes before standing and picking up the barrel and stand. He walked over and placed it at the corner next to Rainbow. Chuckling he said “Help yourself thirsty flower.” Returning to his seat he regarded Twilight “Now it’s your turn. Tom would like to know how you found your way here. The protections on his home make it so no one who is not led here can find it. By Tom or other means.”
Twilight looked at Tom curiously at that statement but decided to shelve it for now. “I have a spell that lets me track ponies when I need to.” A little lie but she did not want Apple Bloom to know about her “homing ribbon’.
Looking at Apple Bloom then back to Twilight he said “I see, you see?”
Twilight nodded slowly then continued, “Also I think the forest wanted us to find our way here.” She then went in to how the forest was acting, letting them pass almost effortlessly and lighting the way.
By the time she was finished Tom was nodding and said, “Well it seems I need to have a chat with old man willow.” Shaking his head to clear it he looked back at the ponies. “Well you answered my questions now to return some. The little ones have already asked and been answered. Do you have any questions for Tom?”
“Who’s this ‘old man willow’ fella?” Asked Applejack.
“A simple question with a hard answer, but in short he’s a tree maybe the oldest tree left in this world. His power was always green and growing. But his heart was dark and he hated anything that moved freely. At our last meeting we did each other a service and parted as, well maybe not friends but we had an under standing.” Tom gazed to the west his smile changing to a thoughtful line. “Most all the trees in the forest are under his sway and he’s always been good at singing folks to sleep, but it sounds like he has changed, turn a new leaf as it were.”
“You say this willow man is the oldest tree in the world, how do you know? Just how old are you?” Asked Rarity nursing her mug staring at Tom like she was trying to guess his age.
“Tom knows because he was there when the willow man first pushed up from the ground. And Tom is oldest.”
“Oldest?” said Rarity tilting her head trying to make sense of the answer. A nod was all she got in response.
“This clearings a good size how come I’ve never seen it when I’ve flown over the forest?” said Rainbow refilling her mug again.
“Simple ward to keep my privacy like the one around the grounds, but sense you’ve been here and are welcome you should be able to see it now as well as find your way on foot. Well hoof I guess.” Tom turned to Twilight. “Well young Twi do you have a question for old Tom?”
“Yes, to many, how can I pick just one?” said Twilight looking up at the sky before snapping her head back down. “Ack wait that doesn’t count does it? No wait or that.”
“Relax, just pick one. We can always trade for more later” laughed Tom.
Thinking for a moment she asks “If your as old as you say and you have not gotten any visitors in over a thousand years if Star Swirl was your last, how can you speak modern equesstren so well, if a little strange?”
“Simple, I don’t” said Tom beaming at Twilight.
“What?” sputtered Twilight as the rest of the ponies gave Tom strange looks.
“It is part of my nature. I speak and I’m understood. I listen and I understand. I read and I comprehend. It does not translate to my writing. To me all languages on this world are the same.”
Twilight and the others could only stair at their host. Who rose to his feet and looked up at the sky. “Well” he said “time waits for no man or pony. The day has gotten old, I doubt you will make it out of the forest by nightfall. I have spare beds if you care to stay the night and tomorrow I can take you safely to the border of my land.”
Looking up the sky the ponies saw that indeed the sun was no longer over head and the edges of the tree tops starting to darken.
“Well I’d sure be grateful not to have to walk through that forest at night” said Applejack.
“Indeed, you wouldn’t happen to have a place where a lady can freshen up, would you?” asked Rarity.
“Come along my little friends Tom will refresh you and then we can have a little party.”
