A Lofty Storytime

Chapter One: Storytime Troubles

“This is a tale about bravery. A tale about rising above the odds, and facing it head on. This is a tale about… Ah who am I kidding. This is actually a tale about misery. I’d say more, but sadly, there isn't anymore than that. So just lay down and listen to my tale.”

A long time ago, there lived a Pegasus pony by the name Espionage…

“Why is he called Espionage, Grandpa?” A fillies voice ripped through, cutting off the story.

Confused a gruff voice quickly looked for an answer. “What… er just… just lay back down and listen you silly little filly.”

“Hghm… big meanie,” she whimpered.

“Yeah, yeah… now where was I? Ah yes I remember…”

-by the name Espionage, now Espionage wasn't like any other pony.

She interrupted again, curious at some specifics. “Why isn't Espionage like other ponies?”

“I was about to get to that.”

The reason for that was, that Espionage had an item in her possession, that if any other knew about it. Then they would be jealous about it, and try to kill her. All in order to get it.

“Espionage is a Mare? I thought she was a Stallion.” She bursted out bewildered.

Not liking all of the interruptions he half-heartedly snapped. “Confound it child… if you keep interrupting me, then I’ll take it as a sign you don’t want storytime.”

“No. I’m sorry, I really want storytime!” She pleaded, eyes filled with advanced sadness.

He let slip. “Right…”

This item of her’s was an object filled with great knowledge. But that knowledge could only be used by those who wish to rule. Which was the very reason Espionage carries it, since she does not wish to rule nor serve. She was but a simple traveler, who enjoyed the occasional drink of the water’s of life whenever she could, traveling from town to town. She travels lightly a cloak, and a sword.

“A sword?” Dumbstruck, she asked not knowing what a 'sword' was.

“Yes. Swords were sharp metal sticks… basically. Ever since the old ruler Deus passed, and the new ruler Celestia took over swords were officially banned.” He replied to her casually, like it was basic everyday knowledge everyone knows.

“Someone ruled before Celestia?” She asked him puzzled and confused.

Nearly mortified he asked. “What are they teaching you at that school of yours?”

“Well you know. The normal things like Pre-Calculus and Science.” She answered earnestly.

He was near speechless, but mainly shocked. “Pr-Pre… Pre-Calculus?”

“Yeah didn't they teach you that?”

He stammered. “He… Hehehe… Back… back to the story…”

She travels lightly a cloak, and a sword. Her cloak, a dark dirtied brown, tattered, battered with multiple cuts and scorch marks in it. The sword, strapped tightly on her underbelly, was a single edged curved black and red colored beautiful blade.

Espionage was an expert swordsmare, who fought in the last Great War, gained a reputation as being unbeatable and untouchable. Gossip circulated that in the final days of the war, she was killed in a fight by the efforts of the opposing side’s best Pegasus named Clipper. Neither of their bodies were ever found at the area the fight was said to have happened, only Clipper’s Sword, stabbed into the ground in a clear grassy field.

“Did she die? Did he die?” She interrupted curiously.

“What do you think?” He snarked.

“Yes. They died,” she replied sadly.

“Just listen, or Grandstallion can go early.”

She replied still feeling down. “Okay…”

-in a clear grassy field. It is also believed that Clipper unable to defeat Espionage, left all the fighting behind, and became a recluse. But that isn't the case, either. No. Clipper abandoned the sword, picking up the swift and graceful Martia Hoof combat, and took to traveling with Espionage.

  Clipper carried only two things. The first a cloak, while the second was a saddlebag. The cloak, like Espionage’s, was battered, tattered and scorched. His cloak however was a dirtied dark green. The saddlebag contained all of their money and healing apparatus.

“...” She snoozed, away silently.

“I guess the little one fell asleep. Guess I’ll continue this some other time.”

“...” She continued silently.

“Goodnight little one.” He said tenderly.