"Another boring day, just like the one before it, and the one before that... the joys of a bachelor's daily grind. However, it does pay for my books, so I guess I'll just have to bear it." I think to myself, as I arrive at the nondescript door of my small apartment.

As I fumble with the keys, half-heatedly looking for the right key I take a good long look at my current state of affairs, and find them wanting. I have a job that barely pays for rent, never mind my other necessities. Somehow, I still put enough aside to facilitate my one joy; reading.

Going through the monotonous motions of a typical afternoon I wander over to a small closet in the living room, prying open the flimsy, musty smelling door, Im greeted with my surprisingly elaborate collection of books. Each story a dear friend to me, well read and worn by years of use.

Gliding my hand over each shelf bursting at the seams with literary works, I stop over a simple brown leather cover with elaborate symbols etched upon the worn cover, "Ah yes, J. R.R. Tolkien, your works are much appreciated in my hour of need." I muse to myself as I remove the book from its home and take a deep seat in the conveniently placed armchair positioned to the left of the closet.

My only refuge from the difficulties of the world resided in my books and so, with a content smile on my face, I settle in and open the book to the first page...

Something had changed...but I couldn't put my finger on it... Then it hit me; Im no longer in my apartment. Struck dumb by this revelation, I look around with a dull gaze, not understanding what my eyes where showing me. This was impossible, is this a dream? It should not be possible that I should find myself in this dark forest in the middle of the day. Was it not late afternoon not a moment ago?

I rise from my armchair and take stock of my situation. Currently, I appear to be deep within a thick forest in a clearing of some sort. My only possessions are in fact my armchair, the book in my hands, the clothes on my back, the gold ring on my forefinger, and a canvas satchel bag that I have never seen befo-wait, a gold ring? Im not married, why would I have a gold ring? Oh...and it looks like Im in the middle of the worst blizzard I've ever seen...great.

Shivering in the now freezing air, I raise my hand to better inspect the new item worn on my right hand. I am assured that it is indeed a gold ring, unadorned and plain, however, to my immense surprise the ring begins to glow a fiery emerald, which reveals a flowing script that seems to have been written along the band of the ring. It is this flowing glowing script that sparks an ember of familiarity in my mind, "now where have I seen this writing before?" I softly muse to myself, my increasing panic kept at bay by my overwhelming curiosity.

After a moment or so of searching the deep recesses of my jumbled thoughts, one rings true, and I am both confused and amazed by its findings, "this is Elvish, written in the manner of the Black Speech of Mordor...I have the One Ring on my finger!"

Amazed by my findings I look closer at the ring, confirming the details of it with the exception of the emerald coloring, it is truly an exact replica of the infamous One Ring, worn by Sauron, the Lord of the Rings.

However, I am interrupted in my thoughts by a quiet yet firm voice from behind me, "Yes, it is the One Ring, reforged and remade. What you do with this power, is entirely up to you my friend."

I whirl around to face the voice, and standing there in front of me is a woman, but she is the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life. The snow and chilling wind all whirl around her like a pair of angel's wings, making her beauty rival that of the gods. And like any smart person, I stare at her blankly, mouth open in awe.

"Hello there ma'am, who are you? And would you possibly be able to answer the many questions that I have for my current predicament?" is what I planned to say, however, what actually came out of my mouth was more of a drawn out monotone, "Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhh."

After my eloquent introduction, the mysterious lady giggles in response to my antics, "I can guess from the look in your eyes you have questions?"

"Ahem, yes." I reply, "I do have questions, namely; who are you, and where am I?"

"You are in a land called Equestria, in the Everfree forest. This land also went by another name in the past; 'Middle earth.'" At the mention of the name my eyes widen with surprise. "It is now the eve of the third age of Middle earth. With the birth of a fourth age now has brought forth an eternal winter."

"As for who I am, that is unimportant. However know this, I am your benefactor and I have gifted you the ring of power. Now I leave you to your own devices and you may do what you will." She smiles warmly as she explains to me the land I have found myself in.

"The ring has gifted you with powers that the Lord of the Rings once wielded. You are now its master just as how Sauron was its master before you. It will not betray you and like your predecessor, it will seek you out should it be separated from you."

While she explains I gaze upon the ring once more, and I swear I can hear faint whispers at the edge of my hearing. If this is the one ring, wouldn't it corrupt me like it did so many others? I turn to her and ask, "But what of its power to corrupt, to twist its users into creatures unnatural, like Gollum?"

"As a true master of the ring, it will not corrupt you. You are safe from any ill effects that it may bring upon those that would take it by force." In light of this I am relieved, and I then turn back to glance at the satchel sitting in a snowdrift next to my beloved armchair.

"And what of that satchel? I know I don't own one. Another one of your gifts?" I look back to her in askance.

"Yes, it contains some basic things to assist you on your adventures. Also, I have made sure to put a book or two in their for you, write your own stories if you so wish." With that, my mysterious benefactor leaves me a final piece of advice for me before she would take her leave.

"Ah yes, and one more thing before I am to go. The nearest settlement is called Frosty Fringe, its inhabitants are...well to say not exactly people..." She goes on to explain about the current inhabitants of this world, the ponies.

As she finishes explaining, I softly say; "Thank you, for everything."

"Of course, I know how hard its been for you. I just hope that you can live life as you see fit, and live it well." She says, suddenly coming forward to give me an unexpected hug, "Oh and before I forget," she murmurs into my ear, "In the near future there will come two fillies of wing and horn, please, take care of them. They will need you at their lowest moment. That is my only charge to you. Go forth Wanderer, I leave you to your journey." With a bright flash of light, the lady is gone, and I am left alone in the clearing with the snow howling around me. Giving my beloved couch a pat, and packing up my things, I turn to the north, and walk on....

Author's Note

This is my first chapter, and as asked before, Im looking for suggestions. I do hope that Im doing a good job for my first chapter.