A Veiled Pilgrimage

Penketh. The sign said Penketh. This was his new 'home'.

Burra had no idea why this was the town he had to relocate to, this far east. A tragic and desolate sad little thing.

Burra's ears drooped, remembering the rough treatment he'd gotten from the guards. He'd been the last of the litter dumped somewhere. They hadn't even given him a chance to speak or play with the others on the way.

His small hooves brought him across the dirt road and into what you'd call town, if you'd even call it that. There was a significant amount of houses sure, but nothing so impressive...

"Make new friends they said, jerks..."

He spotted something flashing through the air, and realized it must be the pony sent to meet him!

Majestic wings brought a cyan-colored pegasus in front of him. It didn't take long for him to have an awkward look to his face, staring at the colt he was supposed to be bringing in for reception.

"Err... nice to meet you. My names Karl, yours?"

"It's Burra... sir."

Karl looked pleased that Burra was relatively normal so far.

"Well then, allow me to walk you into town and also show you where you'll be staying. As you can probably tell, we don't have a huge population out here. I can probably name off most of the families on our way in."

They began a relaxed pace into town. Not much happened out here, and Burra was rapidly despairing at the thought. Just where was he going to find any excitement? Surely there was other colts and fillies...

"You see, as for pegasi—you're looking at him. Yep. Only one out here. Makes me pretty special, eh?" At Burra's slow nod, he continued albeit a bit disappointed at the lack of enthusiasm: "which means that I'm often needed and often used, so you can call me the ultimate jack of all trades around here. But enough about me."

Burra was trying to take all of this in while staring at the loose forestry around them. Karl took notice, and added in stride: "And as if ponies weren't exciting enough, you seem fascinated with the Yahi forest that partially surrounds us here. Don't worry, it's not too dangerous. I've flown through it enough times to say that." Karl saw that little gleam in Burra's eye, "and yes, you will get to go out explore out there sometime, with supervision. As long as you find somepony who will." And he gave out a little bellow of a laugh.

Now that they were getting closer to town, some wooden fencing came in segments.

"Either way, get ready to meet tons of other earth ponies, they're all a strong bunch out here. Tartarus we all need to be..." before that settled for too long, Burra interrupted: "are there any unicorns out here? I've never seen one."

"Why yes, there are a few out here, actually." Burra lit up in excitement like a little fireball, the first real show of expression Karl had seen so far, and to be frank he was glad. "You'll get to meet them eventually, you will meet everypony at some point in fact."

Finally, town was coming into view proper, and Burra guessed that there must be around fifty buildings here. Several chimneys plumed smoke, and it reminded Burra that this was further north than he had realized. None of the buildings looked particularly impressive, but that was to be expected. You could tell that the wood used came from Yahi, as the unique color matched up.

He stopped. "There... there are others like me... right?" Karl stopped as well, and made to raise an eye. "Of course there are, we have families here you know?"

"How many!"

Karl looked up to the sky while humming to himself, "three, and don't worry, they're not so small you can't play with them. You'll need to get their parents on your good side though."

"Well then, I believe I've shown you enough. Make sure to thank miss Goldenleaf for taking you in later."

"I will, I will! Am I good to look around myself now?"

Karl gave a hearty chuckle, "zero energy with me, and all in the world now? Can't say I expected something different, go on kid."

"Thank you, thank you!"

Finally Burra could do some real looking. The ponies around here looked like a hard bunch, and most of them did not share Karl's warmer attitude, so perhaps it was a bit early to be so happy about seeing others. Well, Burra didn't have to interact with them he supposed, just looking was fine. He knew where Goldenleaf's place was for later.

The blacksmith, check. Bakery, check. Clothes shop, check. Where was the cool stuff? All Burra saw were ponies moving around town slowly, like they were already half way to the grave. He dreaded to think he'd ever be like that.

The more important houses had foundations using stone, mostly in the centre of town, but most of them were just wooden.

Well, at least it was spring now. No need to be concerned whether any of these places were insulated enough. Probably were anyway, considering where they were built.

Still, Burra had no idea where to go, but before he could come up with something, his eye spotted something.

"What the... that's what I heard at all..."

Burra rushed towards the unicorn he'd finally seen.

"Oof! Watch where you're going little colt."

"Uah, sorry mister. Hey... what happened to your horn? It looks nothing like I saw in a book."

The older unicorn looked around quickly and awkwardly. Why was he so flush?

"Don't you know about it little one?" he offered quietly.

"No, what are you talking about?"

The older stallion gathered himself and then lowered down to be on the colts level.

"This is because of the glimmer ritual, but please don't bring it up with other unicorns in the future, okay? I know that you're new here."

"But your horn... it's so broken..."

The horn itself had cracks wherever you looked, and there were chips missing leaving little gaps here and there.

"I know." The older stallion sighed, "but this is life for all of us. We move forward with our lives regardless, but it is not something we enjoy dwelling on."

"Can... can you use magic?"

He just stared at him for a moment. "I can... but only the simplest of things really, son... and it is so hard and uncomfortable, so we don't really do it."

"Wow..."

The silence that loomed was beyond awkward, and the older stallion found his patience for explaining sore spots to be growing increasingly lacking.

"Well then, I must be going. Do remember not to bring it up with any other unicorns you see."

He swiftly left, in the same direction he had already been going before.

"But why..."

Burra had forgotten to ask why such a horrible thing had happened to his horn. Burra had grown up hearing about amazing magical feats in books! This was supposedly a normal thing? Then how could there be magic? It didn't make sense and Burra felt slight anger because of it.

It didn't last long though, because the local baker gifted him a warm piece of bread not five minutes later. That mare was going on his 'best ponies' list.

And he continued to explore town for a while. Eventually, there only seemed to be one spot to go - the one place he'd forgotten since seeing it at the start. Yahi forest. How could he forget that?

It only took around five minutes for a small colt like him to go from being close to the middle of town and out towards the woods.

He took a deep breath. The air was certainly crisp and fresh here.

It looked like there was some kind of trail that had been established, so he decided following it would be for the best his first time round.

As he began to work his way in, light faded overall, but the sun still shined through the gaps in the trees. Vaulting pines and spruces formed a ceiling of emerald spire, and their branches the webs that connected underneath. There was clusters of pale lichen clinging stubbornly to the bark of elderly trees. There was also a wildflower sprinkled in here or there.

Every step into the sylvan expanse brought a little more coolness to Burra that allowed him to just forget everything and relax a little bit.

It was at this moment, another pony decided to ruin his perfect little moment. Burra, who had almost began closing his eyes, had them fly open as a brown stallion rushed right by Burra, whose black mane had practically almost whipped him in the fast.

"Woah, jeez, watch it!"

The pony paid him no heed, and quickly escaped view moments later.

"Just why is he in such a rush?"

Feeling kind of bummed out, Burra turned back towards town. For some reason, the return trip felt faster.

As town came into view, Burra decided that he wanted to meet this pony and ask them what was going on. Needing kind of a break anyway, he sat down with his back against a tree.

It was only fifteen minutes later the pony returned, still running. It was quickly obvious though that it is a great effort at this point for the stallion, and his form looked awful. By the time he'd made it to Burra, he half collapsed, panting for his life.

After giving about thirty seconds, Burra asked: "Just why the heck are you out here running to exhaustion?"

The stallion, who finally had begun to get his breath, looked up at the colt. Brown fur, a raven black mane, and ruby red eyes. But that wasn't what caught Burra's eye at all.

"Hey, what the heck is that lame cutie mark?"

"And who are you, might I ask?"

"Me? I'm Burra." The stallion raised his eye. "Oh, new to town you see."

"Ahh... that explains a lot. Listen, kid, I know it doesn't look like much but I'm out here training, I need to be ready."

"Ready? Ready for what?"

"That's none of your business," he stuck out his tongue in a defiant show, "but I can tell you seem like nice and innocent little lad. Shouldn't you be going home soon, it'll be dark in no time."

"Well, I just wanted to see who it was that almost knocked me over! And besides! You haven't told me you name yet!"

"Oh right, my apologies, the name is Closed."

"Closed? What kind of name is that?"

"Right?" he gave a genuine laugh, "but it does make a little more sense once you hear my last name."

"What is it Mr. Closed, would you please tell me?" he said while batting his eyelashes.

"Well, you were asking about my cutie mark earlier, why don't you get a closer look at it?"

Closed came closer, and presented it. To put it simple, all that was there was a closed black book. How boring.

"I can see the disappointment in you eyes. Well, guess I'll spoil it for ya. The names truly Closed Tome. Bit better, don't you think?"

Burra was too busy trying not to laugh at how unlucky of a cutie mark that was. But an idea caught his mind.

"Hey, isn't that like some kinda unicorn type thing? I could'a sworn only they had cutie marks like that. Sure as heck never seen another earth pony have one."

"How many ponies have you met before, Burra?"

The red face on Burra said everything. "Shut up!"

And again Closed got to laugh at the little colt.

"Hey, I like you, I wouldn't mind hanging with you a little bit more until tomorrow when I leave. What's your full name?"

"Burra Jark... why are you leaving?"

"Oh right, I guess I haven't told you anything have I? Well, to put it simply, I'm leaving to go on something of an adventure."

"Adventure, for what?"

Burra loved the idea of adventure, but he quickly realized he had no idea what there even was to go out there for. He'd never heard of anything that cool in the first place.

"Well you see..." and on the contrary it looked like Closed had something he wasn't sure if he should bring up.

"Eh, probably fine for you to hear. But not now, it'll take too long. I'll tell you about it tomorrow before I leave. You should go home to your guardian now."

"Whatever, but you better keep your promise tomorrow."

Looking at eachother one last time, they went their own ways at the first intersection in town.

Around a few corners, and a few minutes canter Burra eventually made it to his new home. A terra cotta mare with a look of concer melted as she saw Burra.

"There you are Burra! You weren't about to miss our first dinner, were you?"

"No ma'am..."

Entering the well lit house, Burra immediately saw the plethora of candles being used to establish the effect, most of them were on an old and seemingly worn out old pine dinner table. The plates and other utensils screamed sophistication harder than his stomach growled in time for anyone to hear.

"Worked up a hunger while you were about did you? Just give me a little bit to serve it up. Soup for tonight."

Moving to close the door, she then made for a pot in the kitchen.

"Mrs. Ophelia, I'm sorry for not sticking around more earlier. Moving here has been quite the adjustment."

"Give it no thought dear, I understand your circumstances. Still, it isn't often we get ponies sent out here, and I'm just going to view you as my own little blessing. I always wanted a foal. Still do. But having you around, we shall become the closest of family, of that you can believe Burra. Also, there's no need to call me Mrs., just Ophelia will do."

"Okay... say, how well do you know the ponies in town?" Ophelia brought two bowls to the table, one at a time, and placed them on the opposite ends, they then both sat on wooden chairs.

"Before I answer that, we're going to have to get you a pillow."

Burra flushed, realizing that he wasn't big enough to properly level with the table in this chair. A moment and two pillows later, and they were finally ready to start on the soup she'd prepared. It was a potato base soup, with a few herbs mixed in. Burra knew where the potatoes came from, as he'd seen stands with them here, but he wondered where the herbs had came from. He didn't voice this however.

"I want to say something."

Ophelia, who'd only barely started eating herself, stopped and waited for what he had to say. Burra was looking away, shy as could be, and Ophelia made to say something when he abruptly turned to face her.

"Why did you take me in? I know how hard it is to live around here."

"Oh, is that all?"

"What do you mean is that all! Ponies here have nothing, even a dumb colt like me could see that..."

"And I could have nothing at all and still have brought you in, Durra. And yes, the ponies around here understand that we have it rough, but we make do. There's food in front of you, isn't there?"

"Will there always be?"

Ophelia had nothing to say to that.

"Look, we're all just trying to make it work around here, okay? No one knows what the whims of Twilight Sparkles missionaries will do."

Durra drooped, "and yet, why can't we find something out of this together for the better, Durra?" said Ophelia, whose voice felt a firm yet soft hope.

"Thank you."

"No problem."

Things quieted down for a while. Durra was practically stuffed, but decided not to leave yet, since Ophelia was still eating her second helping.

"Hey, have you heard of Closed Tome? Earth pony?"

Taking a moment to stop, she gave a vague look to the sky as to gesture trying to remember and clicked her neck into place as though to say 'gotcha'. "Yes! The Kinton's kid! Did you meet them?"

"Uhh, no. But I did see him today."

"The Kinton's are some of the only unicorns in town, do remember to treat them well. Elsy is such a gem, I adore her. But excuse me, have you already found a play mate?"

"Well, not exactly... but we did talk today and he is willing to meet with me tomorrow, that has to be something! But, is it really true?"

"What is it, Durra?"

"Are both of his parents really both unicorns?"

Ophelia scoffed, and then gave a little 'okay' nod, "yes Durra, they are both unicorns. I know what you're thinking, but yes, sometimes rare things like that really do happen. Besides, it's a blessing is it not? To be born as an earth pony? If he would of had to..." Ophelia's eyes bulged for a moment, "but hey, let's not talk about such things, shall we? Besides, it's time for bed soon. In fact, let me show you right now."

They moved away from the table, and to the small entrance in the back. Peering in together, there was several layered blankets on the ground, as well as two pillows.

"Not exactly spacious, I know, but trust me it is more comfortable than it looks."

They continued to talk for about another hour or so, and Durra got to learn a lot more about town past what you could just see. As it turned out, there was no real leader here, and they hadn't had many crises in the past. Life was tough here, so ponies couldn't afford to be particularly choosy about their neighbours, and most ponies did what they could to keep things amiable. The crops of late hadn't been too successful, but the town had an aged population and not too many mouths to feed at this point. All in all, ponies just lived life here. As boring as that was, they made do with what they had.

When it was time for bed, Durra was surprised that they'd be laying together practically back to back in the bedroom. Guess he hadn't realized that for some reason. As the drowsiness took over, he vaguely felt her flip over and lightly hold him as he drifted to sleep. He smiled the slightest smile.

Early next morning, Durra was brimming with energy post-breakfast and had rushed out the door of their small home before Ophelia could give him a proper goodbye. Durra was too excited to meet up with Closed again.

Finding him would be another thing altogether.

Durra roamed town aimlessly, and quickly realized that was probably going to be a waste of time. Being a young colt, he had no problem asking everypony he met if they had seen Closed, and eventually, one mentioned that he lived on the edge of town, northwest. Durra then had to ask which direction was Northwest.

Having nothing else he could do, he headed straight for the Kinton family residence. After about five minutes, he found it melding into the forest, near the tree line. This house had a stone chimney, he was impressed.

Knocking timidly on the front door, Durra patiently waited for a response. He heard stirring inside, and a few seconds later the door opened to reveal an older stallion unicorn who looked off put by the sudden arrival. His coat was pure soot black and mane a dusty grey. Perhaps it was because of the the fact it was such a young colt he'd never seen before.

"Um... Excuse me, is this the home of Closed Tome? And are you the Kinton's?"

"Why, do we have such a polite colt here? And yes, I am Kinton," he opened the door further to reveal a mare sitting on a sofa, "and this is my wife, Kaela. They call us the two "K's"." Her coat was cyan, and mane purple. Durra admired the colors.

The mare gave a little wave, and then went back to doing what she had been doing... reading.

What?!

Durra was a pony who knew very little, but what he did know was that books were rare in Etrethia. Not only this, but any books containing any information related to magic were banned and any found were destroyed. Queen Twilight Sparkle had decreed so, after all.

"Is that a book?! What is it about?!"

Forgetting why he had come here entirely, he rushed inside and towards the mare. The stallion behind him laughed, "don't you know it's bad manners to rush into a home uninvited?" Durra stopped in his tracks, and immediately apologized to both of them, bowing his head over and over.

"It's fine, please come over." said Kaela, who tapped a spot on the sofa next to herself for Durra to join her.

Durra immediately did, and stared in awe at the presented book. He quickly blushed in embarrassment, as he had no idea how to read. The text was incomprehensible. Noticing this, Kaela gave a knowing look and pat him on the back of the head.

"Do not fret, few know how to read anymore. It has been passed down in my family for generations. This book has been, too."

Kinton, who had been watching them, instead moved to add some wood to the fireplace.

"But... but how? Can you please tell me what it's about?" he looked pleadingly to her.

"Of course. Have you ever heard of the Foundation Saga?"

"No ma'am."

"Well, let us start at the beginning, shall we?"

Kaela began explaining that the Foundation Saga described the beginnings of Equus, and the original alicorns.

"There was more than one alicorn?!"

Kaela laughed, "yes, everypony who is told this has the same reaction, but there really was more than one alicorn long ago."

Kaela continued from the start, and it read like this:

On the first day, Celestia, alicorn of the sun descended from the heavens. She brought with her the Solar Sword, a blade that shined so bright and blinding, it was said to have been born from a drop of the sun.

At the end of the first day, as the second day began, Luna, alicorn of the moon and night descended from the heavens to join her sister. She brought with her the Amulet of Persistence, dangling around her neck. It was said to have been born from pure starlight concentrated into a crystal.

A week later came Cadence, alicorn of love, descending from the heavens to bring love and happiness to all. She brought with her the Horseshoes of Vitality, proudly worn. It was said to have been born from molten love, trapped in the heavens no longer.

A month later came Twilight Sparkle, alicorn of friendship, descending from the heavens to bring friendship to all. She brought with her no gift.

"But... but how could this be true? Everypony knows there's only one alicorn?"

Kaela, who'd been so lighthearted since the start, had a sudden shift in demeanour. Her gaze hardened.

"There is only one left now, you mean."

"Honey, you're going to have to explain to this colt that this isn't information he can just go and tell everypony. You know the consequences. What's your name, son?"

Embarrassment again took over for Durra, realizing he hadn't even introduced himself.

"Durra, my apologies!"

Bowing his head on the sofa looked a bit funny, and Kinton stood over him seriously regardless.

"Listen then, Durra. This isn't something you can ever tell any other pony. We need you to understand that."

"I understand completely! Thank you for sharing with me! Does Closed Tome know about all this too?"

"Yes, Closed has read all of our books, why do you ask?" said Kaela.

"I just can't believe how lucky he is! How many books do you all have?"

"Well, we used to have more, but I believe it's about sixteen now." Imperceptible to Durra, but Kinton had stiffened up like a rock while listening. By the time time Durra switched his gaze back towards Kinton, he'd already relaxed again.

"Wow... that's just amazing, just how did you get all of these? Where are they all?"

"Our family has kept them secret and together going as far back as we can remember, there's little doubt that these are some of the last books surviving from Equestrian times. As for where they are, the basement is your answer."

Now that Durra had looked around a little more, he saw that there was a small trap door in the back, nearly hidden from view.

"This is amazing! How do you keep this information to yourself?! Everypony dreams of stuff like this!"

Kaela and Kinton shared a grim stare, while Burra was none the wiser.

"Say, do you have any information on magic? I've always been fascinated with it."

"I think it's about time for this little soiree to come to an end. Burra, we are sorry, but there is much we still we need to do. You came here looking for our son Closed, didn't you? He mentioned meeting a little colt like you last night. You'll find him back out at the woods again." said Kinton, who was lightly nudging Burra do the door.

"Again? Why is he out there again? More training? What's it for?"

Burra could hear a sigh by the stallion behind him, "You're telling me. Now go please. It was nice meeting you."

The door closed behind Burra, and he couldn't help but shrug. They'd been nice enough to him he supposed. That little snippet of history would have him daydreaming for months. He then began the walk to the Yahi forest again.

Inside however, the two who still remained glared at each other.

"Why did you tell him all that?"

"He'd already seen me reading."

"And you chose to make it worse by telling him something that could get him killed if he blabbers like all young colts do? I'm going to have to visit his parent to make sure he doesn't talk now."

"Please, when was the last time the enforcement even came this far out? We haven't had a scare in decades. It's the reason we chose this side of the wilderness after all, no pony wants to come out here in the first place, least of all them."

"But they could come. You can never be sure. Don't you remember how close we came to failure all that time ago?"

"That was different. That incident had drawn their numbers out in this country. It was a fluke."

"And a fluke could happen at any time." he sighed, "whatever, it's fine. I will handle it and make sure he says nothing later."

"Do you ever regret showing Closed our collection so early?"

"Keala, do not bring that up. You know how I feel about that."

Kaela moved to stare out the window at the at the view of the colt disappearing into the distance.

"How wonderful a dream would it be if we could live in a world where ponies could know about these things once again, don't you think?"

By the time Burra reached the Yahi forest, the sun was finally starting to reach the apex in the sky. Deciding that he didn't want to wait for Closed to eventually come back here, he went along the path at a brisk pace.

Luckily, this path was quite clear and well maintained, as it seemed that ponies often used it. After about twenty minutes, Burra found Closed in the exact opposite way he'd expected.

Passed out in the middle of the road, facing the direction that had him on the way back.

Burra ran over and started nudging him to wake him up. "Closed! Closed! Are you okay?"

"Wah? Where am I?"

Closed eyes rolled open, and immediately recognition flashed.

"Ugh, I passed out again."

"Closed, why did you pass out? How long are you out here training?"

"Not long enough." he sighed, "it's pathetic that even after all this time I can barely do what most other earth ponies can do not even trying."

"But... but why is it like that?"

Closed face scrunched up in a sad way.

"I've been asking myself that question my whole life. I can only think of two things, possibly and probably both at the same time. One, being born to two unicorns I inherited their weaker stature regardless of my split as an earth pony, and two my pathetic cutie mark. Pretty self explanatory if you ask me."

"But you're out here training, surely you've gotten stronger?"

"Hah. Perhaps a little bit. Well, I'm feeling better now, so we may as well start heading back."

"Say Closed, do you know any magic?"

Closed stopped in his tracks, and Burra had to stop as well to turn and look at him.

"Ohh, oh. I see now, you met my parents, didn't you?"

Burra nodded, and was surprised to have Closed come in close and press his face directly in his, nose to nose.

"Don't ever mention anything you ever learned from them to anyone. Got it?"

"Yes Closed... sorry, I just wanted to..." Burra turned his head away. He was starting to understand this family.

"and yeah, I do know of some magic. I wouldn't mind telling you about it, in fact, but that'll keep us out here a lil bit longer, you okay with that?"

"For real! Whatever you say! Let's go deeper if you want!"

So they turned back, instead heading deeper into the forest once again.

"So your parents really have books with actual spells in them?!"

"Don't shout that, please, I know it is unlikely anypony other than us is out here but I'd rather keep this a hush conversation, if you don't mind."

"Ahh right! Sorry, ahem. Could you tell me about one of them?"

"Well... there's only so many I can tell you about, and I don't exactly understand any of the technical side myself like my parents do, being an earth pony and all you see."

Burra kept walking straight with Closed, but his ears and mind only went one direction.

"Hmm, well, perhaps I could tell you teleportation. In fact, when I was a kid like you, I once saw my dad use it."

"What! But... but isn't his... you know?"

"Oh, you're talking about his horn? Yeah, it's been that way as long as I can remember as well. It really is a shame, isn't it?"

"Yeah, it is... just why the heck do unicorns have to get their horns all busted up like that. I know it's not natural, right?"

"Because Twilight Sparkle made it law."

Through his side eye, Durra could tell that Closed was definitely not happy with that fact.

"Don't give me that look, Durra."

"What? I can't help it?"

"Have you ever thought to yourself, that as earth ponies and pegasi, they get to use their magic freely? Why is it only unicorns must be crippled and unable to use the most special part of themselves like the others?"

"I have no idea..."

"Well, the reason is quite ridiculous if you ask me, however, we should get back to the original topic; teleportation. You wanted to know about it."

"Yes please! Is it some kind of magic beam or something?"

"What? No, not at all. Magic is more than just bursts of harmful energy, you know that right? Not only that, but small amounts of magic exist everywhere, even if it is more concentrated in ponies."

"Where did you learn all of this?"

Closed gave him a look saying "really?".

"Oh, right. Go on please."

"Anyway, what teleportation does is cause the pony that casts it to reappear in another location. Apparently, the further the harder is. When I did see my dad do it once, it pushed him to the limit of focus under the intense pain he was in, and he made a flash when it finally cast, only to flash again and appear approximately five meters forwards of where he'd been. I had been stunned at how amazing it was, and then immediately disappointed to realize that I'd probably not be seeing it again. Considering the pain my dad was in, I never had the heart to ask to see it again."

"I can't believe that's possible... could you imagine appearing on top of a roof! That'd be such a shock to everypony."

"Yes it would be. To be honest, I can't even imagine the despair my parents endure knowing that all of these amazing things exist, and even how to do them, but being entirely unable to do so, or having to endure such distress for it not to be worth it in the first place."

Durra looked depressed as well.

"But hey, how about I tell you about one more? It's called telekinesis. It's the one spell my parents actually still use once in a while, because of how easy it is to use. I think that it is so natural a spell for unicorns that they don't even need to read about it in order to cast it. Like some kind of natural sense. They coat an object in their magical aura, and it can be moved by it. That way, they can move things very easily."

"But they only do it with small things because they want it to be easy?"

"Look at you! Learning faster than I can teach. Well, that's about it then."

"What! Surely you know of more?!"

"Hmm, I guess I do know about maybe four or five more spells, but I'll have to tell you them when I get back from my adventure."

"Just what kind of adventure are you going on anyway?"

"Well, first and foremost, I just love the idea of adventure. I love the idea of discovering new things, I've been trapped here my entire life, and while I like the people of Penketh, I do not desire to wither away here for the rest of my life." He motioned for them to sit by a tree. "The world is huge out there, and while most ponies have stopped seeing any real light at the end of the tunnel, what I see is a basket of secrets and old legends ripe for the picking. Tell me, did my parents tell you about the Foundation Saga?"

"A little bit... why?"

"There story mentions three objects, the Solar sword, the Amulet of Persistence, and the Horseshoes of Vitality. Surely if they came from the same place the alicorns did, they're just as immortal. It just makes logical sense doesn't it? So they must be out there, just waiting to be found. Ever since I was little, I've dreamed of finding at least one of them before dying."

"You really are serious about this, aren't you? Do you even know where to look? Where are you going first?"

"Nope. Nothing. And isn't that great?"

"I... don't totally get you. But I do share your awe for some of these things. I know I only just met you... but good luck Closed."

Closed went to speak, but stopped himself, he then smiled slowly.

"Thank you. Some day when I come back, I'll tell you all about my adventures, and just perhaps show off a few cool treasures while I'm at it."

Closed looked for the sun, and saw that it was further in the sky than he would've liked.

"Jeez, just look at the time! I need to head back to my place and grab my things. Let's go."

Burra had followed Closed Tome home, because there wasn't much else to do.

Closed Tome went inside to get his stuff, and Burra found himself sitting on a stump outside all alone.

Burra didn't completely understand Closed. Burra had lived almost the entirety of his life alone. How could somepony with a loving family and a town full of ponies want to leave such warmth?

Just as he was about to hop up and leave, the door flew open and out came the whole family. They either paid Burra no heed, or didn't notice him at all. Perhaps Closed hadn't mentioned he was here.

Burra saw them exchange words, clearly saying goodbye to each other for the time being. Closed Tome hugged his mother, and he saw Closed saying something in her ear. He then did the same with his father, only this time saying nothing.

Finally, they split and Closed turned to set off. He practically jumped when Burra joined him in his walk once again.

"Why are you so angry?"

The serious look on Closed face as he stared down towards the ground wouldn't break.

"Stick to the plan, he says..."

"What? What do you mean?"

"Huh? Forget about it squirt. Just go home, I was happy to tell you some things I never really get to talk about, but it's time for me to enter the next chapter of my life, just as you coming here is yours."

"So this is goodbye then?"

Closed stopped, and Burra ran into him.

"Oof!"

"Oh, sorry about that. But really," he looked him dead in the eye, "good Burra, it was nice speaking with you. Grow up to be a strong stallion by the time I'm back, okay? Promise me."

"Of course! I promise. Are you really going to be gone that long though?"

"Yes... yes I will. Now goodbye."

Closed Tome turned away from him, and kept walking towards the edge of town on the west side.

Burra had stopped moving, and simply watched him leave. He'd have to tell Ophelia all about this tonight.

Closed tome reached the end of town, he set his saddle bag down and double checked that he had everything. That he did.

Taking a deep breath, he put it back on and began his walk to leave his town of birth. This day had taken far too long. He was happy to leave. He didn't know what was out there, and it didn't matter what it was. He wanted to see it. His life had been so boring until now, restricted you could say. He had felt like he was trapped in some gray world.

Now, though, trees which had looked strikingly similar to those of the Yahi quickly began to gain a new color as he got further and further from town.

He'd gotten information in town a few months ago that there was an outpost around thirty kilometres out west from here, so he supposed he was in for quite the walk already.

Closed Tome had often talked big about discovering things, but in reality he had no idea where to look. He had no map to work with, and no idea what was out there in the grand designs of the world. It was realistic that even if he roamed his entire life, he wouldn't see even a fifth of Equus. He'd need to figure something out if he was to make real progress discovering any ancient relics.

The alicorn trinity was what he called it. The Solar Sword. The Amulet of Persistence. The Horseshoes of Vitality. That was his main goal right now, besides simply taking a step forward in his adventure, which was always his true goal. As long as he had that, he'd be fine.

Twilight Sparkle had taken their lives. So just where would she have put the items? He dreaded to think they were simply locked away somewhere near her. No one knew these things existed anymore, so it was not like he could just ask anypony he met either.

So he walked. Walked and walked. The sounds of birds chirping were music to his ears among the relative silence.

Closed had lived far too comfortable a life so far. He knew that deep down. This was going to be challenging, and downright dangerous at times if he was being honest with himself. That was all the more a reason he hated how weak his body was. He'd been training here and there for two years now. Barely any progress had been made. He could run for about forty five minutes now if he really pushed himself. Most earth ponies would ask him if that was his warm up if they heard and he hated it.

He was going to need to challenge himself at some point. The only way to grow was to gain experience, after all.

He was so lost in thought, that it took him a while to realize the path had begun to swerve a little bit, as well as narrow. He hoped that pattern didn't continue. There wasn't much reason for ponies to maintain the path these days and this far out.

Closed wondered how different ponies would be outside his town. He knew that any larger population would be significantly different, that was sure. The small numbers of Penketh meant everypony knew everypony, and all were accountable. He wasn't so sure other places would be so hospitable.

The real question was would he be able to find somepony useful for guiding him in the right direction that wouldn't be hostile to him?

But in order to do that, for now he just had to keep walking.

And walking.