A Jeweler in the Rough, A Legends of Equestria Story (Working Title)by Platinum_PenChapters00-00 Series Bible (Contains Spoilers, updated regularly) ver.00.09Book 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 01: From One Life to AnotherBook 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 02: Finding One’s WayBook 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 03: The First StepBook 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 04: A Thin LineBook 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 05: A Night to Remember00-00 Series Bible (Contains Spoilers, updated regularly) ver.00.0900-00 Series Bible (Contains Spoilers, updated regularly) ver.00.09 WARNING! Diving too deeply may spoil certain story parts, each Chapter will have a chapter code, search that to navigate safely, if parts of a character change past their intro new info will be under spoiler block, reveal at your own risk. Note: The current year 2153AS (After Sisters) Spoilers will be blacked out, reveal them at your own risk. On terminology I will be using arms as a stand ion for fore legs and legs are the back legs, when using hoof context should show if it means fore or rear hoof. On Writing stylizations: Internal monologue will be in quote marks and italicized "Like this." Internal monolouge that has a stressed word will have the stressed word normal "Much like this." Using mental communication will be in angle brackets Talking in Soulbond will be curly brackets with tildes on either side ~{Like this.}~ Talking in Hivemind will be in square brackets [Like this.] Table of Contents (use Find and Index codes to get to certain areas) Index Code Entry A101 Fetish Codes B202 Races in depth C303 Glossary D404 Cast E505 Places of Interest F606 Deific Beings & Religious Information G707 Ponyian Calendar H808 Timeline I909 Version History (to know what was added) A101 Fetish Codes Fetish codes will have a numerical value assigned to them, some may be blacked out in-story for those who do not care for such things. 01-Vanilla sex 02-Oral 03-Anal 04-Masturbation 05-M/F 06-M/M 07-F/F 08-Age/Size Play 09-Incest 10-Gender Swapping 11-Spanking 12-Pet Play 13-Gangbang/Multipartner [presented as X/X/X, etc] B202 Races in-depth Changelings Insectoid pony-like beings and are capable of shapeshifting naturally, in addition, they are emotivores, meaning they eat emotions. In Equestria Changelings are considered enemies of the state with a capture or kill order for any changeling, preferring capture over kill. There are some citizen Chagelings, but not many as the process is difficult. I shall start with biology. Changelings are very different from ponies in one major aspect. Where our souls and bodies are separate their soul IS their body. This is how they can change form so it is easy as a natural talent. This also comes with major downsides. If you hurt a Changeling body you hurt their soul as well. A severe injury can even make it where they cannot assume a disguise or even shorten their lifespan. As to their kinds, there are or were ten breeds of Changeling, each with three genetic roles. Now I will go over roles first. The Queen controls the Hivemind and can be responsible for all births, but does need to birth each Changeling in the Hive. The drones gather emotion and food for the hive, they are usually free willed though the Queen can birth mindless drones or give a command to a drone and they must follow. The soldiers can gather as well but mainly protect the hive and always have free will. There were ten breeds of Changeling each one absorbed a different emotion. Now only seven remain, with two hanging on by wisps of existence. Great Clan War 4400-3300BE Ponies You should know these by now, the Three Tribes of Earth Pony, Pegasus, and Unicorns migrated to what is known as Equestria from the Wendigoes in the Forsaken North. Each race has a natural affinity, Earth Ponies have an innate magic that can grow plants, understand animals, and find ores/gems, Pegasai can walk on clouds, fly, and manipulate the weather, Unicorns have a broader hold on magic but generally tend to focus on a specific type or school of magic. That being said there are always exceptions to these magic rules. They are recognized citizens of Equestria. Thestrals They are another pony race that is genetically compatible with the Three Tribes though it seems the Thestral gene is a dominant one. Unlike the Three Tribes, they already lived in the lands that would become Equestria being discovered shortly after the Sisters defeated Discord. They are marked by their bat wings, fangs, and omnivorous diet, in addition, their coats tend towards muted colors leading them to not have as varied a palette as the Three Tribes. Donkeys Migrated from the south instead of the north shortly after the ponies arrived, not a strong presence but are recognized citizens of Equestria. It was their added muscle and ability to cook with few supplies that helped rebuild Equestria after the defeat of Discord. C303 Glossary (Note this will include towns and areas from Legends of Equestria for those used to the show names) Guard: This is a generic term for the various Guard groups in the world, the full list of the Guard branches is as follows, look at their entry for definition and duties. The Guards act as both patrols and Equestria's standing armed forces. Black Guard, Lunar Guard, Night Guard, Royal Guard, Solar Guard, Star Guard, Stone Guard, Wonderbolts, Green Guard, Frontier Guard Guard Info Black Guard: A semi-secret unit, one that some of the informed populace know of but not society as a whole. Made of those who have committed various heinous crimes but have abilities or skills too useful to waste so they serve their sentence in service to The Crown. Ranks: None save Commander in Shadow who leads and gives orders to all of the Black Guard High Commander: There is only one High Commander, answering only to the High Counsel or the Crown directly. The current is High Commander Iron Strongarm Golem. The position of High Commander can be challenged by any of 3rd Commander Rank or higher in combat with the Princess and the High Counsel present. Lunar Guard: These are the ones that patrol at night, clearly and easily identified by their Moonlight Armor. Accepts any and all candidates capable of passing various tests, with exceptions made for those with needed talent. Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) 1st Commander/1 2nd Commander/2 3rd Commander/4 Commander/20 Colonel/80 Captain/2 per city Lieutenant/4 per city Sergeant/ 8 per city Investigator/1 per 1,000 citizens in the city, some larger cities may have one for each category of crime Guard/Varies upon need Night Guard: Made almost exclusively of Thestrals the Night Guard are a local version of the Wonderbolts that operate at night. Depending on the place they can be seen as normal to nearly completely shunned. Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) Sky Lord/1 Sky Marshall/4 Flight Captain/1 per city more if a larger city Wing Captain/4 per city more if a larger city Night Guard/4 per Wing Captain Royal Guard: Responsible for guarding various VIPs in office, the Princess Herself, and the Royal Castle Grounds. Must meet a height and weight range to even attempt to apply, must have a clean record, five years of previous service as a Guard, pass a grueling written and physical test, and once granted the title are given a letter/number combo to use on duty. In addition, their armor is magically enchanted to make their coats white, manes/tails a two-toned blue, and their eyes a soft gold. The only exceptions are those who have night shifts or are part of the Royal Band who change their coat to gray and mane/tail to pale white. They have several code words and signs to know if there is an imposter and can never give or use their real names on duty. In their history, only four times have they failed the Crown, the most recent is the death of Princess White Shining Emerald in 2145AS leaving the young Princess Raspberry Tart Gumdrop as ruler at the tender age of 8. Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) High Stellar Commander/1 Celestial Commander/2 Twilight Commander/8 Captain/40 Guard/360 Reserve/150 Solar Guard: These are the ones that patrol during the day, clearly and easily identified by their Sunlight Armor. Accepts any and all candidates capable of passing various tests, with exceptions made for those with needed talent. Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) 1st Commander/1 2nd Commander/2 3rd Commander/4 Commander/20 Colonel/80 Captain/2 per city Lieutenant/4 per city Sergeant/ 8 per city Investigator/1 per 1,000 citizens in the city, some larger cities may have one for each category of crime Guard/Varies upon need Star Guard: Made of mostly Unicorns the Star Guard enforces, investigates, and patrols against crimes involving magical spells, effects, or items that have restricted or illegal magic such as Vile Magic. Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) Battlemage Celestine/1 Battlemage Palatine/4 Battlemage Tribune/16 Battlemage Captain/5 per city unless a larger city then as needed Battlemage/As needed per city Stone Guard: The keepers of the jails and prisons the Stone Guard are trained to have a careful mix of removal of emotion and empathy in addition to being as gentle or tough as needed, only 1 out of 100 applicants make the Stone Guard the rest usually go into being a city Guard. Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) High Warden/1 Warden/1 per facility Chief Deputy Warden/2 per facility Deputy Warden/2 per facility Associate Warden/4 per facility Captain/4 per facility Lieutenant/ 8 per facility Sergeant/16 per facility or more if a larger facility Guard/As needed per facility Wonderbolts: Probably the most famous of the Guards as they also host airshows for the populace. Made of entirely Pegasus, save some who support by non-combat roles such as clerk, PR, chef, or more, but these do not have the title of Wonderbolt instead they are called Strategic Support and all have the rank of Strategic Support Operative. Below are only the Wonderbolt Ranks Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) Sky Lord/1 Sky Marshall/4 Flight Captain/1 per city more if a larger city Wing Captain/4 per city more if a larger city Wonderbolt('Bolt for short)/4 per Wing Captain Green Guard: Made of mainly Earth Ponies they patrol the Wild Forests such as the Evershade and Bramble Woods as an example. Their duty is threefold, to keep those not able to handle certain areas out, to keep certain things in, and to rescue the lost and injured to safety. Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) Blackwood/1 Ironwood/2 Rosewood/8 Oak/1 per Wild Forest Elm/1 per ten square acres of Wild Forest. Frontier Guard: These are the ones that patrol the borders, mainly those that border the more wild areas of the lands outside of the nation of Equestria, not as strict or rigid as others the Frontier Guard more depend on each other in a familial matter, and though they do view leaders as in charge it's more of a parental role than a command role. That being said as they take volunteers and move around a lot the exact numbers are hard to pin down except for the first two Chief Ranger/1 Deputy Ranger/8 Sector Ranger/2 per sector? Zone Ranger/6 per sector? Ranger/ unknown? Hearthkeepers Technically illegal they help non-citizens gain citizenship and hide Noble House servant runaways. They operate semi-openly but are very hard to get into as they have so much information that could lead to the capture or death of many innocents. Known for spearheading several laws that make obtaining citizenship somewhat easier. Mud Pony The worst insult for an Earth Pony, is the ultimate derogatory term, Using this can cause anger, pain, shame, or sorrow in Earth Ponies about 75% of the time. Pigeon The worst insult for a Pegasus, is the ultimate derogatory term, Using this can cause anger, pain, shame, or sorrow in Prgasai about 85% of the time. Prench A portmanteau of French and pony, a French Pony as if were, lilted and delicate speaking, fancy foods and dress, an innate air of nobility. Shapers of the Black Crystal Worshipers of Sombra the Fallen, seeking to gather the shattered shards of their Alicorn to bring him back to rule all. They feel that not having ponies under complete and total control is what leads to the evils of the world, they retain followers at the starting level by love bombing, and once deep into the organization, they use artifacts left from Sombra's reign, the Soulbreaker Helm. Sharpened Horn A Unicorn supremacy group, they believe since magic is inherent to unicorns and comes so freely they should rule the three tribes. They work to keep as many non-Unicorns out of magical institutions as they can. Main tactic is financial espionage, using the market and their wealth to crush any opposition. The Flock A Pegasus supremacy group that believes since they can live in the sky and control the weather they should rule from on high in places no other can reach. They do allow Griffins into their ranks and have ties to the Iron Claw a Gryphon supremacy group. They use subtle violence and subterfuge to fight their foes. The Great Decay: During the Age of Chaos Discord, the Lord of Disharmony saw the perfect, measured, even form of the Crystal Kingdom and almost took it's mere existence as an insult to his very being. He twisted the city to be mishapen but almost perfect. The only place he could not touch was the Crystal Palace itself. The True Herd An Earth Pony Supremacy Group that believes since it is their effort that feeds Equestria they should rule by the grace of the life they bring. Knowing that if they stopped all their farming and held food the rest of Equestria would starve, they try and recruit the most as their Great Plan needs at least 80% of all farmers on board. They are the most publicly violent and use raw force to get their way. The Golden Chain For all intents and purposes a slaver group, they find ponies in massive debt and agree to pay in full their debt in exchange for entering a debtor's contract, which they then sell to Noble Houses. Not above getting ponies fired or finding those with foals and contacting Foal Protective Services (through third parties of course) to pressure families, especially single-parent families, to sign away their rights to keep their foals. The Children of the Moon Followers of the banished Nightmare Moon, they seek to bring only Nightmare Moon back and not her harmonious half Princess Luna. One would think their greatest number would be Thestrals but no, their largest number is from among the descendants of the 1,000 orphans Luna took to the Plane of Shadows after the twin defeats of Discord the Trickster and a mere two years after that Tierk the Consumer. The Children of the Night Follows of Princess as she was before her fall and becoming Nightmare Moon. Like the Children of the Moon, they are made from descendants of the orphans that Princess Luna saved from the aftermath of Discord's reign and Tierk's attack. In addition, many Thestrals are part of this group, some worshiping openly some in hidden temples. Unlike the Children of the Moon, they understand why Princess Luna fell and that it was wrong, they are a peaceful group wanting to help from the shadows as their Princess did long ago. Weak Back The worst insult for a Unicorn, is the ultimate derogatory term, Using this can cause anger, pain, shame, or sorrow in Unicorns about 75% of the time. White Collar Society A group of Nobles that try and keep the Noble Houses from becoming truly lost and villainous they mainly operate by paying others to free servants or disrupt actions of Noble Houses that go too far has a strict set of rules and guidelines that must be followed, including but not limited to nothing that happens as a part of the White Collar Society can be actionable outside the White Collar Society, these rules are inflexible to the point where there are even members of the three main supremacy groups as part of the White Collar Society yet act civilly to each other during meetings. D404 Cast Listed alphabetically, just search by Name. Name: Bright Hopeful Star Tribe: Crystal Unicorn Pony Code: Coat: White Mane/Tail: Sapphire Eyes: Ruby Red Cutie Mark: Ruby with an internal glow Talent: Gem Enchanting Notable Marks: Notable Status: Adoptive brother and student at Crystal Empire School of Gemology Chapter Code: 01-01 Name: Dazzling Melodic Song Tribe: Crystal Pegasus Pony Code: Coat: Aquamarine gray Mane/Tail: Dark Indigo, Gray Indigo Eyes: Opal Cutie Mark: Radiant Star with Music note Talent: Singing Notable Marks: Notable Status: Well-known diva, adoptive mother of Platinum Band Chapter Code: 01-01 Name: Dr. Gentle Healing Wing Tribe: Pegasus Pony Code: Coat: Deep Gray Mane/Tail: Gray (faded black) Eyes: Lavender Cutie Mark: Bandaged Wing Talent: Treating difficult illnesses Notable Marks: Notable Status: Saved Platinum Band in her foalhood. Chapter Code: 01-01 Name: Ebon Cloud Tribe: Thestral Pony Code: Coat: Smoke Grey Mane/Tail: Muted Yellow Eyes: Soft Brown Cutie Mark: Stormcloud with a lightning bolt coming from it. Talent: Emergency weather response Notable Marks: lightning scar on ear Notable Status: Weather Reprocess Team Wing Leader Chapter Code: 01-05 Name: Platinum Diamond Band Tribe: Pegasus Pony Code: Coat: Periwinkle Mane/Tail: Sunrise Yellow, Gold, Mane has a Pink Stripe Eyes: Vegas Gold Cutie Mark: Glittering Diamond Ring Talent: Gem cutting & setting Notable Marks: Single Pink Stripe in the mane Notable Status: Daughter of Platinum Chalice and Shimmering Staff, Adopted Daughter of Shining Gem and Dazzling Song Chapter Code: 01-01 Name: Platinum Quivering Pen Tribe: Unicorn Pony Code: Coat: Faded light blue Mane/Tail: Gray (was soft brown) Eyes: Emerald Cutie Mark: Scroll and Quill Talent: Writing and studying history Notable Marks: Looks older than he is Notable Status: Older blood brother of Band, owns Platinum Pen’s Pages bookstore Chapter Code: 01-01 Name: Rain Calling Dancer Tribe: Crystal Pegasus Pony Code: Coat: Sky Blue Mane/Tail: Blonde Eyes: Green Cutie Mark: Wing made of water Talent: Weather Shaping Notable Marks: Notable Status: Wing Commander of Crystal Empire Weather Team, the older adoptive sister of Platinum Band Chapter Code: 01-01 Name: Shining Star Gem Tribe: Crystal Unicorn Pony Code: Coat: Toffee Cream Mane/Tail: Soft Brown Eyes: Brillant Blue Cutie Mark: Camera lens-shaped gem [off screen], green-colored martini [onscreen] Talent: Acting Notable Marks: Notable Status: Plays the famous role of Dry Martini (James Bond), adoptive Father of Platinum Band Chapter Code: 01-01 Name: Stiff Rich Noodles Tribe: Earth Pony Code: Coat: Unbleached Pasta Brown Mane/Tail: Jet Black Eyes: Wheat Cutie Mark: Noodles in a colander Talent: Cooking Neightalian (Italian) foods Notable Marks: rather portly Notable Status: Friend of Platinum Pen, owns Stiff Noodles Chapter Code: 01-02 E505 Places of Interest Battlemage HQ is an ominous black spire in the northwest area of the Royal District. This building almost hums with power and is the third most magically protected building in all of Equestria. It houses enough Battlemages to level half the city in an hour. No visible windows or means of entry mark the outside, and Battlemages seem to walk into the stone itself to enter. Any visiting must have an escort of two Battlemages at minimum. Cantermore: The former capital of Equestria and where most of the High and Low Noble Houses exist, also one of if not the biggest city in all of Equestria (Think New York City as the previous capital of the USA Before after one more change being moved to Washington D.C.), teeming with almost a million souls it also is home to many of the armed forces of Equestria, such as the Battlemage HQ, Unified Guard HQ (Housing the twin HQs of the Solar and Lunar Guard), several critical departments HQs and the Noble Court where new laws are proposed and sent up the chain to get approved or denied. Sadly, it is also home to the hidden HQ of the Sharpened Horn. City Grand Municipal Building: A five-story plain grey building with windows evenly spaced around the building. This place is practically a Temple to Bureaucracy, in fact, the iconography of one of the Sage Avatars, Measured Responce, is decorated all around the place. Here, forests of trees pass through countless hooves as sheaf after sheaf of filings are processed daily. Crystal Kingdom: The seat of power for Equestria after Princess Cadance's ascension to leadership, though her reign was a mere 10 years the transfer of the national capital remains to this day where Princess Raspberry Tart Gumdrop rules. Set out in a snowflake pattern with the Crytal Heart as the center, the same Crystal Heart Princess Cadance gave up her physical form to create, it prevents the resurgence of a sentient viral curse known as the Neo Hate Plague. Evershade Forest: An anomaly near Ponydale, a place where the trees are too thick for easy flying, where even the best Divination casters can get lost, and where the weather runs wild as the beasts and monsters of the woods. Some say there are deep things hidden in the heart of this place; one rumor is where the Sisters found and kept the Elements of Harmony, and another says a dark curse from the Forsaken North found its way to Equestria and lays semi-dormant. Not much is truly known, but what is known is it is a dangerous place. Gem Family Home: A large but still modest house in the Crystal Kingdom owned by Band's adoptive parents. It has 7 bedrooms, 4 baths, a living room, dining room, kitchen, den, study, and private practice studio. This home was bought through third parties to minimize the paparazzi around the pair of married performers. Built in the traditional Crystal Kingdom style after the Great Decay it has the same near but not quite perfect look of the surrounding city. Mage's Counsel: This odd spire with a three-walled courtyard rests not far from the Noble Court and, as the name suggests, is the seat of the Mage's Counsel. Here, new laws on magic, new spells, refinement of old magic, and the prosecution of those arrested by the Battlemages are done as part of daily business. Each School of Magic (Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Evocation, Illusion, Transmutation, and yes, even Necromancy) is overseen by many field agents who answer to seated members numbered 1-10, these answer to the Head of each School of Magic (Head of Abjuration, etc) and the eight heads answer the Archmagus. Noble Court: Once the Royal Castle, it is now used as both a place of power and a place of position for the Noble Court, hosting as many balls and soirees as it does Official Court Gatherings, if not more. It is resplendent to some, gaudy; to others, it is a clear place of wealth and power, decorated in gold and white marble, accented with celestial iconography, and hoof-carved reliefs, it screams importance or rather a plea for importance. Platinum Pen's Pages: A decently sized two-story building in the heart of Cantermore's Market District it sells rare books or rents time with said books to read them. The first floor is all the store while the second has the living quarters, two bedrooms, a study, a bathroom, and a combination kitchen/dining room. Outside it looks simple yet attractive, a nice deep blue coats the building with a stark white door greeting all potential customers. It does have a basement but nopony save Pen is normally allowed into there. Ponydale: A predominantly Earth Pony city, it, despite its size, favors the traditional housing of their ancestors. A rather welcoming place, it has quite a few amenities for both locals and visitors to enjoy. From Sugarcane Corner's endless sweets, cheerful decor, and unique radio station to the entrance of the Evershade Forest, where more than a few brave souls adventure within for fame, secrets, or even to hone their abilities. Stiff Noodle's: A very simple yet very homely restaurant that also happens to be Platinum Pen's favorite place to eat. This Neightalian (Italian) place is run by the portly and ever-cheerful Stiff Noodles a second-generation Neitalian pony living in the Greater Equestrian Providences. He has a daughter, Merciful Heart, who, instead of taking over the family business, is pursuing a career in nursing to her father's support. Unified Guard HQ: This massive base spans two square miles and is the place from which High Commander Iron Strongarm Golem runs every branch of the Gaurds, even the Black Guard. This place has two sides with a joined HQ in the center where High Commander Iron Golem's office is, half decorated with and showing the livery of the Solar Guard and the other with the Lunar Guard. several offices for Commander or higher ponies are also in the main livery HQ, which 3rd Commander Platinum Glimmering Spear has an office where he spends much time. F606 Deific Beings & Religious Information Religious Information Great Convergence: It is a point where the scales of Equestria and perhaps the world are set to favor either the reign of Harmony or Disharmony, after the last Great Convergence the world is currently under the purview of Disharmony. This does not mean the controller's opposite has no power, merely diminished. Harmonism: It is a belief system that has many denominations, such as The Church of High Harmony, The Harmonists, The Church of Luna, The Solar Temple, and more. The Church of High Harmony: An authoritarian church that strongly focuses on the aspects of the Tome of Harmony, praises Celestia, and decries those who are Disharmonious. It has its own Guard Force, the Sanctus Custodia. The Church of Luna teaches that Harmony is a part of the cycle, that each being in this world has both Harmony and Disharmony and that it is not a matter of control but of understanding and making the best you can for yourself and others. The Harmonists: A very relaxed but faithful version of Harmonism, they feel all have worth even the Disharmonious whom they view more as misguided than any part of "evil". The Solar Temple: Much like the Church of High Harmony, they place Celestia upon a pedestal, though unlike their contemporaries, they are not so authoritarian. Instead, they view Celestia as more of a life-bringer and motherly figure. Tome of Harmony: The religious text of Harmonism it follows the rise to power, the Golden Rule, and the fall of the Sisters. It teaches the need to use the Elements of Harmony, both the Swords and Shields of Harmony, although most focus just on the Shields. Holy Roles: Both Harmony and Disharmony have their chosen actors, each with their own sacred roles to play in the great tapestry of fate. Each has a set of Avatars, a set of Swords, and a set of Shields. These are mentioned within the Tome of Harmony, though the Avatars and Shields are focused on more than the Swords. Avatars: The Avatars are the most powerful champions of the Two Forces many Avatars go on to become Deific Beings in their own right. The Avatars are responsible for their Great Tasks and if there are more than three active at one time then there is a change for The Great Convergence to happen, and if all five are active then, the Great Convergence is unavoidable. Harmony Disharmony Alicorn the Uniter Black Alicorn Ruiner of Freedom Sage the Advisor Deceiver Corrupter of Truth High Queen the Freer Tyrant Binder of Kin Conqueror the Justiciar Bloodied Taker of Life Martyr the Solemn Consumer Drinker of Souls Shields: These are the force that helps maintain their master's cause, they repair things to their master's form or seal their opposition. The Shields are as they sound, protection, not necessarily physical shields but the powers they grant are generally defensive in nature, the Shields cannot attack or harm, only mend or seal. Harmony Disharmony Kindness (to heal the Heart) Cruelty (to break the Heart) Laughter (to warm the Heart) Oppression (to chill the Heart) Honesty (to strengthen the Heart) Deception (to weaken the Heart) Loyalty (to unite the Heart) Enslavement (to divide the Heart) Generosity (to grow the Heart) Greed (to wither the Heart) Both share one Shield Magic (to know the Heart) Swords: These are the raw force of each, how each changes the world for their purpose, be it in Harmony's or Disharmony's favor. The Swords are as they sound, weapons, not physical, but the powers they grant are generally offensive in nature, the Swords cannot heal or seal, only combat, cause, or kill. In addition, even the Swords of Harmony are much like Dark Magic; they desire to be used even if at the detriment of their masters, as such, the Swords are rarely drawn if you forgive the pun. Harmony Disharmony Strength (to cause Change) Weakness (to stop Change) Healing (to mend Change) Sickness (to fester Change) Hope (to seek Change) Despair (to ignore Change) Grace (to accept Change) Heartlessness (to deny Change) Bravery (to face Change) Cowardice (to run form Change) Interestingly they both have one of the same sword Soul (to know how to use the other five) Deific Beings HIGHEST POWERS Harmony: This power seeks all in order and good. As a matter of fact, Law and Good derive from them, though they are not part of them. They are a raw force of the world and directly oppose their opposite. Disharmony. Disharmony: This power seeks all in chaos and evil. As a matter of fact, Chaos and Evil derive from them, though they are not part of them. They are a raw force of the world and directly oppose their opposite. Harmony. Note: Keep in mind while Harmony and Disharmony have their favored Greater Powers, nothing stops them from using those under the purview of their opposite to achieve their goals. Darkness: Darkness is entropy, pure and simple, seeking only the end of all things but never rushing it, after all, sooner or later, entropy will win, and all will return to nothing. Brilliance: Brilliance is the force of creation, be it life or art, it seeks everything to keep moving, keep changing, keep growing, and keep becoming more than what it is. Note: Together these are called the Four Powers Greater Powers Law: The force of order and organization, Law represents all things that create a system, an order, a placement. Law's powers watch over anything that can have cold, inexcusable, undeniable facts. Chaos: All things wild and untamed are what Chaos represents. Chaos' powers take heed of everything that is spontaneous, including inspiration. Good: Good brings all that is positive to the world as a whole, elimination of suffering, protection against Evil, to bring as many lives as it can to a peaceful life, though not above violence itself. Evil: Evil mainly serves the individual or a narrow group, splintered, infighting, and cruel, Evil fights against Good where it can, and those who follow its path usually are either horribly misguided or seek to further their own comfort, often at the expense of others. Rarely are their evil nations. Other Beings Measured Response: Sage Avatar of Bureaucracy founded the Grand Counsel in order to help bridge the massive gap between the leadership and the common pony. He also set the multitude of the needed checks and balances to keep those in power from abusing them as much as they can. Other names are The Scale Watcher, the Might Breaker, and The Waiting One. Can grant powers related to law, agreements, and comprehension. Nightmare Moon: The separated, fallen Black Alicorn of Princess Luna is imprisoned in the Dark of the moon, her relief a stark white against the darkness of the new moon, when she is the most visible, facing westward, her back forever to the rising sun show why and how she fell all those ages ago. She brings nightmares to any she finds in the Dreamscape, and her power grows as the New Moon does. Other names are The Infinite Night, The Shadow Upon Shadow, and The Nightmare. Can grant powers related to nightmares, the night, and fear. Princess Celestia: The self-exiled Alicorn of the Sun, she was one of the Sisters, and upon defeating Nightmare Moon and trapping both Nightmare Moon and Princess Luna in the Moon, she knew that the power of Harmony would be unbalanced with only one Sister as part of the Mortal Realm. Making sure the spell she cast upon her fallen sibling kept the Moon on its path, she left, banishing herself to the Sun so it too could keep on track, leaving Princess Mi Amore de Cadenza in charge, hoping that the Princess of Love could keep the ponies of Equestria united and peaceful. Other names are The Light Bringer, The Life Giver, and the Radiant One. Can grant powers related to healing, light, and fire. Princess Luna: The exiled Alicorn of the Moon, she was one of the Sisters before falling into Disharmony. When she was banished to the Moon, she faces East, always seemingly asking her sister Celestia for forgiveness, her relief is darkness upon the pure whiteness of the Moon. She watches over the dreams of those she can find in the Dreamscape, and her power grows as the Full Moon grows. Other names are The Mare in the Moon, The Weeping Alicorn, and The Lost Sister. Can grant powers related to Mercy, Calming, and Silence. Princess Mi Amore de Cadenza: Also called Princess Cadance, she was the Princess of Love and ruled a mere decade before she gave up her physical form to become the Crystal Heart to protect all of Equestria from the Hate Plague and all its derivatives. Not much is known about her or her life save her Ascension to an Alicorn by fighting the original Hate Plague, her known works to promote inter-tribal and inter-species relationships, and her push to have it where the citizens of Equestria had as little to worry about as possible. Sadly, it was this hooves-on approach that led to her short reign and downfall. G707 Ponyian Calendar IRL Month Pony Month Meaning Jan Initurary new beginnings Feb Hiemisfini winter end Mar Viridia green Apr Pluitia rains May Flosurary flower June Solissia sun July Calory heat Aug Crescerust grow Sep Messisia Harvest Oct Lunaruarary Moon Nov Festemary Feast Dec Pruinary Frost IRL Day Ponyday Sun Sunsday Mon Moonsday Tues Fausday Wed Halfday Thurs Ironsday Fri Freeday Sat Laughday H808 Timeline Before Exodus BE -2000BE War of Clans 0000-1500 Era of Unity EU 0000EU – The ponies arrive in what would become Equestria 0000-0500EU – Establishment of the Crystal Empire 0500-0750EU – The Encroachment: The Endless Winter caused by the Wendigoes leaks into Equestria, but without the beasts that cause it, ponies move south with 30% of the population remaining in the Crystal Kingdom. During this time several small nations were formed with the earliest and most powerful being the Anthmares, followers of the Sage Avatar Athenas, a being of Protection and Knowledge. The Anthmarian Empire lasted from 0650EU to 0900EU when between the Griffon War and the Dragon War they lost land, resources, and numbers. 0700-0725 – The Griffin War, the ponies new neighbor to the east did ont like the new settlers and attempted to fight them off, but due to the superior magic of ponykind they lost and retreated to their kingdom, still having border wars here and there. 0750-1000EU – Taming of the Wilds: Ponies push inland as the beasts of the wild resist, the normal fauna listen to the Earth Ponies but more magical creatures, infused with the greater energies of Equestria, do not and have to be fought back, their descendants hostile to ponykind to this day (with few exceptions) 0850-0950EU – Dragon War: This time it was the dragons of the badlands to the east that attacked the fledging kingdoms of what would eventually become Equestria. The dragons found ponies to be rather tasty and ate many of them, sometimes taking over border towns and demanding tributes instead of openly fighting the ponies. It was during this time the infamous dark mage Magus the Bloodied rose up and killed many dragons forcing them into a truce before almost breaking that truce himself and fleeing to the maze like Crystal Caves of the Crystal Kingdom. 1000-1500EU – The Age of Chaos: Discord, Master of Disharmony arrives in Equestria and begins a long reign of distorted reality, the original oppressive and forced Harmony of the nation allowing him entry. 0000-2200 Era of the Sisters ES 0000ES: The Sisters arrive wielding the Elements of Harmony and banish Discord 0005ES: The Orphan Sojourn, a point where Luna stole away the orphans left by Discord’s reign into another realm to live safely and be taken care of. This act was the first known division between the Sisters 0050ES: The Night of 1,000 Screams, after the Thestrals were discovered and they fought the guards defending their land the Thestrals were mistaken as remnants of Discord’s forces. Celestia sent a guard with sacred oil and a Sacred Flame powered by harmony knowing that if they were of Discord they would be destroyed but if they were not they would be spared. The guard in charge used a normal flame and burned many alive; Luna killed all guards there and took the Thestrals under of wing. This was the second known division between the Sisters. 0100-0150ES: The establishment of the High Counsel, the Noble Houses (who later would be known as the High Nobles) and the Guard system was established. 0200ES: The Discovery of the Unification Engine and it’s destruction by the Sisters 0200-0500ES: The second expansion of Equestria as well as its formalized union, making all of known Pony Lands answerable to Canterlot as the Thorne. 0500-0600ES: The arrival of Sombra the Fallen, a male Alicorn of fearsome power controlling an army of slaves sought to conquer Esuestria, defeated by the Sisters, physical form destroyed yet there are rumors his spirit remains. 0600-1000ES: First Industrial Age, the making of the first railroads across Equestria, marking a point where travel for the common pony was made readily available. 1000-2000ES: The Golden Era of the Sisters 2000-2150ES: The Coming Eclipse, the Sisters have stopped talking to each other save to fight, no longer do they share a room and bed, one sleeping as the other works. Now in separate rooms Luna seems to grow deeper into her envy and depression as Celestia ignores the woes of her Sister, throwing herself into her work. 2150-2200ES: The Rising Storm, at this point Luna has started to go rouge, giving a few of Celestia supporters nightmares as the Darkness inside feeds on this fear, pain, suffering, and conflict. At this time Princess Mi Amore Cadenza ascended into the mantle of Alicorn, a rare time having three of the same Avatar of Harmony active at once. Solissia 20, 2200ES: The Sisters Fall, the day Luna refused to lower the moon on the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration, thought the year has been contended anywhere from 2187 to 2236 none argue the day, held and worshipped as a holy day to most ponies. 0000-2153AS (After Sisters) 0000-0010AS: The Reign of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, a short reign as the Neo Hate Plague ravaged the Crystal Kingdom causing pony to turn on pony, in a bloody skirmish. This was stopped when she gave up her physical form to become the Crystal Heart that protects our world from the Hate Plague in any form returning. 0010-0010AS: Sapphire Flask takes the throne and moves the capital from Cantermore to the Crystal Kingdom to honor the sacrifice of Princess Cadance. 0010-0072AS: The Reign of Princess Sapphire Flask, one that at the start was fraught with tension and a bit of peril but by her tenth year her ruling style that Princess Cadance used of treating everypony with care and respect was well known, but unlike Princess Cadance she knew to delegate her responsibilities to others and not shoulder all herself. 0072-0171AS: The reign of Princess Crystal Rose the longest-living Princess of record passing at 144 years of age. She was responsible for the formal establishment of the different Guard Corps each with their own title, ranking system, and duties. 0171-0200AS: The reign of Princess Diamond Harmony whose strict order system birthed or rather formalized and strengthened the three main supremacy groups of The Sharpened Horn, The Flock, and The True Herd. 0200-0500AS: Called the Era of Regulations where some rose to Noble House status, some fell from it, and the Artisan’s Guild got a stranglehold on many production enterprises. Also in 0222AS a new threat lurking in the shadows of the Crystal Kingdom called the Shapers of the Black Crystal came into public view with a daring attack in the Red Gems Cave. The first known ancestor of the Platinum Family was born and lived in this Era, first going by Prism Brush and later as Platinum Brush, earning the Title of Noble in the opening days of the Noble Court. 0413AS: Prism Brush founder of the Noble House Platinum born. 0448AS: The events of The Price of Platinum happen. 1239: Princess Raspberry Tart Gumdrop born. 1249: After the assassination of Princess Living Green Emerald and her husband Princess Raspberry Tart Gumdrop takes the throne at 10 years old as several advisors starts shaping her worldview and future behaviors. I909 Version History (to know what was added) 00.01 Started the Series Bible, added Races, Glossary, Ponyian Calendar, Timeline 00.02 Added Table of Contents, Cast, four new Glossary Terms (Mud Pony, Pigeon, The Children of the Night, and Weak Back, added Cast. Went trough text, spelling, and grammar revision. 00.03 Minor corrections 00.04 Added On Writing stylizations and Fetish Codes 00.05 Corrected minor a error in Writing stylizations, added Places of Interest, and added The Great Decay to the Glossary. 00.06 Added Deific Beings, Index Codes, and expanded Places of Interest 00.07 Added Mages' Counsel, Evershade Forest, Ponydale, and Noble Court update to Places of Interest. Updated Nightmare Moon, added Princess Mi Amore de Cadenza, Princess Luna, and Princess Celestia. Added Greater Powers. Updated HIGHEST POWERS. 00.08 Refined Fetishes. 00.09 Added Prench to Glossary and Ebon Sky to Cast Book 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 01: From One Life to AnotherPlatinum Band lay in bed, her mane of sunrise yellow and gold fanned underneath her save for the lone pink stripe which cascaded down her face to her chest floof, the color stark against the light periwinkle blue of her coat as her wings lay splayed out. She clutched her valedictorian diploma as dreams of her future danced behind her closed eyes. Band smiles wide, full of pride at what the combination of her hard work and natural talent had achieved with a hoof straying to her cutie mark, a diamond ring with a twinkling shine. However her joyous respite was cut short as she noticed that the sounds of celebration from downstairs had gone silent, an eerie air of foreboding creeping from where not ten minutes earlier her adoptive family had been making merry. Nervous, Band opens her soft gold eyes and sighs, after braiding her hair in the only piece of her previous life she had been able to keep, a long band of rose petals that were magically preserved, and a quick glance at her packed bags she headed down. Stopping at the bottom she saw her father, Shining Gem. His rather everystallion coat of toffee cream and well kept soft brown mane and tail gave a comfort to the room even as a somber look played upon his face. Casting a glance over her shoulder through the front window she sees the white and sliver blur of her younger brother playing with blue and gold of her younger sister through the frosted window, meaning whatever he needed to talk to her about was serious. Hanging her head she trudged into the study, wondering what trouble she was in or what lecture she was about to get. Entering she saw Dazzling Song, her adoptive mother, a Crystal Pegasus mare with an aquamarine gray coat, with a two-tone mane/tail of dark and gray indigo, sitting on the couch with an envelope beside her, a look of apprehension in her blue opal eyes as Band’s caution turns to worry. She patted the couch for Band to sit, a command she almost numbly obeys. “First of all, Band, you are not in trouble. We promise you that. Second, since you have completed your courses and are now twenty years of age we think it’s time we had a very important and serious talk.”, Dazzling says her voice quivering, “You have known for ages you were adopted, but you don’t remember or know the full story of how you came to us. When you were five and a half we took you in after you were treated for a horrible disease called the Wasting Sickness, it was eating your body from the inside out. Your family never came to see you even once; until you were saved by Dr Gentle Wing you had not one visitor. The only thing you had with you was a band of rose petals you stitched together. After you were healthy enough to be moved, we started taking care of you. Now for the big news…you know you are a child of the Noble Family House Platinum and we know you might want to go and find them, but we beg you caution. Not only did they leave you to die, but Platinum Chalice is suspected of being part of the Sharpened Horn. We know you are planning on leaving tomorrow, just please Band, be careful.” Band plays with the rose band a little a faint memory of a pony who visited her at the window every day since the doctor said she was infectious dances through her mind, “You are right Mom, I am going. Somepony in that city loved me enough to place a rose petal on the window seal every day. I want to find them; I want to know that part of my life. I feel like if I never have this question answered I will never have any kind of peace with my past. I vaguely remember my family, mom, dad, Pen, and Spear, I remember soon after I blossomed an early cutie mark I fell ill…….. Not that I don’t think of you as my mother.” Band quickly adds afraid she hurt Dazzling. “Don’t worry I know what you meant, you have so many questions, and a burning desire to have them answered. I can help, if you promise me, with all your heart you will be careful,” she says, as motherly worry creeps into her voice. “I will mother I promise.” Band nods. “This has the address of your family, well your birth family,” she says awkwardly, giving the envelope to Band. “Mom, no matter what happens I will always be one of your daughters, this journey just means I find out if I have one family or two.” Band says hugging her mother as the tears flowed freely. “I love you so much my little diamond.” Dazzling wept in return. Shining let them have a moment before clearing his throat, choking back his own tears. “Now like we said be careful, take a day or two to settle into the city before looking for them, and by the Sisters try your mother last.” “Ok Dad, I promise.” she nods, hugging him as well. “Now I am not leaving until tomorrow, so we can have another family dinner before I go, I want that moment to remember each of you so vividly.” He smiles, “I think we would all like that, now go upstairs and finish getting ready for dinner and your trip we will call you in a little bit.” “Alright Dad, be down soon.” She says, attending to her matters. As the smell of baked squash floats up Band finishes all she needs to do, looking around her room she debates on how long it will be before she sees these familiar walls or even her Crystal Kingdom family again. As she took a deep, calming breath she headed downstairs where a grumpy Bright waited. “You’re leaving, aren’t you?” he asks, a mixed tone of anger and sorrow flowing off each word. “Yes I am, but I promise I’ll be back.” Band assures him. “What did I do wrong? I even got into the same school as you.” Bright asks, trying to sound calm, though the quiver in his voice betrayed his emotions. “You did nothing, and I am proud of you. Bright, you are my brother, I held you as a foal, I watched you grow, no matter how many miles separate us you will be family,” she says giving the upset colt a comforting hug. “I’m going to miss you sooooo much.” he sniffles. “Same, you silly little pony,” Band smiles at her younger sibling, remembering all the times he would follow her around, learning whatever he could. “You will be back before I graduate won’t you?” Bright asks “Of course, after all, I expect you to shine as your name suggests.” She hums, kissing his forehead. A moment later everypony is sitting around the table, laughing, smiling, and enjoying this family moment, each one at the table treasuring this time before stepping into the unknown. After the dinner, they all retire to the study to go over family photos until late into the night. As the moon creeps ever higher Rain carries a sleepy Bright off to bed, leaving Band alone with those that raised her, a stack of memories between the two. The silence fills the room with an oppressive weight before Band gets up and starts walking off until Shining stops her. “Come back to us, ok? Cantermore plays by its own rules far different than the Crystal Kingdom.” he remarks. “I will, I promise.” Band says, not even looking at him, avoiding showing the stallion that taught her to be strong to see her tears. As morning rises Band showers, grabs all she is taking with her, and leaves before breakfast, not wanting a tear-filled farewell. Flying south towards the former capital of Cantermore, she thinks back on the memories she did have, two brothers Platinum Pen and Spear, her mother Chalice, and her father Shimmering Staff. Fleeting wisps of a past that barely have any form. Steeling herself the skyline of Equestria’s largest city begins to dominate the horizon as she takes note of how the air traffic flows. Before long she is in the city proper and lands, preferring walking so she can gather a mental map of the immense city’s most notable areas. After a day of walking and hitting a few diners that smelled good from the street, she decided to check into the hotel she reserved for this trip, though she didn’t expect to be gift-wrapped the address of the Platinum home. Flopping onto the bed her mind raced, at the busyness of Cantermore, knowing her blood family is here, the sheer energy it takes to walk around and navigate through this place, and more. Forgoing a shower she drifted off right there, with hopes, fears, nightmares, and dreams dancing in her head. For three days she put off doing anything with her blood family, spending the time getting used to this radically different city, but before long she knew the plunge had to be made. Asking around she discovered that Pen had a shop in town, and seeing as he was the one she remembered most that would be her first stop. So off to the Merchant District, she went until she stood before a simple but well-kept two-story business painted in a deep blue with a white door, the name Platinum Pen’s Pages out front. For a moment her nerves got to her, heart racing and breathing shallow until she swallowed hard, calmed herself, and went in. Immediately the smell of books, old books hit her as a memory did, Pen sitting with her reading original copies of fairy tales to her as she drifted off to sleep, steeling herself she walked up to the counter and rang the small bell there. “One moment!” A voice, one from her past, drifts from the back. A few moments later what looked to be a pony of over sixty years of age walked around the corner, though with the step of one much younger. His faded blue coat and grey hair detracted not from his life-filled emerald green eyes. As he looks upon his customer he stumbles, eyes blinking in disbelief until he clears his throat and straightens himself. “I’m terribly sorry for that, you look…..never mind, may I help you, ma’am?” “Pen…..do you really not remember me?” Band asks, her voice quivering. “Ma’am, you do look familiar but in a way that I could not know you now.” He says, his voice cold and even, hiding some dark fire brewing within. “Pen, Platinum Quivering Pen, look at me and tell me you don’t know me.” The mare demands. “Ma’am, you do look like a pony of my past, a pony that is currently resting in the Cantermore Noble Graveyard, so you cannot be her,” Pen says an echo of pain in his voice. “What if that pony lived and the funeral was false?” Band asks. “Look ma’am, you look like my sister, but she is dead, long dead. So please, leave I need to close the store and think,” he says, walking past the Pegasus, and opening the door to show her out. “Pen please,” she pleads. “LEAVE!” he roars. “You are the one who left the rose petals aren’t you PP?” Band asks as the air instantly shifts. Where the unicorn was on the verge of rage now a deep and troubled stillness reigns. For the longest moment, Pen stood there, Band’s words ringing true deep within him, but his heart and mind warred, one wanted it to be true because that meant she was alive, one wanted it to be false because if she was alive that meant he failed her. As he turned around and took in the sight before him she did look like an adult Band, down to that one streak in her hair. Then he notices it, the band of rose petals, not just any rose, Royal Reds, the same ones he set on her windowsill when he was told no visitors would be allowed. He placed a single petal every day so she knew there was somepony out there that cared, that visited, that waited for her. Walking as if through a fog Pen approached the mare and held out a hoof, which Band grabbed with her own. She felt real, she was real, she was here, and she was alive! “BAND!” he yells, tears of countless thoughts and emotions running down his face as he hugs his sister, the endless questions knocked away only caring about the fact he was hugging one he thought was long dead. “Pen. Pen! PEN! YOU’RE SQUSHING ME!” Band exclaims as he lets go, embarrassed he got that carried away. “Sorry, it’s just……I have so many questions…..I’ve missed you…..your death it ………” he fumbles, his normally ordered and analytical mind tossed into disarray by her appearance. Band, with happy tears streaming down her face and hope swelling in her heart walks up to Pen, “It’s fine I know, I think I’d be shocked too, Tartarus I am kind of shocked myself as I heard rumors the family was part of the Sharpened Horn.” And with that, clouds rolled in on Pen’s bright smile and shining eyes, as if a curtain had been drawn on his merriment. Looking away he simply says, “They are, that and your death are why I left.” “Oh.” Was all Band could say, digesting the fact that her blood family was part of that oppressive unicorn supremacy group. A few seconds ticked by as the pregnant silence matured. “Anyway, so um, care to tell me what happened, say over lunch?” Pen asks breaking the gloom as best he can; trying not to fall to pieces as he feels Band would follow if he did. “Sure,” Band smiles. “I know a place, follow me.” he says leading her out of the store, locking up, and putting the ‘Out to Lunch’ sign up. Pen takes Band to a small diner on the corner of two busy streets, the tables intimate enough to hold a conversation while the background noise drowns out anything past a few feet of the table. They sit and talk for hours. How Band came to be with her adopted parents, Pen leaving the House as soon as he could and opening his business. Tears were shed; smiles were worn, and by the end of it all there were two physically, mentally, and emotionally spent ponies who were happy to find each other again. “So Band, have a place to stay?” Pen asks. “Yeah I have a hotel room, unless you have a better idea,” she replies. “I mean I do have a guest room you can use, just need to move some books and it will be right as rain as they say.” he smiles. “Try and come in the morning.” “Sure Pen, I promise.” Band nods, heading off the rest. As she returned to her room a cascade of thoughts and feelings rolled around in her. So far the one she found was a true piece of family yet it seems at the moment the rest were beyond her grasp. Taking a deep breath she set herself to take things one day at a time. Book 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 02: Finding One’s WayBook 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 02: Finding One’s Way Band packs for her new life in the hotel room she has known for the last few days, the city stretching out from her window, a glimpse of the future she has and the endless paths it encompasses. Arriving at Pen’s store the unicorn excitedly escorts her to her room, an electric air about him as his long past sister returns to his life. “Bathroom is over there, complete with installed dry tile. My room is after that, second on the right, past the bathroom, my study is across the hall from my room and as you can see yours is across from the bathroom. For the Sister’s sake please lock the door, it’s not as big as the one in the House and I would rather not see everything as they say.” Pen instructs. The soft blue Pegasus rolls her eyes and sighs, “Pen, brother, I love you but I am a grown mare, not your oh-so little sister anymore.” “You’ll always be my little sister” he begins but seeing the sharp glare of said sister changes his tone, “but I get what you are saying and I will respect your new maturity.” Band gives a look that says, ‘I shall let it pass this time.’ “Thaaaaat being said, I will say do not go into the basement without me there, it is important that you understand this rule, my…..more valuable books are down there which are protected by several magical traps and spells,” Pen says measuring his words carefully. “Anything else?” she asks, rolling her eyes. “Well, if you want to help in the bookstore you can, everything is well filed and precise……” Pen starts. “Because you were the foal who organized their building blocks by type and color,” Band smarms. “Yes, I am organized, but to the point, it should be easy for you to help, if you wish that is,” he finishes. “Would give me something to do since I can’t…well…go home……” Band says her voice petering out. “Want some dinner, now that you are fully moved in and have everything unpacked I think we need a good dinner,” Pen says, trying to change the subject. “Sure,” she says forcing a small smile. Pen gets dressed in his usual in town attire of a simple white suit with striking red tie and returns to his waiting dinner companion. The historian leads the way through the big city until cutting down a few alleyways, ending their jaunt at a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a hoofwritten sign that reads Stiff Noodles. “Here we are, my favorite place to sit down and have a good meal,” Pen smiles opening the door for his dear sister. “Thank you, Pen,” Band says with a small curtsey as she enters. A jolly and chubby Earth Pony emerges at the sound of the shop bell, his coat sharing the color of unbleached pasta topped with curly, almost afro-like black hair, eyes golden like wheat light up at the sight of the historian. “Pen! Is good to see you, come, come, sit! Oh, and with nice mare too!” he beams, an unblemished joy in his thickly accented words. “Hey Stiff, how you doing?” Pen asks. “Am good, am good. Say who is nice beauty you bring?” he asks. “Stiff Noodles, my sister Platinum Band, Band this is my friend and best Neightalian cook in the city,” Pen introduces each to the other with a grand smile. “Best!? Pen, to kind you are! And Signorina, nice to meet some of Pen family, not too much he talk them, so good to see,” Stiff says merrily. “Good to be seen, Mr. Noodles,” Band smiles as Pen pulls out a seat for her. “Mr. Noodles was Papa, please, call Stiff,” he says as he waits for his customers to be seated. Pen seated his sister and then himself as Stiff began again. “Now I know what Pen wants, does Signorina need menu or chef choice?” Band thinks a moment and looks to Stiff, “Since Pen likes and trusts this place I will too, give me chef choice,” she smiles. “As you wish, Signorina,” he says looking at the mare, pondering her a moment before he smiles and nods, “Yes, I haves it.” With that, he places breadsticks, two wine glasses, and a small bottle of a simple Sauvignon Blanc in ice, and then goes to the kitchen. “Nice place, Pen, how did you ever find a hole-in-the-wall place like this?” Band asks. “Have you been around the city?” Pen counters with a question of his own. “Yeah,” she nods having a breadstick. “Seen the Grand Library?” he quires as he pours the wine. “Of course, it’s famous and huge. I actually thought about simply waiting there for you.” She smiles. “Now make a mental map, between the Grand Library and my bookstore where does this place lie?” he remarks, letting his sister think. “About halfway if you are using shortcuts I’d guess, ah I see, you eat here after finding it when your stomach grumbled at you when you’ve missed meals,” she grins. “Exactly, and so a tradition was born, I stop every Ironsday when I do my double checking on research,” he nods taking a breadstick of his own. For the next hooffull of minutes, they talk once more. How Band was an early bloomer on everything from walking and speaking to earning a cutie mark as young as five years old. While Pen saw her potential Band began remembering how she was restricted at every turn, from flying to even speaking at times. The brother tried to remind her of the good times, the small things he did for her to earn smiles from the filly, how when nopony looked he held her and cuddled her, giving the young one comfort as best a colt can. After a few turns of tears and peaceful smiles, the food comes out, the smell hitting them far before the food ever reaches them, Stiff pushing the cart himself. “Stiff, don’t you have anypony to help you?” Band asks a little worried. “No, is only I, is okay make enough to keep place going, no need more hooves,” he smiles as the cart reaches the table. “Now for Pen, usual of zucchini noodles with Alfredo sauce and heavy garlic and double spices, and for the Signorina whole wheat hoof-folded noodles with carrots, red onions, in a light garlic white sauce.” As Stiff sets the plates down Band gives a sniff, smiles, and says “My, this smells amazing.” “Grazie, recipe been in family ages. Now, eat, enjoy, make the happy,” the chef sets the meal and tableware with reverence and practiced grace. “Now Band, Signorina, has Pen tell you what he do, so nice for me?” “Stiiiiffff,” Pen bemoans a bit. “No, he hasn’t, please go on,” Band smiles, eagerly wanting to hear more of what her brother has been up to. “One day, he come in, near Father Day was. This one, he notice I sad, he ask why. I say Father’s Day but no place to give thanks to Papa, he die in Second Changeling war when was small, so Mama do raising tell me many things about Papa, and what I do remember of him is all the good. So Pen, he gets look, like much the thinking going on. He come by everyday for week, asking all I know of Papa and what Mama tell me. A month later the Solar Guard come, they say Papa remains were found, they were getting proper burial with honors, and that Pen was one who help. I ask him next time he in, how he find. Pen smiles, says his secret, and says he happy that I happy.” “That sounds like something he would do,” the mare smiles warmly at her sibling. “Band, not you too,” the historian groans as he hides his blush by taking a keen interest in his food. “Yes, me too. I can take pride in the good you’ve done after all,” she hums kindly. “Yes, I did help Stiff find his father’s remains and in the process, closure. But Stiff is a friend and I would do quite a lot for friends and…. you,” for a moment the unspoken word of family hung in the air as Band picked up on the small detail but decided not to press it, yet that is. “Pen is good stallion, very nice, very honorable, any mare lucky to have,” Stiff smiles, looking more like a proud uncle than a simple friend. “I do agree he is. That being said, Pen, is there a Mrs. Platinum Pen in the works?”, Band asks kindly. The historian swallows hard and sighs, “I have had a few dates, some more……intimate than others, but no, nopony lasting.” “sorry,” Band says softly. “Hey, it’s not your fault. I am an…interesting stallion to deal with to say the least. I am wary to ask, but what of you? Surely a mare of your beauty has had suitors beat down her door,” he smiles, hopefully cheering up his sister. “Me? No, not so much. Probably like you I spent too much on my craft and not on my social life. I’ve…never even dated,” the Pegasus sighs, a bit forlorn, looking back on her days in school and wondering if she made some error. “Hey, no worries, if you want I can be your date for a while,” Pen says trying to cheer up Band. Meanwhile, the jeweler blushed softly as her heart raced a bit. "A date, like a date-date? With me?" “I think I might like that, Pen,” she smiles. “My pleasure,” Pen returns, not seeing the faint coy smile upon his dinner guest’s lips. “You know I always order the same thing to help to recover energy and help with heart health. But now I have an excuse to stir things up, with you helping and me treating you to dinners, I can try more of the menu. Although I will say Stiff’s suggestions are usually spot on.” “I do appreciate the offer of a job, Pen. But I must make my own way as well, I shall be looking out for various jobs in the city where I can ply my jeweler’s craft,” Band states, gently but firmly, once again showing her brother that independent fire he knew so well. “You want my help finding such a place at least?” Pen asks. “I suppose, since you know the city,” she nods. “Good, I will make time later in the week. I have appointments for book readings and possible purchases,” the unicorn notes. “Appointments to read and buy books?” Band says a little confused. “Yes Band, some of them are rare and quite valuable and in some cases the only copy in existence.” Pen says firmly, his voice filled a deep passion. “My, you talk about books the way I talk about gems,” she smiles. “What can I say, each of us Platinums have a craft, one we are passionate about,” he counters. “But you’re selling not making,” Band says, a little confused. “I have written books Band, true mainly of the historical nature, but I have written them, and one I’m working on is a bit…unique,” Pen huffs lightly. “Unique how?” she asks, her curiosity stoked. “I will show you in time, it is both my magnum opus and my life’s work all in one,” he smiles as if daydreaming. “Peeeeennn,” Band whines in the old way she used to to get what she wanted from her bookish brother. “In. Time.” Pen says firmly, pressing a hidden importance to his words. “Okay, fine,” She huffs “Now I have a suggestion for your job, but first we need to get you a permit for Artisan work in Cantermore. I know the Crystal Kingdom is a little more lax in letting Artisans ply their craft but sadly here in Cantermore it is regulated,” he notes, getting to the end of his meal. “Very well,” the mare nods, concentrating on her own meal. Before long, the pair has devoured the well-prepared food and head out, the first real steps on Platinum Band’s new life in Cantermore, a new life and hopefully a renewed family. Book 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 03: The First StepBook 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 03: The First Step The pair returns to the humble bookstore and after taking turns washing up Pen makes for his room only to be stopped by Band. “Hey, Pen?” she asks. “Yeah?” he replies looking over his shoulder. “Can I…see your room?” she pleads softly. “Why? It’s just a normal room,” he notes. “Just…please,” she sighs. “Very well, but I know you will take note of one thing,” Pen remarks. “And that is?” Band asks, cocking her head. The historian merely smiles and says, “You’ll see.” They enter Pen’s room, very Spartan in appearance. A simple but large bed, a desk overflowing with books and a plain dresser……on top of which rests a picture of a very young Band and at the base of the picture……rose petals…Royal Reds. Seeing the flowers the Pegasus tears up and looks to her brother, “Pen...I knew it, I just knew it was you. After all you got me Bella.” “Bella?” he asks. “The Pegasus stuffed doll you got me,” Band giggles. “Oh, yeah, I remember that,” he says, smiling at the memory. “I loved the look on your face when you opened the gift in your bedroom when mother was not looking,” he hums warmly. Band gives a small, cute yawn, “Looks like I am getting sleepy, guess I’ll hit the hay.” “Don’t do that it’s……” Pen copies the yawn, “……contagious.” She giggles a bit as she heads to her new room, “Goodnight brother, love you.” “Goodnight sis, love you too,” he says, feeling joyous he gets to say that again. Entering the room she flops on the bed, looking around her new home, and almost giddy being beside Pen again, memories of how nice he was flooding her heart and soul. Taking a deep breath she takes in all that has happened, finding Pen, him so open and happy to see her, finding out her mother is indeed a part of a foul organization, and now possible dates, dates with Pen! Why is she so excited about that? True she never had time for romance while pursuing her education but Pen wanted this relationship, didn’t he? Why would he offer if he had not? Meanwhile in Pen’s room the stallion was almost kicking himself, why did he say dates? Why not dinners of something else? But she looked so happy when he said it, happy…and excited. And he, he didn’t actually correct it then and there did he? She was, no is, a beautiful mare, the first one to ever warm his heart when she was a foal, but she…she is not a foal now is she? She is a mare, a grown mare, a grown mare who may want more out of him. And yet, somehow, he is not appalled by these thoughts. She has been gone so long, and she did have a different and obviously more positive life then she would have had under House Platinum’s roof. Maybe, just maybe he can be what she wants, what she sees, his only two hopes is he can live up to the Pen that lives in her heart and that he’ll never break the same heart. Waking early Pen closes the shop with a sign saying “Out For Errands, Be Back Soon.” And sets out with Band to the City Grand Municipal Building, an almost horrendous five story plain grey building with windows so evenly spaced it feels quite like an optical illusion. Entering the building the pair are confronted by what can only be described as the most average pony ever, rather androgynous with their hair combed hiding a horn if they had one wearing a suit that covers any wings they may have, their coat a neutral grey, a mane a neutral brown, and eyes the same blue seen again and again. On the desk this pony sits at is a name plaque that reads ‘Chief Directory Receptionist Precision Placement’. They look upon the pair and in an enthusiastic if not very tenor voice says, “Welcome to the City Grand Municipal Building, where may I direct you today?” “We would like an artisan’s license and an official stamp for signature entry card,” Pen notes. “For the artisan’s license you will need an example of work or diploma from a fully accredited school with either the craft in question or one focused on said craft, and an ID. I would suggest getting the stamp for signature done first as you can add it to your artisan’s license. To obtain the stamp for signature you need to go to the Stamp Registry Clerk and request a stamp registry form and a sworn statement form, fill them out in triplicate then take them to the Office of Legal Registrations and have a Letter of Accord, Letter of Authority, Letter of Legal Statement, Letter of Legal Standing, and a Letter of Writ filled out. After that return to the Stamp Registry Clerk with all the forms and your ID then after a small filing fee it will be registered to you and in a week be able to be used as your signature in any and all official documents.” Precision lists. “If need be I can give directions to each.” “Pen, I don’t have a Cantermore ID only a Crystal Kingdom one, will that do?” Band asks. Before he can answer the receptionist gives a quiet sigh of “And again with this.”, “Then I would suggest getting your ID first, rather simple task, all you need is your birth certificate and a witness. The offices are numbered as so, the first number is the floor, then the numbers start at zero one at the front entrance, clockwise. For example that office,” they say, pointing at the first office on the first floor, “is Office 101. You need Office 210, then 322, then 251, than back to 322.” Pen sighs, “Well lets’ go on a bureaucratic adventure.” He says leading the way. “Pen, I don’t have my birth certificate,” Band whispers. “I got it, don’t worry,” he says waving the document. “How did you get that!” she exclaims. “I may have left the House but I still have access to it, I just need to get it back before Due Date does her weekly book and records check,” Pen notes. “Seriously, Pen!? I may not remember much from the House but even I remember the tight hoofed organization she has on the Family Library,” Band worries. “I have three days before she checks, it is fine,” he assures her. “Okay, so long as you are sure,” she sighs. Entering Office 210 they see a younger Pegasus mare behind a desk whom notices their entry, “Hello and welcome to the Identification Card Application and Issuance Office, how many I help you?” “We need an ID for my sister, Band, here is her birth certificate and I am willing to act as witness,” Pen says giving the document to the clerk. “One moment, this should take just a moment,” the clerk says disappearing deeper into the office. She returns a moment later, “Uh, ma’am, I don’t know how to say this, but, you’re dead. At least the record says you are dead, we need this corrected as soon as possible, please, um, wait here I need my director.” With that she scampers off returning with an older, tired looking unicorn pony. “Which of you are supposed to be dead?” he asks as Band raises her hoof. “Well we can correct the error on our end…or on your end,” he says the last part trying to be creepy but barely hides his giggles. “Whichever allows me to get an ID, please sir,” she replies. The older clerk sighs, “You’re no fun, well we need a hoofprint and some of your and his blood, if all is in order we’ll have it sorted out soon.” “Whatever you need sir,” the jeweler smiles, holding out her hoof to be printed. He prints the mare then says, “A nurse will be in soon, just wait here please.” A few moments pass as a unicorn mare steps in, levitating a blood draw kit behind her, “Who is here for the blood draws?” The siblings raise their hooves. “Very well, one Platinum Band correct? According to the birth certificate, that is?” “Yes ma’am, that is me,” she nods. “Where do you want the blood drawn, wrist or wing?” the nurse asks. “Wrist,” Band responds offering her wrist and looking away as a sharp sting is felt, causing her to gasp in air. “Still not used to needles,” she complains. “It is okay ma’am, it is a common fear,” the nurse says taking two samples and tucking away one inside an inner pocket. She then takes one sample from Pen and takes the sibling samples to the back. After fifteen minutes the nurse returns and speaks to the older unicorn, “I can say within 85% certainty that this is indeed Ms. Platinum Band.” “What do you mean 85%?” Band asks. “I do not have the equipment here to run a better test that is all I can get. It is enough to get the redaction, though,” the nurse curtly states before leaving. Band looks to the two office clerks, “Can I still get my ID today?” The older stallion smiles, “Yes, well a legally applicable temporary copy and we will send you a permanent one to a given address.” Before long Band has her temporary ID and is now moving up the legal food chain. “Paperwork, the life’s blood of the Governmental Machine,” Pen chuckles. “It’s not that funny, we’ll be here all day and I got stabbed for all this,” Band huffs. After a few more stops, and a lot more paperwork the mare has a Cantermore ID, a artisan’s license, and the ability for her artisan stamp to act as her signature. The pair returns to the bookstore both mentally and physically drained, Band with a deep sigh looks to her brother, “PP, could you get me to the bath, please?” Even though he prickles at his foalhood nickname, he sighs, “Sure sis, I got you.” He draws the bath and helps her in, his heart racing a bit as she sighs in pleasure. “You could join me,” Band hums, content. The stallion’s pulse jumps as shivers run up his spine, “No thank you, I’ll…take one after you.” She shrugs as he moves to his bedroom, trying to calm himself down. Time passes quickly for most, but for Pen an eternity until a knock on his door lets him know it’s his turn. Stepping in after his sister a scent hits his nose as again his heart races, estrus, Band is going into heat, “Wonderful.”, he thinks trying to shake thoughts and the churning of his own loins. “What am I going to do, what am going to say, no , what can I say? Seriously, now? Why now? What do I do? She is her own mare, do I cross that line? Does she want to cross that line?” The unicorn’s mind races as he finishes his bath and goes to bed, dreams filled with a dozen scenarios, some wonderful, some terrible, all flowing through unheeded and unchecked. Book 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 04: A Thin LineBook 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 04: A Thin Line In the barest hours of the morning past midnight but before the sun, a unicorn awakens. With a weighty sigh, Pen rests his head on the dresser, the same that upon which rests the younger picture of his sister. A sister who now consumes his thoughts, a blessing from the past, a riddle for the present, and a cloud upon a future that he thought was his own to know and plan. Yet now, as Band encompasses his heart and soul for once, his path forward is dark and unknown, now tinged with the scents of love and intimacy. “Do I step onto this path, or do I stay upon my path I have set for myself, helping her where I can? Or, do I take part in her life, no like make a new one with both of us? Is it my heart or hormones talking? I know, a date, take her on a date like I promised, treat her as I would any other mare I would have on a date, see how I feel after that. Then I’ll know, one way or another,” Pen ponders, rolling it all over in his mind. Since he is not getting sleep at any time the historian decides to retreat to his basement. A scent deep from her past wakes Band up, oatmeal with brown sugar and honey. “Wha? Morning already?” she sniffs the air, “Celestia, something smells heavenly.” The Pegasus readies herself for the day and follows the smell into the kitchen. “Morning sis, thought I’d make us breakfast, and what better one than the one I used to make for you on cold days?” Pen smiles setting out two bowls. “Are you trying to spoil me, Pen?” she hums. “Not quite, maybe a little, but not quite. Actually, I was wondering if you wanted that date I offered, a real date, nice place, flowers, the whole nine yards.” He asks, smiling. “Already!? I mean, yes, sure, of course,” Band answers quickly. “Already? A date already? Why so soon, and why it is making my heart flutter?” “If you need a good dress I can give you some bits from the overflow account, but don’t let me see it I want it to be a surprise,” Pen says sitting down with his sister for a peaceful breakfast electrified with an undercurrent of anticipation. “The oatmeal is good, thank you Pen, and I will get me a dress, I even have something in mind,” she smiles. Pen gives a small chuckle, “Yeah, get used to it. Since it’s one of the few things I can cook I tend to cook it a lot.” “It is still good,” she says trying to boost his confidence. “It’s comfort food, it’s usually good,” he smiles as they soon finish their breakfast. “Take some petty bits and get you a dress, I’m going to run the shop. Have to make the bits somehow,” Pen hums, a whisper of passion in his voice. “Some old Pen, same old bibliophile,” she chuckles as she makes for the bathroom to get ready for town. “Sure thing, gem nerd,” He returns playfully. Cleaning the kitchen, he hears Band leave as he takes his turn to prepare for the day, washing and then getting on his trademark white suit and red tie. As Band leaves, he contacts Velvet Meadows through a sending stone for an evening reservation. After getting about 300 bits Band walked into the Market District, seeking a nice dress hoping to find a good dress shop to suit her needs. Fortunately, she did not have too far to look and after half an hour she has a nice sunflower yellow dress and with a few bits of accenting jewelry she is mentally prepared for her date. With some time on her hooves, she decides to wander the city, coming to the edge of the Noble District. “They’re in there, eight streets in, three streets right, the High Noble House Platinum. Mother, father, and Spear…will any of them accept me, want me?” After some time of pondering her inner and future demons, she wanders off, seeking the peace of the Central Gardens. Taking a spot off the cobblestone path with the Noble Court to her right and in front of the three-walled courtyard of the Mage’s Counsel she takes a sit, enjoying the soft grass and wonderful smells. Pony-watching she sees couples and families out enjoying the day and a few old clouds darken her soul. Those being between her dedication to her school and her family moving she never really had time for romance and even if she did a visit to the doctor told her she would never carry a foal. Brooding a bit she tries to shake it off as her mind wanders from her past to her future. Will Pen make her happy? Will he want foals? Will he want foals with her? She lays on her back soaking in the warm sun as she pictures her future and wondering does she really love Pen as more than a brother, she’s not known him most her life, all she does know is a few memories of him being the kindest pony she knew and the fact he visited her in the hospital. “This date will be a good idea, it will tell me what this relationship holds in the future, if it goes too bad or if there is no spark, then we can still be family, if something is there……if something is there then what? Can I date my brother? Will he open to it? He suggested the date after all. Tonight, so much rides on tonight.” Meanwhile, across town in the Merchant District, one historian was half-heartedly running his business, his mind on the coming date, his own thoughts echoing his sister’s. Even one of his friends from his volunteering in the Solar Guard saw something was up. “Uh, Equus to Pen, anypony home?” Earnest Effort says, his simple brown coat and strikingly different electric blue mane peeking from his helmet as his light greenish eyes look to his friend. “I was trying to give you your duty roster, bookworm.” “Oh, Earnest, I’m sorry, my mind is elsewhere,” Pen lightly chuckles. “No doubt, book, ruins, or mare?” the armored pony asks the twinkle of a smile in his eye. “What makes you think it’s one of those?” the Unicorn asks almost defensively. “Mare.” The Earth Pony muses. “What, I mean how, that is,” Pen fumbles. “Yup, a mare, and a catch from your reaction,” Earnest smiles. “Okay, yes, a mare, and I don’t know if anything will come of it but here’s to hoping,” the historian grins. “Here’s to hoping? Why’d I say that? Am I really hoping for this?” “Well here’s the roster and I wish you luck,” Earnest says setting the paper down and leaving. “Yeah, luck, think I’ll need it,” Pen sighs to himself as he leaves. As the store closes he moves upstairs to get ready casting a simple spell as he does to talk to Band remotely. Pen states, trying to hide both his joy and nervousness. Band notes. he apologizes. “Great already getting off on a good hoof,” Pen sighs. Getting into a nice black suit with royal purple tie pen puts on a black top hat and makes for the restaurant. Meanwhile, Band goes back to the dress shop to change, explaining that she needs to dress for a date and wants it to be a surprise. The clerks understand and even offer some perfume and makeup work to truly bring out her beauty. Two ponies make for the Velvet Meadows, to have a date with each other and mark the path their life goes from here. Many things rest upon this evening’s enjoyment, from hearts to futures. Book 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 05: A Night to RememberBand takes a good look in one of the shop’s mirrors, smiling as across town Pen picks up some lilacs for his sister. Both ponies walk towards the Velvet Meadows, thoughts racing on the events upcoming, both having a mix of excitement, hope, fear, and dread swirling within them. Band arrives first and tells the maitre d’ that she is awaiting somepony and has a sit, a few minutes later Pen arrives, slightly hiding his face behind the flowers and revealing it slowly as if he was in a cheesy romance movie. Sadly the effect is lost quite a bit as the color of the flowers and his suit are similar, making it seem his head is almost floating. The Pegasus takes the flowers blushing at first then giving a little snicker at the sight. Turning to the pony behind the podium pen says, “Platinum, reservation for two.” The maitre d’ looks though the book and then to the historian, “I am sorry, Mr Platinum, there is no reservation for you tonight.” “Impossible, I just made it a few hours ago via sending stone,” he says patiently yet firmly. The maitre d’ flips a few pages, “I see, there was a slight miscommunication on our end, the server that took the stone wrote down two nights from now, in other words in two nights not tonight, unfortunately we are fully booked for the rest of the night but we can offer a coupon of twenty percent for your actual night.” With a sigh the pair sits down on the bench, the start of their night already crushed. “So what now?”, Band asks. “Well there is a good place nearby, it’s not Prench like here but is still good food, if you don’t mind some exotic company,” Pen offers. “Define exotic,” she says. “Griffins, Thestrals, other omnivores,” he answers. “So meat then, I can take that, after all my dad, Shining Gem, has dinner with actors of all races,” the Pegasus smiles. “Good, it’s called the Grilling Griffin, as one would suspect the master chef is indeed a griffin,” the stallion remarks as he starts to lead the way. “Really? I would have never guessed,” The mare sighs and rolls her eyes as Pen mentally kicks himself. Already fuming Band only engages in small talk for the 15 minute walk. As she arrives she curses loudly realizing she left the flowers at Velvet Meadows as Pen’s heart drops a bit this date is going horribly, maybe he should have waited. As they enter the thestral maitre d’ smiles a bit, “Mr. Platinum, good to see you, Ebon Cloud is here tonight if you want to talk, oh, I see you have a date, um, I’ll go find you two a seat.” The bat pony then scampers off. “And who is Ebon Cloud?”, Band says, whispers of anger in her voice. “A former marefriend, we dated a few times, then broke off pleasantly as we found we didn’t have too much in common,” Pen replies. “Did you two, you know,” his date asks. “As much as that sounds like a dangerous question I won’t lie. Yes, a few times before we found we didn’t exactly mesh well in the bedroom,” he answers honestly. Band’s heart and mind warred her mind said he was honest while her heart says there is now somepony to measure against. “Is this wrong? Should I go through with this? He was honest, and some part of me also cares that I won’t be his first.” “Sis?”, Pen asks as he starts to worry. “Sorry was distracted. But thank you for being honest,” she remarks trying to keep an even tone as not to betray her worries. “Welcome,” he says as he thinks, “Great now she’s being cold, this is ending well.” “Okay,” the thestral says as she returns to the front, “I found you a table…” “Buuut?” Pen asks hearing the drawn-out pause. “It’s near a table with some of the Frontier Guard on leave,” she replies. He sighs a little, “We’ll take it.” The bat-winged mare gives a slight apologetic smile, “This way.” She leads the pair to a seat near a table of six beings, some pony, some griffin, all noisy. They sit down as raucous lather erupts from their neighbors, “Well at least we got a table.” Pen smiles weakly. Band sighs and nods, “So much for an intimate meal, but at least we are having dinner together.” The thestral sits out some rich and cheesy garlic bread, “Your waitress will be out soon to take your order and thank you for choosing Grilling Griffin.” Pen smiles and offers Band one with his magic which she eats with a slight smile. “You know, despite everything, I am starting to warm up to this date,” Band hums. The stallion was about to say something when a large griffin aria comes out and almost snarls, “Hi, name is Igna, I will be your waitress tonight, may I ask what you wish to drink?” “Water for now until we decide what to eat,” Pen says. “Very well, shall I start you with an appetizer?” she asks. “Band?” he asks, giving her the floor. “I’ll try the blooming onion, those are usually good,” she smiles at the waitress who takes the order and leaves “Soooo…..,” Pen hums looking at the menu, “anything written in red contains meat, green is plants, and yellow is both.” Band simply nods as she looks at her own, pondering, “Any suggestions?” “They make a great vegetable stew, and believe it or not their in-house coffee pairs well with it,” he notes. “Coffee? With stew?” Band asks surprised. “Well, the stew has subdued seasonings that pair well with the strong flavor of the coffee, almost as if the coffee wakes up the stew,” he smiles in memory. “Well, I’ll trust you, but I really want to know more about this Ebon Cloud,” she remarks. “We met here when I was meeting some griffin ruin delvers for acquiring some tomes they found. She was my waitress and she was a little bit nerdy like me, after my meal with the griffins we talked. Turns out she only works here for family here and there, her main occupation is night-time emergency weather response. We met up a few times here and started dating, she had a passion for weather the way I do for history. We became a bit closer and then intimate, but after a few times it became clear that we were not physically compatible, we were good but there was no spark. A few dates after our fourth moment we broke it off peacefully and I still eat at this place here and there just to chat.” As the stallion finishes his story he observes his date. Band digests all she hears and thoughts go through her head, “I never really thought about being……intimate with him, can I? Is it something he requires? And……and somehow it doesn’t shiver my skin to think of him in…that..way……” her heart skips in her chest as a hot flash briefly hits her, her heart flutters and her mind wonders, “What does he feel like? To have his hooves on me…holding me…touching me…in places…” Pen cocks his head as Band seems to zone out on front of him, his usual social cluelessness apparent to all. “I mean she is here tonight if you want to meet her, see that there is no romance anymore,” he offers. She snaps back into reality as she nods, “Sure, I’d like to meet the mare who had your heart before me.” “BEFORE HER!?!?Is she saying we are an us?” Pen’s mind races. “I’ll be sure to ask for her when Igna gets back.” She nods as she begins waiting attempting to ignore the odiously loud table behind her. Band had not long to wait as the griffin returns with a sizzling platter. “One blooming onion, are we ready to order?” she asks. Pen nods, “Yes we’ll have two orders of the vegetable stew and two orders of the house coffee, and if she is free we would like to speak to Ebon Cloud.” Igna raises an eyebrow, writes down the order, and leaves. “Well, she should be here soonish,” Pen says, “And this conversation should be interesting to say the least.” About ten minutes later both Igna and a thestral smoke grey in coat and muted yellow hair with a lightning scar on her ear approach with food. “Hey bookworm, I heard somepony wants to meet me?” the bat pony smiles, her soft brown eyes scanning the table. “That would be me,” Band remarks. “I understand you dated Pen for a bit? How was he, polite, considerate?” “You really found a firebrand didn’t you?” Ebon says to Pen as she turns to his sister. “To answer your questions; yes, yes, and very.” “Please sit, there is one more question I’d like to ask, one of a rather personal nature,” the Pegasus politely requests. “Sure, Igna I got this for a bit, take care of others,” she hums as she sits. After the food is served and she sits down her gaze falls on the jeweler, “So, Band was it, what is this super important, super private question?” “It is twofold: one how was Pen in bed, and two did it feel like intimacy was necessary for you two to be together?” Band asks bluntly. “Wow, no shits given, got it. Well, he was good in bed, paid attention to my needs, and did his best but while we did, as they say, get our rocks off there was no real spark. Now as to the second no he never did and while it was intimacy that had our relationship end, it was more of an understanding that after we had sex a few times our attraction was more a deep friendship more than anything romantic. So we broke off being a couple and comfortably settled into being good friends. Were we had that spark I’d still be with him and we would not be having this conversation. He’s a good stallion, a bit bookish, a bit boring, but a good stallion nonetheless.” Ebon remarks, gauging Band’s reaction at every word. “I see, thank you for being open, Ms. Sky,” Band hums, offering a wing to shake. “No problem, now unless there is something else to turn Pen red as the tomatoes in his stew, I have work to do. Oh, and please call me Ebon,” the thestral says, taking the offered wing in her own and giving it a good shake. As Ebon leaves, Pen looks up from his stew and almost pleadingly ask, “Did you have to do that?” “A little, yes. I was curious and good to know you took it well, even if it was a little mean,” Band apologizes. “Now if you are satisfied, can we eat?” Pen says through clenched teeth and embarrassment, ready to enjoy the rest of the night. The meal proceeds nicely with kind and curious dinner conversation, that is until Band decides to press a few more...personal...questions. “So, um, Pen, what all do you like, you know, in the bedroom?” she slips into the conversation. Poor Pen chokes on a bit of stew before he recovers enough to speak, “I like many things, vanilla as they call it, oral, anal, and a few other things, and am willing to try new things as well.” Despite his recovered demeanor inside is far different, “Why is he asking this, is she planning, does she want to take it to that next step this quickly?” Band, not expecting such a succinct response, blushes greatly. “Well, that’s good to know.” “He’s open, he’s genuine, I don’t detect any trace of deceit or deflection. And why did I even ask that? What is my body and heart telling me?” They continue talking, sometimes dipping into sensual territory. This continues for a bit until Band jumps in shock as she looks down to see a griffin tail brushing her leg. “Hey pretty mare, why not ditch the nerd and go home with a real male?” the drunk, lewd beast growls. “WHAT THE FUCK?!?” Band exclaims as Pen moves from around the table. “What, the pencil neck is gonna fight me?” he grins. A brief flicker of green flame rolls from Pen’s right eye as each member of the Frontier Guard jumps back, wings on weapons as their bodies scream at the danger. The motion causes both tables to turn over dousing the siblings in stew. As Band curses in fury Pen stares dead at the rowdy guards, “You will apologize to Band, you will pay your tab, and you will leave.” She turns and sees the historian standing firm, no longer the meek bookstore owner now a wall between her and those that tried to harm her. The Guards grumble and leave, the fire of their fight extinguished. “Band, I’m sorry, this is the second place we failed at having a date. Maybe we should just try again later,” Pen sighs. “WHAT IN TARTARUS!?!?!?” exclaims a rapidly approaching Ebon Cloud. “They got too rowdy, touched Band the wrong way, and were told to leave, they got more rowdy, and after that, they saw the error of their ways and left,” Pen says evenly. “Sure, fine, whatever, but I will have to ask you to leave for now. So that all this can die down,” the thestral sighs. As they leave Pen turns to Band, “Are you sure you don’t want to call it off?” “I was promised a date, I am getting a date,” she says firmly. “Very well, any ideas?” he asks. “While I was waiting in the park they had some nice food vendors there, maybe a park date?” the Pegasus offers. “Covered in soup?” Pen asks, smiling. “Sure, why not, what else can go wrong,” Band says as Pen mentally facehoofs. Arriving at the park Pen finds the one thing he believes will tame a troubled mare’s heart, ice cream. Going with vanilla to be safe he brings a pair of two scoop cones to his date, “Here we go, ice cream, nothing can go wrong with ice cream.” “Thank you Pen, I think this will be nice. Now, let’s find a peaceful place to sit,” Band smiles. “I have just the spot, just past the main thoroughfare to the Noble Court on the parade viewing grounds. Usually open and the grass is well kept and comfortable,” he says, leading the way. Sitting down they pony watch in the soft blues of night, walking pets, playing with a glow-in-the-dark Frisbee, painting, even playing a few instruments. Not talking the two merely enjoy each other’s company, taking a few licks of their frozen treats, they smile at once and offer the other their treat. As they do a voice cries out, “Look out!” A glowing neon blue streak hit both cones, splattering each other with frozen dessert. Staring at each other an Earth Pony walks up, retrieves a Frisbee, and apologizes as they sit in stunned silence. Covered in stew and vanilla, their smells slowly getting worse, outfits ruined beyond repair, and now practically out of bits, they look each other up and down......then start laughing. “This has to be the worst date I have ever been on,” Pen laughs to tears. “Indeed, as far as first dates go this has got to make history in terribleness,” Band joins in the laughter. Falling onto the grass, staining themselves even more, the pair keep the merry noises pouring from them for a good five minutes. As it peters out they look at each other, there was no loss of care, of love, they had a Tartarus of a first date and to the other their date still looked amazing. The stress gone, the bad feelings of the night, the tainted memories of cruel fate after cruel fate rewrite into golden ones, a tale to tale, a memory to cherish for ages. They move to each other, gazes locked, hearts pounding, as finally from a place of pure love, they kiss.
00-00 Series Bible (Contains Spoilers, updated regularly) ver.00.0900-00 Series Bible (Contains Spoilers, updated regularly) ver.00.09 WARNING! Diving too deeply may spoil certain story parts, each Chapter will have a chapter code, search that to navigate safely, if parts of a character change past their intro new info will be under spoiler block, reveal at your own risk. Note: The current year 2153AS (After Sisters) Spoilers will be blacked out, reveal them at your own risk. On terminology I will be using arms as a stand ion for fore legs and legs are the back legs, when using hoof context should show if it means fore or rear hoof. On Writing stylizations: Internal monologue will be in quote marks and italicized "Like this." Internal monolouge that has a stressed word will have the stressed word normal "Much like this." Using mental communication will be in angle brackets Talking in Soulbond will be curly brackets with tildes on either side ~{Like this.}~ Talking in Hivemind will be in square brackets [Like this.] Table of Contents (use Find and Index codes to get to certain areas) Index Code Entry A101 Fetish Codes B202 Races in depth C303 Glossary D404 Cast E505 Places of Interest F606 Deific Beings & Religious Information G707 Ponyian Calendar H808 Timeline I909 Version History (to know what was added) A101 Fetish Codes Fetish codes will have a numerical value assigned to them, some may be blacked out in-story for those who do not care for such things. 01-Vanilla sex 02-Oral 03-Anal 04-Masturbation 05-M/F 06-M/M 07-F/F 08-Age/Size Play 09-Incest 10-Gender Swapping 11-Spanking 12-Pet Play 13-Gangbang/Multipartner [presented as X/X/X, etc] B202 Races in-depth Changelings Insectoid pony-like beings and are capable of shapeshifting naturally, in addition, they are emotivores, meaning they eat emotions. In Equestria Changelings are considered enemies of the state with a capture or kill order for any changeling, preferring capture over kill. There are some citizen Chagelings, but not many as the process is difficult. I shall start with biology. Changelings are very different from ponies in one major aspect. Where our souls and bodies are separate their soul IS their body. This is how they can change form so it is easy as a natural talent. This also comes with major downsides. If you hurt a Changeling body you hurt their soul as well. A severe injury can even make it where they cannot assume a disguise or even shorten their lifespan. As to their kinds, there are or were ten breeds of Changeling, each with three genetic roles. Now I will go over roles first. The Queen controls the Hivemind and can be responsible for all births, but does need to birth each Changeling in the Hive. The drones gather emotion and food for the hive, they are usually free willed though the Queen can birth mindless drones or give a command to a drone and they must follow. The soldiers can gather as well but mainly protect the hive and always have free will. There were ten breeds of Changeling each one absorbed a different emotion. Now only seven remain, with two hanging on by wisps of existence. Great Clan War 4400-3300BE Ponies You should know these by now, the Three Tribes of Earth Pony, Pegasus, and Unicorns migrated to what is known as Equestria from the Wendigoes in the Forsaken North. Each race has a natural affinity, Earth Ponies have an innate magic that can grow plants, understand animals, and find ores/gems, Pegasai can walk on clouds, fly, and manipulate the weather, Unicorns have a broader hold on magic but generally tend to focus on a specific type or school of magic. That being said there are always exceptions to these magic rules. They are recognized citizens of Equestria. Thestrals They are another pony race that is genetically compatible with the Three Tribes though it seems the Thestral gene is a dominant one. Unlike the Three Tribes, they already lived in the lands that would become Equestria being discovered shortly after the Sisters defeated Discord. They are marked by their bat wings, fangs, and omnivorous diet, in addition, their coats tend towards muted colors leading them to not have as varied a palette as the Three Tribes. Donkeys Migrated from the south instead of the north shortly after the ponies arrived, not a strong presence but are recognized citizens of Equestria. It was their added muscle and ability to cook with few supplies that helped rebuild Equestria after the defeat of Discord. C303 Glossary (Note this will include towns and areas from Legends of Equestria for those used to the show names) Guard: This is a generic term for the various Guard groups in the world, the full list of the Guard branches is as follows, look at their entry for definition and duties. The Guards act as both patrols and Equestria's standing armed forces. Black Guard, Lunar Guard, Night Guard, Royal Guard, Solar Guard, Star Guard, Stone Guard, Wonderbolts, Green Guard, Frontier Guard Guard Info Black Guard: A semi-secret unit, one that some of the informed populace know of but not society as a whole. Made of those who have committed various heinous crimes but have abilities or skills too useful to waste so they serve their sentence in service to The Crown. Ranks: None save Commander in Shadow who leads and gives orders to all of the Black Guard High Commander: There is only one High Commander, answering only to the High Counsel or the Crown directly. The current is High Commander Iron Strongarm Golem. The position of High Commander can be challenged by any of 3rd Commander Rank or higher in combat with the Princess and the High Counsel present. Lunar Guard: These are the ones that patrol at night, clearly and easily identified by their Moonlight Armor. Accepts any and all candidates capable of passing various tests, with exceptions made for those with needed talent. Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) 1st Commander/1 2nd Commander/2 3rd Commander/4 Commander/20 Colonel/80 Captain/2 per city Lieutenant/4 per city Sergeant/ 8 per city Investigator/1 per 1,000 citizens in the city, some larger cities may have one for each category of crime Guard/Varies upon need Night Guard: Made almost exclusively of Thestrals the Night Guard are a local version of the Wonderbolts that operate at night. Depending on the place they can be seen as normal to nearly completely shunned. Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) Sky Lord/1 Sky Marshall/4 Flight Captain/1 per city more if a larger city Wing Captain/4 per city more if a larger city Night Guard/4 per Wing Captain Royal Guard: Responsible for guarding various VIPs in office, the Princess Herself, and the Royal Castle Grounds. Must meet a height and weight range to even attempt to apply, must have a clean record, five years of previous service as a Guard, pass a grueling written and physical test, and once granted the title are given a letter/number combo to use on duty. In addition, their armor is magically enchanted to make their coats white, manes/tails a two-toned blue, and their eyes a soft gold. The only exceptions are those who have night shifts or are part of the Royal Band who change their coat to gray and mane/tail to pale white. They have several code words and signs to know if there is an imposter and can never give or use their real names on duty. In their history, only four times have they failed the Crown, the most recent is the death of Princess White Shining Emerald in 2145AS leaving the young Princess Raspberry Tart Gumdrop as ruler at the tender age of 8. Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) High Stellar Commander/1 Celestial Commander/2 Twilight Commander/8 Captain/40 Guard/360 Reserve/150 Solar Guard: These are the ones that patrol during the day, clearly and easily identified by their Sunlight Armor. Accepts any and all candidates capable of passing various tests, with exceptions made for those with needed talent. Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) 1st Commander/1 2nd Commander/2 3rd Commander/4 Commander/20 Colonel/80 Captain/2 per city Lieutenant/4 per city Sergeant/ 8 per city Investigator/1 per 1,000 citizens in the city, some larger cities may have one for each category of crime Guard/Varies upon need Star Guard: Made of mostly Unicorns the Star Guard enforces, investigates, and patrols against crimes involving magical spells, effects, or items that have restricted or illegal magic such as Vile Magic. Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) Battlemage Celestine/1 Battlemage Palatine/4 Battlemage Tribune/16 Battlemage Captain/5 per city unless a larger city then as needed Battlemage/As needed per city Stone Guard: The keepers of the jails and prisons the Stone Guard are trained to have a careful mix of removal of emotion and empathy in addition to being as gentle or tough as needed, only 1 out of 100 applicants make the Stone Guard the rest usually go into being a city Guard. Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) High Warden/1 Warden/1 per facility Chief Deputy Warden/2 per facility Deputy Warden/2 per facility Associate Warden/4 per facility Captain/4 per facility Lieutenant/ 8 per facility Sergeant/16 per facility or more if a larger facility Guard/As needed per facility Wonderbolts: Probably the most famous of the Guards as they also host airshows for the populace. Made of entirely Pegasus, save some who support by non-combat roles such as clerk, PR, chef, or more, but these do not have the title of Wonderbolt instead they are called Strategic Support and all have the rank of Strategic Support Operative. Below are only the Wonderbolt Ranks Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) Sky Lord/1 Sky Marshall/4 Flight Captain/1 per city more if a larger city Wing Captain/4 per city more if a larger city Wonderbolt('Bolt for short)/4 per Wing Captain Green Guard: Made of mainly Earth Ponies they patrol the Wild Forests such as the Evershade and Bramble Woods as an example. Their duty is threefold, to keep those not able to handle certain areas out, to keep certain things in, and to rescue the lost and injured to safety. Ranks as Follows (High to Low/Amount) Blackwood/1 Ironwood/2 Rosewood/8 Oak/1 per Wild Forest Elm/1 per ten square acres of Wild Forest. Frontier Guard: These are the ones that patrol the borders, mainly those that border the more wild areas of the lands outside of the nation of Equestria, not as strict or rigid as others the Frontier Guard more depend on each other in a familial matter, and though they do view leaders as in charge it's more of a parental role than a command role. That being said as they take volunteers and move around a lot the exact numbers are hard to pin down except for the first two Chief Ranger/1 Deputy Ranger/8 Sector Ranger/2 per sector? Zone Ranger/6 per sector? Ranger/ unknown? Hearthkeepers Technically illegal they help non-citizens gain citizenship and hide Noble House servant runaways. They operate semi-openly but are very hard to get into as they have so much information that could lead to the capture or death of many innocents. Known for spearheading several laws that make obtaining citizenship somewhat easier. Mud Pony The worst insult for an Earth Pony, is the ultimate derogatory term, Using this can cause anger, pain, shame, or sorrow in Earth Ponies about 75% of the time. Pigeon The worst insult for a Pegasus, is the ultimate derogatory term, Using this can cause anger, pain, shame, or sorrow in Prgasai about 85% of the time. Prench A portmanteau of French and pony, a French Pony as if were, lilted and delicate speaking, fancy foods and dress, an innate air of nobility. Shapers of the Black Crystal Worshipers of Sombra the Fallen, seeking to gather the shattered shards of their Alicorn to bring him back to rule all. They feel that not having ponies under complete and total control is what leads to the evils of the world, they retain followers at the starting level by love bombing, and once deep into the organization, they use artifacts left from Sombra's reign, the Soulbreaker Helm. Sharpened Horn A Unicorn supremacy group, they believe since magic is inherent to unicorns and comes so freely they should rule the three tribes. They work to keep as many non-Unicorns out of magical institutions as they can. Main tactic is financial espionage, using the market and their wealth to crush any opposition. The Flock A Pegasus supremacy group that believes since they can live in the sky and control the weather they should rule from on high in places no other can reach. They do allow Griffins into their ranks and have ties to the Iron Claw a Gryphon supremacy group. They use subtle violence and subterfuge to fight their foes. The Great Decay: During the Age of Chaos Discord, the Lord of Disharmony saw the perfect, measured, even form of the Crystal Kingdom and almost took it's mere existence as an insult to his very being. He twisted the city to be mishapen but almost perfect. The only place he could not touch was the Crystal Palace itself. The True Herd An Earth Pony Supremacy Group that believes since it is their effort that feeds Equestria they should rule by the grace of the life they bring. Knowing that if they stopped all their farming and held food the rest of Equestria would starve, they try and recruit the most as their Great Plan needs at least 80% of all farmers on board. They are the most publicly violent and use raw force to get their way. The Golden Chain For all intents and purposes a slaver group, they find ponies in massive debt and agree to pay in full their debt in exchange for entering a debtor's contract, which they then sell to Noble Houses. Not above getting ponies fired or finding those with foals and contacting Foal Protective Services (through third parties of course) to pressure families, especially single-parent families, to sign away their rights to keep their foals. The Children of the Moon Followers of the banished Nightmare Moon, they seek to bring only Nightmare Moon back and not her harmonious half Princess Luna. One would think their greatest number would be Thestrals but no, their largest number is from among the descendants of the 1,000 orphans Luna took to the Plane of Shadows after the twin defeats of Discord the Trickster and a mere two years after that Tierk the Consumer. The Children of the Night Follows of Princess as she was before her fall and becoming Nightmare Moon. Like the Children of the Moon, they are made from descendants of the orphans that Princess Luna saved from the aftermath of Discord's reign and Tierk's attack. In addition, many Thestrals are part of this group, some worshiping openly some in hidden temples. Unlike the Children of the Moon, they understand why Princess Luna fell and that it was wrong, they are a peaceful group wanting to help from the shadows as their Princess did long ago. Weak Back The worst insult for a Unicorn, is the ultimate derogatory term, Using this can cause anger, pain, shame, or sorrow in Unicorns about 75% of the time. White Collar Society A group of Nobles that try and keep the Noble Houses from becoming truly lost and villainous they mainly operate by paying others to free servants or disrupt actions of Noble Houses that go too far has a strict set of rules and guidelines that must be followed, including but not limited to nothing that happens as a part of the White Collar Society can be actionable outside the White Collar Society, these rules are inflexible to the point where there are even members of the three main supremacy groups as part of the White Collar Society yet act civilly to each other during meetings. D404 Cast Listed alphabetically, just search by Name. Name: Bright Hopeful Star Tribe: Crystal Unicorn Pony Code: Coat: White Mane/Tail: Sapphire Eyes: Ruby Red Cutie Mark: Ruby with an internal glow Talent: Gem Enchanting Notable Marks: Notable Status: Adoptive brother and student at Crystal Empire School of Gemology Chapter Code: 01-01 Name: Dazzling Melodic Song Tribe: Crystal Pegasus Pony Code: Coat: Aquamarine gray Mane/Tail: Dark Indigo, Gray Indigo Eyes: Opal Cutie Mark: Radiant Star with Music note Talent: Singing Notable Marks: Notable Status: Well-known diva, adoptive mother of Platinum Band Chapter Code: 01-01 Name: Dr. Gentle Healing Wing Tribe: Pegasus Pony Code: Coat: Deep Gray Mane/Tail: Gray (faded black) Eyes: Lavender Cutie Mark: Bandaged Wing Talent: Treating difficult illnesses Notable Marks: Notable Status: Saved Platinum Band in her foalhood. Chapter Code: 01-01 Name: Ebon Cloud Tribe: Thestral Pony Code: Coat: Smoke Grey Mane/Tail: Muted Yellow Eyes: Soft Brown Cutie Mark: Stormcloud with a lightning bolt coming from it. Talent: Emergency weather response Notable Marks: lightning scar on ear Notable Status: Weather Reprocess Team Wing Leader Chapter Code: 01-05 Name: Platinum Diamond Band Tribe: Pegasus Pony Code: Coat: Periwinkle Mane/Tail: Sunrise Yellow, Gold, Mane has a Pink Stripe Eyes: Vegas Gold Cutie Mark: Glittering Diamond Ring Talent: Gem cutting & setting Notable Marks: Single Pink Stripe in the mane Notable Status: Daughter of Platinum Chalice and Shimmering Staff, Adopted Daughter of Shining Gem and Dazzling Song Chapter Code: 01-01 Name: Platinum Quivering Pen Tribe: Unicorn Pony Code: Coat: Faded light blue Mane/Tail: Gray (was soft brown) Eyes: Emerald Cutie Mark: Scroll and Quill Talent: Writing and studying history Notable Marks: Looks older than he is Notable Status: Older blood brother of Band, owns Platinum Pen’s Pages bookstore Chapter Code: 01-01 Name: Rain Calling Dancer Tribe: Crystal Pegasus Pony Code: Coat: Sky Blue Mane/Tail: Blonde Eyes: Green Cutie Mark: Wing made of water Talent: Weather Shaping Notable Marks: Notable Status: Wing Commander of Crystal Empire Weather Team, the older adoptive sister of Platinum Band Chapter Code: 01-01 Name: Shining Star Gem Tribe: Crystal Unicorn Pony Code: Coat: Toffee Cream Mane/Tail: Soft Brown Eyes: Brillant Blue Cutie Mark: Camera lens-shaped gem [off screen], green-colored martini [onscreen] Talent: Acting Notable Marks: Notable Status: Plays the famous role of Dry Martini (James Bond), adoptive Father of Platinum Band Chapter Code: 01-01 Name: Stiff Rich Noodles Tribe: Earth Pony Code: Coat: Unbleached Pasta Brown Mane/Tail: Jet Black Eyes: Wheat Cutie Mark: Noodles in a colander Talent: Cooking Neightalian (Italian) foods Notable Marks: rather portly Notable Status: Friend of Platinum Pen, owns Stiff Noodles Chapter Code: 01-02 E505 Places of Interest Battlemage HQ is an ominous black spire in the northwest area of the Royal District. This building almost hums with power and is the third most magically protected building in all of Equestria. It houses enough Battlemages to level half the city in an hour. No visible windows or means of entry mark the outside, and Battlemages seem to walk into the stone itself to enter. Any visiting must have an escort of two Battlemages at minimum. Cantermore: The former capital of Equestria and where most of the High and Low Noble Houses exist, also one of if not the biggest city in all of Equestria (Think New York City as the previous capital of the USA Before after one more change being moved to Washington D.C.), teeming with almost a million souls it also is home to many of the armed forces of Equestria, such as the Battlemage HQ, Unified Guard HQ (Housing the twin HQs of the Solar and Lunar Guard), several critical departments HQs and the Noble Court where new laws are proposed and sent up the chain to get approved or denied. Sadly, it is also home to the hidden HQ of the Sharpened Horn. City Grand Municipal Building: A five-story plain grey building with windows evenly spaced around the building. This place is practically a Temple to Bureaucracy, in fact, the iconography of one of the Sage Avatars, Measured Responce, is decorated all around the place. Here, forests of trees pass through countless hooves as sheaf after sheaf of filings are processed daily. Crystal Kingdom: The seat of power for Equestria after Princess Cadance's ascension to leadership, though her reign was a mere 10 years the transfer of the national capital remains to this day where Princess Raspberry Tart Gumdrop rules. Set out in a snowflake pattern with the Crytal Heart as the center, the same Crystal Heart Princess Cadance gave up her physical form to create, it prevents the resurgence of a sentient viral curse known as the Neo Hate Plague. Evershade Forest: An anomaly near Ponydale, a place where the trees are too thick for easy flying, where even the best Divination casters can get lost, and where the weather runs wild as the beasts and monsters of the woods. Some say there are deep things hidden in the heart of this place; one rumor is where the Sisters found and kept the Elements of Harmony, and another says a dark curse from the Forsaken North found its way to Equestria and lays semi-dormant. Not much is truly known, but what is known is it is a dangerous place. Gem Family Home: A large but still modest house in the Crystal Kingdom owned by Band's adoptive parents. It has 7 bedrooms, 4 baths, a living room, dining room, kitchen, den, study, and private practice studio. This home was bought through third parties to minimize the paparazzi around the pair of married performers. Built in the traditional Crystal Kingdom style after the Great Decay it has the same near but not quite perfect look of the surrounding city. Mage's Counsel: This odd spire with a three-walled courtyard rests not far from the Noble Court and, as the name suggests, is the seat of the Mage's Counsel. Here, new laws on magic, new spells, refinement of old magic, and the prosecution of those arrested by the Battlemages are done as part of daily business. Each School of Magic (Abjuration, Conjuration, Divination, Enchantment, Evocation, Illusion, Transmutation, and yes, even Necromancy) is overseen by many field agents who answer to seated members numbered 1-10, these answer to the Head of each School of Magic (Head of Abjuration, etc) and the eight heads answer the Archmagus. Noble Court: Once the Royal Castle, it is now used as both a place of power and a place of position for the Noble Court, hosting as many balls and soirees as it does Official Court Gatherings, if not more. It is resplendent to some, gaudy; to others, it is a clear place of wealth and power, decorated in gold and white marble, accented with celestial iconography, and hoof-carved reliefs, it screams importance or rather a plea for importance. Platinum Pen's Pages: A decently sized two-story building in the heart of Cantermore's Market District it sells rare books or rents time with said books to read them. The first floor is all the store while the second has the living quarters, two bedrooms, a study, a bathroom, and a combination kitchen/dining room. Outside it looks simple yet attractive, a nice deep blue coats the building with a stark white door greeting all potential customers. It does have a basement but nopony save Pen is normally allowed into there. Ponydale: A predominantly Earth Pony city, it, despite its size, favors the traditional housing of their ancestors. A rather welcoming place, it has quite a few amenities for both locals and visitors to enjoy. From Sugarcane Corner's endless sweets, cheerful decor, and unique radio station to the entrance of the Evershade Forest, where more than a few brave souls adventure within for fame, secrets, or even to hone their abilities. Stiff Noodle's: A very simple yet very homely restaurant that also happens to be Platinum Pen's favorite place to eat. This Neightalian (Italian) place is run by the portly and ever-cheerful Stiff Noodles a second-generation Neitalian pony living in the Greater Equestrian Providences. He has a daughter, Merciful Heart, who, instead of taking over the family business, is pursuing a career in nursing to her father's support. Unified Guard HQ: This massive base spans two square miles and is the place from which High Commander Iron Strongarm Golem runs every branch of the Gaurds, even the Black Guard. This place has two sides with a joined HQ in the center where High Commander Iron Golem's office is, half decorated with and showing the livery of the Solar Guard and the other with the Lunar Guard. several offices for Commander or higher ponies are also in the main livery HQ, which 3rd Commander Platinum Glimmering Spear has an office where he spends much time. F606 Deific Beings & Religious Information Religious Information Great Convergence: It is a point where the scales of Equestria and perhaps the world are set to favor either the reign of Harmony or Disharmony, after the last Great Convergence the world is currently under the purview of Disharmony. This does not mean the controller's opposite has no power, merely diminished. Harmonism: It is a belief system that has many denominations, such as The Church of High Harmony, The Harmonists, The Church of Luna, The Solar Temple, and more. The Church of High Harmony: An authoritarian church that strongly focuses on the aspects of the Tome of Harmony, praises Celestia, and decries those who are Disharmonious. It has its own Guard Force, the Sanctus Custodia. The Church of Luna teaches that Harmony is a part of the cycle, that each being in this world has both Harmony and Disharmony and that it is not a matter of control but of understanding and making the best you can for yourself and others. The Harmonists: A very relaxed but faithful version of Harmonism, they feel all have worth even the Disharmonious whom they view more as misguided than any part of "evil". The Solar Temple: Much like the Church of High Harmony, they place Celestia upon a pedestal, though unlike their contemporaries, they are not so authoritarian. Instead, they view Celestia as more of a life-bringer and motherly figure. Tome of Harmony: The religious text of Harmonism it follows the rise to power, the Golden Rule, and the fall of the Sisters. It teaches the need to use the Elements of Harmony, both the Swords and Shields of Harmony, although most focus just on the Shields. Holy Roles: Both Harmony and Disharmony have their chosen actors, each with their own sacred roles to play in the great tapestry of fate. Each has a set of Avatars, a set of Swords, and a set of Shields. These are mentioned within the Tome of Harmony, though the Avatars and Shields are focused on more than the Swords. Avatars: The Avatars are the most powerful champions of the Two Forces many Avatars go on to become Deific Beings in their own right. The Avatars are responsible for their Great Tasks and if there are more than three active at one time then there is a change for The Great Convergence to happen, and if all five are active then, the Great Convergence is unavoidable. Harmony Disharmony Alicorn the Uniter Black Alicorn Ruiner of Freedom Sage the Advisor Deceiver Corrupter of Truth High Queen the Freer Tyrant Binder of Kin Conqueror the Justiciar Bloodied Taker of Life Martyr the Solemn Consumer Drinker of Souls Shields: These are the force that helps maintain their master's cause, they repair things to their master's form or seal their opposition. The Shields are as they sound, protection, not necessarily physical shields but the powers they grant are generally defensive in nature, the Shields cannot attack or harm, only mend or seal. Harmony Disharmony Kindness (to heal the Heart) Cruelty (to break the Heart) Laughter (to warm the Heart) Oppression (to chill the Heart) Honesty (to strengthen the Heart) Deception (to weaken the Heart) Loyalty (to unite the Heart) Enslavement (to divide the Heart) Generosity (to grow the Heart) Greed (to wither the Heart) Both share one Shield Magic (to know the Heart) Swords: These are the raw force of each, how each changes the world for their purpose, be it in Harmony's or Disharmony's favor. The Swords are as they sound, weapons, not physical, but the powers they grant are generally offensive in nature, the Swords cannot heal or seal, only combat, cause, or kill. In addition, even the Swords of Harmony are much like Dark Magic; they desire to be used even if at the detriment of their masters, as such, the Swords are rarely drawn if you forgive the pun. Harmony Disharmony Strength (to cause Change) Weakness (to stop Change) Healing (to mend Change) Sickness (to fester Change) Hope (to seek Change) Despair (to ignore Change) Grace (to accept Change) Heartlessness (to deny Change) Bravery (to face Change) Cowardice (to run form Change) Interestingly they both have one of the same sword Soul (to know how to use the other five) Deific Beings HIGHEST POWERS Harmony: This power seeks all in order and good. As a matter of fact, Law and Good derive from them, though they are not part of them. They are a raw force of the world and directly oppose their opposite. Disharmony. Disharmony: This power seeks all in chaos and evil. As a matter of fact, Chaos and Evil derive from them, though they are not part of them. They are a raw force of the world and directly oppose their opposite. Harmony. Note: Keep in mind while Harmony and Disharmony have their favored Greater Powers, nothing stops them from using those under the purview of their opposite to achieve their goals. Darkness: Darkness is entropy, pure and simple, seeking only the end of all things but never rushing it, after all, sooner or later, entropy will win, and all will return to nothing. Brilliance: Brilliance is the force of creation, be it life or art, it seeks everything to keep moving, keep changing, keep growing, and keep becoming more than what it is. Note: Together these are called the Four Powers Greater Powers Law: The force of order and organization, Law represents all things that create a system, an order, a placement. Law's powers watch over anything that can have cold, inexcusable, undeniable facts. Chaos: All things wild and untamed are what Chaos represents. Chaos' powers take heed of everything that is spontaneous, including inspiration. Good: Good brings all that is positive to the world as a whole, elimination of suffering, protection against Evil, to bring as many lives as it can to a peaceful life, though not above violence itself. Evil: Evil mainly serves the individual or a narrow group, splintered, infighting, and cruel, Evil fights against Good where it can, and those who follow its path usually are either horribly misguided or seek to further their own comfort, often at the expense of others. Rarely are their evil nations. Other Beings Measured Response: Sage Avatar of Bureaucracy founded the Grand Counsel in order to help bridge the massive gap between the leadership and the common pony. He also set the multitude of the needed checks and balances to keep those in power from abusing them as much as they can. Other names are The Scale Watcher, the Might Breaker, and The Waiting One. Can grant powers related to law, agreements, and comprehension. Nightmare Moon: The separated, fallen Black Alicorn of Princess Luna is imprisoned in the Dark of the moon, her relief a stark white against the darkness of the new moon, when she is the most visible, facing westward, her back forever to the rising sun show why and how she fell all those ages ago. She brings nightmares to any she finds in the Dreamscape, and her power grows as the New Moon does. Other names are The Infinite Night, The Shadow Upon Shadow, and The Nightmare. Can grant powers related to nightmares, the night, and fear. Princess Celestia: The self-exiled Alicorn of the Sun, she was one of the Sisters, and upon defeating Nightmare Moon and trapping both Nightmare Moon and Princess Luna in the Moon, she knew that the power of Harmony would be unbalanced with only one Sister as part of the Mortal Realm. Making sure the spell she cast upon her fallen sibling kept the Moon on its path, she left, banishing herself to the Sun so it too could keep on track, leaving Princess Mi Amore de Cadenza in charge, hoping that the Princess of Love could keep the ponies of Equestria united and peaceful. Other names are The Light Bringer, The Life Giver, and the Radiant One. Can grant powers related to healing, light, and fire. Princess Luna: The exiled Alicorn of the Moon, she was one of the Sisters before falling into Disharmony. When she was banished to the Moon, she faces East, always seemingly asking her sister Celestia for forgiveness, her relief is darkness upon the pure whiteness of the Moon. She watches over the dreams of those she can find in the Dreamscape, and her power grows as the Full Moon grows. Other names are The Mare in the Moon, The Weeping Alicorn, and The Lost Sister. Can grant powers related to Mercy, Calming, and Silence. Princess Mi Amore de Cadenza: Also called Princess Cadance, she was the Princess of Love and ruled a mere decade before she gave up her physical form to become the Crystal Heart to protect all of Equestria from the Hate Plague and all its derivatives. Not much is known about her or her life save her Ascension to an Alicorn by fighting the original Hate Plague, her known works to promote inter-tribal and inter-species relationships, and her push to have it where the citizens of Equestria had as little to worry about as possible. Sadly, it was this hooves-on approach that led to her short reign and downfall. G707 Ponyian Calendar IRL Month Pony Month Meaning Jan Initurary new beginnings Feb Hiemisfini winter end Mar Viridia green Apr Pluitia rains May Flosurary flower June Solissia sun July Calory heat Aug Crescerust grow Sep Messisia Harvest Oct Lunaruarary Moon Nov Festemary Feast Dec Pruinary Frost IRL Day Ponyday Sun Sunsday Mon Moonsday Tues Fausday Wed Halfday Thurs Ironsday Fri Freeday Sat Laughday H808 Timeline Before Exodus BE -2000BE War of Clans 0000-1500 Era of Unity EU 0000EU – The ponies arrive in what would become Equestria 0000-0500EU – Establishment of the Crystal Empire 0500-0750EU – The Encroachment: The Endless Winter caused by the Wendigoes leaks into Equestria, but without the beasts that cause it, ponies move south with 30% of the population remaining in the Crystal Kingdom. During this time several small nations were formed with the earliest and most powerful being the Anthmares, followers of the Sage Avatar Athenas, a being of Protection and Knowledge. The Anthmarian Empire lasted from 0650EU to 0900EU when between the Griffon War and the Dragon War they lost land, resources, and numbers. 0700-0725 – The Griffin War, the ponies new neighbor to the east did ont like the new settlers and attempted to fight them off, but due to the superior magic of ponykind they lost and retreated to their kingdom, still having border wars here and there. 0750-1000EU – Taming of the Wilds: Ponies push inland as the beasts of the wild resist, the normal fauna listen to the Earth Ponies but more magical creatures, infused with the greater energies of Equestria, do not and have to be fought back, their descendants hostile to ponykind to this day (with few exceptions) 0850-0950EU – Dragon War: This time it was the dragons of the badlands to the east that attacked the fledging kingdoms of what would eventually become Equestria. The dragons found ponies to be rather tasty and ate many of them, sometimes taking over border towns and demanding tributes instead of openly fighting the ponies. It was during this time the infamous dark mage Magus the Bloodied rose up and killed many dragons forcing them into a truce before almost breaking that truce himself and fleeing to the maze like Crystal Caves of the Crystal Kingdom. 1000-1500EU – The Age of Chaos: Discord, Master of Disharmony arrives in Equestria and begins a long reign of distorted reality, the original oppressive and forced Harmony of the nation allowing him entry. 0000-2200 Era of the Sisters ES 0000ES: The Sisters arrive wielding the Elements of Harmony and banish Discord 0005ES: The Orphan Sojourn, a point where Luna stole away the orphans left by Discord’s reign into another realm to live safely and be taken care of. This act was the first known division between the Sisters 0050ES: The Night of 1,000 Screams, after the Thestrals were discovered and they fought the guards defending their land the Thestrals were mistaken as remnants of Discord’s forces. Celestia sent a guard with sacred oil and a Sacred Flame powered by harmony knowing that if they were of Discord they would be destroyed but if they were not they would be spared. The guard in charge used a normal flame and burned many alive; Luna killed all guards there and took the Thestrals under of wing. This was the second known division between the Sisters. 0100-0150ES: The establishment of the High Counsel, the Noble Houses (who later would be known as the High Nobles) and the Guard system was established. 0200ES: The Discovery of the Unification Engine and it’s destruction by the Sisters 0200-0500ES: The second expansion of Equestria as well as its formalized union, making all of known Pony Lands answerable to Canterlot as the Thorne. 0500-0600ES: The arrival of Sombra the Fallen, a male Alicorn of fearsome power controlling an army of slaves sought to conquer Esuestria, defeated by the Sisters, physical form destroyed yet there are rumors his spirit remains. 0600-1000ES: First Industrial Age, the making of the first railroads across Equestria, marking a point where travel for the common pony was made readily available. 1000-2000ES: The Golden Era of the Sisters 2000-2150ES: The Coming Eclipse, the Sisters have stopped talking to each other save to fight, no longer do they share a room and bed, one sleeping as the other works. Now in separate rooms Luna seems to grow deeper into her envy and depression as Celestia ignores the woes of her Sister, throwing herself into her work. 2150-2200ES: The Rising Storm, at this point Luna has started to go rouge, giving a few of Celestia supporters nightmares as the Darkness inside feeds on this fear, pain, suffering, and conflict. At this time Princess Mi Amore Cadenza ascended into the mantle of Alicorn, a rare time having three of the same Avatar of Harmony active at once. Solissia 20, 2200ES: The Sisters Fall, the day Luna refused to lower the moon on the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration, thought the year has been contended anywhere from 2187 to 2236 none argue the day, held and worshipped as a holy day to most ponies. 0000-2153AS (After Sisters) 0000-0010AS: The Reign of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, a short reign as the Neo Hate Plague ravaged the Crystal Kingdom causing pony to turn on pony, in a bloody skirmish. This was stopped when she gave up her physical form to become the Crystal Heart that protects our world from the Hate Plague in any form returning. 0010-0010AS: Sapphire Flask takes the throne and moves the capital from Cantermore to the Crystal Kingdom to honor the sacrifice of Princess Cadance. 0010-0072AS: The Reign of Princess Sapphire Flask, one that at the start was fraught with tension and a bit of peril but by her tenth year her ruling style that Princess Cadance used of treating everypony with care and respect was well known, but unlike Princess Cadance she knew to delegate her responsibilities to others and not shoulder all herself. 0072-0171AS: The reign of Princess Crystal Rose the longest-living Princess of record passing at 144 years of age. She was responsible for the formal establishment of the different Guard Corps each with their own title, ranking system, and duties. 0171-0200AS: The reign of Princess Diamond Harmony whose strict order system birthed or rather formalized and strengthened the three main supremacy groups of The Sharpened Horn, The Flock, and The True Herd. 0200-0500AS: Called the Era of Regulations where some rose to Noble House status, some fell from it, and the Artisan’s Guild got a stranglehold on many production enterprises. Also in 0222AS a new threat lurking in the shadows of the Crystal Kingdom called the Shapers of the Black Crystal came into public view with a daring attack in the Red Gems Cave. The first known ancestor of the Platinum Family was born and lived in this Era, first going by Prism Brush and later as Platinum Brush, earning the Title of Noble in the opening days of the Noble Court. 0413AS: Prism Brush founder of the Noble House Platinum born. 0448AS: The events of The Price of Platinum happen. 1239: Princess Raspberry Tart Gumdrop born. 1249: After the assassination of Princess Living Green Emerald and her husband Princess Raspberry Tart Gumdrop takes the throne at 10 years old as several advisors starts shaping her worldview and future behaviors. I909 Version History (to know what was added) 00.01 Started the Series Bible, added Races, Glossary, Ponyian Calendar, Timeline 00.02 Added Table of Contents, Cast, four new Glossary Terms (Mud Pony, Pigeon, The Children of the Night, and Weak Back, added Cast. Went trough text, spelling, and grammar revision. 00.03 Minor corrections 00.04 Added On Writing stylizations and Fetish Codes 00.05 Corrected minor a error in Writing stylizations, added Places of Interest, and added The Great Decay to the Glossary. 00.06 Added Deific Beings, Index Codes, and expanded Places of Interest 00.07 Added Mages' Counsel, Evershade Forest, Ponydale, and Noble Court update to Places of Interest. Updated Nightmare Moon, added Princess Mi Amore de Cadenza, Princess Luna, and Princess Celestia. Added Greater Powers. Updated HIGHEST POWERS. 00.08 Refined Fetishes. 00.09 Added Prench to Glossary and Ebon Sky to Cast
Book 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 01: From One Life to AnotherPlatinum Band lay in bed, her mane of sunrise yellow and gold fanned underneath her save for the lone pink stripe which cascaded down her face to her chest floof, the color stark against the light periwinkle blue of her coat as her wings lay splayed out. She clutched her valedictorian diploma as dreams of her future danced behind her closed eyes. Band smiles wide, full of pride at what the combination of her hard work and natural talent had achieved with a hoof straying to her cutie mark, a diamond ring with a twinkling shine. However her joyous respite was cut short as she noticed that the sounds of celebration from downstairs had gone silent, an eerie air of foreboding creeping from where not ten minutes earlier her adoptive family had been making merry. Nervous, Band opens her soft gold eyes and sighs, after braiding her hair in the only piece of her previous life she had been able to keep, a long band of rose petals that were magically preserved, and a quick glance at her packed bags she headed down. Stopping at the bottom she saw her father, Shining Gem. His rather everystallion coat of toffee cream and well kept soft brown mane and tail gave a comfort to the room even as a somber look played upon his face. Casting a glance over her shoulder through the front window she sees the white and sliver blur of her younger brother playing with blue and gold of her younger sister through the frosted window, meaning whatever he needed to talk to her about was serious. Hanging her head she trudged into the study, wondering what trouble she was in or what lecture she was about to get. Entering she saw Dazzling Song, her adoptive mother, a Crystal Pegasus mare with an aquamarine gray coat, with a two-tone mane/tail of dark and gray indigo, sitting on the couch with an envelope beside her, a look of apprehension in her blue opal eyes as Band’s caution turns to worry. She patted the couch for Band to sit, a command she almost numbly obeys. “First of all, Band, you are not in trouble. We promise you that. Second, since you have completed your courses and are now twenty years of age we think it’s time we had a very important and serious talk.”, Dazzling says her voice quivering, “You have known for ages you were adopted, but you don’t remember or know the full story of how you came to us. When you were five and a half we took you in after you were treated for a horrible disease called the Wasting Sickness, it was eating your body from the inside out. Your family never came to see you even once; until you were saved by Dr Gentle Wing you had not one visitor. The only thing you had with you was a band of rose petals you stitched together. After you were healthy enough to be moved, we started taking care of you. Now for the big news…you know you are a child of the Noble Family House Platinum and we know you might want to go and find them, but we beg you caution. Not only did they leave you to die, but Platinum Chalice is suspected of being part of the Sharpened Horn. We know you are planning on leaving tomorrow, just please Band, be careful.” Band plays with the rose band a little a faint memory of a pony who visited her at the window every day since the doctor said she was infectious dances through her mind, “You are right Mom, I am going. Somepony in that city loved me enough to place a rose petal on the window seal every day. I want to find them; I want to know that part of my life. I feel like if I never have this question answered I will never have any kind of peace with my past. I vaguely remember my family, mom, dad, Pen, and Spear, I remember soon after I blossomed an early cutie mark I fell ill…….. Not that I don’t think of you as my mother.” Band quickly adds afraid she hurt Dazzling. “Don’t worry I know what you meant, you have so many questions, and a burning desire to have them answered. I can help, if you promise me, with all your heart you will be careful,” she says, as motherly worry creeps into her voice. “I will mother I promise.” Band nods. “This has the address of your family, well your birth family,” she says awkwardly, giving the envelope to Band. “Mom, no matter what happens I will always be one of your daughters, this journey just means I find out if I have one family or two.” Band says hugging her mother as the tears flowed freely. “I love you so much my little diamond.” Dazzling wept in return. Shining let them have a moment before clearing his throat, choking back his own tears. “Now like we said be careful, take a day or two to settle into the city before looking for them, and by the Sisters try your mother last.” “Ok Dad, I promise.” she nods, hugging him as well. “Now I am not leaving until tomorrow, so we can have another family dinner before I go, I want that moment to remember each of you so vividly.” He smiles, “I think we would all like that, now go upstairs and finish getting ready for dinner and your trip we will call you in a little bit.” “Alright Dad, be down soon.” She says, attending to her matters. As the smell of baked squash floats up Band finishes all she needs to do, looking around her room she debates on how long it will be before she sees these familiar walls or even her Crystal Kingdom family again. As she took a deep, calming breath she headed downstairs where a grumpy Bright waited. “You’re leaving, aren’t you?” he asks, a mixed tone of anger and sorrow flowing off each word. “Yes I am, but I promise I’ll be back.” Band assures him. “What did I do wrong? I even got into the same school as you.” Bright asks, trying to sound calm, though the quiver in his voice betrayed his emotions. “You did nothing, and I am proud of you. Bright, you are my brother, I held you as a foal, I watched you grow, no matter how many miles separate us you will be family,” she says giving the upset colt a comforting hug. “I’m going to miss you sooooo much.” he sniffles. “Same, you silly little pony,” Band smiles at her younger sibling, remembering all the times he would follow her around, learning whatever he could. “You will be back before I graduate won’t you?” Bright asks “Of course, after all, I expect you to shine as your name suggests.” She hums, kissing his forehead. A moment later everypony is sitting around the table, laughing, smiling, and enjoying this family moment, each one at the table treasuring this time before stepping into the unknown. After the dinner, they all retire to the study to go over family photos until late into the night. As the moon creeps ever higher Rain carries a sleepy Bright off to bed, leaving Band alone with those that raised her, a stack of memories between the two. The silence fills the room with an oppressive weight before Band gets up and starts walking off until Shining stops her. “Come back to us, ok? Cantermore plays by its own rules far different than the Crystal Kingdom.” he remarks. “I will, I promise.” Band says, not even looking at him, avoiding showing the stallion that taught her to be strong to see her tears. As morning rises Band showers, grabs all she is taking with her, and leaves before breakfast, not wanting a tear-filled farewell. Flying south towards the former capital of Cantermore, she thinks back on the memories she did have, two brothers Platinum Pen and Spear, her mother Chalice, and her father Shimmering Staff. Fleeting wisps of a past that barely have any form. Steeling herself the skyline of Equestria’s largest city begins to dominate the horizon as she takes note of how the air traffic flows. Before long she is in the city proper and lands, preferring walking so she can gather a mental map of the immense city’s most notable areas. After a day of walking and hitting a few diners that smelled good from the street, she decided to check into the hotel she reserved for this trip, though she didn’t expect to be gift-wrapped the address of the Platinum home. Flopping onto the bed her mind raced, at the busyness of Cantermore, knowing her blood family is here, the sheer energy it takes to walk around and navigate through this place, and more. Forgoing a shower she drifted off right there, with hopes, fears, nightmares, and dreams dancing in her head. For three days she put off doing anything with her blood family, spending the time getting used to this radically different city, but before long she knew the plunge had to be made. Asking around she discovered that Pen had a shop in town, and seeing as he was the one she remembered most that would be her first stop. So off to the Merchant District, she went until she stood before a simple but well-kept two-story business painted in a deep blue with a white door, the name Platinum Pen’s Pages out front. For a moment her nerves got to her, heart racing and breathing shallow until she swallowed hard, calmed herself, and went in. Immediately the smell of books, old books hit her as a memory did, Pen sitting with her reading original copies of fairy tales to her as she drifted off to sleep, steeling herself she walked up to the counter and rang the small bell there. “One moment!” A voice, one from her past, drifts from the back. A few moments later what looked to be a pony of over sixty years of age walked around the corner, though with the step of one much younger. His faded blue coat and grey hair detracted not from his life-filled emerald green eyes. As he looks upon his customer he stumbles, eyes blinking in disbelief until he clears his throat and straightens himself. “I’m terribly sorry for that, you look…..never mind, may I help you, ma’am?” “Pen…..do you really not remember me?” Band asks, her voice quivering. “Ma’am, you do look familiar but in a way that I could not know you now.” He says, his voice cold and even, hiding some dark fire brewing within. “Pen, Platinum Quivering Pen, look at me and tell me you don’t know me.” The mare demands. “Ma’am, you do look like a pony of my past, a pony that is currently resting in the Cantermore Noble Graveyard, so you cannot be her,” Pen says an echo of pain in his voice. “What if that pony lived and the funeral was false?” Band asks. “Look ma’am, you look like my sister, but she is dead, long dead. So please, leave I need to close the store and think,” he says, walking past the Pegasus, and opening the door to show her out. “Pen please,” she pleads. “LEAVE!” he roars. “You are the one who left the rose petals aren’t you PP?” Band asks as the air instantly shifts. Where the unicorn was on the verge of rage now a deep and troubled stillness reigns. For the longest moment, Pen stood there, Band’s words ringing true deep within him, but his heart and mind warred, one wanted it to be true because that meant she was alive, one wanted it to be false because if she was alive that meant he failed her. As he turned around and took in the sight before him she did look like an adult Band, down to that one streak in her hair. Then he notices it, the band of rose petals, not just any rose, Royal Reds, the same ones he set on her windowsill when he was told no visitors would be allowed. He placed a single petal every day so she knew there was somepony out there that cared, that visited, that waited for her. Walking as if through a fog Pen approached the mare and held out a hoof, which Band grabbed with her own. She felt real, she was real, she was here, and she was alive! “BAND!” he yells, tears of countless thoughts and emotions running down his face as he hugs his sister, the endless questions knocked away only caring about the fact he was hugging one he thought was long dead. “Pen. Pen! PEN! YOU’RE SQUSHING ME!” Band exclaims as he lets go, embarrassed he got that carried away. “Sorry, it’s just……I have so many questions…..I’ve missed you…..your death it ………” he fumbles, his normally ordered and analytical mind tossed into disarray by her appearance. Band, with happy tears streaming down her face and hope swelling in her heart walks up to Pen, “It’s fine I know, I think I’d be shocked too, Tartarus I am kind of shocked myself as I heard rumors the family was part of the Sharpened Horn.” And with that, clouds rolled in on Pen’s bright smile and shining eyes, as if a curtain had been drawn on his merriment. Looking away he simply says, “They are, that and your death are why I left.” “Oh.” Was all Band could say, digesting the fact that her blood family was part of that oppressive unicorn supremacy group. A few seconds ticked by as the pregnant silence matured. “Anyway, so um, care to tell me what happened, say over lunch?” Pen asks breaking the gloom as best he can; trying not to fall to pieces as he feels Band would follow if he did. “Sure,” Band smiles. “I know a place, follow me.” he says leading her out of the store, locking up, and putting the ‘Out to Lunch’ sign up. Pen takes Band to a small diner on the corner of two busy streets, the tables intimate enough to hold a conversation while the background noise drowns out anything past a few feet of the table. They sit and talk for hours. How Band came to be with her adopted parents, Pen leaving the House as soon as he could and opening his business. Tears were shed; smiles were worn, and by the end of it all there were two physically, mentally, and emotionally spent ponies who were happy to find each other again. “So Band, have a place to stay?” Pen asks. “Yeah I have a hotel room, unless you have a better idea,” she replies. “I mean I do have a guest room you can use, just need to move some books and it will be right as rain as they say.” he smiles. “Try and come in the morning.” “Sure Pen, I promise.” Band nods, heading off the rest. As she returned to her room a cascade of thoughts and feelings rolled around in her. So far the one she found was a true piece of family yet it seems at the moment the rest were beyond her grasp. Taking a deep breath she set herself to take things one day at a time.
Book 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 02: Finding One’s WayBook 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 02: Finding One’s Way Band packs for her new life in the hotel room she has known for the last few days, the city stretching out from her window, a glimpse of the future she has and the endless paths it encompasses. Arriving at Pen’s store the unicorn excitedly escorts her to her room, an electric air about him as his long past sister returns to his life. “Bathroom is over there, complete with installed dry tile. My room is after that, second on the right, past the bathroom, my study is across the hall from my room and as you can see yours is across from the bathroom. For the Sister’s sake please lock the door, it’s not as big as the one in the House and I would rather not see everything as they say.” Pen instructs. The soft blue Pegasus rolls her eyes and sighs, “Pen, brother, I love you but I am a grown mare, not your oh-so little sister anymore.” “You’ll always be my little sister” he begins but seeing the sharp glare of said sister changes his tone, “but I get what you are saying and I will respect your new maturity.” Band gives a look that says, ‘I shall let it pass this time.’ “Thaaaaat being said, I will say do not go into the basement without me there, it is important that you understand this rule, my…..more valuable books are down there which are protected by several magical traps and spells,” Pen says measuring his words carefully. “Anything else?” she asks, rolling her eyes. “Well, if you want to help in the bookstore you can, everything is well filed and precise……” Pen starts. “Because you were the foal who organized their building blocks by type and color,” Band smarms. “Yes, I am organized, but to the point, it should be easy for you to help, if you wish that is,” he finishes. “Would give me something to do since I can’t…well…go home……” Band says her voice petering out. “Want some dinner, now that you are fully moved in and have everything unpacked I think we need a good dinner,” Pen says, trying to change the subject. “Sure,” she says forcing a small smile. Pen gets dressed in his usual in town attire of a simple white suit with striking red tie and returns to his waiting dinner companion. The historian leads the way through the big city until cutting down a few alleyways, ending their jaunt at a small hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a hoofwritten sign that reads Stiff Noodles. “Here we are, my favorite place to sit down and have a good meal,” Pen smiles opening the door for his dear sister. “Thank you, Pen,” Band says with a small curtsey as she enters. A jolly and chubby Earth Pony emerges at the sound of the shop bell, his coat sharing the color of unbleached pasta topped with curly, almost afro-like black hair, eyes golden like wheat light up at the sight of the historian. “Pen! Is good to see you, come, come, sit! Oh, and with nice mare too!” he beams, an unblemished joy in his thickly accented words. “Hey Stiff, how you doing?” Pen asks. “Am good, am good. Say who is nice beauty you bring?” he asks. “Stiff Noodles, my sister Platinum Band, Band this is my friend and best Neightalian cook in the city,” Pen introduces each to the other with a grand smile. “Best!? Pen, to kind you are! And Signorina, nice to meet some of Pen family, not too much he talk them, so good to see,” Stiff says merrily. “Good to be seen, Mr. Noodles,” Band smiles as Pen pulls out a seat for her. “Mr. Noodles was Papa, please, call Stiff,” he says as he waits for his customers to be seated. Pen seated his sister and then himself as Stiff began again. “Now I know what Pen wants, does Signorina need menu or chef choice?” Band thinks a moment and looks to Stiff, “Since Pen likes and trusts this place I will too, give me chef choice,” she smiles. “As you wish, Signorina,” he says looking at the mare, pondering her a moment before he smiles and nods, “Yes, I haves it.” With that, he places breadsticks, two wine glasses, and a small bottle of a simple Sauvignon Blanc in ice, and then goes to the kitchen. “Nice place, Pen, how did you ever find a hole-in-the-wall place like this?” Band asks. “Have you been around the city?” Pen counters with a question of his own. “Yeah,” she nods having a breadstick. “Seen the Grand Library?” he quires as he pours the wine. “Of course, it’s famous and huge. I actually thought about simply waiting there for you.” She smiles. “Now make a mental map, between the Grand Library and my bookstore where does this place lie?” he remarks, letting his sister think. “About halfway if you are using shortcuts I’d guess, ah I see, you eat here after finding it when your stomach grumbled at you when you’ve missed meals,” she grins. “Exactly, and so a tradition was born, I stop every Ironsday when I do my double checking on research,” he nods taking a breadstick of his own. For the next hooffull of minutes, they talk once more. How Band was an early bloomer on everything from walking and speaking to earning a cutie mark as young as five years old. While Pen saw her potential Band began remembering how she was restricted at every turn, from flying to even speaking at times. The brother tried to remind her of the good times, the small things he did for her to earn smiles from the filly, how when nopony looked he held her and cuddled her, giving the young one comfort as best a colt can. After a few turns of tears and peaceful smiles, the food comes out, the smell hitting them far before the food ever reaches them, Stiff pushing the cart himself. “Stiff, don’t you have anypony to help you?” Band asks a little worried. “No, is only I, is okay make enough to keep place going, no need more hooves,” he smiles as the cart reaches the table. “Now for Pen, usual of zucchini noodles with Alfredo sauce and heavy garlic and double spices, and for the Signorina whole wheat hoof-folded noodles with carrots, red onions, in a light garlic white sauce.” As Stiff sets the plates down Band gives a sniff, smiles, and says “My, this smells amazing.” “Grazie, recipe been in family ages. Now, eat, enjoy, make the happy,” the chef sets the meal and tableware with reverence and practiced grace. “Now Band, Signorina, has Pen tell you what he do, so nice for me?” “Stiiiiffff,” Pen bemoans a bit. “No, he hasn’t, please go on,” Band smiles, eagerly wanting to hear more of what her brother has been up to. “One day, he come in, near Father Day was. This one, he notice I sad, he ask why. I say Father’s Day but no place to give thanks to Papa, he die in Second Changeling war when was small, so Mama do raising tell me many things about Papa, and what I do remember of him is all the good. So Pen, he gets look, like much the thinking going on. He come by everyday for week, asking all I know of Papa and what Mama tell me. A month later the Solar Guard come, they say Papa remains were found, they were getting proper burial with honors, and that Pen was one who help. I ask him next time he in, how he find. Pen smiles, says his secret, and says he happy that I happy.” “That sounds like something he would do,” the mare smiles warmly at her sibling. “Band, not you too,” the historian groans as he hides his blush by taking a keen interest in his food. “Yes, me too. I can take pride in the good you’ve done after all,” she hums kindly. “Yes, I did help Stiff find his father’s remains and in the process, closure. But Stiff is a friend and I would do quite a lot for friends and…. you,” for a moment the unspoken word of family hung in the air as Band picked up on the small detail but decided not to press it, yet that is. “Pen is good stallion, very nice, very honorable, any mare lucky to have,” Stiff smiles, looking more like a proud uncle than a simple friend. “I do agree he is. That being said, Pen, is there a Mrs. Platinum Pen in the works?”, Band asks kindly. The historian swallows hard and sighs, “I have had a few dates, some more……intimate than others, but no, nopony lasting.” “sorry,” Band says softly. “Hey, it’s not your fault. I am an…interesting stallion to deal with to say the least. I am wary to ask, but what of you? Surely a mare of your beauty has had suitors beat down her door,” he smiles, hopefully cheering up his sister. “Me? No, not so much. Probably like you I spent too much on my craft and not on my social life. I’ve…never even dated,” the Pegasus sighs, a bit forlorn, looking back on her days in school and wondering if she made some error. “Hey, no worries, if you want I can be your date for a while,” Pen says trying to cheer up Band. Meanwhile, the jeweler blushed softly as her heart raced a bit. "A date, like a date-date? With me?" “I think I might like that, Pen,” she smiles. “My pleasure,” Pen returns, not seeing the faint coy smile upon his dinner guest’s lips. “You know I always order the same thing to help to recover energy and help with heart health. But now I have an excuse to stir things up, with you helping and me treating you to dinners, I can try more of the menu. Although I will say Stiff’s suggestions are usually spot on.” “I do appreciate the offer of a job, Pen. But I must make my own way as well, I shall be looking out for various jobs in the city where I can ply my jeweler’s craft,” Band states, gently but firmly, once again showing her brother that independent fire he knew so well. “You want my help finding such a place at least?” Pen asks. “I suppose, since you know the city,” she nods. “Good, I will make time later in the week. I have appointments for book readings and possible purchases,” the unicorn notes. “Appointments to read and buy books?” Band says a little confused. “Yes Band, some of them are rare and quite valuable and in some cases the only copy in existence.” Pen says firmly, his voice filled a deep passion. “My, you talk about books the way I talk about gems,” she smiles. “What can I say, each of us Platinums have a craft, one we are passionate about,” he counters. “But you’re selling not making,” Band says, a little confused. “I have written books Band, true mainly of the historical nature, but I have written them, and one I’m working on is a bit…unique,” Pen huffs lightly. “Unique how?” she asks, her curiosity stoked. “I will show you in time, it is both my magnum opus and my life’s work all in one,” he smiles as if daydreaming. “Peeeeennn,” Band whines in the old way she used to to get what she wanted from her bookish brother. “In. Time.” Pen says firmly, pressing a hidden importance to his words. “Okay, fine,” She huffs “Now I have a suggestion for your job, but first we need to get you a permit for Artisan work in Cantermore. I know the Crystal Kingdom is a little more lax in letting Artisans ply their craft but sadly here in Cantermore it is regulated,” he notes, getting to the end of his meal. “Very well,” the mare nods, concentrating on her own meal. Before long, the pair has devoured the well-prepared food and head out, the first real steps on Platinum Band’s new life in Cantermore, a new life and hopefully a renewed family.
Book 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 03: The First StepBook 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 03: The First Step The pair returns to the humble bookstore and after taking turns washing up Pen makes for his room only to be stopped by Band. “Hey, Pen?” she asks. “Yeah?” he replies looking over his shoulder. “Can I…see your room?” she pleads softly. “Why? It’s just a normal room,” he notes. “Just…please,” she sighs. “Very well, but I know you will take note of one thing,” Pen remarks. “And that is?” Band asks, cocking her head. The historian merely smiles and says, “You’ll see.” They enter Pen’s room, very Spartan in appearance. A simple but large bed, a desk overflowing with books and a plain dresser……on top of which rests a picture of a very young Band and at the base of the picture……rose petals…Royal Reds. Seeing the flowers the Pegasus tears up and looks to her brother, “Pen...I knew it, I just knew it was you. After all you got me Bella.” “Bella?” he asks. “The Pegasus stuffed doll you got me,” Band giggles. “Oh, yeah, I remember that,” he says, smiling at the memory. “I loved the look on your face when you opened the gift in your bedroom when mother was not looking,” he hums warmly. Band gives a small, cute yawn, “Looks like I am getting sleepy, guess I’ll hit the hay.” “Don’t do that it’s……” Pen copies the yawn, “……contagious.” She giggles a bit as she heads to her new room, “Goodnight brother, love you.” “Goodnight sis, love you too,” he says, feeling joyous he gets to say that again. Entering the room she flops on the bed, looking around her new home, and almost giddy being beside Pen again, memories of how nice he was flooding her heart and soul. Taking a deep breath she takes in all that has happened, finding Pen, him so open and happy to see her, finding out her mother is indeed a part of a foul organization, and now possible dates, dates with Pen! Why is she so excited about that? True she never had time for romance while pursuing her education but Pen wanted this relationship, didn’t he? Why would he offer if he had not? Meanwhile in Pen’s room the stallion was almost kicking himself, why did he say dates? Why not dinners of something else? But she looked so happy when he said it, happy…and excited. And he, he didn’t actually correct it then and there did he? She was, no is, a beautiful mare, the first one to ever warm his heart when she was a foal, but she…she is not a foal now is she? She is a mare, a grown mare, a grown mare who may want more out of him. And yet, somehow, he is not appalled by these thoughts. She has been gone so long, and she did have a different and obviously more positive life then she would have had under House Platinum’s roof. Maybe, just maybe he can be what she wants, what she sees, his only two hopes is he can live up to the Pen that lives in her heart and that he’ll never break the same heart. Waking early Pen closes the shop with a sign saying “Out For Errands, Be Back Soon.” And sets out with Band to the City Grand Municipal Building, an almost horrendous five story plain grey building with windows so evenly spaced it feels quite like an optical illusion. Entering the building the pair are confronted by what can only be described as the most average pony ever, rather androgynous with their hair combed hiding a horn if they had one wearing a suit that covers any wings they may have, their coat a neutral grey, a mane a neutral brown, and eyes the same blue seen again and again. On the desk this pony sits at is a name plaque that reads ‘Chief Directory Receptionist Precision Placement’. They look upon the pair and in an enthusiastic if not very tenor voice says, “Welcome to the City Grand Municipal Building, where may I direct you today?” “We would like an artisan’s license and an official stamp for signature entry card,” Pen notes. “For the artisan’s license you will need an example of work or diploma from a fully accredited school with either the craft in question or one focused on said craft, and an ID. I would suggest getting the stamp for signature done first as you can add it to your artisan’s license. To obtain the stamp for signature you need to go to the Stamp Registry Clerk and request a stamp registry form and a sworn statement form, fill them out in triplicate then take them to the Office of Legal Registrations and have a Letter of Accord, Letter of Authority, Letter of Legal Statement, Letter of Legal Standing, and a Letter of Writ filled out. After that return to the Stamp Registry Clerk with all the forms and your ID then after a small filing fee it will be registered to you and in a week be able to be used as your signature in any and all official documents.” Precision lists. “If need be I can give directions to each.” “Pen, I don’t have a Cantermore ID only a Crystal Kingdom one, will that do?” Band asks. Before he can answer the receptionist gives a quiet sigh of “And again with this.”, “Then I would suggest getting your ID first, rather simple task, all you need is your birth certificate and a witness. The offices are numbered as so, the first number is the floor, then the numbers start at zero one at the front entrance, clockwise. For example that office,” they say, pointing at the first office on the first floor, “is Office 101. You need Office 210, then 322, then 251, than back to 322.” Pen sighs, “Well lets’ go on a bureaucratic adventure.” He says leading the way. “Pen, I don’t have my birth certificate,” Band whispers. “I got it, don’t worry,” he says waving the document. “How did you get that!” she exclaims. “I may have left the House but I still have access to it, I just need to get it back before Due Date does her weekly book and records check,” Pen notes. “Seriously, Pen!? I may not remember much from the House but even I remember the tight hoofed organization she has on the Family Library,” Band worries. “I have three days before she checks, it is fine,” he assures her. “Okay, so long as you are sure,” she sighs. Entering Office 210 they see a younger Pegasus mare behind a desk whom notices their entry, “Hello and welcome to the Identification Card Application and Issuance Office, how many I help you?” “We need an ID for my sister, Band, here is her birth certificate and I am willing to act as witness,” Pen says giving the document to the clerk. “One moment, this should take just a moment,” the clerk says disappearing deeper into the office. She returns a moment later, “Uh, ma’am, I don’t know how to say this, but, you’re dead. At least the record says you are dead, we need this corrected as soon as possible, please, um, wait here I need my director.” With that she scampers off returning with an older, tired looking unicorn pony. “Which of you are supposed to be dead?” he asks as Band raises her hoof. “Well we can correct the error on our end…or on your end,” he says the last part trying to be creepy but barely hides his giggles. “Whichever allows me to get an ID, please sir,” she replies. The older clerk sighs, “You’re no fun, well we need a hoofprint and some of your and his blood, if all is in order we’ll have it sorted out soon.” “Whatever you need sir,” the jeweler smiles, holding out her hoof to be printed. He prints the mare then says, “A nurse will be in soon, just wait here please.” A few moments pass as a unicorn mare steps in, levitating a blood draw kit behind her, “Who is here for the blood draws?” The siblings raise their hooves. “Very well, one Platinum Band correct? According to the birth certificate, that is?” “Yes ma’am, that is me,” she nods. “Where do you want the blood drawn, wrist or wing?” the nurse asks. “Wrist,” Band responds offering her wrist and looking away as a sharp sting is felt, causing her to gasp in air. “Still not used to needles,” she complains. “It is okay ma’am, it is a common fear,” the nurse says taking two samples and tucking away one inside an inner pocket. She then takes one sample from Pen and takes the sibling samples to the back. After fifteen minutes the nurse returns and speaks to the older unicorn, “I can say within 85% certainty that this is indeed Ms. Platinum Band.” “What do you mean 85%?” Band asks. “I do not have the equipment here to run a better test that is all I can get. It is enough to get the redaction, though,” the nurse curtly states before leaving. Band looks to the two office clerks, “Can I still get my ID today?” The older stallion smiles, “Yes, well a legally applicable temporary copy and we will send you a permanent one to a given address.” Before long Band has her temporary ID and is now moving up the legal food chain. “Paperwork, the life’s blood of the Governmental Machine,” Pen chuckles. “It’s not that funny, we’ll be here all day and I got stabbed for all this,” Band huffs. After a few more stops, and a lot more paperwork the mare has a Cantermore ID, a artisan’s license, and the ability for her artisan stamp to act as her signature. The pair returns to the bookstore both mentally and physically drained, Band with a deep sigh looks to her brother, “PP, could you get me to the bath, please?” Even though he prickles at his foalhood nickname, he sighs, “Sure sis, I got you.” He draws the bath and helps her in, his heart racing a bit as she sighs in pleasure. “You could join me,” Band hums, content. The stallion’s pulse jumps as shivers run up his spine, “No thank you, I’ll…take one after you.” She shrugs as he moves to his bedroom, trying to calm himself down. Time passes quickly for most, but for Pen an eternity until a knock on his door lets him know it’s his turn. Stepping in after his sister a scent hits his nose as again his heart races, estrus, Band is going into heat, “Wonderful.”, he thinks trying to shake thoughts and the churning of his own loins. “What am I going to do, what am going to say, no , what can I say? Seriously, now? Why now? What do I do? She is her own mare, do I cross that line? Does she want to cross that line?” The unicorn’s mind races as he finishes his bath and goes to bed, dreams filled with a dozen scenarios, some wonderful, some terrible, all flowing through unheeded and unchecked.
Book 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 04: A Thin LineBook 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 04: A Thin Line In the barest hours of the morning past midnight but before the sun, a unicorn awakens. With a weighty sigh, Pen rests his head on the dresser, the same that upon which rests the younger picture of his sister. A sister who now consumes his thoughts, a blessing from the past, a riddle for the present, and a cloud upon a future that he thought was his own to know and plan. Yet now, as Band encompasses his heart and soul for once, his path forward is dark and unknown, now tinged with the scents of love and intimacy. “Do I step onto this path, or do I stay upon my path I have set for myself, helping her where I can? Or, do I take part in her life, no like make a new one with both of us? Is it my heart or hormones talking? I know, a date, take her on a date like I promised, treat her as I would any other mare I would have on a date, see how I feel after that. Then I’ll know, one way or another,” Pen ponders, rolling it all over in his mind. Since he is not getting sleep at any time the historian decides to retreat to his basement. A scent deep from her past wakes Band up, oatmeal with brown sugar and honey. “Wha? Morning already?” she sniffs the air, “Celestia, something smells heavenly.” The Pegasus readies herself for the day and follows the smell into the kitchen. “Morning sis, thought I’d make us breakfast, and what better one than the one I used to make for you on cold days?” Pen smiles setting out two bowls. “Are you trying to spoil me, Pen?” she hums. “Not quite, maybe a little, but not quite. Actually, I was wondering if you wanted that date I offered, a real date, nice place, flowers, the whole nine yards.” He asks, smiling. “Already!? I mean, yes, sure, of course,” Band answers quickly. “Already? A date already? Why so soon, and why it is making my heart flutter?” “If you need a good dress I can give you some bits from the overflow account, but don’t let me see it I want it to be a surprise,” Pen says sitting down with his sister for a peaceful breakfast electrified with an undercurrent of anticipation. “The oatmeal is good, thank you Pen, and I will get me a dress, I even have something in mind,” she smiles. Pen gives a small chuckle, “Yeah, get used to it. Since it’s one of the few things I can cook I tend to cook it a lot.” “It is still good,” she says trying to boost his confidence. “It’s comfort food, it’s usually good,” he smiles as they soon finish their breakfast. “Take some petty bits and get you a dress, I’m going to run the shop. Have to make the bits somehow,” Pen hums, a whisper of passion in his voice. “Some old Pen, same old bibliophile,” she chuckles as she makes for the bathroom to get ready for town. “Sure thing, gem nerd,” He returns playfully. Cleaning the kitchen, he hears Band leave as he takes his turn to prepare for the day, washing and then getting on his trademark white suit and red tie. As Band leaves, he contacts Velvet Meadows through a sending stone for an evening reservation. After getting about 300 bits Band walked into the Market District, seeking a nice dress hoping to find a good dress shop to suit her needs. Fortunately, she did not have too far to look and after half an hour she has a nice sunflower yellow dress and with a few bits of accenting jewelry she is mentally prepared for her date. With some time on her hooves, she decides to wander the city, coming to the edge of the Noble District. “They’re in there, eight streets in, three streets right, the High Noble House Platinum. Mother, father, and Spear…will any of them accept me, want me?” After some time of pondering her inner and future demons, she wanders off, seeking the peace of the Central Gardens. Taking a spot off the cobblestone path with the Noble Court to her right and in front of the three-walled courtyard of the Mage’s Counsel she takes a sit, enjoying the soft grass and wonderful smells. Pony-watching she sees couples and families out enjoying the day and a few old clouds darken her soul. Those being between her dedication to her school and her family moving she never really had time for romance and even if she did a visit to the doctor told her she would never carry a foal. Brooding a bit she tries to shake it off as her mind wanders from her past to her future. Will Pen make her happy? Will he want foals? Will he want foals with her? She lays on her back soaking in the warm sun as she pictures her future and wondering does she really love Pen as more than a brother, she’s not known him most her life, all she does know is a few memories of him being the kindest pony she knew and the fact he visited her in the hospital. “This date will be a good idea, it will tell me what this relationship holds in the future, if it goes too bad or if there is no spark, then we can still be family, if something is there……if something is there then what? Can I date my brother? Will he open to it? He suggested the date after all. Tonight, so much rides on tonight.” Meanwhile, across town in the Merchant District, one historian was half-heartedly running his business, his mind on the coming date, his own thoughts echoing his sister’s. Even one of his friends from his volunteering in the Solar Guard saw something was up. “Uh, Equus to Pen, anypony home?” Earnest Effort says, his simple brown coat and strikingly different electric blue mane peeking from his helmet as his light greenish eyes look to his friend. “I was trying to give you your duty roster, bookworm.” “Oh, Earnest, I’m sorry, my mind is elsewhere,” Pen lightly chuckles. “No doubt, book, ruins, or mare?” the armored pony asks the twinkle of a smile in his eye. “What makes you think it’s one of those?” the Unicorn asks almost defensively. “Mare.” The Earth Pony muses. “What, I mean how, that is,” Pen fumbles. “Yup, a mare, and a catch from your reaction,” Earnest smiles. “Okay, yes, a mare, and I don’t know if anything will come of it but here’s to hoping,” the historian grins. “Here’s to hoping? Why’d I say that? Am I really hoping for this?” “Well here’s the roster and I wish you luck,” Earnest says setting the paper down and leaving. “Yeah, luck, think I’ll need it,” Pen sighs to himself as he leaves. As the store closes he moves upstairs to get ready casting a simple spell as he does to talk to Band remotely. Pen states, trying to hide both his joy and nervousness. Band notes. he apologizes. “Great already getting off on a good hoof,” Pen sighs. Getting into a nice black suit with royal purple tie pen puts on a black top hat and makes for the restaurant. Meanwhile, Band goes back to the dress shop to change, explaining that she needs to dress for a date and wants it to be a surprise. The clerks understand and even offer some perfume and makeup work to truly bring out her beauty. Two ponies make for the Velvet Meadows, to have a date with each other and mark the path their life goes from here. Many things rest upon this evening’s enjoyment, from hearts to futures.
Book 01: Rediscovery and Rebirth Chapter 05: A Night to RememberBand takes a good look in one of the shop’s mirrors, smiling as across town Pen picks up some lilacs for his sister. Both ponies walk towards the Velvet Meadows, thoughts racing on the events upcoming, both having a mix of excitement, hope, fear, and dread swirling within them. Band arrives first and tells the maitre d’ that she is awaiting somepony and has a sit, a few minutes later Pen arrives, slightly hiding his face behind the flowers and revealing it slowly as if he was in a cheesy romance movie. Sadly the effect is lost quite a bit as the color of the flowers and his suit are similar, making it seem his head is almost floating. The Pegasus takes the flowers blushing at first then giving a little snicker at the sight. Turning to the pony behind the podium pen says, “Platinum, reservation for two.” The maitre d’ looks though the book and then to the historian, “I am sorry, Mr Platinum, there is no reservation for you tonight.” “Impossible, I just made it a few hours ago via sending stone,” he says patiently yet firmly. The maitre d’ flips a few pages, “I see, there was a slight miscommunication on our end, the server that took the stone wrote down two nights from now, in other words in two nights not tonight, unfortunately we are fully booked for the rest of the night but we can offer a coupon of twenty percent for your actual night.” With a sigh the pair sits down on the bench, the start of their night already crushed. “So what now?”, Band asks. “Well there is a good place nearby, it’s not Prench like here but is still good food, if you don’t mind some exotic company,” Pen offers. “Define exotic,” she says. “Griffins, Thestrals, other omnivores,” he answers. “So meat then, I can take that, after all my dad, Shining Gem, has dinner with actors of all races,” the Pegasus smiles. “Good, it’s called the Grilling Griffin, as one would suspect the master chef is indeed a griffin,” the stallion remarks as he starts to lead the way. “Really? I would have never guessed,” The mare sighs and rolls her eyes as Pen mentally kicks himself. Already fuming Band only engages in small talk for the 15 minute walk. As she arrives she curses loudly realizing she left the flowers at Velvet Meadows as Pen’s heart drops a bit this date is going horribly, maybe he should have waited. As they enter the thestral maitre d’ smiles a bit, “Mr. Platinum, good to see you, Ebon Cloud is here tonight if you want to talk, oh, I see you have a date, um, I’ll go find you two a seat.” The bat pony then scampers off. “And who is Ebon Cloud?”, Band says, whispers of anger in her voice. “A former marefriend, we dated a few times, then broke off pleasantly as we found we didn’t have too much in common,” Pen replies. “Did you two, you know,” his date asks. “As much as that sounds like a dangerous question I won’t lie. Yes, a few times before we found we didn’t exactly mesh well in the bedroom,” he answers honestly. Band’s heart and mind warred her mind said he was honest while her heart says there is now somepony to measure against. “Is this wrong? Should I go through with this? He was honest, and some part of me also cares that I won’t be his first.” “Sis?”, Pen asks as he starts to worry. “Sorry was distracted. But thank you for being honest,” she remarks trying to keep an even tone as not to betray her worries. “Welcome,” he says as he thinks, “Great now she’s being cold, this is ending well.” “Okay,” the thestral says as she returns to the front, “I found you a table…” “Buuut?” Pen asks hearing the drawn-out pause. “It’s near a table with some of the Frontier Guard on leave,” she replies. He sighs a little, “We’ll take it.” The bat-winged mare gives a slight apologetic smile, “This way.” She leads the pair to a seat near a table of six beings, some pony, some griffin, all noisy. They sit down as raucous lather erupts from their neighbors, “Well at least we got a table.” Pen smiles weakly. Band sighs and nods, “So much for an intimate meal, but at least we are having dinner together.” The thestral sits out some rich and cheesy garlic bread, “Your waitress will be out soon to take your order and thank you for choosing Grilling Griffin.” Pen smiles and offers Band one with his magic which she eats with a slight smile. “You know, despite everything, I am starting to warm up to this date,” Band hums. The stallion was about to say something when a large griffin aria comes out and almost snarls, “Hi, name is Igna, I will be your waitress tonight, may I ask what you wish to drink?” “Water for now until we decide what to eat,” Pen says. “Very well, shall I start you with an appetizer?” she asks. “Band?” he asks, giving her the floor. “I’ll try the blooming onion, those are usually good,” she smiles at the waitress who takes the order and leaves “Soooo…..,” Pen hums looking at the menu, “anything written in red contains meat, green is plants, and yellow is both.” Band simply nods as she looks at her own, pondering, “Any suggestions?” “They make a great vegetable stew, and believe it or not their in-house coffee pairs well with it,” he notes. “Coffee? With stew?” Band asks surprised. “Well, the stew has subdued seasonings that pair well with the strong flavor of the coffee, almost as if the coffee wakes up the stew,” he smiles in memory. “Well, I’ll trust you, but I really want to know more about this Ebon Cloud,” she remarks. “We met here when I was meeting some griffin ruin delvers for acquiring some tomes they found. She was my waitress and she was a little bit nerdy like me, after my meal with the griffins we talked. Turns out she only works here for family here and there, her main occupation is night-time emergency weather response. We met up a few times here and started dating, she had a passion for weather the way I do for history. We became a bit closer and then intimate, but after a few times it became clear that we were not physically compatible, we were good but there was no spark. A few dates after our fourth moment we broke it off peacefully and I still eat at this place here and there just to chat.” As the stallion finishes his story he observes his date. Band digests all she hears and thoughts go through her head, “I never really thought about being……intimate with him, can I? Is it something he requires? And……and somehow it doesn’t shiver my skin to think of him in…that..way……” her heart skips in her chest as a hot flash briefly hits her, her heart flutters and her mind wonders, “What does he feel like? To have his hooves on me…holding me…touching me…in places…” Pen cocks his head as Band seems to zone out on front of him, his usual social cluelessness apparent to all. “I mean she is here tonight if you want to meet her, see that there is no romance anymore,” he offers. She snaps back into reality as she nods, “Sure, I’d like to meet the mare who had your heart before me.” “BEFORE HER!?!?Is she saying we are an us?” Pen’s mind races. “I’ll be sure to ask for her when Igna gets back.” She nods as she begins waiting attempting to ignore the odiously loud table behind her. Band had not long to wait as the griffin returns with a sizzling platter. “One blooming onion, are we ready to order?” she asks. Pen nods, “Yes we’ll have two orders of the vegetable stew and two orders of the house coffee, and if she is free we would like to speak to Ebon Cloud.” Igna raises an eyebrow, writes down the order, and leaves. “Well, she should be here soonish,” Pen says, “And this conversation should be interesting to say the least.” About ten minutes later both Igna and a thestral smoke grey in coat and muted yellow hair with a lightning scar on her ear approach with food. “Hey bookworm, I heard somepony wants to meet me?” the bat pony smiles, her soft brown eyes scanning the table. “That would be me,” Band remarks. “I understand you dated Pen for a bit? How was he, polite, considerate?” “You really found a firebrand didn’t you?” Ebon says to Pen as she turns to his sister. “To answer your questions; yes, yes, and very.” “Please sit, there is one more question I’d like to ask, one of a rather personal nature,” the Pegasus politely requests. “Sure, Igna I got this for a bit, take care of others,” she hums as she sits. After the food is served and she sits down her gaze falls on the jeweler, “So, Band was it, what is this super important, super private question?” “It is twofold: one how was Pen in bed, and two did it feel like intimacy was necessary for you two to be together?” Band asks bluntly. “Wow, no shits given, got it. Well, he was good in bed, paid attention to my needs, and did his best but while we did, as they say, get our rocks off there was no real spark. Now as to the second no he never did and while it was intimacy that had our relationship end, it was more of an understanding that after we had sex a few times our attraction was more a deep friendship more than anything romantic. So we broke off being a couple and comfortably settled into being good friends. Were we had that spark I’d still be with him and we would not be having this conversation. He’s a good stallion, a bit bookish, a bit boring, but a good stallion nonetheless.” Ebon remarks, gauging Band’s reaction at every word. “I see, thank you for being open, Ms. Sky,” Band hums, offering a wing to shake. “No problem, now unless there is something else to turn Pen red as the tomatoes in his stew, I have work to do. Oh, and please call me Ebon,” the thestral says, taking the offered wing in her own and giving it a good shake. As Ebon leaves, Pen looks up from his stew and almost pleadingly ask, “Did you have to do that?” “A little, yes. I was curious and good to know you took it well, even if it was a little mean,” Band apologizes. “Now if you are satisfied, can we eat?” Pen says through clenched teeth and embarrassment, ready to enjoy the rest of the night. The meal proceeds nicely with kind and curious dinner conversation, that is until Band decides to press a few more...personal...questions. “So, um, Pen, what all do you like, you know, in the bedroom?” she slips into the conversation. Poor Pen chokes on a bit of stew before he recovers enough to speak, “I like many things, vanilla as they call it, oral, anal, and a few other things, and am willing to try new things as well.” Despite his recovered demeanor inside is far different, “Why is he asking this, is she planning, does she want to take it to that next step this quickly?” Band, not expecting such a succinct response, blushes greatly. “Well, that’s good to know.” “He’s open, he’s genuine, I don’t detect any trace of deceit or deflection. And why did I even ask that? What is my body and heart telling me?” They continue talking, sometimes dipping into sensual territory. This continues for a bit until Band jumps in shock as she looks down to see a griffin tail brushing her leg. “Hey pretty mare, why not ditch the nerd and go home with a real male?” the drunk, lewd beast growls. “WHAT THE FUCK?!?” Band exclaims as Pen moves from around the table. “What, the pencil neck is gonna fight me?” he grins. A brief flicker of green flame rolls from Pen’s right eye as each member of the Frontier Guard jumps back, wings on weapons as their bodies scream at the danger. The motion causes both tables to turn over dousing the siblings in stew. As Band curses in fury Pen stares dead at the rowdy guards, “You will apologize to Band, you will pay your tab, and you will leave.” She turns and sees the historian standing firm, no longer the meek bookstore owner now a wall between her and those that tried to harm her. The Guards grumble and leave, the fire of their fight extinguished. “Band, I’m sorry, this is the second place we failed at having a date. Maybe we should just try again later,” Pen sighs. “WHAT IN TARTARUS!?!?!?” exclaims a rapidly approaching Ebon Cloud. “They got too rowdy, touched Band the wrong way, and were told to leave, they got more rowdy, and after that, they saw the error of their ways and left,” Pen says evenly. “Sure, fine, whatever, but I will have to ask you to leave for now. So that all this can die down,” the thestral sighs. As they leave Pen turns to Band, “Are you sure you don’t want to call it off?” “I was promised a date, I am getting a date,” she says firmly. “Very well, any ideas?” he asks. “While I was waiting in the park they had some nice food vendors there, maybe a park date?” the Pegasus offers. “Covered in soup?” Pen asks, smiling. “Sure, why not, what else can go wrong,” Band says as Pen mentally facehoofs. Arriving at the park Pen finds the one thing he believes will tame a troubled mare’s heart, ice cream. Going with vanilla to be safe he brings a pair of two scoop cones to his date, “Here we go, ice cream, nothing can go wrong with ice cream.” “Thank you Pen, I think this will be nice. Now, let’s find a peaceful place to sit,” Band smiles. “I have just the spot, just past the main thoroughfare to the Noble Court on the parade viewing grounds. Usually open and the grass is well kept and comfortable,” he says, leading the way. Sitting down they pony watch in the soft blues of night, walking pets, playing with a glow-in-the-dark Frisbee, painting, even playing a few instruments. Not talking the two merely enjoy each other’s company, taking a few licks of their frozen treats, they smile at once and offer the other their treat. As they do a voice cries out, “Look out!” A glowing neon blue streak hit both cones, splattering each other with frozen dessert. Staring at each other an Earth Pony walks up, retrieves a Frisbee, and apologizes as they sit in stunned silence. Covered in stew and vanilla, their smells slowly getting worse, outfits ruined beyond repair, and now practically out of bits, they look each other up and down......then start laughing. “This has to be the worst date I have ever been on,” Pen laughs to tears. “Indeed, as far as first dates go this has got to make history in terribleness,” Band joins in the laughter. Falling onto the grass, staining themselves even more, the pair keep the merry noises pouring from them for a good five minutes. As it peters out they look at each other, there was no loss of care, of love, they had a Tartarus of a first date and to the other their date still looked amazing. The stress gone, the bad feelings of the night, the tainted memories of cruel fate after cruel fate rewrite into golden ones, a tale to tale, a memory to cherish for ages. They move to each other, gazes locked, hearts pounding, as finally from a place of pure love, they kiss.
