Let me tell you a story, young fillies and colts, from a time long ago, before the Princesses that lifted our sun and moon came to power, a time before Discords tyrannical rule, when the land of Equestria was just beginning. This story comes from a little Earth Pony village now long since forgotten, the only trace of existence being its ruins overtaken by the Willow Trees it was once famous for.
In this village there lived a mare named Willow Wisp. In her younger years, she had been a free spirit that loved to roam the countryside around her, and she would have many adventures exploring the darkest reaches of the Black Forest and climb to the peak the nearby mountain of Neightorhorn. She had dreamed of seeing lands far more fantastic than the places she had explored around her village.
However, she belonged to a rather strict family that believed in old values, who greatly disapproved of her explorations. Her mother and father did not believe that a young mare or any mare should have been allowed to do what she pleased and that her place was tending to the home like any good mare.
“Your place is in the home!” They would use to say, especially after they had caught her returning from one of her old adventures and beat her. The more their grasp was on Willows life, the more and more she dreamed of leaving her home for good.
One day she met a handsome colt from another village and they both quickly fell in love. He parents did not approve of this relationship and forbade her from seeing this young colt. But she did not heed her parents’ wishes, having grown tired of their strict rule, and so she left her home and sought to elope with her love and spend the rest of her days traveling with him to parts unknown.
But the hearts of colts are fickle, and when her lover discovered that she was to have foals, he quickly abandoned her. Heartbroken, she went back to her family’s home but she was not even acknowledged when she had knocked on the door. News had spread quickly in the tiny village of Willows pregnancy, and she was quickly branded and ostracized from the rest of the village society for what she had done. They had chosen to pretend like she had never existed, since she had disgraced them first with her running and now with the news that she was pregnant with foals.
She gave birth to two wonderful little foals, a colt and a filly, but soon found herself alone with them, since there were no places in the village that wanted to accept her or give her a job. She eventually found both a place to live and a job through the kindness of the local Willow Tree tender.
Her village was quite famous for owning a huge grove of Willow trees that grew along the river nearby. The trees were tended for their leaves and for the various mushrooms that could be picked and eaten by them. It was Willows job to tend to the trees and make sure that pests did not damage them. It was also her job to tell apart the edible mushrooms from the poisonous ones. The most dangerous of these mushrooms that she had to keep a special eye out for was the blue black spotted ones, which were able to render a pony asleep in an hour and then dead in the next.
The years passed by and her foals grew older. They became far more active and adventurous, just like their mother was, and they turned out to be quite a hoof full. Nevertheless, Willow loved them both deeply and they would spend many hours playing their favorite game, hide and seek, with Willow always being the seeker. Each day seemed to be a blessing among those Willow trees as the sun shined above them happily upon the three dancing ponies, and there seemed to be no end to their happiness.
Despite the happiness they had together, Willow couldn’t help but feel a tiny twinge of sadness in heart, for there was always something missing from her seemingly perfect world. For you see, Willow was never the type that was simply content to stay in one place for a very long time.
Her heart was broken after being abandoned by her lover and family, and the villagers did not make things any better as she was often ostracized and branded as a harlot. Despite this, she always kept her head held high and though she always felt a twinge of sadness for not being able to go out among the world or to have somepony be a father for her children, she nonetheless was content with the life she had for the time being. That was all to change one day, when a wandering stallion came into town from a distant land.
In those days, it was dangerous to cross the wilds between the safe haven of pony villages, for many creatures such as manticores, hydras and timberwolves roamed the land, eager to consume whatever poor soul wandered into the wild. What’s more, there were always tales of evil things that lived in the woods, such as ghosts, Changelings, and wicked creatures of chaos, waiting, watching, for some foolish pony to go venturing out into the world. Ponies would travel in herds for this reason, mostly traders or adventurers exploring the land, and only the bravest or the foolish would dare to travel alone. So it was considered quite an event in the sleepy little village of the Willow trees when a lone traveler came wandering into town one foggy night, emerging from the mist like a phantom from a storybook.
He was a traveler of sorts who had journeyed to many distant lands and told of his adventures in the local pub. At first being considered an eccentric pony with too much imagination (for his stories always seemed to be far-fetched) nonetheless, he began to grow in popularity. More and more ponies began to hear of this fantastic traveler with his marvelous stories, and many would come to see him whenever he told a story. The traveler came to the village once every few months, but whenever he came into town, the ponies of the village would all flock to see him and listen to what new adventures he had to tell.
He would tell tales of lands of fire inhabited by great lizard smiths who made armor so beautiful yet strong enough to resist dragon fire, and swords that could pierce even a hydra hide. He told of the frozen north where great seabeasts with long horns like the unicorns would raise the great northern lights, and of the mighty llama empire with their grand cities made of gold. He claimed to have been to great cities made of clouds where pegasi, griffins and even dragons lived in harmony, and told an account about the badlands of the deserts where he had encountered both the buffalo and coyote tribe with their beliefs in mighty thunderbirds. He even claimed to have been to the ruins of Marelantis itself, home to the enigmatic seaponies.
His tales grew more and more fanciful yet they were always exciting to listen to and everypoony would be eager to hear where his next adventure had taken him. No pony more among the audience that loved to hear of his tales more than Willow Wisp and her foals. As she listened to his tales of adventure, she began to feel a familiar feeling spark in her heart once more, one that she thought she had abandoned long ago when her life came apart. She desired to see the beautiful green pastures far outside her home, the climb to the top of every hill and mountain peak just to see what was there, to brave the dangers of the Black forest at night and to know what freedom was like. Slowly, her thoughts on what made her happy turned from her family to what she had wanted to do in the past. As this Stallion told his tales to the eager crowds every night he arrived, a fire roared in the plaza center, the excited shadows of ponies dancing with excitement along their entranced masters, and the changing expressions of joy, horror, sadness, and wonderment of the crowd faced against the expression of the traveler telling them.
Willow began to see in this stallion eyes the dreams she once had come to realized, an escape from all the sadness she felt in this village. She saw a way out from this poor provincial life, a new life for herself. As she began to contemplate this, her thoughts also turned to the traveler. As he happily told these stories, her thoughts drifted more and more to him, and about the life they could have. Whenever he finished telling a story and everypony had left, she would always come over to talk to him. She would invite him to stay at her cottage for the night, to which he agreed.
She made him as comfortable and as welcome as she could in her home, and he would always thank her for her kindness. As she spent more and more time with him, she began to open up to him. She began to tell him of her life in the village, about how hard it was when she was a foal growing up in such a strict household, how she was ostracized from the village because she had children out of wedlock, and most of all, her desire to explore the known world.
The traveler would listen carefully, and provided his own advice and comfort to her. Every day she was with him seemed bliss. He was especially friendly with her young foals, who delighted in playing hide and seek with him, and he loved to tell tales to the little family outside of his usual plaza stories.
Willow felt saddened whenever he had to leave to seek some new adventure, and everyday after his departure seemed dull and hard to go through. Yet whenever he returned from his travels, which would be months at a time, it would fill her heart with joy. She truly began to fall for him, and envisioned herself in her new life exploring the outside world alongside him, far away from her village, away from the cruel eyes of the villagers who looked down on her. She knew that one day she would go with him, no matter what.
His travels in and out of the village became more and more frequent, until one day, after telling his latest grand tale, he announced that he would not be coming back to the village again, saying that this was the last time he would stop here before leaving. Amidst the groans of disappointment in the village, the sound of Willows heart shattering was the only thing that she could hear.
After his announcement, he went straight to Willows house to bid farewell to the family that had sheltered him in the village. The little foals were bawling their eyes out at the thought of never seeing him again, but he assured them that everything would be ok and as a way of remembering him, he left two trinkets for them: a beautiful little zebra doll for the filly that he got in Zebrica, and a shiny toy Pegasus soldier that he had gotten from Pegasopolis for the colt. They both thanked him for his gifts and headed outside to play with them, leaving him and their silent mother in the kitchen.
There was a moments silence between the, after which Willow spoke up.
“Where will you be going?”
“To lands far beyond this one, much more dangerous than any I have ever been too so far, that much I know. I don’t think I will be coming back to this village ever again.”
A sob escaped Willows lips and the traveler simply looked at her with knowing eyes.
“I’m sorry I can’t take you with me. I know how much you loved my stories, how much you wanted to go with me.”
“You said I could come with you. That me and my family could all go with you and see this world.”
“I know I promised before. I’m sorry I couldn’t hold to that promise. Perhaps one day you will be able to travel the world. But you have something important here. You have your family to look after. Your place is in the home, looking after them.”
Something sparked in Willows heart as she heard those familiar words. “You place is in the home.” Those words seemed to awaken an emotion that Willow thought she had long forgotten.
‘I don’t want to just go by myself. I want to go with you. I want to be with you! Surely after all this time, you must have realized that…..I love you.”
The traveler simply looked at her, then shook his head. “No, you are not. You are in love with the idea of leaving this place. But you cannot. You have something here that binds you to this village, for better or worse, that is more important than your desires. Your foals need you.”
Willow looked at him in shock, taken aback by his words, as that same emotion began to grow even more.
“What?”
“Perhaps if you didn’t have them, I would take you with me. As it stands, you have no place traveling alongside me. This is the last time we will see each other again, Willow Wisp. I thank you for your hospitality. Maybe one day, you will get your wish to travel the world forever.”
With that last statement, the traveler left, leaving a dumbstruck Willow in the shadows of her own cottage.
That emotion that had begun welling up seemed to be full to bursting in her heart, and after he had left, she knew at once what it was. It was anger. Anger at being cheated out of her dreams once more, at being tied down to this tiny village that only shunned her.
Why did this always happen to her? The on chance she had at happiness, the one chance to leave this place, and it was gone! Why? It wasn’t her fault! If only she could travel with him, see the entire world, but she couldn’t. All because he said that she had to look after her foals…
It was then an idea came to her mind, one that she had never thought of before. She now knew exactly what was holding her back. Of course! It all made sense! Had she not given birth to them, she could have left the village happily long ago. They were the only things keeping her back! If they were out of the picture, then surely the traveler would accept her as his companion, and she could start her life anew! After all, it wouldn’t be that hard to have foals again if she wanted them….
Her mind slowly become used to this mad idea, her dark thoughts led her to formulate a plan, one that would ensure that she by her lovers side as they crossed the known world forever…
That same day before the traveler was to leave for good, she told her foals that they were going to have a late picnic over in the Willow groves, much to their delight. Happily, the little foals danced and played among the trees as the three made their way to the usual spot, as the late afternoon sun slowly began its descent for the night, its colors painting the sky a deep crimson.
They reached the spot near the river where they had spent many a day laughing, playing, eating and generally escaping from the world, with its waters reflecting the crimson from the setting sun.
Willow called her foals over from where they were playing; telling them it was time to eat. Happy to oblige, both foals sat near their mother as she opened up the basket to reveal a local delicacy of the villages, a mixture of Willow leaves, and various chopped fruits. Happily, they began to eat as the sun finally set in the distance and gave way to the night sky.
When the fireflies came out they happily sprang up and began to chase them around the river, their laughter echoing across the grove. Their movements became slower and slower until they finally became too tired and went over to their mother. As they sat on the river’s edge, their mother nuzzled them affectionately as the little foals laid down, getting sleepier and sleepier.
Her foal’s eyes began to grow heavy with sleep, their mother began to sing their favorite song, one that they always loved to hear as they headed off to sleep. The last thing they ever heard was their mother’s sweet voice, like an angel, gently guiding them to greener pastures.
Hush now; quiet now, it’s time to rest your sleepy head
Hush now, quiet now, it’s time to go to bed
Drifting off to sleep, leave this lovely day behind you
Drifting off to sleep, let the peace of dreamland find you
I will be with my one true love and we shall always roam
You will be safe over here, now the river will be your home
True to the mad mare’s words, her foals were soon fast asleep; their breathing growing steadily weaker and weaker, until they took their last breath and their souls fled their bodies. For they had eaten a portion of the poisonous mushrooms their mother had warned them against eating that grew near the Willow Trees, which forced their souls to flee their now immovable bodies, leaving nothing but husks to be disposed of.
Willow carefully wrapped their still little bodies and threw their remains into the river. As they began to float away and sink slowly, a smile appeared on Willows face. It was a smile to her that was one of relief and freedom that seemed to be growing. To anyone who would have seen her that night, it was one of madness and evil, her smile growing impossibly wide until it nearly reached her eyes. She began to hum some happy mad tune as she quickly disposed of any evidence of her deed, with that same smile still plastered on her face. She disposed of everything, but decided to keep the little dolls they had gotten from the traveler after she had taken them from their cold hooves.
The next morning, a thick grey fog rolled into the village, engulfing it completely. The traveler was just heading out of towards the edge of town when he heard hoof steps coming up behind him.
Turning, he saw Willow Wisp carrying a satchel, an odd happy look on her face. Asking her what was the matter, she simply replied that she was coming with him.
The travelers face turned to a frown. “But I have already told you, I will not be taking you and your foals with me. The journey is much too dangerous for you all.”
“That will no longer be a problem, my love. You don’t have to worry for the children any longer.”
“What? But why? Where are they?”
“They will be staying here, in the village, while I we journey across the world. Don’t worry, my love, they are perfectly safe.”
“I can’t simply let you come with me and let you leave your foals all alone here!”
“Don’t worry, they are staying with someone I trust. A family member! They volunteered to take care of them.”
The traveler immediately sensed that something was wrong, knowing what her situation with her family was and pressed his question to Willow. Her smile slowly began to fall from her face and gave into an expression of nervousness, as he continued asking. Finally, the traveler told her that he was going to go back and find them, at least to ask what was going on and who they were staying with.
“No! You can't!” Willow screamed.
“Why not? Where are they? I know they can’t possibly be with your family, they would never accept them. You told me yourself! Where are the foals? At least let me say goodbye to them!”
At this last statement, Willow succumbed to what she had done and lay down on the ground, crying her eyes out. Her weeping abruptly awoke the entire village, and the villagers came flocking out of their homes to find out what the trouble was.
Soon, the entire village was outside in the plaza where the traveler and Willow were, with Willow
sobbing her heart out and the traveler trying to console her.
“Please, tell me what happened! Where are the foals?”
“T-they won't be a-ble to!”
“Why?”
There was a tense moment silence before Willow’s voice, barely a whisper, replied.
“They’re dead.”
“What did you say?”
“THEY'RE DEAD!”
For a moment there was silence as the village tried to comprehend what they had just heard.Then, there was a wail from one of the villagers, followed by screams and protests.
“How did this happen?”
“Who did this?”
“How could this have happened? They were only foals!”
“The horror! The horror!”
The traveler immediately raised his hoof and called for silence. Turning to Willow Wisp, he put his hoof under her chin and slowly raised her sobbing head until he could see her face. As she looked upon his face, she flinched. An expression of knowing anger was plastered across it, his features now having become dark and haunting. He turned and looked at what Willow was holding and saw the two little dolls, seemingly soaked as if they had been thrown into water somehow. His eyes seemed to be filled with a great rage, and although nopony else could see it, everyone in the village could feel a sudden chill descend upon them.
“Tell me truthfully, Willow Wisp. What happened to your foals, and who killed the?”
He asked in a slow and harsh voice, one that sent a shiver through all of Willows being. Before she could stop herself, she found herself confessing the truth to the village.
Not a single word save Willows own was uttered as she recounted the horrifying truth: how she had fallen for the traveler, how she had concocted the meal that would ultimately take her foals lives, and how she had thrown their bodies into the river so that they could no longer burden her life.
For a moment afterward, the silence continued, with not a soul moving from their fixed position of terror at being told such a truth. Slowly, the Travelers hoof pulled away from Willows face, as if he had touched something disgusting. She tried to reach out for his hoof again for comfort but he abruptly shook it away, as if he had been stung.
“P-please….it was all so I could be with you….” She whispered pathetically.
“You cursed witch. You took the lives of your very foals, who did nothing wrong save for having the misfortune of having a mother like you. You, in your selfishness, did an act so unspeakable, without a second thought.Not only have you condemned yourself, Willow Wisp, with such an atrocious act, but you have doomed the souls of your very foals-nay, you have doomed this entire village! An act so evil like this will surely purge this land into darkness, for I have never heard of such an atrocity, not in all my time of wandering this wide earth! I am sorry that I have to know of it at all. But I suppose you will now get your wish, Willow Wisp.”
As he said these words he slowly backed into the fog as it seemed to swirl around him, his figure becoming more and more obscured until nothing but a shadowy figure remained to be seen through the wall of fog.
“From this day forth, Willow Wisp, you are condemned to wander the breath of this world, to search forevermore for the souls of your foals. You will never know the peace of the Eternal Summerlands nor the torments of Tartarus. You will wander in limbo until the judgment day, when the great God King awakens from his slumber and consumes this world into ash- for only then will you know peace and nothingness. This is the curse that is placed upon you, Weeping Willow.”
With that final word, his figure disappeared completely, never to be seen again.
As if awakening from a dream, the village began to stir from their positions. Sensing this and knowing what they would do, energy seemed to return to Willow limbs and she quickly got up and galloped straight towards the Willow Tree groves. The angry cries of the village could be heard as she reached the edge of the Willow Tree groves. The last glimpse of Willow Wisp was her figure disappearing among the shadows of the grove, and search as they could, the village could not find a single trace of her.
After that horrible day, the village began to decline as word spread of the events that transpired there. With no one to tend the groves now, they soon became wild and started to grow over the village proper, for no one wanted to take the job of grove tender, which been Willows job. By that time though, many villagers had fled their now “Cursed” village, where whispers of evil creatures lurking among the ever expanding grove drove many a pony away.
It is said that Willow Wisps spirit still makes her home among those groves, true to the travelers curse, never knowing a moment’s peace. On a dark foggy night it is told you can hear the cries of
Willow Wisp, now called Weeping Willow, searches up and down the riverbanks looking for her foals. Accompanying her cries are her calls for her foals, as she moans along the riverbend, saying the same words over and over again.
“My foals! My foals, where are you?”
On a clear moonlit night, some say you can see her figure clearly in the same area where she committed her terrible act. For her now, each night seemed to be a curse among those Willow Trees from then on, as the moon shined down sadly upon the figure of the lonely pony, and there seemed to be no end to her sorrow. In those lonely little poinies hoofs seem to be two little pony dolls, which she constantly seems to play with, her only companions.
Weeping Willows wish of traveling the wide world may have come true in the end, since her spirit is said to be found wandering all parts of the known world, dressed in a cloak, as she continues her same cry for her foals. It is said that wherever she weeps, her tears become those same blue black spotted mushrooms that took her foals life, which are now commonly known as “Willows tears”.
However, if you ever do see that pony in the moonlight among the Willow trees, if you hear her cries among the river bends, or if you see the lone figure of a pony garbed in a cloak with a hood covering her face, crying out for her foals, it would be best that you turn around and trot quickly back where you came. For if anypony were to approach her, she would turn to face you and ask.
“Where are my foals?”
After which, her hood would come off, revealing that same terrifying smile she had plastered over her face the night she murdered her children. She will shriek at you louder than any banshee could possibly shriek, and then disappear, leaving your now lifeless corpse on the ground.
Even worse, any young foals that go wandering about at night will fall victim to her should she be near. If she sees them, she will snatch them away, mistaking them for her own foals, and they will never be seen again.
This story is still told to young ponies at night, mostly as a warning for them not to be out late at night and as a lesson against submitting to your own selfish desires. Consequently, this event has turned from a story to a legend, one that many just wave off as being just that-a legend.
But I know better. I know that she still exists, wandering this world, unable to leave until she can find her children. I know that the same look in her eyes that she had when she committed that crime is still there, blank and unsettling, just like her obsession for me.
As for me, this has just become another tale for me to tell…
