>A few candles, flickering on the desk, keep the lonely darkness at bay.
>The soft orange light presses against their surroundings, gently illuminating the tome in front of you.
>You read over the script in the book carefully.
>Studiously.
>Over and over.
>You close your eyes and exhale.
>You shift your vision to your miscellaneous gear and objects in the corner of your room.
>You focus on your blade.
>Reaching out your hand, you flex your muscles and strain your mind.
Volito…
>You mutter softly under your breath.
>The sword in its sheathe twitches slightly, noticeably trying to lift off the ground.
>You tighten your focus.
>But the blade doesn’t budge, and only tips over onto the ground with a clank.
>You sigh, and shake your head.
>…don’t get too discouraged, Anonymous.
>Levitation is a high level spell.
>You probably aren’t ready for it.
>Especially when you’re still saying the spells out loud.
>You lean back in your chair and gaze out the window.
>Such a beautiful, star-lit Canterlot night.
>Princess Luna has really outdone herself.
>You’ll have to compliment her the next time you see her.
>But for now, more studying…
 
>The night drags on, and you’ve engrossed yourself in your studies.
>Your technique is what requires the most help.
>Unlike these unicorns, you don’t have a horn to easily channel spells from.
>You need to conjure from or by your hand.
>…must be in the flick of the wrist or something.
>You’ve got some spells down.
>Combat, of course, which is what you’re training for.
>But those tend to be easier.
>You have a knack for them, they say.
>It’s these other ones, like levitation, that seem to be trickier.
>Why are the ones more practical to your training easier to learn, you wonder?
>…well you won’t stop there. You want to be proficient in all magic.
>No matter how long it takes.
>After a few moments of silence, the heavy wooden door of your room groans and creaks open.
>You alert your head in the direction.
>The silhouette of a p0ny emerges.
>It’s impossible to make every detail out due to this darkness.
>But you can see a tall wizard hat resting on its head above its horn, and a long beard draping down below it.
M-Master…
>You sputter, closing your tome gently.
It’s late… what are you doing here?
>A worn laugh echoes through your chamber.
>”Yes, boy… it is rather late.”
>His voice drags on; groggy, and old, yet commanding a sort of strength to it.
>”But I’m afraid this matter cannot wait much longer. I figured it would be best to tell you now.”
>He closes the door behind him and steps toward your desk.
>The soft light of the candles illuminates his face.
>He’s an old, grey p0ny, with a patterned wizard hat resting on his head, and a simple cloak draped over his body.
>His tangled, white beard dangles wisely from his chin.
>Rumor around the castle is that this p0ny here, Master Spellweave, is a descendant from Starswirl the Bearded himself. Or, a student, or student’s student, or student’s student’s student. You’re not sure.
Of course, Master. Anything I can do?
>He laughs softly, and gazes upon the tome on your desk.
>”Studying in your free time, eh boy?”
>You scratch the back of your head and laugh a little.
>He smiles. “…ah, more ‘practical’ spells, is that it? Opening doors, levitation, that sort of thing?”
>You smile a little.
I… I’d just like to be able to perform some of the same spells you p0nies do…
>”Nonsense…” he says with a smile, “your proficiency in combat magic makes you far more valuable than we are… but… “ he continues, flipping open the book and scanning a few lines, “if you wish to study these spells in your free time, I won’t be stopping you…”
Th-Thank you, Master.
>He smiles and nods at you.
So, Master… may I be of service?
>He nods once again.
>”Yes, Anonymous, yes. I’ve come to inform you about a… new studying opportunity we here wish to give you.”
>Your heart skips a little.
A new… studying opportunity?
>”Indeed… indeed…”
>The worn grey p0ny begins pacing the room.
>”You’re progressing at a fantastic rate… a rate far more than I’ve expected, my boy. Too fast, perhaps, for even myself to keep up…”
>You laugh a quick, breathy laugh.
Master, I doubt that I would ever be proficient enough to out-do you.
>He turns and smiles.
>”Perhaps, lad… but regardless, your skill is improving dramatically, and I think it would be a fantastic opportunity to snag and hone this improvement while we can…”
>You nod your head.
>”Princess Celestia agrees… one of her students, a Miss Twilight Sparkle, lives in P0nyville, not very far from here at all…”
Twilight Sparkle…?
>”Name familiar, boy?”
>You can’t place it… but yes, it is rather familiar…
>You nod your head.
>He smiles.
>”I figured it would be… she’s a powerful, powerful unicorn, with a vast knowledge of a variety of spells… she’s even saved the kingdom quite a few times before you came along.”
>Master Spellweave levitates the book from your desk and slips it neatly into the bookshelf behind you.
>”We think it would be best if you journey to P0nyville and study under Miss Sparkle. She would be a fantastic teacher and mentor to you, Anonymous, and I don’t doubt your magical capabilities would increase exponentially under her guidance.”
>You nod your head once more
I understand, Master.
>Incredible… studying under a unicorn perhaps even stronger than Master Spellweave…
When will I be departing?
>”Tomorrow afternoon,” he states.
>…rather soon and sudden.
>But… the earlier the better, you suppose.
>”Attend your blade training with Shining Armor tomorrow, and let him know after about the news. I’m sure he will be… pleased.”
>Sir Shining Armor would be pleased?
>Why would your mentor of blade training take an interest to your magic instruction?
Understood, Master.
>”Good, good…” he drones, “in which case, I shall retire for the night. I recommend you do the same, Anonymous.”
Yes, Master.
>”Goodnight.”
Goodnight.
 
>”Anonymous, sir,” a voice calls from your door.
>You creak your eyes open.
>Soft morning light bleeds in from the window.
>A maid p0ny stands at your threshold.
>”It’s time for your combat training. Shining Armor will be waiting in the courtyard.”
>You sit up in bed and nod.
Yes, thank you, ma’am.
>She smiles and closes the door behind her.
>You give a mighty stretch, then slip out of bed.
>You get dressed, first putting on your white, slightly baggy leggings and leather boots.
>Next, you don your thick blue tunic, lightly armored by matching blue leather.
>Princess Luna’s suggestion. Apparently, it brings out your eyes.
>Finally, you fasten your red cape to yourself.
>You snag your sheathed blade and secure it to your leather belt, then depart from your room toward the courtyard.
>The walk is a brisk and quick one that you’ve made many times.
>You bid many of the castle residents a “good morning” as you pass them.
>Eventually, you reach the courtyard, where an armored Shining Armor waits alone.
>You’ve been getting lessons personally.
>As he sees you coming, he smiles.
>You approach the unicorn and kneel down before him.
Greetings, Sir Shining Armor.
>He laughs.
>”Get up, Anonymous,” he says with a smirk.
>You smile, and rise.
>Apparently, kneeling before your superiors or masters isn’t required here, or at least, not often desired.
>But it’s a habit that’s stuck.
>”Alright, well now that you’re finally here, shall we begin?” He asks, coating his blade in his magical aura and drawing it.
>You grip your hilt and draw your own.
Gladly.
>The hours of practice fly by in what seems like minutes.
>Combat is so different here in Equestria.
>The blade can be almost anywhere, at any time, due to this levitation magic the unicorns use.
>But apparently, you do a fantastic job putting up a fight using “a limb for sword combat,” as they like to jokingly and wondrously say.
>What’s abnormal to you is the standard for them, and vice versa.
>It’s quite interesting.
>Shining Armor sheathes his sword, panting a little, and laughs.
>”You’re improving quite a bit, aren’t you, Anonymous?”
>You laugh a little.
If so, only because I have such a magnificent instructor.
>You say with a smile.
>He punches your shoulder with his hoof softly.
>”Oh stop it you!~” he says in a jokingly feminine voice, “you must really get the ladies with that charm, huh?”
>You just smile a little bashfully.
>Perhaps you would… if they weren’t all mares…
>…regardless, even if they weren’t, you’re a mage warrior in training, you don’t have time for things such as romance.
>”Anyway,” says Shining Armor, breaking your train of thought, “the old bearded magician said you have news for me. Care to share?”
>Your mind snaps to attention.
Ah! Yes, I do.
>You sheathe your own trusty blade.
It appears I’ll be studying… abroad for a while. Princess Celestia and Master Spellweave apparently believe I’m improving quickly enough to train under a great unicorn. I depart this afternoon.
>Shining Armor nods his head with an air of seriousness.
>”The old coot should’ve given me a heads-up… well, just don’t neglect your sword training.”
Never.
>You say with a smile.
>The seriousness dissipates, and he smiles too.
>”So where and who are you training under?” He asks, as you two begin to walk back into the castle.
If I recall correctly… P0nyville, under a Miss… Twilight Sparkle.
>His eyes widen, and a huge grin broadens across his face.
>He lets out a deep laugh.
>”Oh ho ho ho! Twily?! Really!?”
>He continues his laugh.
>You raise your eyebrow at him and smile.
“Twily?”
>He wraps a hoof around your neck (having to stand to do so) and wipes a tear from his eye.
>”Oh, WOW! That’s incredible!”
So I take it you know my future mentor?
>He drops back down on all fours and nods.
>”Yeah, you can say that. You’ll only be studying under my little sister.”
>Your heart skips a little in your chest.
What!?
>You clap your hand over your mouth.
>That was rude…
>He sees this, and laughs.
>You clear your throat.
I-I mean… your little sister is one of the most powerful unicorns in all of Equestria?
>He laughs and nods.
>”And a hero, too. You should consider yourself lucky, Anonymous! Studying under the great Shining Armor AND his sister!” He says with sarcastic narcissism.
>You laugh.
>Wow, Sir Shining Armor’s sister, huh? If she’s proficient in magic anything like he’s proficient in swordplay… wow, what an honor!
>You reach the corridor where Shining Armor and yourself usually part.
>”Well,” he says, holding out his hoof, “good luck out there, brother. Say hi for me, and remember: I’ll be checking up on you, so keep practicing!”
>He gives a wink.
>You laugh, and grasp his hoof in a Roman handshake-esque manner.
Thank you, Sir.
>He releases his grip and joking scoffs, shaking his head.
>”Sir… psh,” he says, laughing and shaking his head as he traverses down the corridor.
>You turn and begin walking your own way.
>Better pack your things quickly.
>It’s only a couple hours until you depart.
>You wonder if she has her own spell books?
>Where will you be sleeping?
>Oh, this is so sudden, you’ve hardly planned anything!
>…relax, Anonymous. Master Spellweave and the Princess know what they’re doing, you’re sure they have everything planned out.
>You laugh again.
>…what an experience…
 
>You enter the golden chariot, donned in your outfit from before, and a simple rucksack with standard belongings in them.
>Master Spellweave and Princess Celestia are there to see you off.
>Shining Armor, as the captain of the royal guard, had other plans, but you’ve already said your goodbyes.
>Two royal pegasi approach the front of the chariot, attach themselves, and begin to take off.
>You wave goodbye to your Princess and teacher.
>”Remember boy!” Spellweave calls out, “send letters with your progress! I’m sure Miss Sparkle knows much about the process!”
I will!
>You call back with a smile.
>And with that, the chariot takes to the sky.
>The two guards gallop higher into the air, as the castle, and soon all of Canterlot, grows farther and farther away, shrinking into the distance.
>You turn your head away from it, close your eyes, and take a deep breath of the fresh, high air.
>P0nyville… you wonder what it’s like…
>About an hour passes, and you begin flying over a thick forest looking area.
>”The town’s not much further, Anonymous!” One of the guards calls out to you, “We’ll take it a little lower over the trees here for a smoother landing.”
>You nod to the guard.
Yes, that sounds good. Thank you, gentlemen.
>The guard turns back to his duty.
>You peek over the side of the chariot, looking down to the dark forest below.
>It’s beautiful, in a deep, twisted sort of way.
>You wonder what kind of things dwell in it.
>You smile to yourself, then bring your head back up, looking straight ahead
>…
>You snap your palms to the side of the chariot and dart your head over, looking around below.
>Did you just hear a…?
>”Anonymous!” A guard calls, “Is there something wrong?”
>…
>There it is again!
Yes! Guards, can you land in the forest here?!
>They look to each other in confusion.
>”I suppose, but—“
Please, gentlemen, we must land with haste!
>They nod, and you briskly drop through the treetops below.
>Everything gets quite a bit darker under here.
>The guards descend slowly and land, quite gracefully all things considered, onto the forest ground below.
>You leap out of the chariot quickly and listen intently.
>…
>…
There!
>You bolt out in a direction, holding your sheathed blade.
>”Anonymous, where are you going?” The guards call out.
>No time!
>That’s three times already you’ve heard it.
>A scream.
>A young scream.
>If you weren’t mistaken… a child is in danger.
>You dart through the thick trees swiftly and acrobatically.
>The scream is heard once more.
>It’s close.
>Eventually, you launch out into a clearing from the trees.
>Your eyes lock to three fillies cowering in fear.
>An orange one, white one, and yellow one.
>Three children!?
>Your eyes quickly shift to their assaulter.
>A huge, monstrous looking creature stands before them.
>It has canine-esque qualities, with a long, toothy snout, paws, four legs, the entire structure reminds you of a vicious dog or wolf.
>But… it appears to be made out of wood.
>…what enchantment is this?
>No time!
>You dart quickly over to them, and slide in between the three shivering children and the monster.
Halt, foul beast!
>You yell, as you draw your blade before you.
>The three fillies take notice to your protection.
>”Wh-Who are you!?” one of them bellows.
>You whip out your hand behind you, eyes still on the monster.
Quickly, get away from here!
>The monster roars at you.
>Its breath is most foul.
>You back up a little bit.
>Made from wood.
>Okay, so the best spell would be—
>The wolf monster swings its paw down mightily at you.
>Shoot!
>You clasp both hands around your blade’s hilt and brace.
>The paw connects with your weapon, and you struggle against his might with your own strength.
>”Mister, are you okay!?” another child calls from you.
>What are they still doing here!?
Ch-Children!
>You call, trying desperately to overpower this foe.
I told you t-to flee!
>You give one mighty push upward, temporarily overpowering the beast and flinging its paw up away.
>It's taken off balance slightly.
>You pick up your foot, and with a mighty Spartan kick, slam your boot down into its chest area.
>You can hear a few snaps, perhaps some twigs or sticks assembling it?
>You follow up with a quick slash to its opposite arm, slicing through and snapping the wood close to its shoulder.
>The beast reels back in pain.
>Good, Anonymous! Now, follow once more with—
>It brings his other paw down with much force.
>You dive and roll out of the way, its hit connecting to the ground with a great thud.
>Shoot! Your mind is almost a scramble! Actual combat makes it so hard to focus and cast spells!
>You try your hardest to remember.
>The canine lifts its paw back up and swings it horizontally at you.
>You duck the horizontal hit and weave away from a vertical one.
>Come on, Anonymous…!
>…aha!
>You dive and dodge one more swing.
>Rolling on the ground, you prop yourself up on one knee, extend your open palm, and shout:
IGNIS!
>A warm power rapidly forms in your chest, then barrels down your arm and to your palm with great speed.
>A rather large and speedy fireball careens from your hand, thrusting directly into the wooden creature.
>Instantly, it ignites on fire, and begins writhing and wailing as it burns.
>The wood begins to turn to ash. The bright, green light in its eyes begin to dim, and the creature collapses to the ground, not moving.
>The beast is felled.
>You stand up and breathe heavily, trying to catch your breath, and give a pleasurable exhale.
>You sheathe your blade, the metal sliding and scraping down the holster until it satisfyingly clicks and locks into place.
>Your cape gently waves and flaps in the soft breeze.
>Your first real combat experience in this land…
>”…WOOOOW!” you hear from behind the burning lump.
>It grabs your attention, and you briskly stride around to see the three fillies admiring your kill.
>They take notice to you almost instantly and bolt over.
>”That was AMAZING!” The orange one bellows.
>”Ah thought we were gonners fer sure! But you really saved out hides!” The yellow one adds in.
>”Thanks for saving us, mister! Are you some kind of brave knight!?” The white one asks.
>Their big eyes look up to you with wonder and fascination.
>You laugh a little.
Not a knight quite yet.
>The orange one scoffs.
>”Yeah, sure! Only an AWESOME knight could take on a timberwolf like that!”
>”Do you have a name, Sir Knight?” The white one cutely inquires.
>You place your hand to your forehead and laugh a little.
You may call me Anonymous, dear children,
>You say, giving a formal bow.
at your service.
>They all giggle and dance on the tips of their hooves.
>”Okay, Sir Knight Anonymous!” The yellow one cries. “We’re gonna go tell EVERYP0NY about you!”
>They turn around and begin running.
Wait, children!
>You call, extending your hand.
It could still be dangerous!
>”Nah, we know the way from here!” The orange one calls. “See you around!”
>You stay for a moment, before dropping your hand and laughing, shaking your head.
>If they’re heading for town, perhaps you should follow them.
>”Anonymous!” You hear from your left.
>You turn, catching the eyes of the two pegasi guards who have just passed through the trees.
>”Is everything alright?” One asks, his eyes slightly glancing at the large bonfire not too far from you.
>You smile and nod.
Everything is grand, gentlemen.
>They look to each other, then to you.
>”Splendid. Shall we then return to our flight to P0nyville?”
>You shake your head.
No thank you, sirs. You may return back to Canterlot, I think I’ll walk from here.
>”…understood, Anonymous. Good luck with everything.”
>You nod.
Thank you.
>The two guards turn around and head back through the trees.
>You turn your attention down the path the fillies ran down and begin taking large steps.
>Hand on your blade, breathing in the fresh forest air, you head toward P0nyville.
>Toward the new chapter in your life and studies.
 
End of Prologue