The Everfree Forest has existed within Equestria for as long as anypony can remember. It was once the home of the Palace of the Pony Sisters, which was the seat of power for the realm until the Fall of Luna and the Rebellion of Nightmare Moon. But a darkness has slowly begun to seep from the forest, and Celestia and Luna have taken note. Together with the newly married Cadance and Shining Armor, they choose a young recruit to the Royal Guard to investigate the forest and search for the source of the darkness. He is young and untested, but he has incredible potential...perhaps more than anypony could have imagined.
Chapters (10)
So this is how it starts.
Pretty good if you ask me!
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Thanks. If there was one thing I regret about this story, it was not giving Sky enough of a personality. The Mane Six, in contrast, are just bursting with it, while Sky seems very bland in contrast. Maybe one day I'll go back and change it, but probably not. It'd probably feel really forced (or at least out of place).
Anyway, thanks for the compliment!
Thoroughly enjoyable read, a great beginning, middle and end and in the correct places. Take a
my good sir.
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Well, thank you! It's really quite an joy to still get compliments on a story that's around two years old, or any story at all, for that matter! The story continues in Ice and Shadow, so if you'll permit my shameless self-promotion, I'd invite you to check that out, as well.
Again, thanks for the kind words and the
. I shall place it in a prominent place within my home, where all may behold it and bask in its beauty. 
10 points for shameless self-promotion but I'm well into Under the Black Sky. The imagery is beautiful, very clearly written- like peanut butter in the brain. I'll admit, seeing a series is just as good as a doe-eyed come hither but without the silly caring bits. I'm new to actively commenting on stories here, I've been creeping forever, but a two year old story isn't terribly old at all. Besides, what fun is it to only read whatever pops up onto the main page? Joy is found in the egg hunt...
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...Oh, okay, then. By the time I finish writing this, I suspect you'll be all caught up, at that rate.
And I agree. There are some really good stories buried in here from months, even years ago. It's cool to see all the people that are writing, but unfortunately, it also creates an environment where the newest thing covers up everything else within minutes. I'd wager there are hundreds of stellar stories on this site, just waiting to be re-discovered.
And, of course, thank you for the compliments (and for reading!). I'll have to hold onto that line about "peanut butter in the brain." That's imagery that's bound to "stick" with you. Hahaha!
...OK, I'm done now.
Ha! Just the reaction I had hoped for! When trying to come up with a suitable metaphor I kept picturing my foster dog, Alice, and her first adventure with Crushed Pill Peanut Butter Brochette. It stuck. (I know, I know, recycling)
I'm through the fourth story and fixing to start the fifth. I must say, you have a great way with words and a keen imagination. I'm glad to see the arc go beyond The Deepest Magic- the title brought C.S. Lewis to the forefront of my mind when I read it, that's never a bad thing- Sky has a great story and I'd be sad to say good bye to him this early. There's also a hint of Jasper Fforde in Sky's smart-aleckness, and if this world needs anything it's smart-assery.
There are so many great stories just begging to be read it boggles the mind. It's hard to believe our 26 little letters can combine in such ways. Your stories should garner far more attention than they have as yet so I am determined to do my part. You entertained me for a weekend, I'll pass the word as far and loudly as I may.
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...You said it, Dashie. 'O_O
...C.S. Lewis? Seriously? OK, C.S. Lewis is arguably my favorite author EVER. Toss up between he and Tolkien. I work in a bookstore, so throwing out some of those names like Lewis and Fforde...that's ridiculously high praise. Like, big time. Still trying to return my jaw to its upright position.
And Sky...well, I'm not quite done with him. Not even after the events of "Oathbound." He's still got some work to do, and I've grown rather fond of him. However, one of the wisest things I ever heard was that "the best time to finish something is when no one wants it to end." All good stories come to an end. And the best stories are the ones that are always remembered fondly.
There are always other characters to invent (or that are premade). And I'm sure I'll have fun with that. Others certainly have, whether in the reading or the writing. Or both. But at any rate, I'm glad I was able to keep you entertained, if only for a weekend. Here's to what comes next. /)