This story is a sequel to Wolf In Pony's Clothing
“Twisting One, the Burning Queen and the Night Mare shall cast you down and drive your monsters away as they will my Wolves; and their Ponies will control the world so utterly, not even the seasons shall turn without them! And Night Mare, the Burning Queen shall tire of sharing anything with you; she will seal you in the Moon and rule all-that-is herself!
“But long from now, the Night Mare will break free again! As shall the Twisting One! And when these things that cannot be happen, there will be an end of all the Ponies have made and my children the Wolves shall cast you all down forever! And all shall once more be as it was meant to be!”
– the Prophecy of Fenris, Northern Forest Wolfpacks
Long ago, the Burning Queen drove the Sons and Daughters of Fenris from Equestria into the Great Northern Forests.
A year ago, the Night Mare vanished from the Moon and the sun did not rise for days. Puzzled and fearful, the Alphas of the Packs sent scouts south into the Pony lands to seek whether what was foretold was coming to pass.
One of these scouts traveled farther into Equestria than any Wolf had in a thousand years.
This is the story of what happened.
You folks asked for it and you got it, here's the story of Ardi's first visit to Ponyville and what happened. A prequel to Wolf in Pony's Clothing.
The cover art was graciously done for me by John 'the Gneech' Robey, and I thank him for the permission to use it here.
Oooh, prequel.
Ardi actually seems a bit more confidant than he did in Wolf Among Ponies, though that sometimes happens when the narrative is out of order to character development.
This looks like a fun story to expand on your world a bit, like give a little more filling out of how the Wolf Tribes function. A loose confederation of packs that are mostly self-sufficient, passing down legend and prophecies of their history. I like, though I wonder on actual populations; mundane packs are small, though I'd think these packs are bigger in order to maintain culture as well as genetic diversity. I wonder if the Stark's (ha, references) are the ruling pack by tradition or modern merit. Or if they are just influential due to strength and numbers; plus --to keep loyal to the reference-- keeping close to cultural orthodoxy.
The loose confederation could make future talks with Equestria difficult, as there is no one group to speak for wolves with any authority. Not to mention the most influential pack likely being hostile to close ties with the enemies of Fenris.
Now lets see how Ardi comes to trust Fluttershy enough to consider her the one good Pony, though maybe she's not the best pony to calm him down about how scary Equestria is.
Oh, and whats the shipping name for them? Flutteri?
ArdiShy? 
Because I ship it. Scaredy-wolf and Scaredy-pone belong together.
(*snerk*) It's a fair cop. Even my Luna is a huge Large Ham -- even when expressing guilt for her sins, she does so in a boastful fashion ("I did the worst and most horrible thing of all! Let me tell you about it for thousands and thousands of words, and in melodramatic style!"). And that's intentional on my part. And I based it squarely on the series.
My Twilight, of course, finds this aspect of her personality entirely fascinating, even though her own style of speech is far more modest.
That prophecy was excellent.
I like cranky Bon-Bon. She has a good reason to be cranky, anyway. That's the product of her main talent, regardless of her many other talents. Her real name (Sweetie Drops) also refers to the confectionery art.
Though even that wouldn't be enough for the Wolves to regain their power, because the Ponies now have an advanced industrial civilization. Even the reductions in harvests coming from Earth Ponies losing their magic probably wouldn't be enough to cause the sort of mass starvation needed for the Wolves to triumph. Too much has happened over the centuries.
But I can definitely see the Wolves wanting this.
Hmm, wasn't just this essentially threatened by Tirek, later on?
"The better to get yourself into trouble, my dear?"
Nice to see that Sweet Apple Acres cooking works for Wolves too. Every dog I've had, and some of my cats, would have gobbled that kind of food up, so I agree.
(*gulp*)
... and we know the chocolate's going to catch up with him ...
Very funny, considering where she's from.
And I wonder how cuddly they can get before she notices he's NOT WEARING A COSTUME?
Happily, Aloe saved him!
From Ardi's point of view, Zecora would just be a striped Pony. Indeed, once they come to accept her, that's pretty much the way the townsponies see her anyway.
It's that analogy which is why we call cancer "cancer," you know ...
And yay! It's Fluttershy!
A Canis bretherin I see before me, I am looking forward to reading this story.
6237304 Ardi actually seems a bit more confidant than he did in Wolf Among Ponies, though that sometimes happens when the narrative is out of order to character development.
He also knows a lot less about ponies right now than he does later. He knew they could be dangerous, but was convinced of his own brilliance in outwitting them, Later on he figures out just HOW alert the ponies can be when they know what to look for
This looks like a fun story to expand on your world a bit, like give a little more filling out of how the Wolf Tribes function. A loose confederation of packs that are mostly self-sufficient, passing down legend and prophecies of their history. I like, though I wonder on actual populations; mundane packs are small, though I'd think these packs are bigger in order to maintain culture as well as genetic diversity. I wonder if the Stark's (ha, references) are the ruling pack by tradition or modern merit. Or if they are just influential due to strength and numbers; plus --to keep loyal to the reference-- keeping close to cultural orthodoxy.
I'm going with Stark's pack just being the biggest and strongest right now, and has been for most of a generation, making them a very stable 'ruling dynasty' by Wolf standards. And yes, these Wolf packs tend to be bigger than normal Earth-wolf packs, numbering in the high dozens for one like Stark's, maybe even more than a hundred. And then there's Wolf packs lead by Wolves related to Stark and his mate, or allied to them closely enough to come to their support if things go wrong. It helps that Stark and Eva (his mate) have been rather decent Alphas-above-alphas, stern but not cruel.
And Stark's pack remains the 'rulers' because they're the strongest right now. If they fell, another pack would take their place; Stark and any remaining Wolves would leave the den site they have, which is reserved for the 'rulers', and they'd go hunting for a new territory. Which would probably set off a new round of fighting until everyone settles down in their new pack territory.
The loose confederation could make future talks with Equestria difficult, as there is no one group to speak for wolves with any authority. Not to mention the most influential pack likely being hostile to close ties with the enemies of Fenris.
Yes; the ponies think Stark and Eva rule all the Wolves, and that Ardi (when he becomes a diplomat) can speak for and make political arrangements for them without any problem. They'll get one heck of a surprise in the future.
Oh, and whats the shipping name for them? Flutteri?
ArdiShy?
Because I ship it. Scaredy-wolf and Scaredy-pone belong together.
Hah! Much as I like Fluttershy, I doubt she's going to fall for any wolf. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie might, or at least they could well have some wolves fall for them in a planned future story where they and Twilight visit Ardi's home on a diplomatic mission.
Thanks for the comment and everything else! I hope you like the rest of the story as I post it!
6238023 I hope you enjoy it!
6237689 That prophecy was excellent.
I like cranky Bon-Bon. She has a good reason to be cranky, anyway. That's the product of her main talent, regardless of her many other talents. Her real name (Sweetie Drops) also refers to the confectionery art.
Yeah, poor Bon-Bon. I felt kind of sorry for letting her treats be wrecked there. Oh well, I make it up to her and Lyra later on when they start sharing barbecue with Ardi (on his tab) in Canterlot.
Though even that wouldn't be enough for the Wolves to regain their power, because the Ponies now have an advanced industrial civilization. Even the reductions in harvests coming from Earth Ponies losing their magic probably wouldn't be enough to cause the sort of mass starvation needed for the Wolves to triumph. Too much has happened over the centuries.
But I can definitely see the Wolves wanting this.
When the Wolves discover just what Equestrian magic and industry is capable of, and understand the implications, they're going to get VERY scared, and their mingled sense of scorn for and fear of the ponies will only make it worse. They're basically a near Stone Age culture facing a confident if not expansionist 19th century society. One that increasingly feels a need to 'bring others into Harmony' (that is, make their culture more like Equestria's* and preferably have them under the rule of the Princesses), mostly as a way to try and 'uplift' them. The Ponies here have some of the flaws and virtues associated with a lot of the groups that tried this with say, American Indians in the 19th century (like the Carlisle Indian School here in PA); and while I am not taking this into grimdark cultural destruction territory, it will not make relations between the Wolves and Ponies any easier!
Hmm, wasn't just this essentially threatened by Tirek, later on?
Yes, Tirek DID sort of accidentally fulfill a certain role as foretold in Wolf myth, didn't he? Have to wonder what the packs will do when Tirek the
LiberatorDestroyer shows up...Then she saw him, in the midst of the ponies dancing to the music, facing Lotus Blossom from the Spa. Lotus was dressed in what looked like some barbaric hunting outfit made of fur. She batted her eyes winsomely at him. Long Walker looked surprised. He looked around until his gaze settled on her.
Very funny, considering where she's from.
And I wonder how cuddly they can get before she notices he's NOT WEARING A COSTUME?
Happily, Aloe saved him!
I was kind of wondering if anyone would comment on that rather steamy moment! And I'm personally going with Lotus having drunk a few good shots of Sweet Apple Hard Cider before hitting the dance floor. Enough to loosen up just a tad more than usual. Odd behavior for her, but I'm going with the Ponyville ponies still recovering from what Discord did to them. I'm not taking it as far as the Pony POV series, but they're still not completely over the effects of Discord's rampage.
And believe me, if it'd gotten any further -- as far as Lotus wanted to, anyway, meaning to the point of some heavy petting -- she'd have noticed and this would have been an entirely different story.
Somehow he remembered the story told by his grandmother, about a crab inside a Wolf’s belly. It tore away one little piece of Wolf-flesh at a time and ate it until they died.
It's that analogy which is why we call cancer "cancer," you know ...
That's actually an old Pennsylvania Dutch metaphor for cancer. If you ever find a copy of Hex by Arthur Miller it gets discussed there.
Thanks for the lengthy comment, the fave on the story, and everything else! I hope it continues to entertain you!
And let me add my personal thanks to everyone watching or faving this story. I wish I had the time to thank you all individually, but I'm afraid that I don't right now. Rest assured I am thrilled that you like this and hope the future chapters please you every bit as much as this one did!
6237689 One that increasingly feels a need to 'bring others into Harmony' (that is, make their culture more like Equestria's*
The Ponies mean nothing but good, but they tend to forget that cultures made for and by carnivores, especially non-magical ones, are going to have VERY different needs and priorities than Equestria does!
6238934
I got that impression too, kinda reminded me how the British Empire in the 1800's had to term any fighting or expansion as bringing civilization to the indigenous populations to get popular support, like with the Zulu in Africa.
She frowned to realize that they must still be dealing with what Discord did to them when he was free, turning them into a two-headed pony with the heads on either end.
Nice callback. So does this mean that the Ardi stories take place in a variation of the Pony POV universe, or is this more a quick wink and nod?
6239666 Nice callback. So does this mean that the Ardi stories take place in a variation of the Pony POV universe, or is this more a quick wink and nod?
It's a wink and nod; I do like quite a few elements from the Pony POV stories and I use them now and again, but this isn't any sort of 'crossover'.
more please this is very good and being an emt the gross stuff isnt that bad
More please
6241892 You're an EMT? How well do you think I handled the scene with Fluttershy treating Ardi? Though admittedly it was more in the line of treating an animal than what I imagine you usually deal with.
And thanks for the comment!
6242158 More will be coming in another day or so. I'm trying to space out posting the new chapters.
6242321 take you time. Im just excited.
6242318 used to be an emt and i have treated wild wolves also... got love living were we still have wolves. on a side note im allergic to chocolate so i know how poor ardi feels. Im going to hide now so pinkie can not find me
. Also i was starting to wonder if this was an Au with ardi then i read the comments lol as for your question of how you did. the only thing i wouldnt have done was cover poor ardi in a blanket ... sick animals dont like being trapped in fabric
6243623 the only thing i wouldnt have done was cover poor ardi in a blanket ... sick animals dont like being trapped in fabric
Ah, that I didn't know. Fluttershy was just trying to keep him from getting too cold, but I'll try to remember this for the future.
Very good and potentially dark chapter, ramping up the suspense. We know that Ardi doesn't kill Fluttershy, and that in fact both of them survive to have other adventures, at least in the main worldlines. But I'm starting to wonder just how the more tragic outcomes might be avoided. Ardi shows that he is truly cunning and in no way merely a beast -- primitive is not at ALL the same things as "simple" or "stupid." I also liked your book titles and past references.
In my chronology this story, taking place at the same time as "Luna Eclipsed" and "Sisterhooves Social" would be around October-November YOH 1501; in the show chronology this would be the autumn of the same year as the return of Luna, so by my chronology YOH 1500. They'd better hit the road quickly: things get cold up North!
6249375 Very good and potentially dark chapter, ramping up the suspense.
Thanks!
But I'm starting to wonder just how the more tragic outcomes might be avoided.
You will see, that's all I can say right now.
Ardi shows that he is truly cunning and in no way merely a beast -- primitive is not at ALL the same things as "simple" or "stupid." I also liked your book titles and past references.
Thanks, I wondered if anyone would catch the 'McHoofey's reader' reference in particular. And the 'primitive does not mean stupid' line reminds me of some dialogue from Anderson's Conan the Rebel where the Ciimmerian says, "Why do you civilized people always think we're nothing but grunting dolts? We need to use our brains more than you do!"
Ardi's plan is perfectly logical.
To Wolves.
Not so much to Ponies. Ardi learning about Equestria through random books in Fluttershy's house makes me think about how aliens would study Humanity from its media, and be completely flabbergasted.
Fortunately we readers know Ardi doesn't hurt Flutter-flier. The power of True Love leads him to deny his instincts. "Flutter-flier-chan, I was going to eat you to keep my great secret, but you have shown me the power the Ponies; not trampling with stomping hooves, but Love. I love you Flutter-flier-chan and we shall light the way to peace between our people with our Love!"
"Ardi-sempai, I am strangely OK with you planning to kill and eat me and also find myself deeply in love with you."
"Yes Flutter-flier-chan, no one can denies the truth of our Love! Especially not the Author."
It's a good thing I don't drink or that dose of should-be-asleep crazy would have been worse. This is what you get when you update at night, you brought this upon yourself.
6249524 Ardi's plan is perfectly logical.
To Wolves.
Not so much to Ponies.
Thanks for this compliment. I really do want to make the differences between Wolves and Ponies 'feel real'. Ideas that would be obvious to Ponies would make no sense whatever to Wolves and vice-versa. And it's not just the differences in biology and basic psychology, either.Wolf culture is very different from any ponies save perhaps, to some small extent, Zebras. And even the Zebras have access to modern Pony technology for the most part.
Ardi learning about Equestria through random books in Fluttershy's house makes me think about how aliens would study Humanity from its media, and be completely flabbergasted.
Especially if these were books and other media published at very different times in history. There was a great scene about this in one storyline in the Straczynski Spider-Man where a gamma-powered undead Mafia hitman tries catching up on everything that happened since the mid-50's or so through some old newspapers and is left convinced that everyone has gone "totally freakin' nuts."
6251169
I really do want to make the differences between Wolves and Ponies 'feel real'. Ideas that would be obvious to Ponies would make no sense whatever to Wolves and vice-versa. And it's not just the differences in biology and basic psychology, either. Wolf culture is very different from any ponies save perhaps, to some small extent, Zebras.
On that note, I think a lot of Ardi's distrust of Fluttershy is because of the level of compassion she displays. Given the way infirmed packmates are treated in wolf culture (i.e. left to starve to death) I'd imagine caring for an infirmed enemy would be beyond unthinkable to him. And since he can't (yet) comprehend the mindset that would care for a "weak" creature, especially one that was potentially a threat, he figures Fluttershy has an agenda and can't be trusted to keep his secret.
I realize that Ardi's also suspicious because of the historical animosities between wolves and ponies, but his inability to understand Flutter's genuine concern for him also seems to be a factor (unless of course I'm wrong (; ).
6256071 I realize that Ardi's also suspicious because of the historical animosities between wolves and ponies, but his inability to understand Flutter's genuine concern for him also seems to be a factor (unless of course I'm wrong (; ).
Yeah, Ardi really can't believe as yet that Flutts honestly cares about him. Though really if ANY of the Mane Six found him they'd have taken Ardi to Fluttershy or, at worst, put him in a cage where he could be watched and brought Fluttershy to treat him. The Ponyville ponies lack a lot of the harshness you can find in the more wild and frontier-esque city of Stalliongrad.
Wonderful!!
I love the way you subtly tie in the event from the show. It feels natural unlike a few I've read. You are really good. 
Now to my next Question... Is this the end?? If it is, then I will go one to read the main story!! If not, I will save the cake for later.
6260960 Well, you know, considering she lives next to the Everfree...
6260940 Whoops! I forgot to change that. Yes, this is the end of this story. And if you want to read the other stories in the series, I hope you enjoy them too!
Pinkie Pie is utterly-awesome in this chapter. Not only did her precognitive flash that Fluttershy was in danger probably save Fluttershy's life (and a lot more, given that Fluttershy plays the key role in reforming Discord) but the nature of what she said makes it obvious that she knows Ardi is there, knows what he meant to do and basically why, and knows exactly what to say to make Ardi realize that this was the worst plan of his entire life and hence change his mind about how to treat Fluttershy.
Really, really good chapter with a lot of tension and a fantastic climax.
Oh, and you completed your story, while I broke my
chastitycomplete my stories pledge with the incomplete Dancing Alone. Ah well, at least I didn't break Moon Dancer's. Though she's showing a worrisome attraction to a truly Bad Boy.6265997 Thanks! Yeah. writing that chapter was like pulling teeth -- I had NO idea what to do to save Fluttershy's life until my editor suggested bringing in Pinkie. The dialogue was still difficult. I wondered about it until the very end. Good to know that it works!
And I didn't even think about the 'redeeming Discord' aspect. Pinkie Pie may have saved far more than she knows here!
6256071 On that note, I think a lot of Ardi's distrust of Fluttershy is because of the level of compassion she displays. Given the way infirmed packmates are treated in wolf culture (i.e. left to starve to death) I'd imagine caring for an infirmed enemy would be beyond unthinkable to him. And since he can't (yet) comprehend the mindset that would care for a "weak" creature, especially one that was potentially a threat, he figures Fluttershy has an agenda and can't be trusted to keep his secret.
My editor saw this and asked me to forward this response from him to you.
"You find this attitude in a tribal society living in a very harsh environment where resources are so scarce helping another could get you both killed. It can become a zero-sum game where the only way to get more for your family/tribe is to take it away from the Other. And altruism can become contra-survival.
There's a Web essay on this subject titled "World's Most Toxic Value System" which uses Arab Tribal society (especially around the Empty Quarter where Arabian Desert conditions are at their worst) as a type example. (NOTE: I would add the book War Before Civilization as an even better treatment of the subject.)
I don't think the Northern Forest Wolfpacks are quite at that level, but they do live in a harsh edge environment (especially in winter) compounded by the proximity of Stalliongrad, whose ponies ARE hostile to wolves."
6268906
Pinkie's the obvious choice here, as even in pure vanilla fanon she's precognitive, and likely to notice and act to prevent the impending death of a close friend. Another alternative could have been Rainbow Dash, but Rainbow Dash couldn't have possibly ended the standoff in a subtle and non-violent way. Simply using those words in connection with Rainbow Dash shows the absurdity of the idea.
6269098
Interesting! First, I'd like to say thank you to your editor for the detailed, thought-out response.
I'd don't know if it's exactly the same concept, but the biblical scholar Bruce Malina states that in the First-Century Mediterranean world, "all the desired things in life" such as land, wealth, honor, etc., were believed to "exist in finite, limited quantity," and that increasing one's share of any of these things, including intangible ones like "honor," was viewed as necessarily taking from someone else.
It may not be the exact same attitude that your editor describes, but I think it's similar, and it does seem to result from the same factors (i.e. scarcity of resources).
The reason I mention that it is that I think it's interesting that the perspective of the wolves (and of real-life tribal societies) seems to have been widely held in the Western world at one point in history, even if moderns don't realize it.
What does "spae" in "spae-mare" mean? It doesn't seem to be a typo, since it's repeated twice. Googling brings http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spae, which doesn't seem to fit.
Also a bit strange that Pinkie didn't refuse to give chocolate to Ardi for the same reason she did to Wolfaloo.
6238850
Ardi does seem to be compatible with ponies, though...
Heightened compared to what? She would think of it as normal.
(Also, maybe warning about chapter contents should go before the chapter?)
6271121 Also a bit strange that Pinkie didn't refuse to give chocolate to Ardi for the same reason she did to Wolfaloo.
She didn't have the chance! He just plowed in and started eating.
6271178 There seems to be a fan idea (which I use) that outside of Equestria you can find more examples of non-sapient animals. I hope so anyway, else the griffons and other carnivores we've seen in canon are doing some very nasty things to survive by pony standards and ours. Fluttershy is well read enough on animals to know about them, and she is aware that on a larger scale the awareness and intelligence of Equestria animals is unusual.
And I didn't think there was a way to put that little warning in before the chapter without sticking it in the narrative itself, which feels clumsy to me. Sorry for any troubles with that.
6271103 What does "spae" in "spae-mare" mean? It doesn't seem to be a typo, since it's repeated twice. Googling brings http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spae, which doesn't seem to fit.
That was me attempting to use a term like spae-wife, an old Germanic/Norse word that basically meant the local wise woman. Like the Pennsylvania Dutch braucher, the local magical healer.
Sorry for any confusion.
EDIT: And thanks for the fave on the story! I appreciate it and I hope you like some of the other stories in this series when you get to read them.
6271067 I never heard Mister Malina's theory before, but it doesn't surprise me. The book I mentioned does describe what we know and can suppose about primitive Western societies as well, and it does mention that early warfare among them was as brutal as anywhere else. Several of the Bronze Age fortified hilltop villages have been found with one last level of settlement that ended in mass destruction and the apparent slaughter of the entire community.
And thanks for that link, I'll have to check it out.
6269608 Yes, this would not have ended well if Dash got involved. Or at least not nonviolently, though she could handle Ardi almost as easily as an aware Fluttershy. I say, 'an aware Fluttershy' simply because with the Stare she can make him or almost any animal back down and submit without violence.
It honestly isn't surprising that Celestia would be feared throughout wolfkind even millennia later, same with Stalliongrad. You do it to protect your own from someone who may have chosen to never stop hunting you short of utter and complete fear that you'll do them in completely.
When a species see's your kind as food, you've got to make sure that they will never see you as "food" again, one way or another, and Celestia and Stalliongrad made sure of it.
6273904 When a species see's your kind as food, you've got to make sure that they will never see you as "food" again, one way or another, and Celestia and Stalliongrad made sure of it.
This is true. In this universe Celestia (and Luna before she went mad) almost certainly did the same thing to the griffons and dragons and other species that preyed on ponies. She didn't like it and realized after a certain part it was starting to go too far, but she did it to protect her little ponies.
Also, there were other reasons for her fury at the Wolves all those centuries ago that will be coming out in future stories. Ardi's people weren't as innocent as their descendants think.
And thanks for the comment.
6276053
They honestly think themselves innocent despite what they think of sentient prey species and what they can and will do to others?
I know there are people who can logic themselves into believing otherwise, but wow.
I didn't even notice that they thought that they were the innocent party till you mentioned it.
6276650 They honestly think themselves innocent despite what they think of sentient prey species and what they can and will do to others?
They were rather nastier back then (with some help), but they haven't preyed on sapients since. And they ARE carnivores. Nature made them to kill and eat other living beings, it's not something they can help.
I didn't even notice that they thought that they were the innocent party till you mentioned it.
Everyone thinks their own folk are the innocent party, and usually has reasons, some of them very good ones, to see it that way.
6278057 Well you did mention Venison, which is deer... Which are sapient in the pony universe.
So I suppose I just assumed that was the case here as well.
6278060 I go with "There are non-sapient species of deer, and cattle, and many other animals." Given that they already have some carnivorous species in the show like the griffons and Diamond Dogs, I take it for granted that there are prey animals they can consume without committing murder. Else Equestria is a much, much darker place than I can accept!
And while it's rare and not well thought of, some ponies eat meat too, like Rainbow Dash and Lyra and Bon Bon (as you'll see if you take a look at Wolf in Pony's Clothing). This is true of real-life horses as well, just like how real-life wolves can eat some fruits and vegetables, though it's very very rare and they can't live for very long on such a diet. There used to be some mountaineering expeditions that would train horses to eat dried meat. That gave them a way to keep the animals alive when they went up past the point where grass could grow. The horses could briefly manage it, but would have to go back to grass and oats eventually.
6278087 Considering that the Gryphons have baked goods, and the Diamond Dogs diet is unknown, it may be just that everyone can substitute normal foods.
Or have some sort of magically grown meat, which would be amusing to think of, come pick the Meat Tree and make sure to raise up the Meat vines, which would look like a horror show of viscera.
Check your summary. It calls this a sequel.