AspenSwift

@@Ochre_Dust,@@Reaver, @@Little Red, (Glad to have you back, Reaver!) "I've come with food," Aspen's mouth started to water. Hay burgers and soup, delicious! He went back inside the tent, and sat down with the others. "Thanks for getting food! Here, I can pay you back." He dug in his saddelbag for some bits, and found a few. "Are these still usable here, or are they just Equestria currency? We had talked previously about setting up a new currency system..." he thought.

@@Little Red, @@Ochre_Dust, Aspen's head shot off the pillow, he looked around frantically for a second. Remembering where he was and who he was with, he calmed a bit. "Sorry guys, I fell asleep there for a second." He rubbed his eyes, "had no idea that a pillow, blanket, and some sand could be so comfortable." He saw that it was him, Glider, and Peregrine in the tent. "So, where'd Blitz go? I hope she went to get some food, I'm starving." Aspen took a quick peek outside at the night sky, and just kept staring. "Guys, you have to come see this." A beautiful silver full moon hung in the sky, seeming twice as large and dazzling as before. The night sky was dotted with countless stars, each a single pinprick of gorgeous crystal. Faded colors of green, purple, and orange swirled and intertwined with the rigid black of the night. Other ponies were sticking their heads out of their tents as well, peering up at the eloquent masterpiece that was the night sky. Aspen whistled. "I'm not sure why the Princess made tonight especially beautiful, but tonight...tonight she went all out."

@@Ochre_Dust, "Dang, that seems nice." Aspen fell back onto the soft floor of the tent. Ooh, that was nice. "I hope they have dinner soon, I'm starving." he said, eyes half closed. The smell of food was overpowering, and Aspen heard his stomach rumble. "I hope they have it done soon."

@@Little Red, "Hi,Peregrine. Hi, Aspen." Aspen opened up the tent. It was pretty spacious, with about enough room for five ponies to stand up comfortably. Cots were to bulky to bring, so each pony was expected just to sleep on the ground, and bring their own blankets and pillow. That may seem uncomfortable, but the sand was so soft that it felt better than any mattress. And the tents had canvas floors, so sand didn't get in everything. Not a bad setup, honestly. Aspen set his pillow, blanket, and saddlebag next to the door. He walked out, and sat next to Glider. "So, how was the journey over on the boat for you? I know that I have had enough time on a boat to last me for the rest of my life."

@@Little Red, "Hi.... You can just call me Glider." "Hi!" said Aspen, "how are you? My name is Aspen Swift, and this is...Peregrine, right? Yeah, Peregrine. So, you won't mind if we share your tent? I promise I don't snore!" He turned to Star Blitz. "We went ahead and put up the tent. Lead the way!"

@@Ochre_Dust, "Oh thank goodness! So, I guess I just call you Aspen or Swift? Or would you prefer it if I called you sir?" "There's no need to call me 'sir,' 'Aspen' is just fine," said Aspen with a smile. "and thanks for walking with me." Aspen started to trot towards the place where spare tents were kept. "So, what are you planning to do on the island?" he asked as they walked.

@@Little Red, @@Ochre_Dust "Thank goodness she laughed, that could have gotten really awkward" thought Aspen. He relaxed a bit. "Thanks! I really appreciate it!" Suddenly, a mauve pegasus landed next next to them, making Aspen jump. "Hi! Umm... You look familiar, you're one of the captains, or some kind of navy-type officer, right? I...I think I got here a little late to find a tent myself. Do you mind if I join up with you two?" "I don't mind," said Aspen, "but I think it's her you should be asking." He nodded at Star. Aspen stuck out a hoof, "I'm Aspen Swift. I wouldn't exactly call myself a Captain or Officer, but I guess I've kind've been chosen to help things take off here. I'm going to go take back this tent, as I think Star said her sister had one set up." He smiled. "I'm honestly glad to already start meeting ponies here, I was worried that it'd be kind of...lonely." He started to trot off to where spare tents were being kept.

@@Little Red, "Hi... You were one of the first ponies here, weren't you? I'm Star Blitz. It's a pleasure." Aspen turned to see a light brown mare with a short lava-red mane. She was a unicorn, and had a scar over her eye. "Hello to you, too!" Said Aspen, turning to face her. "How are you getting along on the island so far? Have you found a place to sleep yet?" He then thought about the tent on his back, and how he needed two other ponies to stay with him. "This may be kind of weird, but would you want to spend the night in this tent with me?" His eyes suddenly widened when he realized what he said. "NO! I-I mean...I didn't mean it like...I just need two ponies to sleep in here with me and-" he facehoofed. "I don't mean it like that at all, I meant to say that...oh goodness, I really screwed this up." He took a deep breath. "If you don't already have a place to sleep, you could sleep in the tent that I picked up, since we have to have at least three to a tent. Does that make sense?" "Sweet Celestia, you positively can't talk to mares ever again." Aspen thought to himself.

Aspen and the rest of the ponies on the small vessel made their way to the island. There were many other boats flooding from the hulking ships, and some were already landing of the sand. The sight of ponies feeling land for the first time was enough to bring tears to any proud stallion's eyes. Some were dancing, or hugging, or crying; absolutely overjoyed to have arrived. It was a moment of pure bliss, a moment of being completely in the moment. These ponies were clueless as to what will happen in the future, but it didn't matter. Right now, everything was absolutely perfect. Aspen was startled by the boat shuddering and then suddenly stopping. He looked over the side to see that the boat had hit the land. He and the rest of the crew waded through the water to the shore. The moment that their hooves reached dry land, two ponies, who seemed to be a mother and daughter, stopped walking. They looked around for a moment; at the trees, the beach, and the endless blue sky. Suddenly they fell into each other's arms, crying and hugging. "It's okay, we're here," the mother kept saying, "we made it." Aspen smiled and got a bit teary-eyed. He then shook his head to try to clear it of emotions. He did his best to think logically. "Alright, what needs to happen next? The ponies will need a place to sleep tonight, and a place to eat..." however, he then saw a large boat pull up; larger than the others. It was stacked with folded tents. "Of course! I forgot about the tents. I just hope we have enough." He walked over to the boat and helped the boatspony unload the tents. He saw that similar boats were being unloaded farther down the beach, and were being handed out to the settlers. After the tents were unloaded, Aspen turned to see that a line had formed in front of him. Aspen picked up a rolled up tent, and handed it to the closest pony to him. "If you could find two other ponies to share that with, we'd appreciate it. We're trying to make these stretch." The stallion nodded and picked up the tent, setting it on his back. And so it went on, handing out tents and that they needed to be shared. Eventually, the line had diminished, and tents were springing up along the beach. A large tent had been rolled out, and ponies were even starting to make food under it. As the sun started to set, Aspen realized that everypony had a place to stay tonight but him. He grabbed a tent, and went off to find some other ponies to share it with.

Aspen exited from the conference room. Though they were trying to keep the sighting of land a secret, as to keep things controlled, it seems that everypony had heard the alert from the ship ahead and had flooded the deck. The cheers were deafening, and ecstatic hugs and hi-hooves were being shared all around. Aspen couldn't help but smile as well, sharing in the overwhelming sense of joy that hung in the air and swelled in the hearts of those on board. Honestly, Aspen was just as happy as most everypony else. He may have received some special perks from his position, such as having his own room and access to the entire boat, but the boat had recently become very confining. He wanted to feel dirt under his hooves, and unsalted air in his lungs. Ocean Moon stepped out of the hatch to the stairs behind him, and trotted over to Aspen's side. "Should we make an official announcement about the sighting?" she asked. Aspen snorted. "I doubt there's anypony on board that doesn't already know." Ocean nodded "fair enough." The boat had gotten close enough to the shore to make out some minor details on land. A white sandy beach was faintly visible, and a some green behind it, probably a forest. The two boats in front were starting to slow a little. "How are we supposed to depart the ship?" asked Wally, who had just came up from behind the other two, "the water's probably not deep enough to pull up right to the shore." "Actually, we decided that everypony's going to swim to shore." replied Aspen. "Wha-seriously?" said Wally, looking astonished. Ocean suppressed a smile. "Just kidding," said Aspen, also smiling, "we're sending out ferries for the passengers." "Sweet Celestia," said Wally, punching Aspen lightly on the shoulder, "I thought you were serious." Aspen chuckled and walked to the back end of the ship, where there was a small building. He unlocked the door with a set of keys he kept around his neck on a lanyard, and walked inside. There was a long table with countless buttons and switches, none of which made sense to him. "Hm, nopony else here," he thought, "better make the announcement myself." He went to the opposite end of the control panel. He found a small microphone, and a glowing green button. Aspen held down the button and spoke. "Well, folks, as most of you know, land has been sighted-" a legible cheer was heard from the mass of ponies outside. "-and we are preparing to set up small ferries for departure. Please gather your family and your belongings and meet on deck. I'm sure that I speak for the rest of the crew when I say that it's been a pleasure to have you on board, and good luck with your new life." Aspen let the button go, and smiled. Suddenly, his heart started to race. "What was this new place going to be like?" he suddenly thought. He had wondered about his new life on the island often, of course, but it was suddenly growing real. "Where will I live? What if I hate it here? What if we can't live here, where will we go?" the thoughts crashed down upon Aspen like waves, and a nervous sweat broke out on his forehead. But, then, he thought of his home. He thought of all the ponies home counting on them to settle this new territory. Aspen honestly had never had too much attachment to homeland Equestria. Sure, most of it's citizens were kind and friendly, and things absolutely couldn't be more peaceful. But it seemed too...ideal. Aspen knew that he needed to be by these ponies side, not at all to order them around or control them, but to support them in branching off and making this a diverse and healthy community. With this newly found since of purpose, Aspen took a breath and walked outside. The ship had now stopped parallel to the two other ships. He looked at the side of the deck where ponies were making a line to get on board a ferry. He looked around for Wally and Ocean Moon, but they had disappeared, probably already on a ferry. Aspen trotted to the hatch to the stairwell, and made his way down a flight to his room. He expected to have to carry a few bags with him, but after looking around, Aspen realized he actually hadn't brought a lot of stuff with him. He put on his saddlebag, and packed up some quills, ink, paper, a pillow, some blankets, and a towel. Always know where your towel is, his mother had always taught him. Aspen shut his door for the final time, and went up the stairs and back on to the deck. The day had brightened up, and the sky was cloudless. For the first time in what seemed like forever, there was no wind. The air was calm and still, and sun washed over everything. Aspen got in the back of the line, next to two fillies who were skipping around there mother jubilantly. Aspen took the time to calm himself and survey the situation. The two boats that had previously been behind them were pulling up parallel to them now, creating a line of five hulking ships all pointed at the island. @, However, Aspen noticed a smaller boat pulling in between his boat and the ship beside it. It seemed like there were just two ponies on, which confused Aspen, until he remembered the Princess mentioning something about some ponies taking their own boat. Finally, Aspen, along with five other ponies, climbed inside one of the small vessels, which was then lowered into the ocean. Aspen and another colt took the oars, and they started towards the island.

Sorry, I don't know much about digital art programs, but what program did you use? This is so awesome that I want to try it out now!

Sounds interesting! The conflict between humans and ponies will certainly be interesting, but I'd imagine some would get along. I'd read it!

Link to OOC: https://mlpforums.com/topic/130640-exploring-and-settling-new-lands-ooc-open-world-rp/ Aspen Swift awoke to the smell of salt. Over the course of two and a half years, one would think that anypony could get used to waking up on a boat, but to Aspen, it was a shock each time. The blue earth pony rubbed his eyes and sat up. Light filtered through the porthole above Aspen's bed, and the ceiling creaked and groaned. As Aspen stumbled out of bed, he glanced through the pothole. "The fog really did roll in last night, didn't it?" he thought, staring at the sea of cool grey mist. Aspen had never flown before, but he imagined that this is what flying through clouds feels like. He was shaken from the mesmerizing sight by the sound of voices. As he was one of the few passengers to stay on the floor directly under the deck, any ponies walking around above were very loud. Especially in the morning, when the rest of the boat was asleep. After a quick breakfast, Aspen opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. Most other passengers ate at the mess two floors down, but Aspen was normally working at that time, so he took food to his room the night before. He trotted down the hall, taking a moment to listen if there were any other ponies up yet. So far, all he heard was silence. He opened a wooden door to the main stairwell, where a few other ponies were making their way up and down. Not too many, though, because it was still dark outside. Aspen started up the stairs and went through another door, out into the cool air of the deck. The sun was just peeking over what seemed like the edge of the world, and it's faded beams illuminated the towering mast. The billowing grey sail seemed to compliment the grey fog that enveloped it. There weren't many other ponies on deck at the moment; just the helmspony, the lookout, and a few fillies ponies running around. Fillies normally weren't aloud to be on deck, but Aspen decided to let it slide this time. He may have been handpicked to be a leader by the authoritative figures in Canterlot, but he didn't particularly enjoy chewing anypony out. Aspen climbed the ladder of the mainmast, up to the crow's nest, where a dark purple stallion lay, asleep. Aspen prodded his shoulder with a hoof. "Wally, get up!" "Wha-what happened?" The young pony's head shot up, and started to look around frantically. He noticed Aspen and relaxed a bit. "Oh, it's you. Thank Celestia, if Buster found me asleep again, I'd have janitorial duty for the rest of the trip." Aspen chuckled. Buster's real name was Cloud Buster, and he'd been a weather pony back in the mainland. Now, most ponies called him "Buster" behind his back, based on his tendency to punish "harshly." "You know, I also have the authority to give you any job I want." Aspen jokingly threatened. Wally snorted. "Aspen, you've been on this boat for two and a half years, and I've never seen you even talk sternly to anypony. Not even when fillies try to get you to make their friends "walk the plank." Aspen was about to respond when he realized that Wally was right. There were five thousand ponies on five very big boats, but there were only a handful who were given leadership positions. Aspen happened to be one. He remembered seeing the notice in Ponyville's town square: "Don't You want to be an explorer? Equestria has gotten big. Too big, in fact, and we have decided that it's time to expand our borders. We will need a lot of ponies who are willing to start a new life in a different land. Up to the task? Send a letter to (Aspen couldn't remember the address) explaining why you should be a founding mother or father of Equestria's newest lands!" "So, how'd you even get to be so important anyway?" asked Wally. "To be honest, I'm not sure myself," replied Aspen, "I sent in a letter like you and everypony else. I explained that I lived alone on an orchard, where I made an honest living. I had friends, and I enjoyed being near Ponyville, but I just wanted...more." Aspen stared out into the distance, where he could barely make out a break in the fog. "I quickly got a letter back that I was to meet with the Princess herself with some other specially selected individuals. I took the train up to Canterlot, and met with the Princess. She explained that she needed some ponies to serve as leaders both on the journey and at the settlement. We would organize everything, from assigning jobs to creating a primitive form of government." Wally was dumbfounded. "You met with the Princess!? Actually her, not just somepony speaking for her?" Aspen smiled, "Yeah, and it was pretty cool. She was very nice, and spoke to us like equals." "Wow, that's amazing!" replied Wally. The two figures sat in silence for a moment; two figures alone in a sea of fog. "So, have you met with any of the other members of the authority?" said Wally after a while. Aspen nodded. "We have meetings each morning. It's not officially a secret, but we keep it on the down low. That's why you never see me at breakfast." "Not that I get to get breakfast either," grumbled Wally, "I'm usually stuck up here like a kite in a tree." Aspen smiled. "Want me to take over for an hour?" he asked. Wally looked thankful "I'd appreciate it," he said, "I really owe you one." Aspen shook his head. "Nah, It's cool. I honestly just want some time to think." "Well, in that case, imma go eat!" said Wally as he started down the ladder. Aspen Swift suddenly noticed that the wall of mist was fading rapidly. He looked ahead to see that it was clear ahead. It was hard to see in the fog, but Aspen now could see two ships that they followed. The ships shared the grey sails of the ship Aspen was on, and looked almost identical. Behind, Aspen could see two more ships, both also looking very similar to the rest. These boats held the rest of the passengers, each carrying one thousand ponies. Turning back to the front, Aspen thought about all the ponies on the ships. Though they were very different, they all shared the trait of wanting to get away. Of wanting to do something important. And he has to help lead them? Impossible. Before all this business, Aspen had practically never held a leadership position, other than being class president of his small elementary school. Now he's traveling to a place where he will feel just as estranged and be just as clueless as the ponies who will travel with him. Suddenly, a noise sounded from ahead. It sounded like a trumpet, but a thousand times louder and very deep. It sounded like..."Like the magically powered alert horn!" he realized. It was a horn that each ship came equipped with. It took five unicorns to power, but it produced a sound that could be heard for miles. It was only to be used for very important situations. Aspen, from the crow's nest, looked around frantically. "What did the ships ahead of us see? Are there sea monsters? Or maybe..." he squinted, trying to make out something on the horizon. Suddenly he realized exactly what it was. He slid down the ladder, not even trying to climb down. Across the deck he galloped, throwing open the door and flying down two flights of stairs. He went through the iron door and through the first door on the left. Inside, the other ponies with leadership positions were just sitting down. Their heads turned simultaneously. "Aspen, what's going on?" asked Ocean Moon, a beautiful mare with long dark blue mane. "Land," said Aspen, "land has been spotted."

@@Joseph Stallion, Okay, thanks! I look forward to receiving a copy of the lyrics

Sounds neat! Oh, and what do you mean by a separate file? Like, not an mp3? Or that you want the vocals without the background music, which is what I would have done anyway

Wow, I didn't actually think you'd like it XD. Those fixes can be made easily, and I'd love to help! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of it!

Ugh, I'm really not happy with how this turned out, but I did a quick recording. Shut up and Dance.wav

I've heard parts of the song. Tomorrow I'll memorize some of it and get back to ya. For today, however, I'm going to bed

I'd be interested. Anything specific I should sing, or what? I have a pretty good falsetto, baritone, and bass.

"Hmm, these tomatoes look pretty juicy," thought Aspen Swift, examining a bright red tomato. He checked his saddlebag for bits, and, realizing he he had left most of his travel money back at the hotel, sighed. He smiled apologetically at the owner of the stand and decided to just start head back to the Canterlot Hotel, as he had already been walking around the city for most of the day. He cinched up the bag and started trotting back in the direction he came, when he noticed that a lot of ponies were heading to the Canterlot Auditorium. "Huh, must be some kind of presentation," he thought. Aspen then noticed a group of three mares talking excitedly as they followed the rest of the ponies. "Um, excuse me? Sorry to bother you, but, I was wondering where everypony was going. There seems to be a lot of traffic this way, and my curiosity got the best of m-" "You mean you don't know?" One of the mares said; a light blue and grey unicorn. Aspen shook his head. "Well, today's the unveiling of the recently discovered gem," the unicorn said excitedly, "and we're going to see it! Aren't we, girls?" The mares nodded their heads excitedly. The unicorn turned back to Aspen. "You know, the gem is said to have unlimited power." The mare said this last part in a whisper, as if she was worried somepony might overhear. Aspen thanked the mares, and mulled over his options. He could head back to the hotel, maybe relax a little, and then meet up with his friends. On the other hoof, he also could go see what the fuss was about with this "magic rock." Aspen went with the latter. As he peeked through the curtain of the auditorium, the ponies on stage were talking about the gem, who found it, where is came from, blah blah blah. Aspen honestly didn't care, he just wanted to see the thing and leave. Suddenly, the lights dimmed, and trumpets started to blare. Out of the stage right stepped... Princess Celestia!? Aspen suddenly was more interested in this gem. "Well, if the Princesses are here, this must be pretty important," he thought. Princess Celestia started to raise the curtain with her magic...a spotlight was turned to the stage...a hush fell among the crowd. However, this hush turned to anger as everypony realized that...the gem was GONE. Confused and angry voices rose. Princess Celestia said, quietly, "No, it...can't be." She turned to the crowd. "It seems that the gem has been stolen, along with the archaeologists who found it." More angry voices were heard. "Well, are we gonna find it?" said one voice. "We have to hurry!" shouted another. The Princess stomped her hoof, and everypony was silent. "There was a note. It says: 'Rexon Cave is the place you are seeking'." Nopony spoke. To Aspen, it seemed pretty obvious that somepony needed to speak up and start looking. "Are there any volunteers that could help lead a team to recover the gem and the archaeologists?" asked the Princess, looking around. Only silence was heard. Suddenly, a timid voice sprang out from the crowd. "I-I'll name them.... Exploration Team Of Equestria and Beyond...ETOEB for short..." a dark blue mare said, implying that she was offering to lead the journey. She was a midnight blue unicorn with red and blue mane, and seemed a bit nervous to be the subject of so many pony's attention. Suddenly, there was an explosion of outburst from the crowd. "What a lame name! Send ponies who are qualified!" Aspen looked around and suddenly became angry. "What? Just because she has the nerve to do what all you numbskulls won't, she's the one being accused!?" he thought to himself. The poor mare started to trot off the stage, close to where Aspen was watching. He suddenly spoke up. "Wait just one minute!" The room got quieter as heads turned in Aspen's direction. Even the mare looked up. Aspen, taking this opportunity, got on the stage and addressed the crowd. "So let me get this straight. Some stupid gem is stolen, and somepony needs to get the darned thing back. After none of you shameless wannabees volunteer to risk your necks, this mare has the courage to try to help lead, and you accuse her!? That is just...just...despicable." Aspen walks over to the surprised Mare, bows in front of her, and says, loud enough for the crowd to hear, "Miss, I do not know your name, but I would be honored to follow your lead in this quest, if you'll have me."

@SwigglySwiggly @GeneralDirection @Windbreaker @RubyW32 @Hypn0ticD @Derplight Sperkle @Taialin @littlecandylulu903 @Love Aspen bought a cupcake, a bright yellow one with white sprinkles, and balanced it on his nose as he looked around for a seat. He found a stool next to the window and sat. As he bit into the cupcake (and was delighted to find that it was cream filled), he looked around the bakery. It was extremely full today. He saw Pinkie, obviously, and her friend Rainbow Dash. Aspen didn't really know Rainbow, but heard that she was extremely good at flying, and was almost as good as the famous Wonderbolts. He saw that strange pony "Swiggie" picking his muffin off of the counter, and he saw that pony Ruby talking to Rainbow. Aspen sighed, thinking of what he was going to do for the rest of the day, when the door opened. Inside stepped Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, a strange mare with a purple-ish coat and a gold and silver mane, and -gasp- Princess Cadence! Aspen couldn't believe it! "Princess Cadence usually lived in the Crystal Empire, where she ruled with her husband, Shining Armor. Why was she...here? Was it because of the human thing?" he thought. And, Aspen noticed, most of the Elements of Harmony were in the same room, which was certainly weird. Apart from Princess Twilight, of course. This was definitely the strangest thing Aspen had seen in a while, and though he wouldn't have admitted it, it excited him a bit. Aspen decided to follow this strange group after they leave. And who knows? Maybe something interesting will happen!