A simple forest it would seem at first, but the eyes could easily deceive any pony who was not looking. Upon further inspection of any given tree in this mysterious land, a pony would notice they seemed to be carved from stone, yet oddly alive, capable of growing leaves and even a stone like bark. Examining one of these trees, or so she would call them, was a green Pegasus mare, with sharp blue eyes and a silver mane and tail with green stripes running through them. She was gazing intently on the so called tree before reaching out a hoof and gently touching the surface of it. It was rough to the touch like bark should be, but it was also as cold as stone and probably just as tough. Pursing her lips and tilting her head, the green mare took a step back from the object and reached back into one of a pair of very old looking, leather saddle bags that appeared ready to fall apart at any moment. From this saddle bag the green mare pulled a rolled up scroll of parchment and a quill that seemed to have a silver hue to its feather. Laying the scroll on the ground and unrolling it, she took the quill into her mouth and began to write about her observations about this tree, and the forest in general.

Every single tree and bush appeared to be made from this stone like material, but still managed to be alive, defiantly something no pony else had ever seen before. The green mare finished up the end of her observations and quickly rolled the parchment back up, sticking both it and the quill back into the saddle bags. Giving the tree another look over, she turned and began trotting away, moving forward deeper into the forest to see if any other form of life or plant grew in this odd land. Had she known this forest was made of stone, she would have picked up a pickaxe at the last town she was in, but since she lacked this piece of equipment, further investigation of the stone vegetation was useless.

It had been two days the green mare had been in this forest, and yet there seemed only trees and bushes thrived here despite the feeling she was constantly being watched by some unknown creatures. By continuing to push further into the strange place she hoped to encounter some of these creatures who viewed her from seemingly nowhere. However, things were not looking up as nothing had been spotted for a full two days. Breathing out an audible sigh, the mare lowered her ears and let her long mane fall into her face as she paused in her travels once more. Giving a glance around, she discovered yet more nothing surrounded her save the trees. Sitting back on her rump the mare flicked her head to remove the mane from her face. Suddenly the mare slammed her hooves down on the ground below her.

"Why must this place be so difficult?"

She questioned loudly, her soft yet gruff voice carrying through the forest as if looking for some ponies ears to fall on. Breathing out heavily, then back in to try and calm her nerves, the mare closed her eyes as if to mentally forget a moment where she was.

When she opened her eyes something immediately caught her attention. Just ahead of her, the fleeting form of something that appeared vaguely pony in shape. It was only for a moment, but she was sure something just darted out of view. Narrowing her eyes she tried to catch another glimpse of it, but whatever it was, was moving very quickly. Picking her hind end off the ground she took off at a full sprint after the form, keeping to the ground to try and keeps eyes on it. But, whatever the form was had disappeared into the dark of the forest. Slowing gradually to a walk, she swung her head around looking for any trace of it, but in a stone forest, leaving a trail was no easy feat. Hanging her head down, the long mane laid messily on the ground as if in defeat. Once again whatever it was spying on her had disappeared into the strange woods.

It would be another three days before anything eventful happened. Three whole days of nearly constant travel into an increasingly dense and dark forest. No signs of anything living showed themselves to the mare again in this time and if not for her many travels before she might have been alone in the dark. However, using what spare parchment and the grass under her hoof, she managed to make small fires to fight back the dark. While sitting beside a large rock and a small fire going to fight back the dark more than the cold, the mare took off her saddle bags and opened them off. The last of her rations were all that remained besides her many rolls of observations and studies. Pushing the bags away from her and exhaling loudly, she slid to the ground and buried her face in the grass. Even if she took to the skies it would take her days to get back to the small town she started from. With eyes closed and ears flopped down on either side of her head, the mare consented she would need to turn back now; there was no way she could possibly continue forward.

Then as if to add salt to the wound of the traveling pony, the sound of laughter echoed around her, bouncing off the stone trees and sounding like a whole chores was laughing at her. Lifting her head and ears with a sudden jerk, the Pegasus looked around for anything to betray the location of the voices. Suddenly, the flash of red eyes pierced the darkness just out of the corner of her eye. Without a moment's hesitation, she grabbed up her bags in her jaws and took off after the glowing orbs, not caring to worry about the small flame she left as she was sure the surrounding tree life would not catch fire. Even with her quick movements the orbs seemed to be ever out of reach, constantly weaving back and forth around trees and over bushes. Despite the fact her old saddle bags where hitting her in the chest and legs as she ran, she kept going, not wanting to lose the strange creature again. However, a pony can only handle running like that for so long, and eventually she began to bruise and ache after what felt like hours of running, though it was only about twenty minutes.

Finally the poor pony could no longer run, her legs giving out from under her. For the first time since she entered the Pegasus opened her wings and took to the air, flying only a few feet off the ground so she could follow the glowing orbs. It was lucky for her she decided to fly, as soon as she gathered speed with her wings the ground below her suddenly dropped off into a large gorge. As she passed over, the mare dared to glance down only to find it was impossible to see the bottom from the sheer dark. But, the width was still easily measured against the inky black bottom it surrounded. However, in her haste she could only guess at it, perhaps thirty or more feet across it appeared. Flying over to the other side, the mare looked back, trying to find the orbs she had now lost. Hovering just above the ground she looked over to the other side, squinting against the dark and hoping her only lead had not fallen into the gorge.

Laughter then priced the dark again, coming distinctly from behind the mare. Turning quickly, the red orbs were there to greet here, as well as another dose of laughter. Gritting her teeth, she gave a hard flap of her wings and took off again after the creature. This time however, the orbs leading her went in a straight line, and had the mare been in any mood to consider what was going on, would have noticed it was leading her somewhere. Just as suddenly as the eyes appeared they were gone, and the green Pegasus crashed through the tree line into a large clearing that was oddly lit up.

The light, despite being nothing more than a dim glow, caused the green pony to shield her eyes a moment, letting her pupils readjust from the darkness. Blinking a few times she looked around as she hovered in one place, taking in the new surrounding as best she could. The area was completely flat, no stone or small dips marred its surface. The grass here seemed different as well, as if it wasn't grass like before, but instead stone with the same flexibility as grass. Landing softly the grass crunched under her hooves, the small noise ringing out louder than it would have normally. Standing still a moment she caught her breath and set her sights straight ahead. Taking one step she paused, and then another, inching forward into the clearing slowly and watching for any sign of attack or a trap. Then, without any provocation, or at least she thought, many pairs of red eyes opened just inside the shadow of the tree line, causing the pony to stop moving all together and slowly turn her head to gaze at all the eyes.

It was about this time that something tall broke the tree line headed for the green mare. Turning her head toward it, her blue eyes grew wide as she looked up at the tall creature. It had to be as tall as Princess Celestia, but was by no means as fair or kind looking. No, this creature was a very dark grey color, and to the mares' surprise, it had what appeared to be cracks over its body. These cracks were on its left hind leg, around the creatures' neck, over its left eye, and over an ear and a crown like growth that sat atop its head. Looking harder at the creature, she noticed its skin seemed to be made of stone as well, just like the trees and bushes that lived here and that its eyes were like black holes when she looked into them. This `pony' had no mane, and its tail was a short, upturned, spiky thing that looked like someone had snapped it off at some point. Coming to a stop a short distance away, the creature stomped its hooves, which looked like they may have worn decorative horse shoes much like the Princess she served, but if it did, they were faded and unnoticeable now.

It took all the mare had to not visibly shake in the presence of this almost unreal creature, and her nervousness seemed blatantly clear to the creature. Clearing its throat, the mare was almost surprised what came next.

"Silver Quill I presume? My subjects have told me of your romping through the forest."

The creature asked, a very deep voice coming from its until then unseen mouth. Blinking a few times, Silver Quill slowly nodded her head.

"I see. I do not know if I should pity that you found us, or celebrate."

The deep voiced creature continued, staring directly into Silver Quills eyes. This only further unnerved the poor Pegasus, as those eyes had nothing, just pure black that gazed at her endlessly. Swallowing heavily, the mare finally opened her mouth to speak.

"W-what is this place? Who are you?"

She managed to utter forth, immediately shutting her mouth tight after the words left her mouth. For a moment there was complete silence in the forest, nothing seemed to breathe including poor Silver Quill. Finally, the stone pony opened its mouth to speak again.

"This place is the realm of my people. The Galateans. Creatures made of living stone. We have remained mostly undiscovered for years, and we plan to keep it that way."

He explained, continuing to stare at the Pegasus with those heartless eyes.

"As for whom I am. I am the king of my people. You may call me Checkmate."

With these words spoken it seemed a silent order was issued forth. From the trees thirty two stone ponies around her size galloped forth and stood behind their king.

As Silver Quill looked them over she took notice that some of the ponies were more of a grey white, while others were a grey, though not as dark as the King. These ponies also looked like living stone; a few cracks were on their bodies, but not as noticeable. The ponies also didn't sport a mane or tail, the equivalent of completely bald Silver Quill would compare. Their eyes were of a red color, but seemed more dulled out in the light of this clearing as opposed to the dark of the forest. Staring wide eyed at all of the ponies before her now, Silver Quill eventually returned her gaze to the one called Checkmate. His face made no feature of an emotion, nothing that gave away his thoughts. It was almost like staring at a statue.

"Unfortunately my dear pony, we wish to remain unknown. So, we will give you a chance. A game, of my choosing, will act as your chance. Win and you can fly out of here intact. Loose, and I doubt the outside ponies will hear or see you again."

He explained, his cryptic words only making the mare dizzy. She had been in some tight spots, but never before had she been told outright there was a chance of never returning. Tucking her wings in tighter she looked up at the King and swallowed.

"What is the game, your highness?"

She asked. Finally a facial expression crossed his face.

"Chess, my little pony, the game will be chess."

Again, as if on some unheard order, the ponies ran about, setting themselves up on some kind of order. At first the order seemed random, but that all changed when King Checkmates crown began to glow, as if it was a unicorn's horn. Behind the white grey lines of ponies a set of stone steps rose up from the ground until it was high enough to double Silver Quills height enough to see over the ponies heads.

"Climb up there. My subjects will be our pieces."

He ordered Silver Quill. Shrinking away slightly, the Pegasus slowly started to climb up the steps.

Reaching the platform at the top she looked down at the ponies below. From up here she noticed the grass seemed multi colored in a checkerboard pattern, and the ponies stood on each square just like pieces. Gazing a little harder at the ponies, Silver Quill noticed that on the back of their necks was carved certain words. On the back of the first row of eight was the word Pawn', while in the second row there were two withRook', Bishop', andKnight'. However there were two stand in ponies that had nothing on their necks, these two Silver Quill assumed to be the king and queen pieces. Though she also figured none of the ponies were brave enough to have those words carved into them. From the corner of her eye the mare caught sight of King Checkmate moving toward the `board', his walk slow and purposeful as his stone hooves made loud clipping sounds against the grass. Reaching the only empty space on the board, he stepped on and looked up to the green Pegasus.

"Let us begin then."

He commented calmly, his subjects gaining a smile on their faces as he spoke.

Blinking a few times, the mare turned her blue eyes to the board. Looking over the `pieces' she desperately thought her first move through, hoping to not make the wrong move off the bat. Using her hoof she tapped her chin before speaking.

"Uhm, Pawn F-two to F-three."

Silver Quill uttered forth after a long pause. As she spoke it, the smaller stone pony took a step forward, stopping on the square ordered by Silver Quill. She looked up across the map toward the towering stone king across from her, studying his face after her move. If he felt anything toward her move, he did not show it. Lifting his head slightly, he looked directly back at her.

"Pawn. E-seven to E-five."

Checkmate ordered from his stone muzzle, and as before the pony on the corresponding square moved to the new ordered location. As Silver Quill observed him, she took notice that the inside of his mouth was also that stone texture, probably why when he stood without talking his mouth seemed to disappear. Shaking her head to focus on the game below, she looked over the board and the new position of the two pieces. With mind racing she tried to come up with another move. Staring at the board, she could feel Checkmate staring at her, which only aided in putting pressure on her mind.

"Pawn, G-two to G-four!"

She blurted out, to which the stone pony promptly moved to the new location. Glancing up, Silver Quill caught sight of Checkmate still staring at her, having never looked away from the quivering green Pegasus. For a long moment, Checkmate just looked at her, until finally a small, almost unnoticeable, smile crept onto his face.

"Queen, D-eight to H-four."

And as he spoke it, the stone pony who represented the queen piece moved, causing all the other stone ponies to snicker, and move about in their spots. Gazing down at the board, Silver Quill realized her mistake, and as the realization crossed her face, the king of the stone ponies let a low rumbling laugh escape him.

"Check mate."

He uttered.

As if that was some command, the other stone ponies leapt from their spots toward Silver Quill, who only missed being tackled by an inch. The stone ponies all ran toward her, and she only had one moment to see Checkmate, standing on his pedestal and laughing at the fate she had sealed for herself. That was the last she saw of him, as his subjects began to climb up to her stage and she was forced to run. Opening her wings he used them to jump off the platform, hitting the ground below her with a thud. Looking up to the mass of stone ponies coming over the pedestal after her, she quickly got her feet under her and took off away from the board and the laughing of the King of the Galateans.

Breaking past the tree line back into the forest, she was running at full speed, the saddle bags hitting
her legs and sides hard, though she ignored it. Behind her she could hear the thunderous hoof beats of her pursuers, though she dared not look back. This was probably her saving grace, as she noticed the distinct glow of more Galatean eyes ahead of her. Locking her forehooves, she slide to a semi-stop and turned sharply to avoid the stone ponies ahead of her, but as she turned more eyes appeared. Stopping and looking around frantically, her mane whipping around with the sharp movements of her head. Noticing she was surrounded, Silver Quill closed her eyes and opened her wings, flapping hard to get her and her saddle bags off the ground. Lifting off the ground she began to ascend, though looking below her, the stone ponies began to pile on one another, getting closer to her as she rose. With a quick move of her wings she shot of forward just as the mouth of the top most pony grabbed for her long tail, missing it only by a hair.

Silver Quill flew well beyond her reserved strength, only coming to a stop when her wings could no longer carry her, forcing her to land, take three steps, and then collapse in the forest. Her last thought before slipping into unconsciousness was that if the Galateans found her, she would never wake, or see her family. Reaching out her hoof in front of her, as if reaching for someone, the hoof fell to the floor and her eyes closed, everything going black.

Some time later Silver Quills eyes fluttered open, the warm glow of a fire making her close her eyes again after the dark of the forest. Squeezing her eyes closed she lifted herself up from her laying position, and it wasn't until she was sat up that she noticed the feel of a soft bed under her. Taking a chance at opening her eyes again, she took a moment to adjust them to the light and looked around the room she now found herself. It was a cozy room, wood walls and a door, soft bed, and a few candles to keep it all lit up. There was even a dresser where her saddle bags rested, seemingly untouched. It was about then another older pony entered the room, his mane grayed and his skin pocked with wrinkles. He was using his unicorn magic to levitate a tray with a water bowl and a cloth, setting the tray on the night stand beside the bed. Looking up to see the Pegasus awake, the old stallion smiled warmly.

"Oh you're up. That's good. I was starting to worry there for a while."

He spoke, his voice sounding old, with long drawn out words.

"Where. Where am I?"

Silver questioned, looking around the room again. The old stallion just smiled and pulled a chair up next to her bed.

"This is my house. Found you out in the forest. You poor dear, must have been lost to the point of exhaustion. Too bad, you were so close to our village. But that doesn't matter, I'm just glad you're up. Been asleep for four days."

Getting up he went to leave the room.

"I'll get you something to eat, you must be starving."

And with that he left. Silver Quill sat in silence for a moment, but then got out of bed. She was a little wobbly, but nothing awful. Walking to her saddle bags, she picked them up and walked back to the bed, sitting back down to rest as she pulled a parchment, quill, and inkwell from her bag. Dipping the quill in ink and unrolling the parchment, Silver Quill began to write, of all the things she had learned, and all that had happened. Maybe she could sell this as a fantasy story.