Burning Ice: A Tale of Equestria's Birth, by Jace Starswirl

by Malfrost

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Adventure, Dark, Gore, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 2235

Jace Starswirl is a unicorn living in a new era in history. The United Tribes of Equestira has been founded, emerging from a bloody civil war. As those around him begin to forget, Jace sets out to write the history of the conflict that defined them.

Jace Starswirl is a unicorn living in a new era in history. The United Tribes of Equestira has been established, emerging from the chaotic maelstrom of a bloody civil war that engulfed the entire population of the realm. The Conclave rules over a race still licking their wounds and trying to recover. Ponies would much rather forget about the bloody conflict and live in the hard earned peace that now blossoms. Jace, an avid historian, grows tired of the attitude of fellow countrymen. Many of his fellow ponies, like his best friend, Kaisar, waste away their days with drinking and merriment, and refuse to look at the past that gave them such opportunities.

Fearing that the history of the conflict and the events that preceded it might become lost and forgotten, Jace begins to write the history of the Foundation War as it is known. He writes of the heroes that bravely stood against tyranny, of the villains who vainly tried to assert their will over all, of the soldiers who fought on both sides, and of the ordinary people who were caught in the middle of it all. This is their story, the story of the birth of a great nation, forged in the fires of war.

Published 2013-09-30 04:10:03 UTC
Last updated 2013-09-30 04:10:03 UTC

One: A fine spring day

A soft spring breeze rolled through the open streets of Novus; manes fluttered like wheat in a field as the breeze graced the cheek of a certain stallion unicorn. It would have been a perfect afternoon, if not for one, slight problem.

“The Conclave has issued a decree concerning the recent shortage of apples! Rest assured that there will be an ample supply for the upcoming celebrations!”

“Fresh wheat and barley from the fields! Best in all of Equestria! “

“Melons, pears and oranges! Fresh fruit! Come get your dinner here!”

The teal unicorn let out a frustrated sigh as he shook his head. The forum was always the loudest during midday, the fact that it was such a lovely day as well helped pull more and more ponies towards the center of town. Artisans plied their wares as farmers advertised their crops, all trying to outperform and outsell one another. Then, in the center, on the pulpit, was a large and obtuse pony. He was the town crier and he was always proclaiming some recent edict or decree by the Conclave or some scandalous news from another city.

“What incessant chatter...” The unicorn muttered quietly as the pegasus trotting next to him laughed loudly.

“By the gods my friend, you need to relax! I know you don’t like crowds, but what did you expect from the forum at high noon? Wouldn’t your ‘reason’ tell you to come earlier or later?” The hazel pegasi stamped his front hoof on the ground with a gregarious laugh. The unicorn’s face flared up in a crimson red as he increased his pace, trying to get away from his so called friend.

“So, are you going to do something other than try my nerves, Kaisar? If not then leave me be.” The unicorn groaned as he spoke. Already the pegasus was attracting the attention of many of the other ponies in the forum. Kaisar Silverwing was the perfect pegasus. Tall, lean, a well-groomed red mane and martial, he embodied the pegasi ideal of the perfect soldier.

“Now, now, Jace. I didn't come to anger you. I came to inform you of the play.” The pegasus spoke with a smile as he waved to random members of the forum. A crowd slowly grew around the two; much to the unicorn's displeasure, for Jace Starswirl has the polar opposite of his friend. He was disheveled and it appeared as if he rarely bathed or groomed his purple mane. An inkling of a beard was beginning to grow and the bags under his eyes were nearly as large his eyes themselves. His teal coat was caked slightly in dirt and grime in stark contrast to the hazel shine that glistened from Kaisar's coat. Yet somehow, these ponies were the best of friends, even if they didn't exactly show it in public all the time.

Jace was about to inquire about what news he sought to bring when he noticed Kaisar was surrounded by many a different pony, all badgering him and seeking his attention. Jace let out a sigh as he stamped his hoof in frustration. He could use the opportunity to get away from the pegasus and return to his library in peace, but his curiosity had been perked at the word of news. Thus, he decided to teeter at the edge of the crowd, waiting for the crowd to dissipate.

“Now now, everypony. As much as I would love to talk with you all, I am currently with company. So please, I behoove you, I must be away.” Kaisar proclaimed to the crowd loudly as he used his majestic wings to hover just slightly above the crowd.

“You shame yourself and your fellow pegasi by being in the company of that lowlife unicorn, Starswirl!” Another pegasus emerged from the crowd, hovering in front of Kaisar. The crowd was silenced by this claim. Hushed whispered then began to arise, many of which affirmed. After all, why was the most popular pony in Novos in the company of such scum?

Kaisar remained silent for a moment. Then, before anypony could blink, that other pegasus found himself pinned against the wall of a nearby building. Kaisar has charged forward and pinned his fellow pegasus using his front hooves. He glared at the stallion, his eyes contained a fury and violence that would make anypony want to turn hoof and flee.

“Sir, you may insult my honor and my name all you wish! But you shall not insult my friend.” Kaisar's voice was pointed and direct, his tone filled with anger. “If I am to hear you utter even one more slight directed at Jace, I will not let you off with a warning next time.” He let the pegasus go, but he was still so in shock he could do naught but fall back down to the ground.

Kaisar then turned his attention to the crowd. He had heard the whispers and he raised his voice in a bellicose yell, “SCRAM, YOU SCUM!”

The crowd instantly dispersed in absolute fear and terror of the angry pegasus. Kaisar watched as the crowd scattered and then he found himself surrounded by a dark blue aura as he felt himself being pulled down to the ground until he felt his hooves touch solid earth once again.

“Really now, was that necessary,” Jace asked as he shook his head, a frown clearly present on his snout. He gently let his friend down as his horn slowly stopped glowing. “You do know, if you keep doing things like that, you aren't going to be as popular. Defending people like me isn't exactly considered 'virtuous'.”

“Damn virtue if that's the case. I shan’t allow people to insult my best friend!” Kaisar spoke flamboyantly. With a large grin, he ruffled the unicorn's mane. “You are the brightest pony in Equestria, and it will be your name, not mine, that shall be remembered in the history books!” Jace blushed fiercely in embarrassment from the complement. He could no longer stop a smile from gracing his features. It was moments like this that helped reconfirm his friendship with the pegasus.

“Stop speaking nonsense. What did you come to tell me?” Jace brushed away his friend's hoof as he began to walk back towards his library once again, the pegasus in a trot behind him.

“That new acting troupe is going to be here in Novos tomorrow. They will be putting on that new play written by Horace.”

“You mean the play about the founding of Equestria?”

“That's right. I heard it is a wonderfully inspiring play that stresses the importance of friendship and unity! You should come watch it with me tomorrow night, my friend!” Kaisar flew in front of the unicorn, blocking his path. Jace let out a disgruntled sigh as he pushed Kaisar aside and continued walking.

“Sorry friend, but not tomorrow night. I am starting a very important project tonight that relates to the founding as well. I wish to finish as soon as possible.” The pegasus perked up in curiosity as he set himself back upon the land and followed his friend.

“Oh, and what might this project be? Are you going to be creating more spells?”

“No, I'm actually going to be writing the history of the Tyranny, and of the Foundation War.”

“And why would you want to do that?” Kaisar questioned, curiosity and intrigue laced in his tone.

“Because someone must,” Jace replied. “Your grandfather died in that war, as did mine. We cannot allow the truth of the matter to be forgotten, no matter how painful.” Jace nodded his head sagely, as if he has just spoken some great truth of the world. “If future generations cannot learn from our mistakes, then they risk repeating them.”

Kaisar instead erupted in uncontrollable laughter, which warranted a swift hoof to the snout from his friend.

“I apologize,” he said, rubbing his nose, “but only you could come up with something so insightful. You see friend, this is why you will be famous someday. You spend your days writing books which will one day grace the shelves of every library in the world while I waste away my days with wine, plays and pretty mares to amuse myself.”

“Oh yes, because that is such a bad life to live.”

“I never said it was bad life, but sometimes I think you live the more virtuous life. I waste away my gods-given life, while you live yours with substance, one to be remembered. Which life really is the better one I wonder?”

“If it makes you feel better, I'll mention you in a preface to one of my books one day, that way your name will live on too. See, you get the best of both worlds. You should be sure to thank me properly.” Jace cracked a smile and laughed. It was a rare sight, one that normally only occurred in the presence of his close friend.

“Of course! I shall send for the finest of wines and the prettiest mares in all of Equestria to you as my thanks!” Kaisar let loose another laugh as Jace sighed. His laughter echoed through the street as the two approached the library.

“Only you would thank a person in such a way,” Jace replied as ascended the stairs. Kaisar eagerly hovered around him as the unicorn climbed.

“And sadly, I think it not enough for you still.”

“Be on your way, and quit such nonsense. I'm sure you have some pretty young mare waiting on you somewhere.”

“Hah! You know me too well my friend! May the gods bless your endeavor to complete this history! I'm sure it will be a masterpiece.” Before turning to leave, he gave the magician a warning: “Know that I will be dragging you out sometime before the troupe leaves to watch this play!”

“Yes, yes, now be on your way. Gods watch over you and keep you safe, my friend.”

“You as well, my friend.” With their farewells exchanged, Kaisar took to the air, spreading his wings as he flew off gracefully. Jace sighed. A small smile graced his face as he watched the majestic pegasus fly away.

“What a pain...” The unicorn laughed lightly, his tone affable as he walked into his library. Two large, fully stocked bookshelves adorned the walls as he walked into the main foyer, all his personal collection. It was passed on from his father to him. It contained every book Jace could get his hand on. Philosophy, history, science, math, architecture, medicine and language, Jace had books on all of them and more. The unicorn paid them little mind however as he moved through the foyer to a side room. He opened the door to reveal a rather small room. In it was a simple table with a chair and a bed. The walls were plain and were only graced by a single window to allow light in. This was Jace's study and bedroom. It was where the young unicorn has spent the majority of his life, writing and studying.

He walked inside and took a seat on his chair. He took in a breath as his horn glowed slightly and lit a nearby candle. He watched as the wick caught fire and then his horn began to glow once again as he moved supplies around his table so eventually there was paper, a quill and a bottle of ink in front of him. He stared for a moment at the blank piece of paper and then, levitated the quill using his magic. He dipped it in the ink, and began to write.

'While I am not of the war, I have heard the stories and know the history. I have decided to write down the true story of the Founding of Equestria. It is a tale of tyranny and courage. Of betrayal and love, of struggle and passion, of blood and steel, and of death. It is a history that must never be forgotten, for through our struggle against tyranny, we earned the right to govern ourselves. To be free to shape our own destiny, and to be unbeholden to any king, queen or tyrant. We fought and died to obtain these rights, saving them from the jaws of tyranny and oppression. Our sacrifices must not be in vain, the future generations of Equestrians must know the truth of the matter. Of how things were and of how things might be again if we do not keep safe our hard fought and won freedoms.

Let the ignorant and children enjoy their play. The truth, no matter how harsh and brutal, must never be forgotten.

Author's Note

Hello everypony! This is Malfrost again and this is the first story in a series yet unnamed that FoodMongol and myself are working on! I'm really excited about this series, as we plan to cover the history of Equestria from its founding, through to the modern era. It's going to be a wonderful read, so please expect more from the both of us in the coming months! For those who are waiting on the next chapter of In Blackest Day, In Brightest Night, this story has distracted me for awhile and I promise to get on that as soon as I can! Please continue to support me in my writing endeavors!

Malfrost