The Kiss of Winter

Chapters

Prologue: Conspiracy
Chapter 1: Blue Skies
Chapter 2: Forth into Darkness
Chapter 3: Outlanders

Prologue: Conspiracy

The Kiss of Winter

Prologue: Conspiracy

"The cold winds are rising..."

It was night over the world, the great full moon gleaming down upon the earth like a watchful guardian. With it shone a thousand-times-a-thousand glittering gems, filling the darkness with order and light. No clouds hovered overhead either, making the darkened lands below shiver in an icy chill. It was winter in Equestria, and the ground from Canterlot to Baltimare was coated with a thick layer of white snow. The moonlight gleamed off its surface, lightening the otherwise dark night with a magical and enchanting luminescence. Few ponies were awake during this hour, but those who were laughed and skipped through the wintery wonderland.

Hearth's Warming Eve would soon be celebrated across the world, and the streets of Canterlot were adorned with holly wreaths and boughs of mistletoe this evening. The streets of Equestria's capital were filled with laughing foals, smiling nobleponies and festive merrymakers, glasses mulled wine in hoof. Icicles hung from the many street lamps which lined the snow covered paved roads, and the flickering candles in the windows of houses made the winter wrapped city look as if it was swarmed with faeries.

The mighty Royal Palace was no exception, and golden bells and silvered chimes rang in the darkness as a soft cool breeze caressed them. The wide statue lined plaza of the Court of the Sun and Moon was also blanketed in white, but the virgin snow was marked with hoofprints and chariot tracks. The beautiful carved fountain, portraying a member of each pony race dancing together in perfect harmony, was frozen solid, and the blue ice was streaked with skate marks where a number of bored Royal Guards had passed the time ice skating.

The grounds of the Princesses' royal abode were not silent, the constant sound of crunching snow everywhere as the Palace sentries made their evening rounds. In addition to their gilded plate steel armour, everypony also wore a thick woollen scarf and a set of hoof stockings beneath their horseshoes. Yet despite the cold, every pegasus, unicorn and earth pony guard kept high spirits. It was holiday season, and because nature hid itself away during the winter months, all of Ponykind seemed to make it their duty to make up for the lack of life with vibrant merrymaking and celebration.

Yet inside the glorious castle itself, one pony was not so content. High above the glittering city of Canterlot in the building known as the Solaris Spire, a certain white alicorn sat at her desk, staring grumpily at a gargantuan pile of letters. Princess Celestia was bored, and that boredom was so great she had gone through three bottles of mulled wine in the last two hours alone in an effort to ease the passage of time. But alicorns being alicorns, the alcohol had had next to no effect on her. The pile of letters, invoices, treaties and trade orders were still there, and nothing the Celestia seemed to do could make it any smaller.

Besides burning it all in the hearth. It is chilly in here, she mused absently to herself. Her body shifted in her seat, free from her royal regalia. If she could just get through this pile of papers, she could finally retire for the night and get some much deserved and wanted sleep. Stifling a yawn, she levitated another glass of warm red wine to her lips. The taste was soothing, and the smell warmed her up almost as much as the fire to her right, and the Princess let out a content sigh as she picked up her phoenix feather quill.

Of all the rooms in the Royal Palace, Celestia rarely came into her study at the top of the Solaris Spire. The tower itself was part of the Old Castle, built shortly after the first days of Discord. For many years it used to house her personal chambers and office, but that all changed after the construction of the far larger, and much more comfortable, Tower of the Sun. Celestia usually performed any duties of high office in her study there, but a old sense of nostalgia had brought her back here. A mistake.
The office here was cold and draughty, and Celestia had left the fire burning in the room for an hour before actually setting down to work. And even then, an icy breeze still cut through the old tarnished window frame behind her, making her efforts for naught.

"Every filly this side of the Silverline Mountains dreams of being a Princess, let's see how they enjoy this" Celestia muttered as she took another sip of wine. When she realised there was no one actually in the room with her, the Sun Princess sighed. The wine must be getting to her now. "Come on Tia, just, just focus."

With a tremendous amount of willpower, Celestia put down the jewelled wine glass, raised the scarlet quill, and stabbed the piece of parchment before her. This edict would be the first of the sheets before her to be defeated in a blazing charge of progress and determination, which would vanquish all of the Princess' documents in one fell sw-

The quill tip snapped.

Celestia dropped her head down on the desk with a resounding bang, followed a few moments by a deadpanned "ow." Rubbing her horn tenderly, the Princess frowned at the sight around her. The piles of brown and white paper stood there as if mocking her, laughing at her lack of focus, at their hold over her life. Giving in, Celestia finished off the bottle of malt wine with a single, long gulp. Time to retire, I think...I'll do it tomorrow.

The white alicorn stood up shakily from her desk, struggling to stand with balance for a split second. "Somepony help me..." she wailed, despair dripping from her voice like poison. With a little hiccup, Celestia stumbled towards the door of her study...and nearly fell completely down the flight of stairs had it not been for her reflexes. An immortal goddess, raiser of the sun and co-ruler of the Equestrian Diarchy... cannot walk down stairs after a few glasses of wine. She knew in truth it was more like a few bottles, but no one was judging.

Mumbling some incoherent complaint about the world as a whole, Princess Celestia staggered into her bed-chambers. Her two stationed guards turned to each other as the white sunwood door closed behind her. Luckily for them, she was already passed out on the bed when they started sniggering.

But across the great sea, far, far away from the heartlands of Equestria, over the Marelantic Ocean and across the vast pine forests of the far north, another nation basked in the night. But there were no carollers singing, no children playing, and no one out celebrating the winter festivals. Whereas cities all over Equestria shined with candlelight, only a few flickering flames glowed here, here in a forest so vast one could place the Everfree within it's borders eight times over. The snow lay here too, but the soft white blanket seemed to suffocate all sound - not that there was any to suffocate in the first place.

The Deer Realm of Cervidas was silent.

And yet in the heart of the woodland nation, a single beacon of civilisation flared bright in the murky night. Rising high above the black pine canopy, stood the single oldest and largest living thing in all the known world: the magnificent Reion Húr, the Father Tree.

The colossal tower of bark and leaves stood over a mile high, making it a landmark for thousands of travellers for over a hundred miles. The tree was said to be the source of all the forests of the world, and that a single seed could grow an area of woodland over a league in every direction in a heartbeat. Indeed, Reion Húr bore the leaves of every known tree across the world, from oak to palm, to ash to birch, to maple to suntree.

Thousands upon thousands of animals made their home here, even a number of phoenixes. But this tree also served as something far more than a home. Upon the twilight boughs of the colossal tree stood the capital of all Cervidas. The trunk of Reion Húr was ablaze with hundreds of candles and lanterns, shining and hanging from overhanging buildings crafted expertly from the tree itself. The Deer city of Concordia rose a third of the way up, carved from the heart of the Father Tree. In sharp contrast to the surrounding forest, the night was filled with laughter, cheer, speech and singing here.

All through this sanctuary city, Deer of all kinds revelled in their own winter festivals. Drums and flutes rang through the wooden city, filling the carved colonnades, sweeping lodges and pillared mansions with music and festivity. Yet though the crowds of Elk, Moose, Reindeer and Roe, one individual was not celebrating.

He stood tall for his race, a Fallow, and his head was crowned with a stunningly regal set of antlers. His coat was a light reddish brown, spotted with a few dozens patches of pearl white fur. His legs were stronger than most stags of his race and age, and his body was made up tight athletic muscles. Hanging around his elegant neck was a heavy silver medallion engraved with markings of high office.

The stag's destination was far from the commoners. It lay at the very summit of Concordia, higher than the Whitetail Pillars that held the weight of Reion Húr above the city proper. No, the stag's destination was only for the highest of the high, and he was considered one of them. A drunken Elk staggered out before him, blocking his path and almost striking him accidently with his expansive rack. The merrymaker took no heed to the noblebuck behind him, and waved his mug of honey mead around as he laughed thunderously at nothing in particular.

The Fallow stag was not amused. With a single stamp on the ground, he stunned the reveller from his stupor. Upon his hooves were a set of shining silver hoofguards set with blue gemstones, each of which glowed very faintly in the twilit arboreal passage. The Elk's eyes widened at the sight of the Fallow, and he fell away fearfully, bowing and muttering apologies.

Stupid commoner, mused the noblebuck was he passed, the medallion around his neck bouncing against his chest. The stag raised a foreleg to his neck piece, holding the circular pendant tenderly, almost as if to reassure himself it was still there. The symbols engraved on the silver almost seemed to hum as his hoof brushed over them.

The ascent was less eventful from then on. Buck, doe and fawn parted to make a path for him through the crowds, until there was finally no one to bump into a all. The upper galleries of Concordia were off limits to the common folk, and merry Deer were replaced with stalwart and silent armoured guards. They were stags all, many of them Moose and Elk, enlisted purely for their great strength and expansive sets of antlers. But many Reindeer stood with them, clad in silvered plates of overlapping steel set with snow diamonds. They were the magic users of the much renowned Antler Wardens, with power enough to rival any unicorn.

If all went as plan in the following weeks, they would be needed against such creatures.

A pair of Elk guards parted their heavy halberds to make way for the decorated stag, the heavy silver blades engraved with symbols of strength and war. No matter how many times he came here, the noblebuck still had his breath taken away by the beauty of this part of the city.

Past the guards stood a massive, incredibly beautiful archway carved from the wood of Reion Húr itself. The intricate pattern criss-crossed itself over a series of four pillars, carved in the likeness of smaller trees. In the centre of the gate was set a colossal chunk of crystallised amber, set into the shape of a heart and gilded with white gold. Mighty braziers stood at the base of the archway, set far enough away as not to burn the wooden building. Beside the outermost pillars stood a pair of wooden statues, crafted in the form of rearing stags.

Another set of guards parted as the Fallow passed beneath archway, finally arriving at his destination.

Before him lay a cavernous sanctum, carved from the heart of the Father Tree itself in the likeness of a great, cathedral-like dome. The ceiling was set with hanging braziers carved in the likeness of winged does. A series of irregular pillars ran around the cavernous chamber to give the impression of roots, and were draped with thick vines that bloomed white flowers despite being inside away from the sunlight. But the most impressive sight were the great number of regally dressed Deer of all types sitting in elevated benches around the room.

In between the root like pillars sat a large number of curved benches, set in a rising pattern which allowed their many occupants to look down upon the centre of the room. There were representatives from every major city across Cervidas tonight, from Fawntaine to Equadoe, Estagna and Elksburg, not mention the entirety of Concordia's own council.As the noblebuck entered, he was immediately noticed.

"You're late, Blizzard Charge. This session of parliament started two hours ago, and you've missed much" came a rumbling voice from the Fallow's left. The speaker had been a stately dressed Moose sporting a long beard. The Fallow commander ignored the jab and trotted towards his place: on the right hand side of the ruler of all Cervidas. At the opposing end of the council chamber stood a gloriously elaborate throne made from white winterwood, set with gemstones the colour the night sky, surrounded with symbols proclaiming Deer dominance over the northern continent and beyond.

And upon it, sat the one simply known as the White Hart. He was impossibly old, his coat the colour of snowflakes with age, and sported a great beard which fell over him ancient yet strong shoulders like silk. His coat was painted with celestial symbols and spirals, showing that he was blessed by Heaven and it's Powers. His antlers were colossal, larger than any Moose or Elk by a larger degree. They climbed high towards the ceiling, reaching above the assembled court like the branches of a tree. A dozen silver bells hung from each major prong. But his eyes, his eyes were alive and wild. It was as if his body had aged whilst his gaze still remained that of a powerful young buck.

Such eyes regarded Blizzard Charge, the captain of the Antler Wardens, wearily as he took up his seat. Once the silence descended on the court once again, a Roe minister on the left hoof side of the White Hart motioned for the current speakers to continue. It was then that Blizzard Charge noticed who was actually petitioning.
In the centre of the room stood a pair of White Tail stags, one scarred across the face from an old attack. They wore the uniform that marked them as high ranking members of the Cervidas War Orders by the golden sashes across their chests and shoulders. One stood taller than the other, but it was clearly the shorter who had the authority. Blizzard Charge regarded the speaker with keen interest as he cleared his throat.

"Senators, I urge you to reconsider this opportunity for the Realm. By doing this, the assault that the Changelings are preparing for on our southern borders would be crushed. The Commanders of the War Orders are giving us a chance to make us stronger than ever before! It would be madness to reject it."

The stag's name was Commander Ashencrest, a decorated military general and veteran of two Changeling wars against the Deer races. But while a heavily respected leader, the High Council never saw him as a politician. He was brash, impatient and blunt, and possessed none of the tact and subtlety needed to weave oneself through the ranks of government. But Blizzard Charge listened intently. He knew where the commander was heading with his speech.

"I beg you not to let doubt or politics interfere with this reformation. By letting the military take control, the Changeling swarm would face an organised army so strong that not even Equestria would be able to stand in our way!"

"That's enough!" rumbled a Roe Deer senator loudly. "The decision has been made. The military does not dictate policy in Cervidas. The High Council and the White Hart himself have considered your proposal and rejected it. We will continue our defense as we have always done, and we will send the Changelings back to the grey wastes they come from! Do we make ourselves clear?"
Commander Ashencrest puffed his chest out proudly, but made no attempt to retort. His partner simply bowed and gave a curt "yes sir" before turning to leave. Ashencrest looked at the unmoving and unspeaking White Hart briefly before turning. As he left, the commander shot a knowing glance to Blizzard Charge. Both knew what had to come next.

"Are there any more speakers? No?" asked the Roe senator. "Then the next order of business is open trade negotiations with Camelu. As you know, the Red Deer haven't been filling their lumber orders for months now, and the Zebras have cancelled their requests..."

Blizzard Charge wasn't listening. he couldn't at a time right now. As Commander Ashencrest left the council chamber, he knew what had to be done. With a look of steel determination, he removed the silver medallion from around his neck. Using his magic, the captain of the Antler Wardens moved the magically binding locks on the pendant, causing the engraved symbols to glow faintly with an eerie blue light. The locks continued to undo themselves, and the pendant unfolded and opened to reveal its secret.
At its heart, a single ice blue crystal pulsed with a life of its own, humming a low harrowing tune, drawing the attention of a few councillors on the lower benches. All eyes however turned to the Fallow stag when he stood up, holding the opened amulet outwards towards the crowd of assembled ministers.

"Captain Blizzard Charge, what are you doing? What is that charm?"

"Forgive me senators, but... it is necessary for our people to survive" the Fallow stag proclaimed.

"Commander..."

"Forgive me!"

"What are you doing?"

Blizzard Charge's antlers glowed brightly as he channelled his magical power through the amulet, causing several magically attuned senators to shout in outrage. They could feel the magic in the air, and the reason behind it...

All at once, a terrible shriek erupted from the magical charm, bringing everyone to the ground in pain. The braziers hanging from the vaulted ceiling were snuffed out in a heartbeat, and the temperature suddenly fell dramatically. A howling wind smashed through the chamber, knocking half the Deer councillors across the room. The entire chamber fell into darkness as the icy blizzard whipped from the mystical amulet, coating the sanctum with numbing frost and ice.
The fury of winter assaulted the assembled governors of Cervidas, freezing their bodies with cruel talons of snow and rime. And no magic from any Deer could halt the power of this crystal. Blizzard Charge closed his eyes as he heard the screams, the cries of pain was the sweeping snowstorm raged through the upper sanctum, drowning away all warmth and life. The High Council of Cervidas died then and there, the blood in their veins freezing solid as the fell storm ripped the warmth from them with icy claws.

And over it all, the White Heart simply watched with his youthfully ancient eyes still and unmoving, as did the Antler Wardens around the chamber. Outside the gate, Commander Ashencrest gazed in with a wicked smile.
And Commander Blizzard Charge watched on, his face colder than the snowstorm he had unleashed. The root like pillars of the chamber buckled and snapped, creaking wildly as they shattered into frozen husks upon the fallen bodies of the Deer High Council.

"Ahh, best night's sleep I've had in weeks" Celestia sighed, the silken covers of her luxurious bed running over her pristine coat like quicksilver. The fluffy pillows around her caressed her mane lovingly, and the white alicorn wished she could just lie there all day and night, letting the winter winds blow and howl away outside.

A loud banging, resounding knock came from her bedroom door. Celestia groaned painfully. "Being a Princess. Whoopee do" she mumbled as she fell out of bed, landing on a soft white rug. Opening a glass cabinet to her right, Celestia levitated her golden jewelled tiara onto her head, her luscious mane dishevelled slightly from sleep. Her head hurt as well.
Approaching the door, Celestia composed her perfect mask of feminine charm and turned the gilded handle. The door opened to reveal a Royal Guard, his helmet removed and his face flushed from running.

"Your, Your Highness..." he breathed, "I have some important news from the far north, just arrived in this morning."
Celestia didn't show her boredom at the news. Such things came in from the north frequently nowadays. The Deer of Cervidas were always causing problems along the borders of Equestria, ever since the fabled Battle of Broken Horn Pass. The Deer nation had a tense relationship with the Equestrian crown, with the possibility of war only held in check by a truce, not a peace treaty.

"What is it, good sir?"

"The, the Deer. There's been some kind of political movement. The White Hart has called a meeting of all race leaders at a summit in Concordia."

Now this Celestia did raise an eyebrow at. "Summit, you say? Show me what you have there" she gestured to the package that the guard was holding on his back, a thick scroll bound with a dark green ribbon. The letter was sealed with a silver wax stamp, emblazoned with a stag's head. The seal of the White Hart.

"Thank you sir, you may go"

Celestia closed the doors to her chambers and broke the seal before laying down in front of her hearth. With a single spark of magic she set the logs ablaze, casting a cosy early morning atmosphere around her sanctum. Planting her body upon an expensive and padded couch, the Sun Goddess began to scan over the elegantly written text.

Her eyes widened.

Standing up briskly, she launched herself to the entrance of her room with a single flap of her angelic white wings and forced the door open roughly with her magic. The two sentries posted outside jumped a bit as she strode out into the richly decorated corridor, her hooves still clopping loudly on the marble despite the lack of horseshoes.

"Summon the ministers of the White Council and the city's Highlords, at once!"

Both guards bowed and sped off down the hallway, leaving the stunned alicorn pacing in the hallway.
This was too good to be true... there had to be a catch, something she was missing. The Princess levitated the scroll before her yet again, reading and rereading every word until the point she had almost memorised the whole letter. There was no hidden message, no concealed agenda within the text. If this was genuine...

Racing back into her chambers, she cast open the heavy crimson curtains, revealing a stunning white sky of snow clouds above the balcony. Lighting a candle with a flick of magic, Celestia say down at her desk and unrolled a piece of parchment. With steel determination, she began to write.

My Dearest Niece,

There is something which you and your husband must do not just for me, but all of Equestria. I have just received word this very morning of a summit of all racial leaders at the Deer capital at Reion Húr, called and signed by the White Hart himself. If I'm not mistaken, this is a diplomatic peace meeting.

Cervidas calls for peace, and I want you and Shining Armour to act as Equestria's ambassadors and emissaries. Take whoever you deem necessary, be they guards or secretaries. This mission cannot fail. If this truly is a peace summit, then the tension and unrest in the north of the world could be eased forever. I will be consulting with the Griffin Windlord and the delegates from Germaneigh and Prance.

You must not fail me, Cadence.

Love always,

Princess Celestia.

Chapter 1: Blue Skies

"Uneasy Tidings..."

The great hall rang loudly with the excited chatter of over a hundred ponies, everyone dressed exquisitely in beautiful gowns of silk and stylish suits and dinner jackets. It was twilight, and the winter sun streamed through upon the joyous crowd through a set of high windows overlooking a wide white balcony. That in turn overlooked a stunning vista of rich mountain valleys, blanketed in a soft layer of clear snow. The golden sunlight lit up the mountainsides like fire, and the forests of pine and winterwood stood resolutely in the frozen vales below the hall.

Throughout the elegantly decorated room, over twenty round tables were set out, adorned with white tablecloths and a multitude of silver candelabras. A single massive crystal chandelier hung from the high pillared ceiling, though none of the lights were glowing at this time. Along the sides of the chamber stood a series of neatly trimmed potted trees cut into the shapes of hearts, white ribbons binding them in expertly woven patterns only possible through unicorn magic. Silver bells hung from the highest pillars from evergreen branches to celebrate the festive season.

Along one edge of the columned room was set a long curved table set with silver ribbons and wreaths of winter roses. The ponies here were dressed in fantastic suits and dresses of the highest quality. All of the stallions seated at the high table had stunning ice blue roses pinned to their suit lapels, with the mares having sun-gold blossoms styled into their manes. The chairs were high backed in comparison to the others around the stunning venue, each carved in the shape of hearts. All were happy and all were smiling. Except for Shining Armour.

Feverishly, he tugged at his sky blue silken cravat with a hoof, trying to gain some air. His suddenly felt very nervous, and the pink alicorn beside him noticed the sweat drops starting to form on his head beneath his horn. Shaking her head slightly, Cadence laid a forehoof upon his shoulder, the pink limb wrapped in a fine cloth-of-gold horseshoe.

"Shining, you're getting all worried over nothing again" she giggled, the shimmering crystals hanging from her mane and ears bouncing. "There's nothing to worry about! No matter what happens, I know you'll deliver your best. White Lance will love it, I'm sure. That is if you left out those anecdotes about the trip to Las Pegasus."

The white stallion flushed and gave a nervous half smile.
"Thank you, Cadence. But you know how bad I am at giving speeches! I mean, I said your flank was the first thing I noticed about you in our wedding party. Hardly the most romantic of things to say" he chuckled. Cadence beamed at the memory. True, their wedding wasn't exactly a smooth one, and Shining's 'speech' during the dinner was somewhat... blunt, but both ponies could say that it was the happiest moment of their lives. Being in this environment again stirred a familiar warm feeling in Cadence's heart.
Shining's was filled with terror.

To the white unicorn's left sat the couple of this joyous day. White Lance looked as if he was the most dashing stallion in the world. The pale grey unicorn was dressed in a luxurious black suit, worthy of a Prince or noblepony. The black material fit his athletic form well, and the bright golden cravat brought out the colour in his light amber eyes. A single ice blue winter rose was pinned to his left hoof lapel, and his sky blue mane was stylishly groomed around his long horn. A single golden ring lay at it's base, illuminating the happy groom's face as the sunlight caught it.

And beside him in turn, his blushing bride, Summer Rose, sat regally, giggling shyly as her new husband leaned in close to nuzzle her. She was a crystal pony, her coat glimmering like a perfectly faceted azure gem, and her cream coloured mane shined in the twilight light streaming through the windows. Around her flanks and chest rested an amazingly decorated wedding dress, so beautiful that even Cadence had been a little jealous upon seeing it. The snow white gown was lined with even whiter faux fur, and the train was laced with silver and blue embroidery that resembled a perfect snowflake when in full view. A white gold necklace hung around her glowing coat, wrought in the shape of a heart and set with a rainbow diamond. Upon her head was set a stunningly elaborate silver and gold tiara with sun-gold fireblossoms interwoven into it.

She looked every inch the princess that White Lance held her to be.

"You're up soon" Cadence whispered to Shining with a little nudge. Her husband blanched, his blue eyes widening in panicked anticipation. Shining could feel his heart rise to his throat as White Lance stood up next to him, and the sudden clopping of hooves around the room filled him with dread. The groom gave a few nervous laughs himself as the clapping died down, but at least he had actually memorised what he was going to say. Shining was clutching to prompt cards below the table.

"Um, well. I, I guess I'd first like to say thank you to everypony who could be here. I think I speak for both myself and Summer when I say that we wouldn't be sitting here today without all of your support and time and love."
Everypony clopped hooves again, not a single pony wearing an expression that was not one of happiness and laughter. Summer Rose blushed deeply at her husband's words, and extended a forehoof out to hold his as he continued.

"We are both, just...so happy to know such excellent and fantastic friends and family. My time in the Canterlot Royal Guard taught me to respect your superiors, and I will do my utmost best to show you" he glanced at two crystal ponies along the length of the table, "that I love your daughter more than anything else in the world." Summer Rose's mother smiled and her father gave a curt nod. "And I'd like to thank my best friend, Shining Armour."

Shining froze at the mention of his name, and almost jumped as White Lance placed a forehoof on his shoulder. "It's because of this pony right here, fillies and gentlecolts, that i met my darling Summer Rose." Shining could feel the blood run to his cheeks and smiled, shaking his head lightly. "That transfer order you gave me was the best present a stallion could ask for" White Lance went on.

"Well I needed somepony familiar to tease" Shining quipped, gaining a ripple of laughter from the crowd. White Lance patted him on the shoulder as he raised an eyebrow.

"Well if you've got something to say Shining, go on and say it" he smirked. He sat down. The crowd focused on Shining. It was his turn to speak. Dammit...

Cadence squeezed his foreleg reassuringly, and Shining prayed to Celestia that he didn't screw this up. Hovering the prompt cards before him with his magic, the white unicorn cleared his throat. The eyes of everypony were upon him, boring into his soul with their judgemental glares. He could feel an itchy feeling running up from his hooves up to his chest, like a thousand evil little spiders crawling up to his face, scuttling everywhere, eating his flesh...

"Hey" he started. "Uh, I guess I'm gonna try and keep this brief as I'm sure none of you really want to hear me r-ramble for too long. Well, I ...I want to congratulate my best buddy here, and his new wife, of course. I'm just amazed that anypony would take this vacant minded soul to be her husband."
Everypony seemed to smile. A good sign. Cadence still held his hoof, beaming beautifully at him. Taking another deep breath, Shining Armour cracked a smile and turned to the happy couple.

"Now at an occasion such as this, it's expected that I be gracious and happy and all that. But did the two of you ever consider what you were doing to me?" he chuckled, gaining a cheeky grin from his best friend and a shy smile from his wife. White Lance was the captain of the newly founded Paragon Guard, but the grey unicorn had insisted in an early retirement once he was married. Shining deeply regretted seeing his best friend go, but both he and Cadence had made sure that their lives be happy. A family was what was desired, and the Crystal Crown would give the best care and support they could offer. But that still didn't solve the problem of a missing commander.

"I mean, don't get me wrong" Shining continued, emboldened by the positive response from everypony, "I'm really happy for the two of you. But while you're settling down in your new home, I'll have to begin training our new Guard Captain." A sly smirk crept on Shining's lips as all eyes turned to a single light orange pegasus guard near the back of the stage."You all know him. He's a disobedient, brash, undisciplined and grossly unfit slob who will never, ever try anything with my sister" the white unicorn laughed. Poor Flash Sentry blushed furiously beneath his golden helmet, shifting awkwardly beneath a gilded marble pillar as the crowd of wedding guests chuckled at him.

"That's not what she said" the pegasus quipped back, gaining a look of mock outrage from his would-be brother-in-law. Shining laughed, giving the pegasus guard a knowing wink.

"See what I have to work with now you're gone?" he said to White Lance. "Anyway, I'm still kinda hoping that you two would reconsider? Help a poor, woefully stressed Prince out with his duties?" The light grey unicorn turned to his bride, both looking at each other thoughtfully before replying "no" in unison.

"No? Oh, very well then..." Shining sighed, giving his best friend a good pat on the shoulder. Using his magic, Shining put down the prompt cards and raised a tall jeweled champagne glass before him. His face suddenly turned into a looking of thoughtful joy, the type of look a pony gets when they reminisce over a fond, long ago memory. "White Lance. You have been my best friend for fifteen years. You've stood by me in the face of overwhelming odds, and you've kept my life full of laughter and dedication." He turned to the regal crystal mare next to him. "Summer Rose, you've been a delight and a wonder to know. And you take care of him now, be his guide and his conscience. You do that, and you'll both recognise a better part of yourselves."

The azure coated mare gave a slightly tearful smile. Shining gave a quick glance to Cadence after uttering the last few words. His heart, his world. "And in the best marital tradition, I wish you both blue skies and good friends..." He raised the champagne glass above his head. "To the Bride and Groom!"

"To the Bride and Groom!" the crowd chorused.

After a sip of the fragrant honey scented wine, White Lance leaned in close to his wife, and shared a loving kiss.

The moon rose high above the mountains, casting an enchanting silver glow all across the Crystal Mountains, and a soft snow shower had begun to fall. The cold had kept everypony inside the great wedding hall to enjoy the incredibly rich buffet and soothing traditional Crystal Empire music. Everypony except for Shining.

The white unicorn stood perched over the edge of the great balcony overlooking the stunning valley, glass of fizzy champagne hovering in his magical grip. The cool night air seemed to calm him down. Not that he didn't like parties, he loved them in fact, and his best friend's wedding was one that he had made large re-shuffles in his schedule to attend. But there was something about a full moon on a winter's night which called to him. It was beautiful out here, and all across the vale below, hundreds of glowing night-blooming flowers lit up the moontouched snow.

A few clouds drifted above, bringing the tiny snowflakes with them. The sound of faint clopping hooves behind him drew Shining's attention.

"You'll catch a cold" Cadence chimed merrily, wrapping a soft pink wing around his withers. Her head fell against his as she pressed herself to his side, a gesture which Shining returned with an affectionate nuzzle. "What's bothering you, Shiny"

"Shiny? You only call me that when you want something" he chuckled. Cadence smiled and closed her eyes slowly.

"What a lovely night it is. Why don't you come dance with me? And White Lance is missing you"

Shining turned back to the windowed doors, smirking as he watched his best friend holding Summer Rose close as they slow-danced. He whispered something in her ear, making the crystal mare smile brightly before giving him a peck on the nose.
"Oh yeah, he looks so lonely" came Shining's sarcastic quip.

"Well even so" giggled the pink alicorn, the jewels in her mane flashing, "I want a dance. And you're going to give me one, right now mister." She gave him a firm smack on the rump with her tail to emphasise her point. As the pair re-entered the hall, a wave of warmth overtook Shining as the heat from the many candelabras scattered around the room. The air was filled with a soft music, a melody which stirred something in the white stallion's heart. It was beautiful, almost angelic.

"What is this?" Shining asked as he and Cadence took up their places onto the ballroom floor, Cadence's luscious sky blue gown sweeping to the side as she moved gracefully to her husband. The words of the song echoed through the hall, casting an almost magic atmosphere in the candlelit chamber. The shining moonlight blazed through the windows, making everything seem so enchantingly perfect.

"Kajahtaa kelloja tämän riemukkaan päivän.
Toukokuu kaikki enkelit tähdet yllä,
Paistaa äänensä laulaa nämä kaksi sydäntä,
Ja alkuun se siunattu päivä rauhan ja rakkauden"

The ancient song of the Crystal Empire was coming from a small choir of crystal ponies, standing together on a raised dais at one end of the room, whilst a harpist and two cellists played the accompanying music. It was perfect, complete and utter harmony, and Shining smiled warmly as the words rang through him.

"You still haven't learned the language yet?" Cadence chided him with a light bump on his chest, the two ponies moving gracefully together in a slow dance.

"Er, duties of high office have kept me..."

"More like the Palace Kitchens have kept you. You're getting fat Shiny" she giggled.

"Oh am I? Says you! I've seen you smuggling those cupcakes from the patisserie on Amaranthine Avenue"

Cadence swatted him playfully around the head, giggling as Shining swept her up in a lovingly embrace, interweaving his affection with the spontaneous dance they were performing. Now that Shining had time to think about it, he was never that good at dancing. Some of his friends in the Canterlot Guard, White Lance included, had compared his hoofwork to a crippled Timberwolf.

Then why did he suddenly know ho- the music. It wasn't a normal song.

"So, what is this song, again?" Cadence smiled and closed her eyes.

"Loosely translated from the old Crystal Speech...

...Ring out the bells upon this joyous day.
May all the angels of the stars above,
Shining with their voices to sing to these two hearts,
And crown this blessed day with peace and love"

Shining felt the corners of his mouth tug upwards...before a pair of lips met his lovingly. Cadence was right, it was a lovely night. And just because it was White Lance's wedding party, it didn't mean that what he had wished his friend in the speech couldn't apply to himself and Cadence.

"I love you, my Shining Armour"

The next morning dawned bright and early, creating a wonderful golden and pink glow on the eastern horizon. The last cobwebs of night melted away into nothing, and the last of the morning stars yielded before the sunlight. A cool winter breeze danced across the air above the Crystal Empire. The rays of light kissed the summit of the Crystal Palace, creating a shining beacon which radiated all across the north. As the morning birds sang their tunes of joy, the stunning diamond citadel was lit up like a spike of pearl and burning silver.

The dawn light crept through a pair of gossamer curtains located high up on the main tower, lighting the bedchambers of the Crystal Prince and Princess. Shining Armour let out a soft groan as a streak of warmth fell across his face, and he rolled over to avoid the glare of Celestia's sun. A pink muzzle made contact with his gently, tickling the white unicorn's nose.

"Time to get up, sleepy head" Cadence whispered with a smile, stretching her angelic magenta wings behind her as she kissed Shining's forehead. She was rewarded with a half content, half annoyed moan. Groping blindly, he found purchase on Cadence's slender body and pulled her close for a warm embrace.

"I don't wanna get up" he teased, "let's just stay here all day and let the world handle itself for a change. I could hold you forever." He kissed her on her neck, brushing away her luscious three toned mane with his magic. The pink alicorn giggled at her husband's playfulness. Clearly he still had some energy left after last night...

Using her own magic, she lifted his head away from her and brushed his hooves of. "Maybe later...if you're good" she winked, gracefully throwing the silken covers off her body with a flap of a wing. The sunlight began to flood into the room as time advanced, causing the sleepy unicorn on the bed to moan. "Come on mister. Duties of high office call."

Shining Armour smirked at the jab and finally channelled his energy into actually sitting up. Whereas Cadence was graceful in getting out of bed, Shining almost fell onto the polished floor. Despite having a gloriously decorated bedchambers and residence, Shining missed having carpets.

The royal chambers were huge, much larger than the room they had shared in Canterlot. The ceiling was high and vaulted, the weight supported by a series of six mighty amethyst pillars set around the circular room. The walls were of polished and cut snow diamond, decorated with beautiful paintings of mountains and sunsets. Two large windows overlooked the Crystal Empire proper, a truly breathtaking sight to see at dawn. The four poster bed which Shining had begun stumbling away from was carved from a single piece of solid star quartz, yet was covered with the most comfortable bedding Shining had ever slept on.

Cadence had disappeared off into the ensuite bathroom, the sound of running water filling Shining's ears as he stretched his hind legs out with very satisfying clicks. The tranquillity of the morning was interrupted by a loud knock at the door. With a disgruntled sigh the Prince opened to reveal the source of the disturbance.

A golden coated crystal mare with a muted red mane stood before him, her lithe form adorned with the uniform of a messenger. She wore a little round hat set with a pair of wings, and around her back she carried a dark grey saddlebag, sealed shut with a pin wrought in the shape of a lightning struck heart.

"Oh, f-forgive me your highness for intruding at this early hour" said the crystal messenger mare, her golden winged horseshoes clattering on the polished hallway floors, "but I was given this this morning by a Hermes Flyer from Canterlot. She said that it was of utmost importance from Princess Celestia herself for both you and Princess Cadence. She didn't say what it was, only that it was very urgent and required immediate attention."

"Thank you, um... Ruby Rush?" The mare smiled at the mention of her name by royalty.

"My pleasure, your highness" she said with a bow before leaving down the hall.

Shining levitated the bound scroll in front of him, noticing the familiar golden wax stamped 'C' holding the red ribbon in place.

"What is it?"

"A letter from Celestia. Said it was for both of us"

"Then open it. What does it say?"

Shining broke the seal and unfurled the piece of parchment gently, smiling at the sight of Princess Celestia's iconic flowing script. As he read the letter out loud for Cadence to hear, he began to falter. After rereading the letter again silently to himself, the white stallion was lost for words.

"Well? What's wrong?" asked Cadence, noticing his silence. She emerged from the bathroom with a white towel wrapped around her mane.

"I-It's Cervidas."

"The Deer? What's happened now?"

Shining felt the corners of his mouth rising as he hovered the parchment over to his wife. Her magenta eyes widened.

"C-can it be true? Peace? And Celestia wants us to go?"

"Seems that way! I can't believe this is happening" Shining beamed. The conflict and tension with the Crystal Empire's closest neighbour could all come to an end at this summit in Concordia. The letter had stated that other racial leaders would be present as well, which meant depending on how many would answer, it would be the largest single diplomatic gathering in over a hundred and twenty years.

Cadence leapt into her husband's forelegs, hugging him tightly and laughing with joy. "I guess we'd better get packing" she giggled.

"Are you sure that you don't want me to come with you, Your Highnesses? I can come with a contingent of Paragon Guards to protect you on your journey"

"We're sure Flash Sentry, but thank you" beamed Cadence, her slender pink neck wrapped in a luxurious violet scarf embroidered with silver thread in the design of snowflakes. "You need to remain here and keep order whilst we're gone. We've already informed the city council of our departure and they've arranged for the Empire to be ruled by the Parliament. But you've still got duties here."

"And besides" added Shining, "it would be a great experience for you. I've got to have some hard evidence of your skills if you're gonna be promoted to Captain."

Flash smirked nervously as he scratched the back of his head. The three ponies were standing beneath the vaulted domed arches at the Crystal Palace's entrance. The sun was low in the sky, suspended above the western mountains. The sky was clear, but the ground was thick with white snow. Winter in the Crystal Empire wasn't as intense as the rest of Equestria, but the arctic weather still managed to find its way into the mirrored streets of the Crystal City during the cold seasons.

All about them, over a dozen crystal ponies moved and wove around, bearing large containers and cases onto a beautifully crafted carriage. The wagon was two storeys tall, made from winterwood and set with lilac amethysts. A brilliant silver snowflake was emblazoned on the cart's sides, proclaiming the presence of the royal occupants. Behind the departure preparations, the Crystal Heart hummed softly.

"I know, but I don't feel right just staying here whilst my charges go off into hostile territory" the pegasus complained earnestly, the golden armour around his strong body clinking slightly. His helm was absent, allowing the Crystal Prince and Princess to view his face fully. "I would consider it my duty to protect the two of you on this mission."

Shining chuckled as he levitated a black scarf around his neck, the night dark wool sewn with icons of golden wings and flowers. "Your duty is to remain here and protect the land of our subjects whilst we're gone. We appreciate your enthusiasm Flash, but we've enough coming with us as it is. I don't want the Deer to think that we're some kind of invasion force by bringing a large number of guards." Cadence nodded her agreement.

"And besides", she added, "we have more than enough magic between us to take care of ourselves. Thank you for your concern, but really, we'll be fine." The pink alicorn patted a hoof on the pegasus' shoulder reassuringly, and finally Flash Sentry relented.

"Okay fine. Good luck, your highnesses" he said with a short bow before disappearing into the crowd, a pair of Crystal Palace guards trotting behind him. As he vanished from sight, Cadence turned to Shining, a smile decorating her face.

"Well at least you know he's committed. And eager. Two things that remind me of you when you first started out in the Canterlot Guard."

"Really?" said Shining with a raised eyebrow. "I never remember being than short though" he smiled. The clarion horn call behind the two monarchs heralded the end of travel preparations and loading, and Shining watched with pride as their private group of eight Paragon Guard formed up in front of their royal carriage. Another group of ponies came up from the rear, bearing another wagon laden with supplies for the long journey to Cervidas, and behind them in turn strode a host of regally dressed collection of ponies from all four races.

"Here come our precious flock" the white unicorn muttered, his voice dripping with false excitement. These ponies were the chosen representatives of all of the major Equestrian settlements, hoofpicked by Celestia and Luna to accompany the delegation to Concordia. Shining didn't like politics, or politicians themselves. His single biggest regret in being declared Prince of the Crystal Empire was the copious amount of slimy characters that he had to deal with. In his experience, three quarters of what any governmental pony said was lies. The other quarter consisted of things that you wanted to hear - which turned out to be lies.

"Play nice" his wife giggled, her three toned tail flicking behind her as she trotted towards the open door of their great carriage. "I'm sure it'll be quite an experience for the both of us, going off into a new land. I've always been curious about Cervidas. The stories I've heard say that it's one gigantic woodland filled with frozen lakes and icy hills" she continued.

"Is that why you've packed so many scarves?"

Cadence gave a matter-of-factly nod before disappearing into the wagon. As Shining moved forward to join her, the sound of clopping hooves behind him caused him to stop. He was greeted with the sight of a tall grey unicorn, covered head to hoof in engraved silver armour set with purple gemstones. Two large saddlebags were set over his back.

"Commander White Lance, requesting permission to accompany you, your highness"

Shining's eyes widened. "W-White Lance? What are you doing here? I thought you and Summer would be on the train to Manehatten by now"

"We were, but after I heard about this trip, I didn't wanna leave my best buddy alone"

Shining let out an exasperated laugh, but shook his head with all intentions on being serious. "No, Lance. I can't let you do that. You should be with your wife, you know, celebrating? I can't have you trailing behind me on some trip into the unknown. Summer Rose would kill me for letting you."

"Actually, it was her idea."

"What?"

"Yeah, I know! After I told her of the expedition, she suggested that I keep you company. I've told her all about your run-ins with the politicians. She didn't want me to leave you alone with them, mainly for their safety" chuckled the unicorn guard, trotting up to the royal carriage before dumping his saddlebags in the doorway.

"Wait, you can't just-"

"And are you gonna stop me? You may be a Prince, Shining, but I know you probably better than your own wife. And I'll be damned to Tartarus if I'm letting my lifelong buddy go away alone. C'mon, we're running late" White Lance chuckled as he cantered to join the cadre of Paragon Guards before the royal carriage. As he shuffled his way into the ranks of crystal ponies, he laughed out loud at the sight of his friend's face. "You can scowl all you want, I'm not leaving." The other crystal guards flashed wary gazes to each other. They clearly were not used to such informal quips to their Prince.

"I could have you detained and relieved, then escorted back to the train station where you should be" Shining called as he made his way up the small set of foldaway steps into the wagon.

"You could, yes" replied White Lance, smirking, "but you won't."

The pair shared a grin, and Shining nodded to the pair of heralds dressed in ornamental armour. The two ponies raised two great crystal flugelhorns to their lips and trumpeted proudly, the notes bouncing loudly off the great domed arches under the Crystal Palace. The Crystal Heart almost seemed to echo the sounds, giving off a powerful hum and a faint flash of light. The horn call was answered by another blast of silver trumpets, this time signalling that the rear-guard were ready.

White Lance stepped forward before his company. He was a Commander, making him the de facto leader of the battalion of guards. With a powerful stamp of his right forehoof against the ground, the unicorn cried:

"Paragon Company, escort positions. Forward march!"

And with a disciplined coordinated stamp of their own forehooves, the crystal guard began a slow and steady trot, prompting the carriage drivers to begin walking. With a rattle and creak, the supply cart followed along with the gaggle of politicians and ambassadors. As the procession paraded down up the northern avenue of the Empire, Shining turned to Cadence upon sitting down in the luxurious carriage.

"I still can't believe he actually postponed his honeymoon for this" he began, scratching his mane. "I mean, i just want him to lead a life which doesn't revolve around serving the Crown. He even said he wanted to resign after getting hitched!" Cadence was lounging lazily on a great velvet sofa, a clear gossamer canopy draping over her wings. With a resigned shrug, she removed her golden gemmed tiara.

"Well, it is his choice after all. Maybe he just wants one last adventure before settling down, and you said that it was Summer Rose's idea anyway. Personally, I would let him come along; he'll be a welcome change from the rest of our company, and he'll keep you from losing your temper at our 'flock'. You need your friends around you, Shiny" she said, planting a soft peck on his cheek.

The wagon rattled as the delegation party finally reached the outer borders of the Empire. Beyond the mirrored streets of snow diamond and amethyst lay lush green fields of grass and arctic forests. The fair vista rolled by outside of the carriage's four windows, giving clear views of the spectacular Crystalpeak Mountains. The range spanned across the Empire's entire north-eastern border, providing a natural barrier between Cervidas, the blasted snowfields of the east and the Sundering Sea. They were considered among one of the most beautiful sights in Equestria, as the very summits of the great snow-clad peaks were made from an extremely rare gemstone called Heaven's Tear.

At night, when the moon and the stars would shine brightly in the dark northern sky, the mountaintops would sparkle with a stunning and serene silver light, the great chunks of raw jewels reflecting the celestial glow a hundredfold, creating a shimmering series of arches which lit up the mountain passes as well as any streetlamp. Because of this, the Crystalpeak Mountains were incredibly safe to travel in at night, the number of wild beasts and bandits few due to the warding of the light. Before the Battle of Broken Horn Pass, trade between Cervidas and Equestria came primarily through the very mountain valleys that Shining and Cadence's party now approached.

It was sunset now, and the Crystal Princess smiled as she saw the rays of the dying sun kiss the faceted peaks, crowning them with halos of shimmering orange-gold fire. The snow shone like a great mirror, reflecting the warm rays upon the carriage and the surrounding ponies. Cadence stood up, struggling to keep her full balance as the carriage clambered upon the uneven rocks of the mountain range's foothills. The dirt road was guarded by tall pine trees that swayed lightly in the cool winter breeze, breaking the silence as great chunks of snow fell from their needles.

The party was at the mouth of a narrow chasm, bordered on one side by a sheer cliff, the other by a wide valley basin, wherein sat a frozen marshland peppered with winterwood trees, their white bark almost blending in with the snow. From here, the Paragon Guard formed into pairs, forming a small column to allow for faster movement along the winding valley path.

"How far until our next stop?" Shining wheezed, swallowing hard as he pulled himself away from the window. The valley view below may have filled Cadence with wonder, but to him it filled him with dread. He hated heights, damned high places...

"About another hour yet. We'll be stopping at Bridgetown for the night. The carriage drivers said we should reach Concordia tomorrow afternoon if the weather holds. The blizzards are unpredictable without any pegasi" Cadence answered, her face frowning upon noticing how far her husband was to one side of the carriage. A glance out of the window told her the reason and she smiled.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, yeah...just feeling a bit dizzy. How long is this valley?"

"No idea. But nothing's going to happen, don't worry."

Shining crept forwards. He had never liked heights, even when he was a young colt in Canterlot. The wind blowing round on the western side of the city, above the great flatlands below, used to scare him. They were so strong at times that they felt as if they would carry him away over the plateau to his doom. A memory stirred of a school trip in his teenage years to a mountain resort in the Prench Alps. He had been rock climbing in an attempt to defeat his fears, but in his zeal he hadn't seen the loose rocks on the edge of the peak's path. His life had been saved by none other than his wife. Cadence had been watching, and had saved him with a levitation spell.

"Do you remember that trip to Prance?" Cadence suddenly asked. The question was startling, and it further assured Shining's suspicions that his wife could read his mind. "I remember you slipping on that rock face, trying to be manly" she giggled. "I never did appreciate all your attempts to woo me. You were the stereotypical adorkable colt with the body of a jock."

"That fall was worth it" he smiled back, blushing a little in remembering how grateful he was to Cadence afterwards. The two had spent the rest of the time on the school trip together, often sneaking out of their dorms to walk beneath the starlight glades of the mountains. Shining smiled internally as he saw himself and Cadence sitting beside a serene waterfall. Our first kiss.
Cadence's voice snapped him out of his reverie. "Are you okay? You seem nervous, and I don't mean about the valley. You sure you're ready for this trip?"

"Well it's a bit late to turn back now" Shining laughed. "And I'm excited, if anything. We finally get to stop all the tension around here! We can come back saying that we just solved one of Equestria's greatest problems. And the question is, are you okay about all this? I can't go into the unknown without knowing that you're fine" he said with an affectionate nuzzle.
Cadence purred in delight, but hesitated in answering. Brushing her mane from her face with an uncomfortable hoof, she cleared her throat, almost as if she was deliberately making small pauses to extend the time until she had to answer. But finally, after a cough and three hiccups later, she spoke.

"No, I'm not. I don't like the feeling of all this, and it's my first proper summit away from Equestria. I had hoped to be more seasoned before going off into Cervidas of all places. I've heard the Deer have a whole load of customs and traditions that ponies know nothing off due to lack of interaction between our two races"

"But isn't that the beauty of it all? You were more excited than me the entire day once you found out!"

"I know, I know. But now that we're actually on our way I've got my doubts. What if we don't solve the problem and we make it worse? We could potentially mess this up so bad that we could put all of Equestria and the Crystal Empire in jeopardy!"
Shining gave her a reassuring hug, silencing her worried doubts as he felt her body melt in his embrace. Her mane smelt of winter spices and felt like the purest silk in his hooves, and Shining held the hug for longer than he intended too, relishing in his wife's perfect features. Upon separating, he gave her a kiss and a smile.

"It won't come to that. Just, just have confidence in yourself. You've done a lot more political summits than I have. In fact, do you remember my first one as Prince? I'd never heard a griffin screech that loudly at me before" he laughed, one which was mirrored by the pink alicorn.

The carriage suddenly lurched sharply to the right, knocking the pair of ponies to the floor with a curse from Shining. The road was getting very rocky as well as narrow, and Cadence stood up first to make sure that Shining didn't get a look outside lest he have some kind of panic attack. The sun had ignited the western horizon with it's fall, and the first of the silver stars began to flicker and shine in the inky blue sky. The highest of the peaks around the company began to shimmer, acting as celestial mirrors as the starlight caressed the clear stone.

"It's beautiful out here Shiny" she chimed in awe. Yet still, she didn't let her husband look - something that he was thankful for.

"I'll take your word for it. I'll see it when we get to Bridgetown - by the way, where did you say we were staying?"

"At an inn called the Frosty Diamond. It's owned by a family of unicorns, believe it or not. They've lived up in the mountains for over four decades, and the town built itself around their inn after travellers started coming to the Empire. It marks the border with Cervidas and is the most northern pony settlement in the world"

The wagon clattered along for another hour, during which time the moon rose like a heavenly watcher above the earth, setting the peaks of the mountain range ablaze with silver light. The pathway weaving through the valleys was decorated with a glittering layer of frost and powder thin snow. The company of ponies traversed the final valley leading to the Deer Realm's borderlands, many guards struggling to keep their own wonder restrained at the sight.

The lights of Bridgetown were flickering in the night, a dozen candlelit windows shining brightly in the darkened valley. Despite the arcs of silver on the mountaintops, Bridgetown was located in the shadow of a sheer sided ravine, which in turn lay beside the vast ruin of ancient glacier. The reflected starlight and moonlight found little purchase here, but the pathway to the small village was lit with a series of crude oil lamps.

"Your Highnesses, we're within sight of Bridgetown now. We should be there in the next ten minutes or so" came the gruff voice from one of the carriage chauffeurs. The royal wagon continued to move towards their destination, this time causing Shining to almost fall over due to the sharp ascent up the mountain road. Out of the window, the white unicorn could make out the town's crooked chimneys and haphazardly constructed houses leaning into each other.

"Thank you" said Cadence, craning her head out of the window on the opposing side of the cart. "Finally, it's been ages. And I'm so hungry I could eat all the cupcakes in Canterlot!"

"I just wanna have a lie down" Shining yawned.

"You've been sitting in here with me and a pile of pillows for the whole journey!" Cadence spluttered jokily.

"And your point is?" Shining laughed, feeling a very satisfied burn run along his legs as he stretched them out. It would be very nice indeed to finally walk upon solid ground again. At least he'd be able to walk without falling over whenever a rock presented itself to his path. The final stretch of their trip into the peaks came to a halt outside the town's outskirts.

The carriage door was suddenly opened, revealing a very tired looking White Lance, his armour glinting brilliantly in the oil and mountain light.

"We're here, Your Highnesses. I've ordered four of the Paragon Guard to escort you to your accommodation for this evening, and the supply cart will be taken to the village square. Your companions will be staying in another guesthouse away from the central avenue" he said as the pair of rulers stepped out into the cool wintery night.

Bridgetown was a small settlement built over the remains of the mighty Ironfrost Iceshelf, the town itself built on a ancient stone bridge above the cavernous glacial husk. The town was built around a single ice covered road running through the centre, surrounded on both sides by a series of rickety slate tiled houses. The buildings had none of the regal splendour of the Crystal Empire, nor even the quaint charm of settlements like Ponyville. Sharp shadows ran across the avenue like forlorn immaterial talons, and Shining felt a shiver run down his spine, a shiver caused by more than just the cold. Bridgetown was eerie without a doubt, and the location above a colossal ravine didn't do any favours for Shining's fears.

"Where is everypony?" asked a young crystal guard. Indeed, the town was void of all signs of life outside. It was less than an hour since the sun had set, and the weather was as fair as it could be for this time of year. A quiet wind whispered in between the houses, giving the impression of an odd sense of loneliness.

"No idea, but we'd best get you two inside and safe" said White Lance to the pair of royals standing beside him. "And, um...them" he nudged his head towards the gaggle of emissaries chattering behind the royal carriage. The silence upon the town seemed to nullify their talking, making the darkness around the company almost beat with a living pulse. "The Frosty Diamond is just up this way, Your Highnesses."

The trio of ponies began to walk forwards on the ice covered road, gazing skittishly at the dark alleys that sat betwixt the homes of the absent ponies. Cadence jumped a little as she caught a young filly staring at her from a second floor window, her face that of pained neutrality. The pink alicorn raised a hoof to wave, but the foal had disappeared before she had the chance.

"That's strange" she said curiously, "ponies should be celebrating Hearth's Warming Eve at this time. But I don't see any decorations or signs of a festival."

"Do the ponies here even know what time of year it is? It always seems to be winter anywhere north of the Empire all year round."

"But you can normally still tell what time of year it is. And this is a national holiday we're talking about. It just seems as if nopony wants to celebrate."

"Living here, what is there to celebrate?" White Lance quipped, gaining a smirk from Shining and a frown from Cadence. The group of ponies were soon joined by the rest of their retinue, the supply wagon clattering to a covered storage area presumably allotted for them beforehoof. A sight which filled the ponies with both relief and unease welcomed them. A single wooden sign creaking upon iron hinges hung before them on a large three storey building. A crudely painted diamond and snowflake was set on the wooden boards, The Frosty Diamond painted with flowing black script beneath it.

"Well, home sweet home" muttered Shining. The inn looked as if it were the most rundown building in all the world and Shining heard his wife sigh as she saw the holes in the tiled roof. The timbers holding the structure together were rotten and creaking, and the windows were only letting a faint fraction of candlelight escape to the street due to their dirt encrusted panes. A single trail of miserable smoke flew out of the precarious looking chimney. The front door was cracked and splintered in ways that suggested it had been rammed by some kind of horn or tusk.

Tentatively, White Lance stepped forward and banged thrice upon the entrance with an armoured forehoof, the sound echoing eerily as it bounced from the haunted looking porches and walls. It took some time for an answer to come, but it came in the form of a flickering candlelight seen faintly in between the slits in the wood. The silence was shattered as a heavy iron lock was opened, a chain retracted, and the handle turned.

Greeting the trio of proud, regal ponies was their exact opposite. Before them stood a short, roly-poly unicorn mare in her elder years, silvery blue hair tied back in a bun behind her withered ears. Her coat was of an extremely yellow, sporting a black kettle of a cutie mark. A single weak candle was clutched in her magical hold, the aura casting an ominous lime green light around the darkened entrance. Her wrinkled eyes scanned the group of ponies in front of her, a Prince, a Princess and a decorated Commander. Her mouth sneered into a twisted half-smile.

"You must be our guests" she rasped, her ancient voice sounding sore from either illness or simple lack of use. The three shuffled uneasily before Cadence spoke up, trying to sound as pleasant as possible without being condescending.

"Yes ma'am. We sent a messenger earlier today asking for a room for myself and my husband. We're travelling northeast, you see, an-"

"To Cervidas?" interrupted the crone.

Cadence continued her look of composure, ignoring the slight against her. Something which Shining and White Lance didn't take too kindly to, but both remained silent. "That's correct madam, and we've arrived with the rest o-"

"We're full" came the blunt reply.

"Watch your tone madam, this is the Princess of the Crystal Empire you're addressing" White Lance scolded, his normally smooth voice suddenly one as stern as cold iron.

"I don't care if she's the Queen of the kingdom of Canterlot and Marelantis! We're full, so I'm going to have to ask all of you to get off my property"

"But we sent a messenger beforehoof to secure us a place. And there isn't anypony around here!" protested Shining, sticking a hoof in the door as it was closing. "Surely you can't find some space just for one night? We've come a long way and we're tired. Your hospitality will be greatly appreciated, and we're willing to pay"

"How does that concern me?" rasped the unicorn.

White Lance took a step forward, but Shining stopped him with a foreleg. "We'll pay in gold"

"I have no need for gold."

"Jewels?" asked Cadence.

"Ha! I live in the Crystalpeak Mountains, deary. What gem could you possibly have that I couldn't find myself?"

Shining scratched his head. He was running out of ideas, and he had begun to shiver from the coldness. His black scarf whipped around his neck as a sudden gust of wind bellowed from the central avenue. A great cloudbank had suddenly rolled in from the east, bringing with it a faint snowfall.

"Tell you what" said the old pony, upon seeing Shining shiver at the icy talons of the winter outside. "I'll let you in, and your pretty wife too, if you give me that" she pointed a wrinkled forehoof to Cadence's golden wrought necklace. "That is my price"

"What? You can't possibl-"

"It's okay, White Lance. I've got another one back in the Palace" the alicorn muttered, sighing as she removed the golden heart shaped neckpiece with her magic before handing it to the landlady, her old eyes almost disappearing in the folds of her wrinkles as she gave a crooked smile.

"Most generous of you, lovey" she cackled, stepping aside and giving an exaggerated bow. "Welcome to the Frosty Diamond, Your Highnesses."

Tentatively, Shining was the first to step inside, lighting up the darkness with his horn before taking a long look round. Even with his magical illumination, the white unicorn had to squint his eyes to make out the old pieces of furniture around him. He was standing in a cramped living room filled with pieces of bric-a-brac and knick knacks, presumably collected over a number of years. A cold fireplace stood at the far end of the room, opposite of which sat a couch half eaten by moths and other scourges. A crudely constructed dining table lay to Shining's left, six rotten chairs sitting forlornly beside it. The only decoration besides the unusual collection of things was a mouldy rug at the door and an empty candelabrum.

"Lovely spot" whispered White Lance.

"I'd be thankful we've got a spot at all" muttered his Prince, his royal blue eyes squinting to make out every detail. Cadence followed wearily, taking care with her hooves not to step in anything which may be on the dusty, mildewed floorboards.

"Right this way, dearies. I'll take you to your room" said the ancient unicorn slyly, flipping Cadence's necklace over and over again in her hooves. "You'll be in the master suite, of course."

"Why are there no other ponies here?" inquired the Princess. "The town seems to be almost deserted, which seems a bit odd for this time of year."

"Ha! Hearth's Warming Eve? Bah, a stupid festival designed to sell candy canes to stupid foals and rake in profits for the big corporations. Us poor small folk lose out on all the holiday take-ins, leaving us with nothing whilst the rich millionaires get more bits to decorate their mansions with. Bridgetown is dead because of Canterlot. That damned city has sucked the life out of all the small towns, especially here at the plothole of the world!"

"Watch what you say before the Crystal Prince and Princess!" snapped White Lance, but was stopped as Shining and Cadence waved dismissive hooves at him.

Shining rolled his eyes at the mare as they began to ascend an old set of stairs, the steps creaking violently as the ponies made their way upwards. The path to the second floor of the dilapidated inn was lined with dust framed portraits of severe looking unicorns and earth ponies, and Cadence shivered from their hollow stares. A single large window stood silently at the top of the first landing, letting in faint beams of moonlight reflected from the mountains, but the way was mainly lit from the candle in the crone's magical grasp.

The creaking continued as the guests and their host walked along a narrow corridor, making even the stoic White Lance feel uneasy as he pressed himself in to avoid scraping his silver armour on the walls. Another dirty window at the end of the hall overlooked the abandoned street, showing the group that a light snowfall had come with the darkening clouds.

Shining found solace in the noises of the others in their party chattering, even if their voices were hushed and whispered. Finally, the ancient mare unlocked a door at the end of the corridor to her left, the rusted lock groaning in protest before clicking reluctantly open. With an over exaggerated and very sarcastic bow, the landpony ushered them in.

"Your chambers" she hastily said, the majority of her attention still on Cadence's shiny necklace. Nodding her thanks, the pink alicorn entered the room first. Her nose wrinkled immediately at the odd odour, a strange mixture of musk and chemical cleaning fluid masked with the overpowering stench of dying flowers. The room itself was reasonably sized, a grand four poster bed made from black wood dominating the scene. A grimy window lay at the far end, below which sat a pair of wingback armchairs, the stuffing showing on the right hoof one. An antique dressing table was pressed up against the opposing wall, a strangely out of place mirror leaning on its cracked surface. The bed sheets were dark from age, but Cadence could just make out the faint stitches in the shape of flowers.

"Rather you than me" whispered White Lance to Shining's ear.

"What was that, sonny?" snapped the old hag, giving the guard pony a glare that could scratch glass.

"I was just saying how lovely my Prince and Princess' room was, good lady" came the reply, the unicorn's voice thick with sarcasm, his face as neutral as a pony could get it.

"Well, if you love theirs, you're going to coo in delight with yours. I'm assuming you want a bed for the night too?"

"That would be appreciated, madam"

The old hag snorted, and kicked open the door opposing the royal suite with a buck which one would expect from a sprite young mare. The door slammed into the wall, sending a cloud of fine dust spiralling into the air.

"There" she spat, "it's all yours, you ungrateful sod"

"I thank you for your generosity" said White Lance, giving a bow which mirrored the mare's perfectly, his face barely concealing his contempt behind a veil of sarcastic politeness. The old mare shoved past him, muttering some vague insult under her breath before turning to her guests.

"I'll find somewhere to put the others. I bid you adieu, Your Highnesses." She shot White Lance a look of poison contempt before bustling back down the stairs.

The trio of ponies were plunged into darkness again briefly before Cadence lit a dusty oil lamp beside her bed. With an exasperated sigh, the alicorn turned to her companions. "Well, that was unexpected to say the least."

"Yeah" said Shining, "she was very, um..."

"Disrespectful? Arrogant? Slimy? Thieving?" suggested his friend, shrugging as both monarchs gave him looks of annoyance. "What? She did technically rob you to allow us to stay here, Your Highness"

Cadence shook her head. "She's doing us a great favour, even if her prices are...expensive. We should be grateful, and it's only for a night"

"Tomorrow we should arrive in Cervidas proper" said Shining, trying to lighten the mood with the prospect of reaching their goal. "And at Concordia before sunset."

Removing his helmet, the guard commander shook out his azure mane and sighed. "Well, I guess I'll see you two in the morning." He glanced into his own room, his face grimacing at the sight before him. "That is, if I don't die of Pony Pox, Magic Measles or the Black Plague overnight."

"Always the positive one" chuckled Shining as he began to close the door.

"Fifteen years knowing you will do that to you. Beware, Your Highness" White Lance shook a playful hoof at Cadence.

"It's past your bedtime boys, more playtime tomorrow" she giggled, waving a pink hoof at her husband's best friend before both doors shut for the night.

Unbeknownst to the party in Bridgetown, a tall, dark figure watched their arrival from a high mountain plateau overlooking the ruins of the Ironfrost Iceshelf. His dark eyes scanned the party of ponies warily, and his nostrils flared as he let out a satisfied huff of approval. The pine trees shivered around his dark form, as if the figure radiated a cold that set even them on edge. The chilly winter winds did not reach the tall watcher, the corners of his mouth climbing upwards upon spying two particular ponies amongst the crowd. As their respective magenta and white forms disappeared inside, the figure's mouth broke into a grin of anticipation.

Good, he thought. It's all falling into place...

Chapter 2: Forth into Darkness

"Guess we were a bit unprepared..."

Shining huffed loudly as the spring dug into his back yet again for what seemed like the thousandth time that night. It seemed as if White Lance's doubts and rather obvious feelings about the place were justified. This damned spring had ripped through the poorly made mattress as soon as Shining had laid his body down, stabbing him in the back and scratching his coat every time he moved. This place was, bluntly put, was a shithole.

The bathroom adjoined to their room was filthy, and Cadence had avoided even taking a shower in the dilapidated alcove at the sight of some colossal spider. The room was cold too, the thin windows failing to keep out the winter chill; the wind howled outside eerily like a mournful spirit, almost sounding as if it was beckoning Shining to walk out into its icy embrace to die. But despite the abysmal accommodation and tiresome journey, the unicorn had every intention of seeing it through to the end. Celestia needed him, and he would be damned to Tartarus if he didn't uphold his duty to his monarch.

Yet his great sense of duty and pride was already growing heavy upon his shoulders. 'The Crystal Prince' they called him, co-ruler and lord of the wondrous Crystal Empire and vassal to the Sun Goddess, guardian of Equestria and protector of the northern provinces. It was all so much. He shuddered in his bed thinking about it, even with Cadence beside him to keep him steady. The mantle of leadership was something he'd never shied away from, being Captain of the Royal Guard for over five years, but this was something else entirely. Shining's thoughts wandered away from the painful spring in his back, instead drifting to the Two Princesses.

Celestia and Luna had ruled for over a thousand years, seemingly immortal and almighty. Leadership they had since they were born, or so some said, and they had never backed down from what needed to be done to protect their subjects and to govern all that were beneath their care and rule. Two grand Goddesses, raisers of the sun and moon, queens of the Earth... and then there was Shining; a middle class unicorn colt who climbed up the political ladder too fast and too soon, a ladder which he never even imagined climbing in the first place. Oh, how Fate twisted and turned in its infinite paths.

The sharp pain of the spring came back to Shining immediately as he turned over, finally causing the white unicorn to huff in frustration before sweeping away the mildewed covers. Opening the door as quietly as he could, Shining Armour crept out into the narrow hallway as stealthily as he could to avoid waking Cadence, who mumbled some half sentence as she too repositioned herself to move away from the cursed loose spring. The hallway was bathed in a soft magenta light as Shining shut the door, a sharp creak slicing through the silence like a dagger. Once a satisfying click came from the knob, he turned and raised a hoof to the opposing door behind him.

Shining waited after he gave three quiet knocks, looking around himself feverishly as a disgruntled groan came from within the room. White Lance opened the door to his room with some force, showing his irritation at being rudely awoken.

"This better be good Shiny, or Celestia help me, the Crystal Empire may need to find itself a new Prince in the next ten seconds"

"I can't sleep, and I kinda need a talk with somepony other than Cadence"

"You mean it’s time for a Bro Talk?"

"Yeah..."

White lance's face cracked into a thin smile as he stepped aside, ushering Shining in with a over exaggerated wave of his hoof. The thing which Shining first became aware of once inside was that the strange musky smell that permeated his own room was much stronger here, and the unicorn wondered how in Equestria his friend could sleep with the foul odour. A quick glance at White Lance's crumpled covers told him.

"You haven't slept?"

"Only a little" White Lance replied. "The cold and smell get to you in here, not to mention your snoring from across the hall"

"Oh ha ha" said Shining as he rolled his eyes, setting his haunches down on his friend's low mattress. "So...it’s been awhile since we've had a proper catch up. I haven't seen you for like more than an hour since before the wedding. You've been avoiding me Lancey, my heart is weeping inside"

"Who wouldn't want to avoid you?" The pair shared a chuckle before the azure maned pony continued. "I know it’s been ages, but Summer and I have our own life now, and that translates to me waiting on her every need. She may not be a real Princess but she may as well be"

"And that stops you from seeing your friends?"

"I wish it didn't, Shining. You know that I don't. I've wanted to see you and Cadence for weeks, but the wedding planning took up so much time it was unbelievable!" He sat down beside Shining, a pang of guilt in his voice. "We both wanted to see you, but we never found time. Either we were busy arranging flowers and dresses or you and Cadence were doing whatever you two do to run the Empire"

"None of that could have been avoided, so why not indulge me with all I've missed right now" Shining smiled, leaning back and throwing his forehooves behind his head. White Lance propped his body against the black carved headboard, reminding Shining of the first time he'd met his best friend when they were attending their first year of the Canterlot Andromeda High School.

"What would you like to know first, the training of stubborn crystal ponies or my mother constantly sending letters telling me to visit soon?"

"I'd like to know what you've been up to. Ya know, like, normal stuff"

White Lance chuckled heartily. "Normal stuff? No such thing with friends and family like me"

"Well, have a go" Shining replied.

"Err, what is there to say? I'm married!" White Lance exclaimed, raising both his forelegs to his sides. "I've finally gone and got hitched with the most beautiful mare I've ever seen, finally got me parents off my back about 'having a full life', and I'm taking an early retirement to spend time with a new family... what else can you say to that?"

"That I'm happy as hell and extremely pissed with you for leaving!" Shining laughed. "I mean, Flash Sentry is a good guard, but he's got nothing on you"

"Shining Armour, are you finally confessing your feelings for me?"

"Why yes White Lance, you are the only one for me"

The pair burst out laughing a little longer and louder than they meant too. It was good to finally get together; it had been far too long since the two friends had shared a laugh together, the weights of life dragging them along at an agonising slow pace. The pair had been as thick as thieves for over fifteen years, battling through high school, scary parents, filly problems and more recently, battle and marriage.

"You sure you're not serious? 'Cause I remember that holiday to Manehatten very clearly, even if you don't"

"Don't even bring that up! I was drunk!"

"'Oh Lancey, you've been so good to me, and I want you to know that more than anything'"

"Don't!"

"'You are the best thing that's happened to me for a long time. I love you, Lancey!'"

"Don't take it out of context like that!" said Shining, levitating a pillow before swatting his best friend playfully around the head multiple times.

"Does Cadence know about your hidden feelings for me?"

Shining cast aside the pillow and leapt upon White Lance, knocking both of them off the bed and rolling onto the floor, laughing hysterically. The pair of full grown stallions shoved each other like foals, forgetting all cares in the world if just for a moment. White Lance finally managed to push Shining off him, giving him enough time to smack a pillow into the other pony's face. Shining returned the strike with an assault of his own, a wave of magic wriggling up White Lance's sides. Thus the tickle torture began.

"You two are the most immature stallions I've ever met" came an amused feminine voice from the door. Both ponies looked up in surprise to be presented with Cadence, her lips shaped into a smile and a look of complete and utter bemusement. "You disappear, Shining; I guessed you would have come here, but I've seen eight year old foals act more adult that you!" she giggled.

"He started it!" Shining protested. White Lance facehoofed.

"It’s four in the morning Shining Armour!" Cadence moaned. "Couldn't you have saved playtime with your buddy till tomorrow, or at least kept it down a bit?" She was trying to sound assertive, by the laughter in her voice took away all force, and Shining stood up to take advantage. Sweeping his wife up in his hooves he began to plant dozens of little butterfly kisses on her cheek and neck.

"Oh no, no no no no no, Shining, st-HA-stop it, r-right now!"

"Now don't be a spoilsport" he replied, pushing Cadence over onto the bed before letting her go. "Me and Lancey were in the middle of a deep and meaningful conversation about our lives."

"Says a lot about him if he thinks pillow fights are 'deep and meaningful', if you ask me" White Lance quipped to Cadence.

"Quiet you" she said. "Now in all seriousness guys, what's up? I know that you wouldn't have a 'serious' Bro Talk if something wasn't right."

"She knows about Bro Talks?" said the azure maned unicorn, a look of playful outrage on his face. "Shining, how could you? I thought we had something, and you had to go blab about our most intimate moments together with her!"

"Now who's coming onto who?" the Prince beamed.

"Guys!"

Both ponies fell silent, though all three in the room her struggling to maintain their composure at the whole situation. Finally Cadence broke the silence. "If our subjects could see us now..."

"They would think we're the best rulers in all of Equestrian history."

"Maybe. Now! Tell me, what's going on? How can your Princess help you today?"

"You seem very generous tonight" remarked White Lance, a cocky smile tugging on the corners of his mouth.

"That's because my husband and his child of a best friend won't be quiet long enough for me to get any sleep!"

"That hurt, Cadence..."

Shining had finally come around to some level of normality and he shut the bedroom door with his magic, creating a somewhat more sombre yet intimate atmosphere over the trio. The icy winds outside rattled ominously on the curtainless window pane, dimming the mood of the three friends, but not enough for their fire to die. After much fumbling around in the dark White Lance beheld a large unused candle and brought it to life with a flicker of magic. The orange glow burst across the room, creating sharp and ominous shadows in the corners. Yet the warmth was greatly felt in the cold, and all three ponies gathered round in a circle upon a dusty rug in the middle of the floor.

Shining was the first to voice his mind after snuggling up close to his wife. "Um, I guess I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything that's happened over the last year. I was going to tell Lancey all about it before we got, sidetracked."

"Oh, so that's why you woke me at some ungodly hour?"

"Yeah, sorry. I guess I just needed somepony to talk to other than Cadence, no offense."

"Lots taken."

Shining chuckled, but his face soon dropped as he continued. "With all that's gone on: our wedding, the Empire, Twilight's coronation, and now this situation with Cervidas... it's all so big and new, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for all that yet. I mean, I know Celestia and Luna have done this sort of thing for centuries and they seem as bright as ever. But I don't know if it's for me..."

"What do you mean, honey?"

"I mean that I'm just a unicorn from Canterlot. i come from no special background or family, but luck has seen me become Captain of the Royal Guard to the new Crystal Prince in less than five years. It's kinda scary..."

"Scary? Says the one who charged headlong into a line of armoured griffins before beating them all whilst I just sat and watched. You're probably one of the most fearless ponies I know"

"It's a different kind of scary, Lancey. I'm scared of failing, of letting everypony down"

Cadence draped a wing over him, and she snuggled up closer and gave an affectionate nuzzle. "You have nothing to worry about, dear. Being in a position of authority like we are is scary. But I know you can do it! I'm nervous about all this too; Celestia is relying on us both, but if we concentrate on the task at hoof I know we can do this"

"Love conquers all and all that" chuckled White Lance.

"Exactly" Cadence agreed. "And so does confidence"

Shining gave a slow smile to the two ponies in front of him; truly he was the luckiest stallion in the world to have such a pair in his life. Nodding weakly, he laughed. "I just hope its all worth it in the end."

A loud crash from outside caused all three ponies to dart their heads towards the window. Scrambling to his hooves first, White Lance peered curiously into the howling blizzard beyond, his sharp eyes trying to pick out the source of the disturbance. The night revealed little, the silver light of the mountains only reaching a small part of the steep ravine around Bridgetown. The central avenue was silent and abandoned save for the royal carriage and supply cart.

"What was that?" Cadence queried.

The sound came again, only louder. And closer.

Shining joined his friend by the window, both sets of eyes directed towards the high mountain looming above the village. The ominous peak was not crowned with the reflective crystal of Heaven's Tear, and so the shadow it cast was grim and eerie indeed. The boom came again, this time definitely sounding from the slopes of the mountain.

"Err guys, we may want to wake the others..." White Lance muttered.

"Why? What in Equestria is it?" Cadence asked, backing away from the window towards the door, ready to raise the alarm if need be. Shining turned also, beating his wife to chase and cantered out into hallway. "What's out there White Lance?" she implored.

The azure maned guard didn't answer as he levitated his silver gemmed armour onto his body, fastening the multitude of straps and buckles with deft magical control. As he finally placed the plumed helmet upon his head did he give a response.

"Something big, something loud, and at my guess, something dangerous. You have to get out of here, Your Highness"

The pair exited the cramped room as dashed towards the flight of stairs. Shining had already thrust open the doors of the lower corridors with a single spell, awakening all those in their company still slumbering. Several had already sensed the same danger and thus followed the white stallion out of the building, their multicoloured bed robes flapping behind them like pennants caught in a strong breeze.

"Let's move it, ponies!" came a single booming shout from White Lance as he rounded up the stragglers with a bit more force than he intended. Another rumble came from outside the inn. Cadence followed as the last of the delegates evacuated their rooms, filling Bridgetown with the largest collection of spoken voices it had witnessed for a long time.

As the pair of high ranking ponies arrived at the entrance, they were greeted by the rest of the Paragon Guard company, all eight adorned in the silvered armour of the Empire. One of them trotted towards his commander as he approached, shoving past the panicking politicians.

"Commander, the company is all accounted for, but our supplies are still outside in the wagons. I didn't send anypony outside to get them. Should I ord-"

"No, Steel Charge. Don't send anypony outside. Whatever's out there sounds big and pretty damn strong. I don't want any of the delegation or the unit harmed tonight. Round everypony up and take them to the cellar."

"Yes sir, His Highness the Prince already went down there to find the landpony" said the guard with a firm salute before turning his attention to the crowd. White Lance swivelled his own gaze to Cadence.

"I would join the others down below, Your Highness. I cannot guarantee your safety."

"Seriously, Lancey? Not that I doubt your judgement, but I can take care of myself well enough. Now, I'll be getting those supplies. Celestia knows what's out there. We can't afford to lose them."

White Lance blocked the door with an armoured foreleg. "That's precisely why you're not going outside."

"Commander" said Cadence sternly, gaining a raised eyebrow from the unicorn. "Let me through."

And yet still he stood firm, even whilst all the ponies around him were circling everywhere in a panicked frenzy. Cadence had to hand it to him; he really was a dedicated friend and protector. "You have to understand, Shining would literally murder me if anything happened to you under my care. And I kinda want a few more years before I start pushing daisies."

The pink alicorn smiled, but one followed by a very obvious raised eyebrow. Reluctantly, White Lance stepped aside. "You be careful Cadence."

"I'm always careful" she chirped. And with a friendly wink and a flap of her wings, Cadence cantered into the freezing night beyond.

The wind whipped at her mane and tail mercilessly, ripping the neatly curled strands from their state of voluminous perfection into one of wiry disarray. The air far above Bridgetown screamed like a wailing foal as the blizzard flew through the jagged slopes and crevices of the high peaks, the silver blades of the moon's rays cutting through the cloud walls erratically. With the wintery tempest came white snowflakes, so cold that their crystalline forms felt like razors against Cadence's fur. Shielding herself with a foreleg, the young Princess strained in the darkness to locate the supply wagon.

No lamps had withstood the might of the storm, and thus all the village was plunged into an eerie darkness. The lights of the mountains had been extinguished by the clouds, with no aid coming from the celestial bodies above. Steeling her body, Cadence ventured forth into the main avenue of the lonely, ice-bound town. Flaring her magic, she created a great pillar of blue fire along her horn to guide her way, ignoring the oddly beautiful spectacle of snowflakes falling to become water as they passed it.

All around the pony, Bridgetown creaked and shook, and Cadence marvelled at how the inhabitants could bear the wrath of the untamed elements. Here at the roof of the world, no pegasi were present to keep order in the skies, leaving the wild heavens to their own devices. Ice raced across the cobbled road, forcing the pink Princess to tread carefully lest she risk injury. But at last, Cadence's gaze found the much welcome sight of the white wooden supply cart. It looked as if the sorry looking contraption was being assaulted by the winds like a castle about to be overrun. The canvas cover had been ripped from its hooks, nowhere to be seen, and the metal frames binding the planks together were beginning to bend and creak in the extraordinary arctic temperatures.

Another crash sounded, shaking Cadence to the bone as she quickly searched above for the source, yet her pink eyes were met with nothing but the wind and the snow. Thinking quickly, the young Princess located the crate carrying the largest portion of food supplies and began to levitate it from the doomed cart, a task which was greatly slowed by the weather. With an almighty effort, Cadence hurled the box expertly through the open doors of The Frosty Diamond, smirking a little to herself when a strained "thank you" came from inside.

With the grace and skill of an artisan magic user, the Princess raised all the food supplies from the cart and thrust them through the doors, praying that nopony was in the way. Next, Cadence turned her attention to general supplies like blankets, medicines and rope. But her progress was disturbed by a single great boom.

The alicorn fell to the street cobbles, so great was the force of the crash. And thus Cadence saw what it was which terrorised her and her companions.

***

"You did what?" Shining yelled as White Lance finished his explanation.

"There was no stopping her! You know as well as I do how stubborn she can be, and she can handle herself."

"That's not the point! She's my wife! And you let her go out there by herself?"

White Lance bristled. "Well, you weren't exactly there to stop me were you?"

"I shouldn't have too! Goddess-dammit!" The white unicorn shoved past his armoured friend and threw himself out into the freezing blizzard. The temperature change assaulted Shining like a sledgehammer, freezing his coat and whipping his mane and tail with such ferocity he thought that they would both disappear. His eyes scanned the storm for any sign of his wife, and he breathed a sigh of relief upon sighting a bright pink form in the midst of the grey and black tempest.

But that wasn't what drew his gaze next...

"Celestia help us..."

Towering above the Crystal Princess stood a colossal dark figure, so large that Shining at first mistook it for the mountain. But this mountain moved. It loomed into the heights of the snowstorm, its monstrous yet stunningly majestic head swaying back and forth. The white unicorn could see now that this mountain was armoured in scales of the brightest silver instead of rock, and that the snow clung to every joint and hold across the scaly hide.

If Shining's memory served him correctly, then all the company would need to escape. Fast.

"A Frost Leviathan..." he breathed.

Such creatures were known by many names across the legends of the world, from Ice Dragons to Cold Drakes, to Winterbringers to Rime Behemoths. But these creatures were just that, legend. Until the fateful day when the Crystal Empire returned to the waking world. With it came King Sombra, and all the other terrors that he wielded in that dark time. This creature must have come back as well, and it now stood before his wife.

"Cadence!"

The Princess didn't move, her body transfixed by the mighty manifestation of the untamed winter's wrath. The dragon was wingless, but made up for its lack of flight with sheer mass. It was massive, a gigantic reptile of ice-armoured scales and frost crowned horns. Its head was strewn with razor spines longer than Shining's body, and its eyes blazed with a fire which bore no heat. Freezing saliva rained from its maw of needle sharp teeth, solidifying as it came into contact with the cobbles of Bridgetown, creating marvellously shaped frozen waves.

Its feet could crush three ponies at once, and were edged with claws thicker than the walls of the Crystal Palace. A sweeping tail thrashed back and forth behind it, smashing against the mountainside. Small avalanches tumbled behind the dragon, yet it didn't seem to notice.

"Cadence!" Shining called again, but his call was drowned out by a ground-shaking roar issued by the terrible creature, almost in a challenge. If those inside the inn were under any doubt of the real danger, Shining was certain that that was all they needed to be convinced. The Prince called again, but again to no avail. Desperate, Shining ran towards his wife.

And the dragon locked eyes upon him.

"Cadence! For pony's sake, get away!" Shining grabbed her and hoisted her away from the monstrous reptile. Just in time. The great jugular of the dragon raced downwards, fangs glinting as it bit down into the stone path, sending blocks of rubble and dirt flying into the air. "For Celestia's sake Cadence, what were you doing?"

"We needed the things in the cart. We'd never survive the journey otherwise!"

"We won't survive now if this thing is still here!"

The ice dragon roared again in outrage to find its mouth empty of prey. Its huge nostrils flared violently, and it fixed its blue flaming eyes upon the two ponies. Shining thrust himself between the predator and his wife, but Cadence defiantly cast him aside.
"You're not facing this thing alone" she declared, her wings flaring into ready position as her horn glowed with a powerful spell. Shining turned quickly to the open doors of the inn.

"White Lance! Get the party into the basement and wait for our return. If we aren't back soon, get everypony to safety, however long it takes!"

"Yes sir"

Shining knew his friend would gladly stand at his side, but he knew that his first loyalty was to the Crystal Crown, and thus Shining found great relief in knowing that the rest of the group would be in good hooves. The combined power of the Crystal Prince and Princess would have to be enough to contend with the great dragon.

The beast growled angrily at the pair of powerful ponies standing before it, a shield against the bridge. Cadence and Shining dug their hooves into the snow, the latter smirking as he noticed their synchronisation, and charged their magical might through their horns. Cadence raised her wings aggressively. The dragon smashed its tail upon the mountainside like a drumbeat. Shining gulped.

"Still glad you married me?" he suddenly laughed.

"Wouldn't have it any other way" Cadence chimed.

The dragon lunged forwards.

Immediately, the night storm was lit up by two great arcs of blue and magenta lightning bolts, both rocketing towards the leviathan and striking true. The sky and earth trembled as the huge lizard flinched, hissing in outrage at the two great black streaks marking its chest.

Cadence took to the air whilst Shining dashed forwards beneath the serpent's tree-thick legs, The pink alicorn swirled around expertly, seemingly unaffected by the roaring wind and snow, and fired a great blue torrent of flame at the dragon's eyes, hoping to blind the creature. Yet the fire fell short before it could strike, and the leviathan unleashed an attack of its own. The Princess was forced to dive sharply as a huge blast of super-frozen air spiralled towards her, the wake numbing her triple toned tail. Seeing the danger, Shining assaulted the beast's underbelly.

A lance of pink energy impaled the soft scales beneath the icy armoured plates, causing a cry of pain so loud that an avalanche fell in the distance. The white unicorn ran before he was trampled beneath the mammoth paws of the dragon, turning to fire one final blast of fire at the wound before rolling into the snow.

The ground shook again as the dragon repositioned itself, a river of freezing blood pouring from the scar in its belly. Shining barely had time to flee from where he was when a mighty set of jaws attempted to clamp around his body. Another lightning bolt struck the beast in the side of the head as Cadence swooped over on the wind currents.

"Finish it off, honey" came Shining's call, tempered with a very forced laugh. "It's getting a bit rowdy!"

Whether or not Cadence heard him was unknown, but she seemed to respond with the launching of yet another bright blue lightning bolt to the dragon's scarred visage. The roar echoed around the valley, prompting Shining to slide away as the colossal tail swirled around, smashing the street asunder in a shower of debris. He shot another beam of light across the underbelly of the beast, searing scale and sinew in a single deadly arc of colour.

But Shining failed to see the great clawed paw as it swiped around to his right.

The iron hard foot thudded into the white unicorn with the force of a pony at full gallop, hurling Shining across the torn streets of Bridgetown and into the wall of one of the crooked houses. He crashed through completely, tumbling head over hooves into the dark and dreary home, knocking a table and various other items of furniture everywhere.

For a moment everything was black, and the howling of the wind and thundering rumbles of the battle were less than whispers, but soon all of Shining's senses began to reappear. Shaking his head roughly, the white stallion huffed in annoyance. He was getting rusty. He hauled himself up, wincing at the pain shooting up and down his right side, the impact marked with a great red gash across the otherwise white fur.

A great flash came from outside, and Shining turned quickly enough to witness the sight of the great ice dragon belching forth a tide of pure winter from its maw, heading straight for Cadence. But as Shining began to move forwards, the pink alicorn summoned a bubble of radiant rosen light to envelop her, and the Crystal Prince gasped as the razor sharp ice shards and numbing air were turned to blossom petals as they came into contact with it.

"Shining, a little help might be appreciated right now!"

He didn't need telling twice. Shining Armour galloped back into the cold, horn flaring in preparation for another spell, but was forced to roll to the left as the leviathan's head raced down to meet the street, fangs glinting menacingly. Cadence landed regally next to her husband, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

"You okay, honey?" Shining coughed, the pain down his shoulder forcing the words to become pained.

"All things considering, I could be better" Cadence quipped. "Shouldn't we rally the Paragon Guard? This beast isn't going down easily."

"Are you kidding, this is great! I haven't had this much fun in ages!"

"Oh really? Well, thanks very much Shining Armour. I'm only your wife!" Cadence laughed.

The dragon growled, almost frustrated that the pair of ponies had relented. That thought made the pair smirk, but all amusement vanished when the mighty horned tail began thumping on the bridge, cracking and buckling the ancient stonework to the point where Shining could feel the cobbles start to shift beneath his hooves.

To their horror, both Cadence and Shining realised that the dragon was going to sever the entire bridge.

"White Lance!" bellowed the unicorn stallion. "Get everypony over the bridge, now! We have to get to Cervidas!"

The guard captain poked his head out from the doors of the inn, and froze at the sight of the gigantic monster that threatened to doom them all. "What in Celestia's name is that?"

"It doesn't matter; just get everypony out of the basement. The whole bridge is going down!"

That managed to snap White Lance from his awe.

"Let's move it, ponies!" he roared before galloping outside, the great plume on his silver helmet flying violently in the wind.
With the party hopefully secured under his best friend's protection, Shining once again turned his attention to the immediate threat.

"Any ideas?"

"Nothing we've done seems to have slowed it down. I don't know what to do know but distract it from the rest of the group."
With a grim nod, the royal couple began to canter forwards again, horns charged and ready...

"Aeria!"

A thundering command shook through the night, silencing the storm and dragon alike with its sheer volume, and indeed, it seemed as if the weather relented for a moment. Yet more avalanches tumbled down the mountain valleys, and even the houses of Bridgetown shook. The great ice dragon ceased its attack upon the bridge and glared angrily at the source. Shining, Cadence, and all the pony delegation looked in unison behind them, and silently gasped.

"Enni aeriu yi iras mörvannél. Elnii ei manioná caraná falyana yi ámuna!"

Upon a high rocky ridge looming above the miserable town, stood a mighty and regal stag, his stunning antlers reaching into the stormy sky gracefully. He stood at least a full head taller than either Shining or White Lance, his dark coat of mahogany making him seem like a shadow against the eerie trees behind him, yet glowed with a power the likes of which nopony had witnessed before.

And then the impossible occurred.

The monstrous dragon, simply turned away.

"W-What?" Shining gasped. "What happened? Who is that?" The great lumbering reptile hissed in irritation as it clambered back up the ruined mountainside, giving the bridge one final smack of spite with its mace-like tail. And as it fled, the wind and blizzard seemed to calm, fading gradually until nothing remained but a breeze, laced with soft and delicate snowflakes. The clouds cracked and collapsed, releasing a tide of moonlight. The ruins of the Ironfrost Glacier were illuminated once again by the celestial light of the mountains, and all was calm again.

The party of ponies gaped in awe at their apparent saviour, the mountain lights laying a shining halo above his magnificent antlers, which in themselves glowed faintly, and Shining's senses could detect that he was a magic-wielder. The stag snorted powerfully, exhaling a jet of vapour before stamping his great forehoof upon the ice. His calm, dark eyes regarded the assembled ponies carefully, as if deciding whether to call the beast back to finish them or not.

Now that the light of moon and mountain shone once again, Shining could see now that the stag's coat was in fact a lighter shade than he originally thought, and that great swirls of white fur decorated his body. His antlers too had the same inscription marked upon them, and suddenly Shining realised that this was a very powerful being indeed.

The stag leapt gracefully from the ridge, landing directly before the stunned group of freezing ponies. His hooves didn't even slip upon the frozen street of Bridgetown, and he raised his handsome face as he brought himself to his full, imposing height.
"Who are you, outlanders?" he boomed, frightening some of the politicians with the sheer power that his voice commanded. "The borders to the Deer-Realm are not open trespassers or the weak. Only the invited and the strong can survive beyond these woods."

"Did he just call us 'weak'?" muttered White Lance to Shining, raising an eyebrow beneath his silver helmet.

"You mishear me, unicorn."

White Lance froze. The great stag gave a sarcastic lean of the head, before letting out a deep, throaty chuckle, stunning all present with its existence.

"Of course I do not take you for being 'weak,' good ponies. I know who you are, Your Highnesses" he bowed curtly before continuing. "It's fortunate indeed that Princess Celestia sent you to come to us this night. Although I'd be rude not to apologise for the dragon. Terrible creatures; many a stag, doe and fawn have fallen to such things. Heavens know why they exist."

"B-But, what did you do to send it away like that?" Shining spluttered. "We tried everything and we couldn't get it to -"
The great stag hushed him with a raised hoof. "Be at ease young Prince. We deer have our secrets, but suffice to say that our magic is different from what you ponies use. We feel the world more so than any unicorn or earth pony, and we listen to the sky unlike any pegasus."

"How wonderfully lucky for you" White Lance chuckled. "Who are you, by the way?"

Shining and Cadence shot him incredulous looks, terrified that the young unicorn might have insulted their saviour and emissary to the Deer-Realm. But the buck simply smiled warmly.

"That is unimportant at the present time. But for now, if a name is truly what you desire, you may call me Ebon Horn."

***

"No! I will not give back what's mine!" screamed the landpony, her elderly frame shaking with frightening intensity. Shining was surprised that she didn't keel over or simply fall apart. Flustered, both White Lance and Cadence raised their forehooves to their heads in frustration, though for different reasons. "Why should I return what was honest payment for the use of my house and home? You have no right to steal from me!"

It had been Ebon Horn's idea to retrieve Cadence's necklace , especially after the whole incident with the ice dragon, yet the tiny old mare was more than hesitant to relinquish it. The tall imposing deer stood just outside the doors of the inn, his expansive rack and height making it impossible for him to enter alongside his new companions.

"Look, we've all been through hell tonight, albeit a pretty cold one. But you can't seriously expect us to walk away from here leaving that necklace with you!" White Lance snapped. "It's virtually thievery!"

"White Lance, please" hushed Cadence. She had never been keen on the idea. If it were up to her, the party would already be on their way into Cervidas. Ebon Horn had offered to take the group of ponies to a new refuge for the night in the form of a small deer hamlet along the shadowed forest path. "I already said that I have another just like it back home. We're wasting our time here."

"You heard your Princess, now shoo!"

Shining sighed heavily. "Look, we'll leave once we have our compensation."

"NO!"

White Lance stormed outside, muttering a great many profanities under his breath. The pair of royals kept their eyes fixed on the stubborn mule of a landpony. Only after Cadence turned to leave did a booming voice come from outside.

"You there, unicorn! Heed my voice well" Ebon Horn said. "I would suggest that you return the Princess' treasure soon, lest weary travellers suddenly hear of how the Frosty Diamond disappeared into the ravine."

"Ebon Horn!" Shining gasped. "That's a bit much isn't it?"

The dark stag shook his head slowly. "This old mare has been swindling travellers coming into Cervidas for decades, yet we deer haven't been able to do anything about it due to Bridgetown falling under Equestrian law. I'm positive that if you look hard enough you'll find the proof."

Shining raised an eyebrow in thought before turning back to the old unicorn. "Is this true?"

A very smug White Lance smiled with grim satisfaction as the wrinkly pony began to quake slightly under the Crystal Prince's iron stare. Her words came out in shallow rasps as she struggled to find the words to defend herself. Shining nodded to his best friend. "Search everywhere."

The platoon of crystal pony guards entered the inn once more, this time throwing caution to the winter air as they conducted their search, forcing open locked doors and cupboards, cabinets and dressers. Nowhere was left unscathed; the basement to the attic, every room and corner, compartment and passage, and it didn't take nearly as long as Shining expected for them to find what they were looking for.

The guards returned in twos, their hooves laden with mounds of glittering gold coins, necklaces, rings, horseshoes and even a tiara. gems were here too, multitudes of them, ranging from small fire rubies to snow diamonds the size of a pony's hoof. Pearls soon followed, along with three bolts of fine silk, a crate of exotic spices from Shanghay, and even marble bust of Princess Celestia gilded with white gold. After the final pile of precious good was dumped before Shining's hooves, he looked up at the mare.

"Fine..."

She levitated the beautiful wrought necklace over to the Prince, her face contorting with disappointment as Shining snatched it from her magical grasp. "Pleasure doing business with you" he quipped. As he turned to leave, he nodded to the guards. "Take a gem each." The eight crystal ponies stood still for a moment until Shining pointed at the mounds of sparkling stones directly. "Go on. It's not as if we can return them to their original owners, is it? You all deserve it after tonight."

The faces of the armoured ponies beamed immediately, each racing to the treasure hoard like a pony possessed as they reached and took eight great jewels of tremendous size and value. The old unicorn mare opened her mouth in protest, but a sharp look from the blue maned Prince told her otherwise.

He kissed Cadence on the forehead as he clasped her neck-piece back on. "You know, you still look beautiful even without it"

"Oh you" she giggled before nuzzling him tenderly. "Thank you, honey. Although it wasn't necessary" she emphasised for what seemed like the dozenth time that night.

"Don't I get a kiss?" White Lance smirked.

"You get nothing" laughed Shining.

"I call friendism!"

"What in Celestia's name is 'friendism'?" asked Cadence.

White Lance gave her a look of mock outrage. "Why, it's the form of discrimination that a pony displays when depriving their best buddy affection, just because he's his best buddy, of course"

"That is by far, the most stupid thing I've heard all week" Shining grinned. Ebon Horn shook his head slowly, a deep chuckle rumbling in his throat.

"We'd best be going, ponies" he said softly. "The morning will be far yet in this region of the world, and you have a long journey still ahead of you. Gather your supplies and companions, and I'll lead you on a safe path through the woods."

The party set off in earnest immediately, with makeshift repairs made to the supply cart. The light of the blessed Crystalpeak Mountains began to slowly fall away as Ebon Horn lead the ponies deeper and deeper into the darkened woodlands of Cervidas. The great stag walked ahead of the company of crystal guards, White Lance close behind him. The Royal Carriage, miraculously undamaged in the dragon attack, rattled along, yet this time holding the number of terrified and shivering ambassadors. Shining and Cadence walked abroad, wrapped in woollen clothes and scarfs.

The forests of Cervidas, as far as the royals could tell, were not like those of Equestria. The trees here were tall, broad and eerily grasping with their branches. A vast number of evergreen spruces and firs dotted the landscape, which slowly ascended along a beaten, icy road. The eaves of the woods were black and devoid of all life, the snow unmarked by any animal tracks, and the winter wind whistled through the hidden groves with sinister voices. The moonlight offered some comfort, yet also made the deep woods look unnatural and enchanted, which Shining suspected was the case.

The chiming of bells could be heard every so often around the young unicorn, but his eyes found no source when he searched for one. Cadence too could feel the magical touch of the woodland. Her feathers kept ruffling every time a tree creaked or moaned in the cold breeze, and like Shining, she too could hear the faint dancing of bells.

The only members of the company who seemed immune to the charms around them were White Lance and Ebon Horn. The latter Shining could understand not to show any fear, being a native resident of such a place, but White Lance's stoic pace and lack of reaction to his surroundings surprised Shining a little, and he smirked with jealousy at his friend's bravery.

Little did Shining know that White Lance's eyes were darting all over the place, petrified of another encounter with some other terror of the north.

The path wound through the trees for another two miles at least, and Shining began to worry. The forest seemed to be closing in on him, the great boughs of the trees leaning ever closer together to form wicked looking arches of thorn and bramble. The undergrowth began to thicken as the company marched onwards. The cold hung all around them like waiting talons, and soon every crack and snap of twig send shivers running down everypony's spines.

"How much further to the village? You said we'd be there way before the dawn, but I can see light on the horizon" Shining called to the dark deer ahead, who responded with a slight chuckle.

"That is not the sun, good Prince. And we are close to our destination now; just over this next rise and into the valley below. i do believe you'll be in for quite the surprise."

They proceeded as told, with the royal couple anxious to see what lay beyond the confines of the bleak forest. the mysterious light continued to shimmer on the horizon, something which caused many a furrowed brow to form on everypony's face, even the resolute White Lance. But as the clouds began to clear, all the breath that the company had taken since the start of their journey was robbed from them.

Before them lay a wide, sweeping valley of stunning white slopes: the foothills of a series of mighty and majestic mountains enough to rival those of the Crystalpeak range in their beauty. Gone was the menacing and unwelcoming woods, replaced with legions of tall and proud pine trees rich in the colours of evergreen. Three crystalline brooks, long since frozen over, shone like the silver veins of the living cradle of life, pooling in the centre of the valley at a glimmering ice bound lake. And far above the star crowned mountains was revealed the source of the magical glow. Auroras the likes of which neither Shining nor Cadence had ever witnessed before danced gracefully and merrily across the indigo sky like flames of green, blue and gold.

Ebon Horn smiled proudly to himself. "This, weary travellers," he began, "is the valley that we deer call the Ronariá Laoraná, the Vale of Twilight. And the lights above you are the Ćeruniá Évaliá, the Fires of Heaven, the lights of the sky which guide many a pilgrim home in this dense forestland."

"It's beautiful..." Cadence breathed, he breath returning in great plumes of vapour. "Nothing in Equestria can compare to such natural beauty!"

"This is our hidden treasure" Ebon Horn beamed.

"It's so wonderful!" White Lance suddenly exclaimed, startling all present with his pitch. The unicorn looked around at his companions incredulously for a moment before pointing a hoof to what he had spotted. "Look!"

Nestled on the banks of the glacial pool set a tiny cluster of small wooden lodges, arranged sweetly along the snowy shoreline like in a foal's tale storybook. Thin wisps of smoke trailed lazily into the night sky, and the flicker of less than a dozen candles glowed in the cold.

"Ah, your residence for tonight" announced the tall buck. "Welcome to the charming village of Roe Brook, my friends. I'm sure that the folk here would be more than willing to find beds for you."

"But surely everypo - deer is asleep?" Cadence queried.

"Not all. We deer don't mind the night as much as you ponies do."

After a shrug of indifference from both Shining and White Lance, the group of ponies began to make their way down the hillside. Yet as the rickety supply wagon wobbled downhill, Cadence stopped. Ebon Horn stood at the summit of the ridge and watched as the party departed the dense woodlands, but did not lift a hoof to follow.

"Aren't you coming with us?" Cadence asked, confused.

"Oh no, dear Princess. I wouldn't want to impose on your privacy."

"What are you talking about? You saved us from an ice dragon! I think that warrants our thanks more than you can imagine. You're always welcome to be with us, and you wouldn't be imposing."

Yet the stag shook his head. "I'm afraid not. My duty lies behind us, far from the path we took, and yours lies ahead. Far past these peaks of white and through the vast pine woods of Cervidas. The White Hart awaits you and yours tomorrow sunset, and you would do well not to disappoint him."

Cadence looked unconvinced, but finally relented and made her way down to join the others. But as she began to walk, an odd thought suddenly flickered in her mind.

"Wait, how did you even know we were coming h-"

But her only answer was silence, for Ebon Horn was no longer there.

Chapter 3: Outlanders

"Are we not welcome here?"

Thunderous booms echoed from the cliffs as the surf crashed against the rock and exploded upwards in sprays of pure coldness. The icy, ebony sea surged through the channels between the rocky archipelagos to the north in great swells, rising and falling in foam topped waves that finally washed onto the distant shores of a mist shrouded realm.

Amid the great black waves, a proud long-ship adorned with golden sails was carried northward towards Cervidas' southern shoreline, a vessel built from light featherwood, crowned with a figurehead carved in the likeness of a screeching eagle. Shouts and calls erupted from the deck as a party of hardy griffin sailors heaved great oars through the dark waters, chanting deeply as they worked to bring their leader to shore.

Standing boldly upon the prow of the swift ship stood a tall, imposing figure, even for a griffin. His hazel tinted feathers were streaked with grey, those around his head completely coloured in the latter. His beak was cracked, his eyes old, yet his talons sharp. Around him was a sash of red velvet decorated with markings of high rank, both political and military. A great cloak of the same colour whipped behind him as the winter winds battered his ship and crew, causing the aged warrior to hiss angrily. The sooner they reached land, the better.

For five days they had sailed, braving the harsh waters beyond the Bay of Rocs. The wise old leader had been sent by his Windlord, the mighty Stormfjær, to answer the White Hart's mysterious summons to Concordia, something which did not sit well with Commander Tordenvrede. He never trusted the deer, like many of the wise members of every race across the world. Even peace loving Ponykind knew to be cautious when interacting with the northern people. The griffins prided themselves on being a hardy and strong people with a proud heritage in conquest and battle. But even Tordenvrede had to admit that in many ways, the deer were the epitome of resilience in the world.

"Commander!" called his aide, "we're going to land to the north-east in the cove beyond that rock spire. It should be large enough for us to take shelter in for the night." The old griffin nodded slowly, sighing in relief at the sight of the Deer-Realm's beaches. Yet the sea continued to fight them, forcing the crew to heave ever harder against the currents, until at last, battered and windswept, the mighty ship Lynnedslag hauled herself up upon the bleak coastline like a whale.

"Let's get moving as quickly as we can!" Tordenvrede bellowed as his companions disembarked. "Concordia is still another day away from here, and the snows will hinder us. I won't risk flight in this region; there's been talk of dragons and harpies in these skies." His company all nodded solemnly. He knew that they longed for the open air after so long on the waves.
The commander's aide, a young griffin by the name of Lysvinge, oversaw the logistical procedures from the deck of the Lynnedslag, a clipboard clutched in his black talons as he ticked off the supply carts rolling off the ship bearing food, weapons, clothing and barrels of water and wine. Such things, Tordenvrede hoped, would not be needed in great amounts on their quest into the heart of the bleak forests. Cervidas was renowned for the beauty of its summers, but the wrath of its winters even more so. With a resigned huff, the old griffin tightened the strap around his shoulders, where a long rapier lay in its sheath, the golden engraved guard glinting in the moonlight.

"Hurry it up, griffins! We have a mission to fulfil!"

Roe Brook, as settlements went, was purely divine to the party of ponies coming down the valley slopes. The heavenly scene before them was tempered with rustic charm as the finer details of the clustered wooden lodges came into view, and Cadence cooed with delight at the sight of faery lights dancing through and above the streets. The great frozen lake beside the village was glimmering a brilliant blue, reflecting the waving luminescence of the auroras above.
A low cobbled wall marked the boundaries of the town, broken only by two arched gates crowned with naturally sprouting white snowblossoms. The scent of chestnuts and roasted vegetables wafted to Shining's nostrils, and the Prince inhaled with a very satisfied grin on his face.

"It's wonderful here" he heard his wife say. "Everything is so beautiful!"
Indeed it was, and as the party of ponies made their way into the town, it seemed that Ebon Horn's words on the deer folk were correct. Despite the dark hour, the group was greeted by no less than a dozen deer of all sizes and ages. They were mainly the variety of the village's namesake, but Shining spotted two elks and a reindeer among the curious crowd. A wave of excited chattering swept over the unicorn's ears as their new hosts exchanged looks of curiosity and wonder; some fawns gazed in awe at the crystal armour of the guards.

"Hail, honoured guests!" came a smooth voice from the rear of the crowd, which parted to reveal to an elderly doe, decorated with a necklace of small brass bells which heralded her approach. Her hazel coloured fur was streaked with regal tones of silver. Her eyes possessed a certain sad dignity, one which Shining found to be oddly moving.

"Hail, and welcome to our home of Roe Brook. The forest winds sent word of your coming, and my people and I offer you shelter for this evening."

Shining bowed, as was custom, and walked up to meet the doe, who despite the fact of being a full head shorter than Shining, the white unicorn felt some sense of deference to her.

"Thank you for your generosity. Trust me," he turned to Cadence and White Lance, "we need the rest after tonight. What do we call you?"

The doe smiled. "My name is Capreola, fair Prince. I've been the Watcher of this village and it's people for three generations."

"Watcher?" asked Cadence.

"You would call it Mayor or Mayoress, good Princess. We also act as the protector of the town against the creatures of the deep woods that would do us harm, and in recent times that has been growing more difficult by the week. But enough of such dark matters, my aides will show you to your lodges. Some of our citizens have already offered to take up your party in their homes for the night."

A trio of stags approached to relieve the travellers of their burdens, and began to escort the ambassadors in small groups into the village, chattering excitedly and asking questions about far-off Equestria. As the royal carriage and rickety supply cart disappeared down a covered alley, only the two monarchs and their guard stood with Capreola.

"How did you know we were coming?" asked White Lance curiously, half gazing out across at the frozen lake as he spoke, so captivating its beauty.

"The forest winds, as I said" giggled the elderly doe, gaining a furrowed brow from all three ponies before her. She continued. "We deer can feel these regions of the world in a way that no other race can. The ground beneath our hooves is like an extension of our bodies. Nature is our friend in these lands." Cadence shook her head in wonder; the deer were truly the masters of the Northlands. Shining opened his mouth to press further, but the sight of an approaching young doe stopped him.

Her steps were delicate yet determined, set with purpose, and her deep brown eyes reflected the same as she locked eyes with Shining's. Her coat was of a fair brown, streaked with darker patches and peppered with white flecks the colour of virgin snow, and she wore a wreath of mistletoe and snowroses around her neck, set with six silver jingle bells. As she approached the party, Shining suddenly found himself blushing furiously.

"Ah, my daughter, come to us!" laughed Capreola suddenly. She extended a foreleg over the shoulders of the young doe, embracing her warmly, although the gesture wasn't returned. "Pardon honoured guests, but allow me to introduce my daughter, Aralana."

Cadence smiled and bowed. "It is we are who are honoured" she said graciously. But Aralana ignored her comment entirely, instead flicking her head to the side before swivelling her stare towards Shining. Her dark, woodland coloured eyes seemed to shimmer in the aurora light, and she gave a very slow, controlled blink before turning to give a curt smile to Cadence.

Shining gulped.

"I've never heard the wind so agitated before tonight, when your coming was told to us" she began, she voice like her mother's in almost every way, only smoother, sleeker, like quicksilver poured upon silk. "But we are glad nonetheless. It's been many years since any from beyond our lands has come to visit us. You're the first newcomers I've ever seen in my life." The final word was marked with another glance at Shining.

"A vision of grace, as always!" laughed Capreola, "be a gem, and escort these three to our lodge. They shall be staying with us tonight." The young doe nodded once and gestured towards the largest house at the far end of the village beside the lake. Shining, Cadence and White Lance all began to trudge through the snow to follow their hostess, but the Prince kept his eyes averted from the ravishing young deer. Though he could feel her eyes upon him all the way up the cobbled path.

Shaking her from his mind, Shining followed his wife up a set of grand oaken steps to the carven door of Capreola's lodge. The building was a fine example of Roe craftsmanship, with the thick double doors crowned by a wooden arch carved in the likeness of trees set with flowers. A set of four, tree trunk think pillars bore aloft the weight of the upper floors, forming a wide covered porch above the party as a pair of guards opened the entrance. A blast of wonderfully warm air buffeted the party, causing all three ponies to blink away the heat before bursting into huge smiles.

The interior of the great wooden lodge was the exact opposite to their Bridgetown accommodation. A rich golden fire blazed in the centre of a tall hall, set with wooden pillars set with mistletoe and holly. An upper viewing gallery overlooked the entrance, and the roof was set with wonderful carvings of winged does and winter flowers. The fire's light bounced around the room, casting dramatic shadows behind the pillars, and Cadence gasped at the elegant wall hangings and tapestries. Two long tables set for dining ran down either side of the fire-pit, with a third set horizontally upon a raised platform at the rear.

"Life's good for some" gasped White Lance, removing his helmet and letting his sky coloured mane fall around his shoulders. Shining grinned at him.

"Oh yeah, 'cause life in the Crystal Palace is so bad" he quipped. White Lance shrugged and smiled, but Cadence turned to the silent Aralana, who stood at the doorway, unmoving, her face a mask of perfect mystery.

"I want to thank you again for allowing us to stay here tonight. I have to admit, Cervidas is nothing at all as I expected; it's so beautiful! And you and your people are so welcoming."

"Yes, believe it or not, Equestria isn't the only land with civilised folk" came the short, clipped reply. Cadence's smile faltered slightly, and, sensing the unknown tension, backed away from the doe. She walked back over to her companions, still keeping her faded smile plastered to her face before whispering to her husband.

"Did I say something wrong?"

Shining hesitated. "Um, I don't think so..." he trailed off, and his eyes met Aralana's again as Capreola, thankfully, arrived to properly welcome them all.

"Now, Your Highnesses," she began, and nodded to White Lance, "and good sir, we've given all of your rooms to stay tonight, and our kitchen has been informed of your presence, and have begun preparing this morning's breakfast. We usually awake before the noon, and I would suggest that your company do the same if you still wish to arrive at Concordia in time for the talks. If you'd like to follow me, Your Highnesses, I'll take you to your room, and Aralana will escort your companion to his."

Shining and Cadence didn't hesitate in following the old doe, and White Lance seemed more than happy following her daughter, though the same could not be said for her. As the royals made their way up a flight of stairs leading to the upper galleries, Shining stole one last look at the mayoress' daughter, and flinched a little at seeing her deep brown eyes staring back.

"Well... that Aralana is certainly, something" mumbled Cadence as she levitated the great padded quilt over her and her husband. Shining gave a half murmur in agreement, trying desperately to focus on the task at hoof. After that proved fruitless, the white unicorn decided to gain a better look at their chambers.

They were large, but still retained the rustic, cosy feeling of the rest of the lodge thanks to a glowing fireplace set into the far corner beside a round window. A pair of winged armchairs set together at the foot of the wide bed, and a small door led to the room's ensuite bathroom, this time, spider free. Cadence had since cleansed herself with a rosewater bath, and Shining could smell the fragrant aroma emanating from his wife's mane, tied up behind her head in a pony ponytail.

"You haven't worn your mane like that for a long time" he smirked.

"A bit of nostalgia never hurt anypony" Cadence said back, propping herself up with her forelegs. Her magenta tipped feathers ruffled as she sat up against the headboard and leant on her husband. "You feeling okay, honey?"

"Of course!"

"Liar."

Shining sighed as his wife once again smashed his thin veil of pretence asunder, as was the routine. The young Prince had yet to know why he even bothered, and White Lance's now rather wise words rang in his head: "Mares know everything before it happens, then know it better as it's happening, and finally know all there is to ever know about said thing after it's happened - even if you don't know that something's happened."

The pink alicorn implored Shining for an answer with nothing but her gaze, but he hasn't about to admit to her of his impressions - or worries - of Aralana. She was just a young doe that may or may not, have taken an interest in him. He actually considered it a compliment.

"I think I'm just gonna take a walk"

Cadence protested immediately. "You've had hardly any rest, Shining. We can't afford to be on the back hoof tomorrow at Concordia. It's too important!"

She was right, of course, but Shining wasn't going to let a thing like that stop him. He'd been through too much that night to care. Wordlessly, he hopped out of bed and went for the door.

"What's up with you?" Cadence asked, a slight edge to her voice. But Shining paid no heed, and exited into the dimly lit hallway, determined to find some air. Cadence, against her better judgement, didn't follow.

As Shining trotted down the hallway, he pressed a forehoof to his head. What was he thinking? He knew that Cadence was only trying to help, and the unicorn halted, pausing to consider returning to his room, to let his love wash all his worries away. But his pride choked that back, and he resolved to continue onwards. If she followed, that was her decision.

But Shining knew that she probably already knew by now what was plaguing him - she was the Princess of Love, after all. The doe, Aralana... she was unlike anyone that Shining had ever seen. There was something about her, something that the white stallion couldn't quite place his hoof on. She was beautiful without a doubt, but there was something else beneath her eyes that Shining could feel rather than see.

"Dammit, get a hold of yourself" he whispered to himself as he rounded a bend. The corridor led outwards onto the great balcony that overlooked the village, and Shining let out a deep sigh as he escaped into the cool, moonlit air. His breath came out in great plumes of fog as he perched himself against the cobbled wall.

"Trouble sleeping?"

Shining jolted at the sound, his internal guard scolding himself at being so lax, but all that faded as White Lance made his way onto the balcony, his mane still retaining its shape from having worn his helmet. "You should really get some sleep, buddy. The Crystal Prince needs to be all bright and perky for the Deer tomorrow... or this morning now, I guess."

"I know..." Shining murmured.

"But?"

Shining didn't answer immediately, instead choosing to look out across the aurora streaked sky, as if hoping that some divine message would be the thing that gave him all the answers he needed. But no such message came, and the white unicorn turned back to his friend. "I guess..." he began, "I guess just kinda have a bad feeling about all of this. I mean, the trip so far hasn't exactly been smooth."

"I have to agree. It's already had one too many ice dragons for my liking" White Lance quipped, propping himself up beside Shining. "Summer Rose would throw a fit if she really knew what was going on." The Prince chuckled, and took a breath before continuing.

"I dunno. I mean, we've gone through so much in the guard. I've fought in nearly a dozen battles, but something just seems off about this whole trip. "

"Maybe you should talk to Cadence?"

"Maybe." Shining stopped, the brown form of Aralana floating into his mind. "But there's something else that only happened when we got here. Did you see Aralana?"

White Lance smirked. "Oh yes, that I did. She's a fine specimen, no doubt, but not my type. What about her?" The unicorn's smile faded a little before returning with a vigour at his realisation. "You've got the hots for her, haven't you?"

"N-no!" Shining stammered, a little too quickly. White Lance simply grinned like an idiot, punching Shining on his foreleg.

"Damn Shiny, guess the Princess of Love isn't that good in the bedroom, I take it."

Shining gave his friend a stern glare. "That's not true at all! Not that it's any of your business anyway. No, the problem is that... there's something about her, something that's kinda, I dunno... off-putting, but not in a bad way. Well kinda in a bad way. She seems proud but..."

"Where in Equestria are you going with this?" White Lance interrupted.

Shining tried to formulate the words in his mind, but nothing seemed to happen as his eyes turned to the open archway that led back into the lodge. His pupils widened and constricted again quickly as the graceful form of a certain doe loomed in the hallway, blocking out the candlelight and casting a sharp shadow over the pair of stallions.

"Good evening" she said serenely, still wearing her collar of mistletoe and jingle bells, which rang ever so lightly as she walked with poised grace onto the balcony. She took a greedy lungful of the chilly air, closing her elegant eyes as she did so. The sight made Shining's heart quicken. "The night is cold, yet it seems that the two of you would rather be here than in your chambers. Why is that?" Her voice held an undertone and set even White Lance's teeth on edge.

"W-we just fancied some air. And we would never pass up an opportunity to see the valley. It's um, it's very impressive" White Lance forced out. Aralana raised an eyebrow and shook her head ever so slightly.

"Liar" she stated bluntly, forcing Shining to gulp as she echoed Cadence in both word and tone perfectly. It seemed she cared not for Shining's royal status and spoke freely to him without any hindrance. "This is about tomorrow, isn't it?"

The pair of unicorns stayed silent until Shining eventually croaked a half hearted "yeah."

"I thought as much" Aralana continued, an air of presumptuousness in the timbre of her voice. "Mother says that dignitaries from all across the known world have been invited to Concordia for this summit, that something like this has been unheard of in Cervidas for many decades."

"Sounds about right" said White Lance.

"What it sounds like is that you have a heavy weight of responsibility resting on your shoulders, ponies."

"Also sounds about right."

Aralana ignored the guard, instead turning to the Prince, who struggled to hold her stare. "Mother says that no one knows why the White Hart has called for such a meeting at this time or for what reason. Our ruler isn't as in touch with the common folk as Princess Stella."

"Celestia" Shining corrected, regaining some of his composure at the mention of his monarch. Her name seemed to steel his resolve against this strange feeling he was experiencing.

Aralana chuckled lightly. "My mistake." Her eyes fell to Shining's flank as soon as she uttered the words. "I've always been fascinated by the concept of 'cutie marks' and what they symbolise. Is one bound to their talent for the rest of their life or are you still free to choose whatever pathway you wish?"

Neither pony spoke for a second, giving each other wary looks. This wasn't lost on the wrong doe.

"You don't trust me?"

"It's not that" Shining blurted, slightly louder than was necessary. His ears pressed against his head as his voice bounced across the valley before fading away.

"Then what?"

Again, both ponies remained silent, silently debating whether to voice their uneasiness. White Lance could no longer deny it. There was an air about the young doe that didn't seem right, but any other words to voice such suspicions were non-existent. Aralana instead snorted derisively. "You could at least humour me."

"With what? There's nothing to tell."

"Fine then, keep your secrets. I'd have thought that those who hail from the land of Love and Harmony would be more friendly, but then again, we deer are so uncouth and uncultured in the shadow of such esteemed guests."

"It seems we're not the ones with the problem" said Shining stoically. The doe laughed.

"Oh you mistake me, young Prince." She emphasised the final word by taking a few steps towards Shining, her delicate hooves tapping the stone as gently as water droplets upon a pond. "I have absolutely no problems with you or your kind. I'm just so curious of your home, of your people, your lives." Her voice dripped with a smoothness that put quicksilver to shame. And each word seemed to echo in Shining's mind as his eyes locked with her's. "Will you indulge me?"

She was almost pressed against the white unicorn, her forest brown fur inches away from his. White Lance took a step towards the pair but ceased as Aralana shot a glance in his direction. For reasons he could not express, the guard was halted in his tracks by her gaze. He took a step backwards, suddenly feeling incredibly small and weak, and for a moment White Lance thought of simply walking back inside to his chambers.

But a desperate unspoken plea from his best friend, who was now sweating in the icy coldness, caused him to stop and stand his ground. As Aralana raised her snout to the panting, frozen Prince's, White Lance spoke up.

"What do you think you're doing?"

The doe stopped moving and let out a grim yet ravishing smile. She pulled her head backwards, stepping away from the petrified Prince before laughing. "I think our little game ends here, gentlecolts." She turned to leave the balcony, her bells jingling as she did. "For tonight..." Aralana disappeared, and Shining let out a deep breath that he didn't seem to notice he was holding.

"What the hay was that all about?" he croaked weakly.

"Celestia knows, but I can see what you mean. She's trouble, for sure."

Although out of sight of the two ponies, Aralana smirked to herself behind a corner, her jingle bells chiming as she made her way to her private study on the highest floor of the lodge. As she did, the doe blew out the candle-lit lamps leading upstairs, creating a wave of shadow that followed her advance to the summit, and finally leaving nothing but darkness in her wake.

~***~

The morning sun crested the eastern mountains of the Ronariá Laoraná, casting away the last vestiges of night with a warm rosen light. The auroras danced themselves away into the lightening sky, joining the retreating stars as the snowy banks began to glimmer in the early dawn. White snow eagles called to one another from across the pine forests, and it was one of these calls that found its way to the ears of an unintentional listener.

Cadence groaned lightly and fidgeted under the covers as she groped blindly to find her pillow. Upon doing so, she immediately pressed it to her head in an attempt to block out the offending bird, but only to some measure of success. Eventually, the young alicorn simply resigned herself to the fact that she'd have to get up sooner or later. A great chiming bell sounded in the distance, and Cadence huffed as she sat up, convinced that the world was doing everything in its power to rouse her from her comfort. In the end, the world won.

The young Princess managed to pull herself away from the bed, letting out a long yawn as she stretched out her wings. Her mood immediately dropped slightly as she saw that Shining was not in fact beside her, his body absent from the bed. Untying her mane from its ponytail, Cadence quickly ran a brush through the triple toned strands before walking out into the hall. The sounds of activity downstairs caused her ears to perk up, and she followed the smell of cooked vegetables down the flight of stairs to the main hallway in which she had first entered.

The three great tables of the hall were occupied by around a dozen deer, all members of Capreola's household, and a certain two ponies. Shining sat beside his friend on the raised dais table, the seat on his left empty. Smiling at the sight of her companions, Cadence trotted forward to join them before being greeted by a welcome voice.

"Good morning, Princess. I trust you slept well?" said Capreola as she took her place at the centre chair, decorated with carvings of holly leaves. Cadence returned the greeting and sat beside her and Shining, who smiled weakly as she set herself down.

"You okay, honey?" she asked, not wishing to say anything that would lead to anything negative. She had been rather taken aback when Shining left the previous night, but she had resisted the urge to go after him. She had figured that he just needed some time alone, or with Lancey. Odds were, he was probably with Lancey.

"N-nothing. I just needed some air, like I said."

"You never came back" Cadence stated, not unkindly, but with enough force to get her emotions across. Shining sighed and turned to his plate of food in front of him.

"I know, but... I just needed to clear my head. The trip's just been a bit, eventful for my liking. It's rare that we have to deal with all this crap anymore." Cadence put a reassuring hoof on his shoulder. "And um, well... I guess you've already guessed the rest with her" Shining motioned his gaze towards Capreola's daughter as she glided over to her mother's far side, offering nothing but a cold silence to her three guests. Her mistletoe collar had been replaced by a shawl made from dark green wool

Cadence frowned. "What do you mean?" Shining blanched, his white fur turning even paler as his brow furrowed. Had he just dropped himself in it?

"You, you couldn't sense it? You couldn't feel what I felt?" He gulped heavily. This had never happened to him before. Cadence had always been his life, his love. He'd never even thought about another mare ever since the pair had married over two years ago. The idea that this doe could usurp his orderly mind was troubling. "I thought you could feel sparks of, well, desire or love... those types of feelings."

Cadence began to understand, and her expression actually softened, much to Shining's surprise. "Shiny, don't worry. I won't blame you for looking at other mares, or deer, in this case. I won't force you to do something like that. You are a stallion, after all" she giggled. "She's a beautiful doe. Just so long you don't do anything stupid, I don't have a problem. I just don't understand why you couldn't talk to me about such things." The white unicorn breathed a heavy sigh of relief, and Cadence's smile infected him like the most welcome disease in the world. The pair shared a chuckle, and Cadence squeezed her hoof around Shining's.

White Lance nudged his friend gently, smirking.

"Told you that you have nothing to sorry about" he whispered.

"Although" Cadence said, her demeanour faltering, "I did sense something around Aralana herself." Her voice was just above a whisper, making sure that neither the doe in question nor her mother could hear the ponies. "There's an aura that she has, magical for sure. But it's strange."

"What do you mean?" said Shining and White Lance in complete unison, making the two friends smirk at each other for a second.

"I mean that I can feel a power around her, something that I can't define. It's like a second shadow."

Her musings were interrupted as a young stag brought over a plate of steamed vegetables and soft winter fruits and set them down before the Princess, bowing as he left. Capreola took this opportunity to turn to her guests, smiling warmly as she spoke.

"Your Highnesses are welcome to stay in Roe Brook for as long as you desire, but we're aware of how pressing the summons to Concordia are, and so will assist you in any and all needs that need to be done before you leave. We can even send some of our guards to accompany you to the capital should you so wish."

"That would be very welcome" said Shining eagerly. "And thanks again for allowing us to stay. You've been a bigger relief than you know."

The old doe bowed and smiled. "We'll also supply you with a map of Cervidas for your benefit. The forests can be quite difficult to navigate in the wintertime, even for us deer. The guards will escort you by the quickest and safest road, so you have no need to worry."

"How long do you think it will take to get there?" White Lance asked.

"It all depends on the weather - we deer don't have the powers of your pegasus ponies. But I'd say that you'd reach Concordia at sunset."

The rest of the breakfast passed in good humour. The three ponies exchanged their stories and tales of far-off Equestria with the elderly mayoress, who treated them with likewise stories of the mighty forests of Cervidas. They spoke of ancient legends and old kingdoms, all the way to personal joys like music and food. The trio laughed and smiled as plates of hot oatmeal and juicy fruits were placed again and again before them, and it wasn't too long before Celestia's sun had begun to scale the dome of the sky. Reluctantly, Cadence and Shining deemed it high time that they leave their lodgings to continue onwards.

As the pair of royals exited Capreola's lodge, they were greeted by the sight of their assembled party already in the final stages of preparation. White Lance had left early to summon the Paragon Guard, but also to inspect the contingent of twelve deer guards that would be their guides and escorts.

"Who's in command of your unit?" he asked, smirking as a tall reindeer stag stepped forwards and saluted.

"Captain Tarandus, at your service sir."

"Glad to hear it" the unicorn said with a sly smile. "You keep us safe, and I'll buy you a drink when we get to Concordia." The reindeer, who stood clad in silver armour not unlike White Lance's own, grinned underneath his helmet. He stood just over half a hoof taller than the pony, with his antlers adding a good five hooves to his height.

"I'd like that very much indeed" Tarandus rumbled, and marched off to order his own troops - a mixture of deer, but primarily Roe - to take up escort positions around the Royal Carriage and the newly repaired supply wagon. The deer had truly been marvellous hosts, and White Lance was almost disappointed to be leaving so soon. But the thought of their mission excited him further. He had always wished to set eyes upon the fabled Reion Húr, the Father Tree in which the city of Concordia was built. As his charges and best friends made their way towards him, he trotted over merrily. The thought of finally being on the move again had put a spring in his steps.

"You two take your merry time. I thought Summer Rose was bad, but you two are something else" he laughed. The pair of monarchs looked innocently at each other before Cadence rolled her eyes.

"It's him, if you would believe it. He spends longer in that bathtub than I do. And you'd think he was school filly with the amount of time he spends combing his mane."

"Hey!" Shining blurted indignantly. "It takes a great deal of effort to look this good."

"You look like crap, buddy. There isn't any magic in the whole wide world that can change that."

The trio laughed heartily, before the sounding of silver flugelhorns heralded the readiness of the party. With simultaneous strained sighs, Shining and Cadence made their way into the Royal Carriage.

"Oh Celestia, it must be so hard for you guys in there" said White Lance, rolling his eyes sarcastically as he trotted once again to the head of the procession beside Captain Tarandus. The royals smiled before disappearing inside, and Capreola stood upon the steps of her lodge as the convoy slowly began to march beyond the village's borders.

Cadence laughed as little fawns bounced up beside the carriage, waving and squealing happily. The adults waved as the ponies made their way towards the capital, with the old mayoress calling wishes of safety and speed upon them. As the carriage finally rolled beneath the gated wall of Roe Brook, Cadence looked outside her window and frowned. Aralana watched the royals leave, her shawl blowing dramatically in the breeze, her brown eyes locked on the ponies as they disappeared into the foothills. Little did the Princess know that her husband mirrored her gaze behind her.

Tordenvrede remained silent as the party of griffins chatted and squawked amongst themselves. The forest didn't seem to end, and the old general had already grown sick and tired of the eternal halls of wood, green and snow. Although the sun shone brightly with little to no cloud obstruction, he still had not permitted his company to take to the air. Years of serving in the Gryphus War Orders had taught him that it's never a bad thing to be cautious. It could save your life. The old griffin still said nothing as Lysvinge came up on his left.

"Commander, our navigators are still having problems finding the most direct path to Concordia. Our compasses are starting to malfunction; they say it's something in the auroras of this land having a magical quality. They can't compensate for it."

"What's your point, lad?"

"If I may be so bold to ask, wouldn't it be wise to take to the air? The skies are clear and the wind is calm. We'd be able to arrive at Concordia before the day is over."

Tordenvrede sighed and tugged at his sash of office, a little irritated. Not because Lysvinge had suggested such a thing, but because his suggestion had merit. The commander was a proud warrior, even by griffin standards. The idea that his own assessments of the dangers in Cervidas could be proven wrong by an officer a third of his age was nonsense. That being said, Lysvinge had always been a level headed and bright young soldier with a keen set of eyes, and Tordenvrede had never been given any reason to doubt him.

"You know as well as I do that this land is unlike any we've ever seen. I don't want the troops to be endangered for the sake of a more comfortable journey" the greying Commander said firmly. His aide looked at the ground forlornly, sorry for even making the suggestion. "But..." Tordenvrede continued, "I see your point. Fortune does seem to be with us this day, and the sooner we leave Cervidas and return home, the better." The younger griffin's head rose and he allowed himself a small smile. "Make sure the supply carts are securely attached to the drivers. I don't want to lose anything in these woods."

And with a grim, steely gaze to the sky, Tordenvrede spread his wings and took to the air.

Immediately, the wind bore him upwards into the vast expanse of the winter sky, his military colours flapping loudly as the aging griffin raced higher into the big blue void. The sun's warmth barely found purchase on his feathers, but the light urged him to forget such things. Tordenvrede could hear vaguely behind him the cries of relief and joy as his soldiers followed suit, leaping into the air in perfect displays of both feline and avian grace. The cold breeze whistled through his silvered feathers as the old commander spiralled round in a loop, relishing the feeling of being so free after days at sea.

The rest of his company formed up around him, Lysvinge gliding ahead with four Talon Guards. All five griffins cawed defiantly against the winter's chill, and Tordenvrede found himself grinning through his cracked beak. A quick glance behind him alleviated his fears for the supply carts. Their buoyancy was due to them being crafted out of featherwood, and their cargo was tightly bound under a series of strong ropes.

The landscape below the griffins was an ocean of seemingly unending pine trees, half smothered by snow drifts and icicles . The dense canopy was occasionally breached by the clear blue snake of a frozen river or the shimmering mirror of a lake, and high mountains marched across the landscape to the West. Tordenvrede knew that far beyond those peaks lay the magical Crystal Empire, with Equestria lying further to the South. It had been many a year since he'd visited the pony lands of green fields and rolling hills. Maybe after his business on behalf of his Windlord was concluded, he'd spend a while in Canterlot. While his home in the griffin city of Stormcrown was a beautiful place, the Griffin Kingdoms did not offer the same sense of tranquillity that Equestria did.

"Commander, we think we can see a small settlement to the north-east. Should we head towards it?" called one of his guards as he gestured a talon to the far right.

"No. Concordia is our destination, and we're not stopping until we get there" Tordenvrede said sternly. "Once we're there you can all glut yourselves on wine and deer mead. But we're not there yet."

The guard nodded and fell back into formation, but Tordenvrede couldn't help but glance at the little hamlet. Thin wisps of rose from the chimneys, and in the end, the Commander found himself veering towards it. He had no intention of stopping there, but curiosity is a powerful thing. Tordenvrede had never seen a regular deer dwelling before. Seeing that their leader had in fact changed his mind, the other griffins followed, hoping to find a welcoming break in their journey. The group had been marching through the dense forests all through the night, guided by nothing but vaguely familiar stars and glittering arctic aurorae.

As the party neared the hamlet, the sunlight caught their gazes as it glimmered off a great frozen lake, bordered by rows of lodges and cottages, and Tordenvrede scrutinized the scene like the aged warrior he was. He spied various deer going about their morning business, pulling carts, speaking to one another, and opening up shops. Everything seemed rather mundane to the old griffin, although he'd admit that he didn't honestly know what he expected to find. Tales of Cervidas reached all across the world, telling of a powerful military nation of ordered armies and stern, cold hearted people, cold enough to match their woodland home. Yet that wasn't what Tordenvrede saw.

"Commander!" called Lysvinge, "shall we land?"

In the end, the old commander nodded, changing his mind of rest. He figured that a short reprieve would ultimately do the platoon good. "Yes. Circle round so they can see us first. I don't want to startle them. Set down beside the larger gate and let me lead. Sky knows what they're like. I want to exercise caution."

The young soldier nodded and signalled for the contingent of Talon Guards to arc round. Tordenvrede himself gestured for the guards on his left to sound their approach, and one pulled forth a large curled horn, carved from that of a slain minotaur. Some may have called it a grisly instrument, and it didn't help the perceived image of his people being a bloodthirsty, warlike race of creatures. But such views didn't bother Tordenvrede. His very name meant 'wrath of the thunder' in his native tongue, and he found his people heritage to be a limitless font of pride.

The guard sounded their approach, the notes bouncing off the mountain walls of the valley. All the deer on the ground look up, their eyes following the party of griffins as they spiralled down to the snow below. The old commander made sure to make an impressive display of landing, spreading his silvered hazel coloured wings wide as his paws and talons crunched the white ground. As the rest landed, Tordenvrede strode forwards, his two personal bodyguards jogging to catch up to him. The griffins marched into the village with all the grace they could muster at such haste. The deer began to walk towards like, several friendly smiles greeting the newcomers as their entered their home. A small crowd began to form in the central avenue, with many villagers marvelling at the sight of such foreign creatures.

"Hail, honoured guests!" came a calm, elderly voice from the rear. Tordenvrede spied an elderly doe approach him, her greying fur shining in the sunlight. "Hail, and welcome to our town of Roe Brook. My name is Capreola, Watcher of this valley and its people."

Recognising her authority, Tordenvrede bowed respectfully. "My thanks. You speak to Commander Tordenvrede of the High Council of the Griffin Kingdoms, general of the Eighth Talon Legion. We're journeying to - "

" - Concordia. We know" Capreola smiled. "You're not the first outlanders to visit us in the past day. We've recently played host to the Prince and Princess of the Crystal empire. No doubt you'll become acquainted with them soon. We'll be glad to show you any and all hospitality that we have to offer. Our home is yours."

The group of griffins began to let out sighs of happiness and relief, and the general finally let himself smile. "My gratitude to you. It's been a long time since we've rested. Anything you have would be appreciated."

The old doe smiled, and soon the villagers began helping the griffins with their belongings and supplies, asking questions about the far-off Griffin Kingdoms, the mighty Windlord Stormfjær and the old tales of conquest from ancient times. Capreola led Tordenvrede and his honour guard to her grand lodge at the end of the village, talking of recent events in the area, as well as giving him much needed information of the two pony leaders. Any information about the monarchs would be useful in the future, either for good or for ill.

But as the troop made their way inside, Lysvinge came up beside his liege and whispered, his voice hushed and hurried. He spoke in the griffin's native tongue, clearly not wanting the deer to hear him.

"Commander, look at the balcony."

Tordenvrede looked up stealthily, and quickly averted his eyes. As he continued inside, the griffin commander answered back to his aide.

"We're not spending the night here. After we've eaten our fill, we're leaving. We have to get out as soon as possible. Keep the guards away from that creature."

Lysvinge nodded, but spied one final glance at the doe. Aralana smiled at him.