Wind and Ice
"Maple Leaf, sit down."
The lobby of the Canterlot Royal Post Office was almost empty. The long wooden counter that stretched most of the width of the building had only one unicorn behind it, waiting for any last-minute customers and reading a book. The brass lanterns, hanging from hooks along the white plaster walls, glowed brightly, flames steady behind the glass. The plaza, visible through the glass windows facing the streets, was empty, quiet in the falling dusk.
Maple Leaf settled on his haunches before the large oak desk pushed up against one wall. He held his wings tight against his sides and hung his head, looking up through the red forelock that hung over his eyes across the polished wood surface. For once, the stacks of ledgers and tomes had been cleared away, and he could clearly see the unicorn mare sitting on the other side. Though I wish I couldn't. He shivered.
Morning Glow raised her head from the stack of papers resting before her, catching the younger pegasus' gaze and holding it in a grip of iron will. Her expression was locked in scowl of disapproval, brown eyes glinting in the lantern light. Her voice, as she spoke again, was low and cold.
"You've been doing so well, Maple Leaf. You completed your training, took on special deliveries without complaint, flew to places you had never been before. You were reliable, cheerful, and quick." She tapped the tip of a hoof on the papers. "Were. In the last month you've become tardy, delinquent and sluggish. Your performance has been steadily degrading, and I'd like to know why."
Maple Leaf flinched at her harsh tone. He raised his head to look at her directly, and heaved a sigh. "I... I'm sorry, Morning Glow." He spoke quietly. "I haven't ... been feeling well. Haven't been getting much sleep either." He shook the forelock from his eyes and shivered again, fluffing his feathers slightly.
Taking in the dark circles under his eyes and the messy state of his mane, Morning Glow's expression relaxed somewhat. "If you're ill, you should have told me earlier. Working yourself into a sickbed doesn't help anyone, especially yourself. You're shivering; do you have a fever? Have you gone to see a doctor?"
A pang of resentment flared through Maple Leaf's thoughts. Why is she treating me like a foal? She's... He pushed the fragmentary feeling away. She's just trying to help. "No, I haven't gone to see a doctor. I don't have a fever, I'm just chilly. I didn't think it's anything serious enough." He shook his head wearily.
Morning Glow snorted. "There's no such thing as a minor sickness." Her tone softened. "Look, Maple Leaf. I'm going to put you on leave. Go to the doctor, tonight. Take some time off, get yourself put back together. I don't want you getting hurt because you're sleepflying from exhaustion. Come back when you're feeling better."
He clambered to his feet, and smiled wanly, pushing away another twinge of annoyance. "Thank you. I didn't want to cause trouble for anypony. I'll go see what the doctor says." If I have to. No, I need to. He nodded his head in farewell, and paced out of the building into the dusky evening. Another shiver trembled down his spine.
As the young stallion paced out, he heard her sigh and begin shuffling papers together. The lanterns flickered slightly in the warm, still air as he moved underneath them, making his shadow dance on the ground.
***
Wide wings bore him across the city with steady beats. Maple Leaf glided quietly above the rooftops spread below, their shingles becoming indistinct in the gloom. A brilliant orange sunset was throwing its last few rays across the western horizon. Early stars glinted in the darkening sky.
The streets below were lined with tall lamp posts, their bright wicks casting wide globes of light on the cobbled streets. Ponies moved along the sidewalks, chatting with one another. Their voices echoed up, snippets of sound reaching Maple Leaf's swiveling ears.
Everyone's so noisy tonight. What are they so cheerful for? The thought scudded across his mind. His eyes were fixed on a well-lit sandstone building in the near distance, bronze letters along its facade proclaiming it to be Tenderheart Medical Center. Landing slightly unsteadily, he folded his wings and walked inside, easing open the wooden doors.
A nurse, neatly dressed in a white coat and hat, escorted him to an empty examination room. As she left, Maple Leaf settled down on the cool tile floor, gazing about idly at the various medical supplies stacked along the counter space. Brightly colored posters adorned the walls.
Somewhere on the floor a foal was crying. Maple Leaf listened to its voice, and found himself tapping his hoof on the floor. Tap, tap, tap. His eyes began to grow heavy, and his mind began to swim with the desire to sleep. A jab of irritation at being left to wait spiked through, jerking him to alertness as the door swung open.
A middle aged unicorn entered and swung the door closed behind him with a flicker of magic. His face was honest and friendly, mane trimmed short. "Hello. You're Maple Leaf, correct? I'm Doctor Shine." He moved into the room and sat in front of the pegasus, reaching out a hoof to gently raise Maple Leaf's head, looking into his eyes. "What seems to be the problem? You look exhausted."
Maple Leaf shivered and fought down another wave of annoyance. "I haven't been feeling well for... well, the last couple of weeks at least. I can't sleep, and..." He paused as his thoughts began to spin in a tight circle. I've been having horrible nightmares, I feel like something's constantly watching me, and I can't seem to get warm. He'd think I was crazy if I told him that. I can't tell him that. "I just can't get to sleep." He closed his mouth and let the doctor look into his eyes, listen to his breathing with a stethoscope, and take his temperature, thermometer stuck under his tongue. Seemingly satisfied, the doctor took it back and slipped it into a pocket.
"You seem to be in fine enough health, though your body temperature does seem somewhat low." He turned and began to busy himself with the polished steel canisters in the various cupboards in the room, horn glowing. Pots, tins and bundles of dried herbs glided around smoothly as Maple Leaf watched with a slight frown on his face. "I'm going to make you a mild sedative to take right before bed; just pour some into a cup of water. Get a couple good nights of sleep, drink plenty, and come back if you're not feeling better or still can't sleep."
The doctor turned back and levitated a small pouch with a long string over to Maple Leaf, looping it around his neck. "This should do it for you, at least for the night. Think you'll be all right until morning?" He smiled, cocking his head to the side.
That's it? That's all you're going to do for me? Maple Leaf stood and put on a forced smile; his face felt strained. "I think so. Thanks, Doctor Shine. I think I'm going to go try to get some sleep right away."
The doctor was busy cleaning up after himself, facing the counter top and arranging the containers back to their rightful places. "Good, good. You'll feel right as rain in the morning, I'm sure," he said over his shoulder.
Feeling snubbed, Maple Leaf dropped the smile and pushed open the door. He plodded out into the hallway with a scowl on his face, moving towards the entrance. The examination room door closed with a soft click.
***
Maple Leaf opened the door of his apartment and plodded inside. He glanced about with dissatisfaction at the small room. Wish I could have a cloud home. Space for pegasi homes above Canterlot were in high demand, so much so that there was a waiting list for the right to craft a dwelling in the city's skies. Newer residents had to make do with terrestrial dwellings, such as his own clean but tiny room.
Only a few pieces of furniture were placed against the walls, taking up a majority of the floor space. A small, narrow table, a low bed, a short bookshelf, and a bedside cabinet, all crafted of pine, were clean and uncluttered. A few novels sat on the bookshelf; a clay water jug and cup rested on the cabinet. A colorful map of Equestria adorned one wall.
Exhaustion pressed down like a physical weight on Maple Leaf's neck as he shrugged the small pouch from his neck and tossed it onto the fluffy coverlet draped across his bed. Plopping down beside it, he grumbled to himself. A down-filled covering doesn't even begin to compare to a nice cloud. I'm so tired.
Gripping the water jug carefully with his forelegs, he poured a cup. He clenched the pouch in his teeth and worked the top loose. How much did that doctor say? He didn't, not really. He said a couple days of sleep, so I'll use half. Carefully tipping the bag, a small amount of grey-green powder cascaded into the cup and dissolved, turning the liquid milky. He yanked the drawstring closed and set the remainder aside.
He drank down the whole cup in a single gulp, swallowing heavily. He gagged slightly at the bitter flavor and shoved the empty cup back onto the cabinet. Ugh, that's horrible! But if it lets me get some sleep, I'll drink a pond of it. He flopped backwards onto the bed and rolled over onto his stomach, nestling down into the softness, head between his forelegs. Flexing his wings slightly, he felt his muscles finally relaxing. As his eyelids slowly closed, he felt for just a moment that something was standing over him at the edge of the bed, but sleep stole him away.
***
He stood in an empty field, the weedy grass sparse, shaded in tones of grey and brown. Skeletal trees scratched at the lead-grey skies with naked branches, dotting the flat landscape, stretching into the foggy distance. The wind moaned, low and soft, making the grass sway slightly and the branches twitch.
"Mama?" he called, his voice sounding high and thin to his own ears. He stepped forward and stumbled as his hooves momentarily tangled. Looking down, he saw his own brown wingtips dragging through the dry vegetation. His large wings sagged from his short, immature body, weighing him down. He called out into the emptiness again. "Mama, where are you?"
The only response was the wind, increasing in strength. It swirled around his body, tugging on his tail. He ducked away from it, squeezing his eyes shut. A knot of fear shot through his mind; fear of being alone, fear of not knowing what to do, fear of not knowing why this felt so wrong. He took short, sharp breaths. As the fear rose, so did the strength of the cyclone tearing at his feathers and hair.
"This is all wrong," he mumbled under his breath, tears trickling from his tightly-clamped eyes. "I’m not a foal. This isn't real. This isn't. It's a dream." The wind seemed to laugh with a malicious edge. Pain stabbed as it felt like something bit him on the ear, and his eyes flew open. Fog poured towards him, from every angle, with the sound of a hurricane. A terrified scream ripped itself from his throat.
***
Maple Leaf writhed on his bed in his sleep, his wings moving fretfully. An anguished expression filled his face, eyes darting behind tightly-closed lids. Unable to wake, the medicine forced him deeper into nightmare.
***
Sheer rock faces stabbed up from the snow-packed ground. They soared to impossible heights, their upper reaches lost above a roiling mass of black clouds. Snow filled the freezing air, hissing as they were driven down by the screaming wind.
He shivered constantly, his brown body and wings spattered with rime. His hooves punched through the snow's icy crust, almost as deep as his long legs could reach before it touched his chest. He pushed forward, though he did not know where he was going or where he had been. The crackling ice layer scraped against his legs with each step.
The wind filled his ears, almost-understood words nearly forming from the cacophonous roar. They seemed to laugh, taunt, and toss half-heard insults without rhyme or reason. A swirl of emotions filled his mind, jumping from one to another, scattering his thoughts.
Got to get the mail to White Peak. What mail? I'm alone, I'm going to die here, they did this to me. Why did they let me go, why did they force me, why? I hate them, I hate me, I hate the storm. I can't make it, I don't want to, they can't make me.
He looked up and saw indistinct figures moving through the howling white blanket of snow. They moved just far enough away from him to be unidentifiable, but seemed to leap closer at the very edges of his vision. When he snapped his head around, nothing was there, just snowflakes. Despair rose within, a tide of utter helplessness and sorrow. The snowfall and blinding wind doubled in strength, and he could sense the figures moving closer. They seemed to exude a feeling of horrible, all-consuming hunger and greed.
Cowering away, he closed his eyes and collapsed down into the snow. He could feel an intense sensation of absolute cold, colder than the wind that pelted him with ice, just a short distance away. He shivered uncontrollably as it moved closer, ducking his head away in anticipation. A peal of thunder screamed from the sky, and he snapped his eyes open in terror.
***
A bell tolled, its sonorous call vibrating through the apartment walls. Maple Leaf stared at the bare plaster ceiling, pulse hammering in his chest. The mattress beneath him was damp, soaked in sweat.
He slowly sat up and brushed the hair out of his eyes. Grabbing the pitcher from the cabinet, he drank down the rest of the water in large swallows, then dropped it to the floor with a thud. He hung his head, feeling his heart rate slowly calm down.
These aren't just nightmares. Something's wrong with me. Some kind of ... weird illness, maybe. But then why the dreams? Wind and ice, every time; it has to be related to that storm I was in up near White Peak on my first trip. He heaved himself to his feet and pushed his way through the door, stumbling unsteadily into the sunlight.
The sun was well into the sky, already approaching noon. Maple Leaf looked up, blearily blinking against the brightness. I was asleep for a long time. Doesn't feel like it, though. I'm still tired. He began walking slowly through the streets, head down, unconsciously turning onto whatever route contained the fewest number of other ponies. The sounds of the city washed over him distantly, unheard, as his mind churned.
I don't know what to do. I just don't know anything. I can't go back to the doctor, he didn't want to help me last night; why would he help me now? A spike of anger made him lay his ears back for a moment. I can't go to anyone at the post office; they'd just treat me like a foal. Or fire me. Or call the doctor who would say I was crazy. THEN they'd fire me.
He plodded out onto the edge of a large open plaza, moving along the base of a large stone building. The occasional knot of ponies chattered here and there in the wide space; colts and fillies in twos and threes played simple games near their parents. Maple Leaf ignored them, other than feeling annoyance at the shrill shrieks of laughter.
He stopped abruptly at the base of a broad sandstone staircase. He followed it up with his gaze to the shadowy columned landing above, wide pairs of wooden doors spaced along the building's marble facade. Brass letters set into the stone proclaimed it to be the Canterlot Public Library. Maple Leaf stared at them, mind slowly working through the fog in his thoughts.
I need information. I can get it here, without talking to anyone. Or being judged by anyone. I just have to find the right book, and figure out what's wrong. Then I can fix it. Simple. And no one will... The thought trailed off, unfinished, as he climbed the steps and passed between the fluted columns into the shade. The wind moaned softly as it swirled in his wake.
***
His hoofbeats echoed softly on the marble floor as Maple Leaf entered the dim library. A wide polished counter stretched along the front wall, a number of ponies busily sorting stacks of books and writing in ledgers. A pegasus in the silver armor and helmet of the Guards stood with relaxed posture near the farthest doorway, glancing at an open book on the nearby counter top. He gave Maple Leaf a short once-over as the younger pegasus entered, then returned his attention to his reading.
Maple Leaf walked slowly through the looming shelves, getting a feel for how the books were organized. History. Geography? No, nothing. Music; didn't know they kept sheet music here. Ah, natural sciences. He paced down the aisles, scanning the dusty spines that filled the cases from floor to ceiling. Doesn't look like many ponies read these. Farming practices, hydrology, studies of kinds of animals. Weather.
He stopped in front of a bookcase and read the titles of specific works, hoping that something would stick out as being able to help. Seasons and Precipitation. Tornadoes and Thunder: A Spotter's Guide. Frustration grew and, scowling, he glanced over the titles at a feverish pace. A Rainmaker's Diary. Wind and Feathers. No no no. Finally, his eyes landed on a thin brown tome, dust halfway obscuring the title. Wild Weather and Its Phenomena.
He gently pulled the top of the slim volume towards him with a careful tip of his hoof and picked it up in his mouth. Moving over to a nearby table, he laid it down beneath a magically glowing crystal light and opened the leather cover. A gentle puff of dust rose into the still air.
Gently turning the pages with his hoof, Maple Leaf began scanning each page for phrases that might interest him. The text, in tight but flowing letters, was somewhat faded yet legible. Fragments of sentences seemed to stand out as he flipped the vellum, eyes darting. Wild storms are uncontrolled... without the guiding force of pegasi... incredible strength... never, ever mix with Equestrian storm systems... only a full team of... hallucinations... He stopped, and began reading the page carefully.
"Occasionally, a solitary traveller exploring the edges of the tame-weather sphere of Equestria will report an especially ferocious storm that carries with it some abnormal properties. Ponies have noted experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations, paralysis, and the sensation of incredible psychological stress, regardless of their own actual personal danger. Most have dismissed these claims as the result of extreme uncertainty and inexperience in dealing with wild weather, but a small fringe have attributed the symptoms to the presence of creatures or forces unknown. It is this author's opinion that any such belief should be relegated to the realm of fairy tales, intended to frighten young children."
Maple Leaf ground his teeth together. That's IT? Just my mind playing tricks, huh? There has to be more. He reached up a foreleg to flip the page.
"Um, excuse me?"
Maple Leaf started wildly, leaping away from the table and the voice, his blood pounding in his ears, wings partially spread. He met the gaze of a purple unicorn mare who stood a few lengths away, leaning away with a hoof upraised, violet eyes wide. Blinking, she shook her dark mane and moved forward a step.
"Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to startle you." She took another pace and smiled. "I just saw you reading, and I just wondered... well, I thought you looked familiar. Are you, um, Maple Leaf?"
He stared at her, mind spinning. Memories flitted through his mind's eye, trying to match face and voice. A vision rose from his fragmented thoughts: a dark night, an orchard, a long flight: the night he earned the cloud-and-leaf mark on his flank. "Twi...light? Twilight Sparkle, right?" His voice was rough, the tone awkward.
She grinned in relief. "Oh, I thought it was you, even though I haven't seen you in a while. You're all grown up now. I remember when Spitfire brought you to my library that night, and asked if you could stay there until your wings felt better. Oh, Rainbow Dash was so upset that she had missed Spitfire when I told her the next day!" Twilight giggled. "Your teacher was so angry with you when she arrived later, but I managed to calm her down. It's so nice to see you here in Canterlot! What do you do here in the city?" She met his eyes with an expression of interest.
Maple Leaf regarded her with suspicion. "Post office. They send me all over. Towns, villages, way up north in the mountains." His eye twitched unconciously as a scowl crept over his face. Why is she here, now? Spying on me? I haven't seen her in ages. Her cheery attitude scraped over his raw nerves like sandpaper.
Twilight's smile faded in the face of his hostile attitude. "O-oh, that sounds ... nice." Eyes darting around for something to focus on, she noticed the book lying on the table. "Oh, are you checking out a book? I'm here to pick up some volumes myself. What are you reading?"
Maple Leaf slammed a hoof down onto the marble floor, the loud crack! echoing through the quiet library. Red rage swirled through his mind as he growled at the mare. "Leave me alone!" He stomped down the aisle towards the entrance as she danced to the side, ears laid back in fear. He paused briefly at the end of the row of cases. "Don't follow me."
He walked stiffly through the foyer, ignoring the shocked stares of the ponies behind the counter and the "Hey, you!" called from the guard glaring his way. He barreled through the doors and out onto the landing before taking to the air in a flurry of feathers.
***
Twilight Sparkle stared after the pegasus, her pulse beginning to calm. What was that about? He was so... angry. Was it something I said? She shivered slightly as a cold draft snaked along her neck. I’ve never seen anypony act like that before. He was perfectly cheerful when he visited Ponyville. What has him in such a state?
Turning from the direction of the foyer and the departed Maple Leaf, her eyes fell on the slim volume lying open on the table. She moved over to it, lifting it with a flicker of magic with the intent of returning it to the shelf. Hm, I haven't read this one before. It doesn't look like anyone has in a long time. She skimmed over the tight, cramped text on the page and frowned. I haven’t heard of any of this. Why was he so focused on this, I wonder?
Carefully laying the old book down once again, she re-read the page. Glancing up towards the path taken by the suddenly departing pegasus, a suspicion began to form in her mind. Carefully turning the page, she read on.
"However, in the interest of discussion, I have included what few piecemeal descriptions I have been able to collect in regards to these claims of abnormal or supernatural occurrences. I stress that these are merely hearsay, rumor, and fragmentary texts.
The most recent comes from many decades ago; the report claims that Princess Celestia herself was involved in some fashion, but such a thing is clearly laughable. It is certain that her illustrious name was merely included to lend a sense of realism to a fireside tale.
A family reported a slow but dramatic change of personality to come over their daughter..."
Twilight read on, the musty scent of the aging paper tickling her nostrils. She furrowed her brow in confusion and concern, deeply troubled. This sounds all like a scary bedtime story, but Maple Leaf was definitely acting odd. But I haven’t seen him in a long time, and I was only around him for two days back then. What if he’s just changed? She tapped her hoof lightly against the floor, thinking hard.
It mentions Princess Celestia. If it’s true, why wouldn’t anypony else know about this? I’ve never heard a single mention of it in any of my classes. This book is very old, though. What if everyone just... forgot? I could ask her, but... She shook her head. She’s always so busy; I can’t go bothering her just to ask about an old rumor. Hm.
She lifted the book with a spark of magic and gently set it back onto the shelf where there was a waiting space for it. He seemed very anxious to read this. Maybe... maybe I’ll just gather the books I came for and... be nearby. I have plenty of reading to do. Maybe he’ll come back after he calms down. She nodded to herself and paced off into the quiet library.
***
Maple Leaf curled up on a rooftop, pressed against a chimney stack. Smoke wreathed up into the air before being caught on the wind and dissipating. Despite the heat that he could feel emitting from the rough bricks, he shivered constantly. Feel like my bones are ice.
He rested his head on his front hooves, staring up into the sky. His fragmented thoughts writhed. She's after me too. There's no other reason for her to show up now, here. Forcing, prying, accusing me. Why can't everyone leave me alone? I should just leave, head up north. It’s quiet there. His mind was filled with the images of the cold frosted peaks of the northern mountain range and the sound of the wind whistling through their jagged tips.
No, I can't run yet. That's what they want. I have to find out. But it's so quiet up there, no one will ever bother me again. No, I must read that book. But that mare will stop me; she's there right now! Just flee, away, away. No, then I'll wait. He scraped a hoof across the roof in anger and shook his red mane, arguing with the whispers in his head. She'll be gone, tomorrow. I just need that book. I have to read it.Then I’ll leave? Leave. Now? Tomorrow.
High above the city, flights of pegasi were zipping about, assembling a thick layer of clouds. The sunlight below began to dim as they progressed in their work, both as they lined the sky with slate-grey slabs and as the sun slowly slipped towards the western horizon. Maple Leaf stared up as they worked, the only movement his mane and tail as they were tugged by the breeze, and his muscles quivering as he shivered.
After a time, the weather team completed their work, a leaden sky ready for rain above Canterlot. The sun slipped away, and the world shifted to dusk. The smoke ceased to emerge from the chimney, and the brickwork grew cool. Maple Leaf stopped shivering and closed his eyes.
***
Fog rolled, slow and silent. A dream, he thought, but the thought seemed flat and hollow in his own mind. But not mine. He felt strangely apart, an observer, present but as insubstantial as a shadow. Something about the scene felt old, weighed down with the groaning burden of years, as rough as rotting burlap.
A figure paced slowly through the haze, not visible in its own right, but somehow defined by the way the fog parted in its path, gentle tendrils of moisture defining its edges. It appeared to be the vague outline of a pegasus, wings limp, head bowed as if under a great burden. Maple strained to see, but he could pick out no details. It was as if a pony was standing there, but had been taken away and the fog had not moved to fill the space.
Around its ethereal hooves were thick ropes of mist, dark and roiling. Long strands stretched to above its sagging shoulders, where an insubstantial silhouette hung, tugging on the black chains of fog that enveloped the pegasus. More defined than the pony below it, its white eyes pierced through the miasma, glaring down at its insubstantial mount. Its two front legs were wrapped with the dark fetters that bound its mount. A long, equine head with flaring nostrils swept back to a thick neck, moving down into shoulders that melted into the surrounding fog, confusing where the creature ended and the swirling fog began.
Maple Leaf felt a stab of fear at the greed in those milky eyes. It yanked on the shadowy pegasus’ bindings, and the pony convulsed in silent pain. It bit an insubstantial ear, and the pony reared weakly in protest. Each action, the creature seemed to grow a little larger, a small amount more substantial, while its victim faded a little more into the fog. Pity filled Maple Leaf’s heart, but he was a silent observer to the scene.
In the distance, the fog lit up, as if a great bonfire ignited, trying to break through the grey walls of the haze. A sense of great urgency seemed to point towards it, and Maple Leaf could see the shadowy torturer was enraged by it. The dark ropes around the pegasus’ hooves wrapped themselves all the more tightly, and it hunkered down over the back of the pony, pressing against and seemingly into the space where it stood.
The pegasus strained forward, despair evident in the way it leaned against its bonds. Its legs shaking, it took a single step towards the beckoning light, but could not break the shadows that held it back. The creature wrapped its insubstantial form around the pony’s trembling frame and squeezed tightly, like a snake around a mouse. With a voiceless cry, the shape of the pegasus dissolved into the rolling walls of fog, disappearing in a heartbeat.
The light in the distance vanished, leaving Maple Leaf with a sense of great loss and sorrow. Dark and swift, the creature swirled through the mist and suddenly froze, long muzzle sniffing the air.
A stab of terror shot through Maple Leaf’s thoughts. It knows I’m here. Its head turned and seemed to stare directly at him. It rushed towards him with the speed of a striking serpent as everything went black.
***
A gentle tap on the nose woke Maple Leaf from his dream, and he snapped his eyes open just in time to catch a drop of water. Rain fell gently over the city, its soft susurrus filling the air. He was pressed up against the rough brickwork, legs pressed tightly against his body. His heart raced, his breath short and halting.
That thing is in me. He shuddered as he could almost feel an icy touch on the side of his neck. It’s some kind of hunter, and it’s in me. No it’s not, it was just a bad dream. He whimpered at the sensation of his own thoughts speaking, hissing in his mind.
I have to get help, figure out what this thing is. I can’t get help, I should leave, now. He staggered to his feet, and planted his hooves against the slick tile, swaying. His body felt lethargic, slow to respond, strangely heavy. He fought down a rising wave of panic and took several deep breaths.
The book. It has to have more. I have to read it again. But SHE will be there, judging, prying. Anger stabbed through his thoughts, strong enough to blind him for a moment. He shook his head rapidly, mane flying, pushing it back. “Then maybe she can help.” He mumbled to himself, his tongue feeling swollen.
He spread his wings and took to the air, clumsily, feeling as though he was struggling with his own muscles. In a halting, jerky glide, he headed back towards the library.
Where he had been laying, the roof and bricks were wreathed in delicate feathers of frost. The pale curves were rapidly erased in the drumming rain.
***
The plaza in front of the library was empty and quiet. The shadows below the columned entrance were deeper than before, shrouded in the damp morning's light. He landed roughly at the base of the steps, stumbling slightly. He trotted up to the entrance, eyes fixed on the doors, and pushed his way inside.
The foyer was almost abandoned. One of the clerks was at the far end of the counter, chatting quietly with the armored pegasus stationed there. Maple Leaf, his mind focused entirely on the volume he sought, took no notice of them and slipped into the aisles of shelves, heading back to where he had been the day before.
Arriving at the right area, he glanced around; there was no sign of any pony nearby. The air was cool and still, smelling of dust. Moving forward, he saw that the book he sought was back on its shelf, jutting out from the other tomes. With a hopeful sigh, he grasped it in his mouth.
The sound of a hoof tapping on marble, loud in the silent building, made him start, banging his head against the edge of the bookcase. His concentration broken, he gasped around the book between his teeth. A barb of ice, sharp as a knife and cold as a winter stream, speared through his thoughts as his muscles trembled.
***
Twilight Sparkle stepped from behind the bookcase where she had been waiting, meeting the brown pegasus's gaze. "Maple Leaf. I thought you might come back here." She took a careful step towards him. She couldn't read anything in his cold, hard eyes. He quivered slightly, wings slightly spread, his feathers trembling. "I read that book, and..." She paused as a flash of anger passed over his face, fast as lightning, and was gone just as quick. She swallowed heavily and continued, voice soft and hesitant. "Let me help you, Maple Leaf."
His face twisted in an expression of rage and he spun, whipping his head around and flinging the book at her. Caught by surprise, she could not muster her magic quick enough and flinched backwards instinctively. The book caught her in the side of the neck, and she cried out.
Maple Leaf leapt forward past her as she fell back against the bookcase, his movements swift but awkward, his steps uncertain and halting. She could hear a deep voice at the front of the library call out in question, then in anger as Maple Leaf disappeared from view. The clatter of hoofbeats filled the library briefly, then the boom! as a pair of doors was flung open, banging against stone.
She stumbled to her feet and began following, shaking her head dazedly. The Guard stood before the doorway outside, blowing mightily on a silver whistle around his neck. The clerk behind the counter called a panicky query towards Twilight, but she ignored it as she galloped outside into the rain and turned her gaze skyward frantically.
***
Maple Leaf rose into the sky, wings clawing at the air. All around the city, whistles were blowing, catching and carrying into a cacophany of noise. The vague shapes of other pegasi leaped up above the rooftops, all of them heading towards the young stallion who scrambled for altitude.
His mind twisted and turned with crimson rage. GET THEM! GET AWAY! FLEE, ATTACK, RUN! He tried to shove away the drowning tide of raw emotion, tried to regain control of the muscles that betrayed his will. You’re not going to control me like a puppet! He screamed into his own mind, to no avail. The icy claws sunk into his body prevented him from landing, as desperately as he tried.
In the distance, the graceful spires and domes of the palace compound loomed out of the rainy murk. A desperate hope flashed through his consciousness. I don’t think I can fight this thing away, but maybe I can guide... Someone who can help... please. For a brief moment he grasped control of his faltering wingbeats, pushing away the arctic chill from his muscles.
He swooped down, just above the rooftops that shone with the rain cascading down their slopes. Extending his wings to the fullest he rocketed over the city, zipping below the guards' ranks as they tried to match his speed. Their shouts echoed behind him as he headed towards a series of large, colored windows stretching along one wall of the palace. FLEE! FIGHT! Just let me get there...
Another pair of guards rose in front of him, faces set in determination. Unable to halt his speed, he felt the chill creep back into his wings. Backwinging hastily but too late, Maple Leaf crashed into the nearer of the two, becoming enveloped in a tangle of flailing legs and wings. Scrabbling against the guard's cold metal armor, he managed to kick off with enough force to momentarily get away.
Maple Leaf slammed onto a narrow ledge outside one of the windows, its depth barely large enough for his body, stone slick in the rain. The glass was dazzling in its rainbow complexity, glowing warmly from lights within. However, his head was turned, eyes focused on the guard flying at him at high speed. Gotta get in. Give me control back, just for a...
His body turned just enough on his cramped perch, wings extended for balance, he kicked out with a hind hoof as hard as he could. It caught the guard on the noseguard of his helmet with an almighty CLANG, turning it slightly to the side. The guard crashed into Maple Leaf, insensible and dazed, his weight crushing the smaller pegasus. Face pressed against the glass, Maple Leaf rolled an eye backwards. This is going to hurt.
The second Royal Guard flew in at a dead rush, tackling the two pressed up against the delicate window. The patter of raindrops was lost as the air filled with the sound of shattering stained glass. The three pegasi went through the frame in a shower of feathers and colored splinters into the palace beyond.
***
Twilight Sparkle galloped through the rain-slicked streets. The screech of whistles bounced off the rooftops, and she followed their shrill tones. As she sprinted through empty crossroads giving her a brief view of the leaden sky, she could see winged shapes passing overhead, all of them heading in the same direction.
She burst into a wide plaza and realized the tall white wall ahead was the entrance to the palace complex. The elaborate wrought-iron gate set in the middle of its broad expanse was open, but only one of the ever-serious Royal Guards was present. She could tell that he was uncertain and distracted, standing away from his post and staring into the sky.
Following the direction of his gaze, she gasped. High above, a brown pegasus struggled with two guards in mid-air, their limbs a tangle as they wrestled for a grip, to get away, or just to control their balance. She bit her lip in fear as she watched Maple Leaf push away, dart to the wall of the palace, take momentary shelter in the lee of the elaborate window.
Twilight Sparkle turned and ran for the main entrance to the palace, fear and a heavy foreboding weighing down her heart. The remaining guard on duty cast a wild-eyed look at her as she thundered past, but recognizing her, did not challenge her charge. With a flick of magic she threw open the palace door as in the distance, she heard the sound of glass breaking.
Hooves pounding alternately on the plush carpet and the polished tile, she tore heedlessly through the wide halls. Servants and guards gasped, diving out of the way, as she ran pell-mell towards the audience hall, hoping she could get there in time. Rounding the final corner, she heaved open the oaken portal and skidded to a halt just beyond the threshold, hooves sliding on the slick marble.
The tall chamber, lined with fanciful stained glass windows, glowed from the light of dozens of candles on golden stands. The crimson carpet that stretched its entire length was covered in fragments of glass, rain tapping down through the sundered frame that stood gaping to the storm outside. Two guards lay unconscious in a heap of wings and legs, water trickling down their armor. Maple Leaf staggered in a circle, feathers torn and ragged, seemingly unable to find his balance. He spun at the sound of the door being thrown back, standing wide-legged and trembling.
***
Maple Leaf stared at Twilight. His muscles quivered as he mentally grappled for control of his own body, breath coming in short gasps. “Close the door!” he managed to say, forcing out the words through gritted teeth. “Don’t let me out...” He winced, laying his ears back as a flood of anger slammed against his tenuous control.
Twilight quickly glanced from the struggling pegasus to the open door, and her horn flared with magical energy. The door swung shut with a thud, the latch clicking into place. Turning back, she stepped forward, a look of concern on her face.
“Maple Leaf, let me help you. I think I can do something for you, I hope. Let me...”
He staggered back, clumsily tripping over his own hooves. “It won’t let me.” The rain through the window began falling harder, beating out a fast rhythm on the windows. The guards sprawled in a heap by the shattered window began to stir, groaning. Maple Leaf retreated further, crouching down and shaking with cold, wings flapping feebly.
The sound of wingbeats momentarily overcame the pounding rain and two more guards appeared, sticking their heads through the open frame and glancing around the room, faces grim. Twilight looked at them, at their semi-conscious comrades, then at Maple Leaf.
“Guards. Please take them,” indicating the prone pegasi, “somewhere safe. I have this under control.” Her voice was strong and confident.
“Yes, Miss Sparkle.” One of the guardsmen replied. With the assistance of his companion, the two swaying ponies got to their feet and all four exited back through the window, gliding down into the murky rain below. Twilight turned back to Maple Leaf, who hadn’t moved, still shaking.
He gasped for breath and slammed a hoof against the stone floor. Light and silent, tendrils of frost began to spread out from the point of impact, delicate whorls of ice playing over the polished surface and licking up against the crimson carpet. “I’m losing it.” He mumbled, squeezing his eyes shut. “So strong.”
Twilight slowly stepped towards him. “I’m here, Maple Leaf.” Magic gathered around her horn, glowing softly. “Let me... aah!”
She leaped to the side as Maple Leaf burst into a charge, his eyes cold and hard. He planted his hooves in an attempt to stop but slid over the smooth stone and slammed into the wall, wings splayed out wide. Twilight began backing away as he shoved himself from the wall and turned his head, rage in every line of his face. She slipped briefly before catching herself, glancing down at the floor. Every place his hooves had touched during his charge was covered in a layer of rime, and she followed the line to the convulsing figure of the pegasus, where thick frost was slowly growing over the wall, spreading onto the glass of another window.
Maple Leaf desperately tried to fight back against the arctic, bone-freezing power that controlled his muscles like a puppet. “I can’t...” he choked out, voice thick with fear. He locked gazes with Twilight, pleading. “Help me.”
She hesitantly walked forward, apprehension evident in every movement. As she came close to where he stood, shuddering, he could see her begin to shiver. Cold air rolled off his body, spreading out across the floor as the frost patches widened and crawled over the carpet, making a glittering layer on the dark red plush. The rain hammering against the windows and spattering against the floor began to bounce, tiny ice particles tapping.
Twilight leaned forward, horn flaring violet. The closer she came, the more violent the trembling that wracked Maple Leaf’s body. He could feel the insane, primal rage building up behind his paper-thin resistance. As Twilight almost touched him, her breath puffing out in white plumes of steam, he felt that pathetic margin of control shatter, and blackness overtook his vision.
***
A massive blast of freezing wind pushed Twilight back, snuffing all the candles in the room as she slipped and skidded, ducking her head against the onslaught. Stumbling to a stop on the crackling, ice-stiffened carpet, she squinted through one barely opened eye. Her mane whipped painfully against her neck in the gale.
Maple Leaf stood with head thrown back, tattered wings spead as if on display, ears flat against the sides of his head. His eyes were pits of rage, pupils dilated. Terror filled her mind as those eyes seemed to stare into her very being. Gathering her willpower, she tore her gaze away.
Ice shimmered on every surface, coating the chamber in a beautiful, deathly white layer. Her panting breaths filled the air around her with white mist before fading away. The wind howled, yanking on her tail. She sidestepped away, keeping him in view but not meeting his fearsome eyes.
“Maple Leaf, please! Stop this!” Panic filled her voice but she was helpless to control it. “Don’t let it control you! Please!” If he heard, he gave no notice as he took a slow, deliberate step forward. She backed further away, starting as her flank came into contact with the rime-coated stone wall behind her. “Please...” she whispered, the words lost to the wind.
The sound of strong wingbeats made her jerk her head up. Swirls of snow poured through the broken window, but a solid shape could be seen through the white curtain. The snow rippled for a moment before large white wings beat it away. Through the opening clambered a tall graceful mare, flowing rainbow mane spattered with icy flakes. She glanced around the frozen room with narrowed eyes, fixing on the brown pegasus that glared at her ferociously.
“Princess Celestia!” Twilight gasped with relief. She made her slippery way over to her teacher as she paced into the center of the room, golden hooves crunching on the frost. Maple Leaf stepped back, stiff legged and trembling, teeth gritted.
“P-prin...ce...” The hoarse whisper came from between his straining lips. A breath later and the snarl returned.
“Twilight. I see I have arrived just in time.” Her voice was low and controlled as she kept her eyes locked on Maple Leaf. “This foe is too great for you to face alone.” Twilight opened her mouth, but was cut off as her mentor continued. “Yes, I know what has its grip on him. I will need your assistance. Please shield us from this cold.”
Twilight nodded, and concentrated her magic. “Please, Princess, help him.” She whispered as the energy filled her. A circle formed around them, pushing back the thick frost, leaving glittering water droplets. Warmth began to return to Twilight’s frozen body, and she breathed easier. She looked back at Maple Leaf as Princess Celestia kept her eyes resting on him.
“Do not worry. I will not let him come to harm. Do you hear me?” The last was directed at Maple Leaf, and Twilight could see his body stiffen at the flat, angry tone. “I see you inside that poor youngling, and I recognize you. I will not let you take another.” The power of the emotion in her voice, anger and old sorrow, made Twilight gaze up at her with shock. Golden light began to circle around Celestia’s long fluted horn, glinting and shimmering.
The glowing aura grew to a blinding level, and Twilight gasped at the feel of the magical power. Movement made her snap her gaze back across the room, to see Maple Leaf shaking his head violently, eyes squeezed closed. Suddenly he wrenched them open, fixing his rage-twisted gaze on the Princess. Crouching down, hooves scraping a furrow through the rime, he leaped into the air, flinging himself towards the two, wings flared wide.
Twilight dropped the spell warming the air, and as the cold slammed into her like a hammer, fumbled for another as time seemed to slow. She jumped in front of Celestia, horn flashing with energy. He soared through the air as an orb of purple energy formed at the tip of her horn. Princess Celestia's leg pressed against her side as she formed the magic into a hasty, barely-controlled spell.
A whipcrack split the air and a violet flash flung the pegasus backwards, slamming his shoulders down against the unyielding stone, a cloud of icy motes bursting into the air. His breath whooshed out in a rush, legs curled up and tattered wings spread out on either side. Dazed and gasping, he only noticed too late as Princess Celestia stepped forward around her young protege. Moving with grace and power, she stood astride Maple Leaf, her two front hooves pinning his wings to the floor, gazing down at him.
“Please hear me.” The princess’s voice was soft and pleading as she leaned down, bringing the incandescent aura of her horn towards Maple Leaf. “Hear me and fight back. Push it away and return to us.” His eyes were squeezed shut, breath whistling between his teeth, as the tip of her horn, searingly bright, gently touched his forehead. A brilliant flash filled the room, golden light dancing on the ice.
***
Fog rolled, tight and swift. Maple Leaf looked frantically around for anything in the shifting morass of mist surrounding him, enveloping him. His muscles screamed with exhaustion; a heavy weight bore down on his shoulders. His thoughts seemed distant and slow, even as his mind screamed with fear.
It’s everywhere, it has me. Like a mouse in a cage, his thoughts circled in frantic circles. I don’t want to, please, anyone, please help me. He shivered violently, every joint and tendon creaking with the cold that seemed to infuse his body. This is like what I dreamed, only it’s me. How do I fight what I can’t see?
Light bloomed, off in the distance behind the veiling mist, and Maple Leaf turned towards it like a flower facing the sun. Hope stirred in his heart. A whisper came to him, not the one filled with poisonous malice that haunted him, but soft and welcoming. Fight it. Come to me.
He took a slow, groaning step towards the light, and felt what seemed like icy claws rake down his neck. Gasping and trembling in the cold, he halted. How do I fight it when it’s in my thoughts? It’s just hatred and ice! Despair filled his heart, and he bowed his head beneath its weight, before a thought struck him.
Ice. Then how about... He closed his eyes and concentrated. The memory of a warm spring day filled his mind’s eye: pale blue sky above, warm breeze all around him, a welcoming sun shining benevolently on his wings. For a moment, the weight lessened on his aching shoulders, and the bone-chilling cold seemed less. The light in the fog glimmered.
The miasma rolled in again, trying to block the shining beacon. Frost stabbed through him, and he cried out at the sudden onslaught. He gritted his teeth, gasping for breath, and grinned around the pain. Don’t like the thought of warmth? He tossed back his head, squeezing his eyes shut as hard as he could.
It was deep summer. The air was still and dead, not a single breeze disturbing the baking, sizzling blanket that pressed down on the land. The sun glowed a sullen orange in a blindingly blue sky, seemingly larger than ever before without a single cloud to block its rays. Heat shimmered over the parched, tall grasses that covered the landscape in a rolling carpet of golden waves. Grasshoppers called out their song below, tinny and shrill in the deafening roar of the silent field of summer.
The fog roiled, pulling away from Maple Leaf and the deathly chill fading from his bones. He was oblivious to the weight lifting from his limp wings, to the screaming wind that surrounded him, to the rapidly growing light as he concentrated with all his will.
On a low hill stood a slender tree. Its limbs, heavily laden with brilliant emerald leaves, reached for the sky. The grass surrounding its dark trunk trembled as the tree seemed to flex, reaching up into the heavens. The sunlight pouring from the azure bowl stretching from horizon to horizon made the leaves glow almost incandescent. The sun seemed almost close enough to touch the very topmost leaf as it strained, trembling, for the golden orb above.
***
A blinding flash made Twilight cry out and duck away as the sound of screaming wind filled the chamber. Dots dancing in her vision, she looked back at the Princess and the pegasus. A ghostly white shape reared up above the two, its equine features elongated and stretched, translucent body roiling and twisting. Waves of freezing air beat against her, whipping her mane painfully against her face. Higher and larger the creature swelled; incomprehensible, primal anger filled its dead white eyes.
With an ear-splitting roar, the monster vanished, the blast pushing Twilight backwards as she ducked down against its force. Every window in the room burst out, raining glass onto the courtyards below in a cacophony of splinters.
Ears ringing, she crouched, shivering, hoping it was over. She slowly stood and opened her eyes as the sound of the rain, falling gently once again, filled the room. Occasionally a piece of glass tinkled as it parted company with its frame and dropped to the floor. The light breeze, warm and damp, swirled gently as the frost covering everything began to melt. She moved towards Princess Celestia hastily. “Princess, are you all right?”
"I am fine, Twilight." The princess stood with one large white wing raised above her head, the golden aura of a protective spell fading from her horn. She folded her wing back against her side and turned to look at Twilight, a weary satisfaction in her eyes. “You may want to unlock the door. I expect there are a lot of very curious ponies outside.”
Twilight spun and grabbed the latch with a quick spell, flinging open the door to thud against the stone wall. Standing just beyond the threshold was a number of Royal Guards, their eyes wide with surprise. Behind their armored line was a mob of castle staff, all of them gabbling and whispering to one another, craning their necks to see into the room.
Twilight turned back to her teacher as Celestia stepped back a couple of paces, placing each hoof with care on the wet stone. Her attention was focused in front of her, and Twilight followed her gaze.
Lying there on the marble, droplets of moisture clinging to every feather and dripping from his mane, was Maple Leaf. He sat up slowly, sitting on his haunches, looking around with confusion on his face. He met Twilight's gaze, his emerald eyes wide and full of exhaustion, red mane mussed and wind-tangled. He glanced around further, to the glass littering the length of the room, to the gentle rain visible through the empty window frames, to the doorway behind Twilight that was beginning to be filled with a mixture of gaping servants and grim-faced guards.
Finally he looked up, into Princess Celestia's serene gaze. Meeting her calm, understanding eyes, he began to tremble. Ears laying back against the sides of his head, sorrow twisted his face. He started to cry, silently at first, tears rolling down his cheeks. He wrapped his wings around himself, hiding his head behind his tattered feathers. Sobs wracked his body as his shoulders shook with tension.
Princess Celestia dropped down beside him gracefully, reaching out a wing and gently pulling his smaller form against her broad shoulder. She nuzzled his damp hair gently with her muzzle as he trembled and sobbed, leaning into her comforting embrace. Twilight moved forward as behind her, the castle staff began carefully picking their way over the fragments covering the floor.
“Is he all right? What was that spell you used? How did you know...” Twilight paused and took a few deep breaths, shivering slightly as her heart stopped pounding so hard. “That was a windigo, wasn’t it? I’ve read about them in myths and legends, but I had no idea that they would, well, possess ponies. How did one of them get into Maple Leaf’s head? How did you get it out?”
Celestia chuckled softly at the torrent of questions. “One at a time, Twilight. First, yes, I’m not surprised that you hadn’t heard of this before. It has only happened a small number of times that I’m aware of, and the most recent was almost two hundred years ago.” Her expression shifted to one of regret. “The great rarity of such a thing has lead it to become esoteric knowledge; forgotten and untaught.”
Twilight’s heart sank at the sorrow in her teacher’s eyes. “You knew about the last time this happened? Oh!” She remembered the passages she had read in the old book. “He was reading an old volume in the library when I met him, and it mentioned that you might have been involved. Is that true?”
"Yes, Twilight, it is." The princess responded softly, eyes on her student but her wing carefully cradling the young pegasus. “A filly had started to act very strange, reclusive and erratic, full of suspicion and anger. Her parents had exhausted all medical knowledge available to them, and came in desperation to me.” She sighed. “I tried to help, but I fear that she had grown so weak that she could not fight back against the windigo’s influence. She escaped and fled. We never saw her again.”
Twilight glanced around the room. Ponies from the castle staff were beginning the arduous task of sweeping up the glass shards into a series of neat piles. Guards paced along the walls, keeping a close eye on those working near the open window frames. A few young pages moved from one candelabra to the next, righting them and replacing any broken candlesticks. A touch of magic and their warm glow began to light the room once again.
Twilight looked down at Maple Leaf's wind-snarled mane, halfway hidden behind his own wings and Princess Celestia's pale feathers. “Is he going to be all right?” She asked softly.
Princess Celestia's expression shifted to a gentle smile and she looked down at Maple Leaf's quiet form curled up against her side. She lifted her wing slightly and revealed his face. Tears streaked dark paths down his cheeks, but he rested easily, asleep, pressed against her white shoulder. "I believe he was very close to losing his fight against the creature. But he had enough strength to fight, even at the very last. I could feel him reach out to me, and that made all the difference.” She sighed. "I only wish I could have helped the last as well."
Nestling her white wing around his slumbering body, the princess met Twilight’s eyes once more. "Time will tell, Twilight, but I hope so." She looked up and caught the eye of one of the servants, a young unicorn mare, who hurried over. "Please prepare a suite for him. I believe he'll be staying here at the palace for a while." The filly bowed and headed for the doorway. Looking back at Twilight, she continued. "I'd like you to spend time with him as he recovers. Reassure him that he's not to blame, and learn whatever you can." Her expression sobered once more, and her voice became almost a whisper. "I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens to another pony again."
Twilight nodded. "Of course, Princess." She looked down at the recumbent figure of her princess and the quiet sleeping stallion against her side. "I'll do everything I can."
***
Consciousness returned slowly, calm dreams slipping away like fog in the morning. First came sound; the gentle sigh of a light breeze, so different from the storms that had deafened him. Gentle pressure surrounded him, feeling like he was cocooned in the depths of a sun-warmed cloud. He stretched, just slightly, and caught his breath with a sharp hiss as every muscle screamed their protests.
Maple Leaf opened his eyes and squinted, blinking, at the light. Slowly a vaulted ceiling swam into focus, delicate arches and scroll work covering the pale plaster. He laid there, staring up without seeing, waiting for his complaining body to quiet down again. The soft sensation covering him was a comforter, spread across the bed he was almost buried in.
Where am I? He thought, mind idly ticking over. He took quiet pleasure in the sensation of once again being alone in his own mind. I can't... quite recall what happened. All I can picture... He began mulling through his most recent memories, fragmented and dark. As he began to shift the pieces to form an image, like reassembling a broken mirror, a leaden feeling formed in the pit of his stomach. He pushed himself into a wobbly sitting position, ignoring the complaints of his body.
He gazed around the small but cozy room. One wall was dominated by a wide, open window through which the light wind wafted. Soft gauzy curtains shifted in its wake, not blocking the bright sunshine that poured through, making an almost incandescent patch on the stone floor. A small table, a cushioned seat, and a low bookcase perched along the walls; an unlit candle sat upon the table ready for evening. Adjusting his position slightly against the voluminous pillows behind him, he noted that his wings were lightly wrapped in gauze bandages.
The wooden door clicked open, and he turned his head to see the purple unicorn that featured prominently in his confused, scattered memories slip inside. Closing the door behind her, she seemed surprised and pleased to see him awake.
"Oh, you're up, Maple Leaf. I'm so glad." Twilight Sparkle smiled warmly and paced to his bedside, taking a perch on the cushion position at his bedside. "How are you feeling? I hope..." She broke off at his somewhat bewildered expression. "Oh, I might be rushing this a little. Um." Rubbing her nose in embarrassment, she continued in a somewhat softer voice. "I hope that you... I'm Twilight Sparkle, remember? We met in Ponyville when you were younger, and in the library a few days ago when..."
"When I was looking for that book. Trying to learn about..." Maple Leaf's voice was rough and scratchy. He looked down at the bed covers as he tried to assemble his thoughts. A few bits slipped into place. "Something was wrong with me. I didn't know what to do but I thought I couldn't go to anyone for help. And then I..." He broke off and shook his head.
"It's okay, it's okay, Maple." Twilight leaned forward a little, her words intense but gentle. "It's gone now. The princess is certain that..."
"The princess!" He snapped his head up and stared at the unicorn in horror, eyes wide. "I attacked her! And you! I fought the guards, and the window, and-" His voice rose to a near-wail, and he began to tremble in panic. "It was like claws in my mind, and all I could feel was anger and fear-" He buried his face in the warm softness of the comforter.
"Ssh, you're fine. It's gone and you're fine now. Princess Celestia cast it out, banished it, it's gone." Twilight spoke soothingly, gently touching his hoof. "It wasn't your fault. It was a sickness and you're cured now. You fought it away." She continued talking in soft phrases as his shuddering gently eased, and he once again turned to look at her, his eyes red.
They sat in silence for a long moment, listening to the whisper of the wind and the far-off calls of songbirds. Finally Maple Leaf stirred slightly and spoke in a soft tone. "Am I in the palace?"
Twilight nodded. "Your wings are... somewhat worse for wear, but they'll heal and your feathers will regrow. Princess Celestia sent a message down to the post office to inform them that you'll be out for a while. You mentioned that you worked there. She'd like you to stay here while..." She paused at the spasm of pain that crossed his face.
"To find out what happened to me." He looked down at his hooves and shivered, flexing his bandaged wings slightly. "It's still... a mess. In my head."
"That's okay, Maple. We have time, there's no need to force it." She glanced away, eyes unfocused in thought. She then looked back, meeting his eyes with a warm smile.
"Let's talk about something else, then. How about what you've been up to since we met in Ponyville? The last I saw you, you were getting an earful from your class instructor on your way back to the flight academy." She smiled teasingly.
Maple Leaf began to chuckle, then laugh, weakly but long, a release of tension that he desperately needed. Rubbing his eyes wearily with a foreleg, he returned her smile. "That feels like it was so long ago. But all right. Well, Coach Quicklash sure chewed me out, talking about how reckless I had been for pulling that stunt. It was my fault, in all fairness..."
The two ponies, pegasus and unicorn, continued their conversation, their friendly voices filling the room. The warm sunlight slowly crept across the floor, the gentle breeze playing with the curtains. Outside, the sun continued its graceful arc across the azure sky towards the distant, snow-capped peaks of the western mountains.
