History. History was boring, history was dull, but history was the order of the day for Ember Shard. The young earth colt ran a hoof through his messy orange mane and waited for the street signs to change. The unicorn powered hovercrafts were everywhere in the capital city these days. The sign changed and he began trudging through the rain along with the other citizens. The mares and stallions native to the capital were a capricious lot, but Ember could understand why.
Ordeal’s End was the central trading hub of The Commonwealth. The city was the largest in the nation, located just in the shadow of a lone mountain. It was called something else before, and something else before that. Ember knew this city was old. The name came from the final resolution that created their new society. The city had history with all sides of the conflict, and was agreed to be named capital after everything was settled.
Ember stopped at a coffee stand and ordered a small cup, black. He smiled to the mare working and handed her his bit card. She was cute, with a short cut mane and pretty eyes, but Ember had no time for mares, or stallions for that matter. No, his studies came first and foremost. His father had taken him on a tour of many universities in the neighboring cities, but he ultimately decided on Celestis University. The school was located near the old center of the city, and was surrounded by many buildings that fascinated him. One such building was his current destination. Ember crossed another street and finally saw the old library. One of his professors had mentioned it as an aside during his morning lecture.
The structure was old and sported thick pillars at the entrance, each wrapped in green vines and decorated to look like tree trunks. Ember trotted inside and gave a polite nod to the mare at the desk. He began his ascent up a spiral staircase and stopped at the fourth floor. Several rows of very tall shelves stretched in seemingly every direction, the building was much larger than it appeared from outside, a nice trick used by architects of older generations. Ember noticed several rows of bookshelves, they radiated outward from the center of the room, like the spokes on a wheel.
Ember found a table and made himself comfortable. He took off his saddlebags and spread his folders and history books out in front of him. With a sip from his coffee, he got to work. The first part of his assignment was simply to read up on the ancient history of ponies. Ember appreciated learning and the rigors of academia, but only when it was practical. He just didn't understand the purpose of learning about such history. Of course there was the old saying, “Those who fail to learn history are doomed to repeat it,” but that mainly was referring to known history. Events such as the conflicts leading to the formation of The Commonwealth, for example. A multitude of information exists covering those events. Many documents written from several different perspectives. It was a known quantity. This, however, was dipping into legend and fantasy.
Ember opened his notes and read over what he had taken down in his first lecture. The ancient land where ponies once lived was called Equestria. A fanciful name, Ember thought. The ponies lived under the rule of supremely powerful beings known as alicorns. There were two mentioned consistently in the legends, the sun princess and the moon princess. Each were said to move their respective celestial bodies across the sky and wield immensely powerful magic. They were paragons of ponykind, living representations of the three races.
The magic and different species were interesting to Ember, but not as interesting as their extremely long lives, and additional powers. They were said to see into the future, and even have access to alternate planes of existence. This begged the question, were they immortal? Or, did they simply have extreme longevity to the point where to a mortal, they might as well have been immortal? These things were entertaining, but they seemed all too similar to what he and his father would read in fiction and fantasy novels. Unicorn magic was useful, but it is nowhere near as powerful as it’s described in his notes.
Pegasus ponies live in high towers in the cities. The spires stretch all the way above the clouds. The pegasi still live among the clouds, but not on them. It was said they could control the weather at one point. They made entire cities out of cumulus and floated around the land wherever the winds took them. Something that struck Ember with a bit of discomfort was the section on earth ponies. His race seemed to be functionally the same back then as it is now. Nothing out of the ordinary, just skills in agriculture and masonry. He imagined this very metropolis was built by earth ponies from the ground up. In the end, it really didn't matter. Ember took another sip of his coffee and began to read the first few chapters of his current assignment.
The hours always seemed to pass faster when Ember was engrossed in his studies. It was dark out and the wind was hitting the windows near his table. He got up, stretched, and decided to investigate. It was raining and every so often lightning arced across the sky. Ember shivered slightly and decided to take a walk around the library for a break. He had been reading one particular piece of history that actually made him uncomfortable: The cutie mark.
According to the books, it was a mark that appeared on a pony’s flank. An image that denoted their “special talent.” Once a pony had their mark, they knew their place in life. To Ember, the idea of having such a blatant destiny like that was horrifying. What if you didn't want the talent you ended up with? Who determined the mark? How did it get on the ponies in the first place? The alicorns were powerful, did they have something to do with it?
Ember’s mind raced in a hundred different directions. He hadn't realized where he wandered. Secluded in the center of the library was a garden. It was flanked on all sides by book shelves, and bordered by ornate stones. A small stream ran through the center, the water was calm and clear. Then, as he circled around, Ember had a clear line of sight to the middle. In a clearing between some large bushes was a statue. It was old, very old. Cracks and fissures lined it’s surface, but in no way detracted from it’s majesty. It was a pony with wings and a horn. It was an alicorn. The statue depicted a regal mare sitting on her haunches. Her wings were fanned forward, though not completely. In her hooves she held a glowing white orb. There was something calming about the statue. Ember couldn't help but notice the look depicted on her face. It was love, the way a mother gazed upon her child.
Ember sighed, the ambiance of the this place was just what he needed. The orb flickered for a moment and caught his attention. He didn't see a power source for it. Nothing was attached and no wires ran away from it.
It didn't matter, he had more work to do. As he turned around to return to his table, he collided with something.
“Oomph!” came the sound of a surprised mare.
Ember had knocked down an ageing unicorn who was carrying quite a lot of books. “Oh my, I'm sorry about that. I thought I was the only pony still up here. Let me help you.”
The mare squinted and searched for her glasses. She levitated them off the floor and put them on, then smiled up at Ember, “You are staying a bit late, but that’s fine. This place is open for several more hours. What’s your name?”
“It’s Ember Shard,” he replied while stacking the books she dropped. “And yours?”
The mare paused a moment. She stared at the statue in the middle of the garden before answering. “Midnight Glimmer,” she said with a small nod. “I’m Midnight Glimmer, pleased to meet you, Ember. What are you doing here so late? If you don’t mind me asking?”
Ember picked up the remaining books and offered to carry the rest, “I heard about this place in one of my lectures, so I decided to come here and study. It’s really old, but I think that adds some charm.”
Midnight smiled and nodded in agreement, “Yes, it is old.” She ran a hoof across the wood of a nearby shelf. “The wood here was hewn from a very old tree. There’s lots of history in this place, and some of it can’t be found in the books. What are you studying?”
Ember smiled and pointed a hoof to the statue, “Them.”
Midnight followed to where he was pointing, then smiled, “Statuary? Or alicorns?”
“Alicorns,” Ember replied with a chuckle.
Midnight nodded, “Fascinating subject, I know some things about them. Would you like some assistance with your studies?”
Ember looked down at the diminutive mare, “I... suppose so. But what information could you have? I mean, most of what I've read indicates very little is known about them.”
“I know who that one is,” Midnight said with a smirk while pointing at the statue. “She was a troubled mare. For a long time she lived under the impression that nopony cared about her, or her work. How wrong she was...”
Ember studied the mare as she seemed to stare into the distance. He didn’t know if he should believe her, but any knowledge about this material was welcome. He had a feeling finding more info on the subject would be difficult.
“My table is right over here, if you’re sure you don’t mind,” Ember said while trotting to his things.
“Oh no, it’s quite alright. Not often I see other ponies up here. I’m glad to help.”
“Do you always work this late?” Ember asked while pulling a chair out for her.
“Oh yes, dear. I’ve worked the night shift for many years. In fact, I’ve lost count!” Midnight chuckled with a few snorts. “But I’ve been away for a long time. I only recently returned here.”
“You’ve been away?” Ember asked, “Do you live in one of the other Commonwealth cities?”
Midnight smiled and shook her head, “No, it’s a bit farther away than that. I live with my friends and family, three other mares. They like to move around a lot. It can be hard sometimes, so I try to come back here when I have time.”
“That sounds like fun, do any of them know about the alicorns?”
Midnight nodded, “Oh yes, they have some interesting stories. I learned a lot from them.”
Ember opened his book and took out some notes, “You said you knew about the alicorn statue, what can you tell me about it?”
“That is a statue of Princess Luna,” Midnight replied. “She was the Princess of the Night.”
“Princess of the Night?”
“Yes, she shaped the night sky. Her duties also involved watching the dreams of her subjects.”
“What?” Ember asked. That was one thing he didn’t understand. Why would ponies allow themselves to be watched like that? “Was there no such thing as privacy back then? How did the ponies trust her? The knowledge she must have amassed spying on everypony like that...”
Midnight frowned, “Yes, she did gain knowledge. Sometimes, Ember, knowledge can lead to trouble.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Princess Luna felt scorned. Everypony enjoyed the day brought forth by her elder sister, but ignored her time. They all slept while she toiled away. One day she refused to lower the moon. In that act of defiance, fueled by knowledge that some ponies even feared her, she transformed into a terrible monster.”
“What?” Ember asked, a disbelieving smile forming on his face.
“She became a new mare, Nightmare Moon. She sought to cover the land in eternal night, but was stopped by her elder sister. She was defeated in battle, and banished to the moon for one thousand years.”
Ember laughed, “Wow... that’s a bit harsh. But it serves her right I suppose.”
Midnight frowned and looked away, “Yes... I guess it does. She was a jealous mare. Jealousy can do terrible things to a pony. It took her a long time to come back from that, and she was never the same again.”
“Come back from it? She came back?” Ember wondered aloud.
“Oh yes, she returned and was defeated by six ponies wielding powerful magic.” Midnight said, a fondness creeping into her voice. “They were brave ponies, and with their magic, they freed Princess Luna.”
“Wait...” Ember said while scratching his head, “So, her sister banished her? Who was she?”
“Princess Celestia, the sun princess.”
“So these were the sun and moon princesses?”
“Yes, together they ruled old Equestria and watched over their little ponies.” Midnight said with a smile.
Ember shook his head and sat back in his seat. Midnight continued to smile at him and eagerly awaited more questions. That was good, because he had many more. These alicorns acted with the power of gods, and made decisions that affected countless ponies. Yet even so, they made mistakes?
“Princess Celestia banished her sister? Why didn’t she save her in the first place? What kind of sister would do such a thing?”
Midnight nodded, “I think many ponies wondered the same thing. But the alicorns weren’t as powerful as many thought. They wielded great power, that much was clear. However, Princess Celestia was likely at her wits end. Either she banished her sister, or she would have had to commit the unthinkable...”
“If Celestia wasn’t able to stop Luna, and resorted to banishment, why did she use six ponies to stop her? Seems like a gamble to me. How come she didn’t attempt to save Luna herself when she returned?”
“I don’t know,” Midnight replied.
Ember was a bit surprised at how quickly she responded to that. All that knowledge, and suddenly she didn’t have a clue? Where was she getting all this information anyway?
“What was special about the six ponies who saved Luna? They must have been powerful if Celestia trusted them with a task like that.”
Midnight hunched over a bit in her seat. Ember noticed the vest and skirt she was wearing seemed rather old. Not ragged and worn, but dated. She itched her shoulder and sides before returning her attention to him. She practically beamed with admiration.
“The six ponies did wield a great power, but not the kind you’re thinking of. They were friends, that’s it. At the time, they had just met, but were already close enough to overcome challenges and free Princess Luna.” Midnight shook her head and looked out into the night sky, “Those ponies would go on to shape the events of Equestria for years to come. And one had a different destiny. She was to transcend her form as a unicorn and join the others as an alicorn princess.”
“Destiny?” Ember grew frustrated, he had heard tales from the old times, but none were like this. This society sounded horrible. It was starting to make his stomach turn. “Which princess is this?”
“Her name was Princess Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship.”
“How do you know all this, exactly?” Ember asked, a slight edge creeping into his voice. “You say you learned a lot from the mares you live with, but this is specific stuff. How do you know so much about this? Why aren’t you teaching this crap?”
“I’m sorry, did I say something wrong?” Midnight asked in concern.
“No, it’s just...” Ember began, then deflated. He wilted in his chair then got up to stretch. “I’m sorry, learning some of this just makes me feel uncomfortable.”
Midnight stood up from her seat and slowly walked over to Ember. She took off her glasses and reached up to his shoulder. When she touched him, he felt strange. It was like a gentle breeze had suddenly blown through the library. It reminded him of the days when he was a foal and played at his father’s summer house. The rolling hills and wind blowing through the fields of wheat nearby. For a moment, it was bliss. Then he looked down at Midnight. Her eyes glistened like the stars themselves. When she spoke to him, he was compelled to listen. Not forced, it wasn’t like that. It was in the moment, he wanted to be here, and nowhere else. It was the voice of a mother talking to her child. It felt like... home.
“My family is a very old one, going back generations all the way to ancient pony times,” Midnight explained. “One them personally served Princess Twilight. It was a great honor, and the stories were passed down in my family through the generations.”
Ember closed his eyes and nodded, “That makes sense.”
Midnight motioned for him to follow her to the large window overlooking the city. From there, lights could be seen stretching all the way to the horizon, or so it seemed. She sat down on a bench and patted the space next to her. Ember slowly sat down and stared at the floor.
“What’s wrong, Ember?” Midnight asked, “What did I say that troubles you?”
“I’m here at a university trying to shape my life, I’m trying to discover myself.” Ember said while tapping the floor. “It’s said you can do anything you want as long as you put your mind to it and apply yourself.”
“A very wise saying,” Midnight commented.
“Is it?” Ember asked, “What if I’m not meant for greatness or a good profession? What if I can’t cut it here? What happens then? I mean, if there is a thing called destiny, then my path in life is already laid out. I could be wasting my time here.”
“Wasting your time? You’re out searching for your purpose, your passions. That hardly seems like a waste of time to me, Ember.” Midnight offered.
“You don’t understand,” Ember said with a heavy sigh, “You said Princess Twilight had a destiny, right? Did she want to become a princess? What if she wanted something else? Princess Celestia seemed to be the most powerful alicorn of all, did she decide Twilight’s destiny? She sent her own sister to the moon, did she see that coming and still do it? What about the cutie marks? How do those come about? You just get your butt tattoo that decides your station in life and... that’s it? What if I don’t want to be a street sweeper? Yet, that’s my cutie mark. What then?”
Midnight remained silent and studied Ember, then she got up and trotted over to the window. She pressed her hooves to the glass and whispered something. It was so quiet Ember almost didn’t catch it.
“She made the right decision.”
“I’m sorry Miss Midnight, I didn’t mean to rant like that... I think I’ve wasted enough of your time tonight, I’ll just-”
“You’re not wasting anything, Ember.” Midnight interjected. “You’re not wasting your life, and you’re certainly not wasting my time.”
“It’s getting late, I don’t want to keep you out so long the light fades from the stars.” Ember said with a chuckle.
Midnight raised an eyebrow and grinned, “I’m surprised you can even see the stars in this bright city. Nevertheless, as a student, your studies will keep you up til that special time. But you’d be surprised what revelations can occur in the fading starlight.”
Ember chuckled and sat down again, “You speak as if you’ve had many of them.”
“I have,” Midnight answered plainly. “Ember, you asked a lot of questions earlier. Now, I have one of my own. Do you remember the big moments in your life?”
“The big moments?” Ember asked, confused. “What do you mean?”
“If somepony were to write a book chronicling your life thus far, what would the big moments be? What would make it a page turner?”
Ember thought about it for a moment, “Hmm, well there was the time my mother left us. That had an impact on me, and not the good sort. Shortly after that I made some friends when I started going to school, my first friends. Meeting them lead me to start playing some sports, where I met more ponies. Later on I went to an academic competition and won an award there. That emboldened me to work harder. There are others, but those come to mind first.”
“So what you’re saying is, one thing lead to another?” Midnight asked.
“In some cases, I suppose that’s true.” Ember agreed.
“Your father must have been happy you made some friends to take your mind off your mother leaving.”
“He was happy as you would expect,” Ember replied. “He was glad I was out of the house. When he learned my friends were into sports, he purchased some gear for my birthday. It was nice since around that time I decided to join a recreational league with them.”
Midnight chuckled, “Your father knew your destiny, isn't that funny?”
“What?” Ember asked.
“Your father controlled your destiny, Ember. You were meant to play sports. He knew that, he must have. How else could he have known to buy your gear?”
“My father is no mystic,” Ember stated dryly. “He saw the type of friends I was hanging around and predicted I might want to play. It was only reasonable.”
Midnight smiled and sat down next to him, “Yes, it was.” She ran a hoof through her mane and let part of it fall around her shoulder. For a second, Ember thought it continued to move even after she let go. He blinked a few times and rubbed his eyes. He was getting tired, it was nothing.
“So then it wasn't my destiny...” Ember said while lowering his head to face her.
“Destiny is a funny thing,” Midnight said with a shake of her head. “The way I phrased it seemed to make your father out to be something he’s not, and simultaneously deprive you of agency. No, he’s not a mystic. But he did influence your life. He guided you in a direction, and I called it destiny. What if you didn't play sports with your friends, despite your father’s subtle encouragement? What if instead you became engrossed in reading at a very young age? Was it your destiny to not play sports?”
“That’s what some ponies might say. They’d say it was my destiny to read books, or like what you said. It’s ridiculous.” Ember grumbled.
“When put that way, it sure is.” Midnight agreed. “That’s such an archaic and draconian way of interpreting destiny. You ponies still have much to learn, despite coming this far.”
Ember raised an eyebrow, that was an odd phrasing. “What do you mean, ‘us ponies?’ You’re a pony, too.”
“Yes I am,” Midnight said with a giggle, “Sometimes I forget, thanks for reminding me.”
Ember rubbed his forehead. Midnight could sure be strange. “You were talking about destiny...”
“Right,” Midnight said with a clap of her hooves, “Everypony always talks of destiny like it has a will of it’s own, it doesn’t. Destiny is not some all powerful cosmic force that controls everything. In reality, it’s quite the opposite. You control destiny, not the other way around.”
“What do you mean?” Ember asked.
“By choosing to play sports, you stepped onto a path.” Midnight explained. “Along the way you met ponies, and grew as a result. The same is true of your academic competition. You studied and prepared, because of that, you won. From winning, you studied harder and eventually ended up here.”
“I’m not sure I understand,” Ember admitted.
“You choose your destiny, Ember. We all do. Everypony get’s so judgemental and angry about destiny, they think it’s some monster pulling the strings. That way of looking at it is the big picture, and it’s utterly useless.” Midnight said with a laugh while standing up. She rested her hooves on his shoulders and stared into his eyes, “You’re still just a colt, what good is the big picture to you? The picture isn't complete yet. You've still got your whole life ahead, and it will be filled with wonder and joy, I can tell.” she said with a wink.
“So you’re saying our destiny unfolds with the choices we make?”
“Yes, Ember. That’s all there is to it.” Midnight said while adjusting her vest and skirt. She leaned on a table and grabbed one of his books with her magic. “Princess Twilight Sparkle learned the same lessons.”
“Princess Twilight wanted to be a princess? When did she decide that?”
“She decided it when she was a little foal, and she didn’t even realize it.” Midnight said with a laugh. “You asked if Celestia decided for her, she did not. Twilight came to her seeking admission into her school for gifted unicorns. The way I remember hearing it, she showed such promise that Celestia immediately recognized her potential. She was accepted into the school, and granted the position of Celestia’s personal student.”
“Being groomed for it at a young age, eh?” Ember said with a laugh.
“It sure seemed that way,” Midnight replied with a nod. “Celestia saw the potential in Twilight and chose to guide her. She didn't see this by peering into fate and the future. It was just simple knowledge and experience, the type gained by living and learning, same as your father.”
“Just like my dad...” Ember said with a small smile. “What happened then?”
“Celestia decided that Twilight spent too much time immersed in her studies. One day, she decided to send her to a small town called Ponyville to help organize a celebration. She told Twilight to make some friends while she was there.”
“Make some friends?” Ember asked. “This is where she met her first friends?”
“That’s correct, Ember.” Midnight replied, “Just a suggestion, but maybe you should be taking notes?” she said with a chuckle while levitating a pen and notebook in front of him.
“Yeah...” he replied and opened them, “That’s probably a smart idea. So these were the friends that helped her defeat Nightmare Moon?”
“The very same. They were very special ponies. Without them, Princess Twilight wouldn't have been half the mare she was. Her friends changed her life so much, each of them brought something that changed Twilight. Each one of her friends gave her new opportunities to learn and grow. As their bonds grew, so did Twilight’s understanding of friendship, and the magic that is a part of it. It was so subtle, yet so powerful. It cannot be taught like levitation or teleportation, it can only be experienced. From the adventures with her five friends, Twilight Sparkle learned the magic of friendship and transformed, literally and metaphorically.”
“So then what about the cutie marks? Did Celestia have influence over those? How did they work?”
“Cutie marks didn't designate one’s talent before one discovered it. It didn't work that way. You wouldn't get a cutie mark for competitive swimming when you've never even been in the water.” Midnight clarified with a chuckle. “Cutie marks simply appeared when a pony discovered something they enjoyed, and were talented in. Often times they were ambiguous, not straightforward at all. It depended on the pony, or so I was told.”
“So the alicorns and Celestia had nothing to do with it?” Ember asked.
Midnight paused, “I don’t know.”
“I only ask because I don’t have one, and neither does anypony else. We don’t get them anymore. We haven’t for centuries. I wonder if their absence is linked with the disappearance of the alicorns?” Ember leaned forward and donned an expression of earnest curiosity. “Midnight, do you know why the alicorns left?”
Midnight sat down next to Ember and looked into his eyes, “Why do you think they left?”
“Maybe they grew tired of ponies.” Ember speculated. “We aren't exactly perfect, this city is a monument to the end of a conflict. One in a long list of others. I can see powerful ponies getting fed up with the petty desires of those beneath them. I’d probably leave, too.”
“Would you?” Midnight asked, a small grin forming on her face. “I often wondered why they chose to leave as well. I've spent years and years thinking about it, wondering if they made the right choice. I'm starting to think they did.”
“Why do you think they left?” Ember asked.
“My mentor once told me stories of ancient Equestria, of a time before Twilight Sparkle. The land was ruled by many terrible creatures who threatened ponies at every turn. The alicorns subdued these foes, and brought peace and harmony throughout the land. They maintained that harmony and watched over the ponies, ensuring they lived peaceful and happy lives. But nothing lasts forever, Ember. In my heart, I think they knew when it was time to let go.”
“Let go? I don’t see how that was a wise decision.” Ember said.
“What makes you say that?” Midnight asked.
“By the sound of things, it seems like when our society is compared to the one in ancient times, we've lost everything, but gained nothing.” Ember replied. “Our magic isn't as powerful as it was. The weather can’t be controlled anymore, and all the help and guidance alicorns could have given us is gone.”
“But what do you have in it’s place? It’s true this city is founded on the peace that ended a war, but what else does it represent?”
“Well,” Ember began, “The universities are working to enhance the magic of the unicorns to make it more powerful. Pollution from industry is subsiding due to a shift in solar power. The Pegasi are attempting to manipulate clouds over solar power collection centers to make harvesting the energy easier.”
“Yes,” Midnight nodded with a smile, “And this city is also becoming something of a cultural hub. Isn't it?”
“The gryphons have re established trade with us after the war. They've also decided to help restore the lands that were hit hardest by the conflict. They've also agreed to help construct a new fleet of airships, ones that will make will make travel and trade that much easier.”
“And how about the quality of life?” Midnight asked with a smile.
“Quality of life? We’re living longer now, I guess. The earth ponies decided that naturally grown crops allowed for a healthier diet. Also, new safety programs have kept the cities clean and reduced the instances of serious illness by a large margin.”
“Sounds like things are getting better and better, Ember. If I wasn't travelling all the time, I might consider living here.” Midnight said.
“Even so, it would probably be much better with the alicorns.”
“Unfortunately, some things aren't even within the power of an alicorn. Like I said, nothing last’s forever, Ember.” Midnight said with a sidelong glance, “Including alicorns.”
“What?” Ember asked, “You mean?”
“Oh yes,” Midnight replied. “Alicorns will die, too. If they haven’t already.” She paused, then smiled, “Growing up happens to everypony eventually, there comes a point when it’s time to take off the training wheels, so to speak.”
“My friend believed they weren't helping anymore. The great dangers to Equestria were finally expunged, and they did all they could to help ponies grow. Ponies reached a plateau, and the alicorns were no longer helping. So, they departed.” Midnight took a deep breath and adjusted her glasses, “Harmony just didn't work anymore, not when it was just provided. It had to be acquired by the ponies themselves. They had to seek it, and maintain it. That meant conflict. But through conflict and struggle, you learn, you change. Ordeal’s End is a perfect example of that. Anyway, that’s what my friend believes. I think she’s got the right idea.”
Ember closed his book and set it aside, “I've recorded a lot of notes. Thanks, Midnight. You didn't have to do this.”
Midnight dismissed him with a wave of a hoof, “I was happy to help. The night’s can be lonely, it’s nice to have somepony to talk to.”
Ember gathered his things and trotted back to his study table. “I think I’d better get going, I have early classes tomorrow. Thanks again for helping me, is there any way I can repay you the kindness?”
“Have you made any friends since arriving here?” Midnight asked, coming to stand beside him at the table. “I know it’s early in the semester, but have you gone to any social events?”
Ember shook his head, “Um, no I haven’t yet. I've been studying quite a bit and haven’t really had time.”
“You can repay my kindness by making time. I'm sure you’ll enjoy it and it will enrich your university experience.”
“Should I join a fraternity?” Ember joked, “I’ll meet plenty of ponies that way, lots of parties.”
To his surprise, Midnight laughed, and quite a bit. “I had a friend once who loved parties. She’d probably encourage you to do it.” She produced a book and set on the table, “I want you to have this, it will help with your new life here at university.”
Ember observed intricate lines traced across the surface. It was a brown color, and a stunning golden unicorn adorned it’s center. However, there was a lock on the side. “Thanks, but it’s locked.”
“Oh, yes. Silly me, I forgot.” Midnight said with a laugh. She leaned close to Ember and whispered conspiratorially, “They say locks like this can only be opened by alicorn magic.” Ember heard two clicks come from the lock as Midnight slid her hoof over it, “But they say a lot of things. Goodbye, Ember. I’ll be travelling again, so we might not see each other for a while. Take care.”
“Wait!” he shouted as she began to walk away, “What do I do with the book when I'm done?”
“Just bring it back here, but not before you've made some friends!” she said with a playful wink, “Thanks for everything, Ember. See you again.”
Ember let out a sigh as he watched her descend the stairs. Midnight Glimmer was certainly a great mare. She had saved him so much time studying and researching for his history class. As he stuffed the rest of his things into his saddlebags, he returned his attention to the book. Out of curiosity, he decided to look over the first few pages. When he picked it up, a warm feeling passed over him. He looked at the pages and saw some drawings. Each of them were colored.
They numbered six in total. There was a cluster of three red apples, and a cluster of three pink butterflies. There was one with three balloons, two of them were blue, the other was yellow. Another had three blue gems, while the one next to that was a rainbow colored lightning bolt striking down from a small cloud. The final one was a pink pointed star, surrounded by five white stars.
Ember didn't understand the significance of these strange drawings. Perhaps he’d find out what they were further into the book. He turned to the first written page and saw beautiful hoof writing. It was almost calligraphy. It read...
Dear Princess Celestia,
Ember’s jaw hit the floor, “This is...”
The next day Ember sat in one of the parks owned by the university. After the events of last night, he went home and had his best night’s sleep in weeks. In his hooves he held the book, and flipped through a few more pages. Reading this was definitely going to help him through his time at university. He was certain there were more interesting things found deeper within these pages, and it even appeared others had written passages. He couldn't wait to read more.
As Ember began to put his things away, he felt his stomach growl. It was time for lunch. He looked around the open expanse of the park and smiled. The sun began to burst through the clouds and expose clear blue sky. What was supposed to be a dreary day was now filled with brilliant light. Ember stretched his hooves, it felt good. The sun was warm, and welcoming. It granted him energy. How strange, the weather ponies said it would be overcast all week, and they were seldom wrong.
Before leaving, Ember saw three ponies sitting between two hills not too far away. Two of them were mares he recognized from his statistics class. He remembered what Midnight had asked of him and took a deep breath. He had to start somewhere. As he trotted over to them, each took notice and smiled. They welcomed him and introduced themselves.
First step is always the hardest, Ember thought while sitting down and introducing himself. As he listened to the other ponies banter about where they wanted to go for lunch, Ember looked up at the sky.
First step is always the hardest, but it will be worth it in the end. Right, Midnight?
