What is Roam? Is it a city? A nation? A legacy? It is all and none of these things. It may have started as a city and grew to nation that would change the world, but first and foremost, Roam is an idea. The idea of all ponykind united behind the banner of the Alicorn Emperors.
For eons, ponies of all kinds and creeds prospered under the near immortal Alicorns. With their guidance, the empire spread from the Crystal city to the Smoking mountains. Each Emperor and Empress led their subjects to greater and greater heights. Their reigns lasted for thousands of years at a time. Never aging or sickening, the only death that fell upon the Alicorns was in battle. A fate that was all too common in a world of carnivores and monsters.
For this reason, Roam built its military might to be unmatched by any force before or since. Generals conducted brilliant strategies to defeat much stronger foes. Engineers and architects built walls and columns that stand to this day. Senators deliberated trade and alliances with silver tongues. The wisest of the Alicorns created powerful artifacts beyond the imagination, distilling the strongest of equine virtues into elements of pure magic. But the backbone of Roam’s might truly lied in its legions.
The greatest and most successful the legions was known as Laurea. Legio Laurea was formed when the pegasus city states joined the empire after the defeat of the god-monster Typhon. The legendary warriors of Spurta were honored in the union by granting their king his own legion. Since then, any battle Legio Laurea took part in ended in victory. Even as the blood of the unit grew further away from its roots, the Spurtan spirit of honor, duty, and loyalty never left. Stories tell that every legate who commanded Laurea was descended from the king of Spurta, even the unicorn and earth ponies who took the role. As such, every Legate is dubbed the Prince or Princess of Spurta by their troops. It was Legio Laurea that fought Roam’s last war and the Prince of Spurta that would start it.
Ironically, it all started with the end of another war. The Imperial Army had achieved victory over Gaul the dragon and his scaly brethren. Legio Laurea was returning home with the spoils of war. It was a time to celebrate in the Roaman fashion. Red and gold banners were draped from the window of every home. The sky was cleared and streets cleaned so the marble columns and gold-capped spires of the city shone in the sun. Ponies gathered along the Grand Highway as trumpets declared the Legion’s entrance.
The soldier’s marched along the road in perfect synchronization towards the Imperial Palace in the heart of Roam. Their armor and pila glistened in the Emperor’s sun. Their shields bore the marks of war upon them. Marching next at the head of the column was the Prince of Spurta himself, a handsome white pegasus stallion named Zephyr.
The crowd cheered their heroes all the way to the palace. Foals gawked from behind their mothers’ legs. Parent’s and spouses searched for their loved ones in the ranks. Old veterans looked on with tired but proud eyes. When the legion came to a halt before the palace steps, another blast of trumpets announced the arrival of the Emperor.
The crowd immediately quieted down and kneeled before the alicorns. Emperor Caelum walked into the sunlight with his head held high wings outstretched. His vibrant red mane flowed like an ethereal breeze had caught it. His golden coat glowed like the a second sun dawning from the east. His daughter, Lumen, strode gracefully behind him. Her dark coat seemed to contrast her mane that shimmered like an aurora borealis. Her kindly blue eyes captured the hearts of all who gazed upon them. None could deny that the creatures that stood atop the palace steps were the most beautiful in the world.
“My ponies,” Caelum spoke with a great booming voice, “Today is truly a blessed one. For today marks the end of a time of war and the beginning of a new age of peace and prosperity. The dragons have at last been defeated and their warmongering king slain by these heroes before you.” The crowd cheered loudly. “For generations, Laurea has defended the realm from every danger imaginable. I am pleased that Prince Zephyr has continued this tradition with honor and integrity. I could not have asked for a greater general and a better friend. For this reason I thank you and all your troops for your service.” The crowd once again erupted into applause. “Now do not let my words keep you any longer. Tis the time for celebration. Break open the wine casks and let there be joy!”
With the Emperor’s word, the festivities could truly begin. For the rest of the day and well into the night, games were played and songs were sung. Everypony participated, from the noblest of unicorn patricians to the humblest of mules. The legion took this opportunity to see their friends and family as well as participate in the merriment. Zephyr was no exception. He shook hooves with everypony who approached him. His chest swelled with pride as grateful citizens congratulated him.
Among these well wishers were the consuls of the Imperial Senate, Azure Gemma and Sanguis Genus. “Very well done legate,” Azure said with a politician’s smile, “your victory has gained you much favor with the senate. Some have even suggested giving you an honorary spot on the military affairs council. They believe your experience could be quite useful in dealing with foreign entities.”
Zephyr smiled back and replied, “Caelum knows you need it.”
The unicorns laughed. Sanguis spoke up, “indeed we do. Which is why a war hero such as yourself would be invaluable in the senate house. We do require more noble pegasi in the senate anyways. Some plebeians have started questioning whether we have the common pony’s or just our fellow unicorn’s interests at heart. That is a claim that is blatantly false! But alas our words only hold so much sway over the red-blooded rabble. I know that life in the capital is not as glorious as the front, but with the end of war comes new opportunities and necessities. If you would-”
“No,” Zephyr interrupted, “I can see what you want from me and the answer is no. I will not be beholden to anypony but the alicorns themselves. Especially not you two.”
The consuls lost their smiles. “Do you forget who you are speaking to legate? With but a flash of my horn and a hooful of scrolls I can dissolve your precious legion permanently,” Azure threatened.
“And how long will it take for you to be booted out of office once the public finds out you eliminated Laurea?”
“Fame is fleeting young colt and after a few years of peace the public will begin to wonder why money is being wasted on an army that is doing nothing.”
“By that time, you’ll have to step down so you could get hitched or do you really want the scandal of an illegitimate birth?”
The unicorns were completely flustered. The consuls’ love affair was Roam’s worst kept secret. Everypony and their granny knew Azure and Sanguis were in love with each other, but their romance wasn’t exactly legal. Unable to find a comeback, the consuls simply stuck their heads up and left.
Zephyr heard a boisterous laugh behind him, “I didn’t know somepony could scurry and strut at the same time. I guess even one as old as me can still learn new things.”
Zephyr turned around to to find the emperor smiling down on him. He bowed his head and brought his hoof to his chest in salute, “your majesty! it is an honor.”
“Please the honor is all mine Zephyr. There is no need for formalities tonight. It’s your triumph we’re celebrating here.”
“Any success I’ve had is owed to you sir.”
Caelum shook his head, “if I was what Roam needed to defeat Gaul, then we would have centuries ago. Nay, this is your victory Zephyr. I could not be more proud of you.”
“Thank you sir.”
“excuse me, Emperor Caelum?” a white coated unicorn foal interrupted their conversation. He held a small stack of scrolls in his magic.
The emperor smiled at the new arrival, “what is it lad?”
The colt offered his scrolls to the alicorn, “I’ve finished the essay on Clopatran culture.”
“Already? I gave you that assignment yesterday. I was not expecting it until next week.”
“sorry,” the colt said bashfully. “once I started I just couldn’t stop.”
Zephyr cleared his throat and asked Caelum, “is this you latest protege your majesty?”
Caelum nodded, “Starswirl, this is Prince Zephyr. He was my apprentice before you.”
Starswirl looked up at Zephyr and gave a nervous smile, “he- hello.”
Zephyr returned the smile and glance at the foals cutie mark, a strange pattern of stars that made Zephyr confused just looking at. He said, “You must be really good at magic to get Caelum’s attention.”
“Yes sir. The Emperor says I have knack for study and experimentation, then there are the visions.”
“Visions?”
“Yes sir. I sometimes see little bits of other times and places. Emperor Caelum says it’s my special talent.”
“huh, I never heard of anypony with that ability before.”
Caelum said, “it’s quite rare. I haven’t even seen it firsthand until I met the lad.”
“I guess you really are something aren’t you Starswirl?”
Starswirl nodded, “I suppose so sir.”
Zephyr ruffled Starswirl's mane, “Be proud of it. In a thousand years our deeds will be the stuff of legends. Maybe somepony will write an essay on Starswirl the great magician.”
Starswirl beamed, “ I think I would like that.”
“Who wouldn’t? Just listen to Emperor Caelum and keep on his good side. There isn’t a better teacher in all of Roam.”
“Yes sir.”
Caelum lowered his head to Starswirl’s ear and said, “Why don’t you go enjoy the festivities while the night is young? I’ll evaluate your report in the morning.”
Starswirl flattened his ears, “Can I just go back to the library.”
Caelum shook his head, “you need to get out and have some fun lad. I admire your work ethic but there’s more to life than studying.”
“yes sir.” Starswirl grumbled as he trotted off into the crowd.
Caelum sighed, “he’ll probably be back in the library in about 10 minutes.”
“He’s a bit of a loner?” Zephyr inquired,
“Besides myself, Lumen, and a couple of the old mages in the library Starswirl rarely socializes. I don’t think he sees the value in having friends.”
“I’m certain he will find somepony to connect with. Um, speaking of Lumen where is she? I haven’t seen her since your speech.”
Caelum looked up into the night sky. He spied a couple of stars flying across the dark expanse. “She’s practicing her craft. I guess she had enough celebration today. You know where to go.”
Zephyr nodded, “have a good evening sir.” With that he departed.
Zephyr found Lumen on a balcony that overlooked the city of Roam from the palace. The view from up here was spectacular. The glowing orange lights of Roam flickered in the darkness. In the sky the stars twinkled across the heavens, taking the shapes of ponies and monsters long dead. Amongst these formations a new constellation was being born. Bright young stars shot across the blackness, dancing into place as the body of the dragon, Gaul, formed. As more stars fell into place the dragon became more and more animated. Zephyr could practically see the beast’s wings flapping.
Zephyr whistled startling Lumen, “An almost perfect image Lumen. Curve those horns a little and make the snout larger and I would swear Gaul had risen from the dead.”
Lumen smiled, “I did not see you come in Zephyr. Please come stand by me.” Zephyr walked up to her and watched her work on the constellation.
“Why are you not among the festivities? I never knew you to miss out on a celebration.”
“I wouldn’t but I don’t think it right to celebrate Gaul’s death before giving him this final rite.”
“Final rite? Isn’t that a job for his kind to perform and not his sworn enemies?”
“Tis likely the dragons had a funeral for their fallen king already, but this is not merely an act of mourning. I am preserving the memory of Gaul in these stars. In generations to come, all shall know the story of Gaul and the hero that slew him.”
Zephyr blushed, “I’m not any hero. I may be good at what I do but not that good.”
“I beg to differ. You’ve always been a gifted one. Even when you used your gifts to plunder midnight snacks from the chef’s pantry.”
“Hah, if I recall correctly you were there plundering sweets right with me.”
“Hmm, you must be mistaken. I never did anything of the sort.”
“Oh, yes you did! It was you who levitated the chef’s keys from his room. It was you who threw that rock to distract the guards. And it was you who dropped that amphora that got us caught in the end.”
Lumen laughed, “The look on the chef’s face alone was worth it.”
Zephyr joined her laughter, “I didn’t know if he would end up blowing his top or groveling at your hooves.”
“I think he did both simultaneously.”
The pair laughed and traded stories late into the night. The celebration below slowly changed tone as the young ones slipped into sleep. The musicians switched their spritely dancing tunes to softer, more beautiful melodies. The bonfires dimmed down to a red glow.
Lumen sighed and looked at Zephyr with eyes that surpassed the brightest of stars. “I have always enjoyed your companionship in these halls Zephyr,” she said.
“As have I,” Zephyr replied.
“Now look at you. You’ve grown into a fine young stallion, the Prince of Spurta, and a hero in your own right. You have built quite a legend for yourself. I cannot help but wonder what the next chapter will be.”
Zephyr dug his hoof in the ground nervously. This was the opportunity he was looking for. He only had to take it. He took a deep breath and said, “My only wish is to be with the mare I love.”
Princess Lumen chuckled, “Oh, somepony has caught your fancy Zephyr? Who is the lucky girl?”
Zephyr looked her in the eye. He spoke softly, “it is you Lumen.”
“Excuse me?”
“I love you Lumen. I always have and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” The young prince kneeled down. He was still looking into her eyes, hoping for his answer.”
“Zephyr, I am flattered, but this cannot be.”
Zephyr’s hopeful look vanished. “Why not?” he asked.
“I… we cannot be together. I am an Alicorn princess.”
“What does that have to do with anything? There is no law against it. Nor is there no precedent.”
“It is not a matter of legality, but of time. Your lifespan is but a fraction of mine. Eventually, you will die and I will not see you again for a very long time. That loss is already hard enough for a dear friend such as you. I don’t want to feel the loss of somepony more.”
Zephyr grew angry at this explanation. “That is not an answer,” he yelled, “No matter who or when you choose, you will outlive him. So why not me and why not now? I love you and I know deep down that you love me too. Stop making excuses and tell me! I know you too well to-“
“Enough, Zephyr!” Lumen interrupted in her royal voice, “You make a fool of yourself by speaking to me in such an insolent manner. I am your Princess and your superior. You will respect my decisions. Especially if you truly love me as you claim. It is my wish for our bond to be that of a friendship for now and nothing more.”
Most ponies are not brave or stupid enough to talk back to an Alicorn using their mighty royal voice. Zephyr was not like most ponies. He adamantly persisted, yelling back, “But I want to be so much more that your friend!”
“Then you shall have neither from me. I thought you a stallion of honor Zephyr, but now you behave like an ill-tempered Minotaur. Be gone from my presence and do not dare speaking to me as such again.”
With a blast of her magic, Lumen tossed Zephyr off the balcony. He plummeted for a time, but he managed to spread his wings and recover just before he crashed into a rooftop. He looked angrily up at the balcony. Lumen turned her back and stomped back inside. Growling under his breath, Zephyr flew back to Legion Laurea’s camp outside of town.
The party was still going strong at camp. The only ponies who were even mildly sober were the handful of legionnaires unlucky enough to draw sentry duty tonight. Although Zephyr swore he smelled wine on the mare assigned to guard the gate. He was too angry to care. The mare he loved had rejected his advance and he may have ruined their friendship forever. That sort of pain hurts more than any dragon fire.
So he ignored his troops as they cheered his arrival. Many of them offered him drinks or a spot in whatever game they were playing, but he didn’t pay any attention. Instead he just stormed right to the center of camp and into the officers’ tent. There he promptly flipped the table in the center of the room cursing, “Caelum damn it!”
Fortunately, the only pony in the tent was the legion Aquilifer, Argenta Nubes, who was Zephyr’s most trusted officer and friend for years. She was a pegasus just like most Legionaires of Laurea and like all members of the legion she adored her commander. “Lost a round of cards sir?” she asked.
“No,” he replied curtly.
Argenta studied Zephyr for a minute, piecing together the cause of his distress. “This is about the Princess isn’t it? She does not share your feelings for her?” she observed. Zephyr had commented on his affection towards Lumen many times on campaign. All of Laurea knew of it and silently wished for Zephyr’s success in wooing the alicorn.
“Oh she does. I know she does somewhere deep inside. She just will not follow it.”
“That is a shame, my prince. If there were anything I could do…”
“I am afraid that the damage is irreparable. My advances have insulted her and she cast me out of the palace.”
The pegasus rubbed her foreleg nervously. She suggested, “Well maybe I could… help somehow. I know my company does not compare to that of royalty, but I want you to be happy. If there is anypony in Roam who deserves a happy ending, it is you sir.”
“I appreciate your loyalty Argenta, but the only happy ending for me is with Lumen. We are destined for each other. I know it!” Zephyr stomped his hoof. “There must be some way to get her to open her heart to me. Whether it be through wit or magic I must win her love.”
Argenta grew concerned for her commander. His eyes were ablaze with a mad determination to win Lumen’s heart. She cautiously asked, “Legate? Are you certain of this? Cannot you not settle for anypony else?”
“No. I cannot live without her and I will not truly live until she is with me.”
Argenta sighed, “then I promise you I will do everything I can to aid in your quest. You and your love will be united.”
Zephyr’s spirits rose at the oath. He wrapped his friend in a hug and said, “Argenta, if you can do as you say I will be eternally grateful. I assure you, you will want for nothing after this my friend.”
“Seeing you happy is its own reward, my friend.”
With her promise made, Argenta set out to find a way to fulfill it. Unlocking the heart of an Alicorn was no easy task. To do so would take powerful magic. Magic like that cannot be attained by mere mortal ponies. Argenta would have to search for some foreign, chaotic magic that equaled that of gods. She had an idea of where she may find such magic, but the cost of this magic may be too much for anypony to bear.
