We walked on until we finally entered the light that the torch emitted. There we found it held by a terran with ice blue eyes, a silvery-grey mane, and dark navy coat. He was stout in build, standing at about six foot, with a pickaxe over his shoulder. He was wearing clothes that a coal miner would with a heavy winter jacket over it (Blake knew quite a few strange things it seems). His cutie mark, which was stitched to his jacket, was that of a pickaxe striking some blue mineral.

All in all, he seemed fairly plain. Though in some way I felt I knew him. Seeing that he had received Blake’s memories, Von could only guest that meant he would know who Blake knew in turn. This was confirmed when the terran finally spoke.

“Well this is quite the surprise! I thought you said wouldn’t be coming back soon Guardian, and where did you find this beautiful mare, I could have sworn there wasn’t any other villages north of here.” The Stallion spoke quickly, and cheerfully.

“I’m sorry but do I know you?” I said with a tilt of my head.

The stallion paused at my statement before raising the torch and squinting to get a better look. His eyes widened as he appeared to realize something. “Oh I’m sorry, I’ve appeared to mistaken you with another acquaintance of mine. Allow me to introduce myself my name is Cobalt Chill. Who are you, if you wouldn’t mind sharing?”

“My name is Von Steelsoul, and my companion here is Snowdrop. I am the newest Guardian of Equis, following the death of the previous Guardian.” I stated simply, gesturing to Snowdrop who was hiding slightly behind me when I mentioned her.

The stallion appeared shocked at my response, so much so that he nearly dropped his torch. He quickly recollected himself and replied calmly, “Well that certainly explains why I confused you with Blake, and Steelsoul?”

“I had no name other than Von, so he told me to take his name.”

“Ah, well if it was his wish. Oh but enough about that, I’ve completely ignored this lovely mare in your company. Snowdrop was it?”

Snowdrop peeked around me and gave a meek ‘hello’ in reply.

“And a fine hello to you as well miss. Could you tell me where you’re from? I know I’ve never seen you in town before.” Cobalt began to look at her much more critically.

Snowdrop shrank behind me as I took a step forward. I put an edge in my voice as I spoke, “Why does it matter? She’s with me.”

Cobalt didn’t seem phased by my tone as he calmly replied, “Excuse my tone Guardian, but I know that Crown Town is the farthest village north of the Wall. Meaning that mare behind you, can’t be a mare at all.” He spat out the last part.

“What are you talking about?” I asked as Snowdrop squeezed my hand, which she had yet to release.

“What I’m saying Guardian is that what you have accompanying you is a nothing but a creation of the Three Brothers. A golem.” He pointed his pickaxe at Snowdrop accusingly.

I growled at him as I shoved his pickaxe away. “I know for a fact that she is no golem. I found her imprisoned in ice far north of here, that’s why you’ve never seen her before.”

At my statement Cobalt dropped his pickaxe in shock, “Did you say ‘imprisoned in ice?’”

Now it was my turn for confusion, “Uh, yes. Why?”

“No it can’t be, those were just stories.” Cobalt muttered to himself.

Snowdrop and I looked to each other before back at the stallion murmuring to himself. Snowdrop finally took it upon herself and stepped out from behind me and asked the stallion, “Excuse me, but what stories are you referring to?”

Cobalt Chill snapped out of his daze to focus on Snowdrop, “Is Snowdrop your full name?”

“Uh, no. My full name is Snowdrop Lumi. Do I know you?” Snowdrop replied, less afraid but much more confused.

The stallion’s eyes widened before he dropped to his knees and bowed, “Y-your highness I’m so terribly sorry. I thought you were only a legend.”

Now it was our turn to be baffled, but Snowdrop continued, “Legend? Highness? I’m afraid you must have me confused with someone else.”

Cobalt looked up with earnest, “Oh no I’m not. It’s perfectly understandable why you don’t know. Allow me to tell you a tail, I’ll be brief I promise.” He began, “It was said that shortly after Starswirl the Bearded created the Wall that marks the southern-most boundary of the Tundra, a mare was given the vessel in which the great sorcerer trapped one of the Three Brothers. This mare was given the title of ruler of the Tundra, and the name that was passed down was ‘Lumi the Benevolent’ for the kindness she showed to all she met. However, on the day that Princess Luna was banished, her highness was said to have vanished into the Black Forest, where she was said to have died and her soul wandered the forest weeping. For Lumi was said to be Princess Luna's dearest friend, and it was said that she’d continue to weep until the day of Luna’s return.” Cobalt concluded.

"You’re speaking of Nightmare Moon right?”

Both Cobalt and Snowdrop looked to me as I spoke up. “I-I know something about that, but it’s from Blake’s memories. I can’t seem to pull anything else but that name.”

Snowdrop looked saddened by my words, but she replied none the less, “That’s the name she was given by ponies who were scared by her. It wasn’t Luna’s fault…” Snowdrop let a tear fall as she continued, “How’d you feel if you put your heart and soul into something and then everypony ignored it! That’s why she let that demon in. Because it said it would make people see her night, that’s all she wanted.” Snowdrop broke down.

She lost the strength the stand just as I stepped forward to comfort her, causing her to fall into my arms. Where she began to sob into my shoulder while I stroked her mane. Cobalt got off his knees and retrieved his pickaxe before clearing his throat.

“Ahem, if I may. This has been certainly a groundbreaking turn of events, but we really should be getting back to town. It will take us about a day and a half, and I didn’t expect to be running into anyone so my supplies is meager. I’d also like to avoid the ghouls, I’ve only come across one, and that was many years ago, but I’d rather not meet another one.” Cobalt explained.

“Agreed those things are not to be trifled with.”

Cobalt’s eyes widened greatly at my statement, “You’ve seen one!? Ponies called me crazy when I told them about seeing one. I almost started to believe them since it’s been so long.” He muttered the last part.

“Yes, there were five of them. Weren’t there Snowdrop?” I asked to the mare that had finally stopped crying and was drying her eyes.

“It was actually six, remember?”

“Ah, right. I’d forgot about the one I killed.”

Cobalt looked at us like we were mad, and his voice followed in that thought, “SIX!? You fought six ghouls and you’re still in one piece!? Wow, I guess you really are a Guardian.” Cobalt shook his head, “Anyway, we need to be moving. The town will be thrilled to have you back, Lady Lumi.”

“A-actually, Cobalt was it, could you not tell anypony about me? I’m going to Canterlot with Von and I’d prefer not to not draw any more attention than need be.” Snowdrop explained.

Cobalt gave a small bow before replying, “Of course. I understand completely, though if it’s not too much to ask… please don’t forget about us my Lady. It’s a joy to know you are more than legend, and I’m sure that others would surely welcome your return.” He said with a small smile.

Snowdrop returned his smile and replied kindly, “I'd like that.”

The next couple days Cobalt acted as our guide, sharing what little he had to offer so that we wouldn’t lose our energy. Both Snowdrop’s stomach and mine had growled loudly when presented with food. As a wolf I was used to going a couple days, even so much as a week before getting to eat, but this human body appeared to burn energy much faster, and in turn needed to be nourished more often. And Snowdrop had been in that ice spire for who knows how long, so her appetite was certainly present as well.

Over the time we had Snowdrop talked me through some basics of magic, though no matter how I tried I seemed incapable of producing the same results as Snowdrop. Possible my magic was different from what she knew.

As we rounded a bend, we were finally greeted by the sight of light coming from the end of the cavern. Cobalt took the lead as we exited the cave. In front of us was a town of decent size, all the building were made of black lumber and onyx. Giving the town the image that it had been ravaged by fire, if it were not for the fact that creatures of all types roamed the streets. There were ponies of course, but also there were griffons, diamond dogs, changelings, even a few minotaurs wandering the streets.

“This is certainly diverse.” Snowdrop whispered to me, she had yet to tell Cobalt that she wasn’t blind, saying it was something she’d rather keep secret. Which was enough for me.

“Indeed, I’ve never seen any of these creatures, but I know what each of them are. It’s certainly an interesting feeling.” I replied as we kept walking.

One thing I noticed was the lack of wind as we continued through the town. When I asked Cobalt he explain that it was the town’s proximity to the Onyx Hills, that they acted as a buffer to the weather of the Tundra, and that’s what allowed a town to be built this far north in the first place. I nodded before returning to surveying my surrounding. As I did so I noticed that many of the townsfolk stopped what they were doing to watch as we passed by.

We finally arrived at a plain looking building, with nothing special about it save for the sign that read ‘Black Bear Inn’ just above the door. Cobalt opened the door and held it for us as we entered the establishment.

As opposed to the bleak nature of the outsides of the build of town the insides of the inn were bathed in a warm light and the cracked of a fire. Oh, and not to mention the loud singing and merriment that filled the rather crowded room. Cobalt took the lead again weaving his way through tables and occupants until he came to a semi empty one who current patrons were rather diverse.

There was a griffon with black feathers, save for his wingtips which were gold. A gruff looking diamond dog sat next to him nursing a mug of something, his outstanding feature was his left paw, or more precisely the absence of his last two finger on said paw. Finally, there was a changeling, his chitin was a well-polished black, but unlike my knowledge of their race this one had no holes in his wings or limbs, meaning he was certainly receiving substantial nourishment from somewhere. He had solid blue eyes and a dark blue ‘mane’ as is closest to describe what he looked like. Cobalt gestured to the other seats as he took one on the other side of the griffon.

“C.C. finally made it back did you. And you brought the Guardian back, though you look a bit different than I remember. Can you guys change your appearance? Like ol’ Blue here?” The griffon spoke up, thumbing a claw at the changeling with his last statement.

Before I could reply Cobalt spoke up. “Friends I’m afraid this isn’t the Guardian we used to know. May I introduce Von Steelsoul, Blake’s brother.” Cobalt told the group.

I tried to speak up but was cut off by Cobalt again as I did, “Guardian Blake was gravely injured in his journey north, with the last of his power he summoned his only family so that the power of the Guardian would not be lost.” Cobalt threw a look at me before he continued, “Oh and I mustn’t forget our other friend here, gentlemen this is Snowdrop. She was with Von when he was teleported, and unfortunately forced to come along. They are only going to be in town shortly until they have to leave to return to Equestria.”

“You mean to say ol’ Shiny kicked the bucket?” The diamond dog spoke before taking a swig of his mug. “What a shame, that suit of armor just laying up there, rusting away.”

I finally managed to speak up in response with being interrupted, “Actually his armor vanished when he passed his power to me. He kinda just vanished when I was received his title.”

This seemed to cheer the old dog up as he smiled a crooked smile while raising his mug, “Oh, well then. May he rest in peace.”

The griffon spoke back up after he drank from his own drink, “Well that certainly is impressive. How long were you out there with so little on? You’ve got to be freezing with no fur or feathers to keep you warm.”

“No, it’s a bit colder than I’m used to but it’s not that uncomfortable.” I replied casually.

The griffon laughed at my offhand manner, “Now that’s what I’d expect from a Guardian, you bunch certainly are interesting. Shrugging off cold from the Tundra like it’s just a nippy day.”

“I’m sorry for your loss Von, Blake seemed like an enjoyable person to be around. I am saddened to hear that I will not see him again.” The changeling finally spoke, in quite the refined tone as well, contrasting his friends.

“I didn’t know him very well. So I can’t say I’m greatly saddened.” I replied with a shrug.

“Is that so? Well in any case let us not ignore our other guest. Miss Snowdrop, how do you know Guardian Von? Are you lovers? I can tell you two are close.” The changeling gave a mischievous smile as Snowdrop’s face flushed at his questions.

“I-I, I mean we’re not, no!” Snowdrop stuttered out before moving closer and hiding her face behind my shoulder

“I think your comment was unnecessary, Blue.” I spoke, while with a hand I stroked Snowdrop’s mane a couple times to try and calm her down.

The changeling shrugged at my response, “I can feel the emotion coming off the beings around me, and the ones that are coming off the two of you tell me that there's something between you two. I didn’t mean to assume.”

“Blue you just wanted to cause trouble, don’t lie to them like that.” Cobalt spoke up before downing the drink he had ordered during the conversations. “Anyway, Guardian I got you two a room here at the inn you can use for tonight. I know you said you two needed to make it back to Equestria as soon as you could so in the morning I’ll guide you to the Outpost so you can make it into the Crystal Empire.”

“I thank you Cobalt, that sounds like a good plan.” I replied before standing up. “I believe we will go to our room if that’s the case, we’ll need our energy for the travels.”

Snowdrop rose as well and with her hand on my arm followed me after I was told what room we were to stay in and we had said our farewells.

After we had entered the room the first thing I noticed was the fact there was only one bed. I told Snowdrop as much, and when I did she started to blush.

“I don’t mind sharing the bed with you, we’ve slept next to each other this past week anyway.” She told me, as she slowly walked around the room, using her hand to make sure she didn’t hit anything.

There was another door that when I opened it relieved a small bathroom? . . . These memories and knowledge is very strange. . . When I told Snowdrop about it she moved quicker than I had seen from her before she shoved me out of the way and promptly closed the door behind her.

I had rested on the bed while Snowdrop was cleaning up, when I heard the door unlock I looked over and when I did I felt this pressure in my chest and a heat rise in my cheeks as I looked at her. Snowdrop had a towel around her middle but her mane was still glistening with water, it hung slightly lower than normal because the slight curl at the end of it wasn’t present along with how it clung close to her body. The feeling in my chest tightened as she turned to me which caused her towel to slip slightly giving me a small glimpse of what it covered before she pulled it back up.

“You can use the shower now Von. You’ll feel better afterwards.” Snowdrop told me before she paused and asked, “You do know how to use a cloud shower, right?”

After a quick check of Blake’s memories I replied, “I believe I do. I’ll ask if I can’t manage to make it work.”

As I passed by I brushed Snowdrop’s shoulder, when I did she stopped me and put a hand on my forehead. “You’re very warm Von. Are you feeling ok?” She asked with a concerned look.

I brushed off her hand before looking away from her glassy eyes, as they made the pressure in my chest worsen. “I’m fine, I don’t think it’s anything to worry about.” I told her before quickly going to the bathroom.

I took a quick shower, which did feel very relaxing, before returning to see Snowdrop in her dress sitting on the bed. She looked at me and smiled as I walked over and sat down beside her. “Feeling better?” She asked before leaning over and putting her head on my shoulder.

Her hair had regained its slight curl now that it had had been dried, and it felt pleasant against my skin because of the fact I didn’t have on the shirt I had. “I do, your mane feels nice as well.” I told her.

She giggled at my comment, before she moved her head and crawled to one side of the bed and patted the spot next to her. I complied and after I sat next to her she pulled up the covers that had been at the foot of the bed before placing her head back on my shoulder and cuddling up close to my side. Her warmth was pleasant and after a few minutes I started to feel sleepy. As I started to move more under the sheets Snowdrop did the same, though as she did her head ended up on my chest when we got completely under the covers. She curled into my side and put a hand across my chest, as she did so her hand touched the crest that was there which made her pause.

She started to trace it as she spoke in a soft voice, “So this is the mark of a Guardian, it’s warm.”

Something about her comment made me smile as I ran my hand through her mane, she gave a pleased hum as I did so, which in turn cause me to yawn. With a wave of my free hand I used a spell to extinguish the lights in the room and we fell to slumber shortly after.

“Well there it is, the Outpost.” Cobalt declared. He had said he felt obligated to make sure we made it out of the Tundra so he made the two-day journey with us.

The Outpost as it was aptly named, was the only way in or out of the Tundra. It was situated just outside the only crack in the Wall, and as such served as the checkpoint for those who dared to trek in the Tundra. It is said that when Starswirl the Bearded banished the Three Brothers and formed the Wall, he made this in case it was ever necessary to travel into the Tundra. Because of this the Outpost was made as an extra form of precaution. Walls of magic-infused steel towering fifty feet above us, with a single gate to allow passage. There were magic green flames that burned at top of the walls, to provide some light during the long dark periods of the year, that also served as a beacon for those approaching.

Snowdrop squeezed my arm as we entered the shadow of the Outpost’s walls, even I could feel the slightly ominous presences that this place gave off. If it wasn’t for Blake’s memories assuring me there was no danger, I’d probably rip the first thing I saw to shreds. Cobalt lead the way in until we saw a pegasus standing in front of us.

He wore what could only be described as a vintage safari explorer’s outfit, hat and everything. His fur was a light brown, his mane and tail were an off-white color, while his eyes were a bright green contrasting his otherwise plain features. The most outstanding feature he had however was his wings, they were very small and along the ridge of his wing looked like they were infused with crystal. His cutie mark, which was sewn into the front pocket on his shirt, was a nautical star.

As we got closer the pegasus spoke up and introduced himself with a bow, “Hello travelers, my name is North Point. What brings you to the Outpost?”

Author's Note

Well, don't you just love cliffhangers

Seriously though, this chapter is shorter than I planned it to be, but it felt like the right place to leave off. I'm going to work on the next chapter of this before I release chapter 9 for my other story STANT, so you have that to look forward to. I really want to get this story farther along in the ideas I have for it but it's been difficult to focus when I get time, and time doesn't open up very often.

I probably should have put a hiatus tag on this after the first couple months I didn't manage to put out a chapter, but I am going to strive to not have that happen again. I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter, I did feel I rushed some parts of it but hopefully it doesn't show to badly. If you guys notice something that just glaringly is bad, comment about it and I'll do what I can to fix it.

Look out for that next update, and stay awesome everyone. Lyruil out.