Empress Celestia had sent me on a mission, requiring me to move to the small town of Falkreath. I wasn’t sure why, as she didn’t specify with details and rather rushed me along to pack up my belongings. Reluctantly, I started to pack immediately, leaving Spike confused by my actions.
“What is going on? Has the empress sent you to deal with those thieves in Riften again?” Spike questioned.
“No, not this time. We are moving to Falkreath. She said she had a mission for me, but never went into explaining what it is.”
Spike only scratched his head and decided to help me load up my Brief History of the Empire volumes from one of the many bookshelves. It wasn’t until the next night that we had finally finished packing everything and proceeded to plan the move in the morning.
I was half expecting to land in a shabby cabin on the side of Falkreath, but instead was greeted by their biggest home available, Lakeview Manor. I was astounded! A library, a dining hall and even separate rooms for me, Spike and possible guests. It was quite breath-taking!
After a full day spent inside the manor, I decided to write a letter to a friend back in Solitude. Rarity was always, to say the least, dramatic. Despite all that, she always had a sense of style and creativity I would only hope to gain. She was always known for the being the best at designing outfits and uniforms for citizens and working people of Skyrim. Nearly everypony was wearing something designed by her, even I was wearing robes that she had designed for me.
After writing the letter, Spike had pointed out my low stash of potions and began heading out to Gray Pine Goods. Once I left the shop and started heading home, I bumped into someone while I wasn’t looking. It was a young orange pony, around my age, who looked rather, dirty.
“Howdy! I apologize for runnin’ into ya there. Name’s Applejack!” the pony announced.
I picked myself up, as I had fallen to the ground from the impact. I quickly dusted myself and looked up to make eye contact with Applejack. “Oh, no worries. It was my fault for not looking where I was going. I’m Twilight Sparkle, nice to meet you!” I raised my hoof and she shook it fast and rapidly. It took all of me to regain my balance, after the fact.
“Do you happen to be the Empress’ apprentice? We heard from the Jarl about you coming, but I never expected to actually run into you.” Applejack said with enthusiasm.
“Oh, it’s no big deal. Apprentice or not, I am still the same as everyone else. So, what do you do around Falkreath?” I responded.
“I help my family around my family’s farm. We grow vegetables and fruit and take care of the livestock for meat.” Applejack explained, pointing across from us the farm.
Not far from us I saw a young pony. One minute, pounding away at metal with her hammer on an anvil, the next, she jumped out of her work space covered in soot from head to hoof. She bounced her way towards us and shook my hoof, also shaking it hard.
“Hello! The name is Pinkie Pie, a friend of Applejack’s! I didn’t know there was a new pony in town! Yipee, a new buddy!” She squealed.
I looked over at Applejack for confirmation, she nodded. “Pinkie Pie here is our local blacksmith, she knows every weapon and armor in Tamriel. Though, she is also known for being extremely hyperactive.” Applejack giggled at this fact.
I couldn’t help but, to raise a smile and a giggle as well. Maybe being here wouldn’t be so bad after all.
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For thousands of years in Tamriel, the three pony races have all had their own significant roles. Earth ponies being strong and courageous, making them good for being warriors or farmers and blacksmiths, like Applejack and Pinkie Pie. Pegasi are agile, making them good as archers or thieves. Unicorns are best with magic and are known for intellegence, making them good as mages.
Despite all this though, I have seen many unicorns be archers or pegasi as blacksmiths. Talents extend beyond this knowledge but more times than not, the races usually stick to their default roles. That is why, ever since I was filly, I have studied and practiced the art of magic. I studied under the College of Winterhold by recommendation from Empress Celestia.
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After returning to the manor, Spike told me that there was a letter sent from Celestia. It had read:
My Dearest Twilight,
I regret to inform you with bad news, but I am afraid it cannot be ignored any longer. Long ago I had a sister who took control of raising the moon, but one day, jealous got the better of her and sought out to create eternal night upon Skyrim. I defeated her and sent her to the moon for a thousand years, as punishment. I fear that time is drawing near for her return. I need you to gather as many suitable ponies for the job as possible. Meet me in the Blue Palace in Solitude afterwards.
Your Teacher,
Empress Celestia
I stared in fear at what had been written on the aged parchment. A sister? Sent to the moon? Her return? What exactly was going on?
Spike looked at my with concern, “Twilight, is everything alright?”
I filled him in on everything that was said in the letter and he looked at me in horror. I couldn’t blame him, this was serious and possibly very dangerous.
“What are we gonna do?” He asked, his voice slightly strained in fear.
“I don’t know, all we can do is do what she says and find help.”
“But, how are WE gonna do that?!” He panicked.
I walked up to him and wrap my hoof around him in a hug, “We’ll figure this out, but we need to make a move. Now.”
I quickly grabbed my bag and put Spike on my back. This was it, everything I have ever learned about magic will lead up to this. For Skyrim, my home.