This is Sun & Moon, a full history of the lives of the two alicorns around whom Equestria's story is indelibly wrapped. And this is its second chapter: the story of the rift that almost tore the country apart, just as it was getting started.

Three hundred years ago, Princesses Celestia and Luna together defeated Discord and created the Elements of Harmony. They overcame the separate factions of Discord's nobility and the Orders of the Resistance to forge a new nation, peaceful and prosperous. Since then, they have worked tirelessly to build it up, rebuilding a democratic government in Canterlot and promoting the growth of cities and towns all across the land.

However, new threats are rising. After knowledge of Pegasus magic was lost during Discord's reign, a multi-year drought seemingly without end is now threatening to plunge Equestria into a famine, and to tear apart the peace that has held for three centuries. The two Princesses will have to use all of the resources at their disposal to stave off conflict, yet how far can they go while still keeping true to the ideals that got them onto the throne in the first place?

Separately, high above Equestria in Cloudsale, the young stallion Wind Swept struggles to come to terms with a destiny that is still mysterious to him. Thrown to the surface in a freak dust storm, Wind will have to understand a life that his fellow pegasi forsook centuries ago, and come to grips with the part that he will play in the upcoming struggle for Equestria's future.

And hanging over all of this, a shadow from a past before Equestria watches and waits, ready for a chance to plunge the world once more into a darkness without end.

Map by me
Cover Art by CrimsonRose97
Editing by The Fan Without a Face (who I most heartily recommend)