A Journey in Twilight

Twilight, awoken by the near blinding light of her own horn, picked herself off the floor. Her only protection from the cold being a neatly designed white and purple scarf, is still haphazardly wrapped around her neck. After recovering the once discarded linen saddlebag, though unlike her, she stuffed the contents in haphazardly and stepped out into the bleak winter air.

The large stone door, just as menacing as the one guarding the princesses throne room, felt larger up close. Twilight took a somewhat deep breath since her throat was excruciatingly sore. All she could muster was, "I, Twiligh- Spar-le, c--- from Canterlo-. Please le- me in."

The door itself unwavering, but to her left a small panel opened and the steely eyes of a stallion caught her attention. "Identification, unicorn…" the gruff voice of the guard almost made her ears ring. She opened her newly stuffed bag and grabbed the only neatly wrapped scroll from within. His eyes widened, the piece of parchment was adorned by a royal crest. He shut the opening while she stuffed the scroll back into her bag. With a few loud creaks from the door, it split open, a gust of warm air shot out almost stunning Twilight.

The scene was almost out of an art piece, unlike the permafrost of the outside world, within the walls were teeming with life. A sight Twilight hadn't seen in quite awhile. Luscious green fields overflowing with fruits and vegetables of every kind. Metal buildings line a stone-brick road extending out for at least a mile cutting through the greenery. The sky itself was constantly lit up in multiple colors, rainbows almost lined the skies and dissipated further out where she was. The broad skyline was riddled with pegasi, in fact, everypony was a pegasus.

After one step inside, the doors rapidly closed behind her, she took in the scene with an almost wonder-filled glare. A bright blue and silver Pegasus approached her, "Miss Twilight, right this way, that crest is rather alarming. We'll need to ask you a few questions." "Firs-, water...."

After she was led to a small fountain to wet her scarred throat, one onslaught-ed continuously by the winter air and her long constant breaths. The light blue stallion with silver hair and tail led her over to a large station on her left of the door behind her. Eyes were staring her in the back and in response she lowered her ears lowering at the sign of mares, stallions, colts, and fillies staring at her, confused by the sight of her. "Miss, as you can see your presence

Reaching the now appropriately sized door to a small metal building, Twilight noticed the clutter and disorganization, not unlike the guards from her home town. Two to three younger colts in faded golden armor, worn from countless use and to some what consider an heirloom, saunter towards her before backing away in what seemed like horror.

As they walked, Twilight's head ached, her movement stunted, and she fell to the ground in pain. The feeling of an intense burning welled up within her.

"M-miss?" The stallion uttered in confusion. Suddenly, a dark purple beam shot out of Twilight's illuminated horn, bouncing off a barrier that surrounded the top of the city, the beam almost melding with the barrier itself. A few minutes later scores of guards surrounded Twilight, still in pain she held her head in her hooves. Now in a stand still, the guards didn't give an inch while Twilight was writhing in pain on the cold stone tile walkway.

A rather regal Pegasus in somewhat refined cloths stepped forth. He bent down in such a way to examine the purple unicorn's horn, pulling a large crystal from a side pocket and pressing it to the tip of her horn. The crystal immediately shattered, but Twilight now sent into a restful daze. "Colts! This mare needs our help, send her to the castle infirmary!" As Twilight passed out…