All that remains

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

Chapter 1

“It has felt like ages, I wonder if the outside world is as bad as this...?" The chattering voice of a mare asked the long vacant halls of the crystal palace. The sound clinking pertaining to polished metal, for the endlessly long time that had gone by, touched upon the crystal surface below. From around a half frozen corner, a hoof gilded in soft gleaming crystalline metals followed by the long, slender leg of the pink Alicorn rounded the corner. Her faded crystal blue eyes looked upon the silent halls of the castle. All was silent aside from the howling of the cold winds of the north, which whipped and whirled against the outside of the castle. The walls which had held against the gusts and the gales of centuries of storms and weathered them all.

Princess Flurry Heart, ruler of the Crystal Empire stood in this cold and empty hallway... Like a thousand times before she wandered these halls... almost like a ghost. It was truly silent, save for the blustering of the wind from outside. She shivered a little as she held her wings more tightly against her sides and even wrapped them partly against her chest and barrel. She was wearing a long wool gown which covered from her chin to tail and yet she remained still cold. But even as old and as patchy, it still did its job.

Walking the hallways she would look into the now long abandoned rooms, doors left open frozen where they had been left, possessions sat where their owners had left them, so long ago. Passing a window, the lonely mare stared out, managing a glimpse beyond the curtain of snowflakes. To see the snowdrifts had moved and some were revealing what were a few houses which had remained standing. Crystal structures some of which had collapsed under the ice and snow, some remained standing and looked mostly intact. Even after these long centuries. Sighing, a sad sound as she let the air from her lungs mist before her forming a small cloud in front of her face. Closing the blinds of that window, preserving what heat was left. She would make her way towards the castle's throne room, her throne room. Once she had pushed the massive double doors open, stepping a hoof inside she would look up and around at all the massive crystal and stained glass windows of all the wondrous things which had taken place, so long ago.

Stepping up towards the throne, she looked upon it, her eyes looking upon the seat which her mother had claimed and freed from the clutches of King Sombra. A dour expression on her eternally youthful if a bit pale and cold face. She would look at the seat which was since her mother, Princess Cadance had stepped down. Had indeed become her own. She looked around before shaking her head.

"If only you could see me now... I wish you were here Mom, Dad." She whispered to herself, as if hoping there was some other to hear it. But no pony ever did. There had not been another soul in the castle much less the empire in a very long time. Still forever dutiful , she climbed the steps of the dais and took her seat, making sure her gown was between her flank and the cold seat and just... sat, staring at her throne room before closing her eyes. And so she waited, the Princess of the Crystal Empire. Indeed, the ruler of the Crystal Empire, or what little was left of it...

Chapter 2

Centuries ago

“Frightfully cold tonight isnt it sir?” A guard asked, his eyes peering skyward, the crystal eyes twinkling against the faint sparkle of stars. He tensed a little as he remembered quickly he was with his captain. Who just stared at him for a moment. Before he simply shrugged and looked back.

“Seems that way Private, has been getting colder more often. Even with the heart keeping us all safe.” The captain of the crystal guard said. They could both see the cold winds blowing through the air, but also the worse howling gusts just outside the protective dome of the Crystal Heart’s barrier.

They could all see it, the blustering winds of the tundra just beyond this protective barrier which had kept the empire safe all these long years. The captain stared, looking at it before shrugging his heavy shoulders and looking over to his small group of subordinates. “You remain here, I will see how she’s doing. And also private Sweetsteel?” He paused, he had begun to turn around, managing to catch that earlier private’s attention.
“Yes sir?” Was all the response that came.

“Chin up, it isn't so bad. We’ve still got the city.” He then turned and walked away, trotting at pace as he left the group.

His heavy armored sabots thumped against the polished carpeted crystal floors. He trotted down the many halls. Passing many doors, many even most were closed but a few were open at this time of night. A few weary souls remain awake. Captain Bullwark Sentry marched, passing the many doors until he came to the ones he was looking for. A pair of massive double ornately engraved and well made doors. The entrance to the throne room.

He walked up to them and wedged a hoof in between them to poke his head inside. His eyes took a moment to scan the inside. Quickly finding what or in this case whom he was looking for. “You know you don’t have to poke your head in like some stranger Bull?” A voice came in a calming and had a humored tone to it. The captain would push the doors open enough, as the speaker continued. “You’re the captain of my royal guard. You don’t need to worry about such things” Looking up at the sound wind being pushed, the unfurling and shifting of wings. Before him where’s a moment before had been upon the large throne. Standing before him was Princess Flurry Heart.

“Of course your highness, I simply didn’t wish to disturb you. In case you had some business still being conducted.” He lowered his head to a respectful level before looking back to the Princess.

“I mean you can see I don’t have any, what is it you’ve come to speak to me about Captain?” She inquired, the Princess’s eyes were curious as ever.

“The winds from the outside, they are still getting stronger Princess. I was unsure if they were something to yet be concerned about?”

“You’re afraid of some cold winds Captain?” Flurry questioned, her brow raised a little bit. The edges of her lip curled into a slight smile. It was brief as her eyes lowered and she dropped the smile even as it was forming. “I am aware of the situation Captain. I have been writing to my Aunt, Princess Twilight about it for a while now. She is… concerned.” Princess Flurry Heart, she did know. Better than most what the situation was. The news coming from the south, little of it good. Disunity had been spreading for sometime now, even more so now than ever before. Walking with her captain, Flurry contemplated what she had been told, what she had heard. Ponies were fighting with themselves and each other. She’d heard that some other non pony Equestrian citizens were being forced out. Or were leaving on their own accord. The other nations are currently pulling away from Equestria, as it seemed set on turning on itself.

It was painful to hear, to know that the nation which had been so prominent in bringing much of the world together. Because of distrust and disharmony, it could become so divided. Walking with the captain, the pair of them entered a large but not quite ‘throne room large’ room. Walking into the crystal empire’s situation room, sometimes a war room but not that it had to deal with such a thing in a long, long time. Stepping inside, Flurry Heart would step up to the table. And once the doors were shut by the Captain. She spoke. “What have you been making of the situation, the news we’ve been hearing, Sir Strings?”

She looked up to a graying stallion, one other head advisors. He looked about as aged as she felt. “They could be better, your highness. Certainly worse as well. While Equestria does appear to be having some issues. It does appear the issues are also minor and that Princess Twilight has things for the most part under control. What ties to the other nations still remain, have her hoofprints all over them.” Flurry couldn’t help give a little smile at that, sounded like her Auntie had things still pretty well in good at a good stable point. Even if it was tenuous.

“I am glad to hear that, and the situation here?” She questioned, her brow quirked.

Clearing his throat, Strings spoke. “You keep asking this question. But a valid one nonetheless.” Pulling out some papers, he began to go over what had been found since their last meeting. “The empire’s citizens while there has been some tensions rising, these appear to have been mostly from the changing temperatures rather than whatever disharmony is happening down south.” Flurry’s head moved away and looked down for a moment before she brought her eyes towards her chief advisor.

“The empire still remains stable and healthy… At least we have that. I have my suspicions about some things but for the most part. Seems like all is well in hoof, if a tad chilly.” Flurry Heart smile, perking up a little bit. She would look towards a calendar on the wall and her sharp Alicorn eyes picked out the date for tomorrow and smiled. “And the preparations for the Crystal Faire tomorrow?”

Looking towards Strings with a curious tittering hum. The aged stallion mused before looking down at some other notes. He too smiled more noticeably. “I have been thinking about that, it seems we are gonna be having quite a grand Faire tomorrow. 21% more vendors have requested to be set up this year. The joust has attracted a serious number of knights from the Griffionian Empire who are coming to compete. We’ve made sure to leave plenty of free space at the airship port and accommodations for all those who have traveled here.” The old crystal stallion smiled as he explained all he and his fellows had managed for this Crystal Faire.

“Certainly seems like all is well in hoof.” Flurry spoke, her eyes sparkling with a similar light to the crystal heart.

A smile appeared on her face as she stood up. Looking over to her advisor. “Keep doing a good job, looks like we’re gonna be having a fantastic day tomorrow.” Flurry almost jumped out of her seat, smiling happily. Her large wings were all aflutter. The curls in her mane bounced and bobbed. Setting back down she would quickly compose herself, coughing into a hoof. “I ah… that didn’t happen.” She said, her voice in a faux stern tone. There was no real seriousness in it.

“Nothing happened Princess, nothing at all.” Came the voice of her as of yet still a rather silent captain.

“Exactly, see he gets it.” Gesturing with a hoof, the soft pink coated alicorn jeered just a little bit.

Strings couldn’t help but deadpan, before shaking his head. His long goatee, shifting with it. “As you will, Princess Flurry Heart. There was nothing to see.” He looked back to her a swift wink coming from him as he too got up now she had.

“I think I will take myself and my old bones to bed. I have much excitement to attend tomorrow. At your command of course, Princess.” Giving a little nod of his head, he noticed the alicorn nodding in turn.

“Of course, I will do the same. Can’t have the Princess all tired for tomorrow and looking like she's about to fall asleep.” She stood there for a moment, just watching as her old advisor strode from the room. After he had turned the corner down the hall, hearing his hoofsteps fading. She let out a noticeable sigh, her body seemed to deflate a little bit. Shaking her head, her bouncy curls following, she looked over to Bullwark. “What did you make of all that, Captain?” She asked, her voice was less cheerful as had been moments before. She sounded a little more her own age.

“Considering all the things happening down south, I imagine it could well be a lot worse, Just as Strings spoke of. But there is no denying things are not great. ‘Not great, not terrible’ I believe the saying is.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “Are you sure this is the right choice, your highness? Having the Crystal Faire during all of this?”

Flurry looked over towards him before nodding, her eyes looked away for a moment, her expression firming up. “I am certain Equestria is in turmoil, I have presided over all the annual Crystal Fairs since my coronation when I turned twenty. When mom…” Taking a moment, she recomposed herself. “When mom handed me the crown. I will not take away what little happiness my subjects have.” She said, a light stamp of her right hoof. Putting down her point.

“It's been 10 years, your highness. I know it is tough. The empire misses her, Equestria as does the world.” The Captain spoke softly.

Flurry Heart turned her head away, looking towards a wall, she stared silently at it. For a moment, she seemed to be entirely still before she turned back to him “I take one day at a time, even now it is hard sometimes without her. I always wished for something to happen, but now ‘excitement’ has found me. I’m not sure I want it, I would much prefer the boredom I have had for the past Hundred and six years. At least then I would know my ponies were safe, they were happy.” Flurry Heart spoke, her voice calm but remaining strong in its firmness rising out of the discomfort she had started with.

“Regardless of what comes next, in the days, weeks, months and even years to come. Tomorrow, I will see to it that the empire has at least one more day of happiness.” Looking over to Bullwark she found herself smiling again. “Will you see this old mare too her room, Captain?” She asked with a humored expression while she picked herself up and she began walking.

“Of course, Princess as you command.” The guard walked with her, silent beside that lone response. Walking the halls of the crystal palace, the pair of them could hear the sleeping ponies in their rooms. There were even a few foreign guards posted outside the rooms which were the current sleeping quarters of visiting creatures from beyond the borders of the empire.

The Princess strode past them all, she kept her head straight and her posture kept properly. She was still a ways off her Aunt Celestia’s height but already closing in on her Aunt Luna’s height. Most ponies had to look up towards her.

On the outside she remained this stoic and proper Princess. She held herself to the standard set for her as the ruler of the Crystal Empire. On the inside she could feel herself beginning to slip a little bit. Keeping the tiredness of her face. Not quite letting it show. One if they knew what to look for could no doubt see it, but there were none of those around. Bullwark and Flurry Heart climbed stairwells and walked hallways passing the actual royal chambers. The doors locked, the key to which remained with the crystal Princess. She had however not taken up residence within. Leaving it as it had been, when her parents were still here.

Instead Princess Flurry Heart walked until she came to a pair of slightly less grand double doors. Each one intricately carved and beautifully crafted from crystal and timber. All of which was self-done by the Princess. There were even a few little notches in the wood where she had messed up a little bit and then corrected them. She walked up to them, looking to a pair of guards on either side. One was a crystal guardsmare and the other was a changeling stallion, clad in heavy chitin plates. She nodded to them the tiniest bit, the pair of them turned about to face each other. Taking the handles of the door in their magic, they opened it up for her. Taking two steps forward, the Princess looked back before turning to the Captain of her royal guard.

“This is where I turn in for the night Captain Bulwark. I bid thee a goodnight.” She mused, pausing for a moment before speaking up again. “We have a big day tomorrow, get some sleep, Captain.That’s an order.” Was all she said before continuing into her room. The conversation was over, her heavy doors shutting behind her.

Letting out a noticeably even bigger sigh than she had when Strings had left, Princess Flurry Heart walked over to her dresser and began to look at herself, her face over in the mirror. Making sure she looked as good as she had when she woke up that morning. Letting out a noticeable yawn, Flurry brought her hoof to her lips to cover it.

Quickly using her bathroom, brushing her teeth and doing her business. The alicorn would begin to remove her regalia. She sat down on the beautiful and ornate carpet beneath her. Removing her shoes and tucking them neatly against her dresser. Looking at her right hoof, she shook it a little bit. Flexing it a little bit before she then reached out. Her hoof caressing a simple but sweet picture of her, when she was just a filly. No regalia, no dresses. Just her, as she is. A filly held tightly, cuddled in her mothers hoofs. As she is, was in turn held by her father. Shining Armor. She looked at the photo for a moment. She remembered that day so clearly. She closed her eyes, using her magic to remove her regal Peytral and set it on its stand. Its polished blued metal surface and the crystal heart set into the center, shone ever. Her hoof still on the picture frame, looking into it, her magic lifted her crown off of her head. Holding her hoofs out she gently laid the crown upon them. She looked at the little thing before she softly placed it on her dresser Staring silently at the little headwear, her symbol of royalty. Standing up after a few moments, she stifled another yawn. Turning and heading towards the big, warm comfy bed which was calling to her.

Pulling herself up into the covers, she would wrap them around her, laying her head upon one of her pillows, she would lay there thinking for a moment. Her eyes staring at the wall, thinking of tomorrow and the fun to be had. So with a smile on her face. Princess Flurry Heart drifted off to sleep. Leaving this world behind for the night, to enter her dreams.

Outside the cold winds of the north continued to whip and whirl against the houses, gently caressing the sides of the castle and the many houses of the empire. The citizens of which slept soundly within.

Beyond the barrier however, the howling gusts of cold arctic winds over the course of the night turned from the howls of cold winds. To the chilling screaming of triumph.

Chapter 3

Grumbling awake, Flurry Heart felt a sharp ray of light hitting her square in the eye. The princess would start to pull her head from her pillow. Her eyes were blurry and her mane was a mess from her sleep.

Smacking her lips, Flurry gave a very un-princessly yawn. Stretching out in bed, she looked more towards the offending light. It was sunlight, piercing the gloom of the night to bring in the day. She had always loved to greet the day, so she had once grown up moved her room to this side of the castle.

“Seems Auntie Twilight is feeling good today. I hope it’ll hold out.” Pulling herself out of bed, the alicorn would look at the time just after six in the morning. Taking a quick look, she noted the lack of clouds in the sky, at least around or within the dome. “Good day indeed.” Flurry Heart would begin to go about her morning routine, she stretched, bringing herself into a deep bowed position, nose touching her own back hoofs. Holding onto the back of her legs. Wings held out for balance.

As she worked on herself, the doors to her chambers knocked. “May we come in your highness?” The soft voice of a mare came.

Flurry Heart recognized it as one of her attendees and smiled. “You may come in Brightmoon.” The princess responded, the doors opened admitting a small group of four attendees to enter. Brightmoon was the first of course a petite little batpony, she trotted in, her tuft and other winter fluff all neatly brushed and kempt. With her was Jewelbug, a beautiful, Iridescent changeling whose chitin seemed to match the colors of the crystal palace when it caught light just right. The other two were a pair of crystal pony twins. Rina and Hope. Identical sisters who had found themselves swept away from their small town lives to live here in the crystal palace. Were all the talk back home.

Walking into the room the four of them began helping Flurry Heart get ready for the day. She very well could do it all by herself, sometimes it was nice to talk to others. And so the four attendees to Princess Flurry heart worked and even chatted among themselves and even to the tall alicorn. While she bathed, they helped to rinse and clean her mane, getting it all silky and clean. Her hooves were hooficured to perfection, a beautiful shimmer.

“How is the family Jewel?” Flurry Heart asked, her voice was soft and her eyes closed. She was floating on her back, head resting on a little ledge, her mane strung out into the wash basin to get it perfectly clean.

”Oh the little grubs have been giving me the run around Princess, wouldn’t have it any other way though. Springstep has been doing really well at controlling herself.” Jewelbug responded happily.

“Oh? Well that’s amazing, you give all my best to your husband won’t you?” Flurry asked curiously, her right eye peeked open and looked towards the softly shimmering changeling.

Who in turn nodded back. “Of course, he’ll be at the Faire today.”

“Is this your way of telling me to tell him myself?” Flurry asked, her eyes now fully open and looking at the changeling. Those icy crystal blue eyes piercing all. Jewelbug simply stared back and had the most blank and deadpan expression. Her expression did change back into a humorous one however.

“You can, or I can. It doesn't matter much to me. So long as it gets to him I guess.” Jewel looked at the princess and shrugged.

“Well, fine, maybe I will go see him and tell him to have a nice day and to have all the best.” Flurry responded with a little smirk on her face. It was only a matter of time before that barely held facade crumbled. She sputtered and giggled a little. “Ok, ok, that’s enough lets just get me all sparkly and clean. Gotta be ready after all, cant have me looking all shabby for the Faire.”

The four attendees would quickly, efficiently get Flurry Heart all cleaned, her curls were curled and her horn was even given a quick file. Any stray, misshapen feathers were preened from her wings. Of which three got a shiver from her. “That one was really dug in there.” One of the twins commented.

Soon enough, Brightmoon had gotten her regalia all primed, shining beautifully. Any imperfections were removed and the glittering crown was ready. Flurry Heart, with Jewelbug still helping her clean and finishing her tail. Stepping forward, her beautifully shined hoofs stepped into her shoes. The silvered metal and crystal clacking against the floors, even while carpeted. Still the twins would be brushing, removing any stray hairs, straightening their Princess’s coat. All the while Jewelbug levitated the royal peytral up and settled on onto Flurry’s shoulders and around her neck and collar. Backing off the four mares stood, watching Flurry’s own bright magic taking the crown up into the air and placing it on her own head.

Looking at the four of them, Flurry Heart nodded to them and gave a gentle smile. “I need to go now, to begin the preparations and see to it that they are finished. You four finish up here, clean what you need to. When you’re done with that, You have the day off girls. Enjoy it, enjoy the day.” Flurry Heart spoke, the tall alicorn gave a little smile before watching as the four of them nodded and then gave little curtsies. She turned and headed to the door of her room. Trotting forward, Princess Flurry Heart passed through the large double doors of her room and with her guard falling into step with her. Made her way down the hallway. Once more the alicorn princess kept her head high, her posture straight and her face stoic as she walked the halls. Passing by the rooms she had done so before. Watching as the halls pass her by. She noticed those same guards from last night, some of them had been replaced but a few hadn’t so much as moved. Good knights and guards indeed.

Walking down a series of stairwells. Princess Flurry Heart would exit out of the door which led outside, on one of the palace’s main support struts. Stepping outside, she would notice the air while it was cold, was more that of an average early spring morning.

Seeing that already there were a few vendor stations being set up. She even saw a few ponies already setting themselves up in them. She made her way towards one of them. “Good morning there, sir.” Flurry Heart spoke, her voice was soft for this time of the morning. The vendor pony looked up and almost knocked their head on a bench they were working on.The stallion came around and gave a little bow staying low for a moment.

“G-good day to you, Princess. What can I do for you?” The crystal stallion asked, the Crystal Princess.

“Oh, nothing as of now, I am coming to check on the preparations for the Fair. To see how it is all coming along.” Craning her long neck over the bench of the vendor’s workplace. “Those berry pies? Those look like they are coming along nicely.” The crystal princess mused, looking at the pies in the portable and functional oven. Even from here she could see all the different styled tops the pies had.

“Would you like to try one your highness?” The stallion asked, coming out of his bow to reach for a pair of oven mitts. Before he could open the door to the oven.

Flurry Heart replied. “No, no but thank you for the offer however. I wouldn’t dare deprive others from tasting the fruits of your labors.” Taking a short step back, she gave a small nod to him. “I will be back though, they look scrumptious.”

“I will be sure to save you some your highness. You have a fantastic Crystal Fair day.” He replied heartily before the alicorn Princess turned to go explore the rest. To check in with the rest of the vendors and such which were just getting set up. She checked in with a couple of the crafting stations, and it seemed they had plenty of material.

Flurry Heart after a while would return inside, she felt the pangs of hunger catching up to her. She had gotten plenty of checking done, whatever was left, or what she missed. She was sure the organizers could handle it. Flanked by two guards, Princess Flurry Heart would walk the halls of her palace. She would look down one and saw a few visiting ponies and even a couple of Griffins and Yaks. Many of the Griffins were clad in parts of plate. Seemed there were a few knights here, getting ready to head down. But of course first was breakfast for them also.

Entering the royal banquet hall, a large room with plenty room for the long table No one else was here yet. Flurry Heart would trot towards the head of the table. Planting herself down in a comfortable seat. Flurry Heart would look to her left, the kitchen doors were closed. But her sharp ears could hear the kitchen staff hard at work. Feeling her stomach rumble, she blushed a little bit before she would place a hoof on the table.

Almost right on cue, the chief popped the doors open and entered the dining hall. “Breakfast is ready, your highness.” The exuberant earthpony chef spoke up. “I bring you Baked Beans, Cooked Tomatoes, Crispy haybacon, Mushrooms and Sunnyside up and scrambled eggs. Toast with a selection of jams and other spreads.” Other kitchen staff helped to bring in the other parts. While one poured a glass of the freshest Orange Juice. Just because she is a Princess doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy juice.

“Thank you for this lovely spread of lovely Breakfast.” She watched as another of the wait staff brought in her favorite mug, it was old and a little chipped but she still liked using it. A perfect blended coffee was poured in and she gave a thankful smile. Once more giving her thanks and dismissing the staff to go about getting breakfast meals for the rest of the castle guests their food.. She happily for the most part ate in silence, sipping on her two drinks and eating the delicious meal.

Managing to just barely stifle a very unladylike belch, Flurry Heart, wiped her lips keeping any smudges from her face. Standing up from her seat, Princess Flurry Heart walked out of the hall, turning left and she moved at a trotting pace. Arriving at the massive double doors of the throne room. Lighting her horn, the Princess’s magical aura covered the doors and swung them inwards. Right away she noticed Sir Strings already nearer to the throne speaking with Captain Bulwark. Their conversation quickly stifled the moment she walked in through those doors. Looking at her, the Captain moved back and stood at attention before her. “A good morning to you, Captain. Strings. I take it you two took my advice and got some good sleep? It certainly seems like it.” She said, letting her keen eyes see much in a single glance.

“It is a good morning your highness, I do admit I slept quite well. Even with the winds outside.” Strings said in reply.

“You heard that as well? And here I thought I was dreaming when I heard that” Flurry Heart replied. “Seems the storm has let up for today, that’s a silver-lining if I have ever seen one. Looks like it's going to be a good day for the Fair.” Flurry Heart said with an upbeat tone of voice. She climbed the steps of her throne and planted herself on the cushioned seat. “Now I want to get any royal duties out of the way, what is there I need to do to deal with Strings? Tell me what needs to be seen too so we can all have a good day’s off?”

Strings began to go through what he had so far for today. “The day is still young, your highness, perhaps things will come up over the day. I-” Pausing he noticed his ruler’s face was an expression of ‘Get on with it’. So he did. “Right, of course. Well first of all is the jousting tournament and the presentation for it.” He said as he and Princess Flurry Heart would go back and forth over the coming hour.

Talking about different topics, different aspects of today and of the empire that needed to be addressed. There was an increasing need for warm clothing and even more firewood. The cold had been increasing a little bit. But inside the barrier it wasn’t too bad. “We’ve been noticing a small influx of citizens from outside the barrier being forced away from their homes, your highness. They say the cold outside is just becoming too much.”

Flurry heard what was said and hummed softly. Musing and mulling the information over for a moment. “What has been done about it before now?”

Strings turned back to his notes and found the passage he was looking for. “Says here, they have been given basic shelter for the time being until more permanent housing can be located and or built up.” Was his response.

“Good, that is what they need at the moment, is support from us. I’ll continue to give it to them. Allocate what funds we can to the builders and the families of those affected.” She was also told of rangers who have been out checking on families who have remained at their homes or Grizzled old wilderness types who are holing up in their backcountry cabins. Flurry Heart would make sure that these ponies and even a few other creatures were safe. And to be checked on, every now and then.

Eventually all the things which had come up and to be dealt with by the Princess had been handled. “Is that all, Sir Strings?” She queried with a tilted head, looking at the stallion beside her.

“I believe so, Princess Flurry Heart. We are done for the day, at least for the time being. However, if anything comes up. I will personally see to it.” He would brush his rather well groomed beard before smiling. “You enjoy the Fair and you have a good day, your highness. I will let you know if anything comes up.” Princess Flurry would give him a nod, even slightly bowing her head in thanks.

“Alright then, this meeting is adjourned, I will be off and enjoying today.” The tall alicorn almost bounced off of the throne and glided on her large wings. Touching down on the carpeted floors again, she looked over at Captain Bullwark. “Come on captain, let's go see what fun we can rustle up today.” She turned without another word, the good captain knew better than to disagree with the excitable alicorn. Following on behind his Princess, the stallion did almost crack a small smile.

Outside, the sun was now much higher in the sky and was casting its rays onto a now wide awake city. The crystal empire was abuzz with activity as ponies, changelings, Hippogriffs and creatures of all walks of life came together to help put the finishing touches on the Crystal Faire.

Colts and Fillies ran about playing with Grubs and cubs, running about their parents and guardians’ legs. Jewelbug was currently at a stand for some empire made Hippogriff cuisine which had been handily mixed with the tastes of the north. Ordering from the small but delicious menu, she would walk with her partner and made sure to keep a close watch on her small clutch of nymphs.

An older mare, easily pushing her 80s, shambled through the streets, between the different stalls and events. Strolling over to one of the crafting stations, one of those she had attended even when she was but a little filly. She did admit to herself perhaps it was rather silly. But she couldn’t help but enjoy the things she did in her youth now as an older mare. Still, she continued on, for these things were quite to her, dear.

The winds outside the barrier howled and whipped and whirled all the could but against the lively, warm atmosphere inside, it was unable to affect any mood within. The Crystal Heart glowed brightly, as it always had.

Princess Flurry Heart came down from the castle, stepping back outside, with only a small troop of guards. Many who saw her, stopped and bowed only briefly to her. To pay their respects to their ruling Princess. Approaching the same pie stand from earlier. “Greetings to you again Mr. Crispycrust. All well and good here?” She asked, the Alicorn looked at the selection of perfectly cooked pies.

The portly stallion smiled up to her. “Of course, Princess I take it you’ve come back to get your slice of the pie?” He asked her right back, the Alicorn nodded and placed down on the bench. “Oh that’s not necessary your highness.” He moved to gently pass the currency back to her. But the Princess gently placed her gilded hoof on his own. Looking back at her with confusion, all she said.

“Keep it, I’m just a paying customer today.” Removing her hoof she simply nodded to him to continue with the transaction. The baker would take the bits and deposit them. Before grabbing a knife and cutting an entire half of the pie and passing it to her.

It was a beautiful blueberry pie. “Thank you very much sir and have a wonderful day.” Was her reply. Walking away with her newly received pie. Flurry Heart would steadily use a fork pulled little bite sized pieces out and ate them. Chewing on the pie, she would walk through the crowds. Some new Fair attendees would be awestruck at seeing the Princess. So casually walking among them, here at the festivities. Others, those who had been to many of them, they knew this was normal. The Princess, on just this day, simply wanted to be involved in the fair. As she had been, when she was little. To enjoy the day.

Enjoying the day, Flurry Heart stopped by an arcade game, there were prizes to be won. Stuffed toys, water pistols, balls and all sorts of things. Stopping at one, she watched for a couple of turns. Watching children of her subjects attempt to throw tennis balls at different targets.

Walking up, Princess Flurry Heart smiled at the game vendor and nodded to them. “Would you mind if I came to play again Markus?” She asked the friendly Male griffin whom looked up to her and nodded a welcoming smile on his beak.

“But of course your highness, you are always welcome.” There were numerous foals and other little ones in awe of seeing the Princess, the ruler of the empire standing before them. And she was going to play a game?

Stepping up, Flurry Heart would, without using her magic, use her left wing, the dexterous feathers upon them to pick up a ball. Gently tossing the ball up and getting a feel for its weight, the Princess then began her attempts. Pushing her wing forward, she tossed the little round ball towards the first red and white target, which she hit, it thunked backwards. Earning her a point. “Woo! I got this today.” Cheering aloud, the foals watching her. The princess had their attention. Was she going to do it?

Picking up for another attempt, Flurry stuck her tongue. The next target was smaller, and she held the tennis ball a little differently. “Guide my throw.” Whispering softly to herself. Princess Flurry let the ball loose, getting it to spin and hit the target with a thunk. Knocking it down.

A number of the foals cheered at the target going down. “You have been practicing I see, your highness?” Markus asked with a playful smirk, crossing his talons across themselves.

“Heh, you know it. I’m getting that Ursa this year.” Flurry Heart said, looking up towards the large Ursa Major teddy which had been there, ready to be won for the last half decade. It must have been nearly as big as a full grown stallion.

Picking up her last ball third and final try. Flurry wiggled her hips, shifted her shoulders, her tongue stuck out once more. The next and final target was a tiny little face, sticking its tongue out at the player. She watched it, the foals who had been cheering were silent. Save for a single little changeling nymph. She was almost jittering with excitement. Clouds passed overhead, seconds ticked by. Flurry Heart watched the shifting little target. The clouds shifted away, bringing back the light. Rearing her wing back, Flurry Heart made to throw.

“YOU CAN DO IT PRINCESS!” The excitable yell from her left sounded. So focused she was, she hadn't seen it coming.

“KRA-CRUNCH!”

Was the sound of splintering wood and shattered crystal. The Princess, so startled, had released at full power. Flurry Heart stared at the rather gaping hole in the back of the stand. A small blush appeared on her face, before she then managed to compose herself. Looking over to the one who had shouted. She found the little nymph also staring at the hole she had made and then, noticing the way the little one’s eyes moved.

Looking back, she saw it, the little moving taunting face. It was still on its track, and it still moved. She stared rather aghast at it, before she gave a little dismissive snort. Markus to his credit had taken but a moment to recover from the briefly supersonic tennis ball whizzing by his head. Turning back to the Princess, his smile had returned. “That’s two out of three missy, looks like you’ve lost out yet again.” He looked the Princess up and down. “That all for today, your highness? Or are ya gonna go round again?”

Looking at the griffin, Flurry Heart looked at that Ursa Major plush toy. Before shaking her head. “Not today, I have others to see and things to do.” Markus no doubt gave a fist pump beneath the bench.

He’d evaded the Princess again; he must be thinking. “You got two of the three, that entitles you to a second tier prize. Which one would ya want?”

Flurry with a bit of an annoyed expression, looked at the series of prizes just below that ursa major plush. One was a pillow sized Ursa Minor, There was a Slinky Green Dragon Scarf, All sorts of teddies and other soft toys. Pointing to a particularly adorable little round ball plushie. It was covered in purple ‘scales’ and had a cute face on it. “I would like that one please.” Flurry said politely

“Of course, One Spike the brave and Glorious coming right up.” Markus gently untied the plush and handed it to her. She held the little Spike the Dragon plush in her hoof. Looking it over and gently squeezing it. She could help but smile. Remember those days gone by. With Spike, all his friends and all her family.

She stood there for a moment, it seemed like years to her, she stood there. Just staring at that face. How long had it been since she had last seen Spike? Far too many by her counting.

“Thank you again for a good game, Markus.” Flurry said before she gave a little nod.

“Anytime, better luck next time, your highness.” He said respectfully, Flurry would with her prize in hoof turned to leave. She saw the little nymph, the one who screamed. Tilted her head before smiling and winking down to her.

Flurry Heart continued about her day, going from stand to stand, picking out crafting techniques. Many she had been doing all her life and could finish with her eyes closed. Any of them she made, those 5 minute pieces. She gave it away. The day drew on, the clouds continued to pass overhead. Blocking the sun for a moment before moving on.

By noon, she was making her way to the grand jousting stands. She and her guard made their way up to the royal booth. Taking her seat, she would look to her left, to her right. And watched as numerous Empire knights and even knights of other kingdoms were setting themselves up. Griffins and Hippogriffs strapping on armored plates, emblazoned with the standards of their nations and houses.

“Would be nice to compete again, whatcha reckon Bull?” Princess Flurry asked, looking at her protector.

“I think you would do well once again. But we both know the competitors would hold back or withdraw if they knew it was you. Like they did when you tried that a couple decades ago.” He replied to her, Flurry would solemnly nod. Remembering that fiasco. She had disguised herself, even going so far as to hide her wings under her armored plates. But one stray lance had caught her helmet and pushed it up enough to reveal her face. She had been doing well too, before the other knights began pulling out if they found out she was their next bout. Forcing her to withdraw entirely.

“Yeah… Fair enough, it would be nice to get back into it though. Oh well.” Looking away from him, she watched as the crowds began streaming in. They were finding their seats, picking up snacks and drinks. Standing from her seat, Flurry Heart approached the edge of her viewing platform. Extending her wings, the Princess of the Crystal Empire lifted her head. Gaining the attention of the entire stadium.

“Welcome one and all! For we have an auspicious day, this Crystal Fair has been one of the grandest I, Princess Flurry Heart have seen many a year!” Projecting her voice, the Princess smiled and looked down to those around her. The crowds, the knights as they cheered and thumped hoofs to ground or claws to plates. “All the glory and best of luck to the knights here today fight hard and conduct yourselves with honor and grace. May luck spread her glory upon all combatants today!” The large crowd cheered all the more. Stomping their hoofs in applause. Once more taking her seat, Flurry Heart watched as the arrival announcers for the first up bout.

They introduced their lords as given. On one side was a home hero, Knight of the crystal empire and protector of the realm. Sir Truestrike, part of the long line of Sentry ponies. Announced as uncle to the Captain of the royal guard and Son of general Flash Sentry. Stepping back a griffioness took the time to introduce her own knightly lord. Baron Octavian Belisarius of the Duchy of Feathisia, formerly of the Griffinhiem knights order. Victor of the 1083 siege of Bluffhead some 26 years ago. The shining younger stallion, clad in his dazzling plate and the Grizzled on Griffin in his worn but veteran plates lifted their lances in respect towards each other and to the Princess.

With the dropping of the flags, the two raced towards each other. The two knights sped across the dirt, speeding into each other before the colossal crash of wooden lances on tempered steel. Neither knight fell, passing by each other, Truestrike took a moment to come out of the intense hit however.

Coming about the end of the tilt, their squires tossed up to their lords a fresh lance. Before they then raced back towards each other. Lowering their new lances, Baron Belisarius found his mark. Within seconds Lord Truestrike had been swept from his hooves and shoved back several feet with a resounding crash of wood on metal on ground. Throwing up a great dust cloud. The knight sputtered and spun.

“What a hit, he’s gonna be feeling that for a while.” Flurry mused, watching as the knight from her home struggled to get up. She watched as the Griffin Baron proudly held his shattered lance aloft. Taking a brief victory lap before going into the resting area.

“Seems that my uncle has let himself slip a little bit.” Bullwark said with a little smirk on his face. “Oh where has his skills gone, old stallion?” Flurry watched as the old knight picked himself up, giving a bow towards her, he then limped off to the same rest area as his victorious competitor had.

And so the competition to win the most glory through hitting others really hard with sticks got under way. Stallions and Mares, Griffins and even a few changelings got involved. Flurry Heart gave rave applause to those she threw her support behind. Drinks and snacks were handed out around the stands. Audience members cheering for their selected combatants. Flurry Heart sat, clapped and gave her appraisal to all combatants even if she gave more to some. She would notice over the course of the competition, every now and then a member of the crowd looked skyward or even behind her out into the distance. Speak with those near to them before getting swept back up in the action.

It was of little interest to her however, Princess Flurry Heart found herself rather engrossed in the bouts as they took place. She had been watching a youthful, up and coming mare who had been rising through the lists. Having downed all of her opponents thus far. The pegasus was a deep cobalt blue, tall and powerfully built. Flurry Heart noted the wonderbolt symbol etched into the dark armored plates over her hips and flank.

“Seems Equestria still has some loyal and brilliant soldiers out there. Good to see them here.” Flurry said, pointing them out to her captain.

“Mm yes I believe she is of the Bolt line. Good to see they’re still doing their matriarch proud.” Captain Bullwark said with a nod.

Coming up to the final bout of the day, the finalists were now reacquiring their arms and helmets. Preparing themselves as the bronze finalists got under way.

As she sat, watching the bout between Baron Belisarius and a Changeling of her Crystal Guard, Princess Flurry Heart, swiveled her ears. She had heard quick hoofs approaching and hushed whispers. Turning her head, she found a runner from the castle being permitted through her guards.

“I apologize, your highness but a message for you Princess. Sir Strings said it was urgent.” The runner colt said, holding out his hoof, in which was a folded note.

Confused, but thanking the runner. Princess Flurry Heart took the message in her magic and read it. Silently, her eyes would be confused, however as she read what was written. Her gaze switched to a visible concern, eyes slowly widening. Once she had finished reading it, without a word she stood from her seat and left her platform. Informing Captain Bullwark to follow.

She would give a brief apology to the competition announcer whom she told something had come up and she must make haste. Said announcer, made it clear she understood and would handle it.

Flurry Heart would begin moving at a quick trot back towards the castle. However she wouldn’t walk for very long. Getting out of sight of the stands, she waited until this moment to teleport away. Her and her guard reappeared just outside the situation room. Where she found runners coming in and out of. The guards at the door noticed her and ushered said scribes and runner ponies out of the way. Her face was hardened upon entering the room. She found numerous castle staff and more than a few of her advisors speaking with each other. Of which she was able to catch the tail end of a conversation.

“-Reports from the countryside and estates further out have all been saying the same thing. The winds from last night have only been increasing. Rangers have been find-” A stallion as big and hardened that Flurry Heart had ever seen spoke, before noticing the Princess had just arrived. He certainly appeared like some rugged mountain stallion, one who had seen much in the wilds.

Sir Strings spoke up from the head of the table. “Princess Flurry Heart, your grace, I apologize for this hasty meeting. But it needed to be said.” Flurry simply nodded and looked at him.

“It's ok Sir Strings. Your note said just how much worse have these storms gotten since last night?” The royal alicorn inquired, looking between those before her in the room.

One of which is a smaller, older mare. Glasses resting upon her muzzle, she adjusted them a little before bringing up a report. “Your highness the Ranger Captain Brindlesweep has been reporting snow drifts moving and increasing in size towards the crystal mountains. Moving southwards. And.. and…” She trailed off barely able to speak the next words.

Ranger Captain Brindlesweep continued on where the mare had stumbled. “Your highness, we’ve been finding some of those who stayed behind… They hadn’t made it. Some are continuing to hold out but we have found more than one family now. Frozen. Dead.”

Flurry at the news felt herself go still, much of the room doing so. She looked down, thinking, contemplating her next words carefully. “Get them out. I want my subjects safe. Even if they have to leave their homes. I want them to stay safe.”

Outside, at the train station a train, coming from the south had just arrived, pushing through the bubble shield projected by the crystal heart. It blared its whistle on approach, it was accompanied by the rising screech of wind outside the barrier.
Pulling up to the station, the workers saw it was covered in snow. Icicles the size of stalactites, hung from the engine like the fangs of an elder dragon. It pulled a single carriage. From which a single occupant exited. This stallion, wearing a long, wool overcoat stepped from the train. Still however he shook, shivering from the cold he had been through. He began making his way in the direction of the castle, at a gallop. Taking one look at the train conductor, the stallion was more cloth then stallion at this point.

Back in the situation room, the advisors of Princess Flurry Heart were busy drawing up plans and she was thinking, mulling them over. Already plans for dispatching rescue teams were being made to head out into the frozen tundra to collect ranch owners and mining teams. To be brought back to the city, the protection of the crystal heart.

“Princess, a train from the south, Equestria has just arrived.” A guard from the outside of the room called out to her. The Princess looked over towards the guard before furrowing her brow. “It appears to have brought only a single pony, a single messenger.” Flurry Heart without another word stood from the table and headed out of the room. Moving at a fast trot, her long legs brought her to the entrance of the palace. There she found the stallion from the train galloping up towards her.

“Princess! Princess Flurry Heart!” Came his worn and wearied voice. The stallion just barely was able to come to a halt, stopping before her and bowing as low as his cold and tired body would allow.

“Out with it. What news do you bring from the south? Is my Aunt ok? What is it!?” The crystal princess asked, her voice rising in volume steadily. She after a moment brought her hoof to her chest and then calmed herself down. “I apologize, please continue, what have you come to tell me?”
The stallion messenger too had come to compose himself finally. He would take from his jacket. Sealed in a water and cold proofed container and handed it to her a scroll. Taking it, Flurry Heart began to read it.

“Princess Flurry Heart. I know not what you might have already heard or what you might be experiencing in the crystal empire. But news of this event must reach your ears.”

Confused, Flurry heart, reread what she was reading carefully.

“Over the course of the previous night, an event of unspeakable disharmony and horror has occurred, Cloudsdale the home of the pegasi. It began to dissipate at approximately 22:00 hours last night. Forcing many pegasi to the ground. By the time you are reading this the worst has come to pass. Cloudsdale has Fallen.”

As she finished reading that last sentence, her eyes only continued to widen and the events taking place. As she did, the dots connected in her head. The worsening cold, the disharmony, the strange sounds in the winds, change in conditions so extreme over night. She stepped away for a moment, looking up into the now billowing clouds, forming and utterly obscuring the sun outside. Held at bay by the love and harmony of the heart. But beyond it, she could see it. She could hear it. The screeching was not, it was a long winded whinny of joyous celebration.

A single solitary word passed the young Crystal Princess’s lips in a cold whisper. Staring skyward right into the eyes of another.

“Windigoes.”

Chapter 4

An icy chill had risen within the far northern gales, picking up great amounts of snow and ice. Drifting the large packs of snow drifts along with them. Shifting with the movement of the winds.

A trail of hoofprints trailed their ways through the snow. Becoming filled in as each second past, erasing them nearly entirely within the span of a minute.

“Too damn cold… Why in all that’s holy, did we build up here in the first place? Couldn’t have picked a better spot?” A grizzled stallion, a long, thick wool coat was draped over their barrel, their head almost entombed in the scarfs and other headwear. They did help to keep the stallion’s hat on, and not let it be blown away in the wind.

“Pipe down over there, Hecklerson.” Came a younger sounding but equally as tired sounding voice. Just ahead of him was the other stallion. A small group of outdoors looking ponies were trudging through the ever deepening snow. “You know as well as I, Master Sergeant, that it doesn't need to be explained. The city was founded in warmer times. Times gone by.” The stallion at the front of the marching group spoke.

“Aye, of course Ranger Lieutenant Lightstrike. I was just expressing my frustrations with our current situation.” The non commissioned officer replied to the superior.

Sighing noticeably the officer would just shake his head, looking up at the winds which he had to shield his face from a moment later. A sudden gust battered at his face. Even behind his cold weather mask it was biting into his fur and skin. Sinking into his very bones. “Nghh… I understand your reservations, Sergeant but the Princess tasked us with getting any civilians we could out.” He said shivering, managing to speak through the chill. “And that’s just what we’re gonna do.”

“We’ve been doing that for days now, Sir.” Another of the group spoke up. A younger mare, shivering under her almost arctic type weather gear. “We’ve already gotten the Rhinestone and Junebug families out of their estates! Along with a handful of others! And even a few of those backcountry types!” She had to nearly scream over the gusting winds. The sounds of haunting whinnies high above, almost drowning out her shouts.

The reply came quickly, the leading stallion of the group. The tall, heavily built and cloaked stallion looked back to the group. “We have but there are others, and as long as they have a chance we will be getting them home. Is that clear!?” He shouted, having to be heard over the sound of the wind.

Upon speaking those words, the group of rangers would nod to him. All saying in unison. “Yes Captain Brindlesweep!” Was their reply before then setting back out into the near white out pushing through it to get those stuck out there, somewhere to safety.

“The snow’s coming down even harder Sir Strings… Has there been any word further since that messenger got here?” Came the chittering tone of the Princess of the Crystal Empire.

The aged stallion in question looked positively frozen to the Princess. Even with him being bundled up in a thick gown. “None as of yet your highness. Brr… It has gotten bitterly cold though. How can you stand it?” He asked her, his eyes looking at the Princess who was wearing just a scarf and a couple of boots.

Shrugging her scarf lined shoulders, the Princess just smiled softly. “Guess I’m somewhat used to it. Always had a high tolerance for the cold however this has been getting there for me.” She mused looking at her misting breath, watching it collect in front of her face. She turned away from it towards him, humming thoughtfully. “And here I was starting to think ruling was getting rather boring for me. What an ‘exciting’ time for me to witness isn’t it?” She asked, her voice thick with her sarcasm. So much so that it dripped from her lips.

Sir Strings would give a soft little sigh before shaking his head, sighing softly. Walking over to the taller mare. “Nopony could have predicted this, your highness. It is a horrible circumstance to be involved with. It hurts to see it all… So hard fought come to naught. But we’re still here, that’s got to count for something? You’re still here to guide us through whatever time this is. I have faith in you, Princess” He spoke with great respect towards the alicorn, her icy blue eyes, clear as crystal sparkled a little.

“You really do still know how to get a mare like me to smile. Thank you Strings it is nice to hear whenever I get like that. It is a stressful time however.” Was her reply, she gave a nod towards him thankful for uplifting words from her advisor. She had turned away from the window she was staring out of for the duration of this conversation.

“Always happy to be of assistance to you, Princess. I am your advisor after all.” He spoke with a rather knowing smile before he relaxed it and nodded to her. “ What we do, we follow you as you command.” The graying stallion said before looking over to the door and then back to her.

Princess Flurry Heart did not respond right away, she had a little smile on her face. A sad little one. To think all of which had come and gone before her in the days gone by. It hurt her to think what was happening down in the south. “It's been a mess from what I’ve been getting up from the south, Equestria with the fall of cloudsdale… Weather production has disappeared and no longer can the pegasi control the winds. Seems the magic of the Windigos has really set in. I really do hope my Aunt has something. I feel so helpless being up here. Even though it's where I’m needed.” She was talking mostly to herself, just spouting off as she sat there, slumping a little.

Clearing his throat, Sir Strings would bring his hoof to his lips before speaking. “Your highness, I know it is not something we perhaps want to think of right away but we need to be ready in case the worst shoul-”

He was cut off when the Princess brought her gaze to hers, she for a fraction of a second looked every bit the age she truly was. “No…” Was her cold reply. “We will not abandon the crystal empire, not now, not ever. It can’t all end like that. I don’t… I don’t want it to end like this.” She said, her voice shaking as she trailed off. She wanted to deny the truth.

“That… if i may be so bold your highness. The funny thing about the truth, it matters little what we think. It is there, and always will be until we acknowledge it and work with it.” He spoke, his wizened voice calming the crystal princess’s nerves a little. As it always did. “Should the worst come to pass, I hope beyond hope it shall not. But we need to be practical about the situation.” He said simply, calmingly to Flurry.

She stood there and sighed, taking a breath and then releasing it with a push of her hoof. Like her mother taught the now ruling Princess. “I know, it is the correct thing and the right thing. We do need to be ready. Shall we go over the things we need just in case?” She asked, looking over to him.

“Certainly, your highness.” He said respectfully, turning he would light his horn to lift up a piece of parchment. His horn flickered as did the aura around the paper which fluttered back down to the table only for his magic to come back. “Why does this keep happening to me? I’m not feeling tired at all.” He said with a frustrated, slightly undignified snort before turning to Flurry Heart.

“I have been noticing some hiccups in my own magic every now and then as well. Has this been happening to you a lot, Strings?” The alicorn asked the crystal unicorn stallion.

“Yes Princess, it feels like when you fall asleep for a brief second only to snap back to reality… But it's as if my magic is the one doing so.” He commented in confusion. Looking to her with a look, to question if she may know what is going on.

“I’ve been getting reports of this throughout the city, magic of the horn failing and enchantments weakening as time has gone on. I have a hunch on what it is, but if it is true then things are far worse than I have and as a whole we have been told.” She was frowning softly before she lit her horn, unseen to her there was a slight wobble within her own magic as she picked up the dropped parchment. “Let’s just get through this and figure out a plan.”

“Yes your highness, as you will.” Came the stallion’s reply once more.

Both of them would get to work on a possible evacuation plan, should indeed the worst come to be.

The wind was battering away at Ranger Captain Brindlesweep, the towering stallion marched through the building snow. His powerful frame brushing away the snow around his legs, creating a route for those behind him.

“Come on we have just one more homestead to check, we need to make sure these ponies are safe!” He commanded, his voice even in this hellish windswept bellowed over the howls and screeches above them all.

“Yes Captain!” The team of four replied to him, pushing forward the small group of ponies with their captain kept trudging through the powdery snow. Crunching beneath their heavy winter boots, ice hanging from their thick, heavy coats.

Walking through the snow,the near complete white out, the dark clouds above never parting, only thickening and the winds would gust with near hurricane force winds. Threatening to knock the small group off their hoofs. Up ahead after what felt like hours of endless screams of windy horses above and the product of their joy and celebration, the team caught sight of something.

It was just ahead of them, barely visible through the snow was the gloomy silhouette of a ranch house. It took the team steadily more time to reach the front gates.

“This is gonna take some budging, come on let's get this thing moving!” The grizzled old Master Sergeant belted out to his group. The five ponies including the captain would press their tired, cold, worn body against the snowed in gate. Upon stopping they felt the biting wind starting to chew through their protective clothing. Threatening them with each passing second. Grunting with effort the team would get the gate pushed out of the way. Making their way onto the property. It was Captain Brindlesweep that noticed a problem. The home was dark, he wasn’t entirely sure why. But just looking at the once happy, family home so still, quiet. It gave him a chill that was not the doing of the cold. The lack of any smoke at all rising from the chimney had already caught his attention.

“Be careful, we don’t know what kind of state the lands could be in.” Walking up towards the building, he would notice other structures of crystal and wood which were so covered in snow already. An old shed, a chicken coop and even a small barn were so compacted with snow, they were either buried or had outright collapsed, splintered wood, shattered crystal sticking out above the powder was all that remained.

Despite it all, Brindlesweep tasked a team of three to go search the still standing main barn about a hundred meters from the house to the north. They would give an affirmative nod before moving to carry out a search.

Approaching the front of the house, Brindlesweep couldn’t help but feel that sensation about this house come back to him. The look on his face was stoic and was level as he approached what was the front door.The windows were frosted over, the floorboards creaked and groaned. Protesting the battering winds, the timbers of the house shook and whined from the stress, the roof bowing a slight bit. The captain raised his hoof to the door, he however had a sick feeling in his gut he knew what the results would be.

Knocking upon the door, thumping it loudly and for all to hear. He made sure none could have missed it. He furrowed his eyebrows, letting out a little sigh, hoping still beyond hope that everything would be ok. And he could get everypony out. But as the seconds ticked by…

“Sir, I don’t hear anything inside.” One of the two stallions who had remained with him, he had moved to one of the windows. Using a shaky, half frozen hoof to wipe the glass to clear it to peer inside. “And it looks quiet. Could the Crystal Pine family have made their way to the city on their own, or headed south?” He asked, looking to his commander with a chattering voice.

“I’m not so sure, Private.” He had seen the frozen, unmoved carriage on the way in. It hadn’t moved from where it had been last parked. “Please… please be ok.” He closed his eyes, doing something he, the hardened leader of the rangers of the frozen north rarely ever did. He sent a silent prayer. “Please, Princess, Guardians let them be ok…” He whispered before using his powerful frame to begin pressing on the front door where he could feel the frozen wood bending a little before he managed to get a hoof in and shoved it open.The door flew from its hinges into the house.

“Hello! Mister Pine, are you here?! We’re here to get you to safety! This is the Northern Rangers!” He called out into the house, walking into what was most likely the main living room. He could see already that indeed the fire was not going. What had been once a roaring fire was stilled and cold. “Hello?! Is anypony there?!” He called once more, his voice filling every hall and room of the large home.

His two subordinates came in after him. Helping to search, calling out to the family who was supposed to be here waiting for them. “Crystal Pines?! We are here to evac you, please come to the sound of our voices!” They began going from room to room, it was silent. Far to silent for a house like this should be.

This feeling, Brindlesweep only had ever had a hoofful of times before. One of those times was coming across a campsite, which had been ravaged by a snow bear. Tearing apart the occupants and having to find and piece it all back together. Yet here he was in a silent building, an otherwise safe place. The overwhelming dread only built as he moved towards what was on the second floor of one of the bedrooms. One of the few remaining closed.. He stared at it, looking at the door with caution before sighing and lowering his head.

He straightened himself before he looked at the door, bringing a hoof to it. He knocked softly, as knelt as he could. “Hello, this is Captain Brindlesweep… I’m with the Northern Rangers. Please, can you hear me?” He waited, his ear perked and twitched. He had heard this too many times now, the silence, the lack of a reply. He would reach for the door handle and to open the door. Dreading what he would see, as much as any other time he had previously.

With the door open he got a clear view of the room. His hearing drowned out the voices of his underlings as they searched the rest of the building, in vain. It was a large master bedroom with all the nicest and finest fittings. Cabinets of keepsakes, knick knacks from travels long past and memories to be cherished til the end of time now covered in a fine layer of frost. A large princess bed was set against the far wall. Next to it was a formerly lit fire, its burnt and charred logs having frozen over and had an icy sheen to them. It was what was on the large bed that made him pause. There in the middle was a large bundle of blankets and pillows. There he saw them, what was left of a family so full of love. Frozen…

Taking off his hood, he looked at them. Silent and somber as he observed, standing vigil even for a moment to remember these ponies. He lowered his gaze. The little ones were held snugly in their parents and older sibling’s hoofs. He was too late. “I’m… I’m so sorry.” He didn’t know what else to say, or even what he could say. There were no words to describe this situation. An outcome he dreaded more than any.

“Captain!? Have you found anything- '' The voice of one of his rangers came up from the hall, approaching the door before pausing and cutting off abruptly. This younger stallion, he stared mouth agape. “Oh…”

Brindlesweep put his hood back on. “Don’t stare, Private Hind. Give them some respect.” He spoke with a hoarse voice, looking from the private and then back to the bed, not to those he had failed.

He turned his head away from them fully, looking at his Private. “Come on, Private Hind, there’s nothing for us here.” The older, larger stallion told the younger. He just sounded dejected and hurt by the find. He knew it would happen eventually. Making their way from the room, closing it shut once more. He respectfully sealed it back up. “Alright, let's start heading back. We’ve got everypony we could at this point. We’ll collect the others and make our way back to Crystal City and report.” The closing of that door was not unlike the sound of the sealing of a tomb.

The subordinate didn’t need to be told twice before turning on their hooves and trotting after their Captain. The two in the house walked out of the house where they would meet up with the group from the barn and began to make tracks, heading back out into the blizzard to make their way back to the city. To report their findings. Grim as they may be.

Heavy winds swirled about the many snow flakes, brushing through the air. Icy chills howled and screamed against the large shield dome. Beyond of which held the crystal city. Snow was piling up heavily against the base of the shield. Massive snow drifts shifted and built up into mountains of powder, solidifying into ice. The squeaking of the ice as it formed began to crack and rumble as it advanced ever onwards against the shield.

Watching from one of her balconies, Princess Flurry Heart observed as another small weary group of ponies came in through the portal to the west. She found herself frowning more intensely. She found her gaze being brought upwards looking towards the sky. Her eyes were silently searching, peering into the swirling mist of the storm beyond the power of the crystal heart.

There! Flurry Heart saw it, the eye peering back, a glowing pure white eye of malice. She saw the swirling of the Windigo’s magic. She couldn’t help but shiver at the meer look it gave. It was indifferent to her and the plight of those lives they threatened. Turning away, Flurry Heart would walk back inside. She was met with a member of her guard approaching her inside the royal chambers.

“Princess, a messenger has come reporting the return of the last of the northern rangers to the city’s borders.” The crystal guard spoke, his eyes looking forward and his posture straight. Speaking to the princess with as much decorum as ever.

Nodding, Flurry’s loose curls, unkempt still bounced with her head’s movements. “Thank you, I will meet with Captain Brindlesweep right away.” Was her curt reply.

The guard nodded to her. “I will send the messenger to go see to that he comes straight to you, Princess.” The crystal guard pony then turned away and trotted back out of her room.

For a moment, the Princess stood there, looking out from her balcony. Looking skyward, she however appeared to be looking past the numerous clouds above her, past the gloom of the storm. She stared silently, a soft shimmer in her eyes as she thought of years past. She was at the same time being glad her mother, her father were not here to experience something terrible like this…

“I just wish I had some family with me through this.” She whispered to herself, closing her eyes as she thought softly to herself. ‘Why now, why me?’ Was all she could think inwardly. Letting out a breath she had not realized she was holding, the Princess would turn around and begin walking back towards the entrance to her bedchambers. Where she would step through closing the balcony doors also.

Stepping out into the hall, she would pass by a smaller group of guards she would normally see. However seeing the familiar eyes of Captain Bullwark Sentry… it was reassuring. She didn’t say a word, neither did he. They just smiled and nodded to each other before continuing down the hallway. Walking in silence they pass by room after room. With doors open or closed it mattered little. Princess Flurry Heart would keep her posture to the correct standard set for her so many decades previously, a century before.

The three guards with the princess maintained the correct amount of distance behind their ruling princess. Watching out for any problems, not that there was anything on the small trek to the throne room.

Lighting her horn, Flurry Heart would push the large double doors open. Stopping just a little as in the middle of it. “OW! Mmmmph…! Sweet Luna.” The alicorn princess gave quite the undignified grunt from running directly into the half open doors. “Ugh… I am so sick of my magic doing that.” She said reaching out with a hoof to shove the doors open the rest of the way. Rubbing her stinging muzzle as she did so.

“Door trouble, your highness?” Came the voice of Sir Strings, he was already standing next to the dias of the throne. He had a small smile on his face watching as she came up to him and then passed him.

“No, I like having my nose slammed into a door, Sir Strings.” Was her irked reply to his snide remark. She did have a small smile on her lips however. Not fully able to resist the little fun poked at her. “What have you been hearing out there Sir?” She asked him to walk up past him and sat upon her throne. Looking at him curiously.

“Well what I believe you have, Captain Brindlesweep has finally made it back. His party of 18 managed to bring home a few dozen ponies safely to the city. The last of that group, including himself, has just returned and now is heading here to tell us what he has found.” Sir strings reported with a nod towards the princess.

Before they could continue, the sound of heavy hooves were heard from down the hallway. Approaching with a trotting pace, they were soon to be revealed to be the good Captain himself. Stepping into the room, the large stallion walked up to then stood at attention before the throne itself. “Captain Brindlesweep, reporting in, your highness. Here to give my report on what was found.” He was stoic but there was a twinge of grim expression in his voice.

Nodding, Princess Flurry Heart smiled softly, simply. “Thank you for coming so quickly, Ranger.” She didn’t say anything, her eyes did however betray that she could notice something was up with the hardened captain.

“Yes Princess, thank you. As I have already reported through my subordinates, we have managed to get the families of the Rockfalls, SnowBerry and Stonehill along with their families back to the city safely. The backwoods hunters and outdoor creatures have also been making their way back here.” He said, his stance remaining firm and still, speaking freely about those his team had managed to get through the gusting winds. “Though it appears Block Mchoofield had a little trouble getting in.” He said with a bit of a shrug of his shoulders.

Flurry Heart, she let out a little sigh. Finding this news to be a relief, she placed a hoof on her chest. “This is good news, I am glad you were able to get them out Captain. You’ve done good, was there anything else?” She asked with a curious look in her eyes.

Brindlesweep, he looked away at her praise before nodding. “Yes your highness, there is.” He said with a tone of voice, the grimness now lacing within it. “We had separated from the last group heading back to the safety of the crystal heart. Back to the city. We had made it to the last homestead on our rounds to check on. The Crystal Pines…” He trailed off at the name, the air seemed to cool in the throne room at that.

Princess Flurry’s eyes narrowed and her head had lifted more fully. She knew there was something wrong when walked into the room. But now she had a horrible sinking feeling… “Continue captain.” Was all she said.

“We found their house dark, it was silent and nothing moved t-the chimney was cold and there was no movement within.” The weathered and experienced ranger leader paused before he could continue. His gaze kept away from that of all the other eyes of growing worry, horror at the implications. “We found them, your highness, but we were too late. We found the family in the master bedroom. They had passed before we could get to them, the cold was simply too much.” His gaze remained away from the others in the room. Staring at the floor, a look of shame was written across his hardened features.

Throughout it all, the other occupants of the room had been listening curiously, silently along to the events being told to them. The fact that the cold of this storm, the power of the Windigoes already had grown to such a point.

Deaths. A family gone. Princess Flurry Heart, her facial features hardened at the news. She looked at the captain of her rangers before nodding. “Yes, thank you for the report Captain.” Her voice was calm, it was level. The jitters on the edge of her voice however betrayed her sorrow which threatened to bubble over. “You did what you could, you have done more than anypony could ever ask of you. Make your peace with what you can.” Was all she could think to say to this stallion. His eyes only barely left the floor finding it difficult to bring himself to look upon the Princess.

“As you say… princess.” Brindlesweep said, his voice was still hard as ever. He brought his gaze to look upon the throne and the mare upon who sat it.

She could see it in his eyes, and nodded to him. “You may go sir, take the time you need.. Go in peace Brindlesweep.” She spoke to him softly before nodding to him.

At which the large, heavily built stallion nodded in turn to her. “Thank you, your highness I will.” As he stood there, the Captain of the Northern Rangers gave a bow towards the ruling Princess. Turning in place he left the throne room, without another word. The heavy beat of his hoofs trailing off into the distance.

Staring, Princess Flurry Heart watched as the Captain of her Rangers left. She stared for minutes afterwards, her eyes overtime grew weary. Finding it harder to keep them the way they were. Feeling the soreness in them, Flurry finally blinked. “We- they waited too long…” The princess released a chest racking sob. For minutes on end, her tears ran down her ever youthful face.

Watching this, the two remaining ponies in the room. Captain Bullwark and Sir Strings looked at Flurry. This mare with the weight of a nation on her shoulders.

“We cannot dwell on it your highness, it is a tragic event. One that should not have happened but did. Nothing that can be done now but ensure that doesn't happen again.” Was the words that Captain.

Sir Strings nodded, a pensive look on his face. “It is a horrific outcome, but Captain Bullwark is right, your highness. They are gone, but we do need to focus on those that are here with us still your highness.”

Looking over at the pair of them, Princess Flurry Heart, lifted her head from her sorrow and took in what was said to her. Her eyes were red, tears stained her fur. But she looked to them, an expression of pain hardening as the seconds ticked by. Before she finally nodded, sniffing softly. “Yes, you’re right. We need to focus on those here and are alive. We can mourn for them, we will say our goodbyes to them. But for now we need to-”

Her voice trailed off as she looked at a wisp of magic floating towards her. She recognized her aunt’s magic anywhere. The magic approached quickly and coalesced before her. Without the telltale wisps of smoke, she already knew this wasn’t delivered by Spike but by her aunt’s own magic.

Taking it quickly in her own magic, this was the first correspondence she had received from her family for weeks. She stared at it curiously.

“The royal seal of Equestria?” Sir Strings questioned, looking at the unbroken seal upon the letter which had been sent here.

“It would seem that way, my Aunt Twilight has finally managed to get word up here. I am glad to hear from her.” With a small popping crack she broke the magical seal which kept the letter together. Unraveling it she opened it up to read it. Her eyes narrowed in confusion and worry as she read…

"To whomever this may concern, but most likely you, Flurry Heart.

I know it has been a long while since we have talked Flurry, but this was important and it must have been sent. I do apologize for not writing back sooner. There has just been a lot on my plate of late.

I know you have likely heard of the unrest going on down here, I am quite happy and thankful you are safe in the empire. I do not wish for you to witness what is transpiring here in Equestria. When we last spoke, we talked about the unity crystals, for which I am thankful to you for your help in their assortment.

The trouble keeps me awake. The unrest down here seems to be fueling the hunger and the want of the windigos, calling to them. I am unable to get a rein on this chaos taking place. With this disharmony, I do not know…. I do not know if I can fix this one, I do not have my friends and I am alone and I am scared. I am taking the only course I think that could help the situation. The races are at each other's throats, unicorns are already being forced from their homes in Canterlot, Cloudsdale, it's been over two weeks since it dissipated into the sky...

To stop this situation from getting out of hoof, from becoming truly irrecoverable. I send this to you, with fair warning to you, to your subjects. I will be separating the crystals, it will take our link to our magic. But it will, at least I hope, give the races one less weapon to use against each other. But it will also help stave off the windigos, with no magic to feed the disharmony and thus their spiritual forms will be dissipated, keeping Equestria from their frozen touch. To give them a chance they wouldn’t have in the frozen wasteland the windigos now plan to hold us all in.

I can only hope this letter is of some comfort, in knowing what is coming. Do what you can for your little ponies as I do the same for the sake of my own, to see them tearing at each other like this, I cannot bear it. I will give a crystal to those I trust and to take it with them. To take care of. In hopes in the future, Hope can come to bring them back together, one day perhaps.

But that is neither here, nor there. I am rambling, I suppose you do that when you get to be my age. I love you Flurry, I trust and hope you will be ok, I know you will be. I have been there for every big milestone in your life. I was there when you opened your eyes and I saw those first big steps. I can still remember when you came and lived with me in Canterlot, learning and me teaching you how to properly use your magic. I remember the most amazing day, the day you showed us all who you really are, what an amazing princess you would be. I do love you, my amazing niece. I hope we will see each other again. If not, then perhaps in the next world we will meet again there. You, me, your dad and your mom will go on one more adventure, I will be waiting for you, as they and my friends are for me.

Your loving Aunt Twilight."