But You Were There

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equus, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. The elder sister was in charge of raising the sun, while the younger used her powers to raise the moon. There was a balance between the two sisters for their subjects and kingdoms but, as time carried on, more subjects appeared more equal than others. Everyone knows the tragedy of the royal sisters, Celestia banished Luna to the moon when she became Nightmare Moon to maintain the peace. This is what the history books tell us, then again history is written by the victors correct? With that question in mind, my friends, what is the truth?

Who would think that a matter of circumstance and hatred of another creature could spawn the greatest waste of life that ponykind had ever seen? Months of anti-Thestral propaganda from the Black Hoof society apexed at Saraneighvo where Archduke Fangs Furdinand, archduke of the Thestral kingdom Roamania, was visiting with his wife. It was meant to be a peaceful visit to strengthen ties between Thestrals and Earth ponies, instead an assassin appeared from the crowd and assassinated both in cold blood. Tensions rose, arguments ensued, political discussions happened behind closed doors. A month later the situation had worsened immensely, anti-Thestral sentiment spread across Equus with cries of “Fangface get out!” could there have been forces behind the scenes prompting this or was it simply mob mentality following Saraneighvo? Whatever the reason was, the Thestral kingdoms declared autonomy from the four tribes and rallied behind Princess Luna, the Night Mother. The younger sister was asked to rejoin the other three tribes by her elder, there would be peace again. During an emergency summit, where Princesses Celestia and Luna joined delegates from every kingdom under their rule, shots rang out and missed the Night Mother. Celestia tried to find the one responsible, arguments flared up again and with a roar the younger sister declared “Thou wish to put us out of the picture!? Then prepare dear sister, this means war!”

Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months, which then rolled into years of static trench warfare. In days of old, ponies would have pitched battles of sword and steel which evolved into musket and cannon. Three years passed from the initial declaration and the frontline stagnated; if there is a push for land it is reversed by the opposing side, lives lost for nothing. I often think to myself what the purpose of it was all. Was this truly the price of harmony? Thousands of dead young ponies fueled by nationalism and hatred of the other. Why did we have to fight our fellow ponies? It doesn’t matter now, that is long past, and we are still trying to repair what is broken. Thestralkind is still scattered, hidden in the fringes of society and deemed as dangerous outcasts.

At this point you might be wondering what my role in this is? What do I gain by telling you what could be deemed an old mare’s tale? Simple, I wish to tell the long-forgotten story that has been hidden through time. Take it as a warning, take it as entertainment, take it however you wish. This is not only my story, but there are also many faces just as important as mine, some more important even. The story you are about to read is only a part of the greater conflict, hidden from history, known as the Equus Civil War. Through trials, time, and a haywire spell I still remain. Every bit of what you will read is true despite what you know from your history book. I know it to be true because I was there.