Darkest Darkness

Our story begins in the far north of Equestria, just before the Crystal Mountains, alongside the railroad track that was to lead into the snowy territory.  Of course, way back when, twenty three years ago, the railroads didn't exist.

Our story takes place sixteen years before the events of Nightmare Moon's return, in a quiet little city called Stalliongrad.

In this city, the ponies that inhabited it relied heavily on mining and exporting factory goods in order to survive.  The harsh winter was not kind to them, and, as such, they relied on weekly caravans for their food and most other supplies.

The main race was that of the Earth Ponies, as their physicality was more suited to the harsh north and, although it was not uncommon to see a few Unicorns here and there, Pegasus were jokingly thought to be a myth.  Gryphons were common, despite their country being far beyond that of the currently non-existent Crystal Empire, but Zebra were rare.

It is one such Zebra, Ma'lik, with whom our story begins; alongside his wife: a Unicorn named Starlight.

Currently, the married couple were clutching each others hooves tightly as the mare groaned and winced in pain.  Childbirth was not an easy feat, but the doctors had learned the best ways on how to deliver foals in the harsh winter from their fathers, and their fathers before them.

With a loud gasp and a quick scream, both parents smiled in joy at the sight of their precious little bundle; a purple Unicorn with black stripes, hiding behind a short gray mane.

The little foal cried pitifully as the doctor carefully carried the newborn towards its mother and father; placing it gently within the tired mare's hooves as the father crowded in closely.

"She has your coat, and eyes." Ma'lik said softly in appreciation- soon finding himself lost within his daughter's bright red eyes as her crying turned into quiet whimpers.

"And your stripes.  With any luck, she'll be as curious as you, dear."  Starlight replied softly with a smile as she bowed her head to kiss the forehead of her child.

"And as beautiful as you.  What should we name her?"

The two shared a long, adoring look at their daughter before their snouts turned back to each other- lips moving in unison to form a single answer:

"Darkswirl."