Chapter 3

Yet again Valiari gracefully glides his brush against a new white canvas composing a very different picture that sets a much different tone. The previous picture he created brought me astonishment and wonder; this brings me emptiness and depression. The paint falls together to form several small crushed and dented wooden cabins that are all covered in snow. All of them tilt in one certain direction as if a powerful wind has pushed them that way. Long pointed icicles stretch out horizontally from the walls in the same direction. Valiari’s excitement and vigor compared to before has now diminished with this painting. His smile has disappeared, and this time he takes a few short pauses here and there to take a breath before returning to his movement. Once the image is finished he steps back as flakes of ice fly from the canvas and into the room.

“I hope they are still there.” Valiari whispers.

“Who?” I ask.

“You will see once we get there. If we’re lucky they will be safe and sound, if not. . .”

“. . . If not what?”

“Well, I’d rather not say, but if we’re not so lucky then hopefully the stone will at least be there. However, after what’s happened I doubt anything out there has survived.”

Valiari’s face, that face is tainted with sorrow. Something clearly haunts him and will not let his mind go free. I choose to keep my words to myself for now just to give him some space. After a long breath Valiari turns his head towards me with confidence.

“Let us go, I will explain more when we arrive. . . Umm, would you like me to hold onto that for you?” He asks looking down at the pointed violet hat in my hand.

“No, I’d . . . I’d like to keep it.”

“Very well, then you’ll need this. I assume you don’t wish to keep in your hands the whole time.”

With a smile Valiari tosses me the white sack that was hanging around his waist and I klutzily almost drop it. With one last look at the hat that mare’s face I saw back in the wagon flashes by. It feels that face is imprinted onto my mind. I gently place the hat inside the bag and tie the rope across my chest with the sack on my back.

“Now, let us go.” He says with a nod.

Valiari steps through the canvas creating ripples like water onto its surface. Before taking a step towards the canvas I take one last look around the room. The cluttered sheets of paper scattered all along the floor and tacked to the walls covering every inch. The warm fireplace and the wooden wardrobe against the wall all feels familiar now. So much so that I can see something fading in as my eyes lose themselves within the room. I can see Valiari embracing me at the doorway just as he did earlier. We appear as distorted ghostly figures, and as they walk across the wooden floor they produce not a single sound. He’s showing me everything about his cabin giving me a short tour of each room. He shows me the latrine, the kitchen, and of course, this room. He hands me a premade sandwich stuffed with greens and red berries. I see myself spit out the first bite I take after Valiari spontaneously alerting and warning me about what I had just eaten as if it were dangerous. After desperately searching for a place to rid my mouth of this horrid substance I spit it out through a window. He begins to laugh, and I worriedly take another bite. I can see us sitting, talking, and then an image of him resting his hoof on my back. I can see so much, but I do not hear the words we spoke to each other. Within seconds the figures dissipate into the air as wisps of incandescent light. I stand still frozen in shock, could this be just my eyes playing games? With a lingering fear I turn and follow behind Valiari, and after a flash of white I land feet first this time into the layers of snow. Again just as the painting depicted everything looks precisely the same. I notice that there are a few random tall piles of snow sticking up from the ground. Valiari is standing near one staring up at it, and then lowers his head shutting his eyes.

“W-What is it?” I ask.

“What I had feared to find.” He says.

Valiari wipes away a good section of the snow off the object causing even more to follow suit. What I find behind the snow causes me to gasp and stare in horror, but Valiari’s face carries disappointment. With that single wipe of his hoof it reveals two big eyes, snout, and ears frozen beneath a thick sheet of ice. A pony has been encased in the ice frozen in trotting position.

“As far as I know every last town and city has suffered the same fate. Every last resident frozen stiff like a statue.”

Just when I thought it couldn’t have gotten worse, taking a better look around the destroyed cabins I can see even more of them scattered around. No, surely they can’t all be ponies frozen in ice. I walk up to another and wipe away the snow to reveal yet another fearful face frozen behind the ice. After another and another I give up on the rest. How could these poor innocent souls just remain trapped like this? How could this have happened? I feel the need to try whatever I can to free them. I press up against one of the masses of ice and try to push it. I try to kick and throw my arms against it in vain attempts to possibly crack the ice. This urge to save them seemed to have emerged from nowhere. Why would I feel the need to save them if I myself do not have the slightest connection to them?

“C-Can’t you save them?! Don’t you have some kind of . . . magic that can free them?”

“I have tried, and every attempt left me without success. I’ve tried breaking it and even trying to heat it up to maybe melt it. For some reason this ice is impervious to magic or virtually anything for that matter. It’s horrific, but . . . remarkable at the same time. How can the ice not melt even the slightest to heat?”

Not even the slightest? That can’t be. I stare into the pony’s eyes wanting to bash at it again in the hopes of it cracking just a sliver, but I know that it’s pointless. To know that they are trapped with no way of possible ever escaping turns my heart blue. Those eyes, I cannot feel a speck of life within them whatsoever. I lower my head to stare down at the ice and take my eyes away from this horrid sight. I know what they must be going through. To be trapped is something that feels familiar to me. Not necessarily physically, but feeling isolated. My heart empty and searching for someone to maybe take my hand and reassure me that I am not alone. It was something that I had searched for, but the question still remains: Did I ever find it?

“Besides, even if you were to free them they most certainly wouldn’t be alive. Just leave them, it’s too late for anything to be done at this point in time.” Says Valiari.

I bring away my hands and step away from the ice. It is hard to accept Valiari’s painful truth, but I realize now that they are all doomed. Nothing can save them now.

“Come, we have no time to waste. We must find them.”

With my eyes still glued to the mass of ice I follow Valiari, but he catches my slowness and beckons me to hurry and forget.

“It is too late for them. There is nothing that can be done. . . I can feel a storm is approaching. We should hurry.”

I force myself to remove my eyes from the ice and follow behind Valiari pushing my legs through the snow. We try to walk through this little town as I try to keep my eyes away from the other tall stacks of snow. I can only imagine what their lives might have been like. I can see them all playing and laughing with each other like nothing in the world could put it to a halt.

“This used to be Shine Village.” Says Valiari. “This little village wasn’t a very fortunate one, but they made do with what they had and were grateful for it. Even though they suffered through tough times they somehow knew how to keep a smile on their faces.”

“. . . Why did this have to happen?”

“That is a question I continue to ask myself, but with no real answer. I remember what this place used to be. Trees flourished and flowers bloomed, and when winter’s turn came it would come and go. However, it seems to have overstayed its welcome. This winter has been plagued amongst Equestria. The entire country and beyond has been covered in a blanket of white. So much has changed, and not a single clue as to how this could have happened has yet to be found. . . Ah, well would you look at that. Up there is Canterlot, I’m surprised you can see it from here.”

Valiari stops and points his hoof out to a tall mountain that oversees the land. Built up from high up on its side is a dark intricate castle that gives me a heavy eerie feeling. Even though I’m staring up at it it feels like it is what’s staring at me. As if another pair of eyes is watching me, expecting me.

“That is where the monarchy resided. The two princesses that control the sun and the Moon give them their time in the sky once it was their turn. I haven’t seen or heard word from them in such a long time, but every day the sun still rises and every night the Moon still shines. Sometimes I wonder if they are still there trying to find a way to save their kingdom, or has this great freeze overtaken them as well. For it is too cold for anypony to even attempt a climb. Just think, the answer to all of this could be sitting comfortably just waiting to be found. That is why I plan to journey up there myself.”

“B-But you just said—”

“Yes I know, but what other hope does Equestria have left? . . . Wait!”

Valiari halts and holds his hoof out to me. The both of us take a pause as he remains motionless and I confused. Slowly he turns his head to one particular cabin.

“Do you feel that?” He asks.

“. . . No, w-what are you talking about?” I ask shivering from the cold.

“It’s very faint, but it’s there. Follow me, quietly.”

The both of us push through the snow as a peculiar feeling grows inside my heart causing it to flutter. My skin is becoming warmer, and my chest is calming. The air around the cabin feels as though it is melting the ice that has built up inside my lungs. I also find that I am not having much difficulty to push through the snow, but as Valiari and I both notice that there is no snow around the cabin. It all has melted revealing the dry stiff grass underneath. We turn our heads to each other in shock, and then back to the cabin. He presses his hoof against the front door and carefully pushes it open letting out a wave of warmth from behind. We step into the small dark room with tattered furniture and busted walls.

“Who’s there?!” A voice shouts startling both Valiari and I.

Out from a little hall comes a lightly gray coated mare with a much darker messy mane that droops over her right eye. Her face is full of fright that only intensifies once her eyes meet mine.

“Who is it Mommy?” A small voice asks from behind her.

“Sweetie go back in the room!” She then turns her attention back to me trying to guard the hall. “You stay away from us! Leave us alone whatever you are!”

“Ma’am please! We do not want to hurt anypony. Allow me to explain. We were just curious as to why this cabin is so much . . . warmer than anything else around here.”

Out from behind her a small little filly pokes her head around her back. Her mane is short and curls over her eyes with a smooth vanilla white color, and her coat is beige with splotches of dirt or soot just as the mare’s. With a little gasp she shows her whole face and smiles brightly at the sight of me.

“It’s you!” She shouts happily. “Mommy that’s him! That’s Ayreel!” She struggles to pronounce.

“That?! That is him . . . ? I thought you were just making that up!”

“No Mommy he’s real!”

“Well this is indeed a surprise! I cannot believe that the both of you are still here!” Valiari celebrates.

“Just who are you two exactly?” Asks the mother.

“Oh how rude of me; I barge into your home without even introducing us. My name is Valiari, and this is my friend Aireal. I see that your daughter is already acquainted with my friend here.”

“Yes, she talks about him all the time. I just thought she was just making up some tale, but I guess I was wrong. Well, welcome to our home.”

“Why thank you. I’m glad to see that somepony has survived this freezing cold.”

“I didn’t believe I would ever see another face. It is a pleasure to meet you Mister Valiari.”

“Same to you Miss.”

“This has been going on for so long, and my husband. . .” She begins to break down and tries to cover her eyes with her hoof.

“What about your husband?”

“He-He left a while ago to see if he could maybe find food or maybe somepony else, but he still hasn’t come back. Did you see him on your way here by any chance?”

“No I . . . I’m sorry Miss we haven’t.”

“Then. . .” She begins to cry but desperately tries to hide her tears.

“Now now that doesn’t mean he still isn’t out there somewhere!” Valiari reassures. “What does he look like?”

“Well he . . . he has an orange mane, and-and a white coat.”

“Okay, well we will try our best to find him.”

“You would do that for us?”

“Why of course!”

“B-But . . . !”

“But what?”

“There’s ‘things’ out there. My daughter and I have heard sounds, and sometimes voices. B-But they weren’t normal voices. . . It’s hard to explain.”

“Well whatever it is I’m sure it’s nothing that we can’t handle. Trust me, we will find your husband. I promise.”

“Thank you.” She says all choked up before beginning a slight chuckle. “Y-You know it’s funny. All of this reminds me of an old fairy tale my Father used to read to me.”

“Fairy tale? What was it?”

“No never mind. It’s silly. I shouldn’t have even brought it up.”

“No go on! What was the story?”

“Well, he would always read it to me whenever I felt sad or lonely. I can’t clearly remember every detail but it was about a young mare who fell deeply in love with one particular stallion. The both of them connected almost instantly once their eyes met. It felt like it was meant to be. They together lived in a peaceful little town, and everything seemed to be just too perfect. Until, one day the two of them took a trip up to the Snowy Mountains for the sense of exploration and fun. He told her that there was a view from that mountain unlike any other, and that . . . it couldn’t be described, you would just have to see it yourself. Once they arrived and began to hike up the mountain walls things started to take a turn for the worst. The cold was growing, and it all seemed just too dangerous to continue. But they were already so high up they figured they might as well keep going to see what they came for. A blizzard was stirring, and they could barely see a foot in front of them. They held each other’s hooves so they wouldn’t separate, but all of sudden she lost his hoof. She was frightened; all she could think of was to call his name as loud as she could. But no matter how much she screamed she wouldn’t receive an answer. Eventually the ground beneath her collapsed and she slipped breaking her two hind legs, she perished in the cold. Her body was dead, but her spirit was still in search of her lost lover. It said her spirit is the cold winter breeze slipping through the cracks and crevasses and swirling the snowflakes. She searched the mountain high and low, but could not find the one she was looking for. She couldn't go where there was warmth, so was restricted to the places where the cold could enter and search for him there, but she could not find him. Nopony else could see her, so she could not ask for help, but there were two ponies that could. And they promised that they would reunite her with her love. In them was her only glimmer of hope.”

“What happened next?”

“Well the both of them became partners and traveled together in search of him. Guh, I can never remember what happens next. But the ending was always my favorite part. If only I could remember it.”

“Well, it sounds like a wonderful story. I wonder if I’ve heard it before. . .”

As Valiari ponders to himself I feel something tug at my pant leg. I find that the little filly has the cloth gripped beneath her teeth trying to get my attention. Her big eyes and adorable face seem just irresistible to turn away from. I get down to one knee and give the little filly my attention.

“Hello, what’s your name?” I ask.

“You don’t remember?” She asks.

“No, I’m sorry I don’t. I don’t really remember much of anything.” I say with a slight chuckle.

“It’s Candle Light! Don’t you remember?”

That name, Candle Light. I’ve heard it before. This very moment itself feels like it’s happened before. I sat just like this, and our eyes met the exact same way. In my thoughts I can see an image emerging as if a key has just been turned in my mind. I can see us, and the stage I saw before with the lights shining upon us. Behind her is a crowd filled with ponies, and behind them is a village . . . this same village. She looks so afraid of me, but after exchanging a few words that begins to dwindle.

“No I-I remember. . .”

In my head I can hear voices, our voices, echoing in my mind.

“. . . Hello.” My voice whispers.

“Y-You can talk?” Her voice asks.

“Of course I can.” My voice says with a slight chuckle. “Are your Mom and Dad in the crowd?”

“My Daddy is.”

In the scene playing about in my thoughts Candle Light points to a stallion out in the crowd. He looks just as her Mother described, but the darkness makes the colors appear darker than they really are. He seems to be watching us very carefully and nervously.

“What about Mommy?” My voice asks.

“. . . She’s sick.”

“With what? A cold?”

“I don’t know, but Daddy always cries.”

I remember those words exactly, and the feeling that shot through me once they left her lips. It was like a quick jab at my heart. I felt so lost on what to say next I myself began to tremble with anxiety.

“I-I can tell you have a strong spirit. . . Let it stay that way. A-And no matter how bad things get promise me that you’ll stay strong. . . Do you promise?” My voice says.

For some reason it feels as though I did not come up with those words on my own. I read them before. I just can’t remember where or from what, but now I can’t stop thinking about it.

“Did . . . Did you keep your promise Candle Light?” I ask now back in reality.

“Yeah! Mommy’s feeling so much better now!” She says happily.

“I can see that.” I struggle to say, but holding a smile.

I can feel my voice weakening, and my throat is beginning to ache. I can feel the water building up behind my eyes as I try to hold it back.

“It’s. . . It’s good to see you again.” I say.

“You too!” She says throwing herself into me.

I gently wrap my arms around her and allow the tears to stream down my cheeks for there were no way I could hold it back any longer. While we embrace each other I murmur aloud: ‘I remember’ several times to ensure myself that I do indeed remember, and I shall not ever forget.

“Hey . . . where’s Trixie?”

“T-Trixie? Why? Do you know her?”

“Yeah! She was there remember?”

Immediately I am forced back in my thoughts. I can see Candle Light and the crowd behind her, but with a turn of my head I notice a pony to the far left of us. It’s the mare I saw back in the wagon. This time her entire body is visible. Everything about this mare is beginning to haunt me; her hat, her face, and those mesmerizing eyes. What was my relationship with her? I just have to know. I feel like I’m getting closer, but not close enough.

“Hey! I still have that shiny rock you gave me!” She says excitedly.

“Really?! May we see it?” Valiari asks.

Candle Light trots off down the little hall and into a separate room. I glance back at Valiari who looks eager to finally see this stone he was talking about. I take a look towards the Mother who is staring down the hallway waiting for her daughter to return.

“You know I really must say thank you.” She says and turns her attention towards me. “My daughter never really made any friends with any of the other kids, and with my illness it was just so much for her to take in. I didn’t know what I could do. But that day she went with her Father to see the show she came back with such happiness, and I’m glad I was there to see it. So thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” My still weak voice mutters.

Candle Light trots back in the room with something that immediately catches my eye beneath her teeth. A small translucent stone faintly shining a yellow-green light that reflects in her eyes. The closer she comes the stronger the warmth and feeling from before grows. My eyes become hypnotized in the wondrous light. Soon our voices begin to echo in my mind yet again.

“Do you have any friends Candle Light?” My voice asks.

“Not really.” Her voice says.

“No? Well guess what. . . Just a little secret between you and me. I don’t have very many friends either.” My voice whispers.

“You don’t” Her voice asks in surprise. “Well then. . . Maybe we could be friends?”

“You’d really want to be friends with me?”

“I thought you were scary, but you’re actually a nice monster.”

“. . . Thanks. That really means a lot. Well Candle Light, now that we’re friends, I want you to have this.”

“M-Me?”

“That’s right. Be careful not to lose it, because it’s something really special.”

“Thank you!”

“You’re welcome.”

I remember, I gave her that stone. After everything she had told me I felt that she needed it more than I did. But how could I have gotten possession of such a beautiful object? That stone, something about it feels eerily familiar. It feels like it’s calling my name.

“That stone really is something special.” Says the Mother. “Ever since she brought it home that day everything seemed to have been going our way. My illness suddenly disappeared like it was never there, and its strange warmth has saved us from the cold. We offered my husband to go ahead and take it with him when he left, but he insisted that we hold onto it instead for he wouldn’t be gone long.”

“Don’t worry Miss; now that we have this we will be able to find a way to end all of this. I made a promise to find your husband and I am going to keep it. I know what it’s like to lose somepony you hold near and dear to your heart. Once this spell begins to wear off then we will take you two somewhere warm and safe. Wait a minute . . . that’s strange.”

“What is it?”

“That spell should be wearing off right about now. Why hasn’t it started yet?”

Suddenly the winds outside begin to roar and push against the walls of the cabin causing them to creak and vibrate. Through the windows the only thing that can be seen are clouds of large bundles of snow blowing around in every direction.

“The blizzard! It’s here!” Valiari shouts fearfully.

The ceiling begins to crack, and soon holes are created from the powerful winds. The snow and chilling air rushes inside forcing all the warmth to escape. I can hear chunks of the walls breaking apart and glass shattering. Soon nothing in the room becomes recognizable. Everything is clouded with snow.

“Valiari! Valiari where are you?!” I shout, but the winds are so loud that I can barely hear my own voice.

I can barely even keep my body still as the winds try to push me around. The snow feels like blades against my face so I try to shield it with my arms. The winds become so powerful that they thrust my body across the room and into on the walls. It presses me against the wall before letting me go and allowing me to fall face first onto the floor. My back aches too much to try and stand so I let the snow pile on top of me as the walls continue to break away. I do not have the strength to call out to Valiari or Candle Light, but even another attempt would feel hopeless. Everything is turning white, and the cold is overtaking my body very rapidly as if it is definitely trying to kill me. Everything is beginning to fade to darkness, but I can hear fragments of a voice traveling through the winds.

“Goodnight.” It says.