Prologue

The Forsakein? Ah. You Equestrians are lucky you know not of those lands. You live in an ideal world. They do not. We do not.
- Emir Dakir of Saddle Arabia

Even in this era of understanding, unsurpassed throughout all of history, we still know little of the Far East. To the West, at least, we know of the Donkeys and the Diamond Dogs; of Zion, and Maast. In the North lies a frozen tundra, and the insurmountable Crystal Mountains beyond even that desolate landscape. South, past the ancestral Earth pony homelands, are the Badlands.
The East, however, is a blank spot on our lovely world maps, our lack of knowledge is poorly filled by mere legends and fanciful tales. The only real facts we have are that the Griffons live there, and Saddle Arabia is south of it. We know nothing of the culture, history, or races that exist there. Only their leaders' names are known, and to a pitiful minority; A sad state of affairs.
- Twilight Sparkle, Graduating Essay from Celestia's School For Gifted Unicorns

Ai faeln cas nuyon ve dair lauhn.
- Griffon Captain of the Embassy Guards

Let me tell you why you'll never be accepted if you build an embassy here. In your country, the citizens tolerate a flaming swamp and carnivorous hybrids in the middle of their produce routes in the name of balance and harmony. In our land, such dangers, if unable to be turned to our benefit, are simply wiped away.
- Letter of High King Fearj of the Griffon Empire to Princess Celestia of Equestria

Posting to the Morcoast Embassy is one of two locations where hardship pay is currently authorized.
- Royal Guard Information Dossier

Notice: The portrayal of "Griffonia" in this novel is in no way an actual representation of the actual Griffon homeland, or the East as a whole.
- Disclaimer on the back cover of "Daring Do and the Griffon's Goblet"

... new border incursions are being reported daily here, Saddle Arabian and Redclain soldiers are massing as I write this, and I heard that Blasian and Arabian ships are filling up Jayek Sea. High King Faerj is angered beyond all hope. I can only hope that the war, if it comes to that, does not stain our homes. May the Stars help this forsaken land.
- Diplomat of the Zebra Confederation, 79 year-old letter

Directive of Pasha Karaca to Binbashi Bekir: Occupy and fortify the Dalaen Heights immediately with current forces, primarily 19th Azabs and 10th Baltacı. If Redclain troops already in position attempt to stop you, withdraw immediately as we will have irrefutable proof of their expansionist intent. 34th Janissaries are on the road to reinforce you, and should arrive on the morrow. The Sultan protects.
- Pasha Karaca, 79 year-old letter

The Delaen Heights situation threatens to spiral out of control daily. High King Faerj has apparently left for the soon-to-be battlefield, and reportedly so has Sultan Draca. If full scale war between Saddle Arabia and the Griffon Empire breaks out, we would be naive to believe it would not spill over to Equestria.
- Equestrian Ambassador to the Griffon Empire, 79 year-old letter to Princess Celestia

I will intervene. I must talk sense into Faerj and Draca.
- Princess Celestia, 78 year-old letter to the Equestrian Ambassador to the Griffon Empire

And then the sun came down upon the battlefield of Dalaen, blazing brighter than all the lamps of the Sukan Temple - and the fighting stopped, never to start again. Thank the Stars Faerj and Draca were able to regain their senses just before they hurled this continent off the precipice of a devastating war. No creature truly had anything gain from it.
- Diplomat of the Zebra Confederation, 78 year-old letter

I'm afraid I've made a great mistake.
- Journal of High King Faerj, entry dated 78 years ago

Faerj is weak! He didn't stand up to Celestia; he backed down! In the name of harmony? That fool will be the end of not only the Empire, but all griffons. The two are one in the same. My friend, better it be that one dies out for the sake of the other. Ironclast above all.
- Representative to the Empire Jeddrl of Ironclast, 78 year-old letter to Jarl Haers of Ironclast

The Empire will be the end of us all! What comes first, the whims of the High King in distant Eas, or our homes? Our families? Our concerns and tribulations?
- Speech of Jarl Gaerj to the citizens of Blas, 77 years ago

... yesterday, a messenger arrived announcing Ironclast's succession from the Griffon Empire. As of yet, we have no comment from High King Faerj. Things can only get worse from here.
- Equestrian Ambassador to the Griffon Empire, 77 year-old letter to Princess Celestia

The Empire has fallen, overthrown from the inside! High King Faerj is dead! Praise be to God!
- Official declaration of of Sultan Draca, 75 years ago

My descendants will never forget this, Celestia. I know my days are numbered, as yours will never be; of course, the griffons with guns and swords gathering outside my chambers won't help with that. You caused this. The destruction of the Griffon Empire. I trusted you! Look what your "harmony" has brought us to! Gods have mercy on me.
- High King Faerj of Eas, 75 year-old letter to Princess Celestia of Equestria

We have not been contacted by any of the new Griffon Kingdoms since the fall of the Empire, save for the small Embassies in Morcoast and Eas.
- Equestrian Goverment, responding to any requests for information on the East for the past 75 years

Familiarity Breeds Contempt

July 19th, 1003 ANM

The Canterlot Royal University was not a particularly notable site, in all the brilliant spires and sprawling, soaring architecture of the cliff-city. A series of modest, bleached-white buildings near ground level, it was in the literal and metaphorical shadow of much loftier Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.

While not specifically created to cater to those who were less than "Gifted Unicorns", ninety-six percent of its student body were unicorns, and none of them particularly skilled in magic. The University instead focused on less flashy forms of education; if one saw an archaeological dig, Everfree expedition, or literature collection, it was a sure bet that the University's hoof was behind whatever was going on. Never taking the spotlight, the University was, on average, responsible for half in the content in the annual Equestrian Science Pavilion in the Summer Sun Festival.

Of course, that was only what the pamphlet said. The earth pony glanced up from the piece of paper uneasily, uncomfortably conspicuous in the ocean of well-groomed manes and horns. What was the speaker saying again? She's lost count of many times her mind had drifted off in this community lecturing and announcement event already.

"...and, as this graph shows, temperature in excess of ninety-degrees causes the caulking of the lifeboat to fail. Now, this phenomena has never actually been recorded on an Equestrian ocean-going vessel, but we believe a petition should be created-"

Never mind, she'd heard more engaging talks on the feasibility of saddlebag insurance. She hoped this worked out; it was her first lucky break in months.

~

"A wonderful piece, Vine. Next we have, uh, guest speaker Distant Shores!"

The lone earth pony in the audience tucked the pamphlet away in her saddlebag, before getting to her hooves and walking to the stage. The smiling Chancellor of the University greeted her with a gentle nod, and turned to the waiting crowd.

"Miss Shores here has been contracted to create a new map of the University grounds, after the unfortunate incident that deprived us of our historic original," she said, pausing to glare at a rowdy group of students in the back, "and being the first pony I've seen to have her special talent involve cartography and mapmaking, I'm sure she did a wonderful job."

Distant Shores scowled slightly at the speech. "Actually, my cutie mark is for surveying, but cartography is close enough, I guess."
Noticing the looks she was getting from the crowd, she hastily added "And I'm glad to been able to help this, uh, fine institution of learning."

She quickly nodded to a student volunteer, who levitated in a large, cloth-covered portrait from backstage. With a flourish, the earth pony threw the covering off.

A lackluster reaction ensued. Many heads were scratched, and several not-so-hushed whispers passed between friends.

A hoof shot up, and Shores wearily pointed at the stallion by way of acknowledgement. "Excuse me, Miss Shores . . . where is the color?" he asked, and most of the audience nodded in agreement.

"It's a map. I made it accurate to the hoof." she replied, sparing a withering glance at the offending unicorn.

"Where's the color, though?" he asked again.

Shores frowned. "You're only going to glance at it for a few seconds to get somewhere, don't you want it to be accurate?" she said.

"Well, it'll clash with the decor of the lobby." one of the teachers observed, drawing a chorus of affirmations from the crowd.

Your lobby's so ugly, I don't think sewage smeared on the walls would make it look any worse.

"I'm sure visitors would appreciate the ability to quickly and easily navigate to their destination, and anyways, I don't think that they'd be staring at the offending picture for more than a few seconds." Shores replied carefully.

"Well . . ." he began.

The stallion was interrupted by the Chancellor. "I hate to say this, Miss Shores, but your, uh, creation, is not what the contract specified."

"I- what?"

"We wanted a replacement, not . . ." the unicorn trailed off, "your own work of art."

"I was just doing my best." Shores muttered, heedless of the crowd.

"Well, it wasn't what we were looking for." one of the nearby Board members stated flatly.

Shores nodded glumly. "I know a losing fight when I see one." she sighed, then; "But, am I still getting partly paid?"

Hushed comments were passed between many of the crowd, and the Chancellor raised an eyebrow. "Typically, Miss Shores, one get paid when they complete a job."

"I did."

"According to our specifications." the Chancellor corrected.

"I . . . half?" Shores asked, and if they looked hard enough, they'd see the quiet desperation in her eyes. The hall was quiet now, save for a soft cluck of disapproval from somepony in the crowd.

The Chancellor glanced around at the other Board members, who stayed silent. Sighing, she turned to Shores. "Again, you didn't fulfill the contract."

One of the Board members, a greying unicorn, spoke up. "I recall that greed is not of the virtues in the University motto, now is it?"

A ripple of approval went through the crowd, many of whom were giving Shores scornful looks. She shrank back, then felt something stir inside her; who were they to judge her?

"Fine, then." she growled, wincing as one of the rowdier students in the back hurled a bottle at her, hooting for her to get off the stage.

"Do you want your map back-" the Chancellor began, angrily motioning for the audience to quiet down.

Shores waved her off, scowling. "Burn it, for all I care."

"Quiet!" the Chancellor snapped to a Board member nearby, silencing the booing pony.

"Now how am I getting out of this stupid city?" Shores muttered as she stalked off the stage, a little too loudly.

"Excuse me?" the Chancellor called.

Shores stopped and turned. "What?"

The hall was silent again. "What do you mean, 'how am I getting out'.?" the Chancellor asked, concern evident.

"I- none of your business." Shores said, her anger fading. "I'll find a way. I always do."

"Can't you just take a train or something?" the Board member unicorn from earlier interjected, visibly irritated.

"Yeah, sorry, a train ticket costs four bits. I want to eat tonight." Shores shot back, immediately wincing and covering her mouth. "I'll just go now . . ."

"No, no. Come here." the Chancellor ordered, the authority from leading a school for a decade evident in her voice. "Open up your saddlebag."

"I'd rather not." Shores whispered, yet obeyed her command.

"Is there something illegal in there?" the Chancellor asked as Shores reluctantly slung the saddlebag off of her back.

"Well, no." Shores admitted.

"Then please, show me what you have in there."

Shores sighed and opened up the saddlebag, then dumped out its contents on the ground. A small, blank-cover book, a water bottle, a knife; a roll of parchment, a case of pencils, a package of half-eaten hayfries. Other assorted junk, none of high-quality.. However, the glittering of bits stuck out like a flower in a garbage heap; five bits, to be exact.

The Chancellor frowned, one of the only ponies close enough to see the exact number of bits. A few other Board members seated close by could, and they exchanged glances. "Is . . . that all?" the Chancellor asked.

"Of what? My life's possessions?" Shores snapped, again grimacing at her own words a second later. "Look, can I just leave-"

"You only have five bits? Old hayfries is your diet?" the Chancellor continued, her voice slightly incredulous.

"Hey," Shores said, "those hayfries can last a long time if you eat 'em right, and they're dirt cheap."

"Five bits." the Chancellor repeated.

"Yeah, and I'd have two hundred more if you liked accuracy over frills." Shores said. "Again, can I leave now?"

"And you . . . you just travel around Equestria this poor? Do you have a home?" the Board unicorn stallion from earlier asked bluntly, earning a glare from the Chancellor and a tired sigh from Shores.

"No. I bounce from job from job, if I can find them at all. There's a finite number of maps needing to be made in Equestria."

"Dear Celestia, where do you stay?" the Chancellor asked.

"I think Celestia lives in a perfectly splendid castle, don't you?" Shores said wryly, "As for me, I get to the cheapest inn I can find."

"There aren't any motels in Canterlot . . ." a Board member muttered.

"That's why I don't like coming to Canterlot. Too expensive to live here, and the citizens aren't a fan of accurate mapmaking."

"My goodness, only five bits. And you're pursuing your cutie mark? Your special talent?" the Chancellor asked again..

Shores glanced down, her gaze settling on the stylized drafting compass that adorned her flank. A mathematical tool meant to draw perfect circles, and one she carried around with her in physical form to help with her mapmaking.

"Well, yes." Shores said., albeit reluctantly. "I sometimes work as dumb labor to make ends meet on the odd a country farm, but never for long."

"My goodness," the Chancellor repeated. As Shores started picking up the contents of her saddlebag, the Chancellor interrupted her. "When you do leave, where are you going?"

Shores sighed. "I dunno, maybe Las Pegasus? A good three-dimensional map might score with them, although pegasi are usually creatures of memory. I've gotten a couple of tourist brochure jobs in Cloudsdale before, though, so . . ."

"How are you going to get there with five bits?" the Chancellor pressed.

Shores glared at her. "Look, I'm not here to tell my life's story. I'll probably just get some mindless porting job around here, or something. If your cutie mark isn't about the job, they usually won't even consider you . . ."

As Shores slung her saddlebags back onto her and turned for the door, she was stopped by a hoof to the shoulder. Shores huffed and faced the Chancellor, whose attention was on the crowd before her.

"Students and faculty of the Canterlot Royal University!" she called, sweeping her hoof dramatically. "Greed may not be one of the virtues in our motto, but charity is! How can we let this poor mare here go around pursuing her destiny with scarcely the means to buy a meal?"

"No!" somepony in the crowd shouted back, followed by a wave of agreement from the crowd, and curt nods from the Board members.

The Chancellor turned back to Shores, catching a money purse tossed by the Treasurer nearby. She handed the earthy pony the purse with a beaming smile. "Let it never be said that the University shirks from charity to all!"

"Even dirt ponies." one of the more affluent members of the crowd whispered to a friend, causing everypony around him to shush him.

Shores swallowed as she took the purse, dimly aware of the burning in her cheeks. She cracked it open, and to her dismay, found her pay for the map she'd made. The bits clinked as the bag shifted, and the crowd murmured its approval to their school's kindness - but the room seemed suffocating to Shores.

Somepony in the crowd began to clap, and soon the whole hall was filled with the ruckus, all muffled to Shores. She continued to stare at the little purse, dismay etched on her features.

With a sinking feeling, the Chancellor recognized something in Shores' eyes. A proud mare humiliated. She opened her moth to speak, when Shores beat her to it.

"I just- thank you." she said quietly, then, heedless of the stares of the crowd, trotted out off the stage and behind the curtains. When she was out of the crowd's sight, she broke into a gallop and vanished in the service entryway.

"Oh, dear." the Chancellor breathed, as silence descended on the hall. She glanced down at the scroll strapped to her foreleg. "And, uh, next, we have second guest speaker Rainbowshine with a speech on weather control!"

As the pegasus stepped up to start, the Chancellor excused herself and rushed out the exit after Distant Shores. She didn't have to go far, as she found Shores sitting in the hallway. The earth pony was staring intently at a small picture, pegasus stallion's image.

The Chancellor sighed audibly, causing Shores to jump slightly and hurriedly pack the picture back into her saddlebag.

"That's my father." Shores said, causing the question in the Chancellor's mouth to die away.

Instead, the unicorn began, "Look, Shores, I'm sorry if we- no, I-"

Shores raised a hoof. "Nah. I'm just an ungrateful wretch, that's all. Kindest thing that's happened to me a long time, in Canterlot no less." She frowned. "But still . . ."

"It's just, well,"

"I looks good, I know." Shores sighed. "Really, thank you. Although my father would've never accepted charity like that."

"Oh. Trying to follow in his hoofsteps?" the Chancellor asked, inwardly sighing in relief and being able to take the mare's mind off of her humiliation.

"Trying. He was an explorer, and there aren't many of those around anymore." Shores said. "Compass Rose, his name was. I think my name was a bit of wishful thinking."

"Oh, you want to be an explorer?" the Chancellor asked, perking up. "Just where, exactly?"

Shores laughed bitterly, pointing her hoof out a nearby window. "Out there. Beyond Equestria. Out East - that that'd really be in my father's footsteps."

She paused, looking at the Chancellor oddly. "Stay here," the Chancellor ordered, starting off down the hallway, "there's somepony in the audience I'd like you to meet."

The unicorn was gone before Shores could open her mouth. She sighed, and stayed put.

A few minutes later, she heard the voice of the Chancellor before she rounded the corner. "Now, this is just the pony we've been looking for! Daughter of Compass Rose, no less."

The unicorn trotted up to Shores, followed by a pony that made her freeze up at the sight.

Twilight Sparkle. Princess Twilight Sparkle. Wings, horn, lavender coat-

Shores quickly bowed. "Princess." she said quietly, remembering all the nights her father had talked to her about respecting Princesses. Granted, only Celestia had been a leader at the time, but Compass Rose had been most explicit in his words - No matter what they do, they mean the best for all of us. That's a lot to say in this world.

"Distant Shores, a pleasure to meet you." Twilight said, extending a hoof as Shores straightened up. She seemed rather glad Shores' bow had been temporary.

"Well met." Shores replied, taking the hoof.

"So," Twilight continued without preamble, "I heard you want to travel East?"

Shores instantly brightened up. "I want to explore the East. Travelling implies we know anything about it."

Twilight smiled. "I like your thinking. The gap in our knowledge of the East is incredible - not even Princess Celestia could say much when I asked her!"

"Well," Shores began.

"How'd you like to mount a funded, official expedition to the East?" Twilight asked bluntly. Apparently, she wasn't much of a pony for subtlety.

"Yeah, It'd be a dream come t- what?" Shores' eyes widened, as she stared at Twilight was a gaping mouth. "Wait, what?

"You're the first pony I've found whose special talent is mapmaking." Twilight said, "And that's an incredibly useful skill for an explorer. I don't just want an expedition that tells tales of the East - I want one that brings back maps of it! Hard information! You'd be surprsed how little most ponies care about the East. Just vague tales, if at that."

"Woah," Shores breathed, taking it all in. "This- this is serious, right? You actually want me to do this? Just like that?"

"Well, I'm a princess now, aren't I?" Twilight observed. "Besides, the Chancellor over here and I have been planning this for some time now. The University will provide the funds and a representative, and publish your findings when you get back."

A pause followed, a concerned look growing on Twilight's face. "So, what do you think? I realize this is very sudden, but with how the Chancellor describes your current lifestyle, I didn't think you'd have many affairs to clean up before going."

"Yes. Yes!" Shores exclaimed in glee, pumping the air with a hoof. "This is a dream!"

Watching with a gladdened expression as Shores celebrated, the Chancellor coughed softly. "Well, Princess will have all the details for you. The lecture hall's probably wondering where I rushed off to. They don't know Twilight was in the back, though." With that, she shook hooves with Shores and trotted off down the hallway, back to the lecture.

"Thank you." Shores repeated to Twilight, shaking her hoof as well. "This is a dream come true."

If only Dad could see me now . . . Shores thought with a hint of sadness in the midst of the silent euphoria she was experiencing.

. . . I probably won't get the chance to see him before I go, from the looks of it.

Author's Notes:

Our story proper begins.

Refraction

"Before you go on your way," Twilight Sparkle said as they walked from the University lecture hall, "there's someone I'd like you to meet."

Shores nodded neutrally and followed the eccentric princess, still internally awash with glee. Wordlessly, they made their way through the maze of cheaply-whitewashed corridors, before arriving at the University gardens.

An aged gardener toiled in the distance, wearily pulling weeds from among the wilting flowers. The sky was grey, a storm boiling on the horizon, stoked by the Canterlot pegasi.

Twilight stopped as they reached a small fountain, the water brown and speckled by decaying leaves. The calming gurgle of the pump was a sputtering gasp from neglect. Shores glanced uneasily around, before fixing her expectant gaze on the princess.

"We're here." she said loudly, but not to Shores.

From behind a weathered tree, a unicorn stallion cautiously trotted out. Clad in a dark blue cloak held fast by a dull brooch, a hood covered his head. Said hood was thrown back a moment later. Bright, intelligent emerald eyes returned Shores' stare.

"Distant Shores, this is Glimmering Prism, a graduating student at the University." Twilight said, pointing a hoof at the stallion.

"Well met." Shores warily greeted him, extending a hoof for a polite shake.

"Do you know why you two are here?" Twilight asked.

"To explore the East!" Shores grinned.

Prism seemed surprised at this, and shot the alicorn a pointed look. "I'm here to accompany a royal cartographer as her scientific representative, as she maps Equestria." he said slowly, emphasizing the more familiar land.

Twilight pouted. "Prism, we went over this. You accompany the cartographer wherever she wishes to go in pursuit of knowledge. We have practically no knowledge on the East." she explained, getting eager nods from the earth pony and a skeptical frown from the unicorn.

"Still . . ." Prism muttered. "An earth pony and the poorest magicking unicorn in Equestria, in the East?"

"Hey!" Shores exclaimed, stepping forward.

Twilight's hoof shot out, stopping the flustered mare in her tracks. "Prism. We talked about this." she said flatly, with a knowing look dancing across her face.

His entire posture suddenly sagged, his head bowing down to stare at the ground morosely. "Yeah. It's not my fault the graduation exam this year was judged by a fired 'Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns' professor." he said, then perked up with blazing eyes. "Magic has never been a part of the final test until now, thanks to that hack." he snarled.

"And now you need extra credit to not fail." Shores guessed bluntly. An outraged glance from Twilight and a rather melancholy expression from Prism was all the confirmation she needed.

"Shores! That's impolite." the alicorn chided.

"And blackmailing this stallion into following me for your benefit is better, how?" the earthy pony shot back.

"It's - it's different." Twilight sputtered.

Shores blushed deeply, mortified. "I-I'm sorry, Princess. That was not my right to say that." she said quickly, doing a little bow before an amused Prism.

Twilight seemed even more uncomfortable at that. "No. No, you're right. I was so eager to use my new powers to expand our knowledge of an area that's fascinated my since my foalhood, I ignored the feelings of the poor student I roped into this." she said, half to herself, a thoughtful air in her voice.

She turned to the unicorn, shivering at a cold gust of wind. "I'm sorry, Prism. You'll probably still want to accompany her, but I won't force you to risk yourself in the East."

Next, she faced the earth pony. "And Shores, I'm sorry. I thought I had a one-in-a-million opportunity with you, and I forgot everything else. If he doesn't want to go, I'm sure I can get a royal guard to follow you - if you still wish to make the journey."

The three ponies fell silent, lost in their own thoughts. The wind picked up, the overcast sky growing turbulent, stirred up by the pegasi.

Prism broke the silence. "No. I'll go with her. That stupid professor will have to be impressed if I make a journey like that!" he said, conviction growing with every word. "I hope you chose well, Princess." he said, nodding at Shores.

Twilight perked up. "It's Twilight Sparkle, please and I'm glad you decided to go ahead with it! I'll be sure to put a good word in with the exam board!" she said happily.

Shores completed the trio of happy looks. "I'm still game." she grinned.

Pleased, the alicorn reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a small bag. Handing it to Shores, she said "This is 2,000 bits from the Royal Scientific Fund. You'd be surprised by how little that little goldmine's been used over the years."

"Payment?" Shores asked.

"Getting to the East's not going to be cheap." Twilight sighed. "This ought to cover for any expenses, and if you need more - just check in with the Equestrian Embassy in Morcoast."

"Morcoast." Prism repeated, sounding out the foreign name.

"The closest Eastern realm." Twilight explained. "It's part of Eastern Reach, an archipelago stuck between Equestria and the East proper, whatever that may be."

All present froze as thunder crashed and roared in the distance, and a light rain began to patter down on the city. The old gardener was long gone, and in the lofty streets of Canterlot, ponies sought shelter.

"Anyway, I have to return to Ponyville tonight." Twilight said, shaking their hooves. "Good luck. All the information I've collected about the East, and specifically Morcoast, can be found by request in the Canterlot Royal Archives."

Shores nudged Prism with a cheeky smile. "Can't wait."

Lightning flashed, and the three hurriedly went on their way.

Bonus Chapter: Twilight Regrets; Celestia More So

Twilight Sparkle sat nervously in the empty throne room, with neither Luna or Celestia in sight. The latter had approached her late that day, after sending off Distant Shores and Prism that morning; with a stern demeanor she hadn't seen a while, the Princess had ordered her all the way from Ponyville to the room to talk. Presumably, she had learned about Shores' expedition, and while Twilight wouldn't have announced it without cause, she felt it was entirely within her power to fund such an endeavor.

. . . still, Celestia looked pretty disturbed. Not angry, just unsettled. Maybe there was something else wrong? It didn't have to be Shores; Tirek had certainly taken them by surprise.

"Twilight Sparkle," a regal voice said. It was Celestia, strolling in from the main doors. To Twilight's relief, her former mentor refrained from adding "Princess" before her name. To her even greater surprise, however, were the nature of the two royal guards that followed her in, pulling the gilded doors shut as they did so. As they took up positions on either side of the door, Twilight recognized Solstice and Barbell, both with the Captain's Star emblazoned on the front of their armor.

Two of Celestia's highest-ranking officers guarded her. That meant she wanted secrecy.

Oh, right. Celestia had spoken to her. "Hello, Princess Celestia." she said, rubbing the back of her head awkwardly.

Celestia nodded to her by way of reply, and then did so with words. "Twilight, it has come to my attention that you've organized an expedition to the East."

How did learn about that? Twilight wondered, but said, "I have. The mapping of the East, and learning about its cultures first hand, will be great steps in filling in the gap in Equestrian knowledge for that area."

"Twilight . . ." Celestia trailed off, getting that disturbed look again, "do you know the dangers of the East? For ponies?"

"Well," Twilight began, before biting her lip.

Celestia sighed. "You could have asked me, Twilight. You're a princess now; there's no need to go around me."

"Exactly!" Twilight exclaimed, then gasped then covered her mouth with a hoof. "Oh, I'm sorry. I mean, I am a princess. That's why I thought I could order this."

"But to use government ponies," Celestia said.

"No, not government ponies." Twilight corrected, a little sheepishly.

"Oh?" Celestia cocked her head slightly.

"Distant Shores, mapmaker and adventurer, and Gleaming Prism, an Academy student." Twilight said.

Celestia frowned. "I think government ponies would have been better off, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt."

"For what it's worth, Shores said she was the daughter of Compass Rose, whoever he was."

Celestia perked up, almost imperceptibly. "Is that so? I knew that pony, many years ago . . . I didn't know where he went to after the Heights."

"Wait, 'the Heights'? If I might ask, Princess, what happened? I've read that Compass Rose was a great adventurer, although few know his name these days."

Celestia sighed deeply, turning her eyes away. "I'd rather I not."

Twilight opened her mouth to speak, then paused, unsure of her place in the situation, before Celestia continued. "But, if only for the sake of knowing what you've gotten your ponies into, I will." At that, Twilight held back an eager grin, mindful of the dark look that crossed Celestia's face.

"Thank you, Princess." she managed to say.

"The reason your ponies may be in danger, is not the uncontrollable weather or harsh living in the East, although those will present formidable challenges. Ponies are far tougher than the griffons think." Celestia began, then paused at Twilight's curious expression.

"Well, then what's so dangerous?" Twilight asked.

"I was getting to that," Celestia smiled grimly. "Not a 'what', but 'she'. Crown Princess Vaernya, I'm afraid, remembers the past as her father did not."

"Isn't she the heir to the throne of Eas?"

"Indeed. Her father, High King Graesl, is dying; she will be High Queen soon. While that title used to confer leadership of the Griffon Empire of old-"

"-the Empire collapsed seventy-five years ago, its citadels and cities forming their own states." Twilight finished, "Which is why we have little contact with the griffons, as most of these are too busy with their own troubles to bother with the West."

Celestia smiled again, this time a hint of warmth at her former student's knowledge. It far surpassed any of her own ministers in this field, at least. "Right again, Twilight." She darkened again quickly, however. "The fall of the Empire is one of the reasons Vaernya is a danger. The other happened quite recently. The past and the present have conspired her against us, you might say."

Seeing her former student's expression of absolute curiosity, Celestia quietly chuckled and elaborated. "We'll do the present first, it'll be very easy to understand, considering you played a major part in what happened."

Twilight looked horrified. "What did I do, that turned Vaernya against ponykind-"

"Nothing, Twilight. And furthermore, Vaernya isn't against ponykind, strictly. She was here in Canterlot on a diplomatic mission several months ago, her first time in Equestria."

"Oh, no," Twilight breathed, "that was during Tirek's reign of terror . . ."

"Right before and during," Celestia said gravely. "You should have seen her - the future High Queen of Eas, rushing into this throne room with her guards, gun in hand. Excuse me, do you know of guns . . ?"

"Black powder, is it? Matchlock? Yes, I have." Twilight affirmed. "Distantly. I'd love to get my hands on one . . ."

"Well, she offered to help defeat Tirek. Whatever anypony says about Vaernya, she's one of the bravest creatures I've seen, always leading by example."

"She seems nice enough, then. I recall the Saddle Arabian Embassy stayed locked during the crisis." Twilight said.

"The Saddle Arabians, however, knew they couldn't do anything to stop Tirek. Vaernya still thought in the terms of the East; if it threatened you, you could kill it."

"Their guns wouldn't have been effective?" Twilight asked.

"I wouldn't say that. The first time a griffon shot me with one their guns, the shock and sound took me entirely by surprise; the wound it caused was the first time I'd truly bled in a century."

"I've never read about that-"

"In time, Twilight. That's the past that I talked about, the Heights. Unfortunately, Tirek had grown so strong at that point that the relatively small guns the griffons carried could not have possibly been fatal to him. Had they had a battery of cannon with them, I would have accepted in a heartbeat, but alas it was only Vaeryna and a few guards."

"Ah,"

"At the time, you were at the Tree of Harmony; me, Luna, and Cadance were discussing our options. We'd just received word that the Wonderbolts and the Wonderbolts Reserve had failed against Tirek, and other reports of Appleloosa drained. Canterlot itself was recovering from Tirek's devastating debut at that play. Luna was for confronting Tirek, of course, and she was all the more adamant when she realized we would do so alongside Vaernya."

"And yet you gave up your magic to me."

Celestia exhaled deeply, visibly troubled. "I was equally adamant that Vaernya should seek refuge, and if necessary, flee Equestria. I explained our plan, and she was outraged; as you arrived, I had to teleport her and her guards out."

"Oh, no," Twilight breathed.

"We decided that ridding ourselves of our Alicorn magic was ultimately the best option, of all our dreadful prospects that day. And while it worked out better than I could have possibly hoped, I'm afraid I made an impression on Vaernya that will last a lifetime. It was for the best in the end, but even the happiest of outcomes has a loser."

"I see," Twilight said.

"Not quite yet." Celestia laughed sadly, "It was the same exact thing in the past, seventy-five years ago. I did what the best for almost everyone, and it worked, except for the griffons. Except for one griffon in particular, each time."

Seeing Twilight's inquisitive look, Celestia raised a hoof. "Soon. Vaernya left right after. We . . . we met briefly, before she boarded her airship."

"What did she say?" Twilight asked eagerly.

"She barely bothered with diplomatic protocol, and went straight to her real message. A few hushed words. She said that she never thought the past would relive itself, and that the Kingdom of Eas would never make the same mistakes as the last time I tried to restrain it; that she would never back down from the Saddle Arabians, and . . . that the Empire of old would be reborn."

"Wow," Twilight said quietly.

Celestia frowned. "And as she strolled away with that arrogant swagger she gets when she's angry, she turned and said one more thing. That while we may control the sun and moon, in her own words she'd 'learned Equestria is helpless without control over the most basic things as griffons would be without the sun and moon'." Celestia's frown deepened, and she continued, "The first time we met, a few days earlier, she was respectful and even a little awed by me and Canterlot's majesty. When she left, she was haughty and condescending. I'd said the same things to her I'd said to you. Without the pegasi's magic to control the weather, we'd have no rain; without the earth ponies' magic to strengthen them, they wouldn't be able to grow food."

"Why was she so angry at that? Those are true points." Twilight observed.

"Exactly," Celestia said mournfully. "She saw us humbled, and took that we were weak. When we see harmony through controlling the weather, the animals, the seasons, Vaernya sees unforgivable weakness. To her, if you haven't struggled against the raging elements of the East, against the storms and waves, against short and unpredictable growing seasons on rocky soil; if you haven;t done any of those things, then you're weak beyond measure. She looks at our use of magic as a crutch, and prides herself on her griffons' ability to survive without innate magic. It's a house of cards she saw tumble down thanks to Tirek, and I never got to try and change her mind. However . . ." she trailed off.

"However . . ." Twilight mimicked

"Most galling of all to Vaernya was our very act of transferring our Alicorn magic to you." Celestia said, sighing softly, "To her, giving up you power to another is unthinkable - indeed, such a thing is horrifying to almost any griffon."

"Wait," Twilight exclaimed, "she doesn't have magic! She can't possibly understand the context of you actions!"

"She'd heard of the battle you'd fought with Tirek, and immediately believed we had you fight our battle."

"I didn't even want to fight him!" Twilight exclaimed even louder, waving her forelegs in above her.

"I kept quiet, Twilight. At least Vaernya does not believe you're a coward, which is what she now thinks of me and Cadance. What if she knew your mission was to hide with all that power? At best, she would be left liking Luna's rather belligerent spirit. Better she respects two of Equestria's four Princesses, even if I'm commonly seen as the absolute leader of Equestria."

"So she, a princess, doesn't like you or Cadance, but she likes me and Luna? Only based on how we fought, or wanted to fight?" Twilight asked, a little incredulously.

"She cares little for most protocol, but respects her griffon's tradition. It's one of the reasons many are looking forward to her reign."

"How could anypony- anygriffon root for a princess who dislikes the pony who raises the sun?"

"Twilight, Vaernya isn't a tyrant."

"Still," Twilight trailed off.

Celestia sighed. "All the opponents you've dealt with so far have either been absolutely evil; Sombra, or Nightmare Moon. That, or redeemable from their unarguably bad ways, like Discord."

"The buffalo," Twilight began.

Celestia shook her head. "Well, you showed them the error of their ways, did you not? You've always had a clear solution, and your opponents have always been in the wrong, evil or not."

"Well, isn't Vaernya wrong?" Twilight frowned.

"Perhaps. But the source of her distaste for us is complicated and not without justification."

"Couldn't I try to change her mind?" Twilight asked, "We change the Embassy staff in Eas pretty often."

Celestia shook her head again. "I'm sorry Twilight, but Vaernya will never be swayed by words. Not in a day, not in a week, maybe never."

"I can try." Twilight stomped a hoof bitterly, "I'm the Princess of Friendship, after all!"

Celestia sighed deeply. "I'm sorry, but one cannot be friends with everypony - or griffon - that they meet, even you. Harmony is a distant ideal in the East. Vaernya respects dominance, power. Better for you to remain the powerful pony that defeated Tirek, than the pony who wants to show the dubious, to them, virtues of friendship and harmony."

"I- oh, that evil griffon! Why can't she appreciate harmony, like us? If the pegasi could do it all those years ago . . ."

Celestia held up a hoof sternly. "Vaernya is not evil, Twilight. She may not be one of Equestria's friends, but she's hardly of the same fold as Nightmare Moon or Sombra. She has her own motivations, dreams, and desires. Why, if things were different, you two may have even been friends; apparently, she has a voracious love for knowledge."

"I-" Twilight paused, biting her lip. After a moment's silence, she spoke up again quietly, barely audible. "What's she like?"

"Excuse me?" Celestia blinked.

"What's Vaernya like? As a griffon? Past her title and her image?" Twilight asked sofly. "She sounds so majestic and regal, maybe I could take a few lessons. Even with her opinions on you and all."

Celestia smiled. "She's surprisingly unexceptional at first glance, actually. She's rather average physically, and a rather dull soot grey. Always has a green cloak around her."

"Oh," It was Twilight's turn to blink.

"But, beyond that, is what makes her a leader. She's extremely brave, exceedingly stubborn, and abrasive when she forgets her diplomatic etiquette, which is often. She's very determined when it comes to things she holds dear, and she'd rather die than back down to another. . ." Celestia trailed off.

"And?" Twilight pressed.

"Beyond all that, she's a sapient creature with motivations, emotions, and doubts. I'm sure that when she sits alone and awake at night, staring at the ceiling, she has the same doubts that I do."

Twilight nodded slowly.

"But remember this, Twilight Sparkle. A lesson for your future as a Princess." Celestia said locking eyes with Twilight, "not everyone who opposes you is evil, is without a sensible cause. Best that you know that earlier than later. I learned that lesson only with great difficulty."

"I see," Twilight said solemnly, the gasped, "wait, how could Vaernya be a threat to Shores and Prism?"

"We certainly skipped that part, didn't we?" Celestia frowned, "It depends, actually. Did you send them off in the name of Equestria, Celestia, or yourself?"

"Uh . . ."Twilight closed her eyes, racking her brain for answers. "Ah! I commissioned the expedition in the name of Princess Twilight Sparkle."

Celestia sighed in relief. "Good, then this conversation was moot;your ponies should be safe from her, provided they do not boast of being Equestrians. There are ponies in the East, you know; the fact that they aren't Saddle Arabians will probably be good enough for most griffons."

"But . . ." Twilight trailed off, sensing Celestia's hesitation.

"You never know with the East, and I don't know how far Vaernya will take her disdain for Equestria."

"Ah," Twilight breathed worriedly. "Well, I didn't give them too much money; they probably won't make it past the Eastern Reach, Vaernya might not even hear of them."

"Good to hear. Twilight, when - if - these ponies get back, you'll hardly recognize them. This journey will change their lives, in ways we can't possibly anticipate. Ultimately, what happens to them is your responsibility." Celestia grew somber, "Your burden. It is part of your growth as a princess; learning to accept the consequences of your actions. For this reason alone, I let you send our little ponies into the East. I always supposed a restless soul would be brave enough one day "

Twilight nodded soberly. "Thank you, Princess."

"Ponies are strong enough for the East, I trust that. And the daughter of Compass Rose? No wonder, the East's in her blood." Celestia mused. "Well, I'm sorry to have taken you from Ponyville this long. Good day, Twilight."

Twilight nodded as Celestia turned and started out of the throne room, lost in her thoughts. Right before Celestia made it out, Twilight jolted and ran after the princess. "Wait, Princess! What about the Dalaen Heights?"

Celestia sighed. "I was stalling, Twilight. That's for another time; it ought not to matter now. If they'r only cataloging Morcoast, then Vaernya won't even hear about them." She sighed. "Anyway, I'm taking time out of an important meeting. If you really wish to know, come to me later. Always a pleasure to see you, Twilight."

"Likewise." Twilight said, sighing herself. She trudged out of the throne room, barely acknowledging the salutes of Solstice and Barbell as they opened up the doors.

"Shores, what have I gotten you into?" she muttered.

Author's Notes:

Behold, our first Bonus Chapter and my god was that actually two chapters in one day?

Yes, it was, because I want to get a solid foundation for the story. No good if people try to read this thinking they'll get adventure when it's all slowly-updating buildup. No sir. We've still got a few chapters before the journey proper begins . . .

Oh, and if you want a scene that has Vaernya personally in it, along with a bunch of backstory on her and some the East, read Tainted Reflection. Thanks for reading so far! It's gonna be a long ride.

To The Coast

After the exchange, Prism and Shores parted ways in the face of the coming storm. Hastily, they agreed to meet at the Archives the next day at noon, to fetch the research Twilight Sparkle had collected on the East.

It was only when Shores had closed the door to the overpriced Canterlot hotel room, payed with her new hoard of money, that she screamed in delight.

Little of interest happened in the morning; Shores woke up early, then promptly shifted around in bed and fell asleep again, figuring she'd need the extra rest. It wasn't like she had anything to pack that wasn't already in her saddlebags. She did hide her new bits under her pillow, though.

Grudgingly getting up as the sun neared its peak in the sky, she eschewed the ludicrously expensive food in the hotel lobby in favor of finishing off the old hay fries in her saddlebag. When nobody was looking, she swiped a decoration rose off a hanging flowerpot and scoffed it down - she figured that was better for the hotel than her throwing up all over the polished floor from the hay fries' taste, and anyway, it wasn't like they needed the money.

Just as it seemed the sun could not arch any higher, Shores trotted up to the Canterlot Royal Archives. She found Prism lurking about among the pillars of the expansive entryway. A few quick pleasantries was exchanged, but of more interest were the haphazard collection of folders gripped in his magic. The walk to the train station was equally silent, each pony grabbing the odd document and reading, or pretending to read it.

Shores caught Prism smiling to himself at one point, and with a contented sigh of her own, she gazed at east. Toward her destiny.

Hopefully, one that didn't involve bodily harm. Rephrase that, too much bodily harm; a few scars like her dad's might look pretty good . . .

Once at the station, the pair bought two economy-class tickets for the train to Baltimare. The destination had been recommended by Twilight, pasted on the cover of the folders; the ticket class, at Shores' insistence.

Before long, Canterlot became a distant silhouette as the vibrant farmlands of inner Equestria rushed by the dirty windows, blurring together in a kaleidoscope of greens, browns, and yellows. The sun started its mid-afternoon descent, the shadows of rural barns and silos stretching out across the crops.

Having found themselves alone in a passenger car, the Canterlot-to-Baltimare train being almost deserted, the two nascent explorers slumped lazily in their seats for the long ride. They wouldn’t reach their destination until just before dawn the next morrow anyway, according to the schedule.

Shores, for her part, lounged on the softest seat in the car. Documents from the Equestrian Morcoast Embassy held out in front of her, eyes eagerly shifting their gaze from paper to paper.

"So, Morcoast," she began, breaking a day-long drought of meaningful conversation.

"Morcoast." Prism sighed, "From what little I've read, seems like an absolutely miserable place to be."

"Right." Shores coughed, clearing her throat dramatically. "Morcoast, westernmost griffon realm, situated on the extreme west end of the Eastern Reach, a large chain of islands between Equestria and . . . Eas?"

"The term for the Eastern continent proper, as far as we can tell." Prism cut it, waving his own sheet of paper. "I've been reading up on our reports from our Embassy in the city of Eas - this Vaernya seems like quite the character."

"Eas. Former capital of the Griffon Empire." Shores said, inwardly glad at having a real conversation with her travelling partner. They seemed to get along easily enough. "That was seventy years ago."

Prism nodded. "Now, Eas is its own separate realm, although its leader is still called High King or Queen in remembrance of its past glory. I'm also getting some references to 'Ironclast' and 'Redclain', both of which, I think, are one the western shore of Eas. The continent, that is."

"A little confusing," Shores observed, "although I read here that Ironclast and Redclain were the two other big cities of the Empire."

"That little trader's manifesto? It doesn't mention Morcoast at all, though. Just the three big cities."

"These Ambassadors aren't very descriptive, are they?" Shores frowned. "There's barely any actual descriptions of Morcoast here."

"Let me see that." Prism said, pointing at the documents in Shores' hooves. She threw them in his direction, expecting him to pluck them out of the air with his magic. Instead, a feeble blue glow surrounded a few of them, only to waver and let the whole mess drop on the floor. Prism glared at her.

"Thanks." he muttered, getting out of his seat and scooping up the scattered papers.

"Wait," Shores held up a hoof, "what was that?"

Prism sighed. "I guess there's no hiding it if I'm exploring the East with you, is there? Remember what I said about failing the University?"

"Uh, you failed because your professor made magic a graduating requirement . . . oh." Shores blinked. "Ah, I remember now. Didn't you call yourself the 'poorest magicking unicorn in Equestria'?"

"That's the gist of it. I'm not very good at magic."

"Well," Shores began hopefully, "I know a lot of unicorns who only have good magic when they're doing something with their special talent."

Prism raised an eyebrow, and Shores continued, "I mean, I'm sure there's a lot of unicorns like that. Haven't actually known them, but I haven't seen Canterlot unicorns lift more than one or two things at a time, and never anything beyond simple telekinesis."

Prism huffed. "That's just a cultural stigma here. Don't exert yourself, it's beneath you."

"So, how bad are you?" Shores asked, immediately grimacing and shaking her head. "Agh, I'm sorry, that just came out."

"You're going to want to work on that, Shores." Prism observed. "I doubt accidentally insulting a griffon in the East will help us any."

"Yeah," Shores muttered, "I'm sorry."

"Anyway," Prism said a second later, "that whole thing about Canterlot unicorns doesn't even apply to the University. Ever since that professor showed up, the students have been stumbling over themselves to show off their magic."

". . .oh."

"Yeah, it hasn't worked out."

"Alright, let me rephrase this," Shores said, "what can you do?"

"Magic-wise?" Prism closed his eyes, "telekinesis. Poorly, as you saw, but I lift a glass or a book or something. Nothing like somepony like Twilight Sparkle had hurl around, but I usually don't have to use my hooves in in class. Stuff like doors are an exertion, and it only gets worse.."

"How about if there was a chasm between us and safety, and the lever to save us was on the other side. Could you move that lever with magic?"

Prism blinked. "If it's greased, maybe."

"Drat. Anything else?"

Prism rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "If you're still thinking along normal unicorn lines, forget it. No teleportation, mass shifting, or magic blasts. Nothing like that."

"Ah," Shores began, "so, what is your special talent?"

Prism lifted up the back of his cloak, revealing a stylized old Pegasi-style temple. "History."

"Your special talent is history." Shores said flatly.

Prism held up a hoof. "As far as I can tell. I got my cutie mark when I aced a history exam I didn't study for at all. I do have an affinity for the subject."

Shores raised an eyebrow. "That's kind of, well, simple. Define 'affinity'."

"I love history? I have perfect marks in every class on the subject?" Prism shrugged. "It's a pretty broad definition, I know, but it's the most logical conclusion."

"There has to be more to it."

"I know, I know." Prism said. "I don't think that's all there is, either. I hope someday I'll find some kind of hidden meaning to it. If that makes any sense."

"Still, so no magic?" Shores asked.

"Little magic." Prism sighed. "So, how are we getting to Morcoast?"

Shores held up another little note from Twilight. "The Princess says there might be a couple of small airships that can be hired out of Baltimare. I was thinking, though, we hire one of them for the entire journey."

"The entire journey?" Prism said slowly.

"Oh, come on now," Shores said, "Morcoast can't possibly represent the whole East! We need to go farther than that!"

"But to rope another pony into this?" Prism said, clearly not savoring the prospect, "I say we just hire one for the quick hop to Morcoast. If we want to go farther, I'm sure there's a way we can do it from Morcoast itself, and it'll probably be better suited for the environment anyway."

Shores raised a hoof. "Objection. That takes the control of our journey out of our hooves."

Prism sighed. "Control? We're going into near-uncharted territory as it is, and I'm sure the Embassy will know where to get transport in Morcoast."

"They barely have descriptions of the place, what makes you think they'll know the locals that well?"

"I- fine. If you can find somepony crazy enough to take us around, do it. Just don't hold back on the nature of their job, alright? Princess Twilight's lucky as it is I'm going with you."

Shores nodded, satisfied. "Oh, I'm sure I can find somepony."

"Certainty is a falsehood-"

"After all, Baltimare is where my dad started his journey to the East."

Prism opened his mouth to ask her to elaborate, when Shores leaned back in her chair, closed her eyes, and balanced a folder over her face to block out the setting sun. Clearly, she was done talking. Honestly, they're first real conversation had gone as well as he could hope, just business. He wasn't expecting the mare to tell her life story immediately, and he was far too experienced with telling his cutie mark's story for it to really matter.

Still, she seemed pleasant enough, if a tad eager.

With a sigh, Prism snatched up a fallen paper that had escaped his attention earlier, and began reading it.

Author's Notes:

Ah, that took a bit of time. I already had the full chapter written, but I've grown disillusioned to most of my pre-written content, and thus chapter was started anew. Plus, I was busy writing a fanfiction of a fanfiction.

Anyway, I'm travelling to the Phlippines for a week in less than a week, so I'm hoping to have the next chapter out by then. I tell you, I almost abandoned this story over it's lack of attention, but I've realized it's a good lesson. Just one person should be enough, I'm not paying them to read my story. I'm quite excited to write it, anyhow, so there's that.

This story still remains the big project for me at the moment.

Also, I do hope a mare with a Scottish accent isn't too tacky, because that's what you'll be getting soon enough.

Bonus Chapter: Stormclouds on the Horizon, Part I

Morcoast - 25 local militia (note: probably not worth it)
Blas - 140 Guard, capability for ~3000 levies, powerful seaborne fleet (note: will take a month minimum to prepare, their best contribution. Very loyal, have a grudge with the Arabians)
Ironclast - 700(?) Guard, capability for ~17000 levies, powerful airship fleet (note: harbors intense animosity for Redclain. Were instrumental in the fall of the Empire, loyalty is suspect at best. I don't trust them)
Redclain - 1400 Guard, capability for ~25000 levies many of whom are pre-trained (note: distrustful of Ironclast, useful hatred of the Arabians is prevalent. Extremely loyal, will the be the first to join the new Empire. Already in contact with their representatives. Any invasion will go through them, as they share a sizable border with Arabia)
Haest - 80 Guard, capability for ~1300 levies. Loyal.
Ruvar - 160 Guard, capability for ~2900 levies. Nominally neutral, popular opinion is favorable.
Farscaas - 470 Guard, capability for ~3200 levies. Neutral, disgustingly so.
Coldshore - unknown, not worth the trouble in the slightest (note: possibly under bandit control as Ruvar states, perhaps an expedition to the wretched Northern port with tilt the scales there.}
Eas - 2500 Guard, training up 19000 levies to professional standards, capability for 35000 more levies albeit inexperienced (note: it's my city. Loyal, obviously)

Enemies:
Maretonia - estimates of military capabilities are about 80-150 Guard but ceremonial in nature, fighting capabilities of the general populace suspect at best (note: long history of neutrality, to breach it would seem a poor idea at the moment. They've been strengthening ties with Equestria very recently, probably in fear of me. I like the sound of that)
Saddle Arabia and its client states, allies, etc.) - greater detail in my documents dedicated on them. Basic military strength is estimated to be over 30000 Janissaries, an unparalleled professional force. Extremely disciplined. Perhaps 20000 more border troops and irregulars. Unknown numbers of levies, although the training that turns Arabians into viable soldiers takes years. Troops that aren't Arabian round off to around ~10000, mostly Turkais troops. Highly distrustful of me, and with good reason.

Crown Princess Vaernya glanced up from her writings and yawned, stretching out her stiff wings tiredly. Her eyes, however, burned brightly at her next move; she opened up a small drawer in her desk and removed a sheet of paper. She dipped her quill in ink and began to write anew, looking over at the doorway furtively as she did so.

Equestria - 600 Guard scattered throughout the country, ceremonial in Canterlot. Of little threat. Levy capability is extremely limited, the populace having a pathetic understanding of war. Their leaders, however, are very powerful. Four "alicorns".

But they are not invincible, as this document will show. And good thing, for Equestria looms on the horizon as an obstacle.

Author's Notes:

Wrote this in the Philippines, specifically in an Internet cafe in SM Cebu in an hour. Just a bit of worldbuilding, too much on my mind to get going with the main story. A thought exercise, really. Sorry if it seems like I'm beating around the bush and not moving the plot along fast enough.

Cheers, mates. I hope I don't catch Ebola on the way back to the US.

Bonus Chapter: Stormclouds on the Horizon, Part II

To Emir Malik,
Your instructions are as follows: Pull out all Janissaries on the Zebra Confederacy's border and send them to the capitol for redeployment north. Replace them with Turkais troops and the levies, as over five thousand (5,000) of the latter are being raised around the locality of Ragreb. Orders are effective immediately. God protects.
Sultan Tahir.

The Zebra-Arabian border was a harsh, raw land.

Junayd Mussa had endured here for almost half a decade now. It had none of the cruel beauty of the Arabian desert to the west, nor the lush tangle of the Zebra savannas to the east. Ragged hills towered out of the unflinchingly dry, cracked ground, as if they had been thrust up by a great collision. Scrawny grasses were the extent of the vegetation here, although a few dead trees of an ancient time still stood, as hard as iron from processes no one understood nor cared about.

The only break from the spectrum of dull browns were anachronistically bright, gaudy banners flying from the hilltops in roughly parallel lines, marking the border between Saddle Arabia and the Zebra Confederacy. The Zebra flags were starkly black, with the white emblem of the sun. Around them seemed to be mere dirt and brush; well hidden were the defenses, albeit ones unused for almost a century.

The Arabian side of the border was another matter altogether, bleached fortifications jutting proudly into the skylines of the hills. The green banner with flowing white Arabic script of Saddle Arabia flew from them; the scimitar sewn in boasted this position was occupied by the Janissaries.

But the flag was coming down.

Junayd watched it stop flapping in the fierce winds and sag limply as it was lowered into the courtyard of Asaf Fort, a literal cornerstone in the defense; it jutted out into a bulge in the border line. It wasn't his problem, though, not anymore. The 37-year veteran of the Janissaries had bigger worries than the friendly Zebras.

He shifted in his rich green cloak, a symbol of status not only as the Çorbacı of the 73rd Ortas, but also merely by being a Janissary. Not that he took the same pride in that fact as he had when he was 24 and freshly inducted.

God above, things have changed, he thought morosely, watching his stallions and mares packing up for the trip west. Damn it all, I have 17 year olds under my command! No longer were the Janissaries the iron elite of Arabia, with unshakable discipline that proved the rock their enemies smashed themselves against time and time again. Now they were only trained, admittedly well-trained, soldiers. Even political favoritism that landed younger Arabians below him hadn't changed the training, thank God. The mystique and legend of the Janissaries still held true in other lands and even in Arabia, but Junayd knew better.

He knew he was being a little harsh, though. Other Ortas, especially those on the Northern Border to the griffons, were as good as any other unit back in his youth. His situation was just a side effect of being on a peaceful border, where the presence of the Janissaries was more an issue of prestige than deadly necessity. Often, Junayd felt like a glorified instructor, hardening his troops with marches and the terrain around them only to see them get shipped off to other areas later on.

That's why his orders so disturbed him. Emir Malik had been explicit; pull off now, damn the Zebras' reactions. They'd be replaced by Turkais and levies. Levies. Strike one.

His mares and stallions were good, but hardly in the condition to be sent North. Unused to the climate, and certainly not ready to fight the griffons, the fear in the back of every smart Janissary commander's mind. Discipline was a little shaky too, and he had been clear on that in reports; he patted his yatagan sword affectionately, a relic of another era. Once a symbol of the Janissaries as much as the sword-embellished flags, the rank and file now carried long pikes and moved in unblinking formation. He'd been moving up the ranks during the reforms, and knew that while the tactic was brilliant if the troops stood fast, if discipline broke the results were catastrophic.

His troops were not ready. Strike two.

And finally, he looked behind him, where the deserts of Arabia shimmered on the horizon; a thin black line marred the sands, ending in a little station down at the bottom of the hill Asaf Fort stood on. An squat, ugly train sat there, belching a rope of smoke into the sky. The rail line had been put in barely three years ago, a result of technology from far of Equestria, from Celestia. Junayd had his doubts of the great metal monsters like many Arabians, but he held no illusions about the military value of speeding large bodies of troops and supplies around. The rail lines were limited, but expanding slowly; the industrial base of Arabia couldn't match the Sultan's plan as of now.

His thoughts were drifting; age was catching up. Still, the fact he'd been ordered to make the trip to the capitol with his troops on the train . . . Junayd knew under normal circumstances, or anything short of an emergency, Janissaries marched to their destinations. It toughened them, disciplined them, forced them to rely on each other. It was a fact of life, as old as the Janissaries themselves.

Strike three.

Only one reason for the haste, for using his troops going north.

He shook his head, watching his young soldiers marching down the hill. He was once one of them, during the border clashes with Redclain many years ago.

"God save us." he muttered, his words lost in the wind. "How many this time?"

Author's Notes:

Hey, have a chapter. Finally getting back into the groove, and the next few will be about Shores and the main plot. Finally.

Couple of notes: Çorbacı is the equivalent of the rank of Colonel, and the leader of an Ortas - roughly a battalion. A yatagan is a type of Turkish sword - we'll be learning more about Arabian culture in the future. And finally, just to clarify, in my world none-nobility Arabians (aka not the ones seen as dignitaries in the actual show) more resemble earth ponies, with a couple of minor cosmetic differences.

Anyway, enjoy. School restarted with a vengeance on Monday, so I'm finally finding some time to write.

Maybe this will be the chapter to get another like. Or favorite. Or break 20 views that aren't my own.