Thousands of years ago, before Twilight Sparkle, before the age of the princesses, there existed two worlds. The waking world, and realm of dreams. When she came of age, the filly of the moon ventured into the dream realm for the very first time. What she found was a wasteland of tortured ponies, tormented by nightmarish abominations and spirits of ill intent. Using her vast powers, the young mare cleansed a domain for herself and her ponies, free of terror.

To her surprise, not all ponies were transient visitors to this special place. Some were permanent residents. These were the ponies who would become the true subjects of the Lunar Diarch.

On their way back from a field trip, Rumble, Scootaloo, and Silver Spoon soon find themselves cast into an unfamiliar landscape. A realm of chaos and confusion, yet somehow familiar. There they meet a wanderer. One who claims to help fillies and colts in their hour of need.

With the help of this wanderer the foals learn of a fallen kingdom, an ancient curse, a princess driven to isolation, and a darkness with uncomfortable origins. Oh... and not all who serve a pony princess are ponies themselves...

We must all carry our burdens in the Halls of Awaiting.