Chapter 9

702 years ago: Starswirl the Bearded’s cabin, near the Everfree Forest

The early morning light shone through the windows of Starswirl the Bearded’s room as he packed some provisions in a satchel. He was packing for a long trip, a trip that involved a summoning by Princess Celestia. Under normal circumstances Princess Celestia ruled Equestria without the assistance or opinions of others, but occasionally she would summon a council of lords to convene on important matters of state. Such affairs could be as mundane as tax collections or waste management. Sometimes there were state emergencies that required the nobles’ support to field armies or fund projects. Starswirl was the court mage of Canterlot and as such he was required to attend, much to his chagrin. This particular summons involved the issue of grain storage, which was used during times of famine or pestilence as a secondary food supply. Princess Celestia was a benevolent ruler and as such she did not resort to seizing the grain of her subjects. She instead would hold a council and report how much grain she needed, the nobles would then give her various amounts of grain depending on how wealthy they were. Celestia would then give them tax breaks, land or titles. Despite how easy the system sounded there was always endless bickering about who would contribute the most grain. Starswirl knew this visit would take quite some time, possibly up to a week. He slipped one of his favorite satires into the satchel titled The Lusty Alicorn Maid. Starswirl threw the satchel over his shoulder and made his way into the main room of the cabin. He saw Frostmere near one of the counters studying a book on alchemical herbs, using a mortal and pestle to grind up some concoction.

“Good morning Frostmere, I trust you slept well.”

“You know me father, I couldn’t sleep so I decided to try and brew up some herbal remedies. The one I’m studying now is supposed to heal wounds twice as fast as naturally possible. It’s far more practical than healing magic and lasts quite a long time in storage. I’ve tried several combinations but I lack a key ingredient, a white cross orchid. The book says they grow in the Everfree Forest so I will likely have to take a bit of a trip to get some.”

“A trip you say? Well what a coincidence, I just happen to be going on a trip of my own.”

Frostmere raised his eyebrow. “A trip eh? Going off to Canterlot to have some fun with one of the mares of the night?”

Starswirl let out a hearty laugh. “If only son, but sadly I must attend one of Princess Celestia’s dreaded councils. Uggh I swear there’s enough hot air floating around in the council chambers to turn Equestria into a desert. I shall likely be gone for at least a week, so I left some bits on the table so you can purchase all the necessities. Oh and good luck with your healing paste.”

“Thank you father and good luck not falling asleep.”

Starswirl gave Frostmere a wink. “Oh don’t worry I have my favorite book to keep me company and if all else fails I can always start playing magical pranks on those stuffy nobles.”

Frostmere waved his father goodbye and began to pack a satchel of his own. He needed to venture out into the Everfree Forest to find a few white cross orchids and it would likely take at least one or two days to find some. In most cases Frostmere would teleport where he needed to go but it was extremely dangerous to teleport to the Everfree Forest, considering how easily it was to get lost and disoriented. Instead he relied on years of foraging knowledge and hoof drawn maps to maneuver through the forest.

While most ponies would avoid the forest at all costs due to its dangerous denizens, Frostmere was a very powerful mage so he could fight off or avoid many of the animals. His magical skills allowed him to observe the forest in all its natural glory, it truly was an amazing place if one got over the fact that bloodthirsty creatures called it home. There was a small stream near an outcropping of rocks so Frostmere took the opportunity to fill his canteen with water. Frostmere nearly dropped his canteen when he heard a blood curdling scream. It was not from any animal that he knew of, so it had to be a pony. Judging by how high pitched it sounded; it could only belong to a mare. “Why in the seven hells is there a pony this far out in the forest?”

Frostmere approached the sound of the scream and found a trio of timber wolves surrounding an injured mare. She was an earthpony with a light purple coat and a navy blue tail and mane. Her cutie mark depicted an amethyst. The timber wolves must have bit her, for she had a large circular shaped wound on her left leg and it was bleeding heavily. Frostmere rushed over to the mare, the timber wolves taking notice of his presence. His horn glowed as he began to summon three fireballs. With the grace of an experienced caster all three of his fireballs hit their marks incinerating the flammable timber wolves. They burned so quickly they didn’t even have time to yelp. Frostmere then turned his attention to the bleeding mare. By the looks of it she wasn’t very old, probably close to his age but Celestia knew why she would need to be out in the middle of the Everfree Forest.

The mare breathed heavily due to the adrenaline and the pain, teetering on the edge of consciousness. Frostmere knew he had to act fast or she would bleed to death. In a soothing voice he spoke to the mare. “Listen to me, the only way I can save your life is to cauterize your wound with fire since I don’t have any bandages with me. It will hurt like hell and leave a burn but I can heal it later when I have the proper supplies.”

The mare spoke in a strained voice. “Ok…I feel…so very weak but…”

Frostmere went up to a tree and ripped off a piece of bark. “Shhh save your strength. I’m going to need you to put this piece of bark in your mouth or otherwise you might bite your tongue off. I promise I’ll do this as quickly as possible.”

The mare bit down on the bark while Frostmere concentrated on making a small, controlled fireball. He positioned the fireball over her wound as the mare let out a cry of agony. After a few seconds the deed was done but she had passed out due to the pain. Frostmere wasn’t really surprised; she had sustained an injury and was probably exhausted as well. “Looks like I’m going to have a guest tonight. Good thing I’m practiced in healing.”

Frostmere noticed that near the tree where the mare had been standing there was a small patch of white cross orchids. As he picked the flowers and hoisted the mare onto his back, he contemplated how the universe was full of strange coincidences. It had only taken him about two hours to make his way back to the cabin, which was amazing considering the extra weight he was lugging around. Frostmere laid the unconscious mare in his bed and started to work on the healing paste. It would insure the wound would heal properly but in order to prevent scarring, he would have to apply healing magic as well. After a few minutes the paste was ready and he applied it carefully to her wound, his horn glowed blue as he applied healing magic and finally bandages. The mare was still breathing heavily but at least she was in no danger of dying. Frostmere sat next to the bed for a few moments silently watching her sleep. She was stunningly beautiful with her neatly combed magenta coat. Her mane and tail were worn in a long, flowing style which drove Frostmere crazy, not to mention they were a rich dark blue color. She had a lithe figure for an earthpony, suggesting that she wasn’t a farmer but still got plenty of exercise. Frostmere scolding himself for ogling her and decided to start making some soup and tea, both for himself and his guest. She would likely be hungry when she woke up anyway.

Within an hour the mare began to wake, Frostmere noticing this trotted over to the bed to greet her. “Don’t get up too fast now, you might aggravate your injury.”

The magenta mare looked around blearily. “W-where am I? The last I remember I was sitting next to a tree and what is that delicious odor?”

“You’re inside my father’s cabin; I carried you here to help you get back on your hooves. You passed out due to your injuries. It’s not really a surprise; you took quite a nasty bite to the leg. I’m glad that I arrived in time or otherwise you might have bled to death.”

The mare’s eyes widened. “You carried me the whole way here…oh I’m so sorry I caused you so much trouble. I feel like such a foal being nursed like this.”

Frostmere chuckled displaying his most roguish grin. “Don’t worry about it, I enjoy saving beautiful mares in distress. As for the smell, it’s my homemade carrot and basil stew. I also have some tea brewing if you’re interested.”

The mare pulled the covers up to her nose and blushed profusely. “Oh…ummm soup sounds good and t-thanks for saving me I would have died if it weren’t for you.”

Frostmere brought over a bowl of stew blowing on it slightly so that it was the right temperature. “Do you want me to feed you the stew or are your hooves up to holding a spoon?”

“I can handle that on my own thank you; after all you’ve done so much for me already. I wouldn’t want to burden you any further.”

“I was just making sure. My name is Frostmere by the way; I’m a mage and herbalist by trade. I live here with my father and we occasionally sell our herbal remedies in the market district.”

“My name is Amethyst Sparkle; I’m the daughter of Ruby and Golden Sparkle. My family owns the Golden Hammer.”

“I couldn’t help but notice you had an amethyst as your cutie mark, does that have anything to do with your family’s business?”

“Yes as a matter of fact it does. My mother is adept at finding jewels and she taught the skill to me. When I was a filly I helped her find gems in caves and that’s how I earned my cutie mark. Your cutie mark is rather odd, what is it exactly?”

“It’s a magic cutie mark. I must admit it’s not a very common one. Only the most powerful unicorns obtain magic cutie marks, it means that I’m skilled in all forms of magic not just a single spell. I also feel lucky that my father is Starswirl the Bearded, since he is the kingdom’s foremost expert in magic.”

Amethyst gasped. “Lord Starswirl is your father!!?? He’s one of our best customers; I’ve seen him on many occasions. My father and him have known each other for years; they banter back and forth almost like brothers. It’s strange that I haven’t see you before.”

“Ah well I don’t really have much need to visit a smith. I tend to dabble in herbal remedies and potions. I’ve been meaning to ask you, why on Equestria were you out in the middle of the Everfree Forest?”

“Well you see there is a cave near where the timber wolves attacked me that contains extremely rare and high quality opals. It’s one of the few places in Equestria where opals can be found; otherwise they have to be imported from the southern zebra nation.”

“The Everfree Forest is no place for an unescorted mare to go hunting for jewels. You’re lucky I happened to show up when I did, but you’re safe now and that’s what matters. Next time you decide you need help finding those opals just come find me, I’d be glad to help you anytime.”

“Thank you Frostmere, that means a lot to me. In the future I might just take you up on your offer. You’ve been so kind to me and I’ve done nothing to deserve it…I really should try to get back home so I can get out of your mane.”

Frostmere made a mock pouting face. “Aww you want be rid of my ugly mug that badly? Well I must insist that you at least stay one night; you’re in no condition to travel. You need some fluids as well so I’ll go get the tea.”

Amethyst took a peek at Frostmere while he was pouring the tea. She noticed how his entire body was white colored, it reminded her of snow. His eyes were the deepest shade of blue she had ever seen, next to sapphires. While not built as ruggedly as an earthpony, she noticed he was quite toned for a unicorn. It was probably because he hiked a lot. Amethyst’s father had always tried to match her with all of his merchant or smithing friend’s sons. All of them had been chauvinistic brutes as far as she was concerned. Here was a unicorn that she had never met and was willing to do anything for her out of the kindness of his heart. Amethyst concluded that Frostmere was quite the catch. She was glad that she had the covers over her because her tail began to twitch.

Frostmere returned with a cup of tea in his hoof. “Watch out it’s still pretty hot. I wouldn’t want you to burn your tongue.”

Amethyst turned a deep shade of red as she took the tea. “Umm…about earlier I don’t think you’re ugly at all…and I don’t mind being around you either.”

Frostmere choked on his tea. “Erhmm what? I was just joking around…you seriously don’t mind?”

“No not at all in fact I think you’re rather dashing. You see my father always tried to set me up with the sons of all his business partners, without much success. I hated all of them; they all would treat me like little more than a maid. It doesn’t hurt that you saved my life either.”

Before Frostmere could form a response, Amethyst propped herself up from the bed and gently placed a kiss on his lips. “Consider that my personal thank you and my invitation.”

Frostmere grinned. “As much as I’d like to go for a good bucking, you are still in no condition to be engaging in such…rigorous activities. Could I possibly take an IOU?

Amethyst giggled. “You’re right I really shouldn’t be letting my loins make all the decisions. Once I recover my offer still stands. Anyway your culinary skills are simply divine, how did you learn how to cook like that?”

“My father used to live by himself and so he decided it would be a good idea to learn the domestic skills needed for living in seclusion. He ended up teaching me all of those skills as well and it also helps that I mix alchemical ingredients all the time.”

“Well Frostmere it seems that you are well on your way to becoming the perfect housemare.”

It was now Frostmere’s turn to blush; the effect was more comical due to his white coat. “Oh come on now it’s only practical, now I feel like less of a stallion and more of a maid.”

“I don’t know Frostmere; I think it’s refreshing to know that a stallion can take care of a mare. I would even go so far as to say it’s sexy.”

“I’m glad somepony thinks it’s sexy. I can’t really see how boiling stew is anything remotely close to sexy. Maybe if I wore one of those maid outfits that might do the trick.”

Amethyst put a hoof up to her mouth in mock consternation. “Roleplaying now, oh my we’re getting into the kinky department.”

Frostmere bowed. “I would wear a chicken suit if it would please milady.”

Both Frostmere and Amethyst shared a good laugh and continued to enjoy each other’s company for the rest of the day. Frostmere decided that this day was a happy accident, because he had finally found a mare he could connect with. She had an excellent sense of humor and spoke her mind when it counted, and Frostmere found that refreshing. He noticed that she too was interested in him and not just because he happened to save her life. Frostmere sipped his tea, yet again contemplating how strangely the universe worked.

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Present day: Ponyville, Equestria

Iron Cross knocked on the door of Twilight Sparkle’s tree house. Once again the little purple dragon answered the door. He didn’t look too pleased at the intrusion; it was still morning so Iron Cross figured that the little guy must have just woken up. The purple dragon let out a yawn.

“Oh well if it isn’t Applejack’s new stallion-friend. What do you want?”

“Hey there little guy, I came here to check if Twilight had the newest copy of the Daring Do series.”

“My name is not little guy, it’s Spike. I really don’t keep track of that series you’ll have to ask Twilight. If you want I can get her, but it might take her a minute since she likes to make check lists in the morning.”

“Umm ok Spike I’d appreciate it if you did that.”

“Twwwiiiligggghhtt Iron Cross is here to pick up a book!”

Iron Cross heard the telltale pitter patter of hooves on wood. He continued to hear the sound for several moments, until Twilight finally rushed down the stairs to greet him.

Twilight seemed a bit out of breath when she finally spoke to Iron Cross. “Hi Iron Cross, sorry about the wait I uhhh had to tidy up my checklists. They’re VERY important to getting the day started.”

“Yes I’m sure they are, anyhow I was wondering if you happened to have a copy of the latest Daring Do book.”

“I believe that came in yesterday. Hmm what was it called? Oh I remember it was called Daring Do and the Spear of Destiny. Gimme one second and I’ll go get it from the storage room.”

When Twilight reappeared she was levitating a brown colored hard cover book. The cover depicted a mare that wore adventure gear and was using a whip to latch onto a tree branch. The mare looked remarkably like Rainbow Dash with the exception of her coloring. Daring Do sported a black-gray highlighted mane and tail with a gold colored coat. Maybe just maybe Rainbow Dash felt a connection to the archeology mare.

“Twilight I have a question. Rainbow Dash doesn’t seem like the type that enjoys reading books. She strikes me as more of the sporty type, unable to rest for even a minute. This might be an adventure series but why would she read it?”

Twilight laughed. “It was a while ago. Rainbow Dash got hurt in an accident and she was bedridden for a few days and by Celestia did it drive her nuts. I brought over a copy of the first volume of Daring Do and she secretly loved it. She went on and on about how books were for eggheads, but she eventually admitted that some books could be cool. From that point on she started devouring all the other volumes in the series. I admit it’s not the best written or intellectually stimulating book series, but it certainly is entertaining. Besides, I think Rainbow Dash really relates to Daring Do.”

“Funny you should mention that Twilight, I thought the very same thing as soon as I saw the front cover.”

“You know what they say Iron, great minds think alike.”

“Indeed they do.”

“Iron, I should mention that Rainbow Dash might be a bit difficult to deal with when you visit her. She tends to be very stubborn and prideful and might not warm up to you right away. Just be patient with her, once she warms up to you she’ll become your friend for life. She is the element of loyalty after all.”

“I’ll keep that in mind but I think we already share a bond of sorts.”

Iron Cross made his way to the Chancellor Puddinghead Memorial Hospital. It was an absolutely comical name for a hospital, but he’d expected nothing less from Equestrians and their silly naming schemes. Despite the ridiculous name, the hospital seemed to be on the cutting edge of medical science. It was clean and the doctors and nurses who roamed the halls looked much the same as the ones he knew from Germany, albeit being horses. Iron Cross went up to the reception desk to find a brown coated mare wearing glasses.

“Excuse me Miss but which room is Rainbow Dash located in?”

“Ms. Dash is located in room 102, just go up the stairs to the second floor it should be near the end of the hall. Oh and good luck, from what the nurses told me she seemed to be very grumpy today.”

Iron Cross made his way up to Rainbow Dash’s room to find the door slightly ajar. She was busy looking out the window with her forehooves crossed and a grumpy scowl on her face. While normally the cyan pegasus didn’t wear anything, she was sporting a green hospital gown. Her left wing was in a splint and her right eye was black and swollen shut.

“Umm…hey Dash it’s just me Iron, I just wanted to come check up on you. I also wanted to say that I’m sorry about our fight getting out of hoof, I bet not being able to fly is driving you crazy.”

Rainbow Dash’s scowl softened as she looked at Iron Cross. “It’s alright I knew what I was getting into. You hit like a freakin’ mule on steroids, but I’m still glad you decided to visit. It’s just SOOOOOO boring in here. The fight was totally awesome by the way, it’s been years since I got a black eye like this.”

Iron Cross let out an amused chuckle. “Hey now, it’s not like you didn’t fight back. I have you to thank for my new black eye as well. You’re a lot tougher than you look, punching you was like hitting a damned sandbag. I thought you might be bored so I brought you a gift.”

Iron Cross reached into the paper bag he was holding pulling out the brand new volume of Daring Do. Rainbow Dash’s one good eye lit up and she smiled from ear to ear. “Oh my gosh oh my gosh OH MY GOSH!!! This is SO awesome!!!”

Rainbow Dash leapt out of bed and tackle hugged Iron Cross. “Whoa now I know you like the gift but you might want to take it easy, you don’t want to injure you wing any further.”

Rainbow Dash calmed down a bit and cleared her throat. “Hehehe yeah you’re right, but you don’t understand. I’m totally gonna read this book right now. You saved me from being bored out of my wing feathers.”

“Listen Dash, I'm really glad that you forgave me so easily. I felt really bad about hurting you and I didn’t think you would be so…understanding.”

Rainbow Dash slapped Iron Cross on the back. “We’re brawlin’ buddies now Iron, and even though it’s gonna be annoying to be grounded for a week I still had fun. You came here and apologized when you didn’t have to, that more than proves to me that you’re a true friend. Of course it also helped that you bribed me with the latest volume of Daring Do.”

“You know what Dash, I was going to go back to Sweet Apple Acres but I think I’ll stay and read Daring Do with you for a while.”

Rainbow Dash giggled. “Sweet, this is gonna be AWESOME!!!”