“Suffice to say, I don’t believe any pegasus would be able to cope with this.”

Clover the Clever approaches the blockage of the pass. Dragonrein is struck dumb by how colossal the damage is, all caused by an inordinately harsh winter. Rockslides and avalanches have made it completely impassable. Tohro had flown overhead and taken notice of how the wreckage is several times as lengthy as it is tall. He shakes his head in defeat, but Clover shoots him a reassuring smile.

“This is child’s play, my little ponies. Stand back and enjoy the show.”

Her horn radiates a deep blue, much more vivid than any aura Dragonrein has seen before. She doesn’t even bat an eye as the rocks begin to slide out of the way and the snow evaporates into harmless mist. Clover flawlessly strides through with the wreckage just fixing itself before her, as if it’s all a lowly subject obeying its master.

“Fauste’s horn, you’re magnificent!”

Clover swings around and bows, graciously accepting Shae’s applause. “You flatter me, Miss Shae. This is simple compared to what I’ve learned in my absence.”

Shae’s admiration becomes curiosity. “Oooh, so that’s why you left the academy, to learn more advanced magic! A pilgrimage of sorts?”

“That’s not a bad word for it, actually,” Clover says with a nod. She beckons for Dragonrein to follow, with Shae trotting right by her side the entire time, never falling behind in the slightest. “So, what is your strong suit at the academy?”

“Astronomy and alchemy, Ma’am. But, then again, I had the finest teachers in the academy to help me with those.”

Clover shakes her head. “Oh no no, my dear. I meant in terms of magical ability. What spells do you excel in?”

Shae’s horn comes alive with a bout of flames, followed by glowing ice, sparks of lightning and radiant light. She blushes and giggles like a small child as that fades.

Clover shows intrigue, nodding approvingly. “Ah, black magic, is it? A fair pursuit, given the time we live in. And much more dignified than steel, if you ask me. No offense meant to your companions.” She looks back to Caro, Tohro, and Rosemary, giving a meek wave. She falters, giving a grunt of pain as she retracts her hoof.

“Madam Clover?” Shae asks with concern.

Clover reaches underneath her purple robes, revealing her white-clad armored foreleg. The upper portion is exposed, however, with a nasty gash across its entire length. She grimaces as she catches sight of the wound. “Mmm, it must be getting worse...”

Shae immediately takes ahold of Clover’s leg. “Allow me, Ma’am.” She sets her horn near to the wound as her horn shines. The skin of Clover’s leg reconnects and the dried blood disappears.

“My thanks to you,” she says, gently putting her hoof back on the ground with no fuss. She sighs of relief. “It’s been a long journey and I’ve yet to come across a white mage. Well, until now. Your skills are far beyond your age, presuming you are not of maturity?” Clover cocks her eyebrow.

“That is correct, Ma’am.”

The majority of the trip through the now cleared pass proceeds in a repetitive fashion, with Clover making idle questions about Wintercolt Academy and Shae’s education, and receiving very chipper responses. The rest of Dragonrein is unsure whether to laugh or tell Shae to calm herself.

Finally, the stone walls lessen, descending back into snow drenched patches. As if on cue, the snowfall takes its leave as well, clearing the view. Within a few steps sits a town; the very loosest definition of one, at least.

There’s a residential area, which consists of a few houses stacked atop and near each other. Across the street is an alchemy shop, a general goods store, and... aside from a few other insignificant buildings, that’s about the extent of it. The only thing significant about this town whatsoever is the castle-bound academy in the distance, which towers over the town like a god over peasants.

Rosemary still gapes at the mere sight of the academy, but she appears very underwhelmed by the rest of the sights. “You weren’t kidding...” she mutters. She shrugs and approaches Shae, lending her a comforting hoof.

“The academy is all the glamour this town can spare, is it?” says Tohro. He flinches as everypony, aside from Clover the Clever, gives him a hard glare.

“I’d put it in less harsh terms, but that is quite correct.” Clover takes a few steps forward, taking in what little there is to see. “The harsh conditions make settling down here near to impossible, but some will go to any lengths to get their families into the academy’s good favor.” As she speaks, a young colt in patchy green school robes leaves his home, struggling against the winds to trot for the academy. “Their ambition is admirable.”

Shae nods, filled with regret that she made Wintercolt out to be something more than this. “I know you expected more.”

“It’s just fine, lasse.” Rosemary’s lips grace Shae’s forehead.

Caro and Tohro can’t help but feel touched by the display of affection. Out of the corner of Caro’s eye, however, he notices Clover begin to tense up. He dismisses it as her reacting to remaining pain from her former wound.

With a dramatic sigh, Shae steps forward and half heartedly flourishes her hoof. “Welcome to Wintercolt Academy; my little paradise.”

~Shae~

Regardless of the anticlimactic revealing of a town my pride let on to be something more glorious than Everfree, Rosemary doesn’t drop her demeanor for an instant. “It’s a paradise to me, lasse.”

Nothing gets this mare down, does it? I guess I made the right decision. I wonder what she sees in me beyond my magical ability.

But how can I focus on such a thing? My mind is close to bursting at the seams. I have an ongoing conflict of emotions. A part of me is still warm and fluttering from falling into Rosemary’s heart, to the point where I still can’t comprehend it. She’s in love with me. I’ve also yet to comprehend that Clover the Clever is standing right behind me! Clover. The. Clever. I’ve admired this mare from the day I could pick up a book. I’m quite certain her name was one of the first I learned. And yet, I draw a blank when it comes to asking her a question, if only because there’s so much I could ask that it would fill an entire day, and I’m sure that would be a waste of her valuable time.

And, of course, there’s the impending presentation with Caro. I saw him at the guild initiation back in Everfree; he’s dead nervous in front of crowds. I’ll have to trust him to come through for me, because he always does his best, but without time for a rehearsal, this could either go incredibly wrong, or it could be the single greatest thing I’ve done in my education, and if Clover is there to witness it... I might faint. And Rosemary will be there to catch me with her strong embrace... My cheeks are so heated the snow melts at their touch.

I’ve also been so distracted by my own thoughts that the journey over the zig-zagging bridge has already come to an end, and we’re at the gates of the academy proper. This is it. My home awaits.

“Are you ready for your performance, Caro?” I ask. “You’re the star of this assignment, after all.”

The Dragonborn snorts and wipes his snout. “Not in a million years, but let’s go.”

I place my hoof on the bars and push. They open without a struggle, revealing the frosty and deathly empty courtyard.

“Oh yes!” Rosemary doesn’t have any capacity for her glee. She runs to the frozen fountain, frolicking about it in a circle and nearly trampling the flowers. She stops at them and takes a big whiff. “Wow, flowers that bloom in winter! Are these enchanted to survive the cold?”

Clover clears her throat and speaks. “Actually, florists come along every equinox to deliver specific flowers for the upcoming season. These types bloom in this particular season, that’s all.” She takes in the scent as well. “Hm, this batch seems a little weak. I’ll have to speak with Frosthelm about this...”

“And I would be honored to attend to your needs, Professor Clover.” There’s Headmaster Frosthelm, as poised and proper as ever, entering the vicinity. He nods to me, giving me one of the proudest smiles I’ve ever seen on him, or any of my teachers. There’s just no end to the humblings I’m receiving today. The headmaster speaks to Clover. “I’m simply putting together a lesson plan for the upcoming semester when who should I sense but two incredibly radiant auras approaching the school? I knew one had to be our top student, but you... It’s wonderful to see you again.”

Clover trots to Headmaster Frosthelm, sharing a quick embrace with him. “Ah, the two remaining students of Starswirl the Bearded together again,” she says. “You’ve been shirking your responsibilities, old friend. If the flowers are merely adequate I would dread to see the condition of my students.”

Frosthelm raises his hoof as if he were swearing on Fauste. “They are as devoted as they ever were, I assure you.”

With a nod, Clover briskly approaches the double doors leading inside. “Well, I’ll have to be the judge of that. Let us meet in the headmaster’s study for a spot of tea later, yes?”

She’s leaving. Now I realize that of all the questions I should have asked, the most important one needs to come out now. “Madam Clover!” I call out, galloping to her as she opens the door.

“Yes, Miss Shae?”

I might be hyperventilating. I can’t really tell. “Would you- I mean, I have this- Um, my extr- extracurricular assignment- I- I, um…”

Her blue aura comforts me with its touch, resting on my forehead. “Stop yourself, child. I would love to witness my academy’s best. Assure yourself, I’ll be there.”

I would hug her, but I don’t think I’m worthy of such a thing. All I can do is bow, and remain bowing until she’s long gone. It takes Rosemary helping me up by my hooves to snap me out of it. With that, I shake my head until I break out of the haze. Rosemary keeps one foreleg wrapped around me as we approach Headmaster Winter, who is absolutely beaming. It’s been some time since I’ve seen him this proud, as my peak condition in academics has become standard fare to him.

“It’s just an assumption, but the way I see it, you have come far in such a short time,” he says. “The Fae has you something grand. Have you been honing your skills since you departed?”

“Yes sir!” I say.

He takes notice of Rosemary as she hastens her grip on me, and also glances to Caro and Tohro. “And I see you’ve made some new friends. They’re certainly...” he pauses, probably searching for a fair word, “...of a unique creed to this school. Under normal circumstances I would shoo them away.” He makes a brushing motion with his hoof.

“But you wouldn’t, of course?” Rosemary asks. “With respect, sir, I’m an avid follower of unicorn magic and to see this academy firsthoof is all I’ve ever dreamed!”

Caro steps forth. “And I just so happen to be Shae’s guardian, as well as a critical part of her presentation.”

The headmaster seems to be drawing a blank, stroking his beard in thought.

“Sir, it’s the whole reason Shae left the academy in the first place-”

That gets the gears in his head going. “Ah, yes, of course! Forgive this old soul, his mind sometimes wavers. Any friend of a student is a friend of the academy’s, and of course, I’m not about to impede on my finest student’s education. By all means, you’re welcome to enter the academy at your leisure, however, I must impose that you do not intrude upon any classes or make enemies of the children.”

Caro, Tohro and Rosemary stand in line and nod in unison.

“Excellent!” Headmaster Frosthelm gives a stomp of approval. “Then I welcome you all.”

My heart pounds with anticipation.

The cold marble halls with the slightest hint of reflection, the perpetual drafts that chill the bones, and a dissonant prestige to the rest of the town outside. This is Wintercolt Academy, for sure. After all this time, with the dragon attacks, the brawls with the undead, hanging on the edge of death and all of the other fun stuff, this seems so unimpressive and, well, dull.

So why am I frolicking alongside Rosemary?

“I’m hooooome!”

I hadn’t expected anyone to come running to me, I just felt the innate need to say it. All I hear is my own voice echoing back. “I’m home,” I repeat. While Rosemary tries to take in every last inch of the place, I approach Headmaster Frosthelm. “I promise, I’ll make up for every assignment I missed.”

He seems bewildered. “But you hardly missed anything. Your advanced studies covered everything until the next semester.”

“Oh... Oh!” I should be proud, but flaunting my vast intelligence in front of Rosemary and her, um, less pronounced academic ability is just embarrassing. “I suppose I have a lot of free time, then.”

“If I were you, I’d spend it with your closest friends. Here’s my proposal; you and your guild retreat to the library and talk amongst yourselves while I gather the other students for your presentation.”

And now my heart is in my throat. “Wait, Headmaster!” I gallop in front of him before he can take his first step. “Caro and I haven’t had time to rehearse!”

“We don’t need to,” says Caro. “We’ll talk it over in the library. I have an idea.”

“You do?” I look to him with concern, but his reassuring nod sends that away. “We do.”

Headmaster Frosthelm gives a bow, and with a swish of his fur cloak, begins to take his leave. “Quarrel resolved, Shae. I will retrieve you when you are needed. I wish you nothing but success.”

“Thank you, sir.”

I don’t move until he’s entirely out of sight. When I finally find the time to relax, I notice that we’re short one earthwalker. “Caro, where’s Rosemary?”

A euphoric squeal answers my question. "Wintercolt Academyyyyy!~" Here she comes, bounding around the corner like some sort of muscular rabbit. She twirls about, catching herself on her boots and collapsing onto the hard floor. That does nothing to stop her near-orgasmic romp.

She wiggles her hind legs, face flushed and eyes sparkling. I reach to help her up. “Feel free to keep acting cute and all, but could you please quiet down?”

She sighs. “Okay. For you.” She continues to breathe rapidly, though. Still, at least I’ve found somepony to share my happiness with.

The academy is already deathly silent, so the library is hardly a far cry from the exterior hallway. The two story high bookshelves make for a welcome sight, as I’ve had nothing to read but what I brought with me in my rush to leave. My first order of business is returning all but my essential tomes to their respective spots, and I take plenty of time to ensure they’re in exact alphabetical order.

Once that’s done, I trot through the sitting lounge. I take notice of a few other students with their muzzles stuck in books of their own. Flanklin is reading Summoning: How to make the Fae work for you! and trying to create an ethereal weapon. The best he can manage is a faint stick that falls into dust at his touch.

Caro and Tohro are sitting across from each other, and judging by their grave expressions, they’re talking about something serious. I step in while Caro is in mid-sentence.

“...only way for me to get stronger is to visit Neigh Hrothgar.”

Tohro’s eyes widen. “Are you kidding me? You and those Greybeard monks? I can’t picture it.”

“What do you know of them?”

“Only that they’re old bags of bones who’ve spent their whole lives stuck in another era,” Tohro remarks. He steps out of his seat and plays the part of an elderly colt, walking with knobbly knees and his back arched. “'Oh, you young whippersnappers with your newfangled magic and, and, uh, swords! Why can’tcha be more like the Precursors! They had it all right before they went and stabbed themselves in the tuckus!'” Caro lets out a single noted laugh as Tohro returns to his seat. “Perish the thought, mate. You’ll learn nothing from them.”

I know the Greybeards are far more than bags of bones. Precursor magic is still an enigma to most of ponykind, and they are the only group dedicated enough to research it. If Precursor magic includes the Thu’um, then Caro has nothing to lose by speaking to them.

“I’m going,” Caro states. “The only other pony we know who has the dragon voice is Shokenda, and she’s not about to stop this war to give me a lesson.”

“That’s obvious.”

“Besides, what if these Greybeards hold other secrets that could gain me the upper hoof against the dragons? Whatever they hold could be the difference between Saviikaan’s death and mine.”

Tohro rests his head in his hooves. “We haven’t even met this Saviikaan, and already he’s nearly killed you three times.”

Caro wears a sadistic smirk. “There’s the other reason I want to see the Greybeards. Provided I learn the right shouts,” he leans over the table like an excited child, “I’ll be able to make the Dovah scream so loud Saviikaan will have to come running! That’s when I’ll-” He stops himself and looks around, noticing that Flanklin and the other studying unicorns are giving him harsh glares. He holds his hoof up apologetically and lays his head on the table.

If it were any other day I’d interject, but Caro’s decisions won’t make a difference when I’m no longer part of Dragonrein. Besides, I’m quietly agreeing with his decision. If he can get stronger, already being one of the mightiest stallions I’ve met, then I know he’ll be able to protect those he loves. I’d hate for him to go through another bout of guilt. On top of that, I need to leave Rosemary in good hooves.

“Aw, you’re concerned about me, love?” Rosemary asks, poking her head through a gap in a bookshelf.

Urgh, did my thoughts spill into my mouth again?

“Did you find anything of interest?” I ask her

“Not in particular. The diagrams of mages are nice, but the words don’t make any sense.” Rosemary presents a tome on alteration magic, a novice one at that, and flips through nearly half of it before slamming it shut.

I give a shrug. “That’s to be expected, given magic is foreign to your kind.”

“That’s for true. What the hell does alteration mean, anyway?”

If anyone else had asked me that, another student for instance, I would have stomped away in rage. Why is it I find Rosemary’s vocabularic handicap so endearing? “Perhaps I should explain about the different types of unicorn magic. Alter-.”

“Shae.” Tohro taps me on the wither in mid-flight before I can finish. The crash course will have to wait, I suppose.

“What is it?”

He beckons for me to come with him. I follow his quiet trail of flight down the length of the bookshelves, then around the corner, with Rosemary following from the other side. When he stops, he signals for me to look ahead, and that’s when I catch sight of something very welcome to my eyes.

A green mane and yellow coat. Hello, Sundance. She’s occupying a seat with blue coated Lancer and dark purple Eavesdrop, and they’re all leaning over a scrap of parchment. It has a sort of etching upon it, a rough drawing of three ponies... no, wait, there’s a fourth, and I’d recognize that long mane anywhere. That’s Celina.

Oddly enough, it’s not the sight of my old friends that draws me in, but rather the picture. I trot about behind the three and examine the picture closer. Celina is standing next to me, Caro and Tohro. It’s the guild coronation. Beneath the image is a caption.

While the grim confirmation that dragons have beset the kingdom looms in the minds of our citizens, they take comfort in knowing a new guild has come to be. Calling themselves Dragonrein, the group is composed of a unicorn from Wintercolt Academy, a former Blackwing assassin and a self-taught warrior who claims to be something called a Dragonborn. They seem to have no code of conduct beyond their told quest: to kill every dragon that threatens the innocent. Whether or not this group becomes an equal to the Carrier Clan, or as dangerous as the Sisterhood of Shadows, remains to be seen. This etching was made by Xephyr of the Bard College.

Sundance lets out a squeal. “See, I told you it was her! Isn’t it amazing? She’s only been gone a few months and she’s already gone and joined a guild!”

“I dunno...” mutters Lancer. “Does this mean she won’t be coming back anytime soon? She’ll be too busy slaying dragons to complete her project.”

Eavesdrop removes her hood and brushes her magenta mane out of her eyes. “She always was too experienced for this place...”

This is the part where I intervene. I lift the picture up with my magic, drawing stunned gazes from the three of them. I give a playful sneer as I examine my sketched self. “Curse you, Xephyr. Is that really what my mane looks like?”

The parchment is thrown out of my magic’s grip as Sundance leaps onto me, pinning me down in a hug that could rival Rosemary’s. I contest against her, trying to sit up but the smack of Lancer and Eavedrop leaping from their seats and following her example renders me blissfully helpless. “Ahahaha! I knew you wouldn’t forget about us!” Sundance shouts.

The sharp “Shhhh!” of the other students stops the group embrace dead, much to my relief, and, I must confess, displeasure. I actually enjoyed the abrasive act.

While I rest my head against the bookshelf, Sundance, Lancer and Eavesdrop stand back up. “Maybe we ought to to take a step outside,” I say, levitating the parchment to me and tucking it into my robes.

I’m about to ask Rosemary to come along, but she’s occupied, flipping through about three tomes at a time, just examining the pictures. One that’s taking her interest in particular is one about enchantment (Setting Hearts and Swords Ablaze). I can’t blame her for getting interested in such things following my hasty inflaming of her falchion. Only now do I notice that the sword is no longer ablaze. Of course. It was only a spell. Proper enchantments last much longer...

“I’m aware of that now,” the yellow earthwalker says with a grin, leaving the books scattered as she gets up to follow me.

I really need to keep ahold of my thoughts.

“That you do.”

My attention goes back to Sundance as we step out of the library into the circular hallway. She’s prancing like a deer just at the sight of me. “You’re here! You’re here!” I can tell she’s trying her best not to glomp me again. “You have to tell us eeeeverything! What didja do in the land down under? Didja make some new friends? Didja learn new magic? Didja didja didja?!”

“Did I ever!” I chirp. “But I want to keep it a surprise. I’ll tell you everything during my presentation.”

Sundance gasps and covers her mouth, then presses her hooves to her cheeks. “I’ll be counting the minutes!”

Rosemary has been eyeing my old friends with amusement. “So, these are the playmates you mentioned, huh, love? They’re a lovely bunch.”

Lancer turns to Rosemary and leans back, eyes filled with shock and darting between me and her. “By Fauste’s horn...”

My heart sinks. This is the climax to one passive fear I harbored while Rosemary was enticing me. Lancer has always held a deep crush on me, with only fear and a feeling of insignificance holding him back from acting on it, and I never failed to push him away. My studies were my only love at the time. Had Rosemary not interceded, I probably would have set aside time for him in the future.

I expect some sort of verbal berating for stabbing him in back, or heart, but I certainly don’t expect him to say to Rosemary, “You’re an earthwalker!”

“Firm grip on reality you’ve got there,” she says in deadpan. “Shae, aren’t you going to introduce us?”

My mind snaps back from dread. Lancer might not have seen anything between me and her. “Ah, yes. Everypony, this is a new member of my guild. Her name is Rosemary Von Spice. She’s my-” I look at Lancer again. Another slip of my tongue, curse me. “She’s a friend.”

Rosemary seizes me by my barrel and pulls me into a quick and unexpected kiss, not giving me time to reciprocate, or even close my eyes to appreciate the moment. Keeping her forelegs around me, she winks to my fellow students. “I’m her marefriend.”

Well, now she’s done it, and Lancer couldn’t have not seen it. While Sundance and Eavesdrop keep smiling away without a care, all the euphoria from reuniting with me is gone in an instant for him, replaced with blank astonishment. As much as the kiss was appreciated on my part, I need to get this off my chest.

“Rose.”

She tilts her head as if she were preparing for another one. “Yes, hon?”

I nod to the poor blue colt. “Lancer might not take this too well... He’s wanted to be with me for some time but nothing came of it.”

“Oh...” Rosemary’s abrasive confidence wavers as she lets me go and backs off. “I’m sorry. I... I don’t want to come between you and your friends.”

“It’s fine.”

I was about to say it’s not fine, or something along those lines, but Lancer answered for me. I hadn’t expected this, above all.

“It’s fine,” he repeats, approaching me. “All these years, Shae.” He snickers and breaks into laughter. I laugh along, albeit nervously. “You could have just told me you weren’t fond of colts.”

“Oh, Lancer, sweetie, it’s not like that...” And here I thought he’d be the odd one out. I spin about at random and cover my fluster, still laughing.

“Say, Rosemary,” Lancer says, “did you know that this school has an annual gala?”

“Why no, I did not.” Rosemary shoots a glance at me. “You didn’t mention one, silly.”

“I forgot.” I really did. Amidst all the adventure, I hadn’t thought for a second about being back in time to celebrate the gala. Every year, the whole school becomes less of a place of learning, with every student and teacher engaging in an elegant party. It’s our way of welcoming in another year of magical education. The realization as to why Lancer would bring it up at all comes to me. “Wait, isn’t the gala coming along soon?”

Lancer nods. “Tonight, actually.”

I plant my hoof on my forehead. “Of all the days I had to arrive!” My hooves dance in place. “This is going to be fantastic!”

“Why are you enthusiastic about it so suddenly?” Eavesdrop asks.

Sundance trots in circles around me, Rosemary and the others. “Yeah! You never come to the school galas. You always put a muting spell on our dorm room to silence the music, then you stick your nose in a book.”

“I never had...” I want to say I never had somepony to dance with, but I could have gone with any of my friends. Not that it mattered to me at the time, as my studying took precedence over my personal relationships, but in the light of recent events (My stomach twinges a bit), a lust for a new experience in my old home has come out. “I've never had a reason to care.”

Eavesdrop scoffs. “Neither have I, but I still show up.”

Sundance begins one of her dances of happiness, twirling in place and jumping about on her hind legs. “I, for one, dance with everypony at the gala! The colts love it when I take them on a wild ride.” She stops in mid-step, all her weight on one of her forelegs. “The mares get a little nervous but that doesn’t stop me!” She resumes her hustle.

“Well, while we’re all on about this...” Rosemary steps forward, pausing as Sundance passes in front of her with a cartwheel, then continues. She faces me, a broad smile on her muzzle, then kneels slightly so we’re at the same level. “You want to go with me?”

It’s a given that I would have danced with her regardless, probably behind a pillar to avoid embarrassment in front of my peers. I’m not the best dancer, another reason I never saw fit to attend, but just being there with Rosemary will make it worthwhile. An official invitation certainly doesn’t hurt either.

I’m blushing so hard I can’t even speak. I just let the glow in my cheeks answer for me. When Rosemary grabs ahold of me again and spins me around, I feel like I’m on top of the world. Given that we’re on Mount Everfree, I may as well be.

And now I’m back at the bottom. The door before me leads into Headmaster Frosthelm’s classroom, where at least a few dozen students have gathered to witness my presentation. Peeping through the ajar doorway, I can see that estimation is dead wrong. There’s a hundred in there, probably more out of eyeshot.

“Ah, damn...” I didn’t sign on for this. My academia lies in quiet independence, not in making speeches. I can scarcely imagine the humiliation I’ll have to endure. I’m going to flub it, I just know. I’ll be made a laughing stock. Some top student, choking on her own tongue on the most important assignment of her life! Oh, bloody hell. What if I get sent back a grade for this? What if I’m sent back to first year, oh Fauste... All of this right in front of Clover the Clever! She and her associates have front row seats!

“You’re shaking worse than a rattlesnake on the winter solstice,” says Rosemary. “Are you okay?”

No! I’m not okay! Knock me out! Poison me so I can take a sick day! Break my leg! “Yes, I think I’ll be fine.” AAAAAAAAAAAGH! “Are you ready, Caro?”

The Dragonborn is wearing his fear on his face much worse than I am. I have to levitate a cloth (Somewhat shakily) to his brow to wipe the sweat off. He exhales slowly. “Crowds.”

Suddenly my role in this doesn’t seem so terrible. I just have to say a few words in front of my peers. “You didn’t have stage fright when you impaled Nahkara-”

“Nahkriin.”

“-in front of the entire population of Trottingham.”

Caro snorts and steps closer to me. “That was unrehearsed. It’s easier to put on a show when you can feel every motion of blood in your veins.”

I touch the upper part of my foreleg. I can’t feel anything beyond my coat and skin. “Is that how you feel when you fight dragons?”

“Hell, when I fight anypony.”

Then the door comes open, with the chattering of the students growing louder. Headmaster Frosthelm stands on the central platform, beckoning me to come forth. I shoot Caro a forced reassuring smile and take his hoof. We step forward into the abyss, I mean, the classroom.

The students go silent as I take slow steps onto the platform. I bow to the headmaster, but, as expected, Caro doesn’t do the same. His lips are pursed as he scans over our audience. “So, uh, what comes first?” he whispers.

Headmaster Frosthelm takes his leave from the stage. “You may begin when ready, Shae. Simply tell your fellow students about your discovery, and how it will benefit the academy’s continued study of all things magical.”

I nod, trying to avoid eye contact with anypony. “Um, right.”

As I draw slow breaths, I resolve to remove my focus from Clover the Clever. Instead, I try to channel Sundance’s energy, Lancer’s calm demeanor and Eavesdrop’s cunning. They all sit in the front row, lending me support through their proud expressions alone. And then there’s Rosemary, leaning against one of the stone pillars. She blows me a kiss, and for once, it gives me confidence instead of making me blush.

Best not keep my fellow students waiting. I clear my throat.

“G-Good afternoon, everypony. I’m Shae Sparkle, as most of you know, and, uh, you may have noticed in the past weeks, that I’ve been absent. This is because I took notice of the many rumors surrounding the attack on Reinoc. The Empire believed the unfortunate death and destruction of the town to fall on the hooves of a single earthwalker. That earthwalker now stands before you.”

Whoops.

I just now realize that the parchment depicting Dragonrein’s coronation never mentioned Caro’s name. Who’s to say everypony here knows his name has been cleared of all charges? And here I am, gesturing to a once wanted felon with pride. The audience begins to shuffle, with the students breaking out in panicked voices.

Caro’s eyes keep darting to the door. He could probably shout his way out in an instant, and I can’t blame him for thinking so would be a good idea, but he remains resolute and steps closer to me.

A sharp whistle from the far side of the room shuts everypony up instantly, albeit at the cost of pained ears. Tohro has come to the rescue. “I should probably mention that Caro’s been declared innocent by the queen,” he says, matter-of-factly. He waves to the students. “Hi. Tohro of Fillydelphia. I’m with Dragonrein.”

That seems to be enough to remedy the situation. While the students still look to Caro with ticks of anxiety, they settle down enough for me to continue.

“Caro’s innocence ties into the very reason I left this academy in the first place. My initial pursuit was to see if there was more to the initial belief that Caro was responsible for Reinoc’s destruction. After all, how could just the one earthwalker decimate an entire market? Well, the answer came to me sooner than I thought. I happened across Caro and Tohro while on the run from bandits. Our travels led us into Beak Falls Barrow, where, after brutal encounters with the Thieves Guild and several draugr, we encountered, of all things, a Precursor.”

That draws plenty of murmurs from the students. Precursor study is part of our regiment, even though we don’t know much about them. I feel as though I may have missed an opportunity to ask Otar more about the ancient kingdom, but I was too awestruck and sick at the time. Also, who says he would have answered? That was Caro’s moment.

“That is a very fantastical claim, Shae,” says Clover the Clever. I had almost forgotten she was here in her silence. Maybe I was better off. My body has gone rigid. “How do you prove you witnessed such a thing?”

...Damn.

“If I may,” Tohro says, silencing the hushed voices. He retrieves a small vial from his pouch.

Clover the Clever jumps a little and leans in for a closer look. “Fauste’s horn, that’s liquid glass!”

The leather clad pegasus twirls the vial in his hooves before tossing it my way. I fumble over catching it and have to resort to magic. “Indeed it is. I would explain its properties, but since this is Shae’s time to shine...” He gestures to me, mimicking words coming out of his mouth. I put my stupor to rest and begin again. Hopefully I can avoid any more interruptions.

I understand that liquid glass is easy enough to use even if it’s a complex magical substance. For me, it’s just a simple matter of removing the cork from the vial and levitating the liquid out, spreading it overhead like a window. It’s harder to levitate liquids, what with having to keep the individual droplets together, but this is still child’s play. With the glass floating before me, I will it to show the events that transpired in Beak Falls Barrow. Of all the times liquid glass is unsuccessful, I pray this isn’t one of those times.

The audience leans back and gasps as Otar’s skeletal and otherworldly face shows in the glass, before the vision pans out to show Caro looking into the prophetic crystal. Tohro, Tangerine and I are standing back (Bloody hell, did I really look that ill?) and watching the unorthodox show of lights and aura emanating from the gem and Caro, as his eyes go from a normal lime green to sickly draconic slits. That is all I can manage to hold before I have to return the liquid glass to its container.

As I seal the vial and pass it back to Tohro, I wipe my sweat away. “What you saw there was Caro learning of the dragon's prophecy from a priest named Otar. Although the prophecy’s meaning is still unclear to us, the dragon’s language awakened the draconic power that lay dormant within Caro. He is a Dragonborn.”

I hear an “Ooooooh,” and more murmurs from the students, particularly from those who must have read the article; they’ve heard the word Dragonborn before, but what it exactly means was left ambiguous by that article. Frankly, I’m not entirely sure what it means either, aside from the ability to scream ponies to death. I gesture to Caro, hoping he’ll find the strength to talk. If he’s slain dragons, he can do this.

Caro almost looks relieved to not have to play a statue anymore. He sighs and steps forward, then slowly walks back and forth along the length of the crowd. “It’s like... My blood is constantly boiling. My senses are so awake. I notice things, things that would go unseen by anypony else’s eyes. It serves me well in battle. But I can also read the draconic text, and when a dragon speaks its native tongue, I can understand every word.” He chuckles menacingly. “But that’s not what you’re here for, is it?” The students look amongst themselves. “I don’t pretend to know much about the Fae, but I do know that the dragons have some control over it. They don’t use horns, though. They use their voices. As I am a descendant of dragons, that power... is mine.”

I’m beginning to lose count of how many times the audience has gaped. This is actually going better than I expected.

“Would you mind giving us a demonstration?” Clover asks.

Caro flashes a fanged grin. He swings around and trots to the back of the classroom, facing the wide windows that give a generous view of the fields below. He looks back at me and says, “It’s going to get a lot colder in here.”

I understand his intentions instantly. If I were in his place I wouldn’t resort to something quite as bold, but then again, I’m not him. I brace myself for an amazing show.

“Fus... RO DAH!”

The unrelenting force shatters the entire window and its frame in a single go, filling the room with a dreadful draft, but everypony is too captivated to care about that. Every shard of glass is tossed to the wind, out into the abyss. I dread the unfortunate soul caught underneath that maelstrom of blades. Apparently Caro thought of that in advance, though. He casts his hoof out. “SU MAH!”

A purple radiance surrounds the shards and renders them immune to gravity. Caro beckons them back inside the classroom with his hooves. It’s like an alternative form of levitation.

Caro tilts his head, cracking his neck. He turns around to face the audience as the shards hover over him. “This is a fairly new one. Bear with me.” Everypony, even me, leans forward in anticipation. Caro looks upwards. “KINZON REIN!”

I slam my hooves to my head. The reverberation from the shout pierces my ears like a banshee... So this is what it was like for the gryphons. The world goes silent for a moment, save for a distinct ringing, and when I can finally focus, I see that the entirety of the glass shards have been reduced to dust at Caro’s hooves. He surveys the damage, carefully stepping away from the mess. “Uh, somepony’s going to have to clean this up,” he mutters humbly.

As the rest of the audience recovers from the uncomfortably loud shriek, they break out into euphoric applause, slamming their hooves into the ground repeatedly to celebrate the performance.

“You draw a lot of supporters for a former convict,” I say to Caro.

He brushes his snout in a moment of humility. He points to my friends, who are cheering the loudest of all. “Hey, they’re not here for me. This is your moment.”

I can’t help but throw my forelegs around Caro and give him a squeeze to rival Rosemary’s. “I love you!” I shout.

Of course, that gets Rosemary’s attention. Not one to let somepony else steal me away (Not that I intend such a thing) she gallops to me and takes my hooves in hers. She twirls me about like I’m some sort of Bard College dancer. I grow so dizzy I end up falling into her embrace.

“Hey, save it for later,” I say with a snicker. “The gala hasn’t even started yet.”

“Speaking of which!” Suddenly a magical barrier ascends between me and Rosemary, separating us. I squirm as something grabs onto me from behind. I turn my head and see it’s Sundance and Eavesdrop both, levitating me by my legs. Rosemary is being pulled away by Lancer, who has an unusually wide smirk on his mug.

“What are you- Sunda- Let me go!” I squirm and drag my free hooves along the ground but I can’t resist their magical grip. I reach out desperately. “Rose!”

“You can’t wear those dirty robes to the gala, that’s just rude!” says Sundance as she hops in place.

Eavesdrop laughs rather loudly for her normally quiet self. “We need to put you in a fancy gown. Something that’ll make Lancer anemic.”

“And I-” Lancer gets cut off as Rosemary elbows him. “I will find this mare a truly Shae worthy outfit.” He falters at her glare. “If you don’t mind, that is...”

Rosemary shrugs her shoulders and pulls at her own coat and mail. “Whatever you folks wear here, it has to be nicer than these.” She follows as Lancer departs from the exit opposite me, before turning my way and winking.

That’s enough to make me relax. I stop my struggling, and Sundance and Eavesdrop let me go.

With all the humorous antics, I hadn’t noticed Headmaster Frosthelm retake his platform. He’s levitating the glass dust and piecing it back together, quickly reforming the window. That’s a sort of act I could never accomplish. There’s just too many tiny pieces.

The headmaster returns the window to its rightful place, then turns to the scattered students. “Right then. I’d say Shae has earned a passing grade for the discovery and demonstration of an ancient magic. I suppose the dragon attacks have served a greater purpose than mindless destruction.” That draws a few chuckles, particularly from me. Headmaster Frosthelm then looks directly at me, wearing a face of pride. “Congratulations, Shae. I assure you that we will be discussing your further accolades soon.”

Accolades? My heart starts to race and keeps pounding faster from there. This could be everything I’ve ever wanted. Will I become a professor? Imagine that. I’d be the youngest in this academy’s history. Or perhaps... Oh, my. I could become part of the line of succession for headmaster! Headmistress Shae! I... I could faint.

I look about desperately for Clover the Clever, only to hear her voice behind me. “I haven’t seen a display quite like that in some time. The only thing would compare would be...” She taps her chin. “I’d say, when I summoned the Pure Heart. But never mind my bragging. Your friend has a very special gift, something that could change the course of history in the right hooves.”

“Who’s to say he doesn’t have the right hooves?” Tohro asks, striding by. He doesn’t wait for an answer and leaves the room.

Clover ushers me closer in. “Shae, a sage bit of advice...”

I listen intently. “Yes, Madam Clover?”

“I must congratulate you on bypassing any bias to befriend pegasi and earthwalkers alike.” She gestures to Caro, then nods to where Tohro and Rosemary departed. “Most ponies don’t have that sort of luxury.”

I keep shaking my head up and down. “I followed your example. You’ve always advocated tolerance between the three races.”

“I’m well aware of that. Walk with me.”

Before I know it, Sundance has removed my spectacles and levitated a blindfold over my eyes. “Agh, what the hell?”

I remember the structure of our dormitory by memory alone, so I know she’s dragging me to my mirror. I shiver in embarrassment, or maybe that’s the cold, I don’t know, and it certainly doesn’t help that Sundance and Eavesdrop are stripping me out of my school robes.

“Ah... should I come back later?” asks Clover. I can’t see her but I imagine her with a disturbingly straight face and wide eyes.

“No, no,” says Eavesdrop. “Please, don’t mind us.”

There goes the last of my undergarments. I’m completely exposed to the mare I idolize and strive to equate. This is like a sickly fever dream I’d prefer to forget. “So, you were saying, Madam Clover?” I ask as casually as possible.

She resumes, acting much of the same. I assume she’s facing away. “I’ve traveled far, to reaches unexplored by most of ponykind. Most species in general. I had a lot of time to think during those long journeys, as I was only accompanied by my silent companions.”

Silent? Come to think of it, I don’t recall ever hearing those hooded figures speak. “Have they taken a vow?” I ask as Eavesdrop fits me into long silk socks. She fits on some comfortable slippers too (I can tell it’s her because of her gentle touch).

“You can say that,” Clover answers. “See, over time, me, Smart Cookie, Pansy, Hurricane, Puddinghead and...” She pauses for a moment. I hear her swallow. “...Platinum... We all grew apart after forming Equestria’s government. It occurred to me that our precious bond was only so strong, and it fell apart so easily.”

“That is rather sad, but I don’t see it as fallen apart.” As I speak, Sundance’s less refined hooves button a tight blouse around my waist and begin to fasten on the skirt. “I prefer to say, lost, but not forgotten.”

“That is an ideal way of seeing it,” says Clover. “All I ask is that you don’t grow so attached to things, to the point you’ll never be able to live without them.”

I’m struck with a sense of confusion as Sundance wraps a light scarf around my neck. I’ve never been advised such a thing, and it’s the last piece of advice I’d expect from Clover the Clever. “What things do you speak of?”

“Anything. Or anyone.” Her voice cracks when the words leave her mouth. I’m about to ask what the matter is, but I stay quiet when I hear her regain her composure. “I have important matters to attend to. I wish you and Rosemary the best night possible.”

“Uh, yes.... Madam...” I can’t piece together a sentence after that. What came over her? It’s also rather difficult to think when both of my friends are running combs through my mane. “What do you- Ah!” Sundance catches a snag. “What do suppose that was about?”

“The world probably hasn’t been easy on her,” says Eavesdrop. “I mean, living one half of her life as a servant in a dying kingdom and the other as a lone wolf in a developing one? Her morale must have faltered a while ago.”

Just the thought of Clover being alone in a snow drenched field breaks my heart. “I do want to be her equal someday, but I won’t share her cynicism.”

“Because you have kindred spirits like us to keep you company, right?” asks Sundance. I nod sincerely, and then I hear her bouncing about the room like the childish filly she is. A while ago I would have asked her to grow up. Now I don’t want her to ever change.

With one last brush of the comb, Eavedrop finally removes the blindfold, setting my glasses in place, and before me I see a beautiful unicorn in a bright blue (and rather revealing) dress, with her perfectly straight mane pulled into a tail. Her beauty is so radiant I have to remind myself, that’s me.

“Wow, ah...” Rosemary is probably going to have a heart attack. Hay, my heart is pounding from the sight of me.

Sundance playfully jabs at Eavesdrop. “Silly you! You forgot the most important thing about this outfit!”

“Oh, right!” Eavesdrop hops to the dresser and levitates a wrapped object out of the top drawer. I’m unable to see the object until it’s wrapped around my neck. It’s a brooch, made in the shape of my family crest; a six-pointed star. “That was going to be your homecoming present.”

I touch the crest, just to ensure it’s real. “I don’t know what to say.”

Sundance giggles. “Say thank you!”

I don’t think that would do how I feel justice. I settle for pulling Sundance and Eavesdrop in with my magic for a group hug.

I’ve only been in my room for, what, ten minutes? Even with magic, it’s very impressive how the students were able to decorate the entire school to commemorate this gala. It makes sense that they’d go to such lengths to make this a memorable night, with the emerald, sapphire and scarlet drapes dressing the hallways and many a spectral gemstone hanging from the ceiling. It’s like a sort of lucid dream, with all the light reflections speckling the ground and walls.

As I step into the grand hall, which is bathed in the evening light, I take notice of the students shuffling down the steps to the floor below, where I assume the dancing will ensue. I blush and step back a little when I notice I’m, without a doubt, the most extravagantly dressed pony at this gathering. For any beauty queen, that would be an honor, but for little egghead me? Not so much. Still, the turning of heads and gapes from those who thought me nothing more than a teacher’s pet grant me enough confidence to take this step by step.

Of course, Rosemary is waiting for me nearest a corner bound pillar. She’s wearing a fur-lined vest and a scarf. That’s... not exactly conventional dancing attire, but to me she looks like a million gold pieces. Encrusted in diamonds. With a cherry on top.

“Your schoolboy over there,” she nods to Lancer, who’s wearing more traditional fancy robes, “wanted to put me in a dress from Gran Magus high society.”

I honestly can’t picture her in one. Far too frilly. But she doesn’t seem to object dresses entirely, as she’s giving me a good long stare. I can see her gaze trail from my chest all the way to my flanks and legs, which the dress allows little imagination for. “Is it too much?” Oh Fauste, this is where I start rambling. Please stop me now. “I mean, I couldn’t object, there was a blindfold, and Clover was there, I got so distracted, oh my, I mean, I could try something less extreme but I don’t think I have anything el-”

Rosemary shuts me up with a hoof to my snout, warranting a thankful sigh from me. “Shae.” She takes my hooves in her strong grip, staring me down with a mix of awe and determination. “You look beautiful.”

That’s my cue to relax. Even though there’s no music to be heard, I rest my neck against hers. We begin to move our hooves in unison, dancing slowly to the silence.

When Rosemary leads us in a half spin, it only forces me closer to her. Evidently she’s never heard of a little thing called perfume... Come to think of it, I never applied any.

I see Caro and Tohro out of my peripheral vision, and they’re doing something rather curious... More earthwalkers and even a few pegasi, I’d say about twelve in total, follow behind them, carrying violins, lutes, pipes and drums. Those must be the volunteers from the Bard College in Everfree. Of course, Xephyr, Rhapsody and Symphony are among their ranks too.

“We thank you much for escorting us here. The interior of this school I find most queer,” says the zebra bard.

Caro bows, nudging for Tohro to follow suit. “It’s no trouble at all. Why don’t you set up on the second flight, out of the way of the students? Play whatever suits your fancy.”

Rosemary notices my distraction and looks as well, chuckling at the sight of Xephyr. “Mmhmm, zebracean ballads are usually very erotic. We’re in for a treat, Shae.”

It doesn’t take long for the bards to prepare their ensemble and start tuning their instruments in a quiet cacophony. While this does look rather haphazard, I trust at least half of those ponies know what they’re doing. Xephyr takes the front seat, crossing his hind legs and resting his lute on his lap. With a tapping of his hoof on the base, the fraternizing students turn to listen. Some of them double take at the sight of a zebra, possibly having never seen one until now.

“Good evening to you, students of the Fae. We come to you on this merry day, for songs of Equestria we wish to play. Dance along, and I think you’ll find you’ll be trapped in a blissful state of mind.”

“Already there...” I whisper to myself as Rosemary takes the lead again.

The song begins. A unicorn strums the harp with her aura, creating a beatless melody that reminds me of falling rain on a cobblestone street. It’s very melancholy, but it also entails hope for a better future. That’s the way I’m feeling, anyway. I close my eyes and let the music direct my movements from here.

That’s when Rhapsody builds up a slow drumbeat, with Symphony quickly coming in with the pipes. The song’s scope expands across an open field, one where Rosemary and I stand together. She wraps her forelegs around my neck. I nod to her, giving her every ounce of trust I can spare. She drops me down low, and just as quickly lifts me back up into her cradle. Touching our hooves together for a moment, we each make revolutions and rejoin at the end of each one.

The lute players have entered the fray. I’m caught in a constant spin by Rosemary’s direction, just like before in the classroom. I nearly topple over, but I don’t fear the fall, because I know she’ll be there to catch me. Such is the case, with one of her hooves on my back and the other on my rapidly pulsating chest. I reach up to hug her just as the song concludes, and she receives graciously. The open field fades, along with the instruments.

I hear applause and assume it’s for the ensemble. Had I the chance I would applaud too, but I’m too wrapped up in Rosemary at the moment. It’s only when she taps my barrel, prompting me to open my eyes, that I see the applause isn’t for Xephyr.

I feel Rosemary nip playfully at my ear. Her breath tickles my hair. “The brightest student in Wintercolt is also the best dancer.”

Be still, my heart...

Being the center of attention again is actually quite the thrill, since I don’t have any critical grade on the line. So what if I trip and fall, or end up dancing like a child on a sugar rush? The worst that would come of that would be laughter and cheers of support. I know better than to think my fellow students would subject me to ridicule just because I let loose and have a little fun. I eagerly await the next song.

Symphony is the one to speak this time. “Caro Dragonborn, he is among us now. We celebrate that.”

Caro blushes madly and tries to hide behind Tohro, only for the pegasus to bring him back around.

“Yes, indeed!” chirps Xephyr. “For he will conquer the dragon legion’s greed. He will make them bleed, they will recede, and we will succeed! As a thanks for how many souls he has devoured, let us remind you of his legendary power.”

This one starts with a duet of lutes. This one is even slower than the last one, so Rosemary and I keep it to a simple waltz. I don’t want to do anything more than hold her right now.

“Our hero, our hero, claims a warrior's heart...
I tell you, I tell you, the Dragonborn comes...
With a voice wielding power of an ancient art...
Believe, believe, the Dragonborn comes...”

I believe. That Dragonborn is the one who brought me here alive and well. It’s because of him that I can enjoy this moment. Every time I see Rosemary, or any of my friends, every time I wake in the morning, I’ll know it’s because of him that I have such luxuries. The pounding drums and soothing violins remind me of that.

“It's an end to the evil of all this land's foes...
Beware, beware, the Dragonborn comes...
For the darkness has passed and the legend yet grows...
You'll know, you'll know, the Dragonborn's come...”

As the last strums of the lute dwindle, the dancers applaud once again, only this time it’s for Caro, who gives quite possibly the most adorable bow I’ve ever seen, nearly tripping over himself in the process.

Even though the song has ended, I’m still waltzing. Rosemary giggles at the display and breaks our long embrace. I can’t let her go for long. I nuzzle up against her.

“It’s getting a little warm in here...” she whispers.

It really is, but I think that’s just me. I glance to a wooden door in the distant corner of the room. It leads to the outdoor balcony. I take one of her hooves in mine. “Follow me.”

For once I welcome the frigid air and falling snow, as it quells the heat on my cheeks and the rest of my body, but the warmth in my chest keeps me from shivering. It’s like my heart has gone from an inferno to a comforting fire on a cold winter’s eve.

Rosemary leads me around the corner of the balcony to a wider area. While the rest of Equestria lies dormant in the distance, behind us is the frost gripped window to the grand hall, where everypony is dancing to what seems to be a much more upbeat song than before. I prefer to face the natural beauty below.

For years I gazed upon Equestria, wondering what the world below was like for the earthwalkers and pegasi. It’s surreal, now having had more of a taste than most who dwell down there. And, of course, there’s the bit I brought back home. While I lean on the balcony, I look over to Rosemary. Her mind is elsewhere. I wrap my foreleg around hers and flash her the best grin I can muster. She returns the favor. “Couldja tell me somethin’?” she asks.

I nod. “I’ll tell you anything.”

“Okay, here it goes...” She pauses, catches her breath, and stares me down, not blinking at all. “I finally have you right where I want you. I broke through so many walls and barriers just to see ya smile. So... You know why I’m here.”

“Because you’re in...” I can’t bring myself to say that last word. It still feels too strong.

“Yes. I just feel like I moved too quickly, me and my stupid assertive self. I need to know if you’re... okay with this.” She gestures between me and her.

I close the gap. “Of course I am. Why else do you think I trusted you with my body?” Okay, that came out wrong. I shake my head and try again. "Everypony sees me as the loveless wonder, the one who's too intelligent for her own well-being. She's in over her head, she’s too powerful to possibly be sane, they say. Magic is just mundane in this school. You, Rose... You were the first to look inside me and see my magic as something otherworldly, and that reminded me of who I am. Nopony has ever made me feel so strong."

As I speak, it’s like I’m channeling my found confidence back into Rosemary. She snickers as the last parts leave my lips. She pulls me in for what must be our hundredth cuddle of the day. I can feel her cold breath on my muzzle. "Don't need to hear a novel, sug,” she says. “Never was much of a reader to begin with. Just tell me plain and simple."

I guess I don’t need to say anything else, other than this. “I really like you, Rose...”

This time, it’s my turn to make the first move. Albeit with a bit of a tremble, I move my muzzle forward and plant my lips against hers.

How can I describe this... It’s like my body is melting, but not in a painful or morbid way, more like I’m a slow, gentle current of a lake on a perfect summer day, not a cloud in the sky to be found, except for just one, which I’m laying on, tossing and turning and snuggling the fluffy mass because it just feels so good on my coat, except I’m not snuggling the cloud, I’m snuggling Rosemary, whose strong grip acts a shield against all the bandits and draugr and wolves and dragons, even when the dragons breath fire which doesn’t hurt me, only serving to heat my already burning heart, which pounds and echoes like Rhapsody on the drums, thump, thump, thump, going ever faster until it’s like the wind is in my face because I’m flying higher and higher until I break and fall, back down into the blanket of love and affection where Rosemary is waiting for me, and I seize ahold of her because she needs me so... That’s what a single, mutual kiss with her is like for me.

That must be why it feels like I’m about to, bloody hell... It’s like I’m about to burst. I could spontaneously combust. Every single trace of emotion I’ve felt throughout the day, the love, the anticipation, the anxiety, the confidence, the passion... It wells up into a single concentration of pure energy and just... escapes.

My legs turn to noodles. I fall against Rosemary, gasping and moaning as the pressure builds in my horn. A gradually brightening light nearly blinds me. A sudden burst of magenta aura escapes me, shining outward and enveloping me and Rosemary both before fading into nothing.

As the darkness consumes me, I see Sundance, Eavesdrop and Lancer spying on me through the window. They’re cheering for me, Lancer most of all... And now I know no more.

~Vision End~

Caro and Tohro have hardly budged from their spot. They've seen students shuffle awkwardly with their dance partners, waltzing to the slow numbers and stomping to the fast ones. Caro in particular gets a kick out of watching Sundance leap from student to student, often twirling about with them and galloping off before any questions can be asked.

A true spectacle occurs when Symphony summons an ethereal piano, of all things. Translucent keys lay before her, yet they sound out like the real thing at her touch.

“Oi, fellas.”

Caro looks down and gasps when he sees Rosemary at the flight of steps below him, with Shae draped across her back. “Is she okay?” he asks immediately. Her blissful smile answers his question, so he relaxes. “I suppose it is getting rather late for her.”

“It’s a shame our dance had to end so soon, but it was somethin’ special while it lasted.” Rosemary runs her hoof through Shae’s mane. “I’m going to take this sweetheart to bed, then I’ll meet you both back out here?”

Caro and Tohro are both about to nod but Shae interrupts. She tugs on Rosemary and gives a barely audible whimper. “Stay with me....”

Rosemary responds with a gentle touch. “Okay...” She turns back to Caro and Tohro. “Forget that last, fellas. I guess my visit is extending to tomorrow morning.” She briefly glances at the supervising Headmaster Frosthelm on the other end of the room. “Much as I love this academy, I’d hate to abuse my welcome.”

“Just say your goodbyes in the early morning before any of the other students wake up,” Tohro suggests. “As for Caro, he’ll be leaving...”

Caro’s gaze is outside the window, where Neigh Hrothgar is close enough for a pegasus to reach in just a few minutes. “Fairly soon,” he says.

“Right. And I have my own business to attend to,” says Tohro. “Just a personal grudge I have to settle.”

This brings a bout of silence to Dragonrein, made even more awkward by the chattering of other ponies surrounding them. They all catch themselves feeling incredibly solemn, except for Shae, who is too inebriated to feel much of anything.

Caro finally breaks the pause. “I’ll just come out and say it. What with Tohro’s personal matters, me going to Neigh Hrothgar and Shae staying at this academy, this is going to be a time of separation for this guild. It feels a tad shameful for us to go our separate ways after, eventful as it was, a rather short time.” He looks to Rosemary. “And so soon after you signed on.”

“I’d wait a hundred years if that’s how long it takes for us to come together again,” says Rosemary, thumping her chest. “This guild encompasses all the good Equestria needs.”

“Which is why, no matter how far we stray apart, we will,” Caro stops and shakes his head, “we must find each other again. Got it?”

Tohro and Rosemary salute at the same time.

“Here’s my proposal,” says Tohro. “Once we all have the time, we should reunite in The Broken Saddle in Baltimare. It’s a delightful little bar. The mead is fine and the barmaids are finer!”

Rosemary laughs at that. “Then it’s settled. I’ll go there once every day waiting for you both. Well,” she seductively eyes the unicorn on her back, “at least when I’m not paying this beauty a visit.” She starts on her way to the corridors, leaving Caro and Tohro to themselves again. There’s not much more to do but wait for the students to dance themselves into comas while Xephyr and his fellow bards play and sing their hearts out.

Caro eyes Tohro, whose presence seems to be elsewhere. “So, what personal grudge are we talking about here?” He tilts his head. “You’re not dabbling in assassination again, are you?”

Tohro shrugs him off and faces away. “It’s my fight.”

That brings about more silence between the only two present members of Dragonrein. They can’t bring themselves to speak of the touchy subjects plaguing their consciences, with Caro having to cooperate with Shokenda in order to grow stronger, and Tohro doing the one thing he would have been court martialed for even considering when he was part of the Blackwings. That threat in his mind keeps him from coming out and saying it.

It’s when Symphony stretches out her forelegs and starts moving her hooves gracefully across the summoned keys that Caro is suddenly struck with an idea that only such an inspirational sound could give him. He turns to Tohro. “Ugh, this is the part where you ask me to dance with you, isn’t it?”

Tohro does a double take. “Wha- No, I wasn’t going t-”

“Well okay, if you insist, friend.” Caro seizes Tohro by the barrel and drags him down the stairs.

“No, I don’t want to d-”

“You are truly persuasive!” Tohro’s thrashing is useless against Caro’s strength, and the two inevitably end up in the center of the dance floor. “No, no, don’t worry. It’s no big deal, really. I don’t mind. I should warn you though, I can’t dance to save my life.”

Tohro leers at Caro, his eyes narrow and his face red. “You’re incorrigible!”

“And you’re an ass, yet here we are.” Caro laughs loud and proud, and Tohro finds himself doing the same.

The piano solo comes to a sudden and jarring end, followed by Rhapsody slamming her drums and several lutes joining in at once. The song goes from quiet and peaceful to loud and climatic, prompting Caro and Tohro to bob their heads and shuffle their hooves in unison, losing themselves in a disorderly hustle.

“Today I woke and looked outside again,
but the sky looked the same to me.
Something told me that this world had changed!
Couldn't figure out, what could it mean?

Some say to get out fast, looks like it's gonna last,
get all your things and fly, don’t leave nothing behind...
Some said it'll be okay, just go ahead and stay!
Be sure to drink your iodine!

The wind is pushing me into the clouds again,
I feel the blood in my veins!
Time is running free! I feel like letting go,
just like the Dangan!”

~Shae~

There are many different ways magic can tax on the body, and I’ve encountered two of the major three thus far. The first, what I experienced outside Beak Falls Barrow, was an overdrive. In times of stress or mortal peril, a unicorn might release a lot of their magic at once. Oftentimes, it causes catastrophe. The second tax, which I like to call an emotional onslaught, is a bit rarer and much more mild. It’s a simple matter of one’s emotions boiling to the surface and bursting out, like a volcano of feelings. Unlike overdrives, however, onslaughts end in complete exhaustion. That’s what I just went through.

So I can only lay here in my four poster bed, unable to move an inch, or even open my eyes. But the covers are so warm and the mattress is unbelievably fluffy... I’m okay with this. I’m also very much okay with Rosemary’s chest pressed up against my back, her hooves resting across my heart. I don’t think she was even that sleepy when she fell in with me. I told her to stay, and she stayed.

Rose being with me doesn’t change as I fade in and out of sleep. I think Lancer comes by once, so does Sundance... Eavesdrop doesn’t come, but the poor dear is a little antisocial, so I don’t hold it against her. Not entirely sure why the other two were here, though. I think they just wanted to ensure I’m here to stay. I am, I truly am... Thankfully, I didn’t have to do anything to assure them otherwise.

It’s when Tohro and Caro pass through that I actually have to put my mouth to use. I prefer to avoid that if I can, but for them, I can make an exception. The conversation is very broken for me, since my senses refuse to work at their best, but as far as I’m aware, Caro reassures me that I’m strong enough to survive anything that life will throw at me, and all he wants is for me to be safe... Tohro promises he will be checking in over the next few months, that’s sweet of him... I mutter, “...I love you...” to both of them, and I believe they say the same, albeit not word for word... There’s a lot of embracing. I’ve had enough of hugs for tonight...

Just like so, they’re gone. I’m alone again, back at my home on the mountain that kisses the sky. Little Shae, the finest student. Well... I’m not entirely alone. I nestle up closer to Rosemary, appreciating every moment of this. Just this...

And I awake. It’s still the early hours of dawn, with the sun’s light barely peeking over the mountain range. This is a good excuse as any to remove myself from the covers. It’s time for me to attack the day... It almost pains me to leave Rosemary alone in the bed, but she’ll have to let go eventually. I’d rather it be now than later, when we’re both conscious. I’m not fond of tearful goodbyes.

It’s time for the morning routine. I slip on my red robes and overcoat, shielding me from the cold. I levitate my glasses onto my muzzle. My sight is crisp. I run a brush through my mane. It lays straight as ever. I retrieve my bag... Oh. My hornlet is still in here. I look back between it and the sleeping mare who gifted it to me. Just for her, I slip it on my horn. I’m going to need effective black magic spells if I’m going to... study. There’s no one to fight here, Shae...

There’s an unusual grumbling in my stomach. An early breakfast will do me well, and if I can still avoid a tearful goodbye, I’ll gladly bring something back for Rose. The idea of roasted vegetable dumplings is overwhelming compared to traveler rations...

Even for the early morning, even for Wintercolt, it’s unseasonably quiet. I’d expect to at least hear some early birds talking amongst themselves. Then again, the gala must have lasted well into the night, so I’d understand if the students are less than eager to wake at this hour, even if it’s a day off. That just means I’ll have the study hall to myself. Provided it’s not infested by draugr... wait, there aren’t any draugr at this school. Where’s my head?

I sort through my bag, ensuring I have all the potions... books I need for an effective session. Today I’ll be researching the history of conjuration magic and Starswirl the Bearded’s many contributions to the art. That should be enlightening. I would like to learn how to summon an ethereal sword so I may... show my friends.

I gasp when I notice the particular book I need is nowhere to be found. I must have misplaced it. But there’s no need for me to worry. Headmaster Frosthelm is bound to have a spare copy sitting about. It may be early in the morning but I’m sure he won’t mind in the slightest.

I ascend the spiral staircase to the headmaster’s quarters. It’s an awfully long climb, but it makes sense that the master of this academy would live in the tallest tower. After that ordeal, all that lies between me and that book, and possibly some encouraging words, is a short trot through the hallway.

I pause when I see a flash of blue emanating from the cracks in the doorway. My first instinct is to assume Frosthelm is refining his skills, but that shade of blue doesn’t quite match his aura... No, that’s not his. It’s Clover the Clever’s! She must be in there. Why would she, though? Perhaps she took up his offer on the tea, or maybe...

When I hear a panicked, gravelly scream, I bolt to the door. It would be unwise to open it this instant, but luckily for me, it’s slightly ajar. I take a page out of Eavesdrop’s book and peek on inside.

I have to be dreaming. This is a bloody nightmare. It can’t be anything else. There is no reality would Clover the Clever have Headmaster Frosthelm pinned to the wall by clusters of ice. Veins show in her eyes as she watches him bellow. Every muscle in my body tells me to sprint for the hills but I just can’t look away. What the fuck is going on?!

Clover spits at the ground beneath Frosthelm. “Why?! I’ll tell you why! For a decade and beyond I watched innocent ponies starve and freeze to death in an apocalyptic blizzard. Their lives could have been saved, but you and the rest of Gran Magus were reclining in your castles and palaces! I was the only unicorn who saw the pain and the suffering! If it weren’t for like-minded ponies like Smart Cookie and Pansy, you and everypony else would be dead! Fauste! Fucking! Dead! And what could I have done about it? I was suckling at the teats of her royal whoreness for her own sick sexual pleasure while she lusted for her kingdom’s worst enemy!”

Frosthelm remains defiant, even in the face of that expositional assault. Still, I know he’s just as terrified and confused as I am. “And why must I suffer for this?” he asks quietly.

“I told you! You were one of the ignorants!” Clover strikes Frosthelm in the chest with a non-elemental burst. “Well, no more. Tonight, everything is going to change.”

“How?”

Clover’s smile turns sick and twisted, something I’d never imagine on her. It looks... wrong. “When Starswirl the Bearded crowned you his star pupil, I watched as he gifted you with his most powerful ornament, the Amulet of Fauste!”

“It was a trinket and nothing more, you know that!” Frosthelm’s eyes betray his words, darting to his lockbox on the counter.

“Now why would you leave an object of such magical potential laying about in the open?” Clover wheels around and sends a magic spark to the box. With a controlled burst, the lock shatters. Clover reaches in and retrieves a black necklace. It’s shaped like the head and wings of an alicorn, with a single red gem in the center. “You’ve fallen from grace, old friend. You’re not as brilliant as our master held you to be.”

“You’re insane...” Frosthelm growls.

“No. For the first time my eyes have been opened.” Clover faces the ground. She smiles serenely, as if she were just coddled by someone she loves. “Shokenda... Your vision grants me purpose...”

That brings Frosthelm to his breaking point. “Shokenda?!” His hooves break free of the ice. He lands with finesse, as per usual. I’m silently cheering for him, even though my entire world is collapsing around me. “Shokenda is nothing more than a mad child with a god complex! You know not what she truly wants!”

Clover snaps out of her meditating. “And you do?”

“She-”

“She’s brilliant, that’s what she is! She dreams of a world without barriers, without fear or oppression! No racism, no bigotry! That is her perfect world, and mine! If you won’t let it be...” Clover’s aura has gone from blue to a harsh, blinding red. She casts a blade that shreds through the marble floor. Frosthelm leaps over and charges what I recognize as a beam spell. Clover just smirks and teleports out of harm’s way. She reappears overhead. “THEN STAND ASIDE!” With a single burst of red light from her horn, Frosthelm cries out in agony and collapses into dust.

My teacher. The one who believed I could become the most powerful mage in Equestria. Reduced to ashes in an instant. What the fuck. What the fuck.

I rely on my mind to tell me what to do: Run.

Evidently that’s not enough. Clover the Clever’s hooded companions block my path. I charge the best teleportation spell I can manage, but they intercept, snatching me in mid-leap. I manage to sneak a glance under both their hoods, expecting equine faces. Instead, I see one of their bodies is made entirely of icy mist, and the other made of electric sparks. Elementals...

“You are correct, Shae, they are elementals,” I hear Clover say. “Here’s another bit of advice to you: if you’re trying your hoof at stealth, don’t think out loud.”

All that is left for me is the descension of my mind, heart and world as I’m cast into the pit.

What. The. FUCK?!