River Swirl is many things. A born riverlander, a capable and accomplished student at Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, a teacher, and finally, the Chancellor of the River Republic.

Or, she was, at least.

Life always puts hurdles in your way to overcome, and yet, when River Swirl is voted out of office, a dream comes crashing down for her. A project she had dreamed of for so long flushed down the drain along with her career.

But she knows there has to be more to herself. More than a politician, no matter her good intentions. She always wanted to bring her ponies forward, to a brighter future. Perhaps now she can go back and look at the past, and find out just where she went wrong. A past that was as troubled as it was great.

And perhaps even the most vague of bonds of years gone by can yet grow into something far greater.

River Swirl and the locations described in this story belong to the Equestria at War alternate universe. Knowing it is not required for this oneshot, but this is where you should go if you're wondering about location names and such.