I need to lie down...

When I began writing The Codex, back before Season 3 started, it was just a simple idea of scientifically examining what we knew about the history of Equestria and filling in the gaps. Then I realised that I wanted to actually write it down and post it online, and decided to come up with a framing story. Simple enough.

I just don't know what went wrong...

I realise now why why the story became so dark so quickly. As the tale began to revolve more and more around the Elements of Harmony themselves, it became inevitable. In my canon, it is almost a necessity that their times of activation coincide with the times of greatest pain and despair. And so I find myself writing story after story of misery and anguish, piling all of the worst of it on my dearest Celestia.

I hate to do this to my favourite pony, but I am certainly not going to turn back now. I've never felt more emotionally involved in the story than I do now, and have never respected her strength of character more.

There will be a little pause before the next few chapters, as Easter is approaching, and I have a job to do as well. But there is more to come, I promise you.