As she approached the white city on the mountain, Thrud smiled at the beauty of this shining jewel of a city. A stream of bipedal equines and other strange races flowed into the city. Several among the parade of entrants glanced nervously upon her, but otherwise did not challenge her.
"It appears that the race that I have become is unknown and a trifle unwelcome in this shining city." She thought, "This must be a fraction of what Hel experienced. Judged for her appearance, not the strength of her heart."
Walking up to the gates she beheld twin guards, one in gleaming golden armor with white trim and the other in black and silver. Moving towards the gates, she was immediately singled out by the guards.
"Halt, dragon. What is your business in our fair city?" The golden one demanded.
Thrud bowed her head, all the while noting that the one of Silver and Black had moved to support his comrade.
Replying to the Golden Guards query she said. "One who I knew in childhood and would become reacquainted with has retreated to this city. I know not what she looks like now but I know that she was at one point here. I seek only to find her, or barring that any knowledge of where she journeyed from here."
The golden guard scoffed, "You are well spoken for a dragon, but I doubt any who you could possibly know would come through this gate. Go to the west side with the other peasants."
Thruds ire rose, glancing past the guard of blinding light, she looked to the one of darkest shadow, one hand was upon his sword and the other was behind his back. Thrud snorted her anger out her nose as she recalled Slepneirs words.
Nodding her head she replied, "I shall do so, I believe you are correct in that she would not have come through this gate. I am sure the other was more to her liking and were I to be honest, mine as well. I apologize for bothering you, good day."
Turning she walked back to the path that winded around the mountain, further ignoring the disdainful looks of all that entered this gate of the rising sun, heading towards the western gate, Thrud smiled.
"I have always preferred the sunset anyway." She groused.
Several hours latter, Thrud came to a much less well kept door, the arrivals that made their way through this door were both fewer in number and seemed more intent on their own business then any interest in her. Thrud Smiled.
"Indeed Hel would have much prefered this gate. The cool of the mountain shade graces it and there is a much better class of beings then at the Eastern Gate." She groused.
Hearing a chuckle, she turned and beheld a Mare of Burning hair.
"That's why when I come to visit I come to this door." The Mare Said. "What's your name? I haven't seen many dragons come through here?"
Thrud nodded her head, this time in the manner of saluting and equal, "My name is Thrud, and I wish to find the sister of my heart, Hel. I know that she came to this city, but I know not if she is still here or not, nor where she may have gone from here. But forgive my rudeness, what may I call you?"
"My name is Sunset Shimmer, I am here to meet my own sister of my heart. If Any will know how to find yours it will be her."
"It is fortuidous that I met you, then." Thrud replied, "Could this be more the happenstance?"
Sunset smiled, "I geuss you are just going to have to follow me and find out. Hmmmmm?"
Pushing past the much larger Dragon, Sunset swaggered up to the gates, looking back she snarked to thrud.
"Coming?"
Thrud smirked at the playful mare before her, "Indeed, I think I will come along with you. Then maybe we will be coming together?"
Sauntering up to Sunset, she followed the strutting mare, into the gleaming city on the hill."
Third followed Sunset through the streets of the golden city, admiring the sway of the equines stride and her trim form. The citizens here spared her barely a glance and soon they came to a storefront. The words DONUT JOE'S were emblazoned on the storefront and Sunset quickly entered, motioning Thrud to do the same.
As Thrud followed, she was assailed by the most divine scents imaginable. Pastries of various sorts and other breads graced glass displays. Thrud floated inside, being held aloft by the heavenly smell of sweets of all sorts. She allowed herself to be led to a booth, the smell of the food clouding her judgement. When she opened her eyes, a purple mare sat across from her, like Sunset she bore a horn, but unlike Sunset she had wings as well. Thrud felt herself brush against a furry arm and realized she had allowed Sunset to put her against the window. Still, it gave her a perfect view of the fiery haired mares form and it was not the worst situation to be squeezed against a shapely female. The purple mare snorted, clearing her throat.
"Thrud Thordotter, the deeds of the Asgard towards those that should have been family unto you has made Magic, even harmony itself, very angry with your people. The debt must be paid."
Thrud smiled sadly, "Then I was lured here by the pretty one here?"
Sunset looked upon Thrud, her eyes regretful as she confirmed, "I too am an element of Magic, but Twilight here is the actual Princess of Friendship. Our elements call out for this wrong to be rectified. For the scales to balance. Afterwards though? I have never tasted dragon before, I wonder how long they can keep? And you did say we could come together, I would hate that to be an idle boast."
Thrud turned away from Sunset's half lidded eyes to hide her own blush at the pretty mare's words. Shaking her head she Addressed 'Twilight.'
"Well, Princess Twilight, what is thy judgment. I seek Hel so that I could make amends, so that I could claim her as my sister. I would gladly abide by your decree, if it would clear the debt between her and I."
Twilight's glare softened at Thruds words and she commanded, "You shall take the place of the warden of Tarturus till Hel herself comes to relieve you, when she does so you will be forgiven. I wish there was another way, but the Magic of Friendship itself is angered by what your people did. Bow your head and me and Sunset will do the rest."
Thrud did as she commanded, as she did so Sunset's voice whispered busily in her ear, "Serve your sentence well and there will be treats when you get out."
A flash of light and the smell of delectables was replaced with sulfur and blood. The calm quiet of a bakery replaced by the constant moaning of one's in pain. Instead of at a comfortable both she sat at a sterile wooden desk, piled high with overdue paperwork. The chair was metal and uncomfortable. The door opened and in walked Sunset.
Sitting upon the edge of the desk, Sunset smirked at the shock on Thruds face.
"I couldn't very well let my new friend suffer alone, now could I? Besides, now we can get to know each other properly and I can show you the ropes."
Thrud smiled and reached for an ink pot and quil to begin her new duties, for even in the depths of Tartarus friendships can be formed.