//------------------------------// // Prologue: And // Story: Sow The Wind // by Jhoira //------------------------------// Her grandmother, tucked the young unicorn, Rain Shine, into bed for that night. The little filly squirmed but smiled happily up at her aging grandparent. "Story?" The wizened unicorn nodded, sitting next to her granddaughter. "Of course little one. I don't believe I've told you of the Mage Lords, have I?" Rain Shine shook her head, sitting up a little so she wouldn't fall asleep listening. Normally she'd be corrected, bed time stories were meant to make you fall asleep, but not this time. Her grandmother actually nodded. Though Rain Shine was sure it wasn't in approval, it had to be regarding something else. Normally bed time was quite strict. Almost the only thing in her family enforced strictly. And even her wider village had few rules, let others be and be yourself was their motto. However, as her grandmother started talking Rain Shine refocused, she didn't want to miss a story. "Long ago, a kingdom of unicorns rose up in the south. Their leaders were called the Mage Lords, masters of all kinds of magic. They spread their influence and might far. So far that they even reached us here. They sent their stallions to collect taxes, and took our most skilling young ones to train in their schools, and serve in their lands." Rain Shine shook her head. "No grandma! They can't make us!" Shaking her head the old mare smiled sadly. "Oh, but they did young one. Through strength of arms and magic they took what they wanted, and those who fought were killed." Rain Shine gasped and covered her mouth. "Yes, a terrible thing indeed. Be glad that you don't live in that time little one. For you are quite good at magic." Rain Shine stuck her tongue out at her grandmother. "Well if they tried I'm just make them all leave!" Smirking and standing up the matron leaned in, kissing her granddaughter on the forehand. "That's my fiery spirited granddaughter. Now go to sleep dear, we'll finish the story tomorrow." Rain Shine grumbled but her grandmother was already leaving, and there was nothing she could really do but cuddle down into her bed and try to make tomorrow come faster by falling asleep. As she got out into the main living area the tired grandmother was rebuked. "Mother! You mustn't tell her of the Mage Lords! It will give her bad dreams, she is the greatest magic user we have seen in decades! And they were defeat..." The stallion was interrupted with a snarl. "Do not lecture me, son. You have heard the rumblings to the south. The Mage Lords rise again. And if they are not stopped it is only a matter of years before they spread their influence here again." Sighing the stallion looked to the side. "I know. But that could be years from now, no need to trouble..." Interrupted again the stallion could only bow his head in obedience to the family matriarch. "But if it not, she must be told."