//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: Violet Son Rising // by Griffon Lawyer //------------------------------// The flash of cameras was blinding. Golden Morning took a moment to adjust his gentle eyes to the brightness. The Vaideva was meeting with journalists from all over the world in a library in Swordsson; he chose this location for its architectural beauty and as a symbol of Longsword’s progress in the months since the civil war and Violet Revolution, as well as the fact that Morning himself was an illiterate revolutionary up until a few weeks ago when he got his first grasp on reading and writing. Outside, there was a revolutionary commotion sweeping across all of Longsword. Violet guards, most of them very young or even teenagers, were walking through the streets in roaming bands. Ever since the violet revolution swept into power, each town in Longsword had become a hive of revolutionary activity as the young accelerationists got to work reshaping everything to the will of their Vaideva. Golden Morning was proud of them. “Golden Morning!” A young mare stepped forward from amongst the assembled journalists, “Our readers in the Equestria Daily would like to know if this Revolution has more in common with the one in Stalliongrad, or is closer to Wingbardian Fascism!” She spoke with a small smile and the typical journalist curiosity that one finds amongst young mares. “The Violet Revolution cannot be boxed into any other ideological corner." Golden Morning replied calmly, "We have borrowed from Communism what Communism has to offer, and we have borrowed from Fascism as well. However, I would argue that Naujoji Grifonija is unlike any other movement across the world, with the notable exception of Amilcare Fetivola’s Traditionalist movement in Talouse, but he and I have plenty of differences as well.” The young mare went on with her question as a handsome griffon journalist approached from a different angle, preparing to ask his own question soon. “Could you elaborate on that further, Vaideva?” “Of course. Fetivola and I are what you might call Esotericists, but we are polar opposites in one specific aspect. He is a Radical Traditionalist and I would consider myself a radical Accelerationist, or perhaps even a Futurist. In correspondence, I have argued back and forth with Fetivola about our two philosophies, and we have reached an understanding of sorts even though we do not fully agree on the direction society should take.” Before he could elaborate further, the young Griffon approached, “My readers from Cloudbury are curious as to the relationship your government has with Hellquill, Herzland, and the Riverlands. What is your place in this world?” Golden Morning looked at him with determination in his voice, “The Reformisten and their ilk must be stamped out forever. Naujoji Grifonija does not expect assistance from anyone, especially the Herzland Imperialists.” Golden Morning thought about openly announcing his ambitions to annex the Riverlands and the Herzland, but decided to keep a tight lip about it. Developing Longsword and securing Hellquill were his immediate concerns, although he was monitoring the unfolding civil conflicts in the neighboring lands with cunning interest. Morning then spotted a Marksist Stallion among the assembled journalists and noticed the Stalliongrad pin on his coat. Morning approached the pony, “I will show you Communists how to make a real revolution. In your nation, there is tyranny and materialism. You promise the Equestrian ponies freedom, but you will only tear down their culture, their magic, and their faith. They will have little to live for in your new world. The Violet Revolution embraces all creatures, and will provide a role for each race to play, both magical and technological.” The Stalliongrad stallion stared back at Morning with an unamused, blank face, “In your fledgling nation, Vaideva, there is an emerging personality cult parallel to a restructuring of religion according to your ideas. I can’t help but think you’re not too different from the Reformisten you claim to oppose. How do you respond?” Morning briefly bit his own tongue. It stung like a wasp to be compared to the Reformisten, but the pony had a point. “Marksists always tend to identify religion with supremacist politics, but you are mistaken. Our faith welcomes all creatures and is a well from which all of my warriors draw strength from, griffons and posniaks alike.” The Cloudbury griffon spoke up again, “No doubt, they will need this strength in your looming war against Wingfried. It will be a very bloody battle… you may inherit a Hellquill reduced to ruins.” Golden Morning quickly turned back to the griffon, rounding right onto him with the spark of religious ferocity in his eyes. “We the creatures of Longsword are not afraid of ruins. It was us commonfolk who built up the magnificent palaces of both the East and the West, and are rapidly developing Longsword as we speak. The Reformisten can try to defy us… they can destroy their entire world before exiting the stage of history.” Golden Morning paused for a moment before looking through the windows outside. There were Violet Guards, almost all of them young adults and teenagers, who were parading through the streets with their hooves and talons in the air, cheering and chanting. He continued, “We have a new world growing in our hearts. It grows day by day, minute by minute. It’s growing now even as I speak to you…”