The receiving pony leads Dusk out of the cold and into the heart of the Academy. After several minutes of walking, they arrive before a large double door. It opens at their approach. Inside sit a group of five ponies: three unicorns, a Pegasus, and an Earth Pony. Behind each stands a retainer.
The Hall is wood, like the rest of the building. It smells of pine needles and smoke. A fireplace casts the only light. The dark wood gives the large room a cramped feeling in spite of its size. Dusk walks in and stands before the group.
"I am Dusk Crystal, unicorn of Canterlot, student of Princess Celestia. I have come under orders by Princess Celestia to your Academy and to present a letter from the Princess."
Two of the unicorns cast her suspicious glances. Dusk tries to ignore them, but can't help but meeting there eyes. Pan runs up beside her and presents the letter with a respectful bow. The elder unicorn in the center levitates it towards the group. He breaks the seal and attempts to read it. Unfortunately for him, the other ponies begin to struggle to read it as well. Eventually, tired of their bickering, the unicorn silences them and begins to read it aloud. The other unicorns rise from their seats and swiftly depart. Their escorts give Dusk a quizzical look as they're dragged from the Hall. The remaining unicorn sighs.
"We welcome you, young filly. I am Master Helios, the Head Master of this Academy and chair person of the council you stand before. The help that Her Grace has sent is much appreciated. It's often said that not even the Light of Celestia reaches this far North. It's good to see that's not true. Unfortunately, some of my colleagues are not so thrilled at your arrival. I must be frank; we are in grave danger. Tundragrov is under siege."
"Siege, Master Helios? From what? I saw no armies at your gate."
"Not from mortal forces."
"Then what?"
"Windigos, my foal, lap at our gates. They churn the skies, kicking up ferocious storms. And, with the city divided in its heart, we feed our very destruction. You know of Luna, of course? There are many in this city who still support her cause. Those ponies you saw leave are among them. This tragedy has left many scars on Equestria, but, particularly here. It's only by the vigilance of my friend Captain Gale, leader of the Charger Guard, that the city hasn't fallen to chaos yet. If only guards could protect our hearts as well."
"I don't understand, Celestia didn't mention Windigos when she sent me. She wanted me to study friendship."
The Earth ponies holds back a laugh, burying her face and pretending to sneeze. The unicorn eyes her, but says nothing.
"Windigos feed off animosity. It strengthens them. Too much of it, and they can consume entire cities. Celestia tells me you are her solution to our problem. Miss, you must understand, we are cut off. The frost creeps through our streets. Normal fire gives us no warmth. Our blanks are becoming our shrouds. Already, Captain Gale's guards sweep the streets daily for the frozen. You are, for better or worse, all we have now."
"So, I'm a mediator."
"It would seem so."
Dusk is about to protest when she recalls Pan's words and Celestia's apparent faith in her.
"I understand. How should I begin?"
"Wonderful. The two ponies you saw storm off hold saw over the remaining elements which support Luna. If you can convince them of the need to heal these wounds, then, maybe, we can save the city."
"Where can I find them?"
"The white unicorn was Lord Diamond. He's in charge of the second guard, the Shield. His unicorns are responsible for the magic wards in place which keep the elements and the Windigos at bay. He lives in the Frost Spire. The purple one was High Society. It's only by blood and influence among the prestigious elements of the city that she has a spot on this council. She is in the Cloud Spire."
"I'll speak with them."
Dusk pauses
"Are there really that many in this city who praise Night's Eye?"
"Yes, this city was once almost fully in support of her," He grimaces "-myself included. In the end, the Unicorn lost most of our power as a result of our treason. We weren't trusted. It's that loss of rank which has so many unicorns arrayed against us. They refuse to sit as equals with the other ponies. They're blind fools. They will never regain that power. It's time to move on and adapt to this new world, and try to make it better for the new generations who didn't have to grow up with that."
Finished with her questions, Dusk moves on.
"Thank you. I should begin soon if things are really so dire."
"You will be housed here in the Academy. My protege, Aurora Ribbon, will be your escort and roommate. She is very knowledgeable on the school and shall help you with whatever you need."
He motions to a pink and green unicorn behind him. She steps forward and flashes a beaming smile. Her eyes glow with a bright intelligence.
"Hello, Dusk. Is it true you're Celestia's sole pupil? That's amazing. I admit, I'm so very jealous. My mane isn't normally this color you know!"
She laughs at her own joke. Dusk laughs politely.
"Anyway, please, follow me to your quarters. Master Helios has given me the honor of being your host. We get to be roommates!"
Dusk finds her slightly infections and returns the smile,
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'd love for you to show me around."
Aurora leaps down from the state and walks past Dusk to the door. She turns at the open door.
"Well, off we go."
Dusk follows her out into the corridor. Almost everything is made of wood. Flames made from magic chase each other between the beams of the ceiling, lighting the way.
"So, how did you end up as Celestia's pupil, if I may ask?"
"I had to hatch a dragon's egg with magic."
"Wow, a dragon! That's fantastic!"
"Yeah."
"Is something the matter?"
"Oh, no, it's nothing. What's in there?"
Dusk motions towards an open doorway.
"Oh, that's the common area for this wing. We go there to hang out. You should stop be sometime. The other ponies would love to meet you."
Inside, a group of unicorns are either practicing magic or talking. It gnawed at Dusk's stomach.
"Yeah, that sounds fun. Maybe sometime."
"Sure! Hey, so tell me about this dragon."
"Well, his name is Pan, and he helps me out a lot... he makes good tea."
"Ah, what was that last part?"
"Tea, he makes good tea."
Dusk realizes she's beginning to mumble. She painfully wishes Aurora would let them continue on in silence.
"Tea. How lovely! You know, it's so hard to get such luxuries here, and, with a student's stipend, we can really only afford the bare necessities. Oh, please! you need to let me try some. I'll bring cake and can have a little party. Hey, you think we should get all the ponies together and have a welcoming party for you? I think it sounds terrific!"
Dusk's wishes would not come true. Fortunately, they finally reached the room after several more minutes of getting her ear talked off.
"And, here," Aurora declares, "is our humble dormitory. I'm sorry about having my stuff on your side. I can get so messy sometimes. Oh, hold on a minute. It's so embarrassing, really."
Aurora's horn glows a shifting stream of colors. The clutter in their room levitates itself to one side and neatly stacks itself.
"There, better. Now, we can move your things in."
"Oh, thanks, but I'll be fine by myself. I need some time to unwind, anyway."
"Oh, well, if you need any company."
"Alone, I just need some time alone."
Aurora's smile shrinks a little.
"Well, okay. Stop by the commons and say hi, yeah?"
Dusk nods and flashes a smile before closing the door behind her. She heaves a sigh.
"Sweet solitude."
She sinks to the floor, relishing her momentary privacy when a knock sounds against the door.
"Oh for- Who is it?"
"Pan, open up. I've got our stuff."
"Pan!"
She quickly opens the door, checks to make sure the corridor is empty before ushering him in.
"This is going to be tougher than I thought, Pan. I don't know how to talk to these ponies, and they expect me to be their arbitrator. I was never trained for this! No one taught me how to speak to other ponies. It's so weird."
"You talk to me fine."
"Yes, but, I've known you for so long."
"Just do what's natural, Dusk."
The comment makes Dusk burst out laughing
"Yeah, natural. About that, Pan, natural for me is not going to cut it. I'll look stupid. That filly wants to throw me a party! I've never been to one before."
"Dusk, you don't have to be afraid of looking stupid. March down there and make some friends. Don't worry, I'll go with you."
Dusk looks at him with anxiety in her eyes.
"Okay."
The walk down the corridor to the commons. Pan forcing her onwards. They're almost there when Captain Gale comes around the corner and calls out,
"Miss Crystal. Might I have a word with your about your mission?"
Dusk uses the opportunity to quickly squirm away from Pan. The prospect of formal business was far more appealing than the informal intricacies of socializing. Pan huffs behind her as she rushes to meet the Captain.
"Of course, Captain."
He bows.
"Then, Lass, follow me to the ramparts. There is something I must show you."
"Lead the way, Sir."
He nods curtly and takes off at a brisk pace. Dusk finds herself out of breath and nearly trotting to keep up. At least, she thought, he makes for a quiet companion. Finally, they reach the walls. The wind blows fiercely, causing Dusk to shrink against the cold. If it bothered Gale, he betrayed no outward sign of it. Standing guard at a turret is the Pegasus which stood with Gale in the assembly. Unlike Gale, this one is covered in a thick coat and shivers in the bone-cutting wind.
"Cadet Glidell, report."
The addressed Pegasus snaps to attention.
"Sir, all secure, Sir!"
"Excellent. Cadet, go to the den and warm yourself. I shall relieve you for now."
She bows and descends the stairs, giving a brief glance towards Dusk. Their eyes meet for an instant before both quickly look away.
"Tell me, Unicorn, do you know much about the Windigo?"
"Just that they feed on animosity."
"What about this city, then? What do you know of it?"
"Nothing except for the Academy and what Master Helios told me."
"I see they've educated you well. Never mind, I shall remove your ignorance. Tundragrov stands upon the Northern frontier of Equestria. It forms the center of a defensive line against the North. Until recently, it was dominated by a ruling class of Unicorn. When Luna," He spits at her name, "rebelled, the traitor, the Unicorn threw themselves into her service. Their already overbearing power over the rest of us only increased. The weight was unbearable. But Luna failed, and this city begged for mercy. The other ponies tore the power the unicorns had built down and established a more representative assembly. The bitterness of the Unicorns and the thirst for revenge from the Earth ponies and Pegasus has led to the state this city, My City, is now in. Next question, why do you suppose this treacherous city still stands? What is so important out in the wastes that we should stand guard here?"
"The Windigo-"
"Incorrect, Unicorn. The Windigo are just the immediate concern. A darker threat is across the river, to the North. Hark, look to the North and see them."
"I-I can't see anything, Captain."
"Of course you can't, Unicorn. Your vision is pitiful next to a Pegasus. Typical. It's plain as day to us. Beyond that river lies the Swarm."
"The Swarm?"
"Are all students from Canterlot so ignorant, or are you just a special case? They are a race of black, armored things, which feed on the energy of other life forms. It gives them power. A single pony, drained completely, gives one of them the strength to take on five of my Pegasus. Our scouts report, and my own observations seem to confirm, they outnumber us 15 to one. If this city falls, then Equestria will be overrun."
"How do you hold them back, if they're so strong?"
"We hold them back by holding ponies in. It starves them. They war upon each other for what scant resources they can find. It's a dead land over there. The wind itself hasn't the energy to blow. That weakness won't matter much if this city is consumed by the Windigo. Do you now realize, Unicorn, how imperative your mission is now?"
Dusk stares into the distance. Her inability to see the Swam only frustrates her.
"I see."
"For our sake, I hope you have better vision than the other Unicorn. You're dismissed. Tell Glidell to get back out here."
Dusk feels her cheeks burn. She wants to yell at this arrogant, pompous Pegasus, but all she can do is nod in defeat. A deep feeling of disgust and anger at her cowardice hits her in the gut. She spots the lone Pegasus huddled next to a fire downstairs.
"Glidell?"
She perks up.
"Yes?" Turning to face Dusk "Oh! you're the Unicorn. How may I help you?"
"Gale wants you back outside."
Dusk tries, and fails, to hide her spite at his name.
"Nice guy, isn't he? Thanks, I'll be up in a minute."
Dusk lets out a sharp laugh, and turns to leave for her room.
"Dusk! Over here! Hey!"
Aurora rushes her from the commons.
"I knew you'd come! Come on! We've made cake and Pan brought tea! I'd love for you to meet Bliss and there's Nova and Froit!"
The group welcomes her and begin to pummel her with introductions and questions. It quickly tires Dusk out. She manages to slink into a corner and begins to contemplate sneaking out. She fancies herself a stealthy spy, hidden and unseen as she moves nonchalantly towards the door when Aurora spots here again.
"Hey, you. Why the long face? We're not that bad, are we?"
"Oh no, it's not that. I just really have to-"
She remembers her promise to Pan.
"Listen, Aurora, this is really nice of you. Really, I appreciate what you're trying to do for me, but, I just can't deal with big crowds. I get so nervous when people talk to me. I'm sorry, really."
"Whoa, Dusk. That's okay. I understand. I was really shy when I got here too. I can help you come out of your shell. Don't worry, I've got your back."
Aurora beams her smile. Dusk can't help but smile back. She grabs Aurora and pulls her into a hug.
"Thank you."
"Hey, we're friends, okay?"
"Yeah."
Dusk spent the night sitting in the corner talking with Aurora. Little by little, Aurora's friends left, but the two stayed there. The flames began to extinguish themselves. Only a small red one remained, dimly casting shadows.
"Oh, it's so late. Hey, I need to write the Princess."
"Huh? Sure. Wow, what time is it? I need to get some sleep. See you in the morning, Dusk."
Finally, alone in the commons, Dusk began her first letter
"Dear Princess Celestia..."