//------------------------------// // Prologue // Story: On the Origins of Harmony // by Pen Perfect //------------------------------// NOTE: This prologue is somewhat optional. If you choose not to read it, there will be no negative repercussions in terms of your ability to understand the story itself. ******* Perhaps it is time... the pale white pony contemplated as she strode towards her private chambers, her footsteps reverberating about the deserted corridor. It was not often she had time to herself to think, thoroughly occupied with all of the affairs associated with running a bustling kingdom. When she wasn't dealing with some urgent matter or hearing the complaints and requests of Equestria's denizens, she was bound to fulfill her social obligations to Equestria's nobility, attending one extravagant function or another. Celestia knew she couldn't complain, in truth feeling that to do so would be unjustified considering her lavish lifestyle, but these occupations served to leave her precious little time to herself. The early hours of the night had thus become one of her favourite times, although she was unwilling to divulge this fact to anypony, least of all her little sister. In fact, she now looked forward to her post-sunset stroll through the grand corridors and grounds of the palace to her chambers as a sort of nightly event. This serene handful of minutes each night was one the scant few times she had available to her to be completely alone with her thoughts, barring of course the occasional guard on patrol in the palace. She knew that this time was precious and had resolved herself to making the best possible use of it. Thus from the moment she departed the ceremony of the setting of the sun, Celestia focused her mind almost entirely on whatever issue was preeminent that particular day, determined to make every second count in her peaceful meditation. Her tranquil stroll through the palace grounds provided the perfect relaxed setting for these sessions of reflective contemplation. Today, the foremost issue which wracked her mind was not a new one, but rather one that had troubled her for decades. Perhaps it is time they should know... Celestia paused in the moonlit gardens, taking in the rich aromas of the innumerable flours as thoughts buzzed through her head like their daytime nurturers. She always enjoyed the soothing aromas of the flowers when she was deep in thought. Taking a deep breath to clear her mind, she continued on her stroll. Perhaps they are ready to know the truth of where they came from... of what their ancestors have done... Celestia arrived at the entrance into the final corridor, acknowledging the two guards flanking the entrance with gentle nods of her head. The guards saluted sharply and quickly opened the doors for her. It's been difficult preventing them from discovering the truth already, I can't hide it forever... Celestia slowly strode down the magnificent corridor, the grandest in the entire palace. She gazed around, still amazed by the magnificent pillars; the breathtaking floor which, by some magic, had been made to glow almost like the sun; the walls with stunning gold inlays and patterns; the awe-inspiring ceiling, covered in spectacular works of art by some of Equestria's finest artists... It was indeed a sight to behold. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad. Knowledge of past evils may not necessarily encourage their repetition. Perhaps they may even learn from the mistakes of their ancestors. In fact, there are even some benevolent examples that they may learn from... Celestia arrived at the large, beautifully-crafted doors of her private chambers. The two ponies guarding the doors snapped into a sharp salute, their golden armor shimmering in the light that seemed to radiate from the floor. Who am I to deny them the truths of their origins? Would Harmony approve of what I have done...? The two unicorn guards opened the doors for Celestia with their magic, allowing her to enter, before gently closing the doors behind her. Still, there's no way of knowing what would happen... Celestia walked purposefully over to the largest of her bookshelves. Can they handle the truth, or would it mortify and depress them beyond consolation? I can't stand to think what would happen to the emotionally sensitive ponies of the Crystal Empire should they be exposed to such a brutal story... She paused momentarily, scanning the shelf, before gingerly drawing out a rather inconspicuous looking novel and placing it down on a table. It was a rather large book with a simple green cover. It appeared to be shoddily made and heavily worn out. Its pages drooped and the cover was in very poor condition, barely holding the book together. On the cover in large, faded blue letters was: What To Do When Everything is Going Wrong By Hovered Posy It may embolden some to repeat the evil acts of their ancestors. If they know the pure evil they are capable of, who knows what they would do... Celestia's horn suddenly shone out magnificently in the dimness of the candlelit room. The book levitated and was briefly engulfed in brilliant golden light before falling back to the table, transformed almost as a phoenix is reborn. The book bore no resemblance to the beaten old novel it had appeared to be mere moments ago. It now took the form of a leather-bound book in perfect condition. Its cover was a magnificent golden hue, appearing almost as if it was emanating pure sunlight. The cover was inlaid with numerous intricate patterns and designs, a remarkable testament to the artistic skill of the book's creator. Emblazoned on its cover in large, ruby-red letters was: On the Origins of Harmony By Kroner Jilt Under the Guidance of Her Royal Highness, Princess Celestia They are happy as it is, why make them feel burdened with past evils? Almost nopony has shown any real interest in their history after all... Celestia stared for several minutes at the orphan book. Truly it is an orphan in that it is the only book of its kind, yet also in a deeper sense in that its author had recently, one week to the day to be precise, passed away of old age. It is a shame that he never saw his master work published, but the risks are simply too great... Celestia thought on, still debating the idea fiercely within her mind. But the tide had turned. Where moments ago possible benefits had surged forward in her mind, innumerable fears of the potential consequences now stood dominant. Years ago she had commissioned the writer, Kroner Jilt, to create a book on the complete, unaltered history of Equestria. It was planned to be released should the day ever come when Celestia deemed it acceptable for the general public to learn the true history of the land. She had given him all the information he needed; tales of the creation of Equestria, the past atrocities of its inhabitants, the origins of the evil forces which have plagued the land, the truth behind the origins of many modern festivals and celebrations, and any other information possibly needed to draft a comprehensive story of the development of Equestria from creation to what it is today. Kroner Jilt made great sacrifices in the creation of the book, as he knew he would from the beginning. For it was stipulated that should he choose to accept the royal commission and create the book, he would have to remain in seclusion in the Canterlot Palace until either he passed, or the time came for the book to be released. This was the condition placed on receiving the honour, and possible later fame, of writing this story of Equestria's true past. And though he waited over 25 years in his secret room of the castle, attended to almost as royalty by servants sworn to utmost secrecy, he would not live to see his work published. The risks are just too great... Celestia laid a hoof gently upon the cover of the book, tears beginning to well up in her eyes upon reflecting the fate of the author. She gingerly lifted the cover and began to, for what she believed to be at least the tenth time, read the familiar text. Perhaps...One day...