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// 2. The Alicorn Errant: Part 2. Warmth in Winter's Chill 
// Story: The Wanderer of the North 
// by Alaxsxaq 
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2. The Alicorn Errant: Part 2. Warmth in Winter's Chill


In the early morning light, just as the sun peaked out above the horizon, a faint glisten radiated off newly-fallen ice crystals. Fallen pine needles and twigs littered the snow resting around the bases of tall conifers, laden with white virgin powder. The drifts were now quite deep, having been replenished by a severe storm the night previous. But the forest and its steadfast population of foliage endured. The harsh and unforgiving weather during the moonlit hours starkly contrasted with the serene and quiet majesty of a calm winter morning.

The scene overhead was dotted here and there with white clouds, the blue brilliance of the sky allowing the rays of sunshine to spread about the land. There was no breeze; the air was perfectly still. Not many things were moving at this time, either still sleeping or having just laid down after a busy night. Even so, the snow was lined with animal tracks; wolves, deer, small burrowing animals―and a single line of hoofprints.

Driven to absolute desperation, a lone pony nigh-camouflaged in the snow foolishly exposed herself to the brutal northern winter. Travelers seldom ever journeyed northwards during this season; those that did knew exactly what they were doing and where they were going. This particular pony knew neither. Indeed, those ignorant travelers would soon find out how cruel the wilderness could be. Freezing to death was an all too common fate ponies and other peoples faced out here.

And so too would have been the destiny of Nikóleva. She had the misfortune of being caught in a terrible blizzard, her vision all but obscured by whiteout. Shivering and close to feeling numb in her extremities, the mare surrendered to the storm and sat down beside a tree. Nikóleva closed her eyes and waited for death to take her; to become another victim of the deadly winter.

By all reason, that mare should have perished. Yet the alicorn's journey was not complete.

For as she lay there beside the trunk, something...something she would never be able to explain compelled her to stand back up. A random thought or...a voice... Whether it was her sister, father, mother, or even Henarion...she wasn't sure. But Nikóleva obtained a feeling of resolve, as if she knew this was not the end; that her long life had only begun. A renewed fire in her belly, Nikóleva trudged on through the ice and snow, deciding to listen to this...encouragement.

Somehow, she survived that night. But this victory was short-lived. The mare had forgotten exactly how long she'd been roaming. No less than a week, for sure. And though she used her food rations very conservatively, eventually all the bread and cheese she manage to scrounge before she fled would run out; just as they did after breakfast.

Nikóleva realized in a few days' time she'd starve to death. And no motivations could prevent her very body from giving out.

Therefore she endeavored to keep moving, in whatever vain hope she could muster for some means of feeding herself. Forage was inconceivable during winter. Ponies had also long lost the ability to consume wild vegetation, a consequence of civilization: simple twigs and bark may sustain one for a time, but could not stave off the inevitable.

Sustenance had to be found elsewhere. Heretofore Nikóleva had found nothing resembling habitation; any sort of sign other ponies lived here. Hundreds of miles from that hovel, it dawned upon her just how isolated her old homestead was. It hadn't always been that way. This land once contained the nucleus of Alicorn settlement within Equestria. Unfortunately, whatever cities and villages and plowed fields resided here the forests had long reclaimed.

But just south the country was much less destitute. Within her sight, towering above the tips of giant pines was a snow-capped ridge. This low range of mountains provided the natural boundary between the now-defunct Northern March and the outlying Equestrian Princedoms, also now dissolved. Sparsely dotting the mountain summits were the silhouettes of stone guard posts. Though long abandoned, their imperious heights gave the impression that these edifices still remained ever-vigil over the untamed wilds.

Nikóleva however possessed no intentions of investigating these towers any further. That would entail ascending the mountains; no, she would opt to pass through a low valley interrupting the ridge. A mile or two from her former vantage point, Nikóleva arrived at the stony base of a dilapidated fort. Despite its crumbling appearance and being overgrown with trees and brush, the ice-cold rock of its make still held strong.

The mare crept inside, walking deliberately yet still slow enough to admire the ancient construct. Exactly how old this fort was would be a mystery lost to time. The whole chain of defensive structures stretched from the far eastern shore all the way to the foothills of the tallest mountains on the continent. At various times some sections were better maintained and stationed than others; seldom was the entire length garrisoned. At one time there was even a wall connecting the eastern-most forts together.

During the heyday of Equestria, the borders were extended past this ridge, and these defenses became unnecessary. As such, the forts and towers fell into disrepair. Consequently, when the Northern March finally collapsed nothing stood in the way when invaders swept into the Equestrian heartland. Now many forts had their stones carried away for more important projects.

A sad fate to a brilliant engineering marvel. These great forts were built long before the Alicorns immigrated to Equestria, making them no less than three or four millennia old when Nikóleva wandered through their ruins.

This particular fort had a basic square-shaped foundation laid between the bases of two adjacent mountains, the spaces from the walls and the cliffs blocked off by stone walls. Inside, a large open courtyard dominated the fort, with smaller stone buildings lining the surrounding area. In their time of use, barracks and weapons would've been held inside. Each corner of the wall was topped with a turret, undoubtedly where archers could lay waste to attacking armies.

However some of the walls and the southwest tower had been destroyed, while the ramparts were clearly smashed. Nikóleva of course had no idea who built this fort or why; she could only look on at the ruin and ponder what forces assailed its walls. But though useless for defense now, the line of fortifications still marked the boundaries between the wilderness of her homeland and the civilization of Equestria...though "civilization" was a term applied loosely.

The old iron gates had been carried off as salvage, and Nikóleva could comfortably pass through the other wall. On this side still more forest dominated the landscape. Undaunted, she bravely marched on. But those trees irked her. All along her journey, nothing but trees filled her view. Nikóleva could not look at those giant conifers without sorrow overtaking her heart.

Taberanyn loved trees.

Her sister loved the smell of freshly-cut pine as she hauled the timbers back home. The open air and outdoors delighted the blue pony. For every tree she felled, the mare would carefully plant a delicate sapling. The vast expanses of the Alicorns' homeland were absolutely covered in forests; there was no worry of a shortage. But Taberanyn knew nothing delighted Lórian more than for the Good Earth to be well cared for.

This innocent and indeed benevolent disposition was one of the younger alicorn's defining characteristics. She was often soft-spoken and at times demure, but always well-meaning. Unfortunately, Taberanyn's good nature would change and shift to something more...pragmatic. And Nikóleva above all blamed herself: she left her to those diamond dogs, where that germ perhaps was first planted.

And now, those trees only served to remind the white mare of her sister; how she failed her...how she failed her father and Henarion...how she failed herself. Nothing could deter the love Nikóleva had for her one and only sister, but the alicorn decided it was best to be estranged from her small family. Henarion would never allow harm to come to Taberanyn.

Nikóleva's rage built up. She knew her own rage led to her sister being captured, and that regret only intensified her seething. Seeing red, the pony could hardly contain the pure self-loathing. She had half a mind to fully blind herself or throw herself off a cliff. The anger grew and grew until Nikóleva seized a tree within her sight and bucked it with all the force her back legs could muster.

The alicorn’s immense strength cracked the trunk, killing the tree. Nikóleva's joints smashed together, sending her legs into short-lived but terrible agony. Her rage subsiding the mare turned around, immediately feeling remorse. She looked at the dead tree, and tears started to well from her eyes.

Taberanyn loved trees.

Nikóleva could not stay and lament, unfortunately; her environment did not allow it. Therefore she still sojourned along her unmarked path, tears falling silently onto the snow beside her steps before freezing. The only thing that could repair the great rend in her heart was a possible redemption. Taberanyn had paid for her sister's actions...for her sins; there was no justice in that.

The white pony silently vowed during that trek to abandon her selfish desires and wants. If she was to become an exile, forever doomed to wander aimlessly, Nikóleva would do all she could to aid whomever she came across. She'd require nothing more than a simple place to rest and some food, enough to sustain the alicorn.

And these two needs, whether by chance or design, would be satisfied not much farther down her road.

Emerging from the forest around midday, Nikóleva walked through a patch of tree stumps, not yet removed from the ground. Here on the other side of the mountains the snow wasn't as deep or the air as cold. Gazing out past the trunks, Nikóleva spotted a series of buildings, one producing a tower of smoke.

This homestead belonged to somepony else, and was a welcome sign of some other inhabitants to interact with. Here, Nikóleva would find food and shelter, and even a few individuals to help. And perhaps she would find a little something more.

Approaching the bordering fence, Nikóleva stopped and waited a second for anypony to address her. Sure enough, the door to the main house opened, and out came another pony. It was obviously a pony, though it lacked horns and wings, and was of significantly smaller stature than herself. He was clearly male, of a tall and strong build. His coat was a healthy green, while his mane and tail were a very dark shade of that color. But strangest of all, upon his flank was a mark Nikóleva could not quite make out.

He came out bearing a sword and a determined expression. He narrowed his vision at the white mare that stood before his gate. After a few moments of silence, he raised his blade and began to speak.

"Begone, Knight! I am a free stallion, and do not owe your Lord anything! I give just this one warning."

Nikóleva's face became puzzled. She thought for a second, knowing drawing her own sword might elicit violence. "'Knight' you call me; I do not know this word. I promise you, I seek not to thieve. And indeed I serve no Lord but that on High."

The stallion did not let down his guard, "Your word means little to me, stranger. But I find it odd that, if you were a knight, you would not outright declare so."

"I am but a simple traveler."

He examined the mare, and finally lowered his blade, "Very well. But I promise if you preform damages against my property or kin, I shall repay you generously."

The stallion trotted up towards the gate and allowed the mare through. It was then he realized how tall she was. Yet the “unicorn” didn't appear very threatening; her left eye was filled with uncertainty while her right was obscured by her pink mane. She looked a bit younger than himself, too young to be somepony hired to bully him, regardless of her size.

He led her inside his home, keeping his blade girt around his waist. Ducking in order to pass through the low threshold, Nikóleva came to a quaint little room. Inside several pieces of wooden furniture lined the walls, all surrounding the centerpiece of the room. This stone hearth crackled with a roaring fire, immediately warming the cold parts of Nikóleva's body.

Sitting upon a simple couch were two mares, both resembling the stallion who led the tall alicorn inside. One wore a sea-foam coat, the other a more emerald color. The ponies did not look very thrilled to see Nikóleva, no doubt distrusting her immensely.

But whatever intimidating appearance she heretofore possessed was lost the moment Nikóleva's long horn impaled itself within a low-hanging wooden beam. The struggle was quite serious for the "unicorn", but the others could not help but giggle at the comical display.

"How clumsy this large creature is," the green stallion thought. He directed the mare to a seat. Nikóleva took one glance and knew the chair could not support her massive frame. Therefore she opted to remain standing.

One of the other mares looked at the stallion, an innocuous sneer curling on her face, "Nice that you finally managed to bring home a lady."

The stallion very clearly blushed. He then recomposed himself, letting Nikóleva know he was armed.

But he could see the pony shivering, her muzzle glowing red, "Please, do not feel a bother. Go warm up by the fire."

Gratefully, Nikóleva lightly crept through the room, which seemed two sizes too small for her, and sat down on her haunches. Holding her forehooves up to the flame, she rubbed them together before placing them against her face.

"Who is this queer pony? A giant?" the sea-foam pony inquired, causing the white mare to feel embarrassed.

"I am not quite certain. But it seemed rude to leave a traveler out in the cold," the stallion then turned to face Nikóleva, "Am I to learn the name of my guest?"

She hesitated for a second, delighting in the fire's warmth, "My name?" she thought for a time. Alicorns typically had aliases whilst abroad: their native names meant little to Tulicëai. "I am Nikóleva Maiëlindirnasí nor-Solárindilbainuir."

The three other ponies in the room blinked a few times, "That's quite the mouthful. I'm not even sure I can pronounce your name. My apologies um..."

"Nikól will be adequate," the alicorn replied with a smile.

"Such an exotic name. What does it mean?" asked the emerald mare.

"I do not know the meaning of my family's name, but I am called Nikóleva on behalf of my white fur."

"I admit I had trouble spotting you outside, Miss Nikól. Could I offer you anything? A drink? Some food?" the stallion courteously asked.

"Simple bread and water would be appreciated," he nodded and retreated to an adjacent room, "and to whom do I owe this display of hospitality?" Nikóleva inquired quite audibly.

The stallion returned quickly, balancing a wicker tray upon his back. He placed the tray on the table and offered his tall guest exactly what she had requested, "My name is Evergreen. These are my sisters:" he pointed his hoof at the lighter-coated mare, "Spring Green," and then at the emerald mare, "and Wintergreen."

Nikóleva examined the three ponies and mentally remarked on how similar they looked to each other. Her suspicions were confirmed soon after. "We're triplets, though I'm older by a little bit."

This Evergreen then turned back to his guest, who had just taken another bite of bread, "So Nikól, what brings you to my homestead? You claim to be no agent of any authority here."

She swallowed then took a sip of water. Thinking for a bit, the white mare produced a response, "I feared the elements might have claimed me; I've run out of supplies. So I thought perhaps I could procure some here...in exchange for something, of course," she then recalled what Evergreen had said to her outside, "If I may inquire, what is a 'Knight'?"

The stallion's cheery disposition at once turned sour, "Hired ruffians, little more. So called 'Nobles' in service to their Barons. They're apt to come here and try to bully me into paying tribute. Yes, Lords don't much care for Freelanders like myself."

Nikóleva didn't quite understand what this pony was telling her. Evergreen could tell this from her confused expression, "Most ponies live on land that Barons own. I however own this land, and am not obliged to give any of my yield or gold to those pompous unicorns...no offence." The large mare seemed unaffected by his quip.

"I pay my taxes to the King and him alone! Those Knights have no right to demand anything from me!" the stallion calmed down a bit, taking a few deep breaths, "Excuse me, Nikól. I get so worked up about this."

"I can understand, some ponies trying to take what is yours. But...you mentioned a King, yes? There is a King in this Land?"

"The King of Poneva. He rules all the territory from the Sea, westwards to the great river that cuts through the mountains and between that range and the borders of Equestria, where the Princes rule."

"You seem rather well-traveled, Evergreen," Nikóleva remarked.

"Not really. But I have heard many tales from ponies I've met in the King's city. It's quite close to here: about twenty miles. If you need to go there, Nikól, just keep heading south."

"Thank you, but I'm not entirely sure to where I'm going."

"You're welcome to stay with us as long as you wish," Nikóleva gave a shy smile, "Though, I'm not very wealthy; you may be expected to contribute something around here."

The "unicorn" perked up, "Actually, I'm sure I could help as a craftsmare."

"Oh really?" The sea-foam triplet said, "My gardening tools always seem to break. Cheap things they are!"

"We could use you around, I'm certain," Evergreen continued, "I work as a logger. I cut down trees before bringing them to market in Poneva. How strong are you?"

Smirking, Nikóleva unstrapped her plain sword form her waist and placed it on the table. The stallion examined the sheathed weapon. It was certainly a long sword, being too long and cumbersome to be wielded comfortably without both hooves; a very impractical method. He picked it up in just that manner. It wasn't particularly difficult, but appreciable strength still needed to be expended.

The sword however was just the right size for a pony of Nikóleva's stature. She took the hilt and lifted the blade effortlessly. Effectively emasculated, the stallion puffed out his chest to reassert his dominance, "Yes um very good."

"Confound it all! Why must you insist on toiling in the snow?!" a cranky, old voice sounded from another room, "The last thing we need is for you to freeze!"

A small and quite aged mare emerged from a threshold. Her coat was very faded, though in youth it might have been some shade of green. Her mane was a silvery white, and wrinkles rested just below her eyes. Yet for her seemingly advanced age, the mare still possessed exceptional vigor and confidence in step.

"Mother!" Evergreen called out, "The trees are a hundred strides from the door!"

"Bah! If you ask me, nopony should be out in this weather!" The old pony noticed the "giant" sitting in front of the fireplace, "Oh pardon me. And who might you be, My Dear?"

"Nikól" The alicorn replied.

"Bristlepine. I see you've met my triplets, yeah?"

"Oh yes; they're quite lovely," Nikóleva noticed that this mare also had an odd marking upon her flank: a stylized pine tree it looked like.

"Please, Nikól, take off your cloak; be comfortable!"

The alicorn nearly choked on her water, "Um truthfully I'd prefer not to...I have a wound you see..."

"My apologies!" the mother hastily said, "Do you need any herbs or medicines?"

"No, thank you. Time will suffice."

The old mare had a hunch what that "wound" might be, but nevertheless turned to her son, "Evergreen! Have you made up a bed for our guest?"

The stallion sighed, "Not yet Mother."

"Oh I don't think that will be necessary!" Nikóleva interjected, "The floor will be fine for the time I'm here, which I guarantee won't be very long. Besides, and I don't mean to criticize your wonderful home...," The mare began to blush. "But I think I'm too big for any of your beds..."

"You'll be given a blanket or two, Dear." Nikóleva smiled warmly and ate the remainder of her bread.

The rest of the afternoon was rather quiet. Evergreen and Nikóleva went outside to harvest a few trees before towing them to a pile beside the house. The stallion admired his new acquaintance's work ethic...certainly more helpful than his own sisters. This wanderer seemed indeed a strong pony, able to fell a conifer with considerably less strain than himself. The pieces came together all too well; he had a feeling this mare wasn't exactly as she appeared.

Unicorns typically could not compete with earth ponies in laborious activities. And stranger still the pony used her axe in the same manner that he did: without her magic. But most curiously of all, she lacked a mark upon her flank. A pony of Nikól's age should have gotten it a time ago. It was common knowledge that mares matured faster than stallions, and Evergreen received his mark back when he was still a colt.

But he supposed it didn't matter much; whatever explanation existed for her lack of a "talent" was Nikól's business and hers alone. She still proved a capable aid around the homestead, offering to shovel the walkway free of snow and repair the fences. And with her help Evergreen managed to harvest a large number of timbers, perhaps enough to afford generous gifts for Hearth's Warming.

By the time the Sun was setting, the two sisters had finished preparing dinner and beckoned for their brother and guest to come back inside. Gathering at the table, the family admired the humble but carefully prepared meal laid before them. Boiled potatoes and vegetables served with hay and bread, completed by two pitchers each with a different beverage.

Before anypony could eat, however, graces needed to be given.

"Now, thanks must be shown to the Gods!" Bristlepine happily announced. She then closed her eyes and clopped her forehooves together. The other three earth ponies followed suit, "Amberstalk, Goddess of the Harvest, please continue to bless us with plentiful cereal. Harmonia, Goddess of Friendship, please keep our hearts open to weary travelers, just like Nikól who shares our table with us tonight. And Allfather, King of the Cosmos, Wise and Just for All Time, please keep my children and Nikól as well strong and healthy. I pray this to the Gods on High. Amen."

The three others said "Amen" in kind, and started to take food from the center trays. After uttering her own strange prayer just barely audible, Nikóleva paused in thought. After a few seconds she raised her voice.

"'Gods'?" she asked, a bit disturbed and uncomfortable.

"Yes!" Wintergreen, a potato muffling her speech, replied, "They're responsible for our every meal, it's only proper to thank them."

"But if you're feeling particularly pious, you can always visit their statues in Poneva," the other triplet sister added.

"Graven images?" she tried to mask her uneasiness with a quiet laugh, "Hehe sounds like an interesting spectacle."

"Oh indeed!" Bristlepine replied, chomping on a carrot, "According to those statues, the Gods look just like magnificently tall ponies, adorned with fine crowns and bearing both wings and a horn! Most temples are dedicated to only one or two Gods, but the one in Poneva contains all the main ones." Swallowing her food the old mare then narrowed her eyes at Nikóleva, "And they say, sometimes the Gods like to travel around the world, hoping ponies will welcome them into their homes."

Nikóleva smiled back at her, "If I ever meet one, you'll be first to know."

Dinner continue for about an hour as everypony talked and told fun stories and even jokes. Nikóleva herself knew quite a few humorous anecdotes. Evergreen laughed heaviest of all; this "Nikól" was proving to be an excellent house guest. And the actual food was very good, certainly better than the scraps the alicorn had been subsisting on ever since her flight.

Yet thirst came over her, and she levitated up her cup, "Excuse me, but what's inside those pitchers?"

"The wooden one contains some light beer, while the earthen pitcher has mead," Evergreen pointed out.

"Mead?"

"Yes. I felt it a special occasion seeing as you've come to dine with us."

"What is mead?"

"A drink fermented from honey. You should try some; I bought it from the best brewer in the Kingdom."

Honey. That word alone set off Nikóleva's senses, and she licked her lips in anticipation. She requested her tall cup be filled to the brim with this purportedly sweet drink. Evergreen obliged, but not without hesitation.

"Are you sure you want this much? This'll get you drunk for sure; the beer won't."

"Unless you're a lightweight!" the mother shouted.

But Nikóleva just nodded and took the cup in her magic. She took a sip and tasted the sweet, nectarine flavor of this wonderful drink. It wasn't quite like the taste of honey itself, but was satisfying nonetheless. Overcome by her love of sweetness, the mare then downed the whole cup in a matter of seconds, slamming the vessel on the table when she finished. A satisfied smile hung on her face.

"More?" Evergreen offered, suspecting his guest enjoyed her drink.

It took all the strength she could summon for Nikóleva to refuse any more of that splendid beverage, "No thank you; I do not wish to become inebriated."

Surely even a cup's worth should get anypony at least slightly drunk. Shrugging it off, the other ponies finished their meals and continued to talk. When the last of the food had been consumed, Nikóleva volunteered to use her magic to gather the dishes together and rinse them. Dinner finished and all the chores completed, the other ponies opted to go to bed. Heading into their respective rooms, the four earth ponies laid down for slumber on their humble but warm beds.

Nikóleva however rested in the main room upon a blanket, having another nearby for additional warmth. She stayed awake a little longer, gazing into the crackling fire. The pony reflected on the generosity of her hosts, who so easily welcomed her into their home. Out of the kindness and good will within their hearts this rather impoverished family gave what little they could to a complete stranger; an exile no less.

Once upon a time, that old stallion Maiëlindir taught his daughter a set of virtues that he felt all should live by. One in particular was Ynadenidaleä, known to most as charity or generosity. To him, Love moved all peoples to help and care for others, a quality that seemed often lost in the cold and harsh world. And it seemed only proper for Nikóleva to one day return the favor, in whatever manner she could.

But Nikóleva's reflection on this virtue reawakened a sorrow she held back for the better part of the day. Her mind was torn between two sides, each trying to evaluate the tragedy that befell perhaps a week or more ago. Her sisterly love that drove this pain was frequently discredited by the rationale of her brain.

If she truly was abandoning her old life, then why let the past affect her? If Nikóleva allowed her regret to take hold, then she should have just stayed: obviously the mare fled so she wouldn't have to deal with the consequences of her actions.

Logic, however, did not understand emotions. Logic and reasoning could not determine why the passions of the heart did as they did; why they acted in such illogical and incomprehensible manners. Nikóleva had performed an act of penitence, and repaid her debts in full. She owed nothing more, so the mind claimed.

Guilt was a funny thing though. Hers would remain for ages undimmed, her Love for Taberanyn spreading her spirit thin.

And not only because Nikóleva had left her sister to those dogs, but also for something far more cruel and dark yet to be.

As she sat in thought staring into the flickering orange flames, a single tear dripped down her cheek. Then Nikóleva began to silently weep, no longer having to keep form for her hosts. Unbeknownst to her, at that time a green stallion almost unheard crept out of his bedroom. Perhaps stirred from a bad dream or a desire to warm by the fire, Evergreen emerged from his threshold feeling oddly awake. His ears picked up the faint sound of...sniffling? Was somepony crying?

It took a few moments before he isolated the source of the sniffles. Heart heavy with empathy, he sneaked towards the fireplace, calmly and kindly making himself known to the white pony. He carefully appeared on her left side; he wasn't quite sure if the mare could see on the right.

Sure enough, Nikóleva's magenta eye spotted him. Thoroughly embarrassed, she hastily wiped her tears, trying to feign contentment. Evergreen of course could see right through her guise.

"Did...did I wake you?" she shyly asked, feeling very small.

Evergreen smiled warmly, "No, not at all. But you should not worry about me. Something ails you, Nikól."

The alicorn recognized quite clearly her façade did not work, "I think I shall confess."

"Your affairs are privately yours; you've no obligation to relive whatever has brought you pain."

"Even if it was myself?" Nikóleva solemnly replied. "I've harmed somepony very dear to me. Several times, I've come to realize. This latest instance has convinced me I've no place with them anymore, lest I repeat my offenses."

"And you've resolved to travel far away?"

"Indeed, I hope the promise of safety will overcome my absence."

Evergreen wanted to give some sort of advice or counsel, but he felt it best to just let the mare speak. She obviously had some things she wanted to say, and probably no desire to be persuaded, "And how long do you think you'll remain estranged?"

"They hate me, I'm sure. Perhaps I can see them again many years from now. I'm not certain how long...but...I think I'll know when the time comes."

"In that case, I can only hope you'll find something else along your journeys. And I shall pray to the Gods you'll be reunited with whomever you've wronged," Nikóleva had to admit, she did feel a bit better having spoken to somepony. His sentiments were reassuring, if quietly concerning for the mare.

Just then Evergreen noticed the elegant beauty of this mare, perfectly outlined in the fire's glow. She was slender yet still healthy, a far cry from the lumbering and awkward creature he first met. But what struck him the most was her face. A look of uncertainty perpetually filled her eyes; even during a smile she looked unsure of things. There was no confidence in those eyes, nor was there submission.

He'd known enough ponies to recognize that face: an honest mare wracked by remorse.

Before the crackling hearth Evergreen spotted a shimmer emanated from his guest's neck. There reflecting the fire's light was a metallic pendant. Its silvery white color matched perfectly with her coat; he must not have noticed it earlier. Inlaid with precious metals and stones, this piece of jewelry looked of incredible make.

The pendant itself was shaped into a sort of circle, crossed along both axes with tiny strips. Evergreen thought for a second before recalling where he had seen this symbol before.

An old tome he could not read but with plenty of illuminated images. One such illustration depicted a winged unicorn creature beside a crest bearing that symbol. It appeared his suspicions were correct.

He cleared his throat, and looked at the necklace, "Your pendant, I think it betrays your nature."

Nikóleva turned to him, seeming rather confused, "What do you mean?"

"I mean that you're not quite a unicorn."

She blinked several times, "Of course I am...I have a horn! What else would I be?" but in her surprise, Nikóleva moved back a couple inches, meeting the rack where fire tools were stored. She managed to hit the healing fracture in her wing on an iron hook. Cringing in pain and clenching her eyes shut, the alicorn restrained from screaming.

"Oh my goodness! Are you alright!" Evergreen shouted, readying his hooves for any sort of aid.

"...Yes...yes...," she wheezed before letting a faint but heart-breaking whimper slip out. Recomposing herself, Nikóleva finally yielded to Evergreen's accusations, "I suppose you should know; it'll be difficult to explain where these white feathers came from."

She then removed her cloak, revealing her folded left wing to the stallion. Unfurling it, she spread the massive appendage to stretch out her tired muscles. Impressed, but not entirely surprised, the green stallion crept around to her right to inspect Nikóleva's other side.

The right wing was however still pulled against her body, wrapped in cloth and obviously straightened by a stick. "What happened here?" he tenderly asked.

"I...broke it...please it's nothing to worry about."

"Hardly. Pegasi cannot bear to remain earthbound for long periods of time. I can only imagine you'd be the same. I'll fetch something right quick." He quietly trotted to a small cabinet and opened the door. Taking a bottle of blue liquid in his mouth, the earth pony returned to Nikóleva and placed the vessel on the table, "Take a few sips of this." The mare used her magic to do just that.

The potion was extremely bitter, and the alicorn couldn't drink it fast enough.

Evergreen started to giggle, "Yes it's not a gratifying drink by any means, but it works. This potion should heal your bone in a week or so. Just keep it bound."

"Thank you...could you do me another favor, though?" Nikóleva asked.

"I suppose I could do my best. What do you need?"

"Can you keep my wings secret? When I was very young, my father told me that I should try to conceal...well what I am."

"Rest assured, Nikól. This stays between us, though many ponies might figure it out," He smirked, "What exactly are you? I've heard many stories about winged unicorns, standing over us lesser creatures. They've always said these ponies are minor Gods, sent to make sure mortals stay true."

"I can safely say I am no god. Truth be told, I'm not entirely sure what I am. Alícëai is how my father referred to us. 'Triple-kin' would be an adequate translation. Have you met others of my kind by chance?"

"I'm afraid not. In fact I have never met anypony who has. According to legend most ascended to the Heavens," he paused, examining the physiology of this mare, "'Triple-kin', hm? Does this refer to your combined traits of all three types of ponies?"

"I don't know; seems as good an explanation as any," she then noticed that image on his flank again, "The mark on your flank...would it be rude to ask what it is? None of my family had one, yet all yours does."

"'Mark'? Oh you mean my cutie mark! No it's perfectly natural, even hoped for, that guests ask how it was received," The mark was apparently a small neatly-arranged pile of cut logs, "It signifies your one special talent; typically a pony gets one while they're young. Mine says I'm good at cutting down trees...a restrictive talent I suppose but one I enjoy."

"So, you're only capable in this one task? Is that what the 'cutie mark' means?"

"Not quite. It signifies your strongest abilities...what gift the Gods granted you. But what I choose to do with it is my choice, and even then ponies can still do things very well outside this talent."

"I hope I'll get one someday, if Alícëai even get these marks. How old were you when you received yours?"

"About ten I think."

"Ten? I cannot understand why my father wouldn't have received one...," Nikóleva trailed off, "He was so talented..."

Evergreen could see what her face meant, "Your father isn't with us anymore, is he?" Tearing up a bit, she shook her head. "I'm very sorry. If it's any consolation, my father is deceased as well; killed in battle."

"Mine too. My condolences, Evergreen. But at least I have this to remember him by:" she unstrapped that beautifully-adorned sword, though did not draw it, "This belonged to him, and I keep it beside me for luck. Yet I shall not wield it."

The stallion marveled at this blade. How could such a brilliant weapon become the property of a lone wanderer? "I've seen nobles with less-precious items than this."

"It has the strangest power: it glowed when my father used it. I think it might be enchanted," she guessed, having no way of knowing that Eónadin wasn't exactly magical. "But this is my own work," she produced her dagger, a sword to her when she was just a filly. Ironically it still was a sword for Evergreen.

"So you forge? Great! I should procure supplies to build you a smithy tomorrow."

"You would do that? For me?" on the inside she was overjoyed.

"Of course! How are you to craft without a station? We need tools, and I'm tired of paying high prices to those smiths. In fact, how would you like to travel with me to Poneva?"

"I'd love to!" Nikóleva said, smiling widely.

"Then we'd better get some sleep," he yawned and stood up, "Goodnight, Nikóleva. Pleasant dreams I bid you," he walked back to his room, and lay to sleep.

Nikóleva smiled, feeling at ease and safe within this house. She felt as if a burden had been lifted from her shoulders, and gently she rested her head down on the blanket. Heretofore she was haunted by nightmares in the icy wilderness. But in front of the fire, that white Alícë was greeted by pleasant dreams indeed.