//------------------------------// // Part I, Chapter III: The Pegasus War // Story: Before Equestria // by Fluttershyfan //------------------------------// “Stop worrying, Smart Cookie, and come sit by me,” chided Clover, watching her friend pace hesitantly just within the gaping entrance to the cave. “We’re well removed from the battle. We’re safe!” “I hope you’re sure about that, Clover,” Smart Cookie growled, peering at the assembled armies as they clashed above the rolling hills of Dream Valley. “Because I don’t want to imagine what will happen if we’re discovered. Pegasi have a reputation, you know—they can’t control their bloodlust in the heat of battle. They go berserk.” “That’s—just a rumor.” With a heavy sigh, Clover lifted herself to her hooves and joined the Earth pony at the mouth of their shelter. “Seems like somepony has a few issues with trusting our new allies.” “I don’t have anything against pegasi,” Smart Cookie denied. “Like I told you before, I don’t care much for violence, and the pegasus culture is deeply rooted in war. You know what they did to the griffons.” As much as Clover hated to admit it, her friend had a point—the griffons of the Great Northern Mountains had been a peaceful tribe until an opportunistic pegasus legion had lain waste to their civilization. “I’m not saying that the pegasi don’t have a tradition of war,” Clover admitted. “But they, like us, have hope for peace. The Equestrian League was established to do away with the old stereotypes and mistrusts and to form a new nation in which Earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns can live together in harmony.” “I know,” Smart Cookie sighed. “I abhor violence as much as you do, Smart Cookie,” Clover assured her. Gesturing with a hoof towards the distant battle, she continued: “But this is one battle that, for the sake of everypony, must be fought. Garland and Alouette have no interest in cooperating with unicorns or Earth ponies. If we want the Equestrian League to succeed, Commander Hurricane must rule the pegasi.” “I know,” Smart Cookie repeated. “Let’s not speak of it any further,” Clover decided, taking her friend by the hoof and leading her deeper into the cave, where they could no longer see what transpired beyond its mouth. “What will be, will be. And I am confident that Commander Hurricane and Master Trueheart will see the Equestrian League through to victory on this day.” Smart Cookie nodded in agreement. “I’m sure you’re right, Clover. I’ll try to take my mind off of it.” Smiling, the unicorn sat down on the cool stone of the cave floor, and the Earth pony soon joined her. “Good!” Clover declared. “Now, tell me, Smart Cookie: how is your Chancellor Puddinghead doing these days?” “Oh, he’s just fine,” Smart Cookie replied, “and quite busy, too. The chancellor is intent upon seeing the other Earth pony clans join the Equestrian League. He’s convened a summit in Hoofbridge to discuss the matter.” “Wonderful!” Clover said. “And do you expect the summit to be successful?” “Maybe—sort of.” The Earth pony punctuated her uncertain answer with a noncommittal shrug. “Actually, I can’t really tell you what I expect to happen. Chancellor Puddinghead can be very persuasive, but the other leaders are so staunchly entrenched in the old ways that even the chancellor may have difficulty in convincing them to adapt. Beyond the annual tributes for weather and cosmic balance, few Earth ponies want anything to do with either pegasi or unicorns.” Clover nodded understandingly. “That’s a sentiment held by far too many, and it’s not just the Earth ponies who are resistant to change. If not for King Platinum’s enlightened leadership, the Assembly of Nobles would have never ratified the alliance between our tribes. And, with the king on his deathbed, I fear revolution may not be long in occurring.” “Surely Princess Platinum won’t side with them?” Smart Cookie gasped. Clover smiled gravely and shook her head, her mane tossing about softly with the motion. “No, of course not. The princess is far from perfect, but she recognizes the role the Equestrian League must play in bringing harmony to Ponyland. And, most importantly, she trusts Chancellor Puddinghead and Commander Hurricane implicitly. But she commands no great respect, as her father does. Her reign would be fragile—the nobles could be spurred to act against her.” “That would be terrible,” moaned Smart Cookie, covering her eyes with her hooves. “If a plutocracy comes to power in Unicornia, that would be the end of our alliance, just the same as if Chancellor Puddinghead was impeached, or if Commander Hurricane were to lose this battle.” “Exactly,” confirmed Clover. “It’s something I’m terribly afraid of. As soon as possible, the Celestial Guard and I must return to Unicornia to ensure the survival of the Equestrian League.” “Don’t forget about me, Clover,” Smart Cookie added, laying a comforting hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “No matter what happens between our tribes, we’ll always be friends. And I’ll always be with you.”