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// Chapter 5: The Camel 
// Story: The Origins of the Cutie Mark 
// by CoastBrumby 
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	Twinkleshine cantered as best she could over the sandy dunes. The young unicorn had never travelled over such terrain before this journey. She had a hard time keeping her footing. Staying with the caravan was fast exhausting her. Twinkleshine looked up into the bright blue sky and wiped her sweaty brow. “You read about the dry heat in books, but it doesn’t really prepare you for the real thing. How do Ponies survive out here?” She said to herself. 
The camel that was walking beside her bent down his head. He looked fondly at Twinkleshine. “You may ride me if you wish, little pony.” The camel said.
“No thanks. I told myself I would use this trip as a chance to improve my physical conditioning. This is the most exercise I have had in a long time. I’m a bit of a bookworm back in Equestria. Say, why can you speak Equestrian?” Twinkleshine said.
“I have travelled to many lands, but Equestria holds a special place in my heart. It is truly a realm of beauty beyond dreams.” The camel said. 
“Yes, home is very lovely.” Twinkleshine said. She panted a bit. 
Princess Twilight Sparkle glided down from the sky. She landed gracefully on the sand beside Twinkleshine, and she spoke freely. “I saw the site. It is less than twenty kilometres northeast of here. Let’s lose this slow fest and get there in a flash. Let’s teleport.” Twilight’s horn glowed.
Twinkleshine winced.
“I just put the image of the site in your mind. I’m ready when you are, my dear.” Twilight Sparkle said.
“Thank you, your highness, but this camel has a fascinating history I was about to learn about. Why don’t you go see if Prince Blueblood is interested?” Twinkleshine said.
“As you wish.” Twilight said. She galloped to the head of the caravan to find Blueblood. 
Twinkleshine sighed. “If you kneel down, I will climb onto your back.” She said. 
The camel kneeled down and Twinkleshine climbed up. She sat comfortably on a well-designed saddle. There were bales of supplies on either side of her. “You’re already so heavily laden. Are you sure you want to take my weight as well?” Twinkleshine asked.
The camel laughed. “Har. Har. Har. We camels are stronger than even your Earth Ponies when it comes to carrying loads. A tiny little mare like you makes little difference to one such as me, however I feel you possess great power in that small body. To think you could leap over so many dunes to our destination is an enviable talent. It is kind of you to stay and talk to me.” The camel said.
Twinkleshine blushed. “I can teleport, but my range is not that great. I don’t think Princess Twilight Sparkle realizes this. We were in the same class in the school for gifted unicorns. We were reviles, but she has surpassed me by a great deal. She had great power as a unicorn. She is a force of nature as an Alicorn.” Twinkleshine said.
“There are those who say that Alicorns are avatars of the gods.” The camel said.
“She may be strong but Twilight is still very mortal.” Twinkleshine said.
“An avatar is a mortal being with a god behind it. I have little interest in religion, but having seen Princess Celestia I am certain I have beheld the form of a goddess.” The camel said.
“Yes, she is extraordinary. I have known her since I was a filly. She has spoken to me as mother speaks to a child. She has spoken to me as if she were just an ordinary pony. I have smelled her. I have touched her. She is very flesh and blood, but the presence of the divine is always about her. I will always worship her in my heart.” Twinkleshine said.
“Are you in love with her?” The camel asked.
“All of Equestria is in love with Princess Celestia.” Twinkleshine said.
“Yes, I share your love. This is why I want to find a wife who wants to move there. Equestria needs more camels. You have much desert that could be made productive with our aide. Not only are we strong, but we can go long without water even in hot weather.” The camel said.
“Impressive. Your dream is an admirable one. I imagine the presence of camels will make a big difference in Equestria. We will all be able to be fruitful and multiply together.” Twinkleshine said.
“I thought ponies were private about such things. Multiplying is done in pairs not groups.” The camel said.
Twinkleshine made a face. “I was not talking about that. I was trying to be poetic. We ponies are very shy on this subject. Let’s speak of something else. What is your name, good sir? Forgive me for not asking sooner.” She said.
“My camel name is Gunkahf, but I have given myself an Equestrian name. I am Dry Strider.” The camel said.
“It is a pleasure to meet you Dry Strider. I am Twinkleshine. I am a scholar, who specializes in ancient history. I have studied as much as I can about the Elders. Do your people speak of them?” Twinkleshine asked.
“Yes, but I know little of them. As a child I learned that they were the ones who gave us our intellect, but we did not please them, so they gave us no magic. I learned we worked for the Elders as beasts of burden much as we now work for our pony friends.” Dry Stryder said. 
“We are not like the Elders. We are not cruel.” Twinkleshine said. 
“You Ponies were the Hasbro’s toys. We were there simple tools. They were good to us.” Dry Stryder said.
Twinkleshine looked side to side in a panicked way. “You spoke their name. Please, you must not invoke the Elders.” She said.
“It is sad you still fear them.” Dry Stryder said.
“They had magic like nothing that has been seen since. Even Princess Twilight Sparkle can be brought low by their tools.” Twinkleshine said.
“Yes, but the goddess within her would raise her up. Why do you think they left, but Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna remained? The Elders feared what they could not control.” Dry Stryder said.
“NO! I can control her.” Twinkleshine said.
“I do not understand.” Dry Stryder said.
“I misspoke. I should have said ‘I can’t control her.’ Princess Celestia that is. She will only tell me so much about her past. Her highness lived in the time of the Elders, but she has told me little of that time, and I don’t feel like pressing her for more. I have the impression those were not the happiest of days for her.” Twinkleshine said.
“Perhaps you will find some answers at this new site, I have seen others, and this one is unique.” Dry Stryder said.
“How so?” Twinkleshine asked. 
There was a flash of purple light. Princess Twilight Sparkle hovered beside Twinkleshine. Twilight was carrying two glasses with her magic. “It’s really dry out here, so I popped back to the palace to pick up a couple of cordials for us. I already gave one to Prince Blueblood.” She said.
Twinkleshine levitated a glass with her magic. She put the drink to her lips. It was cool and tasty. “Thank you, Princess Twilight. That was very considerate.” Twinkleshine said.
“Your wellbeing is very important to me, my dear Twinkleshine.” Twilight Sparkle said. 
“Of course, you care deeply for all of your subjects, my Princess of Friendship.” Twinkleshine said.
“Yes, I am your princess.” Twilight Sparkle said.
Dry Stryder spoke up. “Please, sit beside your beloved subject on my back. It would be an honour to carry you.” He said.
Twilight Sparkle stood on a pack on the back of the camel. She spread out her wings. “Do you feel better now you have some shade?” She asked.
“Yes, but I don’t need you to put yourself out. I can caste a shade spell. I’m a unicorn. Just sit down.” Twinkleshine said.
Dry Stryder looked back. He gave Twinkleshine a questioning stare. 
“Heh heh, I mean. Please, make yourself comfortable, Your Highness. I will use a little magic.” Twinkleshine said. Her horn glowed. 	The area around Dry Stryder became visibly darker. The air became noticeably cooler. 
Twilight Sparkle snuggled next to Twinkleshine. “This heat is making me sleepy. I think I’ll take a nap.” Twilight said.
“Good Idea. I think I might take one too.” Twinkleshine said.
“I will wake you when we near the site.” Dry Stryder said.
“Thank you.” Twinkleshine said she closed her eyes and began to doze.