//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1 
// Story: Cycle 
// by Music Vortex 
//------------------------------//


The knock on the door from the recruiter, though not unexpected, was un-looked for on the cold, wet day. Wind stepped aside as the Solar Empire Army recruiter hurriedly made his way out of the depressingly gray day and towards the roaring fire pit. Removing his helm and bulky overcoat that protected perfectly shined armor beneath, he introduced himself as Tyro Hoof. The long rectangular pit the help the blaze ran down the center of the room. Low hoof carved benches along each edge were covered in the families finest blankets and quilts. The house, in his family for generations untold, clung to its ancient traditions. Little changed in the many seasons he had lived in the house other than its visitors who were few enough.
Sitting opposite the white stallion, Wind regarded the soldier’s armor. Appreciating the craftsmanship that had been put into the fine detailing and metal work on the breastplate and helm. Well fashioned it was little more than decorative in practicality and would not hold well against a real threat. The helm’s plume, made of short mane hair, gave the illusion of length to mane. Wind had seen his type several times before, making visits to other houses or traveling through their little town down the road. Several more minutes of silence passed before the Tyro spoke.
“Quite a day out there, hu?” he said brightly, running a hoof through the closely cropped blue mane.
“Indeed.” Wind replied, not very enthusiastic about where he knew the conversation was going.
“I will never understand why the pegasi have to schedule days like this one.” The recruiter tested the waters, feeling out the approach to be used for today’s assignment.
“They have their reasons.” Wind shifted positions
Realizing he was getting nowhere Tyro changed his tune, “Look Wind this is not any easier for me than it is you, and I know what it’s like being a blank flank past your time. I was in the same place you are 30 moons ago. I still hadn’t found what made me special and I was getting rather old for being cutie mark less. But I joined the Solar Empire Army and found a home and a place where it didn’t matter if I had a cutie mark or not. 
“Believe it or not, the SEA is made up almost entirely of ponies who at one time or another where blank flanks of many moons. The SEA was created by Princess Celestia for those of us who haven’t found our cutie marks when we are grown. As a soldier you are judged not on your ability to be good at something, but your character and loyalty. 
“I’m here to open a door to a second life in the Solar Empire and a chance to serve Celestia as a solider in her majesties service. Protecting the weak and innocent, serving princess and country, we work towards a brighter future.”