The Harmony Initiative

by uhrora

PART ONE - Introduction

“‘Once upon a time, there was a beautiful country named Equestria. It was a peaceful place where there was always enough for everyone. All the people of Equestria lived together, surviving off the plentiful land.
“‘Until the drought. There was a horrible famine. Everyone had to move to the places that were still producing food. They parceled it off, dividing it between families. With careful work, the Equestrians were able to grow their own food on what became farms. Again, there was enough for all.
“‘Until the land disputes. Families turned against their neighbors, claiming land they thought was their own. To stop this from happening, a group of land moderators was established. As the drought ended and Equestrians were able to spread out and turn new land into farms, the need for moderators grew. They gradually turned into overseers for the whole country. Under their watchful eyes, Equestria returned to peace.
“‘Until the invasion. Our northern neighbors, from the Griffin Kingdom, attacked Equestria with powerful raiding groups. The strongest and fastest Equestrians were chosen to defend our country, and were able to dispel the invaders from our borders. To secure the rest of Equestria, the warriors and their families were sent around the borders. The great physical need drew more and more into the armies. With their protection, Equestria was safe.’”
“Wow! But I thought the Griffins were our friends?”
“They are, now. This was a long time ago. Should I continue?”
“Okay. Sorry.”
“‘The groups grew until roughly the entire population was split in thirds. The land moderators and overseers moved atop a giant bluff to better look over the country. Likewise, the armies mainly stayed on mountaintops or around waterways. The farmers stayed in the fertile flatlands.
“‘As time went on, and more formal government was founded by the overseers, there became Clans. The overseers called themselves Royal Clan, as they worked with the royal family and continued to be involved greatly in politics. The armies became Sky Clan, as they developed aerial protection and eventually a powerful Air Force. The farmers became Earth Clan, and supplied food and resources to the other Clans. Each Clan had one leader, and once a season the Clanleaders would meet to discuss matters of the country. Along with the royal family, the Clanleaders helped rule over the people of Equestria.
“‘Today, Equestria remains dependent on the Clan system. Every person is born into the Clan his or her ancestors chose. Each and every Equestrian has an important role to fulfill, and a long family history, in their Clan.’”
“Wait—”
“I’m almost done. ‘Clan culture is what makes Equestria so special and unique, and truly the greatest country in the world.’”
“Wait, I don’t get it. It says everyone is born into a Clan?”
“Yes.”
“And it shows that picture of everyone with those bracelet things.”
“Bands. Those are their Clan wristbands.”
“But I don’t have one.”
“That’s right.”
“You don’t have one either. Neither does Daddy.”
“Yes.”
“What Clan are we in?”
“We aren’t in a Clan.”
“It says everyone is in one! ‘Each and every Equestrian.’ See? ‘An impor-tant role to... fulful, and a long family...hiss-tory... in their Clan.’”
“Yes, that’s true. Everyone does have an important role for their Clan. But our family is different. We don’t belong to one Clan. We’re a part of every Clan.”
“Huh?”
“I know it’s confusing. But as the royal family, we have a duty to serve all the Clans. Not just Royal Clan, who we see the most. Not just Sky Clan, who protects the palace. Not just Earth Clan, who sends us food and jewels and clothing. But everyone.”
“Hmm.”
“Clan members only really have a duty to their Clans. They trade with others, of course, but that’s just how trade works. Each Clan is dependent on the other two.”
“They don’t like each other?”
“Hmm, I suppose not always. There is a sense of community, or family, within Clans. Outside there isn’t that.”
“Hmm.”
“What are you thinking?”
“Well, why can’t everyone just not be in one? Then they’d like everyone else and have a duty to everyone else. Right?”
“That’s a smart question. But it’s just not possible. Clans have been a part of Equestria since it was founded. You’ll understand when you’re older. This is just the way things have to work.”
“Hmm.”
“Don’t think about it too hard. You don’t have to be in charge just yet, little Tia.”