Fallout: Equestria- The Last Sentinel

by Adder1

Reflection Eight: Hopes and Dreams

Reflection Eight: Hopes and Dreams

“... the most brilliant, most grand, most magnificent of all cities- a place called... Canterlot!”

I'm actually going to commit a travesty here. I'm going to try to describe that place in words.

Incredible. Majestic. Unbelievable. Beautiful. All those words and more described it, but most of all- breathtaking. Hanging off of the tallest peak in the Mid-Equestrian Divide, the city looked less like a metropolis along the likes of Stalliongrad or Manehattan and more like white porcelain pottery in livable form. Or, maybe, a fountain with the dazzling waterfalls trickling to the valley below. It looked fragile and delicate poised so dangerously like that. Shiny, white walls with a mighty gate surrounded a city dominated by a shiny, white castle with its high, skinny- and yes, shiny, white- towers and spires. Royal tints of violet and gold completed the image straight out of a sprite tale... or a dream. Heh, fancy that. The one and only...

Canterlot, City of Hopes and Dreams.

Canterlot was actually quite small for a city- the capital city of Equestria no less. Don't get me wrong, though. Canterlot was a city, alright. It just wasn't anywhere near the scale of what I'd come to expect from nineteen years of living in Manehattan. But within those walls were innumerable wonders- fountains, gardens, museums, statues, monuments. Again, it's the little things that added up to the big picture. Some days it was a bubbling brook that fed one of the roaring waterfalls cascading down the mountain. Another time, it was a maze of hedges leading to little hidey-holes. Now I'm going to commit another travesty here. I'm going to slander Canterlot. Even with all these little surprises, there was one fact you couldn't avoid.

There were no “people”. Just ponies.

It was a stark contrast to Manehattan, where you'd find all sorts of equines and even diamond dogs walking the city streets. Not so in Canterlot. I rarely saw any other equine being except ponies. The only time someone else would be in Canterlot was when a dignitary or ambassador was in town. The styles and fashions, the fashions and features might have provided some variety, but it was just enough. Just enough.

That brings me to my second point. A lot of the ponies in Canterlot were a bunch of pricks. By the way, this is coming from “an annoying prick”. The Canterlot elite, mostly comprised of unicorns, owned the city. Remember, Canterlot was a walled city. Space was limited. Rich, hardhearted ponies living in a place like the City of Hopes and Dreams meant gentrification cranked up to eleven. The rich out-bought the real estate from the lower and middle classes and drove up the prices to a pretty premium, forcing the less wealthy into the “less desirable” places in town- sometimes clear out of the city in some cases. Perhaps it's no big surprise that Canterlot had a seedy underbelly behind all that glamour. The poor had to cope somehow. Even with the multiple welfare services and programs available under Princess Celestia's government, it still seemed there was a hefty price tag to living your hopes and dreams. I was just glad that room and board would be covered- provided I met or exceeded expectations at the examination.

That was still a day away, though. In the meantime...

* * *

I deadpanned at the hotel clerk. “Four-hundred bits,” I parroted him. “For one night.”

“Before tax, yes,” the well-dressed, well-groomed unicorn said in a haughty tone without missing a beat, nose turned up in 'noble' derision. “Will that be coin or charge?”

I looked around at the smooth, wooden furnishing and the polished tiling. “And this is the cheapest place in town?”

“Least expensive, sir,” he corrected with a snort. “One-hundred-fifty bits-per-day lesser than our closest competitor.”

Suddenly, my glee at living here didn't feel quite as justified.

I couldn't believe I was about to do it after so long, but I just... smiled. “Not a bad deal then, hm?”

“Quite.” The clerk smiled back proudly.

“Now tell me- is there something else available here for a...” I caught myself, “less expensive fare?”

“Mm, I'm afraid not, sir.” He shook his head, having the gall to look disappointed.

“Are you quite sure?” I inquired further. “I'd settle for more common quarters, even a supply closet if-”

“'Common quarters'?!” he gasped, looking queasy. “'Supply closet'?!” Dear Lorn, his mustache twitched! “By Celestia, it's true what they say about you Northerners! You really are a bunch of miserable, bottom-feeding no-hopers!”

Okay, smile's gone. I already hated this place.

“Yeah, I'm leaving,” I nickered and turned tail, using my teeth to toss my suitcase onto my back.

“Good riddance!” the clerk jeered. “You would be unsightly in an establishment such as-”

I slammed the door behind me. I didn't care that what I did was impolite and that I was breaking so many rules from How to Make Friends. It felt so right cutting him off.

“Note to self,” I muttered as I strolled about the open-air marketplace, “remember to obtain detailed information about these sort of things ahead of time.”

The Canterlot Bazaar was essentially the city square, filled to the brim with stands selling overpriced foods, boutiques selling overpriced clothing, and stores selling overpriced goods and services. Vendors hawked their wares, their faces ranging from reserved, delightful, pleasant smiles to stern, reserved stares. Most were trying to outshout one another in the fierce competition for customers.

“Seaweed fresh from Manehattan Harbor! So fresh it's practically wriggling! Can't have a Neighpponese meal without-”

“Spices! Get your spices! If we don't have it, you can order it from our-”

“-ever seen such a rich, full-bodied wine such as this? Give it a go and have but a taste, young gentlecolt-”

“-dairy products, lowest price here in Canterlot-”

“What?! Don't listen to the buffoon! My dairy product selection is the lowest priced in-”

The noise greatly reminded me of markets back home in Manehattan. What didn't greatly remind me were the outrageous prices. Eight bits-per-kilo for apples! You could get them for just four in Manehattan! At least I could haggle here and got a bushel at six, but that was still much more than I planned to pay for a meal here. Even if I wasn't paying for a place to stay, I had to make it last.

It didn't help that I was saving up my cryomancy for the exam tomorrow. I wanted to keep it a surprise. At the very least, I could use some of my magic to keep myself hydrated.

I settled down at a bridge sitting above a sparkling stream. The sun was starting to set, and for a moment, I wondered how Princess Luna would handle the night after her return. Then again, last night came and went without a hitch. I decided not to dwell upon it and instead set out to look for a place to sleep.

* * *

The night was... so strange to me. There was no music, no light save for the soft glow of the streetlamp, and nopony was apparently outside save for me. Everypony else had gone to bed early- early for a Manehattaner like myself. The night felt... bare, lifeless. The only sounds came from the occasional nocturnal bird or muffled conversation and laughter from inside homes. It felt completely alien to me. It seemed so perverted to me that I found myself feeling incredibly homesick. But I had to accept it and push forth. This was the opportunity of a lifetime, and I was going to take it. I'd weathered worse. So Canterlot fell short of my expectations. So what? I was going to make the best of it.

I recognized something in the barren darkness as I searched for a place to stay. Just that- darkness. It was unlike the hot, stuffy, suffocating darkness of the dumpster. It was... cool, calm, empty. I couldn't help but find a certain peace, a certain serenity in that.

I finally settled with and settled down in a side alley, breathing out a sigh as I picked out an apple to eat. Hm, it didn't actually taste all that bad. At least some of the bits went to quality. I leaned sideways to get comfortable as I ate.

The mare I unexpectedly leaned against let out a gasp, and we both jumped in surprise. How did I miss that? We were backed away from one another, eying the other fearfully for a split second. She was a short, scrawny mare dressed in rags. A ruffling at her side made it clear to me she was a pegasus. I couldn't make much else out in the dark.

“Wait... you're not a policepony,” she remarked in a whisper.

“No... no I'm not,” I whispered in turn.

“Sorry about the scare, just... didn't expect anypony to sit on me!” she chuckled softly.

I smiled apologetically, though I doubted she could see it. “Uh, sorry about that. I was just looking for somewhere to sleep.”

“Oh! Well, go on ahead! More than enough room for the both of us.”

“You're sure? I don't want to invade your privacy, ma'am.”

“Don't worry, it's fine.” She settled back down and I think she might have shot me a weird look. Tough to tell in the darkness. “Are you new here or something? You don't sound like you're from around here.”

“Just got here, yeah,” I answered with a nod, backing up to give her some space and lying down. “No luck finding a quick place to stay.”

“Found the 'least expensive' place in town?” Her whisper dribbled with sarcasm.

“Unfortunately.”

The pegasus mare sighed, “Jeez, and you'd rather sleep out on the streets... that bad, huh? Don't worry about it. Sleeping like this is the real 'least expensive' place in town.”

“So you're sure you're alright with this?” I asked again.

“Yep. Don't know where you're from, but folks like us help one another out. Jeez, not even any clothes but a hat? You're gonna catch a cold!”

“I doubt that,” I chuckled knowingly, then offered a hoof. “Frost Windchill. Pleased to meet you.”

She reached over and shook. “Hummingbird.”

* * *

Sunrise was... magical. There's no better way to describe it. Canterlot's location and walls were in just the perfect position to capture the beauty of it all. Light would slowly sweep across the city street by street as if a great curtain was slowly drawn back. Experiencing that for the first time, I could forgive the snobbery yesterday. I could feel the sun's soft warmth wash over me, invigorating me inch by inch as it blossomed into the sky.

I shared the apples which I saved up with Hummingbird, who I could now see fully in the fresh daylight. She had a verdant coat of green, her mane and tail just a shade darker. Her name was certainly fitting of her appearance. She was indeed dressed in a worn set of ragged clothing, namely consisting of layers of more casual wear underneath a black hooded sweatshirt.

“Thanks for the breakfast,” she said between mouthfuls. Her voice was very quiet and a little on the higher side. Her tone just seemed... frail, even if she did speak at a normal pace. “So, new to Canterlot, huh? Whatcha think?”

I looked out, watching the people of the City of Hopes and Dreams start off on their morning routines. I noted that there was nopony walking down the neatly-laid cobblestone streets in working clothes- or at least anything resembling it. They all wore a mix of suits, hats, dresses, boots, and horseshoes. There were not a single set of overalls, smocks, or even a naked pony among them. It looked like they were all taking leisurely walks for the most part aside from the few business owners opening up shop and stand. I was surprised to see a powered wagon slowly ride past us. It wasn't anything like the big, pill-on-wheels Volkswagens that you'd normally see in Manehattan or even as husks littering the city ruins in the Wasteland. It was tiny, flimsy- hell, it actually looked like what you'd imagine a powered wagon to be from just the words to go by. It was a horse-drawn carriage sans horse. The driver would just sit on his or her haunches with the hindhooves working the pedals and forehooves operating the stick-shift and steering wheel. Really, a barebones powered wagon.

“... different,” I finally replied, taking another bite.

“Come on, I know you've got stronger feelings than that,” Hummingbird chuckled.

I looked back at her, arcing an eyebrow. “Expensive, full of superficial, discriminatory 'nobleponies' with bloated egos, and amazing in that there's nothing for the less fortunate to stay for a single night.” She lightly nodded with each item down the list. “But... I'll have to admit that the city itself is beautiful so far. The... architecture, the gardens, the...” I took in a deep breath through my nostrils, “the air is so fresh and pure. I like the city. Just not the people. Rather, the ponies.”

“Pretty much it.” The green mare nodded. She then coughed a few times into her hoof.

“You alright?” I asked.

“Oh, just... always found it easy to get sick.” She waved the hoof she sputtered into dismissively. “Weak constitution, something like that.”

I blinked at her.

She eyed me. “What, didn't expect a hobo like me to use big words?”

“No, just...” I was already taking too long to make something up, and she was still giving me that deadpan look. I let out a sigh and answered, “Yes. Sorry. I mean, I... I was dirt-poor before and I could still use words like that. Sorry.”

She sighed and softened her expression. “It's fine. Northerner, huh? Eyes make it easy. Look, I wasn't like this since I was born, okay? But I don't want to talk about it. You know anything about Canterlot at all?”

I nodded, grateful for the forgiveness and change in subject.

“Okay, what?”

I froze mid-nod. “... well, that it has a magnificent mountaintop view, clean air, a rich history-”

“You got all that from a tourism brochure didn't you?” There was that deadpan look again.

“... yes,” I admitted, fidgeting.

“See, there's your problem,” Hummingbird snickered, sniffled, then coughed again into her hoof. “So you got squat.”

“Yes.” I grimaced. “Ah... would you kindly tell me about the city?”

“Mm-hm, I'd be glad to,” she said with a nod. “I mean, you did pretty much give your lunch to me. Okay, Canterlot has a defined shape and organization to it unlike other cities, which are pretty much amorphous blobs of urban spra- don't give me that look.”

I protested, “I'm not-”

She just chuckled and sniffled, “I know you're not. I'm just pulling your leg. Okay, so Canterlot has a defined shape and organization to it unlike other cities, namely because of the city walls. They limit the city's growth, and city ordinances-” She leered at me for a moment, then broke a smile. “City ordinances prevent buildings from getting too tall. Can't have skyscrapers blocking the view of the castle, right? It's all about the money here, which means the rich own the city. It sucks, and Princess Celestia has been doing her best to help everypony else here, but... she doesn't want to be a dictator. She can't force change, sadly. There's still some good here, even if it's mainly just the Fancy Pants Home for Orphaned Foals. Thank the Lorn there's at least some decent rich ponies here! Makes me wonder if anything's gonna change now that Princess Luna's back...

“Oh, anyway, so it's a circle, the perimeter of which is formed by the city walls.” She paused to sniffle sharply. “From there, Canterlot is divided into rings. The outer ring is pretty much where the, uh, 'less expensive' ponies are.” She used her wings to make air-quotes, which was... pretty cute. “The real estate's still pricey there, but the inner ring... that's where the richest of the rich live. If you thought the ponies were snobby here,” she coughed, “well, it's nothing compared to the inner ring. That's where a lot of the famous buildings and monuments are, too. Mirror Walk, the Smithsoneighan Museum- Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, too. Are you following me so far?”

My ears perked up at the mention of Princess Celestia's School. “Yeah, I got it.”

“Okay. Last up within those two rings is Canterlot Castle. I'm sure you know enough about the place. Keep, gardens, whatnot. It's stuff we were all fed as kids. You know, City of Hopes and Dreams with a castle and royalty to top it off like icing on the ca-” She broke into a coughing fit and wiped her used hoof on her rag, “cake.” She let out a sigh.

“You don't sound too happy about it,” I said, offering her another apple.

Hummingbird took it and shrugged her wings as she bit down. “Don't want to talk about it. Don't need to say much though. I mean look at me. Not exactly the spitting image of 'Hopes and Dreams'. A-Anyway, I'm tired of talking. You go. Where you're from, what you're here for.” She let out a wheeze that made me cringe. Jeez...

“Well... me?” I chuckled softly more for my sake than hers, trying to brighten up the mood. “I'm from Manehattan, City of Lights and Legends. After Stalliongrad and Burrlin, it was the best place for Northerners to settle down in after all.”

The green-furred mare nodded. “Makes sense,” she said in a weaker tone. “You're second generation then?”

“First, actually,” I answered. She widened her eyes at that. “I know, I'm pretty young to look that way, yeah. It's because I was born during The Great Exodus.”

Now she was the one giving me the worried look. It made me feel all sick and wrong on the inside. She deserved the pity, not some well-off guy like me who built up an empire in six years and tore it down in ten days.

“Oh come on, don't give me that look now,” I said to her in a jovial counter. She cracked a thin smile at that, reflected by one of my own. “That's better, that's better. Yeah, I was born during the Exodus- and survived it. I can't tell you how lucky I am for that. My dad contracted polio shortly after we reached the Equestrian heartland, and my mom has progeria.” I took a disguised breather to see- yeah, she understood me. She totally understood me. Why did I even bother? “I must've been... insanely lucky. But anyway, I'm a Manehattaner. I love that city, no doubt about it. I... learned a lot of valuable lessons there. Ever been to the City of Lights and Legends?”

She blinked, then shook her head in reply.

“I've...” I sighed. “I've lived there my entire life, you understand. This is my first time ever being outside city limits, and... it's... well...” I let out a wan chuckle. “You know, I'm already terribly homesick. Because there's three things I'll always remember about the city, and those three things I'll miss the most...

“One- the nightlife...”

* * *

“So, you're here for the exams at Princess Celestia's school?” Hummingbird asked weakly. “Good for you.” Her soft smile told me she wasn't being spiteful. “Ready? I hear they make you hatch dragons or something.”

“Heh, I don't think I'll be doing any of that,” I chuckled huskily.

She raised an eyebrow. “Then... how do you plan on getting i-” The pegasus coughed into her hoof. “-in?”

“Not egg-hatching magic, that's for sure,” I huffed. “Can't do it anyway.”

“Aaaaaand you're so sure you can get in?”

“Let's just say I practice a... different sort of magic than what most people are used to seeing.”

“People?” She cutely tilted her head in question.

“Manehattaner, remember?”

“Ah, right.” Hummingbird nodded. “Well, what kind of magic, then?”

“Are you thirsty?” I inquired.

“Well... yeah. Why?”

“Here's a hint,” I said with a smile, firing up my horn and condensing moisture straight out of the air for her.

Hummingbird widened her eyes. “Wow, that's-” She broke into another coughing fit, and I quickly offered the sphere of rippling water to her. She sucked it up gratefully and nodded to me. “Thanks. Wow, never seen anything like that. What is it?”

“Elemental magic,” I replied. “In this case, hydromancy. Now, you may already guess from my name, but what element do you think I specialize in?”

“Ice, of course,” she said with a face...wing. Okay, that was pretty cute... “So that's what you've got planned for the exam?”

“Interesting applications of it, yes. I'll show you more after.” I smirked. “Want to keep it a secret until then, you know?”

“After?” The headtilt. The headtilt again!

“Well... you're going to be here, right?” I asked. She gave me a funny look. “Right, dirty alleyway. So... where will you be?”

“You actually want to see me again?” Hummingbird asked.

“Well yes...”

She smiled and sniffled up her runny nose. “Really?”

“You did let me sleep here, and you did tell me more about Canterlot,” I said with a smile of my own. “You've been much friendlier to me than anyone else in the city so far. So... friends?”

She nodded and kept smiling. “Yeah. I'd... I'd like that. I'll definitely be here af-” The green mare broke into a quick coughing fit. “I'll be here.”

I nodded appreciatively. “I'm going to head over there now. See you soon, okay?”

“Okay...” Hummingbird said quietly, hoarsely. “Rooting for you...”

I flashed her a smirk and tucked my trusty fedora down lower before heading back on my way, heart soaring with... hope.

Hm... maybe the name did have some merit to it after all...

* * *

I was waiting outside the examination hall, leaning forward in one of the many chairs propped against the wall. The room itself was thankfully spacious enough and was filled with unique pieces of artwork- an impressionistic painting here, a Roaman sculpture there- to break the monotony. The entryway consisted of a series of glass doors that provided an unhindered view into the sunny school courtyard. The ceiling was high and had multiple skylights. It was as if the designers anticipated the feeling of the walls closing in under nervousness and did as much as possible to accommodate and ease the hopeful new arrivals.

Looking at the other occupants of the waiting area- all unicorns of different faces from different places- they were a diverse group, wearing clothing I didn't even see in Manehattan. Most were wearing the seamless, smooth, elegant wear common to Canterlot. One was a mare wearing a flowing robe of ebony with a wrap of cloth that formed a hood around her head, leaving only her face exposed. There was also a harsh-looking stallion wearing something that looked like a glamourized work smock. It had the sharp, harsh angles and polish of a suit, yet it had the tough denim finish of workers' wear. There were a few who- like myself- were wearing practically nothing, as was the norm. Some of them glanced at me critically upon looking at me, believing me to be a blank-flank until I “happened” to present my left side to them.

We were all in the same general age group, but we were all trying to release tension in our own unique ways. Canterlot ponies maintained a dignified pose and lightly dabbed at their brows with a hoofkerchief every so often, doing their best to maintain the appearance of calm. It's all in the façade, all in the presentation, the image. Others were fidgeting with their hooves or practicing their magic, performing simple exercises such tossing something up and repeatedly catching it just in time with their telekinesis. One was sketching something in a notebook.

Me? I was just reading How to Win Friends. I couldn't help but feel a tad nervous myself, admittedly. Even with months of preparation and performing a form of magic not seen for well over a millennium, its practical applications were far more limited than something like, say, telekinesis. My ice arms had and still have a very short reach and strength compared to that. They inherit all of the downsides- no tactile sensation and difficulty in manipulating something out of view- and few of the strengths. Now, ice arms do have one particular advantage, but that'll come into play... later. In the meantime, I was trying to convince myself that I was putting on a show- practicality be damned.

One by one, ponies were called into the exam hall by a prim, cream-colored unicorn mare and new arrivals took their place in the chairs. Some would wish him or her good luck and then proceed waiting nervously. I tried to make friendly conversation with another Manehattaner who also happened to be testing into the school, but he was so absorbed in using his telekinesis to manipulate a wad of putty that we had little chitchat. Regardless, all small talk in the room hushed as soon as someone left the hall. All eyes went on him or her as if to gauge their expression for the result. There was a surprising variety in their responses. Some exited with a reserved smile and a sigh of relief. Others whooped and bounced around ecstatically, cheering joyfully. The unlucky ones left stone-faced or with bitter expressions- a particular stallion left with reddened eyes and gritted teeth, storming out without so much as a word. It was the extreme cases that influenced everyone else.

Smile, and the world smiles with you. Cry, and you cry alone. But that doesn't mean your cries fall upon deaf ears.

The door opened, letting out the robed mare who now beamed positively. The cream-colored mare peeked out behind her, reading down a clipboard. “Frostbane Hokkaido Windchill,” she called. I closed my book and slipped it back into my suitcase, standing and nodding to her. She smiled politely and used her magic to keep the door open for me as I headed in.

The examination room itself was actually a small lecture hall. The blue-white checkerboard floor tiling was neatly polished, and rows of orange folding seats rose from the floor. There was a podium to the side and the room had great, purple-tinted windows flanked by royal blue-gold banners. A large whiteboard was nestled between them. There was a panel of four well-groomed but casually-dressed unicorns- two stallions and two mares- that were seated at a table. The second mare was wearing a pair of spectacles with a string of golden beads looping under the legs. One of the stallions had a shining monocle over one eye while the other had a slight beard. The smiles they offered were weary from the hours of gauging each applicant but polite.

As I took center-stage, the more distinguished mare greeted, “Hello, Mister Windchill. How are you faring today?”

“Doing quite alright, ma'am,” I replied, taking a polite bow and removing my hat, placing it against my breast. “And yourselves?”

They all offered monosyllabic responses- good, fine, good. The monocled stallion squinted an eye at a set of papers. “So you're from Manehattan?” He looked up from the paper at me. “How is Canterlot treating you?”

Somehow I got the idea that being forthcoming wasn't such a good idea here... “Well, it's a lovely city, sir,” I replied. That was true, at least.

“Well,” he chuckled softly, looking back down, “I hope the cost isn't turning you off. Yes, yes, even we realize just how expensive it is here.

The bespectacled mare also looked at a copy of what I assumed was a brief description of me. “I suppose we'll cut to the chase. Now, from my understanding, you are limited in your magic, yes?”

“Yes, ma'am,” I replied with a stout nod.

“One of those interesting aberrations,” she remarked. I maintained my expression. Easy, easy... “Interesting.” She looked up. “Oh, do forgive me for my wording. It's merely a term we use in arcanobiology.” She coughed. “Well, your planned examination has been nixed as a result. So what exactly is it that you can do?”

“Heh... well,” I smiled, setting my suitcase and fedora down. “Have you ever heard of the Mancers?”

“Yes, yes,” the doormare replied with a nod. “My colleague at MMI informed me that you were- and I quote- 'a modern-day Mancer'. Now, I'm just guessing from the name, but you are a... cryomancer, yes?”

“That's what I was named for and the reason for my cutie-mark, yes,” I chuckled. I could see the realization dawn on their faces. “Cryomancy is merely a branch within the tree of hydromancy. So first, a question: are any of you thirsty?”

“I suppose I might be a little parched...” the bearded stallion muttered. And that was all the answer I needed.

I fired up my horn and formed a trio of cylinders at their tables with a string of crackles. Taxing my magic a little more, I melted the insides to form cups of ice-cold water for them. The judges looked the cups over, pursing their lips as if looking them over with a critical eye. The stallion was the first to take a sip. He nodded to the others with a light smile and they drank together.

“Hm... interesting,” the bespectacled mare murmured as they began to jot down on their clipboards. “Is there anything else you can do?”

And now to put on a show...

“Perhaps...” I intoned, firing up my horn with its soft-blue glow and rubbing my chin... with an icy hand. I blinked in feigned surprise and recoiled from the hand. My hand “recoiled” as well. Out of the corner of my vision, I could see the judges watch intently.

I looked at it warily and contorted it as if it were doing the same. I sprouted a second ice arm and poked myself on the back. I glanced back at it and turned away dumbly. Then I turned sharply to stare at it in mock surprise, then the other arm, and then the other.

I heard stifled chuckling and giggling from the judges. Good...

I sat on my haunches and poked at my left arm with my free forehoof. The hand pulled back a little and poked me back on the snout. I wriggled my nose, going cross-eyed for a moment. More giggling came from the judges.

I angrily poked the left hand back, and it counter-poked me in turn- back and forth, back and forth, picking up speed all the while. I adopted an annoyed expression as I kept up the exchange. Meanwhile, my right arm “looked” at my held hat as if eying a prize. It flexed its fingers in anticipation before snatching it away. I paused in my brief poking contest and looked up at my barren head in surprise before staring at the right hand. It was wearing my trusty fedora proudly. The left hand seized the moment and reached around to poke my snout. I snapped back to glare at it. The judges were trying very hard to contain themselves now.

I glanced back at my hat-wearing hand as it bobbed away as if sauntering about with its new prize, and I snatched my trusty fedora back. The hand paused and felt above itself as if to probe for its suddenly missing trophy. It then looked back at me and I snidely stuck my tongue at it. The left hand then plucked it off from behind me. I wheeled around and snatched it back. Then the right hand swiped it away from me once again. It soon devolved to the hands tossing the hat over me just out of reach as I frantically chased around trying to retrieve my beloved fedora. This time, the laughter coming from the judges was unrestrained.

Finally my hat fell to the floor, and my hands and I looked at it and then between one another. I pursed my lips and offered a hoof to one of them and shook. Then the other. And then the hands shook with one another than then back with me then left then right then- I finally held up a hoof to stop them. At last, my icy hands picked up my fallen fedora, dusted it off, and neatly set it back down atop my head, tilted upward from my horn. I smiled proudly at the judges as they stomped their hooves in applause. I bowed, sweeping my hat across.

“Thank you,” I said with a smile. “You're too kind.”

“Most impressive, Mister Windchill,” the bespectacled mare coughed politely as the trio returned to their stately, dignified postures. “I understand that as somepony limited in magic, this is how you've managed to manipulate objects in the same vein as telekinesis, yes?”

“That would be correct, ma'am,” I replied, holding my hat to my breast once more- this time using my ice arms.

“And so it is a more physical manipulation rather than an arcane one, yes, yes...” the doormare mused aloud. “I've never seen anything like it. How do you do it?”

“Well, that would be because cryomancy was never fully developed as an area of magic,” I said. “Using these arms involves just a bit of melting and refreezing at just the right moments.”

“Hm, remarkable...” the bearded stallion muttered with a nod. “Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but I notice that your ice isn't melting. How is this so?”

“Through research at MMI, I was able to alter the covalent bond network between the individual water molecules,” I explained. “I arranged them into a tetrahedral shape. similar to the carbon network in diamonds. Now, my ice is nowhere near as strong as diamond, but it is remarkably more durable with a higher strength-to-weight ratio and a higher heat capacity to boot. That last one is why it doesn't melt at these temperatures.”

“Very, very creative,” the doormare praised. “Hm, I do think that you've worked hard to obtain your magic- just as hard as or perhaps harder than most admitted students. I understand you are applying at the university level, Mister Windchill. What major do you pursue?”

“I, ah, have none,” I answered. “I am undecided/undeclared, sir.”

She frowned for a moment, glancing down the table to the other mare and the two stallions. They shared looks and merely raised both eyebrows. As one, they faced me and smiled easy.

“Well, I do hope you find one soon, Mister Windchill,” the bearded stallion said. “The first quarter starts in a month-and-a-half.”

I smiled wide. Was there ever any doubt?

* * *

I proceeded down the boarding rooms, counting the numbers aloud before finding my own- number five-sixteen. I plucked the key from its envelope and entered. It was remarkably spacious- large enough to fit the entirety of my family's old high-rise apartment room into. The carpet felt soft beneath my hooves and was a shade of muted beige. A four-poster bed dominated the room, taking up nearly a third of it. Cupboards and cabinets were off to the side beside a polished desk with an abundance of drawers. There was a large window with velvety curtains to the side, offering a view of Castle Canterlot and Mirror Walk.

I just let my suitcase slide off as I sat down on my haunches in astonishment. It was all so... so grand, so posh... and... and it was all just for me. No roommates. Princess Celestia's school was very tough to get into after all. I lived in a mansion back in Manehattan, and not even my room was as luxurious as this! And it was all just for me! Me!

I felt a pang in my heart and slumped a little.

All... just for me... and I felt guilty about it. I was living there with expenses fully paid for by my scholarship while the poor took to the streets. And Hummingbird... for some reason, I felt most guilty about leaving her out there. I let out a soft sigh.

I looked back up with a determined expression, setting my suitcase aside and tucking my fedora back down. I shut the door behind me and galloped for the outer ring of Canterlot.

* * *

“Oh!” the scrawny, green pegasus mare gasped as she saw me return to her alley. “You're back! No suitcase... uh... so you passed?”

“Yeah, I passed,” I answered, biting my lip. Okay. Right words, right way. “Hummingbird, I have a dormitory room all to myself. Having grown up in poverty, owning something that spacious and luxurious all to myself feels sinful. Now, having... seen the conditions in which you live through daily, I wish to offer sharing my dormitory room with you for the duration that I stay there.”

“Wait... really?” Hummingbird stared incredulously at me.

“Yes, really,” I said firmly, confidently. “I will not enjoy the best this city has to offer while somepony like you wastes away in the streets.”

She chuckled softly and closed her eyes. “You really don't know anything about Canterlot do you...? You'd really do all that for a mare you just met?”

“Absolutely.”

“What about the others in the streets of Canterlot, hm?” she asked softly. “I'm not the only one out here like this. Are you going to help them too?”

“Well...”

“Why just me, Frost?” she asked.

“Come now, you've said it yourself,” I said, stressing my words. “You have a weak constitution. You shouldn't be out here like this. Foals have the Fancy Pants Home as you said.” I glanced away. “Other adults can bear it- better at least. You...”

Hummingbird let out a sigh. “Frost, look me in the eye.”

And so I did. I... honestly never paid too much attention to eyes back then, but now...

The storyteller let out a drawn-out sigh, tilting his eyes up, lost in memory.

Her eyes were a lovely red with a splash of violet. They were fierce, powerful eyes. They had this... this determination to them, this unspoken strength. And yet they looked fragile, just like the rest of her- so brittle I could shatter them with a breath.

“Now answer me again,” she spoke softly, clearing her throat to make sure her next words came out clear. “Why are you doing this for me?”

“Because I truly believe you deserve better than this,” I answered her. “I can't enjoy myself knowing that you are wasting away out here. And it's what a friend would do.”

“And you're sure you're not looking for me to be more than a friend?” Hummingbird asked.

I sighed and closed my eyes.

“Keep them open. Eyes on me, Frost.”

Eyes open, on hers. “I don't know. I've had... a bad experience with my first 'marefriend'. I'd rather be offering this to you as a friend. I truly care for your well-being. And... consider it a 'thank you' for giving me a proper welcome to Canterlot and a place to sleep. You're the first truly friendly pony I've met here.”

“And such a wonderful place it was,” she nickered, closing her eyes this time. “My dad was a Cloudsdale policepony. He said you could tell a lot about ponies through their eyes.” She reopened hers. “You seem trustworthy enough at least. You think this through at all? You know this could probably get you in trouble.”

“If we get caught,” I waggled a hoof. “I've gotten myself into worse.” I offered a smile. “Trust me- I've done sneakier things. Just leave it to me.”

“Not inspiring any confidence with that,” she chuckled, smiling softly in turn before coughing into her wing. “But alright. I'll take you up on your offer.”

I smiled wider. “Okay... thank you.”

“Thank you,” Hummingbird said firmly, then winced and coughed a bit more. She offered a hoof, then looked at it with a grimace. “No, I coughed into that...” Then she offered a wing. “No...”

I merely reached my hoof over to hers and shook. I realized it was a bit... sticky. I looked it over and found... yep, mucus.

Hummingbird just giggled softly. This... cute little giggle.

I'll always remember her for that.

* * *

Night fell across Canterlot just as the day rose, drawn across the city just as a mother would draw a blanket over a child. The streets were quiet and empty once more save for the occasional policepony. They were far and few in between, however, and the lack of prying eyes certainly made things easier...

We were seated in an alleyway across from the school campus together, lying down and eating a batch of apples as if we were having nothing more than a usual dinner together. The policemare that passed by was none the wiser and just told us to relocate to the outer ring when we were done.

After she headed off on her round and went out of earshot, I turned to Hummingbird and stood. “Get ready to move. Keep close. Roll your hooves or fly low- anything to minimize noise.”

The scrawny pegasus mare rose with me as I crept over to the corner of the alleyway, leaning out to watch the policemare as she proceeded down the street. “Get ready,” I cautioned.

I heard her blowing out her nose and clearing her throat. The policemare was still moving along. Was she going to turn the corner? Come on, are you? Are you?

“Get ready...”

No, she kept going. Couldn't wait much longer. Give it one more street. One more street...

“Go.”

No time to waste, I broke into a low gallop as soon as the policemare was far enough away. I couldn't hear Hummingbird, but a quick look back confirmed she was gliding low as she could right behind me. The moment we entered the campus, we stayed away from the lampposts when we could, bolting from shadow to shadow. Canterlot was completely different by night. By day, Princess Celestia's school looked like the rest of the City of Hopes and Dreams- gilded buildings that looked almost like fancy porcelain pottery over a spacious campus dotted with multicultural gardens, statues, fountains, and gazebos. By night, everything took a drastically different tone. The gleaming, brilliant buildings now felt cold, distant, sterile with a hazy outline to them. It was as if the pottery was cooling in the air.

“Stop,” I whispered harshly and hopped over a barrier of hedges surrounding a statue. “In here, come on.”

Hummingbird dove in with me and I motioned for her to stay low. “What, did you see somepony?” she whispered.

“Just to be safe,” I answered back quietly.

I don't know how long we waited, but it was longer than I anticipated. A pair of policepony pegasi soared overhead, and I stooped down lower, tucking my hat down lower as I watched them out of the corner of my eye. Hopefully we blended in... we were both green after all.

And... they were heading off.

“Okay... go,” I ushered her, hopping back out. She took off, shadowing me with a sniffle.

And... they were circling back.

“Horseapples,” I hissed, skidding to a halt. “Bush, bush!”

Hummingbird darted back before I could- I wasn't quite as nimble on my hooves. I scrambled back and ducked low with her, heart racing and breath rapid. I looked back up at the pegasi, watching them double back for a second pass of the school campus. It didn't look like they saw us, luckily...

The green mare beside me let out a string of stifled coughs, keeping her mouth closed and squinting trying to muffle it with a hoof. But in the silence of the Canterlonian night, it was unbearably loud.

The pegasi were descending- and straight for us!

“I'm sorry, I'm sorry!” Hummingbird squeaked with a cringe.

Come on, Frost, think fast. Think fast! Put that imagination to work! I looked at Hummingbird with those pleading, brilliant eyes...

Oh buck me, I was gutterminding. Oh well- roll with it!

“Don't hate me for this,” I whispered quickly.

And with that, I rolled over on top of her. She cried out in surprise, eyes widening in fright as she struggled against me.

“Not real, not real!” I whispered sharply, quickly. Hummingbird stopped struggling in realization. Phew... any longer and I think she would have bucked me off.

“Hey, you two there!” one of the pegasi, a mare, called out. “Up and out, come on now!”

I froze along with Hummingbird and whispered, “Roll with it.” I picked myself up and adopted a wide-eyed, slack-jawed expression as I hopped out, panting softly as she followed. The two uniformed pegasi- one mare and one stallion landed and shot us grim looks.

“The hay you doing here?” the stallion asked. “Names. I want them. Now.”

“Frost,” I said, breath taken away.

“Hummingbird,” my friend sputtered.

“Okay, now what're you two doing here at Princess Celestia's school?” he questioned further. “Moreover, what're you two doing here at-”

“Uh... Crisp...” the mare interjected quietly.

“-this time of night? Huh?”

“Crisp!”

“Hm? What?”

The mare looked from him to us and back. We were panting, possibly a little sweaty, and we looked quite flustered. My hat was tilted oddly, and Hummingbird was blushing lightly with her layered clothing disheveled.

The policebuck widened his eyes and shuffled his wings a little. “Oh. You two were...”

I bit my lip and nodded sheepishly, avoiding eye contact. Don't just look the part- play it.

“Really?” The mare looked... more icked out than somepony of her apparent age should be. “Here?”

“Well, ah...” I flustered. Thinkthinkthink!

“Spur of the moment!” Hummingbird blurted out.

“Spur of the moment!” I parroted, nodding enthusiastically. We were so flustered that I think it only helped to convince them.

“Really.” The mare deadpanned at us. “Here, of all places.”

“Well, yeah...” Hummingbird murmured.

“How old are you two anyway?” the stallion asked, also eying us strangely.

“Nineteen,” I answered.

“Twenty-eight,” she replied quietly.

Oh. Oh wow.

“Again. Here, of all places.” The mare looked a bit embarrassed in spite of herself.

“Yeah.” I gulped. “Why?”

Both of them pointed behind us. Hummingbird and I looked at one another and slowly turned around simultaneously.

The storyteller grimaced and covered his face.

It was a statue of Princess Celestia, smiling downward in a soft, almost motherly fashion.

Ughhhhh, buck me. Buck me so hard. I downright blanched, feeling a pit form in my gut. I didn't even see how Hummingbird reacted, but I heard her let out a meek squeak.

“Spur of the moment, huh?” the policemare huffed.

We both wheeled around.

“I am so sorry, officer! I had no-”
“Oh dear Goddess! Sorry, sorry, sorry-”
“-idea! Really, I mean it! I'm new -”
“-I'm so, sooooo so so sorry about this, officers! I really-”
“-here! I just got here from Manehattan yesterday! We were-”
“-had no clue! Please please please don't-”

“Alright, that's enough!” Crisp shouted us into silence. He sighed, rubbing his face. “Cookie, can we actually even arrest them for this?”

“Nope,” she shook her head. “It's not against the law or anything, even if it's a bit... yeah. Plus, it's an open campus, even after hours.”

I blinked. It was?

“Alright, fine,” the policebuck huffed. “Look, just get a room or something. It's nighttime, but come on- in front of her? Really?”

“Yes, officers,” I replied, squeamish. “Sorry, officers.”

And with that, they took off. Cookie muttered, “I swear, the crazies we get sometimes...”

* * *

I closed the door behind us with an easy sigh. That was... not what I expected. “Well... we made it.”

“Yep,” Hummingbird sighed.

And then she thumped me on the head.

“Ow!” I clutched at my hat.

“That's for not asking about that sooner.”

Thump!

“Agh!”

“That's for pretending to make love to me.”

Thump!

“Aah!”

“And that's for pretending to make love to me in front of a statue of Princess Celestia.”

I groaned, clutching my head. “Okay. Okay, that was my bad.”

“Oh shush, you,” Hummingbird nickered. “I'm probably weaker than you.”

And then she hugged me.

“And that's for being nice to me,” she sighed, using a wing to wipe her nose as she sniffled and looked over the room. “Wow... now I feel bad about living here.”

“Imagine how I felt looking into this room the first time,” I grumbled, throwing my hat off onto the coat rack.

“I know,” she murmured as she pulled back her hood and let down her long, unkempt mane. “Ohhh, it's nice and warm in here... whoa, you even get your own bathroom? Are you sure this is a dorm room?”

“I am, unfortunately. Well... here you go, Hummingbird.” I motioned to her. “All yours. Well, ours. You get the idea.”

“Heh... thanks...” she sniffled, scratching at her mane. “Hey, uh, mind if I wash up? It's kinda been, well, over a year since I've had an actual shower...”

I swept a hoof over to the door. “Well go right on ahead.”

“Thanks,” she said with a smile, slipping inside. I started heading over to my suitcase as she poked back out. “No peeking.” Then she darted back in. I sighed to myself. Really? A quick smothering and she's on my case like that? Er... okay, actually, now that I think about it, I couldn't quite blame her. Still, ponies don't normally wear clothes anyway...

As the sound of running water and a squeal of delight came from the other side of the door, I started to unpack my things with a pair of ice arms. I didn't have much, just some basic school supplies, How to Win Friends, some personal toiletries, and my coat.

The storyteller presented his next memento.

And my phone.

I bit my lip and picked it up, dialing a number I knew by memory... and by heart.

* * *

“Heyyyy, Frost! How ya doing, bud?”

“Hey, Zoleks. I'm doing alright. Missing Manehattan already. How about you?”

“Went to a Giants game just the other day. Duuuude, the Coltsborough Clippers got trashed by them!”

“Heh, glad to hear, Zoleks. Glad to hear.”

“So tell me what's going on, Frost? Don't gimme the 'doing alright' spiel. How's Canterlot?”

“Hoo, where to start...? It's so much different here. It's all the rich-type ponies, mainly. Haven't seen a single zebra or buffalo or griffin or anything. It's... much more expensive than I thought it'd be. You know the southern quarter of Manehattan? Think that, then crank it up to eleven.”

“Hah! That bad, huh?”

“Yeah, that bad. With the bits I brought with me, I couldn't afford a night in the 'least expensive' places there without putting a serious strain on my finances.”

“Well, aren't there banks up there?”

“...”

“Frost? Call ain't dropped. I know because you taught me.”

“Yeah, just... ugh, I'm an idiot. I completely forgot about that.”

“Yeesh, and you're the one who set up The Mumei?”

“Zoleks... please don't mention that again.”

“Uh... oh, right. Sorry, Frost.”

“It's okay. But... yeah, I can't believe I forgot about that.”

“Frost? Forgetting? Impossibru!”

“Hey, I might have eidetic memory, but I can't remember everything on a bit. Still have to think for some things, but I always remember. Well, at least it didn't completely go to waste. I made a friend sleeping out in the streets.”

“Really? Tell me 'bout him.”

“Her, actually.”

“Her? Hah, got yourself a new marefriend, eh, buddy?”

“It's not like that, Zoleks. We're just friends. I'd... rather not go through the same phase as before.”

“Oh... right. Song Spinner. Bitch.”

“Yeah, so just friends.”

“Well tell me 'bout her, then.”

“Well... she's been living on the streets of Canterlot for a long time. She told me everything about the city, but...” Static sigh. “She's real sickly, too. Really feel bad for her. She doesn't belong on the streets. Now... good news was that I managed to get into Princess Celestia's School no problem.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“But... the dorm rooms are just... massive and luxurious beyond anything I've ever seen. And get this- they're all just for single students. No roommates.”

“Mmmmm, I can see where this going. You snuck her in, didn't you?”

“Actually, it's snea... yeah, I did. It was... a bit embarrassing how it all ended up, yeah, but I did.”

“Heh... good to hear, Frost.” Muffled creaking in the background. “So, you just... why'd ya do it? Just curious, that's all.”

“Because I felt really bad for her. Like I said, she really doesn't deserve being on the streets like that.”

“Mm-hm. Hey, Frost... I think I believe you now.”

“Huh?”

“You said you came out that dumpster a new stallion. After seeing you use your old tricks to tear... well, you-know-what down, I didn't really believe you. I mean, that stuff you pulled was downright evil. Er, diabolical? Whatever. It just... was what I saw from you those last six years. Same with when you were learning your ice magic stuff. Those meals with Vani and Shinespark? They were never friendly chats. You just ate and paid for 'em to get what you needed Now, though... I think I'm starting to believe you. Hokkaido wouldn't have done it from the bottom of his heart.”

“...”

“So... props to you, buck. I think you really are starting to change.”

“Heh... thanks.”

“At least, I hope so.”

“Gee. Thanks.”

“I'm just joking, Frost. Hey, so when're you gonna head back to Manehattan?”

“I don't know. Haven't checked the school calendar yet, but I don't think I get off until winter.”

“Duuuude, really? Awww, that sucks, buck... you're gonna miss the Running of the Leaves!”

“Yeah... I know. All the trees up here are evergreens.” Static sigh. “I'm really gonna miss Manehattan for a lot of things.”

“Sorry, buck...”

“Hell... already miss you.”

“Pfft, me? How'd this turn into me? Hey, I know you're changing, buck! No need to get all sappy, hah! People might still think you're a coltcuddler!”

“Oh thanks, Zoleks. Really had to go and remind me about all that, huh? Look, I think I gotta go now. It was... nice to talk to you again, my friend.”

“Same here, pal. Same here. You take care, okay? I know you'll do good.”

“Same to you. Say hi to Namira and your parents for me when you get the chance, okay?”

“Sure thing, Frost. Night!”

“Good night.”

Ending tone rang.

“Good night...”

* * *

I snapped the phone closed with a sigh, lips flattened.

“Close friend of yours, huh?”

I jumped, flustering as my magical field imploded and my ice arms fell to the floor with a solid double-thud. I wheeled around to find Hummingbird in just a sweater. Now that I could see her flank- I didn't let my eyes linger there mind you- I could see her cutie-mark. It was a large flash of light, like from a camera or something. She looked better- not completely well, but she looked less pale than before. Her mane, tail, and coat were a bit frizzled from drying by towel.

“... you know, for somepony so sick, you can be awful quiet,” I remarked as I eased up and sighed, sliding the arms back up to my shoulders and putting the dropped phone away.

“Have to thank you for the shower,” she said with a smile. “Cleared the sinuses, that's why. Ooh, ice arms. That's pretty cool, pun totally intended.”

I shook my head and started putting away the rest of my stuff. “How long have you been there?”

“Just a few minutes. Pretty much heard it all, though.”

I just nodded silently in response as I drew the curtains together.

“Least I got to know that you really did mean it when you said you were doing it to help me out,” Hummingbird said, kicking at the carpet with a hoof. “So... thanks.”

I just nodded again.

“... really close friend, huh?”

“Yeah,” I said quietly. “Really close.”

The green mare was quiet for a few seconds. “You want to talk about it?”

I shook my head. “Skeletons in the closet. I don't want to talk any more than that.”

“Alright, okay,” she said quietly. Then she trotted over and gave me another quick hug. “Thanks again, Frost.”

I shook my head and forced a slight smile. “It's nothing.” I motioned to the four-poster bed. “All yours.”

“Ohhhh no you don't,” she nickered. “We're sharing.”

“Sharing?” I stared at her in surprise. “Are you serious?”

“Yep.” She stood up proudly. Which, given her stature in physique, made it look comedic instead. I couldn't help but chuckle. “Oh hush, you. We're sharing. We did it in the alley last night. I figure that's no different. Plus, just look at it! Big enough for the both of us!”

“You sure?” I asked.

“You didn't try any funny business last time, and that phone call I overheard only backs me up there, so I have no problem with it.” She pointed a hoof at me. “Do you?”

“I... suppose not.”

“Good.” And with that, she launched herself into the air and flopped into one side of the bed, wriggling under the covers. “Just try not to hog it all, okay?”

I looked down and chuckled softly. “Alright, alright. If you're okay with it.”

I climbed into bed, turning myself away from the mare.

“Lights, Frost,” she said in reminder.

I simply formed a snowball and pelted the switch, plunging the room into darkness.

“Oh. Nice. You really gotta show me more of that, by the way.”

“Yeah. Later.”

“Yeah, later. Night, Frost. Thanks again.”

“Good night, Hummingbird.”

The darkness... between the curtains and the barren Canterlot nightscape, it was truly dark. I found myself thinking back to the dumpster, to that hot, stuffy, sticky darkness. This was... much better. Cleaner, purer... better.

I hoped I did come out of that a changed stallion. I really hoped I did.

But again, folks, what was Canterlot again?

* * *

Footnote: Frost- Level Up! Level 8 Reached!
Perk added: Extra S.P.E.C.I.A.L.- Intense training? What's that? In any case, you gain an extra point to allocate to your attributes.
Attribute selected: Perception

Unlockables added: Soundtrack- City of Hopes and Dreams

Soundtrack- Putting On a Show

Soundtrack- Theme of the Delicate Rose, Hummingbird

Author's Note:

And new chapter up as additional celebration for TLS’ inception anniversary. I’m extremely grateful to have become wrapped in the FoE community since then. Thank you, all of you. My thanks to Lazer726 for the eager pre-read and to you for, well, reading. Please leave feedback of some sort. I would greatly appreciate it, and critique especially can help me improve your reading experience.

Oh, and check out the Ask Frost Windchill tumblr!

Comments

[Reggie the Griffon]

That was pretty funny. Loved the act during the entrance exam.
Great chapter mate.

~Reggie

[Adder1]

1535976 Thank you. That scene was a blast to write.

[Doomande]

Adder you did it again you amazing person. I think that this is the best interpretation of Canterlot I have seen yet, especially from a Fo:E fic, what was that you said long ago that you was bad to catch the atmosphere of settings? Nonsense I say!

Not much else to say, beside that the humor was fun and it is nice to see that Frost is not all alone in the new city

[Adder1]

1537397 Thanks, Tonto. ^^ And just you wait- it gets a whole lot more Bastion-y in Chapter Nine. And of course he's creative! With only one spell to freeze stuff, he's gotta be!

1538125 Thanks much, doomande. That was a while ago and more toward the post-apocalyptic aspect of the story, though. I've been working on it now.

Hooray for spur-of-the-moment ideas! \o/ And yep, new character to develop!

[Stormy Sunrise]

:) finally a description of Canterlot , most peeps describe it as easy and not expensive..... Well it was a good chapter and you did a good job of describing the characters .

[Adder1]

1539729 Hm... noted. I actually never really thought about that, so I'm thankful you pointed that out, Honey Mead. ^^

And you'll find out eventually.

1539755 Thanks for that. And... really? I'm kinda surprised given the canon for the city.

[Stormy Sunrise]

1539817. Well you did get the rich snob part , but I give you ONE canon :)

[Adder1]

1549600 Oh just you wait until later... then it really hits Inception-esque stuff.

[Adder1]

1551844 New commentator! And... the dramatic type.

... still, !

[Adder1]

1553308 I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. I have to admit, that's the only tearful section for me that I had to write. Maybe it's because I've had a similar experience not too long ago and I had to write that particular chapter out by hand...

In any case, thank you kindly.

[Fillyosopher]

The first Bi-Weekly FoE read is here! We hope to revitalize the FoE community be increasing interest and supplying feedback to authors. We wanted to start off on a good note, so of course we chose The Last Sentinel as our first reading! Over the course of the week, anyone who wishes to may join us at the read through doc here.

Anypony is free to participate, repeat, EVERYPONY is free to participate!

And to you Adder1, be ready for comments. For they are coming! (WooOOooOOoo *scary noises*)

[Adder1]

1555014 *makes a cracking gasp in surprise*

Wait... you're... you mean... *squees!* Thank you! I'm honored, really! Anything I can do, other than joining in on the next ones for other stories?

[Fillyosopher]

You are free to join in on this one too, if you wish. I would ask that, if you do, you only do so when it would promote discussion. For example, if two ponies are arguing over how to interpret a character's reaction, don't speak up. Wait an listen to what they come up with (it could be informative). On the other hand, it could be really awesome if you were there to encourage discussion.

You're similarly free to listen in to the skype call, but I'd ask that you not participate in it, only because I fear readers would simply ask you for opinions, rather than form their own.

If you can generate interest, I'd not be opposed. I'm trying to hit all the major spots to get the news out, but I'm only one pony, with a limiting schedule.

And yes, I'd love to have you participate in future readings!

[Adder1]

1555138 Fair enough. As for the Skype call, I can't really use my mic anyways (bugs the hell out of my parents whenever I use voice chat for an online game or conversation) so that works.

As for interest, may I suggest the FoE subreddit, the FoE Resource Forums, and maybe their IRC chat?

And I'd most certainly like to, schedule permitting.

Edit: Also, here on this site even: http://www.fimfiction.net/index.php?view=group&group=35

[Adder1]

1557708 Are you talking about Rig here?

[Adder1]

1564339 *squee!* Another review!

Xamuros is totally named after a character from Star Fox: Contact, namely the Spade supersoldier of the same name. Unfortunately, between readers who actually read that story and are currently reading this one... you're kinda the only one who noticed. Still, you noticed!

Yeah, I'm aware sentence fragments pop up quite frequently in these early chapters. They start showing up less often in the later chapters, I think. Perhaps it's because the early chapters were more similar in style to my old stories.

I'm not sure italicizing would do much. I wanted to make it come across as bland as possible. Thinking about your suggestion, I believe it wouldn't have helped that much.

Yep, pretty much. It's a terrible ponification, I know. I later met someone who was using 'Asspanol' and I was thinking to myself, "Ughhhhh, why didn't I think of thaaaaat?"

You know the funny thing? I totally forgot about hippogriffs. I'm serious. I literally forgot about hippogriffs when designing Azrael. I actually never recalled the word until just a few months ago when someone used one in an RP. Just as with 'Asspanol', "Ughhhhhh, why didn't I think of that tooooooo?"

Again, thanks for the in-depth review, Commissar. Much appreciated.

[Adder1]

1582756 Thanks for the surprisingly helpful review, Honey. owo The withholding of information is... something that was central to the first arc of The Last Sentinel and... quite possibly the later ones. Which is good that it's working? \(o.O)/

The awkwardness of other parts... uhhhhh, yeah I can see that, especially with Azrael since she's still a "new" character at this point and I had no editor to bounce back ideas from for this chapter. It's good that you point this out, though I might need to get a better idea for what you mean before I can really be able to fix anything. Thanks for the critique in this respect though!

Aaaand I might need to better make it clear that it was the thing in the case he found under his old bed. @_@

[Honey Mead]

1582867
Yeah, as written it seemed like he didn't take anything from the case. Though to be fair I didn't get to that part until 4am so I might have just missed it

[Tonto the Trotter]

It's here, at long last I am up to date on the Last Sentinel. I was tempted, oh so very tempted to wait until the next chapter to give you my full review of the story, but I decided it was better to just get it all out there. Because of how long I will be typing, I'm going to break this down into sections, such as characters, story, detail etc.

Characters

Minor/Side characters
This is very much a story where mostly every character seems to have some form of significance. The best parallel/example I could give of this, would be Fullmetal Alchemist, the original anime. FMA used both major and minor characters well, a one-shot character like Miranda for instance, resonates in significance, several chapters later. Frost's audience in Junction R-7 are also a key component of this story, filling in the fish out of water character who asks questions, when Rig isn't available. Frost's responses to them can be highly entertaining, like that one time that filly got up to leave and he told her to stay XD. And lets not forget Roanake who is there to start up the juke box or take over here and there too.

Antagonists
So we now have our Antagonists, and what a colourful band of baddies they are. You have your minor bad guys like Sewn Britches, Snake Charmer & Langson who are basically all about the money. Then you have the much more complex and interesting Dead Boys, a group I initially mistook as an army of talons, rather than the main representatives of Aldorna and it's griffin populace. The leaders of this group just sound so fascinating and the ones we've met so far, have never failed to impress. Javahl a balisong blade loving, pyromaniac and Horvahd a repentant and regretful warrior who physically bears the burdens of all his past kills. The rest of the leaders promise to be just as fascinating, if not more.

Main Characters
So now we come to the main characters, the primary cast and oh boy, what a crew you have assembled Adder.

Frostbane Hokkaido Windchill
Not only does he have an epic name, but he has it for a reason. From time to time you'll find characters with names that sound plain heroic or memorable without explanation. Frost has become one of my favourite, point of view protagonists, over the last couple of weeks, reading this story. He tells his story in such a unique way, freely admitting that it is still based on his point of view and therefore, possibly flawed in regards to the whole truth. Frost is a character that you can't help but enjoy or admire, even when he's doing something really horrible or just plain immoral, like killing Miranda or torturing Sewn Britches/Langson. I enjoy how you/Frost incorporates music into the story, stopping from time to time to show off his musical prowess or add to the overall tone of a moment.

Frost personality-wise is hard to gauge, sometimes he's that fearless lone wanderer type, whilst at other times he's the wasteland survivor. Choosing to be whatever the situation demands. For instance, becoming a heroic lone wanderer when rescuing Sewn Britches victims and becoming the survivor when walking away from a situation, simply because it would deviate off-track too far. At other times he's this really regretful and repentant old stallion, still out there. still going on when so many others have come and gone. Again, some might consider this to make the character inconsistent, but I think it adds layers and personality to the character that are believable based on how long he is lived and his earliest endeavours and experiences. One thing I do like is that Frost lies about things, but he does so, not cause he's a malicious or evil protagonist, but because it's almost an intrinsic part of his character, shown as something he learned to use and build on from an early age.

I also loved how you took the unicorn protagonist character, who normally flaunts off their telekinesis and made regular unicorn magic, something that Frost is practically incapable of doing. It's a fresh idea and means you and your character need to be creative in their application of their natural magic.

Rig
Rig is your typical stable-dweller, even ending up temporarily in the clutches of a slaver, like Littlepip. Though I believe that was purely coincidence on your part Adder. Rig is a fairly likeable character whom you've taken a big slot of the story to help build up, having her as an idealist in contrast to Frost's experienced and hardened outlook on life in the wasteland. I enjoy Rig who can be amusing from time to time, her lovely smirk, something Frost brings up at minimal once a chapter, is something that I like and feel a little annoyed at. But I still see the inclusion of such a minor detail somehow important, I just can't explain why, but if Frost suddenly stopped saying it, I feel something really significant would've happened storywise.

Rig is a quick learner who is adjusting to Wasteland existence relatively well, granted she is travelling with The Sentinel so it makes sense she would pick up good combat experience and training from him and his friends. One thing I did really find unnecessary was Rig's cyborg status, I figured she was interesting enough without the Cyborg trait. Now it does add both more to her background and even means she might still be alive into the modern day since as far as I know, Cyborgs are immortal. But it also makes her seem less vulnerable, but also adds to her character and her dislike of Stable 3. In short I'm conflicted over it, but I don't hate her being a Cyborg.

Azrael Razorwing
Besides Frost, Azrael is one of the most interesting characters of this story and one of my favourites. She is a particularly fascinating character and a stalwart companion, an ideal combo for someone who will be accompanying the POV character. Azrael could have become a monster, her telepathic abilities literally making her a venerable killing machine, instead she has become an understanding and sympathetic empath. She toed the line between monster and warrior during her time with the Dead Boys, crossing the line and realising she wished she hadn't. In that regard she is similar to Frost, a repentant sinner.

I also love how her abilities balance out as both a curse and a blessing, much like her mixed heritage. Azrael's dislike of not being able to see herself through others eyes is also a nice touch, makes sense that she might develop such a phobia of being alone since it makes her essentially blind...blinder. Azrael's willingness to mislead the Dead Boys and give her family a sporting chance of escape speaks volumes about her love for them and the type of person she is, willing to make sacrifices she would rather not have to make.

Equipment
It might seem strange to make a section based solely on the gear that the protagonists carry, but it all has its own history. I mean okay, Valkyrie and Harbinger don't have nearly as storied a past as Luna's Fortitude/Judgement or Midnight Talon, but they have been with Azrael since she started working with the Dead Boys. Frost's weapons, old and new are truly fascinating, his time spent decorating his equipment shows both Frost's artistic flair and his fondness for his guns. Frost's armor itself is pretty badass too, being a percursor to power armor. Rig's improved stable barding is also awesome and if it's anything like the fanart, then it definitely has some influence from Dead Space, specifically Isaac Clarke's non-military suits.

Story
Last and most importantly we come to the story. You take an already fascinating story of a Wasteland legend and make it better with having him narrate his own story to an audience, actively interacting with the audience. You don't start right at the beginning, Frost's childhood etc, but rather leave us wandering for several chapters, before you show us more than just flashes and glimpses. These can also lead to a sense of being mislead but not in a bad way i.e, when you revealed Frost's mansion home, you assume his parents were rich and successful but then we learn that Frost was actually the rich and successful one.

You also have elements of your story that have yet to be fully revealed and when you do reveal them, I am not disappointed. Fro example, Grimm Asher as Javahl, that was a great reveal, fight, scene and his come back was excellent. He just burst in and burnt Frost alive whilst Horvahd was right there. Now we know a lot more about the Dead Boys and we have an idea of who Frost will be fighting against once he gets his act together and takes Stable 72's water talisman. Also if I can make note of one thing I kinda missed but hope you can bring back in maybe a later chapter, that one scene with Sewn Britches holding a hostage and telling Frost to stop before replying "I didn't think I'd get this far..." That scene always made me smile and I was a teeny tiny bit bummed to see it go, but I understood why, it just didn't fit the tone no more.

I also love how you added to Equestria's rich history, having a migration from the Far North, explaining partly how Manehatten grew to be even larger etc. Also music, you incorporate music very well into your story and each piece you take time to mention or have Frost play seems to have greater significance than the other songs.

Overall I continue to enjoy this story and look forward to each update.

Hopes for the Future
Lastly I want to talk about things I would like to see in future chapters, just consider this a section of suggestions and ideas. I dunno if you're up to date on Project Horizons, but if you are, then you'll know Luna had at least two batpony guards from their homes in Hoofington. I dunno if you planned to work that in, maybe explain the original Lunar Guard armor had like an enchantment placed on the helmets, so the Batponies could speak Equestrian. And that the majority of the Pegasi lunar guard had a wing enchantment that gives them bat wings. This could've led to further exploration of improving Lunar Guard armor.

I know you're probably going to do it anyway, but I would love to see the original Dead Boys. I sort of have an image in my head of The Expendables meets Stalingrad. A group of hard as nails heroes who could also be like regular ponies, maybe even have one of those really silent killers who's always sharpening his knife. Maybe a bit like Dan Abnetts Gaunt's Ghosts series, the Tanith First and Only a.k.a Gaunt's Ghosts had a lot of personality and variety amongst the troopers, hope to see some of that with the Dead Boys

I would also like to see Frost visit Fillydelphia in its prime at some point, maybe even Dise or Cloudsdayle. I can imagine Luna may have had to make visits to Cloud cities like Cloudsdayle at some point or another. Also due to when Frost was in Canterlot, you have a unique opportunity to speak about the Changeling nation and the repercussions of their attack, Discord's return and maybe if he toyed with Frost,Luna,Celestia etc personally, Also the Crystal Ponies. Or you could Frost mention it all and then skip it and see the sad looks of his audience, him chuckling and stating that it's a story for another time. Still plenty of time for all of that, Season 3's barely started so you've got plenty of time to wait and see what else crops up in the canon of the show. Be kind of awkward if Changelings attacked Ponyville and Luna + Lunar Guard arrived to help (Unlikely for the show, but I can dream...)

I see an opportunity to introduce Cadance and Shining Armor, before and after the wedding, minor stuff mind you, but it could be interesting background stuff to mention. Lastly the origin of Luna's Fortitude, Luna's Judgement & Midnight Talon. I'm still curious as to whether Frost killed one or two Hellhounds to make his butterfly knife.

Now-non related to the story, I found a rather interesting song. The singer isn't as good as the guy I heard singing it in real life and it has a Halloween vibe to it, but I figure you could rework the lyrics or use them as they are and maybe include the song at some point. The song is about a werewolf at a farm who returns after a year, I mean the song mentions strange red meat hanging in the barn (Pony meat sold by cannibals in the regular FOE?), could be a Helhound or insane ghoul Diamond Dog (We need more ghoul Diamond Dogs).

Here's a Link, it just feels like something Frost or maybe a lonesome drifter would sing =). Junior's Barn

[Adder1]

1586342 Gurk... ack... ahhh? *inhaaaaaale- squeeeeeee!*

Good Lorn, that must have taken at least an hour to type up! It would be a disservice for me not to reply in kind to every section!

"Minor" Characters: You touched on a very good point here, Tonto. One thing I wanted to touch on in TLS is the so-called "butterfly effect". The littlest things can have huge repercussions. Sewn Britches' death not only gave Frost a directive and a companion, but it also set in motion the Dead Boys' attack on Stalliongrad after the Razorwings failed to make the pay for Langson, subsequently leading to his death and the deaths of 73 (I think?) citizens, and also Frost being able to track the slaves to his home in Hoofstead. That's all because of one guy, who only has one chapter to himself. Now, Snake Charmer might not have as much of a pronounced effect all the same, but her death does end slavery in Hoofstead for the remainder of its lifetime. Kaden, the Dead Boy Elite... ehhhhh, well you could argue he allowed Frost to trace the increased Dead Boys activity back to Stalliongrad. The point I'm trying to make is that there are no minor characters. Each one has a part to play somehow, some way. Even the throwaways have a purpose. There's power behind a name, I feel. Named characters should be significant somehow... or come back later.

Antagonists: You have no idea how incredibly fun and how incredibly difficult it was to craft the griffin pantheon for all this. Granted, I did get major MAJOR inspiration from Bastion, but... well, we never really see the gods themselves do we? Now, I have to admit to myself- the Dead Boys leaders break the Fallout feel. The level of technology and ability they demonstrate is more in line with Metroid with the ridiculousness of it all. Grimm/Javahl... sure, he's got a chem-injection system and a flamethrower. But Azrael? The temporal rewind concept is something straight out of Singularity (albeit targeted for a gun rather than, say, a hapless Russian soldier). Still, the main thing I want to get across is that these leaders all have a greater complexity to them than at first glance. When you found out that a Dead Boys leader was in Stalliongrad, tell me you weren't expecting a fight to go down. Instead, we get Malcom- one of the few Dead Boys leaders who will actually rather sit down and talk with Frost rather than attempt to kill him outright. Another thing is that I want a sense of beauty and awe to come from these people, these griffins who all shared a common tragedy who now fight for a corrupted cause- whether it's Javahl spouting a brilliant, golden jet of flames into a world devoid of color, Horvahd's chains clinking in the silent streets, or Azrael cutting a flaming swath through the enemy.

Main Characters
Frost: Hoh boy. Uh... where to start? Well I'm glad you enjoy him as the main character so far. I know the first make-or-break point for the story came at the conclusion of chapter 11 when he kills Miranda and Wendy, and after that point I knew it became a major turn-off to people. Still, I feel it's the reasons why he did that- reasons that none of the characters, the audience, or the readers can fully grasp just yet- and just how he will try to redeem himself that will be the real make-or-break portion of the story. I'm glad you also discussed his hard-to-pin personality. He really is a varied character, going from lenient diplomat to feral sadist. Quite possibly being afflicted by a boatload of mental disorders might have something to do with that, but here's the end result- you don't know what's coming next. You can guess, sure, but in addition to not knowing what I have planned for next chapter... you don't know which Frost you'll see.

Also, yes. Thinking up new ways for him to use ice is fun. And frustrating. You'll get that feeling once we start getting back to chapters, because you know what's coming up next.

Rig: Yes, she's a bit of a character foil to Frost. Yes, she's fun to write sometimes. Yes, the smirk does have a significance to it. And yes, I am very, VERY glad you touched on the cyber part. There is a reason for that. Think about it- Frost fears something other than fire, and it's brought up early on in his dreams. How does Rig reflect and contradict that?

Azrael: I'm happy about how I've written her in terms of overall ability. She has a sort of presence to her character, just as she does on the battlefield. All Dead Boy leaders do. You see one on the front, you're about to get seriously, seriously fucked. What I'm NOT happy about is the extent to which I'm developing her. Something I'm kicking myself over is not expanding upon that second companion perk of hers (Inequine Empathy) and her own history. We have an idea of what she's done. We don't actually know- and that's going to be critical given the events I'm going to set in motion once the Ghosts of the Past "DLC" draws to a close.

Equipment: Frost was once a historian. He said it in the prologue, he's shown it in his freaky knowledge about cities and their people, and he shows it in his weaponry. Every named weapon in this story will have a significance- even Harbinger and Valkyrie, eventually. As for Frost's armor... well. That has a history too.

*is guilty as charged for borrowing elements from Dead Space*

Story: The "untrustworthy narrator" motif that I tried to emulate from Conrad's Heart of Darkness resulted in all that, yep. Even now with the reworked chapters, by the time chapter four comes along, you know there is something Frost isn't saying- you might have even drawn the conclusion then and there. I know at least one person who contacted me by PM has. Also, now that you bring up the whole part about the mansion... you have absolutely no idea how many things like that are not planned. Hell, I didn't even realize that until just now after reading it. But aside from that, there are parts where I I'm like, "Oh my god, this happened earlier! I can totally link that to what's going on here!" A lot of my favorite setpieces are actually my biggest accidents. Teehee.

Ohhhh, you have no idea how many bombs I am going to drop by the time just the Reflections are over. Maybe I don't even know (see above!). As for that scene... well, yeah, it did have a special place in my heart. I might find a way to work it back in somehow.

World-building is fun. Maybe it's because I get to play god and create my own universe and decide what happens. I guess that's the whole attraction behind writing fiction. One thing I think makes TLS stand out from the FoE crowd is that it has this history. One big reason I have the Reflections going is not only to reveal who Frost was, what he did, and to see what he's become but also- ALSO to see what the world and its people were, what they did, and what they became. We don't go from the MLP: FiM episodes to the Wasteland just like *that*. It's something ambitious I'm doing, yes, but oh so satisfying when I can manage to pull it off right (note: how many chapters actually make you FEEL like you're in a post-apocalyptic world?).

Hohhhhhh, yes, the music. It was something I toyed with during my second story, but it really didn't work. The reason was- I interspersed it within the chapters. People read at their own pace, so you can't synchronize it like you can with a motion picture. Putting at the end fixes that. Even if it has its own inherent problems (having to think back to the scene, maybe), I think it has one major advantage. As the reader listens to the music, he or she thinks back to that scene. Thinking is what I want readers to do after finishing each chapter. I have an upcoming chapter where you're in for a surprise with the soundtrack. Because there's a twist (hint: it's a lie).

The Lunar Guard: I don't know if you recall your dates, but I actually started The Last Sentinel before the introduction of Lionheart in Fallout: Equestria. Granted, I may not have had a solid idea of what the Lunar Guard were all about or their history, but I now definitely have something I feel I can call my own. I deviate greatly from the others in this respect- you might already have some ideas after chapter thirteen, where Frost answered SOME questions from Rig and Azrael about that. I'm not going to follow Project Horizons on this- I'm saying it now. Sorry to disappoint.

You... might squee a little by the time I- whoops, better not give it away! That'd make it too easy!

The (Real) Dead Boys: Rest assured- you'll see them, you'll meet them, and you'll understand just how hard they fought. You might be either disappointed or surprised by who they are though.

Cities and Showstuff: At this point, I'm unsure whether or not I'll explore pre-war City of Smoke and Steam and City of Sun and Storm respectively. Frost, after all, is no pegasus. Wasteland Fillydelphia... well, the Dead Boys are stationed there, right? Along with, well. I don't know. A whole Steel Ranger chapter.

As for events in the actual episodes, FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU- I cannot believe I forgot about Discord! Thank you for bringing that up, because I otherwise would've completely forgotten that!

The changeling invasion/royal wedding will come into play, though. That, I can say I've planned for. Cadance and Shining Armor... well, the latter will show up for sure. The former... I'm not so certain.

As stated before, each one of those weapons has a story. It'd be a sin for me not to write those up.

Home stretch! The song! I'm... honestly right now unsure of it, considering some other things I have planned as special treats. I don't have a definitive answer for you yet, Tonto, but we'll see what happens.

Phew! This took... about an hour to write up. And I have an o-chem midterm tomorrow.

Worth it.

Thank you so much for your support, help, commission which freaking ended up in a drawfriend(!), and dedicated review,
Adder1

[Tonto the Trotter]

1587012 First of all, no disappointment that you aren't including all the elements of Horizons. By that I mean you aren't shoehorning in two night guards who talk in chirping song-like sounds. Of course it would've been funny watching Frost learn a dead dialect and trying to whistle and chirp correctly . Of course Frost might not even have noticed anything odd about the two, other than they were incredibly quiet or were always with Luna on official business i.e, Nightmare Night. And I understand perfectly the reluctance to take Frost to Cloudsdayle, though I imagined he might've went there to learn how to create functional ice wings, unless he developed that skill post-war era Equestria or studied Griffin wings/bird wings/bat wings etc.

Also glad I could help remind you of Discord, I imagine Frost saying this in Logan Cunningham's voice "I always find this next part hard to talk about..." Cue Mancer's dilemma playing in the background. Of course you might want to save that particular song for a Nightmare sequence of some kind. Also Yay! Changeling invasion, I imagine Cryomancy would come in very handy during the invasion.

Also you can actually have the events of the season follow a more logical chronological order, i.e, Running of the Leaves, Nightmare Night then the Heart's Warming Eve pageant and Winter Wrap Up last. Oh and the Winter Solstice i.e, the Longest Night celebration too . Or you could just make them footnotes and have Frost lie about the holidays saying you had to slay a Ursa on Nightmare Night then chuckle and say he was only foolin.

[Adder1]

1590585 Heh, yeah, I won't be doing that. I already have a headcanon established for the Lunar Guard. History, again, will be a major component of it. Only time will tell what you all think of it because it might... rub people the wrong way on my interpretation.

Heh. Ice wings. That'll come into play soon.

And now you reminded me of that quote. I must use that. XD Ahhhhhhh, I'm honestly unsure if "Mancer's Dilemma" will be a soundtrack. Then again, most of my music choice only comes after I write out the scene itself. We'll see what happens.

I think I'll stick with only a few select major events. XD Hell, since it's rumored there might be a Luna-Celestia origin story, I may decide to leave out canon entirely at some points. Holidays, though, will be included at some point.

[Adder1]

1597531 ... that about sums it up yeah. XD

Wow. Someone else liked Beat Blaze. That's... comforting.

Yep. Going to come into play later? Maybe.

You and and at least two, three other people. Which means that didn't work out too well. :\

Hey, Frost is creative. He's not perfect. XD

Thank you for the read... <8)

[Honey Mead]

1597836
To be fair, I put a fair amount of thought into Rig. Not ghoul, not robot, hard to read but not impossible... Only so many options.

[Adder1]

1598726 Makes me wonder what you're thinking about Frost then, heh.

[Honey Mead]

1598736
Well, lets run through what I know...
Is
200+ years old, Cryomancer, Body temperature below 32 degrees F, Spent time in a stable, Romantically attached to Luna, Completely unreadable by Azrael.
Isn't
Ghoul, Cyberpony/Robot

Based on this there are a number of options.
First: Stable experiment. Likelihood middling. Not one to allow others to mess with him is such a way, though could have been unwilling.
Second: Cursed: Likelihood low. Who could have cursed him so?
Third: Cryogenic accident: Likelihood High. Lower body temperature mixed with vastly increased life span might indicate a failing in cryogenic freezing. Abilities with cryomancy allowed to survive where others would die. This could also explain mental breaks (i.e. enjoying things he knows he shouldn't and possible hallucination [not sure if Luna is just in his head or not yet]).

This is the extent that I have come up with so far. Without knowledge of what happened in the stable there is only so much that I can guess at.

[Adder1]

1606258 Heh... yeah, you'd be surprised just how elaborate they can get.

[Adder1]

1616940 Oh well. You tried. Mreh, you're reading at such a faster pace than I am. Blegh, hate midteeeeeeerms. @_@

[Honey Mead]

1617852
It's not a fair competition. I have far too much time on my hooves.

[Adder1]

1627730 You just started seeing Bioshock refs? Tell me you didn't miss the Sander Cohen reference in fifteen! XD Please go back and check... would you kindly?

And no, definitely not. >.>

[Honey Mead]

1628393
... Body absorbing pony isn't really a step up...

Oh, and I don't know for sure if I caught the other references... But these were incredibly obvious ones.

[Adder1]

1634375 Well... hopefully it'll get less monotonous after the chapters start picking up again? oO

[Honey Mead]

1634448
Gah, I'm bad at this...

I didn't mean to say that the story was monotonous... but that for Frost it's all, more or less, just another day in the Wasteland, and it comes through in the story... That's kinda a good thing, I don't know if I could portray that feeling as well as you have. With this you lose a lot of the... idk.. thrill maybe... of a pony brand new to the Wasteland. Where every turn throws up a brand new threat that has never been faced before. Of course just about every FoE story banks on that, so trying to not use that particular trope at least different... if not down right ballsy.

I mean, if the story was actually monotonous I would have stopped reading long before 200k words.

[Adder1]

1635487 *blushed at that IRL* Well, uh... thanks. Oh dear, you have no idea how ballsy this is going to get if it's only starting with that. Hoo...

[Adder1]

1666153 Woohoo. That's one thing I was striving for with this story- that it feels like the narrator (Frost) actually is a narrator, that you're hearing his words in person. So yush!

[Honey Mead]

Haha! I'm caught up! Woot!
I'm starting to see a pattern of rises and falls. Be interesting to see the next plummet.
I love that you actually thought out how cryomancy works and how he worked to over come it's limitations.

[Adder1]

1671092 The old vicious cycle, eh? And glad to see it. ^^

Yeah, just wait until you see his ice wings. >.>

[BlueNinja]

They all wore a mix suits, hats, dresses

a mix *of