Equestria fell into chaos when to a mysterious entity known only as Gorgon made a large portion of the populace disappear 25 years into Princess Twilights rule, including every princess other than Twilight. With the creatures already on edge from discontent and fear mongering, Twilight orders a decree that all non-pony creatures return to their homelands so that the ponies can focus on friendship. However, this has the opposite effect, putting Equestria in a frenzy. Ponies from all over start separating and forming new towns overnight so that only one type of pony lives together. Twilight, in an attempt to stop the wendigos from consuming Equestria in a unforgiving winter, sacrifices herself so that at least the ponies of Equestria can live on, even if they hate each other.

Fast-forward 20 years, Luster Dawn, after having given up on reuniting all of Equestria, has settled down in a small forest grove when a pair of ponies shows up to her little cottage in the woods seeking help.

Luster Dawna cutie mark on the thumbnail was acquired from Illuminous on DeviantArt