We called it, the Cold North.
Years ago, our people settled in a land far beyond the boundaries of the Known. We marched, flew and sailed across the icy seas. Past what we knew of Mount Everhoof, around the Yaket Ranges and far away from the grassy ranges and the warm suns. Some may say that it was by choice we left from what comforts we knew, for they are the ones who claim to hold a proud heritage. Others would say that it came from banishment, punishment for those who schemed against the crowned sisters, rogue barons and baronesses who sought to control all. Our history has been twisted and lost, changed and corrected. To many then, it did not matter why they were born here, or why they were raised in a world with little warmth or comfort.
These barons and baronesses lead their people, guided them to a land where they designed to reign. And so they settled, to what in their ancient tongue would be known as the City of Cold. From the world they found themselves in, they forged their homes and their kingdom from the ironwood and stone. The barons and baronesses hoped to achieve their dominance for the many years to come, as was their greed. They expected the people they lead to accept the abuse of their powers, from those of the Earth, to those of the Air and from those who manipulated the Magic. But their reign, lasted only so long.
In the bitter conflicts that followed, slowly were the barons and baronesses of Ledyagrad fell from the pinnacles from which they stood. The ponies they manipulated pulled from them their power, taking from even the most agreeable of the royalty. These ponies banished the barons and baronesses from their lands, from the kingdoms that they formed. So now the Earth, the Pegasi and the Unicorns found themselves with a guidance that they dearly needed. But one rose from the many, taking this opportunity to guide the ponies of Ledyagrad and form a new and perfect unity. And so the ponies asked their new leader, if they were to call her the baroness.
But she answered nae, but to call her the Administrator.
The Administrator formed what would become the Republic of Ledyagrad, and so she granted the freedoms and liberties her people desired. And so they thrived, those of Earth, Sky and Magic. They created many technological wonders, forged from their mastery of their tools and sciences. Made art and society from their shared beliefs and compassions. Made peace, from the conflicts they sought to end before they could escalate. And to ensure this peace would never be broken, the Guardians of Ledyagrad were created.
And so, they were promised peace. Time moved on and the Administrator stepped down from her place, snared by her duty and her love for not only her people, but for one special pony. Another Administrator took her place, and continued what was thought to now become a long tradition. The cycle continued, and peace and prosperity continued to spread throughout the Cold North. These ponies soon assumed a title upon which they all accepted: that of the Ledyagradians.
For years this cycle continued, across many Administrators. But no one could ever quite replace her. Until, the day the twins were born. The first Administrator brought forward two sons, both who would be cherished throughout the lands of Ledyagrad. One became a leader almost as natural as his mother: courageous, sociable, honourable... and charitable. The other became an engineer, unmatched at his height and time: curious, ingenious, persistent… and pragmatic. And in time, as they learned and as they grew, they came to accept their respective roles—and in time, their names would become the fabric of legends.
As time moved on, and the first Administrator and those of the early days of the Republic moved on, these brothers took on the mantles of new responsibilities.
Clever Seer, the Administrator of Ledyagrad. Protector of the Republic.
Void Walker, the Minister of Architecture and Creation. Professor of High Knowledge.
The times of the Republic would see great wonders under these unparalleled minds, whether in leadership or engineering. And to the ponies of Ledyagrad, it would seem as if these times would be unceasing. Unending. As if it would be the greatest era to come, as if it would be the ultimate age of the Republic. As Seer lead, and Void built… the reaches of the unimaginable soon became clear realities, those things that were thought impossible before, would soon become the possible. The blessings of the land of the Cold North, soon becoming bountiful and immeasurable.
But for all the good that could be done, for all the greatness that could be achieved… eventually, this bounty will become limited. For as prosperous as the Ledyagradians could be, there will eventually be famine.
The time has befallen the ponies of Ledyagrad, those who live in the Cold North.
And this, would be known as the Tragedy in the Cold North.
A/N: Thank you for taking the time to read my story, the Tragedy in the Cold North! I hope you enjoyed reading the beginning, as I have enjoyed writing it! Information will be provided below, in case there was confusion about what was being said.
Ledyagrad/The Cold North: Ledyagrad, (or the Cold North) is a land separated from the rest of Equestria, in the region known only as the Unknown. Founded originally by corrupted barons and baronesses, their subjects became tired and eventually overthrew the corrupt royalty. It eventually formed the Republic, as is ruled by an elected Administrator. The land is extremely cold, and resident to only the most resilient of species.
Republic of Ledyagrad: The official governance of Ledyagrad, the Republic is led by and elected Administrator, and contains a parliamentary body. It has become a contained source of invention and ingenuity due to its great degree of freedom and liberation.
Ironwood Trees: Ironwood Trees are an incredible phenomenon of metal structures that form and create a tree-like structure. Harvested for their materials, Ironwood trees have become an incredible resource market for those who head out make them lumber.
Clever Seer: The first born of the twins, Clever Seer is known primarily for his qualities of charity, honour and guidance, which make him a natural leader. Clever Seer followed in the hoofsteps of his mother, and became a well-regarded Administrator of the Ledyagrad Republic.
Void Walker: The second born of the twins, Void Walker is known primarily for his qualities of ingenuity, persistence and curiousness. These qualities made Void Walker the chosen engineer of the family, as he was an obvious choice for the Minister of Architecture and Creation, and the head Professor of Engineering.
Thank you once again for reading this update, I plan to release more chapters in the near future!