It was a calm night, the stars shining brightly in the indigo canvas of the night like fireflies over a fog-laden pond. The peaceful little town of Ponyville was sleeping, all the windows darkened by the lack of light, the occupants all asleep in their snug beds. One window, however, was like a faint beacon in the night. With nothing but the candlelight to keep her company, Twilight Sparkle sat at her desk, violet eyes skimming over the words scrawled upon the book before her. It was a good read, really. Why else would she stay up to the late hours of the night? This book had been presented to her by Princess Celestia, following a request for another book on the history of Equestria. This certain volume was on the country of Vanner- a land long thought to be lost. It had been a mysterious land, spanning the Equestrian desert. The country had simply disappeared into the dunes, without a trace… This had been confirmed by Princesses Luna and Celestia, it had been so far back. Twilight became instantly aware that an entire country could not just .. Vanish. At least… not naturally. A soft glow illuminated both her horn and the page as she turned it, resuming her researching.
Vanner's occupants were known to be larger than Ponies, with an anatomy similar to that of an Alicorn, though lacking both horn and wings. Hosting long manes and tails, the Horses, as they came to be called, earned the name "The Gypsy Caravans," in reference to the brightly dyed sashes and scarves they wore in accordance to the…
The purple Unicorn's reading was interrupted by the sound of thundering hooves. At first, she thought it to be simply a few ponies out for a midnight run, frolicking and playing like little ponies do. But that was definitely not the case, as the desperate voice broke the peace of the town…
"HELP! PLEASE- SOMEONE! ANYONE! HELP!"