Part I

Daring Do was trotting slowly through an immense plain illuminated by the moonlight, which, along with the gentle and cool nighttime breeze, made the grass ripple in silver and brilliant waves. It was a splendid, almost magical landscape that invited any pony to venture in and gallop until they got lost on the horizon, ultimately immersing themselves in a tide of eternal tranquility and rest.

However, for Daring Do, tranquility and rest had a different meaning. Unlike what many of her fans believed, she also had moments when she grew tired of dangerous, action-packed adventures and focused solely on relaxing. Although, considering her own personality, "relaxing" had another meaning for her, and it consisted of carrying out "field investigations," one of the few activities in which she could act as a true archaeologist.

Another one of her recreational activities was writing, which she had perfected as much as her combat skills. "Daring Do and the Fugitive of Kristalhav," she suddenly thought. Whenever she returned from a long journey, she would write a new book, using the most epic adventure she had experienced as the basis. However, this time she was in a predicament. She had been away for so long on various extraordinary adventures that she now had too many options to choose from. So she decided to use a new method: she would select the adventure with the coolest title to turn it into her new publication.

Daring Do's thoughts were interrupted by the question from the pony walking ahead of her. "Isn't it a wonderful night? UWU," the pony said.

"Yes, it's a rather pleasant night," she responded curtly.

Her guide was a middle-aged pony named Meg Tree, whose name was fitting as his green mane was as lush and unkempt as the treetops themselves. In addition to his striking hairstyle, tucked under a straw hat, he had an obviously fake accent and a raspy voice that almost seemed forced. If he didn't carry a lantern with the title of "official guide," whose light shone less brightly than the moon itself, anyone would think he was a lost farmer rather than a travel guide.

If this individual was an undercover agent trying to eliminate her, he was undoubtedly one of the most mediocre she had seen. On the other hand, it could also be a desperate beggar trying to earn some money. Although everything indicated that it was the latter option, personally, she hoped it was the former.

"It could be a quiet night, UWU, but these plains are wild lands where it's best to be accompanied. UWU... Giant eagles are known to hunt at night too, UWU, so a lady like yourself should be careful, UWU," said Meg Tree as he suspiciously looked up at the sky.

Daring Do rolled her eyes. She had already studied those territories. In the past, they had been the setting of wars between minotaurs, centaurs, and lion gargoyles, located to the south of Equestria. Those kingdoms knew nothing of harmony and were constantly embroiled in disputes over the tiniest matters. It was believed that Tirek and Scorpan, two powerful creatures who had caused great turmoil in the land of ponies, had emerged from those lands.

Currently, however, those kingdoms had isolated themselves and did not allow foreigners or changes in their cultures. The same war had become a taboo among them. She didn't believe it was the best solution for those societies to remain isolated and backward, but it was much better than an era of eternal conflict.

Daring Do stopped trotting and gazed at the beautiful plain before her. Her gaze swept across the river they had crossed and the dwarf forests they had left behind. Finally, she paused at the distant lights of the village they had departed from.

What future awaited those lands? Daring Do couldn't even begin to imagine. The arrival of settlers from Equestria in the last hundred years had brought improvements to the land, almost erasing the traces of past wars. It had also paved the way for improved trade with the other species inhabiting the region. All of that was very positive, but it could also become a new source of conflicts in the future. Undoubtedly, the new princess would have a lot of work ahead of her.

"UWU! We're almost there!" whinnied Meg Tree.

Both of them were approaching a solitary hill with unusual rocks at its summit.

"That's alright, there's no need..." Daring Do was interrupted by Meg Tree's delayed 'UWU'. "...for you to accompany me to the top," she finished, clearly uncomfortable. That catchphrase that the pony kept repeating was becoming increasingly annoying.

"Of course, it's necessary, UWU. I've given you my word to take you to the top, and I intend to fulfill it, UWU," Meg Tree responded as he took off his hat as if making an oath.

"Alright... thank you," Daring Do said, looking away.

"That's great, UWU!" Meg Tree responded cheerfully. He turned around and continued ahead with a proud stride.

Daring Do regretted accepting Meg Tree as her guide. She had passed through the nearest village that morning to stock up, and while chatting in one of the shops, she casually mentioned that she was heading to the "Hill of Eternity." Suddenly, that pony appeared, begging her to allow him to be her guide. After causing a shameful and humiliating scene in the middle of the square, she finally agreed in exchange for a few coins. That solved the problem, but considering she was a pegasus and only needed to fly for less than an hour to reach the hill, having a guide became ridiculous.

The journey had taken HOURS since the afternoon. Surprisingly, Meg Tree had behaved fairly well throughout the way. However, his dull and improvised conversations became as uncomfortable as a bent horseshoe.

Putting that pony aside, Daring Do had her destination within reach. With a light flight and Meg Tree marching ahead, she followed until they reached the summit.