User blog comment:Guildmaster Grovyle/JLE Role Play, Winter 2017-2018/@comment-27161581-20180101045133

''The carriages roll over rock and under tree, slowly and steadily making their way up winding paths that sneak through the dense forests of Trotsylvania. After some time the trail steepens and the dark forests and rolling hills give way to a rocky, inhospitable landscape.''

''With the poor soil here, and the ever-present mist, it is no wonder that life is scarce. Nothing moves around the carriage, save for the heavy breathing of the stallions pulling. The countess refuses to call for a stop, and after several hours of harsh travel, the trail plateaus out, and the stallion's hooves start clicking on sturdy stone.''

''The party passes through the stone ruins of what was once a great town, judging by the wide roads, and many sizable stone foundations. While the foundations remain, it is clear that the town has long since been abandoned. Not even a mouse scurries between the empty buildings... though the many walls of the structures would offer temporary havens for those willing to brave the inhospitable landscape. Still the party travels on, despite a growing sense of being watched, until finally the main destination looms closer on yet an even higher plateau, a great black fortress.''

''Reflecting not the sunlight, but the dim sheen of the rising moon, the indomitable black castle reaches skyward, vanishing into the mist. While the architecture is similar to Celestia's ancient Canterlot castle, the angles are more severe, and the cruel curves of buttresses lend something unique to the distinctly Trotsylvanian culture. It's familiar, particularly so to those who have spent time around Canterlot, and even more so to any who may have braved the Castle of the Two Sisters. The party has other more pressing concerns than Trotsylvanian culture.''

The carriages wheel to a stop just inside the the outer wall of the fortress, and a hoofservant clad in the modern garb of a butler professionally steps forwards from the dark alcoves to welcome the guests inside.

Hoofservant: "Madams, Sirs. Allow me to formally extend the invitation of Count Canter Di Dracaru to his honored guests for the celebration of the return of his highness, Lord Raziel Di Dracaru, the last antebellum, and ruler of all Trotsylvania."

''Something tugs at Spearmmint's thoughts.... this castle, the polished stone, the high tower... This is familiar to say the least. He's seen these doors even if they aren't the welcoming purple of Canterlot, and the soft rug extending to the carriages was red and gold, and not the blue and silver before him.''