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Is that the Solar Flare we read about? So he has been stuck in this spot here for 500 years? How is he still alive? … He IS still a regular living pony under that armor, right? Just making sure getting him out won't end the same way as when we looked under The Grinning One's mask… As for how to release him, maybe our Purify Powder works? Removing rust from metal seems like a thing it should be able to do.

Before attempting anything, you recall the tale of Solar Flare of Canterlot, a paladin who was banished to the realm of darkness five hundred years past. You try asking the stallion if he would happen to be him.

Justice: "Hold on. The Solar Flare of Canterlot?"

Talking Statue: "Why, that is my name. Yet one which, as I recall, was honour-bound to be forgotten by history. Curiously, I feel none worse for the wear. Five hundred years, you say?"

You nod, and can't help but wonder how any mortal pony could possibly live for so long, let alone under these conditions.

Solar Flare: "Hmm. I have found myself pondering this, as well. Perhaps the darkness has kept me a prisoner beyond the influence of time itself. Or perhaps it was the light that preserved me, that we may meet this day!"

Either way, your quest has led you to him, and you figure that it would be remiss not to lend him a hoof. You decide to try your luck, and sprinkle some purify powder onto him.

You use Pouch of Purify Powder.

As the magic powder lands on the armour, luminous splashes of colour turn rust to shiny steel. Finally free, Solar Flare lands on his four hooves, then takes a moment to break free from the stone, and stretch his legs.

Solar Flare: "Ahh, well done! Well done indeed! You have gone quite out of your way to assist me, and I would relish at the chance to return the favour. Now, let us not tarry here. Lead the way, my blessed friends!"

The sun slowly drifts along the horizon as you retrace your steps north across the Moonless Fields.

On the way back to the crystalline town, Justice tells Solar Flare about the Order of Dawn and its professed history, while you recount how you came in possession of the philosopher's stone.

Solar Flare: "It pleases me to hear that you all saw through the false king's lies. A clever lot, you are! As for myself, I will not claim to be blameless for my negligence.

When we received word that the fabled tree of Yggdrasil had been discovered, it became clear to us that it was the key we sought; a veritable fountain of magic through which light and darkness could freely flow.

Our final act as Paladins of Dawn was determined: we would travel there, and purify the philosopher's stone once and for all. And so, my companions and I set sail upon the North Luna Ocean.

Alas, bearing the stone blinded me to the shadow I cast upon my fellow paladins. A tale told twice too many times, I concede! And as you know, it was none other than Empyrius of Hollow Shades who crossed us all.

In his madness, he devised to steal the stone, though he knew full well that it could only be given willingly. And by his broken oath, he knew that while I held onto it, I could not defend myself without being consumed by it.

When he cast a spell to lock me away, I could not give up! With what strength I had left, I tossed his prize into the stormy seas. I had hoped it would delay him long enough to see him fooled, even if it is I who was a fool.

But that is all in the past! If the light has seen it fit to grant me a second chance, then I shall gladly seize it."

After following your compass for a couple more hours, you finally reach the town, and head straight for the tower. Once inside the World Between Worlds, you follow Ratatosk's instructions, and place your hoof on the pedestal.

Before long, you are back in Middle Earth, and exit the Yggdrasil Tree. A fresh breeze welcomes your return. Beautiful sunrays shine through the expansive canopy above, and bright fog continues to encircle the island. In the distance, your boat remains moored safely in the calm waters you left it in.

Solar Flare "Ahh, a sight for sore eyes! Is this it, then? The tree of Yggdrasil? Yes, I can feel the light flowing through my body once more. I may be fashionably late, but in the end, my wrongs will be made right!

That is, of course, if you agree to lend me the philosopher's stone that I may purify it. It is now bound to your magic, after all, and so you must make the conscious decision to renounce it. Well?"

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Posted previously at: 2020-09-28T13:25:40