You are standing somewhere in high mountains, in ancient marble ruins, partly carved from the living stone of the mountains. It was a fabulous place, that much is clear. The stones are carved with runes and figures of heroic-looking gryphons, often locked in battle with other gryphons or menacing-looking pegasi.
There are evidences of recent excavation around you.
You hear a pony walking up. A pale brown middle-aged unicorn mare with light grey mane and blue eyes is approaching you. Her cutie mark is a tattered scroll, and she looks pensive. She doesn't seem to see you yet.
Mare: Eldritch! Eldritch, are you up here?
[She will eventually find ego even if the player doesn't reveal ego]
Mare: Eldritch, there you are...
Mare: Look, um. Eldritch, I got dragon mail from Canterlot...
Angry feelings wash over you at the mention of the name "Canterlot."
Mare: Your father is dead...