FimFiction Link - Short ID: 517137/iridium
Published: May '22
Iridium is a 1k Sad Tragedy. In it, we learn about the Hippocratic Oath.
The pre-unification times are such a curious period that I don't often see explored in fics. You'd think some would like to take advantage of a time so rife with conflict and prejudice. However, that only makes it nicer when I stumble upon the rare story that does.
This story is also rare in that it's really good. We follow an unnamed earth pony healer dealing with something bigger than what they're equipped to deal with. Lady Iridium's fate was grim, but that didn't make the healer give up. And though the unavoidable end came, what they experienced together will remain with the caravan.
I'll give this story the highest praise I can give to a thousand word story: I don't feel it needed to be longer.
Sure, a full tale of the healer dealing with Lady Iridium's malaise, the dynamics between the whole caravan, and how they developed over the course of Iridium's last days would have definitely been an enthralling read. However in its simplicity, this story manages to evoke the right feelings.
Oh, and I liked how the healer started rhyming at times. Poetry is nice.