After abdicating the throne, Stellar Rays headed north to flee Equestria. Living off the land and traveling by night was tough for the sheltered Prince. He was lonely, hungry, and weak when he stumbled across a quiet forest far from civilization. He set up a research yurt and gave himself time to plan his next movements.  
He got the sense that he was being watched, however.
 
For over a month he lived this quiet life in the woods, honing his magical ability and reflecting on the choices that got him there. It was then that the watching presence strode lethargically into his campsite.
 
A large disheveled mare approached him silently, eyeing his campsite suspiciously.  
The two didn’t talk at first. Stellar had attempted to make awkward conversation but the large mare seemed too tired for introductions. Instead, she made herself comfortable and promptly passed out by Stellar’s campfire.  
Fearing she would freeze, he dragged the hefty mare into his home where she continued to sleep for over a day and a half.
 
This is how the mysterious mare Mudbrook and Stellar Rays met. Eventually becoming the best of friends