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// Of socks and misconceptions 
// Story: A Knight to remember 
// by Lusewing 
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The light that shone through each of the southern windows was warm and peaceful, though that was to be expected in the Equestrian capital near the end of spring. Motes of pollen, blown in from an open window, drifted and danced with every gentle breeze and updraft, while the light took on the many colors of the glass pictograms, providing impressionistic copies of the scenes depicted on the floor below.

“And we still have no news from Manehattan?” The voice that spoke was warm, and as bright as the sunlight cast within the room, but it held a note of worry only noticeable to those that knew the speaker well.

The dark blue stallion before her shook his head slowly.

“There has been no word since the train lines were closed your Majesty. Signal transmissions are limited, even with the magic lines. They were originally set up to act as an early warning system if a train got stuck, or there was a problem with the line. The message we got though, and so far the only communications we have had, was ‘Standby’ ‘Unsafe’ and ‘Quarantine’.”

“‘Quarantine?” Celestia now, quite clearly, sounded worried. She cared deeply for every one of her little ponies, and the thought of a sickness spreading round such a densely populated city, such as Manehattan, worried her to the core. She might be able to move the celestial bodies every day without fail, but even she was limited when it came to the mortal problems of sickness and age.

“If the message had been sent with ‘Medical assistance’ I would share your fears my lady, but I feel that, in contexted with the other parts of the message, it is just simply a way to say ‘stay back, keep away’. As I said before, the communication lines are still very new, and they are limited in the amount of information that can be sent.” Relay, the blue earth pony who had spoken, had tried to give a demonstration of the communication system to the Princess when it had rolled out across the railways. It had gone well be he could tell at the time that Celestia had been a little distracted with the other ponies rather than the new technology at the time.

“In that case we must have faith in the coastal city and wait. Relay, if you would, please inform me as soon as you hear any more on this situation. Hopefully this will pass quickly and calmly.”

“Of course.” Relay bowed low, “I will have a messenger pegasus on standby.” Celestia nodded to him before the Earth pony turned to leave the chamber. The doors in front opened, but it was not for him to exit through, instead a guard walked into the room with a worn out looking pink mare beside him, almost leaning on him. Relay found himself hesitating to leave the room, the bag on mare’s side held the winged hoof insignia, could this be what they were all waiting for?

“Princess Celestia. News from Manehattan.” The guard quickly moved to support the mare who had tried to bow but instead had ended up almost falling to the ground.

“Quickly fetch some water.” Celestia had moved from her throne pulling several cushions with her magic along to lay beneath the mare. What dire news could have driven the messenger to fly so hard?

The pink mare shook her head.

“I’m, I’m fine.” she said with a tired smile while trying to stand before realizing that it would be a mistake. It was embarrassing to be receiving so much attention, especially from the princess, but there were more important things at this time then her own needs.

“Princess, I flew as fast as I could from Manehattan. Giants are making their way to the city. I saw them. Two huge ponies, even taller than yourself, carrying equipment and other creatures along with them. The Police force are doing what they can and I was sent to ask for your help.” All in the room repeated the word ‘giants’ with a note of shock and worry. Even Celestia had not expected anything like this to be the cause for the lockdown on Manehattan’s rail system.

“Have they attacked anypony?”

“No, they were first seen by a passenger train. No pony was hurt, in fact they didn’t do anything. Someponies think they might be ambassadors from the north.” Celestia felt a small weight lift from her at the news that no pony was injured or sick, but giants? Was that even possible? It was true that the north had been explored very little, even during Celestia’s long and peaceful reign. Could there really be an undiscovered civilization living in the cold mountains? Two ponies, no matter how big, was hardly an attack force. So what were they then?

The more Celestia thought about it the more sure she was that these Giants must have either come to seek help or an alliance, both matters would require her to go and meet with them, sooner rather than later.

“Thank you so much...” Celestia paused, not knowing the name of the mailmare she was addressing.

“Sunny Disposition, Sunny D’ for short, your majesty. The mare was smiling though still very tired from her flight, nothing a good rest would not fix.

“Well then Sunny D, thank you for bringing this message so quickly, if you would like to stay the night I can have a room prepared for you.” The Princess watched as the little pink pony perk right up, she also saw how the guard at pegasus’s side was looking at her.

“Flintlock, I am sure I can leave Sunny D’s arrangements to you?” The Alicorn could not help but chuckle to herself as the charcoal stallion quickly agreed to looking after their guest.
“Brass Hilt.” At the call a guard moved a few steps from his position by the door and stood to attention ready for orders.
“Prepare my four teamed carriage, and a company of twelve to travel to Manehattan right away. ” The guard saluted before turning to leave alongside the rest of the room’s current guests.

Celestia was actually feeling quite excited at the prospect of meeting these new ponies. It had been a long time since she had encountered anything this momentous or unknown before. Things would have to be handled carefully, but maybe this was just the situation she had been waiting for to encourage a certain draconequus to engage a little more in the workings of Equestria, something like this might just be exciting enough to catch his interest.

Soon Celestia, Luna and a very bored looking Discord were standing, or in Discord’s case swimming, next to the waiting carriage and guards.

“So what has got your feathers all in a flutter than Princess? Wake up with a gray hair or something?” Despite his flippancy Discord was clearly intrigued as to why he had been called, and this interest was the only reason he was really sticking around. Luna knew a little more about the situation, but she was keeping tight lipped, that, however, was normal around Discord, the two did not get along all that well.

“Discord I would like it if you could accompany me to Manehattan. It would seem that there are giant ponies from the north causing a little disruption to the coastal city.” Celestia paused for a moment to gauge his reaction, but other then a slight raise to one of his, very, bushy eyebrows he seemed as disinterested as ever.
“It would be a great opportunity to see something new in Equestria.

“It sounds simply riveting.” Discord’s monotone voice was broken by a yawn. “But I hardly think you need me along on this little trip.” He turned over so was now on his back in the air, floating about eye height, with his arms crossed behind his neck as mismatched feet lazly paddling in the air. Cracking open one eye Discord watched Celestia, he did so love winding the Princesses up.

“Why not take your little shadow instead?” Luna took a very purposeful step towards the draconequus but Celestia moved to get between them. She wished the two could get a long a little better but Luna’s emotions were much closer to the surface them most and it took very little to get a rise out of her, something Discord loved to play with.

“True, but since agreeing to use your abilities to do good all you have done is laze about the kingdom and cause the occasional storm; raspberry fish last time, if I remember correctly.” She did. Not only had the fish been fully alive and bright red they had blown raspberries at anypony that looked their way. Still it had been an improvement over the singing street lamps Discord had decided to install to “liven up” the capital.

The master of chaos smiled and stretched.

“Well all this ‘behaving’ is still rather new to me. You can hardly expect me to change overnight. After all, I have all this power to play with, so isn't enough that I'm not turning the whole of Equestria into my toy box?” The flicker of a warning laced its way into Discord’s tone. As of late he had stopped using threats that he was going back to his ‘old ways’ if he did not get he wanted, and, so long as he got his weekly ‘sessions’ with Fluttershy, thankfully, that was all they were, threats.

“Which is why I would like you to come along. We don’t know what these Giants are capable of and your assistance would be most welcome.” Celestia hoped to appeal to Discords pride. It did, at least, stop him from his ‘air backstroke’ and cause him to pay attention to her now, so that was a start. Eagle talons stroked at his beard for a moment of contemplation.

“I think I’ll pass.”

“DISCORD! MINE SISTER GAVE YOU AN ORDER.” Luna had had enough. She had never agreed with the decision of setting Discord free in the first place, even now she could only see the Chaotic creature simply being passive and waiting for them all to be lured into a false sense of security.

“Put a sock in it Lu lu.” Discord snapped his fingers and in a flash the moon princess now stood with a giant, daisy patterned, knitted, sock snugly covering her body. With a frown Discord looked at his fingers and shrugged.
“Not quite what I was going for but the look suits you.”

“Discord, Luna, please.” Celestia’s own patience was starting to wear thin. There were more important things to deal with right now then these two fighting, again.

“Look. Princess.” Discord move in a put a lion pawed hand around Celestia’s shoulders while Luna glared at him as she use her magic to remove the sock from her body.
“I might be playing nice, but, as per our agreement, you can only request that I help you, and that means no orders.” The draconequus turned to look at Luna now “Got that.”

“How DARE you talk to myself and my sister like...!”

“Luna. Discord is correct.” Celestia raised her voice, just a little, she might not be able to get these to to coexist peacefully but she could at least stop the argument from progressing any further.

“Discord. I would like to request that you accompany me to Manehattan. Please.”

The former lord of chaos stood and tapped a claw to his lips while looking up at the blue sky above.

“Err, no thanks.” He said with a smile and a click of his fingers. Once more there was a flash and Discord was gone.

“DIS..”

“Luna, this is not the time to be butting horns with our old friend. Hopefully there are new ones to be made today.” Celestia leaned forward and gave her sister a hug to try and calm her. It took a moment but soon the tension and anger left the midnight pony’s body.

“Are you sure we should not accompany you?” Luna hugged her sister back. She hated to be apart from her for too long but their royal duties often got in the way.

“I will be fine. Besides I need you here to deal with the day’s courts, and to keep the high strung nobles from overreacting to our visitors.” Luna groaned as Celestia chuckled at her reaction. Neither sister liked dealing with the upper class ponies at court.

“You will do fine and I will be back before you know it.” With one last head rub the two parted and Celestia stepped into her carriage.  

“Send me a postcard when you get there.” Called Discord, who had positioned himself on top of one of the castles spires, and was now waving a little yellow and pink spotted hanky at the traveling princess.
“Oh and bring me back a gift! I do love getting gifts.”





Gideon stood at Duty’s side when Sir Wallace made his way back to them, she had dismounted a little while ago once everything had settled between the two groups, though how well everything had gone was still a mystery to her.

“Well?” she asked once the Knight was close enough. He still had his helmet off and a very confused and frustrated look to his face.

“I’ve tried almost every language I know, but nothing seems to be familiar to our hoofed friends over there. I even tried Elven. Still, they don’t seem to be hostile.” As he moved the knight took off his gauntlets and loosened the straps that held his armor together. It was a good show of trust to leave one’s self open and unprotected, plus he was starting to get uncomfortable in the metal casing.

“Elven? Good job they couldn't understand you. You do remember that last group of elven maidens you tried to talk to?” Gideon helped her knight remove some of the more awkward parts of his armor, not needing to be told what to do, this was after all one of a squires most basic of duties.

“My pronunciation might be a little off, but it is hardly that bad.” Each piece of armor was checked over before it was carefully stored inside Honor’s bags.

“You almost started an inter racial war by asking for a place you could bathe.” That had been one hell of a two weeks, mostly spent locked up in a tree eating nuts and salad. Sir Wall simply waved his squires reprimands off, that had not been one of his best moments but it had turned out alright in the end.

“Did you try Fae?”

“No, I don’t have any bells with me to even attempt Fae, plus when the Pegasi did speak they didn’t seem to be able to produce the same sounds as the fair folk, so i think we can rule that out.” Sir Wallace secured the last of his gear to his mount and gave himself a good stretch out, it was not that his armor restricted his movement all that much, it didn’t even weigh much either but it was always nice to be free of it after a long time suited up.

“So, if we can’t talk to these...people, then how are we meant to get any help from them? Shouldn’t we just leave and try and find our own way?” It was still odd to think of these ponies as a sentient and civilised race for Gideon but they had met stranger, and at least these pegasi seemed hospitable, if a little wary. Gideon looked over to the line of six. They were also talking amongst themselves but their attention never left the strange group at the bottom of the hill.

“You can communicate well enough with Duty without sharing a common language can’t you? The only difference here is that these equines are, I would say, about as smart as you or I. Surely you have heard the phrase, ‘actions speak louder than words’.” Gideon nodded.

“Well for now our actions will be our words.”

Something from above caught the squire’s eyes.

“Sir, looks like reinforcements.” Sir Wallace turned to see a flock, or would that be herd?, of more pegasi. At least twenty of them. Their current ‘guard’ also turned to notice the troops, who were making their descent.





“Captain Mistral what is the situation?” The brown mare, who was clearly in charge on the reinforcements, was surprised but relieved to see that nopony was hurt or seemed to be in any danger, it boded well that everything could be sorted out peacefully.

“Major Sycamore.” The Captain saluted. 

“When we first came upon the giants and their companions they were making their way towards the city at a gallop. I, and my flight, took it upon ourselves to try and slow their progress.” It had been a rash decision now that he looked back on it but there had been no other choice the considering the situation.

”Against orders.” Sycamore said in a flat tone. The Captain nodded and gave a ‘yes Sir’.

“However by the looks of things you have everything under control.” The Major looked around her. At the fact that the threats had been pacified with no harm to either side. Somepony was going to get a medal out of this.

“Yes Sir. The hostiles are well, non hostile, at least from what I have seen so far. I have not had a chance to get close to either of the giants, but soon after landing the larger of the unknown creatures, who at the time had been in full armor, approached our force. It had bowed before trying to communicate with me however it would seem that Equestrian is unknown to them. Several more attempts were made at communication but, as of right now, it would seem we are at a bit of a stand still.” Mistral turned to look at the group of four who, for the most part, simply looked curious and unsure.

“I see. Good work Captain. I take it that the messenger mare was sent.” The gray stallion nodded.

“Good, then we can expect a reply back in a few hours. Till then we should try and keep this situation, contained, and maybe try and set up some sort of communication between both parties. Have you been able to talk to the giants?”

“No Sir, we have remained on this hill and simply observed, it was the creature that approached us of its own volition.”

“Well then lets see if we can’t get a little more acquainted with our large cousins than. Will you join me Captain? As you are already familiar with at least one of their guards.” After relaying her orders to stand their ground but not to interfere unless necessary, the two made their way towards their visitors. Captain Mistral took the lead with the Major following closely. As they drew closer the two bipeds turned and faced them. The giants, on the other hoof, barely glanced their way and seemed more interested in grazing on the grass.

“Not very civilised are they.” Sycamore said quietly, they hardly looked starved with the amount of mass on their bodies. Mistral kept his opinions to himself, he did not really want to voice what he had observed up until this point, he would rather let her see it for herself.

Once they were just a couple of pony lengths apart Captain Mistral stopped and bowed, the Major followed suit. Again the larger of the bipeds bowed back, as did the smaller brown covered one, though that had bowed much lower than the bigger one. The giants however continued to ignore them.

Slowly, so as not to cause alarm, the two ponies tried to make their way to where the gray giant stood. Up close they could now tell that the gray was a mare and the brown was a stallion though neither could discern what genders the other creatures might be. They were surprised that neither of the bipeds tried to stop them from approaching their traveling companions, they simply watched.

“How strange.” Noted the Major. “ Their forelegs look so stiff and unwieldy, how could they possibly use them to get anything done?” Sycamore also noticed that their hooves were thick and solid, and did not look at all pliable enough to pick anything up. No cutie mark graced either flank either, though that was not too unusual, neither donkeys or griffons had cutie marks and it simply implied that they had no connection to magic in any of it’s forms.

As they drew closer the brown stallion snorted and lifted his head to look at the two pegasi, he backed away but was quickly calmed by the brown biped, who had moved to stand alongside him and gently stroked his neck and whispered soft words. The giant calmed and turned his head towards the pair. Both Mistral and Sycamore held their breaths in the hope that they would finally get to speak to a fellow equine, but this hope was short lived. The giant simply sniffed them like some great dog before going moving away to continue grazing.

The two ponies were a little shocked at the primitive behavior they had just witnessed and chose to walk back to their flights.

“It was silly to suppose the giants would be able to speak equestrian when their companions cannot.” Sighed Sycamore. Silly yes, but it would have made things a whole lot easier.
“Captain, you don’t suppose,” Major Sycamore drew in a long breath through her teeth, she was not really sure how she should put her thoughts into words. The Captain, however, already had a pretty good idea as to what she was about to say, and he had had a little longer to think on it.

“That we might have a few things backwards? Yes it had crossed my mind. The giants don’t seem to really be the ones calling the shots. Truth be told, I don’t think they are smart enough to be saying anything, the only sounds I have heard from them have been animal noises.”

“And you didn’t think to inform me of this theory before.” The Major's wings flared. She was more than a little annoyed at being made a foal of.

“Would you of believed me Sir?”

“Point taken.” The Captain was right, she likely would have never believed that the giants appeared to be no smarter than dogs.

“I guess all we can do now is wait for the Princess or her instructions.” Turning to look at their strange guests she could not help feel just the smallest bit envious of the two equines and their lack of civilization, at least they could eat as much as they wanted from the floor. She was going to have a long wait before her own belly was indulged.