Chapter 4: Friendship
Yells of rage. Objects and fruits being sliced and splattered onto the stones before me. Noisy, angry complaints from the crowd outside, Canterlot was quite an exciting place. Still, being locked in a courtyard surrounded by guards and angry townsfolk was not how I had hoped for this entire trip to go. I just wanted a mountain to roost on, but no, there had to be a heavily populated city there. Now, I was trapped, against my will, well, semi-against my will, part of me knew that it was probably for the best. He had seen yet another winged and horned pony make her way into the castle, she seemed familiar, but they seemed to be relatively common, so he thought nothing of it. That was, until the castle doors swung open again and both Princess Luna and the new purple pony stepped outside. Yep. Definitely the one he assaulted. Fantastic...
Approaching first, Luna introduced the newcomer. "Ylven, this is Princess Twilight Sparkle, she is a young but already renowned scholar, and would very much like to learn about your unique magic and condition."
The purple princess stepped forward, her hooves lacked any form of royal slipper, and she didn't have a crest like the others. Instead she had only a crown, a golden tiara encrusted with some of the most sparkling amethysts he had seen.
She seemed quite formal, and sat not far away from his snout. "Hello Ylven, as Luna explained, I am Twilight Sparkle."
"Hello Princess Twilight Sparkle, a pleasure to meet you," Ylven replied, reaching to shake her hoof or something, before promptly realizing he was a Dragon... he was still getting used to his new body, it seemed.
"I'll just let you two get to know one another," Luna said, before backtracking into the castle, her movement followed by both Ylven and Twilight, who waited for her to leave until they continued.
Twilight released an annoyed sigh, "She thinks herself so clever, I know that she wants me to get to know you and thusly root for you when the time comes, but while I am willing, your first impressions weren't stellar."
Ylven chuckled nervously, scratching his chin on the ground. "I understand. I don't blame you for your thoughts on me, but I promise you, the creature you see before you would not have done so, the beast inside... obviously, that's a different story."
"Obviously," Twilight agreed before pulling out a quill and paper Ylven was sure weren't there before. "Now, your name is Ylven, from the province of Cyrodiil?"
"Yes."
"Good, now, Luna tells me that you have an interesting and rare form of magic that has never appeared before in Equestria's history. Would you mind giving me a rundown on how it works and how you utilize it?"
Ylven let his mind wander for a moment, this could be difficult, "I suppose... erm, I'm not much for teaching though, I'm afraid."
"That's alright, just tell me how it works and I'll write it down, and perhaps give me some... Oh, I see, Arcanium. I assume that it's a form of combat magic, then?" Twilight inquired, pointing out his new collar.
Ylven nodded, his chains rattling as his neck rippled up and down, "Almost, like all magics it had many uses, but I... he displayed it in many ways I had hoped to avoid. The form of magic you are referring to is called the Thu'um, or the Voice, sometimes simply a Shout. The Thu'um is spoken in an ancient and powerful language, Dovahzul, or the Dragon Tongue. It is, perhaps, the oldest and most complete language in my world. There are two ways it works, there is simply speaking Dovahzul like Dragons and ancient Nords, and then there is the Way of the Voice, a group of four monks have mastered this way, and have totally abandoned man's tongue in favor of Dovahzul, and restrain themselves from speaking in even that language, but with good reason."
"And why is that?" Twilight inquired, stopping her mad scribing in time with Ylven.
"You see, The Way of the Voice takes decades to master, and once you have learned it, your voice practically becomes power, a mere whisper from the Greybeards could kill you, their tongue so fierce that it can literally shred people. It is a force like no other, and the Thu'um, the magic I, as Dragonborn, have become very versed in, is basically the same thing, merely a set of three separate words to forming a Shout. The Shout, or Thu'um, can work with only one or two words, but becomes much more powerful with all three, and can be used to create blazing infernos or deadly ice storms that can freeze you solid. The power of the Thu'um depends on its caster... I, myself have made many a Dragon bend to my power, having a very powerful shout allows me to do so. On a different note, that is how Dragons govern themselves, the more powerful your shout, the higher your status amongst their ranks."
Twilight stopped when he did, copying his speech word for word. "Fantastic, is there anything else, like what a Dragonborn is, exactly?"
"A Dragonborn, or Dovahkiin, is a mortal born with the soul of a Dragon, and can master a new Thu'um in just seconds, like a Dragon can, as compared to the Greybeards, who must practice a Thu'um for decades before it can become as powerful as my own. As Dragonborn, I am also hailed as the mightiest Dragon Slayer, for I have the ability to absorb a Dragon's very soul, their knowledge and power, directly. It is said that knowledge is power, and when it comes to Dovahzul, that is very much the case."
Her quill ran dry, and she inked it in a well that Ylven knew wasn't there before, and finally made one last mark on her parchment, "Interesting, I can't say that dragons are a very big problem here, but it seems like they are quite a nuisance in your world."
Ylven was prompted to laugh out loud at her assumption, before looking back to her, "Twilight, the Dragons of old were powerful, fearsome creatures that enslaved all of mankind thousands of years ago. They were heralded as gods, being immortal and the literal children of Akatosh, God of Time and chief deity of the Nine Divines, they had every right to be. I, however, cannot assume that this was their ultimate purpose, as Akatosh is known to be benevolent and wise, chances are they went astray somewhere down the line, and so they were regarded as demons instead of angels, all but one, who has redeemed himself in my eyes, as well as the eyes of the Greybeards. His name is Paarthurnax, brother to Alduin, second-born of Akatosh, and he taught man how to use the Thu'um. If it wasn't for him, Kynareth's gift would have been lost upon man, and we, forever their slaves."
Twilight seemed to be surprised, setting her quill and paper away, "And now you’re..."
Ylven nodded, knowing what she was to say, "And now I am what I fear most, what I hate most, and what I had worked the hardest to be deviant from. I am a beast now Twilight, there's no denying that now, a curse has been laid on me, and it seems you are all destined to suffer with me, unless you do away with me, which I admit, does not sound pleasant, but is probably best for your people."
She seemed struck, and took a few steps towards him. "Ylven, you sound like a kind, honorable person to me, just because you look a little different doesn't mean that you're a beast. I'm sorry about earlier, I shouldn't have been so shortsighted, I'll revoke my submission, and work to help you gain control over this new body of yours."
Ylven blinked... unable to believe a word he had just heard, "I... thank you, Princess Twilight Sparkle, it is clear why they elected you into the halls of royalty, your wisdom and kindness is evident, never before have I seen such kindness issued to a beast such as myself... you... you make me feel human again."
She blushed madly, giggling, "Well, I was sent here to help you. Now, about this condition of yours..."
Ylven nodded. "Yes, I suppose that's one way about looking at it, a disease. Fortunately, on my world, there's a potion that cures practically every illness, unfortunately, my bag appears to have disintegrated."
Twilight chuckled, "Curious. I know you’re troubled, but have you ever thought about this as more of a gift than a curse?"
"No, I have not. In what way is this a gift?" Ylven replied, perplexed by her proposition.
"Well," Twilight began, "first of all, you can fly now, next, your a lot stronger, and bigger, you've also gained an understanding of their kind, and finally, your power is on par with that of Princess Celestia's, perhaps even overwhelming, and she raises the sun!"
Ylven snorted, jets of hot air racing from his nostrils, "Oh yes, and there's also this great niggling voice in the back of my head that occasionally tells me to use my power to destroy everything in sight."
"Come on now, have you ever received a gift that you were totally satisfied with?" Twilight asked sincerely.
"I -well, uh... I haven't received many, to be honest, the few I have I usually downright hate, but those are different! They don't take you from your home and give you the body of a monster!"
Twilight blew a strand of hair from her face, displaced by Ylven's hot breath. "Maybe not, but they're gifts anyway, and you should try to respect them in every way you can. Just a week ago I was sent a bent, near useless oversized gold coin, but I was able to make the most of it by using it as a paperweight. And being a Princess hasn't always been sunshine and moonlight, but it has been an experience like no other, and I now have the ability to do things I couldn't even dream of before! Now I also have a responsibility with these new abilities, and I do everything in my power to help other, less fortunate souls through their day-to-day endeavors. It's your responsibility to learn how to make this body work for you, and others as well. I heard you were once a valiant and noble warrior, sometimes totally passing up rewards even after daring missions. Where did that Ylven go? He certainly wasn't left behind, so I think he’s just a little shy to come out again. He made the most of his life in Tamriel, and used his power to help others where their power wasn't great enough. Now you can do that, and so much more! That is why this is a gift, it's not just a gift to you, it never is, it's a gift for everypony."
Ylven was struck. He had, hadn't he? He had helped save millions of lives, and he bet that he wasn't even going to get another reward, not that he really needed one, so why so different now? He was more powerful now, faster, stronger, and blessed with an everlasting life. Twilight was right. He had to make the best of it, disease or not.
A jagged smile crossed his maw. "Thank you again Twilight, I doubt that I could have understood myself in a way so wise as the way you have shown me. Even if there is a beast lurking within, perhaps it is best I utilize it for others. Yes, that sounds like a much better idea than pillaging and destroying, as fun as that was, I won't let it happen again. Of this, I can promise you," Ylven bowed his head to the ground, "I hereby swear myself to the great kingdom of Equestria, I am yours to command Princess Twilight. And when a warrior, especially one who is Dragon, gives you his faith, he does so eternally."
Twilight blushed again, not expecting this result at all, "O-Oh... well, um. Thank you... I guess. Uh..."
"Though I'm afraid I cannot do much for you in these shackles, I trust that you will release me when you see fit though," Ylven hinted.
Twilight chuckled again, "Right, sorry."
With that, she undid his braces and collars, totally releasing him. He stretched himself out, spreading his wings and shuffling his body, hearty cracks and creaks sounding all over after his hour or so of imprisonment. He soon found himself back before Twilight, who smiled seeing him free.
"I was going to wait until Celestia recovered, but you know what? I'm a Princess too, and I hereby declare you no longer a prisoner of Equestria, but a friend of royalty, and a great ally in times of need," she announced aloud, and Ylven could certainly see that it was her first time making such a decree, it was all over her face.
He nodded, "And I in turn will serve you until one or the other finally meets their end. What would you have of me?"
Twilight looked to the town square, blocked by the polished stone walls, but a crowd could still be heard, heavily deflated and no longer throwing objects into the courtyard, but still there, impatient and demanding his banishment.
"It's no secret that you did some damage to Canterlot, and Ponyville. I think it's best that you help rebuild what you broke, if you feel that you're ready."
The Dragon acknowledged her, "And this Celestia, I understand I caused her a great deal of pain."
"Yes, you knocked her unconscious and broke a few of her bones, actually... she'll recover, Alicorns are tough, but I can't imagine she'll like the decision Luna and I have come to..."
"I think I can help there..." Ylven mentioned.
"Oh?"
"Yes, all Dragons have a wealth of knowledge of Dovahzul, but few have had such time to master Thu'ums in the same way I have, usually quite content with knowing how to breath fire or ice, but I am well versed, and may have the words to revive her," Ylven offered, looking quite proud that he was taking his first steps to good.
"That would be great! Discord is still looked down upon, but ponies are starting to warm up to him, not that I expect them to totally trust him, that would be quite stupid actually; you however haven't become a legendary evil of Equestria, so it could be quite easy to improve your public image. Healing Celestia would be a fantastic start," Twilight agreed, making her way towards the castle, Ylven following close behind, until she stopped suddenly, "Actually, I don't know where Celestia was taken..."
"Luna would know, she was the one who saved her, we should start with her, my liege," Ylven suggested.
"Yes, I suppose that would be a good idea... and my liege? Don't you think that's a little excessive?"
Ylven shrugged, "As Thane of five of Skyrim's holds, I suppose being a subordinate has become a sort of habit of mine, sorry."
Twilight chuckled, "It's okay, you don't have to call me anything special, just Twilight is fine. Now, where to find Luna... Actually, you know what? Just Shout into the air, and that should bring her running right to our feet."
Ylven reacted without hesitation, and let his head stretch skyward, "Fus!"
A blast of energy erupted from his jaws, his voice thundering above all others. Twilight knew that the people would be afraid, but such a simple blast of energy couldn't possibly-
"The dragon is free! Run for your lives!" Of course, there was always that one pony...
Twilight took to the air as the cityfolkzens.... citizens? cityfolk? ... Citizens began to flee the gates. Her wings were quick to react, and she soon rose above the wall, hovering above the crowd. Everything was in chaos, the ponies were panicking, the street was still rather crowded, which was causing even more grief for the grounded ponies, and any fliers were actually being grappled as they tried to take to the air, the other ponies were so set on leaving that they were willing to hitch a ride!
"Please, everypony calm down! The dragon is quite tame, I assure you, we have everything under control! Your voices will be heard, but please let us work!" she yelled over the panicking cityscape.
A few still scampered to cover, but what few had stood their ground seemed to be reassured that there was no more odd noises, and that one of their Princesses was on the job, especially the one who had saved Equestria multiple times.
"Why is he still here? Get rid of it!" a mare in a dark dress protested, shaking her hoof at Twilight.
"It's a menace and it needs to go!" screamed another pony, a stallion draped in a khaki suit.
Twilight found herself at the receiving end of an angry mob, ponies all yelling their complaints at once. Despite her being in the air, and a full unit of guards standing by, keeping the ponies out, she felt... daunted. It was an odd feeling, one she hadn't really felt before. Staring off Discord or fighting killer plants in the Everfree had frightened her, but this... it was something new. It was like fear, but not in the face of something scary, more along the lines of an entire crowd just being upset with her and her progress. As the ponies once again advanced, it hit her, she was being ridiculed by her citizens, the ponies she was supposed to be looking after were blaming her for this. Being a Princess meant that this sort of thing happened, she knew that, but now... it was like she had been given an easy assignment, and then failed it miserably, and was now being berated.
As she began to cower, a booming voice swept the crowd, "SILENCE!"
Twilight nearly fell out of the air, and everypony present simply did as told, and sealed their flapping lips faster than a mouse trap snapped shut.
Twilight turned and saw Luna approaching over the top of the gate, her mane flickering angrily. "YOU HAVE HAD YOUR ANSWER! BEGONE!"
The ponies were stunned for a moment, not believing what was happening, their minds had become spoiled over the years, but obeyed. Grudgingly, the ponies began to disperse, and the crowd faded to naught. Twilight found herself in the company of the Lunar Princess, and nearly clung to her as she flew closer.
"Oh thank goodness you're here! I thought something terrible was about to happen..." Twilight gasped, holding a hoof to her chest.
"I understand, you are a kind ruler, but sometimes you need to be a little more stern with them. If we let them govern themselves...well... Canterlot might just fall right off the edge of the mountain. I heard a certain dragon 'shout', what has happened?" Luna asked.
Twilight began to descend down to the main doors, Luna following close behind, "Ylven and I have come to an understanding. I can help him, or find somepony to help him, learn to control his inner Dragon, and in turn, he had sworn fealty to my command... it's odd, having somepony other than Spike do as I ask, and even then, neither of us really think of it that way."
Luna nodded, "If he was a warrior, then I don't doubt he had loyalties to many a Duke. I suppose you've become an authoritarian to him, well done, I'm proud of you Twilight, and I can only guess that Celestia will be too."
Twilight stopped for a moment, "Where did you go again? You didn't say."
"Ah," Luna began, realising her folly, "I apologize, I had figured that Celestia had told you about our own special medical room. I took my sister to the castle infirmary, they're some of the only ones who can nurse us back to health if need be. They're close to the throne room, in an unmarked chamber three doors down to your left as you exit. If you ever feel that your new body is giving you ails, go ahead and see them, they always have a doctor on site."
"Thanks, and Ylven is waiting just outside the gate, come on," called with the enthusiasm of a child.
The two Princesses finally floated down to castle gate, touching down with all the grace of a five foot tall swan. Ylven lay, waiting for their return. When not attacking a city, his bright orange scales glistened as if a fire had cloaked his body in it's heat, well polished and with few scars, his rugged armor shone almost like a knights. Not only that, but Ylven seemed like a fire in more than one sense; on one hoof he was a dragon, on the other he could ignite like a match without proper care, and proceed to burn the city.
He bowed his head at their return, dark horns curling out of his skull, and it almost seemed as if he was about to ram them.
"Hello Ylven, good to see you not trying to burn everything to the ground..." Luna jested as she landed.
"It is nice to meet you without steel cuffs binding me, your majesty," Ylven replied in kind.
Twilight chuckled, "Well, that's settled. The ponies are going home, the construction workers are already beginning repairs, and Ylven can walk around without trying to Shout things to pieces!"
Ylven winced, a feature not easy to display when you are a Dragon, "Twilight, can we please drop the subject for the time being? I know its a big breakthrough, but I'm still feeling quite ashamed of the entire situation..."
She covered her mouth, "Oop, sorry. I was just poking at fun, I didn't know that bothered you."
"It's not just that, it's the memory, I enjoy a good joke as much as the next ex-human, but I'd rather forget about what I've done here," he admitted.
Luna nodded in agreement, "Of course, but you're still going to have to do some community service. Other than that, no leaving the city limits, and no using your magic unless it is absolutely necessary, understood?"
Ylven bowed again, "Of course, Princess Luna. I would hasten to my work immediately but uh..."
A loud grumble filled the air, and both Princesses had to suppress a laugh as they realized what it was. "I haven't eaten all day... can we please go and get something to devour?"
"Yes, yes we can hungry dragon," Luna giggled, "Come with us, the dining hall has enough room for you."
The Princesses made their way inside, the great golden doors swinging open to admit their newest guest. As he entered, his searing breath hitched in his throat. This place was... marvelous! The pristine white walls, near invisible lines where the bricks were laid, the fantastic, cathedral type windows, the expensive carpet, the little flower pots, everything was spot on. The White Gold tower was put to shame, and the Blue Palace was a far cry away from that still. It was as if it had just been built, despite the fact that this city had to have been here for a few decades for it to get so big, and yet, untouched. Ylven fit quite snugly in the tall halls, the lobby being but a taste of the extravagant palace. His presence had sent a few maids scurrying and more than a pair of guards had raised their spears, but all suspicions were put aside when both Princesses explained what he was doing here and where they were headed. Ylven found himself as the center of attention, every set of eyes turning as he passed by. It was quite obvious that only his head would fit through many of the doorways here, but luckily that didn't seem to be a problem as they approached what he assumed was their dining hall, another tall pair of golden doors that were just ahead.
A pair of guards gave him a nervous glance, but opened the doors for the group, albeit, a little reluctantly considering that he was still a rather frightful sight. The dining hall was just as splendorous as the rest of the castle, a beautiful light purple marble floor covered in a brilliant red carpet with golden accents, at its core sat the table, hewn from a red tree of some sort. The expertly carved centerpiece drew his eye. Surrounding it were at least a hundred seats, perhaps more. It was, even by Nordic standards, massive, and could probably seat every maid and guard present at the castle. Luna and Twilight took their places at the head and just beside, respectively, and Luna moved a few chairs away to make room for Ylven.
He sidled his considerable bulk up to the grand table, taking his place in an awkward sort of hunched manner. Dragons just weren't made to sit. Luna took her place at the head of the table, Twilight sitting just left of her and with Ylven sitting opposite to her, easily taking up four or five guest seats. It seemed as though they had only just sat down before a pair of wooden doors opened. A myriad of delicious smells wafted out into their hall, making Ylven draw in a great breath of air, the fresh scents being captured in the vacuums that were his nostrils. He choked just seconds later, he smelled a great deal of dishes, his new nose capable of almost perfectly describing the trays with just a whiff alone, but not a single strand of cooked flesh could be detected by him. Ponies were a vegetarian species, so it shouldn't have surprised him that there would be no meat. Perhaps it was simply because he had never drawn in such a divine scent without their being any meat in it that shocked him the most, like there was a hole in their meal roster. In fact, he didn't even know if something could be called a meal if it didn't have at least a leg of chicken or a slice of roast included with it, otherwise, it was merely a vegetable snack.
The wave of intriguing scents wasn't the only thing to join them in the hall. With them came a pony, who seemed to think she was a cloud, practically floating into the room with calculated and precise footwork. Upon her head sat a tall chef's hat, her body was covered in white fur and her Cutie Mark was that of two kitchen knives crossed behind a head of lettuce. She was an Earth Pony, lacking any wings or horns made that quite obvious, Ylven could only guess she was the head chef, what little he knew about cooking in a royal kitchen was that it usually included a good deal of cooks and plenty of ingredients... if only some of them knew that about thirty percent of their goods could be turned into a poison by simply mixing two of the wrong items together.
She bowed as she arrived at the table, barely noticing the massive dragon attending them this evening and spoke with a voice that couldn't hold any more smugness if it tried. "Good afternoon Princess Luna, Princess Twilight, and guest... May I have your orders?"
Luna was first to go, and tapped her chin in thought, "Hmm, I believe I'll have the Gilded salad, and a glass of wine."
She nodded, memorizing Luna's selection, "Would you like any specific vintage, Princess?"
"Oh, anything older than say, five years will do for tonight, also, Salad Slasher..." Luna began.
"Yes, your majesty?" Salad responded.
Luna looked around, as if fearful someone might hear her, "Do you know anything about our guest or the recent happenings outside the castle?"
Salad Slasher's gaze switched to Ylven, practically scanning his frame, judging every nook and cranny of scaled hide on him. "I can't say I do, madame. We heard some noises and then afterwards that a dragon was involved, however I trusted that because this one came in with you that it is safe, am I correct?"
"Yes, that is correct, see to it that that same attitude is instilled in the staff, understood? No mistrust towards our friend here," Luna said with only a hint of force in her voice, and Salad Slasher merely nodded.
Next the chef looked to Twilight, "And for you tonight, madame?"
"A daisy sandwich and some hay fries please," Twilight responded almost instantly.
"Very well, and would your pet like anything?" she asked without restrain, totally oblivious to Ylven's status.
He certainly heard her, and columns of smoke jetted from his nostrils. "I am no ones pet, cook, I am Ylven, servant of her Majesty Twilight."
The chef nodded indifferently. "I see. Am I to assume then that you'll be having nothing?"
"You may procure me whatever you feel like, cook, I'll eat it, I am no picky eater..." he grumbled, while he usually tried to be kind and understanding, there was always something about those with respect for others that sat wrong with him.
"Mhmm, one plate of anything coming right up, will that be all o' knight of our knightly order?"
"Yesss that will be allll," Ylven responded with clenched teeth.
She nodded, bowed curtly, and made her way back to the kitchen without giving any of them a second glance. Ylven glared at her all the while she walked, snorting once as she left the room.
Twilight was quite aware of his mood, it was hard not to notice an angry dragon, "Sorry for that, Ylven, I know Salad Slasher can seem a bit... arrogant at times, but she really is Equestria's greatest chef, and not only that, she had to claw her way up the culinary ladder, Earth Ponies don't usually make it to such high standings as chefs due to their... well, lack of magical anatomy, and she has changed through the course of it all."
"Mhmm..." Ylven grumbled, muttering something under his breath.
Twilight gazed at him a moment longer before coughing and turning her focus towards Luna, "So what do you think about Celestia's condition?"
Luna shrugged, removing a slipper so that she may inspect her hoof. "Sister should recover shortly, the doctor says that she'll be awake by morning, though the bones won't be healed for another ten days or so, even with special magical medical care."
""And does your pet want anything?" ... I'll show you something..." Ylven mumbled as the Princesses conversed.
"So what's the diagnosis? How bad is it?" Twilight asked as they waited.
"Three broken ribs, a cracked horn, fractured left rear leg, broken right front, a few puncture wounds in the chest region... I know that sounds bad, but I fear the greatest wound she has suffered is to her pride, not often is an Alicorn downed, and when we are, Celestia has been known to react the worst."
"I ought to box her ears, tiny pony thing... wait... I said anything, but she'd best not bring me a salad," Ylven grumbled, glaring at the door Salad Slasher had left through.
"Wow... that does sound quite bad, Luna, you've been... around for a while, may I ask you something?" Twilight began, seeming to be squeamish about her subject.
"I wonder how pony tastes..."
Luna smiled warmly, "Of course Twilight, anything at all."
"The wounds she's suffered, they seem like the kind of wounds any regular pony would... die from. Are we immortal in more ways that one, or just long lived?"
"Maybe with a nice snowberry sauce..."
Luna chuckled aloud, shaking her head, "A question I have often asked myself sometimes Twilight, for I do not know. I certainly haven't gone as far as to test whether or not we are truly immortals, though these wounds are not all that severe, the puncture wounds aren't that deep and the bones are only... slightly broken. Really, a pony with the same injuries could survive with the right medical care, but one thing is for certain, we do not heal like regular ponies. Besides that, Celestia has been wounded before, and she has healed all the quicker each time, coming back just as rigorous as before, almost as if it had not happened, whether that be because of our immense magic pools, or simply a difference between us and 'regular' ponies..." she shrugged, "again I cannot say."
"Maybe cut into a roast, or with some pork... mmm pork."
"I see... well, pain certainly hasn't changed, that's for sure!" Twilight joked, chuckling awkwardly at her own jest.
"Indeed..." Luna began, but turned to Ylven, who seemed deep in thought, "And what about your kind Ylven, do the scars become less painful or the healing any quicker with men or dragons?"
"Eh?" he uttered once. Breaking from his trance he looked upon the lunar leader. "I do apologize, I appear to have been lost in thought."
"Tell me, what are you thinking so hard about that our little conversation totally flew over your head?" Luna asked sincerely.
"Well I was wondering how ponies might taste... purely philosophical thoughts, you understand," he admitted, turning his gaze once more to the kitchen doors, "Well... perhaps I am merely curious..."
Luna chuckled upon hearing this, thinking that it may have been a joke, before realizing that he was serious, "Oh... you... you eat meat?"
This drew his attention however, and he swapped focus' once more, "But of course, what else could sustain such a beast as I other than meat? I thought you said you have dragons in this world?"
"Oh we do!" Twilight explained, "but they mainly eat gemstones, rubies, emeralds, that sort of thing, I think they also eat meat, according to Fluttershy – a friend of mine who is an animal expert – but I didn't know you ate only meat..." Twilight stopped for a second, "Oh... which also means..."
Just then the kitchen doors swung outward once more, the delicious scents once more flooding their hall and invading Ylven's nose, and once more the white coated chef emerged. This time she was flanked by two sets of trays, and one enormous copper pot, most likely Ylven's meal. Brandishing covered silver platters that glimmered in the light, the cooks delivered the Princesses’ meals personally. Ylven's pot was about half as tall as he was, it was also quite heavy, four unicorns all seemed to be having troubles simply carrying it with their magic.Not a trace of food emanated from the pot, and so he expected this to be some kind of prank from the cook, but as the orange cooking pot was dropped in front of him with a clatter, he found it was indeed filled with... something.
Salad Slasher bowed before the trio, inquiring whether or not the food was substantial.
"As always royal cook, you prepare to impress," Luna reassured Slasher, "it looks delicious."
Twilight gave a similar comment, however across from her, one patron was not impressed. Reaching into the cook pot Ylven drew a ruby from the vast glittering field before him, it was beautifully cut, and seemed almost like a ripe raspberry... almost.
He held on aloof, shaking his hand questioningly, "What is this supposed to be?"
Salad Slasher rolled her eyes, sluggishly trotting over to Ylven’s side of the table. "There are some of Equestria's finest gems in that pot, all assorted based on quality and cut, you should find them delightful, much better than any rocks you could dredge up from the lava wakes of Draconia."
Ylven stared at her for a moment, trying to discern whether this was a trick or not, before looking to Luna and Twilight, both seemed to be enjoying their meals, though Ylven could see they were trying to stay out of the conversation, "And... I am supposed to eat it?"
Salad Slasher's eye twitched ever so slightly, but she otherwise kept her calm composure, "I am not sure, I haven't studied dragon culture, but if you don't know how to be a dragon, then stop asking me to try and fix you a meal to please something I know nothing about."
Ylven grumbled to himself, staring at the gemstone for a moment, he could sell this thing for a thousand Septims in Skyrim, were they really ready to feed him an entire pots worth just to satisfy a guest?
"If I eat this entire vat, not that I plan to, won't that be rather costly for Equestria?"
Salad Slasher shook her head, "No, come now, even if Equestria isn't so absolutely saturated with gems as Draconia, any average pony could go digging in their backyard a few meters and come up with a bucket load. Now, if you don't have anymore questions, I shall return to my duties, please enjoy your meal."
With that, she flicked her tail and returned to the kitchen, leaving Ylven and the Princesses to their meals. Ylven stared back down at his pot with bewilderment, then to the Princesses, both still more focused on their meals than him.
"Where were you both during this whole conversation?" Ylven asked, lowering his head to the table.
Luna raised her head, a piece of salad stuck to her cheek, "I'm sorry, what? Did I miss something?"
Ylven's eyes narrowed to slits. "Really, you didn't hear a thing, eh?"
Luna shrugged, tongue flicking out and snatching the leaf of lettuce off of her face before answering, "Well, let's ask Twilight," Luna shifted in her seat to face the other Princess. "Twilight, did you hear something?"
Twilight, now close to finished her meal, shook her head, "No, not a thing."
Ylven retracted his neck as Luna looked at him expectantly, "See, nothing wrong at all, what happened, do fill us in."
"I had an argument with the chef here again; why can you not simply explain to her that I am not from this realm and allow me a break?" Ylven wondered.
Luna shrugged, "I've learned it's best simply not to argue with what Salad serves you here, not that she's ever prepared a distasteful meal, but without her, well I don't know that there are any chefs quite as skilled as her in all of Equestria. Now eat your gems before they get cold."
Ylven rolled his eyes, sometimes he preferred a world where if the servant disobeyed you, you'd strike them... gods above where did that come from?
Ylven shook his head, returning his focus to the meal splayed before him. Tentatively he reached into the pot, as if something was going to jump out and devour his arm. He picked a single gem from the pile, gulped, and slowly brought the jewel to his maw. He closed his jaw, razor teeth already going to work grinding the gem to dust. He chewed slowly, not sure what to expect from eating a rock. He expected a gritty surface and the taste of dirt, but to his surprise, it... wasn't all that bad. He still preferred a nice cut of venison over the gem, but these would do. It didn't really have much of a taste, instead it simply had the most divine of textures as he rolled it around in his mouth. He swallowed it soon after, it fell down his gullet in the smoothest of manners, he barely even had to swallow. These gems weren't so bad, but he doubted that they counted as food, not that it mattered, Dragons couldn't starve, but an empty stomach was still just as uncomfortable.
After the meal, the sun began to sink behind the clouds, leaving a slowly darkening sky in its passing. Ylven watched with wonder upon a balcony with Twilight and Luna as the stars began to appear, one by one they lit the evening sky until it was filled with innumerable sparks. Luna's horn grew darker with the night until she wasn't actually using her magic, and simply let the night take its course.
"Sorry that the sunset wasn't as beautiful as usual, you two. Celestia is much better with her sun that I," Luna seemed saddened by her inability to create a sunset she had never tried to make before.
Ylven shook his head, "I disagree, it was fantastic as any night I have seen in my realm, if not more so. Well done, your majesty."
Twilight nodded, "Yes, I would doubt that Celestia was even harmed today."
Luna blushed at the remarks, "Truly, there is no need for you to praise me so, I know when I haven't done a good job. Anyway, Celestia shall be well enough again tomorrow morning, then you shall experience a true Equestrian sunset."
Luna ushered everyone away from the balcony and into her quarters. Ylven was barely able to squeeze through the doorway, but managed to get inside without scraping too many upholsteries with his spines. Luna's room was a perfectly attuned to the pony who resided within. The furnishings were dark, the walls were painted like murals, depicting local constellations and the waning and waxing cycles of Luna's moon. The floor had deep blue carpets and an ebony colored hearth sat at its core, warming the room to the perfect temperature. Luna sat on a cushion on the floor and Twilight was invited to sit beside her. Ylven took his place before the two of them, resting on all fours.
"Well, today has been an eventful one indeed," Luna began, "A dragon unlike any other crushes a local bakery in Ponyville, then travels to Canterlot in a matter of seconds, burns a tavern, home, and a flower shop, defeats my sister in combat, and then befriends both myself and the young Princess Twilight after only about an hour of being imprisoned. You Ylven are a mysterious creature indeed."
The Dragonborn chuckled, as if sore, "Yes, well..."
"Not to mention you have an incredible magical ability whose power outstrips pretty much anypony elses, which is quite incredible really," Twilight added, before coughing into her hoof, "Even if that power was a little misdirected..."
Ylven sighed, sounding quite tired as they recollected, "I understand everyone wants to reminisce about todays events, but I for one am quite tired. Is there anywhere particular that I can rest? Er, sorry, but I really am tired."
Luna smiled knowingly, "I understand, Twilight please show mister Ylven to the special little place we have set up for him in the courtyard."
Twilight nodded, standing up from the pillow and preparing a spell, "Just sit tight Ylven, this might tingle..."
There was a brilliant purple flash, and both had disappeared from the room. Not far away, in the gardens below there was a similar flash, and once empty space was now filled with the bulk of a dragon and a pretty pony princess. Twilight guided Ylven, who was still a little shaken by the teleportation, to a section of the garden that was rarely visited. His neck stretched above the beautifully cut hedges and well trimmed trees to see a large tent raised at the opposite end of the garden.
Twilight lead him to the entrance and grabbed a rope with her magic, preparing to reveal its interior to the surprised dragon, "Ylven, welcome to your new temporary home."
The rope was pulled, and revealed a supersized interior. It was rather roomy, impossibly so, and he was surprised to find that his entire bulk fit inside quite easily. There wasn't much inside, some hay for him to lay on and a barrel of water, but he didn't need much, and almost preferred the simplicity of it all.
"T-thank you... I... I can honestly surprised that you would set this all up for me, especially after all I've done."
Twilight smiled in earnest, happy to see he liked his living space. "It wasn't much trouble really, the hard part was making it bigger on the inside for you."
Ylven nodded. "I can't thank you enough for your hospitality, and I'll make sure to help with anything you need from here on out, my liege."
Twilight rolled her eyes, "Of course you will, Ylven, you need to realize that Equestria is a pretty lax place, really, there isn't any need for the 'honor or death' lookout on things here. I'm just Twilight to you, and all my friends. Now if you need anything else, just ask. Goodnight Ylven."
And the flap was shut, leaving Ylven to himself. Yawning, tired and aching after the events of today, he curled into a ball and awaited sleep. There was still something dark in him, that was for sure, but with the help of his new friends, things would become easier, he just knew it. Sleep came swiftly, filling the air with dragon sized snores. Tonight, rest, tomorrow, work.