An Extended Holiday

by Commander_Pensword

The Colour of Noble Pony Blood

Extended Holiday
Chp 29: The Colour of Noble Pony Blood
Act 3

---

“Ok so Heavy Set and Demolition Granado, you're here mainly because it was unanimously voted that you two scare the living hell out of everypony back at the fort.” Grif said looking at the two, both earth ponies. the first stood roughly Big Macintosh's height and very buff. his mane was almost fully shaved off but his tail was short and jagged cut brown fur, it almost looked like it had been cut with a machete. his coloring was a gunmetal grey body with red covering his legs and the same red on his tail. On his back was a crossbow, a crossbow most would call a ballista, carved into the side of which was the name sasha.

“Why people find me scary?” Heavy Set asked.

“A’ don’t be taking it too seriously lad, some ponies just have no good sense.” Demolition Granado said before taking a swig from a glass bottle of… a liquid Grif wasn’t quite sure what it was. This pony was a deep brown with black mane and tail. His left eye was covered in by a black eyepatch, he held a pair of saddlebags literally loaded with Granados. “We are ready to scare the pants of the blue blooded horse.” He smiled.

“Anything else to declare?” Grif asked.

“I’m drunk.” Demolition Grando said proudly. The pony then proceeded to pass out on the spot.

“Ok…. I’m going back over there now.” Grif said heading to Hammer Strike.

“Ok so they have about as much sanity as you get sleep at night.” He said to Hammer Strike. “They still scare practically anyone into submission.”

“Good, needed to keep nobles away anyways.” Hammer replied. “I’d prefer not to deal with some of them.”

“Agreed, and the one we least want to deal with is the one we’re going to meet.” Grif noted. “Irony is evil.” They then turned to look at a drawn carriage that was armored and had a few emblems that at the moment just denoted that it was from Camp Necessity.

Pensword stepped from the military drawn carriage, mainly because all involved wanted to test run the most armored cart built so far. He was dressed in what had been something he had worked with Rarity quickly. He was decked in not just his polished fixed armor complete with wing blades, but also he now had a military cloak over the back of his armor. He looked the role of the hero from the books. Moonshade had insisted on coming along leaving Silver Spear as temporary commander of the forces back home. She was decked out in her own armor that made her looked very similar to Lunar Fang’s ancient drawings, then again with the amount of armor any mare Thestral could look like Lunar Fang. They looked to Lord Hammer Strike and saluted him at the same time. At his side hung the Officer Sword that had been crafted for him.

“Hammer Strike, where is Rarity?” Grif asked. “Did something come up?”

“I’ll go get her, I have a feeling I know why.” Hammer Strike replied, starting his walk over to her place.

“So you two ready for this?” Grif asked.

Pensword realized quickly he was being spoken to. “Well I think so, I just, well, I am going to enjoy this meeting.” He finally finished. “I mean, I kind of have time on my side, and I like to think I am a diplomate.”

Moonshade looked to Pensword, “You do realize that most ponies don’t care much for the Blueblood house?”

Pensword only smiled. “Not all combat comes in the forms of swords and fighting, words too can be a battlefield.” He grinned a little and paused before looking at Moonshade who was reading it seemed a thick book, his next question revealed that it was a history book about Pensword. “What does it say about Pensword with words and situations like this?” He looked back at his friends. “I have yet to figure out how to hold a book correctly.”

“Pensword was a magnificent commander in the Strike families employ, he embodied the pivotal pegasus soldier. At one point leading the siege of one of the principle border fort during the gryphon war.”

Pensword blinked and shook his head. “Okay, another event that I will have to keep an eye on.” He muttered. He looked at the others. “Look this book is either myth or I am heading back.” He spoke to his friends. He looked back at Moonshade. “How was he in diplomatic or conversational areas?”

“He held his own, it was not as glorious as his battle record but he always noted how the field of battle was more than swords and spears.” Moonshade noted. The group paused a little as they realized that he had just said that.

“Well then,” Pensword replied mimicking Shawn. “I guess I shall show combat with Bluebood.” He smiled. “I wonder if he knows what is about to happen.”

“Prince Blueblood often doesn’t consider his own possibility of failure.” Moonshade replied as Pensword only nodded in agreement. She smiled, “Which as from what I would guess Sir Grif would say, It will be fun to see him fail.”

After a moment of chatter two figures could be seen walking towards the train station Rarity, and Hammer Strike, carrying around six trunks on his back. They were talking as they were headed towards the station.

“Those look heavy.” Grif noted.

“I keep on forgetting how strong an Earth Pony can be, that must, either be very light of many items or, sturdy construction at least…” Pensword paused and shook his head. “Reminds me of my Aunt when she packs.”

After a moment they finally came into range Rarity seemed to be happy to be invited to Canterlot and Hammer Strike seemed, pretty much the same as always with a blank expression.

“Isn’t that a little much Rarity?” Grif asked. “We’re only going to be there a night.”

She only smiled a little. “You never know what you might need at Canterlot, nor what could happen, why we could be asked to stay a second day even.”

“Which it seems I will be doing.” Hammer Strike said aloud. “It seems that news spreads and I was sent a request to visit a couple of others.” He sighed. “Of course, you do not need to stay as they are not Blueblood and are more tame from what I remember.”

“I shall keep my books open.” Pensword replied. “I am suddenly concerned that I may be asked to be a guest of honor to some military ball or Unit meeting or something.” he looked to Moonshade and to the others. “After all…” He paused and decided not to tell just what else he had read in the book. “All I can say is that I am going to enjoy this, and be flexible other then that, anything more concrete will not survive first meeting of Murphy or Discord.”

“Okay so two nights I stand corrected.” Grif said. “Still seems a bit much.”

Rarity only smiled a little. “You sound just like Rainbow Dash, not all can survive out of one suitcase for a weekend.” She smiled a little. “Besides, I may find a nice Stallion on my trip.” She replied with a chuckle. She smiled as she turned around. “Ah, so Twilight did let you come along my little Spikey Wikey.”

Sure enough from behind them running up to the Train Station was Spike who was huffing a little as he stop with the group. “Wait, wait for me.” He finished. “I also have news that Princess Celestia will be accompanying us on the train ride to and from Ponyville so as to help us through some of the checkpoints since the Changeling Invasion.”

“But we…” Pensword paused and looked at his body. “Oh, I was not a pegasus when that happened, smart princess.”

“No hero passes?” Grif asked. “I mean changelings cannot exceed their weight and I weigh significantly more than one of them.”

To their surprise, it was Princess Celestia who spoke with a grin as if giddy at sneaking up on the trio. “Maybe it is because it would be a show that you three heroes are under the wing of the Diarchy and that any full scale moves in daylight would be frowned upon.” She paused and smiled. “I wonder how long till their shadow games will dwindle with my sister back and patrolling the shadows now.” She started to walk to the train which was only now opening the doors to let them on. “I also wish to try and show my nephew that he should stick to Canterlot political moves.”

“Cause he doesn’t stand a chance in Everfree?” Grif asked.

“That and I rather not have him making a wave here.” Celestia smiled and continued to walk towards the rail car. “This is a place where I would rather have Twilight find her own calling and her own Destiny. Not be mixed up in the politics of Canterlot nobility.”

“Makes sense.” Hammer said, still standing with the trunks on his back. Giving a glance back he raised a brow in question. “Now where do these go?”

“Guards, take the trunks from Lord Hammer Strike and load them in the cargo section.” Grif ordered to the two guards they’d brought along. The two took the luggage and set off grumbling.

“Thanks.” Hammer said rolling his shoulders.

Pensword only chuckled a little at the comment. Mainly how his friend was a stallion of few words. He paused and looked at the train and smiled. “It never gets old, getting to ride on a train someplace, the clicky clack of the rails, the swaying of the car, the moving and acceleration and deceleration.” he sighed. “Or the smell of the coal being burned.” He just smiled. “I think trains is the best tech invented in my lifetime.” He muttered almost like he was a man in the past seeing the future.

“And to think, I purchased extra tickets as a just in case...” Hammer said looking around.

“I’ll make sure Blueblood reimburses you for all this.” Celestia said.

Pensword only looked back at Hammer Strike and smirked before stepping fully on the train car. He did not say a word as he settled down and Moonshade sat down next to him as they consulted the book again about this or that. They heard yet again another exclamation. “What is the deal with the Dragon and the pitchfork? Is that, some type of big cosmic joke?”

“Few can fight with a dragon.” Celestia noted. “Fewer still wielding a simple farm implement, we feasted for seven days straight after that day.” Celestia laughed.

Pensword just looked at her. “Before or after the Gryphon Wars?” He asked and shook his head, “No matter I’ll find out for myself.” He just sighed. “Maybe that’s why I did it, I knew I could do it.” He paused and looked to Celestia. “Time Travel, I hate it.”

---

“So yeah, it’s called ‘Death by Chocolate’ it’s a real cake.” Grif told the Princess. “You’re telling me your chefs never thought of something like that before?”

“Not at all.” Celestia said. “I shall have to address the royal kitchen staff.” She seemed to be imagining the cake. “With being an Alicorn, I doubt it would cause death and I think I could eat two of those.” She smiled in a beam like grin to Grif. “You shall have to join for a piece, or maybe Taze could take your place in trying the first one baked in the castle.”

“One of us shall be there with bells on your highness.” Grif chuckled.

Celestia looked at the Gryphon with a slight confused look. “You are not a jester, why would you have bells? Also with some Unicorns, bells are a symbol of Starswirl.” She smiled kindly. “Then again you were not in Canterlot after Starswirl became history, he was very much alive to your three.” She smiled at them, yet to Grif did he catch a mischievous smile towards Moonshade and Pensword.

“It was a human expression princess.” Grif explained. “Taze has been teaching me a good many things.”

She only raised and eyebrow. “What does that mean?” She asked curious about another odd human saying. “Nice to see that the three humans are teaching others so that their knowledge is not lost if..” She frowned. “I am sorry to say, but Matthew is worsening in his condition.” She looked around and activated some type of spell and looked at Grif. “Would… you think it wise if we allow Pensword to carry his memories? Combining two warrior minds together?”

“I think Pensword would be honored your highness.” Grif noted.

She only smiled and let down the spell, he could tell that as her horn stopped glowing. “That is good to hear, I, my sister would be pleased, I think she is more worried of losing the chance to actually have a benchmark to measure against.” She smiled a little. “I wonder how the nobles will react when they catch wind of the military reforms she wishes to cause, or rather turning back the clock.”

“Turning back the clock isn’t totally bad, what I wouldn’t give to see my northern isles as i remember them in my youth, I mean before they were a plague infested collection of huts that caused us to seek help from the Strike family, but the beautiful green gems of my fledglinghood” Grif winked at her, those history books had done him well.

She only nodded. “Well you would be pleased to note that after the Northern Isles were given Protectorate status under Equestria, they have returned to the Green Gems of your fledglinghood.” She smiled softly as well. “Also it might be the only place where Gryphons would welcome you setting hoof again. Although they were absorbed as an Equestrian State only two hundred years ago.”

“I shall have to make time to visit them.” Grif smiled. “It is better they have Equestrian governance then to divulge back into the ruin they were back during the wars. Your graciousness over them has been boundless your highness and I thank you from the deepest regions of my heart.”

She only smiled. “Thank you for what you have done for Equestria in her past, and to what you shall do in her future.” She winked a little. He looked to the side as one of her assistants walked up to her with a few scrolls. She smiled warmly at her. “Yes?” She asked wondering what might be bothering the unicorn mare who was standing in front of her.

“It appears House Pansy is having problems with House Cookie, again.” The assistant said to Celestia.

Celestia only blinked. “What is the problem this time?” She asked with a raised eyebrow. “Last time it was over who would be in charge of the Lower Canterlot pageant.” She smiled softly. It is interesting that two friends will end up having their descendants take issue with one another.”

“It appears that this time House Cookie is working on something big for New Years. And House Pansy is complaining about the noise, and the possible noise that is to come from it.” She replied.

“Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, there is a House Cookie?” Grif raised an eyebrow.

“Yes.” The assistant responded with a slight confused tilt of her head..

“Well that’s a few hundred pounds of headcanon that needs to be rethought.” Grif mumbled to himself.

Celestia only smiled and while not really knowing what he meant by that she just smiled at the comment. “So, what is it that they wish the Princesses of the Land to do?” She knew that they would come to her sooner or later. “Frankly, House Cookie is one of the more laid back houses, so was House Pansy but that changed about six generations ago.”

“They request for you or the guard to deal with House Cookie to make sure the sound levels return to a low normal.”

Princess Celestia only looked at her assistant. “Please inform them that I shall deal with this if I have the time, at the moment I am going to confirm the rumors that Lord Hammer Strike, Commander Pensword.” She ignored the strange sound that Pensword gave from his seat, “As well as Sir Grif Grafson”

“What’s the problem with their sound levels?” Grif asked with a raised eyebrow.

“The sound of construction.” She paused. “From what we were told, they have something being built and the noise is disrupting House Pansy from their activities.”

Celestia paused. “Would they like to be reminded of the noise that they caused when they were rebuilding their East Wing? Or their desire to dig further into Canterlot Mountain in a way that would cut off House Cookie’s inner holdings?” She sighed. “Also please remind House Cookie of the Fudge incident, or the Cookie embargo of two hundred years ago. Try to have them at least give a formal invitation to House Pansy to be some chief guests.” She was guessing that it was they felt snubbed or something. “Also please tell House Pansy that if they wish they may wish to meet with not just myself, but also Commander Pensword.”

“Does House Cookie have the correct permits to do construction?” Grif asked.

“House Pansy doubts they do, but we will have to check the records to be certain.” The assistant replied.

Celestia only nodded. “Please do. However I will think you will find it filed in some random location. You know how, essentrant the house can be.” She paused and looked to another of her guards. “Please tell the royal archivist and Genealogist to do a record search into the Pie family.” She looked a little worried suddenly.

“If I may princess, it sounds simply like a petty squabble of noble house against nobel house, this should be given to the seneschal to cover or the viscount, it’s not a matter you should be stuck looking after.” Grif said .“Your assistant should also be aware of this.” He said giving a questioning look to her assistant.

“For another house, yes.” She looked to Grif. “I however made a promise to the founders to keep an eye on their families for as long as I lived. That means that I get involved early before it could get out of hoof.” She looked to the front of the coach car as she continued to speak. “They are descended from the founders, and I wish to keep a promise to dear friends.”

“Forgive my rudeness then princess.” Grif said with a bow. “I was simply worried because one such as you seems to have entirely too much on her plate as it is.”

She smiled a little. “That is why I am happy my sister has returned, and do not worry yourself, I have been doing this for a thousand years ruling this kingdom, I do not have an over filled plate as you put it.”

“That is good to hear, you are definitely not the pink maned lion I remember during the war.” Grif chuckled.

Princess Celestia only blinked. “My sister was the warrior of the blade. I despised having to wield the blade when I prepare the battlefield of the word and mind.” She sighed. “Though it thankfully has been long since I had to wield a blade.”

“It is an admirable trait to value life.” Grif nodded. “But at the same point to know that those of us who are gifted with strength should first and foremost use that strength in service to the weaker ones, if it be that our strength is words then I salute the diplomat, but my princess fate has decreed that war be my field of change and so I will fight for peace. Truth be told a warriors path is to self extinction as we fight to bring about a time when we will never be needed.”

Celestia only nodded. “Reminds me of what you said to me long ago.” She chuckled. “Hence why those who strength are words should never despise the warrior,” She sighed. “Something I forgot right before the third Gryphon War… The second one I had hoped would be the end.”

“Let us both pray that there is never a fourth.” Grif gave her a respectful nod. “My Princess could you tell me about these mercenary bands that I hear roam equestria, gryphons whose only allegiance is to bits?”

“Gryphons had a social breakdown around three hundred years ago, and in the time it took to restore everything several records were lost and such countless bloodlines lost their rights. The runoff were sent out of Griffonia rather than the emperor having to sort things out himself. These homeless gryphons have spread across Equis rather quickly and formed bands usually lead by those coming from established warrior families. Eventually the groups became militarized bands of warriors and so the only skills they could really use to make money where their skills in fighting, things have devolved amongst them since then and now few if any of the old traditions are held between these groups, they raise their talons against the enemies of those desperate enough to pay them. I however cannot bring myself to make their stay illegal as they are truly homeless now even the oldest amongst them having never seen the land of their ancestors.”

Grif considered her words. “It is sad to hear such proud warriors once again forced to such squalor because of the laziness of the emperor. I only hope I will be able to do something for any I may meet.”

Meanwhile in another part of the same train car, Pensword blinked as he turned from the window and to Moonshade. “Okay, I have been asking you so many questions, why don’t you ask me some?” He smiled a little. “After all, you know the truth, and I think anyone here would know that it is the truth or I am just spinning a yarn.” He chuckled a little as he moved a little to get more comfortable. “Please ask anything you want.”

“What was the empire like?” Moonshade asked.

“Which part?” He asked with a smile. “The present before things went crazy, or the past empire?”

“The past.” She laughed. “What was the great wall like?”

Pensword paused and closed his eyes, recalling the memories from that day. “You could see it whenever you looked out a window. It was beautiful made of sturdy magical infused Crystal as Alto told me.” He sighed. “The gate itself was large enough to let two of these trains through side by side. The gate itself was made of a combination of metal and wood with a metal protocel. The Gate was taller than the wall and had what almost felt like homes from the gate guards. The walls were patrolled and had rooms built on the wall to allow archers to attack. It was beautiful but, it turned into a trap as well, shut the four main gates and you trap the citizens inside. Also the wall surrounded the inner city, the outer city and farmland spread out further around even more. When they said an Empire, it was an Empire. Easily the size of both the Everfree forest and Ponyville combined.” He sighed softly. “Sombra did some big redecoration of the Crystal Heart area, opening it up to remind all that he held their heart in his control.” He sounded sad at this point. “I saw what the end result was, but it was and has been wonderful to hear that they are doing much better under Queen Cadence and King Consort Shining Armor.”

“And what of Matthews home? Did he tell you about it?” She asked.

Pensword looked ahead and she could see the sorrow in his eyes fully. he did smile a little at how she was protecting some of their identity at the moment. “Yes, yes he did. He came from a land that was,” He hemmed a little. “Could take traveling by the speed of a walking Pony with stopping and rests would take about six months to travel from one side of the nation to the other.” He paused and remembered the size, as well that Equestria while calling their based number trots. It was the same roughly to a meter. “You know how Equestria is about one point seven one eight million thousand trots?” He asked Moonshade who only nodded. “The nation of the United States that Matthew came from is nine point eight two seven million thousand trots.”

“Oh my.” Moonshades eye’s widened.

“Yeah, Equestria could fit inside the United States.” He paused. “He did tell me that his was not the largest nation in their world.” He shook his head. “Still, he told me that he was proud of his home, that for a nation not guided by a long lived wise Alicorn, his nation made mistakes, and did some odd things.” He smiled a little. “One thing he wanted me to know was that he considered his nation a city on a hill, whatever that meant, as well as a place of refuge and a place to live free and do anything you wanted with your life.” He paused and looked around the coach car. “He made an interesting comment, you could arrive on the shores broke, and at the end of your life, be one of the wealthiest person in the nation, and it happened to many.” He looked at her quietly. “He told me names but they don’t mean much to me at the moment.”

“That sounds like quite the place.” Moonshade said. “I feel bad that he is in such bad straits” she said.

“He’s use to it.” Pensword muttered almost on autopilot. “He told me a little of his past to be honest. If you want to ask anything I could try to answer.”

“I hope he knows he’ll be remembered.” She said. “After all he did for us I don’t think anypony well forget him.”

Pensword only nodded his head slowly. “Agreed, I just, wish I could have seen him fight in the Changeling Invasion of Canterlot.” He admitted. “Sounded like an interesting human.”

“He kept the guards moving forward down to the last stallion, not sure how things would have gone without him supporting the charge.” she said.

Pensword only raised an eyebrow. “Interesting, and from what I heard he only used what was some type of crossbow?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “He held fast with it.”

“Amazing, and the Changeling didn’t outright kill him?” He asked, “I wonder why that was.” he muttered showing a little bit of the bias of the older ponies from the era of the Third Griffon War.

“Who know, I think in all honesty they were more scared of Lord Shawn coming back from the dead.” She said.

“Wait, there's another like Lord Hammer Strike?” Pensword asked in shock and a little awe, or at least he had that inflection from his time as an actor.

Moonshade nodded. “In almost every way.” She said with a small chuckle.

Pensword only shook his head. “Faust help us if they ever meet together.” He shook his head having first learned that this was not a swear, and second it seemed to be something akin to Earth’s version of invoking a deity's name. He blinked before looking back at Moonshade. “Thank you for being a ground for me, and,” he paused and looked like he was searching for some words. “Helping out here and there, just know that I will consider this my main time period from now on.”

“Always Commander Pensword.” she said turning away to hide a blush.

He blinked a little. “Why? I thought that, well it makes me feel like I am copying Commander Hurricane, I just.” he looked down at the ground a little. “How could I use the same rank as the great Commander Hurricane.”

“You commanded your troops in battle, you commanded countless battles during the third gryphon war, you are the commander of House Strikes forces, what is wrong with addressing you by your earned title?” Moonshade asked.

He looked down, the expression he had was that he had not earned it yet to his mind. “I shall, keep that in mind.” he muttered. He looked out the window. “Still, it feels strange having, being,” he didn’t try to get those thoughts out as he just looked out the window. “Thank you.” he muttered.

Meanwhile in yet another section of the train car Rarity admired the faux engagement ring she had been given for her part. “It’s positively dazzling.” She said.

Hammer Strike gave a light chuckle. “It is certainly interesting what you can find in Ponyville.”

“I was surprised when you asked for my help in this facade, you realise I have history with Blueblood, yes?” She asked.

“You do?” He asked.

“Well I’m sure it comes as no surprise, but originally my plan was to marry up in the nobility ranking, at the grand galloping gala last year I spent the night with Prince Blueblood, it wasn’t a pleasant evening.”

“Understandable. My meetings with Blueblood have been short, and quite frankly it doesn’t help what you can hear from the guards and his, previous, staff.” Hammer Strike replied.

“Yes well I spent the night opening doors for him and paying for the food.” She rolled her eye’s. “Nothing like a gentlecolt.”

“Pa- Hold on. Paying for the food yourself? He has enough money, so I would think, and he had you pay?” Hammer Strike said with a questioning gaze.

“No, I had to pay for my food and his own.” Rarity said. “Poor Applejack was so embarrassed when he spat it out calling it ‘common carnival fair’.”

Hammer Strike only had a flat expression. “Honestly, I sometimes wonder.”

“Still I imagine me being there well make him sweat a little.” She grinned. “Princess Luna, from what I hear, gave him quite a tongue lashing after that night.”

“He might be due for another, who knows.” Hammer Strike replied with a small grin growing on his face. “Anyways. So, are you ready for two days surrounded by nobles, some in which we should avoid?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” She said. “The Canterlot elite are always a finicky bunch.”

“Depending on who you meet.” He chuckled.

“So then who were you planning on meeting with after you’re done with Blueblood?” Rarity asked.

“Perhaps Fancypants, been awhile since I’ve seen him.” Hammer replied looking out one of the windows.

“The elite of the elite is it?” Rarity smiled. “You’re always safe with Fancypants.”

“Certainly, though we, haven’t met like this.” Hammer said quietly glancing at his hoof. “I will most likely have to either swap over or see if I shall meet him like this.” He finished.

“Well it should at least be an easier meeting then Blueblood.” Rarity smiled.

“Certainly.” He replied.

It was here that Rarity spotted something that made her grin a little as she pointed with a hoof for Lord Hammer Strike to follow, she was chuckling a little. This noise caught Grif’s attention and the Princess as they looked as saw something that brought a mysterious smile to Princess Celestia.

What had caught their eyes was the fact that the train ride had lulled two of the passengers to sleep, and the two had fallen against each other passed out and while snoring a little, was barely heard over the sounds of the train. Pensword and Moonshade both did not realize the situation as they were the two who had fallen asleep.

Hammer Strike gave a smirk as he looked to the two, giving a light chuckle to himself.

“Kodiak moment.” Grif laughed. Causing a few confused looks from Princess Celestia and her aids. Needless to say, Grif saw what looked to be a modern looking camera appear and vanish from one of the guards in the back.

---

After some time, those inside the train felt their movement shifting as the train slowed itself, coming closer to the station at Canterlot, nearly there.

The passengers remained seated till the train came to a complete stop, at which point it became a social hierarchy of who left the train first. First was Princess Celestia and her party, and then it was Lord Hammer Strike, Rarity, Pensword, Moonshade, Grif, and the rest of those that came with them. While the Princess and her party left. Hammer Strike and the others stayed on the platform wondering when their host would arrive to guide them to his abode.

Pensword only looked up at the clock tower. “Well, we appear to be on time, so where might our esteemed host be?” He looked at Lord Hammer Strike, “You did give the correct time of the meeting right?” he asked looking back at the clock tower.

“Still say this meeting was unnecessary.” Grif grumbled.

“So you have the keys?” Hammer Strike questioned.

“I meant with Blueblood.” Grif said. “This is going to go simply, he’ll make outrageous demands and stupidly transparent demands while speaking to you like a simpleton, you’ll counter, he’ll get forceful, I’ll put someones face through a table and we’ll leave.”

“I’d prefer to get this out of the way now, rather than later.” Hammer replied.

“Ah, take on an enemy while still disorganized and still not fully built up defenses, otherwise you wait and next thing you know that small little nation you ignored is suddenly a rather worrisome threat.” Pensword muttered with a small twinkle in his eye.

“Certainly.” He replied.

“You guys are no fun.” Grif sighed.

Moonshade only smiled. “You can have fun with any Gryphon delegates here.” She replied before blinking and looked at the group. “You are corrupting me.” She paused. “Pensword excluded.”

“We’ll make a legendary death defying hero of crazy out of you yet Moonshade.” Grif smiled at Moonshade.

“The day I start acting all crazy like you lot would be the day that Pigs learn the art of flying.” She countered.

“Well the Royal Porcine Aeronautics Academy is making great breakthroughs from what I read.” Grif noted.

Moonshade just sighed before looking at who she thought was the only sane one there, then again, if the story of him fighting a Dragon with a pitchfork, that might call into question her own sanity, still it was cute to see her stay close to Pensword.

Eleven white unicorns with blue manes with gold armor came marching into the station. “Lord Hammer Strike?” One of them asked.

“Yes?” He responded.

“I am Lieutenant Ballistic Shield, here to lead your escort to the castle.” He explained.

After a brief pause Hammer Strike nodded. “Alright then.” He looked to his group. “Let us head off.”

“Are you related to Tower Shield or Blast Shield?” grif asked.

“They are my cousins.” Ballistic Shield explained. “Their father Steel Shield is the younger brother of my father Iron Shield, there is also Bronze Shield and his family, all the sons of buckler.” Ballistic explained.

“That’s a lot of shields.” Grif noted.

“We’re told we make ponies feel safe.” Ballistic Shield chuckled.

Pensword only smiled a little, “Well I am glad to hear that,” he paused. “So is your entire family shields against something?”

“I guess you could say that, yeah.” Ballistic nodded.

Pensword only looked to Grif with a goofy grin. “So,” he paused. “No Furry I am guessing?” he looked to Taze and look to the streets and back at the group. “I think we are ready to move when you are.”

The move to the castle was a relatively short relaxed walk. In short order the chamberlain had taking charge of them and showed them to the rooms they’d be staying in.

Pensword blinked and paused and looked back at his friends. “Different rooms?” he asked finally. “Did, did they actually have us staying in our own rooms?” He asked in awe.

“Of course.” Grif smiled. “We’re heroes after all.”

Pensword only nodded. “I just, well thought that it would be grouped up again, like it always has been till the Tavern in Ponyville.” He sighed and paused. “Still, shall we settle in?” He looked to Grif. “Also, I want to talk to you about an idea, that I just had.”

“Oh?” Grif asked raising an eyebrow, a tick that both had started to pick up from Shawn and Hammer Strike.

“Yeah, only I would prefer it if it was just you and I at the moment. Just to see what you think about it.” Pensword muttered. “If you like it, we bring in Moonshade and then Lord Hammer Strike, then the humans.”

“Whatever you like.” Grif smiled. “But perhaps wait until after our business with the prince is finished.” He said his face scrunching up awkwardly as he said ‘Prince’

“Right,” Pensword started. “So, what is the docket for today?” he looked to Moonshade who was smiling. “Seems you wrote the schedule already.”

“Yes, mainly because I saw it as a challenge.” She pulled a scroll from a stachel. “We have dinner tonight in an hour at the Blueblood estate, followed by discussions and a night cap. Tomorrow we split up on our own, and then we leave first train in the morning of the third day. Also Princess celestia left me a copy of the letter she sent to all the noble houses stating that you had already made plans to celebrate with the Elements of Harmony.”

“You realise because you wrote a schedule down something is inevitably going to come up to throw your plans off totally?” Grif asked.

“Yep.” Moonshade replied. “That way I take the flake and keep the honor of the heroes untarnished.” She replied cheerfully. She paused a little at the looks she got. “Uh, is it bad I like to make plans just to see how much I need to change them?”

“Certainly useful.” They heard Hammer Strike respond.

Pensword only chuckled. “Agreed, Still shall we get ready for this dinner?” He asked in a smirk. “Frankly I am curious what they serve in the halls now a thousand years in the future.”

“I certainly hope the raspberry has come into it’s own in the time.” Grif smiled, his accent coming on just a little thicker. “You ponies always preferring the sweet and never treasuring the bitterness in life.”

Pensword blinked as he took an indignant look. “I love Raspberries.” He acted offended. “Small but amazing taste.”

“Ah my friend but you were always one in a million.” The gryphon chuckled putting a tallon on his shoulder. “Shall we be off?”

“After we dress, I think some dress armor is in order, or at least the armor from the Empire should do.”

“It is too clunky for dining.” Grif shook his head. “A simple cloak shall be enough for me.”

Pensword paused. “In that case, I shall wear one of the dress uniforms that I have yet been able to wear.” He looked at Moonshade. “Dress Uniform for the dinning I believe is the uniform of the night.”

Moonshade only nodded with a nod of her head. “At your command.”

“And we shall make a show for all those stuffy nobles non?” Grif smiled.

He got a few nods from Pensword and Moonshade. “Let us wear the awards and medals that we are entitled to… based on our timeline.” he added to Moonshade.

“This should be very interesting.” Moonshade laughed. “Especially with whoever the visiting dignitaries might be.”

“Indeed.” Hammer Strike said, walking out of his room wearing his blue coat with its gold trim. “So. When shall we head off?”

“Will you be taking the big sword or the very big sword to dinner tonight Lord?” Grif asked.

Moonshade only smiled and started to push Pensword with her head. “Now while you pick what weapon to bring to show your position I am going to get the commander ready.”

“I can get ready on my own.” Pensword muttered in shock.

“But you can’t put the badges on right, I know where each one goes, if you do it we’ll be here all night.” Any further protests were shut off as a door closed behind them.

“Well then.” Hammer said idly. “So. Let’s see how many swords I can pack on.” He said to Grif as he headed into his own room.

“And I shall see how many different types of throwing blades I can stuff into my bandolier.” Grif chuckled to himself as he entered his room.

Rarity looked around the empty hall. “I think I may have dived into something I wasn’t prepared for.” She said before heading to her room.

---

Thirty minutes later and the groups were meeting up again before they were to head towards Prince Bluebloods manor.

“So.” Hammer Strike said, giving his neck a soft pop as he looked to the group. “Ready to get this show on the road?”

“Thirty two throwing knives, fifteen rounds of shot not including the preloaded one, two swords, one stiletto in my hidden pocket one at my side and talons.” Grif said. “I am officially a walking pocket knife.”

Pensword blinked as he walked out of his room and stood there as he listened to the last words that Grif just spoke. He was wearing what looked like a uniform that might have belonged in the American Civil War, Union Side, complete with wide round rim officer hat. “Let’s see, officer blade, in working order, the knowledge that if something became of me, house Hurricane, Pansy, and Strike, would declare war upon the house that tried to do me in.” He paused. “Oh, and one angry thestral.” He smiled to Moonshade who was dressed in a much older Uniform, only to Grif and Hammer Strike she looked like an officer wearing a midnight blue indigo color cap that while having her rank of Major on the front, was more akin to those caps worn by the cannon crews of the Civil War. They both had a rather decent sized collection of medals and ribbons, even though a painting that they saw in a book showed Pensword looking like a General Patton if all the stories would be believed of the events that happened in the Third Gryphon War that he not only fought in but lead as well. Currently he was wearing less medals than what he might actually was entitled to wear.

Rarity stood wide eyed at the four who truly looked like they were marching off to war rather than to talk to a noble house lord.

“You seem surprised.” Hammer Strike said to Rarity.

“I just didn’t realise you all would be literally dressed to kill.” Rarity noted.

“Wait, wait, wait, I thought we were dressing to maim?” Grif asked. “Great now I’m going to look funny.”

Hammer Strike put a hoof to his forehead as he sighed.

Pensword only blinked. “A Pegasus commander of my age without a sword, that would be more of a scandal.” He paused. “While it looks decorative. It still can be lethal.”

“Why must you be armed though?” Rarity asked. “Wouldn’t that come across a bit aggressive?”

Hammer Strike nodded a little. “It… Became a bit of a habit with Grif and myself after having to hold up inside a mine shaft. We were woken up several times by the sounds of corrupted guards heading our way and had to defend the place.” He sighed. “Just end up keeping it on us, feels a bit wrong without it.”

“And also going by my reputation aggressive is kind of my thing.” Grif noted.

“I suppose that makes sense, I just feel dreadfully out of place now.” Rarity noted.

“If you really feel out of place, I might have made something awhile back… Something that would work...” Hammer said, glancing back at his room.

“Oh what did you have in mind?” Rarity asked. “I don’t think I could carry a sword like that.”

“That’s why I chose something that isn’t a sword.” Hammer Strike commented as he walked into his room.

“Wonder what he’s contemplating.” Grif raised an eyebrow.

Moonshade just looked to Pensword as they both wondered just what it was that he was thinking. They both turned to look at the door into Lord Hammer Strike’s room.

After a moment he came out with something wrapped up on his back. It was a decent sized object, but not much detail could be said, as it was kinda wrapped up. He gave a look to Rarity and gestured towards the object.

The white unicorn took the object tenderly in her magic and began to unwrap it slowly. Inside the layers of wrap was a stiletto slightly smaller than the two Grif carried on him. The blade stretched out long and elegantly, holding a image of refined lethality to it. It had a small simple silver plated cross hilt and pommel with a grip carefully wrapped in black leather. The sheath for it was a another piece of black leather secured by several silver fasteners. All in all, the blade looked intimidating without being out of place even with a member of the Canterlot Elite.

“Oh my, it’s a beautiful knife.” Rarity noted, it took her several minutes to get it secured appropriately to her person but eventually she managed to place it in a convenient place that seemed acceptable to her. “Thank you Lord Hammer Strike.”

“No problem, I still have another thing I need to make, but that comes at a later date.” Hammer Strike replied.

“Shall we proceed then?” Grif asked.

Pensword only nodded his head. “That might be wise, I hope you two have your little deception ready for tonights little show.”

“And to think I thought I was done with acting.” Hammer Strike replied with a tone of voice that not many of the group could catch.

“Meh, deception really isn’t my thing, I’m here to be the stand there and grunt threateningly sort of character here.” Grif noted.

Pensword only smiled. A sad wistful smile but he still smiled and looked like he was going to enjoy the evening. “Frankly, acting is what got the humans into the mess they live in now. Let’s hope we don’t go as overboard.” He looked to Grif. “I think you are more than that, You stood by your values at the cost of one nation shunning you, and you gain the admiration and thanks of two very long if not immortal beings. You were able stand at that line and say no more, the line must be drawn here and no further, and proceeded to push back against those that wanted you to cross that line.” He was walking now to start the group moving. “That is worth more respect in your one talon then all of the rooms in the mansion in which we are to dine in tonight.”

“You’re kind my friend, but in this theater I am not the main character.” The gryphon said. “Come let us dine.”

“Tonight, the main character is Lord Hammer Strike and Lady Rarity.” Pensword replied. “I assure you, you shall have your spotlight.” He closed his eyes a little.

“I can tell tonight is going to be interesting…” Hammer Strike said, leading the way.

---

The small party of five ponies stood at the welcome gate to the Blueblood estate in the lower area of Canterlot, one had the feeling that while the mansion was able to sink into the side of the mountain the land in front of it was full of gardens, a large fountain and statues all around. The house or mansion or manor itself was large and to Pensword’s eyes, made of marble. White, silk banners hung from every possible location showing the Blueblood crest in blue, a helmet overlayed over a spear with a crown hanging from it. The gardens were laid with every sort of exotic flower you could imagine and ponies could been seen everywhere working on the house. The gate itself seemed to be made of entirely gold plated steel bars. Two armed ponies who didn’t actually look like the regular guards stood on either end of the gate trying to look imposing.

Hammer Strike gave a glance back to the group. “Well.” He muttered to himself. “No turning back now, brace for the verbal war.” He finished, standing upright, his eyes focusing on the area around him as he stretched his neck, giving a soft pop in return.

Pensword only nodded his head and seemed to change his stance to appear like the history books. Next to him Moonshade appeared to also become a little more important looking, just by trying to act like she belonged with the reset of the group. Pensword nodded his head to Hammer Strike. “The path appears clear Milord.”

“My master has an appointment with the Prince, we demand you open the gate.” Grif said looking to the guards. The guards in turn pushed open the gate with little ceremony or questions about their visit.

The group entered the yard and then the estate proper with a slow pace. The building was fancy to the point of being gaudy as Rarity was quick to point out. There standing on the front steps, smiling like someone who was really excited to see friends, was Prince Blueblood. “Oh, welcome, welcome. Let me be one of the first of Canterlot upper nobility to welcome to this time the heroes of the Crystal Empire.”

Pensword looked to Grif with an expression that said. ‘He did a little reading it seems.’

“Or had it read to him.” Grif whispered back. he cleared his throat “My Lord Hammer Strike is the hero of Whinnysberg as well, it would do you well to remember all his accolades and not simply his recent ones.” The gryphon spoke in a very haughty tone his accent thickening even as he spoke.

Moonshade added in her own little whisper. “At least he listened or did a little research before we came here.”

Prince Blueblood only smiled. “Well, surely we would be out here all night if we were to greet each other with all of our accolades. I thought it,” he paused a little, before continuing. “Prudent, to take such course, seeing as this appears to be the course you wish to take by keeping things somewhat low key.”

“I did not realise there had been a war within your lifetime.” Grif glared at Blueblood. “We shall have to hear a story of your courage in battle before we leave.”

Blueblood blinked and looked very nervous. “I am afraid,” he smiled a little, this time a little more forced. “That I have had no such events, So as we may at least continue with a steady stance for the rest of the night. May I ask how I should adress you for the rest of the evening?” Prince Blueblood was deferring to the group on how to proceed on what he felt was a faux paus on his part.

“I prefer not to use titles.” Grif noted. “But you will hopefully address Lord Hammer Strike with respect this night.” Grif casually gestured behind him and Heavy Set and Demolition Granado approached Grif from either side.

Blueblood only nodded. “Very well Sir Grif.” He smiled with the ease of a noble trying to charm those around him. “That is as close as I can come to just calling you by name.” he admitted, “Ah, you.” The rest of the words died in his throat as he fully focused on who was next to Lord Hammer Strike, his eyes widening and pupils shrinking as he saw the engagement ring that Rarity was wearing and he smiled, and only trained eyes, which all five had for details realized he was starting to get a little nervous.

“And of course, announcing Lady Rarity Belle of Ponyville soon to be Lady Rarity Strike of Everfree.” Grif announced. “I have heard rumours you two have met.”

Blueblood only nodded. “Yes, at a time when I was, not really wishing to be there.” He lowered his head. “I humbly beg your pardon Lady Rarity, Wielder of the Element of Generosity for my actions, I took out on you, the irritability of being forced there by my father when I had plans myself for that evening.”

“Of course.” Rarity answered with all the most obvious show of forced sympathy she could muster followed by a gentle smile.

Hammer Strike seemed to stay silent, though his expression shifted slightly as he raised his brow in question directed towards Blueblood.

Blueblood only returned the expression. “My father decided that I should attend to the Gala when he knew I had plans to visit the family yacht with some ideas, like a better compass housing. I later learned he took credit for the ideas that I wanted to implement to the vessels, and then he was the one that, created the most awkward day of life when you Lady Rarity was guest of Honor of the House Blueblood at the christening of the vessel.” He frowned. “Father changed the name of her as well, to his own name, instead of Queen Platinum the Third.” He frowned at that. “Yet why Aunty Celestia picked such commoner food fare for the outdoors I do not know, I half wonder if she tries to deliberately cause mayhem in the noble houses, but she would never do that. She is Princess Celestia and she looks out for all of Equestria, mayhem in the noble houses would grind Equestria to a hault.”

“You do realise that that commoner food was baked and present by the largest earth pony farming clan in Equestria?” Moonshade spoke up. “One endorsed and supported by Princess Celestia herself?”

Blueblood only blinked a few times. “Still, as nobles one should have only the best of the best.” He replied before pausing. “A Night Guard who actually speaks her mind? Had Princess Luna really let the leash off her Terror Guards?”

“I will be sure to ask her when I speak with her tomorrow night.” Moonshade responded with a glare. “I am sure she will be most interested to know how her nephew talks of her.”

Blueblood only bristled at that, “Of course, go running back to your Queen of the Night.” he spoke with a glare. “She knows my feelings of how she is wanting to militarize the nation again. How long have we gone without a war? Or even a skirmish?” He just smiled at her. “Why should we cause provocation to others by arming ourselves?”

“It is a fool who only offers the talon of peace without also carrying the blade of war in the other. My lord is this meeting even profitable? It is obvious this ‘prince’ does not have a thought outside his own gain, I beg you let us leave and be done with him.” Grif muttered to Hammer Strike.

Pensword just started and remained passive, yet his friends could see the wings flexing and the armor on his wings were moving a little. Not a sound was made from the rustling armor as he looked at Blueblood, infact he was taking a few deep breaths as if trying to not speak his mind.

Hammer Strike on that note seemed to still have his calm expression, or rather, lack of expression. “Blueblood. We did not come here to have you insult my friends. Perhaps you should keep the topic on to the reason of the visit.” His tone seemed to show he was in no mood for any of this.

Blueblood only nodded. “Of course, that is for another day and another audience.” He smiled a little. “Come, come the main dining room should be ready for dinner, I think we shall skip the main conversation before hoof.” He paused. “I hope you do not mind but I invited a few smaller houses as well. Seeing as it is a rare day when a dead house is revived.”

“A rare day indeed.” Hammer Strike commented.

“He steps out of line once more it would be ten seconds to clear the room.” Grif noted to Moonshade in a hushed tone.

“Unfortunately we couldn’t justify it.” Moonshade sighed.

Pensword only nodded. “Besides I shall let him speak his mind, and dig his own grave.” He did not look happy. “How dare he call you a Terror Guard.” he whispered to Moonshade.

Blueblood led them into a rather large and lavish great hall complete with a long table that was at current loaded with ponies dressed to a ridiculously degree of finery. As the group stepped hoof into the room you could hear a pin drop as the minor nobles looked at the group, eye scanning the various weapons.

One Noble just stared at the weapons that the Gryphon was carrying as well as the sharp claws as he shivered. The Mare next to him actually fainted as a maid caught her in magic and gently let her down onto a large red satin cushion. “Where, where are your claw caps?” He asked in a blurted out question before blinking in terror. “Forgive me Sir Grif.”

“There was no claw caps in my time, we learned to be very careful.” Grif said. “Celestia decided my control was more trustworthy then rounded metal caps over my talons turning precision blades into blunt objects really seemed pointless anyway.” Grif noted.

The Nobles only nodded shakingly at Grif, only to all be shocked when the next event came from Pensword. While Grif had been answered a butler had come up from wherever butler's come from and moved to take the sword at Pensword’s side or maybe the cloak. What came next startled all present. Pensword out right turned and had a wing tucked under the butler's chin.

“Don’t ever touch a Pegasus Officers blade if you value your life. I do not know what today’s warriors do but to do what you did is both an insult to the officer in that he cannot take care of his own blade, as well as being disarmed against his will in a new location. The insult is also towards the clan as well as the smith of said blade.” he slowly moved his wing away. “That is your only warning.” He continued to glare. “Also do not touch any clothing either, what you see is a dress uniform, every single piece is regulation.”

“You must understand we spent a fair amount of time in a very hostile environment.” Grif looked at them. “When the next hoof could be the knife that slits your throat, you can be very jumpy.”

The Butler only nodded and quickly slipped away, to be replaced by another butler stallion. Pensword only blinked and scanned the room while Moonshade after what had been called to her muzzle, was now standing a little closer to Pensword. Sending a message that insulting her would bring Pensword’s wrath as well.

Hammer Strike’s eyes drifted around the room before looking to those accompanying him, giving a slight shrug.

They were seated with Hammer Strike occupying the opposite of the head of the table. Rarity to his left with Pensword to his right, Grif beside Rarity. it was here that something cropped up that was not expected from the group of five.

“How, how dare you have a simple Guard sit at such an important table.” A Noble Unicorn huffed in shock. “I can imagine Pensword being the exception if the stories are true, but I shall not have just a low born Major be sitting at the table.”

Interestingly enough, it was once more Pensword who beat Grif to the punch in starting the verbal attack. “How. Not of, I don’t give a feathered bear’s care about who has what blood running in their veins, you want to know what I was called as a colt? A Bat Bird.” he ignored the shocked and scandalized looks from the mares in the room. “So if someone of that background can sit at this table, and find one of his siblings be turned away. I shall leave with them. Either she sits at my side, or you shall not have my presence so you can gloat to your friends on who you had dinner with this night.” He did not realize it till now, but he had gone into a very aggressive stance and looked like he was willing to back up the words with actions. What those were, even he did not know. His gaze was focused on the Mare that had spoken. Her cutie mark she had displayed on a broach around a dinner cloak. That being a Peacock feather.

“In truth all that is required at the table is Lord Hammer Strike himself.” Peacock Feather huffed. “You presume yourself worth more then you are.”

“Then I suppose we shall be leaving.” Hammer Strike replied almost right after Peacock Feather finished. “They stay, or, we all go. I do not care if they are lower ranked than you fools, they have been at my side for as long as I can remember, and it will stay that way.”

Peacock Feather only stared silently as the group turned to Blueblood who was keeping a neutral expression, yet the expressions around the table were those of a group that had a better sounding of a new situation. Blueblood only nodded slowly, “I am sorry, it seemed that some new traditions have come into play.” He looked up smiling with a sad look. “As for your worth. As some stories put it, you saved lives of the doomed Royal Family of the Crystal Empire.” His voice showing something.

Peacock Feather only stared wide eyed. “He? You?” She blushed greatly. “I guess you might have a few stories about the family then, I did not realize that you were a guard for the, my this year has been showing so many lost families coming back into being.” She smiled softly. “I guess I shall have to live with having a Major at the table.” She turned to a Unicorn further down the table. “Say, Shiny Helmet, we have some guards for you to bore with your service record.” She only smiled as she sat down. “He’s my Cousin on my father’s side, so I can do that.”

“Oh, Prince Blueblood alluded to such things as well was there a war well we were away we were not aware of?” Grif raised an eyebrow.

Shining Helmet only shook his head. “No, just it is seen more like part of the way that those that are third or lesser born can find a way to bring honor to the family, and at least do something with the family legacy.” He sighed. “There have been no wars between, well, Nightmare Moon’s fall and today, small skirmishes that lasted a day or so, but I never was part of that. I did get to lead an expedition into the wilds of the Applelosia badlands borders, we only found cactuses and dust, lots of dust.”

“You sound disappointed, to be in any possibly hostile situation and come out unscathed, that is true fortune.” Grif said. “No one who’s seen battle will tell you otherwise.”

“Pensword can tell you that.” Moonshade replied as she looked at the goblet that was placed in front of her and the others. “He almost died protecting the children, he faced what had to be over thirty of Sombra’s guards on his own.” She looked at the table. “I saw him after three days recovery, even with the magic healing spells you could tell he had taken a beating, he couldn’t fly for a week afterwards.”

That brought three gasps from two unicorns as they looked at each other. “Swan Lake and Crow Feather would both die if they had to be coped up for a week.” This outburst caused Peacock Feather to tap her glass. “I believe Sir Grif had the floor if you four would care to wait.” She smiled to the Griffon as if trying to make up for her earlier event. “Please, continue.” She had this smile on her face as if enjoying this little bit of bursting of a bubble for her cousin.

“First off.” Grif turned to the butler. “Forgive me but alcohol offends my palate, if you would a simple cup of mint tea would be fine.” He said as he handed the butler his goblet. “Now, First off Lady Peacock I would ask that you do not be so hasty with others, in truth I had made my point still if you would have me say more on the matter I will oblige you.” He looked to Shining Helmet. “My friend do not begrudge your good fortune this time, it is rather likely you will see battle within the near future, with what we heard of the attack, changelings are rarely defeated the first time and well likely resurface to try some other tactic. As such I give you this advice, train hard every chance you get to sharpen your skills. Cherish your family every chance you have like it was the last chance you have, befriend your comrades and never cross them, for it could mean your life and above all else before every deployment, be sure to settle all debts both financial and emotional with both family and friends before you leave. Take these things and commit them to your core and you may indeed see the glory you aim for, if you still want it by then well be another question entirely.” The entire time Grif spoke it was in a soft tone, as he continued his eyes drifted to a window behind the guests as he stared and a few of the ponies saw the look. After the invasion a few of their friends got the same look as they tried to cope with what they saw. Only they misread Grif. He was thinking on what he would give if he had to give advice to his own men the next time a war was coming.

The Officer Shiny Helmet only blinked and bowed his head a little as the room remained silent after the softness and yet the wisdom behind it. It was broken finally after a respectful time by another of the nobles. The group blinked as they found cards placed in front of them and realized that each noble had a card for them. A card that allowed them to know who was who. IT was Silver Plum who spoke next, his cultured voice seemed to be a little uneased by the direction of the conversation.

“So, Lord Hammer Strike, some of us have heard a few rumors that you are now in charge of the Everfree Forest, which the locals say is wild and untamed and uncontrolled by anything.” he only laughed a little. “I find it hard to believe that there is a place inside Equestria that is not under the management of the Pegasi.”

“Ambient magic inside the forest appears to have disrupted the weather, making it violent.” Hammer Strike replied. “Not much of a big deal.” He said, giving his drink a quizzical look before giving a shrug and taking a sip.

“How do you plan to deal with it?” Crystal Flute a noble mare with a cutie mark of a crystal champagne flute asked.

“By searching for the source of the problem, but should it be that we can not fix it, oh well, we can tolerate it.” He replied. “Should it rain by itself, it rains.”

Peacock Feather looked utterly flabbergasted. “Have, you can never have any plans, it could, how can you live like that?”

Pensword looked up and smiled at this. “It’s called tolerating the weather, and second, what fun is there in knowing the weather all the time? You can’t know what the enemy is going to do all the time, so you just make a less detail plan and three back up plans for in case of weather or monster attack.” He looked down at his plate having not noticed the conversation and moved to take a sip of the goblet. Only to have Grif and Moonshade catch his looks and he only leaned back and little and did not drink from his goblet. “Seeing as I am on duty, May I have a tea kettle with a lemon blend tea?”

Grif eye’d the platters set out with hor d'oeuvres and with a quick motion drew his stiletto and speared a piece of cheese onto it. He took a bite from the chunk and set back in his seat.

Hammer Strike only smirked a little in response to Grif before glancing at Rarity, as soon as she looked to him he glanced at her drink and raised a brow in a question.

Rarity only smiled. She took the goblet and took a sniff and took a small sip before placing the goblet to the side with a smile. “Thank you dear.” She began, “However I shall request I shall have a nice fruit punch with the rest of my meal.” She smiled softly.

Hammer Strike gave a nod as one of the servants came and dealt with her drink. After seeing the swap he looked forward towards his plate and gave a small sigh as he started to eat the salad in front of him.

Grif continued to rely on his stiletto and his talons to eat his salad leisurely. The awkward glances of the noble ponies driving him to more and more flashy displays with the dagger.

Pensword only smiled a little at the displays, but only looked at the table and smiled happy for the etiquette lessons he had picked up from family members around him. He paused as he looked at the silverware before he slowly picked up what he remembered what looked like a salad fork. He slowly ate the meal or rather the first course of a salad.

The meal was eaten in silence, the sound of nobles whispering to each other was the only break in it as they ate.

It was when the second course came out. A pumpkin stew that was actually rather good in Pensword’s own mind. Still at the second course Prince Blueblood smiled as he stood up. “Now, as we are enjoying the second course. I thought it might be wise to start by saying thank you for visiting with me, as you know some interesting events have occurred, from land being given out without the land bureau knowing about the fact till after the facts were done, to the defection of individuals for positions that they were not ready for.” He smiled. “Still I feel that maybe we can discuss the Land situation.”

“Excuse me, Princess Celestia is still the highest authority in the land non?” Grif asked.

Prince Blueblood only nodded. “Yes, but the day that the Monarch does her own thing without going through the channels, at least giving them a warning, it could avoid problems. What example does she set if she does what she wants without even having feedback from the Noble Houses at the High Courts?”

“She is showing strength and leadership as well as grace and fairness by rewarding land to someone who deserves it and also by giving the land to someone who will be able to do something with it.” The gryphon shot back.

The audience gasped at this moment, as non one had ever talked to Blueblood like that to his face. Blueblood just blinked in confusion. “But that is her original home, her birthplace, Where the original capital of Equestria was. She, there was always talk of returning and rebuilding the first capital.” he took a breath and calmed down. “Still, surely you need help, we are all willing to give assistance in protecting and clearing out the dangers of the forest.”

Pensword looked right at Blueblood. “I assure you, we have plans, back up plans, fall back plans-” He did not finished as Blueblood actually placed a hoof on the table making a knocking sound.

“Yes, but surely you need ponies with Vision and Resources, what can a simple Commander of the past know about today’s technology? Or how a modern army moves?” He asked in a smug tone of voice. “What about having to transport wounded?” he slowly tapered off in his rebuttal to Pensword as he slowly noticed the slowly hardening glare from Lord Hammer Strike. He actually finished the question in a more quiet tone of voice.

“Blueblood. That is far enough. For we have the supplies and resources. Do not dare say another thing, against my friends, against Celestia herself, for as you stated, yes it was her home, her birthplace, but do you know what point you missed?” Hammer Strike paused. “Her, right, should you want to argue about something that is hers, and she gave to us to repair and fix the place. Do you doubt her judgement on this subject?”

Blueblood only blinked before he looked a little bold. “Judgement? I do not know what she thinks anymore, from welcoming back her sister who showed up right after the defeat of Nightmare Moon, nor the fact that recently she has. She was defeated by Changelings, how can she, what can we do? I, I worry about Equestria and what might happen if we do lose the sunshine. I know many nobles would not follow Princess Luna, she is trying to take us backwards into times of fear and unease-”

“Still thy tongue!” Hammer Strike exclaimed, silencing all around him. “If going backwards means surviving longer I am all for it, an example being your blasted guards armors, Luna wants those to be adjusted to a defendable point, rather than just shiney garments. Celestia fell to the changeling yes, did you expect her to just obliterate everything and deal with the problem with ease? She isn’t a god that can take all the weight and punishment known to exist, we all have a limit, and you are treading on the limit of quite a quantity of things right now.”

The room was utterly silent, all were staring at Lord Hammer Strike in shock. Not just from his words, but did they see small flecks of yellow dust coming off his back as he stood and glared at them all.

At this moment a familiar looking phoenix flew into the room through the open part of the window, that being the top part that was easily a story above any ponies head. In her beak, she was carrying a scroll. She proceeded to drop it before Hammer Strike before flying back out the window. Without delay he grabbed the scroll and opened it, reading it quickly before giving a small glare upwards again. “Well it appears we are done here Blueblood.” He looked to those around him and gave a nod towards the door to signify that they were leaving. After they all got up, Hammer Strike gave one last look to Blueblood. “Thank you for the meal, but we will not be returning.”

Pensword did not say a word as he stood up and looked right at Blueblood, but his expression was one of sorrow and pity towards the Pony and his guests. He turned around not saying a word. As he left Moonshade followed behind them as she did not even look back either and in a way the way she walked away make the group feel like she had snubbed them. Yet no pony was brave enough to speak. A few eyes drifting towards where Lord Hammer Strike had been standing.

“You all sicken me.” Grif glared across the room. Proceeding to spit in Bluebloods direction he stormed off after the group, several gasps could be heard throughout the room as he swore at them in french while exiting. He looked at Rarity who had been following him out “Please forgive my foul mouth.” He said when they were out of earshot.

She only smiled. “Not a problem dear,” She started. “I think I had a little bit of earwax so I didn’t catch what you said.” She winked at him. “Still I must say, you have a most interesting way with the nobles, no bones to pick, you don’t like something you tell them.” She sighed. “A bit like Rainbow Dash. Yet,” She paused and hummed. “I wonder what history would say about her, maybe a Wonderbolt Captain or something.”

Back in the Dining Room the group of nobles blinked and turned to each other before finally a figure moved from behind the curtain. “Very good my son.” Baron Blueblood replied as he looked at the sight. “I got a nice reading, and it seems we might have to start putting pressure on the new construction sites, problem is that Lord Fancy Pants and his wife Fleur de Lis are already backing them without even a meeting. Still a wonderful fact gathering tonight.” He grinned a little. “It is no longer the age of their times. Lord Hammer Strike, welcome to Modern Day Equestrian Nobility.”

Across the room one pony bowed his head shamefully as realization of the type of ponies he had been grouped with hit him. Shining Helmet had a lot to think about now.

Blueblood only smiled to himself, he hoped his father finally choked on this scheme and then, he could go back to doing nothing, and let the Princesses run things. He was a little scared of Lord Hammer Strike as frankly to his knowledge no other pony he knew of outside of a select few could have embers slowly flake off them like dandruff.

---

It was one block later that Pensword blinked as out of the sky, Renalti landed on Lord Hammer Strike. for the first half block or so wherever his hoof would land seemed to be instantly charred. A moment later Pensword realized that what he thought was a trick of the light was real and he looked to Moonshade, Rarity and Grif his expression showing as if they are seeing what he was seeing. He turned back around hoping that he was not going insane. Yep Renalti was nestling in around Lord Hammer Strikes back as if enjoying the soft nest.

Hammer Strike seemed to only glance back at Renati and the group before looking forward again, not really noticing certain things.

“We can still set the house on fire if it would make you feel better Lord.” Grif asked the glowing pony.

Pensword paused. “Maybe we can melt some rocks into glass or Crystals to act as early detection devices against Sombra’s ghost?” He looked back at the others. “Back there got me worrying about our pasts showing up. I rather not deal with Sombra again.” He paused. “Did anyone else think that Sombra sounded like Benedict Cumberbatch?” he smiled as they were the only ones out in the streets and so could get away with the question.

“What are you two going on about?” Hammer Strike looked back at the group with a quizzical look. Moonshade was the one to try and answer and only pointed towards the ground where he was now standing on. He was not moving and so, was doing a little more damage then charring the stone where he walked.

He raised his hoof, looking to the ground below him as it gained scorch marks from his hooves, getting worse by the minute. “That.. is interesting…” He raised his brow as he kept looking at the marks.

Pensword blinked and stepped back. “So, it was not because, well congrats you are your own space heater, but still can we move forward? Before we turn this part of the street into molten rock?” He looked towards the castle. “Maybe Princess Celestia could look you over? I rather not have you combust into ashes..” He paused. “Wait, would he then regenerate into another Pony?”

“Oh he’s already past the point of spontaneous combustion.” Grif’s accent began to thin out. “Frankly he should have vaporized by now or exploded from steam build up.”

Moonshade just stared wide-eyed at Grif. “Then what is keeping him in tact?” He looked to Rarity who only returned the confused look she felt she was having on her own muzzle.

“You guys have salamanders here?” Grif asked. “Six legged lizards that sleep on flames?”

“Well, uh, yes. Yes we do.” Moonshade replied with a slight smile.

Pensword looked at Grif as if to say ‘really? Salamanders, let’s hear this.’

“Similar magical properties.” Grif shrugged. “Somehow Lord Hammer Strike has become one with fire, as such he probably simply absorbs the excess heat and energy and uses it to fuel something.” Grif looked at them. “But thats just a theory.”

“We can discuss this further when I am not burning the road beneath my hooves.” Hammer Strike commented.

Moonshade only nodded her head. “Agreed, I think the castle is fire proof so you can stay in the castle till whatever triggered this wears off.” She sighed. “You three sure don’t live dull lives.”

“I am sure Celestia has outbursts that require protective enchantments.” Grif nodded as they kept walking.

“To the Castle.” Pensword replied with a nod of his own head as the group began to move once more to the castle. As they got closer what got them confused was who was waiting for them at the gate. Raising one Eyebrow Princess Celestia just looked at the group as they walked into the side gate and once inside the damage that the fire was causing ceased, though the embers still seemed to be around.

“So…” Hammer Strike commented. “Any ideas for what is causing this?” He questioned.

Celestia looked over Hammer Strike and closed her eyes as her horn glowed her magic as she seemed to just look over him before opening her eyes. “I know not why, but you appear to be radiating the same magic that I posses, most likely from when I had to overpower your own magic field to give to you this current form.” She was currently the only one in the room as they moved from outside to indoors at the moment. “Still this makes me wonder,” She trailed off as she continued to walk with them. She asked another question changing the topic for the time being. “I see you got the letter, how many of you got to read it so far?”

“With the situation we were having, I was the only one I think.” Hammer Strike commented. “Sorry ‘bout that but I thought it was best if we just left.”

“Considering we were about five point three seconds away from making it a massacre.” Grif noted.

Moonshade only nodded. “At least they did not outright call Pensword a Bat Bird..” She growled a little before looking at the group. “Permission to seek out Princess Luna?” She asked with a look of suppressed annoyance and emotions.

Celestia only nodded her head before looking at the three others. Her face asking what got Moonshade riled up. “I have not seen Major Moonshade so, angry before.” She admitted. “Also, Pensword I think you might like to stay near the castle tomorrow Princess Luna is planning something with Moonshade tomorrow.”

“Were you aware of your nephews… opinions?” Grif asked.

Celestia blinked. “His or his father’s?” She asked with a smile. “So many of the nobles think they got the corner of intelligence, when it is in fact I who has that, a thousand years lets you see many things.” She paused at a mirror in the hallway and they realized they were in the royal quarters section of the castle. “Prince Blueblood is one who just wants to grow the money of the house, and not gain any more prestige, his father has been scheming since he was old enough to do his own things. So, tell me, what did the parrot say tonight?”

“He called Moonshade a Terror Guard, called Pensword an old commoner who has no idea of modern times, and insists that we will waste the Everfree and it’s resources with our visionless barbarism, he also considers Luna to be a tyrant and I think he was implying you were going senile.”

Celestia only laughed. “The nobles have been calling me senile for over two hundred years.” She replied with a smile. Yet when she moved to the next part her eyes did not show the same smile on her face. “As for what my sister, the nobles have started to connect the dots and are trying to view things, they don’t like their own stability being upset by change in the government, at least not without their own hoof in it. My Sister is as they would say old fashioned, but I know she means well. As for a Tyrant, she is one, Tyrant of the Moon.” She looked confused at Grif. “Why is such a name hold such venom in your tone?”

“There once was a great tyrant.” Grif said. “He brought his people stability, improved the economy, was loved by any and all who would meet him, and you know how he accomplished such changes to his society?”

Princess Celestia only looked at Grif and smiled. “I do not know, how did he do this?” She kept her voice and tone the same, yet the three felt that her stance had changed a little, she might actually not know what these three aliens would say next. She had to keep reminding herself now that while they looked like subjects in her lands, they were really from another planet.

“Six million people were worked to death and, or, burned because of their race, lesser amounts of others because of their mental or physical state, skin color, or other factors. Men like this dot our history and it is too men like this we apply the name tyrant, admittedly there have been some who have been given the title and not earn it, but still there are many more who have earned this term for the evil they wrought.”

Princess Celestia only looked in shock at the Griffon as she heard what was said. She blinked and found it hard to comprehend that figure and just the terror that was caused. “I, I shall refrain from using that word around you then.” She looked ahead. “Still what shall you call an absolute ruler of a body in space? I control the sun, and Luna controls the moon. What other word might you have used?” She smiled a little. “That might be fun to shake things up again in the noble houses.”

“Well,” Pensword started. “In ancient days a Dictator was one who ruled a republic in times of disaster. Though that too had become a term of bad history.” He looked to Celesta with a raised eyebrow. “What does that word mean here?”

“We do not have that word or title to be honest.” Celestia responded as she looked to the three aliens. “What say you two?”

“I’m not sure what to say about that, our history has proven dictatorship is hardly synonymous with evil, even if it is generally.” Grif shrugged. “Our native tongue is a very complicated language.”

Pensword nodded his head. “Still, do as you wish.” He finished. “Do not take our own ways as superior in your ways, language as you can see means different things to different people.” He paused and looked around. “So, what was it your brought us here for?”

Celestia only smiled. “A way for you to speak about humanity without breaking the cover that you have taken, tonight I am going to “take” you to see Matthew and he will give you a trusted Commander in the history of Equestria his knowledge… so as to leave part of his own wishes to see Equestria, and to keep a part of him alive with his friends.” She shook her head with a glint in her eye. “It will also cause the nobles to hopefully not try and bring grief to you by trying to marrying their military to Lord Hammer Strikes Military.”

Pensword blinked in shock. “But, I am going to marry Lunar Fang.”

“You did, in the past, and most will think that you lost her in the sands of time, meaning you are an eligible bachelor in hopes of tying military powers of different noble houses together.” They had now started walking again. “So you taking on the human memories, would allow you to hopefully have time to avoid such advances.”

“Princess, I usually prefer getting some reading done before I sleep, is there any chance I could use the library?” Grif asked.

Celestia only smiled. “Yes, in fact you would enjoy reading as last time you, can you read Equestrian now?” She asked with a little shock in her tone of voice. She looked to the others. “What about you two?”

“I’ve been able to read it for awhile now.” Hammer Strike replied.

“We had it pretty well done before the Crystal Empire, then Sombra’s spell had some effect on our abilities.” Grif explained.

Pensword nodded his head. “Yes to if I can read. I must say I have been slowly going through books at Golden Oaks Library where Twilight is living at the moment.” He sighed and smiled. “I think I wouldn’t mind looking at the archives or library, either one would be fine, I would like to read a little about a random part of history, maybe the building of Canterlot.”

Celestia only smiled at them. “Then, shall I lead the way to the library?” She asked and turned a corner to their new destination.

“I think it would be wise first to the kitchens.” Grif noted as his stomach rumbled. “In truth we barely got to eat anything.”

Celestia only nodded. “Of course, come, I think we should have a good meal for you to eat. You can eat most anything in the kitchens.” She changed her course yet again towards the dining and kitchen area of the castle. “Are you trying to get me lost in my own castle?” she asked with a chuckle.

“Depends...” Hammer Strike commented. “After all this time of memorizing the layout, can you get lost?”

“You’d be surprised, the Canterlot palace is actually only around four hundred years old.” Grif noted.

“Wait, so where did the capital stay after, well, after Nightmare Moon?” Pensword asked in confusion. Was there another location before Canterlot? Or is the castle a new addition to Canterlot?”

“According to history books the capital used to be Cloudsdale.” Grif noted. “But you had it moved to be more accessible to the other ponies right princess?” Grif asked.

---

Moonshade sat as she waited for her meeting with Princess Luna, she had placed her name upon the list to have an audience with her, and at the moment it was just Luna, all the other nobles having gone to lunch or bed. She shook her head, it was dinner for the daytimers. She paused and wondered why no Thestrals had been given house statuses yet. Still she took a few deep breaths to keep from losing her cool with what just happened. She needed to know if the reactions or the stories of the Terror Guards were in fact real, or not. She figured Princess Luna already knew about the nobles disdain for her already.

“Major?” An unarmored thestral wearing a somewhat refined suit approached her. “Princess Luna will see you now.”

Major Moonshade only nodded her head gratefully and stood up to walk into the Night Court. Which was held in its own room off to the side of the Throne Room. She could not help but smirk a little as now Princess Celestia was holding her own Court in a room on the other side of the Throne Room, making any meetings in the Throne Room now a much more solemn and special occasion. Whether for good or ill, it was up for interpretation.

“Hello Major.” Luna nodded to Moonshade as she entered. “I sense you are somewhat tense this evening.” The alicorn noted.

“That is correct Princess Luna.” Moonshade replied with the proper bows and signs of respect. “It, tonight I was called directly something, and I need to know, if you can remember, were the Terror Guards real? Or a myth? Because If they are a myth it should be released as the nobles might use that as a means to constrict how quickly the military can be reformed.”

“I have never lied to you Major.” Luna said after contemplating the question for a considerable amount of time. “I’ve told you of the war, the battle between Celestial and I, if I was corrupted by the nightmare do you not think my closest guards would be left open also?” Luna asked.

Moonshade blinked and gulped a little looking a little scared. “I would never bring back Nightmare Moon.” She blurted out as her mind clicked that the stories might have been downplayed a little. “That is what the Terror Guards are called now, those wishing to bring back Nightmare Moon and their own goals.” She folded her wings tighter against her body as she shivered a little. “How can they not see that the Thestrals have always seen you as the patron of our race? The Unicorns look up to Princess Celestia, and we always have and will look up to you Princess Luna.”

“Why do so many ponies see us as gods?” Luna asked, “Why do some ponies say that my sister secretly plans to control all? Ponies are fickle, in groups they can be quite short sighted.” Luna explained. “My Thestrals have always been there for me as I have for them. My actions are taken as the standard and we both know not all my actions are worth following”

Major Moonshade only blinked in confusion before speaking. “I do not know what they say in Canterlot anymore, in Ponyville they look at both of you with respect, while they look more to Twilight Sparkle first now. So maybe it is just in Canterlot that they think Celestia will rule all? Which I find hard as she likes sending others to act in her stead.” Moonshade bowed her head. “Candidly speaking your Highness.”

“Always Major.” Luna nodded. “And how is the report from Ponyville?” She asked.

Moonshade paused as she thought. “They get distracted easily.” She paused and blinked as she realized something else. “Also how did you get here since you were in Ponyville just yesterday?” She blinked in confusion. “Also I appear to having some of the human’s attitudes rubbing off on me.” She paused and gulped. “I might be compromising history Princess Luna.” She looked up and right at the Princess. “I request a transfer to prevent history from changing.”

“Would you like to know a secret about me and Celestia, Major? We keep this secret because it would only further the foolish notion we are gods.” Luna leaned down to the thestral. She saw that Major Moonshade just stood there listening in confusion and rapt attention to her every word.

“I can travel by moonlight, just as Celestia can travel through sunlight, when our celestial bodies shine we can travel anywhere under their influence.” Luna explained.

Major Moonshade only blinked and looked shocked. “So, Princess Celestia traveling by the train was, for show?” She asked in shock. “Does explain some of the after action reports after Nightmare Moon’s defeat.” She only smiled. “That will remain between just the two of us.” She smiled a little.

“Of course it will Major, you are the soul of discretion.” She smiled standing back to her full height. “Is there anything you’d like to report to me?”

“They do plan on moving after new years and this time I think unless Sombra returns, or Time Travel snags them. I believe they will actually move at the start of the new year. Also, Celestia plans on using a guise of Matthew giving Pensword his memories so that, Well so that Matthew can actually speak.” She paused and blinked in confusion. “I also wish to explain for wishing for transfer, I, I think I am falling for not just Pensword, but the mind of Matthew, I, I did something unofficer like, I fainted when the species barrier dropped.” She admitted. “Detailed report is waiting in your quarters about what they plan to do with the castle and how they will move through the forest.”

“Yes I saw your request.” Luna nodded. “Denied.” She answered.

Moonshade only reared back her head in shock. “Permission to speak to that?” She looked rather shocked at the word. “Did you not read the reasoning why your majesty?”

“Major the date to the move to the Everfree Castle has been moved up.” Luna noted “Meaning they will be marching over ninety ponies through the Everfree Forest in the snow, please tell me do they have time to acclimatize themselves to a new officer before this move? Do they have the time to get the guards used to such a change?” Luna asked.

Moonshade only blinked. “Then I shall ask for a deferment till after they move.” She replied. “I request then for a formal transfer after the move to the Everfree.”

“Major I will grant your request with some stipulations.” Luna said. “I am allowed to rescind this deferment at any time of my pleasing should I believe it to be the wrong course of action, secondly should you enter into any type of formal union then the deferment will be considered nullified, you must wait at least three weeks after the move for this to stabilize before you come before me.” Luna said.

Major Moonshade only nodded her head and saluted Princess Luna. “I accept the stipulations Princess Luna.”

“Then there is one last matter we must handle.” Princess Luna said as a guard at her side produced a piece of smooth black fabric “Please step forward Major.”

Major Moonshade’s facial expression just dropped and turned neutral as she stepped forward. She did not know what Princess Luna was planning but she knew it was something she wanted done.

“Major Moonshade you have shown the ability to be both considerate and disciplined with those under you in your time in ponyville, you have maintained a good reform with the guard and with those above you. my sister and I have taken these things under consideration and we have agreed that you have the qualities of a leader inside you. With this cape I am promoting you to Lieutenant Colonel of the lunar guard. Congratulations Lieutenant Colonel.” Luna took the cape in her own magic and proceeded to offer it to Moonshade.

Moonshade only saluted and bowed before taking the cap and with a little help from Luna’s magic had the cape fashioned onto her back. Moonshade blinked a little as she found her cheeks turning a little warm as she wondered what Pensword would think. She quickly wiped that emotion from her mind to her best abilities and saluted once more to Princess Luna.

“Unless you have anymore business Lieutenant Colonel that well be all.” Luna said with a salute of her own.

Moonshade only saluted in returned and turned around and slowly marched out of the room having a few more questions and more conflicting emotions then when she had entered the Court with. She waited till she was outside of the room before voicing a big concern. “How can I keep history in tact?” She wondered aloud.

---

Pensword looked at the meal as he felt, well strange. It took another second that he realized what was causing him to feel off. He realized that Moonshade was not with them. Which he realized had become an almost fourth member of the inner circle. Out of the blue as the three were eating he spoke. “Can we include Moonshade in our group officially?” he asked.

“And by officially you mean…?” Grif asked biting into another piece of fish.

“Well, where we go, she goes?” He asked with a serious tone of voice and idea. “I kind of feel that she was left out when we ended up in the Crystal Empire, but, I just worry that doing this might jeopardize the past with this Lunar Fang.”

“Okay, let’s cover something right now Pensword.” Grif said. “You really need to stop worrying about this Lunar Fang thing and believe me from the depths of my heart when I say that your thing with Moonshade well not endanger your future with Lunar Fang.” The gryphon chuckled. “Believe me you're just causing yourself undue stress”

Pensword looked at his friends. “If, If you say so.” He shook his head. “Still, you, do you know just, what the marriage turned into?” He asked them.

“I can’t fully explain everything as we haven’t done that yet but they were married during the third gryphon war, by Luna herself I might add. but after that they had several large battles apart from each other.” Grif said. “They met up again before the end of the war and some of the books even said Lunar Fang wasn’t able to follow Lord Hammer Strikes final charge in the north because of certain reasons.”

“Oh,” Pensword mumbled in shock, “Uh, well, okay.” He gulped. “Well,” he seemed flustered a little now, but kept trucking forward. “Also from what I got from Moonshade, the marriage was considered the start of acceptance of Thestrals into Equestrian society, while the term Bat Bird is a very harsh term now. It was grounds of being expelled from where you lived back then.”

“Well if what I’ve read is correct Pensword was born originally to a poet in a small village, in such villages it wasn’t unheard of for a farmer or a poet or someone to be drawn into the exotic nature of a Thestral. The nobility however frowned upon it, but Pensword was considered a pegasus and named such by Lord Hammer Strike, when a high standing pegasus married a Thestral in a large public ceremony by a princess, it was a very big occasion and so it affected history forever.”

Pensword only nodded his head solemnly. “Which is why I worry. So much is lynchpin to that event, and, well, how can I not worry? It is in the future. It could change.”

“It’s also in the past which can’t.” Grif pointed out.

Pensword only looked at his friend. “To them outside this room, yes, but to us, it is the future, and does that mean it is predestined to happen? Or can it change in oddities?” He sighed and put a hoof to his head. “I hate time travel, did I tell you that?”

“Yes, several times in fact.” Hammer Strike responded. “But as Grif stated, it’s in the past, do you know what that means?” He asked. “It means that in technicality you already did it, it has been done, what you do now, whatever you do now, will lead to that happening.”

Pensword only paused and looked at his friends. “Trapped in a destiny trap then? I really hope, I just.” He sighed. “I guess in some ways I will hold knowledge forbidden, secrets that must never be told to anyone. From one world or from the future into the past, and even the past into the future.” he shivered. “Nightmare Moon, the fall of the Crystal Empire, and a lot more that I cannot think of at the moment, just… may we never meet Discord.” he muttered before sighing. “I think I am going to eat my pumpkin soup with sourdough bread.” He finished and turned to his meal in silence.

“We will meet Discord.” Grif noted. “Chaos is a lynchpin of the universe just as order is, eventually his power will return and he’ll get free.” He chuckled at Pensword’s facial reaction. “Anyway Pensword, I thought she was part of our group officially a few weeks ago, if you want to make it official go ahead.” Grif said.

Pensword only raised an eyebrow in response as he spoke in return. “Well I have been under a bit of stress so I guess a small detail like that got overlooked by me. Still, anypony looking to actually settling into an old castle that was the scene of Nightmare Moon’s defeat twice?”

“I’ve been there.” Grif reminded him. “It’s a nice castle once we fix the portcullis.”

“Of course that will take some time.” Hammer Strike commented.

“With some of these.” Pensword spoke as he flapped his wings a little. “We can get through that problem fast, heck we can fly things up and over the walls if needed.” He smiled a little. “Tents first and then we start building the barracks and other buildings on this side of the ravine. What is sad is that we all know that the original camp is going to be swallowed up by the grand building projects. Hopefully we can keep the locations of some areas, would be nice to have the military barracks near the castle when it becomes stone.”

“From what I saw that courtyard has a barracks built into the east wall, just needed a little elbow grease.” Grif noted.

“Oh, nice. that is going to be fun, moving the barracks and troops into the ruins as it is brought back online. I have a feeling the castle will grow a big larger than it is now.” Pensword mumbled in joy. “So, well, uh, why are we in the library again?” he asked as he heard the clip clopping of hooves on the floor as a Pony approached to where they were sitting. Enjoying a meal that would not mess with the books, which was rather fancy as the books were protected by anti damage spells. Which apparently were a thing in Equestria. He just shook his head from Celestia’s demonstration of dropping cake icing down onto an open book and it was like the sheets of paper were laminated so it wiped off with a move of a cloth.

“I prefer to read before bed.” Grif answered. “Good for the mind, you guys asked to come for your own reasons.”

“I’ll be headed somewhere else later, I followed for the company of others.” He paused. “Though I might want to head over now…”

Pensword only nodded. “I kind of came because I rather not be alone at the moment. Though it might be fun to read something, not sure what would be good to read. Maybe something from the classical myths or something.” He got up to move down a row only to bump into Moonshade as she came around the corner. The two fell back on their haunches and held a hoof to their heads as they looked at each other cross eyed. “Okay, even with good hearing that can happen.” He muttered.

Hammer Strike gave a quiet chuckle from where he was seated with Grif. “Bound to happen.” He gave a small smile before looking to Grif. “I am going to head out and check with the scribes.” He said to Grif standing up.

“Okay.” Grif nodded as he went through the history tomes, specifically regarding the third gryphon war.

Pensword only finally managed to uncross his eyes and looked at Moonshade. “Oh, good evening, I hope I did not hurt you too badly, I was going to find a nice book, if you would like you can order something I am sure the ki…” he trailed off as he blinked. “Luna promoted you?” he asked in shock at the new cape. “Uh I mean Princess Luna promoted you? May I ask to what rank?”

“Lieutenant Colonel.” Moonshade answered.

Pensword only widened his eyes. “I must say, Princess Luna must have plans if she promoted you to that so soon after Major.” he shook his head. “Still, If you would like I did learn a few things about Lunar Fang earlier while reading before dinner.”

“Oh?” She asked. “Such as?”

“Well, that she was battlefield promoted for the Eastern fields Commander.” He replied matter of factly.

“She did save Luna’s life, I guess thats worth something.” Moonshade nodded.

“Well that is the thing, usually if a Pony did that in the nobility that pony usually stayed at the side of those they saved, Luna sent her into the field to lead. If anything, the more I read the more I realize that without Lunar Fang, I doubt Equestria of today would associate Thestrals with Princess Luna at all.” He sighed a little. “Though I cannot find a lot if anything on her personality outside of the battlefield. If anything she fought like a General that Matthew remembers, One by the name of George S. Patton Jr.” Pensword only smiled a little. “Also, it seems that Pensword renamed an outpost he took from the Griffons after her. His first conquest I recall in the books.”

“That seems like a very personal gesture.” Moonshade noted.

“I think it is. Although it was I think rekindled in that her command post was Camp Pensword during her command during the Siege of Fillydelphia. In fact that location is a park now if I recall what I read tonight.” Pensword replied with a pleased tone of voice at his own research. “I wonder what else we can find in the archives about the two.” he paused as he felt something in his chest and a slight twitch of Moonshade’s eye. “Uh, if you want to do that, if not, do you have something you would like to do?”

“I don’t know I was actually going to see if there was any advice manuals on moving troops in winter.” Moonshade said.

Pensword blinked. “Manual L 223, it is on the table bottom of the stack.” Pensword replied with a smile. “I already have a copy being made as cited for Military matters there will be a copy for you, Taze, Grif, Lord Shawn, Lord Hammer Strike, Matthew when he wakes so he knows what is going on, and one for myself. Not counting the two that Luna requested for herself and her sister.”

“I see.” Moonshade nodded. “It is still a good plan to review it so that we don’t lose anypony.” Moonshade said.

Pensword only nodded his head. “Agreed. I shall leave you to the reading, I am going to find a story or myth on anything to have a little fun reading tonight.”

---

Head scribe, Fine Cursive, currently studied her parchments looking over the details quickly. The symbol of her office a phoenix feather quill from Philomena herself scratched quickly and precisely, making quick corrections or necessary footnotes. She was so enthralled with her work the old mare with a coat of fur that aled someone enter her office.

Hammer Strike only glanced around the room before settling his eyes on Fine Cursive. After a moment of being in the room he raised a brow as he began. “Hello?”

Fine Cursive seemed to jump at hearing the voice before looking up. “Oh, I’m sorry can I help you sir?” She asked.

“Possibly, I was wondering about some records.” He replied. “Would it be possible to see the records of myself, Hammer Strike?”

“Again?” She asked confused for a moment. “I guess if you really need to just sign the book.” She said sliding over a large tome.

“Thank you.” He paused for a moment. “Could you remind me when the last time I checked this was? It has been quite odd recently.”

“You were here last night my Lord.” Fine Cursive said. “Just as it says in the book.”

Hammer Strike only gave a slight squint towards the signature just above his own, matching and all. “I needed to check something again.” He said. “Think I missed something.”

“Of course my Lord, did the Princesses replace your lost ear tip?” she asked.

After hearing those words he seemed to pause for a moment, trying to think of something. “It is an, illusion. As some of the nobles I was meeting today seemed to be bothered by such a thing.”

“Of course.” She nodded. “I hope whatever caused that was not too painful, it looked like it was recent.” She looked to her left. “Just past the changeling lanterns, should be on your left, but you already know that.”

“A reminder is always welcome, today has been a long day.” He replied as he followed her instructions.

Fine Cursive returned to her work. She took little interest in nobles checking their records, if anyone attempted to change anything that was up to the spells and wards to deal with.

As Hammer Strike wandered towards his records he felt a slight bit of unease. Knowing of the travels he was bound to have, and now, for what is to come. After a moment he finally came across the section his records were kept at. It had pedestals lining the area, each with a decent sized tome on each one, each with a crest on the front of it, signifying whose it was. Given what marks he has been using for awhile, he knew exactly what his was.

After scanning the covers of each tome he finally came across his familiar mark, sword facing up, and wings on each side, flared. The odd part of this, was the fact that the tome seemed to be missing… Well, almost everything. His record was empty except for a single letter, left inside, his seal facing him.

“Oh great.” He muttered to himself as he grabbed the letter, putting it into his pocket to read when he was out of this place. Giving a sigh he started towards the exit.

Fine Cursive didn’t even notice him leave as she worked on her paperwork. Giving one last look behind him he continued out the door and headed to his room, anxious to read the letter that might hold answers to his questions.

---

Grif closed the book with a yawn. Placing it down to the pile of others the gryphon got to his feet and started for the door. “Pensword you coming?” He asked.

“Yeah, I am, just… trying to figure out how to wake a Thestral who crashed from exhaustion.” Came the voice from deeper in the library. “You got any ideas?”

“Flick her ear with your wing?” Grif asked.

“Uh, okay. I am doing that now.” Grif could not hear anything as Pensword did just that, flicking her ear with one of his wing tips.

Grif heard a loud crash, running to the sound of the noise he found Moonshade still asleep holding down a startled and recently flipped over pegasus. Pensword only glared at his friend. “What happened?”

“I guess it was a reflex?” Grif asked.

“So, any other bright ideas Shakespeare?” Pensword asked in a rather deadpanned tone of voice.

“Yup.” Grif said turning around. “Goodnight Pensword.” He said yawning as he headed for the door.

“Wait you are leaving me here? In the hold of Moonshade for the night?” he asked in terror… What about Lt. Bunny?” He asked in worry.

“I’ll make sure he’s sent down.” Grif said as he stepped through the door. “Sleep well my friend.” The gryphon called back.

Pensword only glared at the door and where his friend had left him alone. “May nopony finds us like this.” He muttered. “Well, I guess I shall try and get some sleep tonight… I am expecting to be hit in the morning for this.” He deadpanned. “Happens in TV all the time.”

---

Hammer Strike gave a sigh as he finally made it back to his room. After lighting up the room he went to one of the desks and placed the note down on it as he removed his coat, placing it on the chair.

“Alright, let’s see what I have to say…” He muttered to himself as he looked back to his door to make sure it was closed. After checking it he turned forward and sat down in the chair and gave the letter one last look, flipping it over to the front to reveal a small little thing to himself.

‘~You, if it wasn’t obvious enough.’

“Of course I would.” He muttered, flipping it over and breaking the seal, opening the letter.

‘Alright, to answer my questions, our questions, I took the records, yeah.

So, down to facts. You are pretty far away from this, but based off information I remember, we do fine in figuring out where to go and when. Yes, this will hurt, and no we can’t change it, obviously. Also, don’t read the other note yet-’

He paused and reached into his coat to pull out the note from the crystal empire that he still had yet to open. With a shrug he put the note back inside the coat pocket and continued reading.

‘Now that I am done checking that. There are events coming, soon and far of course. Can’t really say when, Doc’s breathing down my neck as I write this. Just know that you have a lot of work to do later, keep on smithing.

~Lord Hammer Strike

Shawn O. Viginti ’

“Wonderful.” Hammer said as he closed the note, thinking on whether or not to destroy it or not.

His thoughts were interrupted as a knock sounded on the door to his quarters. It was a polite knock that he could hear and one that seemed to convey, he shook his head he was not going to read into a knock. It sounded again three times. Polite and he had a feeling that the person knocking would now wait.

“Lord Hammer Strike?” A familiar voice chimed in. “I was just coming to return the knife you lent me.”

“You may enter if you want.” He said aloud.

The door opened and Rarity casually stepped inside levitating the Stiletto in her magic. “Is everything alright?” She asked.

After a moment he finally responded. “As alright as can be, with what is going on and what will be going on.” He commented before looking over to Rarity again. “Ah, the Stiletto.” He said giving it a quick look. “Something wrong with it?”

“No but I thought with the rouse being up you would want such a fine knife back.” Rarity commented.

“No need really. It is all yours.” He replied before giving a light chuckle as he put a hoof to the back of his head. “I actually made it specifically for you. The design and all.”

“For me?” Rarity seemed caught off guard. “I don’t know quite what to say.” She said. “It’s beautiful, thank you my Lord.”

Hammer gave a small smile in return. “I would guess you are not really intrigued in weapons or fighting, but, as a phrase I use quite often. Better safe, than sorry.”

“And I fear in my life, safety does get called into question from time to time.” she nodded.

Hammer Strike gave a small smile before turning towards his desk and grabbing the letter, his expression dropping a bit as he looked at the note.

“If you ever need to talk, I could listen.” Rarity offered.

Hammer seemed almost like he was about to decline before he paused and gave a heavy sigh. “Take a seat if you wish.” He had a small frown on his face. “For I fear this may take awhile.”

“I’ve got all night if you need it.” Rarity said taking a seat on the bed.

He turned his seat towards her before giving one last sigh and letting his expression drop to a blank state as it typically was. “I’ll tell you what. What would you like to know? Ask anything, and I’ll answer in the most honest way I can, depending on if I can be honest for certain facts.”

“First, what’s bothering you?” Rarity asked.

“Let’s see.” He gave a short hum before continuing. “Taze, Matthew and myself are going to be stuck in a loop of time travel destined to do these things that we can’t change. I checked my records recently to see some things, only to find that in the future I came back to take them and left a note for myself.” He said pulling the letter out. “I already fear that we aren’t going home, and these pieces of information seem to just make my worries worse. I’m starting to give up on going home.” He gave a heavy sigh. “It’s hard enough to leave friends and family, but now, if we had the chance to go home, we’d have to do it again.”

“So you fear you will be unable to go home because you have started making a home here?” Rarity clarified.

“It sounds cold, and it is a topic I do not like. Hence why I have avoided it for so long. It hurts to leave everyone behind, to the point where I don’t want to, but if I want to ever return home I have to do it again. I am conflicted in this.” He replied.

“But you’re not alone in this choice.” Rarity pointed out. “Why not ask your friends?” she asked.

“As I said, I hate these topics. In such a way I avoid them as much as I can. They did want to go home, but with our connection here, I don’t see it happening for us.” He replied, sighing again. “I just don’t know anymore.”

“Trying to take your problems on alone may indeed be causing you more problems.” Rarity pointed out. “Some things are just too big to handle by oneself.”

“As pointed out by many others.” His looked turned slightly sour. “So many.” He closed his eyes and took a breath. “Any other questions?”

“Are you physically alright?” she asked.

“For now.” He replied.

“Something seems to have spooked you.” Rarity noted.

“Lets leave it at, when I came from the past and met with the scribe, I apparently had something different about myself. And I quote, ‘did the Princesses replace your lost ear tip?’.” He said.

“That would be something to give somepony pause.” Rarity nodded. “But aren’t most warriors prepared for such injuries?”

“Normally I would have my helmet on me, but after hearing that, I can’t, or if I do, something will change that.” He replied.

“Your friend Grif told me a quote once I find fitting for that situation, ‘Those who attempt to change the future only speed it’s approach’ “ Rarity noted.

“Exactly. Which is why I say it is inevitable.” He replied. “The part that makes me wonder, is when...”

“Maybe there is something in the history books.” Rarity asked. “I’m no expert on time travel but I believe if Lord Hammer Strike was injured permanently in battle then the historians would note it.”

“Certainly… I’ll have to check later tonight.” He replied with a small smile. “Any topic is available to question.” He chuckled.

“Is there anything else bothering you you’d like to talk about?” Rarity asked.

“In all honesty, a lot, too much to say in one night.” He replied.

“I am always here.” She noted.

Hammer Strike chuckled in response. “But I am sure you don’t want to stay up all night, you would be exhausted.” He gave a small smile. “Perhaps someday, you might just figure out why I think the way I do.”

Her horn glowed again as she removed the ring from her horn and set it down. “I suppose we shall break the rouse to Lord Fancypants tomorrow.” She grinned. “Still it was fun seeing Blueblood squirm a bit. Thank you for that.”

“Thank you for accepting.” He replied.

“I was wondering, I work very closely with Sapphire Shores you see, and I was wondering if I could treat you to a concert sometime?” Rarity asked.

Hammer Strike raised a brow in question before giving a light shrug. “Sounds like it would be interesting.” He gave a smile

“I look forward to it then.” Rarity smiled as she stood up and then left the room.

Comments

[BronyofMeddlers]

Do I sense a shipping of strike and rarity?

[Commander_Pensword]

5077105

Well, maybe, their is a bit more to deal with over time but frankly.

*Pauses and looks over his version of the notes*

I really do not know, this is written by three authors and so I really cannot say one way or the others. Part of our writing approach is to write, while we do have a outline, I call it a skeleton... we have enough room to fill in and move about as needed. So long response, short.

Keep your eyes open and by all means keep making comments. After all we enjoy reading your comments and guesses, to make more of them. Say what you have enjoyed about the story, mention any flat parts if any that might have happened. We look forward to your comments.

American Brony

[BronyofMeddlers]

5087950 As long as you three keep making this story of yours I'll keep commenting, there is so much to see in this journey of both readers and writers.

[Commander_Pensword]

5087965

Well thank you very much for your kind words.

[BronyofMeddlers]

5094529 of course.

[Booster Spice]

The Upward Sword and Wings is the patch of the SAS?

My favourite patch, but one which you couldnt really use due to reasons, is the one with the text, Apres Moi Le Deluge.

Yaay. I finally caught up with the story as current, where theres hopefully further to come, such as the entire Third Gryphon War time loop, hopefully after theyve got into the Everfree Castle and got it up and intact?

for getting the road into the everfree, I remmeber my old encyclopedia, with the coloured artistic representation of the stages in building a Roman Military Road. From the planning the route, marking it out, cutting the trees down, trenching, large stones, small, gravel, pounding, ditches etc. Roads that are still intact in places and tarmaced over with modern roads after 2000 years.

With the crossbow thing, with the dual units, I wondered why the arms wernt set at 45 degrees, making them act as bipods not just against the floor when prone, but also against walls when corne firing?

Loved th Spaceballs references in this chapter. If you didnt intend the ones I though were, still loved them. Im surrounded by Shields. Only one person would dare give me the Raspberry.

Something Im wondering about, with Lord Hammerstrike. Related to that hammer infact. If he likes swinging ultra heavy weapons and armor, and he is starting to spark off like a Rapidash at the least, what would be the effect of him making a suit of armor out of molybdenum, tungsten plate, with spun sapphire fibre weave fabric and polygel cusioning? Think of making a bag, fill it with moss, then with water, so its soaking. Impacts make the water stiffen, but reflow after. Gel would be so much better, but custard goes off after a short while.

Good thing none of the guys are into microwave or optical communication engineering. Imagine the fun if they had the knowledge to assemble crystal arrays, given their knowledge of the exploding ones and such

If you havent mentioned anything about the dragon, which given the ages and times, Im hoping they pick up during the wars, I hope its a fishing dragon, called Rock Lobster. Nick name, Puff.

Codename. I really hope you realise what it is, as well what it can do in combination with three air dropped flight capable fighters. And an Ultra Heavy drop. Hammer Strike. Codename. Grand Slam.

[Shawn820]

5098773
Hello, I am going to be the one responding to your comment, as you made me smile at the last thing you typed.

For the SAS patch, that is not the case, I think I mentioned the sword pointing upward in the symbol, while the SAS patch is pointed downwards.

On another note, I leave what Hammer Strike works with to be said later on, there are some ideas bouncing around and I have some plans that must be kept secret.

To finish my comment, it is wonderful to hear a full comment on a majority of things in the story, hope to hear more from you later down the line, for plenty of things are to come.
~Hammer "Grand Slam" Strike
I like the sound of that one, hah.

[Booster Spice]

5098893

This is what you get when Pinkie decides to handle deliveries.

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Lancaster_617_Sqn_RAF_dropping_Grand_Slam_bomb_on_Arnsberg_viaduct_1945.jpg

I tried working out the origional version, what, which, where, why and how.

I beleive I managed to do it, but after two years I still cant bring myself to write it.

After all, what was I supposed to do when I found out she could get hold of four Gryphons to help with delivering the Queen Mary Bombe Suprise.

I apologise, I tried making my character plain and boring, not even in the background, and I keep finding things that make him give the Doctor headaches. A simple example? He pretty much understands Pinkie Pie, due to reading books, and fantasy stories such as L Space and old forgotton technology.

Apparently, according to articles on the New Forest test site, the only test of the Grand Slam was against a top secret multi layer design of a new air raid bunker design. It was designed to Bend the Shockwave of an explosion around it, protecting the interior.

Its otherwise known as a metamaterial invisibility cloak. Its 70 years old.

[Commander_Pensword]

5101468

Ah yes, the Lancaster Bomber, able to carry bombs heavy enough to cause stress on the airframe and once released a pilot had to handle the sudden weight loss and the flexing of the wings among other things. Still.

What I am still trying to understand is this item with Pinkie Pie, a character of boring backgrounds and everything else. What pray tell are you trying to even say at the moment? If you would take time to restate your statement again. I am sure it would be greatly appreciated. Once again thank you for your comment, and I am sorry I cannot understand what you are trying to say in it. I do however enjoy the picture of the Lancaster Bomber.

[Booster Spice]

5102398

Ah. I apologise. I very easily get carried away with thinking, long before my language skills can catch up.

The basic idea was, given I tried to do a Rainbow Dash vs Airwolf, could I think of another crazy version, and work out a half plausible story and method for it.

So I thought, under what conditions would the Mane 6 end up doing the Trench Run.

I got the wrong name for the result, yet again, but found the page yet again. Fancy Cake Suprise.

So, the outline is, Blueblood is having yet another fancy do, this time in a floating marquee on the lake at th bottom of Canterlot Mountain. bunting and flags and everything, at night, with fireworks, Royal Guards. Celestia gets him to put an order in with the Cakes, her order, as she will be eating it also. Pinkie gets to hear far too much of Bluebloods spouting, and gets influenced by Rarity, and ends up thinking about how to,

Chastise him.

So, things get crazy, trains not fast enough between cooking and delivery, Blueblood sabotaging Canterlot, so Pinkie needs to come up with a method of delivering the cooked frozen product in time, quickly, smoothly, and aint Twilights new wings nice and big and hey the Equestrian Games Griffons are in town and even Gilda who needs to have someway to make amends.

So, the ultimate prank. a flying kitchen, but Blueblood has orders out that the place will be fully locked down, preventing delivery. So, the Plank, with Rarity in the front, Twilight in the back, their horns acting as spot lights for targeting, Rarity for aiming, Twilight for observing. has to make a complex approach. From behind the mountain, up over the top, over Canterlot, the Gryphons crouched down to let it accelerate under weight. Pulling out just above the lake just as Spike heats the iron to finish the cake, Holding steady among the fireworks as Pikie seals it up, then Rarity tugs the string, and the package drops, Pinkie riding it down. As it hits the water under the lines of bunting, Pinkie runs on top like a log roll, once, twice, three times, then it flies through the marque entrance, hits the back wall, and drops exactly onto the table place for it.

Pinkie pops up, saying anyone for Apres Skie? then theres a massive eruption of marshmallow fountain through the roof, then it collapses, flushing everyone into the lake, Pinkie surfing on Celestia, shouting Cowabunga. Celestia with mouth wide open, shark like, scoffing the marshmallow.

I now its only a very crude and basic layout, I keep losing what detail is needed and what isnt.

Sorry for the mess. Im glad I have smething like yours to read instead.

[HB_DS2013]

Heavy Set and Demolition Granado

Heavy Weapons Guy and Demoman!? As ponies!?

[Amethyst Blade]

something with a bit of medival air in it.

[Commander_Pensword]

6377277

Wow,

I want to thank you for the wonderful music.

This is an amazing bit of music and really does feel medieval.

[Shadow-Dancer]

lol this time travel shit is semi confusing yet some how makes sense still fun to read. Makes me wonder how much it was planned to be so well executed.

[Snow]

Wow. These are people who like debate and intellectual pursuits but they don't really like debating or considering topics of fantasy or the possibilities thereof. Time travel is only a stable loop when you're confined to a single timeline (Doctor Who is an example of someone exploring multiple tightly connected timelines), and even then, as long as you don't know something for a fact, it is (arguably) fluid. Let's use the ear tip as an example.

* Have it removed himself while sedated.
* Illusion.
* Modify the helmet so that the ears are protected only part of the way up.
* Request one of his allied changelings make the switch.

All of these maintain the time loop, until he finds out how he loses the ear for a 'fact'.

Also in Doctor Who, we find out that 'fixed points in time' are not... entirely fixed. The Doctor changed one, slightly. He tried to prevent a death, but instead the death simply changed in detail but still took place. Which suggests that certain events must remain unchanged enough that the time traveler would be there to make the change, if it was changed -- from the traveler's own perspective. Only when something truly impossible happens does it cause things like dead rising from the graves, oceans boiling, cats and dogs living together, etc. IE, River Song discharging her weapons systems when she's fated in a fixed point in time to kill the Doctor, and it completely breaks time, which is fixed when the Doctor ends up faking his own death with the Tesselecta, keeping said fixed point in time as far as the history and perception goes.

Time travel is only truly mind-numbing when you don't take some time to explore the concept. Then again, this isn't exactly a constructive comment given that I can't exactly talk to the characters and this is a pretty early chapter compared to what's complete. Still, it's interesting to think about.

[Commander_Pensword]

8012495

I cannot speak for the others, but Matthew's view on timelines and time travel is based on my own knowledge and the school of BTTF, or the Time Machine.

I have to say that your comment is very enlightening and makes sense to my mind and knowledge.

I want to say thank you very much for your words and comments.

I will have to let Shawn talk about his character and the ear tip.

and I personally see this as constructive, because you read the story, you felt strongly enough about the issue that you talked about it and let us know your opinion. So Thank you for that. And it is fun to think about it.

[Snow]

8016785 You're very welcome. Granted I think I need to take something of a break from marathoning this.

But yes, that 'room in ignorance to maneuver' sort of thing is one of the reasons the Doctor tears out the final page of any book he reads. Another being that he hates goodbyes, and if he doesn't read the final page, the story never really ends.

It's also why River Song's catchphrase tends to be "Spoilers."

For an example of foreknowledge dictating the course of history as opposed to being able to choose, consider Doctor Who season 7, "The Angels Take Manehatten."

If Amy had looked at that gravestone, or asked if her name was on it, it would have created a paradox if she chose against whatever the tombstone answered. By asking the question she does, she's able to make her choice, rather than having History make it for her. ... Then again, the question then becomes is if my argument is correct that you can falsify history to maintain the timestream to satisfy a fixed point in time and the Doctor has his own reasons for not doing so -- or not thinking to do so; or if a 'fixed point in time' can't actually be cheated like that. Comes down to logic, and we'd have to be able to experiment or have knowledge to draw on to make the answer to that anything more than personal preference.

[Fetch]

Hammer Strike couldn't have put a bit of info in that note? Something among the lines of "You made Eastwood's armor in the museum for McFly. Do you need a bolt of lightning to get that?"

[Silentwoodfire]

Cmon Rarity, make a proper move

And not once did Matthew ever share those historical documents? Cmon man!

[Draskos]

It just hit me like a mother does her redheaded stepchild. Hammer Strike is an Earth Pony blacksmith with phenominal strength, who speaks rather flatly most of the time. WHY didnt we get Maud in on this?! As an Earth pony Rock farmer thats almost the same personality wise, and whom is currently earning her Rocktorate and has a strong understanding of and feel for the Earth, she'd be the PERFECT companion for the Patron of Smiths.

[Icy Creation]

After scanning the covers of each tome he finally came across his familiar mark, sword facing up, and wings on each side, flared. The odd part of this, was the fact that the tome seemed to be missing… Well, almost everything. His record was empty except for a single letter, left inside, his seal facing him.

Not again!

[Icy Creation]

Moonshade only saluted in returned and turned around and slowly marched out of the room having a few more questions and more conflicting emotions then when she had entered the Court with. She waited till she was outside of the room before voicing a big concern. “How can I keep history in tact?” She wondered aloud.

You can keep history intact, by staying on course.

[Teraunce]

Moonshadow will be Lunar Fang I bet. Also I can see the Hammer/Rarity ship.

[Biker_Dash]

“Did anyone else think that Sombra sounded like Benedict Cumberbatch?”

Sombra = Cumberbatch us my personal headcanon. Has been from the moment he appeared in the S3 opener.
And then Season 9 happened, and Hasbro/DHX turned what should have been one of the greatest villains ever into the imbred offspring of Peewee Herman and a brain-damaged turnip.

This is why Pensword is Best Former Human. He sees the things I see. He understands the things I understand.