Gilded Sister

by Kind of Brony


Guests

From the moment I wake up the next day, I am smiling, still overjoyed by yesterday’s successful playdate. Once we had finished reading, Moondancer and I were taken out to the garden and trotted around behind our moms while mine named each flower to her friend. We fillies didn’t pay nearly as much attention as the pegasus however, as we continued a debate over which career portrayed in Moondancer’s book was the best.

She had chosen the firefighters, her reasoning being that they had saved her family’s house on two separate occasions before her Mom gave up kitchen work. I conceded this was a valuable service, but my counter argument was for the Equestrian Guard. While rushing into burning buildings to rescue ponies was most definitely brave, guards also had to put themselves in harm’s way to protect us, including, but not limited to running into burning structures themselves.

After all, any guard worth their armor wouldn’t stand idly by while ponies were in need of rescuing. Grandpa Shield once told me about how he pulled three cooks from the castle kitchen when an overworked pastry chef fell asleep trying to meet the princess’ cake quota. Dad said he was lying, but it seems pretty believable to me.

It’s why I think Aunt Celestia should hire more pastry chefs so that they can divide the workload. It’s what I would do if I were in her position.

Anyway, the argument continued on until finally our mothers gave their opinions, my mom going the practical route of the sanitation worker since their job was a constantly required service, and Stepping Star suggested the eventual winner, though I still think she cheated. It was a total guilt-trip bringing up the librarian; Moondancer and I both were morally obligated to cast our votes for the kindly old mare with how often we made use of her services.

Eventually we all sat down for some tomato, lettuce, and cheese sandwiches in the garden, prepared solo this time by my mom, and I even managed to wheedle a couple of chocolate milks into the deal.

After that, it was time for my friend and her mother to leave, but not before the adults discussed another playdate, this one next weekend at their house. Moondancer was quite excited at the chance to introduce me to her big sister.

When Dad got home with Bluey, I recounted the day’s events with nearly as much enthusiasm as my brother did. Table Flip apparently has an impressive assortment of board games at his house which Blueblood insists we get so that I can try them, and I can’t help but wonder if Moondancer would want to join in.

Alas, it’s a new day and one to be spent with family. “Fall in!” Grandpa Shield shouts, getting Bluey and myself to snap into place and wait for orders. They don’t come however as the older stallion glares at Dad who is sitting off to the side. “I said fall in, soldier…”

Looking around before pointing at himself, Dad responds, “Me? Oh no, I’m not one of your soldiers, Dad, I’ll do my own workout. I’m just here to make sure the children aren’t learning anything they shouldn’t.”

“I don’t need a rookie to determine that,” Grandpa shoots back, leaving me confused.

“What do you mean teaching? I thought we were just exercising like always,” I ask, glancing over at Blueblood to see if he knew what was going on. He seems just as confused though.

“I was going to talk with the both of you yesterday, but I figured it could wait while you enjoyed time with your friends,” Grandpa elaborates. “See, I’ve been… well, no point in sugar coating it, that bucking I’ve had you two practicing, it wasn’t just strength training, it’s a fighting move.”

Both of us are even more confused, but I still try to decipher the words. “But I thought bucking was bucking. It’s just for hitting stuff, right?” I mean, sure, that stuff could be a pony I guess, as I’ve shamefully experienced first-hoof, but that’s just plain obvious.

“It’s military style,” Dad chimes in, looking at his son who tilts his head. Standing with a sigh, he elaborates. “It’s what soldiers use to hurt bad guys the most instead of just knocking fruit loose from trees. It’s more dangerous than regular bucking.”

Immediately, my mind flashes back to that day at school and I’m filled with dread. How close had I actually come to hurting that colt? How much worse could things have been?

Blueblood doesn’t seem to share my concerns however as a grin slowly splits his face. “That’s so cool!” he exclaims, hopping in place. “I’m gonna be a super warrior prince beating up bad guys!”

“Now, now, son, that’s all well and good but you’ve got to learn control first.”

“Huh?”

“Your father’s right,” Grandpa picks up. “Violence should be your last resort, always.”

“Bu- huh? What’s that mean?”

Much to the surprise of the adults, I’m the one who answers my brother’s question. “It means that if you can solve a problem or stop a pony from doing something bad without hurting somepony else, you have to try that first.” I sniffle, but hold back tears as I reflect on what Blueblood and I have been told already in a new light. “Like with Pauly, even though he was picking on us, I shouldn’t have bucked him like I did. I stopped him, but he could have been really hurt and I should have went to the Miss Torial first. If she could have stopped him without hurting him, that would have been better.”

“Oh…” Bluey responds, scratching the back of his head. “That makes sense, I guess.”

“I’m glad you understand,” Dad says to his son before coming over to pat me on the head. “And I’m very proud of you. It can be hard to really admit your mistakes and not just say you understand what you did wrong, but you do understand, and I know you won’t let it happen again.”

“Actually, can I just do the regular training?” I ask when I look up. “I don’t think I want to learn how to fight.”

Both Grandpa and my brother are verbally disheartened by this, but the colt is more so. “Ah, come on! Don’t cha want to be a super cool warrior prince- er- princess too?”

“I don’t want to hurt anypony,” is my answer.

“Pure, sweetheart, you remember all the stories I’ve told you, right? From back when I was still on active duty?” Grandpa Shield began, coming to sit in front of me. “I’ve had to stop a lot of bad ponies, and a lot of those times, I had to get physical to do so. And it’s like you said, if there had been another way, a way that didn’t involve hurting somepony, I’d have done it, but that way isn’t always there. I won’t make you learn if you really don’t want to, but don’t you think it’s better to know just in case?”

Mulling over his words, I can see the logic in them. Sure, I could have stopped Pauly without bucking him, but what if I couldn’t have? What if somepony was trying to hurt Bluey or Moondancer and there wasn’t a grownup to run to? What if, to protect them, I had to fight but couldn’t? What would happen to them?

I bite my lip at the thought before heaving a sigh. “Okay, I’ll try.”

“Yes!” Blueblood cheers with a hop while Dad frowns.

“Now, Pure, I don’t want you to feel like you’re being pressured into doing this,” Dad says. “You don’t have to take the fighting lessons if you’re uncomfortable.”

It’s tempting, but I’ve already made up my mind. Even if it didn’t make Grandpa and my brother happy, the thought of those precious to me being in danger because I declined the lessons is too much to ignore, so I say, “It’s okay, Daddy, I… I want to learn. I really do. I’m just a little nervous is all.”

“Well don’t be,” Grandpa crowed, pounding a hoof off his puffed out chest. “If I can whip those sorry excuses for recruits who join the guard these days into shape, than a couple of toughies like you two will have no problem at all. You are my grandfoals, after all.”

“… Right.” Dad drawls, giving the older stallion a dry look before letting his eyes slide back to me. “If this is really want you want, than we can start the lessons, but I want you to know that if you ever want to stop, you just have to say so.” He leans down and adds in a stage whisper, “And don’t let Dad scare you with all the huffing and puffing, I’ll be right here the whole time so he doesn’t get too crazy.”

“Hey! I already told you they’ll be perfectly safe, I don’t need you supervising me.”

“I trust you to responsibly train my children unsupervised about as much as I trust fifty year old dynamite not to explode when dropped off the side of Canterlot,” Dad snips back matter-of-factly, getting Grandpa’s eyelid to start twitching before he continues, “but seeing as I am here to supervise, there’s nothing to worry about. Now, shall we proceed?”

Grandpa Shield opens his mouth, no doubt ready to barrage his son with a verbal bombardment, but is interrupted when my brother shouts, “Stop talking! I want ta learn how to kick butt now!”

Every pony present blinks owlishly at the outburst until Grandpa chuckles. “You’re right, we’ve been jawing long enough. Let our glorious training… Commence!”


Ornate Garden was just putting the finishing touches onto a small snack for her family, working around the first aid box on the kitchen counter that she pulled out for its inevitable use, when a servant came in and startled her. “My lady, there’s a stallion with a colt at the entrance wishing to speak with the head of the household,” the servant announced dully.

“Oh, do you know who it is? We weren’t expecting visitors,” Ornate replied, turning fully. Thinking about the other guest who was apparently waiting outside, she added, “And I’m sure my son would have mentioned if he had invited a friend over.”

“I’m afraid not, my lady, though both seem tense, so I do not believe they’re here to exchange pleasantries. Would you like for me to send them away?”

“No, no, let me get a look at them first. Whatever they’re here for might be important. Tell them I’ll be right there once I wash up a bit, would you.”

With a nod, the servant disappeared and the matriarch busied herself with quickly wiping down the counter’s surface and placing the neat stack of sandwiches in the refrigerator, confident they would not become stale in the short time she would need to attend to these mystery guests.

With that done, she quickly made her way through the halls to the foyer where she spotted the earth pony visitors waiting. The larger of the two was well-muscled under his copper coat with a mane that she’d have believed black if not for the brown shimmer revealed by the streaks of sunlight hitting it from the window. As for the colt, he was a chestnut brown color with a true black mane.

Not unlike Star yesterday, the stallion was looking around the house with a bit of awe while his son, if the family resemblance was anything to go by, was staring at the polished floor. “Hello, I’m Ornate Garden, who might you be?” the mare decided to start with, getting the two to jolt.

“O-oh, sorry, didn’t see you there, ma’am,” the stallion began, quickly bobbing his head in her direction before clearing his throat and squaring his shoulders. “The name is Lance Vamplate, and this is my son, Bronze Pauldron. We’re here to discuss the… altercation between him and your foals a couple of days ago.”

Her smile tightened, but she still responded levelly, “Ah, I see. Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. Vamplate, and you to, Pauldron, but I’m afraid the twins are in the garden with their father and grandfather and won’t be in for some time, so-”

“Ma’am, please,” Lance interrupted, “I know this might not be the most convenient time, but it took a lot to convince… somepony to come here, and I’d rather it not be for nothing.” With a slight gesture of his head, the stallion directed Ornate’s gaze to his son, who she could see the downturned face of somewhat distorted in the tile. There was a fierce blush burning through his cheek fur and he was biting his lip.

“… I suppose they are about due for a break. We can go out back and meet them.”

“Um, can I…” The foal finally spoke up, voice surprisingly tiny for a colt his size. “B-before, can I, uh, can I use the bathroom?”

The father sighed his son’s name under his breath, embarrassed, but Ornate’s smile became soft and genuine. “Of course, Pauldron, I’ll have one of the servants show you the way.”

Soon after, the two adults were left alone to walk through the large house in silence. “So… is it an apology you’re after,” Ornate finally asked, getting her companion to frown.

“I think Bronze is owed one, yes,” he began, getting a glare before he continued, “But my wife has convinced me that he should be giving one, as well.” He turned to look straight at her. “I know how you noble-types are, thinking the whole kingdom should bend a knee to you just because of a fancy name and title, so hearing my son got in a fight with a couple and beat didn’t really sit well with me. But I understand what he did was wrong and that he needs to make amends. I just hope your kids- that you understand that too.”

His piece said, Lance waited for Ornate to compose her thoughts, of which there were many. While she could understand what the stallion was getting at, having attended plenty of parties where she was forced to smooze with vapid nobles, and even his anger, she wasn’t at all happy with what he was implying.

“You aren’t a very tactful pony are you, Mr. Vamplate?” she finally asked.

“Probably not,” he responded, “If that means I don’t like to beat around the bush. I’d rather say what needs to be said and be done with it. Saves time for everypony.”

“Even so, it’s not wise to come into another’s home and insult them or their children,” she countered. “Especially when you are so incredibly wrong. Not my husband, my foals, nor I think I can mistreat others simply because of who we are, and while I understand there are many nobles who do, to just come in here and assume we are among them… Well, let’s just say you’re lucky you have your son with you, or else I’d toss you across the front lawn myself.”

Ornate was happy to see the ice in her voice got a minute shiver to run down the earth pony’s spine, and was even more pleased by his apology. “I’m sorry, ma’am, I meant no disrespect. I was just telling you how I felt is all, but I know I can come off as abrasive sometimes.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Or at least that’s what my wife always says. I guess that means I tend to throw a lot of insults around without thinking much of it.”

“You should work on that,” the mare commented. “And as for that apology your son is owed, I agree.”

Lance blinked a few times. “You do?” he said surprised, getting a nod.

“Yes, as long as Bronze Pauldron is willing to apologize, then it’s only right that Pure reciprocate the gesture. It wasn’t right what he did to her and her friend, or hitting my son for that matter, but that doesn’t make what she did in return any better.”

“Well… I’m glad we agree,” Lance said just as they slowed to a halt before a pair of double doors. “I guess I really was wrong about the sort of nobles you all are. The giant house kind of threw me.”

“Yes, we get that a lot,” responded Ornate with a smirk. If it weren’t for this being her husband’s ancestral home, she’d be perfectly content downsizing to something a little more cozy. It’d be less work for the servants, too. “Anyway, this is where I told Polish to bring your son when he was done in the bathroom. The rest of the family should be just beyond here.”

The two didn’t have to wait long for the colt to be delivered, the silence filled by the dampened sound of grunts and yells from outside that had Ornate quite curious of what was going on. When the doors were opened, the answer came in the form of her daughter shouting, “Ouch! You bit my ear!” followed by a yelp from her son as he began whining about being punched in the nose.

“Children! This is grappling only!” reprimanded her husband.

“Nonsense! If you aren’t cheating, you aren’t trying! Good improvisation, lad!”

“Father! Don’t encourage them!”

“And what exactly is going on out here?” Ornate said as she and their guests approached, expression calm save for a thunderstorm brewing behind her eyes. “I thought we agreed they would be starting slow. I had hoped the lessons would begin simple enough that injuries wouldn’t be had straight from day one.”

“Nopony's hurt,” Stalwart Shield quickly defended. “It’s just a friendly spar is all.”

“My ear disagrees.” Pureblood grumbled, tapping the teeth marks in the sensitive flesh with a hiss.

“And ma nose,” Blueblood added, voice thick as he tilted his head back and tapped the tip of his snout. Pulling the hoof away, he blinked a few times before shrieking, “Ah! A’m bleedin’! I’m gonna die!”

As three adults were quick to swarm the wailing colt, Lance looked around, uncertain of what to do. “Maybe… we should come back later, after all.”

“Wha-? Who are you?” Stalwart said, noticing the new voice and looking up. “Hey, don’t I know you from somewhere?”

Lance squinted in response, looking at the older stallion with an inkling of familiarity until his mind subconsciously provided a set of guard’s armor to complete the puzzle. When it did, the earth pony snapped a hasty salute. “Drill Sergeant Shield!”

“Drill Sergeant?” Shield muttered, looking a little closer before widening his eyes. “Ah! Yes, I remember, you tend the armory at the castle.”

Lance winced. “The position is rotary, but yes, I do take more than my fair share of turns distributing equipment.” Under his breath, he grumbled something about card games and having to learn when to fold’em before shaking his head and asking, “You live here, Sergeant Shield?”

“Much to my growing regret,” the older Blueblood breathed before speaking up, “And who might you be, sir? I don’t believe we were expecting visitors today.”

Just then, Ornate spoke, “There, there, Blue, see? The bleeding has already stopped. You’re okay.” Balling up a couple of red spotted tissues, the mare helped her sniffling son to his hooves as he wiped his eyes.

Brushing the tears aside, the little unicorn absently looked around his mother to spot their guests, eyes going wide at the sight of the other colt. “P-pauly!?” Quickly glancing down at his tear-soaked hoof and his doting mother, the younger Blueblood jumped back. “I wasn’t crying! I’m just cleaning my face!”

“Pauly?” a small voice whispered from the side, Pure having stepped away to tend to her sore ear while her brother was swarmed by grownups. “W-what are you doing here?” When the larger colt looked at her, she quickly broke eye-contact, missing the bright blush of the boy as he did the same.

“This is Lance Vamplate and his son, Bronze Pauldron, from the twins' school,” Ornate supplied, getting a slight frown from her husband. “They came to talk about the… altercation between our children.”

“Is that so,” the older Blueblood spoke, studying the pair. “And what is there to-”

“I’m sorry!” blurted the brown colt suddenly, getting Blueblood to snap his jaw shut and raise a curious brow. “I shouldn’a took the book or said it was stupid even if it was or not give it back or punched Blue just ‘cause he pat me or-or-or bein' ah jerk!

“I want ta be a guard like Papa and Ma says I’m gonna be big and strong and really good at it, but guards don’t hurt ponies or make ‘em feel sad, that’s what Ma says but I did it anyways and it was wrong, and-and-!”

“I’m sorry, too.” Pauly went quiet when he heard the soft voice speak, glancing over wide-eyed at the white filly brushing a hoof across the grass and forcing herself to meet his gaze. “And… I forgive you for picking on me. I’m sure Moondancer would too if she was here, so you don’t have to cry anymore.”

At this, the colt reached up to touch his cheek, surprised to pull it away wet. Quick to try wiping it all away, he mumbled a quiet, “Why?”

“Well, it’s over now, isn’t it? And you said you’re sorry, so why be mad or sad about it?” was her answer. “I felt really bad about bucking you afterwards, so I’m… happy you’re willing to forgive me… Um, you do forgive me right?”

“Uh, Y-yeah,” Pauly began, smiling slowly. “Yeah! Really, it hurt, but it was super cool! I can’t even kick that hard! Y-you must be, like super strong or something!”

Pure blushed at this and smiled faintly while her mother cleared her throat. “Well, this has gone better than expected. I’m very proud of you, Pureblood,” the mare said, beaming.

“Wow, that was unexpected,” Lance breathed before looking down to his son. “I mean, that was real good of you, Pauldron. I’m proud of you, too.”

With similar compliments going around, Bluey frowned before walking up to Pauldron himself, chest out and head tilted slightly back. “I’m still mad that you tried to pick on my sister, but if she’s okay with it, I guess I am too. And I guess I’m also sorry for hitting you. That wasn’t nice.”

“Oh, uh, it’s okay, it didn’t hurt none,” Pauly said uncertainly, taken off guard by the colt and unknowingly getting a twitch of the brow.

“It’s okay to say it hurt. I did hit you kinda hard and I’m sorry. Nopony will think you’re a wimp or anything.”

“Really, I didn’t feel anything; you don’t have to say sorry.”

Eyelid twitching even more, the unicorn colt suddenly yelled, “I wanna spar with Pauly!”

Blueblood the 16th rolled his eyes with a humorous smirk as he said, “Now, son, Even if Pauldron here wasn’t a guest, I highly doubt he or his father want-”

“Hey now, the more the merrier,” Stalwart said, “Pauly said he wanted to be a guard, and it’s never too early to start learning how to fight. Isn’t that right, Lance?”

“Wow, really?” Pauly interjected, turning to his dad, “Can I dad? It’d be really fun!”

“Uh, I guess if the Sergeant will be supervising the match…” Lance answered, surprised by the unexpected turn of events. “Not exactly sure how his mother will take it though.”

“Bah! I’m sure she’ll be thrilled to hear about it,” Shield dismissed. “It’s good for foals to socialize and burn off some energy. Helps them have good dreams and sleep like dragons.”

“This is so cool!” Pauly cheered, all nervousness leaving him as he turned to Pureblood. “Hey! Can you teach me that buck thing! I wanna do that stuff too!”

The earth pony colt grunted and stumbled a step when Blueblood suddenly bounced off his side after an attempted tackle. “You’re fighting me first!” the unicorn demanded, getting a hearty laugh from his grandfather and a shake of the head from his mother.

As Stalwart and his son worked to pry the little prince from around Pauldron’s legs to actually inform the new boy of the rules, Ornate turned a tired look at their guest. “Well, it looks like you’re going to be coming around more often than you expected.”

“Guess so… Maybe I should bring the missus around sometime. I’m sure Tink will want to meet you all.”

Despite herself, Ornate sighed and smiled, watching her son try to take down the colt nearly twice his weight while her daughter cheered him on. “Yes, that would be lovely.”