The bright sun shone through the complex and beautiful stained glasses of Canterlot Castle, painting intricate designs on its pristine white walls. Silence and color filled the corridors and halls, giving a peaceful and relaxing aura to all who worked there. All but one mare, who hurriedly galloped her way to the throne room. Her dark purple mane flowing through the air as she dashed through each turn. Documents being scattered all around as she tries to sort her paperwork. Princess Celestia had summoned her with utmost urgency and the mare would make sure that her Princess wouldn't be kept waiting.
Reaching the entrance to the throne room, the mare composed herself and made sure that her violet coat was as presentable as possible. Once everything was checked, she knocked on the golden doors, announcing her arrival.
“Come in please.” Her a soft, motherly voice say. As reassuring Princess Celestia’s voice was, there was a subtle, underlying tone of worry. Not subtle enough to not be noticed by the violet mare.
She slowly opened the door and peeked inside to make sure she was allowed entrance.
“Miss Violet, I’m glad you could come so quickly.” Princess Celestia said, bowing her head as greetings.
Violet swiftly entered the room and bowed to her knees before her ruler as two guards closed the door behind her. Getting back up she asked, “Of course your highness! How can I be of assistance?”
Princess Celestia gestured to a guard on her left, who presented her a yesterday’s newspaper. Princess Celestia Levitated the newspaper with a certain weight in her magic, her golden aura opening it so that Violet could read the news. “Have you heard of the energy crisis on Fillydelphia?”
Violet immediately understood why her princes felt so worried. “Yes, your highness.”
“The coal shortage stroke earlier than I anticipated, multiple other power plants are running at low capacity and I’m afraid the situation with the zebras reached a Stalemate.” Princess Celestia elaborated as she rolled the newspaper and returned it to her guard. “Miss Violet, your knowledge of foreign cultures and your position in the office might be what we need right now.”
Violet furrowed her brows, not really understanding what her princess meant.
“Miss Violet, would you be able to go to the zebra nation of Roam as my ambassador to negotiate our peace treaties with the zebras?” Princess Celestia asked, hope clear in her voice.
Violet was stunned. Sure she worked at the castle, but she was never involved in politics and her love for history and culture was nothing but a hobby to her. Doubt permeated her mind as she pondered the numerous ways she could ruin everything. But at the back of her head, the seed of excitement and curiosity spread its roots. The zebra's culture is one of the richest and oldest cultures there is, and she never had the opportunity to travel to Roam and learn about its history!
“Your highness, you can count on me!”
A young zebra woke up earlier than the sun, no dizziness in his eyes because of the early hour, only focus.
He got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up a little, the cold water soothing his sore, toned muscles, once satisfied, he returned to his room. He made his bed with practiced movements of years long routine and proceeded to get dressed. His red and black military uniform had the Roam army insignia embossed on each shoulder, medals of honor adorned his chest to show his achievements of bravery and loyalty. As a final touch, he inspected his sword, the sharp blade had his name; “Romelus Montakeus”, written in Golden letters around an enchanted Ruby.
Now, with everything in order, it was time to meet the general.
His walk took him across the third battalion training camp, passing through the empty gym and mess hall. Something about this silence really calls him, as a colt, he always wanted to become an alchemist, so he could pass down to the young three knowledge that the spirits taught his race so long ago. But the name Montakeus carried the weight of generations of soldiers. He doesn't like conflict, so to avoid one, he obeyed his family's wishes.
The first rays of sunlight were beginning to reach the camp as Romelus waited patiently for his general to arrive at his office.
“Oh, Captain Romelus. Early as always.” He heard a rough voice say to his right. His general had arrived.
“Reporting for duty general Tullius!” Romelus saluted.
General Tullius saluted him back and opened the door to his office, gesturing for Romelus to enter.
The office was filled with golden trophies and medals, a red carpet complemented black curtains that blocked the sunlight from entering, a big Roam flag served decoration for the wall behind the general’s fancy dark wood desk. It was a bit over patriotic, Romelus thinks as he sits in front of the general as he waits for his next assignment.
“Captain Romelus, as you already know, our relations with the ponies are dangerously tense. War is looming over the horizon, we may have superior technology, but they have magic at their disposal. We need to be prepared for when it happens and for that reason, I’m assigning you as an instructor.”
“Sir?” Romelus questioned, it was never his duties to train new soldiers, why would it be now?
General Tullius reach for a drawer on his desk, grabbing a cigar and lighter as he explains, “There are a lot of new recruits in the army captain, some of them came back from Equestria. You’re our most capable and trusted soldier, I want you to make sure that these recruits survive out there and that no spies slip past us.”
Now it made sense. Despite receiving a work assignment that most officials would consider a waste of his abilities, Romelus was, in fact, glad. This way he would be able to teach his fellow soldiers how to survive while he avoids having to actually fight. It was almost too perfect.
“I understand sir.” He saluted.
“Good. Your new assignment begins immediately. You’re dismissed.” General Tullius saluted back.
It was time to wake up the newbies.
Footnote: Characters Sheets
Name: Romelus Montakeus
Strength: 7
Perception: 4
Endurance: 7
Charisma: 6
Intelligence: 5
Agility: 6
Luck: 5
Tagged skills: Melee Weapons/ Sneak/ Survival
Traits:
Pacifist's Rage: Even though you try to avoid conflict, you’re the last one to run away once it starts! You do 10% more damage when below half heath, but also loses -2 Perception and Agility.
Loyal Companion: You are a loyal zebra and others try to do the same! Your companion’s perk gets better and better as your bond is strengthened, but you don’t receive new perks by leveling up.
*** *** ***
Name: Violet Amulet
Strength: 4
Perception: 6
Endurance: 4
Charisma: 9
Intelligence: 8
Agility: 4
Luck: 5
Tagged skills: Barter/ Science/ Speech
Traits:
The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword: The right words can cut deeper than any weapon! Your Barter, Medicine, Repair, and Science skills are raised by +5, but your Magic Energy Weapons, Explosives, Firearms, Melee Weapons and Unarmed skills are lowered by -5.
Inspiring Companion: You are an inspiring pony and others try to do the same! Your companion’s perk gets better and better as your bond is strengthened, but you don’t receive new perks by leveling up.