The diarchs of Canterlot sat in the Council of Friendship with Twilight, Spike, and Hesperos. Twilight had dismissed her guards. The air was thick with a tense silence. China clinked as the ponies took tea. Te’kan sat quietly, declining to partake. Twilight was sweating nervously.
Spike wandered back in from the kitchen, looking between the silent princesses and humans. “Oh come on! You guys are making this harder than it has to be.” All eyes turned to him.
“Te’kan, you won’t hurt anypony right?” The Salamander nodded hesitantly. “He is as good as his word! I know, he was super serious about his oaths of moment. Will an oath work now?”
The royal sisters, looked between each other. Celestia seemed hesitant, but Luna nodded. “We would be satisfied with a solemnly sworn oath.” This much seemed to register with Te’kan. He stood, taking a knee and looking to Spike. “Later, can you have wax and parchment ready for me? I would make a proper oath of moment.” All eyes were on him.
“By the honor of my chapter, and the grace of the Emperor, I shall not harm an innocent creature of this realm or bring ruin to your land.” It was spoken with gravelly surety, his crimson eyes intense and earnest.
“Huzzah! It is done then. See? Not so much trouble, sister.” Celestia rolled her eyes at Luna, but smiled and nodded, adding, “Welcome to Equestria, Te’kan. We shall endeavor to aid you in returning home but shall welcome you so long as you remain.”
The Salamander seemed offput, at a loss for words, and simply nodded his agreement and gratitude. Spike walked over with a happy cheer and raised an open claw for a high five. The Salamander blinked before hesitantly completing the gesture.
Hesperos was satisfied, though reservations lingered. He looked to the ceiling, and beyond it to the heavens. The warp was idyllic where it touched this word. Quiet, calm, harmonious.
Why, then, did he have a growing sense of trepidation?