//------------------------------// // The long Night Ahead // Story: Where The Heart Lies // by Broman //------------------------------// Silverwing huddled close to a nearby fire, gathered with the leaders and sub-officers within the company. She saw both Hammer and Anvil next to her, trying to get some warmth among the fire, while Strong Oak and Shadow Hunter were both discussing small matters with their own soldiers. They were all outside, the blizzard still coming down hard on them. She looked about the camp, which was in a dismal state at best. There were a few tents that were already erected, but the wind was very erratic and threatening to blow them away. They had four wagons stationed around the encampment, yet the fifth furthest one was tipped over, spilling much of the supplies and goods for the company. They had to spend an hour redistributing the supplies to a temporary storage tent until they could find a proper place for them and access the damage. What’s worse was the blizzard was so thick that it was hard to see five to ten feet in any direction. It was so dark that she could barely see the other fires and torchbearers nearby. Even the nearest fire from them felt it was over a mile away. Deciding it best to no longer keep silent, she cleared her throat and spoke out. “Shadow Hunter, what is our current situation? How are we holding up?” she began, which caused everypony else to become quite. The only sound was the constant blizzard around them. “We lost some of the supplies from the fifth wagon, Captain. Some food was destroyed and a few essentials were scattered in the wind. However, we did manage to salvage what we could,” he said, despite being a little bitter from the cold. “What of the company?” she asked, not missing a beat. “All are accounted for, yet there are some injuries. Several broken wings, a few chipped horns, and at least several individuals with broken legs. The wind was unforgiving when it barreled down at us,” he said. Strong Oak came forward. “My healers are doing their best to heal the wounded, but our own medical supplies must be accounted for. Cottontail is making a count to see if we have enough for them all.” “I think our more immediate problem is this storm,” Hammer said. A few nods of agreement went through the other officers. “I haven’t seen a blizzard this bad in years.” “I’ve been through many blizzards in my lifetime,” Shadow Hunter said. “This snowstorm just might be the worse that I’ve seen.” “Indeed, and with that, we must get everypony warm for the long night ahead,” Silverwing said, causing a few nods of approval from the other officers. “What are you proposing we do, Captain? The winds are like a tempest on the seas, yet upon the land. The snow on the ground is not helping either; we keep digging for solid ground to pitch our tents, yet the earth is as solid as ice. It's difficult to excavate the floor when there's nearly five feet of snow and ice blocking us,” Charger said while tossing another log into the fire to keep everypony warm. Silverwing pondered for a moment, her hoof rubbing her chin. Her guard was right that the storm would not let up, and if that was the case, they would be buried by several feet of snow by morning. A small realization came to her while staring at the fire, after it gave a nice audible pop from the crackling wood. She turned to the rest of the group. “Alright everypony, this is what we should do. We have to cut the number of tents in half, maybe even less for the night,” she explained, which caused a few raised eyebrows and minor protest. Despite the small arguments, she continued. “I know that the less tents we have it would significantly reduce our encampment, due to the number of individuals we have. However, the most important thing we need right now is heat to keep us alive during the night.” “So how would cutting the number tents we put up be any different?” Anvil asked. “What I propose is that we share heat with the rest of the company,” she said. A few of her guards looked at her in surprise. “Those that normally bunk together should have extra individuals in their tents. We double or triple up other ponies and Cervines to save heat. The extra blankets and tarps that we brought along will have to be used up as bedding while we hunker down for the cold night ahead,” she explained. Strong Oak came forward. “It’s a logical explanation. I recall a story of a great warden and his mate having to do exactly as you described it,” he explained. “When the night came, he and his mate were far off from their home and both had to sleep out in the cold. What saved them was by sharing body heat and holding each other during the night. They survived to the next day and were able to travel home,” he explained. Silverwing raised an eyebrow in interest. “That sounds fascinating, Strong Oak,” she said, chattering her teeth ever so slightly. The cervine bowed his head in respect. “It is one of our most cherished folk tales, of our Great Prince of the Forest from long ago. It is a life lesson for us from what they had experienced,” he said. Shadow Hunter then cleared his throat and rubbed a hoof over his shoulder. “Well, if it beats being frozen icicles by morning, then I’m all for it,” he said. Just then, the wind picked up and blew over them all. Silverwing felt a shudder up her spine as a result, and she saw that everypony around her shared the same feeling. “Then if everypony has no objections, this matter is settled. Relay your orders to the rest of the others. We won’t have much time, so let’s all hop to it,” she said, dismissing everypony while they they went to spread the message. The ones who stayed behind were Strong Oak, along with Hammer and Anvil. Silverwing looked to Strong Oak to ask him something, but his attention had shifted to both of her soldiers. “I see that both of you are curious about the story I mentioned?” Strong Oak said, with much stoicism on his face. Anvil stepped forward. “Actually, just me, sir,” he said, trying to be modest in front of the Cervine. Strong Oak had a humble expression on his countenance. “What would you like to know?” he replied. Anvil bore a small smile in appreciation. “Well, I’m currently writing in my journals and I wish to add as much detail as possible into my work. When you mentioned your own story, I thought it might be a good thought to have some insight into Cervine culture and life.” “I believe that is an excellent suggestion. No doubt that once we make it through our trials, you wish to publish this novel of yours?” he inquired. His way of words made Anvil look pleased and a little embarrassed at the thought. “I do actually, and getting much needed material for my work from many sources will actually be of great help,” he said. Strong Oak nodded in approval. Before he continued, however, two Cervine emerged from the thick blizzard and approached them. Silverwing took notice that is was both Cottontail and Swift Leaf. “We have finished accounting for all of the medical supplies,” Cottontail said, her hooves getting close to the fire for warmth. “We lost a few of the ointments when the wagon tipped over, but we salvaged what we could,” Swift Leaf added, giving over a list of items that was charted. Strong Oak took the parchment in his hooves and observed the list carefully, scanning each item that was either lost or missing. After giving a small nod, he handed the parchment back. “It is good to know we didn’t lose too much. And what of the the wounded?” he asked. “The injured have all been treated, and there were no life-threatening wounds. It will take at least a few days for most of them to heal,” she said. Strong Oak bowed his head in acknowledgement. He then turned his attention back to Anvil, a small smile ever present on his face. “This young stallion wishes to know more about our folk tales and culture. Would you two be so kind as to accompany him for the night?” he said. Both of the Cervines smiled and nodded to their leader. “It would be a pleasure to indulge him on our own history,” Cottontail said, giving a knowing smile to Anvil. “I have a few folktales that I loved when I was a small fawn. I’m sure you love to hear about them,” Swift Leaf said with a enthusiastic tone. Anvil, confused by the sudden change, looked to Strong Oak for an answer. The leader merely offered a sympathetic smile. “Forgive me for sending your inquiries onto others, but I have an important matter with Silverwing. I do wish to continue this conversation on a later date,” he said. “I guess that would be fine,” Anvil said, feeling a little dejected. “I will hold you to it, though.” Strong Oak gave a nod of understanding. Silverwing watched Anvil trot off with the two Cervines, but was stopped when Hammer grabbed his shoulder, a smug smirk on his face. “Have fun,” he said, which sounded like an alluring whisper. Anvil’s eyes flashed at his friend, and he gave a solid hit into his right shoulder. Hammer laughed it off as Anvil followed close behind the two Cervines, slight embarrassment emitting off him. Silverwing herself had a small giggle, but it was not noticeable to Hammer or Strong Oak. After composing herself, she turned to face Strong Oak, who’s expression was etched with concern. “What is wrong, Strong Oak?” she asked. “If it wasn't obvious enough, our dog friend is missing and I do not like it,”  he said, though with no hint of vexation toward the Diamond Dog. Brutus had disappeared when the first blast of the storm wind came at them. He had dug what appeared to be a wall of snow. After the initial blasts and when the snow came heavily on them, Brutus was no longer in the hole. He had vanished from sight, and her guards found no trace of him among the encampment or the outskirts. She did have time to worry as to where he had gone, but there was no doubt in her mind that the other guards were troubled by his sudden absence, more so with Strong Oak. There was no doubt that he vehemently disliked Diamond Dogs, since recalling his encounters with them. Compared to everypony else, he was always on edge when Brutus was around, and at the best of times, was always watching him like a hawk. If Brutus did return, she would need to try and settle things between them. “I’m certain he was scared. I saw it with my own eyes how terrified he was.” “That does not excuse his disappearance,” Strong Oak said, his tone low and in contempt. “He warned us about the storm. We just didn’t realize it until it was to late,” she said, speaking in some small defense for Brutus. Strong Oak shook his head, knocking off some snow that had stuck to his antlers. “Just be careful if he does return. Diamond Dogs would only flee to return later and in greater number,” he said, giving his leave. He headed toward his other companions in the blizzard, no doubt ensuring they stay alert for the Diamond Dog. Silverwing breathed a heavy sigh; she would have much on her hooves if the Diamond Dog did return. Why would he leave? she thought to herself. Her thoughts were deterred when Hammer nudged into her. “I think we should turn in for the night. It’s getting colder out here,” he said, his teeth chattering slightly from the chilled wind. She hadn't even noticed the cold bothering her; her mind was already full of other worries and responsibilities. She inclined her head to his in agreement. “Let's make sure the others are cared for, then we shall retire of the night,” she said, the two heading off into the small encampment. Large tents were being set up around the center of camp, surrounded by the four remaining wagons. The wagons provided cover from some of the strong wind, but it wouldn’t stop the freezing temperatures. Her guard ponies and the Cervine were working together, and some making arrangements at to who would bunk with who for the long night. The equines didn’t seem to mind, although the Cervine were having second thoughts on the matter. She could see that they were troubled by this, seeing as they had been around their own kind and company. During their whole duration of the expedition, they always kept to themselves, the males quartered to their own tents and the females paired in their own. The Cervine did have their ways when it came to personal luxury and privacy, but they would need to compromise. If they all were to survive the night, they would need to forgo these indulgences. Silverwing continued to move about the camp, helping where she could or offering a comforting word to some of her soldiers. She did this for at least twenty minutes, ensuring her soldiers got the help they needed. Soon enough, the soldiers were able to get the tents finished. Her soldiers had already begun to turn in for the night, and Silverwing watched the Cervines reluctantly enter with a few equine soldiers. She even saw Anvil, who was occupied in a thorough debate, alongside both Cottontail and Swift Leaf. He was quickly writing down the notes in his book with a small quill in his mouth, while both discussed with much enthusiasm. The three were very into their discussion, not like what Hammer had suggested earlier. The three were having a fun discussion, just much different from what Hammer had envisioned. After another moment of spending time with her guard, she and Hammer went into their tent to rest for the night. They both shook off the white powder that was on their coats, covering the floor in fresh snow. Hammer immediately went into his bed, trying to get warmed up as quickly as possible, while Silverwing was ready to join him. However, before entering her bed, she saw a thick blanket that was all bundled up on her side. And a small, warm idea crawled into her mind. “Hammer?” she called his name. He waved a hoof to her in reply. “Yes?” he muttered, wanting to get as warm as possible. Silverwing rubbed a hoof on her shoulder, unsure how to proceed. She knew what she was thinking was an outlandish idea, but if they were going to stay warm for the night, it would be worth the shot. It wouldn’t hurt to ask, she thought before finding her voice once more. “Can you move your bed closer to mine, so we can share heat?” she said, in the calmest matter possible. Her mind wondered if she worded the query correctly. “Sure thing,” he said, giving out a yawn before getting back up.  Once up, he did a quick stretch before moving the bed closer to hers. He paused for a moment, lifting his head out to stare at the tent wall. He had a look of listening to a outside conversation. Then the gears in his mind began to turn and his eyes began to focus on her for but a moment and looked back at the wall for clarity and then back again, albeit mildly shocked. “Are you serious?!” he said, blinking a few times. She waved her hoof up in defense, trying to recover the situation. “I-I’m sorry Hammer. It’s just that...it’s getting colder, and it’s already feeling like an ice cave in here. I thought it’d be okay to do, and so we can sleep easier at night.” “I know that, but still that’s really pushing the space between us!” he said, a shade of red appearing on his face. “You’ve been in my tent for the past three weeks while injured and never once did you complain,” she mentioned, trying but failing to hide a blush on her face as well. “Yes, and we were in our own separate beds! But being in that close proximity...” Silverwing gave a tired groan. “Look Hammer, I’m tired as much as you are, and I don’t want to be cold and wet for the rest of the night, so if you’d please just do as I say,” she said, sounding a bit authoritative in her voice. Hammer blinked in surprise and his ears fell flat on his head. “Are you giving me an order?” he asked with uncertainty. She gave a scrutinized look. “Do you want me to give an order?” she replied in a tired voice. Hammer was quiet for a moment, his eyes looking around to try and find something interesting to keep his attention. After a few seconds of silence, he gave a defeated sigh and wordlessly did as he was told. He pushed his bedroll right next to hers, placing his own pillow in line with her own. Silverwing then moved forward with the bundle blanket alongside both of their separate ones. She then made the ‘large’ bed by placing the large blanket onto the surface first, making a large square over both of their beds. She did the same with their separate blankets, creating a three layered cover for their bed. After this was done, she was the first to enter in. The blanket was freezing at first due to being in the cold for most of the time, but the added layers were comforting over her body and she rested blissfully on her right side. It wasn't luxurious as a home in Prancy or Canterlot, yet it suited her just fine. She looked up to Hammer, who was hesitant to enter. They both had the same thought: they were going to be in a tight embrace together under the sheets. “Come on,” she offered, albeit with a bit of apprehension in her voice. Hammer slowly made his way inside. He wriggled his way in, making sure to cover the blankets over the area he opened. He then moved closer onto her right side, his head nearly a foot away from hers. She gave an audible gulp and averted her gaze for the moment. What Strong Oak said earlier about ‘snuggling up’ was much more awkward and embarrassing than as he described it from his tale. “So,” Hammer said first, keeping his gaze away from hers, clearly embarrassed at what they were doing. “So,” she repeated, feeling a rush of heat reach her cheeks and ears. She felt his hooves near close proximity of her own, and she felt his hind leg almost brushing up against hers. She didn’t say anything about it, but she looked up to Hammer, who in turn was looking at her. “Good night, I guess,” she said, still staring at him. He gave a small nod, but it was subtle to her. “Good night, Silverwing,” he said slowly, closing his eyes and going to bed. Silverwing attempted to close her eyes, trying her best to get to bed. However, despite her attempts, she just couldn’t get to sleep. She opened her eyes, staring at Hammer in front of her. Her heart raced a little from being this close to him. She stayed like that for a time staring at him, and occasionally looking about the room deep in thought. The only companion that was awake with her was the wind that persisted through the night. She had worry on her mind, but it was not of the current situation she and Hammer were in. Her thoughts were more on her brother, Quicksilver. He was still out there, still in the enemy’s grasp. He could be anywhere in those mountains for all she knew, or he could be on the other side of the high peaks and be already in the deep in the territory of the Griffon Empire. What’s worse, of what she could only comprehend, was that his body might be battered, bruised, or worse tortured by one of the griffons pleasures. He could even be set to some strenuous toil that she could not fathom, or be half dead for all she knew. She closed her eyes, and she only imagined the horrors that he was enduring. Her mind snapped to focus when she felt a hoof brush against her own. Opening her eyes in a flutter, she turned to look at Hammer. He was still fast asleep, his breathing soft and deep. She looked at him and his sleeping position, seeing that he was resting on his wounded shoulder. She should have checked with him if he could sleep on a comfortable position, but he looked deep in slumber. She felt his hoof brush against her right hoof, and for some reason the touch was enough to keep her mind at ease. Having him here seemed alright to her. The worries of her brother still lingered, but the small comfort that Hammer gave allowed a little peace on her mind. Memories of Hammer being in her life began to surface in the forefront of her brain. Her cheeks flushed from the thoughts, and out of instinct, her right hoof wrapped around his own. The small touch was not enough to stir him from his slumber, and he remained fast asleep. Silverwing gave a small smile, feeling relaxed by the small physical touch between them, and she closed her eyes at the warm thoughts. After a while, she soon drifted off to sleep. The two remained in place for the night, the day’s worries put at ease for the night. Perhaps she would be sleeping soundly tonight. *** Quicksilver felt pain throughout his body. His eyes were closed as his mind stirred him to be awake. His muscles were drained of any energy, and he felt that any movement would taxed his already strained body. His ears still rang, and he felt slack jawed from the beating he was given. Though, despite that, he was kept calm during this. He was still alive. He felt his body resting on something soft, not like the hard ground that he had in Gretchen’s tent. He felt a blanket on his chest, and he felt both of his front legs resting on top of the cloth. Quicksilver felt warmth in the air, and it soothed his weary body. A small light was visible behind his closed eyes, and he noticed a few figures in silhouetted shadows. He squinted his eyes, not opening up directly at first. He felt cold sweat drip off the side of his head, and he shuddered as he felt a strenuous headache on his mind. He then felt something nice and warm on the side of his cheek, and it caused him to stir more from his tired state. His blue eyes opened slowly, his vision blurred at first from taking in the sights. His visioned cleared for a moment, and he again felt the warm feeling spread upon his head. The wet fabric was gentle, and it soothed his aches and pains. He stirred again to the source and saw a claw in his field of vision. He stared at it for a moment, and traced the claw up to its owner. It belonged to Gretchen. She tended to him, her expression sorrowful as she treated him. He didn’t see it, but he swore he saw that her eyes were red, likely crying her eyes out from something she heard or witnessed. Despite the sadness she bore, a small smile rose up on her when he looked at her. She gently brushed the wet cloth onto his head and gently rubbed the smooth fabric against his temple. The movement was relaxing and Quicksilver blinked slowly, feeling drawn to the touch. She did this several times, his body relaxing under her gentle care. A muffled voice was heard, and he opened his eyes once again and saw Felix was right next to Gretchen. The Arch Gryphon had his right shoulder bandaged, a small blood stain visible though the fabric. He wondered why he was still up and about, especially since his shoulder was hurt to such extent. Quicksilver then felt a small pinch in his right leg, yet he didn’t feel it much since it felt so numb to him. Tracing his gaze to what Felix was doing, he saw that Felix had a bolt in his claws. His muscles in his right leg reacted, and he groaned a little out from the pain. The Arch Gryphon settled the bolt to the side, and already had a small cloth and dish bowl ready. He immediately began to treat onto the wound, clearing it up as best to his ability. Quicksilver blinked once more, seeing the two Gryphons tend to him like one of their own. The way they cared for him was far more service then he would normally receive. After a few minutes of them treating the wound, Felix had turned to Gretchen and spoke something to her. She nodded and gave Felix the cloth. He stood up, walking around to Quicksilver’s left side. The Arch Gryphon had a tired look on his expression, but despite that, he worked diligently and began rubbing the warm cloth onto Quicksilvers head. Quicksilver then felt something prick into the side of his leg, and he turned to Gretchen and looked at what she was doing. He felt another tug onto his fur, and he observed that she had a cotton or maybe silk thread and needle in her talons. She was stitching the cut, ensuring that the wound was sealed tight. He didn’t look at the injury, nor did he care for the numbing feeling in his leg. His sole focus was on her. She kept suturing his wound, her task focused on his treatment. Yet he didn't focus on the pain or any of that. For some reason, he wanted to know if she was okay. He still saw that sad expression she bore, and her concentration was on the wound. After a moment of silence passed, she took notice that he was staring at her once again. Seeing this, her saddened expression changed and she bore a weak smile, even if the gloom remained. She raised a claw and he felt it brushed against his head, and feeling a soft ruffle against his mane. It was a gentle touch, and this feeling comforted him. She then resumed back to her work, and his visioned soon blurred. His head rested back onto the bed, and sleep already took over him. *** Silverwing felt so warm under the sheets. Her body and mind were at ease and feeling much bliss of being in such coziness. In a way, she felt as if she was in a warm residence, in utter bliss of being in the safety and comfort of her own home. Her eyes fluttered open from her sleep-tired mind. The first thing she saw was a white fur in front of her face. She closed her eyes and rubbed her cheek against the soft surface, taking in the warmth that it brought. Wait, the blanket wasn't white... she thought as her mind fully awakened. She opened her eyes to fully see what she was wrapped up in. Her head was resting right on top of Hammer’s neck. Her heartbeat rose from its comfortable beat while she grasped at the precarious position she was in. Her head was on Hammer’s neck, just underneath his jaw. Her chest was pressed softly against his body, his forward arms wrapped around in a embrace around her back, keeping her in place from his curled position. She felt her back legs right in between his, and she felt essentially cradled under his strong grip. She madly blushed from the contact, and she was uncertain whether to wake him up and push him aside, or continue to be held in his hooves and be comforted for a little while longer. Her mind flashed through her head with fantasies of these moments, and one of the images she imagined was coming true before her. It excited and terrified her at the same time. She always wondered what is what to be comforted by another pony. She had given hugs to small children and gave a loving embrace to her brother when he needed comfort, but being on the receiving end gave her a whole new experience on her mind. The prospect of being protected, even sheltered in another pony’s arms brought a flutter within her chest. More so with the very pony she liked. Really liked in fact. She decided to remain silent, somewhat enjoying the comfort of another pony’s company. Her head rested back onto his neck, her eyes closing to enjoy the moment she had with him. It didn’t last long, for after another minute he began to stir. She opened her eyes and felt his neck lower forward, resting right on the top of her mane. His muzzle brushed against her mane, and he drew a breath of air before sighing right into hair, the action sending shivers down her spine. Her heart raced to the touch, and she was uncertain what to make of the sudden yet tender contact. He mumbled something that she didn’t hear, and she felt his grip tighten but not too much around her body. In this instance, she felt like a giant doll being held in his arms. “Ah, Hammer?” she spoke softly yet hesitantly, not enough to stir him, but enough to make his ears turn in her direction. He gave a soft groan, and his head lifted off her mane, smacking his lips in the process. Silverwing lifted her head just enough to stare him in the eye, as he opened his blue eyes to lock eyes with hers. He stared down at her in a sleepy, yet, in a way, loving gaze. He closed his eyes and lowered his head back down on her, but after another moment, his eyes widened and his head lifted up in surprise. “Silverwing!” he said abruptly, not sure what was going on. He looked down at her and how he was holding her. “W-What are you doing?! Why am I like this?!” he panicked away, his voice in much apprehension. “I awoke, and I was already like this,” she replied back, feeling him move away from her side. The warmth that she experienced all night started fading away. His face was already red all over his white fur, and he lowered his ears in concern. “I didn’t do anything wrong to you, did I?” he asked, with much nervousness in his voice. She shook her head, also giving a small blush in return. “No, you didn’t do anything to me,” she said, looking away and trying to find the nearest thing that interested her. She was failing in her attempt to be subtle with him. A silence permeated the room, the two looking away from each other and trying to ignore the embarrassing experience. When the only sound was both of their breathing was getting to them, Silverwing was the first to speak up. “How are you feeling? Does your shoulder hurt?” she asked, trying to stir the conversation to something else. Hammer gave a blank stare at her in annoyance. “You’re disregarding our sleep cuddle and trying to change the subject?” he said, already getting to the heart of the problem. Silverwing stared back, putting much innocence in her next choice of words. “Look, I didn’t do anything the night before. I just woke up, found myself wrapped in your arms and that was it,” she said, making herself as truthful as possible to him. “Then why didn’t you wake me up the moment you were in that predicament?” he asked. She rolled her eyes at him. “I did, but you were fast asleep. I wanted to get your attention, but I was already wrapped up in your arms and couldn’t do anything,” she said, before adding. “What were you doing after the night I went to bed?” Hammer was now on the defensive, and he flared his hooves into the air to get his point across. “I was fast asleep. I sleep like a log at times, so there was no way that I could have done anything that was beyond both our comfort zones,” he said. The two stared at each other in silence. An understanding seemed to breed between them that whatever befall them from last night was that it naturally happened. The two were quiet for a time, unsure as to how to proceed. Silverwing bore a small blush from the thought, and Hammer had the same feelings as well. “Can… can we just ignore that this ever happened?” Hammer said, breaking the quiet between them. Silverwing sighed and brushed her hair back behind her ear. “It will be hard to disregard what happened between us.” Hammer mumbled for a moment, thinking of a proper response to her conclusion. A second later his ears perked up and his head rose a little. “Do you hear that?” he said. Now it was Silverwing turn to criticize him. “Oh, now you’re trying to change the subject?” she said, bearing a huff of amusement. Hammer said nothing, but brought a hoof up to keep her quiet. “Listen,” he said, standing up and looking up towards the tent entrance. “The wind is not blowing as hard,” he explained. Silverwing instinctively perked her ears up. She stopped whatever she was about to say and rose herself up to listen to the wind. It was still blowing, yet less so then from the night before. She looked at the tent cover; they didn’t shake nor shuttered from any gusts of wind. “That’s strange,” she said, gathering her cloak and heading for the tent entrance. Hammer followed, and the two were outside in the middle of the encampment. What they both saw took their breath away. A giant wall of snow and ice surrounded them on all sides. Silverwing blinked once, still thinking it was a dream. The walls themselves were at least ten feet in height, surrounding all of the wagons and tents within the encampment. In a way, it was like walls upon a fort, defending against the elements that barred down on it. Silverwing looked up and saw that the snow still kept coming down, yet the high winds that battered them were blocked by the walls. It was a miracle that these were up, and no doubt there would be problems if they had awoke to find half the camp buried in snow. “Silverwing, look,” Hammer said, pointing a hoof towards a large fire in the center of camp. Silverwing cast her eyes and saw a single figure hunched over and resting near the blaze. She recognized the form belonging to Brutus, and she saw a similar spit with a chunk of meat roasting over the fire. “Brutus!” she called out, moving towards him, Hammer following alongside her. The Diamond Dog perked up from the noise, and he turned his head to face them, a small smile bore on his countenance. “Morning,” he said, turning towards his meal and ensuring the meat he had was properly given enough heat. Silverwing and Hammer were at his side, many questions running through their heads. “Where have you been? We were worried about you,” she said. The Diamond Dog said nothing as he focused on his meal. Silverwing watched as he turned the meat, when she noticed something red on his paws. Upon further inspection, she saw that the paws were raw, seeming to have blisters on each of the digits. “What did you do?” she asked. “That is something that we all wish to know,” a voice spoke out, and Silverwing turned to see Strong Oak was right behind them. His expression was stern, and she saw that he his blade had extended from his hoof blade. He raised it up and pointed directly behind Brutus’s head. “Strong Oak, what are you doing?” Silverwing said. The Cervine leader remained steadfast as he held his blade. Brutus said nothing, but openly showed his paws out to them. It confirmed Silverwing observation that his paws were indeed raw and red. “Brutus dig wall. That’s all,” he spoke in a calm and collected manner. “That is a possibility,” Strong Oak said, never once wavering from his position. “Do you intend to trap us, seal off our exits so that you can kill us all?” Silverwing looked appalled by Strong Oak and his accusation. When they first met Brutus, he was always calm, collected, and even tolerable to the Diamond Dog. But now he was threatening him and almost begged to question of wanting to provoke conflict with him. Silverwing found the whole ordeal absurd, and she stepped forward to stop this. However, Strong Oak raised a hoof to her, and she stopped in her tracks. Strong Oak looked at her and gave a knowing gaze before turning his attention back on the Diamond Dog. He wanted her to trust him. Brutus, stood up and turned to face Strong Oak squarely in the eye. “Brutus never intended to kill, only protect from storm,” he explained. Standing at full height he seemed more intimidating, yet he didn’t have his weapon nor did he show any signs of aggression. He passively stood his ground, while Strong Oak remained undeterred. Their voices stirred the camps inhabitants, and soon many of the guards and Cervine all were witnessing the scene. Silverwing wondered what Strong Oak was intending with all of this. Strong Oak took a step forward, his blade nearing Brutus’s neck. The Diamond Dog eyed the blade and back at the Cervine, never once fearing or wavering by the threat. “Again, Brutus say this. Brutus intend no harm upon equines or Cervine. Brutus helps. Brutus here to stay,” he said. Strong Oak flared his nostrils and glared at him. “Likely story, but I do not think that you are capable of such a feat. Pray tell, how did you manage to erect such a barrier within the night and without disturbing our rest? No doubt you had help to make this possible,” he said. Silverwing looked up to Brutus, who’s eyes widened just slightly but didn’t say anything to warrant any threatening appearance. After a moment of silence, Brutus sighed deeply and pounded his back leg into the ground several times. “Come out, boys. Don’t have to hide,” he said. Moments later, the ground began to shake. Silverwing looked at the earth and saw ten different mounds began to form around the campfire. Another moment passed and the mounds caved in, the dirt and snow falling off to the side or collapsing into the hole. Not a moment later, several figures began to appear out of the ground, all covered in fur and similar in appearance to Brutus. Out of each of the holes, a Diamond Dog came out one after another. What became a few now became ten, then two dozen, then more than she could quickly count appeared in front of them. The camp inhabitants became weary as a horde of Diamond Dogs all gathered in the center of camp. Silverwing watched as some Diamond Dogs shook their heads from the snow they collected, while others stretched and took in their surroundings, not at all appearing hostile to them. Brutus remained were he was, while Strong Oak remained standing, unfazed by the sight of the Diamond Dogs’ presence. Silverwing looked about the camp and saw all of the Diamond Dogs were staring at Brutus, all waiting for a response from him. “Cooper, report. How is wall?” Brutus asked, his gaze never drifting from Strong Oak’s sight. A large Diamond Dog with bright yellow fur came forward. “It was a custom job. Real spif work,” he said with a high pitched and nasal-sounding voice compared to Brutus. He also spoke faster and gestured with much enthusiasm. “Is wall secure?” he said again, this time turning to his pack mate. Cooper nodded. “Yes, yes. The packed snow is firm yet wind is persistent. Took me and the boys long time to secure base without waking locals.” He gestured to the camp’s inhabitants, who all tried to fathom as to why there were so many Diamond Dogs. Brutus then turned his gaze towards Silverwing, who in turn was wanting in answer in all of this. “Brutus sorry, Silverwing. Did not intend to lie,” he said. Silverwing shook her head, trying to understand. “Why do you need to apologize?” she replied. Brutus remained still. “Brutus lie that pack was killed,” he explained. Silverwing waited, giving the Diamond Dog a chance to continue. “What you found was half our pack. They were sent away from mother den, to flee south and rejoin our kindred packs. All our women, children, and few warriors. Brutus among them, while the rest of pack was away, to scan region and ensure safety for travel,” he explained, “Diamond Dogs would have digged deep into ground, but pack discovered, by horned ones.” he said. Silverwing’s mind flashed of the yak they faced back in the village, and she shuddered at the raw power the individual had. “When pack discovered we traveled top side. Hoping to get out of lands swiftly. We did not intended to be run into ambush,” he said, his ears lowered in shame. The other Diamond Dogs, all lowered their heads and some gave soft howls into the air, moaning their grief into the morning air. “Horned ones came, slaughtered us all, claimed our wives and pups. What you see is all that’s left of our great pack,” he explained. Silverwing tried to fathom it all. “So why was it that you didn’t tell us this before? Why hide yourselves until now?” she asked. Brutus gave a soft sigh, and closed his eyes if ashamed. “We did not know if you would come to harm us. We thought equines and Cervine would kill off pack. Hence why Brutus kept asking if you would kill me.” That explains much actually, Silverwing thought while Brutus continued. “When you cared for wellbeing, came to trust me and how we fought against horned one, our goals became mutual. Brutus decide to reveal at proper time, but Strong Oak discovered,” he said, gesturing to the Cervine leader. Silverwing raised a brow at him and saw that Strong Oak was staring at her. “How did you know?” she asked him. The Cervine gave a smirk. “Ever see him eat the meat? Did you ask yourself how he managed to get the meat without disturbing the snow outside of the camp?” he asked her. Silverwing blinked at him and indeed remembered that whenever he was eating, the snow around him was clear and not disturbed by his tracks. Nor did she recall any tracks leading out of the camp or into it. Strong Oak turned his full attention back onto the Diamond Dog. “When I first noticed this and observed the past few days of him eating, I immediately knew that there had to be more dogs nearby. I merely waited until he would reveal his followers onto us. For there was no way that he could have built the wall without help from his pack.” Silverwing eyed him and was amazed by how much his tracking skills have been in discovering them all. Strong Oak then pressed into Brutus, the latter remaining unmoved. “The real question here is why risk yourselves when you could have killed us in our sleep?” he said. Brutus now stared at him with much intensity, clearly not enjoying the fact that he could betray them. “Brutus would never hurt those that treated him well. Brutus would have truce among you so that we show no aggression to you,” he said. “Yes, but you need trust to have a truce, and trust is hard to come by nowadays. Especially among former enemies,” he said. Brutus nodded his head to him. “I trust you,” he said, taking a small step forward and allowing the blade to touch the center of his neck. “Cervine has fears of Diamond dogs. You faced my kind before, yes?” he said. Strong Oak nodded subtly. “Yes, I faced your kind in Ghastly Gorge, and the numbers were endless like the tide,” he said. Brutus hummed in understanding and gestured to his pack behind him. “My pack not like those you faced. The enemies of the past are not the same as us in the present. Brutus wishes nothing more then to fight alongside you in the fights to come,” he said. Silverwing to stepped in and placed a hoof over Strong Oak’s blade. “To what reason are you fighting, and why fight as equals with us?” she asked. Brutus’s eyes turned to her with a determined expression. “Vengeance for pack mates slain. Fight for our dead so that they may rest. Brutus and pack will fight with you when the time comes. We have mutual enemy in these lands, and horned ones will not stop till all are claimed and stomped under hoof,” he said. With that, Strong Oak sheathed his blade, all the while his expression never changed when he stared back at Brutus. “Make no mistake. If you ever betray us, the last thing you see is my blade.” Brutus nodded in kind. “And Brutus will no doubt accept his fate, should that ever happen,” he said, his emotion never once changing. Strong Oak inclined his head ever so slightly, but his gaze never lifted away from Brutus’s eyes. A moment later, as if a spell was lifted, Strong Oak left their side and went to his companions. Wanting to get to the bottom of this, Silverwing seized Strong Oak by the shoulder and stood in front of him. “You mind telling me what that was about?” she asked, wanting to get to the bottom of this. He gave a small smile of assurance to her. “I will tell you when the moments right. Right now, I must tend to my rangers.” he said, and with that he left her where she stood. He was most likely relaying orders to keep on the Diamond Dogs, but there was no doubt in her mind that Brutus and his pack means no harm. But still, why was he showing aggression to them and why hadn't he spoke up about it earlier to her. As if on cue, Brutus came up to Silverwing and she stared up at him. “Brutus has a hundred boys in pack. If there is anything we can do, then let us know,” he said, while his packmates began moving about, doing their own things and essentially setting their own camp within the camp. “I got extra wood for the fire,” one short Diamond Dog spoke. “Well, hurry up. Freezing tail here,” a larger Diamond Dog said. “Where should I store my gear?” another Diamond Dog with a confused expression called out. Silverwing blinked in astonishment. She thought handling one Diamond Dog was easy enough; now, there was a hundred in the pack. She wondered if her nerves could handle this, including her own company, which were taken aback as the Diamond Dogs were already making a home for themselves in the camp. Returning her gaze back to Brutus, she tried her best to give a reassuring smile, despite of having thought of the Diamond Dogs getting in the way of things. She paused for a moment, when a sudden gust of wind came by and she looked up to the sky and saw the snow coming down much more heavily. “I thank you, Brutus, for offering help. If possible, can you and your pack shore up the walls so that we don’t get blown away by the storm and make sure the camp is not buried by the snow?” she asked. Brutus inclined. “It will be done. Brutus will relay orders to pack,” he said, moving away to speak with his ‘boys’ as he called them. Silverwing was left alone with Hammer, as everypony and everything around them continued to move about them. “So Silverwing,” he asked, making her draw her attention. “Is Brutus the leader of the pack or was he chosen to be one?” he asked. “I’m not sure. It’s possible their leader died, and the pack looks up to Brutus for guidance,” she said. “Didn’t you notice that Brutus was calm throughout the exchange, and in turn his pack was as well?” “Yeah, you’re right. They didn’t seem to show any aggression or have any hate with the rest of our company,” he said. “I guess if they believed that Brutus was not going to do any harm, then they had no reason to take up their arms,” she said. The moment she said it, a yellow Diamond Dog wearing a blue vest came forward with open arms.“Did one of you say arms?” The two looked at the new Diamond Dog and blinked in mild surprise. “And you must be?” she asked, to which the Diamond Dog gave a large toothy grin. “Oh, my manners. Name’s Cooper. I’m considered Brutus’s plus one,” he said with that signature high pitched voice and a toothy smile. “So what is it that you do then, Cooper?” she asked, trying to be polite with the Diamond Dog. He gave a hearty laugh. “Well, I’m a number of things really. A drifter with my pack, scavenger of wares, a scout and contriver. You can see the handy work on the wall. Really nice it is.” He gestured to wall with his thumb. His fast paced voice continued to amaze her. “I see that,” Silverwing said, mildly amused by Cooper’s demeanor. In a way, he resembled a happy go lucky dog. Before she asked another question, she was stopped when Shadow Hunter came forward. “Captain Silverwing, I checked with the others and they say the storm is going to linger on us for some time. Counting that in days, in fact,” he said. Silverwing nodded from the news, albeit knowing it was going to set them back tremendously for an unknown amount of time. “Thank you, Shadow Hunter. Please notify the other officers so that we can formulate a plan to hunker down. If the storm is bad as you say, then we will need to conserve as much resources as possible until it passes,” she said. Hearing this, Cooper clapped his paws together and drew their attention. “If you going to settle here for a while, then my boys can help. We can scavenge around for any of those green foods you like and scout the grounds if there are any horned ones,” he said. Silverwing raised a hoof to him. “That is very generous of you, but I think there are other priorities that we-” “Oh, I see,” Cooper interjected. “I can get started on a latrine pit for ya. You ponies won’t have to worry of freezing your tails off outside the walls once it’s built.” The three equines blinked at him in surprise, seeing Cooper willing to do such a task (and a very dirty task as that). “Well, we don’t carry a outdoor privy,” Shadow Hunter mused, drawing a hoof to his chin. “Then it’s settled!” Cooper said, his massive arms outstretched. “I’ll gather some boys to help. If there are any other things you need, let ole Cooper know,” he said, tail wagging as he wandered off. The three stood stunned at what they witnessed. “Well, that’s one problem off the list,” Hammer said, bearing a childish smirk at the happy Diamond Dog. “They have their uses,” Shadow Hunter added. “I just hope they don’t turn on us the moment they sense something wrong.” Silverwing nodded, taking in Strong Oak’s words into account. The Diamond Dogs had been in hiding all this time, and no doubt had the means to handle themselves. If they did plan on something, they would have done it already. And yet, nothing had happened to warrant any threat. She drew and breathed out into the cold morning air. “Well, we’ll have to keep watch as much as possible. They have their right in being here for helping build the wall, and they hate the yaks as much as we fear them. They are willing to help us out, so we should make due with what we have. Although there is one thing that makes them stand out,” she said. Her two companions looked to her. She eyed them both, and a small smile appeared on her face. “They’re a colorful bunch.”