“We’re finally here,” Hector said as he crested the hill, Florina by his side.
The rest of the group trudged up the hill behind them, their weary legs threatening to drag after all the journeying they’d done that day to reach their ultimate destination. The sun shined bright and hot above, unobscured by clouds. A merciful gust of wind blew from the east, granting their faces a brief moment of reprieve from the blazing heat. They came up behind the royal couple, who parted to allow them to see the landscape. The distant form of Castle Ostia stood tall and proud atop the horizon while the brown and gray patch of land before it was the castle town. Despite having seen the castle once before from this distance, Twilight still felt awestruck. That moment when you first catch sight of your ultimate destination after a long, trying journey was a feeling that few words could adequately describe.
Hector turned to address the entire group. “Since we’re almost to the castle, we can stop for a rest and water break here if any of you need it.”
“Thank you!” Rainbow cried. She flopped onto the ground, legs splayed haphazardly. “Sweet Celestia, why did the trip get so hard during the last stretch?”
“Beats me, Sugarcube,” Applejack breathed, sitting down next to her.
“The last leg of a journey is always the toughest,” Twilight explained with a soft laugh. “It’s all in the mind; the closer you get to something you want, the more anxious you get, and the more anxious you get the more time seems to stretch.
Fluttershy took a spot next to them. Rusty slept cozily on her back, tail twitching every so often. She gently patted his head, causing him to flick his ears. Water flasks were fetched from the wagon and passed around. Everyone quickly downed every last drop in their offered with Rainbow Dash even splashing a large amount in her face. Huey was unhitched from the wagon so he could graze a short distance away.
“Hey Twilight, can I talk to you in private for a second?” Hector asked her.
“Of course,” she replied.
They retreated to a giant oak tree down the hill, well out of everyone’s earshot. Twilight wondered if what Hector wanted to talk about had anything to do with the potential alliance between Lycia and Equestria. He leaned against the tree trunk while she sat on the ground, fully attentive. The grim expression on his face worried her a little. He didn’t waste any time, getting straight to talking.
“Do you remember the story I told about the war against Nergal? About how we used some of the Eight Legends’ weapons to defeat him?”
She nodded.
“At the end of our respective trials to claim them, we actually met the lingering spirits of the Legends who once wielded them.”
Her eyes widened. “Wow!”
He shook his head. “It wasn’t a spectacular meeting, just a short conversation between me and Durban the Berserker. But it’s what he told me that’s the reason I want to talk to you.”
She blinked, drawing blanks as to how a connection could exist between the two.
He continued. “When I was bestowed Armads by Durban, he told me that wielding such power came with a price. Anyone who wields Armads is destined not to die a peaceful death, but rather one on the fields of war. And since I wielded Armads, I am destined to die such a death.”
Twilight’s heart dropped at his words. “Wait, you’re serious!?” Any thought of potentially being overheard by the rest of the group was gone from her mind.
“I don’t know when it will happen,” Hector said, ignoring her outburst. “But I’ve been thinking about it every now and then for the past couple of years. If I’m to die on the fields of war, then that means war is coming to Lycia, possibly all of Elibe.”
Now Twilight understood how this involved her. “And you’re wondering whether you could count on Equestria’s support when that time comes,” she reasoned.
He nodded. “I wouldn’t expect you to send soldiers; supplies would be enough.”
“Well, if Celestia agrees with the alliance, then you could count on us.”
“That’s good to hear.”
The two were uncomfortably silent for a while. Hector’s revelation weighed heavily on Twilight’s mind. The man before her was unquestionably a friend, one that she’d support in his time of need when asked even without an alliance between countries. Knowing now that he was going to die sometime in the future was bad enough, but as a casualty of war made it even worse. Worse still was not knowing when it could come. She turned her gaze to the group, who were all chatting with each other, happy smiles splitting their faces. Rainbow dumped some water onto Serra’s head, eliciting a startled shriek from the cleric and several laughs from Rainbow and Applejack. Florina reached over and helped Serra wring the water from her hair with a gentle smile before helping put it back into the peppy style it was in before, whispering encouraging words to her friend to bring her out of her dourness.
“Does Florina know this?” she finally asked, turning back to him.
He sighed, looking downcast. “I’m still working up the courage to tell her. As strong as she’s gotten in the time we’ve spent together, I don’t know if this is something she’d take well.”
“I think she’s strong enough to take it.”
“Probably, but I’m still trying to work up the courage to tell her.”
Twilight was surprised to hear him say that; he was usually so blunt and tactless that to see him hesitant on something was shocking.
“There’s something else I want to say,” he said.
“What is it?”
Hector turned to look at a faraway point in the distance, clearly lost in his mind. She patiently waited for him to organize his thoughts.
“I’m hoping by the time I lose my life that Florina and I will have raised a child,” he finally said. “When I die, it will fall to them to lead Lycia through trying times. I would ask you, Twilight Sparkle, to support them not just as a comrade, but as a friend.”
Twilight was taken aback by his request, unsure how to respond at first; he was asking some heavy stuff of her. The first question that passed her lips was, “What about Florina?”
“Lots of mothers don’t survive childbirth,” Hector explained. “At least here; I’m sure things are different in your world. But even if she survives I would still ask you to support our child as a friend.”
“And there isn’t anyone here in Elibe you trust more?”
“There are many people here that I would trust wholeheartedly, but many of them live far away and I don’t get to see them too often outside of political matters. Your world, however, exists within my own home, in a sense.”
“What about Oswin and Serra?”
Hector’s lips curled into a sly smile. “They’re good people, but they’re also not the best to ask such a favor of. Take it from someone who’s been close to them for years; Oswin is too concerned with his duty and Serra speaks for herself.”
“Well, I can’t say I’m not flattered.” In truth, Twilight wasn’t feeling completely comfortable accepting such a huge responsibility, even if it was basically asking her to put into practice all the lessons she’d learned about friendship since moving to Ponyville. She opened her mouth to say she wanted more time to think about it but seeing Hector’s trusting look snapped her hesitation in half. “But sure, I’ll do it.”
Hector held out his hand. “I owe you even more, now.”
Twilight shook his hand. “Yeah, I guess…”
“Is something the matter?” he asked, looking concerned.
She looked at the ground for a moment before looking forlornly up at him. “Sorry, it’s just that... “ She trailed off.
Hector knelt down and rested a hand on her withers. “I’m not afraid to die.” His eyes were resolute. Unwavering. “I accepted Armads fully aware of the consequences, but I would do it a hundred times over if it meant helping my friends each and every time.”
Twilight once again didn’t know how to respond, less out of uncertainty this time and more out of awe. Hector had proven to be a blunt, no-nonsense type of person, the kind of person that, while she could respect, she didn’t view in the same capacity as Princess Celestia. That man had been replaced by a true leader, one who not only could run a nation, but deserved to. Hector was more than just a friend to her now; he was a role model on par with Princess Celestia.
He lifted his hand off of her and gestured toward the group. “Let’s have some more water before we get moving again.”
Twilight nodded, coming out of her awe, and followed him back to the group. They didn’t mention anything about what they’d discussed when asked, much to Twilight’s friends’ dismay. She joked about how Rarity’s love of gossip and secrets was rubbing off on them; it helped lighten her mood after all the heavy stuff she’d just been told.
The group finished their break after another few minutes and got back on the road, feeling energized and ready to tackle the last leg of their journey. Twilight put all thoughts of the future out of her mind, choosing to focus on the present. Equestria was on the verge of a new era of friendship across worlds and she was giddy with excitement to be at the cusp of it.
The group exited the forest to behold the sight of Castle Ostia towering over them on the hill where it stood. The castle town was visibly bursting with activity, but the citizens were all oblivious to their resident Lord and Lady and friends’ return to the castle. Thankfully, there were no signs that an uprising had occurred during their absence. They made their way up the hill leading to the side entrance where the stables were. A small contingent of guards and servants were gathered near the entrance. Broad smiles plastered their faces when they caught sight of the group. One that wore a more elaborate helmet than the rest stepped forward.
“Your Highnesses!” he said before everyone else came forward and knelt before the royal couple. “Right on time! We are glad to see you return safe and sound!”
Hector nodded. “Nothing unsavory occurred while we were gone, Captain?”
“Nothing at all, milord!”
“That’s good to hear,” Florina said.
Oswin stepped forward. “Lord Hector and Lady Florina have a few matters to discuss with our companions. Unload the wagon and see Huey to the stables before awaiting further instructions.”
“Yes sir!” they all said.
The group left them to their orders while they made their way into the castle. They were silent as they walked through the stone hallways, which suited Florina just fine; she appreciated the chance to collect her thoughts upon returning home from their long journey. Things were going to change very greatly very quickly, so she needed as much time as she could get to rest and recover both physically and mentally before that all started.
She and Hector led the group to the closest sitting room, situated not too far from the staircase leading to the dungeon and the supply room containing the Window. Everyone poured in and immediately took seats, sighing heavily at the chance to finally rest their travel-weary legs. She, Hector and Oswin all shed their armor, relishing in the new freedom of movement from the literal weight being lifted off of their shoulders. The ponies laid down on the floor next to each other with their tongues sticking out, panting heavily. Serra slouched in her chair in a very uncouth manner in stark contrast to how she typically viewed herself. The only one who looked perfectly comfortable was Rusty.
Florina tilted her head, curious. “Are you planning on taking Rusty with you, Fluttershy?” she asked.
Fluttershy looked up from her haphazard position on the floor. “If you’re worried, don’t be; he wants to come. I already care for plenty of animals and I’m sure he would get along with them.”
Rusty made a happy barking noise.
“I’m worried that a difference in nutrient quality between worlds could hamper his diet,” Twilight said. “At least make sure to bring him back if that turns out to be the case.”
“Of course,” Fluttershy promised.
“I gotta say,” Rainbow started, standing up and taking to the air, “this trip was great! Can’t wait to tell everypony back home about it! Oh, we still need to have our sparring match, Hector.” She flashed him a wry grin. “Think you can take on the fastest pegasus pony in all of Equestria?”
Hector smiled. “Speed means nothing to one who doesn’t have skill. Go learn how to handle a sword and then I’ll be happy to spar with you.”
“You got it, buddy.”
Applejack sighed and looked to Oswin. “We’ve both got our work cut out for us.”
Rainbow stuck her tongue out at her friend. Oswin smiled softly and nodded.
Florina giggled at the exchange before saying, “I’m very glad I could go on this journey with you, Fluttershy. And I’m glad I could help you when you were feeling uncertain.”
“And I’m glad I could help in my own way along the journey,” Fluttershy said humbly.
Serra straightened her posture and struck a dramatic pose. “What a splendid journey this was! I’m glad I made the decision to come along— gods only know how worse you all would have fared without my boundless generosity!”
“I enjoyed the journey too,” Fluttershy said. “As scary as it got sometimes, I’m glad I made the decision to come along, too.”
“We are very grateful for your contributions,” Hector said with a smile. “I must admit, your ‘Stare’ is a very useful tool for ending conflicts peacefully; I can respect that.”
“I would love to visit Equestria again and see more of it,” Florina said. “What little we got to see when we visited was nice.”
“Oh yes, there’s many wonderful sights and people to see and meet,” Fluttershy said. “I… I don’t think I’m the right person to show you around, though.” She shuffled sheepishly.
“Leave it to me, in that case,” Twilight said. “With Equestria and Lycia potentially forming an alliance, I think it’s only natural to conduct some tours. If Celestia agrees to the alliance, she’ll have to inform the various leaders of different provinces, which means introducing you two to them all.” She looked thoughtful for a moment. “I imagine word has spread all over Equestria by now that humans have visited.”
“Can I visit too?” Serra asked, a hopeful glimmer in her eyes.
“Sure ya can, girl,” Applejack said. “The more the merrier, like they say.”
“Yay!” Serra cheered. She turned to Florina, placing a hand on her own chest. “Rest assured, I will be your vassal on the journey and shall see to your wounds as I always do.”
There was a moment of silence before Hector blurted, “What did you say?”
Serra tilted her head. “That I’ll be your vassal like I always am?”
Oswin cleared his throat before speaking. “Never before have you used the term ‘vassal’ to refer to yourself, Serra. I share Hector’s sentiment that it is quite the shock to see.”
Serra huffed and crossed her arms. “I will have you know that being someone else’s vassal is every bit as significant as having my own.”
The ponies all giggled at the exchange and Florina joined in after a second. All the talk of visiting Equestria filled her mind with thoughts of all the amazing things she’d seen and experienced there the first time and what else she might on a second trip. Equestria had so much strange technology and customs, not to mention the absolutely delicious food. Twilight had even mentioned a plethora of different races aside from ponies and dragons, each with their own countries and cultures. It all sounded absolutely wonderful.
“Before we head down to the Window, there’s something I’d like to say to you all,” Hector said, looking between the ponies. He stood up. “I want to make clear that Lycia is willing to offer its services to Equestria as part of this potential alliance. I understand that your kind is better at finding peaceful solutions to conflicts, but Lycia would be willing to send soldiers strictly for defensive measures should your government request them. We would also be willing to send supplies as needed in addition to tactical guidance, that is, once I’ve proven myself a competent ruler to the people of Lycia.”
Twilight nodded. “I’ll be sure to inform Princess Celestia of that.”
“I must express concerns over the act of sending too many soldiers to Equestria,” Oswin said, drawing everyone’s attention. “The existence of the Window is still a secret even to most people residing within this castle. If word of its existence spread beyond these walls, it could create political strife and put us in a precarious position, especially if word got out to another country.”
“I know that, Oswin,” Hector said. “Every soldier that guards the Window has proven to be completely trustworthy. If we ever decide to lend out soldiers, we will pull from that group.”
Oswin seemed to agree, yet was still noticeably concerned.
“I think it’s good to have trust in some people,” Fluttershy spoke up.
“Yeah, totally,” Rainbow agreed. “I mean, this all wouldn’t have worked out if you didn’t, you know?”
“I certainly put my trust in the right people,” Hector said, smiling sincerely.
Florina felt a warm tingle shoot through her at their words.
With nothing left to say, the group decided it was time to head to the Window. They made their way from the sitting room and down the corridor to the staircase leading to the dungeons, passing by no one on the way as most of the servants were still unloading the supply wagon. They made their way through the empty dungeons, eventually coming to the supply room containing the Window. The guards stationed on either side were as stoic and dutiful as ever.
“You are dismissed,” Oswin told them. “Inform the next rotation.”
The guards nodded and left. Twilight finally dismissed her illusion spell as soon as they were out of sight. Hector took out the key to the door and opened it, revealing the luminescent sight of the Window. They all stood there for a few moments, silently staring at the interdimensional gateway.
Twilight was the first to break the silence. “Well, I guess this is it, at least for a little while. Princess Celestia might come over in just a few minutes, even, if she’s not too busy when I tell her about your alliance proposal.”
“Ooh, can I come through with you all?” Serra pleaded.
“Serra!” Oswin barked, making her jump. “Show some discipline.”
She wilted under his disapproving glare. “Y-yes, I’m sorry.”
Applejack laughed and patted her leg. “Don’t you worry none, girl; I got a gut feelin’ you’ll get your chance sooner rather than later.”
Rusty was fully awake and looking excited from his place on Fluttershy’s back. “You’ll get to meet lots of new friends very soon,” she told him.
He barked happily.
“First thing I’m doing as soon as we get back is flying nonstop for about a week,” Rainbow declared and flared her wings. “These babies need a lot of exercise to make up for all that ground time.”
“You were very strong, Rainbow Dash,” Florina told her sincerely. “It must have been torturous to be grounded for so long.”
“You know it,” Rainbow said. “But it was worth it to show off my moves to everyone in Remi,” she added with a cocky grin.
“I’ll admit, they were very impressive,” Hector said. “But when we spar, please don’t use them if you want a fair fight.”
“Sure thing,” she replied.
There was a moment of silence before Twilight said, “Well, if we’re all done exchanging farewells, then I guess it’s time we go.”
The ponies all stepped into the supply room, waving goodbye over their shoulders which the humans returned. One by one they stepped through the Window and out of sight. Hector closed the door and locked it just as the next pair of guards stepped around the corner down the hallway. They regarded the group with a nod and took their places on either side of the door. The group started down the hallway.
“I’m still feeling exhausted,” Serra expressed with a yawn. “A girl of my beauty needs lots of rest after a long journey to maintain such an appearance.”
“I will inform the rest of the servants to resume their normal duties,” Oswin said.
They parted ways from Florina and Hector once they exited the dungeon; Serra in the direction of the servants’ quarters and Oswin toward the castle’s side entrance from where they’d come.
“Well, the mission was a success,” Hector said once they were out of earshot. He gave Florina a warm smile. “And it was all thanks to you.”
She blushed at his praise. “You’re welcome, dear.”
He leaned closer to her face and closed his eyes. Her blush deepened, but she mimicked the action. Their lips met and they let their tongues dance in romantic passion, Hector clutching Florina’s hips and her wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Their kiss lasted for a minute before they broke away, gasping for air.
“I imagine there’s a lot of work waiting for me in my office,” Hector said between breaths. “Can I count on your help while we wait for the ponies?”
Florina snuggled into his side, keeping her arms wrapped around him. “You can count on me for anything, dear.”
The End