//------------------------------// // Chapter 8: Surprises // Story: The Eagle Of Equestria // by Romes_FinestPony //------------------------------// Chapter 8: Surprises Back in the library, Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash were now past their initial shock. They lowered their voices and started to discuss among themselves. Spike got bored and started to pick up all the books that lay in the floor. Rarity was just starting to stir from her unconscious state. 'Ugh. What in Equestria just happened?' Rarity sat up, rubbing the back of her head with a forehoof. 'Funny thing was, I dreamed I saw a big, hairless diamond dog! No wonder I have headaches!' She added. The other mares stopped their small discussions and looked at her with serious expressions on their faces. Rarity stared back, still looking very confused and disoriented. Her eyes suddenly widened as realization struck her like a lightning bolt. 'Are you-? Oh Sweet Celestia! I had hoped I'd never see another diamond dog in my whole life ever again!' She suddenly whirled around and looked at Spike. Spike was just about to stand back up as he picked up another book. He was already carrying a large (for his size) pile of books and he stumbled and wobbled at the weight. Spike turned around as he heard the voice of Rarity rise up in panic. He turned, only to find himself face-to-face with Rarity. 'Was it here to get me?! Was it one of the guards from that awful mine where I was kept prisoner?!' Rarity grabbed hold of Spike's shoulders and started to shake them. Spike's books fell on the floor as Spike just stared at Rarity with a dreamy look. 'You look so beautiful when you're panicking.' Spike murmured unconsciously. Rarity did not seem to hear her secret admirer's comment as she let go of Spike's shoulders. Letting him drop to the floor like a rock. Rarity began galloping around the library, making preposterous plans of escape. 'I must pack now! I will NOT go back to those scruffy-looking, fashion-hating Diamond dogs! I will hide in Canterlot! Yes! Canterlot! There, I will set up a new business, gain a new identity and-' 'How LADY-LIKE Rarity.' Applejack said sarcastically. Rarity suddenly stopped and blinked. She sighed and regained composure. 'You're right dear. Very improper of me. A lady does NOT panic like this.' Before anypony could stop her, Rainbow Dash asked. 'So HOW does a lady panic?' Rarity promptly raised her forehoofs to her mouth in a melodramatic way and screamed in a high pitched voice. Applejack and Twilight was quick enough to cover their ears with their forehooves. Spike's hearing may have been saved due to the green fins on his ears. Rainbow Dash, was not so lucky. Some ponies who happened to have passed by the library that day instantly winced and ran away as Rarity's shrill scream filled the air. As soon as Rarity felt like she has screamed long enough, she went back to her normal self. 'There. Better already.' She said with a sing-song voice. Rainbow Dash sat on the floor. Her head and eyes were spinning in circles. The borrowed helmet was on the floor, it still seemed to be reverberate the shrill scream. Applejack was mouthing a message to Twilight. 'Is she done yet?' Twilight gingerly raised a forehoof, letting a bit of her ear poke out from underneath to scan for any sound or noise. She sighed with relief as she heard Rarity talking normally once again. 'Yes. It's okay to hear now.' Twilight told Applejack as she walked over to Rainbow Dash. 'Uh. Rainbow Dash? Are you A-' 'Whaaaaa?! Why are you whispering? Louder Twilight! Can't hear ya!' Rainbow Dash shouted as she cupped a forehoof around her ear. 'I SAID: ARE YOU AL-' 'WHAAA?!' 'I SAID: ARE YOU- you know what? Never mind. You will hear normally in about-' Twilight turned to look at a hanging clock on the wall. 'I would say that half an hour is a pretty good judgment.' Twilight walked away from Rainbow Dash and turned to Applejack. 'Okay: Back to the Apsconsus topic. WHY THE HAY DID YOU TRY TO FIGHT HIM!' Applejack winced as Twilight glared at her. She looked down and nervously pawed the wooden floor the library. 'Uh. I uh. Ah kahnda thought you were in danger back then.' Twilight took a deep breath and sighed. 'That's understandable. But do not do that ever again. He could have hurt you!' She inwardly shuddered as she pictured the creature bent over Applejack's helpless body. His dagger raised over his head, ready to plunge it deep into her friend's-. No. Don't think about it Twilight. Twilight reminded herself. 'Uh Twah? Ah do hope that Fluttershy's alright. You know, looking for that thing an' all.' Twilight remained silent. 'Twah? That mare has a LOT of questions ta answer when she comes back.' 'I know. But that Apsconsus has more questions to answer.' That was all Twilight said as she walked towards her desk. I have to write to the Princesses about this. She thought. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So THAT'S a cutie mark. Silvanus mused as he took a glimpse at Fluttershy's flank. Three pink butterflies adorned it. At first, Silvanus felt very sceptical. Maybe it was just somesort of a tribal tattoo. Fluttershy proved that it wasn't a tattoo by telling him that: 'Oh. And talking ponies were just myths, Timberwolves were just legends and magic was just a trick. You can believe... If you want to.' Silvanus had nothing to say but: 'Good point.' And that ended their conversation. Fluttershy walked beside Silvanus as she guided the Legionary back to Twilight's house. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were chatting merrily amongst each other as they walked in front of Fluttershy and Silvanus. Fluttershy suddenly glanced at Silvanus. Silvanus quickly looked away and looked up to the Eagle. He was trying to hide the shade of red that coloured his cheeks. Fluttershy also looked away, blushing profusely, as soon as she saw Silvanus look at her flank. Silvanus tried to eliminate the awkwardness by asking Fluttershy random questions about her home, her friends, her critters and the Everfree forest. It seemed to work as Fluttershy seemed to be drawn away from her silence. As they were nearing Twilight's house, Fluttershy suddenly turned to Silvanus. 'Um. If you don't mind, I would like to have your knife now please? I wouldn't want any harm to come to anypo- anyone.' 'I understand. I'm sorry for all the trouble and possible trauma that I caused you and your friends today.' Silvanus sighed as he reached for his Pugio and handed it to Fluttershy, with the case and all, who gingerly took it with her mouth. 'Shall we?' Silvanus asked, gesturing to the tree house. Fluttershy tried to say something, but she stopped as the knife in her mouth almost fell out from it's scabbard. She blushed slightly and nodded. 'Lets.' As Silvanus opened the door for Fluttershy, he couldn't help but think. 'I had a cutie mark, I wonder what it would look like.' He shrugged as he put on a friendly smile and bent down to enter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight put down her quill back into the inkpot and called out. 'SPIIIIIKE!' 'Yeah T-Twilight?' Spike answered back from a ladder as he placed some books back on it's rightful places. The ladder almost fell back as Spike pushed some books into place. 'I need you to send this letter to the Princesses!' 'I-In a minute!' Spike answered as he placed and pushed the last book back into place. 'Spike! This is an emergency! I need you to send this now!' Twilight cantered towards the bottom of the ladder. 'Okay Okay! I'm coming down!' Spike called as he started to slowly stepped down the ladder. 'Uh. Twah? Ah think somepony's comin' this way.' Applejack called out as she looked out the window. Twilight hurriedly bent down and stuffed the letter underneath the bottom shelf. She managed to straighten up before the door suddenly burst open, causing her to flinch. 'Hey there big sis! Did you want t' see me?' 'Well howdy'do Applebloom! Uh. In a way, I kinda was.' Applejack said as her sister ran up to her and gave her a small hug. 'Rarity! I heard you wanted to see me?' 'Uh. Of course Darling! I can't keep my little sis waiting now, can I?' Rarity smiled happily as Sweetie Belle bounced around her. 'Rainbow Dash! Ya wanted to see me? I Have to tell you about this awesome stunt I did today!' 'What was that Scoots! CAN'T REALLY HEAR YA!' Scootaloo frowned at her idol's response. 'Nah. Just joking around there Scoots! Of course I wanna hear about your stunt!' The cutie mark crusaders ran over to Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash as Twilight sighed with relief. Her horn glowed with magical aura as the door behind the fillies closed. She then bent down and reached into the bottom shelf for her letter. 'Hello? Hope you don't mind for taking so long.' A soft voice whispered from the doorway. Twilight in a blink of an eye, was standing again. She wore an awkward smile as she saw Fluttershy enter the tree house. Her smile faltered as Silvanus entered after her. 'Oh uh. Hi! Silvanus!' Twilight greeted him hurriedly. Silvanus frowned slightly as their eyes met. He then sighed as he spoke. 'Listen, Twilight. I'm sorry for scaring you and your friends like that. The Lustration Exercise was and still is one of my duties as a Legionary to fulfil.' Twilight relaxed as she saw the seriousness in Silvanus's voice. She was about to say something in return, but stopped when she saw Silvanus doing something else. Silvanus looked around the room and as soon as he caught sight of Rarity, he instantly went down on his knees and begged. 'Oh please do not fall unconscious once again!' Rarity stared at Silvanus for a few moments before she gave him a forced smile. 'Of course not darling!' Silvanus then stood back up and turned to Applejack, who stood with Applebloom. Silvanus reached out to Applejack with an outstretched hand. 'You have been a worthy opponent Applejack. I commend you for your courage.' Applejack stood there, nervously fidgeting, until Applebloom nudged Applejack's side. 'Ow! Oh um. uh. Thanks?' She said as she merely bumped his hand with her hoof. Silvanus then turned to the fillies and asked them: 'Are these your sisters Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo?' Applebloom and Sweetie Belle nodded enthusiastically. Silvanus raised a brow at Scootaloo. Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash smiled as she nodded. Scootaloo beamed and looked back at Silvanus. 'Yes.' 'I see that you and Silvanus has already developed some kind of a bond?' Rarity asked the Cutie Mark Crusaders with a raised eyebrow. The three fillies nodded and beamed. Twilight cut off further discussion as she announced: 'As much as We would want to talk, I think it's getting kind of late.' She then turned to Silvanus. 'I'd like to have some questions answered please? If that's not too much of a bother for you of course.' Silvanus smiled as he sat down on the floor. 'Okay then. I'll answer as truthfully as I can. Fire away!' Twilight took a deep breath before asking the first question. 'What's a Lustration Exercise?' Silvanus took a moment to think of a non-graphic answer. He then sighed as he answered back with a simplified version of it. 'A lustration exercise is a ritual that us Romans do before sending an army-' Twilight paled as she heard that there was not only one of these Apsconsus, but a whole army. Silvanus glanced at her and saw her pale face. '-And a ritual of a religious sacrifice if the Eagle has been captured or damaged in battle. We only do that once we regained our Eagle. It is so that we may please the gods from our defeat.' Silvanus quickly added, pointing up to the Golden Eagle. All eyes were turned to the majestic eagle. It was literally spotless. It looked as if it had never touched the ground. As the other Equestrians still stared at the Eagle, Rainbow Dash looked back down to Silvanus as she asked her next question. 'What's a Legionary?' Silvanus inwardly winced as he tried of a simpler way to answer. The rest of the Equestrians now looked at Silvanus with curiosity. 'A Legionary is a soldier who operates in a Legion. A Legion is a unit of 5400-6000 men. Not including the Auxiliaries.' The mares' eyes widened as they digested what they were hearing. We have an armed alien Armour here in Ponyville! The fillies' and Rainbow Dash's just stood there and gaped. 'Cool! So you're like a royal guard or somethin' you must be pretty good to keep a straight face while guarding doors and gates you know?' Rainbow Dash gasped. She picked up the helmet and stared at it in awe. The three fillies huddled closer around her to get a glimpse themselves of the strange object that Rainbow Dash held in her hoofs. 'Now how the hay did you GET here!' Applejack semi-shouted. The Equestrians once again turned their attention to Silvanus. Even Rainbow Dash and the three fillies who were totally engrossed with his helmet just moments before. 'Well, while marching in a forest just like your Everfree, my Legion and two others were attacked. I managed to escape and found myself surrounded with a large circle of monolithic rocks. It was then activated by some strange magic and I was swept away and found myself in the Everfree Forest.' The other Equestrians seemed satisfied with the answer. Twilight and Applejack stared at Silvanus suspiciously. Twilight's horn was glowing once again. It then flickered out as she sighed. 'Silvanus. Please tell us the whole truth. I can tell that your only telling us of half the whole story.' Silvanus flinched as he became the focus of attention once again. Silvanus looked down and started to fidget. 'Fine. I had a friend with me-' ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'Yes. I would be Honoured to die Kicking Barbarian butts!' With a yell, They charged at the Celts. Their shields clashed with Barbarian's shields. They started to push their weight on their shields, aiming to knock each other down. Silvanus looked back to see three more celts circle around them. 'LUCIUS! BEHIND US!' Silvanus called out to warn his friend. 'On it!' He answered as he took a step back suddenly. The celt who had his shield locked on Lucius' fell forward instantly. Lucius stepped forward and plunged his sword deep into the surprised celt's unprotected back. He then pulled out the blade and ran back to meet the celts who were behind them. The celt that Silvanus was fighting now stopped pushing back. The celt has now started on hacking at Silvanus' shield with his sword. Silvanus seemed to wait for a moment until he caught sight of a leg from underneath his shield. Silvanus pushed his shield down and earned the sound of cracking bone and the piercing scream of his opponent. Silvanus made a small opening with his shield as swung his sword, instantly dispatching the wounded enemy. The rain poured on, making the ground very muddy and slippery. Blood flowed from the corpses freely, mingling with the water and sometimes splattering into the huge stone pillars. 'ARGH!' Silvanus whirled to see Lucius fall to his knees. Blood was pouring from his right thigh. 'LUCIUS!' Silvanus shouted as he retreated towards his fallen comrade. Lucius was getting weaker. He was now barely putting his shield over his head, blocking the jarring impacts of the blades of the barbarian troops. Silvanus ran straight to the celt that was hacking and slashing at Lucius' shield. 'FOR ROME!' He cried out as he swung his sword across the celt's chest. The celt died before he even touched the ground. 'Go Silvanus! Leave now while there's an opening over there!' Lucius called out from underneath his shield. His hand poked out from underneath and pointed to a deserted opening of the forest. 'NO! I WILL NOT LEAVE YOU!' Lucius' shield lowered to reveal his face. Tears were falling down from his eyes. Silvanus planted his sword on the ground and reached down for Lucius. Lucius grabbed it and pulled himself up. The celts seemed to be rallying. Their war cries filled the air as the downpour of rain intensified. Silvanus and Lucius looked towards the rallying celts and looked back at each other. 'Let's finish this.' They stood their ground and braced for impact as the celts charged. A resonating clash filled the air as the two different kinds of warriors met. At each swing and thrust of their sword, the Romans were getting tired. A small pile of bodies lie at their feet. The celts were now worked into a frenzy, foam came out from the corners of their mouths as they screamed their war cries. The Romans now fought with desperation. All of a sudden, Lucius looked behind him and called out. 'SILVANUS! AUXILIARIES! WERE SAVED!' Lucius instantly disengaged and ran back. Silvanus plunged his blade into an axe-wielding celt before he looked back to see a group of soldiers wearing the same type of helmet and the oval, Roman shield. A coarse cry emerged from his mouth as he turned back to fight his enemies with new-found strength. 'BY ORDER OF OUR LEADER: HERMANN THE GERMAN OR OTHERWISE KNOWN AS ARIOVISTUS, ALL ROMANS MUST DIE.' The leader of the Auxiliary group called out. Lucius did not seem to hear as he ran forward to meet his "Saviours". Silvanus felt his heart skip a beat. He turned back to Lucius and tried to warn him. 'NO! LUCIUS! THEY'RE TRAITORS!' Silvanus watched helplessly as Lucius ran forward to meet the Traitorous Auxiliaries. 'NO! LUCIUS! N-' Silvanus screamed in pain as he saw his friend suddenly go rigid. A bloody sword emerged from his back. He threw his shield at the celt who he fought and stumbled over to his dying friend. The Auxiliaries has now disappeared back into the forest. Silvanus knelt beside his friend's body. Crying out with pain and shock. 'S-Silvanus.' Lucius whispered and opened his eyes. Silvanus looked down and smiled. 'I-I need... I n-need to tell you... Something.' Silvanus stared for a moment before he leant over and placed his ear close to Lucius' bloody lips. 'Y-you must... Live on... F-for the *cough* L-legion... F-for our f-friend's *cough*... D-do not w-waste... The *cough* s-sacrifices... They p-paid with... Their... B-blood... F-farewell... Brother...' And with those last words, Lucius died. Silvanus sobbed as his tears fell as rapidly as the rain. The celts were now closing in. Silvanus didn't care. The runes that was carved in the giant monoliths suddenly glowed bright blue as the wind howled, making a small water spout surround the circle. The celts cried out in fear and ran away, leaving Silvanus to kneel amongst the corpses of the dead. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- '-and next thing I know, I found myself in the Everfree forest.' Silvanus concluded. He had no more tears to shed. In fact, he felt at peace. He looked up to see the Equestrian's tear filled eyes. The glow on Twilight's horn was receding. She looked up at stared at Silvanus with tears in her eyes. 'He's telling the truth.' Even Spike was silently looking down, tears dropping down to the floor. 'Oh Mister Silvanus!' The cutie mark cusaders ran to the Legionary with open arms. Silvanus let the Eagle lean on the wall as he let it go and embrace the fillies. The mares and Spike went forward and joined the group hug. 'To lose one's friend... Just horrifying!' Rarity sobbed. 'Ah'm sorry for fahtin' ya. I think you have fought long enough.' Applejack added. 'Not only that... He was like a brother to you!' Twilight commented, tears were falling down her cheeks. 'I... I hope that you will be happy again here in Equestria.' Fluttershy whispered. 'I know that Lucius is already happy in the underworld. I now feel at peace.' Silvanus stated. The Equestrians just went on sobbing, burying their faces into each other's shoulders. Silvanus looked out the window and saw the sun starting to set. He gently patted the backs of the Equestrians and gently said: 'I think it is late enough.' The Equestrians moved back and brushed their tears away with their forehooves and er, claw. Rarity took out a hanky from nowhere and blew on her nose. 'I guess we should better get going. If you don't mind.' Fluttershy shakily whispered. The other mares nodded. 'Yeah. Ah better go home now. Applebloom and the fillies got school t'morrow.' Applejack sighed as Applebloom looked at her sister with those familiar, big, pleading eyes. 'Please? I wanna stay for a little while longer.' 'Please Rarity?' Sweetie Belle joined in with Applebloom. 'Hmmmm... I'll think about it.' Rarity mused. She then saw the joyful smile on her little sister's face. 'But don't get your hopes too high.' 'Well. See ya in the morning then Silvanus and Fluttershy.' Rainbow Dash and Twilight waved at the pair as they exited the tree house. As the door closed, Twilight turned to her friends. 'Has anypony seen Pinkie Pie today?' Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, The cutie mark crusaders and Spike shook their heads. No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For most of the time, Fluttershy remained silent as they walked along the dirt road that led to her cottage. Silvanus knew that something was bothering her. She had already returned his knife, which she secretly hid under a rug, as soon as they left Twilight's house. 'Are you okay Fluttershy?' Silvanus leaned down and gently asked. 'No. I'm fine... Really.' Fluttershy looked down. The sun had already set and the moon was already rising in the horizon. Crickets had began to chirp as they passed by a small stream. The cool, gentle wind gently blew on the tall reeds and grass. 'Was my story too... Disturbing?' Silvanus sighed. Fluttershy turned to Silvanus in surprise. 'No! Well... I kind of was-' 'I totally understand. When I lost my only friends and family and I ever knew, I thought that I might go mad with vengeance and sadness. The only thing that made me hang on to my sanity was the last request of my blood-brother, Lucius.' Silvanus turned and stared at the setting sun, remembering Lucius' last words. 'Y-you must... Live on-' '-but that wasn't the thing that bothered me.' Fluttershy continued. Silvanus turned back to Fluttershy with a small smile. 'Then what is, pray tell?' Fluttershy looked up to see Silvanus smile at her. 'It's just that, how can your own species fight your own? You are all technically the same. Well, except for the cultural difference.' Silvanus sighed before he answered. 'Fluttershy. Being a soldier, I was trained not to question things. But from my perspective, It seems to me as if the gods just put us humans on our world, or Terra as we say it, just so that we can fight under their names. I can't help but think that we are just there for the gods' enjoyment. just as the old saying goes: "While Us soldiers fight, bleed and die for the god's causes, the god's never come down to help. They don't want to get their feet wet." And I also think that it is powerful men's ambitions, thirst for power, love of riches and even hatred.' Fluttershy remained silent for a few moments before she whispered. 'That's cruel.' 'I know Fluttershy. I know.' Silvanus sighed. 'Your not like them. Your not a man.' Silvanus looked down in surprise to see Fluttershy looking back with a small smile. 'Your not cruel. Your not wanting riches and power. Your just caught up in the middle of cruel men's selfish ambitions.' Silvanus, now knowing that Fluttershy was not saying what he thought she was saying, smiled back. 'Thank you.' He then turned to the road ahead of them. 'But at what cost? Death. Destruction. Poverty.' He said bitterly. He felt something nuzzle him as he looked down. Fluttershy stared at him with a comforting smile. 'I'm glad your not like them.' She whispered softly. They remained silent for the rest of their trip. When they reached Fluttershy's door, it looked too quiet and dark for Silvanus to feel comfortable. Silvanus opened the door for Fluttershy enter. As Fluttershy came in, A loud chorus of shout erupted from within. 'SURPRISE!!!' Fluttershy leapt back in surprise, giving a little squeak. Silvanus then hurriedly entered. Colourful, floating circles was in abundance. Ponies of Every colour were present. A large flyer with the message written on it said: 'WELCOME TO PONYVILLE ________!' Silvanus, too surprised to react, just stood at the door entrance. 'Whyhellothere!Myname'sPinkiePieandIjustwannawelcomeyouto-' Silvanus stepped back as a pink pony suddenly appeared right in front of him. She spoke very rapidly that Silvanus can only understand a few things that she said. '-PONYVILLE!' She continued. Pinkie Pie stopped and stared at Silvanus with an exaggeratingly large smile. 'So! What's your name? Were you surprised? Please tell me! Were you surprised!' Silvanus blinked a couple of times before he could answer. 'Oh. Uh. The name's Silvanus. Nice meeting you, er, Pinkie Pie! And yes. I was very surprised.' Though I do think that Fluttershy seemed more surprised than me. He mused. Pinkie Pie suddenly ran up to the hanging flyer, took a writing stick or something, and jumped. She stayed in mid-air for quite a while. She wrote on the blank: 'WELCOME TO PONYVILLE SILLY!' 'Um. Excuse me?' Silvanus muttered as Pinkie cantered back to him with a satisfied smile on her face. 'Oh. That's my new nickname for you! Isn't it great?' I'll let that one go. He thought. 'Hey Silly! Over here!' Rainbow Dash called out from somewhere in the mass of colourful ponies. I think I have second thoughts. Silvanus inwardly noted as he walked over to a table where Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy, Spike and the three fillies sat. 'I thought you guys were going home?' He asked as he reached the table. 'Yes. We were. But then somepony convinced us to take them to Pinkie's new party.' Rarity answered as she pointed to the three smiling fillies. 'Hey There Mister Silvanus!' 'Hello Mister Silvanus! 'Hi!' 'Uh. Hello girls. How did you get here so fast?' Silvanus asked as he turned to Twilight. Twilight opened her mouth to answer but was suddenly cut off by Rainbow Dash. 'Well duh!' She said, pointing at Twilight's horn. Oh. Teleportation. 'So. What do you usually drink in the army Silvanus?' Twilight tried to avoid the awkward moment and steered to conversation to another topic. 'Well uh. When we are in leave, We usually go to a tavern and drink fermented grape juice or wine. Sometimes, it's rum. I don't know what it's made of though.' 'Well, What about in a normal basis? Like in the army?' 'We drink vinegared water when on the march. To avoid getting thirsty too quickly.' He was rewarded with a chorus of "Ewwww's" and "Yuck!" 'Hey! We march 25 miles a day on foot, 30 kilos on our backs and at the end of the day, We build a fully operating wooden fort for thousands of men!' Silvanus protested. 'It's not our fault we have to be not so thirsty all the time!' The Equestrians suddenly became silent. They all looked at Silvanus with awe. Even Applejack looked really impressed. 'Wow! You do all that stuff everyday?!' Twilight asked incredulously. 'Yup!' Silvanus smiled smugly. 'That's tough. Your tough.' Rainbow Dash concluded. 'What do you expect? Being the best army and all.' Silvanus stated proudly. 'Best Army? But you were defeated.' Applejack said with a confused expression. Silvanus' proud words died in his throat. 'We were outnumbered. Betrayed. Thrown away.' He finally whispered after a long, silent pause. Music began to play before anyone can answer. Silvanus felt himself being pulled up. He turned and saw Pinkie Pie look up at the golden eagle. 'Oh do put that thing down and PARRRTEEEEYY!' 'Uh. I don't think this Is a wise choic-' 'JUST DANCE!' The Equestrians giggled as they saw the Roman soldier try to dance. Though in every way, he looked like he's been electrocuted. The other ponies seemed more relaxed and more comfortable now once they saw the Legionary, from his own point of view, embarrass himself. After a while, Silvanus escaped Pinkie and drifted back to the table with a huge sigh of relief. 'Is she normally like this?!' He asked. Everypony around the table nodded with a smile. Silvanus felt a tug on his tunic. He looked down and saw Sweetie Belle look up at him with a smile. 'Mister Silvanus, Do you like music?' Silvanus nodded. 'Yes. I even learned to play the lyre in my free time.' 'Y'hear that Everypony! Silvanus is gonna treat us to a musical rendition!' Applebloom called out. In an instant, Silvanus became the centre of attention as everypony stared at him. Somepony from the back began to chant. 'SILVANUS! SILVANUS! SILVANUS!' More ponies joined the chant until everypony was now chanting for Silvanus. Silvanus looked back helplessly towards his friends, only to see them chanting too. Even Fluttershy was chanting. 'Fine. But I need a lyre.' He sighed in defeat. A Aquamarine coated mare stepped up from the gathering crowd and handed him her golden lyre. Silvanus stared at the expensive looking lyre before looking up to thank the Mare. The mare was gone. Only expectant-looking eyes looked back at him. The room became to quiet as the Ponies watched Silvanus in anticipation. Silvanus took in a deep breath as he closed his eyes and plucked a few strings from the lyre. Bellatorius Victorialis (warlike; victory) Erastus Necessitas (lovers; death) Honararius Despondeo (honour; despair) Spiritus Obdormio (life; death) Patriota Gladiator (country; fighter) Afflictio Ommento (pain; waiting) Divinitus Salutaris (heaven; salvation) Furtivus Libertas (furtive love; freedom) When he opened his eyes, the ponies stared back at him in awed silence. The ponies then stomped on the ground with their hoof in applause. Silvanus bowed down before he sought for the Aquamarine mare who owned the lyre. The party then continued for quite a while before one by one, group by group, ponies started leaving. Saying their farewells as they left the door. By midnight, only Silvanus' friends were left. The house has now been cleaned up and looks as if nothing happened just recently. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were fast asleep. Spike too, was fast asleep. His head was stuck inside a glass bowl of punch. 'If you sugarcubes don't mahnd, Ah reckon that we'd better go home now.' Applejack yawned as Applebloom stirred behind her back. Applejack froze as Applebloom drifted back to sleep. 'Yeah. We'd better call It a day.' Rainbow Dash agreed, looking at the still form of the sleeping Scootaloo. 'Well. I guess I'd see you in the morning girls and uh, man.' Twilight said as she picked Spike up. 'Agreed.' Rarity stated as she herself yawned. 'We should do this again sometime soon! I really liked your song by the way.' Pinkie Pie said as she walked out the door. As soon as the mares left, Silvanus turned to Fluttershy. 'You should probably go to sleep now too. You look tired.' 'Oh. Alright. I'm really glad that you went so well with the ponies Silvanus.' She gently answered. 'I'm really glad too. I'm happy that they're not scared of me anymore.' 'How about you? Are you sure you're okay on the couch?' 'Yes Fluttershy. I'm already used to sleeping on the floor while in Germanian border.' Silvanus smiled ruefully. 'Well okay then. See you in the morning. Goodnight.' Fluttershy yawned as she walked up the stairs. Silvanus watched the mare walk up the stairs until she was gone. 'Night.' Silvanus sighed as he took off his armour and lay it under the green couch. He then lay on the couch and stared out the window. Silently watching the stars twinkle across the sky. '... Fultivas... Libertas.' He whispered, trying to bring up the memory of his mother. He fell asleep with a smile on his lips. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Princess Luna once again sat on her bedroom balcony. Ever since last night, she had always wanted to meet Silvanus in his dreams. She wanted to comfort the poor alien soldier. She had felt very helpless and useless during his nightmare the other night. Princess Luna wanted to change all that. She closed her eyes as she entered the dream of the soldier. '-Fultivas Libertas.' Princess Luna opened her eyes to see herself standing in a sunny room. She looked around in wonder. Colourful mosaics of the everyday lives of the strange bipeds that look like Silvanus adorned the walls. In one corner of the room, An adult female of the same species as Silvanus stood there, silently singing a lullaby to a small bundle that was covered with a white clothe that she was carrying in her arms. The way she rocked the small bundle told Luna what it was: A young one. 'It must be a memory.' Princess Luna mused. She couldn't help but stare at the rocking mother. She felt sadness and jealousy build up in her chest as she watched them. It's been far too long since she felt her mother's touch. But then again, this is just a mere memory. She thought sadly. 'Oh well. He's covered.' She murmured as she left the dream with a happy smile.