//------------------------------// // Chapter Twenty Eight: Celebrations // Story: Battle Ready // by D101 Reviews //------------------------------// Chapter Twenty Eight: Celebrations Twilight stirred from her sleep and opened her eyes. She was lying in a four-poster bed that was neither her own at the Ponyville library, or the one that was normally supplied for her when she was at Canterlot. It was too soft, too smooth. She looked around and saw that she was in an unfamiliar room. It was... royal but not the sort of royal that she saw in Canterlot. It was more, refined, simpler. Like it didn't have a need to prove itself. A desk stood against one wall between too large windows, a series of papers littering its surface. The windows themselves were hidden behind curtains of red velvet, the exact same as the hanging's of her bed, bathing the room in darkness, save for that of the candle that burnt on the bedside table to Twilight's left. Next to the candle was her crown and Element of Harmony. Against the wall opposite Twilight was a large bookcase containing a wide variety of books she couldn't quite see the names of. Next to the bookcase, in the corner, was a suit of black armour decked out on a mannequin, with a series of weapons on plaques behind it. On the other side of the bookcase was a large oak wardrobe. Twilight sat up and winced as pain lanced over her shoulder. She glanced at it and saw that under the lilac silk nightgown that had been provided for her, was a series of bandages that covered some wound that she had sustained to her shoulder. Aside from that she seemed fine. Twilight didn't know where she was but she felt... safe. The last thing she recalled was being very cold and tired, looking out at a dark space. There had been someone there, but Twilight couldn't remember whom. Compared to that this place was a big step up. The door that Twilight had not noticed before opened. Twilight pulled the duvet up to her eyes in a very Fluttershy-like gesture with a Fluttershy-like 'meep'. It was appropriate however as the person behind the door was indeed Fluttershy. The butter-yellow pegasus closed the door behind her before noticing that Twilight was awake. Her face broke out in a smile as she rushed to Twilight's side. "Oh Twilight thank goodness you're awake!" she exclaimed in an excited whisper. "Fluttershy?" Twilight asked. Then her face broke out in a relieved smile. "Oh Fluttershy!" She flung her arms around her friend's neck, before hissing in pain as another spike of pain lanced over her shoulder. "Oh I'm sorry," Fluttershy whispered letting go of Twilight almost instantly. "Did I hurt you? I'm so sorry, I guess I don't know my own strength." "No it's fine Fluttershy," Twilight said as she let go of her friend. "It wasn't your fault. It's just my shoulder." "Oh right of course," Fluttershy breathed. "I'll speak to Stitch about a round of painkillers... I mean if you want some of course?" "Um yeah of course Fluttershy," she agreed wondering one thing. "Who's Stitch?" "The leading medic here," Fluttershy explained. "She's the one who patched your shoulder." "Oh," Twilight said, looking at her shoulder, before turning back to Fluttershy. "Where are the others?" "Oh, they're outside," Fluttershy said. "Stitch said that she didn't want anyone else coming in here unless you were awake. I'm allowed because, I'm a trainee medic." "Since when?" Twilight asked, intrigued. "Since about a few weeks ago," Fluttershy explained. "I've only had a week's training though. I'll get the others." She fluttered to the door again and opened it. She leaned around it and beckoned to somepony on the other side. When she pulled away, the other girls came round the corner, all smiling broadly at the sight of her. "Twilight!" cried Pinkie, zipping to Twilight's side and embracing her in a tight yet somehow gentle hug. "Good to see you're up again girl," Applejack said coming to Twilight's side and pushing her Stetson onto her head, smiling with relief. "How long have I been asleep?" Twilight asked. "About four days," Dash answered, bouncing onto Twilight's bed. "I thought I overslept." "Four days?" Twilight repeated, incredulous. "Not surprising considering what you've been through Twilight darling," Rarity said, throwing back the curtains and allowing sunlight to spill into the room. "I mean, you were hostage by a sinister demon from many thousands of years ago. Hardly surprising you needed a little... power-nap as it were." "But four days?" Twilight sighed. "I mean that's a long time to sleep." Her stomach rumbled. "Especially without food." "I snagged you this from the kitchen," Dash said, tossing an apple into Twilight's grasp. "Sorry I couldn't get you any more but the chef's kind of like a hawk. He see's everything. I'm surprised I got this past him." "Thanks," Twilight said, taking a bite out of the apple. She chewed it slightly before twisting her mouth slightly. "What's up?" Applejack asked, eyeing the apple suspiciously. "It's kind of, sour," Twilight said. "Want me to throw it out the window?" Pinkie asked. "It's not bad. It's just different," Twilight said hastily, taking another bite from the apple. She looked out of the window before turning back to the others. "Where are we anyway?" "Legion," Rarity explained. "In the Tower of Equitem actually." "And where's that?" "Warhorse," Dash explained. "And this is supposed to be Battle's quarters." "Wait this is Battle's room?" Twilight asked, blushing slightly. "Did I kick him out of here or something?" "I sleep in the barracks. So no." Twilight and the others looked up to see Battle leaning against the door, smiling at Twilight. He was dressed in what appeared to be some kind of dress uniform. A black jacket with sharp shoulders. On his right shoulder was Battle's Cutie Mark, on his left the crest of the empire. His chest was swarmed under the number of medals he'd earned. Across his chest was a golden sash with silver embroidery. His black dress trousers appeared to have been recently pressed and his shoes were polished to a gleam. "Special occasion?" Twilight asked nodding to his uniform. Battle's lips twisted in a grimace. "Formal address," he corrected. "Dad wants me to say something to the people." "You look good," Twilight said before she could stop herself. Battle chuckled. "You should see the other guy," he smirked. Twilight looked at him, confused. Battle's smile was smaller now, but more sincere. "He's dead Twi... Wrath's dead. And let me tell you that is a huge load off of my mind." Twilight blinked. "That's..." "Yeah," Dash said smiling. "And we helped." "Wait what?" Twilight started. "You're friends are so insane that they joined the Warhorse army to help get you home," Battle explained. He held up one hand. "And boy did that pay off big time." "Yeah, Battle would have been in big big trouble if we hadn't been there," Pinkie added. "Even if we only had a few week's training," Applejack said. Battle smiled. "I'll leave you to get dressed. I'll talk to somepony about breakfast Twilight. Try to eat light though. You'll need it for later." "What's that supposed to mean?" Twilight asked. Battle's eyes sparkled with mischief as he closed the door behind him. When Twilight stepped out of her bedroom about an hour later, thoroughly nourished and fully dressed, she was instantly beset upon by Shining Armour. Her eyes bugged out of her head as her brother squeezed all the breath from her lungs. She tried to return the hug from her brother but her arms flailed uselessly by her sides until Shining finally set her down. "Nice to see you too B.B.B.F.F." Twilight gasped, smiling at her older brother. "It's... it's good to have you back Twilight," Shining said, smiling, a small shimmering in his eyes. "Are you crying?" Twilight asked, mockingly. "Of course not," Shining replied. "Just, something in my eye is all." "Sure," Twilight replied, winking slyly. She noted that Shining was also in his dress uniform, the same one he had worn to his wedding and to Twilight's coronation. She eyed it curiously. "Does Battle expect you to say something too?" "What?" Shining blinked. Twilight poked him in the chest indicating his uniform. "Oh right. No it's just King Veteran wants us to be there when Battle gives his address." He looked at the girls behind Twilight. "And by us he means all seven of us." "Yeah yeah we remember," Dash sighed rolling his eyes. "Quit worrying Shiny." Shining rolled his eyes as he stepped back from Twilight before they began to make their way down the passageway. "So I slept through a Warhorse battle?" Twilight asked. "Yep," Shining replied. "Are they as good as history says they are?" Twilight demanded. "They're better," Shining replied, a slight awe in his voice. "I mean... wow..." "Somepony's impressed," Twilight smirked. "You'd be too if you saw three unicorns practically slaughter an entire army," Shining rebuked. "I'm serious Twily, three unicorns." "Don't get over excited Shining," Rarity said. "After all they were the three most powerful unicorns in the Warhorse army." "And highest ranking I might add recruit?" said a voice from behind them. Rarity gave a small jump and fell into attention as a dark stallion walked past slapping her shoulder. "Ah at ease Rare's. You're not my soldier now any more." "Oh, yes of course," Rarity said, blushing slightly. "Hop to it you lot, the Commander's address is immanent," Merciless called over his shoulder. Battle tugged at his collar and grunted in discomfort. "I hate this damn uniform," he muttered under his breath. Tactical snorted. Battle smirked. "Aw, jealous sis?" Tactical growled before stalking off into the depth of the tower. Battle smirked. He loved how he could always spite his sister so. No matter how much she bragged about how it should be her as the heir to the Warhorse, with just a few words Battle could easily knock her off of her down a peg or two. It was sad really. Hilarious though. "How's it looking out there Arson?" Battle asked his General. "Nervous sir?" Arson asked, chuckling slightly. "I'd rather fight Wrath again to be honest." Arson laughed. "That I don't doubt," he muttered before he turned his gaze to behind Battle. He snapped to attention. Battle turned and followed suit as he saw his father. "At ease boys," Veteran said, smiling kindly. He clapped a hand to his son's shoulder. "Well my child, I can't say this enough: You did it Battle. You did the impossible." Battle felt himself smile and go red under his father's praise. Arson respectfully backed out as Veteran slid his arm around his son's shoulder and guided him to a nearby window. "You certainly learn from your past my son," Veteran observed as they looked out over the city of Legion. "It's all I can do," Battle replied. "If we don't learn from our errors we are but destined to repeat them." "Wise words," Veteran said. "Words that I am certain we should all live by. I think... you are ready." Battle looked at his father as he lowered his arm. Veteran turned to Battle, smiling kindly at him. He raised his hands to his head and gently grasped the golden laurels there. Battle's eyes widened as his father lifted his crown from his head and placed it into Battle's disbelieving hands. "You've earned it," Veteran explained, bowing his head. "My king," he added. Battle stared at the crown in his hands in disbelief before smiling slightly. He raised the laurels high, before cramming them back onto his father's head. "Not on your life old-timer," Battle laughed. "I've still got a few things to learn from the master." Veteran laughed heartily as he pushed his son back. "Who are you calling old?" he demanded. "The geezer who just tried to make me king!" Battle cried back. "Sorry dad but I'm no ruler. Not yet at least. I'm still a soldier at heart, and until the day I'm not, I'll serve this empire the best I can. On the battlefield." Veteran smiled as he slapped his son on the shoulder. "And when that day comes, I'm sure you will have ensured peace eternal for our empire." Battle smiled at his father. "I'm good but not that good." "That's what you think." Battle chuckled as he father took him by the shoulder once more. "Now come. Our people wish to hear from the conquering hero." Battle suddenly blanched. "Oh Victoriam. The horror." "Come on Commander." Twilight and the rest of her friends from Equestria sat on the right hand side of the balcony. On the left hand side was Tactical and Battle's three Generals. She couldn't decide who looked most unhappy about the whole arrangement. There was an empty seat to Tactical's right, clearly reserved for her father. From what Twilight had seen of King Veteran, he seemed nice enough. Much better than his snobbish daughter. The balcony itself was decorated in white flowers of every kind, though not, Twilight noted, a single rose was to be in sight. She assumed there must be some Warhorse custom behind such a thing. Pegasus guards flew steadily beside the balcony itself, watching the skies and the ground for potential threats, though Twilight was certain nothing could reach them from this dizzying height. A fanfare sounded suddenly, nearly blowing out Twilight's eardrum's as King Veteran strode onto the balcony to raucous cheers and applause from the people below in the streets. Veteran smiled warmly at his subjects before raising a hand to silence them. Even so it was still several minutes before the people of Legion fell quite. "My friends!" he called out to those below. "My people. This day of celebration is not of my doing. No we owe our happiness and joy, to one we all know. To someone who has shown time and again, the honour, and courage, and leadership that Warhorse seeks in its soldiers, and indeed, it's monarchy. So without further adieu, I present to you our Prince, our hero, the Commander of the armies of Warhorse; Prince Battle Ready!" The cheers returned as the fanfares began again. Veteran sat down as Battle strode down the aisle between their two groups. He smiled broadly at the site of the people that cheered for him, that smiled openly up. He noticed a few white roses being thrown from the crowds which made him chuckle. Eventually however, he too raised his hand. Silence fell instantly. "People of Legion," Battle began. "People of Warhorse. Today we stand tall, after the greatest victory our empire has achieved, perhaps since its founding, many millennia ago. The defeat of one of our longest standing enemies is not something to be overlooked." He raised his fist to the sky. "A cheer for those who fought on the battlefield, and to those who brought us this most momentous of victories!" It was like a bomb had been dropped in the middle of the crowd. The cried were the loudest yet as the people below screamed their support of the warriors of Warhorse. Battle smiled as he silence the crowd with but a wave of his hand. "Let us also, not forget to thank she who gave us such a splendid victory!" Battle called. "Victoriam benedicat nobis. Victoriam bless us!" "Victoriam bless us!" the crowds chanted back. Battle smiled. "Now I must say this. Our victory against Wrath was not won alone." Here Battle turned to his Generals. "That isn't to say the great warriors of Warhorse didn't do more than their fair share." He turned again to face the Equestrians. "But our victory was assured through teamwork. Through comradely and bravery that rivals our very own." He turned back to his people. "We won through bonds of friendship that, since they have been forged, shall never be broken. I must therefore thank, and bless the armies of Equestria for their assistance in this, our darkest hour." Battle looked to Shining Armour and raised his hands before clapping them together. His smile was genuine and true as he began to applaud the Prince of Equestria. The people of Legion were quick to follow and the air was soon filled with the sounds of applause. Twilight stole a glance at the other side of the balcony. The General's shared Battle's smile and King Veteran looked to be laughing as they clapped their hands. Tactical looked like she was sucking on the mother of all lemons. Eventually Battle stopped his applause and leant on the balcony in a much more casual manner. Twilight saw the General's smiles widen in joy, like a foal who had their Hearth's Warming Eve present come a month early. "Now normally," Battle said, inspecting his nails. "What I'm about to say would be left in the barracks and the barracks only. But given the scope and importance of today... and given the fact you're all most likely prepared for what I'm about to say, I think father will allow me a little leeway." He looked to Veteran, a sly smile on his face. Veteran laughed and nodded, wiping an imaginary tear from his eye. Battle chuckled as he turned back to legion. "He said yes my friends!" he cried. "Then tonight, the festivities shall begin!" The was a great roar from below as people began to surge from where they stood and return home to get the necessities Battle smiled as he turned around. "What's going on?" Dash asked, getting to her feet. "It's no secret in Legion that after a successful campaign, the Commander throws a party for the soldiers," Arson explained. "It's also not a secret that they're perhaps some of the best in all the empire. To have one made public is rare indeed." Battle snapped his fingers as two pegasus ponies landed beside him. "You're in charge of getting things ready right?" he asked. They nodded. He smiled as he led them over to the Equestrian side of things. "Allow me to introduce Pinkamena Diane pie, AKA, Pinkie Pie. Take her advice, help her out and try and keep up." A banquet was being held in front of the military zone. Twilight and her friends being the guests of honour, sitting to Battle's right. Battle himself was sitting off centre to the right of his father. The Generals and Tactical sat on Veteran's left. The long tables that travelled down the street were filled with nobles and soldiers and a few VIP's. There was a general excited chatter as they began to wait for the word on when the festivities would start. Veteran turned to Battle and he nodded, the cheery air that had so consumed him now replaced by a solemn one. He got to his feet and raised a crystal goblet to waist level, striking it with a spoon. The clear harsh note could have been heard from all over Legion. everyone looked up at Battle. "Today is not just a day for celebrations," Battle said. "But one of mourning. For we must remember the sacrifices that were made on the field of battle, and honour those who paid the price, for our safety." He saluted towards the sky. "Hail the honourable dead." "Hail," echoed the people of Legion. "And may they find their peace in Paradise," Battle called. And then, quite suddenly, music began to waft through the air. It was, some kind of lyre or a harp. A gentle, following, haunting melody that filled the silence. The silence did not last long, as the people of Warhorse began to hum, creating a chilling melody with the music. Battle's eyes had slid closed as he allowed the music to wash over him. And he began to sing. *"From the tower of Equitem a deafening call, Bellows down over the planes. On a host of battle-worn ears it does fall, pushing out through the thunder and rain. These warriors of war they will suffer so long, Their honour is bred in their veins, Of their spirited roars lost warriors songs, Distant Echoes are all that remains. And our voice, is our violence, Dry your eyes, of your tears, And no more we'll be silent, With this paradise song in our ears." The people of Warhorse stopped humming and began to sing also. "And we stand tall, Children of war, We will not fall, Under the sword, For our hearts they are hardy Our spirits are strong, And our voices are lifted into, This Paradise song." Silence returned as the music faded into nothing. Battle's eyes slid open as he remained standing. "Let the celebrations commence," he said at last. After the solemn opening the celebration began in full swing. The music played and the food came in and out non-stop. Whenever Twilight cleaned her plate it was whisked away, to be replaced by another one. The wine was beautiful as well, an endless supply of it seemed to be poured into Twilight's goblet, each cupful a new blend of flavours Twilight wasn't really a connoisseur like Rarity but even she could tell that the people of Warhorse spared no expense on this particular evening. Rarity approved of the various wines much the same as Twilight had, and was discussing her favourites with Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie had been throwing back cider non-stop, though Twilight knew it wouldn't effect the exuberant party-mare. She wasn't sure about the sanity of her brother though, as Pinkie was asking Shining which was better, Chimicherry or Cherrychanga. Dash was trying to persuade Applejack to try some Warhorse mead, as it was clear the pegasus clearly liked the beverage. "Come on, seriously!" Dash cried pushing the flagon under Applejack's nose. "It's that good." "I keep tellin' ya Dash!" Applejack snapped, pushing the drink away from her. "I don't wanna drink it!" Twilight smiled as her eyes flicked back over to the Warhorse side of things. Tactical had stalked off some time ago, to great cheers from the Generals. Twilight couldn't blame them. That girl was nothing but a bad egg and brought the whole party atmosphere down. Arson had gotten out of his chair and walked out of sight, for what Twilight had no idea. Veteran too had left his seat and began to mingle with the crowds. Battle was content to drink and eat, though he did steal a few sideways glances at Twilight when he thought she wasn't looking. After a few minutes Arson reappeared and sat down in the seat Veteran had vacated, smiling evilly. "What have you done?" Battle asked suspiciously. "Nothing," Arson said, feigning innocence. "Don't make me order you General," Battle smirked as he took a sip from his drink. "Well," Arson said slyly. "I figured that the people might want to hear that old song sung by the one who does it best." "What old-?" Battle froze as his eyes narrowed. "You didn't." "Maybe I did, maybe I didn't," Arson grinned. "..." "..." "I hate you." Arson roared with laughter as he turned to Sky and Juggernaut. "Heads up guys. The Commander's gonna sing our favourite!" Sky and Juggernaut cheered and raised their flagons high. Battle gave a small groan of dramatic effect, but the smile on his face told a different story as he downed his flagon. "What's going on?" Twilight asked. "Arson has just contracted me into singing for the people once again," Battle chuckled. "Well that doesn't seem so bad." "Yeah, see the thing is, they want me to sing a very particular song. Something that you'd rarely hear me sing outside of the barracks." "Like?" Battle grabbed another flagon and downed it as he got to his feet. "Just watch," he smirked. Arson clapped a hand to Battle's shoulder as the two began to walk down to the stage where the music was coming from. Twilight was certain that Battle said something along the lines of: "I'm gonna bucking kill you." Arson merely laughed. Twilight shrugged and went back to her dinner as Shining took advantage of Pinkie's silence to lean over. "What's going on?" he asked. "I think Arson's corralled Battle into singing for us," Twilight explained the best she could. "Well this'll certainly be interesting," Shining shrugged. "Yeah, I wonder what sort of song they've got him to sing? This is going to be a chance to analyse Warhorse culture in its musical arts!" Shining smiled at his sister's enthusiasm. "I wouldn't get your hopes up too high Twilight!" called Sky. "What Arson's got the Commander singing is more than a Warhorse drinking song!" Twilight blanched. "What?" Sky nodded and raised her eyebrows. "You heard me," Sky chuckled. "The Commander is partial to a drop of mead every now and then, and everypony knows this particular song when you're out for a night on the town." As she spoke the music began to change. An announcer appeared, smiling broadly. "Now seeing as how you all have a drink in your hand!" he called, "I think we should celebrate our most wonderful of drinks. I'm sure you al know the words to our most famous tavern number?" They was a great cheer and cat-calls of laughter. "Thought so. Well then, as a special treat just for today, our olden pub song shall be sung by today' hero! The Commander, the Prince of our nation. Battle Ready!" Battle waved as he appeared on stage as he was handed a microphone and a flagon roughly three times larger than the ones on the table beside her. The music began to pick up, the lyre from before creating an upbeat melody with a set of pipes. Twilight was certain there was an electric guitar there as well, but she wasn't paying attention to that. Battle had started singing once more. **"We merry few of Warhorse, So sturdy and so stout, When the day is done, when it's time for fun, We'll drink and sing and shout, You weak livered bilge drinkers, Can let your throat's run dry, Cuz there's just one drink that we will sink, Until the day we die!" The people in the crowds starting singing as well, Sky and Juggernaut raising their own flagons high. "Drinking mead in the halls of Legion! The stallions and the mares! We drink our brew until we spew, Then we fill our mugs again! You can keep your filthy cider, it makes our bellies bleed! Cuz when we raise our flagon, To another dead legion, There is just one drink we need! War Mead!" Battle smirked and tilted back his head and began to drink as the crowd began chanting time with the music. "Chug another mug of mead, And another mug of mead, Chug another mug of mean, 'Til you fall down, Chug another mug of mead, And another mug of mead, Chug another mug of mead, warrior!" Battle finished his drink to great cheers from the crowd as he tossed it aside to be refilled. He rolled his arms and shook himself off, much looser than before. This was proven when Battle began to moonwalk across the stage to raucous laughter from the crowds. The song wasn't over yet as Battle lifted the microphone to his mouth once again. "After the long hard days, Of hunting and of war, Our throat's are tired and thirsty And our bodies drenched in gore, But we won't waste our evenings, Feeling tired and feeling spent, We perk right up when we breathe in, That wholesome honey scent!" Battle took a few breaths before he began singing again. "That Northern Icy Brandy, Too fruity for these tongues, You can keep your fancy Griffon Wine, It tastes like dragon dung! Equestria Blue tastes great to you, But here we like it plain, Just fill my mug with a mighty jug, Of honey heart and grain!" And again the crowds joined in with the chorus. "Drinking mead in the halls of Legion! The stallions and the mares! We drink our brew until we spew, Then we fill our mugs again! You can keep your filthy cider, It makes our bellies bleed! Cuz when we raise or flagon, To another dead legion, There is just one drink we need! War Mead!" Battle stepped back as the music stopped, dropping his microphone in a blare of feedback and raised a hand in farewell, laughing all the while. Twilight applauded with everyone, laughing as she did. "That was the best thing I have seen in years," she laughed. "And that's why we love the Commander," Sky said, laughing too. Twilight nodded in agreement, and waited for Battle to sit back down.