//------------------------------// // 4 - Whispers of Knowledge // Story: An Extended Holiday // by Commander_Pensword //------------------------------// Extended Holiday Chapter 4: Whispers of Knowledge The bedchambers of Princess Luna were vastly different from the design of the rest of the palace. Instead of the radiant and at times gaudy daylight colors of gold, white, and pastelles, Luna’s private quarters were fashioned exclusively after her element of night. The great arched ceiling faded and blended with intricate cloth as delicate as gossamer. It seemed less an enclosed space and more as if the very heavens had been woven into the ceiling to create a vast open space and rolling sky. The room was filled with pulsing white crystals and smooth polished stones that bathed the room in the cool touch of moonlight. Stands laden with candles invoked the feeling of gnarled trees from a forest. The great crescent that formed the headboard and canopy of her bed was covered in a similar cloth that seemed to absorb all light. The walls were as laden with weapons racks and armor stands as Celestia’s quarters were laden with books. The crescent moon and its stars dotted the whole floor in the form of a soft carpet that coated the whorls of polished stone that symbolized the ethereal plane. A number of paintings were hung higher up on the walls, portraying the night sky and the shadows of Thestrals passing through the clouds. In the center of the room, a breathtaking portrait of a young filly Luna curled up in a pulsing white orb, resting in slumber. Two hooves brushed against her cheeks, the one blue, the other brown, as if to bid her a peaceful sleep. A plinth held a blue pyre that licked and rippled, casting its flame in a pillar toward the ceiling. Occasionally, the flame would part or flicker just enough to reveal the glowing silhouette of a pulsing war hammer encased in a warded crystal container that shone like sapphire. Elsewhere in the chamber, a shiny blue metal formed the base of a table with a marble top sheathed in what appeared to be mother of pearl. The rainbow sheen was circled in a corona of black and green that seemed to writhe like the great Northern Lights of the Arctic. It pulsed with a gentle light to reveal the chess board that had been set above it. A floor-length obsidian mirror sat off to one side, embedded into the structure of the wall. Its make was so simple that it seemed to actively repel the gaze of any that looked upon it. But rather than the glossy reflective surface one might expect from the fragile stone, this one seemed to absorb all light, leaving an absolute void in its place. The pieces on the board were intricately carved, with one side formed from flawlessly polished sapphire while the other was created from the purest veins of amethyst. The kings and queens were identical, the one being a powerful Earth Pony with an intricate beard and piercing eyes that seemed almost to glow. The queen was a Unicorn whose horn glowed with equal intensity. The pieces to the right of the kings was a mighty Pegasus garbed in armor with a spear raised above the brush that his mane formed through his helmet. This was followed by a studious Unicorn holding a book and quill in one hoof while the other pushed up his glasses along the bridge of his nose. A large Minotaur grasping an intricate staff and garbed in a mask and robes formed the rook. To the side of the queen, a burly Earth Pony held a mighty shield before him with a grim expression on his face. To his left, a Gryphon took the place of the customary bishop, garbed in holy robes with talons raised in benediction. And lastly, for the final rook, a beautiful dragon was carefully rendered not with scales, but with feathers. Instead of two eyes, four pulsed gently with an inner fire. The pawns were each unique, one for each of the known tribes. A Thestral, a Unicorn, a Pegasus, an Earth Pony, a Gryphon, a Diamond Dog, and, strangely enough, a Hippogriff and anthropomorphic cat. Shawn hummed as he looked over the board a few times. “Interesting.” “You play?” Luna asked, tracking Shawn’s line of sight. “Yeah,” Shawn replied. “Though, it’s different than I would have expected.” “It should be. It predates the rule of me or my sister.” “I suppose that explains the fact that the king and queen are an … Earth Pony and a Unicorn,” Shawn noted. “Yes, though their identity is lost to almost everyone,” Luna said. “So the story of why they are the way they are is also lost.” Shawn frowned before turning back to the board, giving a soft hum in thought to himself. “So? You seemed to want to speak to us alone,” Taze stated bluntly. “Yes, … there are things I feel best discussed in the one place my sister has no eyes or ears.” Matthew stared out over the city from the portal to the balcony. Even in the night, the gentle glow of the shield bubble cast a pinkish hue over the city. “Is it about the giant bubble?” “Your city is under threat, and you’re preparing for a potential attack. From what was gathered, it could even be in plain sight,” Shawn remarked as he glanced over to Luna. Luna looked at Shawn with a few blinks. “I don’t suppose you’ll tell me how you knew that?” Luna asked. “That’s one rule I couldn’t break. Don’t sell out your sources,” Shawn replied before rubbing the back of his head. “I’m sorry, but … I couldn’t.” “That's … fair,” Luna commented. “Yes, a threat was made against Canterlot. The same day you all appeared as a matter of fact. Within the same hour, even.” “So, that’s why all the Ponies are jittery around us,” Matthew said. “A logical precaution, but it sure is a pain in the rear.” “Oh, we figured out you three weren’t a major threat shortly after we had you scanned and looked over,” she noted to Matthew. “Not on the level we were worried about, anyway. Your race has impressive mobility, but if our predictions are right, your physical strength faces a ceiling of just over one of our tons at your extremes.” She picked up a small ornament. “This is dowerite, an incredibly dense metal that can handle pressures exceeding fifteen tons.” Luna's horn glowed, and the figure reciprocated before dimming to its normal state again. “I just removed the protective enchantments that shielded it from me.” She placed the figure between her hooves and, with no visible effort, crushed it into a single small disk-like lump that she then dropped on the table next to the chess set. Matthew squealed briefly at the sight, then moved tentatively to pick up the disc. “I think my point is well made?” Luna asked. Matthew looked first at the disc, then back to Luna. “May … may I hold onto this?” “Of course,” Luna said as she opened a drawer and replaced the figurine with an identical one. “Of course, this is more unique to me. Not even Celestia is quite so physically strong.” Matthew nodded as he pocketed the metal disk. “T-thank you,” he stammered. “Just, this is a bit more information to take in than I expected.” “Anyway, my sister and myself are well aware of what species the threat comes from, and you three are a bit tall to be Changelings.” “Wait, what?” Matthew balked. Then he shuddered. “They wouldn’t happen to steal babies and replace them with their own, would they?” “Not Equestrian Changelings,” Luna said. “I assume that description has to do with the species on your world. In Equestria, however, they feed off love.” Shawn blinked a few times. “That’s a strange alternative.” “They also have the ability to shapeshift into Ponies and several other things,” Luna added. “I assume that’s part of the name reasoning?” Shawn questioned. “Then again, most names follow some strange roundabout way of it, so…” He frowned and thought to himself. “I'm telling you this to keep you aware of the danger and explain why I have invested in my guard so carefully,” Luna said bluntly. “They do seem more prepared,” Shawn remarked. Luna nodded. “I was taught strategy by a master. Those lessons have served me well.” “It would certainly explain the steps you’ve taken so far.” Matthew frowned as he looked about the room. “How can I help? I know I might not be of much use, but as of right now, you’re telling us this. I can only presume to keep us on the alert, potentially as an unknown to your enemy, and thus a potential asset. Given the way you’ve hosted us, it wouldn’t be proper for us not to offer our assistance in some small way, especially since I would assume this danger may also extend to us indirectly as your guests.” “For now, keep to your rooms and be careful who you speak to,” Luna advised. “I hope to have more to tell you later on.” “That sounds fair.” Taze nodded. “I appreciate the warning.” “Thank you,” Matthew agreed. “Would it be safe to assume you’ll have a different method of contact next time?” Shawn asked. “Probably through my guard.” Luna nodded. “My sister doesn’t completely trust me, due to relatively recent issues, and she is far softer than this situation requires.” “Fair enough.” “Unfortunately, I think our time is just about up,”  Luna admitted. “Sounds about right,” Shawn nodded. “Nevertheless, we appreciate the information.” Luna nodded. “The guard at the door will see you to your rooms after our last piece of business is concluded.” “Sounds good.” Matthew nodded. “Though, what business would that be?” “Why, raising the moon, of course.” Luna said before opening the balcony doors and striding onto the surface to gaze on the falling sun. “Did I not promise to show you how it is done?” “Yes, you did.” Matthew nodded as he followed her onto the balcony. “Is it going to be like that spell you cast in the cave?” “Not quite.” Luna smiled as she concentrated. Her horn began to glow. “Over time, I’ve found it better to make this spell a lot more … showy.” Around her horn, small silver lights began to swirl as the glow increased in intensity. She lowered her head until her horn fell below the horizon and seemed to lock it into place. Then she slowly began to raise her head. As she did so, the moon began to appear on the horizon, following the tip of her horn. As it rose, the silver lights swirled up and out into the sky painting the night sky with slow pinpricks of stars that gradually worked to a crescendo of silver pinpricks shooting off into space. With a large wave of silvery light, the moon reached its zenith and the sky was painted with thousands of shimmering diamond lights. “Now that, is quite a sight,” Shawn remarked with awe. Matthew gaped at the night sky Luna had effectively willed into being. “Wow,” Taze said intelligently as he looked over the sky. Luna gave a genuine smile. “It is good to see others appreciating my work. Unfortunately, this is where we must part.” “Then I hope we may meet again under better circumstances, without this threat,” Matthew said as he and the others returned to the room and walked toward the door. “I do as well.” Luna nodded. “Indeed.” Shawn gave a small smile. “Maybe we can play a game of chess sometime after. Though I doubt I’ll do well against you.” “You never know. You may surprise yourself,” Luna commented before closing the door behind them. Matthew looked at his friends as they settled back into their room. Moonshade was once again on duty. He strode to his attache case and removed a journal and pen to scrawl over. He finished writing and passed it to Shawn. Are we going to tell them that we know? Shawn raised a brow at the question before turning to Moonshade. “Just to keep everyone on the same page, we’ve been told about the current threat by Princess Luna.” Moonshade eyed them for a few moments before nodding. “I suppose if she saw fit to, then she had a good reason.” “Well, if nothing else, if we are allowed to still travel the halls, we can let you or one of our guards know if we see something out of place. More eyes on a problem, the better, as my mother would say,” Matthew said. “Perhaps, but more leaks sink the boat faster,” Moonshade returned. “True,” Matthew conceded. “But while you’re guarding us and protecting us, it seems proper that we should show a certain amount of mutual cooperation. I don’t expect full disclosure, and neither should you. But this threat affects us equally. And from what your princess said, we’re the only ones immune to being replaced by an imposter.” “Yes, but the fact you cannot be replaced doesn’t change the fact we still don’t know you well enough to trust you.” Moonshade shrugged. “The devil you don’t know is rarely the preferable choice.” “True. Though I suppose that means we will need to get to know each other. Preferably when our lives aren’t in so much danger. In our world, it was often fear of the unknown that led to tragedy. Perhaps we’ll reach a point where we can both lower our guards.” He sighed and sank onto his bed. “I suppose for now, though, we’ll have to trust in your guidance. Do you have any information on this threat that you are permitted to share with us?” “Nothing I am currently aware of,” Moonshade answered. Matthew groaned and fell back onto his pillow. “I hate these kinds of threats. Give me someone I can see and fight over a spy any day.” “That's the nature of war, unfortunately,” Moonshade answered. “So, for now, we maintain the status quo?” “The what?” “Status quo. It basically means keeping things the same and following the course.” He frowned as he flipped onto his side to look at the Thestral. “Is that a phrase you haven’t been taught in Draconic yet?” “It’s Latin, Matthew,” Shawn spoke up. “From what I’ve gathered, that isn’t a language here, or at least it’s one that even the princesses don’t know.” “Seems likely not everything from your world would match ours,” Moonshade agreed. Matthew sat up and blinked in surprise. “Oh. I just … sort of thought that would’ve carried over, since it was adopted. Never thought about its roots before.” He shrugged. “Huh. The more you know.” He turned to face Moonshade. “So, what do you suggest for our next move?” “For now, it’s best you all keep to yourselves,” Moonshade noted. “Moonshade, would you mind stepping out for a little bit?” Shawn asked. The mare rolled her eyes but nodded before leaving the room. Shawn waited a moment before sighing. “Honestly, it didn’t matter either way, since I have a feeling they have a method of listening in here, anyway.” He frowned. “In either case, even if they are, we’ve got an issue.” “Only one?” Matthew asked. Shawn let that pass. “They’re lying to us, and I don’t mean about current events and such. Something’s been going on this whole time, and it’s really starting to bug me. Like before they did the memory spell, whenever we started talking over how we got here, the topic kept shifting before any ground could be made. Beyond that, when they did said memory spell, I woke up standing in a different part of the room, and both of them were uneasy. When I asked, their response was that I had apparently teleported due to ‘some kind of feedback.’ I have no clue as to how magic works, but I can tell that was made up on the spot.” His brows furrowed. “They’re hiding something about us, and I don’t like that in the slightest.” “Maybe it’s medical,” Matthew said. “The last surgery I had, they kept having me go to different tests and didn’t tell me the results. They’re probably getting their ducks in a row before they say anything. It could be nothing, or it could be a leaking heart valve.” He shrugged. “My guess is they’ll probably tell us when they’re ready.” “Matthew, we can’t assume the best just because,” Taze noted. “Then I’ll be the optimist of the group and hope for it, instead.” He strode to Shawn’s side and retrieved his notebook before scrawling another message. Plan for the worst. “Considering current events, we’re not really far off from there,” Shawn replied flatly. “We’re in the capital of a foreign world that was threatened and infiltrated. We’re surrounded by armed guards and princesses that could get rid of us in an instant. Our history is blatantly out there, given what they were told and the memories they saw. All of this, because we somehow followed a Forager within our world to this one,” he growled out, rubbing his forehead. “A what?” Matthew asked. “I don’t think I’m familiar with that creature.” “Matthew, I'm the one that binges mythology, and I’ve never heard that term,” Taze said. “A Forager,” Shawn muttered as he thought it over. “Why does that sound familiar?” He paused for a moment, and the explanation that followed came gropingly, like a blind man feeling out a room he hadn’t quite memorized yet. “A creature, pale complexion, frail, and a collector of items between the realms.” He shook his head in disbelief. “I must have read about it somewhere, but I can’t remember.” Matthew looked over at Taze. “Are you sure you’ve never heard of this creature before, Taze?” “Nothing comes to mind,” Taze admitted. “I mean, all those traits exist in mythology, but rarely altogether.” “Thaumaturgy,” Shawn commented suddenly from his thoughts. “That’s … it, I think.” He groaned as he rubbed the side of his head. “Damn it, my memory has been scattered since we came here. I constantly feel like I’m forgetting something.” “Well, if you remember anything, maybe jot it down or something,” Matthew suggested. “I’ve got plenty of paper to go around for now.” He frowned then. “More importantly, what’s thaumaturgy?” “It’s ... kind of like magic, but a strange kind.” He frowned. “I’ll tell you more when I remember it. I feel like I’m only getting a grasp on this at the moment.” “All right. Don’t hurt yourself trying to make it come back, okay?” Matthew said. “Taze and I’ll do everything we can to help, won’t we, Taze?” “Of course.” Taze nodded. “I’m not going anywhere.” “Well, I mean, it’s not like you could, anyway.” Shawn gave a weak smile in return. Matthew chuckled at the humor. “I wouldn’t want to be stuck in this new world with anybody else.” Shawn sighed to himself as he rubbed at the side of his head. “He ... llo, Crescent.” “Getting better,” Crescent said in Draconic. His own ability was getting better in turn. “Less pauses.” “I figured as much, but it’s quite difficult to form those words for my species,” Shawn remarked in return. “Still, I’d say some progress is better than none. Thankfully, listening to the language turned out to be easier than I expected, since I thought I would be completely unable to determine what words were what.” Crescent nodded. He pronounced the words Shawn had tried to say again in a slow even pace making sure to emphasize points. “Hello, Crescent,” Shawn went again, ensuring he cut down on the pauses. “Much better.” The stallion seemed pleased. “Similar to your Eng- Draconic,” Shawn corrected himself. “You’re certainly picking it back up at a decent rate.” “Practice makes perfect.” The stallion smirked. “Yeah, yeah.” Shawn rolled his eyes, giving a small smile. “Helps when you already know the language in the first place. Though, I know I’ve got some words that would certainly stump you, even if you fully memorize Draconic.” “Not competition.” “Yeah, but you’ve got to make some things interesting for subjects to learn. I’ve nearly got the written language down, just because it’s similar to our writing back home, and you’re easier to talk to than the others,” Shawn replied. “I’m learning, and I’m not gonna stray from that, but I can at least offer you some new words as well.” “Fair enough.” Crescent nodded. “Where start?” “Now, I could be cruel and say hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia, but perhaps one that I would know well would be ‘Compressor.’” Crescent attempted to say the word, but all that came out were awkward sounds. “There we go, something new for you to learn. And I’ll continue my attempts at learning Equestrian.” Shawn chuckled. Crescent nodded. “Fair.” Shawn gave a smile. “Plus,” he lowered his voice, “given the nature of the threat, having a word that doesn’t exist here works great as a check. Wouldn’t you agree?” Crescent nodded. “Smart.” “Better safe than sorry. I appreciate the help you’ve been giving me these last few nights, given I haven’t heard anything about our potential returns.” “No magic.” Crescent shrugged. “Magic for shamans and unicorns.” Shawn raised a brow, confused for a moment. “Thestral magic is … not thinking?” he said, unsure if the words fit. “Thestral magic happen normally. No spell. No thought. Just happen. You return need thought magic, need controlled magic.” “Fair enough. I suppose we’ll see what Celestia and Luna think when this whole situation is dealt with.” Crescent nodded. “Hope that soon.” “Tired of my company already?” Shawn gave a small smirk. “I appreciate the hope, nevertheless.” “Hope threat dealt with soon,” Crescent clarified. “Family in danger.” “Fair.” Shawn nodded. “Sorry. I thought you meant that toward the earlier stuff.” Crescent chuckled. “Not that lucky,” he said in a teasing tone. Shawn gave a small smile. “Out of all the potential guards, huh?” The next morning found the trio among their escort being led by Celestia down a series of halls and passages that most definitely were not standard for Pony travel. Eventually, they arrived at a set of heavily reinforced studded wooden doors. Before they opened, Celestia turned to face her guests. “The forges are a few stories below us. The closer we draw to them, the warmer it’s going to become. Lord Shawn should be used to the heat, or at the very least familiar with it. However, I must ask the rest of you to brace yourselves. We keep our fires very hot, and some of our weapons are forged with the assistance of dragon flame for our more serious magical threats. As such, I must stress the importance of not touching anything without permission. Not only could it be dangerous to you, but it’s extremely offensive to our smiths.” Matthew swallowed heavily and nodded. “Thanks for the warning.” “This is gonna be awesome,” Taze said happily. “I’m very curious to see what you have to work with,” Shawn added. “And I look forward to showing you. You’ll also have your weapons returned to you,” Celestia added. “Our smiths found your particular weapon designs most intriguing, Hunter Taze.” She nodded toward Shawn and the belt at his waist. “And with your permission, we’ll also have your sword serviced. Or if you would prefer, you may service it yourself. I know it means a great deal to you.” Shawn raised his hands placatingly. “That depends on what tools are available. I only know so much with our tools, not Equestria’s.” “Then we will see what we will see. Come.” The doors yawned open to a broad and tall stairwell wide enough for four Ponies across. Even from their position at the top, the faint ring of the hammer and the roar of hot air sang through the space. True to Celestia’s word, the heat grew exponentially the deeper they descended until they arrived at last at the main chamber. A quick flick of her horn was all that was necessary to open the way into a positively cavernous chamber. Pit after pit of burning coals and walled-off blast forges sat in wait while various Ponies tended to their work. Bellows huffed and winds churned with the heavy beats of Pegasus wings while firm and steady hooves smacked blow after blow with hammer, tongs, and in some cases their own specially crafted horseshoes. Anvils were alive with runes and glowing steel as mannequins were quickly loaded with armor to stand in preparation for the fittings to come, and weapons were quenched and laid on worktables to prepare for the moment where tines would meet hilt, haft would meet head, and skill would meet brutal efficiency. Weapons, schematics, and tools were scattered across the walls in equal measure with a strange form of balance that straddled the border between a proud decorative display and practicality. “Welcome, gentlemen, to the royal forge.” “Wow,” Taze said as his eyes widened. Celestia couldn’t help but smile. “Yes, it is rather impressive. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that appearances should always come second to quality. We scavenge Equestria for the best candidates to join the ranks here. It’s a rigorous process, but a great honor to those who make the cut.” “Listen to that song!” Taze chuckled as he took in the sounds of the forge, particularly the carefully timed hammer blows ringing out like an instrument. “You weren’t kidding about the heat, were you?” Matthew panted. It wasn’t humid, but the heat was more than enough to flood his chest and make him uncomfortable. “You … said something about getting our weapons back?” Celestia nodded as they strode deeper into the forge chamber. “Storm Hammer is waiting with them. She has many questions for you, Taze. Most particularly about your weapons and their unique design.” She led them and their escort to a smaller door, which Celestia opened easily, only to be greeted by a vituperation of curses that flowed into comprehension as she cast her translation spell again. “Ey! Who’s there? I t’ought I said I wasn’t to be disturbed!” a voice yelled, followed by a proper form as a Unicorn as black as coal stomped angrily out of the heat waves emanating from what was presumably her personal workshop. She levitated two mallets in steely gray magic. “I t’ought I told you gobshites I wasn’t gunna be ‘olden your hooves through every Sleipnir-damned—” She cut off suddenly when she finally noticed just who had disturbed her work. “Oh! Your Majesty. Beggin' your pardon. Didn’t realize it was you.” She gave a short bow of her head. Celestia laughed. “Don’t worry, Storm Hammer. I’ve heard far worse in my lifetime.” “I’d ask what you’re doing ‘ere, but given the three behind you, I think I can guess,” the Unicorn noted. “’Ello to you three. M’names Storm Hammer. Storm of a temper, good with a hammer. ’Least that's what me da’ always told me. I’m a grandmaster smith of the Equestrian Metalworking Guild with a specialization in weapons. How I got me mark, wouldn’t you believe.” “Matthew Conner,” the first one said by way of introduction as he waved slowly. His face was still flushed from the mare’s tirade, a coloration that seemed to be uniform in their guards. “Taze Klim!” Taze said with a grin. “Shawn Viginti,” Shawn replied with a nod. “Very nice meeting you.” She gave a nod of the head. “Now, I'd say you're likely here about your weapons?” “More than likely,” Celestia said. “Thank you for taking the project. I know your schedule is anything but open right now.” “Eh.” The Unicorn gave a shrug. “Not so much that I'm busy as the ’prentices need to learn to work by demselves. I’d swear they can’t make a nail without coming to me for advice.” Shawn gave a brief chuckle as he remembered almost the same complaint from his uncle. “Anyway, Princess, I can make time for you and your guests,” Storm Hammer said. “Just follow me and we’ll get this sorted out.” She drew farther in, and the guests followed.  The chamber they were led into was smaller than the massive one outside, but for a single person seemed spacious. A board with numerous tools lay across the west wall while two separate anvils lay central to everything. A magical furnace burned with raging violet flames nearby. Molds and crucibles stood waiting for molten metal to be poured into them, and ingots of various colors and hues were neatly stacked in a corner. Matthew swallowed heavily and smacked his lips as he eyed the quenching barrel and its rippling water. “This place looks awesome.” Taze chuckled, looking around eagerly before returning his gaze to Shawn. “That it does,” Shawn agreed as he looked over the tools. “I recognize most of it, though the occasional magic-related thing is obviously out of my range of knowledge.” “Thank you.” Storm Hammer nodded. “My own corner of the world, this is,” she said happily. “Now then, not sure there is much I can do for you,” she noted to Shawn. “Yer blade’s already been returned to you. If you’d like something done with it, I can direct you to an associate of mine.” “Probably a good idea.” Shawn rubbed the back of his head. “It’s probably in need of some maintenance.” “’Kay, then. Office is three stations down. Goes by the name of Steel Weaver. He deals with weapons like yours.” “Appreciate it.” Shawn gave a nod. “I’ll wait until afterwards, since I’m unsure of how far the translation spell can go.” Storm Hammer nodded. “Now you,” she said, turning to Taze, “I dunno what you call this or where you got it, but the design is amazing. The metal’s shite, clearly only meant to be used for looks, but the design is elegant yet capable. Dunno if I like the weakness around the spine, but for a slashing weapon, this ain’t like anything I've ever clapped eyes on. That being said, I was able to do a few things for you after some research. At the princesses’ behest, I made the blade a bit more functional. Mythril coating along the spine to strengthen it, and a bit of brightsteel inlay along the edge. Still not meant for real combat, but in a pinch, it should protect you. Unfortunately, I ‘ad no idea what the small arm was, so I didn’t touch it.'' She levitated the katana and jitte to Taze without putting the mallets down. Upon taking them, Taze unsheathed the katana and gave a low whistle at the brassy finish along the spine and the heavily polished look along the edge. “Thank you,” Taze said. “Now you.” She turned to Matthew as Celestia levitated a wooden cup full of water to him. “Yes?” “What the heck are you doing carrying this around?” She held his K-bar up. “What did you think you’d accomplish with this?” “Last line of defense. It’s complementary to the main standard of weapons issued to folks like me.” Matthew paused. “Do you know what a crossbow is? In our world, we once used such weapons to help in case anything got past the front guards. Likewise, in our more modern warfare, we have to use secondary weapons like this K-bar to defend ourselves. We call it trench tactics or hand-to-hand combat.” “Well, I don’t see it, but that’s your culture.” Storm Hammer shrugged. “Funny you mention a crossbow, though, as the princess ‘ere decided you three needed some form of self-defense, so we had these made for you.” She levitated a light crossbow with a crank to Matthew, along with a small quiver of bolts. Matthew turned to face away from the others and took a bolt from the quiver. He quickly worked out how to load the bolt, access the firing trigger, and remove the bolt safely without the aid of the safeties he was so used to seeing on weaponry back home. The attempts were clumsy, but showed promise, alongside the fact he respected the need for caution when dealing with such things. He grinned as a harness was levitated and set over his shirt, complete with a proper location to secure the bow on his back. A belt with pouches loaded with quarrels was added to complete the ensemble. With his new garb prepared, he turned to the smith and Celestia and rendered a Salute. “Thank you.” “As long as it don't come back pointed at me.” Storm Hammer smirked. “Now then, if there’s nothin’ else I can do for you gennlemen, I’ll bid you good day.” “Good day,” Matthew returned. “Thanks a lot,” Taze said. Shawn simply gave a nod in return. Celestia nodded. “As usual, you have my thanks, Storm Hammer. Rest assured, you’ll be receiving proper payment for your service, and a bonus for the rush work. You can also expect my sister to visit sometime this evening, I should think. She may have an order for the forges, though I can’t say for certain.” “I’ll look forward to it with great anticipation. Farewell, Princess.” And with that, Celestia closed off her spell and led the way through the forges. Just as Storm Hammer suggested, the group strode down three workstations to the proper door and entered. As they entered Steel Weaver’s workshop, the difference between the two smiths became readily apparent. Tool racks laid empty. Every tool that should have been there instead laid at any number of workstations where they had last been used at either the anvil, the worktable, and even the grindstone, waiting to be picked up at a moment’s notice. Near the forge stood a large steel-gray stallion with a bronze mane. Unlike the other Ponies, this smith towered over the guards in muscle mass and size. His cutie mark depicted a warhammer and helmet planted on top of an anvil. Once more, the golden aura spread through the room. And once more, the natural language of the equines flowed in English for the humans to hear. “Ah’, so these are the three you were talkin’ about,” Steel Weaver spoke up. After looking them over, he placed his current project back into the fire before turning his attention fully to the group. “I can see why Storm Hammer’d have a rougher time with you lot. Shortest one of you’s stands decently tall enough.” Celestia giggled. “By most Pony standards, they’d rival a Minotaur in its youth. But then again, I suppose that wouldn’t bother you much, now would it, Steel Weaver?” “As lon’ as they’re able to wield whatever it is I make for them, it’ll be fine. So, which one of you wielded the claymore?” he questioned, eyeing the trio. After a moment, he settled on Shawn. “I’m guessing you, based on yer’ size. Though yer’ blade’s mostly hidden by that coat you’ve got on.” Shawn looked confused for a moment. “I think so, but I’m not wielding a claymore.” He reached to his hip to unsheathe his sword. “It’s a longsword. Though, now that I’m seeing the size difference, your description is starting to make sense….” Steel Weaver eyed the blade before reaching a hoof out. “You mind if I give it a good look over?” Shawn nodded, handing the blade over to the smith. “All right.” He turned the sword over in his hoof a few times, then moved to his work table. He pulled out a few tools and tapped probingly over the metal. “An impressive variant of steel you’ve got here. A brass guard, good weight distribution. Only problem you’ve got is that it’s completely dull.” “Yeah, it was made some time ago and could … definitely use the work.” Shawn rubbed the back of his head. “Well, if you’re willing to accept it, I can easily clean this thing up. Shouldn’t have to replace or rework anything.” Steel Weaver turned towards Shawn. “I could probably do more for you if you could handle it, and if Princess Celestia would allow it,” he added, turning towards Celestia. “That would depend on if you mean dedicating funds to more of your projects or if you’re specifically referring to Lord Shawn’s sword,” Celestia said. “Well, I could broaden the skills a little with some new inspiration I’ve got. I’d offer something to the whole group you brought, if it weren’t for the fact I doubt all three of them could handle it. I’m sure Storm Hammer’s probably got the same thing in mind for them, but she just didn’t bring it up immediately, I’m bettin’.” Celestia chuckled. “You two always did work well together.” “So, if you’re willin’, what if we look into some type of armor for these three? Storm Hammer could handle those two, and I could make something for him. It’s not every day you get to work on something new.” “Especially not with a new species?” Celestia quipped. “Exactly.” Steel Weaver gave a smile. Celestia sighed dramatically. “I suppose, if you can work it into your schedules.” “I’m certain of my end, though Storm Hammer’d probably take some time to finish hers. After all, appearances are her speciality.” He chuckled before turning to Shawn. “Lad, do me a quick favor. See that weapon rack to your left?” He pointed toward it. “Second sword on the left. Pick that up, would you?” Shawn blinked a few times before seizing the blade in question and lifting it. After a moment, he turned back to Steel Weaver. “Well?” Steel Weaver asked. “What?” Shawn questioned. He rolled his eyes. “How’s that one feel to you?” Shawn looked over the sword again. It was slightly different in shape than a standard longsword from Earth. The grip appeared to be slightly longer than a one-handed weapon normally had, but not quite long enough to count as two-handed. Turning it over in his grip, he tested the weight, felt its balance, and noted it was surprisingly good. “It’s very well made.” Steel Weaver looked to Celestia. “I like him. You’ve brought me someone that can actually wield the weapons I like makin’. He’s even holding it one hoo-er, handed.” Celestia raised a curious brow. “I hope you don’t plan on kidnapping him, Steel Weaver.” “No, not at all. Though I may need to borrow him from time to time.” He smiled. “That will primarily be up to Lord Shawn to decide for himself. Provided he keeps to the rules, I don’t see why he shouldn’t have the freedom to come and go at your request.” “I don’t mind,” Shawn spoke up as he placed the weapon back on the rack. “A place like this reminds me of my uncle’s shop. And though I didn’t pick the same profession, I always did find smithing to be interesting.” “Then that’s that.” Steel Weaver smiled before it wilted. “Though, you’re doing a spell to help translate their speech, so it’s probably not gonna happen too often any time soon.” Matthew watched the exchange intently, waiting for the chance to join in on the conversation while Taze just seemed to be taking the room and all its weapons in. “Uh, you mentioned that Taze and I need help elsewhere. Does that mean more weapons and armor, or just one or the other?” Steel Weaver raised a brow. “Well, you’ve got yourself a new crossbow at your hip already, and I remember Storm Hammer complainin’ something fierce about a strange dagger, so you’ve already got your weapons covered. Meanwhile, your friend there,” he pointed to Taze. “Clearly has his weapons on his back, so he’s covered. Once she forms how she wants to ask Princess Celestia about making armor for you two, then she’ll move things forward. Until then, it’s just waiting for you two, I’m sorry to say. I just can’t see you two using the weapons I make.” “Not a problem. I’m a different build and body shape than the others.” Matthew shrugged. “I’m just happy that we can figure out what to do to keep me vertical.” Taze nodded after considering it. “Armor probably would be wise.” “We’ll see how long she takes on figuring it all out.” Steel Weaver nodded. “All right, I hate to do this, but I need to work on this sword, and teach the apprentices a few things, so I’m gonna have to request you take your leave.” “Of course, Steel Weaver. You’re a credit to your craft as a smith and a teacher.” She smiled and nodded her head in stately acknowledgement. “Come along, gentlemen. You can see the forges again another time.” And so the party left the smith to his devices. They, too, had tasks to accomplish and deeds to prepare for. And there was precious time to waste.