//------------------------------//
// XLV 
// Story: Baen of Equestria 
// by CrypticMetaphor 
//------------------------------//

	The applause was deafening.  The group of ponies were led by a procession of both Princesses guards as well as Baen’s friends.  Once they stepped off their carriages, they were mobbed by many grateful ponies of all ages.  Baen smiled as the girls received their congratulations, looking around he turned to leave but stopped when he heard Twilight start to speak.

“Everypony,” the citizens of Ponyville settled, “Thank you so much for your kind words, but we don’t deserve them, well, not all of them anyway,” Twilight glanced at Baen.

Baen stopped and looked around in surprise as he pointed to himself.

Twilight smiled, “If anything, we would’ve not won the day if it was not for our dear friend.  Baen.”

Everypony stared at the barbarian for a moment.  Then they surged forward and hoisted Baen above their heads, cheers rang out as the girls joined him.  Baen couldn’t help but laugh as did the girls.  Soon he was placed on the ground as Celestia approached him.

“Baen,” she smiled with great respect at the pony, “You selflessly put your life on the line for my kingdom.  I would never have asked you to do such a thing, but regardless.  You have saved us all, and the Elements of Harmony.”

Baen went to bow, but Celestia raised a hoof, “No, none of that.”

Luna smiled, “Sir Baen, you bow to nopony.”

Both princesses then bowed deeply.  Baen blinked as he looked to his friends who dipped low, soon he turned and noticed everypony following suit.  Baen couldn’t help but smile, with happy tears in his eyes.  Twilight looked up at him from her bowing and winked.

“This….,” Baen sniffled, “thank you all.”

All rose as Baen looked to the horizon.

“Heh,” he shook his head as everpony followed his gaze, “You know something…., I could get used to this.”

Applejack gave him a noogie, “Now don’t go gettin swollen head, we don’t want ya acting like Rainbow.”

Dash nodded, “Yeah.”

Baen raised an eyebrow as Rainbow realized what Applejack meant and growled in anger.

Rarity approached the barbarian with his ruined chest piece, “You wouldn’t mind if I fixed this for you would you?”

Baen shook his head, “Not at all, however, I don’t think I’ll need it for a while.”

Fluttershy tilted her head in confusion, “Why?”

“Because dear Fluttershy,” Baen hugged Coco close to him, “I’m taking my marefriend on a months’ vacation!”

The girls blinked, but Baen was then showered with kisses by a happy Coco.

Twilight placed a hoof on his shoulder, “You deserve it.  Enjoy yourself.”

Baen smiled as he nuzzled his marefriend.

More applause erupted skyward.  It was in that moment everypony knew everything was looking bright for the future.

*

Deep in a mountain, far outside of Celestia’s rule, the sound of scraping and clawing met the ears of several diamond dogs.  It had been slim pickings for several months ever since their latest diamond mine was taken over by snow leopards.

“Nasty icy cats,” one of the Diamond Dog muttered, “claws rip favorite vest.”

Soon the Diamond Dog broke through a stalactite and it revealed a hollowed out compartment.  Fixed into the rock within was a circular emerald.  Reaching in, the Diamond Dog ripped it free as he held it up to the light.  The gem gave off an ominous glow as a voice was heard in the cavern.

“Hehehehahahahah….”