Celestia sat at the long oak dinner table with a pleasant smile as she levitated a spoonful of potato salad on to her plate. The last of the sun's light easily brightened the decorative dinner hall. It was an absolutely perfect setting for a relaxing dinner if it wasn't for a growling sister and a Roman Centurion silently glaring at one another. Celestia chose to ignore it however before humming happily at the chefs latest potato recipe.
"Sister, remove this criminal from the table at once. Having him here is an insult both to you and the Royal Family!" Luna demanded as she raised an accusing hoof at Lucius who crossed his arms defiantly.
"I committed no unwarranted crime! Your Sister casted me into stone amidst a battle then hid me away in her room," Lucius defended himself verbally as his plate remained clear of any food. "I would have you wake up in the same predicament and act accordingly!"
Luna scoffed at the very idea and easily waved her hoof dismissively. "I am far too fierce a Warrior as to be caught by such a simple spell! You Humans think yourselves so high and mighty until you have to contend magically beings,"
Lucius only rolled his eyes in disbelief at the claim. "Rome and her people would have won the war if your Princess didn't step in! Only one General in all of your armies was great enough to really give enough challenge but after his demise the rest of your Ponies crumbled under the weight of a true professional army!"
Luna slammed a hoof on the table which caused a bowl full of steamed and buttered asparagus to almost smash upon the marble floor till Fabulinus caught it within his magical grip. "If I was there, your Legions would be but bugs under my Royal Hoof shoes!"
"What was that? I couldn't hear you because you were on the damn Moon!" Lucius spoke as his hands clenched the edge of the oak dining table tightly.
Luna was about to retort with something equally offensive before some one coughed loudly. Lucius and Luna turned to see that Celestia was simply smiling with her iconic soft expression. It was quiet in the room which Fabulinus thanked a thousand times over in his thoughts.
"As much as I enjoy both of you getting to know each other, could you please be quiet for at least, oh I don't know," Celestia gazed at the expensive looking clock hanging high between two decorative windows. "Five or so minutes?"
Both Luna and Lucius returned to glaring at one another before lowering their attention to their own plate.
"Thank you both," Celestia said before levitating a small portion of pumpernickel bread onto her plate. "So how was your day, Sister?" Celestia asked as if the whole argument never even occurred in the first place.
Luna took a breath in to calm her nerves before turning to her older sister. "I managed to finish the rest of my paperwork and even invited Twilight and her Friends to come visit for a weekend," Luna spoke mischievously as she gazed down the large assortment of food to her but was satisfied with her Sister choking on the wine she was drinking.
Celestia, for all her merit, was never one for lies both politically and internally. Twilight has always been a caring individual although her methods or reactions were not always the 'norm'. She wanted to wait until she 'broke in' the Human before telling Twilight about her new companion.
Luna continued as she relished the semi-misery she inflicted upon her poor Sister. "She should be arriving on the first Train tomorrow morning if her usual personality is anything to go off of,"
Lucius switched his gaze back and forth between the Princess' until he silently groaned. He turned toward the only other Pony who was simply trying to enjoy his salad with Cherry Tomatoes. "By the Gods, who are they talking about?" The Centurion asked as Fabulinus gazed up from his food.
"Princess Twilight Sparkle lives in a small town less then a day's travel by train from here. She's a close friend and confidant of both Luna and Celestia here in Canterlot," Fabulinus explained before levitating another forkful to his mouth.
Train? Twilight Sparkle? Lucius only blinked a few times with confusion before concentrating once more on the Princess'.
"Oh yes, I also forgot that our Niece Cadence and her Husband is also coming for the weekend," Luna spoke once more as she fully enjoyed the expression Celestia was coming up with.
Celestia only groaned before closing her eyes to think about all the trouble that was going to occur during one weekend. She could however sabotage the train tracks coming from both the Crystal Kingdom and Ponyville. Knowing both the other Princess' however, she would also have to put up an anti-teleportation barrier around the Castle if not all of Canterlot. She opened her eyes once more to look at Lucius, the one prize from War she found worth keeping. His short brown hair, obviously military standard, was thick even with the evidence of it receding. His sun kissed skin that bore the same kiss of war was rugged with both muscle and scars. His eyes however is what truly kept her attention as she smiled at the hazelnut coloured eyes that we're gazing at her oddly.
Lucius watched as Celestia opened her eyes once more to simply stare at him, almost dreamily. The very prospect that had invaded his mind irked him but having the Princess romantically interested in him could have benefits. The first benefit evidently him being alive but he could use her feelings to escape. Perhaps one night when she wasn't expecting it, he could slip past both bed and sheets to flee the Castle.
The prospect of Escape however jauntily danced around his thought. If what Celestia has said was indeed true, he would have no home to return too. Rome was no longer Rome. A desecrated and separated puppet nation with little to no pride in her heritage. As dishonourable as it may seem to his past employment, he could take back up the sword and roam as a mercenary but in a continent that has known peace for so long, what need would someone have of him? Maybe some rich fool to show him off like some sort of prize or a criminal looking for some extra muscle. Neither sound appealing in the least.
"Lucius?" A soft voice called out as the Human stirred awake from his thoughts to see Celestia looking at him with slight concern. "If the food isn't to your liking than I can always ask the chefs for something else," she offered as her Sister gagged at the show of affection and concern.
Lucius was confused for a moment until he realized his plate was still bare of any food, although most of the occupants of the table have already eaten their share. Inside his mind he simply let out an exaggerated sigh as he knew the only way to gain any sort of freedom was through the Solar Princess. Doing his best at a genuine smile, he reached for a simple salad and olive oil.
Celestia watched him eat in the peaceful silence as she could easily tell how deep in thought the Soldier must have been. It was a continued peace until Luna decided that enough was enough.
"Hurry with your meal, Prisoner. Your cell beckons for your return," Luna smirked as it seemed she was the one with the last laugh. Her smile lasted long as Lucius glared at her while she smugly drank from her wine glass.
"Oh nonsense," Celestia chirped. "Lucius shall sleep with myself tonight," she spoke seductively which caused most of the wine within Luna's mouth to immediately propel over the food. The Solar Princess couldn't hep but snicker as her revenge was completely and utterly satisfying as Luna coughed up whatever was left. "Lucius, you shall follow me to a guest quarters. I have already legally pardoned your assault and your actions in the war against Equestria are hear by nullified,"
Lucius only sat with a mouthful of lettuce in surprise. Were the Princess truly this trusting? Did they honestly not expect him to not conduct any assortment of escapes?
"Of course you are legally bound to house arrest for a month unless pardoned by both Princess Luna and Myself or under guard of no less then a section of Royal Guards," Celestia finished her long speech as she took a dainty sip from what was remaining of inside her wine glass. "Basically don't leave the castle without me," Celestia summed up with a smile.
The Centurion could only swallow what was left of his meal and nod his head.
"You cannot be serious, Tia!" Luna protested as she levitated a dinner fork threateningly close to Lucius. "How can you trust a Human so much even after all he did? It is insane to even think about!"
"First of all," Celestia levitated a fork to deflect away the potentially dangerous dinnerware. "I trust him because I know him," Celestia explained which made even Lucius raise an eyebrow in confusion. "I trust him as much as I trusted you the day you returned from the moon with regret and apologies,"
Luna could huff in frustration and throw forks into the wall all night but she knew her Sister better than anyone. Celestia was one Mare that doesn't want many material goods in this world even though she is a Princess but when she does set her on something, she goes in head first, damn the consequences. Why in all that is the night's glow did it have to be the Human? "And if he stabs you in the night with a fork?" Luna proposed the scenario with deadly seriousness.
Celestia could only let out a huff before levitating the fork back down beside her plate perfectly in place. "If it happens, it happens," she spoke before turning her gaze towards the Human almost as if she was pleading for some sort of back up.
Lucius was at an awkward standstill within the conversation. His eyes switched from Luna's to Celestia in quick successions as he tapped a finger on his leg. "I don't know what to say but this. I want to return to my Rome even it is nothing but a disgrace of what it used to be," Lucius began and as Luna and Celestia were about to say something he simply rose his hand to stop them, which thankfully did. "If I don't seem like a reasonable citizen worthy of Roman standards by the end of the month's arrest, then cast me back to stone. I don't have my Rome or my Legion so the last favour you could give me is my rightful sleep,"
The room was quiet as all the heads were quiet and in deep thought. Luna was excited at the thought of such a trial and slowly nodded her head at the idea. Celestia on the other hand was slightly more worried about the future. She planned on simply subduing her sister into submission verbally and than slowly worm into the Centurion's heart to conquer him but this made things slightly difficult. It would only give her a month to make him want to stay by her side so he could forget about his notion about old Roman glory.
A rough couch echoed through the room as all eyes turned to the almost metaphorical invisible Unicorn. Fabulinus had resorted to pushing some of his meal around on his plate knowing full he couldn't excuse himself until the Princess' did. "I beg your forgiveness, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, but perhaps I could shed some light on this?" He interjected with some hint of wisdom to the already starved, ridiculous conversation.
"Please do, Fabulinus," Celestia beckoned with a returning, but weak, smile.
"Perhaps I can tutor Lucius Maxis Vor? I am a neutral party in the grand scheme of this trial. Perhaps I can be one of such a jury when the end of the month long arrest comes to an end?" Fabulinus proposed as he witnessed both Princess' arch their eyebrows in surprise before turning back to the Scribe.
"What kind of tutoring do you have in mind?" Luna asked as she shifted in her seat to better speak to the Stallion.
"Lucius has missed over two hundred years of Technology progression, Culture progression and the natural shift of Countries since the collapse of the Roman Empire and Humanities role in all of it," Fabulinus explained in the most logical manner he could compose.
"So be it," Luna spoke as she pushed her chair out from the diner table. "A month from tonight shall be your judgement, Lucius Maxis Vor. Best prepare yourself," and with that final word in, Luna trotted towards the door where one of her Night Guard was waiting for her. "Goodnight, dear Sister,"
Celestia waved lightly before smiling, "Have a good night, Luna,".
The room was silent for a moment before Fabulinus decided to take initiative and pushed his chair back silently. "Thank you, your Highness, but I must prepare myself for my new job to tutor Lucius. May the gods watch over you, Lucius," Fabulinus spoke before taking his leave.
Sub-consciously Lucius responded "To you as well, Fabulinus," before smacking himself as he let the words escape his mouth.
Celestia waved to Fabulinus as he exited and Celestia nodded to her remaining guards and made a shoo motion with her hoof. A stubborn Sergeant gave a back a stern look in defiance before Celestia used her tried and true puppy dog eyes. The guard simply scrunched up his nose in frustration then left the two alone with a echoing clasp of the door shutting close.
Lucius sat with his mind in a clustered, unfocused manner. If it was combat he'd have priorities and everything else would simply fall into place but it was this kind of fighting he was not especially accustom too. He slowly turned his gaze towards Celestia who was happy enough to just sit calmly in silence with him as company. "Why do you trust me so much?" Lucius asked as the silence made him succumb to his curious urges, especially now that they were alone.
Celestia was quiet for a moment as she studied his expression. "I like to think I know you more than anyone else alive or dead. Many nights I have sat in bed looking up to you as you stood with your last moments exactly where you wanted to be, in your Army, your Legion," she began as she levitated a large cushion beside Lucius side and made her way to sit beside him. She was close to him but without the claustrophobic feeling to it but one could accustom it to being clingy. "Every time I poured my magical essence into your very being, I always gained a feeling back in return,
"But you said that your magical energy accidentally leaked into my Statued self?" Lucius interrupted as he gave Celestia a quizzical expression.
Celestia simply waved a hoof before sipping on her wine. "I may have told a simple white lie. I leaked any left over magic from the day into you before falling asleep, which I must say is an excellent sleep aid," Celestia snickered as she gave the Centurion a pat with her feathery, yet soft, wing. "I often got regret, anger, accomplishment, failure and sadness in return for all of the magical energy but there was also love, care and kinship amongst all the swirling bad emotions,"
Lucius ignored the fact that the Princess was closer than he'd like as he digested the new information. However he ran such a thing through his mind however, it was unclear how he should proceed with the Mare. "Why do you take such a fancy with me?" His question was blunt as he drank whatever wine was left in his glass knowing full well that he may need it.
"I don't know," Celestia simply stated as she humoured herself with a small smirk, the wine obviously having an effect on the Alicorn. "At first I simply thought of you as a great mystery worth restoring. Our conversation before I did my final assault upon your Legion made me feel untold sorrow. I felt like I could have known you on such a deeper level that the moment you turned to stone, it was my obligation that you didn't turn into some museum piece.
"You may not believe me but when I first got the silly notion of any sort of relationship with you, I poured my magic into your statue. I will never forget the first emotion you gave me through the feed back," Celestia smiled deeply as she thought back to those long years ago. "It was happiness and contentment. It filled me with a warmth that I thought only the Sun could match. I was so over whelmed that I even slept at your feet that night on the marble floor beneath,"
Lucius didn't know how to take all of this emotional jargon. He had his legion and after the Equestrian Campaign he was going to find a decent maiden in her teens and start a family in his families estate overlooking the vineyard. It was the standard for Roman Citizens and he was going to keep the Family going. The Equestrian Campaign obviously changed all that and now he was stuck with a persistent creature outside of his species.
"Do many Humans mate outside of our species in this day and age?" Lucius questioned although he feared the answer if anything Celestia and Luna have said were to be true.
"Yes, in fact it is almost common place now that a Human is interested in opposite species as much as the same one," Celestia said with a warm smile as she sense that this question was asked for a certain reason. The Solar Princess lit her horn as a large scroll popped into existence in the sir before them. With a simple levitation spell the Princess moved multiple plates and dinnerware for the unrolling scroll.
Lucius gazed with amazement as before him was the most illustrated map of the continent that he has ever seen. Every detail was so flushed out and exact, every elevation of mountains and every city, town and village. His hand grazed across the map in amazement before it came to a shaking stop.
Celestia watched his finger stop over a small nation with bold lettering called 'New Rome'. It had three provincial lines that had split the nation like a pie; a slice for each survivor. The room was quiet as she gazed at him with worry as he ran a hand over what used to be his beloved home country. Each slice had Equestria, Gryphon Kingdom or Germaneigh to indicate who each slice properly belonged too.
Anger and fury burned within the old Legionnaire's heart. It was his home! He fought, killed, bled, cried, sweat and died once for her! He lost friends for the Mother he knew as Rome; he lost his Father for her. He was about to rip the map when a soft, pure white hoof pushed his fingers up the map until they reached a country named 'Kanada'.
"Kanada is governed by and populated by a mix of Human and Tundra Wolves. It is a welcoming nation that often par takes in fishing and hunting as a pack but relishes visitors as they welcome it as insight," Celestia eagerly explained in the hopes it would distract his wary heart and soul. She noticed he stopped his ragged breathing which made her continue by pulling his hand down to Prance. "The Prench is a neighbouring country to Germaneigh who cherish both culture and culinary arts. They also like to think themselves the ultimate players of love," Celestia snorted at but didn't say more.
Lucius just silently listened to the information as she continued.
"Here is Germaneigh, although I'm sure you know that well enough. Just like Prance, they are mostly a Pony and Human mix although a rising numbers of Gryphons have migrated there. Apparently it was a welcoming warrior society without the constraint of actual species regime,
Celestia dragged his hoof to another spot in the mountains that he also remembered quite clearly. "The Gryphon Kingdom still stands ever vigilant and stubborn. They are the only nation on the Continent that still endorse a strict Species superiority. Not many other species live there though I hear grumbling of unhappiness from old traditions preventing trade and free travel,"
"Bloody birds," Lucius simply muttered before huffing out in aggravation.
Celestia simply nodded her head so to simply end the conversation. The map vanished from view as the two sat in silence as Celestia gazed at Lucius intently as she ran a few things through her mind. She didn't need a psychiatrist or a Genie to tell her that the Map had brought and she knew one thing to make a Soldier's pride truly shine. "I have a gift for you, Lucius, but it is in my personal chambers. Would you escort me there so I can give it to you?"
The Centurion could let out a loud gulp as she watched the Princess saunter her way to the Dinning room double Doors that led to Gods know what. Would she really try to pursue this fancy of his being her mate and potential marriage partner in such a quick fashion? Whatever his mind was thinking however was soon drowned out as he found he had one foot constantly walking before the other. A small group of guards trailing behind as they kept their attention to the Human who was now free of any assault charges.
The walk was a mixture of awkward quiet and nervous tension as he wondered how he was to react when the Princess was no doubt going to press her advances. Perhaps the guards were going to lock the door behind the Human, effectively trapping him. It was also possible that the Princess had already drugged his food or drink and was simply awaiting for the effect to come to light.
All the inner thoughts came to a sudden halt as the Princess paused in front of a large decorative door that held many pictures of the sun and dancing ponies within the said Sun' warming light. As far as doors went, it was easily one of the most decorative ones. Celestia didn't waste much time as she magically pushed the door open and the fireplace instantly began to glow with a small flame; eventually roaring to a bright life.
Lucius stood at the door for a moment with his back straight, hesitant to walk into what could be a risk towards his escape. It didn't take long till two hoofs shoved him forward. Teetering forward, Lucius halted quickly only to find with a turn of his head that the doors were now closed. What stood before him though was a sight he wasn't sure he'd ever see again in his lifetime.
Celestia stood beside the armour stand with a beaming smile. She almost giggled when the look of pure amazement and joy easily washed over him. "I tried my best to keep it as clean and polished as possible. I've made sure to replace any broken or torn laces and even fashioned a red cloak for you!" Celestia admitted like a school filly as if showing a project she was immensely proud at. "I even fashioned a cloak for you out of spider thread! The dye in it was tricky but over the last century, I've managed to figure it out,"
Lucius was completely stupefied beyond words. His armour before his stone imprisonment was beaten, bloodied, mud caked, scratched and had many of its laces torn or starting to at least. It stood in front of him now completely cleaned and even had a light shine that came with the polishing job. It reflected the fireplace brilliantly to the point that he couldn't help but see the time and care that was placed into it. Then his eyes were caught onto the cloak that held such a rich colour of red he couldn't help but remember the day he first witnessed the Seventh Legion's Standard flapping proudly in the Spring air. Lucius, throwing caution to the wind, closed the distance and ran his hands over the strips that made his Lorica Segmentata.
Celestia finally indulged her self and released a few giggles as she witnessed the Centurion slowly run his hand through his helm's red hair plume. Her pride swelled as his hands moved to the cloak that almost glided like silk across his fingers but was as strong as steel. It cost the Princess a hefty coin to the Spider Queens but well worth it. It had taken her years to sew such a cloak with such fabric and the blacksmiths a decade ago crafted the very Aquila Brooch to hold the Cloak.
"I still do not think I should have been revived from the stone," Lucius spoke in a whisper as his hands rested on the shoulder strips of his armour.
Celestia's ears flopped over as he spoke and only began to move her lips in some sort of saddened plea.
"But," Lucius paused to have Celestia practically hanging on his words. "I will try to live this life till the Gods truly decide to remove me from my mortal coils," he turned his head to give the Princess a genuine smile.
Celestia gave her long and majestic wings a single flap in excitement before smiling back. "Well, what are you waiting for, Centurion?" Celestia teased with a hoof to his side, which it seemed that he didn't mind. "Don your armour and show me a true Legionnaire,"
Lucius didn't need a second thought as he undid the straps and began the process to secure his chest piece. A constant smile was plastered on his face as he tightened his greaves and the manica on his right arm. It was at a certain point he stopped to look at a strap on his back that was magically being tightened by a Mare that was softly smiling. Lucius quickly turned away however knowing exactly what this seemed like. He had seen his Mother do the exact same with his Father. His thoughts of emotional attachment ceased when he felt the warm cloak drape over his form, a gleaming gold Aquila Brooch keeping it firmly in place.
The room was quiet but there wasn't a hint of awkwardness or displeasure. Only his helm remained as Lucius slowly pulled it from its perch atop the armour stand to deeply gaze at it affectionally. He chuckled when he remembered this helmet being so uncomfortable the first day he was issued it. Slowly he placed over his head to feel his body completely at peace since he had awoken.
"Handsome and intimidating," Celestia giggled. "A deadly combo indeed," she said in almost a whisper as she took in the full stature of the man in his armour.
Lucius grinned but otherwise turned to Celestia, "I have to thank you, Princess. I honestly thought I was to be executed or forever doomed to a dungeon," he began, his hands at his sides.
"Please, just Celestia will do fine," the Princess asked with a smile.
"Well, Celestia, I plan on making the best with what I have and I'm starting with the Month I have here as your guest," Lucius said as he stood with a confident smile and a face full of determination.
"I hope to see you a month from now as good friends," Celestia said although Lucius knew that she would want to be much more than that if he'd let her. "Their is one more gift I can give you," Celestia levitated a bottle to Lucius side which he held before him, awed at the wonderful blue glow it gave off. "This is Dream Cloak. It is designed to keep others out of your dreams, a particular Alicorn for instances," Celestia offered with a suggestive wink and flutter of her wings before opening her door with a simple glow from her horn.
"My armour and a good night's sleep?" Lucius humoured. "Such gifts must deserve something in return?" The Human turned at the door way as the Guards watched stupefied at his new, and threatening, wardrobe.
"It does," Celestia purred before levitating his Helmet off his head and quickly nuzzled the side of his face. She felt the stubble of his face as she could only smile very contently as she was a step closer to what she wanted. Celestia retreated from his face but not before giving his cheek a quick peck. Pleased at both his shocked expression and her internal jumps of joy, she levitated the helmet back on and sat on her haunches. "Good night, Lucius Maxis Vor, Son of Rome,"
Lucius stood dumbfounded for a moment until a guard coughed for him to recollect himself. Snapping out of his intimate stupor he straightened his back and nodded to the Princess. "Goodnight, Celestia, Princess of Equestria,"
Celestia watched with her door open as two guards escorted the Centurion back to his own guest room. The only Pony other than her cleared his throat before giving her a concerned, yet stern, look. Celestia noted the Sergeant At Arms giving a look she has seen more than once or twice when she did something out of her usual character.
"Princess, I know he might mean something special to you, but you must see that he could be dangerous," the aging Stallion spoke. "He has years of training and more actual combat experience than most modern Armies today. How can you place your heart, patience and trust in his hands?"
"Because he put his very soul into fighting for what he loves and believes. Even when certain death had stared him in the eyes," Celestia explained as her mind went back to the trying day. "He simply smiled and went to his family, his brothers. I knew from that day, he was the one my Father wanted for me. I've waited many years for a being that I could honestly say that I wanted by my side in this life and the next,"
The Stallion stood there with a frown before sighing and giving the Princess a defeated smile. "You are only persistent on a few subjects, but I've known you long enough to understand a losing battle. I will support your decision, Princess, but I doubt many, including your Sister, will be as understanding. Perhaps within the month he can prove himself?" He spoke as to an old friend who smiled back to him.
"We will see, Sergeant, we will see," Celestia laughed before starting to retreat back into her Chambers. "Oh, and Sergeant? Prepare the new Recruits for a guest tomorrow," she spoke mischievously as they both wore smirks.