//------------------------------// // Arrival // Story: The Squire and the Student // by Dawn Swordspony //------------------------------// Courtier normally highly enjoyed his duties as squire to the Sky King, but in the Griffin kingdom this time of the year was meant to be spent with family. It should have been a relief to him that he would be at the Sky King’s side instead of alone with his parents away, but he couldn’t help but feel that he was missing out. Courtier had never actually celebrated Hearts and Hooves day with a special somepony, but his parents had always made the day special for the whole family. And with the griffin New Year on the same day all of his friends would be hunting and eating with their families, something he was rather ill-equipped to participate in. Standing on the balcony of the Sky King’s castle Courtier couldn’t help but wonder why the King himself had no hunting plans. It was not common for a squire to ask the King personal questions, but Courtier couldn’t help but wonder. “Sire, why don’t you hunt on the New Year?” The giant Griffin looked down at the small blue squire, a slight smile playing across his beak. “Why do you say I do no hunt, young one?” “Well your meeting with diplomat from Equestria.” “Must I hunt for food? Can I not hunt for the continued happiness of myself and my kingdom?” The kings way of only answering questions with questions was part of the reason the small squire normally didn’t ask questions, but today Courtier was bursting with agitation he could not keep them in any longer. “And what about the diplomat? Don’t they celebrate Hearts and Hooves day?” Before the Sky King could answer or Courtier could continue, a trumpet blared from the castle tower above them. Courtier stood straighter and flared his wings to griffin salute as his head went forward to see who had been sent as diplomat from Equestria. Much to his surprise I very tall winged mare landed on the balcony before them. Her light pink, almost white, coat glimmered in the sun, and as she folded her large wings her horn came into view and Courtier recognized the sun cutie mark on her flank. “Princess Celestia, may I greet you to My Kingdom.” the Sky King said in perfect Equestrian. “It is my pleasure to be here!” The princess replied in heavily accented Giffianian. As they bowed to each other Courtier also remembered his manners and folded his wings as he took a knee before the princess. Rising from his bow the Sky Lord looked beyond the princess. “And who else has the pleasure of joining us?” Just then Courtier noticed a unicorn filly stepping down from a chariot pulled by two of the Equestrian royal guard. The filly must have about his age or a year older with a light yellow coat and a red and yellow wavy mane and tail. “This is my personal student Sunset Shimmer. Sunset this is his majesty the Sky King.” Sunset bowed to the griffin king. Courtier couldn’t help but feel a slight pang of envy as he noticed her cutie mark, a red and yellow sun flare. “And I see, that my protégé will have some company during our visit” princess Celestia said looking down upon Courtier. “What is your name young Pegasus?” “I’m Courtier your majesty. Squire to his majesty the Sky King, and son of former Equestrian Ambassadors to The Griffin Kingdom!” “Ah yes Courtier, I was saddened by the news that your parents would be leaving The Griffin Kingdom, but I am surprised to find their son here in their absence.” “It was at my request your majesty.” The statement from the Sky King took Courtier by surprise… he had thought that his parents had asked the Sky King to take him as a squire not the other way around. “Now Courtier, if you would be so kind, and take our younger guest on a tour of the castle ground. The Princess and I have matters to discus and I will not be needing your assistance for the rest of the evening.” “Of course Sire!” Courtier saluted and waved Sunset Shimmer towards the open doorway.