Diplomacy 4

>"Come on, Anon!"
>"Get 'em boy!"
>"You can do it!"
>You were standing in the middle of a tourney field, but just not any tourney field
>This one was where few knights ever had the pleasure of competing in
>Only those of high birth or great deeds were invited to showcase their skills
>It was a plot of land just outside of the capital, where a king and his lords had driven back a mighty horde of barbarians and crushed them so that they’d never rise again
>These were the holy fields of Agentortic, and this was the Agentortic Tourney
>All around you, you could hear people shouting and cheering
>Nearly all of them would be great lords or knights
>Heros of the realm that had seen and done things that you could only dream of
>But your attention wasn't on them
>No...
>It was on your opponent
>He was a beast of a man
>Easily ten feet tall, and built like a mountain
>There was a blade in each of his mighty, scarred hands, and each time his lips drew back into a snarl you could see rows of teeth that were far too sharp for any man
>The knight before you was more monster than man
>Far faster than he looked, with stamina that seemed limitless, and a strength that put a dragon’s to shame
>He was the kind of creature that would cleave his way through a battlefield with the greatest of ease
>And you were beating him
>Beating him badly
>"Aim for the joints in the armor, boy!"
>"The knees! Go for the knees! Bring that beast down!"
>"Show us how a page of Humeyithal fights, young lad!"
>You wove around the giant of a knight, slashing and stabbing his armored body
>The knight growled and snarled with each blow, trying to hit you with his swords, but you were too fast
>You skillfully ducked and weaved in between his blows
>Giant or not, monster or not, he was no match for you!


>"AAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!"
>The knight took a step forward and swung one of his swords downward
>You side stepped that attack, countering it with a solid hit to the elbow
>"UUUUUURRLRLRLLLLLLLRLRRRRL!"
>Next it was a stab, then a side slash
>You batted away the stab, and stabbed inside the knight's guard
>"What's he doing?!"
>"The boy's going to be crushed!"
>"Someone stop the fight!"
>The knight's eyes widened
>You could see the muscles in his neck and shoulders tensing
>He was going to try and grab you...
>But he wasn’t fast enough...
>Before he could so much as spit, you casually slashed the knight's ankle
>Though he must have been at least twenty-five stone, all of it muscle, he was thrown into the air by the might of your attack
>Watching him spin midair, you made sure to quickly disarm him with a flick of your wrist
>You didn't want to hurt the guy after all
>"AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHH-Omph!"
>The ground seemed to shake as the knight fell onto the ground in a panting, sweaty heap, his eyes closed and his brow furrowed in pain
>For a few moments, the tourney was completely silent and still
>But then you could hear slapping
>Then shouting
>Then cheering
>Then whooping
>"YEAH!"
>"THAT'S HOW IT’S DONE BOY!"
>"A REGULAR KING'S GUARD THAT ONE!"
>"DO YOU THINK HE'LL SIGN MY SWORD?"
>Ever the humble young man, you turned to the crowd and began to bow


>Yeah...
>You were pretty great huh...?
>Remembering that you still had your sword in your hand, you decided to add a little flourish to your bow by adding a little swordsman’s skill
>You spun the blade into the air before catching it and slashing toward the ground
>As high as you were from your great victory however, you put a little too much oomph into it
>Before you could stop yourself, your blade bit into the belt of your pants
>Yelping, you jerked the blade away, sending it flying through the air
"Shoot!"
>Your head snapped over to watch it flying toward the sun
>At that exact moment, your belt decided to split in half, and before you could so much as blink your pants were around your ankles
>Once again, silence reigned in  the tourney
>But this time, instead of clapping and cheering, guffawing and laughter broke out
>"Good going lad!"
>"Nice bloomers, my boy!"
>"Is that really Aegis' page? The boy seems a bit... funny, doesn't he?"
>"You SUCK!"
>You reddened at the teasing and the jeering
>Bending down, you tried to grab your pants, but to your surprise you couldn't
>Your arms weren’t long enough, and everytime you tried to bend down the shorter they seemed to get
>Darnit...
>"How can he expect to be a knight if he can't hold up his pants?"
>"I don't know, but perhaps Lord Aegis should look for another page?"
>"He has a really dumb looking butt doesn't he?"
>H-Hey!
>It wasn't your fault!
>Your sword wasn't supposed to be sharp!
>And your arms weren't supposed to be this short e-either!
>Sniffling, you were about to run away with your pants literally around your ankles, when you saw the very air around you ripple


>"I believe that that is enough."
>You watched with wide eyes as something began to appear out of nothing
>It's shape, at first, was nondescriptive, but as the seconds ticked by they began to fill out
>Four legs, wings, a horn, a long, slightly gangly body
>This was fleshed out even more
>The body grew fur and the wings grew feathers
>A great flowing mane and tail appeared
>The creature opened its eyes, revealing two deep blue pools
>It was a pony...
>But not just any pony, it was an alicorn...
>"Yes. There we are," the alicorn said with a little wiggle, looking around the tourney field. "Now, lets see what we can do...."
>The tip of her horn glowed, and in an instance the mocking and jeering stopped
>Looking around, you saw that the stands were now empty
>"Usually, when one enters the mind of a colt, one finds dreams of saddlebags and handsome mares," the alicorn said, looking over at you with a smile. "It is very refreshing to see that humans are of a different sort."
>The mare bowed her head
>"But I forget myself. I don't believe that I've introduced myself, little one. I am Princess Luna, Lady of the Moon and Protector of Dreams. It is very nice to meet you."
>You took a half-step, feeling your stomach tighten in fear
>This was real, wasn't it?
>The princess was actually here in your dream?
>But how could she be?!
>You and everyone else were wearing your protective charms!
>...
>Unless you forgot to put it on after you took your bath
>...
>Darnit


>You forgot, didn't you...?
>Seeing the look of fear on your face, Princess Luna took another step toward you
>"Are you well, young one?" she asked. "You seem pale. Is it because you have your pants around your ankles?"
>The tip of her horn glowed
>You let out a yelp when you felt something touching your leg
>This was it...
>She was going to try to read your mind or torture you for important!
>But she wasn't going to get ANYTHING from you!
>...Partially because you didn't know anything, but still!
>You braced yourself, ready to fight off the princess's magic anyway you could, but to your surprise no attack came
>Instead, Princess Luna pulled your pants up and fixed your belt
>"Worry not, child. I have seen far more during my time as protector of dreams," she said, tightening your belt so your pants fit snuggly
>You looked down at your pants, a small, confused frown on your face
"Thank you...?"
>"You are very welcome," she said with a nod. "And worry not about any nightmares during your stay here. I shall do all that I can to make sure that you and yours sleep fitfully."
>The panic in your stomach lessened
>Oh...
>Since you were having a nightmare and just came here to stop it, because she protects ponies from them...
>She wasn't actually going to rip your mind apart to see what secrets you had...
"I..."
>You looked down at your hands, then sneaking a peek up at her
>She was eyeing you intently, a small, regal smile still on her face
"I... Thank you very, much, your highness," you said with a bow
>The princess let out a giggle
>"You are very welcome, little one. Goodbye, and I wish you a wonderful morning."


>...
>Morning?
>What was she talking--
>"Boy!"
>With a slightly too hard slap to the face, you were wrenched out of the land of dreams and forced back into the world of the living
"Whatzat...? Huh...?"
>Your eyes, hazy and unfocused, looked around
>With a few blinks, your gaze started to sharpen, and with that your wits began to return to you
>Lord Aegis was looming over you, already groomed and wearing a fine tunic
>"Come on boy. It's time to wake," he said, giving your cheek a few more slaps. "The Sun Princess wishes us to join her for breakfast."
>The child in you wanted to refuse, throw the covers over your head, and go back to sleep for a few more hours
>But the rational, more sensible side of you knew that that would not go over very well
"Yes my lord. Right away my lord," you mumbled, rubbing an eye as you quickly sat up
>Looking around the room, you could see knights dressing themselves
>Though only Lord Aegis was wearing mail--he always made a point of wearing it over his tunics--more to feel the weight on his shoulders than anything--you could still see men stuffing daggers into their boots and sleeves
>The sight made your stomach tighten
>You remembered where you were, what you were all doing here...
>You also remembered the princess...
>You reached down toward your chest
>Sure enough, your charm wasn't there
>You were going to need to find it before your lord noticed...
>"You have ten minutes, boy," your lord said, wrenching you from your thoughts. "I want your hair combed and that face of yours washed. Make sure to wear something presentable too."
>You threw off your covers without a second thought as he bent down to stuff a knife into his boot
"Yes, my lord. Right away."


@-@-@-@-@-@-@


>"Everything looks fantastic, your highness."
>You looked around the royal dining area, feeling just a little bit frazzled
>Hours before the sun had come up you had been in here, making sure that everything was perfect
>You had personally picked out the silverware and the tablecloth, while some of the more home design-inclined stallions on your staff had picked out all of the decor
>And, while didn't mean to drag or anything, your work certainly showed
>The dining area hadn't looked this good in AT LEAST fifty years
>Which was important
>Yesterday had already been a disaster of the highest order, you had no desire to further upset the humans for any reason
>You and your sister had worked far too hard for this for some moronic nobles to ruin your chances for an alliance...
>A sigh escaped you at the thought of it
>If you could begin building a relationship between your peoples wonderful things would happen
>A wave of males would be available to your subjects, as well as the military might of Humeyithal and a great many other things you were sure
>It may take a hundred years, but if you set the proper foundations now, Equestria would have a friend for an eternity
>[spoiler] And that was your shit yo[/spoiler]
>But, before you could even THINK about that, you had some serious damage control to do
>Humans, by their very nature, were a distrustful sort, and what had happened wasn’t going to do you any favors
>And if you wanted these next few days to be beneficial for Equestria, you needed to win not only lord Aegis, but his men as well
>Which was why you brought out your secret weapon
>Ol' momma's famous chocolate chip pancakes!
>You looked around the table at each stack of cakes you had so carefully created before looking down at your assistant Raven
"I certainly hope so, my dear," you said, not quite able to hold back a yawn. "Now to see what our guests think."
>You wiggled in your chair, doing your best to look regal
>There was a chance, however small, that the humans would ignore your invitation
>You could only hope that wasn’t the case
>...
>Pleasepleasepleaseplease don’t let that be the case!
>Perking up your ears, you could just make out footsteps


>Quite a few of them
>Lord Aegis and his men were coming...
>A bit of worry made itself known in the pit of your stomach, but you ignored it, looking at the dining area's staff
"Places everypony. We need to bring our A game to the table."
>The servers and maids saluted, readying themselves in whatever way they needed to
>You made sure to give yourself a quick once-over
>Crown?
>Check
>Horseshoes?
>Check
>Chestplate?
>Check
>Was your fur nice and neat?
>...
>The tip of your horn glowed, and with a spell you smoothed out and cleaned your fur as best as you could
>Check!
>The doors to the dining room were opened, revealing Lord Aegis and his men
>The lord was well dressed and groomed this morning, his hair and beard neatly combed and his face washed
>He wore a fine cloth-of-gold tunic
>His men were similarly dressed, right down to his page, a young, adorable-looking stallion that looked ready to go back to bed
>Beside you, one of the maids let out a gasp
>A few others perked up, their eyes widening as the lord and his knights strode forward
>And you couldn't blame them
>Without their armor, the men were actually rather fetching
>It wasn't the same beauty as a stallion
>No...
>This wasn't something you could quite place your hoof on


>Maybe it was the way that they carried themselves, or perhaps it was the intensity in their gaze
>There was something... different about these beings
>As you looked at them, you almost felt like they belonged in a time ages past, or on a different world altogether...
>Your royal caller, seeing the men, stiffened before puffing her chest out
>"And now enters Lord Aegis, First of his--"
>"It's far too early for that girl," the lord interrupted, giving her a flick on the muzzle as he walked by. "Keep your voice down."
>The greeter's mouth snapped shut
>"Y-Yes my lord..."
>Lord Aegis's gaze flicked over to you
>For an instant, you could see distrust and wariness in those eyes of his, but he quickly schooled his expression
>The sight made your stomach tighten just a hair
>You had been expecting that look after what had happened, but it still didn't feel very good...
>Still though, with a bit of gumption, you had faith you could still win over the old lord
>Probably...
>"Good morning, your highness," he said with a bow
>You inclined your head
"Good morning to you as well, my lord. I trust that you slept well?"
>"As well as I could, your grace," Aegis replied, somewhat dryly, walking up to the table and reaching for a chair
>Your eyes widened
>Oh horse apples, where were you manners?
"Oh, allow me my lords."
>With a spell, you pulled out a chair for each of them men
"Please, have a seat and eat," you said with a smile.
>Looking at you for a moment, lord Aegis made a motion with a hand
>His men, eyeing you and the guards stationed around the room, sat down


>You gave your wings a nervous ruffle
>Alrighty then...
>You looked at each of the men, waiting for them to eat
>They simply looked back at you expectantly
>...
>Oh yes...
>Of course...
>Picking up your fork, you cut up a section of your pancakes and popped it into your mouth, making a show of chewing and swallowing
>The moment that the food was down your throat, Lord Aegis and his men picked up their forks and began eating as well
>The servants immediately sprang forward, asking if they needed anything, some syrup, or water instead of orange juice perhaps
>The sights and sounds of breakfast quickly drove away the tense silence in the room, putting you at ease somewhat
>You could feel distrustful eyes upon you, and you could see some of the knights fingering what were no doubt knives or daggers hidden upon their persons, but they were eating
>A victory, however small, was still a victory
"So, my lord. If you'd permit me I'd like to offer to show you our fair city today," you said
>Lord Aegis quietly snorted
>"Forgive me, your highness, but I believe that my men and I saw your city well enough yesterday."
>You very nearly dropped your fork at the jab, but rallied with a smile
"Yes... well, you once again have my deepest thanks for you assistance with that matter, and I'd like you to know that those mares will be punished with the full extent of the law."
>"I would hope so," the lord said, looking down at his food. "Though, back home, you'd be lucky to bring a rapist to trial."
"Oh? And why is that?" you asked curiously
>"Because the second the peasants find out about them they're more often than not broken out of whatever prison they find themselves in and hanged in the streets."
>...
>Oh...


>You cleared your throat
"Truly?"
>The lord nodded, popping a forkful of pancake into his mouth
>"Aye. My people have a very bad history with thieves and rapists."
>He sighed, and for a brief moment, the giant of a stallion looked very small
>Very small and sad
>"But that isn't the kind of talk we should have at breakfast, yes?"
>You resisted the knee-jerk reaction of getting up, trotting over, and hugging the old stallion, instead nodding
"It is not my lord, but I wish you to know that most of my little ponies are not like the ones you had the misfortune of meeting. Which is why I'd like to take you out personally to see all that the city has to offer."
>Lord Aegis was silent for a moment, his expression thoughtful
>You could see the gears in his head turning
>Your wings ruffled at your sides, the thought that he would refuse your offer hanging above your head like a executioner's blade
>Finally, the lord spoke
>"If that is your wish I'm sure my men and I would be happy to humor you."
>You bowed your head, letting out a sigh of relief
>Good...
>Now you had a chance of showing Aegis the wonders of this city and its people...
>If you could do just that you knew he'd return home saying nothing but good things to his king
>And then you could work toward a lasting, meaningful friendship...
>You were about to thank lord Aegis when you heard the rapid clip-clopping of hooves just outside the door
>"OhmygoshI'msolatetheprincessisgoingtobesomadatmeIhavetohury!"
>A purple aura surrounded the dining room doors, and before you could so much as blink they were thrown open
>Lord Aegis and his knights rose from their seats and kicked their chairs away, weapons drawn and readied
>They were no doubt expecting an attack of some kind
>Instead, all they saw was your frazzled, panting, and sweaty old student
>"Prin... Princess... I made... made it in time..."


>Twilight looked at the humans, a smile coming to her face
>"Hello there... it's very nice to... to meet you all. I'm Princess... Twilight Sparkle..."
>Despite your best efforts, a low, frustrated groan escaped your lips
>Horse apples...
>Way to make in entrance, Twilight...