Helios 2: Politics and Poundings.

=Helios 2=

 

>You stood silently outside the meeting room.

>Your duty was to guard the door while Princess Celestia met with the Griffin High Thane inside.

>The Griffin Kingdoms had been going through massive political upheaval, with new Thanes and Jarls taking leadership constantly.

>The current leader of the nation was here in Canterlot today in an attempt to smooth over the frosty relations between Griffin and Pony kind.

>Opposite your side of the door stood a member of the Thanes Highguard.

>Sporting a more impressive and protective set of armor then the rest of the Thane's guards, he stood ramrod stiff and glared ahead.

>You clear your throat, no reason you can't try to lighten the mood...

"So...does that armor make it hard to fly?"

>He glances over to you. "Our armor is based off the Golden Fleece. Light as a feather, yet hard as steel."

>You let out a low whistle and lift up your arm.[spoiler][/spoiler] "I'm in Dragonbone Plate, myself. Light, fireproof, and durable enough to keep me whole."

>He continues to eye you. "Equestria has the resources to down dragons?"

"Heh. We just had a few bones from a long time ago..."

>"Still. Impressive that a monarch would commit such resources to her personal guard." He said.

>That...was a bit odd.

 

>Suddenly, the door to the meeting room swings open, almost smashing you in the face.

>Out walks a Griffin in highly ornate armor. "I will not stay here and be patronized by a child playing at Queen!" He shouts

>The Thane to the guard next to you. "Eitri! We are done here, we make for Gryphus at once!"

>The High Thane stomps his way down the hall with his bodyguard tailing him.

>They both take to the skies as soon as they are out of the building, flying North at high speeds.

>As they departed, Princess Celestia slowly walks out of the meeting room. Her head low.

"What happened?"

>Princess Celestia shakes her head. "The High Thane refused my peace offering. He says that Equestria is too weak to be allies with The Griffin Kingdoms."

>Shit...

"Are all Griffins like that, Your Majesty?"

>Celestia adopts a disappointed demeanor. "No...but many Griffins still cling to the old ways. High Thane Weisshaupt is simply one of them."

>The two of you stand in the hall in silence for a time.

"What now, Princess?"

>Celestia's face grows steely. "I must speak to Shining Armor." She says as she makes for the door.

"Yes, Ma'am."

 

>The guard barracks were located on the opposite side of the city from the embassy.

>Along the way, you got to play your second role as Royal Queensguard.

>Crowd control.

>Many citizens tried to get close to Princess Celestia as she walked the streets, it was your duty to ensure they didn't get too close.

>This was the aspect of your job you really didn't enjoy.

>Any of these ponies could be hiding a weapon on them, and when they swarmed like this it made it overwhelming.

>Celestia pressed onward, however. Her patience and grace keeping the two of you moving at a decent speed towards the barracks.

>You found Shining Armor drilling a few new recruits in the barracks central courtyard.

>He turns to you as he dismisses his troops. "Anonymous. Princess Celestia. What may I do for you?" He asks with a bow.

>Princess Celestia chuckles. "Rise Shining Armor, there is no need for that among friends and family."

>The guard captain smiles as he returns to his feet. "What's the nature of your visit today, Princess?"

>The monarchs face falls again. "I recently had a meeting with High Thane Weisshaupt regarding our two nations. It...did not end well."

>Shining Armors face hardens. "What needs to be done, your majesty?"

>"I need you to prepare the guard for any actions the High Thane may attempt."

>She turns to you. "Anonymous, I want you to coordinate with Shining Armor. Two minds are better than one here."

>"Yes Ma'am." You and Shining Armor say in unison.

 

>"Anon?" Shining asks.

"Hmm?"

>The Guard Captain grows a wry smile. "Have you been practicing your combat skills?"

>Oh, this again.

"More so than you just standing around looking important."

>Now his smile is a full blown smirk. "Care to test that?"

"Any time anywhe-..."

>Your eyes drift up to the giggling Princess Celestia.

"Uh...That is, if Her Highness doesn't mind."

>"Oh no, go on. I know how competitive you two can be."

>Your face reddens a bit.[spoiler][/spoiler] "Thank you, Ma'am."

>You throw off some of your bigger armor and grab a practice sword off the rack.

>Shining Armor was easily the best swordsp0ny in all of Canterlot, perhaps all of Equestria.

>You were good, but you had your work cut out for you.

>Shining was still wearing his smarmy grin as he lunged at you, his sword held in a magical grip.

>You stepped back and blocked his swipe. "On the defensive already, Anon? Not good..."

>That was the other reason Shining Armor always won duels, he never shut up.

 

>This jerk had the endurance of a minotaur.

>His wife must be ecstatic.

>You twist yourself out of Armor's assault and begin one of your own.

>He retains his smirk even as he backpedals against your strikes.

>You scrape the tip of your practice sword along the ground and toss sand up into his eyes.

>He erects a shield over his eyes a moment too late as the dirt traps itself in one eye.

>Armor smiles through his now closed eye. "Not bad, Anon. But let's see if you can keep it up."

>You're happy to oblige as you swing on the his blind side.

>Shining's sword snaps up to block you, but you don't stop.

>You continue your assault to the sound of Shining egging you on. "Faster! Faster! Disrupt my focus!"

>You swipe low at his feet before you rocket up, inches away from his face. "You're gripping the sword too tightly!"

>You adjust your grip on the sword and swing at Shining's head once more.

>This time however, he twists his sword around yours and hurls it into the air.

>He then emits a short blast of magic at you, pushing you back.

>You lower your hands from your face to see Shining Armor holding your own sword to your neck.

>"Now too lightly." He says with that grin.

 

>You had lead Celestia to her room like you did every evening after the sparring match with Shining Armor.

>Imagine your surprise when she asked to meet her at the dining hall.

>"I was planning to grab some food before I retired, would you care to keep me company?" She had asked.

>You were a bit surprised at the request, but you accepted soon enough.

>Celestia may be your monarch and it was your duty to protect her, but she was also a good friend of yours.

>You had removed your armor at your room and found Celestia sitting at the table when you arrived.

>Princess Luna was also at the table, albeit farther back.

>You and Celestia sat at the table as you ate, talking as friends over the events of the day.

>"Perhaps I should make Shining Armor my bodyguard after his performance today."

"I don't want to badmouth a friend, but he cheated."

>"Did he now?" Celestia chuckled.

"Shining Armor knows that he can be distracting, and he has magic. Tell me Celestia, how am I supposed to compete against that?"

>Celestia releases a laugh as she feeds another forkful of salad into her mouth.

 

>Princess Luna chooses that moment to rise from her seat and walk towards the two of you. "Thy guard should apply himself more, Sister."

>Celestia grows an annoyed frown at Luna. "Anonymous has valid points, Luna. He does not have the magical aptitude that Shining Armor has."

>You really should figure something out for that...

>Luna scoffs. "I had heard that something happened with the Griffin Thane today, is it something I should know?"

>Celestia's frown grows more honest now. "Yes. Thane Weisshaupt has declined my offer for an alliance. He says that we are too weak in his eyes to warrant one."

>"Arrogant kit..." Luna mutters as she makes for the door.

>"Fear not, Sister. I shall see to the Thane..." She calls back.

>Luna shuts the door behind her casting the room into silence.