>The wagon comes to a complete stop.
>”What is your business here?”
>”We come from the kingdom of Erreda, across the Erin Sea. We have business with your Queen.”
>Princess, you dumbass. Business with the Princess.
>”There is no queen here, be on your way.”
>”I don’t take orders from some guard.”
>You sigh and stand up, stepping out of the wagon’s rear.
>”Leave now, I will not say so again.”
>You fasten your cloak and walk towards the front.
 
>”We’re going forward with or-“
“Silence Acus! Not a word more.”
>He shuts his trap before he gets you in deeper shit.
>”You lead this Caravan?”
“Yes sir I do. I am Sir Anon of Glaemar, I apologize for my fellows behavior.”
>”What is your business, Anon of Glaemar?”
“I come at the behest of my lord, King John. I serve as his emissary to discuss relations between our two kingdoms.”
>You look back towards your driver who bows his head in shame.
“I believe my comrade has something he’d like to say.”
 
>You stare him down; spite lies heavy on his words.
>”Apologies sir.”
>”Apology accepted,” the guard says pleased at his disdain.
“I don’t mean to keep you, but could we continue on?
>”Yes sir, but I must ask that your friends wait outside.”
>You nod, flicking a gold bit to Acus.
“Don’t spend it all in one place.”
>The guard smiles and steps aside.
>”Welcome to Canterlot.”
 
>You pass through the checkpoint and into the city.
>For the most part the ponies pay you no mind.
>They seem to be more concerned with their own affairs than a foreigner.
>A few scoff at you in disgust, but it never turns into anything more than that.
>These rich snobs are exactly the sort of people you wanted to avoid.
>Their lives revolve around wealth, nothing more.
>What things you would do to them…
 
>You’re stopped by an elderly couple who pass in front of you.
“Excuse me.”
>”Sorry sonny I didn’t see you there.”
“It’s quite alright sir. Have a nice day.”
>”You too,” he says walking off.
>Gotta love old people. They may smell weird, but they’re respectful.
>That’s more than you can say for everyone else.
>”Watch where you’re going!”
>Speaking of which…
 
>You turn to the commotion, the couple and some noble in a confrontation.
>”I’m very sorry sir.”
>”Sorry? That’s all you have to say? This is worth more than you in blood you hear me!”
>They’re obviously scared of him, but they stand their ground nonetheless.
>A few guards notice the trio, but keep to themselves.
>Some guards they are.
 
>”Please, we meant no harm. I’m sure-“
>”Don’t give me that hogwash. I’ll have you pay for every bit you’ve cost me.”
“Is there a problem here?”
>The noble runs his eyes over you, his disapproval prevalent.
>”What rock did you crawl from under?”
>You ignore his remark.
“Is this man bothering you two?”
>”Well, we’re partly to blame…” How modest.
>”Can’t even own up the blame. Go back to the lower districts where you belong.”
>This guy just won’t shut up.
 
“If you have a problem with them, you have a problem with me. Are we clear?
>”You won’t intimidate me welp.”
>You visibly run your hand over your sword, maintaining eye contact.
“Are we clear?”
>A small bead of sweat runs down his face.
>”Crystal.”
“Good.” You turn and look at the crowd that has gathered.
“Nothing to see here folks. Go on with your business.”
 
>They disperse, the noble fleeing in the mess.
>”Oh thank you. Thank you so much.”
“No problem, just keep those eyes open okay?”
>”Will do,” he laughs.
>You head up the street having done your good deed for the day.
>The streets grow barren the closer you get to the castle.
>Less civilians, but more guards. They watch you like a hawk.
>You’ll have to mind your manners.
 
>”Business?” the gatekeeper asks.
“Royal. I request audience with your Princess.”
>The guard looks at you questionably.
>You reach into your satchel, the guards preparing themselves to your amusement.
>You pull out a scroll with the Erreda insignia molded onto it.
“Deliver this to your princess. That should grant me an audience.”
>The gatekeeper nods his head to a fellow guard who takes the scroll from you.
>”Just following protocol.”
“I understand.”
 
>The guard heads through the gate and into the grounds, leaving you with the rest of his unit.
>Awkward is an understatement for how you felt.
>The guards stare at you, and you just stare right back.
>Just a few more days and you’ll be headed back home.
>This place doesn’t sit right with you, it’s too nice.
>You can appreciate a certain degree of it, but it’s strangely overabundant in this land.
>It’s almost too good to be true.
 
>The gate creaks open, the messenger nodding towards the gatekeeper.
>”You’re clear to proceed.”
>You take a step forward, the guard blocking your path.
>”However, we must ask you to relinquish your weapons.”
“Yeah yeah, protocol and all I get it.”
>You undo the straps binding your sword and hand it to the guard.
>Kneeling down, you withdraw both knives from your calves, tossing them in front of him.
>”Anything else?”
 
“Just give me a second alright,” you reply jokingly.
>You reach into your sleeves, untying the leather bonds inside.
>After a few more straps the gauntlet falls loosely off your arm, its blade secure within.
>You hand it over, the last of your weapons taken from you.
“I expect those to be as good as I left them.”
>”They’ll be safe with us.”
>Somehow you doubt that very much.
>You shouldn’t keep royalty waiting so you step through the gate and into the courtyard.
 
>You head straight for the door, the guards opening it for you.
>You thank them and go inside the castle.
>The walls stretch upwards making you feel small in comparison.
>It’s a bit too shiny for your taste. You enjoy a more rustic aesthetic.
>”So you’re the foreigner we’ve been expecting?”
>You turn to look at the purple pony addressing you.
“I believe I am. Pleasure to meet you Miss…”
>”Sparkle, but call me Twilight.”
“As you wish Twilight.”
 
>She leads you down the hallway.
>”How was your trip if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Uneventful.”
>”I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Peace is a luxury, not a burden. I welcome it with open arms.”
>”Oh, I thought that your people… never mind.”
>She didn’t need to say it, you got the picture.
>Sad to say, but she’s actually correct.
>Your kind wouldn’t have gotten this far without their violent demeanor.
 
>The two of you enter a large circular chamber.
>A fire burns at each side of the room, a stone table lying in the middle.
>”The princesses should be here shortly. Please take a seat.”
>You do so, Twilight sitting at the side.
>There you sit, twiddling your thumbs until they arrive.
>You go over your lines in your head, recalling the do’s and don’ts of diplomacy.
>The king was fairly vague about what action he wanted you to take.
>Who knows what goes on in that brain of his?
 
>”I would guess many things.”
>You stand and bow.
“Princess Celestia, it is an honor to meet you.”
>”Please, sit. We have much to discuss.”
“I was led to believe that Princess Luna would be joining us.”
>”She had a prior engagement to attend. You understand.”
“Of course. So,” you say straightening up, “Shall we start?”
 
>”Agreed, and for the record what is your name?”
“Anon. I’ll be acting as King John’s emissary in his stead.”
>”Anon. A curious name. What does it mean?”
>No one’s asked you that before. You didn’t even ask that.
“I don’t know. Now onto the terms…”
>”Why did he choose you?”
“Excuse me ma’am?”
>”Why are you here? It’s a simple question.”
>This is seriously annoying.
 
“I was asked to.”
>”Why?”
“Why do you care?” you snap at her.
>The room falls silent after your outburst.
>It’s not like you to go off the handle like that.
“Apologies, I didn’t mean to lose my temper.”
>”Accepted. Do you still care to know why?”
>You nod embarrassed at your lack of control.
>”You interest me Sir Anon of Glaemar. More than the others of your kind.”
 
“How did you know- I spoke my title.”
>She smiles lightly, “You didn’t need to.”
>The gears in your head begin to turn before you realize what she means.
“Tampering with a person’s mind is not an act I’d call friendly.”
>”I had to be sure I could trust you, now I can.”
“You hand out your trust too willingly princess. That’ll turn against you one day.”
>”Perhaps, but you… I can trust you.”
>You lean back in your seat.
“No. You really can’t.”
 
>You clear your head and focus on the present.
“Can we please focus on the task at hand? Every second is precious.”
>”You’re right,” she says pulling out the scroll from earlier.
>”Did you get a chance to read this?”
“No, it was strictly for your eyes only.”
>She nods and hands it over to Twilight.
>”Princess Celestia, I, King John, the ruler of the Erreda and its provinces, greet you. My forefathers were all rulers of Erreda and now I have taken the throne. Upon the excavation of my father’s archives, I learned of your dealings with both him and those before. I wish to continue this bond between our two nations.”
 
>”This is wonderful news princess. There’s so much we could learn.”
>”Please continue Twilight…”
>”As a symbol of our cooperation, I would like to propose a… Marriage?”
“Finish it,” you say hanging on every word.
>”…between our two families. Anon will provide any information you require about our available bachelors. I hope for a speedy reply. ~King John.”
>You’re utterly speechless at this.
>The king has made some wacked out decisions before, but this? This is crossing the line.
 
>”What do you think Twilight?”
>“I don’t know what to say. This wasn’t something I thought would happen.”
>”And you?” she asks, her eyes trained on you.
>You clear your throat and straighten back up.
“It’s my King’s wish, and I must help in whatever way I can.”
>Even if you don’t agree with him, that doesn’t give you the right to disobey him.
>”I believe we can make this work,” Celestia states.
 
>”Princess!”
>”I have negotiated with his kind before besides, this could be better for us in the long run.”
>”I understand that, but doesn’t this seem a bit ridiculous to you?”
>”Yes it does, but it will help bring our two nations together. It’s for the best.”
>Seems you and Twilight are the only ones that find this fishy.
>”I trust you princess.”
>You were hoping they would have rejected the idea, but alas there goes your weekend…
“I offer my full cooperation. My knowledge is yours.”
>Celestia smiles, “I’ll hold you to that.”
 
>Three hours later and you’re beat.
>”I think that should do it for tonight, don’t you agree?”
“Whatever you say princess.”
>”Twilight, could you lead Anon out?”
>”Of course. Follow me.”
>The two of you leave the chamber, Celestia staying behind to look through the list you presented her.
>Hopefully she finds one of them to her liking, but who knows.
 
>”Celestia has arranged a room for you to stay in the city.”
“That was nice of her, but I’d like to stay with my men. They get a little rowdy without supervision.”
>”I’ll have her know. May I ask you something?”
“Anything.”
>”Those people you listed… How are they really? I could tell you were focusing on their positive traits.”
”I wouldn’t touch them with a ten foot stick if that’s what your asking, but they’re John’s heirs, so I have to make them sound upstanding.”
>”That bad?” she sighs. “Things will get interesting once everything’s said and done.”
 
>The two of you reach the gate.
>”Your equipment sir.”
>You thank him and begin stowing your weapons.
>”You certainly came prepared,” Twilight says.
“I’m just a soldier, this is nothing for me.”
>”Wait… Why did your King send a soldier as his emissary?”
“Maybe I’m just that charming ey?” you reply with a wink.
 
>She rolls her eyes playfully.
>”Oh no, you hath swept me off my feet,” she jokes.
“No such luck yet I’m afraid.”
>You finish tying your gauntlet and look back to Twilight.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”
>”Until then, Sir Anon of Glaemar.”
“Please, just Anon will do.”
>”Good night Anon.”
 
>You walk through the barren streets, the night’s breeze flowing through your hair.
>Your tip your head to the city guard as you pass outside the city’s walls.
>”Night sir.”
>You ask him where your friends disembarked.
>He points to an inn just outside, shadows thrashing about within.
“I told him one thing, and he fucks that up too.”
>”Need some help?”
“No, I’ve got this.”
 
>You swing the door open, one of your men falling face first into the ground.
>You kick him in the gut and step over his bellowing form.
>Tables are thrown about and torn apart, some of your fellows engaged in a bar fight.
>Placing two fingers in your mouth, you release an ear piercing whistle, silencing the lot of them.
“Form up!” you shout, the drunken buffoons lazily getting in line.
>You walk down the line taking count, all but one present.
“Where the hell is Acus?”
 
>You hear some commotion on the second level and head upstairs.
>You bring your head up to one of the doors, muffled sobs coming from inside.
>Pulling your head back, you kick open the door, Acus holding down a mare on a bed.
“I said form up!”
>He staggers over, towering above you, ale heavy on his breath.
>”And what if I don’t?”
>You smile, kneeing him hard in the groin.
“That.”
 
>You kick him down the stairs and look at the traumatized mare.
“Did he… you know…”
>She shakes her head, tears rolling down her face.
“Get somewhere safe now. This is no place for a young lady to be.”
>She jumps out the window and flies off, hopefully back home.
>You head downstairs yourself, making sure to stomp extra loud.
“I don’t expect a lot from you, but this? This crosses every line I made.”
>Acus rolls into line, trying his best to stand up straight.
 
“I asked for good ol’ soldiers, and what do I get? A bunch of inbred heathens trying to fuck whatever moves.
>Acus bows his head in shame.
“I’ve dealt with insubordinate troops, but right now, I don’t want to deal with it.”
>There’s too much shit going on for this to be added on as well.
“Pack up and head home. You’re not going to be my headache.”
>One of the soldiers breaks rank, “But sir…”
“Shut it. Pack up. Leave… Now!”
 
>They stand there like a bunch of brain-dead manticores.
“Did I fucking stutter? Git!”
>Finally they start moving, picking up their junk and fixing what they broke.
>One by one they head out the door, leaving the place devoid of life besides you and the barkeep.
>”Thanks for that. They made quite a ruckus.”
“If you want to pay me back you could offer me a room.”
>He’s happy to oblige, handing you a key.
“Also, you may need a new door for room B. I may have broken it.”
 
>”With what they paid me, I can renovate this whole darnn place.”
“One gold bit right?”
>”Yeah, how did you know?”
>Their death will be slow and painful.
“Lucky guess.”
>You walk back upstairs, avoiding the piles of vomit.
>The door you broke is almost completely off its hinges.
>You unlock the next door and head inside.
 
>You once again take off your multitude of weapons, stowing them next to your bed.
>You consider undressing, but find that your fucks given meter has reached zero.
>That’s an all-time low for you.
>You lie down and blow out the lantern.
>The bed itself is grainy and several lumps dig into your backside.
>It’s one of the most comfortable things you’ve ever slept on.
>You close your eyes and drift into a nice slumber.
 
>Morning comes a bit quicker than you’d like, but there’s no avoiding that.
>The barkeep brought up some towels and directed you to the washroom.
>It’s nice to talk to someone who’s not a total ass.
>Finishing your wash you dry off and gear back up.
>You thank the barkeep and walk outside, a construction crew approaching.
>He wasn’t shitting about renovating the whole place.
>You pass the guard on the way back inside.
>You wonder if that guy ever sleeps.
 
>The ponies keep their distance from you like before.
>It seems after your incident yesterday, they’ve taken more precautions to you.
>You don’t spot the old couple which dims your day already.
>They aren’t here to appeal to you, so you can’t hold it against them.
>The gatekeeper is still there with a cold face.
“Geez don’t you guys take a break?”
>You quickly hand over your weapons and enter the grounds.
 
>Twilight meets you at the doors like before.
>”Good morning Anon. How was your night?”
“You don’t want to know.”
>She takes your word for it and both of you go back to the chamber.
“Did Celestia come to a decision yet?”
>”She hasn’t finalized her choice, though she did say that she had eliminated some of the choices.”
“Well that’s good to hear.”
 
>Celestia enters after a few minutes of waiting.
>”Good morning you two, I hoped you had a pleasant rest.”
>”He doesn’t want to talk about it.”
“Not that I have to say anything.”
>”I will respect your privacy.”
>A benevolent leader, say it ain’t so.
“So shall we get down to brass tacks?”
>They look confused at the phrase. You really need to cut back on the phrases.
“Down to business,” you clarify, “Where are we on the candidates?”
 
>Celestia brings out the list and sets it before you.
“Alright let’s see here…”
>All the names are crossed out, well that’s new.
“These are the only available choices. You have to pick one.”
>”No I don’t. They are not acceptable.”
>You can’t let this deal go under.
>King John doesn’t take too kindly to those who resist him.
>One of them has to go through.
 
“Why not Roland? He’s a distinguished soldier with several commendations for valor.
>”He has a short temper and drinks heavily as well.”
>Fair enough. His knack for getting into bar fights is well known.
“Brock. He’s quiet and doesn’t drink. That’s something.”
>”Yes, but his accounts of theft and burglary are many.”
>Right again. She isn’t making this easy on you.
>Your loathing of them are probably what tipped her off.
 
>You go down the list, name per name, each one disqualified.
“How about Kirk?”
>”Do you really need to ask?”
“Well I don’t know what else to say. That’s all of his heirs from top to bottom.”
>”You know, you said before that I couldn’t trust you. At the time I didn’t know what you meant.”
>Twilight perks up at the change of direction.
>”Now I can understand why.”
 
>”I reviewed that list, and sent my findings to your King. He wrote something particularly interesting in his reply. Do you know what that is?”
>You could take a guess.
>”The list wasn’t as complete as you made it out to be.”
>”Who was missing?” Twilight asks.
>Does she really have to ask? I thought she was being pretty clear.
>”The Prince of Glaemar, though we know him as Sir Anon. Isn’t that right?”
>You sigh, rubbing your temples.
“Yeah… It is…”