From Alpha (Re-edited)

Clashing of Swords, and the screams of wounded or dying men filled the cold winter night. Marcus breathes in, then out, in, and then out. A simple method to keep him calm. Focusing his mind to clear out any distracting thoughts. That was what his commanding Primus Prior had taught him in the early years of the invasion of Gaul, long before he himself became a Primus Prior of the 12th Legion.

Marcus scans the field around him.

The steam dancing off of the glistening snow from both the blood and the last gasps of dying men and beasts, this is what Marcus has known for what feels like all his life. It has only been six years since the invasion of the Gaulic nation.

But war has a way of bringing a man up, and very, very slowly wearing him down even the strongest willed fall eventually be it to madness or otherwise . He had seen it before Hero’s, Legends, even men of his own Legion snapped under the weight of constant battle. However Marcus knew the key to this was simply the stability of mind and body. Not pondering about anything but the man to his right and to his left, and the enemy to his front breathe in, breathe out.

He allowed himself to close his eyes very briefly, it would have looked foolish from anyone else’s perspective, and especially as he hears the barbarians scream in their horrific war cry signalling their intent to attack. However Marcus has done this dance a thousand times before, and he knows exactly to the second how long they have before contact.

One, breathe in, two, breathe out.

Marcus hear the stomping of the Gaul horde racing ever forward.

Three breathe in, four breathe out.

He breaks for an instant shoving a whistle almost robotically into his mouth as if a natural reflex, blowing rapidly three times in quick succession. His eyes are still closed but he hears the clattering of shields in almost perfect unison to his left and right signalling that their defense is ready.

Five breathe in, six breathe out.

He can almost feel the rumble of the horde moving ever closer, like a tidal wave of men clashing against what he still hoped was his secure wall of refined Legionaries.

Marcus opens his eyes just in time to see the horde mere feet from him, a barbarian lifts his huge fur covered arm a crude make-shift axe still sharp enough to cause tremendous damage flys towards him.

Lifting his arm instinctively he forces his shield into the blow. Thankfully the speed of the blow, coupled with the surprise the Gaul experiences as Marcus block his move in one swift motion causes the Gaul to crash forward. In the momentum the man loses his balance as his body weight relies on Marcus’s shield. Marcus follow the motion allowing his Scutum to navigate the falling body weight to the floor by his side. The Gaul hits the ground, and before he has any time to react Marcus forces his Gladius into the Gaul’s back. The barbarian grits his teeth in pain allowing a small but harsh scream to escape his mouth before he falls back down, lifeless.

Marcus Looks back just in time to block another blow aimed at his head. He falls back slightly, but his back leg stays firmly in place with the shield allowing him to maintain leverage in the fight. The barbarian swings his sword at Marcus once more blocks again, this goes on for a few moments, each man exchanging their blows and parry’s until the barbarians being to grow impatient with the lack of any progress.

This Marcus knows will be his downfall as the attack attempts to ram into his shield with his shoulder. Marcus once again simply lets the shield fall back letting his momentum do the work, as the enemy falls forward this time further than he intends, Marcus plunges his Gladius into the side of the Gaul’s abdomen he whispers a silent pray to Mars and frowns at the fallen Gaul.

As good as he was at being a soldier, he never had a taste for taking life. It has always been a waste to him, for the most part he could not help but think about the men he had killed, who had once upon a time been smiling children with hopes and dreams now they fall to his Gladius. He hopes his child never surrender to the same fate, but he knows better than that. The blood lust of Rome will never be sated, at least he can still call on his own fondest memories to fend off these dark thoughts.

As the battle rages on the Gaul’s begin to fall back slightly giving the Legion the footing they need, Marcus calls out.

“12th, two passes forward.” He, screams, the legion obeys without question it’s not enough to encourage a full on retreat from the Gaul’s, they are braver than that even as outnumbered as they are, and even without a successful break in Marcus’s Line, they will persist. He almost allows himself to think that they don’t know any better. But that would imply that they are a simple minded creature, which they most certainly are not, and any underestimation of his enemy would be foolish beyond reason. They are smart but he is ready for their cunning, and as he calls for a false charge to proves it.

Marcus screams in his commands to his men to press forward, attempting to intimidate his foes further his loyal legionaries follow his pursuit, howling like madmen into the night. The tactic seems to work as the now battle weary barbarians slowly lose their foot hold on their morale, and one by one begin to fall back.

Marcus feels an unrelenting sense of relief, another battle he is left mostly unscathed. He slowly lowers his Gladius to rest by his side, he begins to gaze across the battlements to his sides.

When suddenly he hears something that takes him completely surprise. “What in the name of Pluto!?” Marcus curses to himself. The ground shakes a huge forces impacts to his side, he only gets a glimpse of his left, his eyelids shot back in shock, his men for the most part are gone, replaced by a fiery inferno of body parts and blackened smoke the heat hits him immediately, followed by the snow and blood of his fallen comrades coupled with an unimaginable force that flings Marcus like a leaf into the air. He lands hard into the muck and all goes black.

He attempts to open his eyes just enough to make sense of his surroundings. His ears are ringing and he is coughing profusely. He stares up into the night sky, he can’t feel much of anything at the moment, his mind tries and fails to make any sense of what has just happened, but it is all simply too much.

In a case like this only two thing come to his head, panic and disorientation, after a moment he forces these feelings down. Years of training and similar scenarios have helped him overcome such trials. He focuses on moving instead, trying to preoccupy his mind, he can’t feel anything on his left side, his body is all but numb and he tries desperately to keep the panic down as best he can.

Breathing in and Breathing out is all he can and will focus now.

Suddenly however the night sky is interrupted by a shadowy figure, it glares at him with Malicious content. Its mouth is forced into a crooked smile yellow and missing teeth make up its grin which only adds to the animalistic natures of the figure. Its beard tangled into wild braided knots which dangles over the Romans Chest plate. As the figure moves closer to Marcus’s Person It whispers something in a partially recognisable accent which Marcus was only vaguely able to make out as he fights to keep himself conscious.

“You fought well…” it whispers….”rest under the Luna…”

Marcus try’s to make out more of what the Gaul is saying, but before he can focus he feels a piercing sensation by his stomach. An excruciating jolt of pain hits him like nothing he has ever felt before in his life. The pain is so intense that his now locked jaw can barely contain the scream that flows though his very soul.

He feels the weapon withdraw from his stomach, as the shadow vanishes from view and Marcus once again spots the night sky. All other sights and noises slowly fade away, he feels alone but it is not as bad as he thought it would be.Gazing up into the sky he feels Diana’s light bless his body. It shines bright upon his blood soaked figure Marcus can only gasp at air as he thinks to himself that this is perhaps his last moment of life. The image he looked upon was at least the most beautiful thing he had seen in his entire life, the full moon dominating the sky like a diamond caressed in black silk, a welcome change of purity in this Hades called Terra.

Marcus eyes tear up, he can’t tell if it’s from the pain or the beauty, he doesn't care, it’s enough to see one last light before his time comes.

Slowly he starts to close his eyes, he can see, and feel the light come, ever closer and ever brighter an ethereal voice the sound of the gods themselves calls to him “be at peace, rest now” the voices whispers in its divine serenity.

Despite everything Marcus smiles, slowly, ever so slightly he smiles.

Breathe in…. Breathe out….Breat--

Marcus’s Eyelids snap open as he cried aloud in joint terror and anger. He draws a dagger from under his pillow in reflex, lifting his back up from his bed as he extends it in both hands in a defective fashion, thrusting it into the darkness. His breath is ragged and his body is drenched in cold sweat. After what seemed like an eternity his eyes slowly begins to adjust to the dark, and his mind began to make sense of his surroundings.

He allowed himself a moment to try to gather control of his breath once more exercising some control he beings to maintain his calm.
“Blasted Hades!” Marcus cries out loud “why do you torment me so!?”

He hears a slight wimpier of fright coming from his side and slowly turned to see a creature not uncommon to him. A Pegasus like being almost from a lore of the greeks, with dark blue fur and onyx eyes. However this Pegasus also had the traits of a bat from its ears and its wings, its pupils were also shaped like that of a cat, everything else was of pony origin. The stallion stood ever so slightly shaking in its armour for a brief second.

“M-my Apologies sir I did not mean to be a torment, or a Hades, whatever that is?”

Marcus shifted his body to face the bat pony, allowing himself to at least frown, as his mind slowly began to take hold of the situation at hand. His breath still ragged from the experience he simply waits for the poor guard to calm down.

“You asked me to wake you when your duties began” It spoke.

Marcus attempted to speak, he opened his mouth but the whole situation from awakening to now had left his thoughts still tripping over mental barriers on anything and everything around him. He stared almost dead eyed into the pony, in what, he now imagined, must not have helped the already startled stallions any further.

"I-I apologise for the rude awakening sir b-but could you please lower the knife it’s intimidating as Tartarus”

Marcus stared blankly, then blinked a few times swearing in his native Latin before lowering his arms.

“My sincere apologies private Night Fall…I-I seem to have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed as you say, I meant no harm to you.”

Night Fall at least on his part has the good graces to smile and take the startling situation in stride “No need to apologies sir, it happens more than you think.” he laughs nervously trying to distill the situation “I-I, may I ask Sir are you feeling okay? You look pale, and tired even for, well you.” He asks more earnestly this time, a faint nervousness in his voice “ and your covered in sweat, are you feeling well sir, because I’m sure that Princess Luna would understand if you are not feeling well. I can go tell her if you like.”

Marcus smiled at the private, he was a loyal soldier and a decent brother in arms, even if he did tend to run his mouth a bit more than necessary. “I am quite alright brother Nightfall, it is just hot in here that’s all and the knife is simply for security, I assure you if you have lived like me, you will know keeping a Pugio is like keeping a wife, it’s comforting but also sharp comforting and dangerous, a perfect bed fellow.” Marcus stated allowing himself to laugh softly even if it is a little forced.

Nightfall lets out a little chuckle still eyeing the dagger “Sorry sir, I forgot how weird you can be sometimes…no offence.”

Marcus smile extends more naturally this time “none taken brother Fall, now if you do not mind, I think I would like to take to the bathing area. Oh, and if you wouldn't mind asking the maids to bring some of that essence of caffeine bean up for me that would be most generous.”
“Sure captain one coffee coming right up.” Night Fall raises a forehoof to salute his captain attempting to turn, he stops midway quickly remembering his second purpose for waking the captain. “Sorry forgot to mention captain the Princess asks to see you in her tower before you start your duties, she says it’s important.”

Marcus raises his brow at the private and sits more upright in his bed, “Is she okay, the princess I mean, did she seem ill, or in trouble I will head immed--”

Marcus stops when Night Falls raises his hoof in protest “The princess also said it wasn't urgent and that you should take your time captain.” He sinkers a little, “she said that as touched as she was, she did not want a repeat of last time.”

Marcus furrows his brow for a moment in anger at the private, before an overwhelming feeling of embarrassment hits him. He should be angry at his inferior basically mocking him, bit in all fairness it was his fault. He had heard that the princess was in urgent need of him a few months ago.

However he received this news shortly after exiting the shower, and without thinking Marcus had grabbed his Gladius assuming the worse and rushed through the castle halls, losing the towel at his waist mere moments after exiting his room. When he finally stormed into the princess’s living space, Gladius in hand and nothing else, only to find out that his urgent attendance was in order to deliver outgoing mail Luna had forgotten to tell him to send, well the whole situation could speak for itself.

“I-I well you see” Marcus began to stutter before Nightfall interrupted “Never mind sir, we all know how much the safety of the princes means to you and us all. Heck its half the reason why your captain of the Night Guard right? Nopony’s judging you for that sir, but maybe next time if it’s something urgent or important it can at least wait long enough for some underwear…At least in my opinion.” Nightfall spoke with a mocking smirk trying to contain his laughter as he began to conjure up the image of his captain stark naked and bellowing down the halls.
Marcus’s words failed him. He simply waved his hand in a dismissing manor, he really had no excuse for his actions that time.

He’s right, why did I rush myself like a man chased by Cerberus. Marcus puzzled to himself as he caught the private salute and exit his chamber from the corner of his eye. I didn’t even think, I just acted, that’s not like me at all. Something about the Princess being in any form of danger made me act in such a way. Perhaps it’s just loyalty, yes that was the reason… then why did I feel my chest hurts when I thought she was in danger even when my brothers were in danger I never felt like I did then, I always thought Logically! Hades at least I thought coherently. Perhaps it’s nothing, a good soldier does his duty no matter what the circumstance… or clothing in that case.

Marcus shook his head at such thoughts, promptly exiting his bed and entering his bathroom.

After a little bit longer than he would have liked, still having trouble with the shower knobs even after so long in Equestria. Pony advances seem to be as much the same as Rome’s. Amazing and infuriating. If I can go one day without getting scalding hot or freezing cold at least once in my life then I’ll know that the gods truly had blessed me with misfortune!

Marcus grumbled angrily as he placed his Centurion armour on, custom build to his specifications even down to the straps on his belt and around his chest. He fastening his sandals and placed his sheathed Gladius around his abdomen, leaving the room promptly he sighed happily one last time at the mirror content with his appearance.

Walking at a slightly quickened but soldierly march, despite himself and Nightfall’s assurances that he needn't rush himself. He quickly found himself at the staircase of Luna’s tower. By the doors stood two of Luna’s night guard’s a pair of Batponys who looked almost identical to private Nightfall in every way bar their cutie marks.

Upon noticing the captain’s arrival they quickly straightened their stance and saluted in unison, lifting their spears to allow the captain entrance into the base of the tower.

He would usually pause to make small talk to his charged guards, but felt his apparent important requirement to meet Luna override pleasantries. Marcus simply nodded in acknowledgment and pressed forward up the stairs of the tower.

His previous smile flips quickly to a frown, climbing the untold preposterous number of steps as his legs slowly began to numb. These ponies and their blasted stairs, I swear all the stairs in Rome would not amount to that of Canterlot castle. After reaching the top and allowing his now aching knees a moment of rest, he walked forward nodding to two shadows on either corner of the doors. The shadows moved and shifted revealing two more Batpony guards. They promptly materialise out of the dark, one of them frowning as she realised that the captain had not fallen for their ruse.

Marcus allowed himself to smile once more at the reaction of the female guard, he had come to know as Moon Bud.
“Damn, I was so sure I was going to get you this time captain.” She pronounced in mock misery.

Marcus chuckled. “Maybe a while ago but your ruse can't work forever, even if I don't understand the insane magical abilities you ponies possess there is only so many times someone can get the jump on a man before he begins to wise up to their tricks.” Marcus mussed remembering the first time Moon Bud had appeared out of seemingly nothing.

As if reading Marcus thoughts the other guard known as Knight Shield spoke up. “Yeah it would have been funny the first time, if you hadn’t jumped back so far.”

“Yes but retreating back and falling down stairs are two completely different things Shield” Marcus replied.

Moon Bud rubbed the back of her mane sheepishly “Ahh yeah, apologise for that captain, I didn’t take into account just how far back you’d jump.”

Marcus cracked a smile at Moon Bud as he raised his hand to defuse the situation. “No wrong was done Moon Bud. I mean what is twelve stitches, two fractured ribs and an untold number of bruises between comrades” Marcus listed out, looking down at Moon Bud who had now begun blushing prominently in embarrassment, whilst Knight Shield broke down into laughter over the state his fellow guard was in.

“Um yeah, again really, really sorry about that captain, I swear I didn’t mean anything bad to happen, I promise.” Moon Bud all but stammered out in an uncharacteristically apologetic fashion, cause Shield to double his laughter.

“As you ponies say, let bygones be bygones and leave it at that, now if you will excuse me the Princess has urgent business with me and I don’t want to keep her waiting, lest she begins yelling in her royal Canterlot voice again” Marcus jokingly stated fake shivering in jest.

Moon Bud rolled her eyes. “Yeah I know what you mean, that voice still terrifies me even to this day.”

“Did she happen to say what was so important by chance?” Marcus asked, allowing more worry into his voice than he wanted to convey.

“No idea captain, however she was looking rather flustered when I last saw her, she pretty much asked simply that she wished to speak to you alone and that it was an important matter that was to be dealt with in private.” Knight Shield answered.

“Hmm… Actually I think I know” Moon Bud spoke in a sultry voice blinking her eyelids in a mockingly flirtatious manner.

“What?” Marcus and Shield spoke in perfect unison, the former sounding more confused and still a little unnerved by her demeanour.

“Shield, what day is tomorrow?” she said in an almost rhetorical and still flirtatious fashion.

Um...Friday?” Shield replied cautiously.

Moon Bud face hoofed and slowly lowered her hooves below her eyes “No you moron, I mean yes you're right but what’s so special about this Friday?”

Marcus furrowed his brow in annoyance at where this was going.

Shield for his part raised a hoof to his chin and took on a thoughtful look. After a time he lowered his hoof in a moment of enlightenment. “Oh of course, tomorrows the day the new Daring Doo vs. the pirate apes of the thirteen sea’s special edition comes out right!” Shadow said in almost childlike glee.

Moon bud looked at him in astonishment, unable to grasp the stupidity of what she had just heard. “No you Idiot its Hearts and Hooves day, for the love of Celestia how could you forget one of the biggest holidays around!”

“Wait does that mean the new Daring Doo's not coming out tomorrow?” Shield sunk down in sorrow.

Marcus placed both of his hands to his temples trying to contemplate if this farce was ever going to end. “By the sons of Saturn, will somebody please just tell me what this is all about before I put you two on onion peeling duty for rest of your natural born lives!” Marcus bellowed as the last of his patience all but trickled away.

Both Ponies stood to attention instinctively at their commander’s yell. Moon Bud finally spoke up “Its hearts and hooves day tomorrow captain, it a very important tradition among the ponies of Equestria.”

“Yes I got that part, but why are you telling me this, what is it a celebration of, and why in Jupiter’s name would it be the reason Princess Luna would have me so urgently invited to meet with her for it.”

Moon Bud couldn't help but smile despite herself, she was a hopeless romantic at heart and if she was right this was just too juicy for her to spoil “I think it’s best if the princess told you herself, Captain.”

"Gah! To Hades with this, I swear if this turns out to be a waste of time, I will have your ass Moon Bud, and yours to Knight Shield.”
“Me, what did I do?” Sheild yelled in surprise.

“Just open the door, please!” Marcus growled his patience long ago.

On cue both sides of the door slowly creaked open, revealing the main chamber of Luna’s living area. Marcus pressed on until he was just past the doors of the chamber. As his feet hit the midnight blue marble, Marcus surveyed into the room looking for Luna and subconsciously seeking out any potential threat.

The main sources of light was coming from the moonlight, piercing through the two enormous windows to the far corner of the chamber gently basking the room in a sombre and delicate light. Strategically placed candles flickered their light across the Equally Dark blue walls. Oddly to Marcus it was not intimidating in the slightest, even when he had first seen Luna’s tower, for what should have looked like some sort of pagan god’s temple of doom, actually came across as a quite relaxing solace not unlike some of the great temples of the Roman Gods themselves.

Marcus attention was quickly drawn to the sounds of scribbling to the far corner of the room. There he spotted the Princes of the Night facing away from him, hunched over a desk, littered with scrolls and what appeared to be old maps as far as he could tell. Marcus’s eyes eventually wandered to Luna’s ever shifting ethereal mane flowing freely across her neck and shoulder, the patterns of the night sky, and the light of hundreds of tiny stars glistering beautifully around her. It was all Marcus could do not to stare dumbstruck at it every chance they meet.

Upon hearing the doors close behind him the sounds of quill on paper suddenly ceased.

“Greetings Marcus, tis a pleasure to see you again.” Luna spoke her voice soft and comforting with just a hint of authority.

Marcus snapped out of his stupor and immediately extended his arm to his chest and then stretched it out in full giving the princess a traditional Centurion salute “Salve and Hail princess Luna.” Marcus declared loudly.

Luna for her part allowed a small chuckle to escape her lips as she turned her head to face her Night Captain.

“Marcus as we have stated before, you do not have to salute us in such a way every time we meet, though we appreciate the gesture, a simple hello will suffice.”

Marcus dropped his salute, feeling a wash of embarrassment hit him for a just a moment. “My apologise princess, some habits even to this day are still hard to break.”

Luna smiled more genuinely and turned to face him, gesturing for her captain to move forward with her hoof which he did almost immediately. “Yes believe us Marcus, we know you predicament quite well. Tis often that we slip back into using the Royal Canterlot voice and even more so to use the royal ‘We’ as opposed to the more modern terms my sister uses though we... I do try.” she said allowing a smile to grace her face.

Marcus smiled in return “At least you don’t slip into speaking Latin in normal conversations, I've been told it sounds impressive considering how old a language it is to your kind. But it does make buying Grocery’s that little bit more challenging.” Marcus joked.

Luna chuckled at Marcus. “Yes I suppose you have us there, Tis just lucky that we speak it ourselves else it would have been a very different situation when we first meet.”

Marcus smile dimmed slightly into a frown, as his thoughts drifted back to his times at the infirmary where he had first meet Luna. It had been a hellish experience healing from his wounds, and without Luna, her sister and another Princess by the name of Twilight Sparkle, who against all odds had all known how to speak his native tongue to keep him company, Marcus most likely would have gone mad from the pain and isolation.

Luna felt concern grip her as she noticed Marcus’s face “Marcus is thou feeling alright?”

Marcus shook his head snapping his thoughts away from the past, and back into the conversation. “Apologise Princess Luna, my mind wandered back to… a darker time.”

Luna’s frown grew as she studied Marcus, he was paler than usual, his eyes were also sunken, and the bags under his eyes were a good indication of little to no sleep. Not that Luna needed to figure that out, she had seen glimpsed at the nightmares that plagued Marcus first hoof as she walked the dreamscape.

“Marcus… thou would tell us if thou were having troubles wouldn’t thou?” Luna pleaded softly, shifting ever so slightly forward.

“I… yes of course my Lady, but really it’s simply adjusting to this new sleeping pattern nothing more.” Marcus stated in a tone that reeked of lie. He was never very good at stretching the truth, even white lies at times where a struggle to maintain.

Luna raised an eyebrow at his statement, her face still masked with concern she leaned back and sighed. “Marcus Vorenus thou are as stubborn as a Minotaur sometimes.”

“Pardon my Lady?” Marcus stated in surprise.

Luna shook her head “Never mind tis a problem for another time, promise us that you will take this evening off to rest at least.”
“My Lady I don’t—“

“Please Marcus it is important to us, that is to say important to me that you do this.” Luna beseeched, quickly corrected herself.

Marcus looked down for a moment contemplating, he sighed and nodded his head signalling his agreement. In fairness he was indeed incredibly weary, not that he would let her know that.

“Very well My Lady if that is your request I will… Was this the urgent reason to summon me princess because it truly isn't something I would not consider important, not that it’s my place to say, I mean it’s your choice of course to decide what is urgent and what is not, as your captain I will of course do everything you command without question, not that you would do anything I would question, I mean, well what I mean is… uh Me paenitet princess” Marcus hastily stated looking down apologetically trying not to insult the princesses judgment in any way. Back in the legion that was at least a flogging, not that he thought Luna was capable of such cruelty, but his old training was still something of a second nature to him, and would still take a much longer period of time to override.

Luna giggled despite herself as she watched her captain trip over his words to apologise to her. The beautiful noise of her laughter sending butterfly’s in Marcus’s stomach. Gods I could listen that all day Marcus thought smiling to himself.

“No need to apologise Marcus, we know you didn’t mean anything by it, and by the way you are slipping back into Latin again.” she added musingly.

“Sorry, again old habits die hard it seems” he said as Luna lifted his head with her hoof a gesture that Marcus found more than a little comforting.

Luna suddenly faced away from Marcus. But not before he caught a faint shade of red gracing her cheeks as she turned. A moment of silence hung in the chamber before she faced back towards the captain.

“Marcus if you will pardon are frankness, the reason we have summoned you here tonight is because we…I have something important and personal I need to ask you.” Luna stated her voice conveying a nervousness Marcus had never heard his princess convey before.

Why is she nervous, she is usually so strong willed even about personal matters, something is wrong? Maybe it’s something embarrassing or important to her a secret perhaps… wait! Is someone blackmailing her, one of the nobles most likely, by Mars I will have their heads if it’s true! Marcus angrily pondered to himself.

“We, that is to say I would like it very much… if you would attend an event with me tomorrow that is to say if you would wish it, of course we will not protest or be angry if you decide to refuse us, we mean I, no sorry I mean I oh blast this new way of speaking.” Luna cursed, breathing in slowly trying to stop herself from rambling. “What I mean to say is, I would like you Marcus to be my special somepo.. Someone for hearts and hooves day.” Luna muttered out meeting Marcus’s stare and doing her best to not turn away in embarrassment as her face flushed bright red again.

Marcus stared blankly at her for a moment. Wait she just wants me to guard her tomorrow, is that it? I thought something was wrong. Wait maybe there is!. Maybe she can’t say. Don’t worry my Lady, I Marcus Verinous formally of the 12 Legion and Night captain of the Moon guard will see to it that no harm comes to you, this I swear to Jupiter… Damn I just wish Princess Celestia would let me sacrifice something to his name, these ponies can be way to caring sometimes...well I suppose I can burn something to appease the Gods instead.

Marcus smiled at the Princess of the Night “Of course Princess, I would be delighted to accompany you to this event, I will have one of my men take my duties for tomorrow.” Marcus stated not conveying anything that might give away the knowledge of his true reason for coming.
Luna face exploded into one of unrepressed joy as she galloped over the short distance and eloped Marcus into an almost bone crushing hug, knocking both herself and Marcus to the floor.

“Thank thee Marcus, you have no idea how much this means too us!” she stated pecking Marcus on the cheek with her lips. It was finally Marcus turn to flush bright red at the act, he smiled dispute his completely confused nature.

Did she just kiss my cheek! I've never seen her so overcome with joy… those fiends must have something truly important on her if she is so happy for my help. By Mars I’ll will see them all flogged for this… still at least the hug and kiss were more than pleasant. Even if she is slowly crushing my spine…maybe I’ll just throw them into the dungeons instead, if the Princess’s will allow it.

“Princess…I…can’t…breathe…” Marcus managed to choke out still smiling dispute himself.

Luna lifted her head from Marcus’s shoulders and upon realising quickly lifted her forehoofs from the hug backing away ever so slightly. “We sincerely apologise Marcus” her words rife with concern but still married with bliss. “We did not mean to harm thee we were just so overcome with joy—

“*Cough* No need to, *cough*, *cough* apologise princess it was only an accident nothing *cough* more, I will recover.” Marcus gasped out finally recovering enough air to reply.

By the Gods she is strong, I felt that through my chest plate!

Luna’s face flushed bright red once more, this time again out of embarrassment as she tapped her front hooves together. “Still we apologise to thee Marcus, we hope this doesn't affect your answer for tomorrow still.”

“*Cough* of course not princess it is just a little spinal injury, I will recover.” Marcus joked allowing the smile to return to his face to show Luna it was all in jest.

“Ha, yes we see, well then we suppose it is all well then, we shall see thou tomorrow in the evening around seven pm. I know it is early, but that will be the best time to catch the festivities, if that is fine with you.”

“Of course Princess, whatever you command” Marcus stated returning to his feet along with Luna trying to saluting once more.

Luna giggled again sending another round of butterflies into Marcus stomach “Now Marcus we must protest if you are to be our special someone, it would not be right for you to treat us so formal now would it?”

Marcus removed himself from his salute, confusion grasping him once more “I, um yes princess, of course” Marcus said still not grasping the situation at hand or hoof as they would say. “Well I must be off if I am to plan for tomorrow, Vale my princess”

“Goodbye Marcus we look forward to your ‘plans’ as you put them” Luna stated in a more flirtatious manner.

Why is she acting so strangely, I must get to the bottom of this, before something happens to the princess, I just hope it’s not too late. Marcus brood over as he turned and marched from the chamber.

Author's Notes:

(Re-edited 11 march)
First Chapter Thank you for reading.
I wrote this a few nights ago in one of my many moments of random insomnia phases
as just a fun idea i had whilst listening to a very roman esque band called Ex Deo, I liked the idea so much I decided to give it ago and write it all in one go.
So as you can imagine and have most likely noticed its pretty ruff around the edges and I apologize for it . Im trying to test the water as its a bit out of my comfort zone
But if people like im happy to keep writing and editing.

Doctors Orders

Marcus exited Luna’s chamber, still lost in thought over the conversation that had just taken place. His chain of thoughts broken only by a cough from a familiar voice.

“Sooo… how did it go sir” Moon Bud said curiously as her eyes fluttering in a mockingly seductive manor.

“It was…”

How exactly was it? Marcus thought.

His mind still clouded in contemplation, he was not able to comprehend the conversation that had taken place. On the one hand, he was sure something was amiss his honed legionnaire senses were warning him of that much, the logical reason to him was of course that Luna was in trouble, there was no other reason in his mind that could say otherwise. On the other hand.

She hugged me, she kissed me no less! That is something that does not happen lightly. Something must be a foot, but why would she be so overjoyed at my help, even if something was wrong, Damn I have no mind for these pony politics, I’m a soldier, not a councillor I have no skill for these things.

Marcus’s broke from his thoughts as he took notice of the long over drawn silence that had taken over the tower.
“Sir are you alright? You sort of spaced out on us there.” said Knight Shield.

“I guess it went better than expected” Moon Bud replied to Knight Shield suppressing a giggle as she turned to him.

“The meeting though odd went fine, the Princess simply stated that she wants me to guard her tomorrow.”

“Guard her? Wait didn’t she, I was so sure that…” Moon Bud half yelled, before slowly looking down in thought. Her wings draping slowly with her head in the direction of the ground.

“Did she say anything else sir, just out of curiosity?” Knight Shield spoke up, finally aware of what Moon Bud was on about.

“Nothing that concerns you!” Marcus stated commandingly, almost immediately regretting his venomous tone as he saw his friend wince and frown at the response. A ping of guilt took over Marcus’s chest as he saw Shield sink back defensively.

“Sorry brother, there was no need for me to yell, it has been a trying evening, and the lack of sleep isn't helping much either.” Marcus admitted.

“No worries sir, I shouldn't pry, it was a meeting between you and the princess after all.”

“Its fine Shield we are brothers in arms after all, the Princesses wellbeing should concern us all.” Marcus stated with a weary sigh. “In all honesty I cannot truly say how the meeting went, because I’m not sure I fully understand it myself.”

Moon Buds ears perked up as she raised her head once again towards her Night Captain “Wait, what do you mean sir?”

Marcus folded his arms as he huffed, annoyed at his inability to convey his thoughts correctly.
“All I can say was that the princess was not her usual self, she was nervous and stuttered when she spoke, which is not like her, she asked that I personally escort her to a festivities tomorrow evening, I can’t say any more than that.”

“Did she say what the festival was sir?” Knight Shield asked.

“No she only stated to meet her tomorrow at 7pm in her tower, now I’m sorry but I must retire to my office, I have work that needs to be done.”

Both guards nodded and saluted the captain, after this Moon Bud looked down once more a thoughtful expression gracing her face, she could not place it, but she knew that the captain wasn't telling her everything. But she was not going to pry too deeply, even though she desperately wanted to. She glanced up as Marcus turn and marched down the steps of the tower, the mare sighed, angry that she was denied her romantic gossip.

Marcus reached the exit of the tower, both guards again straitened their posture as the captain walked past, however he was still too deep in thought to notice.

Who would dare antagonise the Princess? Marcus thought turning around the seemingly endless corners and hallways of Canterlot castle. And to what end would she need myself personally to guard her, I know she is more than capable of protecting herself without any of the guards, I've seen first-hand what she is capable of if my probable bruised spine is any evidence, a guard is more of a formality for her.

Marcus continued walking down the hallway, it was quite, even for the early evening, the mood was still and the only sounds came from the cool spring breeze, echoing through the castle hallways like breath from some great beast. after a while Marcus reached his office, his weary hand clutched around the handle.just before he pulled the handle down, he heard something odd, a rustling from the other side. He stopped himself, quickly focusing on the noise from the other side of the door. The rustling continued unabated as Marcus reached down to his Gladius, which he began to slowly and quietly withdrawing from its sheath. Gladius now in hand, Marcus braced himself for whatever he was about to face. Slowly he brought the handle down.

He began to count to himself.

One… two…

Upon reaching three Marcus threw open the doors gladius by his side, bellowing in his native Latin.

“For Jupiter!”

Marcus entered the blackened room searching for his intruder, he spotted the shadowy figure on the other side of his office, it jumped up in terror, its wings extended as Marcus charged. However after only a few paces, Marcus view was blurred by an astonishingly purple blast, the magical aura all but lifted him into the air before throwing him and his sword down into the cold hard ground beneath him, knocking the wind from his lungs.

Almost immediately Marcus heard a gasp, and the sound of galloping hooves against marble as his vision was engulfing in a purple haze.

“Ow Celestia, I'm so sorry Marcus, I was just seeing if you were in your office and then I heard someone yelling, and when I turned around I sort of accidentally panicked and lost control and mumum--- "

The Purple pony was silenced as Marcus reached up and shut her Muzzle with his hand “Obsecro, purple haze.” Marcus slurred as his vision began to blur, and spin still as he attempted to focus on the Lavender Alicorn his hand slipped from her muzzle as he spoke.

“Are you alright?” Twilight spoke her voice thick with concern.

“I wish the walls would spin more often, this is more fun than Liars dice at the Aventine.” Was Marcus’s reply.

“Marcus what are you talking about the walls aren't spinning?” Twilight replied.

No…no their melting isn't it wonderful.” He smiled goofily at Twilight.

“Ow no, I think you have a concussion Marcus.”

That’s sounds like a wonderful idea Primus, but I fear that Neptune has cursed me, I can’t eat concussions, or oysters.” Marcus dimly stated swirling and fighting to stay conscious.

“Wait here I’ll go get the princess.” Twilight explained hastily leaving the room in a flash of light, as Marcus slowly closed his eyes.

“Marcus… Marcus please you need to stay awake” Marcus could hear an ethereal and serine voice call to him.

Marcus murmured softly as a hoof gently shook his shoulder, he cracked his eyes which were still dazed from his fall, but much less severe than before, as the light from an unfamiliar source gleamed into his eyes. Marcus lifted his hand in order to shield them, but found that he could not move either of them, in fact he could not move at all. He began to struggle as panic and fear took over his mind fearing the worst.

Before Marcus could struggle any further, he felt his body land gently on a soft velvety surface he recognize as his couch, his struggling ceased somewhat as the light vanished around him and he felt his muscles return to his control.

“Gentle Marcus, please do not strain yourself.” the gentle voice called to him.

Marcus gazed up at the large white Alicorn as it peered down at him, the ethereal mane same as her sisters shone and flowed brightly across the side of her body.

Marcus beside himself, began to sit up in order to salute his commanding officer, but was immediately brought back down by a firm but gentle hoof.

“Now Marcus please I think we can dispense with the formalities for now, you sustained a nasty head injury and moving around will only make things worse.” Princess Celestia gently spoke.

Marcus merely nodded at the princess, his head still spinning, but he found being on the couch, as opposed to the cold heard floor was helping somewhat.

“What, where” was all Marcus could muster.

“You are in your office Marcus, Twilight came to me after she had accidentally hit you with a magical blast, the doctor is on his way as we speak. However it is unclear if you do, or, do not have a concussion so we need to keep you awake, at least until she arrives ok?” Celestia explained.

Marcus began to calm himself, practicing his Legionary training of breathing in then out. His thoughts where stifled somewhat as he heard a gentle whimper to the side of the princess.

Marcus peered down to the smaller Alicorn by Celestia’s side her eyes cloudy with tears “I am so sorry Marcus I never meant to hit you, I'm just still getting used to my new found powers, and the whole situation startled me and—“

“Princess Twilight, all is forgiven I should not have rushed in as I did, in hindsight that was not very smart of me... or tactical for that matter, ha I could just hear my old Centurion now”

“Legionary Marcus the gods blessed us with common sense, so that we don't have to bless the ground.” Marcus announced in his native Latin tongue, doing his best, mock Centurion voice the situation would allow.

Despite herself, Twilight chuckled, some of the guilt washing away. Marcus’s apparent indifference to the whole situation was lightening the mood somewhat.

Celestia smiled warmly at the two “Does it hurt Marcus?”

Marcus shook his head, which was in hindsight a bad move, he grimaced from the action causing himself to laugh at the irony of it all, and in turn generated a chuckle from both princesses.

“Pardon my Lady, but the amount of harm this old run down temple has endured over the years, this is a walk in the royal gardens.”
Celestia sighed and shock her head lightly, a smile still gracing her muzzle “As stubborn as a Minotaur.”

“Funny Lady Luna said the same thing just this evening.” Marcus stated still reminiscing at the events of this evening.

“Ah you have spoken to my Luna how is she? I haven't had the time to catch up with her.”

"She’s fairs well Princess, however…”

Should I tell the princess, it would be better if fewer people know just In case I’m right, then again she is Luna’s sister, I highly doubt it’s her behind this strangeness. Maybe back in Rome, but it’s obvious that they love one another. But Princess Twilight is also here, she can be trusted as well…cant she, come to think of it what was she doing in my office?

Marcus silenced the train of thought immediately, he knew that Twilight was completely loyal and loving to her fellow Princesses, she wouldn't do anything to hurt Luna But it still doesn't explain her presence in my office.

“Marcus?” Twilight called out in a tone both confused, and concerned.

“Sorry, lost in thought for a second, what where we talking about?”

“You were talking about my sisters well being, and then you just stopped, I thought for a moment that the injury had affected you.” Celestia added.

“No I’m fine, really I’m just tired I guess, Jupiter curse me it has been a weird night.”

“What were you going to say before? About Princess Luna, you said she was fine but then stopped.” Twilight said edging closer to Marcus.

“Sorry, I well, something about how Princess Luna was acting when we meet, something about what she said has left me somewhat puzzled.”

"Really, what did she say?” Princess Celestia replied a look of mild concern gracing her otherwise unreadable face. Before Marcus could speak a sudden knocking sound rang against his office door.

“That must be the doctor, I’ll get it” Twilight hurriedly stated springing to her hooves.

The door clicked open and a large grey unicorn stallion with a jet black mane followed through the entrance. A white coat around his top half, and a pair of snakes entangled around a rod shone just above his back leg on his flank, symbolising the stallion’s profession. To Marcus’s surprise he recognised the cutie mark as the Rod of Asclepius from one of his childhood stories his Greek blooded mother would often tell him. The stallion’s large spectacles shone against the light of the room as he trotted slowly towards Marcus.

"Princess Celestia, this must be captain Marcus then?” the Doctor greeted, whilst simultaneously bowing his head.

“Hello Doctor Heartbeat, sorry to call on you so late in the evening, yes this is the patient Captain Marcus. “ Celestia replied.

“It was no trouble Princess happy to help, now what seems to be the trouble.”

After a moment of explanation, interrupted with apologise and reassurances, and forgiveness from both Twilight, and Marcus the doctor began to open his medical bag with his magic, whilst simultaneously examining Marcus’s head. The brashness of the doctor somewhat intimidating the captain, he was used to doctors, or at least medics in his previous profession, however he was never truly comfortable around them, the doctors back in his homeland where nothing better than butchers or mystical quacks, likely to prescribe Leeches, bloodletting or amputation for just about every and any case.

“Relax Mr Marcus I’m not going to bite.” The doctor stated, seemingly aware of his patience increasingly tense posture.

“Me paenitet doctor, you're types always make me nervous.”

“Marcus! I can't believe you would say something like that! Just because he’s a unicorn doesn’t make him a bad pony.” Twilight bellowed.

“I think he was referring to Mr Heartbeat being a doctor, Twilight.” Celestia stated in her ever patient manor.

Ow, right, hehe, sorry.” Twilight replied sheepishly, whilst simultaneously backing away from the conversation, in an attempt to divorce herself from the awkwardness she just created.

Heartbeat for his part chuckled to himself, whilst he levitated some cotton bandages and began wrapping them around Marcus’s head “Not to worry my boy, I understand, nopony wants to see a doctor, especially you military types” Heartbeat commented, snipping the last trail of the bandage and sealing it magically with his horn.

“Will he be alright doctor” Celestia inquired in a concerned tone.

“Hm? Ow yes he’s fine, just a nasty bump on the noggin nothing more” the doctor mussed. Causing Marcus to smirk and express an ‘I told you so’ look back towards the Princesses.

“Although I am concerned how pale Mr Marcus looks.” Heartbeat added, boomeranging Marcus’s smirk into a frown once again.

Why does everyone keep saying that?

“I would prescribe rest for the captain, he looks like he hasn't slept in weeks.”

“I am right here you know doctor.” Marcus grumbled.

“Sorry my boy, but you do need rest, especially after an injury like that, walking around now will only make it worse.”

“Thank you doctor, I’ll will make sure that Marcus gets the rest he requires.” Princess Celestia interrupted cutting out any sort of disagreement on Marcus’s end.

With that the doctor promptly nodded, said his goodbyes, and left the room lifting his bag in tow with his Magic.
“I should leave as well, I still have one or two things that need attending before I retire, Marcus please make sure that you rest. I’ll have one of my guards inform my sister that you’ll be off duty for the night.”

She turned to the now upright Captain who was glaring intently down at the floor, lost in thought. After a moment he replied.

“No need Princess, Lady Luna already ordered that I take the evening off as well.” He answered somewhat robotically.

The reply caused a raise eyebrow from Celestia, however she would not pry too deeply into the matter, all this excitement had cut into her work, and she still had much to complete, she would ask later.
“Very well rest easy Marcus, I’ll come by later to check on you.”

“Thank you, Vale princess.”

Both Princesses began to turn towards the door once more before Marcus lifted his head to speak.

“Sorry to ask but may I have a minute with you Lady Sparkle.”

“Of course Marcus.” Twilight said almost too quickly, she turned her gaze over to Celestia “I’ll see you tomorrow princess” she stated with a smile, which Celestia returned.

“Goodnight Twilight sleep well.” And with that the Sun princess exited the office, the door slowly closing behind her, leaving the two in mutual silence.

“Lady Twilight I have to ask you something.”

“Sure Marcus what is it?” Twilight stated, unsure of the somewhat serious tone Marcus had suddenly adopted.

“What were you doing in my office, I know that as a Princess you have every right to do as you wish, but I see no reason why you would be in my room, with the Light off no less” Marcus said his voice serious and solemn.

Twilight paused unable to reply coherently, as her mind began racing for the best excuse she could muster. “Well you see-“

“Does this have something to do with that blasted Hearts and Hooves day celebration that is going on tomorrow?” Marcus cut in, sitting more upright on the couch.

“Wait what… no, why in hay would it be about Hearts and Hooves day?” Twilight asked in genuine puzzlement.

“First Princess Luna begins acting strangely, asking me to guard her on that day, then all of a sudden I find you, Lady sparkle for lack of a better word sneaking into my room at a time I would call inappropriately late for a diurnal creature such as yourself. I have a feeling something is a foot, and I think it all has something to do with what is going on tomorrow.”

“Wait Luna asked you to guard her, why would she do that?” Twilight stated her ever academic mind highlighting the useful and unusual information to her and ignoring the rest.

“I have no idea Lady Sparkle, all I know is that she asked me to guard her, or as she put it be her special somepony or something like that, but that is not the part that troubles me the most, the princess actually thanked me for my services when I accepted like it was going to reject such a command. In all of Minerva’s great wisdom I simply cannot fathom why she would be so happy to be guarded, unless there was something of great importance, or she was in trouble. But then why would she need my help specifically, wouldn't it make more sense to go to you Lady Twilight or Hades even her Sister?”

Marcus turned his gaze to see Twilights face, in the exact opposite of what someone who had just been told that their fellow ruler, and friend was possibly in trouble. Twilight was gleaming up at Marcus her face executing a smile so large Marcus would have thought it impossible for anyone to convey had he not just witnessed it right then.

“The-princess-asked-you-to-be-her-special-somepony!” Twilight all but gushed out in a fit of joy.

Marcus lifted his hand to stroke his stubble chin in contemplation, he simply could not comprehend the strange reaction Twilight was giving him.

Maybe these ponies just take probable blackmail and treason differently from us Romans?

“Yes those were her words she used in a sense, I don't know why she used that instead of guard, or why she chose me personally over her usual retinue that I picked for her. And by Jupiter I still don’t know what all this has to do with this blasted Holiday!" Marcus bellowed leaning back into his seat exhausted by situation and cupping his face with both hands.

Twilights smile lessened. “Wait Marcus, you do know what heart and Hooves day is, Right?”

“All I know is that it’s some important event to your kind, I would have guessed it was some kind of day of celebrations to your gods, like in Rome but I’m guessing not.”

Twilight pulled a hoof to her face pinching the bridge between her nose and forehead as she tried to figure out the best explanation for the situation.

“Ow dear this is going to be a tough one, I’d sit down if I were you.”

She looked up to see Marcus already seated on the couch looking down at her trying to figure out if she was joking or not.
“Right haha sorry, ok sooo where do I begin…”

The conversation took longer than expected as Twilight began adding in extra, some would say needless history into the explanation. She couldn't help it though she rarely got a chance to lecture somepony on Equestria history, and even less so about the stories, and untold joint history’s that lead to their conception, and modern celebration of the Holiday. However after a while she broke into the final and important part of the explanation after noticing his growing impatience at her meandering.

The sounds of the night sky could be heard gently breezing against the hallways of Canterlot castle as they spoke, silent and tranquil except for the occasional guard all was at peace in the night, until it was broken by a tremendous cry of Shook and confusion of a now enlightened man, by the name of Marcus Verinous.

“WAIT SHE WHAT!?”

Author's Notes:

Thanks for reading, Remember to Like and all that if you thought it was decent enough.
Shorter chapter than intended, but i thought it was a good place to end it for the time being.

If The Gods Are Pleased

Moon Bud exited the break room lost in thought while her comrade Knight Shield droned on, and on, and on about one of his many unlikely adventures the stallion always seemed to find himself in, during his many trips to the local taverns.

Her thoughts distracting her from even pretending to show interest, as she trotted through the hallways of Canterlot castle back to her post. Moon Bud could not help but look out at the full moon in the sky though one of the many enormous windows of the castle. Her thoughts still lingered on the mare’s captain and his apparent uneventful meeting with Princess Luna, which unfortunately for Moon bud segued excellently into her own love life or lack thereof.

Crap, another year alone for me I guess, Luna I can hear my mother now.

She thought of her mother’s Transylmanian voice scold her in her own mind ‘Moon Bud, your sisters have all found decent stallions and are all vith child, vhen vill I hear sounds of little tiny hoofs from you’re little filly’s or Colts’ she winced at the thought of having to suffer another loving visit from her overbearing mother, once again come to question her life choices.

It’s never like in the books, you would have thought joining the royal guard it would be literally impossible to not meet your Knight in shining armour! But…

She turned her gaze over to her fellow Batpony, and comrade in arms who was for all intents and purposes still yammering on completely unaware that Moon Bud had zoned out seconds after he began his story.

Well at least hes a nice guy, flanks not bad too, I just wish he’d shut up sometimes Moon bud frowned sullenly to herself. She would have to find somepony before tomorrow even if it killed her, but being stuck guarding one place for hours on end didn’t leave a pony much chance for company, present excluded, and she was not good at making friends past her usual circle, for a pony who read allot and believed she understood the nuances of romance, she was not as cool and suave as her sisters.

Tartarus maybe if I close my eyes and wish upon a star somepony will just come and sweep me off my hooves.

Moon Bud and Knight Shield turned the corner completely unaware of the cosmic irony of her statement, as both Ponies where immediately blindsided by a giant and some would say shell-shocked individual.

All three flew into a wall by the side of the hallway crashing in a huddled mass of wings, arms and hooves. After a few moments of groaning Knight Shield was the first to utter any noise that he was still conscious.

“Nnnhhhh” the guard stated loudly.

“Yep” Moon Bud weakly replied, rearing her head from the collection of limbs and getting back on her hooves along with Shield. They both look at the armoured mass that had sent them cascading into the wall.

“Captain?” Moon Bud whispered more in confusion than concern as she saw the Human spiralled face down, and unmoving from the location that he had fallen from.

Knight Shield ever curious reached down with his foreleg and gently nudged his commander “Do you think he’s alive?” Moon Bud asked.

I hope so I was gonna ask for a raise this week” Knight Shield nonchalant replied, poking the sides of Marcus’s Leg once again with an inquisitive hoof.

Immediately after Knight Shield finished speaking the Night Captain sprang up like a bat out of hell, causing the two thestrals to fly back, both extending their wings in shock. The captain for his part just stared at them as if the ordeal had not even taken place.

“Moon, Shield, good I require your help.” He stated pointing his finger at the pair, with a somewhat wild look in his eyes like a man who had just witnessed something both wonderful and terrible at the same time.

“Wait captain are you o—“

“Listen! I need you, Moon Bud to go to my Chamber and retrieve a chest, a large wooden one marked with my name. Do not under any circumstances open or share the contents with anyone understand?”

Moon Bud simply nodded, taking the incredibly unusual situation in stride.

“Meet me in the royal gardens when you're done I will be by the gladiatorial arena."

“You mean the sand pit, next to the fountain?” Moon Bud replied.

“No time from technicalities Moon Bud, just go!”

Moon Bud once again nodded turning with a flick of her tail, and galloping towards Marcus’s chambers.

Marcus’s now slightly crazed attention turned towards Knight Shield who elicited an audible gulp. “Shield I have a very important task for you, I need as much wood as you can muster, get some of the guards to help you.” Marcus lifted a large golden ring with the insignia of a two headed phoenix from his finger. “show them this if they challenge your purpose. Ow and get the royal carpenters tell them that their urgent attention is needed, do you understand Shield?”

“I-I think so sir” Shield lied.

“Good, meet me at the pit as soon as possible.” The captain stated, lifting himself up and wiping the sweat from his brow, as he pushed forward towards the gardens.

“WAIT MARCUS STOP RUNNING!” came a voice from the other side of the hallway, the sound of hoofs on marble echoing down the hall.

Shield turned to see Twilight galloping down the hallway the captain had entered from, he stood immediately to attention as the Princess approached him.

Excuse, huh*, me, huh*, did you, huh*, see where Marcus went” Twilight tried to convey through ragged breaths.

Shield extended his hoof from the salute and pointed it down the hallway the captain had ran through. “Royal Gardens Princess, just by the sand pits he said.”

Twilight gathered enough air to thank Shield before rushing on towards the gardens.

Knight Shield just stood their dumb struck jaw wide open for the better part of a minute, as he tried to process what had just happened. He shook his head and pinched his forearm to be sure that he hadn't accidentally fallen asleep on the job again. After which he turned down the opposite hallway of his commander’s path, and began galloping towards the carpenter’s office.

After an hour of searching her captain’s room, with the vague directions he had given her, Moon Bud finally dragged the large oak chest down the last flight of stairs and into the royal gardens.

Buck my jaw is killing me, what the hay is in this thing? It weighs a ton, should have gotten one of the privates to do this. She thought to herself as she released the chest handle from her mouth and began caressing her now aching jaw with a hoof.

Moon Bud looked around the gardens from her Captain, after only a moment she caught sight and sound of over a dozen ponies galloping, flying and racing around the garden each carrying some form of carpentry tool or piece of wood, the night was heavy with the sound of banging nails and yelling from her fellow guard’s and at the centre of all this chaos was her captain kneeling down amongst the erect whatever it was support to be pieces of wood, both hands held in front of him his eyes closed and his mouth muttering something in what Moon Bud could only place as his native Latin.

The situation was only made odder by the addition of Princess Twilight who was sitting a few hooves away scribbling furiously on a parchment. the addition of a large brazen next to the captain also added to the confusion, the garden was already well lit even at night and considering it was pretty warm outside Moon Bud couldn’t place what her captain had needed such a large fire. Realising that her questions where not going to answer themselves she began to press forward grabbing the wooden chest once again in her jaw she dragged it towards her captain.

As she got closer to her captain, her thoughts were interrupted by the familiar voice.
“Hey Moon over here.”

Moon bud turned her attention to the sound, she spotted Knight Shield only a few paces away from the unbroken Marcus and Twilight, waving a hoof in her direction. She dropped the chest sure that it wasn't going anywhere, at least without her noticing and trotted slowly towards her friend.

“There you are, I was wondering when you’d get your flank over here, ow Luna you won't believe what’s being going on.”

Moon Bud raised an eyebrow as she scanned the scene around her “I can honestly say I don’t believe it, and I’m looking right at it.”
“First the captain had us all gather a bunch of wood and nails and then he set about making whatever this thing is I think it’s a statue or something I can’t tell captains not a very good carpenter thank Celestia he doesn’t do this for a hobby, I mean really will you look at this thing its—"

“Shield, can you just get to the point already.”

“Right, sorry, anyway then the captain had us all draw lines around the heap of sticks and then he lit that massive brazen next to him after that he just started mutterin’ in that Linin language and hasn't stopped yet.

“Latin” came the voice across from him he turned towards Twilight Sparkle.

Huh?” He replied.

“Its Latin an ancient Equestrian Language that’s been dead for centuries, apparently it’s still very common where Marcus comes from.” Twilight replied adopting a lecturing tone.

“Huh, so you can understand what he’s saying?” Shield asked questioningly.

“Sort of, I can tell what he’s saying, but without any context I don’t know what he’s doing I know it’s a ritual, or ceremony to some god or goddess of Marcus’s people… but I’ve never seen this first hoof before isn’t it exciting!” Twilight squealed in excitement, as she lifted the quill once more to begin observing the ritual.

Moon bud furrowed her brow, not so much at Shield or the Princess, well they weren’t helping her patience but it was more so the scene as a whole.

Ow Luna why didn’t I just open a bar like dad, my life could have been so much easier. But nooo Moon you wanted to see the world and learn how to fight, curse my tomcolt mind.

After a few moment the captain got up and dismissed the other guards and carpenters around him, after he was sure that they had all left he reached for the side of his belt. Moon Bud heard him curse in his Latin Language. She didn’t know what it meant but she was sure a swear word was almost universal to understand. He turned his head to the two guards.

“Moon, Shield I require a blade.”

As it happened Shield withdrew one from an unlikely crevice in his armour and turned to look at his confused friend.

“Why do you?”

“You can never be too careful.”

Shield brought the handle of the blade in his mouth and flicked it in one swift motion towards Marcus who grasped it from the air with ease. Marcus turned his attention towards the statue, which looked vaguely like some sort of four legged animal maybe an ox, or maybe even a cow? Moon Bud considered to herself. After a moment Marcus placed his arms up finishing his speech and bringing the knife to his hand, he slid the blade just deep enough for a shallow but long cut across his palm. Marcus grimaced slightly from the pain and extended his arm so that the precious crimson liquid landed onto the statue drawing shocked gasps from both Princess and Batponies present.

“Marcus!” Twilight gasped.

“Sir pardon my Prench, but what the buck did you just do that for!” Shield yelled in astonishment.

What? What’s wrong” Marcus asked with genuine puzzlement.

“Why did you just cut your hoo-Hand think like that!?” Moon Bud answered.

“How am I supposed to make an offering as important and life binding as this one to the gods without some form of blood offering? You tell me Sister Moon Bud” he pointed accusingly.

“Why would your gods want your blood anyway, that sounds so stupid” Shield.

It’s not stupid Brother, and I will ask kindly that you do not test the methods of the gods lest you bring their wrath upon yourself, and me, the gods are unkind to insults and they know all.”

“Wow…really” Shield replied nervously looking up at the sky whilst Moon Bud facehooved and Twilight had the graces to not react at all.

“So wait, why did you use your blood isn't there any other important way.” Twilight asked in an inquisitive fashion despite her disgust and shock.

“Well the princesses wouldn’t allow me to use other animals, mostly because they are sentient beings and it is wrong, or something like that I cannot fathom myself, this makes it really hard with important offerings.”

“Wait so you're saying your people used to include cows, buffaloes, oxen and other members of Equestrian society back where you’re from?” twilight questioned.
“Of course, though they couldn't use the native tongue or speak at all. Expensive creatures as well, only used for the truly important ceremonies or for the rich, by Juno I remember my mother was so nervous when I was about to be born that she spent half the dowry on a whole Ox as an offering.”

“How could you do that that’s just, just wrong! Buying a pony into slavery like that.” Shield stated as he started to turn a little green and queasy from the idea.

“Ow I don't like where this is going” Moon Bud murmured to herself.

Marcus turned to Knight Shield with a smile so mundane it would have as if Shield had asked him what he wanted for breakfast. “Slavery haha no brother you misunderstand, we sacrificed it, Oxen are perfect offerings to the gods first you make it stand over the mother of the child to be and then you cut from the neck—“

STOP!” came a unanimous cry from Twilight and Moon Bud.

“I think I'm going to be sick…” Knight Shield murmured holding a hoof to his mouth.

“You ponies sometimes, Jupiter give me strength, how do you even appease your gods?”

“We don’t” was his only reply from twilight.

Marcus frowned “well Lady Sparkle, I shall have to insure that for the wellbeing of us all Jupiter is appeased with a heifer of some kind, my own blood is not enough and wine and cheese will only get us so far.”

“Marcus you know you can’t do that!” Twilight scolded.

“What’s a heifer?” Shield asked ever curious whilst slightly recovering from his wheeziness.
“A baby cow” twilight answered.

WHY DID I ASK?” Shield yelled through his hoof as he ran towards the bushes, the sounds of his lunch being ejected into the floor echoing through the night.

Marcus sighed “it’s important that the gods are appeased in one way or another my lady. This is huge, I can't mess this up simply because of a taboo, now hand me a torch one of you.”

"Marcus as fascinating as this is I can't stand by if you going to hurt yourself again, you already have a head injury, ow Celestia! your head Marcus I completely forgot you need to lie down now.” Twilight stated in a flustered tone as she levitated the touch to Marcus.

“Not to worry my Lady this should be enough to bless the occasion.” Marcus confirmed as the torch was passed lightly to him thought twilight’s ethereal magic.

“Thank you now stand back.” Marcus commanded, before anyone could say anything Marcus brought the torch down to the base of the sculpture, which immediately set ablaze in an orgy of inferno.

Twilight stood slack jawed at Marcus, as he smiled as the flames licked higher.

“Should have seen that coming Princess” Moon Bud mused with a smile despite herself.

“Hey, why do I smell burning?” Shield tried to yell though a raspy voice behind the busses.

“Marcus the princesses are going to flip!” Twilight yelled as she flew up to him “you can't just go lighting fires around the castle.”

To be fair princess where technically not in the castle” Moon Bud couldn't help but point out.

“Once the offering has been accepted, I will clean it myself, now if you please excuse me, I have to see Princess Celestia.” Marcus stated scooping the chest in both hands and marching towards the castle once more

“MARCUS no I’m putting my hoof down, the princess is sleeping you can’t! Twilight yelled quickly dashing after the captain.

Moon Bud rolled her eyes at the pair and strolled over to the busses Shield was occupying

“Common you big baby the captains going to get in more trouble we should probably at least try and stop him” Moon stated mockingly.

“You know” Shield began trying to catch his breath still “you could at least pretend to be concerned for me I’m the one throwing my lunch up here” the Threstral growled in annoyance.

Moon Bud frowned at the response, There I go again, me and my big mouth, and this is why nopony sticks around me for more than ten minutes.

“Sorry Shield.” She answered in a sombre tone.

Shield looked and ceased rubbing his aching throat, a look of concern and puzzlement over his friends uncharacteristic reaction, he reached over somewhat weakly placing a hoof on Moon Buds shoulder “Hey don't worry about it, I didn’t mean to snap, not every night well almost not every night stuff like this happens, I guess I’m just a little on edge, let’s just go make sure captains not trying to set fire to anything else huh?”

Moon Bud lifted her muzzle from the ground with a genuine smile “ha yeah sounds like a plan.” The both turned towards the exit before Moon Bud stopped next to her fellow guard. “Thanks, Shield for putting up with me, I know it’s not easy sometimes”.
To her amazement she noticed a blush on her friends cheeks if only for only a brief moment “hey what are friends for.”

“And done” Celestia confirmed to herself, placing the quill back into the ink pot and setting down the last remaining scroll over to one side of the desk. She allowed herself a moment to simply stair out through her window.

It was late, later than she intended. Nopony ever said running a country was easy, not that it didn’t have its benefits. She turned her head to an enormous twelve foot bed lined with silk sheets and huge feather stuffed pillows. Celestia felt her body call out to the untold comfort of its domain, and told herself that she could at least scrap the bathroom rituals of brushing ones hair and teeth for at least one night, as her hooves clasped onto the bed throwing the covers up with a single thought from her magic.

Ow it’s good to be a Princess sometimes she conveyed to herself as she eased her tired form into the heavenly touch of the silk.

Knock, Knock, Knock

Celestia’s eyes shot up and she groaned audibly, a hint of annoyance graces her face for just a second. Whoever it is will just have to come back tomorrow for pony’s sake. Closing her eyes once more.

“Marcus you can’t knock on Celestia’s door its rude” came a familiar voice.

“Sorry captain but the princess asked not be disturbed I can't let you in” a gruff voice agreed.

Celestia’s eyes shot up once more as she recognised the voices behind her door, she sighed never a dull moment… I really wish I could have at least one though… maybe I should banish myself for a few years, if anything else at least Lulu was well rested. she mussed to herself. As she exited the comfort of her feather stuffed euphoria.

“Princess Me paenitet but it cannot wait.” Marcus stated with determination, a tired and wild look still across his voice and face.
“But Marcus please let me explain it’s not what you think.” Twilight plead to him.

Just as he began to knock again, at the door Celestia’s guards stood at either sides conflicted on wither to stop their commanding officer or not. The door swung open as tired and annoyed looking Celestia attempting her best to adopt her usual unmoved caring face and failing.

“Captain Marcus, Twilight what can I do for you two” Celestia sniffed the air “why do I smell smoke?”

“Sorry Celestia I tried to stop him but—“

“Salve and Me paenitet Princess Celestia joint ruler of this fair land of Equestria, I have come seeking your favour.” Marcus interrupted kneeling down next his chest, drawing an inquisitive look for Celestia just as Moon Bud and Knight shield turned the corner of hallway towards their captain.

“Marcus what is all this?”

“By the graces of the gods I apologise for not coming sooner, I did not wish to offend, it was only recently that Twilight informed me of your sister’s intentions. Otherwise I would have come much sooner, as you are Luna’s elder and only known family you are the benefactor in this arrangement, I know this is not nearly enough, I lack lands, or titles but I hope this does not offend you, I wish to gift this to you.” Marcus turned to the chest and flicked both sides of the latches to reveal a tremendous amount of golden bits that shone golden rays against the walls from the light of the hallway. If it was not already everypony around jaw dropped bar Celestia’s as hard as she resisted.

That’s more bit than I’ve ever seen in my life!” Moon Bud whispered to Shield who only dumbly nodded in acknowledgment.

“I gift this to you as a dowry payment, as you must have arranged, your sister has asked for my hand in marriage.”

“Ow no” Twilight could only state through a hoof she had slammed into her own face.

“She what!” Knight Shield and a couple of door guard yelled.

“Well that wasn’t exactly how I figured it went down, but it still counts, so I’m gonna say it anyway ‘called it.” Moon Bud all but yelled louder than expected, as the internal shock went away in favour of ecstatic joy of being proven right.

To her immense credit Celestia face was unreadable, it took everything Celestia had not to break face in front of Marcus, and the others, as she faced away from Marcus and towards Twilight whose face could not have been more opposite to Celestia’s.

“Twilight is this true?” Celestia calmly asked.

“Um well no, I mean sort of, it’s hard to explain.” She smiled sheepishly as she rubbed the back of her fizzled mane.

Celestia sighed internally, looking over her shoulders at the bed she had now no choice but to forsake.

She looked down at Marcus who stared unblinking back at her, he looked tired, his armour had dents and scratches from an untold number of collisions, his usually well maintained hair was frazzled and un-kept, and he looked more than a little terrified, but he stood firm all the same. Celestia thought to herself, allowing silence to fall for a brief but tense moment across the hallway.

“Come inside everypony, I fear this is going to be a long night” she finally concluded.

Author's Notes:

What this I've gone and written a sub-plot into this already! I’m a madman, a madman!
Ok so sorry about the lack of any major development in this chapter, this was intended to be a part of a large chapter I was working on, but I felt that it was a good place to end it. Also because the area I’m currently occupying is extremely hot and humid at this time, and not only does my computer slow to a crawl, my brain is doing the same thing, I was not built for heat! Curse Apollo and all that. Anyway should have a lot more progression in the next chapter, until then thanks for reading don’t forget to, like, comment and all that.

The Price of Rash Actions.

Marcus breathed in, then out, in then out.

He did not know just how much these past few hours had affected him until he was ordered to sit down inside of Celestia’s chambers. He had disordered himself and his Gods, the wedding was an unintentional farce on his part, he did not want to upset Luna or Celestia he simply acted on instinct as some Legionaries often did. Now that he finally had a moment in which to conduct his own thoughts he was beginning to realise what he might have done.

No, it wasn't my fault, how was I to know that this was a proposal, her sister wasn't even present I know they run the country together but as the elder it would only be proper that she was a witness to the act. Who would even use such terms, special some person/pony thing, it’s just nonsense words, why can’t anyone here be straight forward.

He exhaled and looked at his hands just before a cup of coffee gently placed itself between them. He looked up to see his Princesses horn glowing as she herself took a seat on a cushion next to the table, Marcus thanked her instinctively and glanced around the room still not ready to meet the princesses gaze. What he saw surprised him except for the colour it was almost identical to her sisters, it was slightly bigger in places most likely due to the size difference between the two Princesses but besides that it was exactly the same.

For some reason though it felt alien to him, somehow he could not place it. It was exactly like Luna’s chambers which he always though calming and tranquil, but here it was not the same he could not understand it the colours where fine and the room itself was almost nostalgically Roman in certain ways why would it not have the same effect? He shook his head to clear his mind this was beyond unimportant at the moment.

His attention was broken by a soft coughing noise that asked for his attention coming from Princess Celestia who was seated on the opposite side to himself and Twilight.

“Twilight has filled me in on the basics of what happened in the past few hours, especially as to why you two smell of ash.” she turned as playfully mocking smile towards Twilight who blushed in embarrassed.

“Sorry Celestia, I know I should have stopped him but when I started to think about it, I was going to be one of the few ponies who ever got a chance to witness an actual ancient human ceremony first hoof and then I began to think about maybe publishing a book, then I stated questioning if the book would even make since based on what we can draw from Marcus’s history and—“

“Twilight you’re rambling again” Celestia interrupted the same playful smile to show she wasn’t mocking her.

“Ahem ok I’ll just be quite now.”

Celestia gaze turned to the night captain who was having some difficulty sitting on the cushion and still attempting to make eye contact across the table that came up to his head, the effect would have quite humour’s if it wasn’t for the fact that the captain looked down beaten and in desperate need of sleep.

“Marcus, first of all I just want to inform you that you are not in trouble here. I understand, you are from a time that is almost as old as I, in comparison to the society you now occupy, I know just how much you had to sacrifice in order to accomplish a new life here and the troubles you face. In many ways it reminds me of my own sister.” she chuckled slightly remember some of the adjustments her sister went through on her first few months back in equestrian life before continuing

“I suppose it makes sense in a way as I come to understand it you two might be something of item given you’re actions.”

“Lady Celestia—“

“Please Marcus you don’t have to keep calling me Lady, just Celestia’s fine”

“O-ok La- Celestia, I understand if you think the dowry is too small to except, I would have had more time to sell some items of mine
however with the shops closed at this hour and my lack of land—“

“Marcus listen to me, you’re not marrying my Luna” Celestia announced.

Marcus let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding in, the news was something of a mixed blessing on the one hand he was not forcing himself into something he didn’t even know he was comfortable with But something else was clawing at him at the back of his mind that he could not place, was it sadness, disappointment?

“I-I understand La- Celestia, of course I am unworthy of your sisters hand, I only ask by the mercy of Juno’s mercy, that are not too offended by my offering it is still yours if you would like.”

“Marcus you misunderstand, you’re not marrying her, as Twilight informed me your taking her out on a date also understand I had no say in this nor would I wish to my sister is her own mare.”

If he wasn't before Now Marcus was confused; had he been lied to by Twilight I thought for a moment as he desperately tried to put the pieces of the vase together that he was not sure he wanted fixed. This made no sense.

Celestia wouldn't lie about something as serious as joining houses, that means this, this was Twilight's doing! No I can’t believe her, why would she lie to me like this, I thought we were friends!

“Lady Twilight” he said just over a growled whisper.

“Please Marcus just Twilight” she stated completely oblivious to Marcus’s response.

“Twilight we are friends are we not?”

This took twilight aback for a moment “Of course we are Marcus why would you ask that?”

“Twilight when I asked you what being a special someone-pony meant you told something to the effect of being in a partnership between two correct?

“Twilight cocked her head slightly she was not certain where Marcus was going with this “yeah something like that why?”

"Well Twilight I find myself asking why someone would lie about marriage when Celestia herself is telling me it in fact I was just going to guard the Lady Luna?!" His voice was steadily growing as he began to stand up as he felt the metaphorical punch from Twilight's supposed betrayal.

“Marcus I don’t understand I told you—“

“I thought that we were friends Lady Twilight! I see now that this was some form of mockery on my behest Pedica me, I cannot believe how much of a stulte I have been for believe this bull!” he finished slamming his fist down on the table finally breaking his gaze from Twilight who was now quivering somewhat from a response she was not expecting.

Celestia now placed herself between twilight and Marcus and was staring intently at him “Marcus calm down this isn't what you think I understand it has been a trying night for you but you’re not thinking straight.”

Marcus couldn’t take much more of this. He cursed himself from a number of reasons he cursed himself for his inability to contain his anger, he cursed himself for the tears that where forming in the corner of his eye.

Stop this, Legionaries do not cry like children. He screamed internally at himself.

Lastly he cursed himself for ever believing that royalty and nobility could be befriended. Once again he was just the metaphorical Minotaur of Canterlot that the nobles poked and played with until he charged. At least he was able to deal with them but Twilight? He considered Twilight a friend, a comrade she was one of the few that kept him company, kept him sane for those weeks he was bed ridden, was it all just a farce?

Marcus breathed in and out for a short time he lifted his head from the direction of the table and towards Celestia who was now standing eye to eye with him.

“I apologies immensely for the outburst, I have no excuse for acting in such a way around royalty, if you will allow me I think I need rest.”

Celestia was about to scold Marcus for his actions until she saw the comers of his eyes filling with tears she had only seen him cry once, and that was during his first time waking up in the infirmary, Stallions like Marcus don’t cry lightly she reminded herself.
He certainly has Lulu’s quick temper I’ll give him that.

“Marcus as much as I would like nothing more than for you to rest and forget about this whole ordeal, you need to understand that Twilight was telling the truth.

“Parce mihi Princess. I maybe a fool, but I know how marriages go I was for a time married myself.”

Celestia raised her eye slightly at that. She contemplated asking further but right now it was better not open up a whole other can of worm she mentally noted to ask about that later. “Marcus listen to me I need to know, how are relationships formed in your land.”

Marcus refused to meet the princesses’ gaze whipping the forming tears from his eye with an angry swipe. “Well depending on who you are the heads of the family will meet and agree to join the houses together with marriage using one of their family members obviously. During this they will sort out some sort of dowry payment that would be mutually beneficial to family most times the women’s side of the family and that would be that.” Marcus stated confidently like with Twilight before he was not sure where this was going but if the Princess’s wanted to know he was not going to deny her.

Celestia sighed. Of course that would be the case. Lulu probably forgot to ask if Marcus even understood the concept of dating, it’s still a relatively new custom here in Equestria only four hundred years, especially among the noble families and was vastly diffrent to courting. “Marcus what if where to tell you that my sister was asking you to be with her romantically without marriage?”

“I-I well I suppose I would argue what the point was, would it not be unproductive and a waste of time to both families involved?”
“Well What if were to also tell you that I had no real say in the matter that this was purely a decision between two ponies who are interested one another for who they were without any form of Money or land or politics involved at all?”

Marcus crossed his arms and stared intently at his chest deep in thought he had heard of couples who ran off with one another just to be with one another despite their families’ wishes. The concept never sat right with him the admiration of a wife and husband was learned over time it had to be worked at simply running off was selfish and hurt the family and for what simple romance? The idea just didn’t sit right with him.

“I think I see what you are getting at my Lady, but I can’t help but state the needlessness of it all doing this helps no one it feels incredibly selfish.”

“I don’t understand your meaning Marcus?”

“In my homeland Marriage is for the benefit of the family there is mutual trade that strengthens the Republic in some form or another, Marriage means the joining of Alliances and encourages trade between what could have been rival factions, it creates children that will one day help protect and strengthen the land. I don’t understand what benefit this will bring anyone.”

Celestia looked down and sighed where is Cadence when you need her. Celestia thought to herself. Maybe I can try a different angle?

“Marcus what do you make of Luna, what do you feel around her?”

“I…I don’t know what you are trying to say?” Marcus answered timidly.

“Do you have any feelings for her beyond your job as her protector, you can be honest here I won’t judge in anyway.”

“I don’t know honestly, she… she makes me calm I suppose, just looking at her, I don’t know how to put it in words even in my native tongue I never had the mind for poetry but her grace’s presence is tranquil I feel like everything, everything will be fine as long as she’s around… it sounds like complete cack when say it out load.”

Celestia shook her head and smiled “No I think I understand Marcus we have a word for that in Equestria word that might help you grasp.”

“What is it?”

“Love Marcus, well at least the early stages of it it’s a selfless and selfish feeling in of itself but considering my sister was the one to instigate that feeling to you I would say that happiness is the answer to your question.”

“I-I don’t understand what you mean”

“Think of it this way and this might sound a bit cold but if you two are happy being around each other, that happiness benefits you, us, everypony, seeing my sister happy after so many years would do more than any amount of bits in that chest or in Equestria, as a friend your happiness would also help everypony including Luna happiness it is infectious like love itself. It’s a subtle benefit I grant you but it’s no less true don’t you agree?”

Marcus placed a hand over his forehead stroking it lightly as he attempted to contemplate Celestia’s words and wrestle with his own feeling at the same time.

I see what she means, in a way, damn this is too fast, I need time.

“I think I see what you are trying to say, it just seems a bit foreign I understand what compassion and um Love as you call it is, but in my land that takes time it’s something you work for after years it’s not something that can be given freely except in rare cases I grant you.”

Celestia nodded “in a way it’s not that dissimilar in Equestria a relationship grows stronger over time but its usually something both ponies feel right from the beginning no matter how small that cements this, surly your friendship with her before this was something the time and work you needed to create these feelings, you will understand soon enough I’m sure.”

“I-I guess I shall” Marcus felt a slight relief at finally being let in on the whole situation at least he wasn’t grasping at straws anymore. That didn’t last however as then he was hit with a unnerving guilt inside himself he turned to the cause of this, the smaller princess who was still a little shaken and downtrodden his heart gave out at the idea that he was the cause of this as he threw his knees to the floor and lowered his head.

“Princess Twilight, oh Jupiter I cannot begin to state how sorry I am, I reacted to quickly and I disgraced myself and you’re name in insulting your integrity please I ask only for your forgiveness one day ,I assume ten strikes with the whip will be in order, I’ll alert the guards myself.”

Twilight shook herself from her downtrodden stupor she was usually not so intimidated by, well anything after the creatures she had faced but Marcus a friend had truly intimidating temper. Though he didn’t use it often, It was probably what made him as adept as a Captain she though.

“What? no Marcus wait its ok I forgive you, I would never ask you to hurt yourself for something like that! Where still friends after all” she finished with a small but meaningful smile that Marcus despite everything returned.

He slowly began to rise from his humble location but found his mind was not acting as he commanded his body was dizzy as he rose and his eye sight was blurring the room somewhat.

“Marcus your hand!” Twilight yelled in exacerbated tone

Marcus turned his attention to the his left hand or more accurately the blood that was dripping from it onto the floor his hand was bleeding heavily as small but constant trickles made its way to the fingertips. This would not have bothered the soldier normally but coupled with his head and other ailments it was the straw that broke the camels back.

“Huh the cut must have been deeper than I thought.” He began to laugh but as his mind and body failed him and he collapsed onto the floor as darkness took hold.

Celestia managed to grab him in her telekinesis for the second time tonight before the Roman hit the floor. She grunted from the weight. Celestia had found that Humans where surprisingly resilient to magic she and her fellow Princesses theorized long before that since her magic was inherently tied to the magic of the land as all things had magic in Equestria no matter how small. Except for Humans so using any type of magic meant adding ones magic to the Human's as well as manipulating the magic around the user in in short it was something not easily done. As of yet only Alicorns and very talented unicorns seemed to have enough magical prowess to effect the species and even then it was no picnic.

She laid the unconscious captain onto a group of pillows silently thankful for Twilight's assistance in bringing them to his location.
Celestia had managed to sacrifice some of her silk bedding ripping a part of it off with ease and levitating some water to clean the wounds that had been in a glass by her bed after cleaning and bandaging the wound she decided that at least for now it was best to simply leave the Human be.

The room was quite for a time, partly because of the tension of what had just unfolded. But also so that they would not wanting to wake the sleeping man even if they both knew that wasn’t going to happen for a while. After a few minutes however Twilight finally broke the silent pact.

“Celestia” she whispered.

“Yes Twilight”

“Did you know Princess Luna was going to ask Marcus to be his special somepony?”

“I must confess I didn’t, Its true I had hoped that making Marcus a guard for Luna would be a good chance for her to make more friends she seemed to have bonded with him quite well during his days at the hospital, and being that the where both a little how do I put it… out of touch with modern ponys, maybe they would bond over their indifference. Although I never expected Luna to develop anything past friendship. Not that I have any objections Marcus is a fine stallion if a little odd at times” she hastily added the last part.

Twilight chuckled softly “Yeah he can give Pinkie a run for her bits sometimes.” her laugh die a little as she glanced over to Marcus’s figure.

Celestia noticed Twilight's apprehension “He will be fine Twilight he just needs rest.”

“It’s not that princess, it’s just kind of sad when you think about it, not only is he the only known human in Equestria but he basically comes from the past. I know this is going to sound horrible but I can’t believe he’s managed to last this long it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him this flustered I hope he’s going to be ok.”

Celestia slid a wing over her former student the action reassuring Twilight somewhat as she leaned into her mentor’s side. “True, he show great strength both physically and mentally to survive what he’s been through, putting him on the Luna Guard was also my idea as a way of adjusting him without forcing him into the world too quickly I think Luna’s proposal just sacred him somewhat as you said this is the first time in so many years that he’s acted this way I’m sure he will be fine.

I hope for Lulu’s sake that’s true. Celestia added mentally casting a sullen look on the resting captain.

Author's Notes:

Apologies for the long wait
Damn this chapter to that special level of hell for people who talk in movie theaters.
I don't think I've written, scrapped and rewritten something so many times in my life and in the end im still not happy with it. Oh well hopefully everyone reading took some enjoyment from it. At least i finally broke the three chapter curse that's been looming over my stories for so long.

Also Apologies for the long wait thanks for everyone waiting patently i know ho annoying that can be hopefully the extra long next chapter will act as a bonus for my fickle writing schedule.

Thanks for reading anyway if you like don't forget to Like, Comment you know the drill.

Stranger Things Have happened.

Marcus threw himself upright from his bed once again cold sweats and pugio thrust into the air, this time it was slightly easier to remove himself from his nightmare as he practiced his breathing and lowering his arm back to his sides once more.

His head still ached, but less so than the night before as he began to caress the side of his temple with his other hand before letting out a small howl as he was reminded that that too was still injured. He instead opted to wipe the sleep from his eyes and take stock of his surroundings. He was in his Chambers once more, the familiarity of it all calmed his nerves somewhat until however he felt that something was off though he couldn't place it.

His attention was caught by the glare from the late afternoon sun that shone into his sunken eyes, its warm orange glow less abrasive than he remembered, in a funny way, it was an odd feeling to Marcus now. The gentle glow of the moon had greeted his ‘Mornings’ over the years seeing the sun had become something of a rarity. He did have to regularly take a day or two, every two to three weeks to sit in the sun in order to prevent his bones from weakening as the doctors had stated in Laymen’s terms to Marcus. He shielded the glare from the sun with his hand, judging by its Location in the sky it appeared to be early evening perhaps four maybe five pm.

He scanned his room once more as his dazed vision began to adjust this time noticing a small purple box with a white bow rapped neatly around it. Marcus threw off his covers and made his way slowly towards the box near the end of his room, not wasting time he lifted the top of the box and peered into its contents. Inside was a note and a neatly folded layer of fabric. Marcus raised an eyebrow at the gift before the pieces of the puzzle connected by the gods it can’t be can it? Wasting no time Marcus placed the note to one side and lifted the fabric letting it unfold to its fullest as he admired it. It is, but how, I didn’t order this?

Marcus wasted no time in disrobing and wrapping the toga around his body amazingly it was a perfect fit the fabric was a smooth wool softer than Marcus was used to he took stock of the patterns simple but effective going parallel from both feet all the way up to his shoulders and around was a dyed midnight blue line of linen stitched perfectly into the toga. The addition of Luna’s cutie mark a symbol of the royal guard of the night was also tactfully sown onto the left side of the Toga near Marcus’s shin, a small addition he warmed to immensely.

It’s almost as if it was taken straight from some nobleman from the senate if that was even possible, Gods Blue dye? How do they even get blue dye! It must have cost a fortune, wait no dyes isn’t that expensive in Equestria as it is back home. Still it’s fantastic, fits perfectly too I wonder who it’s from?

Marcus’s gaze turned from his unexpected gift to the note he left on the side reaching over he picked up the folded paper and began to read.

To Marcus

Had a friend from Ponyville visit me early this morning, and I kind of sort of told her everything about last night sorry about that she’s a bit of gossip pony and she wore me down with constant questions. Anyway after I told her about you’re date with the princesses she insisted that in her words ‘she simply could not allow you to go out in that scruffy old armour, and that a princess deserves a touch of class and sophistication’. Don’t worry I managed to talk her down from a full on suit and neck tie (I know how much you hate those).

Why would anyone chose to willingly wear a noose around their neck, it’s just foolish. Marcus argued to himself before continuing.

After I told her where you came from and the similarities between your culture and our ancient one. Rarity decided to make you this toga instead, I figured you would like it more, and I suppose you can count it as my way of apologising for knocking you out last night again really sorry about that. Anyway I hope everything goes well between you and Princess Luna, I’d give you some advice but I’m going through some similar trouble myself at the moment.

Anyway I hope everything turns out great I’m sure you’ll do fine.

You’re Friend.
Twilight Sparkle.

Marcus couldn't help but smile as he looked down once again at his new Toga, he had never owned one before at least nothing of this quality. It was mostly for the Aristocracy and wealthy nobles and he had never had need for them anyway, hopefully Luna would find them as amazing as he did.

Then all of a sudden a realization of what had been plaguing his mind since the mourning finally sprang into the fore frond of his mind at the thought of the mare. The shock hit him and rattled his very core. Jupiter’s Stone today's the day isn't it! He ran to the sun dial that had been positioned by his balcony next to the windows 4:50pm. OH CACK, OH CACK, no time must get ready! Marcus threw the toga off whist storming towards his shower just in time for his chamber door to open. For the second time in his life Night Fall had witnessed his captain in all his splendor.

“Sir I… oh Luna I’m sorry I was only seeing if you were awake, I didn’t, please tell me you’re not going to have a repeat of last time sir.”

Marcus didn’t even take note of the Private or his own for that matter as he ran into the shower to rush though his evening routine.

Have to get ready I’m entertaining royalty tonight, well ok its just Luna I don’t need to be afraid, but what if I do something wrong, how will I even know when I mess up should I offer her a gift, yes of course a gift would be perfect, what do women find acceptable, Make up, no Luna doesn’t normally wear makeup besides where am I going to find beetles at this hour? Think Marcus Think. Flowers! Yes perfect something that’s her colour she’d like that right?

“Night Fall” the yell came from the bathroom stopping Nightfall dead in his tracks as he entertained the notion of simply leaving the captain to his business.

“Yes sir” the Guard responded in a swift and drilled tone.

“I need you to fetch me some blue flowers as many as you can carry I need them here as soon as possible understand.”

“Yes sir, any particular flavor?”

Flavor, what is he on about?

“I care not, just gets good ones as beautiful as you can there’s Bits on my desk take what you need.”

Night Fall trotted slowly towards the captain’s desk reaching over and cupping the bag of bits under his wing. He turned in time to the sounds of the shower knobs turning and the hissing of running water followed by a sudden howling from behind the door “OUCH, Mars fury that’s hot!”

After what seemed like an eternity the door to the captains chambers slowly creaked open Marcus stopped his pacing in time to see Nightfall with a bouquet of flowers clutched under his wing his other wing was wiping some droll off the side of his muzzle which earned a confused look from Marcus.

Noticing the captains look Nightfall began to explain. “Sorry captain I skipped Breakfast this evening, it’s not easy carrying flowers on an empty stomach.” he laughed.

“What, Why does one affect the other? You know what never mind it’s not important.” Marcus stated walking over to pluck the light blue flowers from the private’s wing. “My thanks Brother hopefully she will appreciate the…” Marcus paused would the princess even consider these worthy of her station.

Maybe I should have gone with some gold or jewels, this is two simple. What was I thinking giving these weeds to a princess as if she was some common back ally whore, I should just—

“Don’t worry sir I think the princess will love them.” Night Fall added reading the inner argument present on the captain’s face.
“Do you think so, I mean ‘Ahem’ yes well they do have a certain beauty to them don’t they? Flora herself couldn't do better aha.” Marcus corrected himself straightening his posture, he liked to keep a more lenient stance with his Brothers and Sisters it was good with Morale and it formed a comradely that strengthened the men. However ever prideful Marcus still didn’t want his men him in this few moments of insecurity.

The ruse didn’t seem to be fooling anyone however as Nightfall gave him a more inquisitive look. A touch of concern gracing his face, Marcus was looking far more groomed than usual his usually unkempt helmet hair had been brushed to one side looking slightly comical considering his usual appearance the captain was sweating rather heavily as well. It was even noticeable through the toga if one was to look hard enough and his toes where flexing though his Legionary sandals like they were an animal trapped in a leather cage. It all the while the captains stood with a face that was trying and failing miserably to hide all his nerves.

“Sir do you need any help at all, I may not have gone around the orchard as many times as some of the other guards, but I know a thing or two about dating and I’m guessing you’re not going out dressed like that for a stroll in the park.”

Marcus’s resolve broke at the request he would usually deny the soldier outright, but this might be his only chance not to destroy what was already shaping up to be a unstable night. “Close the door please Night Fall.”

Night Fall flicked the door closed with his tail and trotted forward to a table next to the captain who beckoned for him to take a seat. The captain grabbed a clay bottle from the table one of his few keep sakes from a time long past. Uncorking the bottle he poured two goblets by his side filling them with the crimson sweet smelling wine, offering one of the goblets to the private who gladly accepted. Marcus drank deep from the cup before addressing the private.

“Fall I’m going to be frank with you and if you tell any of the guard this I’ll personally put you on maid duty for a month, complete with the frilly outfit and feather duster.” he stated adding a hint of a smile to show the private that he was only partially serious.

Nightfall laughed “Tartarus Captain you pretty much have me doing this anyway, except for the dress that is. Speaking of which if where talking off the record what’s with the get up you have on, if I’m being frank did all humans where dresses back in your land?”

Marcus furrowed his brow his eye twitched in annoyance. “It’s not a dress! It’s a toga a prestigious garment worn by true citizens of Rome it’s an honor to wear this outfit not that you pony’s would get that running around naked all the damned time.” He finished with a smile.

Nightfall laughed again the act infectiously drawing a chuckle for Marcus as well who took another long swig of his goblet. “Ok you got me there, but it’s not that weird at least to us anyway.” He paused from a moment before continuing “Anyway about the help?”
Marcus smile dropped noticeably “Fall I’m going to tell you something but you must believe me when I tell you its completely true. The princess has asked me on a, I think you would call it a date?”

Fall simply nodded and waited for the captain to continue which left the captain slightly stunned “Wait this doesn’t take you aback at all?”

“No I've known since yesterday the whole castle probably knows by now.”

“What? How!”

“Well, and I mean this will all due respect sir but you weren't exactly subtle last night captain plus they had to give us some reason why we were told to clear a huge bonfire by the gardens.”

Marcus opened his mouth then closed it a few times before giving up any chance to excuse his actions, he brought a hand to his forehead and wiped a small bead of sweat from his brow before continuing.

“Fall, I have no idea what I’m going to do, Hades I don’t know what I’m even going to say to her, she’s a princess, a goddess in her own right and I’m just —“

“The only non-pony ever to be appointed to night commander of the royal Luna guard in all of equestrian history.” Nightfall finished.

“Well when you put that way.” Marcus attempted to argue.

“Sir can I be brutally honest with you?” Night Falls tone shifting to a serious one that the captain was taken aback by slightly.
“You may Fall I wouldn't be much use if you didn’t.”

“I think your problem is that you always expect the worst, you act before you think and you don’t sit back and smell the roses ah no pun intended” his attention turned to the flowers next to the captain. “I know it can be hard to think but the Princess is still a mare, I’m all fairness one of the most powerful influential mares in the country” he stated lifting a hoof up for effect. “But, still just a mare at the end of the day, you need to treat her like one if you keep thinking of her as the princess you’ll never get over your fears.”

“Fall she is the princess.” He Marcus replied with a deadpan expression on his face causing Fall to roll his eyes as the wine giving him a hint of confidence he normally never had in front of the captain.

“Not tonight she isn’t.” he pointing a hoof at the captain. “Tonight she’s your date, an attractive, interesting mare who for Celestia knows why chose you for her hearts and hooves day special somepony.” The little roast caused a light chuckle from Marcus though he genuinely could not understand she chose him herself, still the whole idea of it now did seem a little less daunting.

”She probably just as nervous as you are if I was a betting stallion, which I am” Night Fall added.

“So you’re saying that I should treat her like I treat Moonbud?”

“Um, Sort of but more passionate I guess and obviously less like a fellow guard, I don’t know just be yourself, be honest she likes you for who you are I’m guessing, and not what position you’re in, obviously, act like yourself it’ll all come naturally… hopefully.”

“You’re right brother.” Marcus announced loudly shooting up from his chair. “I’m an ex legionary for Mar’s sake and I’m going to start acting like it. I've faced off armies of countless screaming savage barbarians and survived, taking Lady Luna out for one night should be a walk in the royal gardens.”

“That’s the spirit Captain now if you’ll excuse me I have to go finish my work I've got a hot date tonight and he hates it when I’m late.” Nightfall stated standing up on all fours and depositing he rest of the wine down his throat.

Marcus raised his eyebrow at the edition of a ‘he’ in the sentence but though against pressing for questions. He was not one to judge, some of the stuff he was privy to in the camps back in Gaul. Let’s just say he needed no demonstration on how two men could couple.

“Just remember to have fun and don’t think this over too much” making his way towards the door.

“I will, and Fall.”

The private stopped and turned his head over to the captain.

“Thanks” Marcus added with a solemn but sincere voice.

Fall simply nodded before leaving his commander to his thoughts.
“Oh and one more thing please for the love of the moon will you please mess that hair up for everypony’s sake it looks like someone dumped grease all over your head.”

After an hour or so of pacing Marcus finally decided that if he was going to meet his fate he was not going to test it any further by being late. So with partial resignation and hopeful glee mixed in somewhere, he exited his quarters with a small saddle bag draped over his shoulders the carefully placed flowers protruding their buds just out of the top and a concealed pugio attached just above his ankle mostly out of superstition one can never be to careful in his profession.

The walk towards the tower entrance was over quicker than Marcus would have liked. To any pony’s eyes the commander walked with the same stern and purposeful march he was known for, but to Marcus it felt more like he was walking to his own demise.
This is foolish thinking, I need to get a hold of my senses. This is supposed to be a joyous occasion just like Fall said, I’m taking one my closest companions out on a Marcus gulped Date.

Marcus hadn't even considered the notion of taking something that wasn't even the same species as him out on a romantic evening. It should have seemed wrong but Marcus couldn't really find a reason against it besides the species aspect and even then he assured himself otherwise.

Stranger things have happened. Marcus had only to look back on tales of heroes of Greece and Rome or even the tales of the gods themselves to know that on more than one occasion that step between man and other had been crossed many times.
However almost all of the tales end with the result of their loins being a horrid abomination of man and beast or other. Still I don’t even know if it is possible for Luna to bear a child let alone—

Marcus cut the trail of thought from his mind immediately.

One step at a time. I haven’t even seen her since yesterday evening let’s at least get though tonight before pondering anything like that.

Marcus nodded to the two guards once again cutting any form of communication besides a simple greeting for obvious reasons.
Trudging up the stairs Marcus briefly pondered the idea of getting an elevated pulley system for the tower, it was all well and good for pony’s to have this many stairs when all of the ones he knew where capable of flight, but to him it was just unfair.

After the ascension of the stairs Marcus was greeted by two familiar faces this time they had opted to stay in their pony forms which Marcus was always grateful for.

Upon spotting their captain both guards saluted their commander who weekly saluted back.

“Moonbud, Knight Shield I think an apology is in order things may have gone out of hand” he stated rubbing the back of his neck.

“Yeah you went full blown crazy on us back there captain.” Moon answered.

“But hey Tartarus you don’t need to apologies were friends here and you’re also the captain it’s not like we could have said no anyway, although next time less talk about sacrificing my stomach still isn’t feeling right.”

Marcus gave them both a cringing look the events of last night coming back into view.

“Regardless, my apologies to you both, I’d say it will never happen again but I’m not a man to test fate.”

“Its fine captain.” Shield added turning the Moonbud.

Moonbud threw the captain an inquisitive glance surveying the man and his strange get up before her eyes widened slightly as she noticed a few flower buds sticking out the side of the captains bag she squealed inwardly as her romantic side pictured the night that was about to take place.

She was drawn back to reality when the sound of her fellow guard giving her a quick cough to gain her attention she tuned from Shield to a perplexed Marcus.

“What, right sorry no biggy captain some of the stuff my mother does is almost as weird she’s big on traditions back home.”

Moonbud finished biting the bottom of her lips with her fangs in embarrassment as she drifted her thoughts of her nosy parent.

“Speaking of weird why are you wearing a dress is it some kind of fashion statement?” Shield mentioned with naive curiosity.

“By the gods it’s a toga, T.O.G.A, it doesn’t even look like a dress you stulte!” Marcus exclaimed grumpily already realising this was most likely going to be recurring theme.

“I think it looks fine sir.” Moonbud stated in a sarcastic manor that sounded that Marcus didn’t pick up all the while holding a hoof over her with a barely contained grin. As she noticed the captains approving smile at what he thought was a genuine complement she stick out her tongue in a fake mocking fashion at Shield who simply rolled his eyes.

“Thank you Moon, it’s nice to see someone here with some sense of the proper way.”

Sir your too kind” she joked swiping waving her hoof nonchalantly in a way that conveyed for the captain to continue his flattery.
“Really moon, really?” Knight stated through half laden eyes.

Moonbud chuckled lightly before turning back to the captain “So captain what have you got planned, something romantic right? I know the perfect date I’d always planned, first a fancy restaurant something Like Buckston Bar oh, oh or maybe even Le po–de-ny. They have this place where you can sit out and have dinner under the moonlight with the candle lit table and everything it’s so amazing, oh then I’d go to the celebrations in town theirs a big fair every year that has so much on its dizzying and lastly I’d wrap it up watch the fireworks they set up to finish the night theirs a spot in the royal gardens by the pond that catches the light of the sky and the fireworks perfectly.” Moonbud finished off with a content sigh completely losing herself in her romantic crusade.

“I- ow by Jupiter! I didn’t even think about what to do, I was too busy thinking about what was going to happen, I didn’t even plan how it was going to play out.” Marcus almost yelled in dismay smacking his head lightly with the closed fist. He looked at Moonbud.

Sorry Moon forgive me, but I’m a desperate man.

“Shield open the door please.”

Shield opened his half of the door behind him with a confused look matched by Moonbud.

Marcus braced himself for the quick sprint if he was quick he could make it.

“Moon”

Yes sir?”

I’m stealing you plan.”

“WHAT? OW NO YOU DON---“

Marcus flew towards the door crossing the threshold just before the mare could land on her target, he quickly closed the door and barricaded it with his own body as she tried to recover from a failed leap.

He could hear all manner of banging noises and some words that Marcus assumed were Pony equivalent of words that should not be repeated in pleasant company.

He looked to his side as the sounds slowly calmed to a reasonable rumble, He was not pleased with what he just did, but he would find some way to make it up to her somehow, for now he had bigger fish to fry.

This time however as he surveyed the room he couldn’t help be notice something was missing.

Did Lady Luna always have this many candles?

He walked forward slightly stiffening the growing fear in his chest, Marcus decided to address his presence lest he seem like he was skulking around like some common thief.

“Lady Luna I-I have arrived.” he nervously yelled out a bit louder than he intended.

The voice that was the princess gave a somewhat surprised response “Ah Marcus one moment, if thou pleases.”

“Of course my lady.” he replied sitting down on the couch nearest to him, he sat for a while looking at the floor and twiddling his thumbs trying anyway to distract himself form the growing anxiety of the task before him. His mind once again searching through any of his past experiences, anything on this many campaigns or his previously very short engaged life that could be used to give him an edge. He sighed except for the very rare moment where his highness would need battle plans for how to fortify this date from invades he was out of luck. Then finally heard the twin doors open parallel to him, the sight taking the wind out of his lungs.

Standing before him was the princess of the night in a way that he had never seen her before. He couldn’t describe it. It if she was the same but also entirely different her mane still flowed majestically but it was brighter than before and Marcus could swear he could see more stars dot the ethereal hair. Everything about her seemed to stick out and shine more than ever before.
Had she always been this breath taking?

Her features where touched with just the slightest bit of blush and eyeliner something that Marcus had seen on a few noble women in his time, but unlike them this was subtle and let her natural beauty mix work with the cosmetics. It was also not made out of beetles something of an icing on the cake as Knight Shield would say.

Everything coupled with the mildly shy look that graced her face stopped any coherent thought in his mind as Marcus elicited a loud audible gulp from the sight standing as he continued to stare all but slack jawed at the mare in question for longer than was perhaps socially acceptable.

Luna composed herself first eliciting a sincere chuckle, “My Marcus, we did not think you would be this smitten with us this much.”

Marcus blushed before finally braking from his stopper and slapping his face quickly to keep his wits about him. “Ah yes your Majesty forgive me it’s not every day I see something that leaves me breathless.”

This time it was Luna’s turn to blush she stammered out a thank you before walking up and nuzzling the Captain quickly, it was a small reward but something that gave Marcus some hope, by Venus maybe I’m not that bad at this thing?

“We also find your toga rather commendable as well, it makes you look very stoic.”

Gratias Tibi!” Marcus all but yelled in thanks, throwing his hand to the air only to return his gaze to the Princess who was unaware as to why he took the complement so well.

“Sorry princess it’s just some pony’s in the guard are perhaps in need of a history lesson.”

Luna shock her surprise form her face before throw up a partially dismissive hoof she most likely wasn’t going to get any straight answers anyway. “So where does thou plan on taking us tonight.”

The colour left his face for a moment as he thought back to what Moonbud had rattled out a ping of guilt hit him, but it he managed to suppress it, this was a life or death situation as far as Marcus was concerned at least in this regard he could put his Legionary training to some use.

Well you Majesty I perhaps thinking well maybe I suppose a walk around the restaurant then watch the, carnival and eat at the Fireworks.”

So perhaps his Legionary training was a bit rusty.

Luna for her part just chuckled once more at her flustered captain the act being somewhat endearing to her, seeing the usually stoic commander brought down with a simple nuzzling.

Marcus face palmed at his own stupidity. “I mean Dinner, food, I have located an area that would be sufficient for your highness to dine or so I’m told.” he added trying to regain some sense of dignity.

Luna this time looked mildly suppressed, her surprise then took on a more thoughtful expression it was a look that worried Marcus, once again his mind came to the same conclusion it had been doing for this entire evening had he just offended her? Obviously being Marcus his mind went to the worst case scenario immediately. He quickly breathed in and out subtly calming his nerve.

No stop putting yourself down, how could she be offended you haven’t even told her the location of the establishment, wait, you don’t even know where the establishment is! Alright don’t panic you know the name I’m sure one of the men will know.

Throwing caution to the wind Marcus decided that he might as well address the look he was getting.

“Is, is something the matter princess?”

“Oh no we are fine just surprised I guess one could say, we assumed that thou would plan something more, well a bit more outrageous all things considered.”

“What do you mean princess? Oh hades have I offended, I know not what royal do on the dates.”

“No Marcus thou misunderstands tis just that, well we were imagining something more soldierly like that of a Hoofball game, honestly tis shall we say more of a relief that you chose this path, we guess we do not know you as well as we thought we did believe us tis a pleasant surprise” she proceeded to walk slightly closer with a smile

“Not that we are opposed to Hoofball match should the time come.” She added with a subtle wink that let Marcus know he was off the proverbial hook he had set himself on.

“Well the night is young shall we proceed?” She said in a more flirtatious manor.

“Yes, yes that sounds like a good idea,” he reached for his bag before remembering the gift he had bought for her. “Oh wait I almost forgot I know it isn't much but I purchased these for you.” He lifted his hand down to the saddle and produced the brilliantly Blue bouquet of flowers.

“Here these are for you my Lady it is a symbol of of appreciation for you, it’s supposed to apply to new life and growth considering its spring I find them oddly fitting. That and they also reminded me of you.” Marcus stated, tactically leaving out its other symbolic meaning of fertility something that probably would be taken out of hand in the present situation.

Luna’s blush intensified as she looked at the captain this romantically sweet side of the man she had defiantly not expected to meet at all, she really believed she had sussed him out perfectly when did he become so suave and tactful? Maybe he always knew how to and just led her on. Either way she like what she saw.

Marcus watched as Luna levitated the flowers from his hand and took a long whiff of the flowery aroma, she let out a content sigh at the pleasant smell, and proceeded to give him a much more affectionate nuzzle as she words seemed to be little use in conveying her feelings at the moment. The Nuzzling he was affectionate also had the effect of giving Marcus a very positive sign that he had done a good job at least in not ruining this part of the night.

Maybe everyone was right I was just over thinking things.

And then Luna bit one of the flower heads clean off.

The act confusing and simultaneously crushing Marcus’s inner resolve in one swift motion, as he stood slack jawed at the chewing princess. “Marcus these are delectable, thank thee ever so much how did you know Mourning blooms where our favorite?” she said with almost childish glee like a child given a whole back of sweets.

A, Lucky, guess” he said almost robotically as he still attempted to comprehend if this was some sort of trial or test.

This world just won’t let me win once, I hope the gods are happy laughing it up right now it seems I am their new favorite play thing.

After a few more savoury bites of the night blue flower Luna laid them down on the side of a table “Thank you very much Marcus, we will save them for later best not to fill up on snacks, now then let us get going as I mentioned before the night is still young.” She mentioned with a giddy but still seductive manner.

“Yes, yes that sounds about right, don’t want to fill up on um… flowers.” He said in an almost downtrodden voice before mentally slapping himself and whispering more encouragingly things to himself mostly to do with the words ‘Gaul’s’ and ‘done battle’.

Luna looked at him queerly trying to make out his words. Once again she would save the question for later, for now it wouldn’t do for him to be so be like this when they left. Remembering some helpful information she had received earlier this evening she trotted up and landed a short but loving kiss on the captain’s cheek before walking with a sway that let many things up to suggestion before turning her gaze back at the captain.

“Is thou coming?” she said in a similarly sultry manor.

The captain partially stupefied by the kiss as his face went through several shades of red. He nodded his head ferociously, before essentially running towards the doors and flinging them open much to the princess’s amusement and much to the surprise of the Thestral’s outside.

As he began to make his way outside he looked back at his two charged guards before turning back to Luna “Your Highness just a moment.”

Luna rolled her eyes but kept her smile to tell she wasn’t truly annoyed. “Marcus in my own name will you please stop calling me your Highness at the very least for tonight.”

“Yes your Highn-, cack, I mean Luna” he mumbled before turning back to his two comrades one of them in particular giving him a very intense glare silently debating how much trouble she would be beating the man in front of the Princesses.

“Moon, Shield based in light of my actions and considering the princess will be in my personal care I am reliving you two of your duty for the remainder of the celebrations go off and enjoy yourselves.” He finished with a nervous smile.

“Really thanks a bunch sir!” Shield excitedly jumped up at the news.

Luna’s voice broke the conversation “Come along Marcus the celebration won’t go on forever.”

Marcus glanced back in worry before looking back at his comrades with a happy but nervous smile.
“Are you going to be ok sir?” Moon added taking a bit of pleasure in the captains fidgeting and mild incoming panic attacks.

Marcus stared down at the floor for a moment in silent contemplation at all that had passed over the two days and even before that. Then he focused on Luna who gave him a warm smile as if she could read his thoughts, He let out a quite sigh stared back in determination at moon.

“Hades, stranger things have happened, what’s the worst that can go wrong?” he said before walking back to Luna as they descended the stairs.

However Marcus descended did not go unhindered, he noticed something he had not seen before. There on the wall of the tower was a crack in the rock or more specifically a pattern of cracks shaped in what looked like a very drawn out ‘M’ and possibly a ‘V’ over it that had cracked the brick.It could have easily been a ‘N’ or a ‘U’ but to the captain it was not the main focus point as he quickly glanced at the stone in question which was leaking a sickly oily substance that looked almost completely black with a hint of crimson.

He only noticed it in passing as he descended but the omen was there none the less and to the superstitious captain it was all he needed to see to know something very wrong was going to happen soon. He glanced down at the part of his leg that concealed his pugio then up at Luna who looking ahead blissfully unaware of the captain’s sudden unease. “What could go wrong.” He whispered as he silently cursed his choice of phrase.

Author's Notes:

The End.... ha yeah right.
Having an issue with my account, for some reason i cannot set up Horizontal line no matter how many time I try, so if it felt like a scene may have just jumped that's the reason.

Next chapter hopefully wont be as long to make as the previous two have been.

Thanks for reading, if you like it well you know what to do.

The Subtle Art Of Wooing

Interlude: Luna (Set during Chapter 5) (No Editor for this be warned).

The sounds of hoofs on marble echoed thought out Luna’s chamber. She was pacing again, a nasty habit she had picked up in her youth that had left many a floorboard to be replaced, it was only something that she did when she was truly anxious or worried. As the ever loyal maid to the nocturnal royal, Feather Duster manoeuvred her way around the incessant pacing, cleaning and yes dusting her way across the chamber, whilst the princess continued to wear the marble out, muttering under her breath every few steps.

Feather was often in the habit of asking Luna how her night was going and other simple pleasantries, but she knew to leave her be when it counted that was the making of a good maid, helpful but not a hindrance that was the motto she stuck by. However it had been thirty minutes since she had entered and her presence in the room had received no response from the Moon goddess.
Feather simply went on trying to clean, she had forced herself to stop wondering what was going through the midnight Alicorns mind, assuming it was an important matter, most likely something about politics or diplomatic relations, then again she really did look like she was in a bind.

Don’t pry Feather, if she needs help she'll ask you for it, she’s a big mare after all. Oh, but she really looks like she wants to talk to somepony, ok just this once.

“Princess Luna are you ok? you’ve been up pacing for a long time now.” Feather hesitantly spoke, pointing to hoof marks on the once prestige marble that already would probably have to be replaced.

Luna looked up from the floor and turned her head towards the mare, she opened her mouth to speak, but closed it quickly and kept up with her pacing as if the question was never asked at all, still deep in thought.

Sould we tell her about tonight? Tis private yes, but it could be the only chance we have for advice, it’s been more than a thousand years since we have courted another, and it would be silly to not address and understand the proper modern etiquette nay?

Luna turned towards her maid who was back at work again. “Stay your worries my faithful Duster we are fine, though if it is not too much trouble, we would like to ask you something that is... private to us."

Feather lifted her head from her work to the princess, turning her entire brown and blonde earth pony form and giving Luna a questioning and some would say apprehensive look, she did not like where this was going. Oh Celestia, this is going to be like that time I had to explain a tampon to her isn’t it? The mare shivered slightly at the notion of having to go into vivid detail to hammer home the difference between caring for a mare’s cycles from before Luna’s time to present day, she did not want a repeat of that again. What did they even do before then… actually never mind I really, really don’t want to know!

“Um, ok princess what is it you want to know?” She stated wiping a small bead of sweat from her forehead with a hoof, at the prospect of the question to come.

“Tis something to do with, well we would like advice on how modern ponies conduct themselves during courtships."

“Courtships?”

Luna furrowed her brow, as her blush intensified, this was getting annoying to the mare she had already had to explain herself almost six times today, and that was simply ordering breakfast. “Romance, the mating dance, dating, how is this so hard to understand!?” she growled in frustration at the mare, loud enough for it to eco through the room and beyond.

Testament to the maid mares steel nerves of working with the princess in question for so long Feather didn’t even flinch from Luna’s yell. Instead giving a long "ohh" in understanding followed by a small nod. She was about to speak when she heard a Knock on the door which both mares turned to look at.

Luna put a hoof in front of her mouth and coughed to a just her voice before continuing, “Enter.”

The shape of a dark blue Thestral Pony’s head peered into the room its jet black mane and red eyes stared into the room searching for the princess, as its elongated ears twitched with anticipation, apparently hearing the conversation inside.

“Yes Sergeant Moonbud, what is it?”

“Pardon Princess," she answered with a stiff salute. "But I couldn't help over hear your little conversation and I thought if its ok with you, I could throw my two bits into the equation?” she spoke with a barely contained grin.

Luna raised her brow suspiciously, she would rather like this to be a totally private matter, but she convinced herself that she basically just yelled it to everypony in the vicinity, so she supposed it wouldn't hurt her now.

“If you wish, Moonbud.” She said with a slight sigh, the other mare didn’t pick up on, too busy smiling at the prospect of some good old fashion filly talk.

Moonbud trotted over towards the two mares, who now moved towards a small table with an assortment of beverages. After a moment Luna picked up three goblets and poured a sparing amount of honey wine into two of them and a generous amount into her own, this was probably going to be a while she confided to herself. She levitated the other two cups towards the other mares.

Feather Duster put her hoof up and shook her head to politely refuse it. “Sorry princess it don’t feel right, not while I’m at work.”
Moonbud on the other hand took the initiative and snatched both of them in the air with her hoof balancing the other on her wing. “Well I got no problem with it.” She smugly stated, pouring the two contents into one collective cup and taking a rather large swig of the now rim full goblet, barely tasting the overly expensive vintage in favour of the quick blissful sting of the alcohol.

Luna also followed Moons example, taking a deep swig of the wine before placing it down. Alcohol barely affected Alicorns, unless a rather large amount was consumed, however Luna found it helped her think, and the taste didn't hurt either.

Levitating the glass back down on the table, giving both mares a long and firm stare to hammer her next sentence home. “What we, I say does not leave the confines of this room, is this understood?”

Both mares nodded.

“We have begun the wooing of the fare Marcus Vorenus, I trust at least you know him Moonbud?"

Again the mare nodded. “Yeah I sort of got that from how terrorfi- uh, I mean terrifically happy, way he was acting last night.” She corrected herself hopping Luna hadn't picked up her slip up of how the captain truly reacted to the news. Luckily Luna seemed blissfully unaware of the mistake, as her face lit up immediately at the prospect of Marcus being so elated with her courting.

“Truly? Oh joyous days we admit that his reaction was...not what we expected when we confessed, but tis good to know we were just paranoid.”

Moon rubbed the back of her neck with a hoof smiling sheepishly “Oh yeah the captains was as happy as a drunk in cider season, he didn’t do anything out the ordinary or anything like that right Feather.” she finished, giving the made opposite her a nudge with her wing.

Feather turned to the mare with a confused look, before noticing Moon giving her a look that screamed, ‘just go with it.’ Feather as well as most of the castle had pretty much heard everything of the captains ‘episode’ last night. But it wasn’t something the princess needed to know, not right now at least.

She turned to Luna who was looking at her with hopeful eyes.

"Yes very happy, the happiest I’ve seen him in years he was positively on fire, horseapple I mean fantastic, yes fantastic that’s it.” She blurted out causing Moon to roll her eyes, at least the princess didn’t seem to notice.

“Huzza, tis joyous news indeed.” She cheered with a childlike grin across her muzzle, throwing a hoof up in triumph.

“So you need advice for tonight is that it?” Feather asked inquisitively.

Luna looked down and sighed “We are out of practice, so to speak, we are unsure as to what the stallions are into these days?”

"Not to worry Princess, I got just the thing, right now what you need is an example." Moon chimed in with a smug grin flying towards the door with a few short flaps.

"Example?" Luna asked genuinely puzzled by Moonbuds motives.

“That's right, someone who we can use to help practice these winning moves on and lucky for you, we have fine specimens all around." she stated opening the door to Luna's chamber and grabbing the unfortunate guard behind it.

"Unfortunately they're all downstairs, so right now we only have this guy.” Moonbud finished dragging a shocked and confused Knight Shield by the scruff of the neck and guiding him into the middle of the room, flanked on both sides by the princess and Feather Duster.

Knight shield looked both left and right before gulping audibly, he turned grabbing Moon and whispered harshly into her ear “Moon, why am I here?”

Moonbud pushed him away and declared loudly. “Because I can’t find anyone who represents a decent normal stallion to use as an example for the princesses date, so you’ll have to do. Anyway as you can see princess this what you’re dealing with.”

"Hey! I’m decent."

Feather gave a deadpan expression to Moonbud. “Moon aren’t you forgetting that not only is the captain a completely different pony to Shield, but, well he’s also not a pony at all!”

Moonbud lifted a hoof up dismissively “Ah stallions are all the same, every mare knows that, it’s hardly horn surgery, you just gotta’ show them what they get if they treat you right, you know what I mean.”

Luna shook her head. "We do not follow Moonbud.”

"Simple, just show them your moves, let em get a taste, watch.” Moonbuds entire body stance changed from her usual straight and flexed tomcolt figure to one of a more smooth and almost jungle cat like sultry trot, as she made her way over to Knight shield slowly, as she moved she flicked her tail back and forth against her sides in a pendulum motion. She approached Shield eyeing him like a predator would its prey.

Just mere Hoof steps away from him she turned her head to the side and brought a hoof over to her mouth feigning embarrassment, she gave a soft wink to the poor stallion, who somehow managed to effect a deep dark red blush than his coat should ever have allowed.

The whole time Luna looked over the demonstration in amazement, whilst Feather Duster simple rolled her eyes and sighed.
Happy with her results, Moon relaxed her figure back into its usual tom coltish ways, as she slouched back and cracked the joints of her front fore hooves. “See nothin’ to it, you just have to get them interested and they're putty in your hooves.”

Feather Duster shock her head unable to bear any more of Moonbuds 'teachings'. “Oh please! Maybe if you’re looking for a cheap one night stand, but I’m sure the princess here is looking for something more than just a roll in the hay, right Princess?” She finished turning her gaze towards the nocturnal princess.

"Well, yes of course we are looking for more than mere intimacy under the sheets, but we would not mind hay play as well, if the moment allows." She stammered out blushing, it felt very odd to Luna to talk about these things to any pony. Never in her long life had she really needed to seek the advice of another in the art of courting back in her day, whilst it was true she had her fair share of romance, it had never truly been her who sought it, and if it was it was never for longer than needed, this was perhaps the first time she felt she needed this to go well. However she did not quite realise how much she apparently needed to be taught, as she heard Feather speak up in opposition.

“Don’t listen to her princess, the real art is in conversation.”

"Well duh, of course it is that’s part two." Moon interrupted, getting an annoyed grunt from the maid as she gave a small cough to adjust her voice.

Moonbud walked up next to the still bright red Batpony and sat next to him.

“Hello there Sweetie, thank you so much for coming out with me tonight, I was going to be all alone if you hadn't come to the rescue, my you look so strong and handsome today would you escort a small little mare like me to bar it’s so dangerous to go alone, maybe after all thus is done you can come rescue me again at my house, would you do that for me?" She finished with an almost out of character giggle, stroking Shields chest with an idol hoof.

Again the poor stallion looked over next to his friend and gulped audibly, before nodding so vigorously it was amazing his head still stayed on his shoulders.

“Oh thank you so very much, I promise you won’t regret it.” She slowly draped one of her bat like wings over the stallion’s shoulders and nuzzled him softly. If anything truly was solved that day it was only that if it was possible for a ponies face to turn the purist shade of red, Shield was now the example.

The stallion turned and bolted for the door much to the shock of the other mares in the room, as Moon turned and yelled “Hey buster! Where do you think you're going!?”

“I’LL BE IN MY BUNK!” Shield yelled, storming out of the room and fleeing down the stairs.

“My word, except for that last part where he got tired, thou practically had him eating out of your hoof.” Luna turned to Feather for conformation who just hung her head and sighed.

“Yeah that always seems to happen to him, must get sleepy a lot.” Moon relied eyes still glued to the door a little unsure of his actions herself, as Feather duster simply face hoofed.

“Princess if I may.” she moaned bringing the hoof down over her face.

"Of course Feather."

“Perhaps it’s best to take a more subtle approach with the captain, I have a feeling you don’t want him doing the same thing as Shield.” She stated, pointing to the hoof marks and the half ajar door.

Luna rubbed her chin with a hoof in contemplation. “Thou thinks he would? We admit he is not one for showing emotion often, but we hardly thinks he would flee as the sergeant has, would he?”

Feather scratched her chin as the gossip of last night flooded her thoughts. “Something tells me he might.”

Luna looked down, her brow furrowed in thought. “Perhaps a more subtle approach is best indeed.”

“Personally Princess it’s not that hard, I mean you both already agreed to this so it’s not like he doesn’t know you’re interested in being in a relationship with him, and you already have some common ground don’t you? I’m sure you like the same things.”

"Yes Marcus makes for most amusing conversation, and he has some fascinating war stories. Tis refreshing to have somepony to talk to besides my sister, Equestria hasn’t seen war in nearly one thousand five hundred years. As thou imagines we are left with little to compare experiences to. Ah and not fogeting thy battle scars he has, you should see them he truly is a stallion under that armour.” She finished, wiping a small amount of drool away from her lip with her wing, hoping the others didn't catch that.

Feather blushed at the remark, looking away trying to readjust her appearance, whilst Moon tried desperately to contain her giggles with a wing, failing miserably.

"So... ah yes that's the type of common ground you two need I guess, perhaps maybe compliment him on his outfit, his hair ask him how's doing, that sort of thing."

"Is it that easy, what about the wooing? I ask him these things every encounter, how would now be any different?"

"Yes but now your intentions are clear, you can be a bit more, um how shall I put it informal some soft touching here and there a flirtatious comment once in a while, but don't overdo it, like Moon does." she quick added.

"Hey!"

"It's all about the delicate touch that's really all you need to have a successful date."

"Don't listen to her princess, what does she know, trust me I read all about this stuff all the time in Cosmoponyton." Moon declared proudly.

"I" Feather stated proudly lifting her hoof to her chest "have been happily married for six years now, that's how I know."

"Exactly your life's already over." Moon argued back.

"Oh yeah! and how long have you had a special somepony for?" feather growled, the accusation hitting through all of Moonbuds armour both emotionally and almost she felt physical, more than she cared to admit.

"None of your buckin’ business, that's how long!" she yelled back getting into Feathers muzzle and glaring daggers into the pony, who despite the soldierly intimidation factor was doing her beat to beat back, as muzzle hit muzzle.

However as soon as it has begun it was over, both mares were engulfed in a darkish blue aura of magic, which segregated the warring pony and Thestral.

"Enough!" Luna roared, snapping the pony's gaze away from each other and towards their agitated ruler, who snapped her wings out in frustration.

"Thou should be ashamed of thyselves, we cannot believe that thou would behave in this manor, tis most unprofessional!"

Both mares looked down with an apologetic expression plastered on their muzzle, as they both simultaneously apologising to the princess.

"Tis yourselves that you should be apologising to." Luna scolded, like a mother would to two arguing siblings.

"Sorry." Feather Duster mumbled looking away with a huff.

"Yeah sorry, whatever." Moonbud mumbled, also mirroring Feathers actions.

Luna nodded in acceptance that, that was as good as she was going to get out of the two mares.

"Now then we shall consider both of your points as we see merit in either action, now we ask of one more favour."

Both mares snapped up to look at Luna.

"What is the state of courting cosmetics in this day and age, what type of beetle would one require?"

Author's Notes:

It lives!
Sorry about the weight, haven't had a moments rest this summer.
Luckily I just got a tablet so I can write my story on the go now which is why this is out. Hurrah for technology.
Then again I wrote most of this chapter on a notebook before I got the tablet so um hurray for the old ways?
Anyway hope you enjoyed.