Sleep that night fought and fought hard. No matter how he tossed and turned, his mind just wouldn't settle. Eventually, a low sigh came to his lips, coming to the realisation that sleep simply wasn't on the schedule for the night. “I am too sober for this...” Bardac muttered to himself as he swung his legs off the bed.

From the shadows, a creature stirred with a slow stretch and a yawn. With a flap of leathery wings, it landed on the bed next to the Nord. It didn't speak, nor did it offer any comfort. It simply stood there, staring with unblinking, draconic eyes.

Finally sitting up, Bardac cupped his face in his hands, rubbing slowly with a low grumble. This strange creatures presence didn't bother him nearly as much as Luna's insistence that it stayed. “What did Luna call you again... A Thestral?” he asked.

The Thestral gave a slow, unblinking nod of its head, followed by an even slower blink. As it watched Bardac stand and put on one of the soft gowns often reserved for the Minotaur visitors, it hopped off the bed, stretched its wings and fell in line beside him.

“Do you have a name?” Bardac asked, looking down at the Thestral as he left the bedroom, tightening the gown as he went. “I would rather not have to refer to you as it all the time.” Despite walking in front, Bardac followed the directions the Thestral gave him with subtle taps to the back of his legs with its wings.

“Aela,” replied Aela in a smooth, silky voice. “Aela Ress.”

Bardac almost stopped in his tracks, a pain shot through his heart the moment her words reached his ears, but he didn't let the pain reach his face. “Aela huh?” Bardac said, slowly scratching his beard. “A proud and strong name indeed.”

Aela responded with a simple hum as she guided Bardac through the halls until they reached the grand dining room. What Aela didn't expect was for Luna to be sat on the end of the enormous table, chewing thoughtfully on a pineapple. “Night court over, Princess?” asked Aela.

“It never started,” sighed Luna, biting another large chunk out of the pineapple. Looking up, she cocked her head to the side. “Bardac? What are you doing up? I would have thought after the days excitement, you'd be the first to slumber considering you wished to catch the first train to the Crystal Empire in the morning.”

“The trip to the Empire is weighing heavier than I thought, I may delay until my thoughts are settled...” replied Bardac as he walked over and sat down next to Luna, helping himself to a large glass of wine. “I wish to go alone. Yet Twilight suggested I bring her assistant, Spike, while yourself and Celestia believe I should also take a unicorn and a pegasus.” Draining the wine in one gulp, Bardac stared at the bottom of his glass. “I just hope the letter Twilight sent to Cadence and Shining Armor will help matters.”

Luna hummed quietly to herself for a few seconds before looking down at Aela, “I need to speak to Bardac in private for a while. Please return to your previous post,” she said with a warm smile. She was always quite fond of her Thestrals. As Aela left, Luna was quite surprised to see Bardac following her out of the corner of his eye. It wasn't until he let out a sigh that Luna had to ask. “Something about her bothering you?”

“Her name, mostly,” replied Bardac, glancing over to Luna. “I suppose by now yourself and Celestia have been told what occurred at Sweet Apple Acres, regarding... certain things.”

Nodding slowly, Luna placed a hoof on the Nord shoulder. “Twilight has been quite diligent in reporting any information you share. I can... only offer my condolences for those who you were forced to leave behind,” she murmured.

Bardac closed his eyes, feeling another needle of pain stabbing through his heart. “She called herself Aela the Huntress. A stubborn, beautiful, loyal woman,” he said quietly, “We were... close.”

Luna kept respectfully quiet, allowing the Nord a few more seconds to remember those he held dear. After a while of silence, Luna suggested, “I can have another Thestral guard your room, if her presence is going to cause you such heartache.”

Shaking his head, Bardac downed another full glass of wine, muttering quietly, “It is not her fault. I will get used to it in time, I just was not expecting it.” Glancing towards Luna, the Nord reached out to give her a soft poke to her necklace, earning a rather undignified squeak from the Princess. “I would have, however, enjoyed a fair warning that she was going to be standing guard in my room. I do not jump easily but discovering Ress staring at me from the darkness after my evening wash was... uncomfortable.”

“Oh details,” dismissed Luna with a roll of her hoof. Though that soon got her thinking. With a light tap to her chin, Luna's idea started to take shape. “Speaking of details. Twilight also happened to mention an interesting piece of information. Upon discovering you neck deep in a mead glass, you mentioned to her that you fought in a civil war. I am most curious, what rank did you hold?”

Bardac paused just before necking a third glass of wine. “I am... not entirely sure whether my rank would have meant anything in this world,” he said hesitantly. Bardac's time in the Imperial Legion was not his happiest memories. “But, if you truly wish to know. I was a Legate.”

As soon as Bardac's words reached Luna's ears, she choked on the pineapple she just swallowed. Coughing loudly, she patted her chest firmly. “Oh please excuse me! Bardac, did you say Legate? That... is an exceptionally old rank in the Equestrian Guards.” Closing her eyes, Luna thought long and hard before eventually reopening her eyes with a wide smile. “If my memory is correct. That would mean you were at least General Officer rank by today's standard.”

Scratching his chin quietly, Bardac said, “If it makes things easier, I was one rank below my commanding officer, General Tullius. I took orders from none but him.”

Luna gasped, her smile growing even wider if that was even possible. “That would have made you a Lieutenant General!” Clapping her hooves together, Luna let out a small squeak of glee.

“You seem... awfully happy about this,” Bardac murmured, feeling somewhat unsettled by Luna's overly exuberant actions. “Just what are you planning in that blue brain of yours...”

Composing herself, Luna cleared her throat. “It is not something Celestia and I have had to do in many, many years. But upon times of threat, both of us have the right to reinstate both the rank and powers therein held to those who once served in both the Solar and Lunar guards. Royal and regular. You joining would be a boon for both ponies and yourself.

Bardac frowned, finally downing that glass of wine he was holding onto. “That would help me... how?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Luna's smile only grew. “It means, Bardac. That you would be able to go where you pleased, when you pleased, without worry of others asking questions.” A light cough came from her lips. “Plus, in times of great need. You would, dare I say, even be able to issue orders to Celestia and I. But I'm sure you wouldn't abuse your powers so recklessly.”

Sighing loudly, Bardac leant back against his chair, staring up at the ceiling. “Why would you do this for me Luna?” he asked, glancing towards the blue Alicorn. “I ask not because I am not thankful. But... I am just wondering what I did to deserve this.”

Luna exhaled quietly, her voice taking on a sober tone. “You fought to protect our ponies. You near as make no odds died to protect our ponies.” Tilting her head to the side, she let a much more kind smile grace her lips. “It's the least I can do to make your quest to return home easier on you Bardac. The less questions you have to answer, the more time you have towards your search.”

Leaning against the table, Bardac closed his eyes to ponder. “Do not take this as me being ungrateful for asking, but I sense another motive behind this. Something a little more... devious.” Opening his eyes, he locked gazes with the Princess of the Night. “I have seen that smile you wore many, many times.” Either his eyes were failing him, or a faint red tint grew on Luna's cheeks.

“I... admit there's maybe a reason why I am getting a little overexcited,” Luna muttered, tapping her front hooves together. “My sister and I enjoy pranking one another. I believe if I were to announce your addition to the Solar and Lunar guards tomorrow morning, it may lead to some interesting reactions, and much more paperwork for my dear sister.”

Bardac just shook his head, murmuring, “Very well... I shall partake in this prank of yours.” Getting up from his seat, he offered Luna his hand. “Though, a simple inconvenience of paperwork and interesting reactions does not seem that big of a prank.”

Luna's smile vanished, only to be replaced with a pout. “My sister and I have had to sign an agreement. Our pranks got to a point where it was disrupting the ruling of Equestria. We're not allowed anything more than harmless 'inconveniences' as you put it.” Taking the offered hand in her hoof, Luna allowed herself to be pulled upright from her chair. “Even if it does suck the fun out of it. I shall not allow my sister to be Princess Prankster.”

“I suppose that is for the best. Two impossibly powerful beings pranking one another,” Bardac chuckled, “I can see that getting out of hand.” Stretching out a kink in his shoulder, Bardac amused himself for a moment by watching one of the Thestrals stationed nearby eye the butler... “By the nine... I should have thought about him sooner!” The sudden outburst caused the Thestral in question to hiss in alarm.

“Is everything alright?” asked Luna, watching the Nord as he started to pace back and forth. “Was it something I said?”

Bardac shook his head vigorously. “No, no... nothing you have done Luna,” he said, waving a hand at her reassuringly. “My old mind failing me. I should have thought... the moment that Dremora was spotted in the mountains.” Coming to a halt, he stared at a nearby wall. “I am going to summon my butler. An old Dremora shunned by his own kind. He should be able to answer a few questions.”

Luna continued to watch Bardac, her expression going from concern to utter deadpan. “You have a Dremora as an interdimensional butler. Why am I not surprised.” The dining hall echoed with the sound of a hoof meeting a forehead. “Make it quick.”

Channelling a small, black orb in his hand, Bardac stretched out his arm and dropped the orb onto the floor. The orb slowly sunk into the marble floor, swirling and expanding as it did so until a void as large enough to swallow a man appeared. “Actually... I never thought about it before,” Bardac muttered to himself as he watched the void expand upwards into a swirling portal. “Are Dremora ageless? Do they even die naturally? I wonder what he has been doing these last thousand years...”

Flicking an ear, Luna simply watched and hoped nothing went wrong. Bardac's muttering caught her attention, she couldn't help but feel for him. “Does it usually take this long?” she asked, staring at the portal which was now the same height as Nord beside her.

“No, then again. I only summon him when needs must. For all I know he could be dead,” replied Bardac with a shrug of his shoulders. “Then again he always was a laz—”

“Tsk tsk Master, is that anyway to speak about your loyal servant?” chuckled a soft, rich voice from within the portal. A creature slowly emerged from the inky blackness. Adorned in some rather fine cloth from neck to boots, the being stepped into the light of the dining hall. There was no mistaking that ash black skin, red markings and horns piercing out of his skull. “Twice in a month. You must be in trouble.”

What ever Bardac was about to say came to a grinding halt. His entire body freezing in motion, including his mouth which just hung open. His eyes glazing over as though all time had stopped.

Looking up in alarm, Luna patted the Nord across the face with her wing. To her it looked like Bardac had frozen in place. “Bardac? Bardac! Snap out of it!” she called, eyes flashing across to the Dremora as her horn started to pulse and swirl with energy. “What did you do to him?!”

The Dremora put his hands up in alarm, he didn't expect to be rounded upon by a talking, angry equine. “Nothing! I assure you Ma'am!” he said, trying to defuse the situation, “Master? Master, will you please snap out of it before I'm smeared across the walls!”

Bardac slowly came around, his hand aimlessly searching for something to lean on, which it soon did in the form of Luna's neck. “M-month...” was all he could stutter out, tears flowing freely down his cheeks. “Twice... Luna... they...” It was all too much for Bardac. He sunk to his knees, hand still gripping Luna's neck. “Talos be praised... They are alive.”

The Dremora stared down at Bardac, then to Luna, then back to Bardac. “Sir? Are you alright?” he asked, kneeling down in front of the Nord and placing his hand on Bardac's shoulder.

Bardac grabbed the Dremora by the arms as he stood, bringing the butler up with him. “Am I alright? I have never felt better,” Bardac whispered. Despite the tears still freely flowing down his cheeks, Bardac felt the utter elation bubbling from within. “I think this calls for a celebration.”

“...The usual, sir?” asked the Dremora, deciding to simply go with Bardac for now. It wasn't his job to ask why. “How many bottles shall I bring?”

With golden eyes of fire, Bardac stared at the Dremora and whispered, “All of them.”

Celestia let out a low, tired sigh from her seat in the throne room. It was early morning, near eight and already there was plenty to do. Casting her gaze down to her audience, she was pleased to see all of them could make it. From left to right, she had her three Captains, the Elements of Harmony, one very tired young dragon and Discord standing next to Fluttershy. “I'm pleased you could all make it on such short notice,” she said.

“Weren't nothin' your Highness,” said Applejack, tipping her hat. “I'm used to early starts.”

“Speak for yourself,” groaned Rainbow Dash, she couldn't even muster the energy to hover. “Eight doesn't exist in the morning for me.”

Twilight rolled her eyes and sighed, “We're lucky if ten in the morning exists for you. But, in your defence, since I became an Alicorn, I've often found myself napping on clouds.” Her cheeks turned a faint shade of pink soon after.

Leaning over, Light Flight chipped in, “Wait until you try hoof moulded cloud beds... you'll never want to get up.”

Celestia allowed the chatter to carry on for a few more minutes before clearing her throat for silence. “I'll get straight to why I called you all here. Yesterday, whether we like to admit it or not... caught us all by surprise. I won't sugar coat this. We were lucky.”

The room went silent. Discord looked away, he felt ashamed that he wasn't there with them. It was then that the double doors at the end of the Throne room slowly opened. “Good morning everypony,” muttered an exhausted Luna. Bags hung under her eyes, but there was an unshakeable smile across her lips. “I'm sorry I'm late.” With another yawn, Luna stretched out and took her place by Celestia's side. “Carry on.”

“As I was saying,” Celestia said, glancing at Luna. “We were lucky. I'd rather not put it down to chance that the creature decided to attack where it did, but I don't think I have any other choice.” Letting out a sigh, Celestia looked over at her three Captains. “As such, I'll be hoof picking seven additional guards to join each of your patrols and have the scrolls Bardac made for us shared out immediately.”

“Some of the earth pony guards are still having a bit of trouble getting to grips with those scrolls,” said Stampede, tapping the stone floor with his hoof. “Some of them are a little hesitant to rip open the scroll with their teeth, in case they get a face full of spell.”

Luna gave a tired shake of her head. “Don't worry about that,” she said, waving a hoof idly. “Bardac said the spells do not harm anything except Daedra. A light tingle maybe and a redesigned mane is all they can expect if that spell hits a pony.”

“Speaking of spells,” murmured Celestia, turning to face Discord. “Discord, I know I've put strict rules on your magic, but I do hope you understand it was for important reasons. I needed the ponies of Equestria to trust you as much as these little ponies.” A hoof was slowly waved over to Fluttershy and the others. “But...with this new threat. Measures must be taken.” Inhaling slowly, Celestia steeled herself. “Consider the rules on your magic lifted. But only when you're in the presence of a Daedra.”

“Well now, I wasn't expecting that,” answered Discord, stroking at his chin. “But, I'd say considering the circumstances. It'd be foolish of me to argue.” Glancing down at Fluttershy, Discord expression softened. “Seems the shoes on the other hoof now. Trying to take over Equestria one year, saving it the next.”

Fluttershy smiled and placed her hoof against Discord's knee. “I think protecting Equestria suits you more,” she giggled.

“You still owe me a chocolate rain cloud,” pouted Pinkie Pie, sitting down with her hooves crossed over her chest.

“In good time my dear, in good time,” Discord said, smiling just a little before looking over at Celestia and Luna. “But why ask me? Surely you two are powerful enough to take care of these things. One puff of the horn and they're a puddle on the floor.”

Celestia huffed and rolled her eyes, “That's because we can't be in three pla—”

“That is because those two fluttering fillies cannot access their full power!” echoed a voice from one of the side halls. Stumbling out of the dark hall came Bardac, dressed in nothing but a pair of shorts. Five small bottles of mead clanking between the fingers in his right hand.

Celestia stared down at Luna. “You told him?” she whispered. “Why would you tell him?”

“I didn't tell him,” argued Luna. “At least... I don't think I did.” Glancing down, Luna bit her bottom lip. “We did have a lot to drink last night.”

“And still drinking!” called Bardac, right arm held wide as the bottles clacked together. “Why you may ask? Because I was told the best news!” Staggering forward, Bardac locked his eyes on Discord. “Even this mismatched patchwork of nature could not rip the smile from my face!” Bardac tucked a bottle under Discord's arm and patted him on the chest.

A strange silence rolled over the throne room. All eyes on the wobbly Nord. Celestia took a step forward, her horn glowing as she carefully pulled Bardac away from Discord. “The last time somepony tried to take your drink, you blew apart one of my dungeons. Now you're sharing your drink with Discord?” Her eyes flicked to Bardac's forehead. “Are... you feeling alright?”

Bardac allowed himself to be tugged by the magic. His eyes barely focusing on Celestia. “I am better than alright!” Turning to Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash, “Do you three remember the little meltdown I had?” Despite being drunk enough to stagger around the throne room, his speech was surprisingly articulate, years of training under the Greybeards. “Turns out I never needed to worry, they are all still alive! A thousand years my hairy arse cheeks! I will see them once more!”

“That's an image I'm gonna need seared from my brain,” retched Light Flight, glaring at the Nord as he wobbled from side to side. “What're you talking about anyway and who told you they were alive?”

“He worked that out himself,” echoed an amused voice from the darkness of the same corridor Bardac appeared from. “To save my Master the struggle of thinking. I believe it's best if I explained.” Stepping forth into the light, the Dremora Butler bowed low. “It's a pleasure to meet you all. Princess Luna, it's a pleasure to see you again.”

“Luna,” said Celestia with a voice that could slice steel, “Why is there a Dremora in our throne room and why does it seem to know you?”

“That's Bardac's Butler,” Luna answered, “I'll explain later.” Clearing her throat, Luna addressed everypony. “Attention please. This is a friend of Bardac. A guest of the castle, please treat him as you would any other pony.”

By now, Bardac had given up his attempts to stand still and sat down on the steps leading to the throne. “He is my friend! Also the biggest arse you will ever meet!” Then proceeded to down all five bottles at once, barely spilling a drop.

The Dremora rolled his eyes and chuckled quietly. “Dear me... Master, we must discuss how you get when you drink.” Shaking his head, he cleared his throat. “Now, allow me to explain from what I've been told last night. As some of you know, Bardac was under the impression that he was a thousand years beyond the world he used to live in.”

“I remember,” said Applejack, eyeing the Dremora warily “The poor fella had a melt down, literally.”

Pinkie Pie glanced over at Bardac, a lump catching in her throat. “Why didn't he say something?” she asked.

The Dremora cleared his throat for their attention. “May I continue? Now, from where I stand, it's been less than a month since Bardac last summoned me. A small village in the The Rift... I believe. While this may not seem significant, consider what he believed. Even with my Master's often limited intelligence, it didn't take much for him to put two and two together. He's been celebrating all night.”

“Then... I wonder what caused the significant differences in the years of our world,” pondered Twilight, tapping her chin slightly. When she looked over at Bardac, his infectious smile soon crept up on her own lips. “I'll ponder on that later. For Bardac, that must be utterly fantastic news. I've never seen him happier!”

Spike however was feeling a little less enthusiastic about his first meeting with the Nord. Tapping Twilight on the shoulder, he muttered, “This is the guy you want me to go to the Crystal Empire with? A drunk, hairless minotaur... thing?”

“Don't let looks fool you dude,” chuckled Rainbow Dash, looking over at the small, purple dragon. “The only way you'd be safer with this guy around is if you were standing next to the Princesses and their Royal Captains.”

“You'll be fine Spike,” Twilight said reassuringly. “Bardac's a good friend. I just wish you two could have met sooner.”

Celestia let out a silent sigh, glancing around the throne room. With the arrival of Bardac and his Dremora Butler, her plans for the morning had all but danced right out of the window. “You've been awfully quiet, dearest sister,” she muttered, glancing to Luna. “I do hope you've not been encouraging him.”

“She does not need encouraging,” Bardac chuckled, getting to his feet while staggering over to the Dremora. “You still have my hammer? I want it.”

The Dremora chuckled and with a small wave of his hand, summoned a small portal by his side, a large, pointed and green glowing spike sticking out of it. “One hammer,” the Butler said. “Just be careful Master, remember what happened last time.”

“I remember,” Bardac said, smirking as he grasped hold of the spike. With a firm yank, Bardac pulled out his hammer... or more accurately, a colossal, glowing warhammer with a head the size of a pony. “Ah... there you are.” Bardac hoisted the hammer above his head. “Volendrung. How I have missed you.”

Raven raised an eyebrow, staring at the hammer, then to Bardac. “Care to explain where that came from?” she asked, her horn sparking.

Bardac looked down at the small unicorn, slamming Volendrung's spike into the stone floor before dragging his butler to his side with a one armed hug. “This fine fellow,” he said, giving the Dremora a shake. “Can summon anything I own to where ever I bring him to. Now... there was something else I wanted to do. What was it...” Bardac tapped his forehead against Volendrung before yanking the spike out of the stone. “Ah! Yes!” Turning to Celestia and Luna, Bardac held Volendrung high. “Allow me to get serious for a moment.”

“Is this the same brute we met before?” muttered Rarity under her breath, glancing over to Fluttershy. “Still... it's nice to see another side to him, wouldn't you agree dear?”

Fluttershy gave a small nod in response. “It does make a change,” she said quietly, “We just met at the wrong time, that's what I believe.” Looking up to Discord, Fluttershy offered him an encouraging smile. “I'm sure he's had time to think about what he did.”

“Forgive me if I withhold my enthusiasm,” muttered Discord, still clutching the bottle Bardac gave him under his arm, watching the Nord like a hawk. He wasn't the only one, every guard now had their attention squarely on the hammer wielding Nord.

Still facing Celestia and Luna, Bardac placed the head of Volendrung against the ground and leant against the shaft, his expression glazing over for just a moment before focusing on the two Princesses with a shake of his head. “Oh sweet Talos thinking hurts,” he muttered. “What did Luna call my rank... Legate was a...” The Nord looked up at Luna pleadingly.

Deciding to take pity on the poor Nord, Luna stepped forward and cleared her throat, “Everypony. I have an announcement to make. Today, I'm proud to introduce you all to Equestria's newest Royal Guard. He'll be serving within the Lunar and Solar divisions.” Raising her hoof, Luna saluted Bardac. “Lieutenant General Bardac. It's a pleasure to have you.”

Not a single pony dared move a muscle. Except for Light Flight who puffed up like an overstuffed turkey in shock. Eventually, a slow wave of salutes made their way around the guards and Captains. None of them truly knew how to react to the news.

Celestia cleared her throat. “Bardac, as we're all aware. You have a certain disrespect for command and rule. Just how did you raise to the rank of a General Officer?” she asked, her eyebrow slowly disappearing into her mane.

Bardac let out a sobering sigh, his mood instantly souring as he glanced down at the three Captains nearby. “By killing hundreds upon hundreds of my own kin. To give a voice to those who had none. Stormcloaks... they wanted Skyrim to be for my kin and only my kin... treating all others as a disease to the land... war was their answer,” His eyes glazed over. “The blood of my brothers and sisters will coat my hands long after the day I pass to Sovngarde... may those above judge me, and those below take me, if I fail in my duty.”

The Nord's words were met with another strangled and uncomfortable silence. The mood in the throne room taking a colossal nose dive in the span of a single question. “I think I prefer him sober,” muttered Light Flight, unable to meet the Nord's glance, “I can't imagine how long that war lasted.”

“About six years, if I recall,” answered the Dremora, scratching slowly at his chin. “Of course this was long before I met the Master.” The Dremora looked over to Bardac who still had a glazed look in his eyes. “To call the Master damaged goods would be too kind.”

“This is getting a little too depressing for my tastes,” muttered Luna before approaching the Nord and prodding him firmly in the forehead with her wing. “Didn't you have something else to say as well? Something you were planning most of last night? Do try and think.” She continued to poke Bardac in the head.

Bardac's glazed gaze went cross-eyed at Luna's feathers prodding his forehead before they snapped back into focus. “Gifts!” he bellowed, staggering backwards. “Great Greybeard's balls I forgot!” Staring at each of them in turn, the Nord's lips split into a wide smile. “I have... had?... no. Getting! That is it. I am getting gifts for each and every one of you!” His focused gaze locked on Discord, his voice going quiet. “Even you, Vodrem. For I fear I have wronged you the most... you are not who I seek.”

Discord stared at the Nord for several seconds before bending down to whisper in Fluttershy's ear. “Vodrem? Is this suppose to be his way of saying he's sorry?”

“Go with it,” encouraged Fluttershy. “Can't you hear it in his voice? He wants to say sorry. I don't think he's very good at it though.”

At the mention of gifts, Spike asked hopefully, “Do... you have something for me as well?”

Bardac turned abruptly to stare at Spike, his eyes widening in surprise. “By the nine! You have an Argonian!” Chuckling loudly, Bardac raised his bottle to Spike. “Tell me young one, how did you get here?!”

“Spike's a dragon,” said Twilight quickly, trying to derail any train of thought Bardac might have had. “A young dragon and part of my family.” The Alicorn gave the young dragon an affectionate hug with her wing. “Not to mention my Number One Assistant.”

“A friend of yours is a friend of mine,” said Bardac, raising his bottle to Spike. “Nii los dii genazend wah grind hi goraan Dovah!” But before Spike could reply to him, Bardac had already wobbled over back to his hammer. “Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash! You two I owe a special thank you. While others were chasing me,” He stole a second to throw a light-hearted smirk to Light Flight. “Both of you offered me help, food and shelter. You took care of me when I was most vulnerable and that is a kindness a Nord never forgets!”

“We couldn't just leave you out there big guy,” said Rainbow Dash, “Heat stroke's something nopony wants to get. I got it once before when I was a filly, took me outta action for months.” Her entire body shuddered. “Felt like I'd never get better.”

“What she said!” said Pinkie Pie, now hopping around Bardac. “But don't forget Apple Bloom, she helped out too.” Coming to a stop in front of the Nord, Pinkie looked up at him with a beaming smile. “Your friends back home must mean the world to you.”

Bardac didn't answer right away, instead he tapped his hammer against the ground in a steady rhythm. When he saw Discord hadn't drunk the Mead he'd given him, the Nord walked over, plucked the bottle from him and drained it one long gulp. He felt himself sobering up far too quickly. “When I thought those I cared for were no more. My quest to return home was one of simple revenge...” Bardac shook his head violently and slowly walked back over to his hammer. “To make a long, rambling story short. True friends... there is nothing more valuable in my world, or any other.”

“Was this your idea all along Luna?” asked Celestia quietly, watching as Pinkie Pie pounced the drunken Nord and knocked him off his feet. She was about to intervene, until Rainbow Dash called for a pony pile and swiftly joined them, followed by Applejack and Twilight. “Or did this just... happen.”

Luna giggled quietly, holding her wing over her lips. “Well, truth be told. I was planning on making this a little more formal. Introducing Bardac into the Royal Guards at just the right moment. Really stir the pot for you.” With a small cough, Luna looked away and giggled once more. “But, after the events of last night. This option was deemed far more entertaining.” Clearing her throat, Luna eventually looked up at Celestia with an infectious smile. “I believe the expression is. Just roll with it.”

While Bardac was distracted by the pile of ponies on top of him, Light Flight stepped closer to Celestia. “Princess, is it true what he said?” she asked quietly. “You and Princess Luna can't use your full power? When did this happen?”

“A thousand years is a long time to remember something,” replied Celestia, her hoof scuffing at the ground in thought. “Like any skill, using magic can be... forgotten. Luna and I have simply, misplaced that skill.”

“In other words,” said Discord, appearing next to the two Princesses with a crack. “Luna being banished to the moon and Celestia not having much else to do. They've grown soft.” His eagle claw gave Celestia a light prod to the flank. “In more ways than one.” One crack later, he was nothing but décor stuck in the wall, two hoof prints pulsing in his chest.

“It is as Discord said,” said Luna, not even bothering to look behind her to see Fluttershy trying to extract Discord from the stone. “But make no mistake my little pony, we still have more than enough power to protect Equestria. We would just feel better if we were at one hundred percent.”

“Never doubted you for a second Princess Luna,” replied Light Flight, offering her a salute before leaning in, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Is that why you asked Bardac to train all of us?”

Celestia looked over to Bardac, who by now had stood back up. Pinkie Pie and Applejack hung under his arms while Twilight and Rainbow Dash were locked around his head, all doing their level best to wrestle him back to the floor. The pony pile devolving into a full blown wrestling match. “A small shock to the system maybe just what Luna and I need to wrench open that door to the remainder of our power,” Celestia said, “Besides Discord, Bardac is the only other creature in Equestria with enough knowledge of that level of power.”

“You plan to spar with him?” asked Raven, sidestepping Bardac as he came crashing to the floor next to her. “I'm not sure there's enough bits in the treasury to clean up after that.”

“Victory!” bellowed Bardac, cutting off any reply Celestia might have had. Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were all caught, trapped in his arms. Standing up, he dropped them unceremoniously into a pile in front of him.

“You cheated!” groaned Rainbow Dash, holding her side with a wing. A large bruise building where Bardac had poked her, hard.

“All is fair in wrestling,” said Bardac, helping Applejack and Twilight to their hooves, Pinkie Pie was already bouncing around once more. “Give it twenty more years.” With a snap of his fingers, Bardac pulled out three more bottles of mead from a portal his butler summoned next to him. Two were instantly drunk while the third was saved for later.

Rarity, after helping Fluttershy finally extract Discord from the wall, looked over at Bardac. “Haven't you drunk enough?” she asked, a hint of concern in her voice. “That's eight bottles since you've gotten here. Not to mention I'm sure countless before you arrived. I doubt your liver is thanking you right now.”

“Alcohol can get dragons drunk, but it won't do them any permanent harm,” said Spike, shrugging his shoulders. “That's why they're always trying to find stronger and stronger mixes.”

“And just how do you know this?” asked Twilight, raising her eyebrow at the young dragon.

Spike looked up at Twilight sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. “I'm only a few years off being legal, at least in pony years. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't gonna cause any... you know, problems,” he said, his mind flashing back to a particular hoarding incident. “It'd be nice to share a drink with you guys instead of just fruit juice.”

“That's very mature of you Spikey,” said Rarity, trotting over to nuzzle the dragon affectionately. “We'll make a gentlecolt out of you yet!” She shot Bardac a small glare.

“I can be a gentleman,” chuckled Bardac, stretching out with a gut-wrenching pop from his spine. “I once attended a fancy party with the Thalmor Ambassador at their Embassy. A lot of royalty.”

“Oh? And how did that turn out?” asked Rarity, raising her eyebrow.

Bardac paused, turned to Rarity and let a sad smile cross his lips. “Killed twenty or so guards, discovered an assassination attempt and rescued an old man,” Shrugging his shoulders, he let out a low sigh. “So, not well I am afraid.”

Rarity looked up into Bardac's eyes, scrutinising his expression before letting out a sigh herself. “There seems to be a disturbing trend in your life Bardac,” she muttered.

Bardac laughed, loudly, “Would any of you would believe me if I said I never look for trouble?”

“Not in a million years,” replied Light Flight, shaking her head slowly. “You're like a damn magnet, oozing trouble where ever you go. Gift or a curse, you're always in the right place at the wrong damn time.” Her voice took on a near pleading tone. “I ask this not just for me, but for all the Royal Guards. Now you're part of our team, like it or not, that means you represent all ponies that wear the badge. Please don't do anything stupid in the Crystal Empire...”

Stampede and Raven glanced nervously to each other. Light Flight's words sent a chill up their spines, it hadn't quite dawned on them the full implications of Luna's actions. “Perhaps it'd be wise if one of us went with him,” said Stampede. “Just in case.”

“An excellent idea,” agreed Celestia. “Bardac, while I have the utmost faith that you won't tarnish the reputation of our Royal Guards, I would request that you take at least one of them with you to the Crystal Empire along with Spike. It doesn't have to be from the Solar guards either. You're free to choose from the Lunar guards as well.”

“Aela,” said Bardac, not missing a beat. “She hides well in the dark. Does not talk much. Perfect for what I need to do.”

Luna's head snapped up in surprise. “Really?” she asked, she really hoped she hadn't misheard her. “That would be wonderful! My Lunar guards rarely get to leave the castle, I'm sure she'll be thrilled.”

“I do hope you don't plan to travel in just your underwear,” said the Butler, eyeing Bardac with a raised an eyebrow. “Though, it wouldn't be the first time.”

Bardac laughed sharply, staggering over to his hammer which was hoisted up onto his shoulder. “I think you know what I plan to travel in. A rather special suit of armour... think you can rustle up the pieces?”

The butler raised an eyebrow. “Surely you don't plan to bring that here?” he asked.

Bardac's lips split into a demonic grin. “Oh, I do plan to bring that here.” Volendrung's spiked shaft was driven hard into the stone floor. “These... beasts will soon learn the true terror when they hear my name... Dovahkiin!”