Chapter XV- Headlines and Headway

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS IN PONYVILLE!

By Ace Redletter (Photography by Flash Feature)

Yesterday, as Celestia’s sun was high in the sky above our land, a young stallion was traveling along the western road outside of the ancient and mysterious Everfree Forest towards Ponyville. Hoping for a fresh start in the quiet farming community, he carried nothing with him but the bare essentials to start a new life in a new town, an exciting time in any pony’s life but this pony, Wallace “Wally” Melon (pictured left), had no idea just how exciting things were going to be. Wally was about to make first contact with visitors from another world.

Without any word of warning, a sudden flash of mysterious white light appeared from within the Forest, carrying with it a surge of strange power that was felt for miles around. Wally and his younger sister Candy Melon, who was traveling with him, were caught right in the middle of the unexpected explosion and lifted into the air, along with their cart and hurled Celestia knows how far from where they were, landing somewhere in Everfree Forest itself. What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary. Wally and Candy made what very well might the biggest discovery of this or any generation. Everfree Forest was filled with alien creatures never before seen on Equus. However these creatures did not come to invade or conquer like characters out of a late night science-fiction special. They came seeking aid.

Their home world destroyed, the various races that come from the world formally known as Nern, came to Equestria seeking safety from their planet’s destruction. Seeing the peril that the creatures were in Wally guided their leader, one Bastian Bellrend (Below), to Ponyville seeking aid and eventually all of the aliens were safely shown to town where they received medical care from Ponyville General Hospital, along with a certain overzealous photographer that did not exercise caution when using flash photography on some of the new creatures. We cannot comment on Flash Feature’s recovery at this time but the “Orc” known as Shahk offers his sincerest apologies.

“They really are quite extraordinary creatures.” Says Doctor Horse M.D. “I’ve never seen anything like them.”

The arrivals of these creatures generated so much excitement that the Princesses themselves, Celestia AND Luna, arrived in Ponyville that afternoon and were met with the startling sight of alien creatures among their loyal subjects. It is said that as the visitors were treated for their wounds, Celestia and Luna held an audience with the alien’s leader Bellrend in Sugar Cube Corner, accompanied by the six mares that stopped Nightmare Moon last summer during the Summer Sun Celebration. They were in the bakery for some time and what they discussed can only be speculated but one thing is for certain. When they emerged, the princesses made the royal decree that the races of the planet Nern were now citizens of Equestria! Welcome to the herd guys!

(Pictured below, a Nord woman is greeted by Princess Celestia herself! Lucky!)

Though we know little about them, these visitors, or I suppose I should say neighbors, are here to stay. Unfortunately, while we were not able to get an official quote from Mister Bellrend, we did manage to speak with Wally Melon himself who had this to say.

“Sorry to break it you guys at the Canterlot Daily Press, but the Cloverfield Chatterbox has been covering alien sightings for years. You guys are a little late to the party.”

Fair enough Mister Melon, but here at the Canterlot Daily Press we deal in facts, and I think we can all say that the fact of the matter is, Equus will never be the same!

The newspaper folded itself in half and Twilight passed it to Lielle who stared at her picture in silent awe.

“This- this is incredible!” She stammered. “And everyone can read this?”

“Well, everypony that has a subscription to the Canterlot Daily Press, yes.” Twilight said taking a sip from her glass of lemonade. “Did you not have newspapers where you’re from?”

“Um…” It took a moment for Lielle to respond. She was still marveling at her picture in the paper, a moment perfectly frozen in time without the use of magic. “In a sense we did. Well, that is to say Cyrodiil did. It was before my time but they had the Black Horse Courier that printed newsletters which were distributed throughout the province up until the Great War. I think their offices were destroyed when the Aldmeri Dominion sacked the Imperial City for spreading Anti-Dominion Propaganda.”

The girls were sitting in Sugar Cube Corner along with Spike and Wally. Nearby, a pair of stallions struggled under the weight of a large wooden table they had on their backs as they slowly walked up the steps of the bakery.

“A little to your left.” Mr. Cake said from the doorway. “Careful not to hit the frame. It’ll take all day to bake another one!”

The sweating ponies nodded and carefully made their way up the steps of the bakery. Suddenly, the weight of the heavy table vanished as it was lifted from their backs by Shahk and a trio of Nords.

“Oh! Uh, thanks!” One of the stallions said.

“No problem.” Shahk grunted. “Where do ya want it?”

“Just over here.” Mrs. Cake said motioning with a hoof. “By the front window there.”

They carried the table inside and sat it down on the floor. One of the Nords removed his horned helmet and a cascade of honey colored locks fell past his shoulders, slowly sweeping from side to side. Mrs. Cake gave him a glass of water which he drank down gratefully. Droplets of water leaked out of the corners of his mouth and trickled down his bearded chin as Spike and Wally watched in silent awe.

“Their beards…” Spike whispered with a covetous gleam in his eyes.

“I know.” Wally squeed. “They’re GLORIOUS!”

Lielle giggled and Twilight rolled her eyes. While the four of them sat in Sugar Cube Corner waiting for Rarity to release Bastian, the Nords and Ponies were hard at work cleaning up the mess from the night before. Of course the girls offered to use magic to help speed the process along but the Nords insisted on doing it themselves. Outside, Twilight saw a pair of Nords pick up a barrel each and carry them off on their shoulders like a sack of apples.

“They really don’t like magic do they?” Twilight asked.

“It’s foolish I know.” Lielle said. “They’d rather take all afternoon doing something that a handful of mages can get done in just a few minutes.”

“Reminds me of the Earth Ponies.” Twilight said remembering her first winter wrap up in Ponyville just a few months ago, which was awkward to say the least.

“I don’t see the point.” Spike said munching on a cookie. “I mean, it just feels like a waste of time.”

“Just because they have a different way of doing things doesn’t make it pointless Spike.” Twilight said giving the baby dragon a frown.

“I think it hurts the Nords ego more than anything.” Lielle said thoughtfully. “Bas once said that if the Nords could wield a weapon forged by their own pride, the dragons wouldn’t have stood a chance. Although, he’s guilty of it too…”

At that moment, Bastian stepped into Sugar Cube Corner. Lielle waved him over and he approached their table.

“I can see Rarity got ahold of you.” Twilight said with a small laugh. “You look great!”

“Nice duds!” Wally agreed.

“Thank you.” He replied, resigning to simply accept the compliments. “I am ready to leave whenever you are.”

“Excellent!” Twilight said. “Now, I’ve taken the liberty to make you a list of how to behave while in the Princesses court.”

Her horn glowed and a scroll of parchment levitated out of her saddlebag on the table and unraveled itself. It rolled across the table between their drinks, down to the floor and continued until it came to a stop just a few inches away from a Nord’s boot outside.

“Traditionally, an emissary brings a token of good will such as a small gift from their homeland.” Twilight said. “This is presented to the Princesses before the meeting begins and is often examined to ensure that no foul play is intended.

“A gift?” Bastian repeated. One thing immediately came to mind. It was perfect. In fact as far as he was concerned, it couldn’t be anything else.

“Oh dear.” Lielle said nervously. “We don’t really have anything to give. Oh, I suppose I could find something in our stores to part with? Surely we have a piece of jewelry or something like that.”

“I have something I can give them.” Bastian said. “I can grab it from my chest before we leave. Is there anything else we should know?”

“Well,” Twilight began. “Next, the emissary bows, presents the gift and says “I come to thee seeking friendship and present you with this gift in all good faith.” After that, court will begin and then end at the Princesses discretion.”

“It sounds simple enough.” Lielle said.

“Oh, that’s just the beginning!” Twilight replied. “There are dozens of rules that you have to follow so you don’t offend or upset the Princesses. For instance, you must never ever, ever touch your left nostril with your right hoof!”

“I’ll do my best.” Bastian, his sarcasm missed by the purple Unicorn.

“Are there really that many rules?” Wally asked reading the paper. “The Princesses seemed really cool when we met them yesterday. I mean, Luna was kind of cold but I guess that being trapped in the moon for a thousand years will do that to you.”

“Trapped in the- what?” Bastian asked.

“Uh, it’s kind of a long story.” Twilight said embarrassedly. “A thousand years ago, Princess Luna tried to… she…. well… she turned into Nightmare Moon and tried to cover Equestria in eternal darkness and Celestia had to banish her to the moon…”

Bastian and Lielle stared at the Unicorn. He supposed that was on way to solve a problem. The last time a villain tried to cover Tamriel in eternal darkness he and his brothers had simply killed him.

“Look, it was a long time ago and she’s fine now.” Twilight said quickly rolling the scroll. “My friends and I used the Elements of Harmony to sort of, I don’t know, purge the evil from her? I guess…?”

“The Elements of what?” Bastian asked.

“Basically, they’re powerful artifacts that embody the aspects of harmony that make up our society.” Twilight explained. “There’s laughter, kindness, loyalty, generosity, honesty and magic. My friends and I discovered them in the remains of the Princesses old castle within the Everfree Forest and used them to defeat Nightmare Moon and in turn rescue Princess Luna from herself.”

“So… so when Rarity said to me earlier that her element is generosity she was speaking of the Elements of Harmony?” Bastian asked.

“Right.” Twilight nodded. “Fluttershy is kindness, Rainbow Dash is loyalty, Pinkie Pie is laughter, I’m magic and Applejack is honesty.”

Wally spewed his drink all over the table.

“She- She’s what?!” He spluttered. “She never told me about any of that in her letters! You’re telling me that my cousin, Little Appie Jackie, wields one of the most powerful artifacts in Equestria?!”

“Well, no, not exactly.” Twilight replied. “After we defeated Nightmare Moon, Princess Celestia took the Elements for safekeeping in the Canterlot Vaults.”

“My cousin is a super hero!” Wally gushed. “All she ever talks about is working on that farm, bucking apple trees and baking pies but she’s really a super hero! That’s so awesome!”

“She isn’t a super hero Wally.” Twilight said with a frown. “She’s just a part of something bigger. The elements only work when all six of them, when all six of us are together.”

“You girls are like the Justice Guild of Equestria!” Wally cried. “Or the Power Ponies!”

“I know right?” Spike asked. “And they act like it isn’t a big deal!”

“It isn’t a big deal Spike!” Twilight said. “We just did what any other pony would have done in our situation.”

“Twilight, not just any pony would have gone into Everfree Forest and face off against Nightmare Moon.” Spike argued.

“I would!” Wally exclaimed.

Twilight sighed.

“If we’re all done here, I still have to retrieve the token from my chest.” Bastian said.

“Yes!” Twilight said jumping from her chair. “The sooner we get to Canterlot the better!”

They left Sugar Cube Corner and crossed the bridge outside of Ponyville. A short walk down the road and they made it to the Nord’s encampment just outside of the Everfree Forest where tents were being erected and campfires were being built. Bastian’s gear stood alone from everyone else’s, the Nords afraid of disturbing any of the mage’s possessions and setting of any magical traps or enchantments. Their fears weren’t misplaced of course and Twilight watched Bastian curiously as the mage removed his wards and magical triggers. Finally he opened the largest of the three chests and began to rummage around inside. The mare’s eyes widened as Bastian reached deep into the chest, much deeper than he should have been able to considering its size.

“Magic!” Wally squealed silently. “It’s bigger on the inside!”

“Much bigger.” Bastian called over his shoulder, his voice echoing in the chest. “It contains a pocket dimension to Oblivion. I’m not sure just how big it actually is but we have a few more just like it that contains other necessities like food and medicine and tools, all of them linked together.”

He stood back up with a sigh and pushed a hand through his hair.

“Might have a dragon skull as well…” He muttered under his breath.

He cursed and bent back down, now tossing things over his shoulder with reckless abandon as he muttered to himself, going over a mental checklist almost as big as Twilight’s library. A few books, a golden staff with the likeness of a dragon carved onto its head, more books, a few Dwemer gadgets, even more books, an iron cage containing a skull with runes carved onto it, still more books, until finally he found what he was looking for; a long object wrapped in an oil cloth. He unfolded the oil cloth and stared at the object for a few seconds before he exhaled pensively through his nose. He rewrapped it, stood up and with a wave of his hand the items he had tossed out of the chest flew back into it and the lid slammed shut with a snap. The chest glowed for a second as the magical traps rearmed themselves and Bastian turned back to his party.

“All right.” He said. “Let’s go.”

“What is it?” Lielle asked curiously.

“Just something I don’t need anymore.” Bastian replied. “Twilight, lead the way.”

“Excellent!” Twilight said crossing “get token of friendship” off of her to do list. “Now, I doubt that all of us would be able to fit in the hot air balloon so we’re going to be taking the train.”

“Train?” Lielle asked.

-The Pony Scrolls-

A great jet of steam bellowed out of the release valve of the train as All Aboard led Twilight and her friends down the boarding platform of Ponyville Station.

“Watch yerselves!” The old stallion called over his shoulder. “That steam’ll singe the hair right of yer heads! Anyway, what was I saying?”

“You- you were telling us how this thing works?” Bastian said staring at the train in the same way Lielle had stared at her picture.

“Oh yes! Well, we shovel coal into the big furnace over there, the flames of which convert the water in that boiler into steam. The steam then moves those pistons up and down which move the wheels and make the train move.”

“That’s amazing!” Bastian said, the corners of his mouth twitching into a genuine smile.

A whistle shrieked and Lielle laughed as she covered her ears.

“It’s so loud!” She cried.

“I thought you guys would like this!” Twilight laughed. “The United Equestrian Railroad has tracks all over Equestria. You can be anywhere in just a few hours.”

“How fast does it go?” Bastian asked.

“Well, depends on how hot we can get the furnace.” All Aboard said wiping his brow with a hoofkerchief. “On average I’d say about sixty miles an hour.”

“Gods!” Lielle gasped. “Why would anyone want to go so fast?”

“It just takes passengers then?” Bastian asked.

“Oh this one does but we have other trains that move freight as well.” All Aboard said checking his pocket watch.

“Is- Is it absolutely necessary for some of the… cars?”

All Aboard nodded.

“To be shaped like cakes?” Bastian asked.

“Uh, well no.” All Aboard said sheepishly. “Some of the railroads biggest supporters are bakers and uh- Oh! It’s about that time! You all have tickets I presume?”

“Yes we do!” Twilight said.

Five tickets levitated out of her saddlebag and hovered in front of All Aboard’s face. The Earth Pony adjusted his glasses and examined them carefully. Satisfied, he nodded his head and motioned for Twilight and her friends to board the train.

“Next stop Canterlot!”

Other passengers made their way into the train and with another loud shriek from the whistle on the conductor’s car they were off. The train moved slowly at first, chugging along and building speed until the Equestrian countryside was a green blur outside of their cabin’s window. Wally giggled excitedly and stood with his face pressed against the window as he and Lielle watched the scenery whiz by. Bastian sat next to Twilight and listened as she went over the various rules for behaving in the Princesses court, many of which were redundant in his case considering he was physically incapable of performing any of them even on accident, lacking hooves or a tail or a snout or wings. In just a few short hours they arrived in Equestria’s capital city of Canterlot and the two humans couldn’t help but stare in awe at the ancient and majestic city.

It was built into the side of a tall purple mountain in the very heart of Equestria, starting at the summit and then curving up along the mountains face. Tall glittering towers of ivory bearing banners of the royal sisters rose proudly into the bright cloudless sky, topped in golden spires that shined like stars in the sun. Rivers and waterfalls ran through the city’s cobblestone streets and down the side of the mountain where it formed into the Sweetwater River, a body of water that ran close to Ponyville, through a small section of the Everfree Forest, continuing on past Los Pegasus until it emptied out into the Western Sea.

While Ponyville was similar enough to the rustic appeal of a Nordic village, there was nothing in Skyrim that could match the fantastic beauty of Canterlot. Maybe the Imperial City and its palace with its White Gold Tower before it was sacked in the Great War but while Tamriel’s beauty had been declining in the past few hundred years, slowly rotting away and waiting for Alduin to return and feast on it like a vulture gorging itself on carrion, Equestria seemed to be a paradise untouched by the harshness of war and the monsters the likes of which inhabited the Nord’s homeland but even with all of its splendor and glory, it still wasn’t home.

“In all my days I’ve never seen anything so… amazing.” Lielle breathed softly. “It’s absolutely breathtaking.”

“It’s beautiful.” Bastian agreed.

“Comic books here I come!” Wally cheered. “I’ll meet up with you guys later, if you need me I’m going to Promised Land!”

“Are you sure you’ll be all right on your own Wally?” Twilight asked cautiously. “It can be easy to get lost here.”

“I’ll be fine!” Wally called already galloping away. “Catch ya later!”

“…He’s gonna get lost.” Spike deadpanned.

“No, he’ll be fine.” Twilight said uncertainly. “Right?”

“He’s a grown man- well, stallion.” Bastian said. “I’m sure he can take care of himself. In the meantime we have more pressing matters to attend to.”

“You’re right.” Twilight nodded. “Let’s go.”

As the purple Unicorn led them higher into the city Bastian noticed the Unicorns who lived there were giving them queer looks ranging from mild interest as they sipped their tea in the numerous cafes to actual alarm as they passed by them in the street. Bastian found himself reminded strongly of some of the Elves he had met in his travels, who made no effort to hide their nose wrinkling disgust at his presence, as if he and his kinsmen where little more than animals rolling in the mud. He quickly glimpsed into their thoughts and most of them were thinking more or less the same thing.

What on earth are those… things?

Some kind of deformed Minotaur?

They’re kind of… attractive in a weird sort of way… Nopony must ever know my shame…

Who does Twilight think she is? Just because she’s the Princess’s prized pupil does not give her the right to parade a pair of monkeys through our town!

I don’t know what they get up to in Ponyville but this isn’t a circus you know!

Lielle seemed oblivious to the stares, too caught up in taking in the sights. Twilight however seemed to notice the looks and quickened her pace to a light trot, moving just fast enough for Bastian and Lielle to keep up. They reached to highest part of the Canterlot where the city ended and the castle grounds began. They ventured across the castle’s outer courtyard and crossed a long ivory bridge that stretched across a deep chasm in the mountain before arriving at the castle gates where they were stopped by a pair or royal EUP guards. Both were tall and muscular stallions, one a Unicorn with a stark white coat and dark blue mane and the other a Pegasus with a brown coat and light blue mane. They were both wearing golden armor and helmets that reminded Bastian of the Imperial legionnaires back home.

“Halt!” The Pegasus pony said. “None may enter the castle unless on royal business!”

“State your intent citizen!” The Unicorn said. “But speak carefully for you are addressing a member of the- T-Twily?”

Twilight gasped and then squealed in delight.

“Shining Armor!” She exclaimed. “I was hoping I’d get the chance to see you while I was here!”

“Hey there little sis!” The Unicorn said nuzzling his sister in a pony hug. “Oh wow it’s been awhile! How have things been in Ponyville?”

“That’s actually why we’re here.” Twilight said. “Shining this is Bastian Bellrend and Lielle Ervine. They’re friends of mine. Guys, this is my older brother Shining Armor!”

“It’s nice to meet you. Any friend of little Twilight’s is a friend of mine.” He said extending a hoof.

“Hey, wait a minute. I recognize you! You were in the paper!” The Pegasus said as Bastian shook Shining’s hoof. “You two are some of those aliens right?”

“Yes we are.” Bastian nodded. “Twilight is taking us to the castle to speak with the Princesses.”

“Well don’t let us keep you.” Shining said. “Twily, once my shift is over we should catch up!”

“Absolutely!” Twilight smiled. “Donut Joe’s?”

“You know it!” He said as they hoof bumped.

His horn glowed light blue and the gates began to creak open.

“Hold it!” Twilight said.

The gates glowed purple and slammed shut.

“What’s wrong?” Shining asked.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight repeated with a frown. “You were about to let an unknown visitor into the castle and you didn’t even check the package he was carrying! It could have been something dangerous! You’re never going to make captain if you don’t follow standard procedure!”

“But I know you!” Shining said. “You vouch for them right?”

“Of course I do but for all you know they could be assassins controlling my mind with magic or something! Uh, no offense guys.”

“None taken?”

“She’s got a point dude.” The Pegasus said with a shrug. “I mean, you never know.”

“Yeah I guess.” The Unicorn sighed. “So what is it anyway?”

“A gift for the Princesses.” Bastian replied. “A token of friendship in all good faith, right?”

“Right!” Twilight nodded.

Bastian un-wrapped the package and revealed a long sword forged from the hardest steel. Its blade was about three feet long and covered in traditional Nordic runes and patterns and its short anthropomorphic handle was wrapped in fine leather. The blade seemed to glow blue in the sunlight and wisps of fog lazily rose from it as if the blade was forged from ice rather than steel. Lielle gasped and balked at the sight of it.

“Bastian no! You can’t really-

“Wow!” Shining said. “Hey 8-bit, this thing looks like it came right out of one of Gaffer’s Oubliettes and Ogres games!”

“No kidding!” The Pegasus said. “Look at that glow! I’ll bet that it’s magic huh? What are we talking? +3? +4?”

“It is enchanted yes.” Bastian said covering the blade back up. “Now if everything is in order we really must be continuing on.”

“Oh yeah yeah.” Shining said. “Go on ahead.”

The gates opened up and Twilight sighed. She loved her big brother more than anything but the young stallion just didn’t take his work seriously. When the day came that he said he wanted to join the guard she thought that maybe this would be a turning point for him but instead he spends his time with his buddies playing games and goofing off. He and Wally would get along like two apples in a barrel.

The inner courtyard was full of ponies that lived in the castle, mostly students from Celestia’s school that were studying for their summer programs, a few guards and some of the Princess’s personal hoof-maidens. A few familiar faces waved to Twilight and she waved in return as she led Bastian and Lielle into the castle proper. Spike reached over the top of Twilight’s head, grabbed the door knocker in his scaled claw and knocked three times. The door was answered by a very old Unicorn Stallion in a tailcoat. His mane was the color of cotton, his coat was a very light pastel blue and his cutie mark was that of a silver platter.

“It’s good to see you again Miss Sparkle.” He said regarding them with a cool, neutral expression.

He didn’t smile at them but his tone wasn’t unfriendly either.

“It’s nice to see you too Woodstable.” Twilight smiled. “We have an appointment with the Princesses?”

“Ah yes.” He nodded. “Her majesty Princess Celestia is waiting for you in the eastern drawing room. Please follow me.”

-The Pony Scrolls-

Wally hummed to himself as he trotted down the streets of Canterlot.

“I’m gonna get some comic books, some comic books, some comic books! I’m gonna get some comic books! Some comic books? Some comic books! Comic books for meeeeeeee!”

He halted in front of the comic book store with a screech and “EEEEEEEEEE”d excitedly. The store was positioned in a prime location to peddle its wares, right on the corner by a school cart stop and a convenience store. The building stood two stories tall and was made of bricks painted white and topped with a green roof. There was a single green wooden door flanked by two large windows showing off the merchandise inside. Wally pressed his face against the glass and shuddered in excitement, practically drooling on himself as he gazed into the shop. A group of four ponies were sitting at a wooden table playing a tabletop game while a few others were playing some kind of card game a few tables over. A chubby earth pony in a jersey with a pale white coat, a black mane and goatee stood behind the counter talking with a customer.

“Okay!” Wally said peeling his face from the window with a pop. “I gotta make sure my mind and body are ready to handle this! This isn’t some general store comic rack! This is the big time! This store has an issue of every comic book EVER printed!”

The pony took in a deep breath to center himself and ran into the store screaming. The bell rang overhead and all the ponies inside jumped in fright as the green pony tore into the store like a raiding Goblin-Pony.

“Dude, what’s your damage!” A pony cried.

“I am Wally Melon!” Wally declared loudly. “I am a level 14 Knight of the Golden Sun! I have adventured through the Caves of those who are Long Forgotten! Vanquished the Iron Giant of the Lost Dwarrow-Kin! Defeated the Lich Lord in single combat! United the Sundered Kingdom! I left my money at home so I’m just here to browse!”

“That-that’s cool dude just chill out. You’re making me nervous.” The store owner said. “I’m First Printing, the owner of the Everink Comic Shop. Uh, is there anything in particular I can help you find? We’re having a blowout sale so everything is half off.”

“Aw man!” Wally whined. “I’ll have to come back later! If I find anything good can you hold it for me?”

“Yeah sure.” First Printing said. “No problem.”

“Yay!”

Wally began to glide through the rows of comic books like a phantom, his eyes hungrily searching the library of illustrated story telling for anything of interest. Each comic was sealed inside of a plastic sleeve to protect it from dust and placed standing up on the shelf to display its cover. Shelves lined the walls of the store displaying all sorts of games and books. Hanging from racks were packages of dice and cards and other collectibles that Wally would never have been able to find in his hometown.

Wally was home.

“Okay!” Wally said placing a stack of comics down on the counter. “This is all I could find but go ahead and ring them up. Like I said, I’ll be back later to get them.”

First Printing picked up the comic on top of the stack and smiled.

“You got some good tastes bud. Knight Stallion is one of my favorites!”

“Mine too! He’s so cool! Did you hear that they’re doing a cross over with Bat-Mane! I can’t wait! Oh could I pre-order it here?”

The stallion smiled sadly at the eager youngling.

“Sorry bro. We’ll be out of business before its release.”

“WHAT?!” Wall exclaimed. “Y-y-y-you’re going out of business?!”

“Yeah sucks I know but it can’t be helped. The colts and fillies just don’t seem to be into this scene like when my old stallion ran the place.”

“But this place is one of the oldest comic stores in all of Equestria! It’s been here forever! Long have I heard the tales of the Everink comic store! Long have I desired to travel and seek out its contents! I’m finally big enough to come here by myself whenever I want! You can’t just close!”

“Hey don’t get all bent out of shape alright?” First Printing cried. “How do you think I feel? How all of us feel?”

Wally looked around at all the sad ponies as they shifted in their seats.

“This store has been a safe haven for those who get picked on at school.” First Printing said. “A place of laughter and cheer! Where even the outcasts of society can rise to any challenge and become heroes! A place for ponies to painstakingly plan an O&O campaign only to have it fall apart after like, two or three sessions! A place for those who would rather go to a renaissance fair than go to a polo game to support those ponies that bully them on a daily basis and are looked down upon for doing so! The ponies who memorized the entire Star Pony saga and can recite it by heart!”

“I- I’m sorry.” Wally said, his ears flattening. “I wasn’t thinking. Of course you wouldn’t want to close down! This place is your home! And we have to save it!”

“How are we supposed to do that?” One of the colts asked.

Wally rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“Well, my uncle always told me that this place was packed after school and on weekends. What changed?” Wally asked.

“Well, when they say that we have at least a single issue of every comic ever printed that’s only half true. We have a great selection up here in the shop but the really good stuff is down below in the vault.” First Printing said.

“The vault?” Wally asked.

“Yeah, my dad kept all of the first editions and rare printings in a secret vault underneath the store.”

“A secret stash!” Wally gasped.

“Yeah, all ponies were welcome to come and look at my dad’s private collection but after he passed on, well, none of us have been able to go down there.”

“Why?” Wally asked. “Is it haunted by his vengeful spirit or something?”

“No nothing like that dude.” First Printing scoffed. “It’s just there are, like, a hundred crazy booby traps between here and there. Pitfalls, poison darts, those swinging blade things, snake launchers… yeah my pops was super protective of his collection. Anyway, if somepony could just navigate through all of that and make into the main chamber and recover the crown jewel of the collection then that might just bring some of our customers back. Or I could just sell it and use that money to keep the shop open… Hay, I could probably just retire and work on my screen play…”

“I VOLUNTEER!” Wally declared.

“What?”

“I will go into the vaults and recover the comic and save this shop!”

The ponies stared at him before they all broke into laughter.

“Ah new blood, you’re a silly character, anypony ever tell you that?” A pony said.

“I’m serious!” Wally exclaimed. “I’ll go alone if I have to but I swear on Celestia’s crown I’ll recover the comic!”

“Many have tried, all have failed.” First Printing warned. “I can’t stop you from taking on this task, any and all that love comics would do the same in your horseshoes but I warn you, the road ahead is a dangerous one.”

“I will succeed!” Wally said. “Failure is not an option!”

“Very well.” First Printing said solemnly. “Come with me.”

He led Wally to the back of the store and to an old trap door in the floor with all of the store’s patrons following closely behind. First Printing pulled the trapdoor up and revealed a staircase that descended into complete and utter darkness. Wally froze and gulped nervously.

“What’s wrong?” A colt giggled. “Scared of the dark?”

“H-Hey!” Wally said defensively. “This isn’t just regular old darkness okay? This is like, advanced darkness!”

First Printing flipped a light switch and the stair case lit up.

“Oh.” Wally said.

“Are you sure you want to go through with this?” First Printing asked. “We wouldn’t think any less of you if you backed down.”

“I would.” A filly said taking a puff from her inhaler.

“No, actually I feel a lot better now. It’s a lot less scary with the lights on.” Wally said.

Wally took in a deep breath and charged into the basement with a battle cry that would make his Nordic neighbors proud and the door slammed shut behind him.

“You told him about the Sphinx and the Iron Horseshoes right?” A colt asked First Printing.

“I’m pretty sure I did.” He said rubbing his chin. “Didn’t I? No I did… didn’t I?”

The children exchanged dubious glances.

“Wanna go play a foal’s card game?”

“Sure.”

-The Pony Scrolls-

As a human that came from a world in which ponies and horses were simple domesticated beasts of burden, Bastian had no idea what to expect in terms of royal equestrian interior design, which to be fair, was never something he considered until now. It was definitely regal, there was no question about that but it was unlike anything he had seen in Skyrim save for maybe the Blue Palace in Solitude or Dragon’s Reach which were proper castles unlike the long houses that the Jarls in the other holds lived in.

A long red carpet traveled along the length of the entrance hall’s floor and up a marble stair case that branched off to two separate hallways on the left and right with another set of hallways on the ground floor. Sunlight bled through a pair of stained glass windows on the landing depicting the two royal sisters. The floor of the castle was made from white and light purple marble that had been polished to a bright reflective shine and the lavender walls were trimmed in gold and adorned with banners and tapestries baring the royal crest. The air itself was sweet here, smelling of vanilla and lavender.

“This way please.” Woodstable said.

He led them down a hallway on the right side of the ground floor of the entrance hall. The windows of the grand hallway were open and a gentle breeze was blowing through the purple silk curtains.

“This castle is beautiful!” Lielle said. “Are you a servant?”

“I am the Princesses personal butler, yes.” Woodstable said. “I oversee things here in the royal palace, managing servants and orders, and making sure that everything runs smoothly as did my father and his father before him.”

“It sounds like a big job.” Lielle said.

“Oh yes it is indeed.” Woodstable said. “But it is not without its merits. I take great pride in my job miss as should all, whether it is buttling to royalty or cleaning the streets of our beautiful cities. Everypony has their place in society. It is a shame that there are so many unsung heroes in this land that go unappreciated.”

“I hadn’t thought about it like that.” Lielle said thoughtfully. “I’ll have to be more mindful I suppose.”

“Do what you feel you must.” Woodstable said.

They reached the end of the hall and came to a beautiful wooden door tall enough for even the humans, and especially a princess, to pass through.

“A moment if you please.” Woodstable said.

He entered the room and closed the door behind him. He returned a minute later and said “Princess Celestia shall see you now.”

He opened the door for them and they stepped into the drawing room. The walls of the drawing room were covered in felt wallpaper the same color as the other walls of the castle and the marble floor was covered in beautifully woven rug depicting the royal symbol of the princesses. A brilliant crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling and an unlit fireplace rested on the north wall, its body carved from polished marble and its legs sculpted into the likeness of two Alicorns. Princess Celestia was sitting on a large purple cushion in the middle of the room behind a long wooden table. She smiled at them warmly as Woodstable announced them.

“Miss Twilight Sparkle and her companions to see you your majesty.”

“Thank you Woodstable.” Celestia said.

“Can I get you anything ma’am?”

“I think we’ll be fine for now.” Celestia said. “That will be all.”

“Thank you ma’am.”

Woodstable took his leave and Celestia rose from her seat as they approached.

“Good morning Twilight.” She said affectionately taking the Unicorn into a wing hug. “And good morning to you Mister Bellrend, Miss Ervine. I trust you all enjoyed yourselves last night?”

“Almost as much as the ponies.” Bastian said. “Your highness, Miss Sparkle informed me of the local custom of presenting gifts as a token of good will.”

The Princess blinked and raised an eyebrow.

“Well, yes. It’s an old tradition and not one that we hold ponies to anymore but it’s always nice to receive presents if that is your wish.” She smiled.

“It is.” Bastian said.

Spike frowned at Twilight as she blushed nervously. Sure, the book she read was on ancient royal customs but you can’t fault a mare for being thorough can you? Bastian unfolded the oil cloth and revealed the sword to the princess.

“This blade is called Wrath of the North.” Bastian said. “It was forged by the late Eorlund Gray-Mane, the greatest blacksmith in all of Skyrim, and enchanted by myself for the Last Dragonborn to carry into battle against Alduin with the hopes and prayers of all of Skyrim that he may slay him. It was the blade he held when he met his end on the Throat of the World. I give it to you as a token of friendship in all good faith.”

Celestia actually seemed speechless by the gift. Usually it’s something that does have some cultural meaning, like something that the delegate’s homeland is known for, like an exotic fish or a bag of turnips but never something like this.

“That’s extremely generous of you Mister Bellrend but are you sure that you would be willing to part with such a thing? Something like this would be better suited to stay with your people.”

“You and your ponies have shown more kindness to us than we ever hoped to find in a new world.” Bastian said. “You have welcomed us with open arms, gave us food and shelter, clothing and medical treatment. Because of you we can rebuild and begin our lives anew. For the first time in years we have a future. Equestria is that future and years from now I hope the day will come when our heritage, our history will be considered Equestria’s as well. Under the circumstances I can think of no better gift to give you.”

The princess smiled at the mage and levitated the sword from its resting place.

“I hope so too.” She said. “It’s a beautiful blade Bastian Bellrend and I am honored to accept it.”

A silver bell on the table magically rose in the air and Celestia rang it. The note had not even left her guest’s ears when Woodstable appeared in the doorway.

“You rang ma’am?”

“Woodstable, I would like you to take this sword and find a place for it in the vaults, a place of honor if you please.”

“It will be done ma’am.” He said taking the sword from her with his own magic.

He left the room and Celestia took her original seat at the table.

“Please have a seat and we can begin.”

They took seats around the table and Bastian saw that a topographically accurate map of Equestria had been laid out that took up almost the entire length of the grand table. Bastian could see miniature towns, rivers, mountains and forests sprawling over the land and realized just how big the Princesses domain was.

“Where is Princess Luna your majesty?” Lielle asked.

“She won’t be joining us just yet I’m afraid.” Celestia said. “She maintains irregular hours due to her royal duties and she is resting but you may see her later. Now let’s get started. We have much to do. You might already have an idea of what we are going to discuss?”

“I was hoping we could discuss where we could build our homes.” Bastian said.

“Of course.” Celestia nodded. “Ensuring that your people have shelter will be our top priority. I believe the best place for you to build will be here.”

Her horn glowed and a long white quill levitated out of a crystal ink well. She circled a large area of the map in ink.

“It will put you a little close to Everfree Forest, closer than most ponies would like but it will give you access to fresh water and the train tracks so you could build your own train station.”

“That’s very generous of you your majesty.” Bastian said. “It’s a large sum of land.”

“Enough for you to build homes and farms and for you to expand in the days to come.” She agreed. “Do you find this agreeable?”

“Yes your majesty.”

“Excellent.” She said. “You may take this map with you when you leave. This was the easy part I’m afraid, now things will get to be a bit more complicated.”

The map rolled itself up and she levitated it over to lean against the wall by the door. Her horn glowed again and in a flash the table in front of them was stacked high with scrolls and books.

“What- what is all this?” Lielle asked.

Celestia smiled at them but sighed internally.

“Paper work.” Bastian said blankly.

“A necessary evil in any society I’m afraid.” Celestia said. “You’ve only just arrived here and none of you are officially registered so you have no legal standing as citizens. I can “decree” that you are now citizens of Equestria all I like but in order for it to be official it has to be in writing. Any and all treaties that Equestria has formed with other nations and kingdoms, any declarations of peace or trade agreements must be updated to include your people. Bastian, since you don’t know the language and obviously I’m not going to make you sign something you can’t read, Twilight and I would be happy to translate these documents for you to ensure you understand them. You can sign them in your own signature and it will still be considered legally binding. If you would like, Lielle can also sign for you in my presence with your permission.”

“It would help moves things along certainly.” Bastian agreed.

“Do you find this agreeable?” Celestia asked Lielle.

“Sure.” She nodded. “Anything I can do to help.”

“Excellent.” Celestia said. “Now then.”

A pair of quills levitated in front of the two humans. They took them and Celestia opened the first scroll and levitated a small pair of glasses onto her face.

“Let us begin.”

Author's Notes:

Hey! Another chapter! This story might feel a bit slow to some but I promise some action and plot is on its way. No, not that kind of plot... maybe that plot. I don't know. Another chapter might be posted within the next few days.