There was no hiding the recent events from the other princesses. In short order, Twilight was given a deadline for the arrival of Celestia and Luna to assess the latest super-warrior addition to her castle. As such, her panic was at usual levels of mania.

Te'kan was hesitant to interact with the clearly insane equine, but he had found himself warming to the endearing little drake she kept as a pet. It had taken the better part of the week they had to prepare to reach that point, but Spike was pragmatic, clever, and clearly had the purple pony’s number. Most importantly, Spike had answered his every question in a short, efficient manner. He had stopped asking Princess Twilight questions to avoid the lectures.

Spike had been enamored with a fighting force that styled itself after dragons, or rather salamanders, native to Nocturne, homeworld and base of operations for Te'kan and his brothers. Te'kan had, the evening before, tentatively shared his story of his hunt for a Salamander as his initiation rites. He had left out the fatal, gruesome details, but had pointed out the honor brand he had earned. Every time he pointed out one of the brands, the little drake seemed a bit squeamish, which would make Te'kan grin.

However, he remained frighteningly cold for one so hot blooded in the presence of Hesperos. Some feuds were too old and bloody to simply forego, as Twilight was frustrated to learn. On the bright side, Te'kan had come to terms with his predicament.

He was just as trapped as the rubricae.

With no other foes of the Emperor present and the rubricae clearly being both subservient to and under the care of the princess for reasons beyond his ken, Te'kan had accepted his only option was to bide his time and be at peace with the locals. Aside from their frightfully potent witchcraft, little about them even remotely intimidated the astartes. Natives of his homeworld, human or otherwise, were far more imposing. He only had reason to fear the pink one.

The pink one, he shuddered to think of, was impossible. Ever present, always more aware than she seemed. Strong enough to nearly lift him from his feet in a hug and durable enough his reflex to crush her in his iron-strong arms was, to her, merely an impressive bear hug. He would have more concern and venom towards her if she had not proven so adept with food. Somehow, some way, she had replicated a couple of Nocturnian recipes from offhand, overheard conversations within the castle.

The galaxy would fall to madness if there were others like her.

Thankfully Twilight assured him that was not the case. She did, however, provide ample desensitization to the myriad improbabilities and eccentricities of the world he now inhabited. It was for this reason the announcement that the princesses would be arriving the next morning did little to phase him.

Hesperos watched from the shadows in amusement with Luna, who had intermittently shadow-walked to join him in his observations and place bets on the inevitable meeting.

19 - Final Royal Introductions

The diarchs of Canterlot sat in the Council of Friendship with Twilight, Spike, and Hesperos. Twilight had dismissed her guards. The air was thick with a tense silence. China clinked as the ponies took tea. Te’kan sat quietly, declining to partake. Twilight was sweating nervously.

Spike wandered back in from the kitchen, looking between the silent princesses and humans. “Oh come on! You guys are making this harder than it has to be.” All eyes turned to him.

“Te’kan, you won’t hurt anypony right?” The Salamander nodded hesitantly. “He is as good as his word! I know, he was super serious about his oaths of moment. Will an oath work now?”

The royal sisters, looked between each other. Celestia seemed hesitant, but Luna nodded. “We would be satisfied with a solemnly sworn oath.” This much seemed to register with Te’kan. He stood, taking a knee and looking to Spike. “Later, can you have wax and parchment ready for me? I would make a proper oath of moment.” All eyes were on him.

“By the honor of my chapter, and the grace of the Emperor, I shall not harm an innocent creature of this realm or bring ruin to your land.” It was spoken with gravelly surety, his crimson eyes intense and earnest.

“Huzzah! It is done then. See? Not so much trouble, sister.” Celestia rolled her eyes at Luna, but smiled and nodded, adding, “Welcome to Equestria, Te’kan. We shall endeavor to aid you in returning home but shall welcome you so long as you remain.”

The Salamander seemed offput, at a loss for words, and simply nodded his agreement and gratitude. Spike walked over with a happy cheer and raised an open claw for a high five. The Salamander blinked before hesitantly completing the gesture.

Hesperos was satisfied, though reservations lingered. He looked to the ceiling, and beyond it to the heavens. The warp was idyllic where it touched this word. Quiet, calm, harmonious.

Why, then, did he have a growing sense of trepidation?

Author's Notes:

Finally, another chapter! The downside? In looking at where the story is, and where I would like it to go, this here is the end to the second act of our story. it may be some time, but there shall be a third. The conflict, the climax, and the end.

Blessed is the mind too small for doubt.