Twilight yawned as she rose from her bed, slinking down the steps in a zombie like state as she lumbered into the kitchen and began to brew a pot of coffee. in her half sleepy state her body was on autopilot, going through a preconceived course of preparing for the morning.

It was however when she spotted two stallions in the corner of the library sleeping together did the autopilot shut off and the little twilight pony in her brain took the controls. she took a curious look and saw Nightquill sleeping on a pile of pillows she let her and her friends use for the stormy night when Rarity and Applejack slept over and decided to keep the pillows down stairs, Applejack and Pinkie Pie opted to sleep the bed in the Basement that Nyx slept in when she was Queen of Equestria, it was more then big enough for the two ponies.

but when she looked closer she saw Nightquill was serving as a pillow himself as Broadsword had his head rested on his side, using the pegasus wing as a makeshift pillow. where pegasus wings that comfortable? she knew they were very strong appendages, if anything the muscle and bone mass would have made it feel uncomfortable. unless the feathers and fur was the real culprit of the softness and comfort.

Twilight looked at the two, she was quite aware what was going on and opted instead to let the two sleep, hopefully the smell of breakfast will wake them before a certain curious Alicorn sees them and she starts asking question she's too young to understand the answers to.

And as it were the smell of Pancakes stirred the two from their sleep, however as Nightquill woke up he noticed the ancient Unicorn using him as a pillow, he remembered reading a book and falling asleep but when did that happen?

Before the light Blue Pegasus could say anything though, Broadsword yawned as he slowly rose,  he blinked the sleep from his eyes and once finding his head nestled in the crook of Nightquill's back and neck, he quickly shot his head up and blushed.

"Uhm.... good morning." Nightquill said.

"Morning...." Broadsword muttered pawing at the floor with his hoof.

Nightquill looked into the kitchen, breakfast wasn't ready yet and no doubt twilight saw them sleeping, might as well address the dragon in the room.

"So.... I take it pegasus wings are good pillows huh?" he chuckled, though he was still embarrassed.

"Yeah, soft feathers and fur make the difference, they're a lot fluffier then you'd expect." Broadsword said trying to regain his composure.

the two went silent for several minutes, the only thing breaking that silence was the sizzle of pancakes, and Twilight's occasional curse whenever a pancake got stuck to the frying pan.

Finally, Broadsword sighed and looked to Nightquill. "can I ask you something, Nightquill?"

Nightquill glanced back at the unicorn and smiled. "of course, I'm an open book."

Broadsword once again pawed nervously at the floor. "Well.... I like to ask, If you found somepony interested in you more then just your sister. what would you do? I know you two were arranged, and I can tell she likes you and all, but I honestly don't think it's healthy."

Nightquill however smiled. "No your right. despite what some of you might believe. it's actually why Sunbeam and I spoke privately that night before we left. not for what a certain pink Alicorn with a rather dirty mind may have thought." He extended his wings and stretched them, little pops emanated from them as he winced, the flight to Ponyville was hard on the Pegasus. he was a good flier but not built for long flights, his wings demanded a day to recover and rest.

"And, what did you talk about?" Broadsword asked, wincing as he heard the pops.

Nightquill rested his wings to his sides, letting them droop a little as he nestled more into the pile of pillows. "she wants me to find somepony that isn't her. we both knew even if we did get together it won't work out. and when Nyx cleared the minds of the town, Sunbeam knew she had to move on. we'll still be very close of course. we're so closely bonded together I doubt it'll ever fade."

Broadsword smiled and rested a hoof on the Pegasus wing. "there's no wrong in that."

Nightquill smiled. "So uhm. yeah. she and I decided against proceeding with the arranged marriage. she wants me to be happy with somepony else."

Broadsword couldn't help but smile. he had broke some ice with Nightquill, still simply blurting it out his feelings won't be easy.

"So tell me, what makes you attracted to me?" Nightquill asked with a gentle laugh.

Broadsword balked and snapped his head looking at Nightquill like he just spawned next to him. "How did you....?"

Nightquill chuckled. "my sister sunbeam's talent isn't just leading ponies. she's good at reading their emotions. she saw how you were looking at her when she was around me. plus, I kinda picked up on it a lot recently too."

Broadsword went silent, his ears drooped as he once again pawed at the floor. "Oh... I didn't mean to make her feel uncomfortable."

"it's quite alright. so are you going to tell me or do I need to be more creative in my interrogation?" Nightquill asked with a rather suggestive grin that made Broadsword's whole face go red.

"Uuuuhhh.... well... uhhh." Broadsword cleared his throat and chuckled. "wow you got some interesting ways to ask a question. but... well..." he sighed and sat up. "you see, when we met for the first time I didn't see much in you at first. if I'm honest. I wasn't sure I liked you." He smiled. "and when you told us why you were chosen to escort Nyx and Twilight to Saddle Tor, I was certain my feelings were correct. but when you instead chose to help Nyx instead of kill her, I saw the real you... it's part of why I asked you to join the order. your true virtue shun bright for the first time I met you.

"But, as we started to travel together I felt more then that. You weren't just a pony who was a good fighter, you saw things we couldn't see on the path. in truth, I began to find you more and more attractive. And then... well... You saved me."

Nightquill gaped but then thought back to the poisoned spike pit of overkill back on the path. Broadsword nearly fell into it had he not grab and pull him away. "Oh yes. I remember."

Broadsword smiled and nodded. "Yes." he sighed still smiling. "we knights look out for one another, true. it's to be expected. but for some reason, because of your training. you saw the pit when I didn't, any of the others could have came up and pull me out. Honestly I could have been fine, My armor would have protected me. but you knew better and pulled me up. I may not have showed it but I was more then greatful you saved me.

"as we went on and faced your brother and the Pegasus Hunters I wanted badly to join at your side, but we were kept separated during the fight, but..." he paused and went quiet before broadsword continued. "but it's when Dark Feather had you pinned on the ground and about to kill you that I feared loosing you. I didn't realize how important you were to me and when I realized I was going to loose you I realized how I felt..."

Nightquill wrapped his wing around Broadsword and smiled. "I think I get it now."

Broadsword nuzzled into his neck. this still made Nightquill freeze and blush but he soon relaxed.

"I'm surprised your okay with this, I figured you preferred mares considering you and your sister were so close." Broadsword said as he leaned in on the pegasus.

Nightquill smirked. "Actually... hehe it's because I grew up around my sister if anything I prefer stallions. Sunbeam's friends were my friends and fillies would talk about colts and such. I was part of the group too. granted I didn't partake in getting my hooves painted. though I have been told I look good with my mane done up in a ponytail."

Broadsword paused imagining  it and chuckled. "can't say I'd disagree.... so... your okay with this?"

Nightquill looked to Broadsword and smiled, hugging him close with his wing yet wincing a bit when it popped. "the fact you were honest with me made me even more sure I am. and to be honest I did think your handsome when we first met."

Broadsword grinned, however before he could reply Twilight came up.

"Goodmorning, I have breakfast ready."

"Oh! good I am pretty hungry. Forgive me but I got rather tired of those sandwiches." Nightquill said. though  as he got up he grimaced and strained only to collapse back on the floor. "I'm sorry I'm still very exhausted. I never flew so far in my life!"

Twilight tapped her hoof and smiled. "it's okay I'll bring the food in here and we can all eat in the library together. just please don't get any syrup on the books."

Twilight cantered to the kitchen, levitating the table and plates into the library and sat it down infront of Nightquill and Broadsword, then sat their plates down before them greeting them with their own pancakes.

"thank you, Twilight." Nightquill said as he began to eat.

"Can I say something?" Twilight asked rubbing the back of her head.

The stallions only looked up then at each other, a little worried of what she'll say but nodded.

"now, I have nothing against what you two feel for each other. Infact I think it's rather adorable. but I do ask to not bring it up around Nyx. not that I don't want her exposed, far from it. it's just that Nyx is a very curious filly and when she gets curious she starts asking questions."

Broadsword nodded. "no no, it's quite all right. we understand."

as though speaking her name enough times would summon her, Nyx came down from the upstairs bedroom and yawned, the smell of pancakes drew her to the table as she sat and began to eat.

"good morning, everypony." she looked to Broadsword and Nightquill and smiled. "Ah it's about time you two got together!"

the two looked at eachother rather astonished and amazed.

"You knew about them?" Twilight asked. "how?"

"Oh I heard Broadsword talk in his sleep how he wanted to whisk Nightquill away to Saddle tor and be together... the rest was all mumbling so I couldn't understand it."

Broadsword was now the one blushing as Nightquill looked to him with a grin and raised eyebrow. as though catching the Ancient unicorn in a naughty act.

"So... what's your opinion of it?" Twilight asked, worried of the onslaught of difficult questions she'd soon have to answer.

Nyx smiled as she began to eat her pancakes, sipping some milk leaving the little filly a white mustache.

"My opinion on what?" Nyx asked then looked at the two. "it's no big deal Ponies get together all the time."

Twilight smiled. "Well some ponies I'm afraid do feel two ponies who are the same gender shouldn't be together, because to them it's wrong."

Nyx paused in thought, then shook her head returning to her pancakes. "why should I care if they're colt and filly, or colt and colt, or filly and filly? all that matters is they found their special somepony and are happy. isn't that what's important?"

Twilight couldn't stop herself and hug Nyx tight, then stole a bite of her pancake and receiving protest from the little Alicorn filly.

"You truely are wise for your youth, young Nyx." Broadsword said as he looked to Nightquill.

"so what are we gonna do today?" Nyx asked taking another bite of her pancake.

"You were lucky to injure Queen Ryugu when you did." Broadsword said as he ate.

"he's right, cracking a horn takes time to heal. she won't be able to do much until it does." Twilight said but looked to Nightquill eating without his hooves or wings. "and we need time to recover. so that's what we'll do."

"Good thing too. my wings make this horrible popping sound when they move." Nightquill said as he raised one, a range of different pops sounding from it causing the pegasus to wince. "OW!"

Broadsword held his wing down and smiled. "and we can get to know each other more."

Nyx smiled. "why not take Nightquill to the spa? I'm sure they can help him recover better."

Twilight smiled and nodded. "Good idea, Nyx! I do believe I have some coupons Rarity gave me. you two can go together if you like?"

Broadsword smiled and nodded. "I can use some relaxing as well."

Nyx paused and tapped her chin. "hmmm. did they have spas three thousand years ago?"

Broadsword chuckled finishing his plate. "Yes, M'lady. they did. they spa ponies were quite good at the time too. I like the steam rooms personally."

"You just want to see me in a towel." Nightquill whispered in his ear.

"Not in front of the young crusader. but yes." Broadsword grinned.

Nyx grinned at her last pancake like she was a Tyrannosaurus that just cornered her prey, and like the long extinct animal, bit down and tore the meal piece by piece as she ate it. leaving only a small corner to survive before she ate it as well.

"RRAAAAWR!" Nyx growled and giggled.

Twilight sighed and smiled as she finished her breakfast. she let Nyx read a book about dinosaurs before bed. the two wanted some form of normalcy before that morning, and Nyx was now the queen of the pancakes.

"enjoyed that book huh? Well why don't you be a good little dinosaur pony and help mom with the dishes?" Twilight asked as she levitated some plates.

Nyx nodded and without a word began to help out Twilight by getting the glasses and silverware. Broadsword helped Nightquill up before pausing.

"what's a dinosaur?"

Nightquill grinned. "Oh, Dinosaurs are ancient animals that went extinct a long time ago before ponies even appeared." Nightquill said completely cutting Twilight off before she could answer. "there were various different species, subspecies, in fact it's believed some of them evolved into the birds we have today!"

Twilight stared at Nightquill and smiled. "Wow your pretty smart for a pony who's town was secluded for some time. uhm... no offence."

Nightquill smiled. "none taken, actually when a pony came to Hollow Shades they often brought books with them. and we had ponies leave the town to get books and other supplies for us. we weren't completely shut out we took what we needed but left a very small hoofprint behind."

"May I ask what your cutie mark is?" Twilight asked. "are you a writer?"

Nightquill looked at his flank, a blue feather with three stars above it. "Actually I'm more of a scholar. I love to do research and learn new things and expand upon that knowledge. in fact I wanted to be a school teacher."

"then why didn't you?"

"Well my father wanted me to be a Hunter instead. it was an honorable position. but it wasn't that he didn't approve of my talents. far from it, when I had time off from my Hunter duties, he would permit me to work with the other researchers and scholars at the temple of Harmony. I even got to teach at Hollow Shades school for children.

"My father may have been clouded, he may have been harsh on me, but he still wanted me to excel and use my Special talent to extend the knowledge of Hollow Shades." Nightquill paused and sighed. "with certain restrictions, of course. I couldn't teach or research anything about the princesses."

"Well your more then welcome to the books here in the library." Twilight said as she motioned her hoof around the various books on the shelves.

"Oh I've already begun on them. hopefully I can finish a fair amount of them before we leave." Nightquill said as he began for the door to the spa, though it was obvious just moving was difficulty for him.

Nightquill however whinnied when he felt somepony stick their head up his legs and he slid down their back, Broadsword had opted to carry the light blue pegasus who was once again blushing.

"Well how about I take you to the spa? it be a bit difficult for you to read if you can't even turn a page." Broadsword said as he made his way out the door, the spa coupons in tow with his magic.

"You two have fun." Twilight smiled watching the two leave. she turned and saw Nyx grinning ear to ear.

"So we still want to tell your mom for her story? she'll have a blast writing about those two?" Nyx said her tail seemed to be wagging, it's rare but it happens when a pony is excited or happy enough.

Twilight giggled. "Maybe. but let's actually wait until this ordeal is over first, okay?"

Nyx smiled and nodded. "I'll go down and wake up Applejack and Pinkie Pie. they probably sleep for days in that old bed of mine."

Twilight giggled as she went through the books, finding the erotic novel she wanted to read before this whole adventure started, it's been read several times already, but Twilight wanted to read it before some evil mastermind from another dimension or something else that seems to crop up every now and again appeared to ruin their day.

------

the streets of Ponyville weren't as active as they usually are. what with the new crisis of the year posing a threat to the lives of the ponies of Equestria, DJ Pon3 spoke of the giant Alicorn monster that appeared in Hollow Shades and now a new castle had appeared in the badlands. the unusual behavior of the sun and moon were making headlines as well, days were longer and nights were shorter. almost like summer, but the season was still several months before the spring equinox. the Sun was blood red as the moon, this made the daytime sky purple instead of blue. but the sudden light color change didn't seem to make the air feel different. the color change was aesthetic at the very least. but it still didn't feel right.

The ponies of Ponyville however, not knowing what happened to Celestia and Luna simply figured the two princesses were changing things up, or maybe with the new threat, Celestia and Luna were trying to make themselves more intimidating.

One pony however knew this wasn't the case. Rarity cantered through Ponyville down to the industrial corner of town. Twilight and Nyx told her what had happened. and while she would know Celestia and Luna were all right, and how in a way she wanted to see the two no doubt, adorably filly princesses. she knew it was not a sign of good things to come for Equestria. the Pony Petty fashionista made her way to a large building, in the yard on the left hoof side of the building was a smelter for melting metal. it was blowing up smoke and the distinct sounds of a hammer striking metal against an anvil could be heard, she trotted around the building to the back work yard.

The yard was a Smith's work area. the smelter was just part of it. a heating pit sat in the center with an anvil sat just a few hoofsteps away from it, a grinding wheel was set in a corner next to a pile of firewood. near the smelter were large blocks of metal ingots types sitting in a pyramid piles for each type of metal.

Rarity looked to the Anvil as a hammer was brought down and struck a glowing hot rod of metal. as she looked up at the owner of the hammer she saw an Earth Pony, his coat was grey with black coal dust covering him like patches. his mane was auburn red with green eyes. his cutie mark was of a wrench with a bolt in it's grip.

Rarity cleared her throat, not to gain the stallion's attention but because some of the smoke from the fire pit blew in her face. the smell of metal and charcoal blew in her face and assaulted her senses.

"Uhm, Mister Tech I presume?" Rarity asked as she moved up to the stallion. "I'm Rarity, I wrote to you yesterday."

The stallion paused in mid swing of the hammer, he looked up and sat the hammer aside before placing the rod of metal back into the fire pit.

"Ah, Yes. what may I do for you, Miss Rarity?" the pony asked as he opened the door to his shop to let Rarity inside.

"Well, as you know my friends and I have served Equestria before." Rarity began. she went into the shop and looked around. While the royal guard of Canterlot had their armor provided by the royal blacksmith. Ponyville had it's own Blacksmith and supply of armor and weapons for the royal guard that worked there. though it was recently added after discord's defeat. "we defeated Nightmare Moon and Discord, and we helped to free the crystal Empire. But now a new threat has emerged and I feel we simply cannot go against this Queen Ryugu without it turning violent."

the stallion nodded as he looked over Rarity. it wasn't anything uncouth, he was in fact, judging her physique.

"uhm. well, I was looking at the armor my friend twilight was given and was wondering perhaps if you can make armor for my friends and I?" Rarity said getting a bit uneasy from the stallion looking at her body like he was. "so, can you help us, High Tech?"

High Teck smiled and motioned her over to the counter. "Certainly can, miss Rarity. I have a new shipment of moon stone I got from Night Stone Castle. I was the Blacksmith they had working there. I'd be glad to help you ladies out. although if I may...."

The stallion looked over Rarity again, now holding a measuring tape and several ingots of metal. starting with Iron and going towards obsidian and even crystal he ordered from the crystal empire. he held each ingot up to Rarity's coat, seeing how they matched, any that displeased his critical eye was tossed aside in a pile.

"what are you doing?" Rarity asked. she was used to being the one to measure a pony's size, she knew her own measurements, but was never comfortable being on the other end of the measuring tape.

"Miss Rarity, building a set of armor personalized for a pony is similar how you make a dress." High Teck said as he used a claw ruler to measure her head and horn. "armor must be made to fit the wearer snugly. if it was too loose or too tight it will be difficult to move. armor needs to feel like a second skin of protection. it needs to feel natural for it to be affective."

Rarity calmed herself and allowed herself to be measured, though when it came to her stomach she didn't like the ammount of digits she saw on the tape being measured.

"well I have designs if your alright with using them?" Rarity asked as she brought out a few scrolls of paper from her saddle bag.

High Tech smiled and put on a pair of reading glasses as he looked them over. "oh, very nice designs. quite fitting for a mare." as he looked through the others he take each one into consideration. "Perhaps some enamel paint to bring in those details..."

"Oh yes. While I love making dresses, I fear I do not have what it takes to use a smelter... or anvil... or grinder...." Rarity said as she looked at the various sets of armor. one caught her eye and recognized it. on a mannequin was a set of armor. gold plated silver armor with sapphire, emeralds, and rubies studding the gold details. on the chest was the emblem of the sun. "Oh it's absolutely beautiful!"

"Ah, yes I designed that armor for Princess Celestia. she commissioned it several weeks ago. it's not finished of course she asked I enchanted it. which means I have to take it to a mage at Canterlot to do so." High Tech said as he looked through the papers Rarity have gave them. "you have your friend's measurements as well?"

"Hmm?" Rarity looked back to the grey stallion, breaking her focus on the regal Princess Armor. "Oh, yes I had them wrote down after designing the costumes for Hearths Warming Eve. I am certain they should still be accurate."

"I'll be sure to make the armor straps adjustable then." High Tech said as he muttered to himself beginning his work on the parts he'll need. "hmm red stone be good for the farmer... maybe something light for the pink one.... Pegasus armor shouldn't be too heavy... maybe... hmmm. yes that can work."

Rarity watched and smiled as he muttering to himself. not unlike how she would do the same when planning one of her new designs. "If I may ask, for a pony who works as a blacksmith, why is your name High Tech?"

the stallion looked up at her with the small spectacles resting on the bridge of his muzzle. "Oh, well I'm more of an inventor. being a Blacksmith is just part of it. In order to invent, I need the skills to use the smelter and Anvil to build my creations. I design and built things for Princess Celestia. I even made an airship. The Elegance. Although I did hear it crashed recently. I'll need to focus more on air defense for the next one."

Rarity thought on this and recalled the airship was the one Twilight flew before they were attacked by Atronachs. "If that's so why aren't you in Canterlot? Serving as the royal inventor?"

High Tech looked up and smiled as Rarity saw a little unicorn filly gallop in at top speed, she gracefully moved to the side to avoid being ran over by the little filly. she was Sweetie Belle's age but much smaller then she should be, she was dark grey with blue eyes, and a light purple mane.

"Well I have a daughter to raise and wanted her to grow up in a nice town. so we moved here." High Tech answered as he looked to the little filly. "Digit, this is Rarity. she's given us a job."

"Digit? odd name for a filly." Rarity said to herself but smiled politely. "hello dear. just came back from morning class?"

"Actually I'm home schooled. I just came in to help daddy with the shop." Digit chirped as she hopped down on a stool behind a cash register. "I help organize and make orders for Fire and Anvil. that's the name of the shop!" Digit grinned adorably as she began to write down Rarity's order. "So what would this order be?"

Rarity blinked. she was so stunned to see a young filly take up such an important job, but with enthusiasm and what felt like professionalism as well. "Oh! yes, I am ordering Five custom sets of your very best armor. I've supplied the designs I wanted for them."

Digit jotted down the order, holding the pensile with skill in her magical grip. muttering the order to herself to be sure she got it right. "All right, Location of order delivery?"

"Carousal Boutique" Rarity answered as she watch the filly. "I must say your quite professional at such a young age."

Digit beamed with pride as she jotted down the order. "Thank you.... the order will be 12,000 Bits, plus 50 bits for delivery. if you need weapons, depending on the type and what metal we use, it'll be another 70 bits."

Rarity gasped and looked at the bits she had, she didn't expect the armor to cost so much let alone the amount for delivery. however she didn't believe the filly for trying to swindle her. she had a calculator, so her math was on the spot. and the prices for the metals were posted on the wall, she was sure she had more then enough, but she realized since Equestria was frozen for some time, the payment for her recent order hadn't arrived. and the mail ponies weren't working today. in fact most were still frozen in ice.

"I... I'm sorry I don't think I have that much.... but you see we need that armor if we're going against that evil Queen."

Digit became sympathetic. she whispered in her father's ear and after thinking he nodded. smiling and hugging her.

"Okay, how about this." Digit began, calling Rarity's attention. "in light of recent events, we're donating the armor to you for half the price and Delivery will be free."

Rarity looked to the bits she had, she had enough, and more for weapons for at least two of them. "Deal! Although I hope you can squeeze too more orders in?"

Digit looked at Rarity, trying hard but the look in her face told her they were stretching things enough already. the shop was more then a place to buy armor. it was how she and her father made a living. but she sighed and smiled. "Sure. but those will have to be full price."

Rarity smiled and nodded and began to make the order, the father and daughter team looked to the order they were given. High Tech's smile grew as he went to the back room, he motioned Rarity to follow her as he opened a small room vault, inside the vault were more metal ingots, but these were of the highest quality, and upon being asked, Rarity chose five ingots of different metal for the armor. choosing not only for their color, but their weight and strength, stronger metals made heavier armor. lighter ones were good for light armor when used with fabric.

"We'll have the armor ready for you this evening, Miss Rarity. your designs are beautiful but if I'm to make them I'll need to get started immediately."

"Understood, thank you for allowing me to choose the metal. I think light armor will be best for my Pegasus friends, and the colors. I had no idea there was such a variety!"

High Tech nodded as he went to the back yard and began work, Digit helping as well by giving him the tools and taking out the selected mineral ingots Rarity chose. Rarity made her way back to the common area of Ponyville, she had a few bits left and upon seeing the filly scout pony by a donation box smiled as she trotted up to the box and submitted the few bits she had remaining. for some reason she needed to do this. and the smile from the little filly in scout uniform only made her feel better about it.