Ebonshield

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Despite expectorating all over his paperwork, and the look of shock on his face, Sergeant First Class Ebonshield’s VIP did not at least appear to be angry. Her question had clearly upset him, but he was not about to throw her out. Perhaps she had not made so big of a mistake as she thought. She just needed to explain herself.

"I apologize if the question has offended you, sir..."

The Engineer Royal was still sitting there, stupefied, and Ebonshield took a few steps closer to his desk so that she did not speak to him from across the room.

Did he really have no idea?

She had not expected this.

"... I assumed that you were aware of the history of this tradition -- of the assigning guards to single VIPs."

Anonymous put down the half-empty glass and placed his hands on his desk. "Her Majesty told me it was a boon, to ensure my 'security and dignity.'"

Is that what the ancient custom had devolved to, here in Equestria? Or is that merely what the Princess of the Sun told him, knowing the custom remained more than that? Perhaps she should have undergone the VIP service training first, after all, to get a handle on the differences social.

"I am sure the custom is for this as well. But originally, this is a form of hospitality. An unmarried dignitary arrives at court without an entourage. Custom obliges the host to provide their guest with all the creature comforts they require... including companionship."

Mouth still agape, he squinted at her. "Are you saying that's the reason why I've only been assigned mares?"

"For a colt, yes. Unless, of course, he is known to have other preferences."

If he did, her assignment was likely to be very short.

‘¡Ay!’

At least she’d left the Rookery for one night.

Her VIP put a hand up to his forehead. "I'm sorry, Sergeant, but this is the first I've heard of such a tradition, and it's a bit of a shock. Are you absolutely certain of what you're saying?"

A good question. Did she dare expose her ignorance in this matter?

"It is an ancient custom, but one that my people still follow..."

She left that ambiguous phrasing hanging for a few seconds, before deciding to come clean while still clinging to her original statement.

"... The Court of Canterlot may see things differently now, but there is always the gossip about VIPs engaging in dalliances with their retainers. And you have been assigned four eligible mares--"

The Engineer Royal interrupted before she could continue.

"Eligible?! Sparkshower was just telling me this morning about her coltfriend!"

‘Hah, as if having an Equestrian 'coltfriend' would take precedence over duty.’

"But you took her out to the theatre with a ticket, Great Lord. If she accepted, she must have had some idea of the significance of such an act."

With hands balled up in fists on the table, Ebonshield’s VIP quickly snapped out a follow-up question. "And what is that significance?"

Really? He does not know this, also? His ignorance was almost amusing, and she could not help but sway her shoulders playfully.

"It means that you consider her a partner, rather than merely a bodyguard."

What was growing anger dissipated in a flash as her VIP hunched forward and put his head in his hands, rubbing his eyes.

"Oh, bloody hell..."

He held that position for a little while, breathing deeply.

Having apparently recovered, he leaned back in his chair and spread his hands on the desk.

"... I suppose that would explain the rather odd look I received from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when I suggested that she sit beside me."

Sparkshower had not mentioned that the proposal happened right in the presence of others. In fact, her description of the event had been, compared to the rest of her stories, unusually terse. Doubtless she was simply being modest about her side relationship with her VIP.

"Yes. The custom is generally kept private."

The Engineer Royal waved a finger in the air, shaking his head. "No, I'm sorry, Sergeant, but I disagree. The Chancellor may have been embarrassed by my proposal, but I made my intentions for that evening very clear, and nothing more came of it. Specialist Sparkshower has not behaved as if we have any kind of special relationship, and neither have I."

This was a strange feeling to Ebonshield, to have him push back against her suggestion without becoming upset. By now, any other colt would have chased her out with shouts and blows.

Perhaps, as she hoped, he was not a prude.

But he was woefully innocent.

She took a few more steps closer for good measure.

"Well, what about the Specialist Glamerspear, then, sir?"

The Engineer Royal looked up at her with a weary look. "What about Specialist Glamerspear?"

"She made fashion recommendations for the Great Lord; that is a sign of some intimacy."

He scoffed. "She made fashion recommendations because she was embarrassed to be seen with me in my old jogging clothes. And while I thought they were still perfectly serviceable, I understood her sentiment."

"Certainly, sir. But yesterday I thought she was being very familiar to you; she was almost about to design you an outfit for the Gala herself."

He waggled a finger in the air. "There's nothing provocative about that. It's perfectly ordinary for a fashionable mare to make such suggestions."

And still this colt pushed back! Now was the time to yank secrets out from underneath the shadows and expose them to the light.

Tilting her head back, she tried to suppress a sly grin. "The Great Lord is perhaps unaware of her reactions to seeing him in his new exercise outfits. She was very appreciative of the physique of the Great Lord."

The Engineer Royal furrowed his brow for a moment, then opened his eyes wide when he realized what she meant.

But he smiled and shook his head again. "If she thinks I'm a good-looking, er, colt, well, then, I'm flattered, but that doesn't mean anything either, Sergeant. I believe she's interested in her own social standing and appearances, and simply wants to make sure she's seen guarding a fashionable colt. It's in my own self-interest to oblige her."

This was turning into a game of the guessing. She was out of the evidence actual, so she turned to questions instead.

"Then what about the Corporal Bound, sir? Has she made no attempt at intimacy?"

"Certainly not. The Corporal has been unfailingly professional."

"She has never shown an interest in the activities of the Great Lord, outside of what is required for her duties?"

Anonymous looked around aimlessly, then shrugged his shoulders. "Well... There's my book, I suppose. The culmination of my work here in Equestria so far. I gave her a copy to read two days ago."

Ah, so that is where she obtained the tome!

"This would be the rather large volume that she has been studying intently upstairs all day, yes? I understand she spent most of yesterday reading this in the library, as well."

That one did seem to fluster him. "I... It is fairly lengthy, yes. And it needs to be read seriously to be understood."

As Ebonshield saw things, there must have been interest from the corporal in him. But she was growing a little tired of always being the one to force the argument, so instead she simply shrugged suggestively.

"If the Great Lord says this is so, then so this must be."

Like a proper hot-blooded colt, he picked up on her false acquiescence.

"I'm not sure I appreciate your tone, Sergeant. What's your interest in this?"

As she replied, she took the final few steps forward until she was standing just in front of his sizable desk. "My interest is in serving the Great Lord to the fullest of my abilities. And, as I am most enthusiastic about this assignment, the Great Lord will perhaps, in his mercy, forgive my eagerness to find out if certain of my abilities will be required."

Pursing his lips, the Engineer Royal looked her over. "I have the distinct impression that you aren't referring to your combat skills, Sergeant."

Matching sarcasm with obsequiousness, she gave a bow.

"The Great Lord is most perceptive. And, may I say, that I look forward to the opportunity..."

That got her nothing more than an arched eyebrow, so she continued. "... I understand that the Great Lord has been in Equestria for many months now, without any form of companionship. Doubtless a colt of his stature has certain appetites which have gone unsatisfied in this time..."

The Engineer Royal continued to look slightly askance at her.

"... If the Great Lord wishes, this would be my privilege to sate them."

Without trying to force it too hard, she put on an inviting look. As much as she was surprised at Specialist Glamerspear for fantasizing in public, she had to admit that the thought of coupling with this colt was exciting. Who knows; as naive as he was about social customs, perhaps this alien would make for an interesting lover.

"I don't want to offend any social customs, Sergeant, but--"

She stopped him right there.

"I take no offense if you decline, sir. But I think you should reconsider."

"And why is that?"

"Because the Princesses -- both of them, or else I would not be here -- have bestowed this boon upon you for a reason most worthy. I am of course not privy to their intentions, but traditionally this has been to make visitors feel welcome."

Taking a sip of what little water remains in his glass, the Engineer Royal dismissed her remark.

"That's ridiculous. I've never felt anything less than welcome here."

"I will not dare to suggest that the Princesses are unaware of your feelings, so then this must have been for another reason, and not simply concern for any desires carnal."

He put down the glass and cocked an eye at her.

"But you just said--"

"I am merely suggesting, Great Lord, that such companionship is simply a means to an end."

Having said her peace, she felt a bit drained. Arguing with colts could be so tiring, sometimes.

At least this one was civil.

The Engineer Royal exhaled sharply, puffing his cheeks. "Frankly, Sergeant, you're suggesting things that I would never have considered possible in Equestrian society. But I can't help but notice that you say 'my people' as if they are distinct from the rest of the nation."

"That is because they are, Great Lord. The 'batponies,' as we are called, are not yet integrated into Equestrian society. My presence here is an attempt to improve on that situation."

Waving a wing and a hoof towards the door, she indicated the rest of the castle.

"... To everypony else, we are as alien as you are, and worse, because we are known to them in their stories as heathens, barbarians, and even monsters."

She grinned.

"... And being such, this is why we still honour such 'barbaric' traditions as the one I have just described."

"I see..."

The colt rubbed the bridge of his nose. "... This is rather a lot to take in at once, Sergeant. Let's hold off discussing this further until later."

"Of course, Great Lord. I intended no upset."

"I think it might also be wise if you would confirm the truth of this 'tradition' with the others."

She cocked her eye at him. "Does the truth of things matter any more now, Great Lord?"

Before he could interject, she continued. "... If one, or several, of your retinue has caught your eye, then I see no reason why -- tradition or no -- you should not feel entitled to respectfully court them. Or likewise, for you to accept or refuse any of their advances, either."

Wearing a sly grin, she shrugged her shoulders.

"... I have already made my proposal, after all. And the offer remains open."

Sucking on his lips, the Engineer Royal nodded. After a moment, he smacked his lips and gave a thin smile. "How about we start with the combat training first, Sergeant."

Ah, the classical diplomatic response. Ebonshield was indeed blessed with a most dignified VIP.

This promised to be a very interesting assignment.

Bowing her head, she retreated back to her post at the door.

"Of course, Great Lord. I shall make the necessary arrangements."

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Suggested interlude music: Tchaikovsky - 'Danse Espagnole' [Spanish Dance], from 'Swan Lake'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=619kpa_xms8

Next Chapter: Chapter 30 Estimated time remaining: 32 Hours, 39 Minutes