Did you guys know there's this thing called real life? It has been kicking my ass lately.
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That night, Glade wasn't visited, and for the first time in years, Reman didn't dream. The day's events had progressed as one would expect, Rarity had been amazed by the amount the lycan was willing to pay, insisting that they accept her discounted price. That was the first time the Imperial had ever seen a merchant give themselves a raw trade, but, the naivete of these ponies was astounding.

Part of Reman wanted to lounge in bed all day, Twilight was securing potions and herbal remedies from a zebra, whatever that was. This bed was comfortable enough to sleep the day away, and the warm body curled next to him only added to that comfort. There was nothing romantic in his meaning, share beds was a survival tactic he'd learned in Skyrim. Now, he was in the habit of sleeping with someone, he just didn't get enough rest sleeping alone, for a lycan, that says something.

A lazy day might do some good, but Reman wasn't one to become complacent. He'd let Glade sleep in, but the Imperial was getting something done today. With Twilight getting their medical supplies, Reman could shave off a day for preparation, maybe more if he moved quickly. All he needed was rations for about a week, no, less, they only needed to kill a strong sacrifice, shouldn't take that long. Popping his back, the lycan set off towards Sweet Apple Acres.

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On his way to the orchard, Reman felt eyes staring at him. The lycan did not like being stared at, especially when he couldn't see the observer. The Imperial's eyes darted between trees, searching for any sign of his stalker. Nothing, not even the faintest rustling of leaves, nor the tiniest scent wafting on the breeze. Only once had he ever been observed by someone this stealthy, and that had ended poorly for all involved.

Reman slowed his pace, no sense in tiring himself out before the confrontation could begin. Well, if there would be a fight. Whoever, or whatever, was following him was being quiet about it, they evaded his detection so flawlessly, the Imperial nearly feared his hunter was a fellow lycan. They had stealth skills that put the Thieves' Guild’s members to shame. A blur zoomed across the path ahead of him, too fast to really get a good look at it.

“Told you we'd be seeing each other again soon!” The bubbly voice nearly made Reman jump out of his skin, Pinkie Pie had gotten the drop on him. “Now, we can start planning your Sorry-About-Freaking-Out-And-Trying-To-Hurt-You-Party!”

“How did you sneak up on me?” In truth, the Imperial had given up all hope of understanding this world. Every time he came close to figuring things out, the universe threw a wooden beam into the works.

“Well duh, I was behind you, silly.” How was that a decent answer? It seemed that regardless of where he went, the Imperial couldn't evade people like this.

“Why is this party business so important, anyway?” He felt a pang of dread fill his heart, by the Nine, what had he done? His fears were realized by Pinkie's response.

“WHAT?! Of course it's important! With the decorations and the guests and the streamers and the cakes and music and the dancing and the sarsaparilla and the...” Reman just started to tune her out. He briefly wondered how he could manipulate this situation.

“Pinkie, I have an idea.”

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Summer Glade stretched as she woke, languidly extending and flexing her limbs. The lycan mare yawned loudly and rolled out of bed. She noticed her pack-mate was gone, but figured he was doing just fine. The Pegasus trotted into the main room of the library, and noticed Twilight had left a note for the two werewolves.

Gone to Sugarcube Corner. Reman, I have taken the liberty of retrieving some books you may be interested in. Glade, I need you to make your way here, it's important.

Twilight Sparkle

What could the Element of Magic need with her? Perhaps it was related to the quest, that would mean she'd finished securing the medicinal supplies they'd need. Without a second thought, she exited the library.

The streets were lively, nopony was hiding or showing fear. This was a refreshing change from yesterday's little incidents, Reman would have certainly gotten a kick out of this. As Glade walked, she wondered where the Imperial had gone, perhaps he was at the bakery, or Sweet Apple Acres. But for all she knew, he could have been taken to Canterlot by chariot, speaking with the Princesses. That was what struck Glade as odd, she could never figure out the Imperial's motivation for doing anything.

The mare waved to a Unicorn selling pears, just to be friendly, and returned to her pondering. Reman was likely preparing for their expedition, he didn't seem the type to laze about when he could work. Maybe they could start early, shave a few days off, they do need to hurry. Their armor situation has been handled, as well as their cartographic needs. So what did that leave? Glade almost slapped herself at the obvious realization: rations and camping supplies.

She didn't slap herself, of course, that would reflect poorly on her, and the Royal Guard as a whole. Then again, Glade did not look like a guard, with her coat's color showing through, and roots in her mane and tail, she looked more like a painter's pallet had been dumped on her. Glade almost giggled at the thought, oh boy, if her father could see her now. The old guy was in Canterlot working a desk job under General Skies. Had he been informed of this? It was unlikely, but still a possible, after all, he'd been close to the Princess in the early portion of his career.

That led Glade to wonder about Reman's family. Rose had mentioned a history, and she'd been shown that old portrait, but hadn't been given anything solid. The Imperial had never mentioned family, maybe he was an orphan, and Rose was looking after him, some favor the so-called immortal pony owed one of his ancestors. Glade wished the mystery mare had taught her about Reman, and not his culture, she'd gladly risk offending him if it meant actually understanding him. The lycan mare had only seen a small portion of his exploits, courtesy of Rose, by seeing into his dreams.

So much snow, on that ship, she'd practically felt the biting wind. Glade and Rose had floated above the deck as they watched the Imperial. They'd heard his thoughts, knew what would happen, and they could do nothing but observe. The mare wondered if those men, the word felt odd to her, had families, if they had people waiting for them at home. There was that sick smile, the bloodthirsty grin of a killer, of Reman's. He knew he was about to transform, that he was going to kill all of them, yet he hadn't cared. The Imperial seemed to enjoy that knowledge. Glade shuddered and tried to clear her mind.

In her deep thought, the mare hadn't realized that she was already outside Sugarcube Corner. How long had she been standing there? This was embarrassing, to say the least. The sign said open, so Glade helped herself inside.

“SURPRISE!!!” That was all she heard, just Pinkie Pie and a gathered crowd of townsponies, throwing her a surprise party. Shouldn't Reman have also been here?

Her unspoken question was answered with a pie in the face.