“We should probably use a rocky or mountainous area in the Everfree, some place ponies don't visit often, or ever, less likely for innocent bystanders to get hurt that way.” Reman's suggestion was airtight, civilian casualties should be avoided at all costs. One would think he'd been in this sort of situation before, or that the Imperial had received some sort of help forming or refining the idea.

“I'll have some Pegasi in my guard scout for a reasonable location as soon as we're through here.” Celestia agreed that it was time to end things, this battle had been delayed long enough. Each day that passed presented a chance for one of the lycans to lose control and spread the disease, a tragedy that must be prevented.

“Good, try to find a place that's wide and open, but still has cover littered through it.” The Imperial knew what to look for, one battle with a Thalmor wizard had forced him to run between boulders and snipe with a bound bow. It had been a hard fight, but the victor was obvious, only Reman was still alive to tell the tale, not that he ever talked about it. “That hardly solves every issue with this, though.”

“Right, we still need to decide who to bring with us as backup, in case things get out of hoof.” Glade didn't believe they would need help, but it never hurt to be prepared. “I recommend Captain Shining Armor, his barrier-based magic would be ideal for this.” The other three nodded, clearly in agreement with the lycan mare's suggestion. “See, Reman, I do have good ideas.”

“Don't get ahead of yourself.” The Imperial chuckled and rustled Glade's dyed mane, he found that joking with his pack-mate was rather enjoyable. Perhaps he should have taken Kodlak's advice about being too serious, it might have made things go much easier for the Imperial. “We aren't out of the woods yet.”

“Do you suppose bringing the Elements would be a good idea?” Luna asked both Reman and Celestia, the decision rested on the Solar Princess' shoulders, but the man could still deny the six friends the chance to see the battle.

“That certainly depends, can they provide any assistance?” The lycan had seen too many adventurers die because they got in over their heads. Reman wasn't about to risk innocent lives.

“They are the bearers of the most powerful magic in Equestria, capable of sealing away beings that could easily defeat myself.” The Imperial had no way of knowing who or what she was referring to, but understood the function of the Elements. In his mind, the jewelry they appeared as was similar to the Amulet of Kings, something he had a very intimate knowledge of, the damned thing was on his family's crest, for Mara's sake! “I do not know if they could stop this Hircine character, but combine with my own power, and that of my sister, we may be able to banish him from Equestria.”

“Princess, that isn't what I meant.” Potential didn't matter if the wielder didn't have the constitution necessary for it. “I was asking if the have the ability to help. If they freeze at the sight of blood or violence, there is no place for them.”

Celestia would have replied, but the Imperial's point made her pause. Fluttershy might go into shock, but the others would do fine, relatively speaking, of course. But this would be an important learning experience for the young Bearers, a lesson that not all worlds are as kind as Equestria, but still manage to contain wonderful, caring individuals. The Princess had lost track of how many times the Imperial had stunned her, but Reman never failed to make her think.

“I know that you're worried about Fluttershy, but don't be, I can tell that there's a fire behind those eyes.” The Princess resisted calling Reman out for his statement, but she doubted he knew how to read minds. “So, did I guess, right? Were you worried about her?”

“I must say, most ponies can't tell what I’m thinking, my student included, that's rather impressive.” Outstanding, simply outstanding. The Princess would have thought much higher of the trick, had she not known how unfair of an advantage the Imperial had used. A predator's instinct and senses are a razor that cuts a swathe through any battlefield, it seemed that also applied to the mental ones, as well. “But, yes, I was worried for her.”

Celestia had never guessed that the man held a deep understanding for the reserved and shy. In truth, he respected most people for their unique talents, lethal or otherwise. If Reman gave his opinion, and it was one of approval, then the Solar Princess defaulted to his judgment. Of every occupant of this hospital room, the lycan held the most experience of them all, probably more than the most battle-hardened of Celestia's Royal Guard, too. This sort of knowledge was never to be turned down, especially not in a situation as dire as this.

“I've made my decision.” Celestia's voice held a hint of finality in it, as though the choice was difficult, but she had faith in her answer. “The Elements of Harmony shall attend the ritual, and provide their assistance if the need arises.”

“I have my doubts about this, Tia.” Luna was indeed apprehensive of the events to transpire. Truly, she had only seen Reman in battle twice, and neither had been very pretty. The Princess of Night had no desire to see either of the lycans get hurt, and the prospect of the godlike entity spread true fear into her very core. “What if they can't defeat the Daedra?”

“Oh come on, we're right here.” Did Glade just take offense at what one of her rulers just said? This was both delightful and horrifying. It meant that she was losing loyalty to the Princesses, while growing closer to the Imperial. Such behavior could complicate things in the future, if either of the lycans lived to have a future, that is.

“Perhaps it's better if we discuss this in the hall, Luna.” Celestia wasn't eager to talk about this at all, any negative feedback might psych the two pack-mates out, and morale is key to victory in any battle.

“That may be wise.” The two Princesses quickly left the room, even walking down the hall to escape the werewolves' incredible hearing. This left Reman and Glade very much alone.

The mare was still in her forebear's lap, and quite comfortable, but still a bit tense. She was still embarrassed about earlier, the absence of the Princesses would have made it much easier on her, but there had been no such luck. Perhaps Reman was fine with it, he certainly hadn't complained about it, well, at least not seriously. If he was okay with it, and that was a very big if, then why hadn't he said anything about it?

“Well, what's going on in that head of yours?” The Imperial had his suspicions about Glade's odd behavior as of late. Sickness wasn't even an option here, and this certainly isn't something that can be fixed. Researching werewolves, learning the oral history, even asking his fellow lycans about the affliction, they had all led Reman to his theory. Summer Glade was not sick, quite the opposite, her body was telling her that she was very healthy. This scenario had been played out so many times that it almost bordered social cliché. The alpha female of the pack was bonding with the alpha male.

Needless to say, this left Reman in a delicate situation. On one hand, this sort of relationship was enjoyable for all parties involved, monogamous or otherwise. However, he was still technically engaged to Lynette, and it was made known that she still had hope to find the Imperial. Then there was a tiny option that was rarely visited save for adolescent fantasies: owning up to the fact that he was an alpha male, he could mate with as many females as he wished. This was one of those times that made being a lycan difficult. The man sighed and wondered why Mara wasn't lending her guiding hand.

“Reman, listen...” Glade's voice trailed off, she wasn't eager to discuss this. In truth, neither was the Imperial, who hadn't even thought of romance in four years. This was going to be awkward regardless of how things played out, Reman just couldn't catch a break, could he? “About earlier...”

@#@#@#@#@#@#@#

Now, my faithful audience, I have two pieces of wonderful news.

1. I just broke the 50k barrier.
2. You have another choice in this fic, maybe more.

Now, here are your options:

Reman decides to reciprocate Glade's attraction.

Reman refuses, but attempts to do so gently. (She'll be fighting by his side, not a good idea to piss her off.)

OR, Reman tries to balance affection for both Lynette and Glade. (My personal choice, for reasons that will eventually become clear.)

OR (Given by Proto [please don't vote for this]) Reman engages in fornication with Luna.