Origin of a Hero

Chapter 5

"Report." Heavy Shield said to one of his troopers.

It wasn't uncommon for him to walk up to a random guard and check the current situation of their shift, but this report was motivated more on the fact that he had to get away from the girls and their seemingly endless babbling. The four of them have been talking since before lunch and he was near the point of hurling his meal. It was about that time as he was leaving them that he bumped into Quill.

"Ah, finally got tired of all that girl talk, did you now Captain."

"Councilpony Quill, it seems like you disappeared right after breakfast only to reappear when lunch was ready."

"Thank you for implying that I just want food and not the company of the freak that you all seem to be fawning over." Quill said with venom and sarcasm

"I realize that we more or less hate each other, Councilpony, however I propose that we at least be civil towards each other in front of the princesses, if you don't mind?"

"Since we're supposed to be the responsible adults here, I will agree to your proposal while we are in sight and sound of their highness's."

"Sir are you alright?" the guard said as he nudged Heavy Shield

"Sorry about that trooper, I must have got lost in thought. What was it that you were saying?"

"That's okay, sir. I was just saying that everything is calm and clear."

"Very good." Heavy Shield said and then started to turn away.

"Actually, sir, there is one thing." the guard said hesitantly

Looking back Heavy Shield asked, "What is it?"

"The thing is, sir, I'm a bird watcher and during my watch I saw a falcon flying off not too far from the camp."

"And? Falcons are a fairly common bird."

"That's true, sir, except that they don't live in this region. The game is either too big or too small for a falcon to hunt. Owls, yes. Hawks are a maybe. But definitely not falcons. The only reason why a falcon would be here is to fly a message, or at least that's what I think, sir."

"Thank you, trooper, I'll keep that in mind." Heavy Shield said with a thoughtful expression and walked back to the camp.

xxXxx

Princess Celestia was relaxing in the comfort of a shade tree, drawing in her note book, while her sister seemed to be deeply engrossed in a book that she brought along on their trip.

"Hey Luna."

"Yeah Tia?" Luna responded without looking up

"I really like Lilly. She's a sweetheart and very fun to be around, don't you agree?"

"Yeah, I really like having her as a friend. It's sad that she doesn't have a home to return to, now that we ruined her chances of going back to her herd."

"I know how you feel, and I was thinking that we could ask her if she wants to come back to Canterlot with us."

Luna leapt up in excitement, "Do you really mean that Tia?"

"Yes, Luna, I do. I think that she'll be happier living with us than out here on her own, with nopony to share her time with."

Luna jumped onto her sister and hugged her tightly saying, "Oh thank you, thank you, thank you Tia. We'll have so much fun together."

xxXxx

That night as Celestia, Luna, and Lilly prepare for sleep the two princesses decided to see if Lilly would be interested in accepting their offer to live with them.

"You want me to come and live with you two at Canterlot, but why? You hardly even know me."

"Trust, kindness, honesty are the three qualities that you've shown to us, qualities that few ponies show to those that they've just met. And you weren't afraid to do any of those with us." Celestia said in a kind tone

"She's right, you know. You trusted us enough to tell us about your past. Honest to us about our actions after we found you. And you were kind enough to forgive us knowing that we had no idea about your customs. I can't imagine another pony in your position to be as forgiving."

"Wow, I don't know what to say. I think that might need some time to think about this, it's a big decision for me to make after recent events."

"Certainly, dear. Take your time and think this over carefully." said Celestia

The three of them climbed into the now shared bed in hopes of a good night’s sleep, which the two princesses easily fell into with great satisfaction. But the third occupant had no such luck, her thoughts raced around in her head refusing her mind to drift into the lands of dreams.

Around the time that the second watch would start, Lilly climbed out of the bed and made her way to the entrance. It was there that she heard two voices, the voices of Clover and Heavy Shield.

xxXxx

"Some klaw, Heavy." Clover offered

Taking the mug of the hot liquid Heavy Shield responds with a simple, "Thank you Clover."

As she sat next to him she says, "I heard that the princesses wish to have Lilly come back to Canterlot."

"That's what I've heard as well."

"What do you think of the idea of bringing a devil pony to Canterlot."

"It'll be a shock to say the least." Heavy Shield said in a calm manner, but Clover knew him long enough that she could tell that he thought that it was amusing.

"At the very least. I have little doubt that the royal court will have a series of heart attacks." Clover said with a giggle. She continued, "But it will be tough for the poor thing, being surrounded by ponies that will hate her solely on her heritage."

"Sins of the mother, Clover. Being condemned because of the breeding of ponies and changelings years ago."

"I've been practicing medicine for many years and I still can't see how your blood line should determine who you are or who you want to be." commented Clover

"Nor do I. It's been my experience that we make our own paths to our destinies, and not those that came before."

"How much do you really believe that?"

Heavy Shield and Clover turned to the entrance in surprise and saw Lilly standing behind then with a deeply troubled look on her face.

"How much?" Lilly asked again

Heavy Shield signaled to one of the guards to take over for him. He then turns to Lilly, "Come with me. I believe that there is more that you'll want to discuss than what I believe."

The two of them walked some distance from the camp, till Heavy Shield felt certain that they could speak in private and wouldn't be interrupted. "What's truly bothering you?"

"The princesses proposal to live with them in Canterlot, you've heard about it?" Lilly asked

"I have."

"I heard you talking to Healer Clover about how other ponies will have a difficult time accepting me, and how some won’t even accept at all. That doesn't exactly inspire confidence, now does it?"

"Does that mean that you won’t be accepting the princess’s offer?" asked Heavy Shield

"Oh no, I think that I might accept their offer to go with them. I know that despite all that I will go through there, I know that I'll have more than a few good memories with them."

"Having a good attitude when going into things like this is very important. However making this kind of decision will affect not only you, but also the princesses. It's not often that they get to know a pony close to their own age; usually they're surrounded by ponies that are at least twice their age. By having you around will give them a chance at a friendship that would've otherwise been denied to them."

"I know, and I'm looking forward to having then as my friends. They accepted me for who I am and not what I am." She said emphasizing the who and what

"That's good and if you are sure about your decision then your time to find your own path in life, because even though our destinies maybe set in stone, our paths are drawn in the sand." Heavy Shield counseled

"Such a wise sounding philosophy you have there, Captain Heavy Shield. Never would've expected a pony like you to be so deep." came a masculine voice from deeper in the forest.

End chapter 5