Friends of the Dawn

All the pomp and ceremony surrounding dinner with dignitaries left me bored, as I never had anything to discuss with them. They all grew up with a silver spoon in their mouth, where I was raised with a blade in my teeth. To me, they were nothing by smiles and empty costumes.

-Memories of a Demon Mind

Bells chimed throughout the city of Canterlot, filling the air with the din of a dozen bronze tones. As the markets and streets opened for the morning, the bells above announced to Canterlot and the surrounding valleys that today began a day of peace for visitors from around the world. Soon the streets would fill with dignitaries and nobility from all corners of the globe, and the good ponies of Canterlot would welcome them as family.

From high atop the towers of Canterlot, a pony sat peering through a telescope at the winding roads leading to the castle. Every so often, he’d turn an eye to the sky in search of the cloud bank that bore friends from the north. As he watched the roads below, a moving tent of exotic design caught his eye. If the caravan hadn’t been quite so large, he might not have seen it till it was far closer. Instead, the glimmering silver accents announced to the world that the representatives of Zebrica had arrived in Equestria.

Ponies gathered along the walls of Canterlot to garner a look at their exotic cousins. The dozens of caravans rolled toward the city in bellowing procession with a complex banner of grey and black flying high above the parade of striped coats. Every pony on the streets watched in awe as a hundred cloaked zebras made their way to the front gate. Standing at the gate to greet them stood Heart Chase and the other senior Knights of Friendship. The parade came to a halt, and a zebra mare clad in copper bangles stepped from the parade line.

“Habrai bibi,” she said. She touched a hoof to her forehead, and brought it down again. “In your words, ‘greetings, friends’. I am Mtume, but you may call me Messenger. I speak on behalf of Malkia Lshara. We bear greetings from Zebrica and offer you our friendship.”

Heart took a step forward, and bowed to the zebra. “Hab-ria bi-bi,” she replied, completely butchering the pronunciation. She cursed herself silently for not practicing the greeting earlier. “In our words, welcome. We accept your friendship, Messenger, and welcome you to Canterlot. I’m Heart Chase, and it is the honor of the Knight of Friendship to escort ya’ll to the castle. The princess eagerly awaits your arrival, and hopes that you find our hospitality acceptable.”

“You are kind, Heart Chase,” replied Messenger. “Will you and your diplomats join our parade so that we may continue in peace?”

Heart looked to her companions. They stood in silence, each dressed in the uniform of their homelands. Bard wore a great cloak, pinned at the sides with an amethyst and trimmed in silver threads. Constance’s gold earrings and bangles complimented the flowing cottons of the gypsy skirt that hung around her thighs and hips. Ridgeline wore only the armor of his station to hide the fearsome scars along his body. Heart turned back to Messenger and nodded. The buttons of her uniform rattled quietly against the wool stripes.

“We will join you in your display of peace,” said Heart Chase. “Let it be known that all of Equestria greets you, and that you are welcome in our cities and our homes as guests.” The Knights fell into formation at the front the parade, joining Messenger as they again marched toward the castle.

Surrounding the parade of zebras, the citizens of Canterlot threw flowers, welcoming them as treasured guests in their city. The cobblestone paths rang with the clop of a thousand hoof-beats echoing through the corridors of stone buildings. The noise of celebration drowned out the clatter of bells as the city became a single noise of joyous welcome to the strangers from Zebrica. The castle gates opened in for the parade of caravans, zebras, and guests, welcoming all to the palace grounds for the first time since Celestia’s return.

Past the castle gates, the parade came to a rest and the servants of the house descended upon the zebras like a swarm of friendly locust. The rank and file found themselves whisked away by the house staff, while the golden caravan found its way to the castle stairs. Without words, the zebras pulling the caravan unhitched themselves and circled their charge. Messenger gestured for to the Knights to follow as she disappeared inside the caravan.

Inside, the silk walls spoke in pictures of the history of the zebra, each inch covered by a story of victory or great sorrow. The longest night hung from the ceiling as a reminder to the shared experience of the world and along the edges, space remained for more tales to be embroidered. The Knights stood in quiet fascination as Messenger disappeared behind a curtain. A strange language floated from behind the curtains and another voice joined Messengers. Bard cocked an ear to the side, trying to listen in on the conversation. A moment later, the curtain opened to reveal a zebra clad hoof to hip in flowing black silks.

Messenger bowed low. “I present to you, our emissary and heir to the throne of Zebrica, Malkia Lshara.”

The knights bowed low at the presentation of royalty, rising only Messenger asked them. Bard raised a hoof to his mane, and repeated Messenger's earlier gesture.

“We are honored to have you, here, Princess Glyph,” said Bard. Heart Chase perked up for a moment. What she heard wasn’t what he was saying, but instead, he spoke in Zebrican and projected into the Knights thoughts the translations. The soft glow of surrounding his horn shed another candles worth of light to the inside of the caravan. “I am Bardiche, head mage of the Knights of Friendship.”

“You speak our tongue?” asked the princess. “I was told no one here knew our language.”

“It is my magic to understand,” said Bard. “May I introduce my friends?”

“Please do,” replied Princess Glyph with a smile

“I present to you, General Heart Chase, Commander of the Knights of Friendship,” introduced Bard. “With her are Madame Constance, Head of Diplomatic Relations. Finally, this is Colonel Ridgeline, Chief Bodyguard. If it pleases your highness, Ridgeline and I will be your personal escorts for the duration of your visit. I will do my best to provide you with anything you need.”

Ridgeline removed his helmet and bowed to the princess. “It is an honor to serve, your highness.”

Princess Glyph smiled at the massive stallion, and nodded politely. “To loan me two of her favored servants speaks much of Celestia’s generosity. I hope to soon meet your sun queen.”

“The princess will see you immediately,” said Constance. “If your highness will accompany Bard?”

Bard and Ridgeline stepped out of the caravan and escorted Princess Glyph and Messenger down the stairs of the wagon. Her black silks framed the stripes of her face, giving her a severe, but refined look. The few remaining zebras standing guard converged around their princess, remaining silent as they moved. Ridgeline studied their movements with the trained eye, scanning them for weakness or any signs of mistrust. Their armor was made up of hardened wood scales backed by leather, and the elongated shields that wrapped around their chests bore the same black and grey sun symbol as their flag.

Messenger spoke a few words in her own language to tall, scarred zebra stallion.  He approached Ridgeline with the zebra’s greeting, and Ridgeline returned it in his own clumsy fashion.

“You are to be our escort?” he asked with a heavy accent. Though the zebra was at least almost a head taller than the other guards in his service, Ridgeline still towered over him. The two stood in silence for a moment, sizing the other up.

“For the duration of her highness’s visit, Bardiche and I are in her service,” said Ridgeline at last. “I am Colonel Ridgeline. I assume that you are her highness’s guard?”

“I am Kisu,” he replied after a moment. “And it has been the duty of my family for a thousand seasons to guard the lives of Zebrica royalty. I appreciate the concern of your princess, but the protection of Malkia Lshara is well in hoof.”

“I am not here to protect,” said Ridgeline, “though I will gladly give my life in her defense should the need arise. I am here as a escort and as a courtesy. Treat me as you would treat one of your own.”

Kisu looked over Ridgeline again before nodding. “Very well,” he said at last. “Join ranks, soldier.”

“If it pleases you, Princess, I will escort you to her majesty, Princess Celestia,” said Bard.

As the zebra entourage marched into the castle, the sky surrounding the courtyard grew dark. Above them, a thick bank of clouds sank from the sky, filling the courtyard with a dense fog that obscured all it touched. The clatter of armor and call to arm echoed through the fog, only to be silenced with a word from Heart Chase.

“Don’t get your armor in a twist,” she said, as she approached the fog bound figures. “Canterlot welcomes you to the Gala,” she said. “It’s a real honor that y’all came in from all the way up north to come see us.” She saluted, and the ponies stepped forward from the fog. At the head of the herd was a old unicorn stallion, draped in thick wools, and bearing the sash of an officer. With him were two stern looking earth ponies, and a smaller, yet very fuzzy adolescent pegasus in poorly fitting armor. Behind them was small flock of griffins, decked out in bronze helms and flamboyant breastplates. A massive khaki feathered griffin and the elderly unicorn approached the remaining Knights.

“Canterlot welcomes you, Star Heart,” said Heart Chase, bowing to the unicorn. “And Equestria welcomes the griffon kingdoms, Sir Manus.”

“It is good to see you again,” said Star Heart. “I fear this will be my last journey to the capital, General, but I’m glad to know that Celestia has left the defense of the kingdom in such capable hooves.”

The griffon put a claw to his chest and bowed with a spread wing. “An honor to see you again, General Heart Chase.” He nodded to Constance. “How fares Equestria?”

“Better now that friends arrive from all parts,” said Constance. “Glad to see that you could make it in time.”

“We have Star Heart to thank for that,” said Manus. “I’m so pleased that Princess Celestia extended an invitation to the griffin kingdoms. My wife sends her regards, and apologies for being unable to attend.”

“I haven’t forgotten about what she did for us in the Rookery,” said Constance. “I hope she’s well?”

“Very well, actually,” said Manus, puffing his chest. “She’s currently sitting on a new egg.”

“Now that is a cause for celebration,” said Constance. “Let me show you to your quarters.” The griffins and ponies followed Constance, but the fuzzy young pegasus stayed behind.

“Excuse me, Heart Chase?” asked the fuzzy young pegasus. “Is Ridgeline still here?”

“Muffins!” said Heart Chase. “I’m so happy to see you again! How yah doin’?”

“Well,” said Muffins. “Mom said it would be good for me to see the world, and Mister Star Heart said I could come with him.”

“And why the armor?” asked Heart.

“Dad said It’d look more official,” she replied, “and less like I was getting special treatment. I mean, I am, but you know...” She shrugged, unsure of how to finish that sentence.

“Well, don’t worry about it,” said Heart. “Plenty of room in the castle, but if you’re gonna pretend to be in the military, you gotta call me General. Why don’t we find you something more suitable to wear?”

They turned to move toward the castle when the clop of hooves caught Heart’s attention. She turned to face the gate where another half dozen dignitaries made their way to the gate. A smile overtook Heart’s face when she recognized the earth ponies leading the procession.

The tall blue stallion walked with an air that spoke volumes of his confidence, and the pick and quill that adorned his flank told all who saw it just who he was. The red earth pony walked with similar pride, though with an abbreviated trot as to support the foal swaddled against her chest. Heart approached, and rather than saluting, she threw her arms around her.

“I can’t even tell ya’ll how happy I am to see yah,” said Heart Chase, letting her accent slip further. “Welcome to Canterlot, Mayor and Missus Pick. I’m supposed to give you a big ol’ speech about honored guests and what not, but I think you already know all that.”

“It’s good to see you too, Aunt Chase,” said Red Pick, returning the hug. “It didn’t take us but three days to get here now that there’s a road.”

Heart stepped back from her niece, and saluted the stallion. “Good to see you again, Quill.”

“The honor’s all mine, Heart,” replied Quill. “Have you heard from my father recently?”

“He sends his regards,” said Heart Chase. “I’m thinkin’ I’m gonna go down to see him once all this hoopla settles down. You’re welcome to join me, but I’ll understand if you don’t want to with Apple Pick bein’ so young and all.”

“He should know his grandfather,” said Quill. “We’ll be happy to join you on your journey, but for right now, we’d better do the whole diplomacy thing.”

“Oh, right,” said Heart Chase. “Well, I’ll show y’all to your rooms. The festivities start tonight around with dinner, then there’s a show, and a big dance tomorrow night. I’m gonna be pretty busy, but I promise I’ll make time for y’all.”

“I understand,” replied Red. “I know you got this big new fancy life in Canterlot, and a whole heap of responsibility to go along with it, but I also know that you’d never forget your family. After all, family is what’s important.”

***

A hundred years ago, no one would have believed that such a gathering could have ever taken place. Though Equestria had been founded on the principles of cooperation and friendship all those years ago, such feelings never really extended to those other races that inhabited the world.. Through the turbulence of misunderstanding, ponies began to fear and loathe the zebra and the griffins, and wars between the races flared up at even the slightest provocation. Yet here the races of the land stood shoulder to shoulder listening to the sun goddess delivering her blessings to all.

“For peace between all is what we seek,” she continued. “We may all share different beliefs, different cultures, customs, and histories, but peace is the one thing that can bring us together as one. Thank you, my friends. Canterlot and the whole of Equestria welcomes you all.”

Celestia’s speech concluded with a polite stomping of hooves of all type upon the marble floor the throne room. Banners of every nation hung side by side, adorning the walls with the flags of far off lands. With a glance around the room, one could gather that every nation had sent an emissary  of peace to the Gala. From the tribal banners of the Hamites, to the silken heraldry of the griffins, the walls became a geography lesson for Heart Chase as she glanced around the room. With a crowd of so many different types of creatures, it was difficult to remain vigilant. Ponies she could read with ease, but the thoughts of pigs, minotaurs, and griffins? She’d have to learn quickly.

With the conclusion of Celestia’s greeting to all, the crowd began to file out of throne room and into the grand ballroom where an army of palace servants stood ready to meet the needs of their new guests. Integrated into their ranks were the zebras, Hamites, and the odd griffin ready and willing to serve. Despite the differences in size and species, the servants moved as a whole, serving their diplomats with a practiced aire of finery. Truly the language of service transcended all barriers.

In the corner, far from clatter of plates and cups, Heart Chase stood back, watching how the creatures interacted with each other. Hamites were no fans of griffins, as made obvious by the tension in haunches and the suspicious glances shared between them. Griffins, on the other hand, were clearly not impressed by the small group of minotaurs, and took the opportunity to voice their disdain in their own tongue. While Heart Chase couldn’t understand the squeaks and squawks of the griffins, their body language of tense stares and subtle wing movements made it easy to guess their feelings. But for all the misgivings of the guests, the exchanges between them were lighthearted and friendly enough for the situation.

Yet, something about it all unnerved Heart Chase. She stared out into the crowd, trying to find something, anything, amiss that would cause the levites to end and catastrophe to fill the void. It was as if there were something or someone that was lurking just out of view, ready to bring about the end of everything. For her entire life, Heart Chase’s ability to sense problems before they started served her both on the farm and in the field. In the palace, that sense had grown dull, but for some reason the Gala brought it back in full force. Something was definitely wrong, and it was up to her to find it.

No one noticed Heart Chase’s exit from the ballroom, save for Ridgeline, who only nodded as she passed. He, along with Kisu and Messenger, stood behind Princess Glyph, waiting silently as she spoke to the gathered diplomats.

“The Southern Lands will welcome Hamites, I assure you, Chief Tiggywinkles,” she said. “The grasslands could use your kind, and I think that you would find the environment to your liking.”

“I would extend the same invitation to you, but I don’t think you’d care for the snowy climes of the Northern Regions,” said Manus.

“My tribes go everywhere, Colonel Manus,” replied Chief Tiggywinkles. “When it is cold, we grow our fur to protect us. When it is hot, we shed it to keep cool. We are, as they say, adaptable.” She placed a cloven hoof to her jaw and giggled. “I really is quite wonderful to be able to speak without a translator, Princess Celestia. Your servant has quite the talent.”

“His special talent is magic, after all,” replied the princess. “And I am grateful a pony like him would choose to serve the greater good as he does.” Bard only bowed slightly, concentrating more on keeping the translation clear than speaking for himself.

“I understand you have some entertainment for us tomorrow evening?” asked the minotaur.

“Oh yes,” replied Celestia. “A wonderful gathering of talent from the whole of Equestria eager to entertain. I think you’ll all be quite pleased.” Celestia floated a teacup to her lips, and took a sip. “Princess Glyph, I understand that you also have brought talent you with to showcase?”

“Indeed I do,” replied the zebra princess. “Messenger will hammer out the details with whomever is in charge of the show. I do hope there’s room?”

“I’m sure we can figure out something,” said Celestia with a nod toward Bard. “Bardiche, why don’t you take a break? I can maintain your spell while you and Messenger speak.”

“Of course, your majesty,” replied Bard with a relieved sigh. “If you please?”

Leaving the sea of diplomats behind, Messenger and Bard walked from the ballroom and into the extensive hallways of the castle proper. Bard quietly listened for Messenger’s thoughts, but heard only the steady sound of waves crashing along the shore. Messenger stopped, and turned to Bard.

“I speak your tongue,” she said. “There is no need for you to translate. My thoughts are my own, and I do not wish to share them with you.”

“My apologies,” replied Bard. The two continued their walk through the winding hallways in silence for a moment until Bard  spoke again. “Princess Glyph said you had something you’d like to feature in our performance?”

“That is true, yes,” replied Messenger. “I don’t know how much you know of our culture, but the traditional dance of the zebra king is something that I feel I should... share with the ponies of Equestria.” She smiled slightly, and turned toward Bard. She stared for a moment, letting her eyes trail along his blue coat and white mane. “You are a puzzle aren’t you?”

“Beg pardon?” asked Bard.

“It is not surprising that you don’t remember me,” she said. “It has been a decade, and we were in very different places then. You served in her army alongside your family as a true loyalist to the Lunar Republic, while I had been drafted to serve in the Zebra Corps.”

“There were many zebras in the ranks of the Lunar Army,” Bard replied. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t remember you.”

“Of course, why would General Bardiche deign to speak with a zebra conscript?” She flicked her striped tail, running it along Bard’s back. “It must be tough for a pony like you to be without a battle. Tell me, General, do you miss the wars?”

“I’ve had enough war to last me a lifetime,” replied Bard. “I’ve fought in Lunar Rebellion and the Second Uprising. I’ve fought demons and monsters that threatened the peace of Equestria, and I don’t miss it one whit. If you want war stories, you should talk to Ridgeline.”

“The Demon of Equestria is still feared by many of the zebras,” said Messenger. “Tales of the black eyed monster that tore apart all in his path still act as serve as a means to keep children quiet at night. I would sooner run in terror than talk to that monster.”

The pair found themselves at the entrance to the grand hall where a half a dozen ponies worked to put the finishing touches on the stage. Above them, pegasi flitted from rafter to rafter, securing scenery, curtains, and other props. Messenger looked out into the vast hall, and nodded.

“Would you care to see what entertainment the zebras have to offer?” she asked.

“Of course,” said Bard. He turned toward the rafters. “Constance! Would you be so kind as to assist?”

As if on a gentle breeze, the rose colored pegasus floated from the rafters and into the hall. “Gladly,” said Constance. “Will you be performing the traditional blade dance?”

Messenger only smiled, and with a single leap, landed upon the stage. Bard watched as the bangles around her fetlocks danced and spun in time with the mare’s movements. The soft clatter of gold on gold gave way to the resound crash of blade on blade as a dozen other zebra mares took their place on stage with Messenger. In the swirl of silk and steel, Bard could hardly make out the details of their movements, instead losing himself in the sound and fury of a battle dance hundreds of years in the making.

Constance and Bard watched in fascination as the dance reached a fever pitch. Zebras bound over each other, turning somersaults and backflips in the air as if they could fly without wings. The stomp of hoof and clash of blade joined with the voices of the mares as they sang, creating a symphony of chaos that swirled around the stage in a maelstrom of organized madness. The intensity dimmed for a moment, bringing the chanting and hoofwork to a low rumble, only to ramp back up in a climax of raised voices and clanging blades.

A moment later, the noise ceased, leaving the mares prostrate along the floor in the with Messenger standing on her back hooves in the center. Too stunned to applaud, the ponies working in the hall simply stood with mouths agape.

“Well,” said Bard at last. “That certainly beats my magic show.”