The Book of Ethereal Secrets

A Memory

Shining Armor stood in the hall outside of the throne room door with an expression of worry on his face. Loud muffled shouting comes from the inside. He looks around at the eight individuals sitting or standing around the various waiting benches. Some bore expressionless faces, while others were crying. They were the survivors of Fort Hoffen. After being informed that they would need to send in one pony as a representative, the vote was unanimous. Ser Steel Aegis was to talk to Princes Celestia about the situation.

The doors sprang open as a stallion wearing silver guard armor with a red trim entered the hallway. He reached up and took off his helmet. A loud clang echoed through the hall as he threw it on the ground.

"Fuck!" He shouted. Shining had known Steel for years, and has never seem him enraged. He worried for his friend. As he approached, he tried to place a reassuring hand on his shoulder, but Steel just slapped it away. "Don't fucking touch me!"

"What happened?" Shining inquired. Steel motioned to the others in the hall, who are now watching him.

"These mares ad stallions lost every damn thing. Property, ways of life, Loved ones, but the monsters responsible will sit on the graves of what they lost as those who swore to protect the innocent do NOTHING!" His anger prevented him from noticing the maid walking up to the group holding a bundle of blankets. "I refuse to let those that have sacrificed their very lives be swept under the fucking rug like some CELESTIA DAMNED DUST BUNNIES!"

Steel's rage is cut short when he hears crying. He turns around and sees the maid. After walking a towards her he carefully takes the crying bundle from her. When the foal looks at Steel, it grows quiet. Steel drops to his knees and pulls the child closer to his chest. his sobs echo through the hall, the others stay silent, not shedding a tear of their own.

"I'm s-so sorry, Lily."