A Song of Sand and Snow: A Game of Ponies

Chapters

1. Twilight Sparkle
2. Spike
Prologue

1. Twilight Sparkle

Twilight Sparkle

The chariot landed and Twilight Sparkle, whose once luscious lavender coat and primed wings, were left ruffled by the winds that gave her and two of the Royal Guard chariots trouble making it to the Kingdom in the North. Landing just in the center of a snowy garden, where the the white foams from the winter skies drifted down and painted a white sheet over this cold and brim kingdom. The princess could remembered it, seeing the palace with her purple eyes. How the hightowers on each side stretched larger than the masonry kingdom. Where the walls expanded farther and around, connecting to a castle not as similar as Canterlot’s walls that were attached to the mountains. The kingdom was almost like an igloo, excluding the dome.

It was colder than she imagined, even Ser Lancer and his frosted blue coat and vermillion eyes and Ser Grey Wind, gray all over, with his brown-hazel eyes, her guards felt worse. They were there during the Carpopetri incident, alongside her brother Shining Armor. This kingdom had most of the ocean by its side from the northern walls and the wide spread pinecone forest on east, south, and west. Who would want to come here? It’s winter every day!

As Twilight shook off the snow on her coat, chilly and unprepared, she took in her surroundings and admired how large the walls were in the garden, how the black gates separated some parts here, and how the stone steps that had some cracks, curved around the section of the grey rocky walls to reveal a large platform and two massive wooden doors each side bearing King Rex’s sigil.

“We Wear Our Scars With Pride,” the motto the king said himself and his father before him. Diamond Dogs here, compared to the cravens in the mountains were fierce, loyal, and unafraid of the winter. They did not even shivered at the sight of a few dragons flying by, knowing that they were prepare to fight if one thought to mess with them. Even the Wyverns weren’t as foolish as the hydras. Twilight shivered ironically, not from the cold, but from the thoughts in what Diamond Dogs here did to Hydras.

They eat meat and whatever they kill is dinner for the rest.

Ascending up the steps, with her guards by her side, she kept the saddle bag tightly around her to at least provide some warmth to her back. When she stopped in front of the doors, they opened up wide to reveal a large husky whose nose was large blue, but the right part of his furry face was scarred and there he was missing a right eye in replaced with an eyepatch.

Beside him were iron mailed hounds, shorter than the large one, wielding spears in their respected paws. The husky approached the princess and spoke in a gruff tone as if speaking was just painful. Twilight of course had to remain respectful regardless, she was a guest sent by Celestia and Luna.

“It’s always pleasant to see royalty back in our halls, young princess-Twilight Sparkle,” he greeted with a small bow. Unlike the Diamond Dogs in Equestria, these Diamond Dogs worn clothing that would keep them warm. Like the Husky before her, he worn a thick black coat made of fur she wished not to know. But how he was hunched was similar to the dogs in the mountain. They weighed themselves down for various reasons, lifting heavy objects, mining, and dealing with the cold snow here!

“It is quite pleasant being here too, who might you be, ser?” She asked, bowing back, though unsure if it was the right thing to do. She knew nothing about the Diamond Dogs’ courtesies, as much as she knew less on the Yaks.

“I am Ser Skoll of Loyce, the advisor of the king, his trusted paw.”

It must mean that my presence if of the highest honor then, Twilight thought.

“I am also here to escort you to the king’s throne room.” He added along, as he rose from his paws. Just him standing on those two hindlegs made Twilight nervous on the approach. They were taller than the average pony.

“I will be most honored if you did, Ser Skoll. Most honored indeed,” she responded, rising up herself. Her guards looked at one another, stoic and trained to be as bronze and stone. Where the princess go, they’d go.

The hall was larger than Canterlot’s palace, even the pillars stretched high into the dark archway ceilings. But it was still cold inside and even the torches that hung on the walls in their holders brought in some illumination, the dark stone walls did not warm any visitor. Twilight shivered a bit, but did not complain to Skoll about it, believing it would be rude of course.

They continued further down, making a few turns, passing by the kitchen where Twilight was lucky enough not to see a deceased lamb being skinned and chopped by the cooks. They did past by a library, larger than her own, but not as large as the one in Canterlot. Some scholars could be seen studying, while few were just putting away books and taking them out, the place did not seem to get as much life. The further they burrowed through the kingdom, Twilight was given a chance to see what the other side of the kingdom was like!

The windows were empty of glass, allowing winds at a low measure to pour in, but not strong enough to carry snow inside. Out there, she spotted the city below the long stretch hill and the salty sea that had a few ships bounded to the ports. It was like Canterlot, except far from the ocean and snow all together. We might as well be the Kingdom of Summer if that’s the case. But Twilight did not speak out such a light joke, these Diamond Dogs at first glance were considered hard, stone, and made to be strong and less funny.

Winter braided them like ice and the ice made their furs sheen under the light. She even spotted the training yard the moment they exited back outside, taking the shortcut route advised by Skoll himself, and witnessed how trained these canines were. Diamond Dogs were given whatever metal they could find and were taught to do one thing, kill if they have to. Though Equestria opposed of such to an extent, these dogs were in favor of honor, loyalty, and defending the ones they love. The young pups she spotted were fierce against each other when their trainer let them had a brawl for five minutes, till one of them were spitting out blood after getting his nose broken.

By the time they were gone from the training yard and now passing along the stone bridge over a fountain and common hall, the princess was beginning to grow adapt to the weather. Not wishing to bear the silence any longer, not as long as her guards could masterly do so well. The princess took a moment to think of a nice way to start up a conversation.

“So, how do you all manage so well up here where it snows every day?” Twilight asked and Skoll turned his head towards here where his hard visible brown eye could be seen under that large patch of fur.

“We were born in the North, for so many years were were trained to handle such nasty weather especially when the dragons had our ancestors enslaved. We originally travel from the seas if you remember the Days of the Frostborn.” Skoll answered.

The pirates of Leviathan, the ones who would pillage even small ships in the sea. Life is what life was, she thought. “That’s quite...wow. You were from the seas?”

Skoll had some pride to his ancestors history and their weathery adaption. “Unlike them Summer dogs that stick to sacking caravans, stealing, and being the cravens themselves, we were masters of the seas. We were skilled navigators, we knew how to interpret the weather property, we managed well on coin too. But most of all, we did not rely on magic.” Twilight flinched on the last part for Skoll had some tone of detest towards magic.

However, he gave a light smile to the mare, maybe he just did not like magic in general, but respected ponies regardless. Unicorns and Alicorns were always reliant on magic as much as an alchemist was too. Some lands did not favor it for their own reasons. Either it was unreliable, did not mold somepony to be strong and independent, or the thought of it just sicken them.

“Aye, the winter was every hour and every day for us. We were born in it, we lived in it, we died in it. When the dragons came, turning us into slaves, we lost our chances in exploring the seas once more as the pirates of cove. But your princesses came eventually and King Baron united with them to liberate us. Of course we couldn’t be doing the same thing we ever so desired again, but at least we got back our freedom, took over this kingdom, and own the North.”

“The north is a big place,” she replied. “But it has to be hard managing any crops here.”

“We don’t always manage the crops, we hunt, sometimes we hunt ponies.” He commented, causing the lavender alicorn to eep. “I jest, but we do hunt the ones wanted and send them to work for us. I am sure you are familiar with the Iron Helms?”

The princess returned to her kind and interested composure, brightened up that they were having a conservation out here in the cold. Just coming closer to the Grand Tower where the King’s throne resided. Some servants passed by, few tall and few small, but not even close to Skoll’s height.

“Lord Loyce of Silver-Fang created them to guard the realm from the Outlands, wait...Loyce of Silver-Fang, is that your father? Who is far in the South?” Twilight gasped, earning a nod and yearning sigh from the husky.

“That’s right, my father is a Lord, but no more ever since he dethroned himself for the king and put me in his seat. Now he trains any recruit he could have delivered to him down south. Whether they’d be rapist, thieves, sons of a peasant, or knights no longer capable of keeping their blades sharp for their lords. He does not care about their past, but what use they can have for the realm. If Tyrek caused that much trouble, it’d be no surprise others could too. The Outlands is no place for any traveller and what is out there is out there for a reason.”

Twilight couldn’t agree more. The Outlands in the far south reminded her of the Everfree. Names had enchanted meanings and most of these enchanted meanings were ominous and life-threatening as it was.

“May I ask why you were sent her in replacement of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?” Skoll asked.

“I don’t mean this in disrespect,” she struggled to put it, “but the reason of this information is vital to only the king. He is the only one after all I am here to see.” He is the only one who can understand such a message after all. They refuse to tell me its meaning, but if it is that vital, then I have no place to question them. It must be important right?

Skoll did not seem displeased, his face seemed like stone. Difficult to read. The Winter made them hard.

The grand doors made of iron and held the sigils of the Diamond Dog Kingdom proudly, were pushed open by the two guards that accompanied Skoll. Inside, was the grand throne room where the King’s guards stood beside each column. Large and strong breeds too, bluenose and rednose alike. Ahead, were four diamond dogs, three were seated-the last stood beside his king.

On the far right was a fine greyhound with charming blue eyes and a black ring spot around the right eye. He was adorned in fine leather, boiled and studded with dark blue garbs that draped over his shoulders. When he spotted Twilight, the beauty he held was replaced with a scowl.

The one on the far right, was a beautiful golden retriever, young and with curls that draped down her flat floppy ears. She had those elegant brown eyes, and was worn with a lovely dress with a blue fur cuffed coat. When she spotted Twilight, she gave her a nice and kind smile. The princess couldn’t help but feel almost welcomed and embarrass all together.

In the middle was the King, the glorious king Rex; sipping the strongest of ale from a solid gold chalice filigreed with gems that glimmer. With a big wrinkle face, this bulldog had drunken red eyes, and exposable fangs that poked out from the black lips. Twilight spotted even some drool on the sides, realizing the king had little to no matters for guests, yet the stories of him being a strong warrior spoke differently. When his eyes spotted the princess, his young husky servant approached from around the column, only to be brushed away by the king’s light gesture, a sway of his paw.

The princess stopped, her guards were still behind her, and Skoll kneeled before his king as Twilight followed in courtesy. Rex eyed her for the most part, up and down, she could feel those red eyes upon her body. It was the first time she stood before such royalty that wasn’t a pony.

“Aye, you’re his daughter alright, Night Light of House Sparkle?” When he spoke, she could hear the grumble in his voice, as words were chucked hard at her either sluggishly or cruelly, stupor from the ale.

“I am the daughter of Night Light, your grace,” she responded, her head still faced the floor.

“Look at me while you’re talking, do you see a crown on the dirty floor of shit?” Twilight almost jumped in fright when he spoke out to her in such a tone, she obeyed without question. The king was blunt, hard as stone, stubborn perhaps, but there was that fire in his eyes the princess could not avoid but feel allured. If only she could bring her friends from Ponyville, they would be astonished perhaps, maybe Pinkie Pie for the most part.

“You’re a princess, ponies-always with them courtesies-should always speak to a Diamond Dog king staring right at them, don’t bow girl and talk to the floor. So, what brings you here? Ol’ hag getting uncomfortable on her chair all of a sudden?”

The way he spoke of Celestia made Twilight cringed a bit, but she did not deign a frown, she forced herself to be stoic and seldom the lord before her.

“Princess Celestia sent me here in regards to a private letter meant for you,” Twilight responded, earning a quirked brow from the king. She caught his interest at least. “I have it with me, if you wish to see it, your grace.”

“Give it here,” he ordered and Twilight obeyed. The letter floated out of her saddlebag, a letter sealed with a blood stamp by the Canterlot’s sigil itself; a Rising Phoenix, was levitated by Twilight herself as her horn glow to the king. Skoll growled under his breath, but Rex growled back to hush the hound that despised magic. When Rex grasped the letter into his fat paws, Twilight ceased from using her magic and Skoll returned to a patient temper lord as he was, not paying attention to the apologetic gaze Twilight gave him.

Rex torn open the letter and pulled out the message Celestia had sent him. Line from line, with slight mumbles being heard from under his breath, the canine snarled and soon started to laugh. Just what did the princess write to him? Twilight wondered as Rex lowered the letter and looked towards Twilight with a toothy grin.

“Skoll, see to it this mare is given a warm room, fine meal, and warm clothing for the morrow.” Rex ordered, his loyal adviser did not question his king.

Twilight was confused. “Your grace?”

“Your princess truly is a feisty one, I remember when she visited herself, always blunt to the core of a stick. Aye, short story, young princess. You’re staying here till I get some things settled up. You’re our guest.”

“Father, you can’t possibly take in a pony into our keep,” it was his son that spoke up and Twilight finally recognized him from the stories written about the Diamond Dog kingdom. Prince Yammir of Rex, The Greyhound of Summer.

“Don’t you judge me, boy, you’re no king yet. This mare is our guest.” Rex’s backlash silenced his young son, next in throne.

“It will be an honorary pleasure to have you here as our guest, Princess Twilight Sparkle.” The daughter, youngest of Rex’s family, Princess Nocta of Shimmeth spoke softly. She was sweet and had a lovely voice, it made Twilight almost envious, but glad this mare seem kinder than her rude brother.

“Marron, where’s Silver Paw?” Rex asked, as he stood from his chair as if struggling to get out of that iron throne seat melded with all sorts of metal.

“Your bastard is training in the yard,” Marron answered, the old pitbull’s blue nose seem more grey like his fur, old and brittle. He was the King’s closest friend, Twilight remembered reading about, one of the full that helped the king get the kingdom out of a debt with Saddle Arabia.

“Have him accompany Night Light’s daughter.” He ordered, “Servant, get me more wine, I’m heading to my bedroom.” Rex practically waddled off, his obese size made it hard for him to go around the chair and head towards the two exits opening in the back. Marron bowed and went off, past Twilight and Skoll.

When the King was gone, Yammir scoffed at the sight of Twilight and left, heading the same way his father had went, the princess gave her a gentle smile and followed behind. This day became quite an uneasy event to handle already.

She was not sure how this king knew her father, what the letter was about, or even the tension between Yammir’s detestment for her, but Twilight was not given time to think. Skoll tapped her shoulder and her guards were ready to follow behind. He seemed quite eager to show her her room, she was not so likely ready to take in the fact she was not going back home any time sooner.

The walk to the high tower on the far east was longer than the trek from the gardens. The snow grew worse for Twilight while her guards were losing their character from the chilling cold touch of winter. Snow crunch beneath their hooves as they past by a few more servants outside and a few more guards on duty in the cold. Just how could they manage through such weather? She thought.

As they walked among the stone bridge with clear view through the fine battlement of the forest. The bridge was just connected to the Hightower called the Grey Fang; a fine built bailey just kissing a few clouds that brushed by the sharp iron spike upon the roof. Twilight found it to be stretching higher than the one in Canterlot for sure, too similar to her previous home back in her student days.

No one talk along the way, it was a quiet walk, especially when they reached the tower and inside where a spiral stairway led up past a few rooms. This felt more like a prison for certain captives, Twilight thought, but she was a guest here and assumed that there was no other place to put her in. Ponies were not given as much respect though, from what she saw as she was led up the steps passing by a few more servants and guards on break, just her sight appalled them.

When Skoll reached the highest top, he opened the door and behind the wooden door with iron bolts along the surface connected to the arch stone wall, was a large room fit for a princess. Though the window was close, a few candles were seen on the shelves no longer lit, and the darkness that was illuminated from outside covered only half of it. The bedroom was cold, Twilight could feel a strong brush of wind just sweeping beneath her hooves.

“This here is where you’d be staying, Silver Paw will be here shortly with your needed items to warm up here. As our guest, do not hesitate to request anything that you happen to find in your interest.” Skoll finished as Twilight walked in, prompting herself on her bed while her guards stood out with Skoll’s.

“I am most honored to be here as your guest, but I do have questions that cannot leave my mind.” Twilight responded, a bit jumpy at the end.

“If it’s about communication with your princess, we have a raven just for you. That...or you could just use your magic,” Skoll stated, in the end he will not even go easy on her when it came to that word. Twilight would no longer expect any less, no matter his kindness. “What is it that you have to ask in case the raven is not on your mind?”

Twilight thought for a moment. “How long will I be here? In the Kingdom of course?”

“Eager to leave?”

“Eager to know when,” she responded not minding the grin on his face, finding her question most comical. Who wouldn’t want to leave here, it’s cold and I almost slipped on ice not too long ago.

“King Rex is a busy king, kings like him desired to drink, fuck a bitch, and set up tourneys for the people’s entertainment. But fear not Twilight Sparkle, Rex is a good hearted king. He may come out as blunt as any Diamond Dog up here in the North, but he is a good king.”

Good kings are loved as much as princesses are, but still curiosity was in the air for Twilight Sparkle. What was written in that letter? Was it vital to her being here? The princess wished Celestia was not as discreet with her. She was a princess too, didn’t she deserved some rights to know what was written in that letter?

“I think I am taking up all your time, it’s a pleasure getting to know you. I do hope that my time here would be most vivacious here.”

“Here in Vulcanos, you’ll find that the winter is but a facade, behind it is a door leading towards many wonders.” Skoll said as he headed out of the room, taking the handle of the door and turning towards the lavender with a canine grin. The half-blind hound concluded. “I will have servants send you a meal fit for an equine, I hope you don’t mind the fact our fruit is mostly hard and cold; freshly chilled Frost berries and Bluemoon Apples.”

“That would be most appreciated,” she said with a gentle smile. “See you soon, Ser Skoll.”

“See you soon, m’lady.” The door closed, leaving the princess alone in her chambers.

She peered out through the frosty window and looked South, over the sea, just past those massive ships, she could no longer see her mentor’s glorious sun. The winter was here, the princess was far from home.

2. Spike

Spike

“One day we will all meet together in this same place,” Twilight’s last words to the others departed with sorrow in Spike’s heart. He laid restless in his bed beside the window, peering outside at the streets of Ponyville. He could remember how the others were all together in the center of Ponyville.

“But for how long?” He muttered under his breath, the same words he said that went unheard of. Fluttershy was staying in her Cottage, the thought of leaving town to the North frightened her more than her shadow. If Dash didn’t mention there being mostly dragons she might be lenient enough.

Rainbow Dash was going to be with the Wonderbolts the entire time, heading off to Canterlot to attend a royal meaning; they were just invited guest after all. Applejack and the rest of her family was visiting family South. Rarity and Sweetie Belle were heading West. Pinkie Pie gladly enough was staying, but most of his friends were gone.

The young amethyst serpent puffed. “I don’t need them anyway,” he was still young after all. “I can do things that can be helpful too!”

Spike hop out of his bed, landing on the wooden floor where the crystalline walls glimmer by the bright rays of the incandescent sun caused his eyes to close down and flinch. He left the room fast, not paying mind to bumping against Twilight’s bed, and hurry out of the Crystal Treehouse with haste.

His stubby small feet click against the floor, kicking dirt as he rushed along with a determined smile. His green spikes that matched the color of his emerald eyes were sharp and pointy. He passed by a few ponies in this rural town. Rose and her stand of Roses, Lily and her stand of Lilies, and even the adorable ditz, Derpy Whooves. The summer lived on most ponies would say, admiring such a warm seasonal weather, Spike just found it convenient that Winter-Wrap up ended on the same day Twilight departed to a place where it is Winter every day.

Wooden homes with chimneys sporting at the tip, some alleys could be seen half clean and half dirty. But the rural town was not as big as Canterlot and nasty as Manehatten. Ponyville was a lovely town that was built by the Apple Family and it eventually lasted here for almost centuries and here on then before, the oldest of ones that had evidence of its historical value was Granny’s Smith’s age and photo albums and Mayor Mare’s documents.

He earned some hellos here and there passing by, some merchants came in from the Everfree he didn’t know just to trade with other ponies. Like Caramel who managed a Apple Stand for Applejack’s family so that their business doesn’t run out in town. He was not part of the family, by blood at least, but they treated him like one.

Family stays together, he thought. They take you everywhere they need to go, so why did Twilight have to leave like that and have me stay and clean up that dumb treehouse! Spike was upset with his surrogate mother. She was treating him too young, after everything they been through, he was still just a youngling in her eyes.

I am a Dragon…

He spotted Mr. Cake and Mrs. Cake Bakery Shop, the place where all his lovely sweets came in at its tastiest pleasures to satiate his appetite. Rarity was not around, the crush of his life was not around to give him a supply of gems to eat. Sugarcube Corner was the popular site since the Cake Family came to Ponyville, way before Twilight was around, or so he heard.

He used his small thin claws to push those wooden doors open, rushing inside with a bright smile on his thin lips. There was Mr. Cake behind the counter and Mrs. Cake in the background working in the kitchen. Pumpkin Cake and Pound Cake, the sweet little twins were almost Applebloom’s age back in Cheerilee’s school.

Mr. Cake seemed old, just coming around his mid-age, with those same freckles on his sharp angle box chin and small eyes difficult to determine the natural color between brown or black. He was a batch of yellow, exclude the short mane popping out from under his hat on that long neck of his. Amber hair, a ginger color definitely.

Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake may have been twins, but their races differ. Pound Cake was a pegasus, black mane and light gray coat as his sister, Pumpkin Cake was her father’s color, with a puffy light orange mane. They both had matching blue eyes, cute and marble sizes. Every pony’s mane matched with their tail’s color, unless they wanted to do some highlighting, what Spike was taught from Rarity. Though their father had a short cut tail, their tails were evenly long and at point.

“Spike, pleasant to see you here.” Mr. Cake greeted the young dragon whose presence caught the twins attention.

“Spike!” They both rushed towards him happily.

“Hey guys,” he greeted, “I like to have the Dragon Special,” he told Mr. Cake, who nodded his head and went off with a gentle smile towards his wife. He brought his attention to the twins, “How are you guys here?”

“We’re great!”

That brought a smile to Spike’s face.

“So, now that I am here, free from Twilight,” he said, hiding the longing in his voice to see her again, “Would you guys like to hang out?”

They were close to his age, Pinkie Pie could baby sit them as they have fun and play games. If Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo were around, they could even play hide and seek. The invitation brought a smile to their faces.

“Here you go, Spike,” Mr. Cake came back with a tray of three cupcakes with four gems inside the white frosting. It was quite an appealing site for a young dragon like him. “Just the way you like it.”

“Thanks!” He took it happily, it was free for him after helping the cakes out with Pinkie Pie after all.

“Don’t mention it.” Mr. Cake gladly said.

Spike was beginning to feel happy now, the day wouldn’t be as bad as he thought.

“Daddy, daddy,” Pound Cake hopped onto the stool, “Spike invited us over to his home!”

“Can we go?” Pumpkin Cake asked.

Spike took a single glance at Mr. Cake and for the first time he saw an unsure expression. This didn’t feel good one bit.

“I’m sorry, you guys, but you know that your mother’s tight on her schedule, by tonight we have to leave and take Pinkie Pie to her Rock Farm. Her family invited us after all.” Mr. Cake tried to sweeten the moment, but it only brought sorrow to the Twins and a returned emptiness into Spike’s heart.

He feign a smile, “It’s okay,” he lied. “Nothing too serious. You guys just gotta have fun right? Maybe another time.”

He didn’t give them much time to respond, not even the Twins which he adored the most. Spike ran off, leaving the tray behind, the cupcakes untouched by Spike’s claws. He always was that one star that gain no reputation at all. Unappreciated he felt, angry he felt, sad he felt, but most of all...jealous.

I am a Dragon! I deserve to go places too!

But Spike had stay young quite a long time to see how time would change for his friends whenever he found himself part of their adventures. He learned what Dragons were like, even faced a few that belittle him too long ago. Dragons were fearsome creatures that even the princesses would mess around with. Their scales made them impregnable against magic, their fire was from the sun stories went by that they swallow and blew upon their enemies, and their size were gigantic.

I am a Dragon!

But he was cut off from his thoughts. He ran out so fast that just turning the corner, heading straight home, he bumped against a pony in front of him. He was sent flat onto his rear, looking up, preparing to apologize.

Pinkie Pie stood before him, her smile was wide with those shiny pearl teeths. Her blue eyes sparkled as if she spotted the best thing in her life. With a pink coat and puffy pink mane, this mare was a living party-mare-with a love for sugar. She was also the youngest daughter to the Pie family.

“Spike!” she shouted, picking him up with just her two hooves and squeezing him tight into a warm and friendly hug, “I didn’t see you!”

I didn’t see you either.

“What are you doing here?!”

“...I…” He couldn’t help but pause for a moment, the pain of loneliness truly got to him. With Twilight gone, Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash too, he felt quite isolated. Visiting Fluttershy would only be difficult since she was usually away from society most of the time. Pinkie Pie would be gone too.

“Hmm? Did you just happen to come by the Shop?” She asked, setting him down as her amiable nature picked up and she was also bouncing up and down. It was normal for her to be this excited.

He nodded. “You’re leaving too, huh?” He hurt to smile now.

“That’s right,” Pinkie Pie responded, oblivious to the sadness in his tone. “My ma and pa really want to see me, they also want to see the Cakes too! Apparently our families knew each other way before my pa was born!”

The way she called her father pa made Spike flinched a bit. She was also childish, using big words in short sentences to make it easier to understand. Sometimes they could be wacky, but Pinkie Pie was a smart mare make no mistake. She had a way in bringing out the smile in everypony.

But I am a Dragon, we don’t smile.

“I...hope you have a good time over there.” He said, scratching the right side of his arm. Already, he did not want to be here in the middle of the warm heat, departing with one of the fewest friends he could see again.

Pinkie Pie picked up finally on his change of behavior. He wasn’t happy with her leaving and she was quick to think. Twilight was not here anymore, she couldn’t watch over Spike, but she did expected him to look after her place. It wouldn’t be a problem would it?

“How about you come with us?” Pinkie Pie suggested, this brought the drake’s attention to a pause as he looked up at her almost stunned.

“Wait, come with you?”

“That’s right! We could have room to fit one more! Plus, what else are you going to do here?” She asked, that caught Spike’s attention pretty well.

“Pinkie Pie, you don’t really have to,” he said, trying to be polite and not put any weight on her and the others. But the mare was as stubborn as Twilight. Try to turn her down from making you happy and she will do everything in her power to get you to smile.

“Nope, it’s soooo official! You gotta come with us! My family would probably be excited to find out they have a dragon as their guest too! Some drake who could find gems with just his nose!” She said, providing some evidence in how well he could fit in.

The Pie Family was not a family pastries and sweets, they were miners owning a Rock Farm in the dreadfulest parts of Equestria’s roughest territories. Hard and brawn, only Stonewolves-the stone aspect of a timberwolf-occupied their lands in the East. He was great at finding gems!

He took it into consideration, but then what would happen when Twilight then gets back. She wouldn’t be happy knowing he left the place in a mess. She wouldn’t mind the least, after all, she could have taken me, he thought.

And he would have frozen to death. Dragons weren’t the most loved in the North, especially towards Diamond Dogs who don’t forgive so easily. It was a part of history Spike did not realize in his dreamy midst of the tales of Kings.

“I would have nothing here to do truthfully, so I wouldn’t mind coming with you if that’s not a problem.” Spike replied, a light smile spread upon his lips and it was good enough for Pinkie to give out a loud and attention grabbing cheer. The high pitch joyful shout made him flinch and cover his ears.

“If it was a problem, I would not have brought it up! Welcome aboard, Spike!” Pinkie did not hesitate to lift him up and toss him upon her back. He held on tightly and looked down at her as she bounced straight.

“Do you think I should bring something from home?” Spike asked.

“What would you like to bring?” Pinkie asked.

He thought for a moment, just going back may change his mind. He shook his head. “Never mind, let’s go!” He responded, looking down at Pinkie with a smile.

The pink mare bounced ahead, straight towards the Bakery. Spike thought of a possible explanation for his sudden departure. But the more he thought about it, the best thing he could think of saying is ‘I’m Sorry,’ however it would not be directed towards them.

“One day, we will all meet together in this same place.”

Spike ignored those thoughts abruptly. I have Pinkie Pie with me, when that day comes, I will know. He thought.

Prologue

A silver stream trail behind the bright orb of light that flew slowly through the sky. A silver comet, many astrologers believed it to be a sign for their great princess of the kingdom in the south. Bluebelle paid no mind to it, believers were believers and that was how it stay in the Ivory Castle in South Equestria. Princess Bluebelle, niece of Celestia and Luna, next in line for the throne behind Princess Cadence, sat on her chair outside in the Highgardens of Myrtles and Turtle leaves. She watched the comet drift along the blue banks in the sky, uninterested in its presence as much as she was with the knights that stood in guard beside her.

Her glorious blond mane that was combed to perfection, her alabaster coat groomed to glimmer under the sky, and those blue eyes that were sapphires to any noble’s gaze allured by her beautiful charm. But Bluebelle’s beauty did not matched so well with her character. She was not a kind mare to her servants nor was she to any peasant in the Lower Streets of the Ivory Kingdom. Her kingdom was the Kingdom of Flowers that bloomed white, she bloomed black.

“Your grace,” an old brown unicorn draped in grey robe with a clear bald spotted head with brown spots, approached her with a sluggish gaze. The wrinkles in his eyes made Bluebelle detest his very sight, but did not speak out due to the news this stallion had. “I bring you news from the Council.”

The Council was a meeting where Bluebelle had six of the finest ponies in the kingdom to manage her work as she handled ruling over the commonfolk. His name was Withered Stem, one of the luckiest old fools left in his position after Bluebelle took the Ivory Throne from her mother and father. He was the oldest of the six, and did not fancy being out here in the sunlight as his grace bathed on a chair.

“Speak,” she ordered. “Another complaint about the coin shortage and I’ll have the last vagabond tar.”

Withered Stem nodded quickly and unwrapped the scroll, before he began. “The Council of the Six Flowers of the Princess have decided to go with the preparations of holding not only a feast for the princess’ ascension, but also invite the Gryphon Lord Vulcan, Manticore Lord Dreagurr, Ser Polar Star from the Winterbane Kingdom-

“Enough, just the names of these lords and sers annoys me, do what you will. I know how to be presentable for guests.” She said and Withered bow in courtesy, however, Bluebelle lifted her hoof up and caused him to be still.

“What of my aunt?” Bluebelle asked, hiding the longing to see her beloved grace. The aunt who ruled Canterlot from the Northwest. She remember when the Gala was hosted there, so precious and wondrous it was, exclude the mare that attempted to court her. The scene was embarrassing enough in how it ended. But just the sight of her aunt made Bluebelle full of glee.

“I’m afraid she will have no time to visit. She is quite a busy monarch,” he answered and Bluebelle’s bitterness returned.

“Have the servants readying the meals and sweets. As for that Showmare, who entered into my Kingdom, have her attend to. I do enjoy a lovely show and wish to give my guests the best out of it.”

“Your grace’s command will be follow.” Withered responded, as he backed up, rose, and awaited the order to be dismissed. The princess gave the command and so he left his grace with her four guards adorned with silver armor that sheen in the sunlight. The pads adorned chains too, filigreed with a few sapphires and the precious white cloth that had the Ivory Kingdom’s Sigil; Bluebelle’s cutie mark.

Evenfall, she thought. It was approaching already and the mood to be outside bathing under the incandescent sun left Bluebelle. She was up on her hooves and began down the concrete road, through the large bushes of green, trimmed perfectly down so that roses would adorn the setting. Walking by her side, the Ivory Guards did not leave their princess’ side.

“Such a sullen day, I was hoping my Aunt would visit, perhaps even my Aunt Luna, but now all I will get is a snobbish beast, a drunken warbird, and a knight in replacement of his frail father. How trite I might say.” Bluebelle complained, but none of the guards responded, their duty was to do as their grace commanded and see her safety through the day.

“Good day, your grace,” a young handsome stallion approached, dress in a fine garnish robe green and black striped to match along his chiseled gray features while the white mane on his head was nicely comb back. The green eyes were like emeralds under a moonlight’s rays, nothing compared to Bluebelle’s blue eyes.

“Lord Frost, same to you,” she greeted, not deigning a smile.

Frost Stone approached his grace with an elegant bowed, though as he rose, he gave a languid shrug and smile gently to his princess. “I assume Maester Withered told you of the news?”

He told me what I hear every day, she thought. “Yes, and the comet in the sky truly is not of the matter. I’m sure once the nobles and lords come to the kingdom it will be the highest of the topic.”

“I couldn’t agree any more. Did you know the Gryphon priests believed it to be their lord’s right to bring their kingdom back to the glorious kingdom it once was?” He replied with a covered hint of doubt.

Bluebelle though was blunt and not known for concealing her detest away from other nobles. “The fools lost their kingdoms glorious days the moment their king grew too greedy over a damn piece of gold. A gold some vile cyclops took and died for it.”

“Death is such a strong way to put it, your grace.” Frost replied, smiling gently as ever.

“I expect it to be no way less, why is it though that my aunts of all royals are not participating tonight in the kingdom’s meeting?” Bluebelle turned to the master of bits for information; the known pony she could find ways in getting information out of the others in the council wish to keep from her.

“It appears they are mainly focus on the Diamond Dogs, your grace, specifically King Rex.”

“Rex!” she paused, turning to Frost in shock, of course they kept walking forward, the day was almost at its nightfall. “Why would they bother themselves with that mutt? Diamond Dogs are filthy and cravens nonetheless.”

“But yet they are the richest out of the Four Kingdoms.”

The Four Kingdoms: Equestria, Diamond Dogs, Saddle Arabia, and The Dilapidated Gryphons. Equestria warden the West, Saddle Arabia warden the East, Diamond Dogs controlled the North, and The Gryphons owned the South. They may have been the richest, but their history was quite the darkest, being originally a dragon kingdom, the Diamond Dogs were slaves to the serpents of the sky. Until Princess Celestia and Luna liberated them alongside the King Baron of Ice, a Diamond Dog himself, forcing the Dragons into submission.

“Rich or not, they are consider the lowest of the lows, I rather deal with the cats with wings than those mutts.” Bluebelle stated with a huff, though Frost softly chuckled at the reaction.

“They won’t be visiting the kingdom physically, your grace. Their place is Canterlot as your cousin’s in the Carpopetri-the Crystal Kingdom.”

By then they stopped in front of a round fountain clear and with floating lotus flowers that bloomed gently under the sky. Bluebelle could smell how pleasant the lavenders nearby were that it almost calmed her down and set her in a good mood. She looked back towards Frost Stone and asked. “And how would they be handling that hound?”

“Why it is the amiable Twilight Sparkle of course,” Frost said and by that answer Bluebelle became frozen stiff. Her Twilight Sparkle, the filly who she seen grow up the day her aunt took her under her wing.

The maremaidens nearby who giggled and chattered were silence once they heard their lady’s gasp. She was not pleased by this, for the most, she was worried. Bluebelle had only few ponies in her heart, her aunts, cousin, and dear Twilight Sparkle.

“Foolish, foolish, foolish!” She stomped her hooves and glared at the maidens who gazed at her frightened. “Leave us now!” And they were gone in a hurry, “You too,” she glared at her knights and without a say in the matter they exited, to a certain distance so they could make sure their princess was safe at all times.

“Must I advise that it is for the greater good? The reasons your aunts have could be quite beneficial if I say so the least.” Frost said, calming down the princess with his gentle voice.

“This seems too risky, Twilight is surely not ready to handle such cravens.” She did not dare seem weak though, not wishing to have her weakness for Twilight exposed so early. “She is quite brash and does not listen to others very much, she goes by what she feels is best and can make hasty decisions that will surely put her in danger. That king has a temper, surely my aunts should have known that.” And Twilight has a tendency to make others have tempers quite a lot.

Frost Stone did not let such a reaction dismay him. Twilight’s safety was of course important, she was a vital asset to Equestria. If she was sent to the Gryphons, they might get greedy and hold her up for ransom after the war with Lord Talos. However, King Rex had one thing many of the great lords did not have, loyalty.

“Your grace, your beloved friend will be alright,” he said, choosing his words carefully knowing that Bluebelle still did not accepted Twilight into the family yet; she was not born royalty. “King Rex may be known for having a temper, but he will never let it get the best of him and hurt a fine guest, especially to the ones that helped his mother’s grandpa liberate Diamond Dogs two-hundred years ago.

Two-hundred years ago was a different time. They needed more land so they needed more trust! Don’t act like you know them more than I do you grey fox, she thought but refused to say aloud. She needed his trust more than she needed the others. “I am glad at least that no diamond dog is coming to the kingdom.”

“I believe that relief will be short lasted, Withered as forgetful as he is forgotten one thing, your grace.” Frost stepped forward revealing a blood stamped letter, the sigil of King Rex just the imprint alone made the princess more pale than her coat could be.

“You are jesting are you not, Lord Frost?” she hesitantly asked.

“I rarely do jest, your grace,” the earth pony responded, as the wind blew against his lovely attire. “I only do what you say, to see you pleased.”

“Inform the others, a prince comes.” Bluebelle ordered.