The Lost Sons.

The forest teemed with the sounds of life. From the shaking and groaning of the massive pine and oak trees, to the sounds of insects and birds chirping away.

Argyle's ears twitched at the sounds, locking onto one creatures sound and scent.

His prey....

A massive black bear he had been following for the past two days, the large male bear had already killed two of his fellow Diamond Dogs and needed to be put down in fear it hurt another.

Only armed with a longbow, a small iron hand axe, and a vest of mail that ended at his belt, he quietly stalked this beast. Its scent grew even more noxious, its low grunts could be heard through the brush. Argyle's snow white coat would easily give him away in the green brush, but wits are something bears lack.

He could see the massive male bear through the shrub, its fur black as coal and eyes just as black and its maw had a thick and milky white saliva dripping from it, bits of blood could be seen on its yellow teeth. He hoped it were an animal it killed last.

The bear was in an open clearing, clawing at the ground leaving its mark across it, possibly trying to dig out a groundhog or marking its territory, he will never really know.

The sound of a branch falling in the distance made the bear look in its direction, Argyle quickly hid behind a nearby berry bush to hide from it’s gaze. The bear snorted and soon returned to its digging.

Argyle stood up slowly, knocking an arrow and then drawing it. The arrowhead was a piece of wrought iron that was barbed, so that it could cut and tear through its victim, and the shaft was cut from a small pine branch with chicken feathers for fletching.

He pulled back on the string and aimed the bow towards the bear, hoping his draw strength was enough to pierce the bears hide. The heart, lungs, head, and eyes were the main targets, if he were to miss and hit the bears thicker and more fatty sides, say its back or arms, he would scare it off or worse, anger it, causing it to attack him.

The bear stopped scratching the ground and began to sniff the air, it looked around the clearing trying to find the new smell. Argyle quickly drew the string even farther and then let go. The arrow then flew from the bow and towards the bear with a small snap coming from the drawstring.

Then almost suddenly, an explosion and a bright blinding light appeared before, blinding him and it’s shock wave launched him back into a tree, his ears ringing and his back in pain from impacting the tree. He stood back up, one arm holding his back while the other held the bow, and looked into the clearing were the bear was.

Screaming and grunting in fear and no doubt surprise, the bear ran through the forest in a panicked frenzy breaking through hundreds of branches and brush, It’s loud trudging was heard for another few moments before being drowned out by the tree groaning and the squawking of birds.

In the center of the clearing was something he didn't expect to see.

A massive blue crystal, taller and wider than he was, with his arrow stuck in its side. Argyle placed his hand on the crystal, it was as cold as ice, inside he saw something through it’s milky color. A figure was inside the crystal. “What in the mothers name... ” He quietly said.

The crack caused by the arrow then began to expand rapidly, cracks soon formed all over the crystal, it then shattered, sending thousands of shards all over the ground.

The figure inside fell to her knees, one arm holding her up while the other was cradling her very pregnant belly. She was an Equestrian, with blue hair and a light purple coat, she was wearing a shimmering dress that was blue and white. She had both a horn on her head and small wings on her back. She began to gasp, as if it was her first breath in days.

She slowly stood up and tried to move herself forward, the sound of water leaking onto the ground stopped her dead in her tracks and soon a noticeable wet spot quickly formed on her dress, silhouetting her legs and causing the dress to stick to them, she gasped once again but this time heavily and in pain, she slowly lowered herself to the ground and whimpered in pain.

Argyl looked at her and realized she was going into labor.

He dropped his bow and quickly ran to her side, startling the mare and causing her to charge up her horn. As the horn glowed he stopped and put his hands up. “Now ah mean you no harm miss, but if I don’t help y’ now there’ll be nobody for another twelve miles to help you.” At first she seemed hesitant, but finally came to the conclusion he meant her no harm.

As she tried to say something she slumped back down, Argyle quickly made his way to her. “Easy now miss, just breathe now.” Falling to his knees and helping her lean up. She sat up against a rock. She cringed and groaned in pain, Argyl then began to smell blood. And he was right, blood began to drip onto the ground under her. She looked at him and said.

“Please...h..h-help me...” She said weakly.

“I'll be right here, I'm'ere for ye.” He said, she squeezed his hand tightly and winced in pain, then screamed as she began to push. She stopped and began to breathe heavily, panting loudly. Once again she used all of her strength to push, she cringed and then screamed. A small squeal, followed by a cry, broke through her screams. The mare began to pant and sigh heavily, her head falling back onto the rock.

Argyle looked down, he pulled up her dress and saw her foal between her bloodied legs. His coat was stained but his color was a deep gray, with same colored small wings and a purple mane with lighter blue highlights. Argyle had to use his knife to cut off the child's cord. He quickly took off his mail vest and threw it aside.

Taking his Jerkin off he placed the foal on it and wrapped him in it, once the foal was carefully wrapped he handed him to his mother. She placed the child against her her chest, sighing and panting exhaustively, the foal made soft cries and coos as it was coddled by her. The mare gasped and then began to pant heavily and wince once more.

“There's another coming!” She screamed and once again pushed. Her hands balled up on the ground and her nails dug deep into the dirt.

Another small cry was then heard, Argyle looked to see another child. A boy, just like the other but he had a brown coat and a darker brown mane similar to a chestnut color, he looked nothing like his mother. Argyle proceeded to do the same he did with the other foal, taking bits of his jerkin off of the other wrap and bundling the foal up in it.

Once he was finished he gave the child to its mother, the second child was soon silent as she began to quiet him. Exhausted, with tears in her eyes, she looked up at Argyle.

“Th...thank you...” She said weakly, crooking a small smile.

“Shh, rest is what ye need. M‘tings are nearby, I'll be back shortly.” Argyle said, he then stood up and ran towards the forest.

He nearly flew through the forest with how fast he was going, running past tree's and dodging branches, Dimondia's mild spring weather brushing against his bare coat. He quickly ran to his supplies hidden inside a dead tree. Removing the bundles of pine branches covering the opening, he then looked inside.

There he saw his large bag, inside were several furs from a few deer, rabbits, and a black bear, small jars full of potted meat, a wooden canteen, a wooden shovel with an iron rim, two small clay bottles full of ale, and his Iron sword. He quickly slung the gear over his shoulder and ran towards the clearing.

Once he returned to the clearing he set his things down and pulled out the several large furs, mostly deer and bear he used to keep warm, and placed them next to the mare. “I'm sorry to do this, but I need to get you out of that dress miss. A bear is still nearby and he might smell the blood.” He said.

“A-alright.” Placing the foals onto one of the furs, luckily they weren't fussing too much. She began to remove her dress, exposing her naked body, Argyle looked away, showing a little modesty but still having to help her get it off.

“Sit up please, just a little.” She nodded and slowly sat up. Argyl then slid one of the hides under her and then covering her with another, she picked up the fussing foals and placed them against her breasts once again. Argyl balled up the ripped and bloody dress and carried it into the forest.

After hiding them in a hollowed out stump he quickly selected a few thin, but sturdy enough branches, and quickly cut them down with his axe. After cutting down about eleven he bundled them up under his arms and quickly jogged back to the clearing. The Mare watched him quietly as he dropped the bundles of small trees onto the ground, he reached over to his bag and unhooked the shovel, he then began to dig.

After what seemed about twenty minutes he had dug a small trench into the ground, about six feet long and four feet wide, he cut off the branches on the small trees, shortened them, and stuck them in each corner but more in the back. After he stuck them into the ground he quickly tied another, much longer branch to one with rope he had in his bag to connect it to another, he did the same to the rest.

After they were tied together he began to stack the other branches against the others, forming a triangular like tent base. After that was complete he grabbed the two largest furs onto the tents floor, primarily the bear and deer one, and stacked the others near the end to make a makeshift pillow. He walked over to the mare and knelt. “Come now, get inside. It'll be dark soon and you need to keep warm.” She didn't reply but she did nod in agreement.

She winced as he slowly lifted her up in his large arms and stood up. He walked over to the quickly made shelter, holding her newborns tightly to her chest as Argyl held her. Once he'd set her down Argyle began to continue his work on the shelter by piling pine branches and bark onto its side to keep it insulated. Once that was complete he put a bear pelt at the entrance to cover it.

He moved the flap and poked his head inside. “Here. You need it more than I do.” He said, giving her his wooden canteen. It levitated from her hands, covered in a blue magic hue he saw earlier. Once it was close enough she took it and unscrewed the top and took a long drink from it. When it separated from her mouth she took in a long breath and sighed.

“Tha...thank you." She said, trying to give it back to him. He took it and set it next to her. “Where am I?” Looking at Argyle.

“Central Dimondia.” He said, looking into her big blue eyes. “The closest Village is called Vale, its a few hours walk from here, but its getting dark out. Once your able we'll go there tomorrow.” He looked at the foals, only the tops their tiny heads were visible due to their mother covering them and her chest with a pelt. “Don't mind me askin', you have names for them yet?” He asked.

“Yes, the names their father wanted to give them...” She looked at the grey foal. “Lightning Storm...and Aegis Fate.” She said tiredly and trying to sit up.

“You need to rest miss.” He said, helping her back down. “We'll leave at first light tomorrow, if you are able.”

“I'll try... was I the only one that arrived here?” She asked.

“Aye, were you supposed to be meetin' with someone?”

“Yes... their father was supposed to meet me here... if you see him...”

“Ah'll let him know your safe, now lay down.” Argyle stepped out of the tent and covered the opening. He walked passed the remains of crystal and kicked something on the ground. He looked down to see two sword grips poking out the top of red linen, he mustn't have noticed them at first due to the rush.

As he rolled the linen out it revealed two swords, a saber of about four and a half feet with red glowing runes on the blade with a guard on the handle, on the guard were several studs to be a form of knuckle duster.

It was a dark grey color, almost looking like stone but it felt like metal, possibly Iron. The other was a longsword of about five feet with the same red glowing runes on the blade as the other and also shared the dark grey color.

The linen holding them was made of red silk, a fabric that isn't made in Dimondia and the closest silk users live in Dimondia's capitol city of Chert or Equestria. It was a blood red color with no details on it, must have been a curtain or blanket. He wrapped up the swords in the linen and placed them next to his bag. He then gathered up rocks and several sticks and started building a fire.

For the night was quickly approaching.

Argyle sat around the fire right outside the tent, stitching together a crude jerkin made from a deer skin. Once it was finished he then put it on and then putting his mail vest back on over it. He saw bits of the crystal still left on the ground, he picked a piece up. Not even putting any strength into picking it up the fragile gem simply shattered and turned into dust in his hands. It was far different than the gems he and other Diamond Dog's ate and mined.

Only an hour after its shattering it appeared to slowly become even more fragile, easily crumbling in his hands and its color fading. His sword sat against his leg and the axe was leaned up against the log he sat on.

The forest was even more alive at night, insects, bats, and owls filled the forest with hoots and chirps. From outside he heard the small coos and babbles from the foals, after a few minutes the foals stopped making noises, probably asleep now with their mother. Argyle looked into the small fire and threw a small branch on it.

As he was getting ready to lean back something in the forest moved, a snapping sound caused him to quickly jump up and grab his weapons. From the darkness of the pines he saw something move in the shadows, it was large and its eyes shinned from the fires light, moving around slowly, he could hear its low grunting, growling, and its heavy steps.

The bear that had been scared off returned to the clearing, drawn by the smell of blood and the cries of the foals. It was in full sight now, the lumbering beast watched Argyle, maw open, small bits of saliva dripped onto the ground, its eyes shined in the fire as did his.

He drew the sword from its sheath, the sheath dropping on the ground next to him, the bear stood on its back legs and roared at him. The foals were awakened by this, their startled cries made the bear look at the tent, Argyl stood in front of the tent, baring his teeth and growling at the bear.

The Bear charged at him, once it was close enough Argyle stepped on a branch in the fire, sending embers into its face. As it wiped it face clear of the embers, Argyl swung his sword striking it in the arm, the bear roared in pain but then swung its large paw at Argyl, the mail took the impact of it and possibly part of its claws, the bear swiped again, this time hitting his exposed sword arm.

Its claws ripped through his flesh, Argyle winced and yelped in pain. The bear slowly retreated and licked its wounded arm, it then stood up once more, and roared at him, and without hesitation, Argyle threw his sword at the bear.

The sword hit the bear in the shoulder, it screamed and howled in agony as the blade went deep into it. It bit onto its handle and ripped it from its shoulder, the sword was then thrown to the ground. It roared once more and ran towards Argyle. He held his axe with both hands and once it was close enough, he swung down towards its head.

The axe made a horrid thud sound once it impacted the bears head, once it did the bear immediately fell to the ground without a sound, only a few violent twitches followed. Its eyes bulged out due to the axe hitting it directly in the head. He stepped on the bears neck and pulled the axe from its skull.

He poked his head through the tent and saw the foals were stirring silently and slowly, fussing loudly, and looking around the tent. He set his weapons down and moved inside the tent, their mother was sound asleep. He took one of the foals in his not bleeding left arm and began to gently rock the child back to sleep. They stopped crying after a few moments, Argyle had watched them closely for a few more second before they both dozed off, he set them against their mother.

He closed the tent once again and sat on the log, he cut off a piece of his own clothing and wrapped it around his wounded arm. He looked at the bear for a moment, instead of skinning or gutting it for its pelt and meat, he walked over grabbed it by its fore paw and drug it into the forest, a good distance away from the camp, right around where he left the mares bloody dress. He knelt down and picked up several clumps of moss and tree bark.

Once he returned he sat in front of the fire and undid the cloth around his wrist. The wound itself was still bleeding. Pouring water on it seemed to make it a little worse but it still washed the blood away. He took the clumps of moss and began to set them on his wound.

Once it was covered he placed the tree bark over it. Using the cloth he tied it together, making a sort of bandage. He then washed the blood and fur from his weapons. Once they were clean he held his axe and sword closer to his body, and stared into the fire for the rest of the night.

The Next day he had been only asleep for a short while until he was awoken by the foals crying. He stood up and stomped out the remaining embers that were still smoking in the fire pit and walked towards the tent. Once he opened the tent flap he could see one of the foals, Aegis, babbling loudly while his brother quietly slept on his mothers chest. “Miss, its time to go.” He said to the mare, but she didn't respond. “Miss?” He said once again, this time placing his hand on her shoulder and shaking her gently. Her head simply drooped to the side.

He moved in closer and put his hand in front of her muzzle, she wasn't breathing, he then placed his fingers on her neck, no pulse. She was lifeless. He fell back onto his rear, looking at the mare. He sighed heavily and placed his hands in his face, thinking about what he must do next. The foal Aegis simply babbled even more. They wont last long unless I find them someone they can nurse on. He thought. “Sammie... she can help.”

An hour went after he discovered the foals deceased mother. A five foot deep grave had been quickly dug for her. She was tightly wrapped in the largest skins Argyle had with him. He gently placed her in the grave and filled it up, placing several stones atop it to mark her location. He stared at the grave for a minute before he looked down at the small foals.

They were in small slings strapped to his chest, the slings were made of the remaining bear and elk furs. The Grey foal, Lightning, was still asleep and Aegis stared at Argyle, his fingers in his mouth and his eyes, his red hexagonal iris's with a black pupil staring at him, his brother had these strange eyes as well.

The swords were in his bag along with the rest of his gear on his back. The foal made a face and started to fuss loudly. Argyle placed his hand on Aegis' belly. “Shh... hush child. We're going home.” Argyle walked out of the clearing and onto a dirty old road that led home, to the Town of Vale. Where his sister Sammie, the only one that could help him, lived with her husband and close friend to Argyle, the local Barron named Slate.

******

Argyle walked through the old wooden gate and into the bustling village, as he walked passed he looked at the aging and slightly overgrown wooden palisades and towers, remembering the day that they were erected. From there he continued down the towns main road, passing the several wood, wattle and daub, and stone houses with thatched or earthen roofing, their stone, wood, or clay chimneys expelling white smoke from their hearths and the many smallfolk about their day.

The road was much older than everything else in the town, save the keep, and was heavily trodden on over the years, leaving the prints of the many Diamond Dogs exiting, entering, or walking to their homes. Grass and some small shrubs and weeds grew along its side, creating a natural line for it.

Sows with their piglets at their sides, chickens, sheep, goats, and even geese walked across and down the road, no minding the company of the Diamond Dogs walking past them. On a nearby porch he saw a mother coddling her fussy pup while another next to her worked on a loom and another was boiling linen in a vat full of yellow flowers to dye it.

Further down the road he saw a pig hooked up to an iron plow. It slowly trudged through the large garden, snorting and squealing while its owner was controlling the plow from behind while his son was tempting the pig forward with a head of cabbage. Laughter and revelry came from one of the many inn's, a blacksmith banged on a piece of iron while his apprentice poured copper into a mold, and the smell of fresh hops filled his nostrils.

The road led into the village center, a large market that was bustling with life. Ores, exotic foods, spices, and weapons as imports and Vales main export, timber, ales, and furs, dotted the market square as several villagers picked through and bought the goods. Several of the villagers kindly said hello to him as he passed them. The road then led to Slate's home, a large tower house built upon a small motte. The only way up to the keep was to trek up the drawbridge that connect's to its gate.

The keep had a wooden mead hall with a tilled roof as its main entrance and a stone bawn made from drystone, the small gate and towers were made from the same. It was built around two-hundred years ago and was originally used to protect and watch for raiders, but when Slates's family bought it almost a century ago, they added the hall for times of celebration and revelry with large brass ale vats that were stored in a large wattle and daub warehouse and brewery that sat nearby. A much larger armory and barracks were connected to the left side of the keep.

The most recent addition was another fifty feet and another square tower installed almost a year ago, a late anniversary present for Argyle's sister from Slate. The addition added a few new rooms on the first floor and another garderobe in the towers first floor and the second floor addition, as well as the tower, there was an alchemy laboratory for Sammie, the second level of tower had a store room in it, windows installed above her study shinned natural light in it during the day and can be opened by a staff and closed by a hook on the other end of the staff.

The keeps color had diminished over the ages, turning a dark grey and black, much like the strange swords he had with him, and heavily overgrown on one side with green vegetation, save the recent addition that was a light grey. As he entered the hall he walked passed a few guards sitting at a table. The hall had a stone floor with tall wooden walls, its brownish orange clay roofing tiles were once thatched but that changed almost five years ago when the hall was accidentally set ablaze, burning its walls and roof down like paper and only blackening the floor and side of the keep.

Luckily no one was killed in the fire, others say bear fat was knocked into the fire by accident which caused the blaze. After it was destroyed it was quickly rebuilt with a tiled roof and a well was dug nearby just in case a fire were to start again. In the center of the hall was a large stone fire pit with an all iron spit for roasting food on.

Several wooden tables and benches were in the hall, iron chandeliers with candles on them helped light up the dark room. Above the lords high chair was the counties coat of arms, a large elm tree with an ancient stone circle around it with a green background, adorned on a large round targe shield that belonged to the counties founder, it was heavily dilapidated and scarred over time, its spike broke off years ago. It is now in use as a family heirloom. The symbol was on many of the guards shields and on a flag atop the keep and gate houses.

The foals, both of them now awake, fussed and squealed loudly. “Hush now, almost here.” Trying to calm them down.

“Mr Argyle.” He looked around but could not hear the one who called to him. “Ahem, down here whitey.” He felt something tug on his pants, he then looked down to see a grey colored Bushwoolie with a small satchel around its waist and a gnawed on pine cone in its hand, must had been one of the servants Slate had. The small creature was no higher than one and a half feet tall and covered head to toe in fur, save for its yellow eyes, mouth, small clawed feet, and four fingers.

“My sister, have you seen her. Its important.” Argyle said, the Bushwoolie turned and pointed towards the staircase.

“Sammie upstairs, she reading a big book.” It said.

“Thank you.” He said, walking past it. Bushwoolies were very simpleminded creatures, more focused on mating and eating than the outside world, but they were good workers once given orders. They had a large warren outside of town in a long abandoned ring fortress and were pledged to Slate's family.

He quickly walked up the stairs and into his sisters Alchemy lab. She sat at one of the tables reading a large book, rubbing her pregnant belly. She was one of the many Druids, or in this case Druidess, that lives in Dimondia, they were the native magic users.

Like others she mastered the arts of healing and alchemy and was able to use a form of magic to control both plants and animals as well as a few spells related to combat and defense, she could identify a plant just by the smell.

Though they are native to Dimondia, she trained in the Equestrian capital of Canterlot when she was younger. She is six years younger than Argyle, her current age is thirty-nine. Compared to his snow white coat and yellow/copper eyes, she was a brown and golden color like their father with violet eyes. When he opened the door into the lab there he saw her, sitting at a table, reading through a large book and gently rubbing her pregnant belly. She noticed him come in and closed the book. “Brother.” She said slowly getting ready to stand. “How are you?” Argyle lifted his hand.

“You don't need to stand Sammie, and I am... fine but in a rather difficult situation.” He said. She picked up the book and stared at him, then she then saw one of the foals little arms extend from the sling, grab Argyle's finger and fuss loudly.

“Argyle... brother what do you have?” She said leaning forward. He sighed heavily, undid his bag, and set the foals gently upon the table.

“I found them and their mother in the forest yesterday.” He said, she leaned forward and looked at the little Foals. One of them tried to grab her face.

“And what of their mother?” Once again he stayed quiet, simply staring sadly at the foals. “Argyle, what happened?”

“I awoke to find her dead this morn. I buried her in the clearing I found them in, its a few miles outside of town.”

“How did she die Argyle?” He looked down and let one of the foals play with his hand.

“When I found her she was already going into labor, I helped her deliver. Afterwards took her bloodied close away and I then made her a tent to rest in and... the next morning she was gone.” He said.

“Delivering a child, even twins can take a lot out of someone. Loss of blood without medicinal treatment is the most common cause of death in these cases, how did she get there?” She asked. “Pregnant Equestrians don't usually travel to secluded locations in the north to give birth.” Argyl sighed and then sat in one of the chairs and told her everything that happened yesterday, trying to not sound like a complete fool. She looked at the swords then the foals afterwards.

“Sammie they'll need to eat. I know this is asking much and it is a... rather strange request.” He said scratching the back of his head. “Can you nurse them?” She looked at the fussing foals.

“Well... I suppose I can. But once my child is born they will need to be weened onto either cows or goats Milk or even water.” Argyle looked away as she picked up the foals, he could hear he shirt unbutton. “You can look now.” She said. Argyle turned to face her, her chest and the foals covered by a blanket, her arms supporting them against her chest. “You said the child named lightning looks more like his mother.”

“Yes, and the other does not, he is brown.”

“Hmm, if I'm correct he might have a been born with Taldis.”

“What?” Argyle asked, the subject being unknown to him.

“Taldis, I read about it when I was a student in Canterlot. Its a very rare birth defect found in all races.”

“What does it do? Anything bad?”

“No nothing like that. Well, say a family of Equestrians, lets say they are Uni's.” She explained. “Say they have a child. The child is then born not having its parents coat and mane color, or even their physical features such as a horn.”

“So it makes them an Earth Pony?”

“Not entirely. Taldis works in a strange way, the child will inherit traits a long, long dead ancestor once had, I mean centuries. Their color and traits like a horn or wings. Meaning this child's ancestor was a brown earth pony.” She said looking at Aegis. “Like Drover, he's effected by it.”

“What about other features, physical?” He asked. “Like how you look like mother in face and I father.”

“Well as I said prior that stays, its just the color and racial features, hell I've read up on a pony effected by it. Both her parent's were Equestrian but she came out looking like a Zebra in color, turns out they both had Zebra ancestry in their biology.” She said, now diverting her attention towards his wounded arm. “Now, enough of mah babblin'. Lets talk about that arm of yours.”

“What about it?” He asked.

“It will get infected if it isn't properly looked at. Scrub it off with some water.” She said, Argyle did as she said.

“What next?”

“In my cabinet there is some paste you can put on it. Its made with several different herbs mixed in water to make it moist, made it this morn.” She pointed at the cabinet, Argyle reached into the cabinet and grabbed a small clay bowl. He took it to the table and set it down. After he sat back down he removed the lid and stuck two of his fingers in it. On the tips of his fingers was the green paste, he slowly rubbed it of the wound caused by the bear.

The paste stank of flowers and it was cold, once he finished he placed the lid back on the jar and looked at his sister. “Grab some new moss and place it on your arm, then come here.” He took the small stack of moss of the cabinet and placed it on his arm. He walked to her and knelt, she used her right arm to support both the foals and used her left to pick up a wooden sickle.

It was carved into a crescent shape that wasn't at all sharp, save the point. Once she placed its tip on the moss a small green light glowed from it, the moss then began to wrap tightly around his arm, forming a sort of bandage. Once it was done he sat back down.

“Thank you sis.” He said smiling.

“I'm always here to help y' brother, 'ere, take one of my mortars.“ She said, she waved the wand and a small stone mortar with a wooden pestle hovered over with a green hue making them move and gently landed on the table. “You may need it.”

“For?” He asked.

“Equestrian newborns aren't like our own. They need fruits and vegetables in their diet like we need gems in our's, take some and mash'em up in the mortar then feed them with a spoon.”

“Could they eat meat when their older?” He asked. “Winters here are rather difficult and meats the only food we have that lasts the winter.”

“Well, its not unheard of, an Equestrian can eat meat. They do it rarely mainly out of survival or during social events. Their soldiers are fed a diet of meat and grains. Most tend not to eat it.” She said. “I suppose they could when their older.” She said. One of the foals stopped suckling and began to babble loudly.

“Where is Slate?” Argyle asked, noticing the absence of his rather loud brother-in-law.

“He left for Chert three days ago, while you were gone. The King called him for a council meeting, should be back tomorrow.” She said.

“I'll take the foals for tonight sister. I should start to ween them early.” He said. “Should I bring them back in the morning?”

“Yes, Slate'll want to see you tomorrow and I will look after the foals while you two are talking, I'll try weeing'em then.” Once she placed the grey foal on its sling, he quickly tuckered off next to his brother. Argyl picked them up and gently set them back in the sling. “It seems your a father once again.” She said. Argyle picked up his bags and looked at her.

“It seems so... ” He said. “Goodnight sister.” He walked out of the room and soon out of the keep.

He quietly made his way towards his house, passing several Diamond Dog's enjoying their day. Most of the town seemed to be in the market, buying and selling goods. He needed to sell some of the pelts he had, mainly to get money to get food for the Foals. Walking into the market area and towards a stand, the vendor was selling various types of vegetables and some mushrooms. After chatting with the vendor briefly and getting rid of some of the raccoon and rabbit furs he was able to purchase eleven carrots, six sweet potatoes, a head of lettuce, and a sack of radishes.

It would due, he wasn't entirely unfamiliar with the delicate and careful process of raising newborns, once raising one of his own but that was years ago but these were Equestrian newborns, not Diamond Dog. “Get anythin' good out there?” Someone said from behind him, he turned to see his friend Slate, his sisters husband and the local baron, walking towards him with a leather bag on his side.

Like Argyle he was also armed, a sword made from a green geode was sheathed on his side and his mail was hidden in with his green tunic. His velvet and grey coat and matted mess of hair didn't seem to match the clothing, not that he'd care.

“A few coons, a coney or two, and an Elk.” Argyle happily replied to one of his closest friends.

“Didn't get that big bastard of a bear eh?” Slate asked.

“Oh no I did... but I found something more interesting than those.” Before Slate could reply he heard one of the foals babble loudly. Slate leaned down and looked at the little brown foal. With a small squeal the foal stuck his little arm up into the air and tried to grab Slate. He let the foal grab one of his velvet colored fingers and tug on it.

“Where did you find these wee ones at?” He asked, making a face at the foal causing it to squeal again in joy.

“In the forest while I was off, only a day old Slate.”

“And what of there mama?” Slate leaned back up and walked with Argyle.

“She... she didn't make it through the night, I found her this morn, she was cold.” He said, adjusting the sling on his chest. “I left her in a clearing a mile outside of town.”

“Aye, I know of the clearin'. Want me to send someone to fetch her?”

“No. . . No. Leave her, I'll go back tomorrow to add more stones to the top, hopefully the critters wont get to her.” He noticed Slate was looking over both the twins, rather confused on their appearance. “Sammie says the brown one has some rare birth defect called taldis, like what Drover has.”

“Ah I see. Want me to order some formula from Chert?” Slate asked him.

“Formula?” He asked in a rather puzzled tone. This substance called 'Formula' was foreign to him, sounding like something Alchemy related rather than infant related.

“Its Equestrian, basically powdered milk or... some shite I don't know but I guess its for babes.” He explained as best he could. “I heard about it while in the city.”

“Speaking of which, how'd it go? Well anything interesting at least?”

“Ugh... same old bickerin and banterin', one county took another, trade this money that... same irritating crap. As always.” His explanation brought a small smile and light chuckle from Argyle, luckily having avoided the bickering of the local lords and clan leaders for many years. Slate took a deep and irritating sounding breath.

“She doing fine?” He asked.

“Sammie is well, she was reading last I saw.” Argyle had noticed that Slate was more antsy about his child than his sister was, though he couldn't blame him for he once acted the same. “She's waitin' for you in the keep, gonna be happy to see you home early.”

“Aye... I'd best get home them, see if she's well.”

“Oh before you go, I need you to have a look at these.” Argyle pulled the two swords off his back and gave them to Slate. Slate unwrapped the cloth covering them.

“Hmm. Find these with their mum?” Argyle nodded. “What did you need me to look at on these blades?”

“Mainly the metal their made from, what do you think it is? Cause ah'v never seen anythin' like it.” Slate took his time on eyeing over the swords, scanning every detail on the Sabre and Longsword. While the foals fussed loudly, Argyle tried to quiet them down the best he could.

”Hmm... its defiantly a metal, looks like Iron, can even see the hammer marks on it and... strange... very strange, look at the pattern of the banding and mottling, looks like flowing water don't it, and by wavy bits 'ere and 'ere, metal was folded a few times. Looks very old though... hammer that struck it was pretty wide... and big,” He set the swords back onto the ground and wrapped them in the cloth.

“Hmm, fine bit of linen this.” He said feeling the soft cloth that was with them. “Silky, could'ave come from Equestria. But this was definitely a type of curtain. And the only time a weapon would have runes on it is if it were a made from stone or geode like mine, the runes hold them together, makes'em stronger. But this... I'm not sure.” Argyl picked them up again.

“Kinda like your father's stone sword?”

“Yeah kinda, but I can read our runes, not these.”

“How old?” Slate simply shrugged.

“Not sure for certain... old.”

“Have you seen a sword design similar to this?”

“Well... closest ones I've seen with banding and mottling similar to that are swords from Saddle Arabia, a duke in the capitol has a sword from there.” He noticed the little grey foal is now awake and fussy. “Best get'em some food, head on home Argyle. I'll walk with ye to the clearin' on the morrow.” He smiled at Argyle, he turned around and walked towards the keep. Argyle then turned and walked towards his home.

Argyle could soon see his home. It wasn't special, it had strong wooden walls and an earthen roof, a stone chimney was up its back and along its wall was wooden pitchfork along with a few other tools were set along its side near the door and a small fire pit in the yard near a pine tree with a hook on it for game.

He opened the old oak door to the house, revealing its worn stone floor. The largest room inside was his living and dining room, in it were several small chairs, a small four person table, and an iron cooking pot over his fireplace. There were only two bedrooms, the largest was his and the second once belonged to his daughter and was smaller.

He set fussing foals down on his table and quietly lit a fire in his fireplace using flint and steel. Once an ember fell on the paper and wood shaving's for kindling he blew on it, soon the fire slowly rose and then lit up the whole house, he walked over and picked up several small gems. Cupping them in his hands he blew on them. They then began to glow brightly.

He then set them in separate glass jars to help brighten up the room.

The light showed the wooden tables and chairs as well as the wooden cabinets, wooden bathtub, and copper or iron plates he had. Once he had finished lighting the smaller candles he took the small mortar and pestle his sister gave him and set it on the able near the foals, along with the several vegetables.

Right now... what would they like...

He though, looking over the Carrots and Potatoes.

Carrots... yeah carrots'll'ave to do.

He began to cut the carrots into chunks, placing the largest one in the mortar first and began to smash it up with the pestle. After it was all mashed up he added a bit of water along with the second largest piece and began to smash it into a paste. Making sure there were no chunks at all he stuck a small copper spoon into the paste and tasted it.

It wasn't terrible, still tasted the same, though a pinch of honey and a small drop of whiskey wouldn't hurt, but mainly for him and not the foals. He had the ingredients available to make a pudding out of it, eggs, milk, honey, nutmeg, breadcrumbs, and some butter. Though his mother always added wine as an ingredient and usually added more milk to it.

He set the small pestle aside and set the spoon back inside the mortar. He picked up Lightning and set him on his lap, getting a spoonful of the orange paste and bringing it to the foals mouth. “Come on now, open yer gob ya wee bird pony.” He said, trying to teach Lightning to eat by opening his own mouth and demonstrating. His brother watched him, laying on his side and sucking on his hand. “Ah that's it, open up.” After Lightning opened his little mouth Argyle put the spoon into his mouth. Thankfully, he swallowed the food.

“Well that wasn't so hard.” Soon after he said that the foal burped and soon threw up a combination of orange and white all over his leg. Aegis, not understanding what happened, simply laughed while Argyle sighed heavily. “Me and m'damn mouth... ugh.”

Argyl sat in his chair, it made a small creak as he used his foot to move it back and forth to rock the foals. The foals covered in blankets laying in his big arms, quietly snoring. After the long day of tending to them, bathing, feeding, and changing them, he finally got them to sleep. On the table across from the chair was a small pile of infants cloths he had left over from his first parenting experience.

He quietly, without making any sound at all, rose from his chair and walked towards his daughter's old bedroom. Upon entering the room he quietly set them on a chair. He took a match and lit two of the candles that was in the room. He looked at the dusty oak bed, its mattress and pillows stuffed with goose and duck feathers and the blankets were made from wool, all he made himself.

He took the blanket off the bed and gave it a shake, causing dust to fly off and into his muzzle. Taking a breath he got a tickling feeling in his nose. Before he could let off the sneeze he covered his face with the blanket and sneezed into into.

Quickly looking over he saw that the foals were still silent. Letting out a quiet and relieved sigh, he picked up the blanket once again, giving it another shake, and set it on the ground to wash later. Walking over to the foals he picked them up and walked towards the bed, gently set them down, covered them up in the fur blanket they were both wrapped in and left the room.

Argyle walked towards his room. Upon entry he took off his mail shirt and set it on his dresser along with his sword, knife, and axe. He walked towards the bed and fell face first onto its feather stuffed mattress, exhausted from taking care of the foals. He let out a long yawn and covered himself in the large wool comforter, he let off a long yet glad sigh. His ears perked up to the sound of one of the foals coos.

Groaning he quickly got up and walked over to the room, he cracked the door open just a little to peek at the foals. Aegis had his eyes open for the briefest of seconds before falling back asleep, he noticed the foals eye's almost seemed to glow in the dark. Argyle shut the door once again and walked towards his room, taking a book from his table he sat down on his bed to read it, an old story book full of old stories of adventure, romance, and war, something to read children. After an hour of reading he was finally interrupted by one of the foals crying, followed by another.

He sighed and slammed the book shut, causing dust to shoot into his eyes. "Damn it... " He set the book down and walked towards the foals room.

***Seven years Later***

“Now quietly raise the bow and knock your arrow... ” Argyle whispered to Aegis, pointed the bow at a small male Elk. It was his first time hunting, Argyle helped him adjust his arms a little and Lightning watched from the cover of a bush. “Do not think of it as an animal, simply a target, like the ones at the house. Clear your mind, exhale... and release.” Argyle said to him. Aegis did as he was told, he exhaled and released. The arrow flew from the bow and towards the elk, its bowstring smacking hard against his wrist, leaving a stinging red mark on his wrist. Aegis dropped the bow.

“OW!” He yelled, dropping the bow and holding his wrist.

“Aegis, you got him, look son.” Argyle said placing his hand on Aegis's shoulder. He looked up and saw the elk lying on the ground, the arrow sticking out of its side. "Lets go and get him." Argyle said, picking up the bow and drawing his stone knife.

“Nice shot!” Lightning said.

“Thanks.” He quietly replied, holding his now red wrist. They watched as Argyle set his bow down and drove his knife into its heart next to the arrows impact point, after he made sure it was dead he grabbed the elk by its legs. He then lifted it off the ground and carried it on his shoulders, his hands held onto its legs that now extended past his face.

“Aegis hold onto the bow for me.” He said.

“Yes father.” Aegis replied, picking up his bow. “We heading home now?”

“Yes, on the way home keep your eyes open for mushrooms, preferably puffballs. Sammie is looking for some for her potions and they will also be a nice side for our dinner tonight.”

“What about tomorrows picnic with Sammie, Slate, and Telon?” Lightning asked, Argyle had almost forgotten about the picnic, remembering his sister had planned a nice get together for them all.

“We are still going tomorrow.” He said. “Hopefully you two and Telon will play nice this time.”

“We will this time, we promise.” Lightning said smiling.

“Good.” Argyle said to him. They were soon on the main road once again and then continued towards Vale.

As they continued through the forest birds and squirrels chirped loudly at their presence. “I found one!” Lightning said upon seeing one of the puffballs near a dead and moss covered tree trunk lying on the ground, surrounded by several other dead ones.

“Oh aye, that's a big'un, you'll need to use both your hands with that one.” Argyle said upon seeing the stump sized mushroom. Lightning walked over to it and picked it up. He could barely even see due to its size covering his entire chest.

“Can we eat it when we get home?” He asked, trying not to run into a tree.

“Aye I suppose we can.” Argyle said, walking past Lightning. “Come on boys, let's head ho—” As they walked to the main road a loud, trumpeting sound stopped them in their tracks. Argyle's ears perked up and tuned them right onto the source. Aegis looked up at his worried father.

"Papa what's—"

“Hush child, down now!” He said in a commanding tone Aegis and Lightning had never heard from him before. As he knelt down he dropped the elk on the ground. Argyl took the bow and readied an arrow.

“Papa... what is it?” Lightning whispered. Argyle just stayed silent, staring at the road. Soon the source of the noise came into full view. A large force of Diamond Dogs, all clad in bronze, iron, mail, and leather armor walked down the road, five in the front of the column wore simple and baggy trousers with one having a grey and black color, one having a green shirt and trousers, one wearing red trousers, one wearing yellow, and the last having green trousers, all were plaid. At the top of their pants was a rope with a sword on it and their arms and chests were covered in blue and green swirling paint tattoo's.

They were blowing into large, bronze trumpets that emitted the sound they were hearing prior, behind them were three Diamond Dogs holding large banners. Behind them was a chariot pulled by two large oxen with their horns clipped and shaved down. Atop the chariot was a large, flat faced, black coated Diamond dog with a long braided beard that matched his coat held onto the bulls reigns.

He was well armed, a brass breast and back plate with his blue tunics sleeves poking out of its arm holes and forming a skirt under the armor, a brass helmet with a solid arch going up the center, a socket axe and a sword were attached to his belt. The three guards close to the chariot wore chain mail tunics with long bear pelts hanging from their backs, bronze helmets, and held large wooden shields.

Next to the cart were several tamed Timber Wolves. The large beast's clattered with every step as they stayed close to their masters, the largest timber wolf had a large cotton blanket covering its back with a Diamond Dog that held a long lance riding on its back. The various soldiers wore simple cloths from brightly colored tunics to bits of armor here and there and some wore simple pants or no clothing at all. Most held shields made of wood with a bronze sheet over it and some had shields made of wicker, rope, and rawhide.

One of the larger Diamond dogs had a wooden shield with rope on the front of it, in the center where the boss would be there was a long spike. In the ranks of the soldiers they saw several Bushwoolies armed with simple knives, small spears, small wooden clubs with bits of rock tied on, bones, sharpened kitchen utensils, and a combination of bark, ripped or discarded old mail, and bones made up their 'armor'. One was wearing a small goats skull as a makeshift helmet.

The trumpeting and the hundreds of marching feet could still be heard as they passed down the road. Argyle set the bow back on his shoulder and picked the elk back up and walked onto the road followed by Aegis and Lightning. “What was that?” Aegis asked.

“Not sure... Slate'll know more than I, Didn't look good though.” He said. “Come on, lets head home.”

The trio continued down the road, passing a clearing full of several Diamond Dog and Bushwoolie workers keeping an eye on three large charcoal mounds, having to take shifts every night due to the process taking about a week. A large white cloud brought the smell of the burning wood to their noses and several smaller ovens, about Aegis' height, were being cracked open and the coal was being gathered in wicker baskets while similar sized ones were being made.

There he saw several Bushwoolies putting clay over a little wood mound covered by dry leaves. Several more Diamond Dog and Bushwoolie workers came out of the forest, all of them carrying more wood, some carrying massive logs on their shoulders and some carried them with the help of another. Several Bushwoolies carried baskets of of raw and still wet clay on their backs gathered from the nearby stream.

Then from the cover of the forest came Carl, the fifteen foot tall Troll that lived nearby in a small cave. Branches broke under his massive feet, his rather large belly jiggled under his crude brown hide jerkin made from the same material as his small pants. Under his muscular arms were about three large tree trunks with their limbs cut off under his left arm and a massive rock under his right. He set the large rock down first and then the trunks, he then sat down.

Taking one of the large trunks in his hand he put it on an angle against the rock. Reaching back he took a large wooden club with a stone head in his hands and slammed down on the trunk, causing the trunk to split in two. Taking the broken piece in his hands he then set it next to him and then continued to do the same with the rest of the trunk.

Argyle stuck two fingers in his mouth and whistled at the Troll, causing him to get its attention. The Troll smiled, showing them his crooked and dirty teeth, and waved at him and the boys, and they happily returned the gesture.

As soon as they pass the gate they are greeted by the many residents in Vale, some seemed not to mind the entourage that just left. Maybe it was a good sign then. Beings that Aegis and Lightning were the only Equestrians in Vale they were sometimes gawked at by the local children and sometimes, but now rarely, picked on for being different among the others.

As they got home Argyle set the elk against a hook he had nailed into a tree while the boys ran inside. He placed a bucket under the deer, cut the arteries on its legs and neck open, and began to drain the blood from it. “Can we go see it Telon can play?”

“I thought you were hungry?” Argyle asked, rubbing the bloodied stone knife against the elks fur.

“Well... yeah a little snack wouldn't hurt.” Lightning said, setting his large puffball down.

“Mushroom then?” The two nodded happily. “Alright, let me see it.” Argyle took out another knife, this time an iron one, and cut it half and then into thick steaks. He then went to get a copper skillet and his fire starter. After the small fire was started he rubbed goats butter all over the pan, soon after he cut of the 'crust' of the mushroom and then covered the main meat of it with salt and pepper on both sides of the three slices and set them, one at a time on the pan.

Due to the mushrooms large size he had to cut the strips in half. The mushrooms sizzled when placed onto the pan and once they were brown on both sides they were then ready to eat.

“Smells tasty.” Someone said, Argyle looked and saw his large, golden furred friend Drover walking towards him, his axe resting on his shoulder.

“What was with the war party?” Argyle asked, taking a bite from the mushroom.

“Old Chieftain Soot is marching on a the wall, he asked Slate for additional warriors.” The wall, or Augustine's wall as the Equestrian's called it, was a large stone wall that protected Equestria's northern boarders against Diamond Dog raiders and illegal miners.

“And?” Drover shook his head. “Hmm... it'd be the best choice, them poor bastards'll, the Equestrians'll tear'em a new one. Nobody gets past that wall well armed like that anymore, Slate had the right idea, pissing off the Equestrian army isn't something we need. Are you heading into the forest?”

“Mhm, figured I'd stop by and say hello. Always good to see you all.”

“Likewise Drover.” They exchanged friendly smiles and a nod before Drover left for the forest. Figuring he'd start on the elk, he stood up and drew his knife.

“Papa.” Aegis said from behind him. When he turned around he saw the two standing behind him, Aegis holding a small sword made from scrap wood, nails, and cloth. “Can we go see if Telon and Bailey can play?”

“Hmm... depends,” He said, tapping a claw against his chin. “did y'finish your chores.”

“Yes.” He happily replied. Argyle knelt to face his sons, he then squinted at them.

He knew them better than that

“Don't you lie to me child. Are. They. Done?” He asked in a more stern tone. Aegis's ears fell against his head.

“No.” He said sadly. Argyl sighed.

“Lying gets you nowhere Aegis.” He said to the colt. "Now, finish sweeping up your room and you and your brother can help me with dinner." Aegis's face went from a small frown to an even bigger one.

“So that means I cant go and play today?” He asked.

“Well... If you finish up your chores, start a cooking fire and place the cauldron over it with the water and vegetables we need in a short amount of time then yes I suppose you can.” Argyle said. The boys looked at each other and smiled.

“I'll start sweeping.” Lightning said.

“I'll get a fire going.” Aegis replied and the two quickly dashed into the house. Argyle smiled and returned to the elk. Seven years have gone by since he found them in the forest. As they aged Aegis began to slightly resemble his mother by face and Lightning by color, from what he could remember.

Others have asked the strange color difference between the two and Argyle has always told them, or a Sammie has told them. Drover was the only other person he knew with Taldis. Drovers mother says her Great-Great-Great Grandfather was a golden furred diamond dog from the island of garnet a little off the mainland of Dimondia. Drover usually kept his hair in large braids that would usually go past his neck and was the garrison commander for Vale, along with Argyle and Slate.

Drover lived near the walls of Vale and when he wasn't barking orders at the local guards he was usually found in the forest using the large, two-handed, iron axe he used both as a weapon of combat and a tool for cutting tree's. Argyle knew far to well what that axe could do to a living being, especially a Yak or Caribou.

Lumber, as well as Ale and animal products, was a major export in Vale and considered one of the most important. Both of the industries he normally worked in along with Drover. The local mill has a steady supply of workers, but the most important worker they had was Carl, who does most of the heavy work around Vale for a small fee, alcohol. He can easily carry one or more freshly cut trees under or over his massive arms making transport rather easy, like what he saw earlier.

Carl used to live under one of the old bridges outside of Vale, the bridge was one of the oldest in the region and most of it had fallen apart in disrepair. When he lived there he would usually ask for a toll for passers and once they paid it he would then use his back as part of the bridge. Once Slate's father became lord he paid Carl to start repairs the bridge, in return he made him a citizen of Vale. Carl fought against the Yaks during their invasion, he now lives in a large cave with a small herd of goats he keeps as livestock.

Once the blood was drained from the Elk, Argyle began to skin it. From the house he could here a flapping noise. He stuck the knife into the tree and walked towards the house, inside he saw Aegis chopping several vegetables with Argyle's sword and Lightning was using a broom and his wings to sweep the dust out of the house. Aegis noticed him at the door. “Almost done. Just have to wait for the water to start boiling then I'll put the vegi's in.” He said.

“And I'm almost done with the sweeping.” Lightning said, Argyle looked at Aegis chopping the several vegetables.

“You could have asked for the knife you know.” He told him.

“I know, but you were to busy using it. I'll wash it when I'm done with it.” He said, Argyle sighed and rolled his eyes.

“Fine, but I don't want it smelling of leeks and radishes by tomorrow.” He said, walking back outside towards the elk.

A few minutes had gone by and Argyle had already finished skinning the elk. “We're finished.” Aegis said from behind him. Argyle turned around to see the boys standing behind him, both smiling and looking up at him. On the roof he saw the chimney puffing out white smoke.

“You finished sweeping?” He asked Lightning.

“Mhm.” Lightning replied, wiping the dust from his feathers. Argyle looked at Aegis.

“And there is a fire going?” He asked Aegis.

“Mhm.” He replied.

“Alright go and play.” He said. “But be back before sundown.” He told them. As soon as he finished he saw the two grab their toy weapons and ran towards the keep. Argyle then continued to work on the Elk, cutting the tendons in it's leg.

[The Following Day]

Argyle sat next to Sammie and Slate, in front of them was a small fire, Sammie picked through a small basket with food in it. All three of the children, Aegis, Lightning, and Telon, ran past them swinging toy weapons at each other. “Easy you three.” Slate said. “Don't want to beat each other up to badly now.”

“Don't worry papa we'll be fine.” Telon said. They began to play once again. Argyle looked at his nephew Telon. He had his mothers eyes and wolf like appearance she and Argyle share with his fathers reddish-brown coat and dark colored hair. Sammie, for a good reason, seemed rather overprotective of him. As they ran off from the small camp site Argyle sighed.

“Whats on your mind whitey?” Slate asked.

“Best I tell you both now, while the kids are busy.” Argyle said.

“What's wrong Argyle?” She asked.

“I was thinking about leaving Dimondia with the boys, take them to Equestria to be with their own kind.”

“Equestria?” Slate said. “A bit of a slog from 'ere isn't it.”

“Where will you go?” Sammie asked.

“Canterlot, was there once. Y' remember sis?”

“How could I forget. T'was the day I began my trainin' in the Canterlot academy for gifted Unicorns. Was the first Diamond dog to attend in almost a century.”

“Mother, father, and I stayed in Canterlot for about a month so you could get settled in.” He said. “Then we went home and then—”

“That hell with the Yaks and Caribou began. We lost father, we lost mother, Slate lost his parents and Dimondia was ravaged by those beasts.” She said. “When I came home you had a child with you, your little one. Then this fool and Pebbles fought over me like two toms fighting over a queen in heat.” The comment caused Argyle and Slate to laugh, remembering the many times he used to drive off Slate's advances on Sammie and, though once, slam their heads together like two rocks.

“Do you plan on walking?” Slate asked.

“No, we will travel to Chirt and take the Emerald river south. Once we make port in Las Pegasus we can walk from there.” He explained. “Why would I plan on walking?”

“Logs are being sent downriver to Equestria, waterways are gonna be crowded for a spell.” He said.

“Puts us in a bit of a bind don't it... so that means walking to Canterlot then." Argyle said. “It will be a slog, even if we follow the main road into Equestria.”

“And the trip will be dangerous.” Sammie said.

“It will. I'll send Drover, Pebbles, Spot, and Clay to go with you on this journey.” Slate said. “'ell, I'll go with you to.”

“Are you sure?” Sammie asked in a somewhat worried tone, ears falling down a little.

“I'll be fine love, no need to fret.” He said to her, placing his hand on her cheek. She smiled and nuzzled it. They watched the boys run towards them.

“Can we play in the forest?” Aegis asked.

“No. Its to dangerous. And besides, your aunt has just invited us to dinner in the keep.” He said looking at his sister.

“I did?” She asked.

“You did?” Telon asked.

“And I need to tell you boys something as well. Something important.” Argyle said.

Aegis and Lightning sat in front of him. “What is it?” Lighting asked.

“We're going on a trip to Equestria.” He said.

“Equestria? Where is that at?” Aegis asked.

“South, a rather long walk as well.”

“Whats there?” Lightning asked.

“Equestrians, that's what you two are.” He said.

“We are? But everyone else around town just calls us horsepups.” Aegis said. Argyle simply laughed slightly at the common term used to describe Equestrian and Diamond Dog hybrids.

“No no... that's not what you are.”

“Are there lots of them?” Lightning asked.

“There are thousands of them living in Equestria.” He said. "Its a long walk there boys, you both up to it?" The brothers looked at each other and whispered among themselves and after a few minutes they looked at Argyle.

“When do we leave?” Lightning asked.

“A few day's, so rest up and pack your things boys.”

“Is anyone going with us?”

“Me, Drover, Spot, Pebbles, and Clay will go with you to Equestria and stay with you for a couple days. Then we'll come back here.” Slate said.

“So where leaving Dimondia?” Lightning asked. Argyle nodded in response.

“Well, lets play a bit longer then go get ready.” Aegis said.

“Go ahead.” Argyle said. The kids looked then began to play once more with Telon.