The Equestrian Warden

We walked through the forest for a while until we neared a small hut in the middle of a clearing. And the pony waiting for us was not what I was expecting.

“Mother, I bring to you four Grey Wardens-“

“I see them. Hush girl!”

Azura immediately stopped talking and looked away from her mother. Her mother was an almost a perfect mirror of Azura. Except for a few wrinkles, and instead of Azura’s purple mane, her mother’s was a dark gray, and unlike Azura’s blue eyes, the old crone had glowing red eyes that I did my best to avoid looking directly into.

“You’re a witch!”

Dagger said, looking at the old bat pony fearfully. Joy spoke up quickly,

“He doesn’t mean that miss.” He turned to Dagger, “If she is a witch do you really want to make her mad?”

“There’s a smart lad. It’s unfortunate that you won't be taking part in this story any longer.” The old mare said with a very devious smirk.

Joy’s eyes widened fearfully, but she quickly turned her attention to me.

“You. My daughter told me your name is Comet. Tell me Comet, do you think I am a witch? That my daughter is a witch?”

I looked at Azura and then her before answering.

“Believe or not. Some things must be accepted.”

“There’s the answer I seek. An open mind, but not made of mush.”

She turned to Azura smirking.

“I see why you like him daughter. He is simply delicious.”

The word delicious sounded so unnatural coming from her that it made my skin crawl, but Azura simply muttered a thank you and kept her eyes to the ground. Dash who was standing behind me, lost her patience and stepped up so she was beside me.

“Enough. Tell us where the treaties are Witch of the Wild.”

“Witch of the Wild? Did Azura tell you that? When she was young she enjoyed it when I told her those stories. Oh how she danced in the moonlight.” The old crone cackled, but Azura looked like she wanted to fall into the biggest hole she could find.

“Mother, please. May we have the treaties?”

Her mother flashed Azura a look that made her daughter squeak in fright, and I probably would have done the same. But the old crone nodded and walked towards the hut.

“Yes yes, I have them right here. And before the rainbow pony starts barking, your precious seal wore off ages ago.” She walked back and dropped a small box containing the treaties in them.

‘I’ve been protecting them ever since.”

“You-,” Rainbow Dash started before stopping. “Oh, you’ve been protecting them.”

“Indeed. Take them back to your Grey Wardens, and tell them that this Blight is far worst then they realize.”

“Far worse than we realize-, what do you mean by that. Tell us!” Dash asked stomping her hoof, but I quickly gave a small,

“Please.”

“Oh such manners. Always in the last place you look.” She looked down at her hooves before muttering.

“Like stocking.” She cackled and looked back at us. “You have what you came for.”

“Thank you mother. We must be going now.” Azura turned quickly.

“Stop.”

Azura stopped in her tracks and looked back at her mother fearfully, whose eyes seemed to pierce her very soul.

“You’re staying here Azura. I can’t have you going off and becoming a  Grey Warden now can I.”

Azura whimpered and turned to her mother desperately.

“But I’ve always wanted to be a Grey-“

“Silence!”

Azura quickly shut her mouth, but couldn’t stop whimpering. I quickly stepped forward so I was looking her mother directly in the eyes.

“Why won't you let her become a Grey Warden. If she wants to-“

“Are you saying that a mother has no right to tell her daughter what she can or can’t do. Azura is nothing but a child, and no matter how much you say you care about her, her place belongs with her mother. And I can assure you, there will be no running away this time.”

“How dare-“

“Please Comet.”

I looked back at Azura who was trying her best to hold back tears.

“You can’t fight my mother. I’ll be fine don’t worry.”

My heart tore in two but she slowly took her place beside her mother, but with a sad smile across her face.

“The little unicorn girl… her name is Krystal. Please take care of her alright. She’s been through a lot.”

I felt tears start to form in my own eye’s and I held a hoof up to wipe them.

“I promise Azura. I promise.”

I tried to stop myself from crying when I felt something wet lick my cheek. I looked up to see Azura standing right in front of me, her beautiful sapphire eyes made my heart ache more at the thought of never seeing them again. She smiled and gave my cheek another lick, before whispering.

“Be safe ok. We’ll see each other again. I promise.”

I didn’t know if she believed in her own words, but I guess she couldn’t say anything else. I smiled sadly. I wanted to say something too, but what? Taking a deep I leaned forward and gently licked her cheek. Her eyes widened in surprise and a blush somehow found its way to her cheeks, and although I felt a little weird for doing that, it somehow felt right.

“Let’s go.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. I turned and walked away from the hut. Away from my friend Azura. Towards the castle, where I would become a Grey Warden.

…

We made it to Ostagar after the sun set. No one said anything on the way back, but I could feel Dash’s gaze on me the whole way back. When we finally entered the camp, Dash ordered Dagger and Joy to take the treaties and their vials to Midnight and that we would join them shortly. When they left I expected Dash to yell at me for taking command of the group after we left the hut, but instead a gentle hoof touched my shoulder.

“You alright Comet?”

I shook my head weakly.

“Look, I don’t know what went on between you and that bat pony, but it’s clear she was special to you. I’m sure she’ll be alright, but you need to keep moving forward. If you don’t want to be a Grey Warden, and you want to go back and try and win her back then I won't try to stop you.”

I was surprised at the sincerity in her voice, but I had already made my decision.

“Even if I went back, her mother made it abundantly clear that she wouldn’t let her go no matter how many times I begged. I’ll become a Warden, and I won't be doing it for me. I’ll be doing it for Azura too.”

Dash looked at me, clearly surprised at my statement before smiling.

“Good. You’ll be a great Grey Warden Comet. I’m sure-“

Suddenly we heard a small scream near the Grey Warden tent.

“What in Celestia’s name.”

We flew over to see what all the commotion was about. When we got their however, we were not expecting so see Midnight facing off against two unicorns. Behind her stood Krystal, who was cowering behind Midnight, looking up fearfully at the two unicorn. We landed next to Midnight and I quickly went to Krystal’s side.

“Are you ok Krystal?”

She seemed surprised that I knew her name, but quickly hugged my foreleg.

“Comet, they’re trying to take me away!”

“The hell they will.” I growled turning my head towards the two unicorns. One was an older mare dressed in red mage robes, while the other one was a stallion in full body armor, unlike Midnight’s however, this armor seemed more bulky, and instead of the Grey Warden insignia on his chest plate was a sword covered in flames. The Templar Insignia. Oh boy.

“This is unacceptable! You Grey Wardens cannot keep this child from us. She belongs in the circle with the rest of her kind.”

The Templar said, glaring at Duncan.

“I'm afraid I cannot allow you to take her. I told you that I have already given her the Right of Conscription. When she comes of age we will make her a Grey Warden.”

“This is unacceptable!” The unicorn growled.

“You heard Midnight. Leave her alone.”

The Templar glared at me and stepped forward, his magic enveloping his sword. But he stopped when Dash stepped in front of him.

“What is the meaning of this? You dare stand against your fellow Templar.”

“I’m no Templar. I’m a Grey Warden, so back off before I stomp your face in.”

The two glared at each other, before the older unicorn in the red robes stepped forward.

“Please, there is no need for violence. I simply want to talk.”

“Then talk.” Midnight said, but it was clear she was losing her patience.

“Very well.” She looked at me and Krystal.

“Please. It is obvious you wish to protect the girl. So please, ask yourself. Is she truly safe here? Surrounded by darklings who would gladly kill her and you without hesitation. The girl is a threat to those around her, she must be trained so she can never harm anyone with her uncontrollable magic. You must understand this.”

I didn’t like it, but I did understand what she was talking about. The carnage I had seen at the mill unfortunately confirmed what she was saying. I looked down at Krystal but her eyes were clouded. It seemed she was taking in the mages words.

“But that doesn’t change the fact that she was conscripted by Midnight, our commander. You can’t take her away now.” Dash pointed out.

“Yes that does complicate things.” The old mage closed her eyes, digging deep into her mind until they opened again and a look of determination on her face.

“Grey Wardens. I have a proposition.”

“Wait, what are you doing?” The Templar asked, looking at her confused.

“Quiet! Let her speak.” Midnight commanded. The mage nodded her thanks before continuing.

“Let us take the girl. I’ll personally take the girl under my wing, and ill train her to control her magic. You can come visit her whenever you want, even if she stays in the Circle she will still be a Grey Warden recruit. And when she is ready, you can come and take her to become a Grey Warden. She’ll be safe in the circle tower, I can assure you.”

Although I didn’t like the idea of leaving Krystal, the idea of her learning to control her magic, and seeing her whenever I could did sound good.

“But please Grey Wardens. Make your decision soon. I will be leaving soon to return to the tower.”

“Now hold on Wynn, you honestly think you can make a deal like that without consulting the First Enchanter or the Knight-Commander. You don’t have the authority-“

“And you do not have the authority to stop her.” Midnight said coldly. “You should be thankful, for she has made a good proposition. However, I would like to speak to Krystal and Comet before we make our decision.”

We walked a little away, out of the earshot of the two unicorns.

“What do you think of Wynn’s proposition?” Midnight asked.

“Wait, first,” Krystal looked at me, “where’s Azura?”

Damn it. I was hoping she wouldn’t bring her up.

“Azura…couldn’t come back. She wanted to, believe me Krystal she did, but things happen.”

Krystal looked at me sadly, and she could see I was trying hard not to cry as I thought of Azura. She surprised me when she pulled me in for a tight hug.

“What happens now?” Krystal asked quietly.

“Now…I don’t know. Azura told me to protect you, but be honest with me. What do you want?”

She didn’t say anything for a while until she looked up at me with a small smile on her face, but tears in her eyes.

“I want to stay with you. Other than Azura, you and Midnight took care of me the entire trip here. I don’t want leave. But,” She sniffled and wiped her tears away, “I don’t want to hurt innocent ponies. And she seems nice enough, but the Templar…”

“I still know a couple Templars in the order. I could contact those in the Circle of Magi, maybe get a couple of Templars to make sure she isn’t mistreated.” Dash said.

“You would do that?”

Krystal asked in shock. Dash nodded and grunted in surprise when Krystal hugged her. Dash gave her an awkward hug back before Midnight spoke again,

“So you’ve made your decision?”

“Yes…” Krystal said barely audible enough for us to hear.

We walked out of the tent and back to Wynn and the Templar.

“I will go with you to the Circle of Magi, and I’ll stay until I’m ready to join the Grey Wardens.”

Wynn gave Krystal a gentle smile, but the Templar face was still stone cold. Dash marched up to the Templar her voice dangerously low.

“That girl better be treated well, or else you’ll have to deal with me.”

The Templar simply glared at Dash. Krystal turned to me, a sad smile on her face.

“You’ll visit me…right.”

I smiled and leaned forward so my muzzle touched hers.

“I promise. And when the Blight is over and your old enough I promise that I will find you.”

The wall was broken, tears streamed down her cheeks as she hugged me. I hugged her back, letting her cry into my shoulder.

“I don’t want to be alone!” She cried.

I looked past her to Wynn.

“You’ll protect her?”

“I will.”

Wynn looked at us sadly, but I smiled and leaned down to whisper into Krystal’s ear.

“Goodbye.”

She nodded and slowly pulled away from me and soon she was walking way with Wynn. But before she disappeared into the crowd of waiting mages, she turned and waved back to me. I waved back, but I felt a small knot in my chest. All I could do was hope that I could see her again. The mages left the fortress and Wynn and Krystal left with her.

A gentle hoof touched my shoulder, but I knew it was Dash.

“Damn. Two goodbyes in one day, I don’t know how you’re still standing.”

I sighed.

“Neither do I.”

“You’re either the strongest pegasi I’ve ever met, or the unluckiest.”

“Probably both.” I chuckled bitterly.

She smiled sadly and patted my shoulder, but Midnight spoke.

“Come. Before I was so rudely interrupted, I sent Dagger and Joy to a part in the camp were we can do the joining in private. Follow me.”

I sighed, but followed him, Dash was next to me, trying her best to cheer me up.

…

“The more I hear about this joining the less I like it.” said Sir Joy as me and Dash walked into a ruin the Grey Wardens occupied.

Midnight left us to go fetch something for the joining, but no before taking my vial of darkling blood.

“Here we go again.” Dagger groaned in annoyance.

“Why all these damned tests? Haven’t I earned my place.”

“Maybe its tradition, maybe they’re just trying to annoy you.”

“Calm down friends. They’re nothing we can do about it now.” I said, trying to calm Jory down.

“My wife is in Ponyvile pregnant with my child. It just doesn’t seem fair.” Joy looked down.

The weight of the situation must have finally caught up with him.

“They brought us here for a reason. The Wardens do what they must to fight the darklings.”

“Including sacrificing us.” Joy asked.

Sacrificing us. Was there something Midnight hadn’t told me while I was talking to Rainbow Dash. I looked to Dash for an explanation, but her attention was focused on Joy and Dagger.

“I’d sacrifice a lot more if I knew it would stop the Blight.” Dagger said grimly.

“You fought the darklings Joy, wouldn’t you sacrifice everything to protect Helena from them.”

“I-I-“

“Maybe you’ll die. Maybe all three of us will die. But if no one stops the Blight, we’ll all die for sure.”

Before Jory could reply, Midnight walked in levitating a chalice to sit on the table nearby.

“And here we are. It is time for the joining. The Grey Wardens did this at the end of the First Blight, and brought pony kind back from the brink of extinction. This was when the first Grey Warden’s drank darkling blood, and mastered the taint to kill the darklings.”

“Y-you mean we’re goanna drink the blood of those creatures?” Joy asked, the uncertainty clear in his voice.

“Those who survive the joining become immune to the taint. But we can use it to sense the darklings and slay their leader, the Archdemon.”

“However, not all who drink the blood survive. And those who do are forever changed in body, and in soul. Which is why the joining is a secret. Rainbow Dash, please say the words.”

Rainbow Dash bowed her head.

“In War, Victory. In Peace, Vigilance. In Death, Sacrifice.”

Midnight nodded his head, before picking up the chalice with his magic.

“Dagger, step forward.”

Dagger stepped forward without any hesitation, and took the chalice.

“You are a Grey Warden.”

Dagger nodded and slowly took a sip. Once he was done, Midnight took the chalice and we all stepped back. Dagger was fine at first but soon he was on the ground, screaming in pain, his hooves clutching his head.

When his eyes opened, there was only white.

“Celestia have mercy!” Joy cried, taking a couple steps back.

“I’m sorry Dagger.” Midnight said, bowing his head as Dagger collapsed on the ground unmoving. Dead.

“Step forward Joy.”

Joy’s eyes widened, and drew his sword with his magic.

“But I have a wife… a child-“

“There is no turning back now.” Was all Midnights said as she approached Joy.

“No! I cannot, you ask too much. I will not die like this.” Joy backed up until his back was against the wall of the ruin.

Midnight didn’t say anything, but from her belt she drew a dagger. Jory grew desperate, and in her desperation she swung at Midnight. The Warden ducked from the blow, and shoved the dagger directly into Joy’s neck.

“I’m sorry.”

Was all Midnight said as blood spurted from Joy’s neck and onto her face. She slowly pulled the dagger out and Joy collapsed on the ground also dead. Midnight didn’t bother wiping her face, instead she turned to me.

“Comet, step forward.”

I gulped. Should I run? Where would I go? Then a thought came to my mind. Azura, Krystal, my mother. I made a promise to all of them. I turned to Dash. She was scared for me, but she nodded and that was all I needed. I slowly took the chalice in my hoof, and I raised it to my lips. I had to force myself not to gag as the black liquid slipped past my lips.

“From this moment on. You are a Grey Warden.”

The moment Midnight said that I felt my head start to ach. Like a million insects were feasting on my brain. My insides felt like they were being turned inside out. My legs gave out, and I could have sworn heard voices all around me. Whispering things. And then.

I died.