The Equestrian Warden

I looked up at the pony whose face was hidden in under the cloak. Although I could barely see anything the light from outside my cell did show that whoever it was, had a sword on his or her side. I looked towards the closed grate. Azura was nowhere to be found. The cloaked figure followed my eyes to the grate.

“Come out.”

It was a mare. Azura didn’t appear. After a few seconds the mare spoke again. This time however, it was in a threatening tone.

“Come out of the grate or I’ll kill the pegasi.”

My blood ran cold as the cloaked pony took a step towards me. Just then the grate shot open and out came Azura her eyes glowing a dangerous yellow. She landed right in front of me, her bat wings spread to their full length, baring her fangs and hissing.

“You won't lay a hoof on him!”

The two ponies stared each other down. Azura was dangerous with her fangs and blood magic, but something about this pony didn’t feel right. I had to stop them from fighting.

“Azura! Stand down.”

Azura looked at me with surprise.

“Don’t worry Azura. She won't kill me. She just wanted to lure you out.”

I looked at the cloaked figure curiously.

“What do you want with us?”

The cloaked pony was silent before raising a hoof towards her hood. With one fluid motion she pulled it off making me and Azura gasp in shock.

“A unicorn!”

The unicorns horn flared up and a little ball of light appeared in front of us lightning up the room. She was a grey unicorn, with brown eyes and brown mane. There were small wrinkles on her forehead, but her eyes shined with years of experience. I noticed that the small split in the front of her cloak revealed that she was wearing silver armor, and on the side of his cloak was the symbol of a griffin. Wait, a griffin!

“Who are you?” Azura asked hesitantly.

“A Grey Warden.” I said in amazement.

Azura looked at me in surprise then looked at the Grey Warden in awe.

“You’re a Grey Warden?”

When the warden nodded Azura actually stepped back, her eyes changed back to their usual blue, her wings folded, and her mouth was open in a small ‘o’.

“Hello, my name is Midnight, Commander of the Grey Wardens in Equestria. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I shook my head and quickly stood on my now healed hooves and bowed my head

“It is an honor to meet you Midnight.”

Azura soon followed my example and bowed as well, though she was trying her best to hide her excitement.

“Please stand.” We quickly followed her orders, but the warden looked at us with a solemn expression.

“You both must be wondering why a Grey Warden is here of all places standing in front of you in an earth pony prison.”

We nodded.

“I watched from the stands as you two battled those two warriors. It’s not every day you see a pegasi and a bat pony kill a noble and his second in command in such a…surprising way.”

When she said that last part she looked at Azura who looked down at the ground, her excitement replaced with shame. I looked the warden straight in the eyes,

“Thunderhooves and Lord Onyx would have killed us if she hadn’t used blood magic when she did.” Azura and Midnight looked at me, surprised but I wasn’t done.

“I don’t care if she is a bat pony, or that she used blood magic, she fought side by side with me in that arena, and defended me when I couldn’t defend myself. And healed me when those earth ponies couldn’t do it themselves. She deserves more than being locked up in prison.”

Azura’s eyes were wide with shock, but then she gave me the largest smile I had ever seen, as her eyes filled with relief. I had just accepted her for using blood magic and defended her against a Grey Warden.

“I see. It’s good to see you that you care about your friend.”

I was surprised to see Midnight was actually smiling.

“Now back to why I’m here. I’ve talked to the earth pony king. And I’m afraid I was forced to use the Right of Conscription.”

“What’s the Right of Conscription?” Azura sked, but luckily I knew the answer.

“The Right of Conscription is used by the Grey Wardens to recruit people into their organization. It’s not used often.”

I thought about what I said then I looked at Midnight in surprise.

“Are you-?”

“Yes, I am conscripting both of you into our organization. I plan to make you both Grey Wardens.”

Azura and I didn’t say anything for a minute. We both probably looked like slack jawed idiots. Then Azura crashed into me, her hug was so tight that I could have sworn my ribs were cracked again.

“Oh my Celestia this is amazing! I never thought I’d become a Grey Warden. Me! Us!”

I didn’t know what to do, so I gently hugged her back. Midnight let out a small chuckle, but stopped the moment I noticed.

“Yes. However, I just want you both to know that being a Grey Warden is not an easy life. You will both endure a life of hardship and sacrifice to protect the world from an evil that can never be conquered. But fear not. It is also one of valor, and you will inspire others to think that they can be more than what they want to be. YOU can be more.”

We looked at her with wide eyes as we thought about her words. Was what she said true? I looked at Aura and she back at me. Then we both nodded and stepped forward.

“I will be a Grey Warden.” We said in unison.

She looked at me, then at Azura, before she turned and walked out of the cell.

“Come.”