The Equestrian Warden

And so we made our way to the castle. A Grey Warden. Her two initiates. And a child. I thought I was going to join the Wardens and stop the darklings, but in this cruel world you never get what you want. And I would learn something about Azura that would affect our…relationship.

…

I read about the castle when I was younger, and I had to admit that the drawings did it no justice. It was every bit of the mighty fortress I had read about, wedged between a narrow pass into Equestria’s hills. Above the entire fortress stood the Tower of the Sun, one of Equestria’s greatest landmarks.

The little unicorn girl, she still hasn’t told me her name, walked beside Azura staring up at the sights, and listening to Azura’s little jokes. However, since Midnight took of her cloak I couldn’t help but stare at her cutie mark. She noticed and soon asked if something was wrong.

“It’s just…why is your cutie mark the Grey Warden symbol?”

“It is a part of the joining. In truth my cutie mark was nothing but a simple sword and shield, but when you become a Grey Warden and go through the joining, your cutie mark will change and you become one with the order in mind and in body.”

“What is the joining?” I asked curiously.

“All will be revealed in due time. In due time.” We continued walking without another word.

Once we moved farther into the fortress we were greeted by a pale blue pegasi with long dark grey hair, probably the same age as me and golden heavy plated armor, and green eyes. Next to him stood two guards, but I was quick to recognize the royal pegasi guard armor when I saw them. My father wore it every day before I ran away.

“Midnight!”

“King Soarin! I wasn’t expecting-“ the young pegasi smiled,

“A royal welcome? I was afraid you weren’t gonna make it back in time.”

“Believe me Soarin, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

“Then I’ll have the mighty Midnight at my side! Glorious.” The king took a deep breath before turning towards me as if just noticing my presence.

“Who are you?”

He asked, looking me up and down curiously. I sighed before straightening my back and saluting.

“King Soarin. My name is Orion Comet. I prefer Comet. You may know my father. His name is Rising Star.”

The guards standing beside his majesty both went to an attention position and saluted. King Soarin seemed surprised at my words, but a friendly smile crossed his face and he too snapped to an attention position.

“At ease.” The guards and I quickly dropped our salutes.

“I know your father. He is currently here in the castle, but I’m afraid my commander Lord Sombra sent him on a scouting mission. I'm not sure when he’ll be back.”

“That’s fine your majesty,” I said quickly, “I’d rather avoid my father. I’m sure you understand.” The young king grinned and nodded.

“Fathers, am I right?”

However, his attention was soon focused on Azura who got bored of the conversation and was telling the unicorn girl another joke. Azura wasn’t prepared for his approach until he was directly in front of her, but when she did notice she and the young unicorn did a quick bow.

“Apologies your majesty, I didn’t see you there.” Soarin smiled as he looked at Azura. I couldn’t help but notice that the look he was giving her was more than friendly.

“No, no, don’t mind me at all. What’s your name?”

“Azura, your grace.”

“Azura… what a pretty name.” Azura’s eyes widened but King Burloin simply kept that charming smile on his face.

“Your eyes are pretty too. Did you know my favorite color was blue?”

I felt my muscles tense. He was flirting with her! Midnight groaned behind Soarin, but before she could say anything I beat him to the punch.

“Your majesty with all due respect, I’ll need to ask you to keep a safe distance away from Azura. If that’s not too much to ask.”

King Soarin looked stunned as I stepped between him and Azura, but then his eyes went from Azura to me, and to my surprise they went to the little unicorn girl at Azura’s feet. Then a big smile appeared on his face again, though this one was one of surprise and amusement.

“I see…I see!” He patted me on the shoulder.

“I must say my friend, that you have great taste.”

Oh Celestia have mercy he thinks me and Azura-. A tried my best not to blush, but when I looked back to Azura I saw that she was trying her best not to giggle and blush, but was failing miserably. King Soarin turned back to Midnight.

“I must say that you keep interesting company Midnight.”

“Agreed, but these are my future Grey Warden. They will soon be fighting with us on the field.”

“Truly? That’s wonderful new. We’ve already pushed the darklings back twice, and tonight shall be no different.”

There was disappointment in the king’s voice.

“You sound disappointed your majesty.” Azura said, taking her place beside me.

“Yes…I thought it would be like the stories of old. A noble king riding into battle with the Grey Wardens to do battle with an ancient evil. But I’m afraid this will have to do.”

He turned to us all and bowed his head.

“Until next time Grey Wardens.” We bowed until he departed and then Midnight turned to us.

“That went better than I expected.”

Azura giggled and gave my cheek a quick lick,

“Aww, my little Comet got all protective of me.”

She giggled when I blushed and Midnight allowed herself a small smile, before returning to her usual solemn expression.

“Some say the king is young and inexperienced, but he is king. I expect you both to act like the Grey Wardens you are meant to be. There is another Grey Warden in the camp named Dash. Find her and tell her to gather the other recruits as well. The girl can stay with me until you are ready. The Grey Warden tent is on the other side of the camp should either of you need to speak with me.”