Across The Pond

Twilight's rescue team had spent, or in their opinion wasted, the rest of the day telling the Imperial City guard captain Scelian all about Equestria and what goes on there. Scelian seemed really interested in Equestria, asking all sorts of questions.

Hour after hour time dragged on. Everypony was getting annoyed, Rain Step especially. They may have agreed to share knowledge but so far they had received none in return.

It was almost nightfall now, and Scelian stood up and said "Great first day, we will continue first thing tomorrow morning."

"No!" exclaimed Rain Step, the sudden outburst causing Scelian's eyebrows to raise.

"Would you so readily spit in the face of hospitality?" asked Scelian. "Did you not agree to the exchange of information?"

"I did" said Rain Step, ignoring the first question. "But the exchange of information implies we receive knowledge as well!" Rain Step shouted angrily.

They did not have time for this. The Princess had tasked them with finding the bearer of the element of Magic, not involving themselves with the affairs of those Celestia had deemed unfit to associate with ponykind.

Anger was now becoming apparent of Scelian's face, but before he could say anything the Emperor spoke up. "Then we shall give you knowledge that outweighs that which you have given us." The things the empire had learned had been all but useless.  The Emperor couldn't complain though as he had remained silent up until then, simply taking in what was being said.

The Emperor stood up before saying "We are, however regrettably, on the brink of war. The Thalmor have established their presence in the south west and soon will take Elsweyr. It is far too dangerous for you lot, so I have decided to task a few of my Blades to take you to Cloud Ruler Temple up north."

"We came here to find our friend, so we are going to go to Elsweyr! Got it?" yelled an overly excited Rainbow Dash, she had spent so long just sitting there she jumped at the operatically to take to the air. She was now hovering over the table, glaring at Emperor Mede.

"I meant no disrespect. Of course you are free to go where you wish, though, I must ask, What will happen if you should be killed? It will be dangerous enough but to stand out as much as you do, you might as well paint a bulls eye on your back." Emperor Mede said.

Rainbow couldn't say anything. When Emperor Mede saw this he continued. "At Cloud Ruler Temple you can learn to fight in safety, while hidden away. I will have my legionaries keeping an eye out for any small colorful equine and give them orders to bring them to Cloud Ruler Temple if they should happen across them. And while there you can continue to exchange information, all your questions will be answered. You will even be given the chance to ask this time." Emperor Mede said with a chuckle and a quick glance to Scelian.

"That is ... acceptable" Rain Step said. "That is assuming we will be taught to fight you creatures. We are inexperience and would need the training."

"But understand this, we can only agree if we have your word that you will have legionaries looking for our friend" Rainbow said, finally regaining the composure to speak.

"You have my word as Emperor, in the honor of my name, that I will personally see to it that everything is done to return your friend safely." Emperor Mede said, a look of reassurance in his eyes. The look seemed to take away any and all doubt in his words.

"But my lord, is it really wise to-" Scelian began, being cut off my Emperor Mede's raised hand that told him it was time to stop talking.

"Do you doubt my decision making abilities, Scelian? I may be younger than you but I've been leading the Empire for the past four years and have yet to lead you astray."

Scelian sighed before saying through clenched teeth "no sire."

"Good" Emperor Mede said. "As for the rest of you, you leave at dawn."

Though none of them liked it they all knew what Emperor Mede had said yesterday was right. They needed to learn to defend themselves otherwise they would only get themselves hurt before they had the chance to help Twilight.

Everypony had gathered and talked about it and agreed it was for the best, though none of them liked it.

"I don't know what it is you expect me to do in this temple place." Rarity said as they were all waiting for their guide to meet them.

"What do ya mean, Rarity?" Applejack asked. "we have to learn to fight to help Twi."

"A lady doesn't fight" Rarity reprimanded the orange earth pony. "Such mannerisms should be left to the uncouth." Rarity said as she lifted her head to the air.

However after Rarity did this she noticed all the looks she was receiving from her friends and quickly said "It is not as though I do not wish to help, surely there are ways for me to help without allowing myself to stoop so low as to physically strike somepony else."

"It's alright Rarity" the unmistakably soft voice of the yellow pegasus said. "Everypony gets scared sometimes."

"Some more than others" Rainbow whispered to Applejack.

"Quite you" Applejack whispered back, rolling her large green eyes as she did so.

Just then an Imperial walked up, he was dressed in what appeared to be a solid steel version of the leather that the other legionaries wore.

"I am a blade, and I will be guiding you to Cloud Ruler Temple" was the only words he said before starting off out the gates. Everypony quickly followed behind.

"It isn't far" The man who identified himself only as a Blade said. "Only about a half a days walk from here."

"So much for proper greetings" Rarity said, following it with a lady like harrumph.