Across The Pond

Once Strillian had motioned for all of them to begin several of the Blades started guiding them to different parts of the courtyard so they could train in the proper places. The unicorn were split up and given a rotation. Half would train with swords while the other half with their magic. They were told later in the day they would switch.

Pinkie Pie was led indoors to begin a basic alchemy lesson. Rainbow Dash was taken to one end of the field by a Blade who held a similar bow. Applejack went with the unicorns who were to be instructed on basic sword techniques before she got the more advanced training with the long katana.

Strillian walked over to Rarity and Fluttershy so he could talk with them. "So what do you two do back home?" Strillian asked as he walked up.

"Well Fluttershy here helps care for small creatures and I am the owner of a boutique." Rarity told Strillian.

"Alright, and what does your boutique specialize in, or is it clothes working in general?" Strillian asked.

"Well I mainly make dresses but I am well prepared for any stallion who might need a dapper new tuxedo" Rarity said with pride.

"So you can sew?" Strillian asked.

"Well yes, why do you ask?" Rarity asked, now confused.

Strillian ignored her for a moment and moved his gaze onto Fluttershy. "And you helped care for small creatures, so they were sick and wounded or just giving them a place to stay?" Strillian asked.

"Oh, I do both of those things. I can help sick or injured creatures or just give them a nice warm and cozy place to stay." Fluttershy said quietly but allowing herself to finish without becoming inaudible.

"Well this will work out well then" Strillian said confidently.

"What do you mean?" Rarity asked.

"Isn't it obvious? The two of you can learn to be healers. It will keep you out of the fighting, you can use what you know of sewing and apply it to making stitches" Strillian said gesturing to the white mare. "And since your friend has some experience with this sort of thing we won't have to start completely from scratch."

Rarity raised a hoof to object but just then a large boom came from inside the building. A few pieces of wood and tile from the roof rained down on them. Strillian was just about to go and investigate when a Blade stumbled out, covered in soot. Behind him bounced Pinkie Pie, who was also covered in soot.

"What in the name of Julianos' wisdom happened!" demanded Strillian.

"I, I, I, I just, I just don't know sir" stammered the Blade as he struggled to stay upright.

Julianos put his hand on his face. "Explain to me what happened, play by play, from the moment you stepped through those doors" Julianos ordered, his hand remaining in place over his face.

The soot covered warrior walked over and sat on a bench before beginning.

"Well we walked through and went over to our alchemy station. There wasn't much there, just some fire salts and some assorted mountain flowers" the Blade began. "And so I turned around and went to get a few basic ingredients so I can get started. I walked back up with the stuff in my hands and, and." The Blade cut off, resting his head in both hands. A crowd had begun to form around him and Strillian.

"So it was you then?" It was more of an accusation than a question but before Pinkie could react Strillian started up again. "Now how is it you managed to make an explosion like that with nothing but fire salts and flowers?" Strillian asked.

"I have no idea" Pinkie Pie said, an absent and confused stare on her face.

"Somehow I find that hard to believe, are you sure that is all you did?" Strillian asked Pinkie as he raised an eyebrow.

"I don't know what a fire salt is" Pinkie said. "Ooh! Do you think you can use them to make cupcakes with? Or maybe pretzels since I don't think I know any cupcake recipes that uses salt" Pinkie sat back and started rubbing her chin as she said this.

"What?" Strillian cried out.

Rain Step decided to help his host out by saying "trust me when I say no answer she will give you will satisfy or truly answer you question. It's best to move on and forget it ever happened."

"How long have you known her?" asked Strillian.

"Not long but long enough" Rain Step said.

Strillian didn't need to hear anymore, he decided that whatever had happened would only bring a pain to his head. He looked around, everyone was now staring at him.

"Well don't just stand around. Everyone back to training!" Strillian bellowed. The soot covered Blade started getting up. "No not you, just take a few minutes break. You will need your energy to continue, or rather start, the lesson" Strillian told Pinkie and the Blade.

The Blade sat back down. He was thankful for the moments rest but fearful for what the next attempt would bring.

Strillian then turned back to Rarity and Fluttershy to continue their conversation.

Vallius was laying in a hospital bed. Bandaging covering his head and the entirety of his right arm where Shotherra had cut him with her claws. A nurse came in earlier and commented on how bad bad his injuries were and that he was lucky he got to the hospital in time.

Vallius didn't think his injuries were all that bad though, a little deep yes but he had done far more damage to Shotherra.

A scream derailed Vallius' train of thought. He sat up and looked though the doorway. Vallius saw a few nurses running in the same direction but where ever that scream came from it was far enough away that he couldn't hear anything that was being said.

Vallius didn't like being in the dark, and it could have something to do with the criminal he had decided to take to trial. Vallius got out of his bed, instead of the usual leather armor that adorned him he was now in a backless hospital gown.

Vallius made his way out the door, his injuries not affecting his movement in the slightest. Vallius looked around for a moment to get his bearings. Then he saw one of the nurses that had run past his room quickly turn into a room at the far end of the corridor his room was in.

Vallius made his way to the end of the hall.