Author's Note

well under the weather but at least it yielded the next chapter and chapter 12 was started also I thank my readers and my editors whole heartedly

Chapter 11 Appointments,Conditions,and Secret Meetings

Chapter 11

Appointments, Conditions, and Secret Meetings

The grand golden doors opened as the doorward held to the fifteen-minute court-appointed recess. The noble stallions and mares were chattering amongst themselves as they filed back into the court. The milling din silenced as Celestia and Luna stood up. In a wave, the room took a respectful bow as Celestia spoke “Court has resumed, my little ponies and honored guests. Please rise.”

The room did as the princess commanded. She waited till all eyes were upon her and her sister. “Mare Lyra Heartstrings you are Equestria’s only cryptozoologist correct?”

“I am your Highness,” Lyra said biting her lip in uncertainty.

Celestia gave a warm smile as she saw Braxton set his hand upon Lyra’s forearm and give her a soft reassuring smile of his own. The simple platonic gesture made Lyra stand a little taller.

Celestia looked to Lyra “The crown is in need of your help, doctor, for with strange creatures upon the loose we need all the knowledge of these creatures we can get our hands on, Will you help us?”

Lyra couldn’t believe what Celestia had just offered her. The crown was offering her a job within her skill set. She looked at Celestia who smiled warmly her gaze shifted to Luna who gave the mare a warm, hopeful smile. She turned to Braxton, who whispered only for Lyra to hear. “See, you get your due in the end.”

Tears of joy streamed down her face as she shook her head yes. She was overjoyed. If she were dreaming she didn’t want to wake up.

Celestia and Luna gave warm smiles and nods of acknowledgment. As the court put on a sycophantic show of applause, Celestia gave a nod to Luna who departed with a teleportation spell and returned a few moments later with a ceremonial sword in one hand and a pair of small boxes in the other. This caused the court to go silent as Celestia spoke again.

“Now to the business with our new visitor from the land of Avawyvrenn. Princess Twilight made you both a Knight and an Ambassador. While your great deeds are known in Ponyville, they should be known to the noble mares and stallions in the court of Canterlot. Please take a knee honored visitor.”

While the court fell silent and Braxton moved near the dais to kneel, Luna passed the ceremonial sword over to her sister, who stepped forward nearing Braxton with the sword. Though the sword was beautifully crafted and while the hilt held several polished gems, when compared to the sword of their honored guest it looked more like a gaudy lawn ornament. Once Celestia was sure she had the room’s attention, she spoke as she drew the sword’s point to the sky.

“I, Celestia Alcyone, Keeper of the Sun, Guardian of Equestria, recognize your valor, courage, and compassion. It is my honor to knight you in the name of the sun, the moon, and friendship.” She touched the blade of the sword to Braxton's right shoulder, then his left, and finished with the blade to rest upon his head for a moment, before withdrawing.

Luna stepped next to her sister. “I the keeper of the moon Luna Alcyone, guardian of Equestria. Present you with this Golden Sun of Valor. For meritorious conduct in the face of an enemy. And rescuing of three fillies of Ponyville. ”

Luna stepped forward and set the medal upon Braxton’s cloak. The crimson and blue ribbon held a golden sword with a sun adorning it.

Celestia then set the ceremonial sword aside and took the other box, with respect. Luna passed it to her with a knowing nod of her head. “We have one more medal to bestow upon you, good sir knight. For conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty, for the rescue of a filly napped mare, and defending Ponyville from an overwhelming force. We present to you the Distinguished Service Star in recognition of your deeds. Your actions honor our finest Equestrian mares.”

Celestia hung a sky blue and gold ribbon adorned with an ethereal nebula with silver stars, upon which rested a cross of gold.

Luna then spoke, “Arise, Sir Braxton Zeddmore, Ambassador of Avawyvrenn and be recognized by the court of Canterlot.”

The court was a patchwork of reactions. As Braxton stood, he looked back to Lyra, who looked at him with a proud smile. It seemed his due had come. The forward thinkers applauded the stallion, for this was after all history as no stallion had ever earned the third and second highest awards Equestria had to offer. Actual history and progress were made today. The traditionalists muttered amongst themselves till a mare stepped forward. She was a light gray unicorn, and her hard green eyes looked to both Lyra and Braxton with a mix of disgust and contempt. She raised her hand to signal that she wanted the floor.

Celestia looked at the mare and said in a regal tone, “The court recognizes Dame Ebony Moon for the floor.”

“Thank you, your highness. We, the Mares of Tradition, object to this creature earning some of the most prestigious awards that would be better given I am sure to a mare, that was in Ponyville. We don’t even know what this creature is.”

Celestia looked at Lyra—who looked like she was about to throttle the noble mare where she stood—and gave a nod of her head. “Then allow our Royal Cryptozoologist to tell you, Dame Ebony Moon. You have the floor, Doctor Heartstrings.”

Lyra took a deep breath, calming herself even as she heard some snickers among the nobles. Unperturbed by her peers, Lyra looked to Braxton, pleading with her gaze not to take offense. “This being,” Lyra said as though Braxton wasn’t in the room with her, “who I call a friend is a human. I am honored to know him.”

The court erupted again in a patchwork of reaction from disbelief to wonder, but it was Ebony Moon that carried over the din of the murmuring courtiers. “Ms. Heartstrings all of us are familiar with these creatures of myth. That were taught with our tutors but I am hard pressed to believe that this...” Ebony Moon pointed a hand to Braxton as he stood by Lyra. “...is a human. For they are mindless and savage meat eaters, they cannot speak intelligibly, cannot make tools or structures, use magic, and have no opposable thumbs. A pen may as well be a cudgel to them.”

“And I can tell all of you that what we have been taught is wrong. Braxton undoes all of our preconceptions of humans.” Lyra said defensively knowing she was right.

Ebony Moon waved a hand dismissively “Very well we shall apply two words that shall end this farce and your flights of fantasy,” she paused for dramatic effect “Prove it.”

Lyra was about to rebuttal when Braxton raised his hand splaying his fingers and thumb.

“The floor will recognize the Ambassador from Avawyvrenn,” Celestia said

“I thank you your highness, and might I say good mare Ebony Moon that your proclivities towards my species show both inane thinking, as well as an antiquated fallacy,” Braxton stated flatly.

Lyra smiled and stifled a giggle, Luna looked away in thought to hide her smile, Celestia raised one eyebrow slightly, and mare Ebony Moon her jaw hit the floor in shock along with most of the traditionalists who stood there gobsmacked.

Braxton continued “Let us break down your aforementioned statement ‘Savage mindless meat eaters.’ We as a species good mare are far from mindless. Though we will savagely defend loved ones and what we believe is ours. As far as meat eaters go that is not entirely accurate though we are omnivorous rather than wholly carnivorous beings. As for tool making and structures, I have known many engineers and other masters of various crafts from swordsmiths to Shipwrights. I, if not for my current occupation, would be an excellent bowyer and fletcher. I have studied magical pursuits since the age of twelve. And as I have demonstrated in getting the princesses attention, I have four phalanges and an opposable thumb.” Braxton touched each of his fingers to his thumb in ascending and descending order to drive home the point. “And as far as pens being cudgels to my kind, good mare... as a War Mage, paper and pen are as important as a sword. I believe the proof is right in front of you.”

Lyra gave a beaming smile, Celestia looked deep in thought, and Luna didn’t try to hide her smile. Luna looked at her sister and said in a telepathic sense of wonder. “That is the first time I have ever been happy to have the door slammed in my face, sister.”

Celestia said nothing outwardly, but beneath her royal mask, she had to hand it to her newest ambassador that he could handle this nest of vipers. Her thoughts came back to the present as she heard Ebony Moon stammering trying to get her thoughts into a coherent sentence.

“How...dare...you...stallion speak to me without a lead mare in your presence, and both insult and give me advice as if I asked you for it!” Ebony moon said her voice was gaining volume and a hash tone of anger behind it.

Braxton weighed what he did next with conscious thought. He merely turned his back on the noble speaking to him as he looked to Lyra. “Good envoy you will have to educate me on pony customs a bit more it seems.”

There was a collective gasp from the traditionalist mares that a stallion had turned his back upon a noble mare speaking to him. While this was happening Luna motioned for a court page a young colt no more than seven years of age to come to her side. Luna spoke on the heels of the courts gasp but before any could retort at the grave insult. “Honored ambassador and envoy, might we offer you some Apple family cider and cheese? I’m sure your journey was a heavy one no doubt.” With a motion of her hand, Luna waved, sending the page to get what she had offered.

Braxton gave Luna a profound bow before speaking. “I have heard and humbly accept the traditions of hospitality, Princess Luna.”

This took the wind out of the traditionalists’ sails very quickly, for now the stallion was protected by the royal house. Celestia looked to her sister. “Are you sure that was a wise move, sister?”

“These old nags, are looking for any reason to strip this hero of his just rewards. I for one refuse to allow these nobles to have their way.” Luna noticed the page returning with a small stack of cheese slices and four small goblets of cider.

The page stopped, offering a goblet to Lyra, and upon providing a goblet to the next guest, his shaking was such that he spilled the cup over onto Braxton’s cloak and armor. The page shut his eyes and whimpered a soft stuttered “s-s-s- sorry” to Braxton, expecting to be hit for the breach of etiquette.

The court gasped, for this could be taken in many different ways. The page of the ones receiving the guest had breached etiquette. Celestia, and Luna leaned forward in their thrones unsure of what their guest would do to the young colt.

Braxton softly put his hand upon the young stallion’s shoulder with a warm smile saying “You didn’t strike me as one to do that on purpose, young colt. As such I take no offense.” Braxton then set three bits on the tray. “Those are for you, young stallion. Would you please replace my cup after tending to your mistresses upon the dais?”

The page nodded and said, “Y-y-y-yes s-s-s-sir.” He did as he was told. Upon returning with a fresh goblet, the page merely lowered the tray so that Braxton could it. Braxton took the goblet and said in a gentle tone, “To the health of my hostesses, and to you, young colt.”

A small breath of relief went through the court as the guest seemed to be in good cheer and held no ill will towards his hostesses or the young colt. Celestia cleared her throat, drawing both the court’s and Braxton's attention. “Good ambassador, might we also invite you and your envoy to share evening repast with us?”

“Highnesses I would be most honored,” Braxton said with a bow.

“I too would be honored Princesses,” Lyra said with her bow.

Lyra internally facepalmed, hoping she would be able to get a crash course in royal table manners before dinner, as well as for Braxton himself. Lyra was once more pulled out of her thoughts by hearing Ebony Moon talking. This mare needed to rut herself in some far off field.

“The traditionalists honor the laws of hospitality once offered and received, but another tradition still stands your highness, that we must respectfully object. Without a sponsor from within the court and a second to accompany it, no foreign dignitary may receive any equestrian accolades without full consent of royalty and parliament.”

“Well, then Ebony Moon I make a point of order to do just that,” said an elderly female voice that carried authority, conviction, and a southern twang. “Sorry youngun, go ahead and announce me for tradition's sake.”

The doorward tapped his staff upon the stone floor and announced clearly, “Vicereine Granny Smith Apple of Ponyville.”

The court shifted its gaze away to look upon the elderly earth pony mare that made her way up to the dais using her cane to support her hunched frame. Though age had shown that she had weathered many trials, and while the years had been kind to leave the mare some of her beauty, it took a good share, leaving her apple green skin with its share of crows feet and wrinkles, and white in her mane and tail. But through it all, her bright amber eyes still sparkled with youth and wisdom. As she walked up to the dais, Braxton drew the courts attention.

“Forgive me for speaking out of order good Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. But might I ask this business with Mare Lyra and myself be moved aside to allow the Vicereine to state her business with you two out of respect?” Braxton said as he stepped aside to Lyra to allow Granny Smith to pass.

The sisters reactions were as clear as day and night upon their faces. One hid behind a mask, the other held no such reservations. The Forward thinkers wanted to know why this decorated stallion had to give up his place to a mare that had just arrived despite her rank and station. The traditionalist had to hand it to the newcomer, he might not be thoroughly cultured or couth, but he at least had respect for his elders. The ordinary pony within the court didn’t fully grasp all the subtle shifts in the energy of the court, but they had to admit the stallion was respectful.

As Granny Smith made her way to give her bow of respect to the princesses her age made it hard to provide a formal bow that she could have when she was a younger mare. To this end, Braxton approached Granny Smith and asked the elderly mare in a gentle tone “Good Vicereine might this humble knight help you to your feet?”

Granny Smith smiled as though Braxton had passed some test in the eyes of the old mare. “You may, youngun.”

Braxton used his gentle strength to help the old mare to her hooves. It also allowed Braxton to come in closer to Granny Smiths eyesight. “Courageous, mannerly, and I tell you what, my grandfoals are gonna hear about this one. They neglected to tell me how handsome you are.”

Braxton nodded in thanks for the compliment but said nothing. Lyra for her part felt a pang of jealousy creep into her attitude till Granny Smith came over to her and whispered something to her that shut that train of thought down completely.

“So young mare have you shown this stallion to the barn yet?” Granny Smith asked with aged mischief.

Lyra for her part swore her ears were on fire as she unceremoniously choked on her spit, only to shake her head no as Braxton gave her soft pats upon the back with a perplexed look on his face as for what the whispered phrase meant. But he figured it had to be a somewhat embarrassing question given Lyra’s reaction.

Granny Smith gave Lyra an impish grin and whispered to her as she gave pats on her back of her own. “Well giddy up girl and ride that Mustang to the ranch. If I were a hundred and seventy-five years younger I would have already made a run for that hill.”

Luna was trying hard not to laugh but couldn’t help a few soft giggles that came out more like stifled snorts. Celestia for her part chuckled softly and said quietly, “Granny Smith you haven’t changed one bit.”

Granny Smith turned to face the royal leaders. “Ah, Celestia and Luna it’s always a pleasure to see you two. Thanks to this Mustang given up his place for me so I can address the issue that Ebony Moon was such a carriage puller over.”

Ebony Moon gave Granny Smith an open scowl while some of the members of court snickered. Even Lyra had to work hard to suppress the smile fighting its way onto her face.

“Please continue old friend,” Celestia said listening to the mare before her.

“Now before anypony objects, I will say that under tradition if a mare accomplished these feats of bravery, then she would have the top pick to any stud in my herd or stable. However given that this is a mustang stallion we are talking about, there is no precedent for this situation today."

Granny Smith let what she spoke settle into the court for a moment before continuing.

“To avoid any outbursts, I have no plan of reversing the roles given that I must show him proper gratitude for saving my grand filly. While this in no way your Highnesses and sir knight shows the value I put on my grand filly, I offer to be this young mustang’s sponsor and also grant him fifty acres of land for him to establish a residence. From my property holdings so that he may appoint his lead mare as head of that household. As Matriarch of the Apple Family and Vicereine, this is only contestable by the ruling house itself.”

Granny Smith gave one more bow with Braxton’s help once more in rising before Celestia spoke.

“We do not object Granny Smith. And I will cross that off his duties when we discuss the matter over dinner.” Celestia said softly

When Braxton had helped Granny Smith to her hooves, she looked at him and said, “I thank ya, youngun. It’s all this old mare can do for you keeping my grand filly from sharing the fate of her parents.”

“As I told your grand filly, Vicereine Granny Smith, she would never have to thank me, and that goes for any of her family,” Braxton said softly.

Granny Smith smiled as she turned to leave, she passed Lyra and whispered to her in a soft motherly tone “That is a rare one young lady, don’t let those other nags poach that one.”

Lyra could only nod as she watched the old mare leave the court, just for her and Braxton to be swamped and asked a gambit of questions. Some questions were as mundane as to what it was like to be the only one in Equestria, to other more probing questions like what Braxton’s politics were. The Free Thinkers broached this topic. One of the more dapper stallions of the group introduced himself as Fancy Pants; the snow-white unicorn stood at the height of five foot five, and his stylized blue mane and mustache gave him an air of sophistication.

“I say good chap, a fine day for court and a finer day still that I get to meet a hero,” Fancy Pants said,offering his hand to Braxton. Instead of taking his hand in a light shake as Fancy Pants had expected Braxton gave a nod and took the stallions right forearm in his grip and gave a firm shake. Startled for a moment, this caused Fancy pants to drop his monocle. For it looked like Braxton nearly pulled the hapless stallion off his hooves for a moment.

Lyra giggled and said to Braxton. “Braxton in Equestria we shake hands not shake each other.”

Braxton was taken aback for a moment. And re-extended his hand for Fancy Pants to take “Terribly sorry for the misunderstanding my good stallion.”

“Worry not good mustang that title fits to a T. Is that a common greeting in your land?” Fancy Pants asked, after putting his monocle back in place and taking Braxton’s hand in a very weak and flimsy handshake.

Braxton laughed warmly “Yes. In Avawyvrenn a man’s sword arm is extended and then gripped at the forearm in a lock to say ‘I come empty handed and without steel.’ Most sword practitioners are right handed, though some can use their left hands, and a small amount can use both hands.”

“Truly astounding my good man. I bet there shall be many of your customs as well as our own that shall take us both by surprise,” Fancy Pants said with interest, and his voice held a touch of wonder over what the new Mustang could bring to this stale old court.

“If I may ask, ambassador Zeddmore, where do you stand on an issue of stallions doing the job of a mare as well as holding places of power in more than just name alone?” Fancy Pants asked.

Braxton shrugged as Lyra looked to Braxton wondering what he would say he paused only to think for a moment before he answered: “Can the stallion do it with the same training and experience?”

“If the stallion’s cutie mark gives them the ability and talent to be a guard, yes.”

“While not entirely what I asked I counter in asking does a cutie mark bestow the knowledge upon a pony or are some things learned?”

“One’s cutie mark bestows a measure of knowledge and power to the pony. It is one's special talent that allows him or her to function in our society. If one didn’t have that mark one could do a few things like hobbies but could never excel in that field like one could with a mark for said field. Take my mark, for example.” Fancy Pants rolled the sleeve of his tuxedo up to show the mark on his wrist. Three gold crowns each set with one icy blue diamond. “The crowns denote regal bearing and nobility. The diamonds unbreakable stones of resolve, making me a fine diplomat and an excellent orator.”

Braxton and Lyra stood side by side as Braxton drew inward for a moment in thought before he spoke again. “Fancy Pants can ask another question of you?”

“But of course my friend.”

Braxton smiled a moment and then spoke. “Standing before you is a group of rioters. They have five hostages and are threatening to kill them; they will spare them though if you step forward to die in their place. Do nothing, they kill the five and take a portion of the city in a riot. Step forward, and you die, but save the five and the part of the city they would have destroyed. What do you do?”

The monocle dropped from his face for a second time that day. Lyra and a few others within earshot gathered around this was truly interesting each had their thoughts about what to do but didn’t voice them.

Fancy Pants was genuinely thinking if he did nothing it was an immoral act he had the power to change the outcome. He valued his life, and he didn’t want to die, but the lives of the five they didn’t want to die either, and the city would suffer as well. Before he could make his answer known Braxton spoke again, he couldn’t decide and found himself speechless.

“Last piece of the puzzle my friend...one of the five is your foal.”

Fancy Pants needed no more thought after hearing that he stated plainly, “Take my life and spare the five.”

Those around that had drawn near to listen let out a collective sigh of relief. A noble deed is done so with Braxton’s warm smile the group left, leaving only Braxton, Lyra, and Fancy Pants together. Fancy Pants for his part wore a concerned look on his brow and once the room had given them room to breathe he asked softly. “The last piece of the puzzle was not part of the original problem was it?”

“You’re right, it was not,” Braxton said with a smile.

“Then why add that Braxton?” Lyra asked before Fancy Pants could. If she were pregnant, or had a foal of her own, she would willingly give her life in exchange for it in a heartbeat. She had faced that problem already before Braxton came and pulled her out of it. She looked to Braxton for a moment. Her eyes began to mist as she began to understand how much she was falling in love with him.

Braxton held both Lyra’s and Fancy Pants’ attention—both had to agree he had charisma. “I knew your answer from your hesitation, my friend,” Braxton said.

Fancy Pants looked to Braxton for a moment before he asked irritation creeping into his tone unintentionally “And what would you do friend?”

“Step forward, better my life than someone else's,” Braxton said with conviction but seemed to be withholding something.

Fancy Pants cocked his head a moment before speaking “There is more isn’t there.”

Braxton smiled “Just because I offer my life doesn't mean one gets to take it freely. You’re working for it. I die on my terms, so I die fighting for the right thing.”

Fancy Pants laughed softly. “Turn the tables on them, both noble and tactical.”

Lyra for her part listened to the exchange thinking herself. Braxton didn’t seem to have a low opinion of himself; he seemed to have confidence in spades and a tactical mind. So why would he wish to risk his life for somepony he never knew and hadn’t ever met? A mare would be hard pressed unless it were a friend, or a herd sister, a stallion, or their foal. Her train of thought became a train wreck when she overheard him say he would die for the doing the right thing. And that mushroomed into what he had done for Bon Bon and her, and it warmed her heart. He would do that for anypony, not just her. Braxton was indeed one of a kind; he never gave anyone a rock painted gold. It was gold all the way through.

Lyra was drawn out of her thoughts by hearing Braxton speak to Fancy Pants. “You had asked about my politics earlier. From a quick listen about the room I would have to surmise that many mares and some stallions about the room think that the common ponies of this country exist to provide them with a position. In reality, your position exists to provide the common ponies of this land with freedom. As a War Mage, it is my job to see that they have it. There is an old saying in my land, people don’t follow titles of their own volition. But they will follow courage. There is my politics my friend.”

The court had grown silent as others began to gather around the new dignitary to listen to him. The ordinary pony had to admit the visitor made quite a bit of sense. The forward thinkers were speechless; the traditionalists were divided fifty-fifty some merely wishing to dismiss his words as empty rhetoric and some beginning to take this new visitor seriously. Luna smiled while Celestia wasn't as open but had to admit Braxton reasoned like an old sage. Lyra smiled knowing that he was this way a person of action a hero.

This was at best the high point in court for Braxton sat in Granny Smiths place as he listened to others talk to Celestia. All the while gauging what type of ruler she was. Fair, just, a bit sexist inadvertently, but overall a pony that cared for the ponies she governed and wanted to enrich their lives. Most of the nobles were far from said word and sought only to steal and usurp power for themselves. Braxton yawned wanting this to end.

* * *

The Friendship Express pulled into the station on the second round of its circuit into Canterlot from Ponyville. Twilight looked over the letter from Celestia for the umpteenth time on the trip. Her mind working overtime on many questions. Why had she invited her and her friends to dinner? Why did she give instructions to tell no pony? How had Braxton and Lyra managed to beat the train? And why did Lyra even go with him? Also, did Rarity have to mess with her mane while she was trying to think?

At the present moment, the fashionista was trying to put the finishing touches on her mane to look ‘stunning’ as Rarity would say. Applejack had looked at both her turn and the whole affair with a stoic tolerance. Rainbow had taken to the roof of the train car at the mention of a pedicure for her hooves to make them shine. Fluttershy let Rarity be. Given it would drive her crazy otherwise, but it hid her being nervous about a dinner with the princesses. Spike was counting down the hours till he could ask Braxton to show him the cantrip spell again given he had spent the hour cleaning the castle that turned into a lot of fun. And showing off to the cutie mark crusaders with little pyrotechnics and other little tricks. Pinkie meanwhile was having the time of her life her hair done in various windblown styles that she kept asking Rarity if this would work as she kept leaning out the window and then back in. Only causing Rarity to facepalm at the antics given she had done Pinkie's’ mane already as well on the trip up.

Applejack looked to Twilight as soon as she had a clear view of her rather than try to talk through the fashionista fussing with Twilight’s mane. “Twi I gotta tell ya this whole day has been weird. Granny left the house early this morning to head to Canterlot f’r some odd reason. When Big Mac and I asked, she only said 'court.' She hates court and never attends, plus I didn’t think the common folk could visit today. Though I must say, I’ve never seen Granny dote on all us before. Kinda reminded me of when Big Mac and I were young...after…” Applejack withdrew into her thoughts as she made the connection. A shadow of sadness crossed her face for a moment remembering her parents killed in a timberwolf attack. Granny Smith was doting on all of them because she had almost lost Apple Bloom. Applejack may not fully trust Braxton—his ways and abilities both extraordinary and unnerving—but she had to give that man his due. She owed him a debt she and her family couldn’t repay. Maybe she could ask Celestia or Luna for advice on the matter over this dinner.

* * *

Lyra paced back and forth in the suite that the princesses had given her to use for the night. Dinner was fast approaching, and she was unable to find somepony to help her with her table manners in the royal court. She looked around the beautiful room that was as big as her entire house. There was a luxurious bed, a fine desk of solid mahogany, and tapestries of silk hung on walls around the room. An oak door nearby lead into Braxton's suite. Lyra’s thoughts turned to Braxton. She wanted to help him as well, but when ponies heard who they would teach, they suddenly had other places to be. It was frustrating. Plus Lyra couldn’t tell if it was from her social status or his that they didn’t want to help. She may as well change clothes, she thought to herself.

Lyra looked over what Bon Bon had packed. Some semi-formal clothes if one was going out on a date, a few extra shirts for cold nights, two changes of bras and panties, a few toiletries, and the last item had Lyra scrambling to bury it in the bottom of her duffle bag. A black thong with a very sheer black camisole teddy complete with garters and stockings, a gift from her mother thinking that Lyra could wear it for BonBon since her mom thought they were an item. She bit her lip. 'What would Braxton think of me in this?' The sudden thought came to her mind. The knock on the adjoining room door had her trying to put the very racy undergarment back, zipping the duffle bag in a hurry.

“Lyra, may I come in?” Braxton asked after knocking.

“Come in,” Lyra answered after a few frantic moments.

Braxton entered the room and looked at the nervous mare before him. He dressed in black breeches, but his normal cream white muslin shirt he was dressed in a blue silken shirt. His boots had a soft shine to them, and he wasn’t wearing his sword nor his armor. His platinum blonde hair was swept back into a ponytail, and his face was cleanly shaven. He looked the part of a very handsome stallion. A far cry from the imposing warrior she knew he was.

“Are you okay, Lyra? You seem nervous,” he asked.

Again he read her like an open book. She was beginning to wonder what she could hide from him... if she even wanted to protect anything from him.

“Nervous about dinner, I guess. I am trying to remember proper royal table manners.”

“Tiberius taught me some, if it is any consolation. I never thought any of it would come in handy before tonight.”

Lyra smiled at him. At least she didn’t have to worry about him tonight. She noticed one of Braxton’s hands was behind his back as he stood before her. “What is behind your back Braxton?”

Braxton smiled before bringing both hands up, showing them empty as he walked toward her. As he closed the distance, he bent the fingers of the previously hidden hand at the knuckle to reveal a single mint green Hydrangea flower. “A gift for my escort.” He then placed the flower in her hair.

Lyra turned beet red and bit her lip as she looked at Braxton. “You know in pony culture Braxton you just proposed to me.”

This time it was Braxton's turn to blush, realizing he had just made a rather significant social blunder. “Oh!” He gave a short whistle. “Somewhat awkward… and here I was giving a flower to a beautiful mare.”

Lyra blushed at his words, but she was not about to let this man turn the tables on her this time. “You know… if I eat this flower it means I accept.” Lyra stuck the stem in her mouth and wiggled the flower in her lips as she watched Braxton and inched closer “Become your lead mare… help you build your house...” Lyra stopped when she saw it. That flicker of sadness, like he was afraid of something. The same look when she had asked him if he was married when he came out of the tree in the forest.

“I'm sure the guards will get us for dinner soon,” Braxton said before retreating slowly, widening the gap between them. It left Lyra stunned and feeling somewhat confused. Had she done something wrong? Before Braxton shut the door to his room, he looked to Lyra and said, “Please, Lyra, give me a little time.” Braxton shut the door softly and just like that the mask was back in place once again

Lyra held on to the flower Braxton had given her. She would have been honored to eat it. She held the flower to her heart. She had done nothing wrong, he had merely asked her for time. She looked at the flower as tears began to form at the sides of her eyes. Her mind sprung to life, inspired by the flower, and by him. How could I let you be, when I know not where you alight. How was I able to see, when the darkness took me that night. You have become my warmest ray of light, oh gentle knight. I am yours is all I have to say, it is all I want to tell you aloud one day.

Braxton looked to about his room. His pack was in the corner, Klynn Ka’ Tar rested sheathed on a sword stand; a mannequin held his cloak and armor. His mind quieted as a familiar voice rippled across his thoughts.

“Don’t rush it, brother. But be very careful with her heart. You both are very fragile.”

“I thought I was past all this. That I had gone through all of the denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and learned to accept it all after sixty-five years. It feels like I haven’t.”

“How did you feel before you told my sister about yourself?”

Braxton leaned back against the cold, smooth stone wall as he thought about it and came to one crystallized conclusion.

“The same as I do now… scared to take that step…”

“I would tell her that, then, for she is hopelessly falling in love with you, brother.”

The knock at the door and then another knock one door down signaled that the guards had come to get the two of them for dinner.

* * *

The elegant dining hall lit in the gathering twilight; silver candelabras held tall white taper candles spaced out evenly on the rich mahogany long table. Each place had a card on the main entrée plate that awaited its guest to sit.

Luna’s place was at the head of the table, Celestia’s was at the far end. On the left-hand side of the table, the names read Lyra, Braxton, Twilight, and Spike. On the right-hand side was Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash.

Luna and Celestia welcomed them in as each shown to their seat. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Pinkie sat down without a thought. Rarity, Braxton, and Fluttershy seemed to hesitate. As Lyra was about to take her seat Braxton gently took her hand and whispered to her with a smile. “Wait.” This gave Lyra pause. She was sure after what had happened in her room he shouldn’t be talking to her. Maybe he was just nice, but it had the effect he wanted for she just nodded at him in understanding.

Braxton looked over the table the utensils set with beautiful dishware. The entrée plate was in the center on the right were two knives and two spoons on the left two forks and at the top of the plate itself was a tiny fork and spoon. Each placed in the order the courses would come to Braxton whispered once more to Lyra quietly. “Salad, Soup, Main course, and Dessert is the course order Lyra.”

The hostesses of the dinner took their seats and gave the nod to be seated. Braxton helped Lyra into her seat before taking his own. By this time Pinkie had made a hat out of her elegant napkin and Applejack, and Rainbow had theirs stuck inside their shirts like bibs looking about slightly bored with events. Twilight, Celestia, Luna, Rarity, and Fluttershy had to hand it to Braxton he knew how to be a gentle stallion for a mustang.

Celestia was the first to speak as she looked over the table “There is no need to stand on ceremony nor call to impress, my guests, please be yourselves.”

Most of the table—even Luna—seemed to relax, except for Braxton and Celestia. “I once more thank my hostesses for their hospitality,” Braxton spoke while he set his napkin upon his lap. Lyra mimicked his actions, as did Rarity, Twilight, Fluttershy, Celestia, and Luna.

“Princess Celestia, I don’t mean any disrespect, but could we talk about the elephant in the room? Like why we’re all here?” Applejack asked politely.

The salad was the first course, delivered by the maids as they set a small mixture before each place upon their entrée plate. The colorful salad was a mix of carrots, lettuce, avocado, baby potatoes, broccoli, and red peppers light roasted, topped with olive oil and a pinch of curry seasoning.

“I was leading to it, Applejack,” Celestia said in a motherly tone and continued as the food served around the table. Pinkie, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash...dug in as soon as their bowls were set before them. Rarity, Fluttershy, Braxton, Lyra waited for Luna to take the first bite of hers before eating themselves. Spike’s salad was different given it looked laced with gems and gem shards. Celestia continued as the salads made their way around the table. “I wanted our newest ambassador, my sister, his envoy, and the Elements of Harmony here so that we are all on the same page, as it were.”

Celestia took a couple of bites of her salad then continued after wiping her mouth. “First off I must congratulate Spike for his newest skill: use of magic. Well done, young drake.” There was a small round of clapping about the table for Spike, who smiled sheepishly at the praise.

“Congratulations, Spike,” Fluttershy said after she wiped her mouth.

“We should have a ‘Spike can do magic’ party!” Pinkie beamed a piece of lettuce stuck in her teeth.

Braxton smiled warmly and gave a soft clap with the group.

Lyra was both surprised and intrigued that Spike could use Braxton's magic.

“Huzzah! Spike, it seems you are coming into your own.” Luna gave a smile to the young drake.

Applejack looked to Spike with a smile and said: “Huh. Who’da thunk it. Congratulations Spike!”

Twilight for her part pouted, though it didn’t reach her eyes, and stuck her tongue out at Spike.

Spike playfully poked Twilights tongue to get it to retreat from the sharp claw as he said with a smug smile, “That’s bad manners, 'princess'”

Rainbow couldn’t help herself and said with a half mouthful of food. “Yeah, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Scootaloo won't stop talking about it. Way to impress the mares stud.”

This caused Spike to blush and the mares about the table to giggle. Rarity wiped her mouth with her napkin before speaking to Rainbow. “Rainbow, dear, it’s a napkin, not a bib and one doesn't speak with one's mouth full.”

Wanting to shift the attention away from him, Spike turned to Braxton. “Braxton I wanted to ask if I could please get that spell from you so I can cast it again?”

Braxton nodded. “Of course, Spike. I will give you a few of them to take home with you. Just remember to keep one for transcription.”

Spike smiled. Twilight gave Spike a look that all but screamed ‘I hope you plan on sharing.’

Celestia and Luna giggled softly behind their napkins as the salad cleared away and the next course of chilled tomato basil soup placed before each. The Apple family cider and water refilled in all the glasses. As one of the maids came to refill Braxton’s cider stem glass, he put his right hand over the top of the half drank the liquid. The maid refilled his water, and he thanked her. This gave the mare a small start, but she recovered quickly and tended the others and departed.

“With the arrival of the second course, we come to another topic this one directed to our Elements of Harmony and our new Royal Cryptozoologist,” Celestia said, sampling the soup before speaking again once she had everypony’s attention. “While the court recognizes you as our Royal Cryptozoologist this is but a front. I would like you to join the Secret Monster Intelligence League of Equestria, an old unit I am restoring in response to growing concerns around Equestria. This unit is known as SMILE. We will train you, pay you handsomely, and you can still live with your partner Bon Bon in Ponyville, given she has already told you she was working for Luna and myself. Report to us, and in the event we are indisposed,Vicereine Granny Smith will be your contact in Ponyville.”

Lyra looked at Braxton, her mouth agape. She could not believe it. Braxton looked at her and gave her a warm smile, then whispered to her softly. “Take it.”

Spike, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, and Fluttershy didn’t have much reaction to the word Vicereine. Twilight’s mouth hit the table; Rarity dropped her spoon in her soup, not caring that a little of it splashed upon her. She looked to Celestia, then over to Applejack. “Applejack, dear, do you know what it means that your grandmother is a Vicereine?”

Applejack paused with a tablespoon of soup to her mouth and took a page from her brother's book of vocabulary. “Uh, enope.” Then let the spoon continue to her mouth.

Rarity stood up in a state of shock, sending the chair sliding away from her. She looked to Applejack, her words coming out quick and clipped. “It means you’re fourth in line for the throne as a Duchess of Equestria!!”

The next few dominoes fell quickly after that. Applejack did a spit-take covering Rainbow Dash with cold tomato soup. She looked to Rarity and said, “WHAT?!”

Rainbow Dash fell back in her chair, covering her face and bemoaning, ”Ah sweet Celestia it got in my mouth!”

Luna would have also been in the line of fire had she not put up a magical shield to stop the drops of red liquid. Luna didn’t bother to hide her reaction and laughed.

Celestia cocked an eyebrow. “I was not aware I was an expression.”

Pinkie wanted to throw another party for Applejack, Lyra was somewhat gobsmacked as was Fluttershy and Spike.

Braxton leaned back in his chair so that he could address Spike in Draconic. “This happens a lot?”

“As often as rabbits fornicate,” Spike deadpanned.

“I’m hyperventilating,” Rarity said as she went to sit down. Twilight, not wanting her friend to fall on her butt, used her magic to bring the chair back under her.

Twilight gave Spike a rap on the shoulder and hissed in a whisper, “That didn’t sound nice, Spike!”

“It’s Draconic, it will never sound nice,” Spike retorted in a hiss.

Luna helped Rainbow up into her seat and used a napkin to dry her face. She gave her a glass of water, which Rainbow drank in gulps.

“Sorry, Sugarcube.” Applejack’s ears went flat as she apologized to Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow dash threw Applejack a look that promised revenge later but nodded in acceptance.

Celestia spoke once more bringing all attention back to the table as the party finished their soup. “What I ask of the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony is to form the other side of SMILE, the Friendship Ranger Organization of Worldwide Neighgotiations. Or FROWN by its designation.”

The corners of Braxton's mouth had to fight to remain straight as he recalled his gnomish friend Alanadale Tinkerton III Esquire. A chairman of the Key Automaton Benefits Organization Of Machinations. He hid his musing laughter in his napkin in the form of a sneeze. “Pardon me,” he said as the table looked at him then back to Celestia.

Luna not fooled, and she merely gave a knowing smile. The soup was cleared away as the mares of the table nodded. The maids then brought out the main course, a daisy and zucchini lasagna, setting a slice on each mare’s plate. The maid removed Braxton's plate and set a covered main course plate before him. Braxton noticed that the maid that brought it to him looked decidedly green around the gills and also looked like she wanted nothing more than to be far away from the tall bipedal ambassador. Braxton thanked the maid and listened to his hostesses, before speaking. “If it pleases my hostesses, may I wait to dine till others have had a chance to enjoy your hospitality, to not befowl their appetites?”

“I see no objections. Do you, Luna?” Celestia asked, looking to her sister, as most carnivorous dignitaries she had entertained in the past gave little credence to the thoughts of others.

“Nay we hath no objections sister,” Luna said

“What's under that cover, Braxton, that might ruin our appetites?” Rainbow asked incredulously between bites of her main dish.

“Meat, Rainbow,” Lyra said, answering her question.

Braxton smiled, showing off sharp canine teeth in his smile. Twilight wanted a closer look at Braxton's teeth. Rainbow and Applejack leaned back even though they were on the other side of the table. Lyra was pretty much used to the idea that he was, in fact, a meat eater. Pinkie for her part still lost in thought about Applejack’s party that she wanted to throw. Spike and Luna shrugged, and Rarity and Fluttershy were also nervously looking to the two rulers for any help.

“That isn’t pony meat, is it?” Rainbow asked Celestia without really thinking.

Lyra, Fluttershy, Braxton, Spike, and Twilight all facepalmed. Applejacks mouth hit the table as she turned to her friend with a look that seemed to scream ‘How could you be so bucking thoughtless, mare?!’ Luna fell out of her chair laughing, holding her sides. Pinkie's mane became slightly flat as she looked to Celestia.

Braxton grumbled loud enough for Spike to hear in draconic. “And here we go for round two.”

Spike shook his head and replied, “Eeyup.”

Lyra and Twilight hit their respective dinner partners on the thigh. Braxton turned to provide Lyra with a look of ‘What did I do?’

“Would the two of you stop speaking draconic at the table? It's insulting,” Twilight said to both of them.Celestia spoke

“No, Rainbow,” Celestia answered motherly, “it is from the Gryphon kingdom. And Rarity, I forbid you to faint.” She pointed at the unicorn who was preparing to do that very thing, only to bite her lip and shake in her chair. “Sister, will you please get up off the floor,” Celestia said, looking at the head of the table.

Luna was crawling back into her chair from her laughter she looked to Celestia and said mentally, “Oh sister! This dinner has been the funniest I have sat in upon in ages.”

Celestia and Braxton almost within moments of each other rubbed the bridges of their nose and shook their heads.

Celestia continued as the level at the table came back to manageable chaos. “My little ponies and good ambassador, we reach out to you for your help. This is the main matter at hand due to attacks of late within the land. This is the main reason why I have reactivated the elite guard as well as SMILE and FROWN. I am sorry to call upon you so soon, Lyra, but there is a creature my sister and I would like you to take a look at.”

Lyra watched Braxton wipe his mouth with his napkin and set it over the whole course before him as he looked at Celestia and Luna. Lyra could tell that Braxton went from coasting in his thoughts to progressive thinking and gathering.

The mares about the table could see the change even Spike could see it as well. Celestia continued “We had had this creature in preservation for the last three days and are no closer to discerning its secrets than when it was brought to us at a heavy cost.”

“A heavy cost?” Rainbow asked curiously only to have a hand go over her mouth by Applejack

Celestia shook her head “Yes...thirteen brave ponies gave their lives to bring it to us.”

The air about the table became very serious as that fact sunk in for the group at the dinner table.

“Princess Celestia would you please describe this creature?” Lyra asked as she watched Braxton focus.

“We know a few things, Lyra Heartstrings. It’s a type of spider. From its body out to the tips of its legs it has a twelve-foot diameter, and has a weight of five hundred imperial pounds. The survivors of the group that brought it back said it stood about 4 feet in height, and most disturbingly of all, it has a very human face. That is all we know about it.” A collective shiver made its way around the table as Celestia described the spider out of their nightmares. “There is one other thing it can do my little ponies, it seems the spider can teleport.”

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight all erupted in a flurry of comments from 'thats not possible?!', to 'there is no spider like that in Equestria?!', to 'Tar-nation more critters we don’t know about.', to 'Oh dear...these creatures don’t sound very friendly!'

Hearing the last piece, Braxton drew his attention to Lyra who seemed to freeze. Within Lyras mind a whisper called to her like a spark in the dark, and she followed. A book one that her sister Minuette had given her on her birthday. The old black nameless tome had only been with her for about a week for no sooner had she finished it. Then it dissolved to dust in her hands, and she for the life of her couldn’t remember anything she had read in it. Lyra saw this book fly open and its pages turn as she saw the facts before her that Celestia had named sink into the book. The ink on the page looked smudged, like it had been pulled out of the water. For she could read very little, but two words stood out before her: Phase Spider.

Lyra met Braxton's concerned gaze as she seemed to come out of her trance like state and asked Braxton from within the din of mares. “Braxton have you in your travels dealt with a Phase spider?”

The table fell silent, drawing attention to both of them. Each mare bore a look of surprise. Lyra looked into Braxtons eyes, terrified and not knowing whether her mind was playing tricks on her. The concerned look Braxton was giving was not helping. The war mage said calmly, “I have, and Phase Spiders are terrible creatures… Lyra, where did you hear that name?”

Lyra shook her head. “It was in a book, and the strange thing was my sister gave it to me for my birthday four months ago, saying she had found it on her travels. She couldn’t read it and gave it to me as a gift. It was just a plain titleless black book, and I read it. I didn’t understand how she couldn’t have read it. It was written in Equestrian. I had it for a week and finished it. But once it was finished it just turned to dust in my hands, and I couldn’t remember anything about it. How can I remember it now..? I’m so scared, Braxton…”

This time it was Braxton’s turn to go silent as he looked around the table. His eyes settled on the Apple family cider. He had half a glass, and she had a solid two. “I think I know part of the answer, Lyra, so I will compare it to what I know. First, this type of recall isn’t the first time you have done this. You did it the night I rescued Bon Bon when we were together, and Princess Luna visited us in a lucid dream. You gave everything, height, weight, even a little ecology of the Hellhound.”

“I don’t remember doing that,” Lyra said, a blush mounting on her face. “I just remember nodding off in your arms...and waking up in my bed.”

Rainbow whistled only to be silenced with a glare from Twilight, Celestia, and Luna. She shrunk back wishing she hadn’t done that.

The others listened as if engrossed in a tale. He continued, “I have a feeling what you picked up was something called a tome of understanding. It is a rare item even in my world, though how it got here, I haven’t the foggiest. Can you answer me one question more, Lyra?”

Lyra nodded, she had to know why. “Please, ask me.”

“Was your sister upset after she gave you the book and learned of its destruction?” Braxton watched her as she recalled the week after her birthday.

“Yes we had a big fight a week later…” her eyes began to show signs of tears “She hasn’t said a word to me since.”

Braxton nodded “Doesn't surprise me at all, in fact, it makes perfect sense.”

“What does Braxton?!” both Lyra and Twilight said together.

“There are only a handful of potent spells that have that amount of subtlety and power with them. One is a seventh tier spell called contingency, think of this spell as a way of saying if these criteria are met then this effect will happen. The other spell is called a geass. It’s an eighth-tier spell. This spell is a pretty sinister one if done right because it compels you to do something without you realizing you're doing it, but you are in full command of your mental and physical facilities. The whammy at the end is that once the spell is done, you remember everything you did.”

“What a truly horrible spell.” Celestia, Twilight, and Luna said in unison realizing full well the power and suducivity of a spell of that power.

“So your sister didn’t want to give you that book, but the geass made her do that, and with the destruction of the book the geass spell was no more,” Braxton finished as all the pieces came together for Lyra.

“...she called me a thieving diamond dog bitch... Said so many hurtful things...” Lyra’s mind turned inward to the fight and knew she threw as much venom back at her sister. Saying things that were as hurtful and cutting. She almost started to cry when she felt herself be pulled into Braxton’s arms as he whispered to her. “We will work it out, Lyra, but first this has to be our number one priority, so I need you to focus.”

Again her thoughts became calm, and the storm of her thoughts evaporated as she looked into his eyes before he turned and looked at Celestia.

“Forgive this boorish request your highnesses, but we must see this creature now. Not later… now. If it is a Phase Spider, then I’m sorry princess, but your problems have just escalated,” Braxton said with an iron-clad certainty in his voice.