Royal Blood

A day later:

Blueblood was quiet during his entire train ride. He was too deep in thought to really even speak if anypony had tried to talk. The only thing that snapped him back to reality was the train lurching to a stop.

“Alright you can do this… it's what you want.” He tried to ready himself. But, before he could his hosts appeared in front of him.

Arkantos was smiling a little, in his full suit of plate mail made specifically for him. It held a strange symbol on the chest, and unlike most ceremonial (which it wasn't) armor it had no cloak or cape.

Twilight was dressed less regally, in just her usual dress, her crown completely missing. He was surprised to see that she too was smiling. “Hello, Blueblood.” She greeted. “It’s great to see that you actually arrived.”

“Yes… it’s um, nice to be here.” Blueblood smiled slightly, standing up and holding his hand out. Arkantos shook it.

“It’s nice to finally meet you Blueblood.” Arkantos said.

“Likewise, Arkantos.”

“So, what made you decide to change your outlook on life?” Twilight asked.

“Just… Tharian’s most recent arrival, and how the nobles were ready to treat him and his group. It was… sickening.” Blueblood explained. “And… I know I’ve never said it to either of you or your foals… But I’m sorry for being silent when they called your foals monsters.”

Twilight’s smile grew a little. “As long as you’ve never said it… well, since you’re apologizing, we can both more than forgive you.” She looked to Arkantos who was likewise smiling wider. “Why don’t we take you to our home? We… haven’t really cared much for getting a castle our anything more than our house. It’s homely… and there’s no reason to change, right?”

“If I may ask… Why aren’t you wearing your crowns?” Blueblood inquired.

“Ah, right. I’ve been denied mine… and I could careless. Worthless piece of garnishing in my opinion.” Arkantos waved. “This…” He motioned to his armor. “Is enough to get the point of who I am across.”

“My husband’s a bit more open and approachable after his saving of Canterlot… and well, I want to be just as approachable. We both want ponies to feel as though they can come to us if they have a problem.”

“Really? I…” Blueblood began. “Does… it work like that?”

Twilight and Ark both laughed a little. “Most of the time, yes. A lot of ponies are still scared of Ark… just not for him being dangerous. Just because he’s human.” Twilight explained. “Though… they do approach him when he’s with the guard, or out walking with our foals.” She giggled. “They find him being such a doting father to be adorable. Oh my…” She shook her head.

“And, what about you, Twilight?”

“Well, yes it does. But… that’s because the ponies in town know me well by now.” Twilight nodded.

Blueblood closed his eyes and thought for a moment. He then reached up and took his own crown off. “Well… even if it doesn’t work… it’s worth a sho-”

“Actually Blueblood… Uh, Twilight and I already laid out a few plans for you.” Arkantos began. “I was actually going to take you out to train a little bit, get at least the guard to trust you. From there, hopefully you’ll get a bit healthier and perhaps have a few friends.”

“Then we’d introduce you to the other ponies in town. Of course, hopefully the other guards would’ve spread the word that you’re in town trying to well… be friendly.” Twilight nodded.

“It’ll also give us time to fill you in on everything in town… and well, find out what you’re truly good at.” Ark finished.

“Oh. Alright.” Blueblood smiled slightly. “Um, Twilight… there are a few pon-”

“I figured. Um… I think it’s best you wait to speak to them. Just in case. We… want you to at least enjoy your time here so you’ll stay. And if they turn you away… it might be a bit disheartening.”

“Ah… Okay. So um, if I may ask one more question. I haven’t eaten since last night… I was to nervous to really eat dinner even…”

“Great! I’ll make breakfast for us all then. It’ll just be the three of us for a while… After Spike’s done helping Rarity he’s heading up the the Crystal Empire to help take care of our foals… They’ll be coming back at least by the end of the week. So… enjoy your last few nights of restful sleep.” Ark joked, a magical slap to his shoulder. “It’s a jooooke. I miss Whisper and Inferno way way too mu-”

“I know.” Twilight laughed. “Now… the guards will deliver your suitcas-”

“Suitcase. I uuh… only brought clothes and some things to wash with.” He admitted. “I… Didn’t really know what to pack and I wanted to do it on my own.” He chuckled quietly.

“Great! That means less time wasted in unpacking! Let’s go back to the house!” Twilight grinned, her horn lit up and the three were teleported to her treehouse.

“Why don’t you go sit down and we can talk for a little bit while Ark makes breakfast?” Twilight offered.

“That’d be great!” Blueblood nodded as Arkantos ducked into the kitchen.

“So, what did you intend to do here?” Twilight asked.

“Just… learn a little more about what life is like. And… find something I’m good at?” He offered.

“You don’t know.”

“I don’t know.” Blueblood shook his head.

Twilight just started laughing. “Oh this is going to be a great few days…” She shook her head.

“Hey… I’ve…”

“Don’t worry. I was in your… uh well, a similar position once.” Twilight assured. “Given enough time you’ll settle in here and hey… you might find somepony who’ll go back to Canterlot with you so you’ll never have to worry about being alone again.”

Blueblood thought for a moment. “Hey… um, if you know, you already said Ark was going to train me… right?”

“Yeah. Just exercising and his morning run. Why?”

“Do… you think he’ll actually train me? Like…”

“If you ask, and he deems you capable of being able to handle it, I’m sure he will.” Twilight smiled. “Just give it some time, alright? You JUST got here.”

“Sorry… just…”

“Excited?”

“Yeah. Really excited.” Blueblood nodded. “I… expected you two would reject me.”

“I… was going to. But, Ark gave me a few good reasons as to why I should give you a second chance.” Twilight explained. “I was going to give you only a chance but… I think… hope I’m a good judge of character, and well… from what I’ve seen and from what you’ve said so far… well, you’re welcome to stay here with us.”

“Thank you, Twilight… it makes me feel a little hopeful that everything will go as smoothly as this.” Blueblood relaxed back.

“Just… give it a bit of time. And yes, yes it will.” Twilight nodded as the scent of food flooded the air. “And now he begins…” She sighed, staring longingly at the doorway to the kitchen.

“Why don’t you go he-”

“If I enter the kitchen he’ll kick me out. He may be a pyromancer but… yeah. I’m the only one who can sneak a flame past him.” Twilight just started laughing. “I’ll let him work… just wait, you’ll see exactly why he and Spike are the ones who cook around here…”

“Mmmm… I can’t wait, it already smells amazing.” Blueblood sighed, just sniffing at the air.

Twilight grinned, “This is what you’ll be treated to every day you spend here…”