Equestrian Guard

Winter walked out from the house in the early morning, the sun still barley rising and the moon slowly descending into hiding once more. Along with him he had a chair, placing it by the wall of the house and taking a seat in it. He took a deep breath of the cool air, breathing out after seeing his breath freeze and evaporate. Right now he would be preparing to work around the field for the day, but with the help of Althalos the days he continues to live with them sped up the completion. In fact, he couldn’t think of what needed to be done. The crops ready to be harvested have been completed, in turn the few needed to be planted are also completed. The few wood-post fencing that needed to be replaced due to rot was finished quickly, this proving how useful having somepony with hands can be. He remembered briefly showing Althalos how to make the post, figuring that it would take awhile but instead he getting it quickly.

All of such made him think back to the day when Althalos was in the town of Caval. Even though Mistral wasn’t too happy about his presence being known, she understood that hiding him forever wouldn’t be possible to do. So lately him and Althalos have been going to the town together when needed, all around quickly used to the sight of somepony who isn’t a pony, nor anything known in this world at least. Questions do arise about the legitimacy of the folktales now that Caval has their own local human roaming around, along with the possibility of the news spreading throughout Equestria. However, luckily, no such thing has occurred and has stayed well within Caval. Wonder how long that will last before the paparazzi arrive, Winter thought.

He got back up, taking another deep breath before walking inside the house. He approached Althalos bed, moving him a bit to wake up, which he did. Winter watched him sit up on the bed before rubbing his eyes. He looked at Althalos and the boy knew what was going to be done starting today. Training. Winter had found out about the scar on Althalos chest from a battle he participated in, even when he was not of age. It explained why the boy was hardworking and always kept working on hard, and this was something he liked. Althalos was not going home anytime soon and he wanted him to be more active than just working on the farmland or sitting in here all day doing nothing.

Althalos watched the stallion walk back out from the house, already knowing that he needed to be out as well. He placed his shirt and leather footwear on and quickly exited the house, closing the door behind him. He stood still watching Winter stare out towards the forest before he saw him starting to trot from him towards the pathway. He started running following behind the stallion keeping pace. The cold air burned his lungs as he breathed in, having to speed up when Winter moved into a canter. His breathing fastened while the stallion’s remained calm and even, showing how well maintained he kept himself.

“I should be flying, because I’m a pegasus.” Winter ran straight instead of turning left on the pathway. “But I wouldn’t be strong if I had to be on the ground, so I trained along side Earth ponies back in my Guard days.”

Althalos now needed to keep Winter within his sight as there was no pathway showing where to go. The mid-tall grass only tired him out even more as he had to raise his legs higher while Winter remained unfazed. Already he was growing tired, the stamina not as great but he kept running on fighting against his growing fatigue. Sweat started form on his body, few drops running down from his forehead to the base of his chin, falling off from the quick steps of the pace. Few ran into his eyes, burning slightly, his mind prompting him to wipe off what could be irritating it but only making it worse. His pace started to slow as Winter grew more and more distant from him, and he was sure Winter wasn’t going to stop anytime soon. His body started to feel numb, lightheaded, and his eyes drifting focus other than the white stallion ahead of him. He took in the calm early morning breeze that brushed along the branches of the trees, the sky which the trees hidden from him giving hints of a growing purple-orange sunrise.

Althalos soon tripped and fell onto the grass, breathing hard and not moving while Winter kept his pace and quickened the distance between him. He didn’t want to allow himself to lose sight of Winter, forcing his body from the quickly comfortable position he was in back onto his two legs with the assistance of the tree by him. He gagged a bit but returned to the jog he needed to be, barley keeping sight of the white ahead of him. There he noticed Winter turning left, which meant the continuous running would take a turn. He reached the corner, noticing a large stick stabbed into the ground most likely to show the end of the trail and to turn. He kept his pace moving forward, the straight running continuing as normal but shorter as another turn with a stick was made. This is how he figures out how long the trail should be, he thought.

He turned and continued on straight once more, soon seeing that the new trail lead him to the lake he had swam in days ago. The place where he met Sunshine as well and the freedom to roam growing. There he watched Winter run into the lake and start swimming, not stopping his pace even with the change of how to move. With a second wind coming to him, Althalos ran head-on into the cool water, feeling his clothes dragging along as he swam forward. Breathing was difficult and irregular as he fought to keep his head up from going under. Fatigue overtook him and he collapsed inside the water. He held his breath as he regained his composure and swam forward under, listening to the water rush past him and his sight of view slightly obscure as the light hadn’t shown upon the lake yet. His lungs burned as he remained underwater before he pushed his arms upward and back to the surface. He took a quick breath and continued to swim, his direction changed but still towards where Winter was. Already Winter had gotten out and continued running on the trail known, Althalos soon running out of the water and falling down again.

He breathed out heavily and pushed himself back up to his feet slowly, the water dripping off him as he forced himself to keep running. From then on this was the trail he knew from before, the ground flattened most likely from Winter’s marches or exercise. His clothes were heavy from the water that continued to drip off the edges of his clothing, his leather footwear rubbing against his wet skin. And what looked to be a running that could go on forever, he finally made it back home where Winter stood waiting for him. Althalos again collapsed, falling onto his knees allowing his fatigue to finally take him. However that would be the most rest he would get for this training.

“Up boy. Up. We’re not finished yet.” Winter said, showing no hint of tiredness. “What you just finished was two miles. We will be running that new trail every morning until you can keep pace along side me then I will increase it.”

Althalos stood up, removing his shirt as it weighed him down. He would need to figure out how to do the run and accommodate for the swimming, but for now he followed Winter down past the farmland and towards the shed. It was one that he wasn’t allowed to enter, a reason not given to him and a reason he was not curious of knowing. Now it grew onto him as Winter unlocked the door and opened it revealing what was inside. Spears, swords, and axes were all lined up in rows, along with shields lined up on the other side of the shed. He remained outside while Winter looked around, looking back at him, then returning to what was around him. There he saw him toss out a leather helmet, a soften-tipped spear, and shield onto the ground.

“It’s not real leather if that’s what you’re wondering. Has the same qualities and texture, but doesn’t require killing anypony.” He placed on his own leather helmet, and had the same spear with him. “Griffons, especially ones deep in their lands do such a thing. But with cows, not ponies.”

Althalos placed the helmet on, strapping it tight enough around his head. It had fit him surprisingly, but was rather heavy. Soon he grabbed the large handle of the shield and lifted it up, this being much more heavy, the spear being the same. Already his arms were struggling.

“Now,” Winter tapped Althalos with his spear, making him adjust to how he wanted the boy to position in. There he had him having the bottom of the spear on the ground and the tip pointing up, Althalos standing straight, and his shield well near his body. “I believe that is how a human would stand at attention. Every morning after our run you are to run here and retrieve what you hold right now and stand just like this. Once I see you entering inside, that’s when I count down from ten. If I finish counting and you’re not ready, I will make you carry a large heavy pack and make you march the pathway.”

Winter again tapped Althalos, this time having him point his spear straight from him and his shield right by it. “This is one basic defensive position you will be learning and using. It is much more useful when side by side others, but…,” he tapped Althalos, adjusting him a bit in a more aggressive stance, “Like this, it is still useful as you’re able to move in a one-by-one situation. You’re able to move much more freely than previously. Now.” Winter backed up, having his spear pointed up. “Attack me.”

Althalos nodded, taking a deep breath, and making a thrust forward. Immediately Winter knocked away the spear past him and hit him straight in the chest, making him drop both his spear and shield to grasp his bare chest. He fell on one knee while he coughed.

“Pick up your spear and shield! Now!” Winter yelled out, seeing the boy nodding and quickly following what he said. “You never drop your spear and shield like that. Ever! Not only will it get you killed, but it will also get others killed if you happened to be fighting with others.” He took a breath before continuing. “Now with what you did before, you left an opening when you made a thrust forward. You can move your shield, but not so much so you do not allow a counter-attack to be made, just like how I did to you. Now, again.”

Althalos readied himself and made a thrust forward, but saw Winter dodge and swipe his legs with his spear, making him collapse. This time he didn’t release his spear and shield, but felt his legs pulsing in pain while Winter pointed down towards his chest with the spear before pulling back. He stood back up, doing his best to ignore the pain.

“You need to keep your legs steady and balanced. If not, someone will swipe just like that. And don’t worry. Once you’re ready, I’ll explain to you how to protect your legs from a swipe but this time from a blade,” said Winter. “Now, again.”

Althalos remained lying on the grass on a hill, not too far from his home or Caval. It was one of the places that was free of trees, the hills of grass brushing along the almost noon breeze. Lying beside him was his bag with the writing book and bible, and a sword that Winter had given him to carry around. It was so he would grow used to the weight of it hanging on his body and for him to train on his own with. Thinking of his body, everything was sore, his arms and lower legs having bruises from the training he had gone through, and such thing would continue every single day. He wasn’t too thrilled about it, but he was also excited to being trained like this. It reminded him of seeing the swordsman back in his home practicing with one another on how to fight. If this was what it took to be like them, then he would do his best in being strong.

He moved his arm under the bag and pulled out the bible, opening it and reading it in silence, blocking the sun’s rays from his eyes. What was interesting was that Winter nor Mistral was able to read the book, saying it looked like nothing but scribbles with artwork. It brought to question if things not written from him was to look indescribable to others. It was confusing. “Althalos!” A distant voice spoke out, bringing him from his reading. Placing the book back into the bag he sat up, seeing Sunshine Petal running towards him in a hurry. He smiled when he saw her trip, grumble a bit, and continue running towards him. He waved at her as she approached him.

“What are you doing here all by yourself?” Sunshine asked, sitting by him

Althalos raised a finger, pulling out his writing book and pencil so he can write a response. [Wanted to relax under the sun. How did you find me?]

“Well, I went to your house and asked Mr. Ember if it was okay for you to hang out with me. He told me you weren’t home but here instead. So I ran here!”

Althalos again smiled, not being able to laugh. [What do you want to do?]

Sunshine didn’t respond, instead she laid down onto the grass, taking a deep breath closing her eyes. He did the same, placing the book down and laying down beside her. The two listened closely to what was around them, the brushing of the grass, the gentle shaking of the branches from the trees not too far from them, and the chirping of the birds that brought life. He turned to his side, not realizing Sunshine had done the same and both their noses bumped into each other. Both moved away a bit, looking apologetic but nothing was said or written, the two already knowing as they both looked at each other. That was when she noticed that his blue eyes shined more than regularly. Actually, it was a first since she last saw him having eyes that had some sort of life in them. “I really like your eyes. It looks different than everypony else.”

Althalos raised an eyebrow. Didn’t think it was any special, he thought, seeing her quickly turn around once she said that. He tried to look over to her but she moved her face more into the grass. He sat back up and wrote into his book, poking her to look over. [Are you okay?]

“Yeah!” She sat back up. “I, uh, was thinking of just wanting to walk is all.”

[Just walking?] He wrote down.

“Yup, just walking.” She stood up, having a hoof out after helping Althalos up to his feet. “Or maybe instead of walking, how about I race you!” She noticed him tilting his head, soon realizing that he still didn’t know much of his surroundings other than Caval. “Oh yeah. How about I take you to my secret spot?”

Althalos nodded to her suggestion, seeing her smile before turning around to start in a gallop towards the direction of her choice. A sigh came from him, his body wishing to return to the ground. However he didn’t agree wanting to spend time with Sunshine and he started running, catching up to her and keeping with her pace as they ran from the hills into the forest. They both ran together for a few minutes before stopping in front of a large tree which was circled by the smaller trees. He watched Sunshine run up the slanted tree and up the branch, climbing up what looked to be a tree-house being covered by the leaves. He walked up the tree and climbed in, seeing the inside looking more clean than the outside. It had a couple books, some toys, and a large soft-looking blanket.

“Welcome to my secret spot!” Sunshine said, watching Althalos enter and sit down at the other side of the tree-house. “I found this awhile back when I moved to Caval. It was dirty but I cleaned it up so there’s no more spiders. I think this is a million years old!”

A million? Althalos took out his writing book, noticing Sunshine moving to sit beside him. [So is this where you spend your day?]

“Yup!” She replied. “I got a question.” She waited for a response, seeing him nod. “What was your home like? Your real home.”

Althalos was hesitant, but started writing. Sunshine reading it at the same time after each word is written down. [My home is like here. Trees, the river, and the grass. My home has a large wall that goes around too so the bad people have a hard time coming in.] He paused, thinking of more to write. [And it has a castle.]

“Did you live in the castle?” She asked.

Althalos shook his head. [I lived in a house like the one I live in right now.]

“Aww, that would have been so awesome. You would have been like Celestia and Luna in Canterlot. They live in a big castle.”

Althalos didn’t write for a moment, thinking back to his true home. A home he would no longer be able to be at. [I miss my home.] He felt her patting his back with her wing.

“It’ll be okay. As long as you have Mr. Ember with you, you will be alright,” said Sunshine.

Althalos nodded, pointing to the books that were next to the blanket. She noticed and walked over, grabbing one with a hoof and placing it down by him. She also brought the blanket, wrapping it around her. He didn’t think it was cold, but didn’t mind, picking up the book. Daring Do?

Althalos opened the door to the house having come back from walking Sunshine to her house. He was greeted by her mother who was happy to see him, but her father was rather suspicious of him for some reason. He didn’t think he had anything bad with him.

Inside, he closed the door seeing Winter sitting by the fireplace with Mistral cuddling right beside him. The two turned around seeing him and he waved to them as he placed his bag down by the bookshelf, taking out his writing book.

“Althalos, welcome home,” said Mistral. “Anything interesting?

He sat down near them and wrote in his book. [Spent time with Sunshine today.]

“Oh that’s good! Already getting close with your friend,” Mistral said, looking up to Winter.

“It’s a good thing she was able to find you,” said Winter. He then stood up and approached the boy. “Althalos, Mistral and I were discussing about...something while you were gone. And we were wondering what you thought about us.”

Althalos was confused why he was asking. He wrote into his book. [I don’t think you two are bad. I’m glad to be able to stay here even though I am not a pony. And you treat me like family.] He noticed Mistral smiling while Winter sighed, as if he wasn’t used to speaking about a topic like this.

Winter cleared his throat. “That’s the thing. Mistral, and myself, yes, me, were considering to make it official.”

[What do you mean?] Althalos asked.

“What are you, stupid?” Winter felt a jab to his side by Mistral. “Sorry, what I meant was that Mistral would be your new mother, and I to be your new father. Both of us are fully aware that you’ll be staying here in Equestria and, well...” He turned to Mistral, “Oh Celestia do I have to say it, it’s making me cringe.”

“I’ll anonymously send the embarrassing Nightmare Night photo of you to all of Caval if you don’t,” Mistral threatened.

“Why do you have to use that-” He met a glare, seeing that she was serious. “Alright! Alright!” He turned to Althalos, who was rather enjoying the scene. “Yeah, yeah, mock the Guard. Now where was I. Oh yeah. What I was saying was that we’re fully aware that you’ll be staying here and we would, ugh, love, for you to be our colt. Our boy.”

Winter expected Althalos to write in the book, but instead met a tight hug from the human. He didn’t move, then feeling Mistral join in the hug, she being the most happy as she wanted to do take Althalos in as her own. Althalos, even though he missed his home, his life, he soon began to let go of wanting to return, instead wishing to remain here with the two ponies in the new world.

“So who’s name is he going to take, yours or mine,” asked Winter.

“Both,” replied Mistral. “Welcome to the family, my Snow Ember.”

[Act I – End]