Caballeron's Prize

Two dozen winged knights of Windgate stood in two rows on each side of the white cobblestone path entering the docks. Their silver armor with red scarves reflecting the light from the midday sun that bounced from the city itself almost blindingly. Banners of the white arch with the newly added ruby gem engraved on its arch hung from their spears as pegasi and griffons alike stood stoically for their young countess's arrival.

Scootaloo. Countess Ruby. The filly ruler arrived from a small carriage with cheers from a large mix of townsfolk that celebrated her. Dressed in a simple yet elegant silver tiara and white scarf, she gave a meek wave from her silver shoed hoof which set their spirits even more alight. Withers followed from the cart as the crowd settled down more. His mysterious and rather stoic presence not ruining the mood but giving more weight to her presence.

"A lot changes in two years." He snickered as his voice carried through the noise.

"Two?"

"Caballeron's policies didn't affect them much until you stopped being a recluse." He complimented, looking over the various shops and thriving cityfolk who's lives were improved from Scootaloo's direct influence. "Seems they cleaned up the city too for the big day."

"I guess." Her cheeks lifted warmly as the two began to walk towards the arriving ship. The dockyard was cleaned in preperation for many arrivals from other lands, but still had some crates and shipping smudges from the nearby fishery the griffon's used for food.

"Baby bird!" A motherly griffon shouted out in gushing admiration as Scootaloo blushed a bit. Withers lightly bumped her to have her straighten up again.

"Still embarrassed? I know the griffons find you adorable for your inability to fly."

"The count told me I should lean into it. I don't think I have much of a choice..." Her gaze wandered up to the Winking Dawn as the rampart lifted to the starboard. The intimidating sight of Twilight staring down in shock with Celestia and Luna at each shoulder.

The air changed as the crowd grew incredibly quiet. The sight of the two sisters alone turning the bright smiles into bitter glares as their beloved countess approached. The filly's legs almost wobbling to be on the same stage as such grand personalities. "Welcome to our country The Snowrock Isles, Princesses. I hope the day finds you well."

"And you, Countess. I hope you'll forgive our presence. We've come to attend the wedding in hopes to improve relations with your fair city." Celestia and Luna bowed as Twilight stood stunned for a moment before following suit, getting murmers from the crowd that couldn't hear their words.

Scootaloo followed suit with a respectful bow as Withers politely dipped his own head before speaking. "The count would like to invite you to his best hotel for his esteemed royal guests, but asks the two former princesses to remain with all of our accomidations within. For their own peace of mind until the wedding. Princess Twilight and company however have free range of the city and the countess would be humbled to join."

"My my. Can she afford to take such leisure so close to her big day?" Luna giggled.

Withers opened his lips before Scootaloo lifted a wing to silence him. "All preparations are accounted for. I'd be proud to show my city." She beamed, giving a sparkling look of pride Twlight hadn't seen before in her eyes.

The countess turned to the crowd as Luna and Celestia almost flinched as her voice carried the royal cadence comparable to the old ways. Her voice booming to be heard for all.

"My subjects of Windgate! These are my valued guests I hold in high regard as much as my fiance and your count! I want you to treat them as personal friends of me accordingly! GOT IT!? Now go celebrate!"

The crowd paused and shrank a bit as she hollared before giving out a bursting cheer. Drums playing throughout the town as they dispersed and began festivities comparable to a festival, life returning to the town as they began to return to everyday life. Scoots proudly spun with a flourish as she lifted her hoof to welcome them in.

The tension alliviated as the three alicorns stepped forward onto the mainland, followed by Pinkie hopping behind as well as Fluttershy, Rarity and Applejack looking around fascinated.

Scootaloo fell in to walk next to Twilight as they were escorted by a group of guards toward the hotel. "You got taller, princess."

"You're one to talk. You're as tall as Trixie was!" She gave a loud whisper, absolutely flabbergasted by the little mare next to her.

"You're mighty popular there, Scoots!" Applejack complimented, getting an elbow to the ribs from Rarity for not using her title. "C-countess, miss."

"We won't talk of that filly until we reach the hotel. These ponies are eager to catch up with you." Celestia comforted her, being sure that Withers heard to put him somewhat at ease. "We respect you've assumed the mantra of countess, and wonderfully from the looks at it. The last time I was here decades ago this place was much greyer."

"I'll be honest, it still is in many places. The capital is cleaned up for the event to show off but we're slowly restoring things." Scootaloo explained, getting a nod from Withers as Pinkie eyeballed him with a suspicious frown, recognizing him from somewhere...

"I've gotten reports of the charity foundations and infrastructural reforms being built for the past year. The count is doing a rather stellar job." Celestia spoke bluntly, having Twilight eavesdrop to stay informed.

"The count was new when he arrived and took some time to hear the peoples struggles. He made a few policies and opened projects to fix centuries of disrepair, as well as import seeds to use some of our harbors as sea farms." Scootaloo explained, looking ahead while waving to townsfolk behind the guards that stayed to watch their arrival.

"Yes. Yet one wonders why the citizens cheer so loudly for you." Luna cheekily grinned, getting a light blush from the filly.

The group arrived to a six story hotel with a gated entry yard guarded by silverclad sentries. Various exotic nobles mingled and socialized before pausing to see the impressive group. Some starstruck as they contained themselves for the sake of propriety, politely dipping their heads.

A stallion in a tweed suit with a purple bowtie welcomed them. "Welcome to the Emerald Hotel. We have the suite floor prepared for you as honored guests to the bride and groom."

"Thank you. We'd like a tea cart for a long get together in the suite lobby." Luna requested getting a soft nod from the staff stallion.

"It's already awaiting you, please enjoy your stay."

The noise from outside and in their own minds quieted as the doors closed behind them in the common area of the suite. A large circular table with a C shaped sofa that surrounded it with a nearby kitchen and library as well as sleek artistry of the countryside's island mountains. A wide open view of the town behind windows that surrounded on two sides towards the harbor and castle respectively.

Scootaloo's hooves shakily stepped forward as her body lightly swayed, getting caught by Withers hoof as he kept her centered. "Go ahead."

Twilight was quick to notice the sinking in the fillies face and quickly moved in front of the filly as she collapsed. grabbing and tugging her tightly as Scootaloo poured out a flood of tears. Her voice letting out a heart wrenching howl into her chest as the others closed in.

"I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry. I thought she was dead and and and I was-" The filly continued sobbing as an outpour of pure emotion unleashed. The proud countess crumpled into Twilights arms as she almost passed out from forgetting to breathe, sucking in air in rapid breaths.

"You don't have anything to be sorry about. We should've known sooner." Twilight hugged tightly. Her friends encasing her in a group hug as she was muffled.

"We ain't told Applebloom and Sweetie yet. We thought you might wanna, but they think about you everyday. I'm sure they'd be proud to see how strong you've gotten." Applejack spoke softly.

"You've been amazing, darling! I never thought you'd become so grand as this despite everything." Rarity chimed in as everyone parted a bit to give her some space to wipe her face. The filly laughing lightly as she adjusted her tiara back in place.

"Rainbow's still kicking, so cheer up!" Pinkie beamed, stealing the tiara to place on her own head as Scootaloo gave a sheepish chuckle at the sight to her delight.

"I know, I'm glad. She's not here is she?"

Twilight shifted a bit as she explained. "We left her on the ship. She's... She said she'd come see you later when things calmed down." Twilight lied. She didn't doubt that's what would happen but Rainbow hadn't said a word since they saw landfall. The face she made gave her chills before meeting with the countess.

"I think..."

The group paused as they caught Scootaloo mid sentence, pressuring her by accident to finish her thought. "Nevermind. I'll be ready to see her later on. I'm glad it's not immediately."

"Even Applejack couldn't keep her from getting on the boat. We're all here for you, Scootaloo." Twilight somberly smiled, rubbing her mane with a hoof as Pinkie spun the tiara like a basketball.

"You know, you're not the only ones. Withers helped me find a way to help people here. I didn't want to be ashamed when I saw everyone again." She smiled, the group looking to see that the stallion had already stepped out onto the balcony of the suite with the two princesses outside the door to give them all space.

"I swear I know that guy from somewhere..." Pinkie itched her chin with the tiara before Rarity yanked it back and placed it on Scootaloo before fixing her longer mane up.

Withers removed his glasses and wiped his eyes as he leaned to the railing. The other two waving back at the group from seeing their attention on them. The stallion put his shades back on, letting the wind dry his eyes as he looked to the shipyard with Celestia and Luna. "Caballeron has captured a stallion from Somnambula close to Rainbow. He's keeping him so you don't run off with the countess. Quibble Pants was his name."

"That... may complicate things."

"I can keep looking for where he's being held but it may be best to let her know ahead of time. The duel is still the best chance at avoiding a war." He spoke bluntly, resting his forehead on the railing.

"You've done plenty. I know how tough it was for you to stay. We'll be able to shut down those gem operations for good once this is all over thanks to you." Luna spoke, standing aside him as he shook his head, taking to himself.

"Save the speech for the actual heroics. I just want your damn pardon and some peace for that brat."