Celestia day hasn't exactly been what you'd call 'good'. Some Noble was trying to get the local park demolished so they could built a series of houses purely for themselves. That coupled with the fact she hasn't heard any word from a certain Captain regarding an operation that took months of planning and preparation just to be able to get done, some would say Celestia wasn't in the greatest of moods.

"So you see, that is why I should built another housing estate. It only makes sense." The Noble said, his snobbish tone practically dripping from his voice.

Hiding her impatience, she inwardly groaned and breathed through her nose, putting on a polite smile.

"Unfortunately, due to the popularity of the park and the income that it generates, I am going to have to decline this proposition." She said graciously. "I can have one of my guards show you the way out."

Taking this as a cue, a Guard stepped forward and indicated for the Noble to follow them and they both left with a respectful bow, the other Nobles giving quick side glances as they walked past. Quickly leaving the large throne room through the equally large door, an echoing clunk rang out as they closed.

Calling for another to come forward, she was swiftly cut off as the doors opened again, this time another figure walked through, one Celestia had been waiting for eagerly. As Wolkres walked towards the throne, the Nobles were quick to move, shying away, seemingly scared of the being towering head and shoulders above them. Meanwhile the Guards were quicker to stand at attention, an unspoken but visible respect shining through their posture and brighter still in their eyes.

Stopping a few feet from the throne, Wolkres kneeled, placing his two right hands on the floor and two his left on his knee and chest, just over his heart with a audible thud as he did. Standing Celestia addressed those who were present.

"The day court is officially cancelled for the rest evening." She said. "Come back tomorrow if you wish to have an audience with me, or come tonight for an audience with my sister. Good day."

Deciding not to argue, the Nobles left without a single word uttered, not wanting to test the patience of the large Eliksni. When all but the guards were left, Wolkres stood, his posture relaxed but alert.

"Come." She said, standing as well. "Let us go to my study. I think that would be a more relaxing environment."

Walking down the small flight of stairs, Wolkres followed behind her silently, always vigilant for any who would her or Luna harm. Soon after a few minutes, they came to a set of dark oak doors and stepped through, Wolkres having to duck to enter the comparably small frame.

Most would say that the Princesses were on the tall side of things, being just above a head over the population. Wolkres, however, stood above Celestia and her sister, the eldest of the two barely coming to his shoulders, her horn just scratching the bottom of his chin.

Coming to the table near the centre of the room, Celestia unceremoniously flopped onto the chair with a exasperated groan, a similar emotion expressed clearly on her tired face.

"I hope you bring good news, Wolkres." Celestia said, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I could really use it."

"The mission was a success." Wolkres said confidently. "Ace of spades was detained at the scene along with the rest of his crew. There was enough incriminating evidence at the scene alone to incarcerate them and for a long time. Investigations are still on going to link them to the recent string of crimes thought to be committed by them, but that shouldn't be a problem."

"Thank the gods." Celestia sighed. "They've caused us more trouble then their worth. Thank you for doing this. I take it you didn't deploy your crew"

"No." He replied. "I wanted to do it as efficiently as possible. Doing it alone was the best option."

"Thought so." She said quietly. "I thank you again, this has been of an immense help."

"Of course." He replied, giving a short but deep bow.

"Wolkres." Celestia said slowly. "We've been over this. You don't need to be formal when we're alone."

"Old habits die hard." He replied.

After a few moments of silence, the Solar Matriarch gained an inquisitive look, gazing up at her and her sisters protector.

"How long have you worked for us." She asked suddenly.

Wolkres tilted his head before for a couple of moments before furrowing his brows, thinking on her question and counting the years he had been in the Twin Princesses service and soon answered Celestia's odd and sudden question.

"74 years I believe." He said, quickly counting in his head. "Coming up to 75 in over a months time."

"75 years." Celestia repeated, sitting farther into her chair. "Despite my long life, it never ceases to surprise me just how quickly time flies by. "

Suddenly smiling, she stood and made her way over to a cabinet near the window at the back of the room and pulled out two glasses and a bottle of whisky.

"Join me for a drink?" She asked, turning her head slightly.

"I see no reason not to." Wolkres said, reaching up to remove his helmed rebreather.

Placing the helmet on the table, his breathing became visibly more laboured, but not enough to cause concern, as being an Eliksni, Ether is a necessity for his prolonged survival, which is why he wears a rebreather. However, what most don't know, is that the magic that permeates the air has a small amount of naturally occurring Ether. Enough for Wolkres to survive in, but not enough for him to do anything but walk. Should he over exert himself with no rebreather, he would suffocate.

Pouring a glass of whisky, Celestia handed him one and poured another for herself.

"Cheers." She said, holding the glass up, Wolkres copying her movements. "A toast, to a job well done ."

Lightly slamming the butt of the glasses on the table, Wolkres drank his glass whole, meanwhile Celestia had to take her time, being as she's not as physically hardy as the Eliksni opposite her.

"Did you get your Ether topped up?" She asked

"Not yet." Wolkres said. "I'll get it done tonight."

"Good." Celestia said, taking the glasses, cleaning them off and putting them on top of the cabinet. "And how is Sherry doing?

"She's doing well." He replied. "I'm taking her to the Everfree soon."

"May I ask why?"

"She asked again."

"So you finally gave in?" She asked.

"Not quite." Wolkres said, slowly sitting down, careful to not break the wooden chair with his weight. "I made an offer and she took it."

Making 'o' face, Celestia sat back down, lightly rubbing her eyes to rid them of there tiredness.

"Is there anything I may be of service to?" He asked.

"No. I can do the legal documentation myself and I'll start on making a legal case against them and see to that they are put before a judge and jury." She replied.

"Well, seeing that you just completed a very important job." Celestia continued. "I think you deserve a day off."

"Are you su-"

"Honestly Wolkres, I'll be fine." She smiled. "I have been doing this for a long time, I'm sure I'll be fine by myself. You are dismissed."

Nodding, Wolkres stood and bowed deeply keeping his stance for a couple of seconds before making his way for the door, ducking as he went through and closed it carefully behind him, leaving the Solar Matriarch by herself in silence, left to do as she pleased.

Walking the long and winding corridors, Wolkres swiftly made his way through what most would consider a confusing maze, Guards standing at attention and saluting the massive being. Soon enough, he came to the castle gardens, a place he always enjoyed a long walk through, enjoying the peaceful nature and gorgeous views it provided.

Slowly coming to a stop, he looked to a particular statue and he gently placed his hand upon its worn stone, offering a small prayer, something he did every time he traversed the nature filled scenery. Gazing down to the aged plaque, reading the somewhat faded words engraved upon the dark marble, a small smile crossing his face as his eyes traced the writings. 'Eirine, God of Peace'. His story, however, is one for another time.

"I thought I'd find you here." A voice came from behind.

He didn't respond as the sound of gravel under hooves could be heard coming closer. Luna stopped as she came to Wolkres' side, placing friendly a hand on his lower left arm.

"You really miss him, don't you?" She said, the words being more of a statement than a question.

"More with each passing day." He sighed, his breath visible in cold evening air.

"I know." She said, lightly rubbing his arm before letting go. "Tia told me that you took care of the 'fratellanza' group. A job well done."

Wolkres simply hummed in slight agreement. It could have went better, but then the same could be said for most jobs. There is no such thing as perfect.

"How is Sherry?" Luna asked, quickly changing the subject. "Is she doing alright?"

"I'm taking her to the Everfree tomorrow." He replied. "She asked again."

"Ah." She said, voicing her realization. "Well if you wouldn't mind, I need to get back to work. Please give the filly my best regards."

"I will."

Wolkres didn't need to turn and wave the Lunar Princess off, as she promptly teleported away, leaving the Eliksni to his own thoughts. with one final prayer, he set off to his home to pack for tomorrow. Sherry couldn't contain her excitement when he was leaving to report to the ones he protected and served.

He's got a long day ahead of him. But he wouldn't have it any other way.

Author's Note

And there was another
For those of you who are curious, this is what I picture Wolkres' face as

Please point out any mistakes I may have made
Constructive criticism is always appreciated
Until next time, TTFN!