Armello and The Equestrian Exodus

“Ship approaching the harbour!”

All eyes watched in anticipation as the lead ship made anchor in the harbour pier and cast lines to dock. Elyssia, Caspian and their subordinates and retainers stood at the mouth of the pier, waiting for their long awaited guest to present.

“Wardress, you are thumping your foot again,” whispered Caspian.

“I cannot help it,” she whispered back, “part of me still suspects that this may be a ploy, no matter how benign this Ditsy Do may be.”

“Then why humour them?” he asked.

Elyssia sighed as her foot thumping ceased, “Because it was her handwriting. I recognise it anywhere.” A ghost of a smile formed from her scowl, “I fear the worst, but I am gladdened she lives.”

A boarding plank bridged the ship and the pier and a procession crossed, leaving the vessel. They were a mix of equines, reptiles, large insect-like creatures, a cross of bird and mammalian things, and more. Leading them was a familiar rabbit donned in an amber and black dress and held an iconic silk umbrella.

There was a gleam in Elyssia’s eyes when she saw the rabbit and allowed herself to smile. Her smile vanished however as she noticed the doe before her limped forward, using the umbrella as a makeshift walking stick. It was then she noticed the cast on her left leg and three large scars on the left side of her cheek. As they drew closer, the Wardress scowled when she noticed that her left paw holding the umbrella did not look natural. Her heart sank further when she noticed the gaunt, haunted expression on the doe.

By the Wyld, what happened to her?

When the group finally reached them, the lead rabbit quivered a smile but the smile appeared despondent.

“Elyssia,” she greeted with a curtsy.

“Amber of House Valebriar; Far Seeker,” the Wardress returned the greeting. “You have returned, mostly intact it seems,” she gestured to her wounds.

Amber took a moment to glance at her leg and paw. “So it would seem,” she answered morosely.

Elyssia hummed as she mulled the information. “Hmm. I take it then from that gaunt look on you, the lack of the traitor and this… odd company you brought with you that the expedition ended in failure?”

Growls, snarls, and a few hisses were heard from the procession behind Amber. (Elyssia even thought she saw a few gouts of flame from some of the reptiles.) Amber herself flinched slightly as her paws clenched tightly.

“Aye,” she muttered.

The Wardress blinked, frowned, shut her eyes as she drew out a sigh, and then straightened up (all in that order).

“I see,” she said in acknowledgement before offering a smile, “Welcome home, cousin.”

And just like that the floodgates tore down as Amber burst into tears, leapt towards Elyssia, and embraced her.

Caught off guard, Elyssia almost drew her weapon until she heard the Adventurer’s pained wailing as she felt her embrace. Her fur stood on her back as she stiffened, and shuddered as she felt the crowd gaze at the scandalous display of discarded decorum.

“By the Wyld, Amber!” Elyssia hissed through her teeth, “You are a distinguished Dame of the Rabbit Clan! Show some dignity and cease this unsightly blubbering!”

“Shut up, Elyssia!” Amber sobbed, tightening her hug, “I need this. It was terrible! It was horrid! It was a slaughter!”

Wyld preserve! Why must I be tested so thoroughly this day? Can not part of these burdens wait on the morrow?! Elyssia thought as she rolled her eyes and begrudgingly accepted the embrace…

…For about three minutes until she heard coos of sympathy from the crowd and decided that was enough.

“Cousin, please,” she politely pushed, breaking the embrace, “save your tale and your tears for the Queen. You've humiliated me long enough.”

“Lady Elyssia, how cold of you,” Cassia deadpanned, wearing a barely visible smirk of smug satisfaction.

“I do not want to hear that from you, daughter of Lilac!” she snapped.

A chuckle escaped from Amber as she wiped the tears from her eyes, “I am glad to see you haven't changed.”

“And I am agasp at how much you have,” Elyssia huffed, “You have always been forthright and plucky compared to your peers, but seeing you as devastated as you are now… I have never seen you grieve this much, even with your last meeting with the Queen.”

“Speaking of, where is she?”

“On her way here on a three day march.”

Amber chuckled again, “If you send word of my return I'm sure the march will hasten by two days.”

Elyssia pondered at the thought. “Hmm, that would be worth considering.”

“Ahem,” a voice from behind Amber coughed.

“Oh goodness me, where are my manners?” Amber apologised as she introduced the purple reptile behind her, “Wardress Elyssia Stonebriar of the Rabbit Clan, meet Spike the Dragon; Lord Regent of Equestria.”

“How'dya do?” the winged lizard saluted, “Call me Spike.”

“A DRAGON?!” Elyssia yelped as the entire garrison pointed their weapons at the group.

“Woah, just hold on there!” Spike disarmingly raised his arms slightly, “I know you think I'm what you suspect me to be, but I'd rather you didn't associate me with the villains who destroyed my home and murdered most of my friends and family.”

Elyssia eyed the nervous garrison around her and back to the Dragon. Her scowl hardened as she tried to discern his intentions… until she noticed one of those bird-mammalian things clutching him tightly, worry and fear seen in its eyes.

Is that supposed to be his mate?

“Stand down,” Elyssia ordered with a sigh.

“My Lady, is that wise?” Commander Caspian objected.

“Fret not, Lord Commander,” she placated, “I know the Dragon Clan; they are arrogant and conniving cretins who would never show weakness to their opponents, much less helplessness. I see none of that here, stand our men down.”

“Yes my Lady,” the stag obeyed and signalled his soldiers.

“Apologies, your grace,” Elyssia bowed politely to Spike, “I do not know of the plight of your people, however I cannot help but notice that you came with a mighty fleet too great to be for a diplomatic mission. Judging from appearances and if my suspicions are correct, I take it you and your people fled from a threat that we share in common?”

Spike sadly nodded, wrapping an arm around the grey, bird-mammal, “Yeah, that about sums it up. I could give you the rough summary, but I think it would be better to tell the details to your Queen. More importantly, we have been sailing for months across the ocean and we would greatly appreciate any help you can give us, starting with your permission for our ships to dock and land.”

Elyssia nodded in agreement, “Very well, you have my permission to land on our shores and shall receive whatever aid we can offer. In fact, it just so happens that our granaries and storehouses are full to the brim with this week's harvest; they should be sufficient enough for your needs.”

Spike offered a bow, “Thank you Lady Stonebriar. I'll inform-”

“However,” Elyssia interrupted, clutching her sheathed short sword, “If you betray my trust, know that I will show no mercy and give no quarter to you and your kin, no matter how out numbered we are. Is that understood?”

Spike narrowed his eyes to her threat. “So long as none of my little ponies are harmed or threatened, you have my word; there will be no trouble.”

She studied his scowl before nodding, “Agreed then. For the time being until the Queen arrives to offer you a proper welcome, I shall leave you to tend to your people. Good night, your grace.”

“Lord Regent, I apologise on her behalf. She is not usually this… intense.”

“Amber, it's fine. And I told you before, just call me Spike.”

“Not while we are here in public. You are now your ponies’ de facto leader. Therefore you must make proper for appearances, else they sense weakness.”

“Thanks Amber. And don't worry about your cousin, I've had worse welcomes.

Captain Gallus, inform the High Council and the Alliance Council. Let them know what is going on.”

“Roger that Spike.”

“Y'know Spikey, I thought you were going to burn her for that threat.”

“(Sigh) So was I, Gabs. So was I.”

“Scarlett, why the rush?”

Thane was bewildered by his wife's reaction to a message that evening. Upon receiving it she almost immediately issued orders to continue the march first thing at dawn and double time it.

In response to his question, Scarlett tossed the scroll towards him as she ordered her servants to pitch the tent light.

Annoyed but choosing to ignore her attitude, he reviewed the scroll's contents and gawked. “She's-”

“Alive, yes,” Scarlett finished for him, “And the expedition brought a diaspora of thousands, led by a dragon. A genuine, fire-breathing Dragon!”

Thane lowered the letter down, his mind reeling from the news. “I never thought such a creature could exist,” he finally spoke, “which makes it all the more ironic with the implications.”

“And the dragon is but a tip of the blade,” added Scarlett, “read the rest.”

Thane raised the message up and continued reading, his eyes widening as he progressed through the letter. “Pegasi? Unicorns? GRIFFONS?! Has the wine gone through Elyssia's head or has she finally lost her mind?!”

“It matters little,” replied Scarlett, “the heart of the matter is that the expedition returned, and with ill news.”

Thane raised an eyebrow as he studied his wife.”I know that look,” he said, “you want to see her for yourself.”

She turned to her husband, guilt written in her eyes, “I cannot help it! You saw how we parted last! She kept us in the dark for years, only to return with that traitor!” She stopped her tirade and sighed exacerbated, “And I betrayed our friendship for that. I betrayed my sister in all but blood. All in the name of duty as Queen.”

Before a sob threatened to escape her she was suddenly embraced by Thane.

“I understand completely,” he said, “Let us take leave together before dawn on the morrow.”

Scarlett’s ears perked up, “Just us?”

“We are in a rush, are we not?”

“B-but what of the army? We cannot just leave them here.”

“They will follow shortly behind us. Besides, they will have Horace to lead them. You know him better than I. He is a good man, he will lead them well.”

Scarlett smiled morosely, “On our own, just like old times.” Her smile disappeared into a somber grimace as she added, “What I would give to return to such a time. Back when it was just us against the world.”

An eyebrow raised from Thane with bemusement, “Was that how you remembered it? As I recalled, you made everyone's lives difficult with your moments of mischief and mayhem, my life especially.”

Scarlett snorted a laugh, “I couldn't help it. You were just so easy to provoke, and dare I say, adorable when you pout.”

“I resent that!” he pouted with a growl, to which she could only giggle.

“Think it wise to move ahead of our forces?”

That following morning, Horace stood at attention before their tent. From his tone he was less than impressed by their plan the previous night.

“My mind is made up, Horace,” said Scarlett as she readied a knapsack, “The news we received demands haste and three days will not do. Better we meet these outsiders as soon as possible to receive a Royal welcome before ill impressions of us linger.”

“With all due respect my Queen, it is no secret that her majesty has more concern to see Dame Amber than some thousand foreigners,” stated Horace, crossing his arms.

“Speaking in third person, Horace?” jeered Thane as he stood beside them, “I didn’t expect you to be that adamant of us going ahead.”

“And I didn’t expect you to be reckless,” shot back the badger, “One would have thought to have learned after all these years in the throne to disregard personal feelings over duty.”

“I have already done so seven years ago,” scowled Scarlett, “I banished my last sister in all but blood for duty. Not a day has passed since have I been spared the torture of knowing that might have been the last we saw of each other. Not a night spared of my tears full of regret. So for the sake of our friendship Horace, do not get in my way.”

Horace shook his head, “I do not object to you going ahead. I simply object to you leaving me behind. Or without an escort.”

Scarlett offered a small smile, “Believe me Horace, I would like nothing else than to take you with us, but we need you to lead our men in our stead. They trust you and will follow your orders as though they were our own.”

Horace sighed, “Very well. Then at the very least take an escort of ten of our best men with you. It is ill suited that a Queen and her Consort travel alone even in these peaceful times. We mustn’t give the impression that the Royal Family travels unguarded, an easy prey for robbers and opportunistic assassins.”

“Hah! The Bandit King assailed by Highway robbers? Imagine the Irony,” she guffawed.

Horace scowled at her jest before turning to Thane, “You will look after each other?”

Thane snorted, “Not a day without a headache since our wedding have I shirked that duty. She could hardly spare me a moment of relief from her mischief.”

“Why I never Thane, am I so horrid a creature in your eyes?” gasped Scarlett, feigning offence.

The wolf grinned at his wife, “Need I remind you of your attraction to mayhem whenever we travel together? I still haven’t forgotten the coffin on the river incident.”

Scarlett pouted, “You are never going to live that down, are you?”

Horace barked out a laugh. “Oh how I have missed this sight,” he breathed in a jovial sigh, “Here I thought we are getting too old for such childishness. It is almost a relief to see some of the old times here.”

Scarlett gave a scoff before her expression softened to her captain, “Wyld guide you swiftly, old friend.”

“And may the Wyld grant you two safe passage,” he bowed in response.

And without fanfare, they boarded a carriage and left.

It was late in the afternoon, a little before sunset when Stag’s Landing came to view, and little could prepare them for the sight. Tents as far as the eye could see were spread across the beach and meadows. Several ships of all shapes and sizes docked in the harbour, with hundreds more beached on the shore. Creatures never seen before roamed, rested and flew across the area. Most striking of all was the looming visage of city-like structures atop of clouds that floated over the town and its surroundings, blocking the setting sun from view.

“Bane's beak,” cursed Scarlett as she gawked, completely stunned.

“I'll say,” added Thane, “I never seen so much in a port before, much less a town.”

The carriage suddenly halted.

“Carriage Master, what is the hold up?” demanded Scarlett from her window.

“Apologies my liege, but we are being halted,” came the reply.

She protruded out of the window and saw that the roads were also crowded with guards, passersby and more of the newcomers.

Groaning, Scarlett opened the carriage door and stepped out, the guards who halted approached as she did.

“Halt! In the name of the Quee…,” they stopped as she revealed herself before them. “Your Majesty!” one of the guards exclaimed as they both bent the knee and bowed.

Slowly a crowd began to form around them. Several Armellians joined, kneeling whilst others offered cheers and praise. The outsiders who were curious gathered to see what the fuss was about.

“Rise, people of Stag’s Landing!” declared Scarlett, “We have come.”

More cheers came as kits, pups and hatchlings ran towards her. Scarlett in turn knelt to offer them hugs, kisses and nuzzled.

“Wait, that's the Queen of Armello?”

“No way. I thought she was supposed to be larger, and more regal.”

“I mean, she's no Celestia but is kinda cute.”

“Eeyup. She's smaller than my little filly.”

“Braeburn, every foal is smaller than your filly.”

“She seems kind of nice. I can taste the love coming from her and her subjects. It's really sweet.”

“Does that mean she's a softy then?”

“I certainly hope so for our sakes.”

Scarlett almost winced at the chatter amongst the outsiders through her sharp ears.

“Make way! In the name of the Queen, make way!”

All eyes turned to a large male deer, donned in plate armour and bore the sigil of the Rabbit Clan. Following him was a contingent of guards pouring from the town's gates. The crowd slowly gave way, clearing a path.

“Your Majesties Queen Scarlett and Prince consort Thane, I am Garrison Commander Caspian of House Redwood. Welcome to Stag’s Landing,” he said with a bow, “On behalf of the town, I apologise for the poor reception to your arrival but as you can see, all have been occupied with the matter at hand.”

“Do not apologise for choosing duty over ceremony, Commander,” said Scarlett, gesturing to him to rise, “Just take us to see Lady Elyssia and our honoured guests.”

Caspian rose up and saluted, “Of course, right this way, your Highnesses.”

Choosing to be escorted on foot they marched into the town's gates. Curious crowds quickly became cheering parades as they continued further into the town. Stalls of produce offered their goods to the passing entourage. Adjacent homes threw petals of flowers from their windows. Bards, minstrels and street performers sang praises of long past victories. And not a street nor alley they passed wasn’t without a chorus of, “Long live the Queen!” or, “Welcome back, oh Queen!”

“Are you sure you didn't prepare for our arrival?” asked Scarlett to Caspian with bemusement.

“None of this was planned, your Highness,” answered Caspian, “And even if we had planned for it, it would have taken a month to prepare, especially with all the hubbub of the outsiders.

“All you see before you is a testament of how much you meant to the people of Stag’s Landing, especially after you liberated them from the Butcher Baroness.”

“Oh yes, I remember that,” Scarlett smiled fondly, “Good times.”

Thane raised an eyebrow, “I thought she escaped your justice, only to be found dead after an unlucky lightning bolt struck her carriage.”

“An act of the Wyld, I'm sure,” Scarlett smirked cruelly.

Her mirth faded within her as they approached the town hall. Though not visible her fist clenched tightly as nerves threatened to fail her. Her heart pounded in dread of what awaited her within. All feelings froze for a second when she felt a warm paw on her shoulder.

“Do you need a moment?” came the warm voice of Thane.

Scarlett would have melted into his embrace if she could but she dared not to, not right now.

“No, not at the moment,” she breathed out before turning to her husband, “Although, I am in need of your strength.”

Thane released her shoulder only to clutch her clenched paw, loosening its grip. “As always, you shall have it,” he whispered, smiling warmly.

Taking a deep breath, they opened the doors and entered.

A short while later they finally entered the town hall's meeting room where they were greeted with a most peculiar sight. Amongst the handful of Armellians (mostly maid servants, pages and squires), most of the occupants were several of the equine creatures they've seen across the harbour town, though with a few exceptions, all of which were seated around a large table.

On one side furthest from the entrance seated Elyssia, a maid servant and a deer which judging from his attire was the town's mayor. Across them were the outsiders with one notable exception.

“Announcing her majesty, Queen Scarlett of Armello! The Chainbreaker, The Great Liberator, Hero of the People, Chosen of the Wyld, Scourge of the Rot, and Kingslayer!” heralded Caspian, “And her husband, Prince-consort Thane! Commander in Chief of Armello, Blademaster, Avenger of the innocent, Baneslayer, and Wyld reborn!”

Eyebrows raised and voices who were once speaking loudly in discussion ceased or fell into whispered mutterings.

Elyssia stood from her seat and bowed. “Welcome to Stag’s Landing, your Majesties,” she greeted before gesturing to the deer beside her, “this is Mayor Shilo Tinders,” to which he bowed, “and returning to us as you know, Dame Amber of House Valebriar,” she directed across from her.

Scarlett’s heart sank as she bore witness to the scarred form of Amber, particularly at her visibly mechanical left paw and gash on her face.

Before Scarlett could say anything, Amber stood up and bowed. “Your Highnesses, I have returned,” she spoke robotically.

The Queen felt a pang inside from the cold tone but said nothing.

“Allow me to introduce our guests,” Amber continued, pointing to the purple and green winged reptile, “This is Spike the Dragon; Lord Regent of Equestria. The Brave and Glorious Hero of the Crystal Empire, Vanquisher of the tyrant King Sombra, One time Dragon Lord before abdication, Peacemaker, Traveller of Two Worlds, Hero of Time, First Friend of the Changelings, Chief Adviser of the late Princess Twilight Sparkle, Friend of the Element Bearers, Custodian of the Elements of Harmony, Custodian of the Tree of Harmony, Baneslayer, and Head of the Equestrian Alliance.”

She gestures to the grey bird-mammal next to him, “And his wife, Gabby of Griffonstone. Chief of Communications and Equestrian Ambassador of Neo-Griffonia.”

Then gestures to a young, white-coated equine with a horn and wings, “This is Princess Flurry Heart. Ruler of the Crystal Ponies, Daughter of the late Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and the late Prince consort Shining Armour, Heir to the throne of Equestria, Bearer and Custodian of the Crystal Heart, Adopted niece and ward of Spike the Dragon, The first born Alicorn and The Last of the Five Alicorn Princesses.”

She looks no older than Ambrose, thought Thane.

“Commander Spitfire, Ex-Commander of The Wonderbolts. Leader and Warden of the Remnants of Cloudsdale, the last floating city. Saviour of the Evacuation of Western Equestria.”

A golden-coated winged equine in a blue dress uniform saluted, a scowl hidden behind her large aviator glasses.

“Queen Skystar, ruler of Seaquestria and Mount Aris. Daughter and successor of the late Queen Novo, Custodian of the Pearl of Transformation, Hero of the War of Storms, and Song Mage of Novo's Collage of Bardic Magic.”

A bright yellow bird-mammal of the horse variety offered a short bow. Her expression, calm but barely contained nervousness.

Perhaps very new to her position.

“Gilda of Griffonstone, Vice Chancellor of Neo-Griffonia. Friend of the late Element Bearer of Loyalty Rainbow Dash, Warden of the Wall, and Saviour of the Evacuation of Eastern Equestria.”

Another bird-mammal of the cat-like variety growled quietly. Her glare piercing and intense despite wearing an eye patch over her scarred left eye.

“Princess Yona of Yakyakistan, ruler of the Yaks. Soul survivor of the Yak royal family, second niece of the late Prince Rutherford, Earth Pounder, Rot Crusher, Mercy Giver, Saviour of the Evacuation of Yakyakistan, The Crystal Empire and Northern Equestria, and New Bearer of the Element of Kindness.”

A small thud shook the room from the Yak. Despite the show of strength, her bloodshot eyes were devoid of any bravado and showed signs of dried tears. Scarlett finally took notice of the black shawl over most of her back.

A widow's shawl? Or was it simply a coat of mourning?

“Chief Little Strongheart, leader of the Buffalo tribes. Friend of Ponies, Peacemaker, Saviour of the Evacuation of Southern Equestria, New Bearer of the Element of Generosity.”

A buffalo mare with tribal ornaments offered a solemn nod, weariness and sorrow clear in her expression.

“Rain Shine, matriarch of the Kirins. Grand Maiden of the Daughters of Fury, The Incorruptible, and Baneslayer.”

A most unusual equine stood up. She was tall, almost lion-like in appearance due to her mane, yet had a deer-like slender frame, a single two-branched antler over her head, and a back covered in smooth reptilian scales. She had an ancient, cold air to her, like staring into an old, well grown tree.

Despite that, all felt a shudder as she stared at them with contained righteous indignation behind her cold demeanour as a hot breeze seemed to emanate from this creature.

Never mind the actual dragon, that one there feels more like the creatures of legend. I could practically feel her fury all the way he-

“Prince Regent Pharynx of the Draconic-Changeling Union. Brother of the late King Thorax, and Commander of the Union's armed forces. And his nephew and ward, Chuvash. Son of the late Dragon Lord Ember and the late King Thorax, heir to the throne of the Draconic-Changeling Union.”

A scarred, black insect-like equine with a small curved horn and antlers and a sea green reptile hatchling turned to the Armellian Royalty. The hatchling nervously gave a bow whilst the changeling gave a short nod, scowling with baleful hatred.

I take it back. This one is more dragon-like than the others. If looks could kill…

“There are more members of the Alliance, but their representatives are unavailable due to either defending the Wall and the last three cities of Equestria, sending aid or overseeing the refugees,” said Spike. He paused as he scanned across the room, studying everyone's expressions.

He breathed in a tired sigh before continuing, “I imagine you all have questions, mainly as to why and how we arrived with a huge fleet and refugees. And you probably already know the why part, at least most of it.”

“The Rot,” Thane breathed out. He turned to Amber, “Was it as bad as we feared?”

“It was worse. Far worse,” Amber growled at the recollection, “More than three quarters of the continent is crawling with the infected, the corrupted and the Bane. All numbering by the millions.”

The Armellians in the room gasped at the revelation, the Mayor and several staff present even fainted.

“By the Wyld,” Scarlett shuddered, her mind reeling at the scale.

As bad as the devastation of the Rot was during the Rebellion and the war that followed it, less than half of Armello were actually touched by the conflict, probably even less than a third. And millions… that was too much! The Servants of the Rot, their infected feral thralls and the Bane were barely numbering tens of thousands at the highest estimates.

Her legs gave way as she fell backwards, to which she was caught by Thane.

“What happened there?” Thane almost demanded, barely able to process the scale himself.

Spike breathed out another weary sigh. “You two might want to grab a seat. It's a long and terrible story.”