Equestria and The Land of Patriam

The next day, the ponies were just outside the gates of Safehaven, Germania's capital. All of them have prepared for their venture to the human kingdom of Italia to seek aid from them in the current war between Gallia and Germania. The ponies were waiting for their escorts to show up to help them on their way to the Kingdom of Italia.
"How do you feel, Professor?" Asked Shining approaching Feather Quill.
"Never better my boy! Yesterday has really opened my eyes on this land." Said Feather Quill. "I have many notes that will be most useful in the department of human studies back home."
"I'm glad." Said Shining with a smile.
"And you, my boy, seem to be in a better mood." Said Feather Quill.
"Well, I suppose. I can't help but feel some sympathy to these humans, but we still have our quest to get Twily." Said Shining.
"Maybe she isn't in any danger. If these humans were cordial with us, can we assume the same for Princess Twilight?" Asked Feather Quill.
"No, I do not think she is being treated the same, she wouldn't be missing without any notice if that was true." Said Shining.

As they were talking, a group of humans were approaching them, their escorts by assumption. It was a small group of only about 7 humans. They stop in front of the ponies and the one in front removes his helmet to reveal a familiar face.
"Gerhard my boy! Wie bist du? (How are you?)" Asked Feather Quill.
"Alles gut mir. (I'm fine.)" Gerhard said with a smile. "Ich habe gehört, du wolltest nach Italia. Ich habe mich freiwillig gemeldet, eine Ihrer Begleitpersonen zu sein. (I heard you were going to Italia. I have volunteered to be one of your escorts.)"
"Wunderbar! Shining, Gerhard volunteered to help us." Said Feather Quill turning to Shining.
"Give him my thanks." Said Shining.
"Wir danken Ihnen, Gerhard." Said Feather Quill.
"Es ist alles gut mein Freund.(It's all good my friend.)" Said Gerhard. "Sollen wir die Reise antreten? (Shall we start the journey?)"
"Ja, Komm sofort. (yes, Come quickly.)" Said Feather Quill.

The group, after double checking their supplies, soon head off towards the Kingdom of Italia. Feather Quill walked next to Gerhard as the two talked as if they had been lifelong friends while Shining hangs back and walks next to Applejack.
"How you holding up Shining?" Asked Applejack.
"I'm managing, why do you ask?" Shining questioned.
"We're all worried about Twilight, She's our friend, but she's your sister." Said Applejack. Shining lets out a long sigh before answering.
"If you're wanting a straightforward answer, then I won't lie to you. I'm terrified." Said Shining. "You'd think King Drachenkopf's hospitality would have made me feel better, it actually does the opposite."
"What do you mean? If these humans treated us nicely, why wouldn't the others?" Asked Applejack.
"Because we were allowed to leave, We have heard nothing from Twilight since she came here a week ago. The only reason she would disappear and us to hear nothing from her can only mean she is being held captive." Said Shining. "It only makes sense in my mind that she is a prisoner... and that scares me."

Applejack felt his reasonings were sound. The humans were a hardened species, she hate to think of the kind of hostility they may be showing Twilight at the moment. The group continued to walk till the sun was at its highest point in the sky. That's when the group slows to a stop.
"Professor, Why are we stopping?" Asked Shining.
"Gerhard says now is a perfect time to take a small break. Sit down and re-energize." Said Feather Quill from the front. Everyone takes a moment to sit down, most opening their cantines to take a drink of water. Everyone sits down for a few minutes to rest up. Gerhard actually sat down with the ponies as he was enjoying their company.
"Fortfahren Gerhard, Wie wir geübt haben. (Go ahead Gerhard, as we have practiced.)" Said Feather Quill sitting next to Gerhard.

Gerhard looks at the ponies as he removes his helmet once again, His gray hair indicating he is older than most other humans.
"Uh... Hello... My name... is...Gerhard." Said Gerhard in Ponish. A bunch of smiles form on the ponies faces.
"Hello Gerhard!" Said Rarity.
"Howdy Gerhard!" Said Applejack.
"Nice to meet you Gerhard." Said Fluttershy who was breaking out of her comfort zone.
"Hey professor, How do we introduce ourselves in his language?" Asked Rainbow Dash.
"Easy my dear, just say 'Ich heiße' and then your name." Said Feather Quill.
"Heya Professor Quilly, how do we pronounce that weird symbol that looks like a B?" Asked Pinkie.
"It's called an Eszett, and it takes the form of two S's. So just pronounce it as an s." Said Feather Quill. "... Wait... my dear, how do you know what an eszett looks like?"
"Oh, I could see it in the text of this chapter." Said Pinkie.
"The text? My Dear we are verbally talking to each other. And what do you mean chapter?" Asked Feather Quill.
"It's best not to question it Professor, it's just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie." Said Rainbow Dash. Applejack rolls her eyes and looks at Gerhard.
"Ich heiße Applejack." Said Applejack as Gerhard Smiles at her.
"Applejack, interessant." Said Gerhard. As the others began introducing themselves as well.

Feather Quill then looks over at Shining Armor who has remained surprisingly quiet. Shining looks over at the Professor who was staring at him.
"What?" Asked Shining.
"Maybe you should introduce yourself aswell my boy." Said Feather Quill.
"I already have." Said Shining.
"But not to Gerhard, and he has been putting in the effort to try to get to know us better." Said Feather Quill.
"Do I really have too?" Shining whined.
"It would be cordial if you did. After All, You two have fought each other, now is the time to settle any remaining quarrels you two have." Said Feather Quill. Shining looks at Gerhard who looks back at him. Shining lets out a sigh before speaking.
"Ich heiße Shining Armor." Said Shining.
"Es ist ein Vergnügen. (It's a pleasure.)" Said Gerhard. Feather Quill smiles at them as he takes a drink of water from his canteen.

That's when a powerful force knocks the canteen from his hoof. In shock everyone looked down at the canteen and their eyes widened, an arrow had pierced straight through it. Gerhard quickly hops up as he knew what was about to happen.
"Hinterhalt! Männer, auf die Beine und bereiten Sie sich auf den Kampf vor! (Ambush! Men, get on your feet and prepare for battle!)" Yelled Gerhard. He looks down at the ponies, all but Feather Quill look confused. "Attacke!" Shining looks at the guard ponies now understanding the situation.
"Sergeant Crimson, Get the guards up, we're under attack!" Yelled Shining.
"Yes sir!" Yelled Crimson. Just as he did, a group of familiar looking knights charge out from the direction of the arrow, yelling in anger at the group.
"Contact! Engage! Hurt but don't kill!" yelled Shining using his magic to unsheathe his sword.
"Attacke, aber nicht töten! (Attack, but don't kill them!)" Yelled Gerhard as he charged into battle.

The Guard ponies and the German knights all arm themselves and quickly start defending themselves from the charging knights. A knight clad in darker colored armor steps forth towards Shining and unsheathes his blade. Without hesitation He swings it at Shining who blocks it with ease.
"Ti ho avvertito! Ti ho detto di andartene, ora muori! (I warned you! I told you to leave, now die!)" Said the Knight. Shining, unable to speak the language remains quiet as he uses his magic to forcefully shove the knight away.
"Professor! What language are they speaking?" Yelled Shining.
"It sounded like Italian my boy! I think these are the same knights we ran into on our way to see the German king!" Yelled Feather Quill.
"Italian? They are the ones we need to speak to! Quick, tell them we mean no harm!" Said Shining as the Knight approached Shining again and then goes in for a stab that Shining luckily side steps.
"I... I told you, my skill in Italian is not as strong as the other languages I know!" Said Feather Quill.
"Then find a way to communicate!" Yelled Shining.

Shining Charges the knight swinging his sword using his magic. Him and the knight clash their swords engaging in a duel. The human is able to repel Shining's strikes and then steps in with his own swing, just barely missing Shining. With another overhead strike from the knight, him and shining lock swords.
"Stop! We are not here to fight!" Yelled Shining.
"Hehehe, Qui è dove muori pony! (This is where you die pony!)" Said the knight using his other hand to unsheath a second sword. Shining's eyes widen upon seeing it and then closes them tightly as he sees it being brought down. Instead of being hit, Shining hears the sword clash, He slowly opens his eyes to see a sword had intercepted the second sword. He looks to his side to see Gerhard had protected him from being struck. With his other hand wielding a shield, he uses it to bash the Italian knight, knocking him backwards.
"Schritt zurück italienisch! Wir sind nicht gekommen, um zu kämpfen! (Step back Italian! We didn't come to fight!)" Yelled Gerhard.
"State insieme, morirete insieme! (You stand together, you die together!)" Yelled the knight rushing both Gerhard and Shining.

The Italian knight surprises both Shining and Gerhard by how well he is able to hold his own against the two opponents at the same time. The italian knight blocks a swing made by shining and then steps into him to avoid a swing by Gerhard. The knight pushes away from Shining and then swings at Gerhard who is able to block it with his shield. Then the knight swiftly uses his other sword to go around Gerhard's shield and stabs him in the shoulder, causing Gerhard to cry out and then start grunting.
"Gerhard!" Yelled Shining as he swings his sword again. The Knight blocks it with ease and shoves Shining away. The knight then kicks Gerhard and forces him off of his sword, causing Gerhard to land on his back. The Knight then turns towards Shining as blood drips from one of his blades.
"Quando avrò finito di sventrarti, finirò il tuo amico qui. Combattimi pony! (When I'm done gutting you, I'll finish off your friend here. Fight me pony!)" Said the knight as he held up both of his blades.
"I will not kill you, But I will make you pay for that!" Said Shining holding up his own blade with his magic.

Shining and the knight clash once more, Shining trying his best to keep track of each one of the knight's swords. As soon as he blocks one he dodges the other, or he parries the first strike and blocks the second. The knight on the other hand keeps on the offensive, not risking Shining to have a chance at using his magic against him. Shining continues to block the attacks as the human continues his aggressive attack, every time he deflects the human's attack, he swings his second sword too fast for him to strike.
"Shining!... Das wird helfen!... (This will help!)" Yells Gerhard while on a knee. Shining looks over at Gerhard who then tosses his sword in the air at Shining. Shining shoves the knight hard and quickly rolls towards the sword, getting to his hooves in time to catch the sword in his mouth. When the knight catches his footing he goes back for Shining with an overhead swing. Shining blocks the attack easily with the sword in his mouth. The Knight goes for a second attack, and with the sword Shining is holding with his magic, blocks it again. Now having both swords occupied, Shining sees an opening. He rotates his head upward using the sword in his mouth to widen up the human so that he has a clear shot to his chest. Shining then spins around quickly and bucks the human hard in the chest, denting the chest plate and knocking the swords out of his hands.

The human lands hard on his back and lets out a loud gasp as all the air in his lungs were forced out. Shining drops the sword in his mouth and wastes no time in standing over the human, pointing his own sword directly at his face.
"Mi...Mi hai battuto? (You beat me?)" Said the human who then gently lays his head on the grass. "Sbrigati pony, non voglio soffrire. (Hurry up pony, I don't want to suffer.)" Shining then thrusts his sword forward causing the human to close his eyes. However, the sword never struck them. As the human opens his eyes, he sees that the sword had been stabbed into the ground next to his head. He quickly looks back at shining in confusion.
"I am not your enemy! We wish to speak to Gabriele Santamano!" Said Shining.
"Re Santamano??? Come fai a conoscere il re!? (How do you know the king!?)" Said the knight in confusion.
"Understood me there did ya!" Said Shining pulling his sword out of the ground and pointing it back at his face. "call off your men! We need to speak to Gabriele Santamano, now!" The Knight literally not knowing what Shining said, was getting the point. He didn't know why, or how, but the pony knew the king.
"Ferma l'attacco! Fermare! (Stop the attack! Stop!) yelled the knight to his allies. Just like when they first encountered Gerhard, all the humans halted at the command of their officer.

The pony soldiers and the German Knights quickly back off, holding their ground. As they did, the italian knights then began to look at each other.
"Perché sono seduti lì? Perché non contrattaccano? (Why are they sitting there? Why don't they fight back?) Asked one of the knights to his fellow knight.
"Perché... Non sono venuti per combattere. (Because... They didn't come to fight.) Said the knight on the ground, slowly realizing the situation. Shining sheathes his blade and then backs off of the knight. Shining then holds out his hoof, offering to help the knight to his feet. The knight looks confused at first, but then slowly takes a hold of Shining's hoof and is then helped to his feet. The human stumbles, the buck had quite literally knocked him silly.
"Professor! What's taking you so long!" Yelled Shining.
"I'm coming now my boy!" Yelled Feather Quill, approaching Shining while levitating three books at the same time. Shining rolls his eyes, wondering why this couldn't have been done sooner.
"Ciao, veniamo in pace mio buon uomo. (Hello, we come in peace my good man.)" Said Feather Quill.
"Cosa stai facendo qui dietro? Ti abbiamo detto di andartene. (What are you doing back here? We told you to leave.)" Said the knight. Feather Quill looks at the books before responding.
"Chiediamo udienza al re, Gabriele Santamano. (We ask for an audience with the king, Gabriele Santamano.)" Feather Quill Responded.

The knight looked to his fellow soldiers who were now looking at him, just as confused as he was.
"Come conosci il re? (How do you know the king?)" Ask the knight.
"Johannes Drachenkopf." Said Feather Quill. "Perché altrimenti viaggiamo con i tedeschi? (Why else are we traveling with the Germans?)" The knight seemed to accept this answer, looking back at his fellow soldiers again. "Sono Feather Quill, come ti chiami? (I'm Feather Quill, what's your name?)" The knight looks back over at Feather Quill. He slowly removes his helmet to reveal short black hair, and gorgeous green eyes. He looked younger than Gerhard, but older than Johannes.
"Mi chiamo Lorenzo." Said the Knight.
"His name is Lorenzo." Said Feather Quill looking at Shining. Shining only nods as both of them turn back to Lorenzo.
"Shining Armor." Said Shining, Only getting a nod in response. "Tell him we have an urgent message to king Santamano."
"Potresti portarci dal tuo re? (Could you take us to your king?)" Asked Feather Quill. Immediately Lorenzo started to laugh, and his soldiers also started chuckling.
"I'm guessing that is a no." Said Shining looking unamuzed.
"Perché in tutto Patriam dovremmo portarti al Santuario per parlare con il re? (Why in all Patriam should we take you to Sanctuary to talk to the king?)" Said Lorenzo as he continued to laugh.
"Un'alleanza con Germania. (An alliance with Germania.)" Said Feather Quill. Almost Immediately, all the knights stop laughing.

Shining and Feather Quill look up at Lorenzo who had an expression that was everything except amusement.
"Pensi che sia uno scherzo? Perché dovremmo allearci con quei ratti!? (Do you think this is a joke? Why should we team up with those rats!?)" Said Lorenzo, spitting the words out like poison.
"What did he say, Professor?" Asked Shining.
"Well... he finds it insulting that the Germans want an alliance." Said Feather Quill.
"The King did mention they had a war two years ago. Must still be bad blood there." Said Shining as he takes a moment to think. "I think I may have came up with a compromise."
"What is it my boy?" Asked Feather Quill.
"We offer ourselves as prisoners." Said Shining.
"WHAT!?" Feather Quill Blurted out.
"Easy there Professor, don't blow out your hip. We simply offer ourselves as Prisoners, giving our good buddy pal Lorenzo here all the glory. That should butter him up and will also get him to take us to Italia's capital Sanctuary." Explained Shining.

Feather Quill thought about it for a moment before speaking.
"Well... I cannot argue with that logic. It does seem like the last thing they want to do is take us to their king on good terms." Said Feather Quill.
"Good, Go ahead and relay all of this to Lorenzo." Said Shining.
"Mio buon uomo, che ne dici di un compromesso? (My good man, how about a compromise?)" Asked Feather Quill.
"Che tipo di compromesso? (What kind of compromise?)" Responded Lorenzo, crossing his arms.
"Ci accettiamo umilmente come vostri prigionieri. Puoi portarci dal tuo re, mostrargli la tua vittoria e possiamo parlargli sotto la tua supervisione. Mostra al tuo re come ci hai catturato e otteniamo un'udienza con il re. È onestamente uno scenario vantaggioso per tutti. (We humbly accept ourselves as your prisoners. You can take us to your king, show him your victory and we can talk to him under your supervision. Show your king how you captured us and we get an audience with the king. It's honestly a win-win scenario.)" Explained Feather Quill. Lorenzo certainly looked interested for a moment, Rubbing his chin with his index finger and thumb.
"Ottimo. Ma resterai sempre con noi. (Great. But you will always stay with us.)" Said Lorenzo sternly.
"He has accepted, but We must stay by him at all times." Said Feather Quill to Shining.
"Deal." Said Shining.

Lorenzo turned, placing his helmet back on his head to shout some orders at his soldiers, Shining does the same.
"Alright ladies and gentlecolts, Stay calm. We came to a compromise, We are to act like prisoners. No one stand out of place ok?" Said Shining. After getting some skeptical looks, Shining turned his attention to Sargent Crimson. "Any Casualties in that last skirmish Sargent?"
"No sir, only a few cuts and bruises. These humans show no mercy to their enemies." Said Crimson.
"That reminds me... Make sure my orders have reached everypony. we cannot risk messing up now while we have this uneasy agreement." Said Shining.
"Yes Sir." Said Crimson as he saluted. Shining then approached Feather Quill who was next to Gerhard who was still kneeling on the ground.
"How is he Professor?" Asked Shining.
"Could be better. I had to help him give out the same orders to his own men. He is bleeding quite badly." Said Feather Quill.
"Ich bin stark... ich kann damit umgehen... (I'm strong, I can handle it.)" Said Gerhard weakly.
"Nein, du brauchst Hilfe. (No, you need help.)" Said Feather Quill now turing to Shining. "The blade went all the way through his shoulder, he cant make this journey unless we do something about the bleeding."

Shining looks at Gerhard, he had his helmet off. His entire arm was stained red from the blood as it started to pool under him. The color also started to drain from his face, without help, Gerhard would bleed out.
"Lorenzo! Lorenzo, Get over here!" Shining yelled out to the knight. Begrudgingly, Lorenzo walked over to the three.
"Cos'è ora!? (What is it now!?)" Said Lorenzo crossing his arms again.
"Tell him to help patch up Gerhard, now." Said Shining to the professor.
"Il nostro amico è gravemente ferito, puoi aiutarci? (Our friend is seriously injured, can you help us?)" Asked Feather Quill.
"Ovviamente no!" Responded Lorenzo.
"Che cosa!? Perchè no!? (What!? Why not!?)" Asked Feather Quill.
"È stato ferito in battaglia, non mi interessa se vive o muore. (He was wounded in battle, I don't care if he lives or dies.)" Lorenzo said with a chuckle.
"He is refusing to help!" Feather Quill said to Shining.
"What!? How come!?" Replied Shining.
"He doesn't care! I have read about human cruelty... I don't know what would change his mind..." Said Feather quill sounding defeated. Gerhard places a hand on Feather quill's back. He didn't know entirely what was going on, but he knew that he was being denied first aid.
"Es ist in Ordnung, mein Freund, ich sterbe einen edlen Tod... (It's all right my friend, I die a noble death.)" Said Gerhard with a weak smile.
"N-Nein!" Yelled the professor.

Shining looks at Gerhard and then back up at Lorenzo. The knight still had his arms crossed, unwilling to help. Shining lets out a long sigh before lighting up his horn. His sword began to glow with a magical aura, spooked by the magic the knight took a step back before reaching for his own weapon. But to his surprise, Shining levitates his sword, sheath and all towards Lorenzo in a friendly manner.
"Cosa stai facendo?" Asked Lorenzo.
"My boy, what on earth are you doing?" Asked Feather Quill.
"If he gives Gerhard first aid, then he can have my sword as a prize." Said Shining. Feather Quill's eyes widened.
"My boy!?!?!? You can't give out that sword! It is an Equestrian artifact! The symbol of your authority as prince to the Crystal Empire!" Exclaimed Feather Quill.
"I know... I know. But if Gerhard dies, the chance of the two kingdoms forming an alliance dies with him! The kingdoms won't be able to handle another death between them. Then we lose the chance of saving Twily... And I would give up my own life just to get her back home safely..." Said Shining.

The Professor grows quiet for a moment, staring at Shining in disbelief. He couldn't think of a logical explanation of giving away such a cherished artifact, but he understood the reason. He gives Shining a sad look and surrenders his argument.
"Tell him what I just told you. So we can finally get moving again..." Said Shining in a sad tone.
"...Il Principe ti offre la sua spada dell'autorità. La spada dell'Impero di Cristallo, se aiuti il nostro amico. (The Prince offers you his sword of authority. The sword of the Crystal Empire, if you help our friend.)" Said Feather Quill.
"Principe eh? Spada dell'autorità? (Prince huh? Sword of authority?)" Said Lorenzo looking at the sheath.
"...Sì, un tesoro del nostro paese. (Yes, a treasure of our country.)" Responded Feather Quill. Lorenzo grabs the hilt of the sword before pulling it out and examining it. He looks over it thoroughly before looking back at the ponies. You could practically see his shit eating grin under his helmet.
"Tale maestria! Molto bene, il nostro dottore sul campo lo vestirà. Se una vita patetica vale così tanto per te. (Such mastery! Very well, our field doctor will dress him. If a pathetic life is worth that much to you.)" Said Lorenzo as he then turns his back on them.

After the medic quickly patches up Gerhard and gets him stable, they are all soon ready to move. The Italian knights watch over the ponies and the German knights like hawks as they lead them down a dirt road towards Italia's capital. The ponies were marched in a straight line as they marched for hours. Eventually however, they soon approach a city, with a large castle in the center of the town. It was rather different compared to Safehaven, but roughly looked similar with the castle being directly in the middle of the town. The ponies were rudely rushed into the town where the peasants turned and watched them. It was as if they were being paraded through the town as scowls formed on many of the peasant's faces.
"Can't say they are happy to see us." Said Spike Sarcastically.
"Nope." Applejack said Plainly as they were all then escorted into the castle.

This castle was more ornate, as the walls seemed to be marble, and the drapes made of fine silk.
"Oh my, well this king certainly knows how to make his castle homely." Commented Rarity.
"Shh! We aren't here to admire decor, we are on a mission." Said Rainbow Dash.
"Can't one do both at the same time?" Said Rarity not taking her eyes off her surroundings. They soon approach a rather large throne with who appeared to be the king sitting on it. While Johannes was buff and wearing armor, The king of Italia seemed to be heavy set, wearing rather flamboyant robes. Sitting behind him and to his left was a beautiful looking young girl with brown hair and gray tinted eyes. The Italian knights then kneel before their king.

"Mio re, ti portiamo i nostri invasori. Sono stato in grado di catturarli senza perdere un solo uomo. (My king, we bring you our invaders. I was able to capture them without losing a single man.)" Said Lorenzo graciously.
"Perché hai portato gli animali nella mia sala del trono? Avrò bisogno che i pavimenti vengano puliti immediatamente! (Why did you bring the animals into my throne room? I will need the floors cleaned immediately!)" Said the King.
"Hanno chiesto di parlare con te. (They asked to speak to you.)" Responded Lorenzo.
"Non hanno tale diritto. Portali fuori di qui. (They have no such right. Get them out of here.)" Said the King using his hand to shoo them away.
"Sì mio re. (Yes my King.)" Said Lorenzo rising and now ushering the ponies and Germans out.
"Hey! We haven't gotten to speak with him yet!" Argued Shining.
"Non vuole parlare con te! (He doesn't want to talk to you!)" Said Lorenzo ignoring his protests.
"But we had a deal!" Yelled Shining as he starts to fight back.
"What kind of deal did you have?" Said a very soft spoken voice.

All struggling ceased as everyone turned to the source of the voice. The young girl was now standing and looking at the group of ponies.
"Figlia, non sprecare fiato con gli animali. (Daughter, don't waste your breath on animals.)" Said the King as he then pulls out a fan and begins to fan himself.
"Padre, ti prego, hanno dovuto fare molta strada solo per parlare con noi. (Father, please, they had to come a long way just to talk to us.)" Said the young girl.
"...Gli darò cinque minuti. (I'll give them five minutes.)" Said the King. The young woman approaches them, causing Lorenzo to step aside.
"Hello, My name is Princess Aurora. How may I be of service?" Aurora asked with a gentle smile.
"My name is Prince Shining Armor. This is Professor Feather Quill, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike. The rest are the royal guards of Equestria, we come here to deliver a message from King Johannes DrachenKopf."
"Johannes?" Aurora said as her smile grew larger.
"Drachenkopf! Fuori! Fuori! Portali fuori di qui! (Out! Out! Get them out of here!)" The King yelled, getting upset.
"Padre!" The Girl yelled behind her to calm the king before turning back to Shining.

She was extremely gentle and soft spoken. So much so that even Fluttershy slowly started to peak out from behind Pinkie Pie.
"You must excuse my father, he does not like House Drachenkopf too much." Said Aurora.
"I have... noticed. The message we have from King Johannes is urgent." Said Shining.
"You mean Prince Johannes. Johan is the King of Germania." Said Aurora.
"...No miss, Johannes is king. He has been king for 6 months." Said Shining. Aurora reacted to that by placing a hand to her mouth. Her eyes began to glisten as if she was holding back tears.
"Oh... I see. Poor Johannes, his father must have... nevermind. What is his message?" Asked Aurora.
"You see. He wants to form an alliance with Italia, so that we all can attack Gallia." Said Shining.
"Alliance? To fight Gallia? My my, I don't know. I do not think such a thing will be possible. Many here would rather die than to aid Germania." Said Aurora.
"We understand that. But Johannes believes once Gallia has taken out Germania, Italia will be next to taste Gallia's wrath. You won't stand a chance, but together you could decimate them and maybe finally open up to peace."

Aurora nods and then stands up to her full height. She goes to the king and presumably begins to translate their conversation. The king gets extremely upset during the entirety of the conversation, but then is calmed down. By the end of it, he does seem interested. He whispers something back to her and she makes her return to the ponies.
"My Father has agreed to talk to Johannes, as he has a list of demands before he even considers negotiations for an alliance." Said Aurora.
"That's great! Will you be coming to Safehaven?" Asked Shining.
"No, we will meet halfway, at a meeting point called The Scarlet Meadow. There, my father will meet Johannes. Tell Johannes to meet him there tomorrow." Said Aurora.
"Tomorrow! In a few hours it will be night! How do you expect me to get this message to him and have him be prepared to meet tomorrow!?" Exclaimed Shining.
"I am so sorry, but my father is final on that notion. I failed to convince him otherwise." Said Aurora regretfully.

Shining looks back at his party, many were tired from the journey, and others were hurting. They were unfit to make a second journey back home tonight.
"Alright... I will return to Johannes, but let my party rest here for the night. They are in no shape to make a long journey like that a second time tonight." Said Shining. Aurora relays that to her father, he thinks about it for a moment before responding.
"He said he will allow it. They will stay here and rest up. He is only doing this, because you also had the concern of his own kingdom while coming here." said Aurora.
"Thank you, Thank you so much!" Said Shining.
"And please, give this to Johannes for me." Said Aurora as she leant down and kissed Shining on the cheek. A small blush formed across his face.
"Uh... ok. I will be quick." Said Shining as he then turned to face his party.
"You guys are going to stay here and rest up. Make sure you come with the king tomorrow as we'll be meeting back up there.
"You sure that's a good Idea Sugar Cube? We don't know this place." Said Applejack.
"The king gave us his word. Besides, with that princess giving us our only friendly greeting since we came here, I'd stay with her." Said Shining.
"I'm still not sure about this Shining Armor." Said Rainbow Dash.
"I... I trust her." Said Fluttershy, speaking up. They all turn towards her as she then meekly retreats.
"Well... If Fluttershy trusts her, then it shouldn't hurt to stay here for the night." Said Rarity.
"Good. I'll see you tomorrow." Said Shining,
"Stay Safe Shiny!" Said Pinkie. As Shining nods and then turns and quickly runs out.

Shining runs out of the castle and soon out of the city as he makes a b-line back the way he came. Alone, he could be a lot faster than he could without anypony else falling behind. He also hoped not to run into any animals or any other humans as he was now unarmed. He would have to resort to magic if he needed to protect himself, but doing so would wear him out faster. He would only use it if absolutely necessary. As he ran, only one thought was on his mind.
"Just hold out just a little bit more Twily. Big brother's coming... by Celestia please please PLEEEEEEASE be ok!"