Marshall laid in his bed still sound asleep when two figures loomed over him. Both leaned down to kiss his cheeks as his eyes slowly opened to the morning sun peeking through the curtains.

"Good morning darling."

"Hey stud~."

He opened his eyes to see both Lightning and Raven staring down at him with warm smiles before rising out of bed.

"Oh man...I must've passed out from the wine..." Marshall groaned, feeling a headache coming on.

“Maybe you should try going cold turkey indefinitely?” Lighting suggested.

"Says the mare who almost drank me under the table that one time." Marshall countered when the door suddenly burst open to reveal his sisters coming to greet him.

"Rise and shine little brother!!"

"It's a beautiful day!"

"AGH!! CLAIRE! ODETTE!! A little privacy please?!?" He protested while covering himself with the blanket.

“Oh come now, little brother,” Claire rolled her eyes.

“Yeah! It’s not like we haven’t seen anything new since we were foals,” Odette teased.

To this, the girls couldn't help but laugh as their lover scrambled to get his pants on despite the headache and quickly composed himself as the servants opened the curtains for them.

"So. What's on the agenda today?" He asked, knowing they had a full schedule before the ball.

"Well it seems we must meet with a few of mother and fathers associates before the ball to settle some matters of state. This is the perfect opportune time for your friends to tour our lovely city and give us some much needed quality time with our dear little brother." Odette smiled before having the servants drag him out of the room.

"Hey hold on!"

"We must have you dressed properly if you are to mingle with the nobility again."

“The same goes for you two,” Claire said, pointing at Raven and Lighting.

“Oh no! Uh uh!” Lighting protested. “I don’t do dresses.”

"Nonsense, no future sister-in-law of ours is going to dress like a tomboy!" Odette said firmly as they escorted the girls out of the room.

“Hey! Let go! I’m a soldier! I have rights!” Lighting yelped.

After getting dressed and having some breakfast, the group met at Rarity's shop to find her and Spike waiting with little Cinder in a stroller.

“There you go, my little fire ruby,” Spike said as he gently put a little sweater on his daughter. “Nice and warm.”

Cinder giggled and flailed her arms about as she was tucked in while her mother hugged each of her friends.

"Darlings, so glad you could make it. Now we have much to see and very little time to see it."

"Huh, always wondered how fancy this city was. Guess I now know." AJ said when she saw some of the locals giving her odd looks.

“Forgive them, darling, they’re not quite used to seeing non-Prench ponies walk amongst them,” Rarity said.

“You think that’s bad, imagine being a dragon in a country with no dragons in sight,” Spike said. “There was a time a crowd of ponies came to the shop just to see me, and not buy anything.”

"I don't think that's the real issue." Twilight said when she pointed out AJ's new northern attire.

"I think they might mistake you for a spy."

"Well I guess I have gotten a little too used to my new drawers." AJ admitted while looking at her reflection in the mirror.

"Shoot, I barely recognize myself without my hat."

“Come come! Let us be off!” Rarity said.

“I hear the Prench academy of Science is open for tours, Twilight,” Spike said, knowing her reaction.

"I know! I went there once as a filly but never got to actually take part in the lessons! this is so exciting!!"

Throughout the day, the group enjoyed visiting the many wonderful sites of Prance. Even though there was still a war raging back home, they wanted to at least enjoy this moment they had together. They visited popular landmarks, ate yummy food, and Spike had to pry Twilight away from the Academy of Science so they could move onto the next activity.

"So many wonderful places! The labs, the classrooms and especially the library!"

"Yeah, yeah, books and beakers. They got any place that's more action packed?" Rainbow asked while hovering next to the group despite the onlookers.

"Dash darling, must you fly on a busy street?"

"What? It's not like anypony can see anything. I'm in shorts plus walking takes FOREVER!"

“Always in the air, as per usual,” AJ rolled her eyes. “Feels like we’re back in Ponyville.”

"YEAH! now all we need is some crazy adventure where we go on an epic journey and save the day!" Pinkie cheered before realizing they were in that exact situation.

"Oh wait, we already are."

"So Twilight, you've met these warborn right? What are they like?" Spike asked as they continued down the street.

“I was honestly afraid of them,” Twilight admitted. “When the Yaks took me in, I thought that’s where I’d remain for the duration of the invasion. Until one day, Wulfric Warborn himself came to meet Prince Rutherford.”

"What was it like?" Rarity inquired when their friends recalled the two leaders literally butting heads with one another before getting stupid drunk to celebrate their newfound friendship.

"WE'RE BROTHERS NOW!!"

"YAKS AND NEW NORTHERN FRIENDS! FOR A THOUSAND MOONS!!"

"It was...eventful." Was all Fluttershy would say.

“But I’ll never forget that night when he sat me down,” Twilight smiled.

Flashback

Twilight sat in the corner of her room, covered in blankets, while the Warborn chieftain calmly sat on a chair by the nightstand. Neither had said a word for a straight five minutes as the fire crackled in the fireplace. Every time Wulfric glanced at Twilights, she shied away from his gaze.

"Were you expecting me to be surrounded by half-naked women? A pile of gold sitting behind me while I drink from a skull?" Wulfric teased.

“Um…n-no?” Twilight said shyly. “I just wasn’t expecting…um, well…”

"I understand. Our kin haven't made the best impression on you." Wulfric said as he poured them something to drink.

"Juice? I'm not exactly fond of...tea. Too much like medicine."

Twilight looked at Wulfric as he gave her a welcoming smile. She hesitated but stood up from her corner and slowly made her way to the empty chair beside him. She sat down and took the cup in her hands before taking a sip.

“Thank you…” Twilight said. “I guess…you are completely different than the Stonehoofs.”

"There was a time when our people plundered and stole from others to survive but no more." Wulfric said as he took a swig.

"We changed our ways when the land itself began to change for us but some refused to give up the old ways."

“Dainn?” Twilight said and Wulfric nodded.

"Him and his whole clan long for battle, they crave it like a wolf who hungers for fresh meat but can never be satisfied, they live for slaughter and plunder and are a dark reminder of our past." Wulfric said before pouring himself a bit more for his mug.

“What made you and the other clans change?” Twilight wondered.

"After generations of bloodshed and killing, we grew tired of the repeated battles and longed for peace and as I stated before, the land changed and answered our prayers. Crops became plentiful, the seasons more peaceful and our clans lived in harmony...it was beautiful until the clan wars."

“Clan Wars?” Twilight perked up.

"Mm. It began with Orm The One-Horned." Wulfric said as he stared into the fire, the dancing flames seemed to come to life as they formed the images of a horrific battle. The flames flickered and he saw stags fighting stags, blood spraying everywhere from horrible wounds, and a lone larger stag with one horn leading a great army.

"He was the founder of our clan, an outcast sent to wander the wilderness to die alone but on his journey, he found others like him who had been left behind or cast out. At first they started in a small village getting by on what little they had but overtime, their community grew as did their reputation." Wulfric said while tossing a log on the fire while Twilight rubbed her arms to warm herself.

“How did he lose his horn?” Twilight wondered.

"The clan he was originally from decided to cast him out when proposed peace with one of their rivals and as punishment, they cut off one of his horns and threw him out to die in the wilds but he was strong and knew the land well. He survived and took care of others like him who were thrown out."

“How awful,” Twilight said with a frowns

“It was when I was about six years old did my father tell the revelation Great Orm discovered that’s been passed down from generation to generation of Warborn,” Wulfric said. “And it all stems from Tyr.”

“Tyr?” Twilight repeated. “Who’s that?”

"The god of war, wisdom and justice. It is said his blood runs through our veins." Wulfric smirked with a hint of admiration in his voice as he explained.

“Huh?!” Twilight gasped. “H-How is that possible?!”

“According to Orm Warborn’s writings, he had discovered a shrine high in the northern peaks where a shrine of Tyr sits,” Wulfric said. “Orm discovered it by chance while hunting, and transcribed the ancient text carved along the shrine. As Tyr looked over our lands, he caught sight of a young doe whose beauty was unlike any he’d seen. The old god was so captivated that he came down from his realm and took the form of a stag. They fell in love, and had children together.” Wulfric pulled out his family crest to show Twilight. “This crest isn’t just the crest of the Warborn, it is also Tyr’s crest.”

"That's amazing." Twilight now began to see her friend in a new light and could also see why Rainbow and Applejack fell in love with such a man.

"That's enough for tonight, the hour grows late and the cold is setting in. Best you return to that stallion of yours and warm his bed eh?" Wulfric winked.

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Twilight yelped with a bright blush, making Wulfric laugh.

Present

"You two really have found a good man." Twilight said with a genuine smile to her friends when they noticed some of the shops were putting up banners and decorations.

"Ah yes, whenever the royal family throws a ball the merchants always do crazy things to sell their products." Rarity said when she saw a surprising sight. A northlander with a merchant cart.

“Well how ‘bout that,” Applejack said and approached the cart.

The stag in charge was elderly but seemed sturdy enough to pull the cart on his own. He sat on an old chair as he stroked his long grey beard and had a pair of small reading glasses.

“Scuse me, mister.” Applejack called out. “Whatcha sellin’?”

"Only what you see. Furs, leathers, spices and a few tools here and there."

"Tools huh?" Twilight said when she noticed a few axes and swords on display.

"Not many customers though."

“Eh, a customer or two a day,” the old stag shrugged. “I don’t mind. I mostly prefer observing the passing crown anyway.” The old stag then adjusted his glasses and squinted at Applejack. “Say, you’re a pony but you wear clothing from my homeland. Why is that?”

"Oh well...um..."

"We're dating a chieftain." Rainbow said proudly before showing him her necklace.

"He told us to wear these so that everyone knows what clan we belong to."

“A chieftain?” The old stag perked up. “But…that’s impossible.” Both mares looked at the old stag curiously. “The storm…I had heard it was catastrophic.”

"You know about the Warborn?" Twilight asked, looking surprised as the merchant nodded.

"I was from the Ghost Clan. A merchant who was supposed to be part of the trade fleet coming to Equestria but then the troubles began..."

The mares all looked at each other before looking back at the stag.

“Do you know a stag by the name of Arminius?” Rainbow said.

“BY THOR’S BEARD!” The stag jumped up. “YOU MARES KNOW MY GRANDNEPHEW?!”

"Nephew?" Applejack asked when the stag suddenly grabbed her by the shoulders, pleading for an answer.

"Please! Please tell me he survived and he's doing well! I've been searching this land for moons when I heard his clan arrived here but I've had no luck finding him! If you know where he is, I beg you to tell me!!"

"Hey easy old timer!!" A guard intervened as they gently pulled him back.

"Apologies miss."

“To answer your question, sir, he’s alive,” Twilight said. “Him and his wife and son.”

"Oh thank Odin..." The stag sighed with relief as he was sat down.

"Forgive me, It's been ages since I've had good news. If possible, I would like to see him."

"He's in the Crystal Empire with Wulfric." Applejack smiled at the old man who gave another look of surprise.

"Wulfric? So...the lad finally became chief. That could only mean....Hjalmarr my old friend, I'm sorry."

The old stag took off his glasses to wipe his eyes. This made all the mares frown pityingly at him.

“Did you know Wulfric’s father?” Twilight asked.

"He was a good friend of mine. We used to drink mead together when the boys could barely stand." He chuckled fondly at the memory.

"Thank you once again for giving this old stag hope."

The girls nodded in appreciation before an elite from the noble houses approached the old mans cart with a small group of what appeared to be his followers.

"Ugh distasteful." He scoffed at the old mans goods.

"Since when did they let trash into the city?"

“Trash?! How dare you?!” Rarity snapped. “These are authentic northern goods being sold by this sweet old man!”

"Ah miss Rarity. I didn't think I'd see you associating with these savages."

"Watch yer mouth partner or I'll watch it for ya." Applejack said, cracking her knuckles making the noble look at her.

"Oh joy a country bumpkin how droll..." He said with disgust before looking her over.

"What a moment...You're Applejack so that must mean-! Princess Twilight." He suddenly became more respectful as he bowed to Twilight and the others.

"An honor to meet you all."

“I wish I could say the same,” Twilight said, crossing her arms. “You owe this man an apology.”

"Oh contraire, it is he who should apologize to us." The noble shot back.

"His kind have done nothing but bring suffering to our fair nation and now one has the GALL to sell his goods here while his leaders decieve the crystal empire into thinking they are our allies? Shining Armor certainly has become foolish as of late."

"Watch what you say about my brother..." Twilight warned as her horn flared up with magic.

“And why should I, princess?” The noble scoffed. “Now that I think about it, why is it a mare so young attained the rank of princess so soon? There are plenty of other more qualified ponies who are more deserving of a royal status.”

"That. Is. Enough." Rarity said with a cold glare.

"Twilight earned her position through hard work and study whereas you had everything handed to you by mommy and daddy. You may have the title of noble but you are more of an entitled brat."

This of course made the stallion seethe with rage but when he saw the signet ring on her finger and his blood instantly grew cold.

"Now I suggest you leave so that we may continue our day." Rarity said with a hint of warning in her voice.

The noble wanted to retort but knew he couldn’t and just scoffed irritably before storming off.

“Thank you, little miss,” the old stag said with a smile. “Not many show me as much kindness as you or your friends.”

"Our pleasure. Now please show us what you have."

"I am Skeld, and my cart is open to you always." He introduced himself as he showed the friends his goods and soon the crowd took notice.

"Oh my," Rarity said as she picked up a necklace that had a beautifully carved wooden wolf's head.

"Ah that is a totem necklace. This one offers protection for ones family." Skeld said while Rarity marveled at the craftsmanship.

"It's marvelous!" Rarity beamed.

"I carved it myself," Skeld said.

"You did?" Rarity said.

"Yep. In fact, everything here is handmade by yours truly," Skeld said proudly as he took a sip from his small flask.

"Hmm," Rarity hummed and smiled. "I'll take it all!"

This offer made the old stag sputter his drink after hearing such a declaration and even the crowd was surprised.

"B-but miss that's far too generous and it'll take me months to restock!" Skeld tried to get her to reconsider despite the generous offer but Rarity was having none of it.

"There is another reason why I am buying you out, my good sir," Rarity said and gently took Skeld's hand. "How much do you want to see your grandnephew again?"

Skeld then realized what she was trying to do when Rarity gave another genuine smile.

"You'll need funds for your travel to the Crystal Empire."

"I...I don't know what to say," Skeld said, unable to hold back his tears.

"Just tell the boys we said hi." Applejack winked as the crowd began to applaud Raritys generosity.

"That's my Rarity for ya." Spike smirked proudly as he gave her a peck to the cheek.

“I can’t thank you enough,” Skeld said as Rarity handed him a huge bag of gold for the amount that was owed for his merchandise. “I shall set sail first thing tomorrow!”

"I got this honey." Spike said as he took a deep breath and set the cart ablaze with his magic fire as it disappeared from sight.

"Those should be safe in our warehouse."

"Thank you! thank you miss! Gods be with you!" Skeld eagerly left to make preparations for his trip across the border leaving many of the nobles in the area astounded and impressed with some giving looks of disapproval.

"Wow Rarity, that was mighty neighborly of ya." Applejack said with an approving nod as they continued their walk.

"Even in times of war my dear, it always helps to show generosity to those in need plus I think some of those furs will look astounding on my next line!" Rarity squeaked with excitement while Cinder giggled in her stroller.

"Now come along darlings, the party is just around the corner."

End.

Author's Note

Apologies for the long delays but as you all know, my grandfather recently passed away and things have been kinda hectic around here. I already have some great material lined up for upcoming chapters so bare with me until then.