NOV 30 Tuesday.

Celestia raises a brow as I freeze for a long moment. "Any thoughts on the matter? You do seem rather good at things like this." She asks while moving another piece to check my king.

I take a few moments to make my move and think of an answer and sort my thoughts a bit. "If you're asking me what I think. I think that this Storm King is about to have a lot more conflict at their door sooner rather than later." I make my move but it is quickly countered. "I'm not sure about the actual situation, but I'm going to guess a few of the city-states around this king will be seeking an alliance quickly."

Celestia nods with a more reserved smile considering the topic. "Exactly right, it's nothing firm yet but rumors and small meetings have already started. I also think I see where you are going with this, after that alliance forms the new king will have a choice."

She has guessed my thoughts correctly so I continue. "He can choose peace and back down on expanding, probably giving something up in the process. Or he can fight it out with them on a larger scale. Although, I personally think he'll pick the second option." I make my last move and lose the game, I spend a moment studying the board before resetting it.

She looks curious about my reasoning. "Again correct, the political climate would make it difficult to achieve such an alliance, it's not impossible though. But why do you think he would do something so risky, fighting a large alliance is no easy feat for any nation, even if that alliance is new and weak." I can see her reasoning, it could benefit him to back off and consolidate his gains.

"Unless he strikes first." She looks back up to me from the boards a little surprised. "If he strikes before the alliance is truly formed, or better yet when it is actively being formed, then he could gain a large win. As for why I think he'd do it? Well, he's relied on speed so far, so why not again?" I push our hypothetical scenario further and try to have Celestia pay more attention to this topic.

She goes silent for a moment and seems to mull it over. "Hmm, I will admit I didn't give such a possibility much thought. I find it unlikely that he could accomplish such a thing, but if he did then it would be a massive shake-up. The alliance members would need to regroup, and it will make others question even trying to form it again." She gives me an immersed stare. "You really are quite good at this."

I take the compliment with a smile of my own. "Another thing to keep in mind is don't expect them to follow any rules, unspoken or otherwise. He's in a risky situation and a gathering of the rulers and representatives of many cities provides a... A tempting target for more than just disruption." I added my last thought on it with the hypothetical situation at hoof. "That's just what I'd do at least."

She gives me a complicated look and seems to think for a long moment. "I once complimented you on your ability to put yourself in another place. It seems you are able to do that to a further degree than I thought." I can't tell if that's a compliment or observation but she still has a look of slight pride on her face.

The Storm King is something I should keep an eye on, I'm not sure there is anything I could really do to prevent his rise as he's already a king with an army backing him. On top of that, his nation is far off and even Celestia's influence would be severely limited so far away from Equestria.

The good news is that his coming here is still far off, and if he wants to get to us he'd need to pass the sea or a thin stretch of land. I do also have some sway in Griffonstone, plus I know he's coming so advanced warning is nice to have. For now, though that is all far off and I have things I need to focus on right now. I look up at Celestia's thoughtful face, getting her to think about this more is enough for now.

After a moment I just decided to move past this topic. "Well, enough foreign politics, let's talk about domestic politics." She smiles widely at my over-the-top tone and I quickly backpedal. "Actually no, enough politics. How have you been doing?" I ask a little too quickly. She seems to have recovered after October but It's good to make sure.

She looks down at me but still looks happy. "Just fine, thank you for asking." I can tell from her tone that she's not ready to bring up that night or her mood at the time, so I drop it at that.

I nod. "Good to hear. Oh, I also wanted to ask how the Frost Carrots are doing? I think you mentioned something about distributing seeds this winter?" I vaguely remember that the plan was to mass-grow seeds and send them out this year, but I never really found out.

She gives me a slight thankful look for the change in topic. "Sure. As for the first crop? It is just starting to come in but many places that farm normally are reporting small but consistent harvests. It's not massive, they need time to adapt to growing the plant and harvesting in the winter. But in a few years it will be a good amount and considering nothing is normally grown in the winter it's a massive boon." I can see that slight pride return on her face as she looks down at me

I also feel some pride hearing that, it is nice to have your work recognized as useful. "On top of that, there is an unexpected benefit." I raise a brow. "It's winter, the harvested Frost Carrots last a long time letting us ship them basically anywhere we can before winter ends, I never thought I'd see the day we would export a harvest during winter." She explains with a happy tone.

"Good to hear, and you'll be happy to know that I have two more crops that should be done by the end of the year, maybe a bit later at the most." I feel my smile grow and the slightly excited look she gets hearing that.

"Really? Well then, it seems I got a Hearth's Warming gift early. Keep this up and I may just give you a tax break for it." I roll my eyes as we both know I could care less about that. "Anyway, we should get going, you have a guard to fight and I have a sparring match to watch." I give her a deadpan look as she continues to smile back at me.

I silently drag my saddlebags back onto me as her look changes a little. "I will say though, you don't need to do this, it's alright to just refuse." Her tone is reassuring and I can tell she's giving me a way out. I was somewhat waiting for this question, but we got a little caught up in our conversation. She also has a point as nopony really asked if I wanted to do this.

But, I made a promise not to hurt Twilight, and then I broke that promise. I made that choice, and he fully warned me about it at the Gala. Beyond that, I know this is not mean-spirited, he just needs to do what he thinks he must. I've gotten to know Shining a little, and two main things have stuck out with his personality.

He will do anything for his family, and he keeps his promises, that's just what I saw from him, but both of those things I can respect. I also don't see this going any further, and if all I need is to do a few sparring matches to keep on good terms with him then I'm more than willing to do this without complaint.

As for how I feel about it? Not too much honestly, I knew this was coming and at this point all I feel is some annoyance and a small bit of frustration, but that's not fully directed at them. I would have preferred some heads up instead of being dumped in, but I have a perfect way to offload this annoyance and very mild frustration, fighting. And to be blunt, I have a thick skin from my last life, when it comes to things involving family I know how to suck it up and talk later.

I give her a firm nod after a moment. "I'm ok with it, he's doing what thinks he needs to. He even warned me at the Gala, so this is kind of on me." I reason and finish getting my saddlebags on as she stands up and slips on her royal mask. She does have a very regal face when she looks like that.

She nods. "Very well. But, at any time you can stop, I also made it rather clear to them I'd be turning his request down if you said no." She starts just to be sure and a moment later we're out the door and moving through the hallways. "You use a dagger and a greatsword right?" Her tone is more formal as guards watch us while we walk through the hallways into a lower part of the palace.

I nod. "Yes, I find they make a good combination, if used right." I can tell this is just polite small talk as we walk around in view of other ponies. I really don't enjoy holding a formal tone with her, but at least I don't need to use formal titles. Luckily it doesn't take us long after that to arrive in a larger training yard.

To the sides, there are some shaded areas to sit and I see Cadance and Shining sitting down and talking, I also notice that we are once again alone. We walk over and I nod to Shining, which he returns after a moment, a good start if nothing else. I smile at him, "So, how are we doing this?" I turn back to Celestia as she sits down with Cadance.

Surprisingly it's Shining who answers me. "You sure you're up for this? Fighting a guard?" His tone is, professional but not angry or hostile. I nod at him, "Beyond armor and weapons? You pick." I expected more, but he just waited silently.

I turn back to the mares. "Hmmm, no other magic beyond holding things, and first knocked down for more than ten seconds or first to concede." They accept that but I see Shining's brow twitch. "The same rules Stone gives me," I answer, guessing that he's curious as that ten-second rule isn't the most common.

He nods after a long moment and walks over to a weapon rack to put down his metal blade and pick up a wooden one. He really is one for a few words right now, maybe we'll talk later. I walk out into the middle of the training field and drop my saddlebags to start to equip my armor.

POV shift Celestia.

I smile a little as Shade sets his rules, They are simple but effective. He did take this all rather well so far, but I was not aware that Shining had warned him before hoof, still, he is being rather calm about this. Shade walks away to equip his armor, "I have two cakes on Shade winning." My head turns to my niece as she makes an utterly ridiculous bet.

I narrow my eyes a little but she just looks unfazed. "Hmm." Normally I wouldn't bet against Shade in a fight, but the rules tip in favor of Shining a good amount. I smile after a moment and speak in a lower voice so they can't hear us. "Agreed, but they have to be chocolate." It had been quite a while since I had an opportunity to bet on something, and it would be a shame to waste this chance.

But her face shifts to slight shock as she looks back at the field, I turn and stop as well. Standing in full plate armor made from a grayish wood, Shade is heavily armored like the knights I once had, he even has a sheath piece. "Huh, well too late to take it back now." That gets a chuckle from Cadance as Shining and Shade get in position for the first round.

That armor is not what I'd expected, it's been a very long time since I've seen a pony use something like that. "He certainly knows how to impress, although where did he even get that?" Cadance asks me as Shade moves over to pick up a greatsword and dagger.

"I believe he mentioned earlier that he made it himself, so no surprise there, what I find more interesting is the wood used." I recognize it, it seems his abilities in life magic really have taken a considerable jump. "This should prove interesting to watch." I keep my smile as Shade takes out the last piece of his armor.

POV shift Shade.

I smile at Shining as he holds the standard shield and short sword most guards use. I ready both my weapons, "Ready? Because I am still a little annoyed about this being sprung on me and I'm ready to hit something." I keep a light tone but tell the truth.

For the first time, I see his face change as he gains a slight smile before bringing his own weapons forward. "Yes, I have a promise to keep and an uppity Colt to humble." At this point, we're just shit-talking each other a bit.

"Just fight already!" We both turn to see Cadance smiling. "Unless Aunty is willing, we don't have all day!" I see his smile widen and I chuckle a bit, too bad for them I heard them earlier, seems I have a bet to win for Celestia. I place my helmet over my head and feel it click into place as my eyes see nothing.

I can no longer make out their expressions, but I can sense him just fine. I start with a steady pace and what I presume is confusion wears off quickly as we finally start our match. I'm used to fighting Stone but he never uses a shield so this should get interesting.

In a moment I dash forward suddenly and slam my greatsword down where he is trying to press the early advantage. "What?" I hear him as he quickly moves out of the way before my blow can land. My ability to still see him doesn't stun him for long as he lands the first hit on my side with a quick jab.

The blow is light and I don't even feel it, so I follow up with another strike that gets blocked by his shield. I start to really chain my blows, but it quickly becomes apparent he's moving faster than me with his lighter armor. "Slippery, I should nickname you snake." I try to keep the light mood even in combat.

At that moment he deflects a blow and gets a few quick but light hits in while I'm able to swipe at his legs. I nearly don't see it coming but at the last moment, I move my head. :Did he just throw his shield?: I'm able to recover as he throws his shield at close range but he nearly knocks me off balance with a few follow-up blows.

"That's just cheating!" I laugh at his words as I'm able to dodge his shield and recover before moving to attack again. We trade blow after blow but I have trouble hitting him while he struggles to break my defense. At some point, he starts to move around me more and even recovers his shield, which he is now using to slam into my armor.

The shield slams into my side again and I slam my greatsword down into it. CRACK The shield splintered into pieces along with the upper half of my greatsword, there goes my range advantage. I quickly move my dagger to block a blow, but I don't expect the hoof that slams into my chest pushing me back a bit.

Damn, he's pretty good, maybe a bit better than me actually. As I'm pushed back I'm able to land a good blow to his still outstretched hoofs with what remains of my greatsword. "Buck!" He causes me to hit a weak point in the light armor.

"Language!" He chuckles as Cadance reprimands him before I ready my half-broken blade and dagger while rushing at him. The next exchange of blows goes a little better for me, he's a bit slower on his legs now and I'm able to land a few good hits, but nothing to knock him over.

Still, he uses his environment to his advantage again, he picks up the broken part of my greatsword and throws it at me at close range like he did with the shield. I saw it coming but he slowed me down with a few blows and I got clipped by it on the back leg, with another. CRACK I'm able to splinter part of his wooden short sword with my greatsword.

At this point, we've been fighting for a few minutes and we're going further than necessary. You don't normally break the training weapons in a spar, but this is just too damn fun for me to care. I'm enjoying myself far more than I thought I would, I haven't gotten to spar and the new experience makes me want to learn, that determination to become better and train more feels like an old friend.

But in the end, he's able to hit another of my legs with his broken short sword and drop me to the floor on my knees. I try to stand but he's able to buck me with his legs on the chest, it's not hard enough to really hurt me but it takes the air out of my lungs and makes me fall on my side keeping me down longer. I know I'm not recovering from this so I stay down as our fight ends.

"WOO! Go Shining!" You can guess who said that. After a few moments of us both breathing heavily to recover, I take off my helmet and move myself to be upright again. After a moment I chuckle, "You are one slippery pony." I'm in a good mood now, any negative emotions I had have been thoroughly beaten out of me, and training always helps me work through things.

I see him offer me a hoof and take it to stand up again. "And you are a tough nut, not to mention that you always seemed to know where I was." His mood has also improved, he's not as stony or professional anymore and instead just looks more relaxed like he normally is with me, seems like he's like me in this aspect.

I nod after a moment and start to take off a piece of my armor before he stops me with a hoof. I look at him with a raised brow, he smiles at that. "Want a rematch? Because I know you're good at spells and there is no way I'm missing out on that." His voice holds an excitement and determination he didn't have before.

I take another deep breath. "You sure?" I smile at the challenging look he gives me in return. He nods and my smile turns a little mischievous. "You grab the weapons and I'll clean up, let's see how long you can last when I'm serious." I joke and he chuckles while giving me an excited look not realizing his mistake before walking off to grab new weapons.

POV shift Cadance.

"Wow, they really went for it. I don't think I've seen him fight that hard before. Maybe he deserves something more for this show." I voice out as they recover from their battle. Shining seems to be in a better mood though, and Shade looks happier than I'd expected he'd be. It seems both of them are the training type, great more muscle head stallions.

Aunty nods with an impressed and slightly proud look while ignoring my last words. "Yes, I almost intervened there, but they seem to have kept it civil, well as civil as this can be." It's my turn to nod now, they did take it a bit far, but they seem uninjured and in better spirits. "Also, I expect my two cakes later, remember they are chocolate." She smiles slightly and lords her victory over me.

I'm about to complain but then I notice Shining moving to help Shade up. "Fine, but I'm ordering one for myself as well." I don't bother fighting her on this, I know she'll just prank me if I try to back out of a bet with cake. I pause as I listen to their words. "They're going again?"

Aunty nods. "It seems so. We did warn him though, you still have a shield spell ready right?" I nod. "Good, I don't think this will last long but it might be needed." She says humorously, but also with some mild caution. Well, this should prove interesting to watch. Shade returns with his weapons and puts his helmet back on.

Even though I know how it works, it's still a little creepy that he sees everything around him. After a moment they get in position and they start, as soon as they start Shade just starts to run full speed as Shining tries to move his hooves. A small flash of green light came from under his hooves one at a time in quick succession right as Shade started running, and Shining could no longer move them off of the floor.

I'm confused but watch as Shining tries to launch a basic firebolt realizing he can't move, only for it to be dodged. Next, an invisible force pulls his shield in half with a crack, the shield is ripped in half before his sword receives the same treatment and both are thrown far to the side. Shining looks completely caught off guard as Shade comes barreling at him while he's been immobilized and disarmed in a few seconds.

I will give Shining credit as he's able to send out a few more spells while trying to move, but they all miss or are blocked in his haste. He even tries to cast a small fireball, but that takes him too long and Shade slams into him pretty hard. He's knocked off balance as the spells holding him seem to fade right before the impact, Shade then casts the same spell as he lands on his side to stop him from sliding back by sticking him to the floor with an abrupt stop.

I watch wide-eyed as Shining has been completely disabled and downed in less than ten seconds. "What in Tartarus?" I mumble out as Aunty looks thoroughly amused before laughing at Shining's misfortune. I stare at Shade as he helps a defeated Shining up off of the floor after he times out.

Shade just smiles at him and comforts him with a pat on the shoulder. "Be creative, even a sticking spell can be a nightmare in the right hooves." He offers some advice to the still-stunned and confused Shining.

I turn to Aunty and back to them. "A sticking spell?" I can't help but voice. "Who thinks of using a sticking spell in a fight?"

POV shift Shade.

I pat Shining as he pieces together my words and actions. "You ok? I hit you pretty hard." He shifts his shoulder despite his occupied mind and nods slowly. "Good, and don't feel bad, I don't fight fair." I joke to comfort him before taking off my helmet again.

My plan to fight Shining may have been a little much honestly. An advantage of runic casting is I don't need to fire a spell from my horn, at that distance I'm able to cast basic spells next to him directly, or under his hooves. I stuck him to the floor then used my field to crush his weapons and ram into him.

A brutal but effective method. Shining gets his mind in order, "I never want to fight you on a battlefield. But, ... Rematch?" He asks with an even more determined look.

I chuckle at him, which doesn't help his wounded pride. "I think me and you just found a new way to hang out. Now, get some new weapons, same rules as the first match. I want a challenge this time." I tease him a bit with my own determined look.

Author's Note

Thanks for reading. :)
Current year is 994

First, I'm going to end this hear I think as this year has dragged on long enough as is.

Second. I tried to make Shade and Shining comparable in weapons skill, Shade may train under a great trainer, but Shining trains a lot more. So I thought they'd be comparable in that way.

Third. Happy birthday to someone. We have enough people here so statically it should be someone's birthday today. And if they are reading this, I hope you enjoyed it. :}