The God of Sleep Has Made His House

Do you ever stop enjoy the sound of wind through the trees?

The feel of grass against your skin?

The sound of laughter and idle conversation from people you love?

Just the simple shit, you know.

My eyes were closed, as a northern breeze blew all around me, cool and comforting, against my face and exposed chest. My tunic was currently off, allowing the bandages around my chest to breathe, while the cloak that hung loosely from my shoulders fluttered in the wind.

The magical surgery that I had undergone had finished not but three hours ago.

My shoulders were healed up just fine, but my stomach and legs still needed time to heal on their own a bit more. I could finally stand and walk, but not very far without the aid of a walking stick or cane. The wound around my stomach, though healed and shut, was still a bit tender and raw, and any strenuous activities would reopen the magical stitches that line the cut.

That meant no missions.

No guard work.

Not even sex (Gilda was rather frustrated when that came up from the doctor, while Ellie merely blushed and averted her eyes).

Speaking of Gilda.......

Before the operation, Gilda came into see me.

I was happy to see her, of course, but confused and concerned when she came into the room clearly distraught.

She apologized to me. Several times, in fact.

She apologized for not being by my side as often as she would've liked the past two days.

She wanted to be here, but with the sudden arrival of Dash, she felt confused and conflicted. Gilda wanted to remain by the sickbed of her soon to be husband, but at the same, wished to spend time with an old friend she feared she had lost.

It's then that I learned a bit about Dash's and Gilda's background, together.

And boy, what a tale it was.

Gilda was born in the Southern Griffin Empire,  which is located right below Equestria.

Those griffins were and still are as prissy as the Equines from Equestria, unfamiliar with the broad concepts of war and battle

(that's one of the perks when you are direct neighbors with one the most peaceful kingdoms on the continent, whose rulers control celestial bodies), but were decent enough folk, by griffin standards.

When she was a few days old, she and her family moved to the Equestrian city of Cloudsdale, a city literally in the clouds. Around the time she moved there, she was placed in a daycare while her parents worked, eventually forming a strong friendship with a certain rainbow maned pegasus. The two became thick as thieves, joining the same flight camp, both aspiring to be the best flier they could possibly be.

Around the time Gilda turned nine, her parents were offered a better paying job up in Allerseen by a friend of the family: Positions as a steward and stewardess at the royal palace. Gilda's parents, Ghalahan and Gwen, felt that it would be for the best to move the family up North, much to Gilda's and Dash's dismay.

Life's a bitch, sometimes. Especially if it involves losing your closest friend.

By the time she arrived at the palace with her parents, I had been taken in as well.

We met each other in these very gardens......man, that was ages ago.

She became my first and one of my closest friends.

Eventually by time I had turned eighteen, and her, twenty, we became lovers.

Apparently, Gilda met Dash about three years back, when the Great Civil War started.

I had just turned twenty one, and had joined the Red Sparrows when the fighting started. We were all afraid Monolith would be hit by the Dominion's troops, so many citizens evacuated, fleeing to cities further north, away from the battlefields. Gilda and I had been dating for about two and half years by the time I was about to go and fight, and, out of fear of losing her, I begged her and her family to get out of the city.

She wouldn't have it.

Gilda has always been brash and stubborn, as well as undeniably loyal.

She refused to leave my side, going so far as to offering to join the Feathered Legion, just to fight with me.

As an Un-Royal, though, I ordered that she be taken away until the worst of it was over.

Needless to say, she was really pissed off at me.

I didn't care, though, I was afraid. Afraid that she'd die.

It was bad enough that Ellie was staying with me, even flying above the battlefield to watch over me, but I couldn't watch over my father, Ellie, Rush and Gilda all at once.

She chose to vent her anger by going as far away from me as possible, returning to Equestria to wait out the worst of the war.

At once, she went to look up Dash, who at this point of time made close friendships with the rest of the Elements of Harmony. I guess Gilda felt very alone, being sent away by her boyfriend from her own country to wait out a massive conflict that could end in the deaths of many of her friends and her lover. Needless to say, she took out her jealousy, anger and sadness on Dash and her friends, and two parted on bad terms.

Cut back a couple of weeks ago, Dash was on her way here to find Gilda and amends with her. Enter Abinchova, me and the events that lead up to our current time, and what you got was a happy ending to an almost tragic tale.

I lived, Dash and Gilda were mending their friendship, and everything seemed right in the world.

I told Gilda not to worry about me, to spend time with her friend, and to be comforted in the fact that everything was at the moment, for a lack of a better word, chill.

I also brought up the Ellie thing.

She took it a lot better than I thought.

After a quick, yet minor, ass kicking for kissing another female without her knowing (I couldn't fight back, even if I wasn't hurt), she told me that she understood. She even admitted to having multiple lovers at one point in her life when I was still part of the Legion.

I told her I love and always will.

She replied with a slap to the face, and a gentle kiss.

We would have to discuss this in further detail later, but at the meantime, I was just enjoying the feeling of being outside.

My bare feet caressed the grass that I stood upon, as I took in all the different scents that waft around me. Behind me, I could hear talking and laughing, as my friends and family chattered behind me.

The castle gardens are such a lovely place.

Four hundred square feet, it was covered in many different plants and trees, as well as statues and monuments, each showing historical figures or long dead family members of Allerseen's past, many of the warriors, kings, queens, nobles, and other such dignified souls.

Than there were the Un-Prince statues.

Thirteen of them to, be precise. There have been thirteen Un-Princes in Allerseen's history, dating as far nine hundred years past. Out of the thirteen, seven of them have been murdered in cold blood, while while the remaining six have all been around during times of disaster or strife.

They call it the Un-Curse, and due to that, many assume (though not spoken to my face directly) that I shall suffer a same fate.

I mean, I was alive during the Great Civil War, one of the worst conflicts this kingdom has ever seen. Hell, I fought in it. So, you could say that the Un-Curse may in fact be true and feasible.

I try to keep an open mind.

The last Un-Prince before me died one hundred and fifty years ago, a product of assassination by his own personal guard, no less.  Un-Princes are seen as bad omens, and some very superstitious fools feel the need to "correct" the land's balance by eliminating said omen.

I really tried to break away from that. That's why, instead of laying about the castle, I decided to join the Feathered Legion, eventually earning the right to be accepted into the ranks of the Red Sparrows, and guard my family friends.

To prove my worth.

To prove that I'm not a symbol of disgrace, but a proud citizen of Allerseen.

To make my father and mother proud of me.

To make Gilda and Ellie proud of me.

And I managed to royally fuck up not but two days ago.....

My eyes slowly slid open, as I stood before one of the large fountains that stood in the center of the garden.

Within the center of the fountain stood a lone figure, tall and broad, carved of white marble.

He was a Bossk (Diamond Dog, to the Equestrians), the son of King Kale the Second, and the first Un-Prince in Allerseen's recorded history.

This Bossk was a survivor of raid against his village when he was just a young pup. In those days, the Bossk were still separated to wandering tribes that roamed the Crags of Thone, the dry desert before one would reach the Minotaur Empire. King Kale found this pup while fighting with the Bossk war chief Fenndoran Ja'Tul, in an effort to unite the Thone.

Adopting him as his own, this Bossk rose from a pup of a desolated home, to Un-Royalty in the kingdom of Allerseen.

Legend has it, he grew up to be a warrior of great renown, lending his skill to Fenndoran, and aided in the unification of the fifteen tribes of Thone, transforming it into the Great Bossk Kingdom of the Gem Vale.

That Bossk was murdered in his sleep before his thirty first birthday by zealots of the Council, for claiming to be the rightful heir to the Allerseen throne.

From that death, the term Un-Prince was coined, as well as the laws stating what power an Un-Prince would have.

That Bossk was named Lucifer.

My namesake.......

My destiny?

I hope to God not.

"I remember when I first brought you to this statue,"A voice said from behind me," And I showed you who your mother and I named you after. And you said-"

"Daddy, you named me after a dog?" I finished with a laugh, my father joining in as well.

Dad fixed the crown upon his head, still spurting a giggle or two, before composing himself.

"And I looked at you with the most perplexed expression I think I ever mustered! I mean, come one! We named you after a hero of old, and the first thing you think he is is just a mongrel!" We both burst forth into laughter again.

I could see from the side of my eye that everyone behind us was staring at us in confusion.

Behind me, in one of the more grassy areas of the gardens, my mother lay with my Romulus and Sasha (who had arrived early that morning and showered me with attention when they confronted me), while Dash and Gilda watched as Delilah and Willow (who had become fast friends since meeting, almost like Gilda and Dash) jumped and played around Ellie, much to her amusement and joy. Rush, completely armored with his red cloak, stood next to Dash, every so often stealing a glance at her flank.

Before turning to stare at me and my father laughing like idiots, that is.

My father and I wiped the tears from her eyes, still clutching the our stomachs from the joyous pain (I little bit more than he).

"If only I knew what an honor that was,"I said, shuffling the cloak around me a bit more," I wouldn't have said such a stupid thing."

My dad just shook his head, grinning slightly,"It was fine, son. You didn't really know at the time, though you should've. Allerseen history should have been second nature by that time,"

I blushed a bit.

"I may or may not have skipped some of early Allerseen history."

My dad nodded his head.

"Learning about the majority of the....you know what's fates must have been a bit uncomfortable to read."

I turned to look at my dad.

"You've never been comfortable calling or having me called Un-Prince, dad. It's fine. I accept the title."

He turned away.

"I just don't like all of that nonsense that follows with that word. You aren't an "Un", anything. You aren't some omen or bad luck enigma. To me, you are a prince of this land, a damn fine warrior, and, more than that, you're my son, first and foremost."

I placed a hand on my fathers shoulder.

"Thanks, dad. I hear that a lot, but it always means the most when it comes from you."

My dad gave me a weak smile, before turning away again.

From my side of my eyes, I saw a look of concern etch across my mothers face.

Something was adding up.

"Lucifer, you know I love you, right?"

What the hell? What brought that on?

"Of course I know that dad. What brought that up.?"

I my dad just turned his back, facing the northern section of the garden.

"Follow me, boy. We have to discuss something that I'd rather not say in front of the others."

That seemed to get everyone's attention. Even some of the guards, their faces usually stoic and stern, looked intrigued.

But why?

My father walked off, while I followed after him.

I saw Ellie begin to rise up, to follow me, most likely, but my mother placed a claw on one hers, and shook her head.

I saw her whisper something into her ear.

Ellie gasped, placing a claw to her mouth, before looking towards me with worry. The others turned to her with questioning glances. Even Delilah and Willow stopped their playing to see what was going on.

Shit.

This can't be good.

My father and I walked until we reached the end of the gardens. Only a marble railing kept you from falling hundreds of feet down to the ground into the Branning River, below, that flew through Monolith.

Finally, he rose his head to meet my worried gaze.

"Lucifer, I've told you this already, but in regards to your mission, I'm just happy that you made it out alive. You do recall me saying that, yes?"

I gave him a questioning glance, folding my arms across my chest.

"Of course I remember, but what-"

"Let me finish," He interrupted, lifting his fore claw to silence me.

"I may be glad that you're alive, but that doesn't excuse your reckless and immature actions, young man. You disobeyed direct orders, showing yourself, alone, to an entire village! In Arsis, no less! That part of the country is still.....unsettled against the actions that happened during the war. Also, your reckless action of choosing to remain behind instead of leaving with Sargent Rush and the two mares you rescued."

"But father, I only stayed behind so that the Rush could get word to you as fast as possible! Besides, the two mares-"

My father scowled.

"I don't care about those two mares! I care about you!I wanted YOU safe! DO you know how worried your mother and I were when you didn't report back in TWO WEEKS?! We nearly sent the entire Talon Guard to search the kingdom for you!"

I stared at my dad in shock. He very rarely lost his temper in front of me, and when he did, it was on the battlefield.

Seeing him shout at me like this unnerved me.

Scared me.

I saw him huffing, wiping sweat from his head.

He sighed, once again, refusing to look me in the eye.

"I-I'm sorry dad," I could barely muster out,"I-I w-wasn't really th-thinking and I just wanted to get this guy. To make you proud."

He turned to me with a softened gaze.

"Son, I've always been proud of you," He said softly,"I've seen you grown from a boy to warrior, fighting bravely for your country and your family."

His gaze hardened.

"But this insubordination, this recklessness that you showed for a very important assignment, one that's cost dozens of lives so far, Lucifer, can't go unpunished."

I heard sigh, as he rubbed his eyes with two of his talons.

"But dad!"

"SILENCE!" He boomed loudly. So loudly that a few guards came closer to check on us, before a glare from my father sent them scampering back.

He turned back to me.

"Son, you have talent. You have a ferocity in battle that I've never seen. But, you still think immaturely, even if you try your best to hide it, even from yourself."

I remained quiet, suddenly feeling a wave of depression hit me like one of those trains down in Equestria.

"I should've known you weren't ready for a solo mission like this," He half said to me, half said to himself,"I mean, for Throdos sake, it nearly cost you your life. Captain Blackavar will deal out your punishment. Before you ask, he did tell me what he had in mind, and though I didn't agree with it at first, I can see the sense in it now."

I could feel tears well up in my eyes.

"I understand, father," I replied, my voice laced with hurt.

I could hear wing beats coming towards us, but I didn't want to look.

I didn't have to look.

I could hear the thud as a griffin landed by my father and I.

"I'm here as you have requested, my liege," A soft, yet stern voice said.

"He's ready," I could hear my father reply.

I turned to look at the large griffin before me.

His large beak held a look discontent, as the sun shined off his polished steel armor.

Blackavar was my commanding officer, leader of the Red Sparrows.

And he hated my living guts.

He wasn't a bad griffin.In fact, he was quite the opposite.

He always gave to charity, was an exceptional officer and leader, one of the kindest souls around (or so I heard from many griffin), and as loyal as can be to the kingdom and the crown,

Which is why he despised me so much.

He was a firm believer of the Un-Curse, and (though he never spoke of it in front of my family) has said on many occasion that my father's greatest mistake was adopting me.

He was even more upset when the previous captain of the Red Sparrows, Hyzenrow, inducted me into their order at the rank of Knight, before taking his place as captain.

Since then, he has never tied to hide in discontent for me.

He even told me once that he didn't hate me personally. He just hated what I was.

An Un-Prince.

A bad omen.

"Have you told him my decision, my lord?" Blackavar asked, a smug grin forming upon his beak.

My father turned away from.

"I have not, Captain. I told him that you would relay his punishment."

My father tuned to me.

"Son, be strong. This is for your own good. That way, you won't be hurt like this again."

My father's words were beginning to frighten me.

"Cut the shit,"I said, glaring at Blackavar,"What is my punishment, Captain?"

That smug smile never left his beak.

"You are aware of the accusations that have been brought before you, I take it?"

I dropped my arms to my side.

"Yes, and I do not deny them either."

He chuckled a bit.

"Good, this will make this a lot easier, than."

My glare shifted into a look of worry.

Blackavar merely reached into his cloak's pocket, revealing a parchment, with the seal of the Red Sparrows upon it.

"By my right as Captain of the Order of the Red Sparrows, I, Blackavar Strongfeather, Head of House Strongfeather, relieve you of duty from the Order, effective immediately."

I could only stare at him.

Stare at him disbelief.

He still held the parchment in front of him, waiting for me to take it.

But I didn't want to.

I wanted to rip it up into thousands of pieces.

I wanted to kill this griffin.

Blast a hole through his fucking head.

But I didn't.

I fell to my knees, almost as if Abinchova had my legs shot again.

I could feel my father rubbing my shoulder, trying to comfort me.

But there was no comfort.

Only disappointment.

Only shame.

"Take the parchment, Un-Prince," I heard Blackavar say, almost mockingly.

I kept my face to the ground, avoiding his gaze.

My father scowled.

"Don't call him that, captain, or I'll have you demoted, as well."

Blackavar merely nodded his head.

"Understood, sire," He said before turning his gaze back to me,"Lucifer, I will be needing your armor set, your cloak, and your sword. Give them to Sargent Rush by the end of the day, and no later. The new Lieutenant will be needing it."

He bowed his head to me, that smirk ever present.

"May Throdos be with you, Un-Prince."

The parchment fell to the floor, right in front of me, as the sound of flapping wings came to my ears.

"I must go now, my lord. Due to your.....son's.....failure, three flocks of Sparrows are searching the Arsis region for any signs of Abinchova's presence, and I am expected there."

"Be about your duties,"My father said coldly.

The sounds of flapping faded off into the distance.

Just me and my father remained.

"Lucifer.....I.....I'm sorry that it had to come to this."

I merely nodded my head, my eyes beginning to blur.

"I love you, son. Just know that. Please."

I nodded again, before shrugging his claw off of my shoukder, standing and walking off.

"Son!"

I ignored my fathers calls as I walked past him, through the gardens to the entrance to the palace.

I walked past the others, all calling my name.

I could barely make out my father telling them what had happened, but I didn't care.

I could hear footsteps coming from behind me.

Probably Ellie or Gilda.

Maybe even Rush.

I didn't care.

I wanted to be alone.

"Louie, stop!" I could hear Ellie behind me.

I ignored her.

Against doctor's orders, I began to sprint, slamming the door behind, impeding her from following me, if not for a brief moment.

I ran through the hallways of the palace.

Ran and ran and ran.

Until my stomach was screaming, pleading for me to stop.

I didn't care.

I didn't feel pain.

Just shame.

Worthlessness and shame.

I knew I fucked up, but fucked so bad that I would be fired?

I shamed myself, my family and my namesake.

Dying wouldn't be so bad right about now.

I ran until I came upon the stairway to the top of one of the tall watchtowers that flanked the castle.

I climbed and climbed and climbed until I finally ascended to the guardroom at the very top.

All of Monolith lay before me, going around for miles and miles in all directions.

I locked the door, and sat upon one of the wooded chairs.

I held my head in my hands.

And wept.

Wept bitterly.

That fucking parchment.

It wasn't even an honorable discharge.

It was a dishonorable discharge.

I would be luck to make into the Feathered Legion again.

Tears fell from eyes.

Tears of depression.

Tears of shame.