(Canterlot) Out of Her Element (Open)

[Ciraxis]

Surprisingly enough, the first item was tribal mask that Squall inspected earlier. The Night companion acquired it with little problem but of course it was just the beginning of the auction. Soon enough other items started to be bidden, and more an more crazy numbers flow through the air. Still, her unicorn companion kept his cool, his face focused, eyes narrowed - not unlike commander in the heat of battle. Swift made a very good job of stirring up the prices...but as the auction of scimitar postponed again and again frown became more noticeable on his face.

"This is bad...." he murmured "If this keeps up, then it seems that the scenario we wished to avoid will come to pass"

Soon only two items was left....and the second to last...was some antique vase. This could only mean one thing...

"Curses...." Squall said quietly, but aside from that and a clenched jaw, his expression remained unchanged.

"So the sword is item of the day. We are in some wild bidding clash..." his voice indicated that he wasn't really looking forward to it, his eyes darting to the sides too - what appeared - would be their greatest opponents in this bid.

"But!" stallion added with emphasis "In the name of the Squallcoast...I will not allow piece of Equestrian history to gather dust in some selfish collector cabinet." Swift announced and in his eye, Night could see something much more important then any money. A spark of blazing determination.

[Lux]

The auction had been more thrilling than Night Watcher imagined it to be. The Lunar Guard watched as the auction proceeded, following Squall's lead to increase the bidding as they went. At first it was overwhelming as numbers and placards with participants' numbers flew through the air, but she held her own. To her it wasn't the fact that she was interested in much there, but she loved the thrill. Why the mare even managed to get an old REA insignia worn of a ceremonial attire.

The biggest thing now came to the fact that the scimitar was now destined to be the item of the day, an item that Squall feared would be there and thus have greater interest.

"I will help you get this scimitar Swift Squall. You and I will bid on the item, keeping it low as possible for us while trying to outbid the others looking for it. Hopefully then we can get to it. That sound like a plan?"

[Ciraxis]

"......Thank you.....Night.....but..." Swift was clearly moved by mare's offer.

"But it won't work." he added in all brutal honesty.

"You see, it isn't about what they sell right now. No it's all about....prestige." he mumbled, his words having a shade of disgust about what he was going to explain to her.

"Even if offered item would by a tin can, those gathered here would pay obscene amount's for it. You understand now don't you? It's not about value...it's about ego. Most of rich gathered here know each other. The one who wins today will gain privilege to gloat about it. To flaunt his or her wealth.

Stallion head turned, so he now was facing Watcher directly.

"That's why I must do it alone. I won't allow you to risk your whole salary or worse, making a debt - even if yo do it from sense of duty. You a good pony, you don't have to do it. And besides...." Squall's head turned away too once again, eye the sword on stage.

"....I own a debt to the Night Princess anyway" he said, with slight smirk appearing on his face.

And with that words auction for the last item begun!

The bid rose quickly, very quickly. In short order, most participants decided to back off. Only seven remained, Swift Squall being one of them.

Swordpony glared at the noble dressed in ridiculous clothes - they of the kind that were obliviously uncomfortable, but they were trendy right now....something that he apparently didn't approve. If look could hurt, this noble would lay on the floor, twitching.

[Lux]

Night was about to protest Swift Squall's refusal to let her help. She knew it wasn't about money for him. It truly was about bringing the scimitar to its rightful place rather than just have it be part of a private collection, forever lost. In this sense Night Watcher was guarding the safety of others while Swift now attempted to guard history.

"I understand it is not about value. i also understand that that it is about you giving this sword a rightful place where it would receive the respect it deserved not a place where it would be just another trinket."

Night paused as if to think about what next to say before continuing, swallowing her pride and her urge to protect and render aid in the process.

"Having said this if you truly do not wish for me to aid you then I understand. But if I may ask, what is this debt you have to Princess Luna?"

[Ciraxis]

Squall nodded when Night confirmed her understanding about the motivation of other auctioneers, however...she seemed to have wrong idea on handling auction of this item alone.

"Wish your aid? Night, I already have it. Look around you..." he waved with his leg on the crowd around them, for a moment actually switching focus from the bidding.

"Can you see? What similarity they have? A rock stars, nobleponies, high ranking employees of the Realm, businessponies....and yet...." he turned towards the black mare

"All of them alone. Maybe not in the sense of the company...but they alone in the inside. They convinced to be special, able to take one any challenge, building a golden gilded cages around themselves." Swift sadly shook his head.

"I was thinking similarly to them once. Not exactly like but close enough, yet there is so much burden and responsibility one can carry..." his voice took a somber tone.

"And when your breaking point reaches....when you make one mistake too many You. Will. Break. It will crush you, and if it will bad enough, will bury more then just you." he looked at the crow once more.

"Each of the are at the differently encumbered, some less some more. And yet it burdens them greatly regardless, they don't understand what they lack."

Squall paused for a moment. Perhaps to catch up with how the sword's auction proceeded - or maybe to ponder over something. Nevertheless when unicorn spoke again he turned his face toward the winged mare.

"I managed to find the answer Night, to open the cage. Even the mightiest beast need help of somepony else from time to time. Unlike them I will win this auction. Because I brought more wealth then any money can give. A friend."

Swifts face suddenly brightened, and before the pegasus could react he rose his leg and...gave her a hoof-bump. He switched back to the auctioneer his eye blazing with spirit.

"70 000!!!" he shouted. He was outbid almost immediately but that didn't stop him. The sum rose higher and higher and soon it reached over 100 000 bits.

"120 000 for the first time. Anypony more? Anypony more? Maybe you miss ehhh? Or mister number 68?" called the auctioneer.

"My, it got quite exciting isn't it?" Swift asked. Despite how absurd was the bid right now, he didn't seemed to worry.

"120 000 for the second time? Nopony really? Still a moment consider it! Number 45? Number 61?" the glasses wearing mare prodded other auction participants. But it seemed to be to much for them. The soon-to-be winner grinned triumphantly.

"But all things must come to an end don't you think Night? Including debts. My own is...." unicorn gave another rhetorical question and smirked slightly before getting up. Squall rose his number to give his bid.

"A little easier sleep at night." he answered honestly. Only then he gave his bid.

"270 000" he proclaimed calmly. Ponies around looked at him bewildered. It was nice sword but so high? Even if it was item of the day.

Still it seemed to work up, others apparently gave up.

"Errr 270 000 for the first time. Anypony else? No? 270 000 for a second time. No one want to challenge that bid? Alright and 270 000 for a thiiiiiiiird time and soooooooooold to the Mister with number 34. Emmm congratulations?" announced the auctioneer just as baffled as others.

"Well it would be it. Come Night, it's time for us to take the spoils." Squall got up and headed towards the door. Aside from the black mare nopony seemed to do the same. Apparently they were still glued to their seats, with astonishment

[Lux]

The pony sure looked confident despite such overwhelming odds of the ponies around her and Swift that appeared eager to claim the sword as their own. But then Swift offered a little into the insight of the other high bidders and himself. It was hard at times to understand how others thought even for a Pegasus whose job it was to understand how others though as much as events and tactics to help others and diffuse any bad situations. What Night realized that someponies were their own worst enemy due to confidence or station in life. The stallion spoke not only with the knowledge of others doing this but also himself. He spoke like he too was in that same downward spiral that led only to ruin and it was only the help of somepony that showed him the way out. She could guess who it might have been judging some early comments but before continuing he mentioned that the greatest thing he had was her as a friend which made her blush as she returned the hoof bump.

The auction was a heated battle as numbers flew like arrows. Night was glad to not take part after all as this would be something way out of her league and even worse could cause Swift to lose his concentration and perhaps the bid. She held her breath and hoped he would succeed. Still even with the climbing numbers into bit amounts that Night had even seen in her line of work except on paper from financial reports of military expenditures, the unicorn still looked very confident.

"It is very exciting," Night replied as suddenly Swift dropped a bombshell, a figure that more than doubled the last bid and shattered any hope of others winning the scimitar.

"You did it," Night said partly excited and partly amazed that it worked. She was probably just as stunned as the others around her had it not been Swift urging her to collect her winnings. She proceeded to collect the few small bid items she one, leaving the scimitar for him to claim as his victorious prize.

[Ciraxis]

"No Night, we did it." unicorn insisted in assured tone. Without any delay Squall took both the katana and the scimitiar. Winning two fine swords certainly made him a target of envy among the other gatherer buyers but he didn't care. Both ponies took the side exit which made them finally able to speak in private in the empty corridor.

For the time being Swift ignored the katana, instead once more drawing the scimitar around which this whole visit resolved around in the end.

"Indeed a fine piece of craftsmanship this blade is. At our time and age not many masters of smithing arts can make mithrill coating without making it losing it's qualities...there is probably no more the ten of them alive. And this blade has such a history attached to it..." he said making a few practice swings.

"...If it's real that is." he added, no doubt to the pegasus horror.

"I mentioned it earlier but I will say it again. Mithrill is special not only because of how shiny it is...but also because it doesn't wear off. It doesn't matter what's underneath that coating, mithrill will protect from it. It won't rust or dull. It's extremely resistant to heat. And to break it you need enormous blunt force. Maybe kraken wrapping it with two tentacles and actually attempting to snap it would do the trick....or adult dragon doing the same with it claws, but nothing less." he said with emphasis.

"Can you see where it's going Night? Since this sword doesn't wear no appraiser could tell the difference if this would be fake or not. There are only two ponies alive who can confirm if this is truly the weapon of Rafiq Al Shamon. And so it happens the two of them take turns sitting on our realm throne every twelve hours." Squall made a pause while looking at his reflection on blade surface.

"But it shouldn't be me who would offer it to Moon Princess to confirm this." nobelstallion decided. He sheeted the sword and...offered it to the Night.

"Al Shamon was one of most famous members of the Night Guard. As such, it is only fitting that his blade would be returned by the Night Guard as well. Although I wouldn't mind if you would put a word or two of my involvement. And if this is fake...well it's still mithrill so I say it's bloody fine sword to posses if you wish to keep it in such occurrence" he gave a mare a slight smile before resting the weapon in her hooves,

Swordstallion brushed the flaps of his duster before continuing.

"Well since we done here, and since I choose for us to attest this auction, it would be fair for you Night to choose our next destination. Anything that you wished to do in the city but didn't had time for until now?" Swift asked.

[Lux]

With all the commotion in the auction hall of the upset involving the scimitar of Rafiq Al Sharmon, Night Watcher felt that the two needed to make an exit as soon as possible. Lucky for her, Swift already spotted and exit and soon the two were back out in the street. What surprised her was that with all the bidding and the money he spent, the sword had the potential to be a fake. The Lunar Guard wasn't one to gamble on uncertainty, but perhaps this time it was better to be safe than sorry.

"Hmmm... I can see that you wanted to be sure just in case it wasn't a fake. Still fake or not it is a very good weapon."

Swift Squall alluded to the fact that only the Princesses knew whether the scimitar was real or not. But the biggest surprise came when he entrusted the legendary weapon. She was shocked that the pony who knew her for only a short time entrusted her with such a item that was not only expensive to bid on but so important to the history of Equestria. But she had protected ponies before, so a sword should be fine to protect.

"It will be my honor to protect it, and I promise that I will get it to the Princesses as soon as possible. And of course I will let you know the results of the findings."

With the excitement of the auction over, Night pondered what to do next. She returned to her thoughts about what she wanted to see or do that she wasn't able to while on patrol. Although such a simple question, it gave her some pause.

"Well, you are going to find this silly probably, but I've never been to a fancy place for lunch before. Basically if I get to lunch it's at the mess hall. Not sure if you up to tagging along for something like that."

[Ciraxis]

Squall face became blank upon hearing Night's request.

"Actually...no. I don't find it strange at all." unicorn replied.

"Your....unfamiliarity with such activities is not as unusual as you think. And I don't mean in 'Jeez-I-shouldn't-spent-so-many bits' kind of sense." he explained as they walked out of the building. Squall waved his leg at the bench that was near them and both ponies took a seat. After this he started again.

"After I left REA I became the mercenary. Many of them were former members of Army themselves. In this businesses you take jobs from all kinds of ponies. Rich guy making some request because he didn't want to dirty his hooves aren't uncommon. And since they choose the place for rendezvous..." swordpony left story hanging. Night was smart enough cookie to fill the blanks on her own.

"That said. They happen to be very nice places when you accommodate. And so I happen to know a perfect place..."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Malachite Avenue. One of the better known streets in Canterlot. Know for it's grand theater, cabarets, art galleries....and many, many expensive yet classy restaurants.

"Well, here we are. Luckily it's lunch time so it is relatively uncrowded, we shouldn't have trouble finding table. At dinner time it would be a different story..." he mused before turning towards the mare.

"So...which one?" he asked. I wasn't an easy question. There were so many establishments, that one could eat a meal at different one each day and still not visit them all after a month!

"This one, serves Unyasi cuisine. Really exotic, good if you want to experiment with unusual tastes." he pointed at the restaurant named 'Mondo Tale'.

"And this one." stallion turned Night's focus towards other establishment "Specializes in Mexicolt food. Very spicy. I meant very spicy" Squall put extra emphasis on the 'spicy'.

"In that one, lot's of mushrooms, tasty but heavy. And there, Prench kitchen. I heard that they have excellent selection of wine's, but as a teetotaler I can't talk from experience. And here a Germaney food......Actually I don't recommend it...."

This was going on and on. There were so many of those restaurants and yet Swift had a word or two about which one.

"So...made you pick? And don't say I should decide. You idea, your choice." he gave the mare a smirk, knowing that he put the unexperienced mare in quite a dilemma.

[Lux]

Night Watcher wasn't quick to judge others but she felt that her life in the Lunar Guard was different from anything else in Equestria bound by rules and procedure and by a natural order of things. In her quick judgement she forgot that the stallion sitting next to him was a former REA member.

"I'm sorry that I rushed to judgment thinking that I'm the only one who didn't know about certain things. But you said that you were a mercenary. What jobs that you do exactly?"

The answer had to wait as the duo traveled to a district that Night knew to be one of many high class restaurants and businesses. Of course most of these places were closed during her nightly patrol. Still the mare did wonder what it was like when these places were active. As Swift named the stores and what they offered, Night looked at each place, her hunger growing by the minute.

"It is hard to decided on where to go. All of them are very nice sounding. Don't worry, I will make up my mind eventually. I think we'll go there."

With that she pointed to the restaurant named Mondo Tale. If there was something she wanted to try it was something exotic.

[Ciraxis]

"What jobs?" Squall repeated after the mare and rubbed his temple.This is gonna be a long answer.

"Well Night...basically I did everything. Let's see.... he pondered for a second.

"During my career I happened to be a caravan escort, bounty hunter, dueler for hire, government privateer preying on pirates. I was bodyguard of Ashened Coppers on two of their tours as well - they are a blast to hang around by the way. Once carried a massage to Soggalong Swamp Oracle. Worked as private investigator from time to time. Tomb rider, swordsmanship instructor, explorer. And a lot more smaller jobs no worth mentioning." unicorn finished, a little out of breath after a tirade.

After a brief exposition, Night despite her voice choose quickly. Squall cocked the eyebrow. Unyasi cuisine wasn't what most decided to try when they wanted to take their taste buds for an adventure. Not at first time at least.

As the pair entered the building, they eye were greeted by quite a sight. Restaurant itself was somewhat split in two. One half was decorated in savanna style. Blue, yellow and green painting on the walls depicted an Unyasian grasslands, with furniture stylized in 'tribal hut' style. The other part was much more green but also darker. It represented the dark jungles of the continent. Through the painted wall of the greenery gazed the eyes of imaginary predators. The wholeness of the depicted 'Unyasi Style' was complemented by obligatory zebra waitresses.

Swift took the sniff of the restaurant air. Those aromas sure stirred the memory. Almost immediately greeted by one of the stropped employees.

"Good day. How can we help you two?" asked the zebra mare in the thick accent. To no doubt surprise of the both females, unicorn replied but not in equestrian. Instead he spoke in some foreign language, his words directed at the zebra. She herself stepped back in surprise, but second later replied in similar matter but in the quizzical tone. Squall gave a lot more quick words in the exotic speech, accompanied by the smile. Stripped mare returned even wider one and the pair could guess that for once, it wasn't forced. After she disappeared to take order from other customers Swift addressed his winged companion.

"Menus for us will arrive shortly. Also we lucky. So it happens that we arrived just ten minutes before arrival of the band that plays music from the region." swordpony explained to the jet black mare.

[Lux]

Night gave a quizzical look to the unicorn as they walked towards their restaurant destination. Surely nopony can do everything like he claimed, right. Then Swift began to clarify, offering a wide range of jobs all having an element of adventure and danger to them. Most of them were innocent enough, but the mentioning of being a duelist and a bounty hunter did give the mare apprehension. Just who was he dueling or hunting?

"Well, looks like you are right. You have done much. Sounds like your life has been an adventure so far."

The mare then gasped at the wonders before her in the restaurant. Of course she knew about Unyasi but she never seen the land of the zebras before. This restaurant however did paint a great picture of life in the jungle or savannah. As she took in the scene a zebra waitress greeted the pair in a thick accent. The biggest surprise came though when Swift replied with an unusual language towards the zebra. Night was taken aback that this pony who knew so much already now had learning a foreign language as another skill. The waitress in question was equally surprised, perhaps more that Night Watcher was.

"Ah so this restaurant comes with entertainment. And I could see you know the language of the zebras as well. What did you say exactly to her though?"

[Ciraxis]

"Beside the amiableness talk? Which part of Unyasi she was from." Swift said while lightly tapping the table. Stallion paused for the moment, clearly to gathers his thoughts before he continued.

"Unlike....our country, Unyasi don't have true governing body. Oh true, zebras stick together when they have to deal with those outside their continent - but aside of that the realm is divided. Each tribe their own customs and traditions and sticks to their own buissnes. And often they their own dialects as well. There are three distinctive languages Unyasi depending on the region. Amani in the south, Mwamba in the northwest and finally Nvuhai in the northeast. Each of these are divided further into the different accents and single words with different meanings depending on the tribe. It sounds really complicated but it's easy to grasp it in the line of work I used to do." unicorn explained. But realizing that it wasn't whole picture he added more for the clarification.

"Don't be surprised Night. If you a sellsword you have to communicate. No communication equals no job, no food and so on. As such you will hardly find mercenary who knows less then four languages. From my experience I must say it's uphill until the fifth one. After that it's easy. Although I had a head start unlike the most."

[Lux]

"Ah you asked where she was from," Night replied as she looked from the menu towards where Swift sat, "I do remember in my training class there was a brief course on Unyasi culture. Now that you brought it up, I do remember that each area has its tribal leaders and similar but different customs. I haven't through met any zebras from Unyasi, well not until now. I can understand that one must know the language to be able to communicate. Perhaps I should brush up on that in my training. You said that most mercenaries know four languages, so besides Equestrian and the Unyasi dialects and I'd assume some griffon languages do you know any more?"

As she waited for a response the pony looked over the menu with a confused look, many of the grains, fruits and vegetables unfamiliar to her even though they were explained in the easiest way possible.

[Ciraxis]

"Well....counting our innate language and those three I mentioned already it would be....fourteen." stallion knitted his eybrows as he recalled full excess of his linguistic knowledge. Not really seeing his companion reaction at this revelation he started counting aloud. "...Saddle Arabian, Itailyian, Germaney, Mexicolt, Old Unicornian, Prench, Maretonian, Neighponese, Long-Shan and Buffalo. I can write in most of them too except the the speech of zebras and buffalo. I also understand Draconis but can't speak it, nopony can without magic actually. Incompatible vocal chords you see. I heard however that our seafaring cousins can. Nothing surprising really - if you can imitate a dolphin, a large lizard can't be much of a challenge." Squall made a mention of yet other culture.

Before he could say another word however, their menus arrived. Unlike a little lost black mare, Swift knew clearly what he wanted. He turned towards the waitress and made his order.

"Let's see....I will take Kashata Na Nazi as a starter, Mango Salad for...well salad, Kpwem as a side dish, Saka-Madesu for the main course and finally Ngalakh being the desset." he almost recited glibly.

"Drink?" the stripped mare asked. It was hard to not notice that she felt comfortable enough around this new customer, that she didn't added a 'Sir' part. Swift Squall himself didn't appeared to mind at all.

"Amani Coffe would do." stallion said with a slight nod before shifting his attention back at the Night.

"Well it's your turn now. Before yo pick though, be mindful that many dishes from that continent use curry, hot peppers, peanuts or even all three. Also since it's your first time eating such things take some juice. Coffee and Unyasi beers are for ponies whose stomaches are inured against such cuisine already."

[Lux]

For a moment Night Watcher's mouth hung open as the flood of languages poured out from Swift. There seemed to be no limit to the knowledge that Swift knew from sword fighting to ancient lore to languages. It was almost overwhelming being in his presence as typically a guard pony was one with much knowledge because is was necessary to know things beyond straight battle tactics.

"Well you certainly have a great grasp on the languages of the area. As for me, I know some Griffon languages, and a little Prench, Germaney, Saddle Arabian, and Old Mexicolt. Guess that I need to brush up more, and really most who visit Canterlot from other places at least know our language or have a translator. Still that isn't really an excuse for me not knowing."

Having been before to this restaurant, Swift ordered like he had the same meal before. Night on the other hoof felt lost in the menu. Granted there were descriptions of each meal but that still didn't help too much to narrow the choices. Still she found an answer.

"I'll have the Pilipili mkate tufe saladi for the main dish, mchele for the side and nazi chocolate keki for dessert please" she replied bumbling through the pronunciation as best as she could before adding, "Oh and the ginger juice please to drink."

Pilipili mkate tufe saladi= Spicy bread bowl salad, mchele = rice, nazi chocolate keki = coconut chocolate cake. Thank you Google translator!

[Ciraxis]

Squall didn't really noticed Night's reaction, himself distracted by sight outside of restaurant window and memories of times when he did use those languages.

He spaced long enough that he almost missed that Night begun to speak.

"Ehh? Grasp? No, not really. As I said, I had a head start. I never gone to the normal school, I was educated by the very good tutors. Before I...left home I knew four languages already." unicorn downplayed his linguistic skills.

"And the rest? As I said, necessity. You want to both talk and preferably write in the speech of the place where you looking for the job. Anypony pressed with such need would learn as quickly or starve. When in not a urgent matter, most ponies don't learn language outside of out own. The fact that you picked up so much already without any teachers is huge accomplishment." Swift Squall turned mare's words of humbleness into praise.

While Night took her own order, Squall gazed out of the window again pensively. No doubt he was thinking about other stuff, not connected to their current conversation. Stallion as well traveled as he, had to have a lot on his head. He seamed to look beyond the scenes going outside.

"So Night..." he started suddenly. "What were you planning to do? For the future I mean?" noblepony gave her a hard question.

[Lux]

Night nodded at the stallion's words of how much of his need for languages were based on his travels. Having no experience venturing forth from the borders of Equestria, Night really didn't need this knowledge. Still perhaps she should look into it. She did blush when Silver complimented her on her grasp of her knowledge of certain languages.

"Well... actually I did have teachers in the army who trained me and others how to read, write and speak these languages. Griffon languages were the hardest though as much of it is based upon not just what you say but how you say it. That and the fact that much of it is based off roars or screeches of preatatory cats or birds which griffons are made of."

As the two waited, night noticed how Swift longingly stared out the windows. She for a moment feared that he was getting bored, but no, this looked like something else was on his mind. Then came the question, one about his future.

"Well, I suppose I will continue in the military. I hope one day to become one of the Princesses' bodyguards which I consider a high position. As for what else, I'd like to when I'm too old to fight teach others about military history or tactics. Guess my parents were right, military runs in my blood after all. How about you Swift, what do you want to do?"

[Ciraxis]

"Eheheheh..." Squall gave out the giggle "Oh Night you so silly. Don't you get it? Tutors and teachers have nothing to do with it. If there is no 'will' the greatest linguist would be helpless. Such thing applies to all arts. There is no results if one wish not to learn." he explained, afterward his face turned serious again.

"Of course it is hardest. We are the herbivores, and they are the carnivores. Our throats, tongues and vocal chords formed for different purposes. And yet they are one of only predators who language we can learn. Even so, as you said - it's fact it's hard indeed. There is also the fact, that despite this you managed to do so regardless, with tutor or not. You can humble yourself, in achieving this, but I will not belittle it, and nopony should." stallion said, his eyes sharp, and voice sounding solid with conviction.

Just as solid was his belief in Nights worth, he also patiently he heard her plans of the future. But...

"Princess bodyguard? I...see." swordpony said politely, but it was a hint of something in his voice. A hint of...disappointment?

Whatever she addressed this or not, Squall proceeded to answer question given to him.

"Me? Well there is many things I want to do." he started, closing his eyes. This gave him a very collected appearance.

"I want to win gold medal in swordponyship in Equestria Games for one thing. And who knows? Maybe go beyond that. I also want to make my town, Fillydlphia a better place, make it grow, develop. There is an issue with businesses that my father owns. Since I am not much of a businesses pony I wish to find some worthy manager. Who knows? Maybe it will be my own offspring. But in the end it comes to one point...." he shifted somewhat in his seat, and by the trick of light, Squall face was half hidden by the shadows.

"...We never know what tomorrow brings. You met me on the wild chase after piece of cheese...well particularly expensive one but still cheese. Yet believe me or not, this is actually a slow day for me. I risk my life twice a week so I have no grantee that I will make any of my plans reality. But..."

he paused for moment, tapping the table with his hoof. Additionally his face became illuminated again.

"...But in the end, the fact that I do so is my choice. I told you didn't I? I play knight-errant. Or as many say, 'vigilante'. Thats because I won't ignore evil in plain sight. In the end I think not just important what you want to do with your life, but also how you go through it. Even if I would reach my goals but by using means going against my being, I would never forgive myself." he sighted and looked straight at Night.

"In short, what's important is not only 'what' but 'how' as well." he gave pegaus a slight smile.

It seemed that he wanted to tell something more but at the same time arrived...

<THUNDER-CRASH> APPETIZERS!

<EXPLOSION> FIRST COURSE!

<ZAP> AND THE MAIN COURSE!

"That...." said stunned Squall to the zebra waitress that suddenly was next to them "...the most dynamic serving I ever seen."

[Lux]

Night blushed at the compliment regarding her language. She didn't usually feel embarrassed at a compliment as being a Lunar Guard one was bound to receive a few compliments. He understood the fact that the two languages were different due to the nature of each species' anatomy.

"I would have guessed a griffon's beak was the main reason why their language was different but now that you mention it I can understand that since their bodies are designed to eat meat that changes everything. Actually choosing the griffon language I thought was the most logical to do as I see more griffons in Canterlot than others species like zebras."

Night couldn't help but notice Swift's look of disregard on her choice of the future being a bodyguard. It was odd why this was a bad idea in the unicorn's mind. She had no indication from him that he disliked the royalty as after all he was from the noble sort. Maybe it was that he saw her doing something else. Before she could ask though Swift explained his plans to win in the Equestria Games, improve his family's business, and help his city. His optimism though was tempered with the notion that his career that he chose put him in danger of those dreams not coming true.

"Well, you have many noble goals, so I wouldn't worry that you might not see them all happen. You just have to have a plan that's all. Still, something you're right, things do change. When I joined the REA, I had no idea Luna would return so I had no dreams of being a lunar Guard. I did plan to rise in the ranks but not as I anticipated it. Guess certain things happened that were favorable to me. Who knows, maybe something will happen that will tie together what you're doing now and your dreams of the future. I wonder though, you seemed to not like my future of being a bodyguard. Is there something that you see me as differently? I'm not mad or anything, just curious."

Just like that as she finished, not one but all of her courses were presented to her.

"Thanks," she replied to the waitress as she tried the spicy bread bowl, something which die to its size looked intimidating for the mare who was used to small meals at the base. She took the fork and tried some of the salad. Whatever the dressing was, it made the salad far from boring. Then a few seconds later she felt it, a little burn of spice on her tongue. It wasn't bad but surprising.

"Wow, you weren't kidding that Unysaian food was spicy. Even the salad is spicy! It's good though. I assume you had what you are having now before?"

[Ciraxis]

Squall nodded in approval regarding Night's choice of second language.
"Aquelia is our neighbor after all." Indeed it was logical decision, especially for a Lunar Guard soldier.

Noblepony was also positively taken aback by her optimistic attitude. He stared at the mare for a moment before giving a chuckle.
"Heh, aren't you hopeful Night." he gazed at her with a little more respect
"You know, you aren't what I was expecting from meeting a Lunar Guard. I expected somepony...well brooding and mysterious. But...you not like that, you optimistic. Surprises like that make me enjoy living a little more each day."

Swordpony again paused when pegasus asked for a clarification regarding his opinion. He leaned back slightly, closed his eyes and tapped his hooves a few times. And again. And again. He opened his jade eyes again before she could get impatient.
"Oh, I am sorry. I not avoiding the question." Swift explained "I just wanted to dress it in appropriate words. I ask you this in return. What Princess bodyguards can stop, that she herself couldn't deal with?" he asked
"Oh sure, they can guard her privacy or sleep so no loco would disrupt her. But aside from that? She's one of most powerful ponies alive, yet we know that not always was enough. And if another Chrysalis or Tirek arrive, ones who can defeat even her, what chances the bodyguards have? And anything less she can deal with her hooves behind her back."
He paused for a moment and continued "I think she allows all these soldiers in the castle not because for her own security, but because ponies believe that as the ruler of our realm she should have guards. And she goes on with it, since otherwise it would make ponies antsy. Maybe an excuse to give all this staff a job, so they would feel needed. Once something breaks image we had in our heads, we get uncomfortable, so we tend to go over logic holes when it doesn't fit an image." he paused before looking straight at the black mare.
"All of that, and also I think it would be the waste. True, we know each other for only few hours, but I can already can tell you are very capable pony Night. There is something in you that can make you very, very impressive given time. I don't know what it is, but maybe somepony do, and believe me, I rarely wrong in cases like this. It's true your Cute Mark is a shield, but there are other means to protect others then pretending being the statue before pair of doors. I believe there is no such thing as destiny, other then the one we make for ourselves. I coaxed you before and I will again. Go travel the world, learn, experience it before you make a decision." he concluded before taking a sip of his coffee "Nice flavor, was a while since I tasted one like this." he said with nonchalance, as if he never made a titanic monologue from second ago.

When she asked about his own experience with Unyasi cuisine Squall again nodded in confirmation.
"Indeed I did. If I put together all the time I spent in land it's come from it would be two years, although I don't expect I will return there in the future. Unyasi isn't like Equestria or even Aquelia. It's more like resembles....Everfree, but not as sinister. No pegasus manages the weather, plants grow as they please, and wild life plays the game of 'Survival of the Fittest'. But there is no malice in this Night, all of those things just...are. It's natural, like wetness of the water, or transparency of the air. But there are other thing there as well...so many I could spent days waving the tales from the zebra land."

[Lux]

"Exactly," Night said after trying more of the salad regarding how close the Griffon Lands were to Equestria. It was only natural that this would be her first choice. The black Pegasus looked at Swift funny as he chuckled at her before explaining how optimistic she was and that it was surprising.

"I guess I can say that when I joined the REA, I thought I had to almost have a double life. While on patrol or during drills I had to be tough, emotionless and skeptical of things while my real self was... well what you see now. The problem is that doing that, keeping my true self under a sheet, you forget who you are. But being with you and other ponies I realized I still can be strong without having to have this other persona. So I have to say thanks for helping me realize that. It may take time to not slip back to that old self but I'm getting there."

There was a strange awkward moment as Swift said nothing to her about her question regarding his future. She wondered if he was just being polite or if he needed time to think to explain finally he did say what was on his mind about being a bodyguard. to the Princess. It was eye opening to see that Swift believed the Guards to be figureheads, there to show power without exerting much of it.

"Oh yes, I do remember the events of Chrysalis very well," the Pegasus replied as she looked on that dark time, "I was there, prepared to defend the city from any threat from the outside. Little did I know that the threat came from within the walls. As for Tirek, that was a dark day for me as well. I was one who fought against him but was easily defeated as if I was a mere filly playing with a wooden sword and acting like a guard. I hope this time Chrysalis and Tirek are gone for good. But I digress. Now that you mention it the guards who are with the Princess are indeed there for show. The Princesses are indeed powerful and therefore the guards are there as a formality. You're right, my cutie mark is there to protect, and being by a door would not help to do that. I truly want to help ponies, not just protect them from evil but to help in anything they are in need of. You're right, maybe I need to explore more before I hastily make my first step."

She listened as the unicorn across from her told about the wild untamed land of Unyasi. It was interesting to know how the zebras worked with the land rather than bending the land to them. In her mind she pictured wide expanses of grasslands and jungles.

"Unyasi sounds like a beautiful place. I'll definitely put it on my list of places to go."

[Ciraxis]

"We all were masks, at one point or other." Squall said. enigmatically about Night's mention of double life. "The thing is, to know when to cast them off when you don't need them." he added. Like he....like was somepony who knew this all to well. Regardless, noblepony said no more word about it, leaving the things up to mare's imagination.

Then was the topic of the villains who threatened their realm in the past...

"Tirek may be gone, for forever or at least chained for our lifetimes. But don't have such false hopes for Changeling Queen..." stallion voice was almost berating and his gaze turned a little harsher.

"Did you forgot that her shadow still looms over us? I fought her forces. I say more, she was in Ponyville during this memorable Nightmare Night. And worse yet, she still on the lose. I fear even now, she may be plotting something horrible, looking for allies and weakness to strike." Squall reminded the black pegasus. His features turned softer once more however, so it appeared that he wasn't angry, just scorning a little.

It was indeed the case, while Squall didn't said that outright - aside from naming Night a friend - he took liking to the Lunar Guard. And scorning he did was born out of worry. It would be bad for her to get caught off guard.

Night also expressed her desire to visit the zebra land. Squall simply nodded, munching on his food. Surprisingly, a half of it was gone already. How he did that between all this monologues?!

Unicorn swallowed and picked on the topic, from where she left.

"Beautiful it is, but think about it more of place of learning. No, there are not huge, secret libraries as much as I know. Rather it life there itself that can teach you." Swift paused to take a sip of his coffee.

"Make no mistake, aside from the coastal cities, Unyasi is dangerous. Unlike Everfree however it's fair. Harsh but fair. Ponies, for example, think that at such place animals are free to do as they please but it's not the case. Predators have their territories, all beings have their pathways - yes, even the birds in the sky - and all struggle to overcome ever-present enemy, 'Hunger'. They are indeed the rules, unforgiving if you break them but again, there is no malice in it. Stay within the bounds, and you will be fine. And it applies to all, both good and bad, wherever you are the dragon, or centipede in the damming off leaves at the bottom of the jungle. I still advise to see it all, but not alone. Go with somepony who was there. By all means, be prepared" swordpony gave Night a bit of advice, before returning to munching at his food. It had to be as spicy as the mare's, but unicorn wasn't giving any hints that it bothered him at all.

[Lux]

It made Night Watcher wonder what exactly Swift had in his life regarding a mask. She understood that there was a point that all who wore masks would no longer need them and there were some that sadly relied on them for life. She didn't think he was wearing a mask now, but it still surprised her all the same.

The topic shifted to Chrysalis as Night continued with her salad, now making her way around the soft yet still spicy bread bowl that held the remnants of the salad. She sighed as Swift explained that Chrysalis was still out there and possibly planning another attack. It was an unsettling thought as she wrestled with some pent up anger and sadness in her mind. She quickly controlled it so as not to ruin this perfect day.

"I know, believe me of all ponies I do. I was there when she attacked before and I and the others were powerless to stop her and the other Changelings. Before this we felt safe, that no one would dare attack the Princesses and Canterlot, but it happened. Even though Chrysalis was defeated, not a day goes by that my mind doesn't go through the list of what ifs and how to prevent it from happening again. Because I know it will as it was proven in Ponyville. To fight a powerful enemy and one who can easily change forms is no easy task, but I hope one day I will be successful."

It was odd hearing Swift speak to her in such a worry some tone, but the mare didn't see it as him yelling at her. Instead it was the same tone and manner that somepony important in her life like her father or her drill instructors who though harsh were fair. Deep down she liked Swift and she knew that he didn't want anything bad to happen to her, nor did she want anything to see happen to him. But then the topic shifted to the mysterious Unyasi. It sounded dangerous but beautiful at the same time, a place where one could be and see what such an untamed world had to offer.

"Oh I do intend to find somepony who has been there before. Such places require an additional preparation than just entering in like we did here in this restaurant. I don't suppose on one of your return trips to Unyasi you can perhaps take me with you. Entirely up to you, I don't want to force it if you prefer to travel alone."

[Ciraxis]

Squall rose an eyebrow, realizing that mare struggled with some negative emotions for a moment, quickly putting them under the lid. It was like looking into the mirror in some way. While Swift couldn't know what kind of feelings his words brought into the surface, Night's self control made him look with newfound respect at his most recent friend.

And then was her monologue about her expectations and experiences. This...this too sounded very familiar.

"So you think so too, huh?" he muttered. It wasn't anything more to add. Pegasi mare spoke his words exactly. Fighting the parasites was not an easy task, but may he be ****ed if he gave up in serving the justice to them.

But suddenly the topic shifted into...uncomfortable direction.

"I.....not planning any return trips." replied the unicorn, his mood turning gloomy. Squall never liked to talk about Unyasi. He talked about with his family and friends but the only pony, who knew whole, complete story was Fire. Realizing that their food was finished, Squall got up without any delays. A little too fast to be natural.

"So...I need to check one more place. Shall we get going?" swordpony tried to sound cheerful but even he realized that it sounded forced. Swift sighted in resignation and explained.

"Night it's isn't about you. I don't mind having a traveling company just....not into Unyasi. And please don't ask. I don't want to talk about it...yet. Maybe in future but...not now." he plead. The tone he spoke mad him sound...tired. Not in the physical sense, but in deeper, more valuable way.