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(Canterlot) Out of Her Element (Open)


Lux

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It was a strange experience as Night Watcher walked from the barracks of the Lunar Guard. Normally the jet black Pegasus was accustomed to being in the city at night when few ponies were around dressed in the silvery armor of a Lunar Guard, ready to patrol the streets for anypony that needed her help or any danger. But here she was feeling strange without her armor which was just as much as second skin to her. She didn't even have her military uniform she wore for drills or meetings on. For all purposes she was just like all the other ponies that passed her by.

This was her idea of course, but encouraged by her fellow officers. She and they wanted her to take a day or so and live a normal life, one without drills and paperwork and patrols. Admittedly the mare had little time for things like going to a restaurant, shopping at a store, or even friends. Although she loved her job and the sense of pride that came with it, but she felt that something was missing, something that she only felt years ago before joining the REA. She was a soldier, but that wasn't completely what she was nor did she want it to be.

"What did I just agree to?" she said to no pony in particular as she looked back to where the entrance of the barracks were. She could easily return to her comfort place, but that would be too easy. Plus her other soldier companions would never let her live it down.

"So have fun and make friends. Alright then, here goes nothing."

With that she trotted towards the city she knew all too familiarly in the night but in the day she felt like a stranger in a strange world.

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"Out of the way. MOVE!" shouted the Swift Squall as he made his way between supercilious aristocrats. Most of them looked at stallion with disdain, no doubt wondering how this daredevil dared? Yes, just dared as thoughts of most nobility never wondered far from next banquet or latest gossip. If they only knew...

But it wasn't important! What mattered now was item rolling down the Canerlot streets, and Swift's attempts of keeping up with.

"Excuse me. Look out. Don't even think about that kid." stallion muttered as blitzed past certain ponies, his duster flapping behind him like a wings of some hellish bat.

Squall clenched his teeth as chased item disappeared behind the corner, he sided on his hooves doing the same...

And crashed frontally with a jet black mare, knocking both of them on the ground.

"Curses!" unicorn growled while putting himself back on his legs before....completely ignoring the mare, to the point of jumping over her like an other obstacle! Focused on rolling prize Swift didn't even bothered with 'Sorry'. How rude!

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No sooner had she ventured into the world as a normal pony, something was already happening. Her ears perked up at the sound of a pony shouting, Soon the stallion appeared, almost knocking over others and causing quite an uproar. It didn't look like he was in danger, the first thing that Night watcher would always be on the watch for. Instead he looked like he was chasing something, ignoring everypony and everything around him in the process.

Her eyes went wide as she saw the stallion barreling towards her with reckless abandon. Surely seeing her, especially a black coated Pegasus in the daylight, he would stop, right?

"Hey, you, stop, you're going to..."

Before she could move or finish, the stallion barreled right into her knocking both of them. While Night struggled to her hooves, she expected some courtesy of the pony apologizing, but instead he merely jumped over her like she was a rock or something else in the road. It was bad enough she was not noticed, but the discourtesy was the thing that was the last straw.

"IN THE NAME OF THE ROYAL EQUESTRIAN ARMY, HALT!" she said in what she called her "drill sergeant voice," one that she hated to use but in times like these it just came out. Well, there went her day free of doing anything military like.

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Squall didn't heard the protesting mare. Or at least he didn't recognized her words - oh sure she shouted something but then again so were the others he run past by. Too focused he was on chasing the rolling item, and his clapping hooves didn't helped in hearing Night either. Swift was getting away fast, but it wasn't not a speed that pegasus in good shape wouldn't catch up to. Unicorn's frantic chase against escaping prize leaded him into Canterlot open air market. It was just his luck...marked wasn't open every day...actually only for two days for each two weeks. That didn't slowed him however, using his parkour skills he jumped, rolled ,vaulted and slided between shopping ponies, stands and street infrastructure. some of his movements were on verge of physical impossibility, but Squall was justified since he supported himself with telekinesis...at some parts. Squall was in the middle of the horizontal wall run when he saw that the item was heading to the worst possible place.

"No,no,no,nonononono..." he thought when he speed up after landing.

Canterlot is a mountain city. And while it gives the residents one of the most breathtaking sights on the continent it also comes with it's own drawbacks.

Like steep cliffs from which you can fall. You or something you own. Exactly like the item Swift was chasing around is-in-risk-of-falling was.

"No no no no no no NO!" Squall kept repeating - this time aloud. Stallion made one desperate attempt to catch the item - leaping forward, with his front legs extended he flew through the air and landing with a belly slide.....

Only for it to slip in the last second, roll under the railing and fall into the chasm below.

"$%^&" swordstallion cussed, seeing that all of the chase was for naught.

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Despite her voice causing everypony in earshot to stop and take notice, the stallion surprisingly paid no heed. Instead he took off, vaulting over things and even running along the wall! Night knew that this wasn't going to be an easy task to track this ignorant pony down so she took off into the air, following him as he went through the city. Finally she had him cornered into the marketplace which thankfully wasn't teeming with ponies as it wasn't open. She saw him fall and slide to the railing, an opportunity that she was ready to exploit to corner him until he apologized. But out of the corner of her eye she saw something small fall from the railing, heading for a one way trip off the city to the valley below.

Without thinking she flew over him and dove down the side, the winds from around the mountain buffeting her wings as she descended. Finally she caught up with the object and grabbing it pulled up hard lest she be cashed on the ground. Carefully she flew upward until she landed near the unicorn. Her mane and tail were in a complete disarray and even her wings had some feathers out of joint. This didn't faze her though as the toll her chase took on her. She was a military pony, but flying down from the city and then making the trip back up was tiring to even the most athletic of Pegesai in the ranks.

"I guess this was what you were chasing after when you knocked me over," she said while trying to catch her breath, "Mind telling me what this is? I figure you owe me at least that after saving it for you, and for hitting me. Telling me your name also would be nice."

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Swift got up with a frown on his face while glancing at still falling item. How in Tartarus he was supposed to reclaim it now?

Surprisingly though, it looked like that problem was solved for him by somepony else. Stallion observed from over the ledge as the pegasus mare first dived down after the object of his chase, and then flied back up before landing. She looked quite worn up from the flight. But not as much as Squall expected her to be...but now that he gave her a good look it wasn't all that surprising. She was an athletic mare and her stance and way of flight reminded Swift of something....

But that was not important since she spoke.

"Well I also chased it before that to be honest....Oh..." only now stallion realized it was the same mare that he so forcefully bumped into. Before he could muster an proper apology the curious pegasus pointed at the round bundle.

"Actually I owe you much more then this, but all in due time. And I suppose it's nothing wrong in slaking one's curiosity..." he agreed before taking a package from the Night. With his magic he unfolded layers of paper to present her.....a cheese? Well not ordinary cheese that was for sure, the aroma of it was heavenly.

"Don't make a long face. This delicacy here is worth 1100 bits per pound. It's made from the milk of Gallopocus Fruit Bats which are on the strict diet of pineapples and bananas." noblpony explained as he re-wrapped the cheese.

"But most importantly, it's a birthday gift for one of my friends. He's an gifted cook and as such he would more then enjoy both the cheese in itself and the meals he could prepare with it."

"And uhhh...I am sorry for knocking you over. I tend to be over-focused sometimes." unicorn apologized "I am Swift Squall...Swordpony from Fillydelphia." stallion introduced himself. For a moment he wanted to say 'Swift Squall from House Squallcoast' but decided against it. First, he didn't wanted to burden her with his nobility status....and second, he considered not important. As he added the 'swordpony' part he moved one flap of his duster flashing the mare sheeted longsword.

Also, Swift couldn't help to see something recognizable in this nice mare. He rubbed his chin for a moment before he realized what it was. Her stance and way of flying was often seen by him during his Honor Guard training long ago.

"You are...from Lunar Division? Well Miss Soldier allow me to buy you a lunch and coffee at last. That flight was tiring even for a professional as yourself."

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Normally Night Watcher wasn't one to butt into a pony's lives unless it was a matter of importance to the safety of ponies around of the state of Equestria. These moments thankfully were few and far between as most ponies were content living a peaceful life. Still the fact that this stallion in front of her had gone great lengths to catch this sphere like object that she held in her hooves, going as far as to run her over in the process. There were two things that came to mind about this item: it was either something that had great sentimental value or it was a powerful magical object. The later was a concern for her.

Her eyes went wide though upon seeing what it really was... an ordinary looking ball of cheese. She raised an eyebrow as to how important the stallion put to it, but even more so when he explained how much this food cost! Night couldn't fathom anything costing 1,100 bits, much less food. She'd be lucky to accept a dinner over 15 bits. She now knew that she was in the presence of one of the many wealthy ponies that were in the city. Not to say these were bad just different from her. But he seemed different, and strangely familiar, put she couldn't put a hoof on why.

"Well sir, apologies accepted. I admit I wasn't looking where I was going either. In any case nice to meet you Swift Squall. I am Staff Sergeant Night Watcher of the Lunar Guard."

She couldn't help but feel strange giving her title with her name like it was forever part of it. Old habits died hard she guessed.

"But you can feel free to call me Night Watcher if you wish since I'm off duty."

There, that should eliminate the awkwardness. What intrigued her though was the title that the stallion gave her, Swordspony. she heard about ponies who were skilled with the sword, lending their agility and power. With a unicorn and their telekinesis it was a perfect fit of such a profession. Strangely, the stallion knew she was a Lunar Guard seemingly before she could reply and that he knew her from somewhere.

"Yes, I am from the Lunar Guard, the first group actually after Princess Luna returned and the Lunar Guard was reestablished. And thank you for offering me lunch. That is very nice of you. Strange though, I think I know you from somewhere but I don't know where. Were you part of the Royal Equestrian Army?"

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"But you can feel free to call me Night Watcher if you wish since I'm off duty."

"Well maybe I will..." stallion replied before smiling slightly "...if you drop the 'Sir' part that is."

When he confirmed his observations Squall simply nodded. When Lunar Guard reformed Swift was long after his REA episode of his life. However during his training existed unit called 'Night Division' and noblepony remembered joined maneuvers with them. Back then a relict of old times, still operative even after the Princess Luna banishment. However the group still persisted, preserving old training methods and customs. After Moon Alicorn return Night Division was incorporated into newly reformed Lunar Guard, bringing all traditional baggage with them. That's why Night Watcher seemed so familiar to him, despite the fact they service time were far apart (well, not that far apart...six years at most).

Also Squall couldn't help but notice that he tended to bump into mares in the uniform. First Moto, then Acclaim...heck even Pressy - not herself in the army - was daughter of the general. It would be baffling if it weren't amusing....at last from stallion point of view. Maybe he should get himself a checklist.

"Strange though, I think I know you from somewhere but I don't know where. Were you part of the Royal Equestrian Army?"

"I got a similar feeling to tell the truth. And I think it's related to the second question, to which answer is 'Yes and No.'..but it isn't saying much isn't it? Well allow me to enlighten you over the cup of coffee. There is a nice place nearby if I remember."

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"....and so I quit right before inauguration ceremony. I wasn't really into such disciplined life style...at least when it came from somepony other then myself. So I made a mature decision and spared both myself and Army some trouble by leaving." Squall finished explicating about his training as REA recruit at first, and Honor Guard cadet later. Swordstallion took a sip of his cappuccino before continuing.

"If I am not mistaken - and I am not because my sweetheart is in the Army as well - Lunar Guard still have joint maneuvers with commando unit just as the Night Division used too. That's why we got the same impression of familiarity." he added while picking up the spoon and taking the taste of one of the two crème brûlée's he ordered. Swift could tell that his conversation partner wasn't familiar with...well....casual conversation. He could sympathize....Just two years ago, when meeting Fire and Dunder he was only re-adjusting to life before his runaway and was in the very same boat as she was now.

"So Night...." he stared again while taking another sip "What were you doing before I almost trampled you?" he asked.

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Night smiled as as the stallion agreed to ditching the formalities. Too often even when the mare was without her armor or any sign of being in the Lunar Guard her title continued on. It was a title that she was proud of, one she spent years climbing the ranks to get, but there were times that she longed to be known as just Night Watcher and what she was like rather than her military life. Despite introducing herself by her official title the swordspony wasn't fazed. Perhaps it was because she didn't look like she was in the military at the time, or as Night felt a better answer that he knew others in the military.

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As she quietly sipped her cup of coffee (always black as the habit of her barracks only serving what could keep ponies awake the longest at night) Swift poke of his time being in the military, going as far in training to Inauguration Day before deciding it wasn't for him. It was a pity to go so far only to stop, but she had seen this before. Army life was certainly not for everypony, but the rewards were great.

"That is an interesting story," she said setting down her now empty cup, "I have heard about that there was a Night Guard before the Lunar Guard had been reformed, mainly to protect the citizens with a dedicated force to patrol the night. The vestiges of Princess Luna were gone though until she returned. Actually it was at that time that I was told of the Moon Princess's return and the reforming of the Lunar Guard, an opportunity that I didn't want to pass up. I guess there is something about the night that is calming and peaceful to me as I make my patrols. And yes, we still use similar procedures like using the night to our advantage like surprise attacks and covering as do we still use many of the training methods and drills. But who is your special somepony that is in the military? Perhaps she is somepony I know. Also, i can see you still carry a sword. Are you still doing something paramilitary or training?"

Of course the question was asked as to why a ;pony accustomed to the night was out in the day.

"Well, in all honesty, I wanted to tour Cantelot while not in my armor and in the daytime where I can meeet ponies. Being a Night Guard is great, but I don't get much time to meet others except for those who I patrol with of course. So that is why I was out. You don't happen to know of interesting places you like to visit here, do you?"

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I guess there is something about the night that is calming and peaceful to me as I make my patrols.

"Calming hmm?" Squall muttered before taking another sip of his cappuccino. Well Night brought some interesting notes about -heh - nighttime. Unicorn could actually agree, empty streets when there is nopony to talk to allow to contemplate the surroundings more then during the daylight. At last in the civilized parts. Usually when Squall was up during the night, he had tendency to be in parts where local fauna had the same ideas. That fauna also more often then not owned jaws resembling the knife exhibition so admiring the night sky was usually out of question.

Swift realized that his mind drifted off for a moment when Night asked about his sweetheart...

But who is your special somepony that is in the military? Perhaps she is somepony I know.

"It's First Lieutenant Fire Walker. She used to serve under Canterlot Division before she moved out and joined Suntrot" swordstalion during the last part displayed that he wasn't exactly happy with the last part.

"She also has a large family. All of them named thematically....you know, the 'Walker' part. It also happens that most of them are in army too." he added, to stir Night Watcher memory.

Also, I can see you still carry a sword. Are you still doing something paramilitary or training?

"Well, of course I carry the sword. It's of my special talent after all..." he explained before shifting up, and pulling flaps of his duster, giving Night a glimpse of his Cutie Mark. And his muscular leg. For a unicorn Swift was quite ripped.

"...and I still train but more on my own terms. I done lot's of things after I quit army but nowadays I am more like....a knight-errant. " he shrugged with some nonchalance.

"Well, in all honesty, I wanted to tour Cantelot while not in my armor and in the daytime where I can meeet ponies. Being a Night Guard is great, but I don't get much time to meet others except for those who I patrol with of course. So that is why I was out. You don't happen to know of interesting places you like to visit here, do you?"

"I say you doing pretty good. You already meet one. And so happens I still have whole day of various businesses and places to visit while I am still in Canterlot. I wouldn't mind sharing some company.And I would say that -Yes - most would count them as interesting." he gave her a slight smile.

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Night tried to remember if she could recall anypony named Walker. There were certainly none that were in the Lunar Guard, but then she remembered a pony named Punk Walker that was in her group when chaperoning younger ponies through the castle. Looking at Swift, he was none too happy seeing his special somepony far away from him.

"I can see you are not happy that she left, but this is something that we as soldiers must face with danger and temporary separation from the ones we care about. I can only hope that she is doing well on her mission."

Night Watcher was surprised how forthright Swift was in explaining the reason behind why he used a sword. A simple explanation would suffice but the unicorn instead showed his mark. Interesting enough Night could see he was very athletic, more than the usual unicorn walking the streets.

"Well I am glad that you still continue honing your skills. How did you find that using a sword was your talent? Was it while in the military?"

She was happy to see that she had at least met one pony who appeared to be interested beyond her just being a military pony and that he was willing to let her travel with him.

"I'd be happy to accompany you on your journey through the city, if nothing more that to catch any rolling cheese packages."

With that the mare gave a little laugh before sipping her coffee.

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On 19.05.2014 at 0:00 AM, Lux said:

"I can see you are not happy that she left, but this is something that we as soldiers must face with danger and temporary separation from the ones we care about. I can only hope that she is doing well on her mission."

Stallion shook his head upon hearing Night words. "That's not it." he said before taking yet another sip of his cappuccino.

"When we started dating we were already from different cities. She was in Canterlot then, and I am live in Fillydelphia but distance was not a problem. Neither it was the danger....both she and I tend to...well stumble into dangerous, very dangerous situations. Well maybe I more so then her but we both know what each other is doing. No, my problem lies with Suntrot itself." he explained before putting his hooves together into a steeple and slightly leaning forward.

"The idea behind the unit is good. It's the right reasons, right resources, financing and specialists put together for success with dealing various dangers around Equestria. But it was assembled to oppose one primary danger: changelings. And in that regard it failing horribly." Squall said and took a deep breath before continuing.

"Princess Sparkle had certainly right intentions but publicly announcing creation of the unit was horrible tactical decision. I mean, changelings are known for what exactly? Spying and infiltration. I think you could put up the rest together Night..." unicorn added before leaning back against the chair.

"As I said the idea is not bad per se, but Suntrot should be assembled silently. Maybe not make it so big and attention demanding....unless there is a Moontrot somewhere that citizens are not aware of. Now that would work. But overall I worried that my Moto is wasting her time there. She is seasoned soldier she should get promotion long ago. Instead she is drafted from one corner of the realm to the other, chasing the enemy they will never engage..." Swift shook head sadly.

"But of course it's only my opinion." he added quickly.

On 19.05.2014 at 0:00 AM, Lux said:

"How did you find that using a sword was your talent? Was it while in the military?"

"I was but a child back then. Although when I joined I wasn't an adult either...." stallion quietly muttered to himself. "I found out what my talent was back in home when I was a kid. Guess it runs in a blood since....Uhhh.." stallion faltered. Should he tell her? Night probably had some suspicions towards him already. Oh, who was he kidding? Most ponies don't buy cheese worth thousand's bits as a present!

"...Since my mother is Grapes Squall. Yes, that's Grapes Squall." he confirmed before she could ask. Having famous former sportsmare for a parent came with implications that most wouldn't guess of. Like playing the parrot when explaining who you mother is.

On 19.05.2014 at 0:00 AM, Lux said:

"I'd be happy to accompany you on your journey through the city, if nothing more that to catch any rolling cheese packages."

"Good! Then let's not waste anymore words, as much as enjoyable it is. Next place that I wanted to visit is not hat far off actually..." swordpony said, as he got up from the table.

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And so soon after both ponies wee standing before...auction house. Of course not just any auction house. The building was build in an old style, but kept in excelent shape. Most ponies that were walking in and out were undoubtedly members of Canterlot high-life.

"Not exactly what you was exacting, isn't it Night? Wherever I am in Canterlot I try to visit the place. You never know what you can run into....but of course this isn't an activity everypony could afford. Let's proceed." unicorn said with confidence before marching forward, his duster flapping behind him like some kind of wings.

Before the entry was standing very tall, and very, very muscular griffon. Some would say that he could break sea serpent on his leg and it wasn't that far off. Wherever it was a case, the bodyguard recognized Swift.

"Buying today?" he asked.

"Maybe, maybe not. At last I will take a look." stallion explained.

Griffon nodded before he noticed Night. His feathery eyebrow rose suspiciously.

"And she's...?"

"She's with me." Squall calmed him down.

"Ah, good, good. Go on then." guard replied. Unicorn nodded in response as he entered through the door - but not before encouraging Night with a hoof gesture to follow him. The griffon meanwhile pulled a notebook from somewhere to write some information.

As the pair walked through luxurious hallway, Swift burst with other explanation.

"Some stuff they selling here can be very valuable but of course most patrons value themselves even more. He and his colleagues are not only for their safety but for privacy as well. Some famous ponies can be seen here, and understandably they don't want for the whole world to know what kind of lamp she or he just bought...."

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The mentioning of the stallion's special somepony touched off a nerve, leading to an explanation about why the Suntrot division was so poorly announced.

"Well I do agree that Suntrot needed to be a little more private. I understand the intent of announcing it was to encourage as many ponies as possible as the idea was to incorporate non-military into it too. But you are right that in facing Changelings this was not as secret as I wanted it. Then again this is also my own opinion."

Since my mother is Grapes Squall. Yes, that's Grapes Squall."

Night was not up to speed with many sporting events, much less those that participated in such activities, but the name sounded very familiar.

"She participated in fencing, am I correct? I guess that's how she got you to learning the sword by teaching you."

After finishing her coffee the two were off to an auction house. Being a mare protecting the city, Night knew in general the goings on of this place. Ponies would give or sell their items to the auctioneers in the hopes of receiving money. Many of the items were expensive or at least rare, some of them even a collectable. This was why Night paid attention to such places in case any unscrupulous pony or other creature tried to steal.

"I can understand now why there is so much security. I've never been to an auction, so this should be fun to watch. Err... I don't think I can afford to buy anything here thought. We Lunar Guard are paid a good amount, but not for this."

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"She was, Mom's now retired. She won two Silver Medals in Equestria Games, one in Las Pegasus and second in Baltimare. My grandfather also managed to be medallist, and he won gold. I plan to uphold this tradition. Although I am now found myself using my talent outside the sporting events far more." Swift explained while he gaze somewhere beyond here and now. Wining a competition during the Games as one of he few goals that he have clear sight of. "And she thought me the basics, yes. But we prefer a different kind of blades. And she wasn't my only teacher, they were others, one in the army and....I can't speak about him." stallion face turned much more serious when he mentioned the last of his tutors.


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When Night said that she never was on auction before, Squall smiled slightly.
"Oh it is fun to watch but much more to participate. If could describe....compare it to something, a mix of some extreme sport and speed chess would be closest. You have to be mindful not only to your budget, but also the value of thing you are buying, competition and managing to hold your emotions on the leash. Of course with all he excitement it's easier said then done." Squall explained while showing Night the ropes of how all this auctioning thing worked.

"And not all auctions are as expensive. In Strand we have law that says, that if storage locker rent wasn't paid for three months the contents can be sold by an auctioneer as a single lot of items in the form of a cash-only auction. To make thighs more interesting, you can inspect the locker only from outside within five minute limit. You can find anything in them. Some professional buyers do that for the living. But nevertheless we not on such auction right now. If anypony buys something here, they do it to keep it." stallion dropped even more exposition.
As the walked through the hall, the crowd only got thicker.
"Huh, look at that, it's Spear Tulip."Swift noticed famous rock singer. There were lot of known faces surrounding them beside him, however. Models, actors, singers - a really random bunch of misfits, the only thing they shared was possession of many, many bits to spare. Some of other participants noticed Squall and they didn't seemed too happy about his presence.
"They know I can outbid them. Normally most of the ponies here are a nice bunch. But now is an auction, a real rat race. The only thing that counts are steel nerves and depths of your pocket" unicorn explained to his companion. They were standing before large door waiting for...waiting for what actually? Once more Swift hurried with more exposition.
"Before the action starts, or we pick a number everpony will have half an hour to inspect the items sold today. Sometimes an auction has a theme - like fossils, paintings or rare books. I didn't checked if today's is such one so I am as clueless as you Night." unicorn confessed

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It was interesting to hear how Swift looked up to his mother and grandfather, planning on following in their hoof steps with the games. It was clear that in that moment he was looking beyond into the future seeing him compete. There was some strange though as though he fondly remembered his practicing with his mother there was a military pony who seemed to have left a negative impact on his mind, or maybe this one was strict but nevertheless molded the stallion to what he was today. Her curious side wanted to know who this military pony was, but she held back not wanting to pry and certainly not willing to ruin the fun of the day.

"You seemed to have a great relationship with your mother. It reminds me of my parents. My father is Stormwing, and he was in the military but is now retired and my mother named Urgent Care in still in the medic unit in the barracks. Our relationship though wasn't very sunny though at first but it got better."

Not wanting to sour the moment of the auction, Swift explained how there were other less expensive auctions that a pony could attend involving unpaid or abandoned storage lockers. The mare debated the consequences of seeing one's possessions being given away, but if they were not paid for their storage or not collected they might not have had much value in the first place, at least sentimental value. As they hurried over through the hall, Night noticed that there were several important ponies in the crowds, one Silver noted was Tulip spear.

"That's Tulip Spear?" she said as her eyes went wide, "I listened to his music while training in the army, but I never saw him at a concert."

For a moment she felt out of place amongst the famous ponies there. Even Swift who spoke about outbiding the others made her feel like she was a private amongst generals in military terms.

"Well I guess we'll have to see what is being auctioned then. I'm not sure if I'll be able to outbid anypony, so I might be just watching. Are you looking for certain things to buy here Swift?"

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"That's Tulip Spear?" she said as her eyes went wide, "I listened to his music while training in the army, but I never saw him at a concert."

"Yeah that's him. He will have a tour through the Strand this year,along with Ashened Denari and TT Bottom." Squall mentioned the other famous bands. "So it means you would have an opportunity to do so, yes? Now that's the idea...I have other friends and acquaintances, and my manor is big enough so.... " unicorn spaced out and further words turned into incomprehensible mumble. Luckily he realized that he was with somepony accompanying him today. "Errr...sorry, I spaced out for a moment."

 

"Well I guess we'll have to see what is being auctioned then. I'm not sure if I'll be able to outbid anypony, so I might be just watching. Are you looking for certain things to buy here Swift?"

"Oh, you would never know. While most ponies here have the money, not all of them all connoisseurs. I traveled all over the whole known world and took many different jobs so...." stallion gave an nonchalant shrug.

"And no. I came out of curiosity. As I said, you never know. It can be something here that catches my interests...or not."

Squall said. Just as he finished, the door that they were waiting for opened. The crowd poured through it and so did the pair.

"My my....what a hotchpotch." stallion said when they entered the room, in which today's auction wares displayed. Indeed it were things of all shapes and sizes. Fossils, weapons, furniture, tableware, clothes, tools. Almost anything you could think of.

"....There is a theme." unicorn noticed. Seeing that Night didn't he explained.

"Look around Night. Those things have one thing in common. None of them is from Equestria. For example..." he leaned over the beautiful necklace of blue pearls "This was made by seaponies. And this flail..." he turned towards some nasty looking piece of weaponry "....is of Aquelian origin. Unyasi tribal masks. Shawl from Saddle Arabia. And those fossils....well I am not paleontologist but I bet they not from our country either."

He looked around before whispering into mares ear.

"This means that the things here are of the doubly or more worth then their Equestria counterparts. It's not easy to transport some things, especially if they delicate. Not to mention air of....exoticism that they bring...." he picked up some of the zebra masks "...and sometimes nostalgia." he said with a sad smile. It seemed that swordstallion had some connections with Unyasi, altrough of what kind was a vague thing.....

But then one of the items, caught stallion attention. The exotic looking sword from the far east, one that a few before seen. Yet unicorn picked it up with his magic with both importantlycity and carefulness. It was obvious that he had contact with that kind of sword before.

"Amazing...I haven't seen one of those since I trained with my last master. And..." the unsheathed the blade. The motion made small cracks of electricity run on the sword silvery surface.

"Moonsteel katana. And enchanted. I will buy this." Squall said with resolute tone before returning the weapon from where he picked it up.

"Well Night what about you? Something here that picked your attention?" he asked curiously.

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It was clear that Night and Swift were on the same page as what to expect from this auction. but the mare through learning about the proper way things were done she started to get a grasp. To her surprise she learned that there was indeed a theme of things not from Equestria, something that intrigued her.

"You know, that really is interesting seeing some things not from Equestria. I've heard about certain items from other lands especially those who are able to travel, but i can't say that I ever ventured to these places before."

She began to look at the items carefully, each one telling their own story. The masks from Unyasi intrigued her and they appeared to be an interest for the stallion and so did the katana he now had unsheathed.

"I see you found something. You said it is made from moonsteel. I'd guess that it was made in the moonlight, right? Does that do something to the blade? i guess I'm not brought current with my training on weaponry as we use as you knoe lances and sometimes swords in the REA."

She then looked around for something that peaked her interest. Her eyes then caught several things like griffon armor from Aquellia, but the most interesting was a crescent moon shaped blade, matching the symbol of the Lunar Guard.

"Swift," she said holding up the blade which despite looking heavy it was surprisingly light weight, "You seem to be an expert on swords. What is this and where is it from?"

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"You know, that really is interesting seeing some things not from Equestria. I've heard about certain items from other lands especially those who are able to travel, but I can't say that I ever ventured to these places before."


"You should if you will have an occasion. Trinkets and relics are one things but there are things....sights that you can't buy. Like landscape of ever frozen coast of Sea of Ghosts to the far, far north. The rays of sunset breaking on the prismatic crystals of ice, and a cold sea glowing like a mercury. A dunes of Saddle Arabia that resemble waves frozen by time, a place where a heat plays a tricks on senses and the sand itself sings. The Soggalong Swamps dark even at a day, at first glance so hostile and yet wherever you go you surrounded by sounds of life. Numenzuri Falls where observers can witness the moonbow all year long over the roaring cascades of water..." what started as an encouragement for a mare, turned into short reminiscence of unicorn's own travels. He shook his head and returned to the present.
"W-what I meant to say, go to some far places and don't forget to bring the camera." Squall said somewhat embarrassed that he spaced out yet again.


"I see you found something. You said it is made from moonsteel. I'd guess that it was made in the moonlight, right? Does that do something to the blade? I guess I'm not brought current with my training on weaponry as we use as you know lances and sometimes swords in the REA."


"It's connected to the moon or so the rumors says. Actually the name 'Moonsteel' is what we Equestrians named it, as we don't know how the call it at the place of origin. The alloy itself comes from the far, far east just like this sword and the secrets of it's creation are zealously guarded by those distant nations. If not from some armor and weapons like those ones popping out from time to time we probably wouldn't know that it existed in the first place." Swift started
"The metal itself shares properties similar to admantinium when it comes to it's physical side. It's strength and sharpness are not so far off. It is however far more resistant to corrosion and the elements, have disinfection effects of silver and are much, much easier to enchant then other metals. They also indeed react with a moon in a way. Thing made from moonsteel glow silvery-white when moonlight shines on them. There are propably other traits we don't know since the secrets of making it are still an enigma to us. " swordpony explained while rubbing his chin. At least this exposition was over.


"Swift," she said holding up the blade which despite looking heavy it was surprisingly light weight, "You seem to be an expert on swords. What is this and where is it from?"


"This...this is a scimitar also called shamshir, kilij or nimcha. A curved sword from a Saddle Arabia. Can I Night?" he asked before picking the blade with his magic. After making few (careful) swings with a weapon to test it out, he pulled it closer for both of the to see.
"It's in excellent condition and very light for it's size. Mythiril or a least coated with it perhaps? If so that maybe sungold underneath. It would make sense since it's way too shining for practical use. Coating would solve that. And it wasn't ceremonial. It only has one gem at the hilt to be such, see? The stone itself...I have no idea from where it's come from. Scimitars are not defensive weapons, they are excellent for slashing but one shouldn't attempt to stab with them." Squall turned the sword in the air to see it's other side of the blade.
"Ahh, look night, an engravement. And in Saddle Arabian as well. Maybe it's the name of sword original owner? Allow me to translate....." stallion murmured to himself, while deciphering exotic writing. But when he finished...

"Rafiq....Rafiq Al Shamoon?!" noblepony said with shock and disbelief.
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Night Watcher was not one to let her mind wander as her job often required a hawk like concentration. After all the very lives of ponies could be on the line! But hearing Swift talk about lands that she would only consider things of dreams or the imagination of a writer, she began to picture them and desire to see them more.

"Well I can see that you have traveled to far more places than I can say I did. I have even yet to see places south of here like Baltimare or north like the Crystal Empire let alone places away from Equestria."

Night listened intently as the stallion explained the sword that he was so interested in. From what she could tell it was no ordinary weapon, made to be fast and sharp and able to be imbued with magic! A weapon like this could be a boon to a pony such as her fighting against evil or a curse if it ever fell into the wrong hooves. Part of her job was to see that such items were not ill used, but she could for the most part trust thee swordspony to handle the weapon the right way.

The attention was then turned towards the sword she chose. She was fascinated by it due to its crescent shape rather than the regular straight swords she saw. The stallion explained with great enthusiasm about the weapon from Saddle Arabia, even taking a few careful practice swings. The most intriguing part though was the name.

"So you said the sword would have little use without the coating. But who is this Rafiq Al Sharmoon? Is he a ruler or warrior?"

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"Well I can see that you have traveled to far more places than I can say I did. I have even yet to see places south of here like Baltimare or north like the Crystal Empire let alone places away from Equestria."

"Well and I can say you are likely correct. Believe me they are indeed worthy to see but if you want do do so, one day off won't do. It's good to do some information gathering - for example if you go to Mexicolt it's wise to become familiar with it's cuisine first. Many, many dishes are extremely spicy so if you don't take it well, you might wish to avoid them. Other things are the weather. Here we have proper almost 100% controlled maintenance but it isn't the case everywhere. Griffon's usually don't care aside from some important national event, Borderlands simply has still too scarce population to pull it off, Frontier has to chronically battle air from the arctic and from time to time decide for it to ran it's course and Unyasi and Saddle Arabia has no Weather Teams at all. And that was just two examples of things to watch for. There are many, many more things it would be good to be mindful of...unless you are blockhead like me who dived straight into everything without preparation. I wised since then and I can say that with proper preparation I could save myself lot of trouble." unicorn, again burst into a monologue before pausing.

"So if you errr decide to go somewhere don't I would be happy to give some tips." he offered.

Of course Night had more questions. Actually it was refreshing to meet somepony that didn't mind his endless barrel of exposition.

"So you said the sword would have little use without the coating."

"Well yes and no. Sungold is bona fide material, almost approaching admantinium but..." he paused and made gesture with his hoof.

"Remember Royal Guard parade armor? Not the one they wear on normal duty, that actually an alloy. The one during the important events, like Princess Luna return or Summer Sun Celebration. Remember how shiny it was? That's pure Sungold, or at least overlying layer is. Now imagine weapon made from this, heck even armor. It doesn't matter if it's shield, sword , spear or maul. Waving something like that practically screams 'Hey! I am over here!' and puts one big target mark on you. Mithril doesn't differ that much from the normal silver - actually it's a little duller. Probably a reason it was chosen for coating the sword since it's quite tough on it's own too. Anyway back to uses of Sungold, since we don't engage with....war's anymore, doing cover operations instead with small groups, such metal became impractical ....at least when it comes to military uses. Adamantinium does everything that Sungold does, but better, and lacks luster present with other metals, so it's as unveiling as normal, black clothing....Aside from metallic noise that is. Regardless, the only reason Army isn't using it all the time, is because you can buy villa at Gallopogus Islands for a full set of that armor. Simply no can do, even if budget wouldn't be strained as it is." Squall recalled and winced. There was many reasons and unfortunately he took part in one of them. Most glaring was of course Ponyville. A small but now Very, VERY important town became something akin to financial black hole.

"But who is this Rafiq Al Sharmoon? Is he a ruler or warrior?"

Swift took a deep breath. Yup, this will be long as well. But at last Night had some connection to sword previous owner, even if she didn't knew it yet.

"Was sleeping in your class during that history lesson?" he teased the pegaus mare "Well, we watched most interesting of the things so some quick recap before auction starts. Rafiq Al Sharmoon was actually a later....although it would belittling to call him just that. Al Sharmoon was explorer, poet, mathematician, astronomer and first Saddle Arabian who set his hoof in Equestria 1300 years ago. So thanks to this one stallion, we know that Saddle Arabia is actually there , as well as establishing diplomatic relations thanks to that knowledge. Not that it was apparently his intention but...." unicorn shrugged "Anyway we don't know if he was of noble birth or some street rat but it doesn't matter. He just...wandered into our country and it itself made our world bigger. Did you know that before Education System Reform fragments of his diaries was required reading at schools? But most important of all....he was a greatest duelist of his time. They said he could walk into room filled with platoon of enemies and walk out, disabling them by cutting their sinews, but without permanently crippling them. Without a scratch on himself too. And unlike me for example he didn't had this to help out." at this moment noblepony pointed at his horn with one of the hooves. "But what wasn't known until recently, after it was declassified - was the fact that Rafiq was also a member of the Lunar Guard. Apparently after making his way to Equestria, he decided to stick in."

Unicorn gaze shifted back at the sword.

"In other words, his sword would be as significant as Helm of Commander Hurricane and a relict on it's own." Squall summed up.

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NIght Watcher felt awash in the information that Swift provided to her about traveling to far away lands. Although being a member of the Lunar Guard meant having a knowledge of a variety of things, cultures and history being two of them, she heard very little of the places that the stallion had obviously been to. Her mind tried to absorb what she could but she knew it was useless to try with all he told her.

"I think I will definitely need a refresher from you. You seem to have been in way more places that I have ever as a Lunar Guard!"

The next batch of information was about the sword that Swift had his eye on. Hearing how it was made brought some sense into why certain weapons appeared the way that they did. This fascinated Night as much as the discussion on history as aside from the standard issued lances that some REA carried the other weapons were merely seen in museums rather than ponies wielding them.

"Ah so the Mithril is for strength and covert purposes as is the Adamantium. You know, I never knew what my armor is made from. It's surprisingly lightweight and like the REA armor only silvery and with guards for the wings. I know it can't be silver as that is good for jewelry but not for armor. So if it isn't Adamantium as that would be too dull, could it be Mithril?"

As the stallion told about Rafiq Al Sharmoon, Night Watcher's mind drifted back to her early days in the REA when she learned about the formation of such a group such as the first group that protected the Princesses, the origins of the Wonderbolts, and countless other information.

"yes, now I remember his name! He showed Equestria about Saddle Arabia and shared his knowledge. I guess I forgot he was a Lunar Guard too. Well then I think I know what to bid for, that is unless you have a fancy for this sword."

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  • 2 weeks later...

"Ah so the Mithril is for strength and covert purposes as is the Adamantium."

"It's.....more or less as you say, yes." Squall admitted. It of course wasn't a whole picture, but then again he gave Night more then enough exposition for today.

"You know, I never knew what my armor is made from. It's surprisingly lightweight and like the REA armor only silvery and with guards for the wings. I know it can't be silver as that is good for jewelry but not for armor. So if it isn't Adamantium as that would be too dull, could it be Mithril?"

"I would have to see it first, possibly weight it even to give you a full answer. As I said earlier, the armor surface could be just coated in different metal then the one that's deeper. It could also be an alloy of some kind. When I was still in the army , Night Division wasn't funded so well as Luna Guard today. I expect that equipment quality was improved drastically. And if Day Guard could have Sungold armor to bling when standing before the doors, I don't see why it's night equivalent couldn't receive a mythrill ones." noblepony theorized It would've be quite probable, especially since discovery of large geological layer of mythrill two years ago, situated south from Marelia. This large mother-lode meant that this metal price got cheaper.

"Well then I think I know what to bid for, that is unless you have a fancy for this sword."

"Night...don't you understand? I can't have fancy on that sword. While Al Sharmoon isn't say....Puddinghead level of famous, this still is National Treasure." Swift whispered, clearly steamed.

"If it's real that is. No written source survived that would describe Arabian weapon, and since mythrill don't corrode or wear, only two ponies alive can say if this is real deal or not. So it happens that both of them are Princesses." unicorn rubbed his temple with a hoof "Although I don't understand why would somepony bother with a scam. The cost of materials itself would exceed potential profit and..." swordpony paused as he realized something. "Of course. They didn't took it to Princess Luna for confirmation since she would have the power to confiscate it. And while they would receive gratification for returning it, I am certain that Auction House appreciate large amounts of bits a lot more." he quickly stammered, more so to himself then to the winged mare accompanying him.

"That's it Night! I almost completely sure that's the real deal. And wherever Luna would allow you to keep it or not, either outcome is better then allowing it to dust in some buffoon's collection. We have to get it back!" Squall proclaimed. Just as he finished talking a loud jingle was heard.

"The time for half hour inspection is up. Now we have to take our numbers. While I would still like to buy other things I have choose, reclaiming Rafiq sword for Lunar guard takes priority. We have to keep our ears and eyes sharp."

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"I would have to see it first, possibly weight it even to give you a full answer. As I said earlier, the armor surface could be just coated in different metal then the one that's deeper. It could also be an alloy of some kind. When I was still in the army , Night Division wasn't funded so well as Luna Guard today. I expect that equipment quality was improved drastically. And if Day Guard could have Sungold armor to bling when standing before the doors, I don't see why it's night equivalent couldn't receive a mythrill ones."

"You're right. With Princess Luna returning, the Lunar Guard has been given more attention to guard the night, including better training and armor. Before that I heard that ponies were clad in either spare REA day guard armor or old Lunar Guard armor that more or less belonged in a museum than seeing active use. Now that you mention it though, I do have an armor piece with me."

Rummaging through her saddlebag, the Pegasus pulled out what looked like a metal cylinder, that she showed to the pony how it opened and closed using a small lever.

"This is a tail clip, something that I'm sure you know attached to the base of the tail and to the... err... back part of the armor. It keeps the tail up and for those who have longer ones it prevents them from dragging on the ground. Not the biggest piece of armor, but maybe you can tell what the metal is made from with that."

Before she could get an answer though, there was a far more pressing matter. The sword of Rafiq Al Sharmoon was apparently attempted to be sold at auction against the wishes of the Lunar Guard and even Princess Luna who if knowing about this would not allow such a sale of such a priceless relic to take place.

"You're right, we can't let this just get sold to anypony. This needs to be in the hooves of the Lunar Guard. But we need to do this carefully. We don't want to upset the auction house as I'm not sure yet they know the value of this item to the Lunar Guard or that the sword wasn't cleared by Princess Luna. So well try to buy it first, but if this doesn't work then I may need to use my position to obtain it. Is there somewhere he we can get to so that not only we can be seen by the auctioneer as well as getting a view of everypony else that is trying to bid on it?"

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Squall gave a quick glance at the tail clip.

"Errr yes. Anyway this is mithrill, at least on the surface. A darker variety, from near Las Pegasus but still mithrill nonetheless...." he said while they were pushed out of the room by crowding ponies. Squall quickly snatched two numbers - one for himself and the other for Night - that they will use for biding.

"And you don't have to worry about us being seen. Auctioneer will be slightly above us, able to spot everypony. And even if he will not, there are his assistants who observe points where he can have trouble seeing. And about them correctly apprising the value of the blade....we will see when we hear starting price."

As they trotted into a large room, with numerous, numerous seats and stage-like platform in the back of it. It was situated slight higher then normal stage. On the side of the rooms were small alcoves. Probably for the use of the assistants. The room itself were beautifully decorated, with arrases, fresco's and bas-reliefs. Even the seats themselves were classy but also numbered. Luckily, so it happened that Night and Squall places were right net to other, so they weren't split up. As they took they places Squall rubbed his chin withe a hoof.

"We should make a strategy...while I said I can outbid everpony there are some who could team up against us. In such case war of resources would be safest bet. By bidding up other items before Rafiq blade would show up, we can drain our competition money, making buying it easier and cheaper for us....Of course it will work only if it didn't turn out to be Item-Of-the-Day" unicorn frowned "They are some who come only to buy such items and you never know which item turns out to be one. They are always the most expansive and it's matter of not only value of the item but a prestige of the buyer as well. We can have serious trouble if events take such turn" stallion said in worried tone.

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"Hmm... mithril," Night Watcher said as suddenly she felt herself being pushed through the door with a herd of other ponies seeking entry into the auction room. She made her way through and found Swift with a number on a stick for the auction. Thankfully thanks to the raised stage the auctioneer would see them and as an added luck the two could sit together to form a plan.

"Sounds like a plan," Night said after listening to the strategy, "We can start a bidding war with other ponies but then drop out. And you're right, hopefully it won't be the Item of the Day or else we'll have to think of something else. But I'm ready to see what the first item will be."

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