Another YCH this time, and for this one I wanted to explore a little alternate timeline scenario, in which the pony by which you (probably, if you follow my uploads) all know as FeatherTrap has had a bit of a makeover, courtesy of his life going down a very different path when he was sold to the Storm Kingdom while he was still young. He was one of many slaves purchased in bulk to address the increasing demand for labour in the scant couple of years between meaningful new conquests, and by happenstance he ended up in the possession of the Storm King’s right hand mare; Tempest Shadow.

Despite her initial misgivings about her new slave-not least of all his effeminate physique and timid demeanor-he proved an able assistant at cleaning up her chambers and attending to her needs. And compared to the never-ending walking tumor known as Grubber, Tempest considered the colt’s servile and obedient mannerisms a refreshing change.

In time, she came to view something of herself in her new slave…like her, he had be forced from a young age to mature far beyond his years, subjected to by the harsh, unjust reality of the world and left with his destiny bound to the Storm King. Although he had not the strength to choose his fate as she had, she felt that he might learn. The one other pony in the world who might truly understand her.

And so the nature of his duties and service changed, as Tempest started training him to become her personal attendant and assistant-instead of being a mere housemaid, he would be required to accompany his Mistress at all times, including during battle. His dirty rags where switched for a custom set of plate armor, every day he was drilled to carry it’s weight until it became a second skin to him. She spared and bruised him until he learned to handle the pain of battle, and while he proved a poor combatant, his developing magic proved effective at abjuration and healing.

His spell list proved to be an invaluable asset when synergized with Tempest’s own fighting style. Her broken horn left her unable to cast magic normally, relying instead on a purely offensive strategy of firing raw blasts of arcing arcane energy assisted by raw physical speed and maneuverability-essentially a glass cannon. But empowered by his support spells, he could grant her personal forcefield that repelled physical and magical assault and rapidly regenerate any injuries she sustained, not to mention being able to use his telekinesis to manipulate matter in a way that she could not. Even without him, she was dangerous…with his support, none could defeat her. So it was that she decided to name him Aegis, befitting his new role in combat.

As he grew older, Aegis was also taught the finer points of logistics as well, so he could handle all the busywork and bookkeeping needed for the Storm King’s Lieutenant to properly manage and command his forces. He would not only be his Mistress’ support caster, but also her treasurer, secretary and even friend…at least, as much as she would ever care to admit to it. Her past had left her scorning the very concept of friendship, and for all his importance to her he was still just her slave. But despite that she would speak to him frequently not only for business, but also as a trusted confidant…he felt she valued him as a pony she could trust, rather then merely as her property. And some day, he hoped that she could admit it to herself too.

Until then, as her loyal and reliable slave he serves his Mistress dutifully and obediently, keeping as closely to her as her own shadow. An arrangement that Tempest finds most satisfying, if only because it’s much better then having to wrangle Grubber into doing his job again instead of stuffing his face with cake.

Hope y’all like this one. Just a little AU FeatherTrap story to accompany a lovely little commission. ^^

Art is by the supremely talented, incredibly patient and surprisingly affordable: TheWandie, thank you for all your hard work! And for the rest of you, if you want quality pony art that won’t cost a month’s pay and your firstborn son, I cannot recommend her enough! :3