The rest of the night passed without any further incident, which Nick was now grateful for. He was nursing a strong headache, which instantly hit him as soon as he woke up. At least it wasn’t strong enough to make him faint again. That being said, it took him twice as long to do most of his daily actions, including getting ready for his “double” date. By the time he left the castle, his headache had subsided, but to his dismay he had taken half the morning to get ready.
Instead of stopping by Roseluck’s boutique to get some flowers for both his marefriends, Nick immediately headed to Twilight’s castle. However he was stopped by Rarity and Fluttershy who were headed to the spa.
“Good morning Nick!” Rarity called out, waving a hoof over to him. “Whatever is the big hurry?”
Nick, not wanting to be rude and knowing how much he owed Rarity for her generosity, had no other choice than to respond.
“Good morning Rarity and Fluttershy,” he replied, smiling at both mares. “I was just heading to Twilight’s castle to get ahead on my training.”
“It seems like all you ever do is train my dear,” Rarity pouted a bit. “Why not take the day off and enjoy yourself? I’m sure there must be something you’d like to do.”
“Rarity’s right Nick,” Fluttershy chimed in. “It’s amazing how dedicated you are to your training, but it wouldn’t be good to push yourself too hard. Why not come with us to the spa? You could get a massage and enjoy the sauna.”
“Thank you for the concern girls,” Nick smiled before shaking his head. “But honestly I’m fine. Training is what I enjoy doing. Knowing that the more I train the better I can protect you all gives me joy. Now if you’ll excuse me I really should be going. Enjoy your trip to the spa!”
Before either mare could respond, Nick took off, enough of his valuable time with Twilight gone.
Both mares looked at each other before shrugging their shoulders and continued their trip to the spa, Rarity commenting about how males were so stubborn.
As Nick reached the front doors of the castle he questioned why he didn’t just teleport here. His headache had cleared and was able to use his magic just fine. Twilight had told him one night that he stayed over that he didn’t have to knock anymore and just let himself in. As he made his way to Twilight’s room, he found it odd he hadn’t run into Starlight or Spike. Reaching his destination he knocked, but no sound came from the other side. He knocked again, before calling out to the mares within. This led to some shuffling of sheets, the thud of hooves on the floor and what sounded like two sets of yawns.
Deciding to speed things up a bit, he slowly opened the door.
“I see you two started the cuddles without me,” Nick chuckled, to which Luna, who was the one to get up, floated the wolf in her magic and plopped him next to Twilight, who had a very contented smile on her muzzle.
“No not at all Nick,” she replied, drawing Nick in for a quick kiss. “We were just making sure we were ready for our real cuddle session.”
As she finished speaking, Nick felt Luna hop onto the bed behind him, effectively finishing the wolf-mare sandwich. Both mares hugged each other, gently squeezing the wolf in the process. As soon as Nick turned towards the older mare, her lips were immediately on his, and he could feel her tongue prodding. A bit surprised at first, Nick slowly allowed entrance to the intruder and sent his tongue out to confront it. He could hear Luna’s muffled moans as his tongue gained the upper hand, swirling and entwining her own. While Nick was busy pleasing Luna, he could feel a pair of eyes jealously staring at them. Being a good wolf friend he gently ended Luna’s and his make out session and gave the lavender alicorn some loving.
Once he saw that she was satisfied with his affections, he broke the kiss as well, panting lightly.
“Wh-what brought that on?” he asked, getting a contented sigh from Luna and Twilight.
“Last night,” they replied, giving each other a knowing look.
“I… I got upset yesterday when I received your first letter,” Twilight admitted, rubbing her foreleg while occasionally looking up at Nick to see his reaction. “I said some harsh things, but Luna was there for me and helped me get over the fact that you were facing another dangerous creature. Then when we got your second letter, promising us some special time today, we decided to keep each other company until you showed up.”
“I see,” Nick replied, frowning. “I’m sorry I caused you stress Twi. I should have known better.”
Twilight pecked the wolf on the cheek. “Don’t be. You were just letting us know what you were doing, and trusting us to have faith in you. If anypony should be sorry it should be me.”
“Yes, yes that’s all fine and dandy,” Luna whined, anxious to know what Nick had planned for them. “Now what did you have in store for us today to make up for our lost cuddles?”
“What, that make out session wasn’t enough?”
Seeing Luna’s unamused face caused the wolf to chuckle.
“It was a joke, Moonbutt. Don’t worry you’ll see tonight. Right now you’re intruding on Twilight’s time.”
“I don’t mind,” the mare replied, who was still hugging Nick around his waist. “I’m fine with just spending our day in bed, snuggling.”
“Are you sure?” Nick replied, running a paw through her bedmane. “Cause I was planning on having a picnic and afterwards continue reading our book.”
“OK!” Twilight replied, hopping off the bed and heading immediately to her bathroom.
Her antics caused Nick and Luna to laugh before Luna remembered what Twilight and her had discussed last night.
“Before I forget, Twilight and I decided to have us declare our herd next week.”
“I like how you two took that initiative and decided without me,” Nick stuck his tongue out.
“I didn’t know you had plans or a schedule to adhere to,” Luna brought a hoof to her chest, mockingly.
“Well I am a very busy wolf. Being the newest Element doesn’t mean I get to lay in bed all day with two gorgeous mares.”
Luna simply deadpanned.
“You really need to lighten up Moony,” Nick smiled, nuzzling into her neck.
“If you can find a better pet name for me I might just consider it, fleabag,” she retorted, nuzzling him back.
“I’ll have you know I wash twice a day to take care of that problem.”
“Sure. Now get out of bed and go on Twilight’s date, so you can spend tonight with me.”
Nick led Twilight to his secret reading spot, under a big oak that stood in the fields separating Ponyville and Canterlot. Once they were out of sight in Ponyville, Nick hoisted the mare onto his back, explaining that his princess should not have to walk another step. Accepting the gesture, Twilight laid on his back, wrapping her hooves around his neck.
“I wanted to buy you both flowers, but being as late as I was this morning I didn’t have the time,” Nick apologized.
“That’s alright,” Twilight nuzzled into the back of his neck. “I just want to spend my time with you.”
Smiling at her comment, Nick took off at a pace that wouldn’t cause a bumpy ride for Twilight but was fast enough to reach his spot before lunch. When they arrived, Twilight couldn’t believe the sight she saw ahead of her. The tree itself reminded her of the Golden Oaks Library, causing some tugging at her heartstrings. There was also a little creek nearby and in the distance, Canterlot Castle was easily visible.
“Do you like it?” Nick asked, letting her down near the tree’s base.
“It’s perfect,” Twilight replied, still taking in the scenery. “I’m surprised I haven’t seen this place before.”
“Heh, well like I was telling Luna earlier, I am a busy wolf. Busy looking for exceptional places to take my special mares on dates. Now let’s eat.”
As he guessed, Twilight asked him how his encounter with the manticore fared. He stated that it was an interesting fight, and he managed to not take that much damage. He also mentioned how it spoke which caused Twilight to tilt her head in confusion.
“I didn’t know you could speak manticore?” she replied, examining Nick.
“I don’t?” Nick replied, scratching his head. “All I know is that before I fought the manticore, it spoke to me.”
“Well the only pony I know that talked to the manticore was Fluttershy.”
“It did mention her during our battle. The horrors it had done when Luna and Celestia lived in the Everfree make me glad I took it out of this world.”
“I’m just glad you’re safe,” Twilight smiled, leaning into Nick’s side.
“Shall I resume A Tale of Two Ponies?” Nick asked, levitating the book out of his satchel.
“Sure,” Twilight replied, adjusting herself to max out her comfort while still being able to follow along with Nick’s reading.
“Book 2, Chapter 1. Five years later. Tellson’s Bank by Temple Bar was an old fashioned place…”
They got to Chapter 14 before Nick decided they should head back to town. Celestia’s sun was setting, and they still hadn’t had dinner yet. Twilight teleported both of them back to the castle, to which they immediately set about making dinner. They were greeted by Starlight and Spike, who joined in with the dinner preparation. Since both of them lived with Twilight it was too difficult to try and hide their herd from them and told them a few days after. Their reactions were normal, first surprised then supportive. There wasn’t much to discuss after they told them, as both Spike and Starlight trusted Twilight’s judgement and from spending time with Nick, knew he was a good wolf.
Once dinner was ready, Starlight and Spike excused themselves, understanding Nick and Twilight wanted to eat alone. They chatted a bit about meeting her parents, Cadence and Shining Armor and how excited and nervous she was about telling them all about their herd. Nick reassured her that everything would go alright and that honestly he was nervous too. He wasn’t too sure how Celestia would react to him being romantically involved with her sister and former student.
Twilight then noted that Cadence will be there, and being the Princess of Love would see that they truly loved each other.
“That may be true Twilight,” Nick replied, taking another bite of his soup. “But that still doesn’t mean your brother or Celestia will be any less defensive. Trust me, I know how siblings work.”
“Oh, so you really did have a sibling?” Twilight asked, reminding Nick of how he had lied to her at first.
“Well I had a sibling, but after my parents died he split,” his words leaving his mouth before he could stop himself.
“Your parents are dead?!” Twilight exlaimed, planting her forehooves on the table. Realizing her little outburst she sat back down, still looking at the wolf in front of her. “Honestly Nick,” she finally spoke after a period of awkward silence. “How can I help you if I barely know anything about your past? Why didn’t you tell me when we learned about Alex and Sabrina? Do you really not trust me?”
Nick could see tears welling up in the mare’s eyes and was overcome with guilt. He had told somepony about his past, the same mare that was the other member of their herd. He could tell her that, but that information would only make things worse. Sighing, he got up and sat down next to Twilight, holding her close.
“I do trust you Twilight,” he started, wrapping his paw around her. “I know this may sound weird but at the time I didn’t think those parts of my life were important. My parents died in an accident a few years after I graduated from college. It was an accident that could have been prevented, and the person responsible for their death got life imprisonment, but deserved a much harsher treatment. That was when my brother abandoned me. We had a relationship like you have with your older brother. He protected me, taught me so many things and loved me unconditionally, or so I thought. My parent’s will left everything to him and after the funeral I never heard from him again.”
He looked down to see sympathy in Twilight’s eyes, the tears still flowing. “This is why I didn’t want to tell you about my past,” he continued, staring down at the floor. “I didn’t want you to pity me and burden you with my pains. I didn’t want you to see a wolf who let his past control him, who had suffered so much pain that he was nearly broken. I wanted you to see me as strong, able to defend and take care of you. The pain that humans can inflict is something I would never wish upon any Equestrian, which is why I am so determined to stop the darkness. Maybe that’s why the Tree of Harmony chose me. It had seen my past, felt my pain and knew that I would do anything to prevent others from feeling it.”
They sat in silence, Nick sliding his paw off of Twilight and continuing to stare at the ground. Twilight was the first to move, scooting closer to Nick and throwing her hooves around him. Nick turned to her and saw that her eyes were now red from crying, but she had that usual adorable smile on her muzzle. She nuzzled his cheek and laid her head on his shoulder.
“I do see you as strong and brave Nick,” Twilight spoke up, still laying her head on his shoulder, listening to his breathing. “Your past has made you stronger than any magic I could teach you. To not only experience horrors that ponies could only imagine, but then not let that pain control you. You still are the loving, caring, smart and handsome wolf I fell in love with while we trained. You don’t have to worry about my burdens since just being with you eases any worries I have. The aura around you is calming, even if you think it’s not.”
Nick still stayed silent, the urge to tell Twilight everything building up. They deserved to know what exactly he had to do and what his fate was. However, what would they do if he told them that they were setting him up to sacrifice himself? Seeing as they truly did love him, how could he tell them that? Especially now that they had gone through all the trouble to form a herd. Still it was bad to keep this a secret, after all keeping his past from Twilight had made her doubt his trust in her. He was going to slip at sometime, as he just did with his parents and brother. He didn’t get much more time to consider whether to tell Twilight or not as Luna had just entered the kitchen.
“Good evening my loves,” she announced, pausing when she saw both seemed melancholy. “Ok, what did I miss this time?”
“Nick was telling me a bit more about his past,” Twilight answered, the wolf still not moving. “I’m sorry I’m giving him to you in such a sad mood, Luna.”
“That’s alright,” Luna replied, walking over to the wolf. Raising a hoof to Nick’s cheek she drew back and …
SMACK!
The impact was deafening, not really because Luna hit Nick hard, but because of the action itself.
“What was that for?!” Twilight cried out, wrapping Nick tighter as if that would make him feel better.
“Thank you Luna,” Nick smiled, slightly rubbing his cheek with a paw. “I needed that.”
“You’re quite welcome, mutt,” Luna smirked. “Now come on, it’s my turn to be pampered.”
Twilight just looked between her herdmates, not quite sure how to process what exactly just happened. Sighing she hopped off the bench and headed towards the doorway.
“Well I’ll get ready for bed. Luna, please refrain from beating our wolf friend too much. I still want somepony to cuddle after your date.”
“Don’t worry Twilight. He’s a sturdy wolf so he can take a few hits.”
Rolling her eyes, Twilight dismissed herself leaving Luna alone with her wolf.
“So, what does my ‘busy’ wolf have in store for me tonight?”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll love it,” Nick spoke, getting up and heading out through the doorway.
Curious, Luna decided to follow, as Nick was obviously going to keep what he had planned a secret.
“How much farther are we going to walk?” Luna whined.
Nick had led them through Ponyville and out on one of the dirt roads. His location wasn’t too far, but he wanted to keep the navy blue mare in as much suspense as he could.
“We’re almost there my love,” Nick replied, finally leading them on the right path.
“That’s what you said 5 hours ago.”
“You know, I imagined Princesses were pampered, but I didn’t realize that you weren’t accustomed to a short night walk. You should lay off the doughnuts.”
“How dare you! Everypony in Equestria knows that it is my sister who consumes all the doughnuts, cake, pie and any other sugar confection known to ponykind.”
“And you don’t partake in eating some of her leftovers?”
“ … ”
“That’s what I thought,” Nick chuckled. “Don’t worry Luna, I still love your curves. Also, we’re here!”
Luna quickly forgot her retort and looked around to what Nick was talking about. They were on the edge of a lake, trees dotted the shoreline. The lake resembled her mane, with her moon casting a silvery light on the gentle waves, and the stars dancing on the surface.
“So this is what you meant by being ‘busy’,” Luna spoke after taking in everything around her.
“Yep,” Nick smiled, glad to see Luna approved. “I didn’t really have the time to check out Ponyville Lake at night so I lucked out. This was one of the things Sabrina and I did on one of our dates.”
“Looking at a lake?”
To answer her question, Nick simply took off his satchel, took a few steps back from the shoreline and got a running start. A few feet from the shoreline, he levitated himself with his magic and launched himself into the middle of the lake. Nick landed with a splash, but didn’t resurface immediately. After a few minutes Luna immediately took off her regalia, and waded into the lake, calling out to Nick.
Deciding that he had caused Luna enough worry, Nick released his bubble of air, sending a wave crashing over the lunar princess. As Nick popped his head up from the surface, he was met with his marefriend’s gorgeous wet form. Her mane, despite being ethereal, had actually gotten wet, and was now clinging to her neck and shoulders. Even the annoyed expression on her face was beautiful.
“Oh, so you tried to drown each other,” Luna replied, oblivious to the adoring look on her wolf-friend’s face, or the fact that he was closing the gap between them. “I don’t see how this could be any- “
It was Nick’s turn to take control, and that he did, pressing his lips to Luna’s. No matter how many times he kissed her or Twilight, Nick’s stomach always did a flip and in his mind he would always thank the Tree of Harmony for giving him this opportunity to not only meet two wonderful mares, but also share all the love he had welled up inside him for so many years. They shared their moment for a few minutes, each relishing the delightful touch of the other. Sadly, Nick didn’t bring his princess all the way out here for a kiss.
Breaking the kiss, he stepped back towards the water’s edge.
“Care to join me for a late night swim, your Highness?” he asked, slightly bowing and holding a paw out.
“I’d be delighted to,” she replied, placing her hoof in his paw and allowing Nick to lead her in.
The water’s chilling touch only enhanced the euphoric high they were experiencing, as Nick, able to walk on two legs now, carried Luna deeper into the water, gazing into those beautiful teal gems that gazed back. He nuzzled into her soft wet neck, whispering sweet nothings to her as he continued to carry her around the lake. After going around once, he headed towards the middle, and told his love to lay back and to look up. Doing as he asked, Luna felt Nick release her and saw him float on his back opposite of her, their heads right next to each other. Using a bit of his magic, he swirled the water a bit, causing them both to rotate slowly, all the while enjoying the starry canvas that lay before them.
They lay there for a good hour or two, before Luna suggested they head back to Twilight’s and finish the night with cuddles. Fulfilling her wish, Nick carried her back all the way to the shoreline, gently laid her down and fished out two towels from his satchel for both of them to dry off. Luna floated her regalia into Nick’s bag, explaining how uncomfortable it could be. Smiling, Nick asked Luna if she would do the honors and teleport them back to Twilight’s. After giving him a witty retort, she engulfed them in her magic and they appeared on Twilight’s balcony, the younger mare eagerly expecting them.
“Twilight,” Nick fussed at her. “You didn’t have to stay up and wait for us. We would’ve made sure you got cuddles as well.”
“I’ve stayed up later for sillier things,” Twilight replied, hugging her herdmates. “Besides, it’s not that late. Maybe you could sing us to sleep?”
“I could,” Nick thought about it for a moment. “But I need to take a quick shower, that lake water matted up my fur.”
“I’ll join you,” Luna smiled, heading into Twilight’s bathroom.
“Me too,” Twilight grinned. “My bath is big enough for all three of us, and you can fill me in on the details of your date.”
She joined Luna in preparing the bath, leaving Nick only smiling. After Luna announced that the royal bath was now ready, Nick entered the bathroom, hopping into the bathtub along with his marefriends. They insisted they wash him first and then he could attend to them later, a token of appreciation for showing them a marvelous time. Nodding his head, he turned around and allowed them to work their magic. As they were massaging the knots in his back, Luna described to Twilight how their nightly swim went, sparing no detail. Nick could only smile at hearing her point of view on how she felt the date went.
When they finished with Nick, Twilight suggested that Luna be washed next. Twilight massaged her back while Nick focused on her wings, not really sure what he was doing. Both mares helped him along, explaining what they liked and disliked and were actually happy he took the initiative in learning how to take care of alicorn wings. Once Nick had gotten into a steady pattern, Twilight recounted their date, omitting only the discussion she and Nick had before Luna arrived. Finished with Luna, it was now Twilight’s turn to be spoiled and Nick’s turn to talk. That’s when he mentioned exactly how he felt about both of them, how he was the luckiest wolf alive, to have his affections reciprocated by two beautiful, loving princesses. Finally finishing their cleaning they all rinsed and dried off, brushed their teeth and headed to bed.
Once inside, the herd arranged itself in its favorite position, Nick in the middle and the two mares on either side of him. Seeing as they were all comfortable, Nick started singing.
There’s a calm surrender, to the rush of day.
When the heat of a rolling wind can be turned away.
An enchanted moment and it sees me through
It’s enough for this restless warrior just to be with you.
And can you feel the love tonight? It is where we are
It’s enough for this wide-eyed wanderer, that we got this far.
And can you feel the love tonight, how it’s laid to rest?
It’s enough to make kings and vagabonds believe the very best.
Twilight was the first one asleep, leaving Nick and Luna some time to talk.
“You always sing such great songs,” Luna complimented him. “I’m surprised you weren’t a singer before you arrived here.”
“Heh, I guess I never really thought my singing was that great,” Nick replied. “Also singing was more of a way to express my feelings, especially when I had to leave friends behind. Even the sad songs I loved, as I truly thought the artist was feeling my exact pain. I guess it also helped that my mom would sing to me whenever it all became too much.”
“Do you mind telling me more about your family?” Luna asked, nuzzling Nick in encouragement.
“There’s not much more to tell,” Nick sighed, stroking her mane. “They were great, even my brother. We were not just family, I’d say we were best friends, able to joke around and always had each other’s back. I guess that’s why I felt so betrayed when my brother took everything. I thought we had each other, but apparently it was only a ruse to fool my parents.”
Luna dropped her head a bit. She couldn’t imagine Tia just abandoning her without explaining why. Her sister was even saddened by banishing her to the moon, even though it was the best for everypony. This made her realized just how alone Nick was. Without her or Twilight what would he have done? She clung to him tightly, silently letting him know she would never leave him.
Nick smiled and kissed her on the top of her head.
“Goodnight, my crescent moon.”
The rest of the week passed by rather slowly, which was both a good and bad thing for Nick. Good because the time spent with Luna and Twilight seemed more fuller, as they had all the time in the world to spend with each other. Bad because it only made him dread telling everypony they knew about their herd. He was so happy with them, but what if Twilight’s parents or Celestia disapproved? He could imagine Celestia being upset, claiming he had seduced not only her former student but her sister as well. Hero of Equestria or not, she would be fine with banishing him to the moon.
Despite the week dragging so slowly, the day had arrived. Nick decided not to dress up, even though Rarity had already finished her tux for him. It would be better to just be himself. Surely they all would see what Twilight and Luna saw in him.
The train ride to Canterlot wasn’t too bad, Nick and Twilight deciding to set themselves apart among her friends as to try and not cause too much suspicion. It didn’t help that Applejack kept winking at Nick, or “Wondering what Princess Celestia needed to talk to them about.”
Nick had to hand it to his two marefriends. The way they organized all of this was pure synergy. Princess Cadence was all but excited in meeting Nick, Twilight’s parents had missed their little “Star” and Princess Celestia was eager to hear how Nick’s training was going, especially now that he had defeated a few creatures of the Everfree.
As the train slowed to a halt at Canterlot Station, Nick looked out the window. The sky was its normal blue hue, cotton ball clouds generously spotting it. The group departed the train, stretching their legs before embarking on their final destination, Canterlot Castle.
Nick had to remind himself every so often why the ponies would stop and stare at him. Even being with the Elements of Harmony, he could still sense their apprehension to his presence. He could hear some of their murmurs, of how a wild animal could be left to roam the streets or that it was a good thing the Elements were there or else their lives would be in danger. The group told him not to mind them, even Rarity adding that it was just the elite of Canterlot and they always looked down on anything new.
Still that left Nick to think that the “elite” weren’t entirely wrong, remembering his encounter with the timberwolves and manticore. If provoked just right, he could snap and become the blood thirsty wolf they were talking about.
They finally reached the front castle gates, where a guard immediately let them enter. Another guard was waiting to lead the group to the dining hall, explaining that everypony else had just arrived before them. Walking up the grand staircase, Nick’s nervousness intensified, the realization that this was actually happening hitting him. He took deep, but silent breaths as they approached the double doors leading to where he had dined with Luna a little under a month ago.
The guard announced that the group had arrived, before leaving to return to his post. It was pretty easy to tell which pony was who. Obviously he knew Celestia and Luna, leaving the very pink, slightly swollen alicorn to be Cadance. Shining Armor and Twilight Velvet shared Twilight’s highlights while Night Light looked like your average pony. All four ponies slightly gasped upon seeing Nick, but Cadance soon had a big smile on her muzzle. She also was the first to get up to greet Nick.
“You must be Nick!” she grinned, causing the wolf to wonder why she was so excited to meet him. “Auntie Celestia has told me all about you and how you’re working so hard to protect us all. I’m Cadance by the way, Princess of Love, and before you start, you can just call me Cadance.” Shining Armor stepped up, in which Cadance quickly introduced him as well. “This is my handsome husband, Shining Armor, Twilight’s brother if she hasn’t told you already.” She paused and winked at Nick, causing the already overwhelmed wolf more confusion. “And the other two ponies at the table are Twilight’s and Shining’s parents.”
“Ni- nice to meet you,” Nick replied, shaking each pony’s hooves after Cadance had finished.
“Are you alright dear?” Shining asked, looking rather concerned about his wife’s outburst.
“Never been better!” she replied, before promptly sitting down.
“Alright then,” he said, before turning back to Nick. “So you’re the wolf that my sister has been training. From what Cadance has told me you two are making a lot of progress.”
“I guess you could say that,” Nick answered. “So far I’ve defeated some timberwolves and a manticore. I’m still a long ways away from facing any of the villains you have I’m sure.”
“Ah so you took care of the manticore?” Celestia intervened, gesturing to both males to take their seats, which conveniently had Nick sitting next to Twilight and across from Shining and Cadance.
“It wasn’t easy, but yes, the manticore will no longer be a potential threat to anypony.”
“That is good news,” Celestia said thoughtfully, before turning her attention to everypony seated. “It will only be a few minutes before our food arrives, my little ponies. Although Cadance did a decent job of introducing everypony, let’s hear some more from Nick.”
The spotlight now on him, Nick cleared his throat and eased himself into speaking. He told them the same backstory he had originally told Twilight, since honestly it wasn’t too far off from what his past life was like. He omitted his parent’s deaths and all the sad details, explaining how he was found by Celestia and what the Tree of Harmony had showed him. There wasn’t much else he needed or wanted to explain to the rest of them. Luckily their lunch arrived before anypony could further ask him questions, although as they ate, there was some small talk amongst themselves.
The whole time however, Nick noticed Cadance’s eyes darting from him, to Luna, to Twilight. He remembered that she was the Princess of Love and assumed she already knew about their herd, explaining why she was so giddy when they first met. Also, assuming her excitement was a good thing, then she would fully support their choice. Having her on his side allowed Nick to ease up a bit, joining in on the conversation with Twilight’s parents how they were proud of their daughter for taking on two students, in which Nick vouched that he couldn’t have asked for a better teacher.
The conversation ebbed along with the food, and soon everypony was filled, not only with good food, but also good cheer. At the pause of the conversation, Celestia once again spoke.
“It was a pleasure to have everypony here today,” she smiled, looking to each guest. “But the true purpose of this assembly was not just meeting our new friend. According to my sister, you had some news to tell us Nick.”
All eyes once again fell on the wolf, Cadance’s growing to saucers. Taking a deep breath and clearing his throat, Nick nodded.
“That would be right, Princess Celestia. As I had stated earlier I have now been in Equestria for about a month now, and have gotten to know most of the ponies of Ponyville very well. I’d say that I’m good friends with the Elements of Harmony,” he paused as all of the Mane 6 nodded in agreement. “However, it is not only friendship that I have found in Ponyville. I also have found love.”
Cadance had to restrain a squeal as he said that.
“You have?” everypony in the room asked simultaneously, save Applejack, Luna, Twilight and Cadance.
“Yes, although I will admit I wasn’t expecting these feelings towards these two mares to have surfaced so suddenly.”
“Two mares?” Celestia interrupted, cocking an eyebrow.
Nick gulped. “Yes, two. Wolves are usually known to be bound to one mate for life, which was part of my confusion at first as why I felt affection for both mares. But due to an unforeseen series of events, the two mares in question came to know my feelings and after serious discussion agreed to form a herd.”
“Would it be safe to assume that these two mares are present right now?” Celestia asked, the cheerfulness in her voice fading.
Nick was silent for a while before slowly nodding his head. Why was he doing this? It was too late now for him to take back what he said. Secretly he wished that Luna and Twilight would come to his aid, but he knew that he had to do this. Taking a deep breath, he decided to take the plunge.
“The mares that I love are Luna and Twilight.”
And in that moment, all of Tartarus broke loose.