//------------------------------//
// Wednesday Nights 
// Story: You're a Princess Now 
// by SprocketProductions 
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What happens on Wednesday nights stays on Wednesday nights.

Golden was awoken in the middle of the night by the sound of loud hoofsteps across the floor and the familiar clanking of armor plates. He remembered his father coming back from the war in tattered plate mail. He remembered running out the front door of his house to embrace the stallion. He remembered Platinum Light, his father, wincing from the effect of his injuries, but still returning affection. Most of all, he remembered how amazing it felt to be finally reunited with his father. He carefully got out of bed, careful not to wake up Marble. The sound had passed once he exited the room, but he went in the direction of the noise. As he turned the corner of the corridor, he saw Authority Figure, who had just stepped out of his room, in full uniform. Golden wondered if he ever took it off.

"Hello, princess. Are you concerned at the odd noise passing by as well?" The senator spoke.

Golden nodded, "It reminded me of my dad coming back home from the war."

"That doesn't sound as much like concern as it does desire to see." He retorted.

Golden shook his head, "No sir. My thought is that maybe there's a war party going out to fight. I want foals to get to see their fathers again, I don't just want some of them to be as lucky as I was."

"I see, such a cause is admirable. Stay with me. I know this palace more closely, even if I have been here for only six days now." The stallion advised.

Golden nodded, "Thank you."

Authority figure light a lantern for the two to see down the dark halls, which looked far less welcoming in the dark of night. It seemed as if the shadows wanted to swallow the light. Golden walked close to Authority out of insecurity, who put a reassuring hoof on his shoulder. They slowly journeyed through the monumental maze-like structure until they saw a light at the end, soon to be blocked by a door which was quickly closed. The two looked at each other for a brief moment before proceeding. Once they reached the door, Authority knocked on it. A slat in the door was moved, revealing a pair of eyes, very close to the door.

"Who goes there!?!?" A dry, raspy voice demanded before they glanced at Authority, "You sir, are welcome. The princess? Only if she agrees to not tell."

Golden raised an eyebrow, "About what?"

"About what? W-well, about... things! We don't want the oh-so important things getting out around the palace! And we must especially avoid there being... unforseen... stuff!" The voice replied.

Golden glared, "Could you please rephrase that? I dunno, make it a little more vague or something?"

"Look, if I let you in, you have to promise not to tell about what's going on." The voice told him.

He sighed, "Cross my heart, hope to fly-"

"Or we'll stick our resignation forms in your eye." The voice interrupted as the door opened.

Golden and Authority walked inside to see knights all around enjoying ale and cider together, celebrating something Golden couldn't guess. They were all having happy conversations with each other, and they seemed to certainly not be a war party as was his first impulse. They walked through what looked to be the palace tavern until they got to the bar. Two ponies stood there, one mare in Coltic garb, and a stallion in attire straight from Apploosia.

The mare spoke up, "Aye, would ya like sum ale to fill yer pipes?"

"Nah, these younguns are lookin like they're in a might of a need for some cider. Imported straight from good 'ol Sweet Apple Acres." The stallion pushed his grey hair back behind his ears, his hairline disguised by his hat.

Golden smiled, "Well, I haven't actually tried cider before. Of course, I haven't tried ale before either, but I've been a lot more curious about cider. Though the night isn't over yet."

"Ah like how ya think, missy. One mugga cider comin' right up!" The stallion poured a mug of apple cider for golden, who levitated it and thanked the pony.

Authority smiled, "My my, it has been some time since I had a quality ale. Miss? Would you mind?"

"Much obliged, I'll give ya the finest mug you've ever laid yer eyes on. 'Course it'd be more fun to drink it." The mare joked.

As the night grew on, Authority and Golden grew more and more intoxicated from the cider and ale. They laughed and joked and reminisced with their newfound friends.

Authority began chuckling before letting out slurred words, "Y-you know about this one..." He tried to put a hoof on Golden's shoulder, but missed, "This one's a stallion!"

"Now that's the best one I've heard all night!" Laughed a knight.

Golden giggled, "The sad part's that he's telling the truth!"

"Only one way to find out!" Chuckled another night.

Golden jokingly pushed the knight away, "Back off, hoovsey!"

They all laughed loudly and finished off their mugs of liquor. Before long, they all quietly stumbled out of the tavern as quickly as it all started. Golden realized how much difficulty he would have going back to sleep without waking Marble. He quietly slipped into the room, checking the bed to see Marble, still soundly asleep. He stumbled into the bathroom and shut the door. He began drinking water straight from the tap of the sink, as he felt extremely thirsty. Once he was finally satisfied, he proceeded to take a cold shower, making sure he was thoroughly clean before eventually brushing his teeth.

Afterward, he was tasked with slipping back into bed in his intoxicated state. He tried to think, but was not having much success in coming up with any ideas. Golden finally went over to the foot of the bed and climbed over part of the frame clumsily before discreetly slipping back into the covers and embracing Marble once again. Before he went to sleep, he kissed her on the forehead. He then closed his eyes and drifted off into a dreamless rest.