On our train ride back to Ponyville we had decided to use the next day for preparations and leave for Indigo's tower the day after. Lyra had been so excited she couldn't stay in one spot and moved around the wagon all the time.
We arrived in Ponyville at sunset. We said our goodbyes and after a quick dinner, we had an early night.
...
The next morning I went to my lab to see how well it had been restored. The carpenter was on site finishing a few last repairs. The only thing left was the blast wall that still laid outside on the ground. He told me Big Mac would come over later today to help him to put it in place again.
"Looks pretty good.", I heard a familiar but unexpected voice from behind while I walked through the lab checking a few things. I turned around and greeted my surprise visitor. "Hi, Bon Bon. So nice to see you. Pretty much everything had been replaced, soon we can experiment again."
"I want to thank you for letting Lyra work with you, she is so happy and proud of what she's doing with you. She told me twice how she met the princesses... and I'm sure she will tell everyone she comes across today."
"No Problem, I think she's a great assistant. I love her positive attitude and her energy."
"Yeah, that's some of her treats I love too.", she answered smiling. "But you have to keep an eye on her, she ruined two batches of sweets once when she helped me in my shop... and that was just sugar, not like the things your doing here." Her eyes looked pleading now. "Please, take care of her, she brings so much joy into my life... chaos too, but mostly joy."
I bent down to her. "I will do my best to ensure she always gets home unharmed."
"Thanks." She revealed a huge bag of sweets out of her saddlebag. "This is a selection of the things I sell. You should visit my shop from time to time, so we can chat a bit."
"Sure. Sweets and a nice chat, that sounds fun. What is Lyra doing right now, is she preparing anything for tomorrow."
Bon Bon snickered. "I forced her to pack a saddle bag this morning so she wouldn't do it last minute like usually. She is visiting Carrot Top right now. Carrot was acting weird lately so Lyra said she tries to cheer her up... but I'm pretty sure she just wants to brag about her research trip with Princess Cadence."
"Please tell her we wrote letters with Cadence and want to catch the 9 am train tomorrow."
"I make sure she will be on time."
I walked outside and felt a light chill. The days slowly started to get a bit colder. Most of the leaves had turned yellow, red, and brown over the last two weeks. I should talk to Rarity about warmer clothing soon. I put one of the sweets in my mouth; it had a tasty lemon flavor.
...
I was waiting with Twilight at the train station when Lyra trotted towards us. She had saddlebags on her back, just like my marefriend. I had changed a saddlebag into a backpack for me and had filled it with food, water, and a journal to take notes. I also wore my gloves since the weather wasn't that warm and I still felt more comfortable for others not to see I was wearing a prosthesis.
Lyra didn't look as cheerful as usually. "Morning.", she simply stated.
"Hi, Lyra. Nice to see you.", we both answered.
She stood next to us while we waited for the train.
"Cadence will join us when we reach Canterlot station and then we will walk about three more hours until we reach the tower.", I explained.
"Okay."
"You're surprisingly quiet today, is everything alright?"
"I... yes. I just had a bit trouble with my marefriend, but I don't want to talk about it."
We just stood there for a few more minutes until the train arrived.
...
As we arrived at Canterlot Station, Cadence was already there waiting for us. As soon as Twilight was in reach she drew her into a loving hug and greeted us. "I got some happy news.", she addressed mostly Twily. "I'm engaged with Shining!"
There were several squeals from both of them, followed by more hugs and happy tears.
"Congrats. I'm so happy for both of you.", I said once the volume was back to normal.
"This is really good news.", Lyra commented smiling. "Congratulations from me as well."
"We told your parents and Celestia yesterday and I'm happy to tell you now in person. I want you to be my bridesmaid, and help me choose a dress and with the other preparations."
More squealing and hugging occurred.
To give Twilight the permission to organize a huge event like this was like giving her a Christmas present.
'There will be piles of lists in our home soon.', I thought looking at my grinning marefriend.
Once they calmed down again we were headed towards the Canterlot gates to start our journey towards Nightshade's tower.
It was fascinating to see how Lyra's mood had changed all the sudden. She was chatting away with Cadence, asking her about her favorite food, color, song and what she did on a normal day. It felt good to see her happier again.
...
I admired the beautiful colors of the trees we passed on our way. I turned towards Twilight. "Do you have Christmas here as well?"
She looked at me confused. I remembered the origin of its name and felt really stupid. "I meant is there a holiday in the winter were family or friends come together to eat and share gifts?"
Her face turned into a huge happy smile. "Of course, you mean Hearth's Warming Eve. I'm looking forward to snuggle with you in a blanket while there is snow outside and to visit my parents, my brother and my new sister-in-law together."
"That sounds lovely.", I replied and kissed her softly. I saw Lyra staring at us licking her lips, I guess she missed Bon Bon already no matter what had happened between them.
We had already walked half of the way to the tower, so we decided to take a rest in this lovely panorama of autumn trees. I ate one of my sandwiches and enjoyed the view while the others did the same and we had some small talk about weddings.