//------------------------------// // Announcements and Plans Revealed // Story: Gathering Pieces // by Random_User //------------------------------// “Where is that brother of yours?” Mosaic asked. “It looks like things could start any time now.” “Amore is with him, he’ll be back.” Stone gave his mother a look. “When did it become ‘that brother of yours’ and not ‘my son’?” “Since you let him drag you into the Everfree Forest and all over Equestria.” “I remember somepony putting him in a reinforced crate and air shipping him during part of that.” “I was following the wishes of a princess.” “It would have happened anyway, and we both know it.” Stone gave her a puppy eyes look. “He would have looked at you with those eyes of his, told you about how much it meant to him to see things through, and you would have packed him up princess’ orders or not.” “I will admit to nothing.” She smiled at him. “I take it that’s how he got you?” “No, it was because when he came to me and started telling me about his dreams he started crying. You know how he wants to be chipper around everypony. I knew something was really wrong when the tears started.” Mosaic’s expression saddened, but she still had a smile. “What are we going to do with him? I can’t tell him not to help ponies, but he’s going to worry me to death if he keeps getting pulled into things like this.” “Please, don’t tell him about me telling you. He didn’t want to upset you, and I think it would hurt his pride.” “I won’t,” Mosaic said. “Here he comes,” Field said. “Amore is right behind him.” “How did it go?” Stone asked, as Cobalt neared the table. “Really good, Windless even got a hug from Fluttershy.” Stone looked astounded. “Fluttershy gave somepony she just met a hug?” Cobalt waited for Amore to take her seat at the table and then sat down. “Care set it up. She was trying to get Rarity to hug him, but Rarity made it so Fluttershy was the one that gave him the hug.” Puca smiled. “So that’s what I picked up on a couple of minutes ago. Care certainly made his day.” Field leaned and put his head against Mosaic’s. “Getting a hug from my special mare always makes my day better.” He looked at Stone. “Wouldn’t you agree?” Stone looked at Puca and nodded. “It does.” Amore hugged Cobalt to her side. “Hugging heroic little colts works wonders too.” She glanced down at Cobalt and smiled. “I believe Care would agree with me, if she were here.” Cobalt blushed. He seemed to think about something for a moment. He looked up at Amore. “We’re the only ponies without special someponies here.” Amore giggled. “I’ll let you in on a little secret.” She leaned close to Cobalt’s ear. “I have a special somepony.” “Really?” he whispered back. “How? You just got back.” “You haven’t met him; he was part of the team that escorted Flurry and Thorax to Canterlot.” “That’s right, the Empire’s only been back for about a year now!” Cobalt looked at the neighboring tables. “Is he here?” “I don’t think so. From what I understand, that team was heading back towards the Empire just as we were getting on the train to Canterlot. I don’t think they even knew that there was going to be a celebration.” “That stinks. I’m sure he would have been glad to see you.” “I would have loved to see him too, but we’ll catch each other soon enough. I hope he is enjoying the celebration in the Crystal Empire. That way, I can look at it as us being at the same event in a way.” Ponyville’s Mayor stood on the main platform and addressed the crowd,“Mares and gentlecolts, welcome to this evening’s festivities.” She put a hoof to her chest and gave a slight bow. “My name is Mayor Mare, and I have the honor of introducing somepony who has recently been returned to us.” “Cobalt, follow me.” Cobalt looked up at Amore. “What?” “I have been asked to introduce everypony to the Princess of the Crystal Empire, to start our ceremonies off.” Mayor Mare looked out from the stage to Amore and nodded. “It is my honor to introduce Princess Amore of the Crystal Empire.” Amore stood and made her way to raised platform. Cobalt followed behind her. As they ascended the stairs at the side of the platform, Cadance motioned for Cobalt to come and sit beside her. “What is going on?” Cobalt asked, in a whisper. Cadance leaned close to him. “You’ll see.” Amore stood beside the mayor and smiled at the gathered ponies. “Good evening. Tonight, I address you not as a princess, but as a fellow pony. I want to thank you all for saving my life. Without your courage and selflessness, I would not be here.” She bowed to the crowd. “Thank you all.” “Welcome back!” a voice in the crowd shouted, and the audience laughed and applauded. “I find myself in a world both familiar and strange. I ventured to the Crystal Empire to study the interactions of earth pony magic with the crystals of the north and, through an unexpected series of events, ended up connected to the Heart and the leader of the Empire. Though not much time has passed for me, my situation and the world certainly have. My connection to the Crystal Heart is gone, my country is ruled by pair of wonderful ponies, and my home is not as familiar as it once was.” Amore paused and took a deep breath. “Take all the time you need,” Celestia whispered. “Thank you, but I’m okay,” Amore replied. She steadied herself and smiled at the crowd. “I have decided to take this opportunity and return to my studies. While leading the Crystal Empire has been a wonderful experience, due to the changes in the world during my and the Empire’s absence, I have abdicated my position as Princess of the Empire.” Several gasps could be heard from the crowd. “What do you intend to do then?” the same voice that welcomed her questioned. “I intend to return to academia, as an instructor, to continue to learn, and to teach the next generations of ponies about the intricacies of magic in all its forms.” Celestia stood and moved to the front of the platform. “My ponies tonight’s festivities are being held as a thank you for your bravery and service to all of ponykind and the world. You are the ones who should be on this platform, and not us.” Celestia was joined by the other princesses. “Without ponies like you, Equestria would not be the nation that it is and the world would be a much darker place.” She and the other princesses bowed. “From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.” A moment of silence passed, and then the audience roared in applause. After the cheering died down, the princess rose. Celestia addressed the crowd: “Those who have been granted power are beholden to use it for the betterment of others and to teach others ways to cultivate their own talents and to live worthy lives. The Crystal Empire has it’s Grand Library and university. Equestria has several renowned specialized schools and libraries, including Canterlot’s School for Gifted Unicorns and Clouddale’s flight academy. However, Equestria lacks a school that encourages the understanding of what can occur when ponies and other beings that live in Equestria combine their efforts. To address this, Ponyville has been chosen as the site for the new Equestria University, which will enhance and study such bonds and allow us new ways to better the world.” Celestia nodded to Twilight. “Princess Twilight will be working with Mayor Mare and the citizens of Ponyville to establish the university, and will act as its head.” Twilight waved. “I look forward to working with you to get the university up and running. However, that process will take time and I am eager to start introducing students to the concepts that the university will be renowned for.” Twilight scanned the crowd. “Miss Cheerilee? Are you here?” “I am,” Cheerilee said, from where she was sitting with the Apple family. “Please stand, so everyone can see you.” Cheerilee stood and gave a nervous wave to everybody. “Miss Cheerilee has been kind enough to agree to allow our future instructors to get some experience teaching under her supervision for a class or two during the year. Speaking of our instructors, some of them are with us now. Instructors, if you could stand up so everybody could see you.” Cobalt’s gawked as Mend, Zecora, Grayson, Bonsmara, Fierce, and Guaze stood. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for agreeing to be a part of the founding of the university,” Twilight told them. “It is an honor to be invited to be a part of such an institution,” Fierce said, as he bowed to Twilight. “We look forward to helping however we can.” Luna stepped forward. “You and your compatriots have accomplished much for Equestira as it stands.” She looked over the gathering. “As have you all, without your valiant actions and loyalty to Equestria there would be no celebration this evening. Had events taken a slight turn, we may have not lived to see many more nights.” Luna paused and then smiled. “I should not speak so. For tonight should be filled with fellowship and revelry, not thoughts of what could have been.” She looked to the side of the platform, where Cobalt sat. “Before the festivities commence, there is one pony that I would like to present with a boon. Cobalt Blue, step forward and receive your reward.” Cobalt looked up to Cadance as if to ask if he had heard Luna right. Cadance giggled and gave him an assuring pat on the shoulder. “Go on.” Cobalt nodded and got to his hooves. As he walked towards Luna, he glanced out at the gathered ponies and put on a nervous smile. Once he was in front of Luna, he bowed. “You may raise your head.” When Cobalt looked up at her, Luna smiled. “I would have you know that I had to remind my fellow princesses that it was through my realm of dreams that you were reached by Amore, to be the one who bestowed this upon you.” Luna’s horn lit, and a table with a piece of paper, inkwell, and quill appeared in front of Cobalt. “If you wish it, you are to undergo special instruction under the tutelage of Amore and Mend. This will also acknowledge you as the first student admitted to Equestria University, which you will attend when you reach the proper stage in your studies.” Cobalt looked down at the table and the attendance form that lay on it. “Mom and Dad have already signed it?” He looked up to Luna. “They knew?” “They agreed today,” Amore said, “while we were at Sugar Cube Corner. That was what the messages were about.” “It didn’t take too much convincing for them to agree,” Mend said, from the side of the platform. “Amore, could I get a lift? I’m getting a bit too old to go jumping up on something like this.” Amore’s magic surrounded Mend and lifted her to the platform. “Thanks.” She moved so that she could look at the form. “Looks like all it needs is your signature.” “When would I need to move to the Empire?” He looked towards Mosaic, Stone, and Field, and then back to her. “If I could have a couple of weeks to-” Mend tapped a hoof to his nose, cutting him off. “I’m coming here. Remember? I’m going to be an instructor.” Cobalt perked up. “That’s right!” His ears fell, as he turned to Amore, but what about you?” “Just today, though, a certain princess asked me to consider becoming a part of a new school that is starting up. Seeing that I was out of a job, and living in a guest room at the palace, I accepted the offer.” “Cobalt, if you don’t sign that form, I think the purple princess there is going to lose all of her feathers,” Mend told him. Cobalt nodded and signed. “I look forward to being part of your school, when I’m old enough,” he told Twilight. “I’m looking forward to having you as a student,” Twilight replied. She trotted in place with happiness. “I can’t believe I got to say that to somepony!” She looked out and said, “You can sit down now, thank you.” “All but Silk Gauze may be seated,” Luna said. Gauze, who had been in the process of sitting down, shot back to standing, at Luna’s words. Gauze looked at the ponies around her, and gave a shy wave. “Hi!” she said to the crowd, gaining her a few chuckles. “Bitter Root, please join her in standing,” Luna commanded. Bitter, who had been sitting at Guaze’s side stood. “While you are to be the last honored this night, you two are by far not the least. I want you to look around at the ponies gathered here." “When I walked among my Guard, after reaching Sombra’s sanctuary, I was surprised to find a number of them adorned with ribbons. After asking what the ribbons represented, I was told that they were well wishes that came from a singular healer who gave one to every pony that she treated. Upon knowing what they meant, the number of ribbons struck me, and I asked as to name of the healer. I was given Gauze’s name. I learned that you two treated almost all of those wounded during the battle with the Nightmare and her Windigos and saved several lives.” “Bitter and I didn’t do it alone, Princess,” Gauze said humbly. “Everypony helped everypony else as best they could.” “But everypony did not triage the wounded, work for two days without sufficient rest, and take care of ponies in the manner that you did. So that all know, Bitter and Gauze wrote to me, in response to my invitation that they would not be here due to needing to remain to tend those that were still in no condition to be moved.” Luna smiled. “I managed to convince them the Crystal Empire’s healers could tend to our wounded quite well and that it would mean a great deal to me that they attend tonight.” Bonsmara stood. “It means a lot for all of us that you came.” Bonsmara held up her hand and displayed a ribbon. “Do you know how many of these you gave out after the battle, Gauze?” Gauze shook her head. “No, I don’t.” Bonsmara held her ribbon higher and ponies throughout the audience stood. Each held out their own ribbon. Grayson help up his tail, where his ribbon had been retied.” Gauze looked around and teared up. Bitter, appearing shocked himself, whispered to her, “I didn’t realize it was that many. Everything started to blur together, after a while.” “You gave out thirty eight in total. Nine of those who got them could not be here due to their injuries.” Gauze sniffed. “I wish they could have been.” “They may not be here tonight, but they will be able to return home, due to your efforts,” Luna said. “Take comfort in that.” Gauze bowed her head. “I will. Thank you Princess.” “Let us put aside such heavy thoughts. If adequate space could be provided for Lady Scratch and her equipment, I believe now is the perfect time for our celebration to begin.” ***** Cadance put a hoof to her forehead. “Twilight never took dance while she was in school, did she?” “She didn’t.” Celestia sighed. “I am going to have to find a tactful way to suggest that she get some instruction.” Luna snorted, as she glared at the stereo equipment that Vinyl Scratch had set up. “Her dancing fits the noise coming out of those machinations.” “I didn’t like this kind of music either, when I was introduced to it, but it grows on you,” Celestia said. Using his magic, Shining lifted Flurry from Cadance and put her on his back. “Come on, kiddo. Let’s see if we can’t teach your auntie Twilight a couple of moves. You coming, Love?” Cadance told him, “You two have fun. I’ll catch up.” “Princess stuff?” “Princess stuff.” Shining gave Cadance a quick kiss on the cheek, which Flurry giggled at, and then left the platform. “You chose well,” Luna said. “He is fine example of a stallion.” “Thank you.” Cadance gave Luna a sly look. “I’ve heard that you might have taken an interest in a certain somepony.” “There is one that has drawn my eye. I have given subtle hints that I am willing to be courted, but he has not acted. I will give him a chance or two more and, if he does not act, I shall know that he is uninterested.” Celestia arched an eyebrow. “You didn’t say anything to me?” Luna crisply replied, “There was nothing to divulge, since the courtship has yet to begin.” Luna’s ears lowered and a sad look came to her eyes. “Perhaps there will never be reason. He has not approached, yet he attended this evenings events.” She shook her head, and drew herself back up. “Let up put aside such frivolities. Amore, now that you have visited this town, seen its ponies, and attended this event do you think this school will suit our needs?” “I have little doubt.” She looked toward the dancing ponies. “A filly is dancing with a dragon. A diamond dog and a minotaur are together, there is a changeling and pony pair, and even a griffon and a zebra enjoying the night together.” Amore smiled. “If there is a place in all of Equestria that this idea will work, it is here.” Cadance scanned the crowd of dancers. “We’re missing some of our key-” She smiled and looked to the edge of the platform, where a small group of ponies had gathered. “Never mind.” “He’s really going to do it,” Windless said, as Bitter separated himself from the group and approached the platform. “Princess Luna, I ask permission to approach,” Bitter said. Cadance giggled. “He’s taking the old fashioned approach.” Luna gave a light snort. “Keep in mind; such formalities are not antiquated for me. Sir Bitter Root, you may join us.” With a graceful leap and a couple of wing beats, Bitter landed on the platform and bowed to Luna. “I humbly ask that you honor me with a dance.” “He did it!” Gauze cheered. “She hasn’t said yes yet,” Windless pointed out. “You brought a cheering section with you,” Cadance said. “It was unintentional, Empress,” Bitter said, still looking to the platform. “When I got up from the table, they asked where I was going. When I told them what I was going to do, half of them thought I was nuts, the other half encouraged me. Both halves followed out of curiosity, I believe.” Cobalt let it be known, “I was on the cheering side!” “I still think he’s nuts,” Windless said. Mercy laughed. “He’s acting a moon-calf, I’ll agree. But those in his condition often do.” Comfort looked up at Mercy. “His condition?” “He’s been moonstruck by Princess Luna.” “She can do that?” Celestia nodded with exaggerated seriousness. “Luna has afflicted many a stallion and quite a few mares with this condition.” Luna cut her eyes toward her sister. “I recall somepony having a number of ‘sun dogs’ following her around like puppies. You may rise, Sir Bitter Root, and approach.” Bitter stood and moved towards Luna. “Lift your head.” “Yes, Princess,” he said, raising his chin. Bitter’s eyes crossed, as Luna leaned towards him and kissed his nose. When she touched him, Bitter’s wings snapped up and he blushed crimson. She looked over Bitter’s wings with undisguised appreciation. “I have not gotten such a reaction from a stallion in ages. It pleases me that you find me so desirable for you are quite so to me.” “Luna!” Celestia gasped and then laughed. “That’s a bit brazen for this day and age.” “I will not let it be said that I do not make my thoughts known.” “You have a lovely pair of wings, Sir Bitter,” Cadance teased. Bitter looked over his shoulder at his wings as if they had betrayed him and folded them back to his sides. “Thank you, Empress. I didn’t mean to put them on display.” “I didn’t know bat ponies did that too,” Cobalt said, looking up at Gauze. “We certainly do.” She looked down at him and booped his nose with a hoof. “You are too cute for your own good.” Careful, Gauze, you’ll make Care jealous,” Windless said. “She claimed Cobalt earlier.” Care’s coat fluffed in a show of indignation, and she protested, “I did not ‘claim’ him!” “You might as well have, with that hug you gave him in front of everypony.” Cadance began to fidget and hum an excited note. Amore glanced over at her. “Are you all right?” “Empress Cadance, a citizen of the Empire requests to speak with you,” Starless announced, as he led a cloaked pony towards the platform. “He just arrived by special transport. He says that the matter is of the utmost importance.” “I will hear him,” Cadance said. “Good sir, you must be roasting in that cloak. Please, feel free to take it off.” “Thank you empress,” the stallion replied. He put back the hood of his cloak, and Amore gasped. “Rough Edge!” The stallion bowed. “Good evening, Princesses.” “Good evening to you as well, Captain Rough Edge,” Celestia told him. “Your timing is impeccable.” “Thank you, Princess.” He rose up and looked at Amore. “You have no idea how good it to see you again. I thought we had lost you.” Tears filled his eyes. “I thought I had lost you.” “You were supposed to just be getting back to the Empire from Canterlot, with the guards that had escorted Flurry. I was sure we were going to miss each other.” “The Empress got a message to me, just as I got back to the Empire from Canterlot. She also arranged so that I could catch a flying carriage to Canterlot and a then train from there to here.” Amore’s voice hitched, as she told him, “She didn’t say a word to me.” “Surprise!” Cadance said. “I didn’t do it alone, though. Celestia was the one who commandeered the flying chariot.” “Rerouted,” Celestia gently corrected. “No force was used to persuade the guards pulling the chariot that I could fly quite well on my own and that another was in more need of the transportation.” “When did you get here?” Amore asked him. “Not quite ten minutes ago.” He looked at her with concerned intensity. “Did you really do it? Did you abdicate the thrown?” “I did.” “But you loved being our Princess. We would have had you back in a heartbeat.” “The Empire needs more modern leaders. I am a thousand years out of date.” She sniffed and smiled. “Besides, they had already packed my furniture up.” “Luna has done well enough, after she’s come back.” “Thank you,” Luna interjected. “You’re a bit biased as to my ability,” Amore told Edge. “I know a good opportunity when I see one. I want to be here. I want to study and teach again.” “You’re sure. I can tell.” “I’m sure.” Edge snap turned to Cadence and came to attention. “Empress, I resign from my post. I will have the formal documents drawn up and delivered to Captain Shining armor by dawn.” Amore sprung to her hooves. “Edge! No!” Not turning his head, Edge looked to Amore. Tears ran down his face. “I lost you once, I won’t lose you again. Where you go, I go. You will always be my princess, and I will be your guard.” “I do not accept your resignation,” Cadance said. She held her hoof up, when he began to protest. “I would like to offer an alternative. Ponyville has had need of a more regimented security force, with Twilight and the Element’s being here. With the University coming, the need will be even greater. The details haven’t all been ironed out, but there have already been volunteers for a new guard force that is to be stationed in Ponyville.” “We are lacking a Captain of the Guard,” Celestia said. “If we were to have a pony with your qualifications aid us as we cobbled the force together, it would be an invaluable help.” Cadance smiled. “If you would like to volunteer for a transfer, I would be happy to recommend you for the position.” “Yes! A thousand times, yes! I volunteer for the transfer!” Amore jumped from platform. She and Edge held each other and cried into each other’s shoulders. Edge nuzzled and stroked Amore’s mane. “I thought I would never hold you again.” Amore touched her nose to Edge’s. “There is another upside to not being a princess that I didn’t think about before.” “What would that be?” “I can do this in public without worrying about ending your career.” She kissed him with deliberate, slow passion. “While I am glad that you two have been reunited, I am going to have to ask that you two not go any further before I have to charge you with public indecency,” Celestia warned, with a giggle. Amore and Edge broke the kiss. “Later, love,” Amore promised. “This time, I’m going to act as if there might not be a later.” Amore stared at Edge, as he knelt down. “Edge, what are you doing?” “I nearly missed this opportunity because I waited too long. I’m not going to make that mistake again.” Edge reached into a pocket of his uniform and retrieved a pair of rings. “Amore, princess of my heart, will you do me the honor of marrying me?” “Yes, my beloved captain.” Celestia glanced over to Cadance. “Did you plan this?” Cadance, who was grinning like a filly on Hearths Warming morning, shook her head. “No, but it couldn’t have come out better if I had.” Edge rose to his hooves. “Princess Cadance, would you do us the honor of marrying us?” “Of course I will marry you, but not tonight and not here. If the citizen of the Crystal Empire learned that I married you without a full ceremony, they would oust me and Shining.” “We can wait till we get back to the Empire.” Amore leaned against Edge and put her head against his. “I’m just glad to have him back.” “Let’s all agree to keep this quiet, for the time being,” Cadance said, looking around at the gathered ponies. “We can do that,” Windless said. “Let’s get out there and celebrate, or ponies are going to start wondering what is going on,” Freight suggested. “I like that idea.” Gauze said, putting a foreleg around Cobalt’s shoulders. “Everypony that doesn’t already have one, grab a partner.” “Your making my sister jealous again,” Windless stated. “I thought she said she hadn’t claimed him.” “I haven’t,” Care said, her words lacking conviction. Gauze hugged Cobalt to her side a little more. “Then there’s nothing wrong with him dancing with me, right?” Care’s ears tucked back. “I guess not.” Gauze gave Care a smile. “I tell you what. You help me find a dance partner, and I’ll give Cobalt to you.” “Doesn’t Cobalt get a say in this?” Amore asked. “I don’t think so,” Cadance said. “Judging by how he’s blushing, I don’t think he minds much.” “But I don’t know anyp...” As she let her words drop off, Care grinned. “How much do you want to dance tonight?” “I don’t want to feel my hooves in the morning.” “I have an idea, then. Offer a dance to anypony that has one of your ribbons as a ‘checkup’.” “I like the way you think.” Gauze gave Cobalt a pat on the back. “He’s all yours.” Cobalt scampered to Care’s side. Gauze sighed and made a show of looking at the ponies around her without looking at Windless. “It’s a shame almost all the stallions are taken around here. I wanted to go out on the dance floor with somepony ready to dance.” Windless puffed himself up and stood to his full height. “Miss Gauze, would you like to dance with me?” “I would love to,” she said, extending a hoof to him. Windless took her hoof and walked at her side to the dance floor. “Like father, like son,” Freight said, shaking her head, “lots of bravado and no shame.” “You can’t fault him for wanting to dance with a lovely mare.” Starless hugged Freight to his side with a wing. “I know that’s what I want to do right now.” “I get the hint.” She leaned her head against his. “It has been a bit too long since we danced.” “Care, Cobalt, you should join us,” Luna said, getting to her hooves. “So long as Cobalt does not protest, that is.” “I won’t protest, Princess,” Cobalt said. “You don’t mind being my ‘prize’?” Care asked, looking concerned. Cobalt smiled and assured her, “I don’t mind at all.” “Miss Care,” Amore said, “just one thing.” “Yes, Princess?” Care winced. “Sorry, I forgot. Yes, Miss Amore?” “I get at least one dance with him, at some point tonight.” “Sure!” Luna nodded. “Now that all is settled, let us go and speak with the operator of that machination. I will have at least a couple of songs played that are appropriate to waltz to before this night concludes.” “Yes Princess.” The remaining princesses and Edge watched the partners move to the dance floor. Celestia’s ear twitched. “Cadance, you might as well let it out.” Cadance gave a happy squeal. “I love it here! There is something about Ponyville that just brings ponies together!” “I take it then there are connections forming already?” “Oh yes! Bitter isn’t going to know what hit him, and he cares for Luna on a couple of levels. Care and Cobalt are already friends, so that’s a great sign.” Cadance giggled, as she looked over the dancers. “There are so many connections being made here I can’t keep up with them all.” She lowered her voice. “There is no way that things aren’t going to work.” “Let’s not count our chickens before they hatch,” Amore cautioned. “Making an artifact like the Crystal Heart is not any easy task. Even with as much as we know about it, and all the energy that Ponyville could provide, there is no guarantee that the plan will succeed.” “We have you, Twilight, and some of the best minds in Equestria right here. I’m sure things will go just fine.” Cadance looked towards Celestia. “There is just one more thing we need to work on. Getting a certain somepony we know to find somepony to help her unwind and take care of herself, since she refuses to.” “My dear niece, whoever could you be talking about? Amore has a special somepony.” “I was hinting about you.” “I appreciate your concern, but Kibitz and Raven attend to my every need.” After a long second’s pause, Cadance said, “You don’t mean…” Celestia gave Cadance a teasing smile. “Kibitz?!” “He has served me well for years, and continues to perform at the highest standard that I could ask of him.” Cadance sputtered. “I like Miss Inkwell,” Amore said, with a well maintained, neutral expression. “From what little interaction I’ve had with her, she seems to be on top of everything and quite efficient.” “That she is,” Celestia agreed. “When the two of them assist me together, we have yet to have an unsatisfactory outcome.” Cadance let out a relieved laugh. “Alright, I’ll admit it. You have me going for a minute, but I’m not buying it now.” As she spoke, the celebration’s music shifted to an airy modern waltz. “It would seem Luna got her wish.” Celestia’s smiled broadened. “It also seems that Raven and Kibitz are enjoying the change of music as well. I was worried they wouldn’t have a chance to have a least one song they could enjoy. They do dance well together, don’t they, Cadance?” “Yes they do, but I’m still not buying it! It’s just a coincidence or you and Luna set this up as some kind of prank!” “Believe what you will, but I’m sure that you have noticed the strong bonds between us and that I rarely attend a function without one or both of them at my side.” “It is nice, when you can keep the ponies that you care about and trust close by as you tend to a nation.” Amore kissed Edge’s temple. “Shall we join them?” Edge kissed her nose and told her, “Of course, my princess.”