//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: The Road to Us // by BoredAuthor817 //------------------------------// He paced the platform; every so often, glancing at the station clock, then to his own watch. He hailed a passing porter. “Yes, sir?” the porter said. “Your clock” he pointed to the majestic clock tower presiding over the grand station, “It's two minutes slow.” “I, uh, beg your pardon, sir?” He slowed his speech: “Your clock is two minutes slow.” “Is that a problem, sir?” “Well,” the pegasus huffed, “it most certainly is! Suppose I wanted to catch the eleven-fifty-six train to Tall Tale. Well, if I trusted your clock, and arrived at the platform at eleven-fifty-four, I'd have missed my train. “Now, my fine fellow, suppose I was coming in on the eleven-fifty-two train from Seaward Shoals. Again, if I tursted your clock, I would think my train arrived early, and that I had six minutes to make my connection, instead of four. So, I relax my gait, and miss my train!” “Sir, couldn't it just be that your watch is a little fast?” “My watch is never wrong!” “Uhm... so, what do you like me to do?” The pegasus jumped, wings and legs flailing, “Why, fix it, my dear colt!” The porter gulped. “Y-yes, sir!” he saluted, before galloping as quickly as he could in the opposite direction. Alone again, the pegasus checked his watch, grumbling softly. Soon, he heard the whistle of a train entering the station. Looking up, the long-awaited engine came into view. He stepped back a few paces as the seven-eighteen train from Ponyville pulled into the station. As ponies shuffled out of their cars, he hovered above, trying to spot out his assignments. Finding them, he swooped in. “Good evening, Sunset Shimmer” he bowed, “I trust your ride was comfortable?” “Hi, Gallet” Sunset smiled, ignoring his prim salutation. Thrown off-script, Gallet cleared his throat before continuing. “A house has been set up for your time here. I shall see you there.” Sunset nodded. “Lead on.” Gallet guided the family to the front of the station. A chariot awaited them at the bottom of the stairs. “A royal chariot?” Stardust exclaimed. She surveyed the vehicle and guards pulling it. “Awesome!” “No doubt, my mother's doing” Sunset sighed. She turned to their guide. “Is my mother still in town?” “No” he replied, helping Rose into her seat, “She and Princess Luna departed this morning.” As the carriage wound its way through the streets of Canterlot, there was too much excitement to be contained. Every second, a new thing caught the children's eyes. Unlike in Ponyville, where they had to move quickly in order to catch the train, they had more time to intake the atmosphere. They would gaze and marvel at every new sight. New noises and smells filled the air, far more than they could behold. Wallflower and Sunset watched with merry amusement. “Do you remember when I first brought you to Equestria?” A smile crossed Wallflower's lips. “Of course! Who could forget the rabid turnip incident?” “Okay,” Sunset rephrased, “do you remember when I first brought you to visit? “...Besides, you were the only plant expert I knew.” “I was in an intro class.” “Well, who else was majoring in horticulture?” A chuckle escaped Wallflower's lips. She gently rubbed her muzzle into her wife's neck, tickling her slightly. “Yes, I do” she said, “It was the best night of my life. But, little did I know, there were so many more to come.” Sunset touched her nose to Wallflower's. “And more still coming.” --- The chariot stopped before a large house in the upper, older part of town. Gallet led up to the front door, which he opened. Almost instantly, Stardust zoomed in. She flew throughout the rooms and halls, getting a layout of the residence. “Woah!” she marveled, returning to the foyer, “This place is even bigger than our house!” “Your rooms have each been specially prepared. Please, follow me.” He went up the stairs and made a turn to a long hall. He placed the children first, in order of birth. “Master Evenstar,” He opened the first door. Even walked in and examined his accommodations. At first glance, it seemed a bit sparse. A small bed with nightstands. A small dresser. A large rug in the center. French doors led to a shared balcony. However, one corner caught his eye. “Score!” He yelled, running over to inspect the large wooden bookshelf filled with vinyl records. A player was nearby. “Your grandmother tells me you're something of a music lover. I hope you can find something here to you liking.” “Oh, I'm sure he'll find something” Wallflower chuckled. She smiled as Even found a record he wanted to try. “How do you work this thing?” he asked, fumbling with the machine. “I'll show you in a bit” Sunset grinned. “Miss Primrose,” Gallet continued, crossing the hall, “you're over here.” Rose trotted in and surveyed the room. It was much like her brother's with the exception of shelves full of books. Similarly, she had been told not to bring any books on the trip. So, this was a real treat. Stardust looked a bit concerned. “There's only one bed. Where do I sleep?” “Down the hall” He pointed to the next door over. “Your room is over there.” The filly's eyes grew wide as the stallion revealed the next bedroom. “You mean I get my own room? Oh, yeah! Woot!” Her special corner was filled with puzzles and small games. There was also a small chest with various outfits. Stardust had just hit the mother load. Gallet couldn't help but laugh at the filly's outbursts. He turned to Sunset and Wallflower, who were gently rocking Honey. All the excitement had finally taken its toll on the toddler. Somewhere between the front door and the top of the stairs, he had fallen asleep. “Master Honeysuckle's room is over here, next to Master Evenstar's.” He opened the door for the mothers to place the little one in his bed. “Now, then,” he smiled, “if you ladies will follow me.” He walked down to the other side of the landing. There, was a sole double door. He opened it and ushered the couple into the master bedroom. Wallflower glanced around the elegant room. It was far more decadent than the other rooms. Two sets if French doors butted in the corner to create a grand opening to a patio. All the curtains were drawn back. As the evening sun filtered in, the whole room seemed bright and ethereal. However, some special items had caught her eye. Particular things to make for many a sensual evening. She raised an eyebrow. “More of your mother's doing?” Sunset coughed. “I may have had a hand, er, hoof, in it...” Wallflower gave a sly grin as she placed her lips against Sunset's. “You really are a rascal.” Her wife released a laugh. “You're just finding this out now?” She moved to deepen their kiss, but was gently pushed away. Only then was she reminded that they were not alone. With a clearing of her throat, she recomposed herself. “Sorry, Gallet.” The pegasus was ever understanding. “Oh, please, don't mind me. If all is to your satisfaction, I shall be leaving.” “Everything looks just wonderful.” Wallflower smiled. “Thank-you.” “My pleasure, madam” he bowed. “I take it you've already taken care of dinner, Gallet?” Sunset asked. “Yes, the palace chefs will be around in an hour and forty-two mintutes to serve you.” “Good. Well, I better go help Even with that record player.” She was quickly stopped by Gallet's hoof. “I see that you are tired.” he smiled, “Rest. I will assist Master Evenstar and see that the others are properly settled in.” Alone at last, Sunset laid upon the bed and turned to her mate with a devilish grin. “Now then, my little temptress,” she smirked. It became wider as a blush come through Wallflower's coat. “While we wait for dinner, why don't you come over here, and I'll give you a little sampler?”