//------------------------------// // Epilogue/The Adventure Continues // Story: Stream of Silver, Heart of Gold // by RadBunny //------------------------------// Peaceful theme music. I love you forever- Two Steps From Hell “I looooooooooove ice cream.” “More than me? Oh the shame. To be chosen over a frozen dessert…” A spoon was shaken grumpily in Gallus’ direction, the hippogriff sitting across from him glaring at the gryphon. “Really Gallus? You’re going to ask me that? Reaaaaallly?” She asked with a sigh, taking a bite of the chocolate dessert. “I mean it’s getting close though.” Silverstream mused with a grin, prompting Gallus to groan and smack his head into a wooden table of Sugarcube Corner. “Oh no. I’m rubbing off on you.” Gallus grumbled, prompting a happy titter from Silverstream. “Or maaaaybe I just finally have someone to joke with!” She added, taking Gallus’ spoon and scooping him a blob of dessert. She slid the spoon along the table inches from his beak- “Beep beep. Yummy delivery for the grumpy gryphon!” She whispered, laughing as Gallus snapped up the dessert before returning his face to the table. “I’m not grumpy!” He mumbled, looking up with a barely-contained grin, eyes softening at seeing Silverstream just happily giggling as she dug into the large bowl of frozen milk. There was something on his mind though; but not the right time to mention it. Finishing off the dessert, Silverstream hopped off the stool and waited for Gallus to follow her outside, the two walking down the Ponyville main road. A happy sigh caught the gryphon’s attention, namely because Silverstream leaned on his shoulder slightly. “Hmm? Silver?” “Nooooothing. Just remembering the dance.” Oh. Gallus was all smiles as they meandered to the outskirts of Ponyville, sitting down at the edge of a peaceful field. Silverstream promptly snuggled up close to him; a gesture that never failed to make Gallus’ heart throb. He still wasn’t sure how to process it; someone making an active effort to be close to him… “You’re comfy.” Silverstream whispered, prompting Gallus to chuckle. “Is that a fat joke? I mean I have gained some weight, thankfully. But not THAT much I’d-” “Shuuuuuuush. Enjoying comfy shoulder.” Was the replying mumble, Gallus trying his hardest to not laugh. Evidently it didn’t work, because a partially-peeved hippogriff was looking at him when the gryphon glanced over to her. “Not as comfy when you’re trying to not laugh. Bounces my head all over.” Now Gallus couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh, giving her cheek a gentle nuzzle with his own. “Sorry Silver, it’s too funny though. I promise you’ll get some uninterrupted shoulder time today.” Silverstream was quiet for a moment before finally whispering back. “So I can schedule an appointment?” Gallus chuckled, giving her a hug before leaning against her gently. “Nah. Walk in visits are fine.” He sighed, enjoying her touch for a few moments. Having her at his side brought a strange peace to the gryphon’s mind; a loving presence that calmed all other thoughts. “Hey Silverstream?” “Hmmm?” “Is spring a good time to visit Mount Aris?” Gallus felt the hippogriff stiffen at his side, Silverstream pulling back slightly to look at him curiously. “It’s beautiful year round, but yes?” Grasping a set of her claws in his own, Gallus managed an awkwardly nervous smile. “Would-erm, your family be free around that time? I’d like to meet them.” Tears instantly flooded Silverstream's eyes as she gave him a loving hug, nodding into Gallus’ shoulder. “I t-think they’ll be able to make time. Not sure about Queen Novo though.” She remarked, prompting Gallus’ ears to flatten. “Oh. I forgot about her. The Queen of all the Hippogriffs and Seaponies. Meeting me. No biggie. How are the dungeons there? Probably nice? Can I request an above-water one? I mean it can’t be that bad, nice view from behind bars. I wonder MMF-” Silverstream employed the sure-fire method to shut him up, giving the gryphon a kiss that blocked out any other thoughts. Pulling back ever so slightly, she gently brushed beaks with Gallus, a tender smile easing his fears. “She won’t throw you into a dungeon you goof. She’ll probably just want to talk. Besiiiiides, she’s nice. But we’ll figure that out later. You really want to meet them though?” Silverstream asked, prompting Gallus to nod. He reached up to cup the hippogriff’s cheek with his claws, a genuine and tender smile reaching his beak. “I love you Silverstream, and I know your family is a big part of your life. So yes, I really do want to meet them.” The normally hyperactive hippogriff melted at his touch, a trembling smile on her beak as she nuzzled into his touch. “I c-can’t wait.” She whispered, eyes closing briefly to enjoy the moment. With a sigh, she scooted back next to him and fluffed out her wings, trying her hardest to appear grumpy. “A nap with you as a pillow would be great. But then I’ll be awake all night.” She muttered, prompting Gallus to smile. “Hmm. Well-OH! I almost forgot.” The gryphon pulled out a small candy from the satchel around his neck, handing it over to Silverstream. “I know you like chocolate as much as I do, and Pinkie Pie just picked up these super rich chocolate bars. Sooooooo…” Silver broke off half of the bar, popping it in her mouth and letting out a happy moan. “Oh my gosh that’s amaaaaaaaazing.” She mumbled, a blissful sigh leaving her beak. Before she could snap out of her chocolate-induced stupor, Gallus yanked her close and gave Silverstream a passionate kiss that made the hippogriff squeak in surprise. Breaking the gesture briefly, Gallus couldn’t help but chuckle, gently tapping her beak with a claw. “Chocolate kisses…not a bad idea.” He then gave a shocked Silverstream another deep kiss, nodding briefly. “Not a bad idea at all!” Seeing the playful look in Silver’s eyes, he promptly ate the other half of the chocolate bar and trotted off a short distance. “I guess we can go explore a bit more? Maybe-” “GET BACK HERE AND LET ME KISS YOU!” Gallus cackled as a pink arrow zipped after him, the gryphon dodging this way and that as the two danced across the field in a game of chocolate-kiss tag. To be continued in: Prison of Ice with Silver Keys