//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1 
// Story: Diamond Studded Dilemma 
// by Dragonlord Daoka 
//------------------------------//

	
The mid-morning sun shone through thin stained glass windows, casting a rainbow over the four ponies sitting around a small table. Tea and hot cocoa steamed in respective mugs as the Royal Sisters, Twilight Sparkle, and Rarity enjoyed small talk and various pastries. 
“It sounds as though you had quite the adventure last week.” Princess Celestia observed as Twilight finished regaling her with the tale of Spike’s rampage. “Forgive me for failing to warn you of that possibility, my student.”
“It’s okay, Princess.” Twilight replied. “We managed to stop him, thanks to our friends and the Wonderbolts.” Princess Luna took a sip of tea before saying
“It seemeth to me that twas the young dragon’s feelings for thee, Rarity, which prevailed in the end.”  the white unicorn blushed slightly, eyes downcast.
“Indeed, Princess Luna… which is why I asked Twilight Sparkle to let me attend this morning.” 
“Please, continue.” Celestia told her, smiling gently.
“I- I am not entirely sure of how to phrase this…” Rarity faltered, glancing at her purple friend.
“Thou art  uncertain of how to proceed with young Spike, yes?” Luna asked, pointedly.”There are various issues which you must first address, not the least of which is thine own depth of regard for the boy.” Rarity nodded and met Twilight’s astonished gaze. 
“Rarity? What does she mean by that?” Twilight asked.
“That’s what I’m here to discuss, Twilight.” Rarity replied, looking defiant. “I realize that there are several issues to address, and so…”
“You joined us in order to seek advice.” Princess Celestia concluded. “Very well, let us discover a way out of this dilemma for our friends.”

Twilight Sparkle pulled out a quill, ink, and parchment. “The first problem is the most obvious one.” she said, tapping her hoof thoughtfully. “The fact that you are a unicorn, and Spike is a dragon. Interspecies relationships aren’t unheard of, however. Griffins and cockatrice being some prime examples.”
“Truly.” Princess Luna agreed “ I know not how these things stand now, but before my exile, there were many such unions.” 
“Unfortunately, sister mine, those types of unions are frowned upon by today’s ponies.” Celestia replied.”There was a time during your exile that pony society regressed, only returning to it’s proper state some 200 years ago.”
“Most ponies find the idea disgusting.” Twilight agreed “But as Spike’s only family, and your best friend, I wish only for your happiness.”
“Thank you, Twilight.” Rarity said warmly, drawing her friend into an embrace.
“I agree that happiness is indeed important.” Princess Celestia told them “Yet other problems arise from this idea. Age is also a major factor, and Spike is ten years your junior.”
“And yet, how much older art thou that the Captain of the Royal Guard?” Luna asked her older sister slyly.
“Luna! You promised to keep it a secret!” Celestia gasped.
“Captain of the Guard, eh Princess?” Twilight teased her mentor. Celestia blushed furiously, glaring at Luna. “I guess Luna never mentioned the looks she gave a certain famer stallion on her visit to Ponyville.”
“Do you mean Big Macintosh!?” Rarity asked in astonishment
“Do I ever!” Twilight giggled “I know she’s been gone for a thousand years, but it seemed like she’d never seen a stallion before!” the two unicorns started laughing, but broke off when they noticed Princess Luna hang her head sadly.
“I’m sorry, Princess Luna! We didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” 
“T-tis fine.” Luna sniffled “I only glanced at this- Big Macintosh- that way because he reminded me of my beloved Crimson Nova…” She choked back a sob and excused herself. 

The other three sat in silence for a long while, until Twilight asked 
“Who was Crimson Nova, Princess?” Celestia glanced sadly at the door that Luna had exited from.
“Before her transformation into Nightmare Moon, Luna was loved by everypony in Canterlot. One unicorn stallion in particular…"