Ashwyn let out a content sigh as her head rest against the Alpha’s chest. He had once more decided to take her on a picnic, and once again she enjoyed every moment of it. The Alpha had made something different from skewers this time though, having made a very meaty stew that she couldn’t get enough of.
She could decidedly say that the Alpha was improving in his cooking abilities, though she assumed a set of cook books he had ordered might have helped in that. She had taken a look at them, and they were specifically for meat based dishes. Something he probably had to have shipped from the gryphons.
Either way, Ashwyn was pleased with the results. Who knows? Maybe he could somehow make bacon better now? She could dream at least.
As it was, the both of them had stuffed themselves on the meal and decided to cuddle up under the same tree from their first date. This time they had thought to bring a blanket and laid it down beneath them so that they wouldn’t get dirty.
All in all, it was a very nice time. One that Ashwyn wouldn’t mind experiencing more often.
Even as she rested there, listening to the Alpha’s steady heartbeat, she couldn’t help but think about how her life had turned out. It felt like so long ago, but it had only been a couple months since she was freed from him. Since then, so much has happened, and it was all thanks to the Alpha.
He had been there for her, time and time again. Helping her heal from what had been done to her. Being that shoulder to cry on when she needed it most. Showing her what love felt like. Despite how short their relationship had been so far, she couldn’t see it ending. She didn’t want it to end. She was certain she wanted to spend the rest of her life with this strange creature that she called Alpha. She wanted to share everything with him.
She knew he wasn’t ready to take some steps with her yet, but that was fine. She had waited all her life for a relationship like this. She could wait as long as he needed to feel comfortable with her. So long as he would stay with her, she was fine.
~-~
Aurick couldn’t help but smile as he watched the sun slowly descend from the heavens. The moon rising at his back to turn the skies into an array of beautiful colours. Though all of that paled in comparison to the mare at his side.
Sure, he didn’t find her physical appearance to be attractive. At least, not without feeling hints of disgust at the idea, but what truly mattered to him was the person beneath that fleshy exterior.
That part of her that reminded him of home had gone away, her rough and untamed nature slowly having changed to a shy mare with some social anxiety. Despite having been the catalyst for his interest in pursuing a relationship with her, he now knew that there was far more to love about her.
She put her heart into whatever she sought to do. Whether it be writing, her desire to understand his craft, or even their relationship. She made sure she did everything in her power to be successful, and so far, he hadn’t seen her fail.
Certainly that passion in their relationship was a large factor. He had loved before, married even, but never once had he had someone who loved him so fiercely. It was hard not to reciprocate when she displayed her affection every day.
He even had a feeling that she knew of his issues with intimacy. As she had started to kiss him more often now. Though unexpectedly forward of her, he wasn’t going to complain about it. In fact, a part of him liked it, despite his initial reaction of disgust at each one. Though that reaction had been slowly lessening. He was certain that with enough time, he could truly get over his the ingrained idea that had become so unnecessary in this world. When that happened, he was going to make sure she could feel his love for her.
He smiled at that. He could finally say he loved her. There was no mistaking it anymore. He loved this mare, and despite his issues, he wanted to be with her. She had been the one to pull him out of his slump. To make him get past the fact that he couldn’t return home. She was his family now, and though he would never forget his friends at Ragnarok, he knew now that he could move on. So long as Ashwyn stayed by his side, everything would be okay.
He let out a content sigh as he continued to watch the sun descend. It had finally touched the horizon, and was dipping down below. He wondered what Celestia and Luna were doing now. He hoped their day wasn’t too stressful. He knew that running a kingdom could be taxing on the mind, so he hoped that they had some time to blow off some steam.
“Hey, Alpha.” He was pulled from his thoughts by Ashwyn’s voice. He looked down at the mare, who was peering up at him in confusion. “Why Canterlot pink?” She asked, dumbfounding Aurick.
“Excuse me?” She simply pointed out into the distance towards the mountain that Canterlot resided upon. He blinked at it, having not realized her eyesight was that good. Even he couldn’t make it out so clearly, and elves were known for their superior eyesight.
Though it had taken a moment, he finally found Canterlot. Only to find that she wasn’t wrong. A pink bubble seemed to surround the city for some reason. As he looked at it, a small shiver ran down his back.
“We should probably get home. I have the feeling Luna’s gonna want to talk to me.”