Arc and Ember step out the other side of the portal and find themselves back in Ember's small house. Ember looks around, confused!
“Arc? Why didn't you take us back to Light's Hope? I thought you would have been much more comfortable sleeping in your own bed.”
“I would but... I just felt we should stay here until our business in the Dragon Lands is concluded. The visit to the Hydra Village was only half the mission!”
Ember nods. “Yes... that went well! But why didn't you ask if you could put a sigil in the village?”
Arc returns his armor back to the ring. “I felt it best not to press my luck. Things did go better than I thought they would anyways! Thanks for coming with me on this mission, Ember! It's good to have a friend by my side.”
Ember removes her own armor and sets it in a corner of the room. “No problem! It's good to be back in the Dragon Lands again too! By the way, thanks for getting my dad to let me stay!”
Arc puts a hand behind his head. “Yeah, about that... I wish the two of you were on better terms. I mean, I'm sure it hurts him to have to keep sending you away every time you come home!”
“I guess I never really thought about it that way before. To me, it felt like he was just trying to toughen me up. You know... make me into the Dragon Lord I'm meant to be.”
“Don't you miss him
Ember walks over to Arc and puts her arms around him. “I did. That is... until I met you.”
“Um... glad I could be of service. Look Ember, I'm not trying to be rude or anything, but it's been a rather long day. Tomorrow will most likely be just as eventful, if not more so. That and I... I think I need some time alone to... think.”
Ember lets Arc go. He walks over to the couch and sits down. Using her magic, Ember starts a fire in the fireplace.
“I hope this helps.”
Arc nods. “...thank you.”
The pair are silent for a time.
“You're thinking about her, aren't you?”
Arc stares into the flames and nods. “...yes.”
Ember sits down on the couch next to Arc. Look, I... I know what you're going through right now. You must feel the same way I did when my father forbade me from taking you as my mate! The feeling of knowing what you want, but being unable to do anything about it!
Arc sighs. “It's... not quite the same, but I appreciate the sympathy.”
Ember looks to him, irate! “What are you talking about?! It's exactly the same!”
He continues to look into the fire. “Not quite. You and I... even if the Dragon Lord were to permit it, I still wouldn't live to see you reach the proper age of marriage. But Cherry and I... we could…”
Arc trails off, seemingly unable to convey his feelings properly. He puts his face in his hands and sighs loudly!”
“Why... WHY IS THIS SO HARD?!”
Ember puts a claw on Arc's shoulder. “Come now Arc! This isn't very heroic after all! Talk to me! Do you want to marry Cherry Jubilee?”
Arc leans back on the sofa and looks up at the ceiling. “I... I guess what I really want to do is get to know her better. Then, if we still felt the same then… maybe we could. Truthfully... nothing would make me happier than taking her as my bride!
Ember stands up suddenly! “Then go to her! Tell her how you feel and get her response! I mean... you could literally be there in 10 seconds!”
“No... it's not that simple! I... I CAN'T!”
Ember rolls her eyes. “Why not?! And don't tell me you're scared she might say no! I think we both know what would she would say if you went to her now! I mean, come on! She already asked YOU!”
Arc turns to face Ember. “Think about it! Who would protect Equestria if I took a wife?! I need to keep this land safe... keep HER safe!”
“Equestria was safeguarded by others long before you came along Arc. I'm sure the princesses would be okay with you getting married if it made you happy! If you really care for her as you say you do, why not just go for it?! But... there's more to it than just your feelings, isn't there?”
Arc nods. “Actually, yes. To be completely honest with you, it's BECAUSE of my love for her that I don't…”
Ember looks confused. “I'm sorry Arc, but I don't quite follow your logic.”
“Think about it! If I were to have a special someone, or a wife, they would be in constant danger from enemies of the state and any enemies I have made and will make in the future! Do you remember the trips we've taken to Canterlot Castle? The princesses are virtual PRISONERS there?! They can't go out when they please without their guards!"
Arc sighs heavily as he looks back at the fire. Ember sees a single tear flow down Arc's cheek and fall in his lap.
“I won't damn Cherry to a life of danger and worry! Not for my sake anyways!”
“So... you're okay with just looking at her from afar?!”
Arc stands up suddenly! “NO, I'M NOT!!!”
He is silent for a time, trying to calm himself as he paces in front of the fire.
“But... I can't stand the thought of her getting hurt because of me! Or having to be under constant house arrest!”
Arc sits back down heavily on the couch!
“I'm sorry Ember, but this weighs heavily on my mind. Thanks for listening though. It does help.”
Ember sits down next to Arc again and puts a claw on his hand. “I'm here for you Arc. This is what friends are for, right?”
Arc nods. “Yes. We share both the good and the bad times together. But right now, I need some time alone to think. I'm not trying to push you away. It's just... sorry. I don't really know how to put it other than to say... some things I just need to work out on my own.”
Ember nods and stands up. “I understand. Goodnight Arc.”
“Goodnight... Ember.”
Ember walks toward her room. Stopping in the doorway she turns to face him.
“Arc... I just want you to know that I think Cherry is really lucky to know someone like you who cares so much about her! Even going so far as to break your own heart... to safeguard hers.”
Arc nods slightly but does not look up from the fire. Ember closes the door to her bedroom and sits down on her bed sadly.
“Cherry... I am SO jealous of you. More so than you can possibly imagine!”