//------------------------------// // 1 – A Match Made in Canterlot // Story: The Setting Sun // by Krickis //------------------------------// The Setting Sun ⠀ Chapter One A Match Made in Canterlot ⠀ ⠀ As usual, Brass Badge wondered what the point of going to an event like this was. He was a decorated general who knew his place was and would always be in map rooms devising strategies for those rare times when Equestria’s military was called into action. His place was certainly not at a Canterlot elites garden party. Still, he had been invited as a guest of honor. It would not have reflected well to ignore the invitation. And so, Brass Badge found himself sitting alone at a table and checking a pocket watch to see how much longer he had to wait until he could politely leave. He was debating if it had been long enough when a mare approached his table. She looked young, maybe twenty or so. He smiled at her as she took a seat across from him. “You’re Brass Badge, aren’t you?” the mare asked. She was a unicorn with a golden yellow coat and a green mane, and she was very attractive. “I am. But I’m afraid I’m at a disadvantage. Who might you be?” She smiled and signaled for one of the catering ponies to bring over two cocktails. She levitated one to Brass Badge and one to herself. “A toast, General, to your brilliant strategic mind. My cousin was one of the ponies you saved.” “Ah, I see.” That explained it; he’d been wondering what a young mare like her wanted with him. Brass Badge was not an old stallion, but he was significantly older than her – at least ten years, likely more. “To your cousin’s continued health then.” They clinked glasses, then he downed the cocktail. He wasn’t sure exactly what it was, but it was fruity and sweeter than he would have prefered. But that was to be expected at a Canterlot garden party, of course. “You say your cousin was one of the hostages, but you haven’t told me your name yet. Perhaps I could be permitted to make a guess?” “Oh please, I should like that.” Brass Badge nodded. It wasn’t hard to figure out. “I was invited by Starry Night because of the hostage situation, which involved his nephew. If that nephew would be your cousin, then you could only be Mr. Night’s daughter, Golden Lace.” “Every bit as clever as I had hoped.” Golden Lace batted her eyelashes. “It’s Miss, by the way.” “A pleasure to make your acquaintance then, Miss Lace.” “Perhaps I could give you a tour of the house as we drink to a new friendship? I could show you some of my father’s artwork and you could regale me with stories of your exploits against the griffon pirates.” “Only if you permit me to get us each another drink,” Brass Badge said as he got to his hooves. “And perhaps this time we could toast to a blossoming friendship.” “I should like that very much, General.” Brass Badge flagged another caterer over and got them each another cocktail. He levitated both of them, then gave Golden Lace his hoof to help her up. Once she was on her hooves, he passed one of the cocktails into her magic field, then they walked into the manor. In truth, the only work of art Brass Badge wanted to look at was the lovely mare who was showing him around, but he politely listened as they walked from picture to picture. In between, he told her of his role in bringing the hostage situation her cousin had been involved in to a close without any equine casualties. “Have you fought a griffon?” Golden Lace asked. For perhaps the first time, Brass Badge wished he had some combat experience. But alas, it was his mind that did Equestria justice, not his combat prowess. “I haven’t, I must admit, though my ponies have staved off griffon pirates and raiders more than once. They’re nasty things.” “And what of ponies? Have you and your soldiers had to fight off threats from other ponies?” “Sure.” Brass Badge shrugged. “Even among the situation your cousin was unfortunately caught up in, there were ponies among the griffon pirates as well. Pirates are like that, all sorts, you know.” Golden Lace shivered. “I don’t understand how anypony could get involved in something like that.” “Best to not think about it too much.” Brass Badge smiled. “And besides, you’ll always have me to protect you, Miss Lace.” Golden Lace smiled coyly at that. “Can I count on you for that, General?” “Miss, for you, I would put my very life on the line.” “Careful,” she said, turning and swaying her tail seductively, “I might just hold you to that, General.” They were a good match; everyone could see that. At over thirty years old, Brass Badge was a fair amount older than his new partner, but he was a celebrated Equestrian hero who frequently was invited to dine with Princess Celestia herself. He was financially well set, with his family going back through Canterlot elite for generations. Golden Lace was much younger than him at nineteen, but she was mature for her age. She was stunningly attractive, and she came from a respected family. She was charismatic and quick-witted, and she drove the older stallion crazy with desire. A wedding was practically predetermined. With her parents’ blessing, the couple was married three months after meeting one another. Brass Badge had been too busy for many meetings during their courtship, but they wrote letters to one another and both of them had awaited their marriage eagerly. Their honeymoon was in Las Pegasus. It proved too lively for Brass Badge, but Golden Lace seemed to be happy with the vacation. Every night was a different show, and it got to be overwhelming for the more reserved stallion. “Why don’t you head on down without me tonight?” Brass Badge asked his new wife. “I’ll just stay up here and rest.” Golden Lace frowned. “Aww, but don’t you want to come down to the show with your new wife?” “Another time.” In truth, Brass Badge was ready to return to Canterlot. But it wouldn’t do to cut his honeymoon short, so he simply turned his attention to a desk in their hotel room instead. “I should look over those reports from the Frozen North, anyway.” “You can’t leave your work for one week?” Golden Lace asked. “This is our honeymoon, after all.” Didn’t she understand how important his work was? “I’m afraid not, love. You go have fun, though.” She sighed at first, but then she smiled. “Okay, but no complaining later when you miss out on all the fun.” Brass Badge smiled slightly. “I won’t.” Golden Lace kissed his cheek, then she left him alone. He walked over to his desk and pulled out the report. It was just a routine check on Equestria’s northern border, so it was unlikely to hold anything of much interest for him. Indeed, Celestia had tried to convince him to leave these reports in the charge of the Captain of the Royal Guard during his vacation. He might have, but Stout Shield was too new to his position to entrust the nation’s safety to. Equestria demanded diligence of him, and he would comply gladly. Besides, it wasn’t like his new wife couldn’t handle herself. She’d be fine without him for a few hours; being married surely didn’t mean he had to spend all his time with her. As usual, Brass Badge was in his study. It was his own private sanctuary, a place just for him and his work. They were only a month into their marriage, but he had already learned the value of that. A successful marriage, he had come to realize, was one where both ponies were happily left to their own devices. There was a knock on the door, so Brass Badge frowned and looked up from his work. “Come in.” The door opened to reveal his wife. She smiled at him. “Hey, stranger.” “Golden. Is everything alright?” “Yeah, I just had something to talk to you about.” “Oh?” Golden Lace walked into the room. There was only one seat and Brass Badge was already in it, so she remained standing. “I was thinking… Maybe I could start a little business?” “A business?” Brass Badge’s frown only grew. “Why would you want to do something like that? I make more than enough money for us.” “That’s just the thing, I was thinking we have plenty of money to invest in one. And no matter how much you make, having a second income wouldn’t hurt.” Brass Badge shook his head slightly and looked back down at his work. “I really don’t see the point. What would you even do?” “Textiles.” She turned to show her flank, which had a picture of three buttons and a sewing needle. “I didn’t get this cutie mark for nothing, you know.” The textile industry was certainly not something Brass Badge knew anything about, which meant he was even more unsure. “But why do you want to start a business in the first place?” “Well, I guess the truth is…” Golden Lace traced her hoof along a bookshelf, her eyes moving between various volumes about war and strategy. “I’m bored, darling. I think a passion project would be perfect to occupy my time.” Brass Badge stood up with a sigh. “You just need more time to settle in. Starting a business is guaranteed to hemorrhage our funds for a time, and not guaranteed to ever make them back. It’s a risk, and one we don’t need to take.” Golden Lace looked at him uncertainly, then folded. “Then maybe we could do something together? Go out for dinner, catch a show, just… something?” Brass Badge gestured towards the open portfolio on his desk. “I’m far too busy to do anything like that today. Perhaps over the weekend.” Golden Lace turned away from him. “You said that last week, then you got called out of town on business.” “I can’t control the needs of Equestria,” Brass Badge replied with a frown. Why was it so hard for his wife to see how important his work was? “Does it need to be you, though?” She turned back to him wearing a slight frown. “Surely you could delegate some of the work to somepony else?” “You know what they say. If you want something done right, it’s best to do it yourself.” Golden Lace sighed. “I’m going to go mad if I don’t do something.” “Why not pick up a hobby? Gardening, or painting…” “Please, I’d sooner go mad with boredom than resort to gardening. And my father tried to get me to paint many times, I just never had the knack.” “They were just examples,” Brass Badge said, tiredness already showing through his voice. “Writing, or photography, or… I don’t know, I’m sure you can figure out something.” “Maybe… we can just take a walk? Half an hour away from work.” Brass Badge walked back to his desk and sat down. “You’re a grown mare. I’m sure you can find some way to entertain yourself.” Golden Lace huffed. “Fine. I’m sorry to take up your time, then.” “Hmph.” Brass Badge didn’t appreciate her tone, but he chose not to comment. Once it was clear the conversation was over, Golden Lace turned and walked away. Brass Badge didn’t try to stop his wife from leaving. There wasn’t much point in trying to, not when she was like this. Instead, he just sighed and returned to his work. “If you’d just actually consider it instead of brushing me off!” “The answer is no.” If there was one thing Brass Badge hated, it was repeating himself. And yet, they’d had this conversation time and again. It had been four months since Golden Lace first brought up starting her own business, and she had not let up yet. “Give me a good reason why,” Golden Lace demanded. Brass Badge sighed and turned to look out the window of their carriage. They’d gone over this already. “A business is too uncertain. There are startup costs, and then the cost of actually running it. It’ll be years before you turn a profit, if you ever do.” Golden Lace frowned. “You don’t think I can do it.” There was a grain of truth to that, but Brass Badge wasn’t foalish enough to say so. “It’s just an unnecessary risk. I make plenty of money, why gamble with it?” “Because I can do this!” Golden Lace exclaimed, causing Brass Badge to frown even more. He hated emotional outbursts. “And if you won’t help, I’ll find some other way to do it. Celestia knows I have plenty of time to do what I want lately.” “How do you plan on doing this without my help?” Brass Badge asked, tearing his view away from the world passing by outside as they approached Canterlot Castle. “You don’t have any other way to secure startup funds.” “I’ll ask my father. I’ll take out a loan. I’ll do something, and I’ll do it without you!” A large part of Brass Badge wanted Golden Lace to do exactly that. She’d gotten her mind set on this textile business idea of hers, and she’d given Brass Badge no peace since then. But he didn’t tell her to go ahead with it. Something stopped him. He didn’t say anything, letting the silence hang over them. He often found that preferable to trying to talk to his young and headstrong wife. The carriage came to a stop as they pulled up to Canterlot Castle. Their driver unhitched himself from the carriage and opened the door for them to get out. Brass Badge stepped out first, then turned to offer his hoof to his wife. Fight or not, they were in public now. There were rules of etiquette that were expected to be followed. Golden Lace fell in step beside her husband, smiling blissfully. They walked side by side into the castle, where they were greeted at the door by a well-dressed stallion. “Welcome to the Grand Galloping Gala.” Brass Badge nodded to him and led them inside. There were ponies chatting amongst themselves, and the couple would no doubt join them soon. But first, there was one pony in particular that they needed to greet. Princess Celestia stood at the top of a flight of stairs, so they made their way over to her. She was chatting with a mare, but she politely moved on when she saw somepony else had come to greet the princess. “Greetings, General,” Celestia said with a smile. “And Golden Lace, was it? How are you two tonight.” “Well, Princess,” Brass Badge said. He routinely saw Princess Celestia, but this was only Golden Lace’s second time – her first had been when Celestia had presided over their wedding ceremony. “I’m pleased to see you managed to take some time off for the Gala,” Celestia said with a grin. “You know I wouldn’t miss it,” Brass Badge said. It was true; The Grand Galloping Gala was an important social event, and whether he liked it or not, Brass Badge was a pony in the public eye. “It’s my wife’s first time at the Gala as well.” “Really?” Celestia smiled. “Well then, I do hope you’ll enjoy yourself.” “I’m positive I will, Princess,” Golden Lace replied with a smile. “I trust your marriage has been going smoothly?” Golden Lace leaned against her husband. “It has been a dream come true, Princess.” “I’m very glad to hear it. I –” Celestia turned away and smiled at somepony else. “I’m afraid I have another pony to greet. But please, enjoy yourselves.” Brass Badge nodded. “Of course, Princess.” The couple walked back down the stairs, away from the Solar Princess and towards the other ponies. They met with a number of ponies – acquaintances of the couple that they hadn’t seen since the wedding, friends of friends that they were introduced to in order to form new connections, and the obligatory pleasantries with family members. Throughout everything, Brass Badge and Golden Lace played the role of the blissful couple. It all went perfectly, right up until they stopped to talk with Golden Lace’s father. Brass Badge bowed his head respectfully. Starry Night was closer in age to Brass Badge than his daughter was, and the decorated general most certainly outranked him, but even so he was Brass Badge’s father-in-law and these things were expected. “Hello, sir. I trust you’re well?” “As always,” Starry Night answered. “I was just thinking of seeing if Princess Celestia might permit me to see some of her legendary stained glass windows.” “Have you had the pleasure of seeing them before?” Brass Badge asked. “I have, but they take my breath away every time.” Starry Night smiled. “I expect you’ll have seen them before?” “I have,” Brass Badge answered simply. He didn’t bother to point out that Celestia herself had personally shown them to him. “As you know, I am not artistically inclined. Still, even a laypony like me can appreciate their beauty.” “Even you, huh?” Starry Night chuckled. He was a well-known art connoisseur, and he tried his best to get his son-in-law interested in his passion. He had not been successful. “Dad, I have exciting news,” Golden Lace said. “Oh, already, huh?” Starry Night broke into a grin. “I expected you might make me wait a few years before I got to be a grandfather.” Golden Lace blushed. “No, it’s not that. We don’t plan on having children, Dad, I told you that.” “Plans are all well and good, but we’ll see what happens when the time comes.” “Anyway,” Golden Lace said with some irritation, “the news is that I’m going to be starting a textile business!” Both stallions looked at Golden Lace, although they clearly had different thoughts on the news. “Oh?” Starry Night smiled. “That is wonderful news, sweetie. I knew you’d make me proud.” Obviously, Golden Lace was trying to force Brass Badge’s hoof. He was tempted to deny it, to ask her where she was getting the bits, to just walk away completely. But anything he did that wasn’t supportive of his wife would reflect negatively on him, so he just smiled through his anger. There was nothing he could do, so he just let her explain her plan to her father as he debated what he’d do afterwards. Eventually he decided to do nothing. She could sort out how she was going to pay for this herself. He just hoped she would learn a lesson when she actually started the damn business and it inevitably proved harder than she expected. In any event, it would be on her head, not his. They spent the rest of the Gala floating around to different ponies. The business didn’t come up again. Perhaps Golden Lace knew better than to press her luck too much in one evening. Brass Badge suggested they leave before the event actually wrapped up, and his wife didn’t argue. They made their way out to their carriage, and he helped her into it. Once the door was shut, however, things turned cold. Brass Badge didn’t speak to his wife. She raised her hoof as if to say something, then changed her mind and turned to look out the window. They returned to the manor in icy silence, and for the first time, Brass Badge questioned if marriage was ever a wise decision. The door creaked as it opened, and Brass Badge was afraid it would wake Golden Lace. It did not; she slept soundly as he looked into the room. He watched her for a moment. She looked peaceful in her sleep. It was nice to see his wife without arguing with her for a change. They’d only been married for five months, and already the past four had been full of arguments. He no longer felt like he’d made a mistake in marrying his wife; that had been a thought that came from anger in the heat of the moment, and it had cooled since then. Still, his expectations for his marriage had not been met. When they first got together, Brass Badge had seen nothing of how stubborn and headstrong the younger mare was. He wondered if things might have been different if he had seen it sooner. Perhaps, but things were not different. She was his wife and he was her husband. They had duties to each other, and Brass Badge did not falter on his duties. He turned from the bedroom doorway and made his way to his study. Golden Lace’s foolish announcement to her father would have repercussions for them. She would need to back up her claim, and for that, she would need funds. Brass Badge sat at his desk. He was no stranger to late nights, although he had expected to take the night off on account of the Gala. But there were actions taken, and he would share in the repercussions for them. Pulling out a quill and a roll of parchment, he began drafting a document that would provide Golden Lace with the bits for her business’s startup. Whatever would come would come for both of them. That was what marriage meant, after all. Things might have been different, but they were not. Brass Badge was Golden Lace’s husband, and he would not falter in his care for her.