When Ember awoke, the sun had not yet risen. The last thing he remembered was crying in Perry's arms. As he raised his head, something sharp grazed against his scalp. Pulling his head back, he looked up at what had collided with his head. It was one of Perry's mandibles. He was still in his father's arms.
They weren't sitting next to the fire anymore. Perry's back was propped up against a tree, and Ember was sitting in his lap. Perry was very big. The most massive pony Ember had ever met, excluding the princesses. While Ember wished he was that large, he lamented that being such a massive size meant that he couldn't be held like this anymore. It would be best if he could enjoy the feeling while he still could. After he became too large, he could give this feeling to somepony else, though, and that was a comforting thought.
He lay his head back where it had been. His pillow that night had been Perry's masculine chest. He could hear the gentle beating of Perry's heart and feel to slow pulse of his breathing. He wanted more, but didn't feel that he deserved to go any further. He was shocked at amazed that he had even come this far. He was ecstatic that his father didn't hate him. Perhaps in the future, Perry would be willing to sleep with him, but that would be too much for today.
The sun rose, and Ember rose with it. He had decided to go into the woods and bring back their tea leaves this morning, as a way of thanking Perry for his kindness. He knew the area fairly well, and had little trouble finding the pine trees on his own. A few small sprigs were all he needed. A quick snap of a twig, and he was back on his way. He knew the tree was powerful enough that it would grow back within the month.
When he returned, Perry had already set up the firepit. They had finished their hunt, and they would be heading back home today. All that was left was breakfast. Ember was a bit upset that he couldn't have breakfast ready by the time Perry woke up, but not very. In truth, he was just happy to be having breakfast with his father.
Today's breakfast was grapefruit and pickled asparagus. The mood had lightened significantly since they had arrived, and Ember felt spectacular. After breakfast, they packed up their encampment, making absolutely certain that they flooded the firepit to ensure that no trace of the flame remained, aside from the soggy mud that only moments ago had been ash. There were signs that they had been there, certainly. Fallen leaves had been pushed aside, a few slivers of blood stained the ground, and the pile of unused firewood that had been there when they arrived was even bigger now. If nopony else decided to camp here, then they wouldn't need to cut any the next time they came out. Whether that would be at the usually scheduled time three months from now, or later, considering their recent excursion.
They made their way out of the forest the same way they came in, exiting at the same lakeside hill. Again, Perry stopped at the top of the hill, looking down at the lake. This time, however, Ember could see tears forming in Perry's eyes. He had never seen his father cry before. It was unsettling.
He placed a hoof on Perry's shoulder. "What's down there? Why does it cause you such sorrow?"
Perry hugged Ember. "At the bottom of this hill is a ghost. There was... an accident. His life came to an end right in front of me." Ember could feel his father's tears dripping onto his shoulder. "It's my fault he's dead."
All Ember could think to do was to rub Perry's back, and usher him away from the lake.
When Perry regained his composure, he looked right into Ember's eyes. "I want you to promise me, Ember. Promise me that you won't be in anymore fights. If not for me, if not for yourself, I want you to think about those two innocents who were injured. Even if it was an accident, even if it's not your fault, seeing somepony die in front of you is harrowing."
"I know the feeling very well," Ember reminded Perry. "I saw my mother freeze. I saw my brother succumb to disease. Had you not come along, I'd have already been taken already in death's icy grip. I'm well aware of the consequences."
Perry gave a knowing smile, then leaned forward for another hug. "I don't want to lose anypony else. You mean the world to me, Ember."
Ember returned the hug. "I love you too, dad."
Perry was so wrapped up in the emotional moment that he hadn't realized the title Ember had just given him. He wouldn't realize it until the next day.
The train ride was a quick one, and they were back in Canterlot by lunch. Not that they were planning to have lunch together, as they had both enjoyed a soft pretzel with cheese on the train. When they arrived at their home, Magnolia took note of their smiles and assumed that their talk had gone well. She had been a bit worried, what with Perry's lack of social skills. She was glad to know that she was wrong this time.
"How was your trip?" she asked, putting down her pruning shears.
"Very fruitful," replied Perry, embracing his wife.
"Did you talk about anything interesting?"
Ember froze in his steps. He had revealed part of himself to Perry, but he wasn't ready for the rest of the world to know yet.
"Sorry, Mags," chuckled Perry. "That information is confidential. Just between the two of us, until he decides he's ready to tell it."
Ember smiled. It was good to know that Perry had his back. He felt that, with the strength of Perry's will standing behind him, he could withstand any hardship. After all, Perry was the ideal to which Ember strived. He was perfect.