//------------------------------//
// When what isn't said is the most important thing you have to say 
// Story: House of the Rising Sunflower 
// by kudzuhaiku 
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The sudden, savage affection of manticores had no comparison. Still reeling from the unexpected-but-suspected teleportation—which felt an awful lot like being slurped through a straw—Sundance had no defense at the ready when Megara pounced. He simply appeared over the phoenix seal in the middle of the chapel and then she was upon him before he had a chance to recover his senses. Why, he barely had a chance to think about just how much he hated teleportation—every experience with it had been quite unpleasant up to this point—when he was assaulted by a hairy brute of a manticoress. 

Eyes bulging, threatening to pop from their straining sockets, Sundance almost suffered decapitation from the over-enthusiastic headlock-hug. The lack of air left brilliant spots in his vision, explosive bursts of light that burst helter-skelter before his eyes, and every breath was rationed into austere gasps. Friendly manticores were a hazard and their affection had to be treated as one might treat trauma. 

"I thought I was gonna hafta explain to Pebble how I lost you!" 

These earnest words filled Sundance with some powerful sense of emotion. They were honest, true to Megara's nature, and yet, somehow, even with their mercenary bent, they were sincere. Heartfelt. Even as he struggled for breath, he was comforted and left reassured by Megara's life-threatening affection. The mighty manticoress was just as true to herself as she was loyal, and deep within his oxygen-starved heart, he was overwhelmed with gratitude. 

"You're glowing." Paradox said this as she moved closer, one eye squinted while the other remained wide. She cast her critical, curious gaze upon Sundance, who was held firmly in place by the dangerously affectionate manticoress, who appeared to be attempting to juice him as if he were some kind of sunny-orange citrus fruit. "What a fascinating glow. The energy signature matches that of the flames over there." 

Her mouth firmed into a thin line as she examined Sundance. 

"You're emitting ultraviolet radiation," she said matter-of-factly. "Which shouldn't be possible. How are you emitting sunlight?" For the first time, she noticed Hornet, and spent a moment lost in observation. "Now, that's even more bizarre. Hornet is emitting sunlight as well, and she's part plant. She's literally emitting the energy she needs for her peculiar form of photosynthesis into magic that her kind needs to survive. What happened to the two of you? How and why are you different? How does a living cell radiate ultraviolet light, and more specifically, the thaumaturgically-charged radiation unique to Princess Celestia's sun… which I am expressly forbidden to study?" 

"You're not forbidden from studying me," Sundance somehow managed to say between repeated applications of crushing force. 

"That is a remarkably astute observation, Sundance. You're right. Never once did Princess Celestia tell me that studying you is forbidden. So what's with the golden glow, Sundance?" 

"I have no idea. I was hoping that you could tell me." 

A quick, sudden turn of Paradox's head allowed her to study the roaring, crackling curtain of flame, all while her mouth pressed even tighter together. For a moment, Sundance worried that Paradox might throw herself into the fire, and beyond that, he wondered if he should warn her. Should she be held back? What understanding might she glean from the experience? Should he let her go unhindered? 

"Sundance," she said as the flames reflected in her eyes, "it is as though you have flown into the sun and returned with fire. Which might very well be the case." 

"I don't see"—a sudden burst of constriction around his neck caused Sundance to pause and the other half of his sentence came out in a strained wheeze—"how such a thing is possible." 

"Stranger things have happened," was Paradox's cryptic response. "Megara, any observations?" 

"He's as warm and snuggly as blankets fresh out of the drier," the manticoress replied. 

"Indeed. We need to go home. I must run tests. There must be answers. I must have understanding." 

Beyond the flames was understanding—that much was true—and Sundance had returned with perhaps a small portion. Even by accident, he'd returned with something that Paradox greatly desired, perhaps her heart's fondest wish. But now, he'd have to allow himself to be poked, prodded, and studied. He would do that, time, situation, and circumstances permitting. It was quite possible that this would bring him and Paradox closer together, which was something he very much wanted. More than anything, he wanted Paradox to be comfortable and happy, because she deserved that. 

"You must tell me everything that's happened!" she demanded. 



 

The day had gone on long enough to purplefy. It wasn't quite night, nor was it day, but the twilight 'tween that could never seem to last. Cool breezes blew down from the mountains to the north and collided with warm, balmy gusts that rushed from the south. There was electricity in the conflicting currents and Sundance suspected that Princess Luna's sacred night might be torn asunder by irreverent feral storms. He hated them in a way that only a pegasus could, a cold loathing that prickled his heart and left him with sawtooth hackles. 

Upon landing, he found himself surrounded, which was now commonplace. It barely even bothered him anymore. The barony's most valuable treasure, the littles, the kidlets, the still-young future of the barony had come out along with Hollyhock to greet him—no, he realised almost right away. Not him. The press of bodies was for Hornet and their primary concern was for their bedtime story. And of course, there was a story to be told, because the wee ones demanded to know why Madam Bedbug and the Busy Baron had a golden glow. 

With all the commotion and the hubbub, Sundance's attention became focused upon just one thing; the two sisters. Cherry Turnover had come out to greet her sister upon Fudge Turnover's return—minus Argyle Ascot. Something seemed wrong, off somehow, and Sundance experienced a dreadful sense of concern. Just where was Argyle, if not with Cherry Turnover? Was his new friend sad? In need of cheering up? It was worrisome. Ears pricked, he listened to the sisters as they spoke. 

"Have a nice time, Fudgy?" 

"The time of my life, Cherry. Where's Argy?" 

"You don't seem any worse for wear. And you didn't come back glowing. That's good." 

The sisters shared a bit of mutual laughter before their exchange continued. 

"It was harmless fun, Cherry. I think you would have had a nice time." 

"No, not me. Adventure doesn't appeal, dear sister. I'm a homebody." 

"This was somepony's home, once." 

Again, more laughter. 

"Libby looks sleepy," Fudge Turnover said, commenting on the drowsy foal slung from around Cherry Turnover's neck. "She looks quite worn out." 

Raising her hoof, Cherry gestured at the barony's young, and nodded her head. "She had some playmates. Just like you, she had herself a good time." 

"So why aren't you with Argyle?" 

"Libby had a wonderful time. And I did, as well." 

"Tell me about Argyle, or else." 

"He became insufferable," Cherry replied. "Ceaseless blubbering. Too much drama for me to deal with. His constant crying made Libby miserable, and she had fits. So he sent me away." 

"He's having a rough go of things," Fudge remarked. 

"More than you know," her sister returned. "Your day of adventure was his complete and utter undoing. Right about now, he's probably deep into his cups, as is his wont." 

"What is up with him, anyhow?" asked Fudge, whose face was a worrisome mix of anger, irritation, and concern. 

"Fudge… he's convinced himself that you're bored. That's why you went on an adventure. He thoroughly convinced himself that you're bored with him. With us. With Libby. With our lives and our current circumstances. He's absolutely certain that you're leaving. Poor sot has even started packing your bags for you, though they're still mostly packed." 

"Oh." 

Something about the way that Fudge's eyes narrowed worried Sundance in the extreme. It was perhaps the most dangerous thing he'd ever witnessed, like a force of nature deciding that enough was enough and that civilisation had to go. It was a reckoning with long sooty eyelashes and slightly goopy mascara after a day of sweaty running about. Sundance, who experienced fear in a way that other ponies did not, felt something, a powerful urge to fly away and to never return, because this place was now the epicenter of some disaster unfolding in slow motion. His blood chilled, he shivered, and when he pressed his wings tight against his sides, he felt his pounding heart. 

"Cherry, I need you to watch Libby a while longer. And maybe find some place to stay tonight." 

"Uh oh…" Cherry's response was half-spoken, half-gasped. 

"Excuse me… but I have to go and sort my husband out." And then, without further ado, Fudge Turnover stormed off. With every stomp of her broad hooves, the ground seemed to tremble with alarm, and the sensation of impending calamity intensified with intense intensity. 

"Uh, should we intervene?" asked Sundance. 

"I think not," was Cherry's terse response. "He brought this on himself." 

"What's she going to do? Should I even ask?" Wings still pressed tight against his side, it was all Sundance could do to stop himself from taking flight—and fleeing as his instincts demanded. 

"She'll do what's necessary to remind Argyle that some bonds can't be broken. Serves him right." 

"Uh… um…" After failing to make a sentence, Sundance had nothing to say. 

"A word of advice, Sundance. If you ever marry an earth pony, do so knowing that you might one day face a reckoning of your own making, should you ever offend her. Earth ponies… they have a different way of doing things. I need a place to stay tonight." 

"I wish I had somepony that would love me like that," Turmeric said as he scooted closer to Sundance. "A love like that is one to be treasured. Look at her go. She's majestic." The small, slight unicorn shook his head, pressed himself against the pegasus beside him, and a somewhat lispy satisfied sigh slipped out. "I'm a bit girly though, and can only take so much of the rough stuff."

"Come stay with us," Hollyhock said to Cherry Turnover. "It's almost story time." 

"That sounds wonderful," Cherry replied. "Goodnight, both of you." 

"Goodnight, Cherry," Sundance managed to say, even as distracted as he was. 

"Goodnight, Ma'am," Turmeric said, as charming as ever. "It was lovely getting to know you earlier. Maybe tomorrow we can talk again." 

"I'd enjoy that. Goodnight, gentlefellows." 

The crowd departed and the littles bade both Sundance and Turmeric goodnight as well. Turning away from the sight of Fudge Turnover shrinking into the distance, he instead watched as the littles were herded away. Hornet was right in the middle of the mob and for whatever reason, Sundance winced as a pang of jealousy pierced his innards. Right away, he dismissed it, for no good would ever come of such a thing. What mattered was that they were happy, and that Hornet was happy. The thorn found no place to lodge, and thus, it could not fester. 

It didn't take long until he was alone with Turmeric, who kept sighing with every other drawn breath. 

"What's up with you?" asked Sundance. 

"I met somepony today, and I'm in love," Turmeric replied. 

Almost smiling, Sundance asked, "Does Corduroy know?" 

"I'll have to tell her soonish. It'll do her heart good, I think." 

Extending a wing, Sundance slipped it over Turmeric's back and pulled the smaller unicorn closer. 

"You're glowing, Sundance… and so am I. It's a hot and sweaty summer evening. And I am in love with a strong, silent type." 

Everything in Sundance's mind took a tumble as he attempted to put things together. The only conclusion that he could reach involved the distinct memory of Turmeric and Silent Thunder interacting earlier. Rather than jump to unsettling assumptions, he thought of Turmeric's relationship with Corduroy, with Rustic, and the mustardy-yellow unicorn's affectionate disposition. 

"My heart just swells sometimes, Sundance. Unbearably so." 

"It's Silent Thunder, isn't it?" 

"How'd you guess? You… must really know me, Sundance. And I don't sense you silently judging me, so thank you." 

The following silence was more than a little awkward, but thankfully, it did not last. 

"Can I tell you over a drink, Sundance? And maybe, just maybe, you can explain to me why you're glowing. I'd like to know." 

"A drink sounds good. We should have one." 



 

Fat droplets of reflective condensation rolled down the neck of the green glass bottle. A puckered pony was printed on the side of the bottle, along with a basket full of mixed berries and gratuitously green apples. Sappy Apple's Sour Seltzer tickled Sundance's nose and he listened intently to the fizzy-sizzle inside of the bottle. Turmeric sat on a pillow that Sundance did not recall owning and the little unicorn kept sighing—which, as it turned out, wasn't annoying, not even in the slightest. 

"Love is a splendid thing, Sundance," Turmeric began. "It hits you, just like a bolt out of the blue. When I meet somepony, and fall in love, I just want them to be happy. When I met Corduroy, there was this weird spark and I just allowed myself to experience it for what it was. Sometimes, we mess love up by attaching other things to it… other conditions and feelings and such. I don't know how to put it into words." 

Sundance nodded, an unspoken acknowledgment to show that he was listening. 

"Today, I felt that with Silent Thunder… he's an amazing little guy. But he's so unhappy. There is such a need to express himself, and he just… can't. But I showed him that he could. He can dance, Sundance. That colt… he's a natural mimic. In no time at all, he not only copied all my signature moves, but he improved upon them. He's like… he's like a gifted little actor… only silent movies have gone out of fashion. But he's so gifted, and so theatrical… and not long after I met him, I just knew… I knew I wanted him to be happy." 

After a long inhale, the lovestruck unicorn continued, "Just like I wanted Corduroy to be happy. Just like I wanted you to be happy. And I want that colt to be happy. I would give anything for his happiness and my heart just swells with love. I'm going to give him what he wants if it's the last thing I do." 

It took several seconds to sort out just what had been said—but it came as no real surprise. Now, it was Sundance who sighed, and as he did so, he watched as a bead of glistening condensation rolled down the side of his bottle. A part of him rather wanted to embrace Turmeric, a hug perhaps, but the lounging unicorn was too far away and the sudden urge felt altogether awkward. 

"I want you to be happy as well," Sundance said in the most sincere tone he could muster. What else was there to say? Coming right out and saying it felt wrong somehow. He watched as his friend tensed for a moment, and then relaxed, which in turn caused all the tension in Sundance's own body to depart. Why he wasn't even aware of his own tight muscles, but the sudden sensation of relief was almost overwhelming. 

Almost giddy, the unicorn replied, "It makes me happy to hear you say that." 

"You'd make a better baron than I would." 

"What makes you say that, Sundance?" 

"You love others and want them to be happy." 

"Flatterer. If you wanted to get me into bed, there are other ways." 

"No, really. What I'm getting from all of this is that you love for the sake of love itself." 

"Well, kind of. I still have my attractions. But, as I've recently learned, those are secondary. Those come after the emotional connection. I'm still sorting it out." 

"And you're attracted to me, right now." 

"Well, right now, you are a golden god. That's rather attractive." 

The glow. Somehow, the glow had completely slipped from Sundance's mind, but it returned now like the rising sun. He tore his gaze away from the sweating bottle of seltzer so that he could look down at himself. Yes, he was glowy. Even more so than earlier. It wasn't quite eye-searing, not yet, but it was enough to illuminate the surrounding area and cast shadows. He thought about the promise to Paradox that he'd allow her to examine him come morning. Maybe she'd have some answers eventually. Turmeric probably wanted some answers right now. 

Sundance didn't have them. 

Lifting the bottle, he allowed himself a long drink, which emptied it by half. Turmeric was eye-catching, though Sundance could not say how or why. A flurry of conflicting, confusing feelings threatened to overwhelm him, but somehow he endured the storm. When he emerged into the clear on the other side, he saw his friend in a whole new way. It was as if the clouds parted and he could clearly see what had been their all along. A second drink happened, but this one was brief, more to moisten his dry lips than to slake his parched throat, as was the case with the first swig. 

"Well, now that we've got that out of the way"—a folding paper fan poofed into existence over Turmeric's head and he began to fan himself in a most feminine manner—"let us acknowledge that we're both bottoms and so we'll never act on it. At least we can enjoy the sexual tension though." The unicorn smiled briefly, then his face turned solemn. "I finally told Rustic how I really feel. Sort of. More or less the same way I told you, actually. But he took longer to catch on. He was rather distracted at the time. Getting his hooves done." 

"That's a lot of love." 

"I like being in love," Turmeric replied, almost whispering. "More so now than ever. I really did find myself here, in this place. Surrounded by teenagers. Mistakes were made, Sundance. I thought being in love meant I had to act on it. That it had to be physical. The issue was, well, I had so much love. Led me to a lot of confusing moments. But now…" Head shaking from side to side, he did not finish, but sighed whilst he fanned himself. 

"For whatever it's worth, I think it's good that you love Silent Thunder. I don't see it as being any different than falling in love with a puppy." 

In response, Turmeric stared, all while his fan wagged above him. 

"Parents fall in love with their foals." A moment of silence interrupted Sundance and he wondered if perhaps he might be in love with Sparrowhawk. "I guess we cut ourselves off from what we feel to protect ourselves, or maybe because we think it is weird, wrong, or somehow unnatural. Now that I think about it… it's a bit like the time you and I slept together and all the awkwardness that happened. But I am glad that you were there for me." 

"I'm just glad that I matured a bit," Turmeric replied, his eyes unfocused and distant. "I kept losing my head and giving head. Why though? I guess I wanted to be loved. Any sort of love. But physical love was the easiest to sort out. The easiest to feel? Everything else felt complicated. But… I noticed with Corduroy, there were no expectations. We could just talk. It was like being uncorked, Sundance." 

"I haven't been uncorked yet." 

"And when you are, there will be Sundance champagne all over the place." 

This almost caused Sundance to drop his bottle of seltzer and he struggled to hold on to the slippery glass bottle held in his fetlock. When he laughed, that didn't help matters, not at all, and he was forced to grip the bottle with both his right and left fetlocks so he wouldn't make a mess on the floor. Slowly, a little at a time, he reined himself in—which was totally a thing that equinoid-based lifeforms did—but then lost all sense of control when he was overcome by a fresh bout of mirth. 

"I slay me." As smug as he was flirty, Turmeric fanned himself even harder. "So, you want to tell me about that golden glow?" 

Unsure of how to begin, Sundance didn't know what to say…