The caverns that the diamond dogs called home were anything but welcoming. Dark, damp, dirty and dank. It figures such creatures took residence in the endless tunnels of rock.
Far below the surface was a large room where the leader of the diamond dogs dwelled. Large marble beams shot up from the floor into the ceiling. The room was lit by several torches on each wall.
The king paced back and forth in his throne room, fuming.
“This is an embarrassment.” He said, frustrated.
His adviser, a frail looking diamond dog was there to console the leader. The adviser wore frayed robes and a silver amulet hung from his neck.
“Don’t worry my lord, we are putting all of our efforts into tracking down the pony that stole our diamond.” The adviser said.
The king shot him a look.
“Oh, your diamond, my lord.”
The kings eyes pierced the meek dog.
“Allow me clarify so we are on the same level. So this pony, waltzed into the caverns, bypassed my elite guards, stole my precious diamond and escaped, easily?.”
The adviser pulled on the collar of his robe, obviously nervous. “Yes, my lord.” He said with volume barely above a whisper.
The king snorted and then turned back to his thoughts.
He didn’t look much like royalty, but everything about him was intimidating. He was about twice the height of a normal diamond dog. His coat was thick and grey with mottled brown spots.His bulky muscles could be made out even through his fur. One of his lower canine teeth was larger than normal, even when his mouth was shut it poked out. His head resembled that of a wolf.
“Stop the search.” He ordered.
“My lor-”
The king shot him another look. His pupils were orange, like they were engulfed in flames.
The king stomped over to his adviser and lowered his frame. The small dogs tail went in between his legs as he cowered at the bulk of the monster wolf.
Taking extra effort to bare his teeth the leader diamond dog growled;
“I’ll take care of this thief pony, myself.”
----
Twilight Sparkle hated days like this. Not a single soul had entered the library and it is just minutes from closing. She wasn’t really bored, she had always a fresh stock of new books to keep her occupied. But she wanted something different. A change of pace if you will. She developed a mundane routine for the library she did everyday. Get up, clean, read, eat, sleep and repeat.
Ideas of moving to Canterlot and working on her magic with Celestia would occasionally poke into thoughts. Living with royalty, delving into arcane spells and sorcery, saving Equestria from certain doom and chocolate rain. Princess Celestia and Luna had even offered her to stay in Canterlot. They promised her she could even have access to the ancient archives of magic. Text and spells that haven’t been seen for centuries! Oh the possibilities.
Would she pursue that path over her friends in Ponyville?
Not on your life.
Sighing, she went and locked the front door. Turned off all the lights and began to walk up the stairs to her bedroom. Another dull day.
Knock knock.
Her head turned slowly to the door, annoyed.
“I’m sorry but we're closed, Come back tomorrow please.” She shouted.
“Oh come now Twilight, would you be a dear and let us in?” A familiar rich voice said on the other side of the door.
Twilight couldn’t get to the door faster. Finally something interesting.
Unlocking and opening the door she said,
“Rarity! Of course you can come in, but what do you mean by...”
Having fully opened the door she saw them.
“...us?”
She stood there, gawking and completely still. Jaw hanging. She didn’t even blink.
It couldn’t be him, it couldn’t. He was short and cute. This dragon standing next to Rarity was large and scary looking. But the green eyes, the purple and green scales and all those spines running down his back. No. It couldn’t. It can’t. It-
“Twilight, dear?” Rarity said, worried at Twilights stillness.
The phrase interrupted Twilights racing thoughts. Twilight turned to Rarity and gave a reassuring nod. She took a deep breath and turned to the large reptile standing next to Rarity. This time, however, she was took extra effort to analyze his face. The dragons eyes couldn’t meet Twilights.
Her eyes widened and she stepped backwards a step.
“It really is you.”
Spike scratched the back of his head. “Yeah, not your cute little assistant anymore, huh?” He let out a few nervous laughs. Both mares looked at him, was he trying to be funny?
Rarity cleared her throat. “We have a lot to discuss.”
Twilight gave a small but warm smile to both of them.
“I-I’ll brew some tea.”