Rekindled Embers

by applezombi

Chapter 42

Long range telegraph exchange between Camp Moonlight Glory, two miles outside Jubilation, and New Canterlot City. 

             TARGETS FLED JUBILATION.  IN PURSUIT.  DESTINATION IS ZEBRA VILLAGE NAMED NYUMBA YA JOKA.  NO INTELLIGENCE AVAILABLE, PLEASE ADVISE.

Response included.

             AVOID VILLAGE AT ALL COSTS.  PROTECTED BY CLASS E DRAGON, EXTREMELY HOSTILE TO DIARCHY FORCES.  PICK UP TRAIL OUTSIDE OF VILLAGE.

Zebrican Savannah, 1113 AF

             “So are we clear?” Terminus asked Emberglow from their position perched one of the rare clouds that floated high above the North Zebrican savannah.

             “Nopony’s following us.  It looks like they broke off pursuit,” Emberglow said.  “Hang on, I’d like to be sure.”  She lifted her gauntlet, and quickly drew a series of runes in the air.

             “Long Grain’s Far Sight?” Terminus asked, and Emberglow nodded.  “It still works with only one eye?”  She nodded again.  He cast his own spell, and the two ponies peered through the sun-bleached terrain, now with vision enhanced by Knight magic.  She couldn’t see any sign of Brightblade or Mercy Song, or any of their soldiers.  “So… was that your first experience running into somepony you knew from the other side?”

             “Besides when Brightblade beat me near to death for several days straight?” Emberglow bit back drolly, then flinched at her own rudeness.  “Yeah.  Sorry.  I didn’t mean to…”

             “Don’t worry about it,” Terminus interrupted.  “I get it.  My first was on a mission years ago.  It can be really disturbing.”

             “Yeah…” Emberglow breathed.

             “Do you want to tell me about her?”

             “Mercy Song was my hero,” Emberglow admitted.  “She was perfect.  Everything I ever wanted to be.  I hoped…” she trailed off into silence.

             “Yeah.  I know,” Terminus said.

             “So,” Emberglow said thoughtfully, picking up on something he’d said earlier.  “You weren’t born and raised among the rebels, then?  If you’ve gone through… this… before.”

             “Yeah,” he said.  “I made it four months into the Ivy Seminary before they found me in bed with one of my classmates.  He got a stern lecture from the instructors, as a result of his family connections.  I was a sponsor; no family connections here.  I got shipped off to a reeducation camp.”

             “How’d you get out?” Emberglow asked as she scanned their back trail.

             “I didn’t.  I was rescued.  Knights Discordant, led by Heartwing, raided the camp, and let everypony go.  We had the choice of going with the Knights, or being resettled somewhere over here.”  He colored as he told the story.  “I chose to go with the Knights.  It might have been for less than heroic reasons.”  He glanced back in the direction where they had left Heartwing and Rarity behind.  Emberglow laughed at the implication.

             “Love at first sight?” she teased.

             “Well, lust, for sure,” Terminus laughed, his face glazing over with a bright blush.  “I mean, those of us in the camp were being tortured.  Suddenly a bunch of Knights show up and wreck up the plots who were hurting us?  And they’re all muscly and brave, and maybe a little sweaty…” he trailed off with a hum of pleasure, laughing at the expression on Emberglow’s face.  “I know, not your thing.  But it didn’t take long for me to fall hopelessly head over hooves for him.”  He eyed Emberglow shrewdly.  “Speaking of love at first sight, how are things with you and Miss Rarity?”

             Now it was Emberglow’s turn to blush.  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she muttered. Terminus gave a good-natured chuckle.   “Am I… am I really that obvious?”

             “You tend to hover around her a little.  And in the Gold Run, your jealousy was a little cute.”  Emberglow cringed, but Terminus shrugged.  “It’s not really a bad thing, is it? Being attracted to Miss Rarity?” She thought about it for a moment, then shook her head, smiling.

             “Maybe not.  But I don’t even know where to start.”

             “You’re certain you want something to happen?” Terminus asked.

             “Yes,” Emberglow said confidently, then wilted.  “Um, I mean, eventually.  I don’t know.  Is that okay?”  She flinched at how she sounded, but Terminus gave her a kind smile.  “I’m new to this,” she admitted.

             “It’s fine.  Be patient with yourself, Emberglow.  This is a big transition for you.  Ease yourself into the changes at your own pace.”

             She nodded.  It was the same sort of thing he’d been telling her ever since she’d been rescued from Steadfast and Brightblade.  She took another moment to scan for any signs of their pursuit.

             “I don’t see anypony following us,” she concluded.  “We should go back.”

             “Yeah.  Bring the cloud.  I’m sure they’d enjoy some shade,” Terminus suggested, and Emberglow grinned.  They pushed the cloud back to where Heartwing and Rarity were finishing breaking camp.

             “I’m just saying,” Rarity was saying as they flew back. “If we’re going to be walking all this way in a hot plain, at least there should be some sort of spell to ease our way.  The weather out here is simply unbearable.  Why, if only we’d at least thought to bring a parasol…”

             “Rarity,” Heartwing interrupted, exasperated.  “We couldn’t…”

             “We’re back!” Emberglow announced loudly as she and Terminus pushed the cloud into position above the two unicorns.  “It looks like our pursuit gave up.”

             “What are you…” Rarity began, before blinking.  “Oh.  Shade.  That’s lovely, thank you.”

             “It won’t last for long in this sun,” Emberglow warned.

             “But still, it was a thoughtful thing to do,” Rarity said, beaming up at Emberglow.  Emberglow felt her heart speed up, her conversation with Terminus still rather fresh in her mind.

             “It was Terminus’ idea,” she admitted. 

             “Well, you’re both sweethearts for doing it,” Rarity replied with a stunning smile.  Emberglow felt her cheeks reddening.  “Is everything all right, darling?  You look a little flushed.”

             “F-fine!  Just fine!” Emberglow yelped.  “I’ll take first shift pushing the cloud over you guys while we walk!”  But Terminus was already behind the cloud, with a knowing smirk on his face as he glanced at her.  “Or n-not.”  Awkwardly she flapped down to come to rest next to Rarity, who had lifted her saddlebags on with her sparkling blue magic.  The three ponies began down the dirt road, while Terminus pushed the dwindling cloud above them.

             “Why do you think Brightblade stopped chasing us?” Emberglow called out to Heartwing, trying to change the subject.  Heartwing pursed his lips thoughtfully.

             “If I had to guess?  I’d imagine they’ve got records about Nyumba Ya Joka.  I can’t think the village’s guardian views Diarchy Knights too fondly.  They know we’ll have to go through Jubilation to reach any sort of boat headed to the Empire, so they’ll probably just wait until we’re on our way back through there to try and ambush us.”

             “The village guardian?”

             “He’s called Mlinzi,” Heartwing said, before going silent.  A few expectant moments passed, but he just trotted along quietly.

             Rarity eyed him. “You’re being oddly mum about this Mlinzi, Heartwing. Who is he, and why do we need to see him?”

             “Mlinzi is a dragon, Rarity.  I have reason to believe he has an Element of Harmony in his horde.”

             “A dragon?  Why would a dragon have…”

             “Rarity…” Heartwing sighed.  “Please remember, it’s been a very long time.  Mlinzi is his name now, but when you knew him, you called him Spike.”

             “My Spikey-wikey?” Rarity gushed.  “He’s still alive?  Why, that’s wonderful news, Heartwing!  I…”  Heartwing was shaking his head.

             “A thousand years, Rarity, remember?  Mlinzi is not the baby dragon you used to know.  He’s angry.  And bitter.  Time changes ponies.  And dragons.  Right about the time I was waking up from stone, he settled down in a cave on an arête overlooking a fertile valley.  I visited him once.”  Heartwing’s expression was grim.  “He did not seem interested in my presence.  Since taking up residence, a group of zebras settled down on one side of the arête and built a village.  They call the village ‘Nyumba Ya Joka’.  The Dragon’s House, in the local tongue.”

             “Surely it can’t be all that bad, Heartwing.  Spike was such a sweet dragon.”

             “Rarity, you’d better stop thinking about him as Spike, and start remembering that a thousand years has passed since you saw him last,” Heartwing sounded impatient.  “Ponies change.  Dragons change.  And we’d better be prepared to be chased out of that cave with our tails on fire.”  Rarity shuddered, and without thinking about it, Emberglow stepped closer to her.

             “Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe,” she said softly, blushing at how silly she felt saying it.  The grateful look Rarity shot her was worth it.  The moment was ruined by Heartwing’s scoff.

             “Quiet, you.  She was just being sweet,” Rarity scolded, and Heartwing gave them both an unrepentant smirk before his expression grew solemn again.

             “Seriously, though, you’ll want to be on your hooves, Emberglow.  I don’t really expect Mlinzi to attack us, but he defends his territory fiercely.  I’ve heard that he’s gone so far as to cook Diarchy Knights alive in their own armor.”

             “Do you mean Spike actually…” Rarity gulped, “eats ponies?”

             “Mlinzi, Rarity.” Heartwing corrected.  “Start using his new name.  You’ll be less shocked when you see how different he is.”

             “But… does he?” Rarity pressed.  Heartwing waggled his eyes teasingly, and Rarity scowled.  Emberglow did her best to give him her own sharp glance.

             “I don’t think so,” Heartwing conceded.  “I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think even Mlinzi has changed that much.”

             “That’s… good, I suppose.”  Rarity sounded unsure.  Emberglow glanced between the two old friends.  Rarity took a deep breath, clearly uncomfortable.  Emberglow half-lifted a hoof to comfort her, but hesitated, feeling awkward.  “You believe he has one of the Elements?”

             “If he doesn’t, he’ll know where to look,” Heartwing replied.  “He was Twilight’s assistant, after all.”

             “And you were supposed to be her friend,” Rarity said, a note of accusation in her voice.  “Why didn’t she tell you where she was hiding them?”

             “By that time, I was a statue again,” Heartwing said, gazing off into the horizon.

             “But why?” Rarity’s expression was determined, but Heartwing wouldn’t meet her eyes.

             “I’d rather not talk about it,” Heartwing said.

             “Heartwing.”  Rarity’s voice was low and threatening, but Heartwing continued to ignore her.  With a grunt, he broke into a trot, breaking in front of the other two and out of the dwindling shade of the cloud.  “Well.  I suppose if he doesn’t want to talk about it…”  She sighed.

             “Do you want to chase after him?” Emberglow ventured.  Rarity shook her head.

             “We’re going to have to push him on it eventually,” Rarity replied.  “It’s clear he’s hiding something he’d rather not speak about.  Oddly enough, this is far less aggravating than he used to be.”

             “Before… you were put under the spell?” Emberglow asked cautiously.  Rarity nodded.  “What was he like?”

             “A rascal,” Rarity snorted.  “A complete cad, at times.  Infuriating.  He was an all-powerful god of chaos.  He could snap his claws and summon nearly anything, as long as it fulfilled some mad scheme or foalish prank.  Even after he was ‘reformed’, he still insisted on manipulating and condescending to all of us he called ‘friends’.”

             “Reformed?”

             “Princess Celestia, in her infinite wisdom, saw the potential for good in him, even if nopony else did.  She asked Twilight and the rest of us to try and reform him.  In the end, it was our friend Fluttershy that proved the strongest influence.”  Rarity pursed her lips.  “There were… hrm… hiccups along the way, but in time he did become a friend, of sorts.”

“Hiccups?”

“He could be manipulative, and volatile.”  Rarity pursed her lips.  “Volatile like he is now, if I’m being honest.  He’s upset about something from our past.  The only time I’ve seen his mood dance about like this is when somepony brings up Fluttershy.”

             “I’ve seen how he reacts when Fluttershy is mentioned,” Emberglow said softly.  Heartwing was far ahead, but she didn’t want him to overhear.  “He must have truly loved her.”

             “I think so,” Rarity said.  “I was only able to see the beginnings of their love, but he was utterly devoted to the dear.”  She glanced up at Terminus above them.  “I think he still is.”

             Emberglow glanced back and forth between Terminus and Heartwing, wondering what Rarity was talking about.  She opened her mouth to ask.

             “There, see that?” Heartwing shouted from in front of them.  He had one hoof pointed off in the distance, east across the savannah.  “That’s Adia’s Spine. The arête I told you about.  The village we’re looking for is just at the foot of that peak.”  He motioned to the tallest point of the arête.  Emberglow and Rarity hurried to catch up, and Terminus shoved the cloud so it was once again covering all three ponies on the ground.

             “We’re not done with our earlier conversation,” Rarity warned Heartwing, who ignored her and started off again.  “Heartwing!  You can’t ignore me forever.”

             “I’m pretty sure I can!” Heartwing sang out.  “I don’t age, Rarity.  I’ll outlast you if I have to!”

             “I see.  Pity I can’t just stare it out of you.”

             Heartwing froze in his tracks, rounding on Rarity with a snarl.  Rarity jerked to a stop as well, and Emberglow instinctively placed herself between the two ponies.

             “That’s low, Rarity.  Cruel, even for you,” he hissed.  Rarity glared at him, but Emberglow caught a hint of guilt in her expression.

             “I’m not sorry,” she shot back.  “You need to talk to us, darling.  Something is hurting you, and we’re your friends.”

             “I will, okay?” Heartwing sighed.  “Just… not yet.  It’s not important.”

             “How can we know if you don’t talk to us?” Rarity asked.

             “Heartwing, I, uh…” she began then paused.  Both Rarity and Heartwing were looking at her intently, and she felt the weight of their gaze.  She tried to push past the sudden urge to change the subject, or say something else. “When I was in the Ivy Seminary, I tried to do everything by myself.  I tried to be an island.  I-I was being bullied, and things started to pile up.”  Both ponies were staring at her now. She fought desperately against the nervous urge to shrink down into herself.  “I-I didn’t talk to anypony until I finally snapped.  I had an anxiety attack.  It was, um, bad.”

             “So?” Heartwing asked, and Rarity smacked him with one hoof.

             “They made me talk to somepony afterwards.  A Radiant therapist.  Um, actually the exact same mare who chased us out of Jubilation, along with Brightblade.  We talked about the importance of being honest with our friends.”  As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Emberglow cringed.  Her words felt limp and impotent.  Her sessions with Mercy Song had been a life-saver back in the Seminary.  So why couldn’t she capture the same feeling now? “I… I don’t know what you’ve been through, Heartwing.  But you need to let us help you.”

             “Thanks, Emberglow.”  Heartwing rolled his eyes.  “Grade school level pop psychology from a Diarchy Knight.  Tell me, how’d your last conversation with your therapist go?”

             “Heartwing, darling?  Hold still a moment.”  Rarity’s horn glowed, and suddenly Heartwing’s ear was enveloped in a ring of blue magic.  He let out a yelp of pain and glared at Rarity.

             “What was that for?”

             “You’re being rude, dear.  Emberglow is trying to help.  Now, apologize or I’ll tell your coltfriend on you.”  Rarity glanced significantly up at Terminus, and Heartwing groaned.

             “Fine.  I humbly beg your pardon, dearest Lady Emberglow.” He flourished with one hoof while bowing deeply in a mockingly theatrical display, before giving her   “Anything to keep Rarity from making good on her threat of tattling.”  His smile became smaller, more sincere.  “And I can’t promise much, but I can try to be more open.”

             He’d gone from sneering and sarcastic to silly and smiling in a mere heartbeat, his earlier aggression wiped away with a smooth, perfect grin.  There was something in his tone, though, that made Emberglow suspicious; it felt almost a little... too polished?

             “Please do,” Emberglow said warily.  “We’re your friends, Heartwing.”  She glanced up at Terminus, noting the strain in his wings as he pushed the cloud above them.  “I’m going to give your coltfriend a break.  You know, you can talk to him, too.”

             “Yes, thank you, mother.” Heartwing frowned, his muzzle wrinkling with sarcasm.  Emberglow rolled her eyes, then flew up to change places with Terminus.

             “They really do appreciate the shade,” Emberglow told Terminus as she flew up beside him, taking the cloud in her hooves and pumping her wings to push it.

             “I’m glad.  Hey, it sounds like things got a little heated down there.  Everything okay?”

             “Yes,” Emberglow said.  “Your coltfriend has a good heart, but I wonder if he takes too much on himself sometimes.”  Terminus snorted, nodding vigorously in agreement.  “He knows something about the dragon we’re going to see.  Something he doesn’t want to share with us.  I’d like to help carry his burdens, but he won’t open up.”

             “I’ve been having the same argument for five years, Emberglow,” Terminus sighed.  “Sometimes it drives me crazy, but I love him all the same.  If he doesn’t want to share his burdens, the best I can do is be there with a kiss and a cuddle when he needs it.”

             “Well, I’ll take the cloud.  You go kiss your coltfriend.”  She shared a quick hoof bump with Terminus, then put her mind to pushing the portable shade.  

She was only a dozen or so feet up, but it still was hard to hear the muffled conversation below her.  It was clear from the tones of voice she could hear, however, that Heartwing was being lectured by his coltfriend: Heartwing was whining, while Terminus scolded him.  Emberglow grinned; hopefully he would listen to Terminus.

             After another hour of taking turns with Terminus to push the cloud, the last few wisps of cloud dissolved in the hot air.  Disappointed, she flapped back down to the others.

             “Sorry we couldn’t bring a parasol,” Emberglow said softly to Rarity as she landed, remembering the bit of conversation she’d overheard earlier.  Rarity blushed, and Heartwing broke into gales of laughter.

             “Quiet, you,” Rarity scolded.  “You and I both know I’ve gotten quite a bit better about my packing habits while… ugh… ‘roughing it’.  I’m not nearly as bad as I used to be.”  She huffed angrily.  “And besides, have you even heard me complain once on this journey?”

             “Well, there was that bit about the parasol,” Heartwing chimed in helpfully.  Rarity glared at him.

             “You did need some seasickness pills,” Emberglow added, and when Rarity’s offended glare shifted to her, she tried to play it off with a smile.  “You were a wonderful patient, though.”

             “And then there were your objections to the nature of our departure,” Heartwing continued teasingly.  “Cutting your time in the Jubilation market short, missing dinner…”

             “You’re all quite rude,” Rarity pouted, and Emberglow couldn’t help but giggle at the cute expression.  Heartwing laughed outright, and even Terminus was politely covering his mouth with one hoof.  “Very well, then.  If the consensus is that nopony wants to hear my contributions to our conversations, I shall simply remain silent.”  She turned her nose in the air as she trotted ahead of everypony, and Emberglow hopped into the air, pushing herself just enough so she could be alongside Rarity.

             “That’s too bad,” she whispered, feeling herself blush even before she said the words.  “I like the sound of your voice.”

             Rarity opened her mouth to shoot something back, a hint of pink dusting her white cheeks.  After a moment’s pause, though, she just smiled sheepishly at Emberglow.

             “I’m sorry, Emberglow.  I’m sure the Saint Rarity of your stories is much more dignified, and much less prone to complaints than I am.”

             “I’d rather get to know the real you,” Emberglow admitted, and Rarity’s smile widened.  Emberglow looked ahead; as the ponies moved down the road, the faint hints of a village at the foot of the mountain were coming into view.  She could see a few buildings, and what looked like a radio tower.  “Um, on that subject: while we walk, I was wondering if you’d be willing to tell more of the real version of some of your stories?”  She glanced back; Heartwing and Terminus were hanging back behind them, having their own talk.

             “I’d be happy to, darling.  Any in particular you’re interested in?”

             “Well, as a foal, I always loved the story when you went to Manehatten and met Coco and Suri.”

             “Oh,” Rarity cooed with a smile.  “That story’s just lovely.  Well, it started with a fashion contest.  I was invited to Manehatten to compete against several other budding fashion designers.  Suri Polomare was one of my competitors, and Miss Pommel was her assistant.  All my friends joined me, and at first, it looked like it was going to be a lovely but relaxing trip to the big city.”  Rarity laughed ruefully.  “I should have known better.  Whenever the six of us did anything together, it was never uncomplicated.”

             Emberglow listened with both fascination and shock as Rarity told her story.  It was both like and unlike the version in the Book of the Saints, and Emberglow found herself mourning that she’d never heard the real version.  The real story was somehow beautiful in its complication; it was clear Rarity was unwilling to embellish the truth, even when it came to her own flaws.

             “And after that, Miss Pommel and I became wonderful friends,” Rarity said as she finished her narrative.  “I even hired her to run my Manehatten boutique, ‘Rarity For You’.”

             “So neither Coco nor Suri were unicorns?” Emberglow asked.  Rarity snorted.

             “Not at all, darling.  Both earth ponies.  Why?  Is that how the stories are told in your book?”

             “Yes ,they were both unicorns.  You had gone to Manehatten to teach ponies about the unholiness of nudity.  Suri was an evil unicorn trying to stop you, and Coco was her assistant.  When Suri sabotaged the clothing you had brought, you cried, and where your tears fell, magical plants sprouted, complete with clothing growing from the vines, to replace what Suri and Coco had destroyed.  It’s your first recorded miracle in the Book.”

             “Oh my,” Rarity tittered.  “That sounds, oh dear, I’m so sorry to laugh like this, but that sounds utterly ridiculous. And ponies believe these stories?”

             “Yes.  The Book of the Saints is believed to be quite literal.”  Emberglow felt a stab of embarrassment.  She’d believed, with all her heart, and the sense of very real loss still burned in her.

             “Goodness.  I’ll have to borrow your book, if that’s all right,” Rarity said.  “I’d like to see what else they butchered in my name.”

             “You can keep it.”  Emberglow shrugged.  “I’m not even sure why I shoved it in my saddlebags, to be honest.  I… I guess it’s just a part of who I was, even if it’s not who I am now.  I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to let it go.”

             “Very well, I shall borrow it from you tonight,” Rarity said.  She glanced behind her, and Emberglow looked as well.  The two stallions were deep in conversation, and from the smirks on their faces, they were having some sort of fun.  “Hmm.  The stallions seem to have fallen behind.  They appear far too satisfied, as well.  They better not be planning some sort of mischief.”

             “Terminus will keep Heartwing in line, I hope” Emberglow said uncertainly.

             “Oh, I’m sure.”  Rarity smiled.  “I was only teasing.  Besides, it looks like they’re simply enjoying each other’s company.  Flirting, teasing, that sort of thing.”  Emberglow saw Terminus whisper something to Heartwing, then run the leading edge of his feathers along Heartwing’s flank.  Heartwing responded with a laugh, and Emberglow found herself envious.

             “I wish I knew how to do that,” she muttered, then silently cursed, wishing she could physically reach out and drag the words back.

             “Do what, darling?”

             “...flirt.”  DAMN her honest tongue.  She fixed her eyes on the village in the distance, unable to meet Rarity’s curious eyes.

             “I see,” Rarity replied.  There was something sad about her voice.  “Miss Emberglow, do you mind if I ask you some personal questions?”

             “Um, sure, I guess.”

             “In your Diarchy, your city, where you were raised, homosexuality is illegal, right?”

             The question was not what Emberglow was expecting.  “Yeah.  We’re taught that from a very young age.  It’s not illegal to be born that way, just to act on it.”

             “I see,” Rarity mused.  “And you knew, even from a young age, that you were attracted to mares?”

             “Since I was probably nine or ten, yes,” Emberglow replied.  Rarity nodded, and Emberglow glanced at her, curious.

             “And you’ve been denying yourself all romance, all sexuality, everything sensual and erotic, since you were a foal?”

             “Yes.  There are meditation techniques, certain prayers, I would say if I felt tempted.” Emberglow admitted.  “I… uh, haven’t bothered as much, recently, but habits are hard to break.”

             “You’ve been horribly repressed, darling.  Abused, even, by this wretched Diarchy of yours.  No wonder you have no idea how to flirt.  Very well, I shall have to teach you.”

             “You… buh… um…” Emberglow felt like her brain had shut off. 

             “You heard what I said, darling.” Rarity paused, and shot Emberglow a glance.  “That is, if you want me to.”

             “Yes please!” Emberglow nearly yelped, far too eagerly.  She flinched, but Rarity simply smiled.

             “Very well.  So to begin with, flirting is supposed to be fun.”

             “Fun?” Emberglow asked.

             “Yes, fun,” Rarity laughed.  “Oh dear.  I’m going to sound like Twilight giving a lecture.  I’m sure she had a shelf full of books in her library about romantic subjects, flirting, courtship, more… erotic subjects.”  She shook her head and gave a fond sigh.  “But back to the matter at hand.  Ponies flirt for a few different reasons.  Sometimes just for fun, and sometimes to indicate deeper interest.  But either way, it should be enjoyable.”

             “Okay…” Emberglow said nervously.

             “I’m going to assume you’re more interested in the second reason?” Rarity raised an eyebrow coquettishly.  Emberglow’s mouth went dry, and she nodded.  “Well, the methods are mostly the same.  Hmm, where to begin…”  Her grin became predatory, almost vulpine, and Emberglow shivered.

             “One way ponies flirt is through purely non-verbal gestures,” Rarity said.  Her eyes sparkled wickedly.  “Some examples could be flipping one’s hair.”  Rarity tossed her head, fluttering her eyelashes as she gazed at Emberglow with half-lidded eyes.  Her glossy purple curls bounced and danced.  “Or perhaps a not so casual touch…” Her hoof gently brushed against Emberglow’s cheek.  “Or maybe even a subtle sway of the hips.”  She demonstrated with a hypnotic undulation of her back half.

             Emberglow never saw the rock she tripped over.  She only knew that one moment she was watching a mare walk in the most sensuous way possible, and the next she was tasting dirt.

             “Rarity, please don’t break our Knight Radiant,” Heartwing called out from behind them.  Emberglow heard a meaty smack, and Heartwing’s dismayed whine.  “Ow!  What was that for?”

             “Be nice and let the girls flirt in peace, sweetie,” Terminus replied, loud enough for Emberglow to hear.  She quickly jerked to her hooves, brushing the dirt off her armor and face.  Her face was burning.

             “Are you all right?” Rarity asked, concern evident on her face.  Emberglow nodded.  She didn’t trust her own voice.  “Here, let me.”  Rarity reached out, and with the sleeve of her robe, gently brushed the dirt stuck to Emberglow’s glowing cheeks.  Rarity looked guilty.  “I’m sorry.  I was probably laying it on a bit thick, as it were.”

             “I d-didn’t mind,” Emberglow stammered.  This close, she could smell the shampoo Rarity had used.

             “Still,” Rarity laughed gently.  “It wasn’t fair to you.”  Emberglow saw a hint of Rarity’s own flush, glowing through white fur.

             “Flirting’s supposed to be fun, right?” Emberglow said, with far more confidence than she felt.  “Well, I was having fun.  I’d like the lesson to continue, Instructor Rarity.”  Rarity laughed, and the two of them resumed their journey down the road.

             “It looks like you might have the next part down, Miss Emberglow.  Flirting often involves subtle teasing.”

             “Teasing?” Emberglow felt a sudden surge of courage.  “Like telling somepony how cute they look when they blush?”

             “Y-yes, that’s a good example, Miss Emberglow.” Rarity only stammered slightly, but Emberglow didn’t miss it.  She raised her eyebrows, giving Rarity an amused look, and the two of them burst into giggles.

             “So, are we really just having a lesson in flirting?” Emberglow asked, her heart pounding.  She suddenly needed Rarity to confirm that they weren’t just playing.  Rarity bit her lip slightly, and nodded.  It was the barest wiggle of her head, but Emberglow’s heart soared.  With a poof of her feathers, her wings spread out in an involuntary reaction of glee, and she and Rarity shared a second embarrassed giggle.  “You know, we’re practically putting on a show for the stallions.”

             “Who cares,” Rarity said, flipping her hair melodramatically.  “I’m enjoying myself immensely.  I can’t remember when I last indulged my silly side like this.”

             “Oh?” Emberglow teased.  “Rarity, you made it seem like you were such an expert at flirting.”

             “To be honest, Miss Emberglow, I am mostly just well-read on the subject.  My past attempts at romance in my own life all ended in disaster.”  She rolled her eyes and huffed.

             “Really?” Emberglow asked.  “I sense a story.”

             “Nothing worth repeating, I assure you,” Rarity said dramatically, but there was a look in her eye that made Emberglow think that Rarity wanted her to push.  It reminded Emberglow of her foalhood, listening to Ms. Lavish Essence, the Emerald Street gossip, share the most recent neighborhood news with Emberglow’s mother.  She wondered if Rarity had been much of a gossip in her past life.

             “That’s too bad.  It sounded like such a fun story,” Emberglow lamented.  She wasn’t the most subtle of actresses, and Rarity eyed her sidelong.  “I guess I’ll never…”

             “Oh, if you insist,” Rarity interrupted.  “If you must know about all my sordid romantic failures, I suppose I can share.”  She rolled her eyes when Emberglow laughed.  “First, there was Blueblood.  We met at the Grand Galloping Gala, the premier social event of the year.  I had read all about him, of course.  How he was supposed to be the most handsome and dashing of all nobleponies in Canterlot.  I immediately attracted his attention at the party.  It took mere seconds for me to realize what he was.”

             “And that was…?” Emberglow prompted.  She’d heard her mother gently prompt Ms. Essence enough to know how this process worked.

             “A cad, darling.  An utter waste of air.  He was selfish, vain, and utterly oblivious to all around him.  I’d built up such a fantasy about how that night would go.  Let’s just say that fantasy didn’t quite include being shoved in front of my alleged ‘knight in shining armor’ to serve as a shield for a dreadful rain of pastry and fondant.”  She gave a huff of displeasure, though it was tinged with amusement.

             “What?”

             “Well, the entire Gala turned into a disaster due to a sequence of unfortunate accidents, all perpetrated by my friends, the ones you used to call Saints,” Rarity explained.  She went on to describe a near-unbelievable series of mishaps, from rampaging animals, falling statues, and a cake catapulted directly at Rarity’s erstwhile date.  By the end, Emberglow was laughing so hard she nearly couldn’t walk.

             “It turned out just fine in the end,” Rarity finished.  “While the romance was a failure, I was at least able to spend an exciting evening with my friends.  My second brush with infatuation was nearly as horrible.”

             “It can’t be as bad as the first,” Emberglow giggled.

             “Oh it’s far worse,” Rarity warned.  “Because this time, I was the one who made a foal out of myself.”

             The second story was as entertaining as the first, as Rarity didn’t spare any of the embarrassing details.  She spoke about her infatuation for a travel writer, and said writer’s near instant infatuation, in turn, for Rarity’s friend Applejack.  What followed was an escalating series of increasingly absurd stunts to attract the stallion’s attention, only to end when Applejack finally made her come to her senses.

             “You’re surprisingly honest about your own, um, embarrassing moment,” Emberglow noted.  Rarity snorted.

             “I’m telling a story that involves Applejack, darling.  If I’m not completely honest, I’m half-convinced her ghost will appear, cursing me for my dishonesty.”  Rarity said.  “Besides, I’m not bitter about it.  I do regret…” She trailed off sadly, and shook her head.

             “Regret what?” Emberglow whispered, but Rarity shook her head.

             “It’s nothing.”  Rarity smiled at her.  It only looked partially forced.  “So.  Now you know my two romantic disasters.”

             “Just those two… um… stallions?” Emberglow ventured nervously, not giving voice to the sudden concern she felt.  Rarity eyed her sharply.

             “Oh, you don’t need to worry too much about that, darling,” Rarity said.  “I’ve always been attracted to beauty in all its forms, regardless of gender.”  The way she eyed Emberglow as she spoke made Emberglow’s heart beat faster, and a dopey grin tugged at the corners of her lips.

             “Oh, um… g-good,” she stammered, hating herself a little for how awkward she sounded.  “But, um, how can you seem so confident?  With the flirting, I mean.”

             “Emberglow, I’ve seen you stride into danger without a moment’s hesitation.  I’ve seen you jump in front of a spear that would have probably taken my life, while you were still bruised and bloody from that vicious brute’s attentions.  You don’t need to ask me about confidence.”

             “That’s different,” Emberglow waved a hoof dismissively.  “I’ve been training to fight for years now.  I’ve seen battle; I don’t even freeze up any longer when a fight breaks out.  Flirting, romance, that kind of stuff...” she sighed.  “I’ve always avoided it.”  An image of Gadget’s face flashed in her mind, and she flinched.  “At least, avoided it on purpose.”

             “Emberglow.”  She felt Rarity’s hoof on her shoulder, and she turned to gaze into blue eyes brimming with concern.  “Is everything okay?”

             “Just sad memories,” Emberglow said.  She raised a hoof to dash at her suddenly wet eyes.  “A friend who was killed.”

             “Would you like to talk about it?” Rarity asked sincerely.

             “You… don’t mind?”  Emberglow fixed her eyes on the village in the distance.  Somehow the naked concern and empathy on Rarity’s face made her hurt even more.

             “No, Emberglow.  Tell me about your friend.”

             “We… might have been more.  We kissed, once.”  She had no idea why she started there.  It made no sense.  “The guilt of it almost killed me.  I’d been strong my entire life; why slip up now?”  She shuddered.  “It could have been…” Emberglow didn’t even know what to say.  What could she have had with Gadget?

             “What happened?” Rarity asked breathlessly.

             “She was killed.  By one of H-heartwing’s ponies.  Right before I killed him.”  Night Star had been his name.  She’d remember that forever.  “It was just a day or so before you woke up.  I… I barely knew her, but I knew we were attracted to each other.  In another world, another time, maybe, I might have…”

             Suddenly Rarity’s hooves were around her, and Emberglow wrapped her own around Rarity.  The two paused, right in the middle of the road, holding each other for a moment.  Rarity pushed back and looked deep into Emberglow’s eyes.

             “What was her name?” Rarity asked.

             “Gadget,” Emberglow said.  “Look, I may not know much about flirting and stuff, but I know it’s bad form to talk about ponies you dated before.”  After all this time, she could finally admit that the night she had shared with Gadget in Port Luminescence was a date.

             “You hush about that, darling,” Rarity said, squeezing Emberglow with her hooves again.  “I’m sure it’s only a matter of time until I have another good cry about what I’ve lost, too.”  She sniffled.  It was adorable.  Everything Rarity did was adorable.  The sudden thought was as absurd as it was unconnected, and Emberglow found herself on the verge of either tears or laughter.

             “I’m such a mess,” she admitted, shaking her head with a wry smile.  Rarity kept one hoof looped around Emberglow as she guided both of them into motion again.

             “Well, we’re both messes together, then.  It seems like we’re in good company, too, because I doubt Heartwing is all that stable either.”  Rarity laughed lightly.  “Perhaps Terminus is the only one of us who’s emotionally healthy.”

             “Everything okay, ladies?” they heard Heartwing ask as the two stallions trotted to catch up.  He was holding out a handkerchief to Emberglow, clutched in his yellow magic.  Emberglow took it gratefully and wiped her tears, before handing it to Rarity so she could do the same.  She noted the meticulous way Rarity wiped her own tears, making sure to not smudge her carefully applied mascara.

             “We’re fine, darling, but thank you for your concern.”  Rarity beamed at him.  “Just having a bit of a moment.”

             “Well, I hope it’s dealt with,” he said, pointing towards the village with one hoof.  “We’ve been noticed.  Somepony’s coming out to greet us.”

             Emberglow could just make out five distant figures, trotting down the road towards them.  She wasn’t sure, but it looked like they were armed with long rifles.

             “Are they going to attack us?” Emberglow asked, nervously anticipating the violence that might come.  She would keep her oath; she would never kill again.  That didn’t mean she’d let anypony hurt Rarity, or either of the stallions.

             “They didn’t last time I visited,” Heartwing said.  “But that was a few hundred years ago, so things might have changed.”

             “We can only hope,” Rarity said.

             The four ponies made no move to hide themselves as they approached the welcoming party. The five zebras were indeed armed.  Each one was dressed in uniform, made of savannah camouflage.  Their rifles were holstered on their backs, and their expressions were not friendly.

             “So you know what you’re going to say to them, Rarity?” Heartwing asked.  Rarity’s eyes widened, and she spun on him.

             “What?” Rarity shrieked, panicked.  “I barely know why we’re coming here, except to meet with Sp… um, Mlinzi.  When did we decide I would be doing the talking?”

             Heartwing was hooting with laughter before she even finished talking.  “Relax, Rarity.  Terminus will speak for us.  He lived in Zebrica for a year as part of an officer-slash-training exchange.  I was only ribbing you.”  He paused, thoughtfully.  “Hmm.  Being around you again made me oddly nostalgic for my old habits.  I almost wish I could have pulled out one of my own ribs and waved it at you while teasing.”  Everypony was staring at him.  “What?”

             “You’re so weird,” Terminus grunted, bumping him with a hip as he passed, moving to the front of the group so he could approach the zebras first.  He kept his expression open and friendly, and his own rifle holstered on his back as he called out to them.  “Hello!”

             “Knights of the Diarchy are not welcome in Nyumba Ya Joka,” the lead zebra mare called back.  Terminus nodded patiently.

             “As you can see by our armor, we are not Diarchy Knights,” he said calmly.  “I am Sir Terminus Flash, of the Discordant.  This is Sir Heartwing, and Lady Emberglow, also of the Discordant.”  Emberglow felt an odd surge of emotion at that.  Pride, yes, but also a bit of bitterness, surprisingly.  Being a Radiant had been such a large part of her life.

             “Oh, I’m sorry,” the zebra mare sneered.  “I didn’t realize the Diarchy hadn’t discovered how to paint their armor different colors.”

             “Please, we have only peaceful intentions.  We wish to speak to Mlinzi.”

             All five zebras stiffened at the mention of the dragon’s name.  Two even reached for their rifles, but didn’t draw.

             “What business do you have with the dragon?” the zebra demanded.  “Besides, you didn’t identify your fourth member.  What are you hiding?”

             “We’re hiding nothing,” Rarity interjected boldly, sounding offended.  “My name is Rarity, and I’m an old friend of Mlinzi’s.  If you don’t believe me, feel free to ask him yourself.”

             The five zebras shared startled glances.  “We don’t speak with the Guardian, mare.  We simply keep ponies away from him.  He wishes solitude, and we help to provide it.”  Her eyes narrowed dangerously on Rarity.  “You are truly an old friend of his?  How is that…?”

             “Unicorn magic,” Terminus cut in with a dismissive hoof wave.  “Besides, if we’re Diarchy Knights, why are there unicorns with us?”  The zebra leader managed to look embarrassed.

             “You are not Diarchy Knights?” she repeated.  Terminus shook his head.  “And you truly wish the Guardian, and our village, no harm?”

             “None at all.  We swear it,” Terminus said solemnly.  Heartwing nodded, and Emberglow followed suit.

             “Very well.  You may enter Nyumba Ya Joka.  When you climb the mountain to speak with the Guardian, you will leave your armor and weapons behind.”

             “We will accept those conditions,” Terminus said, after a glance at Heartwing, who looked unhappy.  “Thank you for your welcome.”

             “We didn’t give you one,” the zebra snarled.  “You are not welcome here.  Perhaps you mean no harm, but you come to disturb the Guardian anyway.  He has watched over and protected us for centuries, and we will not look kindly on those who cause him distress or harm.”

             “Your loyalty does you credit,” Terminus said diplomatically.  “He must be pleased to have such zealous defenders.”

             “Mlinzi defends himself.  We just try to keep the trash off his mountain.”  The implication was clear.  “We will escort you to the village.  There is an inn that merchants use.  You may rent rooms there.  A zebra guide will be with you at all times, if you are not within the inn’s walls.  I assume you brought money?”  Her voice dripped contempt.

             “I assume trade bits from Jubilation will be acceptable?” Terminus asked, and the zebra huffed.

             “Trade bits will be fine.  Come with us.”

             The zebra soldiers filled into a loose formation around the Knights.  Emberglow tried not to feel apprehensive, while sidling up close to Rarity.  They didn’t seem violent, but their expressions betrayed their hostility.  Unlike the open and friendly zebras of Jubilation, these zebras clearly didn’t want them there.  She wished she could be like Heartwing, and project an air of uncaring confidence, or even like Rarity, with her subtle wordless grace under pressure.

             “I must say,” Rarity said in a stage whisper.  “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it certainly wasn’t this much rudeness.”  Emberglow watched as the soldier nearest them narrowed his eyes, but said nothing.  “The citizens of Jubilation were much kinder.”

             “These zebras are very loyal to Mlinzi, Rarity,” Heartwing whispered.  “He keeps them safe from outside threats.  They see us as a threat to their relationship with them.  It’s much the same as the last time I came to speak with him.”

             “What happened last time?” Rarity asked, but Heartwing already trotted quickly ahead again.

             The village of Nyumba Yo Joka was small, but prosperous.  The buildings were much more modern and uniform than the hodge-podge of color that was Jubilation.  In the shade of the arete above, there was no need for the flat, open plan stucco houses of Jubilation.  Instead, the zebras of Nyumba Ya Joka had built sturdy homes from the mountain, wood and stone that matched the colors of the peak above.  

Curious zebras stared at them as they walked down the road that led to the center of town.  The residents were mostly well-dressed in colorful clothing, though just as many went bare in the relatively cooler air at the foot of the mountain.  Clothing here was mostly accents; bright scarves and capes, with a few dresses and robes mixed in as well.

There were no other types of creatures in sight, which was a somewhat jarring change from Jubilation. Unlike the kaleidoscope of races which had been packed together in the port town, this village only had zebras.  From the looks on some of the young foal’s faces, some of them had never even seen a pony before.  Emberglow saw their eyes darting between the unicorns’ horns, and the pegasi wings.  She didn’t mind; she even made sure to fluff her wings a bit whenever she caught a zebra foal staring.  She noticed it would make Rarity smile indulgently every time a foal gasped in delight or point in excitement.

             “This is the inn,” the zebra mare, who had finally identified herself as Sergeant Irontail, announced blandly.  They had stopped in front of a three story stone building with wide open windows.  There was a sign above the door, with words on it in a language Emberglow couldn’t read.  “The market is just to the east, if you require supplies.  I will arrange for an escort to take you up the mountain first thing tomorrow morning, for a fair price.  You may leave your weapons and armor at the inn; no one will touch them while you are gone.”  She grinned viciously.  “Unless, of course, Mlinzi decides to barbeque you.  Then we’ll sell them off.”

             “That’s fair.” Terminus said casually, ignoring the threat.  “Thank you for showing us the way.”  As if it hadn’t been an armed escort.

             “If you change your minds and decide to leave, that’s fine.  But if you try to sneak up the mountain with your weapons or without a guide, we’ll know, and you will be fired on.”

             “You have our word that we won’t.  Again, thank you.”  Terminus nodded politely to the soldiers.  Sergeant Irontail grunted, and she and her soldiers trotted off.  Two of them conspicuously took up positions outside the inn, watching the ponies suspiciously.  “C’mon, let’s go inside.”

             Terminus opened the wooden door, and the four ponies entered the inn.  The lobby was decorated with brightly colored cloths, hanging from the ceiling like the canvas awnings of the market stalls in Jubilation.  There was a round desk in the center of the lobby.  A bell attached to the door rang when it opened.

             “Welcome to the Respite Inn!” a small voice called from behind the counter.  Emberglow couldn’t see anypony at first, until she finally noticed a tuft of fluffy mane just barely sticking above the top of the desk.  Two tiny hooves popped onto the desk, and a zebra foal lifted his head above the desk to look at the guests.  His eyes went wide.  “Woah.  What kind of zebra are you guys?” he squeaked.

             Emberglow giggled, and Rarity cooed.  The zebra colt was just too adorable, with his messy black mane and his wide blue eyes, sparkling with curiosity.  “We’re not zebras, young stallion.  We’re ponies,” Rarity said. 

             “Ponies?  There’s no ponies here.  You must be from way far away.”  The colt cleared his throat.  “Uh, sorry.  I’m supposed to say other stuff before I bug you.”  He glanced between all four.  “Um, how many rooms would you like?  There’s two beds to a room.”

             It was a bit of a loaded question, and Emberglow tried not to look panicked as she glanced at Rarity.

             “Two should be fine,” Rarity said reassuringly.  Emberglow gulped and nodded, and tried to ignore Heartwing’s smirk.

             “Even if at least one bed in our room will go unused, eh?” he muttered, just loud enough for the four ponies to hear.  Rarity rolled her eyes with an amused grin, and Terminus laughed, kissing his coltfriend on the cheek.

             “Okay,” the zebra foal said, oblivious to the quiet exchange.  “That’s five trade bits per room, per night.  Food’s an extra two bits each, if you want, or you can go to the market.”  He screwed up his muzzle in a cringe.  “But that’s dumb, cuz my dad’s the best cook in town.  So yeah.”

             “Oh, I think we can afford the extra bits for some local cooking,” Rarity said, her eyes twinkling with excitement.  “Especially from the best cook in town.”

             “Got it.”  The colt looked between the four ponies, and his eyes crossed as he bit his lip in concentration.  “That will be… uh…twenty eight bits.”  Rarity and Emberglow shared another giggle as Heartwing counted out the bits and passed them to the colt.  He counted them one at a time with a look of intense concentration on his face, then reached below the counter to grab a heavy metal lockbox.  The colt grunted and struggled with the heavy box.

             “May I help you with that?” Rarity offered, and the colt looked confused, but nodded.  Suddenly, the lockbox was enveloped in a blue glow as Rarity lifted it with her magic.  Once again the zebra foal’s eyes widened, frozen on the levitating box as it drifted up to rest on top of the counter.

             “Woah.  That was awesome,” he breathed.  “Are you a kirin? Cuz Dad tells stories about kirin who live on the far side of the Spine, and they can do stuff like that.”

             “No, a unicorn pony, darling,” Rarity said.

             “Um, wow.  What else can…” he suddenly remembered the stack of bits he was supposed to lock away, and hurriedly opened the lockbox with a key tied to a string around his neck.  Carefully he placed the bits into the box, and locked it again.  “Uh, can you…”  Once again, the lockbox was surrounded by Rarity’s magic as it floated back down under the counter.  “That’s so amazing.”  Suddenly he rubbed his forehooves together nervously.  “Um, don’t tell my mom or dad you helped me lift it, okay?  I’m not supposed to let anyone touch the box.”

             “I won’t tell a soul,” Rarity tittered.  “Now, if you could show us to our rooms…”

             “You can leave your saddlebags here,” the colt said.  “One of my parents will be back soon, and they’ll bring them up to you.”  He fished a pair of keys out of a drawer and handed them to Heartwing while the four ponies unloaded their saddle bags. “C’mon.  You guys are in rooms four and five.  They’re on the second floor.”

             They followed the zebra colt to a narrow staircase that opened into a small but comfortable-looking sitting room.

             “Feel free to use this room while you’re staying here, but be polite to any other guests.  We’re kinda empty right now, but if you’re here a few days we’ll fill up with lotsa merchants bringing in food for market day.  Dinner’s at six o’clock, in the dining room downstairs.  It’s just down the hallway to the right of the desk.”

             “Well, aren’t you just the most responsible young foal I’ve ever met,” Rarity cooed, and the little colt puffed himself up just a bit.  

He showed them to a pair of doors, each marked with the room number.  “Here’s your rooms.  Lemme know if you need anything else, kay?”

             “Hmm, maybe your name?” Rarity asked, and the colt flinched.

             “Oh!  Uh, I’m Skygazer.  You can call me Sky.”  He shifted nervously from one hoof to the other.  “Um, I’m supposed to be wearing my vest with a nametag.  You won’t tell my mom I wasn’t?  Please?  It’s itchy.”

             “All of your secrets are safe with us, young Sky,” Rarity promised.  “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”  She performed a series of pantomimes as she said the rhyme.  Emberglow was confused, but Sky giggled at the silly little oath.  “Now run along.  We’ll let you know if we need anything else.” The colt scampered back down the stairs to the front counter with a wave of goodbye to his customers.

             “So, cutest zebra foal ever?” Terminus said softly after Sky was gone.  Everypony else laughed.  He put the key in the door and opened up the first room, while Rarity did the same for theirs.

             The rooms were cozy.  Each one had a pair of twin beds, a small nightstand, and a wooden vanity with a large mirror.

             “We might as well get rid of our armor now,” Heartwing told them all once they had settled in.  “Sky might not have recognized Knight Armor when he saw it, but other zebras will, and our reception will be even chillier.  Besides, we’re not taking it up the mountain with us.”

             “Will we be safe without it?” Emberglow asked.  Heartwing shrugged.

             “I doubt Mlinzi will attack us, if that’s what you’re asking.”

             “Um.” Emberglow suddenly felt a jolt of nervous fear go down her spine.  “What will you all be wearing?”

             Terminus and Heartwing looked at each other, a clear exchange of unspoken communication and understanding.

             “We were just going to wear nothing, Emberglow.  Sorry, we didn’t think we’d be asked to remove our armor.  You didn’t bring any spare clothes besides your gambeson and armor, did you?” Terminus asked gently.  Emberglow shook her head wordlessly.

             “You know there’s no shame in nudity,” Heartwing said.  “That’s just Diarchy manipulation.  You need to let go of that guilt.”

             “It’s not so easy, and you know it,” Terminus scolded.  “I’m sorry, Emberglow.  Maybe you can check out the market, and see if there’s something that looks nice.”  He glanced at Rarity, who looked positively ecstatic.  “I’m sure there’s somepony who would love to take you clothes shopping.”  Rarity began to dance on her hooves, making an excited little patter on the wood floor.  “Oh my.  Emberglow, I think if you don’t take Rarity shopping right now, she just might wear a hole in the floor.”

             “If you’d like to change out of your armor, you can wear my robe,” Rarity gushed impatiently.  “I don’t mind going without, as long as we don’t spend too much time in the sun.”

             “I… but… uh…” Emberglow stammered.

             “Oh, go.  It’ll be fun,” Heartwing smirked.  He shoved Emberglow into her room, pulling the door closed behind her.  “Like a date.”

             “I’ll leave the robe just outside, if you don’t feel comfortable changing in front of anypony,” Rarity called through the door, ignoring Heartwing’s comment even as Emberglow stammered nervously.  It was just as well the door was closed; that way nopony could see just how red Emberglow’s face was.

             She had to admit, the idea of going clothing shopping with Rarity, an activity Rarity had enjoyed thoroughly in her past life, was intriguing.  The idea of doing so while Rarity was utterly naked was downright terrifying.  She thought back to some of the talks she’d had with Terminus, back in Angel’s Rest.  He’d been right; the years of manipulation and guilt would take a while to unravel.

             “It’s perfectly normal for ponies to go about naked,” she whispered to herself.  “It’s perfectly fine for me to do so, too.”  That was less okay, and she shuddered.  “Baby steps, Emberglow.  Maybe next time.”  Maybe never.  But as long as she kept repeating it, she might be able to get over her hang ups someday.

             Without further delay, she stripped out of her armor and gambeson, though she left on Element of Honesty.  Nervously, she cracked the door, gratified to find nopony outside waiting to say anything.  She did find Rarity’s cream and crimson robe, folded neatly just outside the door.  With a smile, she pulled it into the inn room, shut the door again, and slipped the garment on.  It didn’t fit her as nicely as it had Rarity; once again, Emberglow was reminded that she was a few inches taller than Rarity, with a more athletic build, not to mention her wings, which she would have to keep tucked uncomfortably into her barrel.  But it would serve for a simple shopping trip.  She felt a little thrill as she inhaled Rarity’s scent from the finely woven linen.

             There was an excited little bounce in Emberglow’s step as she trotted out of the room and into the sitting room, where the other three waited.  She tried not to think too hard about the fact that none of them were clothed.

             “Oh dear, I completely forgot about your wings,” Rarity gasped as Emberglow entered.  “I’m so sorry, let me fix that for you.  My scissors are in my bags downstairs.”

             “It’s fine,” Emberglow said hurriedly.  “It’s only for a little while, I’ll be fine.  Will you be okay in this heat?”

             “I’ll manage, darling,” Rarity said. “This is far too important to let a minor inconvenience like the punishing sun to stop me!”

             Heartwing was beaming.  “That’s the Rarity I remember.  It’s nice to see you getting back to normal, Rarity.”

             “Psht, as if the end of the world could really get me down,” Rarity said with a smirk.

             “Hear hear!” Heartwing applauded.  “Now skedaddle, ladies.  And have fun.”

             The two mares trotted down the stairs, Emberglow following behind Rarity.  Downstairs, an adult zebra stallion was loading their saddlebags onto his back.  He smiled and waved as they came down the stairs.

             “When my son told me we had pony guests, I nearly accused him of lying,” the stallion said.  “He was sure you were teasing him, and that you were really one of the kirin from across the Spine.”  He smiled.  “I am Bakari.  My wife Morning Sky and I own the Respite Inn.  Welcome.”

             “Well, that was certainly more polite than the ‘welcome’ we received at the hooves of Sergeant Irontail,” Rarity said.  “I am Rarity, and this is my friend Emberglow.  Upstairs are Heartwing and Terminus Flash.  It is lovely to meet you, Bakari, and your inn is gorgeous.”  Her smile widened.  “I simply must compliment you on your son, as well.  Sky is utterly adorable.  Such a handsome little gentlestallion, and so well-behaved.  You should be proud.”

             “Why do you think we leave him in charge of the front counter?” Bakari said slyly.  “Many zebras are willing to spend more when Sky is behind the counter.”

             “I see,” Rarity laughed.  “Well, Emberglow and I were going to go looking for some local fashion.  I don’t suppose you could recommend a decent tailor?”

             “A discerning pony such as yourself should be able to find plenty of options in the open air market, just a few blocks to the west.  But if you are truly looking for a bargain, you must speak with my friend Sure Stitches.  She is a miracle worker with needle and thread.”

             “We shall see,” Rarity replied with a twinkle in her eye.

             “You can find her shop in the market, just to the north of the square.  Most ponies cannot read our letters, but her sign has a picture of a bowtie made out of running stitches.”

             “I shall not miss it, then.  Thank you for your recommendation, good sir.  We’ll be sure to return before dinner; your son said the chef comes highly recommended.”  Bakari was beaming as Rarity and Emberglow stepped out of the inn.

             Outside, the two soldiers were still leaning casually against a building opposite the inn entrance.  Rarity didn’t hesitate; she walked boldly up to them with a winning smile.

             “Excuse me, sirs.  I wished to inform you that Emberglow and I intend to explore your fine village’s open-air market.”

             The soldiers looked surprised at her open boldness.  “So?” one of them asked.

             “You both seem to be taking your assignment very seriously.  I simply wanted to make it easier for you to keep an eye on us, if that is your wish,” Rarity explained.  The two of them exchanged looks, and one shrugged.

             “As long as you don’t leave the city going east, we’re not too worried,” the soldier said.  He pointed with one hoof.  “The market is that direction.  Don’t cause trouble.”

             “Perish the thought, darling,” Rarity said, and she led the way towards the market.

             “I really admire your confidence,” Emberglow whispered, and Rarity looked back over her shoulder.  “How do you do it?”

             “’Fortune favors the bold’, goes the old cliché,” Rarity hummed in a sing-song voice.  “I learned years ago that this is just as true in business as it is in life.  One simply cannot be a successful fashion designer, business owner, and trendsetter without being confident, decisive, and perhaps a little brash.  And I’ve found that when I feel unsure, simply behaving with confidence can sometimes create confidence.”

             “So it’s an act?” Emberglow asked.  The street suddenly widened, and the chatter and smells of an open-air market washed over her.  While similar to the Gold Run in Jubilation, this market was much smaller, and more subdued.  There were fewer street stalls and more brightly decorated storefronts, complete with window displays and colorfully painted signs.  It seemed that, while Jubilation wanted to keep ponies outside in the action, Nyumba Ya Joka wanted to draw them inside for a more personal experience.  Rarity began scanning the market with an experienced eye.

             “Not entirely, no,” she commented, then turned a sly eye on Emberglow.  “Tell me, Miss Emberglow.  Can you tell when I’m feeling bold, and when I’m simply acting bold?”  Emberglow opened then closed her mouth, before silently shaking her head.  “Then it must be working.”

             “So I just... pretend?” Emberglow asked, chewing her lip.

             “It’s less about pretending.”  Rarity pursed her lips thoughtfully.  “It’s more about projecting what you want others to see and having that become your new truth.  It’s like putting on armor.  Except in this metaphor, the more you put on the armor, the more natural it feels.  It’s not dishonest, if that’s what you’re worried about.”  Heer eyes brightened.  “Hmm.  I have an idea.  Why don’t you choose the stall or shop we look at first?”

             “M-me?  Rarity, you’re the expert.”

             “Nonsense, darling.  Didn’t you say you were raised by tailors?  Besides, you’re practicing social confidence now.  Be decisive.”

             “Um, yeah.  Okay.”  She glanced around at both the booths and the open air shops.  “That’s the one the innkeeper recommended, right?” Emberglow pointed with a hoof.  The sign was just as Bakari had described it.  “Let’s try that one.”

             Rarity’s words ran through her head.  Projecting what you want others to see.  Putting on armor.  Making it natural.  She moved towards the shop, stepping in front of Rarity to lead the way.  With each step, she tried to roll her hips, imitating Rarity’s walk on the road outside of the village.  The motion was awkward, but years of martial arts training had given her a physical awareness of her body that made it at least possible to imitate the swaying, seductive gait.  She even swished her tail, just a tiny bit.

             “Hmm,” Rarity hummed. “You are an attentive student, aren’t you?”

             Emberglow stumbled and nearly tripped, though she managed to keep her feet.  She didn’t turn to look at Rarity for fear the other pony would see her crimson face.  She didn’t, however, stop how she was walking, and the slight hum of approval from Rarity made it all the better.

             “Not bad for a beginner, I think,” Rarity teased.  “It might be time to move on to a more advanced flirting lesson.  You seem to have taken my teachings about non-verbal methods to heart, after all.”

             “I have?”

             “Indeed.  The bit with the tail was a nice touch,” Rarity cooed.  Emberglow stopped right outside the shop and Rarity walked up alongside her, flicking her own tail gently to brush against Emberglow’s flank and barrel.  Emberglow shivered, and Rarity’s eyes burned with amusement.  “We might have to move on to a lesson about teasing.”

             “T-teasing?”

             “Yes, teasing.  Let’s go into the shop, and I’ll give you a demonstration.”

             Emberglow didn’t have a chance to ask what Rarity meant before she trotted past her to enter the shop, making sure to brush her shoulder and tail both along Emberglow’s side, the feathery strands of her tail just barely tickling Emberglow’s nose.

             “The demonstration already began, didn’t it?” Emberglow muttered ruefully, and Rarity turned just enough for Emberglow to see her sly grin.  Emberglow tried not to notice that Rarity was doing ‘the walk’ again as they entered the door.  Somehow, the idea of this impending demonstration filled her with a giddy sort of dread.

             The shop felt at once familiar and different to Emberglow, and it filled her with both nostalgia and homesickness.  Her childhood home had also been filled by rows of dresses and suits on hangers, and ponequins draped with both practical and decorative fashion.  Like her parents’ shop, this zebra clothing store had a similarly cozy feel, with little space between the rows of clothing.

             The fashion, however, was quite different.  There were no heavier wools or thick cottons, only light linens and silks, all in bright, extravagantly colorful patterns.  It was a veritable rainbow compared to her parents’ more conservative shop back home.

             Rarity’s reaction was delightful to watch.  Her eyes lit up, dancing among the racks of clothes, the colors, the patterns, the styles, taking it in like a thirsty pony drinks water.  Joy sparkled in her expression, and there was a graceful prance in Rarity’s step as she glided between the rows of colorful cloth.

             “Welcome to my store!” called out a zebra from the far end of the displays.  “I am Sure Stitch.  Please let me know if anything catches your eye.”  Sure Stitch was a middle aged zebra mare, with the white stripes in her name dyed a shocking hot pink.  When the zebra saw that her customers were ponies, though, she trotted over with an excited gleam in her eyes.  “Ponies!  How exciting!”

             “Hello, miss,” Rarity beamed.  “We were looking for something for my friend, here.  She needs something that will suit the heat, but also fit her figure.”

             “Fit her…” Sure Stitch said, confused, her trained tailor’s eyes drifting over the garment Emberglow was wearing.

             “She’s a pegasus, dear,” Rarity supplied helpfully.  Comprehension dawned in Sure Stitch’s eyes, which shifted to the wings folded under Emberglow’s clothes.

             “I don’t have anything specifically suited to your kind, though I’m sure I could alter something if you find a piece you like.”  She sounded a little unsure.

             “You probably don’t see many pegasi in your beautiful village, do you?” Rarity asked, and Sure Stitch nodded.  “Not to worry.  I can do any necessary alterations, we just need to find something that fits this gorgeous mare.”  Emberglow’s eyes widened at the unexpected compliment, and she felt a slight glow of embarrassment. 

             “You have some skill at sewing?” Sure Stitch asked skeptically.

             “Some skill, yes,” Rarity said cryptically, and she shared a smirk with Emberglow.  Her practiced eye drifted over the rows of cloth, and they lit up as soon as she saw something she liked.  “Oh!  This cream colored ensemble would go lovely with your fur, darling.  What do you think?”  She lifted the wrap in question with her magic and floated it over next to Emberglow.  “Oh, but it needs something to just set off your absolutely stunning eyes.”

             It was the second compliment of her beauty in only a few minutes, and Emberglow had to stop herself from hiding her bad eye behind her mane.  She wondered if this is what Rarity had meant by teasing.

             “Oh yes,” Sure Stitch said, her own eyes sparkling with amusement at either Rarity’s antics, or the color spreading across Emberglow’s cheeks.  “Perhaps a scarf?  Or a head covering of some sort.  You ponies may not be used to our heat, but they come in handy.”

             “I had noticed,” Rarity said.  “Emberglow, you must share your secrets.  Here I am, melting in the heat, while you seem completely untouched.  How do you seem to stay so untouched by all the sweat and grime?”

             Emberglow’s jaw dropped.  What in the name of all Saints was the mare talking about? Suddenly the gears turning in her mind clicked.

             “This is… part of the teasing, isn’t it?” she whispered, and Rarity confirmed it with a smirk.  Sure Stitch looked questioningly at the two of them, but didn’t intrude in their private conversation.

             “My friend Emberglow, here, has confessed herself to be a bit of a novice when it comes to flirting,” Rarity explained.  “I’ve volunteered to give her some demonstrations.  This afternoon’s lesson is about compliments and teasing.  I must say, I’m becoming rather taken with the lovely shade of dark pink she turns when she is properly appraised of her finer qualities.”

             “I see,” Sure Stitch giggled.  “Miss Rarity, you must have gone to the same school of romance as my husband.  He too seems to delight in watching me blush and squirm under his excessive praise.”  She turned to Emberglow.  “You see, young lady, when someone flirts with you like this, it’s a double compliment.  First, because of the compliments themselves.  And second, because while they may be making you melt with embarrassment, you know that the entirety of their attention is focused on you.”

             “Indeed,” Rarity giggled wickedly, looking pleased to have found a willing co-conspirator in her plot to make Emberglow blush.  “And how could I not lavish this deserving mare with praise?” she declared melodramatically.  Emberglow wanted to hide inside the folds of her poorly fitting robe while the other two mares shared an amused laugh.

             “We should get back to finding her a head cover,” Sure Stitch said to Rarity.  “You wouldn’t want to lay it on too thick and make your poor mare melt from embarrassment, would you?”  She laughed.  Emberglow found herself fixated on one phrase.  ‘Your mare’.  A phrase that Rarity didn’t bother to deny.  It sent a shiver up her spine.

             “Perhaps a similar color to the wrap, but with a turquoise fringe to set off her eyes, just as you suggested.”  Sure Stitch trotted off to find a suitable piece of clothing, and Rarity lowered her voice.  “It may be teasing, darling, but it’s all true.  You are quite fetching, especially when you’re embarrassed.”

             “Why me?” Emberglow asked before she could stop herself.  She flinched at how insecure she sounded.  “I’m taller than you, and… uh… athletic.  Not really feminine like you.”  She almost felt compelled to add the last bit.  “And then there’s my eye…”

             “Why do I find you attractive?” Rarity confirmed with a coo, and Emberglow nearly stumbled.  “Well, I don’t mind that you’re taller.  That’s a plus, actually.  I love the idea of being simply wrapped up and held by a larger pony.”  Emberglow’s long denied libido certainly stood up and took notice of that admission.  “And you may be fit, but that doesn’t do anything to take away from your femininity.  I wished we’d had more time back in my new shop in Angel’s Rest.  I could have shown you wonders.  Oh well; this Sure Stitch has a decent inventory.  I’ll be able to find something that will help me show you what I see.”

             “What do you mean?” Emberglow asked.  Rarity’s statement had been cryptic.

             “Well, darling, if…”

             Whatever Rarity had been about to say was interrupted by a cry of triumph from the shop owner.  Sure Stitch rushed back to them, carrying what appeared to be a white scarf.

             “Tell me, young ponies.  Is this your first trip to our fair country?”

             “Unfortunately, yes,” Rarity said.  “With such sights, sounds, and flavors, I am just now realizing what an experience I’ve been missing.”

             “Then you have little experience with zebra magic,” Sure Stitch said slyly.  With a flourish, she presented the scarf.  It was white and transparent, with an emerald green fringe.  “Tell me, ponies.  What do you see?”

             “A… scarf,” Rarity said blandly, then shook her head and continued.  “The cloth looks like silk, and is partially transparent.  It seems a bit useless for keeping the sun off, but it is gorgeous.”

             “Ah, but this particular garment is quite helpful for the sun,” Sure Stitch said smugly.  “Watch.”  As the zebra held the scarf up for Emberglow and Rarity to watch, the opacity of the cloth began to change, shifting until it was completely solid in color.  Rarity and Emberglow both watched with awe.

             “How do you do that?” Rarity gushed, entranced.  “That was incredible!”

             “Trade secret,” Sure Stitch taunted, and Rarity pursed her lips in a pout.  “Not much of one, though.  It’s really just a dye made from zebra potions.”

             “Oh!  I once had zebra friend who was quite accomplished at making potions,” Rarity said.  “I wish I’d known she could have done something like this.  The dresses I could have made…”

             “Dresses?” Sure Stitch said coyly.  “Miss, if you were making dresses out of this material, they would have been quite risqué.”

             “Oh I know,” Rarity grinned.  “And quite daring, too.  So how does it work?”

             “One simply needs to be touching the garment, and will it to become either more or less opaque.  That way, it can serve as either a head covering to block out the sun, or a veil to decorate.”  She paused.  “I must warn you, these garments are not cheap.  The potions to dye the cloth are quite expensive.”

             Rarity and Sure Stitch began haggling in earnest.  In the end, they settled on a price that seemed far too high in Emberglow’s opinion, but left Rarity with a satisfied grin.  Sure Stitch even loaned Rarity the use of some of her tools in order to adjust the cream-colored wrap, to make it suitable for pegasus wear. 

             The alterations themselves only took a few minutes; Rarity was a genius with scissors, needle, and thread.  Soon enough Emberglow was dressed in her own cream-colored wrap, with the scarf draped artfully about her head and mane.  She found that controlling the opacity of the scarf was a simple thing, much like willing her rune gauntlet on.  She had a few seconds of fun, shifting the scarf from solid to transparent and back again.  Rarity giggled at Emberglow’s silliness.

             “We should get something for you,” Emberglow said, as soon as they had paid and Rarity was once again wearing her own robes.  Rarity shook her head.

             “No, this trip was all about you,” Rarity cooed.  “I needed to ensure that you were the center of attention the entire time.”  She was back to her teasing flirting again.  Emberglow didn’t mind, even though she still couldn’t help but give the reactions Rarity was looking for.

             “Are you sure?  We could at least find a way to get a bolt of the shifting fabric for you to work with when you get back to your shop.”

             A cloud passed over Rarity’s expression.  “It’s a lovely thought, darling, but I just don’t know when I’ll be able to see it next.  This whole business of finding the Elements might take longer than we think.  I’d love to come up with something creative.” Her gaze shifted to Emberglow, and she grinned. “Creative and utterly daring,” her voice dripped with innuendo, “but it shall have to wait until later.  Still, the ideas are fun.  We may have to find a sketchbook or something I can draw out my ideas in.”

             “Let’s do that then!” Emberglow latched onto the idea.  It would be nice for Rarity to get something out of this trip as well.

             The four ponies were currently the only guests at the Respite Inn.  Emberglow and Rarity found their way into the dining room, right where the young zebra had told them it would be.  Heartwing and Terminus were there, and Rarity and Emberglow found places at a long wooden table surrounded by pillows. .

             “Bakari said dinner would be any moment now,” Heartwing said as the two mares sat, nodding appreciatively at Emberglow’s new clothes.  He inhaled deeply, with a pleasured moan.  “Smell that?  I foresee curry in our near future.”

             “Curry?” Emberglow asked, confused.  The other three stared at her.

             “You’ve never had curry?” Rarity asked.  Emberglow shook her head.

             “I’ve never even heard of it.  There’s not much exotic food in New Canterlot City.”

             “Curry is absolutely divine, especially if you enjoy spice,” Rarity said excitedly.  “I’m sure recipes have changed while I was gone, but as long as it’s close to what I remember, you’re in for a real treat.”

             Emberglow inhaled deeply, taking in the creamy, buttery smells of dinner cooking.  The scent of exotic spices filled the air, and she found herself rather excited about dinner.  Soon enough, Bakari brought out a huge steaming pot, a ladle, and four wooden bowls.  He placed the pot on the table and retreated with a smile.

             The pot’s handle glowed with Heartwing’s magic and levitated off.  Fragrant steam filled the room, making her lean forward to better inhale the enticing aroma.  A collection of colorful vegetables and some sort of square cubes floated in a yellow liquid.  Heartwing eagerly began spooning out bowlfuls with the ladle, passing them out with his magic.  Emberglow could identify carrots, potatoes, green bell peppers, and okra, plus even more she’d never seen before.  

             It took only a spoonful for Emberglow to gain an enduring love for curry.  It was spicy, but the burn she felt at the back of her throat was worth the explosion of flavor.  She noticed the other three were eating just as eagerly as she was, taking frequent sips of cool water from colorful ceramic cups to allay the burn.

             Dessert was a sort of flat sponge cake that Emberglow didn’t recognize, something their host and chef referred to as ‘Mkate wa Mayai’, served with a cool iced tea.  By the end of dessert, though, Rarity was yawning widely.

             “I’m so sorry, dears.  I seem to be…” Rarity was interrupted by a large yawn, which she hid demurely behind a hoof.  “Oh!  It seems the rather strenuous day is catching up with me.  Would you think me terribly rude if I retired for the evening?”  The other ponies shook their heads.

             “I think we should all retire to the sitting room upstairs,” Heartwing said.  “While you ladies were shopping for clothing, Terminus and I browsed for a bit of local fare ourselves.”  He shared a smirk with his coltfriend.  “Did you know they make beer out of bananas, here?  We obtained a few bottles, they’re waiting upstairs.”

             Rarity’s face twisted in a slight grimace.  “I’ll leave you to it, then.”

             “Um…” Emberglow said, suddenly feeling quite awkward.

             “Oh, don’t worry about me, darling.  You enjoy a drink with the boys if you like.  Just do try to be quiet when you come to bed, if I’m already asleep.”  She sighed, her voice growing nostalgic.  “I do wish we’d thought to bring a book or something.  I did always enjoy a bit of light reading before bedtime.”

             “Yeah.  Of course, Rarity,” Emberglow said.

             The four of them walked upstairs.  Emberglow followed Rarity as far as their shared bedroom.

             “Uh, Rarity?” Emberglow was struck by a sudden thought.  “It might not be the bedtime reading you were used to, but you can always borrow my Book of the Saints.  You said you wanted to read about how history remembered you.”  She was a bit nervous about showing the book to Rarity; Emberglow was just starting to understand just how twisted and wrong the Book was.  “Only, please understand that I don’t… uh…”

             “I know you don’t believe those things any longer, darling.  Thank you for your offer.”

             Their saddlebags had been carried into their room.  Emberglow opened hers and found her personal copy of the Book of the Saints, complete with the blue diamond of Rarity’s cutie mark on the cover, stuffed in her bags next to her journal.  She gently lifted it out and passed it to Rarity.

             “Oh!” Rarity accepted the book with the glow of her magic, eyeing the cover skeptically.  “I feel like maybe I should be upset about the use of my personal mark.”

             “My parents gave me that as a gift, after I told them I wanted to be a Knight Radiant,” Emberglow whispered.  Rarity opened up the cover.

             “’To Emberglow, our beloved daughter.  May these truths guide your hooves, and may these words always remind you of our love and pride’,” Rarity read.  “Your parents?”  Emberglow nodded.  “They are very special to you.”

             “Yes,” Emberglow said, feeling an empty sort of pain in her chest.  She dashed at her eyes as they misted over with tears.  “Sorry.  It’s just, I haven’t seen them in a while.  I don’t think they even know I’m alive.”

             “You’ll see them again, Emberglow,” Rarity said confidently.  “Do you know how I know that?”

             “How?”

             “Because you’ll make it so, darling.  You’re just like an old friend of mine.  Stubborn, hardworking, and determined to a fault.”

             “When you say…”

             “You remind me quite a bit of Applejack at times, dear.  Twilight Sparkle at others, to be honest.” She laughed.  “Now, go keep the colts out of trouble.  I’ll be here if you need me.”  Emberglow stepped out into the hallway and turned to wish Rarity a good night.

             There was something in Rarity’s eyes, an unreadable sort of look.  Without warning, she leaned forward and kissed Emberglow’s cheek.

             “I had fun today,” Rarity said softly.  Emberglow was frozen in place, her mouth agape.  Rarity giggled just a bit, then stepped back into the room, pulling the door closed quietly behind her.

             “Um, goodnight Rarity,” Emberglow managed.  With a shaky hoof, she reached up and touched her cheek, imagining she could still feel the warmth of the soft brush of Rarity’s lips.  Somehow she stumbled back into the second floor sitting room, flopping down on some of the pillows.  She tried to ignore the knowing glances Heartwing shot her way.  He and Terminus were cuddled up together on a pile of large pillows, with one hoof around their partner, the other holding a bottle of beer each.

             “You look happy,” Heartwing said blandly.  Emberglow nodded in a dazed sort of way, and the two stallions laughed.  “I suppose your date went well, then.”  She nodded again.

             “Rarity is teaching me how to flirt,” Emberglow admitted.  “By, um, demonstrating.”  The laughter doubled, and Emberglow blushed, but she was grinning along with them.  “I think I like the demonstrating.”

             “You appeal to her sense of romance by asking her to teach you,” Heartwing reasoned.  “And you appeal to the side of her that’s a bit obsessive and controlling by letting her micromanage her own seduction.  It’s pure genius, Emberglow.  That mare will be putty in your hooves in no time.  Or, more accurately, you’ll be putty in hers.”

             “Is that what I’m doing?” Emberglow asked.  She realized she didn’t care; as long as the end result was more kisses on her cheek.  Or other places.

             “Why not?” Heartwing shrugged.  He levitated a bottle over to Emberglow.  “Thirsty?  Banana beer is different, but interesting.”

             “I don’t have much experience with regular beer, so I doubt I’ll be able to appreciate it,” she said.

             “Be careful, then,” Terminus warned kindly.  “This stuff’s potent.”  The yellow glow of Heartwing’s magic popped the top off of the bottle, and Emberglow accepted it with a gracious nod.  Cautiously, she took a sip.  It was sour and sweet, a bit grainy, but mostly just tasted of strong alcohol.  It wasn’t her favorite, though it wasn’t terrible.

             “Now that Rarity’s in bed, there’s something I wanted to mention, Emberglow,” Heartwing began as the three ponies nursed their drinks.  “Rarity is an optimist.  Knowing that the dragon Mlinzi used to be her friend Spike is going to make her think that he’ll be friendly.  She’ll go into that dragon cave thinking she can just charm her way to a positive outcome.” He shook his head.  “I doubt it will come to violence, but we need to be prepared in case it does.  If things get out of hoof, I might need you to drag Rarity out of there, to safety.  Can you do that?”

             “I’ll keep her safe,” Emberglow said, determined.  Heartwing nodded.  “What more can you tell me about this dragon?”

             “He was raised by Twilight Sparkle.  He was like a brother to her.  When she first moved to Ponyville, he was still a hatchling, a baby dragon.  He followed her everywhere, acting as her secretary and assistant.  And of course, her friends were his friends.”  Heartwing sighed sadly.  “Almost from the beginning, he had an obsession with Rarity.  He was completely head over scales for her.”

             “She knew about it?” Emberglow asked, feeling a tickle of dread.  An old friend was one thing.  A bitter dragon angry about an ancient rejection was another.

             “Everypony knew about it.  He thought he was being subtle, but it was the worst kept secret in all of Ponyville.  At one point in time, he even had a custom-made tee shirt with Rarity’s face inside a red heart.”  Heartwing snorted with amusement.  “It was at times both adorable and pathetic.  Then Rarity disappeared.

             “It broke poor little Spike.  He wanted to spend all his time out looking for her, but he was also needed back at home with Princess Twilight.  Honestly, I don’t know how she could have functioned without him.  Rarity’s disappearance lessened him, somehow.  It forced him to choose between his adopted sister and his crush.  He chose Twilight, and I think he hated himself a bit for it after that.”

             “What happened after Twilight Sparkle passed?” Emberglow asked.  Heartwing flinched, and she noticed that Terminus squeezed him tightly with one hoof.

             “I guess you could say we lost track of each other,” Heartwing admitted after a long pause.  “I came here once to speak with him, before I set things in motion to infiltrate the Knights Angelic.  It didn’t go well.”  His reluctance was clear, and he took a large drink of his bottle to hide his face.  Terminus murmured something inaudible and kissed him gently on the forehead, just under his horn.  “Sorry… it’s… hard to remember what I’ve lost.”

             Clearly there was subtext here, something more going on, but it was also obvious that Heartwing was unwilling to talk about it.  They drank in silence for a few minutes.  Emberglow tried to think of something that would break through the awkwardness.

             “So how are we going to convince Mlinzi to give us the Element?” Emberglow asked.  “If you say he’s keeping it in his horde, he’s not likely to part with it.”

             “If Twilight Sparkle gave it to him for safekeeping, he’ll be honor-bound to surrender it to the new Elements of Harmony.  If not, we can try to barter for it.”

             “Barter?” Emberglow asked, confused.  “What do we have that we can…”

             She was interrupted by a sudden crash of wood on wood.  Craning her neck, she glanced back to see that she and Rarity’s room door had been slammed open.  Rarity stormed out, her hooves stomping violently against the wood floor.  Her eyes were narrowed with fury, and the magic glowing from her horn sparked and sputtered.  An open book, Emberglow’s Book of the Saints, floated in the air just behind her.  Rarity marched out of the room, dramatically slamming the open book down in between the three lounging ponies.

             “What is this?” she hissed.  Emberglow gaped, and Terminus looked concerned, but Heartwing was snickering behind a hoof.

             “Oh, I was wondering when this would happen,” he hooted, and Rarity’s furious gaze rounded on him.

             “You knew about this?” she accused, pointing a hoof dramatically at whatever passage had so offended her.

             “Knew about…” Terminus began, and shook his head.  “Rarity, we have no idea what you’re talking about.”

             “I’m guessing she just read chapter four, verse twenty?” Heartwing asked slyly.  Emberglow glanced at the page the Book was open to.  He was exactly right.  From what Emberglow knew, however, it was an innocuous passage, detailing the story of Saint Twilight’s first meeting with Saint Rarity.  Emberglow couldn’t see what about it would make Rarity so furious, or Heartwing so amused.

             “How could anypony believe this… this utter filth!” Rarity demanded, slamming her hoof against the offending passage for emphasis.  “I absolutely cannot accept this!”

             “Um, Rarity?” Emberglow tried to interject, but Rarity was on a roll.

             “For hundreds of years, ponies have been reading these insults!” Rarity sputtered.  “Slander!  Filth!”

             “If you’d just calm down long enough…”

             “I just read that for centuries, ponies have been referring to me as… as…” Rarity gulped, gathering herself for the final push.  “As the Eternal Virgin!”  Her voice catapulted through two octaves as she shrieked the last, and Heartwing doubled over with peals of cackling laughter.  “Oh you would laugh, you… you fiend!  Here I am, having a completely reasonable and ladylike reaction to this insult, and you’re mocking me!”

             “I’m sorry,” Heartwing managed, out of breath between gales of laughter.  “I really am.  But it is funny.  I was wondering how you’d react.”

             “How did you think I would react?” Rarity demanded, her nose turned daintily in the air as her tail thrashed about angrily.

             “About like this,” Heartwing admitted.  “I must say, I always did approve of your flair for the dramatic, Rarity.”

             “I’m not being dramatic, I’m having…” She trailed off, glancing at the incredulous looks around her.  “Well, perhaps I’m being a touch dramatic.  But still!”

             “I admit, being misrepresented by history can be frustrating,” Heartwing nodded.  “But I am curious about one thing, Rarity.”  There was an evil sort of smirk in his eye, and Emberglow dreaded what was coming next.  Rarity looked at him inquisitively.

             “What’s that, darling?”

             “Is it true?” he asked with a twisted smile and a raised eyebrow.  Rarity huffed angrily, and Terminus rolled his eyes, shoving Heartwing away with his forehooves.  “What?  Because even if it is, I think I know somepony that might be willing to help you fix that.”

             Whatever he might have said next was lost, buried beneath Rarity’s incoherent shriek of rage and the sudden vicious bombardment of a dozen pillows, slamming down on the offending stallion under a glow of sparkling blue magic.