Wind howled through the gated doors of the grand entrance to the Equestrian palace. Guards in golden armor raised their spears high and stood tall. A royal emissary rushed forward on the rolled-out carpet, bowing as he came to the front of the ruler.
“Princess Twilight Sparkle: Ruler of Equestria and protector of peace. Welcome.” He announced cordially. The princess of friendship smiled down at the prim stallion. She shook her head and coaxed him upwards.
“Please, Caius. You needn’t do this every time I come back for the day.” Her voice came smoothly, a stark contrast to the torrential exterior. Winter was approaching very early in Equestria, and its bitter fingers seeped away the warmth most ponies favored. Yet Twilight Sparkle appeared as regal as ever; her mane continued its cosmic flow, and her features appeared brighter the more one would gaze. The royal dressage that adorned her glinted in the lamplight within. One glace at the omnipotent figure would tell any passerby how important this mare was.
“But ma’am, with all due respect, it is part of the royal court duties to welcome you.” The navy-blue stallion rose from his kneel. Twilight rolled her eyes down to her friend.
“Well, I appreciate the effort. But seriously, there must be a better use of your time.” Twilight taunted. As she strode further in, her head pivoted around to see the embroidered cuirass of her personal guard. Gallus the griffin strutted with proud head that searched for danger. “Gallus,” Twilight snapped his attention over. “I need you to gather the guards for a pre-winter briefing. It’s going to be colder this year, according to Cloudsdale, so we need to shore up.”
“Yes, your majesty.” His slightly nasal voice replied as he dipped his head. The griffin turned and made his way down the halls of the castle. Twilight refocused her attention on the smartly dressed unicorn that led her down the carpet.
“Now then Caius, what’s on the agenda for today?” Twilight felt a soft strain in her voice when she questioned her assistant. She shook away the tensity as a scroll floated in front of the unicorn.
“Well princess, seeing as how we’re starting bright and early, the Union of Representative Creatures has been asking for an audience all month. They urge their campaign for inclusive garrisons be supported by official government sponsors. The Dragons in particular seem to be struggling the most.” Caius’s tone was quick and didactive; years of political practice and reform had shaped him into the perfect politician.
“After we fit them in, your winter shore-up meeting will occur. After which you have been requested to inspect the beginnings of the Gala preparations. We are still awaiting miss Rarity’s return and fabric, but the preemptive decorator has arrived.”
“Pinkie is here?” Twilight let the excitement creep into her tone. She cleared her throat when Caius lowered the scroll from his face to give the princess a skeptic look.
“Yes, I’m surprised you have not heard her already. Staying in the East wing by the way. Despite me insisting that was your private hall.”
“It’s no trouble. I’m glad to host her there!” Twilight was brimming with excitement. She would soon be able to see all her old friends. It had been a few months since the last fully attended friendship council due to scheduling errors.
Well, technically it’s been five years. The thought creeped in before Twilight could suppress it. Something about today was continuously bugging her thoughts.
“Uhm, what else is there?” She chirped, doing her best to move on from the intrusive thought.
“Today is rather short milady. The train ride from the Eastern docks is about a half-day ride, so we needn’t worry about that.”
“Why would we need to worry about the train?” Twilight slowed her pace as they entered the throne room. Massive windows basked the area in brilliant sunlight. The main podium was occupied by a large, ornate throne that bore Twilight’s mark at the crest. Beside it sat a small pad for her assistant to reside. The two ponies began stepping up the stairs flanked by waterfalls as they made their way to the thrones. Caius’s reply broke the marvel of the room Twilight was always so fascinated by.
“Why, the royal friendship ambassador has returned! The cruise liner that escorted him back from Norfandia docked almost an hour ago. Since the ride back will take such a while, we scheduled his report to occur tomorrow morning.”
Twilight gasped. She immediately leaned her forehead against her hoof and began rubbing her horn.
“Princess? Something amiss?”
“I can’t believe I forgot Spike was coming home.” She groaned out. Caius shifted uncomfortably in the chair. He rolled the scroll up in his white-illuminated magic and cleared his throat.
“Well milady, it has been a while. And you are busy. I’m sure he would understand your… ah—busy schedule.” Caius smiled painfully. Twilight raised her head to look at him cautiously.
“Caius, he and I haven’t spoken in a long time. I’m not so sure we’re on the best of terms.”
“Whatever do you mean? You would draft letters to Norfandia yearly if not more. I know you may not have seen him personally, but—”
“It’s not just that.” Twilight interrupted. She sighed and waved the guards by the grand doors out. They bowed and shuffled outside quickly. “The last letter I received from him was… not the most comforting thing.”
“The response to troop movement? The ambassador knows of Equestrian’s traditions and its allies. His response was brief but appropriate. Why would you be worried over it?”
“It’s the brief and appropriate part that worry me.” Twilight muttered.
“Princess?”
Twilight sighed and opened her mouth. But before she could speak, a knock sounded from the wooden doors before her. A crimson pony peeked his head in under the guard helmet.
“Pardon me, your majesty, but the URC representatives have arrived. Shall I send them in?”
Twilight controlled the stress threatening to burst through her mind. Closing her eyes to refocus, she raised a hoof and smiled at the guard.
“Thank you Flare. Please, send them in.” Twilight reopened her eyes and widened her smile. The guard nodded and ducked back outside.
“Princess…”
“I’ll talk about it later Caius. We have a busy day.”
Spike waved down the cart pony as she shuffled through the aisles. The old mare smiled warmly through her glasses at Spike when she approached.
“My my, a dragon! You must be hankering for a sweet gem right about now?” The warming country accent tickled Spike’s mind. He smiled wide at her suggestion and began nodding.
“Oh man, if you’ve got a bowl of them, I’d absolutely take it!”
“Watch your weight dear. Gems are high in carbs.” Rarity uttered from behind her unfolded newspaper. She was still wearing the ruby reading glasses, and she did not look up from the page to scold Spike.
“Ah c’mon. I haven’t had a gem in a long time. A few won’t hurt.”
“Hm.” Rarity snarked. Spike knew she meant well, and that she was mostly just playing around, but he felt a little rude for not asking Rarity’s order first.
“And for the lady?” The spotted earth pony swiveled her notepad towards Rarity. She finally set the newspaper down and smiled politely.
“Just a water is fine, really.” She shrugged her shoulders and scrunched her nose at the mare. The older lady smiled and waved a hoof to the sitting unicorn.
“You’re that dime from Ponyville, aren’t ya?”
“There’s a dime a dozen over there, I’m afraid you’ll need to be more specific darling.” Rarity giggled back.
“That swanky fashionista! Oh, I just adore your lines. Got a few catalogued dresses myself over the years from second hands! I tell ya, nothing makes me feel young again like that piece from the fruit pallet collection!”
“Which one darling? Was it the strawberry delight? Or perhaps the raspberry bliss. Those reds would beautifully accentuate your trim-cut white mane. Like frosting on a cake!”
Spike’s stomach growled at the mention of the desert. He clutched his abdomen and sheepishly grinned as the mares turned to him. The cart mare clucked her tongue and smiled at the dragon.
“Oh, here we are going on about dresses and you’re probably starving! Sorry dear, I’ll get right on it.” She winked down to him and started pushing the trolley along. Spike waved weakly as tight streams of blood rushed to his cheeks.
“Sorry.” He grumbled through the innocent smile. Rarity reached a hoof across the table and grinned back to him.
“Thanks for bearing that.” She mocked.
“Nah, it’s good to see you shine. I’m just sorry my rude stomach couldn’t control himself for one word of food!”
As though responding to the beratement, Spike’s stomach produced another rumbling growl that set both passengers in a braced shock.
“Wow, he is really not having it today.” Spike chuckled. Rarity smothered her own laugh and lifted the paper back up to her snout.
“Well, just make sure he doesn’t get too full before our dinner tonight. Remember; we still have a whole buffet to work through at Sweet Apple.”
“Riiiiight.” Spike recalled. Ponyville. The town was just over six hours away now. Spike had preoccupied the first part of the ride with some restless sleep on his side of the couch. The small booth he and Rarity had occupied ran a semi-circle of cushions around a glossy wooden table. To Spike’s right was a window that allowed him to watch the terrain cycle as they traveled across Equestria. He had pointed out the stops he took on previous missions, and Rarity had reminisced about her own consultations in towns for new boutiques. They were in the desert now, just a few hours shy of Appleloosa Ranch. Out here, only nomadic buffalo and the occasional watering hole could be found amidst the stretch of orange sun-beat sand.
Spike traced a claw around the lining of the window. He wanted to be flying home right now. On his own two wings. The poor limbs still drooped below his shirt, but Spike had started regaining some hope. Aches and pains shot through them constantly, which meant to Spike that they were trying to heal themselves. Just have to take it easy on them.
Rarity caught the dragon’s wistful glances across the soaring landscape over her paper. She chewed her lip in concern; both wanting to know how to help him, but not knowing what question to ask. Finally, she decided on asking the easy one.
“What’s on your mind?”
To her surprise, Spike did not enact his typical obliviousness to her question. He just sighed and shifted on his folded arms.
“I miss my wings.” He said sadly. Rarity looked out the window with him for a moment. The clouds soared by, free as birds.
“Did I ever tell you about my first trip to Canterlot?” Rarity asked abruptly. Spike turned inquisitively with a look of skepticism tracing the edges.
“Really, it was something. I suppose it wasn’t my first trip, but it was my first one alone. Twilight had gotten me a suite in the castle so I could pick up fabrics. While there, I fantasized about the high-class elites of Canterlot. That was, until I bumped into Fancy Pants himself on my return. He invited me to a viewing of the Wonderbolts with other of the elites, and my fame soared.” She graced her chest with a dramatic hoof and confident smile. Spike rolled his eyes and leaned back into his seat.
“Right, I know you became super famous or whatever at Twilight’s birthday, which I wasn’t invited to.” He huffed out. Rarity smiled at him before continuing.
“Well, I had wanted to be recognized my whole life by those ponies for the chance to flourish in the upper echelon of Canterlot’s society. I got my wish on a whim; by complete accident!” She laughed out. Spike’s demeanor sunk lower at her jesting.
“Okay… hooray.” He feigned excitement. Rarity held up a hoof for him to pause.
“But I started pretending to be a pony I wasn’t just to impress certain people. I was so worried about losing my status that my own actions began compromising the very reason I wanted such reputation to begin with. It was only when I realized that I had nothing to fear from the mingling of my lives that I let go, and my career and reputation went even further than I could have imagined.” Rarity finished her sentiment. She grinned across to the sulking dragon, and was a little disappointed to see her rousing story did not achieve what she expected in his emotions.
“Great. What does any of this mean Rare?” Spike bit across almost venomously. Rarity let the grin drop and leaned forward.
“Spike, you wanted those wings for so long. You finally got them, and then beat them to hell and back. Now, I’m afraid your worry for them will be their undoing. Just give it time, and a little love, and they’ll be as spry as when they sprouted.” Her soothing tone did its best to tickle Spike’s heartstrings. They must have done something, because the scaly hide unfurled itself from Spike’s chest in a reluctant sigh. His brow softened and his eyes looked deep into Rarity’s own.
“I just feel a little gypped is all.”
“I know Spikey, but you’ll have your moment. I just know it.”
The two shared a smile, her hoof resting in his claw. It was a perfect picturesque moment. That was until a shrill ‘Awwwwww’ interrupted their silence. The couple whipped to the aisle in a panic as the trolley mare clutched a hanky to her bosom. She was smiling obliviously at the two with a misty look occupying her features.
“Ya’ll are just the sweetest couple I’ve done seen. Truly something special here folks. Oh my, tut, look at me just interupptin’ the perfect moment and ya’ll are still probably hungry. Here ya go dearie.” She shuffled over to Spike’s side after regaining her composure. The pair in the booth had yet to wipe the blistering blush from their cheeks, but polite smiles decorated their faces anyway. The cream-colored mare presented Spike with a small bowl of modestly cut gems. They ranged from the deep blues of sapphire to magnificent topaz and ruby. They were some of the more common-cut gems, but beautiful and delicious nonetheless. Especially to a dragon who had not enjoyed a gemstone in five years.
“This is perfect, miss…”
“Hearthfire. And my pleasure mister Spike!” She winked down to him. Hearthfire placed the glass of water in front of Rarity and moved along respectfully. Spike frowned a little as she made her way out of ear shot.
“Did you tell her my name?”
Rarity raised her own eyebrow at the question.
“No? Why?”
Spike thought for a second. Then he decided he had spent a long enough time of his life thinking. He selected a brilliant sapphire from the pile before him and raised it to the sun. The light passed through dimly to show an array of blue patterns on the table. It was a relatively pure gem, for a trolley-food. Spike shrugged and brought it to his mouth. Giving it a tentative lick, he let the flavor of color cascade over his tongue. There was nothing quite like the test of a gem. Each one had a unique flavor and texture based on where it came from, its age, and how pure it was. This poor sapphire clearly came from surface caves, was relatively fresh, and had hundreds of other rocks and stones mixed in.
But to Spike, it was perfect. His mouth pooled with saliva on contact. The rough surface kissed the roof of his mouth as his sharp teeth began grinding the edges down. Fragments of the stone exploded in his mouth in a symphony of zest. Spike almost cried from the taste he had missed so much.
“Ahh… Oh my sweet Celestia.” He moaned out. Rarity’s jaw dropped and she slapped his arm.
“Spike! Don’t go making those noises in public!” She scorned. But Spike ignored her. He was lost in bliss. A clawful of smaller gems were shoveled into his mouth to accompany the noisy crunches. Rarity covered her face in shame as his demonic moaning shook the booth. Spike was finally in heaven. Nothing could pull him out.