Decretum

by BlackRoseRaven


A Birthday, A Bond, A Betrothal

Chapter Twenty Nine: A Birthday, A Bond, A Betrothal
~BlackRoseRaven

Antares giggled brightly, bouncing happily around through the yard behind the house at Sweet Apple Acres, Scrivener Blooms leaning back against the large buffet table that had been set up and smiling over at Rainbow Dash and Applejack as Avalon rested comfortably back in her seat. “Thanks again for letting us hold the party here.”
“Aw shucks, ain't no problem at all.” Applejack replied with a grin, winking over at him from beneath her weathered cowboy hat before she turned around to help herself to a cup of punch, adding mildly: “Wish there were more foals around though, both for your colt's sake and my own daughter's. I mean, so many of the foals that were, are now teenagers... and well...”
“There will be kids. There's always kids. Hell, maybe Cowlick and Ross will have a kid one day.” Rainbow said positively, and then he grinned and added, glancing off into the distance: “Besides, once Canterlot's rebuilt I'm pretty sure that'll help a lot.”
“How the hell is Canterlot being rebuilt gonna help us with getting foals here, Rainbow? That ain't where babies come from.” Applejack said pointedly, and Rainbow huffed at her before she reached up and tousled his already messy-mane, making him groan and shove her away as she laughed. “Anyway, I just don't want the kids growing up with nothing but adults for friends, is what I'm saying. Even if they're still some of the best friends you could ever wish for.”
She smiled out at the group: Pinkie Pie was bouncing happily around in the field with a few younger foals as Pinkamena sat grumpily back at a table with Big Mac, Greece, and Fluttershy. Rarity and Spike were both marveling over the tall metal pony that Greece and Cowlick had built together: a mechanical golem they had outfitted with flashy lights to do party tricks.
Cowlick herself was sitting with Ross, cheerfully rambling away to Luna, and Discombobulation was prowling amongst the table that was littered with presents, poking at them here and there as Scarlet Sage and Apple Bloom kept a close eye on the Draconequus to make sure he didn't run off with anything. Gymbr was sitting safely near the gift table so it wouldn't be lost or misplaced, and Twilight was chatting comfortably with Celestia and Cheerilee.
The last mare was a schoolteacher: her coat was a reddish-purple, and her mane was two light tones of pink. Intelligent, green eyes shone out of her features as she tossed curious glances every now and then towards Luna. On her flank was a cutie mark of three smiling daffodils: apparently representing her love of teaching, and Scrivener excused himself from Applejack and Rainbow Dash to wander over towards this cluster before he halted quickly and laughed as a few young foals ran by eagerly.
Ponies were simply... showing up, every now and then as they liked. But then again, between Luna, Pinkie, and a few others, they had organized quite a little festival for Antares' first birthday. There was the golem, a bouncy house and some other play equipment, balloons and streamers and decorations everywhere and even a 'petting zoo' filled with some very irritated-looking Phooka and other creatures Luna had hassled into standing around and letting kids stare in awe at. Scootaloo was currently in one of the pens, her face almost shoved up against a Phooka's as if challenging it, and Scrivener couldn't help but smile as he overheard Rainbow Dash say cheerfully to Applejack: “You see that? That used to be me. Good kid, Scoot. You're lucky she's not older or I would have married her instead of you.”
Applejack sighed and punched Rainbow in the shoulder, making the stallion huff and wince, and Scrivener rolled his eyes in amusement as he continued over to Twilight, Celestia, and Cheerilee. Before he could even open his mouth, however, there was a loud, distinct crash before an enormous earth pony came charging through the field with a roar, and Luna had enough time to look stupidly up before Sleipnir tackled her backwards into the grasses, skidding several meters before he slammed her down and pinned her against the field, grinning cheerfully down at her with a wink. “Hello sister! I am here for Antares' birthday!”
“Sleipnir!” Luna looked up at him happily, then she blinked before glaring at him, shouting furiously: “Damnation, Sleipnir!”
She kicked both rear hooves hard up into his stomach, knocking him sprawling off her and crashing down onto his back as all eyes stared and Celestia dropped her head with a sigh, politely excusing herself to head over to the buffet table as Sleipnir laughed loudly and then rolled quickly up to his hooves, eyes glinting with mischief as he stomped his hooves firmly against the ground and Luna leapt to her own, growling. “What is it, little sister, now just why art thou so grouchy?”
Luna responded to this by lowering her head and charging forwards, but Sleipnir easily caught her around the neck with a laugh, Luna squawking as her starry locks sparked with electricity and she immediately tried to drag herself backwards, but the earth pony only grinned down at her, shaking his head slowly. “Oh, always so direct! And... there, Celestia! Hello, Celestia!”
Sleipnir rose his free front hoof, waving at her, and Celestia smiled wryly in response from the buffet table, raising a glass of wine towards him and looking both honestly-happy and already-exasperated. Then the enormous earth pony peered back and forth before he finally saw Antares, grinning at the foal and tossing his little sister aside like a sack of potatoes before he leaned back and opened his front legs, shouting cheerfully: “Antares Mīrus! Give thy uncle a hug!”
“Sleipnir!” Antares said excitedly, beginning forwards... and then Luna slammed into Sleipnir's side and tackled him to the ground, the two rolling violently backwards several times and leaving Antares staring and blinking a few times before he cocked his head curiously as Luna managed to pin the enormous earth pony beneath her with a huff.
She glowered down at him imperiously, and Sleipnir winked up at her, holding up a hoof. “Now, sister. 'Tis a party, is it not? Even with our playful sibling rivalry, we may scare some poor ponies, and 'twould not be a good thing, would it?”
“I suppose thou art right, Sleipnir.” Luna said moodily, shaking her head grumpily before she slid off him with a sigh... then looked thoughtfully at him before her horn began to glow and she leaned forwards as Sleipnir sat up with a bright, childish expression. Then Luna leaned over and touched her horn to his mane, and his vine-like locks burst into flames, the earth pony looking confused for a moment before he leapt to his hooves and charged in a circle, yelling incoherently as he shook his head wildly back and forth, leaving a trail of smoke behind him as Luna sat back with a cheerful look. “Sleipnir! Thou art the perfect birthday candle for my son's first celebration!”
Ponies stared as Celestia sighed, and a moment later her horn glowed, using a bowl to scoop up a good amount of punch. She waited a moment for Sleipnir to make another quick lap around the orchard, then she flicked her horn to splash the bowl of punch over Sleipnir's features, putting out the fire with a loud hiss of smoke as the earth pony came dumbly to a halt, then grinned lamely over at his older sibling as he rubbed at his face firmly, before he paused and licked thoughtfully at his hooves. “'Tis good!”
“Yes, it is very good punch.” Celestia agreed calmly, as if nothing was out of the ordinary, and then she shook her head slowly before dropping the empty bowl over Sleipnir's head, the earth pony only continuing to look cheerfully back and forth from beneath it. “Please behave yourself, though. That goes for you too, Luna.”
“Bah, nonsense!” Luna grumbled, but then she nodded sulkily before turning her eyes towards Antares, who was scowling up at her childishly. “What? What? I did nothing wrong!”
“No.” Antares said firmly, and Luna groaned and flopped over on her back as Sleipnir snorted, then happily trotted over to his nephew, nuzzling him before sweeping him up in a tight hug, then easily tossing him high into the air, Luna wincing and glaring at her brother's back as Antares giggled brightly before his wings spread on instinct high in the sky, and both Luna and Sleipnir stared stupidly as the foal began to glide away through the air.
Scrivener stared stupidly up into the sky at this, then he glared furiously at both Luna and Sleipnir, and both ponies winced before Luna leapt into the air and Sleipnir rambled: “Fear not, I shall catch him if he falls! Antares, nay, nay, handsome colt, 'tis not time for thee to leave the party yet!”
The earth pony stallion sighed and dropped his head forwards as Twilight reached up and soothingly rubbed his shoulder, and the violet mare looked lamely at Cheerilee as the teacher only stared before Twilight said finally: “Uh... I was just... telling Cheerilee here about how Antares was young but... he might be ready for schooling soon...”
“Yes, well, Luna and I haven't worked out yet whether to have him attend classes here in Ponyville or teach him at home...” Scrivener said after a moment, looking moodily up into the sky and watching as Luna managed to sweep up beneath Antares, the foal clinging automatically to his mother's back before she began to gently dive downwards. Then the stallion awkwardly turned his eyes back to Cheerilee, smiling at her after a moment and asking: “So... you teach all the foals?”
“Well, most of them.” Cheerilee laughed a little after a moment, replying softly: “It's just a little old-fashioned schoolhouse, as I'm sure you know... Ponyville's such a small, friendly place even now, after all. I usually see the same faces every year, I get to kind of... teach them as they grow up, watch them go from foals to adults. Especially since... well, you know.”
“Not a lot of foals around, yeah.” Scrivener said softly, nodding after a moment before he asked curiously: “Are there any other schools or anything in the area?”
“Apart from the secondary school, not really.” Cheerilee smiled and shook her head, glancing towards the field and watching as Antares came bounding back in, giggling brightly before several foals that were likely only a little older than him attracted his attention, and the unicorn foal smiled happily before he ran over to them. “He seems a little young for school, though.”
“He's very intelligent, though, I've been doing tutoring and testing with Celestia. That's why I wanted to talk to you, Cheerilee, see what you thought of starting him in school early.” Twilight said with a smile, and Scrivener gave the violet mare a surprised and curious look. “Well, you know, I know it's ultimately up to you and Luna, Scrivy, but I thought I'd find out, anyway. It's not so much that I think Antares needs school, though, as it is... giving him a chance to interact with other kids and stuff.”
Scrivener began to nod hesitantly, and then Luna strode over, giving Cheerilee a smile before she asked in a mild voice, only Scrivener and Twilight picking up on the curt edge in her tone: “May I see thee for a moment, Twilight Sparkle? My brother wishes to see thee. Scrivener, I am sure thou has thy curiosities about the schooling idea, though, so be not shy to ask.”
Twilight nodded awkwardly after a moment, and Luna nodded shortly back before she turned and gestured towards where Sleipnir was across the field. As they began to walk away, Scrivener wincing a little at Twilight's back, the violet mare asked awkwardly: “Did I... do something wrong?”
“Yes.” Luna said simply, looking ahead before she said quietly: “I am Antares Mīrus' mother, not thou, is this understood? I appreciate thy aid, do not get me wrong. I appreciate what thou has done and the great help thou art to me, Twilight Sparkle. And yes, thou shall always be Twilight-Mommy to my son, and I have no problems with this, either... but when it comes to making decisions for the child's life, 'tis my job, not thine, is this understood?”
“I... yes. I'm sorry, Luna.” Twilight said quietly, looking both surprised and taken aback, and she glanced away to hide the hurt in her eyes as she murmured: “I really... was just trying to help, though, I know you and Scrivener...”
“I know, Twilight, and it is appreciated. But please... come to myself, first. Come to Scrivener. Let us know before thou plunges ahead.” Luna smiled faintly over at Twilight, bowing her head towards her and saying quietly: “It is alright, I am not angry or upset or disappointed. I only wish to make it clear that... I must have at least a say in all things when it comes to my child. I must have some part in his raising, his learning, his everything. And thou art free to help raise my son, and I am honored by it... but please do not take his handling into thine own hooves unless I ask thee to.”
“Alright, Luna. I'm sorry.” Twilight said softly, nodding and bowing her head with a blush, and now she felt a little less hurt and a little more ashamed, shaking her head awkwardly. “I really did just...”
“Oh, hush, Twilight, 'tis fine. Worry not.” Luna smiled over at her supportively as they crossed the field, then she grunted and jerked her head towards Sleipnir. The earth pony looked up curiously at them from where he was sitting in the shade of a tree with Pinkamena, and the half-demon grunted, looking almost embarrassed as Luna asked kindly: “Art thou having a pleasant date together here at my son's birthday party?”
Sleipnir and Pinkamena gave conflicting answers: one cheerful and polite, the other vulgar and surly. Twilight smiled despite herself, studying the two with interest before Luna snorted and shook her head, saying mildly: “Well, in any event, here is Twilight Sparkle. She was being naughty with the schoolteacher so I thought that I would bring her over to see thee.”
“Oh really? Well, if that mare talking to thy husband is the teacher, she is a most pretty little teacher indeed.” Sleipnir replied easily, leaning to the side before Pinkamena growled at him, and he gave her a wide grin, winking at her. “Now shush, my sweet phoenix. Thou knows there are none in the land more pretty than thou.”
“Not in front of them!” Pinkamena hissed, glaring over at him even as a pleased blush rose in her cheeks, and Luna threw her head back and laughed before the half-demon said disgustedly: “Oh, go screw yourself, Nightmare Moon. As a matter of fact, why don't you go screw everypony here?”
“Does. Does this include me?” Sleipnir looked up curiously, and Pinkamena looked at him for a moment before leaning over and punching him hard across the jaw, almost knocking him sprawling as Twilight reared back in shock and Luna only snorted laughter. Then Sleipnir carefully sat back up, rubbing slowly at his muzzle before he nodded thoughtfully after a few moments and grinned over at her, half-lidding his eyes. “I'll let thou sleep with her at the same time, if that helps! And thou has a distinctly stronger punch than I recall last as well... hast thou been working out? To be strong and muscular would only add to thy beauty!”
“You disgust me. I hate you.” Pinkamena grumbled, turning away... and then Twilight couldn't help but stare at the way she slowly wiggled backwards as if no one was watching, looking pointedly ahead until her back quietly pressed against Sleipnir's side, and he smiled softly as he wrapped a strong forelimb around her. “Are you two done? Go away.”
“Or sit in my lap or on my other side.” Sleipnir said cheerfully, and then he winced when Pinkamena elbowed him firmly in the stomach, making him wheeze a bit. “Very well, darling, message received. I shall spare thee from my flirting.”
“I don't care about it, just don't let me see it. We're not... dating or anything anyway, we're... just friends.” Pinkamena mumbled, and Sleipnir leaned over and quietly dropped his head against the back of her skull with a soft smile, quietly inhaling the scent of her mane, and Pinkamena smiled faintly before she glared over at Luna and Twilight. “Will you two go the hell away before I beat the crap out of you both?”
“Pink-me-nah!” shouted a cheerful voice, and Luna looked over her shoulder in surprise before Antares raced gleefully over, Pinkamena looking stupefied and Sleipnir looking up with delight as the now one-year old toddler almost rammed into the two half-cuddling ponies before he pointed at her and declared to the other foals stumbling and bouncing after him: “Pink-me-nah!”
The other foals – and Twilight realized after a moment that one of them was Pinkie Pie, she was just half-crawling after them and had her head down low and her butt high in the air – all stared and 'oohed' at the sight of Pinkamena and Sleipnir. Sleipnir cheerfully waved... and then stared when Pinkamena leapt up to her hooves, roaring furiously, and the foals and Pinkie Pie all yelled in terror and scattered wildly in every direction except for Antares, who scowled up at her. Pinkamena glared back at him, then she leaned down, shoving her face almost into his and snapping: “I am busy, tumor!”
For a few moments, they only glared at each other, Pinkamena breathing hard... and then Antares leaned up and firmly bit down on Pinkamena's nose, and the half-demon's eyes bulged before she yelled and tried to yank backwards, but Antares held on tightly with his jaws as the half-demon's eyes watered, shoving firmly at the foal as she yelled furiously: “Goddammit, Nightmare Moon, get your spawn of darkness off me or I'm going to give him flying lessons right into that damn tree!”
Sleipnir threw his head back and laughed, falling over as Luna stared in shock, then began to giggle madly as well as Twilight leapt forwards with a wince, carefully trying to pry Antares off and half-scolding him as the foal gamely held on to the half-demon's nose with his teeth, and Pinkamena cursed violently in frustration before she finally managed to pry the foal's jaws open. She fell backwards, the faint imprint of teeth-marks visible on her muzzle as she grasped at her face, then she cursed and glowered over her shoulder at Sleipnir, who hurriedly cleared his throat in mid-laugh and covered his mouth, grinning lamely at her from behind his hooves.
Luna, meanwhile, was still laughing loudly before Pinkamena shoved herself up to her hooves, glaring down at Antares as Antares glared back at her, and then the half-demon huffed before she reached out and yanked the foal out of Twilight's forelegs, the violet mare looking dumbly at Pinkamena before the gray-pink pony shoved her hard backwards, knocking her sprawling on top of Luna as she grumbled: “Idiots are useless. Fine, tumor, I get it, your birthday party. Come on, Sleipnir.”
With that, Pinkamena tossed Antares onto her back with a grumble, and the foal burbled happily as he clung to her... then both she and the foal yelped when Sleipnir leapt forwards and easily swept Pinkamena onto his own broad back, the earth pony stallion grinning cheerfully as she carried mare and foal in an awkward pyramid as he trotted cheerfully forwards, calling easily: “Fear not, children, the demon is tamed!”
“Luna, I know what we just argued about earlier, but... I'm taking over as Antares' mother.” Twilight muttered from where she was sprawled over Luna, and Luna grumbled and wheezed but didn't argue as the violet mare carefully sat up with a sigh. “We're going to have so many complaints from parents.”
“Well, thou art the one who just declared herself Antares' mother, 'tis all thy fault.” Luna mumbled, and then she wheezed when Twilight prodded her in the stomach before the winged unicorn glowered after her brother. “Damn Sleipnir. I am glad he is here but he always has all the fun.”
It wasn't much longer before Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Scrivener began to set dinner out on the collection of tables that had been pushed together. Their plans for this, however, were almost ruined the moment they put out a large bowl of apple sauce and Sleipnir cheerfully ran over to this, shoved his face into the bowl, and gobbled down the contents faster than Applejack could believe was possible before he belched loudly and trotted happily off. After this, the planned dinner became more of an informal 'eat as you like,' and Twilight grumbled under her breath as she sat at her spot at the table, while everypony else sat wherever they pleased.
Near the table, music blared out of a portable stereo as Discombobulation and Pinkie Pie danced in perfect synchronization, making brisk, almost mechanical movements. Scrivener Blooms watched with amusement as Luna grumbled and rolled her eyes, but Antares and the other foals were giggling and laughing at the antics of the two as Pinkie giggled but Bob kept his face perfectly still and serious.
Then they both halted, and Discombobulation shook himself out as Pinkie Pie laughed and bounced easily on her hooves before shouting cheerfully as the next song began to play, ignoring the fact half the guests were sitting down to try and eat something: “Come on, everypony! Do the pony-pokey with us!”
Antares cocked his head curiously but clambered up to his hooves as a few parents chuckled and Applejack shook her head but grinned a little down at Avalon, who was sitting in the grass and looking fascinated. Scrivener and Luna tried to slip away, but Sleipnir only grinned and strode over, halting them... and then reaching a hoof out and seizing Celestia by her long, flowing rainbow tail, the ivory winged unicorn wincing and blushing a little before she was slowly dragged back through the grasses to stand beside him. “Oh, I think not, sister! My phoenix's sibling has asked for us all to do this silly dance with her, and we shall all do it, including even thou, prim and proper Celestia.”
“I am not going to do the pony-pokey.” Celestia said flatly, and when Sleipnir looked at her half-pleadingly and half-threateningly, she sighed a little, leaning towards him and saying dryly: “I have worked very hard to be looser and kinder and calmer, Sleipnir, but that does not mean I'm about to-”
“Yes it does!” Sleipnir turned forwards with a cheerful grin as Pinkie Pie bounced excitedly, looking over the crowd as Scrivener and Luna both looked sourly ahead, Celestia seemed almost grim, and Sleipnir simply grinned cheerfully before he said pleasantly: “Because, if thou does not do the pony-pokey with me, it shall leave me no choice but to tell about the time two certain sisters of mine once engaged in a great and glorious drinking contest with me. Only without knowing that I had watered down my share of the liquor quite heavily so I could win for once. And not only did I win, but oh, the stories I did learn!”
“You cheated. You're blackmailing me with information you gained by cheating, where is your honor?” Celestia looked at him grumpily, and Sleipnir only winked at her cheerfully in return. “Sleipnir-”
“Come on, everypony! Oh, you put your right hoof in, you put your right hoof out, you put your right hoof in and you shake it all about!” Pinkie sang brightly, and the foals laughed as they tried to follow along, while some of the adults participated, some simply watched, and Sleipnir giggled like a child as he followed the simple dance, eyes shining before he glared at the ponies around him to make sure they were following along, mouthing a threat at Celestia. The older sibling groaned at this, but began to follow along with the next verse, looking much less-than-thrilled as Luna somehow managed to giggle at Celestia even as she shot baleful looks at gleeful Sleipnir.
Fortunately the dance was short: unfortunately, Discombobulation then spun around and kicked the stereo hard, and the song skipped loudly before beginning to repeat, and Pinkie Pie beamed brightly as she called happily: “Come on everypony, you know what that means! We get to do it all over again!”
Celestia glared at Sleipnir, but he only clapped and cheered happily, then glared over the crowd when a few of them began to try and slip away, shouting: “We are shaking it all about again!”
From her safe position sitting next to Twilight Sparkle at the side of the field, Pinkamena threw her head back and laughed loudly as the ponies went through the dance again. Discombobulation looked absurdly pleased with himself as well, taking a very-visible pleasure in the discomfort of the ponies before he began to turn... and a blast of lightning hammered into the Draconequus before he could kick the stereo again, knocking him flying into the air with a yelp before he grabbed his rear and bolted away, the foals laughing and giggling at this. Surprisingly, however, Luna was the one left gaping at Celestia, who said moodily as the glow faded from around her horn: “I am not doing the pony-pokey again. Besides, little sister. Everypony will think it was you.”
“Celestia!” Sleipnir complained, then he spun around and tackled the ivory winged unicorn, knocking her flat with a curse of frustration as electricity sparked through her mane, and ponies stared in shock and amazement... before Luna spun around and tackled Sleipnir's back, the earth pony laughing before Antares ran forwards with a cheerful yell towards his family, diving into the wrestling group, followed by several other excited, hyper foals, and then a giggling Pinkie Pie.
Scrivener winced and turned awkwardly away even as he felt Luna's emotions and gleeful thoughts telling him to join in, instead quickly heading across the field towards the buffet table. He helped himself to a can of cola, popping it open as Rainbow loitered over and smiled, Spike grinning at the other side of the Pegasus before he blushed deeply and leaned over, whispering: “I... I got a ring for Rarity.”
Scrivener choked on his cola, and Rainbow raised the bottle of beer he was holding easily in one hoof, saying easily: “My reaction exactly, seriously. See, Spike? You don't tell ponies stuff like that when they're in the middle of drinking stuff.”
Spike glowered at the Pegasus, and Rainbow laughed and winked at him, grinning amusedly. “Oh come on, you know I'm screwin' with you. But seriously, dude... first of all, how the hell did you make enough to afford a goddamn wedding ring? Second of all, are you... well... sure?”
Spike looked offended at this, leaning back a bit as Scrivener snorted in amusement, looking mildly over at Rainbow Dash. “What, you're going to be the voice of reason and prudence now on top of everything else?”
“What? Hell no. But see, Scrivener, when normal ponies get married, you aren't allowed to do a lot of fun things anymore, and even the not-fun things you need to consult your wife on.” Rainbow replied mildly, then he smiled a little before looking over at Spike, saying in a softer voice: “I'm not saying it's not worth it, far from it. What I'm saying is that Spike is in that wonderful age where he's old enough to go to a strip bar, and the big scary bouncer will ID him at the door but once he's inside, the bartender will just assume he's some happy go lucky frat boy.  Frat. Dragon. Boy. Can dragons go to college?”
Scrivener looked mildly at Rainbow Dash, then he rose his cola to him and said dryly: “Congratulations. You went from bringer of wisdom to complete idiot in record time.”
“Cheers, jerk.” Rainbow Dash grinned all the same, knocking his bottle against Scrivener's cola before he shook his head and smiled over at Spike as the dragon rubbed awkwardly at his head-fins. “Don't take it the wrong way. But you know a big part of any relationship is built on trust. Just because most married ponies lie to each other all the time doesn't mean that's how it's supposed to work.”
“What's Dr. Phil saying today?” Discombobulation strode calmly over to the group with Big Mac beside him, and Spike blushed a bit and rubbed embarrassedly at his armband before he winced when the Draconequus picked at this thoughtfully. “Oh look. You must be part of some socialist movement that likes shiny objects. Oh, all my jokes are falling flat today, I don't seem to be able to do anything apart from parlor tricks. Speaking of that, why are they called parlor tricks, Luna? I have never seen parlor tricks done in a parlor, and I am fairly certain that no rich person would own a tricked-out parlor, because the word 'parlor' itself imparts a certain cultural class and stick-in-one's-buttness that just does not mix very well with the type who favor a particularly vernacular vocabulary and tend to have certain issues with prostitutes, pimps, and worst of all, keeping their own emotions hidden away from the world so they can continue to push forth an image of unerring machismo despite the fact that rappers are essentially poets with guns.”
“No, cowponies are poets with guns.” Scrivener corrected moodily, glancing grumpily over at Discombobulation. “Poets... are poets with guns. Rappers are not poets with guns.”
“Oops. Luna is extremely judgmental when it comes to these sorts of things, I'd forgotten.” Discombobulation said mildly, looking back and forth before the chimerical creature leaned forwards and asked seriously: “Hasn't a rap song ever touched you? Don't you recognize the pleas? You better lose yourself in the music, the moment, you want it, you better never let it go; you only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow, this opportunity comes once in a lifetime.”
Scrivener only looked flatly at the Draconequus as Rainbow Dash snorted in amusement, and then Big Mac calmly looked over at Spike and said kindly: “Congratulations.”
“You know? How do you know already? Oh god did someone else tell you?” Spike winced, looking hurriedly back and forth. “Crap, did that guy I bought the ring from tell? But I went to Canterlot for it! I got it special made and everything, he said-”
“Nope.” Big Mac smiled slightly, gesturing easily over at Rainbow Dash. “You look just like he did before he asked my sister to marry him.”
“Hey!” Rainbow huffed at the crimson stallion as Scrivener snorted in amusement. “To be fair, if she turned me down or something went wrong, I was kind of scared that you would come out to have a word with me about it. And I am tough and brave and awesome but I am not stupid enough to think that you wouldn't cream me in a fight.”
“Where is this cream?” shouted a cheerful voice, and even Discombobulation winced backwards as Sleipnir popped up and threw a foreleg around Scrivener and Rainbow Dash, grinning brightly between them. “Happy friends, handsome stallion friends! I have been told to pass along the message that Antares will be opening his gifts soon, so Scrivener Blooms is supposed to do something and I do not remember what this is, for poor Luna is starting to sound a little like Celestia with all her ordering about. 'Tis a shame, but well, I suppose 'tis fine if thou art into that sort of thing, Scrivener Blooms.”
Scrivener sighed tiredly, knowing better than to reply, and the Draconequus looked thoughtfully across at Sleipnir before he asked mildly: “Where are your other four legs?”
“Oh, I do not have four other legs hidden away, but thou art in for a handsome surprise if thou wants to see my fifth.” Sleipnir replied cheerfully, waggling his eyebrows at Discombobulation, and the chimerical creature reared back with a wince as Rainbow Dash laughed and Scrivener snorted in amusement. Then the chimerical creature huffed grouchily, snapping his fingers to make a cheap suit appear over his body and a large, thick bundle of papers puff into being in one hand, glaring over a small pair of pince-nez as he held the paperwork out at the enormous stallion.
“I am suing you and Scrivener Blooms for sexual harassment in the workplace. I'm looking to have either your employer fired, the management who runs this whole operation, or to be paid a million bits. Preferably in clothing. That way I can legally launder my money.” The Draconequus said mildly, and then he pointed up at the sky. “See that up there? Up there right now, there's someone looking down on us, watching us, laughing at you, because they're not going to fire you and a million dollars in shirts and ties and socks is nothing to him. Nothing. Your employer is worse than the tobacco and alcohol companies put together. You want the truth? You can't handle the truth!”
With that, Discombobulation flung the papers into the air, and as they puffed out of existence, Sleipnir looked thoughtfully at the chimerical creature before he leaned forwards and grinned cheerfully. “Well, if I am to be charged with a crime, I may as well be guilty for it! Tell me, art thou a very good kisser? Oh, thou can tell a world about someone from how they kiss, 'tis not a lie.”
Discombobulation slowly paled, then he turned around and sprinted away, and Sleipnir immediately, gleefully chased after the chaos entity as he howled: “I hear banjos! Oh god, don't let him make me squeal like a pig!”
“Then what if I make thee squeal like a filly?” Sleipnir called cheerfully, and Discombobulation winced before he skidded around towards what looked like a rabbit burrow at the base of a tree and dove forwards, vanishing into it despite the physical impossibility as Sleipnir cheerfully charged after him, then crashed headlong into the far-too-small hole with a loud thunk as he fell flat on his stomach with a wheeze, buried up to his shoulders in the hole as a few apples tumbled out of the tree.
The others simply watched as Sleipnir cursed and began to try and wiggle himself backwards, shoving at the loose earth around his head before awkwardly falling still, and then he shouted in a muffled voice: “Celestia! Celestia, Luna, I... I cannot pry my head out of this hole! 'Tis evil magic at work here!”
“'Tis not my turn, sister, 'tis thy turn to save him.” Luna said grumpily, glancing pointedly towards the ivory winged unicorn, but Celestia only sipped slowly at a cup of punch before she turned away and headed calmly over to the gifts table, and Luna nodded thoughtfully after a few moments, calling back in a serious voice: “Fear not, Sleipnir, we uh... we shall go and get aid!”
Sleipnir mumbled, rear wiggling back and forth in the air as he tried to drag himself free from the hole, then he cursed under his breath in frustration and grumbled: “Oh, wonderful. At least the sun is setting, so my buttocks shan't be burnt.”
“I'll burn your butt.” Pinkamena grumbled, and Sleipnir grinned cheerfully even with his head stuck in the hole, before he winced when the half-demon firmly slapped his rump and said sourly: “Drop that thing down, you look like you're either trying to moon the sky or begging for someone to shove something up it.”
“'Tis a bad angle! It feels like a blade is digging into my neck, and my pretty mane is all tangled up!” Sleipnir whined, and then he winced when Pinkamena slapped him, then the half-demon grinned despite herself before hopping forwards, straddling his lower back and bouncing a little on him as her hooves slapped a light tattoo against his rump, Sleipnir mumbling under his breath. “Oh. Wonderful. So at least now thou can protect me from buggery.”
“Not really my thing. I'm more into helping humiliate other ponies.” Pinkamena replied mildly, then she looked thoughtfully out over towards the field, listening as cheerful yells of foals went up. “Hey, I can see the kid getting his presents from here.”
Sleipnir slumped grumpily at this, huffing into the hole... and by the gift table, Antares looked confused as a colorful box was placed in front of him, Scrivener and Luna both smiling warmly at the child before Luna mimed ripping motions, saying cheerfully: “Open it, my son! Open the box!”
“Box?” Antares said dubiously, then he slowly lifted the gift box, gazing at it almost apprehensively as all eyes looked towards the foal before he paused, thought seriously for a few moments, then tried to toss the box into the air. It only went a foot or so before landing with a clunk in the soft grasses, and now Antares looked more confused before Luna stepped quickly forwards up beside her son, righting the box and then guiding his hoof to the paper to tear it.
Antares looked almost shocked, looking quickly up at his mother, but Luna laughed and shook her head, saying warmly: “Fear not, child! Objects such as these thou may – in fact, thou must – rip quickly into. They are gifts for thee, my son, gifts for thee to enjoy and experience...”
Antares still looked uneasy, even as he experimentally tore at the wrapping paper... and when Luna nodded encouragingly a few times, he smiled before quickly beginning to shred the present open. Twilight quickly cleaned up the paper pieces and tossed them into a bag as the foal was left with a white box, looking at this with confusion and not seeming entirely aware of what to do before Luna reached forwards and poked it open with her horn, then smiled warmly at what was inside, her horn glowing as she lifted the large object free with telekinesis: a heavy, large stone dragon statuette, sculpted in mid roar, curled around and grasping a quietly-ticking clock. “''Tis very pretty, Celestia. Thou hast my thanks for not buying him a book as Twilight likely has, nor another possessed, evil doll, as thou already did.”
“Yes, well, I wouldn't want the possessed, evil dolls to fight.” Celestia replied dryly, but she was smiling all the same before she sighed at the sound of Sleipnir giving a muffled yell. “I'm going to go drag Sleipnir's head out of the dirt, now.”
“Oh, he shall be fine, he is with Pinkamena.” Luna said grumpily, flicking a hoof... then she winced and glanced over her shoulder as there was another yell, even as Antares carefully picked up the clock, then awkwardly attempted to throw it, Scrivener Blooms diving forwards to catch it as Luna mumbled: “Or perhaps not... oh, no, no, do not throw the clock, sweet Antares, uh... let us move on to another gift!”
Antares Mīrus had quite a haul for his first birthday: books from Twilight and Cheerilee, an action figure from Rainbow Dash and a set of sheets and blankets from Applejack, a cute little outfit and hat from Rarity and a set of gemstone figurines from Spike. From the Pink Twins, a giant plush frog pillow and a gleaming, silver-edged knife that Luna carefully put aside, looking both thankful and irritated at Pinkamena as she grinned and winked. And many more things, although the half-demon couldn't help but point out afterwards, as Antares burbled happily and played with the empty boxes with the other foals: “And what did you two get him? Or are you really such lame-flank parents you didn't get your own kid gifts?”
“I am not dragging a painting across a forest just to give it to my son and then drag it back.” Luna huffed, then she paused and added seriously: “Scrivener's gift was small and dumb. He could have brought it, but he did not.”
Scrivener looked mildly over at Luna for a few moments, and then he shook his head and returned a smile to Antares, saying softly: “Look at our kid, Luna. Happy. Free. Content.”
“And rich. He has a treasure trove worthy of a dragon!” Luna said cheerfully, and then she paused and glanced over at Scrivener before grinning widely, glancing mischievously over to where Spike was standing with Rainbow Dash. “Speaking of dragons... if thou shalt excuse me...”
“L-Luna, wait, be nice!” Scrivener shouted after her, wincing, but Luna only huffed over her shoulder and then pointedly looked past the earth pony as Antares managed to wiggle beneath a box, the earth pony looking dumbly towards the giggling foals, toys, and cardboard before he winced and looked wildly back and forth before sighing in relief as one of the boxes jiggled and Antares' laughter sounded from under it. “Oh Horses of Heaven. I thought I was pulling a Luna there for a moment.”
“Pulling a Luna. I shall pull a Luna. I shall do it upon thy face.” Luna grumbled as she strode quickly over to Spike, and the dragon looked up with a wince before Luna skidded to a halt in front of him, rearing back and looking imperiously between Spike and Rainbow Dash before she said firmly: “Stop listening to Rainbow Dash. Do not, no matter what, listen to Scrivener Blooms. Discombobulation is an idiot and not even Big Mac can be trusted. How did thou come this far, Spike? Thou did it by doing it upon thine own mettle, by making thine own decisions. Thou hast decided already, yes? Thou knows what thou desires to do, has wished to do, since thou first laid eyes upon her?”
Spike swallowed thickly, beginning to open his mouth, and then he only squeaked when Luna leaned forwards intimidatingly, glaring at him. “And yet is it not foolish? Art thou not a dragon, and she a unicorn? Will thou truly subject both thou and her to ridicule of such a strange crossing of species? What about thy life, wearing that bracelet or giving up all that thou could be, art thou prepared for that, to never be a full dragon and nor ever a pony?”
“Y-Yes! I mean, no! I... I mean...” Spike trembled a little as Rainbow winced away as well, staring, before Spike said finally: “I love her.”
“And that is all that matters.” Luna smiled warmly, reaching up and touching the dragon's chest with her hoof, meeting his eyes silently. “Does thou know how Rarity desires to be proposed to?”
“The... well... at the end of the perfect date and everything, I guess... I think there was something to do with a sunset and diamonds and...” Spike began awkwardly, and then he winced when Luna punched him firmly, making him wheeze and drop his plastic cup to hug himself around the stomach. “What was that for?”
“Thou art not just doing it for her, though! Thou art doing it for both of thee! Thou art no slave, thou wert her knight in shining armor, and still can be.” Luna said firmly, leaning forwards  and glaring at Spike, who winced and nodded rapidly. “Rarity may still sometimes act like she desires everything to be just as she planned, to go her way, but if that were true, then fair and handsome Spike, she would not be with thee.”
The dragon winced at this, rubbing slowly at his face before he said finally: “I don't know if that's either a really nice compliment or just... really mean.”
Luna grunted and shrugged, replying moodily: “'Tis the truth. The truth is not always pleasant, and that is all there is to it. Simple. Now listen to me, Spike, for I shan't repeat myself. Do what thou feels is right. Not what thou art told, not what others have done, do what thou feels is right. Does thou understand? Do not listen to the advice of anypony or anything, do what thou feels is best, and that is that.”
“But... if... I'm not supposed to listen to anypony's advice, doesn't that mean I should ignore your advice to not listen to anyone's advice?” Spike asked lamely, and then he winced when Luna's horn glowed and he was easily hefted into the air by telekinesis, flailing wildly as the winged unicorn grimaced but all the same maintained the fierce telekinetic lock over the dragon.
“Thou should listen to me because I am much fiercer and scarier than anypony here.” Luna retorted moodily, and then she dropped the dragon and nodded firmly once before looking flatly over at Rainbow Dash, but the Pegasus only winced and hurriedly sat back with an awkward grin, wincing away a little. “Good. Rainbow Dash, do not tell anypony or I shall punt thee into the nearest lake.”
“Yes, ma'am.” Rainbow winced a little, then he held up a hoof and added mildly as Luna turned away: “You know, if you were a little more polite...”
Slowly, Luna looked over her shoulder, and the Pegasus cleared his throat before staring as Sleipnir cheerfully tackled Pinkamena for no apparent reason, the half-demon shouting furiously before she kicked him off and the two began to wrestle back and forth wildly. “Uh. What's wrong with your brother?”
“He was hit on the head far too many times whilst we were adventuring, and he has never been very bright to begin with.” Luna muttered, watching moodily as the two rolled violently before Pinkamena managed to straddle him, slamming a hoof across his face in a hard hook. Ponies began to run forwards to help, but then Sleipnir easily rolled on top of the half demon and pinned her with one hoof by the forehead, grinning brightly and laughing as he waved the others away before he slowly brushed her mane out of her eyes, leaning slowly down... before squeaking when Pinkamena slammed a rear hoof directly into his groin, and he slowly keeled off her with a whimper. “This has... essentially always been my brother's speed with mares, though. He must be very fond of Pinkamena, however... I have never seen him so tender with a mare. Affectionate, yes. Tender? No.”
“And I've never seen Pinkamena not attempt to eat someone for touching her.” Rainbow said thoughtfully, smiling a little before he said in a softer voice: “But you know what? I'm happy for her. She deserves it... I... I mean, now that my memories are back, I know when she was a Starlit Knight she got a lot of blame for... things...”
“'Twas no pony's fault back then, Rainbow Dash, fear not.” Luna replied gently, looking over her shoulder with a small smile and a slow shake of her head. “The existence of Pinkamena inside Pinkie Pie... that was difficult enough to adjust to, was it not? But then Pinkamena emerging into her own consciousness, her own half-demon form, well...”
“It was kind of scary.” Spike supplied, and when both ponies gave him an amused look, the dragon cleared his throat and shrugged a little. “Well, it kind of was, wasn't it? And she kind of is kind of scary still, even if... you know. I trust her and stuff, too.”
The three surveyed Pinkamena as she kicked Sleipnir in the side a few times, grumbling at him, and eventually the enormous vine-maned stallion carefully crawled up to his hooves, glowering at her before he grabbed the half-demon by the face and shoved her firmly headfirst into the ground. She flailed wildly, then picked herself up and growled before chasing after Sleipnir when he bolted childishly away, Luna commenting kindly: “Love is strange, and there is no better proof of that than this. So fear not, young Spike: find contentment in the knowledge that thy relationship with Rarity is far from the oddest there ever was.”
“I don't mind being weird. As long as I get to be with her.” Spike smiled a little, glancing quietly through the field and towards where Rarity was standing at the far side with Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Applejack. “I... I love her. The years I've spent with her now... they're the happiest I've ever been. One of the proudest moments of my life will always be... walking beside her as part of the Starlit Knights.”
Luna laughed quietly, looking meditatively over at the dragon before she said kindly: “Spike, thou hast already convinced me that thou art not making this decision in rash foolishness. Please just remember what I have said: propose to her properly. Now, if thou shalt both excuse me, I must go and poke at the magic golem that Greece and Cowlick have built.”
Spike and Rainbow both smiled and waved, and the winged unicorn turned away, smiling as her eyes drew over the field, past the playing foals, and towards the strange steel contraption as it glinted oddly in the evening light. Luna trotted towards this, and Ross waved brightly at her as Cowlick groaned and Greece smiled, the pierced earth pony mare muttering: “Oh here we go. No, you may not touch it.”
“Cowlick!” Luna complained, and then she huffed as she stood in front of it, peering back and forth over the odd contraption. Light-bulbs and gleaming neon lights glinted over its body in the fading light as if eager to burst into life, and it had a strange, almost-friendly vitality about it, as Luna continued sourly: “Besides, thou barely played with this toy at all... I think thou just desired to show it off.”
“Don't be such a pain in the flank. Fine, fine, since it looks like most ponies are still here we'll give it another go.” Cowlick sighed, rubbing at her face before she pointed moodily at the winged unicorn as she bounced cheerfully and smiled brightly. “Don't you come bothering me later about this thing though, got it? I am not selling it to you, giving it to you, or letting you steal it.”
“Aye, very well. I shall be gone for a week shortly, anyway.” Luna huffed in response, and then she pranced backwards as Greece reached into his vest and removed an odd, rectangular device, the Nibelung humming as he tapped at it and Ross smiling brightly as he gave an excited look to the golem, as other ponies began to turn their attention towards the odd machine as well. “Look, everypony! They are awakening the monster!”
“Hey, it's better than the damn clown you tried to book, ain't it? Way less scary.” Cowlick muttered, leaning over to look at the device in Greece's hand before she stepped up beside the golem and slapped its side firmly with one front hoof, and the metallic pony shuddered visibly before it clanked loudly as electricity sparked over its body, the neon lights and bulbs glowing into life. “Okay, she's running!”
The golem took a creaky step forwards as the cluster of foals ran into the field to all stare with awe at the metal pony, watching as it clicked and clanked before it reared back, raising its front hooves into the air as its jaws opened and bright carnival music began to spill up from it as the lights began to blink in a wild pattern of varying colors.
Luna grinned widely, her eyes bright as she clapped her hooves wildly, although Antares and the foals were now staring with something like terror at this clanking, musical thing as the lights continued to blink rapidly along it. Then Cowlick ran up beside the metal pony, grinning brightly as Greece hummed and continued to tap quickly over the control panel before the mare asked cheerfully: “Who wants a ride?”
The metal pony dropped heavily back onto all fours and began to stride forwards, and Antares and the foals all yelled in terror before spinning around and running away from it, and Luna laughed loudly even as Scrivener and Twilight both shot her sour looks and Cowlick looked oddly hurt. Then she huffed, glowering over at the metal pony as Greece looked up embarrassedly before Pinkie Pie ran forwards and leapt up onto the steel golem's back, landing on a saddle-shaped seat and making the lights and music stutter as she said brightly: “I'll try anything once!”
“How I wish that wasn't true.” Pinkamena muttered, and Sleipnir grinned widely before he winced when she smacked him firmly. “Don't go there, or I'll make you regret it.”
“It's a fascinating device, Cowlick, Greece, I think the children are just a little... wary of it, that's all.” Celestia added awkwardly as she approached, watching as Pinkie Pie giggled as the metallic pony walked slowly forwards through the field with her on its back, as the bright lights continued to pulse and the music hummed up out of the machine. “But the golem...”
“It's not a golem. It's more like... a remote control toy. A robot. A big mechanical puppet.” Cowlick jerked her head at Greece, explaining mildly to the ponies as the Nibelung kept his head down and his fingers tapping easily over the device in his hands: “See, he's got the control device. Using that, he can order the machine to do whatever he wants, runs off a mix of magic and high-power batteries. I bring the science, Greece brings the dwarf-skill and the Nibelung enchantments. We mix them together to get this thing.”
“Uh, Cowlick? No offense or anything, but... this is getting a little boring. And I think the lights and music are kind of making me a little nauseated.” Pinkie Pie said awkwardly, and Cowlick grumbled before she glared at Greece, who winced and leaned away, then sighed and grumbled, quickly tapping a short code into the control device.
Electricity sparked over the metal pony, and then it reared back for a moment as the music changed, became a little faster as the lights over it glowed and dazzled the gathered ponies, Pinkie Pie squeaking before her eyes widened in shock when the robotic puppet lunged forwards and began to move in a quick, clanking canter, circling through the field as Pinkie Pie clung to it with a yelp, looking half-excited and half-horrified as the machine clanked loudly with its much-faster movements.
Celestia and Luna both stared in surprise as Sleipnir giggled, and Cowlick grunted, calling irritably: “Less boring now?”
“Much!” Pinkie called back awkwardly as the machine continued to canter in easy circles around the edge of the field, ponies watching and foals staring before the bright pink pony said hurriedly: “Maybe too much?”
“Too bad!” Cowlick shouted back, and when Ross gave her a worried look and fidgeted on his hooves anxiously, the earth pony mare sighed tiredly, letting the metallic pony do one last circle of the field before she grumbled: “Okay, okay, fine. Shut 'er down, Greece.”
Greece nodded, looking relieved as he tapped a short code into the control device, and the robotic pony clanked loudly before the music died down to a hum, the lights flickered out, and its trot gradually slowed until it was standing still once more, lifeless and silent. Slowly, Pinkie Pie blinked as she sat up, looking back and forth before she giggled a little, slipping off and saying brightly: “That was fun!”
“Good.” Greece smiled over at her even as Cowlick looked grumpy for a moment, and then the Nibelung glanced over at the earth pony engineer and shook the device in one hand, saying mildly: “Battery problems again. Whatever else, this power source just isn't sufficient to get the job done. Regeneration is working fine, but... doesn't matter that it regenerates if we need fifty instead of twenty, does it?”
“Yeah, yeah, I know how math works, I been livin' with Ross for a damn long time.” Cowlick grumbled, and Ross brightened at the sound of his name, waving a little and making her sigh but smile wryly over at him. “Ross, go check over the metal horsey, can you do that for me?”
“Of course, Cowlick, just like you taught me.” Ross smiled warmly in return, nodding a few times before he stumbled around in a circle and bounded off towards the machine. Cowlick watched him leave with a smile, and then she shook her head and laughed a little, turning her eyes back towards Luna as the winged unicorn cocked her head curiously.
The earth pony engineer looked at her meditatively for a few moments, then she grunted and nodded. “Problem isn't keeping this thing in control. If he wanted to, we could make it tap-dance for us. The issue is the fact that it needs a lot of juice to keep running, and we just don't have access to that kind of power supply to throw around for kicks. Hell, to be honest, we don't really know how to even harness that kind of stuff... I mean, sure, crystals can hold a magic charge but most of 'em tend to shatter after so much...”
“Have you tried using voltaic topazes?” Rarity asked curiously, and Cowlick looked up with surprise as Rarity smiled a little, bowing her head forwards. “Pardon the intrusion, darling, I'm not trying to tell you how to do your work... but they're known to sponge up electricity. They have a nasty habit of cracking, even exploding, if supercharged, however... but even small shards can handle quite a lot of energy.”
“Really? Never heard of 'em. Greece, you're the dwarf, I thought you knew all this crap.” Cowlick said mildly, looking pointedly at the Nibelung, but the male only smiled and rose his hands, shrugging a bit himself. “Alright, good. Thanks, Rarity... if we can actually get this thing juiced-up, we'll be laying the groundwork for a whole new wave of innovation and science, just you wait and see. There are things technology is capable of that your magic can't even touch.”
“Except for the fact it's powered by magic.” Greece said pointedly as he fiddled with the control device, and Cowlick kicked him firmly, making him wince and stumble backwards even as he laughed. “Alright! Point taken, Cowlick... but I really should point out that even if we get this one machine running, we're years and years away from getting Equestria to even recognize this field of research exists, and probably decades, centuries away from making it common.”
“But one day it will be.” Cowlick said staunchly, and then she huffed when Luna gave her an amused look. “Hey, would you prefer me going back to making guns and weapons? This is the same principle though, you know: lots of moving, interlocking parts that when you put them together all the right way, click-and-clack in one symphony of... well... that.”
She gestured a few times over at the robot as Ross danced around it, inspecting it as Antares and the other foals hesitantly walked towards the silent machine, and then Applejack snorted and shook her head before she glanced down at Avalon, who had curled up on the grass and fallen asleep. “Well, I think that's a sign I had best be heading inside myself. Rainbow Dash, you remember the deal?”
“Yeah, I'll clean up. Don't worry about it, I got this.” Rainbow replied with a smile, raising his bottle to her, and Applejack nodded firmly before she gently swept up her daughter and leaned down to nuzzle the foal gently, Avalon giving a soft burble before the earth pony mare slipped her into the carrier on her side and headed towards the back steps.
And as evening began to settle into darkness, it was a sign that the other parents took to begin gathering up their foals to leave as well, as did the other guests. A few stayed to lend a hoof, and Spike awkwardly tried to help too as Rarity patiently sat with Twilight and talked with her before Scrivener and Rainbow both firmly pushed the dragon towards the beautiful unicorn, glaring at him pointedly as he paled a little before nodding and taking a few long, deep breaths Rainbow muttered: “Dude, you'll do fine. You don't have a giant brother to worry about, the worst Sweetie Belle can do is yell at you.”
“Be that knight in shining armor. That brave young dragon.” Scrivener added mildly, and then both stallions gave Spike one last push towards the patio before the charcoal earth pony rose a hoof and waved to Rarity. “Thanks for waiting. Spike was just helping us with a few things. And your gift was wonderful.”
“Oh, it was just something simple, that's all. I'm only glad that little Antares had such a wonderful birthday.” Rarity smiled and nodded politely, and then she slipped down the steps and gazed affectionately over at the young dragon as he walked over to her, twiddling his claws awkwardly. Twilight looked at them curiously, but the ivory unicorn only smiled softly, bowing her head towards him and asking softly: “Ready to go, darling?”
Spike nodded awkwardly a few times, and Rarity smiled again before she bowed her head to Scrivener and Rainbow Dash. “Thank you for the lovely evening. And Twilight, it was wonderful as always to see you. Take care, all of you. I'll certainly look forwards to seeing you all again very soon.”
“I'm somehow sure we will.” Scrivener said softly, raising a hoof to her as she and Spike turned to stride around the house and make their way back towards the road leading into town.
The walk was quite, contemplative, dragon and unicorn glancing at each other every so often, sometimes catching the other's gaze, trading smiles beneath the brightening stars overhead. The night was cloudless and beautiful, the reflection of the moon and constellations above glimmering in Rarity's eyes as Spike looked over her with soft, tender love before he shook his head hurriedly and gazed quietly ahead when the unicorn tossed him another curious look. But she remained quiet, giving him time, and Spike looked down awkwardly as he knitted his claws together behind his back, bowing his head forwards as the lanky dragon let himself sidle a bit closer to the unicorn mare.
She smiled at him warmly as they continued on, passing through the gates; left open for tonight, since the Nibelung guards knew about the birthday party at Sweet Apple Acres and that guests would likely be passing into town until late in the evening. As they walked through the streets together, there was still bustle in the village: workers heading towards Vinyl Scratch's nightclub to continue construction on the interior of the structure, a Nibelung patrol relaxing on break, a few ponies wandering here and there doing last minute shopping.
They made good time back to the boutique, heading to the door before Spike took a deep breath and held up his hands, saying awkwardly: “Rarity, I... I got something... I mean...”
Rarity frowned a little, and the dragon blushed before he hurriedly rose a claw, saying awkwardly: “Just a minute, okay? Just uh... wait here a minute.”
With that, he turned and pushed the boutique door open, hurrying through it and vanishing for a few moments as Rarity stood outside her own shop beneath the dark night light, looking curious. Then the dragon came rushing back, pulling the door closed behind him, something held tight in one hand before he tripped and sprawled out with a wince, the unicorn looking down with immediate concern as she asked awkwardly: “Spike, are you...”
“F-Fine! Fine!” Spike said lamely, quickly sitting up, and he cleared his throat before he smiled embarrassedly across at her as their eyes met. Emerald and sapphire studied each other, deeply, intently, for a few long moments... and then Spike bowed his head forwards, taking a shuddering, careful breath as he reached a hand up and combed it quietly through her corkscrewed mane to grasp the back of her scalp quietly, smiling faintly before he slowly held the simple, red metal box up between them, asking quietly: “Rarity... I... I love you. Will you... will you do me the honor of... I...”
Rarity stared at him, her jaw falling open before Spike took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment before looking into the unicorn's deeply as he managed to slip up to a kneel, raising the box a little higher between them. Rarity's eyes settled on it, swallowing slowly as her horn glowed and the box opened quietly, revealing the golden, simple band inset with three tiny sapphires in the diamond shape of Rarity's cutie mark along the top, as the dragon whispered: “Will you marry me, Rarity?”
“Oh... oh Spike...” Rarity whispered, and then she trembled before throwing herself forwards, tears of joy spilling down her cheeks as she buried her face against his neck and he embraced her fiercely, smiling radiantly as she clung to him. “Yes! Yes, Spike, I will, yes!”
Spike breathed hard, pulling her tighter against his body as they knelt there in front of the boutique beneath the starlight together, trembles of happiness running through the dragon's body as he clutched her close against his frame. They held tight to each other, two lovers beneath the stars, ready to be together... no matter what the cost, no matter what they had to give up, they had eyes only for each other and knew in that moment more than they ever had before how they were always meant to be with one another.