//------------------------------//
// Chapter 2 
// Story: Diamond Studded Dilemma 
// by Dragonlord Daoka 
//------------------------------//

	“He and Luna met at a ball we held in our old palace.” Celestia explained.
“The one we defeated Nightmare Moon in?” Twilight Sparkle asked
“Yes, my faithful student. It was a grand palace, built as a symbol of unity among ponies.” The Princess’ eyes grew distant with memory. “It was about three years before Luna’s transformation into Nightmare Moon, if I remember correctly.”
“Truly, sister mine.” a voice said from the doorway. Luna resumed her place at the table, eyes rimmed red from crying. Twilight placed a sympathetic hoof on Luna’s shoulder, earning a gentle smile of gratitude. “Nova and I became friends immediately, and it progressed from there.”
“They were inseparable for months.” Celestia recalled fondly, then her expression softened. “Crimson was a noble and selfless stallion… it was his sacrifice that allowed me to imprison Nightmare Moon.” 
Luna made a sniffling noise and nodded in agreement.
“He tried to save me… he intervened in the battle, hoping he could force me to recall my real self. But the evil had corrupted me beyond salvation.” tears formed in her dark eyes  “My beloved Nova took a blow that was meant for my sister, and when I saw his broken form lying at my hooves, my horror and despair overwhelmed the darkness long enough for Celestia to strike.”    
“How dreadful!” Rarity cried, her own sapphire eyes sparkling with tears. Twilight looked at her mentor questioningly 
“Why is he not mentioned in the histories?” 
“Because he hated any sort of attention.” Celestia replied. 
“Nova was always so self-effacing and shy.” Luna added, looking wistful “Very much like thy friend Fluttershy.”  A couple servants entered to clean up the brunch, and the Princesses took the opportunity to compose themselves.

“Might we return to the matter at hand?” Luna asked “As I recall, we were discussing thy love life, Rarity, not mine.” Rarity flushed and coughed nervously. 
“Ah, yes, indeed. We have addressed some of my primary concerns, but I still worry about the whole thing.” she hesitated “I do care deeply for Spike, but I don’t want to be his only focus. I think he should experience the world more.”
“A valid point, Rarity.” Twilight Sparkle said “I also have another worry though. I did some research when Spike first came to live with me, and dragons have very long lifespans. Sometimes lasting centuries.” 
“The longevity problem has a simple solution. There is an old and powerful spell that allows one to steal another’s life-force and add it to thine own.” Luna told them.
“I’ve heard of it…” Twilight mused “I think I read about it last week.”
“A very difficult spell, that comes at a heavy price.” Celestia warned. Rarity nodded in determination.
“I was sure of it. I know enough about magic to realize that only the most basic spells are free. Thanks to Twilight, of course.” she winked at her purple friend.
“So I guess that’s all.” Twilight said, making a final check on her list. “Waiting for Spike to mature and the age spell both solve that particular problem. Any issues with the impropriety can be dealt with as they come, and nopony really knows what will happen from day to day.”
“Indeed. I shall continue on with our dear friend as before, and hope for the best.” Rarity agreed, her sapphire eyes fierce with her resolve. The royal sisters stood up, and the Ponyville natives followed suit.
“It seemth to me that we have reached an excellent solution.” Luna said to the others, grinning.
“We certainly have, sister mine.” Celestia agreed “And now, unfortunately, we must return to our daily business.” Luna grimaced sourly, and Twilight laughed. The Princesses took their leave, and the unicorns spent an enjoyable afternoon browsing the shops of Canterlot.

The sun was just setting when Twilight Sparkle and Rarity returned to Ponyville. As they passed the Town Hall, Rarity drew her friend into an embrace. 
“Thank you for today, Twilight. You and the Princesses really helped me out.”
“You’re welcome, Rarity.” Twilight replied, returning the hug. “It was my pleasure. You know I want you and Spike to be happy.”
“Well, as you said, nopony really knows what will happen. So, here’s hoping!” the two friends bade each other good night and headed to their homes.

As Rarity put away her purchases, she eyed the Fire Ruby that Spike had given her. By some strange irony, it was shaped like a heart, and the symbolism of the gift was obvious. 
“Oh Opal, I do hope I’m doing the right thing.”
“Mreow?” asked the cat.
“I realize it’s dreadfully improper, and when my new friends in Canterlot find out, they’ll be horrified.” She floated the necklace with the Fire Ruby in it onto her nightstand and stared into its pristine facets. “But I do love my little Spiky-wiky. Nopony could ever change that!” Opal gave a non-committal purr, jumped onto the bed, and promptly fell asleep. Rarity got into bed and continued talking to the sleeping cat. “I mean, really, what stallion could match Spike’s devotion or, his fine taste for jewels?” She giggled sleepily “Pun not intended…” 

As she drifted off to sleep, Twilight Sparkle gazed out the window at the waning moon, listening to Spike’s gentle snores. “It’s true, nopony knows what the future will bring… but I’m glad I could help bring some happiness into Rarity’s.”  It was then that sleep claimed her, and she floated off into a land of bright futures and endless possibilities.