//------------------------------// // Awkward // Story: Luna's Librarian, Twilight's Moon // by TheLastBrunnenG //------------------------------// Uncomfortable quiet reigned supreme in the quaint sitting room of Twilight Velvet and Night Light, mercilessly enforcing its iron rule on the six uncomfortable ponies occupying its uncomfortable furniture. A heavy meal eaten in silence weighted on all present. The clink of a stirring spoon and cautious sips of dessert coffee were the only sounds which dared to challenge the rule of the oppressive calm, Shining Armor having given up on a feeble attempt to strike up a conversation about hoofball. Ponies eyed each other briefly and nervously when not otherwise fascinated by the decades-old carpet or fading wallpaper. “So, Cadance,” chimed Velvet in her best tone of hesitating inquisition, “how are things in the, er, what is it now? The Crystal Empire?” “Oh, it’s not really an Empire, Mrs. Velvet, that was just in the old times. Nowadays it’s more like… “ Cadance’s chipper outburst drew shocked glances and twinges of fear from present company, and she recoiled a bit to stare into her steaming drink. “Fine,” she whispered, “things are fine.” Minutes passed as coffee grew cooler and a ticking clock dared to be heard. Night Light cleared his throat and leaned in a bit toward his son. “Shining, my boy! Started with Captain of Celestia's Royal Guard and now you've got a whole Empire to yourself, eh? That's my Armor! Or should I call you Prince Armor?” Glancing about the room, desperate for support or at least fortunate interruption, the stark-white stallion finally gave up on evading conversation. “Always just ‘Shiny’ to you, Dad.” He chuckled too loudly before realizing that nopony was joining him, and the chuckle died a lonely death. More subdued, he continued, “Well, I - technically my official title is Shining Armor, Prince Consort to Her Crystal Majesty Princess Cadance. Officially. Technically.” Night Light leaned back on his hideously out of date corduroy plaid couch and barely stifled a ‘harumph’. “Great,” he muttered, “another one.” Turning to his stripe-maned wife, he whispered loud enough for the neighbors to hear, “You’d think that marrying two kids to Princesses would’ve added at least one King or Queen to the family. Maybe an Empress or something, but no, we got Consorts.” The Princess Consort Twilight Sparkle crossed her hooves and glared across the room at her parents. “I heard that, Daddy!” The tone was low but it practically counted as a shout in the current air. “And I’ll have you know that Princess Consort isn’t my only title! I used to be -“ Luna’s indigo hoof found twilight’s mouth in record time. “I assure you, dear ponies, that Twilight’s title is a mere formality, and that her place in Canterlot’s court is a firm one. Oft does she abide with me in chambers as I hear appeals from across Equestria, her advice in all matters I heed with utmost…” The starry-maned alicorn’s speech trailed off as four ponies stared at her in something akin to social horror. Cadance shook her head a bit and chimed in somewhat more meekly than she’d intended. “Shining is revered by all the crystal ponies! He’s a true hero to them, having stood hoof to hoof with Sombra in their defense. If it weren’t for him, the Empire would have fallen to darkness and all Equestria would suffer for it.” Velvet sipped her lukewarm coffee gingerly. “So, as Nighty was saying - Consorts.” Bending low to the sullen Twilight Sparkle, Luna murmured even lower, “Do all meetings with thy parents end with such interrogations, beloved? I confess I briefly thought them changelings, given their hostility, but dismissed the idea. Changelings feed on love and would surely starve here.” Stillness gripped the household for agonizing minutes as stares bored from one pony into another. Shining leaned to his wife’s ear, whispering “Honey, can you do something here? Anything? I mean, it worked against Chrysalis, maybe...“ The pink alicorn sighed almost imperceptibly. “Sorry, sweetie, my powers only work on romantic love. For this - " she shrugged in utter defeat, "I’ve got nothing. We’re on our own.” The young purple mare finally extricated a blue hoof from her dental work and pointed a hoof at her parents. “Oh, quit beating around the barn. I know exactly what you two want to ask. It’s killing you trying to restrain yourselves, waiting until the worst possible moment to spring the question. You probably would’ve done it earlier, but this is the first time that the four of us have been here with you, all married, all sitting here like bait for your trap. So go ahead! You may as well get it over with. Do your worst!” Velvet daintily placed her empty cup on its lonely saucer as she exchanged a nodding glance with her husband. “So, kids,” they chimed in unison, “when will we see some grandfoals?”