((Prompt: The discovery.))
Entry 1
Thanks to recent conversation with local expert on romantic practices, have come upon opportunity to study an example of Cloudsdalian courtship rituals from its early stages on up, hopefully, to its fruition. Initially did not believe this lead, but have been assured by expert that “they are absolutely smitten with each other, darling.”
Have started this log to record findings.
Entry 2
Have encountered difficulty early on, in that locating the subjects seems to be more difficult than anticipated. First subject, distinguishable by yellow plumage and pink mane, and from here on referred to as Subject A, not present in her usual habitat. Irate specimen of Leporidae found checking a watch and tapping its foot at entrance to cottage.
Subject B's cloud-home drifts on the wind and is notoriously difficult to find. Suspect Subject B allows her home to move on purpose so that ponies cannot wake her from her naps.
Entry 3
Have finally located both subjects. A and B discovered on hill outside of town. Will conduct interviews later, but first need to observe undetected in order to avoid contaminating the data.
Subjects appear to be arranging some form of communal meal on a blanket. This would be referred to as a 'picnic,' in laypony's terms. Am suddenly reminded that I have missed lunch.
Entry 4
Have discovered that pegasus hearing is particularly keen. Subject B able to pick up and locate the source of a rumbling stomach from what I had initially thought was a safe observation distance.
Have been invited to join picnic. Initially declined on grounds of neutrality for research, but Subject A had prepared a surplus of very delicious cucumber sandwiches.
Have asked subjects to proceed as though I were not present. Not ideal research conditions, but sometimes sacrifices must be made in the name of sandwiches.
Entry 5
Am beginning to suspect my presence is affecting the results. Am seeing none of the signs typically associated with courtship rituals; no preening, no extended physical contact, not even one mating dance. Possibly spotting occasional eye-contact, but nothing conclusive.
Have decided to withdraw to a less intrusive distance. Used old excuse, “have to compile my data.” Believe they bought it.
Entry 6
Perhaps local expert's intel was not as solid as she had me believe. Have observed for more than an hour now, and no new developments. Subjects A and B just lay there, watching clouds. Still no mating dance.
Am surprised to see Subject B remain still for so long. Unless she is napping, Subject B is usually rendered irritable and impatient from long periods of inactivity, but she seems to look content. Will report further on this anomaly as developments occur.
Entry 7
This may be it. As sunset approached, subjects began moving closer together. Subject B now has her wing draped over Subject A's shoulders, and there is prolonged eye-contact. All of my researcher's instincts tell me that this is the moment I have been waiting for. Am fully ready to record all the data I can from this.
Entry 8
Just a kiss. Was hoping for a mating dance.
Will record further findings, if any, tomorrow.