"Momma! Tell a story!" Pinkamina smiled up at her mother.
"Dear, you know that I don't like it when you get excited like that." She looked away guiltily.
"Sorry." Rockell put a foreleg around her daughter.
"Don't worry, it's just that your father doesn't like excitement. He's a bit boring." Suddenly, she smiled broadly and began laughing. "Yes, I guess that was funny."
"So, can you tell me a story?" She was about to decline when she saw her daughter's pleading eyes staring up at her.
"But, you'll be late for bed." The adorable eyes were persistent. "I don't know many stories." Those eyes, how can I say no? "Fine, but you'll need to get your sisters. I'm not reading unless I have an audience to hear my wonderful voice!" Pinkamina let out a giggle before running out of the room to get Inkie and Blinkie.
Rockell searched through her mind, looking for a story. There was one that my mother told me years ago. I don't think I know any other ones and she told me when I was about their age.
It was then that Pinkamina, followed by her two sisters, walked in. She hopped up on the bed and clapped her hooves excitedly. "What story are you going to read to us?"
"The Tale of Rosemary and Blackstone." Inkie cocked her head out of confusion.
"I've never heard of that story before. What's it about?" Rockell's face lit up.
"It's a wonderful story I heard from by mom when I was your age. It taught me a lot about love."
"Eww! Love! Colts have cooties!" Inkie and Pinkie shook their heads in agreement.
"Blinkie, one day colts will stop being gross and it' a beautiful thing when you realize that you love somepony."
"Uhh, I'm starting to rethink my decision mom. I'm a little tired. Yaaawwwwwnnnnn!" Rockell frowned at her daughter.
"That sounded nothing like a yawn and you're not getting out of listening to the story now!"
"Ahhhhhwwwww." The three daughters whined in unison. The stern face of their mother silenced them.
"Let's begin the story."
Rosemary had smiled
The meadow was in full bloom
This mare could frolic
Rose loved the meadow
'Twas a place to clear her head
'Twas a happy place
Blackstone mined the rocks
'Twas the immigrant's career
He never had free time
Black had lived far away
He dreamed of a better life
He finally got it
Rosemary could share
She would say her dreams and goals
Love was her main goal
Rose had many friends
She had never been in love
She wished for a mate
Blackstone loved this life
He wanted something more though
He desired somepony
Black wished for some friends
He hoped for a companion
He longed for a mare
Rosemary found Black
She had stumbled upon the mine
'Twas there that they met
Rose watched him with care
She knew that he was the one
She walked over to him
Blackstone grabbed her hoof
She looked very beautiful
Her smile was so kind
Black kissed her soft lips
Their hearts were beating as one
Their hearts set aflutter
Rosemary loved him
They saw each other each day
They had each other
Rose looked at his face
She cherished his friendly eyes
She held hooves with him
Blackstone had snuck out
The meadow is their secret spot
It made each day great
Black always saw her
She always took up his every thought
She was his princess
Rosemary was scared
Ponies cared about breaking laws
'Twas their greatest fear
Rose worried for them
Others did not approve of them
Others said it was wrong
Blackstone did not care
He chose to take the strong risk
Their pairing was very wrong
Black knew of the law
'Twas that migrants could not date
'Twas said that it's wrong
Rosemary also knew
Mares could not date any settlers
It was forbidden
Rose continued it
She stood by him through it
She loved him anyway
Blackstone was attacked
The town did not want him there
The mob would kill him
Black would miss his love
He knew that he must stay strong
He thought about her
Rosemary ran fast
A friend had told her the news
Black was in danger
Rose's heart beat faster
She'd save him no matter what
She knew this was big
Blackstone frowned slightly
This was the end and he knew
Gone was his great life
Black was to be killed
They got progressively closer
They thought it was right
Rosemary saw this
She said "Please, take me instead!"
His life had been saved
Rose looked at him
She kissed Blackstone one last time
She frowned with teary eyes
Blackstone screamed to her
"I'm not worth it! Save yourself!"
His attempts had failed
Black watched them hurt her
She smiled and mouthed "I love you."
She slowly closed her eyes
Rosemary was dying
The pain was unbearable
Bruises covered her
Rose thought about him
She knew that it was worth it
She let death take her
Blackstone screamed in grief
Tears flowed heavily
He ran to his love
Black cradled her body
He rocked back and forth singing
"You'll be in my heart~!"
Rosemary had smiled
The meadow was in full bloom
Angels flew around
Rose watched from above
She had continued to sing
"No matter what they say~!"
"Mommy, why was it so sad?" Inkie turned to her mother with tears in her eyes.
"Sometimes in love you must make sacrifices. Love isn't always perfect, but it's always worth it."
"Thank you for the story, mom." Blinkie laid her head on her mother's lap.
"One day you will be beautiful mares and you will find wonderful coltfriends. If you love them and anything gets in your way, I want you to remember this story."
"Goodnight mommy." Pinkamina smiled before pulling up the covers and drifting off to sleep.
"Goodnight dear."