The whistle trilled loudly over Ponyville Station, calling all passengers to make their way onto the train or be left behind. The crowd thinned out, some ponies heeding the call while others bid them farewell, some for a day, some for much longer. Near the back of the train, one couple was drawing out a heartfelt kiss, the steam from the wheels dancing around them and shrouding them in one perfect memory of each other.
A parchment-furred pegasus looked at them from across the platform while fixing his brown fedora over his ink-black mane, a little envious that his trip to the station couldn't be quite that nice. Oh, sure, Ink Well had gotten a couple of farewells like that back when he was working on his play, but that was four years ago now... Things had gotten a lot less romantic in his house lately.
He looked over to his darling wife, her cream colored fur and bi-toned rose and pink mane looking beautiful, even in the early morning light. Of course, both of them had tried to dress up a little for the occasion, but all of Rose's preparations were going to go to waste if she didn't stop talking to the foalsitter soon. “And remember not to let him stay up past eight, with naps as need be-”
Ink Well sighed to himself as the platform rapidly emptied. “Rosy~.”
“-and make sure not to do any food with peaches, as he doesn't much seem to like them-”
Ink Well could see the foalsitter's face starting to glaze over, the words overwhelming her poor mind. Rose had always cared for those close to her personally, so he could tell that the trip was worrying her, but it was going to be a moot point if she didn't hurry up. “Dearest-”
“-and if you need any help at all then Dinky Doo has been put on standby in case things get to be too much for you, and Lily and Daisy are watching the shop in case-”
Ink Well cleared his throat loudly, nudging his wife in the side while lifting up their trunk. “Rose! We need to move!”
“ALL ABOARD!” It was as though the conductor of the train had been scripted, but Ink Well couldn't thank him enough as Rose was pulled from her last-minute instructions.
“Oh! That's us. Please, take good care of little Newsprint, we'll be back in a few days.” Rose ran towards the train, grabbing one end of the trunk as she did, which left Ink Well with just enough time to talk to the bewildered young mare Rose had been talking to.
“I've left a note in the bag with all of the instructions, but it's five days, he's an earth pony, and he bounces. I don't think there's much you could do to him.” He gave her a reassuring smile, then felt the tug on the trunk, starting to run so he wouldn't be dragged behind. “If anything Ellipsis will give you more trouble!” He called back to her, knowing just how territorial his dog could be.
Rose and Ink Well ran up to the train just as the conductor was about to close the doors, and, though he gave them both an annoyed look, he let them in anyway. Thanking him, they made their way to the private booth they'd booked, setting the trunk down between them and smiling happily at each other. It was then that the train started to move, throwing Ink Well off balance and into Rose, making both of them land awkwardly on the cushioned seating, wrapping each other in a clumsy hug. Ink Well planted a small kiss on the tip of her nose, looking into her ivy green eyes. “Thanks for the catch, Rosy.”
Rose just nuzzled her nose against his, giggling as she did. “Of course, Inky. Just watch your step next time.”
“I don't think the conductor likes us. Again... We really need to stop getting on the train like this.” The two of them laughed as they untangled themselves into more comfortable sitting positions, Rose looking out the window at the slowly retreating Ponyville landscape.
She pressed her nose against the glass, eyes focused on the station. “Do you think he'll be alright for so long? We've never left him for more than a couple of hours, and we've never had Scootaloo foalsit before...”
Ink Well draped a wing over his fretting wife, settling in next to her. “Rose, she insisted, and I'm sure that Newsprint will be the same darling little colt when we get back.” When he saw that she still wasn't completely convinced, a state of being that had started when he first suggested the trip to her, he sighed. “It's been three years, Rose. You've been a wonderful mother to our son, but even you need a break, and this is going to be just the thing.”
Rose pouted at him, even as she leaned into his side, the edge of her mouth curling up into a gentle smile. “I don't need a break. There haven't even been that many orders lately, and after his last birthday he's-”
“You're going on this wonderful vacation and that's final.” Ink Well said, his face stern, but a smile at the corners of his lips too. “It's not every day that you're invited on the Princess' private airship, you know. You should be more excited.” She tried to give him a flat look, like she didn't care about it, but he saw through her ruse, just hugging her closer. “I know you'll love it Rosy, and nopony deserves it more than you.”
Rose's smile grew as she sat there, showing that she appreciated the trip more than she was letting on, and she nuzzled against her husband lightly. “If you say so. It has been quite a while since I got to look nice...”
Ink Well had to refrain from nodding, not wanting to send the wrong message as he nuzzled back against his wife. Ever since the Weather Factory fell their life had been a bit of a blur, neither of them having time for much of anything. Ink Well, despite his best efforts to stay out of the process, had been called in as a key witness for the trial against Ozone and the Weather Factory, which had severely slowed down the process of buying that house for Rose he'd promised. By the time the trial was complete and the house was bought, Rose had begun to show her pregnancy, which made moving all the harder. When finally they had their new house all moved into, it was the time of year for Rose to fire up the stills in the perfumery and get back to work, and she had hardly stopped since.
Of course, their son was a blessing, and Ink Well managed to convince her that Rosewater could spend a month closed and everypony would understand, but even so, after her recovery Rose had gone back to her shop quickly and tirelessly, and there she'd stayed. And that probably would have been fine if she'd let Ink Well help with Newsprint as much as he wanted to, but Rose kept insisting when she got home that she'd take care of him, meaning from waking to sleep she never took a rest for herself.
And she'd done that for three years. In the same three years Ink Well had written, as an author does, using his notoriety from his previous articles to sell his new novels. He'd started a series, science fiction, which was probably cheating considering his travels, but it just meant that they were more convincing. He'd finished two books and the third was sitting at home half-penned, where it would be waiting for him when he got back.
What time he didn't spend writing he spent listening and watching, because some habits die hard. There was trouble brewing ever since the factory's fall, minor things said and done, little lines in papers, but all pointing to an unrest slowly growing in the nation. Something similar was hinted at in a letter from Princess Luna.
While the trial was happening Luna and Ink Well had sent messages back and forth, primarily on the nature of his article. Nothing was changed, which amazed both him and the Night Princess, who had expected different from her sister. After the trial, however, it simply became a habit for a letter to pass between the two every couple of weeks, and they had grown to be friends when he proved himself a loyal ear to the Princess's troubles.
Ever since the incident she had been trying to take a more active role in Equestria, attempting to reassert herself as one of the diarchs of the land, but she was having a hard go at it politically. She wrote of how she was still seen by some as Nightmare Moon, how she had very little actual say against her sister's wishes in political matters, how hard she had to work to get herself into information loops she should have been in from the start, and how often she got sent off on errands while her sister sat safe in the castle. However, no matter what she tried, she didn't seem to be garnering any respect.
That is, until today. Today she was launching a personal airship, the Darkest Night, and, as a sign of good faith, she was allowing members of the Canterlot Elite on its maiden voyage. While initially Ink Well hadn't been on the list, a writer from Ponyville not ranking in among nobility, when Princess Twilight had been called away to a problem near the Badlands, the Princess of the Night saw fit to extend the invitation to her friend.
He'd almost refused as he read the letter, and probably would have had Rose not walked in looking completely frazzled, tired, and overworked just as he'd started the reply. Seeing her walk into the house and collapse on the couch like that, there was just one proper response.
That was a week ago, and she'd protested all the way here. But three years was much too long for them to be mostly in different worlds, her working, him writing, meeting only when they woke up, went to sleep, and on the very few days Rose let herself have off. They both still loved each other dearly, and hopefully a few days away from work and the foal to experience it again would bring them just that much closer together.
Ink Well looked at his wife, remembering the comment she'd said before his mind started wandering. It was true they both had brushed their manes and tried to look nice, and before they got to the hangar they would be in full formal attire and dressed to the nines, but right now, just sitting by her side with no worry to ruin it... she looked radiant, the same mare he'd fallen in love with those happy years ago, and he decided to tell her. “Rose, it might have been some time since you last dressed up, but you have never once stopped being the beautiful mare I love.”
Rose blushed, pushing at him lightly with a hoof. “You're just saying that.” She watched him accusingly, but when she saw the genuine look in his eyes, her face softened, her smile returning fully. “But thanks, my handsome stallion. I love you too.” The two moved just a little closer, drawing from each other support and warmth as the train steadily left Ponyville, making its way to Canterlot.
By the time the train arrived at its destination the couple had transformed. Ink Well was wearing a stylish brown coat Rarity had designed and cut, accentuating his features nicely and bringing out his fur color marvelously, while Rose had on the same stunning ivy-themed outfit she had worn to the premiere of his play, three years and a foal causing no strain on the rose-shaped clasp at her shoulder. She was a practical pony, not one for new outfits for every occasion despite the conniption fit it nearly brought out in Rarity. Besides, she still fit into the sleek and stunning dress. Just that fact was enough to make her smile wide and full, a wonderful compliment to her natural looks.
Unfortunately, the effect was dampened slightly by the travel trunk the couple carried between them, giving them the look of ponies not used to high-society, something the royal guards at the air docks caught onto quickly. One of them stepped forward as they approached the royal hangar, his polished armor gleaming in the afternoon light, bright enough for Rose to check her makeup in. “Excuse me, but it is invitation only beyond this point.”
Ink Well forced a smile, knowing exactly what the guard was implying, but not wanting to cause trouble so early. “Well then, I suppose it is a good thing that I have an invitation.” He reached into his pocket with a wing, pulling out the silver edged invitation, the royal seal on the top of the midnight blue card. Silver words in a beautiful script, written personally by the Princess, were perched elegantly on the invitation, looking so delicate they might crumble if read.
I, Princess Luna of Equestria, cordially invite the holders of this card, one Ink Well of Ponyville and his wife Roseluck, to the maiden voyage of the Darkest Night.
Below it was the date, time, room they would be staying in, and Luna's crescent moon seal gleaming in the same silver ink as the rest. The guard looked it over, then at the two ponies before him, before giving it back and bowing respectfully. “Apologies for the inconvenience, sir. Madam. Please make your way through and enjoy the flight. Some of the other passengers are within, and the Princess will address you all before boarding begins.” He got out of their way, letting them pick up the trunk and continue inside. Though both Rose and Ink Well kept their smiles on, they could tell what the other was thinking, both knowing memory of the flustered look the guard had when he realized he'd troubled the Princess's guests would keep them warm on some cold night.
A small hallway brought the duo into the interior of the expansive hangar, emptying them right next to two classy looking unicorns. Rose immediately recognized them as Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis, two of the finest ponies she'd done business with in Canterlot's upper crust. They were sitting in a small seating area in front of a stage set up within the hangar, presumably where the Princess would talk to everyone later. As Ink Well and Rose made to approach them, a pegasus darted in front of them, sky blue with yellow hair like the first rays of the sun, a wrench held in her mouth as she shot by. “Sorry! Coming through, don't mind me!”
“Not through the seating area, Miss Dew! Go around!” A stuffy looking white unicorn with a slicked mane and mustache approached them, looking like an upgraded version of the train conductor, or more likely, the ship's steward. “My apologies for the disturbance. Please, allow me to take your trunk to the ship.” Before either of them could say anything the trunk was lifted in a light purple glow and carried towards...
Ink Well's jaw dropped at the sight, his hoof automatically pulling out the notebook and pen he kept in his pocket for just such a stroke of inspiration. The Darkest Night dominated the center of the hangar, sitting behind the stage in all its magnificent glory. The exterior was a field of navy blue, silver rivets speckling the hull like stars in the night sky while the trimming wrapped around it like the paths of meteors lighting up the dark. Portholes ran along the sides of the ship, windows like planets looking out at the many pegasi flying around the hull in final preparation. But the most impressive thing was the balloon, hanging above it all like the moon itself, with ropes and banding covering it no more obtrusively than a wispy cloud on a magical evening... The ship was aeronautical beauty incarnate, the kind that could not be described in words, though Ink Well would certainly try.
Rose, less enraptured by the sight, though equally as impressed with the ship, gently guided Ink Well over to a seat, where he sat, nose in his notebook and pen furiously working in his mouth. As she sat down as well, Fancy Pants chuckled, smiling over at her. “Is this your first time aboard an airship?” As he spoke, Fleur leaned on his shoulder, looking over at Rose with inquiring eyes.
Rose nodded sheepishly. “Yeah. It's actually not my first time flying, but I've never even seen an airship before except as a dot from the window of my home... I never realized they were so big.”
Fancy's smile was warm and friendly. “My word, yes, and they glide through the air smooth as silk. I'm afraid this number even tops my yacht.” He chuckled to himself, Fleur giggling and nodding at his side. “I suppose that's the difference between a royal budget and my meager earnings.”
Rose smiled back, well aware that Fancy Pants was one of the wealthiest ponies in the world after the royal family. And yet he'd bought perfumes from her of all ponies... and even contributed some money to her side projects, like the scented ink she could smell wafting up from her husband's notebook. “If I'm going to ride on an airship, I can't think of one more beautiful. And, if you'll excuse me for falling into business for a moment, maybe I'll be able to discuss that other line of perfumed inks I was telling you about. Rose Ink is actually selling surprisingly quickly, and I have been having demands for other varieties, if you're interested in investing.”
Fleur looked happy, nodding at the proposal, but Fancy Pants seemed worried. It was brief, but after a definite moment of panic in which he reset his monocle, he straightened back up. “Terribly sorry. I would be more than happy to discuss these matters further, but it appears I have forgotten your name.”
Rose noticed Fleur give him a strange look, as though he'd just caught on fire, but Rose chalked it up as a moment of bad memory making him seem uncharacteristically rude in Fleur's eyes. “It's Roseluck. Owner of Rosewater, in Ponyville?”
Fancy Pants nodded once, smile coming calmly once more. “Ah! Yes, of course. Well, I would love to discuss the prospects later, but on this trip I would prefer to stick to a vacation mindset, if you don't mind. Send me a letter with the details when this is over, would you?” Rose made a mental note of that, confused as to why Fleur was still looking at him so strangely, when Fancy nodded towards an approaching party. “My, I wonder who those fellows are?”
Ink Well looked up from his notebook just in time to see three gryphons enter, the first one lavishly dressed in silks and furs, while the other two had the distinctive look of a guard about them. Perhaps it was the way they flanked the first gryphon, perhaps it was the wary looks they gave every last pony in the hangar, or more likely it was the blades delicately hidden among the feathers of the wings and the swords strapped to their sides, but there was no doubt that this was a very important gryphon.
The trio walked with much pomp into the seating area, taking a spot at the back where the guards could do maximum flanking without disrupting the others there. Once seated, the decorated gryphon smiled at the assembled ponies, showing the ease with which he held the situation, but otherwise remaining silent.
As the gryphons settled in, two unicorns entered, one ancient, sage green with a long grey beard and a very old, very fancy suit. To his side was an almost criminally younger mare, bright and perky and made up past perfection, the blue dress hanging on her white fur completely gaudy in the sheer amount of pearls and diamonds that adorned it. Her light blonde mane was styled high and held in place with a diamond tiara, which shook as she giggled and led the older stallion inside.
Ink Well looked at the pair, an eyebrow raising at the sight before he looked at Rose, who wore a similarly curious face. Fancy Pants must have caught their looks, because he chuckled and spoke low. “Ah, I see you've noticed Greenback and his new wife, Diamond Wishes.” He smiled knowingly. “The chap owns the single largest international bank chain in the world, you know, though his choice of wife was an interesting one.” He looked at his own wife, his classy smile not moving. “I see the appeal in marrying for looks, but status only can only hold so much attraction. There simply must be something deeper there. Isn't that right, darling?”
Fleur nodded, leaning against her husband's side lovingly. “Eet iz true. Zere must be more zan just money to call you to ze stallion of your dreams, no?” Her French accent was thick, and as she kissed Fancy lovingly on the cheek, it was clear to see she was at least a little embarrassed by it. She looked at Rose with her question, and Rose unconsciously wrapped her arm around Ink Well's, smiling as she did.
The banker and his bride sat down in seats far away from the others there, the old stallion whispering into the mare's ear constantly, while all she responded with were giggles, blushes, and “Oh, stop it! Not out here,” said with about as much conviction as a whiny schoolgirl. It was almost shameful, but even that was beaten out by the next entrance.
Trumpets rang out in the hangar, bringing everypony there to their hooves as they looked curiously towards the door. A pair of royal guards entered, standing to either side of the entrance, and through the door a flowing mane speckled with the night sky could be seen. However, at the last second, it was pushed aside by a white stallion in a royal red jacket, his chest puffed and preened, a rose stuck in his lapel, his hair slicked back just so, and his eyebrow raised so very lecherously. “Sorry I'm late everypony, but one cannot rush perfection.”
He sauntered past the stunned guards, into the seating area, and had the nerve to wink not just at Diamond Wishes, but at Fleur, Rose, two pegasi working on the ship, and even the female gryphon guard, only stopping when his last advance was met with a growl and the shimmer of bladed wings. A single lock of his hair went out of place, but he rebounded spectacularly, fixing it as he chose a seat and pretending like he hadn't noticed.
At the door the Princess of the Night coughed at her rude interruption, distinctively void of clothing fancier than her tiara and standard regalia as she entered. “Prince Blueblood, I see your timing as impeccable as ever.” A nervous laugh passed between the assembled ponies, giving Princess Luna enough time to get onto the stage, her coat accented beautifully by the ship floating behind her.
She gave the assembled ponies a genteel smile, then addressed them. “My friends, colleagues, and honored guests, I welcome and thank you all today to experience the maiden voyage of my personal ship, the Darkest Night. This is not a member of the royal navy, nor is it a boat bought through frivolity with the taxpayer's money, but a gift from myself to the ponies of Equestria, and dignitaries from other lands, to spread goodwill and solidify our friendship.”
Ink Well smiled to himself, nodding at the Princess's words. She has gotten a lot better at speaking with a more modern tone, but I don't know who she's fooling. This ship isn't for everypony, it's for very specific ponies, or it wouldn't have been invite only. However, as he looked around, he seemed to be the only one whose thoughts were along that line. Greenback and his trophy wife were flirting in the corner still and Blueblood seemed to be asleep on his hooves, but the others, Rose included, were smiling and accepting every word as though it were truth.
Except he knew Rose, and he could tell what this was. She was wearing her business face, the polite smile she put on when things got, and he groaned internally as he thought of the word, political. Of course that was what it was, but that didn't change his distaste for the whole thing. He didn't like how often truth and politics conflicted, and he was almost disappointed in the Princess for going down this route.
Almost. It was her job, after all. “Unfortunately,” Princess Luna continued, seemingly unaware of the ponies not paying her any mind, “I cannot accompany you on this trip. It pains me to say this, but I have been called away to an important matter and I am afraid it does require my full and immediate attention. I will do everything in my power to meet up with the airship before it reaches the sea, but if I am unable to resolve matters quickly enough, it is with my deepest apologies that I will miss the flight, though I will make myself fully available upon your return to discuss anything you may wish to.” Her eyes were on the gryphon party the entire time she spoke her promise, her face neutral, but her eyes showing just a hint of anger at her own words. “The official christening will be in a few short minutes, but until then please feel free to make yourself comfortable on the deck. Again, I thank you for being here and for understanding my absence.”
A murmur ran through the crowd as they left, quiet, but definitely discussing what could possibly have drawn Princess Luna away from the launching of her own ship. Even the gryphons could be seen exchanging looks, though they were careful not to say anything where they could be heard.
Rose turned to Ink Well, who shrugged as they started towards the deck, moving at the back of the group. “I don't know any more about it than you do. I suppose whatever Twilight was called for is more serious than I thought.”
Rose frowned. “Isn't this all a political maneuver anyway? Wouldn't it be better if she put it off until she was available.”
Ink Well looked over at Princess Luna, who was talking pointedly with the ship's steward. “Perhaps it is to better show she is dedicated to the nation, but something tells me she didn't have a choice in the matter.” As he looked at the princess, she looked over at him, their eyes meeting for a moment. She tilted her head, calling him over to her, then went back to talking. When he had failed to move after the first one, confusion on his face, she did it again, raising her eyebrows to ask if he got the message, and this time he did. “Excuse me Rose, I'll be right there. Save a good spot for us.”
Ink Well left a slightly confused Rose to follow the others onto the deck as he made his way to the Princess, reaching her just as the steward left. She turned to him as he approached, smiling down at him kindly. “Ah, Ink Well, we are glad to see that your journey was safe. Your foal is well?”
Ink Well smiled back, thinking to himself that it was actually comforting to hear her using the older language. It just sounded right from her. “I made it here in one piece, Princess, and Newsprint is in good hooves, even if Rose is still a little on edge.” He chuckled a little at that, then looked at the hull of the airship hovering so very close to him. “I still can't actually believe you're letting me ride on this beauty.”
Princess Luna shook her head. “It was no difficulty at all! Of course we would invite our friend, we only regret that the first choices had to be of a more political nature.” Her smile faded slightly, a little of the levity in their conversation drifting away with it. Her stress showed, though she hid it surprisingly well. “Unfortunately, due to the insistence of my sister, we cannot enjoy our own ship as we would have pleased. This, unfortunately, means we have a favor to ask of you.”
Slightly leery of the prospects, Ink Well frowned. “A favor? Like what?”
The Princess didn't seem any more pleased than him as she elaborated. “With our absence from the ship comes a trying time in regards to relations with the Gryphon Kingdom's ambassador, Silverbeak Earhart. While we loathe to impose this upon you, we must ask that you speak to him in our stead and ensure him that we still wish to talk when the Darkest Night returns.”
Ink Well held up a hoof, brow furrowed at the implications. “Wait, Princess Luna, with all due respect, you want me to play ambassador to the gryphons? Don't you have another option? Maybe another member of the royal family...” Both of them shared the thought of Prince Blueblood talking to the gryphons, and while it was an amusing scene, it wasn't exactly diplomatic.
Luna was the first to come out of the trance. “Our nephew, we are ashamed to say, was forced upon our ship by our sister. He is not... suitable for delicate situations.”
Ink Well wanted to continue arguing, but something was bugging him. “Your nephew? I thought he was your sister's nephew. Is there a third sister nopony knows about?”
Princess Luna smiled mischievously. “Tia does not appreciate it, for it makes her feel aged, but he is her... more greats than we care to count grandson.” Her smile changed, becoming friendly. “But that is merely another reason why we place our trust in you. We are still making an impression with the other ponies, and we remember the stallion that started Blueblood's line. We never saw what Tia did in him...”
Ink Well shook his head, brought back on track from an issue centuries in the making and a secret so freely shared with him. “But I'm not a diplomat. I'm not even a high class pony, I'm just a writer.”
“The writer who liberated hundreds of gryphons from slavery and printed the truth for all to see. If anypony holds more esteem within their nation, we do not know of them.” The Princess smiled again, knowing she had a winning point here. “Remember, the right pony in the right place at the right time can change the world, and you have certainly changed theirs. They may not recognize you now, but simply introduce yourself and they will.” After she said that, she waved the thought away with her hoof. “But that is of little consequence. We do not wish for you to be a diplomat on our ship, and we know you would not be if we did. We simply ask for you to remind them of my wish to discuss matters with them. If they are willing to talk when the journey ends, your job will be completed with the highest commendation we can offer.”
Ink Well shook his head, now as unsure of the trip as his wife had been the whole way here. “I don't need anything for my efforts, Princess, but I'll do my best.”
The Princess's smile grew. “We knew you would! And we knew you would accept no reward, so instead let us offer you this: Do not address us as Princess in private, if you please. Luna will be more than adequate.”
Ink Well bowed his head, honored. “Thank you Pri-, Luna. I will do my best.”
“We are sure you will Ink Well. We hope you and your wife enjoy the trip and We shall greet you most joyously when you return.” Luna nodded her head, dismissing Ink Well to the ramp to find his way to his wife's side as Luna prepared to christen the ship.
When Ink Well finally got there, Rose was, of course, curious, going to his side and talking low. “What did the Princess want to speak with you about?”
Ink Well shook his head, smiling as he saw the eyes of the rest of the passengers on him. Who is he who the Princess would talk to in private? It was amazing what a small gesture did to the political landscape... “Luna wants me to play diplomat, but more importantly, she wants us to enjoy the trip. Thus, we will focus on the second.” Before Rose could ask, Luna's voice rose from the front of the ship, ringing out proudly within the hangar.
“I, Princess Luna of Equestria, christen thee the Darkest Night! May your flights be safe and the winds be always behind you!” There was a crash of glass breaking against the hull of the ship, followed by a cheer from the crew and passengers aboard the ship. Behind them the massive hangar doors opened, giving the ship passage out of the mountain and into the crisp air surrounding it as it slowly maneuvered itself free.
From up here even Canterlot Castle looked small, a tiny toy building in charge of all of Equestria, which rolled out in every direction far beneath the hull of this one ship. A few Pegasi flitted about the balloon, securing lines and checking that the propellers behind the ship were working properly, while on the deck the many unicorns, unused to flying, enjoyed the sight presented for them. The gryphons, much more jaded to the sight, went below deck.
And near the bow of the ship, Ink Well and Rose leaned on the railing, Ink Well's wing draped over his love's shoulder to protect her from the chill. They had both flown before, but not like this, and not with such a wonderful sight spreading beneath them. Ponyville was beautiful, but the sight afforded by the cool mountain air, chilling and clear and letting even the furthest corners of Equestria be clearly seen, was something unimaginable until it was seen. As they saw the sun beginning to descend, the light gleaming gold off of the top of the clouds, the couple pulled themselves closer together, Rose leaning her head on Ink Well's shoulder.
No matter what happened, political or not, one thing was definitely clear: this was going to be a trip neither of them would ever forget.