As evening fell, Dusk reached the borders of Canterlot. Having visited the city many times over the years, he had no intention of staying, only going to replenish his supplies. Getting everything he needed took longer then expected, leaving him no choice but to find a place to stay for the night.
The most logical choice to stop by his grandparents; They would surely welcome him into their home for the night. His maternal grandparents were closer, so he headed their way. As Dusk walked, he took in the appearance of Canterlot at night. The sky was clear and cloudless, all the stars above clear to see, and the full moon gleaming brightly. As Dusk gazed upwards, he found himself bumping into somepony.
"Oh, sorry." He mumbled. "I should have been watching where I was-"
Dusk stopped in his tracks when he realised who he was talking to; It was Princess Luna and her husband, Prince Gothic.
"Good evening, young Dusk." Luna smiled.
"Hello, Luna." Dusk smiled. "Hi, Gothic."
"Hi yourself, kiddo." Gothic nodded.
"I see you're still touring Equestria." Luna noted.
"Yep." Dusk grinned. "Just stopped off for some supplies. Didn't think I'd run into you two, though."
"We're just off to stroll around the castle gardens." Gothic declared.
"Perhaps you'd like to join us?" Luna offered.
"Oh, I wouldn't want to intrude." Dusk declared.
"It's no intrusion." Luna smiled. "We are family, are we not?"
"Well, there is that." Dusk shrugged. "Sure, why not?"
"Excellent." Luna smiled.
The three royal family walked together.
"So, how's your Equestrian tour working out?" Gothic asked.
"Pretty good." Dusk smiled. "I've seen great things, made new friends, and learned some stuff too."
"Nice." Gothic nodded. "Never been much of a traveller myself. Always stayed close to home, I did."
"Well, to each his own." Dusk smiled.
"Well, I am certainly pleased that you didn't stray too far." Luna smiled at Gothic. "Otherwise, we might never have met."
"And what a tragedy that would have been." Gothic nuzzled Luna.
Dusk smiled winsomely. Seeing Luna and Gothic together reminded him of himself and Dazzle. A thought occurred to him, but it seemed inappropriate to voice it at the moment, so he decided to restrain it until later.
The royal ponies reached the gardens of Canterlot castle. Dusk took in the sight. He had been there before, but never at night. The moonlight reflected in the fountain's water, the wind gentled rustled the hedges; It was like an entirely new place.
"That night of yours really is something, Luna." Dusk declared. "it gives everything a whole new look."
"I like to think I do good work." Luna said humbly.
"That's what I always thought." Gothic nuzzled her again.
Princess Celestia came hovering down.
"Ah, there you are, Luna." She smiled. "And hello, Dusk. I trust the journey's going well?"
"Very well, thanks." Dusk smiled.
"Wonderful." Celestia chuckled. "Luna, I need you to come inside for a moment. We need to discuss placements for tomorrow's diplomacy banquet."
"Coming, sister." Luna nodded. She kissed Gothic on the cheek. "Try not to miss me too hard."
"I'll try, but I can't make any promises." Gothic chuckled.
As Luna and Celestia flew back to the castle, Dusk decided to ask Gothic the question he had thought of early.
"There's something I've been wondering, Gothic." He declared.
"What is it, kiddo?" Gothic asked.
"Well... Luna is immortal, and you're not." Dusk stated. "What happens when you... y'know? Won't Luna be sad?"
"She will." Gothic nodded. "But we didn't enter into a relationship lightly. We both knew that I would age and die, and she wouldn't."
Dusk was surprised. If he was the immortal, and would end up losing Dazzle to old age, he didn't think he'd have it in him to cope with the loss.
"Then, if you don't mind my asking, why risk such pain?" Dusk inquired.
"Because it's worth it." Gothic declared. "We value each other's love and companionship more then anything. Luna told me herself that she would miss me when I'm gone, but she'll always have the memories of us together to fall back on."
"She said that?" Dusk gasped. "Really?"
"Everypony loses somepony special sooner or later." Gothic pointed out. "But they're never really gone, as long as you keep them in your heart."
"Wow, that's... really deep." Dusk nodded.
Luna flew back over.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." She declared, giving Gothic another kiss. "Dusk, would you care to join us for some supper?"
"I can't, thanks." Dusk shook his head. "I'm planning to stop by my grandparents tonight, and if I leave it any later, they might just be asleep by the time I get there."
"I understand." Luna nodded. "Until we meet again, Dusk."
"See ya, kiddo." Dusk smiled.
"Bye." Dusk waved.
As Dusk walked over to his grandparents, he was struck for the first time by how old they were. They wouldn't be around forever. But like Gothic said,as long as he cherished their time together, they would always be in his heart.
He knocked on the door of his maternal grandparents's house. Night Light was the one to open it.
"Dusk!" He smiled. "Good to see you!"
"Hi, grampa." Dusk chuckled as he entered the house.
"Is that my darling grandson?" Twilight Velvet raced over and hugged him. "Give grandma a hug!"
"Hi, grandma." Dusk gleefully accepted. "Mind if I stay the night? I'm just passing through, you know."
"Like you even have to ask." Night Light chuckled.
"Have you been eating right?" Velvet fretted. "Let me make you some nettle soup. That'll fill you right up."
"Anything, you say, grandma." Dusk smiled.
As Dusk spent the rest of the night there, he reflected on how lucky he was, and made a note to visit his paternal grandparents before leaving the next day; He didn't want to leave them out; After all, there was more then enough room in his heart for all of them.