While Rose and Ink Well rested wearily in each other's arms, Morning Dew looked down at the unconscious changeling before her, not looking forward the the long trek of dragging him downstairs to be locked up. Before she could begin, however, the sound of trotting hooves brought her attention to the rest of the deck.
Coming up to her were Fleur de Lis and Silver Bell, both glaring rather angrily at the captured changeling. Behind them the door to the lower decks was jammed full of guests, with some spilling out as the stragglers ran up, all curious as to the outcome of the chase.
Dew stood at attention as Silver Bell approached. “The attempted assassin has been captured, Steward. We got him.”
Silver Bell's voice was cold as he observed the fallen changeling. “I am well aware.”
Fleur looked like she was about to burst into flames, an enraged hoof lifting up as she approached her husband's imposter, only to stomp down next to his head. “You are lucky zat I am against violence, or with Celestia as my witness I...” She snorted at the fallen body, then looked to Rose and Ink Well. “Thank you both so much for everything you 'ave done.” She then looked towards Dew, a moment of hesitation showing in her eyes. “And thank you for saving zem. We are een your debt.” She then looked to the Steward. “Would eet be possible to send a scout to Canterlot? I fear for my real 'usband's safety.”
Silver Bell nodded. “Of course, miss. We will send our fastest flyer out momentarily. Now, terribly sorry to trouble you, but could you take the prisoner downstairs? I have a little business I have to attend to.”
Fleur smiled with relief when Silver Bell mentioned the flyer, a look that disappeared completely as she glared down at the prisoner in question. “Eet would be my pleasure.” A pink aura wrapped around the perforated hoof of the unconscious changeling, unceremoniously dragging it across the deck behind the model unicorn.
Dew winced as she watched Fleur reach the stairs and pointedly not pick up the changeling, not envying him for the headache he'd have when he woke up. As she did, though, she noticed Silver Bell continuing to glare at her. “Um... Steward, don't you have a flyer to send and guests to take care of?”
Silver Bell's mouth turned in a sneer. “Oh, don't even try, Dew. You know exactly what this is about.”
Dew's heart sank, but she pressed on. “Is it about telling Rose how you would make fun of the gryphons below deck? Because, to be fair, I didn't know what Ink Well was doing either.”
There was no warning as Silver Bell's horn lit up, a silver barrier forming between him and Morning Dew. She tried to back up, but she ran into another wall, a dome of magic holding her in. “What are you doing?!” she screamed in the bubble, her frightened voice echoing around the magical barrier.
Silver Bell's voice was muffled as he spoke through the magic. “I can't believe two of you disgusting insects tried to hide right under my nose!”
“No! Please, just listen to me!” Dew pounded against the wall of the barrier, eyes wide with panic, but her pleading fell on deaf ears. She turned to the other side, trying to get Ink Well's attention. “Tell him how I helped you! How I saved you! Ink Well!” Despite the resonance within the bubble, she didn't know if any of it was getting out, and even if it was... Ink Well wasn't moving. Neither was Rose... they'd betrayed her...
Dew's footing became unsteady as the barrier lifted, the bottom of the bubble forming beneath her hooves. She continued to smash her hooves against the rounded surface, trying desperately to get Ink Well's attention. “You promised nothing would happen! You needed me, now help me!” She sunk down in her prison, her body curling in the curved bottom of the floor. “Please...”
“What in Tartarus do you think you are doing with Morning Dew?” Dew's ears perked up her head popping up at the voice of hope. But it wasn't coming from Rose or Ink Well, both still laying where they were. “Trixie asks once more, what do you think you are doing with Miss Dew?”
Trixie stood defiantly in front of Silver Bell, cutting off his path and glaring at the Steward, who only looked incredulously at her. “I am taking her in! She's a changeling.”
“And what does this have to do with anything?”
Silver Bell took a step back. “Are you crazy? Equestrian Law states that all changelings are to be brought in on sight. You saw what the other one did! How dangerous he was! Who knows she’s not just as bad!”
“What are you, dumb? You let her go right now!” Gilda leaped from the door, flapping her wings once before landing just in front of Trixie, glaring at Silver Bell.
Silver Bell stood firm, though sweat began to bead on his brow. “Now, Gilda, I know that your laws are different, but let me assure you that-”
“Screw the law! She just saved two ponies' lives and aided in the capture of a changeling assassin. One you said wasn't a problem!” said Gilda, prodding Silver Bell in the chest with her claw.
“And one you locked Trixie up for being!” chimed in Trixie.
“B-but she could aid the other in-” stuttered Silver Bell.
Gilda cut him off when she grabbed his lapel, growling in his face. “She ran after the changeling while you tried to keep everyone calm! She risked her life and her safety to save the lives of the pony who saved my life and the pony risking her own to bring the attacker to justice. She had been working steadily on the ship when you couldn't even be bothered to clean up the bloodstain in our room! So I don't give a flying feather what your law says, if anyone's getting locked up for helping out that changeling, it's you! Now let. Her. Go.”
With a soft 'meep' from Silver Bell the bubble around Dew disappeared, dropping her to the deck. Gilda just smiled and let him go. “Thank you.”
Silver Bell ran off towards the door, but Dew called after him, “Don't forget to get a messenger for Fleur!” As she saw his tail disappear, she turned to Trixie and Gilda, the latter of which she barely had the pleasure of knowing. “Thank you... both of you. Without you, who knows what I'd be subjected to right now...”
Gilda shook her head. “Don't worry about it. Any friend of Ink’s is a friend of G.” She held out a claw in greeting. “Name's Gilda, by the way.”
Dew shook the claw. “Morning Dew... though, why didn't Ink Well defend me?”
Trixie sighed. “Soundproof bubble. Trixie knows from experience. But, then, look at them.” She pointed towards the bow of the ship, where Rose and Ink Well lay against each other, both sleeping soundly, a gentle smile on their faces. “Would you really want to be the one to wake them up?”
Dew smiled at the sight, able to feel the love between them even where she was. “No... no I wouldn't.” She then turned towards the door, noticing the absence of a certain pony. “C'mon. Let's go get Ampoule. She's good at breaking bad news.”
Sunset descended upon Canterlot like a silken sheet, casting the pristine towers of the castle in amber, which flowed rich and deep over the rest of the town. Shops were closing for the evening, ponies were heading home, and, high above them, the Darkest Night was coming in to port, it's deck just as full as it had been when it had left four days before.
Although most of the occupants were injured in some way, most of the minor ones from the flinging of Trixie and one from Ink Well's hoof, even those with major injuries would have been remiss to miss the beauty of descending into town. All of the passengers were on the deck, even Steelwing, barely recovered as he was, as were many of the crew eager to be home. In fact, only two ponies were noticeably missing. Silver Bell, who hadn't come up since Gilda had spoken with him, and Fancy Pants, who wasn't even on the ship anyway.
As the great hangar doors opened to allow the ship to land, the interior was already crowded. A few workers were preparing for the landing of the royal yacht, but outnumbering them ten-to-one were royal guards at attention, awaiting their prisoner. Also awaiting the ship's arrival were Princess Luna herself and a vision that made Fleur de Lis weep with delight. She waved and called eagerly, all of it met by a very tired, slightly disappointed, but overall happy Fancy Pants.
As the ship made its docking maneuvers, Fleur turned to Rose and Ink Well, who were both bandaged and tired, but glad to be so nearly home. “Oh, thank you both so much! I dread to think what could 'ave 'appened 'ad you not discovered ze impostor! My Fancy Pants, all wrapped and 'ung up in some dark cave... Without you, 'e would still be zere!” She flung her arms around Rose, who winced at the pressure against her many bruises.
Ink Well chuckled, tapping Fleur on the shoulder and easing her off of his wife. “Fleur, please, think nothing of it. It was our duty to investigate, and we're just glad to have helped.”
Fleur shook her head. “Non! I eensist! You both did so much more zan you 'ad to, and in return, please, ask us for anything. Eef myself or Fancy can 'elp you een any way, just send us a letter!” Her eyes opened wide after that. “I know! I shall make sure to wear your perfume exclusively! Fancy does like ze scents, but I 'ave so many zat yours is sometimes lost in ze shuffle. But no more! Zere is but one perfume I endorse, and eet is Rosewater!”
Rose tried to be excited, she really did, but her tired body was just not letting her show how happy she was. “Fleur, already that is more than I could ask for. Please, at least let me-” The sound of wood hitting stone echoed around the hangar, and Fleur's ears perked at it.
“Ah! Ze gangway is down, I must depart!” She kissed Rose, then Ink Well on the cheek before running off. “Remember! Eef you need anything, just ask!” The couple watched Fleur run down the stairs and towards her husband. “Fancyyyyyyy!” she squealed as she jumped against him, holding him close, much to the amusement of anypony watching. Whatever the reunited pair talked about was lost to the din, however, as ponies began to move.
Ink Well, who hadn't been nearly as excited as Rose, turned to her with a small smile. “So... how big is her endorsement?”
Rose shook her head, still hardly able to believe it. “Fleur is the single biggest model in Equestria right now, and Fancy Pants is one of the most important ponies in Canterlot. Having their exclusive endorsement will do for my perfumes than what having the Princess's did for your books.” Ink Well remembered the spike in sales after Princess Celestia had said she'd read his book. For over a month they simply couldn't be printed fast enough. He was excited at the news, but he saw a worried look on Rose's face. “I am going to be very busy...”
Ink Well smiled, kissing her on the cheek. “We are going to be busy, Rosy. But when haven't we been?” They both shared a smile at the joke, but it was interrupted as a couple guards stormed past and into the ship. While most of the guests were asked to stay on the ship, the gryphons were all led away to speak with the Princess down below. Ink Well couldn't hear any of it, but he was hoping that Silverbeak would live up to his deal.
Before he could determine anything, the prisoner was brought out of the ship in chains, flanked on all sides by royal guards and followed rather smugly by Silver Bell. The whole group marched down the gangway and to the Princess, who was still talking with the Ambassador. She nodded to the lead guard, then sent them off, but Ink Well saw Silver Bell walk up to her, talking low. She looked very serious for a moment, then nodded, sending him off as well. He quietly walked back up onto the ship, disappearing below decks again.
It was then that the rest of the guests were allowed to leave, and Ink Well and Rose decided to stay back, letting the healthier ponies take their exit first. Prince Blueblood held nothing but a scowl and an upturned nose with red-stained tissue stuck in it for either of them, but Greenback and Diamond Wishes at least had the courtesy to bid them farewell. Ampoule just warned both of them about overexerting themselves on their injuries before she disembarked.
Trixie was the last one to leave the boat, waiting for Rose and Ink Well to grab their trunk and go with her before she did. With the injuries on both ponies, carrying the trunk between them wasn't nearly as easy as it had been when they arrived, but they managed. And neither dreamed of carrying it alone. “The Great and Powerful Trixie would like to extend her deepest thanks once again for proving her innocent.”
Rose shook her head. “Really, Trixie. It was nothing. And you've helped out quite a bit on your own with capturing the changeling.”
Trixie smiled, nodding smugly. “Yes, Trixie did, but that's not the point. The point is that the next time you two are in Manehattan, let Trixie know. You'll get in to the show, free of charge.”
Ink Well remembered the show he saw, and wasn't particularly thrilled to see it again, if he was honest. “Trixie, that is kind of you, but I don't think-”
“Did you know Trixie was the only pony ever to beat Princess Sparkle in a magical duel?” She noted the stunned look on both of their faces, her grin only widening. “That's what Trixie thought. When you come, you can see the show that did it, as well as have an exclusive interview with Trixie herself, Mr. Well.” At the bottom of the gangway, she bowed deeply, swirling her cape around her as she did. “Trixie shall see you there.” There was a puff of smoke and then Trixie was nowhere to be seen, which was fairly impressive considering Ink Well was actually watching for her exit.
Rose smiled as she watched him search for the missing magician. “You know, she's still full of herself, but she does know a thing or two about showmareship.” Ink Well chuckled at that, starting his way out of the hangar.
Long before he reached the door Princess Luna spotted him, calling to him as he walked. “Ink Well, we wish to speak with you.” Ink Well turned towards Luna, who beckoned with a hoof. With a slight groan he put down his end of the trunk and started towards her. “And bring Roseluck as well!”
At that Ink Well smiled, turning to look at the startled mare asked for. “Come on, Rose. The Princess awaits.” He waited for Rose to make her way over to him, then both of the bandaged ponies walked side by side up to the Princess of the Night herself, bowing at her hooves.
Luna rolled her eyes. “Please, Ink Well, we already asked that you refrain from such formalities. And in your injured states, we wish you not exert yourself more than need be.” When they got up, their eyes raising to meet the gaze of the Princess, it also met Luna's beaming smile. “Words cannot express our thanks for all you have done in our stead, Ink Well. Ironically, it was a changeling threat upon the nation that called our attention away from where it was most needed. And though you may have 'tweaked some noses,'” her glance darted briefly to the departing Prince Blueblood, a slight smile appearing on her face, “you have also secured open relations with the Ambassador Silverbeak and the Gryphon Kingdom with the apprehension of the changeling assassin. With all of our heart, we thank you.”
Ink Well went through the praise in his mind, a small frown appearing on his face as he did. “I'll take credit for some of that, fair enough, but I can't take all of it. Without Rose's help that changeling would still be out there, and I wouldn't even be standing here. Once more I can honestly say I couldn't live without her.” He looked over to Rose, who was blushing slightly at his words. “If there's a pony you should be thanking, it's Rose, not me.”
The Princess's smile fell on Rose, her imposing regal figure relaxed as she looked Rose over. “Ah, yes, of course. We regret that we have not seen you since your wedding night, though Ink Well has written much about you. If what both you and the Ambassador say is true, then she is definitely a mare worthy of praise.” Luna cleared her throat, taking a step towards Rose. “Roseluck, we thank you for the securing of the changeling assassin aboard our ship, as well as saving the lives of those upon it.” She then, in a sweeping motion, brought Rose into a hug, resting her chin gently on Rose's shoulder. “We ask that you call us Luna, and wish it known that we call you friend.”
Rose was stunned by the display of affection from one of the Princesses, almost into silence. However, at the last moment, she remembered her manners, returning the hug given to her. “Thank you, Luna. Really. Please, call me Rose.”
Luna pulled back from the hug, her smile still on fading. “Then Rose it is.” With that done, she looked between the two ponies, looking slightly anxious. “We wish to hear about your trials, and ask that you rest and recover from your injuries in the castle.”
Rose was still a little shell shocked from everything going on. Really, she still could hardly believe that she had jumped off the ship all those hours ago, and now one of the Princesses was offering her a stay at Canterlot Castle... they hadn't even had that offered when they were married there! And yet... that wasn't at all what she wanted to do... And, when she looked over at her husband, it seemed Ink Well was having the same thoughts as her.
“Luna... as much as we would love to take you up on your offer, and as much as you deserve to know the whole story, I'm afraid the only thing we really want to do is go home to our little colt and leave all this political adventure behind us for a bit.” Ink Well looked sheepish as he spoke, as though it really pained him to do so. Considering his injured lung, it probably did. “I really hope you don't mind...”
Luna looked from Ink Well to Rose, seeing both of them to be of one mind. “Ah, right, little Newsprint. Probably for the best that he was left at home, considering...” A frown appeared on Luna's face, but she nodded. “Very well, we understand your wish to return to the comfort of your home. You wish to catch the evening train, yes?” Ink Well nodded. “Then we shall let you go. It will be leaving much too soon for dallying. However, we do wish for a detailed account of your experiences as soon as you find the time.”
Ink Well and Rose both nodded at that. “Of course, Luna,” said Ink Well. “As soon as we get settled back in.”
“Very well. Travel safely, friends.” Luna nodded to the couple, sending them back off towards their trunk as she seemed to contemplate her ship. Just as the couple picked their trunk up again, however, her voice called out. “Rose, would you be so kind as to speak with us for a moment?” Rose looked at Ink Well, who motioned her off, then made her way to the Princess.
At first, Luna made no motion to indicate she knew Rose was there, her stern gaze focused on her ship. Following her eyes, however, Rose was able to see that Luna was watching one particular pony: a pegasus with hair the color of the morning sun and a bandage on one of her front hooves. After watching for a few moments in silence, Luna spoke. “Rose, we both know the law quite well. What do you suppose we should do with the changeling 'Morning Dew?'” Rose looked over to see Luna now carefully watching her, her eyes studying Rose carefully, with a silent intensity.
After all those times Rose had studied the moon, various thoughts flooding her mind, it was a little disconcerting for the moon to be studying her back. Still, after careful deliberation, Rose voiced her thoughts. “I think that nothing should be done with Dew. She is causing no harm and doesn't want anything more than to stay in Equestria. If there is a way for her to be marked officially as a changeling allowed within our borders, I'd say do it. And if she could be registered without everypony knowing, that would probably be for the best. She just wants to keep living the dream, and who are we to take that from her?”
Luna, the keeper of dreams, smiled a little at Rose's words, looking once more at Morning Dew working happily on her ship. “Those were our thoughts exactly. We merely wished for the opinion of one who nearly lost somepony precious to a changeling.”
Rose smirked at those words. “A changeling, yes. But not that changeling.” She looked up to Luna, seeing an even larger grin than the one she had been sporting earlier before Luna nodded her head, signaling for Rose to leave. Rose looked around, finally spotting Ink Well at the door, having found somepony to help him with the trunk. She waved to him, then turned to the Princess once more, bowing her head. “Goodbye, Luna. Have a pleasant evening.” With that she set off to meet her husband, ready to finally be going home.
It was early the next morning when Rose and Ink Well's overnight train rolled into Ponyville. The conductor had not been particularly glad to have two bandaged and bloody ponies led on by some royal guards, but at least it meant he didn't bother them for the ride home. Which wasn't to say they did anything interesting, they mostly just stuck close together and tried to sleep away the injuries, but it was nice not to be disturbed.
Ink Well and Rose hobbled off of the train together, Ink Well's fedora sitting on his head to inform ponies looking to ignore the bandages, this was business as usual. They got off of the platform and all the way to the front of the building before they needed to take a break, and it was lucky they did. “Hey, Ink Well! Rose! Somepony's glad to see you home!”
Off to the side of the station stood Scootaloo with a very small colt running around her feet, his pink and rose mane, the opposite of his mother's, blowing in a gentle breeze. The cream furred foal took one look at the couple, then sat down on his haunches, bursting into tears. Immediately both of his parents dropped their trunk, moving as quickly as they could on their injured limbs. Rose was the first there, scooping the foal up. “Newsprint! Newsy, it's okay! We're alright! Mom and dad are fine, right?”
Newsprint looked from the bandaged arm holding him to Ink Well's bandaged everything, tears at the ready. However, he was stopped when Ink Well walked over, nuzzling him on the nose. “There there. I'd be frightened to look at us too. But it won't happen again, we promise.” Newsprint looked up to his father, his emerald green eyes looking for strength in his father's face, and he found it in the fedora Ink Well placed on his head.
When Newsprint managed to get the oversized hat up above his eyes to look at Rose, his face just beaming, Rose smiled at her son. “You should listen to him. He always keeps his promises.” Newsprint's smile grew from there and he hugged himself against Rose's chest, seemingly even happier than they were for the family to be together again.
Scootaloo sniffled off to the side, trying to hide the tear rolling down her cheek, and Ink Well chuckled at her. When she blushed and turned away, his laughter only grew. “So I trust everything went well while we were gone?”
Scootaloo nodded. “Yep! Ellipsis didn't destroy anything, Newsprint was a blast to be around, and I figured he'd been so good, he should get to see you first thing you got back.” She looked at Ink Well then, seeing the blood staining through the bandages on his chest. “Looks like you almost didn't make it back.”
Ink Well shook his head. “You have no idea. If you're interested, I'll tell you the story another day, but right now we need a few hours to unwind and unpack.” He saw Scootaloo nod, not quite able to place the look in her eyes. “Thank you very much for taking care of little Newsy.”
Scootaloo nodded again. “Thanks for letting me! Nopony ever seems to trust me with foals, I don't know why. Just because I don't have a cutie mark for it doesn't mean I'm gonna blow up the baby. How else am I supposed to practice for my own?” She stuck out her tongue at the town in general, making fun of whoever had denied her before, but Ink Well couldn't help but mull over the last thing she said. He didn't have very long to, however, before she waved at him. “Goodbye Ink Well! I've got to go, but thanks again!”
Ink Well waved back as Scootaloo ran off around the corner of the building, a slightly puzzled look on his face. “Rose... did you hear what Scootaloo said? About practicing for her own foal?”
Rose rolled her eyes and smiled. “Mares think about those sorts of things a lot younger than colts do. It can't mean anything. She's much too young for it. She doesn't even have her cutie mark yet.” She walked over to the trunk, placing Newsprint, who was still trying to figure out how to wear his father's hat, on top of it. “Now come on, the trunk won't carry itself home.”
As he went to join her, he saw Scootaloo walking away from the station with a wiry young pegasus colt, their wings over each other's backs. He just shook his head as he walked back to the trunk. “Rosy, let’s go home. I need a vacation from our vacation.”
With a mighty heave the trunk was suspended between Rose and Ink Well once more. But now it wasn't just a trunk. It was an airship, captained by the daring Newsprint. And, despite how even his tiny weight strained their tired muscles, the couple wouldn’t have it any other way.