//------------------------------// // XI: They Danced by the Light of the Moon // Story: Kind Hearts & Coronets // by Shinzakura //------------------------------// The door to the shop rang as someone came in. The store’s proprietor, Raspberry Beryl – a mulberry-hued unicorn mare with a lilac and sky-blue mane – chirped in delight as the bell rang. “Welcome to Beryl’s Baubles! How can I help you?” A second later, she smiled even more warmly, as this wasn’t just a typical walk-in customer. “Oh! Mister Silversteel! Please, come on in!” “Thank you, Miss Beryl,” Silver said as he entered the jewelry store. “And please – just call me Silver.” “Then call me Razz, if you don’t mind,” she replied with a smile. “So anyway, I assume you’re here to see your daughter?” “Yeah,” he said, rubbing the back of his head. “In a nutshell.” Razz went into the back part of the shop, while Silver spent a couple of minutes looking at the jewelry displays. Though he knew very little about gems and jewelry, he knew nice craftsmanship when he saw it; furthermore, it warmed his heart that some of the pieces had been done by his daughter and she was showing great skill in her craft – while he wasn’t sure, he pretty much guessed which ones were made by her and which by her mentor, though at some points it was somewhat difficult to be sure. “Dad!” Sparkler went up to him and hugged him. “What brings you into town?” “Just had my weekend free – Rarity’s on business in Torontrot for the week and I wanted to come to Ponyville and see how my girls are doing.” “Well, I’m not off work for another few hours, but Mom should be picking Dinky up from school, if you want to meet her there,” Sparkler suggested. “Well, I didn’t come here entirely just to see you, Sparky,” Silver admitted. “I’m also here to buy something.” “Well, we’ve got a new selection of summerstone rings that I’ve just made, if you care to see them,” Razz said. “I’ll even toss in a discount.” “No offense, Razz, but I was hoping that it’d be something my daughter made,” Silver said, an earnest smile on his face. “I’m thinking this one should, um, ‘be kept in the family’, if you know what I mean.” Razz picked up on the meaning immediately, but it took Sparkler a few seconds to comprehend. Finally, when it sank in, she asked, “Does that mean you’re going to…?” When he nodded yes, she embraced him again. “Congratulations, Dad. I’m sure you’ll make Miss Rarity absolutely happy.” That night, Silver sat down for dinner with his daughters and Derpy. It was a testament to how much changed in the nearly two years since the day their relationship ended that they were able to sit down and talk without dredging up memories of the past. Instead, they talked about Dinky’s school, Sparkler’s apprenticeships and attempts at dating – Silver expected her to introduce the young stallion should they ever be on a date where he was nearby – and then ultimately to recent events in Derpy’s life. “And so Crescent Moon asked me out again, but I had to decline,” Derpy said, taking a bite from her place. “While he’s cute – very cute – I had to turn him down because I’m just not in the right mind for dating again. And no, Silver, that’s not your fault.” “I know it isn’t, Derpy, but I don’t want you to have to give up on your own social life just for the girls – I’m sure they don’t want you to, either.” “Dad’s right, Mom,” Sparkler agreed. “Besides, that way I can help make an engagement band for you like Dad’s asking me t—whoops!” She immediately covered her mouth, looking mortified. “I guess that was supposed to be a secret?” “Hardly, muffin,” Derpy assured her older daughter. “I kinda expected this would happen sooner or later.” “Derpy, I….” Silver began. “No, Silver, you don’t have to apologize for anything. You love her, and proposing to her was only going to be a matter of time, I knew. And I’m hardly the jilted ex-wife; I like Rarity and I think you chose well,” Derpy insisted. “The way my social life is going really doesn’t have any bearing with how your life’s going.” “Oh, good – for a moment I thought you’d be a little jealous.” “I am,” she teased, though there was something in her voice that hardened just a touch, just a slight hint that perhaps it wasn’t entirely in jest. “Just a little, though, but that’s my fault – my heart’s never going to let go, even though my mind has, if that makes sense.” He nodded. “It does.” The two adults looked at one another. Sparkler knew her parents well enough to know that look. Turning to her younger sister, she said, “I think we should go play a game in the living room. Want to play Princesstratego?” “How about Battleclouds?” Dinky said as Sparkler picked up their dishes and put them in the sink. The two adults let the foals depart before Derpy gave a wan smile, closing her eyes as she said, “Our older daughter is far too bright at times.” “Derpy, I never meant to hurt you by not telling you.” “How am I supposed to feel, Silver?” she said, her eyes tearing up. “I heard Sparky’s words and the only thing going through my mind is that we should have been married for the past two years now. And now here you are, getting ready to propose to Rarity, and….” She sighed. “Do you know what my first date was like after I left you? Went out with Chocolate Haze, but that didn’t go well, because I kept – and quite unfairly, too – comparing him to you. Then afterwards, I went out with Chance-a-Lot, but I did the same thing to him, too. I tried a couple more stallions, but all it’s proven is that what I already knew: I’m not over you and I probably never will be.” She reached over the table and took his hooves in hers. “Did you know that just a few days after I called it quits I sent a flamefax to Shining to pass a note to you that I’d changed my mind?” “I never got the note,” he said. “I know. At first I thought that Shining was just stepping in to protect my feelings like he usually does, but after he found out, he did some investigating and found out that Spike gave Goldie the note to pass on – and your sister wasn’t too happy with me back then.” “I’ll have to talk to her.” “No, just leave it,” she said, her voice broken. She then took her hooves away and said, “Silver, I think you need to leave now before I do something we’ll both regret.” “Derpy, I know you. You wouldn’t strike a fly,” he said. “Silver, unless you want to explain to your soon-to-be fiancée why you and I have three foals instead of two, I think you need to leave now.” He caught the whiff of sweetscent in the air and immediately understood. He went over to give her a goodbye kiss on the cheek, but she pushed him away – with great reluctance. “Please, just go. I understand and the girls will too,” she sobbed. Silver left the house feeling incredibly guilty that night. “And that should be that,” Rarity said as she signed the last of the contracts with a flourish. “The Ministry is more than happy to pay for the Royal Torontrot Museum’s expansion.” “Thank you, your grace,” Maple Leaf, the mayor of Torontrot, said as she bowed. “I should let you know that we’re scheduled to have a reception tomorrow evening to celebrate the expansion. Should I expect you’ll be joining us?” She shook her head. “I’m afraid not, Miss Leaf. The train back to Canterlot leaves in the morning and as much as I would love to attend, I must get back to my duties at the Ministry.” “A shame, that,” Maple commented. “Sapphire Shores will be performing a benefit for the museum that evening and she mentioned speaking to you about old times.” “I’ll just have to send a note to Miss Shores leaving my condolences,” Rarity said. “But since I hadn’t had that tour of the museum yet, I wonder if you’d be willing to indulge me, Miss Leaf.” “Gladly, your grace,” she said with a curtsey. A few hours later, Rarity, with her guard escort in tow, departed the museum for the nearby hotel. “Thanks for indulging me, Night Lily,” she told the black pegasus. Night Lily smiled. “Are you kidding? I love museums! Honestly, I bet if it wasn’t for the fact that my family’s legacy guardspony, I probably would’ve tried to work at a museum or something. Trust me, getting to be your guard is a pleasure – and I’d rather do that than be on guard duty for Duchesses Andalusia or Mustang, no offense or nothing.” Rarity’s eyes narrowed in offense. “And what’s wrong with my sisters?” “Nothing at all,” Lily replied. “Just that well, whoever has guard duty for those two that weekend usually ends up getting roped into helping out on the Apple farm, and between you and me? I’m a little too dainty for that kind of hard work.” She giggled. “Really feel sorry for whomever’s got that duty during applebucking season, if you ask me.” “Why?” Rarity batted her lashes wickedly. “Volunteering?” “You wouldn’t!” Lily gasped. The unicorn flashed a smile as they approached the hotel. “Of course I wouldn’t, dear – with the obvious exception of Rainbow and Twilight, each of us has a retinue of guards that suits us, and I like mine being beautiful and cultured, of course. Though, no offense, I’d rather not need one at all.” “You know the orders, your grace,” Lily replied. “Until intelligence and the Guild can confirm those letters sent to the palace weren’t just pranks, the four Knights not usually attached to martial duties are to have a small retinue of guards at all times. And no offense to you, your grace, but I was hoping to be home for my son’s birthday party this weekend. Little Watermelon Seed’s just turning ten and I’ve missed too many birthdays over the years.” “Oh, dear. I’m very sorry about that, Night Lily,” Rarity apologized, feeling guilty. “Had I known, I would have required Birch Branch or Ribbon Rose to come along. When we return, I insist you take a few days off to spend time with your family.” “Your grace is too kind,” Lily said, as they entered the building. “What about you? What’re your plans when we get back to Canterlot?” “A peaceful, relaxing time with my coltfriend, hopefully,” she replied. “Other than that, spending time training my apprentice a little more, wondering what mischief my sister – and by that I mean my little sister, Sweetie Belle – and probably with the help of my sister royal – and by that I mean Twilight – and generally hoping that all this nonsense ends soon. We’re all still recovering from the windigo crisis; I do believe we’re all allowed a few minutes of peace and quiet for a change, are we not?” The following morning, Silver left Caramel and Wind Whistler’s home as soon as he could – “Getting kicked out by your ex-wife. That’s talent!” Caramel, I’d hurt you for that if I didn’t owe you for letting me stay overnight – and went straight to the train station. The bite of autumn’s brisk morning chill was already in the air, and he almost skipped going by Razz’ place, pausing only to leave a note asking that Sparkler deliver the ring as soon as it was complete. Once that was complete, he walked the remainder of the way to the station, set in the center of town. As he passed through the town, he saw the milkmare and a few other ponies milling about on their morning deliveries. He waved a jovial hello to a couple of them; it paid to be friendly, since other than work or catching the earlybird train to Canterlot, nopony in their right mind would be out of bed this time of day. So it came as a huge surprise to see Derpy, sitting there at the empty station, waiting for him. “I asked Sparkler to take Dinky to school this morning on the way to her own classes,” the pegasus explained. “Silver, I—” “You don’t have to apologize, Derpy,” he told her. “You have nothing to apologize for.” “Yes, I do,” she insisted. “You don’t know how many times I’ve fantasized about breaking up you and Rarity whenever you’ve come to visit the girls. You don’t know how many times I’ve thought to myself that maybe I’d be happy just being The Other Mare – and then I berate myself for being just like my sister.” “You’re not like Ditzy,” he told her firmly. “You’re a wonderful mother and a wonderful friend – and someday you’ll make somepony a wonderful wife, too. I wish it would have been with me, but that didn’t happen and we can’t go back. But I’m always going to love you, Derpy, and I’m always going to be your friend.” “Even after last night?” “Especially after last night, believe it or not,” Silver replied. “You could’ve given in to your desires and tried to do something we’d have regretted, but you didn’t. I’m not that kind of stallion and you’re not that kind of mare.” “Yeah, I’d never do anything like that,” Derpy said, flatly and unconvincingly. It sounded like an outright lie to Silver’s ears, but he realized that it was probably because she didn’t believe in her own emotions at the moment; he knew her well enough to know she would never be that way. He gave her an encouraging smile. “Well, maybe this is the wrong time to mention this, but I was hoping if you’d be Best Mare at the wedding.” She shook her head. “No, I’m afraid I can’t, Silver, sorry.” “I thought you sa—” She giggled. “No, not because of that, but because it’s bad luck for the bride and groom, dummy! It’d be the same as if you’d asked Exotic Beauty to be your Best Mare if we got married.” “Oh. I, uh, didn’t…know that.” “I know. Well, you go propose to your gal and I’ll be at the wedding, I promise. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got my post office to open, and a letter to send to Cloudsdale to see if Crescent Moon’s up for a date tomorrow night – I’ll need one for the wedding, right?” she winked. She threw her arms around him and kissed him – not passionately, but just chastely on the cheek while being close enough to his lips to hint at something further. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help, Silver.” She then flew off back in the direction of her home. He sighed with relief as he watched her fly off. “Well, at least that’s one problem solved,” he said aloud as he waited on the platform. “Oh, I can think of a least one more that’s cropped up in its place,” a voice said behind him, and his manehairs stood on end. Silver slowly turned around to see Rarity’s father, Magnum, standing there, a nonplussed look on his face. “Well, I had plans to go to Canterlot for the day and speak to you about something, I gather?” “Uh, yeah?” Silver said, seeing his life flash before his eyes. He hoped that his prospective father-in-law hadn’t just seen what happened. “It’s going to be a long train ride,” Magnum said, noncommittally. “Lots of interesting things to be seen while on the trip. And sometimes even before.” Oh, buck me. “Yeah, no kidding,” Silver said, trying to figure out how he was going to explain it. “Oh, dear, I got the coffee for the trip and…oh, hello, Silver! What are you doing here in Ponyville?” Pearl asked, as she arrived at the station with two cups of coffee at the ready, held in the bright yellow of her telekinesis. Silver tried not to shudder; today was going to be a really long day. “Twilight! Sweetie! What a surprise!” Rarity said as she saw her sisters waiting on the train platform in Canterlot. After promising she’d be safe in the company of the vicemagus and her apprentice, Rarity dismissed her escorts and went over to her sisters. “Honestly, ladies, I hadn’t expected anypony to be waiting here for me, with the possible exception of my dearest beloved.” “Just thought you’d want to know, sis; Mom sent a flamefax an hour ago. She and Dad are on the way here to Canterlot. Why didn’t you tell me they were coming to visit?” “Because they’re not here to see you – or me, for that matter,” the fashionista said, as a wide smile broke onto the mare’s face. “At last, it begins,” Twilight said, nodding to Rarity in congratulations. Sweetie blinked in confusion. “Uh…what begins, sis?” “You’ll find out when you’re older,” both Twilight and Rarity said at once, eliciting a groan from the youngest unicorn. Rarity then looked at Twilight and said, “I’m presuming you’re here for more than just to escort Sweetie?” “Actually, I’ve got some good news: Celestia’s giving the family the chance to stand down the extra guards if they wish. Intelligence finally found out who was sending those letters; turns out they were traced to some anti-government protesters in Manehattan. The protesters apparently blame the windigo catastrophe on Discord – apparently somepony didn’t read the memo that he’s still frozen in stone,” Twilight commented. “Anyway, once we had a chance to explain to them that Discord was still in his prison and that writing letters that could be construed as threats was a bad thing, they immediately backed off.” “Well, that’s good,” Rarity replied. “Night Lily and the others have been wonderful to work with, but I’m not sure how I feel about being followed around on a regular basis. It might work for Celestia and Luna, but not for me, I’m afraid.” “Well, Fluttershy has opted to keep her guards for the interim, while Pinkie and Applejack have already detached theirs back to the main guard units. I’d recommend sending Shiny a note if you’re going to get rid of yours.” “Oh, I definitely will. Besides, after today, I’ll be back in the strong, comfortable forelegs of a wonderful stallion and hopefully things will go well from that point. In any case, it’s getting late in the morning, almost towards noon. Has anypony had lunch yet? There’s this delightful Zhanghuanese restaurant that just opened on Royal Rise Road and I’ve been dying to try the place. Shall we?” With that, the trio walked off, hopefully to catch a taxi towards the restaurant. Ten minutes later, a second train pulled in, this one coming from Ponyville. “And you’re sure about this?” Silver said to Magnum as both stallions disembarked the train. “Yes. Silver…despite what I saw this morning, I know you’ve got the best of intentions for Rarity, and that’s fine by me,” the older stallion told the younger, “Which is why I’m admitting this to you and not them; Rarity wouldn’t take it very well and Sweetie…she’s just too young for this sort of news right now.” He shrugged. “I want my girls to be taken care of…in case….” Silver reached up and patted the older stallion on the withers. “You have my word. I love Rarity more than anything, and Sweetie is an absolute dear to me. You have my word that I will see to both.” “Thank you,” Pearl said in appreciative tones. “We’ll tell them eventually, but we were hoping that we’d discuss it with you first – for the support, you understand.” “I do, but…well, no offense intended, but now I wonder if my own parents have yet to tell me about anything I should be aware of,” Silver stated. “I do think you need to tell them as soon as possible, though. I don’t want to keep anything from Rarity and even if I did, it would be unfair for them to find out that something was amiss without any chance to be prepared.” “I will,” Magnum promised. “I just don’t know when the best time is.” “Anytime is better than never. Never tends to be forever and comes up on you faster than you expect.” “Well, that’s enough of that dour and gloominess!” Pearl chirped, throwing her forelegs around the two stallions’ necks. “What I’d like to hear is what you plan to tell her when the time comes! I’m sure you’ve had enough time to think about it and it’s the finest idea ever!” “Silver…no offense, dear, but that has to be the worst idea ever,” Pearl told him an hour later while they were at a seafood restaurant not too far from the train station. At the moment, she was munching on a sargassum and rock rose quiche and trying not to look mortified over Silver’s suggestion. “Well, that shoots down my major idea,” Silver sighed as he set down his drink. “I mean, that’s how my father proposed to my mother, and she repeatedly told me how much she loved it.” “Son, remember that you come from a military family,” Magnum told him, “and even though your mother isn’t military, I recall that she comes from a military family as well, doesn’t she? So she’s used to full military tattoos. And to be honest, I think it is somewhat…um…‘unique’.” He gave a smile of the kind that tilted his mustache slightly; the lopsided, sloppy effect of the smile was a hint as to how bad the idea would go over. “But you know as well as I do that Rarity has…refined…tastes. And while I love my little filly very much, I’d be dishonest if I said that she’s not expecting you to completely knock her socks off.” “I know,” Silver replied. “While she’s admitted to me that she’s, uh, ‘removed’ a bunch of previously defined notions in her head – seriously, I was trying to figure out where I was going to come up with a hoofpony-drawn carriage and a fantasy castle on my paycheck – I still want your daughter to feel like she’s the princess of my heart.” Pearl beamed slightly at that last statement; though he wasn’t trying to, it was clear to Silver that he’d just scored major points there. “Well, do you have the ring at least?” Pearl inquired. “My daughter’s making it,” Silver said with a note of pride. “Once she found out what I wanted her to make, she promised me up and down that she wasn’t going to do anything less than her best – perhaps not her masterpiece, but certainly her finest work to date. She wants Rarity to have the best engagement ring ever made.” Pearl smiled. “Well, your daughters are adorable, Silver, and I know Rarity absolutely loves them. I’m quite surprised, to be honest, that she took to the idea of motherhood faster than I suspected. Which means that I should be expecting grandfoals to come about not soon after?” “At least let me marry your daughter first before we get to that stage, okay? Rarity and I can figure out planning a family once we get to that point – I’m sure she’d like foals, and I know I’d like to have at least one colt.” Magnum smiled. “Well, one thing’s for sure: your foals will have an interesting family. I don’t know how many others can claim to have the five other Knight Elementals and three princesses as foster aunts, so I suspect you’ll have to be extremely careful about them spoiling your foals rotten.” Pearl pouted. “But I thought that was my job! I’ll have to talk to Sandalwood and let her know we must speak to Twilight and her majesty about making sure we have first dibs on utterly spoiling the foals!” “Well, if it’s a colt, you can be sure that Hammer and I will get involved, Silver,” Magnum assured him. “And then when they’re all as rambunctious and barely in control as Miss Pie is, we’ll just leave them with you and head home.” “Gee, thanks,” Silver drawled suspiciously. “Well, Miss Rarity,” Diamond inquired, a hopeful look in her eyes. “What do you think?” Rarity eyed the dress critically. “And you said that this was a commission for you? Because I don’t recall anypony requesting a commission, and you know the rules about independently accepting commissions while you’re an apprentice, Diamond.” The look on the earth pony was nervous. “Well, it’s not so much a ‘commission’, per se, as a ‘request’?” she said, hoping to explain the answer away. “And the difference is?” Rarity pushed further as she narrowed her eyes, expecting an answer out of her protégé. Diamond pawed the ground nervously, unsure of what to say. She finally sighed, deciding that the truth was in order. “Okay, it’s not really a commission, or a request: I made it for my mother,” she told Rarity. “Do you remember when my father visited two weeks ago?” Rarity had; she and Filthy Rich had discussed the current business status of Carousel House – which was doing far better under his business acumen than it had under hers, she hated to admit – but he’d also spent time with his daughter. The immediate aftermath of that was terse, and that weekend Diamond Tiara had returned to Ponyville, but she hadn’t spoken much about it and Rarity wasn’t about to pry into what was clearly a private matter. “I do,” was all she said. “Well, the truth is that Dad told me that my birth mother finally came to visit Ponyville for the first time since they divorced – she’s apparently been living in Saddle Arabia all these years. Anyway, she had some harsh words to say about both my parents, and Mom’s been in somewhat of a depression since. I was hoping that something that I made something for her because I thought it would cheer her up. I made the story up about making a dress on commission because I know the rules about apprentice works and I….” She looked downcast. “I’m sorry I lied.” The look on Rarity’s face was touching. “Oh, Diamond, dear…you should have told me sooner! It looks extremely beautiful, and knowing your mother, this would look wonderful on her! To be honest, this looks more like it would work with my coloring instead of your mother’s.” “Um…I was going for that blending look,” Diamond said. “Against your coat, it contrasts nicely, but since Mom has the same color as the dress, it’s meant to blend well.” “Brilliant idea, dear,” she said, nuzzling the younger pony. “Well, I’m going to have dinner with my parents, tonight, so don’t stay up too long. You have that test tomorrow, right?” Diamond nodded. “Thanks for understanding.” “Think nothing of it, dear. Your heart was in the right place, after all. Well, I’m leaving. Ta-ta!” With that, Rarity gathered up a scarf and headed out into the night. Diamond sighed; her secret was safe for the moment. I hope this is worth lying to my mentor, Diamond thought to herself as she put the manuluquin away. Silver, you’d better make her happy, because once she finds out this dress is for her, I’m really gonna have to explain! In the meanwhile, she brought out a second manuluquin and started working on the actual dress she was making for her mother – that part, at least, was true enough. That afternoon, Silver met with his parents for breakfast. The topic, of course, was his impending plans. At the sudden announcement, Sandalwood squeed, then leapt from her chair and hugged her son from all he was worth. “Oh, my little baby’s finally getting married! I’m soooooo proud!” Silver rolled his eyes. “Mom, really?” From his seat, Silver Hammer laughed. “Son, you know your mother has been waiting for you to finally tie the knot with your special somepony. Then the two of you will have lots of life and love.” “Um…did you two forget that Goldie’s not dating anypony?” Sandalwood continued her bearhug of an embrace on her son. “Dear, you know your sister is just taking her time finding her special somepony. But your brother found Lavender and now you and Rarity and – oh, you make me so proud,” she said again, wiping tears of joy from her eyes. Hammer continued to laugh at his son’s discomfort for a few more minutes before offering to let him off the hook. Turning to his wife, he said, “Now dear, don’t you want to hear about the engagement ring, or how he’s going to propose?” That did the trick. “Hammer, you’re absolutely right, love,” she said, returning to her seat. “Now, tell me everything about the rings and your plans, dear – don’t leave a single thing out!” Silver nodded. “Well, for starters, Sparky’s making the ring herself – I thought it would be wonderful to keep it within the family.” “That’s sweet, dear. I’m presuming that we’ll get to see it before you place it on her hoof?” “Probably not, Mom,” he told her. “After all, I’m still trying to think of the best way to propose to her.” “Well, why not do it like how I did with your mother?” Hammer asked. “Pearl and Magnum thought that was a horrible idea,” Silver replied. “And honestly? They’re right. Rarity’s not from a military family, and so a military tattoo is probably not the best idea. Problem is, I’m not really sure how the best way is.” “Well, dear, that’s what friends are for. After all, when they started dating I was giving dating tips to Velvet on what to do with Night.” Silver looked at his mother strangely and she added, “Twilight Velvet and her husband Night Light – Twilight Sparkle’s parents…or did you forget they’re old friends of mine?” “No, it’s not that,” Silver replied. “You may have just given me an idea on how to solve my problem.” “You think Twilight might be able to help you on that?” “No, since I haven’t talked to her in a couple of days, but I know who can,” he said with a smile. After two days of being relatively busy, Rarity and her parents finally managed to sit down together for a dinner. Since they wanted to get out of the house, they took her out to dinner. “Father, Mother, while I appreciate you two taking me out to dinner,” Rarity said, her eye twitching, “did we have to come here?” “Oh, hello, Miss Rarity!” Gigi, smiling as always. “Would you like the usual? Oh, and who is this charming gentlestallion and lovely lady?” “Why, hello, Gigi, darling! I’ll have the usual, of course. And this is my father, Magnum; and my mother, Pearl. Mother, Father, this is Gigi. She’s our favorite waitress here.” The twitching did not seem to stop for some reason. Gigi blushed as only a gryphoness could. “That’s so sweet of you to say, Miss Rarity! And what would you care for, sir?” “I’ll have a Grifonica Sunrise, if you would please,” he said kindly. Gigi squealed. “Perfect!” Turning back to Rarity, she said, “I did not know your father was so cultured, Miss Rarity! And you, ma’am?” “I’ll have just the cranberry iced tea.” “Excellent! That’s my favorite! I’ll be right back with your drinks.” The moment Gigi departed, Rarity scowled at her father. “Grifonica Sunrise? Father, you told me you weren’t drinking Grifconican rum anymore, because your doctor said it wasn’t good for your constitution?” “Baaah,” he waved it off. “Let an old stallion have his vices for one night while he still gets a chance to spend time with his little filly while she’s still his little filly.” “Father, in case you’ve forgotten, I turned twenty-six last month. I’m hardly a little filly.” He looked at her fondly. “You’ll always be my little filly, Rarity. Both you and your sister. I can still remember the day in Maneapolis at the hospital when I first held you in my forelegs. You were such a tiny, beautiful thing, with a full mane – even then you were quite the little stylist,” he chuckled. Pearl smiled fondly, then patted her husband’s hoof. “It’s those moments you learn to cherish, dear,” she explained to her daughter. “They’re always special and precious moments, and when you get to be our age, you’ll eventually trea—” “WATCH OUT!” There was a burbling splash of alcohols, combined by two drenched unicorns and a mortified gryphoness. “OhmiCelestia I’m so sorry Miss Rarity I didn’t mean it why does this keep happening?” The look on Gigi’s face was one of utter terror. Rarity removed a wine-soaked strand of mane from her eyes and blew part of the liquid from her lips. Suddenly, without warning, she started laughing – hysterically. Gigi blinked twice, wondering if she’d somehow snapped her favorite-yet-most-cursed-customer’s mind. “Uh, Miss Rarity?” “Please, dear, allow me,” Pearl told the gryphoness. She looked at Rarity and said, “Dear, cut the histrionics. Now.” “Well, I thought it was some kind of cosmic joke,” Rarity replied as she punctuated her statement with a shrug. “But you’re scaring the poor waitress, dear.” “This happens all the time, doesn’t it, Gigi, dear?” Sadly, the gryphoness nodded. Rarity got out of her seat and looked the shaking waitress in the eyes. “Don’t ever change, Gigi, dear,” the fashionista said with a soft smile. “I know you don’t mean it.” “Thanks, Miss Rarity.” As the gryphoness departed to fetch more drinks and some napkins, Rarity triggered the clean-up spell she’d long since gotten used to activating while eating here and then looked at her father. “Sorry; Silver and I come here on a regular basis and Gigi always does this. It’s never intentional, but she’s somewhat of a klutz. Still, she’s a dear, which is why we always ask to sit at one of her tables – and why I asked Twilight to teach me that drycleaning spell.” She then leaned forward and said, “So now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, would you two be so kind as to tell me what you two and Silver were up to?” He shook his head. “If you think you’re going to wheedle that sort of information out of me, dear daughter of mine, you won’t. I made a promise to your coltfriend and I intend to keep that promise. I will, however, tell you that we had a very informative and engaging discussion and any choices that he may or may not make will come to light sooner or later.” Rarity decided it was time to deploy her secret weapon. “Buuut Daddddddy!” she said softly, making sure to put a bit extra pout into the whole action. Unfortunately, to her surprise, nothing occurred. So she tried again, to equal failure. Finally, as Gigi brought the drinks again – carefully, this time – and took their orders, she looked at him with curiosity. “Sweetheart,” he said, looking at her plainly, “there are some times when I can withstand your assault, so to speak. Don’t think you’re the first mare who’s tried that on me. Your mother, believe it or not, was a master at it, and often thought she had me wrapped around her dainty little hoof.” He patted his wife’s hoof in affection, leaning over to nuzzle her. “Granted, that’s not far from the truth, as it is with both you and Sweetie, but even I have my limits.” Rarity’s face fell. “Oh,” she said in a soft tone. “Well, if it’s anything you’ll be sure to be able to bring it to bear against your better half,” Pearl said with confidence. “After all, that’s what it’s really meant for.” “I see. So what can you tell me?” “Let’s just say that you generally know what he’s up to, but that how he’s going to do it is with verve and style – and something that I promise you, you’ll never forget.” “I could really use your help – I have no idea of what to do, and you’re one of Rarity’s closest friends!” Silver yelped to Fluttershy around the same time as Rarity’s dinner with her parents. Since he knew that Rarity’s parents were going to be in town for a few more days, he knew he had to act relatively fast: while she’d been out of town he’d sent a note to Diamond asking her to make the dress; while he knew she wasn’t too happy about lying to her mentor, he promised he’d cover for her and thanked the teen for her help. Afterwards, since he knew Rarity was likely going to have dinner tonight with her parents, he also fired of a note to Fluttershy, asking for her assistance on an “issue” he was having that she could assist with. She’d agreed to dinner that night and selected a place where they wouldn’t be bothered while she helped with his problem. The problem turned out to be something she hadn’t expected. She eeped and nearly dived under the table in a panic. The rest of the patrons at the restaurant looked in their direction, saw Fluttershy, and left things be. She’d been to the restaurant enough times that her antics were familiar to the regulars. “Sorry,” he said, realizing what he did; amazing that after all these years, she had still to gain some confidence and bravery for her actions. He wondered if she ever would. “I just need your help. I want to make this perfect for Rarity and…I really just don’t know how to make it as special for her as she deserves.” “Oh, that’s okay,” Fluttershy said softly, climbing back into her chair. “I understand you’re just a bit…anxious, and, well, so am I. And I appreciate that you want to make things as wonderful for Rarity as you can. I just don’t know if I can offer much in the way of advice, but I’d like to, I mean, if that’s okay with you.” “That would be great,” he told her. The yellow pegasus smiled softly. “Well, there was a discussion that Luna and I had when I had lunch with her a few weeks ago. There’s a particular grotto that Luna mentioned that she’d created shortly after we freed her from the Nightmare, a place she created for her personal getaway. She mentioned it to me because she wanted to know which animals would be the best for populating the garden, though I had to tell her that the Veterinary Service isn’t under my Ministry.” She smiled softly as she added, “That might change in the near future, though.” Any further smile was covered up as she daintily brought a cup of tea to her muzzle. Silver looked at his friend with new appreciation; he wasn’t sure if she was even aware, but she was changing. From what little he knew of her when they first met, she wouldn’t have made such a suggestion to a princess, even one that was family to her. But the Fluttershy sitting before her had clearly wanted to ensure her animal friends would be taken care of, so she hinted that the service she was once a part of was now going to be under her official purview. “Does Rarity know about it?” Silver inquired. The idea of two of them just going alone intrigued her, but if Rarity was even remotely aware of it, it would ruin the uniqueness of the place. “I don’t know,” Fluttershy admitted almost audibly. A few seconds later, she added, “You might want to inquire with her about it – well, either her or Twilight, because I think she’s taken Twilight before as well.” “Unfortunately, I don’t know her highness as well as I should. I know Celestia well enough – it still feels weird just referring to her without her title, but she insisted on it – and I’ve known Cadance for years, but Princess Luna I’m afraid I’ve only met on a few occasions.” “I’ll let her know you want to meet with her. It would prevent your request being lost by her clerical staff. I’ve sent stuff to her via her Office and it didn’t get to her until weeks or months later. At this point for anything that doesn’t require our offices, we just talk directly.” “I’d appreciate that, if you don’t mind,” Silver told her. “Just make Rarity happy, which I know you will,” Fluttershy said, giving him a smile so brilliant, it reminded him of why she still modeled on occasion. Back at his apartment – Rarity’s parents were staying at her place, and while they knew he’d practically lived over there now, he felt it would be best to give the family some together time without him – he got ready to head to bed. He’d be out of town for the next few days on an investigation with his unit, and as soon as he returned, then he’d have a chance t— “You asked to see me?” It was a credit to Silver’s training as a guardspony that he didn’t jump in shock at the sudden announcement behind him. Instead, he turned to face the Princess of the Night, standing before him, an apologetic look on her face. “My apologies. I’d intended to teleport to your front door, but I was distracted by one of my own guards…it doesn’t happen often,” she admitted. “Well, welcome to my humble abode, your hi—” “Just ‘Luna’ is fine. I understand you are a long-time friend of my niece, and you have Tia’s friendship as well. Plus, you are dating one of my sisters royal, so you are allowed a little bit of leeway,” she said with a smile. “You know, Celestia said the same thing,” he told her. “No doubt. So, Fluttershy said you had a question for me?” “Yes. She recommended a private midnight grotto of yours, and I’d been looking for a place to propose to Rarity,” he told her. “With your permission, your hi…I mean, Luna, I’d like to use it.” Luna smiled softly, the look on her face ethereally beautiful in the moonlight – unsurprising, he thought, as it was her element. “You’ll make her eternally happy, I assure you,” the alicorn told him, “and I know that, speaking on behalf of the rest of us, we’d like nothing more than to see you both in marital bliss. Of course you have my permission to use it; in truth, the ultimate plan was to make it a weekend getaway location for the family, so I’ll be glad to see it will get some use – it will help erase the stain of its original intent.” “Original intent?” Luna nodded. “The grotto was where Nightmare Moon intended to build her palace once she’d destroyed Canterlot. There was no plan to ever return to Castle Everfree; that was filled with memories, fond memories, that Tia and I shared and I think that it disturbed the Nightmare greatly. But there’s something about this place that drew her here and caused her to create this grotto when she escaped from the moon. Eventually, a palace would have arisen, but thankfully Twilight and the others defeated her and freed me from her clutches.” She sighed. “Tia told the public that I spent my first year back in seclusion and recovery, but that’s only partially true. I spent a good part of it removing the taint from the grotto and hoping to make it of some worth to ponykind once more. I have faith that I’ll have done that. “If you choose to propose to her there, it will make the grotto a place of love and light, something that the Nightmare could never stand for. So, Silver – it is Silver, correct? – I’m not saying you have my permission to use it. I’m asking you to do so, both for my sake, but just as important, for your plans.” “Silver’s fine,” he told her. “And I cannot imagine a greater honor, Luna. Thank you.” “No thanks needed,” she said. “Unfortunately, my duties as of recent don’t give me much time to head to the grotto, so I won’t be able to escort you there. However, I’ve left it in the hooves of a caretaker.” Her horn flickered with turquoise power, and a stack of documents appeared before her. “I’ll detail an escort of my guards to take you there – I have a few that know the way – and if you let me know what day you plan to do it, I’ll be able to make a few extra arrangements for you two. As for the documents, they’ll let the family in question know you’ve got permission to use it, so you might want to make some plans ahead of time so that it doesn’t interfere with your special night.” “Thanks again,” he told her, glad to know he had her on his side. A week later, a chariot flew across the twilight sky, towards the northern mountains that separated much of central Equestria from the northern tundra that held Empire City. On the chariot was an earth pony, a bit too eager to land, but more due to what he was about to do as opposed to the natural disinclination of flying that earth ponies had. Finally, as they approached a cottage overlooking a large walled garden, the chariot began its descent. “You know, I’ve been meaning to ask, Sergeant,” Silver asked as the chariot Luna lent him had landed by the cottage, “why do the members of the Lunar Guard assigned to chariot duty dress as batponies? They’re just myths, like merponies or humans.” “Wasn’t always this way, sir,” the sergeant, a tall, byzantium-coated batpony with a dark-brown mane, laughed. “Blame it on her highness’ sense of humor. From what I understand, her original guard was composed of nothing but dark-coated ponies, but she dismissed them because of guilt over the whole Nightmare Moon issue. Well, she brought us onboard just before her first public appearance, which was Nightmare Night in Ponyville. Lieutenant Lightchaser had a suggestion that we all dress up as batponies and that we use the designs of Nightmare Moon’s old chariot as part of the effect. The Princess was absolutely heartbroken at first, until Corporal Softheart assured her we were doing it out of love and respect for our princess. Eventually, she liked the idea so much that she made it the official uniform while on chariot duty, though as you can see, she now uses a standard chariot. Besides, what are you going to be afraid of? A nightmarish, bat-winged monstrosity, or…” He suddenly tapped the front of his barding and his body flickered with a deep-blue, suddenly revealing a bright pink stallion with a soft yellow mane, almost as if he was a natural color inversion of Fluttershy, “…something like this?” He pressed his barding again, returning to his duty uniform. “I get your point. Anyway, I’ll be right back,” he said, walking up the hill towards the cottage. He knocked on the door, and was surprised to find who answered it. “Twilight?” “Silver, what are you doing here?” “What’re you doing here?” “Visiting a friend,” she told him. “What’re you doing here?” “I came to speak to the custodian of the grotto. I’m…I’m proposing to Rarity next week, and Luna let me use the grotto for the place, so I came to arrange things to make sure everything’s perfect for that night.” Twilight smiled widely, her eyes misting up. She reached forward and embraced him, squeeing in delight. “I’m so happy for you two! Congratulations!” “Hey, Twi, want to tell me about your coltfriend?” a voice behind her said. Twilight let go of Silver, then turned to face the speaker. The first, and clearly the one who spoke, was an azure-blue unicorn, with a two-tone cornflower and faded-cornflower mane. The one next to her was also a unicorn mare, a misty-rose mane with a rosy-brown and rosevale-colored mane. “Silver, these are my friends Trixie Lulamoon and Vie en Rose. Trixie, Vie, this is Silversteel, Rarity’s coltfriend…or should I soon say, her fiancé. Luna asked me and Trixie to see if there was anything we can do to add to the grotto, and Vie’s the custodian.” “Really?” the one named Trixie said. “That’s great! I’m sure you two will be happy together.” Vie looked at the paperwork that Silver provided. “Yeah, that’s her highness’ signature on it. Well, I can have the grotto ready that evening. What time do you plan to be present so I can make sure that you’re not disturbed?” “Not disturbed?” he asked. “I can have a no-fly zone set up over the grotto. We get curious pegasi from time to time, and you don’t want them disturbing you in case things get, ah, ‘intimate’?” Silver suddenly blanched, his eyes widening and Vie blushed in response. “Yeah, I had a date with my coltfriend there shortly after I was hired, and we…well, let’s just say that after I complained to the Princess, she advised that in the future I should set up a no-fly zone so that we’re not spied on. And as for the pegasus in question, well, she did send a gift basket in apology, so….” “Vie, you didn’t tell me about that. I’m going to have to mortify you and Mushroom Quiche now, aren’t I?” Vie’s eyes narrowed. “You do that, and you’ll be the ‘Great and Powerful’ Homeless Mare, got that?” Before Trixie could answer, Vie’s horn glowed with bright green as her magic gripped a large stone key, and she said to Silver, “Follow me and let me show you around, okay? Twilight, do me a favor and straighten out our resident lunatic? Thanks.” As Silver and Vie walked out of the cottage, she said, “I’m sorry I had to shoot down your positive attitude back there. I’ve been asked to watch over Trixie’s ‘rehabilitation’ into normal Equestriani society after her repeated, er, ‘instances’. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the fact that Twilight vouches for her, I wouldn’t bother, but…well, we really can’t afford to have a unicorn as powerful as Trixie Lulamoon walking around being a potential problem, and….” Vie shrugged. “Being a Guard officer, I’m sure you’ve had some of your ponies in the stockade before, right? That’s kinda what this is.” “She’s not a danger, is she? Twi’s a friend and I….” “No, Twilight’s not in danger,” Vie assured him. “Frankly, she’s the only one that Trixie respects, because Twilight’s beaten her twice. Plus, even if Twilight didn’t know her, I guess we owe it to Trixie’s grandfather’s memory to rehabilitate her. Presto Lulamoon was the Archmagus of Equestria in his day and the Lulamoon family is pretty disappointed in their black sheep. But if Twilight thinks Trixie can change, well, hey, those are my marching orders.” “Marching orders?” “Oh, heh. I shoulda mentioned. I’m not just the custodian for the grotto – I’m also the head of the local Guild office. Town of Hoofstep Flats is a few miles down the road, so I kinda got that job as well. Honestly, I do more as the custodian than I do as a Guildie, but I digress. Anyway, here we are.” The two stopped at a large marble gate, inlaid with silver stars and crescent moons. With a flicker of magic, Vie inserted the key and turned, and the doors opened magically. “So, whaddya think?” she asked as she stepped in. His eyes opened wide. “Wow. She’ll love this.” “Dad! Here you go!” Sparkler walked into his office, escorted in by Shining. “I made sure it fits Miss Rarity, since Miss Raspberry already had her bracelet size on-hoof.” “She did?” Shining wondered. “Well, kinda like Miss Pie seems to have everypony readied for a party at all times? My mistress has the bracelet and ring size of every mare in town, because…well, like she says, you never know when you want to get something special for your special somepony,” she answered. “Makes sense,” Shining replied. “Anyway, I saw her at the gate and escorted her in. Congrats, by the way – and when were you going to tell me the news?” “Trying to keep it low-key, Shines,” Silver told him. “Don’t exactly want this spilling out, or else it’ll ruin the surprise.” “You know Cady’s gonna want to know,” Shining drawled. “Wouldn’t be surprised if she already does.” “Wouldn’t be surprised if she di—” Silver was suddenly interrupted as the doors to his office were flung wide open, with an alicorn standing there, a hurt look on her face. “Silver, Shiny, when were you two going to tell me?” Cadance pouted. “I just found out about it, sweetie,” Shining said. “Silllllver….” Cadance nickered playfully, “you know all marriage proposals in the Royal Family are supposed to come through my office because of their importance to the happiness of the nation and not just because I’m making up some rule on the spot.” The two stallions blinked in succession, staring at the alicorn princess. “What, didn’t anypony tell you? Seriously. I’m the Avatar of Love. I’m completely allowed to make these rules up on the spot.” The two stallions blinked again, somehow managing to look even more confused than before. Cadance shook her head and whispered conspiratorially to Sparkler, “Stallions – what would we do without them?” The following week, the chariot, one of the standard ones pulled by palace guardsponies, flew towards their location. Rarity eyed her coltfriend, who was in a sportscoat, blazer and tie, with utter suspicion. “And you still haven’t told me why you had Diamond lie to me about this dress!” She looked down at the dress, “Though it is a lovely one, and she was making another for her mother.” “Like I said, beautiful,” he commented, “blame me. She was making a dress for her mother – I’d been there to talk to her about her problem – and I asked her to make it for you. She adores you, so she did so and I promised her that I’d take the blame if she got in trouble. So…” he asked, giving her big pouty eyes, or at least attempting to, “forgive me?” She laughed. “Silver, dear, you have absolutely no ability to do that effectively, do you know?” “I know,” he said, kissing her gently as the chariot began its descent. “But it doesn’t mean I’m not going to try.” He nuzzled her, and she giggled softly in response. As the chariot landed and they removed their supplies, he told the sergeant that Rarity would send a note back once they needed a return ride. Asking Rarity to wait a second, he left her with the picnic basket while he went into the cottage to retrieve the stone key. A second later, he came out and she had a curious look on her face. “Something wrong?” “Yes. Why is there a bottle of Château Tannat rosé ’62 in the basket?” she asked, holding the bottle up. “This is expensive, Silver! How did you afford it on your salary?” “I didn’t,” he told her. “It’s a gift, from a friend.” Though if that’s true, I’ll have to ask Twilight where Trixie got it from. “If you’re sure….” she replied. “I am, love,” Silver told her, balancing the large key on his back as he walked towards the large marble gates. “I think you’ll like this place, dearest heart,” he told her. “It’s a special place that I was recently told about, and…well, you’ll see.” “And you’re sure we’ll be fine here by ourselves? That cottage looked empty, and this place looks large,” she asked. “Well,” he said, reaching around and grabbing the key, “for one, you’re with me, and I will never let anything happen to you. Secondly, Luna was the one who recommended the spot and you know she wouldn’t steer me wrong.” “Actually, dear, Luna can be quite the prankster when she wants to be – for some reason, it’s ingrained in the alicorns’ nature, though generally only the family is fair game.” “I trust her,” he said as he turned the key and opened the mammoth doors, “and once you see what’s inside, you will as well.” Silver had taken the tour of the place last time as night began to settle in and he’d found it to be amazing. With the extra week of work Vie en Rose had put into the grotto, it now even looked that much more incredible. The grotto was filled with shoulder-high shrubs, too tall to jump over, but not so tall that they couldn’t be seen over by the average pony. The walls formed an ornate shape that looked much like a pattern of the celestial dome above, with it all pointing to a beautiful moonstone gazebo inlaid with bronze, silver, and gold, all carrying marks of stars and crescent moons. The gazebo glowed with an angelic beauty as the first rays of moonlight lit it up, and that was the first stage that Silver had seen. Then the second stage kicked in as dozens of starry lights on the shrubs kicked in: different species of plants that had been collected from around the world, just for this grotto, from Moonroses to Star Lilies, from Night Pansies to Nova Asters, dozens of different flowers, all glowing with a bioluminescent sheen, reacting to the beautiful moonlight above as the Moon began its graceful climb above. And then the final bit kicked in. As the last rays of the sun disappeared over the horizon, the stars came out in their full brilliance, far more than could be seen from the blinding light pollution of Canterlot, or even the subdued lights of Ponyville. There were countless stars in shapes and sizes in the sky, radiating their luminal beauty down to the earth, as the star field opened up before both lovers as if it were meant only for them. “This…this is beautiful,” Rarity said in hushed, subdued tones as they reached the gazebo. “I…Silver, I….” She found herself speechless, completely in awe that he would do this for her. “Anything for the mare I love,” he told her, meaning it. Taking the basket from her, he began to lay out the picnic blanket, the food they brought for their evening excursion and the wine. “It’s so perfect,” she exclaimed. “It’s even like a perfect spring day in here while out there it’s a blustery autumn evening.” “Well,” he said, thoughtfully, “could be two reasons. The first is, as I was told, because the sunflowers planted around the perimeter of the grotto keep the temperature nice and spring warm all year round. Luna has a group of specialized earth ponies and a member of the Mage Guild working on this grotto, so she wants it perfect for the family.” “And the second?” It’s now or never, he told himself as he reached into the basket and pulled out the final item. “And I needed this to be perfect, because of what I had to say,” he told her, as he dropped to his launches and opened the box. “Rarity…will you marry me?” Time lost all meaning at that point. Rarity was shocked. Stunned. She’d known it was coming, and yet, somehow, her Silver had still managed to surprise her with something that had wowed her. She hadn’t expected much; she knew he was of relatively meager means and it had never meant a single thing to her. And yet somehow he’d surpassed her wildest dreams. This was the stallion that would do anything for her, she realized. Not like Blueblood, who had been so cruel to her back then. Not like Timorous Heart, who had abandoned her on the first chance he got. No, Silver had been there through thick and thin, pulling her into his family and never letting go: she loved his daughters, thought well of his parents, and got along well with his siblings. A perfect mesh of harmony, just as she always wanted. He might not have been born a prince, she knew, but he would always be one to her, just as he thought of her as a princess above them all, a beautiful mare to have with him forever. And in the end, there was only one thing she could say, one thing she wanted to say: “Yes.” He took her hoof in his, sliding the engagement ring onto it. The ring, blazing like a star with its set of diamonds and amethysts, glittered in their thrones of white gold and platinum, but ultimately being ignored as the two kissed, tears of joy coming to their eyes as love ruled the day. And silently, their bodies moved together, him taking her in hoof as they swayed to a symphony only they could hear, dancing together in the light of the moon.