//------------------------------// // VIII - Telling Others (on purpose this time!) // Story: A New Kind Of Party // by Wolfie 03 //------------------------------// End of December, 1004 A.D. (After Discord) Pinkie's instinct about the sleepiness of the librarian were correct when she visited the next morning, finding that Twilight had stayed up all of the previous night in her quest to make the best presentation possible. When the young baker asked how it was going, she was surprised to learn that it wasn't even half way done. “I hav-yawn-have to present all the facts... I have more books coming in that should help...” Pinkie tilted her head to the right as she flipped pancakes onto a plate as the two ponies and dragon sat in the kitchen of the tree house. Once the baker had made enough for seven (she had to be sure no one went hungry of course!), she sat at the table as well and looked at the sleepy forms before her. Spike was resting his head on his claws as he had been sent to work from an early time, not allowing him to wake up properly; Twilight sat nearby, a cup of steaming coffee held in her hooves as she blearily looked to her marefriend. “Okie dokie lokie; that just means you can nap since you can't actually finish it yet!” Twilight frowned, knowing that there was something wrong (or was it right?) with that logic but couldn't figure out what it was (most likely due to a lack of proper coffee intake). “Hhhmm.... -yawn-... Sigh, alright Pinkie, I'll go take a nap...” Pinkie bounced in place for a moment with a large smile before finishing her own plate of fried foods in a single gulp; she then rushed the two library workers off for the land of dreams once more, serving as an extra blanket for the lavender mare as they settled down for sleep. While Pinkie was actually wide awake due to her morning nature, she managed to remain still as Twilight slept , watching the sunbeams dance across lavender for and making it seem as though she really did sparkle (though to the untrained or love-struck eye, it seemed quite normal). The hyper pony made up for her lack of movement by having her mind run a mile a minute, planning the next few days so Twilight wouldn't be so tired or obsessive; she cared for the unicorn dearly but Twilight didn't know when to stop and smell the cupcakes. (And you've gotta smell the cupcakes! How else would you know if they're just right?! So I have to make sure she gets a daily hour dose of Pinkie Pie and then proper sleep and time outside and five square meals of the important sugar dosage...Who eats squares? Do they taste good...? Maybe Twilight needs some squares? And circles? Cupcakes are like circles but with more right? I have to make sure that she has lots of things to drink too and...) With almost-Twilight planning (if a little chaotic and without the use of physical, or even at times, mental checklists), Pinkie made sure to check with the studious unicorn everyday until the presentations were finished and all the school work was well in hoof. While Twilight thought this was a bit unnecessary, she was pleased to see how much Pinkie cared and tried to help; the almost-regiment meant that while the lavender mare couldn't binge study, she was able to work efficiently which paid off with an increase in her ability to focus. By the end of the week, the presentation was finished while still having her work right on schedule. Twilight had been prepared for the winter holiday for months, having been asked by Princess Celestia to take part of the traditional Hearth's Warming Eve play with all her best friends. She was excited to show off her old home town to her friends, even if it was at the start of winter. The purple unicorn had packed the essentials a week in advance and constantly checked on each of her friends to be sure that they were also prepared all the while; it may have annoyed more of the easily irritable mares, but they were willing to forgive it considering the holiday. Something that had to be taken into consideration was the fact was that the Cutie Mark Crusaders were being taken along as a test of how well they could behave on a three day trip out of town; meaning there was extra luggage to prepare and guidelines for the kids. Since their older sisters and Rainbow (who seemed to be vouching for Scootaloo) were going along, Twilight didn't need to make a large point of watching the kids; this didn't mean that she didn't make the list and potential guidelines before giving them to the gray-white and orange mares for their consideration. Even as they boarded the train for Canterlot, Twilight couldn't help but try and offer suggestions to the older sisters; something that Pinkie thought was funny but could see the almost manic edge creeping into purple eyes and knew she would have to make sure that everypony had fun on this trip, starting with distracting her marefreind. “Hey Twilight! Come take a look! The castle is covered in snow and everything! It's like- snow covered and looks just like a snow globe! Do you know a spell that would let us pick up the castle and shake it like a snow globe?” Twilight stared on in shock at the suggestion with her mouth hanging open before coming to her senses as Pinkie held one hoof over the other to view the castle and pretended to shake it. “... I don't think that a spell like that exists; even if it did, and even if I could manage to use it, it wouldn't be right for us to do that just to see if it's possible.” Pinkie sighed and nodded before grinning at the lavender unicorn. “Yeah, why do they even call them snow globes? It's not like it's real snow and there's ones that are a sunny beach with palm trees with snow! Can you believe? That's just crazy!” The whole group deadpanned the pink mare at the statement of how crazy something could be before shaking their heads, returning to watching the scenery pass by while Twilight leaned into Pinkie with an amused smirk. They spent the next few hours of their trip talking among themselves of all the things they could do while in the city, ranging from whole group activities to individually which seemed to still be in pairs a lot of the time. Once their train reached the station on the edge of the mountain city, the group of friends excitedly stepped onto the platform and glancing around as the snow seemed to change the whole atmosphere of the city, making it seem more forgiving and even joyful. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were overexcited at the change and raced off before being called back by their older sisters. “Alright, before we do anything else, let's get our things settled at the castle; the Princesses have arranged for us to stay there while we prepare and help with the play.” The others nodded their assessment to their leader's suggestion and set off for the snow capped castle, finding so many new things to see along the way that they settled to play 'I-spy' as they walked. “I spy a snowpony!” Rainbow was just as excited as her friends about visiting the city and weather as she pointed out a local foal making a traditional creature of the winter. Pinkie hopped in place before waving a hoof in the opposing direction with a large smile. “I spy somepony eating a gingerbread house!” Twilight was about to question this statement when the hyper mare rushed off to a bakery and stepped out with a gingerbread house of her own. “And it's me!” With one large bite, Pinkie finished most of her treat and smiled to the others who shook their heads at almost normal behavior from their hyper friend. “Pinkie, you shouldn't eat so much candy before supper! I believe the Princesses arranged for our first dinner here to be with them at the castle.” Pinkie smiled and slung a hoof around lavender shoulders and gave them a shake. “Don't worry about a thing Twilight, I've got pleentyyy of room!” Twilight rolled her eyes but smirked all the same as they continued on their way, chatting about various aspects of the holiday that made it so enjoyable. The seven friends (plus extras) were soon putting the few bags they brought with them into the rooms that had been set aside from them; and since the Princesses had little reason to think that two of the group would have wanted to sleep in the same room, Pinkie and Twilight had to to stay in their separate rooms. This was something that the studious mare insisted on since she didn't want to arouse suspicion before she could tell the Princesses about her new relationship. Pinkie frowned briefly as she flipped open her saddlebags and causing it to explode its contents into place in the large stateroom and giving it a party feel. (Hmmm.... Maybe I need to have some kind of prize to give her if she does manage to tell Princess Celestia and her parents, then she wouldn't be so nervous because she'd be thinking of the cool amazing prize! But what would work? Hmmm, HHHmmHH? Hmmm... Yes, I know just what to do!) With a bright grin at the possible prize for telling others, the pink earth pony high stepped to her marefriend's room and knocked lightly. The large white door opened with little sound, revealing the lavender unicorn who gave a small start at seeing the grinning mare beyond the door frame. “Oh, hello Pinkie, is something wrong? I believe we still have an hour before the dinner.” Pinkie nodded rapidly before grinning slowly towards the unicorn with her eyes hooded. “Yes indeedidly... You're doing so well with getting ready to tell others about us, I realized that it totally needs a reward! And what better reward than a very special kind of night?” Twilight hadn't ever seen this kind of smile on her marefriend before and the fluttering of her lashes (not the usual fast fluttering, but a slower almost-Rarity like fluttering) caused the unicorn to freeze in surprise as Pinkie leisurely leaned into the lavender pony. “Whaddya say my little star?” The usually loud mare whispered into Twilight's ear, causing her to shiver at the almost completely differently acting mare and her words. “If you manage to tell your parents and the Princesses and everyone, you'll get a totally awesome amazing prize; would you like that Twilight...?” Pinkie smiled at the studious unicorn's shocked expression before she nodded timidly. “Uh, ye-yes?” Pinkie’s grin grew even larger, an almost drastic return of her usual behavior. “Oh good! We're going to have so much fun! I'll see you later Twilight!” Twilight watched the pink mare hop away in a daze before hearing a soft cough behind her; at the reminder that she wasn't alone, she closed her mouth that had been hanging open and turned from the doorway. Spike watched with one raised brow, not having been able to hear what was said but completely confused and worried at the state of the lavender librarian had been. Twilight scuffed a hoof along the ground as she stepped further inside as she magicked the door shut. “What was all that about?” Twilight blushed slightly as she eyed the door, almost as though she could still see the pink baker. “I-I'm not sure... But I think this would mean I have to get more books about a new subject that I've never thought about before...” Spike slumped in place at the increased workload that he seemed to be unable to escape from even while they were on vacation, watching with slight dejection as Twilight levitated a scroll and quill from one of her bags and began to make a new list of books to order. (Gosh, Twilight's face was so funny! I wonder if she's ever had somepony flirting with her before?) “Hello!” (I don't see why not, she's so cute and funny and beautiful and I'm surprised that there isn't more ponies trying to date her but she's all mine! I better keep an eye out though, she's so cute they might try to catch her and take her away from me, which I so wouldn't allow because I found her first...) “How you're doing?” (Well, maybe not first but I asked her out first, at least, I think I'm the first pony she's gone out with... Maybe I can find out if she's dated others before and then I'll know if I should take it easy with the reward.) “Hi there!” (Not that I would make her do anything she didn't want in the first place; cause that's not fun at all when somepony makes you do something you totally don't want and ends up making it even more not fun than before! Hmmm, I better get down to the bottom of this mystery soon! I wonder where I am now?) As Pinkie thought to herself about the pretty pony she had left moments ago, she had traveled further into the castle greeting it's many occupants along the way. The majority were guards but all responded in the same manner, slightly confused and mostly stoic in their response (though the guards didn't respond at all, merely watched the pink pony skip by). By the time the hyper mare came back from her thoughts, she found that she was in front of the kitchen where the cooks were currently cooking up a storm to prepare for the dinner the group of friends were going to have with the two princesses. “OOOOOoooo! This looks yummy!” Pinkie was about to take a large bite of one of the many dishes that loaded the table, drawing the attention of the nearby cooks, only to pause and sniff it closely instead. “Wait a second! This needs more cinnamon, stat!” The chefs watched disbelievingly as Pinkie reached out a hoof to grab and add more of the desired herb to the dish before smiling and taking a sip. The action brought the chefs out of their stupor and one stepped forward to scold her; before the pale-brown unicorn could say a word, the pink baker turned towards him with a smile. “Oh, you want to try it too?! Sure thing, here you go!” With this almost-shout, Pinkie stuck a spoon of the newly changed dish into the chef's mouth that had been open in preparation of lecturing the mare. With a stunned glance at the young baker, the cook tasted the addition and smiled back with a nod. The other cooks were surprised and all took turns to sample the new dish, finding a pleasant surprise of taste awaiting them. They soon requested the hyper mare's assistance with the other dishes, something she was only too happy to help with and spent the rest of her free time in the kitchens adding to the storm of cooking. Just as the clock struck 5pm, Twilight burst through the double doors of the smallest dining room in a panic; everyone else was already sitting with the two princesses on either end of the rectangle table as they waited for the last of the group to join the dinner table. What little conversation there was came to a stop as the slightly disheveled mare searched those seated and sighed in exasperation. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, I'm so sorry but I can't find Pinkie Pie anywhere! I know she knew about this dinner, but I can't find her.” The solar princess smiled serenely as she went to reassure her student. “I'm sure everything is fine Twilight. From what you've written, Pinkie Pie is a very friendly pony; she may just be meeting some of the staff.” Twilight slowly unclenched from her stressful stance at the calm understanding of her mentor, further cemented by Rarity speaking on her friends' behalf. “You know she cares about what you think is important darling; I'm sure something non-threatening came up and she merely got delayed.” The sun princess dipped her head in recognition of the gray-white mare's words and waved a hoof towards the table. “Why don't you have a seat; if you want, we can wait to start until Pinkie Pie arrives.” Twilight smiled weakly, her panic already starting to fade in such a relaxed atmosphere. “Oh uh no, it's ok... I-I'm sure she'll turn up at just the right time; we can start if you want to.” Twilight dipped her head respectively at her teacher who smiled back. “Alright; perhaps the lure of food will draw her to our table?” With a teasing glint in her eyes, the Princess nodded to the nearby server who bowed before leaving to start bringing in the meal while the rest of the diners laughed lightly at the highly probable lure. In moments (almost too quickly considering when the server left), the four head chefs walked in while presenting a large white with blue icing three layer high cake with blueberries adding to the effect, almost in perfect shapes of stars. As the guests were amazed at the marvelous display, the two royal sisters shared a quick confused glance, knowing that the much smaller and humbler cake planned was supposed to be the last thing to be brought out. As everyone politely clapped their appreciation, the four cooks came to a rest a discreet distance from the table and bowed to the monarchs; as they held the bow, everyone slowly grew confused as silence reigned for a minute before there was a large bang coming from the cake. Everyone jumped in their seats (aside from the cooks who didn't even flinch and the princesses who managed to barely remain stoic) as the top of the cake exploded outwards with Pinkie standing on her rear-hooves with fore-hooves extended in the air. “SURPRISE!” The guests all barely held back from face-hoofing in unison as they stared blankly at the hyper mare. “I wanted to surprise everyone with this cake I made up just now and then I thought it would be even more of a surprise if I jumped out from somewhere and couldn't find a good spot so I decided to hide in the cake! Don't worry, I was in a box in the center so there's no Pinkie Pie cookies to worry about!” Absolute silence rang through the room until the smack of a hoof meeting a dismayed face broke it; Twilight couldn't hold it back any longer and face-hoofed as she levitated her mare out of the center of the cake. As she ignored Pinkie's soft call of 'whooo' at flying through the air, Twilight tried to apologize on her behalf. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, I am so sorry about her, I should have kept a closer eye on her and...” The lavender unicorn trailed off as she gently dropped the hyperactive baker into her seat, watching in trepidation as Celestia levitated a plate and knife to the remaining layer of cake; once a slice was placed onto the dish, the Princess held a fork in her magic and tried a bite. “Hmm, you are a wonderful baker Pinkie Pie.” The pink mare grinned at the praise while the others looked on in shock. “Luna, you should try a piece.” The night princess raised an intrigued brow and levitated her own plate and utensils to get a piece. “If you say so sister.” As the two princesses enjoyed their pieces of the white cake, the four chefs had begun to slice the rest for the others to have some as well. In moments, everyone was enjoying the meal starting with dessert and conversations started again around the table, starting with the pink baker who arrived only just moments ago. “Pinkie, darling, we're so pleased you can make it; wherever have you been?” Rarity asked as she delicately took a small portion of cake to bite while Pinkie responded. “I was helping the awesome cooks to make all this yummy food!” As most of the table listened to the hyper mare recount what she had been doing in greater detail, Twilight nervously glanced between the two princesses and her marefriend. Pinkie's encouragement earlier in the evening was still fresh in her mind and the setting was rather relaxed, an almost perfect opportunity to discuss important topics when it came to relationships (or so said over 65% of dating guides). Pinkie Pie noticed this nervous behavior and allowed the conversation to drift away from her so she could slowly and almost discretely lean towards the lavender mare next to her and whispered her question. “Phsssstttt... Twilight, are you ok? If it was because I was with the chefs and not here super early, I'm really super sorry... I just wanted to surprise you and I was helping make the dinner better and knew the fastest way back was to go with the cooks and-” Twilight had at first stiffened at the close contact but relaxed at the earnest apology, cutting the train of words with a gentle lavender hoof resting on a pink one under the cover of the table; with a small smirk to the pink earth pony, Twilight responded briefly before turning her attention to the rest of the table. “It's ok, I know you didn't mean to make me worry... I was just trying to prepare myself for what I'm about to do.” Pinkie bumped the unicorn briefly and smiled with encouragement shining in her eyes, helping Twilight to steel her nerves and take a deep breath before calling to her mentor. “Uhm, Princess?” As both of the sisters glanced to the lavender unicorn, Twilight shrank slightly at the sudden attention of the entire table. As Princess Luna noticed who was speaking, she relaxed her attention and dipped her head in acknowledgment of who the unicorn was probably talking to, about to return to her talk with Fluttershy about creatures of the night when Twilight timidly waved her hoof. “Actually, I would like to speak to both of you, if I may...” Luna raised a brow curiously at this and refocused on the librarian. “Of course Twilight Sparkle, what is it you wish to say?” Twilight took another deep before leaning into the pink mare beside her. “I... I wanted to say that I've found my own spe-special somepony.” Both royal sisters were surprised at the timid statement and waited silently for whom it might be. “Pi-Pinkie Pie and I have been dating for a-a while now...” While the rest of the guests knew this already, the two sisters were surprised to hear who Twilight was dating, though only a little of this shock showed on their faces as they absorbed this new information. “I-I hope you don't mind...” Twilight crouched lower in her seat while Pinkie leaned encouragingly into her mare. “Oh Twilight, of course we wouldn't mind. I'm glad you found a special somepony.” Princess Celestia smiled at her student while Princess Luna joined in with her own words of encouragement. “Indeed, I am happy to hear that you have found someone to enjoy your time with... I recall your, energetic, enjoyment of Nightmare Night and knowledge of parties; I'm sure you help bring much light into Twilight's life.” Pinkie grinned ecstatically and slung a hoof around Twilight's shoulder to give her a encouraging shake. “You, you don't mind that I'm dating a mare?” The solar princess frowned, briefly concerned about how much the lavender mare worried about what others thought. “Of course not, I thought that it was quite clear that I do not mind same gender couples? I'm am rather pleased you found someone that makes you happy.” Twilight relaxed from her nervous crouch and leaned into the pink earth pony. “I am.” The two princesses smiled at the content forms of the couple and soon everyone went back to their meal though the two royalty continued to watch the couple. “I am curious, when did you two become a couple? I didn't notice any kind of change in your friendship reports.” The sun princess smiled teasingly to the studious mare who blushed briefly and rubbed the back of her head at the question; Pinkie was tempted to tell the Princesses all about it but knew that Twilight would want to explain in her own way. “Well, we, we got together after my birthday party this past summer...” Celestia tilted her head slightly at this news, the party in question having been half a year ago, meaning that they had actually been dating for a while before telling her news that impacted a large part of Twilight's life. “I see, I'm glad for you both. You know you can come to me if you have any kind of question or problem; I would be more than happy to help any of you, should you need and request it.” This last statement was directed to the table at large, which earned a few shy blushes and thanks from the others. Twilight couldn't respond to this and merely smiled as she blushed, continuing to eat while Pinkie leaned over to whisper her congratulation. “See? It wasn't so bad! You did a great job Twilight, did you want part of the reward now or save it all for later?” The lavender mare eeped quietly and stiffened while she focused on her plate as she thought about the offer. “Uh-well-no-it's, I don't, I mean... Pinkie! Please behave!” The hyper mare giggled at the reaction and nudged the flustered librarian. “Oh Twilight, you're such a crackup.” As the baker laughed, Twilight couldn't really hold back her smirk and eye roll as everyone else also smiled at the obvious joy of Pinkie's. The meal went well, with an improvement in the taste since the cooks had Pinkie's help (which lead to many dishes having more sugar than usual). As things were wrapping up, Princess Celestia asked Twilight to stay behind for a moment, to Pinkie Pie's great concern. With a soft smile to her marefriend, Twilight shooed her on and waited until everyone else left the room. “Is, is something the matter your highness?” Celestia smiled briefly in reassurance before staring in concern. “Everything is fine, right? I know you haven't been with anyone else and even friendship was new to you when you first moved to Ponyville. You know I'm here if you need anything, correct?” Twilight wasn't sure what to make of the concern, though she knew they were all valid points. “I know this is my first relationship of this nature, but Pinkie does make me happy... I was worried that you would see this as a distraction from my studies; which I hope I've shown that it does not! I'm still a serious student, I-I promise!” The solar princess rested a hoof on a lavender shoulder while she leaned closer to the nervous unicorn. “I know you're a serious student, something you have proven time and again. I just wanted to be sure you were doing ok; and please, do not think that I will make your studies come before your marefriend. Relationships should be considered as important and valued more than studies of an academic nature.” Twilight listened with a pensive frown and slowly nodded. “Again, I'm glad that you've found a special somepony and know that I'm always here should you need me.” Twilight gave her mentor a small smile while the white alicorn leaned down to hug her student briefly. “I'm sure I'll see you and your friends later; we'll see one another at the play if nothing else.” Celestia smiled while Twilight nodded with a blush before leaving the dining hall to think about all that was said that evening. As the Princess watched the lavender mare trot slowly out, her sister appeared by her side with a pensive frown. “Sister, friendship is key to being in harmony with the elements; what would this new relationship do to the power of the elements?” The lunar princess frowned as she looked to where the lavender unicorn had exited. “I'm sure everything will be fine; after all, while friendship is a strong force, love conquers all. We'll just need to watch and make sure that nothing is wrong.” The solar princess smiled reassuringly to her younger sister who still seemed doubtful but willing to accept the reassurances. The girls had two days before the play was scheduled to go on and while they did have certain set times to practice the performance, the rest of the time was up to them which gave them a chance to sightsee together. They played tour guide for the trio of fillies during the morning and for the afternoon the older mares spent their time doing things on their own. Rarity and Applejack had to keep their sisters in line, while Rainbow Dash went for some flight time before having to focus on being inside. Fluttershy followed the group of fillies and sisters, wanting to help keep Scootaloo in line while the older siblings watched their younger counterparts. Pinkie Pie and Twilight spent the afternoon going through the city while Twilight showed her marefriend more of the sights; the hyper mare wanted to boost the studious unicorn's courage since she wanted to have dinner with her parents that evening and made sure they had a relaxed and calm time. Twilight tried to absorb all this relaxation she could from being with the pink mare since telling her parents about being in a relationship for the first time ever was making her nervous just as much as having to tell Princess Celestia about it. While Twilight wasn't sure if the hyper mare was able to focus for another formal dinner (or at least, more formal than the night before) she didn't want to hurt the pink baker's feelings by asking her to stay at the castle instead; having Pinkie nearby helped her confidence, which would be sorely needed for the talk the studious mare had prepared. Twilight had forewarned her parents of the addition to their dinner table, since it was going to be their substitution of the Hearth's Warming Day meal while the actual dinner the day of would be spent with the friends in one of the castle rooms that had a fireplace to provide the mood. As the sun slowly made it's way further down the sky, the two mares set out for a two level house that had a theme of dark colors; it had five large rooms and a master bedroom, two full bathrooms, living room, dining room and large kitchen. Each had a dark cool color to it, ranging from navy blue to dark purple; something that made Pinkie almost wish she could redo her own house in the same colors, since it reminded her of her little star and set her more at ease. As the couple stepped up to the front door, Twilight debated knocking versus merely entering the home, choosing to go the polite route. In moments of knocking (and holding back an excited Pinkie who wanted to tap out some kind of song), the large dark brown door opened to reveal two unicorns who were stoic at first but smiled at the sight of their daughter on their doorstep. One was a pale-gray mare with purple and white mane and tail while the other was a blue stallion with short dark blue mane and tail; Pinkie was able to see how Twilight got her coloring and leaped to give them a hug just as they started to her presence. “Hi Twilight's mom and dad! I'm Pinkie Pie and it's really nice to meet you!” Twilight smiled tensely at her shocked parents from their place in Pinkie's arms. “Uhm mom, dad, this is Pinkie Pie, the one who I said would be joining us? Pinkie, this is my mom, Twilight Velvet, and my dad, Night Light; uhmmm, mom, dad? I want to talk with you about something-something important.” Twilight tapped on Pinkie's back, signaling that she should release the two older ponies before all four headed further inside. Once they were out of the doorway, the two parents watched their daughter curiously, noting how Twilight took another deep breath and waved to the living room. “If-if we could sit in the living room? I have a presentation that correlates to what I would like to talk about.” “Alright dear, as you wish.” Twilight Velvet lead the way and took a seat on the large couch with Pinkie jumping through the air to land in the middle of the two older ponies with a large grin. Twilight Sparkle smirked with an eye roll at her mare's behavior before summoning all the prepared charts, and setting up quickly. The two parents knew of their daughter's love of presentation and settled for a long one, considering the amount of papers she had to read. When they glanced at one another, they noticed that Pinkie had a bag of popcorn and was firmly settled for the show, much to their surprise. “Earlier this year I had discovered a type of inter-relationship that I had never before experienced and have come to enjoy this type of relationship that I have developed with Pinkie Pie...” “Oooh, this is going to be good.” The two older ponies looked curiously at the pink mare between them who leaned forward as Twilight got into her groove. “...And that concludes why this new relationship I have developed is a good choice and has a positive influence on my life.” With a snap, Twilight shrank down her metal pointer she had been using the past twenty minutes of her hour long presentation; while her parents had dazed out shortly at the start, they were able to understand the majority of the facts presented. “So, you've begun dating... Pinkie Pie... earlier in the year?” Night Light asked in order to summarize what was stated; at the short nod of Twilight's, Pinkie hopped up and gave her mare a hug. “I'm so proud of you my little star.” The lavender mare blushed at the whispered words as she focused on her parents who watched the display before nodding as well. “I see... And you are, happy?” Twilight Velvet inquired, though it was almost extremely obvious considering the hug Twilight gave the pink mare as well as the blush covering her muzzle. “Yes, very much.” The older couple shared a glance before turning back to their only daughter with a small smile on each of their faces. “Then we're happy for you two.” Night Light stated before his stomach rumbled briefly, causing his wife to smile at the sound. “Seems like we better get to dinner before someone gets too hungry.” Velvet teased before leading the way to the dining hall where they sat around the table that had been prepared ahead of time. During the next few hours Twilight kept a close eye on her parents, worry still plaguing her mind. Pinkie noticed and made sure to keep the conversation going in every direction, much to the bemusement of the others who weren't used to her antics. The older ponies weren't used to the speed of the hyperactive mare's speech and had to focus on everything that was said; something Twilight noticed and smirked briefly before taking Pinkie's in hoof. “-And so I said tomato? What are you, crazy?!” “Pinkie Pie? I don't think my parents are used to how you normally speak, perhaps you could slow down a little?” The pink pony paused in mid-breath and blinked rapidly before noticing the slightly dazed look of the ponies sitting across the table; with a bashful grin and tapping her fore-hooves together, Pinkie crouched briefly with ears laid back in apology. “Sorry, I'm just so excited to meet you guys and want everything to go well so I, heh heh, went a little too fast.” Twilight smiled at the sincerity of her marefriend and and leaned into her with a quick nuzzle before sitting properly once more. The older couple took notice of this subtle happiness and smiled as well, settling once more after recovering from the high speed chatter. “While we may not understand why you would want to be with a mare like Pinkie here, we can see you two are very happy.” Night Light grinned briefly before glancing out the nearby window, finding that the sun was well on its way to being gone for the day, even if it was the start of winter. “Oh my, it seems as though we have lost track of time; it has been lovely to see you again Twilight, and it was nice meeting you Pinkie Pie, but we wouldn't want you to have to travel through Canterlot in the dark.” Velvet held a hoof to her chin before standing along with her husband to give both of the younger mares a brief hug farewell, knowing that they had much work to do back at the castle. “Oh, you're right, we really have to go; there's the play to practice and making sure the set is finished and the costumes to try on and-” Twilight's eyes shifted back and forth and things that remained to be done flashed through her mind, only to be halted by the feel of a pair of hooves around her neck and a pink sugar and vanilla smelling muzzle pressing into her neck. “Twilight, you silly filly! Everything will be fine, you'll see.” The older couple were interested to watch the display, knowing a little of their daughter's behavior when it came to being late. “Thanks, Pinkie; I'm sure you're right. We better be going, goodbye mom, dad, it was nice to see you after such a long time.” Another round of hugs were given and soon the newer couple were on their way back to the castle through the freshly fallen snow and tried to resist the urge to have a snowball fight; something they failed at since they had a large battle along the way back, ducking through the streets and using anything they could as cover.