What a wonderful night it was. The clouds were clear, but a gentle mist coated the entire kingdom of Canterlot. It was a very special night, a little over a month since Celestia's birthday. Three years, since we declared our love for each other, and tonight, we were going to make it official.
During our last picnic, Tia asked me out on a date. Of course I said yes, there was nothing I wanted more than to go out with her. Tonight was the night we settled on, and the atmosphere was perfect, some would say...romantic.
We met at our usual spot, just outside the Canterlot maze. The princess was the first to speak, "Dizzy, I've prepared something special for tonight. The guards have been ordered to clear out the dining hall, all but one table. The chefs have prepared a magnificent meal...I told them I was going to be with my special somepony."
"T-they know about me? Y-you told them?" I was worried, quite worried. If they knew about me, it would only be a matter of time before they came after me. But, she shook her head.
"Don't fret, Dizzy. The only pony who actually knows who you are is Starswirl...but, everypony else had figured out I was with somepony. I told them that it was true, but not who you were. They were respectful towards me, and didn't dig further...And, I also gave the guards the night off, said I'd be safe with you. And even Starswirl said it was true. So, what do you think?"
I found myself speechless. She kept the secret so well, even though everyone knew that she was with somepony. I guess, that as a princess, she reserved the right to be with whomever she wished...and everyone respected that. I nodded, and she led me to the castle.
I was still worried, that we'd be caught. But as we went on, it became clear, there was not a single guard in sight. The princess was known for her honesty, so they believed her when she said she'd be safe. It was my first time in the castle...and what a lovely place it was.
Tia chose most of the decorations herself, she had quite good tastes. Well, of course, we already knew that, seeing as she chose to be with me. The Castle was large, but it seemed like only moments had passed when we reached the dining hall.
Right in the middle sat a single, small table. The pearl tea set I gave her rest upon it, glistening in the light of a few candlesticks. Seeing that there brought a joyous tear to my eye. Then, there was the smell, so sweet.
She'd convinced the chefs to make a meal for me, that most ponies would turn their noses at...honey-glazed ham. They must've thought it weird that she was with a meat-eater, but, they made it anyway. As for her, a magnificent salad, with plenty of blueberries.
We continued onward, I pulled out her chair for her, and moved it back when she sat down. When I took my seat, her smile shined brighter than the candles. It lit up the room like the sun she represented, "I remember, during one of our picnics, you told me you liked Strawberry Cordial...so, I had it made for our date. Try some, and tell me what you think."
"F-for me? Oh, thank you Tia." I poured each of us a glass, before taking a sip. It was magnificent, the flavor so robust and sweet. Lingering on the tongue long after I had finished drinking. I was quick, but the princess took her time, savoring it for as long as she could, "I can see why you like it so much."
The drinks out of the way, we began to feast. It was strange for me, to eat so delicately. I took it slow, bite by bite. Whilst normally I'd wolf it down. This seemed to make her happy, as she nibbled away at her salad.
We talked while we ate, a wonderful chat. She told me more about her life as princess. I never really asked much, it seemed too stressful to think of. And it was, the studies, the training, the meetings...I still don't understand how she does it all.
She asked about history, about what life was like before Canterlot. I told her about the world before even ponies existed. When dragons ruled the lands, gryphons ruled the skies, and the kirins ruled the mountains. I told her about the war, that tore the planet apart, and created the wastelands.
Celestia was enthralled with my words. The world of the past was a wild and dangerous place. And yet, when the ponies appeared, they quickly turned it into what it is now. A place of light, of happiness and friendship. The complete opposite of how it used to be.
Before we knew it, the night was gone, the guards were coming back to duty. We were long since finished with our meal, but the discussion went on. I was almost caught, but, Celestia rescued me, taking me away to a secret passage out of the castle.
Before we parted ways, she gave me a kiss, a proper kiss. So deep, so passionate...I can still feel it to this day, "I love you...Dizzy. Please, be safe, ok?"
I was speechless yet again. She kissed me again before running back into the castle. She went through all that trouble, and I was almost caught again. But, before I was, I transformed into a hummingbird and escaped.
That night, would be one of my happiest memories ever. And even though we had more like it, that, was the first.