“What’s wrong, Featherbrain?” asked Twilight, alarmed. Dash was moping in her room instead of flying.
“All these ponies are just picking on my Gryphonese, even when there aren’t any faults!” Dash flopped onto her pillow. “And even when there are, can’t they ignore it?”
“I don’t think they were trying to pick on you, Dash. They were probably only trying to help, or start a conversation.”
Dash sat up and glared. “You were there, Twilight! Couldn’t you hear them judging me in every malicious word? How they just assume I’m some kind of moron?”
“They were perfectly friendly, Dash. I’m sure they wouldn’t think you’re a moron or say things like that.”
“It’s, like, discrimination!”
“What? No, Dash, this isn’t discrimination. Technically, this is prejudice, if even that. I mean, your relatives are all perfectly nice to you and most of them are praising your Gryphonese! What’s the matter?”
“The matter? The matter is, Twilight, that they’re not even trying to include me! Like they’re intent on making me feel unwelcome!”
“If that were the case, why would they even let you into their houses? Or foist gift after gift upon you?”
Dash was silent after that. Twilight eventually went back to her room.
~*~
Dinner was kale dumplings; Twilight had learned to help make them. Dash sat sullen at the table, only occasionally responding to questions directed her way. She immediately retreated to her room after finishing her plate. Twilight tried to make conversation with Trails and Sunshine but eventually gave up and went up to Dash’s room.
Twilight tried the handle. It was locked, as expected. She knocked. “Featherbrain, you there?”
“Go away, Twilight,” Dash said.
“What’s wrong?” Twilight said.
“I just need some time. I’ll be alright.”
“Okay, then…” Twilight hesitated. “You sure, Featherbrain?”
“Yeah. Sorry about my attitude today. I’ll be out in a bit. I promise.”
~*~
“Dash, we need to talk to you for a bit.” Sunshine knocked on Dash’s door.
“Sure,” Dash said, opening the door. “What’s up, is it about earlier today? If so, I’m sorry.”
“Nah, it’s not about that,” Trails said, walking in with Sunshine and closing the door behind them. “Though your apology is appreciated.”
“Tea?” Sunshine offered.
“No, I’m good. So, what is it?”
“How are things going with you and Twilight?” asked Trails.
“They’re going really well. Every day with her is like a dream; it feels like nothing else in the world matters. She always supports me, through the good and the bad. But to answer what I think is your question, we’re thinking of moving in together sometime soon.”
Sunshine cast at Trails a concerned glance.
“We think you may want to reconsider,” said Trails. “I know you love her, but, well, don’t you think… you could do better?”
“What do you mean?”
This time it was Sunshine who spoke. “Well, she isn’t exactly the best looking.”
Dash hesitated. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right… but looks aren’t the most important part, and Twilight is more than good enough to compensate.”
“But what will other ponies think of you?” Trails said.
“There’s ponies who are ashamed to go out in public with their spouses,” Sunshine added. “I’m just trying to make sure you won’t be one of them.”
“You know what?” Dash said, quietly. “Yeah, I suppose there could be prettier. But when I’m with her… I just don’t notice and don’t care. I barely notice the world around me. Like I'm a bit drunk, I suppose, but without the hangover.”
“Honestly, I think she’s a bit of a slob. Can’t she at least try to lose some weight and look nice, especially for us?”
“She can hear us, you know! She understands Gryphonese! She’s a bunch smarter than the both of you put together, and for fuck’s sake, she’s a Princess! Can’t you respect her?”
“We respect her, Dash! We just don’t think that she’d be the best choice for a pegasus as awesome as you. And besides, our culture sort of frowns upon lesbian couples ‘cause they can’t have kids. ”
“Oh, so that’s what it’s about!” Dash shouted. “Fuck this!” She flew through the window, her back to the setting Sun. Sunshine gave a half-hearted attempt at chasing her, but gave up as her daughter shot East.