//------------------------------//
// To bond a Little 
// Story: Acceptance 
// by Riddle-Me-Think 
//------------------------------//


I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic





Evening slowly came rolling around as the sun in the sky was moved steadily down by Celestia’s own might. Most businesses began to close up for the day and head home to get dinner started or just prepare for sleep. Other places actually opened their doors, preparing for the ponies who like to party or drink during the night.

It may have not been a party, but currently in the Twilight Household, it was warm and welcoming as the family --plus two-- enjoyed their time together.

Twilight Velvet had situated herself in the kitchen with her daughter and Cadence, smiling brightly as she talked to the two young mares, “You must tell me how you both reunited after all these years Twilight.” Referring to the black stallion in the other room with her husband and son.

Cutting up a few carrots and dumping them into a pot, Cadence nodded, “Yes Twilight, I‘ve been dying to know how the two of you got together myself.”

Setting the table up on her end, Twilight told, “Well, I was doing a little shopping while going over my list when I had, quiet literally, bumped into him.”

Giving the table a another look over, she used her magic to reset a few things before feeling satisfied and told, “After a quick chat, he mentioned not having a place to stay, so I offered him to live in my home until he could get a place of his own.”

While Velvet just listened in, Cadence couldn’t help but turn towards her soon to be sister-in-law and say, “Why Twilight, did you invite a stallion you haven’t seen in years, to sleep under your roof with you?” Then giggled as Twilight spluttered on the spot trying to deny anything.

Looking downright embarrassed, Twilight said with some irritation, “Why is everypony picking on me about this!” Not sure why more ponies besides her stallion had to constantly tease her about her love life.

With a smile, Velvet told, “I‘m sure Cadence doesn’t mean anything by it.” Giving a the alicon of love a glance and seeing an amused smirk on her muzzle, “It‘s just something we mares like to do when talking about our stallions.”

Looking to her daughter, the older mare asked, “So, did he get a home of his own, or is he still leaching off of you?” Wondering how reliable the stallion actually was for her little Twilight.

With a sigh at the question, Twilight said, “He was trying for the first few weeks, but things got…complicated.” Knowing that was about the time he showed himself and all things changeling, “But despite that he‘s been making conurbations when he could.” While nearly grounding out, “When ever he‘s around.”

“What do you mean by that?” Cadence asked a little confused. So far, nether she or Shinning Armor had seen Twilight without Masquerade somewhere nearby. It was strange how Twilight could stand having somepony nearby nearly all the time when she was use to having her own space. But with how quiet Masquerade could be when he wasn’t talking, it was easy to forget he was even in a room.

Turning around to help a little with making dinner, Twilight said, “Before we became a couple, Masquerade would somewhat distance himself from me and not seem like he was intruding on my life.”

Twilight Velvet gave an approving nod saying, “He was considerate of your feelings and gave you your space.” Adding a few points to the young stallion. “So what happened after that?”

Taking some time to think back, Twilight told, “Well, at some point I had overheard something about why he was in ponyville and decided to ask him about it…” Wondering ho much she should tell her mother.

Part of her wanted to tell her own mom about changelings, but with how things were, it was probably best she didn’t know. At least for now, after the wedding I will tell them everything.

“He told me a secret, one I‘m not going to tell.” Twilight decided to say, “I made a promise I would keep it until he felt he could face others knowing.”

With a sly look, Velvet said, “I‘m guessing that was where things took off from?” Slightly wondering what this secret was that Masquerade had shared.

To the white mares surprise, Twilight shook her head telling, “Oh, we didn’t get together until two moths after that.” Giggling a little at her mothers surprised look. She then further explained, “We‘ve been dating for over a week now.”

Nudging the lavender mare, Cadence said, “Then tell us, what brought the two of you together so well?”

Smiling Twilight said, “Well, it all started after a small…incident that one of my friends had let slip about how Mask acted around me.” Beginning her story of how she came to love Masquerade more than a friend.





Just like in the kitchen, the three stallions in the family room were also having their own time getting to know with each other. They all sat around the small coffee table in the room, each one holding up a hoof of cards.

Each one gave suspicious looks to the other, trying to read what was on the others mind. Night Light kept his face as calm as possible, giving no sign as to what he was thinking. Shinning was much the same, using his past guard training to keep the most impassive face as possible. Masquerade was the oddball of the two, grinning like an idiot while he watched the two and making all sorts of faces during the whole game.

The two quickly learned that they can’t go by the black unicorns tells, as they were apparently all faked to make them lose.

Shinning Armor glared at the black unicorn, trying to identify what could possibly be in his hoof. All Shinning got was a puzzled look from Masquerade, as if confused by what he had. Reaching out with his magic, Shinning put a few more chips in saying, “I‘m in.”

His father quickly followed, very sure of himself that his hoof would do. All that was left was Mask, once again grinning and putting a pile of chips in.

When it came to showing their cards, Masquerade once again had what he needed and scooped all winnings towards himself. Shinning Armor groaned in his seat, while his father looked impressed saying, “I have to say, your pretty good at poker.” Looking at the stallions winnings.

With his grin still in place, Masquerade told, “They say Poker is about luck.” Looking about the slightly darkened room and wondering when the two would realize they were in an illusion, “But for me, it‘s all about strategy.”

Right as Masquerade was about to take the cards and shuffle them, Shinning Armor swiped them all up saying, “Oh no, not this time, I‘m shuffling them from now on.”

Shrugging and taking up a chip so he could keep up the light illusion without showing he was using his magic, Mask said, “Sure thing, but I don’t think it will increase your chances in the least.”

While his son shuffled the cards for the next round, Night Light turned to the younger stallion asking, “So Masquerade, what do you do for living?” Watching the chip in green magic flip and fly about.

Taking up a few more chips to play around with, Masquerade told, “I‘m an actor, one who likes to tell stories.” Making the chips in his grasp fly about in a flight pattern pegasi guards use, “It‘s a talent I was able to pickup quite well.”

With a small laugh, Night Light seemed to agree, “I would say, your not making it easy for me to know your tells.” Having been tricked more then once when the younger stallion would shift his face about. For somepony that seemed so expressive at what he was doing, Mask certainly knew how to trick him.

Rolling his eyes and dealing out the cards for another round, Shinning told, “Your not the only one, this guy seems to always have a trick ready to use.” And gave a pointed look to the black stallion asking, “Your not by any chance…doing something to increase your chances at winning?”

With a grin, Masquerade told, “I‘m not doing anything that would increase my chances.” Looking slightly offended, “Only things that insure victory.”

Shinning Armor just stared at the changeling-in-unicorn form for a while, trying to figure out if he was cheating. But just like all other times that he’s known him for the last two days, Masquerade gave noting away. Blasted infiltrator, He could only think while looking at what cards he had, hoping that he would have something to beat Mask with.

Masquerade just grinned, knowing he would continue to win as long as nopony noticed his illusion, or he stopped the flow of magic from feeding said illusion. But until then, he was going to drain them dry of little plastic chips for the rest of the evening.

Mask then proceeded to laugh manically in his min.





Inside a large circular room deep in the castle, stood Celestia as she watched Intrusive draw a number of magical arrays with some chalk onto the ground. It had taken an hour for the stallion to draw each line, starting with the outer circle and working his way in. A number of ancient words and symbols were placed near the outer part of the array, with a number of other lines making up the inside.

Celestia had taken that hour to collect the six diamonds needed, and was even able to get each one cut to meet their specific needs. The elderly stallion soon finished his work, drawing six last circles into the center of the array and carefully make his way out.

The white alicorn took her time to look over the large seven foot array and gave it a long look over. She could see the complexity that was put into the elders work, and very surprised by it’s workings if she understood it right. There were of course, a few lines or symbols she was not familiar with, and giving her pause as to their use.

“Do you have the gems needed, your highness?” Intrusive asked while picking up a clay bowl and started to add a number of herbs and ingredients before crushing and mixing them. He had taken his time to turn back into his changeling form, showing even more holes in his braided mane, wings, hooves and jagged horn.

“I do.” She said, the ring of magic permitting the room as she sent the six crystal clear diamonds over to the aged changeling. While he snatched them up, Celestia walked closer to observe his work, curious as to know what he was doing.

As if reading her mind, Intrusive said, “Though crystals can both absorb and refract magic, this mixture should give them the required signatures needed to make them work the way we need them to.”

Putting the bowl down to free his hooves, Intrusive went to work rubbing his forelimbs together, getting secretions of resin. Laying what he collected into the bowl, he lit his horn and sent a small bit of changeling fire into the bowl.

He waited a moment for the resin to lose its strength and melt before grabbing a new vile and pouring its contents in, putting out the green flames. Mixing all the ingredients together, the elder once more said, “This mixture is made so no emotions are left, leaving only pure magic.” And took the six diamonds into his hoof while using his wings to gently fly over the array.

Even while he set the six gems into each of the circles in the arrays center, did the elder continue, “When doing this, no strong emotions must be used for this, only the most purest of magic in its refined state.” Then poured a little of the green liquefied mixer onto each gem before flying back out.

Looking back at the array he had made, Intrusive checked and rechecked his work for any flaws, still rambling, “The array is made so the magic one uses on the outside of it will be turned onto pure magic, and provide to right charge needed.” When he was sure it was done properly, he turned to the alicorn saying, “Would you like the honors of giving the bonding gems their magic, it is perhaps the most easiest step of the whole process.”

Giving a shake of her head, Celestia told, “I am here to observe and learn, so I feel it best for you to finish this.”

With a nod, Intrusive turned back to the circle and charged his horn into it’s green color before firing a beam of magic into a triangle at the outer edge of the array. Following the chalk lines inwards to its center, Intrusive’s green magic quickly travels along, changing colors as it reached the center where it turned completely white.

When his magic finally reached the circles that held the six diamonds, all the greed liquid was pulled into each gem as they floated up from the ground some. Celestia reached out with her senses, feeling the magic inside them shift and change for each one before clearly defined links began to form with different ones.

After nearly two minutes of this, did the elder finally cut off his magic, feeling himself sink some as his aged limbs shook with exertion. With no magic to power it, the six newly created bonding gems dropped to the floor, creating an echoing clink as they did.

Intrusive felt a wing over him, steadying his form as he felt concern being fed into his tiered body. With a dry laugh, he said, “Thank you your highness, I sometimes forget how old I truly have become.”

Celestia gave a kind smile, gently helping the aged changing up some telling, “I know how you sometimes feel.” Getting another laugh form the Intrusive while she looked into the center of the array.

There sat the six gems from before, two now in a yellow color that looked to be like a sunset. The next two were a green color, dark and vibrant like a forest. The last two were in a blue color, looking almost like the ocean with its slightly tinted green colors.

With a pleased smile, Intrusive slowly made his way to the gems, unconcerned about the now burnt up chalk lines that were incinerated by the process. Celestia walked close by, looking at the gems with some awe as they shined and glowed with pure magical power.

“Oh, these turned out wonderfully.” Intrusive continued to smile as he looked the bonding gems over, “No visible cracks…clear as can be…and, no trace of anything but pure magic!”

Giving a look around the room, the changeling frown before saying, “Ah mulberries, I forgot to bring those boxes with…” Still glancing about the mostly clear out room.

With a confused look, Celestia said, “I can retrieve us some, it will only take a moment.”

Giving a grateful nod, Intrusive told, “If you please, Bonding gems will try to align with the first strong magical signature they are touched with, so best we don’t make any contact with them.” Getting up and muttering, “Now were is something I can grasp those things with?”

It only took about five minutes to get what was needed, and soon all six gems were nestled into their new little home before the lid shut on them.

Putting the box onto his back, Intrusive turned back into his pony form, giving the Princess a nod saying, “Now that you have seen how this works, do you feel ready to learn how to attempt it?” Now planning a trip to the Gem caravan to drop off the gems to their new owner.

With a nod, Celestia said, “I believe so, but before we do that…” Exiting out the door and making her way to her tower, “I have a sun to move.”

“Then I will take my leave for the time being, and get these to Sham while there is still some daylight.” Intrusive told, breaking away form the alicorn to finish his task.





The night lit streets of Canterlot were something to behold, much like its time in the day. The often white buildings mixed with grey paths and soft light from the moon over head made for a calming sight. Few ponies walked these roads at night, but those who do often enjoy the peacefulness of the empty streets.

This was the case for the couples that had just had a nice time with their suitors parents, bellies full from the meal they had and ready for some sleep. Well, almost all of them.

“I was also thinking of trying to find any more spell books I could use to further my research before heading back tomorrow.” Twilight went on, nearly not having much time to spend in the Canterlot library.

Keeping close to her, Masquerade said, “I‘d like to come along, there is this illusion spell I‘ve been dying to find, and I think I might find it here.” Cackling on the inside on what sort of mischief he could do with such a spell.

With a curious look Shinning asked, “And what sort of spell would that be?” Not liking the almost evil look in the changelings bright green eyes. He doubt it was anything harmful, but he could not help but worry what the changeling was up to.

With a light chuckle, Masquerade told, “Relax guard captain, I’m just looking for a spell that may or may not even exist.” And nudged Twilight saying, “But if it doesn’t, I think I‘ll ask for Twinkles help in making it.”

Smiling at the idea, Twilight said, “That sounds actually fun, what sort of illusion spell are we talking about?” Mind already moving with a flurry of activity on what sort of spell crafting the two of them might do.

Giving a grin at Twilights actions and feelings, Masquerade only said, “Maybe after I find out if the spell exists or not, then I‘ll tell you.” Making his fillyfriend pout at not getting to know what he was thinking.

Shaking her head, Cadence could not help but ask, “Do you always have to tease Twilight?” Smiling as the black stallion pouted to himself.

“I don’t tease her all the time.” He denied to the princess, “Only when I find it the right time.”

Getting a slight shove from the lavender mare, Twilight told, “Which is anytime you feel like it.” Laughing at her coltfriends pouting face as he had noting to say to that.

Cadence shook her head while she continued to watch the interaction of the unique couple. I don’t think we have anything to fear from this changeling, she smiled as the two went off on another bit of banter. I don’t think I have seen Twilight so…open with another pony before.

It was almost strange to see how well they got along with the other for the foalsitter. Cadence more or less remembered seeing her little Twilight befriending only her and Shinning, while Masquerade seemed…distant. She didn’t even know about the colt back then, only knowing about Twilight and her family.

Any further thoughts seemed to come to a halt when the whole group stopped with the voice of Blue Blood calling, “Twilight, fancy meeting you here.” Standing before them and smiling.

Both Shinning Armor and Cadence gave a slight start when they heard a low hiss come from Masquerade’s throat. Twilight put a stop to that by giving one of his hind legs a small kick, silencing the black stallion.

“I can‘t say it is, I‘m staying here for the time being and you live here.” Twilight patiently told in a civil tone while continuing to walk on. Masquerade walked by her right side, keeping his glaring eyes on the white stallion, while Blue Blood took Twilight's left side.

Both Cadence and Shinning gave uncertain looks, seemingly asking the other what was suddenly happening before them. Cadence gave her ‘cousin’ a look, knowing all about his interest in Twilight and how it was mostly focused on the younger mares position.

Shinning Armor on the other hoof, was going over Masquerade’s sudden change in mood. It was true that a number of ponies didn’t like Blue Blood, who am I kidding, I don’t like the stuck up guy that much. Shinning snorted to himself at the thought, while also joining the thinner stallion in glaring at Blue Blood.

Not bothered by Twilight brushing him off, the unicorn noble said, “Regardless, I was hoping to extend an invitation to you on a late dinner--”

“Not interested, got books to read, research to do…” Masquerade piped up, cutting the other stallion off, “I was going to take a look at a few books myself, and also keep my fillyfriend from staying up too late.”

Twilight went to scold the stallion to her right, but Blue Blood cut her off saying, “Honestly, reading books is all and good, but some relaxing dinner and tea would be much better to spend the before getting some rest.”

With a twitching eye, Masquerade told, “Hate to break the news to you, but we came back from a wonderful dinner from Twinkles folks.” Chuckling a little adding, “I like her father, he has a good sense of humor.”

Getting fed up with the two, Twilight calmly placed a hoof on Mask’s shoulder saying, “Mask, I would like to get a few words in with Blue Blood, if you please?”

Blinking at the mare and giving a glance to the poised --but feeling smug-- stallion, Masquerade nodded, “Alright, he‘s all yours.” Shutting his trap and letting Twilight do the talking.

“Thank you.” She said, turning her attention back to the stallion to her left saying, “I appreciate the offer Blue Blood, but my coltfriend.” Trying to lightly stress the last part, “And I, were planning to do some reading for tonight.”

Breaking away from the group, Twilight called, “Come on Mask, we only have twelve hours to read and sleep before leaving tomorrow.”

With a grin, Masquerade called, “Got it Twinkles.” And turned back to Blue Blood saying, “Smell ya later Goldy Locks.” Laughing as he bounded away and left a completely shocked Blue Blood, whom felt affronted at what the changeling said.

Shinning Armor held in his amusement, only feeling the slightest twitch on his lip while he walked on by with Cadence. Suddenly, Masquerade didn’t seem so bad as before. Maybe we can get along, He thought, deciding to give the changeling a bit more of a chance.

Cadence didn’t hold back her smile, nodding to herself some and thinking, I may not be able to tell where his loyalties lie, but one thing is for sure. The pink alicorn looked in the direction the unicorn couple went, smiled as Masquerade gave another one of this quick pecks onto Twilights cheek, Masquerade will protect Twilight, I am sure of it. She was going to have an interesting conversation with her aunts the next morning.

In the hallway that both Masquerade and Twilight had gone down, the lavender mare could not help but give her stallion a reproachful look while saying, “I know it‘s only because you love me, but can you please refrain from taunting other stallions like that?” Knowing there was going to be some form of retribution from Blue Blood for his wounded pride.

Shaking his head, but understanding where the mare was going, Masquerade said, “Your probably right…” Playing with the idea some, “But I don’t think I can do much, I still don’t like other stallions looking at you like he did.”

With a drawn out sigh, Twilight told, “At least try to be more civil, there are a number of nobles here and I don’t want to set off any of the more shallow ones.” Knowing that what ever Blue Blood had in mind, it would be aimed more for humiliation. Then again, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash can’t catch this guy in a prank, what chance does Blue Blood have?

“Alright Twilight, I‘ll try to keep my mouth shut and let you do the talking.” Masquerade gave in, not wanting to cause Twilight any grief on the subject.

Giving a satisfied nod at that, Twilight picked up her pace for the library, a little excited to get nose-deep into some literature. The stallion trailing next to her smiled a bit at feeling the shift in her mood, knowing that he too was a little excited about learning a new spell…or two.





The Iron Grip forge inside the Canterlot castle was a well renowned place for smiths, said to have been made by a minotaur that had served under Celestia years back. It had been were a number of different weapons and armor had been forged for the royal guard, using special metals to suit each solders needs for their role.

This was where Luna headed now, knowing that both changeling heirs were down there doing…who knew what, but assuredly getting the supplies needed to make her new battle mage sword. As she got closer to the forge, she could feel the tempters rise around her, and smell the ash in the air. The clinging of steel vibrated off the walls, telling the night princess that somepony was working.

Then, she could hear the voice of Bard as he said in a knowing tone, “Now, if you want a more nifty blades you see samuri have, then you need to use this sort of technique.” And was followed by a loud hissing and bubbling. “Should tell ya, not all the blades survive this part, some come out bad, and that can be a real bummer cuz you have to start all over!” 

When Luna turned the corner, she watched as a few of her ponies observe Bard as he worked on pulling out a nicely curved katana sword from the water, giving it a critical look saying, “Now as you can see, the blade is more curved, making it more effective to draw out and slice opponents.”

Looking about the room, he pointed to a unicorn and asked, “You do any polishing?” And getting a small nod from the mare, “Good, cuz if these dudes can make this, than you‘ll need to know how to properly take care of such a fine thing.” Setting the sword down to continue his little lesson.

Clearing her voice, all eyes turned to Luna who waited in place for Bard. While most of the ponies looked ready to bolt back to their stations, Bard just smiled and made his way to the princess saying, “My moon goddess, how are you this awesome evening?”

Despite the changelings lacking demeanor of how to properly address her, Luna told, “It is well, thank you for asking.” Giving a look around the room asking, “Where is thy brother, the enchanter?”

With an easy smile, Bard motioned with his wing, “This way night princess.” Going into another room of the forge with Luna following close, “I have t‘ say, me and my bro are looking forwards to this!”

“How so?” Luna asked, wondering what the two had planed for their time down in the forge. “I am not a forger of steel, but of politics and battle.”

Shrugging, Bard told, “You don’t need to do any of the metal working, we mostly need you because my bro came up with this radical idea!” Seeing the princesses inquiring look he asked, “You know how most spell-slingers use punched out holes, magically conducting metal and enchantments to work?”

Seeing Luna give a nod, he told, “Well, me and my bro know that crystals can be used too, but they break if hit --ergo the holes-- but I think we got something that can use crystals that only align to your magic!”

Stepping into the room where Yellow Jacket was looking over the metal in the room, Luna asked, “Are you implying you wish to make a sword only I can use?”

Hearing the lunar princesses question, the yellow stallion in the room turned to her and Bard, saying, “That is correct your fineness, I figured that since we're making a sword for the princess of the night, might as well make it so only she can use it.” Tapping the magically conducting metal they were going to use, “The best, for the best.”

Almost jumping in place, Bard passed a paper with a number of sword designs to Luna telling, “So, what sort neato sword do ya want?”

Giving all the swords a look over, and weighing out how they would work for her, Luna found one similar to her old sword and pointed, “This one will suit my needs.” 

Looking at the selected sword, Bard smirked, “So, much like the swords of old huh?” And looking over the broadsword with a more thinner blade, “We can work with that real nicely.”