//------------------------------// // So Long, Farewell // Story: The Alpaca Prince // by Aegis Shield //------------------------------// The Alpaca Prince Part 4: Farewell When the third day of the alpaca prince’s stay had reached evening, king Fluffington was well on his way to Ponyville with his entourage. There were twenty alpaca to guard and keep him safe, and they were all packed up and ready to leave. With a series of scroll cases packed in his fur (each with a renewed treaty or agreement), he’d called the trip a great success. Ponies on the road gave his highness a wide berth, and when they reached the train station Princess Celestia and Luna were there to see him off. Rearing up a bit, Celestia grabbed him by the ears (as was alpaca tradition), and kissed either of his cheeks. He chuckled, lifting and kissing both Princess’ hooves. “Perhaps I will return again sometime soon. I have never experienced an Equestrian Hearthswarming holiday. Maybe my son and I will come back then?” “We would be honored to receive you,” Celestia smiled. Luna nodded gaily in agreement. “Thank you for coming in such a timely way so that none of our treaties or trade agreements expired. Farewell!” “Farewell!” Luna echoed. Without warning the gathered crowd of ponies broke into song. Fluffington chuckled in delight as the fanfares lit up the entire train-station and much of the street. Such a delightful culture! So long, farewell, we hope to see you soon! So long, farewell auf wiedersehen, adieu Adieu, adieu, to you and you and you! The twenty-strong entourage of his majesty blink-blinked as they received flower wreaths, fruit baskets, and greeting cards to see them home. Confetti rained from the sky where waiting pegasi threw hoof fulls of the stuff. Fluffington belly-laughed, getting onto the train and onto his royal car. He stuck his head out the window to share a private smile with Celestia: So long, farewell, auch wiedersehen, good night. I hate to go and leave this pretty sight! Celestia tittered in delight at his word. The train hissed to life, lurching forward and down the track. Walking to the edge of the platform she lifted a hoof to wave, smiling from ear to ear. When the train had passed beyond the tunnel and out of sight, the fanfare died down and everypony returned to their usual activities. The day Princess felt Luna’s presence by her side and sighed in a rather heart-aching sort of way. Her dark-toned sister studied her, shared a moment of realization, then chuckled her approval. The sun has gone to bed and so must I So long, farewell, auch wiedersehen, goodbye Luna smiled in a rather knowing way, touching her sister’s shoulder as Celestia dipped the sun below the horizon. She gave an alicorn-sized yawn. Luna couldn’t blame the poor thing, she’d been seeing to King Fluffington’s every need even outside negotiations for the past three days. The white alicorn yawned aloud, leaning on Luna. Goodbye Luna led her beyond the palace gates and to her bed, where she slowly sprawled out on her back when a feminine moan of exhaustion. Visiting foreign royalty was so exhausting, it… it really was… Goodbye By the time Luna had gone to the doorway, Celestia was already asleep. Goodbye Luna clicked the door closed and went about her evening duties, smiling softly. =-=-=-= “Erm, I am supposing this is goodbye then, Princess Twilight Sparkle,” Prince Cudfellow said, staring at the ground and pawing at the train platform’s floorboards a few times. “I am most honored to have stayed with you, yes, and perhaps visit again someday?” he asked. “You are always welcome at Castle Friendship, Prince Cudfellow,” Twilight smiled. She’d grown very fond of the Prince in three short days, and had even redonned her gown to see him off at the train station. King Fluffington and the entourage were waiting for him. “Here,” the purple mare turned and offered him a rather deadly-looking kitchen knife (the biggest one from her knife block). Somehow it seemed more meaningful to give to an alpacan prince than a handkerchief or something else. It was an excuse to see her again, certainly. He beamed at her approval, scratching the back of his head before taking it from her. “Here,” he fished into his fur and retrieved his prized bronze shortsword. “It will keep you safe, even your beautiful face spot,” he smiled. “Thank you,” Twilight said, chuckling a little. “It was wonderful to meet you.” “Father says we may have the return time of months, for your cold-time holiday?” Cudfellow said it like a question. “For the fireplace heat?” “Oh, Hearthswarming?” Twilight perked up a little. “That would be nice!” “I am thinking so also, yes,” he shifted his weight to grab her ears, but she touched his shoulder to stop him. “Uh?” she leaned and gave him a quick, chaste kiss of affection. “Safe journey,” Twilight said with a smile. “Y-yes,” the Prince stuttered, little hearts blossoming around his head and popping like bubbles. “F-farewell, Warrior Princess Twilight.” He bowed, and she returned the bow until he got onto the train. The door automatically slipped shut behind him. He went to the nearest window, pulling it down so he could lean out. “Goodbye!” he shouted as the train screamed and started forward. Twilight waved, her cheeks still flushed at the thrill of the kiss. As the train moved faster and faster the wind made Prince Cudfellow’s bangs flap about, exposing his eyes. They were a beautiful meadow green. “Goodbye!” Twilight shouted once more before they’d pulled away. THE END