//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Something to Talk About // Story: The Pony Who Embraced The Darkness // by Zurvan //------------------------------// Chapter 4: Something to Talk About “Winter!” Luna yells at the distracted unicorn, then bashes her fore hooves on the table and uses The Royal Canterlot Voice. “WINTER SPARK!” Winter winces, not failing to hear her that time and looks at her. “Sorry, mother, I was lost in thought.” “Obviously, you’ve not touched your dinner.” “Doesn’t look like you’ve touched your breakfast either.” Winter says as he motions to her food. “I have just sat down to eat.” “Then I haven't been sitting here nearly as long as I thought.” Winter says then charges up his horn and magically reheats his food then starts eating it. “So are you going to tell me what’s on your mind?” “It’s Nymeria.” “What about her?” “She asked me to marry her.” “Really?” Luna asks. “Is that a thing now?” “What do you mean mom?” “The filly asking the colt, is that a thing now?” “Nymeria claims it’s fairly common.” “Huh.” Luna says. “I never would have imagined. When we were sent to the moon that never would have happened.” Winter nods. “I know, it feels weird to me too.” “I can imagine, I’m sure you always thought you’d ask her.” “Honestly before she asked I hadn’t even thought about it.” “You hadn’t?” Winter shakes his head. “We’ve only known each other under a year, I honestly feel like I’ve just begun courting her.” “So what did you say to her?” “I told her I needed some time to think about it.” “And I take it that’s what has you so distracted?” “Exactly.” Winter nods. “It’s a lot to think about.” “I can only imagine.” Luna says. “Do you think this anything to do with the upcoming marriage of Ash Fall and Sweetie Belle?” “I hadn’t thought of that.” Winter admits. “They are to be married close to a year from when they met.” “Yeah, but Sweetie Belle literally saved Ash’s life, so that’s a completely different situation.” “Maybe, but her situation isn’t exactly normal.” Luna points out. “Does she still wear a collar?” “Yeah, she doesn't feel comfortable not wearing one.” ‘She’s told us enough about how she was raised to know she wasn’t shown a lot of affection.” Luna says. “She could be afraid of losing you.” “I honestly never thought of it that way.” “It’s something to keep in mind.” “True.” “Well, let me ask you this. Do you care for her?” Winter nods. “I do.” “Could you see yourself spending the rest of your life with her?” Winter blushes slightly. “Maybe, that’s a bit of a daunting question.” Luna nods. “Why not compromise?” “What are you talking about?” “A hornfasting ceremony. The were very popular among unicorns in more rural areas.” Winter nods. “That’s brilliant!” He jumps up and kisses Luna’s cheek. “Thank you Mom!” He runs off. Luna smiles slightly. “Kids. gotta love them.” =========== “Please forgive the delay Baroness Amira.” Celestia says as she enters the sitting room. “If I had known you were coming I would not have held Day Court.” “It's fine Princess.” Amira says as she looks up from her tea. “I certainly didn't mean to interrupt your busy schedule.” “So what is this visit about?” Celestia asks. “I highly doubt you came all the way here for a social call.” “We are having a border dispute with our neighbor Emperor Jindan of the Guoxians “ “I don't much care to intervene in other ponies matters.” “Please, just come and hear both sides of the argument. We could really use a neutral third party before things escalate.” Amira says. “I promise that we will hold to whatever you decide regardless of whose side you take in the end.” Celestia brings a forehoof to her chin as she thinks for a minute. “Could I send somepony I trust in my steed?” “Who do you have in mind?” “My former student, Princess Twilight Sparkle.” “Former student?” “She stopped being my student when she ascended to alicornhood.” “What is she princess of?” Celestia grins. “Friendship.” Amira chuckles slightly. “I doubt we’ll ever call Emperor Jindan our friend.” “Be that as it may, I feel like Twilight’s the best for this job.” Amira nods. “I don't even know this pony.” “That's the point.” Celestia says. “You asked me to be an impartial third party, but the truth is because I'm your friend there’s a chance I wouldn’t be impartial.” “Why not?” “As Princess I don’t have many ponies I can call friend.” “And you might see it as if you disagree with me you might lose a friend.” “Exactly.” “So to avoid that you want to send a pony you trust to be our intermediary and give a fair unbiased decision?” “That’s exactly what I was thinking.” “How could I argue with that?” Amira asks. “I asked for an impartial party, and you’re supplying me one.” Celestia nods. “I take it that you’re interested then?” Amira nods. “Very much so, I shall return to Saddle Arabia and tell Haakim what to expect.” “Feel free to stay at least the night and refresh yourself before you leave.” “Thank you very much, I shall take you up on that.” Celestia nods. “Is there anything else I can do for you in the meantime?” “Actually there is one more thing, since Haakim isn’t here.” “What is that Baroness?” “Could you summon you best mare doctor to come see me please?” Celestia smirks slightly. “Are you asking for the doctor to be a mare, or to specialize in mares? There’s a difference.” Amira blushes slightly. “Both preferably. Especially one that knows to keep her muzzle shut about sensitive matters.” “What’s wrong with you Amira?” “Nothing Princess, I think the day Haakim and I have awaited for has finally happened.” “You don’t mean?” Celestia trails off as Amira nods. “Yes, Princess. I believe I am with foal.” “Then I shall summon my personal physician.” Celestia says. “She won’t tell anypony anything that you don’t want her to.” “Thank you. Knowing that is a huge weight off my shoulders.”