Every Cloud has a Silver Lining

by David Silver

23 - Love Talk

Cadance circled around Luna, who was seated on a cushion. "Did you give him everything back?"

Luna perked an ear, "He showed no interest in most of it, but I gave back the largest artifact, which he seemed to prize."

Cadance made a soft gesture, "Alright, that's good enough for now." She marched up to Luna, "Now that the air is clearer, you still have to tell him. You also have to decide." She held up a hoof, "Do you love him?" She switched hooves, "Or is it a fixation? If you love him, he must become more of your equal."

Luna twitched her ears, "The only way I could do that is if he knew how to part the soul as well, which he does not. He is not even close to skilled enough for that. He hurt himself trying to enter an academy."

Cadance pointed, "There you go. If you want to do him a favor, a real favor, you'll show him how to use that horn."

Luna looked clearly uncomfortable at the idea, "He has a teacher, and we have not... that much time."

Cadance shrugged, "He doesn't have to know everything of you to be more equal, but it means you have to bow that neck of yours and stoop down to his level. It means not giving him orders, or expecting him to do as you say, or testing if he'll do what you say. You should be encouraging his strength, not testing his weakness." She looked over her shoulder at Luna, "But I'm not certain you are ready for that."

Luna shook her head, looking forlorn. "I don't think I am either."

Cadance approached Luna and gave her a gentle nuzzle, "Then you must quit him. You are hurting him, and he is hurting you. Neither of you mean to, but it is what it is. Visit him once more to apologize, and to say goodbye."

Luna flared her wings, "That will crush him."

"It will," agreed Cadance, "But it will be a short-term pain. He will recover, and be healthier for it. He has to find someone closer to his own level, not chasing after princesses."

Luna wrinkled her nose, "You sound like a stuffy courtier, insisting the classes not mix."

Cadance nodded, "Sometimes it can be true... He is so far beneath you that he doesn't even know what world you live in. You have no common reference." She paused, then pointed at Luna, "Well, I suppose you have his frame of reference, but you're not willing to dive that deep."

Luna's ears flipped back, "His 'frame of reference' is alien. He has seen things, impossible things, and debased things. He has seen things wonderful and perverse. It is beyond me how any one pony, even of his true age, could have witnessed so much. To say nothing of his thoughts of me! And you!" She raised a hoof and pointed, "If he thought he had a chance, he'd gladly leap on any of the princesses, to say nothing of the Elements. His favored is Twilight. He likes her eccentric nature and her keen hunger for knowledge."

Cadance frowned, "Is he a predator? I'm not going to ask how he knows of any of the Elements."

Luna shook her head, "Yes and no? His species is, but crippling doubt keeps him from ever being much a threat to a pony. I'm surprised he has adjusted so well to pony life. Before he came here, he ate meat rather regularly, and now, none at all." She rose to her hooves. "He is a bad habit."

Cadance nodded, "We agree. You have enough to worry about without entangling your life with an alien. Maybe when he's not young enough to make other ponies worry about the implications?"

Luna snorted, looking thoughtful a moment, "Maybe I should arrange him a partner. It is still within the royal right to do so, is it not?"

Cadance raised a brow, "Technically, but it hasn't been used in practice in a long time. Do you have somepony in mind?"

Luna smiled gently, "Now that I know him clearly, one that I thought was seducing him is revealed to be one he already had feelings for. He still dreams of her regularly."

Cadance nodded, looking pleased, but then doubt came over her, "Is this pony... also a filly or colt?"

Luna shook her head, "She is mature, as is her partner."

Cadance's confidence crumbled further, "Partner? This pony already has a partner?"

Luna waved a silver-shod shoe, "And he desires both of them. They were to be a herd before things came to a head in Manehattan. I thought all his feelings for her were forced and artificial, but I see now that he found her appealing long before then."

Cadance shook her head, "The way you describe it, he finds most ponies attractive. You said he was a biped?"

Luna snorted softly as she moved towards a window, gazing out over Canterlot, "This one is different. They share interests. She plays the same games he does, and admires his species. His being a human, even former, is a plus for her."

"But she's a full-grown mare?" asked Cadance. "Even if they do bond, she will grow old long before he does."

Luna flapped a wing, "Is it not said it is better to love and lose than to never love to start?"

Cadance shook her head quickly, "That does not make it our goal. Think, Auntie. If you insist on searching for him, surely you know somepony closer to his age? His physical age."

Luna snorted softly, "He does not find ponies his own age appealing, beside the euphoria of their scent. He sees them as foals, little ponies, even if he is their size."

Cadance let out a small laugh, "I'm actually relieved to hear there is something he is not drawn to, but did it have to be the one thing he should be? Your colt is one big bundle of trouble."

"Tell me about it," said Luna with a snort.

Cadance poked her in the shoulder, "Alright, from the top. What does he favor?"

Luna considered a moment before tapping her hooves, "A kind temperament, and the ability to see beyond the current situation. An aggressive partner, but not too much so."

Cadance softly huffed, "That writes you out."

Luna frowned, but continued, "Light-hearted, playful."

Cadance smiled gently, "That isn't so exotic. He just wants what most ponies want."

Luna suddenly brightened, "I know it! Somepony with a predatory side, that will challenge him, and chase him." She strode to a writing desk, grabbing a quill in her magic, "Yes, this should work out well."

Cadance pointed at Luna, "Don't forget you still have to confess. I'm not leaving until you come clean. If you don't tell him, I tell Celestia, and she will be very upset."

Luna frowned, "Don't use my sister against me." She turned her attention back to the paper, writing quickly, then folding it shut and sealing with wax. "Let us be off."

---

Rough and Trixie lay in the bed, satisfied. Rough gently nuzzled with her, rubbing snouts as he looked into her eyes. "You are the enchantress of my heart."

Trixie gave a soft giggle, "That was awful. You are the pillar of my soul." They squeezed together. "My muse I never knew I was missing."

Rough softly nipped at her ears, "The spark to light my fire."

Trixie tilted her head, "Why did you never tell me before? We were together for long enough."

Rough's ears pinned down, "I... was afraid you'd reject me. You're so... wonderful. Your lustrous blue fur, your dazzling eyes. Even your magic has an air of majesty and mystery to it."

Trixie could argue none of these points, but it felt nice to hear, "I'm sorry I never said anything." She ran a hoof gently over his ears and neck, "You always stood at Trixie's side. Even when my ideas didn't work, you just encouraged me to try again." She bumped noses with Rough, "Tell me about my mane."

Rough was only too happy to begin describing the wonder of her mane, its silvery other-worldly hue, the way it held itself so perfectly and made her all the more bewitching. His words made Trixie's heart feel light and she rolled over on top of him. "Will you stay?"

Rough blinked softly, "Stay?"

Trixie made a dismissive motion, "Now that you have had me, will you run away?"

Rough shook his head violently, "No! I want... to stay at your side. Forever, if you'll have me."

Trixie rested her cheek against Rough's, "Forever is a long time. Why don't we try this... I think I like this... like you..."

Rough squeezed her gently, "I love you, and I'll protect you."

Trixie's doubts had returned, with none of Cadance's magic to ward them away, "Trixie has heard that before... But you will get your chance. We are marefriend and coltfriend, yes? Show me that you are sincere before we rush ahead any further."

Rough rolled over, taking the top. He sealed his agreement with a kiss, and then much more.

---

Silver perked an ear. He closed his game and headed for the door, opening it to reveal Luna and Cadance. He blinked at the two royal ponies and stepped out of the way. They trotted in lightly and he closed the door. Luna looked at him oddly, then away. Cadance nudged her with a hoof, "Go on."

Luna cleared her throat, "We are afraid we have not been entirely truthful."

Silver could hear worry in Luna's voice, but couldn't fathom what she had to worry about. Such a magnificent mare could hardly do much wrong. Maybe she was in trouble? "Can I help?"

Cadance saw the cord between Silver and Luna glowing brightly. Though it was against her nature in every literal sense, she gently pressed down on that connection with her magic, choking it. It was painful in her chest, but she held it shut for the moment. Silver's eyes cleared of the fog gathering in them and he blinked, "Huh?"

Luna glanced at Cadance, then back at Silver, "We took advantage of your weakened state to secure permission to examine you. We have seen all."

Silver went red rapidly, "Everything?"

Luna nodded her head, "Everything."

Silver squirmed in place, "Are you going to banish me now?"

Luna blinked at this response, "Why would I do that? I came to apologize."

Silver shook his head, "I don't actually care that much if you know everything. I told you, I just thought it... would be unpleasant for you, and might get me kicked out of Equestria."

Cadance lightly punched Luna in the side, "Told you!"

Silver continued, "So... you're OK with what you saw?"

Luna took a slow breath, "No. Your thoughts are alien. Never have I seen a mind so divorced from the harmony of Equestria. My mind still reels from the things I have seen." She raised a brow, "Is it common for people of your world to fantasize about other species so much? To say nothing of what is in your head about me alone."

Silver sunk his head ashamedly, "That's mostly just me, but there are others." He looked up at Luna, "I hold you in the highest respect, even if my imagination is terrible."

"Imagination!" exclaimed Luna, "We have seen all. We know other humans have made drawings of our royal personage. We are... flattered, perhaps, but disturbed. To think a bunch of evolved apes are dreaming of me a world away."

Cadance began to grow curious, "Do they... of me?"

"Yes!" exclaimed Luna, then sank in place. "Be that as it may, I have wronged you. It is within your right to demand recompense."

Silver tilted his head one way and the other. So Luna knew all his thoughts, all of them? A horribly lewd thought popped into his head and he opened his mouth to demand something awfully decadent, but it never emerged. "You don't owe me anything."

Luna seemed to grow instantly angered, "You must demand something! I will not be another female to leave you used with nothing."

Silver frowned in thought, then glanced over at Cadance, "Hey Cadance. It's nice to meet you in person."

Cadance smiled and reached to ruffle his mane, "Hello Silver. You have Luna running in circles."

Silver nodded, "On one hand, er, hoof, I just want her to let it go. We made mistakes, it happens. I don't do grudges, and it didn't actually hurt me."

"About that," said Luna. "When I abused your intoxication, it may have muddled your mind towards me."

Cadance shook her head, "It will fade with time and separation, but I am holding it back for now. Your thoughts are your own."

Silver frowned, that explained certain things. "So, I don't suppose you could fix that?"

Luna shook her head, "I do not even understand it. Cadance?"

Cadance allowed her sight to slip to the realm of love. She extended a hoof towards Silver, waiting for that cord to appear. It sprung out, linking them, and she followed it back to his heart, then she blinked, vision returning. "How could I have not realized?"

"Realized what?" asked Silver. Cadance smelled nice and his nose danced lightly.

Cadance pushed Silver away, "It's nothing mystical at all. You just don't know how to handle pheromones. Did your native species not have them?"

Silver shook his head, "People argue about it a lot, but our noses are not that keen compared to most animals."

Cadance nodded her head, "You're being overwhelmed. I shudder to think what would happen if you came on a mare who was in season."

Silver bobbed his head, "Alright, that makes sense, so... what do we do about it?"

Cadance lifted her shoulder, "You get used to it, unless you want your nose crippled. That would just be barbaric."

Luna raised a brow, "I am relieved it wasn't my magic, but you have yet to name your price for forgiveness."

Silver smiled nervously, "Promising not to do it again isn't enough?"

Luna shook her head, "No."

Silver looked between the two princesses, unsure of what he should demand of Moonbutt.

Author's Note:

What should Silver ask for?

How about immunity to typos forever! I can get behind that wish.

Comments

[Seeking Dusk]

Yeah, I did suspect it was something more mundane like pheromones at it's root, thinking back to how ponies acted in Clueless. Now... what should he ask for... Be petty[ish] and ask for public favour for he and his! A title for their little family of Trixie and Rough and himself. Something that shows he's more than just a commoner.

[drone_r0m-3]

How about immunity to typos forever! I can get behind that wish.

More than likely that isn't within Luna's power.

"You get used to it, unless you want your nose crippled. That would just be barbaric."

remove one space.

[David Silver]

5718261 Fixed! Do you have ideas for what Silver should request?

[David Silver]

5718260 Technically he could have that whenever he's ready to report to court and start doing his job instead of playing colt.

[drone_r0m-3]

5718291 I'm not really sure. Maybe he should ask for something ridiculous? Like 1 million space bucks or making the night last forever.

Maybe something nice for his new friends? Didn't Rough Tumble want a car?

[David Silver]

5718312 ... That's actually genius. Tumble does want/need a car to fulfill his destiny.

[Alzrius]

Cadance passed around Luna, who was seated on a cushion. "Did you give him everything back?"

The phrase "passed around" sounds a bit odd. Does that mean she's circling her?

She held up a hoof, "Do you love him."

I think this should end with a question mark.

She raised a hoof and pointed, "If he thought he had a chance, he'd gladly leap on any of the princesses, to say nothing of the elements.

Capitalize "Elements" here, since this is a proper name.

Luna smiled gently, "Now that I know him clearly, one that I thought was seducing him is revealed to be one he already had feelings for. He still dreams of her regularly"

There needs to be punctuation at the end of that sentence.

Rough was only too-happy to begin describing the wonder of her mane, its silvery other-worldly hue, the way it held itself so perfectly and made her all the more bewitching.

There's no hyphen in "too happy," ironically enough.

Cadance saw the cord between Silver and Luna glowing bright.

I'd change that to "glowing brightly."

Cadance lifted her shoulder, "You get used to it, unless you want your nose crippled. That would just be barbaric."

There's an extra space between "to" and "it."

[David Silver]

5718326 All fixed, blessings of the shipping princess on you. What do you think Silver should ask for? And a bit for your thoughts.

[Alzrius]

5718339 Things seem to be proceeding smoothly. Normally I'd complain about the lack of drama, but relaxing downtime is good too, since too much of anything becomes tiresome after a while.

The "Luna arc" seems to be wrapping up, and that's almost certainly a good thing. There honestly didn't seem to be anywhere else for it to go, at least not while remaining tasteful. The honesty that Cadance has brought to the situation is refreshing, particularly since the conclusion she came to was that everything would not work out, and the best course of action was to end it. That's both honest and mature, and speaks very well for how things are going.

One thing I'm curious about will be how the two of them interact from now on. I do think that there should be a poignant "goodbye" moment between them, if only because Luna needs to make it absolutely clear that there must not and will not be anything between them. That might make the whole "court squire" thing awkward, but presumably he won't be called upon for anything in that regard until he reaches maturity, by which point he'll hopefully have moved on. That also makes me wonder if this will engender any reflection, or more likely pathos, on Luna's part about the state of her life. After all, immortality is isolating - the only pony who'd live long enough to be in a real relationship with her is her sister (clop alert! No doubt that's in Silver's mind too!), and what with everything with Silver, and how Cadance is apparently happier living a mortal life with a husband, this should throw into stark relief that, in a very real way, Luna is just as alone here as she was when she was banished to the moon.

I'm also curious about what Luna was writing on that paper. Was that the name of a potential match? I'm not sure who she was thinking of (hopefully not Carrot!), since she was describing somepony that's "predatory" that would "chase" him. So a bit of suspense there.

Rough and Trixie's interplay continues to be more charming than I'd have given it credit for. It's actually quite heartwarming to see them giggling over their new relationship status.

Insofar as what Silver could ask for... I'm honestly nervous that Luna will let him off with something that's either a token, or completely selfless (e.g. the aforementioned car for Tumble), or both; that feels like a cop-out. In fact, Luna should insist that he can't ask for something for somepony else, and that it must have meaningful value (presumably by her definition, since money doubtless means little to her). Of course, with those stipulations in mind, Silver wouldn't be wrong to ask for a few days to consider it, since he's on the spot right now.

As for what such recompense would be... well, he wouldn't ask to be admitted to an academy. He's already a member of the court. Money doesn't appear to be an issue for them. He doesn't care much about power. Asking for females would just be wrong on so many levels, and she's already playing matchmaker besides. So what's left?

I'm tempted to say that he should demand that they reverse the terms of his servitude; that she be the one at his beck-and-call for thirty years...but I can't see Silver asking for that. All the more so since it flies in the face of Luna's (correct) decision to distance herself from him. On the other hoof, thirty years is a long time, and it's not like it's an engagement... she would essentially be a member of his herd (sort of). Still, that does seem somewhat equitable, and even poetic... particularly since he'd never abuse it (or her), and it'd humble her some.

Hm, maybe he should ask for that.

[David Silver]

5718432 Oh goodness! This chapter clearly put a lot of thoughts in your head, which I will accept as the most sincere compliment that can be given. The idea of asking Luna to be his firstwife of a new herd... amuses me. I think Cadance might just fall over and die of shock.

I think I can work with this, though likely not the way you're thinking exactly....

I enjoyed Rough and Trixie's little moment together. It felt genuine, and the breaks Trixie applies brought it down a little, making it grounded and more 'real'. When the heady drug of Cadance's love magic wore off, they are people, and have to learn to be together as any two people.

Yes, I think I have a firm idea of where the next chapter will go, provided the chracters don't rebel against me and take control of the story. It's happened before.

[Alzrius]

5718465 Not necessarily his first wife, or even his wife, but... well, "concubine" sounds tawdry (but then, it's a tawdry idea). That said, sometimes the best way to end something is slowly working yourself off of it, rather than an abrupt situation, though if I were being honest, I wouldn't think that that's what the best course of action is here.

I suspect that this is more a case of what I would choose than Silver, though.

[Moon_Fire]

Access to the royal library, the forbidden sections... basically access to everywhere Luna and Celestia have access to. EVERYWHERE... Except their rooms, don't want him poking through Luna's... special drawers. He'll stay away from Celestia's for fear of what he might find.

If not that, then get Luna to make her own academy and have Silver go there... Nope, too big he wouldn't think like that anyways. How about teaching him in his dreams? I know, I know "That's done in other fics where Luna has a student" But it makes sense: Luna doesn't have enough time, and dreams can last as long or as short as you want. It'll help him get the magic language down faster, and she might be able to teach him some spells herself.

If you STILL don't like my suggestions... Maybe a little crossover between the story I'm writing and this one? I'm setting it up for a... shall we say... trip to Canterlot and I've hit a little wall as to what will happen. I would not suggest bringing in one of Nicky's changelings during this though, it'll just end horribly. Plus this will expand on how changelings are in your 'verse.

... What? I don't have more than that, my other ideas I'm going to save for later.

[David Silver]

5718508 What's your story again? I'm derping out.

[Capt TeK]

Read the comments, and thought for myself and i would have to agree with Moon Fire on having Luna be a teacher of sorts. Trixie will be able to teach him a lot, but there are certain things only a (in my mind) War Princess can teach. Like self-defense spells which is DESPERATELY needed. Doesn't even need to be TOO harmful, like for instance a stun-lock spell. Kinda like a taser but without the spazzing out and simply having all the muscles tense and lock up. Then he can flee! Or really any other war magic. Do with my idea what you will, just make sure it's home by 8.

*EDIT* Maybe have the spell have a truth hex in it? To where if asked what happened, they will tell the exact truth as to avoid another Plate instance. Or just have it to where if he says a certain phrase, their mind will lock down and their mind will tell the entire truth without being aware, or unconciously speaking the entire truth. Then afterwards, have the mind re-activate and have no recollection of telling the truth. Now, bend this idea to your will!

[Moon_Fire]

5718513 I'm talking about Duellum Telum.

[David Silver]

5718771 Bam! Added to my reading list for later enjoyment.

[Fresnor]

You know I just realized something about Luna looking at all of his memories. She now has knowledge of the future which may cause some problems if she realizes what she was looking at. As for what he should ask for... How about a moon rock or something from space that only she could get easily?

[albedoequals1]

With what Silver Lining has been through to get to this point, all of the things he is likely to ask for are just going to make his life harder if he gets them. Luna demanding to be punished is rather juvenile; it's just a shortcut for dealing with guilt. The best solution for all parties is for Silver to say, "I forgive you, don't do it anymore and let's leave it at that."

[David Silver]

5718819 It's a good/bad thing Silver is far from a perfect pony.

[albedoequals1]

5718824 If he asks for any sort of romantic opportunity, he's really going to suffer for it. The poor sap is so muddled, he probably won't even realize what went wrong.

[Moon_Fire]

5718785 ... Did- did I just- I wish I could link YouTube vids on an iPod right now, I would link Fluttershy squee'ing! You just bumped up to follow material. I'm also going to fave this fic for you reading mine.

[FicCritic]

I can think of several things he could ask for.
He could ask that his “father” be made a noble so their little ‘family’ would have more impact on social situations rather than relying on fancy.
I'm not sure if being made a noble would be considered a good thing or not.

He could ask for the terms of his ‘contract’ to be reduced. He could still be a “squire” but the whole “we own you” thing seems a bit harsh. Although it doesn't seem to actually mean anything since when he was nearly raped his ‘owners’ just sort of shrugged and went ‘nothing we can do’.

He could ask for things for his friends. But I think Luna would say that defeats the point of the thing. Its supposed to be something for him.

Unrelated question:
They are in Canterlot. Capital of Equestria.
Why haven't we seen more species like Gryphons, Zebras, Deer, Dragons, Etc?
I would imagine the other nations would have some form of embassy there.

Also. Night Pegasi... do they exist? or is it just a glamor/enchantment on the armor.
Great question to ask Luna.

[David Silver]

5718919 He will get to start interacting with the other races when we push past school years and he starts to actually work in the court. I think that'd be another sequel? One story per major life point seems proper(human, school, squire, free?)

There's a lot he just doesn't run into much with his trot to school, learning, then trotting home.

[The Psychopath]

Eugh. Too much mushy.

[David Silver]

5730326 Sorry to hear you didn't enjoy it, but so much exposition!

[aterriblewriter]

I REALLY don't want to be that guy....... But when I read this....

He sealed his agreement with a kiss, and then much more.

.....let's be honest here, I had one thought.

images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/bb0/c17/bb0c17e7-214b-4134-9908-e00240228163
cdn.meme.am/instances/56971227.jpg

[Boulder]

5730326 I actually enjoyed the sincerity & openness.

[Cobalt Comet]

I don't know if it's because I'm so immature or just because of the last line in this chapter. But I wanted him to ask Luna to legally change her name to MOONBUTT!!
ALL HAIL PRINCESS MOONBUTT!!!

[David Silver]

7200171 That's hardly an action that would win points.

[Winter Fox]

7200171 MOONBUTT! MOONBUTT!

[Truthseeker]

The best thing to ask for at any time is wisdom. Knowledge may be obtained from many sources, but wisdom is always useful.

[lainverse]

The very same thing she did to him. No more, but no less. Well, late by a large margin, but that's what I'd ask and would be my guess.

[Andy Ray]

Silver sunk his head ashamedly...

"Sank" he it not?

[Andy Ray]

5718905

Why can't you link videos on your device? True, it is not so convenient, as on the computer, but you could do that, couldn't you?