> Of Consorts and Thestrals
>  by cealdra
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> Chapter 1: Speaking and deciding
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The nobles did it again, a normally joyous event had been turned incredibly sour. A mere week after her coronation a single letter from the collective high lords of the courts (both solar and lunar, her own arcane court had yet to gain any nobles as she had simply refused to appoint any. Because, why hold court if you had been allowed to live atleast a single lifetime normally. Or atleast as normal as it could be for a young alicorn) had found its way to her library.

To H.R.H Princess Twilight Sparkle

Your highness, first of all we, the high lords of Equestria, would like to yet again congratulate you on your ascension and your appointment as secondary heir to the throne.
However, it came to our notice that you as of yet have not been courted or having been seen engaging in a proper relationship with another in the romantic meaning. And we all agreed on that in order to further establish your reputation and political strength that you should be at any times be seen and supported by an equal at all times.
Naturally we of noble blood see it as our duty to assist our glorious nation and in that same aspect its rulers. In order to achieve this aid we are informing you that we are invoking the consort act conform the 477th title and its respective article`s 23 jc 27.
According to this act you are to take a consort / life-mate to be chosen from a selection of candidates selected by the house of high lords.
Included in this letter you will find a list with candidates we have selected. We are looking forward to hear whom you have selected to meet in order to give your final choice.

In expectancy of your answer.

Grand vizier of the high lords chamber
H.R.H.
Prince Blueblood

It had been that letter that had brought her back to the palace once more. But even Celestia could not aid her with this. For every few centuries she too had been submitted to this ritual. But she would not go down without a fight. She wasn't some two bit taillifter they could just use for their own pleasure. She had bested deranged spirits, went head to head with Nightmare Moon. And now they were just assuming she would roll over and accept this? No, they would have another thing coming to them.

“So Celestia?” She could still not get used to calling her mentor by her first name like that without her title. “If i'm understanding this correctly I can only chose from candidates they have selected for me?” A nod was the reply, Celestia had learned that when Twilight was having a brainwave it was best not to interrupt too much no matter how curious she might be about the exact course of thought.

“And of course as normal nobles, they have completely discarded my own personal tastes and picked only stallions. And all from their own little circle. I know a high lord can select more than one candidate. But the act does not specifically state on how the selection goes. Am I limited to their list? “

The alabaster alicorn smiled a bit, she could see where her student was going. But she was curious on how she was going to approach this. These hardplots were not easily fooled by a halfwit scheme.
“No, they just have to select a pony explicitly for you. It can be vocal, written or by a mere gesture. As long as they are selected it does not matter.”

A small smile crept on the young mare`s face. She could work with this, she just had to pull a fast one on those stuffy old stallions. She had came out of the closet as a fillyfooler to her family and mentor years ago after she had been caught in bed with one of the castle`s maids during a particularly heavy heat season. So her following words were of no surprise to the older mare.

“You wanted to invite the kindest of those on the list. I say lets invite to most selfish, pompous and arrogant stallions on there. And we should make sure that each of these stallions have the authority to select a candidate. But, we are not going to pick from them. No, they will bring other candidates with them far more suited for me without even knowing it.”
A large smirking grin was replacing Twilight's smile. A grin that actually freaked Celestia out a bit, she had only seen it a few times. It was Twilight's own special brand of a mischievous grin and it was usually followed by utter chaos in the castle.

“I am going to be exactly what they expect of a commoner being crowned princess. Like a needy, bratty and petty little cretin. So in order to 'woe' me they have to give me a personal maid from their own household. One they would think would suit me the best. And of course, in order to decide who brought me the best maid I will need to have a private conversation with her. Knowing how most of them think, I can say with a 86,93% certainty that they will think that I will select the one who offers me the best maid and will not realise that they are actually presenting me with a secondary set of candidates.”
A set of candidates that would most likely be more to her tastes in both gender and general personality. Looking at her mentor still smiling and grinning Twilight could see the approval glinstering in Celestia's eyes. But her exact thoughts were unreadably hidden behind her maternal smile like always.

'It seems my little Twilight has finally grown up and is starting to show her true potential. Still a bit socially awkward, but if this doesn't turns out as she planned it then I believe those foals would think twice about trying to use her to their own advantage.
“Well then, it seems that we have some sorting to do then?”

~~~~

One week later:
The invitations had been send. Writing them in a flowing and almost sugary sweet manner had done something Twilight had never thought to be possible; making her almost physically sick from looking at a quill and inkwell. The fine parchment, the expensive and very rare ink should have been a treat to work with as they had been intended to be when they were given to her right after her coronation. But even now a week later she still could not bear the sight of the tools.

On a brighter note, her friends would be arriving in Canterlot that night. Both for showing support and to assist in the upcoming wedding. Atleast she would not have to endure one of those gaudy and over the top weddings the nobles normally had. Although, with Pinkie in charge of the reception one could never be sure about what would happen.
But for what she had to do now there could be no help. She had to do this herself. From nearly a 100 candidates she and Celestia had selected ten high lords from the most self-imposed and arrogant houses. And just as expected they had shown up with big splendor and completely oblivious to the true intent of the maid request.

The first conversation had been tedious. He had been a young stallion many would consider to be handsome. But his personality had more in common with a sewer then the looker he appeared. He even had tried to go against the schedule Twilight had drafted for the conversations. A simple five steps. Introduction, evaluating of worth and property, why she should choose him, question round and a small talk with the maid. Five simple steps, and he could not even follow those!
In a flare of utter arrogance he had opted to her bedroom so he could show her why he should be chosen in a really personal method as the SECOND thing that came out that cesspool he called a mouth.
The other eight she had spoken so far were equally unpleasant to speak with. All of them full of themselves and could not stop a single moment tooting their own horns as Applejack would say. I have a networth of this, I own this, I am important because..... Not a single compliment about her own appearance, or a simple and how are you today. The maids had been no better! It was as if they had selected the most dimwitted and slavish mares they could have find. For the creator's sake one had a slave-collar as a cutiemark! Her talent was being absolutely obedient.

Nine down, and only one left and that was the one she expected the least from. He was old enough to be her grandfather, and most likely would bring a ripened maid with him as he was known to like the more mature type. Maybe she should just pick slavegirl. She was about her own age and decent enough looking. And besides things would be nice and quiet in the library with such a mare and she wouldn't be bothered by her to much while studying. And who knows, perhaps beneath that layer of slavish attitude there could actually be a real pony hidden.

The opening of the door snapped her out of her thoughts. The elderly stallion walked into the small office she had been using. Dressed fancy with a expensive looking jacked and tophat Syruptongue (that is Lord Syruptongue to you) eased himself into the office. Showing every sign of his 135 years in the almost painful looking movements. With a soft beckon he waved the maid he was bringing into the office. A complete breach of rules as they state that the talks between princess and candidates must be one on one. But anything she would have said died in her mouth as the maid walked in.
A young mare, maybe a year younger or older than Twilight herself. A soft grey coat maybe a few shades darker than that of Ponyville`s mailmare and a body with nice and well defined curves, a long blue mane and a very well kept tail so dark it was close to black gleamed a little bit in the candlelight. All in all a vision to behold, but what really made the whole package complete were the deep purple batlike wings and the golden yellow eyes with slitted pupils that Twilight found herself almost drowning in. She just hoped this mare would leave soon so she could see the plot of this vision of loveliness swaying itself out the room.

A deep almost rumbling chuckle got Twilight`s attention back to reality and away from her ponified wet dream. Had he known she had a thing for a somewhat exotic appearance? Had he brought a thestral because he wanted to impress with that? She feared now more than ever that she had just given away her entire plan with her starring.

“Don’t worry your highness. I may be old, but i’m not senile yet. I’ve been around those brownnosers who call themselves nobles and courtiers for a long time. My appearance in court is mostly an act, when your enemy thinks you to be one of their own they forget to strike hard.
And i`ve been amongst them long enough to recognize a clever scheme when I see one. And judging by your gawking I think I was both right and need to tip my informant a whole lot better as he was dead on when describing your tastes.”

Again he chuckled loudly due the flustered look on Twilight's face.

“I knew those so called 'high nobles' only care about themselves. So I wrote my own name down as candidate. Simply because I am nearing my own end and selfishly thought that maybe a few years with an old coot would be better than a lifetime with a strapping youngster with the personality of a garbage disposal. But then I read the part of bring the maid who would become your personal servant should I choose you. Clever girl, very clever. I can see Celestia's confidence in you is very well placed. To bad that I will not be around when you do finally decide to hold court. What a spectacle that would be.”

The elder stallion laughed a bit more before walking towards the door and continue his little monologue. “But don't let me bother you any longer. This is Pleasant Dreams, one of my great grandson`s maids. I’ve selected her not only because I knew her appearance would appeal to you. But also because I believe that from all of our staff she deserves a chance of a real life. Please take good care of her should you choose her.” That said he closed the door behind him. Leaving Twilight alone with the now apparently blushing thestral more and more than a little puzzled.

Walking over to the small table and motioned for the other mare to sit down on the other side while pouring a cup of tea for the both of them. The silence did not last long as a silky smooth but with a obvious shy touch pierced it. “So euhm, old master Syruptongue said that I was going to meet my new owner. Are, are you my new mistress?”

There had been a subtle undertone, a few years back she would have missed it. The way she said it was off. And it made Twilight a little bit uncomfortable. What exactly did she mean with owner?
She could focus on that later. Right now she had something more important to do. This mare, although her apart servitude demeanor had something about her.

“Well technically should this talk work out I would be neither your owner nor your mistress. But that is something for later. You think you can answer a few questions for me?”

A gentle nod came from the mare. It was obvious that she had been trained to be as silent as possible. Her posture and whole attitude breathed the same aura as Fluttershy. Remain in the background, remain unseen and no pony would take offense to you and no pony would take advantage of you.

“Please, there is no need for this formal attitude. If anything i’d prefer it if you would just be yourself. Well then lets get this show on the road. My name is Twilight Sparkle. I have lived almost my entire life here in canterlot. First with my parents and later in the castle as princess Celestia's protogé. A few years ago I moved out on my own to a quint little village named Ponyville where I studied the magic of friendship and run the local library with my assistant Spike. Recently i've ascended to alicornhood and was crowned secondary heir princess and have been appointed the arcane court but i've been allowed to live a single lifetime relatively normal before needing to really pick up my duties. I like reading, studying, astronomy and doing things with my friends. My special talent is magic in general. My dream is to someday create a whole new field of magic.
Now how about you? Please tell me something about yourself. Like who you are, what your talents are and your dreams?”

The thestral remained silent for a moment. Her eyes closed in thought. Twilight could swear she saw the beginning of a tear. But before she could ask if everything was alright the mare opened her eyes. The golden yellow orbs had been watery and filled with anger, hatred and fear where they would normally should show happiness and contentment.

“The caretakers at the cloudsdale orphanage said that the mare who brought me in claimed my name to be Sanguine Rose, because of my appearance I guess. I later learned that this mare had been my grandmother. Both my parents had died a few days before in a accident in the weather factory. The resident nurse however disagreed with the name and after scanning my potential in the intake renamed me to Pleasant Dreams. I’ve lived there until I was 11 and was prepared to take on the roll of a maid like all other attending mares. I've only had one real friends, one orphan but she passed on, if the rumors are true she had been pushed of a cloud during a visit to Cloudsdale. And as for friends on the outside? It was usual for the headmistress to destroy letters to and from orphans. Something about being a frivolous distraction to the outside world. I was sold to house Syruptongue after earning my cutiemark due being made a full mare by an orderly during my first heat to be a companion for the young master. My talent is bringing comfort and relaxation during the night. My main method of passing time when not serving the young master or his friends is reading and writing. My dream is to be my own mare and publishing a foalbook with bedtime...... Why are you looking at me like that?”

Truth be told, Pleasant Dreams voice had been cold and near emotionless as she recited her tale. It had been the voice of somepony who had resided into their fate and generally given up. Only at the very end there had been a trace of the warmth and gentleness Twilight had heard when she had spoken the first time. Halfway through the story Twilight had to quite literally force herself to remain silent and still, and not to rush to her conversation partner to engulf her in a hug and tell her that all would be well. It was because she knew it would never be well, they had taken her entire foalhood from her and turned her into a mere toy for some spoiled brat. She now understood why lord Syruptongue had said that this mare deserved a chance at a real life. Her desire to simply comfort the mare and the anger about the injustice done were showing in her eyes very clearly and without knowing she had been staring quite rudely.

With a sheepish grin and a very flustered look Twilight tried to compose herself a bit. “Sorry, about that. It’s just that i’m a bit shocked that somepony would treat another like that. And I intend to do something about it.” Twilight could swear she heard a muttered 'yeah right' coming from across the table. It made her suppress a slight giggle, it seemed that beneath that servile appearance there was a real personality after all. And a feisty one at that. That should make things a bit interesting if anything.

“So, well If you answer me truthfully, and I mean answer what you think and not what you think I want to hear, we can be out of this stuffy office within a few moments. You've mentioned that you want to be your own mare. Most likely there would be a special somepony in the future. If yes, would this be mare or stallion? “

Dreams thought for a moment, she had never really thought about that really. She did not want to admit it flat out, but the prospect of being alone frightened her. So finding that special pony would be nice. But how did she picture him? A stallion? A shudder went through her spine, no not after those 'friends' of young master Syruptongue. But being with a mare? She could try, she knew from a hug here and there from her old friends and co-workers that it often did feel good. But why was this Twilight asking her this? What could that mare possibly have to gain from this knowledge? Then again what had she herself to lose? So taking a deep breath she started to speak. Stammering a bit she managed to get her thoughts into actual words.

“I’ve never really thought about it. A mare I think. They are often gentler in spirit then stallions and they are a lot softer and cuddlier.” Her voice trailed off a bit at the end as a blush appeared.

She however had not seen the hopeful smile on Twilights face. For once she had heard the mare`s tale Twilight had no intention to simply force her to become her consort. Once she laid the deal open, it had to be of her own free will. And her being atleast interested in being with another mare gave the new princess hope that the exotic cutie could accept the deal. But one thing had to be asked. Something more important than the consort deal, types, crushes or even something as important as favorite books.
“Should you ever be truly free, will you try and live your life or will you seek vengeance to what has been done?”
Not taking any chances Twilight grabbed a her tea to take a sip in order to hide the lie-detection spell she was channeling.

And luckily the answer was what she wanted to hear. And it had been the absolute truth.
“Life, vengeance may be sweet. But more than anything I just want a peaceful life.”

Smiling she deactivated her spell and let the not empty cup float back to the table.
“I see. Well then I thank you for your patience and honesty. I have no further questions. Only a offer of which I hope you would accept.”

Pleasant Dreams looked straight into Twilight's eyes at the mention of an offer. Her golden eyes had a piercing gaze to them, the slit like pupils narrow. They spoke what she did not say herself. Explain yourself, what kind of offer?

“To understand my offer I need to tell a bit of history behind our meeting. The reason I asked for the nobles wishing to court me to bring a maid is simple. They have invoked a law that forces me to marry one of them. To make one of them my consort, and thus my equal in power. This law makes it so that I cannot choose freely. I can only choose one from a selection made by them. So naturally in their own bid for power they only selected themselves.
But I know they may select as many as they please. And by playing on their own arrogance I made sure to blind them with their own scheme. By bringing a maid they have chosen from their own household to be my personal servant should I choose him I have bypassed their little selection.”

A small and justified smirk adorned Twilights face as she spoke about the nobles stupidity and their willingness to fall for such a simple ruse.
“Because only the elderly lord Syruptongue noticed that by doing what I asked they selected another for me to choose from. A secondary selection more to my own personal liking. Between you and me I never really understood what`s so great about stallions anyway. And that brings me to my offer.”

From the vase on the edge of the room Twilight levitated a single deep lavender rose, a flower colored exactly like her own coat.

“From the 10 high nobles I had invited I had 20 candidates and 20 conversations. Out of all of them, you are the only one who even remotely answered me truthfully and without fear or attempted to butter me up by brown nosing or acting all important. Will you take this flower from me, and with it my hoof in marriage. I know it is not true freedom as you would be bound to me. But you must believe me when I say that I would do everything in my power to make sure you would live a happy and relatively normal life. No more having to work as a maid, no master taking advantage of you. If you find me to be undesirable as a mate I can look the other way if you are discreet about.”

Twilight could not finish her rant-like plea as two lips found their way to her own, doing a good job at closing her mouth and silencing her in a swift motion. And just as quickly it began the kiss ended.

“I’m no fool your highness, I would never be free unless I pass into the next realm. Pegasi of the thestralthese aviannes type are rare, mares even more so. So even if I would run away, it would take a day at most for them to find me and bring me back. And think about this for a second; given the choice between a slave`s life and a golden cage. The choice is not that hard, the lesser of evils right?.”
The mare smiled a bit before speaking again, not really seeing the flash of hurt in Twilight`s eyes at those words.
“And besides, i’m servicing somepony either way. And if even half the stories i’ve heard and read about you and your friends are true. Then i’d rather willingly give myself to you then to be forced to service my former master.”

As the rose levitated over to Pleasant Dreams and gently nestled itself behind her right ear Twilight spoke.
“I am sorry, maybe in time we can grow closer. But I would be honored if we atleast could be friends Pleasant Dreams.”

The thestral circled around Twilight a moment to be able to look her in the eyes.
“Friends?” A downtrodden look came to her face, but yet she still was able to crack a smile. “I think I can do that. Just lets take things slow ok? Neither of us knows the other and well nothing good ever comes rushed or free.”
Not being able to look at the purple princess anylong she turned her gaze away. “And please, if we are to make this work then call me Dream. No use in using my full name all the time right?”

“I guess so Dream, But only if you agree to keep titles out of things and just call me Twilight. But enough talk for now. Lets see a winning smile for right now in the next room there are about a few nobles waiting on our conversation to end and for me to to make my decision known.”

Moments later the two mares had found their way to the room next door. Of course after waking the sleeping elder outside their the little office. They only received a gentle smile which only grew when Twilight told him to send in his last request ( a modest request asking for funding for some kind of festival), because she was certain that he would find all the support he needed. Because she knew that a favor is never free of charge in the noble-circles.
But that smile and approving attitude would not be seen with the others.

They had agreed to do this the traditional way. Twilight wanted to because that is simply how the rules worked, Dream just wanted to see the look on their faces when they realised that she had taken their prize.
The moment Twilight had entered the bomb had burst. All nine nobles had started asking her who the choice had been at nearly the exact same time. Only to start arguing amongst themselves.
Only one other besides Twilight and the maids, who were lining the furthest most wall, was silent as well; Princess Celestia. Who in her own right simply stood there waiting to see how Twilight was going to handle this, as if it was nothing more than just another test. But it would never be known that she was ready to step in at any time. She could do little to stop this law, but she would be damned if they would ruin her daughter student further in their schemes.

“SILENCE!” The young mare`s voice carried itself across the room. Its effects were immediate as the bickering fel still.
“Now I know you all anxious to hear my decision. But I can tell you now. All of the offers of those who are in this room have been declined.” Twilight held up a hoof to indicate that she was not done talking. Knowing that this little tidbit would set them off into a rant again.
“And no, Lord Syruptongue was also not the one I selected.” A swift motion with her hoof was all she needed to signal one of the guards to open the door which in turn had been the signal she had agreed upon with Pleasant Dreams. Who in her own right merely trotted into the room with the rose prominently featured in her mane just behind the ear.
“Gentlecolts, it is my privilege and honor to introduce to you my bride to be: Pleasant Dreams.”

The nobles present had no time to stir up any sort of trouble as Twilight smirked and started to slip into what her friends had all dubbed: Lecture-mode.

“And the nice thing is, there is absolutely nothing you can do against it. The selection has been legitimately made by you. For have you or have you not each selected a maid specifically for me? And as per my request, have not each and every one of them has been approved by the elder of your house? And I have had a private conversation with each of them? Hence according to the same clause of the consort-act that you use to stake your claim on my hoof they have been legally selected by your houses and thus open for me to choose from. Further more, according to that very same act. No house may revoke a own selection nor oppose a rival selection once the indicated princess has made her own selection from the houses presented to her. The law however does not state that a house cannot add to the selection stemming from them. Neither does it state that the afore mentioned candidates have to be of noble descent or having to be from the opposite gender. Nor does it specify on how a candidate is selected or presented, it merely states that the initial introduction and selection has to be done by either the reigning lord or a direct representative of a high house. Therefore the selection procedure and the outcome is perfectly legal.”

The nobles had not been pleased by having their plot thwarted like that and have the potential power and influence that came with having a prince-consort in their families slipping through their hooves. No, they were not pleased at all. The moment Twilight had started whispers and talk began about boycott of the wedding and the couple, starting a slandercampaign.
In their outrage they forgot Celestia was also in the room. Who was smiling from seeing her student turning the noble`s own rules against them like that, but she feared that she needed to take drastic steps if they were actually going through with their plans. As pesky and self absorbed as they were, they also controlled nearly 50% of all of the country's finances and major companies. They could do a lot of damage in their pettiness. Twilight on the other hoof stood more closely to Pleasant Dreams, to show the mare that there was nothing to fear, and to have a little bit of comfort herself.

As the murmurs and whispers started to grow into real shouts of outrage it was Twilight's voice that cut straight through them just before Celestia herself wanted to step in. No longer the sweet and lecturing one she had before. It had been colder than a Wendigo’s heart and more piercing claws on chalkboard. Her voice calm and soft but was clearly heard by all present.

“Listen to me, and listen well. If you do anything, anything at all to thwart this I will make sure you rue the day you ever agreed on this silly little plan of yours. Remember, you are not dealing with kind Celestia, who’ll chastise you like a mother would do to a misbehaving foal and then proceed to forget the whole incident. Neither are you dealing with charming and artistic Luna who can sway whole crowds with her speeches, nor are you trying to hurt sweet and gentle Cadence who’s able to play on all ponies heartstrings with a mere smile.”

“You will be dealing with me. A trice awarded national hero and highly accomplished scholar. Try something and I will personally make sure that the media will know what you were doing when Nightmare Moon and Discord were rampaging, I’ll whisper in their ears where they can find the files on the ongoing corruption investigation in the guard and how they relate to not having enough stationed in many districts while being present en masse in the districts where you live. Maybe they`ll find a letter on their doorstep the next day describing in detail on how you treat employees, bribe inspectors looking into this and how to prove these accusations. Now tell me, what would they think to be more interesting. That? Or the tale on how the recently crowned princess declined you're forced attempts of courtship in favor of a maid while its general knowledge to many in this castle what my preferences are?”

The silence after her little rant had been so thick that one could cut it with a knife. No word had been spoken but the look eyes of many of the present nobles was speaking more than anything else. Fear, undiluted fear. You did not have to be an expert at body language to see what was on their minds. They had expected to simply bully her into complying with their wishes. They had expected her to cower like a little foal. Because they were the 'elite' of society, and they could make things very difficult for anypony.
They however, in a flair of arrogance, had not even thought about even asking around for the slightest rumor or even a tiny bit of knowledge regarding their target and they would have known how bad their idea was.
Yes, she was prone to panic attacks and the occasional OCD attack. But if there was anything they could not have missed it would be her tendency to research nearly everything related to the problem she needed to solve.
And right now, they had been the problem needing to be solved.

It was Celestia who broke the silence. “Now then, now this is solved my presence is required elsewhere. Twilight, miss Dreams could you please follow me we have to finalise the details concerning your upcoming status. Gentlecolts, I trust you can let yourself out.”

Trotting out the room both mares followed the larger Alicorn leaving the still speechless nobles behind. It was not until they were well underway to whatever destination Celestia had in mind that Twilight felt a soft silky object gentle stroking her sides. Not invasive, it had resembled something like a gentle poke. Looking up a bit she saw Pleasant Dreams withdrawing one of her batlike wings and looking at her a bit uncomfortable. But before Twilight could ask what was wrong the Thestral spoke up herself.
“Listen, I just wanted to apologize for my previous behavior.”

This statement only got a puzzled from the other mare. But she would not allow the mare to get a hoof in. She had both seen and heard enough to know that once Twilight was getting on a roll she’d be talking for quite a while and was nigh impossible to interrupt.
“I unjustly took out my frustration of my own situation out on you. I never once thought about how you felt about all of this. You didn't deserve the coldness i’ve shown you as you are as much in the same boat as me. Could we, you know. Start over. A fresh start?”

She never got further as she felt two fuzzy legs drawing her in a embrace. “Of course I forgive you silly. You’ve been through a lot from what I could gather of what you told me. And having this sprung on you is not the most pleasant for anypony.”
As Twilight released she chuckled a bit remembering what happened.
“Just ask Spike on how I reacted. I just hope that my writing desk is ok, i`m kind off attached to it. Afterall it was nearing terminal velocity when it left the library.”

As Pleasant Dreams felt the other mare detach herself from the hug she could not help but be a little surprised. She had been rude, cold and rather unpleasant from the moment she had opened her mouth to this mare. And yet she was still forgiven so easily.

But their little moment came to an end as somepony cleared her throat to get their attention. Princess Celestia had been observing the whole ordeal and the longer she watched the more honest her smile had become. “It is good to see that the two of you try and avoid potential bad blood. But part of that blame falls to me. I had hoped that they would have atleast had the decency to give you your lifetime in relative normalcy.
And for the record Twilight, I forgive them. But I never forget. This little stunt will cost them dearly, they just don't know it yet. After all, somepony is going to end up paying for the additional costs that a new royal stipend creates. And speaking off stipends, I believe it is time for me to leave you in the capable hooves of Bitpusher.”

And as if it was a cartoon and the gold-colored stallion`s cue-sign had gone up, he appeared from a door on the side of the hallway. A door with the large sign 'Treasury'. The moment the stallion spoke Twilight wanted to cast a mute spell on him. The monotone nasal voice was enough to give her goosebumps. The slight shiver on her side told her that Dreams was feeling the exact same way.

“If the ladies would come with me so I can explain the exact details.”
The explanation and signing of the correct documents had been more excruciating than any of them had ever been through. And that saying a lot considering one reads law books for fun and the other had been serving a noble in the bedroom for the past eight years.
That damned treasury keeper had went on and on and on about the regulations, what it was for and how to access. Things even Twilight could have explained in a few minutes.
But worst of all, now she was stuck with a awestruck thestral staring at a small piece of paper with her mouth open and fangs showing and freaking out a lot of servants and messengers. But somewhere she could understand. One does not often hear that they will be getting 500 bits a week for the rest of their lives as spending money while ALL other primary needs such as food, a home and even clothing would be paid for from a different budget.
Twilight did not had the heart to tell her that she would be getting close to 10 times that if Twilight herself had been as old as Celestia or Luna. But at the same time she could understand, after all she was going to get more than twice the pay of that of an average job while doing nothing.

> Chapter 2: Dinner preparations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 2: Dinner preparations

Two hours, two whole hours is what it took for Pleasant Dreams to finally snap out of her daze. She had been saving bits for years. Her pay was a few bits a month and board, but still she saved them. All for a good cause. The nullification of her contract. She was just a few bits short, maybe about 400 more before she could hire a decent unbribable lawyer. It would have been just another five or so years and she might get a shot at freedom. 

When she had finally came back to her senses she saw that she was in one of the luxury suites for ambassadors. The whole suite was more akin to a small apartment. It even had its own living room, with extra comfy chairs! She could know how comfy they were as she found herself laying in one. Looking around she had seen the form of Twilight Sparkle. Seemingly filled with something akin to worry or concern. Had she really spaced out that much? Not good, not good at all. Instinctively she went through a mental checklist. The same one she did every morning, checking if everything was alright. So far everything was alright.

Did nothing happen? Had she really not been touched in any way? Part of her wanted to believe more then anything that this was nothing more than a sick mind game. But that look in Twilight`s eyes. It felt so real, so honest.

With a tiny voice she started speaking, explaining what had happened. Exactly why she was telling the new princess this was beyond her, even more so it puzzled her that she was telling this right now. Maybe it was to get it off her chest, maybe it was because there was something about this mare that screamed trust. But even with what she was disclosing, she remained in full control over everything. Twilight may appear to be genuinely likeable, kind and trustworthy. But she had seen that act before and was determined not to fall in the same trap again. But then again, maybe she could spin this in her own advantage. A little information would not hurt, at least not her.

When her parents had passed away during a accident her grandmother brought her to the orphanage. They simply did not have not have the money to take care of a foal. She had learned that not long after she started working for the young lord Sugartongue.

They apparently had started looking for her about a year after she had been sent to work as a maid. A lucky break on her grandfathers part got them a little extra pay on their pension. Enough to be able to take her in, if only barely. But they had been too late. When they had found her again she already had her cutie mark and thus any contract she signed was legally binding. Normally a pony would have their parents to guide them and co-sign any document. But in her instance it had been her legal guardian, the headmistress.
Who of course had been in the pocket of the rich.

Meaning she pretty much got paid very little besides 'essentials', and her job was that of a comfort mare. To tend to any needs the young stallion that became her master would have during the night time.

Twilight had been swift to tell that the contract was now voided due the upcoming wedding and was about to go on an rampart explanation on the exact laws behind it but one look at her conversation partner had stifled it. Dreams had tried to scowl at the interruption of her story at first. And it worked, but the flustered look on Twilight`s face swiftly turned it into a head shaking smile and the feeling in her gut that she this wasn't a one time event.

But going back on topic, the elderly couple had tried their best to be there for the filly. So in the few days she actually had time off she had spend it with them. So at least she knew she had a little family, although she was half expecting a lot of 'long lost' aunts and uncle`s to come out of the woodwork now. But if they thought she would get any kind of favorable treatment than they could not be more wrong.

Throughout it all Pleasant Dreams tried to keep herself in check, she tried so very hard not to remember while speaking about them. She had to appear to be strong. But in the end it was all for nothing. Her eyes had started to water, not enough to go into full fledged tears.
Fortunately for her lady luck had been on her side, the mare in the other chair had not noticed it, or was doing a very good job at masking it. Pleasant Dreams had averted her eyes at the end, not wanting to show how even saying this little affected her. Had she not done that she would have seen the anger in Twilight`s eyes. Further she would have seen the concept of an idea forming in those purple orbs.

“Dreams, why don't you stay here for the moment and get some rest? I still have some things to take care off. Orders to place.” Without even turning around her horn lit up and a powerful telekinetic wind blasted towards the windows strangely enough creating a loud scream.
“Paparazi to clear from the windows of our suite. You know the deal.” With an awkward smile the purple alicorn retreated towards the door.
A few moments later Dreams could swear she heard the alicorn call the guards to deal a bit more active with the 'leeches' floating about the castle.

The leaving of Twilight meant that Pleasant Dreams was alone in their room in the ambassadorial wing of the palace. The library tower had been deemed unfit for a princess. Something Twilight had been obviously grumping about judging by the way both their appointed servants had acted and how Twilight herself had said that she usually stayed in her old room.

Alone for the first time since a good while the thestral mare went to explore the room a bit. The small kitchen was nothing to write home about. It was pretty basic and you could say it was painfully obvious that the users of this room were expected to dine in one of the private dining rooms. The bathroom however was painfully luxurious. Marble tiles and bath, complete with gold plated taps. There had been more types of lotions and shampoos then she could even name, and given that she had massage training it was saying a lot. The bedroom was almost a duplicate of the small living room, at least in style and luxury. But strangely enough had two beds, one of which obviously did not belong there if the rest of the furniture was to be any indication.

Had it actually been placed here so they did not had to sleep together? But why? Both beds were massive enough to hold three ponies comfortably and still have ample room left. If they really did this for her, they should have asked first. She knew first hoof what kind of backbreaking work moving a bed like that across the same room was, even with a unicorn helping. Let alone moving one across rooms. Or Celestia forbid it; from a storage area. For the sake of the backs of those servants she would have just slept in the same bed. But as she was thinking a odd thought hit her. Was this perhaps a request from the purple alicorn? To make things easier on the both of them by preventing any awkward bedtime moments?. But if that was the case then why not have two separate rooms? She would have been fine with a small servant's room.

A little prod to the lesser bed, and that is only because she could not find another word to describe the apparent spare bed, taught her that it was going to be very hard to fall asleep on. It was a cloud bed, something she generally disliked. Sure they were soft and all, but she always feared falling through them. Stupid actually since thestrals are a sub-type of pegasus, and thus had their weather and gravitational magic coursing through her. A small check confirmed that both beds were made from the same material. Thinking about it, it made sense to her. Most likely the cover had been enchanted so it would support anything laying on it as if it was a normal mattress. Only the best for special guests, a concept she knew all too well herself.

But despite of those memories, Twilight had been right. Some rest sounded wonderful right now, even though she had no intent to sleep. Maybe it could help her figure things out, maybe plan out her next few moves. A smile came to her face, thinking about how she would spend the first few months of her stipend into shutting down that orphanage. Her first smile ever to fully reach her eyes in a long time.

Her contract was about to be annulled, sure she was singing one for life in return. But this time she was not signing away her own rights as cheaply as she had done when she was barely out of her foalhood. Secondly she now had the chance to finally get even with the places where it all started. But then what?

Say she accomplished it, then what was she going to do? She would still be married to somepony she didn't even know. And a mare nonetheless. She had no problems with the idea of being with a mare. But in general many ponies were still a bit biassed against such a thing. It could potentially lead to more uncomfortable complications. And like always in life, just when she was getting a decent roll in her thoughts she got interupted again.

A maid with a fully loaded saddlebag gently knocked on the room right before entering. Dreams was still deep in thought as the maid trotted about looking for her, and when she was finally found the sound of a gasp shook her right out of her own little world.
“Ooh my, nonononono that just won't do. No This won't do at all.”

Still a bit fuzzy about what exactly was going on Pleasant Dreams looked towards the cause of the disturbance. In the doorway stood a brown coated and blonde unicorn mare in what she thought to be the most tackiest radiant yellow maid-outfit she had ever seen. The sheer amount of frills and unnecessary add-ons made her eyes hurt just by looking at it. Her confusion soon turned to outright panic as she saw the maid starting to unpack her bulging saddlebags, only to reveal an unhealthy amount of mane-, and coat care products like lotions, dry shampoo`s and a whole assortment of brushes.

She knew that type of servant. That was no maid, but a torture master! A beautician. She had been through their processing a few times. And none of them were all too pleasant to remember. Their sole purpose in life was to fight knots in fur and mane, and normalcy with what they considered to be art. On pure instinct she started to crawl backwards, eyes scanning for every possible escape-route. But there had been no such luck. The unicorn was blocking the only door out the room. And she was pretty sure that there was no hidden door either.

“Now, please sit still m’lady. You will be dining with some pretty important ponies and of course as the future prince-consort you simply must look at your best. Think about what the media would say if they could see you as plain as you are now? The outrage, think of the scandal it would cause!” During the entire monologue the sickness on the mare`s face had not disappeared. The level of self contentedness was rivaling that of many of the snobbish nobles Dreams had seen.

'Oh no, this damned mare thinks i'm one of those brownnosers.' “Please miss. I`m afraid there has been a mix-up. I've not send for aid with personal care. Could you please just leave, I can take care of herself. I have been doing exquisitely so far.” She may not have had experience in acting as a noble, but she did know a thing or two about talking to a overeager servant or maid. One didn't endure catering to nobles for long if you didn't learn a trick or two. One of those tricks was learning a few so-called codewords.

Certain words unnoticed in the refined language of Canterlot had completely different meanings when it was said between staff members. Exquisite, or any adverb of it was such an example. It`s true meaning was plain and simple: Back off.

These words were more like commands, the unwritten rule was that once spoken the other had to take it seriously. But either this mare was on a thickheaded crusade, or somepony had forgotten to teach this one the codewords or she just could not remember them. Either way, it was simply brushed aside.

“I`m afraid I just cannot allow that. Why that would be just criminal. The head maid of this wing told me that there was a mare in dire need of my aid. And I refuse to leave until you look like you are worth dining besides royalty.

With her option for escape blocked and her attempt to talk her way out of it failed the thestral started to bare her fangs. Rising trying to rise up to her full height for her only remaining option to get out of this room with her dignity. If flight did not work, then maybe it is time for the second option: Fight.

The first stroke of a levitating brush had been dodged, only to slip over the bedcovers and fall face first on the floor. Even on the floor she tried swatting away the various brushes and makeup attributes. But the onslaught was too great for her to get up again. Atleast until the door opened once again.

A pristine white unicorn with a curled indigo mane and a trio of diamonds as cutiemark walked in. The moment the newcomer laid eyes on the aggressor her own eyes splinted and Dreams could swear she heard a growl being emitted from the white one.

The shock of the beautician unicorn was large enough for her to drop almost everything she was wielding in her telekinetic grip. But what happened next had send the mare scrambling out the room.
The new unicorn simply glared at her with a icy glaze before speaking in a way that made it seem that the two measly words spoken where a full book on threats.

“You, out!”

The beautician looked a final time at the newcomer before gulping and scampering out the room completely forgetting her tools. It seemed likely to Dreams that those two had met before and judging by the reaction, the thestral was now growing anxious. This newcomer could do that to what seemed to be a veteran maid. Who knew what was in store for her?

“Ahh, i`m terribly about that. The poor dear tries so hard, but she simply must learn when to apply makeup generously or to use it sparingly to coax out a natural beauty.”

The mare shivered a bit as if remembering something.

“You should have seen what she had done to that poor Twilight before her coronation. We had to postpone for nearly an hour before she was marginally presentable again.”

A sweep of magic cleared the floor from all the discarded products left by the beautician. Dreams wanted to ask why this mare was here, but the now levitating measuring tools and the piercing eyes were saying enough. The tape flew all over her body, while the white mare noted down the measurements. All while she was muttering things about colors and matching themes.

The whole ordeal had been a bit strange to Pleasant Dreams. There had been no introduction, no indication of what this mare was doing what so ever. Although she could make a decent guess, judging by the methodical way of approach and the accent this mare was probably in the employ of one of the large fashion houses and was here to measure her dress.

The mere thought of it caused her to snicker a little. Not in a million years had she ever thought about even owning a normal dress, and now she was being measured for a custom made one. And not just any but, from what by the scraps of cloth and various gems being matched with her coat and mane, one atleast made by Hoity`s.

Why Hoity`s creations? Simple hope, it was going to be a royal wedding after all. And even though they were all kind of mass fabricated from designs made by others, Hoity Toity was know as one of the most well renowned fashion icons, and all of the designs from his boutique were beyond expectation. Something every mare dreams of owning. Especially those of the Carousel designline.

But still, having a nice weddingdress would be something she liked. What she did not like was the invasive method used in the measurements. More than once she had tried to fight the telekinetic grip on any of her limbs, a losing battle of course. And simply being vocal about the discomfort merely gave her a “hush, i`m in the zone.” Followed by a whole stream of prattle about masterpieces and art.

But the moment she felt the magic grabbing and rather forcefully extending one of her wings, she hissed in pain. The rather obvious statement of discomfort got her award by a surprised open mouthed stare from the, what she expected to be, intern of the boutique in charge of the dresses.

With a snap, the open mouth closed.
“Ooh my, a thestral?”

'Well thanks for stating the obvious. As if I didn't know what I was?'
But that statement was not all she got, the piercing and observing glance only became more intense. She felt as if she was a piece of fruit being judged for sale right now. Every aspect had been taken in, it unnerved her enough to make her choke on her question of what she was doing.

Luckily not before long the the mare finally spoke again.
“Well now, I knew that Twilight had taste for the unusual. But I never knew she had a eye for beauty as well.”

There were those glaring and calculating eyes again. She knew instantly that this mare wanted something from her. The veiled compliment had made that obvious.
After all, why compliment somepony you never met before in a situation like this? 

“Tell me darling. Can I perhaps persuade you to model some things for me?”

This time it was Dreams` turn to stare at the other mare in the room in surprise. She had expected a few things. A night in bed, acting as eye-candy for some product placement but this? Not in the slightest.
First she had not been worth the slightest bit of time and now she was asked to model? 
Surely this mare was mistaken? She was told often she was cute or good looking, but a model? Her? That would be a joke.
“Euhm, maybe? But who are you again?”

“Ooh dear me, I am Rarity.” A glinstering came to Rarity's eyes as she continued to speak. “Now tell me darling. What do you think of these sketches. After all your it will be your big day, and it needs to be fabulous!”

And with those words an hour worth of excruciating fashion related torture started.

That mare never stopped asking questions, comparing colours and making a rather impressive mess from the room by drawing up and discarding sketches faster than anypony Dreams had ever seen. She felt pity for the poor maid or servant who was to clean this. Something usefull had come out of this atleast, she had learned that , thank any god(dess) willing to listen, she would not have to be present for the entire procedure of creation. Just for the final fitting.

Just as this Rarity wanted to go on yet another sketching spree, Dreams had personally approved of atleast 15 different designs already but all of those had been discarded almost instantly afterwards, when there had been a polite knock on the door nipped that one in the butt.

A maid gently opened the door and looked at the duo, and with a small bow to them she stated
“M'ladies, dinner is to be served. If you would please follow me.”
What they did not hear was what the maid added afterwards. “Then I believe we can still arrive before lady Pie destroys the kitchens for the umpteenth time.”

The walk towards the diningroom had been boring compared to the hectics of the day. It was nice in a strange way. Nothing really happened just a simple walk towards dinner. Of course this being the royal palace, the dining room was anything but simple or normal. The door itself could have been one of the many that gave access to servant paths, to avoid suspicion. After all this was the private dining hall of the princesses, and only on a very rare occasions they received guests there and it was a great honor to be invited there as this Rarity-mare had been keen to point out.

The prim and proper attitude of the white unicorn was grating a bit on her nerves, luckily after this meal she would be freed from her. But seriously what is up with her anyway? First she tries to use her as a subject for her dresses, only getting worse when she seemingly discovered the batlike wings, how they were missed was a mystery on its own. And now she is acting like some kind of socialite and teacher in one. Dreams was just glad she learned to tune things out early on in her career, or the keep poise like this and remember to politely smile that would have driven her insane not to far into the whole teacher like speech.

As the door was opened from the lavishly decorated room became visible to all. It did not have the splendor of the main dining hall’s but still it was pretty obvious that the designer had a near limitless supply of bits.

The table had already been set, or atleast with the usual like goblets and silverware. At both end sat Luna and Celestia and on the other sides a group of mares with only two empty seats. Both across from each other, but one in the middle of two no three unknowns, one had hidden herself behind the chair, and the other in between Twilight and a blue pegasus. A pegasus who was staring at her, like she was trying to stare right into her soul.

Seriousely what was up with this... well this mare? Atleast Dreams thought it was a mare. Could just as well be one of those fillyish colts she had seen prancing about several of her former masters parties. You know the type, those who those in the closet type of stallions often had hanging off them to hide the fact what they really wanted.

Tearing her eyes away from the piercing gaze she only realised that the three of those she did not know were staring at her. Each with a vibrant expression on their face.

Concern.
Fear.

And quite possibly the most frightening of them all.
Undiluted and and positively unmatched glee. Happiness to such a large extent that it opened up only a single thought.
‘This is going to be dinner from hell.’ 



> chapter 3: Dinner with friends?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

*warning* This chapter may contain various traces of Sad-tag and nuts.

With Rarity quickly taking a seat with the three unknowns, there had been no other choice than to be seated right next to Twilight and the androgynous pegasus.
Remembering her training Pleasant Dreams bowed a bit towards both Luna and Celestia, but not to Twilight as they were to be equals, before sitting down.

The eyes they burned, all but one set were staring at her. Each gaze told a different story.

The first filled with pity and concern but still gentle.
The second had been aloof, but very observant
The third was overflowing with glee, and obvious curiosity
The fifth filled with fear
The sixth were the least saying of all, but still had a hint of apprehension
The seventh was filled with confusion and ill hidden pride.
The eighth was scrutinising and was attempting to rip her apart by merely looking.

And then there was Twilight, it was obvious that these eight meant a lot to her. And that their opinion counted a lot. She knew the princesses, and she knew that Twilight was part of the Elements of Harmony. Where these five the other bearers? But that would not make any sense.
From what the rumors said Twilight was practically raised by Celestia from a very young age.
Although her exact age from when she was apprenticed was a bit of a mystery that only a very few knew.

Her slitted eyes darted over the room, observing each and every one of them. Even the one who was trying to hide her expressions in with her mane. If they could judge her so openly, then she would repay them with the same kindness and just simply glare at them.

Awkward silence reigned supreme, at least until Twilight had decided that a coup needed to be staged against it. But how? How could she break this awkwardness and the apparent chill in the room.
She could see the looks in her friends eyes. They were silently judging Pleasant Dreams. But why? She had done nothing to them, nor to Twilight herself. They why the silent disgust and judgement?

A thought occurred to her, more a simple realisation then a actual thought. It could not be, surely she would have told them right?
No, she had not told them. She had been so absorbed into her research that she had never let her friends in on her deception of the nobles.
And she was supposed to be the smart one of their little group. How could she have been so stupid!
All except Luna and Celestia were under the impression that Dreams was a noble! So of course they were acting like this. Although Rarity seemed to be less judgemental than the others. Her aloofness to the situation could be due her being around the 'elite' often, but Twilight knew the white mare better than that. She was studying the situation, no real opinion had been formed. Perhaps she had learned that something was not as they thought during their time alone and had not yet been able to share this with the others?
But that was a question for later, now she had more pressing matters to attend to.

Now that she knew why her future wife had been received so coldly by those who were usually so warm and friendly to others she knew how she could rectify the situation. And perhaps set the poor thestral in a better light with her friends. Standing up from her seat she cleared her throat.
“Girls?”

Her voice clear and it raptly got the attention of her five friends while both the princesses where looking with interest. Even Pleasant Dreams was looking at her. Those beautiful yellow eyes were placed on her, questioning, sad and with a hint of what seemed to be anger.

It saddened the young alicorn a bit to see that anger. She had always been somewhat of a romantic at heart, must have been the countless of novels that snuck their way into her research piles thanks to Spike, even if she had buried that part of her beneath millions of thick tomes and obscure knowledge. And it had been that little buried part of her that had hoped for a swift but happy ending to this ordeal.

But luckily the thestral had not seemed to be hostile and had been atleast a bit friendly. So maybe there was a chance of that happy ending. Maybe they could become good friends, and who knows a bit more given enough time maybe a little more. After all science had proven time and time again that people can develop those emotions when stuck together for a long period of time. They even had a fancy name for it. But that name eluded her for the time being.

She shook her head a bit, clearing her mind of future thoughts and fruitless searches for a psychological term. There were more pressing matters right now.

“Right. Now before I say anything I`d like to ask you to let me finish.”
A glance towards Rainbow was enough to restrain the rambunctious pegasus for now. But Twilight had been dead on, the blue mare had been on the verge of one of her well known accusatorial speeches.

“As all of you know thanks to some old law I am forced to give my hoof in marriage to one who was selected by the nobles. And I'm pretty sure you know who those ponies selected.”
Her serious expression briefly turned into a small smile.
“But what you do not know is that with Celestia's help I managed to trick them. They gave me new choices, choices besides themselves.”

With a soft touch she placed her hoof on Dream`s shoulder. The mare shuddered slightly, a bit similar to Fluttershy when she was being touched by somepony she did not know, almost like she was fearful or very uncomfortable with being touched. But she did not shrug it off like Twilight was half expecting.

“Pleasant Dreams here was one of those choices.” Twilight's voice chanced after saying this. Not lecturing like before. But warmer, and almost pleading.
“She is being forced into this, just like me.”

A couple of tear came in the young alicorn`s eyes as she sat down. Her purple eyes gazing in Dreams` for a single fleeting moment. Those bright orbs seemingly pleading forgiveness as she continued her little speech, although in a very soft tone. A tone more like a whisper to oneself then actual speech.
“But unlike me she had no choice.”

The revelation seemed to have some effect. The looks the thestral mare got now were slightly less judgemental. Atleast it was a start, Twilight was sure that once they got to know her they would warm up to her.

Right, getting to know one`s bride. The moment the scholar`s thought went to the direction of having her friends getting to know Dreams she realised that she herself knew next to nothing about the mare herself.
So she summoned the Great checklist of all things to do from the depths of the organised part of her mind and added the mental addendums;

- Think of things to use to get to know Pleasant Dreams and vise versa.

- Use things thought up in the previous sentence.

Her little speech had not ended a moment too soon as within moments a small legion of servants and trolley cars poured into the small room.
For some odd reason every trolley just contained the food of one pony and easily had the room to hold atleast three meals more.
But Twilight had long since learned to suppress the urge to slap whoever thought up that it would be disrespecting to the princesses and their guests to even think about placing food for different ponies on the same trolley.

With the food being distributed, every last dish specifically made for the pony receiving it, the silence fell again.
Pleasant Dreams had read the small cart that came with her meager little bowl of assorted fruit bits. At first she thought that it was almost nothing, the portion was like something you'd normally eat as a quick snack.
But the little card on the side her plate told her it was part of a three-staged meal. This was just the appetizer.

Being served food on a fancy platter had been a whole new experience for the mare, usually she'd get a small dinner in the kitchens. Most of the times it was a sandwich, or maybe even a salad if she was lucky, combined with a small glass of pure juice, often something as cheap and disgusting as a mixed sludge of questionable origin.
Fresh fruits were expensive in the capital, especially since the market was dominated by a few rich merchants that bought up all the stock from the farmers before it reached the market and then selling it at triple the price.
So having a thestral as a servant was very expensive, rare and exotic but still very expensive. Simply because of their genetics. For some odd reason the thestral was more akin to a vampire fruitbat then a bird like the feathered pegasus.

Taking a few small bites and simply enjoying the small explosion of juice each bite. The silence reigned supreme once more as all others were eating.
Dreams was thinking a bit she knew next to nothing about the others, and the reverse was in effect as well. Well besides the two oldest princesses that is.

It was a position swiftly helped by a pink earth pony who Dreams knew had to be Pinkie Pie, well she may have lived rather secluded, gossip and newspapers still made their way into her life. So she knew the names and a few bits and pieces of how the 'heroes of Equestria' looked like.
Not that any would actually give them even the littlest bit of attention, no that would be wrong. Simply because it would mean that those corrupt snobs would need to acknowledge that there were others then Luna and Celestia who were their superiors.

But back to the pink mare, who had devoured a decent sized cake slice in a single bit. Seriously who eats cake as an appetizer?
Anxious she had been looking around the table, staring especially towards Dreams. It was clear to all who saw her that the mare had been doing everything she could to remain calm and collected. But that was all just a calmness before the storm. A storm which unleashed mere moments after Pleasant Dreams had spotted Pinkie`s troubles with being silent and sitting still.

The moment Pinkie opened her muzzle words flowed out in a incoherent torrent of speech. The thestral had been completely lost after the first few sentences. But for some strange reason the others were seemingly able to follow her.
Maybe it was a required gift gained from overexposure?

From the little bits she got it became clear that Pinkie was firing something akin to a introduction speech. But with all the random clutter thrown in it was really hard to follow. But from what she did get she learned it was no real loss that she could only get small bits. The pink mare was already starting to warm up to her and something told Dreams that it would not be long before she knew just about everything concerning the mare pretty soon.

Soon after one Twilight had somehow managed to conjure a zipper across Pinkie`s muzzle, why a zipper and not a silence spell was something Dreams didn't understand, the others started to speak up and introduce themselves a bit.

All of them where a bit simple in their introduction. Rainbow Dash had even been a bit hostile, but given the facts of the situation she could understand a bit. She did represent loyalty after all so a bit of a protective attitude regarding those who she saw as friends was understandable. She simply hoped that the prismatic flyer would later on start to give her some slack. As a night-maid you often got dirty looks so she was used to being looked down upon. But if this was to be a somewhat fresh start in life she needed others to either ignore her presence or atleast make an effort to get to know the true Pleasant Dreams. And not the facade she had created over the years. Though that could prove to be difficult in the long run. If you uphold a mask for so long more often than not you stop pretending and start being that mask.

They had made the whole round of introductions yet one of those present, well besides the princesses of course, had refrained from speaking up. Dreams had seen a few glimpses of the mare`s eyes peeking out from under her mane as she took a few bites of a light salad. Those eyes had been filled with fear and something akin to confusion.
But with all other unknowns had spoken up, and her friends looking at her hopefully, the butterscotch pegasus could no longer hide and had to speak up.

With the long pink strands of mane brushed from her face Dreams could see a face properly for the first time.
But what she saw was impossible, the mare bore a face she recognized from her time in the 'prospect wing' of the orphanage.
As the pegasus spoke Dreams could not believe it, she had to be dreaming. There was simply no other explanation.

First the old master himself had woken her when prying her out of the hooves of his great grandson and brought her to the palace for a special meeting with royalty. There she had learned that she was to marry a princess with all aspects that came with it, including a limited freedom and a large sum of bits every month. Well large? Large enough that she was willing to sell her body for it again. Atleast this time it was with her own rules.
And now, now she was staring straight at the face of her old bedmate. A bedmate who had fallen of a cloud nearly 12 years ago and was reported to have died.

She had been to the service herself! It had been a memorial since.....

Since no body had ever been found.
With that realisation Dreams snapped out off her train of thought. Just in time to hear the others encourage the mare with the name Fluttershy as she was closing her own introduction.

But that end was never to come as Pleasant Dreams interrupted with an uncertain voice.
“Whisper? Is, is that really you?”

This got the attention of all present on the table. Especially from the mare herself. One could see the gears slowly grinding in her mind.
But a mere second later the gears stopped, the little Fluttershy nestled deep within the archives that is called the long term memory had dug up old and repressed memories. Of a time she was allowed to forget thanks to granny Posey.

Memories of Gentle Breeze`s sanctuary for abandoned foals, and of her bedmate from that time.
A thestral filly, they were placed in the 'prospect wing' at the same day. And because of the permanent money shortage foals often shared a single bed.
But that was not possible, those who came into that wing only got out after they had finished their 'education'. Or doctrinated brainwashing as Fluttershy sometimes called it to herself. And this mare seemed to still have some free will and resistance and a sense of self left.

But she was snapped out of her thoughts by the warm and comfy sensation of soft fur and velvety wings hugging her. Looking up she saw the yellow eyes of her old bed-mate, eyes filled with the same hurt as her own and eyes filled with tears.
Gently she hugged the mare back, a friend from a previous life. A friend of a life before Rainbow Dash and granny Posey.

Tears flowing strong, knowing exactly what the mare in her hooves would have endured for so long.
She almost could not bring herself to say it but she had to. In a voice even more silent than usual, but strangely enough loud enough for the entire table to be heard she spoke.
“I`m sorry Dreamy, i'm so sorry but Whisper died when she fell from the clouds. She died so Fluttershy could live.”

At this the whole room bursted into sound. Everypony wanted to know the deal. Had Fluttershy been lying to them all this time? Was anything about the timid mare real or had it all been an act?
Only four of those present remained silent.

Pleasant Dreams, Fluttershy, Applejack and Princess Celestia. Well they were silent until the alicorn decided to speak up. Her voice warm, motherly and soothing instantly stopped the chatter.

“Please my little ponies, please calm down.”
A magenta eye looked questioning towards Fluttershy who nodded hesitantly before shooting an apologetic look towards Pleasant Dreams.
“Yes, Fluttershy was once known by the name Whisper. But no, she did not deceive any of you for her name was legally changed. But right now I need all of you.”
Celestia looked towards her sister for a moment.
“Including you Luna, to swear that what I am about to say will never ever leave this room.”

The assortment of vows were as diverse as the small crowd that was hanging from Celestia's lips.
The ancient mare took a deep breath before starting to talk.
She started to talk about how roughly 10 years ago she had learned that a elderly mare had filed for a name change for a young filly. A filly she claimed to be her granddaughter. But a quick look in the register told the clerk that the mare did not have any family left. But also no filly in that region had ever been reported missing. Just a suspiciously vague death report filed by a orderly from an orphanage two years before.

She had visited the mare and the filly in the outskirts of Ponyville under the guise of a public officer, with the aid of a illusion of course, together with three of her personal honor guard.
There she had learned of the small filly, and the ordeals she had went through and what many others like her went through. And even worse, what their future would be like the decision was easily made. Certainly when considering that during the entire ordeal Celestia could not detect a single item that would make her think the filly was telling a lie.
So it was decided that evidence against this pony-trade and slave training was to end. The filly went into a special witness program until enough evidence could be collected to put a stop to it completely.

But the corruption had been rooted more deeply than any ever expected. Those send to check up on these acts either retired after saying nothing out of the ordinary was happening or went missing all together before their report could be filed.

And thus, no legal action could be taken even though those with the power to do so knew something was wrong. There just was no evidence.

Applejack had just remained silent throughout the entire confession and explanation, she had known a fair bit of the truth. Afterall she was the one who discovered the injured filly all those years ago. And she knew she had introduced herself with another name then Fluttershy. But she felt that it was not her place to judge the filly/mare for it, figuring there had to be a solid reason behind it. And with the reasons told today she had to admit, they were very solid indeed.
It was not the Apple way to lie, but it was even less the Apple way to tell a secret that was not theirs to tell.

It was just after Celestia`s explanation that the servants came back in, again with a trolley for each of those present with a dish to be swapped with the empty plates.

The lavish dishes in front of them seemed to be made of poison due the mood currently present in the room. Celestia had been skimming over the things both Dreams and Whisper, no Fluttershy, and many others had to endure.
There had been hugs, there had been tears and even promises of pounding those responsible into dust.

But in all it had been the most extreme test of the bonds of friendship between the elements. Especially after the emotions had died down a bit when Fluttershy had asked for forgiveness of her deceit.
It was obvious that the bonds of trust had taken a rather heavy blow, but they were all willing to forgive her under the condition that she had to tell them everything. The entire story.
She agreed to it, but only if Pleasant Dreams would be there as well to fill in the blanks of what happens further into the 'training'.

She was hesitant against it, simply because she never really knew how she still remained remotely sane. But for the sake of her old bed-mate she agreed. But only if she was allowed to do what the princess had done. Skim over the subjects, as somewhere far too recent and others to painful to even think about.
But perhaps it would help getting a bit more of peace of mind by telling her story.

Yet in the back of her mind she wondered why. Why was she willing to open up so easily to these ponies. There just was something about them she could not place her hoof upon.
She felt it before, when she first met Princess Twilight. It was like a strange calmness, something about them simply wanted you to trust them.

Throughout the meal all ponies kept to themselves, some trying to eat others simply picking at their dinner. One did not have to hear the entire conversation to know that those present just had something very heavy to digest.

At the end of the dinner the soon to be married couple was being led towards the throne room. But not before Pleasant Dreams had been engulfed in a tender hug from a teary eyed Fluttershy who said that she would be there for her, and that everything would be alright.

For it had been her one wish of the crown they all had gotten for freeing Luna; That the princess would double the effort into bringing those ponies to justice, and to aid their victims. And for some strange reason the butterscotch mare had believed firmly that it would succeed.

Pleasant Dreams had different thoughts about the matter, she had seen with her own eyes how many powerful allies these ponies had, but she could not bring herself to dash the others hopes and dreams.

But as they walked through the hallway with their escort neither had a clue about what was going to happen. Their escort, which had created quite a bit of a ruckus as Dreams did not want one due she felt it would make her look like one of those spoiled brats, had told them that they would be receiving a few guests that evening. But as to who these guests were? Not even a single word had been spoken about it.

So there they were, sitting in the throneroom waiting on their guests. Twilight shifting uncomfortably on the large throne, still not used to taking her mentor and mentor`s sisters' place there. And Pleasant Dreams in the smaller, but still very big and ornamented, seat on its right side.

Twilight had tried to start a conversation by asking the other mare who she expected to walk through the door. She got a hesitant look before the other replied.
“Don't know, they said to expect somepony important. You`re the one raised in this whole noble business, I'm just a simple night maid. You tell me who or what to expect.”

Though the reply may have been said a bit hostile, the little smirk forming on Dreams lips took a lot of the sting out of it. It showed that it had been nothing more than an attempt at humor. A bad attempt, but still it brought a smile to Twilight's face as well. For more reasons than just the simple jibe at her upbringing. It showed a very small bit of the mare beneath the mask of Pleasant Dreams.

She wanted to try and break another part of that mask, or even simply try and learn a bit more about the other mare. She was already formulating a schematic for the conversation using the techniques she read about in: psychology and you; a beginners guide into the mental world.

Yet the moment she opened her mouth to speak voices where heard from the other side of the door.

At first it had been the gruff voice belonging to one of the senior members of the royal guard. Most likely the sergeant in charge of the throne room.
“Through here m'lord, m'lady. The princess is awaiting your arrival as we speak.”

A second voice, albeit muffled, reached through the large gilded doors. “Now listen here young lad! What is with you and all that m'lord and m'lady? You lot drag us out of our home, tell us to pack only the essentials and say nothing else then that you`ll make sure the rest gets at the correct destination. Then you drag us to the castle and in front of the throne room without so much as a word. And to top it off, you keep throwing about those honorifics as if we're some kind of nobles. If this is some kind of mistaken identity. Let`s just say that i'm not to old to give your hide a good tanning!”

The elderly voice was obviously familiar to Pleasant Dreams seeing how her ears perked up and her entire demeanor changed. To say she perked up was a understatement. A genuine smile graced her face. Twilight had to admit that even with her two fangs creeping out from under her lips the thestral had a beautiful smile.

Twilight had thought she could drown in those golden yellow orbs before, but now that actually mirth had seeped into them they were breathtaking. The little fluff on her ears seemed to twitch and dance adorably as the ears turned, trying their hardest to pick up the sounds. And then her entire demeanor. The slight slump and servantile posture she seemed to have where gone.
Instead she sat straight up, her wings gently hanging at her sides. Not tightly folded but not fully spread either.

She almost looked like one of those models Rarity employed to show off her latest lines. Not scratch that. She looked like she belonged on that throne she was in right now, all she would need was a tiara.
But she would not force one of those on her. For the life of it Twilight could not understand how Celestia and Luna could put up with wearing something like that all the time. Luckily she only needed to wear it for official stuff.
She would be glad if she could dump the one she was wearing right now. It just didn't feel right.

She sighed a little bit as she heard the large doors creaking a bit. Her first official task as a princess. Meeting up with their esteemed guests.

As the door opened fully both of the mares could see an elderly couple standing behind a large armor clad earth pony. Who snapped into a salute towards the throne and bellowed the obligated introduction for nobility and ambassadors.

“Presenting Lord Skystream and Lady Cloudshower. Esteemed elder`s from high house Skystream of the revered Arcane court.”

Pleasant Dreams had heard their voices, but she could not believe her eyes and ears this time. Her very own grandparents had been brought to the castle. And they where actually nobles?
But that could not be, they were both retired cloud pushers. It made no sense. But at the time it did not matter. All that mattered right now was that they were there.

The elderly pegasi however stood there with their mouths open for a small bit of time. They could not believe what they were seeing. Their granddaughter sitting next to the freshly crowned princess Twilight Sparkle. Not as a maid, awaiting an order. But sitting there on the smaller throne, the very seat reserved for the mate, the special somepony, of the princess occupying the main one.

Gears started to work slowly as the sight was processed. Their expression of surprise changing to a scowl of anger. Had the corruption really spread so far that it had included the princesses themselves?
But their scowl did not last long either, instead it was replaced by a neutral expression. Logical conclusions had been created. If the princesses really where in to the complot then why summon them here?

Out of respect for the title the elderly pegasi had been bowing. But Twilight soon made sure that would end.
“Rise please, there is no need to bow before us.”

They had not risen to standing before they found themselves embraced in a tight hug from Pleasant Dreams. “Granny, gramps? You will not believe what happened today.”

With those words Pleasant Dreams started to talk. And talk, and talk and then talk some more. Explaining into the smallest detail what had happened that day.

Twilight had summoned a few servants halfway through the story, which had been going on for a good hour or so by now, to bring some refreshments. But all the while she remained silent. Silently she wished for some writing gear, Dreams was actually opening up to her grandparents.

She was chatty, she was happy. Some of those comments she had made to her parents, like observations of the castle`s staff or the nobles she had seen at the gathering earlier today, had been astounding. That mare may never have studied but there had been very obvious signs that the thestral was quite intelligent.

Twilight had thought she had seen bits of the true Pleasant Dreams before, but how wrong she was. And how happy the alicorn was to see her 'fiancé' like this the more the realisation that she might never see that side of the mare herself if she was not able to create a bond.

She was snapped out of her stream of thoughts as Dreams concluded her tale with.
“And that leaves us at this moment.”

Her grandmother embraced her with a sad smile. Though still trapped without true freedom she knew her granddaughter would atleast have a better life. That is, if she was to believe what was told. But one question still remained. Something the guards who came to collect her and her husband earlier had said.
“Your highness, forgive me but while i`m glad you atleast gave us the chance to speak with our granddaughter i have to ask. What are your plans with her and why force us out of our home.”

Twilight blinked as her mind snapped back to reality. Why had these ponies not been informed? It was common for the elderly nobles of the high houses to retire within the castle. It had been that way for ages.
But wait, they never even knew they had become nobles in the first place! The contract between Pleasant Dreams and her had already been signed while they were discussing the stipends. So even without the actual wedding Dreams was her consort, and by extend that meant her grandparents had become the elders and house lords of the second high house of her arcane court. House Sparkle, with her parents as the regents, had been the first of course.

“First, please just call me Twilight. Save the bowing and such for those who have actually ruled our fair nation. I may hold a title but i've yet to do anything of real importance.

“Secondly well to be honest I thought they would have explained it all to you. Its because Pleasant Dreams is already bound to me due the consort contract we signed earlier today. It means you are nobility yourself.”

Slowly Twilight stood up and walked towards the three ponies.
“As such you are entitled to retire like a all of the higher nobles. Within the palace. I do not know who gave the guard their orders, but the choice ultimately is yours and yours alone. As for my intentions with Dreams.”

Her expression saddened and it carried in her voice.
“It was not my decision to take on a consort. Certainly at my current age, or the way it is right now.”
She swallowed once, trying to buy some time to find the right words.
“But my intentions are pure, from what little she has told me she has been through to much already.
I do not know what the future will bring, but I promise you the same as I promised her. That I will do anything to ensure that she will be able to live her life as normal as she possibly can. Well atleast as normal as being married to a princess can be.”

She knew her promise would be very hard to keep, she knew she could never ever repeat the second part of it. That she would allow Dreams to cheat on her should she desire a different mate in bedding or during heat. But if she did and word got out, the thestrals life would be in ruins. So it had to remain their little secret. She just hoped the other would be discreet about it.

It had been with those words that she bade them goodnight. Not wanting to intrude on their family time any longer.


Much later that evening Pleasant Dreams had returned that night. She found Twilight reading in one of the two beds.
The lavender princess looked up with a gentle smile. “Ooh hey, you're back. I`m sorry but I kinda claimed one of the beds without asking.”

Her gentle smile turned a bit sheepish as she rubbed behind her head with a hoof. “We can still trade you know. I did shower before lying down so its probably clean.”

Dreams merely shook her head and went towards the other bed. Clearly Twilight had forgotten that she had already 'claimed' the other bed when they were in there the last time. And that it was actually the princess herself who got the second pick. But she felt it would be better not to bring up a discussion like that.

She felt that silence was in order. Silence because of her first night. Her first night to come with the mare in the other bed, and the first night since as long as she can remember to have a bed for her very own.
With little to effort she crawled under the covers to atleast try and get some sleep. She knew she was going to need it, for the next two days would be even more strange and hectic as today was.

A small glimmer of light was extinguished on the other side of the room. A signal that Twilight was going to try and sleep as well.

Twilight, she was an odd one. The thestral had to admit that. She could act so naïve and innocent, but at the same time she harbored a great intellect. For what she had seen so far this young alicorn may not be so bad. But she would not blindly trust her, let her prove those honeyed words of a better life first.

Several hours later and Pleasant Dreams was certainly not living up to her name. Pleasant dreams were exactly what were eluding her. For Luna`s sake sleep in general was eluding her. For the past few hours she had just been tossing and turning wide awake.

Something just felt not right, it felt like something was missing. Something crucial for her to sleep.
But she never had any problems sleeping before, not even with that sorry and disgusting excuse of a stallion she had called master embracing her, breathing his putrid alcoholic and something else breath into her nose while he snored.
Then realisation hit, and for the second time that day tears started to fall. Even with all of her resistance and silent defiance in her mind they still had gotten to her, they still had managed to break her.

She was unable to sleep without the presence of another pony, without the soft fur rubbing against her or being able to feel their chest rise and fall with their breathing.

It took her a good while to stop sobbing. With her bloodshot eyes she looked over to the other end of the room towards the gently snoring form of Twilight Sparkle.

Would she dare to, would Twilight mind? The alicorn had shown herself to be friendly atleast, smelled a lot better then the young master as well.

A short internal struggle of juggling pros and cons later Dreams found herself snuggling against the soft wings of the purple alicorn. And like predicted she was off in a deep sleep in mere minutes. Her last coherent thought was geared towards “I hope I can explain this tomorrow.”
> chapter ??: A special intermission
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight fluttered about the kitchen, tonight everything had to be perfect. From the kitchen counter a small checklist flew over.

Spike having a sleepover with Sweetie Belle? Check. A smile came to her face, nopony except for three had any idea. And they made such a lovely couple. She had been sure to slip the young drake some bits to take his filly out for a proper date tonight. While he could still be captured by Rarity`s beauty it did Twilight good to see him taking interest in those closer in age to him.
And besides after seeing pictures of Rarity at Sweetie`s age everypony could agree how much alike they looked, well besides mane color that was. So Twilight was sure that once fully grown Sweetie Belle would become quite the looker herself.

Fresh ingrediënts for dinner? Check and used. Yay for it being market day today, never more fresh than the Ponyville market. The one place where all farmers of the region sell their produce, fresh from the land is guaranteed.

Fluttershy's lasagna recipe in the oven? Check, Fluttershy had been nice enough to even write down how much of each herb she needed to use if it was dried or fresh, a little special touch like that made sure the dish would be perfect. Who would even write a recipe with telling ponies to add a pinch of this or that. What amount in tartarus` name is a pinch? One gram? Two? That just does not make any sense!
And why Fluttershy? Everypony thinks the cooks of their little group were Applejack and Pinkie, but those ponies never knew about the culinary treasures coming out of Fluttershy`s kitchen. That mare should really write a cookbook one of these days. It would be flying out of the shops like it was a gust of wind.

Quadruple chocolate surprise for desert? In the fridge, so check. Having to pry one of these babies from Pinkie`s hooves had been a real chore. But she managed to do so in the end. It seemed like everypony wanted one of these. But Pinkie swore that after running herself ragged last year never to make them again. Can you believe it? Pinkie 'living sugarrush' Pie being too exhausted to do anything else but sleep? If Twilight had not seen it herself she would not believe it either. But with much begging, swearing to secrecy and even having to promise to put in a good word with the castle`s cook to let Pinkie make the deserts for the next diplomatic meeting. But luckily Pinkie had caved in at end and made it for her.

After dinner wine? Check, a bottle of the first batch of genuine Crystal Empire ice wine since 1031 years, apparently Sombra had forbidden it when he rose to power. It was claimed he had hated the rather sweet wine. She got it from Cadence who had send it to Twilight the moment she learned that her sister in law was going to celebrate her very first heart`s and hooves together with her first ever special somepony. Neither of them had the necessary evolved taste buds to appreciate a wine of this caliber but that would not deter Twilight from planning to enjoy it with her wife.

Dreams still ignorant of tonight's plans? Hopefully, so check. Seriously that more could be so difficult to gauge.

Twilight giggled a bit at the random memories that popped up in her head about Pleasant Dreams and the first few days of them being together.

Especially memories about how awkward things where after the wedding. Bringing Dreams to the library. When asked the thestral still swore that she never got that 'nerdgasm' at the sight of so many books. But Twilight knew better, simply because she had the same thing with the restricted area of the royal archives, but she simply thought it was adorable.

But being stuck remembering the past, or even having her head in the clouds had a way with catching up with her. A good waft of a burning scent had been enough to do just that.
With a snap she turned around and saw the source.

Some cloth had been laying against the oven and was very busy with its attempt to catch fire. Not realising that like almost everything in the tree it had been treated with a special spell or chemical to make it very hard to combust. One of the precautions you needed to take when living with a dragon.

With a sigh Twilight ignited her horn and levitated the offending piece of cloth into the sink before pouring a generous amount of water on it. It were the little incidents like this that lay at the base of the misconception that she was a disaster in the kitchen.
She could not help it that she would sometimes get lost in thought or too concentrated on the recipe at times. It was something everypony had, right?

But the burnt cloth smell soon got overpowered by the delicious aroma stemming from the oven. A good clear sign that everything was going alright. And judging by the alarm clock on the small oven it meant that it was time for stage two of her plan.

Igniting her horn again she started to work. Several items stated to float from their hiding places. Twilight had been preparing for this very evening for quite some time now. Carefully hiding everything she would need. It needed a surprise. A special surprise for a very special pony.

A few minutes, five at most, later the small living space on the library's second floor had been dark. Well not completely, only the small flickering light of a few candles on the table. Plates had been set, glasses half filled with wine.
Pleasant Dreams had walked in a very strange set when she had opened the door. Twilight had asked her to go and pick up the latest set of books she had ordered for the library as well as running a few other errands. On the way back she had stopped by Roseluck to picked a few red roses, after all it was the night of hearts and hooves day.
She had really been surprised to learn that Roseluck had actually saved a few for her.

Yet here Dreams was, standing in the middle of their rather small but comfy livingroom. No lights, save for a few candles on a made table. And no Twilight Sparkle. But what she did notice was a scent coming from the kitchen. Something so delicious that the mere scent made her mouth water.

Wondering what was actually in the kitchen Dreams never heard the muffled steps of a pony sneaking up on her from the back. Atleast until she felt two hooves around her neck and the presence of another pony on her back.

And on raw instinct created from years of being harassed by Celestia knows how many nobles she reared up on her back legs to shake the unknown off before bucking backwards with all her might.
Only to realise who it was by the very familiar EEP, cry of pain, a loud crash followed by the sound of many books falling.

Turning around Dreams could see Twilight splayed upside down against one of their private bookshelves with two horseshoe like prints on her chest. The poor piece of furniture completely smashed and books sprayed all over the area around her.
Within seconds Pleasant Dreams had been at Twilight's side furiously apologizing.

With a rather ungraceful FLOMP Twilight had allowed herself to tumble over onto her belly and slowly started to rear herself back up again.
Simply smiling a bit sheepishly, and thanking the fact that her earth pony magic had been developing rather well lately, she just shook her head at the continuing apologizing from her wife.
“Don't worry sweetie, I`m alright. Only a few bruises. It was my own fault really, I should have thought it better trough. I should have known you'd react like that.”

This time Twilight approached Dreams from the front and wrapped her wife in a tight hug before planting a small kiss on her lips.

“But, I, how.” Pleasant Dreams` mind seemed to have been broken a fair bit. She had bucked Twilight at full force. But Twilight just shrugged it off like it was but a mere bump.

Kissing her Dreams again Twilight just smiled at the befuddled expression. “I`m a alicorn remember? I've also got earth pony magic flowing within me. But what you can do for me to apologize is to get that lovely rump of yours into one of the seats at the table. Because I'm about to serve dinner.”

Twilight`s eyes fell on the few roses now scattered across the library floor. Gently she picked them up and smelled them for a moment. With a small burst magic she stripped one of them of its leaves and thorns and gently placed it in Dream`s mane, just above her right ear. Creating a lovely contrast of red in that ocean of dark blue.
Leaning in for another kiss Twilight mischieviously sidestepped Dreams muzzle to whisper in her ears. “Thanks for the flowers, they are marvelous.”

Twilight simply turned around and teasingly let her tail gently slap against Dream`s face. Chuckling at the concerned antics of Dreams. But she had to admit, well to herself she`s die before ever letting Pleasant Dreams herself know, that mare had a mean buck. Not Applejack levels, but a mean buck nonetheless. She could still feel the hoofprints trob a little.

Picking up the now at edible level of heat lasagne in her magical grasp before walking back to the table.
Seeing Dreams sitting there patiently for what was to come gave Twilight a idea. Grasping a third fork she quickly walked back to the table.

“Dreams? Please close your eyes and open your mouth.”
After a bit of hesitation Pleasant Dreams complied allowing Twilight to continue with her plan. With a sly smirk she picked up a small piece from the large oven bowl. Gently blowing on it to make its temperature drop even further, no sense in burning the tongue or mouth of somepony, before slowly placing the morsel into Dreams` awaiting mouth.

The moment the food hit Dreams tastebuds and the fork had been retreated from her mouth the only thing that could describe the sound she made was a moan of delight.

Whatever it was it had been cooked to perfection, and there was only one explanation to that. Twilight had cooked it herself. Something she normally never would, almost always busy with some kind of research or obscure experiment. So normally Spike or Dreams herself would be the one doing the cooking.

Opening her eyes whilst still chewing Dreams found her staring in the expectant eyes of Twilight.
“Well what do you think? Is it good? Bad? Somewhere inbetween?”

Dreams could only roll her eyes, had she not already expressed that she loved it? But then again, this is Twilight she was talking to. It could never hurt to be almost too thorough with words. A small smirk formed on Dreams mouth.
“It is perfect. Now sit down and scoop up some more before it gets cold.”

The main course itself had gone by smoothly. It did Twilight well to see the Dreams really enjoying the meal. It had made all the effort she had put into making it time and effort well spent.
Neither had much to say, but the occasional glance told them all they needed to know.

It was already closing in on ten pm when the last bite had been eaten. All according to Twilight`s plan the dishes had been dumped in the sink, she would worry about those tomorrow.

With a few gentle pushes and soft nuzzles Twilight guided Dreams to the balcony attached to their bedroom. In her magic Twilight held a small box with their desert and the wine.

On the balcony Twilight had spread a blanket and another larger and fuzzier one was placed on the side.

Moments later they had both laid down huddled closely together and had the warm fuzzy blanket covering them. From their balcony they had an excellent view of the moon and stars.

Both of them had to admit that Luna had really outdone herself this night. A beautiful and large full moon created a nice offset to the twinkling stars.
It had been at that point that Twilight levitated the box over and unveiled it to her wife.
Pinkie`s quadruple chocolate surprise. A chocolate cake with a core of hazelnut and milk chocolate, a coating of white chocolate and mixed in a thick layer of milk chocolate. All in a heart shape.

Dream`s eyes went huge as she saw it, and even bigger once she saw the fancy winebottle. Sure the wine looked very nice, ever since Rarity had introduced her to it she had started developing a taste for it. But the chocolate! The massive amount of chocolate! How she had ever been able to live without that heavenly candy was a complete mystery.

Playfully Dreams jabbed Twilight`s side before nuzzling a bit further into the purple fur..
“Candle lit dinner followed by a fancy dessert and even fancier wine. I`d say you wanted to make a point or something.”

Twilight simply nuzzled Dreams.
“Maybe..... Or maybe I wanted wanted to do something special for a pony very special to me on our first official Hearts and Hooves day together.”



> Chapter 4: Getting to know your bride attempt: 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unknown to the two, it had been decided to let Twilight and Pleasant Dreams sleep in. They had a long and stressful day. So this time there had been no spot reserved for Twilight on the preparation team. Seeing as it was her own wedding this time.

Still drowsy Twilight had turned a bit, trying to get more comfortable. She hardly could get anymore comfy as she was right now but not for lack of trying. Even in her sleep addled state she had to admit, getting that life size pony plushie with cuddle-enchantment had been a great idea. She had not felt so comfy in bed since waking up sandwiched between Fluttershy and Redheart the morning after her first new years festival in Ponyville.

Sweet Celestia that had been a very awkward moment for the three of them. And the talk they had at breakfast was even weirder. Turned out Fluttershy and Redheart had been together for quite a while, but due Shy`s... well shy nature they never went public with it.

They made her Pinkie promise she would not tell anypony. That was almost two years ago. And they still kept it a secret even today. But that might just change tomorrow. Fluttershy had talked to her when she went to her room the previous night. She wanted to know if her marefriend could come to the wedding as well. She was trying to be secretive. But she was hinting very strongly about taking a big step themselves.

But knowing both the nurse and the caretaker it would not be mariage, but something a bit less drastic. Maybe coming out in public or moving in with each other.

Yet as Twilight's mind started to wake up a bit more she came to a strange conclusion. She did not have a life size pony plushie and certainly not one enchanted to embrace her at night. And even if she had owned one, she would keep it safe in the library and not take it with her to the castle. And to add to the confusion was the fact that said non-plushy seemed to breathe occasionally.

Slowly Twilight opened her eyes, and found herself staring at the sleeping form of Pleasant Dreams who had seemed to have her arms and one of her velvetlike wings wrapped around Twilight. Kinda like how a foal would clutch to their favorite teddy.

Twilight wondered why the mare was not in her own bed. She could have sworn that when they went to sleep they had stepped into separate beds. But the exact how and what could wait.

For now she just wanted to lay in bed. That soft fur close to her, that gentle wing softly brushing her sides and the slow and steady heartbeat made her feel more at ease than anything else. She could feel the stress of the past few days simply fade away. Twilight could now understand why her sleep had been so deep and peaceful.

But as much as Twilight wanted to remain in that comfortable little safezone her internal clock was screaming out to her. Telling her that it was time to get up. And with a very well timed rumble Twilight's stomach seemed to agree with her internal clock.

Slowly Twilight warmed herself out the grip. It felt a bit strange, she had been all but ordered to stay out of the organisational aspect of her own wedding. A part of her wanted to object to the sheer ridiculousness of it all. It was HER wedding after all. Why could she not take part in the preparations for it?

And if she could not be part of the preparations then what else could she do. After all last years royal wedding had been a great success, well with a slight bug problem but that was not her fault honest! Did they not trust her to arrange her own wedding? Did they think she would stress like they had thought Cadence to did?

Did she stress out? Twilight took a deep breath and mentally ran through her stress checklist.
She had made one for herself ever since the want-it-need-it debacle. Sure it was not foolproof as it was only meant to detect it, but it had worked in a few situations.
But as she ran through it she could detect nothing wrong.

Her heartrate was fine, and so was her breathing. Her mental processing was slow. But Twilight counted that to still being tired. All signs where in the green, but then why was she explicitly barred from helping her friends?

A small shift in the warm fuzziness clinging to her gave her a hint before she actually did stress out.
Carefully shifting around in the grip Twilight came face to face with the sleeping form of Pleasant Dreams. It started to make sense. Well atleast a bit more than before.

Maybe they had banned her from doing anything so they could atleast get to know each other on a more closer basis then simply acquaintance. To perhaps sow the seeds of a fragile friendship before they were to be thrust into this. Twilight could work with that. She decided she could definitely work with that.

But just as she was trying to think about things to do, two yellow orbs slowly opened themselves. Within those golden orbs questions could be seen rising in their owners sleepy brain.
“Master? Master why is your coat purple? Did miss Golden Platter convince you to dye it again?”

It only took a few moments before some gears starting to grind. But not in the head of Twilight. Twilight could only be described as confused. Did Dreams really not remember what had happened?

Twilight could feel the wing and hooves retract from her own body. Within moments Pleasant Dreams had fully withdrawn. Her entire attitude was completely different from the mare Twilight had seen stepping into the other bed.

Dream`s head was hanging low, her facial features hidden by her mane. It was almost like she was making her self as small and unnoticeable as she could.
“I`m sorry m`lady, forgive me for mistaken you for the young master. Should I go and fetch thee my lord or would her ladyship prefer breakfast or service alone?”

Those last words rang through Twilight's brain. Did they really mean what she thought they meant?
If that was the case then it was worse than she had expected things to be. They sounded so sincere, but the undertone was automatic to the point of being practiced so often that they were a natural response.
What exactly had the poor mare endured throughout her life?

Carefully Twilight got out of bed and went over to Dreams. Pleasant Dreams herself seemed to withdraw into herself even further as Twilight approached.

Using her hoof Twilight attempted to remove some of the mane from in front of Dream`s downcast eyes with a single soft movement, she did not want to frighten the mare. Or Celestia forbid, give the mare the wrong impression about her intentions. Twilight doubted that Dreams would ever forgive her for something like that. Or it could potentially make this awkwardness even more awkward.

But what she saw shook the very core of her being. The eyes were looking towards the floor. They were open, but they were almost completely devoid of life. The small smile Dreams had worn since meeting her grandparents was also gone, replaced with a neutral expression.

A few moments ago Twilight had thought that maybe Dreams was playing some strange kind of joke on her. But this, this was no joke. That look in the poor mare`s eyes, the sadness and submissiveness. Nopony could fake something like that.

Then it hit Twilight, like the proverbial ton of bricks. Dreams was not acting, she was on completely on some sort of automatic response or something. Like this was the way she was used to, in the same way Twilight herself always went for breakfast before brushing her teeth.

But Twilight's train of thought was interrupted by an insecure voice. Not just insecure, there was fear in it.
“M'lady? Is, is something wrong? Forgive me if I offended you.”

The way she said it, it reminded Twilight about what she had read about abused foals. That nearly everything they said or did could cause them to expect some sort of punishment.

Would this be her life for the next decennial? To wake up with a mare who could not remember her? Who would treat her like she, like she was some kind of superior life form?
Slowly she trotted over to Pleasant Dreams. For the first time since she can remember Twilight's mind was blank.

For the first time she did not know what to do. Pleasant Dreams, the thestral, seemed to have ceased to exist. Replaced by this lookalike. This empty husk.
With a tear in her eyes Twilight simply embraced her fiancé in a light hug, the same fiancé who just sat there. Accepting the hug but not moving a single inch.

They just sat there until Twilight felt something wet falling on her shoulder. Closely followed by the soft shaking of the body she was holding.
As she released Pleasant Dreams from her hug the thestral started the cry fully. Not the few tears she had shed the night before. But full on crying.

But Twilight soon found out that they were not tears of sorrow as it was her turn to feel the soft embrace of another. She could only do the sensible thing her mind could think off.
Reputed to be one of the most brilliant minds of the millenia, and all it could think of was to return the embrace.

When the two finally split apart it was Dreams who spoke first. It was soft, so soft that Twilight had to strain herself to hear it. So soft that it was obvious that it was not to be heard.
“So it wasn't a dream, it really did happen. It is finally over. I'm finally free.”

Even Twilight, who was not the world`s leading authority on reading others, could see what was going to be next few words out of Pleasant Dreams mouth. And it was something she did not want to hear, something that should not even be considered for what had happened.

An apology.

And she would not have it. “Yes Dreams, it is over. After tomorrow you will never again have to do something against your will. Never again will you have to give yourself to anypony if you don't want to.”
Twilight neglected to mention that there would be instances that the two of them would have to perform royal duties. Although she was sure those would be ceremonial and sparse at best.

With a small smile Twilight released her arms from the hug. “So lets just forget it happened. That is unless you wish to talk about it?”

Pleasant Dreams only shook her head in response. But deep within her mind she did want to talk. She did want to explain. But the rational part of her was too powerful, its argument to strong to give in. She had known this pony for less than a day. And while she may seem friendly, she just did not know her well enough to trust her.

“Well then, how about this. You go and get yourself cleaned up a bit. While I go and get us some breakfast up here.”

About half hour later the breakfast Twilight had ordered had been delivered and had also been devoured.
Considering that the kitchen had been closed for about an hour already it was no real feat of importance. But then again, what does a healthy breakfast need besides warm crunchy toast, honey, fresh butter, a pot of tea and some fruit?

Buttering up the last piece of toast it was Twilight who pierced the silence one more.
“Soo........ With nothing but our final fitting tomorrow morning we are kinda left without anything to do.”

Uncertain on how to proceed Twilight took a page out of Dash`s book; why try to be subtle if you can be blunt and direct.
“So I was thinking, maybe we should use today.”

A gentle smile came to Twilight's face as she pressed on. “You know, to get to know eachother better.”
Her smile faltered as she tried to say the next part. But she need not say it as Pleasant Dreams herself finished the sentence.

“Because we're going to be stuck with each other for a good long while?”
Dreams sighed a bit, it had not been what she wanted to do today. That would have been curling up in bed and forgetting what had happened and trying to ignore what was going to happen.

But maybe it was for the best. A supposed new start in life deserved a new outlook in life. It still felt so surreal and like a dream.
After All what poor mare or orphaned filly did not dream about a chance run-in with a wealthy prince who would take them away to a place with golden plates, a place where life would be normal. Where life would be like a pleasant dream.

So resigning to the state of affairs both Pleasant Dreams and Twilight thought for a moment about how to proceed. It was Dreams who spoke up first.
She had an idea of how to spend the day and get to carefully get to know each other a bit better.

It was something simple, something very basic. It would not be like a date or something, but more something friends would do. Like a simple day about town.
“Why don't we each pick a few things to do what we would like to do? And rotate amongst those?”

Twilight simply smiled and nodded before gathering the supplies needed to make a schedule. After all, it would not do if a day like this would not be planned right. That could end up disastrous. Just think about it: a whole day of activities without any sort of planning, one could forget to do something. Or even worse, you could be late for something and thus having the time distributed amongst their activities unevenly.
And that would just not do, not do at all!

A good three hours later the two mares found themselves walking the hallways of the Lunarium, an ancient and highly praised museum which dates back to the founding of Canterlot itself.
It supposed to be one of the finest museums in the country, and it had surprisingly enough been on the list of things to do of both mares.

Twilight had wanted to go there because she always was up to learn things. Whether it was historical or the latest arcane invocations.

To Dreams it had been a dream come true, she had always wanted to visit museum. It had been the secret very little ponies knew, in fact only two knew about it. That the head maid would sneak books from the households small library. True the selection had been little, but the historical novels had been her favorite. They had offered her a temporary escape.
But they also woke an appetite for knowledge. Every time she read something in a book Dreams simply wanted to find out whether or not it could be real, if it could be done as it was described.

And so she learned, although highly limited by the limited supply of decent literature the mansions library, or rather bookshelf, had to offer.

Yet as they walked through the halls they could not feel but be disappointed. Sure it had been decent, but everything felt artificial and simply wrong.
It had begun at the exhibition of the pre-wendigo era. Twilight had been amazed at it.

They had placed obvious Unicornian horn wielded tools with the pegasi and ancient pegasi wing blades served as plow blades in the earth pony slot.
She had to do her best not to march up to the curator and scream her outrage at the fool. Any foal who had ever opened a history-book would know the differences about these things.

But to Twilight's surprise Pleasant Dreams had only stood there giggled at the absurdity of it all in the beginning, moments later the thestral simply bursted out in full scale laughter as if the exhibition had been one of the best joke she had ever heard.
After the fits of giggles and laughter from Dreams subsided and Twilight was sure they would not be kicked out for disturbing the peace, the two mares walked around the museum. Sharing the strangeness of what they saw with each other.

The other visitors had looked at them with angry glares, but the moment they saw the wings and horn of Twilight they dripped off. Not wanting to risk angering royalty. Something the nobles had done well in drilling into the heads of the local populace.

After traversing the halls for a while a rather loud rumbling coming from two sources indicated that their time there was at an end. Though it was no where near to what both had been let to believe they still had enjoyed the time there.
Just in a different way than expected.

With a small burst of magic Twilight brought forth the scroll they had made together. It had taken more time than actually thinking about activities, but in the end Pleasant Dreams had been able to stop Twilight from planning every single minute of the day.

To Dream's surprise the young alicorn had even started to plan sanitarian stops, complete with calculations on how long they would take for the average pony and time needed to travel to and from the restrooms.

The great list of things to do now was just that. A list of things they would be doing, it still had a time schedule. But they were more suggestions than harsh time limits.
The times were merely there to make sure they would have enough time to do most things. And the great list combined with the clock in the entrance hall and their grumbling stomachs indicated that it was now time for lunch.

And the site had been picked by Dreams. It had been quite silly and she was pretty embarrassed when she mentioned it. After all in a city so grand and majestic to even think about eating there with a princess of all things was ridiculous at best.
But never having experienced it herself she had always wanted to simply go to a simple small diner. A place she had heard a lot about by the 'free' maids of the household. Located far from the main restaurants somewhere near the edge of the city. Actually not very far from the Lunarium.
Yet to Dreams' surprise Twilight knew exactly where it was and held no objections to having lunch there.

A small jingle of the bell alerted the proprietor of the diner to new customers as the two mares walked through the door.
The place was practically empty. But that was to be expected as it was more geared towards breakfast, coffee breaks and pastry-deliveries.

While Dreams sat herself down at the nearest booth it was Twilight who went towards the counter to place their order. Twilight had promised the other that she knew exactly what was the best choice to eat there.

Had Dreams known Twilight better she would have poked her in the stomach and commented about the correlation between the slight pudge there and eating at places like this too often. But as much as she'd seen of the alicorn so far, she still did not know how the other would react. Playful jibb or not.

A large stallion with a slight tan coat and a darker but still light brown mane clad in a apron appeared from the back door.
“Its been a while Twilight. What brings you by today? Another crazy mission from Celestia, or perhaps a date with that sweet mare I saw walking in with you? I swear Twilight, every time something odd is going on I end up reading in the papers that you are in the middle of it all.”

The comment didn't caught Twilight of guard. She had expected that Joe would know what was going on in the castle. Afterall, his place was a frequent for many of both the serving staff and the courtiers. Joe knew all the rumors, but fortunately he also seemed to know exactly when to give advice and when to remain silent.

“So I reckon its the usual for you, and what can I get for the lovely mare you brought with you?”

Twilight looked at Pleasant Dreams for a moment, who seemed to be a bit in her own little world right now. Just content to be staring out the window, watching ponies rush by in their haste.
“Yes for me the usual and I think my friend would enjoy your jelly deluxe-assortment.”

A nod and an exchange of bits later and Twilight sat on the opposite side of Dreams waiting for their order to be brought up.
Seeing as Joe only served fresh donuts it would take a while for their order to be completed.

Nearly half their day was gone already and they had only did two things on their list. There was still so much to do, so much to see.
But their list was one to be done over several days, one could even say weeks. Right now they still had two events planned for today. Well three if you included this late lunch.

The napkins Joe had given the two mares had come in handy, well not for Twilight. Her magic allowed her to eat the chocolate frosted treats with almost no smears or smudges.
But Pleasant Dreams on the other hoof, well she was a completely different story.

The poor thestral had her face almost completely covered in jelly. Something Twilight had felt a bit guilty about. Although it made the donuts all the better Joe had a tendency to overfill them. Causing them to burst the moment anypony set their teeth in them.
So one could cause a good mess, but eating six of them was sure to be near catastrophic.

But as Dreams was off to the little filly`s room, in order to use the water to clean the more stubborn spots out of her fur, Joe approached Twilight.
His face a bit flushed and it was obvious that he was having difficulties to form his words. Even if they were spoken to a longtime customer as Twilight it was not easy to ask what he was about to.

“Say umm Twilight? Will that cute pink mare, you know the one with the poofy mane and the million bit smile, be attending the wedding as well?”

You could see the gears turning in Twilight's brain. Pinkie? Of course she will be there. She`s one of my best friends, why would she not be there?
Twilight was about to ask the obvious question when Joe cut her off while nervously shifting from one side to the other.
“Could you, if its not to much trouble that is, ask her to stop by here later this week? There is something I'd like to ask.”


Not getting the implications of the doubtful tone and flustered face of the baker Twilight simply smiled before answering.
“Sure, Pinkie`s going to be there. Kinda hard to get that mare away from a party as big as a wedding. Don't know when she'll be able to stop by though. If its urgent I can always relay a message.”

The blush on the stallion`s cheeks only seemed to intensify at that. “No matter, it can wait for a bit longer. But if its all the same to you I'd rather ask her myself. Its kinda a bit personal.”

Blinking a few times Twilight seemed get that hint as her eyes suddenly went wide as the realisation
hit.
“Oooh, right personal. I`ll make sure she stops by when time permits.”

The stallion only seemed to nod and smile at the reply. Though the dreamy look as he walked away humming seemed a bit displaced on the normal jovial but serious face.

The proprietor of the little bistro had just left the table as the now freshly cleaned Pleasant Dreams returned to the table.
“So, now that we've done what I wanted. What's next on the list?”

Summoning the list from her saddlebags for a quick check Twilight answered.
“That would be a visit to the arcane market.”

It may have sounded a bit odd, but Twilight wanted to check out the market for a double purpose. To show Dreams the amazing things the mages sold there and to see if she could pick up a few supplies for her studies. Reagents and ingrediënts of even the most marginal quality where hard to come by in a small village like Ponyville. And while Zecora could be reliable for herbal ingrediënts, the zebra simply did not have things like focus crystals, imbued voidstone dust or with troll's stomach acid infused ink.

And even if she was able to purchase them from traveling merchants, they always charged a princess' ransom for even the most basic items, you know the things even a school would have in stock to teach young unicorns the finer points of the arcane.
That was if Twilight was even lucky enough that they would have even those things.
Her income simply did not cover to afford those prices often. Even with her royal stipend, which is more than three times the monthly income of an average pony, combined with the bits earned from patents and publications.

A final wave goodbye to the mentally absent stallion behind the counter both mares stepped out in the great outdoors once more.
But luckily they did not have to travel far. The both Joe's and the market where on a stonesthrow away from both the school grounds and the castle.

While not the most observant of ponies, well in social happenings or even her direct surroundings if nothing interesting was happening, Twilight did see a few ponies trailing behind them. But she was not worried about them.

But Dreams on the other hoof, it was freaking her out a little.
“Twilight? Don't freak out ok? But we are being followed. Some creepy looking stallions have been in the shadows ever since we came to the museum.”

Twilight simply sighed, she knew some of these pursuers pretty well. Well not by name of course, they would always scatter the moment she came near them.
But they have been there pretty much since the beginning of her studies under Celestia. But after her coronation their numbers increased by atleast a dozen.
Though, not all at the same time.

They had been there during her trials, keeping Twilight and her friends safe from the shadows.

Nightmare Moon? They were in the city hall, keeping ponies from trampling others in panic.
Discord? You try and keep a horde of rampaging bunnies from ravaging one of the area`s premier food-sources: The Apple and the Harvest estates.
Chrysalis? Keeping the bulk of the invasion of their backs. Those closed to Twilight when she was sent to the caves were later found in pods.
And so on, always in the shadows and always undercover. Her own squad of guards.

But as well intended as it may be, they just were not to good at the hiding part of their job.
“Don't worry about them, they are here for us. To make sure nothing happens.”

With a small frown Twilight turned to one of the nearest, a brown stallion of medium height with a dark brown mane-color with a green tie and a hourglass cutiemark, and glared for a moment. “But they really should go back to school to relearn the principles of hiding in plain sight or at the very least learn some new frigging illusions. Right Sergeant?”

Twilight had to admit, they really did need to work on those extra illusions. It was getting out of control to see so many clones of each other walking about. Ponies had started to think another changeling-invasion was at hoof.

A idea started to form in Twilight's mind. Maybe she could devise a few herself. A set of her very own illusion spells. If she could get her hooves on some changeling chitin and learn how it conducts the illusion matrix she might even be able to create a whole new branch of it.

In Twilight's head concepts and plans were already starting to form. Plans that included the things she might need.
But a soft nudge snapped her back to reality.

“So euhm, they are your honor guard or something?”

Looking sideways towards the source of the nudge and the voice Twilight could see a confused Pleasant Dreams walking besides her.

The first thing out of Twilight's mind was a question of her own. Her mind had already sped ahead towards her new studies and had forgotten the very source of the ideas.
“Honor guard? Ooh... No no no. Nothing like that. The honor guard are merely for show. These ponies are of the phantom guard. Kinda like what those conspiracy nuts call the secret service.”

Seeing the shocked expression on Dreams it was clear to Twilight that the thestral knew what she was talking about. Lots of thriller novels, and even horrors, had been written on the notion of these ponies. “But don't worry, they don't foalnap or torture. They merely make sure that suspicious individuals get checked with a scanning spell or making sure that nothing gets out of control.”

Dreams looked around a bit before replying. “Ooh, like the security the nobles have during their soireé's?”

To that Twilight nodded, it was a close enough analogy. But these guards were a lot more subtle than the brutes and mercenaries often hired by the nobles.

Dreams would have liked to ask more about the strange followers, but she had found herself unable to speak at the sight before her.

A small square with perhaps maybe 10 to 15 stalls maximum. Nothing really impressive, until you saw the wares those stalls had in stock.
There where all kinds of stuff. She could not think about where to look first.
There were vials filled with bubbly fluids in all colors she could name, and then even a few of which she didn't know the name. Boxes filled with strange artifacts and gizmo's and one stall even had cages with strange creatures in it.

It where those cages which drew Dreams' attention the most, one in particular caught her eye. In it was a small ball of blue fluff with impossibly large eyes. The small insect like wings on its back made it even more adorable.
She just knew she wanted to hug it, it was so fluffy and those eyes simply seemed to beg: cuddle me.

It was Twilight who stopped her, whispering in her ear. “I know, its a cute thing. But don't let its look deceive you. Parasprites are more trouble than they're worth. Trust me on that one, about a year ago Fluttershy found a single one. And before we knew it critter had multiplied itself into a town devouring swarm.“

That statement made Dreams think a little if it was not a pet then why did they sell it? Surely it was not meant for experiments right?
What kind of sick pony would do something to a critter that adorable!

She was just about to ask Twilight, who was haggling with a shopkeeper (and if any asks her: no the wings and tiara did not make it easier to negotiate a good price. If anything it made the merchants think her to be rich and that makes it even more difficult)
But her question never reached her lips as a magical field gripped her and an familiar but very angry voice called out to her.

“There you are you disrespectful foal! The master was besides himself that you even dared to leave the mansion without his explicit permission. You will be coming with me right now missy. If you don't resist then maybe, maybe I`ll let you go with only minimal punishment.”

Dreams looked at the unicorn mare gripping her. The light pink coat with the white mane. The uniform of the head maid in the Sugartongue-household; Miss Golden Platter.

With all her might Dreams started to struggle against the grip. She did not want to go back there, she didn't have to go back there.

The gripp suddenly ended due a flash of purple light. That was something Dreams had never seen before. Golden Platter was the strongest unicorn in the household. Dreams had seen the mare overpower other servants in a similar fashion quite often. But never had she expected to see the same happen to her. And with such ease!
A glance in the direction of Twilight had showed her the source of the magic burst. And where Golden Platter had always seemed strained performing a feat of magic like that. Yet Twilight had not even broken a sweat.
“And who do you think you are? Stay out of this hussy, this mare is property of his lordship Sugartongue the 12th. Buzz off before I have you whipped. And in the future be mindful of your betters.”

That comment was something not even Dreams had expected, she had known that this mare could have a large ego. But how could she NOT see who she was talking to.

Dreams could also see the reaction of Twilight. Something in those sentences seemed to really ticked her off.
And that could also be heard in her voice.
“Excuse me? But did I just hear that right and you really just said that? You actually called another pony property? As in that this mare is something you can own? Like she's nothing more than a simple mindless object?”

With each word Twilight had stepped closer to the unicorn. And with each word the anger seemed to rise in her voice while her wings started to unfold out of raw emotion.

Golden Platter wanted to retort, it was clearly within her eyes that she wanted to make another comment and to affirm what she had just said.
But whatever she wanted to say had died in her throat at the sight of what stood before her. A lavanderish purple alicorn with horn sparking with nearly limitless potential. But that was not the most frightening, that was reserved for the eyes. Eyes seething with outrage and anger.

Then all went blank for Golden Platter as she simply keeled over, she never saw the horn flash at her right. She never felt the sting of the sleep spell hitting her.

A seemingly non distinctive unicorn walked up to the group and bowed before Twilight. “Your highness, we will take it from here.”
Within seconds three others already had the sleeping unicorn in restrains and where dragging her off.

Seeing the three members of her guard taking the unicorn in custody seemed to calm Twilight a little. But still inside she was still boiling with anger. That mare had just walked up to Dreams and started to treat her like she was even less than dirt!

But the sight of Pleasant Dreams made Twilight put a stop on her fighting spirit. The thestral was simply staring at the departing form of the guards. The downcast look seemed familiar, but the waterworks were left behind this time.

Twilight wanted to do something to comfort the mare, but this place so out in the open was made sure it was neither the time nor the place for that.
A slip of the tongue might hurt the mare even more then this event had. The best thing to do was to make sure they would get to the castle before the paparazzi would get wind of the happenings here.
Her supplies could wait for another day.

Gently Twilight wrapped Dreams in a soft embrace with one of her wings. Effectively shielding the mare's face from sight.
“Hey, how about we forgo the rest of the stuff for today and simply go back to the castle? Maybe get a mug of hot cider to calm the nerves a bit.”

Two yellow eyes looked a moment at Twilight, before Dreams nodded. Though not with the cider part, she never was much of a drinker, but she just felt it might be better to be alone for a while. Or atleast be out of sight before the inevitable breakdown.

The events of that morning combined with what had just transpired simply were too much to handle for a single day.


> chapter 5: The day has arrived
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 5: The day has arrived

There she stood, the perfect example of having mixed emotions about something. The wedding only a few hours away. Correction: HER wedding only a few hours away.

Pleasant Dreams simply looked at herself in the mirror. A hoof made weddingdress, a Carousel original. An one of a kind piece made exclusively for her.
It was a sleek model, without many frills and additions. The deep lavender color reminded her of the mare she was soon going to wed. And this was just the early stage of it! The finishing touches and accompanying gems and jewelery.

The creator of that masterpiece, Rarity herself, had claimed that Dreams looked stunning even if the dress was unfinished yet. And Dreams agreed to that. It did look good on her. But it seemed off somehow, any mare would kill to have a dress like this.
The nobles paid more than a years worth for the common pony to have one of these dresses. And she had just gotten one. Just like that.

Even her grandparents had been gifted with something like this. Though not hoof made by the great Rarity, but it had been her designs.

But as lavish as her clothes where, even without the jewelry Pleasant Dreams simply could not recognise the mare in the mirror. She knew it to be herself, but instead of the simple maid she had been for so long she could only see a noble-mare with a sad smile on her face.

Yes sure Pleasant Dreams felt joy over leaving her old life behind. Her wife to be had shown herself to be a kind and caring mare. Well atleast for the few days she had known Twilight.
But still, it felt as if she was going to trade her old set of iron chains for a golden version.

And her current location must have been one of the greatest testimonies of that gilded cage, one which had even felled the mightiest of beings. The very dining room countless of contracts and intergovernmental deals have been drafted and signed.

The main dining hall of the castle, the one used only for the most important of important occasions.

“Don't worry Dreams. I've made sure they understand the situation. I`m sure it won't be to bad.”

Twilight's voice had pressed the very issue most on Dreams' mind. Two nights ago the two had met her own last living relatives.
Yet this afternoon, a mere six hours until that fateful moment, the two of them were to face a similar event. But to Pleasant Dreams this was worse than meeting her grandparents.

Her grandparents where cloud pushers, simple workfolk as the nobles called them. But Twilight's family on the other hoof.

Lets just say there is not a soul worth a half a bit in Canterlot who has not atleast heard of house Twilight. They were an ancient house, named after their founder and their naming tradition. Twilight Twinkle; a advisor of the court in the years of Equestria`s founding and it was she who started the tradition to name the first born filly of the main household Twilight.

Yet while it was but a minor house, amongst its members, besides Twilight herself, where two highly renowned researchers in astral resonance ( the study on how astral bodies influence magic) and the former captain of the royal guard and current prince-consort of the Crystal empire.
And those three where just her fiancé's direct relatives.

The Twilight`s as a clan and house while small in number compared to other noble houses were spread throughout the entire governmental system, scientific institutions and even high in the military-chain. Dreams had heard the older generations of the SyrupTongue house often speak about them, and how careful they needed to be in dealing with them.

Thus it came as a bit of surprise that anypony would even dream of doing something like the stunt the high nobles had pulled. Surely they had to know who they would be dealing with right? Twilight had been known as a prodigy of unknown heights, even amongst her own house.

And right now Pleasant Dreams was about to meet with a few more of this notorious house, to be more specific: Twilight's parents.
To say that she was feeling a bit nervous would be an understatement.

A light knock signalled the beginning of the end as the door opened. Only three ponies walked in. An older couple who she did not immediately recognized, but then again she did not know any of the older nobles because they simply did not attend the 'parties' Dreams had to tend to, and a pink alicorn of whom she was sure to be princess Cadance.

But only moments after entering Dreams was witness to a display so utterly different from what she had expected that it baffled her. But she had to admit, seeing two of the most powerful beings known to pony kind do a silly little dance, complete with song, more suited for a foal then the adults they were supposed to be was actually quite cute to see.

Twilight had the time of her life though, her parents had been so busy for the last few weeks. They had only just been back from their trip to Zebrica to exchange information with the Zebra`s.

But now with hugs and routine had been dealt with, there was only one question she had to ask. Something which had been burning on her tongue the moment the three older ponies stepped into the room
“Mom, dad? Cadance? Where is Shiny?”

The response came from Cadence, and to Twilight's credit it had been something she had expected. Especially if one were to realise the protective nature of her brother and the happenings of the last royal wedding.
“Well to be honest he is currently talking to the guard. Saying something about that this time around a decent exterminator needed to be on call. But he should be here before lunch starts.”

But as the two were talking the elderly couple glanced at the other mare in the room. The fact that she like Twilight had been dressed in the early stages of a wedding dress.

It was the whitish mare who approached Dreams first. Her gaze examining, but surprisingly gentle.
Dreams did not know how much time passed as she felt this strange mare attempt to look straight through her very soul.

At first it was a somewhat angry glare, but the more this strange mare stared at Pleasant Dreams the more friendly it became. Until the point that the mare walked up to Dreams and extended her hoof.
“Pleasant Dreams I presume? Its nice to meet you, my name is Twilight Velvet.”

The pleasant tone in the voice and the sincere smile trew Dreams off a bit as she accepted the hoof.
“Yes, I am Pleasant Dreams. Its a pleasure to meet you miss Velvet.”

That last bit earned her a small push on the shoulder from Velvet.
“Ooh please, drop the act and be natural. No reason to be stiff around us. After all from what we've been told you are going to be family!”

And with that almost gleeful sounding comment Twilight Velvet turned deadly serious.
“But I want to know one thing. One very important thing.”

The menacing tone drew the attention of the others in the room towards the two mares. Velvet stared Dreams straight in the eye, the latter almost to afraid to even blink.

After a few seconds, but which seemed like hours Twilight Velvet spoke again.
“Can you cook?”

Dreams blinked a few times before nodding, she had expected a lot. But this was not amongst those things. Why would it be important that she could cook? Of course she could. While she was no chef she knew her way around the kitchen, it was part of her training after all.

The stern and cold face of Velvet was almost instantly replaced by the previous warm and gentle smile. “Good, atleast now I can sleep comfortably knowing that my little Twily will atleast be eating properly.”

Seeing the now completely confused stare of Dreams the older mare continued. “Ooh don't give me a stare like that. My Twily is a utter disaster in the kitchen, and while Spike is good with sweets he simply has the tendency to bake or cook every meal until its well-done.”

The following frown and subsequent wail in the form of “MOM!” came from Twilight.

Which of course was followed by a fit of laughter from the stallion and Cadance.

The laughter seemed to be a frequent visitor during the lunch, although luckily for Twilight it was not all at her expense.
But all in all both Twilight as Dreams where having a good time.

It had been exactly what Twilight had claimed, Dreams had no reason to fear her future in-laws. They had shown to be nice ponies, perhaps with a strange sense of humor but still nice to be around.

Though Pleasant Dreams had very mixed feelings about princess Cadance. Throughout the entire lunch she had said very little. She had only given the occasional glance. Not an angry glance, not even frowning. It was just more a look of confusion.
It was like Cadence was seeing something she did not fully understand, or was unable to wrap her mind around it.
But Dreams did not know her enough to ask about what was troubling her. Perhaps in the future she would learn.

Or she might forget it all from happening completely. Odds where about 50/50 on that. The internal grand jury of Pleasant Dreams were not quite out on the matter.

But there was one thing she was pretty sure about. She was absolutely positively sure that she would rather be almost anywhere else than where she was right now.

For Pleasant Dreams was currently standing in front of a set of large mirrors. Rarity was darting around her, poking needles in the dress, adding frills or puffing about with makeup. And most importantly, blabbing her muzzle off.
Dreams had all but tuned her out. She had other things on her mind.

On the side of the room stood her grandparents, the only relatives she still had. According to tradition they were there for her in the final moments of preparation.

But besides them there were two others in the room. With a bit of pushing from her grandmother Dreams had taken the courage to speak to Whisper, well Fluttershy as she calls herself these days.
Her question had been serious, although they had not seen each other for many years 'Fluttershy' had been the only true friend Dreams had ever had.

And being the kind mare she is, besides wanting to try and rekindle some of that old friendship, Fluttershy had accepted the request and became Dreams best mare.

The other pony present had been Rarity.
The fashionista had offered her services to Dreams, she would not take no for an answer, and had left Twilight in the capable hoofs of the cosmetic staff of the palace, under direction of Hoity Toity this time. She had said something about that Twilight could always redo it in a few centuries, but it would be the first and last time for Dreams. And that she would not have it that some miscreant would ruïn such an important day in a mares life because they were a little to heavy with the make-up.

On the other side of the hallway, within in a similar room sat Twilight. A flock of ponies swarming around her. Her dress had been finished while she and Dreams were having lunch with Twilight's parents. It had only taken a few minor adjustments to be properly fitted.

Her family was there, even Shining Armor had been present. He had been a bit disappointed on not meeting Pleasant Dreams himself during the lunch. But the security checks had been downright murderous to set up. And the new captain simply did not had enough time to fully learn the finer points of the job.
Even Spike was pitching in by assisting the beauticians with gathering what they needed. Although it was not much, Hoity had been given a set of very clear instructions.
And an even clearer explanation of what would happen should he fail to follow said instructions.

Twilight had to admit, Rarity could be very scary should she put her mind behind it. Very scary indeed. Twilight knew one thing, she was quite possibly going to have a few nightmares about what the fashionista had threatened with.

Twilight's other friends all had been busy with their tasks up until the last moment, but she was sure that about now they would also be starting to get dressed. The ceremony was only about half an hour away.

There had been much infighting between the four remaining friends as to who would become Twilight's best mare, but Twilight had foreseen that. And not wanting to hurt any of them, she had asked them to forgive her as she had chosen Cadence. Both as a symbolic gesture, for Twilight had been Cadance's best mare, and to make sure that there would be no anonymity between Twilight and her friends.
And that had been accepted as probably the best way.

With the complete make-up and dressing for both mares done they were collected by one of the stewards. Unsurprisingly both had been with a full guard squad.
But that had little to do with the odd chance of a changeling-attack, but it had everything to do with tradition.
Afterall one of the most important ponies in Equestria was about to marry, it did not matter that she had held the position for only a few months. Tradition demanded that in occasions like this they would be brought to the main ballroom with full honor guard.

And due the fact that Twilight had no honor guard of her own there had been a bit of discussion as to which branch would be chosen. It had been Twilight herself who came up with the answer.
She had studied almost her entire life under Celestia, therefor she would take an honor guard from the solarguard.
Dreams on the other hoof would receive hers from the Lunar Guard, who were almost all thestrals like herself.

With this neither of the two elite branches of the royal guard would be offended for being left out. The Lunar Guard had actually so many volunteers that they had been forced to hold a lottery. For them it was a matter more than honour. It was racial pride, for the first time since recorded history a thestral would become nobility. And not just any noble, she would become the second highest ranking noble seconded only by the four princesses.

Not even 'prince' Blueblood could claim to possess such a station. As the heir to the line of Platinum he was just below the princess-consort. And rumor had it that it irked him to no end.

The symbolism of it all was not lost on the royal sisters, even if it was not intended. It would be a true union between day and night.
The privileged student turned princess and the orphaned maid. Two mares with a background which could almost not be more different joining together in what was arguably the most sacred of bonds.
They had found it more than fitting to have the honor guard-arrangements to match this.

And it was in their company that both mares left towards the large room, in opposite directions. Their honor guard made sure that the short walk was uninterrupted.
Something both of them were secretly glad about. The amount of paparazzi flittering about the castle grounds. Just a few moments ago they had apprehended a few who had dressed themselves as servants.
Needless to say, they are currently being made very useful. The toilets in the barracks had been in a dire need of cleaning.

At exactly 6 pm the two had met each other again, at the beginning of the aisle leading towards the end of the ballroom. Each side of the massive room had been filled with all manner of ponies.
Of course the rich and snobby had procured seats in the front.

Their escort left for their normal stations, only for them to be replaced by two familiar stallions.
Skystream and Nightlight, both ready for their duty of the day.
But both stallions had not said it, but their eyes said enough.
They held no trouble with giving their (grand)daughter away to another mare, one cannot fight love right?
But what they both did not like one single bit was that they to give them away against the will of the two mares.

But here they were, side by side with the brides. A final moment passed as Dreams and Twilight saw each other in their full gear for the first time.

Twilight was wearing a dark grey dress, one truly fit for royalty. But also true to Twilight her personality many of the frills and glittery bits had been left out of the design. The only gem of in the entire ensemble had been a deep purple amethyst. There had also been no jewelry other than her crown.

Pleasant Dreams on the other hoof had been dressed in in purple dress with a radiant golden trim around the wing holes, drawing attention to the feature that placed her so apart from those in the room, small diamond chips had been applied all over it, giving it a sparkling appearance. A set of bracelets had a thin veil of silk attached to it, keeping it strapped over her back. She had not been given a crown or tiara, but a necklace containing a large piece of onyx was draped around her neck.
The black of the gem giving a pleasant counteract to the otherwise rather bright dress.

A deep breath and a nod to their grandfather and father they started their walk towards the end of the room.

There had been no flower fillies or any of that kind trailing behind them. Only a single wedding bouquet for the both of them. Through some unspoken agreement Twilight had been the one to carry it.

As they walked both mares could feel the eyes burning on them, almost everypony in the room had been staring at them. Some with jealousy, some even with hatred, but luckily most where simply curious or sympathetic.
Though the curious looks were amongst the most common.

With the rising of princess Celestia the hall fell silent.
“My little ponies, on behalf of the brides I bid you welcome. I would wish I could welcome you for a joyous event like I could but a few months ago.”

For a brief moment Celestia's everlasting smile falter for but a few seconds. But only those in at the very end, right in front of her, could see it.
“But let us not dwell on what has happened, but let us hope for a brighter future for those involved. Ringbearer, please bring forth the rings.”

On his que Spike walked from behind a pillar behind Twilight with a red velvet cushion. Two rings forged from some strange black metal had been placed on them, though unlike normal wedding rings these held no gemstones but instead it had decorated with intricate symbols. Twilight could swear that they resembled some ancient runes she had read about.

They had been a gift from Luna, she had said not much about it. But Celestia had been more indulging with information.
Apparently Luna was quite the crafts pony, she had made the set only a few years before her fall to the nightmare. Crafted especially for her closest friend, the captain of her night guard who had fallen for a unicorn maid.
The first ever true union that would forever make the thestrals be accepted as part of the pony race.

But it was not to be, the captain had been brutally murdered on the night before his wedding. A group of fanatics had done it. They had even been proud of it, proud about saving the true blood of the three tribes by eradicating the foul demonblood who was about to soil it.

Of course over the course of the millenium the view on thestrals had changed quite a bit. But they still where a rare sight to see, even within the nightguard there were only a hoof full.
And now, with the same type of event happening again. While not the first, it was still special to Luna.
For that reason she had remade the rings to fit her first friend since her return and her friends' bride to be. One wing clip, especially made to be worn around the joint without discomfort for a thestral, and one horn ring, both made with love.

It had been agreed that there would be no lengthy ceremony, no testimonies of love or declarations of eternal faithfulness.
Celestia's eyes went to Twilight, who was actually glad that her former mentor's gaze had soften again. Twilight would never admit it, but the coldness in Celestia's eyes just now had her more than a bit scared.
“Princess Twilight Sparkle, do you take Pleasant Dreams as your lawful wife and promise to guard her heart and mind against the corruption that power brings?”

The second bit confused Twilight for a moment, it had not been asked to Cadence on her marriage. But why was it asked to her then?

Then it hit Twilight, it had been in the direction where Celestia had been looking at. The question was not directed at her. It was aimed at the nobles in the front rows, just behind her family and Dreams grandparents. The very nobles who had tried to abuse their power to gain more power.
And in a very Celestia kinda way, they would never notice that they just had been warned.

Twilight's voice was trembling as she said it, she really did not want to do this. It felt wrong on every level to bind a pony to yourself like this. To effectively hijack her life. But she was without a choice.
“Yes, yes I do.”

Celestia then turned to Pleasant Dreams. Her expression one filled with sympathy. It almost literally screamed at the thestral: I'm sorry.
“Pleasant Dreams, do you take Twilight Sparkle as your lawful wife? Do you promise to assist her in her royal tasks and to keep her heart grounded and with those she swore to protect?”

Pleasant Dreams closed her eyes for a moment. She did not need to think long, almost anything would be better than her previous life.
And maybe, just maybe Twilight would remain the same after this day had ended. The same nerdy and friendly alicorn. Then it might not be so bad, she could see the princess becoming atleast somewhat akin to a friend.

But then again, that was when everything would remain the same as the past two days. And there was only one way to find out.
Well one way without the use of highly illegal and potentially deadly time-spells.
“Yes your highness, yes I do.”

Upon hearing those words Celestia raised to her full height with her wings in full glory.
“Then let me ask for the first and last time. Are there any objections to this union? Speak now or forever hold your silence.”

For a moment it seemed that everything would be in order, that everypony would remain silent.
But just as Celestia took a breath to ask for the rings to seal the marriage a noble stallion from somewhere in the middle spoke up.

“I object to this farce! A commoner has no right to be with nobility. It is affront to everything the sacred tradition of the consort stands for.”

What the stallion wanted to say would never be heart. A pony came to defence of Pleasant Dreams, a pony none had ever expected.

Prince Blueblood.

“Ooh would you please stop it Radiant Bit? I do believe that almost everypony and their dog knows just how much you would like to be standing there with that little pool colt of yours. And isn't he also just a commoner?”

That comment seemed to rouse a whole lot more. Whispers mostly, soft chatter and disbelief. Well atleast until Celestia asked for silence.
A few short words where all it took for the silence to regain again.

Normally the rings would be slipped on during their vows, but they had made no vows. They had only accepted their fate.
And now it rested on Celestia to seal their fate. Like some cruel joke Celestia had to do the very thing she had swore to safeguard Twilight from.

She had to do what she despised the most about what had been implemented to allow her rule. And she had to do it to the one closest to being a daughter she ever had.

With a tear forming in her eyes Celestia took both rings in her magic, and while she clipped the wing ring around the right wing of Pleasant Dreams and placed the horn ring over Twilight's horn as she spoke.

“Then take these rings as a symbol of your union. And with the power granted to me by my position as regent of the sun and day I pronounce you wife and wife.”

A small sigh escaped her as she looked at the two mares in front of her. Their saddened looks, it spoke all about their innermost emotions.

Twilight softly mouthing 'just say it'.

Pleasant Dreams simply staring at the ground, fully placid and acceptance of her new shackles.
And it broke her heart, but she had to do this. If the marriage was not completed then she would be granting many powers within the government to the higher nobles. Something that must be

“You may kiss your bride.”

The two mares looked at eachother for a moment, there was no veil to lift gently, there was no pause for a romantic moment or a look of passion.
Both closed their eyes and placed their lips upon those of the other for a mere second. It was hardly anything one could call a proper kiss.

When they split apart the loud cheers erupted, but there were more than a few who did not join in the cheers and celebrations.
Some out of fear, others out of respect. But all knew exactly what was really going on.
Most of the masses had been left out the loop that their newest princess did not had a hidden lover for all that time like the official story went.

If the truth would be found out, it would be chaos and quite possibly a rebellion towards the nobles. It was decided that it would better to keep the whole forced aspect a bit under wraps for now. IT wasn't a lie perse.

As the cheers died down Twilight looked over the crowd. She hoped this would work out properly. “Thank you all for coming, but now with the ceremony at an end it is time for the true festivities of this beautiful day. So without further adieu, we leave you in the capable hooves of our reception planner. Miss Pie if you please do the honor?”

The noise of the party-alarm screaming through the ballroom scared more than a few of those present. Servants streamed from all over, clearing benches and chairs and replacing them with all manner of things one would see in a fancy ball. From small tables for seating and a dance-floor to an large row of tables filled with all manner of foods and a raised plateau for a small band.

Pinkie had gone all out this time, though it was rather tame for a Pinkie party.

Twilight and Dreams had been escorted to the only large seating table in the room, it was placed so that they could oversee the entire event. But the shade of the lights fell in such a way that the seats where a bit hidden from sight, giving the newlyweds a bit more privacy.

But before they could retreat in the comfort of those shadows, they had to face a long line of ponies wanting to present their congratulations.
Much to the discomfort of both.

The first in the long line had been princess Celestia. She gave a short congratulations, it seemed heartfelt. But Twilight had known the princess for a long time and she could see through the smiling mask. The mask that hid the anger well.
Celestia had no gift for them, no tangible one atleast. Besides the apprehension of the slavers they had but to ask. And if it was within her power to grant it would be theirs.

Luna had only given her congratulations for she had already given them their presents.

Twilight's parents thought were different, although they had been aware of the truth it seemed that it didn't fully register in their minds. Atleast not until they stood in front of them. Tears had been shed, hugs freely given and promises were made.

Dreams grandparents were similar, but where Twilight's parents had just given them a small donation the older couple had given only a heartfelt hoof shake and a sad smile. They simply did not have the bits for some sort of gift.
Though that might soon change. A certain pink princess had dropped a few hints with several nobles who owned a weather factory what their old positions where.
Ponies without a connection to the workfloor paid a lot for 'inside' information. And they had decades of information and idea's for improvement to sell.

Twilight's closest friends had all come together. Apparently finding a bit of comfort in numbers. Ever since the first royal wedding the veil of ignorance had been lifted a bit from the eyes of most ponies. They had finally gotten a fair share of the fame they deserved. Whether that fame was positive or negative. They had their fair share of both.

Pinkie had brought forth a strange blender-like device. Which Dreams instantly recognized as a smoothy-maker. And one of the highest quality even.
The explanation however was pretty much lost on them. But all who heard it were sure about one thing: It had something to do with Twilight's complete lack in kitchen appliances.

Rainbow Dash had been playing a bit of a joke on Twilight's studious side, which elicited a small giggle from Pleasant Dreams out of all ponies. But unlike the joker Dreams had the decency to blush a little.
But one had to admit the reaction of Twilight from getting a small block of solidified Rainbow-essence had been a funny one.
It was a cross between very excited and strangely fascinated while being deep in thought about its potential uses. To which Rainbow had smirked. “Its a solid rainbow. Besides making a rainbow fountain or looking pretty it has no uses!”

But apparently Twilight was of a different opinion, there had to be some sort of use for it even if it was to find out how it was solidified.

Applejack had been brief, just a card. Because she was not going to trust her gift anyplace where Rainbow or any of the nobles might be able to get to it. It was still safe and sound in the special hidden cellar in the homestead. A full 50L barrel of aged zapp-apple cider.
Something they only make two of each time the magical apples grow, and only break out on very rare occasions.

Rarity had two small boxes with her, within lay two small silver brooches. One in the shape of a starburst with amethyst, the other was a pillow with a piece of onyx . The pillow for Twilight and the starburst for Dreams, the hopeless romantic had thought it would be a nice touch to have the cutiemark of the other.
The fact that the marriage had been forced on them did not matter to the fashionista.

But what did matter was the explanation. Both had been enchanted with a renewable cleaning spell. Not a strong one though, the gems where simply too small to hold a powerful one. It would clean any dry dirt from the mane or coat. Because it would be a crime for a princess and her consort to be seen with even a speck of filth on their coat when making an appearance.

And then came Fluttershy, her gift came out of her mane with a little bit of coaxing. It was a small ball of deep blue winged fluff with two enormous pink eyes. A bit of fluff everypony recognized almost immediately.

A Parasprite.

But before anything could be done to the poor critter Fluttershy had started to explain. It was different from normal Parasprites, it was smaller and legless. But also it ate not more than perhaps one or two apple slices a day.

Waldorf Peregrin the second (Wally to his friends), thats what his name was. He was the second because Fluttershy had the original still back in her cottage. He was the first offspring that the legless Parasprite had produced in the three years that she had the critter. Having found him at her home after the infestation, unaffected by Pinkie's music and utterly terrified.

Twilight was the first to speak up, while Wally had flown over to nestle itself on Dreams back.
“So, its some kind of mutation? Or a whole different species?”

“I'm sorry I just don't know, there are some differences between him and normal Parasprites. But everything points out that he should be a normal one. He just isn't. ”

Twilight could see that Fluttershy had been wanting to say more about the subject. But behind the element bearers a rather impatient line of nobles had been forming steadily. And they had begun to voice this displeasure of being held up for too long.

With a small squeak Fluttershy pushed a small scroll in the hoofs of Dreams before hurrying out of the line to the safety of the sitting tables. The scroll itself had been written in a flowing script, containing nothing more than a few words of advice concerning Wally's needs and how to take care of him.

It surprised Twilight to no end that Fluttershy had written down that the small Parasprite would only eat about a quarter of an apple a day, or something of similar size and weight. But she pushed any other questions aside, knowing full well that the gentle mare would be visiting on regular base to check up on her former charge.
Fluttershy always did so when ponies bought a pet from her.

Twilight looked at Pleasant Dreams, who currently was looking at the strange critter hopping back and forth from her lower back to right between her wings. The easy part of this whole charade was over now. Twilight wished she could somehow protect the other from the tediousness and arrogance of the nobles they had to face now.
But something deep inside her whispered that Dreams was more than adequate in toning them out.

As a few nobles had went by with congratulations and a few simple tokens in terms of gifts, mostly it had been bits and the occasional pieces of jewelry, a familiar face stood before Twilight and Dreams.
The old lord Syruptongue, on both his sides where guards. But they were not the typical kind one would see accompanying a high lord under house-arrest. Their gear betrayed that they where actually guarding him from outside influences. But what surprised both Twilight and Pleasant Dreams the most was the fact that a nurse was standing behind him.

With a strained motion he made a bow before the newlyweds.
“M'ladies. Before anything is said the investigation is getting our full coöperation. My great grandson has been detained and so has every member of the staff he and his father have hired. But let us not speak of these unpleasantries. I am here to present my gift after all.”

The left guard took out a piece of parchment and presented it towards the couple. Syruptongue looked a bit saddened, by it but it did not stop him from speaking further.
“I am sorry Princess Sparkle, but my gift is more geared towards Lady Dreams then to you. This parchment holds my will. You will find that after my passing 50% of which I own personally will go to Lady Dreams instead off my household. Which accounts for roughly 20% of the house's property and bits. The other half will be made into the Pleasant Dreams fund, a fund which primary goal is to give financial aid to all victims of this despicable slavering.”

The confession left both mares speechless.
“I know I can never make amends for what my kin has done to you, and I know I can never ask for your forgiveness for my blindness. But I hope that I can atleast make sure that your life, and that of your fellow victims, will be better from now on. And know that for the few years I have left I will do everything in my power to help the investigation.”

Pleasant Dreams looked at the small parasprite on the table to her left. Its kin were ravenous monsters who devoured everything edible in sight. But Wally was claimed to be different, and it was given a chance to prove it.
Lord Syruptongue too had monstrous relatives, but he had proven himself to have a heart as well. A cunning and shrewd heart. But atleast he had made an attempt to do the right thing, even if it was a blatant attempt to save his own reputation with the princesses.

Yet all Dreams could see was an old stallion at the end of his life, an old stallion who had learned some terrible secrets of his children.
But still she could not find it in her to hate this stallion, no matter what his kin had done. He had also been the one who gave her a second chance in life. He had taken her from his great grandson's chambers and gave her hoof in marriage to a real life princess.

Thanks to him she had gained an ounce of true freedom, something she had always dreamed off.
And with that thought Dreams stepped forward, the two guards tensed for a brief moment until she had placed her forelegs around the neck of lord Sugartongue in a gentle hug.
“Don't blame yourself, you were not the one who turned me into what I am today. You were not the one who bought me and used me like a toy.”

A tear formed in her eye as Dreams whispered a last few words in private to the stallion.
“You are forgiven for what you think you have done wrong to me. Thank you for my second chance, but now leave this matter to the guards and go enjoy the time you have left of your own second chance.”

After the elderly lord Syruptongue had left them a new set of nobles had already been pushing themselves onto the couple.
Dreams noticed that the more these nobles seemed to speak, the more frequent that slight twitch in Twilight's eye became. And Dreams had to be honest herself, she did not like all of this flank kissing at all.
She had seen quite a few stallions who had tried to buy or rent her from her former master, and to her incredible disbelief they were now actually speaking to her as if nothing had ever happened. Some even tried to butter up to her, like she was just some dumb mare who'd forget everything that they had done simply because she now had a status or because they were flaunting about with bits and favors.

*Twitch*

A slight sigh of frustration escaped Dreams, it appeared that Twilight's little eye twitch was contagious.

Though she could speak of luck that on random occasions Twilight's friends or servants brought food or drinks otherwise they would have starved half way through.
But luckily after nearly three hours of hoof shaking and having to put up with groveling slimeballs it finally came to an end. The last of the ponies had arrived. But one look at Twilight's face told Dreams enough.

Twilight knew this stallion as well, and like Dreams herself she was not happy to see him. Dreams herself had only seen him in passing or heard other servants speak about him. They usually were not all too positive about him.

Like with many of the more notoriously arrogant or foolhardy nobles Twilight had taken the lead in speaking. It was obvious that the years of training under Celestia had taught her well on how to handle herself.
A rogue thought occurred in Dreams mind, she was now expected to atleast show up during certain events. Maybe Twilight was willing to teach her a thing or two about dealing with the more pesky ones.

“Well Blueblood it appears owe you my thanks.” For a moment Twilight had a gentle smile, but it hardened almost instantly afterwards.
“But if you think for a single moment that you will ever be forgiven for this you are sorely mistaken.”

Blueblood had the gall to look angry. But the tone of his voice was clear and level headed.
“Princess, I would have you know that I was against this idea from the beginning. But they simply do not listen when some hairbrained idea has formed in their heads. I told them it would not work, I told them it would end badly. But majority vote rules.”

The prince shook his head with a wry smile.
“And it has all blown up in their faces. Should have send daughters instead of sons.”

Twilight was about to speak up, claiming she did not believe it for a single little bit. But Blueblood shushed her by raising his hoof.
“Anyway, I respect that you might not believe me but I do hope we can put this besides ourselves during future dealings? But I digress. Congratulations and all. I shall leave you now to enjoy what little of the celebrations remain.”

With a small bow towards the mares Blueblood departed, but not before leaving a scroll and two tickets with the mares.

He had given them a week long all expense paid cruise on the newest luxury air yacht of Blue airways to serve as their honeymoon. Of course complete with its own crew and servants to make the trip memorable while they cruise the skies from landmark to landmark.

Perhaps an hour or two later the festivities were finally dying down. Pleasant Dreams was away to escort her grandparents to their chambers and talk a bit with them in private.

But to Twilight and her friends another surprise was to be revealed. As just about all guests where either gone or leaving Fluttershy had asked them to get together before heading to bed saying that she had something to tell them.

All but Twilight had been surprised to see nurse Redheart standing besides Fluttershy. But the signals they gave off where obvious to even the blindest amongst them. Their tails intertwined and Fluttershy draping a wing over the back of Redheart.

Bolstered by the proximity of her marefriend Fluttershy spoke up.
“You might be wondering why I called you here. Red Heart and I have a confession to make. We have been dating for about four years now and decided that it was time to make it officially known and move in together.”

The reactions were all warm and congratulatory. Well all except for Rarity, who had been profoundly making apologies for having tried to set up Fluttershy with various stallions in the past.

But all in all it was a kind and tender moment, Redheart was relieved to see her mare friend's friends accept Fluttershy's choice in partners.
And Twilight was relieved that nopony asked why she was not as surprised as they were. That would be a tale for after numerous alcoholic beverages.

But as Pleasant Dreams walked back into the room it had been time to say their goodbyes. Their air yacht was waiting for them. Waiting to take them for a trip around the country. To celebrate a marriage that never should have been.

Promises of souvenirs and swift return had been made, a final grouphug for old time sakes before Twilight and Dreams where off to sail the great open sky.

Night was falling quickly as the two mares were overlooking Canterlot from the deck of the ship.
A flash of light and a loud misthoorn seized their attention to behind them.

Floating a few inches above the deck was Discord. But it was not the jolly jester like Discord Twilight had seen hanging out with Fluttershy. Nor was it the Discord she had met in combat two years ago.

No this Discord frightened Twilight more than she would ever be willing to admit. The expression he bore was something she would never expect from him. There was no smile or grin and the twinkle in his eyes were gone completely. And it set off all manner of alarms in Twilight's mind.

This was Discord's serious face. That could only mean trouble. A snap of his eagle claw and a small vial fell in front of Twilight, laying completely still even though the ship was rocking.

“My gift upon you and your mare princess Twilight. A small vial of raw chaos energy. Do not ask what it does, you will not like the answer. But I will leave this message for you and miss Dreams.”

Discords voice turned even colder. For some reason he seemed more menacing and draconian that ever before. Even counting his short rule before his rehabilitation.
“Do not wonder why, do not think me to be cold. In a years time, it will have be used to set right the wrongs of old.”

A single snap later and Discord was gone, leaving a terrified couple behind. The sight of the chaos spirit and his words etched in their minds.
They both knew that he had not told a lie, that they would unleash the full brunt of his powers on somepony else.

On the largest spire of Canterlot Castle Discord was looking at the departing ship. “I am sorry for this Twilight. But I cannot interfere personally.”
A few tears found their way from his eyes to the ground below after looking at the picture he had summoned seconds before.
“This is for you and all those like you my dear friend.”

Winking away the tears Discord threw away the picture. It portrayed a young yellow and pink pegasus filly and a dark grey and blue thestral. Upon the backside one could barely make out the golden script.

To my good friend Sugartongue, heir of the Syruptongue house.
Summer Sale: Day and Night now: 500.000 bits

With love,
Gentle Breeze



> Chapter 6: Getting to know your wife attempt 2; the honeymoon edition (part 1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The night had passed without any further incident. Though there was a small problem; the air yacht only had one bed in the master bedroom.

Twilight had offered to take the large and seemingly very comfy couch. But Dreams had opted against it. Like was said at the wedding, they had a image to uphold now. The crew, although professionals, would most likely sell any little piece of info on the newly weds to the press.

Especially if they were not sleeping in the same bed. That would shatter their little lie.

What Dreams had not said, was that she was more comfortable with the heat of another pony close to her. For the past few nights she had tried to sleep in a bed on her own. But each time she simply could not fall asleep.
And both times she had crawled into Twilight's bed, and the moment Dreams had felt the soft fur of Twilight pressed against her she fell asleep within moments.

Silently she had cursed herself for opting it, but if it helped to get a good night sleep. Though after the first night Twilight had claimed not to mind it.
Even saying that if need be Dreams could always crawl into bed with her, and that they would work on getting her to sleep on her own one step at the time.

Luckily the hustle and bustle of the luxurious airship had not impeded their sleep. All in all Dreams could say that if anything it even helped her sleep better.

Still lazing about a bit on the bed, Twilight had woken up a few moments ago. But they had been instructed to remain in the room when they had tried to ask for breakfast to be made in a few moments.

Perhaps ten minutes later a light magenta pegasus entered the room. Although bringing in a cart with breakfast the uniform clearly stated his function.
The overly elaborate decorations complete with golden bands on the sleeves screamed 'I am in charge'.

“M'lady's, my sincere apologies for the wait. We were under the impression that the wedding night would be a bit more tiresome. But we opted to let you sleep in anyway.”

The pegasus stallion pushed the cart with surprisingly enough a champagne breakfast towards the bed.

“My name is Cloudsail, captain of this fine vessel. On behalf of the crew I bid you welcome aboard the Luna's Grace. Now then, I will leave you to your breakfast and hope to see on deck later today.”

The captain nodded to the two mares and left the room again. He had not directly commented about the lack of a certain scent, but his words did have a certain twist to it that made it very clear he had noticed.

Dreams herself felt relieved by it, Twilight had not even once mentioned the wedding night and what usually happens then. But in the back of her mind she somehow there had been a small voice whispering disappointment.

Any thoughts about said voice were drowned out by the smell and sight of fresh chocolate chip pancakes floating in front of her nose.

And the glass of champagne did not hurt the sight. She had only ever seen the drink. It was said to be far too expensive to be given to a servant. Let alone one of her former ranking.
But one sip of it was enough to convince Dreams that champange, no matter how expensive Twilight had claimed that bottle must have been (Twilight had said that it was neighbouring on roughly 150 bits a bottle) was simply revolting. A very good waste of perfectly good grapes.
Her muzzle contracted from the flavour.
“You know, with how much the nobles guzzle down this stuff I'd thought it would be better tasting.”

This elicited a small giggle from Twilight.
“Yes, I never understood their fondness of it either. Maybe its just because its so expensive that they like it?”

They both looked at eachother for a moment, looked at the bottle and the two still half filled glasses and bursted in fit of giggles. Though Dreams was a bit more reserved than Twilight.

The breakfast went almost as swiftly as it had came and before they knew it Twilight and Dreams found themselves on the deck. Where captain Cloudsail had greeted them with a large map on the table in front of him and a even larger fake smile.

“Ahh there you are! I trust breakfast was according to your liking? If not, then please let me know. But for now please, please join me.”

The whole movement of this pegasus was off. It was unnatural, it was simply to friendly. And that was coming from a mare who was best friends with Pinkie Pie.

“Now then why don't you get yourself comfy.” He swiftly pointed to a loveseat on one side of the table.

Now snuggled up besides each other a bit more closer then comfortable the captain continued his little speech.

His smile never seemed to wane.

“Well then, as captain of this fine vessel it is my pleasure to...”

It was at this point that Dreams final nerve snapped and interrupted him. She had seen this type of happiness and friendliness before.
“Please drop the act? You and the others don't have to act like this around us. Just be yourself. We swear that if you do we will be giving you the high mark you aim to get.”

The captain looked at Dreams with a puzzled expression for a moment. But almost instantly after the painfully obvious fake smile vanished from his muzzle to be replaced by a small genuine smirk.
“Thank you, I will relay your wishes to the rest of the crew. Now if I can have your attention I'd like to explain the trip to you.”

Using the map as a reference the captain started to explain everything. Once his attempted charade of the 'perfect host' had been dropped Cloudsail proved himself to be quite capable of performing his function.
His voice had something strict, but with a joyful and pleasant undertone. Just like one would expect from a captain of the most luxurious air yacht of a cruise-company.

During the explanation lunch had been served. It was a simple fair, but that was to be expected as their breakfast had been quite heavy.

By the end of the speech they had been fully briefed of their journey and had been introduced to the crew. But they already arrived at the first destination. The famous old harbor of Baltimare.

The embarking yacht caught quite a bit of attention from the local population. They had been used to seeing a lot of ships and even airships docking from time to time. But the Luna's Grace was unique enough to catch the eyes of even the veteran harbor master.

As the captain went off to see the harbormaster to pay the docking fee's Dreams and Twilight were being let on to shore.
Luckily it had been on the other side of the ship, apparently its design was made that the primary entrance had been the servants entrance. It allowed for a graceful entry and exit for notable ponies as one of the crew had mentioned.

Hours later Twilight and Dreams had been walking through the city's ancient harbor. They had been chatting a little bit. Not much, just trading a bit of information back and forth. Stuff they knew about the city and such.

Twilight was actually surprised to find out that Dreams did not only knew quite a lot about the city but she knew more about economics in general then Twilight herself. When she asked about how Dreams knew all that the thestral shied away a little.
“Well most of things I know I picked up during parties. The nobles there tend to chatter about these things. Even though I was not allowed to loiter about it was always nice to learn a few things.”

Twilight could not help but smile at Dreams' words. It did her good to see that even with everything that had happened the mare still had tried to learn a few things. Combined with the fact that she had been reading the books in library of her former 'employer' one could almost say that Dreams had put together her own little version of a education.

A thought hit her, if Pleasant Dreams still had that drive to learn then Twilight would atleast try and tutor her. Maybe even get her into one of those special program exams.
But before she could make her decision known a set of rather loud growls got the attention of both mares.

Looking at eachother a small embarrassed blush came to their faces.The gowling returned.
It signalled that they would come to their last item. Something both mares were not looking forward to.

They had been instructed to go to this little restaurant near the air yacht for a specialty dinner there. And for what the captain had said the owners were quite adamant on making it a nice quiet and romantic dinner for the latest royal couple.

The restaurant itself was not much, but the acts of the staff was a bit much. Both Twilight as Dreams had admitted that. But no matter how much they asked, and in Twilight's case even tried to plead, they simply did not stop their act.

'Your highnesses' this, 'M'lady' that. They had been laden with practically every honorific both of them knew. And what Dreams was more than impressed about was that they had even used a few she didn't know.
And coming from a former servant of nobles that was saying quite a lot.

The appetizer had been quite good, better then most of the diners and the inn Twilight had visited in Ponyville.
But when the main plate arrived she had to suppress her gag reflexes a bit. Looking at the other side of the candlelit table she could see that Dreams was not faring much better. Even though that her pegasi-ancestry should make it a bit more digestible and appetizing than it was to a young (and still ascending) alicorn.

That was until she remembered that thestrals genetically resembled vampire fruit bats rather than birds. And the same went for their dieëts.

But it was a local delicacy, however creepy that large plate of steamed blue crab was, and it would be a insult to the cook not to atleast try it.

Picking up one of the crabs in her magic Twilight looked at it closely. Her mind had been made up with atleast trying one. But what she could not figure out was how to actually eat one of those things.
Its not like she had ever needed to read up on the proper techniques regarding the opening of a crabshell.

Across the table she saw Dreams had picked up a strange set of plyers and was experimenting with it. Seemingly in the same predicament as Twilight herself was.
But looking at the cracks in the shell of the crab quickly made sure that Twilight picked up her own plyers.

Several attempts later and they had finally cracked the code and where eating. The taste was surprisingly pleasant, sweet but not too sweet with a pinch of saltiness. The texture however was found by both to be a bit of a creepy experience.

Sometime later that evening Twilight and Dreams had been sitting on the deck of the ship, watching the sun slowly setting while the crew was preparing to cast off towards their next destination. The ship's butler had brought refreshments. Though he had been surprised that they had asked for a simple cup of tea and a glass of juice instead of one of the many bottles of wine the ship had been stocked with.

The silence between them was broken by Pleasant Dreams. Her voice hesitant but curious.
“Twilight? Can you tell me about what really happened?”

Twilight looked at Dreams, cocking her head sideways in confusion.

“About the elements, Nightmare Moon and those like her. What it was like to face them?.”

Dreams was awkwardly scraping the floor with her hoof. Embarrassed by the question. She had heard so much about it. But it was only gossip and rumour. Celestia had kept a very tight seal on the information of what actually happened. So much so that the guards who had been there had all retired as wealthy ponies in return for their silence.
She wanted to know not just to hear the story. But also to learn a bit about the pony behind all those rumors.

The pony behind the ascension and the prestige accredited to her.

It was this hidden meaning, that hearing a story like that from the pony herself would probably make a good baseline character sketch, that Twilight had picked up on. She might not be the most insightful, at times even more than a little naïve, but this was all beyond subtle.

Taking a sip from her tea Twilight looked at the increasingly worried Dreams. It was quite obvious that the thestral thought she had offended Twilight somehow with her question. Or it could be a remnant of her upbringing that had drilled it in her mind that asking such a thing was met with punishment of sorts.

Twilight however had no intention towards such, in fact she saw it as a perfect way to get to know Dreams a little bit better as well. Blushing a bit Twilight finally replied, she never did like to brag about her accomplishments.
“Well then, that is quite a long story. Too long for tonight alone. But I have a idea. Why not take turns? I`ll tell a bit about my life and you talk about yours. Does that seem fair?”

Dreams looked at Twilight for a moment, she could not understand what there was to tell. She had been a specialty maid, there was no tale of glory to tell. No stories of grand adventures.

Only ones that usually started or ended in a drunken or otherwise intoxicated slur in the likes of Raise that tail.

And no pony would need to hear those.

But something inside of her made Dreams agree. Perhaps she could skip those parts, perhaps she could talk about life in the mansion in general. About the few good times she had there.

An rough hour or three, and a complete pot of tea, later a large jawn coming from Twilight interrupted their conversation signalling that it was time for bed for atleast one of them.
It had not been as pleasant as both of them had wanted, but atleast they knew a bit more about each other.

Twilight had begun to tell how she had been sent to Ponyville in the first place, embarrassed by how she had thought about things during those days. And about the craziness the small village seemed to radiate.
But Dreams could see in Twilight's eyes, the small sparkle of joy in them that radiated every time she mentioned one of her friends, that she cared a lot about that place. Despite what the claim that 'everypony in that town is crazy.'

Dreams on the other hoof had said little. Only a small story about her first few months. How the kind old matron of the household had snuck in a few cookies once in a while before she retired.
A few tears fell when she failed to remember the kind old mare's name. She only had a face in her mind. But the name was forever buried beneath a deep scar in her memories.

That of her first time with lord Sugartongue.

No matter how well Dreams had hidden her pain, Twilight could still hear it in the young mare's voice.
Silently she swore to herself to help Pleasant Dreams create new memories, better ones. But also to introduce her to Doctor Whooves.
He had done wonders helping Twilight and her friends after the whole Discord-debacle. Maybe he could work his magic on Dreams as well, to help her atleast cope with what happened.
Though that might be a bit more difficult.

Yet the most important thing was, both ponies had felt at ease. There had been no pressure from either. For the most part it had been just a simple conversation.
Twilight could see Dreams becoming a friend in the future. 

And Dreams? Well she atleast felt a bit more at ease with Twilight. The voice in her head saying that Twilight was only acting kindly had gone a bit more quiet.

Twilight may not be acting, but there was definitely something strange about that mare. But maybe that was just the slight OCD, or the fact that she seemed to be a walking encyclopedia.

The next day a crewmember had stepped in the main bedroom cabin with the mission of waking up their two passengers for breakfast. Only to find that they were already awake and ready to head out to the small dining chamber themselves.

During breakfast the captain had shown up again to talk them through the activities planned for the day.
Both Dreams as Twilight got the distinct feeling that the gift from Blueblood had been a bit double-sided. It felt as if they had been the first to undertake this trip.
Like they were nothing but a test. But they still had no objections to that yet, they were mostly let alone by the crew unless they called for them or if something important came up.

However it seemed that the crew had read the nobles dictionary on the meaning of important. Meaning they were frequently interrupted whether they needed a refill, a snack, a massage or anything else.

While Dreams was trying to fit an entire slice of a melon in her mouth, atleast by the looks of it, Twilight addressed the approaching captain.
“Captain Cloudsail, please sit down. Have some toast if you had not eaten breakfast yet.”

It was one of the things Dreams had noticed about Twilight, she seemed to atleast be friendly to everypony until they had proven to be wholly unpleasant beings.

The captain swiftly sat down at the table and swiped up a piece of honeyed toast. He had already had breakfast in the small mess on the other side of the ship. But in his defence, the honey was an expensive product of the purest variety.
It was said that the merchant bought it in a small town near the Everfree from a mare who apparently simply asked the bee's for it. Thus making it taste sweeter and giving it a more refined structure. But it also made it very exclusive and even more expensive as the mare could only supply a few jars every few weeks.
He would have had to spend a months salary to even buy a small sample of it, and since it was offered he did not see a reason not to take this opportunity to see if it was all it was hyped up to be.

And if he was honest, it was definitely the best honey he had ever eaten. Might even going as far as saying it would be worth every single bit to buy a small jar for himself.

Happily munching on the toast he looked at the two mares.
“Well then your highnesses, we will be arriving in Manehattan later today. Unfortunately we will not be staying there as long as we did in Baltimare. Once we are safely docked I will return and explain the activity within the Big Apple. Please enjoy the sights until then m'ladies.”

Tipping his hat with a wing captain Cloudsail stood up and left them to their own devices.

As the captain left Dreams swallowed the last bit of melon from her plate and looked at Twilight for a moment before picking up another slice.
“He's still a suck up brownnoser.”

A quick swallow was everything Twilight could do to prevent herself from spraying coffee all over the table and quite possibly Pleasant Dreams.
The sheer deadpan of that statement, and the almost brutal honesty did not quite match the more reserved demeanour of the thestral and her often more calculated answers.

A fact not lost on Dreams herself who gained a bright blush.
“Did, did I say that out loud?.”

Twilight could only let out a giggle at the response. It was not the first time something like that had happened in the past few days. But they where growing to become more frequent.
She mused that it may be that Dreams was learning that she did not need to be constantly on her guard while being around her. And that those little moments, those small comments, that showed the true Pleasant Dreams.
The one hidden beneath all the scars and doctrine.

She could make a quip about it, about how she would like to see more of this side of her. The honest side, the rather humorous side. But she choose not to. Dropping the now empty mug of coffee she simply stood up and smiled at Dreams.
And with a horrible impersonation of the captain she saluted and exclaimed.
“Now then m'lady, if you would excuse me I have to be in the library for a moment. I will be on deck should you require my assistance.”

The day passed with a bit of reading for Twilight. Much to her disappointment the much acclaimed library had been nothing but a small room, even smaller then the crew bathroom, with two bookshelves.
And both had been filled with trashy novels and the likes.

But still, a book was a book. And it did kept her occupied for a few hours.

Dreams on the other hoof, she had spend the day doing something she hardly ever had the chance to. Relaxing in the shadow, simply doing nothing but watching the world go by beneath her.

Equestria really was a beautiful place, especially when seen from high up like this. Small villages coming and going, the gentle breeze on the deck.

The servants who despite her numerous attempts to stop them fluttering around her trying to see if they could be useful in one manner or another.

But still it was all she never had before. It was peaceful, it was only herself and her thoughts. Thoughts about the future. On what she was going to do now that she no longer had to wait a spoiled brat on hoof and wing.

No longer getting stared at like a hungry colt looks at a bag of sweets.

Well she might still get stared at, but not with a predatorial glance. Ponyville was a bit of a small rural town after all and thestrals were quite uncommon.

But further than that. She had no idea on what to expect. Perhaps she could string up a conversation with Twilight about it.
It was doubtful that the studious mare lived in a castle, or even a mansion at that. She was supposed to live in a small apartment or something. Atleast that was what the rumors said.

Several hours later, just after dinner, the air yacht had been safely docked on one of the specialized harbor of Manehattan. The captain had of course shown up again, from wherever he was when was not trying to tend to his guests.

“M'ladies, unfortunately we cannot stay docked here for long. Regulations and such, I will not bore you with the details.”

Something which caused a small pout from Twilight. She would have loved to know exactly why.

“But for the time we do have here there we have some high quality entertainment arranged for you tonight.”

A servant stepped out from somewhere and presented the two mares with a set of tickets.

“These tickets are for a classic show on the Briddleway. The phantom of the opera.”

Both the captain as Twilight looked at Pleasant Dreams who had let out a completely out of character squee.

Dreams looked at the other two and seemed to take on a whole new coat color on her muzzle. A nice deep pinkish tint.
Truth was, she had always wanted to see a play there. And now she was going to see one of the most famous ones ever!

The captain looked once more before drawing breath, rather loudly to get attention again.
“Well then, it seems you are excited enough. A crewmember will be collecting you shortly to bring you to the theater. Please enjoy yourselves and I will see you when you get back on the ship.”






> Chapter 7: Getting to know your wife attempt 2; the honeymoon edition (part 2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As both Dreams and Twilight were back at the ship after their show they simply looked at eachother for a few moments. The free consumptions for the 'royal newlyweds' had clearly begun to rise to their heads.

They held the gaze for a moment or two before both erupting in absolute laughter.

It was Dreams who got enough breath to speak first.
“Darling, that was one of the most comedic things I have ever seen in my life! Does something as horrendous as that actually count as high entertainment? I mean, even I could predict what would happen. And do not even get me started on the acting.”

That statement, and the horribly fake canterlotian accent Dreams had spoken it in caused Twilight to go in a new bout of giggles.

But the thestral had a point, the play had been absolutely dreadful. The whole original plotline had been completely thrown out of the window, trampled upon in a buffalo stampede before thrown before a pack of rabid wolves. What had been left had been given to a writer with so little imagination that a grade schooler would have been a better choice to re-write it.

But atleast they had been able to get a good laugh from it. Though they had to keep it silent and to themselves lest they disturb any of those rich snobs seated in the booth besides them.

And then there had been the staff. Both of them had been dismissive and Twilight had tried to be approachable. But for some reason they feared that anything could be seen as an insult.
They could not even finish their meal or a drink before they were asked whether they needed a refill or if there was something else they needed.

The amount of pampering was ridiculous. Even more so when they finally had been away from it all.

The good captain simply stood there mouth ajar as the two mares where simply making a large joke of what would have been one of the greatest high points of the entire trip. Without any words to say to that He just left them behind, chalking it up to alcohol.

That night Dreams was laying in bed unable to find sleep. It might have been the alcohol, it might have been something else completely but her mind been working overtime. And the one thing kept haunting her mind.

The young alicorn currently using her chest as a pillow while she was softly snoring the night away. Dreams had never really thought about these things, her usual reaction to seeing her former bedmates asleep was pure disgust.
But with Twilight it was different, it felt different. Dreams had to admit that the sleeping form of her bedmate could actually be described as somewhat cute.

Not fluffy bunny or puppy-like adorable cute. Just normal cute, like how a book would describe a character.

The rational part of her mind was pointing out to the past few days and blaming it on the surreality of it all. That it all is just some kind of dream or otherwise hallucination. Simply because it could not be real.
Being plucked from her predicament, married off into royalty and with an what seemed to be genuine kind mare who had made sure that Dream's grandparent's were replaced into the castle's own wing for the elderly nobles.

And that was a thing another part of her mind had been trying to convince her that it wasn't just a dream. That she was now actually married to a mare, and even stranger she was alright with it!
In all of her previous often fever induced hallucinations and dreams it had always been a stallion.

Soon her mind wandered to different topics. Things a tired mind often things about like the strange grain of the wooden boards of the ceiling, the song of the wind against the slightly opened window or how nice the softness of Twilight's fur rubbing against her felt.

You know, the trivial and unimportant things of life.

The next day found them walking away from breakfast. For what they had been told there had been nothing planned for the day. It was just a simple day of travel across the nation to arrive at their next destination. A destination almost two full days away.
“So you are saying that you are not actually nocturnal at all?”

Twilight's voice had been quite surprised. She had started to ask Dreams a bit about herself, though mostly about thestrals in general.

Dreams simply nodded at the question.
“Yes, we are generally diacturnal. Just like everypony else. But for some odd reason we are just able to adjust to a different sleep pattern more easily.”

That had been a little tidbit that Twilight had not known, it was just often assumed that the thestrals where just naturally nocturnal.

Their conversation went on for a while, atleast until far after lunch had been served. The topics had ranged from common misconceptions surrounding alicorns and thestrals.
Though for some reason Pleasant Dreams had looked away and refused to talk further when the subject about them needing to feed upon blood on occasions.

Of course she had dismissed it wholeheartedly, but something seemed a bit off to Twilight. But since she still did not had puncture marks anywhere on her body nor had any real evidence of this practice ever been found Twilight was willing to let it go.

They had seemingly surpassed the initial awkwardness that had surrounded them when they had first boarded the graceful airship. Though at times the conversation still sounded a bit forced, and occasionally one of them stepped away from the other in a way that screamed 'leave me be for a bit'.
But all in all they had grown to be atleast a bit more accustomed to being near each other as it often tends to happen when traveling with an unknown pony.

Still they were a far cry from being good friends, or even lovers at that, but the start had been made that morning.
The innocent and rather naïve question from Twilight, why Dreams could be so chipper in the early mornings for a thestral, had sparked a long winded conversation that revealed that they both had one thing in common.

A incurable curiosity, and a sharp and intelligent enough mind to slake this thirst for knowledge. Though they both had completely different fields of interest. One liked the more exact sciences like magic, math and chemistry. The other seemed to prefer the looser subjects things relating to ancient lore and myths or simple philosophy to an extent.

But despite the difference, it was a way for them to connect in a deeper way than trying hit and miss tactics during the attempts at a serious discussion and their small talk before.
A few of the ship's crew allotted the change to the alcohol both had consumed the night before and that it had opened their minds enough to allow for usual honeymoon activities.
Though besides a more closer cuddle nothing of such sort had actually occurred.

But right now they had been silent. Simply watching the desert flow by beneath them. It was the first time for Pleasant Dreams to be so far away from the green region of Canterlot. Even during her time in Cloudsdale had she never seen something as arid as these lands.

But something caught her eyes, far in the distance she could see a small acclimation of what seemed to be houses right next a sea of green.
When she pointed it out to Twilight, the alicorn had simply smiled.

“Ooh, that must be Appleloosa.”

The sight made a small smile come to Twilight's face as an idea started to form in her mind.
“Hmm.... I'll be right back.”

When a set of confused eyes stared at her Twilight simply nodded with her head towards the steering hut.
“Just need to talk to the captain real quick.”

Though it was said in a friendly voice, the way Twilight had said it made Dreams' spine shiver a bit. It made her recall the tone her old masters' father had used with the servants, it told very clearly that he would not tolerate going against his requests.

Yet somehow, Twilight had made it a lot less forceful. Maybe it was due the fact that her stance was not aggressive in any way, or maybe it was the fact that she merely walked away without stomping on the floor or without shouting at anypony.

Perhaps 10 minutes later Twilight came out of the steering hut, a smug smile adorning her face. The captain had refused at first, but after a while he relented. A few chosen words and a set of decent arguments about service had been of great help in convincing him.

As she stepped outside Dreams approached her with a cautious look, experience screamed at her that ponies in the mindstate she had seen Twilight in before speaking with the captain is a bad idea.
“So euhm? What did you just do?”

Twilight did not need to answer, a sturdy turn of the wheel made the entire airship cruise towards the small village.
“We are going to visit a few friends of mine. Lets just hope they are home.”

And that was about everything Dreams could get out of Twilight as the latter had been staring over the railing.
With a curious look Dreams looked in the same direction and could see a large herd of buffalo stampede right underneath them straight towards the town in the distance.

She could not believe her eyes, a real life stampede! That was something one could only read about in books. The wild tribes of the west had been in a steady decline for ages as they had slowly integrated into Equestrian society.
“Is, is that a real buffalo herd? That can't be. I thought that they no longer existed in such ways!”

“Ooh yes thats a real tribe. Probably one of the last few who still live the traditional way. Chief Thunderhooves and his tribe live a few miles to the west. Most likely we will meet up with him later. He's keen to having his apple pie after the stampede for what I've heard.”

As the air yacht hooked itself up to several tree's in the Appleloosa orchard it had already attracted a rather large crowd.

Without an official boarding ramp Twilight and Dreams had to use their own wings to drop to the ground level.
It was at the point where Twilight's hooves touched the ground that Dreams made a resolution. When this trip was over she was going to take Twilight flying, as often as time would allow both for Twilight's sake as her own. Because that landing was everything but safe.

For neither of them.

As Twilight was attempting to knock the dust off her coat caused by her most recent 'landing' a large buffalo and a brown stallion with a stetson approached them.
Both with a large smile on their faces.

The stallion smiled even more brightly
“Highness, welcome back to...”

But before he could finish his sentence the buffalo placed its hoof over the stallion's mouth. “I believe she knows Braeburn I do believe she knows. But perhaps she could introduce us to her companion and explain her presence.”

He quickly added “Not that we would not welcome her after all her friends and herself have done for us.”

Walking towards Dreams Twilight simply waved a hoof to her friend.
“Chief Thunderhooves, Braeburn meet my wife Pleasant Dreams. Dreams, these are Chief Thunderhooves of the Thunderhoof tribe and Braeburn Apple representative of the frontier village of Appleloosa. And for our presence well we are on our honeymoon and where passing by on the way to our next destination.”

Twilight quickly waved captain Cloudsail over to their location as he had been flying down himself.
"And perhaps present a rather lucrative proposal to the township and the buffalo's. But captain Cloudsail can fill you in on more of that."

Hours later found the small group in Braeburn's house for a pint of cider. The first ever Appleloosan cider, brewed by the old Apple-clan recipe which had been altered a bit with ancient Buffalo herbal knowledge.
It had a bit of a harsher and more earthy taste, but both Twilight and Dreams found it to be a vast improvement over the champagne and expensive wines they had been getting on the ship.

Chief Thunderhooves and Captain Cloudsail had left sometime ago after some serious negotiations.
Just as Twilight had predicted and proposed to the captain he was able to procure a contract with the buffalo's and the village.

Appleloosa was now an official stop for the Luna's Grace, marketed as a visit to a real frontier town; a must see for everypony.
The rich and snobby will be seeing a traditional stampede from an angle where they cannot possibly get dirty, afterwards they will go for a real frontier dinner in the local saloon and they will be getting the opportunity to buy some hoofcrafted items from the townsfolk and the buffalo.
All in all for a price that was acceptable for all three parties involved.

With the cider flowing as richly as it had Braeburn had offered the royal couple a bed for the night.
Cuddled closer to each other then ever before on the 1.5 pony bed Dreams and Twilight finally found a decent position. Facing eachother face to face.

While Twilight had fallen asleep almost instantly Dreams had trouble sleeping. Her alcohol addled mind drifting back to her thoughts of the previous morning.

And now with the alicorn gently snoring the night away with her face right in front of Dreams it made the thestral even more confused then ever.

The whole trip, the way Twilight treated the staff at the castle or even the common pony here in a village in the middle of the desert. There was no doubt, she was for real there was no act. Not even the greatest actors could keep up that upbeat, nerdy and sometimes rather OCD-ish personality forever without it being the real deal.

It set something at ease in her heart and mind. Previously she had been giving Twilight the benefit of the doubt. But right now, with all she had seen Dreams made a vow to herself.

To atleast try and open herself, to try and befriend Twilight.

Closing her eyes she snuggled into the blankets. But before sleep could claim her Dreams felt the soft fur of Twilight gently pressing against her in a cuddling motion.

Hesitantly she placed her own hoof around Twilight, feeling the alicorn trying to instinctively snuggle further into the thestrals fur.
It felt different than any previous experiences, she might go as far as saying it felt nice and even calming.
If the rest of life with the alicorn would be like this then she could live with it. And while she was no materialistic mare, for 500 bits a week she would most definitely be able to live with it.
Even if the thought of selling herself like that did make her feel more than a bit dirty.

The next day came early, a bit too early if one would have asked both mares. But if one stays with a farmer, one will raise at dawn like a farmer and Braeburn was no exception to the rule.
But the simple breakfast he had provided with had been excellent, it reminded Twilight of the times in her youth she had been allowed to help in the castle's kitchen.

According to Celestia it had been an exercise, to help fine tune her telekinetic control over multiple objects. She had been clumsy due still very young age. But the taste of that fresh bread straight out of the oven with just a small layer of butter?

Nothing could beat that, yet Braeburn's still steaming sourdough was getting to be a very close second.

But for Pleasant Dreams? Who had only started getting decent food a few days ago, it was Elysium in breadform. Especially since it was nothing like the fancy overpriced and often overspiced food they served in the castle and the ship.

Saying their last goodbye's where the ship was anchored above the orchard Breaburn had promised to visit Ponyville soon.

Dreams had noted that this time Twilight's landing had gone a little smoother, while still horrible there was no faceplant into the deck.

Within seconds the captain had walked towards them.
“Aah you are here. Now then I do hope there will be no more unscheduled intrusions.”

A small glare went towards Twilight, followed by a somewhat greedy smile. It was obvious that he was being richly rewarded for the little deal in Appleloosa.
“Then now we all are back on the ship we can head off to our last stop where we shall be staying for two days before heading back. We should be arriving there early in the evening. Though I will not say where.”

He did not need to say anything. There was fairly little in the desert. The only thing it could be was about 100 miles to the south.

Las Pegasus, the den of debauchery and sin. The capital of gambling.

And the last place both Twilight as Dreams wanted to go to. But then again it had fitted perfectly in the picture of Bluebloods double-sided present.
All the rich and powerful loved to go there and flaunt their bits.

Not that Twilight wasn't powerful or rich (because lets face it she was rather well off. Being the royal protogé wasn't the best paying job in the world. But her numerous research in magic and alchemy made up for it bigtime.)

But it was the flaunting part that bugged her. She had flaunted a little bit in the past, like paying for 'the usual' whenever she went along with Fluttershy and Rarity or anonymously donating a large amount to the local school.
It was just how she looked at it, there was just no reason to start throwing around bits just to show that she was better off than others.

That just felt wrong. Especially since there were still others who were worried whether there would be enough bits to buy food until the next paycheck.

As the ship continued blurs of speech from the crew could be heard, but mostly it was the same obnoxious stuff all ponies visiting this particular city where spouting.

Dying to see this and this, wanting to change their luck through that.

Dreams just let them have their dream of a better future. She knew from personal experience that a dream could mean the difference between life and death. Between lawful slavery and freedom.

Still somewhere deep inside of her Dreams also felt the alluring pull of taking a chance. And she knew that while Twilight had been firmly against the city the alicorn would most certainly be willing to take a shot at it as well

The city of vice was even brighter up close then from a distance. Even the walkway from the air docks were paved with glitters.
Twilight had made the joke that there was enough of an energetic vibe in the air to even outmatch Pinkie Pie, simply buzzing with life all around.

But as the two went on the grand tour they sadly also saw the dark side of the city. Alleyways filled with ponies down their luck waiting for their ride back home.

Atleast for those who still had a home.

Even when the grand dinner show at one of the most renowned casino's did little to ease their minds.

Twilight thought it to be horrendous that a pony could simply gamble away everything they possessed without anything stopping them. She would be writing with Luna on that one for a while she suspected.

Celestia was great, a real good mentor and a even better leader. But Twilight had swiftly found out who had been the brains behind many of the laws and tax-systems.
Luna just had a better head for those things, she did not care that it would upset a few if it would benefit the many.
And on that Twilight had to agree with her.

Dreams however was more shocked by the sight of the 'taillifters'. She knew the industry, not from experience but many of the 'entertainment' on parties had been of the same kind.
Young mares, often barely out of their familyhood, lured into traps with promises of a good job and a bright future.

Only to be ensnared into a web they cannot ever find a way out of alone, and none outside the web is willing to even lift a hoof to help.

To say it had put a damper on things would be an understatement. Without visiting any of the slot machines or various tables.

One could say they were retreating to the only safe place in the entire town. Their cabin aboard the Luna's Grace.
With both of their minds and hearts downtrodden there was little conversation. Just an early bedtime.

The next day found them in a little bit of a better mood. They were even willing to try their hoof at some of the plentiful games.
But both had known it would happen and taken precautions for it. Neither had more than 40 bits on hoof. And they had promised to stay close to pull the other away if need arises.

Hours later somewhere around noon both mares had exited the casino. Pleasant Dreams had actually been forced to drag Twilight away from the Roulette-table by the tail.

Not because the alicorn was losing. On the contrary, Twilight had seemed to have figured out the exact calibration of the table.

It might have been rigged, but that did not stop her from doing what Dreams had thought to be impossible.
Twilight had achieved a win ratio of 9 to 1. Of every ten games played she had effectively got profit from nine of them. Baffling both the snobs surrounding the table, the croupier and even the owner of the establishment.

It had taken poor Dreams almost every bit of her self restraint not to burst into laughter at the scene the owner had caused.
He had burst in and accused Twilight of cheating. Twilight on the other hoof had simply looked at the stallion before going off on a lecture of epic proportions. Explaining into minute detail the math behind her winning streak

Apparently she had used some kind of probability-equation combined with estimates of the speed of the wheel and the ball. Combining that with the factors she had observed like prefered numbers and wins of other players.
She had claimed it to be nothing more than a simple game of chance that could easily be won if one had the right numbers.

But what Twilight had not realised was that she had lost all others, some brave souls had tried to write down what she had said. But the question marks in their eyes just grew larger and larger until Dreams had stepped in and simply dragged the still lecturing alicorn away.

Still it had proven to be amusing and it had proven a rather harsh and stubborn rumor amongst the nobles to be true.
Their new princess was a complete and utter nerd. One that would even go as far as to start pouting at Dreams for dragging her away from her little lecture.

It actually brought a smile to her face seeing Twilight act like a little foal being dragged out of a toy-store. It gave a sense of endearment to the whole persona Twilight seemed to have.

Over the course of the meeting, the wedding and the trip she had shown herself to be caring, sweet and hyper intelligent. But also having a bit of a OCD and being a bit of a worrywart.
And right now she seemed to be even a little naïve and foalish.

The following day the two mares found themselves having their final breakfast on the air yacht. It had sailed off towards their last destination early in the night. According to the crew it would arrive at Ponyville just before lunch.

To Twilight it was the beginning of a period of adjustment, adjustment to living with another mare.

To Pleasant Dreams it was the start of a new life, one filled with choices and uncertainty. But a life in relative freedom nonetheless

And both could not be looking forward to it any less.




> chapter 8: A new home in Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the small town came into view Pleasant Dreams had to do a double take. Everything she had heard about the place seemed to be completely wrong.

The nobles had spoken about it as if it was some kind of run down little hole in the middle of no-where. A place overrun by just about every beast the Everfree could throw at it.

But for what she could see now it was almost idyllic. From high up it looked like a small sleepy town straight out of legend. A place where nothing ever really happens and where everypony knows everypony.

Things where a little bit different in reality if Twilight was to be believed. And she was especially hoping not to get the 'Zecora' treatment. Though landing besides one of the most respected members of the community should help in avoiding that. Yet she knew in the back of her head how some would react to seeing a thestral.

As the luxury yacht approached the centre of the village it surprised Dreams how little commotion it seemed to caused.
Though then again, it was Ponyville of all places. Besides neighbouring the gates of tartarus and the everfree forest it had its own princess, a deranged chaos spirit stopping by on occasions and all manner of freakish beast attacks.

So they were probably used to stranger things than an air yacht docking in the centre of the village.

The disembarking went relatively swift, Dreams suspected that the good captain was glad to have them off his hooves. Most likely because he would be getting 'normal' passengers now.

Not that they had misbehaved or anything, it was just that Twilight turned out to be almost a 180 turn from nobles. No fussing, no hissyfits, no ordering around as if she owned the place. Though technically as a princess one could argue that she actually did own the place.
But most importantly: she smiled and was nice to the crew.

And Dreams herself? She had been almost similar to Twilight.

The combination of the friendliness and the not being shouted or snubbed at had been more than a little unsettling for the crew.

Their luggage was going to be offloaded and brought to Twilight's home so both mares had been free to do what they wanted. Which meant; going to the place that was going to be home.

Walking through the village had been an new experience for Dreams, friendly waves and greetings. The town itself was even prettier on the ground level. Small market stands on the village square, ponies simply walking about smiling, having small talk. Foals of all ages running about watching the air yacht being unloaded or simply playing.

It was the opinion of Dreams that THIS was how life should be. Without worry, without a boss with a major superiority complex.

Simply being able enjoying life itself and do what she wanted to do.

At the end of the walk town square stood the final spot of their their destination. It had fitted all the stories she had ever heard of it.

A home completely unfit for royalty if stories where to be believed but Dreams could see herself living there in that large tree.

Summers spend reading on the balcony, simply looking at the ponies walking about on the square. Spring and autumn walking through the forest or doing a little gardening. And in the winter, in the winter Dreams pictured herself working on her own lifelong dream.

In the winter she would work on her own collection of bedtime stories.

In her mind's eye it looked like the perfect life. Strangely enough some of the scene's that flashed in her mind co-starred a lavender alicorn.
But she could rationalise it because Twilight was her wife, and they had to share a house.

As the two stepped inside Dreams could not believe her eyes. Not only where there the loads of books she had imagined there to be but there was so much more to see.

From the towering rows of books and the ladders between the shelves to the small and cozy looking reader's corner.

It was so much more than she had back at the manor. Even the study area's seemed to be more inviting than they had any right to be. But then again considering who had lived there for a few years already Dreams could understand that some alterations had been made.

Awestruck she followed Twilight to the second floor, the actual house part of the library. It was nothing major, nothing at all like she had expected.
It looked like somepony had taken a storage room and adjusted it to have multiple rooms. Even the kitchen seemed like a last minute addition. Yet still they had managed to make it all look cozy and homey.

There were only three small bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom and a livingroom. All in all it was smaller than even the main lobby of the Sugartongue estate. But somehow it felt like nothing she had ever experienced before.

Maybe it was the smiling Twilight showing her around, the thought of having her own private room, or perhaps the smallest room with nothing but a few comics and a basket with a pillow and blanket. But at the same time it could have been the massive banner and pineapple-frosted cake in the small living room which both in bright eyesore inducingly pink letters stated:

Welcome to Ponyville Pleasant Dreams

It just felt like all was in order, it felt like she was finally home. She had even been given her own room. A nice little niche in the upper section.

The gentle yet a little bit unsure voice of Twilight snapped her out of her thoughts.
“I know it isn't much especially considering the luxurious way of living of the nobles and the past week. But I do hope its to your liking.”

All Dreams could do was nod and simply smile before carefully embracing Twilight in a true heartfelt hug.

It was an impulsive thing to do, but it felt like the natural thing to do. Simply to give her a simple hug to thank her for everything. Dreams had no doubt that Twilight's friends had placed the furniture there, but she realized full well that it was Twilight who had been the mastermind behind it.

There was only one thing wrong, her inability to sleep on her own. But as Twilight had promised they were going to work on that.

They where actually going to work on the only thing she had working against her in terms of being a normal mare. But as they had agreed she was still allowed to sleep with Twilight if she so wanted.

Well not sleep with Twilight as in 'sleeping with Twilight'. Just the normal run of the mill sharing the bed for sleeping kinda sleeping with Twilight.
Though Dreams suspected that should she wanted to 'sleep with Twilight' the Twilight would probably not refuse. Not that she would though.

Atleast not yet, she is kinda endearing and cute and not to mention so very soft.

That single stray thought caused her to halt dead in her tracks. Did that really just sprout from her own mind?

No it could not be. That could not be her own thoughts, Pleasant Dreams was sure of it. They must have been caused by the conditioning she had endured during her youth.

Yes, yes it was the conditioning and the years as a comfort mare speaking.

Still a bit shocked she released Twilight from the hug.
“So euhm, what now Twilight?”

Twilight looked at Dreams and simply smiled as she levitated a scroll from somewhere in the next room.
“Well for tonight there isn't anything planned. Fluttershy managed to convince Pinkie that a welcome party for you might not be the best idea, something about easing into society rather than being dunked in it. Though from what I know about you Fluttershy seems to be on the spot with that.”

Dreams could understand the sentiment behind it, for what she had seen of the pink pony the party would have been massive and definitely not something she would enjoy very much. Twilight had been right on the money with the fact that she doesn't really likes crowdy parties.

“So its just going to be lunch and then a trip to the town hall and while I speak to the mayor about a few things you get to file in some forms that will make you an official resident of Ponyville.”

No questions about the subject of said things had needed to be asked as Twilight was muttering under her breath about not allowing the mayor to push away nearly half of her duties to Twilight simply because she was the resident princess and thus technically the highest authority.

Filling in paperwork was all good and well but there was something she would rather do. To go sightseeing in what the nobles called the 'village wide asylum'.

Though Ponyville was mostly called that due the fact that the more well known inhabitants of the village all seemed to be a little quirky and definitely outside the norm. And all the 'elite' agreed that outside the norm was similar to not being quite right in the head. Unless you were useful to them, then quirky was a blessing that drew them in like vultures.

And to be frank, as far as most in Canterlot were concerned anypony who would willingly live on the border of the Everfree doesn't just have a screw loose, they just don't have any screws left.

Settling in, meaning unpacking what little belongings she had took longer than expected.
While it was true that she had little in the means of belongings, Dreams never had to pack them out into a place specifically created for her. And thus by extension never had to really decorate a room with them.

But with the help of Twilight and Spike, Dreams had been able to settle in quite nicely by lunchtime.

And after lunch Twilight had been ever so kind to simply leave Dreams with the clerk in the town house while she was going to have a little heart to heart with the mayor.

And unlucky for her this clerk had taken her special talent to the literal meaning.

Her cutiemark? A scroll with a few different sized Z's floating above it. And as if it was destined to be, the poor thing managed to do something Dreams had previously thought to be impossible.

Making the tediums of bureaucracy even more mind numbingly boring than it already was.
And just when she thought it was over, that all the paperwork had been done, the clerk had been dead set on pulling forth a map and point out the landmarks of the area.

Luckily she was quite literally saved by the bell about halfway through.
The signal of the end of the work day could be heard clear through the entire building. And without a single word the mare packed up her saddlebags, not even bothering to clean up everything she had used, and walked out of the room.

While a tad confusing it did bring a smile to Dream's face. A smile due the fact that the rumors off government workers seemed to be true.

They quit at exactly five PM. And judging by how swiftly they all seemed to leave there was no force in the world who could stop them.

And what was even better in her opinion. She did not have to return to that forsaken little niché in the town hall. Meaning she was free to do some exploring herself tomorrow.

The night passed on rather quickly. Spike had made a rather simple meal while Twilight was still a bit grumpy about her conversation with the mayor.

Twilight had explained that the mayor had been trying to rope her into doing all the administrational work and taking on almost all responsibility while the mayor herself would only be doing the 'fun' things like grand openings and speeches.

And as could be guessed: Ponyville didn't have many of those tasks.

The next day Dreams found herself waking again to the touch of Twilight stirring in her sleep. It frustrated her to no end that she had not been able to sleep alone. Even in a separate room, and that for her first night in her new home she had snuck into Twilight's bed.

But what surprised her the most was Twilight's actions. Normally she was a huge cuddle bug and had a tendency to either snore or mutter in her sleep.
Muttering that Dreams had gotten to recognize as items close to her heart. Things like her friends or something relating to her current studies.

The surprise came in the form of Dream's own name falling from the lips of the slumbering alicorn.
It made her wonder exactly what Twilight had been dreaming about to mention her. Yet at the same time it also made her smile. A smile that she was atleast seen as a close friend, well as close as a friend she could have become in such a short time, that would atleast make living together a bit more worthwhile.

With those thoughts starting to haunt her mind there was little chance of getting back to sleep. Reluctantly Pleasant Dreams warmed herself out of Twilight's grip and stepped out of bed. It was early, but not too early to start the day.

A second surprise was found in the kitchen, Spike had already been up and was already quite busy preparing two pots of oatmeal. Dreams could actually smell the heavy spices that laced the smaller pot and quickly decided not to even want to try that concoction.
That was even before Spike added a generous amount of small green slivers into the mix from a shaker labeled: Emerald Dust.

The drake seemed very diligent about his task, and the automatism he displayed was a clear sign that this was more likely a daily routine for him.
Without a word Dreams turned to the cabinet where she knew the plates and cutlery were being kept and started to set the table, knowing full well that she would only be in the way with her limited cooking skills. It was an act which earned her a surprised and bemused glance from Spike.

No actual words had been spoken until Twilight had come in for breakfast with a very sleepy “Goodmorning all.”

After breakfast plans had been made by all three inhabitants of the treebrary. Somewhere in the week she had traveled with Twilight she had told Dreams that Spike and her often discussed their plans for the day either during or after breakfast.
And like with many things it was Twilight who had started talking about it. Dreams had half expected her to take out a scroll or some kind of noteboard to write it all down or something crazy like that.

“So what are the plans for today Dreams? I know Spike and myself are going to take inventory of the new additions who should be arriving today. But since you are not in employ of the library like Spike you are not obligated to help.”

Dreams looked at Spike who looked back with pleading eyes as Twilight shot him a little warning glare. It was quite obvious that there was some kind of story behind those words, a big one even.
But the thestral had other plans for the day, she wanted to do what she had planned the day before.
Simply explore the town a little.
“Well I was planning to check out the town, see the sights and all.”

'Enjoying my freedom' where the words she had thought behind the sentence.
“Is there anything you really have to see in town?”

It was a question Dreams did not need to ask, she had already planned the whole day during that incredibly boring display of yesterday.
Taking things she had heard rumors from in Canterlot, like if you are in Ponyville you cannot leave without having atleast tasted something from Sugarcube corner. Other things she had actually picked up from that horrible mare, specific sites and locations that are known for their oddity or beauty.

Stepping outside was a completely new experience, Dreams kept feeling the eyes of her former master's spies on her. But she knew better.
There were no hired thugs, aka mercenaries, to spy on her. There were no bit-a-tale ponies watching her every move in order to make a few bits by telling on her.
To say it was refreshing would be an understatement.

The only thing standing in her way of celebrating this glorious feeling of freedom and her was the small almost empty bitbag in her saddlebags. Meaning her stop of the day was going to be the bank. Her stipend should have been deposited somewhere along the 'honeymoon'. And to be frank, for the first time since ever she was itching to spend a few bits.

The bank, or what had to pass as a bank made Dreams giggle a little. It resembled nothing from the grand splendor the banks in Canterlot had. It was just a small building, could have even been some kind of storage building in a previous life.
She had absolutely no clue on how the bits stored there would even be considered to be safe. But the clerk had assured her that everything was completely fine. He even went as far as claiming that no wannabe bankrobber had ever made it to the vaults.
Grinning the entire time while he said that and finishing with a cryptic hint about something called 'and Everfree surprise'.

As Dreams left the bank she felt a little better about herself, she had not been lied to when she signed her life away last week. The 500 bits promised to her had been signed over to her. Not just once, but twice even.
Though the look on the clerk's face had been more than a little creepy once he figured out it was a weekly deal.
And the fact that Dreams had made a swift exit from the bank, knowing full well that he had started hitting on her did not do wonders for the impression the stallion was making.

A casual pace was all she took while walking through the town. After all there was nothing keeping her from it.

The sight themselves were a bit disappointing, but that was to be expected when one was used to seeing the splendor of Canterlot. Well seeing, more like getting glimpses from it from the windows or the rare actual visit to the centre itself.

But Dreams had to admit, for it was worth it was quite a lovely place. If she had read things correctly then the proper term to describe it was 'having that small town charm'. Or atleast something like that.

So far she had been through half of her own little mental list. From the strange but rather beautiful Carousel Boutique, and no she did not step inside to order something just looking, to taking the walk of courage AKA walking a small path besides the Everfree Forest.
Just because she was curious.

But what was curious where her thoughts walking that small trail. While she was brave enough to dare it, without shaking like a leaf like most would. But as she reached the climax of the trail one though had dominated her mind.

That thought was not the beautiful flower field in front of her or the crystal clear lake. Nor any of the other features that would make walking the path of courage worth it.
No, her mind wandered towards the purple alicorn she had just met a week ago. Wondering wether Twilight would also like it there. Thoughts about flying there and having a picnic with just the two of them. Having a snack, then just snuggle close to each other to enjoy a good book.
Dreams mind was even going as far to say that the sights would be better with Twilight there.

It was quite a shock when she realised just exactly what she was thinking. It was one thing to like the mare, as a friend, and to use her to even be able to sleep. But to actually venture into that area? No, that was something unnatural. It was the rouge magic of the Everfree, she had read that it could cause strange things. So it had to be that, it was the Everfree messing with her mind.

Attempting to get as far from that place as possible Dreams flew towards Ponyville. And as she expected, the further she went from the place the more those thoughts about Twilight seemed to diminish.
When she finally reached the village square the thoughts where all but gone. Replaced by another greater menace. A strong rumbling from the stomach reminding her that she technically had skipped lunch.

Both the clock on the town hall and her stomach where claiming that it was later then she had planned. If her estimations were correct then she had spend nearly an hour and a half longer on the path and the lake then she had originally planned for.
No matter, the spot she had picked for her lunch was closeby.

A small establishment a little walk away from the village square itself. It had received a platinum rating just last year. A real must visit for all culinary connoisseurs.

The Punchbowl, the number one place for smoothies and fruit salads in the entire country.

And now Dreams herself was standing in front of the building itself. Well building would be a bit grand to describe it. A small shop would be more adequate to describe it. But the scents coming from it alone where enough to make Dreams mouth water. This was no two bit establishment, from the scent alone one could tell it only used fresh fruit. Not like those shops her old 'employer' had gotten the stuff from that he had fed Dreams with.

Once inside Dreams could see the products itself on the tables of a few other patrons. A smile started to grace her face as she observed the mare behind the counter at work. Combining those skilled hooves with dozens of different fruit combinations. There was only one thing Dreams knew for sure.

It would take weeks of sampling in this fruity paradise before she would have tasted everything. But ooh, she would enjoy every single sip along the way.


> chapter 9: Of consorts and pink tiarawearing problems
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The mare behind the bar had actually been very helpful. Instead of forcing Dreams to choose between all those delicious fruits and flavor combinations she had simply whipped up about half a dozen foal sized cups of the most ordered smoothies. For a reduced price even!

Now Dreams had argued that it was no need for that. A little voice in her head told her that it might have to do with the wedding. But the mare, who as she learned swiftly was the owner Berry Punch herself, insisted on it. Claiming something about how a thestral's sense of taste regarding fruits is much more sophisticated than any other type of pony. Miss Punch had even gone as far as claiming that she had heard that Dream's kind could taste even the faintest trace of spoil. And to have a thestral sample her best works would be an ideal way to test how good they really where.

Dreams did not have the heart to tell the mare that she had only been fed low grade fruits for almost all of her life.

Now having seated herself at a remote seat in the small barlike shop she was keen to try the deliciously smelling liquids. Though she was a little hesitant about them, many contained things she had never heard of before. Fruits imported from as far as the Tauren lands. Miss Punch had also offered her the Everfree special, made from fruits bought from a zebra shaman living in that forest, but after her most recent experience with that accursed place Dreams had opted not to take that one.

The first sip taken from a randomly chosen cup took Dreams straight into heaven. Not even the salads and drinks given to her on the cruise or made by the chefs of the castle could compete with it. It was the perfect blend between sweet and sour, not even a single hint of the bitterness of seeds. And the viscosity had been juuuuuust right. She was able to taste the fleshiness of the fruit itself but it was still completely liquid.

Miss Punch had proven herself a true master of her craft. The second cup had even been better, or that was maybe because she was still on a high from the first.

Her bliss was short lived, not noticing that the chatter of inside the parlor had died down completely. Nor did she notice how two fillies had stood in front of her table. One looking like a meek follower while the other was standing there with a murderous glow in her eyes.

That glow was directed in a startling creepy glare towards Pleasant Dreams. It did not stay at a glare alone. The leader of the two, a pink filly with a tiara on her head poked Dreams on her shoulder.

“I said, get out from OUR booth you damned freak of nature! Are you deaf besides plain creepy?”

Dreams merely looked at the two, finally noticing them. Blinking a few times before returning to her meal. If that filly had wanted her to move to a different seat she had merely needed to ask politely. Acting like a spoiled little brat would not achieve much, she had seen far too much of that behavior to be affected by it in any way.

That earned her a second poke, this time a fair bit harder before stating the same order again with a lot more venom in her voice. But it was not the poke which raised all kinds of alarms in Dreams head. It was the fact that she actually felt compelled to stand up and walk to another booth.

Something was wrong, terribly wrong.

Slowly she turned her head, still with a smile on her face. She truly looked at the two for the first time.

Well groomed coats, more so than most who she had seen so far in Ponyville, perfectly done hooves and a poise not unfitting of Canterlot itself, but the gaudy jewelry and somewhat still common speech patterns made Dreams come to the conclusion that these two where some of the local brand snob. Meaning they were either new money or old money gone dry.

Still smiling a bit, though revealing her fangs in the progress for that slight intimidation factor, Dreams spoke to the would be snob.

“Ooh I am sorry, I was not made aware that reservations could be made in this fine establishment. I will be sure to remember it for the next time I visit. This is really an excellent seat.”

That had done the trick, just like every noble Dreams had ever the displeasure of serving, this filly did not take kindly to being rejected. They simply don't seem to accept that their not the centre of the universe.

“Now listen here freak! Do you have any idea who I am? Leave right now and I might not make you regret it!”

This time Dreams noticed the effect before the words had even been spoken. A powerful compulsion washing over her to stand up and leave. Powerful enough to override almost any other thought in her mind.

The scraping sound of seats behind pushed back from all tables around her told Dreams all she needed to know. Those around her had also been affected and where complying to the demands.

Not Dreams, though affected she had managed to stay clear headed and remain seated. It did dug up a painful memory.

A unicorn stood before the small class of fillies. His sickly green fur and obese figure clearly stood out in a room filled with rather cute fillies.

His name tag made sure the class understood that he was a tutor. Doctor Brainwave, that was how he had introduced himself.
Gentle Breeze often brought in ponies like him, to teach valuable skills to the prospects.

“Well then, with introductions over let us begin with our lesson. Mental manipulation, who here can say what it is? Nevermind best I simply show you yes?”

With those words the unicorn flared his horn and Dreams had blacked out.

Over the course of several weeks the good doctor had returned every other day for one of his sessions. Sometimes the spells had been cast on the entire class, other times only on a select few. But the end result was always the same. They always ended up doing exactly what the unicorn wanted, even if they at first had utterly refused his commands.

Dreams and all of the other prospects were wondering just what the training was all about. It was completely different from any other training they were receiving. It simply did not make any sense.

Yet as time went by Dreams started to feel something when the spell had been casted.
Something strange, something deep within her mind. A small nagging pulse of discomfort. As more and more classes passed by she could feel the effects of the spell upon her. And at the end of the year she had finally been able to shake off the effects completely.
It was then that it had hit her. Previous trainings had all warned them about the devious tricks many of their masters-to-be's enemies would use.
This training was simply a way of training them all to recognize when their own thoughts or emotions were being tempered with.

It also signalled the last time she had seen about 60% of the other prospects. Miss Breeze had explained that they had unfortunately failed the test set out for them and had been terminated from the project.

It would take Dreams nearly seven more years to learn just what the mare had meant with being 'terminated from the project.'

It had been years since those classes, and since had last felt the throbbing presence of manipulation on her mind.
And now that she was free from that life, free from having to use what has been brutally bashed into her brain as 'training' some snobby foal steps up and thinks she could just do that?

Dreams took a deep breath to calm herself. Willing her anger and frustration down, it would not do to make a big scene right now. She knew that. Because whether she liked it or not her behavior would negatively impact an innocent in this dilemma. Twilight did not deserve the potential backlash from assaulting a snobby little foal.

Her smile remained, but it never reached her eyes. The leader of the two was actually looking a bit confused, the other was shaking on her legs simply from seeing the suppressed anger in Dreams' eyes.
Her voice was still sweet and gentle, but if one would listen closely they would hear the venom behind the words.
“Ooh really? Do tell, what are you going to do to make me regret staying put?”

The filly wanted to make a snarky reply, it could be seen on her face but somehow the words failed to form correctly. It was almost as if this was the first time anypony had ever said no to her.

A thought occurred to Dreams, with what she had felt earlier it was quite possible that it was the first time this filly heard no.
“Well then, I guess I'll just have to wait and see. But might I give you a word of advice little missy? In the future do try and be respectful to others. Because your little gift may very soon come to bite you in the flank.”

The look of utter shock and confusion the prissy pink filly was pretty much worth all potential disasters she could cause for Dreams. It felt good for her to finally be able to speak her mind.
Without even saying a single word the two fled the store.

Returning to her meal she did not notice the peaceful atmosphere around her, her mind still to occupied by what just had happened. Not even a single pony had seemed to be completely aware of their surroundings. For a place that had a rather heavy scene moments before it almost seemed completely peaceful and calm.

Dreams was sure that there would be some kind fall-out from it. There always was. But this time she was not forced to stay on the sidelines.

A thought entered her mind, Twilight had been one of the most well renowned mages before her ascension. Perhaps if she would beat the snobs to Twilight and explain what she had felt. Surely she would side with her. Maybe, just maybe she could even prove Dreams' suspicions.


*Meanwhile in the library*

Twilight was a mess, to say that was an understatement. A little while after Pleasant Dreams had left on her adventure Twilight had almost a complete 180 turn in mental stability.

She had casually been studying 'Wally'. Just a light study, mainly observing the parasprites behavior and comparing them to her notes on its more aggressive cousins.

The first thing was the obvious difference. Its lack of legs and on closer inspection slightly larger wings. It was a clear cut sign of some sort of mutation. But whether 'Wally' was the mutation or the original kind was unknown and an intriguing subject to Twilight.

The second thing she had noticed was the distinct lack of interest in food of any sorts, unless it was made in bite size chunks. Even with those it seemed to be limited to its own weight.
Nothing like its ever hungry cousins. And according to Fluttershy's notes it was like its altered cousins it: not limited by normal food. As long as it was organic and of the right size 'Wally' could gain sustenance from it.
It simply prefered normal food to much to eat something else unless absolutely nothing else was made available.

All in all it proved a nice puzzle. If she could crack it, then it could revolutionize the entire pet market!
A smile came to her face just thinking about it. A cute, huggable pet who ate just about anything organic yet left no waste to clean up!
Parents would flock to whoever sold them.

Twilight would have liked to conduct a more invasive investigation. Nothing major, just a few screening spells. The little critter would most likely not even feel a thing. There was only one thing stopping her.

'Wally' was not hers, it was Dreams' pet. And from what she had learned about the thestral it was clear that Dreams would not take kindly to that without her permission and presence.

Without meaning to Twilight's mind started to wander to the mare. During their little bonding time on the air yacht it was clear that she was true to the first part of her name. She was rather pleasant to be around.
(Secretly Twilight had to admit that the thestral was also a dream for the eyes. But she would never admit that, well atleast not until the chance would present itself for an actual relationship and not the fake one they had right now.)

The more Twilight started to think about Dreams the more she started to worry. She knew next to nothing about the mare.

No, that was not true. She knew a few things about her. But Dreams had shown herself to be an expert in hiding things from others. Twilight had seen a completely different pony underneath the, for the lack of a better word, shield which had been thrown up.
So far everything revealed about the true Pleasant Dreams had been positive and even a little endearing.
But what about the other things? Things Twilight had not seen or noticed.

Realisation hit that she had been sleeping, even cuddling, with a complete stranger for the past week.
A stranger with a potent psychological trauma.

From that point it had spiraled out of control, she had not reached a 'lesson zero' state of mind. But the fact that Spike had left the library with a pathetic excuse should have been a clear cut indication.
The realisation that her typical approach, research and books, would not be much help did not do much to improve her state of mind.

Luckily for Ponyville a small voice inside her head was helping her rationalize the situation. Had Twilight been in any better state of mind she would have never listened to such a voice. But it sounded so familiar, like she has heard it atleast a few times before.

It whispered soft reassurances, telling her to calm down. That everything was going to be fine.
While it did not calm Twilight completely, it did have the effect of reducing the breakdown by a large degree. Well not only this voice, the relaxation methods taught to her by the Spa twins after her last breakdown had been significant in their help as well.

As time passed Twilight had managed to get a better grip on herself. Her reasoning was pretty simple. Dreams had so far not done anything wrong to her, not abused her in her sleep or done anything more than the occasional nighttime snuggle.

It just wasn't right to accuse Dreams of anything. After All she had made some of her best friends in less than a single day. Why not being able to do the same with another mare in a little more than a weeks time.
And besides it felt nice to have the thestral around. Having her wander about seemed to clear a little fog from the brain. Sharpening the mind so to speak. And besides she seemed quite intelligent.
Would be nice to have somepony to talk with on a higher level, sure Rarity and Fluttershy are nice to talk with. But Rarity just isn't well read in anything besides fashion and geology and Fluttershy is just too kind to ever have a good discussion with.

Twilight knew she left Zecora out of the equation on that one, but she just found it too frustrating to discuss with one who only spoke in rhyme and riddles.

It was at this time that the source of Twilight's worries stepped into the library. But the happy smile Dreams had when she had left was gone. Instead it was replaced with a troubled expression, a clear indication that something had gone wrong.

Before Twilight could ask anything Dreams had already spoken.
“Twilight? Do you know anything about a pink filly with a silverish tiara?”

A sigh and an intense feeling of pity was the initial reaction of Twilight. She had hoped to atleast give Dreams a few days of peace and tranquillity before that rather obnoxious piece of filly would be encountered.
Especially due Dreams' past experience with ponies like Diamond Tiara. That filly proved too much for even Fluttershy's world renowned patience to wilter.
“Yes, that would have been Diamond Tiara. She's the heir to the 'barnyard bargains' chain. I hope she did not cause too much troubles?”

The unspoken sentence was that Twilight had expected Dreams to be the one who might cause some serious problems with the filly and her father.
But to Twilight's surprise Dreams shook her head.
“No, not really. She threw a small tantrum when I refused to get up for her and her friend but that was all. Though that is not the issue here. Let me be blunt right now. Did you ever feel anything when she speaks.”

Dreams took a few moments to gather her thoughts. Probably to explain herself a bit better. All she had done right now was be confusing. What did she mean by feeling something when Diamond Tiara speaks? All everypony does is tuning that brat out when she opens her mouth.

“Nevermind, I thought you might know what I was talking about. Maybe I was mistaken.”

What Dreams did not know was that Twilight heard the soft muttering that followed.
' Or maybe its just due Doctor Brainwave's training that I picked it up, perhaps a normal pony simply can't grasp it yet.'

Twilight wanted to comment that Dreams was a normal pony, that she just needed to find it inside herself to forget the past and be happy for the better future. But that comment got stuck in her throat as she thought about the name Brainwave.
A name that set up all kinds of alarms inside her head, a name which had been on the top of the most wanted list for nearly 25 years. A name tied to some of the most gruesome and unethical research projects of the last 700 years.

Research into mind control.

It was as if a lightbulb went off in Twilight's head, it started to make sense. Dream's comment about a funny feeling after hearing Diamond Tiara, the way the little brat seemed to always get away with anything and the comment of being 'trained' (or rather experimented upon) by Brainwave.

Was Dreams implying that Diamond Tiara somehow was able to manipulate or even flat-out control what others thought? What if Pleasant Dreams could do the same?
Her voice came out unintentionally cold, but she needed to know.
“Dreams? Did you just mentioned being trained by one of THE most wanted unicorns of this millenia!?”

Alright it was not just cold, the last bit came out as a teensy tiny bit of a shout at near RCV sound levels. And it did have a visible effect on the target.
For the first time since that incident back in the castle Dreams had actually been cowering before her, almost shaking in fear.

Twilight could almost hit herself for quite possibly setting back the poor mare to how she was that first day. If not worse: there was now a possibility that the fragile friendship they had managed to built over the past week.

Awkwardly Twilight gave the shaking mare a slight hug, nothing intense just trying to be comforting.
“I am so sorry, I did not mean to shout at you. Its just, well its just that the guard has been looking for Brainwave for nearly 25 years for his research into mind control. And now to hear that you and who knows how many other foals had been subjected to his experiments. It’s just a little too much for me.”

Twilight did not voice out her other concern, that she was unsure of how Dreams was affected by the experimental spellcraft of the good doctor. It pained her that even with all her knowledge and power she was powerless to help the thestral.
Though she did remember to send Doctor Hooves a message to make an appointment. Nothing invasive, not even for therapy or anything like that. Just to talk, and maybe in the future being able to help Dreams overcome her past.
But for now, all she could do was embrace the trembling mare until she calmed down.

Half an hour and a generous dosage of Zecora's special tea blend later Dreams had finally calmed down enough to recall her tale of the day.
It was of no surprise to Twilight to hear about that pink demon's behavior and how many simply cowered before her.
But what Dreams had said struck a strange note.

At first Twilight had believed that everypony was simply either ignoring her or obeying her because she was the daughter of one of the biggest property owners in the village. Filthy Rich did own nearly 40% of all the business locations and a good 30% of all other property. And angering his little 'angel' would surely mean trouble.
Twilight herself had been on the receiving end of one of his preaches when she had kicked the ill mannered filly out of the library. (which was co-owned in a 50/50 split by Filthy Rich and the town itself.)
But she had managed to convince the stallion of her right, and had threatened to move ALL of her books to her private rooms, meaning nearly 75% of all the books in the library would be unavailable for the public. Including many of the most sought after novels and the subscriptions to all magazines like the rare and elusive Golden Trends magazine (only 300 prints per issue because it contains sensitive economical information) which he so liked to read.
Needless to say no amount of whining from Diamond Tiara could convince daddy dearest to follow up on his threat.

But what Dreams was saying was true then there was something infinitely more foul at play. A special talent in one of the most illegal arts of magic known. An inert ability to instill obedience, or maybe even worse to plant a suggestion so powerful it can override rational thought. There was one thought that haunted Twilight's mind if Diamond Tiara actually did have this ability then why had it never been used on her?

Unless, unless it had been used but she had been unaffected by it. And if that was correct then it would go a long way prove Crackpot Theory's hypothesis on superior strength. That if one is to influence another you must be atleast twice as strong as the intended victim. And even when she was still a unicorn she had no rival in raw power other than an alicorn.

Or if that was not the case, then perhaps it was her connection to the elements. That would also explain why the little brat avoided the bearers as the plague.

Now the only way to see what was correct was to speak with the filly herself. To see if what Dreams had felt was actually true. And she had the perfect idea to arrange this. Now she only needed to have the thestral on her side for this. No doubt it would be a feat much harder then to prove or disprove of her theories.

*Three hours later*

It had taken Twilight only a very little time to convince Dreams to go along with it. She had been more than eager to assist in potentially putting the little brat in her place.

The plan had been simple. An invitation for both Filthy Rich and Diamond Tiara to come to the library to talk about what happened at the Punchbowl. Something neither of them would be able to resist because it would allow the stallion to worm his way into favor with nobility and the filly would most likely get revenge.
Meanwhile Twilight would have casted a manipulation-detection spell upon herself, set to such a fine detail that she would notice instantly if anything would be wrong.

As the hour of fate arrived the two visitors had arrived exactly at the time it had said on the invite. Not a second sooner or later. Punctuality at its finest, something Twilight had to give the stallion points for.

As they were leaving for the common room, to have a little privacy of course, where Dreams was waiting for them Twilight levitated the book she had been reading back into its proper place. Diamond Tiara had not been shutting up, seemingly riling up her father about the great injustice she had been the receiver of.

Throughout the entire speech the spell had been going off like a heat sensor fire-alarm in an active volcano.
It had shocked Twilight beyond measure, she had thought that if anything it would be subtle. But this, this had all the subtlety of a sledgehammer to the face. It amazed her that none had ever even noticed something like this.

Sitting down next to Dreams it was obvious that the thestral had difficulties keeping herself in check.
“Alright let's get started then. I assume that you are wondering why I asked both of you to come here. Well, the reason is...”

Twilight did not come far before Diamond Tiara spoke up.
“Yeah, you called us so that no good mutant could apologize right?”

The glare the filly shot at Pleasant Dreams had not been friendly, one could even say hateful. It angered Twilight more than a bit. But something held her back, something allowed her to remain atleast some semblance of calm. It was the velvetlike bat wing draped across her back, and the slight shaking of the head from the mare it belongs to.

The message was clear, its not worth it. But something had to be done. It was not up to her to decide the fate of this young filly, a filly who probably knows no better. But it had to stop right now.

Without warning Twilight looked at Diamond Tiara, her eyes brilliant white and blazing with the raw potential she was known for.
“You will do well to remain silent.”

A look at Filthy Rich combined with a slight flash of her horn caused his eyes to shine a little more. As if he had woken from a deep slumber. His eyes betrayed absolute confusion, but he had enough instincts as a business stallion to shut his mouth at the sight of an angry alicorn. Even if its still a very young one like Twilight.

“I called you here based upon suspicions brought to me by my wife. Who I might add has been trained to notice and resist manipulations of the mental state.”

That got a small gasp of shock from both Filthy Rich as Diamond Tiara, though the latter was starting to show more than a little fear.
“Diamond Tiara, for abuse of your special gift I am placing you into custody. I will place a sealing charm upon you until such time the true effects and problems your gift has caused by an unaffiliated council.”

Twilight's horn started to glow, a spell circle formed of raw mana appeared beneath the filly. The pink demon that had been the scourge of many ponyvillians could only scream in fear as tendrils rose up and attached themselves on the key parts of her inner laylines.

A few seconds later the circle was gone, and so where Twilight's glowing white eyes. But there was evidence of the spell which had just been performed. Six glowing runes, each symbolising one of the elements of creation, flickered in arcane might arround Diamond Tiara's cutiemark.

“I am sorry, you left me no choice. But you lashed out with your gift at me so strongly that I would have to be a fool not to notice even without a special detectionspell. The sentence for lashing out at a princess with forbidden magic in hostile attempt is removal of access to magic.”

The normally so brash filly was at lost for words, not even a single sound of objection or a 'what have you done to me' was heard as Twilight continued.
“But you are young, I will make sure that the council will take that into account.”

Diamond Tiara fainted before she could hear her father's confused questions or the sound of the guards coming for her.

As the duo saw father and daughter being escorted to a more secure location Twilight looked at Dreams. There was hurt and betrayal in her eyes.
“Can you please say my spell was wrong? Can you please tell me I messed up a spell again?”

Pleasant Dreams could reply with a confused and a bit fearful look.
“What do you mean? You sensed it right?”

It was now that Twilight's eyes started to water, a tear fell down to the ground.
“Because Dreams, I sensed a second source in the room.”

Another tear fell, and Dreams could guess what came next. It did not take a genius to do that.
“That second source was you.”
> Chapter 10: A lesson on Dreams and talents
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

No, no that was a lie. Pleasant Dreams could not believe her ears. Surely Twilight was simply joking. Friends do that to each other, friends play pranks like that on each  other.

Right?

Twilight simply had to be joking. Dreams was sure that she wasn't even able to affect others in a way like that filly had. She had to make sure that Twilight would understand that. But as she opened her mouth nothing really came out.
The devastated look on Twilight's face had made sure of that.

It was a look that screamed distrust, it was a look that told Dreams in very clear words that nothing she would say would be believed.

The little brat had won after all. Within a few moments the future Dreams had been looking forward to was shattered. The small bond of trust gone. There was no doubt about that.

Seconds passed, yet there was no passing of judgement and no feeling of sealing magic touching her. Not even a single word had been uttered from Twilight.

The seconds turned into minutes of uncomfortable silence. When Dreams finally gained the courage to look Twilight in the face, she only saw confusion and determination. Almost too Twilight asked a question that seemed to have burned inside of her.
“Pleasant Dreams, answer me truthfully. Did Fluttershy also follow Brainwave's training?”
Dreams could only nod. Whisper, as Fluttershy had been called back then had been part of the training. And she had completed the training as well. But Dreams could not see how it was relevant.

Unless, well unless Twilight meant that she thinks the training/experimentation done way back then had some kind of influence. That the waves Twilight's spell detected was caused by what ever the unicorn had done to the prospects.
A scary thought, who knows what that magic had done to them.

 Was who she was even who she was meant to be? Was she somehow being controlled like a puppet dancing on the strings of a spell placed in her mind years ago?  Dreams was suddenly unsure about almost everything. Not even her own thoughts on the subject. She was so stuck in her thoughts that she never heard Twilight tell her that she was going to get Fluttershy and Redheart to be evaluated with the two of them by a professional.

A professional Twilight had already contacted a few hours ago when she had heard Dreams talking about sensing the manipulations of Diamond Tiara. But now that professional was going to come for Pleasant Dreams, Diamond Tiara AND Fluttershy.

For the first time since Twilight's reveal, Dreams had found her voice. A simple question. Something
“So, so what is going to happen to me now?”

Instantly, Twilight refocused upon the thestral, when she noticed a change in Dreams. She was getting scared of being in the same room as an alicorn, who just found out she was being influenced by said roommate. Disregarding the fact she didn't even know she was doing so in the first place.

“Well, you are going to remain here in the library for the time being while I go collect Fluttershy and her partner, to see whether or not they are affected or possess similair abilities you seem to posses. There will be a night guard over later tonight who is supposed to be an expert on these matters. When he gets here we will figure out from where to go to next”

The voice had been calm and there was an clear attempt to sooth Pleasant Dreams as it occurred to Twilight that the more scared Dreams seemed to become the more powerfull her output seemed to become.

Dreams on her part seemed to be a little confused. Twilight had outright sealed the magic of that filly without even consulting an 'expert' and yet she was going to be assesed?
Perhaps it was due her status now. Perhaps it would mean a cover-up or something? All of her instincts told her to run out the library, to flee. She had been amongst the nobles and their rumours for far to long to not know what a government cover-up meant.
Yet the rational part of her mind was screaming to stay. That running will only make things worse.

Gingerly she sat down, praying to whatever gods that would listen that it would not end like the way she thought it would end.

An hour passed before Twilight returned with an obviously worried Redheart and an absolutely terrified Fluttershy. Obviousely, they had been informed of the situation.

The chatter had been few, even the calming effects of Zecora's special teablend had the desired effect of keeping the elephant out of the room.

Fluttershy and Pleasant Dreams where simply terryfied about the possible consequences.

Redheart was simply confused; she had understood the fact that Twilight had learned that both Dreams and Fluttershy had been experimented on by some kind of mad unicorn. But what she did not get was the explaination that Fluttershy of all ponies might have a subcontious effect on those arround her.

She felt fine, no she felt better then ever now that she had moved in with her mare. But was that due to the fact that she was finally able to leave the dump of an appartment she had been living in. Or the fact that she had snagged and bagged what was reffered to, in the tabloids at least, as one of the most beautiful and graceful mares to have ever graced the modeling scene.

Twilight, on the other hoof, was nervous. She didn’t  know how much of what she had seen of what she thought to be the 'real' Pleasant Dreams to be true. And of course how much was a blantant lie or possible illusion.

Spike had been sent out to stay with Rarity for the night. It had been decided that it would be best that he was not arround for this. He may be older then most, but he was still a baby dragon. Mature by law of age, but still he had the frail mindset of a foal at times.

The uncomfortable silence was broken when a knock on the door and the consequential entrance of an off white unicorn stallion, wearing the armor of a nightguard. There was something a little off about him. He seemed to be completely at ease, even with an confirmed manipulator in the room.

It was Twilight who responed first. A simple nod was all she got when she aproached him. Not a bow like the others. Twilight spoke,“This is captain Cleansweep. The current head of the shadow hunter division.”

Now that did cause a ripple in the small group of mares. Mostly to Fluttershy and Pleasant Dreams who were now deathly afraid.

Pleasant Dreams had only heard rumors about this specialized group in the nightguard. They where supposed to not even exist! Hunters of those who abused magic or were driven into the worship of demonic entities or spirits. Hunters who were supposed to be above the law itself, trained in forms of magic long since banned.

The unicorn simply smiled, though it never really convinced anypony in the room. It was the type of smile you see from a shrewd salesmen just before stripping a fool from everything he owns.
“No need for introductions princess. I am here merely on consultation base as an expert on mental magic. Now then let us get started.”

His horn glowed only for a moment before it dimmed. He hummed for a second before his smile returned.“Interesting selection you have her your highness.”

The four mares where about to speak up before he raised a hoof silencing them all.
“I would like to speak with lady Fluttershy and lady Pleasant Dreams in private if they would allow me. Do not worry, if I had harm in mind, the damage would already be done. I’m merely trying to establish that my first assumptions are correct for lady Dreams, and perhaps learn a thing or two about lady Fluttershy.”

Throughout his explanation, neither his expression nor the tone of his voice changed even a little bit. He did gain a more genuine smile as he spoke the last part.
“Though I would not be afraid, there is no risk from either for as far as I can tell from my initial scan. They simply are of the wrong typing for it.”

Twilight let out a small sigh of relief. But something did not add up, she was dying to know exactly why her spell had gone off if Dreams abilities where deemed to not be a threat. But she could not ask a question as she saw Dreams stirring.

Still a little hesitant Dreams stood up and walked off towards her still unused bedroom, closing the door when the stallion was inside.

The attitude of the guard-captain changed almost 180 degrees when they where alone. It caught Dreams a bit off guard, while he had been strict and business-like before, the stallion now seemed to be almost gentle and approachable.

“Now then m'lady, I would prefer to cast a more powerfull scrying spell while we do this. But the thing is, a reluctant mind interferes with the scrying. If you allow me to cast it out of your own free will it shall be a lot more accurate. Can I count on your cooperation?”

Dreams meekly nodded, wanting nothing more then to get this over with as swiftly as possible.

Cleansweep brought forth an impossibly big smile.“Perfect then. Please hold still, this might tingle a little bit at first. That is merely my magic channeling itself into your own wellspring. Dont worry its perfectly safe.”

The pain Pleasant Dreams felt was amongst the most escruciating she had ever felt. It felt as if she was being poked by millions of red hot needles, from the inside out. Bitting down and thinking about that it might all be for the better was the only way for her to stop from screaming in pain.

When the pain finally subsided, Dreams could still see the smile on Cleansweep's face.
“Well now, this is interesting indeed. You say you have been tutored by the rogue unicorn Brainwave right? Could you tell me what this entailed? Just tell me what you recall.”

With a sigh, Pleasant Dreams began to recall her tale. About being gathered into a small backroom of the orphanage. The spells, the feelings she had afterwards. Everything she could remember. She was not sure why she was doing it. She could feel no compulsions like she had before, it was just her mind screaming that it was allright. Telling her that it was time to simply talk.

When she was finally done with her story, Cleansweep looked at her with his head slightly sideways. His expression was stating several things. Disgust and confusion where amongst the most prominent and most clear to see.

“Right, this next question may sound odd but I will explain myself eventually. Does others touching you or vise versa affect you in any way? Like changing sleep patterns or cause anxiousness?”

To Dreams it felt like a stupid question. Of course having others, especially stallions, touch her makes her feel anxious! But it was best to anwser the questions truthfully as lies and omissions would only be of negative effect for a possible future.

This type of questioning lasted for nearly 30 minutes. Cleansweep asking questions or preforming spells of various kinds.When she came out Pleasant Dreams was exhausted, it had taken a lot out of her. Both physically as mentally. In his quest to learn about her, Cleansweep had just about opened nearly every scar on her mind.

She looked at Twilight.“Cleansweep wishes to speak to you now.”

Soundlessly, the two switched places. Fluttershy and Redheart had no time to ask how it had gone nor what the strange stallion had been asking. Pleasant Dreams had simply collapsed into her seat. Completely drained of nearly all of her energy.

As Twilight entered the room, she could see Cleansweep sitting on the bed. His eyes where focused on a small notebook he had before him. Most likely the notes from the interview with Dreams.

“So well then your highness, at first thank you for calling me here today. Learned a whole lot of new stuff from my conversation with lady Pleasant Dreams alone. I cannot wait to speak to you and the other couple. But let us get started. Please, please sit down. This should not take long.”

A new piece of parchment manifested in front of him along with a quill and ink. Something he had hidden during his intervieuw with Pleasant Dreams.
“Now then, like I asked lady Pleasant Dreams before I would like to start with a more invasive scanning spell. Do I have your premission to cast it?”

Twilight had already read up a little on these types of scans, no explaination on the effect of a hostile scan was needed. “Of course, I have nothing to hide.”

The spell was less invasive this time, Twilight barely felt a thing. But that could be because this one was developped after the changeling-invasion specificly to detect malicicous influence.

“Good news is, you`ve got a clean bill of health. I cannot detect any traces of direct control. Bad news is that I did find traces of Lady Pleasant Dreams' abilities.”

Twilight was about to say something before she got shushed by Cleansweep.
“No need to worry, I stick by my previous assesment. The influence is harmless. But I'd like to learn a little bit more about how it affects you. So could you anwser me a few questions?”

About ten minutes later and two similar interviews, Fluttershy followed the stallion out the small bedroom. Her face wary and just as exhausted as Dreams' had been when she came out.

Seating themselves, the good captain stood in front of them. A genuine smile graced his face, this time it even reached his eyes.

“I guess I owe a small explaination. I shall start with Lady Fluttershy as she is the most difficult one to explain.”

The attention of the room was now focused on the butter-yellow ball of fluff and feathers being comforted by a glaring Redheart. Not that it seemed to affect the stallion in any way.
“Well Lady Fluttershy is what in proper terms is called a violator.”

That was the cause of getting slapped at full force by the normally so well reserved nurse.
The strike was strong enough to force Cleansweep to the ground.
“You want to run that by me again?”

One could say that both Dreams and Twilight where more than amazed by the sheer strength behind the strike.
“You dare to accuse Fluttershy of all ponies to be something as vile as that!”

Slowly getting up Cleansweep had atleast the decency to look a bit sorry.
“My appologies ma'am, I believe that came out a bit wrong. A violator is merely a very powerfull sub-type of empath who possesses certain secondary abilities.”

With a bit more flair than before the guard captain called forth a large board with three words written on it.

Empath, Manipulator, Telepath.

“These are the three basic forms of any mental spells or abilities. Atleast these are the ones we class all others under. Like I said a violater is a sub-type of empath. A very rare and incredebly powerfull sub-type.”

His eyes became sympathetic when he looked at Fluttershy, something that did looked more then a little off on his usually non-expressive face. “She is also the first recorded one of her type to have survived long enough to even get her cutiemark and unlock the full potentiall of her gifts.”

Ignoring the shocked gasps Cleansweep went on. “You see, violaters are empaths meaning they can sense the emotions of others as if they where their own. Normally they need to focus to feel anything but her type is different. Think of it like flipping a switch to turn a machine on or off. Lady Fluttershy and her kind have no switch to turn on or off. To make it worse, they only feel the negative spectrum. Fear, anger, hatred and so on. Their constant exposure to these emotions of others makes them skittish, fearful and often more than a little paranoid. Many sucumb to the strain their abilities puts on their mind and simply keel over long before their 9th birthday.”

The shock was now even greater then before, Redheart was casually stroking Fluttershy's mane desperate to calm to shaking mare.

“Violaters often become secluded surrounding themselves with animals who lack the complex emotions that cause them harm. And if they are arround other sentient species they often try and make it as pleasant for the others as possible. To prevent them from feeling to many negative emotions. Now you may wonder why ponies with such a large interest in keeping others away or atleast peacefull have such a horrible name? Well its because of their second ability. Your highness, I asume its safe to asume that you are aware of what Lady Fluttershy calls 'the stare'?”

Twilight nodded, she had seen it in action herself. It was able to force a full grown dragon of all things to retreat.

“This is the second ability. Though none has ever been recorded as powerfull as the records of your adventures with the dragon and cockatrice, but that might be due that fact of maturity. This visual ability is something like a last line defence. They can trap those who intentionally seek to harm others in a state wherein they would feel all the pain and grief they have caused in the past. Every single bit of it, at the same time.”

Cleansweep shook his head a little, it was clear that he himself had been exposed to something like that in the past. “You can imagine that somepony would do anything in order to never feel it again. So please miss Redheart, remember what I said about feeling negative emotions. If you really care about her, then try and keep calm.”

A determend nod and a hug with a light kiss on the nose for Fluttershy was all the response the nurse gave.

Cleansweep then looked at Pleasant Dreams, who could not even respond to what she had just heard. It put all the pain and suffering from her years in the orphanage in a whole different light. Her only friend at the time had suffered not only her own pain, but that of many others at the same time. Had the matron known? It could not have been, it should not have been so.
Yet again, she was almost casual in her acceptance of the 'accidental' death.

But before any further thoughts went that way the second word on the board lid up. The word Manipulator.

“Lady Pleasant Dreams is a member of a very wide group known as an manipulator. They are called this because they can influence the state of mind of another being. Many are malevolent in nature, a trait carried through in the personality of their wielders. King Sombra and his enslavement magic is a clear cut example of these types. Though Lady Pleasant Dreams, you belong to basicly one of three good natured sub-types. The most common sub-type actually. Something we have come to call a soother.”

A wave of relief went through Pleasant Dreams, atleast an expert said that she was harmless. Well no, not harmless but good natured. Basicly the same thing right?

“Soothers come in many forms, those in healthcare, like miss Redheart, possess these abilities to a lesser effect. It is a side-effect of their own talents in medical care as it helps them to keep their patients calm. A real soother however is far more powerfull. A mere touch can send somepony into a calm and peacefull state of mind. With no real thought, just calm bliss. And this is where Lady Pleasant Dreams is different. I believe it’s due to Brainwave's tampering with her when she was still a foal.”

The stallion took a deep breath before continuing. “Her abilities are weaker than that of a normal soother, she seems to be unable to completely placete the mind. Instead she calms it to the point that it empowers clear thought and a general sence of peace. But what really sets her aside is that she emits this ability through an aura arround her.”

This caused a little bit of surprised gasp from the others.

“Normal soothers work through touch, they need to be in direct physical contact in order to affect somepony. What I also find very strange, her aura's strength seems to increase in strength the later it gets.”

That in and on its own made sence to Dreams, she had always been told that sleeping with her in the bed had been very restfull. So much so that it had been her special talent, the pillow on her flank specified it as so.

“What I also have learned is that Lady Pleasant Dreams and Lady Fluttershy share a common past. I believe that it was the near constant presence of a soother from a very young age that might have actually surpressed lady Fluttershy's own abilities.”

A smirk and a wink towards Redheart followed. “So keep up the good work m'lady. I am sure you have no problems with snuggling up to her at night am I right?”

That got a few giggles from Twilight and a flustered look from Redheart.

“If that was all, your highness, I would like to start on my secondary assignment. Good luck to you all.”

With those words said, and not even waiting for a reply, Cleansweep simply walked out of the library.

The atmosphere in the room was tense, two mares and their 'partners' had just been given a rather heavy bit of information to digest.

Dreams was both happy and sad at the same time, she had gotten the information she wanted. She was harmless to others. No, not harmless, helpful even. But at the same time she knew that nopony would ever be themselves around her. They would always feel the lingering effects of her abilities.

The explaination also gave some insights to her previous life. It explained why her old master had taken great care to have her arround when making deals or reading important documents, if what that captain Cleansweep had said was true at least.

Her sulking got worse and worse as scenario's started to form in her mind. Scenarios about her accidentally causing major distress, or even catastrophes. Far feched as they might be, they still haunted her. They kept growing in strength and disaster until a set of lavender legs and wings enveloped her. She could hear Twilight whispering. Though she had no idea why the alicorn would even want to be close to her right now.

“It will be alright, we'll figure something out. I promised you a normal life. And I will keep my promise to you.”





Meanwhile at Rarity's, over the past several months it had gotten clearer and clearer to Spike that his dream date with Rarity was never going to come. That didn't mean he didn't like working with her, on contrary he loved it. The white mare had shown herself to have a good sence of humor and an allround nice conversationalist. Far from the gossip queen she had to play for many of her snooty customers.

It also didn't help that she quite often treated him to a gem or two. Spike was far from it to complain. So over the course of months, their relationship changed into that more of a casual friendship and mutual businespartnership.

The partnership was cheap gems for Spike, and an allround assistent and shining dragon scales for Rarity. Spike had not been able to believe how much his old discarded scales where worth to a noble wanting to make a fashion-statement.

Tonight, like a few times before when Twilight needed some alonetime, Spike had stayed over at Rarity's for the night, in her spare bedroom.

This time was different from all the previous times, usually it was a cup of tea and some talking before Spike went to bed. Tonight however there was a third guest. Sweetie Belle had been staying with her sister for a few days. So tonight it was a night filled with boardgames and simple discussions about school. The last game of the night was a game for two, meaning it was Rarity against Spike and Sweetie Belle.

Throughout the games, Spike had not been aware that the filly had been scooting a bit closer until he could feel the soft fur brushing against him. Surprised he looked sideways only to see Sweetie Belle laying her head on his shoulder. Almost cutely snuggling up to him, closing her eyes with a barely audible sigh of content.

The look of utter confusion on Spike's face and the sheer adorableness of the display of her sister caused Rarity to snicker a little bit. She had known the true cause of her sisters' odd behavior for a while now.

“How about we pause the game while I go fix a little snack. I believe you two might have a thing or two to talk about.”

With a wink to her sister and a gentle smile to Spike, Rarity had left the two youngsters alone in favor for the kitchen.

Spike turned to the now almost crimson red filly. “So, what’s up with her all the sudden?”

All Sweetie Belle could do was mutter something incoherent, while blushing even harder. The poor filly tried nearly three times to get the point across to the confused Spike. Untill out of desperation, she closed the gap between them and gently but quickly gave Spike a small kiss on his cheek. This resulted in turning Spike into a gibbering mess of incoherence while his brain tried to figure out what in Cadence's name had just happened.





> chapter 11: Forgiveness and the theories of akward dating
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had taken quite some time for the tense atmosphere to dissipate after Captain Cleansweep had left. Fluttershy had finally calmed down enough to be able to speak, though it was still soft mumbling and her head was buried in the soft fur of Redheart's chest.

Pleasant Dreams on her own was still a bit of a mess. The revelation about something so personal, yet so unknown had shaken her to the core. But for some reason Twilight had not ousted her, instead she was whispering soft reassurances. It made her heart ache, she felt as if she was betraying the gentle mare. Betraying her purely by being around her. Messing with Twilight's very thoughts by simply being in the same room.

Her eyes fell on Fluttershy, her old friend Whisper reborn. She had been able to escape their shared darkness early on. Finding not only a place to live, but friends and even somepony to love. Could she be able to do the same? Was she able to shed those memories and find somepony of her own?

The first she was unsure off. It could happen, unlikely but it could. The second part? No she doubted it. The whole nation, no almost the whole world, had known of her marriage to Twilight. No mare would even dare to come close to her. And stallions? She was not going to let one of those near her ever again.

Well not literally, just not in THAT way. She was not even sure if she would let anything near her in such a way.

Though no matter how hard her mind was screaming at her for accepting it, that she was not deserving of it. But Twilight's wing draped over her was making her feel safe. Or well safer than she had felt for the last few hours at least. At one point she had even caught herself leaning into it. Something she was quick to correct.

A cup of tea or coffee had gone by and was soon replaced by something stronger as all of them felt the need for a drink, a stiff one at that. Even Fluttershy, who normally would not even touch something alcoholic with a 100 meter long stick, had dared herself to take a small glass of lemon liquor.

With the alcohol flowing a bit, easing the tension and the stress of the previous revelations, talking became a bit more natural.

Ahead by at least two glasses to everypony else in the room, the normally quite reserved Redheart had been regaling how she and Fluttershy became a couple during one of the biggest flu epidemics the town had ever seen. All able ponies with even a little medical knowhow had been summoned to help. And amidst the sneezing, coughing and other less pleasant items a spark ignited between the nurse and the wildlife ranger.

Dreams had to admit, it had all the items of a sappy romance novel. From the initial fear of being rejected to the overly dramatic kiss at the end. How in the name of everything worthwhile praying to nopony had ever discovered the two lovers or their crush on eachother in the early stages was a complete mystery. Neither of them appeared to be very good at hiding their emotions for what she had seen of them the past couple of hours.

As the story came to an end Redheart had came to a question both Twilight and Dreams had been dreading. The question on how the two of them came to meet and eventually fall for eachother. Fluttershy knew the truth, so there was no way they could tell the cover story Celestia and Luna had thought up for them. Simply because the kind mare would never be able to uphold the lie in front of her marefriend.

Dreams simply remained silent while Twilight started to talk. It was embarrassing for the two of them to admit to have agreed to marry a complete and utter stranger.

Through the clinical and rather cold way Twilight was regaling the story of the ancient, and completely covered up, law and how the nobles had been using it for millennia to obtain power.

At the end Redheart was surprised, confused and angered beyond comprehension. She was only able to get out a single word.

“Why?”

Twilight had been stupefied by the question, as she did not quite understood what kind of why Redheart had meant. Pleasant Dreams on the other hoof? She had been amongst the most irritable and incomprehensible ponies in existence for most of her life. She had a decent guess about what was being meant.

“Because of your reaction, miss Redheart. If ponies knew that the nobles had such a law and where not afraid to abuse it, there would be a riot.”

Dreams shook her head.
“No, not a riot. Try a civil war. That is if ponies would even believe it if they read it. And besides what sounds better?”

She put on her best newsreaders voice, all serious and grim.
“Newly crowned princess forced into marriage with an unknown pony by some obscure ancient law. Learn more about it at 6 pm tonight. Or something like this: In a recent event our newly crowned princess, Princess Twilight Sparkle, has announced her upcoming marriage with her long term secret lover. a maid she had come to know and date during her time as princess Celestia's protegé, one miss Pleasant Dreams. Be sure to watch this fairy tale wedding of the princess and the maid tomorrow at noon!”

The other three all had to agree, the last part did sound a lot better. And the best part was, the nobles would not even dare to oppose this. Because they to knew that the secret laws should never be made public. And it did cause Redheart's fury to calm down a little. At least the part that was shown in her body language.

It was a soft voice that spoke up, not accusing or anything. Simply a remark. Something that most likely had just popped up in Fluttershy head.
“But then you never really where able to enjoy just exploring each other.”

That got a couple of strange looks turned towards Fluttershy, who in her turn turned bright red as she realized her words.
“Ooh my, not like that. I'm sure you will be able to if you wanted.”

Each word only caused her blush to intensify significantly.
“I just meant, you know dating. Going out and do fun stuff. To learn to be at ease with each other.”

The unspoken, and maybe grow to like each other, was left unsaid but heavily implied. Though neither of the two had looked at eachother after Fluttershy of all ponies made the comment.
Though both of them did so for different reasons.

With a red faced Fluttershy and the well advance into the night, it was decided to simply leave the comments as being said and agreeïng to pick up their time together at another time. Perhaps at Fluttershy's cottage for a change of scenery.

Though, Twilight and Redheart both agreed that it was more for the two old friends to be re-acquainted with each other. And perhaps for the other two to even get to know each other in the first place.

The goodbyes were swift, mostly because all four were tired. And perhaps more than a little shaken from the news received earlier that day.

A bit sullen, due the fact that she knew a sleepless night was ahead of her, Pleasant Dreams walked off towards her own bed. Only to be stopped by Twilight mere seconds before entering it. Dreams found it strange to find a little trace of hurt in Twilight's voice.

“You are going to try and sleep alone tonight?”

The question was a moot one, there was no way in Tartarus that she could expect Twilight to humor her with her little disability. Not now, not with her being able to influence the alicorn's mind with her mere presence. She was shaken from her depressing thought as she felt a wing slowly guiding her away from the door.
Looking up she saw the gentle sparkle in Twilight's eyes, but also the sadness close at the surface behind it.

“You are still worried about what Captain Cleansweep told you, aren't you?”

A nod came as a reply, Dreams simply could not find her voice. But fortunately for her Twilight seemed to be unaffected by it, she merely drew her in a closer hug.

“Don't worry about it Dreams. You heard what he said, it's not your fault and it is most certainly not harmfull. I made a promise to you on that ship last week. I promised you that I would be there for you and help you find yourself. I am not going to abandon you just because it might get a little harder for me.”

What Twilight did not say was those night sleeping besides Pleasant Dreams had been some of the best nights in her life. The feeling of Dreams' well kept and surprisingly fluffy fur combined with the velvet wings draping over her was more than pleasant to Twilight. Adding the now known calming effect on the mind, Twilight often woke more rested then countless nights of normal sleep before.

“You can still come with me.”

A small blush came to Twilight's face, she was well aware of the fact that she was feeling some sort of attraction to the thestral. That physical attraction had been clear on the day she had met the other mare.

And she would be telling a lie if she would say that somewhere deep inside she did not like Pleasant Dreams as a pony in general. Smart, funny and attractive. What more could a mare desire in a mate?

Twilight had rationalized it by wishing the best for Dreams, to see her smile more and enjoy life. And perhaps get to know the mare deep within the reserved and still a bit skittish thestral. But if she was going to be really honest with herself. More honest than she had ever dared to be, she would have to admit that there was a small soft spot growing within her heart for the other mare. And that by chance, the more she got to see from the real Pleasant Dreams the quicker and larger that spot seemed to grow.

Well besides from a forced marriage that is. That stuff can kind off kill the mood needed to properly try and get to know another in any real intimate way.
“So, umm… you coming?”

There really was no internal struggle for Dreams. She might not admit it but the prospect of snuggling up to the alicorn did seem enticing. Certainly a lot more than spending a night awake in her own bed.

Alone.

With only her thoughts about the day to keep her company.

With the no-brainer out of the way and after taking care of some personal things like bathroom time and brushing one's teeth of course, the two found themselves laying besides each other.

It did not take long for Pleasant Dreams to fall asleep, the tiring day had really taken a lot out of her. But not Twilight, no she was still awake. Something Fluttershy had said struck a chord within her. Not the part of enjoying each other, she would never take advantage of the thestral like that. If Dreams were to come to her like that on her own, well who would she be to say no.

It was the part of dating that kept her thinking. Perhaps it would be nice to do something like that. The night at the restaurant in Baltimare had been good. Cheap wine, good food and conversations. Not to mention the play in Manehattan.

Though on second thought, considering the headache of the next day, not the play in Manehattan. Twilight had learned the hard way of what happens when one drinks too much alcohol.

A date would also have a nice secondary effect. The vultures about town would finally be able to snap a shot at the new couple. Something, according to Rarity earlier this morning, they had been dying to get.

The next day found Dreams waking up alone. It was not a rare occurrence for Twilight to be up earlier. Considering that the two of them had only woken up at the same time. What was strange was a small trail of rose petals leading towards the small common room.

Every step she took towards the small dining table was filled with even more cliché's then one of those incredibly sappy romance books. From the candles on the table to the soft music on the background.

In the dimly lit room not even a thestral's naturally good sight could have seen the small stack of books in the corner. Nor could the titles which included items: 'Settings: a guide to the perfect date' and 'how to woo your mare in ten easy steps'

When a blushing Twilight stepped out with a tray of freshly baked buns (they were only slightly burned) things where getting cleared up.
The confusion must have been clear on Dream's face as Twilight had started to talk.
“Last night I came to an conclusion.”

The blush on her face started to grow even bigger.
“While we have done things together, we.... Well we never had an actual date. So I kinda planned the whole day as one.”

The whole thing had been completely silly to Dreams. A date? A proper date? Like between two real lovers, and not the pretenders they where?

Why? A media-stunt perhaps? Or was it something more, something more tangible or real?
She could not fathom why Twilight was asking her to go on a date?

While Dreams was wondering just why Twilight was doing this, and trying to figure out her own answer the alicorn had problems of her own.
One could say that she was having a very mild panic attack. Doubts of her plan started to form. And she could not help but think that she might have moved a bit too swiftly.

Her spell of doubts soon came to a screeching halt when Dreams spoke in a soft and still unsure voice.
“I think, I think I'd like to. But may I ask why?”

With the yes in the proverbial pocket, Twilight began to explain what she had been thinking about the previous night.
Though she did lay a bit more heavy on the really getting to know each other in a more well normal setting for a married couple. Though Dreams did also agree on that it might be a good choice to get the paparazzi to take pictures off. They could be really pesky if they got without a good snoop for too long.

“So euhm, what have you planned for today then Twilight?”

That question had brought a smile on Twilight's face. With a flash of magic several scrolls levitated themselves from the piles of books. Each of them contained an event, all neatly stacked in several stacks.
Morning, lunch, afternoon, dinner, evening.

“Well I was planning a few things. But to make it fair and in the spirit of really getting to know each other, you know to see what we like and such, I figured we each choose one activity and one meal. How about I take morning activities and dinner and you choose lunch and the afternoon? And we'll see where we end up for the evening”

Dreams thought for a moment, it did sound enticing. Maybe they could even forget the whole ordeal of the previous day. Ideas already started to form. Both for the activity and for the lunch.
A small smile started to grace her lips, and to Dreams surprise the same smile started to grow on Twilight's muzzle.

“Alright, I accept your terms. Now then what have you planned for this morning?”

A regret instantly formed when she saw the large predatory grin forming on Twilight's face. It made her nervous just to look at it.

An hour or two later Dreams found herself regretting accepting the 'date' even more as she was fleeing for her proverbial life.
In an attempt to be spontaneous and daring (all according to the strategy of the perfect date she devised of course) had chosen to take Pleasant Dreams out to the paintball field.

Yes, Ponyville had one of those. And especially in the spring and summer it was a location well visited by tourists from Canterlot with loads of bits to spend on the extra paint.

They had joined a few games, and while tricky at first Dreams had soon proven to be quite the adapt at the game. Well she was quite adept at it until she had accepted a friendly challenge from one of the local players.

Something they had called 'The duck hunt'. And stupidly enough she had been selected to be the duck.

Mere seconds after accepting the challenge, which she did despite heavy resistance from Twilight, she was deeply regretting it.
Especially since those triggerhappy goons had been spraying their pellets like there was no tomorrow.

As she dragged her paint coated body off the field she looked more like the mane of Rainbow Dash then the greyish thestral she was.
The laughing Twilight who was greeting her back did not help her mood a lot either. Well at least until she found the alicorn pointing at several flying colors pallets behind her.

Turned out that in her mad dash of not getting hit she had managed to evade so many paint pellets that the many photographers following the couple around had been off much, much worse than Dreams herself. They looked like not a single speck of their fur had any of their normal color remaining.
The sight of those vultures in such a state did give her a little pleasure.

But now that she was covered in paint, and perhaps more than a few welts, an idea of her own came. She had felt how well the aim of the regulars had been. With a devilish smile she approached Twilight and started to whisper her idea, and with consent of Twilight she went to the regulars who promptly agreed, if only they were promised a full case of paint each if they were to compete with them.

It was simple, very simple in core. A match between Ponyville and paparazzi. Nothing much, just a simple deathmatch. Last to have a pony standing would win.

And what would they win? Well if the press won a photoshoot, and it was promised to make it very much worth their while.
If Ponyville would win the paparazzi would leave Twilight and Dreams alone for at least a full week.

Like a school of sharks the whole group of fluttering camera's descended upon the rental stall. Trying to get equipped as soon as possible.

With everypony equipped and ready to go the signal was starting. While severely outmatched it was obvious who would win.

Homefield advantage, more experience and by far superior equipment was making short work of all the buzzards.

A few on the home team had been hit by a lucky shot, Dreams had to give it to the photographers they did know how to aim. Probably because of all the time they had to take popshots with the camera while being on the run.

The massacre did not last long, though Twilight had been caught in a rather explosive crossfire at the very beginning of the game. Shot right on the plot, Dreams had seen it and was struggling to keep her composure when one of her own teammates was making a size/bulls-eye joke.
While yes, Twilight was a bit larger in that department it had fitted the alicorn. She somehow made the larger tush seem like it was normal.

And if she was to be really honest? That little extra fat on Twilight made for a very comfy snuggle. But during a game like this? It only served to make her a bigger target.
At the end of the game, all of the press was dripping off (in most cases quite literally as they had been hosed down to clean off all the paint) leaving their would be prey in a sense of peace of sorts.

A now sopping wet Twilight was looking at Dreams. “So, then what are we doing for lunch?”

The lunch Dreams had planned was not anything special, but still it was something she had on her list to do, the one she wrote in her mind for when she would get a normal life, for ages.
To add another was simply a condition of circumstance, not exactly planned but certainly not unwelcome.

She simply motioned for Twilight to follow, hopefully Spike was keeping his end of the bargain. A simple deal actually, Dreams agreed to take on a day of chores from Spike if he would be at a certain spot she had found the day before at around lunch-time.

Only this time she was adamant NOT to take the long scenic route along the forest borders. This time she was going to take flight and go straight towards it.

It did not take long, perhaps a flight of 10 minutes, and the lake she had discovered the day before came into sight. And on the beach of the lake lay a small red and white checkered blanket amongst a large sea of flowers. It was still exactly like it had been the day before.

The closer they came the better the scent of the flowers became, a small basket had been placed upon the blanket.

While Dreams was examining the basket, and finding out that Spike had gone completely full out with all manner of things besides the simple sandwiches which had been requested, Twilight was standing in awe.

“So from the silence I take it that you like the location for our picnic?”

A nod from Twilight was the only response she had received. Dreams could understand the silence, it was a pretty nice spot. If you could forget the doom and gloom forest right at your back.

The meal was eaten in relative silence, the only small talk that was made was about the surroundings. The sense of calmness of the lake and the flower fields and its offset to the forest. But both mares felt at peace, they felt that the meal should simply be enjoyed without any intrusion.

With the last crumbs of an most excellent quiche, pieces of fruit salad and the last drops of cider gone it became time for them to leave the almost surreal surroundings behind.

Dreams plans for the afternoon where bit more rustic and calm then Twilight's. Though the paintball had been fun, especially bashing the paparazzi. Though unfortunately not all of those sleezebags seemed to uphold their end of the deal. If the incidental flash coming from the clouds where any clear cut indication.

No, Dreams had looked at Twilight's idea's and concepts that morning and saw something that was absolutely appropriate for how the day was supposed to be spend. Both in the way that it could be done on a real date, instead of the mock one she still believed this one was, and something friends would do with each other.

Coincidentally it was something she had high on her list of things to do. Something her old master had always enjoyed, at least he claimed to enjoy it, but never once had she been able to go.

But now the only problem was to rouse Twilight who had placed herself besides Dreams in a sort of food induced coma, in a very similar way as her thoughts had placed the alicorn the previous day.

A soft poke to the side caused a sleepy looking Twilight to stare at Dreams.
“Well as nice as just staying here would be and just enjoy the scenery but we do have a place we need to be in about 20 minutes. So how about waking up sleepyhead?”

The only response was a muffled 'Don't wanna, is comfy here' and a Twilight who was laying her head back down.

If this where to continue then her plans for the afternoon would be in real danger. Her mind wandered a bit to what she could do to wake up the slumbering alicorn. A thought came up, something she really did not like doing. But it had proven very effective in the past.

Slowly she moved her mouth towards Twilight, then suddenly pushing her tongue into the nearest ear. Causing Twilight to jump up with a small shriek.

Dreams herself slowly stood up and stretched her wings a little, letting the blood flow a bit better within them for the flight back. Having somepony propped up against one was not the most enjoyable sensation.
Something which most likely explained why couples often draped a wing across the others back or where sitting a little bit further apart.

“Now that you are awake, it's time for us to go. We, well I think me mostly, wouldn't want to miss the second part now would we?”

Twilight was about to protest, it was not right leaving all the stuff they had used behind like that. But Dreams was already one step ahead and merely shook her head, signaling that it had already been taken care off.

Or well, better said it would be taken care off. In a moment or two. The things that little drake would do for a day of slacking off. And as if on cue, right after take-off Dreams could see Spike walking towards the site. Luckily he also had opted to take the safe route. Though she was pretty surprised to see him carrying a second basket and that he was not alone. A white filly had been closely at his side. Dreams made a small mental note to ask him later about it, there had to be a good story behind that one.

Somewhat halfway into town Twilight had been starting to grow anxious. It was obvious that she really wanted to know what was going to happen, she had told Dreams of her plans straight away. But the thestral was being completely silent. She only said that it was something she had always wanted to do. Which in turn made things even more interesting to Twilight and harder to resist. Hence her constant pestering.

The conclusion however was a bit of a let down, at least for Twilight. Dreams had selected to go to the cinema, just the cinema to see a movie. There was nothing special about it.

Though when Twilight had been thinking about it, perhaps there was something special about it. The subtle hints dropped, the way the thestral seemed to be dancing on her hooves in excitement.
And of course the massive hint Dreams had voiced.
“I have never been to this place, but my old master enjoyed it immensely.”

Though as for her choice in movies? Twilight was fearing that a loooong discussion was going to be due.

Some cheesy flick about vamponies and teenagers being in love with each other was not a proper movie to watch on a date. She had read the books and for what she knew about the story it was not suited to be watched, period.
Who ever had written it should have been lashed with a permanent writer's block as far as she was concerned. It was an atrocity to the written word. Not even worth being called a book.

But still, they had a good time during that god awful theatershow a week ago. So perhaps she was wrong and perhaps Dreams presence could make the movie doable.

Roughly two hours later Twilight was a horrible mess. Dreams herself was not doing quite so well either. Both regretting choosing that movie and having sat through the entire thing. Both of them were quite a bit of a shivering mess and that was not only of the horrid dialogue or the even worse acting.
It was from the screeching fan fillies in the room.

But all in all, Dreams had enjoyed it. Though she did promised Twilight that she would think more clearly about a movie in the future. And quite possibly discuss it before going to see it as well.

On the bright side of things, the cinema itself had been absolutely amazing. The scents, sounds and the popcorn. Ooh one must not forget the popcorn. That sweet and buttery treat. How she could have lived her life without it Dreams could never guess. Though cleaning her hooves afterwards was a bit of a nuisance.

Now they only had to wait until it was time for dinner. Hopefully it would go just as good as the rest of the day. Nice and peaceful, without to many problems.