Several seasons passed since Ruby became my daughter; the running of the leaves had come and gone and the cold bitter wind came around chilling the Equestrian air to bring in the Fall and Winter. Ruby and I were enjoying the fall weather while Luna was helping her sister with some diplomats from the Minotaur Territories. Ok, I was just basking in the sun while the filly jumped around in the leaves, but still enjoying the sunny weather never the less. We were in the Canterlot Gardens and were over by the pond. Next to me sat Ruby's saddlebags full of books that she had checked out from the Canterlot Library, most of which focusing on constellations and appearances of the moon during different seasons. That was her new mother's influence, I reminded myself as I watched her white bat-like wings flap uncontrollably as she attempted to take flight, landing her a trip into the pile of leaves that she used as a protective bed.

"Relax your muscles more, and take your time. Gravity is your enemy here, focus on catching as much air with your wings as you can." I called out to her as a crimson mane popped out of the leaves. I had to admire her desire to fly, watching her constantly practicing to build her wing muscles, after her studies of course. She shot a nod in my direction and scrunched her face up in concentration. Her wings started to flap again and she slowly got airborne, her face lighting up when she dared to open her eyes. I let out a small chuckle as she fell back into the leaves again, her concentration broken from her excitement of somewhat flying. I stood up and helped her out of her leafy prison, taking note of the look of disappointment on her muzzle. I gave her a loving nuzzle and encouraged her, "Your getting there, Pup, the art of flying takes time to master and even then you're always learning."

Ruby trotted over to her saddlebags and took out a small juice box that a maid had placed. After taking a large sip from her drink, she turned to me and spoke, "But you and Mommy make it look so easy." I noticed her heavy panting and decided that it was about time for her to go back inside. After helping her get the saddlebags on, we started towards the entrance back into the castle.

"That's because me and mommy have been flying for a long time. Don't worry yourself to much, you'll be flying soon enough. Now, how about we go and see about getting some lunch; I bet you're dying to get some of Gourmet's food in your belly."

She paused, almost hesitant about something on her mind. The little filly slowly started to speak when she saw me stop and step back to her. "Daddy, do you think we can.. um.. go to Sandy's for some... uh ice cream instead." Well... can't say that I expected that. I placed a claw on my chin as I acted like I was pondering the thought.

"Hmm... Let's see; should I go out with my daughter and spoil her to some sugary sweets?" I saw her mind go to work as she started to think that she wasn't going. I smiled and looked back down at her, as I saw a familiar mare making her way towards us. "This decision is just to hard for me to make. What do you think Princess?"

Princess Luna came trotting up behind Ruby, giving the white filly her own motherly nuzzle as she greeted her adopted daughter. The hallway that we stood at was basically abandoned, so I gave the princess a warm nuzzle to her neck. I hated having to keep our relationship a secret, however, it was necessary since she was a princess of Equestria. The word of her being involved with a dragon would probably send the kingdom in anarchy. Okay, so it won't be that bad, but still... bad. My mistress let out a long, tired sigh as she scooped Ruby up onto her back, walking besides me as we headed for her chambers.

"Please forgive me, sweetie, Mommy's a little tired. What was it you wanted?" I was confused as to whether that was for me or Ruby, but considering Ruby answered first, I'll take it as a Ruby question.

"I asked Daddy if we could go to Sandy's for ice cream. I'm down with my studies for today and Daddy said that I did a good job learning to fly today."

"Oh, I don't see why not. Unfortunately, the Minotaur leaders aren't budging on our new trading terms. I swear if we can't come to an agreement we'll have an economic crisis on our hooves." She levitated Ruby onto my back as she turned back around, "I fear that I won't be accompanying you both tonight until late. I must return to continue the meeting." She took off at a gallop towards the Counsel Chambers, leaving myself and Ruby alone in the hallway. After a few seconds, we continued to our chambers and placed Ruby's saddlebags by her new bed. Once I made sure we had enough bits, and helping Ruby climb back on my back, we headed back out into the quiet halls.

As the two of us made our way down the hallways to the main entrance, Ruby broke the silence that had crept its way to us. "Mommy's got an important job, doesn't she Daddy." I nodded in response.

"That's right, Pup, she does. She is one of the most important ponies in Equestria."

"Because she raises the moon, right?"

"Right, but there are more things that she has to do as well." I could almost sense her tilting her head in curiosity.

"Like what?"

"Well... let's use what she's doing right now with the Minotaurs. Can you tell me why they're an important ally to Equestria?"

There was a pause as she thought for a second, followed by her jumping on my neck to see my reaction as she gave her answer. "Because they give great motivational seminars?" I struggled to contain a laugh as she answered.

"No, Pup, Minotaurs are actually the main provider to all of Equestria's metals and raw materials for creating metals. Right now the Minotaurs are experiencing a shortage in their main trade item; Iron. Iron is used to create things from a simple nail to the most intricate machinery known to Ponykind." We rounded a corner and alerted the guard to our presence, who immediately opened the door to the front of the castle. I gave him a respectful nod we passed then continued on with Ruby's extra lesson. "It's because of this shortage that Mommy has to work very hard to see that Equestria gets its share of the Iron the Minotaurs export, these negotiations will often last for days until an agreement is met. Said agreement can be anything from food and supplies, to promise of aid if the Minotaur nation experiences disaster or war."

Glancing back I could tell that she was trying her best to stay interested, mainly since myself and Luna were her teachers since there weren't many copony schools in the Unicorn controlled city. Sensing that my lecture was done, she readjusted herself into a more comfortable spot on my back, enjoying the feeling of the early evening sun. "I'm not going to have any homework over that, am I?"

"Consider it a side lesson, Pup. Now let's go get that ice cream." I heard her breathe a sigh of relief as I gave a powerful push with my wings, taking to the air. I circled the castle for a few seconds until I found my target; a Sandy's Ice Cream Parlour over by the train station, and set my course for it.

Author's Note

Another shorter and highly uneventful chapter. Sorry about that. Hopefully my attempt at feels makes up for it. Let me know what you guys think and I promise that there will be more stuff going on in the future, just give it some time.

And I totally didn't steal the Andy's frozen custard idea.... ok, I did. I suck at that kind of thing.