Diamond Tiara of The Royal Guard

Diamond Tiara groaned as she dragged herself back to the barracks, her coat still dripping wet from washing all the mud off it. She was stiff, sore, exhausted, and felt like she still had mud in places she did not want to think about.

How long had she been going through training? Two years? Three? How much longer was it going to be? Another decade? A century?

There was still lots and lots of running, but now it was while carrying weighted bags. They were also getting heavier and heavier. None of the cadets had dared asked, but it was explained that not only did a guard have to be able to do everything in full armor, but might also have to carry an injured member if things turn dire.

They had also started training in unarmed combat. There were some front hoof strikes and blocks, but it relied mostly on kicking. A fact that had a tendency to send a spike of ice through Diamond Tiara's heart.

In the next few days they were supposed to start on weapons training, focusing mainly on swords and spears. Maybe they would get the chance to do some sparring with each other. Maybe she could have a match set up against a certain, bitter, cranky mare. Then she would have an opportunity to shove the sword into the uptight-

A letter and package were waiting for Diamond Tiara on her cot. It was a surprise. Silver Spoon said that she would write, but no letters had arrived before. She certainly never expected a package.

As she grabbed the envelope, her eyes caught sight of the return address, causing Diamond Tiara to freeze.

The letter was from Sweet Apple Acres.

Diamond Tiara's lip twitched as she glared at it. It was pretty easy to guess who the letter was about, even if it was not actually written by her. That was one pony that Diamond Tiara did not want to think about. Especially not after...

She should just throw it away. Tear it up, toss it in the trash, and forget all about it. Same thing with the package. Just toss the whole thing. Not even bother to open. Just throw the whole thing in the trash, forget about it, and move on.

With a sigh, she opened the envelope and pulled the letter out. Moving to sit on the edge of her cot, Diamond Tiara began to read.

Dear Diamond Tiara,

Sorry for not writing to you sooner. I wanted to talk to you about everything face to face, but it seems that they aren't allowing visitors. So it looks like I have to try and talk to you through a letter. I also had to figure out what I wanted to say to you. I'm still not entirely sure.

I guess I should start with what you probably want to hear. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel like you were unwanted or freeze you out that morning. Especially after the fun the pleasure what we did together. I was just confused.

I don't regret what we did. I mean I kind of wish that we had both been sober and got to hang out with each other more first, but I enjoyed it very much. I also hope we can do it again some time soon.

I was just I didn't expect

I always thought that I would end up with a stallion. Kind of like how you always thought you would take over Barnyard Bargains. I just figured that I would meet a colt, fall in love at first sight, get married, and have foals. It never really crossed my mind if I was actually interested in stallions in the first place. So I never expected to fall in lovebe interested inwant to sleep with be attracted to another mare, especially one that I never really got along with before.

That's kind of why I was acting so weird around you the next morning. I was really confused by the whole thing. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. In fact, I kind of wish that you had stayed so we could have spent the whole weekend together before you went into training. We did try to look for you so we could ask you to come back.

At this point, Diamond Tiara had to stop reading for a moment. The letter was starting to get too blurry. She took a slow, deep breath as she wiped at her cheeks and eyes.

Mentally, Diamond Tiara kicked herself for being so stupid. If she had stayed and talked to Apple Bloom instead of assuming the worst ("It's fine." "We were both drunk and vulnerable." "Not like we were dating or anything.") and storming off ("She doesn't want me here? Fine! I'll just find somewhere else to stay."), she could have had a nice weekend sleeping in a bed with her and having some home cooked meals.

Feeling calmer, Diamond Tiara continued to read.

I would like to see you again. Maybe we could try dating and getting to know each other. I think it would be nice if we could get together and see what it would be like to be fillyfriends. If not, can we at least be friends?

I sent a picture of myself along with the letter.

Diamond Tiara set the letter aside and looked in the envelope. Finding the picture, she pulled it out. There was an image of Apple Bloom, stretched out on the same bed that they had shared, with her mane falling around her face. Bloom's golden eyes were half close, and the edges of her mouth curved up in a faint smile.

Setting down the picture, Diamond Tiara licked her lips. She resumed reading the letter.

I figured that if you wanted to keep see each other, it would be something to remind you of me. Rarity has a bunch of romance novels where a waiting mare sends her soldier stallion a picture of her. The pose was Sweetie Belle's idea. She thought you would like it if I was "provactive" or something. I don't know what you should do if you don't want it.

I'm also sending you a box of cookies. Pinkie Pie helped me make made them with some help from me. We used zap apple jam in them. She wanted to call them zapple snaps, but I like zap apple jammers. Either way they should taste great since Pinkie made them.

I hope to hear from you soon. Good luck with your training. I'm sure you'll be a great guard.

Love,

Sincerely,

Affectionately yours,

Apple Bloom.

Diamond Tiara folded up the letter and set it back in the envelope. She stared at the picture of Apple Bloom again.

A relationship. With her. Apple Bloom wanted to have a relationship with her.

Admittedly, when she had sex with Apple Bloom, Diamond Tiara was drunk and feeling vulnerable. Still, she had enjoyed it so much when they were together. It felt strangely right. So much better than anything with Snails.

A smiled pulled against the edges of Diamond Tiara's mouth. Her hooves pulled the picture to her chest, giving it a hug. The misunderstanding was as much her fault as Apple Bloom's. She should write a letter back accepting the apology and giving one of her own for not giving Bloom a chance to explain.

A part of her still cringed at the idea of admitting she was wrong. Still, she had to grow up and admit to her mistakes.

After trying one of those cookies. They sounded delicious.