A Total Eclipse of Their Hearts

“A Total Eclipse of Their Hearts”

Chapter 7:
“An Evening for Romance”

The sun had just started to descend along the horizon. David and Luna had arrived back in Canterlot. Before the sun could set, the princess led them outside the castle. They made their way to a large open grassy field behind the majestic palace. The couple came to rest a good distance from the precipice. From there they could gaze out at a truly breathtaking sight. A vast portion of Equestria sprawled out before them to behold. From Canterlot’s cliff-side, they could see a wide open plain, nearby forests, a series of creeks, the charming town of Ponyville, and in the distance the spiring buildings of Manehatten. The lovers cast their eyes upward and caught the sight of the fiery colors of the sky. A mesh of yellows, oranges, reds and soft purples slowly signaled the end of day, foreshadowing the impending arrival of night.

David stood very close to Luna. She could feel his body lightly making contact with hers. The mare rested her loving head along his shoulder, while they continued to take in the evening vista. His arm slowly reached around the back of the princess, coming to rest on her right shoulder. Then he pulled her firmly but gently against him.

He softly sighed as he stood there watching the sun set with his beloved pony. “The sunset sure is lovely…isn’t it Luna?”

She sighed contently following his expressive words. “Yes, it really is beautiful…but…it’s even more magical having someone to share it with,” Luna remarked an endless joy clinging to her every word.

David ran his hand along her shoulder affectionately. “I couldn’t agree more. And you know what?” he asked.

“No, what?” She inquired back not wanting to waste a moment guessing.

“I’ve always wanted to have a special lady to watch the sun set with. Luna, thank you for being here with me,” he said turning his head to gaze upon her.

A smile quickly formed on her face. Luna turned her head to focus her teal eyes upon him. “David…” she uttered softly, “I’m only all too happy to be here with you…but I want to thank you too.” She sighed lovingly as she became lost in his brown eyes.

“Luna…my love,” he uttered quietly, returning her gaze. A gentle breeze began to blow rustling through his hair and lightly brushing locks of her mane against his cheek and neck. David’s hand moved from her shoulder to lightly touch her light blue mane. He cast out an affectionate sigh as the tranquility of the moment slowly consumed them both.

A few moments later, a sly smile formed on his face. He firmly patted her back and declared, “Tag! You’re it!” David pulled himself from Luna and began running away from her.

She quickly came out of her trance-like state and leered at him. The bluish purple alicorn quickly realized what he was doing. “Hey no fair!” Luna shouted as she started galloping after him. David began laughing as he continued to sprint away from her. She grinned at him as she galloped even harder. Her hooves tore along the grass giving her extra momentum. “I’ll get you!” She called after him giggling.

“You can’t catch the wind!” He playfully taunted as he kept dashing along the blades of short grass.

A determined look crossed Luna’s face as she slowly began to close in on him. The sound of her hooves galloping behind David grew steadily louder. Then right as he looked back she reached out and tagged him. “Ha-ha! Now you are it!” She chuckled. The alicorn laughed as she began galloping away from him.

A grin encompassed David’s face as he tore off after her. “We’ll see about that!” He shouted, continuing to run after her.

Luna looked back and saw him slowly catching up to her. A sly look formed on her face. She spread her wings and took to the air. The princess remained fairly low to the ground but was just out of reach. As she circled overhead she called out, “Who can’t catch the wind now?!”

Then Luna started giggling and flew onward. David continued to pursue her, but her altitude offered her an unfair advantage. After traversing a short distance more, Luna touched down on the grass. His breath grew short but he continued running after her. She looked at him with an enticing come hither expression. He smiled winsomely at her, continuing to give chase. This time Luna didn’t move, she stood her ground as he grew closer and closer to her. David out stretched his arms and playfully tackled her. The couple toppled onto the ground’s grassy blanket and began laughing and rolling along the field. After rolling a good twenty feet the lovers came to rest. Luna found herself on top of David. She giggled at him and he chuckled back at her. The two sighed lovingly, sharing a deep gaze into each other’s eyes. She left her front hooves dangle over his shoulders and David placed his arms tenderly around her. They moved in to share a passionate kiss. At first it seemed their lip merger would be short-lived, but just as Luna began to pull away, David placed his hands on the back of her head. He pushed his lips back against hers and gently pulled her toward him. For a split second she resisted, but the entice sensation of kissing him almost seemed to make Luna melt. She happily gave in softly moaning, as their lips remained locked. The alicorn could hear him lightly moan back. Then finally the kiss ended.

She smiled at him. “That was wonderful.”

“It was,” he replied returning her smile.

Luna gave him a playful look. “So…you thought it would be fun to be spontaneous like that…huh?”

He grinned at her feeling his cheeks lightly blush. “Yes, I did. I hope you don’t mind.”

She giggled softly continuing to focus her teal eyes on him. “Of course not David. That was fun!” She expressed. Luna grinned at him as she added, “And it looks like I came out on top.”

He chuckled at her. “Is that a fact?” David taunted. Then quickly he turned the tables as he turned them over…now David was on top. Luna lay there on her back looking up at him. Her eyes returned to his entice brown orbs. Since their meeting the princess continued to find them heavenly to gaze upon. That’s when Luna made a spontaneous move of her own. She placed her hooves on his cheeks and pulled him down for another tender kiss. The alicorn had taken him lightly by surprise, but it was of course a welcomed one. David placed his hands around her neck, pushing them under her delicate mane. He ever so tenderly held her as his lips thrilled from being rejoined to hers. Seconds passed and the two broke apart. David moved off of Luna and slowly returned to his feet. He smiled offering his princess a hand up. She reached out her right front hoof. Taking hold of her, David guided her up as Luna returned to all fours. The couple made their way back to the cliff’s edge to resume watching the sun set.

David studied the surrounding terrain carefully. Luna watched him curiously as she stood beside him. “What is it?” she asked in earnest.

He smiled at her. “I just noticed that Canterlot appears to be build on the side of a mountain,” David replied.

“So.”

“Do you remember the one love song we listened to back at my home on Earth?” He inquired focusing his eyes on her.

Luna looked back into his eyes. She thought back for a moment and then the memory resurfaced. Her mouth dropped open from a light gasp. “I think I do,” she replied. The princess focused on their surroundings. She turned and smiled thoughtfully at him. “Looks like you’re standing with me on a mountain. And that was part of that song.”

He pulled her close and rubbed his cheek against hers. “Yea. I wanna stand with you on a mountain! And now I am,” he responded, sighing lovingly.

Luna returned his sigh and said, “You sure are!”

It was at that moment the couple noticed the sun complete its descent. The sky grew dark from its absence. A brilliant light met them. Princess Celestia was returning from her task. She managed to spy them there on the cliff, just prior to twilight. The sounds of her wings beating majestically along the air reached their ears. Softly the elder princess touched down a few feet before them, and the shining glow of her horn faded.

There were still a few fading embers of daylight offering a very faint light on them. Celestia smiled at them both. “Good evening you two! I’m glad to see you made it back safely,” she expressed with delight.

Luna smiled at her sister and declared, “We did. And it’s always good to see you big sister. Now if you’ll both excuse me…I have a job to do!” She moved away from David, giving him a loving look. Then the younger princess unfurled her wings and left the ground. Her wings flapped elegantly as Luna gained altitude. To David’s eyes she almost seemed to be giving off her own shimmering glow.

Her horn illuminated and in mere moments a familiar celestial body rose from the horizon into the sky. The moon journeyed to its place in the night and was joined by the sparkling light of the stars. Luna arced in the sky completing her sacred task. The light faded from her horn as she made her descent back to her loved ones. The moon cast its gentle glow across Canterlot. David and Celestia saw Luna as she came in for a graceful landing.

The elder princess nodded and smiled in approval of her sister’s work. “Nicely done Luna. I’d say it’s one of your nicest raisings yet!” declared Celestia.

She smiled thoughtfully at her sister. “Thank you Celestia,” said Luna.

In addition to admiring her little sister’s work, Celestia also noticed the two of them had been standing there closely when she arrived. “So what brought you two out here? I would have thought you’d be in the castle by now,” remarked the white alicorn.

“David and I were just enjoying the sunset,” replied Luna.

David smiled at Celestia and gently squeezed Luna. “Yeah, it was something special we were sharing,” he added.

The elder princess glanced at them both and continued to smile. Closing her eyes she responded, “I’m glad to see you two are getting along so well. Now would you two care to join me for dinner in the royal dinning room?”

“Of course we would,” answered Luna. She quickly looked over at David.

He nodded at her and then focused his eyes on Celestia. “That sounds great your highness,” he said.

Celestia fluffed her wings and then folded them back neatly. “Glad to hear it. Now Luna why don’t you go get ready? In the meantime, I will show David to his room.”

Luna nodded her head. “Okay,” Luna replied.

David ran his hand along Luna’s mane one more time before letting her go. Then he asked, “Luna, could I walk you to dinner?”

“I’d like that,” she answered.

“Oh, but I don’t know where your room is,” he remarked feeling a bit overwhelmed by the shear size of Canterlot.

Celestia giggled softly at him. “Don’t worry David, I can give you directions to her room once we get to yours,” she explained.

“Oh good. The last thing I want to do is get lost,” he said with a nervous chuckle.

Luna kissed him on the cheek and said, “Oh don’t worry. I know you’ll do fine! I’ll see you in a little bit my dear.” With that Luna took her leave of them. She took one final look back. David waved a hand at her and she waved her hoof, then she turned the corner and was gone.

Celestia and David made their way to his guestroom. The best guestrooms were on the same floor as the princess’ rooms. So thankfully David’s chances of getting lost would be lessened. Before long, the two had arrived at the door to his room. “Here is your room,” Celestia said opening the door directing him inside. David took a look around and felt his mouth drop open in shock. The room was huge! Compared to his bedroom in his house on Earth, this was easily three times its size! There was a large queen size bed, two dressers, a vanity, a wardrobe, a pair of shelves and a small round table with four chairs. The room had a big window adorned with elegant red curtains and matching drapes.

He turned to his host and asked, “Is all this for me?”

Celestia chuckled for a moment and said, “Why yes it is.” She closed the door and walked over to him.

At the moment David had knelt down and started rummaging through his backpack. Merry Way had brought it as instructed and set it by the bed. The princess lightly tapped him on the shoulder. “Huh?” he uttered from the touch of her hoof. The human turned his head and glanced back at the alicorn.

Celestia remained silent for a moment before she said, “I’m glad to see you and Luna are getting along so well.”

He smiled at her and turned back to his belongings. “It pleases me to hear you say that princess. When Luna and I first arrived here, I wasn’t sure how our relationship was going to be received,” he remarked removing a hairbrush and stick of deodorant from his backpack.

“Yes well I can see why you were skeptical,” Celestia replied clearing her throat. There was a distinct nervousness in the princess’s voice. David wasn’t sure what prompted this behavior. It almost seemed like she had something specific that she wanted to say, yet she was reluctant to broach the topic.

He rose to his feet and gave her a quizzical expression. Peering into her magenta eyes, David could see that there was something major on her mind. He turned his head away and sighed clueless as to what it could be. Returning his gaze to Celestia, he finally asked, “So what’s on your mind? I seriously doubt you’re here just to make small talk.”

Celestia opened her mouth as if she was about to speak, but she paused before finally responding. “It’s about Luna. David I worry about her. Has she told you about her past?”

Sensing this was going to be an involved conversation, he gently dropped himself onto the bed. Then he patted the spot next to him offering the princess a seat. “Won’t you please sit down your highness?”

She smiled at him. “Sure. Oh and you needn’t be so formal with me when others aren’t around. Please…just call me Celestia,” she directed sitting beside him.

He returned her smile and nodded. “Okay then…Celestia. Luna has told me a bit about her past. It seems to be one fraught with pain and loneliness,” he answered.

The princess nodded. “It’s true. I won’t bore you with the details of her past, besides it’s not my place to tell you everything. I just fear for her. Something seems to be bothering her…even if she herself remains unaware of it.”

David cast his eyes at the elegant marble tile floor. He studied the various patterns. “I know what you mean. I’ve seen a painful presence in her beautiful teal eyes. From what I could get out of her, she said it was a complicated matter from her past,” he replied. Celestia didn’t speak, she focused her eyes on him. He looked up at her and smiled. “Though I can say I haven’t noticed that look in her eyes since the declaration of our love.”

Celestia smiled from his words. “That is indeed welcome news. I just hope things will be all right,” expressed the worried princess.

David reached over and lightly caressed her swirling colorful mane. While it appeared almost fluidic, it felt just like hair. Though the texture was amazingly soft and smooth. “Don’t worry Celestia. As long as I’m able, I’ll do my best to be there for your sister. Luna means so very much to me,” he remarked withdrawing his hand form the princess’s mane. It was his hope that making a physical connection with the alicorn would help to quell her anxiety. Celestia didn’t appear to be offended by his actions, nor did she give him a disapproving look. Returning his gaze to the floor, David let out a quiet sigh.

Celestia recognized the type – his sigh had an almost glum quality to it. She gazed over at him thoughtfully. “Why the long sigh?”

He let out a forced chuckle. “I know this may sound silly or even pathetic of me, but even now during this short time I’ve been away from Luna…I find I’m already missing her. In fact I can’t seem to get her off my mind,” he confessed.

The pearl white alicorn tenderly placed her hoof on his shoulder. “No David…that’s not silly or pathetic. It shows that you truly do love Luna. In fact it eases my mind to know you care so deeply for her,” revealed Celestia, smiling once again at him.

He returned her smile. “You’re a very good sister Celestia! Only a truly exception one would be so concerned about Luna. It’s no wonder she spoke of you quite often, while we were still on Earth. You must mean a great deal to her,” David responded.

The princess didn’t know what to say. She was taken off guard by such a kind remark. Celestia rose from the bed, returning to her hooves. “I’d best go and get ready for dinner myself. I don’t want to make any of us late,” she expressed. Before she left, Celestia gave David directions to Luna’s room, so he could walk her sister to dinner.

After Celestia departed, David resumed unpacking his possessions. He didn’t know how long he’d be in Equestria, so he mainly brought some clothing as well as a few personal belongings. The youthful man removed a pair of black dress pants. They had a formal look, while they doubled as casual wear. In addition, he removed a nice gray and black striped dress shirt with a black collar and semi button down front. He removed his jeans, short sleeve shirt and then promptly dressed in his more formal attire. Once he was dressed, he rubbed on some deodorant wanting to be presentable for dinner. Grabbing his hairbrush, he strolled over to the vanity and checked his hair. David gave it a quick brushing and then set the brush on the counter. Now that he was ready, he took a deep breath and left his room.

He began his journey to Luna’s room. As he neared the end of the hall, he noticed the sound of approaching hooves. For a moment, he wondered it if might be his special mare. After all he and Celestia had talked longer than he anticipated. David continued walking and entered the adjacent corridor. There his eyes widened from surprise, meeting an unexpected sight. A beautiful pink unicorn was approaching him. Well at first he thought she was just a unicorn. Then she turned to examine a nearby plant. He caught a glimpse of the pony’s wings. David gasped realizing she was another alicorn.

He shook his head, trying not to stare at her. She was incredibly cute and beautiful - however her looks paled compared to his beloved Luna’s. For the moment however, this stunning creature had full possession of his gaze. David noticed she had a lovely colorful mane and tail – made up of purple, melon pink and a pale yellow. The colors meshed nicely with her purple eyes and her elegant cutie mark – consisting of a teal heart surrounded by golden accents.

The alicorn pulled away from the plant and continued walking toward him. She looked up and noticed the unusual creature standing in her path. The pony came to a stop and gave him a good look. David continued gazing at her growing more and more curious about her. “Who are you?” he finally asked full of wonder.

His voice sounded genuinely friendly and his demeanor wasn’t menacing either. She smiled at him and politely said, “I am Princess Cadence, but you may call me Cadence. And may I ask who you are?”

He smiled at her. “My name is David,” he answered.

“It’s nice to meet you David. Now if you’ll pardon me, I am going to be late, unless I can find my tiara,” she expressed somewhat frantically.

It was odd to David, but Cadence didn’t seem to pay any heed to the fact that he wasn’t a native species of Equestria. Shaking his head he asked her, “Do you know where you last saw your tiara?”

“It was in my room, but I just bet that no good Prince Blueblood hid it from me. He’s always picking on me, but I’ll never give him the satisfaction of letting him know it bothers me,” she explained continuing her search.

David decided he’d help her search. Though he figured their chances of finding it in the corridor were remote at best. Still he checked around a nearby suit of decorative stallion armor. To his surprise, he spied something gold and sparkly. Moving to get a better look, he actually found a tiara. Now whether it belonged to Cadence or not was the question. He deftly picked it up. “Is this what you’re looking for?” David asked.

The princess trotted over to him and studied the object he was holding. Cadence placed a hoof to her chin and gave the item a quick look. Her face lit up as she recognized it. “Yes, that is my tiara! Oh my, you found it! Thank you!” She exclaimed with glee.

“Here,” he said carefully placing it on her head. David made sure not to muss her mane.

“Thank you David,” replied Cadence smiling happily.

“Glad to be of help,” he remarked, “But I need to get going. I don’t want to be late myself.”

“Of course not,” the princess replied. Before she left, she gave him a light kiss on the cheek. “Thanks again,” she spoke as she began rhythmically trotting down the hallway, humming to herself.

David took one final glance back at Cadence as she made her way down the corridor. She seemed like such a free spirit. He was happy to have met a pony like her. Then with a joyful smile he pressed onward to the room of his beloved. He eagerly looked forward to seeing Luna again.

He followed Celestia’s directions and easily located Luna’s room. He lightly knocked on her door. In a few moments the sound of eager hoof beats approached. The door clicked and opened. Behind it was his beautiful alicorn. She greeted him with a loving smile. David saw that Luna was wearing her crescent moon necklace, tiara and elegant shoes. The princess looked most enchanting to him. “You look positively divine this evening my love,” he expressed with a delighted smile.

She smiled back at him and noticed his attire had changed. “David…your clothing has changed! And you look dashing,” declared Luna.

He waved a hand and said, “Aww not really. This isn’t that fancy an outfit.”

Luna giggled softly at him. His modesty was cute to her. “Well I’m ready if you are,” she said.

“Of course my lady,” he replied bowing chivalrously. Luna blushed lightly form his kind gesture. She exited her room and closed the door. Then the two began their walk down the corridor. David placed an affectionate hand on her back. She offered him a look of approval and gave him directions to the royal dining room. But as the couple drew nearer to their destination, the surrounding guards and servants gave them a wide assortment of disapproving looks. David quickly withdrew his hand from Luna. It wasn’t his wish to make her feel uncomfortable. Though in truth she would have preferred that he kept his hand on her. The princess felt more insecure without the presence of his hand, than she would have had David kept it resting against her.

At last they arrived at the dining room. Celestia was there to great them. She led them inside and to the table. Unlike the royal dining hall, the royal dining room was used for smaller more private dinners. Normally individuals like David would not be allowed to attend, unless it was due to special circumstances, like this evening. One of the servants took the liberty of pulling out chairs for Luna and David. The princess took her seat and then so did David. He had barely finished sitting down before he heard somepony shout, “What is that thing doing here?!”

Everypony and David quickly looked up. The voice belonged to Prince Blueblood. He was furious that the strange visitor was granted permission to dine with them. “Just what is the meaning of this Celestia?!” Bellowed the prince.

Celestia looked at her nephew curiously. This was most unbefitting conduct, even for him. “David is a guest here in Canterlot and a special friend of my sister’s. That’s why I invited him to dine with us tonight,” explained Celestia.

He gave his aunt a bitter look of disgust. “Unacceptable! I won’t be seen eating with such a creature! Now either he goes or I go…and I have no intention of leaving!” Shouted the prince.

By this point, Princess Cadence had arrived in time to see both his expression and hear his rude words.

David began to feel extremely uneasy. The last thing he ever wanted was to cause trouble for anypony. He rose from his chair. All eyes quickly fell upon him. He wanted to speak, but was unable to, instead he moved away form his chair, bowed respectfully to the royals and abruptly departed.

“David…wait!” Called Luna reaching out a hoof toward him. She was too late, he had already left the room.

Princess Cadence was beside herself with anger. She had just recently met David and was thrilled when she saw him attending dinner with them. The pink alicorn walked over to her cousin and glared at him. “What is the matter with you?!” she shouted.

“What? I’m of noble blood, I have the right to eat my meals without some freak spoiling my appetite!” he spoke callously.

Cadence shook her head. “Why must you be this way?” She asked rhetorically. “Can’t you for once act like a proper prince, instead of a stuck up pompous windbag?” Her demeanor was beginning to frighten Blueblood – he didn’t have a comeback this time. She let out an exasperated sigh. “You’re just lucky Shining Armor is out on patrol, otherwise I’d join him in giving you a piece of our minds!” Cadence declared shaking her hoof angrily at him. “Now come on Luna, why don’t we go see if we can find David.” She awaited her aunt’s reply, but received none. “Luna?” She looked over and noticed Luna’s seat was now empty and there was no sign of her.

Princess Luna had left shortly after David did. She began scouring the halls of the castle for her beloved. After searching for several minutes, she finally found him out in the main courtyard. He was sitting on a short stone wall looking up at the night sky. Luna felt a sense of relief from having found him. She eagerly walked up to him. “David,” she uttered.

He sighed heavily before turning to face her. “I’m sorry Luna…I shouldn’t have come here,” he remarked.

She looked at him incredulously. “But why would you say that?”

“Because, I’m causing you trouble everywhere I go. Only certain ponies don’t seem bothered by me. But I’m have a feeling ones like Blueblood, are going to be the most numerous of all,” he answered.

“Oh don’t pay that ingrate any attention…and David…you aren’t causing me trouble. It doesn’t bother me what they think of you…or of us,” she replied.

He looked up at her with troubled eyes. “It doesn’t?” he asked a slight break in his voice.

Luna moved close to him and placed her hooves around him. “No it doesn’t…so please don’t say such things! You’re the best thing to ever happen to me!” She replied as her composure began to slip.

He felt a surge of emotion in his heart. David placed his arms around Luna and held her tight. “I’m so sorry Luna…I never meant to upset you,” he whimpered as his voice started to break.

She ran her right hoof along his back. “It’s okay David. I know…I know,” she replied in a soothing tone. She could feel him lightly tremble in her embrace. Luna pulled back slightly and noticed tears rolling down his cheeks. “David…what’s wrong?”

“Nothing…everything…I don’t know Luna…” he cried. She held him close. The time had come for her to comfort him. The alicorn continued running her hoof along his back. Slightly regaining his composure, David said, “I just was so looking forward to a nice dinner with you my love…I know we were only apart for less than an hour, but I missed you and was so looking forward to this evening…and then...” he sighed.

“Don’t blame yourself darling, it’s okay. And for what it’s worth I missed you too,” she expressed as tears began forming in her eyes.

He looked up in time to see her glassy eyes. “Luna,” he uttered. David held her tighter. “I love you!”

“I love you too David,” she professed holding him tighter. The two pulled back a bit and dried their eyes. They gazed deep into each other’s soul windows, partaking of the wonders held within. “David.”

“Luna.” The lovers leaned in for a truly needed kiss. The joining of their lips brought them each a sense of peace and happiness. It broke through their sadness and brought an end to their tears. After a few moments passed their kiss ended. “My dearest Luna,” he said tenderly.

“My sweet, sweet David,” she replied lovingly.

He sighed. “So what should we do now?”

Luna nuzzled him and smiled. “Why don’t we go to my room. I’ll have a servant bring our dinners there. I have a table and chairs that we can use. I’ll also have them tell the others to eat without us. How does that sound my love?”

He smiled and nodded. “That sounds great,” he replied.

“Then come on,” she replied. The two rose and stood close as they made their way to Luna’s room.

Despite the harrowing encounter in the royal dining room, the night had vastly improved for Luna and David. The couple had encountered the first major hurdle in their relationship, and thanks to communicating they surpassed it.

One of the castle servants had done as instructed and brought their dinners for them. Under the fancy serving platters, sat their meals. There were fresh garden salads with their requested dressings, and oddly enough the two had both ordered ranch. Their greens were accompanied with fresh baked rolls and optional butter. To David’s astonishment, the main course was spaghetti! It was very close to the Earth style dish. A bed of somewhat thin pasta noodles was blanketed in a generous portion of marinara sauce. The only difference David noticed was the obvious absence of meat. In its place, a series of thin slices of zucchini accented the sauce. There was also a container of powdered Parmesan cheese ready if they wanted to add it to their food.

The couple happily ate their meal, occasionally sharing a few words. David had remarked about the shear quality of the food and how it was pleasingly similar to food he ate on Earth. His words made Luna happy. The two didn’t speak much. It was most likely because that their minds weren’t really on dinner, rather the two kept looking up from their plates and would gaze dreamily across at each other.

The couple had finished the lion’s share of their dinner. Thankfully the portion wasn’t overly large. There was however one more covered platter, this one contained dessert. Luna smiled at David as she reached over and removed the cover using her hooves. The platter had a bowl filled with fresh ripe red strawberries. The berries had their stems removed and were accompanied by a small dish of real whipped cream. She had requested this in place of the original dessert. David moved his chair closer to Luna. He picked up one of the lush berries, and then he dipped it into the bowl of cream. At first he moved the bonbon to his mouth, but then he halted, opting for a more thoughtful approach. David gazed lovingly at Luna. “Open up my love,” he said playfully.

She returned his gaze and smiled. Then she opened her mouth, lightly protruding her tongue. The princess awaited the arrival of the fruit. His hand drew nearer to her. Luna felt the cream coated berry make contact with her salivating tongue. She pulled the fruit into her mouth and delicately bit down. The natural sweetness of the berry blended harmoniously with thick texture and subtle sweetness of the whipped cream. After chewing the flavorful confection, she swallowed it. A small portion of the cream had stuck to the outside of her lips. Luna ever so slowly licked it from her mouth, making sure David followed her every moment. “That was tasty. Thank you honey,” she replied. The alicorn gave him a winsome look as she reached her hoof out for a berry. Luna dipped it into the bowl of whipped topping. The princess gave him a seductive smile as she presented the contents of her hoof to him. “Now it’s your turn…say ah,” she replied shamelessly.

“Ah,” replied David trying not to laugh. She placed the berry carefully into his mouth. Then like her, David consumed the flavorful dessert. And like his beloved he noticed some of the whip topping had coated his mouth as well. Before he could even think to look over at her or complete the though to lick his mouth, Luna leaned over toward him. She gingerly licked the whip cream from his mouth. Her actions surprised him a bit, but were certainly to his liking. Luna finished clearing his face and then lightly kissed his lips. She pulled back and smiled at him. “That was…wonderful my dear,” he said softly.

“I’m glad you liked it,” she responded batting her eyes at him.

They shared a few more berries, and this time they took turns licking their lips clean of any excess cream. Then the lovers moved their chairs even closer together. Luna leaned over and David held her in his arms. She had placed her left hoof around his back and the other across his chest. Her head came to rest on shoulder. The pony sighed contently as he caressed the soft hair of her mane and shared her sigh. “Dinner was wonderful Luna,” he professed.

“It sure was,” she replied feeling a strong sense of elation. “Why does it feel like it’s been so long since we last shared a nice dinner alone together?”

David sighed and nuzzled his cheek against the top of her head. “I’m not sure, but I know what you mean. Hard to believe we’ve only been in Equestria for a day,” he remarked.

“So then why does it feel like we haven’t spent any real time alone together for so long?” She asked hoping there was a reasonable answer.

He resumed caressing her hair, running his fingers along its silky texture. “I’m not sure Luna. Perhaps it’s because of all the time we spent together on Earth. Maybe we were just getting used to it. Or it could just be something couples like us go through when they fall in love,” David proposed hoping to offer her a satisfactory answer.

Luna moaned ever so softly as she nuzzled his shoulder. “I think you’re right my darling,” she expressed, enjoying the gentle heaving of his chest as he breathed. Then an idea struck the alicorn. She nuzzled him again and smiled. “Hey David…”

“Yes my love,” he answered, continuing to relish having her in his arms.

“Would you care to join me for a bath?”

He leaned over and kissed her gently on the head. “That sounds wonderful,” he answered.

She giggled winsomely before replying, “Great, I’ll have the servants prepare the royal bath for us.”

******

Deep within the Everfree forest, lightning streaked across the sky followed by chilling rumbles of thunder. The ominous free flowing storm clouds loomed above a rocky outcropping. Near the center stood the entrance to a rocky cavern. The tunnel drove deep beneath the surface of Equestria. A series of pathways and passages formed a crude labyrinth. Several of the paths met up at a large open chamber. A group of sinister individuals had assembled. They were formulating a series of plans that would almost certainly change the balance of power in this majestic world.

A large hulking figure lurked in the shadows away from the torchlight. Only his silhouette and a pair of shining orange eyes could be seen. Three of his loyal servants had arrived to deliver their report. He crossed his arms as he addressed them. “Ah, so you’ve returned, but why are there no ponies with you? Hmmm?”

The leader of the group stepped forth into the flickering light. He took a deep breath. “A thousand apologies boss, but there were some complications,” replied his lackey.

“Complications? Are you telling me you diamond dogs can’t complete a simple task? I hardly think capturing a few ponies is so difficult,” replied the shadowy figure.

The taller dopey diamond dog stepped into the light. “But it’s true! We almost had this one pony, uh, but there were others…oh, oh and this uh, weird looking thing!”

“Weird looking thing?” Repeated their boss placing an intrigued clawed hand to his chin. “Hmmm, and just what was this thing?” He asked them.

The third diamond dog stepped into the light. He was the shortest of the group and looked somewhat mangy, at least compared to the other two. The short one spoke in his screechy voice, “It was a furless creature that walked on its hind legs. And it wore strange clothes.”

“That’s right! He was with the ponies…and it seemed like he was their friend,” added the diamond dog leader.

“Hmmm,” muttered the hidden figure. “You’re description doesn’t match any species native to Equestria. And I am well-versed in nearly all life on this world.”

“It could be the visitor I’ve been expecting,” spoke a harrowing male voice.

The hulking figure turned to the side. He cast his vision over to a small rocky altar. There a swirling magenta mist resided, occasionally pulsing with a bright matching light. “Master, do you know what this creature might be? Could it be what we’ve been waiting for?”

A small blinking orb began to illuminate from within the mass of mist as it spoke, “As of this moment I am not certain, but if things are going according to plan, it most likely is a visitor from Earth. Just think Haze, we may be ready to begin the next phase of our plans sooner than expected.”

Haze ran his hand along his chin. “You may be right master. Oh I have news from my scouts,” he replied.

“And what might that be my friend?” Asked the swirling mist.

“They have found “her”,” he answered proudly.

An audible gasp escaped from the mist. It flickered brightly before replying, “That is most welcome news. But where is she now? How is she fairing, and what of her powers?” inquired the ethereal entity.

Haze chuckled softly at his master’s enthusiasm. “From what my soldiers have learned, she isn’t far away, merely beyond the realm of the forest. They noted that she appears to be in good health and her powers seem to be as spry as ever,” he reported.

“This is perfect. If we can persuade her to join us, then the possibilities will be endless!” Exclaimed the mist.

“So what will you have of me master?” inquired Haze. The diamond dogs remained silent. Anytime the mist spoke, it often left them feeling humbled. The manner in which it spoke was commanding and confident. They could only imagine what such a being might be capable of, especially if it were ever vexed.

The magenta mist continued to swirl on the makeshift altar of stone. There was a pause that filled the chamber with an eerie silence. Then a bright flash emanated from the entity. It chuckled before finally speaking. “Ha, ha, ha! Haze, have your soldiers bring her to us…by any means necessary! But I warn you, make sure she is unharmed! She will be of no use to us if she is injured or killed.”

Haze placed an arm over his chest and bowed respectfully. “It will be done master,” he replied dutifully.

The leader of the diamond dogs stood there with his cohorts. He was uncertain as to their role in all of this. Thus he mustered his courage and asked, “Uh, what do you want us to do?”

Haze turned to face their lackeys, but he did not speak. Instead the mist decided to address them. A soft chuckle filled the air. “It’s about time you found the nerve to speak around me. Now as for you diamond dogs…I want you to begin gathering ponies. I will require at least six if I am to complete the next phase of my plan. Do you three think you can handle this?” He asked them.

The leader grinned with pride. “Of course we can handle this simple task! If you want ponies, we’ll get you ponies! Hee, hee, hee!” Snickered the leader.

Haze turned to face his master. A startling fact occurred to him. “Uh master, what about the princess?” He asked.

The mist continued to swirl and flicker with a magenta light. “A good question my friend. For now we had best play our hand carefully. We don’t want to rouse Celestia’s suspicion. I already know she suspects something is happening to Equestria. For now let us pray she remains ignorant to the fact that it’s because of us,” the mist remarked.

“But master, why would she suspect anything right now? We haven’t made any major moves,” replied Haze raising a valid point.

The mist chuckled, for he knew the princess all too well. “That’s beside the point. I know the princess. She most likely still clings to that blasted prophecy. I can only hope that after all these centuries…the lack of signs has made her give up worrying about it. But I can’t afford to make such an assumption…especially not right now. I’ve waited far too long to reach this point,” remarked Haze’s master.

“Have no fear master! We shall tread with the utmost of care. Lying low, won’t even begin to describe our actions,” replied the loyal henchman.

“Excellent. Haze, have your soldiers carry out my orders. And you diamond dogs have your orders as well!” declared the mist.

The diamond dogs all bowed before creeping back into the darkness. Haze vanished from the shadows. The mist remained on the altar swirling and pulsing with light. “Slowly but surely, everything is coming to fruition! My time will soon at long last arrive! Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!” asserted the entity as it broke out into maniacal laughter.

******

Luna led David into the royal bath. The large spacious room was deserted, save for the two of them. Luna’s servants had performed their duties to the letter. She asked them to draw the bath, making the water a little hotter than warm. In addition, the princess asked that they put out the normal soaps, shampoos and sponges, and to accompany them with a series of fresh towels. Their final order was to leave, so she and her guest could bath in private. The servants did as instructed and never once asked who her guest would be.

Steam slowly rose up from the water. Luna looked around and saw that everything had been properly prepared. The alicorn used her magic to close the door. A smile formed on her face as she gazed back at her beloved. She chuckled softly. “Come on David, go ahead and undress,” she called to him. Luna walked to the tub’s edge. There she removed one of her elegant shoes. Placing her hoof into the water, she felt that it was the perfect temperature. Drawing back her appendage, she shook it lightly. “The water is just right my love.”

“That’s great! I’ll be right there Luna my sweet,” he replied. David smiled at her as he removed his shoes, socks, pants, shirt and finally his underwear. In the meantime, Luna had removed her remaining shoes, necklace and tiara. She walked over and placed her items along side his clothing. Luna took a good look at him from head to toe. She walked over to him and brushed lightly against him, giggling playfully. Just before she could pass by, he reached out and grabbed her. “Gotcha!”

Luna giggled at him. “Okay, you got me…now what are you going to do with me?” She asked, giving him a seductive look.

He chuckled softly at the alicorn. “I don’t know…” he answered. Adjusting his arms, David held her tenderly and nuzzled his cheek along her mane, “…how about I just love you.”

His kind words touched her. Luna sighed happily and replied, “You’re sweet.”

David released her and placed his hand lovingly on her back. “Come on my dear, why don’t we check out the water. It certainly looks inviting,” he replied as they drew closer to the massive tub.

The princess took a deep breath, inviting the steamy vapors of the bath water into her nose. She exhaled into a contented sigh. “It does indeed seem most inviting,” she remarked.

The couple came to the side of the tub and stopped. Luna looked at David curiously. He smiled at her and said, “Ladies first.”

Luna gasped lightly and blushed, craning her head downward. “Such a gentlecolt, or should I say gentleman.”

Her words caused him to blush and smile. David offered the princess his hand, and she in turn presented her left hoof. He tenderly took hold of it as she slowly stepped into the sparkling clear water. Luna felt the caressing warmth of the bath flow across her legs and slowly spread up into her body. The alicorn turned slightly, her hoof still gripped in his hand. She smiled and nodded to him. David entered the tub as she offered him a helping hoof. He began feeling the same invigorating warmth that she felt. It warmed his bare legs causing him to sigh contently.

The two ventured further into the giant rectangular tub. It was easily large enough to hold eight full-grown ponies comfortably. The two strolled around enjoying having the spacious tub all for themselves. Gradually the two sat down into the warm water. It covered them both up to their bellies. That was when David realized they had forgotten to grab any of the sponges and soaps from the edge of the tub.

He stood up preparing to go gather the cleaning implements. Luna looked up at him. “Where are you going?”

“To get the soap and a sponge,” he replied.

She giggled at him and said, “What’s your hurry?” Luna moved closer to him. “Why don’t we enjoy the water a little before we got making it all soapy.”

He halted his motion and sat back down beside her. “Don’t mind me,” he replied. “It’s not everyday I get to bathe with someone special.”

The princess smiled at him. “Come here you,” she said winsomely. He moved closer to her and indulged a glance into her beautiful eyes. Luna placed her hooves around him and kissed him on the cheek. “This evening is really turning out to be quite wonderful…isn’t it David?”

He placed his hand softly on her cheek and sighed. “Yes it is Luna. This was a wonderful idea,” he expressed with delight.

“I’m glad you think so,” she replied. The princess looked at him and grinned. “Oh but look at you. You’re hair isn’t wet yet! I’ll fix that,” she remarked. Luna playfully dunked his head into the bath water. She let go and he popped back up, spitting and lightly coughing.

David wiped his eyes and took several deep breaths. “Warn someone when you’re going to do that,” he groused.

Luna giggled at him and pulled back slightly. “Sorry,” she replied still chuckling.

David grinned at her. “Oh you’re not sorry…not yet!” He laughed as he reached over and dunked her head into the tub.

She popped back up and spit a little. Thankfully she rather expected it, regardless she found it amusing and laughed. “I guess I asked for that. Though I must say I’ve been really enjoying this playful side of yours,” she declared still lightly giggling.

He moved close to her and hugged her. “I’m glad it’s too your liking. I have found your playfulness equally delightful,” he uttered back. She rested her forehead against his and just sighed contently. David looked at Luna, now that her mane was thoroughly wet. “That’s a good look for you.”

She blinked at him for a moment. “What, my mane? Oh now you’re being silly.”

“Can you blame me?” He asked giving her an enticing look.

“No I can’t,” she said. The alicorn moved away from him and gave him a mischievous smile. He blinked at her for a moment. Her smile turned into a grin as Luna splashed him. The water struck David in the face. She giggled like a young filly at him. “Now you’re really all wet!”

“Oh yeah! Take this!” David out stretched both his arms and sent two splashes back at Luna. They struck her in succession. At first she pretended to be mad, giving him a very annoyed look, but her facial expression quickly changed. Luna startled laughing happily. He joined her in laughter. “I was hoping I hadn’t overdone it.”

She shook her head. “No you didn’t,” she answered. The alicorn moved closer to him, an enticing look in her eyes. David moved to intercept her. The two met, sharing a tender embrace. Luna rested her head against his chest. “There are moments that I wonder if this is really real,” she sighed.

David placed a loving arm along her head and brought his cheek to rest near her horn. “I know what you mean my princess…but this is real!” he avowed.

Luna sighed once more and said, “Let me stay here in your arms a while longer David.”

“Of course my darling,” he responded squeezing her tenderly. “You know, I’m growing to love having you in my arms.”

“Awww…David, that’s so sweet of your to say,” she affirmed, softly nuzzling against his chest.

He adjusted his embrace and held her as close as possible. “Anything for you Luna,” David professed. He then kissed her forehead. Luna thought she was going to melt into the serenity of the moment.

The princess lifted her head from his chest. Looking him in the eye, she wrapped her hooves around his neck. Luna moved in and kissed him deeply. He adjusted his arms and began savoring the sensation evoked by their kiss. The water splashed gently in response to their subtle movements as they continued kissing. Their lips parted and the couple gasped with delight.

They shared a loving hug, holding each other tightly. Glancing back, Luna spied the sponge, soap and shampoo. Her horn lit up with a soft blue glow. The three items rose up and moved over to them. She placed them carefully along the edge of the tub. Luna gave David another nuzzle before she said, “I’d love this to continue, but we should clean up, while the water is still nice and warm.”

Cuddling her back he nodded his head. “You’re right,” he replied.

“But don’t worry…after we’re clean, we can always continue this…oh what do you say…in my room?” Luna suggested looking at him with her bedroom eyes.

He chuckled, delighted by her proposal. “That sounds wonderful. Now why don’t we make this even more romantic…and wash each other?”

Luna’s face lit up with excitement at the very mention of the idea. She promptly nodded her head. “Of course! The fun will be doubled!”