The Fall and Rise of Miss Cherilee

2: Meeting Twilight

It is well past dawn when Shimmering Heart wakes, the sun was just starting to appear over the summit of the southern headland lighting up the bedroom. The peace and quiet he is enjoying is ruined by sharp knock on the room’s door and Autumn enters without invitation.

“Morning sleepy head.” She says and wafts something under his nose. The smell snaps him into immediate alertness.

“Coffee!”

“The groceries arrived earlier, along with a large case for you. It‘s in the store room by the kitchen.”

Shimmering Heart frowns “I haven’t had any thing sent here.”

Autumn just shrugs, places the coffee cup on the bed side table and then leans over him whispering “Get up, or I may just get in.” She gives him a quick peck on the cheek and leaves the room.

Well that was …odd he thinks while getting out of the incredibly large and comfy bed. It’s no wonder I’ve overslept I don’t think I’ve spent the night in anything like this since… well ever.

The Sergeant takes care of his usual morning needs, drinks the coffee and moves through the Bungalow to the veranda where he realises that the Countess is not present. Well, she can’t be far away. He walks down to the beach, across the soft sand to the water’s edge then turns to look around him. The shore line must stretch well over a mile, maybe even two to the west ending in a small green topped promontory and in front there are another three bungalows along the shore front, with the service buildings out of site behind them. He can hear Autumn’s voice calling, there she is with Cheerilee and a bright blue earth pony. Shimmering Heart waves to them and starts some stretching exercises to warm up for his morning run, twice up and down the beach in the soft san d should do for this morning.

Autumn is watching the Sergeant set off at a steady trot up the beach and the Countess is watching her, with a slight smile on her lips.

“You are drooling.”

“Oh, can you blame me.”

“Really Autumn this is not like you.”

“I know, he is just so….”

****

Shimmering Heart returns from the run, hot and sweaty and heads for the bath house he has seen among the service buildings. I could do with a lance, he thinks some parts of the sand are flat and firm enough for some decent tent pegging. There hanging from the outside wall of the bath house is a large shower head and he turns the water on, fast and cold and dives under the stream.

After drying off, the Sergeant remembers the case he has been sent and on seeing the blue earth pony, he asks for directions to the store room. The blue pony says nothing at all, just stares at him wide eyed, then nervously indicates to a building next to the kitchen and runs away as fast as he can.

Recovering from the surprise, Shimmering Heart shakes his head in disbelief and enters the stores and quickly finds the case, its big, at least four foot long and two in width and height. On closer examination, it’s definitely military issue and there is a card in a slot on top with his rank, name and serial number printed on it, but it was the next part, the dispatching address that worried him. White Troop. 22 Regiment. Heiferford. He decides to take the case bake to the bungalow and open it there.

Even though magic isn’t really one of his talents, carrying this thing is fairly easy until he gets to the veranda doors, now it is going to need some manoeuvring and the Countess is at her easel painting.

“Coming through!” He calls, realigning the case so it will pass through the doorway.

“Dear Celestia, that’s big!” Cheerilee moves herself and her equipment to one side. ”Somepony been sending you prezzies?”

“It’s a military equipment shipping case for weapons, armour and other such things, but why it’s been sent to me, I have no idea.”

“Better open it then.” She says with an excited gleam in her eyes.

Shimmering Heart pops the latches and lifts the lid, the first things he sees are a letter addressed to him and a sealed document file sat on a layer of cloth padding. He removes them, along with the packing to reveal a series of compartments in the bottom of the case containing what appears to be a type of Pony armour he does not immediately recognise. The Sergeant goes to his bed room and brings back a clothes horse, he can see that Cheerilee is getting impatient with curiosity, but he is not going to be rushed. The contents is slowly unpacked and placed on the clothes horse, helmet, neck guard, breast plate, body protector with its integral pannier pack over the loins, flank plates, tail guard and grieves for his legs. The whole rig is satin black, very light and made from layers of some kind of very tough cloth, padding and ceramic plates inserted between them.

“Special Forces armour.” he announces.

“There is still more in the case.” Cheerilee fishes out a saddle bag with a lot of webbing attached to it.

“Fighting harness.” Shimmering Heart takes the bundle of straps and he secures it to the armour with the pack on the left side of the body protector and a large carrying holster on the right.

“What’s that for?” Cheerilee asks, pointing at the holster.

“This.” He replies, lifting a black cylindrical object, nearly three feet long and three inches in diameter, from the lid of the case. “A telescopic lance, very nasty and only issued to the unicorns of 22 Regiment.”

Shimmering Heart takes the lance out on to the veranda along with its operations manual, which he flips through until he finds the trigger and retraction spells. Horn glowing, he holds it up in front of him and hoping that his magic is good enough for two tasks at the same time, he triggers the lance. With in the blink of an eye one section, weighted for balance shoots from the back and two more, tipped with a 12 inch wickedly sharp and fine blade, from the front giving a total length of 10 feet.

Unfortunately the Sergeant has misjudged his distances and the point of the blade punches through a vase on the veranda table, sending flowers, water and glass in all directions just as Autumn Leaves is fetching their lunch up the steps.

“Sweat sun and moon!” Autumn is shocked by the sudden appearance of the weapon. Shimmering Heart retracts the lance and apologises

“Boys and their toys” she grumbles and then sees the shattered vase strewn across the veranda” Oh great. You two are managing to make a mess again.”

“I think we will have lunch down on the beach, my dear.” Cheerilee intervenes “The Sergeant will put is equipment away and take the tray. I am sure you will think of a suitable penance for him.”

Shimmering Heart complies with his instructions and as he take the large tray from Autumn, she presses her muzzle to his ear and whispers “If you need some place to holster your weapon one night, I’m just a little further up the beach.” And she kisses him again before heading off without another look.

Carrying a heavy tray with burning cheeks and a confused mind is not easy and he almost dumps the lot twice be for reaching the spot above the strand line where Cheerilee is sitting watching the waves.

“That’s twice she has done that to me today.” He says while sorting the lunch for them.

“I saw, being a flirt is she?” The Countess replies. “Aren’t you the lucky one.”

He really isn’t sure how to reply to that so decides not to. They chat about nothing in particular for a while, even though the Countess seems to keep trying to turn the conversation back to Autumn, when Shimmering Heart remembers a question from the previous evening.

“There is something I don’t understand… well actually there is a lot I don’t understand, but that’s beside the point. Anyways, if you were married. Why is there absolutely no mention of the wedding or much about you even, in any of the histories? I’ve read Princess Twilights biography and not a thing.”

Cheerilee looks at him in an interested sort of way “A soldier who reads. Wow, will wonders ever cease! It was the way we wanted it as we were not married in Equestria and as for that florid bit of tat by A.K Yearling the less said about that the better. Twilight would have hated it, not anywhere near technical enough.”

“That sounds more like evasion than an answer and the biography is required reading for entry to the School for Gifted Unicorns.”

“You applied to the SFGU?”

“No. My parents were convinced that they had another Aunty Twi on their hoofs and put me forward, but I failed the entrance exam rather spectacularly, burnt off half my tail.”

Cheerilee fell over laughing “Twilight used to do that all the time.” She rubs her eyes, take a long drink of iced apple juice and collects her thoughts.

“I think that the best way to answer your question is to start at the very beginning. I don’t suppose you even know how or when we met, do you?”

He shakes his head as he watches those vibrant green eyes become unfocused as she drifts through so very many memories.

“Well, it was such a very long time ago.”

****

Miss Cheerilee sits at her desk in the now empty and quiet classroom, another Monday was over and now the weekend’s home work needed marking, along with clearing up the days rampages from the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

Mail. She suddenly thinks, slides opens the centre draw of the desk and laying exactly where she had left it this morning is a large brown envelope marked F.A.O. Head Teacher, Ponyville School.

Well that must mean me, there’s nopony else working here. Cheerilee opens the letter.

“Oh, Ponyfeathers!” The communication is from the Ministry of Education, informing her that an official inspection will be taking place in three weeks’ time and what demonstrations and information she will have to provide to the inspector. She opens another draw and digs out her copy of Guidance Notes for Teachers and looks up the chapter on inspections, but realises that the book is now several years out of date.

The library. If they haven’t got an up to date copy they can get one in a couple of days. She opens a third draw and finds a Ponyville information pamphlet, the library is open till 5:30 today and late on Thursday.

Cheerilee looks at the pile of work waiting for marking, decides that it can be done at home over dinner after visiting the library. It’s not as if she has anything better to do and the book is more important.

The Golden Oaks Library is near the centre of town and fortunately not far from home so Cheerilee drops off her saddle bags, has a quick coffee and makes it there 20 minutes before closing. She enters and on finding no assistant about she spies a small silver bell next to a sign declaring Please Ring for Service, she does so and the jingling chime echoes round the banks of shelves.

“Good morrow dear madam. I am Spike and how may I help you.”

Cheerilee turns to see a small green spined purple dragon supporting the most preposterous drooping black moustache she has ever seen.

“Err, Hi. I’m Miss Cheerilee, the school teacher and I’m after a book.”

“Then you have come to the right place.” Spike gestures around the loaded shelves.

“I am looking for the current edition of Guidance Notes for Teachers and any Ministry of Education monthly publications you may have.”

“Hmm.” Spike twirls one end of his moustache with a claw “No we don’t have any those, but Twilight can order them from the central library in Canterlot.”

“Twilight?”

“The librarian, Twilight Sparkle” Spike produces a quill and parchment and begins to write “She is in Canterlot to see Princess Celestia, I will send a letter about the book to her.” And then with a flash of green flame the parchment is gone.

“Thank you Spike, so helpful.” She gives the little dragon a light kiss on his fore head, causing his cheeks to burn and she turns to leave for home, marking, dinner and bed.

The following morning Cheerilee arrives at the school house early to prepare for the days lessons and is surprised to be met by a messenger Pegasus, he hands her an envelope and requests a signature which she happily gives.

Cheerilee sits at her desk and opens the letter,

Dear Miss Cheerilee,

I have been able to obtain the requested publications and I will be returning to Ponyville on Thursday. Unfortunately they are marked “Reference Only” meaning that you will not be able to check them out of the library. I hope that this is of some help and if I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to ask.

Yours Twilight Sparkle.

What lovely neat writing the teacher in her thinks and she gives a sigh of relief, now the reports that the inspection requires can be prepared with up to date guidance and curriculum information.

Thankfully Thursday afternoon is soon with her and the library is calling to Cheerilee’s subconscious.

“Very good children, now remember to finish your field trip reports and study for tomorrows test.” There are cries of disappointment from the class. “And….And if you all do well there will be no home work for the weekend. Now off you go and have a wonderful afternoon.” The class erupts in happiness as they scramble for the door.

Cheerilee heads straight for the library, she wants to get everything prepared long before the inspector is due, knowing that she has a tendency to leave undesirable tasks to the last minute.

“Hello Spike?”

“Hi there Miss Cheerilee.”

“You have lost the moustache.” She leans down and whispers “Much better.”

The blushing dragon points to a reading desk “Your books are set out for you.”

“Thank you so much Spike.” She replies, removing the heavy saddle bags and dumps them on the floor beside the desk as she sits down to read.

After a couple of hours and several pages of notes, Cheerilee is distracted by an annoyed and strident voice behind her.

“No…No….Not that one, or that one….No….NO….Spike?…SPIKE!”

“Yes Twilight?”

“Where is the Starswirle spell book I brought back from Canterlot?”

“Over here where you left it.”

There is an irritated grunt and the clatter of fast moving hooves on wood, swiftly followed by a loud crash and a startled scream as a lavender blur ploughs into Cheerilee’s saddle bags, trips and slides across the floor, tail in the air and then collides with another reading desk to topple a substantial stack of books.

“Ow! Drat it, ow! Whose bags are those?”

“I’m so sorry, they are mine….” Cheerilee is silenced as arising from the wreckage are the most beautiful pair of purple eyes she has ever seen a unicorn possess.

****

“Dinner!” Autumn Calls.

Shimmering Heart looks around him, the sun is much closer to the horizon and the Countess is far away in her memories. He gives her a gentle tap on the shoulder “Autumn is calling us for dinner”

“Really? Is it that late already” The eyes refocus and the gentle smile fades.

He gets up and helps the Countess to her hooves and they slowly walk back to the bungalow, shaking the sand from their coats.

Autumn has set the veranda table for three with a delicious looking salad, accompanied with a sparkling white wine.” I thought I would join you for dinner.”

“You are always welcome, my dear.” The Countess replies.

As they settle down to the meal, Shimmering Heart realises just how close to him Autumn has placed herself, he can feel a slight touch from her almost every time she moves and that Cheerilee has noticed as well, he can see the amusement in her eyes.

Autumn taps something on the table. “You left these out in the living room.” It is the orders file and the letter addressed to him from the armour case.

“Come on, open them.” Autumn requests as the Countess retains her amused silence.

Shimmering Heart opens the file first, as he anticipated it’s a contents check list for the case and new orders “I’m not going back to the Royal Guard.” The disappointment is clear in his voice. “The detachment to Diplomatic Protection is to continue, but I have been transferred to Heiferford, 22 regiment.”

“The S.P.S. That explains the case then.” The Countess replies.

“Ooo! Of to play with the naughty boys on the Bovinia border.” Autumn’s excitement is only to clear, her head is resting on his neck and a fore leg is wrapped around his. “The letter now, come on!”

He knows who the letter is from, the stylized heart sketched in the lower right hand corner of the envelope is a dead give away and still he delays opening it.

“What is it?” Cheerilee enquires “Some Canterlot filly letting you know when her foal is due?”

“Don’t be like that!” Autumn snaps “The Sergeant is far too much of a gentlecolt to be doing things like that.” She hugs him just a little tighter.

Shimmering Heart is not sure which is more embarrassing, the way the conversation is going or opening the letter, but before he can make that decision Autumn takes the envelope and slices it open to read aloud the content…..

My Dear Shimmy,

I hope you are well and having just a smashing time with Cheerilee and Autumn by the seaside. It’s been such a long time since we last spoke, but I have been keeping my eye on you and I am so proud of all you have done, which is why I have decided to take you under my wing, metaphorically speaking.

You will have received your transfer orders and equipment and you will be joining White Troop of 22 Regiment as senior NCO, hopefully by the time they start their tour as my personal guard.

Well now, I can’t wait till you are here and we can have lots of long chats like we did when you were such a pretty little foal. Don’t forget to send your parents a post card and give all my love to dear old Cheeri, I’m sure she will be cross at me for calling her that.

Lots of love and kisses

Nana Cadence

“Aw, that so sweet. Dear Shimmy.” Coos Autumn.

“I think I’m going to bed, far too much excitement for me and I don’t want to be playing gooseberry.” Cheerilee gives the Sergeant a very pointed look.

“Err. I think I will turn in soon, after I’ve helped to clear up.”

Cheerilee is sat t her dressing table, quietly preparing herself for the night when through the open widows she hears a faint but ecstatic “Eeep” Cheerilee smiles, thank goodness he has kissed her at last. As she drifts to sleep, the long dormant dreams and memories flood back.

****

Two weeks down, one to go and the reports are done, the school accounts are up to date thanks to Twilights creative genius getting the figures to even remotely balance and there is only the altered lesson plan for the day of the inspectors visit to prepare. School is done for another week and Cheerilee cannot remember ever being so organised and ahead of herself before, bless you Twilight, she heads home for a hot shower and a good groom before departing for the library.

She is checking her saddle bags contain the notes they will need to create a diverse day for the inspector when a wicked little plan occurs to her, its Friday and I’m going to get that gorgeous little filly out for a night on the town. Cheerilee opens her fridge and removes the bottle of fizz and packs it in to the bags along with a pair of fluted glasses. A quick stop at Sugar Cube Corner for something yummy to compliment the wine and a short trot brings her to the door of the Golden Oaks Library.

“Hi all. It’s me.” She calls.

Silence. Cheerilee frowns, that not right, and she is here at the time Twilight told her.

“Hello? Twilight….Spike.” She calls again.

This time she is answered by the rip rap of Spikes claws on the wooden floor.

“Hi there Miss Cheerilee.” He looks adorable in the little chef’s hat and frilly apron “Twilight will be back any time now and I have done some dinner for you as well.”

“Thank you Spike, you are very kind.” Cheerilee hangs up her saddle bags, conscious of the precious glasses inside and the firm and lengthy lecture she had received two weeks ago about leaving unattended baggage on the floor. She sets out the notes and rough plan and starts to check through it again waiting with anticipation.

Twilight soon arrives, giving Cheerilee a wave as she passes through the library towards the kitchen and then returns minus saddle bags.

“Sorry, some last minute shopping, dinner will be about 15 minutes.”

“That’s OK you are here now.” Cheerilee can’t help but gaze into those eyes.

Twilight looks slightly away with a very faint blush. “How is the lesson plan coming along?”

“Just about done for your final approval.” Cheerilee moves the notes over for Twilights inspection.

“Yes. That’s good. The nature field trip to the park is a little bit of a risk with the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”

“I am more concerned about Snips and Snails and I am thinking about asking Rarity to assist. She has been a good friend for years and if Sweetie Belle is under control, the rest of the CMC’s behave.”

“Sound plan, but you don’t need to ask Rarity. I will free up the day to help you.”

“Really? You want to spend all that time with the children…. And me?”

“I could give a little talk on the flora and fauna of the park.”

“That would be wonderful.” A happy and contented look softens Cheerilee’s face.

“Dinners served.” Spike calls and for the first time Twilight returns Cheerilee’s gaze.

The two mares and a baby dragon sit quietly around the kitchen table, enjoying the rich pasta dish and Cheerilee is loving the way Twilight keeps leaning into her every time she says anything.

“Hold on! I have forgotten something.” Cheerilee announces and leaves the table, returning with the fizz, glasses and a box of cupcakes.

“Ah.” Twilight stares at the bottle “Spike, the fridge.”

The little dragon complies and takes out an identical bottle.

“Snap, I thought we could celebrate getting everything done.” Says Twilight to her laughing companion.

“They do say that great minds think alike. We will open yours Twi, it will be colder.” The cork is popped, glasses filled and the cakes shared around the three of them. After just two glasses, Cheerilee can see that Twilight has the giggles and now was as good a time as any to ask her out.

“Twilight, do you fancy going to the Peppermint Club? There is a great band playing tonight.”

Twilight looks slightly surprised “Well, I’m not sure.” She glances at the little dragon who is happily munching his way through the last of the cupcakes.

“Aw don’t worry about me.” Spike replies to her nervous look. “I have all those new comics to read. You go out and have some fun.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I will be fine. Relax Twilight, have a night off will ya!”

Twilight looks at Cheerilee, a decision made. “OK, let’s do it. Who is playing?”

Cheerilee’s heart skips a beat with joy “Show of Hooves, A great folk band.”

“I think I’ve heard of them. Didn’t the Ponytones perform at one of their gigs?”

“Yes they did, Rarity thinks they are brilliant, she may even be there tonight” Cheerilee replies knowing full well that it is Rarity who gave her the tickets a week ago and will definitely be there, probably with Pinkie Pie, another big fan of the band.

Cheerilee fetches her little black hoof bag from the pack still hanging in the library and checks the content, tickets, plenty of bits and her teachers I.D. I can hardly remember the last time I was asked to prove my age. They are soon ready to leave.

The Peppermint Club is a few minutes’ walk up a side street, just beyond Sugar Cube Corner. A restaurant bar on the ground floor and a music venue in the huge low ceilinged cellar. The two mares descend the ramp to the entrance where Cheerilee hands over the tickets to the door pony.

“You have been planning this haven’t you!” Twilight accuses.

“Please don’t be cross. I asked Rarity for her spare tickets ages ago, but I just didn’t know if you would come with me.”

“I’m not cross.” Twilight sighs and then smiles. “But you had better get me a drink quick, or else!” She looks round the crowded dimly lit room and sees Rarity sitting in at a large table on her own. “I will be over there. So hurry up.” She propels Cheerilee towards the bar with a light pat on her curvaceous flank.

For Cheerilee that still tingling touch has made her whole week worthwhile. As she waits to order, she watches as Twilight approaches Rarity’s table and the two friends happily greet each other as Twilight settles down beside Rarity. The barpony attracts Cheerilee’s distracted attention and with another quick glance at the two friends deep in conversation, she smiles to herself and orders the drinks.

Crossing the floor of the rapidly filling club to Rarity’s table is a task for both Cheerilee and the unicorn waiter, laden with a heavy tray of drinks and following behind her. They arrive at the table and Cheerilee overhears the Rarity talking to Twilight.

“Darling, you are the last pony I expected to see here. However did you manage to get a ticket? They’ve been sold out for an absolute age.”

Twilight says nothing, just grins and points at Cheerilee.

Rarity hugs Twilight “Now that explains why she wanted my extra tickets and all the very circumspect questions Cheerilee has asked me just lately. You lucky filly.”

“I’m not sure I know what you mean by that.” Twilight replies.

Rarity just smiles and hugs her again as the waiter places the drinks on the table and Cheerilee takes a seat opposite them.

“Now that’s what I call a little drinkie!” Rarity states throatily as she stares at the glasses placed before her.

“So, you two know each other very well then?” Twilight is being cautious and Cheerilee is looking slightly guilty.

“Oh yes darling!” Rarity, as flamboyant as ever “We all grew up together in Ponyville. Cheerilee and Big Mac. Applejack, Pinkie and I a few years junior, all good friends. So many little adventures. So much fun and happiness.”

“Not so much now.” Cheerilee’s guilt has been replaced with sadness.

“No. Well the Apple Family had a couple of bad years didn’t they, as did you. None of it was your fault my dear.” Rarity reaches out in sympathy.

Cringing inwardly, Cheerilee realises that from the look in her eyes Twilight is taking mental notes. It has evidently come to her attention that there is tension between Applejack and Cheerilee and it’s more than just the Hearts and Hooves Day disaster, two years ago.

Fortunately, before any difficult questions can be asked, Rarity lifts one of the two glasses in front of her and intervenes with a toast. “Too us, girls. Good music, good times and Great friends.”

“Too us!” Cheerilee and Twilight reply and raise their glasses to Rarity’s.

Cheerilee gazes at Twilight, her smoldering passion for this lavender unicorn is turning into a burning desire. How long till she realises that this is a date and just how much I want her? Twilight turns away from talking to Rarity and places her barely touched drink on the table as she returns Cheerilee’s gaze with a smile and then her face dissolves into shock and surprise. Bingo. She has worked it out. Twilight’s hooves fly to her face and then to the table where, without realising, she grabs the smaller glass and downs the liquid in one gulp. The resulting burning explosion in Twilight’s throat and stomach convinces her that they are on fire and in desperation she grabs the larger, frosted glass and drinks the lot in one go.

Her two companions watch in amused silence.

“What ….was….that!” Twilight gasps.

Rarity screams with laughter “Oh Twilight, you just knocked back a double peach schnapps chaser and a pint of cider”

“And if you keep doing that, I will have to carry you home.” Cheerilee ads, more in anticipation than concern.

They order more drinks as the band start to play and before she can react to what’s happening, Cheerilee coaxes Twilight from the table and onto the crowded dance floor. More drinks, more dancing, Rainbow Dash… Rainbow Dash? Where did she spring from?

“Hey. Hey, Twi, Cheerilee. It’s the egghead’s convention. Can’t stop girls, gotta hit the bar.” She hugs them both and is gone as fast as she arrived.

More dancing, more drinks, a hyperactive pogo that that turns into Pinkie Pie. “Weee! What a party! Look at you two!” Cheerilee giggles a little and hugs Twilight. Now Everypony will know we are dating.

More drinks. More dancing, Rarity twirls across the floor like a ballerina with a young stallion in tow. Wow she can still really move

More dancing, more drinks, weaving their way through vaguely remembered friendly faces. Nose to nose with Twilight, Cheerilee’s intoxicating gaze is having its desired effect and then the evening’s final slow song, We Are Alright, Cheerilee’s favorite number by the band. She wraps a fore leg round Twilights neck, pulling them together and Twilight cannot help but return the embrace as Cheerilee sings along in to her ear, with special emphasis on the We are Alright. We are Strong part of the chorus.

And then the song is done, the dancing stops and the audience erupts in applause as Cheerilee’s lips find Twilights cheek with a soft intimate caress.

“BEST NIGHT EVER!” Pinkie bounces up “Ooo. Twilight and Cheerilee sitting in a tree K.I.S.S.I.N.G.”

“We are in a cellar, not a tree.” A somewhat tipsy Twilight replies as firmly as she can manage.

“Duh. Not yet, give it a little time.” And away she bounces.

“Just fabulous!” Rarity throws her forelegs round the two mares. “Come on girls, home time.”

The three mares leave the club, working their way through the crowd and soon Rarity prepares to take her leave “You two are just adorable together.” She hugs and kisses them both and departs for the Carousel boutique.

“I think she had too much to drink.” Twilight staggers sideways, finding walking and talking at the same time near impossible.

“Not the only one.” Cheerilee replies guiding Twilight away from a looming bush and finally to her front door. They creep in as quietly as only two drunk mares can, making enough noise to wake the dead or a sleeping dragon and clatter and giggle their way into the library. Cheerilee kisses Twilights cheek again, her supporting hoof lingering under Twilight’s chin and then collects her saddle bags, readying herself for home, not wanting to press her luck any further tonight. She can see that Twilight is confused and uncertain about where the next step may take her.

Giving her new love a gentle cuddle, Cheerilee asks. “Twi? We are alright aren’t we?”

Twilight’s drink befuddled brain finally delivers an answer “Yes we are. I’m not quite sure what happened tonight, but I like it and I like you and I want to see you again and.… and I am going to kiss you.”

****

The Countess screams and sits bolt upright, dazed, sweating and breath ragged, the bed rumpled and blankets cast to the floor.

Woken by Cheerilee’s cry and instantly alert, Shimmering Heart leaps out of his, charges through the bungalow, knocking something over in the dark and in to her bedroom looking for intruders.

“Countess? What’s wrong?”

“It’s alright.” She gasps “Only a dream, a very vivid dream.”

“You’re not hurt?”

“No, no. Just very, very….” Cheerilee sighs as her heart rate and breathing return to normal. “Confused.”

He still checks round the room, securing the windows and then settles down beside the bed to comfort Cheerilee while she relates what she remembers of her dreams to him.