The Fall and Rise of Miss Cherilee

3: Loving Twilight

Shimmering Heart stands on the bungalows veranda, contemplating the possible end of this assignment as he watches the gentle serf glittering in the moonlight. The first flush of dawn is tinting the sky beyond the southern Headland. His cheek is still stinging where the Countess slapped him and he still cannot believe the speed at which she had moved.

The tears had started, the more she talked of her memories the harder they fell and the more confused he became as to why such a happy time is causing her so much pain.

“But I really don’t understand.”

“Because it was all my fault. My stupid temper and pride cost us so many years of happiness together.” She sighs “It was so good, so wonderful, too good… And I pushed her away because couldn’t cope with what was happening.” Cheerilee starts to cry again.

He reaches out a hoof to her and gently strokes her neck and shoulder, the tension in her reduces and she moves closer resting her head on his neck with her muzzle disappearing under his mane.

Without realising what he is doing, Shimmering Heart begins to groom her, gently working with lips and teeth from the point of her shoulder to her withers. Cheerilee’s breathing has slowed and calmed as she becomes increasingly relaxed and sleepy, her lips are starting to caress the base of his mane.

He feels her press her nose hard into his neck and take a deep breath.

“Ohh Twilight…” She mumbles.

Shimmering Heart freezes.

Cheerilee lurches back in shock and horror “NO…NO….NO…. NO!”

Thwack. A fore hoof strikes the left side of his head so hard and fast he barely sees it and cannot avoid the contact.

Fury spreads across her face “GET OUT!” She raises her hoof again “GET OUT. NOW!”

The Sergeant retreats from the bedroom keeping a weary eye on its occupant, he just makes the door as a large pillow flies through the air.

“I said GET OUT!”

It is already warm even though the sun is not yet up, promising to get ever hotter as the day goes on. He steps off the veranda and walks down the sand to the water’s edge and stares out in to the bay, then turns away and starts to run, directionless at first and then with a sudden scenes of purpose he heads for the path that climes up on to the southern head land. It is steep, narrow and hard going, the surface is rocky and the turns hairpin sharp. To reach the top takes some time, but it was worth the trek. The path opens out on to an expanse of short cropped smooth grass that stretches all the way to the tip of the headland, where on the highest point is a circular fortress like building, a Huers tower Autumn called it. Shimmering Heart approaches and climes the external stone spiral stair case to the castellated platform on top, the view is magnificent. The calm waters of the bay to one side and the turbulent sea to the other with mighty waves crashing against the rocks below. He looks to the east watching the sun slowly clime above the horizon and in to the sky.

“Oh sweet Celestia. I could do with some guidance I think I may have mucked it up.”

****

Autumn Leaves starts her day with a happy contented feeling, He kissed me…. He kissed me is continually running through her mind as she makes the morning tea and then heads to the Countess’ bungalow.

She can barely contain her excitement as she climes the veranda steps, except the bungalow’s door is wide open. Oh he has gone for his run. I’ve missed him already. She enters the main room, there is a small table knocked over, the door to the Sergeants rooms is open as is the one to the Countess’s, her special pillow is laying in the doorway and beyond Autumn hears the heart breaking sound of pitiful sobs.

“Oh no. Oh please no.” She Dumps the tea tray on a sideboard as worry takes hold of her, collects the pillow laying on the floor and enters the Countess’s bedroom. “Oh my dear. What has happened?” Autumn quietly asks.

Cheerilee answers her with yet more, quiet weeping. She is laying flat on her side in the centre of the bed with another pillow clamped over her head and her body is shivering as if she is absolutely frozen.

Autumn has a strong feeling about what may have transpired and acts quickly, she strips the dirty slip from the special pillow, replacing it with a clean one and making sure the silk pouch containing the lock of Twilights mane is slid back in as well, then she carefully places it under Cheerilee’s head and removes the covering pillow. From under the bed, Autumn retrieves an intricately carved wooden box and from a compartment in it she removes an old and very battered soft toy which she places between Cheerilee’s fore legs and then to cover her, a beautiful and old dark blue blanket embroidered with golden stars and silver moons.

“Oh my dear. What happened?” Autumn climes on to the bed, being very careful not to touch the very precious blanket and softly nuzzles Cheerilee.

“I hit him.” She whispers between the sobs. “He smells so much like her. I lost my self and then my temper and I hit him.” Cheerilee tightens her hold on the Smarty Pants doll and buries her muzzle in to its soft fur.

Autumn sadly shakes her head, for all the years that have passed since her beloveds death, the dear old mare still struggles with her loss from time to time.

Cheerilee tenses up “He isn’t going to leave is he? I don’t want to lose him.”

“Nor do I” Autumn sighs. “Nor do I.”

There is a long, quiet pause, where only the sound of the waves and seagulls can be heard through the open windows.

“Are you falling in love?” The sobbing has all but stopped and Cheerilee just sounds drowsy.

“I think so. I hope so.”

“That’s just wonderful.”

“Don’t worry dear Cheerilee, I will find him and sort it all out.”

“As you always do my sweet Autumn.” Cheerilee is now barely awake.

“Close your eyes. You are so tired. Go to sleep.” Autumn whispers and moments later Cheerilee is completely at rest. She carefully moves away from the old magenta mare and leaves the room, knowing that the Countess will be sleeping now for several hours.

****

Staring out to sea and at the empty horizon from the top of the tower has led to no great insights or inspiration into his predicament. Shimmering Heart decides that it is time to face the music and heads back down to the estate grounds. Avoiding the Countess’s bungalow he heads to the Kitchens, hoping to find Autumn and there she is. He can see her moving about and humming a tune he knows, a pretty little love song. He stands quietly at the kitchen door watching her graceful movement and realises she knows he is there.

“Hello.” He says quietly.

Autumn looks at him, smiles and carries on with her task “So, you have reappeared then. The old lady told me what happened.” She walks over to him and examines the swelling on his cheek “That is going to leave a mark.” She softly kisses the lump. “Feeling any better now?”

“Yes and No.” He sighs. “I Guess I will be leaving very soon.”

Autumn gives him a knowing smile “Yes and No. Cheerilee does not want you to go, nor do I. She was very upset, but don’t worry it’s not all your fault. You and I are about the closest thing to family she has left.” Autumn gives him another gentle kiss. “I got her settled again and hopefully she will sleep till late morning, so your rump is mine for now.”

“I am at your command Miss Autumn.” His relief is evident.

“That’s what I like to hear.” Giving him a long and smoldering look, she points to some large saddle bags. ”Shopping, here’s the list of what we need and where the estate has accounts in Baltimare. So you had better leave soon if want to be back this afternoon.”

She stops him as he turns to leave. “Wait, two more things. Something you need to do and something you need to tell me.”

In his heart the Sergeant knows exactly what it is Autumn is talking about, he leans towards her and their lips meet. The kiss is short, but incredibly passionate and then he breaks away. “Thank you my sweet Autumn. I love you.” Their lips rejoin for a much longer time.

“Oh my….Oh my” Autumn finally surfaces for air. “You had better go, before I do something you may regret.”

Shimmering Heart takes his leave as she watches, he blows her a kiss and she waves in return as he canters up the estates drive, determined to return as soon as he can.

****

The noon sun floods the bedroom as Autumn makes Cheerilee’s bed and tides up. She places Smarty Pants back into the silk lined compartment in the wooden box. “It was so kind of the Apple family to give this to you.” And then she carefully folds the stars and moons blanket in a way to leave no creases. “I am going to take this to the laundry, it needs airing.”

Cheerilee simply smiles and nods as she watches Autumn through her dressing table mirror, while wiping her reddened and puffy eyes.

“The grounds maintenance team is here today.” Autumn announces as she adds the blanket to the pile to go to the laundry room. “I have told them to set up the large parasol and the loungers on the beach in front of the bungalow.”

Cheerilee turns away from the table and gives Autumn a hard look.

“I have sent out for some extra supplies, a little something special for dinner.” She is deliberately ignoring the Countess.

“Oh for goodness sake. Stop waffling will you. Tell me.”

“I’m in love.”

“I know that!” Cheerilee releases an exasperated sigh. “Shimmering Heart? Have you seen him this morning?”

“I have.”

“Well?” There is a high level of warning creeping into Cheerilee’s voice.

“Oh don’t worry, he won’t go anywhere. Shimmy has his orders.”

The Countess gives her a really hard stare, her ears flat back.

“Ha! Regimental Sergeant Major Shimmering Heart is a proper military pony.” Autumn sticks her nose up in the air and swishes her tail in an irritated way. “He will only leave you if so ordered.”

“Well where is he then?”

“I sent him to Baltimare, to the shops.”

“What? I thought you just said….?”

“Stop panicking, we are hardly likely to be raped and pillaged here are we. Chance would be a fine thing. And let’s face it, the last two body guards you’ve had were next to useless.”

Cheerilee can’t help herself, she smiles and laughs at Autumns teasing. “No pony has protected me as well as you do my dear.”

“He will be back soon after lunch I hope, so I think you will need to talk to him some more. Tell him about Twilight, it will be for the best, for all of us.”

****

As the afternoon slowly rolls on Autumn flits between the kitchen, stores and laundry room, doing little jobs here and there, all the time watching the driveway. She has served the Countess a light lunch only to be mildly snapped at by a Cheerilee who was as impatient for Shimmering Heart’s return as she is. And finally, a white bodied figure with a dark grey mane is trotting down the avenue of palm trees lining the drive. Autumn canters from her chores to greet him with a hug and a kiss. “Hey you.” She smiles with happiness and holds him as tightly as she can. “Missed you.” He is dusty, hot and sweaty and to Autumn, just smells wonderful.

Shimmering Heart can feel her heart thump as he returns her embrace and then gently pushes her away so he can see her aquamarine eyes. “Missed you too.” He kisses her once more, gently at first, but with increasing desire and then feels her press into him as her tongue darts into his mouth and drift across his own. She breaks the contact with a deep sigh of pleasure and the two of them embrace again.

“My darling Autumn?” He asks.

“Oh, yes?” Her voice husky with passion.

“We need to sort the shopping. These bags are getting a little heavy.”

She stares at the packs strapped to his sides. “Shimmy, I’m so sorry. Come on, to the kitchen right now.” Autumn turns away and glancing over her shoulder, gives him her best come hither look.

Shimmering Heart follows her to the kitchen, all the time watching that firm, curvy rump swaying in front of him and the suggestively swishing tail with all manner of delights concealed beneath. He can’t help himself, reaches out and gives her a light nip on her flanks.

Shrieking and giggling as she dashes through the kitchen door, Autumn halfheartedly attempts to fend off his advances. “Stop it, you are a bad, bad boy.”

He makes another quick lunge and playful bite to her shoulder and feels her sigh and shiver with pleasure.

“I love you and want you so much” He mumbles and slowly releases his teeth, freeing her to turn to face him. The look in her eyes is pure joy and tears of happiness are starting to form. They kiss and embrace one another once more, no further words required, the stillness only disturbed by the beating of their hearts.

“Oh dear me.” Autumn sighs. “Duty calls for us both. Come on, let’s get those bags unpacked.”

The groceries are duly packed away and Autumn pours them both a glass of cold apple juice, to accompany the food she had kept back for their lunch. “Shimmy my sweet, the Countess wants to talk with you. I hope she will explain things a little more.”

“Where is she?” He asks.

“Down on the beach, in front of her bungalow, if she is not painting.” Autumn gives him a quick kiss. “Go and clean yourself up and report for duty Sergeant…. and I will see you later.”

Still damp from the shower, despite the afternoon heat, Shimmering heart approaches the bungalow with trepidation, despite Autumn’s reassurance, the Countess’s reaction to his return is very much an unknown. He can see the large parasol on the beach, but the loungers underneath are empty, so he climes the veranda steps and there she is, at her easel mixing up paint on her pallet. He sits quietly at the veranda table not wanting to disturb Cheerilee as she starts to apply paint to the sketch she has been working on for the last few days. She works on for several hours, seemingly totally oblivious as she crafts shape and colour, then stops and removes the large, floppy picture hat she is wearing, releasing her fore lock and then wipes away the paint splashes on her hooves on the old smock she has on.

“That will do for now. What do you think of it so far?”

Shimmering Heart is taken by surprise, watching the Countess work has been a hypnotic experience and her question snaps him back to reality.

“I….I….” He organises his thoughts. “I can’t answer that. You haven’t done enough yet for me to be able to see what it is you are painting.”

Cheerilee steps back from the canvas and taps her nose with a fore hoof. “A reasonable response. A few more afternoons on it should get me somewhere.” She removes the smock, wipes her face and comes out onto the veranda and sits at the table opposite him.

“I am sorry.” She reaches out and touches the lump on his left cheek. “Your presence here has revived so many memories, I lost control of myself.” Cheerilee sighs deeply and starts to talk.

****

The day of the inspection and Miss Cheerilee is ready. She is up good and early and is feeling good about everything she can think of, the inspector is due 30 minutes before school starts and Twilight will be there for morning break. Saddle bags packed for the day ahead, she sits down for breakfast, a real treat purchased from the farmers market over the weekend, rolled oats and maize, sweetened with a gift of molasses that Twilight brought back from a brief trip to Canterlot last week, just heaven. As she drinks her coffee she studies the bottle of syrup. I have no idea where this stuff comes from. It only seems to be on sale in Canterlot and then only now and again and I don’t recall seeing it or that rather tasty alfalfa hay before the outbreak of Parasprites.

Cheerilee glances at the clock on her kitchen wall. “Whoops! Time to make a move.”

She dashes up to the bath room to wash, brush teeth and mane and oil her hooves, a sudden thought crosses her mind, Twilight and she moves through to her bedroom and from under the bed drags an intricately carved wooden box. From one of the compartments she takes a bottle of perfume, a precious and expensive gift from many years ago and dabs some behind each ear, along with a wipe along her throat. She looks at the bottle and smiles. Not much left. You had better appreciate it, you gorgeous little filly.

Back down to the kitchen for a last swallow of the coffee, wash the dishes, don saddle bags, out the door and a brisk trot to work with a happy smile and swish of her tail.

The inspector arrived at the appointed time, a dark green coloured unicorn mare of more mature years who introduced herself as Crystal Jade. “Don’t worry dear, this is just a bit of a formality.” She waves a sheaf of forms at Cheerilee. “Ponyville is such a small school the bulk of this doesn’t apply to you.”

Cheerilee prepares herself as the children arrive and the inspector takes a seat at the back of the classroom.

“Sweetie Belle?” The teacher asks “Please be a dear and ring the bell for me.”

The unicorn filly complies with a thrilled smile and the musical chime of the bell echoes across the playground, calling the last of the students in to class. The final arrivals are Sliver Spoon and Diamond Tiara, the latter observes the inspector, takes her seat and gives Cheerilee a disrespectful and snide look.

“Good morning class, I hope you have had a lovely weekend. We will have two guests with us to day.” Cheerilee addresses the room and indicates to the green mare sat at the back of the class. “The first is Miss Jade, she is a schools inspector and has come here from Canterlot to make sure that you are all receiving a proper education and that the school is well run.”

The foals turn to look at Crystal Jade, who gives them a happy smile and says “Morning all, don’t mind me.”

Cheerilee taps a hoof on her desk to regain their attention “Our second guest will be here a little later and is a very special somepony who is coming to give you a talk on the plants and animals we may see in the park.”

The class considers this with some interest as to the identity of the special somepony, even Crystal Jade looks intrigued and makes a note on one of her forms.

The morning lessons have gone well, so far, so good, but break time is approaching and Cheerilee now has one ear focused on the classroom door with varying levels of hope and worry, the other and one eye is on the surprisingly well behaved class and her second eye is on Crystal Jade, who to appears to be studying the school accounts and reports, but as Cheerilee can see, is keeping a very close watch on the teacher and her class.

There is a light knock on the door and it swings open to reveal Twilight Sparkle. Cheerilee’s heart skips with joy, she cannot contain her smile as she has only seen Twilight twice and then only for a short time since that night at the Peppermint club. Twilight returns her smile with one of her own and a little wave.

“Class, you attention please.” Cheerilee announces “This is Miss Sparkle, and as some of you will know, the Golden Oaks librarian and one of the Elements of Harmony, she will be accompanying us on our field trip to the park.”

“Good morning children.” Twilight addresses the class” I am very happy to meet all of you.”

“Good morning Miss Sparkle.” The class reply.

A hoof shoots up in the air. “Hey Twilight. Is Spike comin’ to?”

Cheerilee covers her eyes and cringes.

“No Apple Bloom. He is gem hunting with Rarity today.” Twilight grins and turns to look at Cheerilee.

Crystal Jade chuckles and makes a note on one of the forms.

“Very well class.” Cheerilee calls. “Break time!” But from the corner of her eye she can see Diamond Tiara, the little madam has been watching the teacher and her friend and the sly and knowing look on her face can only mean trouble.

Cheerilee gathers the class together at the end of break time. “Pay attention children. We are going to the park for our little trip, so please make sure you have everything you need, your writing equipment and especially your lunches.” She tells them as she pulls on her own saddle bags.

Crystal Jade attracts Cheerilee’s attention. “Perhaps if Miss Sparkle would lead, you could walk with me a moment. A few quick questions my dear.”

The group set off for the park, Twilight in front with the three Cutie Mark Crusaders happily skipping along, chatting to her, the rest of the class and then Cheerilee and the inspector.

“So.” Cheerilee inquires. “What do you want to know?”

“Oh nothing in particular, there are one or two minor, if quite well concealed discrepancies in the budget.”

“There are?” Cheerilee sounds worried.

“Yes, the expenditure on supplies and trips is noticeably higher than would normally be allocated to a school of this size. I suspect you are using your own money aren’t you.”

Cheerilee sighs and looks down at the ground as she walks. “I am. It’s the only way that I can ensure the very best for my colts and fillies. Their future is important to me.”

“On a teacher’s salary?”

“I have another income that ….” Cheerilee is thoughtful for a moment. “That supplements my pay. Is this going to be a problem?”

“No dear. Now I am aware of the situation and there is nothing under hoofed going on, I can ignore it as far as the report is concerned.”

Twilight turns off of the road, goes through an ornate gate way into Ponyville Park and follows the path down to the river, stopping before crossing the bridge. She turns around to face the children as they gather about her and waits for Cheerilee to take control of the class, but she is still talking with Crystal Jade.

“Miss Cheerilee?” Twilight is looking uncertain and waits for instructions.

“Ah, Miss Sparkle.” Cheerilee gives Twilight an encouraging smile. “Perhaps you would like to start with your nature talk.”

Twilight is clearly nervous. “OK” She says, as much to herself as to anypony else. Looking round at her surroundings, she strengthens her resolve and addresses the class. “OK everypony, follow me” Leading the group over the bridge she heads up to the top of a small rise which is topped by a large tree and where she settles the class, dividing them into four groups.

Delving into her saddle bags, Twilight takes out four scrolls and a very large book, entitled ‘The Natural History of Equestria’. To each of the groups she gives a scroll which turns out to be an identification check list, one part for plants, the other for animals. Then Twilight shows them the book and how the second half of it is a reference guide, with pictures, scientific names and descriptions of all the known flora and fauna of Equestria and how to use the check lists to cross reference with the book for a species identification. The four groups head in different directions around the knoll where they use the lists to gather information and gather the odd sample and return to Twilight for help with the identifications and a little talk on each one. Some of the foals are starting to wander a bit further away, needing Cheerilee to escort them and to intercept Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon to stop them pushing Twist in to the river.

After one particularly long range mission with the Cutie Mark Crusaders, she stops next to Twilight, who is laying on the ground with the book open in front of her.

“I haven’t seen that one in the library before.” Cheerilee points a hoof at the book.

“That’s because it’s not from the library, we don‘t have a copy.” Twilight appears a little furtive. “I had to borrow this one from Fluttershy.” She whispers.

Cheerilee chuckles and looks about, checking on the whereabouts of her class. “One more round and then we will stop and have lunch I think.”

Twilight sniffs the air and then leans over to Cheerilee and sniffs again.

“Are you wearing scent?” She asks. “It smells very familiar to me.”

“Yes. Something especially for you. Mares Tale.” Cheerilee smiles coyly and blushes a little.

“Wow, that’s really expensive.” Then it is Twilights turn to blush. “I love that fragrance, its Princess Celestia’s favourite.”

Cheerilee offers her throat so Twilight can inhale a little more of the scent and feels a gentle nibble and kiss on her neck. She is about to return the kiss when she spots Diamond Tiara talking to Crystal Jade, the inspector, they both turn and look at the teacher and her assistant.

“Oh no. What is that little madam up to now?”

Diamond Tiara does not seem to be happy with the turn of the conversation and the two mares hear the inspector categorically state “Well if that is the case, my little pony, then Miss Sparkle should consider herself to be the luckiest mare in Ponyville.”

From the corner of her eye, Cheerilee can see Twilight glancing at her and mouthing “I am. I am!”

Cheerilee is so happy she could skip and dance round and round the tree, instead she calls the class together for lunch.

The three mares lounge under the shade of the tree, chatting amiably while the children play around them. Cheerilee, ever the teacher keeps one wary ear on the more disruptive elements.

“There is nothing like an alfresco meal and good company to pass the time of day.” Crystal Jade sighs contentedly.

“Hmm.” Twilight looks thoughtful. “One of my instructors always said that ‘Time is an illusion, lunch time doubly so’. Mind you he was a little obsessed with the number 42.”

“42?” The other two ask in unison.

“No good asking me, I never understood it.” They all laugh.

“Where were you educate, Miss Sparkle?” Crystal Jade asks.

“The School for Gifted Unicorns. I was, still am, Princess Celestia’s personal student.”

The inspector is impressed “Well, as endorsements go they don’t come much higher.” She pauses for a moment. “I think that’s me done for this inspection. You have a very nice and well run school, Miss Cheerilee and I shall recommend an increase in your budget, you probably won’t get it, but I will try.” Crystal Jade starts to leave and then turns bake to the two mares resting side by side. “And I wish you two every happiness. You make such a lovely couple.”

Cheerilee and Twilight look at each other and burn with joyous embarrassment.

****

The school day final over, the two mares make their way towards home, happy in each other’s company.

“What are your plans for this evening?” Twilight asks.

“Nothing much. A bit of prep for tomorrow, dinner and bed. What about you?”

“Very similar and no Spike, he is staying with Rarity tonight. I was hoping for, may be a little….” Twilight trails off, she can see Cheerilee smiling at her.

“Getting to know you time?” The older mare finishes. Twilight nods. “Come on then. Let’s go back to my place to clean up and then…” Cheerilee thinks for a moment. “We can go to the Peppermint Club for dinner, it’s generally quiet on a Monday.”

They trot the rest of the short distance to Cheerilee’s cottage, although not far from the library, is in the one part of Ponyville that Twilight doesn’t know very well. Neat, smart and compact are what strike Twilight about her friend’s home.

“Believe me, it’s not often this tidy, especially when I have a lot of marking to do.” Cheerilee guides Twilight into the living room and indicates to a bank of soft floor cushions if she wants to be seated. “Would you like a drink, tea or coffee?”

“Tea would be lovely.” Twilight watches as Cheerilee moves into the small kitchen, she turns to examine the living room and the paintings on walls. They are of incredibly fine work and carry Cheerilee’s signature.

“Sorry my love, there‘s no lemon.” The call comes from the kitchen.

“That’s ok, a small spoon of sugar will be fine. I didn’t know you painted.”

“Not done any for a while now, most of that is college work.” Cheerilee is stood in the door way with a single tea cup on a tray.

“You studied art then?” Twilight asks as she takes the cup and saucer.

“That and Drama with music.”

“Really? Do you play an instrument?”

“Did, the piano, but alas not with any great skill. I was a singer, made a little career out of it before going to teacher training college.”

“Wow! Tell me more.”

“Later my love. I’m going to have a quick wash and I will put out clean towels for you.” Cheerilee leans forward, gives Twilight a gentle kiss and heads upstairs to the bathroom.

Continuing her exploration of the living room, Twilight realises that it is actually bigger than it looks, there is just so much in it, the large dining table, clearly Cheerilee’s work space, book cases stuffed full with novels, reference books and school text books. And then there is the large cupboard under the window, a scattering of ornaments and framed pictures on top and in the middle a record player.

Twilight opens the two doors in the body of the cupboard, to the right is full of files, most seem to be related to various properties all over Equestria, judging by what is written on the spines. She opens the one on top, an address in Manehattan and leafs through the few documents in side, deeds of ownership, Tenancy agreements, maintenance contracts and invoices.

There are the sound of hoof falls from upstairs, Twilight replaces the file, closes the door and quickly checks out the left side of the cupboard, it’s full of albums. Most of the artist she hasn’t heard of, but a few are familiar. Show of Hooves, The Rolling Ponies and Thin Filly she knows, the last are big favorites of her brother, Shinning Armour and tucked behind the stack of records there appears to be something larger and framed. With a bit of a struggle, Twilight pulls it free, a gold disc and its sleeve are preserved behind the glass panel. She stares at the title and artwork, The Shire Horses, Hoof in Hoof. The picture is of the band standing in a semicircle and in the foreground is a much younger, slimmer and incredibly beautiful Miss Cheerilee. The outfit of white ruffled blouse and harlequin waistcoat, the frizzy mane and tail, heavy makeup and large earrings are all strong indicators to the age of the recording.

“Having a rummage are we?”

Twilight jumps with fright, almost dropping the gold disc as she turns to see Cheerilee standing behind her, looking over her shoulder.

Cheerilee prises away the now tightly grasped frame from Twilights chest. “Hmm. It’s long time since I looked like that.” She leans further over Twilight allowing the unicorn the full force of her freshly applied perfume. Twilight lifts her head, breaths in deeply and sighs with pleasure.

“Go! Shower. And be quick about it. I am hungry.” Cheerilee propels Twilight up the stairs and towards the bathroom, while she returns to her bedroom and the wardrobe in the far corner.

“Where are they? They are here somewhere. Ah ha!” She removes the hanger from the rail and lays it on the bed, one white cotton blouse and the silk harlequin waistcoat. Moving to the dressing table, Cheerilee opens a small jewelry box and after a quick search, extracts and clips in a pair of suitably large earrings and then dresses in the blouse and waistcoat. A little snugger than I remember. She heads back down stairs with a contented smile.

****

Two ponies walk in to a crowded restaurant and the waiter asks the lavender one “Why the long face?”

Twilight is stunned by the transformation a small amount of jewelry and some fancy clothes have made to her companion. She cannot keep her eyes off Cheerilee as they walk to the Peppermint Club.

“Stop staring at me like that.” Cheerilee whispers with a grin as they arrive at the club. “It’s very flattering, but if I try and suck my belly in any more, I may pass out.”

Twilight is unsure how to respond as they enter what turns out to be a quite busy bar and restaurant. The waiter shows them to a rather nice corner booth with a reserved notice on the table, apologizes for the crowd and explains that the Appaloosa to Manehattan train has been delayed due to buffalo on the line, so a lot of ponies from Fillydelphia and Baltimare have missed their connections.

“Buffalo. That would do it.” Twilight replies to nopony in particular as she slides round the bench seat to sit facing into the body of the restaurant. “When did you book a table?” She asks Cheerilee, but receives no answer other than an innocent smile.

The waiter eyes Twilight in an amused fashion. “This table is always kept reserved for valued customers and celebrities. If you would care to order drinks I will bring you the menu.”

Cheerilee follows Twilight and snuggles up close, linking a foreleg through hers. “Waiter! A bottle of Champagne please. We are celebrating!”

“We are?” Twilight asks.

“Yes, thanks to your help the school has passed the inspection and more importantly we are celebrating the fact that…”Cheerilee pauses and turns to look into Twilight’s eyes. “I love you.”

The waiter returns with two glasses and a bottle on ice before, placing them on the table Twilight can order her thoughts an answer Cheerilee and closely behind him so does some young Canterlot blade with quill and paper in hoof and what happens next completely throws Twilight. So used to being, if a little reluctantly, the center of attention, Element of Harmony, Hero of Equestria, The Princess’s Protégée and so on, his request has her utterly astonished. He asks for Miss Cheerilee’s autograph and totally ignores Twilight.

Final they are left in peace and as Twilight makes a big show of studying the menu Cheerilee tops off the glasses and offers one. “A toast. To us, my love.”

“To us.” Twilight smiles and holds her glass up to Cheerilee’s and they clink together. “Cheerilee, I have been thinking about something you said just now.”

“Yes Twi?”

Twilight gently strokes Cheerilee’s cheek and then places both fore legs around her neck. “I love you.” And she pulls Cheerilee to her, their lips joining tightly together with an intense passion.

“Ah hum!”

The two mares break apart in surprise, the waiter, wide eyed stands before the table.

“I was about to ask Madam and…. Madam if they would care to order, but I suspect you may require a little more time.”

Twilight with her fore legs still round Cheerilee’s neck, looks at her companion. ”Oh no, I know exactly what I want.”

“Well I’m not sure Chef can help you there, but if you would like to order, I will mention it to him.”

Cheerilee and Twilight hug and giggle and still holding tightly to one another, consult the menu, order and as the waiter prepares to leave, both blow him a kiss.

The main course arrives and the two mares eat in quiet contentment, yet Cheerilee can feel increasing tension from Twilight which she suspects is caused by the snippets of conversation and furtive glances they are both detecting.

“Look, over there with the lavender unicorn.”

“Utter rubbish. You’re seeing things.”

“I tell you it is her, you know, from the Shire Horses.”

“No. It can’t be.”

“It is! I’ve got Hoof in Hoof at home.”

“Really? Now you are showing your age.”

“Oh come on, the Mighty Horse? A great band, brilliant album.”

“Well…Maybe. If it is her? What is she doing with some little unicorn filly?”

But the end of this Twilight is fuming, she bangs the table with a hoof. “Look, we are trying to have a peaceful meal, so if you want to talk about us, kindly have the decency to do it out of earshot!”

“Fillies and Gentlecolts.” The Barpony calls and then much louder. “Fillies and Gentlecolts, your attention please. The station has sent word that the Appaloosa train will be arriving in twenty minutes.”

There is a massive increase in the noise level as most of the customers get up and prepare to leave. The Barpony is rushed off her hooves with demands for the bill and then all is quiet with only a scattering of regulars left.

Cheerilee watches the waiter approach the table and gives Twilight a gentle caress to bring her out of the silent introspection into which Twilight has retreated. “A sweet, my sweet? There is a little Champagne left.”

“What? No.” Twilight looks around and finally notices the waiter, waiting for her. “Err…. Coffee please.”

Cheerilee smiles at Twilight and turns to the waiter. “Two coffees and the check please. Thank goodness that lot have gone.”

“I can’t complain, best night for tips in ages.” The waiter says as he leaves. He soon returns with the coffee and the invoice.

Cheerilee checks the amount as she drinks, retrieves her purse and places the correct amount of bits on the tray plus a generous tip.

Twilight snuggles up to her. “I should really contribute….”

“My treat.” Cheerilee kisses her on the cheek. “Your turn next time.”

Twilight looks so happy “You want there to be a ‘Next time?’”

“Oh yes, anyway this time isn’t over yet. Come on, finish up and then home.”

Two contented ponies leave a quiet restaurant and the waiter salutes the lavender one. “Not such a long face now.”

****

Twilight settles into the bank of soft floor cushions in Cheerilee’s living room as the magenta mare adjusts the lighting before laying down with her.

“Are you sure you don’t want a drink?” Cheerilee asks while giving Twilight a tender nuzzle.

“No, no.” Twilight carefully changes position to guide Cheerilee’s lips to the crest of her neck and presses against Cheerilee’s muzzle to encourage her to groom a little harder. “Mmmm, that’s nice.”

Cheerilee keeps up the gentle caressing with her lips and teeth until Twilight, completely relaxed rolls onto one side, legs stretched out and eyes closed.

“Twi?”

“Hmm?”

In anticipation, Cheerilee moves her head slightly away from Twilight’s body. “Sweetheart come to bed, I want to make love to you.”

As expected, Twilight goes completely rigid and her eyes snap open. “I... I... Should... Spike!”

Cheerilee places a fore leg over Twilights shoulder and slides the other under her head gently but effectively capturing her where she lays until Twilight relaxes once more. “It’s alright my love, Spike will be safe and happy with Rarity.” Cheerilee smiles softly and gently nibbles the tip of Twilight’s ear. “I really want you to stay with me tonight.”

“I…I… Want to, but… I… I… Ahh, I don’t know.”

“Are you scared?.”

Twilight does not answer, just becomes tenser screwing her eyes tight shut.

“Twi, you have nothing to worry about. If you come to bed and we just cuddle and fall asleep together and then in the morning I wake up to see you beside me, I will be the happiest mare in all Equestria.”

“Do you love me that much?” Twilight asks in wonderment.

“Yes. I really do.”

Rolling over to gaze into her lovers intense green eyes, Twilight sighs, smiles and then suddenly frowns. “I believe I may need the little filly’s room.”

“Cheerilee grins and releases her. “Go on then, you know where it is.” She watches Twilight disappear up the stairs at speed, gets up with a long luxuriant stretch, extinguishes the lights and follows her heart’s desire.

The blouse and waistcoat lay on the corner of the large bed as Cheerilee removes her earrings, placing them back into the box on her dresser. She looks into the mirror and is pleased with what she sees. Gathering up her clothes, she tenderly kisses the waistcoat, Thank you. Thank you. You have worked your magic once more and returns the garments to the wardrobe. Finally, Cheerilee smoothes down the sheets and blankets and slides in to the bed just in time hear the bathroom door open.

“Twi, I am in here.” She calls and hears the hoof falls approaching the bedroom.

A head appears round the bedroom door and those wonderful purple eyes gaze about the room.

“Come in my love and close the door.” Cheerilee whispers huskily.

Twilight approaches the foot of the bed with a worried look on her face, but still pushes the door too with a hind hoof as Cheerilee folds the covers back and pats the empty space beside her.

Still hesitating, Twilight looks from Cheerilee to the vacant side of the bed and back again and shivers slightly. Cheerilee suspects that there is a teleport spell forming in the back of her mind.

“You must be cold my love.” Cheerilee snuggles down into her pillow and again taps the space beside her. “Come here and let me give you a cuddle and warm us both up.”

****

The early morning sunlight slips its way through the partly drawn curtains, shinning on the occupied broad bed. The older magenta mare stirs sleepily under the patterned blankets, feeling the weight of something resting on her neck, the four somethings wrapped round her body and the warm, soft and potential very interesting something held tightly to her own chest and belly. Cheerilee finally opens her bleary eyes, Ooo, purple haze. The weight on her neck is Twilights head and her mane is covering Cheerilee’s eyes. She carefully moves herself and Twilights head apart without waking her beloved till they are laying nose to nose and then gently presses her lips to Twilight’s, kissing with increasing pressure and passion until the still sleeping unicorn starts to respond. As this is happening Cheerilee slowly runs a hoof down across Twilight’s side and onto her silky smooth tummy, heading, stretching, gradually lower and lower until it reaches the two petite firm mounds nestled between Twilights thighs and once there she gently caresses each one in turn. The still sleeping Twilight breaks the kiss to groan with pleasure until Cheerilee rejoins their lips. Wishing that she could reach just a little further beyond just as Twilight had finally allowed her the night before, the briefest of gentle caresses before they had fallen asleep, legs wrapped round each other, Cheerilee tries to slip further down, only for Twilight’s legs tighten round her as she begins to awake.

Their first night together had been a sweet, loving war of attrition, Cheerilee’s lips and hooves advancing and retreating across Twilights body, each passionate assault gaining a little more ground towards their final objective for the night, a reconnaissance of those soft warm intimate areas guarded by Twilight’s tense thighs and clamped tail. It had taken an age to persuade Twilight to relax enough to lay on her back, exposing her supple belly to Cheerilee’s exploring lips. Reversing and repositioning herself on top of her love, Cheerilee begins her campaign to breach the defences of Twilight’s crossed hind legs, lips and teeth gently nibbling and kissing their way down the smooth belly, hooves sliding across flanks to caress the sensitive star cutie marks. Finally there is an ecstatic sigh and a slight quiver from Twilight as she loosens, hind legs slumping just a little and Cheerilee advances, her muzzle slides between the silky smooth thighs until it encounters the first of the pair of wonderfully petite, symmetrical and firm breasts. Her tongue lightly laps around the pert nipple and guiding it between her lips as she begins to sensually suckle. She frequently switches from teat to teat nibbling softly with her teeth before returning to suckle and then in a moment of surprise she feels twilight’s fore hooves tentatively drift across her own flanks to the three smiling flowers of her cutie mark and then to firmly press and caress. The astonishing tremor that runs up through Cheerilee’s thighs and spine cause her head to snap up as she moans in delight. As she collects herself and buries her muzzle between those beautiful breasts, she twirls her tail around Twilight’s head and then cocks it up to one side, revealing her dripping wet sex above her lover’s nose. Twilight’s hooves slowly float from her cutie marks to the points of her buttocks, but advance no further, but Cheerilee can feel Twi’s breath on her damp lips as the young unicorn cautiously inhales her scent. With a huge burst of will power and desire Cheerilee winks the lips of her vulva, sprinkling Twilight with a small amount of her juices and is rewarded with an intense tremble and faint moan from her lover and the releasing of her clamped tail. Not giving Twilight a chance to raise her defences, Cheerilee swiftly slides a hoof from where it lay, caressing the star cutie mark to the base of Twi’s tail and with a tender swirling caress moves it across the inside of her buttock, heading for her final objective.

BRING BRING. The alarm clock lets rip, snapping Cheerilee out of her sweet recollection and startling Twilight in to full wakefulness, halting the wonderful stroking of her udder.

“Oh pony feathers.” Cheerilee mutters. “I’ve got to go to work, you will have to amuse yourself.” She presses her lips to Twilights for a brief but intense kiss, drags herself reluctantly from the bed and heads to the bathroom.

Freshly showered and ready for the day ahead, Cheerilee glances into her bedroom before heading down stairs. She smiles affectionately at the sight of Twilight curled up in the centre of the bed hugging her pillow.

“Twi sweetheart. Wake up.” Cheerilee calls. “Open your eyes.”

Twilight grunts and pulls the pillow tighter to her. “Don’t want to!”

“Come on my love, I will make us some breakfast and then I must get ready for the school day.” Cheerilee enters the room, moves to the side of the bed and leans over to kiss Twilight’s forehead all-round the base of her horn, all the time her heart thumping with all the love she feels for this wonderful unicorn.

“Tell them you are sick and come back to bed.” Twilight mumbles into the pillow.

Cheerilee is sorely tempted by the notion and almost succumbs, she smiles and gently nuzzles Twilight. “I would love to my dear, but I love my job nearly as much as I love you and the little ones need me.”

“So do I.” Twilight pouts.

“I know and that makes me very happy, but we both have our responsibilities that are part of who we are, the school and the children for me and the library and Spike for you. It is who we are and part of why I love you.”

The look of love and affection on Twilights face causes Cheerilee’s heart to beat even harder and the two lovers embrace and kiss with a desperate longing for each other.

Twilight breaks away and smiles with such happiness. “Go and get the kettle on then my love. I will be down in a minute.”

With a quick glance over her shoulder and a smile, Cheerilee leaves the bedroom and heads down stairs. Clattering round the small kitchen, she prepares herself a bowl of fruit as she is waiting for the kettle to boil. The sound of heavy, reluctant hooves stomping from the bedroom to the bathroom reinforce Cheerilee’s suspicion that Twilight is not a morning pony and she calls up the stairs. “Tea or coffee and would you like something to eat?”

Moments later Twilight appears at the top of the stairs and heads down. “Hmm. Coffee please, sweet. Your tea is terrible.” She grins at Cheerilee, wraps her forelegs round the magenta mare and slowly kisses her until the whistling kettle forces them apart.

The coffee made, Cheerilee passes a cup to Twilight, who has perched herself on the kitchens only seat and busies her self round the kitchen, making some lunch, packing her saddle bags and grabbing a sip of her morning caffeine hit, along with a bite of her breakfast until suddenly she realises that the bowl has disappeared and is now in front of Twilight who is happily munching away.

“Hey! That’s mine.” She cries. “If you are that hungry, you should have said.”

Twilight passes the bowl back to Cheerilee. “I didn’t realise until I saw you eating.”

Cheerilee places half her breakfast into another bowl and slides it back to Twilight. Looking at the wall clock she announces. “Eat up my dear. I will have to go soon.”

They finish their food quickly and quietly and prepare to head out to their separate destinations when Twilight turns with a worried look and asks. “When will I see you again?”

Cheerilee thinks for a moment. “Tonight’s out, tomorrow?”

“No. The library’s closed and I am going to Canterlot for the day.” Twilight shakes her head.

“Tell you what.” Cheerilee grins and cuddles Twilight. “Friday and we can spend the weekend together.”

“Yes. Yes!” Twilight claps her hooves together with joy. “Come to the library straight after school and I will treat you to dinner.”

The two mares quickly kiss and hug and then part with a furtive, loving whispers and a wave as they head in opposite directions along the lane outside Cheerilee’s cottage.

****

The bright Friday afternoon sun shines through the school house windows, flooding the classroom with warmth and light, but the time is still dragging. Cheerilee keeps one eye on the small clock perched on the corner of her desk as she claps her hooves together, creating a rhythm and encouraging the children in their singing.

“Very good. Very good.” She cries. “You all have the harmonies just right. I am so pleased with you.”

The class cheer and stamp their hooves with glee, the rehearsing for the parent’s day concert has gone very well, yet there is still twenty minutes of the day still to go. Cheerilee has never known the hands on the clock to move so slowly, even for a Friday. And then an idea strikes her.

“Listen up everypony. If you all help me tidy up the schoolhouse we can all go home a little earlier.”

More cheers and claps as Cheerilee assigns them little tasks to help her get finished for the day. Sweetie Belle is asked to clean the blackboard and duster and as she works, the little unicorn hums the song that they have just been practicing. Cheerilee, distracted, turns and watches the little white unicorn. “That’s very good Sweetie Belle, you have got the tune perfectly.”

“Thank you Miss.”

“Would you like to sing the solo part?”

Sweetie Belle thinks for a moment before replying. “I would, but I think Apple Bloom wants too as well.”

Cheerilee considers this and smiles at Sweetie Belle. “I will take a look at the music over the weekend and maybe we can make it a duet for both of you.”

“Oh wow, that would be great Miss Cheerilee.” The little unicorn turns and looks at her teacher. “Miss?”

“Yes my dear?”

“We have all noticed that you have been very, very happy this week and now you want to go home early and I was wondering why?”

“I am going to spend the weekend with a very good friend and have been looking forward to it all week.”

“Have you found your special somepony?”

Cheerilee smiles and hugs herself. “I think so. I really think so” She turns and looks at the clock. “Has everypony finished their chore? Yes? Very well, gather your bags and lets all go home!”

The peace of the classroom is shattered by the cheers and cries of joy as Cheerilee sees her students out the door. She returns to her desk, has a last check round and collects her saddle bags, and from a draw, the short note in the pretty card she received this morning from Twilight. Cheerilee rereads it once more, enjoying the beautiful flowing hoof writing.

Hey there, my love. Some instructions for you.

Finish on time today.

Leave as soon as you have finished.

Come straight to the library. Do not go home.

Bring no more than you need with you. Especially no work.

I want your undivided attention all weekend.

If you are rereading this for a second time, put it away and get a move on.

I love you, want you and am in no mood to wait.

Twi.

Cheerilee quietly chuckles to herself and places the note in to her bag, making sure that it is someplace safe. Possibly my very first love letter from Twilight she thinks. Saddle bags on she heads out, securing the door behind her and trots into Ponyville, smiling and humming.

Crossing the town square she waves and greets a few friends and then turns into the avenue and stops outside the library door. It is shut with a sign on it ‘Closed for stock taking’. Cheerilee smiles and knocks.

A sharp voice from an upper window cries out in reply. “If that is who I hope it is, the door is open. If not, read the notice!”

A gentle push and the door swings open, Cheerilee enters the reading room and swings it closed behind her. The light is low with the blinds down and the usual wonderful smell of old books is over laid with a soft, gentle perfume. “She has lit scented candles.” Cheerilee grins and mutters to herself and then calls. “Twi, it’s me. I’m here.”

The clatter of hooves from the floor above brings Twilight to the top of the stairs and she skips down to happily greet her guest. “You’re here. You’re here at last, I was starting to worry.”

“I’m sorry my love, I ran in to some friends on the way here. It’s amazing how everypony wants to chat when you are trying to get somewhere.” Cheerilee struggles with the strap for her saddlebags.

“Let me help you with those.” Twilight pleads as her horn glows. The sticking buckle releases and the bags lift and float to the hangers leaving the damp sweaty band round Cheerilee’s middle exposed to the cool air.

“Thank you my love, it’s been a long, busy day. Could I have a wash before we have dinner?” She asks looking at her damp flanks.

Twilight places her forelegs round Cheerilee’s neck and lightly kisses her. “I am prepared for you needing to clean up so follow me. Dinner will be a little while yet, Spike is really going to town in the kitchen. The smell of fresh baked bread has been driving me mad with hunger all afternoon.” She releases Cheerilee and moves towards the stairs.

Cheerilee follows her upstairs to a landing where unsurprisingly there are more packed book shelves. She stops to study the titles, Magical Theory, Technical studies and an awful lot of books on Starswirle the Bearded. As she lifts a hoof to a particularly interesting title, she realizes that Twilight is waiting for her.

“Part of my personal collection.” She grins. “But this is not the time, now come along.”

Cheerilee move to Twilight as she opens a door beyond the book shelves and they are engulfed in a cloud of scented steam that rolls out of the bathroom.

“In you go” Twilight guides her towards the large circular bath tub in the centre of the room.

Cheerilee glances over the rim and takes a breath. The tub is almost full to the brim and she can smell roses, the water must be laced with bath salts.

“Come on. In you go.” Twilight encourages.

Before sliding into the bath, Cheerilee dips a hoof to test the temperature, it’s wonderfully warm. She slowly and carefully lowers herself into the deep water, almost completely submerging herself as she relaxes and the tension flows from her body. Resurfacing she sees that Twilight is leaning over the side of the bath and beside her a shampoo container and large jug are held in her magic. Cheerilee sits up and closes her eyes as she unwinds from the days stresses, she feels the shampoo applied to her fur and then Twilight’s hooves work their way through the tangles of her wet mane and across her neck to her shoulders. The jug repeatedly dips into the water and then slowly tips its contents onto the back of Cheerilee’s head, washing away the suds from her upper body. She opens her eyes and looks at Twilight, whose hooves are stretching to reach lower down Cheerilee’s body.

“You know that you would find it a lot easier if you joined me in here.”

Twilight looks surprised and before she can give the notion any thought or comment Cheerilee reaches out, wrapping her forelegs round Twilight’s middle and with surprising strength she plucks the beautiful lavender unicorn from her perch and pulls her into the water on top of her. There is a huge splash and water flies across the room, soaking the floor and as they surface, chocking and giggling Cheerilee pulls Twilight tightly to her and asks. “Oh my darling can you breathe? Do you need mouth to mouth resuscitation?”

Twilight snorts water from her nose and wraps her legs round Cheerilee. “I wish there was a way to scrub your filthy mind as clean as the rest of you.”

As they kiss and cuddle and giggle together, there is a shout from downstairs. “Hey Twi. Are you OK up there?”

Pushing herself up off of Cheerilee, Twilight surveys the drenched floor. “Oh dear, what a mess.”

“Twi? Twi, is everything alright?” There is the rip rap of dragon claws coming up the stairs.

“We are ok Spike. I just slipped and spilt some water.”

“We?” Comes the reply from right outside the bathroom door. The handle rattles.

“Stay out Spike! Cheerilee is here and she is in the bath.” Twilight calls and from underneath her the magenta mare snickers and starts to tickle her.

Now in fits of giggles, Twilight collapses on to Cheerilee with another large splash of water and they cuddle and rejoin their lips.

“What’s going on in there?” Spike knocks on the door.

Cheerilee stares into Twilights eyes, after moving her dripping forelock to one side and chuckles. “I dare you. I dare you to explain this one.” She is rewarded by the flush of embarrassment burning across the unicorns cheeks.

The door handle rattles again and with a quick flash of magic, Twilight slams home the lock. “Spike, really we are alright. Please go and get some more clean towels and leave them outside the door and then you can go and finish dinner.”

“But Twilight that’s why I came up, it is nearly ready.”

“Ok Spike. Thank you. Fetch the towels and we will be down shorty.” She gazes at Cheerilee and settles deeply in to the warm water. “Drat, we will have to get out or he will be upset.”

“Oh must we?” Cheerilee sighs as she tightens her hold on Twilight and begins work back across her flanks to caress her star cutie marks. “I am so happy I really don’t want to move.”

The sensations arising from her hind quarters causes Twilight to groan with pleasure and to thrust with her hips into Cheerilee’s belly. “I….I….Don’t want to either, but….but…. Ahhh….Spike has put such an effort in to….to….cooking for us he will be really crosssss…. Mmmm…. If it is ruined.”

Cheerilee halts her wandering hooves and gently encourages a disappointed Twilight to move so that she can sit up. “Well my love, we had better not let him down, had we?”

The younger unicorn pouts sulkily and tries to maneuver herself back on to her lover. “Dinner can wait. I want you.”

“I know. I feel the same, but….” Cheerilee grins and softly kisses Twilight on the nose. “Think how much better it is going to be when after a lovely meal and a pleasant evening we finally go to bed together and make love in peace and comfort.” Cheerilee chuckles. “And you have had to contain your frustrations for a few more hours.”

“Ha, you wait till latter then. I am going to show you just how frustrated I am feeling.” Twilight pokes out her tongue and then returns Cheerilee’s kisses, before climbing out of the bath and retrieving the pile of clean towels from beyond the door.

After spending a little too long drying each other and a vain attempt to clear up the mess in the bathroom, the two mares descend the stairs and head to the library’s kitchen where Spike is waiting for them, arms crossed, claws drumming and face set in a scowl.

“Well, about time. I’m starved.” He states.

“I am sorry Spike, it is my fault. I was enjoying my bath a little too much.” Cheerilee apologises with a contrite look and a quick glance at Twilight.

“Sit, sit.” The little dragon waves towards the table and turns to the oven.

Twilight pulls out a chair and gestures for Cheerilee be seated and sits herself beside her marefriend. As they watch the young dragon serving up dinner, Twilight links a foreleg though Cheerilee’s and indulges in a little small talk. “So, how’s your day been?”

“Slow. It doesn’t happen often, but I just couldn’t wait for today to finish and it just didn’t want to.”

“The little ones been playing up?” Twilight asks.

“No not at all, good as gold today. We have been rehearsing for the parent’s concert this afternoon.” Cheerilee turns and smiles at her beloved unicorn. “It’s just that I have had a really strong desire to be in some other ponies company today.”

Blushes and a quick chaste kiss is shared between the two of them while Spike is distracted, removing a large dish from the oven and the aroma rapidly hits Cheerilee’s nose.

“Wow Spike, that smells wonderful.”

“It’ just a quiche, nothing fancy. I found the recipe in an old cook book in the library and wanted to try it out. There is salad, potatoes and fresh bread to go with it, so please help your selves.” He indicates to various dishes and plates on the table as he takes his own seat.

The aurora of Twilight’s magic flows across the table as sections of the quiche are sliced and placed onto three plates and then the bowls lift and move round so that the other two can serve themselves, filling their plates.

Cheerilee takes a bite and is in heaven. “That is just wonderful, it melts in the mouth and the pastry, divine! An excellent piece of work Spike, worthy of an A in my book.” She watches as the baby dragon puffs himself out with happiness at her compliment and then she snatches a glance at Twilight. She is just sat there lost in a world of her own, chomping away on the food as if was completely tasteless as last year’s old hay.

Spike notices Cheerilee’s look, places a clawed hand over one side of his mouth and tells her in a very distinct stage whisper.” I love to cook and it’s just as well, Twilight is awful. She can burn water. What about you?”

Snickering at Spikes description of Twilight’s culinary abilities, Cheerilee considers his question for a moment “I’m…. Proficient in the kitchen. I can take care of myself, nothing flash” She take a second piece of the quiche. “Certainly nowhere near this standard. Twi?” Cheerilee offers the unicorn another slice.

“What? Oh! Err, yes please. Isn’t there some wine, would you like a glass?”

“In the fridge.” Spike gestures to the far corner of the kitchen. “It’s the other bottle of Fizz from last weekend.”

“I was wondering what had happened to that.” Cheerilee grins and claps her hooves together. “Let’s get it opened.” She leaves the table as Spike fetches some glasses and collects the bottle from the fridge door.

“Puddings in there as well, if you want some.” The little dragon calls.

Cheerilee extracts a large covered bowl from the bottom shelf and carries it to the table before returning for the wine and retaking her seat. The cover is whisked off the bowl.

“Ta da!” Spike cries.

“Is that what I think it is?” Cheerilee peeps over the rim of the bowl. “Oh wonderful!”

“What have you made Spike?” Twilight frowns.

“Just a Trifle.”

“Doesn’t look particularly trivial to me.” She replies with perfect seriousness.

Bursting into laughter, Cheerilee answers “No Twi. It’s called a Trifle, mmm with chocolate sprinkles.” She glances at Spike. “Raspberry?”

He nods. “Rarity told me that it was your favorite along with ice cream.”

“There’s ice cream as well?”

Spike looks guilty. “Well not as much, no.”

“Spike! I bought two tubs this morning, where are they?” Twilight is growing irritated.

“I sort of got hungry waiting for you at lunchtime.”

“You knew that it was for dinner. I am disappointed in you.”

“It’s alright Twilight.” Cheerilee cuddles up to the unicorn. “Pour the wine, I really want to try this trifle as it is.”

The meal is finished in quiet, contented contemplation until Cheerilee calls for a toast. “To Spike, our very own master chef” She taps glasses with Twilight and they watch as the little dragon blushes with pride. “Now” Cheerilee continues. “Would you like me to help you with the dishes?”

“No, that’s alright. Twi said I can leave cleaning up until you two go out tomorrow.”

Cheerilee turns to the now blushing Twilight. “We are going somewhere?”

“I have booked us an appointment at the spa for the full works, also Rarity’s suggestion. We had a little get together earlier in the week, she has been very helpful and encouraging, but did she ever keep on about how happy I am looking just lately.”

“Funnily enough, I had the same from Sweetie Belle this afternoon.” Cheerilee recalls with a smile.

“Well you two.” Spike interrupts. “I’m going to my room, comics to read you know.”

Twilight looks at him and smiles. “Ok Spike. We will probably go up to the study in a minute, see you later.”

“Night, night Spike.” Cheerilee ads as they watch the little dragon depart. She glances at Twilight. “His own room?”

“Oh yes. It suddenly occurred to me yesterday when I got up, what if tonight we want too, well you know and he is sleeping at the bottom of my bed. Awkward!”

Cheerilee is laughing so hard he almost falls of the chair. “You are so silly and adorable.”

“This is no laughing matter.” Twilight bleats. “I would die with embarrassment if he caught us, well, at it, so to speak, so yesterday we cleared out one of the storage rooms for him. There were books that had been in there for years, some went out on the shelves, the rest I filled three large shipping crates and sent them back to the central library in Canterlot. That’s what I was doing at lunch time when a certain dragon was scoffing all the ice cream.”

“I don’t think that I have ever met anypony that makes me so happy and want to laugh so much Twi.” Cheerilee throws her forelegs round the unicorn’s neck and kisses her cheek.

“Thank you Cheeri.” Twilight looks slightly away and blushes. “You have no idea how good that makes me feel. Come on let go upstairs, I have a question for you.”

Cheerilee follows Twilight through the library, all the time pondering what the ‘question’ might be, hoping that it is not too personal as there are one or two points of her life that even she would rather not recall. They climb the stairs to the study, another room of wall to wall fully loaded books shelves, not large, but plenty of room to be comfortable. Two other doors lead out of the room, the open glazed one next to Cheerilee goes out on to a high balcony, bathed in the early evening sun, a telescope stands by the guard rail. The other is closed and she suspects it leads to Twilights’ bedroom. On the other side of the study is a large coffee table, covered with books, scrolls and a number of Twilights infamous check lists. To each side are large floor cushions and beyond a wide sofa, where even now a certain unicorn is settling herself into the soft upholstery.

****

“Sweet Sun and Moon. Except for the books that sounds like a description of Princess Celestia’s morning room.” Shimmering Heart utters in surprise.

“Shush. It’s rude to interrupt.” Autumn gives him a stern look as she pours the apple juice that she has just brought from the kitchen into three glasses. “It’s too early to start dinner yet, so I thought you would like something to drink and decided to join you for a while.”

“Thank you my dear.” Cheerilee acknowledges as she sips at the glass. “I haven’t talked this much since I retired and my good Sergeant there is a reason for that. The afore mentioned table and sofa were gifts from Celestia. Peas in a pod those two over most things, it wouldn’t surprise me to find that the Princess had ordered the same for herself.”

“Don’t worry I will keep him under control for now.” Autumn pours a little more juice in to Cheerilee’s glass.

“Hold on, don’t I get a say in this.” Shimmering Heart complains.

The two mares face him and state in unison. “No!”

Autumn lightly kisses the old magenta mare on her cheek and then whispers something into her ear. Shimmering Heart watches with some surprise as Cheerilee smiles with joy and tears well up in her eyes.

“Now I believe I was standing in Twi’s study worrying about the question she was going to ask me.” Cheerilee picks up her tale. “Knowing that she and Rarity had a get together and what right gossips two unicorns can be…”

“Excuse me!” Autumn exclaims in faked shock.

“Right gossips!” Cheerilee states with a merry twinkle in her eyes. “I was naturally a little concerned that something sordid from my early life had been revealed, but what she wanted to know about was surprisingly minor in the grand scale of things.”