The Winter Solstice

Chapters

Chapter 1: Table Settings
Chapter 2: Pre Carnival Jitters
Chapter 3: Sunday Best
Chapter 4: Carnival of Lights (Part 1)
Chapter 5: Carnival of Lights (Part 2)
Chapter 6: Lights Out
Chapter 7: Blight of Muspell
Chapter 8: Death Wish
Chapter 9: Meet the Parents

Chapter 1: Table Settings

At the bottom of the world resided a realm ruled by King Hail and Queen Stellar in Hoarfrost Castle. A massive continent surrounded completely by frozen water where the land never thawed, the sky rarely shared the sun, and it always seemed to snow. This was the frozen wonderland that the snow ponies of the south had come to know.

The south was known to be the sister kingdom to the Frozen North, akin to their brethren ice ponies, but the kingdom kept to itself for many reasons. Their realm was naturally cut off from the rest of Equestria and chose to remain impartial to events the rest of the world concerned itself with.

Being polar opposites to their spiritual cousins from north, snow ponies were minimalist in much of their desires and focused on improving themselves physically rather than monetarily or spiritually. To survive in such an environment it was necessary to cultivate a way of life that would allow snow ponies to overcome the harsh conditions of their world. In the same vein of their northern counterparts, the snow ponies would seek to free their mind of their physical limitations, and build a kingdom that would reflect such values. It takes a great amount of effort to move in snow, even more effort to carry out tasks in the snow, and the land provided very little.

These ideals outlasted anything in their frozen wasteland, building a kingdom with what little resources they had, the snow ponies built a kingdom and flourished within it for several centuries. Such ideals also painted their view of the outside world in many negative ways, believing that such comforts warmer climates provided created weak and lazy ponies. For snow ponies mirrored the strength of flame ponies, their bodies hard like the frozen ground, their command of ice focused yet destructive, and their resolve unyielding.

While there have been many attempts to reach Hoarfrost Castle by many distant neighbors across the great seas through letters, none dared to cross the frozen wastelands of the south. There was nothing of trade to be had, no money to be made in anything the snow ponies valued, but the snow storms provided from the south were always on many main-lander ponies minds.

The natural laws of nature dictated the seasons bringing spring, summer, fall and winter to the rest of Equestria. Yet, there were times where nature becomes too unpredictable. Harsh winters were nothing the snow ponies feared, but their mainland neighbors across seas would seek out their assistance when snowstorms proved too intense.

Lord Hail and Lady Stellar would extend their good will towards the ponies across the seas, having a strong magical connection with the weather of their realm, and lessening the severity of the storms. It was one of many courtesies that their kingdom provided, lessening the size of glaciers that broke off from their land or ships unknowingly sailing through ice waters and having the ice shelf freeze around them overnight. Their command of the weather of their part of world had been years of self taught mastery through deep magical connections within the land and a strong host to preside over it. Which is why the line of royalty within Castle Hoarfrost has trained diligently for many years to obtain such powers over nature and rule alongside it with wisdom.

The young Prince Acrylic, the only son of Lord Hail and Lady Stellar, spent many grueling years being molded into the perfect host of such powers to one day be seated on the throne ruling over all the land and its unforgiving snow. Yet, the young prince wanted more.

In his youth the young prince had listened to the distant travelers, who had shipwrecked upon their shores due to their ever shifting ice, share stories within bitter cold taverns of other beings of enormous power throughout the world. Of a Mad King threatening to cover the world in a sea of fire, of a being known as Discord throwing the world into chaos, and of Tirek who sought to rule Equestria in times long passed. Acrylic wanted the life of an adventurer, of a conqueror, to have travelers speak of his story for ages to come. To have left a mark upon the world that no pony would forget.

Throughout the years Acrylic had begged his parents for a life beyond the kingdom, beyond the shackles of his family's traditions, and beyond the idea of just being a host. There was nothing for it, his life was one more subjective task after another until his eighteenth birthday where Acrylic was finally bestowed this ancient power by his father. Cementing his place within the Kingdom for the rest of his days, until he would take a wife, and have children of his own to which he would then mold into the same vessel he was made to be.

What few travelers that ever visited their Kingdom rarely spoke of any new stories, nothing that seemed to change the very face of Equestria. That is, until one traveling pony had brought a book that spoke of a runaway princess, a newly crowned flame king, the rise of an Elder Dragon, and that it all ended with a battle against a dark spirit from another dimension. A story that had once again ignited the deep desires of a young prince, desires that now had fine edge to them, that would cut cleanly into the hearts of those that stood against them.

One night, within the royal dining room, Lord Hail, Lady Stellar, and Prince Acrylic dined together as they always had at seven o’clock sharp. The young prince was looking rather anxious, desiring to speak, gambling at his chance before dinner had concluded.

“Father, I wanted to ask—”

“We do not speak until our meal is done.”

The King was an older stallion. His mane bore of clouds of ice that rippled like water all down his back. He sported a beard that swayed in a ghastly way whenever he lifted his fork to his mouth. The tone of his voice groaned like hulls of trapped ships being crushed beneath the creeping ice. His eyes alone were intense enough to have Acrylic refrain from speaking any further.

The prince lowered his head, passive-aggressively stabbing at his bits of juniper berries and gobbling them up quickly.

His mother eyed him glaringly about the attitude she saw on display. She was an older mare. Her shallow cheeks provided an impression of the she chewed. Her physique was gaunt, dressed in a formal gown that draped from her frail figure like curtains in a drafty hall. Her mane was thin of clouds, barely billowing from her neck, hiding the thinning areas with her crown and shall that draped over her shoulders.

It would be another twenty minutes before dinner was announced to be over and the time for evening discussions were to commence. Traditionally, it was the King’s prerogative to begin the discussion or choose a pony to start one. He chose his Queen to speak first.

“Were you able to respond to Lord Tundra’s invitation about us not attending his Winter Solstice, darling?”

“Indeed, darling. I promptly wrote back thanking them for thinking of us, but clearly stated that we would not be attending this year.”

The prince sat quietly. Bearing down on his teeth, wanting nothing more than to speak, but knew his interruption would void him of his turn. Nearly a half hour had passed. Acrylic gripped the arms of his chair so tightly from his aggravation that it started to crack the marble.

Lord Hail turned his attention towards his son, finally offering him the opportunity to speak.

“Was there anything you wanted to discuss, Acrylic?”

His eyes flashed with excitement. “If you would, father, there is something I wish to know more about from this book.”

“What book?”

“The one you received from his majesty, Lord Tundra.”

“Your fascination over that book is becoming obsessive, Acrylic. What could you possibly want to know?”

Acrylic went to speak but was cut short by his mother’s interjection.

“You’re not leaving this realm, Acrylic. We’ve already discussed this.”

Acrylic sneered at his mother.

“I simply desire to know more, mother. Since I am unable to speak with the author face to face.”

Lady Stellar laughed. “As if any of what that pony wrote has an ounce of truth to it.”

Thunder rolled overhead. It was not uncommon for the Southern Realm to have storms, but this storm was not of nature’s design. The white of Acrylic’s eyes had dimmed to a grey, the blue in his eye becoming ultraviolet, but it passed just as quickly as did the thunder.

Lord Hail already seemed tired of the conversation. “What is it that you desire to know?”

Acrylic turned to look at his father. A smile forced its way out, unable to contain his excitement.

“What makes a good story?”

I yawned.

The corridor to the sparring room seemed so much longer this morning. My eyes felt heavy. Lack of sleep and early mornings had made me a dangerous combination of exhausted and short-tempered. By comparison, I was accompanied by an energetic Princess that seized the morning as if it was a prize needing to be won. She was an ice pony from the Northern Kingdom who had risked her life to help me save a whole other dimension from an evil celestial being. Princess Sapphire was a morning pony.

“Did you attend this morning’s security briefing?” Sapphire asked.

I yawned again. “With both eyes shut.”

Sapphire narrowed her eyes at me. “You need to be awake and alert for those types of meetings, Smolder.”

“Well, I would be, if somepony didn’t take away my coffee privileges.”

“You drink entirely too much coffee and it’s not good for you.”

“Remind me who’s the King again?” I asked with a frown.

“Only in title, not in practice. Which is why I’m here to turn you into a halfway decent King so you don’t embarrass yourself in front of the rest of Equestria.”

“I don’t see how being casual with ponies is such a bad thing.”

“Because a King needs to be a good leader, not just a good friend. Ponies must trust in your judgement even if it goes against their personal views on the subject and you must be ready to ask the impossible of your friends if the need ever arises. Because a King must put the best interests of his kingdom and his ponies before his own feelings. Which is why everypony knows not to go against my wishes and bring you coffee.”

“What about taking things in moderation? Why do I have to go cold turkey?”

Sapphire rolled her eyes at me. “Don’t be such a filly.”

For the past six months the Princess of the Frozen North has been frequenting the castle, in the effort of making me into a respectable King. I was told by many my superior that I needed a teacher, an instructor to help mold me into this vision of the King that everypony was expecting of me. Luckily for me, Sapphire offered to be the one to show me the ropes, but these ropes seemed miles long with complicated knots I had to work through.

We arrived at two giant obsidian doors. It blended in with the rest of the castle wall and many ponies would never see it without being told of its existence.

A blue hue of magic erupted from Sapphire's horn, the door outlined with her magic. It slid open, revealing a rather wide circular area with several tall windows that stretched towards the high ceiling. It was the Royal Training Room. It was our morning routine, our daily workout, the time in which Sapphire beat the ever-living hay out of me.

“Hurry up and stretch,” Sapphire ordered.

I yawned again. “Yeah, yeah.”

Roman had made many additions to Castle Char. The damage done by the Elder Dragon gave a lot of freedom to explore new ideas and areas for the castle. Many of his ideas were approved because he realized putting the word ‘royal’ in front of everything made it seem like it was necessary. I personally enjoyed the Royal Snack Bar.

A hard twist of my neck brought a cracking sound. Leaning forward, dragging my back legs and raising my wings, I felt my back popping as if it were a bunch of little fireworks. Taking a deep breath and holding it in, I made my flames roar for a few seconds before settling down.

“Are you finished?” Sapphire asked.

Rolling my shoulders, I noticed Sapphire hadn't limbered up. “Aren’t you going to stretch?”

“I did. An hour before you woke up.”

My eyes were the last things I rolled. I approached Sapphire, stepping into a crude chalky sparring circle she had drawn many weeks ago. We were nearly nose to nose with each other.

“We’ll start with Deer Form.”

I snorted.

“Really? Every time?” Sapphire asked.

“It’s not a good name,” I replied.

“Oh, and Ember Dancing is any better?”

“Sounds better.”

Deer Form, despite its silly name, was a close hoof to hoof combat that ice ponies used. It used speed and transferal of your opponent's energy against them, able to freeze an opponent or render them unconscious in seconds.

The sparring match would only end if one was to be overpowered, taken down, pinned, or be forced to submit. It was called Deer Form due to sudden thrust of energy when two deer collide with their horns.

“Ready?” Sapphire asked.

The movement of my hoof against the side of hers was my acknowledgment that I was. Sapphire threw a quick succession of strikes, all ranging from my chest to my neck to my head. I recognized it to be form three of the style and found myself routinely blocking each hit she threw.

“Good.”

Sapphire stepped forward. She started with her left hoof, signaling that this would be the third tier grapple and possible throw. I remember my flank was sore for a week when she first tossed me.

Her hooves gripped my shoulder and arm. My reaction the first time encountering this move was to step away, which played right into her hooves as she kicked out my back legs to knock me off balance, allowing her to toss me. This time I stepped forward, gripping her arm and placing my elbow against her chest. It provided me with a strong stance and stopped her from approaching even more.

“You’ve gotten better.”

“Yeah, but no pony is going to willingly grab a flame pony though.”

“Be that as it may, you may end up fighting another flame pony or ice pony at some point and you’ll be ready.”

Sapphire’s grip weakened. We backed away from each other. She had stepped out of the sparring circle which meant that we were no longer fighting.

“You seem rather alert considering you’re without your precious coffee.” Sapphire jested.

I smirked. “Deer Form is becoming predictable.”

“Well then, let’s try something a little more robust,” Sapphire offered.

“Such as?”

Ice crept across her body. Her ice coated the feathers of her wings, freezing them in a thin layer of ice that was imbued with magic from her horn that sharpened them to a razors edge. With a whip of her cloudy mane she smirked at me.

“Roman and Crow haven’t gotten around to rebuilding the one I used from the battle with the Orc,” I said.

In preparing for the battle with the Orc, I had copied Sapphire’s technique using a much more robust version. A shield like crest that sat upon my back with two slots for my wings to slide into, the mechanism would slide blades across my feathers before securing the whole weapon to my wings. It was ingeniously designed by Roman and Crow, but having won that battle I had no pressing need to have it rebuilt. Although, Sapphire did not seem interested in my excuses.

“You’re a clever colt. You’ll think of something.”

There was a remarkable display of reflective lights from her ice covered feathers. Sapphire raised her wings while beginning to crouch. A very big tell that she was going to attack.

I was backpedaling away. “Whoa, let’s not get too hasty, Sapphire!”

It was clear that Sapphire was in unusually competitive spirits today. Unfortunately, that meant I was clearly outmatched.

“Keep your guard up, Smolder!”

I felt Sapphire’s hoof strike my jaw. The Ice Princess was being less than forgiving with my openings, punishing me for it whenever she had the opportunity. I preferred taking a shot to the chin than allowing a razor feather to flay me.

Sapphire’s movements were elegant, not wasting a single step or breath in her onslaught. It was quite mesmerizing to behold, which probably got a lot of her opponents cut or worse.

Still, I knew better than to allow myself the luxury of staring at such a sight. Unable to replicate Sapphire’s technique without the aid of my contraption, my focus was now on trying to remove the ice from her wings to prevent her from cutting me to ribbons.

Spewing fire against the stone flooring, I ducked and weaved my way around Sapphire’s strikes. Flaring my mane, raising the heat of my flames higher and higher before the room itself began to cook.

Sapphire was beginning to look uncomfortable, trying harder and harder to create more ice, but the lack of water in the air proved to be detrimental to her ability to continue fighting. Droplets of water were becoming cascades from her wing tips. Her razor sharp icicles were now brittle and nearly melted.

“How’s that?” I asked.

While I was looking for some sort of approval from her, Sapphire did not like the idea of being outwitted.

“I can still fight!”

“You haven’t got any ice left!” I retorted.

A whip of her wing flung a stream of water that caught me in the face. The water turned to vapor in an instant while I covered my face with my arm from the painful stinging.

I groaned in pain while backing away, holding up my hoof to Sapphire and signaling I had conceded to her.

There was a sudden gasp before feeling Sapphire’s hoof gingerly touching the arm I used to cover my face.

“Smolder, I am so sorry! Are you alright?”

Sitting myself down I felt Sapphire carefully touching the sides of my face, wondering how bad the water burn would be. In all honesty it would have been puffy or swollen for a regular flame pony, but as I removed my arm I had just a bit of redness around my eyes. One of the perks I had discovered of having the Phoenix Flame was the recovery rate of wounds. I had been training almost everyday to understand and better use this power that had been passed down through my family for generations.

“Yeah, I think so.”

The pain had come and gone. I was adjusting my eyes back to the light of the room, feeling Sapphire’s hooves still tracing around my face and examining me closer. She seemed wracked with guilt over what happened.

“I guess I still need to learn to keep my guard up,” I said.

“It was inexcusable. I could have seriously injured you, Smolder. Perhaps even blinded you.”

“Like you said, I may be fighting an ice pony someday and they’ll use something like this to their advantage.”

“Don’t try to make excuses for me. I took it too far and you got hurt.”

I reached up taking hold of her hooves clutching my face. “I know you’d never hurt me on purpose, Sapphire.”

Sapphire’s face flushed a dark purple, her hooves slowly gripping my face tighter and tighter.

“Sapp--Sapphire? My face?”

“Oh!”

I felt my face come free from her grip.

“That’s enough of a warm up today,” Sapphire said quickly.

Moving away from me, the princess turned on a dime and headed for the door. With a whip of her wings the sauna of a room was instantly cooled by her ice, leaving a thin mist hanging about. I was holding my face, massaging my cheeks, wondering if I should say something more.

“Sapphire?”

“You still have to meet with Roman at the Magic Academy build site today to oversee some of the new additions he’s planning on including to the structure. Don’t forget to bring Mira with you if she isn’t already there.”

She had the large obsidian door open before I could think of something to say. So I blurted out the first thing that came to mind, “Are we still having dinner tonight?”

It was enough to have Sapphire stop hard. She seemed a bit flustered by my question. I watched her head tilt towards me. She did her best to let her cloudy mane hide her flushed face.

“If… you’re still okay with it.”

“Totally.”

I earned a smile from Sapphire. Before she could step through the door another pony was attempting to step in, nearly running into her.

“Bleak? What are you doing here?” Sapphire asked.

Bleak Weather was a pegasus, colored a royal blue with a cloudy mane rich in the color purple. This morning it was delivering the incident reports from yesterday’s patrol.

“I’ve come to deliver these to Smolder.”

“Lord Smolder,” Sapphire corrected.

Bleak rolled his eyes.

Bleak stepped around Princess Sapphire to meet with me.

“A couple of incident reports from Ms. Fizzle. Nothing too serious, no injuries, but it may come up in the evening security briefing,” Bleak reported.

“Thanks, Bleak.”

As I glanced over the reports, I found Sapphire nearly shoulder to shoulder with me seemingly curious to what they were about as well. I passed her the top slate that I was already done with for her to review. Taking the slate, Sapphire could see that Bleak had circled the finer points of each incident, cutting the reading down to a couple of lines.

“So, you’re having Bleak run errands for you?” Sapphire asked.

“Of course not, Bleak volunteered to deliver the incident reports to allow me more time to deal with other things.”

“And what does Bleak get out of this?”

“Summer.”

Sapphire nodded seeming content with that answer. The moment she turned her back Bleak pulled out an apple tart from under his wing and quickly tossed it to me. I ate it hurriedly.

We had come to an agreement that if I gave Bleak our weekly schedule of royal duties, he would bring me delicious snacks. Sapphire’s royal dietitian had visited a few weeks prior and had a few choice words about my eating habits. It was the perfect way to get what we both wanted with an airtight cover.

Wiping my mouth clean of crumbs, I hoof bumped Bleak before clearing my throat to get Sapphire’s attention.

“I’ll be going to see Roman now, Sapphire. I’ll see you at dinner tonight,” I said.

“Of course, I’ll come collect you after your evening security briefing with the Night Watch,” Sapphire replied.

“Right.”

Bleak and I headed for the door. I noticed Bleak had managed to sneak another apple tart under his wing, offering it to me. I took it quickly, devouring it before we reached the door. It opened to us revealing Summer stepping through. She stopped short, looking surprised to find Bleak inside.

“What are you doing here, Bleak?” Summer asked.

“Just running some errands for the King,” Bleak replied.

“Are you sneaking snacks under your wing again?”

Summer was quick to apprehend Bleak, checking under both his wings for signs of food but found him snackless. Bleak smiled wide, feigning his innocence. Summer turned to me as I struggled to keep a straight face with a mouth full of tart.

“Don’t waste time getting back to your duties, Bleak, or else Flare won’t be the only pony you’ll be answering to.”

Bleak cleared his throat with a rather mischievous smile forming across his face.

“Are… we still on for the carnival tomorrow night?” Bleak asked.

Summer flushed nervously looking from Bleak to me. I could sense that my presence was no longer necessary and excused myself.

Once outside in the hallway I quickly pressed myself up against the side of the doorway to hear what Summer had to say. Bleak had been talking about this particular date with Summer for the last couple of weeks and I too wanted to know what she was going to say.

“Bleak, I’m sorry, but Sapphire might be returning to the Frozen North earlier than we anticipated. It’s for the preparations for the Winter Solstice. We might have to reschedule,” Summer replied.

There was a look of disappointment on Bleak’s face, but he did his best to hide it with a smile. Summer was already looking quite miserable herself, having given him the bad news.

“Next time then.”

Bleak stole a kiss from her. Summer covered her mouth, flushing a deep orange at the prospect of being familiar in front of Princess Sapphire.

I hurried away from the door, bolting around the corner to hide my eavesdropping. I watched as Bleak walked out into the hallway, letting his disappointment come flooding out. He kicked a three hundred year old statue with his back leg in frustration while cursing under his breath about his luck. He turned the corner to find me waiting for him.

“Not a fan of statues, huh?” I asked.

My sarcasm didn’t seem to land as he walked past me without a word.

“I’m guessing Summer’s busy again.”

“Is there something you needed, Your Majesty?”

I could tell that Bleak wasn’t in the mood to talk. Which was difficult because I knew the best way to reach a pony.

“No, but I--”

“Then I have to get back to my duties, I don’t get to spend all day with my special pony like you do.”

The floor was layered with a thin layer of frost from Bleak’s silent anger before he stormed off. I didn’t want to argue about his assumptions about Princess Sapphire and I, but I could tell he was trying very hard not to let out his anger on me. I looked after him just as he turned the corner of the long corridor, knowing that there was something I could possibly do for him.

Sapphire and I were having dinner together in the royal dining hall. It was perhaps the largest and dreariest place in the castle, being nearly three times the size of the throne room, but far less used for many reasons. Topping the list was the obsidian floors, walls, and ceiling bringing the whole room into a blackness that instantly felt depressing. The table itself was carved from a dark granite along with the chairs that offered zero comfort in terms of flank or back support. Even with the windows open the dining room smelled of wet clay.

Roman had suggested on many occasions that we simply demolish it from end to end and cursing the dragon for not targeting the uglier parts of the castle in its rampage. I, personally, would have been the first pony to take a sledge to the side of the wall to begin its remodeling, but other areas of the castle were in need of repairs first.

The room was meant to entertain many ponies of nobility, although we weren’t planning on entertaining any ponies for quite some time, but Sapphire and I used just the first two available chairs at the head of the table.

Tonight we were served some rather slimming hay cubes, a few carrots, some apple slices, and a cup of carrot juice. It wasn’t much of a feast thanks to Sapphire’s royal dietitian and made sure to enforce a rather strict meal plan for us. Neither Sapphire or I were crazy about it.

I was chewing on a carrot when Sapphire sighed, longingly rolling one of her hay cubes end over end on her plate. I could tell she was tired from the lackluster meals as I was.

Luckily, I had put in a special request to Bleak earlier today, and I could feel the satchel against my knee having been tucked away behind the leg of the table. Reaching for it, I retrieved the emergency snack bag.

Sapphire magically poked at her carrot, looking none too thrilled about it. A soft red glow of my magic neared her plate, a cupcake floating gently through the air as it set itself down in front of her. A smile came across her face as she glanced over at me as I shrewdly pretended to be busy eating my carrot.

“The Royal Dietitian would put you on a strict roughage-only meal plan if he saw this,” Sapphire remarked.

“I’m not the pony eating it.”

Her face flushed slightly. She unwrapped the paper before taking a bite. A shiver shot through her body, a rather sensual moan escaped from her as she closed her eyes in a cupcake euphoria.

I felt myself flush after hearing her swoon, I did my best to occupy myself with the last of my apple slices while Sapphire ate the rest of the cupcake.

“So, Sapphire… I wanted to ask you something.”

She was quick to wipe her mouth with her napkin, magically disposing of the cupcake wrapper before giving me her undivided attention.

“Yes?”

“Would you be able to stay for another day?”

“I'm afraid I cannot. The Winter Solstice is fast approaching and my mother and father will be up to their necks in preparations. My presence there will alleviate some of the burden.”

I felt like a door just shut in my face over this discussion. Picking at my carrot, my mind raced for another angle or reason to convince her to stay at least for one more day.

“Just… out of curiosity… why did you want me to stay?”

Looking up, I saw Sapphire’s face slightly flushed, glancing at me from the corner of her eyes. My mane flared, feeling my own face beginning to flush.

“I--I--I don’t have a date for the carnival tomorrow.”

Sapphire’s face flushed again. Quickly diverting her eyes back to her plate, she started to dribble her carrot in small circles, trying not to become flustered.

I had already slapped myself in the head for having used the word ‘date’. Bleak and Summer were the ones supposed to be going on a date tomorrow and I may have just ruined it.

“I--I can understand the need for a companion for such public events. The pressure to be accompanied for such things can be taxing. I--I--I was planning on asking you something similar.”

Nervously stirring her carrots around her plate, Sapphire did her best to remain unaffected by her own words, but flakes of snow were quickly sprinkling from her mane.

I nearly dropped my fork with my magic, desperately trying to settle my nerves. “M--me?”

“The--The Winter Solstice requires all attendees to be accompanied by a suitable partner. Tra… tra… traditionally it is required by royalty to begin the festivities with a d--dance.”

“You… want me? To--to--“

I struggled to get the word out. Both frightened and surprised at the same time at such a request.

“I--I--I assure you that it is no way a--a--a date or anything of that nature! Finding somepony I’m comfortable with… what I mean to say is that we--we--we are easier to get along with than-- than…”

Sapphire’s plate suddenly froze over. Her fork nervously stabbed the plate, cracking it down the middle and making both of us jump. Dropping her fork on the table, she lowered her head to let her embarrassment flourish beneath her billowing cloudy mane, face nearly a royal purple.

I laughed nervously, speaking in a much louder register than I had intended. “I--I guess it’s only fair!”

I ended up purposely smashing my plate in hopes of easing Sapphire’s embarrassment, but all it did was make her jump in surprise again.

“If--if you’re willing to stay an extra day just to help me out, then--then I can most assuredly help you with the Winter Solstice.”

Sapphire seemed to be willing to work this new angle I had offered.

“A--agreed! Such tiring social duties will be more easily handled if we attack them together.”

With our dinner plates now smashed, we had nothing really to occupy ourselves with. Awkwardly forced to stare at the remains of dinner and try to find something that would relieve our tension.

Sapphire was now willing to stay, although our presence at this festival would most assuredly be requiring some sort of bodyguard. Which meant I had done nothing but add to the problem.

“Could…” I began. “Could it… just be… the two of us?”

A thin layer of ice quickly formed around most of Sapphire’s body, literally freezing up to the question. It was my turn to duck my head from embarrassment, wondering how in the hay I had gotten so deep into this.

“...okay…”

Embers fell from my mane. I could see them fizzling to the floor before turning to black dots. I slowly looked up to Sapphire who seemed rather flustered but she made no attempt to hide it.

“I… enjoy our time together… Smolder.”

“And… having you here makes me happy, Sapphire,” I replied.

My response was almost reactionary. Sapphire usually praised me for my efforts in becoming a learned pony of royalty and it was my response to compliment her in turn. This made Sapphire’s mane storm with hundreds of small snowflakes billowing out around her. She hid her face, turning away from me, to avoid letting me see how embarrassed she was.

My head was so low to the table felt that I was nearly kissing it. I held my tongue between my teeth to stop myself from speaking again. Feeling so angry with myself for being such a dork.

“I’m… happy you feel that way,” Sapphire said.

Our eyes met over frozen carrots and broken dinner plates. Sapphire was the first to turn away out of embarrassment from her own words this time.

Pieces of the crushed dinner plates were being pushed across the table. Sapphire turned once more to see my hoof reaching across the table to her.

“Will you have my back tomorrow, Sapphire?” I asked.

This was our promise. The first time our trust had been put to the test, where we had put our lives on the line for one another and promised to stand by each other through the worst.

Sapphire smiled shyly, taking my hoof with her own. Finding it almost amusing that the last time I had asked her this we would most certainly be heading to our demise.

“You don’t have to ask, Smolder.”

There was red all over the floor. It pooled from two bodies. The first a full grown mare, throat cut deep, eyes open and vacant. Closer by lay the other, a full grown colt, heart run through, blood lining the grooves of the tiles upon the marble floor. Both had worn crowns, each had been having dinner, and had now taken their last breaths.

All that was left was colt at the peak of his adolescence, face splattered and wings soaked with red. At his hooves was the book he had obsessed over, fallen open to the chapter of the Fire King’s endowment of ancient power from his deceased parents. A power now solely his, a kingdom now under his rule, and a smile that hinted at an even greater agenda. A turn of the page revealed his motive, the prize at the end of his conquest.

“I shall be seeing you soon, Lady Sapphire.”

Chapter 2: Pre Carnival Jitters

Summer Hearth, royal bodyguard of Lady Sapphire, arrived at the dining hall to collect Princess Sapphire and escort her to her room. Upon her arrival Lady Sapphire was already standing outside the doors of the hall speaking with Lord Smolder. Summer was quick to notice how flustered she was and how awkward Lord Smolder seemed to be.

“Everything… okay?” Summer asked slowly.

“Yes, everything is just fine. Smolder and I were just about to call it a night.” Sapphire replied.

Summer eyed the two of them suspiciously. “Okay…”

Smolder stepped out into the hall. Summer noticed the flames on his mane were rippling rather peculiarly, which told her that he was rather nervous for some reason.

“Goodnight… Sapphire.” Smolder said with a bow of his head.

“Pleasant dreams, Smolder.” Sapphire replied.

The two mares watched Smolder head down the corridor, doing his best to walk naturally, knowing that their eyes were completely fixed on him.

Once he was out of sight, Summer looked over st Lady Sapphire to see that her face had become smitten and spaced out.

“Ahem!” Summer cleared her throat.

Sapphire jumped at Summer’s effort to snap her back to her senses. Trying to act like she wasn’t completely entranced by the lord of the castle’s flank.

“Shall we?” Sapphire questioned.

Together the two mares made their way back to their rooms. Summer waited until they were alone and out of earshot of anypony before grilling her with questions.

“How… was your dinner with Lord Smolder, my Lady?” Summer asked cautiously.

“It was… interesting.” Sapphire replied.

This time Sapphire could not hold back a smile. This alerted Summer that something much more personal might have taken place.

“Interesting how?”

Sapphire cleared her throat trying to regain a more regal composure.

“We shall be staying for another day here at castle, Summer. Lord Smolder has asked that I accompany him to the carnival tomorrow in exchange for—“

“Hold up,”

Summer threw on the brakes hard. Sapphire stopped to look at her seeing the bewildered expression she wore.

“What happened to the ‘mother and father will be absolutely livid if I’m not back home tomorrow’ talk we had earlier?” Summer asked in a voice that poorly mimicked Sapphire’s.

Sapphire flushed at her mockery. “Well… that was then and this is now.”

“So when I have a date with my special somepony it’s tough carrots, but when Lord Hot Saddle asks you out on a date then—“

“It’s not a date!” Sapphire snapped.

“Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that your hooves we’re tied on this matter. I guess you take orders from him now and you simply can’t refuse to go to the carnival with him.”

“It’s merely a favor for a favor! He will be accompanying me to the Winter Solstice in return for me accompanying him to the carnival.”

Summer choked a surprised laugh. “Are you being serious right now?”

“What?” Sapphire asked meekly.

“You seriously asked Smolder to be your date for the Winter Solstice?”

“It’s not a—“

“Where he will have to dance with you in front of all the Lords and Ladies from all over Equestria before being introduced to your parents, namely your father, as your date for the evening, and accompany you to the Well of Spirits?”

Sapphire was flushing a bright purple now, realizing the amount of exposure they would have in front of many royal ponies. The carnival was much more reserved and local which would limit the amount of ponies gossip on why they were there in the first place.

“Have you told him you like him yet?” Summer asked abruptly.

“What!” Sapphire quipped in surprise.

“Oh come one, you spend everyday with him, have all your meals together, you live in the same castle, attend meetings and events together. I know it’s for a specific purpose but I was just wondering if you’re… you know…”

Sapphire flushed a deep purple. “What?”

It was Summer’s turn to flush a light shade of orange. “Getting fresh with him?”

In an unladylike fashion, Sapphire attempted to silence Summer by covering her mouth with her hooves, but Summer fended her off.

“I’ve already told you that Smolder is interested in Ms. Herbal!” Sapphire hissed.

“So you have no feelings for him then? None at all?”

“Well of course I have feelings for him, it would be a lie to deny that. But, it’s strictly mutual and solely based on a friendship!”

Summer narrowed her eyes at the flushing princess. It was easy to tell when Sapphire was embarrassed, but Summer was one of the few ponies who knew her well enough to know when she was lying.

“Strictly mutual?” Summer questioned.

“The strictest.”

Sapphire found herself being pulled into a hug. A rare thing when concerning Summer. The hug lasted for well over a minute, as it was gingerly returned by Sapphire who felt confused to why it was needed.

“Maybe he likes you too.” Summer whispered.

Snowflakes started to trickle down from Sapphire’s mane. Summer didn’t get a response back. Perhaps it was from the embarrassment she was feeling or maybe her refusal to admit it, but Summer almost knew for certain that it made her stop to question such an idea.

Backing away, Sapphire seemed rather troubled by the notion.

“I’m here to help transition Smolder into the life of a king. More so than what he already is. It would be unfair to Ms. Herbal if I used my good intentions to try and… and… well…”

“If that’s all you got as an excuse than let’s go back home tonight.” Summer interjected.

Sapphire looked surprised by her response. “I beg your pardon?”

Summer seemed annoyed now. “If you’re not into him then why the hay did we spend all these months hanging around here anyways?”

“To… to help him become a better King.” Sapphire retorted.

Summer scoffed. “So going to this carnival is going to make him a better king how exactly? At best it would have taken a month to get him on track and that would have been the end of it.”

Sapphire’s mane started to billow like storm clouds from her annoyance with Summer’s snarky remarks.

“What is your problem?”

“I signed up to protect a Princess not a wallflower.”

“Excuse me!”

“Just tell that stupid colt you like him and be done with it!”

Sapphire tried to speak but found herself to frazzled to even form a single word. She could feel her face growing warm and her mane showering snowflakes.

Summer took a firm hold of Sapphire’s shoulders, staring her down in a fierce way.

“Tomorrow you’re going to tell that blithering idiot of a colt how you feel, you’re going to let him stew in his own dumb feelings to let him figure out which mare he wants to have as his special somepony, and you’re going to move on with your life with or without him.”

Her words were blunt and clear, yet they seemed to cut deep within her. It was true that there were such times that the idea did cross her mind, but she was always too afraid to say it.

“You’ve always fought for what you wanted, Sapphire. You were so afraid of being promised to him that once he let you off the hook you anchored yourself to this idea that you owe him something. If you do really want this colt as your special somepony, then fight for him, but don’t pretend that you’re being held back by any pony other than yourself.”

A few tears started to fall from Sapphire’s eyes, vulnerable at times, but rarely in front of Summer. Immediately Summer took to hugging her once again, trying to console her.

“If he tries anything weird… I’ll kill him, okay?”

Sapphire choked a laugh, clutching her friend tightly and feeling her heart begin to race.

“I’ll tell him tomorrow…”

“Did you just invite yourself to my romantic night out with Summer by asking the Princess Sapphire to tag along?”

It was late evening, having finished our dinner, Sapphire and I parted ways in the halls on the way to our rooms for the night. Bleak had waited outside my Royal Chambers, as he normally would every other night for an updated schedule on where Summer would be. This time though I had given him the good news of how I was able to get Sapphire to stay an extra day. Bleak wasn’t too thrilled about how I handled it.

“She said she wasn’t going to stay! I had to think of something to keep her here!” I shouted in my defense.

Our conversation continued into my Royal Chambers, far from the earshot of any passing pony. My decor had upgraded a bit since Sapphire’s tenure here. I now had a rather large marble large desk off to the side of my room where the ruined Void Mirror used to reside. She added some specially made armchairs that were hoof crafted by the ice ponies of the north. Promising to be flame resistant for hours on end.

“You are the worst wingpony in all of Equestria.”

Bleak approached my desk. Pouring himself some of the experimental grape juice that Tiff Pitchstone had been working on. He claimed it would elevate a pony’s mood and let go of our mental inhibitors, but dull our senses in the process. He nicknamed it the Juice.

I approached Bleak again. “I just asked her to be my date for the carnival, and—“

“So you asked her out on a date?” Bleak asked in surprise.

“It’s not a date!”

Bleak took a swig of his drink. Seemingly unaffected by the promised effects it was supposed to have.

“You literally said it was a date though.”

My face flushed. “Sapphire knows what I meant.”

“Ha!”

I watched Bleak take another drink of his cup before pouring more. My mane was beginning to flare, embarrassed by how Bleak laughed at my predicament.

“Smolder, you have no idea what you’re in for. You said it was a date. Sapphire accepted it. You’re done. You can try to talk your way around it, she may even let you take it back, but it’s on. Every minute you’re with her at this festival she’ll be judging you on everything and seeing if you’re a worthy somepony.”

“We’re just friends! I’m going with her to the Winter Solstice in return! It’s a… mutual agreement.”

Bleak snorted. “Oh yeah, sure. Totally.”

Before Bleak could take another drink of his cup I snatched it away. Slamming back down on the desk looking quite annoyed with him.

“Sapphire said that we could go alone!”

This time Bleak’s attitude changed completely. The sudden realization that it wasn’t going to be a double date seemed to erase all of his concerns.

“Oh… well that changes everything.”

“So you and Summer can… can… do whatever it was you were planning to do.”

Bleak’s brow perked up. Looking rather surprised with me.

“You’ve... been around the ice block haven’t you, Smolder?”

“Ice block?”

“You know, when you get to talking with a mare, and things start to get a bit more personal. You bring her home and…”

It was clear by the way my face burned that I knew what he was talking about, but it revealed that I had not been around the ice block. In a flash I snatched up the cup filled with juice and downed it in two gulps before clearing my throat.

“I'm not about to have this discussion with—wow…”

My entire body was overcome by a numbness that seemed to tickle my nose and stretched all the way down to my hooves. I felt strangely relaxed, although a bit hazy with my thoughts.

“Is this the first time you’ve had a drink like this?” Bleak asked.

“Flame ponies rarely drink.” I confessed.

“Have another.”

I held out my cup watching Bleak pour a generous amount in. He took a cup for himself, pouring some more while I took another drink.

“You know that I know what you’re talking about, because I’ve been told what it is you’re talking about by others who have talked about it.” I stated.

“Hey, it’s cool, Smolder. I mean, things haven’t exactly been easy for you. Who’s got time to date when their fighting monsters from another dimension?”

I took another drink feeling a buzzing sensation rush through me. “I had been so focused on getting the Elements of Harmony, that the Orc and the dragon just rushed into the picture and before I knew it I was in another dimension. I didn’t even have time to think about… about…”

“Sapphire?”

I stared down at my nearly empty cup. Swirling it a bit. I saw the spout of the pitcher tip into my cup as Bleak poured me more.

“I thought about her a lot.” I mumbled.

“She’s a very pretty pony.”

“I’ve also hurt her a lot. Doing things behind her back. Making her cry because of it. I am such a horrible pony to her.”

Bleak hesitated to drink. Noticing that Smolder had stopped drinking as well.

“I… know the feeling.” Bleak said. “But, that’s what colts do.”

“Try to do everything ourselves so hey don’t have to worry?” I asked.

Bleak took a long drink. “No, we’re just idiots.”

I chuckled taking another drink. Bleak motioned towards the chair behind me, he himself walked around the desk to pull the desk chair out. We sat down, taking another drink before Bleak filled our glasses again.

“I hurt Summer plenty of times back in the day. Being a con artist has its ups and downs, but mostly downs. Especially when you’re running from the guards and one of them happens to be your girlfriend.” Bleak said.

“Did she ever catch you?” I asked.

Bleak grinned from behind his cup. “A couple of times. When I let her.”

I took another drink. I thought about asking him something personal and the words found their way out easier than I thought. “Have you ever.. you know... kissed her?”

“Many, many, many, many times.”

I held in a laugh, unsure why I found that amusing. Holding onto my cup with two hooves now, letting it tilt from side to side slowly. I closed my eyes, leaning back in my chair, feeling very relaxed.

Bleak tapped the side of his cup a few times trying to work up a question of his own. “You... ever kiss Sapphire?”

I hummed for almost a minute thinking about it. Then I nodded my head yes. Bleak seemed rather surprised by this admission.

“When?”

I smiled. Shaking my head back and forth in my refusal to reveal it.

“Do you love her?”

I opened my eyes slowly. Taking a deep breath and letting it go. Sipping my drink now I found myself not wanting to speak anymore.

“Sorry, that’s a bit too personal.” Bleak said.

Looking over at him, I watched Bleak shake the pitcher finding it empty of the juice and seemingly displeased at having gone through the whole thing so quickly.

“Do you love Summer?” I asked.

“Favorite season of the year.” Bleak replied looking directly into the pitcher.

“No, not the season, I meant-“

“I do. She’s the only pony I want to wake up to in the morning. The only pony who makes me feel like I can be a better pony. She’s the only one who makes my cold heart feel like it’s on fire. She’s my special somepony.”

I tried taking another drink, realizing my cup was already empty.

“You ever have a feeling like that, Smolder?” Bleak asked.

“I did, but she’s a earth pony. Not a flame pony.”

Bleak smirked. “Not a fan of red heads, huh?”

I lifted my hoof to look at fires raging just under the clear surface of my hooves.

“I can’t… touch her.”

“You’ve been practicing on internalizing you flames though, you still got a chance.” Bleak insisted.

The truth of the matter was that with the incorporation of ice ponies and flames over these past several months, many flame ponies were learning how to internalize their fire to create just a cloud of smoke and allow for them to interact with normal ponies. It was the same technique used by the ice ponies to internalize their ice. Several had already achieved this feat which only spurred hundreds more to learn, but I hadn’t made any progress since I started many months ago.

“I learned a long time ago that I’m... not like everypony else. I needed to become what every pony needed me to be. I’ve accepted that.”

There was a long pause after that. Bleak was focused on the scars upon my arms and the intense fires that burned within my hooves.

“Why… did you put yourself through all of that anyways? What did you owe anypony?”

“No pony owed me anything. It’s about doing what’s right.” I recited.

“What’s right?” Bleak scoffed. “You could do a hundred thing right and all any pony will ever remember is what you did wrong. I mean look at your old pony. Everypony still refers to him as the Mad King.”

I took a drink from my cup looking at Bleak. “Is that how everypony looks at you?”

For the first time I had seen Bleak become agitated, his mane billowing snowflakes at the implications of his colored past.

“I don’t think Summer sees you that way. Just how I don’t see my father as a mad pony anymore. It doesn’t change what has happened, but I understand his reasons now.”

Bleak shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“I don’t need to. Summer trusts you completely and that’s good enough for me.” I replied.

A look of surprise came across Bleak’s face. “She said that to you?”

“Other than myself, you are the only pony Summer allows to be alone with Sapphire. That says a lot.”

“Well… she’s not my type.” Bleak mumbled, flushing slightly.

I smiled resting my head back in the chair. Closing my eyes and feeling myself become very relaxed. I could hear Bleak tracing his hoof around the lip of his glass cup, a low ring coming from it.

“For a King, you’re not all that… kingly.” Bleak mumbled.

I opened my eyes halfway to look at him. Bleak clearing his throat to phrase his point better.

“What I mean is that you’re more… down to earth. You don’t have a superiority complex about you like lots of nobles tend to have.” Bleak said.

“I didn’t think I’d make a very good king either.” I replied.

“Seriously?”

“Until somepony convinced me otherwise.” I mumbled.

“Who was that?”

“A friend that believed I could make a difference in every ponies life, after having made such a difference in mine. I owed it to him to try and be the pony he believed me to be.”

Bleak frowned a bit. “Isn’t that asking a lot of somepony your age?”

“He only asked me to try, then to try again, and try as many times as need be. Because once you stop trying, you’ve given up, and he never gave up on me.”

I saw that Bleak could only stare at me. Unsure of what to say.

“He… must have been some pony.”

“He wasn’t a pony. He was my friend… my mentor… my dad.”

I looked down at my cup to see that it had become several. All of them swirling around and around in awkward circles.

“I’m kinda… getting tired…”

My eyes were beginning to close. I felt my head resting against the back of the chair and felt the cup slip from my hooves.

The cup was caught by Bleak, already on his hooves looking no worse for wear from his drinking. His tolerance was years in the making, although the juice wasn’t all that strong to begin with. Returning the pitcher and cups, he looked back towards the resting Smolder having felt a bit guilty about how much he had given him to drink.

Taking the arm of Smolder, Bleak pulled it over his shoulder before picking him up off the chair.

“Come on, your majesty,” Bleak groaned.

Smolder’s hooves dragged against the ground. Bleak doing his best not to drop him. Reaching the granite, Bleak carefully let Smolder slide onto it before letting him drop all together.

There were no blankets or pillows to be had. Just a massive slab of granite. Bleak never liked sleeping on granite, although the times he had it was just for the night and he usually wasn’t alone.

Bleak crossed the room stopping before touching the large brass handle on the door. Taking a look back at Smolder, having spent the better part of the evening drinking with him and speaking candidly with one another. He had to smile. Where at one time he had never even seen the King and Queen of the Frozen North, the King of the Ashen Fields had accepted him as a friend and even gone as far to do him a favor.

”Thank you, Smolder.”

Chapter 3: Sunday Best

The Carnival of Lights is the first public event hosted by the Ashen Fields that did not include some sort of royal inauguration or restoration effort. In fact, it was a chance to encourage tourism for the kingdom and many of the attractions were specifically designed to help demonstrate how unique flame pony culture could be.

Flame ponies have a unique affinity to being very skilled engineers, architects, and metallurgists. Many of the rides were built directly from the ground up, using the precious metals found right beneath their hooves.A roller coaster, spinning cups, a large saucer that spun you round and round, it was just a few of the many rides promising thrills and your lunch to make an appearance. It was all operated and powered by steam and it offered the same amount of thrills. The parts, technical design, and self methods to power it would marvel some and prove to be fun for others.

Many other booths were featuring exquisite and delicately crafted pieces of jewelry. Mined from the ruins of the Elder Dragon’s treasure hoard deep in the mountain. While other booths offered an array of old flame pony confectionary that had been lost for decades. Yet, the games that were offered encompassed most of the carnival.

Some games revolved around hoof and eye coordination, simple ring tosses or crack shot aim at moving targets. Others offered a more cunning mind to play, from having a basic understanding of geology to win real gems or well crafted fakes to test one’s mettle in both mind and body to win fabulous prizes.

Yet, there have been three large attractions that had generated a lot of press in the past few weeks. The first of which being the newly constructed outdoor amphitheater that had acquired the Manehattan Theatre Group to perform their newest play based on the newest Daring Do book. Near the end of the night there would be an incredible musical experience presented by DJ Pon-3 with the promise of an outstanding firework display to end out the night.

The second attraction on everypony’s to do list was the hot air balloon rides. With a single flame pony being able to provide the fuel needed to keep a balloon aloft, there were dozens upon dozens of hot air balloons ready to take flight over the carnival and offer a breathtaking and up close view of the fireworks.

The third and most anticipated attraction that had every hotel, hospice, and B&B within the Ashen Fields booked solid two months after its announcement were the fabled hot springs of the flame ponies. An old flame pony legend spoke of hot springs near the base of the volcano that offered magical healing and rejuvenation properties. To which a massive undertaking was set forth to build a kind of resort near the ruins of the mountain, to offer these legendary waters to visiting ponies. Needless to say, many ponies who had booked their stay were already camping out a week prior to its grand opening wanting to be the first to try its waters.

Yet, there was one attraction that was on a specific group of pony to do lists. A quaint yet romantic walk through an old mining tunnel that held a massive amount of thermoluminescence stones that were breathtaking to behold and offered a small amount of privacy to young couples for a few precious minutes.

The turn out would possibly be three times the size of Lord Smolder’s coronation and quite possibly be three times the fun. The carnival was set to start early that morning, promising to run for a whole week to ensure everypony from far and wide for a chance to participate. While most of the festivities would be going on, the most sought after attractions would not start until the evening, giving those with plans time to get ready.

I, myself, had woken up extra early this morning to ensure all of my duties were taken care of before preparing for my night out with Sapphire.

“This is how our dynasty ends… in utter embarrassment.” Wick mourned.

“Really, Smolder, you have just the one cloak from your coronation to wear?” Pyre asked.

The Twins, Wick and Pyre Phoenix, my older brothers were standing in my royal chambers watching me frantically dig through empty drawer after drawer for clothes I did not have. I had forgotten to put in a request for actual clothing because my schedule was tight enough as it is, and I had just figured that somepony somewhere would just hand me things to wear for whatever occasion.

“Why do I have so many dressers with nothing in them?” I asked in disbelief.

Once again I found nothing as pulled out the bottom drawer of a dresser in my room.

“It speaks to that empty head of yours.” Wick commented.

“We can take out an urgent edict to the clothing shop for some new clothes,” Pyre offered.

“Stitch Rose Shay is going to be swamped with all these ponies coming in for the carnival. They won’t have time.” I replied hastily checking the same empty drawer again.

“When Lady Sapphire dumps you ten minutes into your date tonight, we will be by the spinning cups laughing at others misfortunes.” Wick remarked.

Pyre ribbed Wick in the side, eyeing him for his insensitive remarks. It was clear the Smolder was not focused on the teasing he was receiving, but more fearful at the prospect of being looked down upon by Sapphire.

Even Wick was beginning to see that Smolder was desperately wanting this to go over well and it almost hurt him to see his brother struggling over something as trivial as a date with a mare.

“Perhaps… you could look through some of father’s old clothing? I’m sure something may fit you.” Wick offered.

I stopped hard from my searching, an intensely hopeful look coming across my face at the idea.

“Do… do we still have that kind of stuff?” I asked.

“I do recall Mr. Papyrus finding a crate of our father’s clothing from when he was about our age. It was in a nearby room where he had found all the hats and paintings of father.” Pyre added.

I leapt towards the both of them in a hurry. “Where is it?”

“I’ll have the guards bring up in a few and see if we have anything viable to work with. If we’re lucky, we’ll just ask the ponies over at the shop to touch it up a bit to better fit you.” Pyre stated.

“But first we need to talk.” Wisp said firmly.

I looked puzzled. “About what?”

“How to conduct oneself around a mare of Sapphire’s stature.” Pyre replied.

My mane flared in embarrassment. “I-I already know…”

“Did you hear that, dear brother? Smolder already knows.” Wick asked in fake surprise.

“Dear me, he must be an expert of the complicated nature of mare subtle hints and the double meanings of their answers.” Pyre replied in equal false surprise.

“Double answers?” I asked nervously.

“If a mare says she’s not hungry, she is most definitely hungry, but will only eat off of your plate so be sure to order enough for two.” Pyre offered an example.

“Why doesn’t she just order something for herself?” I asked.

My brothers just laughed at me.

“You should also remember that mares will always want you to make the first move, but they will know ten minutes in whether or not they want you to make one.” Wick added calming down from his laugh.

“How am I supposed to know if she… if I’m supposed to…” I struggled to understand.

“If you do end up kissing her, make sure to keep your eyes closed and don’t tense up.” Pyre stated.

At this point my mane flared so hard that it fanned back both of my brother’s flames from the force.

“Remember to hold her tight enough to where she feels protected, but not tight enough to feel trapped.” Wick added.

“I’m-I’m not going to…” I mumbled feeling extremely embarrassed.

My brothers just raised a brow to me in curiosity, allowing me the chance to finish my sentence.

“... nevermind.”

“Well we have another five hours before your incredibly awkward date with quite possibly the prettiest princess in all of Equestria. That’s just enough time to make you a gentlecolt in the streets and a mad king in the—“

Pyre slapped a hoof over Wick’s mouth watching me nearly drop into the Phoenix mode from how hot my face had become from Wick’s insinuation.

“Wick will go find that chest full of father’s old clothing while I offer Smolder some delicate advice about this sensitive issue.” Pyre reassured.

Removing his brother’s hoof away from his mouth, Wick halfheartedly chuckled at the idea.

“Try not to confuse him with your flowery words, dear brother. Or we might just become uncles before the year is through.”

Wick headed for the door, ignoring the severity of the heat I was now producing from my glaring embarrassment.

“Calm yourself, little brother. In his own sadistic way, Wick is merely offering you the taste of what many ponies will be insinuating through press and gossip about your current relationship with Lady Sapphire. Deep down he does want this night to go well for you. Just as I do.” Pyre explained.

With my flames becoming a noticeable nervous flicker, I looked at Pyre suspiciously.

“You do?”

Pyre stepped forward placing a firm hoof on my shoulder with a smile.

“We may not have always been so direct with our feelings, Smolder, but we both want what’s best for you. We want you to be happy.”

I smiled nervously at him.

“How… how will I know if Sapphire… likes me?” I asked slowly.

Pyre did his best not to roll his eyes at me.

“What was it that Wingston always used to say to you? Talk, talk, and talk some more?” Pyre asked.

“Yeah, something like that.”

“It’s time to talk to Sapphire about how you feel. Talk as much as you need to and you’ll know how she feels when you’re done talking.”

I swallowed hard. “And…what happens if… she...?”

Pyre gave me a one armed hug, resting his head against mine. “We’ll be by the spinning cups.”

“I’ll just tell him I came down with the flu, food poisoning or something, that the hay cubes were rotten.” Sapphire suggested.

Summer was quick to grasp Lady Sapphire by the face, pulling at her cheeks, and watching her groan in displeasure.

“You’re making me sick just listening to you whine about this.” Summer replied.

Letting go of her face, Sapphire quickly began to massage her cheeks looking very annoyed with Summer but watched as she withdrew a small cartridge of blush. The two mares were currently residing in Sapphire’s guest room, to which she had been staying for the past several months. Most of her things had been packed for her trip home, but a few things left out for her date tonight.”

Tensing herself up, doing her best to keep a straight face, Sapphire allowed Summer to apply some makeup for her. As much of a soldier as she was, Summer had a natural talent with applying makeup for mares. A talent she neither wanted nor cared for, but used it whenever asked.

“Do you think he’s as nervous as I am?” Sapphire asked quietly.

“Petrified.” Summer retorted.

“Seriously?”

“Colts,” Summer began. “Are simple creatures. They all want one thing, they’ll say and do anything to get it, and we make sure that they pay through the nose for us to even consider it.”

Summer’s words were humorous to her. Similar words have been shared with her by her mother several times prior. While it was easy to read the intentions of many noble colts, she found it hard to read Smolder.

“Do you like him?” Sapphire asked.

Summer reached back into her makeup bag. “Who?”

“Smolder.”

Summer shrugged retrieving an eyelash curler. “Not particularly. He’s really not my type.”

“I meant as a potential suitor for me. You despised all the other ones that were brought before us.” Sapphire explained.

“They,” Summer paused to steady her hoof on Sapphire’s eyelashes. “All saw you as a prize that needed to be won. Which is why I never let them be alone with you.”

“And Smolder?”

Summer stepped back, tossing her eyelash curler back into the bag to see how her work was coming thus far.

“I’ve seen how he treats you, how he speaks to you. He’s honest, considerate, and pretty harmless. I was more concerned that you’d be the one to make the first move on him.” Summer confessed.

Sapphire looked shocked. “I beg your pardon.”

Summer retrieved a lip liner from the bag, narrowing her eyes and lips to focus on doing Sapphire’s with a steady hoof.

“Like I said before, you always fight for what you want, and I was sure you were going to beat a confession out of him sooner or later.”

Unable to retort from having her lips being treated. Sapphire opted to glare annoyingly at her.

“If you’re wondering if I would be okay with him being your special somepony, then I’d say it wasn’t any of my business who you picked since I’m just your bodyguard.” Summer continued.

After rummaging through the bag for some lipstick that she liked, Summer opened her mouth a bit to signal Sapphire to do the same.

“But as your friend, I think you two would make such a sweet wittle couple.”

Sapphire had to laugh, nearly making Summer smear the lipstick. Summer laughed out of surprise, shoving Sapphire gently for startling her.

“Hold still or you’re going to look like a clown!” Summer scolded her.

Sapphire had a hard time not smiling as she settled back down, but Summer was able to work around it.

“So… what would have happened if I didn’t like him?” Summer asked.

With the lipstick applied, Sapphire presses her lips together softly, letting the makeup set for a moment.

“I wouldn’t have him be my special somepony.” Sapphire replied.

Summer seemed a little taken aback with her response.

“But you like him.” Summer retorted.

“If my protector, my friend, did not feel comfortable with a colt I was interested in, I wouldn’t associate with him.”

Summer felt Sapphire take her hooves, gripping them tightly and smiling at her.

“You promised to protect me with your life and I’ve always taken that seriously. Which is why I wanted your blessing before tonight. Because you’re...”

Sapphire paused for a moment, doing her best to summon up some courage to continue.

“You’re like the sister… I always wanted.”

Summer’s fiery orange mane puffed into a cloud of white smoke, giving Sapphire a sudden jolt of surprise. A single tear rolled down the side of Summer’s face, slowly sizzling on her still hot cheek. It was soon followed by dozens more as she nearly collapsed into Sapphire's arms.

“Sapphire…”

Summer’s voice was weak from her crying, but it was filled with such love and affection that Sapphire could feel the weight of it.

“Thank you, for always being there for me.”

I stood in front of a mirror, albeit a regular mirror this time, one incapable of speaking to disembodied voices from another dimension, and stared at the ensemble Wick had procured for me. There was something lost in translation about the contents of the box of clothing my father used to wear in his youth.

“It’s… retro.” Pyre remarked trying his best to put a positive spin on it.

“It's all we got.” Wick corrected.

Upon my head was the Obsidian crown, around my mane was plume of black feathers that glistened in the light of my flames, the cloak looked more like a tapestry that bore swatches of several old allied houses and kingdoms. The suit underneath was bright red with nearly thirty buttons, tassels of gold, and belts galore. Upon my hooves I wore large black horse shoes that were two sizes too big.

“Rarity would have a heart attack if she saw this.” I mumbled.

“It appears that father may have had to endure a great amount of… humility while wearing this I would imagine.” Pyre stated.

“Well, that’s it. You’re salt licked.” Wick shrugged.

I shook off the feather portion of the ensemble, pulling a long cord that unraveled the cloak tied to my neck. I started to turn to them, shaking off the horseshoes while attempting to unbuckle the belts from my coat.

“There has to be something else, anything else!” I insisted.

Wick held up his hooves, showing me that there was nothing left to be done. Pyre tapped his chin, before seemingly having an idea.

“Brother, be a dear and lend Smolder your hoodie.” Pyre requested.

Wick let loose a hard laugh in disbelief. “Surely, you’re joking?”

“Come, come, come now. Our little brother is desperate and your hoodie might just fit him.” Pyre insisted.

“I had to put in a special order for that hoodie and—“

Wick cut himself short after looking towards me. Perhaps it was my pathetic looking face or maybe just him feeling sorry for me but he rolled his eyes and concede.

“I’ll be right back.” Wick mumbled.

Wick returned with an all black hoodie. It looked no different than an ordinary hoodie except that this one was fireproof. Wick was half a head taller than me, but the hoodie fit near perfect with it being only baggy at the cuffs, but it added to the casual look it was meant for.

Pyre beamed in approval, Wick seemed mostly annoyed that he had lost his hoodie.

“It definitely says Smolder, I think. Don’t you agree, brother mine?” Pyre asked.

“If you get mustard or something on that hoodie, I… I can be held responsible for my actions, Smolder.” Wick warned.

I was quick to laugh, but even quicker to hug him. From having zero confidence just moments ago, I was now feeling loads better from the feathery nightmare that was my second to last option.

Wick carefully patted me on the back. “Just… have fun tonight, Smolder.”

“Do you think this is too formal?” Sapphire asked.

Sapphire was magically levitating a rather off white dress and then a sunny gold one. Both looked very ravishing, but Summer had to constantly remind her that this was a carnival.

“Are we entertaining a czar or something? You’re eating cotton candy and playing games aimed at four year olds, remember?” Summer questioned.

Tossing the dresses over a chair, Sapphire quickly began rummaging through her wardrobe again. Summer rolled her eyes knowing that this wasn’t going to end anytime soon.

“Perhaps a scarf?” Sapphire asked.

“Great idea! You might get cold later tonight!” Summer agreed sarcastically.

Sapphire narrowed her eyes at her. “You’re not helping…”

“Alright then, let me pick.”

Summer approached the wardrobe, digging through some of her clothing and magically tossing some very high end dresses over her shoulder as if they were old rags. Sapphire magically caught them, gently laying them out on her bed to ensure that they would not get wrinkled.

“Here, wear this.”

Summer emerged with a shawl magically floating before her. It was a grayish white shawl, it offered simplistic elegance, but did not stand out as much as everything else did.

“That’s it?” Sapphire questioned her choice.

“Carnival… it’s a carnival… loud and sticky!” Summer reiterated.

Sapphire carefully took the shawl, looking it over and carefully wrapped it around her. She admired herself in the mirror, seeming at ease with it being her ensemble for the evening.

“How do I look?” Sapphire asked.

“Lovely, but deadly.”

Chuckling to herself, Sapphire twirled in front of the mirror before stopping to really take a long hard look at what she was about to do.

“Why do I still feel so nervous?” Sapphire questioned her own feelings out loud.

She watched in the mirror as Summer strolled up alongside her, bumping her flank against hers with a smile.

“Because you’re about to go out on a date with the colt you love.”

The plan was to meet at the courtyard at around half past midday to allow us a chance to get all of our responsibilities out of the way before the evening. I left my chambers with Wick and Pyre in tow, amusing themselves with what foods to try and what rides to test, and attempting to distract me from my anxiety.

In the courtyard stood Lady Sapphire and Summer Hearth, patiently waiting for us to arrive.

“Uh oh, it appears Lady Sapphire has gone to great lengths to look her best for tonight.” Wick pointed out.

Panic started to set in for me, not knowing if I had taken the easy way out and not tried hard enough to dress the best I could.

“Oh sweet Celestia, he’s wearing a hoodie! That’s one hay of a power move!” Summer hissed.

“Power what?” Sapphire questioned.

“He thinks that you think that he thinks this is just another regular day, but he knows that you know that this isn’t. Which is why he’s thinking he can get away with wearing a hoodie.”

Sapphire simply stared at Summer, unable to pick up any notion of what she was trying to say.

Summer gripped Sapphire’s arm tightly to whisper to her up close.

“He’s going to try and kiss you!”

Sapphire’s body nearly froze over with ice from sheer embarrassment over the idea of it, but forced it back down as they Phoenix brothers arrived.

“Hey… Sapphire.” I mumbled awkwardly.

“Hi.” Sapphire replied quietly.

It was exactly four seconds into their meeting and the awkward tension between them was already apparent to every pony. Pyre kicked the back of Smolder’s leg, trying to signal him to say something else.

“It’s… nice to see you… again.” I said slowly.

Wick rolled his eyes into a hoof palm over my painful awkwardness, but surprisingly it brought Sapphire a huge smile.

“I’ve… I’ve been looking forward to this all day.” Sapphire replied. “I’m hoping we can try some of the food vendors first.”

“Me too!” I blurted out.

Sapphire beamed at me, carefully stepping to the side to let me walk beside her. I swallowed hard, trying to remain calm about it. Together we started off towards the carnival leaving the Twins and Summer behind.

“I do hope that they come to some sort of understanding by the end of the night.” Pyre mentioned.

“Don’t worry, they will.” Summer reassured.

The Twins glanced at Summer, who in turn cleared her throat from nearly revealing privy information about what Lady Sapphire and her spoke of last night.

“Have a wonderful time at the carnival tonight, my Lords.” Summer said with a bow.

“Are you not planning on joining in the festivities?” Pyre questioned.

“I have a previous engagement.” Summer replied.

Chapter 4: Carnival of Lights (Part 1)

“So tell me again, why are we spying on them?”

The reformed con artist known as Bleak Weather moped behind a barrel of cider, he was a pegasi ice pony and was on a date with his special somepony.

“To ensure that Lady Sapphire and Lord Smolder are not mobbed or attacked by paparazzi ponies.”

The appointed bodyguard of Princess Sapphire, Summer Hearth, was crouched down behind an adjacent cider barrel peeking out to spy on her princess.

“Aren’t we supposed to be having a date?” Bleak mentioned.

Summer looked over, her eyes narrowing at him with a small disappointed frown. “I know what sort of date you had in mind.”

Bleak smiled mischievously. “There’s still time to go on our date and have one hay of a happy ending.”

“If that's the case then we’ll only need about a minute and a half.” Summer snapped back.

Bleak’s face turned a dark blue, his face screwed up in embarrassment and annoyance. “Oh, it’s going to be like that, is it?”

Summer reached over, gripping the collar of his armor, before tugging hard to bring his face closer before kissing him. He was caught off guard by this, bracing himself against the barrel as he let his eyes roll back before savoring this moment.

Summer pulled away quickly, looking straight into his eyes. She had a way of making herself look extremely vulnerable, which had lured in potential bad guys before beating the hay out of them in the past. Although, she used it sparingly on Bleak whenever she wanted something from him.

“Help me make this a memorable night for Sapphire and you’ll have a memorable night with me.” Summer offered.

Bleak smirked. “This sort of reminds me of our first date.”

“That wasn’t a date, we took down a crime boss in the lower terrace of the Shattered Bluff.” Summer recollected. “In exchange for your help you got off without having to go to prison.”

“Which somehow ended up with both of us spending a night at—“

Summer’s hoof gripped his face, mane flaring from her own embarrassment over that particular memory.

“I told you to never bring that up again or else I’d rip your lips right off your face, didn’t I?” Summer asked threateningly.

“But my face is my best feature.” Bleak moaned.

Summer planted a quick kiss on the side of his cheek.

“Come on, Sapphire and Smolder are already on the move.”

Most of the lights within the carnival were lanterns strewn about with different colored tinted glass to give off an array of colors. Loud shrieks and cries from the ponies riding the roller coaster off in the distance only enhanced the buzz of excitement many ponies seemed to have.

Sapphire and I were stopped a few times for pictures with passing ponies from out of the kingdom. It wasn’t hard to spot us, although we didn’t stand out as much as we would have if we were wearing our crowns and regal apparel. There were dozens and dozens of other ice ponies and flame ponies walking around the carnival, so it was just a matter of noticing Sapphire’s cutie mark or the scars of my hooves to point us out.

These minor distractions were enough to calm my nerves, growing more relaxed around Sapphire again realizing that we weren’t really doing anything too different than what we normally did.

With the last picture taken, giving a few waves goodbye, we were off again walking aimlessly through the carnival.

“I like your… ummm… blanket?” I guessed.

Sapphire laughed quietly to herself. “It’s a shawl, but thank you.”

Silence befell us again. I could feel the awkwardness slowly coming back.

“I’m… sorry if I’m over dressed for this occasion. I haven’t actually been to a carnival before and I might have overdone it a bit with the makeup and—”

“I think you look great.” I interrupted her.

Sapphire glanced at me. Her face turning a soft purple right before my eyes. I felt my own face beginning to burn up having been so blunt about it.

“You’ve… always been…” I could feel myself struggling to get the word out. “Beautiful.”

There was a sudden spark of Sapphire’s horn that popped at least twelve balloons in the booth next to us. This incidentally earned a small filly a large prize for managing to pop several balloons while having missed her initial throw with the dart.

We hastened ourselves away, both extremely embarrassed over what I had said. I was tensing with anxiety, feeling stupid for saying something so bluntly without having any of that tact Wick was talking about.

“Thank… you.” Sapphire mumbled.

Looking over I saw Sapphire was flushed a deep purple, but she made no attempt to hide it. Her eyes darted from the ground towards me and back again.

“Your… jacket looks… comfy.” Sapphire remarked.

I silently pleaded with my flames to stop flaring, not wanting to burn a hole straight through Wick’s jacket.

“W-Wick let me borrow it.” I replied.

Sapphire bit her bottom lip. Seemingly interested in the casual attire that the hoodie provided me and perhaps its versatile nature.

“I want one.” Sapphire pouted.

“I could get one made for-”

“Lord Smolder! Lady Sapphire!”

Our names rang out through the air, a voice magnified several times louder by a megaphone. Several foals and fillies were standing around a large placard, dressed in rather well put together costumes and Lionel Stonehardt waved his megaphone wildly for us to approach.

“Hey,” I said strolling up to the lot.

“Are you coming to see our play?” Lionel asked excitedly.

I looked over at Sapphire unsure. “Play? What play?”

“I heard that Mr. Tutor’s class had put together a play before the Manehattan Theater is to go on.” Sapphire remarked.

I had never been to a play before. Even if it was a children’s play, I had read several stories that I had always wanted to see performed live.

“Are they going to be performing ‘Call of the Pony’? I’ve always wanted to see that.” I replied.

Lionel smiled wide, as the rest of the children pointed towards the placard for us to read. Sapphire and I moved to read the sign. In large letters the sign read ‘Phoenix: The Tale of Smolder’, starring Lionel Stoneheardt as Smolder and Mr. Tutor as the Mad King.

I stood flabbergasted at what was posted. Sapphire did her best not to look embarrassed for me, but also trying hard not to smile at my predicament at the same time.

“You’ll be coming, right? We’ve been preparing for this for weeks!” Lionel stated proudly.

I was still staring at the sign with a look of disbelief when Sapphire jabbed me in the side to stop making a big deal out of it.

“Of course we’ll be attending your play.” Sapphire reassured him.

“Tickets are five bits per pony. Ten bits if you want seating in the front.” Lionel stated with his hoof out.

Sapphire glanced over at me with a coy smile, to which Lionel moved his hoof to me for the bits instead. I narrowed my eyes at Sapphire before reaching in my hoodie for the money.

Lionel pointed us towards the outdoor amphitheater near the other end of the carnival. We were also told that the tickets were selling out fast and that we should get there as soon as we could to get the best seats in the house. Sapphire and I set off to get some decent seating, not wanting to disappoint the children and noticed several posters strewn up for the Manehattan Theater's play of Call of the Pony.

The closer we got to the amphitheater the more we began to notice that the children had made their own posters to put up over the Manehattan Theater's ones. Reaching the entrance, we noticed several ponies just strolling in without approaching the ticket counter. In fact, there was no pony in the booth to sell tickets.

“Did all these ponies buy their tickets in advance?” I asked curiously.

“Tickets? What tickets?” A voice asked aloud.

We turned to see Mr. Tutor approaching us, carrying several saddle bags on his back filled with craft material for the play. He seemed visibly tired, perhaps from all the preparations for the play and dealing with the children, but he seemed to be in good spirits.

“Lionel sold us tickets.” Sapphire stated.

Mr. Tutor hoofed faced himself. Mumbling something under his breath before looking quite apologetic.

“The play is open to the public and free of admission. I’m afraid Lionel has swindled you out of some bits.” Mr. Tutor said.

Sapphire looked down at out tickets, seeing that it was written rather poorly with charcoal, but it did have a no refund clause on the back.

“How much did he take you for?”

“Smolder gave him twenty bits.” Sapphire replied.

I pulled my hoodie over my face trying to hide the flaring of my mane from how embarrassed I was.

With a few ponies trickling into the theater, Bleak and Summer were peering around the corner of the amphitheater eavesdropping on their conversation.

“Now that’s a pony after my own heart. Swindling coin from a King and Princess.” Bleak murmured with pride.

Summer elbowed him in the side. “If I find out you taught that little colt how to con ponies of their money…”

Bleak was quick to hold up his hooves to show his innocence. “I’m clean!”

There was plenty of seating near the front, not too many ponies had come to see this school play, but ponies continued to file in little by little. A small slate was left on every chair, small program to offer the audience an idea of what to expect.

Mr. Tutor’s class had put a lot of effort into the ‘adapting’ parts of A.K. Yearlings book for their play. Picking the most eventful chapters and bringing it to life on stage. This adaptation was done entirely by the children, acted by mostly children, and the entire set was designed by children. Mr. Tutor had been cast by the children to represent the Mad King, mostly for his adult size bringing a more realistic view of how vastly different my father and I were.

I sat prepared for the play to start, not knowing what to expect or how far they would go with it, but I tried to be optimistic like Sapphire and hoped for the best.

“Now that the love from my mommy has filled me, I possess the power to defeat you, father!”

Lionel Stoneheardt hollered. He was portraying me up on the stage while we could hear Mr. Tutor hissing under his breath to stick to the script, desperately trying to keep the play on the rails.

“You shall never defeat me… twerp!”

From his awkwardness on stage it was clear that Mr. Tutor was not an actor pony at heart, but the children’s enthusiasm over the play really sold the energy of each scene. Lionel had almost completely lost himself in the roll of Smolder and was taking real swings at Mr. Tutor. This caused the audience to cheer harder at the sight of Mr. Tutor doing his best to stay in character and yet avoid Lionel’s onslaught.

Nearly everypony was in a fit of laughter, even Sapphire was unable to contain her enjoyment of it, and I found myself sinking deep into my chair.

When the play had started it had only drawn in a quarter of the available seating, but the news spread fast of the most comical retelling of my past that it soon became a packed house. Even the Manehattan Theater were watching from the sidelines, cheering and laughing over the performance.

The play raced along, having a quick narration of events leading up to the battle with the Orc. A rather impressive stone carving of the Elder Dragon’s head, vastly smaller to its actual size, but was used with great effect.

In a very polar opposite portrayal, along with the lack of ice pony children available, Licorice had taken up the mantle of playing Princess Sapphire. Who acted the hay out of her part, providing a very vivid re-enactment of Sapphire’s intelligence and elegance. So much so that Sapphire herself got to her hooves at points to cheer and applaud her. Lionel on the other hoof was still taking great liberties with my roll and even dropped kicked the large sculpted Elder Dragon statue.

It all came to a rousing conclusion with the battle between the dark spirit of Nadir and myself. What was truly remarkable was that the children had somehow convinced Mira to portray the dark entity of Nadir. Her Shadow Magic proved to be unmatched in special effects as it harmlessly swept through the auditorium but visually sold the gravity of the situation.

I watched Lionel struggle against the howling black mist Mira was spraying his way. Watching Mr. Tutor heroically jump in as my father to protect Lionel.

It was quite interesting to relive this particular moment as a bystander. Realizing that this entire scene had few to no words from my father or myself, just Mira taunting them as Nadir had done to me and my father. It made me realize that those final words my father had said to me, were truly just for me, and I felt myself holding back some feelings I thought I had buried away.

Mr. Tutor had come to the end of his portrayal of my father, having destroyed himself in a rather heart wrenching scene, at least for me, by flaring his mane fiercely before quickly falling through a trapdoor.

“And so, the Mad King had given his life to save his son from the evil that had tried to take him. ”

The line hit me hard. I looked down at my hooves, staring at the cracks within my hide, hidden just underneath the sleeves of my hoodie.

The play had finally come to an end. Applause filled the auditorium. I was still staring at my hooves, thinking back on those final moments with my father when I saw Sapphire’s hoof come into view and took hold of my hoof.

I turned to look at her and found her smiling sympathetically for me. She squeezed my hoof tightly for a moment before removing her hoof to join in on the clapping.

I quickly joined in as well, watching Mr. Tutor and his class take a bow. Black flames fizzled through the air, revealing Mira’s signature blue star dust like hair and neon green markings on her arms. She took a dramatic bow, obviously enjoying the attention she was being given from her part in the play.

Mr. Tutor walked up to the microphone stand to address the auditorium just as the applause was beginning to die down.

“On behalf of the Phoenix School House, I would like to thank every pony for coming out and supporting this play. The children spent many weeks preparing for it and gave it everything they had to make it memorable.” Mr. Tutor announced.

More clapping soon followed.

“I had given the class the opportunity to pick any story that they wanted to bring to the stage and it was a unanimous vote for the newest A.K. Yearling book. Go figure.” Mr. Tutor continued.

There was mild laughter from the crowd.

“The reason the students chose to adapt this play was to show how much they—“

Mr. Tutor was cut off as Lionel jumped up to snatch the microphone away.

“Lord Smolder!” Lionel shouted.

A random spotlight lit both Sapphire and myself up in our seats. Drawing the attention of everypony in the auditorium. The entire class quickly rushed towards Lionel, fighting for room near the microphone.

“Thank you!”

I felt my mane flare. All the children smiled and waved to me while the rest of the ponies in the auditorium cheered and clapped in my honor. That’s when Sapphire nudged my side, staring at me earnestly to stand up.

I got to my hooves, turning to the auditorium to wave for a minute to everypony. Earning an even louder applause with dozens of more cheers.

“The Manehattan Theater will be setting up shortly. Please come back later to see their incredible performance.” Mr. Tutor announced.

That was the cue for everypony to start heading towards the exits. The children rushed to tear down their decorations, eager to take part in the festivities while Mr. Tutor warned them that they had to put on another show tomorrow night.

Sapphire and I were stopped a few times leaving the auditorium for pictures and autographs from more ponies. After the last rock slate was signed, Sapphire and I were by ourselves again.

“I found that play to be very enjoyable.” Sapphire remarked.

“It was… humbling.” I replied.

Sapphire smiled at me. “It’s not easy to see one’s own life turned into a stage drama, especially done by children, but it’s clear that they have a greater understanding and respect of what you’ve done for them.”

“It really isn’t all that- I can't really—“

Sapphire touched my hoof again. “They’ve recognized all the pain and suffering you’ve went through to be the King they needed you to be. You’ve given them a future, one brighter than any pony could have possibly imagined. Let them express their thanks anyway that they can, because it is all they can offer you after losing so much.”

I slowed my pace. Still clutching Sapphire’s hoof. She had an incredible way of putting things in perspective for me and making me feel like I really was this amazing pony everypony painted me to be.

“I… still have you.” I mumbled.

Sapphire’s mane almost cracked with thunder from how fast her face flushed. Taken completely off guard by my off the hoof remark.

I felt that this was my moment. The quintessential kiss Wick and Pyre had told me about. That I needed to take a chance, be the first to take the initiative, and bet it all on luck that Sapphire felt the same way. Or I’d be eating dirt from how fast Sapphire would knock my flank to the ground.

Holding her hoof I nervously pulled her towards me. She wasn’t resisting at all. Taking a small step towards me, not turning away, but her eyes were almost daring me to try what I was planning.

“Sapphire—“

A metal staff wrapped me upside the head. Mira floated by with her arms now crossed and the staff resting against her shoulder.

“What are you doing you stupid flame pony?” Mira hissed.

Her glare was mixed with disgust and disappointment for me. I held the side of my head, notching how much harder Mira seemed to hit me with it than it’s previous owner.

“Mira!” Sapphire snapped heatedly.

“Did you enjoy the show, Prissy Princess? I don’t do autographs, but you can tell ponies I talked to you if you like.” Mira commented.

Mira flipped her stardust like hair as if she really was this highly paid Applewood actress speaking to commoners.

Sapphire’s mane turned stormy while Mira’s shadow magic crackled from her hands daring her to go toe to hoof with her.

“I’m on a date with Sapphire.” I interrupted.

I quickly got between them, defusing the situation almost instantly as Sapphire seemed very pleased with my admission to it being an actual date, but more so that Mira seemed appalled by it.

“A date? With her? So… what? You couldn’t get a date with a block of ice so you picked someone equally as cold and unfeeling?”

This time I had to hold Sapphire back from getting close to Mira.

“I’m happy to see that you were willing to help out the children with their play.” I mentioned quickly.

“Those stupid little rugrats begged me to do it.” Mira muttered waving her hand dismissively.

It was no secret to me that Mira absolutely loved the children. At first the children were scared around her, her constant scowl and piercing yellow eyes made her seem intimidating. Although, a different side of Mira seemed to show itself around them. One of pure happiness and love for the children that had once been Mira’s dominant trait.

I smiled at her. “Thank you for always looking after them.”

Mira grimaced. Folding her arms in a huff and turning her head away in defiance.

She glanced back over her shoulder, looking a bit annoyed with us. “Go on then, have your date.”

Sapphire was ready to say something to her when there was a literal stampede of young foals and fillies racing out of the auditorium and circling around Mira.

“Mira! Mira! Everypony liked our play! Now you have to treat us to candy apples! Just like you promised!” Lionel called out to her.

Sapphire and I watched Mira drift down to the herd of children, patting several of them on the head and beaming at them proudly for their hard work.

“First one there gets two!” Mira declared.

Without another word the children stormed off, leaving Mira smiling devilishly at the commotion the children were causing by charging through the carnival.

Mira turned to us. Her smile quickly fading, but turning her nose up at us in distaste.

“I’ve got some candy apples to buy. Try to keep it in your saddle bag, stupid.” Mira said snidely.

“Perhaps you’re green glow is from jealousy and envy you have!” Sapphire shouted back.

Mira turned around, cupping her hands over her mouth to shout back to us. “I guess the king just likes mares with big flanks!”

This had several ponies nearby turning to look at us. There were a couple of gossiping whispers and a few colts whistling loudly towards us. Sapphire and I both felt our faces burn hot from the attention and the implications as we both hurried off before anypony could get a picture of our embarrassment.

Bleak had his hooves full holding Summer back from coming to Sapphire’s aid in her exchange with Mira.

“How dare she speak so ill of the princess! That evil little imp will pay for bad mouthing her!” Summer spat.

“That evil little imp is Lord Smolder’s personal magic teacher and the Royal Adviser.” Bleak stated.

“So what?”

“I don’t want to be thrown into another dimension or be put on double duty just because you tried to murder a council member.” Bleak replied.

Summer stopped her struggling. There was still an air of anger floating around her but the thought of causing trouble for Bleak had gotten her to hold back.

“Fine.” Summer sounded miffed.

“We haven’t wrestled that hard since that time we got locked in the old broom closet back in--”

The tip of Summer’s sword was pressing against the bottom of Bleak’s chin. A wild look in her eye daring him to speak another word. Pursing his lips, Bleak gave her a quick wink to which Summer flushed at.

“Come on… we don’t want to fall too far behind.” Summer mumbled.

“That evil little imp! She is so horrid to me! Always calling me hussy! Making fun of me! I swear the next time I see her I’m going to freeze her solid and throw her into the Frozen Sea!” Sapphire declared.

She was still pretty hot under the collar from what Mira had said. I decided to give Sapphire some space to let her talk things out and blow off some steam. Although, I ended up letting her walk ahead a bit and noticed that there was some truth to what Mira had said.

“Smolder?” Sapphire asked.

“Hey! Whoa! What’s up?” I replied quickly.

Sapphire had stopped in front of a cotton candy booth while I had spaced out.

“I asked if you would like to try some of this cloud like substance?” Sapphire reiterated to me.

“Sure!” I said quickly.

Sapphire dropped two bits on the counter, being given two cotton candy in return. She turned to me to offer me one.

“Flank you.” I muttered.

“What?”

“Thank! I said thank! Ha! Of course I did! Yum!” I shouted.

My face was a bright red, burying it in the cotton candy to hide it to avoid the suspicious stare I was getting from Sapphire.

“Are you alright?” Sapphire questioned.

“Just-just enjoying our time together.” I muttered.

Sapphire smiled wide. Taking a lick of her cotton candy seemingly enjoying our time together as well. We walked off together admiring all the games that littered the carnival.

For a flame pony carnival is reminiscent of a regular carnival, but with much harder games to win. Flame ponies are naturally more resilient, their hide is tough like stone, and their strength vastly exceeds normal ponies. So many of their games involved things to do with rocks, metal, and of course fire.

Looking around I could see many flame ponies having adapted to suppressing their flames. Allowing them to produce harmless clouds of smoke or steam that provided a warmth to the touch rather than a burn. Which allowed many regular games to be added to allow for a more diverse experience for every pony to enjoy.

“Have you had any luck in suppressing your flames yesterday, Smolder?” Sapphire asked.

“No…”

My voice was weighted and full of bitterness. Ever since returning from the Realm of Naught I had been spending most of my free time trying to achieve this feat, but failed to even produce a wisp of smoke.

“Hasn’t Tea been able to… help you?” Sapphire asked slowly.

Keeping my promise, I offered myself to be part of Tea’s research in Alicorn medicine. Over the last few months I have taken a few trips to Manehattan to allow her to run any sort of tests she wanted on me. Unfortunately, my last visit wasn’t a happy one.

“Do you want to play a game?” I asked.

I avoided her question completely, as I had done many times before whenever Sapphire brought up Tea in our conversation. Sapphire looked rather concerned, noticing this consistent pattern, but never pressed the issue.

“Sure!” Sapphire said cheerfully.

“Is there any you wanted to try?” I asked.

Dozens of foals and fillies had been practically stampeding there way around the gaming booths. Attempting to win the numerous amount of prizes available. One filly in particular was adorned with a rather shiny bracelet that sparkled like starlight from her flames. This of course brought up the question of which game she played to win such a trinket by the other children.

“It was the Geode Guess booth.” The young filly had said.

Sapphire and I stepped aside to allow the sudden wave of ponies rush towards that particular booth to try their hoof at winning one.

“Perhaps we should try our hoof at this Geode Guess game. It seems like a good place to start.” Sapphire suggested.

I could tell that Sapphire really wanted to win one of those bracelets for herself. So I nodded my head in agreement and headed towards this booth.

Dozens of foals and fillies were crowding around a particular booth where the carnival barker of this game enticed the children to give it a shot.

“Everypony likes to break things! Except you always get in trouble for it when you do! Well here’s a game where you can only be a winner if you know what to break! Step right up and try your luck and best of all it’s only a buck!”

We could clearly see over all the children’s heads of what the game in question entailed. There were hundreds upon hundreds of different colored and shaped rocks that were piled high in the booth. Dozens of prizes hung high over head, tantalizing the children below of the promise of gifts if lucky enough to win.

A few foals stepped up quick, tossing their coin upon the table. Picking out the rocks they chose to break. Once the rocks had been retrieved the children hit the rock hard with their hoof. This particular game was catered towards flame ponies more than regular ponies for our affinity to rocks and how well we could break them.

Some rocks were obliterated out right, one broke into several pieces of black glass, and one split in two revealing a core with several bright blue crystals.

“Volcanic glass! Earns you a candy apple! Blue crystals! That’s a big winner, choose a large prize from anything up above!”

“I’ll take the boulder with the snake for a face!” The foal declared.

“That there is an elephant! Good on you for knowing your rocks!”

The foal took his prize. A rather impressively sized elephant plush that was not only fireproof, but also made a noise like an elephant when held tightly.

There were cheers and excited shouts as many of the other children wanted a turn. I watched as Sapphire chuckled to herself in quiet determination.

“What a simple game, even children can win big at this.” Sapphire reported.

“Would you like to try?” I asked her.

“Perhaps only once, I would feel bad if I didn’t leave any prizes for the children.” Sapphire said confidently.

The carnival barker noticed the rather pretty pony approaching the booth. Sliding down to the other end to greet her, he smiled wide with a raised brow.

“Would the lovely lady like a turn? First rock is free.” The barker offered.

Sapphire smiled slyly at the pony. “Now why would it be free for me?”

“Because you might be free later for some coffee.” The barker jived.

This got Sapphire to giggle, although my sudden appearance seemed to crush the carnival barkers morale.

“Lord… Lord Smolder, I hadn’t realized it was the Princess and…”

He sounded apologetic, but Sapphire quickly dismissed his fears of being too forward. Thanking him for his interest and apologized herself for being unavailable.

“I will be choosing that particular rock right there.” Sapphire stated.

“Uh, Sapphire—“ I began.

Sapphire shushed me. “Don’t cheat, Smolder. This is a game of geology and I passed that class with high marks.”

The carnival barker placed her rock down on the table, I could see that he was apprehensive about her choice just as I had been. Without much warning, Sapphire chopped the rock watching it explode beneath her hoof to dirt and dust.

“That was a dirt clod.” I pointed out.

The children still remaining giggled at Sapphire's unfortunate choice in rock which only made her flush with embarrassment. A coin hit the table in her response to attempt the feat again pointing to another rock.

“Sapphire—“ I started again.

“You will have your turn, Smolder. After I have mine.” Sapphire said competitively.

With another rock on the table, Sapphire was quick to break this one and found it to be a literal rock with no amazing features.

“A dud.” The carnival barker pointed out.

A sudden ring of five coins showered the table as Sapphire was quick to pick five more rocks to smash. The carnival barker looked a bit concerned at Sapphire’s determination as I tried to reel her back in.

“If I could just—“

“I can smash these rocks on my own, thank you.” Sapphire stated quickly.

“Well it’s not about how hard you hit it, but which one you hit to make it break—“

I watched Sapphire strike rock after rock, pulverizing and shattering the five before her in haste. Each rock was a dud or something that only resembled a lump of dirt. Sapphire threw what seemed to be twenty coins worth of tries onto the table as she started to just reach for rocks on her own. After several minutes of smashing rock after rock, Sapphire grew tired from her determination to win this game. Her inability to find a quartz stone had her heated and looking rather peeved at her losses. Having nearly spent all her coin in her feverish frenzy of rock smashing.

The owner of the game carefully pulled Sapphire’s pile of coins away from her. Looking rather sympathetic over her failure.

I dropped a coin on the counter before leaning over the table to pick up a rock. I struck the top of the rock and watched it split open like an egg, revealing a core of immense red crystals that shimmered from the lights around us.

“Red crystals! We have a winner!”

Sapphire turned her head in a huff, pouting over the ease of my victory. My reward turned out to be the crystal bracelet Sapphire had tried so hard to win. I technically needed to have found the purple stone to claim such a prize, but a subtle wink from the owner made me realize he’s seen this sort of thing play out before.

I turned to the still frustrated Sapphire. “Here.”

I offered Sapphire the bracelet. She turned to look at it, her face just flushed now if not a bit embarrassed over the whole thing.

Sapphire took it slowly, fixing it over her hoof to admire it. “Thank you.”

It didn’t feel right giving Sapphire something so cheap. The crystal themselves were practically worthless. It was a children’s game that offered shiny prizes for foals and fillies, but the smile Sapphire wore made it feel as though I had given her a priceless heirloom.

“Do… you want to try another game?” I asked.

Sapphire thought for a moment, as if to contemplate the question, but it was clear that she was simply deciding which booth to try next. I felt her take a firm grip of my hoof before pulling me down the path towards another game. There was excitement in her eyes, a smile that didn’t go away, and I knew that she was having a time. I found myself smiling, realizing that I was having a great time as well.

Chapter 5: Carnival of Lights (Part 2)

Wick and Pyre stood near the spinning cups carnival ride watching ponies twirl round and round. Finding great amusement in the ones that got dizzy and had fits of laughter at the ones unable to keep their lunch down. The two brothers seemed perfectly content standing off to the side of the ride, ignoring the looks from many ponies that walked by.

Integrating back into the day to day affairs of the kingdom was not an easy task for them. While not completely loathed as their father had been, the Twins were merely shunned by most ponies for the part they played in the years following the Mad King’s return.

Smolder’s efforts to paint them in a different light had stirred few ponies into offering them a second chance, but most had opted for intense glares and whispers. Such things had already been considered by the brothers, they had no illusions that their return would be met as favorably as Smolder’s was, but it did not make their lives any easier.

Ignored by most. Despised by many. The Twins offered their services to the kingdom from behind closed doors, becoming delegates on behalf of the kingdom, a task Burning Sand once held and stood far from the social spotlight that engulfed Smolder.

Goldie Fleece, the Treasurer of the Ashen Fields, and Ray Horizon, the General of the Flame Pony army, would routinely approach the Twins with issues and requests that fell below the King’s need to address. While many requests were approved and issues quickly resolved it was surprising to most that the Twins were found to be quite knowledgeable on both a financial and a military level.

It was apparent that their time spent speaking with their father through the mirror was not all malice and schemes. In fact it opened up many doors for delegates around Equestria to invite the Twins to their provinces to seek joint ventures and possible inclusions of flame pony marketing.

Although, this did little to sway the opinion of the common flame pony. The Twins helped the populace from the shadows but chose not to make it public knowledge. They had agreed that any publicity, even if given a positive image for them, would be met with negativity and doubt.

Yet here, next to the spinning cups, the Twins found a common ground where those that whispered behind their backs would also be subjugated to their own ridicule of their lost lunch.

“Do you think Smolder and Princess Sapphire are having a good time?” Wick questioned.

“It has been a few hours since their departure… I would assume that things are going well.” Pyre replied.

The twirl of the cups raced round and round in interlocking circles. The screams of enjoyment from the ponies filled them again as a splatter of projectile sick whipped across the air.

Wick chuckled at the sight of the young ponies attempting to cover their mouths from spewing even more. “Have you told Smolder of our decision yet?”

Pyre looked over. “Of our journey to Saddle Arabia?”

Wick nodded to him. Pyre shook his head no.

“We will be gone for several months, brother mine. You know how Smolder dislikes our week long departures to the Crystal Kingdom.” Wick mentioned.

Pyre offered him a smile. “We leave in two days, but there will be plenty of time to let Smolder know after tonight. I wanted him to be free of any worry or dread while on his first date.”

Wick and Pyre watched the small herd of ponies stumble dizzyingly off the ride. One pony could not hold back and found themselves becoming sick in the grass nearby. The Twins applauded the group, watching them weakly wave back.

“Smolder will be alone again.” Wick warned. “He will only have the imp to console him.”

“We’re no longer separated by dimensions. Smolder may not like us being so far from home, but he has endured worse with not knowing if we would ever return.” Pyre replied.

There were a few ponies waiting in line staring at the Twins, their voices in hushed whispers. From the corner of his eye, Pyre glanced at them and found many of them recoiling in surprise as if they could hear everything they were saying.

“Don’t let it get to you, brother.” Wick said.

Pyre returned his attention to the twirling cups. “It doesn’t…”

Summer sat at a table of an outdoor cafe, serving some of the Ashen Field’s newest brew of coffee. Her mission to ensure a paparazzi free night seemed to be a huge success on its own as her need to intervene never arose. She was already beginning to think that this was just a big waste of time as the photos that were taken were from civilian ponies that had asked prior before taking them.

A small saucer and teacup clinked before her. Bleak sitting beside her with a cup of his own. Summer looked at the dark color of it, unsure of how it would taste.

“Two cream. Two sugar. Just a hint of mint.” Bleak said.

Summer took the teacup and tasted the drink. The warmth was welcomed, even for a flame pony, but the taste was surprisingly delicious to her.

“This isn’t bad.” Summer mentioned.

“Closest thing I get to a warm feeling these days.” Bleak stated.

Tipping his cup back, Bleak seemed to be more accustomed to the drink. His comment wasn’t meant to be a veiled stab at their lack of time together, but Summer took it as such. Although, it was in no small part to her insistence of being by Sapphire’s side even when she wasn’t technically needed.

“I’m… kind of hungry.” Summer mumbled.

Putting his cup down and stretching his hooves high over his head, Bleak scanned the crowd for Sapphire and Smolder.

“Hopefully they’ll stop for food soon, but seeing as they’ve been devouring sweets all night—“

“There’s a booth back aways that was selling some deep fried apples and stuff. I… wanted to try some of that.” Summer interrupted.

Bleak looked over noticing that Summer was uncharacteristically fidgeting in her seat. Her attention was no longer on Sapphire, nor did she seem interested in following them anymore.

A deep blue flush came across Bleak’s face realizing that he was now officially on a date with his special somepony.

“S-S-Sure!” Bleak squeaked.

Summer glanced over at him, noticing that he figured out that she had abandoned her plan to follow the royal couple any further tonight and wanted to pursue something else with Bleak.

“I can try to win you one of those bracelets if you like.” Bleak offered.

Summer smiled wide at the suggestion. “Why would I want some sparkly bracelet?”

“Because… I can’t afford to buy you the real thing… yet.” Bleak confessed.

The mixture of shame and embarrassment flashed across Bleak’s face. His new leaf didn’t allow for any sort of back alley deals or acquisitions of high end things anymore. He was on a budget and it didn’t allow for high end jewelry he knew Summer deserved.

“I don’t want jewelry,” Summer began.

Bleak quickly tried to recover. “I wasn’t trying to—“

“I just want you.”

A flush of orange spread across Summer’s face. Fighting all of her feelings to look the other way and forced herself to look at Bleak. His look was that of the one that had stolen her heart many years ago, a genuine look of disbelief on his face that any pony could care for him.

Summer leaned closer to the speechless Bleak, her shoulder up against his. Her head tilted back as she raised her head up to meet her lips with his. She felt his hoof take hold of her arm, pulling her just a bit closer to ensure she would not pull away too soon.

The two soon parted. Slowly testing the waters with a series of short but loving kisses. Bleak couldn’t help but smile wide causing Summer to smile as well.

“I want to try the deep fried cupcakes.” Bleak mumbled.

“We better hurry then,” Summer replied.

Bleak looked towards the sky, judging the position of the moon, realizing how early into the evening it was. “The carnival doesn’t close for another--”

Summer got to her hooves. A small smile on her face. There was a subtle way in which she walked that had Bleak’s heart set a flame. Nearly leaping from the table to take after her, he stopped short, digging into his pockets for a few bits to leave as a tip.

“We should drink coffee more often.” Bleak muttered to himself before taking off after his special somepony.

Sapphire and I stood at a directory we had found somewhere near the outer edge of the area. We had discovered that we had just left the Game Zone. We had worked our way through several booths, trying our hooves at game after game, winning little trinkets and a couple stuffed animals. We couldn’t find any reason to keep most of the prizes we had won, as we agreed that we were far too old for toys, and offered it to any foal or filly that happened to be standing nearby.

“It appears that the carnival is much more vast than I had previously anticipated. A week long affair would be necessary for any pony wishing to see everything it has to offer.” Sapphire remarked.

I lifted my hoof to the directory, waving it in small circles over the arrow that signified our current location. “We’ve got two options,”

Moving my hoof to the right I hovered over zone marked Showcase and then leaned it to the right to where it read Food Plaza.

“We can see what the Showcase Zone is or get something to eat in the plaza.”

There were several other zones listed upon the directory, but these two were adjacent to our current location.

“I’m interested in seeing what the Showcase Zone is, but if you’re hungry we can get something to eat.” Sapphire replied.

“I’m still full from all the candy we won from the games.” I confessed.

“Showcase it is then.”

In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the gaming area of the carnival, there seemed to be ten times as many ponies within the Showcase zone. It was reminiscent of the Next Big Thing held in Canterlot nearly a year ago, but this area seemed to accommodate countless stages where every presenter offered different products, ideas, merchandise, occupations, and even live events. Each one attempting to draw in as many onlookers as possible to promote their ideas or wares in hopes to reach a wider audience.

We walked by motorized carriages, art exhibits, musical performances, we saw dozens of Magical Academies looking for gifted unicorns to enroll in, several Military Recrutement tables seeking brave young ponies to enlist, and countless booths that served the common pony trying to make a name for themselves through their passions. Sapphire and I found these to be the most interesting.

“Smolder! Look!” Sapphire squealed in excitement.

Sapphire nearly bolted away, rushing to a tablet that had several rocks multi colored rocks strewn about. A lone unicorn mare sat behind the table, covered in an assortment of her own homemade jewelry of these rocks looking quite pleased at Sapphire’s excitement over them.

“I see you’re a purveyor of the Arcane Stones.” The mare remarked.

I wandered up to Sapphire fawning over the glowing rocks. “The what?”

“Arcane stones, or magical rocks, are naturally occurring magic within nature that sometimes imbues itself within certain stones for unknown reasons. Each stone carries its own unique power and is extremely rare.” Sapphire clarified.

I looked around the table at the rather large collection this one mare had. “But… she has so many.”

“I made these,” The mare spoke up. “Have a look.”

The mare offered me a small lime green stone that slowly pulsed with magic. I took it from her, watching a small ghostly fish leap from the stone and disappear back into it.

“Do they all do that?” I asked looking pleasantly surprised.

“I have tried to imbue each stone with its own unique character, these stones are meant to be personal and for the wearer to enjoy.” The mare informed me.

“Back home we have a few stones that we imbue with magical spells that assist us with certain things. I used one for a meeting to display the message you left within the seal.” Sapphire stated.

“Have you ever imbued a stone?” The mare asked Sapphire curiously.

“Well I’ve only dabbled in small spells to see if I could, but I’ve never tried to get artsy with it.” Sapphire confessed.

The two mares spoke in length over their process of imbuing magical stones. I was beginning to think that Sapphire’s knowledge of rocks were of a more spiritual side than a geological one. I smiled at the not too distant memory of her crushing dirt clod after dirt clod attempting to win a bracelet. That’s when I saw it.

A small piece of blue cordierite with a ghostly white aura of magic floating within it. My heart thumped hard, I could feel my flames sizzling, and I knew I wanted to give this to Sapphire.

“Please take a pamphlet and I’m so glad that the mysteries of the Arcane Stones are beloved by even the most noble of ponies.”

Sapphire took the pamphlet offered to her. “I sincerely hope that you find a real Arcane Stone in your travels, it would find a good home with somepony who admires and respects them as much as you do.”

I watched Sapphire walk away from the booth, her nose in the pamphlet looking over the process the mare used to imbue her stones. I was hesitant to follow, trying to find the words and the courage to ask about the cordierite.

“Two bits.” The mare said.

“What?” I asked in surprise.

The mare smiled at me. “Two bits… for the cordierite stone.”

I felt my face flush realizing how obvious my intentions were. I fumbled into my hoodie for the money while the mare picked up the stone to place it in a small leather pouch for me.

I offered her two bits before taking the leather pouch from her. “Thanks.”

“You two are very close to one another, are you not?” The mare questioned me.

“I-- uh-- we--” I stammered.

“I can sense your aura... it’s so very warm and inviting. I can see why she likes you.”

“M-M-Must be my flames!” I remarked nervously.

I watched the mare roll her eyes at me and slightly shook her head. My face was burning hot from how embarrassed I was. I thanked her once again before hurrying after Sapphire.

Through crowds of ponies I wormed my way through, worrying that I had gotten separated from Sapphire. Luckily, I spotted Sapphire standing in a rather vacant area looking around for me as well and rushed to meet up with her.

“Hey,” I said strolling up to her.

Sapphire smiled in relief. “There you are. I was worried that I had lost you in this crowd.”

My heart was pounding furiously again. I wanted nothing more than to give her the stone, but I knew that this wasn’t the right time. Unfortunately, this left me flustered in front of her without any good excuse so I did my best to save face.

“So… rocks, huh?” I asked.

Sapphire’s face lit up. “Weren’t they adorable? I really didn’t know which one I wanted to get. I thought about making one of my own, but I wouldn't know what to imbue it with.”

“Does it take a lot of practice to do something like that?”

“Well imbuing certain stones with the most basic of spells requires careful and detailed casting. The magic placed into the stone must be considerably powerful to allow the spell to remain within it for an extended period of time. It relies heavily on the wielder and the the stone being used because if you—“

Sapphire continued to speak about the deep arcane art of imbuing inanimate objects with great delight. My knowledge of magic had grown considerably with Mira’s help, but it was mostly shadow magic. I was novice to many magical arts Sapphire knew so in-depth about. Her enthusiasm for it made me smile.

We walked on as I listened to Sapphire talk about the stones a bit more, to which it eventually evolved into her love of ice sculpting. It was a hobby that her father had shared with her and taken to it with great interest.

“Have you ever tried sculpting, Smolder?”

I was caught off guard by her question. My thoughts had been occupied by how I was going to give her the gift I had gotten her and now realizing I hadn’t been paying attention.

“I… I haven’t really tried… splitting rocks is about the extent of my… sculpting.” I mumbled.

“I would love the opportunity to see how flame ponies carve stone. It probably has its own challenges on the type of stone used, as well as the tools needed.”

Thoughts of carving statues had brought up the most frequent statue I visited from day to day. As if we were drawn here by the simple thought alone, we found ourselves at the final resting place of my father.

Wingston’s memorial had been adorned with dozens of flowers, small lanterns, and candles. The eternal flame at the base burned strong, unwavering, and illuminating the features on his obsidian statue.

There were several ponies admiring the memorial. A few placing some offerings to decorate Wingston’s memorial further.

I stared at the black obsidian where the eyes beneath his hooded cloak stared back at me. A whirlwind of feelings rushed back into my heart like a door being blown open. I took a deep breath trying to settle myself when I felt Sapphire's arm grip mine.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah,” I said smiling encouragingly. “I just wish he was here… to see all of this...”

I trailed off. I felt Sapphire’s head lean against mine.

“He knows,” Sapphire whispered. “And he’s so very proud of what you’ve done here, Smolder.”

I smiled. Looking back up at the memorial and slightly nodding my head to my old friend.

“We have… a… section being built just for you, Wingston. In the museum…” I mumbled. “It… it will have some of your favorite books. Parts of your old… clothing…. and some…”

I struggled to say more but knew I couldn’t.

“We have commissioned some very talented artists to provide paintings of you during crucial moments in flame pony history. The exhibit will also feature Lord Scorch and Lady Glow, explaining the untold truth of what really happened to them.” Sapphire added.

I looked to Sapphire who stole a glance my way before flushing slightly.

“I know that Smolder cared about you deeply and that he had to set aside his mourning for you, sooner than he was ready, to be the King everypony needed him to be. Much like you he puts the needs of the Kingdom before his own and works tirelessly to live up to everypony’s expectations. He has remained studious in his academics, focused on his magical lessons, and has been the most gentle of colts to me.”

I felt Sapphire lean against me and grip my arm tighter.

“I’m sorry we don’t come by more often, but everything Smolder does echoes your teachings. You are always with him and I will always have his back.”

I nestled my head against hers. My silent way of thanking her for speaking when I could not.

“Thank you, Sapphire.” I whispered.

Chapter 6: Lights Out

Sapphire and I walked hoof in hoof for a time. Traveling down the length of the Dark Marsh in mostly silence, I found myself smiling at the familiarity we shared between us, unable to bring any sort of meaningful conversation to my mind, but anxiously trying to find the perfect moment to give Sapphire this stone.

Every minute passed offered a new and inventive way to present it to her. Each new idea became much grander and more deeply meaningful than the last. Yet with every new thought birthed a scenario where I failed miserably and no outcome seemed to succeed in my mind.

“Smolder?”

Sapphire’s voice gave me a start with a flash of fire rippling down my mane.

“Yes, Sapphire?”

I felt her hoof slip from mine. She stopped walking, looking rather distraught or perhaps uncomfortable at what she was going to say. Turning towards her I noticed that we were nearly alone, having walked so far along the edge of the Dark Marsh that we had secluded ourselves from the carnival.

“There is something I’ve been meaning to tell you…” Sapphire began.

Her hooves massaged each other, her eyes kept avoiding mine doing their best to stare at each side of me. My heart was beating loudly in my ears.

“Sure!” I replied with a squeak.

“But… there is something I need to know.” Sapphire continued. “If you could just be honest with me about this…”

“Of course,” I blurted out. “Anything.”

Her eyes met mine. If my heart beat any harder I was sure it would be audible to her.

“What happened between you and… Ms. Herbal?” Sapphire asked.

I could only compare the blow to my heart to that of the mace the Orc had once used to break my ribs. I stood silent. Unable to think of where to begin.

“Um… I… she…”

Sapphire stood waiting with such patience, allowing me to gather my thoughts and waiting for an answer. I found only a few words to let slip.

“We’re… just friends.” I mumbled.

“I believed her to be your special somepony. I know you never admitted to it, at least not to me, but the connection you two shared made it rather obvious you had strong feelings for one another.” Sapphire fired back.

Again I stood dumbfounded, realizing she had been waiting to have this conversation with me for quite some time. Her response was quick, as if preemptively guessing what some of my answers would be.

“I… we…” I found myself stammering unable to respond.

“Did something happen? Did you two have a fight? Is it because of the proximity you and I have had with one another that has caused a riff between the two of you?” Sapphire questioned.

“It has nothing to do with you.” I blurted out.

Sapphire looked hurt. My response was meant to eliminate her as a reason, but she took it differently.

“So you won’t tell me?” Sapphire asked quickly.

“No! I mean… I can’t!” I replied.

“And why not?” Sapphire demanded.

“Because… because…” I struggled to find an answer.

“Well?”

“Because you’re not supposed to know.”

Sapphire’s cloudy mane furrowed angrily, her eyes glassy from the tears she was holding back. At this moment I knew I had defined our relationship, one where I kept secrets that would always end up hurting her.

“Sapphire--”

“Thank you for inviting me out tonight, Lord Smolder. I think I’ll turn in, I have an early start tomorrow.”

Without missing a beat Sapphire whipped around and proceeded back towards the castle. Her cloudy mane quietly stormed, producing a darker color than usual.

“Sapphire! Please wait!” I shouted.

I chased after her. Not daring to touch her, I quickly placed myself in front of her and hoped that she wouldn’t blast me aside. She stopped abruptly and threw me a piercing stare that stabbed my heart.

“I… made a promise not to tell.” I confessed.

“Thanks for sharing.” Sapphire scoffed.

Stepping forward, Sapphire slammed her shoulder into mine to push past me. The wrenching of my gut told me I needed to pick what I was more afraid to lose. My promise to Tea or my relationship with Sapphire.

“I can’t fix this!”

Perhaps it was the vagueness of my words or the sadness that filled my voice, but it got Sapphire to stop. She turned to me again, looking angry but puzzled at what I meant.

Narrowing her eyes at me she asked aloud. “What?”

I lifted my hooves, looking at them with such misery, unable to remember all of the words Tea had used to describe my condition.

“My hide...” I began. “It’s too damaged. It’s why I can’t suppress my flames.”

I could see Sapphire’s face change in an instant at the realization of what I had said.

“My visits to Manehattan were to help Tea with her research on Alicorns, but it was also to determine if I could reverse the damage.” I continued. “But--”

I let my head drop feeling all the emotions and memories of that fateful day come flooding back.

“It’s always a pleasure to see his Royal Highness,” Chapel quipped.

Placing the diaphragm of her stethoscope on my chest, I felt my mane flare seeing her lean in so close to me.

“Oh my your heart is racing, My Lord.”

A clipboard struck Chapel on the back of her head as Tea glared at her.

“If you’re not going to act professionally about this you can just leave.” Tea remarked.

Chapel pouted looking sheepish. “I was only teasing him.”

This particular hospital room was one of very few that were being renovated to accommodate Flame Ponies here at the Manhattan Hospital. This one was near completion, having nearly everything in the room flame retardant, holding several state of the art medical devices that could be used to run several tests in Flame Pony ailments or diseases.

At the behest of myself, with a few encouraging words from Princess Celestia, the Manhattan Hospital has allowed early use of this particular room to a few medical students who had been hoofed-picked to give the King of the Ashen Fields a series of check ups. This had been my sixth in six months.

“I’ve got the thermograph calibrated.” Florence announced.

Chapel stepped aside to allow Florence to scan me with her meter.

“You run hotter than most flame ponies, Smolder. Although, I don’t see any new lesions or further increase of heat in your hooves or legs.”

“He’s hotter than most-“

Tea bumped her out of the way with her flank before she could start again. Approaching me with a tape measure.

“Lower your head for me, Smolder.” Tea requested.

I did as asked watching Tea measure my horn. Their series of tests were the same ones I’ve dealt with in previous visits. Apart from creating a medical record for me, they were studying me for the research paper I had promised Tea I’d help her with months prior. Each of them were focusing on a different facet of Alicorn physiology.

“Six and half inches.” Tea reported.

Chapel giggled.

Tea frowned at her. “Seriously?”

She scribbled down the length, eyeing me with a coy smile before hurrying off to reference the data Florence had collected.

“Sorry about her, Smolder.” Tea said.

“It’s cool.” I mumbled.

A smile formed across Tea’s face that sent my heart racing again. She put a pen sized flashlight in her teeth, taking a hold of the sides of my face with special fire resistant gloves that each of them wore over their hooves.

She pulled on my cheeks to open my eyes wider, flashing the light across a few times before massaging behind my ears near my neck as if feeling for something.

“Did we get the test results back yet?” Tea asked aloud.

Tea squished my face, forcing me to make a face before smiling wide and letting go. My mane flared from embarrassment while Florence retrieved a folder from the box marked Lord Hot Saddle.

“How many times are you going to run this test, Tea?” Florence whispered to her.

“As many times as I need to.” Tea hissed back.

“You’re not making this any easier on either of you by postponing it with needless tests.” Chapel snapped back.

“This is supposed to help-“

“Is everything, okay?”

My question seemed to catch all of them off guard. While very talented and brilliant in their knowledge of medicine, their bedside manner was still lacking as their worried faces already had me feeling uneasy.

“We’re just talking about your test results and hoping to look for more options in… in…” Tea trailed off looking to her friends for help.

Unfortunately, they both looked at her with sorrowful expressions, knowing that it was the hardest part of any doctor pony's job to give a patient bad news.

“Can… can I speak to Smolder in private, please?” Tea asked them.

Florence patted Tea on the arm encouragingly, Chape nodding her head that this was the right thing to do. Stepping out of the room, I felt rock after rock landing in my stomach feeling that this wasn’t going to end well.

“Smolder,” Tea began softly. “How has repressing your Fire been going?”

I hesitated for a moment, thinking about the question before it made sense to me and answered quickly but honestly.

“I-I havent been able to do it yet.”

Tea took a deep breath doing her best to steady herself.

“The amount of damage your body has sustained from your battles with the Elder Dragon and your… uh… fight with the um… Storm…”

Tea gripped the file close to her chest looking very sorrowful at what she was about to say.

“It’s physically impossible for you to repress your flames now.”

I stood frozen. Blinking a few times before hearing myself squeak. “What?”

“Y-your hide has suffered too much damage, especially around your hooves where your hide is missing or so thin that it cannot suppress your flames.”

I looked down at my hooves, lifting them up to my face to see my fire flourishing.

“I’ve ordered several tests these last few visits hoping to find a solution involving skin grafts or even some sort of prosthetic covering but… we just don’t have that kind treatment for somepony in your condition.”

“I-I-I can try to use the power of the Phoenix!” I blurted out. “It’s healed me before and-and-and I bet it can reverse this! I just need to work with Mira more to find—“

Tea took hold of my hoof. Smiling weakly at me.

“That power did this to you, Smolder. Even before that, you were already severely injured from that dragon. If it could have healed you, don’t you think it would have by now?”

“I… I… I don’t… if I didn’t…”

“Smolder—“

“I kept burning… pushing myself… and it’s cost me everything.”

I felt Tea take both my hooves now, holding them tightly.

“I know you’re not regretting saving Sapphire from that dragon or saving all those poor creatures from that evil storm, Smolder. I know for a fact that you’d do it again if you had to.” Tea said comfortingly.

“I’m… so sorry, Tea.” I whispered.

I winced, feeling myself beginning to cry. The realization that I took away any chance we had at being each other’s special somepony had finally settled in.

Tea gripped my hooves, shaking them up and down. “Hey, hey, hey… Smolder, look at me.”

I lifted my head, feeling my mouth quivering but doing my best to keep myself from crying. Tears were slowly falling from Tea’s face as well, but she didn’t seem as close to breaking down as I was.

“I’ve… known about this for a while. I tried hard to find a way to fix this… to help you… but I realized that I was just afraid of losing you. That’s when I realized I lost you a long time ago.”

I watched Tea wipe her eyes, having composed herself rather quickly and smiled at me again.

“I always wanted to protect you, you know? From all the ponies who wanted to use you or ask you to do things that would put you in harm's way, but in the end you always wanted to help any pony regardless of how much danger it put you in.” Tea began. “Over this last year I’ve felt like I was chasing after you, clinging to those few days we had in Canterlot, and not realizing that your journey was taking you further and further away from me.”

“Tea--”

I felt her hoof press upon my lips for a moment. She removed her hoof slowly, showing how worn the gloves were already from just having held my hooves for a brief moment.

“My friends tried to get me to see it, but I wouldn’t listen. I didn’t want to face the truth, but one friend encouraged me to not give up. A friend who put her life on the line several times for you and put her feelings second to mine.”

Surprise washed over me realizing who Tea was referring to.

“I will always be here for you, Smolder. You’re always going to have a special place in my heart. I really wish things could have been different, but I learned that there are some things that we will never be able to do.”

My heart was breaking, that it was a truth I knew all too well. That no matter how badly I wanted to be like other ponies, I had to accept that I was never going to be like them.

I lowered my head, unable to stop myself from crying at the realization that I could never be with Tea as my special somepony.

For what felt like hours I cried, feeling Tea gently stroking my face and trying to calm me down. Unable to embrace me, to comfort me like any normal pony could or would with a simple hug, Tea used her words to help soothe my shattered heart.

“Smolder, take as much time as you need to heal from this. I will still be here, you can talk to me whenever you want, but we need to give ourselves the chance to be happy again.”

“Maybe… maybe… I can just jump in a lake and… and we can just…” I stuttered through my crying.

“And what?” Tea asked, holding back a laugh. “Try to make out? Me with second degree burns and you swollen and puffy all over?”

I choked a laugh. Unable to stop myself from laughing again as Tea joined in. After a minute of silence, unable to cry anymore, I felt myself calming down but still feeling very empty inside.

“Take as much time as you need, Smolder.” Tea whispered to me. “I’m very touched that you felt so strongly about me as I did you.”

I smiled weakly at her.

Tea let go of my hooves, her gloves having reached their limit of being in contact with me. She pulled them off and tossed them in a nearby bin.

“Just do me a favor, Smolder.”

“Anything.” I replied.

“Please don’t tell, Sapphire.”

I looked at her in confusion.

Tea flushed at her own request, but smiled in the end. “She shouldn’t have to feel like she’s second best. If you two end up together… I hope that it’s because you truly do have feelings for her as you did me.”

“Smolder?”

I looked up from my hooves to see Sapphire sitting in front of me. Regret and sadness covered her face as she gently took my hooves and traced her own hoof across my scars.

“Forgive me… I shouldn’t have pressed you on something so heartbreaking.” Sapphire whispered.

“No,” I mumbled. “I’m sorry, Sapphire. For always keeping secrets from you.”

“This is something that was none of my business and I understand now why you were so guarded by it.” Sapphire retorted.

“This isn’t why I didn’t want to tell you,” I said hurriedly.

Sapphire’s interest peaked again, wondering what I had yet to reveal. Once again I realized that I was about to redefine our relationship.

“Tea… she had asked me… because she felt… we felt…” I struggled to find the words.

I stared into Sapphire’s beautiful eyes, feeling her cool touch upon my hooves, and in that moment I realized that the fear I had over this promise, the fear I had over how she would feel just seemed to disappear.

“I… really like you… Sapphire.” I said slowly.

Clouds of steam rose from our hooves. Sapphire’s face flushed a bright purple with her ice reacting to her embarrassment and melting against my fire.

“I just didn’t want you to feel… second best.”

My admission was hard to say. There would always be doubt now, that if things had been different I would have pursued Tea instead. Although, keeping it a secret up until now had been a dark cloud over us and I could never truly be open with her about it.

“You weren’t my first choice either, Smolder.” Sapphire stated.

It was as if somepony had slapped me upside the head. I looked at Sapphire in shock over her own admission.

“What?” Sapphire asked with a smile. “Granted I never acted on my impulse at the time, but there was a colt I admired a great deal and had significant feelings for.”

“Who?” I asked quickly.

Sapphire narrowed her eyes at me. “Perhaps this will be one of my secrets that I keep from you.”

I found myself unable to argue seeing as I had been the greatest offender of such things since the beginning. Sapphire bit her bottom lip and squeezed my hooves tightly.

“There was a snow pony prince from the south pole. I met him only once, but he was so…” Sapphire trailed off looking rather smitten.

I found myself snorting in response. It was involuntary but it summed up my feelings for another colt being on her mind. Sapphire smiled wide, almost laughing at my disapproval.

“But, I have my heart set on a different colt.” Sapphire whispered.

Leaning in, Sapphire rested her head against my shoulder feeling her hooves slide up my arms and around my neck. I instinctively put my arms around her and pulled her in close as if worried she’d be taken away from me.

“I’ve been meaning to tell you this for a while now, Smolder.” Sapphire whispered to me.

“I… I’ve been wanting to… say something too.” I whispered nervously.

“Isn’t that Lord Smolder?”

We quickly parted seeing a group of flame ponies having stumbled upon us. It was apparent that none of them were paparazzi ponies, although old enough to know that they had stumbled upon something extremely personal and realizing the gravity of such a discovery.

“Is-is that Princess Sapphire?” Another flame pony asked.

“What? Ha! We’re-uh- just hanging out and talking.” I lied horribly.

I looked to Sapphire for help but she had already taken off without a word. My first instinct was to call after her but I was still clinging to the notion that this group of flame ponies didn’t know who we were. I immediately had the feeling of despair, believing that the moment had arrived and I had blown it completely.

“I think he just got dumped.” Whispered a flame pony.

“Nuh uh!” I shouted at them.

Flustered and embarrassed I felt my hooves moving, trying to catch up to Sapphire.

“Stupid! Stupid, Sapphire! What the hay were you thinking?”

Sapphire cursed at herself. Feeling thin layers of ice spread across her face from her embarrassment.

“Stop running! Where are you going? Turn around and go back there and tell him already!”

Sapphire further urged herself to come to grips, but her legs carried her further away. The blaring noise of the carnival had suppressed her ability to focus, her embarrassment clouded her judgement, and her familiarity with Smolder had nearly caused them to become personal with one another.

Her brisk stride, along with her constant berated breaths of contempt for herself had given Sapphire the time she needed to get a grip again.

“A bit please.”

“What?” Sapphire asked.

There was a rather older pony standing outside a rather large cave entrance that was decorated with many lanterns surrounding its maw. The pony had a chest of bits beside him, along with a few slates to pass the time while waiting for interested ponies to explore the caves.

“One bit to take a walk through the thermoluminescence caves, ma’am. Interested?”

“Sorry, I must have wandered over here by mistake I was just—“

Sapphire turned back to find me walking right up alongside her. Short of catching my breath and looking rather nervous, I smiled weakly hoping to win back her favor.

Sapphire pursed her lips, finding it hard to continue her train of thought before dropping her gaze from me.

“A couples night, huh? Well we got a tunnel for that too.” The old pony mumbled.

Together we watched the old pony motion to us for the bits he needed. I quickly dug into my pocket and withdrew a few of the last bits I had.

“You two can take the infamous red tunnel. Said tunnel is on your right, can’t miss it. Don’t be worrying about getting lost or anything like that, we dug these tunnels ourselves. They’ll lead you out on the other side of the fields.”

I found some courage to speak. “Why is it infamous?”

The old pony looked at me, then to Sapphire, and chuckled out right.

“If I need to say it then perhaps you should take the blue tunnel.”

His laughter was enough to get Sapphire and I to flush again. I took hold of Sapphire’s hoof, doing my best not to seem nervous as I walked her into the cave.

Sapphire didn’t pull away, nor did she try to resist following me in, but she kept her eyes glued to the floor.

Through the maw of the cave we found ourselves being guided by very faint lights that brought us to the first tunnel that had hints of purple further down.

I continued to lead Sapphire on, feeling her beginning to shake, but I mistook it as my own fearing the approaching infamous tunnel.

We paused at the opening of the second tunnel. The faint hints of red further in seemed enticing, but we could also see the soft blue of the third cave up head.

Sapphire stood solid on the spot. Not daring to make a move towards the red tunnel, but was too nervous to even suggest a different one. I myself was beginning to have doubts about the red tunnel.

“We… we could always… just…” Sapphire mumbled softly.

I looked over at Sapphire, seeing the slightest gloss of teary eyes beginning to set in. At that moment I knew I needed to take the red tunnel.

“Will you have my back, Sapphire?” I asked.

My question got Sapphire looking my way. It was enough to get her to smile from how cliche our promise to each other had become, but it eased the tension between us considerably.

“Always.” Sapphire replied.

Leaning onto my arm, we walked hoof in hoof into the red tunnel wondering what we would find. To our amazement it was a plethora of thermoluminescence rocks that had been mined and placed to create an intense glow of red that bathed the tunnel the further we walked in. Intermixed were other smaller colors that mixed and changed the lighting slightly to add variety to it all.

We quietly enjoyed the stillness and beauty the tunnel offered us. Eventually it let out into chasm that had a secret hot spring surrounded by the red thermoluminescence rocks that acted as some very romantic mood lighting.

“I... was told that ponies are having to make appointments to be able to schedule appointments for the new spa that just opened today.” Sapphire remarked.

“You could give it a try, if you like.” I offered.

Sapphire bumped me with her flank. “Don't even joke.”

I felt her squeeze my hoof, leaning her head against mine.

It felt as though the moment we were about to share out on the fields was long gone. I didn’t know how to go about bringing it back up without sounding crass about it. My stomach was starting to turn again, realizing my own cowardice and uneasiness about letting things stay this way. I pressed my hoof against my stomach to settle it when I felt something sitting within my pocket.

“Sapphire…”

Digging into my pocket with my free hoof, I glanced over at Sapphire who was so beautifully illuminated by the red glow that I felt my heart jump to my throat. My mane flared at the sudden implication of what I was about to do.

“Here.” I croaked.

With a shaking hoof I held out the small leather pouch to her doing my best to stop my body trembling.

Sapphire looked rather surprised by my gesture. She carefully took it with her magic, not letting go of my hoof but using her free hoof to shake the pouch into.

The small blue cordierite stone fell into her hoof. Instantly a smile swept across her face at the sight of it, realizing what I had given her. The ghostly white magic within the cordierite swirled for a moment, producing a snowflake that floated to a fro as if it were falling from the sky before disappearing back into the stone.

“You bought one for me?” Sapphire asked softly.

“It was— I wanted to— you…”

Most of my words were garbled, unable to admit to the obvious question she had asked me.

She brought it close to her chest. Unable to keep herself from smiling over what I had given her.

“Smolder…” Sapphire began.

“Yes?” I quipped.

Sapphire leaned against me, taking her free arm and wrapping it around my shoulder leaning her head against my chest. Our clutched hooves parted into a hug with one another. Her hoof upon my chest and mine upon her back.

“I wanted to tell you that you’re… that I wanted you to be… to be… my…” Sapphire mumbled to me.

There wasn’t anything for it. My heart was pounding so loud that it nearly deafened my ears. Sapphire slowly lifted her head to me, once more so close, and yet frozen in place. Every nervous thought I had was flashing through my mind, ranging from my breath to how much I blinked.

I stared into the soft blue sapphires that were this princess pony’s eyes. I felt her trembling, flushed a dark shade of purple, but deathly silent aside from the soft breaths she took from her slightly parted lips.

Sapphire mouth began to open. Whatever words she wanted to say, the thoughts she wanted to express, the fear she felt about what would happen, had been stolen from the sudden look of disgust that flashed across her face.

“What is that smell?”

Covering her face with her hoof, Sapphire stepped back unable to handle the sudden stench that had drifted towards us. In a panic I sniffed my hoodie wondering if it had been the offending odor or perhaps even myself but after having smelled it I knew what it was.

“Sulfur.” I stated.

The water within the spring started to churn, beginning to drain itself from cracks that spring from its edges. Quakes soon followed, causing the cave to tremble and break apart around us. I took hold of Sapphire’s hoof steering us back down the tunnel we had come from overhearing the faint sounds of chanting coming from beneath us.

With great speed we rushed from the tunnel meeting few other couples having started their journey down this route. The tremors were becoming more aggressive, faster in its intensity, and the fainted chanting grew louder.

Having just reached the entrance of the cave the ground behind us began to give way. Swallowing all manner of rock and stone into the ground. Collapsing a large portion of the ruined mountain side into the sinkhole that quickly appeared.

The chanting from below grew louder, intermixing with the shouts of ponies coming to see what had happened having seen the giant dust cloud of the ruined mountain rise into the air. Deep within the sinkhole a deep red glow was pulsing with the echoes of the indiscernible words chanted bringing it closer to the surface.

I stood at its edge staring down into the pit watching the red flow grow closer and the shadows of ponies thrown against the dust clouds before us. A sudden gust of wind mixed with sulfur rushed passed, clearing most of the dust in the air to reveal a most surprising sight.

Hundreds of flames ponies in obsidian themed armor marched up from the darkness of the pit. Their hides were similar to ours, although at the base of their manes, hooves, and tails looked as if magma flowed beneath their skin.

At the front of the grand army was a flame pony mare. Her hide littered with countless scars ranging from minor to severe, the one upon her eye had changed the color of her iris to a dull grey while the other burned like a red hot coal. Her flames mimicked the flow of magma, her hide the darkest shade of black I had ever seen, and she wore no armor save for the obsidian crown she wore upon her head.

I felt Sapphire’s hoof try to pull me from the edge but I stood firm in place. This mare and her army stopped their march just a few feet apart from us. Her eyes fixated upon me.

“I seek the King of Flame Ponies.”

The mare’s tone was aggressive, almost commanding.

“And you are?” Sapphire remarked.

“I am Blight, Ruler of the Magma Ponies, and we have come to reclaim our ancestral homeland from the usurpers.”

Chapter 7: Blight of Muspell

“During the reign of Dragons, there was a divide between flame ponies, those who sought to usurp the very creatures that brought us our power and those who sought to serve them faithfully. Lines were drawn, families split, and our ponies sought to dwell within the heart of Equestria as the Great Dragon Char had done. For countless ages we lived beneath earth, following in the old ways set by our forefathers in the efforts to stand as equals with our creators, seeking limitless strength and power to achieve this goal. It is now that we seek to reclaim our-”

“No! No, no! Not tonight! Back in the hole you go!”

Blight, the self proclaimed magma pony, felt my hooves take hold of her arms right in the middle of her proclamation. Turning her around on the spot before pushing her towards the deep hole she marched out of.

“What the buck are you doing?” Blight asked in confusion.

The magma soldier ponies looked on as their leader wrestled against the pushy flame pony who refused to allow her entrance to the fields above or even finish her declaration.

At this time every flame pony from the carnival had come to see what had happened, while Sapphire watched how desperately I wanted to salvage our night.

“I demand-” Blight shouted, freeing herself from my grasp. “To see the King of the Flame Ponies this instant!”

“He’s busy at the moment!” I shouted back wrestling with her.

“How dare you touch me with your weak flames!”

Our struggle continued. Feeling that both our nights had been ruined. This magma pony’s grand entrance into Equestria and my date with Sapphire being interrupted for the upteenth time.

Sapphire looked on in wonder and disappointment at these new breed of flames ponies, but also that this had come at the most inopportune time.

“Well I can see that first impressions are going well.” Pyre stated.

Sapphire glanced over to see Wick and Pyre coming up alongside her. They peered down into the pit seeing the two respective lords of their kingdoms wrestle with each other trying to force the other back.

“They said that they were magma ponies.” Sapphire informed them.

“Now that is interesting, I’ve never heard of a magma pony before.” Pyre replied.

“Surprised we haven’t smelled them until now.” Wick quipped.

Blight and Smolder were now almost out of breath attempting to force one another back, having shown great restraint from using either of their respective flames to get their point across.

“Smolder! This isn’t how we treat royal guests from neighboring kingdoms! As a King you should be welcoming them to our home!” Pyre called out.

Blight was able to throw me off, trying her best to compose herself once more, looking flustered by the unorthodox way I tried to thwart her.

“I demand to be taken to your King!” Blight insisted. “So help me if you even lay one hoof on me again I will rip that horn right off of you!”

“Oh right away your worshipfulness!” I said sarcastically.

I trotted in a circle rolling my eyes heavily before stopping where I started.

“Lord Smolder, King of the Ashen Fields, at your service my lady!”

“What-” Blight exclaimed. “You?”

“Yes me! Now kindly take you and your army back to where it is you came from! You’re ruining everything!”

“Ruining- I came here to challenge the King of the flame ponies for the right of rulership!” Blight shouted.

“At ten oclock at night?” I shouted back.

There was a long pause between us. Blight looked relatively confused by my remark. Looking towards one of her soldiers for help, he provided nothing but a shrug. Pursing her lips, Blight flushed ever so slightly.

“What’s... ten oclock mean?”

I blinked a few times. “It’s what time it is.”

Blight pursed her lips tighter, revealing she had no concept of the time I was trying to get across to her.

“It’s nighttime! When ponies go to sleep!” I shouted in disbelief.

“Ah!” Blight shouted, having understood. “The rest cycle!”

“The rest cycle- Look! You already ruined one of our main attractions for our carnival! Can you at least come back tomorrow before you ruin the rest of our night?”

Blight looked to one of her soldiers again, who in turn shrugged. Once more the magma mare pursed her lips looking annoyed by the words I was using.

“C-C-Carnival?”

Before I could unleash the tirade of hysterical comments I planned to throw her way, Wick and Pyre had descended into the pit to join me in welcoming our newest guests.

“On behalf of the Ashen Fields, we would like to welcome our brethren, the magma ponies, into our kingdom.” Pyre said respectfully.

“If it would be to your liking, my Lady, we will escort you to our castle to which we can discuss your presence here further without the onlookers.” Wick added.

“I am here to challenge the king of the flame ponies!” Blight shouted in annoyance.

Magma churned at the base of her mane. Her fire flaring wildly. The snort she let out hissed like steam.

“I refuse!” I shouted back.

“Enough!” Blight declared.

A pair of magma soaked wings sprouted from Blight’s back, surprising nearly everypony. Upon her head the magma twisted itself into a horn that pulsed violently with magic.

The ground beneath Blight spewed fire and ash, breaking open from the magical power she was building.

Without a second thought my body exploded into the fiery white flames of the Phoenix. It’s cry shrieked in protest at Blight’s posturing which shocked both her and the magma ponies from its emergence.

“What-what was that?” Blight questioned.

“That… was my new hoodie! Smolder you son of a—“

Wick put me in a headlock and was doing his best to rip my head from my shoulders. Mercilessly grinding his hoof into the side of my head and questioning my ability to respect other pony’s property.

“I’m sorry! It just happened!” I pleaded to him.

Wick was having none of it, trying to wrestle me to the ground to avenge his fallen apparel.

“You are… siblings?” Blight asked, trying to make sense of us.

“Quite right, my Lady. Elder brothers to the King.” Pyre reported, ignoring Wick’s attempts to remove my head.

Blight’s posturing subsided, as did her flames. Taking a deep breath and slowly letting it go. Her wings and her horn returned to a magma like state before retreating back into her hide.

“Do you have siblings, my Lady?” Pyre questioned.

“That is unimportant. Have your brother concede his right to the throne to me and I will spare him his life.” Blight offered, as if giving the Twins an out.

“Bring it! Sulfur breath!” I shouted.

Wick and Pyre were now struggling to keep me quiet to prevent me from escalating the situation further.

“My lady, if you would please consider—“

“Enough! You shall address me as Blight of Dragon’s Ridge, champion of the Magma Dome, slayer of the Wicked Worm, destroyer of the Howling Drake, and ruler of the Kingdom of Muspell!”

The army of magma ponies cheered in her declaration, showing great admiration for their leader. There was audible heckling that floated down from the top of the ridge in protest of such cheering from the flame ponies that had gathered round.

“Such meager titles…”

Princess Sapphire had floated down from the ridge gliding elegantly to where we were. Wick and Pyre stepped back to allow Sapphire to take point, placing herself beside me and staring down this intruder.

It was clear that no magma pony had ever seen an ice pony before, although their looks of surprise were soon met with jeers and laughter. Blight seemed almost repulsed by her.

“What are you supposed to be?” Blight asked.

“I beg your pardon?” Sapphire snapped.

“She is Princess Sapphire Flurry, ruler of the Frozen North, planeswalker, oblivion chaser, and the Chosen Speaker of spirits!” I declared.

From up above there was an explosion of cheers that rained down for Sapphire, who in turn flushed at such admiration from our own flame ponies.

It was clear that the support received from the flame poneis above had an impact on Blight. I could sense that our own flame pony pride was very much alive in these magma ponies and that it might even have more power over them than fire alone.

“Fancy words only make small achievements seem grander.” Blight struggled to counter such claims. “A pony born of such weak elements doesn’t impress me.”

“Then perhaps you would rather be eclipsed by the accomplishments of a real flame pony?” Sapphire asked coldly.

Blight’s hiss towards Sapphire was akin to water instantly vaporizing on a hot pan.

“Here stands before you the descendant of Lord Smoke, the Dragon Rider. The successor to the throne of the Mad King Scorch. Conqueror of Spider Queens. Victor over the War with the Orc. Champion of the Elder Dragon Char. Godslayer of the dark spirit Nadir. Savior of a world beyond the veil of time and space. The Lord of the Ashen Fields and all of its flame ponies, Smolder the Phoenix King.”

The uproar of cheers and applause from the flame ponies above was enormous. Their voices alone shook the ground beneath us.

The magma pony soldiers were whispering amongst themselves over such claims, unsure of what some meant, and skeptical of the others. None seemed so shaken by such claims than that of Blight, who stared at this young flame pony colt in quiet fury.

“Godslayer?” I whispered to Sapphire.

“Chosen Speaker of spirits?” Sapphire whispered back.

Blight pursed her lips looking between the two of us, not only feeling outnumbered, but the potential to be outdone by two armies.

“Are you two... lovers?” Blight asked.

The audible gasp that cut through every single pony above us left the entirety of the Ashen Fields in deathly silence. Sapphire and I stood frozen on the spot, unable to move or speak, our faces burning in embarrassment.

Blight chuffed. Looking almost impressed by us.

“A strategic move to get in bed with a neighboring kingdom to bolster your forces. I commend you for being so dedicated to the survival of your realms through mutual copulation to produce an heir that would bridge-”

A tremendous roll of thunder erupted from Sapphire’s stormy mane while the fire of the phoenix screeched interrupting Blight’s erroneous statement of us. This had everypony laughing and whistling at our embarrassment, knowing how close Blight had come to hitting the nail on the head.

“Smolder,” Pyre mumbled to me from over my shoulder. “It would be best to conclude this within the castle and minimize the violital situation this has become.”

Swallowing what little pride I had left, I mustered up the courage to speak again.

“Blight of Moose-spell—“

“Muspell!”

“Right…” I mumbled in annoyance. “It’s clear we have our differences and our similarities. You have your way of doing things, as do we.”

“Your point?” Blight retorted.

I looked back at all my flame ponies near the ridge, I could see General Ray Horizon and Academy Leader Flare Fizzle assessing the situation and already organizing a counter offensive if things turned south.

“Tonight…” I began. “Is a celebration of our ponies.”

Blight seemed to be listening.

“Tonight was meant to cherish our heritage, our culture, and look towards a brighter tomorrow.” I continued. “Tonight is still a celebration of our ponies. If you would allow us the honor of welcoming you… home.”

My words seemed to have put Blight in a rather difficult spot once more. No flame pony above was dressed for war and the sight of foals and fillies was enough to unnerve even the hardest of her soldiers who knew what they’re presence here was for.

“You would… welcome us?” Blight questioned.

“We know what it’s like to be… separated from others. If your lordship would permit us the chance to open a-” I paused looking to Pyre for help.

“Dialogue.” Pyre whispered.

“...dialogue between our two families.”

It appeared that there was more going on than a simple misunderstanding of ancient bureaucracy that kept us from being able to settle things peacefully. I could see the look of panic Blight wore, her own magma ponies beginning to murmur amongst themselves. I could sense that old flame pony pride may be still a very strong part of their culture.

“Smolder,” Pyre whispered. “Postpone the fight until after the festivities.”

It seemed that Pyre knew more about the situation than I did, having asked me to postpone the fight rather than disagree with it altogether.

“If we are to fight, I would prefer it to be on a day where we are not celebrating our shared history.” I added.

As if I had given her a small peace offering, Blight immediately jumped upon this.

“Out of respect for your ‘carnival’, I shall postpone our fight to determine who is best suited to rule over our two families.” Blight stated.

“Wait what?”

Before I was able to question it further, Wick and Pyre were quick to approach Blight offering an array of comforts that awaited her and the magma ponies she brought.

From above, General Ray Horizon and Academy Leader Flare Fizzle flew down to meet with Sapphire and I. Dressed in their armor, they were quick to mobilize our own forces while our talks were going on.

“I can have our troops on standby, my Lord. Hard to say how we’ll fare against our own kind.” Ray reported.

“It’s unclear how different our two kin are, but an all out fight would be disastrous with so many civilian ponies around. Although, it appears you’ve already managed to settle things down.” Flare remarked, noticing the laxed way the magma pony soldiers were.

“We’ve come to a sort of… agreement. Please stand down your troops, General. If their pride is anything like ours, they will not start any trouble unless provoked.” I replied.

“Understood, sir.” Ray saluted.

Taking off into the sky, Ray disappeared from view flying towards the fields to carry out my request. I turned to Flare to ask something of her.

“If you could find Ms. Fleece, Commander, I believe we could use her help welcoming our long lost brethren home tonight.”

“Of course.” Flare replied.

No sooner had Flare stepped away did we feel a sudden updraft from the space next to us as Summer appeared in a flash of fire from her magic. She looked concerned at the events that had transpired.

“Summer? Why are you here?” Sapphire asked curiously.

“What do you mean? The ground caves in, ponies from beneath the earth marching on a warpath and you’re asking me why I’m here?” Summer asked defensively.

“Yeah, but where’s Bleak? I asked.

Summer flushed considerably. “N-N-None of your business! I only answer to the Princess.”

“Where’s Bleak?” Sapphire asked for me.

Summer’s mane flared looking absolutely frustrated with the both of us as we smiled teasingly at her.

“We… should be getting back to the castle,” Flare mumbled.

Sapphire and I looked dismayed at the idea, although it was cemented at the sudden calls from the Twins for my presence.

“You’ll need to play host to this… magma pony then, Lord Smolder. First impressions aside, you’ll need to ensure that things go over smoothly with this new integration.” Sapphire said.

Just like that our date was over, our night ruined, and there was little we could do other than part ways as things were.

Unfortunately, I didn’t respond. I tried to speak but all I wanted was to ask Sapphire to stay even with the persistent calls of the Twins to have me come over.

“Thank you for tonight, Smolder. It was…” Sapphire began. “...cool.”

My heart jumped. It was the dumb thing I always said when I couldn’t put thoughts to words. Yet, Sapphire said it ironically, as if almost suggesting that it was something much more personal to her.

Summer motioned for Sapphire to follow her and she began to move, but my heart told me to stop her.

I reached out, taking her hoof and without much of a plan kissed her cheek.

Sapphire flushed a deep shade of purple, almost trembling as she did her best to speak, but could not find the words. I parted slowly, doing my best to keep my voice from trembling.

“See you… tomorrow, Sapphire.” I said softly.

Summer cleared her throat causing me to release Sapphire’s hoof, realizing that I was making a scene. Summer glared at me through narrowed eyes, as if warning me that such familiarity would be heavily scrutinized while she was around.

The two quickly parted together leaving me staring after them, wishing that I had the nerve to really kiss her then and there.

I felt a shoulder bump on my side followed closely by another on the opposite. The Twins standing between me, having watched Sapphire leave as well.

“Congratulations, Smolder.” Wick said. “Almost made it to first base.”

I nearly barked at them in frustration, unable to form cohesive words to refute their judgement of my approach to Sapphire.

“Yes, congratulations on winning the heart of the Ice Princess of the North, little brother.” Pyre agreed. “But next time don’t play it safe. Just kiss the mare.”

“I-I-I would have if…” I began feeling my face burn hot.

“You don’t have to convince us, little brother. We believe you. Don’t we, brother mine?” Pyre asked, rolling his eyes.

“Oh, definitely. Our brother was definitely going to do it.” Wick mocked me.

“I’m serious!” I insisted.

“Sure you were...” Wick muttered.

“I was!”

Captain Lucid Prism stood patiently within the main chambers of the King and Queen’s bedroom. Her posture was at attention, awaiting her Lord to address her. A slight tremble of anticipation kept her from remaining her cold and collected self. Her lidded gaze made the corners of her eyes appear sharp, her small smirk was as if somepony had shipped at it with the finest chisel. Her devotion to her Prince was near obsessive, as was her desire to prove herself capable.

Lord Acrylic had yet to acknowledge her, having only requested her presence, but not her voice. He took his time rummaging through the things of his recently deceased parents. Not having any sense of urgency to his method of search, but just a keen fascination of the trinkets his eyes passed over.

“Captain,” the Prince addressed aloud after a time.

“My Lord.” Captain Prism answered immediately.

He slowly turned to her, his attention to the glass figurine he held, as if admiring it. He placed the figurine down upon the shelf he had taken it from and walked towards her. Passing by her without any glance to her straight forward gaze, the Prince began to skim through the bookshelves behind her.

“To whom do you serve?” the Prince questioned.

“The Royal Family, my Lord.” she replied instantly.

Acrylic removed a tome off the shelf, casually glancing it over before returning it again. “I have just removed the two figure heads of this Royal family,”

Acrylic strayed across the room, still searching for something, but still holding the conversation.

“Any thoughts you’d wish to express?”

It was hard for the Captain to contain the smile that forced its way across her face. It was happening.

“Only that I wish to pledge fealty to you, my Lord. Long live the King.” Captain Prism stated.

“Wonderful.” Acrylic chimed picking up a small wooden box for the shelf. “Please raise General Moat from his rest and bring him to me. I wish to tell him the news of their passing in person.”

“At once, my Lord.” Captain Prism responded.

She turned to her Prince, bowing to him and headed for the door. Her heart pounding in her chest at what was to come.

“Oh and Prism,” Acrylic called out to her.

Turning on a dime, Captain Prism bowed her head to her Prince once more. “Yes, my Lord?”

“Call upon Jenna as well and have her wait for me in my chambers.” He requested.

A flash of jealousy came over her, “The peasant?”

Just as quickly as her jealousy over this mare had come, it was replaced by a sudden wave of fear as she raised her head to see her Prince standing before her.

Both eyes teemed with powerful blue magic that rotated within his pupils, a cold aura of emptiness enveloped her, and discipline was always administered for such reamrks.

“Peasant?” Acrylic asked.

“M-M-My mistake, my Lord. I humbly ask for your forgiveness.” Captain Prism pleaded.

“Jealousy is what makes you so dependable, Captain Prism. If it eases your heart, know that I will be leaving her tonight.”

Captain Prism lifted her head up, smiling wide at the news, but found Acrylic still staring coldly at her. His sudden step forward had her leaning back from his aggressive stance.

“And I will cut it out if I ever hear you utter anything unkind about her again. In or out of my presence, I will cut you. Slowly.”

Acrylic’s enhanced blue eyes danced wildly at her. Captain Prism nodded her head in understanding, unable to mutter a word out of the fear she felt of him.

His hoof traced the sharp angles of her face. Pausing at her chin as if taking a moment to admire her thin lips. Her face flushed at his touch, heart racing at what it meant, but Acrylic gently tossed her face to the side.

“Now get out of here.”

Captain Prism quickly bowed to him. Her departure was punctuated by the hinge of the room’s doors clanging to a close. Acrylic looked down at the box he was still clutching, his magic levitated it from under his arm and out before him. The lock within clicked, creaking the small box open as a soft blue hue poured from it.

The mere sight of it had the Prince looking sick to his stomach. Having to snap the lid shut, his magic failing as the box clattered to the ground. Prince Acrylic lowered his head, clutching his chest feeling his anxiety surge over what the box held.

Chapter 8: Death Wish

The emergence of the magma ponies had taken Equestria by storm. An ancient hidden kingdom beneath the ruined volcano of the Ashen Fields with a faction of never before seen magma ponies was sure to be front page news for weeks. It doubled the interest of ponies across Equestria, bringing all sorts of diplomats and capitalistic opportunists to the flame pony kingdom. Although it was quickly established that this new magma pony faction did not share the same warm welcome that the familiar flame ponies had once provided.

These magma ponies were fierce, prideful, stubborn, powerful, and deeply ingrained in an absolute monarchy. Any attempts to communicate with the magma ponies were met with silence or the uncomfortable heat their magma produced. Their forces maintained a presence at the sinkhole, preventing any pony from gaining access to the tunnel they had made to reach the fields.

For the time being, the armies of the magma ponies remained near the entrance of the large sinkhole that had formed during their emergence. No flame nor regular pony was allowed access to their kingdom for political or outside visitation of scholarly enthusiasts. The declaration of war had not yet been made, but from the shouting that could be heard from Castle Char it wasn’t a far off possibility.

Behind the closed doors of the throne room, the promise of war had been declared no less than forty-six times by their current monarch, Blight. Needless to say, these declarations were made as threats whenever Blight’s demands for a duel were dismissed.

From the events of last night to the early morning hours the Twins and Smolder had been in discussion with this rival monarch, Blight of Dragon’s Ridge. While mildly experienced in diplomatic affairs, the Twins found it rather difficult to find any common ground, having coined the new magma ponies as being set in the Old Ways.

Just as Princess Celestia had raised the sun over the eastern mountains of the Ashen Fields, the Twins stood on Smolder’s left and right side of the throne. Both taking an ear to whisper their final thoughts on the matter.

“You either fight her or marry her.” Wick has whispered.

“I’M NOT MARRYING HER!”

My voice echoed around the throne room while Blight smirked at my outburst.

“Am I too much mare for you to handle? Only got the coals to melt the heart of an ice princess?” Blight teased.

I had attempted to lunge at her from my throne, feeling both my brothers hold me back from doing so.

“It’s obvious you won’t be marrying her, Smolder. So the only option we have left is for you to fight her and win.” Pyre stated.

“Then let me go and I’ll wipe that stupid grin off her face!” I hissed.

“Such a challenge needs to be viewed by their kind, to ensure no pony will question the result.” Wick explained.

I settled down back into my throne as the Twins released their grip on me. I rubbed my hoof across my face, unable to hide how tired I was from being up all night and being frustrated with the stubbornness of this magma princess.

“Blight… of Dragon’s Ridge…” I began slowly.

Blight raised her head, taking notice of how final my tone had become.

“I will accept your challenge under some conditions.” I proposed.

“Which are?” Blight inquired.

“If there is to be one monarch, between you or I, there will be an unrest among our ponies on either outcome. My brother’s have offered an idea that can keep us from using any notion of war as being an acceptable alternative to this challenge before and after the result.” I began.

“Which is?” Blight questioned.

“It would be best to allow our two kingdoms to intermix with one another for a provisional and probationary amount of time. It would be a show of good faith between our two kingdom’s if we considered this duel a customary event from a long time honored tradition.” Pyre continued.

“The details of this can be worked out amongst our own respective elected officials, but to most assuredly ease the transition of a singular monarch moving forward however the results of this fight turn out. We’re obviously leaning towards our brother to win,understandably.” Wick stated.

Blight pondered for a few moments, knowing that she was not surrounded by her own advisors, but felt that they would jump at the opportunity to help with their take over from a political and economical side of things.

“When would you propose the challenge take place?” Blight questioned.

“The end of our Festival of Lights, it will draw all the eyes of Equestria to this fight. Ponies from all over will flock to see the two most powerful figures in each respected Kingdom battle one another for the right to rule. It will provide a much needed exposure for your kin and our restoration efforts.” Pyre stated.

Blight smiled involuntarily, the idea of defeating the king of the flame ponies in front of everypony had sealed the deal on this.

“I accept.” Blight replied. “Under a condition of my own.”

Smolder stepped down from his throne, “Which is?”

Blight watched the king of flame ponies approach her, there wasn’t much that intimidated her about him. His scars were nothing she hadn’t seen upon herself or others of her kind. His eyes were gray, flames of softer shades of red and yellow. There was nothing fierce about him, but there was something that did give her pause. It was the confidence in which the king had so adamantly refused to accept her challenge. It was as if he already knew he was going to win.

“We shall honor our rules for this bout. Rules laid down even before the age of flame ponies, one created by the first age of dragons that had slithered from the depths of Equestria.” Blight said.

“Which are?” I asked.

Blight smiled. “To the death.”

Pyre and Wick both began to argue such terms, providing Blight the concern and fear she knew these brothers would have for their sibling. It had worked before for all the upstart colts of their own noble families seeking to usurp her from her throne. If anything, it would throw their family into an internal struggle with those refusing for the king to go through with it and forfeit his title to her.

“Agreed.” I replied.

Blight blinked a few times. Smolder yawned before her, looking exhausted from the events of the night. The Twins were gobsmacked with their brother’s laxidasical response to such a term.

“Smolder-” Pyre began.

“We’ve tried to talk this out, again and again, but we’ve gotten nowhere. Wingston would have already suggested just getting it over with hours ago.” Smolder said in a carefree way.

“Who is this Wingston?” Blight asked.

“You have until the end of the festival to change your mind or we’ll do things your way.” I concluded.

If not for the height difference, the Twins would have thought their father was speaking through Smolder. At least the father they knew before the madness. One who offered an open hoof, but flared the other ready to fight.

Blight scoffed. “You’re so confident that you’ll win? Just like that?”

“Just like that.” I replied.

It was Blight’s turn to approach me. There was an air of mystery about her, her horn and wings seemed to be retractable or at least hidden from view. Even without knowledge of what I had done in the past she was adamant that a fight would take place this second to determine the ruler of our two kingdoms. I knew my capabilities, I believed myself to be the flame pony gifted with extraordinary powers through the phoenix flame we held, but even after having witnessed it briefly she showed no fear of what power it truly held.

“I look forward to our duel, Lord Smolder.” Blight said.

She offered her hoof to me. I shook it.

“I wish I could say the-”

I could feel the strength of her grip, it was almost monstrous. It truly felt like trying to squeeze a hoof made of steel. What’s more was that I felt the magma from her hooves beginning to burn me. Blight let go of my hoof, smiling to me as if warning me of the difference between flame and magma truly was.

“Having second thoughts already?” Blight asked quietly.

The flames upon my hoof flared white providing me with a powerful grip of my own that forced Blight’s smug smile to fade quickly. We struggled between each other, attempting to over power each other’s hold, but found our arms trembling to do so.

Blight was first to throw my hoof away, annoyed with the stalemate we achieved and turned away in a huff.

“I’ll be staying here for the time being, I can assume you have a room available?” Blight questioned.

“We have a dignitary suite available for your use, my Lady.” Pyre replied.

“You should go tell your-” Smolder yawned abruptly. “... army to relax first. Let them try some of the candied apples.”

“Candied… what?” Blight asked, sounding perplexed.

I rolled my eyes realizing that this is what every pony must have felt when I first arrived in Ponyville.

“With our Lady’s permission, we would like to extend the hospitality of our kingdom to her subjects. As the first of many signs of good faith between our two factions.” Pyre reinterpreted.

“You do that. I’m going to see Sapphire off before I head to bed.” I told my brothers.

“Are you going to kiss her this time?” Wick asked in a serious tone.

“Wait… you haven’t kissed your mate, yet?” Blight asked in surprise.

“Mate?” I questioned her choice of words.

“I would suggest trying to freshen up a bit, although she’s probably used to you looking so disheveled. She does have quite a lot of patience when it comes to your shortcomings.” Pyre mentioned.

“I’m always looking my best when I’m around Sapphire!” I argued.

“Then perhaps her standards are just really low to appreciate your… modest look.” Blight offered.

My brothers had the nerve to laugh at her remark. Even with my cold stare she wore that smug grin that I had been bested by her.

“Well since you three seem to be so chummy, I’ll let you two give her the tour of the castle while I say goodbye to Sapphire.” I remarked, turning to leave.

Wick groaned at the realization that they would be deprived of their own sleep to escort this magma pony around. Pyre elbowed Wick in the side to suppress any audible disdain and remind him of their duties to the kingdom.

Before anything else could be done or said the doors to the throne room had creaked open from down the corridor. Goldie Fleece was sprinting down to them in a hurry.

“Lord Smolder!”

I put the thoughts of what differences there were between flame and magma pony aside for the moment to address Ms. Fleece’s concerned look.

“What is it, Ms. Fleece?” I asked.

“Lady Sapphire is about to leave.” Goldie said quickly.

The flames upon my back flared, and I felt myself freezing up at this realization. I felt a sudden prod from none other than Blight’s hoof looking at me expectantly.

“Aren’t you going to see your special somepony off?”

I didn’t respond, nor did I question her own motives for it, but I knew I didn’t want Sapphire to leave yet. I rushed from the room leaving not, but a trail of my flame lingering in the air from the speed in which I ran.

As Smolder’s flames disappeared from the threshold of the throne room doors the Twins approached both Blight and Goldie who had watched after him.

“Quite considerate to find reason to encourage our brother to go see off his special somepony, after having just threatened to kill him.” Wick pointed out.

“Come again?” Goldie asked, looking surprised.

“If your brother dies during our duel, at least his feelings will have been known to his special somepony.” Blight replied.

“Who’s going to die?” Goldie queried again.

“You are confident you can defeat our brother?” Pyre asked curiously.

“I’m confident that I will be free either way…” Blight mumbled quietly.

“Careful with that suitcase, Bleak!” Summer scolded.

Bleak was haphazardly trying to cram the suitcase with the last small compartment of the carriage's luggage area, hoping to Celestia that this was the last of it.

“There! All set!” Bleak declared triumphantly.

Summer inspected the luggage area, noticing the pressure from the otherside of the latch. She narrowed her eyes at him, while he warned her of opening when they reached their destination.

“Have a safe trip, okay?” Bleak warned her.

“It’s a carriage ride, Bleak.” Summer replied. “It’s not dangerous.”

“There could be a loose bolt or even a crack in the framework and next thing you know you’re falling miles out of the sky.” Bleak said with moderate concern.

Summer chuffed at the idea of it. She felt Bleak’s hoof touch her chin, allowing him to direct her attention to him as he kissed her without much hesitation. For a few moments Summer Hearth had forgotten her oath and royal duty and was absorbed in the moment of embracing her special pony.

“Send me a letter when you land, yeah?” Bleak whispered to her.

The back of the carriage provided enough privacy to steal one more kiss from him.

“Already missing me? No side mare in the wing?” Summer teased.

“After last night… I want to make sure you don’t have any colts in your stable.” Bleak mumbled.

The two of them smiled wide at each other, knowing exactly what the other was thinking and found themselves lost in their own feelings.

“She’s been propositioned multiple times, but has always turned down even the most noble of colts.” Sapphire stated from around the side of the carriage.

Summer was quick to shove Bleak away from her, her flames flaring wildly at the notion of having been caught.

“While I don’t mean to pry, we are only a few feet apart and it is difficult not to eavesdrop when waiting to board the carriage.” Sapphire pointed out.

“Yes! Of course! Right away, my Lady!” Summer said quickly.

Summer looked towards Bleak who was on his haunches from the initial shove. He smiled and mouthed to her three words that made her snowy cheeks flush a deep red. She threw him a quick kiss, a small cinder floating towards him that fizzled in his hood as he caught it.

Hurrying around the carriage, Summer found her Princess patiently waiting for her and doing her best to not look at her as to not cause her any more embarrassment.

“Apologies, my Lady.” Summer said quickly.

Sapphire gently touched Summer’s arm with her hoof and gave her a wink. Summer flushed immediately and pushed her hoof away causing Sapphire to giggle.

“So where’s your colt?” Summer questioned her.

Sapphire straightened up and confidently replied to her. “Lord Smolder is most likely resting from a long night of negotiations with that Magma Pony. We’re leaving early to not inconvenience him anymore than we already have.”

“Uh huh.” Summer said unconvinced.

“Besides, my parents have been expecting us since yesterday and we will be concerned if we don’t arrive by tonight.” Princess Sapphire added.

“You’re not even worried about leaving King Hot Saddle with another Princess?” Summer questioned.

Sapphire narrowed her eyes at her, displeased at what she was insinuating.

“I trust that Lord Smolder will be the most upstanding gentlecolt with her and that he will be most dismayed that she had ruined our night.” Sapphire replied.

“Yeah! How did that go? Did you squeeze an answer out of him?” Summer asked quickly.

“Well, you see the uh- well we were trying to uh-“ Sapphire was struggling to explain what had happened when an all too familiar voice rang out.

“Sapphire!”

Summer watched her princess nearly jump out of her skin while simultaneously having her face turn near purple at her name being called by her special some pony.

In an impressive show of fiery speed, the King of the flame ponies streaked from the stairs of castle Char and slid to a flourishing stop before them. With a sudden whip of his wings the flames that propelled him had vanished in an instant.

Sensing the tension between the two, Summer was kind enough to leave them for a moment to provide a small window of privacy. Climbing into the carriage, Summer sat furthest away from the door, pretending to be interested in what was out the window, but she glanced back at them occasionally.

“L-L-Lord Smolder, I assumed you would have been too tired to see us off.” Sapphire began nervously.

“We’ve only just squared things away.” I replied.

“Good news I hope?” Sapphire asked.

“We’re going to fight to the death, the winner gets to rule over both kingdoms.” I answered quickly.

“Wait what?” Sapphire asked in surprise.

Summer moved to her window in the carriage to listen in on this fight to the death.

“Look, it's not important right now.” I stated.

“How is a fight to the death not important? Such barbaric means of dictating one’s right to rule is frowned upon by—“

“I love you.”

Summer’s hoof had covered her mouth in disbelief, her eyes burning a hole in the back of Sapphire’s head waiting for her response to the King’s confession.

Sapphire had lost all train of thought over the fight to the death and stared wide eyed at her flame pony who looked absolutely serious about his statement.

“I wanted to say it last night. Before that, it was four weeks ago when we had stolen ice cream from the royal snack bar, and a month earlier when we were sculpting rocks.” I confessed.

I stepped toward her, carefully taking her hoof in mine.

“I’ve been wanting to say it for a while now, I’ve mostly afraid of how your Dad will probably freeze me solid when he finds out, but I don’t care anymore.” I rattled on.

My lack of sleep had helped break down some of my own mental barriers that kept me from getting the words out. I was tired, tired from all the intrusive thoughts and my own fears holding me back.

I was pretty much nose to nose with her now. Feeling her tremble right along with me.

“I love you, Sapphire Flurry.” I said softly to her. “Please… don’t leave.”

Sapphire’s face was almost purple from how deeply she blushed. I found myself leaning in without much thought, feeling her lips meeting mine as I kissed my special somepony.

“Presenting their Majesties! Lord Tundra and Lady Frost, King and Queen of the Frozen North!”

Bleak’s voice echoed in my ears. Freezing winds swept through my legs. I could feel death’s icy stare upon me. I pulled away to look over to see Lord Tundra glaring at me. His eyes burning an icy blue.

Summer was hissing profusely at Bleak who had announced their arrival, badgering him for being so inconsiderate and having no tact for what was going on. Bleak in turn argued under his breath that he was just trying to warn us of their presence.

While I saw death in the eyes of Sapphire’s father, her mother Lady Frost was ecstatic over the prospect of my confession.

“Oh Charles, isn’t this wonderful? I knew that our little Sapphire was spending so much time here for more personal reasons.” Lady Frost boasted.

Lady Frost took a hold of Lord Tundra’s arm, holding it tightly over her excitement of it all. It also acted as a barrier between Lord Tundra and myself to which I was thankful for.

Lord Tundra did not reply. He merely stared at me with his burning blue eyes; practically statuesque.

“W-we were just about to set off, your majesty.” Summer remarked.

Lord Tundra’s eyes broke from me for a second to glance at Summer. It was enough to have her slide as far back into the carriage as she could, knowing that she was not helping the situation.

“Your father was so worried when you didn’t arrive yesterday, and insisted we come down to fetch you properly.” Lady Frost said in a motherly tone.

“Say goodbye to his majesty, Sapphire.” Lord Tundra commanded.

“Okay then.” Sapphire replied.

I felt her arm slide around my shoulder, pulling me in for a kiss that had me nearly standing on only my forelegs. She kissed me deeply, holding me tightly, and held it for far longer than I thought she would push it in front of her father.

She parted slowly from me, nuzzling her nose against mine and drawing her hoof gently across my face.

“Goodbye,” Sapphire whispered to me. “My love.”

Sapphire didn’t acknowledge the cold glare her father gave her, but grinned seeing her mother’s shrewd smile she wore over her boldness.

“Thank you so much for taking such good care of our Sapphire, Smolder darling.” Lady Frost said gratefully. “I do hope you will come visit us for our Winter Solstice.”

I could feel my face burning hot from the kiss I had shared with Sapphire, unable to keep myself from smiling over it. I could only nod yes to her.

“Come along, sweetheart. We have much to do.” Lady Frost noted.

Lady Frost ushered Sapphire to the carriage, lending her a hoof to climb inside while Bleak held the door open for Lady Frost. Lord Tundra followed up behind to help her inside of the carriage and immediately closed the door behind her much to everyones surprise.

“Charles?” Lady Frost questioned him.

“Allow me a little time to speak to his majesty about the... implications of such a budding relationship. I trust that you will have words for Sapphire as well in this matter.” Lord Tundra remarked from the carriage window.

“Quite right, we shall be expecting you tonight then dear.” Lady Frost agreed.

Much to Sapphire’s shock of her mother’s agreement to this, she could see the wild look in her father’s eyes as he turned to face Smolder once again. Before Sapphire could protest, Lord Tundra ordered the carriage to move as the pegasi ice ponies followed his command without question.

Up and away the carriage flew, leaving not but a chilling breeze in its wake. Bleak had the good sense to remove himself quickly from the scene, knowing his place was needed near the Dark Marsh for patrols with the next hour.

Lord Tundra stepped towards me. I felt myself take half a step back, feeling true fear wash over me at the icy gaze he had for me.

“So,” Lord Tundra began in an icy voice. “Haven't had your fill of Mad Kings yet, have you?”

Chapter 9: Meet the Parents

The ice pony carriage cut through the sky, led by three of the most skilled pegasi ice ponies heading north. Howling winds weren’t enough to keep them talking amongst themselves of the bombshell news of their Princess having chosen a special somepony.

“It was just a matter of time! I said it the minute she ran away!” Said the lead pony.

“Everypony was saying it! Even the bloody penguins were squawking about it!” Said the pony directly behind him.

“Well I was the first one to say it! It’s like one of those fairytales!” The lead pony rebutted.

“Of course it is! It’s always a princess and a prince getting together in the end!” Said the pony at the rear.

“Not always!” Cried the lead pony.

“Yes always!”.

“Well our Queen wasn’t a princess!”

The bickering of the carriage drivers mirrored the conversation their passengers were having over what had transpired mere minutes ago.

“Mother, we cannot simply leave Father with Smolder.” Sapphire protested.

“Why not, sweetheart?” Lady Frost asked. “He has had the opportunity and the privilege to speak to all the other suitors that have come calling for you.”

“But I’ve never taken any serious interest in those suitors, none of them were-“

“Smolder?” Lady Frost interrupted.

“This is completely nonsensical. Smolder has done nothing but confess himself to me and-”

“And? Do you believe that your father will harm Smolder?” Lady Frost interrupted. “Earn the resentment of his only daughter for not accepting her choice in a special somepony?”

Sapphire stumbled over her words. Her mother’s attempts to skew a conversation were masterful at times.

“I believe… that father’s overzealous reaction may cause Smolder a considerable amount of stress, especially with this new group of magma ponies emerging.” Sapphire countered.

“Weren’t you the one who antagonized him by kissing Smolder so… lovingly?” Summer asked.

Sapphire was quick to take hold of Summer’s arm. Dragging her closer to whisper into her ear.

“You are my personal bodyguard, not to mention my friend, why are you siding against me?”

“I wasn’t the one making foolish decisions!”

“Foolish decisions? Who confused cooking oil with baby oil and couldn’t get her armor on?”

“Well who tried to suck the tongue out of their colt in front of her parents!”

“Well who got caught in the broom closet because she forgot to lock the door!”

“Ladies! Ladies, please!” Lady Frost intervened.

The two mares sat fuming at one another. Lady Frost smiled at the idea of this sort of conversation taking place in front of Charles.

“Let’s just take a moment and breathe.” Lady Frost suggested. “It’s clear that tensions are high for an array of reasons, so let me just settle some of those nerves.”

Shifting her focus to Sapphire, Lady Frost placed her hoof over her and held eye contact with her.

“Sapphire, sweetheart, you know as well as I do that your father will not harm Smolder.”

“Yes, but-”

“But,” Lady Frost continued, refusing to let her get a word in. “There are some things that will need to be discussed concerning your etiquette and public appearance to the rest of Equestria when you are together.”

“We only just-“

“And with every budding new romance, you will be tempted to act upon impulse, but a princess must conduct herself in a manner most upstanding. Your father will surely be instructing Smolder of his need to remain platonic and a gentlecolt in all instances that are not of a private nature.”

“You’re inferring that we would be involving ourselves in immoral acts unbecoming of two royal figure heads in public?” Sapphire questioned.

“You were ten seconds away from becoming intimately involved with his royal head.” Summer mumbled.

“And how many other mares have become familiar with Bleak’s?”

Lady Frost had a difficult time trying to keep Summer from setting the carriage on fire and Sapphire from freezing it solid from their tempers flaring at each other's accusations. Luckily, she was able to place herself between the two of them and provide a moment of respite.

“This petty sniping at one another will end right this second!” Lady Frost commanded. “Comparing relationships is a fool's errand and neither of you fully understand the hardships each other faces trying to make it work.”

There was a mutual understanding between Summer and Sapphire from her words. While one had more freedom within the relationship, the other was more accepting of the colt’s lineage, and this was enough to have them settle down.

“Now then,” Lady Frost began. “If I may interpret your father’s actions in a way that will put your mind at ease?”

“The interpretation being?” Sapphire asked coldly.

“That he is attempting to fill the role of a father figure for him?” Lady Frost offered.

Sapphire’s demeanor quickly softened, not having realized that this was a potential possibility and an excellent point made out to her.

“With their being so few true Kings to speak of, along with those Smolder had once called father, I would hedge my bets that he is trying to fill that role for him in some way. To offer advice and tutelage of what it means to be a good King and perhaps an upstanding gentlecolt in that respect.”

The young princess shifted slightly in her seat, a small smile forming through her placard demeanor.

“Does this mean that father approves of Smolder?” Sapphire asked.

“He’s had enough time to accept the sort of colt Smolder is. I dare say he is very much like Scorch was when he was that age.” Lady Frost remarked.

“Yeah, right.” Summer said with a snort.

“Believe it or not, Smolder’s father wasn’t always the Mad King we more commonly view him as. There was a time that even Charles looked up to him.” Lady Frost remarked.

“Did he really?” Sapphire asked curiously.

“Scorch was one of the most powerful and well respected colts of our age. Bound by duty and pride, that flame pony had no equal and it annoyed your father to no end.” Lady Frost continued.

“Was Lord Tundra jealous or something?” Summer asked.

“You could definitely make that argument, but it was a sort of rivalry between the two of them. Back then, being a prince meant having to prove oneself a capable and powerful leader. Your grandfather was inclined to have your father surpass Scorch lest he be bested by his own rival.” Lady Frost detailed.

“Bested by his own rival?” Sapphire asked.

“Well Scorch’s father, the Wise King Phoenix.” Lady Frost replied.

“We’ve never been at war with the flame ponies, why would they even be rivals? We’re pretty much on opposite sides of Equestria.” Summer questioned, rolling her eyes.

“Back in those days ponies were very concerned with valor and honor. It spoke directly to flame pony pride, causing Scorch to prove himself time and again to show the might of his kingdom.” Lady Frost said despairingly.

“Would that not have been in his character, mother? All the talk of pride and power he boasted, would he not have flourished in such times?” Sapphire questioned.

“Very few knew who Scorch truly was behind that fierce exterior. Your father and I are quite possibly being the only two left besides Wingston, bless his soul. Yet there is a reason we compare Smolder to his father more than we do his mother, Snowflake.” Lady Frost remarked.

Sapphire looked expectantly at her mother, wondering what her response would be.

“His kindness.” Lady Frost stated.

“The Mad King? Lord of the fiery doom he swore over all of Equestria?” Summer asked not believing it.

“If you only knew the sort of colt he was, before all that Mad King business at the end, you would be amazed at how much of Scorch shines through in Smolder.” Lady Frost insisted.

“And what? His mother was fire and brimstone?” Summer asked in snort.

“Summer!” Sapphire admonished her.

“You cannot have a colt as powerful as Scorch and not have a mare that could tame that wild fire.” Lady Frost pointed out.

“If Smolder is like his father, then I’m sure they’re both oblivious to any flirting directed their way.” Summer remarked.

“To be honest, Scorch was more the hopeless romantic in that sense. Glow was the one who didn’t come around until later to Scorch’s advances.” Lady Frost corrected.

“Truly?” Sapphire asked. “Smolder’s mother did not explore a relationship with his father until much later in their lives?”

“Oh it wasn’t that much later in their lives, only a few years older than you are now, but courting back in our days was much more… more serious than it is today.” Lady Frost explained.

“Dating commoners wasn’t a normal thing back then, huh?” Summer asked.

“Quite right, while not unheard of, it was custom for the prince to choose a noble mare from one of the houses that had been instructed on all royal customs. Glow and I were not such noble mares and were the rare exception to that particular custom.” Lady Frost explained. “While your father was quite taken with me, Glow wasn’t all that interested in Scorch from the get go, and it wasn’t until he became king did she begin to come around.”

“Marry rich.” Summer noted, nodding her head in approval.

“Hardly!” Lady Frost said defensively. “Those two were the most star crossed lovers I had ever met.”

“How so, mother?” Sapphire questioned.

“Well… that is kind of a long story, sweetheart. My recollection is terribly one sided and parts of-”

“We’ve got another five hours before reaching the Frozen North.” Summer estimated looking down out the window of the carriage. “And I’m certainly not going to talk about my love life.”

Lady Frost felt a sudden churn in her stomach. Having to remember Scorch and Glow was not the happiest of memories near the end of their lives, but the butterflies were beginning to settle remembering the beginning of their meetings.

“Very well then,” Lady Frost stated. “Let me tell you about the Mighty King Scorch and the sunbeam that lit up his heart.”

I could feel the cold frost of Lord Tundra’s mane blow past. Beckoning me to follow him into my own castle. Even with his subdued demeanor, I could sense a similar strength and power that I had only ever felt from my own father. It was humbling.

I followed him in silence. The ponies within the castle made way for us, offering their well wishes and regards as we passed. The further we got, the more I noticed that Lord Tundra was seeking seclusion from the rest. I felt a panic set in knowing that my interest in Sapphire would be his most pressing concern and I was desperately looking for an excuse to not be turned into an ice cube.

Lord Tundra brought us to the viewing balcony that overlooked the courtyard. It was recently built after the great dragon Char had run its claw through the side of the castle trying to tear it apart.

He seated himself on the balcony, allowing me a view of the Ashen Fields one last time before claiming my life. I could feel my nerves already stretched thin from my lack of sleep and the intense negotiations with the magma pony. I knew I had one chance to plead my case and I was racing to find the words that would make the situation better.

“I wanted to-“

“I’m in love with Sapphire!”

I blurted the words out in fear. Unable to contend with the mounting pressure of having to try and hide what was obvious to him. I pivoted quickly, facing him directly although keeping my head bowed out of respect and not having the courage to look at him at that moment.

“She’s amazingly awesome and very super cool!”

My words were failing me. My nervousness to explain my reasons for liking her were coming out completely and utterly pathetic. I raised my head up to meet his eyes for only a brief moment before bowing my head again in respect.

“Please let me prove to you that I’m good enough to be her special somepony and earn your blessing!”

In all the ways I had thought of phrasing my request to earn his blessing, I had chosen the worst way to express it. It lacked any confidence or dignity, but the wild desperation for his approval was all too apparent.

Lord Tundra found himself at a loss for words. A vague recollection of old customs of nobility resurfaced in his mind of asking the mare’s father for his blessing before courting. It was clear that Smolder had taken the time to review these old customs in the effort to present himself in a respectable manner.

His memories of his own courting of Martha had him realizing that he had never asked Martha’s father for the right to court her. Privilege and status allowed him to supersede such customs as her family wasn’t part of the nobility side of things. There wasn’t ever any disapproval from Martha’s parents, but his failure to honor such traditions only proved how removed they were when he was a young colt.

Noticing that Smolder was still bowing his head to him in awkward silence, he realized that his response would and could shatter his world. Not one to disappoint, Lord Tundra found himself clearing his throat to provide him the harsh news.

“You earned it when you threw yourself in front of an Elder Dragon to protect my Sapphire.” Lord Tundra remarked. “You’ve had my blessing for a while now, Smolder.”

Looking up in disbelief, I felt Lord Tundra placing his icy hoof upon my head. He tussled it to and fro in a playful manner.

I stared at him confused, trying to understand what Lord Tundra had said. Lord Tundra took notice and smiled.

“Don’t look so surprised. If I had any doubts of your character or intentions with my Sapphire I would never have allowed her to come here in the first place.” Lord Tundra explained.

It appeared that Smolder was still processing the acceptance he surely wasn’t expecting of his relationship with Sapphire. Lord Tundra was beginning to feel annoyed that Smolder truly saw him denying him outright for his approval of dating his daughter.

“While I’m sure you were expecting a more animated response to your request, I can assure you that I’m not going to declare war on you over this.” Lord Tundra jested. “Of course if your father was here he would be heckling me saying I win again, Charles.”

“He would say that to who?” I asked.

“To me.” Lord Tundra replied.

“You?”

“Yes, me.”

“But who’s Charles?” I asked.

“Who’s Charles?” Lord Tundra repeated. “I’m Charles.”

“Your name is Charles?”

“Yes,” Lord Tundra said defensively. “Why?”

“Well…” I trailed off slowly.

“Well what?”

“Charles just doesn’t sound as cool as Tundra.” I admitted.

“And Smolder is better?” Lord Tundra snapped back.

“Better than Chuck.” I mumbled looking away.

I could feel the ice creeping across the floor beside me, knowing that my remark had not gone unnoticed. At this point I was too afraid to look back, hoping that he would simply allow it to slide, but I heard Lord Tundra chuckle.

“Your father used to call me that whenever he and I got into our quarrels.” Tundra explained. “He knew exactly how to get under my skin and it always irritated me to no end.”

“You and my dad fought a lot?” I asked.

“Well it wasn’t... fighting persay.”

Even Lord Tundra found himself hard pressed to say those words. Vivid memories of their own insecurities as young colts swam through his mind realizing that their fights always ended in black eyes.

“In all honesty,I trusted no pony more than your father, he even saved my life once or twice… he was like a brother to me.”

This admittance from Lord Tundra didn’t come easy for him again. It was difficult to say knowing the events that had transpired in their later years, but it was the truth.

“You were his best friend then?”

The surprised and yet hopeful look from Smolder told Lord Tundra everything he needed to know.

“I was,” Lord Tundra began. “Your father had no siblings, same as I. We both lost our mothers early in life, we were both burdened by royal duty, and were expected to be each other's rivals. Yet, even though your father excelled in many facets, he never once held it over me, and treated me as his equal.”

Memories of his youth floated to the surface of his mind. The days of courting Martha, his rite of passage, the death of the Phoenix, seemed all but yesterday to him now.

The youngest son of Scorch seemed hesitant to ask, but Lord Tundra was already gathering his thoughts of how to explain.

“Lord Smolder,” Lord Tundra began. “Let me tell you a bit about your father and better understand the colt he really was.”