Author's Note

If you want a slow-burning romance story start here. If you want clop start at chapter 3.

A Caterd Lunch

As Worthrup walked in the woods behind his house when a soft but noble voice stopped him “ Hello, can you help me with something. “ turning around he was staring face to face with something that should not be there. It was a cartoon character from one of several shows he happened to like. Princess Celestia. “ With a sideways glance, what do you need ?”

“ Good, you're not running away. I was wondering if you can buy me a stake? I can pay for it of course. But as you might guess I can't walk into one of your restaurants.” awkwardly pawing the ground.

“ How would you like it cooked?” he wondered

“ Medium rare with a side of rice if it's available.” She responded.

Relaxing a bit “Ok, as long as you don't mind waiting for a while.”

“It is to be expected. And thank you.” 30 minutes later after a brief stop to replate their meals in the kitchen. He had returned to the clearing.

“That looks and smells wonderful. “ as he set it down in front of her.

With a flash of her horn, the stake had been cut into almost perfectly square bite-size pieces. One of which elegantly floated into her mouth. “ O this is so good how I wish I could eat beef in Equestria. “

Of course, he knew why still he wanted her to say it. “ Why is that? and I thought horses only ate plants?” cutting into his one.

Murdering one of your loyal subjects. Just because they might look good on a plate. Is unbecoming of a Monark. But I find in human-run realities cows are nothing more than foodstuffs. Riding me of the moral burden. As for being a herbivore most creatures if given half a chance will gladly eat each other. There just to slow or stupid to do so.”

“Well, meat is brain food after all. I’m sure it takes a lot of mental effort to run a country.”

“Quite right it dues.” as she swallowed another hunk.” Slog thru a budget meeting. Only to turn around have to hold court for 3 hours, then set up a planning committee for this or that. It's all enough to drive a lesser pony mad. Still watching one of my younger subjects face lit up as I parade by her. Makes it in that brief moment worth it. “

“However do you do it all.” with an eye roll

Realizing he was joking her face dropped into a more relaxed look. “Practice, determination and the understanding that most of the menial things can be delegated. Thank mother for it all.” She tittered out.

They cared on taking until their stakes were no more than bones.

Standing up “Thank you for this breath respite from the crown. I bid you adieu. “ she left him just standing there with four bits in his hand. As the portal slowly shrank to nothingness, Almost. For some reason, the faintest pink hue hung around daring him to investigate it. Slowly encircling he looked at it trying to understand its nature to no avail. Then on a whim, he decided to poke it with his finger. The residual aura latched onto him and diapered into his forearm. Casing a tingle reminiscent of being electrocuted.

“Aww. You stupid idiot why the hell did I do that.” thankfully the pain dies down as quickly as it began. Leaving no visible trace either in the air or on his arm. “ Note to self, don't poke strange energy fields like a moron. “ leaving the dishes where they lie. He made a bolt for his home.

Later on, in that night's dreams, He was ever the spell sword he enjoyed paying as in adventure games. But every magic endowed punch or levitation spell feat much more real. Almost as if he was casting it. And as he awoke his room looked bit messier then he had remembered it the night before. But he had little time to ponder it as he hastened to get to work.

To be continued