Forging a Bond.

Months had passed since Raymond had had his lovely encounter with princess Cadence and dragonlord Ember. while the memories of that night were still fresh in the blacksmith's mind, life had a habit of going on.

The first few weeks, nothing major had changed. Ray still worked in his blacksmith in the Crystal Empire, making horseshoes for his customers and the occasional weapon for a guard.

Cadence still visited from time to time for a chat, like she usually did. The topics were mainly about him and Ember, and how to proceed with their relationship from here on out. She was very professional about all of it, and the only change in her affection was a kiss whenever she left.

As for Ember, she couldn't visit very often, so Raymond made the adjustment in his schedule to travel to her every weekend instead. The cyan dragoness was giddy whenever he was at her side, almost to the point she was longing for the weekend to arrive.

Slowly, rumors began to spread amongst ponies. About Ray courting the current dragonlord, and some even claiming that princess Cadence was involved in all of it. It was all confirmed when princess Twilight made an unsuspected visit to the dragons when Ray was staying over, and had told the news to princess Celestia and Luna.

Needless to say, they had been surprised. It was basically unheard of a dragoness having a mate that wasn't her own species, but they also remembered Ember wasn't opposed to pony traditions and customs at all. Better yet, she tried to implement it as much as possible, for a better relationship with ponies and dragons in the future.

The day that really changed everything for Raymond was when Ember and princess Cadence had approached him in his shop one day. It was a beautiful spring afternoon. Raymond was busy hammering away, when the duo had stepped foot in his workplace.

''Hi, Ray!'' Ember chirped happily.

The bulky man stopped what he was doing, looked up, and gave a wide smile.

''Well good afternoon, ladies. This is a pleasant surprise indeed.''

He gave Ember a kiss, and hugged the princess of love.

''To what do I owe this lovely company on this fine day?''

Cadence giggled. ''It's about you and Ember, sweetie, something very important,'' she told simply.

''Oh? Then why don't we discuss further with a cold drink?'' Raymond suggested.

When the trio was sitting around a table, each having a glass of lemonade, Ember spoke up.

''Ray, I'm going to be honest with you,'' she opened up. She sounded sad, almost as if the next words were going to hurt her.

''You visiting every weekend? It's not enough for me.''

The blacksmith was silent, almost fearing the worst. Was she breaking up with him?

''What do you mean?'' he muttered.

She sighed sadly. ''This is going to sound really selfish, but I'm looking for more. I'm sorry, Ray.''

Raymond's throat turned dry. He couldn't believe what she was saying.

''I- I don't understand.''

''What I mean is. I have to end what we have going on right now.''

Almost fearfully, he looked at Cadence to see if it was true. She didn't move a muscle.

Ember continued. ''Which is why I have decided—''

''No, please. Don't break up with me,'' Raymond interrupted her.

Ember looked at him owlishly. ''What?'' she responded in confusion.

''Please, I don't want to end what we have right now.''

Ember gave an unsure look to Cadence, who had trouble not bursting out in laughter. ''I think it's for the best if you do this, Ember,'' she replied after a while. Her words were honest, Ray could feel it in his veins, and it made him almost freeze up.

''I'm sorry, Ray. I have to be selfish here. I have decided to end what we have right now... and take you with me to live with the dragons so I can spend more time with you.''

''I- but I- huh?'' Ray sputtered.

Cadence couldn't hold it in anymore, and began to laugh.

''What's so funny?'' Ember questioned her friend. ''This is really serious. Ray's life will change drastically. Poor guy is too stunned to reply and you begin to laugh?''

Cadence snorted, before another burst of giggles took hold of her.

Ray, who finally understood what was going on, gave a sigh of relief, before a hearty laugh escaped his throat as well.

''Oh man,'' he said, ''you had me worried there, Ember.''

''Why?'' she cried out, completely lost. ''Don't you think losing everything which you have here for my sake isn't selfish?''

He put her claw in his hand, and gave her a bright smile. He could hear his dad speaking to him, clear as day, as he said his next words.

''For me, Ember, this is just a small sacrifice. Nothing makes me happier than being close to you.''

His passion made the dragoness blush. A feeling of warmth spread in her belly, something which she eagerly embraced.

''I love you,'' she replied.

''And I love you.''

They kissed while Cadence watched the scene with adoration on her face. It seemed Ray's philosophy had worked out in the end.

Have faith, stay strong and be honest.