The Rose Way

“But I wanna dance!” little Raindrop Dancer whined from his place atop Fertile Soil’s back.

“Roseheath said you need to rest, Dancer,” Fertile Soil chided. He’d recovered from the worst of his terror at the near loss of his son—as much as any parent could, at least—but he was tense. His shoulder muscless could have served as support lines for the large dance tents on Mare’s Night. “And you’ve only barely dried.”

The colt huffed. “But the dance, daddy!” He tried to lean up and nip his father’s ears, earning himself a stern look. “I always dance with Mistah Seed! Mistah Seed, tell him!”

Seed had been on the wrong side of such arguments with his own parents and dear aunties more than his fair share of times in his youth. Oftentimes right after he’d pulled some trick or pinched sweets with Rosemary as his partner in crime.

Now, he understood why Carnation and Rosewater never stepped in to undermine his parents. Even if they sometimes struggled to maintain stern frowns against their rising amusement.

He’d gotten Carnation to burst out laughing so much that she had to excuse herself once or twice.

Stars, he missed her so.

To Dancer, Seed gave a sad smile and nod. “Yes, we do have our fun jumping dance during the Garden Stomp, you and I. But—“ he tilted his head and offered a small pout. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Silver Drop watching, and knew he ought to try to head Dancer off before he got himself in too much trouble arguing ”—if you get too sick, I might not be able to dance with you at our winter parties. Won’t that be worse?”

The colt worried his lip, glancing between Seed and the dance floor in the distance. He huffed again, and then sniffled. “Don’t feel sick,” he groused. “I feel fine. Just still wet!”

Raindrop Flowers chose that moment to rear up and wrap a fresh towel around his shoulders. Her ears were flat to her mane and lip trembled now and again. She was still seeing her boy bobbing in the water.

“You feel fine now, honey,” she said softly, leaning in to nuzzle his nose. “But you’re wet, and the night air will grow colder still.”

“And then,” Fertile Soil took up her point, “you’ll catch cold. Roseheath said rest, so you are going to rest.” He glanced up at Rumble just as the larger stallion drew near to offer a comforting butt of his forehead against Fertile’s cheek, and returned it with a kiss. “Stars, we all need it after today.”

Dancer let a discontented whine sound from the back of his throat. He wanted so badly to dance and laugh with his friends, as he had each year at the Commoner’s Gala since he could walk.

Silver Drop’s hoof struck a sharp clip against the road. “Raindrop Dancer,” she warned, trotting over to stand with her bond mates so she might level their son with her irresistible gaze. The Dammeguard’s helmet, Seed noted, was still held against her chest in the curl of a hoof. “You’ve been told no, and you’ve been told by the doctor why. We’ve had this discussion before, you arguing when you don’t get your way, haven’t we?”

The little colt wilted. “Yes, mama,” he muttered.

“Do we need to have it again? In front of Lord Seed?”

“No, mama.”

She inclined her head. Another victory had been won, and with minimal effort. “Thank you. I thought not.”

Seed fought a grin. Yeah. That was me when I knew mom was actually mad at me too, little buddy.

He moved to bid his friends goodnight, holding they and Dancer tight just to make certain all five were present and accounted for one last time. To Silver, he whispered a request that she let him know if they would need anything, and that he would be there once asked.

Silver Drop nodded once and kissed him softly. “You have my word,” she whispered, her voice thick. “Tomorrow, we’ll … we’ll talk. About your meeting with Lord Collar.”

“Of course. My door is open. If you’re not by first thing, I’ll come to you.” With a smile, Seed leaned in to kiss her forehead, and whispered, “Go home and have a bath, all of you. Warm him up, and be together.”

Another nod. Her lower lip trembled, Silver clutched the Dammeguard’s helm tighter still as she turned to hurry after her family and see their son home.

Back in one piece, where they all belonged.

Thank the stars.

Seed took a moment to close his eyes and exhale a deep breath. Yes, he’d been quite like Dancer in his younger days. Frightfully so. He could hardly fault the little guy for trying when he’d done the same.

He’d have probably tried to sneak back. Worse, he’d have taken Rosemary with him, were she old enough and made Budding Rose just as irritated as Silver. He’d done it more than once. And, on occasion, Rosewater.

Rarely, at least.

Both had still hit him with what they called the “Rosethorn Mothers’ Curse” and stated their sincere desire that Seed have at least three just like him.

Right about now, he realized there was reason to worry at the prospect.

Once satisfied that he had calmed himself and felt his heart rate returning to a more normal, sedate pace, Seed turned and set out toward the dance area with a small smile upon his face. Though the day’s events had nearly ended in tragedy, heroism and the fraternity of ponies had won, and reminded attendees that the Merrie served as a divide between cities full of ponies who held a great deal in common with one another.

And now? Well, there was another little coup for them to enjoy. Courtesy of Auntie Rosewater.

His tail swishing gaily, Seed searched out Rosewater and Petal, scenting them rather moot in such a large crowd of ponies. Especially given they stood upon a wooden stage which seemed eagerly awaiting the many dancing hooves which would soon sound out a thundering cadence upon them. Just off to the side, the band had set about to make its final preparations for a night full of merriment and fun.

“Back to your side again, Pet,” he murmured, kissing her just below her ear.

Petal hummed her approval and turned her cheek up to brush against his nose. “How are they holding up?”

“As well as they can. Dancer is upset that he can’t join us dancing tonight.” Seed glanced across the stage to find Dazzle. Their love stood with Bliss, a smile on his face as he chattered with her.

He was doing well, even though Rosewater would be spoken for tonight. He understood their way, and knew where her heart lay.

Seed resolved to bring him in for a dance. And, if he were willing, to bed.

A stirring in the crowd told him the show had just begun. Seed hooked a hoof around Petal’s ankle and turned to watch as Prim Collar strode forth, with one of his dutiful Dammeguard by his side as promised.

Dazzle perked up when he noticed. He caught Seed’s eye and grinned, mouthing, “That’s Platinum!”

Ah, from the meeting he mentioned. Seed grinned back. “Introduce us!” he replied in kind.

Meeting Dazzle’s friends had been a delight not afforded to Seed and his loves. A product of the war and lingering distrust among some of the families.

Platinum, Seed hoped would be different. She seemed genuinely interested. Yes, the way she squared her shoulders and had her ears set spoke of a mare on duty, who was not to be trifled with if a pony valued all their pieces whole. Her eyes, though, spoke of intrigue and building happiness with each face she saw. Perhaps a few Dammers she knew?

The only thing that could’ve made it better? If Dazzle’s old partner might have been with them. The stallion would’ve been giddy as a foal on Hearth’s Warming Eve.

Rosewater looked positively delighted. If Seed didn’t know any better, he might think the mare was aglow—stars, her smile could have warmed a home in winter. The mare herself was stunning, having dashed to the villa to groom herself “properly” after the panic had frazzled her so. As it frazzled everypony. In her mane and tail, the clever mare wore a pair of ribbons the Dammeguard only just noticed:

Merrie red and Damme blue.

Their meaning was quite plain.

Platinum gaped.

Read her intent, Seed urged silently. He fought a want to snicker. Auntie Rosewater hadn’t acted this way in years. And why shouldn’t she?

Auntie Rosewater was courting again. Like a proper Rosethorn, a proper Gardener.

Almost proper, he had to remind himself. This secrecy ran in contrast to everything their way espoused, and everything she had been in her younger years when it came to her loves. Damn Roseate for turning the warm, loving mare who helped raise and teach and bare her heart to those around her into a recluse.

More importantly, though, was what he saw in Collar now.

Realization was setting in. A certain spark shone in his eyes, quickly hidden.

Not quite enough to escape Seed’s notice.

Perfect. His little scheme would go off without a hitch.

Platinum blinked, then rallied to fulfill her duties. “Good evening. I am here as an official government escort of Lord Primline Collar, heir to Damme’s rulership. I demand the promise of safety, and the bond of the treaty upon it.”

Ah, formalities. “Given, and freely,” he replied in kind, already presenting to her a scroll. “Our copy of the treaty sanctioned charter for this gathering, including all rights and requirements we, as hosts, provide to our guests. Guest rights we extend to you, my lord, as both the lord of these lands and as—”

“As the gathering organizer,” Petal finished for him, stepping up to greet Platinum formally as well. “It is a joint effort between us as both husband and wife, and as lord of the land, and lady of the winery that organized it.”

“I give my word, as heiress of Merrie that these rights will be upheld, and will speak so to a representative of the treaty. Collar will be well taken care of, and I will see to that personally.” Her attention, for the last sentence wasn’t on Platinum, but on Collar. And her tone, one of warmth. “You have my word. I won’t leave his side.”

Platinum stared at her for a long moment, then cleared her throat. “My lord, is that—”

“It’s acceptable, and I accept, my lady, your offer of escort,” he said in a rush, the corner of his mouth twitching. He knew how that sounded, but couldn’t stop. “Shall we get to it? It sounds like things are about to start.”

Good to see it wasn’t just Rosewater mooning after him. And with her presence in the Garden now so open, and with Merriers and Dammers alike seeing her true face, her stock was rising.

Faster still, with this show of unity.

“And me?” Platinum squeaked, a mite uneasy at the lack of direction. “What do I do, my lord?”

Fortunately, the three Roses present had already thought about her.

Hopefully it wouldn’t cause her too much alarm.

“My dear Platinum,” Petal murmured, “I think Prim Prism and Prim Tremor would like to do some catching up as well. They’ve been abuzz since Dazzle came back from your impromptu meeting.”

“Oh, I would certainly agree,” Seed put in, readily sidling up to her so he might offer a hoof and a smile. “And there’s a certain brat we three call a mutual friend who owes us a proper introduction rather than a mere recounting. Shall we?”

Platinum looked to Collar for approval and guidance, both given with a single nod.

Seed could feel the tension and worry in her grip.

He opted for humor to lighten the mood. “Don’t worry, Petal and I won’t bite.” With a wink, he added, “Dazzle, on the other hoof …”

On cue, Dazzle caught her in an embrace, grinning from ear to ear. And, shortly after, Tremor and Prism made their way over to greet their former comrade with warm smiles and words.

A happy reunion. Hopefully, a sign the night would be more cheerful than the day ended.

The laughter and good-natured cat-calls which greeted Collar’s claims of having four left hooves and an inability to properly sing, amplified with Rosewater calling, “The singing will be optional!” only served to make Seed grin broader.

It all fed into the goal. The more Rosewater showed herself, the more the image of her died in the minds of ponies, and was born anew.

He caught the playful look she shot her prospective mate, and then the stage whisper, “The dancing is not.”

Good mare.

The crowd’s intrigue swelled with their want to see it come together—the heirs, dancing with commoners. Dancing across city lines. Drinking with them, hopefully, as Petal called out to let them know that refreshments would be available for reduced price.

With that, it was his turn.

Seed cleared his throat and stepped forward to address the assembled crowd. His ears twitched, excitement gripping him just as much as it did the rest. “For the rest of you wanting to dance,” Seed called out, stamping out the start to the first song they’d decided on that night, “let’s start it high-stepping, with the Garden Square dance! Grab a partner, square up, and let’s have a hoof-stamping good time!”

Raucous cheers went up from the gathered ponies. Gardeners and Merriers with the regulars from Damme happily grabbed a partner or two and found themselves a little space to dance. Those who didn’t know the dance looked to friends and accepted offered hooves and promises to teach them.

Platinum laughed nervously, caught among Gardeners and former Dammeguards. “C-Come now,” she stammered. “Dazz, Prism, you both know I can’t—“

Prism nudged her forward. “We’ll teach you,” she said. “We’re dancing a fun little jig, not a full on ballroom dance. Here, come with me. Sweets, you too, and stop your snickering.”

Everypony had just about paired off together, the former Dammeguards eager to catch up and introduce Platinum to as many ponies as she could remember.

Seed gave them that time. They deserved it, all four of them.

He turned to Petal and smiled, tilting his head toward the stage.

“You know better than to ask,” she replied, rearing up to kiss his chin. “Come along, let’s show off for our new visitors.”

The Garden Square dance wasn’t just some heavy-stomping jig. The Garden was a village community which held fast to old traditions in story and song, and in this dance, that was made evident in the quick, upbeat tempo of the music filling the air and blending with dozens upon dozens of voices all joined together in song. It was a favorite of the village foals because they could stomp with the adults, all over the wooden stage.

And because, like many Garden dances, there wasn’t a rigid series of steps—it was all feeling.

Seed and Petal beamed at the crowd of little ones who dashed over to join them, eager to try to dance with the lord and lady of the village, and began.

Their steps were nimble, their motions flowing with the melody as it quickly carried them into the romping, frenetic pace with its spins and stomps, and periodic partner trading. Seed found himself dancing once with little Crawling Rose, bending low so he could guide her around, and with a few village friends.

Briefly, he found himself spinning with Collar. The Lord Heir of Damme’s breathing was heavy and his face flushed, but his smile genuine as he did his level best to keep up.

“Different from ballroom dancing, isn’t it, my lord?” Seed teased.

Collar bobbed his head. “Very,” he replied through a laugh. “Just don’t let my mother hear, or she’ll think to make me run laps with my father.”

“Only if you don’t tell my family how I acted while sauced when we last met.”

It took a moment for Collar to catch his meaning, but once he did, the he barked a laugh. “Done.”

“Then she won’t hear a word from me.”

The stallions shared a grin, then parted on the next spin. Seed turned and found himself partnered with Dazzle, the dear stallion grinning as sweat beaded down his brow.

He leaned in to brush his nose against Dazzle’s. “As fun as you remember?” Seed asked.

Grinning, Dazzle kissed him deeply. “Stars, yes!” he said through laughter, then nipped Seed’s lips. “It’s all come back, just like the first time we danced like this!”

Yes indeed. But a week after he made his decision to stay and join the Garden of Love, and reside in the villa, they had joined together and danced. And, afterward …

A welcoming night orgy. Exclusive to those in residence in his villa, a night they dedicated to the newest pony to join them in the Garden’s way of life, labor, and love.

Seed drew him closer, drinking in his scent. Musty stallion sweat, excitement, and a dabbing of firebird dahlia fragrance just behind his ears—Dazzle’s preferred scent for when he wanted his loves’ embraces.

He turned his head so he could brush his markings along his love’s cheek, a tender, loving gesture. “How do you feel?”

“Warm!” Dazzle laughed. “The cold is going to be a pain when we stop, though!”

Seed resisted an urge to nip his ear. “Not what I meant, love.” He drew back to look Dazzle in the eye, and allowed a bit of worry to show. “How are you feeling about …” he trailed off, instead tilting his head toward Collar.

Comprehension dawned upon Dazzle. “Oh! Oh, I’m fine.”

“Just fine?”

Dazzle fixed Seed with an exasperated look. “We talked. And I’d like to talk with him again, but I understand, and … I think he does too. I approve.” He leaned up to kiss Seed again, a wicked smirk playing upon his lips. “But I’m going to make him court her properly.”

His mind set at ease, Seed smiled and returned the kiss, replying, “Good. I’ll help.” He leaned in closer still so he might whisper, “Be with us tonight. Petal and me.”

Dazzle’s ears perked. “Seed, I’m okay. You don’t have to fret over—“

“I know.” He stole another kiss. “But we’ve missed holding you. Even if it’s just relaxing in the baths and then in the sitting room together on a couch, be with us.”

A fond smile playing upon his lips, Dazzle nodded once, and then they parted with a spin.

This time, he found himself partnered with Prim Platinum. The mare’s eyes widened in surprise.

Seed met her with a kind smile. “Just a dance, my dear Dammeguard.” He timed a jump well and let his hooves strike out against the wood. “I’m glad for you and them.”

“Glad? For us?” She only just mistimed a jump with his next, but her hooves sounded out like a clap of thunder.

“They’ve missed their friends,” he said simply. A stolen glance toward his loves, seeing their smiles, brought a light feeling to his chest and filled his hooves with vigor. Seed nodded toward them. “Spin your way over, Platinum. I’m about to go cause a bit of trouble.”

“Stars, help us all, if what Prism’s told me is true.”

“No, no.” Just Auntie Rosewater and your Lord Collar. “I choose specific targets.”

She shot him a disbelieving look, but didn’t argue further. On the next spin, she flounced off to dance with Tremor.

Leaving Seed to put his plan into motion.

He stepped past Petal and Dazzle, winking at his wife as he passed her by. She wasn’t privy to this part of the master plan. Her piece had been the same as his—get Rosewater some time alone with Collar, at the mare’s behest.

But Seed saw fit to turn up the heat, so to speak. Collar needed to show that glint a bit more.

He needed to feel his heart drawing him to act upon the attraction rising in his chest like a wildfire.

So, it was time to let bratty Seed out for a bit of fun.

His ears set in open tell of mischief in the making and a matching grin slowly spreading across his features, Seed trotted straight up to the band just as they let the last notes of the Garden Square dance fade into the night and asked, “Fancy a bit of a change of schedule?”

Rosewood Bow set his violin in his lap and fixed him with a knowing look. “What trouble are you about to cause, Seed?”

“And will we hear from Lady Rosewater when it’s done?” the trumpeter drawled.

Seed beamed. “Oh, absolutely! The best part, though, is that she can’t be mad about it!”

Bow’s brow arched. “I’m listening,” he said slowly.

He told them. And, upon seeing the amused smirks and shaking heads as they took up their instruments for the next song, Seed knew they were all in favor of it.

Next came the fun part.

“After that hoof-stomping, partner-swapping dance, let’s go a bit slower!” he called. He could feel Auntie Rosewater’s eyes upon him, she knew he was up to something.

Good. He hadn’t bothered hiding the set of his ears, just so she would get an inkling. A poor substitute for the communal ribbing she and Collar would be denied.

“This,” he said, already on his way to claim Petal for the dance, “is the Merrie Two-step.”

It was a dirty trick, hoof-picked to make sure Collar would spend the entire dance with her, drinking in her scent, feeling her warmth against his chest.

Feeling whatever desires he tried so desperately to mask swelling and clamoring for satisfaction.

Seed hummed a merry tune as he approached his dear wife, weathering the way she shook her head and sighed once he was in earshot. “You don’t want to dance with me?” he asked, his voice full of false innocence.

Her magic pinched his shoulder. “I would love to dance the Merrie Two-step with you, you big lug,” she chided, rearing up to set her hooves upon his shoulders and peck his lips. “You’re wicked.”

“Why, thank you.” Seed reared to take her hooves in his, his grin softening into a contented smile. “I only hope it yields fruit.”

There was nothing Petal treasured as much as the chance to hold her husband or her loves close. Especially tonight.

Stars, from revelry to terror and back again. A different sort, mind, but still.

Now, the celebration was more than just a joining of commoners from Merrie and Damme with the Garden as a hosting site. It was that of heroism and fraternity, and a celebration of the ties which bound them all together.

She tilted her head to angle her cheek up, and allow Seed to brush his against hers. She could feel him shiver slightly as his markings touched her cheekbone, such a sensitive spot, and this gesture one of almost possessive affection.

Petal turned to kiss just beneath his eye, where his markings trailed down his cheek like the cuts which once marred the face of Rosethorn’s mother before the Mare bestowed upon her the gifts which would guide her son to shape their magic and way. She felt him suck in a sharp breath.

Then, he nipped at her ear. “I love you,” he murmured.

“I love you.” She smiled into his cheek. “How are you holding up?”

Seed swallowed. “Better now, I think. Having seen them home helped me.” He pulled her closer against his chest. With a turn, she felt his heartbeat hastening. “It helped just … know that he was well. Stars, he argued that he wanted to dance.”

Snorting a laugh, Petal rolled her eyes. Oh, didn’t that sound just like Dancer? Take a fall straight off the bridge into the rushing water, and he still wanted to dance around with Seed.

And his parents hadn’t heard a word of it. Stars, if it were her foal, Petal would’ve been apoplectic at the very idea that they should go anywhere but a warm bath and bed where she could hold him tight against her chest. Just to be certain.

Just to be certain her baby was still there.

Someday soon, she would have her own. A little filly or colt.

Petal held Seed tight. If it had been their foal to fall and be rescued …

“He’s home,” she said, closing her eyes to help calm the rise of nerves and anxiety. “Thanks to that Dammeguard, he’s home, and that’s what matters.”

“Mhmm.” Seed cast a quick look across the stage, smiling. “And given our Damme Lord Collar seemed receptive to the idea of letting us express our gratitude, and currently looks as though he’s struggling not to kiss my dear auntie right now …”

This time, Petal had to bury her face in his chest to hide a smile. “Wicked isn’t the word, you schemer,” she accused.

“For those I love, my dear, I can be quite despicable.”

Seed hesitated a step, his ears perking straight and a grin threatening to spread across his features. “Don’t look now,” he murmured, leaning in as though to whisper some sweet nothings in her ear. “But we’re going to need to run some interference for them.”

Reel him in, Rosewater. Petal let her tail hike to complete the image. “Tell the band to place something to get our blood moving and warmed, my love. The night air will have our ponies longing for closeness and movement soon enough.”

With a laugh, Seed parted from her, prancing in place for a step before he trotted off to urge the band to change to their next song.

If he stayed true the mood of the Commoner’s Gala, it would be something nice and upbeat, and draw everypony into the mix to share the love of good friends and companionship. The Harvest Step would be a nice choice.

One of Rosewater and Rosemary’s favorite dances, when they all were younger.

Hopefully, you two will be happy enough when you rejoin that you won’t regret missing it.

Three short bursts of the trumpet signified the start of the Harvest Step. With a grin, Petal turned to her loves, and invited them to join with a twitch of her ears.

They were just as much Rosewine Vineyard as she.

And, in them, she saw the Garden of Love’s hearth. From those born in the village to those who joined.

Even dear Platinum, laughing and sputtering denials as Dazzle and Prism coaxed her back onto the dance stage. Friends, too, belonged here.

Petal’s prediction was spot on, of course.

Years of hosting and dancing herself to exhaustion had given her an insight that newcomers from Damme and those dear honeymooners hadn’t fully appreciated—the cool autumn air could offer but a slight reprieve before a body’s heat began to steadily rise.

Her coat was matted with sweat as though she had spent a day at labor in among the vines. But her smile was bright and spirits high. The kisses shared with her husband and loves free and lingering, full of meaning and a want to express just how happy they were to share the night together.

Platinum had even allowed a couple upon her cheeks. Friendly kisses, Dazzle had assured her. Still the mare flustered beautifully and only wavered in gaze and a slight dip in her ears.

She was a sweetheart to be sure. A bit rough around the edges, and most certainly a tough customer for any who might think to test her, but beneath all that was a mare of great humor and a wit that made even Dazzle sputter hasty denials of her recounting.

“I was drunk!” he squeaked, his face a bright rosy hue as he sent a pleading look to his loves not to believe a word of what passed his friend’s lips. “I was pounding Watered Down’s swill for a bet! Trem, Prism, back me up here!”

“Don’t think to try!” Platinum grinned. “Trem was right there with him, yodeling and trying to balance atop a table!”

Roselyn and Bliss leaned against one another, tears of mirth streaming down their cheeks. “And Prism?” Roselyn gasped between peals of laughter.

All eyes fell upon the mare trying her damndest to hide by burying her face in Sweet Grape’s shoulder. It didn’t work.

Sweet Grape winked and dutifully coaxed her to face the group with a deft turn of his shoulder, and bent low to whisper something in her ears that elicited a keening groan.

Platinum, like any true friend, showed no mercy. “Prism, unfortunately, didn’t join in.” Her grin sharpened. “She was fast asleep under the next table, clutching a mop like a lover.”

“Oh?” Sweet Grape fought to withhold his snickers and nipped at Prism’s ear. “Should I meet this mop? You hadn’t mentioned a second lover, dear.”

Her eyes flashing dangerously, Prism drew back and glared up at him, her face aglow. “Not another word out of you!” she squeaked. “Or I’ll—I’ll—“

“Leave him for the mop?” Roselyn cried, and then toppled onto her side and kicked her legs in the air.

Their laughter was lost to the sound and song of the remaining dancers, still spinning and stomping together. These young ponies of the cities and village determined to enjoy this night to its fullest until Petal gave her speech. Among them, she could see Zephirine, necking with one of her friends as they took a moment to break from the dance and catch their breath.

She, herself, still leaned against Seed, swaying lazily to the song. But a few years ago, it would’ve been they who tried to dance the night away while the older ponies worked, only breaking to help disassemble the tents and load them into carts before they returned to finish out.

She felt his lips pressing against her cheek, then her jawline. Petal flirted her tail against his ankles in reply.

Seed gave a low hum. He knew it wasn’t an invitation for sex. Not tonight.

Not when Dazzle was wearing that scent.

“It looks like they’re back,” he murmured, nodding in the direction Collar and Rosewater had disappeared earlier. “Shall we greet them?”

Petal answered with a nip at his chin. They broke away from the group so they could trot toward the returning heirs, Petal noted that the pair stood closer than when they’d left. In the flickering light of burning torches and faerie lights, she could see a hint of a flush in their cheeks.

Whatever happened between them had been good, then. Had he made a move, perhaps?

And one of Rosewater’s ribbons had made its way to Collar’s mane. A blue one.

Stars, the two of them! They’re going to give me a heart attack at this rate!

As they drew close, Petal arched a brow at Rosewater. “You had a good discussion, I trust?”

“We did,” Rosewater answered simply, a smile playing upon her lips. “He has something to announce ahead of it becoming official through the treaty office. And he agreed to bring Rosemary a memento of tonight, and tell her everything that happened.”

Seed’s brows went up at that, and he chuckled. “Good. Rosemary, I think, would have loved to be here tonight. She loved coming when she didn’t make it to the main gala.”

“She loved making trouble with you,” Petal grumbled. Several incidents came to mind. She’d been the victim of a couple of their pranks. “So, what is it you have to announce? Nothing earth-shattering, I hope.”

“Not at all,” Collar said with a laugh. “It’s something my parents and I were discussing as a thanks for Rosewater being so cooperative with negotiations, despite how long they’re taking.”

“And it should be announced tonight?” Petal asked, glancing at Rosewater. “To the public first?”

“Yes. Collar told me it would be made official tomorrow, but in the interest of further fostering the idea of unity…” Rosewater glanced over Petal’s shoulder.

Collar followed her gaze, his ears perking with intrigue. “Closing remarks are soon, right?”

“After this song,” Seed said, stepping back from the edge and giving Collar a more appraising look, his goofy mask gone The faintest of glows from his Rosethorn markings showed that he’d tapped into his gifts. Then Seed smirked, glanced at Rosewater, and winked. “Glad you two had a good—”

Petal knocked his ankle with a hoof and cut in, “Talk. It’s clear that it’s settled some concerns, so I’m grateful to you for taking the time to settle them, my lord. Rosewater has a tendency to over-worry on settled matters.”

She fixed him with a warning look. This wasn’t the time for his mischief. Not in that form.

He smiled and dipped his ears in apology.

Only in the sense that he knew that might not have been the right time or tone to make one of his remarks.

“I do,” Rosewater admitted. “I know you were going to give the closing remarks, Petal, but I would like to have a few words along with Collar on the spirit of friendship and unity.”

“I think, rather than my speech, which I can give any time, I’d rather have both of you speak. You’re the future of our cities, my lord, both you and Rosewater. To hear you both speak of friendship would do more than my little part of Merrie stating it.” Petal glanced at Seed, nodded briefly, and turned away to talk to the band.

“Especially,” she heard him say, “after that beautiful show of friendship today.”

Sometimes, one just had to let a brat be a brat.

Petal trotted to Dazzle’s side and brushed her shoulder against his flank. “Care to lend your talents, love?” she asked.

His ears perked. “It’s about that time?” he asked, his tail hiking in show of eagerness.

Dazzle did so love showing off.

With a smile and kiss to his nose, Petal nodded. “Yes, indeed, my firework stallion. It’s time for our speeches and your performance.” She nibbled his lips playfully, adding, “And then, I hear tell we get the pleasure of holding you together again.”

The only thing more beautiful than a flustered Dazzle was a grinning one. Especially when reminded that he had a place in many hearts.

He entwined his tail with hers and all but pranced with her to stand with Rosewater and Seed.

And Lord Collar.

Sometimes, Dazzle managed to make ponies forget that he’d been a Dammeguard. And a talented one at that.

His demeanor and magic didn’t necessarily make one think that he’d been one of the ponies who stood against Roseate’s raiders and even bedeviled a few of her daughters. Fireworks were pretty, but certainly not useful in a fight.

Anytime he heard some thinking along those lines, he’d smile and saunter off, teasing them like a Rose.

Petal loved that about him. The dear stallion loved life, and didn’t take himself too seriously. But he put his every effort into his work, whether it be on the vine or in his spells.

The beautiful shower of sparks and dancing bolts crackling in the night to the delight of all the foals dancing and leaping in the flickering light were a testament to that. In but a couple years, Dazzle had made his mark on this, a main attraction of the Garden and its influence on the region.

His fireworks were already tradition in their minds.

“Beautiful, as always,” Petal whispered in his ear.

Dazzle bowed his head. “Thank you,” he murmured. His smile was one of content, his eyes tracking the village foals still playing and those bidding friends from Damme, old and new, a sad goodbye. “I’m glad I could offer something to share my feelings with everypony. This place is … special to me. This event, too.”

The anniversary of his welcoming. Of course.

A fond smile spread across her features. Petal gave his cheek an affectionate lick. “I’m glad you chose to stay,” she said as she hooked her hoof around his ankle.

“So am I.” Dazzle moved as though to return the favor, but instead darted forward and raspberried her right in the crook of her neck and ran off, cackling like a mad fool.

“Primrazzle Dazzle!” Petal shrieked and gave chase, her eyes narrowed and a wicked grin promising repayment in full. “When I get my hooves on you! Seed! Seed! Head him off!”

Seed broke off a conversation with Cookie Crumble to see what the trouble was. He yelped, turned to give a quick apology while Cookie tittered and urged him on, and then moved to try to angle the former Dammeguard off before he could get into the Garden Villa and hole himself up in a room until they gave terms. Favorable terms.

Namely, those ensuring he wouldn’t end up completely at their mercy.

Of course, keeping pace with Dazzle was never easy. The stallion could move. Even two years removed from wearing his armor.

But Seed wasn’t one to play fair if he could help it. And, in this case …

Dazzle came skidding to a halt on the front porch. His horn sparked and magic fizzled around the handle, failing against the wards Seed had just flexed in reply. “Seed! You cheater!” he cried.

That was all he had a chance to say before the offending stallion caught him around the barrel with a band of magic and pulled him into a tight embrace.

“What,” Petal heard him growl in that heart-fluttering tone of his, “have you done that warrants this, my fireworks stallion?”

Dazzle squirmed for a moment, ducking his head to hide from Petal’s gaze. “Would you believe if I said I’m innocent?”

“Not in the slightest. Pet?”

Petal marched right up and hugged Dazzle from behind. “This brat,” she said, “ruined a heartfelt moment by planting a raspberry on my neck!”

Snorting, Seed arched a brow at Dazzle, awaiting his reply.

“It was funny!” Dazzle protested.

“I’m sure.” He leaned in and nipped the nape of Dazzle’s neck, smirking at the way the dear stallion’s back arched and hips thrust forward in reply. “Of course, as Lord of the Garden, I alone dispense ruling on law here. Petal, my love, what is your appeal?”

Petal smiled into the back of Dazzle’s neck. “I demand immediate relief,” she answered, her teeth nipping lightly at the tender flesh so she might savor how he shivered. “Time spent is the only acceptable repayment.”

“I find that reasonable.” Seed aimed a smirk at Dazzle and lowered his voice. “Any objections?”

Dazzle’s retort was cut short by a well-timed nip at his jawline. Petal felt his tail hike and flirt against her thighs, a tremor ran through his body as he pressed himself back against her. A heady hint of his musk wafted to her nose, a lovely fragrance coupled with his chosen scent of the day.

“None,” Dazzle replied after a moment to calm himself. He took a deep breath through his nose, releasing it slowly. “I would, er, really like to be held,” he murmured. “Like you did those nights when we first started courting.”

A brilliant idea. And, hopefully, the perfect thing to alleviate the nagging doubt nibbling at the back of his mind.

Petal cupped his chin in her magic and turned it so she could kiss him softly. “Come, then,” she whispered. “Let’s wash off this sweat in the baths, then relax together before bed. You boys may choose whatever scent you wish to fall asleep savoring.”

Dazzle beamed and returned her kiss before turning to butt his forehead against Seed’s chin. Then, his almost foalish exuberance returned to him, he nipped and nudged them inside and toward the stairs, eager to enjoy this night to its fullest.