Verve

“Well, she’s not in the throne room, library - and yes, Vee, she isn’t hiding under your bed like the boogie mare. Let’s just check in with King Aster; Celestia probably… ran off to look for me, or something - he’ll know where she went.” Arin sighed, leading the way past Vee’s humble feathery abode towards… well, what would have been the nearest guard for guidance, if the trio didn’t bump into General Falon in the halls first.

“Ah! Arin, spectacular. I wished to speak to you concerning a report I received earlier in the twili-... moonlight, by the boughs, that won’t change. Regardless, the document mentioned a young fawn, Calia, was it? I just spoke with her, and I wanted to collect your recount of the events before I started my search for this ‘Oarkin’ creature.”

“Seraph, he’s a seraph like me. Mostly, at least. Anyway, I’ll be able to help you if you can help me. See, I’ve got two extremely annoying alarm clocks here-”

“Neigh!” Vee chirped, staring through the General rudely. As per usual, to be honest.

“Bleat~” Eve also followed, nodding her head with a delicate bow.

“Yep. These two. They’re looking for Celestia, for… the Feathers know why-” Arin was cut off by a chirp from the Purple, in a familiar ‘d’ohoho’.

“You see, we need a snoot that can sneak a book or thirty from the local royal deer library, and could also waste her snooty-stupid-red-mane magic on making them readable for my purple eyes. For purple reasons!” Vee flapped her wings majestically to air out her pinions for the preening, before doing just that - more preening.

“Aha, and I’m here because Purple-fly paid me. And I’m poor. A bag full of Points is always welcome.” Her magic poofed a small, mostly empty bag of diamond shaped gold ‘Points’ into her cloven hoof, bouncing it around a second before stuffing it in her mane for safe keeping. And brushing. Always more brushing.

Arin rubbed the sand from his eyes, before picking himself up enough to speak. “Anyway, as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted - I need sleep. And if Tia can distract these two, so be it.”

“Ah, very well then, Sir Arin. Let me lead the charge - I will grant your wish, and you will grant mine, and we will both find solace as it beckons us. This way.” He bowed his head, turning down the roundabout hallways to guide them to Aster’s door.

“All I know is, Oarkin made friends with a fawn, and I guess she got hurt. I don’t think he’s the kind of Seraph to injure anyone who doesn’t necessarily deserve it, though. In fact, he joined our cause to be a hero.”

“I see. And you suspect no foul play on his part?”

Vee flicked a feather onto the floor - much to the glare of Falon as they walked. “Hmhm! I’ve known him for a few neighs, and I think he’s pretty alright. Applied a few wing chops to the bad guys, gave us an airship. Respectable! If new. Though first neighs aren’t as good as two thousand or so, and if he has plans to put more feathers in my wings he better snoot them somewhere else!”

“And here I am, feeling completely left out!” Eve called, fluttering her eyelashes. She always looked so relaxed! Even if the end of the world was weeks away. At least, for those in the Feywild. “But they sound like a good buck in my book.”

“I can only hope. I have my bucks on the lookout for her father - the culprit, from Calia’s words. Apparently, this abuse has trailed a path through her life for the past few years, and has simply gone unnoticed by neighbors and guards both. It is disheartening to see it among our kin; but alas, bucks are not great caregivers to the young. Simply put, while we have come far as a civilization - some instincts are hard pressed to flee our minds. For a buck, they are best suited for supplying food and shelter to the does, while the does are best at raising fawns. A simple balance, and the pinnacle of most societies to this day.” Falon stopped quietly by the door to Aster’s chamber, to answer the last few questions the trio may have.

“But I see plenty of does working, too - some are even among your men-er… bucks.” Arin prodded, curious for knowledge.

“There is still freedom in our world, Sir Knight. I am merely pointing towards our less civilized past; we have grown much since then. Much like Equestrian society, there are no lessers beneath the boughs of White Tail trees, simply the old nature of which we were guided. Some rejected sentience, and rejoined the wilds to serve the old roots - while the rest of us moved ever onwards into the twilight. Now, I must take my leave. Thank you for your time, Sir Arin.”

At that, he left the trio at peace - before swiftly turning to find his way to the foyer proper.

With a few quick knocks to the door, a roused green aura tilted the knob - inviting them inside. King Aster greeted them with a hardly restrained yawn, before realizing he was facing royal guests. Straightening up, the King snapped his eyes open and quickly formed a smile.

“Ah, Arin - you’re early, I do believe. And… Vee, along with - who are you, exactly?”

“Greetings, your Majesty. I am Eve, a friend of Vee. I’m simply here for Points.” The red tail bowed her head, leaving Vee flapping her wings and checking her watch. She had things to snoot up! Magic things! Like more shopping; enchantment costs money or points or… something! Especially if you didn’t want to use your own magic!

“I’m just here to dump these two on Celestia and… well, at this point, grab breakfast. But since you’re my trainer - I was wondering who it was going to be, after all, before the fawn incident - I think I’ll just stick with you and shrug it off. By the way… have you seen my Princess? She didn’t come to bed last night.”

At that, Aster moved out of the way of the door, showing off the morning mare lying by the still crackling fire. She had a bundle of pillows curled up against her chest, one between her hindlegs, a bunch of padding for her wings to snuggle… she looked obscenely comfortable, and quite possibly - still asleep.

“She discussed with me some… interesting tales last night. I believe it’s time that she rises; would you prefer if I rouse her, or?...” The King raised a cloven hoof, awaiting Arin’s decision.

“D’ohoho! Don’t worry about your pretty horns, King-fry! I know just what to do to wake up Ugly-mane-fry.” Vee flapped herself in with relative ease, all eyes curious to see how she’ll go about stirring the sleeping Princess from her nap.

Landing on the comfortably soft pillows, the Purple cleared her throat - leaning down to Celestia’s marshmallow ear. And in the softest whisper, Vee spoke;

“Neigh.”

Celestia’s eyes INSTANTLY shot open in aggravated annoyance, quickly running her hooves through her hair just in case Vee snooted more preening trash inside. Checking her wings over once, then twice - a third on both sides, the Princess flicked her tail around to be extra sure Vee didn’t sneak feathers into her fluff.

“Vee! Can’t you let me rest for five minutes? And furthermore - oh! Arin, it’s… you.”

The Princess hesitated, seeing her Knight peeking in through the doorway. With a flick of her wing, she invited him inside - her spare hoof gently shooing Vee away as she stood.

“Arin, we need to talk. It’s… about us.” Came a sigh from the Princess, drooping her ears. “I don’t suppose you have a quiet place for us to chat in private, do you, Aster?”

The Kingnodded, bowing his head. “I’m afraid that during these hours, no place is private save my chambers. At your request, I may usher our guests to the halls beyond - lest you believe it safe we tarry?”

Princess Celestia hesitated at the question, her eyes looking towards Vee and Eve - while she could trust Vee to only blabber about it at the worst of times, she had no clue who this other deer was. “I believe that would be for the best. You may stay if you so desire, Aster. But… this is between me, and Arin.”

At this point, the Seraph in question was growing a little uncomfortable. He had a feeling in his gut that he knew where this was going - but regardless, he steeled his nerves and readied himself, as the trio of regal, less regal, and definitely not regal creatures funnelled out of the door; giving Arin and the Princess some much needed privacy.

“Er… I feel like I know where this is going. All I have to ask, Tia, is… well, why?”

“You’re quick to assume, my Knight, but you’re right. I believe it’s time that our relationship comes to an end. I’ve had my fill for the while, and I’m feeling more confident in being alone. If you so desire, I can keep this between us - and you can hide this from Luna, though I doubt a secret of this caliber will stay safe for long.” Celestia bowed her head, before standing straight to keep her confidence in check.

“That’s… nice and all, but I think you avoided my question; I also have no intention of lying to Luna. I simply know that’s not all of it. Just the other day, you were all over me. May I ask what changed?” By now, Arin had crossed his arms - his wings defensively curling over his shoulders, an instinctual response to a bad situation. It did hurt, that things were moving in this direction - but he had to know.

“Arin, I will say this with love and respect, and I had no intention of seeing this, but… I was attempting to join you in bed last night, when I happened to spot the locket on your chest. I’m not angry, and I hold no ill will against you - but our relationship was simply a temporary arrangement, until you could find your special somepony. And while it hurts that I was not your first choice, I’m pleased to say that Umbra will be a far better fit than I. In truth, I don’t think I could ever hold the same bond you cherish with her.”

At those words, she picked herself up - despite the pain in her chest, and locked eyes with the Seraph. “I still care deeply for you, and… all of these words come from a good place. I’m happy you found your love. I don’t wish to hold you back; if anything, this has been a humbling experience for me. I’ve seen all of the ways I’ve failed you, not as a friend - but as a lover. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I l-... I thank you.”

The seraph had trouble figuring out his emotions from this revelation. He did care for Celestia. He said it before, there’s love, just like with Luna - but…

“...I understand, Celestia. I’m sorry it had to come to this so soon.”

At those words, the Princess gave a sad smile, locking eyes with her now former love. “Tia.”

He perked up, as the duo quietly approached each other. Not as lovers, but as what they’ve been from the start; friends. Their wings, hooves, and arms squeezed each other close - cheek to cheek. Arin couldn’t help but turn in, and give his now former love a sweet kiss right on her smooth fur; a last sign of love that he graced her cheek with.

“Thank you, Tia. For being the understanding mare you’ve always been. It hurts to end it so soon, but… again, thank you.”

“No no, thank you, for-”

“Nuh uh, you’ve said ‘thank you’ a million times for… well, everything. I’ve been thanked enough. For once, let me be grateful.” He scratched his fingers along her scalp, a soft purr from the Princess following the motion.

“I don’t suppose we can still occasionally snuggle? You’re the perfect size for me, after all. And… scratches are always welcome.”

He couldn’t help but laugh, falling back an inch to rest his forehead against her own. “Well, only if Umbra agrees. But I wouldn’t be against it. You are the world’s second best snuggler, after all.”

Celestia’s soft giggle was all he needed to hear, closing his eyes for the last minute they held together.

“By the way, you are really good in bed,” the Princess teased, “I don’t suppose she-”

“I think she’ll definitely be against that; I don’t even think we’ll reach that step for a few more weeks ourselves. I think for now, loving one pony is enough for me. I’m still surprised I’ve dated both you and your Sister. Who’s next, Twilight?” His chuckle was more than enough to rouse the mood, stepping away with one last squeeze of his wings.

“By the way, Arin, Twilight is still single,” the Princess teased the Seraph, tracing his chin with the bend of her wing.

“Now you’re pushing your luck. Let’s head out - we’ve got a lot to do today. I’m pretty sure you have to continue to sway the courts, and help Vee with… whatever, I have to train with Aster - we have to spend what time we have wisely, because we’re not getting a second chance again.”

Calia stirred quietly in her sleep, suppressing a faint whimper as her very mind fought with her body in her rest. It only took a knock on the door to rip her from her terror-filled slumber, her heart pumping away adrenaline as she snapped awake in a cold sweat. Seconds later, the knob turned - revealing the careful gray eyes of the giant Seraph from earlier. Instantly, she buried her fear deep - a habit, a hard one to break, but still there.

“Good morning, Calia! I bring food! Gifts! Toys! Good things for you, I hope.” He smiled, stooping to fit through the thankfully buck-sized doors; they had plenty of spare room for a deer as tall and wide-antlered as King Aster, making it easy for him to duck down and slip inside. Unlike the pony-made Seraph ship, the Autumn Court was built for creatures of his stature.

“M-Mister Oarkin!” Calia squealed happily, at seeing her new friend. Several seconds of thought turned inwards, as she organized her thoughts. Was this a dream? She was here, in the castle… King Aster had promised to make her happy; was this what he had in mind? Seconds later, she bounced up onto her much-too-thin hooves, baby blue eyes shining up at him as she stumbled and threw her little body into his grasp.

“You saved me, Mister Oarkin!” she cried out, sniffling away happy tears; clutching and squeezing him as tight as her tiny body would allow.

Despite Oarkin’s usual crushing grip, he did everything in his power to relax his hands and pull the little doe in - trying hard not to drop the massive tray in his right hand.

“Be slow, little Calia! I have things! Many, many things - look! I do not wish to drop them.” He smiled, holding the overly happy fawn to his chest. He motioned to the giant bowl of oats and grains, corn and diced pumpkin, figs and pine nuts galore - everything fresh he could find, including…

“Acorns!” the fawn squeaked, seeing the tiny bowl of the smashed nuts glimmering - it was no rumor that deer loved acorns, especially once you cracked the shell and rinsed away the bitter flavor overtop. With a sprinkle of sugar and a dollop of wild honey, they made a wonderful little treat - perfect for a hungry fawn.

Oarkin set the bundle of joy on the bed, resting the silvery platter at the foot. She immediately dove right in, munching and snacking at the little bowl of nuts. Occasionally wiping away a few tears, or bumbling her thanks. Within seconds, it was gone - much to the humor of the giant above.

From his side, Oarkin pulled a small sack of toys free - reaching inside to withdraw the first gift. Her own Knight’s Challenge set, of course! She was so excited, she nearly choked - bouncing around on her cloven hooves, frolicking on the bed in joy. But her hunger bested her, quickly forcing her little snout into a pile of oats - then the pumpkin, then - well, everything!

To her, every second of this should be savored, enjoyed; happiness was a rare gift for the fawn, and Calia wanted to make the absolute best of it. It’s like she finally had a chance to be herself, the youthful spirit she hid away at home - and all of those years of frozen, untouched happiness could finally melt away.

The Mountain began to line up more toys, despite his growing smile. A big bunny plushie, something to squeeze and hug when she rests. A tiny bow set, like the big deer used - a toy, of course, but still. She marveled over it, flicking her nose over the string with bouncy legs. If the adorable fawn didn’t stop being just that, Oarkin may pass from a cute-induced heart attack.

She bleated adorably, leaping up into the Seraph's arms again - much to Oarkin’s joy. Bleating and hugging on as tight as her little legs would allow.

“Y-You got all of this?! F-For me, M-Mister?!” she stammered in excitement, scrambling up to hug his giant neck. As soft as he could, and with a single finger - he pet Calia’s short silver hair, his smile so strong that it grew taut against his cheeks.

“Of course, my little friend! You have been kind to me. I will do the same! Not many would talk to me, for I am a very big man! So of course I am happy to help.”

Finally, after several minutes of far too much hugging, the little fawn fell back onto the bed. Her light body hardly made a dent in the sheets, as she searched around for her cracked glasses. Finding them nearby, she quickly fitted them on - looking up to Oarkin with a smile.

His heart ached, seeing the little fawn so thin and weak before him - but still so strong despite the pain she’s endured. He sat down by the bed’s side, sighing.

“Calia, my friend. You have been through so much; and yet you are still here. You have been very strong! Very strong. I know the big buck would ask you - Aster, he is a good King. But I must know! Do you want to stay with your family? Do you have other deer you call home with?” He waved his hands, as if trying to piece together the sentences into some form of sense. Sarin - or Equestrian, was not his first language; and since he rarely had a chance to speak, it was a struggle to do so freely. Calia caught on, and shifted uncomfortably in the sheets - her little light blue eyes falling to her cloven hooves.

“I don’t have any family left. J-Just my dad,” her voice came; her mood turned right on its head in mere moments. The Mountain sighed, stooping down to sit on the marble floor. His gray eyes searching hers, as their long talk would inevitably begin.