Verve

Celestia, despite Vee’s neighing and whining for books - needed to attend to her morning rituals first. Namely breakfast, always breakfast. To the Princess, it was quite possibly the most important meal of the day; after all, it happens in the lull of the mornings. When all of the bustle of her home would seemingly stall, awaiting the Princess to challenge the concerns of her ponies.

Now, it was her faint solace against an exceptionally annoying Pegasus, who made it a point to neigh every minute she delayed the inevitable. This, of course, made the nearby Seraph - resting across the table from her - smirk.

By now, others had made an attempt to seek sustenance; that being Tempest and Pumpkin, who chatted quietly over alchemy and magic, books and reading… calm things. Umbra made an appearance as well, and she was quickly beckoned to Arin’s side. He engulfed her with a single wing, much to her shock - but seeing as Celestia didn’t challenge this, they began to whisper quietly to themselves

“Neigh.” Vee poked, sipping at a fresh cup of coffee, and preening more trash to the floor.

Celestia sighed, sitting on Aster’s right. By now, Eve had thankfully abandoned the group to… run off, and do her own thing. More likely, she’s sipping tea and napping - something the doe was undoubtedly fond of. This meant that instead of Eve joining in the constant, slow, and agonizing ‘neigh’ assault with the occasional ‘bleat’, she only had to contend with one voice bothering her.

“Ah! Advisor Briar - just as expected,” King Aster called, as a young buck joined the small dining hall, carrying with him a dozen receipts and letters. The newcomer was more on the lean, short side - sporting a red scarf to go with his soft brown eyes. He had six points to his antlers, as well. He appeared to be either young, or meek.

Regardless, the buck bowed, before speaking in a cracking voice. From the sound, he was definitely young - perhaps in training?

“The twilight greets you well, your Majesty - er… if the twilight was here, of course. I believe I requested an audience with you concerning a few recent… bills, per say. From a selection of your guests?”

At that, a few too many eyes peeked up from their meals and conversations, and Vee - in the middle of a neigh - suddenly went quiet.

“Oh? Of course, I granted them herald tokens to spend wisely on materials for the upcoming battle. If the Point count isn’t too high, summarize it for me - I have much to attend to today, training Arin for a proper role as a White Mage.” The King nodded towards Arin, as the big buck sipped graciously on tea. Something he had a penchant for, much like the Princess to his right.

“Well, I’m afraid I can’t do that. I’ll start with the lowest cost, and work from there. To begin, we have an invoice for products sold concerning… toys. I believe this is for Calia, our newest guest until we can safely turn her over to an orphanage. Ninety points.” Briar sighed, shaking his head as he turned the page.

“Aha, I see - I believe our tall guest Oarkin grew fond of her. I’ll hold a private audience with him, concerning her fate. If, of course, I can not garner information regarding her family tree.” Aster chewed quietly on a piece of toast, as the Advisor continued.

“Well, the next purchase is a two part receipt; from a Redtail named Bastrii, we have less than dining table appropriate purchases. Simply put, your highness, the total is around two hundred points for… what boils down to essentially bedroom toys.”

At that, Celestia, Arin, Umbra, and Vee all turned eyes to the collared Pumpkin, and the somewhat defensive Tempest. She didn’t speak, but her eyes did challenge their own, as if saying ‘so?’

“...An odd purchase, but reasonable in the light of blooming love.” Aster raised an eyebrow, but continued his meal without much pause beyond that. Apples, quite possibly a favorite among dear; and when sliced and broiled with brown sugar and cinnamon, were simply impossible to resist. In fact, apple and cinnamon were some of his favorite scents and flavors, after all - along with vanilla.

“From the same group of receipts, another three hundred points went to alchemical ingredients. I believe this has a part in our recent short supply of private components.” Briar turned to the next page, shaking his head as the prices only went up.

“Acceptable. I believe Tempest here has a hoof in our alchemy lab, with Pumpkin and Umbra serving as aides for the process.” He nodded to the still blushing duo - Tempest was simply relieved she didn’t have to argue about their less-than-wholesome purchases.

“Next, we have an invoice from a jeweler, concerning the purchase of some fine accessories - I tied this one with a restaurant’s bill concerning two meals, as the requests here seem related. In total, four hundred points - save a few in detail. I placed this set higher, because the items requested were for two memory infusions, a silver locket, and two heart shaped jewels. It hardly seemed… necessary, your liege.”

Aster’s eyes slowly turned to Arin and Umbra - the Seraph extremely interested in his food. Umbra simply gazed back - she seemed inclined to defend her reasoning, at least.

“...Very well. I am aware of this circumstance. Continue.”

Vee stuffed a bunch of feathers quietly into Celestia’s muzzle, much to the confusion of the hungry mare; her toast falling to the plate unfinished and her tea un-sipped. All eyes were simply distracted, curious to the final price tag for Vee’s debauchery - and none noticed as the Pegasus carted away the struggling Princess to do her bidding. Even with Celestia’s overpowering magic, Vee’s shushing noises gave her just enough time to drag the sun-fry out before she coughed up the worst of the feathers.

“...Thirty thousand five hundred points in jewelry, followed by five hundred points in coffee barrels, coupled with a final one thousand points for mana gems and herbs, several angry letters, a demand for a watch to be returned, and two complaints issued to the Autumn Court regarding property damage - with further invoices requesting another six hundred points for a door and carpet, and three hundred and fifty points to cover replacements for damaged books and broken windows.”

King Aster spit out his tea, choking hard as one of his gallant, royal hooves smacked against the table. The toast and cup floating in his green magic clattered to the plate, ruining his breakfast in one fell swoop. When his coughing and wheezing didn’t stop, Arin quickly realized he was legitimately choking - and jumped the table to assist, much to the ire of the distant guards, who nearly charged in to rescue their King.

Arms locking behind the giant buck’s back, Arin quickly squeezed - freeing his lungs of the blockage in several sharp tugs. Aster was left panting and teary eyed, wiping his muzzle and nose in the stunned silence that followed.

“I hope… that you are joking, Briar. That’s nearly enough for a small house in the Eastern Districts. And if you are joking, that is in exceedingly poor taste.” Aster’s emerald green magic seized the stack of receipts with worry, his head falling when he read each item off to himself. Who needs one hundred and twenty necklaces, bangels, and - did this pony really steal a deer’s watch?!

And there, before his very eyes - the Herald’s Seal, marking the page as finalized and paid for by the Circlet. His cloven hoof crashed into his face, slumping over the table.

“Who,” his voice followed. It wasn’t a question - it was a demand.

“Oh! U-Um… would you look at the time! M-Me and Tempest have to leave. N-Now!” Pumpkin grabbed her lover’s hoof - tugging hard enough to snap Tempest out of the quiet daze she was in.

“That’s right! Pumpkin and I - we er… have to… tend to the Banishment Orbs.” Tempest sparked, trotting quickly to match Pumpkin’s near gallop-like pace. Within seconds, they were both gone, leaving Umbra and Arin to foot the bill. Or in this case, meet Aster’s stare.

“And Arin, I believe we both have to visit a non-descript storefront in town. Immediately.” Umbra’s magic swirled in her emerald aura, before a brilliant green flash of light teleported them both a short ways out the door. Before Briar or Aster could blink, they were both alone.

The King sighed, turning to Celestia’s empty pillow - then, his ruined meal. Maybe the pony Princess was right. He really is a bit too… meek, for his liking. This would have to change.

“Briar, please summarize the expenses for me - a net total. I believe I know the mare responsible. Format the final few receipts into one invoice, and bring it to my boughs the moment you are able. I will find a time to turn this debt over, once I find an opportune moment. For now, I need to prepare for training - once Sir Arin returns from his escapade, of course. You are dismissed.”

With a graceful bow, King Aster stood and made his way back to his chambers. He needed to gather his wits, and prepare a few tomes for the trip. He had a place in mind for study, and he would need to steel himself for Arin’s lessons. It has been much too long since he had a proper student; healing magic was less useful among the long lived deer of the Fey, who were safe in their strongholds - and as such, he was one of the few Masters of the long respected art.

Arin’s pace kept in tune to Umbra’s as they had eventually settled into a slow walk.

“So, the Princess ended her relationship with you, because she thought I was better attuned for it?” Umbra had to stifle a giggle; Celestia was very hard pressed to admit defeat in such a fashion, but… knowing she one-upped her old rival, really set a light burning inside her soul.

“Really? I feel like that’s what I got from all of it. Or… something. She didn’t want to stand in the way of our love, and she felt like she didn’t love me the way I deserved. Really, your guess is as good as mine.”

“So… does this mean we are, as one would say - an item?” Umbra’s green eyes gleamed up at Arin, as he made sure to run his right hand down her back. He couldn’t help but smile; despite his heartache, her words gave him hope that maybe, this is for the better.

“Well, I might be convinced… I don’t know, do you think you can swoon a Seraph?”

The now repaired door to the jeweler’s shop swung open at with a flick of Arin’s golden magic, the green rug once interred in the main foyer removed to be washed. The floors, while beautiful, felt bare and exposed without the sea of emerald and gold.

“Welcome to Belnian’s - oh! It’s you two! Splendid, I had just finished the locket, and I was just about to make my way to the Courts to find you. All I need now, is another memory to capture, and your beautiful citrine and silver memento will be ready.” His pink eyes gleamed softly, raising a small jewelry box into the air at a touch of his magic. Gently, he lowered it into Umbra’s awaiting hoof - her own aura flicking the lid open to reveal the craftsmanship stored within.

The duo both inspected the Jeweler's handiwork, a warm smile sprouting between Arin and Umbra both. Of course, it lacked a meaningful inscription, but that could be changed later. Happy to see the beautiful piece nearly finished, her horn sparkled - levitating the box back to the buck’s hooves.

“Now, if you’d like, I can either attempt to copy the emerald’s memory into this new citrine - or, we can start fresh. What do you two say, hm? Think you could share another lovey dovey look for my magic?”

Arin offered a hand to the mare - his mare, with nothing but warmth and love in his heart. The reformed umbrum quickly took the offer, as their eyes met again.

“Beautiful, now, don’t be afraid to touch her mane, young bu- er… thing? The picture moves, you know.” Belnian levitated the locket into his pink aura, withdrawing the partially fastened citrine with ease. The little yellow heart floated in front of him, watching the duo to imprint this magic within.

And just like before, one of them seized this opportunity to share a kiss - but to Arin’s surprise, it was his loving shadow. Umbra’s soft lips pressed to his, taking their first, real liplock. Not in the heat of battle, but in love’s embrace. Her spare hoof gently draped around his neck, a blissful sigh from the lovestruck buck following as he channeled the new memory into the gem.

By the time he finished, Umbra withdrew from the intimate smooch - eyelids parting to look at her lover. Her soft hooves rested against Arin’s armored chest, their breath mingling in this magical moment.

“Did that swoon you, Arin?” The unicorn spoke in a sweet whisper, drawing a smile from her Seraph.

“By leagues and clouds.” His nose bumped hers, an affectionate nuzzle soon to follow.

Belnian took several moments too long to stare at the couple, antlers sparkling softly to create the illusion of hearts floating above his head. “Young love is such a wonderful thing. Is it safe for me to assume I’ll be receiving a wedding invitation?”

“Huh? W-Wedding?” Arin stammered; they had just started dating! It’s a bit too early to assume Umbra would even be half-way interested in a w-

“Possibly, in the future. If… Arin would like to commit himself to me, one day soon?”

Thank the feathers she said it first. While he knew Umbra quite well, he had a thousand years of secrets to discover - and many tender moments to share. “Well, you do know how to swoon Seraphs, so… it’s not unfair to assume.”

Her soft voice came in a pleasant giggle, before letting her weight sink down to the floor. Belnian was sad to see the lovely moment end, but was happy to see the couple getting along nicely. “I do adore weddings; remember me when the invitations go out. Well, with this infernal night…”

Belnian sighed, tilting his head towards the window. “Hopefully it will end soon. Wedding bells chime brighter in the twilight.”

The couple didn’t let on that they were some of the few looking to bring peace. Instead, Umbra and Arin both gave their farewells, and returned up the street; East, towards the castle.

“Vee, I swear on the Stars, and all things I find sacred - the next feather that goes into my mouth will be the-mf!”

Vee, peaking around the corner - managed to stuff another purple pinion into Celestia’s disgusted muzzle with an idle hoof. The Pegasus was intent on watching the library, having donned a sneaky witch outfit for the job. That would be nothing - because she didn’t have clothes. Instead, she was wearing a moustache. An essential tool for any witch that didn’t want to be recognized.

“-Blech! What did I just say! Besides - why do you need me to check out books for you! Just go in, and-”

Another feather, followed by a wretched glare from the morning mare. She heaved, as the coffee flavored pinion tickled the back of her throat.

“Shut your snoot, Disgusting-mane-fry! You wanted to not stab ponies, you’re gonna get unstabbing magic! Just keep the neighs down!” She hushed with a wing, gently tickling the Princess’s nose in the process. Celestia sneezed quite adorably, but otherwise continued to scowl at the Purple.

“Fine.” The alicorn corrected herself, speaking in a whisper. “What books do you want me to get?”

“Go to the evil librarian, and neigh about something, like your ugly mane. And how to fix it. That’s all I need. I’ll handle the rest. We’ll meet up in your room, got it?” Vee preened away another pile of feathers, staring absentmindedly through the Princess. When Celestia went to speak, Vee shoved another feather into her mouth.

“Sorry. Habit. Shouldn’t have let your snooty snooter catch the feather if you didn’t want it.” Vee raised her wing back up, preening away idly in thought.

“I’m going to banish you. So. Hard. If you do that again,” Celestia said; an idle threat she would use in the courts when she didn’t get her way. She stopped saying this once Twilight picked up on it at a young age - hopefully by now that attitude didn’t carry over to her adult self. It’s not like Twilight would banish a pony for treading on her nerves, now that she's a princess - but still, it was a small fear of the ruler.

“Great. Fine. Whatever. Let’s just go.” The Princess led the charge, drooping her ears in annoyance. Vee was much too bossy today - actually, Celestia preferred it when she was nothing more than Pumpkin Two. Vee must really hate the color red.