Verve

It feels like it has been seconds since the incident, yet it was three days ago - and already, our group was beyond done with all things ‘newsworthy’ and ‘interviews’. In fact, Celestia had a wonderful idea for dealing with reporters.

She gave Vee a pair of red tinted glasses, and would shove her into any reporters that asked for an interview. It went exactly as you’d expect. Lots of neighing.

And that was all behind them now - the small celebration they managed was all they needed to shirk off their duties, and pretend that the world wasn’t beckoning for leadership to swoop in and bring total normalcy to the land.

Twilight’s castle had been adopted as both their garishly ugly home, and the temporary headquarters of command while plans were reconsidered for a new Castle. But tonight, none of that mattered save the sway of the live music. Surprisingly, Pinkie Pie managed to snag a local griffon band for the celebration - but there was one issue.

“What do you mean your throat is sore?!” The blue griffon hissed quietly off mic to his female vocalist, the equally blue mare coughing quietly before hoarsely whispering back.

“I don’t know! I think I forgot to wash out my cup yesterday.” She frowned, as Twilight bounced excitedly nearby. Her favorite band! BYOB! Bring Your Own Bluebird! Her favorite! Yet she couldn’t help but listen in, excitement sparking in her eyes.

“Ohmygosh! Mordecai - I know ALL of your songs! I listen to you and Twinkle Star in the shower EVERY DAY!” She bounced, flapping her purple wings. The blue griffon’s ear twitched, wheeling over to look at the purple princess. Something about her voice just fit, and he could definitely use some aspiring talent.

“I don’t suppose you know how to sing, Princess Twilight? I could use a little help up here, y’know.”

The stars sparkling in her eyes were enough to light up a room, as she hopped up on the temporary stage. “I-I guess you could use a wish right now, huh?!” She clopped her hooves together, as the singer chuckled.

“Funnily enough, I was planning on starting my set with Airplanes. I don’t suppose you know all the words? I’ll handle the rap - you sway some hearts with the chorus. Sounds like a plan?”

“OHMYGOSHYESTHISISALMOSTASGOODASTHATTIMEIWENTTOTHATBOOKSIGNING-”

Mordecai chuckled at the starstruck Princess, as he waved to his band to start. Already, ponies and Princesses alike - Seraph and a few deer - were enjoying the drinks and show, as Twilight picked up the first chorus perfectly.

“Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars? Because I can really use a wish right now wish right now wish right now~”

It was quite the scene to watch, as Arin lounged in a seriously comfy chair built for his size. He had to thank Applejack’s sister for the handiwork put into it later, it made his night.

Umbra rested by his side, curiously inspecting her drink.

“I do not understand. It is called punch. Yet I do not feel as if I have been punched. Is this a misunderstanding?” She frowned, swiveling her crystalline glass around.

“Oh! My bad, your spooky shadowyness! Totally forgot to add the secret Pinkie Pie ingredient to any good ‘You Saved the World’ party.” Pinkie withdrew a cooler from underneath the table, as Umbra raised an eyebrow.

“And that is?...”

“Copious amounts of Hasbro approved mystery ingredients! So… alcohol. Lots of alcohol. Duh!” Pinkie withdrew a large bottle of Everfree from the icy tomb, uncorking it to add to the bowl.

And she added a lot to the red drink, mind you. At that, Umbra tossed the old crystal cup in the trash - and withdrew a fresh glass, giving the refined punch a curious sniff. Then, of course, a taste.

“By the stars, this could kill a mare.” She glared at the mug, as Pinkie Pie giggled and snorted.

“Oh right! Gotta balance it out with more fruit and sugar - be right back!”

At that, the duo were left alone, Arin marbling quietly as yet another fancy cup was chucked into the nearby garbage.

“Aha! Arin, wonderful - just the Seraph I was looking for!” Princess Luna approached, a warm smile on her face as she beckoned him with a hoof. “Come! I wish to speak with the - in private, if I may be so inclined?”

“Uh, of course.” Arin shared a quiet look with Umbra, before curiously prodding. “I don’t suppose Umbra can come with?”

“...I suppose, our conversation pertains to all participants. And now that our royal duties are done, and the night is once again unburdened with demands - we may have a very crucial conversation. Would you not agree?” She smiled, joining Arin’s side as Umbra flanked his left.

He had a feeling that tonight wasn’t going to be all fun and games. Especially as Luna led him to the nearby balcony, the music echoing through the Castle doors as they sat in the now healthy moonlight.

All around, the snow had mostly managed to melt - leaving only a few scant traces in the large plowed piles across Ponyville. Here, the trio looked over the railing across the quiet village, lights peeking through the soft night as the world tried to wrench its sleep schedule back into the norm.

“I wish to speak of us,” she started, but Arin was quick to question it.

“Us as in you, or us as in… both of us.”

“I believe we both know I have little to say for myself. I will not lie, Arin, my mind is fraught with anxiety and stress - but I did not wish to speak of my troubles. I wish to know… are you still my knight?”

Arin frowned, twiddling his thumbs quietly. “Not exactly. No.”

“...I see.” Luna frowned, her eyes turning to the stars and sky. Keenly avoiding the moon - as she’s spent the last year or so staring much too long at it.

“...Do you still hold your heart steady for me?...”

Arin knew this question would come, and he found it hard to prepare for it in advance. He’d have to give his best efforts, and with Umbra’s reassurance at his side, he knew it could be done.

“I… Luna, when you said some… horrible things about us, about our relationship. I was devastated. Beyond hurt. I had waited three years to see you again, and I know those words didn’t come from your heart, but… I couldn’t handle it anymore. I was lonely. Twilight and her friends needed me to save Celestia, as well - and she had been through a lot over the past three years. So what started as heavy flirting on her end became… forceful pleas for affection, and attention. And I relented.”

The Lunar Princess trailed a hoof over her leg, knowing full well what he meant. “...I can relate to her plight. Upon my return, I refused to leave her side for… what was very well close to months. Not until I regained the confidence to stand upon Our own hooves, upon the eve of the Nightmare’s demise. Did the… You… did you?...”

He didn’t want to say this, but it had to be said. “Yes. I was lonely, and heartbroken, and… it came from a good place, on her part - and it was only a temporary thing, until she was able to stand on her own four hooves, but… I did. Well, more like… she did. She’s very, how do I say this… possessive. And needy, when it comes to her affection.”

“I understand, Sir Arin. Know that I am not envious. Those emotions were mostly a part of Nightmare Moon and her remnants. I do not hold anger in my heart for what’s done - only sorrow that I could not provide the love we both so desperately needed to share.”

Arin reached over, running a hand through her mane quietly. She didn’t respond, only stare at the distant ground far below. Pony and deer alike clamored for entrance, blockaded by a now much larger Spike - who worked security pretty well for the party goers.

“It’s not your fault, Luna. I was the weak one, in the end. But I’ve found love with Umbra, true love. I don’t know how to explain it, but… I didn’t see it until we rescued her from the Edge.” His spare hand reached over, thumbing over the quiet mare’s ear. Strangely enough, she embraced the affection with adoration - her cheek pressing into his hand with absolute certainty. And he knew this was right.

“I do not suppose I may make a request, Sir Arin?” Luna asked, as Arin released his grip to rest his elbows on the railing.

“Yes, Luna?”

“One day soon… will you share love with Us once more?”

At that, Arin’s eyes fell upon Umbra’s. His own answer would be no, mostly. But he wanted to be sure his lover agreed with him.

“I do not mind.”

“I’m afraid I can-wait, what?” Arin swivelled back to Umbra, who cocked an eyebrow at the Seraph.

“There are many aspects to love, my Fledgeling. I have love for you, and love for myself - but I know that the circumstances of our communion are not opportune for Celestia and Luna both, who wished to hold you close. If they so desire, they may have you - but only once more. In the end, you are still mine, and I am not privy to share you freely. I agree to this as an act of mercy, not submission, my Love.”

Arin was still shellshocked from the revelation, as Umbra’s gaze didn’t falter. “...You’re serious?”

“I would rather the need for your affection be rid of their mind at one last embrace. But not tonight. Not now. I… this is hard for me to say this, but… I… I want to…”

She blushed, running a hoof along her leg. Was… Was Umbra being bashful?

“Luna, I think our conversation here is done. I believe I’m needed somewhere else. Are you uh… happy? I guess?”

“Pleasantly satisfied that the outcome was not as terrible as I expected; this is more than I can hope for. If you are willing, Arin, this would ease our heart. When you are ready.”

At that, and with a bit more hopeful confidence in her step, she let the duo be for the evening - turning back to the party as Twilight finished belting her heart out with the band. Dozens of cheers rose from the ponies and deer from the song’s end, just as Arin closed the door shut behind her. Even with it snugly resting in place, he could still hear Oarkin’s deep laugh as he bounced his soon-to-be daughter in his arms.

Gently, he took Umbra’s hooves, warmth in his heart as he shared a deep gaze with his Shadow.

“You didn’t have to do that. I was actually going to say no, but… all decisions regarding us are shared. I’m actually shocked how big your heart is, Umbra.”

“In truth, I do not wish to give you up, Arin. You are mine, as I am yours. But I am patient, and I’ve learned that the love we share is more powerful than anything Princess Celestia or Princess Luna both may muster. Arin, I… I am ready. For the next step in our relationship. If thou are comfortable and willing-”

Arin dove in, his soft lips locking to hers in sweet passion. Immediately, his hands locked tight around her - reeling her in close as her own shocked hooves quickly did much the same. The kiss that followed was deep, intense, and oh so sweet - a passion that had grown like flame between them over the years, as tongues met and loving voices followed.

Before Umbra even realized, Arin’s wings shot out - engulfing the air as he tugged her into his arms. With powerful, lifting beats - the Ranger soared into the sky, to a window housing their guestroom. From then on, the party was a dull mute - a silence in the night, as their love soared beyond words.

Back in the main hall, Celestia and Aster - the buck having recovered well over the last few days - chatted in one of the corners of the room, enjoying the ambience and comfort of each other’s voices. Strangely enough, their pillows were just an inch closer than one would expect.

Queen Astra spoke quietly with Princess Cadence and Shining Armor - who took a train just to be here. They were absolutely mesmerized by the Princess’s mother, who went on about tales of Starswirl and the old Starlight’s Peak with a soft smile on her cheeks.

“You know, I think it’s high time that I fall back to my old job of ruling. Unlike my daughters, I have not just my experience ruling on my own - but knowledge from leaders, kings, presidents, and politicians from distant civilizations. I think I could seriously improve our societal architecture far better than my sweet Celly can - I’m sorry, but her delegation skills are just awful!” Queen Astra sipped at the extremely boozy punch, completely immune to the effects. That, or she wasn’t showing it.

“I… are you sure you’re up to the task, Queen Astra?” Princess Cadence asked in shock, as the now Prince Shining Armor nodded in agreement.

“It’s quite a workload, and Princess Celestia and Luna have both ruled for thousands of years. Do you think you could fill their horseshoes?”

“Fill them? Youthful spirits - their hoofbeats are nothing compared to my regal stride. My cutiemark - three falling stars, it symbolizes not just my ability to control sun, moon, and stars alike - but the fact that I singlehoofedly united the three pony factions together, something even Queen Laurel - my mother - couldn’t do on her own.”

At that, the two shared a shocked look. Maybe it’s something best to see, rather than hear.

The deer senators - all thirteen of them, as one had been imprisoned and left to die for betraying the crown - had their own table, speaking quietly with several assorted pony nobles from Canterlot. Only the ‘engaging’ ones were invited - friends of Princess Celestia, who had a good hoof in politics.

Twilight’s friends chatted quietly, bubbling with excitement from their own table when Twilight reappeared. BYOB started up a single from their set that didn’t require a backup vocalist - so she was free to wander around for the time being.

And all around her, Luna found herself… alone. She had her own quiet table in the corner, looking at a familiar blue cupcake with little moons sprinkled on it. Pumpkin and Arin had went for another round of baking before the party, with Umbra’s help - and made a lot of treats to celebrate her freedom and their victory. Yet it felt like a lot of ponies and deer avoided her like the plague, as if she’d grow fangs and bite in a moment’s notice.

“Ay! Moonbutt! Room for one more?” A masked figure called, staggering just a bit from his heavy punch. Regardless of Luna’s opinion on the matter - Anonymous crashed on a spare pillow across the table, smiling through his mask.

“‘Sup? Wait, shit - you look sad. Is everything alright?” he asked with genuine concern, as Luna perked up.

“I am fine, Anonymous. Thank you for-”

“No bullshit, Moonbutt, that doesn’t work on me. What’s up? Talk to me about it. I’ll listen, it’s not like any of these other chucklefucks care that I helped rescue all of you from the mines. I mean, Twilight did the heavy lifting. But she’d never have found you if I didn’t spring into action.”

Anon took a quick swig of his drink, forcing a sigh from Luna. Fine, if he wants to be her shoulder to cry on - she’ll take it. It’s not like there’s anypony else around to give her attention.

“I will be short, then, Anonymous. I had loved Arin deeply, but Nightmare Moon’s actions costed Us the relationship We wished to cherish. I’m afraid that now, I’m entirely alone - once again, my reputation is stained in blood, and I am lucky to not be hanged for my evil half’s actions.”

“Shit. That… that’s actually worse than I thought. Sorry for my language, but I didn’t realize your problems were that bad. I joke that I’m a local terrorist and all, but like… I still have friends. Can I get you a drink? We’ll talk it out.”

Did Anonymous just apologize for swearing like a sailor? That was near shocking to the Lunar mare, who had heard nothing but rumors of his foul, unapologetic mouth. No amount of friendship lessons had changed him, yet… here he was, showing genuine concern for her.

“...A drink would be lovely, thank you Anonymous.”

“Yeah, don’t mention - I’ll be right back.”