//-----------------------------

Mom! Dad! I’m home! Spike’s voice carried along the cavernous and rocky walls of his parents’ temporary abode. A low rumbling was made in response, turning the ground and warming the air, despite the bite the mountaintop breeze. Applejack felt the vibrations traveling of her sensitive hooves and running along her spine. Her breath, deepening and her heart quickening its rapid pace swiftly reminded her that she never got used to the idea of not only one but a pair of towering dragons approaching her. She pressed against Spike, feeling his smooth scales and warm core against her soft orange coach. She could not help but tremble.

“Is that trembling for me or for them?” Spike teased softly into her twitching ear before resting a clawed hand upon her shoulder.

“I'm sure you'd know the difference, sugar cube,” Applejack whispered back, leaning into Spike's tall frame. “Guess I'm still not entirely used to having dragons for in-laws, you know what I mean?” She quietly fumbled with the ring that adorned her, its gleaming stone catching the stray rays cast from the sun.

Two great shadows darkened the depths of the cave’s gaping maw before emerging altogether into the gloomy light. The first to reach out with its enormous clawa was the largest of the pair, it's crimson scales layered upon dense muscle and sinew. Great golden eyes glowered down upon Applejack and Spike. Steam rose from flared nostrils and the low rumbling rolled the back of the giant's throat, its dagger like fangs gleaming. Dadealus, Applejack gulped, Spike’s pa.

The second Dragon emerged just behind the first, her sky blue scales and icy green eyes fixed upon Spike. Her elegant, lithe, albeit enormous frame settled down and she lowered her head to be at eye level with her son. Nalthanida, Applejack recalled, such fancy names for such frightening creatures.

“Severezhad!” the dragoness breathed as Spike stepped forward and hugged her snout. “My, you’ve grown so much in the past six weeks!”

“Your wings, son,” appraised Dadaelus, “they look strong. Can they carry you?”

“So far, so good.” Spike grinned his charming grin.

“How about both you and your mare?” Dadaelus asked.

“Uh, haven’t tried yet.” Spike glanced in his fiancé’s direction.

Applejack had never gotten used to the name that his parents had intended for him. Severezhad… she chewed on it, but it never rolled off the tongue as fluidily as ‘Spike’ had. Maybe her time with the young drake had lent itself to some bias, but regardless, he was always going to be Spike to her… her Spike. A smile curled upon her lips as she watched her fiancé and his mother interact.

Still, she thought, there’s something sweet about all this, dragons or no dragons.

“Miss Applejack,” a loud, thundering voice boomed from above, startling Applejack out of her stupor. She glanced upward and met the golden gaze of Dadaelus, Lord Royumi of Dragons.

“H-hello, sir!” She offered nervously.

“Do not be frightened at my greatness, little pony. Have we not been generous with out support of your union? Do we still frighten you so?”

Be polite, AJ… don’t say anything ‘untoward’ as Rarity might call it. They did give you and Spike these beautiful rings. And their blessing, which might not’ve been the easiest thing for draconic parents to do for their only surviving son… who is marrying a pony of all beings.

She cleared her throat and settled her hooves. “As great an’ intimidatin’ as you are, Lord, I’m just at a loss for words to express my thanks and—err—appreciation for all you and your Lady have done, blessin’s especially!”

The lovely blue Nalthanida turned her great head toward Applejack, saying, “It is the least we could do. Besides, it does not hurt our hoards to spare only the best for my son and his brave wife-to-be.” At this, Applejack flushed heavily, much to the dragoness’ amusement. Despite this, Applejack noticed something else in the blue dragon’s green eyes. There was not the ice which preceded her, but something else… sadness? It was something the lady drake was trying to conceal, as far as the Element of Honesty knew.

“I guess that answers our first question, eh, AJ?” Spike chuckled and stepped back to wrap his arm around his fiancé, an act that warmed her heart her flushed, freckled cheeks.

“So!” Dadaelus saw fit to lower his head to eye level, a rare tone of anticipation in his otherwise regal voice. “When can we expect children?”

What! Applejack’s eye widened and her cheeks glowed beyond what she was sure was their redness capacity. She was proven wrong.

“What!” Spike spat, vocalizing what Applejack was clearly thinking.

“Husband.” Nalthanida cautioned, rolling her eyes.

“It is well within my right to inquire, wife!” Dadealus barked back.

Children? Applejack thought. I don’t even think that’s even possible, let alone consider if we’re even ready for the patterin’ of little hooves! Still, the notion intrigued her. Sudden warmth enveloped her belly. The more she thought of it, the more she realized how nice it would be. Would I be a good mom? Can I even become a mother with Spike as my husband? Uncertainty and a measure of dread ate away at the newly discovered warmth. She wanted to be a mother—she looked at Spike—but, how? She fought off the dread and beat the uncertainty away. The warmth was too special to have it spoiled. We’ll just have to find a way.

“But, dad: I’m a dragon and AJ is a pony. How is that even possible? Is it possible?” Applejack caught something in Spike’s voice as well. Was he hopeful, too? Did he want children with me, too? The warmth grew. Now I absolutely have to find a way.

“Possible? Severezhad, we are Dragons! The Lords of the Earth and Sky! Nothing is beyond our reach! How do you think the dragonequi came into being?”

“Draconequus?” Applejack wondered. “Ain’t that what Celestia described Discord was?”

Nalthanida huffed and said, “Celestia’s interpretation is not inaccurate, but it is incomplete.”

“How so?” Asked Spike.

“The Discord was indeed a kind of Draconequus, but not a true darconequus—his was the manifestation of Chaos, not a product of natural birth.”

“So, that means…” Spike puzzled it out.

“It means that you may have children, yes.” Nalthanida managed what Applejack could interpret as a genuine smile. In turn, she smiled as well, the warmth overpowering the uncertainty and dread alike. She looked to Spike, who held her closer. He then whispered something into her ear, which caused her tail to flick and eyes to widen.

“Again,” asked Dadealus, “when can we expect?”

“Husband!” Nalthanida shouted, but Dadaelus simply chuckled. Wait? Dadaelus can chuckle? There’s more to these dragons than meets the eye, Applejack concluded.

“Well…” Spike scratched the back of his head. “I mean, AJ and I have to get settled down first and she still has work at the apple farm, I still have my research duties with Twilight, plus I promised AJ that we’d travel together.”

Dadaelus grumbled, back to his old self, “I am hearing excuses, Severezhad. You owe it to your fiancé to have strong, viable sons and daughters before time runs out.” Nalthanida shot her Lord a withering stare, her icy green eyes narrowing. Dadaelus’s own eyes widened briefly before he said, “Ponies don’t live as long as we do, is what I meant to say.”

Sure it was, Applejack crooked an eyebrow. They’re hiding something. She looked at Spike, who offered a similar puzzled expression.

Dadaelus appeared to have noticed this, as his temper flared and flames shot from his nostrils, “I am Lord and I mean what I say!” The heat subsided and Applejack’s heart wound down once more.

“The future is undecided and they may pick as they see fit, husband. Even you know this.”

“Aye, I understand, wife.” Dadaelus grumbled and settled his great crimson head upon the rocky terrain.

Applejack regarded Nalthanida and noticed that the sadness in her eyes had returned. Her curiosity could not be sated and she asked, “My Lady, why do you look so sad? Any time we talk about time or the future, you seem upset. Did I offend ya? Cause, I’m sorry if'n I did.” She earnestly stepped forward.

Nalthanida gently shook her head, saying, “It is something that is beyond my reach, but I will not speak of it now, wise Applejack.”

Applejack frowned, but nodded in understanding. “I just wanted to know what was bothering my in-laws is all. I have to learn about you way more than I have to learn about Spike—err—Sevr'zhad, so please don’t hold back just because we’re still strangers!”

Nalthanida offered another draconic smile, only this one was laced with hurt and longing, “When the time comes, I will tell you.”

Spike scoffed, saying, “Gee, mom, I would have figured you and dad be less cryptic then Princess Celestia or even Princess Luna.”

“Should I be insulted by the comparison?” Nalthanida asked her son evenly.

“No, mother,” sighed Spike heavily, “but their word is law here and it’s by them that we still have to make sure this marriage goes according to Equestrian Law. Secrets are not something we want on our wedding day.”

The Lady Drake nodded sagely. “I understand, Severeszhad, but please trust that I will tell you when you need to know.”

Spike rolled his eyes, smiling as he said, “You’re just lucky I don’t have an army of my own to get the answers right now, eh?” He nudged Applejack, who giggled. Dadaelus huffed, but said nothing.

Is he still sore at being outsmarted by the Princesses back at Canterlot? Applejack wondered, studying the smoke that rose from the crimson drake’s lips.

“By the way,” continued Spike, “what happened to that army of yours, dad?”

Dadaelus raised his chin, scratching thoughtfully. Applejack watched those large black claws scrape effortlessly across the smooth red armoured plates. She felt Spike’s hand run down her back much in the same, careless fashion, scratching her along the way. Again, she shivered, but this was a good shiver. She smiled and groaned softly as Dadealus answered Spike’s question, “When they got their shares, they left for the Dragonlands.”

“But,” interrupted Nalthanida, “not before swearing a renewed oath to Clan Royumi for having held our end of the bargain in our campaign.”

Wait, what? Applejack’s humming derailed and she no longer focused on Spike’s ministrations to her lumbar spine. “Beg pardon and no disrespect, Lord, but didn’t the Princess’s end the conflict and save Canterlot?”

“Destruction of Canterlot was never a part of my plans, young Lady Applejack,” Dadaelus replied calmly. “Only the acquisition of Severezhad, backed by the promise of Canterlot’s treasury for those willing to follow me.”

“Ergo,” continued Nalthanida, “Our campaigners achieved their end, which they perceived as my Lord husband’s victory and fulfillment of his promise to them.”

Applejack glanced back and forth between the pair of dragons. “But, in reality, they got what they came for, but you didn’t.” She cringed inwardly at how forward that sounded. But, it was the truth and the Dragons knew it. They nodded.

“Not entirely, however: I got to see my Severezhad again.” The elegant blue dragon smiled once again and Spike returned it wholesale. His scratching resumed and Applejack allowed herself to enjoy it once more. “Besides,” continued Nalthanida, “None shall challenge my husband’s rule when we return.”

Dadaelus breathed a rare and heavy sigh, piquing Applejack’s curiosity, for the sound of disappointment was not lost upon her. Before she could inquire, the Great Royumi spoke, “Though our clan is a far cry from what my father had in mind.”

Spike’s ear-frills piqued as well and his claws halted above Applejack’s back, much to her displeasure. “My… grandfather?”

Dadealus offered what could only have been yet another smile upon his crimson lips, “Yes, my son: your grandfather—Severezhad the Great—had a vision that was once: Valegard, a civilization of our kin.” Dadaelus’ eye looked past both Applejack and Spike, to a far-off age before, and with a gentle shake of his great head, returning his attention to them, saying, “It seems like providence that his namesake should survive these uncertain times.”

So, I see that Spike’s named after his granddaddy. Go figure. She regarded her fiancé with appreciation, never wondering if it was possible to ever stop admiring him. ‘Severezhad the Great’; though no one would have to go too far to see how great my ‘Severezhad’ is. She sighed contentedly; nuzzling him and he gently resumed his scratching. Electricity shot through her spine and she shivered with content amid the mountaintop breeze.

“What happened?” Spike asked. “To grand-dad, I mean—and Valegard?”

“The Great Royumi was unlike any other dragon, my son,” Nalthanida answered. “But, I think, his story is told better by your Princesses upon their thrones at the Citadel. Simply ask them about the true heroes of Equestria. Ask them about the heroes unsung.”

Why does that not surprise me? Applejack chuckled. Celestia and Luna must have over a thousand tall tales to tell. But, anything about Spike is worth a sit-down. But why would the Princesses know better than Spike’s parents?

“You make it sound like yer daddy was hero to them, Celestia and Luna, I mean.” Applejack wondered aloud.

“Does that surprise you, Lady Applejack?” Nalthanida quirked a pale eyebrow.

“No offense, ma’am,” Applejack carefully continued, “but the dragons we’ve met here in Equestria haven’t been the friendliest toward us pony folk, ‘specially that blue-eyed, black-scaled feller… you know, the one that tried to eat Spike and I?”

“Ah yes,” muttered Dadaelus, “You speak of Kàndelthylt.” A low growl rumbled in the Royumi’s throat. “If there are any who lack vision and threaten Valegard’s creation, they belong to the ilk of Kàndelthylt.”

Kàndelthylt… Applejack sounded the strange name out and she heard Spike do the same. Nalthanida, too, joined her husband in the low growling, as if a curse had been uttered.

“For naught of the greater good of Dragonkind, but for their own greed and dominance, do Kàndelthylt and those who follow his example tarnish our cause. It was for this reason that my Lord husband banished the black dragon from our ranks… but not before he rose in challenge. He did not wish to leave Equestria, for he saw weakness in all ponies and therefore saw much to be reaped from that which he did not sow. He challenged us and for that was cast out to hoard in solitude… I should have clenched his throat when I had the chance.” Steam rose from Nalthanida’s nostrils, but a steady claw rested upon her broad shoulder and her anger, at least to Applejack, appeared to subside.

Still, she had to ask, “Where did he go?”

Dadaelus answered, saying, “Kàndelthylt fled northwest—across the Vast Ocean—back from whence he originally came, far away from these lands, for he lacks the strength to challenge the Princesses or their united equines on his own.”

“The ‘Vast Ocean’, as in the Pintocific Ocean?”

“If that is what you call it,” Dadaelus nodded.

“That is!” confirmed Applejack with a bright smile.

“Indeed,” the Great Royumi regarded her. “He has always been wild, untamed, easy to anger. Such is their ilk, as I said. Eleven years ago, he crossed the…Pintocific, is it? His crossing any body of water is much akin to the passing of a hurricane and that is how he found us.”

Eleven years ago… a hurricane? No. Applejack shook her head. No, no, no.

“You alright, AJ?” Spike lowered his head meet hers, concern plastered across his firm features. Applejack shook the memory away and met Spike’s gaze. With a light smile and lighter lips upon his cheek, she nodded. Then, something caught her eye to the West.

Thin plumes of smoke from a distant, shifting stack upon rails of steel rose in the morning air. The Pony Express, Applejack recognized it immediately. So did Spike, as he followed her gaze and pointed when he found it. “Hey, it’s Twilight’s train, headed for Seasaddle. I almost forgot she was leaving today.” From between scales, he reached and pulled free a folded note, the quill strokes thereupon instantly recognizable, if hastily written. Quickly, she read the parchment, just as she had the previous night when she and Spike strolled by the closed and locked library the night before she left.

It read:

Dear Spike and Applejack:

I am loathe to leave you both, especially at such an exciting time in your lives—congratulations, by the way!—but something deeply personal has come up and I must leave. Tomorrow morning, the train to Seasaddle departs and I will be on it, but my trip will only last a few days, I promise! Although I will not divulge the nature of my visit, I can only beg that you convince Pinkie to withhold the engagement party until my return. Again, I’m so sorry, but this is something I have to do!

You’ll understand, I’m sure.

Again, congratulations! Feel free to use the library as you see fit… just don’t wreck anything. I’m serious. You will not start an abusive relationship with my books!

With love,
T.S.

“What do you think she’s goin’ there for, hon?” Applejack idly asked.

“With Twilight, there’s never any knowing... and I’ve known her my whole life!”

“Maybe she’s got a secret boyfriend?” Applejack offered. The serious consideration would have lasted, had Spike not choked on his laughter. Applejack joined with a giggle, though she admitted she felt somewhat bad for it. The Great Dragons simply looked on westward, ignoring them.

A long moment passed as they watched the train disappear across the horizon in its half-day-long trip toward the West coast. High morning was passing swiftly and the clouds shifted lazily upon their predetermined courses, as set by the Ponyville Weather Team. Before long, the train was gone and Dadaelus shifted his great girth, reminding Applejack that he was still there.

“That reminds me, son,” the Great Royumi began, “Your mother and I plan on returning to the Dragonlands this evening, preferable under cover of night in order to avoid panic.”

Applejack watched Spike glance upward and his features drop, filling with sadness. She frowned and reached out to embrace him, for she could not bear to witness his pending sorrow. “You’re leaving already?” Spike’s voice wavered, despite his new size.

Nalthanida lowered her claw and Spike approached it, resting his hands upon its open blue surface. His mother’s icy green eyes gazed lovingly into her son’s. “Do not fret, Severezhad. We will meet again, and I hope soon. We will never be too far away.”

“Be well, my son. I am proud of you. Both of you.” He smiled down at Applejack. “We will meet again before the end.” A twinge of sadness entered the Lord’s voice, though Applejack said nothing. Why do they both seem so sad? First Nalthanida, now Dadaelus. What do they know that we don’t? What’s going on?

Patience, sugarcube, she reprimanded herself. You will know when you need to know.

Still…. She gave it no more thought.

The Royumi bade their goodbyes. Dadaelus turned to disappear inside his temporary home while Nalthinda lingered but a moment longer. Softly, she said to Spike, “There is a fine upward draft from the south. It should carry both you and Lady Applejack back into town.” She smiled at both of them and Applejack could not help but smile back, it was so genuine. “Fare well, my son.” She waved goodbye and then retreated to join her husband.

Applejack joined Spike as they looked over the edge of the mountain’s plateau, down to Ponyville itself. A twisting knot formed in Applejack’s gut, withholding the fluttering of butterflies. She watched as Spike closed his eyes and breathed deeply, drinking the cool mountain air as it mixed with the southern rise.

Oh no, she thought. He’s not actually thinking it, is he?

Spike took a step forward, his feet gripping the edge of the cliff. At once, his wings unfurled and waved lazily in the warm drafts. He then opened his eyes and turned his head to face her, a devilish smile impressed upon it—a smile that would make Rainbow Dash blush. At that moment, Applejack was glad that Spike had found her first; and she, him.

No words; she simply swallowed hard and nodded, rounding his wing and leaping gracefully onto his spiny back, again curious as to why it was so comfortable, despite the ridges. She opted not to think of it, especially since Spike leaned forward, catching an upward gust.

You should be screaming, Applejack chastised herself. Indeed, she should have been, only she forgot to. The butterflies had been unleashed, but so too was the knot. Instead, weightlessness lent speed to the butterflies as Applejack closed her eyes, waiting for the tumultuous crashing end. Only, the end did not come, for instead, joy replaced dread. She was flying! Spike was flying with her!

“Yeehaw!” was not the choicest word to describe fear, but then again, Applejack was unafraid. She was with Spike and he would never let her fall.

Down, down, down they slowly drifted upon the southern rise until finally earth met claws, once sky bound. In what felt like mere minutes to Applejack, they had finally lighted upon the small wooden bridge leading into Ponyville. He held his wings high as she regretfully loosened her grip from his shoulders and slipped back down to solid ground, her legs wobbling slightly.

“You alright?” Spike asked, draping a wing protectively around her like a cloak against the elements.

“Yeah, just fine, hon.” Applejack nuzzled him, savoring the warmth he emitted. “But, maybe you coulda landed us closer to the library?” She winked at him.

Spike shrugged, “What’s a little walk about town?”

Applejack chuckled as she began walking casually ahead him, crossing the creaking old bridge and heading toward Town Hall. They were late in opening the library tree, but no one seemed bothered in the slightest. Happily, Applejack leaned into Spike’s warmth, as they pressed onward into the heart of Ponyville. Ponies, all familiar and friendly, trotted about their business, or so it was until the pair made their way through the market. Applejack failed to notice at first, but perplexed eyes and unsure glances met her with every turn and every step. Perhaps she was too distracted by the comfort that Spike’s furnace provided. Perhaps she was simply seeing things. However, the thicker the market became, the more eyes fell strangely upon them.

What’s got their attention? She wondered. She glanced up at Spike, he seemed nervous, for he had noticed the stares as well. Ain’t they seen a dragon and a pony befo—oh.” Of course they hadn’t. Applejack rolled her eyes. They had not been as vocal about their relationship as they had first thought, at least that was the thought with Applejack as the canopy of Golden Oaks came into view. Somehow, Pinkie Pie had kept her peace and Ponyville woke up this morning none the wiser.

Speaking of Pinkie Pie, thought Applejack, smiling. On cue, the pink mare bounced into view, balancing a rather heavy-looking bag of flour upon her frizzy head. Somehow, the bag was refusing to fall. Somehow, Pinkie managed to shame the laws of gravity. Still, she was always a sight for sore, or bored eyes. Applejack possessed neither, but she enjoyed her friend all the same. Bounce after bounce led Pinkamina Diane Pie toward them. Applejack heard a light chuckle from Spike as the sac of flour bounced carelessly with its carrier.

“Hi, AJ! Hi, Spike!” Pinkie bounced in place, lifting the sac of flour inadvertently in the air, only to suspend briefly in thin air before being met with Pinkie’s mane once more. This cycle did not show signs of ebbing as Applejack and Spike sent their greetings in return.

“Well, howdy, Pinks!” Applejack greeted cheerfully.

“Hey, Pinkie,” Spike replied with a grin.

“Don’t mind the sac of flour,” the bouncy pink mare offered. “It’s all for the super secret-but-not-really-secret-since-everypony-already-knows-okay-that’s-a-lie-since only-close-friends-know-however-in-our-limited-scope-of-the-world-our-friends-might-as-well-be-‘everyone’-super-special-engagement-party-cake!”

Applejack’s mind spun, but was managing as she said, “As long as you hold off until Twi gets back, I’m sure this cake will be good eatin’ when the day comes… just try not to overdo it again?”

“Again!” Pinkie stopped bouncing in mid air, her expression almost aghast. But before Applejack could elaborate, Pinkie simply shrugged and said, “Actually, I’d believe it, especially from Honesty herself!” Applejack laughed and waved off the comment.

“Anyway,” Pinkie continued, “Losta work to do! Love to chat, but time is bits, at least that’s what the Cakes keep saying, though I have to admit that if time was bits, why haven’t I seen any and furthermore—” Pinkie bounced away, back toward Sugarcube Corner, her conversation still in full, unattended swing. Spike shrugged and Applejack rolled her eyes. Ponies were still staring.

Past the market and into the financial district, a sudden clap of thunder cast a startling bolt of panic through Applejack, causing her to jump into Spike’s arms. A devious cackle from a nearby and albeit suspiciously low-hanging cumulus fed her all the answers she required.

“Rainbow Dash…” Applejack grumbled.

“Hah! I got you lovebirds good!” Rainbow’s face popped through the cloud, a grin plastered wholesale upon her blue visage. “Got lost in your PDA, huh?” she prodded.

“I’ll get you for that!” Applejack shook her hoof wrathfully at the pegasus from within the warm confines of Spike’s grip. This, of course, was serving only to amuse Dash further.

“Yeah, keep shaking your hoof, Granny!” Rainbow chortled. Applejack frowned, an embarrassed blush caressing her cheeks. Spike sniffed, stifling his laughter, which earned him a glare from his fiancé.

Ah, forget it. It was kind funny, I guess. Applejack’s frown deflated, instead being replaced with a smile. “I’m still gonna get you for that, Dash.”

Rainbow Dash disappeared inside the cloud, saying, “Promises, promises. Also, it’s no wonder other ponies are staring at you… maybe you two should get a room and get it out of your systems. Maybe then they’ll stop staring.” At that, the cloud drifted away. “Catch you guys later!” Applejack watched as Rainbow Dash stealthily hovered over to a familiar cream-coloured pegasus.

Oh no, not Fluttershy… Rainbow, are you serious? The cloud slowly settled over their timid friend, who balanced a bird’s nest, laden with bright blue eggs, between her wings.

“Should we, ah,” Spike began.

Suddenly, Fluttershy stopped, glanced upward and her wide teal eyes narrowed into angry, disapproving slits. The world suddenly felt darker; colder, despite Spike’s chest. It did not last more than a few seconds, but Applejack knew exactly what happened when the darkness evaporated and Rainbow’s frozen facial features and pale expression were all that remained of her mischievousness. Within seconds of being released from Fluttershy’s glare, Rainbow took off at full speed, leaving prismatic trails and broken cloud behind her. Fluttershy, on the other hand, continued trotting on her merry way. She gave a cautionary eep when she bumped into Applejack, still being cradled by Spike.

Her shock wore away when she recognized her dear friends. “Oh, hi Applejack and Spike. How are things?”

“Smooth as scales, sugarcube. I couldn’t be happier.” Applejack grinned and snuggled closely in the drake’s arms.

“Neither could I,” Spike interjected.

Fluttershy smiled. “Anyway, I’m sorry to have to cut this short but I'm off to Rarity’s to see if she could liven this old nest up in preparation for the chicks in these eggs. Have a relaxing day, you two!” She was careful not to upset, the nest or its contents as she trotted away. As they set about the last leg of their little journey toward the library, Applejack noticed that the staring ponies had not relented in their observational assault. Her irritation twanging, she wanted to say something firm, but it was unworthy of her at the moment. They continued on.

When Spike and Applejack reached Golden Oaks Library, they were not greeted by its closed, yet colourful doors, but by the pristine whiteness of an alabaster coat and a deep purple mane with matching curled tail. Rarity? Applejack wondered. The fashionista’s back was to them as a gentle hoof knocked at the door. Her voice, like a singsong rang in the air, “Yoo-hoo! Spike, Twilight… Applejack? Is anyone in there?”

“We’re right here, Rares.” Applejack deadpanned as her friend turned about, gracefully and looking as flawless as the diamonds on her flanks.

“Oh! Applejack… Spike, so glad I could see you!”

“How can we help you, Rarity?” Spike asked.

“Actually,” Rarity responded, slowly, her eyes darting from Spike to Applejack, then to the ground and back. “I was hoping that I could help you.”

“And how’s that?” Applejack asked.

“I was going to ask at the engagement party, but since Twilight appears to be out of town—on some secret rendezvous, as t’were—and the party clearly isn’t going start without her, so I figured, why wait? And—”

“The point, Rarity?” Applejack blew some stray strands of hair out of her eyes and smiled wryly.

“I was just getting to that, Jacqueline,” Rarity rolled her eyes. Oh, Applejack hated being called that. Still, she offered no rebuttal as Rarity finally got to her point. And what a point it was: “I want to make your wedding dress… and Spike’s tuxedo… and the bridesmaids dresses as well. I won’t take no for an answer!”

This was a surprise. Actually, it’s not really, considering who I’m dealing with here, but still…. Applejack was speechless. However, words have a way of being found when they need to be found. Tears accompanies these, Applejack’s reply. “R-Rares… do you mean it?”

“With all my heart, darling, and might I add—oof!” Rarity stood firm, but was soon toppled over by the gleeful Applejack, smiling as tearfully as she was broadly.

Applejack heard Spike’s astonished words, too, “Wow, Rarity… that’s very—”

“Generous, dear?” Rarity replied in between breaths from Applejack’s assault of tight squeezes.

“I was going to say ‘appreciated’ but, yes, generous too.” Spike grinned and gingerly picked Applejack up off Rarity, setting her down.

Rarity stood back up and began dusting herself off. “Well, now that we have all that in order, I best am off. Time equals bits in the business world, after all! Ta-taa!” Rarity hummed cheerfully as she trotted back toward Carousel Boutique.

With a heavy, thankful sigh, Spike and Applejack unlocked the library door and entered its darkened atrium. This, thought Applejack, has been quite the eventful morning.

“Hey, AJ,” Spike called as he rearranged the books from the return bin.

“Hm?” Applejack replied as she dusted the shelves.

“Do you think our days will settle down once we, you know, settle down?”

Applejack spat the feather duster out of her mouth and scratched her chin thoughtfully. Evenly, she said, “Part of me thinks so.”

“And the rest of you?”

“Hm… nah!”

The day pressed on and the farm pony and her drake enjoyed having the library to themselves, at least for a little while.

Darkness pervaded and the stars issued forth under Luna’s potent will. A pair of large, sleek shadows slipped away from the lonely peak overlooking Ponyville and drifted toward the hanging Citadel and her many gardens.

There, they conversed with another shadow.

“I understand your concern, my old friend. But, please understand that your father’s power died with him. By the time he re-entered our lives, you were already an egg… and his soul was bound to her. It is unclear if the binding favours the mortal or the seemingly immortal. She sacrificed herself long before it could be proven, and it took him with her.

He may die with his new wife, or she may live as long as him. We may never know. As his mother, at least on some level, I would wish to spend as much time with him as possible until it becomes certain which way the dice has rolled.”

“We will return, loathe that we may be to leave, but the situation at home is still sensitive. They require our guidance if our dream is to be recognized.”

“Oh, I recognize it, old friend. And I will help you in any way I can. Unsung, though our heroes may be, my sister and I never forget our friends… or our oaths.”

“Be well, Empress.”

“I’m not an Empress anymore.”

“Heh, ‘Princess’ was never a fitting title for you Celestia. One would assume that a Princess—a pony Princess, no less—has no power.”

“If my power resides in my people, then ‘Princess’ is the safest title I can bare. And I bare it proudly.”

“Indeed. Farewell, Celestia. We shall meet again soon.”

“And it will not be soon enough. Fare thee well.”

The shadows took flight, then, into ever-expanding night.

Author's Note

Well, this took a long time.
Point out any errors, because I just finished writing this and it's 4:30 in the morning.

Much love to PropMaster, because he is a brilliant bugger.

Much love to Luminous Lead, since he is also a brilliant bugger