Now You've Been Toldby stealthcamChaptersNow You've Been ToldHe Now KnowsThe LetterNow You've Been ToldAuthor's Note Author's note: This is the sequel to Do As I Say... - Fimfiction if you have yet to read that this story will make very little sense. Go read that first. Now You've Been Told Anon looked conflicted, “Alright, let's head in I have a feeling I’ll need to sit down for this one,” turning and stepping inside his home, waving for me to follow him in. I followed him, almost tripping over the threshold, my hooves made of lead and my heart racing. It has been a while since I have been in his house. It always feels too big with too little inside, sparsely furnished would be an understatement—simply a single chair, couch, and gramophone. He always called the chair a ‘lazy boy’, whatever that means—the burgundy walls of the small suburban townhome felt constricting under the current circumstance. He sat down, his chair rocking lightly. He motioned to the couch, “Feel free to sit down, I have a feeling we will be here awhile.” I trotted over to the couch trying to look confident. I sat down on the couch, my hooves tucked under me. I couldn’t look him in the eye, “I um…” He softly smiled, “Whatever it is I’m not going to judge you.” “I have had a crush on you for a while, would you… would you like to go on a date?” I hitched barely able to make the words escape. He stopped for a moment his mouth cartoonishly opening and closing. I cringed stepping off the couch, “I’m sorry, I’ll go.” “Stop! Just give me a moment, that’s a lot to take in.” I stopped dead still, the rush of adrenaline finally making itself known. The room spinning, I sat unable to stand. I held my breath bracing for the worst. He stood stepping towards me, placing a hand on my shoulder, “I would love to, where would you like to go?” I jumped up hugging him, inadvertently knocking him back into his chair. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Startled he exclaimed, “Jesus girly, slow down we haven’t even made it past the first date!” I jumped off of him, almost knocking over the chair, “I’m sorry I um…” Rebalancing he put his elbows on his knees, leaning forward and looking conflicted. “I take it this has been a long time coming?” “FUCKING FINALLY!”, startling us both, Chrysalis was heard from next door, her violent yell echoing through the walls. We both broke into giggles. Anon choked out, “I guess that answers that.” Sidestepping up onto the couch again I tried to compose myself. “To answer your previous questions in order, It’s been a year or so. I was afraid to ruin things…” I paused trying to find the words and chuckled awkwardly, “It’s not every day that royalty asks an alien on a date, I would love to go anywhere simple.” “How about the Hay Burger across town,” he suggested lightly. I smiled the joke already rolling off my tongue, “Taking royalty for a date and all you can muster up is a three-bit hay burger, how scandalous.” “Well… I could take you to one of those high-class places with the small portions and nobles abound.” I politely fake coughed, “No, no I think a hay burger will be more than sufficient.” “That’s what I thought, ” he stuck his tongue out at me. “Pthfft-.” He glanced at the clock a smirk gracing his face, “Why don’t we get going then they close in about an hour.” “What!?” He stood up stretching, his shirt lifting just enough to expose his impressive musculature, “Why not, it’s not like you get to come down here just anytime.” I looked away my face heating, “I just was not expecting to um,” I looked back trying to show some confidence, even if it was false, “Alright, let’s go then.” “I’ve got to grab a few things and then we can go,” he said, quickly exiting the room. I shifted uncomfortably on the couch, even if this has gone well so far I have a lot I can still screw up. Anon reentered far faster than I thought, he offered a hand up. I placed my hoof in it standing up. The short walk to the door felt like miles. He stopped at the door, and turned to me, “One thing first,” he stepped closer, gently removing my crown and necklace, and placed them on a side table near the door. “That's better.” I looked at him quizzically. He laughed, “I am dating Celly, not the crown,” he opened the door gesturing out, “Ladies? mares? I don’t know the proper vernacular here first.” I stepped out looking back and swiping my tail at him, “Right now I don’t feel much more than a filly on her first date.” “Why are you so worried about this? Regardless of what happens, we will still be friends after this, I don’t think I can give up my pen pal,” he said closing and locking the door. Ignoring his question I said, “You don’t have to do that here, you know that right?” His tone hardened, “Old habits die hard, been a long time since I left a door unlocked.” “Anyway, you know the way,” I pointed with a wing to the rest of town. He seemed to lighten up a little. “Right this way madam,” he stepped next to me, practically pulling me along. As we made our way through Ponyville he commented, “Isn't there supposed to be a sunset right about now?” I jumped startled, looking back to the sun still high in the sky, “I should probably do something about that hmm, yes?” He looked at me in mock shock, sarcasm dripping, “Noooo, I’ll just move the burning ball of hydrogen out of the sky myself.” I lit my horn not even looking back, this half of the planet got darker, “To quote you, ‘the gryphons can have a little sun as a treat.’” “Yah know, I’m glad I was at that summit. It was fun dueling that dumbass,” he said reminiscing. I frowned, “You didn’t have to cripple him though.” He poked me in the side, “Hey! I’m not the one who ran at the guy with a spear level with my chest!” “I guess he did have it coming, does not mean I have to be happy about it.” He stopped and made a big flourish to Big Frys’ a quaint home-style cafe, “We are here,” I looked over to Hay Burgs, “I’m surprised you are not taking me there,” I nodded to the other establishment. He placed a hand on his chest, pretending to be offended, “Ya know, I do have some class only the best greasy fast food on the first date. No chain stores for you, only the best homegrown heart attack on a plate for the pretty mare.” I blushed mumbling, “You think I’m pretty?” “I don’t think there is a ma-stallion on Ear- on Equis that doesn’t, I just get to say something about it now,” He stuttered. He walked to the door opening it for me, the blushing mess that I am. We entered to mild fanfare, it’s not every day that a princess eats at a mom-and-pop shop. After the commotion, was over. We ordered food and were seated, the booths too small for either of us. Anon shifted his seat slightly, the large chair moving like it weighed nothing. He smiled at me, catching me staring. Speaking up he said, “Anyway on to the more serious topics. How would the living situation work if this becomes more serious? I would hate Canterlot living, big cities never sat well with me.” I shifted in my seat not sure what to say, “I-I’ve never made it that far, I guess we will figure that out when we get there. As much as retiring from princesshood sounds like fun, I believe that is unlikely.” He sat quietly for a moment seemingly contemplating something, “What duties would I inherit? The whole prince thing does not sit well in my head.” The waiter interrupted, dropping off dinner then quickly made his leave. There was an odd smell from Anon's plate, a darker smell than a normal hay burger. “I take it from the nose scrunch, something is up?” Anon held his plate up offering it to me. I leaned over slightly getting a closer look. It was something breaded in a bun slathered in red sauce. Anon laughed, “It is chicken, with the population of non-pony residents food choices have opened up a lot around here.” I leaned back less confused, “Ah I knew I recognized the smell from somewhere, cooked meat always smells the same to me. Anyway, if we get more serious, I hope we do, your duties would probably include day court and a few other simple things. I’m sure that Shining would love to be able to stop administrating the Canterlot guard. He frowned, “Yes, my favorite things, lawyers and rebuilding things from scratch”, he laid the sarcasm on thick. I joked, “Are skills past heating things up and hitting them with a hammer beyond my little humans’ abilities?” He took a bite of food before replying, “No they are not, however dealing with nobles makes my brain cells slowly off themselves one at a time. I’ll be braindead before we pass second base.” We started eating in earnest, conversation slowing down just enjoying each other's company, we lost track of time. We were both startled when the waiter arrived back at our table, having long since taken our plates. “I’m sorry Princess, Anonymous, however, it is twenty minutes after closing and the restaurant needs to be cleaned. I’m afraid, I need you both to head out for the evening.” Both Anon and I stood, quickly speaking over each other, “I’m sorry, we will be on our way.” We stepped away from the booth and Anon quipped, “Jinx! you owe me a soda.” “At some point, you will have to explain all of the colloquialisms you use to me, you know.” “Well I’m not sure on where it came from but, it sure is fun to say,” Anon explained as we exited the restaurant. A quiet Ponyville greeting us. I snickered, “You have used so many I’ll write a book, It will be an encyclopedia of humanisms.” Anon mused out loud, “I wonder what the pony equivalent of hand-holding is? I’m sure walking on three legs is difficult.” “I’ll explain along the way,” I said pulling him close with a wing as we walked. “You see it is easy for pegasi, having an extra set of prehensile appendages makes displays of affection simple.” I tightened my grip on him lightly, “Earth ponies simply lean on each other, their shoulders pressed together.” I shifted a little of my weight onto him lightly, “Unicorns have it the hardest, most touch horns lightly as they walk tilting their heads occasionally.” I joked “I’m not sure I can make that one work with you.” “Not before third base,” Anon quipped seemingly before his brain could catch up with his mouth. I replied words falling out, “Ahh-Ah, not yet we have to make it through a few more dates, princesses don’t do one-night stands,” I clasped a hoof to my mouth almost falling. Anon stopped dead in his tracks, in a fit of giggles, “My humor seems to be rubbing off on you.” He pulled me in to continue the walk and joked, “We’re almost to my place, you can stew on your true crass nature once you get back to Canterlot.” “I am not crass! I am very dignified,” I said with mock offense. We arrived at his home, the lamp out front still dark. He worked his keys, unlocking and opening his door, “I guess this is where we part ways for tonight.” I stepped back looking over the house, “I guess it is, it’s been a very good night. I wonder how much Twilight would lose it if I made Ponyville the new capital.” “I don’t know but you better get going hot stuff, it’s almost eleven and the sun rises early these days. I’ll catch you later celly.” “Good night anon.” His door punctuated the goodbye, the only noise in Ponyville was the clop of my shoes and the occasional pop of an oil lamp. “Hey Celly! You forgot something,” Anon said from his doorway, holding my crown and accompanying necklace. I trotted over, quickly stepping forward. He placed the necklace over my head and pulled me closer. Anon held the crown and placed it on my head, pulling me down into a chaste kiss. He whispered in my ear, “Have a good night,” he stepped back and closed the door. He Now Knows“Luna! Luna! Luna! He said yes!” I pranced in place in the royal dining room, almost knocking the ceiling with my horn. Luna sat at the little round table reading the paper in the small room. That table was designed by… Nightshade. I very much have a thing for slim and lithe crafters, don’t I? Anyway, Luna was obviously very tired, presumably the night court went poorly. “Luna! Luna! Luna! He said yes!”, I repeated eventually getting her attention. She looked up from the paper slowly, “I know.” She turned the Ponyville reporter in my direction. A candid photo of Anon holding my hooves over the table the centerpiece of the paper. The header read ‘Celestia’s surprise visit to Ponyville more than meets the eye?’ That instantly put a damper on my good mood, “I uh, see, that’s...” Luna finished my sentence, “Going to complicate things.” She rested her face in her hooves mumbling, “You know this is going to, as Anon would put it ‘make things fucky’.” I chuckled “You know, if I didn’t know he hated the spotlight, I would drag him to Canterlot and pronounce my love to him in front of the day court just like I did with Nightshade.” Luna jabbed back, “And it would go just as poorly as it did then, if not worse.” I shrugged, “They only tried to assassinate him three times, It could have been worse.” Luna stood up and walked to the window facing the garden, “If I remember correctly the last one actually touched him and is now a permanent shadow on the wall down there, Where you VAPORIZED him! The sun turned red and your coat visibly smoked for three days. How do you think that would go over now, sister?” I did not get to answer, a loud knock at the door interrupted me. Raven was heard on the other side, “Princess there is an urgent matter that needs your attention.” I responded to Raven, “Miss Inkwell, I will be there momentarily.” My snarky comment returning, I readdressed Luna, “Maybe it would remind the nobles who are actually in charge around here,” I stuck my tongue out at her, “Pthpht.” She pointed to the door laying on a thick accent, “Take thy leave Firestarter, Thou hast duties to attend to.” Taking my leave, I quipped, “Your humor is as dark as your night sister.” I exited, following Raven to the throne room with nothing but a nod exchanged. Entering the grand room, at its center I spotted Blue Blood arguing with none other than Anon. A small crowd of nobles surrounded the pair, attempting to corral Anon into a corner. Blue blood screeched in his never-ending whine, “You will never be good enough for royalty, let alone the princess!” Anon looked more amused than anything, his reply calm and measured, “I’m not sure that is your decision to make.” The gathered royals startled by my sudden appearance, moved like a multicolored sea making a path. I pranced past them a skip in my step happy to see Anon, even if the circumstances were not favorable. “Anonymous, Blue Blood,” I greeted them both. Stepping to Anon's side I pulled him into a hug with my wing, “To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you again so soon.” Tactfully stepping away, I glared at Blue Blood quelling his interjection before it could start. Anon reached into his pocket revealing a yellowing parchment, the royal seal emblazoned on it, “I received this,” he held out the letter, letting me take it before continuing, “in the mail this morning and figured I should head things off before problems arose.” It read. To the address of Anonymous Pershing. I hope this letter finds you well, You have been summoned to the Royal Court for questions in relation to your personal relationship to the crown. A response in writing or person is required within forty-eight hours of receipt of this letter or you will be found in contempt of Court. Dictated by Blue Blood, the baron House of the Burning Wing. Taking a moment to take in the letter, Blue, and Anon I noticed a small detail I originally missed at Anon's hip. One of his many masterpiece blades sat, its handle wrapped. Very much, unlike the last time I saw it, that is concerning. “Ah, I see. Well, Blue Blood what questions do you have I’m sure we can answer them for you.” He attempted to compose himself. Removing the local paper from his saddle bag he questioned, “What is the nature of your relationship with Anonymous? As this,” he pointed to the paper now splayed out on the ground, “is telling of more than good friends.” “It would seem that way, Anon, would you like to tell them the news?” “I would love to,” he pulled me close lightly resting on my side, “You see Celly here and I are engaged.” A gasp ran through the crowd. I smacked him upside the head with a wing, “The truth you dolt!” “Fine, fine, we went on our first date last night.” Blue Blood suddenly stood very straight a smirk gracing his lips, “So he is prince consort, Yes? “That is correct.” “Which means he is bound to the Royal Court rules, No?” I said worried, “That is also correct, and before you continue, don’t, just, don’t.” He smiled at me, “You, can’t stop me.” He shrugged off his saddle bag pulling his rapier from it in one smooth motion, pointing it at Anon, “Sir. Anonymous Pershing, Prince Consort of Equestria. I challenge you to a duel to first blood. If you lose your standing as Prince shall be stripped from you, if I lose I shall lose my status as head of house Do you accept these terms.” Before I could step in, Anon snapped, “I do, let's get this out of the way. Now!”, he stepped forward gesturing to the crowd, “Make space I want to get this done and over with!” The crowd dispersed quickly eagerly awaiting the bloodshed. The places were set with me officiating. I stood to their side holding my breath, “Duelists are you ready?” Anon drew his sword, compared to him it was a hand and a half sword. Compared to Blue Blood it was a great sword its edge flashing in the colored light of the stained glass windows. “Yes!”, they echoed. “Begin!” It was over before it began, Blue Blood thrust his rapier wildly. In response, Anon simply stepped to the side wrapping it with one arm the flat of the blade, the only thing to touch him. He wrenched it from Blue Blood's grasp with a flick. Stepping forward he placed his sword against Blue Blood's throat, lightly drawing a line of red drops across it. Anon leaned closer still, whispering something in Blue Blood’s ear. Anon stepped back tossing the rapier to the floor, its clatter filling the throne room. Anon commanded the room, pacing and looking over the crowd he spoke to the history books not to the people, “Your Alicorns are stern and kind, I am no such thing. I am stern and fair and there are a few large differences between the two. After this incident, I recommend you choose your words and actions carefully, it seems to me that her”, he pointed to me, “Patience only goes so far.” Blue Blood looked terrified beyond just the fear of losing his house. Frozen with fear, blood ran down his petty coat staining it purple, the blue suddenly dappled with crimson. Anon stepped over to the previously dropped saddle bag and wiped the blood off his sword. He turned to Blue Blood and pointed his sword directly at him, “You heard what I had to say, your lessons have been learned return to your house as you were. You have been shamed enough.” Then sheathing his sword, he confidently made his way to me. Stepping in front of me he asked quietly. “How did I do? First speech and all that.” “You did well, I don’t think the janitors will appreciate the piss puddles on the floor very much but that is the royal's fault, not yours. Anyways, where did you learn that? You don’t seem like the one to resort to violence regularly.” He smiled slyly, ”I don’t, me and Chrysilis first bonded over swordplay when she saw me in the smithy weighting a blade. You can learn lots of fun things from those who are immortal.” He winked at me and leaned in close, whispering in my ear, “I wonder what you can teach me?” I stepped back blushing furiously. Hoping to change the subject I stuttered, “Well the cats out of the bag now, would you like to stay the night or head back to Ponyville?” He frowned, “As much as you are blushing, staying could be fun but… I have a few commissions I have to get done. I’ll have to head back home for now.” He pulled me into a hug, we held each other for a moment before he broke away with a kiss on my cheek. Holding my face, he looked me in the eyes and said, “I have to go, but I'll be sure to write you regularly, however, the forge calls for now.” He let go and started to walk away making his exit. Getting my wits about me I called after him, “Goodbye and be safe!” His sarcastic remark echoed its way back through the halls, “Only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, also, your coat is smoking.” Well then, That would explain the puddles… Author's Note I know it may seem like Anon has no flaws but they will show up later, don’t worry too much. 🙂 Also, I keep having a debate with my proofreader/editor about commas. I think it needs less, he thinks it needs more, usually, it comes out in a wash. Let me know if everything seems clear in this chapter or if it needs more or less commas. The LetterI sat in the throne room listening to Filthy Rich blather on about how a new tax on gems affects his business. He voted for it, it was part of yet another bill he failed to read. “Mr. Rich, the gem tax protects dragons living under my rule from being bared from a vital part of their diet. I will not repeal something, you, voted in favor of because it poorly affects your bottom line.” “But prin-” He was cut off by Raven, “Celestia an urgent matter has arisen that needs your attention.” I slowly stepped off my throne addressing the petitioners, “I will return to you shortly, Mr.Rich I do not believe that your case requires any further attention.” Raven waved for me to follow surprisingly frantically for somepony usually so composed, I moved off the dias quickly following her into the small sound-proofed emergency discussion room. I entered to see Luna looking far more awake and concerned than I would expect, given it’s 6 hours past her bedtime. She tossed a letter at me and said, “It’s addressed to me but I feel like you should see it.” The tear-stained and ink-smudged page read. Deer Primnsess luma I knw we don’t talke mutch and Im alittle dunk but I gotta get tis off my chest. I’m wrryied about me and Celetias relationshit if thee blu blood thing is anyting to go off of Its going to be a ship show. I don;t want to hurt anone i did enugh of that on erth. ‘Ve put on a brave fase so long it pains me to tell the truth, its funy Ithought the violenc would stop here… Did I tel you aboot the two fuks back home that broke into my hose. It did nt go well, like smashed tomates. Anywhey they tryed to hurt my Sara and Destiny I don’t want to relive that night. Anyways. Celly scared me I don’t wan her to hav to hurt somepomy because of me. I bunred my self wen I hugged her. Si that a reguler thing for her Its ~~tericy terrifffing~~ terrifying. I think I got tat rigt. I don know how tats going to work Im a litTle squishy for tht. How do i adress ths It scaes me to think to hard abuot it. I knw you are goin to share this with her “Hi” but I am to pussy to take directly to her. Anton, Primnes conort now Iguess. We were all silent, the only sound in the room the patter of my tears on the crystal floor. I couldn’t stop myself from reading the letter repeatedly, my fears given life on the page, “Luna I…” “Sister it’s not over, you will need to make this right but there is only so much you can do right now. First I recommend keeping your temper in check.” I stood stock still, did I burn Nightshade? Did he just assume it came with the territory, what have I done? “I didn’t learn a dam thing from my time on the sun did I!?” Luna spoke softly, “Mother taught you your lesson then, sometimes ponies need reminders. No? I required a sterner touch, you need reminders, the ponies may see us as perfect but we are all fallible.” I bolted, the only place I felt safe. The halls disappeared in a blur of blue and flashes of white, the guards almost blown from their hooves at my passing. The gardens flew by the fence blocking the royal cemetery twelve feet tall jumped a mere inconvenience. The vain stones and tombs of long-passed royals' gold and silver inlays glinted brightly in the high noon light. I slid to a stop my shoes screeched and threw sparks on cobblestones infrequently visited. There it was Nightshade’s stone, he told me back then, “I want something simple in a quiet place no frills or lace just like me.” I sat there for who knows how long, the sobbing didn’t stop I don’t think it will ever get easier. Is it worth it, is the suffering worth the good times, the lovely moments where nothing but the one in front of me matters? Time moves slower like this but it’s gone so fast. I lowered the sun, the dim light splaying a rainbow over the front of the stone. The only concession Nightshade was willing to make, every color of my light on the stone every evening. An inkwell and writing pad gently levitated their way into my blurry field of view, their light taps on the cobblestone stirring me from my self-imposed despair. I barely choked out a soft, “thank you” Picking up the pad, tears dripped the letter I wrote. My Dear Anon. I’m sorry, I. I. I don’t know what I can say, I can’t unburn you. I hope we can talk about this and make things work. I’m sorry I scared you, Lunas’ moon is quiet, reclusive even, the sun is not it’s passionate and boisterous. I try to contain it and relegate it its own moments to, flare, as it were. I never realised you had a lover back home and a daughter, there is so much to this and only so much can be conveyed in text. I understand if you don’t wish to continue pursuing a relationship with me. If you want to talk again before you make any decisions I would love to. I would love to put a pet name here but that’s probably tactless, but so is this does it really matter? You know who sent this ‘pthpht’ Ps, tag your it. I laughed, there is only one thing I can do now, hope. Nightshade and I would always end our letters, like that. Maybe I can start that up again? The walk back to my room was long, fixing all of the things I broke along the way in my haste, tilting paintings, righting chairs, and returning doors to their hinges. It gave me some time to think, a dangerous thing for someone like me. Maybe he will tell me, no, I probably deserve it. It has been a while since someone could. There is nothing that can be done about it now, but that does not stop the thoughts spinning, whirling even, around my brain. The crack fizz of teleportation pulled me violently out of my idle work and quickly darkening thoughts. “Sister go to bed, I will handle the rest of the cleanup you have had a long day” “Ha! A long day. I put the sun down at its usual time.” “Go to bed, it’s midnight” “Fine.” Author's Note This chapter is a little short, but I didn't want to pad it to be longer than it needed to be. The next chapter is probably going to take a while longer to get posted, IRL is happening and I am losing a lot of my time to write. As always let me know if the grammar/spelling is off anywhere it is supposed to be right.
Now You've Been ToldAuthor's Note Author's note: This is the sequel to Do As I Say... - Fimfiction if you have yet to read that this story will make very little sense. Go read that first. Now You've Been Told Anon looked conflicted, “Alright, let's head in I have a feeling I’ll need to sit down for this one,” turning and stepping inside his home, waving for me to follow him in. I followed him, almost tripping over the threshold, my hooves made of lead and my heart racing. It has been a while since I have been in his house. It always feels too big with too little inside, sparsely furnished would be an understatement—simply a single chair, couch, and gramophone. He always called the chair a ‘lazy boy’, whatever that means—the burgundy walls of the small suburban townhome felt constricting under the current circumstance. He sat down, his chair rocking lightly. He motioned to the couch, “Feel free to sit down, I have a feeling we will be here awhile.” I trotted over to the couch trying to look confident. I sat down on the couch, my hooves tucked under me. I couldn’t look him in the eye, “I um…” He softly smiled, “Whatever it is I’m not going to judge you.” “I have had a crush on you for a while, would you… would you like to go on a date?” I hitched barely able to make the words escape. He stopped for a moment his mouth cartoonishly opening and closing. I cringed stepping off the couch, “I’m sorry, I’ll go.” “Stop! Just give me a moment, that’s a lot to take in.” I stopped dead still, the rush of adrenaline finally making itself known. The room spinning, I sat unable to stand. I held my breath bracing for the worst. He stood stepping towards me, placing a hand on my shoulder, “I would love to, where would you like to go?” I jumped up hugging him, inadvertently knocking him back into his chair. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” Startled he exclaimed, “Jesus girly, slow down we haven’t even made it past the first date!” I jumped off of him, almost knocking over the chair, “I’m sorry I um…” Rebalancing he put his elbows on his knees, leaning forward and looking conflicted. “I take it this has been a long time coming?” “FUCKING FINALLY!”, startling us both, Chrysalis was heard from next door, her violent yell echoing through the walls. We both broke into giggles. Anon choked out, “I guess that answers that.” Sidestepping up onto the couch again I tried to compose myself. “To answer your previous questions in order, It’s been a year or so. I was afraid to ruin things…” I paused trying to find the words and chuckled awkwardly, “It’s not every day that royalty asks an alien on a date, I would love to go anywhere simple.” “How about the Hay Burger across town,” he suggested lightly. I smiled the joke already rolling off my tongue, “Taking royalty for a date and all you can muster up is a three-bit hay burger, how scandalous.” “Well… I could take you to one of those high-class places with the small portions and nobles abound.” I politely fake coughed, “No, no I think a hay burger will be more than sufficient.” “That’s what I thought, ” he stuck his tongue out at me. “Pthfft-.” He glanced at the clock a smirk gracing his face, “Why don’t we get going then they close in about an hour.” “What!?” He stood up stretching, his shirt lifting just enough to expose his impressive musculature, “Why not, it’s not like you get to come down here just anytime.” I looked away my face heating, “I just was not expecting to um,” I looked back trying to show some confidence, even if it was false, “Alright, let’s go then.” “I’ve got to grab a few things and then we can go,” he said, quickly exiting the room. I shifted uncomfortably on the couch, even if this has gone well so far I have a lot I can still screw up. Anon reentered far faster than I thought, he offered a hand up. I placed my hoof in it standing up. The short walk to the door felt like miles. He stopped at the door, and turned to me, “One thing first,” he stepped closer, gently removing my crown and necklace, and placed them on a side table near the door. “That's better.” I looked at him quizzically. He laughed, “I am dating Celly, not the crown,” he opened the door gesturing out, “Ladies? mares? I don’t know the proper vernacular here first.” I stepped out looking back and swiping my tail at him, “Right now I don’t feel much more than a filly on her first date.” “Why are you so worried about this? Regardless of what happens, we will still be friends after this, I don’t think I can give up my pen pal,” he said closing and locking the door. Ignoring his question I said, “You don’t have to do that here, you know that right?” His tone hardened, “Old habits die hard, been a long time since I left a door unlocked.” “Anyway, you know the way,” I pointed with a wing to the rest of town. He seemed to lighten up a little. “Right this way madam,” he stepped next to me, practically pulling me along. As we made our way through Ponyville he commented, “Isn't there supposed to be a sunset right about now?” I jumped startled, looking back to the sun still high in the sky, “I should probably do something about that hmm, yes?” He looked at me in mock shock, sarcasm dripping, “Noooo, I’ll just move the burning ball of hydrogen out of the sky myself.” I lit my horn not even looking back, this half of the planet got darker, “To quote you, ‘the gryphons can have a little sun as a treat.’” “Yah know, I’m glad I was at that summit. It was fun dueling that dumbass,” he said reminiscing. I frowned, “You didn’t have to cripple him though.” He poked me in the side, “Hey! I’m not the one who ran at the guy with a spear level with my chest!” “I guess he did have it coming, does not mean I have to be happy about it.” He stopped and made a big flourish to Big Frys’ a quaint home-style cafe, “We are here,” I looked over to Hay Burgs, “I’m surprised you are not taking me there,” I nodded to the other establishment. He placed a hand on his chest, pretending to be offended, “Ya know, I do have some class only the best greasy fast food on the first date. No chain stores for you, only the best homegrown heart attack on a plate for the pretty mare.” I blushed mumbling, “You think I’m pretty?” “I don’t think there is a ma-stallion on Ear- on Equis that doesn’t, I just get to say something about it now,” He stuttered. He walked to the door opening it for me, the blushing mess that I am. We entered to mild fanfare, it’s not every day that a princess eats at a mom-and-pop shop. After the commotion, was over. We ordered food and were seated, the booths too small for either of us. Anon shifted his seat slightly, the large chair moving like it weighed nothing. He smiled at me, catching me staring. Speaking up he said, “Anyway on to the more serious topics. How would the living situation work if this becomes more serious? I would hate Canterlot living, big cities never sat well with me.” I shifted in my seat not sure what to say, “I-I’ve never made it that far, I guess we will figure that out when we get there. As much as retiring from princesshood sounds like fun, I believe that is unlikely.” He sat quietly for a moment seemingly contemplating something, “What duties would I inherit? The whole prince thing does not sit well in my head.” The waiter interrupted, dropping off dinner then quickly made his leave. There was an odd smell from Anon's plate, a darker smell than a normal hay burger. “I take it from the nose scrunch, something is up?” Anon held his plate up offering it to me. I leaned over slightly getting a closer look. It was something breaded in a bun slathered in red sauce. Anon laughed, “It is chicken, with the population of non-pony residents food choices have opened up a lot around here.” I leaned back less confused, “Ah I knew I recognized the smell from somewhere, cooked meat always smells the same to me. Anyway, if we get more serious, I hope we do, your duties would probably include day court and a few other simple things. I’m sure that Shining would love to be able to stop administrating the Canterlot guard. He frowned, “Yes, my favorite things, lawyers and rebuilding things from scratch”, he laid the sarcasm on thick. I joked, “Are skills past heating things up and hitting them with a hammer beyond my little humans’ abilities?” He took a bite of food before replying, “No they are not, however dealing with nobles makes my brain cells slowly off themselves one at a time. I’ll be braindead before we pass second base.” We started eating in earnest, conversation slowing down just enjoying each other's company, we lost track of time. We were both startled when the waiter arrived back at our table, having long since taken our plates. “I’m sorry Princess, Anonymous, however, it is twenty minutes after closing and the restaurant needs to be cleaned. I’m afraid, I need you both to head out for the evening.” Both Anon and I stood, quickly speaking over each other, “I’m sorry, we will be on our way.” We stepped away from the booth and Anon quipped, “Jinx! you owe me a soda.” “At some point, you will have to explain all of the colloquialisms you use to me, you know.” “Well I’m not sure on where it came from but, it sure is fun to say,” Anon explained as we exited the restaurant. A quiet Ponyville greeting us. I snickered, “You have used so many I’ll write a book, It will be an encyclopedia of humanisms.” Anon mused out loud, “I wonder what the pony equivalent of hand-holding is? I’m sure walking on three legs is difficult.” “I’ll explain along the way,” I said pulling him close with a wing as we walked. “You see it is easy for pegasi, having an extra set of prehensile appendages makes displays of affection simple.” I tightened my grip on him lightly, “Earth ponies simply lean on each other, their shoulders pressed together.” I shifted a little of my weight onto him lightly, “Unicorns have it the hardest, most touch horns lightly as they walk tilting their heads occasionally.” I joked “I’m not sure I can make that one work with you.” “Not before third base,” Anon quipped seemingly before his brain could catch up with his mouth. I replied words falling out, “Ahh-Ah, not yet we have to make it through a few more dates, princesses don’t do one-night stands,” I clasped a hoof to my mouth almost falling. Anon stopped dead in his tracks, in a fit of giggles, “My humor seems to be rubbing off on you.” He pulled me in to continue the walk and joked, “We’re almost to my place, you can stew on your true crass nature once you get back to Canterlot.” “I am not crass! I am very dignified,” I said with mock offense. We arrived at his home, the lamp out front still dark. He worked his keys, unlocking and opening his door, “I guess this is where we part ways for tonight.” I stepped back looking over the house, “I guess it is, it’s been a very good night. I wonder how much Twilight would lose it if I made Ponyville the new capital.” “I don’t know but you better get going hot stuff, it’s almost eleven and the sun rises early these days. I’ll catch you later celly.” “Good night anon.” His door punctuated the goodbye, the only noise in Ponyville was the clop of my shoes and the occasional pop of an oil lamp. “Hey Celly! You forgot something,” Anon said from his doorway, holding my crown and accompanying necklace. I trotted over, quickly stepping forward. He placed the necklace over my head and pulled me closer. Anon held the crown and placed it on my head, pulling me down into a chaste kiss. He whispered in my ear, “Have a good night,” he stepped back and closed the door.
He Now Knows“Luna! Luna! Luna! He said yes!” I pranced in place in the royal dining room, almost knocking the ceiling with my horn. Luna sat at the little round table reading the paper in the small room. That table was designed by… Nightshade. I very much have a thing for slim and lithe crafters, don’t I? Anyway, Luna was obviously very tired, presumably the night court went poorly. “Luna! Luna! Luna! He said yes!”, I repeated eventually getting her attention. She looked up from the paper slowly, “I know.” She turned the Ponyville reporter in my direction. A candid photo of Anon holding my hooves over the table the centerpiece of the paper. The header read ‘Celestia’s surprise visit to Ponyville more than meets the eye?’ That instantly put a damper on my good mood, “I uh, see, that’s...” Luna finished my sentence, “Going to complicate things.” She rested her face in her hooves mumbling, “You know this is going to, as Anon would put it ‘make things fucky’.” I chuckled “You know, if I didn’t know he hated the spotlight, I would drag him to Canterlot and pronounce my love to him in front of the day court just like I did with Nightshade.” Luna jabbed back, “And it would go just as poorly as it did then, if not worse.” I shrugged, “They only tried to assassinate him three times, It could have been worse.” Luna stood up and walked to the window facing the garden, “If I remember correctly the last one actually touched him and is now a permanent shadow on the wall down there, Where you VAPORIZED him! The sun turned red and your coat visibly smoked for three days. How do you think that would go over now, sister?” I did not get to answer, a loud knock at the door interrupted me. Raven was heard on the other side, “Princess there is an urgent matter that needs your attention.” I responded to Raven, “Miss Inkwell, I will be there momentarily.” My snarky comment returning, I readdressed Luna, “Maybe it would remind the nobles who are actually in charge around here,” I stuck my tongue out at her, “Pthpht.” She pointed to the door laying on a thick accent, “Take thy leave Firestarter, Thou hast duties to attend to.” Taking my leave, I quipped, “Your humor is as dark as your night sister.” I exited, following Raven to the throne room with nothing but a nod exchanged. Entering the grand room, at its center I spotted Blue Blood arguing with none other than Anon. A small crowd of nobles surrounded the pair, attempting to corral Anon into a corner. Blue blood screeched in his never-ending whine, “You will never be good enough for royalty, let alone the princess!” Anon looked more amused than anything, his reply calm and measured, “I’m not sure that is your decision to make.” The gathered royals startled by my sudden appearance, moved like a multicolored sea making a path. I pranced past them a skip in my step happy to see Anon, even if the circumstances were not favorable. “Anonymous, Blue Blood,” I greeted them both. Stepping to Anon's side I pulled him into a hug with my wing, “To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you again so soon.” Tactfully stepping away, I glared at Blue Blood quelling his interjection before it could start. Anon reached into his pocket revealing a yellowing parchment, the royal seal emblazoned on it, “I received this,” he held out the letter, letting me take it before continuing, “in the mail this morning and figured I should head things off before problems arose.” It read. To the address of Anonymous Pershing. I hope this letter finds you well, You have been summoned to the Royal Court for questions in relation to your personal relationship to the crown. A response in writing or person is required within forty-eight hours of receipt of this letter or you will be found in contempt of Court. Dictated by Blue Blood, the baron House of the Burning Wing. Taking a moment to take in the letter, Blue, and Anon I noticed a small detail I originally missed at Anon's hip. One of his many masterpiece blades sat, its handle wrapped. Very much, unlike the last time I saw it, that is concerning. “Ah, I see. Well, Blue Blood what questions do you have I’m sure we can answer them for you.” He attempted to compose himself. Removing the local paper from his saddle bag he questioned, “What is the nature of your relationship with Anonymous? As this,” he pointed to the paper now splayed out on the ground, “is telling of more than good friends.” “It would seem that way, Anon, would you like to tell them the news?” “I would love to,” he pulled me close lightly resting on my side, “You see Celly here and I are engaged.” A gasp ran through the crowd. I smacked him upside the head with a wing, “The truth you dolt!” “Fine, fine, we went on our first date last night.” Blue Blood suddenly stood very straight a smirk gracing his lips, “So he is prince consort, Yes? “That is correct.” “Which means he is bound to the Royal Court rules, No?” I said worried, “That is also correct, and before you continue, don’t, just, don’t.” He smiled at me, “You, can’t stop me.” He shrugged off his saddle bag pulling his rapier from it in one smooth motion, pointing it at Anon, “Sir. Anonymous Pershing, Prince Consort of Equestria. I challenge you to a duel to first blood. If you lose your standing as Prince shall be stripped from you, if I lose I shall lose my status as head of house Do you accept these terms.” Before I could step in, Anon snapped, “I do, let's get this out of the way. Now!”, he stepped forward gesturing to the crowd, “Make space I want to get this done and over with!” The crowd dispersed quickly eagerly awaiting the bloodshed. The places were set with me officiating. I stood to their side holding my breath, “Duelists are you ready?” Anon drew his sword, compared to him it was a hand and a half sword. Compared to Blue Blood it was a great sword its edge flashing in the colored light of the stained glass windows. “Yes!”, they echoed. “Begin!” It was over before it began, Blue Blood thrust his rapier wildly. In response, Anon simply stepped to the side wrapping it with one arm the flat of the blade, the only thing to touch him. He wrenched it from Blue Blood's grasp with a flick. Stepping forward he placed his sword against Blue Blood's throat, lightly drawing a line of red drops across it. Anon leaned closer still, whispering something in Blue Blood’s ear. Anon stepped back tossing the rapier to the floor, its clatter filling the throne room. Anon commanded the room, pacing and looking over the crowd he spoke to the history books not to the people, “Your Alicorns are stern and kind, I am no such thing. I am stern and fair and there are a few large differences between the two. After this incident, I recommend you choose your words and actions carefully, it seems to me that her”, he pointed to me, “Patience only goes so far.” Blue Blood looked terrified beyond just the fear of losing his house. Frozen with fear, blood ran down his petty coat staining it purple, the blue suddenly dappled with crimson. Anon stepped over to the previously dropped saddle bag and wiped the blood off his sword. He turned to Blue Blood and pointed his sword directly at him, “You heard what I had to say, your lessons have been learned return to your house as you were. You have been shamed enough.” Then sheathing his sword, he confidently made his way to me. Stepping in front of me he asked quietly. “How did I do? First speech and all that.” “You did well, I don’t think the janitors will appreciate the piss puddles on the floor very much but that is the royal's fault, not yours. Anyways, where did you learn that? You don’t seem like the one to resort to violence regularly.” He smiled slyly, ”I don’t, me and Chrysilis first bonded over swordplay when she saw me in the smithy weighting a blade. You can learn lots of fun things from those who are immortal.” He winked at me and leaned in close, whispering in my ear, “I wonder what you can teach me?” I stepped back blushing furiously. Hoping to change the subject I stuttered, “Well the cats out of the bag now, would you like to stay the night or head back to Ponyville?” He frowned, “As much as you are blushing, staying could be fun but… I have a few commissions I have to get done. I’ll have to head back home for now.” He pulled me into a hug, we held each other for a moment before he broke away with a kiss on my cheek. Holding my face, he looked me in the eyes and said, “I have to go, but I'll be sure to write you regularly, however, the forge calls for now.” He let go and started to walk away making his exit. Getting my wits about me I called after him, “Goodbye and be safe!” His sarcastic remark echoed its way back through the halls, “Only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, also, your coat is smoking.” Well then, That would explain the puddles… Author's Note I know it may seem like Anon has no flaws but they will show up later, don’t worry too much. 🙂 Also, I keep having a debate with my proofreader/editor about commas. I think it needs less, he thinks it needs more, usually, it comes out in a wash. Let me know if everything seems clear in this chapter or if it needs more or less commas.
The LetterI sat in the throne room listening to Filthy Rich blather on about how a new tax on gems affects his business. He voted for it, it was part of yet another bill he failed to read. “Mr. Rich, the gem tax protects dragons living under my rule from being bared from a vital part of their diet. I will not repeal something, you, voted in favor of because it poorly affects your bottom line.” “But prin-” He was cut off by Raven, “Celestia an urgent matter has arisen that needs your attention.” I slowly stepped off my throne addressing the petitioners, “I will return to you shortly, Mr.Rich I do not believe that your case requires any further attention.” Raven waved for me to follow surprisingly frantically for somepony usually so composed, I moved off the dias quickly following her into the small sound-proofed emergency discussion room. I entered to see Luna looking far more awake and concerned than I would expect, given it’s 6 hours past her bedtime. She tossed a letter at me and said, “It’s addressed to me but I feel like you should see it.” The tear-stained and ink-smudged page read. Deer Primnsess luma I knw we don’t talke mutch and Im alittle dunk but I gotta get tis off my chest. I’m wrryied about me and Celetias relationshit if thee blu blood thing is anyting to go off of Its going to be a ship show. I don;t want to hurt anone i did enugh of that on erth. ‘Ve put on a brave fase so long it pains me to tell the truth, its funy Ithought the violenc would stop here… Did I tel you aboot the two fuks back home that broke into my hose. It did nt go well, like smashed tomates. Anywhey they tryed to hurt my Sara and Destiny I don’t want to relive that night. Anyways. Celly scared me I don’t wan her to hav to hurt somepomy because of me. I bunred my self wen I hugged her. Si that a reguler thing for her Its ~~tericy terrifffing~~ terrifying. I think I got tat rigt. I don know how tats going to work Im a litTle squishy for tht. How do i adress ths It scaes me to think to hard abuot it. I knw you are goin to share this with her “Hi” but I am to pussy to take directly to her. Anton, Primnes conort now Iguess. We were all silent, the only sound in the room the patter of my tears on the crystal floor. I couldn’t stop myself from reading the letter repeatedly, my fears given life on the page, “Luna I…” “Sister it’s not over, you will need to make this right but there is only so much you can do right now. First I recommend keeping your temper in check.” I stood stock still, did I burn Nightshade? Did he just assume it came with the territory, what have I done? “I didn’t learn a dam thing from my time on the sun did I!?” Luna spoke softly, “Mother taught you your lesson then, sometimes ponies need reminders. No? I required a sterner touch, you need reminders, the ponies may see us as perfect but we are all fallible.” I bolted, the only place I felt safe. The halls disappeared in a blur of blue and flashes of white, the guards almost blown from their hooves at my passing. The gardens flew by the fence blocking the royal cemetery twelve feet tall jumped a mere inconvenience. The vain stones and tombs of long-passed royals' gold and silver inlays glinted brightly in the high noon light. I slid to a stop my shoes screeched and threw sparks on cobblestones infrequently visited. There it was Nightshade’s stone, he told me back then, “I want something simple in a quiet place no frills or lace just like me.” I sat there for who knows how long, the sobbing didn’t stop I don’t think it will ever get easier. Is it worth it, is the suffering worth the good times, the lovely moments where nothing but the one in front of me matters? Time moves slower like this but it’s gone so fast. I lowered the sun, the dim light splaying a rainbow over the front of the stone. The only concession Nightshade was willing to make, every color of my light on the stone every evening. An inkwell and writing pad gently levitated their way into my blurry field of view, their light taps on the cobblestone stirring me from my self-imposed despair. I barely choked out a soft, “thank you” Picking up the pad, tears dripped the letter I wrote. My Dear Anon. I’m sorry, I. I. I don’t know what I can say, I can’t unburn you. I hope we can talk about this and make things work. I’m sorry I scared you, Lunas’ moon is quiet, reclusive even, the sun is not it’s passionate and boisterous. I try to contain it and relegate it its own moments to, flare, as it were. I never realised you had a lover back home and a daughter, there is so much to this and only so much can be conveyed in text. I understand if you don’t wish to continue pursuing a relationship with me. If you want to talk again before you make any decisions I would love to. I would love to put a pet name here but that’s probably tactless, but so is this does it really matter? You know who sent this ‘pthpht’ Ps, tag your it. I laughed, there is only one thing I can do now, hope. Nightshade and I would always end our letters, like that. Maybe I can start that up again? The walk back to my room was long, fixing all of the things I broke along the way in my haste, tilting paintings, righting chairs, and returning doors to their hinges. It gave me some time to think, a dangerous thing for someone like me. Maybe he will tell me, no, I probably deserve it. It has been a while since someone could. There is nothing that can be done about it now, but that does not stop the thoughts spinning, whirling even, around my brain. The crack fizz of teleportation pulled me violently out of my idle work and quickly darkening thoughts. “Sister go to bed, I will handle the rest of the cleanup you have had a long day” “Ha! A long day. I put the sun down at its usual time.” “Go to bed, it’s midnight” “Fine.” Author's Note This chapter is a little short, but I didn't want to pad it to be longer than it needed to be. The next chapter is probably going to take a while longer to get posted, IRL is happening and I am losing a lot of my time to write. As always let me know if the grammar/spelling is off anywhere it is supposed to be right.
