One day.

It has been an entire day.

Twelve... long... excruciating hours.

Lunas books I found to read were only one, maybe two hour long reads. Or, it felt like that at least. Most weren't that long. Maybe an average of two hundred pages or so. But then I went and checked Terradisian literature.

I found an entire trove of trashy romance books in the Core. But I had to stop when I saw there were tags with my name... along with all of my friends. Almost burned the whole thing down when I noticed that most of them were with me mixing with my male friends.

I remember now why I stayed off the internet. It's not a place to be when people have seen you naked.

I have been pacing around the house trying to find something to do! Anything at this point! I've cleaned! I organized all of the closets and pantries! I did all of the laundry and folded it away as if I was waiting for barracks inspection! I cleaned again for good measure! Shadows bedroom, cleaned. Tempestive's room, cleaned and organized. I even took some toys that I know he doesn't play with anymore and set them aside to be donated. Every window has been polished. There isn't a single speck of dust in this entire house!

I even did some yard work. The grass in the back has been trimmed. I knocked down an old tree to cut it up for wood. I even started cleaning up within the tree line before I had to force myself to stop. I don't think I'm allowed to use this much magic. But there is nothing left for me to do around the house!

I even spent some time on my phone. I never spend time on my phone! Not that there was much to do on it. Any apps that could be entertaining require other people to interact with. And since the only other person with a phone is Luna, that doesn't really work out.

I thought about going into town to just walk the stalls. But Luna told me to wait here. And, I guess she has a point. Ponyville has a way of throwing trouble my way. So I just took a nap.

Then I was on the couch again.

Went to the dinning room for a bit...

Started doing some minor work in the foyer. Mostly reorganizing the pictures there.

There was a bird at the window for a minute. It was a pretty bird. I think they're called crows? No, that's not right. Those are the black ones. This one was small and brown...

I might die tomorrow.

I thought about taking Lupus and Hati for a walk, but I can't seem to find them at the moment. I didn't think much of it at first. But now... what if they're lost? Or injured!? I should really go looking for them! Just in case something happened to them!

It's for their safety after all.

Click

I nearly throw myself off the couch when I hear the front door open. I race over to see what's going on when Lupus and Hati come running in. They jump onto me and try to lick my face while growling happily. Normally I try to stop that kind of behavior, but today I'll allow it... for them.

"Good to see you're in one piece." Luna says as she walks in. She and Tempestive each have an ice cream cone floating in their magic. I try to move over to her, but Lupus is too eager to let me pass. "I see you cleaned the house too."

"Yeah well, bleh! Lupus!" I have to push him back when he starts trying to lick my teeth. "It's been... a long day."

"We got ice cream!" Tempestive announces, showing me his chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. His favorite flavor. "And we ran into friends of yours at the market!"

"Friends of mine?" I ask as I step towards the door. I look out to see Shining Armor and Cadence standing there. They each have a smile on that tells me that this is more than a surprise visit. Clearly they're here for something from me. As to what, I have no clue.

"Hello Miles!" Cadence says as she steps forward. She pulls me in for a hug and I just pat her back. She's the most hugging person I've ever met. It was awkward at first. But I've grown somewhat accustomed to it now. "It's so good to see you! We heard you had a bit of a hard time recently and wanted to come by to check up on you!"

"Is that so?" I ask as we move apart. I give Luna a look as she just mouths an apology to me.

"Miles." Shining says as we shake hooves. From between their legs their daughter Gleaming Shield rushes inside, barely saying hello before chasing Tempestive up to his room. "Hope we're not intruding."

"... of course not." I tell him as I move to usher them inside.

I wouldn't say that we have a bad relationship. Nothing negative like that. But we definitely had a rough start. Not to mention I've actively been a pain in Cadences side because of Ruby Canyon.

Ruby Canyon. The soulless city as the locals of the Crystal Empire have grown to call it. With all of the undead within there it's a treasure trove of Terradisian technology. I've sent Spartans down there for equipment, weapons, practically anything they can get their hands on.

But apparently there multiple ways into the city. Though the main crystal column is the easiest and safest, there are those that don't want prying eyes knowing of their activities. But most that avoid the light don't make it out alive.

They've asked in the past to allow for entrance into the city. But I've always said no. I know they still send people down, but without me or any of my bots to teach them how to use the tech down there it's almost pointless to go. Almost. I wonder what's changed that they've come here to speak on it again?

Luna guides us all to the dining room so we can share a table. I eye the two of them as we take our seats. I can see the rehearsals playing in their minds right now. I wonder how they're going to go about it this time.

"So... how are you?" Cadence starts, trying not to step on any cracks. I shrug to her, thinking about the day.

"Good, I guess. It's... difficult to do nothing. I mean, I read some six books today after cleaning the entire house! I don't know how to relax." I chuckle a little at that. But I'm the only one who finds it funny apparently.

"That's rough buddy." Shining tells me, patting me on the back. I give a quizzical look to Luna before Cadence starts speaking again.

"So! Miles. And Luna! Both of you! We were wondering, and of course you can say no! Obviously there's no obligations or anything like that! We were just thinking that it would be good, I mean, it could be good if- not that we're trying to tell you what you need to do!"

"We'd never dream of that!" Shining interjects.

"Of course not! But! We were talking and we had this idea-"

"Well, it was more of a tangent from a previous conversation." Shining adds, getting Cadence to nod along.

"Yeah! It was a silly really! But-"

"Cadence." Luna says sternly, getting the two of them to lock up. "What is it you desire?"

Luna and I share a glance before staring the two of them down. This is entirely new. Normally they don't have any problems broaching the subject. It's sort of a joke really. They ask, I offer a trade for territory, we each laugh it off. But this... this is something different. They share one last look before Cadence sighs and lets it out.

"We were wondering if it would be okay for Tempestive to come visit the Crystal Empire in the future."

The question surprises me. I honestly didn't think that was going to be their question. Why would they be so worked up over something like that?

"Well... I think I speak for the both of us when I say that shouldn't be an issue. Given now that Miles's schedule has opened up I can't see that being a problem." I nod to Luna. That would also give me something to do! But when Shining and Cadence share a look, we wait for them to continue. What more could there be to this?

"This is more than just a playdate." Shining explains. "We are also inviting Rampant Growth. We... well, there's no easy way to say this. But we're hoping that either of them will eventually court Gleaming Shield."

Both mine and Lunas mouths drop from this. They want Tempestive to court their daughter!? I... I don't know how to take that. It's just nothing I ever thought about.

Tempestive isn't even interested in girls yet. Or I don't think he is. He's only six! This isn't something that he should be worrying about... right? I mean, I know ponies age up faster than humans. But his mannerisms tell me that he's still just a kid! This feels... wrong almost.

I look over to Luna and we're equally befuddled. She tries to say something, but it barely comes out as a squeak.

"I know this is sudden!" Cadence breaks the silence, waving her arms to try and disarm the situation. "And we're not trying to do any match making! Nothing of that sort!"

"Then please do explain because that's what it sounds like." Luna huffs, reaching over to hold my hoof. She's not taking this well. I guess that's still her little baby. The idea of marrying him off... I'm surprised she's still seated.

"So... well... You see." Cadence starts, but she can't seem to find the right words. Shining rubs her back and take the lead.

"There are two Alicorn males and one Alicorn female foals in the world." He starts, making Cadence drop her head to the table and cover herself with her arms. "Gleaming is half Alicorn. Let's not be coy about the subject. The likely hood that one of them ends up with Speaks Softly is high. But we'd like to try to continue the possibility of an Alicorn ruling the empire."

"And we're not saying that they have too!" Cadence adds, popping back up with a flair of her wings. "We want them to fall in love with the pony of their choosing! We're not trying to force anything! But... well, how are they going to find love if they never meet? We'd like them to be friends and have that chance. Yes, there's a larger political part to it. But... eventually it'll always be political."

"The prince of Equestria? Son of the Grand Captain? It's a powerful position." Shining tells us, closing his eyes to think on it. "Eventually people will know his status. And then what? Everypony will be after his attention and how will we know if it's for him or his position? Let's see if they find love before that happens. That's all we're asking."

Luna and I stay silent as we think about it. They're not entirely wrong. We know one day the world will open up to him. He'll eventually have to come to terms of his lineage. But playing match maker? I don't know. It feels wrong to me. I know they're saying it's just for them to have a chance. Start them off as friends and see what happens from there. But we know what's really going on. And how do we know they're not going to try and tip the scales?

But he brings up a good point. Species wise, there's not a lot of options out there for him. I've joked in the past about whose son would end up with Speaks Softly. But I've always thought of it as a joke. I never put it in a framework of them being... I don't know! Betrothed? Like Dolum and Auxy?

They were arranged to be married. And they were the happiest couple I knew! So I know it can work out. But... with my own son? I don't know how if I can do that to him. I guess if I put some thought to it I would imagine he would love who he loves. I don't know who or when that'll be. But... I can see their point of view. But my concerns as his father are telling me that I shouldn't try and push him in a certain direction. Not when it comes to matters of his heart.

But... then what are we really risking? If he loves her, then who am I to stand in the way of that? Not to mention I don't think it would be a bad choice. I'm sure she's a good kid and all... BUT THEY'RE STILL KIDS!

"While I can see where you're coming from... I have concerns." I tell them slowly. I can tell Luna is still racing through a thousand thoughts. She's still trying to wrap her mind around the prospect.

"Of course! And we'll answer any and every question you have!" Cadence assures me. I go to ask something, but then a thought occurs.

"Cadence. In your words, how do you define love?" She recoils from the question. It wasn't what she was expecting, that much is clear.

"As in... romance? Or do you mean-"

"You are the princess of love, Cadence." I cut her off, taking a firm tone. "This is your specialty. I am asking you to define love. Whatever that needs to be or whatever it can be, tell me what is love."

She looks to Shining who can only shrug back. Of all the things we could have asked them, this was not one they planned for. She thinks on it for a moment before she cracks a small smile. As if she remembered a found memory. She dwells on it for a second before she looks up to me to answer. Her confidence is at an all time high. The ball is in her court now.

"Love... it's not something that can be easily defined. It's both the passionate moments that make you take the greatest of leaps and the more daring of challenges! But it's also those dull moments that pass quickly. Making breakfast. Folding the laundry. All those mineable things that make the day pass by."

"Love isn't an emotion. It's... a feeling! Love for a person can be just as strong as love of... food! Or a nation! But it's not singular either! You can love two completely opposite things at the same time! Or love something one day, but then not the next. It ebbs and flows through all of us. Guides us through our lives and helps us become the person we're meant to be."

"But it can also hinder us. Fall too deeply in love and you might blind yourself to a situation. Both good and bad. Sometimes it's a moment and others it's life defining. Love chooses and there's nothing we can do about how or when it occurs. Heh, it could occur right after appearing in a new foreign lands. Or it could happen in math class while in high school. Love is everywhere. And if we're lucky enough, we can catch onto it and bask in the warmth of its gentle arms. Love... is truly magical."

Luna squeezes my hoof and I look to her. Whatever it was she was thinking, she's calmed now. I don't know how this will end. With any luck they're be good friends at the very least. Will they fall in love? I don't know. But I don't think it'll hurt to let him out more.

Who knows? Maybe she's not the one. But doing this might set him on a course to find whoever the one is. It's impossible to say for certain. But I think this is a sign that we're at the point where we need to start letting him see the world.

"So what are they talking about down there?" I ask Gleaming I sit on the edge of my bed. My ice cream is almost gone. But there's still enough that I don't want to risk any of it falling onto the floor. Gleaming is walking around my room inspecting everything.

"They're just trying to work out a possible betrothal between us. Nothing new there." She tells me as she opens a drawer. I go to lick my dessert when I realize what she said. I slowly turn to her as the last bit of ice cream flops onto the floor.

"What?" I mutter as she pulls out my clear ball.

"Yeah. Well, something about alicorns and lineage. I dunno. I usually space out when they start talking about that kind of stuff. I was at some farm here in Ponyville last week too. But he talked too much for my liking. I guess you're a better choice, in my opinion at least."

"... what?" I mutter again as I watch her bounce the ball around.

"So we're probably going to be hanging out a lot soon. So... got any board games?"

"... What!?"

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