Things continued to go smoothly for Princess Luna and Cielo as they travelled across Equestria. Luna took a few days in Los Pegasus to enjoy the town, there was a lot more to see from the last time she visited. On the second night before departing Luna and Cielo were invited to attend the grand opening of a fine dining establishment with the mayor of Los Pegasus. Each city was governed by a mayor who in turn, answer to Luna or Celestia should something arise.  Princess Luna was quite pleased to be invited out and though a bit nervous she gladly attended.

Cielo did not speak much during the meal since he could not really get a word in edgewise between the two mares. Though they had never met Princess Luna and the mayor of Los Pegasus, Mayor Heart, hit it off quite well. Cielo was more than pleased to sit back enjoy a fine meal and just listen to Luna and Heart talk mainly because it made Luna happy. It always lifted his spirits to see her smile and laugh no matter how much it happened it was a sight he would never tire of seeing.

After dinner, and a few drinks, Cielo took a carriage, with a tipsy Princess Luna, Back to the hotel. Cielo got quite a kick out of Luna being intoxicated, not only was she clingy but she would repeat herself quite a bit and find the simplest things amusing. After a little cuddling Luna was out for the night, Cielo soon followed.

The following day, Luna’s head was a bit fuzzy but it did not deter her from continuing on. Vanhoover was the next stop for Princess Luna and Cielo, everything went relatively smoothly. Cielo was confronted by a mare with a light green coat named Minny. She was mainly looking for closure and nothing more much to his surprise, he expected her to ask for bits or something along the lines to keep from talking about his past transgressions with her. Minny actually congratulated Cielo and Luna and was pleased to see that Cielo had matured a lot since she met him a few years prior.

That evening Luna an Cielo went to the theater to see a live show, after the show Luna stuck around to chat with a few of the performers as well as a few other ponies who stuck around hoping to get a chance to even say hello to her. Luna felt more accepted with each passing day pushing her morale higher and higher with each pony showing her their support.

Back at the hotel later that night Cielo apologized to Luna for Minny taking up some of their time, in his mind her showing up was just a reminder to Luna that he was not always the nice stallion she knew.

Luna was getting better at sensing things and caught on quick making Cielo a little worried about how she viewed him.  Luna quickly quelled his feelings of worry and doubt with a few loving kisses and a tender embrace. The more time that passed the more comfortable Luna felt showing emotion, she grew bolder with each passing moment, every little show of affection made the next easier for her to do.

The next stops were Manehatten, Fillydelphia and Baltimare. While in Manehatten Cielo took it upon himself to get Luna a little gift. While she was busy setting things up for a late evening firework show with the mayor, working out details, Cielo was able to slip away to a nice jewelry shop just a few blocks away from the town hall. Cielo was able to get his hooves on a lovely light blue sapphire ring for Princess Luna finally putting a little dent in his funds not that he minded in the least. Keeping the case hidden and tucked under his wing, he made it back before Luna really noticed he was gone having been chatting and planning. When asked, Cielo simply said he stepped out to use the washroom and Luna thought nothing more of it.

The firework show was amazing to behold, Manehatten rarely had such events so the turnout was quite large. Even ponies that did not come to see Luna showed up to see the show. Later that night after the show on the way back to the hotel via carriage Cielo offered his gift to Luna.

At first Luna was shocked thinking it was a proposal ring, Cielo quickly explained it was only a gift and though it lowered her mood what he said next picked it right back up. Cielo explained to Princess Luna that the gift was more of a promise ring, a ring to show his love and undying dedication to her.  Cielo continued on to say a proper proposal ring and wedding ring would be much more elegant and beautiful. She after all meant the world to him and felt she deserved something fitting of her love and beauty.

Getting back to the hotel Luna was a bit emotional but in a good way, she had happily donned the ring on her horn and planned to continue to wear it until Cielo presented her with a new ring when he was ready. Cielo got quite an affectionate night for his little gift for the more than pleased Princess Luna, kissing and some mild petting took place but nothing too serious.

The following morning on the way to Fillydelphia Luna and Cielo did a lot of flirting on the train ride. With the actions of last night fresh on her mind Luna was actually growing quite comfortable with Cielo being a little more forward much to his surprise. With full knowledge of what she was feeling and why Luna no longer regretted Celestia giving her that little book, being informed she felt more comfortable and safer with her choices. Luna also noted a change in Cielo’s behavior, he seemed happier than usual and much more eager to get on with the day. He also showed her more affection and was slightly a bit clingier than before.

None of this felt bad to Luna, in fact she was intrigued by this and wondered if things would change more the more she allowed things to progress and if so how much more would they change.  The time spent in Fillydelphia was among Luna’s least favorite of all the stops mainly due to a little altercation she found herself in with one of the local guards. Needless to say the issue resolved itself quickly and the guard was reprimanded for his actions in hindering the princess.

That night Luna decided to try something a little new at the hotel surprising Cielo with dinner. Luna had requested what she wished for to be brought to her, all fresh, from the market a few minutes fly away. Though Luna herself was not a very good cook her efforts and meal were well received by a more than grateful Cielo. Luna made it clear, all be it in a joking manner, this would not be a normal thing.

Baltimare welcomed Princess Luna and Cielo with full service, a carriage awaiting them at the train station and full accommodations for their stay despite Cielo’s protest. He hated having things simply given to him if the reason was because of who he was, even though the room was technically given to Luna he had been paying up until now for everything. After a little discussion Luna convinced Cielo if he felt he must pay to just donate the money to the local orphanage.

With the idea fresh in his mind Cielo ran with it adding on that Luna and him should go and pay the young ones a visit. He knew firsthand how a simple visit could really uplift one’s perspective and change their life.

Luna agreed to Cielo’s suggestion seeing as how they had only a late night interview to do for a local show on the schedule. Luna and Cielo spent the afternoon at the orphanage with the young fillies and colts. Much to her surprise Luna found Cielo did quite well with foals and it was a good thing too seeing as how she was out of practice. It did not take long for Luna to get into the swing of things though and have a wonderful and fulfilling afternoon.

The interview went smoothly later that night, ponies lined up outside the building to catch a glimpse of Princess Luna first hand after the show. Luna stayed behind and even took a few photos with some of the more “enthusiastic” ponies.

Back at the hotel Cielo did not try to push his luck with Luna given how good things were going between them not that he had too. Luna was more than eager to make the first move by cuddling up to him and planting a small kiss on his chin once the two settled in. Once more Luna allowed Cielo to go a bit further than the night prior though yet again not much happened.

The next day Luna and Cielo awoke to a clear and gorgeous sunny day a little later than expected. The two of them had slept in until almost eleven. They quickly got to the train station, with little time for grooming, and boarded the next train they could. The next stop for Luna was a place Cielo was well known, Hallow Shades. Next Chapter: A Night to Remember, A morning to Forget Estimated time remaining: 33 Minutes