Spike paced along the hallway, waiting for the large set of double-doors before him to open up, eager to move the day along and get to the evening. Pausing, he leaned back, going lower and lower until he heard a pleasant pop come from his spine. He stood for another brief moment, then resumed slowly walking around the hall.

“I should have brought a book,” he said, hindsight mocking him yet again. “Especially since I was in the damn study for Twilight in the first place.”

Finally, mercifully, the doors before him opened, and dignitaries spilled out into the halls, with six in particular catching his eyes. He gave a small wave towards his friends, catching their attention as the crowd passed by like a river.

“Ya didn’t have ta wait fer us ya know,” Applejack said, being the first to approach him, “there’s a lot of other things ya could’ve done.”

“Well, yeah, but I wanted to wait for you guys,” he answered, glancing towards Dash. “Did you get my stuff?” he asked the short woman.

Rainbow huffed, looking away in defeat as she pulled something out of a small pouch to her side. “Here…” she grumbled, not bothering to look at him. “We even now?”

He unrolled a bag and looked inside, nodding at its contents and scent. “We’re even,” he agreed. But not you and Fluttershy, he added in thought, smirking to himself.

“Awesome.” She nodded, completely unaware of what possibly could happen to her at the hands of the group’s quiet one, “I’m glad I won’t have to wear that burqa again.”

“Well there’s still the walk back to the train,” Twilight chimed in, stepping to Rainbow’s side, “and what was it that you had to leave to get Spike anyway?”

“He wanted some Lav-”

“Stuff,” Spike quickly interrupted. “Just some, you know, uh, stuff.”

“Really?” Twilight asked, cocking her brow as her gaze went from Spike to Rainbow, “what kind of stuff exactly?”

Spike gave a silently pleading look to Applejack, asking for a distraction.

“Who’s hungry?” Applejack said without missing a beat, giving Spike a small wink, “I take it’s been hours since any of us got somethin’ in our bellies.”

“I’m starving,” Pinkie agreed with a blurred shake of her head. “I got that rumble in my tummy!”

“Yeah, I agree!” Spike quickly said, giving an appreciative smile to the farmer. “Should we have something relating to the culture here, Twilight? Or just a more traditional meal?”

“Well we haven’t really experienced the cuisine,” Twilight said, placing her hand on her chin, the distraction working perfectly, “let’s get something local.”

“Heck yeah!” the boy agreed.

“Wow, that seemed a little over enthusiastic, even for you,” Twilight said, scratching the back of her head, “something you know about the dining here that we don’t?”

“I’m just looking forward to a drink with my meal,” he replied. “I can’t do that at home, for sure.”

“I followed the directions to a ‘T’ Spike,” Twilight scoffed, pointing an accusing finger at him, “you can’t constantly bring that one time up.”

“No. I’m not talking about the time you forgot you have to actually heat wine to let the alcohol drain out. I’m talking about the fact I’m, you know…” he shrugged sheepishly. “Still not old enough for it in Equestria.”

“Oh…” Twilight said shrinking into herself slightly, “right, that… sorry.”

“At least it wasn’t as bad as the spaghetti incident.”

Twilight froze, her eyes turning into pinpricks as she cast them to the smug little grin on Spike’s face. “Did you have to bring that up?”

“You’re the one that tried to make me eat it,” he said, gagging.

“It was the only way to stop it!” Twilight said throwing her hands in the air. “That thing was probably worse than the black vines a few years back!” The rest of the girls looked to Twilight with confusion before Twilight quickly shifted her eyes to each of them, knowing that she shouldn’t have said anything.

“Well, there goes my appetite,” Spike remarked.

“Let’s just get some grub…” Applejack said stepping off as he sank her hat lower onto her head, “I bet the casbah has some stuff there.”

“Yep! And singing and dancing and good food and dancing—wait, I said that one already,” Pinkie muttered to herself. “Oh! And steaks!”

“Aw yeah!” Rainbow cheered, throwing a fist in the air, “I haven’t had any decent meat since we had steak yesterday!”

“No decent meat?” Spike raised a brow. “You know, I could go there, but I think I’ll give you a break,” Spike said, mostly to himself, letting the double entendre slide by.

“Well what are we waiting fer?” Applejack asked, throwing her arms around the group as best she could, “let’s eat!”

With that Spike and the girls made their way to the casbah, which was surprisingly sparse in terms of patrons for the hour of day. They didn’t pay much mind to the fact though, as their stomachs were the driving force behind their actions now. Taking seats at one of the larger tables they all took a gander at the singular piece of paper that happened to be the menu.

“All looks good ta me,” Applejack nodded, rubbing her chin as she looked the menu up and down, “but they could use more apples.”

“It’s good for you to not always have apples on the mind, darling,” Rarity pointed out, stroking her chin in thought as she read over the selection. “I can state easily that being totally married to your job is not fulfilling in the slightest.” She gave a decisive ah-ha as she tapped a finger to one of the selections. “I believe you’re going to treat me to a tas kebab.”

“Sure, however you pronounce that,” Applejack said handing the menu to Pinkie, “I’ll just go with the twenty ounce steak and some fries, rare preferably.”

“You like all kinds of things Rare, Jackie!” Pinkie chirped with a giggle. Without even looking at the menu, she threw her hands up to the air. “Steak! Then pudding!” she exclaimed, passing the menu to Spike.

“Hmm…” he looked over to Fluttershy. “Can you give me another, uh, rookie drink idea?”

“Well,” Fluttershy said tapping her chin, “I’d probably suggest a sangria.”

“You’re the boss,” he agreed, passing the menu to her.

“I think I’ll just stick to a salad,” she said tapping her finger near the top of the menu, “I’m not really that hungry right now.”

“Oh, darling, it’s a vacation. You should live a little!” Rarity kindly chided, her eyes sparkling in amusement as she looked across the table. “Besides, when else are you going to have a chance for authentic Arabian cuisine?”“Oh, I guess you’re right…” Fluttershy said looking back down to the menu, “I could also try thegrilled halloumi.”

“And that goes to you too, Jacqueline,” Rarity said, raising a brow. “Why, that’s very well the meal I cooked you before we left home, is it not? Alongside it being a meal you just ate yesterday! Why not join me with the tas kebab, dear? It’s lamb, you like lamb.”

“But, my steak…” Applejack pouted.

Rarity batted her eyes at the farmer. “Come now, Jack, why not take a chance with me? I can fix you a steak any day of the week.” She paused. “Unless, of course, you think their steak would be better than mine.” Rarity gave flat look Applejack’s way, as if playing out the conversation already in her head. “I don’t have quite the hand for cooking as I do design and fashion, darling, but I happen to think I can contend with your family. Perhaps even come close to your dear grandmother on a few of my more daring entrees.”

“Fine…” Applejack huffed, folding her arms across her chest, “but only ‘cause I like ya…”

Rarity smiled kindly. “Well, I’d hope so. Because I happen to appreciate your company too, and having a one-sided relationship in this would be quite disappointing.”

“Tell me about it,” Spike said to himself, rolling a glass of water in the palm of his hands. He looked over to Dash and Twilight. “You guys ordering or what?”

“I would if someone gave me the menu,” Rainbow said eyeing Fluttershy, “but she seems a bit distracted.”

“Oh, sorry Rainbow,” Fluttershy squeaked out, handing the menu to her, “I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”

“It’s alright,” she shrugged taking the menu and giving it a skim. “I guess I’ll have the the falafel, that looks good enough.” Rainbow then handed the menu to Twilight, “You’re up, egghead.”

Twilight sent a glare over to Rainbow, which was met with a quick laugh before she turned her attention to the menu itself. “Well let’s see…” she said snapping her fingers to make a pair of glasses appear on her head. “I’ve heard plenty of good things about shawarma,” she said examining the menu further, “maybe I’ll have that with a side of chips and hummus for everyone.”

“Yay!” Pinkie all but shouted. “It’s gonna be scrum-diddly-umptious!”

“We still haven’t ordered yet Pinkie,” Rainbow said, rolling her eyes as a smile crept to her face, “we need to eat it to decide for sure.”

“Dashie, Dashie, Dashie,” Pinkie said, her tone one a bemused father might have with a child. She shook her finger. “Don’t ya know about food? Part presentation, part scent, part total excitement for what you’re about to eat!” she exclaimed again, pointing at Dash. “Gotta have that hype, yo!”

A collective sigh rang out as everyone, minus Pinkie of course, found their hands resting squarely on their faces. “Really Pinkie?” Twilight said pinching the bridge of her nose, “again?”

“At least I’m consistent.” She nodded sagely.

“She does have that goin’ fer her…” Applejack admitted, flagging down a waiter, “but anyway, ya’ll come ta yer decisions?”

A collective nod came to the group as the waiter came around. They ran through their orders and he was off almost instantly.

“Well that was in like twenty seconds flat,” Rainbow said looking to her watch, “that’s some top notch service right there.”

“He must like his job,” Spike answered. “I mean, just about everyone who comes here to eat must be happy, if you think about it.” And the dancers around don’t hurt either, I bet, he added in thought.

“Well he did say the food would be ready in about twenty minutes,” Twilight said pushing a small button on the side of her watch, “let’s see if he’s right.”

“Guess I’ll kill some time while I’m waiting,” Spike announced, standing.

“Don’t be too long Spike,” Twilight nodded, giving him a small wave, “I’d hate for your food to get cold.”

“Yeah, I’ll be back in a sec, don’t worry.”

“Enjoy the dancers, darling,” Rarity said as she took a drink from her glass, her tone not taunting or teasing in any way, but as if it him viewing them was as much of a routine as getting the paper from outside was.

“How’d you—”

She chuckled. “Because they’re fascinating, of course. Very rhythmic and sensual. It’s an artform, really. What boy your age wouldn’t be interested in seeing them?”

“Just don’t be too long, alright Spike?” Applejack nodded, “Only takes about four minutes anyway, given my experiences that is.”

“I’d at least say five, when I’m leading,” Rarity coyly smiled. resting her head on a palm. “At least give yourself some credit, darling.”

“You two do realize we’re about to eat,” Rainbow pointed out, tapping away at her empty plate, “right?”

Rarity caught herself and coughed into her hand. “My apologies. Forgive me for being so uncouth.”

“You’re good,” Rainbow shrugged, “not really something I like to think about when eating you know?”

“I can understand. My Jacqueline's form could make any woman envious when presented in its bare glory,” Rarity remarked coquettishly, her grin devious as she looked over to Dash. “Would indeed upset a stomach with jealousy.”

“Yeah… sure,” Rainbow gagged, “can we please talk about something else?”

“Oh! Oh!” Pinkie raised her hand, leaning over the table. “Pick me! Pretty please pick me! We can talk about,” she paused, her face trying to look ominous. “The tackle box incident! Duh duh duhhhhh!” Pinke played a few chords on an invisible keyboard. “You remember that one, right, Dashie?” Her smile widened. “Oh! And you were there too, Spike! You were the one—”

“That’s my cue to go,” the boy said, almost running off to avoid hearing the story again.

“But Spike, don’t you remember the part about the tassels?!” Pinkie called after him, cupping a hand to her mouth.

Before Pinkie could continue Spike was out of the casbah, thanking the sisters in Canterlot that it didn’t get any worse than it could have been. Taking a deep sigh of relief he placed a hand on the adjacent wall, happy that luck seemed to be completely on his side for once. He smiled, putting his hands in his pockets and nodding.

It had been a long time since he had felt this happy. Happy for himself, happy for his friends, happy at where he was in life. And it was all thanks to Amira. He kept reminding himself not to push it too fast, but it was hard not to with her. Earlier, when she was teasing him, a part—a dark part he refused to think about most days—wanted more than anything to tear off her towel, pin her down and fuck her right there on the floor. He wanted her. He wanted a lot of things, but with her, that temptation was overwhelming. Painful, even.

She was a prize greater than the sultan’s entire treasure room, and as such, his want for her was nearly beyond him. But if there was one thing his upbringing spoke of, it was how he was able to restrain his greed. Fight back the urges, the needs in his mind, heart, and, thanks to the last few years, his loins.

If Amira’s right, it’s more than your upbringing keeping that at bay, he thought, the kind, lecturing tone in his mind belonging to Twilight. Your parents were like a tree, and you’re its fruit.

He swallowed, nodding at the thought. It was a good thing he was surrounded by such smart women. It was the only damn way he’d acknowledge simple truths, sometimes.

Spike wandered, coming to a balcony overlooking much of the town. He stared down at it, feeling mixed emotions. While the palace was a thing of beauty, the streets in a sense disgusted him. The traditions, the crowds, the way many of them acted. It was an abomination in some ways. His friends deserved respect, more than he did, that was for damn sure, yet…

Shaking his head, the boy cleared his thoughts, instead appreciating the beauty of the sun making its way down out of sight. The lowertown buildings swallowed its celestial body, save for a few beams bleeding through the cracks and alleys that criss-crossed the town, leaving everything a beautiful yellow-rose hue that put a gentle, warm smile on his face.

“I see that you enjoy watching the sunset as well,” Amira said from behind him, “it truly is a sight to behold in the palace.”

He turned his head towards her, then glanced once more to the view. “It’s beautiful,” Spike said in agreement. “It’s pretty in Equestria, but here…”

“Here it seems to have more meaning.” Amira nodded, looking to the horizon.

He let her words sink in after a moment, before nodding himself. “It’s a harsher world here. At least away from the palace and outside the walls. A sunset means you made it through another day, I guess.”

“And here I thought I would have to explain.” Amira laughed, patting Spike on the head. “Perhaps my father and I are rubbing off on you.”

“We can hope so,” Spike agreed, once more hesitating, before putting his hand at her hip. “There are worse people to become.”

“Very true Spike, very true,” Amira agreed, watching the last rays of light retreat behind the walls as the orange skies slowly turned violet.

“How was your day?” he asked, thinking of another subject as she pondered the first.

“As one would expect if you’re as high standing as me.” She shrugged, adding a playful laugh. “Several suitors came to my chambers, but they quickly retreated when I mentioned father, I had to exchange gifts with several other highborns, I met my father in the study, where we spoke for hours about a whole manner of things.” She paused, looking Spike square in the eye as she moved the hand on his head to the beginning of his jawline. “Then I came here to watch the sunset, only to find that you had come to do the same.”

“Do you have suitors often?” he asked, not intimidated by the thought, but intrested none the less.

“If by often, you mean at least two or three a day then yes.” Amira laughed. “You’d think that word of who raised me since I was a child would pass faster, but it seems that is not the case.”

Spike shuffled a bit, leaning into the hand on his jaw. “Should I tell your father that I… might want to suit you too?”

“If you wish to. It’s not a woman’s place to inform their parents of potential husbands.”

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s the right thing to do.” His stomach flopped a bit at the word husband, but he ignored it. “Why do they keep sending suitors for you, anyway?”

“As I said before, Spike,” she began, “my family is one of highborn blood, in fact, it was one of the most powerful houses in Saddle Arabia for it’s close ties with the king.” Amira walked past Spike, resting her forearms on the balcony before letting out a sigh. “Some men would do terrible things to have that kind of power.”

“I’m sorry,” Spike said, moving to join her. “It must be hard dealing with it.”

“It is something that all highborn women must deal with. But there is a sense of urgency in my case.”

“Urgency?” Spike repeated, a crease in his brow appearing as he tried to understand.

“Most women my age, highborn or not, are already married with at least three children,” Amira explained, “I have yet to commit myself to someone in body and soul.”

“That stuff takes time, though,” Spike argued. “What’s wrong with waiting until you’re sure?”

“Perhaps where you are from Spike.” Amira wryly smiled, watching as the last rays of the sun fell over the distant dunes. “Here it is usually the duty of the father to find a worthy husband, or a worthy man to find the father, and after an agreement is reached the woman is given to the man for the rest of their lives.” She paused to look to Spike. “My father has scared off nearly all suitors, and those who are unafraid he still asks if I am willing to give myself to them.”

“But…” Spike looked down at his hands, unsure how to continue. “It’s not fair,” he lamely finished.

Amira smiled before placing a hand on his back, trying to sooth his worry away. “Fairness clashes with traditions Spike, and here you know all too well which of those takes precedence.”

“I understand.” Though he didn’t, really. But he pushed the troubling thoughts aside. He wanted to smile. For her. “We should...not worry about it for a little bit.” Spike clutched her palm. “I like hearing you laugh.”

Amira’s eyes traveled down to the hand held by Spike before smiling to herself. “I believe that I have an idea…” She grinned, warping her hand around his. “But you must trust me.”

“I do. Completely,” Spike agreed.

“Then follow me,” Amira said, dragging Spike along with her.

The two darted through empty halls, avoiding guards every time one would make themselves known. Her actions took Spike a little by surprise, he wouldn’t expect her to be this way in the palace at least. He also didn’t think she would be so quick, it took nearly all of his energy to keep pace with her. Finally after close to fifteen minutes of running, dipping into rooms and cutting corners the two of them found themselves in a vacant room, the only thing inside it being what looked like a vault door.

“Here we are,” Amira said proudly, finally letting go of Spike and allowing him to catch a breath, “what do you think?”

He sank to his knees, taking in a few desperate breaths, before rising and brushing his hair back. “I think I need longer legs.”

“Short as they are we’ll still be needing them soon.” Amira laughed, walking over to the door and placing her hands on the massive spindle. “I require your assistance.”

He moved over, grasping another one of the arms of the spindle and nodding toward her.

“Pull!” Amira ordered, putting all her weight into a powerful thrust.

He groaned, pulling with all of his might and sinking down to his knees as he added his weight to it.

The spindle barely budged for a moment, but with another combined thrust, the loud echo of steel that hadn’t moved in ages filled the room, accompanied by the sound of air hissing into the room. Moments later, the giant door opened, revealing a dark pathway.

Again smiling to herself, Amira took a step inside, reaching into a dusty old barrel and pulling out a torch. “Would you do the honor?” she asked, presenting the torch’s burning end to Spike.

“With pleasure.” He took in a breath and put his index and thumb in front of his mouth, then gently blew in between his fingers. A small, green flame ebbed out of his mouth, coating the rags at the top of the torch, which promptly sprang to a fine, brightly lit green fire.

“Thank you.” Amira nodded, turning to face the darkness. “Let us press on.”

Before Spike could say anything Amira stepped into the darkness, a greenish hue dimly lighting the way forward. He hesitantly followed behind her, his eyes trying to take every last detail of their surroundings.

“Where are we going?” he asked, trailing her like a loyal dog.

“These tunnels were built long before the longest night,” she explained, looking back to him. “They were a means of escape for the royal family in case of an insurrection or coup.” She stopped for a moment, using the torch to burn away cobwebs that Spike believed to be even older than him. “My father showed me this place when I was young, it leads to beyond the city walls.”

“Amazing,” Spike marveled. Twilight would have a field day in halls this old, but he decided he’d keep them his little secret.

“Indeed,” Amira agreed as she continued onward. “Be sure to stay close, I still remember the first time I came here, I was lost for hours before father found me again.”

His eyes bulged at that thought and he found himself instantly by her side, a hand at her arm.

“Well, not that close.” Amira smiled, fighting back a laugh as Spike awkwardly released her. “Just keep within eyesight of the flame.”

“Right.” Another pause. “But what if I want to be that close to you?”

“I wouldn’t stop you,” she replied, extending her arm out to him. “Shall we continue?”

“Yes.” He took her arm, comforted by it. Not that the dark scared him, but the thought of if he ran into a ghost or something…

The two continued down the path, even running into the occasional scorpion as they continued. Finally after what seemed like hours to Spike they came to what appeared to be a dead end.

“Oh dear,” Amira said, covering her mouth with the hand that held Spike, “that’s not right.”

“I thought you said you knew your way around here,” he said, swallowing.

“I do.” she laughed, walking over to the wall and placing the torch in a hole in the wall, “I only jest Spike.” Looking to the wall Amira squinted her eyes in an attempt to see better.

“Don’t do that,” he squeaked out.

“Never again Spike,” she promised, looking to him as she pressed her finger into the wall. Suddenly, the same scenario that played out when they first entered the tunnel occurred. Amira stood there with her hands placed squarely on her hips as the ‘dead end’ behind her slowly opened, years of sand being shaken off as it rose further and further into the ceiling. Finally, with a loud locking noise the door remained open, revealing a sea of sand below and one of stars above. “Are you ready?” Amira asked, grabbing the torch once more.

He stared up at the stars above them, his mouth open for a brief moment at its expansive, endless beauty, before he returned his gaze to Amira. “Y-yes.”

With a quick nod Amira grabbed Spike once more and lead him out into the desert. After a minute Amira stopped and spun both herself and Spike around, allowing him for the first time to look upon Ridedh against the night sky.

“Truly amazing, is it not?”

“It’s… yes,” he agreed, at a lost for words. “So beautiful.”

“That’s what I thought the first time I witnessed this sight myself,” she said, “but as with all beauty there is still a purpose behind it.”

“What purpose?” he asked, stepping across the sands, not caring in the slightest at the grains that sank into his shoes.

“The way the city is built,” Amira explained, pointing to the walls, “it is a great map.”

He looked at the walls, after a moment, he gave an unsure nod. “Like a compass? How the walls angle?”

“Not quite, look to the stars and you will understand.”

He looked up, staring at the captivating night sky and waiting for her to teach him.

“The palace itself directs one north,” she explained pointing his hand at said building, “the temple of the sun and moon point west, towards Equestria, The Watchtower aims south, to Camelou, and the great gate aims east, to Ibexian.”

“Oh, I see,” he said, finally nodding in agreement.

“And even in that there is meaning,” Amira continued, “The palace is placed in the north, reminding all that there is nothing above the king, the great gate is pointed east because Ibexian was and still is one of our greatest trade partners, the watchtower is pointed to our ancient enemy, Camelou.” She paused looking down to Spike with a small grin, “and I can assume you know why the temple points west.”

“Home of the sun and moon,” Spike answered, returning the grin.

“Indeed,” Amira nodded, looking to the skies, “long before our time and maps themselves, people would use this city as a guide, because by looking at the landmarks, they knew the direction they were going in the seemingly endless sea of sand.”

Spike stared at her, absorbed in her lesson. Could Twilight have known something like this? Of course. Could she have explained it to him in a way that left him enraptured like Amira did? Not in the slightest.

“Everything has a purpose,” he repeated. “People too, I guess.”

“Very true,” she agreed, “but people are far more difficult as opposed to a building in that sense.”

“Maybe. But kind of not too, I guess.” His brow flinched and he held out his hands in front of him, as if he was trying to solve a complex puzzle. “Like… there’s the base of a man. The foundation of his character. You can build him up, put decorations on him, but if the foundation’s no good…”

“He will collapse the moment a strong wind blows,” Amira finished for him, cupping his hands in her own, “you are far wiser than you give yourself credit for Spike.”

He blushed. “No. I-I mean, I just thought it made sense, kinda.”

“Don’t discount yourself Spike,” she said, bringing one hand to his face. “It’s moments like this that what I see in you, what you fail to see, makes itself known.”

He smiled up at her tenderly, the expression holding obvious childishness within, but something else as well. A glimmer of the man he one day wished to be.

“Amira…” He bashfully looked away. “I-I know you guys invented astronomy, Twilight told me that, but did you invent the stories behind the constellations too?”

“Indeed we did,” Amira said, looking to the sky.

“Practical things are good, but… I think not appreciating beauty for beauty's sake is a problem.”
He sat down on the sand and gestured up to a group of them. “It’s not a navigational star, but that constellation, it’s something special to me.” Spike looked at her and put a hand next to him, giving a pat on the sand. “You know the story of the oathkeeper?”

“How could I not?” she said taking a seat next to him. “It was one of the first stories my father told me, but I am unfamiliar with the Equestrian telling, would you perhaps consider telling it the way you were told?”

Spike searched for her hand, found it, and began to speak. “Once upon a time, a time before even Celestia’s reign, there lived a hermit. Now, the hermit, she was beautiful, gentle, and skilled in the arts of magic, but this was back in the day when such things were considered unnatural, so she was ostracized from the town nearby.” He gave a small bounce of his head, trying to jar the rest from his memory.

“One day as she was exploring the woods, she came across a hunter from the town, grievously injured. Fearing for his life, she took him to her home and nursed him back to health. Over time, they grew attached, and eventually promised themselves one-another. They forged the first wedding band, its circle representing an endless devotion.” Spike chewed a lip, then added on, “One dark day, strife broke out between the town and a town next over. He accepted his call to arms and went, dying in battle and never returning to the hermit.” Spike gestured to the sky. “She remained loyal to him for the rest of her long, long life and the gods, admiring this level of devotion, cast the item that represented their love up to the heavens, where it loyally watches over every partner that walks the earth.”

Scratching at an ear, Spike tilted his head. “I’m sure I missed a thing or two, but that’s the gist of it.”

“I think you told the story very well,” Amira replied, throwing one arm over to Spikes opposite shoulder, “but can you tell me which constellation that star resides in?”

He made a slow circle of his fingers, just below the North Star. There, a lazy, slightly irregular circle of five stars shown across the sky. “There. The oathkeeper’s ring.”

“So it is,” she nodded, pulling him in closer, “so it is.”

He stared up at the sky, loving the warmth her body near his gave. But all too soon, a thought came to him. “Amira,” he said, turning slightly toward her. “I want to say it clear: you’re special to me. You’re everything I want in a woman. Strong, smart, beautiful, but most importantly, a good heart.”

“Those words ring equally true about you Spike,” Amira replied, looking down to Spike, “you simply need to believe it yourself.”

“I’m glad you said that. Amira.” He exhaled. “You know I can’t stay here. Twilight’s on a mission, then we’re returning home.”

“But you can still enjoy the time you have here.” She slowly nodded. “it is true, time will fade, but the memories made will keep you strong in the coming trials of your life.”

“I don’t want that to happen,” Spike countered. He held on to her hand. “I want you to be more than a memory. You…” He steeled himself. “You could come with me.”

Amira jumped back, nearly pulling her hand out of Spike’s. I shouldn’t have said that… he thought to himself, stupid, stupid stu-. Suddenly Spike’s thoughts were interrupted with the gentle touch of Amira’s free hand. He looked to her and saw the most beautiful smile he had ever seen on her face as her eyes began to mist.

“Spike,” she said, fighting back a tear, “as much as I would love to come with you… as much as my heart is screaming at me to say yes…”

“Amira… is there really something wrong with thinking with your heart sometimes?” Spike gave a weak, trembling smile. One that could break under the gentlest of breezes. “Just, what’s keeping you here?”

She sat there, unable to fight the welling in her eyes as she looked into Spike’s eyes. “The blood of my family,” Amira finally replied, “I am the last of my line, the line who has stood by the king even in the most trying of times, the line that cannot abandon him because of the desires of a woman…”

“It’s more than desire,” Spike retorted. He put his hand to her jaw. “And it’s worth more than history, heritage be damned.”

“If only it were so easy…” she sighed, placing her hand on his, “but you know that it isn’t for me.”

“A man’s only as good as his foundation. And blood? Family? It’s decoration. It doesn’t dictate what the man becomes, it only can steer him in the right way. Amira…” his tone was nearly pleading, he ran a thumb over the back of her hand as he stared into her eyes.

“Your true self is the most amazing thing I have ever seen,” she whispered, failing to fight back the tears, “but this land is my foundation, what would I be without it?”

Spike stared at her, his own tears wordlessly trailing down to his chin. “Amira,” he repeated her name again, but said nothing else.

Moments of silence between the two culminated into her pulling Spike into her tighter than she ever had before, breaking down completely as she grabbed at the clothes on his back. “I-I’m sorry…” she whimpered, her tears falling on his neck, “I’m so sorry.”

Spike clutched her in return, his breath hitching as he cried, leaned against her collarbone. “I-it wasn’t… you were supposed to…”

“I’m so sorry Spike,” she repeated, “but I can’t…”

“I, I understand.” Spike refused to let go of her. “Gods, this hurts.”

“More than it ever should Spike,” Amira agreed, “more than it ever should.”

“If… damnit, there’s got to be something we can do.”

“I wish there was Spike, I truly wish there was.”

“I’ll figure something out, I swear.” He brought his hands to her cheeks and cupped them. “I-I swear…” he stammered out, unsure.

Amira mirrored his action, only taking it a step further. Pulling him in Amira pressed her lips against his. The action threw him off guard, but his initial shock subsided as his hands migrated from her face to the back of her neck and the small of her back. He pushed back hard enough against her that the two fell into the sand they once sat on, neither of them caring about where the tiny grains would end up.

He went on blind instinct, adjusting his body and kissing her cheek, then once more returning to her lips. Spike broke away for a moment. “Amira…”

Without saying a word Amira pulled him back into her, pressing him as tightly to her body as possible before he pulled away again. For a brief moment, he straddled her hips, staring down at her eyes sadly, before moving away, returning to a sit, clutching at his knees.

“I… I’m sorry…” Amira panted, bracing herself with one arm as the other wiped away her tears, “I didn’t mean to-”

“I know. And I didn’t… didn’t mean to make you cry,” he said.

“We should return to the palace,” Amira said staggering to her feet, wiping off both tears and sand with one hand as she extended the other to Spike, “It’s becoming quite late, and I’m sure Madam Twilight and the others will be worrying about you.”

“You’re right.” He took Amira’s hand and she pulled him up. “If, if there’s time, I want to be with you more before I leave.”

“I wouldn’t want anything else,” Amira agreed, a small smile returning to her face. “But now we must make haste.”

“Of course.” He followed after her as they returned to the underground tunnels. “Oh!” Spike reached into a pouch at his side, producing a rolled up bag. “This is for you.”

Amira stopped to face him once more, smiling as she saw the young man presenting the small wrapped up bag to her as if it were the gem of the world. Softly taking the item out of his hands she unwrapped it, revealing an exquisitely designed amethyst bottle. Tears came to her eyes once more as she examined the bottle further before looking to him with a genuine smile.

“Thank you Spike,” she said, placing a hand on his head.

“There’s soap inside the bottle too.”

“I can see that,” Amira said still looking to Spike, “May I ask what kind?”

“Lavender.”

“Oh…” Amira froze looking back to the bottle before looking back to Spike, “lavender...”

“Do you not like it?” he asked. “I’m sorry.”

A few seconds of silence passed before Amira burst into laughter, the tears coming from her eyes now obviously happy. “I actually don’t care for lavender at all,” she beamed, looking back to the bottle, “but this is a gift greater than the finest gem I have ever been given.”

“Just my luck that you wouldn’t like the scent. But.” He smiled, blushing, “I’m glad you like the bottle at least.”

“Of course,” Amira nodded, looking back to the tunnel, “but we mustn’t dally anymore, my father has a tendency of checking on me around this hour.”

He walked forward with her, then, swallowing, nodded. “Tomorrow, I’m talking with your father.”

“Your bravery is beyond most men,” Amira smiled, giving him a small peck on the forehead, “I wish you well in that endeavor.”

“Brave?” he shook his head. “I’m scared shitless. But you’re worth being scared for.” He swallowed, then put a hand to her hip. “And I promise. I’ll figure something out for us.” Spike smiled. “I’ll take care of you.”

“With a will like yours I wouldn’t doubt it.”

“So don’t worry,” he reassured. “We’ll be together. I wouldn’t lie about something like that.”

Spike?!” Twilight bleated out, clinching a pillow to her chest. “Is that you?!”

“Yeah. It’s me,” he said quietly. “Sorry I’m so late.”

“Where the hell have you been?” she asked, throwing a pillow and hitting him square in his face, “do you even know what time it is?”

He winced at her language. Coming from her, that was a dead giveaway she was mad. “I don’t know what time it is,” he admitted, looking down to the ground in shame. “And I was…” Spike paused, thinking of how to phrase it.

“Don’t even start with me right now,” she huffed, storming his direction, “I was worried sick about you Spike!” Without warning, Twilight dove Spike’s face into her bare bosom and hugged him tightly. “I can deal with you doing this kind of thing back home, but here? I don’t even want to think about the things that could’ve happened to you!”

Spike sighed, shutting his eyes as Twilight pressed his head into her. “I know, and I’m sorry. It just sort of happened, I guess.”

“It just happened isn’t good enough for me mister,” Twilight said, pushing him away from her body, “But we can talk about that in the morning, just go to bed, because tomorrow we’re headed home.”

His eyes snapped open. “Home? Already? But we can’t yet!”

“What are you talking about?” Twilight asked, walking back to her bed, “we’ve been here a week and met all our diplomatic goals, something that hasn’t been done in over one hundred and seventy-five years.”

“It’s,” He shook his head nervously, running a hand through his hair. “It’s important. I need another day at least. Please.”

“Spike, you know that normally I’d allow it,” Twilight sighed, shaking her head, “but even with all this splendor, everyone really wants to sleep in their own bed, that and all diplomatic discussions have ceased. There’s no way that the king, or Celestia for that matter, would let any of us stay longer.” Twilight paused, turning her attention to Spike once more. “Including you.”

He numbly sat on the end of the bed, staring past the floor. “I, I don’t feel good, Twilight.”

“That may have worked when you were twelve, but not anymore,” Twilight said, her attention focused on her bed once again, “but you’re an adult now and should know that we’re both smart enough to know when you’re faking.”

Licking his painfully dry lips, he shook his head. “Every time,” Spike said to himself. He sniffed. “Every time I think things are gonna be ok, you know?” He wanted to throw something, pick up the chair by the bed and throw it out the window. “Every time,” the boy repeated, his anger boiling over and becoming an empty numbness as he flopped down on the bed.

“Spike?” Twilight asked, looking up with concern, “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t think you’d understand,” he answered. “You understand a lot, but, but not this.”

“I’m sure I can try,” Twilight said, walking over to his bed and taking a seat beside him. “What is it Spike?”

“Have you ever really felt like there might be something there when you talk to a person?”

“I...I’m not sure I follow…” Twilight admitted, lowering her head.

“Like there might be something about them that interests you. In a way more than just those charts and diagrams back home.” He caught himself, sighing. “Amira.. it’s, I’m, I’m just…”

Twilight sighed and placed a hand on his chest, nodding her head slightly. “I understand now,” she said almost like a whisper, “and it’s alright.”

Spike paused, looking up toward her. “You do? Understand, I mean. B-but I didn’t think you’d ever really...”

“You remember that one guard in the Crystal Empire right?” Twilight smiled sweetly, “the one with the blue hair?”

“Kind of. I was still pretty young then,” he admitted.

“He and I did go steady for a while, all the way until we…” Twilight paused, but at that point she knew that there was no point in denying the fact to him, “well you get the picture.”

“What happened?”

“Well we stayed close via letters and such for a while after my duties as a Princess kept us apart,” she sighed as her eyes welled up, “but we just couldn’t keep it together… no matter how hard we tried.”

Spike weakly nodded, his frown pitiful. “Not everything can have a happy ending, can it?”

“No it can’t Spike,” Twilight nodded in agreement, lying down next to him and pulling him close, “no it can’t.”