Back at the Cuteceñera.

Apple Bloom scratched her head, shifting the bow Granny had used to help her tie up the worst of her long hair. “I don't know, Dusk. Twist really likes reading and stuff. And she's a huge fan of poetry and stuff when we do it in school. But she doesn't really have that many hobbies, and we already talked about her and her aunty Bonbon making candies.”

Apple Bloom watched as Dusk wrote quick notes, his quill moving so swiftly across the page she couldn't believe he was really recording everything she'd mentioned. Something in his intense concentration reminded her of the way Sweetie Belle looked during a hard test in class. Giggling a little at the picture in her head, Apple Bloom was glad she'd been able to hide, thanks to Dusk’s questions about Twist and a few of the foals in school.

As the last two sharp strokes of his quill surprised Apple Bloom, Dusk straightened up and grinned at her. “Sorry for keeping you from the party so long Apple Bloom. You can go back to your school friends now, I've finished my notes for some letters to Princess Luna.”

Looking for any excuse to hide in his shadow as long as possible, Apple Bloom perked up, wagging her tail in unsubtle excitement. She knew how much Dusk loved to go into great detail when talking about his research and any of the work for the two princesses. “Oh, really? What does the Princess gotcha doing? Some big research project or a survey of ponies like how Granny makes us do surveys of the orchard?”

Dusk half-laughed and began to lift his right hand as if to launch into some dramatic speech to answer her, when one of the serving mares entered and rushed to his side, a letter on fancy stationery clutched in her hand. “Magistrate, oh Magistrate Dusk Shine! Lady Rarity has sent a reply.”

Apple Bloom was surprised that the mare was loud enough to be heard over the crowded hall, but worried this might ruin her chance of lingering in Dusk’s presence. She looked around the packed hall, trying to find somepony, anypony she might use as a shield. She still saw no sign of Sweetie Belle or Scootaloo; they'd been around before the serving tables were moved against the wall, but ever since the foals had been allowed to mingle with the adults, they'd become impossible to find. Pinkie was around, but Pinkie was everywhere, moving in and out of the crowd so quickly Apple Bloom knew there was no way she'd be able to keep up. Besides, she could tell Pinkie was working today. The way she gave instructions to the serving staff and made sure abandoned plates were cleaned up made that clear, even if the ponies playing soft music in the far corner of the hall explicitly snubbed her every request for changes to the music.

Twist… Apple Bloom shuddered, Twist was still at Diamond Tiara's side. As if she'd made some decision to make Twist into her best friend suddenly, Diamond Tiara had practically glued herself to Twist’s side, and now they stood together with Silver Spoon, surrounded by the most fancy of the fancy ponies. “At least that other Magistrate is with them. He laughs so much, and I might just be a farm pony, but I swear to Celestia, half his jokes seem like he's pokin fun at the fancy ponies, and they just don't get it, so they laugh ‘cause everypony else is laughing.”

Giving up on her hunt for somewhere else to hide, Apple Bloom turned her attention back to Dusk, who was just finishing his letter. A strange grin spread over his face as he had read the letter and he looked at the server and gave her a nod, crossing his hands over his belly, still holding the letter very casually. “Very well. She wants to roll the dice, and we shall. Cuddles? Could you request Hoity to join me? I'd hate to interpret Diamond’s time to show off for the fawning Canterlot ponies Mr. Rich had shipped here just to swoon over her.”

Apple Bloom was shocked, and nearly took a step back, the open sarcasm in his tone coming to her as a real surprise. Unable to help herself, she tugged on the sleeve of his magistrate’s robes. But she nearly lost her nerve to speak when he turned to smile down at her. “Dusk… ah- I never thought adults talked that way about this kinda stuff. You think this party is ah... ” She never stumbled over her words, but those bright, confident eyes gazed down at her, and Apple Bloom felt the courage to at least finish her thoughts, even if she kept her wording vague. “Well… you know, right?”

Dusk’s eyes danced with a flash of something and he smiled down at her, glancing around for a moment before grinning at her with pride. “You're very mature to notice that, Apple Bloom, and even smarter to know to keep quiet about it. Don't worry, you are right. It is just an excuse for important and pompous ponies to act important and pompous.”

Dusk looked like he was about to continue, but Hoity Toity approached far quieter than he had earlier, following Cuddles in silence and with two or three of his entourage forming a wall to hide him from the crowd that was mostly focused on whatever story Diamond Tiara was telling. Dipping into a sweeping low bow, Hoity grinned at Dusk, his eyes already on the letter in his hand. “The lady Rarity? Has she already replied?! Will she grant me an audience?!”

Dusk smiled, and put an arm over the other stallion’s shoulder, leading him off towards a quieter corner of the ballroom. “Better than that, Hoity, she wishes to put on a show for you. She only requests you give her a little time to prepare...”

As they wandered away, Apple Bloom could no longer make out their voices over the noise of the crowd. The adults were clapping for whatever Diamond Tiara had been doing and beginning to break off onto smaller groups, while Diamond, Silver Spoon and a shadow following them that resembled Twist made straight for her. Caught in the open, looking right at Diamond, Apple Bloom couldn't think of any way of escaping their attention without outright bolting away, and what would Applejack say if she did that!?

Putting her hands on her hips, Diamond Tiara sashayed her way up to stand beside Apple Bloom, grinning up at her. “Why hello, Apple Bloom! I do hope you're enjoying my Cuteceñera. It was so hard waiting for spring to celebrate, but now I can see why he made me wait. Can you believe so many important ponies came all this way just for my party?”

Doing her best to give Diamond Tiara a smile, Apple Bloom nodded encouragingly, hoping if she was pleasant Diamond would get bored and leave her alone. “Yes, Diamond, you're very lucky yer father is very important. A lot of noble ponies must have come to Ponyville just for your party.”

Diamond looked pleased for a moment and Apple Bloom took that quiet window to wave back at Twist, who appeared bored out of her mind. As if that simple act had been a personal insult, a scowl crept over Diamond’s face. “Well of course they did. Because my cutie mark is a sign of my leadership and nobility. You're just a farmer. What's your cutie mark even going to be? A mug of apple cider?”

Silver Spoon exploded in laughter at Diamond’s insult, but Twist frowned and took a step forward. “Hey! That'th not nice! Didn't your thire thay it was thankth to the Apple’th Zap Apple Jam that he’th been able to ethpand tho much in the latht decade?”

Diamond and Silver Spoon both looked shocked; it had been weeks since Mr. Rich had come to speak to the class on career day, but Silver Spoon didn't seem to miss more than that single beat, casually stepping in beside Twist and smiling comfortingly at her. “Of course not, Twist. Diamond was just speculating. It's like your cutie mark. It makes sense you're so good with candy; your aunty Bon Bon is too.”

Distracted by Silver Spoon’s sweet words, Twist was flummoxed and stammered, her anger at their insults falling flat on its face. “I- Oh… yeah, you’re right. Maybe you will be good at making cider, Apple Bloom. Mac is.”

From Twist, the suggestion that her cutie mark might involve cider making didn't sting so badly and Apple Bloom gave her friend a smile, trying to ignore the pushy fillies. “Yeah, you're right, Twist. A cider making cutie mark wouldn't be so bad.”

As if waiting for exactly that moment to pounce, Diamond Tiara closed in on Twist’s other side, and put a thoughtful hand to her chin. “Or~! Maybe a mound of dirt with a seed dropping into the hole. You know, a farmer cutie mark?”

Apple Bloom could feel her cheeks and ears begin to redden and heat up. They were so good at being mean, and Twist looked to be taking them so seriously now, too, as if they were really guessing and not just finding ways to make fun of her.

Silver Spoon was next shaking her head, the layers of sarcasm in her voice thick as cream. “No, no. Maybe her cutie mark will be a pony picking an apple from a tree, you know, doing hard work. Important stuff.”

A sudden crash and bang as a platter of food was knocked off the abandoned buffet table against the nearby wall drew all of the nearby ponies’ attention, most of all the foals’. Standing on top of the table, jabbing a finger aggressively at Diamond Tiara, Scootaloo shot back at her and Silver Spoon. “Like either of you know what hard work is! Silver Spoon, your cutie mark’s too accurate! You were born with one shoved right up your ass!”

Apple Bloom was stunned at Scootaloo’s brazen words, but felt better as the weight of Diamond and Silver’s attention turned away, giving her a moment to breathe. Diamond Tiara turned her head up and gave an offended snort, pointing a finger at Scootaloo upon the table. “As if anything you think matters to anypony here, Scootaloo. Your parents abandoned you to focus on their careers, all ‘cause you can’t fly! Even if you were to get your cutie mark, who would care?”

Apple Bloom started making her way across the room to stand by Scootaloo’s side, but Sweetie Belle popped out from under the buffet table, and stepped up before Scootaloo, her face even redder than Silver Spoon’s. “Hey! Don’t be mean to Scootaloo about her parents! Besides, Princess Cadence and Nurse Redheart adopted her, and Dash is teaching her to fly. She is sooo good at flips and hops and all sorts of super cool acrobatics now, way better than anypony else!”

Silver Spoon was finally recovering from Scootaloo’s words and glared death at Sweetie Belle, focusing on the younger filly since she was in the way of her real target, Scootaloo. “The midget speaks?! Go back to your corner, little filly. The big ponies are busy, we’ll find somepony to filly-sit you in a minute.”

Apple Bloom stepped in front of Sweetie Belle just as Scootaloo lept off the table and lifted her fists. Apple Bloom was sure she was about to try fighting the other foals. Trying one last chance to keep things from breaking down too much, she put an arm in front of Scootaloo to hold her back, glaring at Diamond and Silver. “Oh, stop it, Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon. Just cause you think you’re both big important ponies doesn't mean we don’t matter! We’ll get our cutie marks one day, and we'll show you up!”

Diamond Tiara laughed at them and gave Silver Spoon a nudge in the ribs. “Look at that, Silver Spoon! They both step up together to protect their little filly-friend!” Laughing uproariously together, they crossed arms to help support one another as if the joke was so funny they needed help standing up.

Scootaloo instantly turned beet red and backed up a half-step, nearly shaking in place as she half-looked away from Diamond and Silver, stammering a little. “Sh-she is not my filly-friend! I was just bored today, so I decided to put up with all of you for some free food, that’s all!”

Apple Bloom knew exactly what Scootaloo meant, but pushed those feelings aside and took a step forward, glaring at the other fillies. “So what if I am? I promised Applejack that I’d look out for Sweetie Belle, ‘cause she’s smart but little, and she knew that heartless ponies like you would be around and pick on her for being younger!”

Diamond Tiara scowled again, and straightened up, crossing her arms over her chest and rolling her eyes at them all. “I can’t believe we’ve been wasting so much of our time talking to all these hopeless foals. They don’t even have cutie marks! At this rate, they’ll never do anything important!”

Scootaloo took another step forward, looking ready to fight again, and Apple Bloom was half-tempted to let her at the frustrating snobs. Rushing across the room and sliding to a halt between them, Dinky’s sudden appearance was a shock; Apple Bloom was sure she’d simply not come at all! Looking up towards where she’d come from, Apple Bloom saw an elderly unicorn stallion scowl in their direction and turn to walk off into the crowd.

Dinky, breathless and panting, threw her hands up between Scootaloo and the other ponies, her eyes wet with tears. “Oh just stop it, all of you! Being a blank flank isn’t something to be ashamed of, but being a bully is!”

Silver Spoon laughed again, putting a hand on Diamond Taira’s shoulder. “Would you look at that, Diamond? We have the whole collection here, together. All the little foals who still haven't figured out what their special talent is!”

Diamond grinned back at her and gave Dinky a grin. “I’m surprised you could tear yourself away from your mama’s side to come to my party, Dinky. But I suppose a cutie mark in having a clumsy mother is probably worse than not having any cutie mark at all. You’re all just as useless as... “ She paused, then took inspiration from the word that still danced in the air. “As useless as your blank flanks. No blank flank ever did anything important!”

The next pony to speak was a shock, and his voice drove them all to silence. “Oh? Really Diamond Tiara? Is that what you think?” Somehow, Dusk had snuck up on them all from behind, and now towered over Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, his arms crossed over his chest.

The stunned filly, looking up at one of the most important of the guests at her party, could hardly manage more than to nod slowly at him, her eyes wide with worry now that an adult had gotten involved. Dusk didn’t show any sign of malice, instead simply shaking his head, and smiled a little. “A pony's special talent doesn’t set their value to society, Diamond Tiara. Just look around Ponyville and you’ll see what I mean. Lyra is working as a school teacher for you ponies now, but her talent is playing the lyre. I went to school with her, and she was so good, noble ponies paid her extravagant amounts to come perform at parties like this. But she’s found a different place to work, because she can do more good as a teacher than a musician.”

Scootaloo almost laughed at that, softly muttering from the side of her mouth. “Yeah, right. She’s a teacher.”

But if Dusk heard her, he didn’t respond, leaving Apple Bloom to wonder just what Scootaloo meant by that. Instead, he pressed on with his lecture, walking a slow circle around them, subtly herding them together to stand in a group, all watching him as he walked his slow laps. “Next comes Bonbon, your aunt if I remember correctly, right Twist?” The filly gave him an excited nod, as mesmerized as the rest of them by his presence and calm tone, so different from the fight that had been about to break out only moments before.

“She is a candy maker, a very good one too. I was lucky enough to receive a small box of her treats during Hearth’s Warming as a thank you for helping Lyra get her job here in Ponyville, and I’ve tasted none finer in my life save one or two that Princess Celestia had commissioned from the greatest bakery in Canterlot. But Bonbon doesn’t work for that bakery, does she? She lives here in Ponyville and is a landlord for at least a dozen families, making sure they are all well cared for, and even going so far as to plead to myself and Mrs. Mayor for assistance when one of her tenants needs the help. She also visits Canterlot all the time, working as a voice actress in movies. But her sweet candy treats? Only ponies who are dear friends ever get to try those. She keeps her special talent private, and uses it to thank ponies who have made her life, or others’, better.”

To everypony’s shock, Sweetie Belle stood up to her full height and lifted a hand, squirming a little as she hopped in place, clearly trying to catch Dusk’s attention. Apple Bloom was just about to reach out to stop her, when the stallion stopped and gave a soft bow to the filly. “I see someone has the idea, go ahead, Sweetie Belle, tell us what you have to say.”

Proud, Sweetie stepped out of the circle of ponies that Dusk hand rounded up and took his hand, giving him a big smile before looking back at the others. “My big sister Rarity is a dress maker. But that’s not her special talent, her talent is finding rare gems and jewels. She only uses her talent when she needs to find just the right flare of or-na-men-ta-tion to make a dress perfect! That’s like what you were talking about, right Dusk?”

Dusk grinned, and gave the filly’s hair a gentle ruffle, nodding down at her and for her alone. “Exactly, Sweetie Belle. You understand so quickly.” He turned back to the rest of them, a scowl now on his face. “Instead of enjoying this party, you all got carried away in a fight over whose talent is best, and if somepony without a talent was less important than somepony with a talent... Well, let me answer this for you all: end these arguments here and now. A pony who hasn’t discovered their talent yet is far more special. It means they are a little bundle of potential, searching for their place in the world. Who knows what they might become or accomplish. A pony with their cutie mark might someday become something greater than the simple limits of their talent, but a pony who hasn’t found her talent yet has no such limits, only a world of endless possibilities to explore and discover.”

For a moment Dusk went silent, and Sweetie Belle reached up, squeezing his hand. The distant look in his eyes faded and he turned his head down, smiling at her again as his scowl finally departed. “Now treat one another with a modicum of respect or I’ll be forced to find somepony to foal-sit you all. I’m sure Mr. Rich would love to know his little foal was starting fights with other ponies today.”

That broke the group up, and everypony made their way into smaller groups. Apple Bloom was surprised at how Dusk had chosen to pick directly on Diamond Tiara in his final words. Following him and Sweetie to a table on the far side of the room, she simply had to know why he’d chosen to say that.

Unbeknownst to her, Twist, Scootaloo, and Dinky had also followed her, and were now gathering around as Dusk let Sweetie into a seat, and accepted a small bowl of ice cream from the serving mare who’d been following him around all day. Placing it before Sweetie, he gave her hair another affectionate ruffle, before turning to look at the four of them who were watching him closely. “Yes, how can I help you girls?”

All of them started talking at once, and it only took a few seconds for Dusk to hold up a hand to silence them, pointing first at Apple Bloom. Swallowing at the dry feeling that had invaded her throat, she looked him in the eye, trying to keep calm. “Why’d you pick on Diamond Tiara, Dusk? Me and Scootaloo were the ones who were ready to start hitting them for being so mean. But you didn’t call us out.”

Scootaloo deflated at Apple Bloom’s question, muttering something under her breath and let her wings fold up against her back. But the look she gave Apple Bloom wasn’t bitter, so she could only hope she hadn’t angered the other filly too much. Dusk smiled and sat back, letting Sweetie eat the ice cream for a moment in silence before waving his hand around the grand hall. “Because this is her party, and her talent really is in leadership. She isn’t using it properly, though. She could have taken today to suggest ways of helping each and every one of you find your talents, but instead, she used Twist’s newly discovered talent as an excuse to try and drive you two further apart. And because she thinks she is so much older and more mature than you all, but she acts so badly. She may be the pony that needs to grow up the most of anypony here.”

Dusk’s answer silenced them all for a minute, and Dinky walked to his side and reaching out to squeeze his hand a little. She looked scared stiff, and leaned in to whisper in his ear. Whatever she asked, made him sigh and hug her against him for a moment, holding her tight. His voice was dry and sad when he finally released her. “I’ll talk to your mother tomorrow, dear. Just know that if you don’t want to, you never need talk to that stallion again.”

Filled with more questions on whatever sensitive topic had bothered the other filly, Apple Bloom worried for her friend. But Dinky just gave Dusk a smile, and when he broke the hug, she sat down beside Sweetie at the table, who immediately offered her spoon to Dinky. Together, they shared the large bowl of ice cream, talking quietly and giggling a little at some shared, private jokes.

Twist stepped beside Dusk and frowned up at him, her voice confused, but angry. “If you knew thhe wath trying to drive a wedge between me and Apple Bloom, why’d you wait tho long to thay thomething? I didn’t even think of it until you thaid it.”

Dusk smiled at the filly despite her accusatory tone and put a hand on her shoulder. “Because you two deserved a chance to solve your own problems, and now you might see when ponies are trying to manipulate you better in the future. Diamond Tiara is really good at convincing others to think her way, but you need to learn when to disagree, alright?”

Twist looked thoughtful for a while as he spoke, and finally nodded at him, offering her hand to Apple Bloom. “We thhould try to talk more Apple Bloom, I’m thorry I didn't thtand up for you when thhe wath talking bad about your family.”

Apple Bloom was happy to take Twist’s hand, and hugged her friend tightly, unable to help but laugh a little. “No, you didn’t do anything wrong. You were getting spoiled by Diamond Tiara all night. I was kinda jealous, to tell you the truth. You got so much attention. Did the adults say anything interesting?”

Laughing with Apple Bloom, Twist returned her hug and moved to sit at the table they'd claimed now, smiling up at Dusk. “Motht of the adultth jutht thpoke gibberithh and flattered me on my new cutie mark. But one thtallion thaid thome thtuff that really made me think.”

Standing alone, Scootaloo finally looked around the table and then back up at Dusk, she’d been thinking and Apple Bloom didn’t have long to wonder what it was she was thinking about. “Dusk… were you serious? Do you think that a pony without a cutie mark really has the most potential? That they can do anything?”

Dusk set down the spoon he’d stolen from Sweetie and Dinky, letting the fillies reclaim it and the bowl of ice cream. He watched Scootaloo intensely, and placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice calm and quiet. “I marvel every day at the things one determined filly can accomplish if she puts her mind to it. Yes, Scootaloo, I think you all are the most fascinating.”

Scootaloo nodded and puffed out her chest, thumping her thumb to her breastbone. “Then I’m going to be… to be… to…. I’m going to be a cutie mark crusader! I’ll challenge everything the world puts before me until I find my own limits and my cutie mark!”

For just a moment, Apple Bloom totally lost herself in the image of proud Scootaloo. Then realized she was standing up as well, and her hand was in the air. She could hear herself speaking, unaware she’d been intending to say anything. “Me too! I’ll join you in that crusade!”

Dinky and Sweetie looked at one another for a moment, and then grinned. Standing up together, their hands extended to join Apple Bloom’s over the table. As one they cried out. “Then we’ll help!”

Scootaloo lifted her hand to join the other three over the table, her voice filled with a joy and excitement that Apple Bloom hadn’t seen from her before save a few times when Rainbow Dash was around. “Then it’s settled. We’re all Cutie Mark Crusaders! We’ll work together to find our cutie marks, and nopony will hold us back!”

Leaning back in his chair, Dusk thanked Cuddles when she returned with several more bowls of the ice cream. Apple Bloom watched him closely, and discovered the smile in his eyes, shining even brighter than before. “We’ll show you, Dusk. We might just be four little ponies, but we won't let anypony, let alone a big bully like Diamond Tiara, stop us from discovering our true talents.”

7pm, After the party ends.

Dusk shook the colt’s hand, grinning at the young man and laughing a little. “I really do wish you well, Rumble. You have the whole world before you; don’t forget to take full advantage of every opportunity we’ve given you, alright?”

The colt was nervous, and shook his head, laughing a little. “I think I spent more time today having rich old ponies from Canterlot hounding me with promises of work at their private estates. Opportunities I have, but I wish I’d spent more time with my classmates. Dusk, will Dash or Thunderlane or Bronze be able to visit me sometime soon? I’ve never been to Cloudsdale, are-are you sure Dash’s father doesn’t mind?”

Dusk released the nervous colt’s hand and squeezed his shoulder with enough force to make the boy straighten up. “Rainbow Blitz loves the idea. And we’re due to go to Cloudsdale in a few weeks. Dash’s going to be part of the Young Flier's competition. I’ll see if somepony can be spared to go with you tomorrow afternoon, but no promises, alright? It’s a busy time for us all right now, and I’m sorry we are leaving you hanging to the very last minute.”

Rumble straightened up and gave him a brave smile, despite his nerves. “You’re right, you're right. And it will be an honor to live with a former Wonderbolt. I’m just nervous. Maybe I’ll be settled in by the time you all come to visit and won't feel this crazy knot in the pit of my stomach.”

Dusk gave the colt one last pat on the shoulder and stepped away, smiling. “Now go home and go to bed. I think you’ll find in the morning that your upset stomach is more due to the expensive wine those noble ponies were plying you with than your nerves.”

The boy then left, with Cuddles at his side, walking him home. She’d initially refused the coin he’d offered twice to keep an eye on the colt, but had accepted when he’d insisted. Standing alone now, Dusk watched as the last of the foals were collected by adults, with Miss Cheerilee rounding up the still-excited Cutie Mark Crusaders, thanks to Dinky and Amethyst’s help. For a moment he wanted to talk to them, but knew they’d be busy dealing with so many foals at once, and didn’t need a bitter old stallion to worry about tonight. Waving goodbye at them as they moved off, Dusk wondered if he might at last slip out. “I think that is everypony I need to talk to. Mr. Rich and Diamond left ten, fifteen minutes ago to walk most of the nobles to the train station for the special carriage he arranged to take his guests home… who else have I missed…”

A mare’s voice cleared at his side, and Dusk was shocked to see Pinkie standing with one of the musicians who had been playing for hours in one corner of the massive ballroom. Giving a small bow to them both, he waited for Pinkie to speak. “Dusk, can you walk Octavia home? She-asked-me-if-I-could-introduce-you-to-her, and-even-played-two-outta-three-of-my-musical-requests, and-I-know-you-don’t-know-her, but-she’s-really-nice-and-plays-fantastic-classical-music, and-I-promised-I’d-introduce-you-two-in-exchange-for-her-playing-my-list-of-party-music, and-she-convinced-the-other-musicians-and-”

Dusk cut off Pinkie’s rambling with a hand to her mouth, and kissed her forehead. “Of course I’d be happy to walk your friend home, Pinkie. Should I return for you afterwards?”

Giggling like a filly at the kiss to her head, Pinkie kissed his hand before wiggling free and shook her head. “Nuh-uh! I planned this party, now I gotta oversee the clean up! But thanks, Dusk!”

With another giggle and a quick kiss to his nose, she was gone like a shot. Dusk looked at the mare Pinkie had left behind, trying to remember the scant few details he had read about her as he researched other ponies around town to write to Princess Luna about. The look of horror in her eyes at Pinkie’s ‘subtle’ attempt to introduce them had only lasted a moment, but she hid it poorly behind a nervous smile.

Stepping towards her, Dusk inspected the mare closely, impressed by the quiet dignity of her fine, black silk dress; it hugged the contours of her body, and yet remained far more subdued than most of what Rarity produced, with no hint of cleavage in sight, and a slitless skirt that ended at her ankles. White pearl earrings and a matching necklace were her only jewelry, save a silver band on one finger. But she was an earth mare despite her careful impersonation of a somewhat popular noble style of dress, and over her shoulder she hefted a heavy-looking instrument case, showing no sign of effort at holding it, and the great weight of the instrument contained within.

Bowing low, Dusk grinned at the mare and offered her his hand. “Hello, Lady Octavia. I'm sorry if Pinkie was a little blunter than you expected, she gets carried away sometimes.”

Octavia grinned, accepting his hand. She dropped into a deep curtsy, using his hand for support and dropping so low he was surprised that the bottom of her case didn’t scrape against the ballroom floor. Looking up through her thick eyelashes, the mare smiled, rising again slowly. Dusk noted one final fact: she wore only the lightest of makeup, black eyeliner and pale lipstick. Complemented by a soft vanilla perfume, all subtly done, it was a reminder of so many nobles at parties his mother had hosted in his youth.

Her eyes alight with laughter, her voice was passionate yet measured, far more in control than Pinkie’s high energy. “It's my pleasure to finally meet you, Magistrate Dusk Shine. I'm very sorry my work has kept me from Ponyville for so long, otherwise I'd have properly introduced myself months ago.”

Dusk gave a nod at her words, offering a wave towards the door. “I do understand. Other than the winter, my life has been hectic this year as well. You are on the list of ponies I've been meaning to say hello to, but with the winter social season occupying your time, and my work and side projects being horrible at ruining the best of plans, I hope you'll forgive my tardiness.”

Octavia accepted the suggestion to leave the ballroom, slipping her right hand under his left arm, to rest in the crook of his arm, regardless of whether he had offered it or not. Walking with him out into the night, she smiled again, laughing gently. “Life can come at you that way sometimes, my dear magistrate. Thus tonight was a fantastic excuse to finally say hello. Besides, while I work for so many nobles, few of them favor me enough to admit they know my name. I've got a reputation that keeps them always coming back to hire me to play, but that also keeps their social doors locked to me.”

This enigma presented Dusk with great confusion, and he ran through the few facts he knew about her again, trying to find out why a mare with such a noble nature would be excluded from the niceties of the social playground. He couldn't come up with anything, however, and simply had to ask. “Octavia, I may not know you well, but I'm afraid that I simply must ask. My mother would describe you as a flawless lady - you walk with grace even with twenty or thirty pounds strapped to your back. What did you ever do-”

Octavia’s laughter was musical, and she placed her free hand on his bicep, patting it gently. “It’s not my behavior that has made them ban me, but rather my wife. Have you ever heard of the disc jockey known as DJ Pon3?”

Dusk had to stop, his eyes drawn to her ring again, the sudden dawn of realization flooring him, and he made himself meet her eyes again. “Wait, her?” Memories flooded back to the half-dozen times the mare had helped him around Ponyville with some electronics. “You mean Vinyl Scratch is your wife? No wonder they're displeased with you. I have never been to one of her concerts, but didn't she get so drunk on stage one time, she threw her shirt to the crowd and continued the rest of the show topless?”

Octavia blushed, but also laughed at the same time, nodding gently to him. “She has done that a few times. I admit I don't understand her all the time, but I love her, even if she does drive me up the wall with her antics on occasion.”

Now Dusk laughed again, and returned to walking, shaking his head in pleasure at their shared joke. “Then I can quite understand why those snobs would have an issue with letting you into their households. If you want, I could at least introduce you to Fancy Pants, he’s far mo-”

Ocativa’s single gentle titter of laughter cut him off, and she gently laid her free hand on his arm again. “I know them both, Dusk. The father and his wife, as well. All are kind souls, but I know my work will dry up with other families in time. That’s why I wanted to meet you, why I'd hoped to earn my way into your favor. If you ever have need of a musician…”

Dusk gently squeezed her hand and straightened up a little. “I'm sorry, Octavia, I don't exactly host a lot of parties, but maybe I could find some excuse-”

Octavia stopped in her tracks and squeezed his hand back, shaking her head. “You might not, Dusk, but you are a magistrate. Someday you will need to hire a band for one event or another. On that day, I just want to make sure I'm on your short list.”

Dusk gave her a serious nod, chuckling a little. “Of course, of course. I can promise you that at the very least, Octavia. Don’t ever think my door is closed to you should you need some help. I am honored to do a favor for somepony else disillusioned by the worst of Canterlot's nobles.”

The rest of their walk together was far more light-hearted, with Octavia sharing the best of what embarrassing moments had occurred in Canterlot over the winter, red-faced and ashamed at times by his laughter, but happy to share her best gossip.

Across from Berry Punch’s bar, Octavia stopped before a small two-story house, bobbing a curtsy for him, much more casual this time. “Well, this is home, Dusk. Thank you again for the opportunity to talk, and for sharing a little silly gossip from home.”

Dusk needed only a moment to study the house to recognize the ownership mark over the door, and careful upkeep that marked the house as one of Bonbon’s properties. Pleased with that, Dusk gave her a serious nod. “Then take care, Octavia. And thanks for the stories; I rarely hear ponies willing to speak honestly of the Canterlot elite.”

Left alone on the street as she went inside, Dusk’s mind wandered to the soft sound that filled the quiet night air. It took him but a moment to realize the source of the sound, drifting out of the open door of Berry Punch’s tavern. Barb’s comment about the gossip she shared returned as he watched the empty bar, trying to think if he had anything else important to do tonight. An impulsive smile stole its way onto his lips and he crossed the open path into the bar. “Why not, I can always catch up on my extra reading tomorrow.”

Stopping just inside the open door, Dusk scanned over the room, inspecting the four ponies who sat behind drinks around the otherwise still room. Behind her bar, Berry straightened up and gave him an excited wave, but put a finger to her lips and motioned towards the far corner of the room. Sitting alone in a shadow, a tall unicorn held a flute to her lips, playing the song whose silvery notes had drawn him in. Gently waving to the bartender, Dusk moved quietly, to not distract the player. “Odd to see a performer not seek a spot. Just why-”

And then she shifted just enough for him to see her face, and Dusk knew why at last. Moonlight Dreamer sat alone, her eyes shut, her music filling the otherwise-still night. Now Dusk understood. Walking with great care not to make a sound, Dusk made his way to the bar, fishing in his belt pouch for a coin as quietly as he could manage. A platinum bit gleamed in the dim bar light, and for just a moment his budget-weary mind tried to rebel. It took effort to draw his hand back from the coin, gesturing two fingers at the shadowed musician.

Berry didn't bolt to snatch up the coin, looking worried for a moment and biting her lip. When she finally picked up the coin, it was replaced with a sealed bottle of a silvery nature, the liquid inside indiscernible. Beside it she placed two very tall and thin wine flutes, probably only able to hold an ounce or two at most, as well as his change, a gold 25 bit piece, and a bronze 5 bit piece. Dusk pushed the 5 bit piece back across the bar to her and gave a nod, carefully lifting the glasses with his magic to keep them from clinking together.

Moonlight’s song drew to a close, the last notes of her flute hanging in the air as she visibly relaxed, lowering the flute to her lap. Still, Dusk waited, watching her closely as she drew long, slow breaths as if silently dealing with some inner turmoil. Several of the quiet bar patrons gave a light round of applause, their approval for her music lasting only brief seconds before they returned to their drink. Just as he began to wonder if he'd be better off leaving her be, her eyes opened, and she offered him a peaceful smile, her eyes calm, even if a little surprised. “Good evening, Dusk Shine. I didn't know you visited Berry Punch’s bar. Care to join me? I am waiting for a friend, but I'd enjoy your conversation if you can spare it.”

Relieved at how quickly she invited him to join her, Dusk settled the sealed bottle and glasses on the table, and slid himself into the seat across from her. “To tell you the truth, Moonlight, I don't think I have ever been in here before. Barb was talking about how she has been talking to Berry Punch during the day when the bar is closed, and your siren’s song acted as the final lure that drew me in. Care for a drink? I just came from a very frustrating party at Mr. Rich’s manor with a large number of Canterlot’s elite. Rarely do I say this, but tonight, I need a drink.”

As Dusk uncorked the bottle, a momentary frown flickered over Moonlight’s features, yet she was soon smiling again and gave him a nod of acceptance. “I'd love to try a drink. I do so very rarely. Working for Princess Luna can greatly mess up your schedule, making it nearly impossible to find time away to relax and have a quiet drink, or a meal with a friend.”

Pouring the bubbly, golden-hued drink into each glass with care, Dusk couldn't help but laugh a little. “I'm afraid I don't know Princess Luna half as well as I wish I did, but I've devoted my whole life to any project Princess Celestia ever gave me, often working night and day to make sure I had everything just perfect for her deadline. I admit I probably overdid it sometimes, in fact, I know I did, as I couldn't hope to count how many times Barb found me unconscious upon a pile of paperwork, having passed out at some point due to simple exhaustion.”

Moonlight easily picked up her glass with the tips of two fingers wrapping around the long stem of the glass, keeping her grip well below the wine itself. Sipping at the bubbly wine, she laughed openly at his story and set her glass down before her hand started to shake. “But in the end, you have managed to do a number of great things, right?”

Dusk couldn't argue with her and joined in her laughter, shaking his head when they both calmed down. “I was lucky, really. Princess Luna called me back when I had burnt up too much of my life force fighting Nightmare Moon. It was her cry for help that forced me back from the brink. Discovering the sixth Element of Harmony was more a flash of inspiration than any of my own talent, and thanks to the Elements, I now have a deep circle of friends that support me.”

Moonlight had gone silent as he recalled his past, her finger drawing circles on the bartop. When he went quiet, she looked up at him, deep regret shown openly in her eyes. “You shouldn't have had to fight Nightmare Moon to the death, Dusk. I don't think that Princess Celestia ever planned that for you, risking your life in that way.”

The words were spoken without emotion, but reminded Dusk of a chain of memories that had long troubled him. Unable to resist, he unloaded. “I don't know if Princess Celestia will ever admit it, but I think you are right. I’ve never told anypony this before… but Moonlight, have you ever heard of Sunset Shimmer?”

There was silence between them, for far too long. The mare looked deeply conflicted, her finger still drawing idle figures in the moisture that had formed on their table. Just as Dusk was about to let the subject drop, Moonlight looked into his eyes. “I knew her at one time, a quickly-rising star pupil. She was bright and talented, but disappeared one day. A few of those who remember her asked Princess Celestia about it a few years ago, but her majesty just looked sad and requested to be left alone for a few days. Why, Dusk Shine?”

Hearing how badly somepony even mentioning her name affected Princess Celestia, Dusk began to regret even bringing it up. But now that he had dredged up the subject, he had to continue. “Years ago, when Princess Celestia was still teaching us together, she assigned Sunset Shimmer to her final thesis, to research the Elements of Harmony. I… I think she was the one meant to handle Nightmare Moon, not I… she probably would have handled it better… might have prevented as many of the guard from getting hurt or killed as I did...”

Moonlight’s fingertips pressed up under his jaw, forcing him to look into her eyes, her scowl now serious. “We didn't know her that well, Dusk Shine. But believe us, we think nopony else could ever have accomplished what you managed that day. Alright?”

The serious tone and powerful glare in her eyes pulled him back from the momentary melancholy that had so suddenly overtaken him. Sitting up straight, Dusk drained the rest of his glass, and made himself smile. “Thank you Moonlight, but enough of this. I didn’t mean to barrage you with my worries and feelings of inadequacy. I apologize for being so forward.”

The hard look in the mare’s eyes disappeared, and was replaced by a happier one. “It is no worry, Dusk Shine. The Princesses would be upset if you were to collapse under weight of the many new responsibilities you've acquired this year. But it seems odd that you would not tell the mares you are close with, or perhaps even your assistant, Barb. Is something wrong?”

Dusk sighed, silent for a moment as he looked at his wine bottle, finally lifting it and pouring himself a half glass. Taking a sip to wet his throat, he said, “No, everything is fine. More than fine, really. It’s just that…” He took a moment to carefully choose his words before continuing, “I don’t want my past mistakes to come back and haunt me or the mares I’m close to. The debacle with Trixie threatened them all, and I’d have never forgiven myself if anything had happened to them, Trixie included. If Sunset were ever to come back, with ill motives and her power…” He trailed off, unsure of how to continue. Shaking his head, he simply said, “We did not part on the best of terms.”

Moonlight Dreamer watched him for a moment, studying him. At long last she spoke, voice sincere. “Do you think it will not hurt them more if they find out about it themselves? Or do you think Sunset Shimmer would not take her potential anger out on them merely because they do not know of her? Their ignorance in this matter will not help them, Magistrate Dusk.”

Chuckling, Dusk finished off his small glass of wine. “Too true, Moonlight. I… suppose I should talk to Rarity and Applejack first, then. Rarity knows of her, but knowing that I or they could potentially be targets… Bronze may need to know as well, given that, to her, something like a potential rival in power with magic as strong as Sunset’s would surely be a security risk.” He smiled, letting out another long sigh before looking at the mare. “Now, may I ask why you are in Ponyville? Knowing who you work for, I'd assume it's more closely related to Princess Cadance’s visit in the morning, not Mr. Rich’s party.”

Dusk watched her closely, and was surprised at the sudden change in her manner, and the look on her face. Was she… was she blushing? The wistful smile that Moonlight offered was heartwarming, and held such charming and innocent happiness that it was impossible for Dusk not to appreciate. The heavy steps of some world-weary pony entering the bar were drowned out as Moonlight sat up taller in her seat and pointed to the new arrival. “Tomorrow, I am providing security for Princess Cadance’s visit. Tonight, I am here for her.”

Dusk followed her pointing finger, and was shocked to see Nurse Redheart watching them from the doorway of the sleepy bar. For a moment, she bit her lower lip, as if hesitating, wondering if she should join them.

Moonlight gave the mare no choice, using her magic to snatch a matching wine flute from the bar, refilling all three glasses while walking across the room and lovingly drawing the reluctant nurse into her arms. For a moment, they shared quiet whispers, then a lingering kiss. Finally, Redheart began to relax and followed Moonlight to the table. Dusk gave her a warm smile, unable to help but feel a bit like a third wheel. “At least now I know who her mysterious lover is. I feel a little better knowing she isn't so alone.”

Redheart accepted the glass from Moonlight and downed half the bubbly liquid immediately, the ruby glow of her cheeks still very prominent. “I wanted to remember to thank you for not asking why I needed you and Barb to foal-sit Scootaloo at the library. Now I feel like I should instead be apologizing to you two. Apple Bloom was over and they were having so much fun, I said Apple Bloom could stay the night if Barb was okay with that. I'm worried they might be too much of a handful for her while you’re not there.”

Dusk forced himself not to spit up the mouthful of wine and needed a moment to recover from the picture in his head. “I'm sorry about that. I got them a little worked up during the party and now along with Sweetie Belle and Dinky, they've declared themselves the ‘Cutie Mark Crusaders’. It was nice to see Scootaloo spending time with other foals, she even tried to protect Sweetie Belle when it looked like some fillies were about to start a fight. Why, I don't think she even mentioned Rainbow Dash once during the party.”

Redheart looked divided between a number of emotions, but settled on simply shrugging her shoulders in surrender. “I'm glad she has friends closer to her own age, at least. I’ll take that as a blessing and hope the rest works out half as well.”

Moonlight had been silent, but as she lowered her glass to the table again, she rejoined the conversation. “By the way, Dusk, Princess Luna mentioned to me the other day that she hasn't received many letters from you as of late. Is there any chance you might have more ready soon? She looked so disappointed.”

The subtle hint to leave was one Dusk didn't miss, but the humor in her approach to the request they be left alone made him smile. Opening his robes, he showed her the thick wad of notes he had taken over the course of the long and boring party. “Tonight wasn't a total waste on my side, Moonlight. You can promise her majesty I will have letters on both a number of the foals of Ponyville as well as a number of the Canterlot nobles who were at Diamond Tiara's Cuteceñera tonight. Oh, and one rather eccentric but very creative designer, though I might need a little more time to research him before I'm fully satisfied with presenting a report on him for her.”

Finishing his glass, he rose, and pushed the half-empty bottle towards Redheart as a peace offering. “I'd better get going. I need to check up on Rarity and Bronze, and make sure one didn't get too carried away and ruin the other’s night.”

The mares were both full of polite words, and Redheart’s embarrassment seemed to disappear as he left them be. Just as Dusk stepped out the bar door, he could hear Moonlight’s husky voice cooing to Redheart. “It hath been too long since I felt your touch, mine dearest.”

Octavia knew Vinyl wouldn’t be home before the next morning, but she was used to this by now, even if she still couldn't help but worry. The lies had long ago been inadequate to keep everything from her, and now- “And now even when she's scheduled for a concert, I know she isn't always just traveling to keep up the facade.”

Too worked up to relax, she did what came natural: she unpacked her beloved instrument. In a ritual she'd repeated too many times to count, she started by removing each and every string, carefully moving one gut string at a time between her fingers, inspecting each of them in great detail from one end to the other, muttering to herself as she packed them away. “The D2 sting will simply have to go. It's far too damaged and bound to snap next time I perform. Dear Celestia, why must steel strings be so resilient, but produce such a flawed sound?”

Out of the darkness, arms extended around her neck from behind, and gentle kisses rained down her throat. “You know not even one in ten of those snobs you play for would ever be able to tell the difference between the two. Why not just use steel strings?”

Octavia nearly moaned as her throat was assaulted. It took all of her professionalism to hold still during the attack, especially as the kisses turned to bites, and tugs at her flesh. When her attacker relented, she pulled the massive ebony instrument into her lap, trying hard not to pant in lust. “But I would know. And you would, too. I'd never ask you to use a broken amp.” Trying her best to continue her work, the polishing oilcloth was reassuring in her hands, and she used it to distract herself from her fluttering heart. “I thought you were handling security for the train? Shouldn't it have taken half the night just to get them to Canterlot, let alone find a ride back, dear?”

Vinyl hopped onto the couch in a single smooth motion, her agile body covered in the tight and clingy black outfit of some noble family’s private security force. Careful not to disturb Octavia’s cleaning tools, she snuggled in as close to her side as possible, one deceptively strong hand finding the perfect place on the back of Octavia’s neck, massaging the stiff muscles in ways that made her butterflies worse than ever. The black-clad mare gave her a smile, and simply shrugged. “You’re right. That’s what sucks about being a perfectionist, we worry about mistakes nopony else will ever notice. Now set that down on the floor somewhere so I can properly say hello.” Her free hand hooked Octavia’s jaw and turned her into a kiss, and this time, she gave up on fighting her flirty lover, glad to have her back again, and sooner than expected...

When they finally finished, Octavia picked the instrument up off the floor and straightened up so she could return to her cleaning, while Vinyl finally answered the rest of her question, licking clean her now-slick fingers. “As for being back so soon? Somepony senior must have known how badly I wanted to be with my beautiful wife tonight, because not ten minutes out of town, I was relieved from duty and told to return to Ponyville.”

Octavia was still breathing unevenly, but her butterflies had calmed down, and she leaned a little against Vinyl’s body, still working the oilcloth over the polished ebony. “Somepony senior? I thought there wasn't anypony above you except-”

Vinyl’s finger to her lips silenced her, and she shook her head gently. “Yes. Exactly. She flew in and relieved me. Now what did you learn for me tonight, Octy?”

After the Cuteceñera, Rarity’s Boutique.

After a day filled with endless fittings, measurements, adjustments and fittings, all Bronze could do was stare into the full-length mirror at the mare who stared back at her. She had never, ever considered that she'd one day end up wearing a dress like this. It was far more beautiful than anything the utilitarian-minded military ever had given to her, and now as Rarity adjusted the wig on her short-cropped hair, she struggled to recognize the mare in the mirror. “But it’s blonde, Rarity.”

“I know, I know, it's just, well, you insist on cutting your fine hair so very short, dear! There simply isn't enough for me to work with right now. Just let me get it settled properly first, alright? I’ve got a spell I learned years ago that will change the color, and if you want to try something different, just ask. Have you ever thought about trying life for even just a few hours as, say… a brunette? Or perhaps a redhead? It would go so well with your complexion and wings.”

A lifetime in the military had been everything she'd ever wanted. Everything was so straight-forward. You didn't have to worry about other ponies' feelings, just about doing what needed being done and dealing with the problem they set out before you.

Then Dusk had crashed into her life and things had gotten so confusing. She felt like simply a mess when it came to romance. And he... he made her even more confused, so quick to go from professional and orderly, to suddenly stroking her legs and whispering teasing things into her ear. Dear Celestia, she wanted him. Wanted him so badly it hurt sometimes. But she was still afraid, because in the farthest corners of her mind, she still felt echoes of what the Poison Joke had done to her. Had made her think. Even now, she still had trouble facing some of the ponies she had considered... hurting, and her heart only ached worse when she saw him together with any one of them.

"Well Bronze," Rarity said as she stood up and stepped back, her final adjustments to the blonde wig finished. "What do you think? I think it suits you rather well. It does you far more justice than any suit of armor possibly could. Are you sure you won't consider wearing this to the Gala instead?"

Bronze shook away her thoughts, and the painful memories, wings ruffling slightly against her back as she tried to fathom the mare who stood before her. “Well… I never thought about coloring my hair…” As she tucked her wings back into place against her back as Rarity had instructed, she was finally able to rip her eyes from the gorgeous, stunning red dress Rarity had made, just for her.

Looking at the waiting fashionista, Bronze took a moment to think about what Rarity had said. It was so, SO tempting to wear this to the Gala, to take Dusk’s hand and stride across the ballroom, to have him to herself, if only for an hour… if Dusk could see it...

"No Rarity," she finally said, letting out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "I'm his Vicarius. I’m a warrior, it's my duty to show up at the Gala dressed as such. But..." Unable to help herself, she glanced back at the mirror, and the entrancing mare who appeared out of nowhere to suddenly replace her reflection.

Bronze could feel the blush spreading over her face, even as she looked over herself again, glad for any excuse not to have to meet Rarity's eyes. She might eventually tell her and Applejack what had happened, but right now... right now, she hardly had the strength to force herself to think about it, to push past the dark memories.

Wanting happier thoughts, she gazed at the dress again, letting her mind wander to what might be, to the night she could see in her dreams. “First we’d ride together, the carriage so packed, he’d have to sit by my side. At some point, our hands would touch, and I’d apologize, but he’d wave it off, and slip his fingers into my hand, to hold it the rest of the ride. At the Gala, after he’d spoken with Princess Celestia, he'd ask me for a dance, but I'd decline, saying it was my duty to see to his safety, as after all, I am his personal guard... But then he'd tuck a finger under my chin and…”

The sudden sound of the house door unlocking, and Dusk’s voice calling out for Rarity crashed through her daydream. She froze in place, her wings glued firmly against her back as her throat tightened up. She nearly shook with fear.

"Rarity? Are you still down here working? So much has happened tonight and we really need to talk abo-”

Dusk fell silent as he stepped into the fitting room, his jaw falling slack as he caught sight of her. Bronze shut her eyes, trembling under his gaze, and cursed to herself for ever thinking of putting on a dress. Frozen from embarrassment, she couldn't even force her legs to move.

Rarity’s voice cut through the fitting room, her sharp tone unignorable. “Dear lady, stand up straight. You might be young, but you'll meet many gentlecolts, and even a few other nobles at least as important as Magistrate Dusk Shine, while guarding your lord at the Gala. If you go to court in one of my dresses, you need to get used to looking them in the eye.” Almost against her will, Bronze could feel her back straighten, and body shift. Somewhere, she found the strength to open her eyes and meet Dusk's gaze. Rarity was at his side, and he grunted as her elbow thumped his ribs. “Very good, Lady Feather. Dusk, be polite, stop staring and say hello.”

Dusk's face strained between several different emotions, while he straightened up and rubbed his hand over the ribs Rarity had just nudged. Smiling again, he took a single step forward, and dipped into a respectful bow. “I do apologize, Lady Feather. I shouldn't have barged into Rarity’s fitting room. I hope you'll forgive my rudeness?”

Bronze simply couldn't handle it, she could only sense a hint of the game they were playing with her. The deep gaze of his eyes held her trapped, but she felt her face blazing with another blush. Rarity had somehow moved to her side while she was mesmerised by Dusk, and took a firm hold of her hand, offering it out to Dusk. Rarity’s voice was a sharp whisper in her ear. “Now say: I quite understand, it was simply a shock to have such an abrupt interruption, my lord.”

Bronze felt like a broken doll, holding her hand out for Dusk just as Rarity had directed her, repeating word for word as she was directed. Dusk took up her hand, and kissed the back of it, at last breaking the hold his gaze had on her, and she was finally able to look down at the ground and speak for herself. "Dusk... I just... I'm sorry! Rarity really, really wanted to make me a-a dress for the Gala, and I thought-" Looking up to his eyes again, she saw that same look of happiness that made her heart flutter, and found herself gabbing on uncontrollably, lost in his eyes. "Don't get me wrong! I love the dress, and Rarity worked so hard on it, but I-I'm still going to wear my armor, it's just, well, I've never had a dress, and..." She glanced at the mirror again, and with yet another fresh blush, returned to looking at his hand, still holding the hand he had kissed in a gentle grip.

Rarity stepped away from Bronze's side, brushing her fingers through Dusk’s long hair fondly. “I keep telling the darling that nopony would think ill of her for wearing a dress, but she still won't listen to me, Dusk. Perhaps you could...?" Rarity trailed off, still eyeing Bronze thoughtfully.

It took a few seconds for Dusk to react to Rarity's question, though Bronze was sure he had been inspecting how foolish she looked in this dress and wig. "I-well, Bronze is my Vicarius. If she feels she has to wear her armor, then I can't convince her otherwise." Dusk rose very slowly, smiling down at Rarity a moment before stepping forward. He released Bronze's hand so he could touch her bare shoulder instead, his other hand finding its way to her hip, the heat from him making her heart leap into her throat. Standing behind her, he gently guided her to turn and face the mirror again. His husky voice and hot breath trailed along the back of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. "No matter how beautiful she makes that dress look."

Bronze's eyes shot up to meet Dusk's in the reflection of the mirror, and the faint pink tinge on his cheeks made her heart flutter again. She focused on his eyes, and saw no jest in them, only a kindness and truth. Her wings shuffled on her back, unconsciously flapping in place in an instinctive attempt to cool off, restricted by how close he stood, and they brushed against his fine black robe. Her head felt like it would explode from so much blood rushing to her cheeks.

She struggled to respond, to find some words for the vision in the mirror. Voice a whisper, two words escaped her lips. “Well… maybe…”

Rarity caught her whisper and finally looked up at Dusk again. With a quiet purr she absolutely lit up at a sudden flash of inspiration too delicious to pass up on. "Ideeeeaaaaa~!"

Applejack was startled at how much Zecora’s behavior shifted once she was certain of something. The suggestion she should meet Granny Smith had only taken the priestess a few minutes to debate over, but now as they walked to the farm together, she stood, with her shoulders squared and back straight. Before they'd left Zecora’s hut, she had insisted that it would only be appropriate for her to change into something more appropriate if she was to meet the matriarch of their clan.

Dressed in a sheer flowing white gown, Zecora looked more like one of those models in one of the fashion magazines Rarity was always looking at more than a mare who lived alone deep in the woods. But Applejack had seen how long Zecora had spent redrawing the black tattoos that covered her body, one at a time, with an ink she made from grinding up three or four herbs that Applejack couldn't identify into a stinky oil that made Applejack's noise recoil in horror. That same oil was also used for eyeshadow and lipstick.

Applejack was grateful the stuff dried quickly and the smell went away the moment it did, and that Zecora had agreed to wear a white loincloth and breastband under the sheer dress. “She's practically half as bad as Rarity when it comes to dressing up all fancy. Oh, I hope Granny don't mind… This feels like a mistake.”

Applejack caught sight of the barn as they neared the farm, and before they'd even made it to the gate, Winona had run up the steps from Big Mac’s cider cellar and bolted across the field to join them, her tail wagging violently. “Applejack! You're back! I tracked Mac all the way to the farm and cornered him in the cider room, kept him trapped there too so he couldn't run away again; nope, nope, no!”

Winona’s pure energy and excitement at a job well done was reassuring and took the edge off of Applejack’s nerves. But she knew her friend, and took to heavily scratching her around the head and collar to keep her from getting distracted and messing up Zecora’s dress, remembering how interested the mutt had been to inspect the odd smells from several of Rarity’s past pet projects. She didn't need that headache on top of everything else that had happened today. “Good girl, Winona. Good work! Now go bring him to Granny, okay girl?”

Excited for new work, Winona licked AJ’s palm before bolting across the field again, heading straight for the stairs that led into the cellar.

Zecora had watched, and raised an eyebrow. “A loyal friend, like a lively little sister. Did you adopt her, or was she always here, like a seasonal twister?”

Applejack needed a moment to catch up with Zecora’s fancy talk but laughed when she caught the jest. “Nah, Winona’s a real sweetheart. She just gets worked up when she sees I'm worried or when she does a good job. Takes more pride in a job done right than anypony I've ever met. We took her in after I saw how bad she'd been hurt. You ever heard of Diamond Dogs?”

That got Zecora’s attention, she stood walking to look back towards the staircase Winona had ran down. “Wait... her? But she looks like no dirty cur.”

Applejack shook her head at Zecora’s questioning gaze. “Cousins maybe. Distant cousins even. But from what I've gathered, her family sold her to a tribe north of the Everfree after getting fed up with her wandering off when she was supposed to be guarding their herds. The Diamond Dogs treated her even worse. Beat her when she stepped out of line, so she ran away and found Ponyville by chance. I took her in when Fluttershy said she'd be a great night guard. Been a few years now, but I've never had a moment of regret for taking her in.”

That made Zecora smile and she gave Applejack’s shoulder a squeeze. “Perhaps she simply needed an understanding home and some space to roam. A kind deed you did, Applejack.”

Applejack returned Zecora’s smile, but before she could recall a story about Winona getting in trouble for doing something silly, Granny called out from her rocking chair on the balcony. “Applejack, your new friend sure talks fancy a lot. You brought a friend home this late? And why won't Big Mac talk to me? I went down into the cellar to see what had Winona so riled up, but he just kept saying he was busy with the still and would grab his dinner later. Now I might be old and forgetful, but nothing keeps that colt from a full dinner plate of my cooking, not if he knows what's good for him!”

Zecora stepped forward and crossed her right leg behind her left, suspending the foot off the ground, before deeply bowing, the whole time balancing on one foot. “Please forgive me, kind matriarch named Granny Smith. The stallion’s distress is what I wish to address forthwith.”

Granny didn't even bother to wait for Zecora to finish. Up out of her rocker deceptively fast, she leaned upon the deck’s railing and squinted out at Zecora, gumming her dentures in a way that Applejack knew she was thinking hard, but it was always impossible to tell if old Granny Smith was annoyed or not as her lower jaw contorted to shift around the dentures that had never fit quite right. “Now what is this, Applejack? And have you plum fergot yer manners, not introducing your guests?”

Moving around Zecora, who was still somehow managing to keep her balance in the odd one-footed bow, Applejack joined Granny on the deck, nervously rubbing her hands together. “It's- well, it's darn complicated, Granny. See, Zecora is a Zebra Priestess of the Sun Goddess. Princess Celestia’s name wasn't known by them until just a few hundred years ago. And she, ahh- well, she… she, uh, she moved into the Everfree Forest a few months ago, and after she fell real ill during the winter, Big Mac felt really sore that nopony had helped her get her home set up for our weather, so he's been out there helping clean up her land and improve her little house to be a lil’ more livable during the winter.”

Stopping to catch her breath and wondering just how Pinkie managed to squeeze so many words into a single breath without passing out, Granny cut in before Applejack could continue. “Well of course she's a Zebra, I'm not blind, girl! Nopony could miss that dark skin or unique mane and tail! But why is she here? And why's Mac so distressed? Big galoot helps out everypony. Yer acting half as nervous as you did before introducing me ta Dusk, and… oh.”

Zecora rose from her bow at last, just as Winona dragged Mac up the stairs by a mouthful of the fabric around his wrist. The mare blushed, halting in her attempt to reply to Granny's question, forcing Applejack to explain again. “See, Granny, in Zecora’s culture, the hard work Mac did, and his refusal to accept any payment but a meal or two, zebras see that as part’a dating. And so… well, ah… to put it simply she fancies Mac and wanted to do the respectful thing and ask for your permission.”

Granny was silent and grumped her dentures for a while yet, scowling at them all save Winona, whose frantic and futile antics to get Mac to move any further up the steps from the barn’s cellar earned her a thin-lipped grin from Granny. At last the old matriarch spit the dentures into her hand and straightened them, shoving them back into place at last. One finger lifted, and pointed square at Mac, who froze under the force of her glare. “Mac, you shy colt, do you like this here mare?”

Still blushing openly, Mac pulled his hand forcefully from Winona’s jaws and turned to face Granny, nodding like a colt caught with his hand in the cookie jar. “I do, Granny, she's smart as a whip and real kindly too.”

Granny turned back to Zecora, and pointed that same accusing finger. “And you, filly? You like my grand-colt? Regardless of how empty his head might appear sometimes?”

Zecora was serious again, she faced Mac a moment and couldn't help but grin as he smiled at her, then looked away from the shy colt. “I do attest, dear Granny Smith, the colt named Mac I wish to be with.”

Granny threw up her arms and shook her head. “Then what do ya need me for? Go have your fun and court if that's what Zebras do!” She paused as she turned to walk away, turning back to face Zecora again, that accusatory finger lifted once more. “But don't ya dare hurt him. The last mare that did only got away with an earful ‘cause they was both too young and she's one of Golden Harvest’s foals, and I've known her mother since she was just a foal herself!”

Applejack felt a moment of relief, glad Granny had simply cut through the fat of the matter and picked her own quick and easy solution. She wasn't sure she'd have been able to explain to Granny just how the Zebra courted without a whole lot of embarrassment. But as she turned to look down at Mac, Winona jumped to her feet and turned to face the road from town at some sound she alone could her. “Girl? What's bothering you?”

Under Granny's watchful eye, Mac and Zecora were talking about as well as two foals in a school yard, but Winona’s ears stood on end, and she sniffed at the air. “Its… three ponies… and something else, very different… it's uh… leather and scales and dry books…. Its- Barb! Yes, yes! Leather and books is Barb, cause she's a dragon and dragons smell of leather and books!” Proud of her nose, the pup strained to stand taller, contriving to look like she didn’t want the scratch she so clearly pined for.

Reaching over to scratch two fingers between Winona’s ears, AJ frowned. “Barb? This late? I hope everypony's okay…”

Thankfully it wasn't too long before Barb came into sight, though only thanks to how little the field between the house and road had grown so far. She was accompanied by Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, and escorted by Rarity, who was looking a little too proud of herself for Applejack’s liking. The fashionista waved as soon as they were in sight and continued to grin in a way that reminded Applejack of Rarity’s fat and lazy cat when it had snuck a few extra treats out of Sweetie Belle. “Oh, Applejack! I'm so glad I caught you before you all turned in for the night! I must ask of you a very important favor!”

Suddenly remembering just how early she got up this morning, Applejack put a hand over her eyes, and did her best to contain a groan. “What did you do now, Rarity?”

All innocent-like, the mare gave Granny a wave before stepping up the path to stand at Applejack’s side. The two foals and Barb took off, running straight to pester Zecora and Mac. “Well, it all started when Dusk met Hoity Toity at Mr. Rich’s party, and now Dusk’s on a date with Bronze, I am working simply frantically to finish off our Gala dresses for a fashion show for Hoity Toity that I desperately need your help with tomorrow, and everypony in town, even Nurse Redheart is simply too busy, so I need you to watch the girls tonight!”

Thunderstruck by all she had missed in only a day of following Mac through the woods, Applejack stopped bothering to hold back her groan. Removing her hat and pulling her hand through her hair, she took a deep breath and looked at her lover again, trying to find some patience. “How about you start again from the beginning, and give me the long version, sugarcube?”

Dusk chewed thoughtfully at the peeled carrot, enjoying the way the chilled strawberry yogurt added a sweetness to the raw veggies. Bronze was still eating the salad Sweetie Belle had brought her, clearly either ravenous, or trying to cover her nervousness. Watching as the little filly refilled his glass of water, Dusk tried again to comfort Sweetie. “I know Rarity said you should try being our waitress Sweetie dear, but we can handle serving ourselves, really. Why don't you head to bed or work on your school work?”

Defiantly, the foal put a hand on her hip, and shook her head, lower lip curled into a giant pout up at Dusk. “Nuh-uh! Rarity said to serve you guys stuff from the prepared meals in the fridge and be very helpful, so that's what I'm gonna do! Maybe I can get my cutie mark if I'm a good waitress!”

Dusk couldn't help himself, the filly was simply too adorable, so he let her win, smiling as he accepted the glass of water from her. He looked across the table to Bronze, who was openly laughing at him. Confused, he asked, “What? She makes a good point. Maybe a cutie mark in being a good waitress is her future.”

Nearly snorting with laughter, Bronze wiped tears from her eyes and tried her hardest to answer him. “It's just… you're a student of Princess Celestia herself, and a filly half your height is winning arguments.”

Turning the power of her pout towards Bronze, Sweetie Belle sounded genuinely confused. “But we weren't arguing. I was just trying to be a good filly for mah-my big sister Rarity.”

Bronze sputtered and coughed, still laughing quite hard despite her best efforts to keep herself under control. “Dear Celestia, are you sure she isn't related to Princess Cadence?” Dusk simply shook his head, laughing along with Bronze. “Sweetie, promise me you'll never use your powers for evil, alright?”

Confused, the little filly settled the water jug on the table. “Umm… alright, Bronze. I promise.” Almost immediately however, she turned to watch Dusk, even more closely. "Dusk, what does she mean, my powers? And what's wrong with Princess Cadence? She was super nice when she came to visit you the last couple of times.”

Bronze continued to laugh so hard that she began to openly cry, only managing to ask a single question between her tears of laughter. “She isn’t serious, is she?”

Sympathetic for how confused the filly looked, Dusk ruffled a hand in her hair. “It's just… you are beyond precious sometimes, Sweetie Belle. And some adults and maybe even other foals will be easily charmed by your good nature. But it's okay, because you are also far too kind and caring a filly to use it to abuse others, right?”

Concerned, Sweetie pulled away from Dusk’s hand, her wide eyes worried. “You mean like how Diamond Tiara was making everypony angry? I don't wanna ever be like that!”

Pulling the filly into his lap, Dusk laughed and offered her the tray of veggies and dip. “Don't ever change, alright, Sweetie Belle? You're perfect as you are.”

For a while, the conversation remained light and happy. Sweetie Belle easily conned Dusk into desert, only to end up eating more than half of his piece of cake herself. When the filly insisted on cleaning up the dishes alone, Dusk was at last alone again with Bronze. Hunting for a topic of conversation, he found himself stuck on the topic of his cutie mark. “...but to this day we have yet to find another pegasus who can replicate a sonic rainboom. Since Dash was so young, we can only speculate some unknown pony did it and possibly died in the process. It's frightening to imagine, but Dash swears she can do it one whenever she wants, regardless of any risks...” As he spoke, Bronze was watching him closely, and Dusk couldn't help but feel the intensity of her stare and blush a little. “But enough about my cutie mark. How'd you get yours?”

Bronze stiffened up and sat up taller, chewing on her lower lip out of nervous habit. Her wings ruffled uncomfortably on her back before settling down again. “My cutie mark. I- It… well, it all goes back to why I joined the royal guard. When I was just a little filly, even younger than Sweetie Belle, both my parents worked for the military. My dad’s a great baker, and used to do work right in Canterlot Castle, making fresh bread everyday, just for the guard. My mother, though… she was a soldier, and she lived and breathed the military. As a foal, I spent most of my time with Dad, but Mom would visit all the time, and she and the other guards told endless stories of the great things they did.”

Bronze drained her water and her voice got quieter, her eyes distant. “For years I begged them to let me fly on patrol with them, but they always made excuses. Finally, one time Ma gave in. It was just a short patrol flying over Canterlot, a little easy flight that took us nowhere near the border lands. But two griffons and a bat pony ambushed us, and my mom hurt her hand in the fighting so bad she dropped her spear. It was… it was like I was on autopilot. I dove to retrieve it for her, ‘cause she was still fighting off the bigger griffon. When I dropped below the clouds, a third griffon jumped me just as I got ahold of my mom's spear. Mom came crashing down and bodily checked him into a tree but that left her dazed…. Then the big one showed up, and was charging at her back. I readied the spear just like they taught me and took up position guarding my ma’s back… the big griffon… he never even slowed down. I doubt he even saw me as a threat. He impaled himself on my spear. Later, I helped Ma fly home and we discovered my cutie mark had appeared during the fight. Ma was so proud, but the griffons had hurt her so bad, she wasn’t able to return to active duty.”

Shocked, Dusk stood and walked to her side, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. “Bronze, I'm so sorry. I never meant to bring up such a painful memory.”

Bronze smiled up at him and put one arm around his back, pressing him closer to her, enjoying his scent.. “It's not a sad memory. I protected my mom from a griffon nearly twice her size. I got to be a good pony protecting somepony weaker than I was. That's why I’m a guard. To protect the weak from the strong who would abuse them.”

Dusk fondly smiled down at her, but Sweetie stepped into the room and gave an adorable sigh. “Are you two going to dance? Rarity says that's what noble ponies do at a party, and a date is just a party for two, right?”

Dusk tried to think of a gentle way to explain to the sweet filly that sometimes dancing simply wasn't appropriate. But before he could, Bronze reached out and stroked Sweetie’s cheek with her thumb. “Of course we’ll dance, Sweetie, if you'll share turns with Dusk with me, that is. And afterwards, we’ll tuck you into bed and go home for the night, alright?”

Excited, Sweetie hugged Bronze tightly around the hips, despite the fact she was still sitting down. “Of course I'll let you have a few turns with Dusk! But I get the first dance!”

Midnight, Dusk’s Library.

Bronze pressed herself in closer against Dusk's side to help ward off the chilly night. She sighed as his arm tightened around her hip over his robe he'd insisted she wear, and she leaned her head on his shoulder, entirely happy with the evening. As they came upon the library, the pair saw a note pinned to the front door. Opening it, she watched Dusk's eyes skim down the page rapidly before smiling. Unable to wait, Bronze gently gripped his elbow. "Well? What, does it say?"

Dusk looked at her over his shoulder, his eyes filled with quiet laughter "It seems Rarity knew we would have a good night and kidnapped Barb and the girls for the night. They are going to have a sleep over at the farm instead, so we can be alone."

Dusk passed her the note while he drew his key for the library, and Bronze found the click of the unlocking door very satisfying. She scanned the page quickly, and immediately saw the message behind Rarity's words. Face flushing, she was glad that Dusk wasn’t looking at her as he led the way inside, lighting only enough lights to get around. Adrenaline suddenly coursing through her, and she could hardly wait until he'd closed the door behind them. The sound of the lock sealing off the outside world told her it was time, time to make her move.

In a rush, she pressed herself forward against him, wings flapping once to give her a bit more momentum, arms wrapping around his neck as her lips sought his, trapping him against the door. He made a surprised noise before their lips met, but when she began to tentatively explore his mouth with her tongue, he relaxed and wrapped his arms around her waist, crushing her body to his.

Dusk murmured something into her mouth, and gripped her waist tightly with both hands, kissing her deeply while holding her still. When they took a moment to catch their breath, he was panting in her face, but she was no better. She felt a small bit of pride when she heard that next his words were stilted, his voice a little unsteady. “Let’s… let’s go upstairs before we get too carried away, alright?”

Bronze could hardly wait, but held his hand as she let him trail behind her all the way upstairs, a warm wet feeling between her thighs telling her just how much she wanted this. As they neared his bedroom door, Dusk surprised her by spinning her around and thrusting her body back against the door of his room, pinning her wings flat to her back while he pressed in, making her groan as her body ached even worse... She tilted her head up, and grabbed his lip with her teeth, sucking it between her teeth and pulling him in for a kiss, while she raked her teeth across his trapped flesh. The way he moaned made it clear she was doing things properly. Her hands hunted over his back, but found nothing good to grip down on, and finally they settled on his ribs. For a long moment she enjoyed the feel of him against her, lost in his taste and musk, and when he finally pulled away from her, she was panting heavily. She took advantage of her freedom, and opened the door to his bedroom.

Glad for a moment to catch her breath, Bronze turned to walk inside, trying to do her best to copy the way that Rarity sashayed her hips, strutting inside while her tail danced playfully across her hips. She hoped she might manage to imitate the sexy way she had seen ladies at the few balls she’d watched when Princess Cadence made Shining Armor accompany her.

Dusk followed her into the room, and she waited until he reached for her shoulders before shifting her hips back against his, grinding her ass against his groin, earning an encouraging moan in the process.

It would be so easy, a walk in the woods, nopony around, just one quick blow and-

Bronze forced that frightening memory away. She had never, would never do such a thing! Fighting to keep from sobbing, she didn't realize she'd frozen in place until Dusk touched her shoulder. “Bronze? Are you alright? Is-”

Turning to face him she smiled, running her fingers through his hair, shaking her head. “I'm fine, Dusk. It's just my first time, I- I want to get this right. Will you guide me?”

Dusk smiled gently and stroked her cheek. “Of course, I want you to enjoy every moment of this. How about I start first, and let me know what you enjoy as we go.”

Bronze nodded, and her hands slid down to Dusk’s sides as he stepped in close. He gently pulled on the drawstrings of her dress, and began to slide it down. Bronze gave a loud gasp as Dusk left a trail of kisses down her throat and collarbone, before settling his lips over her breasts, lingering on her rock hard nipples and making her moan as he tormented her.

The knife dripped red liquid, pooling on the floor.

Bronze shuddered as Dusk slid the dress around her knees, pressing his nose into the frilly white panties that Rarity had insisted she wear.

The rock was so heavy, but she threw her shoulder into it, and the sickening crack of bones drowned out the cries for help.

Dusk’s fingers slipped under the trim of the silk panties and dragged them down over the curve of her hips, before his tongue lapped at the lips of her sex.

The rope cut into her hands and the blood made her grip slick, but soon the mare stopped struggling, her body going limp.

A sudden cry of anguish escaping her throat, Bronze shoved his head away, pulling his blanket tightly around her body, pushing him away with her feet while climbing up the bed and burying her face in one wing. “No… no, Dusk… I can't, I just... I just can’t!”

Dusk stopped right away, and a worried look filled his eyes. Worry for her, worry that she felt she simply didn’t deserve. “Bronze I- I didn't hurt you, did I? I'm sorry if I was going too fast for you-”

Sniffling, hardly able to drown out the memories, Bronze fumbled with the blanket, trying to cover herself and fish up the red dress, doing her best to hold back her wild wash of emotions. “No, dear Celestia, you were perfect, Dusk. I just- I'm not g- I need more time. I'll… I need some time to sleep on all this, okay?”

She rushed from the room before he could answer. She wouldn't be able to handle it if he tried to comfort her. She needed time to forget, time to drown out her horrific dreams.

Thursday, April 7th, 1am, Rarity’s Boutique.

RarIty snipped off the thread and popped the green spool back into its place on the shelf. A few more twists of her needle and the seam was finished. “Summer time, nature and flower hues! It will simply look perfect on you, Fluttershy!”

Sitting alone before the line of her creations, Rarity inspected them for perhaps the thousandth time, still sure there must be something she could do to make each dress ‘perfect’. “I suppose I should double check all the seams in Applejack's outfit, she probably won't be as bad as Dash, but she is so rough on her clothing, then maybe sle-”

The window across from Rarity was suddenly thrown open, the sharp breeze outside blocked momentarily as Bronze climbed through. When she realized Rarity sat there watching her, the red-faced mare froze in place, tears still openly running down her cheeks.

There was a long moment of silence between them, but the winds continued to howl, sending a chill down Rarity’s spine. Standing slowly, she walked around the stiff guard and closed the window, latching it shut. Crossing her arms over her chest, she inspected Bronze, who wore her usual jogging pants and matching top, the noble red dress folded over one arm. “Dear, is everything alright? Dusk didn't hurt you, di-”

Her words seemed to break something in the mare and Bronze was suddenly in her arms, holding her close and bawling into her hair, inconsolably sobbing. “I- oh by The Light Rarity, I'm sorry, I jus- I'm so sorry, you ha- you go- just please, forgive me! I wanted to do such horrible- such cruel things! I could never, will never deserve an ounce of your kindness, let alone all the time you've given me with Dusk! I’m so-sorry for even trying! I-I-I-I… dear Celestia, I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!”

Rarity’s best efforts to calm Bronze only made the mare weep harder. After what felt like forever, she at last got the mare to curl up on her bed, but only by climbing in beside her and stroking her nails through Bronze’s close-cropped hair while whispering reassuring words in her ear. At some point, Bronze fell asleep, her head on Rarity's shoulder, face still wet with tears. Still brushing her fingers through the guard’s hair, Rarity wondered what had come of the cute date she had set up… and what was tormenting Bronze so badly. “Sleep for now, Bronze, sleep well. We'll try again tomorrow. Perhaps by the light of day, you'll feel like yourself again.”

Author's Notes:

I... I hope I didn't go too dark on you guys... Don't worry, things will be explained in the next part.

Merry X-mas to all and Happy new year and dancing penguins and such!