Author's Notes:

I am so, so sorry for the long wait on this! There is no excuse but I will try to give a reason:

College is nearly over, picked up and then I got a job. Recently I have had one day off every 7 to 10 days so... Yeah... Writing time has plummeted but college is nearly over so I'll have some time! Yay!

Also... It's nearly over... I realised that when making this chapter and starting 23. I'm going to hurry things along so I don't drag out the wedding prep but yeah, couple more chapters then that's it. Ruby and Bolt's adventure here will end.

Doesn't mean I'll stop writing about them though of course, anyway enjoy! :)

The following morning was NOT one of my most graceful awakenings. I woke up and sat up then gave a bark of pain. It felt like glass had been shoved through all of my bones, there was a rancid taste in my mouth and I had a headache. Ruby rolled over beside me and giggled.

“If it had been me, you’d still be tingling.” She cooed and I shoved her then winced and whimpered from the pain.

Ruby laughed softly and I managed to roll over, my wings refused to work, twitching and stretching weirdly, instantly cramping along with several other parts of my body causing me to just flop onto the floor. Ruby took pity on me and I felt her tail curl over my spine, curling two coils over both my wings which rubbed them slowly, tickling my feather as her scales flexed over my body. I sighed and lay still, it was a LOT nicer than pain.

Finally Ruby curled a life buoy with her tail and helped me stand “I’m going to go clean my mouth out…” I grunted and Ruby’s tail slipped off my body, the pain returning in the form of a constant throbbing.

I stumbled through the house to the bathroom and had a surprise. My brother, Digi, had his head buried in the sink full of water. He pulled his head back, coughing and wiped his face “I think I can guess what happened to you… Is she like her mother?” Digi asked holding his forehead.

“What happened to you?” I asked walking up beside him.

Digi’s mane was dripping and stuck to his head, and I think he may have looked worse before the dip, and his eyes were drooping from poor sleep “Diamond ‘played’ with me all last night, same for you?” He asked.

“No… I went to meet the town’s Queen Sunny… And her two guards… and twelve other mares… At the same time.” I took my turn dunking my head then.

“Ruby get a turn?” Digi asked with a small grin and I nodded.

“Least she’s gentle, I think I broke all my bones then broke the fragments of my bones with Sunny’s group.” I grumbled and Digi gave a soft bark of laughter “How’d she treat you?” I asked.

“Well, I got to experience hypnosis and during our ‘game’ it was quite pleasant… Waking up, not so pleasant.” I nodded in understanding, the moment was more fun than the aftermath “…Diamond told me you were gonna get married.” Digi suddenly sprung after a moment of silence, I could tell he had more to say but was working up to it.

Digi rubbed his mane in thought before dipping his hoof in the sink and wiping his eyes “Bolt… I’m your brother and I want to make sure you’re alright, I know, and I’m sure you can’t disagree, we haven’t always got on like best pals but… We tolerated each other.” Digi began.

“Which is pretty much same thing for siblings.” I said softly and he nodded smirking.

“Yeah… But… Are you one hundred percent sure…? I mean you know her better than anypony else, but after all that’s happened are you sure marriage so soon is a good idea?” Digi asked.

“After all that’s happened I’m certain of my choice.” I said softly.

Digi stared at me then smiled as he looked in the mirror “You sure have grown up.” He muttered.

“In physical terms, or mental? Cause I can agree with one.” I said and he chuckled then it was my turn to be serious “Do you think dad will…?” I stopped unsure how to finish.

“He doesn’t really like Ruby does he, but, for you, if he knew it’d make you happy I’m sure he’d let you go.” Digi said confidently, I nodded thankfully.

At that moment the door opened with a click and Ruby entered “Hay, what am I missing here? Are you evaluating your experiences and comparing?” Ruby asked and Digi and I chuckled.

“Knock next time.” Digi said throwing a towel at her face.

“But it’s our house, isn’t it rude to avoid your hosts?” Diamond asked ducking into the room, I noticed she was holding a small piece of paper.

Diamond slid between Digi and me and made a nipping bite towards his face and he recoiled, sorry for the pun “Would you cut that out.” He muttered turning red in the face.

“You loved it.” Digi waved a hoof at Diamond’s comment and Ruby giggled.

“Need somepony younger? There are plenty in town, just walk up to them and take a seat on their coils, just be ready to get shared.” Ruby cooed into Digi’s ear.

“You marefriend is a pervert Bolt.” Digi said pushing her away, I felt the folded note slip under my wing from Diamond and she smiled at me and I nodded in thanks.

“You’re delaying finding out about that surprise.” I said softly and Ruby froze and then laughed.

“Oh yes, you’re right, I haven’t finished interrogating you have I, Bolt?” I gulped at Ruby’s tone.

“Wait you’re leaving already, man we just got here!” Digi said and I smiled.

“We had to come back once a month for the check-up thing with the Queen and to pay a debt… That’s both done, and this month I have a lot to do and I want to get started.” I said and Ruby glanced at me with raised eyebrows.

“You’re making that secret more interesting.” She mumbled with a fang filled grin.

“So… You are leaving now?” Diamond asked, a little teary but with a smile.

“Mum we’ll be fine we made it back before, didn’t we?” Ruby said and as she hugged her Diamond looked at me and I knew she wasn’t crying because we were going.

“Be good and come home soon, I’ll look after your brother until then Bolt.” Diamond promised.

“Nope! I’m outta here!” Digi said trotting from the room.

“Excuse me I’m going hunting suddenly, right now.” Diamond said chasing him.

“Your brother is going to get so gang up on.” Ruby mumbled as I took her hoof and walked through the house.

“I don’t doubt it.” I muttered with a grin.

Ruby and I made our way through town and back down to the open gates, I retrieved my wagon and fixed myself in “Canterlot first?” Ruby asked setting off so I had to follow.

I reached under my wing and pulled out a small slip of paper, it gave measurements for a circular, rather long, ring or bracelet “Yeah… Canterlot.” I said folding it back under.

And so we were once again on the road, we followed the markings the royal guards and lamias had left, and at one point even wandered into a patrol having a rest, it consisted of a lamia working as a guide with three royal guards, all three were lounging on chair like coils whilst the lamia slid between them giving them top up bursts of hypnosis to keep them under. Ruby cupped my chin and turned me away as the lamia looked towards me.

“He’s mine.” Ruby muttered and I smiled.

We continued with little of note happening until we reached the guard checkpoint back in Equestria. We soon found the Sergeant, the area had changed very little other than a few more building materials had arrived and some temporary towers were now up with sentries within, the waiting lamias were down another number and as we reached the Sergeant I noticed he was snoozing.

Ruby and I glanced at each other and we could hear him snoring softly, I tapped his head and he stirred looking up slowly “What?” He mumbled then snapped up wide eye “Silence!” He shouted at us and Ruby giggled.

“We’re here to be cleared through.” I said and the Sergeant nodded hurriedly.

“Yes… Yes of course.” The Sergeant snatched the letter, stared at one point for a minute then hoofed it back “Still good.” He muttered and he glanced up seeing Ruby open her mouth to speak “Out, out now go!” He shouted waving his hoof dismissively and Ruby pulled the wagon along with me as we galloped away laughing.

“What do you think they made him do?” Ruby asked.

“Something proper good I bet.” I said laughing madly “C-come on, we’ll pitch up over here.”

Ruby sat outside the wagon as I set the brakes in so it wouldn’t roll away, when I finished I glanced over at her. The sun had set behind the mountains, I could still see the long orange glow on the sand below up from the hill we’d perched on, but the valley, with the guards and lamias within, was beginning to flare up with candle like fires. Ruby was sat watching the little camp with a soft smile.

I walked up beside Ruby and sat down “It’s a nice view… Green and the mountains grey with its topped white… So pretty, it makes my old home seem so dull.” Ruby said softly.

“Are you happy?” I asked and Ruby turned to face me.

“I can’t remember a time I have ever been this happy.” Ruby lay back staring at the sky “I have a coltfriend,” Ruby curled a coil around my chest and pulled me down beside her, my head resting on her chest as she stroked my mane slowly, affectionately “Who I love dearly and loves me back despite our differences,” I felt a coil touch my hind leg “I can move freely within a whole new world! And I’m safe… I don’t have to glance over my shoulder for hunters after my scales… I can just lay back… And close my eyes… And I’ll be fine.” Ruby cooed doing just that, resting her head as her eyes closed.

Ruby remained completely still for a minute, taking in the sweet fresh air “Thank you, Bolt… For giving me a chance at this kind of a life…” She said in a soft voice opening her eyes to look at me.

“You’re welcome.” I said softly “Thanks for not eating me.” I added and Ruby giggled.

We stayed there, me resting on Ruby’s chest as she pampered my head with her hooves, and her tail kneaded my body. It was so peaceful “Shall we stay here for the night?” I asked in a low whisper, not wishing to break the serenity.

“Yes… Everything is just fine here.” Ruby whispered her voice so sweet in its calm state.

It’s easy to understand that, in that state, we both drifted off to sleep, Ruby holding me in a cradle of comfy coils, it was quite easy to become drowsy and just peacefully close my eyes. When I opened them the valley was beginning to lighten and as I glanced towards the guard camp I could see the fires being put out. It was like I’d never slept, Ruby’s hoof was still trailing lazily through my mane, making it gradually more and more ruffled and messy.

“Good morning.” I said turning my head up to look at Ruby.

My whole neck tingled, not with the odd cramps you get from sleepy, but as if the muscles inside me had been kneaded to a point they ceased to function, I was wide awake yet had no motivation to get up… Falling to sleep felt like an easy thing to accomplish.

“Good morning.” Ruby said softly, shifting to slip out from under me, her tail holding me up, Ruby uncoiled my hooves so I could hold myself up and as I took the weight of my body back it felt like lead “Something wrong?” Ruby asked and I shook my head, making it spin.

“No it’s fine let’s head off.” I said walking over to the wagon and ducking under and into the harness, clicking into it took longer than normal and Ruby noticed.

“You seem… Slow, sluggish, are you alright, Bolt?” Ruby asked.

“Yeah just… It’s nothing Ruby I just haven’t finished waking up.” I said but she smiled knowing.

Ruby, without a word, slid her tail over towards me and curled a coil to push against the front of my neck, I leaned into it, unaware how much I was leaning until Ruby pulled back and I fell flat on my face to her laughter.

“Not funny.” I grumbled in a sleepy stupor.

Ruby wrapped her hooves in a hug around me and pulled me up, I sighed and Ruby giggled more “How’s about you finish sleeping and I pull for the morning, okay?” I gave a small nod and Ruby lifted me off the ground like a little kitten carrying me to bed.

I slipped to sleep with a final brush of Ruby’s hair. When I awoke again I was unsure how much time had passed, but at least I was wide awake. I made my way through the wagon and opened the door. The ground was rumbling past at a steady pace and I let my wings beat so I wouldn’t trip from jumping down.

“Good afternoon.” Ruby said cheerily at my arrival “Did you manage to sleep without my coils?” Ruby asked and I smiled.

“Yes I slept fine, not as cosy but ok.” I admitted and Ruby smiled.

“Nothing beats a lamia coils.” Ruby said proudly.

“Nothing beats your coils.” I corrected.

“Are you buttering me up for something?” Ruby asked.

“No… I would like a new wagon!” I said like a foal, holding my hooves under my eyes, puppy dog style and Ruby chuckled.

“Take a look…” Ruby said softly and I turned my gaze forward.

Canterlot was rolling around into view, the mountain base the city stood above just ahead with the path leading up along the high walls curling upwards with unlit torches, a small stream of ponies making their way up. I stared up at the city, the white and golden spires standing tall in the mountain face, its sparkling clear blue water crashing down, the water fed most of the surrounding land of Equestria, with help from the mountains around the badlands in some places. Canterlot really was Equestrian’s heart.

“Do you want to head inside whilst I pull?” I asked.

“No.” Ruby said then looked at me “I won’t hide from these ponies I live here now and they’ll have to except that… But you can pull the wagon.” Ruby said suddenly stopped and climbing out the harness.

“Course… Now there’s a hill.” I said.

“Now there’s a hill.” Ruby confirmed with a grin as I strapped in.

As we made our way close the base of the hill I began to notice Ruby was shifting nervously “You can head inside Ruby… Twilight is making that potion for you.” I reminded her.

Ruby looked and me and smiled “I know but… I don’t want to use it to hide… I won’t change myself for these ponies… I am a lamia and they will accept that. Besides, Luna is here we’ll be alright.” Ruby said then looked over as she heard a soft gasp.

Various amounts of the Canterlot ponies were strewn about, waiting for carriages to pick them up, as their polished hooves might get a scrape climbing the hill, when one noticed Ruby she gasped loudly and pointed with her friend and it spread like fire as all the ponies present were searching for something of interest.

“My word… A lamia, just like in the paper!”

“Wow, her scales are exquisite!” A mare said, adjusting a solid gold monocle (How do they hold their heads up wearing them?) before glancing at the stallion beside her “Will dresses be made of it… Do they shed?” I glance at Ruby and she seemed a little bashful.

Before long, the braver, or more pestered, stallions had approached Ruby, one moved in beside me with a grunted “Stand aside labourer.” I felt my eye twitch from his tone. Oh the temptation to kick him under the wagon!

Ruby seemed mostly happy at first, accepting the ‘polite’ stallions welcoming gestures, and even got her hoof kissed. My fur bristled there “What brings you to Canterlot may I ask?” One stallion asked, adjusting his hat as we soon reached the base of the climb. Surprising how these ponies suddenly obtain the strength to climb it now there’s something of interest.

“We’re just here to get something.” Ruby said simply. This sparked a few more questions, mainly what she was after and where she intended to go “Erm I’m not… Sure…” Ruby said nervously.

“Crystal Clear’s jewellery.” I said simply looking at Ruby with a small smile, which she returned with a thankful relieved one.

“And who is this?” The tone the mare used was a little insulting.

“Boltblood Thundercloud, I’m acting as Ruby’s guide and guardian.” I said, letting a sliver of poshness slip into my voice in a mocking way.

I got several scowls but also a soft chuckle from Ruby and a few less uptight stallions and mares. So I might respect them a bit more now “Watch your tone featherweight!”

I gave a dark grin to the stallion speaking “Mind looking at the harness it’s special.” I said. The dark coloured stallion raised an eyebrow and glanced down. Then his eyes fixed onto the coat of arms.

“Princess Luna… But… Why a Pegasus? What use does she have for a cloud pusher?” I gave a single sharp laugh, but then noticed, as I kept going, Ruby had stopped.

“Par-don?” Ruby asked facing the stallion, dragging the word out innocently. The whole crowd paused and the stallion took a step back “Mind saying that again please?” Ruby asked grinning, her fangs on show with a deadly white gleam. The stallion looked like he’d wet his pants as he sprinted back down, followed by his wife. Ruby giggled as they fled “Bolt is a good friend of mine… And I don’t appreciate him being insulted.” Ruby stated then turned catching up to me.

The crowd remained stationary as we kept going “Did I go too far?” Ruby asked.

“Perhaps a little… They’ll recover but I doubt the next welcome will be so… Hospitable.” I said. Ruby looked a little sad for a moment before I added “Thanks for standing up for me, means a lot.”

“So… Crystal Clear’s jewellery… What we getting?” Ruby asked leaning towards me.

“Patience. Though I dunno if you can afford that.” Ruby rolled her eyes at my comment

“Ha-ha Bolt, hilarious.” Ruby said sarcastically and I chuckled softly.

Several faster moving wagons passed us going up and down with passengers, many leaned over to view Ruby like she was a very interesting dress or art piece… But not a living creature. Ruby didn’t seem to mind, waving politely and smiling, though keeping her mouth closed. As the top of the road came into view, the gates to Canterlot could be seen ahead, it wasn’t the main entrance which was further along but that suited me, no need for too big a…

“Oh, Celestia help us…” I mumbled as the sea of coloured ponies ahead could be spotted, it was like an artist had spilt buckets all over his studio.

“Why are there so many out here…?” Ruby asked “Those are guards… L-Lots of guards.” Ruby noted, she was right, the day guard seemed to be out in larger force than normal at the particular gate, keeping a space clear within the centre of the ponies.

“What’s going on, is there a festival…?” I asked trying to find a reason, surely news hadn’t been that fast… Then again we had taken a while to get up the mountain.

“Bolt… I’m scared, what if they kick me out?” Ruby asked.

“They listen to Luna as well, don’t panic they’re on our side.” I didn’t add the ‘I think’.

Once the crowd could see us, the photographers moved forward from what they’d been fighting the guards to get at. Several flashes sprouted stars in my eyes and Ruby yipped in fear from pent up nerves. The guard move in before the ponies and ushered them back the best they could, the flashes now dimmed or more spaced out as they snuck around the lines at times. Luna gave us an apologetic smile as she stepped forward.

“That explains the crowd.” I say stopping before her.

“Apologies, Ruby, Bolt. I simply wished to greet you back to Canterlot formally. I am glad to see Ruby has been accepted, as I had faith she would, I hope this had given you some ease of mind, Bolt?” I nodded, the Princess of dreams likely aware of my haunting fears “I have kept up to date on your activates the best I could but perhaps you would care to join me and my sister later and we could catch up properly, rather than us only being aware of what has happened through exaggerated gossip.” Luna said with a soft chuckle. That was likely something she experienced often.

“We’d love that, thank you Luna.” Ruby said happily.

“Thank you, I hope you don’t mind me leaving two old friends to escort you, I have business right now as I am sure you do as well. I will see you both soon.” Luna said nodding goodbye before turning and striding away, her guards followed, save for two who trotted up to us.

Pickaxe and Shovel grinned at us and Ruby slid up to them and hugged them in welcome “Hay girls long time no see.” Ruby said.

The pair laughed at Ruby’s hissing and mimicked her in their speech, though exaggerated “Yessss, it issss nicccce to ssssee you out and about oncccce more.” Pickaxe said.

“It hassss been a while ssssince the ssssergeant got humiliated by your sssstare.” Shovel hissed.

Ruby shoved them back as I took the lead “Talk normal or I’ll hang you by your hooves whilst I walk.” Ruby threatened.

“Ssssorry Misssstressssssss.” The pair hissed in union and Ruby held true to her threat and the three were soon laughing.

“Do you think he fancies her!? Oooh I bet he’ll be drooling all night!” Pickaxe said as Ruby told them about our meeting with the Sergeant.

Mercifully I was saved being dragged into the conversation by the jewellery shop coming into view “Right you three wait here I won’t be too long.” I said and Ruby nodded, continuing her conversation with the pair.

Crystal Clear, a blue tinted coloured mare, looked up from inspecting a rough cut diamond the size of a hoof and smiled as I walked in, “Hello, what can I get for you?” She asked cheerfully, her light blue eyes twinkling.

“Hello, I um… Need something unorthodox please.” I say.

“Hmm, what do you mean?” I pointed to Ruby outside “Oh… Something for her tail?” Crystal seemed interested now.

I nodded “Yes… I need… Well sort of a ring but for her tail. I have some measurements for you to work off.” I say producing the paper Diamond had got me.

Crystal pushed her white mane back to see properly “Wow… Very interesting. Yes I can do this fairly easily, what do you wish for it to be made out of? Silver? Gold?”

“Gold please, and I need one for my wing too.” Crystal’s eyes widened and she grinned.

“Oooooohhhhh!!! You are asking her, oh such a sweet thing!” Crystal said excitedly “Yes, yes follow me I’ll see what you need.” Crystal grabbed me by the hoof, dragging me to the back between shelves of necklaces and silver headbands in various shapes and patterns.

Crystal had me stand still then galloped over to collect her things. She pulled my ring wing outward and found the longest feather that stuck out the furthest, the primary feather essentially, it helped us steer in mid-air and if you wore a ring around it, it indicated you were taken.

“Oh you’ll be such an adorable couple! I think I’ll put some nice patterns on, like snakes so it’s nice and matchy for you!” Crystal said excitedly.

“How much will this cost?” I ask trying to not tug my wing back as Crystal tickled it.

“Several… Thousand bits.” I felt my neck contract “That okay?” I nodded but remained silent.

“Do you mind putting me on a tab though?” I asked.

“Of course, I’ll take your name and I’ll inform you of the price when they are done, where shall I deliver?” Crystal asked jotting down notes and already sketching a plan.

“Ponyville, sugar cube corner, ask for a mare named Pinkie Pie and let her know Ruby’s surprise has arrived.” I say.

“An element of Harmony!? My you are connected, I’ll have it done by tonight don’t you worry.” Crystal said.

“Thank you, well goodbye.” I called making my way out as fast as I can, folding my wings back down into place.

“That was fast.” Ruby noted “All sorted?”

“Yep, we’ll head to meet Luna and… Princess Celestia then I’ll ask if they can send us up to Ponyville the fast way, I don’t fancy walking.” I said shifting my hooves, which were starting to ache.

Ruby giggled “Alright girls, lead the way.” Ruby said placing the pair back on the floor.

As we made our way Ruby glanced at me “You okay?” She asked “You seem nervous.”

I managed a smile despite my racing heart “Oh you know, it’s just a normal day to day thing meeting an immortal ruler of your home after coming from a small country town and cooking within a mobile wagon for a living.” I said and Ruby giggled at me “I’m terrified Ruby! Like you with Sunny but… Celestia is a pretty big deal. Most ponies go their whole lives with only seeing her from a crowd and even then you can feel her love for you and you’re always afraid you didn’t do right or…”

“Good grief Bolt, Celestia isn’t your mother is she?” Ruby asked in a mocking town and Ruby glanced at the various stares she got.

“It’s like you meeting Sunny.” I said simply.

“Oh right… Yeah I can understand sorry.” Pickaxe perked up at the apology Ruby gave and spoke up.

“So, Bolt… What’s Ruby’s kin like? We’ve only met her before.” She asked.

“Erm… Grabby is one word. Clingy another. They’re mostly nice ponies, bit protective and no sense of personal space but they’re about as hostile as we can be. They’ll defend themselves but rarely seek a fight.” Except Midnight but she’ll be improving hopefully… Hopefully “If it were up to me I’d let them all in, they don’t deserve to be out there, in the badlands.”

“So they’re friendly? What can they do, that’s a main factor with the uptights in the council… They’ll poke any hole they can to pour them out of.” Shovel said.

“Well Ruby is a jeweller. Her mother a doctor. They have guards and spa workers, same as us. And from what I saw at the checkpoint being built, they can do construction. It seems like they can be taught to our jobs fairly easily, with the modification of their tail being put to use.” The castle appeared around the corner of the next sparkling, towering grand home and I gulped.

“Cool… I wonder what it’d be like, living with a lamia… And what profession they would follow, would that effect what they do? Oh god imagine a spa worker lamia, be amazing!” Pickaxe cooed shacking her body imagining it.

Ruby giggled slipping a coil around the pair’s necks as she leaned between them “That could be tricky but I can be a substitute for them if you wish.” She cooed and the three laughed softly.

The twins took us to the Castle guard and a small gazebo, nestled within the trees and flowers beds, it couldn’t be seen easily without being close to it. A table sat with a neat white table cloth on it and three chairs “This is where we leave, see you Ruby.” Pickaxe said and the pair waved goodbye to us.

Ruby and I made our way over to the table alone and sat down, Ruby curling her tail into a seat in the space provided for her, we had managed to get comfortable when a voice spoke “Ah, you’re here, good.” We looked over to greet Luna but my voice clogged and Ruby just stared in wonder.

Ponies always tell me that Luna and Celestia are related… But I can’t understand how, Luna is deep black blue with the night within her mane but Celestia… A bright white alicorn gleaming in the daylight she provides, her multi-coloured, pink, blue and green, mane and tail flowing with magic rippling from it. Her pink eyes shifting from Ruby to me as she smiled in welcome.

“Good afternoon Miss Scales and Mister Thundercloud.” She said in a smooth tone.

“H-hi…” Ruby just managed to retain her dignity whilst I just blinked.

Celestia just smiled and took her seat alongside Luna “So, I have been informed by my sister you went to Ruby’s home. May I have the full story?” I nodded and found my jaw unclogged at Celestia’s request as I began to speak.

Ruby and I replayed everything… Save for some personal things, to Celestia. How we met, our shaky relationship, Ruby retelling how I began to openly trust her with my mind. Soon we reached Luna and visiting Equestria and I took a backseat whilst Ruby took over more. All the while Luna smiled encouragingly and Celestia had her hooves folded under her chin listening intently, otherwise she was silent and betrayed no emotion.

Finally we reached several hours ago and Ruby stopped “That’s… That’s it I think…” Celestia nodded and glanced over as a trio of waiters arrived, baring plates of food and drinks.

“Your food.” One said placing the bite sized food (literally bite size, looked like it had been made under a telescope) down then bowing away to our thanks.

“So… Bolt, Ruby seems to be following you mostly and I have a few questions, if you will pardon me possibly intruding on your affairs.” Celestia said.

“No… No it’s fine.” I said.

“Thank you, I simply want to know, what do you plan to do?” Celestia smiled at my confused look “Whilst I also can see the appeal of travelling, wouldn’t you want to settle down or have somewhere to stay should you grow tired of moving all the time? Or if a new situation arouse?” I nodded my head at Celestia’s idea.

“Well yes but…” I twirled my hooves in front of me “Nowhere has ever really appealed as a place to stay.” I said softly.

Celestia said nothing sitting back in her chair, I tried to hold her gaze but it kept falling to my full plate. Finally her horn glowed and I blinked as a flash of white light made me reel slightly. Ruby reacted first and took the floating golden scroll. It looked like solid gold, not just colouring.

“What is this?” Ruby asked.

“It’s a deed.” Celestia stood up, levitating a creamy white cheesecake over to the snickering of Luna “A deed to a very, very old town.” Celestia paused to take a bite of her cake “I had it dug up by a scholar when I heard of Ruby and her kin. It is a town formally known as Shady Grove. Does it sound familiar Miss Scales?” Celestia asked and Ruby gave a small nod.

“It was the most densely populated lamia town before we departed to the badlands.” Ruby said “I only know old tales of it, from when we lived here. The streets themselves felt like warm rocks day and night, lamias curled over in parks with ponies simply sat all over their tail, no more casual than sunbathing.”

Celestia nodded “Indeed, sadly it has fallen into disrepair as your species became legend and thus myths. Little remains but ruins but I know the climate remains ideal for lamias. I would be willing to provide some funding from our treasuring to see the town restored so that your people can relocate from the harsh environment you live in.” Celestia offered.

“What’s the catch?” Ruby asked with a slight rude tinge “Sorry just… Rarely do we get something so generously without having to give something in return.” Ruby explained.

“There is one thing, your word. Your word that no lamia will harm any of my subjects, if you can guarantee that, then lamias may live alongside Equestria as they wish, peacefully.” Celestia offered.

Ruby just blinked then nodded “Sure, we won’t attack but we reserve the right to defend ourselves.” Ruby said.

Celestia smiled “A fair deal.” She said and the seal on the scroll broke.

“The following statement, crafted and bound through magic and law, does state that the land of Shady Grove and all that surrounds its border now belongs to its new owners, Ruby Scales and Boltblood Thundercloud, they may do as they wish with the land, so long as it upholds the laws of Equestria as part of its land.” Below the text Luna and Celestia had both signed with their coat of arms burning with a soft glow, showing its importance. It also had the location set as if you were looking at a standard Equestrian map.

“We can do anything with the land?” I asked re-reading the line.

Luna nodded “Though it will officially be seen as a town, and I am sure that is what you intend to use it for, correct?” I nod.

“Course.” I said staring at my name in the curling writing.

“Thank you so much!” Ruby said, Celestia smiled and nodded politely.

“Of course, I wish you luck in your new home. Is there anything else, I’m afraid I must return to court now.” Celestia grumbled in a dejected voice, clearly court was not entertaining.

“Yes, can you send us to Ponyville?” I asked “We had the guards teleport Ruby and I here with my wagon before, is it too much trouble to have them come back and do it again?” At my question Luna gave a bark of laughter.

“We raise and lower the sun and moon, Boltblood, it is of little trouble to send you both back to our fellow Princess Twilight’s castle. I will send your wagon along shortly after as well.” Luna promised.

“Thank you Luna.” Luna simply nodded.

“Good luck you two, you may send letters if you wish, I rarely get any and would be interested to know how it all goes.” Luna said as her horn glowed.

Ruby twisted like a snake in water as we floated up “Course, thank you again.” Ruby said before we burst into a flash of dark blue hues of magic.