“Humble!” cried out an older Dazzle as she smoothed out her strawberry colored stripes on her outfits lower parts making extravagant loops and shapes in her cream colored dress that was below her golden mask that had intricate symbols of Amaponian in origin carved into it, at the bottom of her grandfather’s houses stairs. “We’re gonna be late for the festivals if we don’t get going!” she said petting Slit who was nudging her.

“Coming!” said a younger looking Humble as he came down from the upper hallways in a green and red overcoat that almost covered his muzzle with its collar. Atop his head sat a tricorn hat of orange and red with golden like thread making seams on the hat giving it an illusion of waves, and under the headgear was a mask of grey with sparks of silver finishing the outfit completely. “You sure are in a hurry tonight honey.”

“Well of course I am,” said Dazzle fixing a button on Humble’s overcoat. “It’s Mince Vendredi! I even got my best shoes on,” she said giving her clinking silver hoofwear a peek from under her dresses hem.

“That it is!” said Dazzle’s grandpa coming in from the kitchen with his huge set of noblestallion clothes decorated with Prench symbols clinging tightly to him. “The day of food, drink, music, and just plain getting screwed!”

“Grandpa!” shouted Arrowhead who was dressed in a swirling ballgown of pink and blue with a mask that resembled that of a stork while Dazzle just groaned and Humble snickered. “Please don’t be so couth!”

“Oh come on,” said Dazzle’s grandpa. “I’m meeting with my board so we get tanked, what are you kids doing?”

“Well sir,” said Humble as Ace and Coil came in from the tailor shop with their costumes on. Coil had a black long coat that gave him a crow like appearance which was finished with the crow mask on his muzzle whilst Ace had an old Prench guard uniform on with its metal slits showing only his eyes and uncovered muzzle. “Me and Dazzle are going to go do some gambling at Le plateau d'argent and then have some dinner at the restaurant overlooking the bay.”

“Oh! You mean the pretty place with those amazing banana salads!?” said Coil as he got Slit’s mask on, a custom made bronze mask paid for by Dazzle’s grandpa. “That place is so fancy.”

“I hear it’s very hard to get a table there,” said Ace. “How did a cheapsak-”

“Ahem!” coughed Dazzle’s grandpa with a glare at Ace.

“I mean how did you get into such an exclusive place?” said Ace with a sigh.

“I’ll I know is when I called a few months ago they said that they would be open to one more couple,” said Humble with a shrug. “Oh , umm, Coil, I need your help with a loose thread,” said Humble nodding towards the hallway.

“Okie dokie,” replied Coil as he and Humble went to the secluded parlor of the house. “So where’s the loose thre-omph!” said Coil as Humble planted his hoof onto Coil’s mouth.

“Shhh,” said Humble before looking into the hallways to see if the coast was clear. Shutting the door he looked back at a confused Coil.

“Humble why are we in the parlor?” said Coil before he was answered by Humble.

“I got it,” said Humble quietly with a smile.

“What do you mean you go-oh my Celestia, you did not!” said Coil with a giddy voice. “Can I see it?!”

“Yeah, yeah, just keep your voice down,” said Humble as he put his hoof into one of his overcoats pockets taking out a small purple velvet box before opening it to reveal a shining ring of gold with a diamond on top.

“Eeeeee!” squealed Coil in a shrill voice. “It’s beautiful! When are you going to do it?”

“Tonight at the restaurant,” said Humble putting the box away. “I’m finally gonna do it.”

“My little Humble grown up,” sniffled Coil before hugging Humble. “I’m so happy for you!”

“Well if you are let’s hurry before they get suspicious,” said Humble as he and Coil left the parlor and returned to the front room. “So anything else-huh?”

“Enough chit chat!” shouted Dazzle grabbing Humble’s hat and putting it on herself. “There’s a whole city out there celebrating, come on!”

As the group split up with Dazzle’s grandpa going to a bar to meet up with some business partner in his own words, “to get hard cidered” and Coil going to the main carnival area where a bunch of bird shows were going on, while Arrowhead went to go play some games and Ace went to see some friends of his, Humble and Dazzle went over to the Le plateau d'argent to get a lot of bits.

The Le plateau d'argent was New Fleureans (or New Horseleans to the tourists) oldest and most spectacular casino. Built by the first Prench colonists to arrive in the city (after the Prench revolution burnt many of the brothels and bars down during its duration) the enormous two story structure took up two blocks worth of space with its many Prench influenced architecture along with the many diners full of normal Equestrian food, Gryphon empire food for the more feathery and daring members of the community, along with Prench-Zebronian food that caused a horde of mouthwatering patriots to scamper to the buffet, but the couple coming to the establishment didn’t care for the food. They cared about one thing only: bits and having fun with each other.

“Welcome!” shouted a greeter at the entrance of the casino to Humble and Dazzle. “And do enjoy your time at Le plateau d'argent, we have a special on poker for Mince Vendredi.”

“I never get sick of this place,” said Dazzle taking a deep breathe before coughing. “Ugh, soap residue.”

“So what do you wanna do first?” said Humble looking around at the many slot machines and tables. “Blackjack, poker, or slots?”

“Hmm, so many choices,” thought Dazzle looking for a good game. “How about some roulette?” she said pointing at a table with a bunch of ponies around it.

“I don’t know,” said Humble nervously. “I don’t think I’m that good at-”

“Woohoo!” shouted Humble as he gathered his thirteenth winning from the game to the cheer and grumblings of the crowd surrounding him. “Well I think that’s enough for me tonight.”

“Well then come on!” said Dazzle grabbing her colt friend. “We don’t wanna miss the other attractions!” she said as they galloped out of the building.

“That was so fun!” shouted Humble running off into the street as Dazzle trotted up from behind.

“Yeah,” said Dazzle with a small smile. “fun.”

“Hey look!” said Humble pointing at an oncoming series of floats in the image of various figures and foods. “The parade, come on!” he said grabbing Dazzle and bringing them to the front of the crowd. “Wow!” he said at the display of parade floats rolling by and by. They all had something to do with New Fleureans or Equestria, the first few were of the founders of the city, the next few were of Celestia accepting the colony into the borders of Equestria, and finally the others were fantastic custom floats. “Hey, there’s your grandpa!” shouted Humble as he pointed at a luxurious looking float with a huge amount of dancers and the logo of the M.I.T on it, but what really brought it to attention was the sight of the elderly pegasus dressed as the emperor of Prance flinging bits and candy to a cheering crowd.

“Enjoy!” shouted Dazzle’s grandpa while laughing. “Drink, eat, get sugar addicted!”

“He really does seem to be having a good time-huh?” said Humble as he felt Dazzle’s head lay onto his shoulder while Dazzle just looked at the parade. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah,” replied Dazzle in monotone. “Just a little tired is all.”

“Wanna go rest for a second?” said Humble with concern.

“No I think I’ll-whoah!” said Dazzle being lifted by her grandpa with Humble leaping and holding onto her. “Grandpa! What are you doing!?”

“Just helping you two lovebirds have a goodnight,” said Dazzle’s grandpa before announcing to the crowd, “Attention my citizens of New Fleureans! I welcome to the stage my grand filly Princess Dazzle and her colt friend Duke Humble! Who wants to see these two dance!?” The crowd responded with an enthusiastic cheer of yes.

“Grandpa, I don’t think Humble wants to-whoah!” said Dazzle as she was grabbed and twirled around by a smirking Humble before being dipped. “-Dance,” she said with a shocked tone. “What are you doing?”

“Giving the crowd a show,” said Humble as he and Dazzle started to dance.

“B-but I don’t know how to dance, you know that!” hissed Dazzle while Humble just chuckled.

“Then you're about to learn,” said Humble stretching both his and Dazzle’s hoofs. “Follow me.” The pair went forwards, backwards, and side to side to the approving cheers of the crowd. Eventually after stepping on Humble’s hoof for the seventh time, Dazzle finally got in tune with rhythm and no longer had to be led. “That was amaz-ommm,” said a dipped Dazzle as Humble gave her a passionate kiss to the applause (and wolf calls) of the crowd.

“Give it up for Humble and Dazzle everypony!” shouted Dazzle’s grandpa as Humble and Dazzle trotted off into the crowd before continuing on with his parade float.

“That was pretty fun,” said a giggling Dazzle as she and Humble came to a set of party games where a huge crowd of ponies had come to watch an annoyed Arrowhead desperately trying to toss a set of rings on a pole.

“Oh so close,” said the stallion in charge of the game stand while he laughed at Arrowhead’s attempts to beat his game. “Better luck next time.”

“Ugh,” groaned Arrowhead. “Oh hi sis, you too Humble.

“Hi Arrowhead,” said Dazzle. “What you doing?”

“Well I’m trying to play this carny’s rigged game!” said Arrowhead to the stallion who just snorted. “So I can win that bear!” she said pointing at a huge stuffed albino teddy bear with a cuddly smile sewed on it. “But this game is impossible!”

“Miss ain’t my fault you can’t throw a ring on to a pole,” said the stallion. “But hey, if you wanna have another shot-”

“I’ll take it!” shouted a determined Arrowhead throwing down a few bits on the counter to the amusement of the stallion and nervousness of Humble and Dazzle. Taking up one of the three brass rings with her mouth, Arrowhead slowly aimed at the pole and flung the ring only for it to hit the pole and rebound onto the cobblestone.

“Aww, tough luck,” snickered the stallion while Arrowhead just groaned

“Argh,” growled Arrowhead. “This game’s impossible!”

“How about I try?” said Humble.

“Go ahead,” groaned Arrowhead trotting to her sister.

“Best of luck to you sir,” said the stallion with a gleam in his eye. Aiming for the pole Humble tossed the ring with a gentle throw, unfortunately the ring missed the target completely and just ended up hitting the table the pole was on. “Hahaha, nice try!”

Putting his head low in embarrassment Humble felt a hoof on his shoulder. Looking up, he saw Dazzle with a small sympathetic smile before she gently pushed Humble to the side. “I’ll take the last ring,” said Dazzle picking it up with her mouth, the cold metal warming to the touch of her tongue.

“Go ahead missy,” said the stallion as Dazzle put her hoof firmly on the ground, locked her eyes on the pole before flinging it with great force just for it to ricochet off the pole.

“Oh well,” said the stallion. “Guess ya’ll have to pay ag-huh!?” The ring that Dazzle threw had ricochet off the pole only for it to hit a wall and then land perfectly on the pole. “B-b-b-but how did you-”

“I’ll be taking that bear now,” said Dazzle pointing at the teddy bear with a smirk as the crowd around the stand cheered.

“Ugh, fine,” said the stallion handing the bear over to Dazzle. “Now get out of here.”

“Here ya go sis,” said Dazzle, giving the toy to her sister.

“Thanks Dazzle,” said a smiling Arrowhead. “And thanks for trying at least Humble,” she said before getting a devious idea, planting a small kiss on his cheek to the shock of Humble and anger of Dazzle. “Have fun you two,” she said with a wink before galloping off.

“Oh, she really angers me someti-omph!” said Dazzle as Humble locked muzzles with her.

“Come on,” said a smirking Humble while Dazzle trotted with him in a dream like state.

After a while of trotting and looking at stands, the two eventually came upon the sight of a giant tent with the sign on it saying, “Come inside to see the future!”

“Huh,” said Dazzle. “So this is what grandpa’s using to get more publicity for his company, Wanna head in?”

“Sure,” said Humble as they went inside the tent to see the sight of dozens of ponies in labcoats and jackets walking around behind a glass screen while using test tubes all awhile Coil argued with Slit at the entrance of a smaller tent.

“Come on man!” said Coil. “I just need three bits!”

Slit merely bellowed in response.

“What do you mean I can’t spend all our money on ridicu-oh hey guys!”

“Hi Coil,” said Dazzle. “What are you and Slit arguing about?”

“You're not trying to convince him to open his mouth to attract pigeons again are you?” said Humble. “You know officer Rice told you that you’re not allowed to do that anymore.”

“I’m not,” said Coil in his defence. “I want Slit to give me some of his bits to see that!” he said pointing at a small tent with the words, “A dream of the future!” on its flaps.

“Oh, that’s the exhibit grandpa’s company put up,” said Dazzle. “In fact they’re pretty much sponsoring this whole festival.”

“So could I have some bits please?” said Coil with puppy eyes.

“Fine,” said Humble paying the attendant in front of the tent the bits. “Let’s head in, I wanna see this.”

The four headed on into a small dimly lit room with a projector in the middle of the room directed at a huge white screen.

“Ohhh, movie!” said Coil planting himself in the front as the others found their seats just when the projection reel started turning.

“Hello!” said a projection of Dazzle’s grandpa. “My name is-”

“Hi Mr.-” said Coil before being shushed by some ponies in labcoats. “Fine, sheesh.”

“But you probably already know that,” said the projection. “Anyway I want to tell you about the history of my company, the Manehattan institute of knowledge and its history.”

“Humble?” whispered Dazzle.

“It all started a few years after my grand foals were born-”

“Yeah hon?” replied Humble, scooting closer to Dazzle. “What’s wrong?”

“Our dinner reservations,” said Dazzle. “They’re for seven forty-five.”

“And?”

“It’s seven forty.”

“Oh no,” said Humble nervously. “Coil we’ll meet you back at Dazzle’s house later, we got to get to our dinner.”

“Ok,” said Col watching the movie intently as Dazzle left the tent. “Wait Humble! Good luck,” he said with a smile.

“Thanks,” said Humble smiling back before rushing off to get to the restaurant in time.

The Le palais de salade was the most refined and exclusive eating establishment in southern Equestria, the only way a common pony could get a reservation is if they were to put a table down when they were born and could then only eat at it when they were on the edge of death, which did leave the advantage of not having to pay the bill. So it was no small wonder that Humble was able to get a table in his lifetime as he and Dazzle trotted up to the restaurants' doorway that resembled that of l'arc de victorious in Prenchs capital. The inside of the building was caked in marble floors and fine cherry wood pillars, the greeter was a gryphon with a slim mustache and a size too small suit on, giving a blank stare to the couple as they came in.

“Welcome to le palais de salade,” said the gryphon in a thick Prench accent as the clothing stretched on him. “Do you have a reservation?”

“A Mister Humble and Miss Dazzle,” said Humble as the greeter scanned the list of reservations.

“Lets see….oh! Monsieur Humble and Mlle éblouissement, we did not expect you till-” he said looking at the clock. “Uhh, a few minutes ago.”

“Sorry,” said Humble scratching his neck while he and Dazzle blushed. “Long trot.”

“No worries,” said the greeter closing his book with a gentle slam. “Follow me if you would.” The greeter led the couple past a bunch of nobles, some of whom the duo recognized.

“Isn’t that Lily Colportent?” said Humble pointing at a slender mare with a light blue mane and a olive branch on her cutie mark. “Isn’t she one of the ambassadors of Prance?”

“Must be here for the festivals,” said Dazzle with a shrug.

Eventfully the two were brought outside upon a great balcony where a lone table with two chairs along with a bouquet of flowers were held in a well designed vase filled with ice water that stood before the entire view of the harbor with all the lights from the parties glowing onto the building as it waited for them.

“Here is your table,” said the greeter. “Would you like something to drink before you eat?”

“Yes please,” said Humble sliding a chair open for Dazzle before seating himself. “I’ll have the agua ardiente, and what will you have sweetie?”

“I’ll have the gocce di melata,” said Dazzle as the greeter wrote the orders down.

“Of course,” said the greeter. “I’ll be back momentarily with your beverages, and thank you again for dining with us,” he said with a bow before heading back inside.

“So,” said Humble with a coy tone. “What have you’ve been reading lately? Finished that book you told me about recently yet?”

“Oh you mean “The legends of Amaponian culture?” Almost,” said Dazzle as a mare in a suit returned with their drinks. “I’m still on the part about rituals.”

“Oh?” said Humble with a smirk. “What kind of rituals?”

“Oh you know,” said Dazzle smiling. “The usual, dancing, eating, sacrifices,” she said taking a sip of her drink. “That sorta stuff.”

“Mmmm,” said Humble. ‘Sacrifices,” he said before earning a playful punch from Dazzle. “What? I was kind of expecting something more...extoic.”

“Oh?” said Dazzle with a sparkle in her eye. “Like what?”

“Oh just maybe a fertility ritual,” said Humble as the greeter returned with a menu.

“Are you two ready to order?” said the greeter licking one of his talons.

“I think so,” said Humble. “I’ll just have a banana salad and some bread.”

“And you madam?”

“Same here,” said Dazzle as the two gave the greeter their menus.

“I’ll be back shortly with your food,” said the greeter with another bow before disappearing.

“So what did you say about fertility?” said Dazzle.

“Oh, just the kind of rituals that have to do with it,” said Humble.

“Well there our stories you know,” said Dazzle leaning closer onto the table. “Good ones too.”

“Oh well, why don’t you tell me them?” said Humble leaning in as well.

“How about I show you instead?” said Dazzle with a seductive look.

“I’d like that,” said Humble chuckling.  “But before that, I got a little gift for you.”

“Oh?” said Dazzle as Humble pulled out a long black box before giving it to her. “What is it?”

“Well you’ve been saying you want a new one-”

“Oh Humble it’s beautiful!” said Dazzle holding a dark emerald notebook with blank pages. “I needed a new one! The last one got ink spilt all over it.”

“Well I just wanted you to have something to wr-get down!”

“Huh?” said Dazzle. “What do you mean-” But before she could finish she saw what he was talking about, a beam of energy had shot out from a spot on the other side of the bay the balcony overlooked and was coming right at the couple. Quickly Humble jumped onto Dazzle knocking them both down just has the energy beam would have hit her, unfortunately the beam rebounded off the wall leaving a small amount of residue before hitting one of the pillars supporting the balcony causing it along with Humble and Dazzle to fall into the cold, dark, lake below. Searching for breath the two held onto each other and propelled themselves upwards past the sinking debris before breaking the surface and swimming to the nearby shore where a crowd awaited them.

“Let me thru!,” shouted Dazzle's grandpa, pushing his way thru a crowd of bystanders as the staff from the restaurant was putting coats on the wet and cold Humble and Dazzle whilst the manager, a stallion who looked like the waiters but more formal, tried to calm the situation.

“I’m so sorry!” the manager said in a southern Equestrian accent. “But be assured we will find who did-monsieur-”

“What happened here Mr. Bluegrass!?” said Dazzle’s grandpa with a flaring nostril. “Are my children hurt!?”

“We’re fine grandad,” grumbled Dazzle before sneezing while Humble gently patted her on the back.

“I don’t know what went wrong,” said Humble. “We were talking and next thing I knew there was a giant beam of energy coming right at us.”

“Humble do you know where it came from?” said Dazzle’s grandpa.

“It came across the bay,” said a heavily Prench accent. Turning around, Dazzle’s grandpa saw Lily Colportent quickly bowing before her only for her to do it at the same time. “It’s good to see you again my friend.”

“You as well your duchess,” said Dazzle’s grandpa with a smile. “You say the beam came across the bay?”

“I saw it when I was powdering my nose, I was about to warn them but it was too late.”

“Hmmm, Humble?”

“Yes sir?” said Humble looking up.

“Can you take Artemis home?” said Dazzle’s grandpa. “I gotta get to the bottom of this.”

“I’m fine gra-choo!” said Dazzle sneezing. “Ugh, nevermind.”

“Don’t worry dear,” said Dazzle’s grandpa patting her on the mane. “You and Humble just get home.”

“Alright, come on Humble,” said Dazzle trotting past the crowd with Humble following close behind before being stopped by Dazzle’s grandpa.

“Humble I want you to know I wish you luck,” he whispered into Humble’s ear patting Humble’s pockets where the ring box was.

“How did you kn-”

“I’m old my lad, I know a few things now get going!” The elderly stallion said. “I’ll send your banana salads tomorrow!”

As the two left the crowd behind Humble had to think on how to fix the situation. Originally he was going do it at the restaurant when the fireworks went off but now he had to improvise.

“I guess we better get home,” said Dazzle as she trotted in the direction of the house before Humble had a brilliant idea. “By the way thanks for saving me earlier.”

“No problem, but wait!” said Humble grabbing Dazzle. “How about we do one last thing tonight?”

“Like what?” said Dazzle. “I’m kinda sick.”

“I know so how about we take a walk in the swamp?” said Humble smiling. “I heard it’s good for the sinuses.”

“The swamp?” said Dazzle. “Really?”

“Oh it’ll be fun!” said Humble. “Please?”

“Well...I suppose a small detour wouldn't hurt.”

Great!” said Humble dragging Dazzle to the swamp entrance. “Come on!” he said as they galloped into the swamps.

“Humble where are we going!?” shouted Dazzle as they went deeper into the forest. “I thought we were going to take a small trot, not a race!”

“We’ll we can if you can beat me!” said Humble laughing.

“I’m not gonna race you at night!” replied Dazzle.

“Is that quitter talk I hear?” said Humble knowing Dazzle hated being called a quitter.

“Oh it is on!” said Dazzle catching up to Humble.

As the two raced further into the humid lagoons and rivers of the swamp, Humble eventfully saw the spot where he was leading them.

“Just a few more sprints,”  thought Humble as he saw their destination. “And there-whoah!” he said tumbling to the ground as Dazzle pounced on him.

“Looks like I won,” said Dazzle smirking to Humble who was faceplanted into the soil.

“Lomph thefre,” said a muffled Humble.

“What?” said Dazzle getting off him.

“Look there,” Humble said wiping the soil off his muzzle before pointing at a small dark pond that had a lone fire fly buzzing around the reeds.

“A firefly?” said Dazzle. “What does a-huh?” she said before hearing a soft gentle whistle emitting from Humble. “What are you-”

“Shhh,” said Humble snuggling up to Dazzle. “Look.”

“At wha-oh my Celestia,” said Dazzle looking at the sight before her, what had once just been a single firefly now was joined by hundreds if not thousand of other fireflies slowly ascending from the roots of the cyprus trees and the long red reeds of the grass gathering above the couple in a show of light as if a thousand torches danced and buzzed with their brightly lit fires and did somersaults in the night sky. Dazzle merely marveled at the beauty. “It’s beautiful,” she said as she watch one of the fireflies crawl on her hoof before flying off to rejoin the light show.

“Yeah,” said Humble looking at Dazzle. “It sure is.” But then he remembered what he had come here to do. “Um, Dazzle?”

“Yeah?” she said still looking in awe at the buzzing aurora.

“I love you.”

“Oh that’s nice-what!?” she said blushing furiously before turning to face Humble. “Um, umm, um, I love you too.”

“No,” said Humble putting his hoof in  his pocket. “I really love you. You are the most amazing pony I have ever met.”

“Oh, Humble,” said Dazzle with an oddly sad smile. “You the most amazing pony I’ve ever met.”

“I’m not done yet,” said Humble taking out a piece of paper. “The beauty that you hold is like that of gold, your mane is black like midnight, your hoofs carved in slender but firm ways as the finest ship is built, your eyes twinkle with that of one seeking daring adventures, you saved me from a fiend and became my friend, long have we lived side by side, you knowing of my gentle constitution and me knowing that of your thrill seeking ways, you are my friend, inspiration, love and my soul.”

“Humble,” said Dazzle with tears welling up in her eyes. “I have to say-”

“Just let me say one last thing Dazzle,” said Humble, his heart beating fast like lightning. “Will-” he said taking out the velvet box. “-You Dazzle-” he said showing it to Dazzle who was openly weeping. “-Please be  my wife?” he said opening the small box to the gleaming ring of gold and diamond as it reflected the light of the fireflies on both ponies faces.  Humble stood there for a second wondering if he had made a grave mistake but was calmed by the next word that Dazzle said.

“I will,” she said with a bitter cough.

Humble felt fantastic as the words entered his ears and he felt like jumping for joy...only to be brought down again.

“Not,” said Dazzle with a flat voice.

“Huh?” said Humble staring into his pony of desires eyes only to be stabbed with a icy dagger of rejection to the heart breaking it into fractured pieces that could not be mended. “B-b-but-”

“I’m sorry,” said Dazzle galloping off into the darkness of the swamps as the light shone from the flying insects disappeared from her body. Humble merely stood there for a few minutes his eyes as wide as they were when he heard the dreaded rejection. He would leave the spot a different stallion than he was before deep inside and all that remained at the spot was the small buzzing of the fireflies and the last gleam of a sinking velvet box as it sunk into the dark waters of the rivers.

Next Chapter: The reunion Estimated time remaining: 5 Hours, 27 Minutes