Coltyn appeared at his cart and hooked himself to it. He left immediately, heading for Baltimare. His heart was heavy with the realization that he had broken his promise to not return to Canterlot until he had the cure. As he traveled, Coltyn steadied himself, consciously putting aside his distress, and began preparing his mind for the task at hoof. He arrived in Baltimare shortly before dawn, and headed straight to the library.

The library in Baltimare was extensive, and Coltyn became completely absorbed, as he sifted and analyzed every scrap of information held in the tomes. He lost count of the number of times he staggered back to his cart for sleep when the librarians kicked his rump out the door as they closed the library for the night. And yet, each morning, he was waiting when the morning mare opened the library again. He made copious notes on previous cases that seemed to be similar, academic research, and magic experiments that had been made and recorded. Anything that seemed like it might be relevant made it into his notes, and eventually he started noting things that looked like they might be related, even if he wasn't certain how useful they might be.

***

All of his energy went into the search, but eventually, Coltyn closed the last book, and his stubborn willpower gave out. Exhausted, he went to his cart to process his findings and get some sleep. However, that was not to be, as the moment he stepped inside, he noticed the box on his table was glowing, which meant that someone had written him.

Opening the lid of the box, he squinted slightly at the seal, and frowned. "A letter from Twilight?" Coltyn blinked his dry, blurring eyes, his horn flickering a bit before his magic picked up the letter, so he could read it.

'Dear Coltyn;

Everyone is worried about you. I'm worried about you. It's been almost two months and I haven't heard a word from you. I know how annoying it is to have your studies interrupted, but this feels more like you've been avoiding us. Is something wrong? Please let me know you're ok.

I thought I should catch you up on what has happened lately, since you've been away for so long. The Zap Apples came and went and I have a jar of Granny Smith's jam that I'm saving to share with you. Mrs. Cake had her babies – Pound Cake - a pegasus colt, and Pumpkin Cake - a unicorn filly – shortly after Hearth's warming. I got my friendship review paper for the Princess done on time, thank goodness. Then Applejack went off to the Equestria Rodeo and walked away with a ton of ribbons.

I could keep regaling you with the stories of life here in Ponyville while you've been away, but one of the main reasons I'm writing is because we need your help. Applejack and her family are being forced to compete with a cider making machine for the right to sell cider in Ponyville. I could really use your knowledge to help us if things don't go well.

Please help,

Twilight

PS: I also spent much of the winter with Applejack's brother, Big Macintosh. Since there weren't very many chores to do at the farm, he had a lot of free time, which he spent at the library. It was nice to have him around, as that gave me somepony to talk to who actually listens. I didn't know he was so well read; his knowledge of the classics is very extensive. It's been exciting uncovering the layers hidden within the most laconic stallion in Equestria. Whenever I'm around him, I feel like my skin is tingling, just under my coat. It's different, and I've been doing some research, trying to figure out the cause. Maybe this is the next step in my study of friendship.'

Coltyn dropped the letter on the table, and eyed the pile of scrolls he'd already accumulated in notes, and the smaller stack of books he'd borrowed from the library that day. "Well I'm sure I can remember what was in these books; I've already got my notes on them. I can't believe that two months have passed. I think I've got everything this library has to offer, and I can go over everything as well in Ponyville as I could here," Coltyn muttered to himself. He gathered his library books together, and took them out to the return bin. Returning to his cart, he noticed a book that had gotten wedged behind his notes. It was the history tome he'd meant to give Twilight for Hearth's warming, and a stab of guilt shot through him. "I can't believe that I didn't give this to her." Coltyn moved the book, making sure it was secure, but that he wouldn't forget it again. Performing a final cleanup of his cart, and ensuring all his possessions were secured, he left Baltimare for Ponyville.

Coltyn arrived in Ponyville very late that night, and simply parked his cart next to the library and settled in for some sleep.

***

The sun was just breaking the horizon when Coltyn was awakened by excited knocking on his door. "I'm coming," Coltyn called from the back. Rolling out of bed he looked himself over, straightening his mane before opening the door. Twilight tackled him with a broad grin.

"I'm so glad you're here!" Twilight exclaimed, giving him a hug. "There is so much I want to tell you."

Coltyn held up a hoof to silence her. "I'll be happy to let you fill me in on everything later, but isn't there something happening at Sweet Apple Acres that requires our attention now?" Coltyn asked, pointedly.

"Oh, yeah! Come on, I'll explain on the way," Twilight said, looking back into the library. "Spike! Hurry up or we'll be late!"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming," Spike said, rubbing his eye. "Oh, hey Coltyn. When did you get here?"

"Late last night, and it sounds like I have some catching up to do," Coltyn said, as the three of them made their way over to Sweet Apple Acres.

Twilight explained the deal that was made recklessly by Granny Smith because the brothers got to her. She also mentioned that if they lost the cider business the farm could go under. Coltyn took in her explanation, and started formulating a counter play, just in case.

The brothers started out ahead, which Coltyn had already expected to happen. Twilight asked the mayor if honorary family could help, and in their arrogance the twins allowed it. Coltyn noticed that Twilight wasn't looking at Applejack but past her, at Big Macintosh, when she made her request, and he hid a smile at the slight pink flush in the violet mare's cheeks. With the Apples – aided by Twilight and her friends – slowly closing the gap, the twins desperately sought a way to increase production, and eventually turned off the quality control device on their machine. Coltyn watched as the machine began to destroy the field it was working, and feverishly began making notes on how many trees were uprooted. Mayor Mare called, "Time's up!" and proceeded to count the barrels. After a few minutes she announced, "Flim and Flam win!"

"We lost?!" Applejack asked.

"Aww, too bad Apples," Flam said.

"Guess you'll just have to find a line of work that doesn't match your names quite so… perfectly," Flim mocked.

"Now, should we tear down all these tacky buildings and put up new ones, brother?" Flam gloated.

"I don't see why not, brother. After all this isn't Sweet Apple Acres anymore. How about Flim Flam Fields?" Flim said, magically producing a pull rope to hang their sign over the Apple's sale stand.

"How about Sweet Apple Acres," Coltyn retorted coolly, moving from the crowd.

"Who are you!?" Flim and Flam demanded in unison.

"Just a pony who wants to make sure everything is done right," Coltyn stated.

"We won," Flim argued.

"They lost," Flam added.

"What's the problem?" they asked in unison.

"If memory serves, the contest was to determine who could sell cider in Ponyville. Is this right, Mayor Mare?" Coltyn inquired.

"Yes, the winner was to become the sole cider provider for the town," Mayor Mare acknowledged.

"So yes, you have won the exclusive right to sell your cider while the Apple family cannot," Coltyn continued, turning to give a quick wink to Twilight. "However, the farm, the apples, and this land all still remain the property of the Apple Family. Now, your machine has caused some extensive damage to their property, which with so many witnesses would be an easy win if the Apples wish to prosecute."

"But without the cider sales their farm will go under," Flam exclaimed, trying to fight back.

"Yes, it's better that they just let us take over," Flim stated.

"If that's what you want, then I propose a new deal. We will let the citizens of Ponyville decide this matter," Coltyn smiled, waving a hoof over the crowd. "We all know that the first time something is made it is good. The hard part is continuing to keep high quality product while trying to meet the demands of your customers. So, Citizens of Ponyville, your task is to determine whose cider you want. The stakes are the Apple Family Farm and The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 – both the machine itself, and the patent rights – along with the right to sell cider and all barrels already made."

"We have no issue with this," Flam agreed.

"Applejack?" Coltyn asked.

Applejack looked long at Coltyn who gave her a, 'I won't let them win,' nod. "Deal," Applejack sighed.

Coltyn grabbed the last barrel made by each team and took them over to the sale table. Coltyn walked over to Twilight. "Brand each barrel so that you know which is which and then place them on the table."

Twilight branded the inside of the lids and resealed them so she was the only one who knew which was which. She then teleported the barrels on to the table and Coltyn tapped them with pour spouts. The test was simple; everypony would be given a small sample of each and whichever they liked more they would stand on that barrel's side. The line of ponies filed through and it was obvious that they like the cider from the left barrel, as nopony moved to the right.

"It seems that we have a clear winner," Coltyn announced, looking at the crowd. "Now let's find out whom." Coltyn lifted the left barrel and lifted the lid revealing the words 'Apple Brand' inscribed. "Sorry, Flim and Flam, but your quantity of cider didn't match the quality the ponies of Ponyville expect."

"Nopony wants our product?" Flim asked the crowd.

The entire audience narrowed their eyes and gave a resounding, "NO!"

"Fine, let's take our leave of these antique ponies and their outdated ways of thinking, brother," Flam said, sticking his nose up at the crowd.

"Yes, I've had all I can stand, brother," Flim agreed, turning and leaving the town.

Coltyn grinned victoriously as he watched them walk away. Applejack walked up to Coltyn and Applebloom gave him a hug.

"How were ya'll able to do that?" Applejack asked, curious but relieved.

"I've studied law and I've dealt with fast talkers before," Coltyn said, turning to Applejack. "But what is important is that you have your farm and family," Coltyn looked down at Applebloom.

"Yeah, but I can't help but feel a bit sorry for them," Applejack admitted.

"That is natural, Applejack. You feel sorry for them because you have a heart. But I'm sure they'll be fine. Now let us all have a drink and celebrate your victory," Coltyn smiled.

"I couldn't agree more," Applejack smiled back.

"Hey Coltyn, I was wondering if I could take you up on your offer to teach me about potions?" Applebloom asked, walking back to the drink station.

"Of course, I'll be over at the library, so if your sister doesn't mind I could give you lessons after school," Coltyn said, look to Applejack for approval.

"Ah guess if ya'll are willin' to teach her. Ah ain't got a problem with it," Applejack smiled.

"All right!" Applebloom shouted, excitedly trotting up to the dispenser.

Applebloom poured for everypony, and Applejack and her friends, Big Macintosh, and Coltyn lifted their mugs and toasted their victory. They enjoyed the crisp, satisfying coolness of the cider as they drank it down. Coltyn did notice a slight sting on the back of his throat, indicating at least a small amount of alcohol present, most likely from the press or barrels, but such a minor trace shouldn't be cause for worry. However, once the celebration began to pick up steam, Coltyn took his leave, heading back to his cart.

"Coltyn," Twilight called, hurrying after him, and catching him at the farm's gate.

"I'm sorry, Twilight. I'm not in a celebratory mood. I have to get back to work," Coltyn said, looking toward his cart.

"That's ok. Here," Twilight pulled out a key. "You can study in the library. I'll see you later."

"I've got a book I wanted to give you at Hearth's Warming but it slipped my mind. I'll leave it out on the main table in the library."

"Oh, what's the book called?" Twilight asked, eagerly.

Coltyn smiled. "If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, but I know it's one you don't have in your library."

"OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSH!!!" Twilight squealed. "I always love new books. I can't wait to see but I think I'm going to stay here for a bit."

"That's fine, go enjoy yourself," Coltyn said. "I have a lot to do and not enough time to do it."

"I'll be home soon," Twilight said, heading back to the party.

'I'll have this puzzle solved by week's end,' Coltyn encouraged himself. 'There isn't a problem I can't fix.'

***

Coltyn was engrossed in his studies as his magic held various books and he had three pieces of chalk writing down his thoughts on separate blackboards. His eyes scanned pages with incredible speed as book after book was flipped through, notes taken, and then set aside.

"COLTYN!" Spike bellowed from the door.

The scare caused Coltyn to lose his concentration as his magic dispersed, sending books flying in every direction. He turned slowly, looking at Spike with rage in his voice. "WHAT was so important that you HAD to interrupt me?" Coltyn snarled, using the Royal Canterlot Voice to emphasize.

"I'm sorry, it's just that Rainbow Dash hurt herself and Twilight asked me to ask you if you could help her," Spike answered, sheepishly.

"How did she injure herself?" Coltyn asked, softly, ashamed that he snapped at Spike.

"She was showing off and she didn't pull up from her nosedive soon enough, so she hurt her wing," Spike explained. "Do you think you can help her?"

"No," Coltyn said flatly.

"What? Why not?" Spike demanded.

"I'm not a doctor. Everypony needs to take their lumps and hopefully the healing time will give her time to reflect on what landed her there," Coltyn explained, bluntly.

"So that's it? You're no help at all," Spike huffed, leaving Coltyn alone.

Coltyn sighed as his horn lit as he teleported to the front door. "Hey Spike," Coltyn called. "I may not be able to help but I should offer my condolences."

"So answer me this. You keep reading those medical books and making potions and you're telling me that you can't fix a broken wing?"

"I could fix her wing with a little study but I'm not going to, because if ponies didn't have to deal with the consequences of their actions they wouldn't learn from their mistakes. I know it's hard to accept but trust me, she will come out a better pony for it," Coltyn explained, walking up to the hospital.

After talking to the receptionist, Spike and Coltyn walked into room 12 as the nurse was shuffling Twilight and the others out. Coltyn asked the nurse for just a few moments to say, 'hi' and she let him and Spike in.

"Hello, Rainbow Dash, looks like you did a number on your wing," Coltyn greeted.

"Gee, ya think?" Rainbow snorted. "You here to give me a magic cure? I need to get outta here!"

"No, Spike and I are here to offer our sympathy and well-wishes. We hope you get well soon."

"Yeah, you'll be back in the air in no time," Spike encouraged.

Her face falling, Rainbow snorted. "Whatever," she huffed, rolling over to face away from Spike and Coltyn.

"Time to go," the nurse called.

"Come on, Spike. Let's leave her to rest," Coltyn said, nudging Spike out the door.

"So can you help her heal faster?" Twilight asked, the door closing behind Coltyn.

"No, Twilight. I'm not a doctor. The ponies here are the best help she could get," Coltyn sighed, feeling like a broken record.

Twilight nodded, understanding his point. "Alright, I'll walk home with you. I'll see you girls later," Twilight called, as her friends scattered, everypony heading their separate ways.

***

The next day Coltyn began the long and tedious task of putting all the pieces of his puzzle together. He worked through the morning and into the afternoon. He used chalkboards to do his preliminary study and parchment when he had a solid piece; slowly the walls began to get covered with notes and formulas. An unexpected knock broke his concentration, and he put everything down and opened the door. Applebloom was there ready to learn some basic potion making.

"I'm ready to learn some potions and earn a cutie mark," Applebloom squealed, excitedly.

"I like your enthusiasm but we won't be making any potions. If I'm going to teach you, I'll do it from the beginning," Coltyn said, browsing the books in the study.

"So what's the beginning? Potions 101? The Beginners Guide to Potions?" Applebloom inquired.

"No, we start with Cooking for Beginners. This will teach you the language of potion recipes and your first task will be to brew a good cup of coffee," Coltyn smiled, walking into Twilight's kitchen. Coltyn sat behind the table and gathered all the tools required to make coffee; unground beans, a grinder, a filter over a carafe, and a kettle of water. "Now it's up to you. Follow the directions and brew your first potion."

Applebloom's face became determined as she opened the book, looked up the directions for coffee, and read them carefully. She placed the kettle on the stove and turned it to high heat to get the water hot. She took a scoop of beans and placed them in the grinder and slowly turned the crank with her hooves collecting the grounds in the filter. She gently patted down the ground coffee and put a pinch of salt into the carafe before placing the filter on top. When the kettle whistled she took it off the heat and let it cool for ten seconds before slowly pouring the water over the grounds, smiling as the dark liquid filled the carafe. As the last of the coffee drained from the filter, Applebloom removed the filter and poured a cup for Coltyn.

Coltyn took a sip from the steaming cup, smiling as the warming liquid rejuvenated his body. "Great job," Coltyn praised. "Now next time we will try something a little more complicated." Coltyn flipped through the book and stopped on a melon salad. "Study up on this recipe for tomorrow," Coltyn said, levitating the book down to Applebloom. She placed the bookmark on the page and galloped off to study. Coltyn took the hot carafe back to his study and with his coffee, worked long into the night.

***

Over the next week Coltyn engrossed himself in research, covering chalk boards with notes and tacking finished sheets to the walls around the room Twilight let him use. Spike walked into the study after being woken up at three in the morning and audibly sighed at the extensiveness of the clutter building in the room before turning an abrupt about-face, and heading back to bed. Coltyn took breaks from his research every afternoon to teach Applebloom the similarities between cooking and potion making. Applebloom was slowly getting the hang of some of the more complex recipes including cupcakes that tasted excellent, proving that her ability to follow the directions had improved.

By the end of the week, Coltyn had made considerable progress in his studies and began to feel the frustrating certainty that the answer was drawing near. He was sure he was on the brink of a real breakthrough. He took time off to join Twilight and Spike for dinner.

"I've really enjoyed the book about Hearth's Warming's origins," Twilight said, taking a bite of her sandwich.

"I'm glad you liked it," Coltyn smiled.

"I don't understand how three ponies could undo all the damage done by the windigos," Twilight pondered.

"Clover never really elaborated on what happened after the Fire of Friendship was lit. All I know is that after the fire was lit, the windigos retreated to the frozen north and haven't attempted to send all Equestria into an endless winter again," Coltyn recalled.

"Well the interesting history of Hearth's Warming made me wonder about the history of the other holidays. I just found a book on Hearts and Hooves day, which is tomorrow," Twilight blushed. "I was going to spend the day with Big Macintosh but he and Applejack are still repairing the south field that Flim and Flam destroyed. Fluttershy is busy with her critters and now that Rainbow Dash is out of the hospital, she's going to a Wonderbolts show. Rarity and Pinkie Pie are going to be loaded down with work so I have the day to myself."

"Sadly, I am deep into my research so I won't be taking part in any festivities. I think I'm close to the answer but it seems that every time I get close, it escapes my grasp," Coltyn grumbled, knocking his hooves together.

"I'm sure you'll get it this time, after all you have my library at your disposal and it hasn't failed to give me the answers I've sought," Twilight reassured.

"Thanks," Coltyn smiled. "It's just hard working on a single project for so long, one starts to wonder if there is an answer."

"Well sometimes you just have to believe, even if you don't understand it," Twilight admitted, thinking back to the first time she learned of Pinkie's Sixth Sense. "Believe you will get the answer and I'm sure you will."

"Thanks," Coltyn said, simply finishing his dinner before heading up to the study.

***

Coltyn rose early and began to draw everything together. Coltyn heard the front door open and close more than once while he worked, but didn't pay it any mind. Slowly, he began to realize the true horror behind the stone. He paced back and forth, going over every scrap of info but still coming to the same answers. Frustrated by his findings, his magic was starting to go wild as his pacing turned into random flash teleportation around the room. He didn't notice Twilight come into the study until she spoke.

"Um… Coltyn?" Twilight said, hesitantly.

"Oh… hi Twilight," Coltyn replied, teleporting over to a chalk board. "I just can't believe this! THIS is the secret that has eluded me! BARBARIC!"

"What? Coltyn, what are you talking about?"

Pausing, Coltyn pressed his hoof to the side of his head before turning to look at her. "Twilight, do you remember when I told you in my letters that I was following a lead that could mitigate the cost of complex magics? That there was an artifact that could effectively power even enormously complex and far reaching spells without needing material components like dragon's blood?"

"Yes…?"

"It's called the Alicorn Amulet. It's a Darksteel amulet with the Gem of the Archmage set into it. I was looking to make the gem and fuse it with the Darksteel flowing through my veins sense there is no available Darksteel but I will NOT do what need be done."

"I don't understand. Please explain," Twilight begged, calming Coltyn.

"Well, look here… and here… and here." He tapped the relevant passages on three different scrolls with his hoof. "In each of these texts I found references to the necessary resource to create the gem. They're languages so old that even I don't know more than a few words, but they're all used the same way, so when I put the results of all my research together and compared all the little scraps of data, from the various legends and myths, I found out a horrifying truth. This word, vitae – and this one, animus… they're both from the same dead language. The first means life, or life-force, and the other means spirit, or more accurately, soul. In each of these other references the words are different, but the explanation is the same. In order to create the Alicorn Amulet, the unicorn must 'harvest' the animus of other ponies. Do you understand?" Without waiting for an answer, Coltyn explained, in a choked voice, "In order to make the gem, the mage has to murder a massive number of ponies!"

Twilight gasped. "No! That can't be right. There must be another explanation."

Coltyn shook his head, dropping it low with a defeated sigh. "No, Twilight. There is no other explanation. The only way to reproduce the Alicorn Amulet, is to commit mass murder and steal the souls of all the ponies killed. There's no other method, and I certainly can't use this one."

"But what if-"

"No, Twilight, no buts. It's a dead end. The only other clue I've come across is a reference to brotherly love, and somehow, I doubt that's going to help much. It sounds too much like the old cliché 'Time heals all wounds.' Technically true, but not what I need."

"But you can't just be giving up? You've put so much into this! You told me you've been working on this research for years!"

"I'm not giving up, Twilight. But I think I'll have to explore other avenues. This one just seemed so… promising." He sighed. "I don't know. Maybe I'll find something in my grandfather's archives. It can't hurt to look."

Twilight gave him a curious look. "Where are they?"

Coltyn opened his mouth to respond, when their attention was drawn to the open window, by a loud – and very familiar – voice, calling, "Schmoopy Doo!"

Twilight raised her eyebrows, and trotted over to the window, her mouth dropping open as she watched Big Macintosh drag a house down the road. Coltyn watched Twilight's eye twitch as her magic flared; Coltyn responded by casting dispel magic. He quickly looked into her eyes. "Don't lose your temper! Let's find out what happened and go from there," Coltyn ordered.

"What happened?! He told me he was busy at the farm, which is why we didn't get together today; and now I find him bouncing off to see Schmoopy Doo, whoever that is!" Twilight exclaimed, stamping her hoof.

"Has he ever bounced down the street like that before?" Coltyn asked, seriously.

"Well of course not. That's why I don't get it! Who is this Schmoopy Doo he's going to go see?" Her face fell. "I just… I thought we had something special."

Coltyn breathed deeply, resisting the urge to roll his eyes in exasperation. "He is not acting like himself. We should find out why before you say or do something that you'll regret."

"But he…"

"Do you trust him?"

"Well of course I do! But… he –"

"Then don't jump to any rash conclusions."

Twilight snorted and allowed Coltyn to escort her out of the library. Following the trail left by the house, they made their way over to Carousel Boutique, where they came upon a scene that made both of them raise their eyebrows. They watched with bated breath as Cheerilee bowled over the three fillies in her way, leaping into a hole that Big Macintosh was trying to jump out of and colliding with him.

The Crusaders picked themselves up, walking back to the hole, and Applebloom wished, "Please be normal. Please be normal."

Coltyn upon hearing those words from Applebloom, he knew what happened and let out an aggravated snort as he realized that she had broken her promise.

The teacher's voice came out of the hole first. "Am I wearing a wedding veil?"

"Eyup."

"Are you sitting on a feather bed in a hole in the ground?"

"Eyup."

"Girls! Can you explain why I look like I'm getting married at the bottom of a pit?"

Twilight leaned over to Coltyn and muttered, "That's what I'd like to know."

"Patience."

Twilight and Coltyn waited and listened to the fillies' confession to Cheerilee. Twilight facehoofed, hearing that they brewed a love poison, knowing it was from the book she gave them. Twilight was relieved that Big Mac hadn't lied to her and found the girls' altruism sweet, albeit misplaced. When the girls turned to leave, Coltyn and Twilight stepped into the shadow of Berry Punch's house to avoid being spotted; they would deal with them later. Once the fillies were gone, the two of them approached the pit and set to helping Big Mac and Miss Cheerilee out of it.

"Need a hoof?" Coltyn asked, looking down into the pit.

"Yes, I daresay we do," Cheerilee said.

"Ok, let's lift that bed up and get them out of this hole. Ready, Twilight?" Coltyn asked. The purple unicorn nodded once, and closed her eyes, her horn lighting as she focused on a levitation spell. Coltyn cast a protective force field around the two Earth ponies as Twilight lifted them, and the feather bed, out of the pit and set them down gently on the ground.

Big Mac's eyes shrunk in worry and shame as he looked up at Twilight. He hung his head, trying to think of what to say. Twilight lifted Big Mac's head to look into his eyes. "It's ok. Coltyn and I heard the whole confession and I'm not mad at you." Big Mac just smiled. "Now three little wannabe matchmakers… they're another story."

"Are you alright, Miss?" Coltyn asked, helping Cheerilee off the bed.

"Yes. I want to thank you for helping us out," Cheerilee smiled gratefully at them.

"You're very welcome. However, I want to make sure there are no lingering side effects. May I ask you some questions?" Coltyn asked, lighting his horn.

"Of course."

"What do you remember?"

"The last thing I remember is sharing punch that the girls made with Big Mac. Then everything goes fuzzy and I can't seem to remember anything clearly."

"That makes sense. Most mind altering potions tend to have that effect."

"It's just weird having a blank space where there is just nothing."

"I understand. Don't worry about it too much," Coltyn smiled. "How about we all go do something to take our minds off this crazy day?"

"How about a picnic?" Twilight suggested. Then a wicked little smile spread across her face. "With a little payback." Big Mac raised an inquisitive eyebrow. Winking coyly at him, she explained. "Well why don't Coltyn and I go set up the picnic while you and Cheerilee go check on the girls. While you're there, you could pretend the potion didn't really wear off." Big Macintosh frowned.

Cheerilee looked intrigued. "What did you have in mind?"

"Oh you know, tell them you're going to have a picnic at the gazebo, call each other some cutesy nicknames, just scare them."

Coltyn couldn't help but chuckle at the playful malice of her plan. "That could be a very effective lesson to them about not meddling in other ponies' private lives. Although you should let them off the hook by tomorrow." Coltyn gave Twilight and Big Macintosh a serious look. "You two need to tell your friends about your relationship."

Cheerilee gasped in surprise. "Oh my goodness! I had no idea that you two were involved. I'm so sorry, Twilight."

Twilight shook her head. "Don't worry about it. It wasn't your fault. I suppose it is about time we stopped keeping it a secret." She looked Big Macintosh in the eyes. "We should tell Applejack and my other friends first. They might be hurt if they hear it from somepony else first."

"Eyup."

"Well, I think you two should get to Sweet Apple Acres and check on the girls while Twilight and I get things ready," Coltyn said, noticing the day fading.

"Oh! But what about the hole in the road? We can't just leave it that way. Somepony might get hurt," Miss Cheerilee objected.

Coltyn smiled. "We'll take care of that, too."

With no further objections, Big Macintosh and Cheerilee headed for Sweet Apple Acres. Coltyn looked at the hole. "I got this," Twilight said, lighting her horn. She levitated the pile of dirt that had been dumped beside the boutique and put it back into the hole, magically smoothing it over and tamping it flat. "There all fixed."

"Nicely done," Coltyn said, impressed. "Now let's get some food for that picnic." Coltyn and Twilight walked to Sugar Cube Corner, to get some sandwiches and other snacks. Heading out to the gazebo Coltyn noticed that something was bothering Twilight. She was walking more slowly than usual, looking intently at the ground as though deep in troubling thought. "What's worrying you?"

"I'm not sure how my friends will take the news of my relationship. I don't want to lose my best friends," Twilight said.

"If they are your friends they will support your personal choices. I don't think you have anything to worry about," Coltyn soothed.

"Maybe. I'm just…"

"Scared. Not as certain of your friends as you wish you were." Twilight nodded. "Trust your friends. They all seem the type to stand by their friends. No matter what," Coltyn smiled. Twilight nodded, smiling as she spotted Big Mac and Cheerilee returning from the farm.

The four of them chatted about the day and let the conversation go where it would. Just as the sun disappeared and the moon rose, Coltyn offered to walk Cheerilee home. She agreed, and they left Twilight and Big Mac alone for the evening. Coltyn and Cheerilee's walk home was quiet, as most of Ponyville was already shutdown for the night.

"Thanks for walking me home," Cheerilee smiled. "Would you like to come in?"

"Thank you very much. But I'm going to have to decline. I have urgent business to attend to and I must be off tonight," Coltyn said.

"Well I had a good time today, aside from the whole love poison fiasco," Cheerilee giggled. "You have a good night, Coltyn."

"You as well, Cheerilee," Coltyn said, turning to leave. "Have a good evening."

Coltyn didn't want to decline her offer but with more pressing matters demanding his time, he didn't have the luxury of indulging in personal affairs. He knew that he was closer than ever and more, he was certain that the answer lay somewhere in his grandfather's archives, in Canterlot.