Spike had figured he would be discussing having a private open space to just be himself; he just hadn’t thought it would evolve into talking about establishing a new town. He and Daring hadn’t really discussed the idea, but he figured it was a logical step now that she was a priestess to a deity whose presence hadn’t really been felt for ages. Spike snickered mentally at the thought of a clothing store that catered to the customers with attire that would likely get them arrested in any other part of the country. He had a few ideas he’d have run by Daring, but he could at least lay the groundwork.

The first thing they needed to find was a mass of land that nopony was using or had claim to, preferably in a location that none of the princesses would object to. Chances were anywhere unconcealed would earn a vote against the site from Twilight, the rest were hard to say much on really. Celestia was pretty open to where ponies wanted to build new communities, so long as their claims didn’t clash too fiercely with another party. Luna was always up for new communities springing up, especially if there were foals she could shower adoration on. Cadance would likely not object, so long as it was a place ponies could enjoy the forming of intimate bonds with each other.

Spike figured Luna and Cadance would get the biggest kick out of the community, mostly because it would not have the same societal expectations found in most of Equestria. Celestia probably wouldn’t have a problem with a new kind of community like that either. His real problem was getting Twilight to go for it in a manner that didn’t cause her to impose massive restrictions on the town. Besides, he was just the guy pitching the idea; Daring was the one who would have a more detailed plan.

After gathering his thoughts, and the princesses around a conference table, Spike said, “Seeing as Daring has made a rather dramatic life choice, which we have yet to learn more details on, chances are she is at least considering trying to build a community around her new religious doctrines. It would probably be in Equestria’s best interest to provide a safe place and materials to start the whole thing. Think of it as a social experiment, the revival of a lost religion and a community built around it. Granted, some of the societal obligations and expectations would be a little different but that’s kind of the point of social experiments.”

Twilight let out a sigh before saying, “While I am interested in exploring this social experiment, I also have concerns about just what kind of culture shock it might induce. If visiting dignitaries happen to visit the site, upon their request, and are not properly warned beforehand we could have an international incident on our hands faster than we think. And that’s not even taking into account of somepony unfamiliar with the establishment of the community just blundering in a lost and/or confused state.”

“I appreciate your concerns, Twilight,” said Celestia, “they are valid, but we don’t want to isolate the community too much. Doing so might leave them at a disadvantage should some terrible incident come to pass in the area we set them down. By the same token, we can not leave them too close for the observation of neighboring communities since some of the practices they could employ may very well clash with the sensibilities of some of the more influential members of those communities. That all said, I am very eager to see what a community built around this dragon goddess could be like.”

“Freedom of expression is always of great importance,” said Luna, “it is what allows ponies to discover themselves and their talents. Seeing a community that does not follow within the accepted norms of Equestria’s communities is something I am very interested in seeing for myself.”

“This dragon goddess is very much similar to myself in some regards,” said Cadance, “maybe placing it near the Crystal Empire would be a good choice.”

“I’m pretty sure she’ll want somewhere that won’t be inhospitable for ponies most of the time,” said Spike, “and placing it in the Crystal Empire might a bit of a problem. Seeing as we will likely want the community to have minimal outside interference or reliance for the first few years. Maybe placing it in the forest just shy of the Frozen North, that way it’s close the Crystal Empire and out of sight for most of Equestria, with the added bonus of having some raw materials readily available.”

“That could work,” said Cadance, “as an extra precaution only the Crystal Empire would have an express lane to the community; since I am recommending observation of the community fall mainly to the Crystal Empire.”

“Now, wait just a moment,” said Twilight, “why do you get prime rights to the new community? Spike has lived with me the longest, and legally he’s registered as Celestia’s son. Either one of us could be a better pick.”

“You’re still getting used to governing more than Ponyville and its surrounding area,” said Celestia, “while Luna and I have pressing concerns with Equestria as a whole. Cadance has admitted more than a few times that the Crystal Empire is more than capable of running itself with minimal input from the royal family. Not to mention, Spike will be a founding member of this new community, and he is seen as a significant figure in the Crystal Empire.”

“Besides,” said Cadance, “it’s mainly an express rail, it’s main duty will be to ship goods and services to and from the Crystal Empire, and having one railway in and out of the community will help with the early security concerns. We’ll be able to screen ponies going to and from the Community on their way to Equestria as a whole, which will allow us to help them remember what’s socially acceptable at home and abroad. Not to mention, this faith would also see the Crystal Heart as an important artifact. Having the community have a direct line to the Crystal Empire just makes more sense.”

Twilight heaved another sigh, “I know, it’s just frustrating that Spike is moving out of the castle. After living with him for so long, it kind of feels like he’s leaving me.”

“You knew it was bound to happen sooner or later,” said Luna, “at least this way you’ll be able to keep track of where he is. What you should be more concerned about is what Daring plans to name the community, we’re pretty sure it will make a few ponies confused or even blush.”

“She’s right you know,” said Spike, “on both accounts. I was actually planning on talking with all of you of finding my own personal space, but this whole Daring thing came up, and as a result, this makes things more engaging for all of us. When everything is ironed out things will get interesting, Daring will probably put out a call for anypony interested in giving the faith a shot. Oh, and before I forget, Daring and I are both pretty sure she’s pregnant now.”

An excitedly energetic squee erupted from Cadance’s mouth, it seemed she was more than a little excited at the possibility of babies. Resuming a more composed stature, but still sporting a massive grin of joy, Cadance said, “So, the establishment of the community is also a place for Daring and you to raise your foals together. Won’t that distract from her other duties?”

“Surprisingly, No,” said Spike, “she wouldn’t be much of an advocate for a fertility goddess without a few ‘examples’ to show potential followers. She’s also really looking forward to motherhood, says her old adventuring life caused the opportunity to slip away once and she doesn’t intend to let it repeat into a pattern.”

“Opportunities of the nature Daring has experienced do not happen all too often,” said Luna, “they have a way of making one reconsider their priorities.”

“Well that’s all fine and good,” huffed Twilight, with a hidden smile of her own, “we should probably lay the groundwork for the rules concerning the way we deal with as much of the negative backlash that is sure to come. And that’s not even taking into account the things we’re going to have to work on before all this gets started, like the events surrounding her decision to have her alias retire and disappear, there are massive legal repercussions we will definitely have to deal with.”

“Not to mention her publishers will likely not want to end the series, it’s one of their most profitable.” Said Luna, “of course that style of distribution has been on the decline the past few years, but ponies established in that business before the trend shift want to hold on to their established business as much as possible.”

“True,” said Twilight, “and having the series end would force them to look for other options, I’m sure Daring herself is agonizing on how to cut it all off. She’ll want the continued royalties on the series, it’s basically her personal funds and will likely go a long way towards a down payment on some of the first facilities for the community she is planning.”

Author's Notes:

So yeah, Spike having a leisurely talk about the future with the princesses. We’re back to Daring in the next chapter.