Then Heart of Pleasure
By Haunter Rayne
Ch 74 – Peace and Failure

Rayne was filled with a mix of feelings when he finally awoke after his recent black out. “HHISSSSSSSSS!” He winced sharply as it felt like his ribs were poking the wrong direction through his chest cavity while his skin was like butter melting over a hot coal.

But then he realized there was a different feeling coming through. There was a comfort amongst the pain and agony. Something felt soft.. and relaxing. Slowly he opened his eyes which just as in the past that had proved to be a mistake. But once he had reached the point that his eyes adjusted he realized that he was most definitely no longer in the hospital.

Light blue walls surrounded him on all sides with picture frames and award certificates of hanging around. Mauve colored sheets were wrapped around him in the cushy bed that had pine green for the head and base board. There was a small book case between where he lay and door frame. There was also a lectern setup as a reading area near the end of the bed. “Wait… I know this room.” Rayne thought to himself.

As comfortable as the sheets and pillowed mattress had felt to him though, they were not where the feeling which helped to ease his current suffering. Laying beside him and snuggled up very close was an off heliotrope colored unicorn with a two toned mane. She lay resting her head on his shoulder while lazily drifting a hoof back and forth across the furred coat of his chest.

“Mhm… St- Starlight?” Rayne softly called as the sweet affection from the mare was succeeding to help him to recover remarkably fast.

Starlight seemed to have been startled as he spoke, popping up from where she had just awake and just casually resting the afternoon away with him. “Oh! Rayne! You’re awake!” She shouted as she looked down to him with worry. “Shhh baby, it’s okay. You don’t have to get up if you still need rest.”

“Heh, heh. Thank you but if you help me to be any more comfortable than I am now then I might never wake up again.” He jested as he looked down seeing his furred body thoroughly cleaned, pampered and brushed. “I assume that I have you to thank for all this?”

Now she blushed as she realized how obvious the extents she went to care for him were. “Hehh, well… I had a lot of time on my hooves while you were resting so I guess I went a little overboard with making sure that you would be okay.”

Rayne just shook his head with a smile saying, “No, I love it. You’ve helped me to feel wonderful. I’m… I’m just surprised to find myself in your room though. Did you bring me here after they discharged me from the hospital? I… don’t quite remember any of that.” In truth Rayne was just grateful to have not found himself waking up alone in Tartarus. “Seems like Discord is going to stay out of my affairs after all.” He thought to himself.

“I was so worried about you Rayne. The hospital staff were calling it a miracle.” Starlight said suddenly bringing the stallion back from his thoughts. “Your wounds… you had clearly bled from them all over again but when you were checked all of your gashes and stabs were gone.”

Now Rayne’s ears lowered as his thoughts grumbled, “I knew there was going to be trouble from me having sped up my healing process.”

With a squeeze to his hoof Starlight looked at him and said, “Rayne, listen to me. I don’t know where you came from before here but healing magic has never been a possibility in Equestria before. I don’t know what went on between you and Discord and you don’t have to tell me. But I just want to say that I am truly happy to see that you are okay.”

“So am I. It’s always wonderful when I get to spend time with you here.” He said to her sweetly.

It made him relieved to see her anxieties lower to where she could allow her playful side to show. With a push to his shoulder she told him, “You’re just happy about it because I let you sleep with me when you last ‘spent time’ here.” She said with a giggle. The two then just hugged each other enjoying a quiet moment while they could. After awhile it was Starlight who spoke again saying, “There was a big fight for you ya know.”

“Oh? Is everypony okay?” He asked but Starlight smiled and raised up her hooves.

“Not a fight, fight. It was when you were being released. The rest of the girls had gotten together and were just heading over for a visit. A big argument was started about whose home you should be taken back to for bed rest. AJ was saying that Sweet Apple Acres would be better because the other Apple’s would be there to help watch over you. Rainbow said she wanted to take you to Cloudsdale but we all threw that idea right out. In the end though it was Zecora and Maud who caved in saying they didn’t mind if I took you here to the castle.” Rayne nodded but noticed how she looked away as she whispered, “They thought you’d be safe with having Twilight around.”

Then without a thought Rayne leaned toward her holding her cheek with a hoof. “It makes me happy to be here with you. I’m glad that it was you I woke up next to. I love you Starlight.” Then he pressed his lips to hers.

But now the blushing unicorn was too distracted to even remember how to kiss. Rayne looked up surprised as she pulled away from him while her whole face flushed until it looked like her ears burned. “I-uh-eh-oh-um…” She nervously panted.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“NOTHING!” Starlight shouted and then apologetically leaned back with her hooves over her mouth. “I’m sorry. I’m just surprised is all. You said it… you actually said the words. That you love me.” She said with a voice that made Rayne chuckle from how adorable she sounded.

“Oh course I do. I really do. I love you Starlight. I thought you knew that.” Rayne insisted with a warm smile.

“Ehmm! You said it again!” She giggled.

Now Rayne couldn’t hold back a laugh. “It isn’t the first time that I tried, you know. Back in the club in Manehattan but you stopped me. Remember?”

Now Starlight wore a sweet but composed smile on her face as she nodded. “I remember. I think… I just wasn’t ready to hear it then. But I was happy.”

Rayne looked to her with a bit of surprise. “Oh… I had no idea.” He admitted as he stared down contemplating what she had just told him.

That was when it was her turn to reach out and hold his cheek with a hoof. “That was then Rayne… I’m ready to hear it now. If you mean it.” She said with her eyes shining softly to him.

Rayne smiled as his heart warmed when he heard that. “I love you Starlight.” He said as he leaned his snout against hers.

She closed her eyes and leaned her face back against him. She breathed in happily allowing his voice to ring in her ears. Soon she tilted her head to the side as she pressed her lips forward. “And I love you Rayne...” Her voice trailed off as his lips pressed flush with hers.

- Canterlot, the Next Day -

Worries were high that morning as there was a fair bit of trepidation over what would happen. Celestia and Luna were sitting in their designated thrones. Princess Cadence had arrived and sat with her husband upon a dais that had been setup to the throne’s right hand side. Additionally a small rostrum was set out for Twilight to the left of Celestia and Luna. Down in front of them all a single podium had been placed along with an option stool. Off to the side of room was a long pew where the rest of the mane six sat in waiting.

“Phew, I must say… All this seriousness is making even my nerves frazzled.” Rarity commented as she slicked her mane to make sure it was not out of shape.

“Well it makes sense y'all. I mean, what technically happened here is that the leader of one nation attacked another nation.” Applejack reasoned in the simplest form she could word it.

“Now remember girls,” Fluttershy commented, “the whole reason why this is happening is to arrange a peace between pony and deer kind so that nothing like this ever happens again.”

“You are quite right.” Said an authoritative voice causing everypony to look up to Celestia. “We would be well within our rights to take these recent events as no less than a declaration of war. But it is not my desire to see our two races become at odds with each other while there is even a sliver of hope that we may find peace.”

“Nnnnngghh, I know that but STILL!” Pinkie groaned sounding unusually glum for her normal self. “All this officialness and negotiation business is no fun at all. Couldn’t these issues be discussed over a nice party?”

To this Luna gave a weak smile and replied, “I wish it could be that simple my friend. But even though both of our sides might be meeting to reach the same end, it is always possible that patience may break down or tempers could rise regarding the negotiation of terms. It is usually best to stick to a clear and uniform system for these things.”

“Oh alright. But I still don’t like it.” Pinkie pouted.

“We could always see about having a celebration party afterwards, assuming that all goes well?” Celestia added while trying to stay on the positive side of things.

“Yay! Possible, pending, AFTER PARTY!” The pink pony shouted to which Dash frowned at Pinkie and Luna frowned at Celestia.

Just then the large throne room doors opened as Spike entered the room and waved for everyone’s attention. Everypony straightened up as the little dragon cleared his throat. “Ladies and gentleponies of Equestria, I hereby announce the entry of His Majesty King Aspen, Leader of the Deer, Honory Heart of the Forest, and Protector of all Creatures Great and Small within the forest of Everfree.”

As soon as the announcement was made the doors were opened wide by two of Canterlot’s guard. In walked the white stag with his head raised, standing at what would be the same height as Celestia even without his antlers being taken into account. His white coat bent elegantly with his movements, same as would hers, and their eyes met carrying the same weight of majesty and authority. All ponies were stricken with a mild awe at seeing the two in the same room and the vast similarities that spanned between them.

However all eyes shifted to Aspen’s side another deer was following close behind. A stalwart guardian with a brown coat and wearing red armor was trailing Aspen’s flank while keeping his eyes forward and not meeting the gaze of any pony in the room.

Celestia raised her chin as would be befitting a ruler but spoke kindly as she said, “Greetings King Aspen. It is an honor to have Your Majesty visit us here in Canterlot. I do wish it were under better circumstances.”

After giving a questioning glance to the small podium set out before him, Aspen walked up to it and looked up at the menagerie of ponies which now surrounded him. “I appreciate the welcome and hospitable manner in which I have been received, Your Grace. However I find myself a bit overwhelmed by the audience of this proceeding. Exactly how many different territories am I here to answer to for my crimes against Equestria?” Aspen remarked with a bit of underlying contention.

“Please, there is no need to start things off with sour remarks. We would be happy to introduce ourselves.” Cadence responded. “My name is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, however you may address me as Princess Cadence. My husband Shining Armor and I are the rulers of the northern Crystal Empire. With your permission Your Majesty, we represent an impartial third party to bear witness to this hearing. We were not affected in the events that transpired and despite the prospect of us both being ponies, I can assure you in our ability to remain unbiased in this matter.”

“Hmm.” Aspen responded, to the great dissatisfaction of all ponies present. “I am here by your terms to play by whatever rules you see fit to achieve a lasting peace for Everfree Forest. I shall succumb to whatever decision the fair Princess Celestia decides in how to go about securing that peace.” The deep king replied, once more revealing his tendency for pugnacity.

Frowning now that Aspen had effectively just called him and his wife inconsequential, Shining Armor spoke up saying, “As to that effect, I believe that it had been announced by you that you would arrive unarmed and without any guard by your side. This is to be a peaceful negation on both sides so could you kindly explain why it is you arrived with an escort all the same?” The white stallion asked sternly while Luna was forced to drop her face into a hoof by this.

At this point the red armored deer stepped forward but Aspen was quick to extend a hoof to block him. Looking up to the side dais Aspen replied, “I have broken no such arrangement. The deer you see beside me is named Blackthorn and while it is true he is the captain of the guard for the Thicket, he is also my best friend. From my understanding, you ponies do value friendship don't you?" He asked and there were some glares but nopony responded. "He escorts me for emotional support and no other reason. As such, he should have nothing to say through to the end of these proceedings.”

With a slight stammer at the beginning of her statement Celestia called out to try and quell the rising tensions which had already begun to grow. “So, to every creature, are we all in agreement to the parties present here today? The negations for peace and international damages shall be concluded by Princess Luna and myself on behalf of Canterlot and Equestria as a whole; whereas Princess Twilight shall be the specific representative on behalf Equestria’s individual smaller communities; with Princess Cadence standing as an impartial mediary when necessary as both Prince Armor and Sir Blackthorn remain as silent supports for their respective sides. Can we all agree to this?”

Celestia looked on with hope that her attempts to quell the grandstanding would be successful. However the stallions in the room seems estranged all the same. Aspen nodded without breaking his stern gaze while Shining looked to Celestia with infuriated surprise at being cut out of the negotiations.

“It is agreed.” Aspen replied.

Nodding to his wife bitterly Shining remained quiet as Cadence called out, “We accept these terms.”

Speaking for the first time since Aspen entered Twilight motioned a hoof to state, “The Princess of Friendship would like to reserve the right to call upon members of the Elements of Harmony should it become necessary during these proceedings.”

Looking over to the five other mares plus Spike the dragon Aspen responded, “Do as you wish. Shall we begin?”

“… I- really don’t like how this is going so far.” An even more sorrowful looking Pinkie Pie whispered while Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash nodded sadly.

Just as every creature was resettling themselves in their seats to begin, Discord popped up and levitated himself to the side of the room opposite that of the other mane six. “Oh please, everyone don’t mind me. Just like Princess Mi Amore over there I have no real part in this hearing and am present only as an impartial observer.”

“…Spirit of Chaos.” Aspen nodded to Discord respectfully.

“Spirit of Life...” Discord dishearteningly acknowledged

“Then why are you hear?” Princess Luna asked, clearly beating Aspen to the punch as he intended to as the very same.

“Because... as a fellow spiritual agent of this world I have a personal interest in the well being of that stag you see before you. I have no intention of interfering with your proceedings in any way. But should these negotiations fall not to be in favor of Aspen, I will step in regarding any possible sentencing, and do so by force if necessary.”

“We are not in the practice of utilizing capital punishment Discord!” Celestia softly spat as if insulted by the accusation.

But the Draconequus was quick to respond, “Oh no, you wouldn’t kill him… but per your penchant for oubliettes, banishment to other planets, or turning creatures to stone I am here to enforce that none of these ’resolutions’ by Your Grace shall be stood for. And I will remain as neutral for Aspen’s defense as it can be assumed Cadence there will be for the ponies.” He stated pointedly.

“Can we please get on with this?!” Luna actually shouted now while all the others nodded and quieted down. Applejack removed her hat in nervousness as it looked like things were finally about to begin. Meanwhile Fluttershy had to hold onto the shoulder of the other pegasus beside her as she could no longer handle the pressure which had built within the room.

After taking a breath Celestia called out, “King Aspen… You stand before us today for what can only be considered as no less than war crimes against Equestria. You retaliated in violence against our lands and citizens for a crime against your territory of which we were innocent. You acted callously and attacked without discrimination over a matter in which you lacked sufficient probable cause to hold us accountable.”

Now turning to her sister Luna held up a scroll as she tallied, “The property damages alone are dire for what destruction you wrought. Several key buildings to our communities which were of civilian and not military in design will have to be completely reconstructed within our capital. Additionally, I am to understand that the hardships are even more severe within our smaller settlements. For this I pass attention to Princess Twilight.”

With a nod the purple alicorn said, “Thank you Princess. And that would be correct. In total there are current fourteen ponies across three settlements who have been rendered homeless with no hope of saving their residence which had been demolished. Additionally, another twenty homes across a total of four settlements will require extensive repairs to save. Furthermore, the reports of ponies injured in the attack are still coming in. Everything from mild scrapes to serious head wounds have been reported.”

After clearing her throat to politely draw attention Cadence called out, “May we please have a summarized account of the extent to the injuries?”

“Yes.” Twilight responded. “All hospitals in our nation surrounding the forest area have been completely filled due to these attacks. All affected settlements each report no less than three ponies injured being classified as in serious condition. And while no actual deaths have occurred, one stallion near to Ponyville was brought in under actual life threatening circumstances.”

Aspen stood there with head held high as the results of his actions were laid out before him. Celestia then rose her hoof for the accounting of events to cease. “King Aspen. Do you understand the information which has been presented before this court?”

“I do.” He stated clearly.

“And do you claim responsibility for being the cause of these damages to our nation and citizens?” Celestia asked.

“I do.” Aspen admitted.

“And am I correct in understanding that at the time of sending the forest to attack us, it was your intention to harm our nation, it’s properties, and even our citizens to the extent you achieved or possibly even beyond?” She questioned.

“Yes, you would be correct.” Aspen stated. “I acted with purposefully intent to harm ponies, even kill them, and I did so without remorse of hesitation at the time.”

“Oohhh.” Fluttershy whimpered while Celestia and Luna looked saddened as they had hoped for a different answer from him than mere blunt honesty.

“Well, may I ask… What do you have to say for yourself? What would you have us hear from you to give leniency as we ask for recompense from these acts?” Celestia pleaded, actually wanting something to give the deer king the benefit of the doubt for.

After a short stoic gaze Aspen then spoke loud and clear. “It is with my apologizes for how I have wrongly acted against you that I share my side of events which have transpired. While your disapproval of my actions come from events most recent, my motivations stemmed from anger months in the making.”

To this Celestia and Luna readjusted themselves uncomfortably. “Please King Aspen, go on. We would hear all that you have to say.” Celestia encouraged.

Now Aspen nodded, that being the first respectful gesture he had shown them so far. “For roughly the passed two months I have received complaints from the forest. News of a savage beast and reports of magic being used to torment creatures have come to my ear. Now, in my naivety I ignored these reports at first. Claims of a large beast, black and with fangs… It sounded like a nightmare conceived up by foolish rabbits who jump at their own shadows.”

“Rabbits do frighten easily.” Fluttershy confirmed.

“Yes, but mighty Hydra’s fear nothing… or at least they didn’t until now.” Aspen responded to her. “No matter what manner of creature came for my aid, the report was the same. A dark monster that had ’hurt’ them using magic and then fled as quickly as it came. Now naturally that vague description left me with little to go by, as the vocabulary of the forest is not that which is available to pony kind. But in time I was forced to investigate despite my very serious doubts.”

“And what did you find, Your Grace?” Cadence asked.

With a heavy sigh Aspen explained, “I found carnage… and savagery. I found Cockatrice’s plucking their own feathers from anxiety. I found Cragadiles refusing to surface even to feed. I found the discarded skeletons of Manticores and other large beasts torn asunder for the feeding of a monster. I found what should have been entire packs of Timberwolves stripped down to members of only two or three. And I found Hydra cowering and traumatized from what they have endured.”

Now Twilight spoke up saying, “King Aspen, there is no pony here who would disagree that these are terrible changes to have happened to the forest life. We ponies respect the Everfree Forest for being a beautiful, albeit dangerous, ecosystem that has just as much right to live in peace as we do. Maybe if you had come to us for help we could have worked WITH you to solve the mystery behind this. But seeing as you didn’t, please explain what led you to hold our kind responsible in the first place.”

For the first time in his visit Aspen finally showed remorse on his face after hearing Twilight’s words. But then he raised his head again as he allowed his temper to flare up in his tone. “Because… the reports from the birds and squirrels and other smaller creatures, who seemed below the culprits interest, kept reporting the monster as being a pony!”

Now everyone in the room definitely seemed unsettled by that. Celestia spoke first claiming, “Surely this cannot be true. King Aspen, I with all my power could not wreck such precise havoc through the forest even if I had wanted to.”

To this the deer king nodded. “I understand that. This is part of the reason why I had left the problem ignored for as long as I did. There have been individual situations of course, but never in the history of the deer clan have there ever been reports of ponies treating the forest creatures with such ire. But this monster plaguing my domain has been [i[‘hunting’ all that live within. It was not until I investigated personally that I began to believe the stories. And then of course there was two days ago when I finally spotted the creature myself.”

Luna spoke next saying, “Please, tell us what you saw. We are not against you personally in this hearing. We want to understand what has taken place and help you for the good of us all if we are able.”

With a nod Aspen said, “I had stood at the ready for the last week waiting for reports of the creature once more. When Calvin informed us that the black monster had been spotted once again I immediately gave chase.”

“Calvin is a small yellow finch who likes to report problems to us within the forest.” Blackthorn stated and Shining nodded that no pony minded him speaking to give that explanation.

Continuing on Aspen stated, “When I arrived it was at a cave mouth housing a dragon who has long since resided within our forest.” At mention of this Spike, Twilight, and Rarity looked to each other because they remembered encountering that very same dragon several years prior. “Apparently the dragon had been the latest victim of the culprit’s harassment, being shamelessly assaulted right in it’s sleep. But of course, the black beast was not alone.”

Now there was a confused murmuring from all the ponies present. “Not alone?” Twilight asked. “Could you explain?”

“Hmpt. Can it really be true that you still do not know?” Aspen questioned and looked to the other deer who also seemed as if he didn’t believe their confused faces. “The beast has had an accomplice ever since the beginning. It is the zebra Zecora who escorted the monster around since the very start of it’s attacks. She led the fiend to the resting places of half the creatures in the forest!”

Now there were surprised gasps at this news but it was Rainbow Dash who released the abrupt comment, “Pshh, as if!”

Then before the pegasus could even take another breath Princess Luna slammed her hoof upon her arm rest and shouted, startling everypony sitting down upon the pew. “RAINBOW-DASH! YOU WILL CONTROL YOUR OUTBURSTS OR I SHALL HAVE YOU REMOVED FROM THIS THRONE ROOM!”

The pegasus’ eyes went wide as she stared up in disbelief for how harshly she was being reprimanded. Knowing her friend, Twilight spoke up next before she could say something in response that would really get her into trouble. “I’m sorry Dash but I have to agree with Luna. The sanctity of our two nations is on the line here. As much as I am surprised to hear that a friend of ours might have actually played a part in all this, King Aspen has a right to be heard. And if Zecora really has been helping the panther who’s been gallivanting across Equestria then we need to know about it.”

“Hmpt… You’re in trouble now Rayne.” Discord thought quietly to himself without interrupting.

“Thank you.” Aspen called out. “Now, I hear you call this dark beast a panther. While I agree that seeing it for myself it does resemble a predatory feline in nature… it is much too large to be a natural wildcat. Furthermore, despite the fact that I did not witness this with my own eyes, I have received numerous claims that the culprit is in fact a pony. That combined with my personal promise that it holds friendly relations to the zebra, I would have you consider the thought that this creature is a were-panther. Most like a stallion while not viciously rampaging my forest and then a blood thirty monster when it is.”

“Sister!” Luna turned to Celestia with worry.

“Yes, I understand. This is most unsettling news indeed. While I hear you clearly King Aspen, this unfortunately presents us with more questions than answers. To think that somepony of my realm could be responsible for such behavior is unfathomable to me. Furthermore, in the case of a were-panther could the possible stallion be unknowing in the destruction that he is causing? I fear this only makes the culprit even more difficult to track down.”

“Princesses...” Aspen stated drawing the attention back. “Please, let us move forward to what judgment you would have for me. I no longer hold your kind as responsible as a whole. While I feel Zecora must be questioned about this, it is clear that the guilty party comes down to a single individual’s actions. And as long as I feel that pony kind take appropriate steps to help stop this individual then you will have nothing further to fear from me.”

This caused many frowns within the room but slowly all of the leaders each nodded. Celestia spoke up with a grave and disappointed tone. “Your Grace, you admit your guilt to inciting violence against Equestria without proper provocation. Understanding your reasoning for the attack does not change that even a single messenger bird or the slightest bit of effort on your part could have changed this entire matter.”

Now Twilight cleared her throat to which Celestia nodded to her. “King Aspen, please forgive me for saying so but your actions of late fail to prove befitting of your title.” She said sternly to which Blackthorn tried to step forward and argue. But the deer king again raised his hoof to stop him and allowed Princess Twilight to continue. “Being a king in this situation only makes you more responsible. You are charged with not just the peace of your realm but the diplomatic connection to your neighbors. How you responded to this situation goes beyond irresponsible.”

Now was Princess Luna’s turn to chime in. “Need we remind you that this is not the first time you have acted out against our nation? Not quite that many years ago you also sent the forest aggressively into our land over a matter in which you wrongfully blamed us for. At least that time you attempted to contact us about it. But your actions now fall no better than the outburst of a petulant child.” Several of the ponies watching gasped at Luna’s statement but not one of the other princesses reprimanded her for it. “Tell me, should we fear your boarder from now on? Must we take precautions from your ‘whim’ in the future?”

“That is enough Luna.” Celestia said softly. When her sister looked her way she added, “Oh I don’t disagree. You are correct. But you’ve made you’re point.” At this Luna nodded and backed down.

“So what do you propose?” Aspen asked, forcing them to their final point for this discussion.

“Well… with your guilt seeming undeniable at this point...” Celestia winced out while looking to the side at Cadence.

“Ehhh… even as being not so impartial that I had been hoping for a better case towards Aspen’s side, yes I would be forced to agree. Aspen was entirely in the wrong here.” Looking up for any sliver of hope she then asked, “Discord?”

“Oh yes, yes. He did it alright. Please, proceed.” The Draconequus waved.

“Very well then.” Celestia stated. “Then our demands would be as follows. No longer shall pony and deer kind be silent neighbors to each other. By mandate of this hearing the deer of the forest MUST request aid in person and through no other means whenever a situation arises that threatens them. Furthermore, should Equestria fall under harms way to which we lack the means to defend ourselves… the deer shall be honor bound hence force to answer our call for assistance if we need it.”

“Lofty demands.” Aspen replied.

“Oh we aren’t finished yet.” Luna added in. “This is in addition to the deer of the forest providing one hundred percent of the labor to rebuild what was damaged in Equestria, beginning with the homes of our smaller settlements and ending with the civilian facilities damaged here in the capital.”

“That is unfair!” Blackthorn shouted, no longer willing to be held back.

“As unfair as our ponies who you put in the hospital with your king’s unruly temper?” Shining retorted.

However Cadence and Aspen both hissed at their respective escorts to silence them. “As king of my people I accept your terms, with a few provisions of my own.” Aspen declared with contentiousness ringing to his voice yet again.

“I’m sorry King Aspen but the situation does not leave you in much of a position to make demands.” Twilight said.

“And yet I am all the same.” Aspen said sternly to which Twilight was caught off guard and folded her ears in alarm. “Your demands go beyond compensation for my actions. They change the very relationship between our two races for what sounds like an eternity. I am not yet in agreement to bind the fate of my race to pony kind.”

“But King Aspen-” Cadence began but stopped when he turned his face away from her.

“I will acquiesce to your demands… IF and ONLY IF we receive Equestria’s help in ensnaring the beast who now plagues us both!” Aspen declared with a stomp of his hoof. “Until time in which this monster is caught, I shall make no changes to how I run my kingdom and Equestria shall receive no aid, even for that which I am responsible for breaking!”

“King Aspen!” Celestia shouted.

“NO!” He roared to which startled everypony in the room. “While your demands for in person communication are reasonable, us deer live by our solitude! And you would have us be your slave labor to rebuilt your houses meanwhile this monster who IS very well a pony continues to ravage our forest?! The ARROGANCE of your race is astounding for how you fail to prioritize your problems! My primary concern is the protection of those under my charge!”

“King Aspen, you WILL back down!” Luna demanded as she almost rose form her seat.

To this the deer simply flared his nostrils in disrespect to the princess. “While the were-panther remains at large I will use ALL that is within my power to stop it! And if that means sending trees like spears into the homes of ponies or parading Hydra and dragons down your streets then SO BE IT!” With that his turned his back to them and proceeded to leave.

“How Dare You threaten us further beyond what you have done?!” Celestia called out. “Where do you think you are going?! ASPEN! You are NOT excused! ASPEN! ASPEN!!!” Celestia roared as Twilight recoiled in shock never once having seen fury in her mentor before. Instantly two of the Canterlot guard attempted to bar the deer’s path but Luna used her magic to pulled them back as Blackthorn charged with his antlers forward.

All remained silent and frightful in the throne room after the deer were allowed to make their leave. “Wh-whAT just HAPPENED?!” Rarity shrieked out.

“I… I think...” Twilight stammered in disbelief as Discord frowned and teleported himself away.

“It means my dear friends,” Celestia spoke while still breathing heavily in anger, “that should an assault from the deer happen to us again… that Canterlot will be forced to mobilize our forces against the forest.”

Author's Notes:

That's right ladies and gentlemen. It would appear that war might be coming to Equestria. Unless somepony can figure out a way to quell the tension then an international battle is all but unavoidable at this point. And let's not forget, the conflict isn't even finished yet. Somepony is still put for revenge.

So what did you think of the hearing? How do you feel about the demands? Did Equestria ask for too much? Not enough? Clearly the stubborn Aspen was being unreasonable no matter what it was that Celestia and the others had asked for.

And all this coming from the chapter starting off on such a sweet note. Starlight had stated her feelings for Rayne before but this was her first time to his face. Likewise, this is the first time Rayne has told any of the mares he is dating that he loves them. Oooh, big steps for the stallion. And right before a witch hunt is likely to begin to track him down.