As the days passed, Lady carried on as usual with her life on the island. Some mornings she would wake up before Willow and make breakfast, and on others Willow would be awake before the sun was even out yet, putting food together and even changing little Holly and dressing her up. As much as Lady pouted over Willow making a fuss, she appreciated the help all the same.

Peering through the back window, Willow’s fur fluffed at the site of nosey Reef Foxes, sniffing through her garden and digging into the flowerbeds. With slipper in hand, the elderly mare waddled out to shoo the little invaders out before they started gnawing away at her precious home grown veggies. Before Lady could follow and help, her cellphone chimed from the living room coffee table. After taking a quick look to see that Willow wasn’t tripping over her plants, Lady trotted to pick her phone up. Her ears perked, seeing a name on the screen she hadn’t heard from in quite some time; Ametrine. With a slight bit of hesitance, Lady answered.

Lady: Ametrine? This is… a bit unexpected, heh.

Ametrine: Hello, Lady.~ I hope you don’t mind, I just wanted to have a word with you.

Lady: Of course, dear. *sits on the couch* What’s going on?

Ametrine: *inhales* Well, uhm…! Oh bother, I’m just going to come out with it- Apollo and I are trying for a child again!~

Lady: *blinks* Oh dear, that’s amazing, hehehe!~ I’m happy for you. After all this time..

Ametrine: It’s been too long, honestly. We had some guests over, and after attending the Crystal Heart ceremony, well…. We realized it was time to try and have a fresh start..

Lady: *purrs* Olivia would’ve wanted you to.. You both deserve to be happy…. You’re probably the only good pair of Nobles I actually care for, hmhm!

Ametrine: *chuckles* Well, we are family.~ Speaking of, the guests we had. Very peculiar bunch, but I thought you’d be interested in meeting them some time.

Lady: Oh..? Why, who were they?

Ametrine: A mare Apollo’s brother is trying to marry. She came with her family, and even brought a surprise guest with her. Somepony you might know, she’s from around your time of birth.. Does the name Beryl mean anything to you?

In an instance, Lady’s blood ran cold. Of course she knew that name. It was one she spat on whenever mentioned.

Lady: ………

Ametrine….. Lady?

Lady: *muzzle scrunches, but forces a kind tone* Yes, I am familiar with that name.. She was once my mother..

Ametrine: Oh! Then the family records were right, heh.. It’s just strange, your name is different in--

Lady: Yes I know. I changed it when coming back to Equestria.. Now please dear, WHY and HOW did Beryl even get there….?

Ametrine: Well…… Are you familiar with Crystalmancy….?

Lady: *groans, rubbing her temple* Yes, I am.. I should’ve guessed as much… *thinking internally, “So those damned rocks are still working… To think she could have been watching me this whole time through Willow…!”*

Ametrine: You don’t sound very pleased.. Did you not part on very good terms..?

Lady: Not even a little.. And I apologize you had the misfortune to meet her yourself..

Ametrine: “Misfortune”..? Lady, with all due respect, isn’t that a bit harsh?

Lady: Huh! Hardly..! *shakes her head* I’m sorry dear, but I have to tend to Holly right now….

Ametrine: O-okay….. Lady, I-.... This may be a long shot, but on the chance Apollo and I succeed in having another child… Perhaps you would like to come to the baby shower?

Lady: After the last one..? I appreciate the gesture, but we know that won’t end well…. Not if Apollo’s father will be there, and certainly not if you intend to invite Beryl as well..!

Ametrine: ……. *sighs softly* The invitation is there if you change your mind…

Lady: I appreciate that.. Have a good day, Amy.. *hangs up, sinking against the couch and growling* I can’t get away from her, can I….

Watching Holly play with her toys on her baby blanket, Lady’s mind wandered. Years ago she recalled a time when her feelings towards Beryl were never this venomous. So filled with loathing and spite. There was once a time when Beryl was in fact very supportive of Lady and her quest to self discovery. Even when it had to do with a part of Beryl’s past she wanted to stay hidden…

---

It was five years since her first meeting and interaction with ponies of the outside but even with such a time gap, the scars still stung every now and again as Aria replayed the event over and over in her mind when nightmares hit. Aria had only wanted to observe and learn from the ponies of the village, and yet she was punished purely for being born a half-blooded hybrid. Yet, this did not completely turn her curiosity away from communication. One stallion in the mad crowd had tried to speak up for her, pleading to the rest to release her. Though it was just the one, his kindness did not go unrecognized.

Before her throat could be cut to silence Aria once and for all, Yrsa stormed the village and burned the stallions holding Aria hostage. The damage done to Aria was abhorrent, but the retaliation upon the village was also frowned upon by the Elders of the Nocturnal village. Even with good reason, murder was not seen as acceptable to the clan….. At least, with most of them. Brought up with pacifist beliefs, the majority of the clan preferred to live in peace. Even if presented with a hostile situation with other intelligent life, it was advised to only defend, not murder. Yrsa’s actions stuck her with intense patrols, covering for other Warriors as punishment for the following years. She merely rolled her eyes and took her punishment, not feeling remorse for what she did to save Aria’s life.

During a warm spring day, Aria spent her time in her nest, shrunk down in her smaller equine form. The only comfort she had in this form was knowing full well she was safe in her den. In her hands, she fiddled with the shining pendant of the unicorn and swan she had shown Yrsa years prior. Originally she found it among her mother’s belongings, but why? What was the purpose of this trinket?

Aria’s ear perked, turning her attention to the gem necklace she regularly wore. Through it she could always hear her mother’s voice, but without it she was left to her own thoughts. Looking over the amount of details, the jewels… It made her mind race. With so many questions bubbling in her mind, it was time for answers. Reaching out of her nest, she put on her necklace.

Aria: Mother…? Are you there..?

Beryl: Aria, my dearest..! How are you feeling?

Aria: I am alright.. But, I wanted to ask you something..

Beryl: Yes my sweet?

Aria: …… *holds up the pendant*

Beryl: ?! … W-where did you get that..?

Aria: I found it with your things… It reminded me of the other symbols I’ve seen other equines use.. What do these animals stand for..?

Beryl: It’s not something you need to worry yourself with, dearest.. This has nothing to do with you..

Aria: Yes it does…! Mother, please.. I have been so confused ever since my capture.. About the other equines.. About myself…! I just want to know, what am I supposed to be..? Where do you come from…?

Beryl’s voice fell silent for a moment.

Aria: …. I’m so scared… I don’t understand what I am supposed to be..

Beryl: ……. You are my daughter, Aria… Your father’s daughter.. What more do you need to know..?

Aria: *sniffles a bit* Everything..!

The den fell silent again as Aria wept softly to her mother’s presence. Even though she was fully grown, the fear that had been clouding her mind for years was too much to bear.

Beryl: …. I can show you where this comes from… But it will be a long trek, and very cold..

Aria: … What…?

Beryl: Trust me, Aria… You will want to see it for yourself. I will tell you everything you want to know on the way..

Once in her dragoness form once again, Aria put on her best robes and quietly worked her way through the camp. Keeping her ears perked she sniffed the territory line and warily watched for lurking predators as she listened to Beryl’s tale of her upbringing. As Aria suspected, there was indeed a class defining difference between ponies in their society. However, it was much less communal than the Nocturnal village was.

Beryl was from one of the higher ranking family groups. And while she was kind and cared for the lower class, not every equine was as gentle. More often than not, Nobles could be very bitter, self-preserving and only extended a hand to help when it suited them best. Whatever wealth they had would be spent on trivial gatherings, items or just to gorge on the best food and drinks. The most unusual thing in Aria’s mind was the fact that the daughters of Noble families were always put out to be brides at young ages. Sometimes even having arrangements made for them before they could even speak!

In her mother’s case, she was lucky enough to meet Claudis before her fate was set in stone, bringing about Aria in the end. But this happy union came at a cost…

Beryl: I never spoke to my mother or father again after that… And I don’t know what became of them either.. For all I know that estate was sold to the next highest ranking family, or even torn down..!

Aria: *processing as she steps over a fallen tree* ….. I see…

Beryl: I never wanted you to know of them because…. It’s not safe for you.. A small village nearly tore you apart, but Nobles can be even more terrifying in their own right.. They have the power and money to make things happen if they see something they don’t like. And goddesses only know what they might do to you if they found out what you were..!

Aria: …. *stops walking* But what if there’s someone like you there now..?

Beryl: What do you mean, dear?

Aria: You were an exception a hundred years ago.. Maybe there’s some good left behind.. If not in our own family, then someone else’s..

Beryl: Aria..

Aria: I refuse to believe they’re all the same..! That stallion in the village tried to spare my life, and you love father. That alone is proof to me that there’s someone out there that will see past my form. *snorts and continues walking*

Beryl: *sighs* I beg you, Aria.. Don’t do this..

Aria: It’s my bloodline. I want to see for myself.

Keeping to Beryl’s directions, Aria pushed further through the cold forest. The air became more brisk the more North she traveled. All through the day and into the night she let out puffs of hot but small flames to keep warm. Through the trees she soon saw distant lights in distinctive rows. Almost like the windows of the village shops… But bigger. And many more than just one or four.

Beryl: I-.... I don’t want to see..

Aria: *ears perk* Huh? But I’m almost there!

Beryl: You can get closer if you wish, but I am leaving.. I can’t do this..!

Aria: Mother..?

Beryl: I burned this bridge long ago.. I do not wish to see what’s become of my choice. Sometimes it’s best not to know the truth…

Before Aria could respond, the light in her gem flickered slightly, signifying that Beryl’s presence was no longer here. She was alone now.

Aria: *ears droop* ….. Hrmm… Just a quick look, and then I will go home…

Keeping her body low to the ground, Aria began creeping closer to the lights ahead of her. The closer she got, the more clear the terrain became. Vast, lush green fields with crops and colorful flowers further from the main structure. The building itself was massive with intricate carvings along the roof, and even on the front door. There were ponies tending to the crops and even some animals, possibly what Beryl described as “servants”.

A sharp yet still gentle sound made Aria’s ear twitch, turning her attention to the garden of flowers. Near the center of it was a unicorn carving away at a large fine stone brick, from the looks of it. With carefully planned strikes of a hammer, he shaped the stone into the form of a mare, but her full form was still unfinished.

The unicorn turned their head towards the servants, waving them down before supposedly sending them indoors for the evening. They all nodded their heads gratefully before doing so, stretching their arms and yawning in exhaustion from a long day of work. Yet the unicorn themselves stayed outside and continued their craftsmanship. They must be the new owner of this estate…

Looking them over, they didn’t look much like Beryl at all from what Aria could tell. She let out a sigh, and began to turn away to leave…. Until she paused. Looking down, she stared at the pin she clipped to her robes. Her curiosity creeped up on her as she looked back to the estate. Did the estate really get taken over by someone else? Or was there even a slim chance that maybe, just maybe, someone from Beryl’s time survived long enough to still keep control? While Beryl may have been content with not knowing, Aria could not sit on this. With a sharp breath, she continued stalking closer to the garden. Unfortunately, the effort to be silent and unnoticable was fruitless.

From one of the windows of the massive building, there appeared to be a pony waving their arms wildly, staring directly at Aria. Shoot! She forgot to check the full area before leaving cover. Letting out a choked gasp, Aria stood up more, then heard a startled whinny as the unicorn carving into the stone stared up at her with wide eyes and dropped their tools. Aria’s muscles tensed, feeling the familiar rush of terror from her encounter in the village. Even with her large size, she couldn’t stop herself from turning tail and running straight for the trees again, curling into a tight ball under her own wings and trembling.

“I-I can’t breathe..! I can’t stop shaking..! What’s wrong with me…?!”

Aria couldn’t shake the feeling that clung to her for years now. As much as she wanted to be brave, the memory of the whip strikes stung deep still. She dug her claws unto the earth and held on, hoping that her body would stop trembling. The only thing she could hear around her was the rustle of tree branches and the whistling winds of the cold north.

With deep breathes, Aria could think straight once again. But the moment of peace was cut short as barks echoed through the air. Lifting her head, Aria was face to face with small yet very angry looking canines. All three snarled and barked at her, yet jumped back every few times to keep their distance from her. Where did these small creatures come from?

??? : It’s over there!

??? : Sir, please, go back to the manor, let us handle this..!

Aria: *gasp* G-get away from me! *presses herself against the ground and the trees behind her*

??? : Did you-?! …… Did that thing just talk..?

??? : I should hope so, or else I am going senile..!

Two bright lights shown through the trees as two ponies came closer and closer. In one hand they held what looked like lanterns, and in the other, a strange wooden item with a sharp pointed stick sitting on it. One pony was a servant, shaking in their hooves as they stared up at Lady’s dark eyes. The other, the unicorn that was carving the stone in the garden. Now that they were closer, Aria could see it was a stallion. From the looks of the gold cuff over his horn and finer clothes, he was indeed the new owner of the state.

Aria: Please, don’t hurt me! I will leave, I’ll never come back, but please!

Servant: Sir, we should send word for the Royal Guard!

Noble: *lifts his lantern higher to look Aria over* ……….

Servant: My Lord, please..! It could be playing tricks..!

Noble: ……… Fascinating…. *steps closer, looking over the robes*

Aria: *flinches and spreads her wings*

Servant: AAAH!! *whinnies and points the wooden object towards Aria before the sharpened stick shot out and stuck into her fur*

Aria: Wh-what is that?! ….. *shakes herself, the bolt falling off*

Servant: By the Sun, it did nothing!

Noble: *tilts his head* Huh.. You are covered in fur, not scales… Tell me, what are you..?

Aria: I-I am.. I am a dragon..!

Servant: *goes pale and looks about ready to faint* Oh goddess in the sky, please spare my soul…… ?! My Lord! Don’t, what are you doing?!

Noble: *drops his weapon and reaches to touch Aria’s fur*

Servant: …….. *falls over, fainting in the grass*

Aria: *ears spring up* What are you doing…?! Don’t hurt me!

Noble: *raises a brow* Hurt you? *chuckles a bit* I should be the one asking you not to hurt me..! I’ve never seen a dragon like you before.. Most of them all have scales. *feels the robes she’s wearing* …. Or wearing clothes, of all things…

Aria: *watches his every movement as the dogs continue to bark and growl* …… You are not scared of me..?

Noble: *snorts* I see no reason to fear a creature that ran before I did.. You are like a giant mouse.

Aria: *pouts a bit* Hrmm…

???: Frederick? Frederick, where have you gone?

Following up from behind was a pale brown unicorn with light mane tied up in a delicate bun. She wore a blanket wrapped around her shoulders while wearing an even more detailed and fine made gown. Gaining closer on the scene, she stared upward to Aria’s gaze, both equally confused at the encounter.

???: Oh sweet merciful heavens… Frederick, my love… I do not know where you found it, but you are going to have to put it back..

Frederick: Hm? I believe it is a female, and she found me first! For whatever reason… But look at this, Nova! Never has anypony seen a dragon like this before! She’s even wearing clothes! *tugs on the cloth*

Aria: Mmm..! *curls up tighter and uses a wing to hide her face*

Nova: *grimaces a bit* Oh dear…. Well, it’s getting late and I don’t want either of you catching your death out here.. *takes her blanket it and wraps it around Aria the best she could*

Aria: *looks up* …… With all due respect, y-your den is not big enough..!

Nova: *ears spring back* Oh! She speaks! Well.. that is true but we have large doors. It may not be comfortable but I’m sure you will have just enough room in the foyer for a cup of tea and a warm place to sleep..

Frederick: Or in your case, a drop of tea… ?! *tugs at the robe again, making it fall off*

Aria: Aaaah! *face turns pink* What are you doing?!

Frederick: …… Where did you get this..? *holds up the unicorn and swan pin, showing it to Nova*

Aria: Th-that’s my mother’s pin! Please don’t take it, she will be furious if I lost it!

Frederick: ….. Mother? *looks Aria up and down*

Nova: *looks at the pin* Now that is curious… How did a dragon come across something with the Lovegreen’s crest on it, and then show up at our door?

Aria: *ears fold back* My mother… She told me she was a Lovegreen too. Before she ran away..! I found it with her belongings, and… She showed me the way here…

Frederick: *squints his eyes* I haven’t heard of anypony in my line that’s run off.. Certainly not with a dragon. And for that matter, how do we know you are telling the truth.. Surely a unicorn could not have birthed such a massive creature like you..!

Aria: *starts trembling again, but takes a deep breath to calm down* B-because I can do this..! *starts changing form again, the larger robes draping over her small body*

Frederick: *ears spring up* By the goddesses..!

Nova: *gasps* Goodness! Well, that solves the size problem. And I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to find a large enough tea cup.

Frederick: Heh, suppose not.~ *looks to Aria* We should talk inside. *reaches out to her*

Aria: *flinches away and shields herself with her wings* Please don’t!

Frederick: ……. Please, you have no need to worry, little one. You won’t be harmed here… It seems you’ve been through a great deal already.. *leans his head a bit, seeing old flogging scars*

Nova: *kneels slightly and smiles warmly* Frederick is an honorable stallion, and always stays true to his word. Not a soul on this estate would dare harm a hair on you.

Aria: *looks up at them cautiously, but reaches out to take hold of Frederick’s hand* ….. A-alright…

Frederick: *smiles and nods, before looking at his fainted servant* Oh bloody hell… *leans down to hoist him up* Up on your hooves, Charles..! You soft-hearted sod…

Nova: *chuckles and takes Aria’s arm* Come along dear, lets see if we can’t find you some better fitting clothes as well~

Walking back to the manor, Frederick helped his servant to his sleeping quarters before helping Nova tend to Aria. The small hybrid was too distracted to give much response to anything they said as she stared aimlessly around the interior of the manor. It was far beyond detail with more care put into it than the village buildings. Flowers in containers along the hallways, images of ponies decorating the walls, each in elaborate dressings. Aria was too awestruck to notice a mare putting a white light cloth on her until it draped over her face.

Aria: HUH?! What is this?!

Maid: *whinnies* I-it is alright, it is a nightgown!

Aria: …. *looks down at herself* O-oh, heh.. Thank you..?

Maid: *looks Aria over* Oh dear.. We may have to cut a few holes for your wings… Goddesses, you are so small!

Aria: *looks at the extra length of fabric hiding her legs before pouting* Too big or too small, I cannot win…!

Nova: *peaks her head into the room* Oh that is no issue dear, we can simply hem it to the right length~ Until then you may have to lift your skirt a bit so not to trip, hmhmhm~

Aria: *fluffs a little bit before picking up what extra dress she could* This isn’t too bad..

Maid: *grimaces a bit* Perhaps now you would like me to wash off that paint on your face..?

Aria: *shakes her head* N-no no, leave it, please. It is my mark.

Nova: *smiles* Let her be. Our guest is still getting comfortable, I’m sure this is all new and frightening for you.. Uh…. I apologize, but you don’t happen to have a name we could call you.

Aria: *smiles a bit* My mother named me Aria.. To the rest of my c-... kind, I am Firelily.

Nova: Hmmm.~ Aria, then. *holds out her hand* Come then, Miss Aria, let’s retire to the drawing room. You may have some tea, and we can talk.~

Their hooves left echoes behind them as Aria and Nova made their way through the halls. Soft whispers traveled lightly, as passing by mares in black and white dresses talked amongst themselves at the new guest. Aria’s ears folded back flat, a bit concerned yet curious… Were they planning something for her as well as the village had..? Opening another door, Aria’s eyes widened. Though smaller than the inside of her own den, the room was still something to behold in her smaller body. It matches perfectly to the descriptions Beryl had given her along the way to this new territory.

Nova took a seat close to a small fire pit that was placed within the opposing wall. She smiled gently and beckoned Aria to sit with her on the soft sofa. Aria hesitated at first, but the warm interior was so inviting as opposed to the harsh north breeze outside. As of right now, there didn’t seem to be any danger to worry about… For now, Aria chose to sit, but keep on guard to the surrounding company.

Aria: This is not what I expected to happen…

Nova: Oh? What DID you expect?

Aria: *fiddles with the ruffles and bows on her nightgown* W-well…. My last encounter with Equines wasn’t the most peaceful.. I-I didn’t hurt anyone, I swear!

Nova: *gently puts a hand up* No need to panic, dear, I believe you. *smiles* You seem much gentler than your outward appearance suggests.. And the way you shrunk away from us.. *ears fold back a bit*

Aria: *grimaces and looks away* The last Equines I met captured me.. I didn’t do anything to them, and- they struck me repeatedly…!

Nova: *sighs* Unfortunately, that’s a very common response when most see something they don’t recognize. *nods to a maid as she brought in some tea* Luckily, we’re not so easily frightened… Well, my dear Frederick isn’t, hmhmhm.~ He’s always been fond of investigating new encounters. *offers a cup to Aria*

Aria: ….. *gently and carefully holds the teacup and saucer* …… *sniffs up* Hmm…… lemongrass…?

Nova: *blinks* Yes, heheheh! That’s quite a nose you have.

Aria: *smiles a bit, sipping the hot tea before letting out a purr* Mmmmm~ This is so good..~ *tail wiggles a bit*

The sound of hooves echoing outside the room made Aria jump, almost dropping her tea. Her wings spread out and shook in alarm, that alone making the maid standing idle whinny at the sudden motions.

Nova: *puts a hand out* It’s alright! It’s okay, I’m sure it’s only Frederick..

Frederick: *walks in, examining the pin* Sorry that took so long, dearest. Charles really is-- ….. Goodness, what happened? *seeing Aria’s stance*

Aria: *sighs heavily and sits back down* I-I’m sorry, I… You startled me. *looks down into her cup, embarrassed*

Frederick: *raises a brow, but shrugs and takes a seat* This must be difficult to process.. I assure you, no harm will come to you here.

Aria: …. You swear it..?

Frederick: Of course, we have no reason to harm you. Certainly not while you carry this. *holds up the pin* You said your mother owns this?

Aria: *nods* My mother is a unicorn.. Pure blood, like you and your mate. She said she once lived here..

Frederick: What is your mother’s name?

Aria: Beryl.

Frederick: I see… I do faintly recall that name written somewhere… So then, your father?

Aria: A dragon.. *lowers her head a bit*

Nova: *tilts her head a bit* Your eyes are different from dragons we’ve heard about. Normally their eyes are more yellow in color.. *gently reaches to move some of Aria’s wild mane from her face*

Aria: *flinches at first, but stays calm* We are a different subspecies of dragons.. We are Nocturnal, and mostly move during the night. It makes things a bit harder to see in the daytime..

Frederick: Fascinating.. *eyes sparkle a bit*

Aria: *stares at the face he’s making* …. Why are you so amazed by me…? I was told that, “Nobles” can be more cruel than others… *ears spring up* Not that you are! Y-you’ve been very hospitable to me, and I am forever grateful..!

Frederick: *chuckles* It’s alright, Miss Aria. While that is true the majority of the time, we are just…. Different, in ways..~ *looks to Nova*

Nova: *nods* We understand things most others would shy away from. While we may have more privilege than most, we wouldn’t dream of abusing it in ways just to hurt others.

Aria: *tail wags a bit* That is…. Very kind of you to do..~

Frederick: *smiles at that* …. Miss Aria, I hope you do not mind if we ask you some more questions.. You’re Ponish is surprisingly more fluid than expected. I take it that is your mother’s doing?

Aria: *nods* Yes. There are still words that are harder for me to speak, but I manage okay.

Frederick: Do you know how to read?

Aria: I can read my own clan’s scripture. But, I have not seen any Equine writing before..

Nova: What about spelling and writing? *waves a maid over, the servant bringing forward some paper and a quill*

Aria examined the quill suspiciously before picking it up, seeing that the tip was dripping with black ink. Looking to the blank parchment before her, Aria swallowed nervously before simply writing down her name. To her she could read it clearly, but Nova and Frederick looked over the paper, utterly confused.

Nova: What’s that you wrote down..?

Aria: My name.. *ears spring up, seeing Frederick’s face again*

Frederick: *eyes sparkle* Truly fascinating..! Could you write down every letter in your language? *tail twitches like it wants to wag*

Aria: I can, heheh.. *tail wags a bit*

One by one, Aria jotted down every letter she could remember in her clan’s language. With bated breath, Frederick watched and asked which letter meant which, trying to help decipher them into Ponish for Aria. Once every letter was translated, Frederick started by spelling out words for Aria, and going over how each one was pronounced. Smaller words were easy enough, they were words she already knew. Seeing them spelled in a different language, however, was very jarring for her. Words with three syllables were out of the question for now, as Aria rubbed her head in confusion with a twisted tongue.

Aria: C-.... Col-um-inist..?

Frederick: “Columnist”.

Aria: Hrmm…. *leans back in her seat*

Nova: *chuckles* I think that’s enough reading for one evening, my love. Poor dear is exhausted..~

Frederick: *looks up, seeing that Aria was dozing off in her seat* Ah, heheh, my apologies. Perhaps I got too carried away.

Aria: *looks up* I-I enjoyed it! I didn’t know there was so much I could learn by coming here.

Frederick: Is that so? *looks down at the pin, then smiles* Then, why not stay for a little while? I could teach you more about Equine culture.

Aria: *ears perk up* R-really..? *tail wags even more, then pauses* Oh.. But, I have to return home.. My clan needs me, and traveling here took me so long.. They will be worried about me.

Frederick: Hmhm, then anytime you can. You are welcome at any time that is convenient for you.. Afterall, this estate is technically your birthright..~ *holds up the pin, before placing it in Aria’s hands* Keep this with you at all times, Aria… Many know this crest just based on appearance alone. Someday it will serve you when you need it most..

Aria: *ears fold back a bit, but nods* I understand…~

---

Lady: *fiddles with her pin, rubbing her thumb over the unicorn and swan heads* ……

??? : Knock knock! Lady, honey, Willow said you were here!

Lady: *looks up* Oh, Dusk, hehehe. What are you doing here..?

Dusk: *smirks* Just wanted to check in, make sure you were settling in okay.~ *plops onto the couch*

Lady: Hmhmhm, I’m doing alright, thank you.~

Dusk: *looks over her smirk* ….. He still won’t sign the papers, will he..?

Lady: *siiiiiighs* I already made it clear I’d rather not try and make things work when I know they won’t.. I’ve been on this side of things before, it’s so frustrating..!

Dusk: *chuckles and rubs her back* He can’t keep being this stubborn forever… *looks to Holly on the play mat* Have you discussed how things with Holly are going to work..?

Lady: …. We settled on letting her stay with either of us every few weeks or so.. But I don’t know how I feel about letting her stay with him for too long.. He drinks…. SO much..! A-and I can’t take his word that he’ll change for her..! *looks down* He didn’t change that for me….

Dusk: *grimaces at that* … It might end up pushing this whole divorce thing longer than it needs too, but… I think you should file for full custody.. If you’re this concerned about his drinking, then maybe it should be something you bring up the next time you see him for a meeting with your lawyers..

Lady: *nods a bit, looking over her pin* I will…

Dusk: *puts on a smile for her* Hey, come on, chin up..! Would it make you feel better if I took you out with me and Whirl again?~

Lady: ……. *looks up at him with a deadpan stare* You’re not gonna take me to the mainland for another Drag bar, are you..? Because Dusk, dear, I support you as you are… I support you when you are Bonbon, but THAT was not what I was expecting when you said “Dinner and a show”!

Dusk: *snickers* Nooooo no, we’ll go somewhere local! Like Bleu Ice! Best music club on the island, I’ve even performed there.~

Lady: *rubs her face, chuckling softly* Can we just go to a normal restaurant… One where you don’t have a job? *smirks*

Dusk: *pouts* Fiiiiine, I guess we can do something boring..~ *wraps a wing around her* As long as it helps make you feel better..~

Lady: *purrs at that* Thank you, Dusk.~

---