What Hath Joined Together

Chapter 21

                                                                                  What Lies Ahead

Flash Sentry had grown accustomed to visiting the Crystal Empire's library. He found himself missing not only the smell of books and the blur of words on paper, but the proprietors of that library as well.

The day after Twilight and Quartz's confrontation, the former met the latter, along with Apt and Precise Jot, at Donut Joe's again. Twilight's apology was met with many in return. This time, there were no quarrels, just light chat and heavy boxes of doughnuts.

While Flash missed the routine of assisting Twilight with her studies, he was glad to exchange it for the relative sense of calm that overtook her. Other than her mentioning that she had decided to save the continued translation and study of Starswirl's books for her return to Canterlot, Twilight had not explained the sudden halt to him.

Although curious, Flash took it in stride, especially when Twilight's smile began to resurface far more often. He found that he was far more comfortable at her side after the night under the aurora—a feeling she seemed to share, if her steady speech and prolonged eye contact was any indication. They spoke no more of the undercurrent between them—at least, for now.

After all, Flash still had a promise to keep, and he had yet to officially break it.

With that in mind, Flash was grateful for his busy mornings and even busier afternoons and evenings. Over the following days, Flash juggled training sessions with the recruits with the various activities Cadence and Shining had planned.

A few weeks ago, Flash would have considered himself included in these outings only by proxy as Twilight's assigned escort, but he was now tempted to say that the Prince and Princess actively invited him. Whether it was their shared meals, a walk through the Empire's business district, or an excursion to the Crystal Empire's Stadium—which was currently being renovated—Flash felt more welcome than he ever had been.

The end of their trip drew near a close. Without the distraction of ancient riddles or potentially dangerous debate, the days passed quickly. Along with them went the snow, which had slowed from a daily dusting to only an occasional sprinkle. By the time they would return to Canterlot, Flash had been told, rain would replace the snow until the arrival of spring in two months' time.

Like the changing of the seasons, Flash knew that his return home would usher in a different dawn. A dawn that he wasn't quite ready to face after discovering the majesty of the frozen north.

Despite his resistance, the day of their departure soon arrived.

~

That day, a pleasant Sunday morning, began as any other. Flash woke before dawn, showered, and dressed. With about an hour to spare before Twilight would wake, he packed his bags, taking care to ensure that the two copies of the photograph from the play were properly tucked away in his journal.

Still, he couldn't help but grin as he looked down at the spare copy in his forehoof. I can't wait to see the look on Greyhoof's face when he sees this. I hope it makes him as happy as it did me.

When dawn broke, Flash left his room and knocked politely on the Princess's door. Once Twilight had answered his knock and exchanged his good-morning, Flash accompanied her down to the Royal Dining Hall.

The two shared a final, hearty meal with Shining and Cadence. A meal fit for Galaxia herself, it was. Although it was technically breakfast time, the palace chefs had prepared a smorgasbord of gastric delights for the four. Everything from thick-cut Prench toast, to perfectly ripened fruits, to crisp and colorful salads, to creamy soups, and a myriad more awaited them on the table.