4/17/16; Herd

[Mal]

Yunalesca slowly adjusted to the strange life within the mansion over the course of a couple days since their arrival. She was careful to keep her alicornhood hidden around the servants and waiting maids, simply because she didn't know how Arabians would react to an alicorn. In Equestria, alicorns were a big deal when they had four princesses who were alicorns, but here.. Yuna wasn't sure. She also couldn't help but come to notice how the servants were.. unicorn. A strange difference to her home country. Yuna took to exploring the place, so far as she was allowed to go, just so she had a mental map of the place.

Distant Lightning hadn't really any restrictions. With his granpappy gone -- he and his friends, could go anywhere they wanted. He was sitting at the entrance to his granpaps chambers on the second floor, rump rest on the cold, stone floors which kept cool even when the desert sun was glaring down on them. He let out a sigh, wings sunk against his back, loosely set. It was a very ened room. Shelves lined with books, war memorabilia and other objects representing his national pride and love of Saddle Arabia. The servants were nosy, as they were wont to do in a estate where all they had was gossip. The only male unicorn was the butler who only remained on the first floor. Alicorn -- were not well liked in Saddle Arabia. They were the bane of society: power without progress, they felt. Taking a position they were neither born nor raised into... at least that was what they felt of the Equestrian Princesses.

Yunalesca wandered her way up from the first floor after she had seen her fill of it, ignoring the butler should he be anywhere nearby. She wasn't used to dealing with subservient ponies, not when she was used to everypony being more or less equal- if one didn't count the rich and the nobility. It was put out of her mind before she could think further on it by the time she reached the second floor and the hall there. Upon stepping into it, she spied the familiar arabian, Lightning, sitting outside a door. Yuna faltered a moment, supposing she could put her exploration off a while and approached him carefully. "Hey, Lightning."

Distant Lightning startled a bit, wings fluffing. the male pushed up and backed away from the door as if afraid of something, but upon spotting Yuna he sneered. Which was probably his smile pressed to his monocle. "Miss Yuna. How are you fairing today? I hope it is not too hot for you...?" He turned to face her, only hesitating a moment to glance at the chambers. He afforded her his full attention. "Are you finding your accommodations suitable? If you still wish you and --...the young mage can remain in my chambers so you feel more -- free considering your delicate state." He eyed her wings. It was hard keeping them hidden especially with nosy maid servants.

Yunalesca came to a hesitant halt, one leg cocked up and partially folded against her chest upon seeing Lightning startle at her voice. It had not been her intention to sneak up on him, but he must have been.. lost in thought perhaps? "Oh, no, no. It's not. It's pleasant enough indoors, out of the direct sunlight." She assured him, tail flicking as she considered the offer a moment. Part of her would like privacy with Gleam, but she was also fine where they were. Ah, choices. "I.. I'm not sure. I might ask Gleam about it. Just in case though, do you have any spare bedrooms? Like guest bedrooms?"

Distant Lightning made a peculiar expression. "Ask him..." He would express. Was he mad? Just a bit worried he was overstepping his bounds. He did not want to upset Gleamished again... Scoffing his hoof he looked around. "I honestly cannot say. I have never... wandered around much. I stay on my floor. This was granpap's private room." He knew of his parent's chambers... He stared back at the room. "It's...empty." He noted, but unsure if it was allowed. "This is not something I experience very often, if you can tell." Maybe they should go ask one of the servants... "Ah I will request a room readied for you properly, perhaps they just know what to do." He has never been the young master for much of anything it seems either. Never requesting anything....

Yunalesca shrugged a little and nodded at the two word statement. "If we ever wanted privacy, or.. if I did. I wanted to ask him just to see what he thought, or wanted to do, before I went off and did anything. I know Gleam well enough that he wouldn't mind, and that I don't have to defer to him for anything.. but I like to communicate things with him." Yuna thought to explain honestly, lifting a foreleg and rubbing at the side of the other. Her gaze lifted to the door he had been sitting in front of curiously. "Oh, I see.. Yeah, you probably could."

Distant Lightning hadn't expected a whole explanation from her, but he patiently listened. "I see.." he noted. "I had belief he would be angered at me for requesting you to act without his permission." It was simply how he knew things to be. "Strange." He looked to the room. "I want this room to burn." He would suddenly state. "I ...prefer you not stay in it, honestly. It is full if uneasy feelings." Maybe he really didn't like the whole situation. He wasn't sure. "Would you like to go for a walk in the garden?" He did not want to sit here any longer. Not in this hall.

Yunalesca blinked, her ears flicking back once in confusion. "N-No, he wouldn't get angry at you about that. I'm my own pony, and he knows it. The only thing he might get angry about is if you, I don't know, tried to hurt me for whatever reason. Other than that, he's fine with you." The alicorn tried to clarify and stared a moment, her eyebrows going up. "I didn't have any intention to enter anywhere I wasn't meant to be. Did you hate your grandfather?" Yuna queried and nodded upon being asked to walk with him. "Of course, I can join you."

Distant Lightning looked away from the office, glancing to Yuna. He heard her response but.. "I am not sure, he seems to have been rather short with me lately." What he did not realize was that it was due to his ignorance toward what was right and what was wrong in the case of these customs of his and Dusk's injury. "I am not sure what he was to me. He was the one who taught my sister and I.... he was the one that ...." Hurt them. "He was the one we were told to listen to." But Thunnie never did. He turned to walk down the spiral steps heading toward the outdoor gardens which would be entered from a door in the back of the kitchen. There cooks were preparing breakfast, which came after morning tea.

Yunalesca pondered that, trying to determine exactly what it was he might have been upset about. "Maybe he was just stressed. Because of Dusk." She offered up, and frowned when he mentioned his grandfather having been the one who raised him- his sister too. Yuna made a considering noise and turned as he walked past, following him back down to the first floor and through the busy kitchen. She swept her eyes over the cooks working there curiously as she walked and tore her eyes away, just so she wouldn't end up bumping into anything. The smells roused her stomach, but if breakfast was coming soon, she need not wait long nor worry about it.

Distant Lightning stepped down into the garden.s there the hot sands were suddenly a paradise of warm soils and tamed, wild plants. Birds and other animals freely wandered the overgrown, backyard paradise. The stallion marched along the path. "I hope...it was merely worry." He did fret when any of them, he presumed any of them -- hated him. He moved to look up. A leucistic peahen sat roosting on a perch high off the ground and perfectly beneath the shadow of a palm frond. The stallion climbed into the gazebo that too hung with plants and animals. The sound of a river somewhere in the back of the territory added to the ambiance. He seated himself in the shade of the structure, waiting for Yuna.

Yunalesca was taken aback by the sudden splash of greenery, dotted with what colorful flowers there were, when she stepped into the garden after him. After dealing with the sandy hues of the desert, seeing such green again was a blessing to the eye, a lovely oasis. She followed after Lightning at a slow pace, taking it all in, and the animals with it. She spied the pretty white peahen up above with some wonder and moved on, ears perking forward at Lightning's voice. "I could always ask." Yuna offered once she caught up, stepping up into the gazebo after him to seat herself nearby.

Distant Lightning hmm'd and turned his head towards the mare. Lightning was, naturally, very calm and low energy. Around Gleamished he tended to grow exuberant and around Dusk flustered and flighty. But with Yuna, who had a similar calmness, he became quiet around. He could relax, that and he still knew little of what impressed her. "No... it is well enough he is not further bothered by my indirect curiosities, or direct ones." He looked to the peahen. "This is Mallow. Short for Marshmallow. She is my companion, and has been since I lost Thunder." He noted. "Mallow, this is Miss Yuna. Can you say hello?" She spread her wings and warbled loudly before settling. He was quiet as he watched the peahen. Observing, thinking. After a moment he turned to look at Yuna. "I am sorry." He expressed. "You all seem far too stressed out here."

Yunalesca peered up at Lightning, most of her attention on him, though sometimes her eyes were drawn by the unfamiliar plants which she studied; she knew little enough about flora, but even here she could pick out things that were exotic. She nodded, quiet, at what she heard and gave the peahen a curious look. Marshmallow? A hoof floated up to her mouth when the peahen responded readily to Lightning's voice, possibly greeting her.. or just making a noise as it learned how to to such a phrase. "Oh, that's.. cute, actually." Yuna expressed; a cute name, she thought, too. Marshmallow. A smile quirked the corners of her mouth, and left. "I suppose it's just being in a different country, not knowing the culture too well, not knowing how to handle some things.. Just wanting to keep each other safe."

Distant Lightning looked to Yuna. "Speak when spoken to." He would suddenly state. "Overtime, time, this is what I learned to best stave off the wrath of others." He blinked when he realized she called Mallow... cure. His ears pressed to his skill. "It is difficult being in Bother country... not sure what you are doing." As he had been. "Would you like to hold her?" He nicked and lowered his head a bit and tilting his neck. The peace flew down and landed on his shoulder. She warble and tilted her head. So small and delicate was the bird, at least how she exemplified herself to be!

Yunalesca raised an eyebrow, for a moment thinking he was commanding her, but.. he wasn't. It was a tip. "It'll be hard to learn it," Especially when she tended to get snarky, and sass back ponies who treated her badly, "but I'll certainly stick to that the best I can if it'll help here." Her gaze flicked to the peahen, coming to perch on Lightning's shoulder; he had used the word companion, not pet. It was enough of a difference. "Oh, I.. I couldn't. I mean, it'd be nice to, but I wouldn't want to accidentally hurt her. Hooves, and all." Yuna raised her forehooves, wiggling them. "I could pet her though."

Distant Lightning looked to Yuna as she refused holding Mallow. He has something to say, but not much. It was probably best kept to himself. "Here you are miss Yuna." He delivered, turning to return to their seats.

_______

Distant Lightning was a pegasus, balconies were a bit of an obsession. Some balconies led to whole other parts of the manor, some spots only accessible through the balconies! The stallion shifted his weight, an odd light amidst the golden flames set aglow by the butler. It was about the only time that old unicorn could be seen moving along between floors, like a spectre, lighting the candles. Windows that allowed the desert light in were covered, doors left open to allow for the cool airs to circulate and keep rooms comfortable. The sandstone halls had a sense of eerieness to them, the tomb-like emptiness ore noticeable at night. He turned to slowly tred toward the glow, ears folding back upon finding -- him. "Oh... pardon me." Even in his own home he seemed uneasy. The library was always a safe place to be. Granpap wasn't here though. Something he had to repeatedly remind himself through the last day or two.

Gleaming Echo was midst polish whenever he heard a voice come from the doorway. His ears perked and he turned to see the pegasus standing there looking probably about as uneasy as he felt. "Good evening." he'd greet only to turn and look to the shield again. He stood wonderful care of the shield! It was a gift to be cherished after all! The unicorn looked from the shield to Distant and offered a smile. "Did I thank you properly for this? I mean... I can hardly thank you enough for this... It is just like Gleaming Shield's... well.. shield." he'd say with a nervous shift.

Distant Lightning looked to Gleam, ears folding back some. He peered at the unicorn from his monocle, glancing around. It all was really just awkward, maybe it was just him though. He wasn't used to seeing the same ponies or horses, all the time. Those he did, were eventually cause for hurt. He cleared his throat. "It-- is of no consequence. Friends, give gifts yes?" At least he thought they were friends. He did his best with Miss Yuna too. "I felt it was important to provide you with something that would make you happy." Gleam did like swords, a shield was an ice touch. "Who is -- Gleaming Shield?" His father maybe? The horse slowly stepped out onto the balcony, seating himself at the edge.

Gleaming Echo smiled some and flicked his ear as he set the shield to the side. "Well.. yes and know. It is nice to want a friend to be happy, but gifts are not always mandatory ~ save for birthdays and holidays maybe. I actually don't know." he'd say only for the last question to cause him to fall quiet as he pondered how best to answer. "Gleaming shield was the first occupant of this body.... It's from fragments of his memories that Tarnished and I were created." his gaze fell... "His family, his friends, his experiences, his memory.... not ours...." The cultist had sagged and was resting back against the wall.

Distant Lightning thought a moment at his explanation. Not mandatory -- but he did not say they were necessary so good. Looking over to the mage he thought. "So.... what you have now is yours?" He questioned. "With Miss Yuna and Dusk, your adventures?" He did not involve himself in the equation., After all he was an outsider, by all rights. He joined them, from across the way and was never really part of their group. He felt a little lonely at the thought. His hoof scoffed against the ground a bit. "I think it is good you have your own memories, it would be troublesome to be forced to live by the memories of somepony else." He pushed to stand and walked toward Gleam, sitting himself close to the younger stallion. He jaws parted before closing. "I...like the memories I have of you." Storm-colored eyes danced down as he caught some nerve to look up. "I... like you two very much. I am sorry if I made you feel like I did not. I is difficult for me to express these feelings, troubled that perhaps others don't, but even still I wanted to tell you." Dusk was brave enough to show them affection but he felt so -- stupid doing it. Big clumsy birb.

Gleaming Echo blinked and looked hesitant for a moment. The pegasus wasn't wrong, indeed he was quite right! What he had now, all that had happened since that day was their own. Not the remnants of Shield. "Y-yeah... It would be." Even the very thought of not being able to make any of his own memories made him shudder. His own gaze snapped up when he heard what was said next though. Perhaps it was somewhat desperate or something but somepony else liked him! That was ~ Two ponies? NO...Three if Dusky counted of course; and he hoped she did! He started to speak only to pause and look unsure. "I imagine it would be what with how life here seems to be, but... I suppose we're the same. Tarnished would never admit it but he's just as afraid of rejection as I am, and he is our backbone...."

Distant Lightning swallowed nervously as he looked around. The evening as cold, the stars glittering high in the sky. The balcony was study so even the larger horse and small pony had nothing to worry so far off the ground. Below the miniature oasis of the garden could be spied and in the distant the lights of the capital. Against the morning sun the city was tinted a soft, rose color, but at this hour the red and gold light below created a musical cacophony of color. He cleared his throat. "I... I like him too, both of you you are... y-you." He was this far in, he suppose he might as well drown on his tiny raft. "C-can I kiss you Gleam? It is alright if you do not wish. I know it is a selfish request. And weird. I'm strange." It was late. "It's late I am just tired." He excused, spine slowly turning back to jelly.

Gleaming Echo looked at the horse in curiosity and then inclined his head. "I..." he was cut off as his muzzle quickly turned quite red. And that was made even worse by the question whether Distant could kiss him! His mouth opened and closed a few times in a somewhat fishy manner only for the expression to soften and a small smile to appear again. "Strange is good, though. What is life without a little strangeness to keep things interesting." there was a mischievous look appearing in the light half's eye. Sure Distant was the one who asked but the cultist got an idea in his head and ran with it apparently. He was the one that quickly kissed Dissy instead! Before the pegasus likely had any time to prepare himself either. It was just a quick one because the light half WAS the shy one of the duo. Just long enough for the unicorn to be like 'What am I doooooing? D=' and pull back with an even worse blush than before.

Yunalesca wasn't entirely sure if there was anything left to do after.. exploration. The mansion was interesting enough to look at with its decorations, but any books to be found were in a language she couldn't read. It was a shame. Any worries she had about not wanting to annoy her friends was pushed off to the side; they were all she had in a foreign place. After her earlier, morning talk with Lightning, she felt she could finally wander around to find Gleam, to talk to him. Perhaps to talk to him about a few things.. Yuna wandered up along one hallway, wondering how she was going to find him in such a large house when two figures on a balcony caught her eye. And she froze, staring. Were they.. ?

Silent Dusk flew outside the mansion to get some exercise in and happened to look down during her glide. oh look Gleam and Lightning let's say h... are they? did they? hovering in the sky she looked down at the two, then subtly moved in front of the moon's light to cast a shadow.

Distant Lightning was not shy as Gleam was. His troubles were due to how others looked to him. His public actions directly painted a picture of his house. Seeing as they were by themselves it was not bad, right? It was private. He tried to assure himself of it! Little did he know, that there were another pair of eyes that did not belong to the snoopy, busy-body maids! He was wholly expecting Gleam to reject his advances, the whole occasion probably strange. While he was tittering away at his insecurities Gleam kissed him! The arabian was so surprised that he hadn't time to even react, nor lean into it, but, never-the-less: his heart jumped. He wasn't a melty sputtery mess, this time around. Maybe he was just comfortable with Gleam. Was he? Even after he was struck by Tarnished? He shuffled a little. What would he say, or do, now? "I --" But before the words could escape him a shadow drew itself upon them. A cloud? No... He looked up. A Dusk. Oh. Well... "Asfds." He sputtered, spotting her.

Gleaming Echo let his gaze drift back out towards the city, feeling rather... observed? No, that couldn't be the case. His bad feeling wouldn't have merit! However that was when a shadow fell upon them both. He made an 'eep' type of sound as he caught several key components and then well... the tired cultist panicked. Giant monster bat thing casting shadow on them. It'd eat their brains with a straw! If she wanted to scare him she did a wonderful job. The now panicked cultist let out a cry of "Yunaaaa!!" and teleported a good five towards the door. He'd been in the process of turning to run when the panicked teleportation went off with an....error, and thus he had no time to react as he plowed into the wall next to the door frame. There was a sound akin to a crunch and he he proceeded to sag down the wall; out like a light.

Yunalesca blinked, uncertain with what she saw, standing back in the shadows of the hall. If not for Dusk going around and kissing all of them twice now, would she have been upset with Gleam kissing Lightning? Maybe, maybe not. She'd had worries about... It was a stupid thought now. She shook her head to clear it and refocused, torn between leaving them as is or approaching when a shadow fell across the balcony before her. Gleam.. panicked? Yuna's wings twitched beneath her shawl, wanting to spread out in her surprise, when he knocked himself out on the doorway and she rushed over to him with a jolt; what had frightened him so badly? Out on the balcony, without a ceiling to block her view, she looked up.. For a moment she couldn't determine who or what until she saw the shape of the wings. Silly unicorn. Yuna knelt to check on him without a word.

Silent Dusk hovered closer to her companions and asked the very very simple question. "This mean you plan what I planned back in Equestria? want to try that taboo herd thing we filthy heathens practice in Hollow Shades?" she knew how most Saddle Arabians thought about the vampire and she gazed at him.

Distant Lightning was only spooked because Gleam got spooked. But he didn't have teleport, fat lot of good that did Glam anyway who faceplanted into a wall. He flinched when the younger stallion made a lovely sound that sounded rather -- painful. He shook his head at the pony, supposing it was -- just a thing he did sometimes. Lose his mind that is. As Dusk came down Lighting lowered his head and tucked his tail, which required him to stand and back up a bit. His wings unfolded and one moved to cover his face. It had been the action Yuna had done a time before. Maybe she was trying to hide... because that was what he was doing right now, as big as he was. "W-what are you talking about Dusk?" She was mad wasn't she? "T-taboo?" Was something like that taboo in their culture? "Her...herds are taboo?" He did something wrong? "I'm sorry... I didn't know -- I just thought..." No it was stupid. Where was Gleam when you needed a distraction?

Yunalesca fussed over Gleam, using a hoof to lift his head if she could, so she could slip her other foreleg under it like a pillow, cradling it gently. As the wingbeats grew louder, Yuna turned, seeing Dusk more clearly now that she had come down to their level. "Taboo?" She echoed too, confused. Lightning used the word 'herd' before, back at the inn, so far as she could remember correctly.. It seemed to mean something differently than what she thought in this context. "What do you mean by herd?" Yuna asked, looking between her two winged companions. "Like, what's the problem?"

Silent Dusk sighed. "Back in Equestria I had these silly plans to form a herd with the four if us, that's why I kiss everypony to scope out if you're all weirded out by the idea or not."

Distant Lightning looked to Dusk a moment, carefully glancing back at Yuna as she asked. Oh. Whoops. Did he say that? "B...but Dusk." He began, finding it hard to really argue with her that it was neither her place nor job to start a herd. Twas the stallion's job, but -- she looked annoyed. It was probably a good idea not to. "Sorry Dusk." He could manage, barely. He glanced over to Yuna carefully standing in case Dusk felt nippy. "I...it is a group, who are ahsdf bound." He muttered something in the middle there. His hoof scuffed against the ground, wings held up rather defensively. "I didn't know Equestrians were... " So non-progressive he wanted to say. But was it a good idea to say? No. "....different. I just didn't want you to go--" Wait. He looked up to Dusk. "What do you mean you wanted to? I thought --" Well he felt Gleamished hated him as did Yuna, they say they don't, mixed feelings, confusion. They seemed to like Dusk better -- his nerves. His tummy hurt....

Gleaming Echo stirred at about the time Yuna started to cradle his head. Blood was seeping from his nose where h quite possibly might have caused some damage, but at the same time he just groaned. "Did anypony get the number on that thing that hit me?" What was he talking about? The 'mad' pony didn't know half the time himself! He was still slightly delirious from a combination of panic and sleepiness... However he did notice one thing. Yuna was there! The light half snuggled against the alicorn to hide and peeked over at Distant and.... Oh, it was just Dusky. Now he felt silly... She wouldn't eat his brain with a straw. But then his brain cranked a few more times and he realized something. Yuna was here; did she see that?! Cue face turning all sorts of red and burying itself under Yuna's wing if he could squeeze it in there. He'd just hide here; nopony would notice him!

Yunalesca glanced between Dusk and Lightning again, her brow wrinkling slightly. "Oh.. You could have, y'know.. just.. asked." The alicorn finally managed to say once the both of them had finished explaining, in their own way. She thought about it for a moment. "Not that I.. minded, but.." A shrug was given and the movement from Gleam distracted her. He was awake. "You knocked yourself out." Yuna's voice was gentle, one hoof lifting to his mane. She felt him burying into the space between her side and her wing and didn't stop him. "Are you okay though? You aren't hurting are you?"

Silent Dusk huffed. "Right just asked, to my knowledge you normal civilized ponies aren't even into that whole herd idea."

Distant Lightning pushed to stand properly, the stallion shifting his weight to walk towards Dusk He moved to nose her, if allowed, canting his head. "Are you...well?" She wasn't mad was she. He looked to Yuna and Gleam, head lowering in shame. "I am sorry I was afraid to really say anything prominent in the case you hated me." He looked to Dusk confused. "Tis not a matter of civility Dusk." This he had to correct her in, as a cultural anthropologist! "It is a matter of resources." Given that the thestral population was rather small... and living in a desert wasn't all that easy on resources. The horse with the thicker heavier sack of bits, as they say. "W-would there be .. I mean if you want. Y-you can have this place as a gift from me. A home. It is all I can offer as a dowry. My estate."

Gleaming Echo continued to try to hide under Yuna's wing, however he was still quite quiet. He knew she saw; she must have! And so did Dusky.... Oooohmy... His attention was seized whenever Dusk spoke up and he let out a bit of a groan; pulling his head out of the hiding spot. "If you are talking about the stuffy paper pushers in canterlot yes. They were rather popular in the cult though." he'd say with a somewhat quiet voice. How nice wings would be to have; to hide behind... He wanted a giant rock to hide under. Heroic combat was one thing; socializing was another.

Yunalesca's ears twitched and lowered against her mane when Dusk responded the way she had. "You don't- you can't generalize that." Her voice was quiet; she didn't want to upset or anger Dusk. A part of her realized that she needed to stop having such an attitude, but it was something that Yuna couldn't help with herself sometimes. Her gaze looked towards Gleam, she didn't want to look anywhere else for a moment, when he joined in too, no longer hiding. His nose was bleeding, or had been. Yuna reached a hoof for his nose to touch it gently, but that mention of 'dowry' prompted her to look around at Lightning with surprise. ".. Dowry?"

Silent Dusk still hovered in the air looking at the three, rubbing one hoof along another. "Well I'd love to but um the three of you must be willing as well..."

Distant Lightning looked down when Yuna looked over. He nodded, confirming that was what he, indeed, said. But he couldn't even repeat it. It was embarrassing asking such things. He was worthless, lowly. Hardly suitable to commit to anything but a life of work. His ears swiveled up towards Dusk, and Gleam's panic wasn't helping. Maybe he did something stupid. Feeling flustered he would turn to walk off the balcony and back into the hall. "Nevermind it, perhaps it was inappropriate of me. I did not consider that perhaps-- " His mind was swirling with all sorts of reasons why he was in the wrong. "I deeply apologize. I have made you uncomfortable in my home." But he wanted it to be theirs too.... He manages not to walk into the wall Gleam faceplanted and pranced around it. Yellow-bellied peacock.

Gleaming Echo winced as Yuna's hoof touched his nose. That kinda hurt; but at least the blood wasn't flowing quite as much. Then he realized with a sinking feeling he must have got some on Lady Yuna! How horrible a stallion was he to dirty her with his blood! His ears perked and then laid back as he turned his gaze from Yuna to Dusk ~ Then to Dissy ~ And then back to Dusk again. The unicorn opened his mouth to say something but found no sound coming out. "I-I... If L-Lady Yuna and Tarnished are both okay with it. ~ I-I ~" And there went what little gusto he had going. Give him a monster or some sort of heroic fight! He didn't have much in the way of memory aid for this type of stuff. Even Tarnished was better at this than he; he got the fragments! ~ Gleam was flying blind. He'd mess up and make Yuna mad somehow! Or Dusky and Dissy! His friends meant the world to him so that possibility was terrifying!

Yunalesca had to take a moment to sort things out in her mind. Dowries were only ever offered for.. for... She didn't know if there was some element, some sort of culture thing she was missing that a dowry would be offered for too, but.. Her eyes returned to Gleam's stunned face, his bloody nose, and her white hoof where a spot of blood was on it. Yuna studied it curiously, as though it was far more interesting than the topic at hoof. It wasn't. Truthfully Yuna could have seen herself with Gleam, if she weren't so scared of that, but with all of them.. Her ear twitched and she looked up at Lightning's exit. "I.. wouldn't mind, I supposed. It's a big decision, but.."

Silent Dusk nodded and flicked her ears. "I am completely fine with it, it's normal back home so I will give myself completely to you three if we form our bond."

Distant Lightning hid around the corner at the other end of the hall. His ears pinned back as he seated himself.He was reluctant to say anything. Cowardly little birb hid behind his feathers. A few tittering maids wandered by on their rooms, causing him to fluster further, stamping down a hind hoof. They went a scrambling! He looked to Dusk. "B-but it's my job to propoooose." He whined quietly, in a very low tone that could have easily been missed. He pouted and looked away. Yuna seemed to hesitate and Gleam has, once again, lost his mind. "I'll give you the gardens Miss Yuna...anything you want." He still couldn't find anything Yuna liked, it was infuriating. "I'll provide whatever you desire even if it is impossible. Stars, the heads of your enemies...." Since he was such a peaceable bird, his being in a fight with some enemy he had to decapitate was -- unheard of. He gripped his hoof against the corner of the wall just hiding there. He glanced to Gleam. "I'll give Tarnished whatever he desires."

Gleaming Echo gave the group a shaky smile. "I'm not entirely sure you could give Tarnished everything he wants... Tarnished can be somewhat demanding." the light half smiled cheerfully only to make a bit of a face. "I'm sure Tarnished needs a say in this... I mean... hold on." For the second time, the first being in canterlot that day, the cultist charged a good chunk of magic. His form darkened and increased in size until the wide-brim hat wearing nightmare was standing where the cultist was once before. The Nightmare yawned and actually looked like 'he'd' just been sleeping. Probably had been until Gleam woke 'im up. "Huh? Hello everypony ~yawn~... What'm I doing out here?" he reached a shoe-clad hoof and rubbed at his head with one more wide sharp-fanged yawn.

Yunalesca wasn't sure what to say to either Dusk offering herself up or Lightning offering her gifts, like the garden. It was pretty, but there was no way she could take care of it or be around to enjoy it once they returned to Equestria. If they did. Truthfully Yuna didn't know what she wanted either, other than their companionship and to be.. loved. Yuna made to say such aloud, but Gleam distracted her when he brought Tarnished out, more physically- the trick he'd used back in Canterlot. The alicorn had to get up from where she'd been laying to move back, giving the now-awake nightmare room. "F-For an important talk. About being a herd."

Distant Lightning felt a little burdened by Dusk's pressing of the matter. Not because he did not wish to do it, but because he was so stupid and did not realize that she wanted to be together. He was not a very good lover in the least. He looked up. "Um..." He supposed if he did it once. "I like you and Gleam." he scuffed a hoof, still hiding behind that wall. "I wanted to give you my estate as a dowry... offer you to b-become part of my herd." He moped a little. Gleam was right. Tarnished was pretty demanding and he wanted to destroy all the things. "I..am willing to give you anything even the impossible." If offered miss Yuna her enemies heads on a pike, maybe he would like that more. Oh bother.

Gleaming Echo was snapped into the conversation fully whenever the word herd escaped Yuna's lips. The darkborn turned his gaze to the corner that Distant Lightning's voice was coming from and his expression softened... then darkened. "First order of business... Grow a pair like those that this body unfortunately doesn't even have and get out here to face us you yellow bellied peacock. You'd think we were extorting you; what with your hiding." From the tone of voice it could be thought that Tarnished might be upset, but then again that was probably just a quality of that delightfully evil sexy voice(Tarnished Tm) of hers-his! "You can either come out on your own or I can magick you out." he continued unable to help but croon as a sharp grin appeared.

Yunalesca placed herself a short couple of feet away from Tarnished, giving the large pony some room on the balcony. Her focus was on the pair now, tail twitching in slow sweeps behind her while Lightning said the same thing to the nightmare as he had to Gleam. She would let them talk to each other, as they tended to do, her ears flicking when Tarnished demanded Lightning show himself. Yuna chose the time to sit down, primly, uncertain. "You don't have to hide from us at all, Lightning. There's nothing to worry about here."

Distant Lightning narrowed his eyes. "It's gold speckling., not yellow..." He muttered in complaint.He stared at Tarnished, hard. He probably would drag him out without second thought. He looked around warily. The maids have gone to be and he was sure the butler was back on the first floor. The male strode out into the open, wings tucked at his sides. He looked away from Tarnished. "I...Dusk..." He sunk a bit. "Asfdf...eryu cnuop..." He muttered. "....don't make me ask again..." The idea of rejection, though not foreign, did not bother him as much as the possibility that they would -- leave.

Gleaming Echo glanced to Yuna as she moved herself a couple feet away. The Nightmare was fling a little antsy without Yuna amusingly enough so he'd actually shift to step over next to Yuna himself and give her a nudge. "What do you think about this? Take your time." he'd coo only to turn back to Distant and give him a long look. "It is an insufferable day that I'm the one playing the 'good conscience' as it were." he'd say as he regretted not having his robes out here in the cool air. He really forgot how odd that could feel. With a cough to clear his throat he looked back at Distant. "Now tell me; Is the herd practice what you want or are you doing it because that is what Dusky wants? Again; like Lady Yuna take your time to answer." Those glowing slit-pupiled eyes were probably boring into the poor pegasus.

Yunalesca looked into the dark doorway that lead into the hall, hearing a reply from Lightning, but not exactly what he said. He soon reappeared in her vision, so now she could see both of the stallions. Tarnished was given a curious glance upon being nudged and she leaned in to give him one in turn. "I've been thinking about it." Yuna answered, eyeing him; a part of her wondered if the curse-breaking spell didn't quite work on him, or.. ? The dream she could understand, but, this.. Tarnished made a bit of a good point, Yuna noted. Still. "It's a big decision, and I don't want to answer like it's something I could try out since that isn't an option. I guess I'll need a while, but, I wouldn't.. mind."

Distant Lightning understood that things took time. What things did not? He simply, did not want them to leave. He would probably do whatever it is Dusk wanted, or at least close to. He looked away again, ears folding back. "Tis why I ...am offering you these things, so you may take your time and see if such a thing is of worth to you." He spoke softly, not wanting certain ears to catch wind. "Tis how it works here... I do not know in Equestria. Everything there is difficult for me. At least here I can give you something. I know I am worthless stock, but I have a good family name, and resources at the very least." He had absolutely no self worth.

Gleaming Echo smiled at the return nudge from Yuna. He saw the curious glance and couldn't help but fidget a little uncomfortably. Yes he was stuck with this body when they switched to 'him' it seemed.... He was trying not to think too much on it. At least the voice was nice. The darkborn unicorn cleared his throat and looked back towards Lightning. His eyes flashed with remarkably repressed anger whenever Dissy called himself 'worthless stock'.... "And what makes you worthless stock?" he'd ask with narrowed eyes. Was this just another one of those things that would make him want to level this damn city? Where was Dissy's self worth? It was, well, pathetic! The dark one would have to try to help him with that IF they were to try this herd thing... Such weakness was unbecoming to him.

Yunalesca found herself relaxing a little at that whisper. It wasn't something she had to answer to immediately, didn't require a now to answer to. She nodded slightly. "I didn't think you would like me all that much to even offer it to all of us, but.. I certainly have no interest in leaving anypony in our group either. I've gotten used to having all of you around." Perhaps that wasn't phrased quite like she had hoped, but it was close. "You're not worthless." Yuna chimed in agreement, though she wanted to know the why to that too.. She went on to say what was on her mind earlier, distractions now aside. "Nopony really has to give me anything. Just.. closeness is enough. Companionship, and.. all." She didn't want to use the word love simply because it felt odd, and because of the uncertain reaction she'd gotten the first time she tried.

Distant Lightning fidgeted. "But... I...thought Miss Yuna disliked me." He brushed his hooftip against the ground. "Y..you refused morning tea with me and I was insolent." He recalled during the nightmare where she threatened to strike him. All and all he felt he did a shitty job trying to talk to her properly. He even insulted alicorn. He still disliked them, but not her. He glanced away, flapping his wings weakly, pulling them in. "My wings have too many colors. My mane is too bright. I'm too big, inelegant. I'm a poor excuse for a pegasus. Not graceful..." Clumsy... "Cowardly." Though all the punishments could be direct cause of that. Though some was his natural inclination to be a uke. "I can give Miss Yuna that...and G-gleam and Tarnished." He whispered the mages' names, still unable to really say it without fear. He tucked his head down, between his wings. "I don not wish for anypony to leave. I do not know if you like me but I ..l,..afknsd." Oh, he tried to tell them that he did sincerely love them but he swallowed his tongue, whoops.

Gleaming Echo looked to Yuna whenever she spoke and nodded. He much agreed! He had grown... attached to having his... ponies ~ and horse... around. Of course Distant and he tend to get into the odd argument but they were rather fun. "If anypony ever calls you unsightly, inelegant, or anything of that nature tell me, oh please tell me." he'd all but purr as he gave Yuna one more nudge and moved to stand. "I'll ruin them" the darkborn flicked an ear and stepped to the pegasus to give him a nudge. "Your grace and... lack of backbone... can be rectified with time. And by no means do they make you worthless stock. Listen to dear Lady Yuna, after all a goddess is always right." this was said teasingly as he grinned at the alicorn.

Yunalesca's face drew down in a puzzled frown. "I don't hate nor dislike you. Maybe at first, on the road to Ponyville.. That stuff about being.. I don't really remember, something about having to have both parents." She felt like she said this before, but she wasn't sure if it was something she talked about or merely thought about it. "I didn't meant to turn you down, nor think it was that important. I'd wanted to talk to Dusk for.. barging in." Yuna leaned into the nudge, but didn't move further when Tarnished went off to offer Lightning the same. "I like you." Her gaze switched to Tarnished briefly, eyebrows going up upon being called that endearment again. The corners of her mouth twitched up and she stood to join the pair. "There's nothing wrong with your colors so far as I can see, but I'm from Equestria. There are a lot of bright colors there."

Distant Lightning was quite stigmatized thanks to his colorations, which were not very suitable in the desert. Dull browns, the occasional pastel. The bright reds and golds of his pelt and feathers made him look more like he was born from the nomadic tribes of -- g.y.p.s.i.e.s, which by all technicality there was such blood in his family, but that was neither here nor there. Closed his good eye when Tarnished nudged him, turning his head to focus on the rather large mage. It was strange with the wizard at this height. Lightning was used to being the big one. He looked to Yuna and frowned, moving to rub his head against Tarnished, apologetically? "Miss Yuna, I had meant no offense to that... I had merely meant to express that larger familial groups have an easier time obtaining resources for survival than smaller ones. It simply how it is out here. Tis why herds are very important. You cannot provide if it is merely you." He explained.
Distant Lightning he glanced away. "Being alone makes it very hard to simply wake in the morning hours. At least with a large herd you know that even if you cannot rouse for some reason, there is another you can trust to aide your family." A single parent, can do no such thing and have none to depend on. "I deeply regret any form of insult it may have brought, it was merely a statistical information." He was, a scholar. He thought in information. Glancing to Tarnished he scoffed his hoof. It was probably good not to tell him who says that... "You cannot strike a horse down for expressing their opinions on my pelt T-Tarni...Tar." It was the best he could do. "Looks are as important here as one's social value. Since i lacked the former, I've had naught but to regulate the latter." Which even than he was at the bottom of the totem pole. Dusk said she liked his ... He shook his head and looked up to the group. "For a long time I was alone. This home was nothing but a void."
Distant Lightning felt he had consistently sought to escape it. Equestria had been that escape, yet -- it was only temporary. "I wanted to do anything to stay, even subvert my gender if it kept me from holding my title as heir. I did everything I could to sabotage my return... spend all my bits. Become purposely injured through means of plucking my flight feathers to cause my flight attempts to fail." Nothing worked. "I had arrived in Equestria spiteful, but open-minded. As a cultural anthropologist it is my duty to hold an open mind even if there is nothing but teachings of your country, attacking mine in the name of exploration. Though long ago it we still bare the scars and only have, recently opened our borders." Though after what Dusk had done-- they may soon close again. He had a court date... "I went only to study your country. I ended up falling in love with my entourage. They say not to bring your work home, so instead those I love followed me." What could he do?
Distant Lightning looked between them. "I only wish for a chance to prove myself. I want to provide for you. I cannot prove my love, that is like asking one to prove why magic exists -- it merely does. I can only show you through my ability to provide to the herd." And thus, Lightning makes a proper proposal. "You need not accept anything I -- just don't want to be alone here anymore." Even now one could here the winds whistling through the empty halls. It was vacant, this place. When all the servants slept there was nothing here but silence. It is no wonder Lightning spent his days and nights in the Academy.

Gleaming Echo closed his eyes and remained quite silent as the pegasus spoke; however there was one part he did need to speak up on. "There are different ways to ruin others, Dissy." he spoke in a quieter voice though the menace behind the words could be felt still. "And some are worse than others. How simple it would be to ruin a creature's name in a land where name matters. To send the from rags to riches with a few underhoofed tactics." he'd purr only to let out a long sigh that might have sounded.. longing? strange creature. Of course this was all said with his eyes closed even still. The dark unicorn fell quiet until he let out a long sigh. "We really are far more alike than we might think. Gleam and I are somewhat... afraid of being left alone for too long.~ Gleaming Shield perished scared and alone in the dark, and we remember this. ~" the dark half would reluctantly admit to this 'small' weakness even if it left a acrid taste in his mouth to do so.
Gleaming Echo finally sighed and sat back on his haunches with one hoof moving up to his mane out from in front of his eyes. "I suppose ~ You spoke from the heart there; and suppose I.... could try this out; even though it has been hard enough to swallow that one could like a creature such as I. I hope this works out; for Gleam's sake..." he drift off and simply shook his head. He move back towards Yuna and brushed against the alicorn in more of an effort to comfort himself; though again he'd never admit that.

Yunalesca had her eyes on the arabian while he talked, the burgundy made dark by the lack of proper lighting as she took consideration in his apology. "Equestrians are a little different. I guess it's kind of a shame that they're like that, my mother was alone in raising me." She clarified with a shrug, as though it didn't bother her much. "I understand now, at least." The way he phrased it in the past had sounded.. insulting. Yuna remained quiet a while as he listened, speaking more freely than he usually did; it explained why he'd done the things he had. She understood now. "If it's any comfort, I'll certainly stick around if you'll have me. Wherever we go." Yuna expressed and turned her gaze up towards Tarnished, who was unusually quiet in voice. She listened quietly, calm, up until he mentioned Gleaming Shield again and her eyes widened. She felt.. sad, for him. He had died like that? Gleaming Shield never came off as the easily scared type when he visited her cell, but.. Yunalesca made a soft whine in her throat. Gleaming Shield had been likeable enough, but that admittance caught her off guard. She heard the rest, Tarnished's agreement to join their little herd, but she was concerned for him. Yuna inched herself closer when he came near, leaning up against him to nuzzle. "It will."

Distant Lightning looked to Tarnished as the mage came to admit the shared troubles they had. The pegasus canted his head, standing where he was without moving. Even as the unicorn retreated he stood to ponder. Bothered, he turned his head away, unable to look Tarnished in the eye (or his retreating flank as it were). "You are an insufferable creature, to be assured -- but you are honest in all you feel. In all your faults and trouble ... you have never been dishonest with your emotions. Wild, untamed -- I am envious of such a capacity. Even Gleam has a wild vitality that can be appreciated by one raised in a warrior's culture." He lost his marbles whenever Dusk spoke obscenely in public and he lost his nerve whenever combat became a reality rather than theory. Had a thought, but he was not sure if he should keep it to himself.... it was important. Yuna spoke up of her willingness to stay, which was good. His ears folded back.
Distant Lightning turned to walk back towards the halls to head to his chamber. He stopped and looked over his shoulder. "I think it is good to have such a memory." He looked away. "It is said that the one thing all cultures share is an idea that there is something after death. You are that something." He carefully searched his words. "You would not be with us making these memories, had you not experienced such. If it is any consolation... I won't let any of you die alone." Maybe it was a worthless thought, but he did not think letting someone dying alone -- that was the ultimate dishonor. "I need to lay down. Please do not worry of anything. As far as anypony is concerned my estate is yours to do with as you please." He wasn't tired just -- unsure. he wanted it to work but too he did not want anypony to be hurt. He was still new at this socializing thing.

Gleaming Echo let out a bit of a sound as h looked between the two and then nodded in hopeful agreement with Yuna's confirmation that it would work. The nightmare sat and leaned against the alicorn, resting his head up against hers even as he heard Distant speak once again. How could he refute all that? The warrior culture comment caused him to let out a quiet giggle. An unsightly sound from a dark creature such as he but it was actually funny. "Shield read superhero comics." he'd say mostly to himself or Yuna if she were to hear him. Now; the 'something after death' comment caused him to pause and make a bit of a sound, though there was a smile. "Thank you... " He really did appreciate the comment however a thought caused the nightmare to chuckle. "I'm not sure those cultures would appreciate life after death to be a 'nightmare'." (sad trombone cuz bad) The dark pony let the pegasus turn and make his way towards his chambers. "We probably should get some rest soon to... Good night, Distant."
Gleaming Echo turned to Yuna and nuzzled her again. "I wouldn't be opposed to a little more time with my dear Goddess though." the playfulness was back in his voice again.

Yunalesca didn't withdraw from the nightmare's closeness, only leaned into it as her surprised mind handled Gleaming Shield's further revealed death. She idly listened to Lightning, and Tarnished's following giggle. There was nothing she determined to be funny, so she focused on Lightning again; what he had to say gave her something to think about. Death was a common topic in fortune telling; sometimes visions too. Yuna didn't know what to say to that, but she did catch Tarnished's mutter, which.. Huh. Gleaming Shield liked comics? The alicorn remembered some of what he was like, and knowing somepony as stoic as him liking superhero comics.. It explained something of the light half.. perhaps the dark, too. Yuna was smiling without realizing it, entirely amused. "Goodnight." She bid Lightning, and after he was gone, her eyes were on Tarnished. "I.. was thinking of f-finding a room for ourselves in this place. I talked about it this morning with Lightning, like a guest room. For privacy." Her tone was one of shyness.

Gleaming Echo smiled at the alicorn and nodded. "I suppose we should; although at the same time a herd dynamic sleeps in the same room if I remember. But that would be in time." he waved his hoof and leaned in to nuzzle Yuna and... evil unicorn was playful... She'd suddenly find him giving her horn a long lick from the base to the very tip! After that he'd quickly hop away with a cheshire grin and slip in through the balcony door. They needed to find themselves a room! "Did you have any place in mind?" the dark half called to the hopefully still responding alicorn.

Yunalesca hummed thoughtfully; she felt it would take some time to get used to the idea of them all together. Even asleep. She would have nodded her agreement, but he had come in to- and he licked her horn. A brief shiver went up her body, staring in some surprise as he leaped playfully away. "I should have never done that. You-.. I've given you a terrible weapon." The alicorn tried to talk and rose to her hooves to canter after him. "I'm afraid not, with all the servants asleep, I don't know where such a room is in this place.. but I'm sure it's not that hard to find a guest bedroom." Yuna was going to get back at him for that!

Gleaming Echo led on and nodded only to turn and look over his shoulder with his tongue sticking out foalishly. "And what a wonderful weapon it is! So fun to use." he'd say with a coo as he turned and started down the hall again. So! They needed to find bedrooms! Thus the unicorn was in the lead on this merry little search! The first room he came across looked promising at first, but then he opened it to find a... library? "Not a bedroom." He closed the door and continued on only to come across a pair of doors as the hall turned to the left! And... neither of those doors went to a bedroom either! Then again one did but the bed was too small for the both of them.

Yunalesca narrowed her eyes at the nightmare ahead of her, both for his foalish gesture and his teasing remark. There was no malice or hostility in her eyes, but something playful; she just wondered how to get revenge. A little difficult when his body was still that of a mare's. His longer legs made it difficult to catch up to him quickly, but she cantered after him to join him on their search for a guest bedroom. None of the doors Tarnished checked was even a successful find! Yuna would help him look through the doors as they passed, trying to find something that was suitable. "So, Shield liked comic books? He never came across as somepony like that.. then again, I never got to know him better. We were always planning escape."

Gleaming Echo continued to walk along and... whoops, that definitely wasn't an unoccupied bedroom! Luckily nopony noticed his brief entry! Why wasn't the door locked?! These must be the servant quarters.... With that in mind he continued on again looking for some place that might look more like the guest rooms. "Comic books were considered... forbidden paraphernalia... Shield took great care never to let anypony in the cult find out he had a stash of comics." A grin stole out over his muzzle only to come across a nicer looking door but it was somewhat... plain? He gently opened the door and looked in. "Aha! This would work wonderfully methinks!" he stepped into the room and looked about. The room was certainly lavish....and the bed was big! Of course meant for the natives, but technicalities!

Yunalesca followed after him, finding nothing herself. She didn't get much of a glimpse into the first door he'd opened, but she moved on with him. If it wasn't a place, there was no need to question it. Another smile appeared across her face at the thought of Gleaming Shield trying to hide comics, as she had hidden her books he brought her. She still felt bad she didn't get to know him better, but she had Gleam and Tarnished. Both of them remnants, but enough glimpses into what kind of pony the former was, mostly. Yet his death still saddened her. Yuna came to a halt at the cry of triumph and peeked in, eyebrows raised. She followed him, but didn't stop there. Yuna climbed into the bed, nudging pillows out of the way and discarding her shawl to free her wings, which she shook out. "I think it'll do for us." She settled, comfortable, and peered over at him, expectant.

Gleaming Echo totally missed the smile that had appeared on the alicorn's face as he looked for a good guest room for the both. However when he did find a good room he'd let her pass him and then watched on as Yuna climbed onto the bed and nudged pillows out of the way. Once the now shawl-less alicorn was settled the darkborn unicorn moved to join her. "indeed... I do like the size of these beds." he'd say as he climbed on up himself and settled down amongst the pillows with Yuna. "Aaaah, now this is comfort." he purred as he snuggled both into the bed and against Yuna herself.

Yunalesca waited while he climbed up onto the bed beside her and inched up against the snuggling nightmare. "It is pretty nice." She agreed, lifting a hoof to wrap around him if she could. Part of her mind was still on Gleaming Shield, what she had learned, it was something of a shock. It was put out of her mind as best she could as she peered up at Tarnished's face, hoof moving up from its embrace to stroke his cheek idly. Yuna liked their face, though it showed minor differences because of how each half of the unicorn held himself. "Have you been doing okay? You and Gleam?"

Gleaming Echo smiled some as he shifted so the alicorn could be comfortable with the hoof wrapped about him. How he did so enjoy being the one that was embraced; the sensation of touch.... was well, comforting as it were. The dark unicorn leaned into the hoof and could hardly hold back the small smile that stole out over his muzzle. However the question brought him pause. How were they doing? "That IS a loaded question... We're alive at the very least. Gleam has been having a little bit of philosophical crisis lately, and I've been trying my very best not to take us out into the city and turn as much of it into a crater as I can; saddle arabian army, city defense force, or whatever be damned."

Yunalesca flattened her ears at the answer she recieved and kept stroking his cheek, looking troubled. "I can understand why, I think, but.. what is it that Gleam is having trouble with exactly? Is there anything I can do to help either of you?" She asked, pausing to scoot herself up closer to the nightmare, nearer to his face. Her hoof was dropped back around his shoulder, resting there. "You know you can talk to me about anything, and there's still so little I don't know." Yuna murmured, moving to brush her nose up against his.

Gleaming Echo inclined his head and looked to the alicorn. "Even as part of the cult Gleaming Shield lived a somewhat... sheltered life. And Gleam is... having to deal with the fact that the world isn't like he thought it would be. When we were in ponyville we had to debate with what we thought to be true; and what we quickly found out to be false.... Gleam is having a bit of a hard time accepting world views when his own have been turned on their head." the unicorn turned and nosed against Yuna in return. "As god awefully cheesy as it sounds; just be here." the nightmare's cheshire grin formed. "Cuteness helps keep me calm. The more cuteness the less likely I am to rampage." That... wasn't really how that worked, but then again he didn't know any better. Alas her comment about knowing so little brought him pause. "What... would you want to know?" The nightmare didn't even know where to begin!

Yunalesca was quiet as he talked, watching his face with dark, curious eyes, uninterrupting. "I'm sorry." The alicorn said at last; she felt bad for Gleam, who was probably so torn up about it. "I'll always be here. for both of you." She murmured. "Welll.. let's see. I guess my first question would be that: how am I cute?" Her lips curled up at the corners, somewhat amused by it. "I'm also quite curious about Gleaming Shield, I keep hearing things about him out of nowhere that surprise me, but.. I'm also curious about both you and Gleam. Like, why Gleam retreated so suddenly in the bath those days before.. I'll probably need some time to figure out what else to ask you, since I can't think of anything in particular. I'm just.. curious."

Silent Dusk was outside again circling the air above the mansion, looking up at the moon she pondered, and started flying up to see how far she could go, could she reach the upper layers? she would try before she would practice her sky dancing in secret, nobody needed to see that, so embarassing.

Gleaming Echo made a bit of an odd face as he tried to think. "I just... I don't know, you just... are. ~ One moment...." How could he explain just 'why' he found the alicorn cute when some part of him was still conflicted that he even did so in the first place! "I mean... your wings are delightful ~ All of the physical attractions are there ~ You are fun to make blush ~ Uhm... extremely comfortable to cuddle with." he waggled his eyebrows a little at that. Just.. how did a primal being such as he explain something like that?! He'd have to think on it or something. "Ah... remember how I tried to make it where Gleam would surrender his body completely? I kiiiind-a sorta used to say that everypony only liked me and didn't like him. When he wasn't acknowledged it rather disturbed him a little. His head is his own worst enemy." The nightmare scuffed his hoof but snickered at the irony in that.

Yunalesca moved to lean up on one elbow, her head cocked as he struggled with that first question. One eyebrow was quirked slightly, and as he listed things that he liked about her, the moment he reached physical attractions her cheeks did color a little. His eyebrow waggling didn't help too much, she almost wanted to hide her face down against the bed, or his chest. The urge passed when Gleam was brought up and she frowned, moving her hoof to nudge him lightly. "I think I remember.. That's.. a little mean. I understand you're evil and all, but.. I like him. I mean, I even admitted I lo-, you know." Yuna shrugged a little, moving to lean her body against him.

Silent Dusk began her skydance after dropping a small distance, turning the dive in an ascending arc again, wings leaving a glittering trail with the moisture collected in the cold upper regions, flipping and looping after every roll she made.

Gleaming Echo smiled even more whenever the alicorn's cheeks colored. Ah, yes, just the reaction he was going for! It was so fun it was! However the smile fell to a frown as she said her next bit. "Of course.... I mean, I was pissed off at everything! Trapped sharing a body with a goody-goody hero wannabe amongst creatures that, according to everything I knew, would not even hesitate to do us both harm." he'd say with a bit of a flat tone of voice. When the alicorn cut herself off near the end the nightmare lowered his head and nuzzled her again, even giving her a kiss for good measure. "I know." cheeky bugger.

Yunalesca quietly grunted at his answer, ears twitching back. "I'm still determined to try to find a way to get you you're own body, trip to a foreign country or no. If it's possible. Nopony will hurt you so long as I'm here though." She murmured, blinking as she was nuzzled. When he kissed her, she flustered and moved her face up close to his, ears perking forward at his answer. "I know you say it about me all the time, but you two.. Both of you are ridiculously cute." A wide smile crossed Yuna's face; the topic of the comics, of hero and villain, it made her want to laugh at how silly it was. But it showed in them in a way, or so she thought she saw. Yuna chortled, despite herself, and moved in to kiss him on the lips.

Distant Lightning had gone to bed, but not really. The insomniac decided to busy themselves for a while trying to sort the books in his room. Lighting the incense burner he sat staring at the burning stick, ears swiveled forward in deep concentration. Honestly everything up until now was but a blur. He had been so trapped in his routine that leaving it left him feeling annoyed. That was what he felt dealing with the mage, alicorn, and bat day in and day out. But now that he returned home to that horrific routine he felt nothing but resentment for himself and his choices. He wasn't sure what he could have changed in his past to prevent any of it from happening. Maybe saying no... that would have ended his life quickly, or had him shipped off to be some herds plaything. Either way he felt there was naught to be considered except that room. It was in there he had suffered everything.
Distant Lightning pushed to his hooves and meandered down the dark halls once more. The butler was sitting outside of his room, waiting. In his muzzle was a silver tray and sitting on top of it a letter. He had been ignoring the old unicorn for a while now, but he supposed it was about time he did something, even if it was too late. "I shall meet them. Please let them know." Feeling satisfied with the answer the unicorn butler left. Lightning was expected to head to talk to the city's lawyers and deal with the charges. Claims that he had foreigners assassinate his family's patriarch, and that he was housing criminals on the estate. Prancing down the hall he would come to a stop in front of the door to his grandpap's office. The pegasus began to ransack it, searching for something. He was intent on finding that book grandpap was always writing in. Some speck of proof that he was the madpony. Not Gleam, not Tarnished, not Thunder, not him.
Distant Lightning wore not but his mane loose and cufflinks over his forehooves. His tail was still braided, the end tied off with a gold colored ribbon. His bad eye was pinched closed, a few clumsy movements to make up for his lack of peripheral view. Tearing down the bookshelf he would scatter the antique collections of weapons: whips, staves, and halberds.

Gleaming Echo could only smile some and nod. "That would be wonderful!" The dark unicorn shifted and draped a hoof over the alicorn to pull her close. "I'm not so concerned about somepony hurting me." he'd say with a bit of a gruff tone even though there was a hint of a smile. "I'm more worried about you and the other two. I know my anger, and while you three might be the safest I'm... concerned, I guess. This coming from a selfish pony that would happily damn himself and countless others for the sake of three." his expression quirked into a grin as he returned the kiss. Oh how pleasant those kisses were! He shifted to rest his head lazily on the alicorn, quite unaware that Distant had not, in fact, gone to rest!

Yunalesca let herself be pulled in, one freed wing twitching up and over the nightmare's side. "I'm sure we'll be fine, even in a foreign country, so long as we play it safe. I know you want to rage at them, but we shouldn't draw any attention to ourselves.." Despite this, she was smiling at him, eyes slightly half-lidded while she studied his face with some affection. "What are you so worried about with us?" Yuna thought to ask, leaning in to plant a few kisses along the side of his muzzle; she would have kissed him more on the mouth as she wanted to do, but they were still talking. She, too, had little idea her companions were still awake at this time of night, though it was still early. All of her attention was on Tarnished.

Silent Dusk finished her first attempt at dance, then flew to the balcony, stripping off her weapons and armor before jumping off again, climbing higher into the sky to collect moisture for a more proper dance trail, soon again looping and rolling through the air intricate turns and dives leaving a mist of vapor.

Distant Lightning nosed around the debris until he found the book he was looking for. Violently kicking piles of papers and stacks of armor the horse rampaged across the room before tiring himself out. He panted a bit, easily exhausted by his own lack of energy after the state of affairs. He slumped to the ground, book clamped in his muzzle. The book even smelled of grandpap. His nostrils flared, no sense of happiness there. Out of the corner of his good eye he spotted movement. Looking up eyes turned towards the window, spotting something moving about in the sky. A speck, at first. Canting his head he pushed up, commanding his body to move. Crunching and brutishly pressing through the papers he looked up towards the sky. Was he just seeing things? He continued to stare, knowing well nothing should be in the skyline of their property. It was too bit to be a bird, after all, but not big enough to be a horse either..
Distant Lightning was still. Ears swiveled forward listening to the cacophony of the night air. Crying birds, chirping beetles: they were all were swallowed by the babbling rivers that ran cold, cut, down the middle of Rose City. There it was again. His wings raised up, spreading in display, but it was not a rival or threat he was presenting his bright plumage to... Was that... Dusk? Narrowing his storm-colored orbs the stallion shook himself out before turning to leave the room. He did well to trip over every obstruction before rushing out of the chambers, leaving the door untouched and wide open. He trotted upstairs, the sandstone steps doing naught to mute his heavier hooffalls. Dropping the book the moment he hit the threshold of his chamber he scrambled to the window, nearly knocking over his nighting stand. Taking the window latch in his fumbling wings he pushed it open and hopped out onto his balcony.
Distant Lightning's steps were dainty, considering his usual stomp and fromp, but he was not focused on his own walking, as he often was. His mind was elsewhere, allowing him to move naturally and with the agility known of his kind. His wings were held low at his sides as his tailfeathers stood out on end with his bound tail. He tarried up the metal frame of the balcony up towards the roof. Was he just seeing things? He should be asleep, but he was never given to the hours of normal rest. He was well enough, jittery mind still getting over the fact granpappy was dead and it wasn't Tarnished that did it. It was an earnest surprise whenever Dusk showed such a violent nature. He did suppose that warriors alike-- A strange, confused chirp left his muzzle as it parted. It was meant to be a whinny, but it caught in his throat. May-maybe he was going mad too. Well he'd of officially joined Team Gleamished were that so.

Gleaming Echo crooned softly and snuggled into the draped wing. He thought he saw a shadow catch on the window briefly but alas his attention was a little too focused to be distracted. "I'm doing my best." he cheerfully hummed with a few nuzzles to the alicorn. He'd managed not to kill anypony yet! That was better than dear Dusky; oh how he was so proud! With a sniffle at the thought he found himself frowning. "I've already injured Distant Lightning once when I lashed out at that... construct... of his sister." the dark one grimaced at the memory... Damn whatever that thing is!

Yunalesca lifted her hooves up to cup the nightmare's cheeks, her ears focused on that croon. "You're doing a good job of it, too." She encouraged quietly of 'his best.' Her eyes dropped closed, feeling affection for him at those nuzzles, but she had missed the movement beyond the window entirely. They reopened when he spoke, focusing on his slit-pupiled eyes. "Are you worried you'll hurt us, or what?" Yuna queried with some concern, recalling that particular memory he brought up. "You'll be fine." The alicorn leaned in to kiss him, hooves still cupping his cheeks. 'Twas a pity Gleam wasn't present, if he was feeling so terribly about himself; unless he'd been listening. She thought she heard hoofsteps somewhere.. above? But she couldn't be sure once it was gone.

Silent Dusk noticed movement below and caught a glimpse of Lightning watching her, falling into a graceful dive she trailed her wings after her as her hooves caressed her barrel and chest winking at the stallion, tongue darting out as she sheared past him licking his nose and whispering into his ear as she hovered, then shot off again with playful loops and corkscrews, intermingled with dives and flips back upwards.

Distant Lightning had made it tot he lip of the roof, having no fear of heights even with his habit of locking up mid-flight. He perched there watching, ears pricked up. The great thing about being a cultural anthropologist is you got the hint really fast. Other cultures had many ways to express emotion, their history, their lifestyles. He was a fan of studying expression through art, seeing as he had no self-expression of his own. Watching how other cultures did it somehow filled a little hole in his heart. He watched as the smol bat darted across the sky, his tail twitching in irritation that he couldn't be up there with her, but he would patiently wait. It was different than he expected. Reading about it and actually seeing the dances, the expression -- it always excited him. He had business to attend, but after all that Dusk had done and all the pain she put herself through... he sat there, perched at the edge of the roof.
Distant Lightning wasn't sure where the other two were at such an hour, forgetful that normal ponies slept at night. Night in the desert was a time for partying, dancing. Things Lightning had never the chance to experience. Yet here he was, front row center to a lovely display. Maybe he would have joined those parties were they as comforting as this. If only he had some drinks -- When she brushed passed, licking at his snout the male stiffened, words burning his thin ears as she proposed his attention. "....okay." His brain would no longer consider the actions he needed to take to ensure he was not dishonored. Nope. Dusk was the center of his world right now. His home felt safer with his friends here, his loved ones.

Gleaming Echo grimaced. "immensely worried, yes...." the unicorn returned the kiss as he made to gently nudge Yuna until she was maybe rolled over. Then he shifted so he was somewhat on to an able to rest his head down on Yuna's neck. Yes, right here was where he wanted to be; but then again something felt oddly missing. Perhaps it was the other two? Who knows, but at this point the nightmare was somewhat dozing. "Think I might take a bit of a nap Lady Yuna..." After all the dark pony would be dead tired if he tried to operate this body with no sleep!

Yunalesca found that a new thing, that the nightmare would be so worried about hurting them too, even though he cared about them. Seemed to care? She couldn't be sure, between his gloating about how evil he was and his general nonchalant attitude. The alicorn relaxed back, encouraged to move by his nudge, allowing him to rest his head on her. His desire to take a nap disappointed Yuna a little, but if he needed sleep.. "Okay, get some rest. Do you want me to stay here or let you be?" Yuna asked first; though it was night, she didn't quite feel tired enough to want to go to sleep herself, just yet. She sighed quietly, getting comfortable.

Silent Dusk circled Lightning a few times before landing on top of him with the lightest touchdown and settled between his wings nuzzling the back of the pegasus's ears. "Did you enjoy my little dance for you my stallion? the four of you will complete my life more and more yet you are more familiar to me as I'm sure Gleam is to our Yuna."

Distant Lightning stiffened when Dusk came in for a landing -- right on him. His wings shifted so she did not press down on any of his flight feathers and they were both comfortable. He swallowed as the bat tickled his thin ears, hardly covered by fur to keep cool in the desert air. He peered back as her soft voice touched against his senses. "....y..." He nodded, not trusting his voice to not betray him. His head tilted slightly when she mentioned four. Four? Fo--oh. Folding his ears back against his skull he shifted on his hindlegs, feeling uncomfortable sitting. "Y...okay." His brain was mostly gone and replaced at this point. "...you aren't.. -- you're okay? With it. This." That, brain please function up. He shied away, best he could with a bat attached to him, as he shuffled his forehoof against the ground. "You were... very lovely." He murmured in a whisper, as if afraid someone would cut out his tongue for such!
Distant Lightning liked seeing her move like that. She was agile, flexible. He wouldn't mind staying with her, any of them, until they grew tired of him. He still did not feel a complete stallion, but at the very least he was able to admit his willingness not to turn his back to them, but ability to stand beside them was something else entirely. Had he the nerve, or the strength to? "So.. smol and soft..." He wanted to get closer to them too but how? If gifts weren't feasible, how did one -- show companionship? It was all foreign to him, ironically enough. But maybe-- yes. He had a plan! It was brilliant! Dusk had given him a wonderful idea that was foolproof! He would dance for them!

Gleaming Echo nuzzled against Yuna's neck and muzzle a few times before he pulled back and shifted to lay next to the alicorn once again. "You needn't linger on my account my dear goddess.... But I wouldn't mind the company. The darkborn unicorn yawned once again and wondered where the others were. Alas that thought was somewhat drifting in a circle in his head as he closed his eyes and attempted to relax. Gleam's body burned through a lot of adrenaline when he was towards the fore. More prone to extreme emotion and that put a bit of a strain on their physical form. Ah yes, such peace....

The End.