4/21/16; Sightseeing

[Mal]

Distant Lightning had taken the day to prep himself. He was planning on going out, so he would make sure that his braids were done tightly by the maids. He did not wish to show off, but was still tempted to wear his mohawk properly. The others did not look at him oddly when he wore it, so he could only take it as positive. He sighed deeply as he put on his tabard and turned to trot out his chambers. With the early day a thing, Dusk was left to sleep while he went to hand in the final letter he needed to be done with this hogwash. The group had been at his place three days, four nights. He counted. He settled his saddlebags on his side and made sure he had his needed supplies. Once done he headed down to get his morning tea, which the butler held ready at the bottom of the steps. Tea and his itinerary... oh bother.

Yunalesca couldn't have slept any further even if she wanted to, as was bound to happen sometimes. The windows were partially responsible for not being so heavily shaded as she would want, but it wasn't her place to do anything about it. Regretfully, Yuna pulled herself out of the bed to smooth out her mane and pull on one of her darkly colored shawls; colors that were not the best to wear out in the desert as this. At least she was inside. Yuna yawned, stifling it with a hoof, as she made her way out of the room and down the stairs. Who else was awake, she wondered? Perhaps not Dusk, at this hour.

Distant Lightning snorted a bit as he read over the list of things to be done today. "Tis preposterous." He griped. 'You are the master of the house now, young master.' The unicorn butler turned his eye toward the steps. One of the females has risen... 'If you'd wish you can certainly take one of your friends with you.' Such was still foreign to the house. Equestrians seen as companions was one thing, but their young master having friends? It was charming. Lightning pricked his ears and looked up, being at the bottom of the flight. The unicorn butler trotted off, leaving the larger male to his own devices. "G-good morning Miss Yuna." He still spoke to her with such formality. "Are you up for morning tea?" Unaware she may have been uncomfortable in the room she was staying in....

Yunalesca felt what little lingering sleep leave her as she made her careful way down the winding steps, and spied Lightning at the bottom with the butler. As she neared enough to be in earshot, the butler had left. "Morning, Lightning." Yuna greeted, fighting another obnoxious yawn that wanted to show itself. "Yeah, I could go for some tea." She responded casually, coming to a halt at the tall horse's side. His mane and tail were done up, she noticed, but it was a usual sight with him; sometimes it was rather nice to see his mane loose. "How're things?"

Distant Lightning trembled a bit as the mare drew near. He was a bit nervous. The teacup in his wing claws clinked a bit as he was unsteady. "Allow me to pour you a cup." He turned to lead her towards the kitchen where breakfast was being made. He raised the kettle to pour it into a clean cup. He tried to remain focused on the task. "Ah, things are going as they should -- at least I hope." He professed. "I must head into town and deliver this letter to town hall so that they cease their pestering of whom the estate belongs to." By all accounts, it was his, but Saddle Arabia was all about those contracts and papers. The others did not seem to be up. "W...would you like to come with me?" He felt a bit uneasy asking her, but if she said no it would be no problem.

Yunalesca couldn't be sure what made Lightning's teacup shiver on its saucer, his nervousness not as evident to her who remained quiet. He had turned away to bring her to the kitchen, and she followed after him, accepting the fresh cup of tea he poured. It was easy for her to hold it in her magic, and sip from it while he answered her. His minute stammering was caught by her ear, and Yuna eyed Lightning's face curiously. Was he nervous, or.. ? "I could come with you. I could use the walk, and maybe see more of the town up close, rather than out a window. Stretch my legs, without getting lost." Yuna made to smile a little, holding the teacup close in a violet aura of magic.

Distant Lightning was a bit surprised she accepted with ease. Nodding his head he would finish up his tea and turn to leave. Patient, he would wait for Yuna, head turning off to stare at the path leaving the estate. "You don't have to come." He cautioned. It was dangerous out there for foreigners. While her pastel coat did not make her stand out -- she was a pony. "The walk will be long, are you alright with your shawl? Would you like something lighter?" He wondered, not wanting her to become overheated. The desert sun was no joke.

Yunalesca felt the tea was good enough to have without needing to eat anything. She stood there, drinking from it, as she pondered Lightning's question. Her shawls were all she had, but they wouldn't do for being out in the heat for very long. Yuna could stand Equestrian summers, without straying too far south that is, in them, but.. Yuna put her teacup on the counter and followed after the horse. "I suppose I could do with something better to wear than my shawl." The last time she'd been outside proper in the heat was when she was carrying her bag, this time she had nothing, but it would be fine to be cautious. "I don't mind coming along, really."

Distant Lightning considered her response before nodding. "Alright. we will be going through market street and arriving a bit away. The streets are narrow and thieves are thick. Please stick close to me." He warned. Noble or not crooks would take from whomever they felt was unprepared. The stallion headed out. He had a full, leather tabard, but seemed well enough seeing as he was raised in this heat. Padding along the smooth stone ground of the estate quickly faded to sot deserts sands and crumbling cobblestone of the less regarded streets. With his tail up and tailfeathers spread the proud pegasus walked as if he had no worry in the world, but he was a burden of stress and had terrible tummy aches. Many faces passing by, and various stalls filled with goods to be peddled.

Yunalesca took note of that warning and trotted after Lightning without a word, showing no other way she'd heard him other than a nod. She would try to stick close to him as they went down the streets, making sure to keep pace with his longer legs. Along the way she would try to snatch glances at the buildings and sights around her, her ears perked and alert. Was the town really as bad as it seemed? She did have to admire the different architecture- the shapes of the windows and doorways, the designs. Yuna turned to face ahead again after Lightning, glancing briefly at the stalls as they passed them by.

Distant Lightning had a leisurely pace, so that, even if Yuna became curious in their ventures she never needed to reach more than a few strides. Horses were everywhere. Not a pony in sight, so that meant Yuna got quite a few stares, whispers to boot. Lightning seemed to ignore them, occasionally stopping himself to look around stalls filled with hoof-woven textiles. Rugs, clothing, and pillows. He glanced over whenever she caught up from her distancing. He gave off an air of authority, one he only ever seemed to present in public. Arrogance, power over the lessers.. "Ah, Miss Yuna, here. " he called, coming upon a stall with fashionable cloaks and capes suitable for desert weather.

Yunalesca felt.. very short among all of the tall, sometimes even slender, horses. Was it how Dusk might feel around their group- herd? It was a thought; something to focus on rather than the looks and whispers. The alicorn caught up to Lightning, her ears twitching when he called for her. She came to a halt at his side at the stall he'd found, with many different cloaks and the like. The idea of him spending money on her almost made her balk. "Oh?" Yuna prompted. "They look nice, but you really don't have to buy anything, for me, I mean.. It would be really appreciated." She scuffed a hoof against the crumbly stone beneath her, feeling awkward at the idea.

Distant Lightning: folded his ears back at her hesitation, but kept his serious face. "Nonsense. Whatever you please." While he spoke with a serious tone he looked to Yuna gently, apologetically that he had to save face. His wings were tightly folded back against his saddlebags, keeping them in place. He reached toward his collar where, from it, he would withdraw his bit pouch. "Please pick whichever you desire Miss Yuna." Kept the majority of his focus on her so she did not feel... ignored. He was incredibly fond of his herd. He would have liked for them all to properly bond.

Yunalesca glanced up at Lightning's face, hesitant at the idea, and nodded. If he said it was okay, but she didn't want to end up finding anything that was ridiculously expensive; even if he was.. well, rich. Was he? Yuna stepped toward the stall, lifting a hoof to browse through the existing articles of clothing; some of them were quite nice, some with delicate detailing in different colors. Some were just too lavish for her, though she stopped on a simple white one with a faint pattering along the hem. Yuna held her leg up to it, ponderous; she often went for dark, cool colors, but white would work. It went with any color. Perhaps it stood out a little too much, but so did her coat. It felt light, too. "This looks nice."

Distant Lightning motioned a wing toward the stall's keep. "If it pleases you, we shall try it on." The pony uncovered the mirror behind a dressing shade. He followed behind and seemed to guard Yuna's body...? "Pleas dress yourself near me, as the desert ate anything and everything it could, spitting it out used. He would stand guard for her, wordlessly. He acted differently around others. He was more a soldier than pony when facing the warring sands of judgement.

Yunalesca used her magic to lift the cloak from the place it hung upon seeing the gesture to the stall's owner. The dressing shade was spied in the back, and she was grateful that they had such a thing. Nopony to see her wings. A part of her wondered why she persisted in hiding them from the world, the very question Tarnished had asked her a month or more ago.. but she really didn't know how those in a foreign land would react. Yuna made towards the shade to hide behind it, noting Lightning had followed her to help hide her. Yuna removed her shawl after she unhooked its throat and replaced it with the cloak. It felt cool and light against her coat, its hem just a little longer than her shawls hung off of her body. Yuna looked at herself in the provided mirror, making an impressed sound. Her shawl was folded in her magic without looking and she peered out from behind the dressing shade. "I like it. It looks and feels.. pretty nice."

Distant Lightning was patient in his efforts. As Yuna fitted the cloak he stood with his wings spread protectively. He sighed as she moved, feeling his rump settle back on the sand, his mind having built a whole seat for young David. Shaking out his head he looked to the mare when she verbally addressed them. "You look....lovely Miss Yuna." He coled, brushing the corner's of the cloak with his wing claws to make sure all was well.

Yunalesca moved further out to show it off, albeit lowkey, and looked up at Lightning. "Thanks. It's.. We could get this. I think I remember something about white being good for heat because it reflects.. or something." She shrugged and tucked her folded up shawl under the cloak, and her wing beneath it. "I just hope its not too much for you, or anything." Yuna was inclined to give him a gentle nudge with her head, but with such curious eyes about, it made her feel a little self conscious so she resisted the idea. She didn't want to hold Lightning up either just trying things out; the cloak worked well enough, and it even had a hood if she needed it.

Distant Lightning tilted his head at her displaying. He moved his wing's foreclaws to adjust the hood and her bangs. He was always a gentle sir, very quiet in his own right. He felt his stomach tighten a bit at her expression. "If it is for my herd, nothing is." He strongly stated, even as the stall owner's ears twitched. Lightning paid them and folded his wings back. Turning his gaze down to the mare he sneered, though with his monocle, it was likely an awkward smile. "Shall we be off? You now are a lovely desert rose amongst these wilted cacti." He praised.

Yunalesca lowered her head to watch Lightning's wingclaws fidget and straighten up the cloak, making her look presentable no doubt. "Oh, if you.. say so. Thanks, it's much appreciated." She replied hesitantly, briefly watching the exchange of money; with the monocle Lightning wore, it was hard to determine his expression. Yuna smiled faintly herself upon being complimented, nodding. "Yeah, we can go now." A part of her wanted to keep thanking him, it felt.. only right, but she supposed she could find a gift to give him for it. She couldn't feel okay about it otherwise.

Distant Lightning after he felt Yuna looked well and proper the stallion would give pay tho the merchant. Strange looks were offered. It seemed a simple piece for such a lovely mare, but she was a foreigner. Who knew with them. The stallion paid with quite a different amount than the ticket price. After all the tourist tax was not applied to natives. The pegasus' large wings flexed out as he would adjust the feathers to tuck them against his barrel properly. His stride did not falter, for he did not want to look badly with Miss Yuna in his presence. Even if he was trained to act for the sake of his family, without granpap he still had to make sure Dusk, Yuna, and Gleamished benefited from his pride and strength. It was all he could offer them, even if it was an illusion. City hall was a distinct building. Its red top and decorative glass that hung throughout the buttresses made it unique.
Distant Lightning always felt intimidated by City Hall, his body sinking a bit as he looked up toward its shining roof. Ears would pin to his skull as he cleared his throat. The claw of his left wing would raise to adjust his monocle. It was a passing thought to have to more properly set so he could move better. But that would come later. "Are you comfortable Miss Yuna? The lighter cotton should breathe more easily and the folds should help make you less obvious." He did not allude to her wings, for she should know , he nope she noticed, that her twitching could be somewhat tell tale sometimes, but he was an observant scholar, a student of pony studying.

Yunalesca merely stood by, quietly watching until Lightning had finished and lead them off out from the stall of traveling clothing. As with before, she kept close to the stallion as they strode through the streets until they reached a large, nicely decorated building. She was familiar enough with such buildings back in Equestria to recognize the importance in its build to know that they had arrived. And moving about with the new cloak made her feel a little better under the unrelenting sun, she noticed. Just a bit. "Yeah, I'm fine. It does feel light, pleasant. It works." Yuna expressed to him, hoping to put a tone of gratitude forth. "So this is the place?"

Distant Lightning slowed til he came to a stop. Looking to the mare his head gave a light tilt. He seemed uncomfortable in his clothing and all set up, but he would have to deal with it for a few hours. "Yes, this is City Hall. Here you trials are held and much of the bills and laws are passed through a council of elders." What was good for the horse was not good for the herd. The city was heavily regulated and ran like clockwork. If a certain being if disorder was afoot Saddle Arabia would have been wiped from the map. He pranced up the steps, pushing the doors open. Inside was a tribute to the architectural force Earth Horses had on the land. The ceiling was miles high, rounded, arching walls that gave no grace to sharp corners. Smooth, sand-colored walls decorated with brought stones and glass.
Distant Lightning walked along the shining marble floor, which perfectly reflected the all above it making the mirror surface impossible to separate from sky. This was how it was to walk on clouds, these earth horses have managed to imitate such a feat. Above the clear glass let in the desert sun, but it was not hot here. The babbling fountains that dotted the walls and irrigated water that flowed through the foyer created a constant, cooling wind that made the inside almost frigid. Across the way were marble steps leading up to a raised platform that held various bookshelves that reached for miles up towards the ceilings, but never reaching. Desks with bus horses, studious bookkeepers keeping Saddle Arabia running smoothly. Lightning walked up toward a desk. "I am here to see the mayor." He spoke. "Lightning of Storm, house of Torrent." He bade. The secretary nodded and offered them to sit nearby as she went to get him.

Yunalesca made an impressed noise as she looked up at the tall building with interest, more closely studying its details. She didn't know what to say aloud and simply followed. Once inside she saw how prettily it was put together, fancy. Part of her hoped that ponies crossing it only cast a vague shadow, so it would be difficult to see the wings under her cloak. It was pleasantly cool, at least for a moment, compared to the hot temperatures outside. Her eyes roved over the interior with a fascinated curiosity, part of her focus left to steer her after Lightning and to pull her back to earth when they stepped up to one of the desks. Yuna came around, keeping her silence, only moving off to sit with Lightning when the seats were offered to them.

Distant Lightning arched a brow whenever Yuna made a noise. He always paid attention to her when she moved around, even breathed. He was coming to learn her emotions through the sounds she made. The mare was often quite silent, the opposite of Dusk, so learning her nature was a great deal harder. Not impossible, but he had to learn... He turned to sit after being directed. None of them seemed to openly speak Equestrian, the workers deliberately avoiding so noting the pony. His brows furrowed at the behavior, but it was their culture... He raised a hoof to attempt and brush aside Yuna's bangs, tilting his head. "Do you find our architecture to your liking?" He was calm and patient in his manners, mostly with them, no outsiders. Setting his hoof down he tucked them between his haunches, ears folding back in regret. He shouldn't have touched her but he wanted to make sure she looked spiffy, lest they say something.
Distant Lightning was self conscious and acted with measured delicacy. "Our empire is nearly as old as Equestria's, though our tribes have always wandered these lands. The first horse to unite the nomadic tribes became first sultan and all in his family rule after by example. Laws were built from the old tribe's original systems." Including an eye-for-an-eye. "Is there anything you wish to look up while here? Though it's collection is not impressive as our library, all of the lawbooks and cultural traditions are kept here." He was a major nerd when it came to these things! But as it was. He was a scholar of cultural anthropology.

Yunalesca made herself comfortable in the seat beside him and looked up when he brushed the top of her mane away from her face. She blinked at him, surprised by the gentleness. "I do." Yuna said, glancing past him to the pillars and marble. "It's pretty unique, the style and designs.. this place is quite fancy, but I can understand why. Usually city halls are made the way they are since they're the center of something important. Presentable, and all." Yuna commented, looking back over to Lightning. He was telling her a part of their history, and she listened with some interest; it was when she wasn't in a school, in an environment that became boring because it was forced (perhaps because she was also no longer a child with the attention span of one), that learning new things became fun. "I'm not so interested in law, but I do like finding out more about cultures."

Distant Lightning seemed quite impressed with her answer. "Ah, well perhaps I can take you to the Academy with me and show you around. If you are interested you can be my research partner." He mused. A few whispered carried toward them from the workers. The young Storm pushed to sit himself up, as he had to lean a bit in to speak to the mare in a gentle voice as, within the building, a voice carried easily. He flexed his wings and let them part from his body. He sneered a bit, but it may have been one of his gentle expressions. "It would be nice to have a partner not out for my throat." Though that could have been meant toward the more vicious students or Dusk who rather be in his lap than working. 'Young master Storm, it's been ages. You brought your gypsy levek.' A voice called as pegasus horse stepped down with the earth secretary in tow.
Distant Lightning frowned a bit and looked to Yuna. He seemed to be bothered by something. His head drew close to the mare's before brushing his skull against hers. The pegasus turned to stand and walked toward the law maker. The horse flexed his wings, the lawmaker stepping back, flexing his own. 'Young master we are in a place of law...' He smiled weakly. "And by that law, ser...." He folded his wings. "Ilaw, hayalaw bemsud ei Kilam al'ahg." Lightning turned to the guards speaking. 'W-wait! Young master, twas merely a joke!' The guards at either side of the walls marched forward, their blades shining against their wings. The pegasus was quickly taken away, leaving Lightning to sigh. He turned to look at Yuna, moving to reach out his wings and pull her close as if checking on her. "Don't tell the mages, they would be sore with me." He frowned.

Yunalesca considered the idea he presented and gave a hesitant nod. It would be a waste, she figured, to come to a foreign country and try to learn nothing about an entirely new place. The knowledge might be useless, when there wasn't anything like tests to worry about, but it was the experience. "I.. I would like that." Yuna said, an ear perking towards him at that mention of his throat. "What do you mean by that?" She would ask, but she was forced to drop it when the earth horse and another pegasus approached. Yuna leaned into the brush of Lightning's head on habit now, but her eyes were on the other two that Lightning went to speak with. She didn't understand the language- but what was said in Equestrian.. she was finding the way 'gypsy' was used to be almost insulting. She dressed the way she had simply to go along with the stereotype of fortune tellers and gypsies, simply to draw interest, but now.. Yuna frowned, and immediately tensed up afterward when the guard took one of the ponies away. She looked at Lightning with surprise, moving when he drew her near. "What happened?" The alicorn asked in an undertone, confused; out of her element in a foreign country, she was beginning to feel a bit like a helpless child.

Distant Lightning was glad Yuna had not pieced it together. "Oh, he wasn't willing to help." He would note, glancing to the earth secretary. She shook her head and backed up. 'I'll leave it for the director ser.' She offered. "Thank you my dear. Yuna, would you like to come have lunch with me, someplace cool as to wait out the afternoon sun?" He asked. He did not want to make her feel as if he was pushing the subject away either, even if he was. "We can speak of any questions you may have in a more quiet setting..." The pegasus was not to be seen again. Woe was he. Lightning bowed his head politely before tucking his wings back on his sides before trotting away. "I do prefer the estate." Nosy ponies that did naught but cause him stress.
Distant Lightning made his way outside and waited for Yuna beneath the shade formed by the lip of the roof. He wouldn't push her. It was terrible being in a foreign country.

Yunalesca couldn't figure out what exactly happened, when she didn't have the context in a language she knew. Lightning received a puzzled look. "It's not because I'm here, was it, or was it just some other thing?" The question was out before she could help it, curious in the situation. She grunted. "Of course, lunch sounds nice, if you're done here, and all." Yuna agreed with a nod; she could ask him all the questions she had over a nice meal, rather than in such a grand, quiet hall. Yuna followed him back outside, the heat of the day warming her up from the cold contained inside by the thick stone. The way they built their dwellings, it certainly told her one way how they weren't baking inside as well as out. "Yeah.."

Distant Lightning glanced around and moved to walk. "Fault of yours?" Well -- yes. But... "It was better that you were there." He stated. "I am sure they would have taken me less seriously otherwise." He moved to bump his muzzle against hers in an attempt to reassure her. He did not want her to feel responsible for his shortcomings. It was all a result of his inability to simply say 'no' without Thunder. "Come now, shall we enjoy a meal with drink and smoke?" He would lead her along to an open air cafe. The sitting rooms were spacious enough for groups of horses to lounge about as they ate their meals. Lightning led her to one nearest the back, but the open windows let a cool breeze into the candle-lit spaces.
Distant Lightning settled down into the small crevasse that made up the seating areas, filled with pillows and a round table in the center, a hookah pipe built into the middle of it. He would wait for Yuna to lay before he did. "You can order what you please, do not hesitate on my account." It was sparsely occupied, but who was were either napping, or sipping tea at a leisurely pace. This place really had a calm air to it. Hardly anypony looked when the Equestrian followed through.

Yunalesca looked troubled when she received neither a yes or a no. How could she, an Equestrian, been a serious presence? Lightning made it clear how much Saddle Arabians hated Equestrians. The alicorn was silent a moment, deciding to keep her questions and suspicion to herself until they found the place Lightning wanted to bring her to. She accepted the bump of the muzzle willingly enough, allowing casual touches near just to try to get used to such physical contact with the pegasus. With Gleam, she was used to them. Yuna followed with little more than a nod as he lead her to a cozy cafe with enough room for the local species. Yuna moved to take her seat among the pillows, eyeing the hookah momentarily, and settling her hooves calmly on the table. "Okay." She said and eyed him. "Lightning, are you sure it wasn't because of me? I remember how you said they hate Equestrians here.. I wouldn't have wanted to get in the way of anything important."

Distant Lightning moved to settle down, but unlike Yuna he moved to rest on his side. He allowed his head to rest closer to the mare, storm-colored eyes glancing up at her. His ears folded back. "....I cannot say what would have occurred were you not there." He noted. "....I am not treated well by most. Because you were there I was able to talk back to him in a way, I would have been unable to." It was the truth. He looked around before his ears pinched to his skull. "were he to have spoken disrespectfully towards me I would have perhaps allowed it as I have in the past. He used a belittling title towards you... this is the only way I know how to be brave. For your three...." Maybe was he like this for Thunder... He sat up a bit when the waiter came, waving his hoof. "Ezem." He ordered a large platter of various foods, which would come with arak and tea. "No, Miss Yuna I must thank you for coming. Gleamished would be disappointed in me for returning to him the years of torment he has shown me... but
Distant Lightning...it could no longer be." He pushed to sit up, moving to settle close to her. "I am sorry. Please to not be distressed. I am glad you three came. I am grateful." He assured. He didn't know how to be touch in public like Dusk, but he spoke gently and with meaningful intent.

Yunalesca moved over a little just so she could lay down with one of her shoulders closer to Lightning, partially mirroring him. She looked concerned. "You shouldn't let ponies walk all over you like that. You don't deserve that. I.. kind of understand though." Her brow came down again upon hearing of 'belittling.' She had wondered what they were saying in their language of the sands. "What all did he say?" Yuna asked curiously, looking up once as Lightning spoke with the waiter. Once they had gone with whatever Lightning had ordered, her focus more fully returned to him. "I'm glad I could have been of some help, then." Yuna said and faltered, noting what he had called Gleam. Did he.. combine their names? Huh. She was touched by the care he felt for their little herd, though, leaning over to nudge his cheek with her nose.

Distant Lightning did not wish to tell her what it was they had said. He felt it was better that remained a mystery. He had not realized he said it aloud. Normally he did not call the mage by his name out of fear, but he was relaxed enough as of late to sort of try, in his head. Aloud -- well. Whoops. The male shifted his body a bit when he was nudged, moving to nuzzle his head against her. "They do not see Equestrians here as anything by something to be used. Slaves, you name it." He would rather not. "I... I do not know any other way. I am beneath most nobles, and most authority figures see my deformities and press them to my personal traits." His big size made him clumsy, his color made him genetically unsuitable, and the like, but it was the constant degradation that made him feel generally horrible about himself and his abilities.
Distant Lightning reached up his hoof to start the hookah pipe and opened a small compartment,p placing jasmine flower inside. Looking to Yuna he tilted his head.. "You are very lovely in that cloak Miss Yuna." Like a little witch... "A proper healer." He looked up as their platter arrived., Various fresh desert fruits such as figs, cactus fruits, chilled and sliced melons, sliced root vegetables and chilled cucumbers. Such much for horses, and a pony.

Yunalesca found it awkward, somewhat, to interact with a stallion the way she interacted with her unicorn. She was still getting used to the closeness with Lightning, and seeing a different side of him that wasn't pompous, arrogant, like he had been when they'd met. There was still quite a lot she didn't know about him, but she was learning little by little. Yuna leaned into the nuzzle, taking comfort in it, while Lightning explained a few things to her. Slaves. Yuna couldn't fathom what she might have been called. She watched him load the pipe idly, moving one hoof up to stroke the fur on the side of his neck; the arrival of food drew some interest. "What deformities?" His compliment for her made her blush lightly, that he would think she looked nice.

Distant Lightning pushed to settle himself up against the table, but stilled feeling her hoof brush against him. At first he had stiffened, but relaxed and finished settling forward. He seemed to put on a bit of a frown and reached up to brush at his wing which extended a bit. "They are too big, and the tri-color makes me rather undesirable to ... have good foals." He let his wings settle to pick up a plate, offering it to Yuna so she could pick out what she wanted. He settled for a few sweet things and cucumbers to clear off the flavor. "I am also rather big in my size... so it makes me clumsy." His voice was low, keeping the calm in the relaxed cafe. The smell of the jasmine was released into the air, hardly smoky. It was light, relaxing.
Distant Lightning shook his head. "You have a lovely coat color that would find envy even here. You are lovely, and probably would be treasured be more curious arabians, but -- don't go near them... the are low brow parasites that would sooner send you off for coin than be your friend." He gently warned her with that proud tone. He had not changed since he had met her, she had just, perhaps, did not know him...

Yunalesca gave little notice in the food, still, while her attention was mostly on Lightning. She'd noticed what was on the plates, but he had her attention as he explained his deformities. "I can't see how these are deformities, exactly, other than what your country looks down on. Like the way a lot of ponies might prefer tall slim mares, over other shapes, persay. I've seen a few big ponies on my travels in Equestria." Yuna explained as she picked from the plates, such as the cut pieces of melon, some cucumbers.. and one of the roots to try out out of curiosity. At first. She heard his warning, and his compliment on her coat. "I see. I don't think anypony would be too fond of stripes; a lot of them weren't in Equestria. Zebras.. aren't too common, or at least don't mingle with ponies often, so they kind of get looked down on for being different." Yuna frowned, idly taking in the scent of jasmine as she nibbled on a cube of melon.

Distant Lightning listened to her, his face pressed on a bit of disbelief. "You ... mean such?" He had never knew that. As far as he knew these were -- critical deformities that could be passed on to a foal and -- bring them shame. He was confused, as it showed from his pausing mid bight of his cucumber just staring at Yuna. Slurping the slice up his head tilted. "I find your markings quite enticing. Perhaps it is that very exoticism that makes you so lovely. Truly your differences are not what define you, but what make you intriguing." He glanced away. "While I feel this, I suppose my country shows differently. Not all of them though... ponies are more common among gypsy blood, they rarely come about. Most ponies are seen as gypsy ponies. They are strong ponies, but outsiders. You are very strong, they can see you and how you do not lower your head when they look at you."
Distant Lightning moved to take another bite. "I...too am sometimes troubled when it comes to trying to figure out what you think. You have such a focused expression. Regardless of your markings your confidence makes them desire breaking you. They are cruel and do not play the game appropriately." he lamented. The male glanced over to Yuna, ears folded.

Yunalesca didn't take long to work on her cut cube of melon, mildly sweet on her tongue, her eyes still focused on Lightning's face; it showed disbelief. "I do." She must have said something that shocked him quite a bit. "Personal preferences. Such as liking stallions taller than me, for instance." Another example, offered up, but he might have gotten her point already. Yuna levitated over another cube of melon, her magic making easy for her to not have to lift her hoof even once. She chewed thoughtfully while the pegasus talked, and she didn't falter until he reached the point about ponies wanting to break her. "Ponies used to tease and bully me about my stripes growing up, but to find, as an adult, they might be desirable is a complete flip from what I know. It's strange to think of them in a positive light.." Yuna paused, catching his glance with a little tilt of her head. "I tend to think a lot, and after learning how to deal with bullies.. it might be because of that. Making myself not care what others think anymore." She hummed with a little nod. "What do you mean by this 'game.'?"

Distant Lightning shifted his weight some. He seemed capable of using his wings as another pair of appendages, though they were: wholly capable of manipulating fine objects like his hooves. It took a bit of concentration, but with years of practice he does so without thinking. Nodded to her words. She liked .. tall ponies. D-did he count? He wasn't a pony, but still, he hoped. Sinking a bit he looked to his plate. He had to shake it off. "Oh, it is what one calls the actions of nobles. There are rules to how one must act and direct defamation or belittling is a direct assault on the rules of conduct. Those who can speak well and dance about their opponents with insults by never truly insulting -- it is a matter of gaining power in just a single sentence." He motioned his hoof over his muzzle.
Distant Lightning shaking his head he sat back. "I can play well, but not when I am accompanied by my family. Though if you three were well being considered as such I could continue becoming better at the game, perhaps securing us with necessities to return to Equestria. I would like nothing more than to continue my studies, but too I cannot leave my house in destitute without a proper set of rules to direct it in my absence." Finances and the like had to be taken care of.

Yunalesca bit her cube in half while Lightning fidgeted. She was sure she understood exactly what he was talking about, now that she was getting details. Verbal.. sparring? Rather than resorting to physical violence. Tossing one's weight around. "A strange game nobles play." Yuna commented and finished her melon piece. "We can certainly be around to help you, Lightning.. and I'm sure it won't be too hard to find somepony in your household to handle things while you're gone. Though I'm not sure who all you would trust to do that." Yuna thought a moment. "It would be nice if all of us could return to Equestria together.. we could probably teach you more without it being confusing. Like the library or visiting Canterlot."

Distant Lightning sighed out. He did feel like there was much confusing things in that culture he would never understand. "I...look forward to it." But he did not want to leave yet.... maybe he should talk to the mage about his sister. Maybe the dream was forgotten, or it was ever just that. "Strange things really -- these circumstances. I did not think Dusk would be so obstinate. I woke to find her covered in the blood of my family's private guard and -- than you two. I think it was all quite stressful for me." He sipped at the tea that had been offered and moved to look at Yuna. "I hope that I do not trouble you with these things. I am not like Dusk in any way. I cannot openly express what I feel in a public venue. Even a private one has brought me some difficulty." He assured. "I... like Miss Yuna and Gleamished." He murmured.

Yunalesca smiled faintly, but it faded when he brought up Dusk's attack on his home. "I think she was a little rash to do all of that, especially on her own. I can't imagine what might have riled her enough to. She's usually very lighthearted or she talks about inappropriate things." Yuna moved a little so she could move her hoof, crossing it in front of her chest, so she could gently rub his shoulder as she did Gleam sometimes. "I'm sorry. You're not troubling me, at all. It's nice to be able to talk to you about things like this." Yuna replied with a little nod- she had noticed the tea and thought to levitate a cup over towards herself. "I like you too, and I think Gleam does as well."

Distant Lightning stiffened when Yuna brought to question the reason for Dusk's rage. Given how they had been rather -- defensive of him he could only surmise that Dusk's patience had run thin and she discovered a little too much. They had not seen what she did and he was thankful for it. He would not want the rest of his herd seeing him in such a shameful state. "Now Miss Yuna, we should not question why she fought, for she did so for her honor." It was all he could do to divert the questions and excuse the behavior. He did not help by telling her to go away. Dusk has been shown to be very emotional over such things... He shook his head, smiling at the soothsaying mare, though the pinch of his monocle made it seem like he was bothered by her. He sat up when Yuna pressed her hoof to him, the male folding his ears back at the touch. He let out a soft rumble before she offered a few more, comforting, words.
Distant Lightning parted his jaw but closed it. "You like to talk with me?" He had felt his overbearing plots and swell of random, and often useless, information got on their nerves. Gleam ... too? Then Tarnished did not? He was so confused. He seemed to struggle with some words as he looked up to her, than looked down. He moved his mouth, eyes shifting. "W..." No... they were in public. It was a selfish and seedy request. He sipped his remaining tea in a hurry and moved to eat again. "We can return soon. A cool afternoon walk and a bath, would...would you like this, Miss Yuna?" He still spoke to her with formality, but it had take n Dusk scolding him a few times to remove hers, that and a few very confusing romps.

Yunalesca's eyebrows went up a little, but she didn't try pushing the issue. She felt she had stepped far enough to quietly call him out on the other pegasus's reaction to them in City Hall. There was still so little she knew about Lightning; nothing about what set him off, what might bother him, anything of the sort. "I guess so." Yuna eyed his expression and politely withdrew her hoof, uncertain. "I haven't really had too much of a chance to talk to you at length, at least when we were back in Ponyville. But here, and like out in the garden, I'm starting to. It helps me get to know you a bit better." Yuna answered, nodding, and took a sip of her tea. It wasn't often she drank tea unless it was offered like now. "What?" The mare prompted, hearing him begin to say something. "Yeah, we can." After Gleam stubbornly continued to call her Lady Yuna, she didn't mind the 'miss' so much now, but at some point she would have to talk him down from referring to her so formally. As they got to know each other better.

Distant Lightning grew up completely controlled by his family, down to his habits and personality. There was not much of Lightning that even the pegasus knew. He seemed to like simple things, like tea. Keeping on a schedule made him comfortable and putting things in his food annoyed him, but Lightning has never shown signs of anger, or getting mad. He has gotten upset, barely. A hint of frustration, but never a true blow out. Aside from his post traumatic stress, he had many social anxieties that prevented him from just -- getting out of control, but that was the point when raising a tool. When she withdrew her hoof the male felt... a sense of -- something. It wasn't quite loss. Maybe disappointment. He did like being pet by Miss Yuna, he has come to accept such. A bit of panic began to set in as he felt she had retreated because he said something. With his tea cup in his wings and his forehooves holding his plate he was at a loss, mentally overwhelmed.
Distant Lightning shifted his hind leg so it leaned closer to Yuna's his hoof bumping against hers, purposely. Not to hard, but with intent to garner her attention. If she looked he would hold the plate on his right forehoof and let the other settle down to brush over her thigh. "W-would you allow me to groom you?" He questioned with an incredible low tone, so much so that it was difficult to tell if he even said it.

Yunalesca hadn't been expecting his rear hoof to bump up against her own, causing her leg to flinch a little, but a glance told her it was something harmless. She settled her leg back where it was, her back hoof back up against his. Small, casual touches; she didn't know what they meant, only that she was slowly getting used to him. Her cuddling time with Gleam certainly helped her become used to being touched by those she trusted, and cared about. Yuna caught sight of the plate he was holding, but not what to do, and felt his touch brush her thigh. Oh. Yuna leaned in to his murmur, trying to hear what it was he was so shyly asking. "What was that?" Yuna queried, uncertain what it was he had said, and lifted her teacup to sip from the warm liquid. She set it back down and was tempted to try the root she had grabbed, but didn't yet reach for it.

Distant Lightning's native vegetables were strange. Some of the roots were familiar as well, such as the carrots, but the seemed to share a different hue than what was the usual, Equestrian orange. These were a soft, red hue. The other root, the unfamiliar one, was galgo, or Taro root. Aromatic and blanched it had been seasoned with cinnamon. The horse was very gentle in his touch, brushing the mare in the ways she had him, but he concealed his actions. There was always the fear his actions may go too far. Her questioning tone, the words... the request he repeat it and, seeing as she leaned in, he could not pretend to ignore it. Far be it for him to deny her, or any of his herd members. They meant a great deal to him, more than even he understood. Little by little he tried to piece together a personality that had, for years, comprised of two emotions: fear and obedience. With them he remembered how to laugh, and even get annoyed.
Distant Lightning considered various ways he could ignore Yuna's question, but it was too late. He goof'd. "I want to groom you..." for him, such, was rather sacred. It was important to him, but maybe not to her and he had to respect that.

Yunalesca remained largely focused on Lightning, in between nibbling at the food throughout their conversation so that nothing went to waste. Her ears were turned towards him, so she might better catch his voice if he deigned to repeat himself. "Groom?" Yuna echoed. "Like brushing my mane and coat, for instance? I wouldn't mind that." When had the last time been when somepony had brushed her, rather than just her tending to her own grooming? Her mother, possibly, when she was small. Yuna didn't want to think too much about her mother, with the mixed feelings she had. She withdrew just a little to nibble on the unfamiliar root with interest. Cinnamon-y. Huh. Yuna could feel his soft touches, which she sort of liked. She wasn't sure what else to say, though, so she ate her root while she watched him curiously.

Distant Lightning nodded and slowly pulled his hoof back, as if he was to be caught at any moment, The male looked down and stuffed some dates in his muzzle to distract himself. He would try to eat as much as he could, take in the smoke so he could relax. "When you are ready Miss Yuna I shall pay and we can return to the manor. We can relax in a cool dip." The male offered, eating what he could. He would not likely eat again if he could help it. His manners when eating were impeccable, but years of training did such. He even lounged with such grace one could forget how incredible clumsy he was! The male tucked his wings once his tea was no longer occupying the extra appendage. He seemed calm and relaxed, but he had been wearing a mas all the while, faces. It was to satisfy those eyes turned upon him.

Yunalesca caught his nod as enough of an answer and turned back to her little plate of food, focusing on the slices of cucumbers and even taking a couple pieces of the oddly colored carrot. It was a good, varied meal that she probably needed beyond apples and greens. Her previous life on the road didn't afford her good nutrition let alone regular meals, until her imprisonment, and the inn. Yuna looked over at Lightning while she chewed on a vegetable, nodding. "I think I'm about ready." She answered once her mouth was free, and levitated the rest of her tea over to sip on. "This was a nice outing."

Distant Lightning seemed glad she was having a good time. He was quite glad to see her eating. SHe never did seem to eat that much. "If we are to travel, you must eat well." He assured. Maybe...maybe he could provide for them. All he needed to do was convince Falling Night to let his thesis through and he could get a proper position for research. It would be everything he wanted, Thunder and him... to travel. The thought made his chest tighten. His eyes pinched up in a look of annoyance, but it was a smile. He nodded. "Very well." He carefully removed his pouch from around his neck. Counting out he put a hoofful of bits before moving to stand. He chomped down one more carrot and stepped up from the ledge, waiting for Yuna before he made his way towards the door to hold it for her.

Yunalesca made a soft noise of acknowledgement, barely a word as she set down her empty teacup. She had eaten enough, she was sure, but she thought to grab one more piece of sweet melon. It was popped into her mouth while Lightning left money on the table, bits. Yuna adjusted the fold of shawl under her wing and stood, following him back through the sea of tables, her eyes kept forward. At the door he held open for her, Yuna stepped back out into bright sunshine and heat, squinting a moment and stepping aside. In time she might learn some of the streets of Saddle Arabia a little better, but for the time being Lightning would have to lead her back.

Distant Lightning paced himself when he walked. The stallion never seemed to be in any rush. He was strange that way. He was a leisurely sort with a calm personality. Hardly ever rattled, but social anxieties and fears of being abandoned certainly kept his temper in check, if he even had one. He was an uke through and through and while he may become upset, it would as quickly flitter away as it would appear. Making way he weaved through the stalls and bustle of ponies. It was a bit of a walk from the cafe back towards the richer side of town, which was sometimes as narrow as the brick-laden ground. Soon the gates of the estate could be seen, the hanging palm trees giving sparse illusions of shade. He would extend the same courtesy returning to the manor.
Distant Lightning stood with the door pushed open with his wing, waiting for Yuna to take in the sights at her leisure. he was in no rush. 'Welcome home young master, Lady Yuna.' Gah! The butler was right there. Light jumped a little, fluffing up like the chicken he was. "....thank you." The unicorn smirked softly and bowed his head.

Yunalesca trotted off after Lightning, settling in to do as much as she had when they first left the manor: sightseeing. It was easy to keep pace with the tricolored horse and still look at her surroundings, the horses they passed, the stalls and their varied wares. It was interesting to get a look at another culture up close, rather than in pictures, it made it more real. Their designs were different too, whether it was clothing or pottery. Yuna came around to focus ahead once they left it behind, and the more familiar sight of the manor came into view. She stepped in past Lightning, giving him a little nod of thanks when he held the door open for her- something she was coming to get used to. The address of 'Lady Yuna' made Yuna's ears twitch, but she made no comment. "Oh, hey." She felt an instinct to take off her cloak upon returning to what was essentially shelter, but she resisted the urge and walked slowly towards the stairs, assuming they would be going back up.

Distant Lightning moved in behind the mare with an even pace. Some of the servants scrambled to stand and bow. 'Welcome home young master, young lady.' The unicorn maids bade their return. The crackling of a fire could be heard. The living space was currently occupied by the elder Storm and Lady Storm. They looked down as Lightning passed. 'Ah, Lili... would you --' Lightning snorted harshly and moved to lower his head, wings raising up as he moved to nudge Yuna. The older horses quieted and slunk back to their reading. Their son would not give then the time of day, not when he had ponies he cared for, to tend to. Maybe that was what Tarnished had meant, what Dusk and Yuna tried to tell him? No they still wanted control. Was it just instinct to become protective? He knew Yuna had a secret, and knew very much would try and use it to take advantage of him. As they made it to the top floor the maids were standing outside his chambers.
Distant Lightning's maids bowed. 'Young master your room has been cleaned and a cool bath drawn. Will you be having an afternoon snack?' They asked. "Leave me. Do not disturb me til I call for you." He ordered, stepping in, standing aside to wait for Yuna. Dusk was likely still asleep, who knew what hid beneath that pile of pillows and silk sheets "To your leisure Miss Yuna." He would offer, closing the door, we're she to enter.

Yunalesca almost hadn't noticed the two other ponies in the living space, who weren't one of the servants greeting her. She came to a halt to eye them, curious, until Lightning moved into view to nudge her along. Yuna moved willingly enough, walking with the pegasus up to his room on the highest floor. She kept her silence while Lightning spoke with the maids, shooing them on their way. Yuna walked in after him, waiting until the door had closed before she pulled out her shawl and set it aside wherever her things lay; if they were still in the room. The new cloak was pulled off too, of which she handled more gently to set it with the rest. Yuna stretched out her wings, now that she was free to do so, and shook them. She still had questions. "Who were those two ponies downstairs?"

Distant Lightning turned his head when he saw the motion of fabric in the corner of his eyes. The horse pricked his ears attentively, looking at the pastel wings. He had stiffened, as if completely shutting down. Claret tail gave a flick as he took a step back. He wanted to say something, but quickly lost his nerve. She had such lovely wings. They were as unique as Dusk's, but he had only recently come to be able to admire them. Attention laid squarely on that posterior. Her luxurious, black tail and marred hind legs. Stepping forward he flexed his own wings a big, only quickly tucking them. He wanted to display to Yuna, but not such hideous forms. "Are you prepared?" With the use of his wings flexing he would remove his tabard and fold it to the side upon a stand, along with his monocle. With the leather cloths set aside he loosed his braids and stepped into the cool washing room. "After you." How he wanted to compliment her, but he didn't want to seem like a pervert who was staring at her flank and wings all day... even if it was so! Reputation was everything.

Yunalesca wasn't aware of the effect she'd had on Lightning after the removal of her cloak; her rings were quick to join it, almost an afterthought. His voice prompted her to finally look around at him, missing the staring. "Yeah." Yuna replied simply and strode towards the washroom with him. The stone of the building seemed to keep the interior cool enough as she had noticed just earlier, which was a relief to her. Her body still felt warm from the sun's heat, something that was relieved as Yuna stepped down into the pool of the bath, the water cool. Yuna had noticed he hadn't answered her question, oblivious to the distraction she'd given him and that one was given at all. She wouldn't push it, though. It was something she'd noticed; sometimes he wouldn't answer, or seemed to gloss over things he probably didn't want to give detail on. His grandfather was still very much a mystery.

Distant Lightning's eyes followed the flank for a few moments before she spoke, the mare's voice drawing him from his thoughts. Blinking his wings hung at his sides. He wasn't sure if Dusk was still sleeping in his bedding or not, the maids having cleaned about. They better not have disturbed her... Shaking his head the male slowly trod after Yuna, still a little hooked on the sight. "Ah?" She answered to something he didn't remember asking, or saying. Was she responding? Brain, no. He shifted his hinds legs uncomfortably before he moved to sit in the cool water of his washing basin. The marble floor was cool, a stark contrast on texture between his sleeping chambers and here. "Did the walk do to help you settle some Miss Yuna? We managed to finish our chores so rewarding ourselves is the next step!" Oh, but what sort of rewards could they have? An icy treat perhaps? Has Yuna ever had arabian ice creme?

Yunalesca sank down into the cool water, letting it rush over her wings and her back. It felt good. She needed to duck her head under the water, but Lightning was asking her a question. "Oh, yeah it did. It was kind of neat to see everything up close, like how things work in a different country. The buildings, and the different ponies." Yuna said and dipped under the water then, letting it close over her head to cool her mane. She straightened again and pulled her wet hair out of her face. "Reward ourselves? Sounds nice. What did you have in mind?"

Silent Dusk lay in one of the best beds she could really ever recall, looking around she noticed she was alone but that suited her fine for now, the tidy room was nice and her wounds had healed up well so what could a little bat pony do all alone in her bed? putting a hoof to her chin she grinned, now there was an idea..

Distant Lightning sighed out feeling the cool waters touch against his warmed fur. While his fur was thin, like velvet to the touch, his dark skin beneath did well to reflect a good deal of the sun but did not prevent himself from cooking a bit. He canted his head, watching the mare submerge herself. His own wings flopped over at his side in the water, just floating here and there. He raised a wing slightly to see how badly he was molting. When he was stressed it wasn't uncommon for him to molt his wings thing, the usually thickly covered forms a burden in the desert. Shifting his weight he tucked his forelegs under his chest, hings legs laid to the side, relaxed. The male pinched his eyes closed as he listened to Yuna's recounting of the day.
Distant Lightning tried very hard to ignore his body's responses to being around her all day, and noticing. Oh he was used to traveling with them but there was the rare occasion where his main brain faculties decided to shut down, giving other extremities great power that no pony should have. He sighed out in a calming breathe. "well you may be my assistant tomorrow morning. I need to return to the academy to get approval for my doctorate studies." It would mean he could travel Equestria -- indefinitely, and be paid.

Yunalesca saw Lightning lift one of his wings, curious for a moment at the state of them; on feathered wings, her mind brought up questions she'd have to ask. She waded through the water to step closer towards him, somewhat hesitant, ready to back off if he showed any discomfort with her closeness. "That'd be interesting. I'd like to see this academy.. and I hope you do get approved for it." Yuna expressed, moving her eyes away from his wings to his face. "I couldn't help but wonder, about something. Is there any way to properly care for feathers? Or do you not have to worry about it?" Yuna was unaware, in the privacy of the washroom, that one of their companions was now awake.

Silent Dusk blushed as she realized where her thoughts had gone, then shrugged curling up some as she hid half way under the covers, nopony would notice right? the bat just "sleeping in" a bit more? nah she was good.

Distant Lightning was unaware that his clean sheets were soon going to not be thanks to Dusk. Alas... he was focused on Yuna's posterior and wings until she turned. He flustered a bit, pulling one of his wings back slightly. He question made him furrow his brows. That was right she really -- did not use her wings and Dusk's lessons of flight were primarily charged toward her leather wings. The maintenance and care of feathers was a bit tedious. "Why, yes. Miss Yuna, wing care is very important. Knowing how to do it well is the difference between flying, and dying." He noted. Pushing a bit so he rest on his side, so he was at a better height comparison to her, he tilted his head. He ignored any indicators that he was enjoying his close proximity to Yuna and stretched out his limbs. "Just as with fur you must deeply clean them. Come, stretch them out like this." He reached out his right wing with ease, stretching the form fully.
Distant Lightning has quite the wingspan, somewhat above average for the common pegasus, even as a horse. They were large, but it was mostly due to the length of his flight feathers which made him rather loud in flight. They produced noise rather than cut it, which could reason why his family disliked the forms. An entertainer should be silent and beautiful. Since he was hardly the latter, the former would have mattered. He pushed himself up so he could lounge close to Yuna's form so his head could reach over and muzzle clamp down so it could draw over one of her feathers. Feathers had nerves, blood vessels. They felt, they grew. Having so many one had to take care of them individually.

Yunalesca listened close, wincing minutely at the mention of dying, recalling Dusk's lessons about ending it quickly if she were to fall. She didn't feel like letting herself stray to morbid thoughts and put it out of her mind. The alicorn extended her wings as Lightning indicated to, holding still as he moved over one of her feathers. There was a word for it, she was sure, but she couldn't think of- preen? Was that it? Something birds did when they groomed themselves. Yuna stood still, silent a moment, not wanting to speak or pepper Lightning with more questions while he was busy. Her gaze drifted up and past him to the doorway to his room, eyeing it from this angle, but the bed Dusk was on was slightly out of view.

Silent Dusk thought she heard water but figured those were just sounds from the bath itself, rather caught up in her little fantasy involving the five of them, she didn't really connect the dots so to say and did nothing to hide the pitched squeaks all too known to Lightning.

Distant Lightning was good at preening, but he was educated in many things. Aside from having good manners the pegasus was also taught how to groom himself and, in the case others required it -- groom them. Being that grooming was quite important for bonding in such familial groups like arabians, knowing how to care for wings and the needs of others was part of his education. He was raised to be an entertainer first, and a scholar second. Lips, tongue and teeth worked with skill to smooth out Yuna''s flight feathers. "You don't stretch, nor use them enough. He pushed to stand so he stood a bit over the mare, reaching his hoof around to carefully raise her wing to reveal the underside. "If you do not stretch the feathers become matted with the fur and it can become damp, invite parasites." He explained as he shifted his weight to walk around Yuna so he sat down at her side. "Come, as such."
Distant Lightning flexed his wings so they curled up to reveal the joint that met his shoulder. for Yuna to mimic. Why was she distracted? He would follow her gaze to his chambers. It was an open area to allow easy movement in and out. The door was simply to keep the temperature and air cycles flowing properly at night, otherwise it remained open. Was Dusk still piled beneath the pillows and sheets? She was nocturnal so he did not expect much from her until the evening. The late afternoon was hardly a time for her to be wide awake, maybe a lazy slumber. He wasn't too sure about her sleeping habits, in all honesty. His headed tilted, but he lowered his head to groom along the underside of Yuna's wing. His ears pricked up at a familiar noise, but --impossible. Just a trick of the water and movement of the evening airs starting to creep in. No, such a thing. Dusk was all on her own, Gleamished was likely somewhere else. Not in his bed, right?
Distant Lightning was probably not the least bit ready for a herd with his self-esteem in the shitter. The arabian felt like the cushion at the bottom of a caravan. He was sat upon, of which he did not mind, but never noticed. Notice senpai's efforts...

Yunalesca felt the faint tugging motions as Lightning worked over her feathers, straightening them. She pulled her gaze away from the doorway when he spoke and moved around beside her. "I'm still sort of getting used to the whole flying thing. I might be able to one day lift off as easily as a bird, like the way Dusk does, but not yet. Back in Ponyville when she was teaching me, I did manage to get off the ground and fly a little bit." Yuna told him after he had explained how to handle her feathers; the idea of parasites made her grimace. Her eyes followed the way he moved his wings and made to do the same, giving him access to the feathers under them. Yuna heard.. what she was sure were soft squeaks coming from the room. She was unfamiliar with Dusk's sounds, or rather what they meant, to determine anything about them. Was she awake, then?

Silent Dusk gasped and blushed, there were still servants in the building but they wouldn't just barge in right? right, so the bat picked up the pace uttering more content groans thinking about Yuna, Gleam and Lightning.]

Distant Lightning focused on grooming Yuna, because he was a gentlecolt and the pleasure of another came before his own! Plucking, pinching and pulling at the warm spot of skin he would move to reach a forehoof around the smaller mare and try to hold her close so he could get ever, tiny feather and curl it properly. Of course doing so it was little different from being massaged. He heard the noise again, but didn't register it. He let out a chirp of his own, shifting his hind legs to guise any questionable reactions. He could not help he wholeheartedly cared for the others and wanted to groom them every morning and every night. This was how he could show Yuna he cared. Poor Light was probably going to find out the hard way what was going on just outside, but he was dutiful and focused.

Yunalesca felt it would be useful to her to pay attention to the way Lightning was grooming the underside of her wings' feathers, so she could learn how to do so on her own. Preening wasn't a thing she ever thought about, from before from a time when she didn't have wings to worry about. She never would have even thought that they came with any sort of maintenance! The soft noises coming from the next room drew her eyes back, her brow furrowing down in an expression of faint confusion. Yuna was vaguely tempted to speak to see if Dusk was awake, but she also didn't want to wake her up if those were just noises she was making in her sleep.. Even if they.. She felt Lightning move to hold her, tensing ever so slightly before she made herself relax. Preening wasn't so bad.

Silent Dusk screeched as she made a good mess of formerly clean sheets and frowned at her hoof, licking at it before she shrugged and trotted towards the bathing room.

Distant Lightning did not want Yuna to feel uncomfortable. Grooming was suppsoe to be relaxing. He would pull back a bit feeling her tense and use his wing to try and tilt her own so he could pick along the bicep of the wing. He was meticulous, but quick! He had already gotten down along, if Yuna did not move. He would respect her boundaries so if she moved, he would groom elsewhere. He was so into his task he had not heard the screech, but something was indeed off. He raised his head, ears swiveling back, but silence. Dusk was sleeping still right? He would attempt to lower Yuna's wing again so he could hold her wing's wrist. "here it is important to straighten and clean. If the feathers are not smooth, you cannot catch wind. It is why I often flex my wings, so they do not become tangled." He explained, smoothing out her longer flight feathers. He was patient and took the time to explain as he worked.
Distant Lightning would finally notice as Dusk neared the washing room. He was sitting right there, body facing Yuna's so his side was to the door. he looked over, ears folding back. "D...dusk. Good evening." He murmured. Was he okay to resume grooming Yuna? He tentatively held the wing, lightly nuzzling the pastel colored feathers, smoothing them along. He was testing the waters -- oddly enough. Was this okay? He slowly resumed grooming the alicorn mare.

Yunalesca wasn't as focused as Lightning was, her eyes returning to her wings as he groomed down further along them. He had withdrawn a little, probably because she had tensed, but she was still just adjusting. To be held like that.. She thought of Gleam briefly. The faint screech coming from Lightning's room scattered her thoughts a moment; had it been a noise of pleasure Yuna was more familiar with, she would have felt a jolt of fear that Gleam had gone to.. but he wouldn't have. He was probably taking a nap somewhere. No. "I see. I might make sure of that, but it's often hard when I have to hide them." Yuna knew she didn't really have to hide them, it was just.. hard. What sounded like hoofsteps on stone turned her head back to the doorway, but her body remained still. "Oh.. hey."

Silent Dusk looked at them and froze on the spot, face reddening in seconds as she gazed between the two and offered the most awkward smile ever. "H-Hey..."

Distant Lightning was completely oblivious, was just part of that awkward air too, just not for the same reason. "....yes." He lowered Yuna's wing and moved to stand, slowly walking around to settle on the other side of the striped mare. "W...would you like to join us Dusk?" He did not catch the sounds so there was a get out of awkwardness free card, for now. The pegasus leaned down to nibble at the mare's shoulder were her joint met along her back scratching along as deep in between the fur and feathers as he could. He leaned his head back. "I was sh-showing mMiss Yuna the proper techniques for preening wings." He raised his own wing to press one against her chest, were she to allow it (either of them) than the other hooked right over her back so he could raise his forehooves to hold up her wing and groom beneath it. Meticulous.

Yunalesca couldn't tell why Dusk was blushing. Was it because she thought she walked in on something inappropriate? Nothing about their situation was when it was just Lightning preening her wings. "Was that you in there? I thought I heard something but I couldn't be sure." She had to ask, having been less oblivious than Lightning, but still unaware of the reasons behind those sounds. Her head turned to follow Lightning's movements around to her other side, her ear twitching when he invited Dusk. It would be okay. Yuna didn't mind what Lightning did while he groomed her wing, or held her in place. "Yeah, I haven't ever tried asking about preening before."

Silent Dusk nodded quickly and flattened her ears blushing harder, never lie to your herd mates ever. "Yeah I thought I was alone sorry lovers.." then shook her head with a soft smile. "I think I'll leave you two to this preening and um take another short nap." Gosh embarrassing, then trotted back into the room and crawled into bed again.

Distant Lightning was at quite a loss as to the circumstances of Dusk's retreat. "You don't have to go?" He frowned a bit. He was gracefully oblivious, "You weren't alone. I'm sorry I didn't wake you. You seemed so tired." Well when you had a nocturnal companion that tended to happen during the day. "If you are awake you can join...t-to groom." He mumbled. AH he was torn! He wanted to groom Miss Yuna, but Dusk too! Cute little wings and flanks everywhere! He had paused in his preening of the alicorn's wings, if only to give Dusk the proper attention. Now that he thought about it where was the mage? "Ah, but if you want to go back to sleep..." He looked to Yuna. "What would you two care to do? I can finish preening your wings your you can spend the time resting before supper?" He queried.

Yunalesca bit her lower lip when the thestral decided to go back to bed; she didn't understand about the 'thought she was alone' thing, but knowing Dusk.. "But you just woke up.." She protested quietly, glancing between the retreating Dusk and Lightning beside her. She didn't want to end up getting between either of them, herd or no. Yuna shrugged a little and turned her dark gaze onto Lightning as he addressed her. "Oh, yeah, you can finish preening. I can find somewhere to rest and dry up before then, it works." Yuna said with a nod.

Silent Dusk climbed out of bed again and returned to the bath, slipping into the water as she mumbled. "Alright yeah I just awoke so yes I could stay."

Distant Lightning seemed glad that Dusk returned and resumed preening Yuna, seeing as the bat had not gotten mad, or ignored them! He was diligent in his manners, pulling each feather in place. After finishing up he nodded. "You must always preen them after a bath, or after sleeping on them, even long journeys can do well to affect them with the heat, cold and other extremes of the outdoors. Your flying is dependent on them. He looked to Dusk and raised a hoof to try and discreetly prod her. "Shall we rest before supper? I will groom you as well Dusk..."

Yunalesca looked back around, briefly, when Dusk stepped back into the room to join them in the bath. She was relieved to see it. Lightning's voice drew her back and she listened closely as she watched the way he preened her wings and straightened them. "I'll keep that in mind." Her feathers had probably been a bit of a mess before, but she had tried to do what she could. Yuna would wait until Lightning had finished, if he had as he had begun to address Dusk, before she stepped away. They would be given some space while she combed her hair straight, removing its knots, and remove herself from the bath to dry.

Silent Dusk nodded some and spread her leathery wings, tufted ears flicking as her eyes darted around the room. "That would be night Lightning, where is Gleam?"

Distant Lightning watched as Yuna climbed out of the basin, his eyes turning away, feeling he was staring a bit too hard. When Dusk moved the water around her could be felt rippling against his form. He shifted his weight and stood before settling down behind the mare. Even if Dusk was his favorite target for grooming, it did not mean he was not careful or acted without her consent. Her spread wings caused his heart to jump as he moved to lower his skull to settle between her shoulder blades, nibbling at the fur there. It took a great deal of practice to learn -- but, he managed to figure out how to groom leathery wings. "I don't know." e answered. "I went with Miss Yuna oin an errand today, I had assumed he was with you..." Making Dusk happier than he could. Pessimistic little horsie. "I had no idea you were still under my pillows." That was a lot of pillows to dig around and a smol, smol bat.

Yunalesca stepped carefully over the smooth stone to settle down, some couple feet from the basin. If there were any towels, she could dry off that way, avoiding her wings. Otherwise she just settled down, her legs folded beneath her to let the water drain off. She had been oblivious to any staring. "If I know him and Tarnished, he's probably napping somewhere.. or doing whatever it is he does when he's alone." Yuna answered. "Once I'm dry I'll probably hunt him down to prod him about dinner."

Silent Dusk nodded and squeaked to the nibbles at her neck that was always nice, discreetly moving a hoof in the water to clean herself while using Lightning as cover, the water ran rather simply off of her wings, not having feathers had it's merits.

Distant Lightning's maids kept a supply of drying towels handy, though it was more accessible with magic as they were kept hung to allow for maximum drying. The stallion bristled a bit when the mare squeaked. he always loved when she made those sounds. He took care around the joints between the bone and membrane, smoothing out fur and making sure nothing was matted. All the had to reach places. He folded his ears back and glanced up, head tilting. "I hope he is not sore we went on errands without him... I do not think he would have been keen on coming about." Also there would have been casualties. Even without feathers he licked at the membranes to get them nice and clean. His wing would help by brushing, lathering the stretch of skin to make sure it was perfectly clean. "Well, at least we will be prepared for supper." He had to follow the rules, even if he did not have to!

Yunalesca kept her eyes turned away from the pair in the bath, giving them some manner of privacy as Dusk made that squeak. She focused on drying off her coat, and doing the same for her mane and tail, with the towels provided. "It was sort of early when we headed into town, he was probably still asleep. I'm not really sure." Yuna couldn't recall if he had still been in bed or not when she'd gotten up. "I'm sure Gleam is fine." The alicorn assured as she lay down, taking a brush back to her hair and coat. "I'll talk to him though."

Silent Dusk turned her head to kiss Lightning a moment as he took care of her wings and fur, the saddle arabian was a caring herdmate for sure, then nickered. "Hey Yuna come closer a second so I can check something?"

Distant Lightning would normally get flustered and scold Dusk for such behaviors... in public. Since the maids had been sent away (at his annoyance) he was alright to receive attention from his smol bat. His eyes pinched up in a rare smile. Without his monocle his face could emote a bit better, but it was still not a clean cut smile. A bit forced. Why was he kissed though? Dusk always had many reasons and sometimes none for it. He rarely... considered it, kissing her, or any of them. He felt better providing affectionate nuzzles and groomings. Kissing -- had never been a thing for him. Not even mother's kisses... Snorting he buried his muzzle beneath the bat's wing to get at the space closest to her body to smooth out the fur and any matting occurring from tucked wings.
Distant Lightning seemed to stiffen a moment, brow raising as his eye stared off. There was just a strange pause with the stallion before he resumed grooming the mare, mumbling something in sand. Pretty sure he was scolding Dusk now.

Yunalesca didn't look around until Dusk addressed her, her ears perking. After the soft sound that sounded like a kiss, she was a little suspicious, but she stood and made her way over to the basin with caution. Partially so she wouldn't slip on the smooth, wet stone. Yuna knelt down against her better judgement, head cocked curiously at the thestral. She briefly glanced over at Lightning, who almost seemed to be smiling, at least before he returned to grooming Dusk. "What is it?" She could hear murmuring but she couldn't make out any of it.

Silent Dusk grabbed the Alicorn's head and kissed her as well proving the mare's cautions to be correct, humming softly into the kiss until Yuna would withdraw from it if she was really uncomfy with it, her wing caressing Lightning in thanks for his help.

Distant Lightning felt Dusk was quite the -- well the word he had was not polite, but she was spirited, to say such with an intensely vague nature. The male was already feeling emotional being around Yuna, Dusk was not helping with her caressing. Glancing up he flinched a bit when Dusk moved to pull at Yuna. He hoped the mare didn't fall in and make a splash, he felt like it could happen with Dusk's forwardness sometimes. He felt a little jealous that Dusk seemed to be so fond of miss Yuna, but it was not as if the bat wasn't fond of him. He simply felt inferior. He tucked his forehooves over Dusk's knees trying to keep her still as he laid over her back and resumed nipping down between her wings. He looked to Yuna apologetically, for one reason or another.

Yunalesca had been proven correct. She knew it the second Dusk grabbed her with wet hooves and pulled her into a kiss. Her immediate instinct was to pull away, more from the grabbing than the actual kiss, but she fought the urge. Yuna braced her foreknees against the ground so she didn't go toppling in, her wings held up for balance, and tried kissing Dusk back. Both to humor the thestral, and just to try it out; the times Dusk had kissed her before were brief enough that she'd never known how to feel about it. After a moment Yuna pulled away, blinking, and caught Lightning's look. She just shrugged. "Well, then."

Silent Dusk smiled apologetically at the unicorn and flicked her ears back in submission. "Sorry I just.. well I love all of you you know?" settling in the water she enjoyed more of Lightning's grooming and actually rest her head on the bath's edge.

Distant Lightning watched Dusk's and Yuna's reaction. He felt a bit badly for wanting to garner more of Dusk's attention. She did care for them and he did as well. "I'm sorry." He murmured, laying himself over the bat's back, head tilting slightly at Yuna. "I love you all too. I am just always afraid you love each other more. I don't want to be left alone." He murmured, holding tight to Dusk. Was he humping her? Most likely, the male was very clingy and emotional. "I keep thinking horrible things like that. You won't leave me alone right? I want to spend everyday with Dusk, Yuna and Gleamished..." He laid his head beside Dusk's and looked up at Yuna. "Yuna has such a cute flank, her stripes make it stand out. Her wings are so soft.. I wanted to hold you all day, compliment you.." He finally spilled the beans. Poor, sheltered scholar. He was scared at every turn to do so! "I love you." He stared right at Yuna.

Yunalesca straightened up a little to seat herself properly, rather than half kneeling by the basin's edge. Her ears rotated halfway back and she waved away Dusk's apology. "Don't worry about it. It just keeps surprising me, is all." The alicorn tried to reassure her, and faltered as Lightning spoke up too in what sounded like an honest confession to her. Her cheeks lit up, and Yuna wasn't sure how to respond to all of the 'I love you's.' Maybe she was starting to understand how Gleam must have felt the first time she said it to him, her frightened and wanting him to know it just in case anything bad happened. It was making her feel a little emotional. Yuna shuffled her forehooves on the stone, looking down at them as Lighting complimented her flank.. and her stripes. "I love you guys too." Yuna managed. She honestly felt more for 'Gleamished,' but she still cared quite a bit for these two. "We won't- I won't leave you alone, not unless you wanted me to."

Silent Dusk nodded and lazily rested her head on the bath's edge still, she knew Yuna felt more for Gleam and she herself felt more for Lightning, but that was often the case in herds as long as they stuck together though it would work fine.

The End.