Raven Rawne

@@Nightmare Season She wasn't impressed with the answer, but it's not like she could file a complaint on it. Crystal Clear remained silent for the duration of the feast, and after some hesitation I'm her side, she started eating. Mostly because she wasn't sure if she'd hold her meal. Still, seemed like her foals didn't like the thought of skipping meals and she ate rather much. Nightmare leaned to her and filled her in on the next step of tonight's gathering. Seems like it was time for gifts and challenges. Amongst the long list of clans, the crystal mare took special notice in a few. The Raging Fire of course, since they announced Midnight Gleam as their best warrior. Now it made sense why their sparring were so one sided. Still, Nightmare faced worse and won. The Dark Waters were okay, but their challenge was a mystery. What will they ask for, to swim someplace? The Shooting Stars had an eerie air to them. And they issued a challenge too. Crystal was jess than thrilled to have head hunters under her roof but it's not like she could do much about it. And if course... the Poisoned Oasis. Her mother in-law wrapped a wing around the mare as soon as it became apparent what their specialty was. Crystal hated slavery with a passion, and gritted her teeth as the stallion dared present them with a very young mare, who he announced like a rare crystal of fine qualities. She brought a foreleg to her neck as her eyes noticed the collar on the poor mare. Crystal had one too, and still tried to pry it loose on occasions, even if it was gone for good. Realising her nervous tick, she covered her snout, faking a yawn. It was the best she could think of other than standing up and yelling at the stallion. At least Nightmare will let her free the poor soul. She got two slaves in total. As the stream of gifts ran dry and the clans took interest in their own company, Nightmare Season asked his wife to bring some of her land's wares for show. She nodded and turned to the alicorn. "Mother, could you help me? It'll be much easier to carry it all with your magic." The alicorn agreed and they both excused themselves for a moment. The gathered stallions didn't even notice - they were busy earning money. Crystal Clear went to a storage room that contained their crystal items. She opened her cart and fished out the glow-crystal, and the axe. "Heh, I know somepony who will be interested in this." Them she picked the berry bush - it seemed it survived the trip in good health. The mare thought for a moment, and decided to bring along her old cart too, after emptying it up, and some raw crystals that would look good as jewelry. Should suffice for a start. She didn't want to show the work station, or the dinner set - the latter at least until she added her husbands mark to it. With Hearts-Dreams aid, they managed to take it all in one haul. Crystal had the necklace, axe, and a bag of crystals. She sure hoped none will be stolen, she didn't have any means of getting new ones. Thus laden with stuff, they came back to the main room. Nightmare noticed their arrival and asked for attention. He then made a presentation, and she answered any technical questions, since she could make nearly anything out of crystal.

@@Nightmare Season One of the stallions took interest in her. Crystal looked to her husband for confirmation that it was OK to speak up, and he nodded. The removal of that nice wing made her feel exposed. "I am a crystal pony, from a land far to the North. Beyond Equestria, actually." Another one took interest in her pregnancy. "It's just the third month, but I carry twins, hence the look. She smoothed the dress around her belly. It seemed Hearts-Dream took over, and unasked. No fair. Still, she said her babies will be just like in that dream? Funny. But if it's true, then her daughter will end up as a wife to some nightmare... Hopefully she'll go North, as an ambassador maybe? Too early for that, the crowd was on the verge of a war for that root. Maybe they would accept the normal ones too... Nightmare Season called out to bring the meeting to order. He then nodded to a guard and the Oracle's came. This was it, all or nothing. She glanced to see if her own dagger was in place. Nopony will trade her like a bag of potatoes! Nightmare approached the oracles and made his claim. Crystal was shaking from anxiety. The goblet burned and he was pronounced legitimate. She breathed out like a deflating balloon, relieved. Okay, time to do the table service... Crystal was about to get up when one of the guests spoke, and her husband motioned her to remain on her seat. She looked at him funny but fortunately, he explained. She smiled somewhat at the mention it was an attempt to net him a wife. Well she was kind of pretty alright, but they already discussed it. No more wives. The mare looked down at her plate and thought about what to eat. Her eat all you can compass didn't point at anything available, but she took a small bite. More out of politeness than hunger, she was still rather stressed. Crystal poked him gently and motioned to lend an ear. She asked him quietly: "So now that you were confirmed, will all the clans bow their heads, or some will test you because they can? I don't see a point in further trials myself." She looked at the assembled guests. If they could see how one sided their culture was... Everything for the stallion.

@@Nightmare Season, I guess I really stretched the limits of probability with keeping her shining... When you write your part, she'll be anxious but, unless something really extreme happens, will keep it quiet and hide under her mother in-law's wing. Obscure her snout with a foreleg if they'll be given any slaves to hide her disgust at the practice. And of course get scared if any trials arise.

@@Nightmare Season, And so they took a walk. Radiance decided to join too, and perched herself on the mare's back. Seems she didn't want to be left alone. Crystal made a few observations - first, the foals. Or lack thereof. She saw just a couple of them really, so, unless they're kept indoors at all times, Nightmare didn't exaggerrate. They kept to the markets and shops, since her husband wanted to show her the wares of his culture. She saw some fine things, and decided that nightmare ponies could easily make a bang with their silks. Another thing that seemed odd was that the whole city was arranged in clean cut districts, each one looking a bit differently. There was always some space between the tents of different groups. Nightmare Season explained they were set up by different clans. They bought some veggies that Crystal had a sudden urge to eat - another pregnancy quirk - and headed back. Radiance had an opportunity to fly freely, and pulled off some pretty neat stunts. Fortunately, she didn't cause any trouble - the bird was a mischevious sort. They paused by the alicorn's tent - seems like she was cashing in on her fortune telling, jusging from the line of ponies by the entrance. Nightmare asked his wife to wait outside and excused himself inside. Soon he was back with her and said that he asked his mother to come over for the evening ceremony to heep the expecting mother company. Crystal actually liked this idea - one more pony on her side in this mess... They went back home to witness the preparations for the evening feast - ponies were setting up food of all kind on tables - one, smaller, just for the Sultan and his retinue, and one, very long, for the guests. Nightmare put the edible treasures in another room and led his wife up to their seats. She took a comfortable position, a bit sideways to avoid putting pressure on her belly. On the downside, her foal bearing underside was exposed for everypony to see, and the dress only accenuated the bulge. She listened to the instructions. "Alright, the food serving part I rememember." She thought it was weird to demand table service from a pregnant mare - some things about nightmare culture were so dumb. She frowned deeply at the mention of slaves... again. The hug did little to improve her mood. She nodded and sighed. "Okay... I'll keep my mouth shut and try not to look angry, but if we do get any, we let them free, got it? They can be hired as servants, but as free ponies. I won't suffer slavery in my house." She saw Hearts-Dream approaching. Her guardian angel, of sorts. When she asked where they wanted her to sit, there was only one correct answer. Crystal practiced the fine art of shutting up and patted the cushion next to her. Heart it was hard not to talk... Her mother in-law asked how she was, and Crystal shrugged. "Anxious doesn't do it any justice. I'm all freaked out, to be honest. Just the three of us against the Clans, his pseudo parents and Heart knows what else. And the slaves... I hate slavery..." Hearts-Dream tried to comfort her. The sight of three nightmares, these... particular, nightmares, made her gulp audibly and instinctively cover her underside with a foreleg. The prospect of having them right next to her was unsettling, and her mother in-law wrapped a wing around her for emotional comfort. It helped, she didn't feel as exposed. Crystal nodded at the alicorn in thanks. It seemed the party was about to start. the clans were taking their places by the large table. Crystal was thinking of all the nice things she could come up with, and her coat still shined, but she figured it was more because of the way her pregnancy made her happy than her current mood. She shifted herself under tle loving wing of her mother in-law, so it would be easier to get up and serve the stupid food. She was too nervous to eat anyway. One last glance at Nightmare Season, a deep breath and a nuzzle from the alicorn. She won't be ready for thins, not in a thousand years. So it may as well start already.

@@Pripyat Pony, I'm game - if Crystal doesn't bump into Ember by the station, she'll finish her business in an hour or two and head back home. And since she hates cooking...

@@Pripyat Pony, @@Bomb Sheep, it's your turn guys. If, at any point, anyone feel like skipping a turn, do let the rest know, okay? Seems we're on our own for now, maybe the RP will gather some attention as it starts rolling.

@@Nightmare Season, The shiny mare frowned at the frequent mentions of the S-word. "I wouldn't even think of calling our predicament like that. Yes, royalty has a ton of stuff to do, and a lot of it it... rather pointless in fact, but don't put a parallel between us and those ponies I saw, alright?" Her voice was a bit shaky at the end, but she followed him to the cushions and listened to his little lecture. Crystal replied to his inquiry about banners with a simple "Uh-huh" and a nod. So they will design their own banner? That would be interesting. The mention abut a workshop piqued her interest. "Hmm, it would be nice to get back to work, buuuut I need some alchemy ingredients, and a mini lab to make the formula which allows the crystals to grow into a single piece. Plus, I probably won't have the strength to do anything major, not with the babies inside." She ran a hoof through her steadily growing underside. "Maybe I could scrap my old cart and make pots for the dream trees? No point in using up the better crystals for them..." It seemed she was already planning her work schedule, pating her chin as she tend to and smiling. A kiss brought her back to the present, and she returned it. "Don't worry, things will be alright as long as we're together." They were resting in the "throne room", making some rudimentary plans when the alicorn showed up. The mare gave her a wave from her cushion. "I'm fine, thanks. Still trying to get used to all that, but guess I'll be fine." She made a wide motion around her with a foreleg. Crystal frowned slightly at the mention of Nightmare's family - truth be told, she considered them more of a foster family than anything else at this point. He had a mother after all. The alicorn's embrace was different, but still very nice. Those wings felt amazing when she wrapped them around the crystal mare. She smiled and nodded at her mother in-law. Seems like she had to have some secret plan going on at all times. Nightmare Season told her that they will probably have a busy evening. Crystal Clear wasn't really looking forward to it, but it's not like she could stop time, so... "Hmm, actually, why not. I can't just lie around like a bottle of fine brandy, do I?" She got up, slowly, and smoothed out her dress. "Shall we, love?" She asked in a semi seductive manner.

@@Nightmare Season Nightmare Season led her inside a large tent. Once inside, the mare noticed it was a mess hall of sorts. The line was pretty long but the ponies waiting have insisted to let her to the front. She figured it was because of her amulet - her husband said expecting mothers were treated specially. They sat by one of the tables. The mare had a big cup of water and some salad. She listened to Nightmare as he laid out the future events to her. She put a foreleg protectively on her belly when he mentioned all the bad things that could happen. She didn't say it out loud but she'd rather die with her foals than be sold to another. Another thing she noticed, and didn't like, was how other nightmares will perceive her - food and entertainment. Somehow the time they were travelling seemed all the better now that she thought of the normal rules that will apply to her. At least she knew her company and they treated her well. Night went as usual, but it was nice to be still rather than in a ricketing carriage. Morning was also rather usual - get up, endure morning nausea, stare in the mirror and notice your body changing, get dressed, into the carriage. The caravan was larger, but only some of her travel companions were still around. It seemed they were under heavy military escort. She saw halfbreeds for the first time and began to tell them apart from full bloods. By midday, they were there. She heard the horns and got up on her hooves to look out. "Can we just walk in? I can't see much through that tiny window..." Nightmare stopped the carriage and helped her get out. For some reason, even simple tasks were far more exhausting now. They walked by their transport, in case they needed to get back in for some reason. Crystal Clear could take in the sights and sounds of the nightmare pony "cspital". It was busy and large. Not as large as the Empire, or do she thought, but big for a gathering of tents in the desert. Nightmare Season provided useful information to her. As they got really close, she noticed trees - there was an oasis here. Crystal saw a spring with grass all around it, like a public square. She didn't really think, it was an impulse - she dashed to feel the grass under her hooves. Only once she lifted her snout from the green carpet, having smelled fresh grass for the first time in months, did she notice that Nightmare ran after her. "Eheh, sorry. I just had to the moment I saw it. Another crazy pregnant wife thing on the list." They continued the walk and she noticed all kinds of shops and businesses. At some time she froze in place, staring intently with an intense, but mixed expression. A slave pen. Nightmare had to literally carry her away. The stallion led his wife to the center of the tent city, towards the biggest tent she ever saw. Crystal wasn't sure if it was even possible to make a tent that big without collapsing. At first she thought it's a public structure, since it had no flag. Only once Nightmare welcomed her home did she realise it's theirs. She was positively speechless. The stallion led her in, and Crystal Clear slowly took in all that she saw. The mare went deeper in to explore their new home. There were like, ten bedrooms, probably for the lesser wives, and one big main one. The bed was so grand that Nightmare could sleep with all those ten wives at once and still be somewhat comfortable. There was storage space, a meeting room and day area, all big enough to accommodate the wives. Also some smaller rooms, now empty. Crystal found her husband in the throne room. He was eyeing the main cushion, as if unsure if he could sit on it. "This place is just... huuuge. We'll need to think about some rearrangement though, half the space are bedrooms. " Age noticed how he looked at the quasi throne and nuzzled his neck. "C'mon, you know you're a true born. You'll pass the trials, I know it. And then you'll be the best Sultan ever, promise." She looked around the room. "Am I supposed to be around as eyecandy during your audiences? The cushions seem to be arranged like for the wives... Or advisors maybe. There's so much I still don't know. So how much time we have before I see your family and the trials begin? No offence but I don't really look forward to meeting them in pony. Or having them near my foals for that matter."

@@Nightmare Season She looked at him funny. "So... I figured it out?" A kiss was enough of an answer. Crystal hugged her husband and nuzzled him happily. They got back to camp and Nightmare ordered some of the ponies to replant the saplings into pots. Now they had their own trees, and if the theory was correct, they would grow faster with ponies around. They have spent the next two weeks locked up in the carriage. Crystal was happy to spend time with her husband, but lack of movement and monotematic views from the windows, just sand everywhere, have also taken their toll. She irritated more easily, and her normally well toned body started to become rather plush. She also gained some weight, but that was to be expected for a pregnant mare. One morning she was laying in a corner, trying to keep herself away from heat when a horn was heard at the head of their caravan. Another one answered up ahead. She got up, slowly, and looked outside. Nightmare announced they reached their destination. Crystal Clear noticed the carriage stopped and jumped off it through the door. She landed on hot sand, but at last was outside! She took in the views and noticed a settlement in the valley up ahead. Nightmare joined her and told her how things were. "Can we walk to the village, please?" The crystal puppy eyes must've worked, because Nightmare Season agreed. They walked side by side all the way to the settlement. Crystal noticed that dressing up from hooves to snout, as her husband told her when they entered the desert, worked better than wearing nothing as far as heat protection went. Still, she was a bit tired when they reached the tents. Fortunately, the caravan proceeded to set camp behind the barricades. It seemed they entered a military camp, with lots of ponies at arms and some nightmares acting like officers. It made sense based on what she heard from Nightmare. She also noticed that Midnight reunited with her family. That was a really heartwarming sight. He told her tomorrow they'll reach the capital. Crystal looked st him, with a pleasant smile, shining like she did for the most of their trip. "I won't lie, I'm all too happy to be done with the trip. I am also curious of the home that awaits us. Although, one thing kind of bugs me. Well, two actually. Will the rest of your family be there? Don't get me wrong but... they didn't seem too nice in your memories. I'm a bit, dunno, scared to meet them? Other thing is the coronation and all that. You mentioned trials, and I don't kniw a thing about them. Or about my role as the Sultans wife for that matter... Care to shine some light on my ignorance? " She noticed their tent was being set up next, but not ready yet. So she looked around for some shade. "Hmm... any good spots we could hide from the sun and get some water? I'm still a pony of the cold North, after all..."

@@Nightmare Season They were nearing their tent when Crystal spotted Night Flower. She was waiting by the entrance. The red mare greeted her with a dose of suspicion - she cleaned up and apparently had a bit of rest, although she still looked starved. The black mare spoke first, and Crystal decided to let her say her part without interruption. Only once Night Flower said her part and took interest in her crystal amulet did the expecting mother speak up, with a small smile. "It's called Aurora Borealis. The crystal. They're pretty rare and took their name from the lights dancing on the night sky in my homeland... Oh and, uh, thanks for the kind words." She remained silent as Night adressed Nightmare, but her smile widened st the remark that Night wouldn't share him either. "Wait! I uh... we can share some dream energy with you. I don't want to be rude but you look starved and the evening matches are a slim chance to get some food for you. We uhh, found roots that contain dream energy. Taste us awful but Nightmare could live off them for a while." Night Flower didn't buy it until Nightmare confirmed it. With nothing to loose and an empty stomach, Night gave them a try. She also found the taste revolting, but at least fed some. Crystal felt a little better with this random act of aid. A month has passed. Crystal Clear was now in her second month, out of the usual ten. Since she carried twins, the bump in her abdomen was already clearly visible. Nightmare Season seemed to take great pleasure in touching his wife's belly, and she didn't mind the extra attention... They were standing on the edge of a huge desert. The mare already felt the cursed sand chafing her coat under her dress with every gust of wind. Still, not enough of an issue to stop her from shining 24/7. She nuzzled her husband's neck. "I can't wait to see your home love. Lead the way to Brutus place then. Just keep a slower pace, okay?" They ventured off from the rest of the caravan, in the direction of hills she could see in the distance. The walk was slow with all that sand under her hooves. Seems there was some special way of walking on this thing since Nightmare was much faster. Eventually, they found a cave. "What happened here... The whole place is just... wrecked." Nightmare said it was Brutus. Well it made sense. They went to the stallions old bedroom. She saw his drawings, crude copies of the scroll he lost. She laughed sincerely. "I really hope our foals won't take the artistic skills after their daddy." Nightmare crawled through a small opening outside, and she reluctantly followed. It was a tight fit, with her larger belly, and she really didn't like that she stained her dress, but the sight if a small oasis, and in it, tiny dream trees made it almost worth it. "Hmm, so you took to gardening too?" She listened as he explained and dug out a root. She also noticed it looked different. Nightmare tasted it before she could protest. Then he offered her one, but his excitement told her to to question his judgement. She was ready to drink half of the pond nearby to wash the awful taste, but to her surprise, it was... sweet? He stated the obvious and they exchanged kisses. Now Crystal was on the case. She looked around and thought out loud. "Alright... so we nailed the secret. Now we need to think of a way to make them grow... Dud you just put the roots in the ground and water the soil? Hmm... maybe we could dig them out and put in pots, so they could be carried with the caravans. But how to make them grow?" She patted her chin in deep thought for several minutes, then exclaimed. "Wait! Tell me, the trees you already discovered, did they tend to grow close to pony settlements? Well, close being a relative term?" Maybe they soak up the dreams of ponies and that makes them grow? Sounds like ramblings of a pregnant mare on the verge of a heat stroke, I know but..." She inspected the tiny trees, as if they could share their secret to her.

@@Nightmare Season, She heard the carriage creak gently as somepony got in. She looked up from the pillow she made so thoroughtly wet with her tears. It was Nightmare Season. She was too far gone in her crying fit to say anything - she just sniffed and looked at him with reddened eyes as he took a spot next to her, and gently lifted her off the pillow into a comforting hug. At least he tried to be with her now... "*sniff* Y-you left me! A-and I didn't know what to do, and she... she..." A reassuring kiss silenced her for a moment. The overwhelming sadness slowly dissipated as she took comfort in his hooves, but another emotion took it's place - anger. "Why you left me there, without a slightest cue?! Hearts-Dream told me to ask, when the challenge comes, and you didn't answer! How was I supposed to decide if I never laid eyes on that mare, and y-you knew her from bucking diapers!" She huffed and put a token effort to get free from his hug. Nightmare just waited it out. She came with round two. "Do you even know how I felt back there? Clueless about everything but most basic customs, with no support from you, having to decide if I want to accept some strage mare to live with you or not? And what if I chose wrong? Displeased you? Would you put a collar on a mother of your foals?!" Aother angry huff, round three. "And what if I don't want to share? Do your customs even take the mare's will into account? G-get your hoof off my foals damnit! I'll walk back all the way to the Empire if you keep pulling off tricks like that, you hear me?!" Eventually, the mare's rage burned out, and she stopped fighting and yelling. Crystal just lied in that steady embrace and huffed audibly. Nightmare decided to make use of the silent treatment and fill her in on the finer details of the challenge custom, and that she's safe from any more challenges now that she carries his foals. As he finished, she settled some. Crystal pouted as the last, feeble attempt at defiance. "I sent her away, just so you know. But allowed her to tag along, she looked terrible and malnourished. I couldn't just tell her to go buck off. So if you reeeeally want to reaquaint yourself with her, I guess she'll be around." He squeezed her a bit too tight in a "thank you" bear hug. Somehow she thought she looked like Nightmare when he got hugged by Brutus. "Can't... breathe... Uuugh, what the hay? You want to kill me?" She finally snuggled into a more comfortable, and intmate position. He wasn't mad, she chose right. And Night Flower wasn't a lost case too. As long as she doesn't try to make her husband cheat on her... Crystal Clear wiped her eyes with a foreleg and looked up at her husband. "I'm still mad at you, just so you know. Don't think you'll squirm away with just a killer hug." She may talk tough, but the way she snuggled to him undermined any and all evidence of her supposed fury. The rest of the day was... okay. Crystal didn't shine, but felt good. A couple more hours of pretty much snuggling to her husband settled her mind and emotions, so that was good. Eventually, it was time to get out as the doors opened and Mignight poked her head in to annouce they stopped for the night. The mare got out after her stallion, who made sure she didn't fall out after basically laying for a few hours. She needed a stretch or seven to get the blood flowing, but otherwise was fine. She looked around and smiled at the scenery: "Views like this make me wish I was a painter, you know? This place just begs to be immortalised on canvas. The grey mountains with white snow caps, the reddish sky... and that blue lake. Care for a stroll to take a better look at it?" They took a short walk towards the lake. It looked so pure and perfect. The mare looked at the water and saw her reflection. Soon another figure joined. "I still can't believe that I'm supposed to look like that forever... I don't suppose you could make me younger? Twenty or so? Heh, thought so. That's just mares for you, even immortality is not enough haha!" She looked up and took in the view. "Daamn... I could live here, you know. A small crystal cabin, just the two of us... Well, soon four. Ehh, let's go back, I'm getting sentimental. Sometimes I wonder if it's really me or my hormones talking." She nuzzled into her husband's neck and went back to camp.

@, The crystal mare took her seat opposite of her fiance and put down their plates. She smiled gently at the pegasi but frowned slightly as she finished her trail of thought. Crystal Clear pointed a fork at her and said seriously. "Exactly, nothing. There's no point in wallowing in some hypothethical scenarios where things go bad. We do our best and push forward, that's how I see it. You won't get anything from contemplating on all the possible bad outcomes that you can think of. Now I suggest you eat up till it's hot, our escort may show up any minute." The noble walked a bit aimlessly amongst the houses, telling his herald to note what he thought was necessary. For some reason he didn't talk with anypony who lived there, either having decided that he can assess their needs on his own, or was afraid that actually asking will floodd him with demands. Or he was simply feeling awkward. Whatever the cause, he kept to himself.

A stallion partygoer, right? First thing that I noticed about his appearance are the gradient socks - something that doesn't happened yet in the show proper, and may be frowned upon by other people because of that. He could be a Palonimo, like Sunburst or Pisqueek, so you could have different coloured spots on him, although it would be good to keep them in a more "realistic" spectrum, or in a complimentary hue to the main coat colour. Right now I just look at him and think he just finished mashing grapes with his hooves. Or danced in a punchbowl. Now mane and tail wise, you could start with thinking what kind of parties he likes to attend, and how he acts there. His 'do could reflect his style - see Pinkie for the wild no breaks attatched fun or "80-ies Cheerelie" for capturing the spirit of the era. His mane could reflect personality, favourite music style, that kind of thing.

Flashing lights by the station - the unmistakeable sign of a new wave of tourists and their blasted cameras. Crystal Clear finished her meal in peace, and took a swing from her water flask. The mare got up and rolled her blanket, then put on the saddlebags. She stretched her back a bit and resumed her trip. "Alright... so I bypass the station, criss the rails and head for the cave. Let's just hope I won't miss it again..." She mused aloud as she entered the road, only to get off it once the first arrivals were getting close. She wanted to sneak past the station and behind the train. Well, not really sneak, just, go where she wanted without being mistaken for a tour guide.

@@Nightmare Season, Okay, so no fighting today, that was something. But her husband gave her no cue on what to do, and even walked away into the small crowd of onlookers. She was... alone in this. Crystal looked around for something, anything that would point her towards the right choice, but neither Nightmare nor Hearts-Dream showed any signs, well, anything. They were just there. And the mare was getting closer. Crystal har a hard time talking to the mare. All she managed was a stammerer "Y-yes" when she asked her name. Her legs felt shaky and her nerves were on edge as the mare delivered her rhetoric blows. then something happenned - Night Flower paused, and lost her confidence. She must've noticed the amulet, judging by her reaction. Crystal made a weak smile and said "T-twins, just over a month now. That's why I don't look, you know..." Night Flower looked... pretty terrible now that she could have a better look at her. It made the crystal pony feel bad for her. Crystal took a glance at Nightmare for a last chance to get a cue but he... he was walking back to the carriage?! That made her feel even worse. She looked again at the mare bowed before her and took a deep breath to calm her nerves some. "I... I'm sorry. I won't welcome you by my husband's side." Uttering that sentence felt like somepony was tearing her heart out. With a spoon. "But you can join our caravan, there's safety in numbers a-and you could both catch up with each other..." She hoped the other mare wouldn't take it as a sign she took pity on her, nopony should be looked down upon just because they didn't look at their best at the moment. "You don't have to answer n-now, just... think about it." She sniffed and felt a tear forming in her eye. "I-I'm sorry!" Crystal turned back and ran to the carriage. She barged in and jumped at the nearest pillow, into which she began crying like she neved did. Her shiny coat was gone - she looked normal again and more importantly, she felt awful. Her husband left when she needed him, presented with an impossible choice when she was to choose the lesser evil. But fow whom?! She didn't want to share - did it make her posessive? Mean? Unfit to be with a nightmare pony? What if Nightmare would like a second wife? What will she do when the next challenger appears? And the next? She didn't have answers for any of this. So she cried, and couldn't stop.

@@Nightmare Season The mare giggled when he rolled her on her back. She listened to the stallion calming her that they have enough time. Although the mention about her being scary made her laugh. "Hahaha that was rich! I wasn't THAT desperate wasn't I? Okay, I so was, like, Rawr! Give me a foal, now! " She laughed some more. Next morning the caravan had to move out. Crystal Clear bid farewell to her family and friends, but heard Nightmare's promise to bring her back North before she gave birth. That was actually a pretty interesting idea... They travelled South, and, to Crystal's big surprise, she just kept shining. She was so happy with her husband. Even with the first symptoms of her pregnancy appeared. A week or so after the crystal wedding, she was hit by morning nausea, nearly every day. She had to eat breakfast in the carriage, and a light one too, or it wouldn't remain in her stomach. As a side effect, she had less energy but otherwise was healthy. Funny enough, it seemed that bonding improved her linguistic skills - her reading lessons were going better and Crystal managed to actually read some scrolls, like the one about challenging the wife. It still concerned her, despite the fact that an oracle and her own body confirmed that she was pregnant - she missed her next period. Still, she didn't feel really safe. And so came the time of challenge. One day, without warning, a horn signalled a stop. Crystal Clear heard a loud female voice uttering a challenge. They exchanged looks - the mare was worried. With shaky legs and help of her husband, she came out of the carriage and walked to the front of their column. There she was, the one who would challenge her, just as Hearts-Dream foretold. She took a deep breath to steady her voice. "I am Crystal Clear, Nightmare Season's first and only! Approach, Night Flower, let's not yell at each other for all of the mountains to hear!" The nightmare mare did just that, and looked as if she was ready to tear the poor crystal pony apart where she stood. Crystal motioned Nightmare to lend an ear, when the challenger was still away. "If I get it right, then I won by default, right? I can't risk our foals in a fight, I don't want to... you know... loose them." Her voice was a rather obvious cue that she wasn't just hiding behind her belly, and would fight if needs be, but hoped her current state would be enough of a proof. "Also, what do you think of her? I don't want to share you but... it's your decision too." Crystal Clear fidgeted with her talisman, making sure it was clearly visible that she was expecting.

I'm keeping tabs on the RP, just waiting for something to do for my character. Since the ship is travelling by impulse, does it mean that we're already in-system? Also, give me a cue when the Romulans will show up.

@@Nightmare Season, The ponies assembled in the tent, and took their seats in a circle. Crystal Clear obviously pushed er cushion to her husband so she could lean on him, both as a sign of their bond, and because it just felt so damn good. Shenoticed that er family was uneasy, much like she used to. Dad was keeping a politesmile, an eternal optiminst, that one. He was the heart of the house, and their shop. Mom was... a tricky one, like she used to say so many times. She sat next to her husband and remained silent at first, as if asessing the situation. Her expression was neutral and unreadable. Snowflake was his usual self - head spinning so fast she hoped he would snap his spine, asessing the wealth around him, and, no doubt, his supposed cut. As if. Hearts-dream tok a seat alone, a small distance from both groups - a one pony club. Nightmare inroduced himself properly, and his mother. Crystal did the same with her parents, but gave Snowflake a stern look to behave when she mentioned him. Obviously, the cue went over his head. Hearts-Dream took an opportunty to explain her relation with Nightmare Season. Crystal's family listened with some fright over how the stallion before them was born. It didn't sit right with them, how a pony can be born rom bad dreams. And yet they knew that the strange blind alicorn wasn't lying. Next, Nightmare season took an opportunity to explain his culture, with occasional snippets from Crystal, who held him close the whole time. Dad played it nice, knowing well that his firstborn is too dense to change her mind. Besides, Crystal looked so happy - it was unusual for a crystal pony to shine for so long without pause. Mom was more skeptical, and asked technical questions, especially about the relations between the husband and his many wives. The prospect of their daugher being on of many, even if the first and most important one, didn't feel right for them. They were also a bit concerned with the sheer distance that will separate them, and the slim chances of visits. The part about immortality sure raised their eyebrows, and Snowflae looked like he had a stroke. Crystal was annoyed how he seemed to be interested solely in Nightmare's wealth, as if asessing how much he can "borrow". Crystal Clear never liked Equetrian gadgets, but when Nightmare Season told her family about the twins, she sure wished to have a camera - their expressions wre just... priceless. Snowflake nearly choked with his own saliva, dad was thrown of-balance, but more with joyful surprise than some aversity or anything these lines. Always look at the bright side of life, he says. Mom didn't move - she looked sternly at the stallion, then at her daughter. She seemed to think for a moment, and asked how they can be sure - they just had their first night, as far as she was concerned. It was Crystal who explained they already had a nightmare pony wdding, and she timed it the way it would count, so it was no "happy accident", but deliberate decision. Laurel Wreath nodded, and politely congratulated her. Crystal knew she will need some time to accept all this. At least she ad dad on her side. They talked for like, three hours. Maybe more, the mare didn't check the time. Finally, the ponies bid each other farewell, officially for the expecting mother's sake. Crystal knew her family will have a lot to think and talk about tonight. Once they wre alone, the mare gave her husband a kiss. "Good job, love. We did better than expected, honestly. Dad is with us, and mom will see the merit of our love, eventually. C'mon, let's spend the evening indoors, hmm? Unless you have some pressing royal duties?" She giggled as he took her on his back and carried to bed. "Ooooh I like what you're thinking!" They laid down in bed and snuggled. Crystal needed to talk over the meeting to put things in her head. She kissed his chest and listened to his heart. "I know we're supposed to be back on the road but... for some reason, I actually want to be going you know? I put my things in order, got my crystal wedding like I could only dream about... but I want to look into the future, not clutch to my past, you know?" She laughed a bit as she recalled smething - "now that I think of it, I have enough crystals in my posession to make full size statues of us, and tere's enough material left for, I dunno, twenty foal sculptures? Now that your mother tricked me with the golden root, and with our tendency to... get busy... we'll hit twenty before the first century! That's some thought..." She laid for a moment, thinking of how it would be to have so many foals.

Hi! I'd like to enter with my only OC, the one, the only, 100% genuine crystal pony, Crystal Clear! Here's the picture, as requested: If anything seems off with the picture, my OC or my plication, just send me a notice and I'll try to adres any issues you might have.

@@Nightmare Season, Crystal Clear left the tent with a sly grin. Nightmare had a point, after all. Not everypony has an opportunity to have two weddings. Well, three, if they counted the one in the dream. She walked through the camp, getting used to the feel of sand under her hooves. She still didn't like how it gave in under her, and got into her coat with even the slight breeze. The mare went over to the guest tents and asked around for the Guild Master. She found him in his tent - the stallion who taught her the craft was on a walk. The privacy allowed her to lay her case plainly, since the elderly stallion was like a second father to every Guild member. They struck a deal - the Guild would buy her workshop equipment for more than it's worth, and hand the coin to Evening Song. Crystal Clear will be removed from the roster of active memebers, but her honorary title will mean she's allowed to practice the craft, albeit not for proft. She can give her products, but not sell. In return, she had to agree to make sure that, if the two nations start trading, the secret of their craft will not be passed to the nightmare ponies, and the Guild will have a monopoly on trade with crystal products - raw crystals were not considered a part of the agreement. She left the tent with a feeling that she struck a good deal, that would help her fellow guild members in the future. Next on the list was Evening Song. She asked around for her, and managed to find the mare at the beach, wading knees deep in the sea and deep in thought. Unsurprisingly, this discussion was much difficult... Evening song was mad at her. For runing off to Nightmare Season after as much as a bad dream. For leaving her back home, alone with no job and a single coin of hers - everything belonged to Crystal Clear. Last on the list of grudges was, of course, that the red mare hooked up with "some monster" for his silk and cushions. Crystal was pretty sure that Evening Song could be heard back in camp, but decided to weather her verbal assault. Once the other mare was catching her beath, she laid out her scheme to secure the future of her friend. It took some convincing, but at last Evening Song agreed to take the bits off equipment sale, and recieve the house. Crystal asked to keep her framed certificate and the pyrite cube, and Evie agreed - they weren't worth anything anyway. The rest was hers. They sought a pony from the Princess's entourage and asked for writing a legal agreement. Now Crystal Clear was free from the balast of her past, and Evening Song had enough bits for a year of quality life. They parted ways. Crystal Clear felt tired emotionally, but there was one last thing on her list. She found her mother, her idiot brother, and Hearts-Dreams. She invited them to her tent, and since her family was very jumpy around nightmares, the alicorn led them in. Crystal found her father with Nightmare, walking along the beach. he waved to them and trotted to them. "Ah, there you are! I've been looking for you two everywhere. I already found the others, and asked them to meet at our tent. About time we all met properly, right?" She looked at both stallions in turn, smiling. "Well, seems you have already taken care of everything so, why not? What do you think, son?" Fire Ruby seemed out of his element, but kept his cool and seemed to actually accept Nightmare season, despite his outlandish appearance.

@@Nightmare Season Now that she somewhat cooled down, Crystal could finally pay some attention to what was happening around her. The mare decided that their wedding must've cost a small fortune, with all the guests, food... she never saw so much good food at once - a mixture of Crystal Empire and Saddle Arabian treats. Thankfully she did remember hee table duties as dictated by nightmare culture. Still, it didn't feel like a chore and Crystal felt rather happy doing something for the stallion she loved. To surprise of her Northern folk, she didn't touch alcohol, for her offspring's sake. Everypony was so happy that night, even mom seemed to approve her life choice. Although this will have to be confirmed on the next day - mom was a tricky one. She did her best not to notice Snowflake who, apparently, decided that his sister's status made him a noble or some nonsense like that. The gifts were... intriguing. Crystal Clear never thought she would receive so many. Her parents gave the couple a table set for twelve, with plates, glasses, cutlery and all the like. A traditional gift, but normally every item would be adorned with cutie marks of both newly wed ponies. She decided to add Nightmare's mark on her own, since hers was already there. Snowflake gave some sort of suspenders to hold a foal in front of a pony, resting against the parents chest. Some new Equestrian invention, he adopts them without a second glance. The Guild brought her certificate of membership as a honorary member, also extended to her husband, and a supply of rare crystals to work with. Masters of Crystal rarely give each other finished goods, since it would imply that the recipient couldn't make the gift themselves. The Royal Couple gave them a book on parenting, which caused the mare to laugh genuinely at the joke - their baby daughter nearly destroyed the city already. The Crystal Princess knew very well that it's not about making an impression on the recipient, but give something useful, a bit silly maybe, but something the newly wed couple will remember. There were many, many gifts. Some big, some small. Some just symbolic, like a wooden training dagger with an "Never give up your dreams" inscription from Midnight, or a bottle of Sweet Dreams from Evie. Once the presents fever died down, it was time for a dance. Nightmare Season took his wife to the center, and they danced beautifully to the first song. Crystal didn't have the strength for more than a couple slow dances, but still had a great time. Eventually, like most good things, the party wound down and finished well after midnight. The couple retreated to their tent, and Crystal keenly noticed that her dress was tight around the belly. Sure, she ate a whole lot, but she was eating for three and that was her excuse. Nightmare had a last surprise in store for her - even though they already succeed and her window was long closed, they nearly didn't sleep that night. One could argue that they were so enthusiastic that she should conceive another goal just from the power of their love alone. Morning came and went. Nopony had the will to disturb the happy couple, and Crystal woke up just after noon, resting on top of the stallion of her dreams. She soaked up the lovely feeling of being close to him and nuzzled her cheek in that magnificent chest of his. With a purr and a slight stretch, she mused aloud. "Hmmmm... If only we could spend every night like that..." His loving embrace was all she needed in life, but they had things to do today. With great reluctance, the mare climbed down from her husband and git out of bed, then stretched and went to make herself all pretty. She was still crystallised and felt like it would never end. She sure wouldn't mind. Once she vacated the bed, Nightmare Season got up himself and waved a pony in with their selection of attire. Another one brought food for them and Radiance, but Crystal waved at him from behind a screen of wood and silk - "I'll skip breakfast, thank you." Nightmare walked to her and took a look behind the temporary barrier to see if she's okay. Crystal was halfway done with her routine and smiled at him. "Don't worry, I just ate for six last night." - she ran a hoof on her still very full stomach for emphasis. She looked like it was her second month or so. - "Besides, our babies seem to be reminding me that I should eat carrots, not cake. Feeling a bit nauseous." She gave him a kiss and git back to work. "I'll try to catch the Guild Master and Evie, make a deal to sell my workshop equipment and give her the bits. Also write a paper to give her the house. I'll ask her to send me some if my stuff once I'll grab some adress and tell her to do whatever she wants with the rest. I guess you could ask for a meeting with the Crystal Princess. You don't really need me there. Later we can have a proper introduction with my family. Dad is okay, so don't worry about him. He won't try to kill you for knocking me up before wedding. Mom is a tricky one, buuuut I guess that, even if she doesn't approve of my choice, she'll try to be politely neutral. Now keep an eye on my brother - he may seem nice and charming at first, but he will try to take the pants off you the moment he figures they're worth some coin. Or ask for a loan that he'll never pay up. Consider yourself warned." She came out of her hiding, trying to hide the bump on her otherwise lean statue, but with little success. Crystal chose a breezy silken dress with lots of belly space. It was a mix of scarlet and azure with gold details - just like herself, it seemed. The mare walked to her husband and gave him a kiss. "See ya later, I'll sort out my business and find you around camp.' She went outside.

@@Mentis Soliloquy, @Bomb Sheep The RP is up and it's your turn. Bomb, if it's too early for your OC to come out, then tell us. We'll keep going till evening when you could join. To all who read this - the RP is up and you can join at any time, just get the green light from be before you post in the IC.

@@Nightmare Season Thanks. I chose the usual Western type, just like in the Canterlot Wedding episode. I wrapped up my post at the start of a feast, so you can either expand on this part, or wrap it up with a few sentences. I figure it would be nice if they stayed there on the next day so Nightmare could get to know his new family, and talk with the Princess. Crystal would sort some of her things, like have a word with the Guild Master to close her shop and redistribute her jobs. Though she would want to keep her tools and certificate and be given permission to work abroad, even if just as a hobby.