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The moon hung high in the evening sky, casting its mystical glow over the land of Equestria. Most creatures at this hour began retiring to their bedrooms, preparing to rest to face the next day.
Amnesty herself was getting ready for bed when she heard the bathroom door to the master bedroom open as a freshly showered Unicorn stepped through. With his blonde mane and light blue coat still slightly damp, Amnesty’s husband Silk Stocking gave her a soft smile as he approached her. Amnesty leaned down to his level and they both gently nuzzled as their greeting. With that, Silk Stocking carefully got up on their bed and curled up to get comfortable. Amnesty gently followed suit and laid down behind him, wrapping her large, soft tail around him, pulling him closer. Of course he didn't protest, instead he rubbed his cheek in her soft fur, and exhaled a sigh of content as he used his magic to set his glasses aside on the nightstand and switch off the lights. Amnesty rested her head besides his, and for a while the room was silent besides the gentle rhythm of their heartbeats and breathing.
Nobody ever saw these two like this, they only show these sides of them to each other. Outside of their time alone together, they are cold to others and lack any affection. Granted, they were both raised and trained to be emotionless and see others only as either an obstacle or an opportunity. They never considered themselves to be capable of love, let alone affection. Yet here they were, bonded over similarities and traits they love in each other.
Only they could see the other succumb to their emotions when stress takes over. Only they could see each other’s warm expressions at the sight of the other. Only they could truly give each other the chance at life they so desperately needed. Amnesty was the only creature to ever witness Silk Stocking’s loving care, it's that care that reminds her everyday of her chance at redemption from the despair she’s caused. That same care he gives motivates her every day to atone for the chaos she has caused. All of her friends gave her this second chance, and the friendship is what caused her to reject despair, but only Silk Stocking took the time and patience to help her adapt to a hopeful lifestyle. Throughout their tasks together, they both realized the feelings they were developing and it blossomed into something neither of them expected they would ever have, especially Amnesty.
She still sits and thinks about how she was destined to only be a vessel of suffering, yet here she was laying in a comfortable bed, spooning a powerful Unicorn who loves her dearly. She couldn't have ever asked for a better outcome of the events she's withstanded. With those thoughts, she curled her tail more to bring Silk even closer to her, and he stirred a bit to the movement. Though as wonderful as her life was now, there was an unfortunate catch to it all, one that she could never shake. The dark clouds began to roll in on her mind, and without realizing, she huffed a sigh with a hint of sadness. The noise caused Silk Stocking to stir into consciousness.
“Amnesty darling, what's bothering you?” As always, he could read her emotions. It was nearly startling on some occasions. “I couldn't help but think about it, about the day I will inevitably lose you.”
She felt one of his hooves feel around for her paw, and he used it to gently pet and massage it. “I can not lie to you, the thought saddens me as well. While it is true, my lifespan as a simple unicorn is significantly smaller than yours as a draconequus, I would not allow it to get to me. Instead we should be focusing on the time we are allowed together.” She hummed as she used one of her digits to stroke the fur around his hoof.
“I suppose you are correct, though I can not help but wonder what I could possibly do without you there.” Her tone became more sorrowful as she spoke, and it took a few moments of silence before Silk Stocking could reply. “Amnesty.. I know the context of your words was based on a mentality, but even beyond my passing, I will take care of you. I plan to line up payments and finances so you do not have to worry about that at all. You can just focus on yourself. It's my way of trying to continue to make your life better by doing what I do best.”
She could feel the presence of his smile even in the dark, and she couldn't help but smile in return. “To think you would go through any of those for someone, I think past you would've died sooner.” She teased him and got a chuckle in return. “Though, your care would not go unreturned. I plan to spend however many days I have left doing good for others in your name, Silk. The stallion who was here for me through it all deserves his respect and recognition.” Instead of his usual snarky or teasing tone, he nuzzled his cheek against her chest in response.
“I couldn't be happier with such a promise. I have no doubt you’ll carry it well.” This time, Amnesty chuckled as she gave him a quick kiss. “I love you, thank you for having such faith in me, Silk.” He returned the kiss before adjusting his position slightly to be more comfortable. “I love you too, dearest. Now I believe we should both be getting rest. Try and chase those negative thoughts away and get a good night's rest.” The exhaustion finally taking over them both, all Amnesty could muster up for a response was a hum before she inched her head closer to Silk's, the smell of the conditioner he uses in his mane comforting her. With the aura of calm and comfort, Amnesty finally succumbed to sleep.
They slept peacefully in each other's warmth until the sunshine signaled Amnesty to start her day. She was usually the first to rise, her harsh training to fight caused her to wake up much earlier in the mornings, but her time spent with Silk Stocking has allowed her to sleep in later more often.
She yawned and tried to rub the sleepiness out of her eyes so she could become more alert, but before she could do anything more, she noticed the presence of an unusual sense of extra warmth at her chest. Usually it wasn't unusual with how much she spoons Silk Stocking while they sleep, but this one felt a lot warmer than he usually did. She raised her head to look and see if anything was out of place. Silk Stocking was still asleep in the coils of her tail, showing no signs of being the source of the warmth. It was then when Amnesty noticed a combination of white and black fur balled up by her chest. The fur matched neither her or Silk so her mind began to race, trying to think of all the possibilities but each time they came to one conclusion; they were no longer alone.
Carefully, she tried to nudge Silk awake with her claw. “Silk, dear please wake up..” Not much of a morning pony, he groaned and tried to nuzzle further into her tail. “Amnesty… it's too early…” His voice was extremely muffled by the fur, so she swiftly removed it from around him, causing him to groan more. “Silk please, this is important. Wake up.” The stern tone caused him to raise his head and try to blink away the sleepiness as he put his glasses on. He seemed rather groggy to be so rudely awakened, but Amnesty is more concerned about other things.
“Darling, it's 6 in the morning, what is it that has you so concer-” He was cut off by the sudden noise of a squeak from the very thing Amnesty woke him for. He turned his attention directly to the black and white fluff at Amnesty’s chest. He seemed to struggle with his thoughts. “Is… Is that…? Do you- What do you think it is exactly?” Before Amnesty could even respond, the fluff stirred and moved its position to face away from Amnesty. A small draconequus with beautiful bright blue eyes looked up towards a bewildered Silk Stocking. It was then when both of their ideas were confirmed whether it was the idea they had hoped for or not.
After a few seconds of processing, Silk spoke up. “So.. did you know this was going to happen at all?” “No, I’m just as surprised as you. Though I… I know nothing about being a mother.” Amnesty had a bit of panic in her eyes and looked towards Silk Stocking who mirrored the same look in his eyes. “And I know nothing of being a father. I know I needed an heir, but I was not expecting it to be this soon..” Amnesty instinctively pulled the child closer who nuzzled back into her chest. After a few more seconds, Silk spoke up once more. “Perhaps we should call Hope Springs, he and Snowy Sleuth have Sapphire Shadow, I believe they could be of great assistance.” Amnesty nodded in relief at the thought of any help at all, so Silk quickly ran out the bedroom to access their phone. All the while, Amnesty felt a lot of anxiety fill her from the situation at hand, but looking back down towards the fluff, she felt as though things were right. With that, she curled up once more to help keep the kid warm and safe.
Meanwhile, Silk Stocking was contacting Hope Springs. “Silk Stocking? Hey!! How are you? How’s Amnesty?” “Listen, I’m sorry for calling you so abruptly but, we have quite the situation happening here..” Silk held the phone up with his magic as he paced the floor. “Oh shoot! What's going on then? I don't think I’ve heard you so stressed..” “Me and Amnesty just woke up, but there was a child there with us, and-” He was cut off by Hope Springs. “On our way.” Hope’s Springs hung up on the line and Silk Stocking felt a tiny weight lift from his shoulders. He made his way back to the bedroom to find Amnesty sleepily curled around the baby. Silk gently nuzzled her into alertness. “Hope’s on his way, possibly bringing Snowy. Do you want me to make you some breakfast, dearest?” Amnesty gave him a nod and he understood, placing a peck on her nose before making his way towards the kitchen.
Within an hour, Hope Springs arrived with Snowy Sleuth and their son Sapphire Shadow who mostly stuck close to mama Snowy. “Can we see them?” Hope tried to speak with seriousness but it did nothing to hide his genuine excitement. Silk guided them to where Amnesty was still curled up. She looked towards him until he gave a reassuring nod, leading to her carefully removing her tail to reveal the black and white fluff that had fallen asleep snuggling into mama.
Hope Springs couldn't contain his squeal of excitement. He leaned closer to give it a loving pet before Snowy abruptly used her wing to hold him back, catching everyone else by surprise. “Don't. You must be careful.” Hope gave a little sigh of sadness before Snowy continued. “Young draconequii are extremely fragile yet dangerous. They heavily rely on their mothers for warmth and nutrients, being practically inseparable for months at a time. Though, their fangs carry a deadly venom, capable of killing grown stallions if bitten.” She glanced over towards Silk who couldn't contain the expression of shock in his eyes, Amnesty matching the look. “Then, it's extremely dangerous for Silk to be near her?” Amnesty quietly asked. “It’s very possible that he could be bitten at any time, and it's very unlikely he’d make i-”
Snowy was abruptly cut off by Silk as he made his way closer to Amnesty and the baby. “No. She’s my daughter too. I’ll do all I can to ensure our safety, but I am not sitting on the sidelines. Amnesty is not taking this on alone.”
Hope Springs smiled over Silk Stocking’s words, carefully coming closer before wrapping his front hooves around Silk’s neck, catching him by surprise. “I’m so proud of how far you two have come, this will be a new challenge for the both of you. But I have so much hope and faith for you two and your daughter. You both have so much love, and now you have her to love. I believe you both will make amazing parents for her.” Hope Springs broke the hug and returned to Snowy Sleuth’s side who gave Amnesty and Silk a confident nod with a smile.
After that, Hope Springs and Snowy Sleuth spent some time giving the new parents the basics of parenting and what to expect. Although having a foal compared to a draconequus was a drastic difference, most of the advice was universal. When young Sapphire Shadow began to fall asleep on the couch, Hope Springs and Snowy Sleuth started wrapping up their visit so they could take him home for a nap.
Before they left, the new parents thanked them for their help and expressed their gratitude. Hope reassured them that they could always call them for help, and him being him, he gave Silk Stocking a hug goodbye, but kept his respectful distance from Amnesty due to the baby. Snowy gave them both another reassuring nod before she said her goodbyes.
After Silk and Amnesty wished them safe travels, they were finally alone again. Which meant Silk could finally give some long awaited kisses and nuzzles to Amnesty, who at this point was exhausted over how much milk and magic the baby was needing. It seemed for now, his role as a father would be to care for her in ways she can't currently do for herself, but he was okay with that. He got up on the bed and laid down beside her, leaving room for the baby. She leaned her head on his, both humming in content.
“So I was actually thinking… we’ve had her for hours already, but she has yet to be named..” Silk perked his eyebrows, she was right. They were so caught up in the situation itself, they never named her. “Did you have any ideas, Amnesty?” She hummed for a second, the vibrations feeling oddly soothing to Silk Stocking. “I was thinking about how much the name Eris suits her.. what are your thoughts?” Silk looked back down at the baby, who was now asleep again. Her black and white fur reflecting the room’s light, and silk remembering those blue eyes he saw this morning. “Yes, I think Eris suits her perfectly.” “Eris it is then.” Amnesty moved her head to rest besides where Silk was laying, the thought of a nap plaguing her mind. Silk Stocking felt the idea of a nap tempt him as well, so he laid his head down next to Amnesty’s to get comfortable. They both leaned into each other before rest came over the new parents.