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Sombra was glad to see the Crystal Empire rise in the distance. He patted his stallion’s neck and the horse neighed, his breath a white cloud in the cold air of the wintry north. Two years has passed since he had left the count’s land to travel, desiring to see the land of his birth. He touched the Alicorn Amulet around his neck. The count had made it for him shortly after taking him in when Sombra had still been a child as a means to suppress the dark magic which had infected him. Sombra shuddered. He didn’t want to imagine what would happen if he were to lose it or if it were stolen from him.
“Come, let’s get out of the cold.”, he said to his stallion and the horse started galloping towards the entrance of the empire. The moment he entered it, warmth greeted him and it was so startling it took a few seconds to gather his wits. Sombra quickly shed his winter cloak and as he rode through the streets, he felt like he stood out. The Crystal Empire’s fashion was quite different from Noxriea’s.
~~~
“Move your leg as little as possible. Too much movement could jostle the bones and prevent proper healing.”, Radiant Hope explained and the boy nodded.
“Thank you.”, his mother said and Radiant Hope smiled.
“It’s my pleasure.” She watched them leave and stretched. 15 more minutes, then her shift was over. She started cleaning her place and checking if the medication bottles were filled. At last, her shift was done and with the flick of her wrist, her jacket flew over to Radiant. She said her farewells and stepped out of the hospital. Hailing a carriage, she went home to quickly freshen up and donned her lilac, shoulder-free dress. Tying her arctic blue hair up in a high ponytail and mixing it with a few braids and jewellery, she was ready to enjoy her afternoon. She smiled to herself. A small treat at her favourite tea shop certainly was in store.
Since it was not too far away, Radiant Hope decided to walk there and enjoy the sun. On her way to her destination, a man caught her eye. She flushed slightly, for he was a dashing figure dressed in a white ruffled shirt, light grey vest and breeches and crimson hat sitting on slicked back onyx locks reaching to his shoulder blades. In his arms he held something which appeared to be a long crimson coat with black accents. Radiant Hope has never seen such fashion before, but it suited him. He must be a foreigner, she thought with a flurry of excitement and after quickly fixing her hair, she went over to him.
“Begging your pardon, can I help you? You seem a bit lost.”, she addressed him in the Equestrian Common Tongue and the man set his ruby gaze on her. A small sheepish smile appeared on his handsome face.
“Was it that obvious? I thought I had hidden it better.”
Oh. He had a deep, smooth voice. Radiant hoped her blush wasn’t visible. She cleared her throat. “What is it you’re looking for? Perhaps I can help. I’m Radiant Hope, by the way.” She offered him her hand and his next action made it impossible not to go beet-red. He took her hand, but instead of shaking it as she had expected, he kissed its back and bowed.
“Sombra is my name. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Radiant Hope.”
“Th-The ‘Lady’ really isn’t necessary. Radiant Hope or simply Radiant or Hope is enough.”, she squeaked and the man - Sombra - inclined his head.
“Alright. Then call me simply Sombra.”
That’s what I would have called you anyways, Radiant thought.
“If you would be so kind as to tell me where the Gemstone Street is? I forgot my wallet in my room, yet I seem to have lost my orientation. The streets all look quite…similar.”
Radiant Hope chuckled. “Yes, they can be a bit confusing at first. I’m actually going in that direction as well. There is a lovely tea shop nearby. We could go together, if that would suit you.”
“That would be kind of you.”
By the time their ways would part, Radiant Hope had gathered enough courage to ask Sombra to join her for a drink. She felt slightly breathless at her boldness, but she was unwilling to let that handsome foreigner slip away from her without a proper conversation. Sombra seemed surprised, but agreed on the terms that he would repay her. Radiant Hope couldn’t believe her ears. One meeting was already more than she had expected and she will get a second one? Who was she to reject that stroke of luck?
Thus, they found each other seated opposite one another at the teashop.
“If you would like a recommendation, the crystal berry tart is delicious.”, she said and Sombra gave her a smile and nodded. They ordered and Sombra asked Radiant Hope about life in the Crystal Empire. He learned about the Crystal Fair, Princess Amore, who was a kind and wise ruler, and what the inhabitants generally do in their free time. She also gave him the address of the library, where he could read about the history if he wanted to. Sombra thanked her profusely.
“What about you?”, Radiant asked him when their food and drinks arrived. “Where are you from? We don’t get many visitors up here.”
“I was born in Equestria but grew up in Noxriea after the count, its ruler, took me in after my parents’ death.”, Sombra replied and took a bite from the tart. “This truly is delicious!”
“Oh, ah, I didn’t mean to -”, Radiant Hope started apologizing, but Sombra shook his head with a smile.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s been years and I was still a small child back then.”
She nodded and moved on from the topic. “Where is Noxriea? I have never heard of this place.”
“It’s a land south-west of Equestria and borders on the sea. Its border to Equestria is marked by the Silverbirch Forest. Enter it and you are in the count’s realm.”
“It was very kind of him to take you in.”
“More like I was lucky. We both were at the right place at the same time.”, Sombra laughed.
~~~
Sombra enjoyed Radiant Hope’s presence and couldn’t deny that she was intelligent and a beauty. He could barely believe he had already made a friend on his first day in the Crystal Empire. When she was at work, Sombra scoured through the vast library. He noticed with some bemusement that Radiant Hope seemed the only inhabitant of the empire, besides Princess Amore, who possessed magic. He wondered if she truly was a Crystal or if she had moved here from somewhere else.
At first Sombra was hesitant to meet with Radiant Hope after a full shift of hers, believing she would be tired and rather stay at home, but she was adamant, reminding him of his promise. Their dinner dates were filled with stories about herself or her patients, some so ridiculous Sombra hardly believed them, and him telling her more about Noxriea. With every meeting they grew closer and fonder of each other.
Three weeks into his stay in the Crystal Empire, Sombra received a royal invitation: Princess Amore wished to dine with him. Sombra was honoured and pleased. He couldn’t deny the satisfaction that royalty wanted to meet him, though he wondered in what way he had caught the princess’ attention.
He felt a bit bad when he had to reject Radiant Hope’s proposal of trying the new restaurant which had opened a few days ago.
“I’m afraid I cannot accompany you then. Princess Amore wishes to meet me.”, Sombra explained and Radiant’s eyes widened.
“You’re meeting the princess? How - Why - How did you do that?”
“I have no idea. I got the invitation yesterday.”
Sombra shucked on his crimson coat and fixed his red cravat. He caught Radiant Hope’s expression and smiled smugly. He knew he was handsome and knowing that the woman he has grown attracted to thinks so as well didn’t hurt his pride. After grabbing his black gloves and putting them on, he took the hat from the hook and turned towards Radiant Hope, who had risen from her seat on his bed. She followed him outside and from afar they could see a carriage approaching.
“That has to be your ride.”, she stated and Sombra nodded. He took her hand and kissed its back as a farewell. It was nothing new, and it still made her heart skip a beat.
“We will dine in that new restaurant another time, I promise.”, he said, knowing she was still a bit disappointed. Radiant Hope scratched her neck and waved her hand.
“Ah, I know that. Enjoy your evening with the princess. It is truly an honour.”
“That is true and I am curious to find out how she learned of my presence. We have a lovely moon tonight, don't you think?”, Sombra said with a secret smile and Radiant Hope looked at him in confusion. The moon was barely up, but befire she could form any response, the carriage arrived and after another quick good-bye, he entered the carriage and was transported to the crystal palace.
It was just as magnificent on the inside as on the outside and a servant led Sombra to the dining hall.
“The princess will arrive any moment, my lord.”, the servant informed him and Sombra bowed his head slightly. He wandered to one of the windows and enjoyed the magnificent view over the empire. Hopefully Radiant Hope wasn’t too disappointed. He frowned at the thought. The doors behind him opened and Sombra turned when he saw Princess Amore enter. She was a picture of grace and had a kind smile and warm eyes.
“I am glad you could come.”, she said and offered her hand. Sombra bowed low and kissed its back.
“The honour is all mine, Your Highness.”, he said and followed her to the table, which was slowly being laden with dinner. It smelled delicious and Princess Amore watched him as he put his gloves into his coat’s, which he hung over the back of his chair, pocket. She recognized the style of clothing and smiled at the memory of her being a foolish young princess who thought she was in love with the handsome and charismatic guest her father had entertained many years ago.
After a toast, they began eating and Sombra praised the meal. Princess Amore smiled.
“I am glad you enjoy it, though I’m sure you wonder why I invited you.”
“Indeed. I doubt you invite every visitor for dinner.”, Sombra said, sipping from his wine. Princess Amore laughed.
“No, I do not. You catch much attention, did you know that? The maids have been gossiping and giggling about a certain ‘handsome stranger’ in a crimson coat and hat. You hail from Noxriea, do you not?”
Sombra’s surprise gave her the answer. He quickly gathered his wits again. “I am astonished you know of Noxriea. Not many do, despite it bordering on Equestria.”
“Throughout Equestria little is taught about our neighbours. When I was 15, my father had a special guest: the Count of Noxriea. You have his mannerism.”
“I wasn’t aware he ever travelled to the Crystal Empire, but I am not surprised. My father has visited many countries in his life, after all.”
The evening was greatly enjoyable, and the moon was high in the sky by the time Sombra was in his rented room. He sat at the small desk, took his pen and started writing.
Dear most beloved father and count,
forgive me for the long silence. I am aware my last letter is two weeks old, however, I have a profound reason. As a lover of history yourself, it should be forgivable if I say that I spent much of my time in the library scouring through the Crystal Empire’s history and culture.
Speaking of history, I have just returned from a private dinner with the Princess Amore. Believe my surprise when I found out you once visited the empire when her father still ruled. I am almost aghast you never told me of that journey.
Excuse the shortness of this letter, but it is late and there is not much to say. Life here is a calm and predictable affair. Except for the dinner with Princess Amore, which was quite the surprise. Knowing your tendency to worry, let me relieve you of that. I am in best health and the amulet is safe and doing its duty.
Farewell and until we meet again,
your most devoted son,
Sombra
~~~
Radiant Hope wasn’t sure if she liked the new development. Sombra and the princess seemed to have grown close and he often dined at the palace. He wasn’t neglecting her - he would never - but Radiant Hope felt bummed that her time with Sombra was cut short. She sighed.
“What has you sighing so much today? Problems with loverboy?”
Radiant Hope flushed furiously and turned to her friend and colleague. “What are you talking about? Sombra and I are in no relationship.”
Her friend took a bite from her lunch. “You still aren’t? It’s so obvious he likes you and I’ve seen him only twice when he showed up here at the hospital. Then what has he done? Shown interest in another? Ignored you?”
“Nothing of that sort.”, Radiant Hope replied and picked at her food. “We’ve just barely met ever since Princess Amore started inviting him. And he keepos saying that strange phrase, but refuses to elaborate.”
“Aha! You’re worried the princess will wrap him around her pretty finger.”
“What? No! Are you crazy? The princess is too old.”
“Age has never stopped alliance from happening through marriage and the princess is still young and beautiful. You know her family is long lived. But relax” – for Radiant Hope had grown pale – “loverboy is too smitten with you to look at any other woman. As for the phrase, you mean the one wioth the lovely moon? Sorry, can't help you there, but I think he will tell you its meaning at some point. You know, if you feel like you spend too little time together, you could invite him to the Crystal Fair.”
Radiant Hope perked up. “That’s a great idea! You’re a genius!”
Her friend grinned. "I know."
After her shift was done, she made her way to Sombra’s stay and knocked at his door. If he wasn’t home she’ll leave him a note. The door opened and their eyes met, an easy, charming smile appearing on his lips.
“What a lovely surprise! I didn’t expect you.”
“I’m sorry for visiting just like that, but, well, the Crystal Fair will start soon and if you’re free, we could go together.”, Radiant Hope said and played with her hair. Sombra lifted and eyebrow.
“I…was assuming we’d go together anyways.”
“Oh. Ah, then, great to get the confirmation.”
Sombra watched her run away with a mixture of confusion and amusement. Even after nearly a year of friendship, she sometimes was still a mystery. "The moon is lovely tonight, isn't it?", he mumbled to himself before closing the door thoughtfully.
~~~
The Crystal Fair started three months later and Radiant Hope was thrilled. It was one of her favourite events and she couldn’t wait to show Sombra the crystalized empire after the Crystal Heart released its magical shield. In her eagerness to show him everything, Radiant Hope grabbed his hand and dragged him from stall to stall, until Sombra laughed and said that they had the entire day, so there was no need to hurry. By now, the people of the Crystal Empire have grown used to Sombra. To Radiant Hope’s delight he didn’t indulge the women in their flirting. Sombra won her a stuffed horse, while she showed him how to weave a basket. His failure was amusing to watch and Hope proposed moving to a different stall before his mood fully went down the drain.
It was then that she realized one thing: Whenever they were walking to a different stall, their fingers were intertwined. She smiled to herself. However, Sombra was very much aware of what he was doing and he was glad – but it was also expected – that she didn’t retract her hand. When dusk began, they bought some food and drink and went to the outskirts of the empire, where no houses stood. There, they sat on the grass, talking and laughing until the moon was high in the sky. Somehow, they had moved closer, until their faces were mere centimetres apart. Sombra hesitantly raised his hand to her face. His fingers tenderly stroked her cheek and Radiant Hope couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. Her lips started tingling, and when their foreheads touched, it set her skin on fire.
“Isn’t the moon lovely tonight?”, Sombra breathed and at first, Radiant Hope was confused once again by what he meant. Then she gasped when she combined his clarification with the soft look on his face. These past few months, she hadn’t understood. Her eyes teared up. Her hand moved to the one cupping her cheek.
“Yes, the moon truly is lovely tonight.”, she whispered back and Sombra laughed joyfully, Radiant Hope joining him and hugging him tightly.
"Took you just over a year to unveil its meaning.", he teased her and she swatted his shoulder.
"You can't just say some foreign phrase and expect me to know it.", she pouted.
"Perhaps.", Sombra inclined, "But it was fun messing with you." Sombra hadn’t expected to find love on his first trip outside of Noxriea, while Radiant Hope had never thought she would fall in love with a handsome foreigner, who had stood lost next to the road.