The Fundraising Gala (Private: Dark Star) [Dead]

[Toast]

"Come on Dark, where are you?" Silver thinks while he looks up at the Ponyville train station clock. It was still early in the morning as Silver sat oddly still upon bench with a small travel suitcase beside him. Despite his impatient thoughts the stripped pony looked calm on the outside. Still, he was worried his marefriend wouldn't he able to show up before the next train to Canterlot would. He couldn't really blame her for struggling to be on time, he himself had been given such short notice of the events that would be occurring later today. In fact he only had time to send her a quick letter before having to prepare himself.

Dear Dark Star.
I just received a request to attend the yearly fundraising gala for the university in Canterlot tomorrow evening. I know it's short notice and my father is usually the one who attends but he's stuck out of town longer then he thought and wants me to take his place. I'm allowed to bring a guest and I was hoping you would like to come and attend the show me with. We would only have to gone a day and we can stay at my father's place while we are there. Please let me know as soon as you can.

Love, Silver

P.S. It's a formal event


The letter felt a bit hasty now that he had the chance to think about it. But if anypony would be able to understand it would be Dark. Besides, because of how early in the morning they had to leave, he hope that she would have had time in the night to prepare. At least that was his thought process. He also hoped that she wouldn't mind only having time to catch some sleep on the train before they would arrive in Canterlot later that afternoon. It would be the only chance she would have if she didn't want to drink her potion all day long. But this really wasn't something he wanted to miss. The fundraising gala was a great opportunity not just for himself but for her as well. It was a chance to mingle, network with rich and important ponies, or even just enjoy a well catered event. Strangely it was also held at the art gallery, which gave everypony something else to enjoy. Silver knew he had a more specific task to accomplish while he was there, but as his guest Dark would be free to enjoy the show as she saw fit.

It was at that moment to sound of the train pulling into the station sounded. Silver hopped off the bench he had been sitting on, a now more worried look on his face. It wasn't long before the ponies on the train began to bustle off. He still had some time before they began to let the ponies heading to Canterlot back on, but Silver knew if they missed this train they would struggle getting ready for the gala in time. They still had to get to his father's place to get ready before hand.

"Ugh, why couldn't my father give me a bit more time to prepare." He thinks

Silver gently began to tap his hoof against the ground.

"She'll make it, no need to panic yet. She still has a few minutes." Silver mutters between a nervous sigh.

[Dark Star]

It was early one morning in Ponyville, the sunrise having only just begun and yet there was a certain nocturne panicking to prepare for a later event that afternoon. The sound of her hooves clopping against the floor had managed to awaken her roommate, Slipstream, whom of which got out of bed to comfort the dark unicorn. "Don't worry, ya still got plenty 'o time before ya gotta leave" she tried to say as the latter continued to rush. Dark Star turned back to question the younger mare, her eye glowing an intense red color. "Do you have any idea how important an event this is!?" she asked in a tone as panicked as her appearance. Slipstream merely sighed and shrugged her shoulders. "It's a fundraiser" she responded, earning a frustrated groan from the older mare in the process. "It's more than just that, it's very important to Silver and his father that I be there, and I'm really running late with the preparations" she explained as levitated a dark gray frock and red sash into her suitcase.

Slipstream shrugged her shoulders again, this time adding to her by position her front legs in the same manner. "Guess I'm just not gonna get the point then, but ya do still have a little while before-" she started before Dark Star interrupted, hearing the sound of a train whistle in the distance. Dark Star trotted in place for a moment before vanishing in a brief flash of magic, only to return a split-second later carrying a large number of potion bottles, each of them filling out the remaining space in her suitcase before she buckled it closed. Before Slipstream could say anything else, Dark Star vanished in another flash of magic. She merely shook her head slightly with a small smile and then crawled back into bed, eager to get back to sleep for the next few hours. 

Dark Star, however, didn't have the same luxury. She had only enough focus to be able to get outside her house, yet she still had a great distance to cover in the next few minutes. With Silver in her mind, she did a quick cycle of her front legs before taking off, full-gallop towards the train station. To those watching, they'd basically see a mainly-black blur rush passed them with a bright red glow by the side of it. Within record time, Dark Star was able to see the station just ahead of her and saw Silver standing just outside the train. Worrying about how late she was, she pushed herself to continue until she had managed to make it onto the platform. Unfortunately, she was running far too fast to be able to stop right away and skidded to a halt just before the glowing stallion, knocking into his side with a noticeable smack. 

Exhausted, she was gasping for air as she wrapped her front legs around the stallion's shoulders, leaning down slightly to match his height. She smiled at him through one closed eye and then broke the embrace. She attempted to greet him vocally, though all that escaped her lips was a small wheezing sound. The dark mare slumped down slightly, her strength fading away from her as she struggled to stand. 

[Toast]

Silvers hoof began to tap with ever increasing speed while he stood waiting for his dark mare. He couldn't help but feel like the process of getting the train ready to leave was happening much faster than usual. He hated feeling flustered. With a deep breath Silver stopped his tapping and improved his posture.
"There is no point in acting anxious, at the very worst we'll catch the next train. So there is no poin tin acti-

At that moment Silvers internal thoughts of relaxation were suddenly thwarted by the feeling of another pony crashing into his side. There was an audible sounds of air leaving Silver lungs as he was lucky to keep himself upright. Although startled Silver had a feeling he knew who it was that just tackled him. And he sudden grasp of hooves around him helped to confirm his suspicion. Once re-stabilized and with the pain in his side subsided Silver used one hoof of his own and gentle placed it over the shoulder of the Dark pony so he was lightly holding the back of her neck. He couldn't help but smile gently while watching her try to choke out words, finding it to be somewhat cute in a strange way. After a moment Silver decided to help relieve her of her stress when she began to slump down, moving his hooves to help support her before gently giving her neck a nuzzle.


"Glad you could make it." He says through the nuzzle. However, before any more conversation could continue the train horn blew signalling ponies to start boarding. Silvers attention quickly shot towards the direction of the train. "You sure know how to cut things close." He says through a light chuckle. His gaze shifts back to the exhausted pony. "Come on, I'll give you a hoof with your things." Silver says once Dark had enough time to catch her breath.

[Dark Star]

Dark Star felt sore all over after all that running. She could stand to run for some time, just like all ponies, it's just that endurance was never one of her strong suits. She was glad that Silver was so willing to help her out during this time of hers though, even being willing to nuzzle against her neck as she caught her breath. She was about to apologize for being late when she jumped at at the sound of the train whistle. Dark Star placed her magical hold on her luggage and headed inside the train car.

She led Silver forward until they managed to reach a seat at the back of the car they entered. Dark Star placed her luggage in the top rack and then got herself comfortable on the bench, curling up slightly on the warm surface. Within minutes, she felt her eyelids grow heavy and she lulled herself to sleep soon after. As she slept, her mind had started to wonder about the things that would happen during the gala. After that, she suddenly started dreaming about the Grand Galloping Gala; her wearing the most incredible-looking silver dress and Silver wearing a brilliant black-and-red suit, escorting her to the greatest night of her life. All her other friends were there, of course, each of them wearing their own specially-made outfits, although she couldn't help but find the idea of Slipstream behaving during the entire event a little far-fetched.

Meanwhile, back in reality, she had managed to form a smile as her tail enveloped most of her side. She was just so peaceful during the entire thing, it just felt so right to sleep on the train. That peace obviously didn't last long because the next thing she knew, the train had managed to hit a large bump and roused her from her slumber half-way through the trip. Looking up, she found Silver by her side. She suddenly felt a bit bad about having fallen asleep so quickly after the two had just gotten together like that. It just seemed so rude. She looked up and tried to apologize but couldn't find the words to it. Instead, she merely stared right into his eyes and let that be all the communication she needed.

[Toast]

Silver simply smiled happily as the two ponies boarded the train. It seemed Dark had indeed exhausted herself in order to be on time. Quickly and Quietly they took their seat near the back of the car and settled in. Once comfortable beside Dark Silver glances down to notice the pony had already begun to drift into sleep. Quite understandable considering the circumstances, but he still couldn't help but smile at just how adorable she was. While Dark's mind begun to drift away into her dreams Silver felt his mind to be a lot more preoccupied. Constantly running over their itinerary for the evening, as well as thoughts on who might make appearances and things to say to them. The goal of the gala was simple enough, ponies such as himself were simply instructed to give the guests a pleasant evening. Embark in casual conversation, be charming, and be sure that they are all happy at the end. But despite the job description Silver knew much more what it was really like. They were salesponies, only there to market the university, although nearly everypony would be doing their best to pump up their own department. Which was sometimes odd considering how many donations were generally contributions for the university to apply at their own discretion. Still, this sometimes meant competition to get time talking to some of the larger donors.

Silver continues to work on a mental game plan while staring out the window of the train. He wasn't brought back to the present until the train car made a slight jolt.

Glancing back down Silver noticed that Dark had been stirred awake by the bump in the track. She starred at him with a look that gave the impression she was about to speak, yet all he did was stare. After a moment and with a soft smile Silver gently kissed her on the forehead.

"Try to get back to sleep if you can." He says in a relaxing voice. "We still have quite a ways to go, and it's going to be a long evening." He says with a endearing, almost seductive look. He couldn't help but feel that warmth in his stomach he got whenever Dark was around him. It just put him so much at ease. Even despite the nerves that should be present over whatever the evening may hold, it made him feel so much better to have somepony there with him.

[Dark Star]

Rather than be found rude, Dark Star found herself to be worried about a her mate requested she continue her sleep. It was going to be quite the long evening, after all, and a tired Dark Star was certainly not a pleasant one. Taking his words to heart, she lied her head back down and shut her eyes, her tail curling up against her muzzle as it always did when she slept. It was mostly done out of habit since she was a filly, back when it would usually comfort her when she slept throughout the days as intended. Now, it seemed to possess the same purpose, though something felt different about it. It felt as if it were more secure, more comforting than ever before. Looking back on it now, she felt as if she were a young filly being protected by a red-and-black teddy bear. 

As her mind drifted into bliss, Dark Star found herself in another large landscape, this one being a beach of some sort. The sand was as black as her pelt, and the water red as her eyes. Looking behind her, she found a dense forest of black trees. The sky itself wasn't either of the two colors, but rather, a dark amber shade with several grey clouds and an orange sun. To any other pony, this would seem like some kind of nightmare. But for Dark Star, however, it made her feel right at home. In fact, it reminded her a lot of home back in Nocturne's Valley. The feeling of sentimentality was incredible here, and the astronomer could feel herself relaxing more and more as time went on.

Back in reality, Dark Star's tail had moved away from her face and around Silver's body. She mumbled the words "Love...island...harmony" as she stretched her limbs out and yawned. She was still asleep, though her ears twitched and her horn flared up for a few moments. After a few minutes, the train had started to slow down, the screeching of the wheels against the rails being all the alarm clock Dark Star needed to stir from her slumber once again. She gave her legs a good stretch and sat up straight, letting out a soft yawn as her mind began working once again. She turned to Silver and smiled, being more than happy to be with him, and secretly being excited towards the gala to come later that evening. 

[Toast]

As Silvers marefriend once again drifted back to sleep (in the same adorable fashion accustomed to her) he could feel this own thoughts reflecting inwards again. He figured he could try to catch some sleep to, however mid day naps always let him feeling groggy, and he knew he needed to be at one hundred percent for the evening. He heaved a fairly quiet sigh. No, at this point there was really nothing more he could do to prepare. Maybe that's why he felt a little anxious to just get to Canterlot already, it was the waiting that was bugging him.

"I should have been smart enough to bring a book to pass the time."


But he hadn't, so for now Silver resorted to keeping himself entertained by glancing out the window at the passing scenery and occasionally glancing down at Dark who was still resting peacefully.
 

Once enough time had passed the familiar landscape outside told Silver just how close the pair were now to their destination. He was about to attempt to gently stir Dark out of her sleep to let her know, however before he could make a move she began to mumble some words. he couldn't quite make them out, and it was just now that he noticed her tail had moved from being wrapped around her to him instead. What really intrigued him though was her horn flaring up. Silvers time to observe was cut short however but the sounds and movement of the train pulling into the station waking Dark up. He continued to watch her in silence as she stretched and gathered herself. When she greeted him with a smile Silver couldn't help but gently kiss her cheek. "Sleep well?" he asks
.


Before Dark could answer the train had finished stopping on the platform and was finally ready for them to disembark. Slowly Silver stepped off the bench the two ponies were on before grabbing their luggage with hi magic. Once they exited Silver happily inhaled a large breath. The large clock above the station showed that they had more than enough time to get ready before the evening. Silver could finally feel this anxiety leaving him. He turned to his marefriend once again. "Shall we?" He asks before the two set off.

"Thanks for coming with me to this Dark." Silvers says in appreciation. "This gala can be a  little intimidating when you're on this side of it, it means a lot that your here with me." Sweet words, yet Silver said them almost casually. Probably cause he wasn't trying to make Dark blush or score points some good guy points with her. But because it was simply of truth about how he felt.

[Dark Star]

After having been woken by the sound of the train stopping, Dark Star was glad that Silver was the first thing she saw. He had asked if she slept well, which she nodded to happily before the two were on their way. Silver used his magic to levitate their luggage off the rack and they strode out happily. Looking around, Dark Star felt as though something was different around town. There was just a small feeling that made her unusually alert, much more than usual. She didn't show it on her face, though she felt incredibly worried about something happening sooner or later.

She kept her focus on Silver talking with her as the unicorn couple set off towards the town. After a glance at the clock, it was determined the two had more than enough time to prepare for the gala. Silver had expressed his gratitude to Dark Star for attending, which she happily nuzzled him for, having to lean down slightly to do so. "I'm not only obligated by the university's astronomy department to come, but more importantly, I'm obligated to you as well, Silver. I'd never let my dear, sweet, coltfriend down when he needed me most" she cooed gently, giggling to herself at her own tone.

The two continued onward, Dark Star leaning in slightly as they strode forward. "So, I take it we'll be going to your father's home to prepare first?" she inquired. Considering the invitation and all, Silver's father's house would be the first logical conclusion to come to. Naturally, Dark Star had wanted to meet his father. Any caring marefriend would want to. For a moment, the astronomer wondered what her own parents would think of Silver if the two met him. There were close to Nocturne's Valley anyway, so it wouldn't have been all that out of the way to visit them before returning home. Still, that would have to wait for a later time; right now, the unicorn couple had to make certain they were ready for the gala later that evening.

[Toast]

"Yes, but he won't be there." Silver says in a calm as the pair began their way towards Silver's old home. It appeared that he didn't share any of the uneasiness that Dark was feeling. "He's visiting some family in trottingham and was supposed to be back in time, but he sent me a letter saying he was staying there a bit longer than he intended too. Which is why we are taking his place at the gala." Silver spoke very matter-of-factly, as though somewhat proud that he was being trusted enough to take care of the event. "But he was kind enough to let us stay at his place for the evening until we can catch a train in the morning." It only occurred to Silver at that moment that he was essentially asking Dark to sleep back to back on the train. It was sometimes difficult to account for having a nocturnal marefriend. But he hoped she didn't mind, he figured they could always catch a later train back the next day. Really they were free to do whatever they felt like.


From their current location Silver knew it wouldn't take long for the two of them to make it to his old neighbourhood. In fact before he knew it they had already reached lower east Canterlot, and were passing a lot of the same streets that he had taken Dark too when the two of them had first met. It quickly brought back a few memories for Silver, he remembered just how exited he was to learn about what who Dark was and what she did, as well as liking how sometimes she said things very seriously when he was being silly. The thoughts put a soft smile across his face.

At that moment another question popped into Silvers head. "By the way I never asked. Have you ever gotten to attend this gala before?" He asks. "My father usually takes me as his guest so I've seen it the past few years."

[Dark Star]

"Ah, I see" was all Dark Star could manage to say in response to Silver's explanation. She had so wanted to meet his father too, it would even give her the excuse she was looking for to ask him to meet her parents. 'I suppose all's well that ends well' she thought as the couple had already made it to Silver's old neighborhood. Dark Star's mind was instantly met with several wistful feelings of how the two unicorns had met back then, all the magic they experienced together; it was the most wonderful moment she had ever felt, which is why when Slipstream brought Silver to her that following winter, she knew right away that he was her life-mate. Dark Star let out a soft sigh and smiled as she and Silver continued on their stroll through town. 

After a bit, Silver decided to inquire something about Dark Star, that being her attendance record for the gala. She shrugged for the most part and her expression mostly read neutral. "I was informed of it by Professor Specks once before, but I didn't want to attend then. I simply didn't want to go into such a large social gathering back then and I also found no reason to attend alone either" the astronomer explained thoroughly. "Although, I was taught about how to behave in formal gatherings by my mother. We spent weeks practicing one scenario after another until she was absolutely certain I had committed it to memory" she added with a wistful look on her face. 

[Toast]

"Well it certainly shows." Silver said with a sly little smile aimed at Dark. If there was a trait he could say he liked about Dark(and there were many) he certainly liked her formal grace, he found it to be very classy. In fact just the thought caused him to subconsciously improve his own posture. However before much more conversation could take place both him and Dark had already reached his father's home. From the outside it looked a bit small, and would have been easy enough to miss if you weren't looking for it. It was a simple cobblestone building that was attached to all the other ones on the block, which were all probably small homes as well.

"Well, here we are." Silver says as he walks up the few cobblestone steps to the frontdoor. Using his magic he levitated a small key out of his bag and unlock the door. As the two ponies stepped inside the house it was, well... Underwhelming to say the least. It was dimly lit and fairly narrow, as they already would have known from the outside, but was relatively long. The entrance where they now stood was on the left side of the house, directly in front of them was the stairs to the upper floor that hugged the left wall. All the center of the room had was a rectangular wooden table and a couple small bookshelves that lined the walls. There was also a fireplace and a sofa to their immediate right that faced the front window looking back out onto the street. Besides that all that could be seen was a doorway past the table that led into the kitchen. It was certainly a simple, cosy home, but it was the one Silver had spent the majority of his life in.

"It's not much, but it's home. Dad never was too much into decorating." Despite sounding like he was justifying his father's lack of possessions Silver was actually telling the truth ."Here, this should help." Silver said as he walked over to the fireplace. Again using his magic he was able to quickly get a fire started which lit up the room and gave the house some much needed warmth and life.

"Bathroom and Bedrooms are upstairs, and we still have a couple hours before we need to leave, so take all the time you need." Silver says as he walks up to Dark. Once the last word escapes his mouth Silver simply stands in front of her, looking up with a dreamy smile. It finally felt like they would have a chance to relax for just a bit, a short break before the coming storm. Still staring at the mare with longing eyes Silver quickly planted a passionate kiss on her lips out of nowhere. Once he broke it he couldn't help but chuckle slightly, teeth showing while holding one hoof close to his mouth.

"Hehe, sorry, couldn't help it. Why don't I show you upstairs and we can start getting ready?"

[Dark Star]

After a small chat, the couple had made it to Silver's father's home. It wasn't much to look at, though it seemed quaint enough for two stallions to live in peacefully. Dark Star followed Silver's lead and stepped inside, getting herself an eyeful of the narrow hallway that connected to what looked like the living room. Silver had commented on how his father wasn't much for decorating, to which the astronomer chuckled and nodded at. "I can certainly relate; my father never bothered with cosmetic appeal. As long as it was enough shelter to protect those living inside it, it was enough for him" she explained with a wistful smile.

After that, Silver gave a small, direction-based tour of the house and then lit up the fireplace with his magic. For a little bit, Dark Star wondered if the two would have enough time for a romantic evening after the gala, though the thought was quickly replaced when Silver planted his lips against hers. The way he broke apart left her longing for more, her eyes starting to glow and her muzzle tinting red as well. She looked at him with a look that practically begged him not to stop, but shook it off as he asked if they should get ready soon (though she did blush slightly harder when he first asked to go upstairs). "Y-yes, we'd best ready ourselves ahead of time in order to make a good impression" she said after giving her throat a good clearing.

[Toast]

(Sorry for the delay, been working a new job that's been monopolizing my time. but it's slowing down now that school is starting again.)

Silver couldn't help but chuckle at Darks reaction. Although it might be somewhat mean he just loved to see her embarrassed. The fact that a red glow could somehow make it through that black coat was too adorable.

"Hehe, follow me." Silver says as he walks by her towards the stairs. Using his magic he lifts both their bags before looking back at Dark with a smile.

The upstairs to the small home didn't have much to say to it. It was simply a short hallway with four doors. Two of which contained regular bedrooms, another a slightly larger master bedroom, and finally a bathroom. However it was the very first room on the left that Silver opened. Inside was a fairly dimly lit regular room, but it was the room Silver spent a good portion of his life in. Like the rest of the house so far there wasn't much on the inside. Most of the dressers and desks were void of anything with the exceptional of a few books. Quickly Silver opened the shades covering the window in order to breathe some light into the room.

"Alright." Silver says as he places their luggage down beside the bed. "time to get ready."

Over the next hour the two ponies spent their time in and out of the bathroom, cleaning up and putting on clothes. By the end Silver looked quite dapper if he did say so himself. His mane was clean and well groomed instead of its usually more messy state. And he wore a black and white Tux that complimented his coat fairly well. He now only struggled with a bow tie that for some reason he just couldn't seem to get quite right. It looked lopsided with one side of the bow much larger then the other. Standing in front of the mirror in his room he tried using his magic to fix it but instead it looked like he was chocking himself as no amount of magic Silver tried could solve his issue.

"Dark, could you help me for a moment?" He calls through his struggle.

[Dark Star]

Silver led Dark Star upstairs and the two ponies got to work. Over the next hour or so, they were working diligently to maintain a proper appearance, and by the end of it all, the fruits of their labor had shown. Dark Star looked herself over in the mirror, thoroughly impressed by the unicorn she saw looking back at her. The dress she wore was a dark gray color, ending halfway down her tail's length. She secured a red sash around her waistline and sighed in contempt. She wondered for a moment if she should've packed a few slippers for the evening, though one good look at her naturally red hooves told her it would've looked too awkward. If not for the sound of Silver's voice calling out to her, she'd likely spend all day thinking about it. 

"What seems to be the problem, Silver?" she asked as she entered. Looking at the stallion in question gave her all that she needed to know. "I see" she stated as she used her magic to fix his bowtie, being very careful to make certain it was even on both sides by the smallest degree. "And...done" the astronomer cheered. Taking a chance to get an eyeful, Dark Star began looking over Silver. He looked quite handsome wearing his tuxedo, and his mane was brushed and looked incredible. Overall, Silver was quite the sight to behold. "You look wonderful, Darling" she complimented as she nuzzled him with the side of her muzzle. 

[Toast]

Silver Smiled, waiting patiently as Dark fixed his tie for him. For a moment he couldn't really believe how much things had taken a change since Dark entered his life, certainly all for the better of course, but he certainly never thought he would be here now. As Dark pressed the side of her muzzle against him Silvers smile couldn't help but turn into a full grin. He chuckles slightly and waits until she was done before responding.

"You look quite beautiful yourself dear." He says in a soft tone. He spoke honestly too, in fact Dark had done a better job cleaning up then he did, at least in his own opinion. But as enjoyable as Dark was too look at, the two ponies now found themselves staring silently at each other. Silver couldn't help but wonder that if they had more time what might have happened at that very moment. But for now duty called, and Silver knew he had to stay focused on the task at hand.

"Well, I suppose we should get going, we don't want to be late do we?" He says as though also trying to convince himself.

With just enough time to finish any final preparations the two ponies were about to set out for their ultimate destination. Again Silver could feel the lightest sensation of nervousness creeping up on him. Odd, considering how much he thought he had gotten over it. It was just that nagging feeling that something unplanned might happen. As though the evening felt more fragile now that he was in charge.

"Dark, Is there anything you'd like to know about the gala before we get there? This may be our last chance to discuss anything." Silver says, perhaps inadvertently dealing with his nervousness by finding an excuse to talk about the gala.