There's a time when tales become truth,
And truth becomes a tale...

After the matter with Spike and Rarity was solved, Twilight took the time to make sure the white unicorn got the full details over the dress she wanted for the Gala - but as she intended to walk away from the boutique, her eyes landed on a beautiful dress and something about it made the lavender alicorn look at it almost transfixed. Rarity must've noticed the way Twilight zoned out, for she giggled softly and gave a few details about that particular dress:

- Oh, that dress? That dress is a custom, somepony asked me to take all the time I need to do it. This morning I added some finishing touches to it, Rarity said as she looked over the magenta-colored dress, adorned with a few sparkling diamonds and threads of lace carefully sewn, making sure all the refined details are well.

- It...It..., Twilight stammered, at a complete loss of words for it.

- It's so beautiful, isn't it? the white unicorn giggled.

- It has the colour of...Princess Celestia's eyes..., Twilight noted.

- Oh, darling, you know the Princess is inseparable from that regalia of hers, Rarity said. Anyway, thanks for coming by - and let Spike visit me more often, will you? Rarity added as she opened the door of her boutique with her magic.

In truth, Rarity was keeping the Princess' appearance a surprise for Twilight, as per the sun diarch's request - Celestia wanted to surprise her would-be-mate with such a well, celestial look, and even Spike was aware of what Rarity was doing. To be honest, whenever Twilight looked in the Princess's eyes, she felt herself surging with calmness - but Spike quickly reminded Twilight they had to go - and she reluctantly agreed, opening the door of the boutique with her magic. Trotting away, she couldn't stop imagining a lot of things about the Gala tonight, while Spike was looking at the other ponies, who seemed rather busy and quite happy about the event organised tonight - the common chatter and light banters fiiled the air, but Twilight was too busy on thinking what to do at the Gala.

- So, Twi, are you happy that things sorted out in the end? Spike asked as he looked at the purple Alicorn.

- Yes, Spike. I was acting on a rather stupid reasoning when I walked in the boutique, I thought you were kidnapped or replaced by a Changeling, when I saw you that thoughtful. I was about to burn your tail to a crisp, she said awkwardly.

Spike left out a hearty laughter at the thought that crossed Twilight's mind - but he knew her too well and the thought was indeed serious in her mind - so he figured that, had it been true, she would've really acted out on her fury. He knew far too well that Twilight would go to Equestria's ends and beyond for her friends...

- But if it was about the Princess, what would have you done? he asked, knowing the soft spot Twilight had for the Princess.

- You promised me you won't tease me anymore about this, she said as a blush was forming on her face. You know what I would've done.

- Yeah, probably, Spike said jokingly only to have Twilight shoot a glare as he smiled sheepishly. Sorry, sorry, I won't get on your nerves, Twi.

Twilight's blush was still there, and she felt the need for a travel above the clouds - while ponies were mostly busy with their things, she could notice a few looking at her in curiosity - and a flight was good enough to calm down the nervousness that was slowly arising in her veins. Asking Spike to hop on her back - to which the latter noted it was the second time flying on an Alicorn's back - she began running to gain some speed before opening her wings to rise above the ground, and no sooner than two minutes, they were aboveground, basking in the fluffiness of the clouds. Her training with Rainbow Dash was surely paying off, and Rainbow was indeed a determined sportspony who took everything seriously, even if Twilight often wished her flight would retain the grace of the Princess she was. During the flight with Spike, the Alicorn lost control a few times - approaching dangerously to the ground - before steeling herself into flying higher than she could, so one pony could think she was training in her flight alone. Spike was yelling in fear a few times, warning Twilight, but after a good half hour's tour of Ponyville's airspace, the Alicorn aimed to land on her balcony with enough grace.
However, her attempt at landing ended up in a huge crash as both she and Spike tumbled in her room - Spike was kissing the ground with fervor, thanking Celestia that he escaped with nothing than a few scratches here and there - and Twilight laughed off her failed attempt, while looking for something very important for another night, her favorite book. It was "1001 Tales of Saddle Arabia", a book she used to read stories from to Spike, in his infancy.

- Oh, Twi, you still have that book? Please, can you read me that story...ah, what was it's name, he tried to remember in agitation as he sat on the floor, next to Twilight.

- I'm trying to remember its' name too, Spike, she said as she was gently, but rapidly looking for it. Ah, there it was! "The Tale of Silver Saddle", right?

- Yup, that's the one! Spike smiled gleefully as he drew nearer to the Alicorn. Remember when you used to have a fez on your head when telling me the story? he chuckled, faintly remembering a red fez Twilight would wear each time she read the tales of Saddle Arabia.

- Pfft, Spike, she laughed, I don't even know where I put the fez, but I guess I can try a searching spell, Twilight said as she lit up her horn with a faint purple ray. Ah, there it is! she exclaimed as she dusted off the fez and placed it gently on her mane.

The fez looked like it had seen better days - but Twilight felt extremely proud wearing it - she enjoyed very much the role of storyteller, and imagining she was in those times in Saddle Arabia definitely opened up her horizon in the magic of words, friendship, and slowly, love. Spike was looking at Twilight with excitement, as she began reading in her soft voice, used mostly for storytelling:

'Twas a beautiful night in the town of Bagdadell, and as usual, sultan Shareyhar was eager to hear the tales of Shahrizade, the beautiful slave with red mane and cream-coloured skin. He recounted this was the seventh night of her tales - and she was definitely nitpicking his interest with each night that went by - the thought of executing her was slowly drifting further and further away. As he was eating his dinner, the grand vizier Mustafim announced her - Shahrizade knew how to make herself beautiful, and he was definitely enraptured by the mare's appearance. Shareyhar gestured for her to come close and eat some dinner with him...

- My dearest sultan, I trust I can begin a different tale for tonight, Shahrizade began, her brown eyes instinctively looking in the sultan's black ones, hoping to get his attention.

- Do begin your tale, beautiful Shahrizade, the sultan said with a gruff voice.

- Tonight's tale is called..."The Tale of Silver Saddle", began Shahrizade with a soft, yet melancholic voice.

This tale begins in the time of the great caliph Harkoun al-Redshid, may the gods bless his reign, when the bravest of ponies were adventurers, seeking the thrills of life beyond the borders of Bagdadell. This was the case for a young noblemare, by her name Silver Saddle. One might wonder how did she manage to reach such a powerful position being a mare - but she was the direct descendant of Rigilus Saddle, the previous chambelain at Harkoun's almighty court - and while the caliph's decision of setting a mare in the droves of power did surprise the noblecolts across the lands, Silver Saddle did manage to prove her worth as the caliph's right hoof.

One day, Harkoun decided to disguise himself, just to see how the common ponies were thinking about his right hoof - and he also summoned Silver Saddle to go along with him in this trip - not before advising her that some ponies might not agree with the views of the caliph. He knew this far better than anyone, for most of his chambelains knew that their leader enjoyed hearing common talks over important decisions - and not once did the caliph bring justice towards common folk that never thought His Highness would know about their woes. Silver Saddle was curious too, and while she knew that the nobility did not welcome her so well, such a journey of knowledge was sure to please her inquisitiveness:

- Your Highness, I'm not quite certain the common folk really talk about me, she said in a meek voice, while shamefully meeting the caliph's brown eyes.

- Silver Saddle, your father was wise during his time as my personal chambelain. He had a true flair of knowing much more than me sometimes - and it was from him that I understood how important it is for a royal figure to learn descending into a commoner's hooves. I do not say everyone will be happy with my decisions, but alas, one's rule is founded on good and wrong decisions sometimes, Harkoun al-Redshid said as he placed a fake beard over his snout and covered himself with raggedy clothes.

He then asked Silver Saddle to disguise herself as a common mare, leaving her black mane down and dressing herself into some raggedy clothes as well. While they exited the castle's huge doors, he advised her not to betray her true identity at any costs - to put it in the sovereign's words, "if they knew their leader is going to check on them everytime, I would not be able to catch them in their wrongdoings." - and all the chambelain mare could do was nod courteously.

- If you ever need to address yourself to me, I am, for today's visit, "Sharuk al-Rid", while you will be "Reva", understand? the caliph asked Silver Saddle as she looked in his eyes with complete puzzlement, but nodded nonetheless. You will be my loyal assistant, as we are two travelers coming from the distant lands of Parshia, if anyone asks you what are we doing here.

- I think I understand now, Sire. But please, do remind me if I'm going to feel pressured at all by this novelty, Silver Saddle smiled sheepishly.

- Of course, chambelain. Now, let us see what the commoners are up to...

As the two disguised nobilities were heading towards the town, they could see various traders with their goods lined up, yelling for attention like "bread, fresh bread for sale" or "fresh fruits, straight from the land of Anugypt!" and Sharuk, alongside Reva have stopped next to the merchant that called out about his fresh fruits - a stallion with white hair, a black turban and somewhat elegant clothes.

- Salaam, good sir, Sharuk greeted the merchant.

- Alekum salaam, sir. Are you looking for some good fruits? Straight from Anugypt, I trust this with my life!

- What do you think about caliph Harkoun al-Redshid, good colt? Sharuk said as he began paying for two red apples that caught his eye, while Reva was silently watching him.

- Oh, may the gods bless his reign. I have heard that he chose a young mare for his chambelain - though I do not see mares with good eyes in positions of power - the stallion added, I must admit she has proven her worth. So, anything else catching your eye, good sir?

- No, thank you, these two apples are all I need, Sharuk nodded as he gestured for Reva to follow him.

As they entered a small inn in the town, the caliph and his chamberlain were looking for a reserved table - and somewhere in a dark corner, there was enough silence and nopony was in earshot. Silver Saddle felt proud that someone was agreeing with the caliph's decision, but Harkoun al-Redshid knew that they got lucky with this one.

- Silver Saddle, you know it was a lucky talk this one, am I correct?

- Sire, I know, but I feel that even Anugypt finds me worthy of the decision you have bestowed upon me.

- Let us have a drink and go further in the town. The day is still on, the caliph said as he rose from the table and gestured for some drinks.

- So, Sharuk, began Silver Saddle, are we going to find someplace to stay for the night? I think our visit here is quite a short one, as you told me.

- Yes, we will, Reva, he added as he began drinking. But nevertheless, I hear only good talk about the caliph - he must be a very good leader.

- Aye, good sir, said the bartender as he poured some more drink in their cups. But I don't think he did right by placing that mare as his right hoof. Mares usually want more power as it goes on, and if she overthrows the caliph, there will be blood to pay for this.

- Why are you so rude towards mares, Reva began. That is like saying a mare will overcome a stallion in their house, which is-, but a silent glare from the caliph stopped her.

- Ah, my apologies. I did not want to come off as rude, but I can't deny the fact she's not going to bring anything good for us.

- No worries, friend. I understand what you mean, but my assistant is quite sensitive upon such matters. Come, Reva, we have a long way to go, Harkoun said as he left a generous bag of gold coins on the table.

They left the inn, only to see that the caliph wasn't exactly pleased with the way Silver Saddle handled the situation - a silent yet upset glare was constantly on Silver Saddle - and the latter was indeed ashamed of her upright reaction. The caliph wasn't displeased with the fact that Silver Saddle stood up for the rights of mares, it was the wording of the whole situation, and he thought very carefully before he said anything.

- Look, Reva, I agree he was a jerk, Sharuk said as he tried to fit in with the crowds.

- I'm just glad you came and stopped the whole deal. Mares are really not well treated by some stallions, she added.

The caliph decided that it was enough for the day - if they had another encounter of this sort, Silver Saddle could just deconspire their identities - and looked at the sun shining above the town, contemplating the beauty of nature for a moment. If only he could hear more about what the folks think of his choice..., but then again, Silver Saddle was still half-happy about their small adventure. And so, the two made their way back to the castle in the utmost secrecy, and changed back into their day-by-day attires - but it was obvious that Silver Saddle was not pleased with such small adventures. True, it helped her see that not everypony was happy with her master, but she wanted more from life than just handling court duties and making sure her decisions were not affecting the caliph's. A greater adventure was what she needed...

The next day, Silver Saddle made her way towards the caliph's chambers, her mind set on going for an adventure that was about to change her life. Harkoun al-Redshid, as usual, was meditating over the things that happened yesterday, and he wasn't really startled when he heard the doors creaking. He turned his eyes towards the armored chamberlain, and an idea was running through his head, "is she going to leave the lands in the search of adventure?", idea confirmed by the steeled gaze of the black-maned mare before him.

- Your Highness-, began Silver Saddle only to be interrupted by the caliph's raised hoof.

- You want to go on an adventure, and perhaps find something else more than what you have in here? Perhaps a handsome stallion or...a beautiful mare, the caliph added as he was no stranger to such things.

- Your Highness, but who will handle everything while I'm on my journey? she asked worriedly.

- I will place the tasks of chamberlain to Al-ahim, Harkoun al-Redshid said, his expression still serious. Are you sure you wish to undertake this challenge? he asked the mare before him.

- Yes, Your Highness. I am entirely convinced of my intentions, Silver Saddle said.

- Very well, you have my blessing, the caliph said as he gently placed a hoof over her. May the gods favour your journey and you return safe to us.

Twilight lifted her gaze from the book, as she heard deep snoring from a small dragon in front of her. Spike was well asleep, and she could only giggle at how cute he looked like when he slept. "I will let him sleep a while, he was exhausted anyway," the Alicorn thought, but she couldn't keep her mind off the story, as she knew what happened next - Silver Saddle went beyond the borders of the Habbsid Caliphate, and fought creatures like gryphons, demons and giant bear-monsters, and at the end of the story she marries Adala, a beautiful red-maned mare - Twilight couldn't help blushing at the last part, as she was reminded oddly of her own feelings for a certain Princess.

She also reminded the day when she got this particular book...

'It was a warm afternoon, that day, and I was out to see Princess Celestia - in spite of her polite refusals that she will have some guests over tonight - and while that still looks so stupid, in this moment, back then I was just a growing filly and knew very little of diplomacy's ways. I remember meeting two earth ponies that had a crescent moon on their attires - one was a stallion with blonde mane and brown coat, while the mare was lilac in her coat and had a purple mane - and both looked like some sort of important ponies. I feel so ashamed now that I bumped into them so uncourteously, as I wanted to reach the throne room as fast as I could.

- Watch out, young one, you can get hurt, the lilac-coated mare said to me.

- I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I said as I hung my head low.

- It's okay. What's your name, little one? the brown-coated stallion asked me.

- I'm Twilight Sparkle, the Princess' best student and protege, I replied.

- Oh, we're delighted to meet you. I am Amira, the lilac-coated mare said, bowing her head. And next to me is my husband, Haakim.

- Wait, are you from Saddle Arabia? I asked, in curiosity.

- Yes, yes, indeed we are, Haakim replied. I see you're looking at one of the books in my saddlebag, miss Sparkle, he added as he noticed the transfixed expression on my face I must've had.

- Yes, it looks pretty old and beautifully adorned. What is it? I asked, the desire of knowledge filling me entirely.

- It is 1001 Tales of Saddle Arabia, he added as he gently pulled it out of his bag, and I picked it in my magic.

- Can I keep it, so I remember meeting you today? I asked, excited at the prospect of reading these ancient stories.

- Yes, of course you can keep it, my faithful student, Princess Celestia's voice rang from behind me. Distinguished guests, I gather you have already acquainted yourself with my protege?

- Indeed we did, your Highness, Haakim said. You have chosen a very inquisitive pupil, may her studies be enlightened and her path steady.

I'm still quite embarassed by that day...'

Meanwhile...

She wasn't so sure if she could handle this. It was a difficult thing to do - to break the heart of a friend - especially when said friend had invested some time in having feelings towards her. She sighed, looking at the horizon before her, unsure of what to do - and then somepony, or better said, some zebra came to her mind. "Perhaps Zecora can help me sort this out...", she thought as she trotted hastily towards the small cottage of Zecora the shaman zebra, who loved to enjoy the stillness and peace of the Everfree forest's depth. She knocked with her hoof at the wooden door, but as she got no answer, she decided to take a peek at the windows. Zecora wasn't in her house, and knowing her, she was again herb-hunting for some potion of hers. Deciding that there was no way she could wait for the zebra here, she went through the common paths she knew Zecora went on in her hunts, while asking the animals about her whereabouts. It was important that this talk happened now.

Zecora, on the other hoof, was looking carefully for some feverfew, hawthorn, marigold and sage, and while the usual rustling of the forest did not bother her, the noise was getting somewhat aggravating. She could only think that something must've scared the animals - but no predator was really around in the forest of Everfree - with the rare exception when changelings would use the forest as a cover for their invasions...but even so, there was no real reason for the animals to be so noisy. As she placed some leaves of sage in her saddlebags, she could see in the corner of her eye something pink, but chose to disregard what she saw, looking for some leaves of hawthorn. The cream-coated mare was relieved to see the zebra in this part of the forest - and while the shaman acknowledged her presence, it was obvious Zecora wasn't in the mood to talk. "This potion must be really urgent for her if she doesn't even greet me," the mare thought, only to be contradicted after a few minutes of silence, as the zebra turned to face her.

- Ah, it is just Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness / Who does not say anything, out of shyness, Zecora said.

- I'm sorry, Zecora, I wasn't sure if I could even interrupt you. You were pretty absorbed by the herb-hunt..., Fluttershy trailed off.

- Do not fret, young one / The hunt to end has come, Zecora replied. What is the matter / That makes your heart pitter-patter?

- I...I have to discuss a...rather difficult i-issue, Fluttershy stammered. I have...t-this friend...

- This friend is good / Or has he the seeds of evil to root? Zecora asked.

- He's...w-well...reformed. A-and...maybe he paid me a-a lot of attention. He is n-nice but...

- Thou must be talking about Discord, / Whose crimes are on a permanent record, Zecora frowned.

- Yes, it's him...b-but I don't really like...like him more than a friend. He m-must have read too much into...my p-polite replies, the faded-pink mare replied as she struggled with her thoughts.

- Thou must speak with him / Even if he acts by a whim, the zebra shaman said as she hugged the shy mare.

- I hope he-he will not destroy everypony's life for this..., Fluttershy said, worriedly. I will go find him. T-thanks, Zecora! she added, trotting away.

The shaman zebra could do nothing but shake her head and hope that the draconequus will understand the real meaning of love someday, and she went on picking the last herbs she needed. In the meantime, Fluttershy galloped through the forest, trying to find Discord - wherever he was - until she reached a beautiful field, full of red, white and yellow flowers that was also home to a small, fresh river that flowed from the mountains. She stopped to look at her reflection in the water, and wonder how could she break the news to Discord without breaking his heart in the process - after all, he was representing Chaos, and one wrong move was enough to make him lose control - and she didn't want Twilight and the others to blame her for Discord's evil deeds. Fluttershy began to cry, and she left tears to run down her snout, softly whispering how sorry she was for everything. She failed to notice that next to her, the draconequus she was looking for gazed at his own reflection in the water, worried about what could've upset his friend so.

- Fluttershy? Are you alright? Discord asked as he looked at the crying mare next to him. What happened?

- Discord, be-before I tell you, Fluttershy said between sobs, pr-promise me you won't get mad.

- Whatever would I be mad for, my friend? Discord asked, puzzled, knowing his own conflicting feelings towards Fluttershy.

- I...I know you are nice and...kind...and do a lot of nice things for me, Fluttershy began, but the tr-truth is that I don't feel the same way you might feel, she added, afraid to look at Discord's eyes.

- Ah, so that was all about, wasn't it, he laughed gently. I admit, I had some feelings...I still do, but...I do not want them to come between our friendship. And besides, I don't want to go back as a statue. It's far too much for my old bones, he added jokingly.

- You aren't mad that I'm...not loving you the way you expected? Fluttershy asked, struggling with the words.

- Fluttershy, how could I ever be mad at you or any of your friends? You have helped me change - well, in some ways you have changed me more than the others did - and besides, at some point or another I knew there might be someone else to catch your attention, he nudged the creamy mare. Now, wanna tell me who's the lucky guy, he paused, or is it a lucky girl?

- Discord...! Fluttershy choked out as a red blush formed all over her face.

- I'm curious, Fluttershy. As your friend, I want to make sure you made the right choice, he said as he summoned a coconut and began drinking the milk within.

- F-fine, but d-don't tell the others just yet, Fluttershy pleaded him. I've been in love...for some while...with Princess Luna.

Discord was indeed caught up by this shocking news, as he snorted the coconut milk off his nostrils and looked at the mare before him with big eyes, able to utter only a few words:

"I KNEW YOU HAD IT IN FOR ROYALTY!"