Starlight knew it wasn't the bravest thing she'd ever done, but she was only eleven; allowances should be made. She dashed up the hill, vaulted onto the front porch, and charged through the front door. Safe!

"Hey Starlight," Sunburst called cheerfully.

Ducking behind his back, she panted, "Hide me!"

"Are you playing a game?" he asked curiously. At thirteen Sunburst still like to play games, sometimes he would even drop his lessons in favor of playing with the younger campers if asked. His eyes sparkled in anticipation of the fun.

"Not exactly," she managed with a half-hearted smile.

A sharp rap at the front widened her eyes, and Sunburst held a hoof to his lips, then hurried to answer the door. "Prince Bramble!" he exclaimed happily. "What brings you here?"

Bramble gazed up at him with a friendly smile. "I’m looking for Starlight."

"Is that so?" he hedged with a nervous little laugh.

Starlight couldn't help but smile, for Sunburst was a terrible liar. However, her amusement disappeared as a light airy voice hailed the entrance of the house. That was quick.

"Good afternoon, Lord Thorax!" the young stallion greeted.

"Looks like we had the same idea," the changeling said, smirking down on the young deer.

Unruffled, Bramble haughtily announced, "You cannot enter without permission."

"I wasn't gonna barge," Thorax grumbled defensively. Turning to Sunburst, he said, "Excuse me! Can I come in?"

Sunburst smile twitched awkwardly in his face, but he glanced uncertainly behind him. "Erm... I don't think that's a good idea, Lord Thorax."

"How come? I know she’s here."

"But I don't think Starlight..."

"I was here first," Bramble interrupted with youthful authority.

"Well, that's true," Sunburst allowed.

It might have gone on forever if a low growl hadn't cut across the bickering. Spike stalked into the room, his tail twitching in annoyance. He plucked Starlight from her flimsy hiding place, tossing her onto his shoulders before rounding on the adolescent creatures at the door. "You both may have your eyes on this mare, but I assert the prior claim. So back off."

Changelings and deers knew better than to cross dragons, so Bramble and Thorax exchanged a look, then bowed in unison. Spike nodded in satisfaction, then vanished, taking Starlight with him.

Author's Note

I'm so sorry for the late update! But things should go back to a regular schedule! thanks for reading!