The Lost Element

The beautiful moon king smiled more gently at me while he brought his glass to his lips again. "Mmm, I do see what you mean... You're certainly not the flamboyant type. Very reserved when kept to yourself. Although if I might make an educated guess here... You do not come across as the happiest person at times. I seldom see you smile, my boy."

"Is...that a bad thing? I'm not afraid of smiling, but..." I muttered as I wondered if I should feel shame for not openly displaying my happiness. I am truly very happy with my life in Equestria. Even if I do not openly discuss it with others.

"No, of course not! There's no need to smile constantly. For one thing, your cheeks would be sore all the time. And secondly..." Orbash replied with a sympathetic grin before he sneakily spread his wing towards me. I almost paid no mind to it until the tip of its furthest feather traced up my arm and tickled my neck and up to my face. I snickered at this silly display of affection while the moon king said, "It only makes the times you do smile all the more meaningful... Ah, ah, see? There it is. There's that wonderful smile. See how radiantly it shines when it only peeks over the horizon every now and then instead of like clockwork?"

How could a man be so genuinely sweet? I have met many good men during my time in Equestria, but not even Sky Beak was this unrelentingly jovial. I tried to hide my face out of sheer modesty as I raised my voce a bit. Thankfully there was a bit too much noise filling the pub for anyone to really notice us. "You're too much, your majesty! Are you this way with everyone you meet?"

"Oh, not everyone. I mean yes, I do try to be kind and courteous whenever I can. Why would I not? Who wants to be a stern sourpuss all the time? That's that my wife is for." Orbash replied before causing me to crack up at the mention of Sunflare. What a zinger to end that statement on. Even if it was not exactly incorrect. But as soon as my laughter died down, Orbash leaned closer to me and said softly, "But you? Of course you. Because I love you."

That stabbed me in the heart. I should have expected it all the same, but it still got me. I tried to avert my eyes and said, "Your majesty, you don't really mean that. I don't compare to your daughters and you know that. I mean I'm blessed you're all so fond of me, but I could never..."

Orbash silenced me with a light tap of a feather atop my head. He then looked into his glass before sipping at it again. "I never knew what it meant to have a son. But if Sunflare were to ever bear me a colt, I imagine I would have adored if he grew up to be just like you. I have not know you long, but I have only adored you more with every encounter. My daughters adore. And at least one of them...is very much in love with you. And it is a true love. I have nothing to fear when it comes to your relationships with them. For malice is simply not in your nature."

The wonderful moon king then turned to face me while I could find no words to say. He then reached out and kissed me on my brow before saying, "James... My boy. My darling prince. Know that you are most certainly loved by my family and I am blessed to have come to know you."

I could not speak for a moment as I gazed into those beautiful blue eyes. Despite knowing that he meant every word, I could not help but feel unworthy. But that was not the same as saying I did not appreciate those kind words. I gazed down into the dark fluid in my own glass and said, "I wish you could have been my father."

Orbash remained silent for just a moment longer. As if he was waiting for me to speak. After a moment longer, he then asked gently, "Was your father truly such a monster?"

"No... could never say he was a monster... But he's no saint either." I muttered as I leaned on the counter a bit more. And I sighed in profound disappointment. "It sucks... Unless they're raised in an environment overrun with hate, children don't have the capacity to think poorly of their parents. It's only with the passage of time that a kid can look upon their parents with more scrutiny... And see just how badly they screwed up in the long run."

A tear escaped my eye. The sheer contrast between my own father and the two wonderful stallions who had become like a father to me in the world of Equestria only stung me more as I wondered how things could have been. "A jovial affable facade towards friends and associates, but with a very dark underside that I swear he only showed to me. It feels like he only got worse with time. And with the benefit of hindsight... I have to assume it was the result of too many years of success. A very arrogant man with no capacity for regret. No understanding of consequences. He still owes me apologies from years ago that I'll never hear..."

I then looked directly the wonderful stallion beside me and asked, "I don't get it, your majesty. You have far more power than my father will ever have and so much of a legacy to your name. How has all that success and public adoration not gone to your head?"

"Why? I suppose that is a very good question..." Orbash said softly while his gaze focused on nothing in particular. He appeared genuinely at a loss for words. But only for a moment. "Perhaps it is precisely because of the weight of this crown upon my brow that arrogance never found a place in my mind. The people have never served me. As king, I serve Equestria. And as a father, I guided and nurtured my beautiful daughters to the best of my ability. I have...loved them dearly since the moment they came into this world. I never had much, but I always had them when not basking in the luxuries that leadership does provide. I may be king...but I was a husband and father first. And I still am. It is a father's duty to love and guide his children. Not to make them fear or resent him."

"I have nothing but the highest respect for fathers who don't let their pride control them. I learned firsthand how pride will...alienate your children." I replied while drying my tears. My gaze then fell into the reflections being cast upon the surface of my drink. "I learned from my father there's no such thing as a perfect family. And he has no idea that he taught me that... Maybe that isn't the case in this world. Not after seeing men like you. Men who have stood the test of time."

Orbash scooted a bit closer to me before reaching out with his wing and embracing me with it. The beautiful moon king leaned against me without a word, as if just waiting for me to recover from that bout of melancholy. I glanced at the stallion and noticed he had his eyes closed. Perhaps he was certain it was not time for words and was allowing me to break that silence. And after carefully considering the words that had been said, I spoke what was in my heart. "Love you..."

"And I love you, my boy." He whispered back to me without even looking at me. I finally put an arm around that wonderful stallion and held him while he held me. Although I did eventually notice the bartender watching from the other end of the counter as he polished glasses. But his gaze did not remain upon us for long and he soon began to focus exclusively on his job. He seemed like the kind of guy who had seen and heard it all. The sight of Equestria's king gently snuggling with Equestria's sole human knight did not even faze him. I am sure every bartender has a mountain of secrets to share if asked.

The bartender soon came by once again as our embrace began to loosen. He asked happily, "You gentlemen all right over here? Anything else I can get you?"

Orbash and I glanced at each other before noticing that there was only a single mouthful of fluid let in our glasses. We both smirked at each other before lifting our glasses and downing the rest in one gulp. We set our glasses down simultaneously with a clack before Orbash said, "We'll have a couple of pints of your finest ale, my good stallion. One more for the road."

"Coming right up, your majesty." The bartender replied with some gusto in the face of Orbash's boundless joy. We watched him fill a pair of large glass mugs with a golden foaming brew from the draft before sliding them down the counter to us. "This one's on the house. Bill the rest to the castle, right?"

"Too right. Many thanks." The moon king replied before his magic aura engulfed the handle. We both clinked our mugs together before taking one big drink in unison. The ale was much lighter than the cocktails we just consumed and felt like it was something to wash it all down, but it also had more of a bite to it than most light beers. Definitely the kind of booze that is perfect for colder seasons. Although Orbash did soon whisper to me, "Now I think I see why your smile is so comparatively rare. You had more reasons to frown back home."

"Maybe... I don't even want to imagine where I'd be another ten years from now if I was still back on Earth." I muttered while trying to drown my sorrows in that heaping mug of ale. Thank goodness I am a happy drunk. "But that's there and not here. And I wanna keep it that way."

"Well said, my boy! And we're richer for it. This is your home now and we're grateful you chose to remain among us." Orbash spoke proudly as we tried to down our drinks as quickly as possible. I managed to chug the entire last half of that mug of ale and did feel quite a rush immediately afterward. Our business done, I fetched my jacket near the door and we were on our way back to the castle.

I was in a much better mood after having a drink in such good company. Orbash and I chatted up each other on the way back while passing under the bright glow of the streetlights along the way. Just having some guy talk. I had completely forgotten about the bitter memories I had discussed now that the glorious king of Equestria was in my company.

Orbash got me laughing a lot by telling me exaggerated tales about his wife. All in jest, I am sure. He is madly in love with Sunflare and would never truly disrespect her. Mess with her for fun, but never emotionally harm her. And we did have the presence of mind to quiet down once we were back inside the castle. Orbash began to lead me down the halls while saying, "If they were going to treat themselves to wine, then I have a hunch of where we may find the ladies."

I was guided down the halls until we heard the distant voices of ladies echoing through the hall. The three royal sisters and their radiant mother must have made no attempt to close a door and keep their voices contained. And when we stepped before an arched doorway, there they were. A room that almost looked like a very small banquet chamber with wine cabinets and elegant wooden decor. Perhaps it is a place reserved for very small parties. The four mares were gathered around a table that had a few wine bottles set in ice buckets and a wooden plank lined with blocks and wheels of cheeses. Although I did notice one of the bottles was entirely empty and set aside. We barely even had the chance to get a good look at them before the mighty sun queen spoke up with her piercing gaze set upon us. "And so the king of fools returns to bless us with his presence?"

"That I have, my dear! The prince and I had a pleasant chat over some fine spirits. What about you ladies? Enjoying yourselves in our absence?" Orbash replied as we both stepped inside the room. And there was something...a bit off about Sunflare. A little too confrontational right out the gate.

Celestia was quick to point something out as an act of warning. All while she and her sisters displayed anticipating smirks. "Watch out, Father. Mother downed an entire bottle before you got back."

"Oh ho, did she now?!" Orbash laughed as I took a step to the side. Granted, wine is nowhere near as potent as the kind of stuff we had, but too much of that stuff will dehydrate you and make for quite the hangover in the morning. Orbash, ever the cheeky king, was far from intimidated. "And all we had was a single cocktail and tankard of ale. I didn't expect you to outdrink us, my queen."

"Ha! You're one to talk, you ruffian!" Sunflare barked as she swiftly rose from her seat and approached her king with a wing glass floating near her. She was definitely intoxicated, but not all that severely. And she was hamming up her behavior quite a bit with her almost exaggerated steps. And...was she starting to roll her R's? As if trying to pass herself off as a stereotypical noblewoman? I cracked a crooked grin as I watched the sun queen really trying to match wits if her much sillier husband. "The great king of Equestria stooping so low as to flounder with the lounge lizards and their cheap brews of grains and hops? What happened to you, my love? Where did we go so wrong?!"

Orbash leaned towards his wife with a very entertained grin on display. He was far from insulted. If anything, he was fully in on the joke. "My love, we have long since discovered the magic of brewing wine. How many barrels did we fill over the eons?"

Sunflare quickly chugged the last of her wine and flung the glass trough the air and would have shattered it upon the floor if Luna was not so quick to catch it in her own levitation magic. She swiftly stepped to her husband while her daughters left the table and began to approach me to watch the show unfold. "And so you shirk your duties to drink yourself dry in the dingy taverns? For shame, my king! If so, then you truly are a king! King of fools!"

The two of them went back and forth like this for a few minutes while clearly just messing around with each other. This fake argument was nothing short of hilarious, especially with how...accustomed I had become to thinking Sunflare just did not have it in her to be like this. She was not angry with her husband. She was just having fun with him. And he was definitely playing along with them matching each other wit for wit. I snickered at one point and glanced about at the three royal sisters around me. "Man, your parents really are the best."

"Never a dull moment with those two, I swear." Nightmare Moon groaned while rolling her eyes. She tried to sound annoyed, but she was just as entertained as the rest of us. "If nothing else, it has made life in the castle a little ore interesting."

At long last, the king and queen of Equestria could not maintain their argument any longer. The two of them transitioned seamlessly from bickering to howling with laughter while on very unstable legs. Sunflare, the silliest smile on her lips I had ever seen, brought herself closer to the love of her life. "Oh, you silly stallion. You know I jest. Can't a queen have a bit of fun now and then?"

Orbash suddenly and amusing turned his head away from his wife before smirking at her from an angle. "You wound me, my dear! Like I could ever expect you to have enough ice in your heart to truly stab my very soul. Isn't it I who commands the frigid gales of the storm? My heart of ice always melts in your mere presence!"

"Kiss me, you fool!" Sunflare barked with a huge devious grin on her face. And they did. The king and queen embraced each other in their wings and...began to make out rather noisily. I had seen the two of them share many kisses, but never like this. And it was... Well, while I was tempted to look away, my three royal companions recoiled in understandable varying levels of disgust as they beheld their own parents getting a little too intimate in their affections. This thankfully did not go on for much longer as the two mightiest ponies in all the land pulled away from each other with Sunflare sighing in pure delight. "Aaaah... I love you, my foolish king. Never forget that."

"And I shan't, my radiant queen." The glorious moon king replied before the two of them bowed their heads with the very tips of their longest horns touching. Only then did they happen to notice the four of us observing. Orbash, always quick to share some wit, spoke up with quite the smirk on display. "Take notes, you two! This is how royalty should always love."

"Father, please!" Celestia shrieked with a wing shielding her face. Even I had to avert my gaze. It was just too much. You would think one with as much understanding of love as I would have simply laughed it off, but what is it about these situations that instills shyness in one's heart? Luna at least got a good giggle out of hr father's admiration for the love between me and her sister, although Nightmare Moon merely shook her head with a smug smirk on her lips.

After another hearty laugh from the moon king was soon followed by a long yawn as he held his head high. He stretched his wings wide before they suddenly went lax when his head lunched forward after a reflexive stretch. "I say, just what time is it? I never was the best at adjusting my schedule with the days growing shorter. Especially now that we're still getting accustomed to living by the hands of a clock."

"It has been a long day, hasn't it? But worry not, Father. It is not as late as the dark outside would suggest. We still have not dined on dinner yet. Shall we summon for the chefs?" Nightmare Moon replied while I too realized that I had not checked a clock in a while. Spending time at the cinema and then in a pub was an especially effective way to kill time quickly.

Sunflare stepped forward and said, "If I might make a recommendation... I say we retire early and have our meals delivered to our chambers. I do believe one communal meal was tiring enough today."

I nodded in agreement with that notion. We had already spent the entire day with each other and had quite a few laughs. Is social exhaustion a thing? Because I swear I was feeling it at the time. After all we had been through that day, I could not imagine us replicating the energy and chattiness we had during lunch. Luna too let out an unexpected yawn before she nodded as well. "I concur... A quiet meal to end the day on sounds much more fitting. Nightmare Moon, would you care to join me in my chambers tonight? I am certain there are many whispers to be shared between the moon and the dreams she inspires."

"Hmph! Spare me your flowery banter, sister. But of course I would be happy to join you." Nightmare Moon snorted in amusement. And she was not wrong. Those two do have their share of side projects to discuss. Hopefully projects that would bear fruit in due time.

Celestia and I shared a glance at each other before we beamed with a barely contained grin. It would only be natural for me to join my beloved in her room. But as they began to head off to speak with the palace chefs, I felt a tug on my jacket sleeve. The aura coating it was scarlet in color. I heard Sunflare speak, "You carry on. The boy and I shall stay behind a while longer."

At the sound of this, Celestia looked over her shoulder with a glance of alarm in her eyes. Not that I could blame her for being uncertain about leave me alone with her mother after what happened the first time we ever crossed paths. "I shall stay as well, Mother. I can..."

"No, Celestia. You go do what you must. Is it not improper for a queen to have an occasional moment to speak with the prince who will one day wed her child?" Sunflare replied with quite a smirk on her lips. Celestia and I stared at each other with the Princess of the Dawn's face turning as bright as a peach while her father and sisters laughed at her expense. She already looked the part of a blushing bride and everyone could see it. Even I could only snickered and grin while covering my face with a hand. That was enough to put an end to any arguments with the other four members of the royal family continuing on their way. Sunflare then turned to me and asked, "I trust Orbash did not treat you to too much liquor already. Care to join me for some wine?"

"I'd be happy to, your majesty." I replied while feeling much calmer before recalling her seemingly drunken antics from just moments earlier. That realization combined with the...unpleasant memories of our very first encounter instilled a sense of unease in me. "Although...are you feeling all right? Irritable in any way?"

"Child, I only downed a bottle of wine. Not brandy. And it was hardly on an empty stomach after that grand feast we partook in this afternoon. I will behave myself." Sunflare said more firmly with a tone I was much more familiar with. I took a seat at the round table that held the platter of cheeses and ice buckets of wine, although the only other bottle on the table was kept out. Red wines are usually not normally consumed while chilled. Sunflare readied her levitation magic and asked, "What are you in the mood for? White? Red? Perhaps a touch of rosé?"

"I'll take one of each, if you don't mind." I replied while eager to sate my craving for some more hard drink. Sunflare looked pleased with my request as her scarlet magic aura took hold of the three bottles and three more wine glasses. She poured each masterfully and swirled the fluid inside with circular movements of the drinkware to get the scent rising. Once she set them down, I had an realization as she began to cut me slices of the various cheeses on display. "Say... Didn't you or Orbash mention that you used to brew your own wine back when you were living a vagabond lifestyle?"

"Yes, we did. Wine is the most ancient of all liquor types in this world and we too found our means of crafting it. Forged our own casks, fermented our own fruit, such was well within our reach with magical means." The sun queen replied as she put that little knife to work before setting out a row of every cheese type available. She then returned the wine and cheeses to a cooler nearby. It was as if she was treating me to a little appetizer before dinner. "Come now. Sample our wares."

And I did. I started with the cheeses, sampling a little bite of each slice to test it. Rich nd strong, but one I loved most was a moist and soft type that reminded me of brie. It had even been seasoned with herbs to give it a very savory flavor. I then moved on to the wine. The white was sweet and so was the rosé, but the red was much more dry in its flavor while still containing subtle fruit flavors. But as I began to dine in earnest, Sunflare looked at me from across the table while enjoying one last glass of wine herself. "Did my husband bore you when he pulled you aside?"

"Saying Orbash is boring is like saying Discord was sane. Because they're not." I said with my own witty jab. And Sunflare was quick to get a laugh out of that. I sipped at my glass of rosé and explained, "Nah, he made sure I had a good time. Sounds like the locals love him too. Everybody loves the moon king, am I right?"

"Yes, Orbash has proven himself to be quite the people person. He mingles with the commoners almost daily." Sunflare replied before savoring another sip of her wine. She then set the glass down and cast me a very knowing smile that caught my attention. "But he especially adores you."

There was no denying that statement. Orbash had been very open with how much he had come to cherish me. And I adored that wonderful king all the same. But it sounded like Sunflare knew more than I did about him. "Has he said things about me?"

"Not so much say as much as ask." Sunflare chuckled while smiling very smugly at me. This kind of joy was rare to see from her when her husband was not around to provoke a more whimsical response out of her. The proud sun queen then explained, "He has asked so many questions about you. When is the boy's birthday? Does he have food allergies? Does he prefer spicy or sweet? Does he have any phobias we should know about? Any underlying health conditions? What are his hobbies? When is the wedding date? So many questions he wants answers to. As if he was fretting over his own estranged child he did not know how desperately he wanted to meet him until after finally seeing him for the first time... And I'm only partially joking about that last one."

It was humbling to know how seriously Orbash was taking my connections to his children. He had said so many kind things to me... Claimed he loved me as if I was his own. But to hear of him being so earnest in wanting to know more about me... Like a father wanting to know as much necessary information about his son after only coming into his life for the first time... I felt blessed. Truly blessed. To be loved by a king among kings as if I was his own was...

I had to stop what I was doing and just...put my hands on the table as I processed this revelation. What an amazing stallion Orbash truly is. I gazed down at nothing in particular while Sunflare spoke softly to me. "He loves you. Make no mistake, my husband would lay his life down for you just as swiftly as he would for our daughters. In his eyes, you are the son he never had. Even if you can never see him as a father to you, please know that he..."

"No... No, I do know. And I do appreciate it. He is... He's the best stallion who ever lived. And an amazing father. He really...makes me feel like family." I muttered suddenly to try and keep Sunflare from assuming otherwise. A father I do not need to fear is exactly the kind of father I have always wanted. And I bowed my head again as I sighed, "I wish I could have been born his colt..."

The chamber became very quiet aside from the muffled whistling of autumn winds outside the walls. And Sunflare soon broke the silence as she asked quietly, "I have heard...some unfortunate things about your own father. At least from what you've shared. Not the best parent he could have been?"

I did not mince words. I made no attempt to glorify or demonize the man. "Neither monster or saint... But I think it says enough that he finally ended up alienating me entirely in the end. The man loved me, but I suppose he didn't love me enough to own up to his mistakes whenever he wronged me... He will live and die with that pride, I swear he will."

Our eyes met as the calm sun queen gazed upon me. And I started to notice a certain detail had been omitted. One that she brought up. "And...what of your mother?"

M eyes widened in unease as I realized what this implied. I had found wonderful father figures in the form of Orbash and Sky Beak. Wonderful stallions who had filled a void in my heart that I did not even know that I had. I quickly collected myself and said, "Oh, uh... Don't worry about her. She was definitely the better of the two. I don't have anything bad to really say about her. I was never lacking in receiving motherly affection and I'm grateful for her."

A rather awkward silence presided over us for a moment before Sunflare broke it with a giggle. She held a wrist to her lips and said, "I hope you were not getting the impression I was offering to be a mother to you. I simply wished to know the full story. Nothing more."

"Yeah, I...got that impression. Don't worry, I'd never ask you to be a mother to me." I replied in brief while trying to distract myself with another slab of cheese. Although Sunflare then downed the rest of her wine and rose from her seat. She began to step around the table and soon draped a wing over my shoulders. I tried to avert my gaze for a moment and said, "Really, I appreciate your concerns, but you..."

Sunflare silenced me the only way she could. With a kiss. The sun queen planted her lips upon my brow before gazing down at me with one of the softest gazes I had ever seen out of her. "Enough. I understand you are not in need of a mother in your life, but know this. You are still family, my dear James. My daughters cherish you. My husband adores you. And my eldest is madly in love with you. In time...perhaps I too will come to love you as if you were my own. But for now... Know this."

I listened in silence as Sunflare brought her head down and rested it upon my shoulder. I heard her whisper to me, "I cannot...apologize enough for that day. For leaving such a dreadful first impression upon you. I must have seemed heartless to you that day... Oh, how I wish I could take back my words and my actions..."

I knew of what she spoke. The first time she ever crossed paths with me. An utterly terrifying mare with power I could never match. The very first thing she ever did upon first meeting me was to try and destroy me. But I understood why at the time. And I rested my hand on her shoulder as I said, "You did what you had to do..."

Sunflare silenced me with her wing patting me upon my back. "No... No, I nearly doomed Equestria that day... I could not have known. With your death, Equestria would have been doomed to being eternally corrupted by the sins of Earth. In my haste, I nearly betrayed my world. My child, forgive me... I never held any hate in my heart for you... Not even for an instant. If nothing else, please believe that..."

It really was jarring to see the sun queen before me now being what was essentially an entirely different person from the frightening goddess who had tried to incinerate me nearly on sight. And I could only hold her in my arms while trying to tell myself that the mare that day and the mare before me now were two entirely different people. It was all a mistake. The product of a lack of knowledge. She was not the only one who believed at the time that my disappearance would have saved Equestria. I too often considered that myself. "It's OK... It's all over now. Equestria's still the way it should be and...I'm glad we've gotten to know each other this way. I don't fear you anymore. All right?"

"I pray that is true. If you ever do have any fear in your heart for me again, tell me and I will do what I can to soothe it. Promise me this, my child." Sunflare whispered to me before pulling her head away from me and bowing her head to touch her central horn atop my brow. She gazed into my eyes kindly as she then added, "I assisted you in you trials. I knighted you. And I have overseen your recovery. Trust me when I say I have nothing but the best of intentions for you."

"I believe you. Really... It's OK, your majesty. I'd rather focus on thing snow and not how...messy things were back then." I replied while gently resting a hand upon the sun queen's shoulder. She was almost repeating herself by then. With how much weight that eternal crown on her head carries, a single mistake must carry many regrets. And when I remembered who it was who finally convinced Sunflare to relent in her drastic actions that day... "It's just a good thing Orbash was there that day, huh?"

That got her to relax a bit. Sunflare's more somber expression turned to one of sarcastic amusement as she rolled her eyes. "Yes, my king made the right call that day. I would be nothing without him. But did he have to be such a clown about it?"

I then twisted the knife further as I began to smirk. "And what was that about you being prone to hot flashes that day?"

Sunflare's gaze of amusement suddenly became one of very dry stoicism. She then brought her face closer to mine in a manner that had me feeling like I had been backed up to a wall. "Listen here, my child. Only my king can say such nonsense about me in my presence. Him and only him. And I will not suffer such indignities from anyone else. Do we have an understanding?"

"Yes, your majesty." I said in brief while not sure if she really did intend to do me harm if I ever messed with her the same way Orbash does. Even if it would be out of line to taunt someone else's wife like that. Although I then glanced at the table beside us and the empty glasses. "Anyway, if we're done here..."

The sun queen's gaze softened before she nodded. She then stepped away from me and began to approach the exit to the lounge. "Yes, they are likely wondering what is keeping us. Let us be off, dear prince."

That title tickled my heart. It was one thing to hear that from Orbash, but hearing it from Sunflare carried a certain sincerity to it. Once we departed the lounge, I noticed that the usual guard detail had switched shifts. The usual guardsmen clad in gilded armor had been swapped out to the more darkly colored nightshift. With that being the first time they had seen me that day, they would salute me as I pass while also bowing to their queen.

I was not expecting to find the rest of the royal family waiting atop the grand staircase in the main hall. Orbash even raised a wing to wave at us. "Over here, you two! Whatever took you so long?"

"This fine prince and I had quite the chat, my love. The queen must thoroughly vet her daughter's suitors, should she not?" Sunflare replied in a manner that sounded like she was attempting to imitate the snobby manner in which many of the Canterlot elite speak. She even lifted her chin unusually high while ascending the staircase. But once before her husband and children, she promptly discarded that haughty facade and said, "But really, we had a fine talk over some wine and cheese. I pray we did not keep you long."

"Hardly, Mother. We took our time discussing our evening meal with the chefs. I do believe you will be quite pleased with their recommendations." Nightmare Moon replied with a rather tired smile. Although she then yawned as we were all reminded of what a long afternoon we had experienced. "With that said... Shall we retire for the night?"

"If I may? I would appreciate it if we made one last stop before we turn in. Do not worry, it is very close by. We won't even have to leave the palace." Orbash then spoke up while we offered no objections. The moon king then guided us up the stairs to the side and through the halls on the upper floors. "It's not far. And I think we will all appreciate this little detour."

He was not wrong. After a few twists and turns, we entered a vast hallway that I had seen only a number of times before. The Hall of the Elements and all of its stained glass majesty. It was quite a different feeling being there with the place gently lit by sconces and not by the rays of the sun shining through. Sunflare spoke softly, "I have not been here since the day we knighted you, Sir James..."

"What are we here for, Father? Just for a stroll down memory lane?" Luna asked as the soft steps of our hooves and feet upon the hall's central carpet filled the air with each step. The only other sound to reach my ears was the wailing of autumn winds outside the windows.

The moon king nodded as he looked back and forth at the many stained glass displays depicting various important events in Equestria's long history. Both grim and uplifting. "Yes, more or less. Just to...take this all in together."

This visit felt meaningful and I held my tongue as we slowly made our way down that vast hall. There were still so many windows that were still blank. Empty canvases for which to paint new mementos upon when the time came. But I then came to a stop when I saw the newest addition to the pantheon of stained glass memories. I saw myself clad in armor above my colorful allies during the War of Preservation. I remembered the moment the king and queen themselves willed that image to form on that window. I reached out and rested my hand at the very bottom. "I still can't believe you did this for me..."

"Why wouldn't we?" Sunflare asked as the entire royal family stood behind me. The sun queen then touched her wing to my shoulder and said, "I spoke the truth that day. You were left with an impossible choice. And in the end, you chose our world over yours. You are the herald of humanity, Sir James. And while the true return of the human race is likely still generations away, because of this... Because of you... Their eventual return is now guaranteed instead of a mere possibility."

I soon turned around to look at them. They all displayed smiled, though more subdued and even somber. The era that image behind me depicted was a very dark one. A war where nothing was truly gained. My eyes scanned the five mighty alicorns before me before my eyes fell upon the one where it all started. My beloved Celestia. The Princess of the Dawn was the one who set that project into motion. A project she very nearly abandoned after witnessing too many sins at the hands of my world and its people. The planet known as Earth... It was the only celestial body in the vast expanse of the universe that she had detected that held human life. Even the world where Equestria's human population had been banished to had not been located. And when that world is eventually found... What will they find?

A deep breath sighed from my nostrils as I chose my next words carefully. "Please... When the time comes for you to bring someone else from my world to this one... Please. Choose carefully."

Celestia smiled much more warmly at me while she nodded slowly. "Do not fear, my love. We have very strict requirements that all candidates must show if they are to qualify. All it takes is one bad apple to spoil the batch and we will not allow that to happen."

"Thank you. I do think this project will be in good hands and hooves with all of you overseeing it." I replied with some relief in my heart. I had already contemplated Equestria's permanent corruption by human sin once already. That is a nightmare I never wish to see come true, even after I am long gone. Although I then turned to face the distant end of the hall. And I took a step forward...

No. That would be asking too much. I could not ask them to casually remove the Elements of Harmony from their vault just because I was tempted to see them. But as I realized this, Celestia stepped towards me and asked, "What's wrong, James? Are you concerned about the Elements of Harmony? I can assure you that they're safely kept away in that vault there."

I glanced back and forth at the distant door and the Princess of the Dawn. Left with no choice, I then said, "I know. There's no easy way to get by that door without your input. It's just that... Um... May I see them?"

Nightmare Moon smirked at me as she noticed my hesitation. She then said confidently, "Of course you can. Why so reserved? You are an Element bearer yourself, are you not?"

I felt pretty silly upon remembering that fact. One Element bearer probably had express permission to see the Elements whenever necessary. We then approached that decorated door that I had seen so very rarely. Orbash was the first to step forward and said, "Allow me. I simply insert my horn into this slot, yes?"

"Yes, do that and channel your magic through it. It only recognizes very specific polarities that only the royal family can produce." Luna explained as we all watched. The moon king lowered his head and slid his long central horn into the circular slot at the very center of the door. But when he channeled his magic through it, nothing seemed to happen. "Hm? Father? What's wrong? You're supposed to fully insert your horn for the lock to open."

"I thought I did?" Orbash replied while pulling his head back and lifting his horn high. There did not appear to be anything wrong with it. He then lowered his head again and slid his central horn back in. This time with a bit more speed. And then we heard it. The sound of something hard striking the door. Orbash yelped in surprise as he appeared to detect some sudden resistance. "Wha... Something there? What did I hit?"

Did something get in the way? I glanced over at Sunflare in confusion while she looked equally perplexed. And then I noticed it on her. That circle of five tiny horns circling the long central horn on her brow peeking through her billowing scarlet mane. My eyes widened as I suddenly realized what was getting in the way. "Wait... What about those..."

Only then did Orbash suddenly catch on to why he could not get his main horn fully inserted into the slot. And he had quite the laugh about it as he pulled back and lifted his head high. "Ahahahaha, now I see! My crown of horns is getting in the way! Never in my life would I have ever anticipated my own crown being a hindrance!"

"Hmph! A first time for everything, as they say. Celestia? Would you be so kind as to help your foolish father with this endeavor?" Sunflare snorted while we all snickered or laughed at this unexpected obstacle. Those five extra horns really were an unexpected problem here. Their presence around the base of Orbash's horn was preventing him from inserting his central horn to the hilt.

Celestia snickered with a hoof raised to her lips before she said, "Honestly, you don't have to put the whole thing in. I normally only settle for halfway. Try it again."

"I don't? Let me see then." Orbash replied in bewilderment before trying one more time. He slid his long central horn into the slot roughly halfway down its length before channeling his silver magic aura into it. That finally provoked a response. The six circular panels on the door's two halves began to glow with a brilliant pale blue light. Orbash stepped back while sounding rather proud of himself. "And there it is!"

The door's two halves soon slid open with that radiant glow filling the chamber behind it. And there upon a pedestal was a bejeweled chest small enough to carry in both hands. Orbash took hold of it with his silver aura coating the box as that blue glow finally faded. "They're all in this?"

"If they are not, then we have an emergency on our hooves. Let us see and find out." Nightmare Moon spoke rather firmly as a certain tension fell over us. We had already found the chest empty once before. We all gathered around as the lid was slowly lifted.

"Ah, so these are the forms the Elements of Harmony have chosen. Such variety!" Sunflare exclaimed as we were greeted with the sight of those six beautiful gemstones and their gilded housing. Five matching necklaces and a single tiara. The sun queen then looked at her daughters and said, "They were all uniform when the two of you served as their bearers."

"To be fair, having only two bearers for all six Elements isn't exactly ideal, Mother. Their full potential has finally been unlocked now that they have a bearer for each." Luna replied while I noticed how Orbash was just in awe of the variety of shapes and colors of the six Elements. A blue balloon, an orange apple with a little green leaf on top, a red lightning bolt, a pink butterfly, a purple diamond, and a deeper pink hue for the tiara's six-pointed star. It was quite a feast for the eyes, even after all the times I had seen them. I knew that Orbash and Sunflare were watching when Nightmare Moon returned both times, but they likely had not seen the Elements of Harmony themselves until that very moment.

"Hm, yes... Had they been functioning at maximum potential, perhaps Sombra would have been erased on the spot." Orbash muttered in contemplation as he mentioned a name I had never once heard before.

"Sombra...?" I asked as all eyes fell upon me. I recognized that gaze. The kind I tend to get whenever I ask questions about some sort of obscure topic that they are unwilling to discuss. "Oh, I get it. Another taboo topic?"

"No, no, I wouldn't say that... Just...not something the public is aware of anymore. Just a fallen tyrant my sisters faced many centuries ago before I came to be. Do not trouble yourself over it. King Sombra is no longer an issue." Nightmare Moon insisted while I decided to take her word for it. Even if it sounded like the situation regarding that guy was not resolved in the most ideal manner.

I happened to notice Orbash looking around at all of us and then back at the Elements of Harmony. The moon king then displayed a cheeky smirk as he said, "Now that I've counted... There are six of us here."

"Father, are you suggesting what I think you are?" Celestia asked while also sharing his amusement. That big grin told me she was in on his plan.

"And why not, my dear? Let us see which Element resonates with each of us." Orbash said with a chuckle as took hold of the Elements of Harmony in his silver magic aura and lifted them from their container.

I was confused by this statement. The Elements of Harmony are bound to my six closest friends in Ponyville. I am absolutely certain that they will not activate in any way when worn by someone else. "Um... Can you do that? I'm pretty sure you won't get a reaction out of them."

"Normally, yes. But should a situation arise where...say...the Elements of Harmony no longer recognize their bearers while they still live, we can...how you say...assign them to temporary substitutes. So long as the bond of friendship between the six are sufficiently strong enough." Sunflare explained while her scarlet magic aura joined Orbash's. They seemed to know a specific spell and I was very curious over what was about to happen.

There was eventually a reaction from the six enchanted gemstones set in their golden housings. They began to glow dimly. And they soon started to gravitate towards us without Sunflare or Orbash influencing them. One by one, the six Elements of Harmony drew near. And Luna chirped in delighted surprise as Twilight Sparkle's chosen element floated towards her. "Me?! The Element of Magic chooses me?! Why... I am speechless! What have I done to earn such an honor?"

Sunflare was quick to smile down upon her middle child while her sisters looked down in awe at the Princess of the Night. "If I may, my dear? The Element of Magic demands a certain...wisdom. And you have seen both sides. You have basked in the light and delved into the shadows. You know things and have experienced things even Celestia has not. You have gained...wisdom. And the Elements of Magic can sense that."

Rather than display jealousy, Celestia was utterly beaming at her little sister. Such a look of pride in those narrowed eyes. Although Luna then grinned brightly and said, "I...suppose I have. And you, Celestia! Kindness chooses you? A most fitting choice. For you have always been most kind."

Now it was my turn to smile. To see the Element of Harmony bound to my own wife... My dear Fluttershy... To see Fluttershy's own mark of kindness identifying with the Princess of the Dawn herself... It made me feel all the more blessed over having found love with that wonderful undying mare. And much like my timid little wife, Celestia partially covered her face with a wing while giggling madly. "Ohohoho my goodness, I'm so flattered!"

"Ah, what's this? Red... The color of passion... Loyalty is your greatest asset, my dear dream child?" Orbash asked as our eyes fell upon the Element of Loyalty. It floated before Nightmare Moon with its bold red color sharply contrasting and even complimenting her black coat. Her eyes met mine as we shared a brief gaze. We nodded and smiled in knowing. Yes. Nightmare Moon has been nothing but loyal since her return to the throne. To her sisters. To her kingdom. And especially to me. Her loyalty is undying and unparalleled. And the Element of Loyalty knew this.

"I will not contest that, Father. I will never compromise or retreat in my duties as Princess of Dreams." Nightmare Moon spoke proudly as we all gazed upon her. Although her eyes then fell upon her mother as a warm orange gemstone drew near to her. "Honesty, mother? I concur. You have always been very honest."

The Element of Honesty had chosen Sunflare. And the sun queen nodded in acceptance. It was correct in its choice. The mighty true queen of Equestria had always been a brutally honest mare, never one to mince words. Orbash then spoke to his wife kindly, "I see no reason to object. You have always spoken the truth honestly, my love. Even if the truth has been...difficult to accept. And it is a quality I have always cherished about you."

"And I thank you for that, my love." Sunflare said softly. But her eyes then narrowed as a huge smirk spread across her lips once she looked at her husband. "As if we really need to explain why that has chosen you."

Orbash glanced down at the blue gemstone floating before him and lifted his head to laugh heartily. The moon king was laughing in the face of the Element of Laughter. All too fitting a choice. Constantly jovial and overflowing with amusing wit, I had never met a stallion filled with so much positivity. Pinkie Pie's greatest qualities were indeed present in Equestria's one true king. The perfect foil to Sunflare's harsh and necessary honesty. The cackling moon king tried to catch his breath as he said, "Oh my goodness, so true... The Element of Laughter chooses the king of fools, am I right?"

"A most beloved fool, my dear!" Sunflare barked before placing a kiss on the side of her husband's face. I had to suppress a chuckle while I enjoyed the show. But then all eyes fell upon me. And only then did I happen to notice what was floating before me. "Well now... Generosity has chosen you?"

"Me? But...I'm not a pony." I muttered as I beheld the Element of Generosity floating before me. The greatest quality of my beloved Rarity. The mare to went from being my closest friend in Ponyville to the first mare to become more than a friend after I found love with Fluttershy. We resonated with each other so many times. But at the end of the day, I should not have qualified.

"No, you are most certainly not... But your soul is in harmony with our world and its people. The cutie marks upon your arms is a testament to that." Luna explained as I suddenly remembered that day. When I received an epiphany when outside Zecora's home. And then they formed. That beautiful twin dove image on my biceps.

The tone around us had become more somber as the five royal alicorns turned to me. Nightmare Moon then spoke profoundly. "You are not the happiest man. You are not the kindest man. You are not the most honest man. You are not the wisest man. Your loyalty is not absolute. But...your generosity knows very few equals."

Celestia then tried to smile at me, yet that smile appeared pained. "You have always been so quick to give, but so slow to receive. And just recently...you nearly gave everything for our world. And for us. James... The Element of Generosity has chosen well."

I gazed down upon the gently glowing form of the Element of Generosity before taking it into my hands. Perhaps they were right. At least with the Element of Humanity, it was natural that I be chosen as its bearer. I was very in touch with my humanity and all the flaws that came with it. But to be chosen by something so closely tied to a race of innocent purity... I felt unworthy. But not in their eyes. Orbash himself then said to me, "And if there is one thing you have been especially generous with, it has been your love."

My face flushed as I heard that. And he was right. It was not simply how many wonderful women I had found love with. It was how much I had to give. Ocellus... Even Thorax had claimed that the amount of love in me is essentially bottomless. But never for lust... I never wanted them to be mine for the sake of my own ego. I wanted to make them happy. To feel loved and appreciated. To...find happiness together. And they knew. All five members of the royal family smirked knowingly at me as I blushed profusely. "Guys, I... You don't really..."

"Shush. Come here, my generous angel." Celestia said cheekily before she reached out and placed a quick kiss upon my lips. I only tensed up harder at her shameless display of love towards me. Even in front of her father and sisters. She then stepped forward and took me into her wings with her head resting upon my shoulder. "The humble are always the most generous. Don't be ashamed, my love."

"Celestia... Not in front of your parents." I muttered on reflex while the rest of them just snickered at the sharp contrast in our moods. Even with Orbash and Sunflare being more than happy with the relationship between their daughter and I, it felt so wrong to be openly doing that before we could truly become a couple. Even when that day does finally come, I suspect I will take a good while to get used to it.

"Nonsense, my boy. You don't see us complaining, do you?" Orbash snorted before he took all six of the Elements of Harmony into his magical grasp before placing them back in their box. "But I do suppose we've toyed with these long enough. And my appetite is calling."

We watched as the moon king placed the chest back upon its pedestal and closed the doors to that tiny chamber. There was no such lightshow this time. Although Luna then turned my way and asked, "Wait, tomorrow is Monday. Should we send word to your place of employment since you will be delayed in returning home?"

That was certainly a valid concern. And I am surprised we did not consider it sooner. I calmly replied, "That's not a problem. My bosses at Sugarcube Corner actually just recently adjusted the place's business schedule. Mondays are now closed for them to give us all more time to spend with our families. And because Mondays have consistently brought in the least profits by weekday standards."

"Really? Then I suppose there's nothing else for us to be concerned with." Sunflare replied before she began to turn towards the very distant exit to the hall. "Now then... As much as I have enjoyed our time here, I do believe we had delayed enough. And my bedchambers are beckoning me. Dinner should be along shortly as well."

As tempting as it was to hurry on for a hot dinner, I was tempted to take my time. I looked back and forth at the walls of stain glass portraits before saying, "You all go ahead. I'll...be right there."

"Very well then. Just remember, James. My place. If you get lost, ask one of the guards to point there." Celestia replied before she and her family carried on down the hall and out of sight. For the next short while, I took the time to savor that silent solitude after a long day of being surrounding by dear friends.

The hall felt so empty and desolate with the whistling of frigid winds outside the windows only adding to that dreary sense of isolation. But I enjoyed it. If only for a little while. I could barely see anything beyond even the most colorless glass panel. But the courtyard and labyrinth beyond were not my concern. I was merely interested in the stories being told through those stained glass memories.

It had been so long since I had last walked along that hall on my own time. And once again, the portraits depicting Discord ended up being the one that caught my eye the most. And I suddenly came to the realization that everything I knew about him and heard from his own mouth had been recontextualized by the War of Preservation. I gazed upon the image depicting him being turned into stone for the very first time. And then I glanced at the side of the hall that faced the labyrinth where he left this world.

I could remember the wacky first encounter I had with him in that very hall. Then the brief meeting with him out there by the labyrinth when that game was put into play. And then the...very memorable fact that I could not recall a single thing after the moment when I first entered that labyrinth. From there...to waking up in the hospital while surrounded by my six closest friends and even Nightmare Moon. Memories that I knew I should be grateful I could not recall. A parting gift from Discord himself.

That last time together... When his very ghost possessed a statue crafted in his memory just to be able to have one last heartfelt chat with me and lay some much needed questions to rest. We parted ways as friends. I shed tears as I mourned his final permanent departure from the world of the living. But now... Now that I had seen the ultimate consequences of his actions that resulted in the complete extinction of humanity in this world...

I knew the truth of Discord's madness. Once a king loved by all, a source of constant fun and unpredictable festivities. Only to be corrupted by the loss of too many friends too many times. Where the only way to get through each day was to drown that nihilistic grief with pure chaos. But before his first defeat... He did one last cruel chaotic act just to see what would happen. An act even he could never have foreseen the consequences of.

Discord, you poor mad fool. You tempted the very emperor of humanity by reaching out to their worst latent vices. Made them wonder how high they could reach if they used everyone else as a footstool. It resulted in humanity's exodus and eventual extinction from this world. Equestria was never the same again. And then he revealed himself. The emperor did not die. He resisted the purge and. eventually awoke. All while using my own presence in Equestria as a means to sustain himself. He brought war to this wonderful paradise. And very nearly ruined Equestria forever by very nearly allowing the plague of my world's own strain of human sin to spill over irrevocably into this world. Human sin from a world even Discord had no idea could have ever existed.

I suffered out there upon the Empty Plains because of that mad fool. We all suffered. Nothing was truly gained in that war. Only lost. So many came home bearing scars. Some even lost something out there. I bowed my head and leaned against the window before me. How could I ever forgive him for that? How does one rationalize what Discord did when that... When actual war, something that has no place in Equestria, ended up happening as a result of it?

This was too much. My memories of Discord during our final encounter and the last lingering result of his mad legacy manifesting this year were at war with each other. A poor unfortunate soul who became a victim of his own immortality? Or a nihilistic monster who nearly caused Equestria to be ruined forever in a way it could never recover from? I turned and hurried out of the Hall of the Elements at a brisk pace. This was not a night I wanted to dwell on such a question. Especially not when it no longer mattered in the grand scheme of things...

The lights throughout the castle had been dimmed for the night and the halls were very quiet aside from the occasional tapping of armored hooves. The guards were out in force and saluted me whenever I passed them. I remembered enough about the castle's layout to find my way to the hallway that connected to the private chambers of the royal family. But as I passed a bend, a voice spoke up behind me. "A word with you, please."

How did I not see her there? Nightmare Moon was standing in the shadows. She was not even particularly camouflaged against the pale coloration of the walls. I suppose I just thought she was some sort of hall decoration before I happened to get a good look at her. Happy to see a friendly face after my mind had gone to such a dark place, I turned to her and smiled. "Sure. What's up? Isn't Luna waiting for you?"

"Yes, but she knows it can wait a moment. I just...wanted a moment with you before the day can end." She replied softly before beckoning me to join her in the shadows. As I stepped closer, her voice dipped with a certain inflection. "Alone."

I understood what she wanted. And my heart demanded it as well. We stepped into each other's embrace, our lips touching. Even if we could never truly be together, that was no reason for our hearts to stop longing for each other. The beautiful Princess of Dreams whispered to me, "Did you enjoy your time with us today, my love?"

"Very. I had a wonderful time." I whispered back with my fingers dragging themselves through her glorious billowing mane. We sighed harshly as if we knew just how long we had been waiting for the next opportunity to savor each other in private. I then whispered directly into her ear, "Your mother and father are wonderful people. Thank you for having me today."

"No. Thank you for finding the time to be with us today." Nightmare Moon whispered back to me as we both tried to keep our voices down. While it appeared that the royal guard generally do not patrol the hall outside the living quarters of the royal family for the sake of privacy, there was no telling who might be within earshot. Not even the entire royal family was aware of the very delicate romance that had bloomed between Nightmare Moon and I. Ours is a love that must be kept hidden from as many as possible. If only because...it can never truly be consummated. I knew better than to ask if Nightmare Moon had changed her mind. That would never happen. Even so... This was enough. We loved each and that was all that we needed.

For just a moment, we said nothing. We merely held each other. Caressed each other and brought our lips together. The taste of her tongue upon mine as the two of them danced... I soon whispered with a quiet gasp as I gazed into those magnificent exotic eyes. "My angel of the night..."

"Yes, my love. Your angel. Yours and no one else's. Forever." That beautiful princess whispered to me. We kissed again, tongues dancing as we savored the moment. We both sighed together as it ended and held each other while I was wrapped in her elegant sable wings. But we were not simply there to hold and be held. We had a few things to discuss. The Princess of Dreams then whispered into my ear. "Have you dreamed well lately?"

"Yeah, more or less. Just a shame I can't remember most of them, but that's how dreams are." I said with a bit of a crooked smile on my face. If only I could remember most of them better. I probably had some memorable adventures that were forgotten minutes after I awoke. I know Luna and Nightmare Moon do not visit my dreaming mind every night.

It was then that Nightmare Moon dropped an unexpected question on me. "And has anyone...visited you in your dreams lately? Perhaps a little...lesser wyrm, as you called her?"

She... She knew? She was there that night? Even though I never heard her or felt her presence? I glanced at Nightmare Moon and asked, "You saw us?"

"Of course I did, my love. While I was drifting through the nexus, I felt a presence in your dreaming mind. A living presence. I knew for certain it was her. And after the bedlam that plagued your dreams the last time the two of you crossed paths, I had to witness it. Just to be safe." Nightmare Moon whispered to me with her winged embrace tightening. Her smooth delicate feathers brushed along my back while she then looked me in the eye. "Although while I did watch, I did not hear. Tell me, my dear. What has transpired between you and little Cynder?"

A valid question to ask after what happened that one night. My mood soured again as I was left at a loss for words. "I...don't know how to really say that."

Nightmare Moon whispered to me again. "I saw what happened, James. And I could sense it. She turned away from you in tears. She was prepared to fade away forever. And yet, you took hold of her. And she returned to your side. What did you say to her?"

I bowed my head and let out a long sigh. She had the right to know. "Cynder...wanted me to choose if she should stay or go. I...couldn't decide, so she assumed the worst and said goodbye. I...followed my gut and told her...to...just take things one day at a time and see what happens."

"A wise decision. Perhaps it is you the Element of Magic should have considered choosing." Nightmare Moon replied while causing me to snort in mild annoyance at this unexpected show of wit. The Princess of Dreams chuckled under her breath before she then said, "But beyond that... I saw it all. The two of you came to each other's aid in times of peril. She destroyed that creature of wood when it set its sights on you. You defended her when she took a wayward arrow to the throat. You could have let her die, yet you healed her with your own hands. I could see it in your eyes. In your movements. You were on the verge of panic. Tell me, my dear. Have you truly forgiven her for that night?"

I could still remember that moment. The shock I felt when I saw the local archer setting his sights on her. And the panic of seeing her take an arrow to the throat before falling out of sight. And the sense of helplessness when I fund Cynder drowning in her own blood. Why was I so afraid of losing her at that moment if I did not trust her? If her very presence made me so unsure of what to think or feel?

The memories came back to me. I should have not cared. I was still somewhat wary of her. But when I saw someone in that village I consider a friend nock an arrow in his bow with his sights set on her... Panic. That is what it was. And anger. I hurled my spare shield at him. Cynder had hurt me. Even tried to slay me. And entirely over unfounded assumptions fueled by previously unknown traumas. And yet... Why did all my disdain for her disappear in that moment? Not wanting to keep the Princess of Dreams waiting any longer, I sighed out a response. "I don't know... In that moment, nothing else mattered. I...couldn't lose her then. Not like that."

"Are you truly so certain that you cannot decide whether to hold her or reject her?" Nightmare Moon asked as she rested her horn upon my head. Her eyes gazed into mine with sincere concern.

All joy in my heart faded as I cast my gaze downward. "I think the hardest part of this is not knowing how I feel about this at the moment."

"How you feel... Then let me ask you this." Nightmare Moon whispered as her eyes lit up just slightly. An epiphany filled those beautiful irises. "If your heart is unsure, then what of your mind? Tell me not what you feel. Tell me what you think. Do you think that little wyrm still intends to slit your throat at first opportunity?"

My memories clashed hard against each other. Memories from two separate dreams set back to back. In one, I was gravely wounded by that vengeful wyrm. In the next, she tried desperately to right her wrongs. Stayed by my side. Shielded me from anything that sought to harm me. Nurtured me when I fell ill from a strain of disease unique to the world we found ourselves in. She did not even have to do that last part, but she did so anyway. And she even...did and said things to me. Gentle things that...I could not believe she really meant at the time. She sought to make amends with me. Did what she could to keep me safe. Even keep me happy. But...Cynder could never love me... Would she? Could she?

After juggling these thoughts in my head a moment longer, I once again let out a sigh of mild frustration. "I don't think my head is any better off than my heart. I think both are equally confused."

"Then if I may?" Nightmare Moon asked as she caught my attention. She then explained to me, "Let me recall what I saw. From my own perspective. There were many times where I was tempted to reveal myself and intervene. I was even tempted to purge that illness you contracted late in your dream. But I did not. Solely because she was there. So long as little Cynder was by your side, I had no reason to step in. And then came the time when you successfully reached your home in the city out on the tundra. Your servant set out to fetch a cure for your illness while Cynder remained by your side. And then...something most telling occurred. A very simple act, but one that carried profound weight."

I began to raise an eyebrow. And my eyes widened as I recalled one of the last things Cynder did for me that night. An act Nightmare Moon was quick to retell. "She fed you that night. Went out of her way to locate a means to transport a liquid meal to you up the stairs. Even if her body was not at all designed to carry such a thing. Even if she has the hands needed to hold a ladle, her body is still that of a beast. And yet, she persisted. She moved that container step by step, ledge by ledge, just to get that meal to you. An act that should have only taken a moment drawn out over the course of minutes. But did she ever once complain? No. Not once. That little wyrm carried out a labor of love for you sake. Did she not?"

Nightmare Moon was not wrong. From the moment Cynder discovered that soup pot by the fire on the first floor, she was immediately interested in getting some of it to me. The closest I ever heard of a complaint from her was the moment she finished filling a bowl and pondered to herself how she would even get it to me if she could not walk while carrying it in her hands. And I did not just hear her. I could see her. I watched her from between the floorboards. She had no idea she was being observed during most of her endeavor. Never once muttered to herself about me. And only then did I speak softly. "I suppose it really is the little things that say the most."

The Princess of Dreams nuzzled the side of my head as she continued to whisper to me. "I understand if your heart and mind are still at odds, but trust me when I say I know that she is no longer the demon who maimed you that night. What she did cannot be justified or rationalized. And she knows this. But I can assure you it will not happen again. She knows you now. She knows you in a way very few do. If you cannot forgive her, I understand. But if nothing else, please... Learn to understand that she will not repeat those mistakes."

"I'll try... I can't make any promises, but...we'll see. Maybe I'll have an answer the next time we meet." I spoke with my arms tightening around my beloved.

Nightmare Moon then asked me a question. A very heavy question. "If that is so... Please tell me. Do you wish for Luna and I to continue in our endeavors to bring her into the realm of reality? She was born from your dreams and memories. The choice is yours."

That night made me reconsider everything I knew about Cynder. From friend to enemy and back to being a friend. All because of something we could not have known about her. And now something only I knew. And...I could not tell Nightmare Moon about that. That was an admission that should not be shared freely. But that kind of trauma... And after the night where we were reunited... I sighed as I decided to not let my own concerns cloud my judgement. "Yeah... Keep at it. Cynder's suffered enough. A life in Equestria would be good for her. This is a very...healing world."

"Then we shall. And Luna and I wish to try something the next time she manifests in your dreams. To start small as a test." Nightmare Moon said with an inspired gleam in her eye. It was just a shame I could not share in her optimism. I am still not entirely sure if bringing someone into the world of reality who could never have existed, someone with the capacity to harm me, may turn out to be a mistake...

It was then that something caught my attention. As did Nightmare Moon. We sniffed the air. Delectable aromas were wafting from down the hall from whence I came. We released each other as we both turned our gazes in that direction. I muttered hungrily, "Smells like dinner is on its way."

"Mm, yes. Quite. And we should not be seen together like this." Nightmare Moon muttered before she and I glanced at each other. We soon wore matching smiles before reaching out and sharing one last kiss. Only then did our arms and wings release each other. The Princess of Dreams then whispered to me, "I enjoyed our time together, my love. On your way now. I shall see you in the morning."

"Yeah... Tomorrow. Sweet dreams, my dear." I whispered back to my beautiful beloved. While our time alone was short, it was still an experience we both needed. I hurried down the hall as I was certain Celestia was wondering what could possibly be keeping me so long.

I recognized the correct door and knocked on it lightly. I promptly heard the sweet voice of the Princess of the Dawn within. "It's open, dear."

Bold of her to assume it was me on the other end and not whoever was bringing up our meal for the evening. I nudged the door open and was pleasantly surprised to see that Celestia was in the process of loading up the fireplace in her room. It was a good night for it. The only source of light in the room at the time were a few candles. The beautiful Princess of the Dawn looked my way and asked, "What kept you? Were you really that taken with the Hall of the Elements?"

It probably would be for the best to keep my relationship with Nightmare Moon from as many as possible. I believe only Luna and Orbash are aware of it at this time. I cannot even tell Fluttershy about it... So I decided to tell Celestia a harmless half-truth. "Yeah. Lots of memories in those glass images. Did a lot of pacing. Lots of muttering to myself. I don't get to see that place very often."

"I understand, dear. And...ooh, is it almost here? You picked a good time to show up." Celestia started to say before her keen equine nose detected some of that delectable aroma wafting into her room. Not even a minute went by after I entered before one of the castle servants showed up with our meal on a rolling cart. There were four platters or plates covered by a silver dome and an ice bucket containing a bottle of sparkling grape juice. "Ooh, that smells lovely! Just set them down right here."

We were even provided little trays with foldable stands to eat off of while resting on the floor. We were soon alone in the very dimly lit room before Celestia finished arranging the logs in her fireplace. And with a flash of golden yellow fire magic, the logs were set ablaze with crackling and bright orange flames. My beloved then smiled at me and said, "Nothing quite like a fireplace for those cold autumn and winter nights, is there?"

"There really isn't. It's the best time of the year for it." I replied as I basked in the warmth of that fiery glow. It brightened up the room much better than those candles. And I then noticed a shape perched up high nearby. An avian form that I had not seen in some time. "Huh? Oh, didn't see you there!"

"And just in time too. Philomena, could you come here? I have a favor to ask of you." Celestia replied as her own personal pet spread her wings and came swooping in for a landing before us. That vibrant phoenix stood before us while even happily accepting a few scritches from me under her beak. Celestia then used her levitation magic to bring over an empty scroll and an ink quill while we got comfortable on the floor. She looked at me and asked, "You don't mind if I write this to Fluttershy, do you?"

"Sure, go right ahead. I'll be sure to explain things to her personally tomorrow." I replied while seeing what the idea was. Fluttershy would need to know I would not be home until tomorrow and Philomena would be serving as our very own carrier phoenix. The cold of the autumn night would probably not even faze her.

Celestia lifted her gaze towards the ceiling as the feathery quill lightly tapped against her chin. Probably just trying to decide on what to say in that note. A smile soon formed on her lips before she then began to write while also transcribing her message aloud. "Miss Fluttershy... How have you been, dear? This is Celestia writing to you tonight. Have you and the little ones been well? Your husband showed up unannounced today and caught me and my family entirely by surprise. Just to spend time with friends. My family and I had a wonderful time with our friend today and we kept him happy and entertained. But by the time we noticed just how late it was getting, it was already time for Luna to raise the moon over this corner of Equestria. And with how long it would take for him to get back home with this dreadful chill in the air, we thought it would be best if he stayed for the night. I am writing this to just let you know where he is and that he will be back in the morning. And I have assigned Philomena to get this message to you. If you wish, she can remain the night in your husband's stead. I'm sure the two of you have much to catch up on. I hope we can chat in person before long. Take care, dear. Yours truly, Princess Celestia."

I raised in eyebrow in curiosity at that last line. Perhaps I had been told before and it had been too long, but Fluttershy and Philomena know each other? When considering my wife's affinity for animals, especially birds, it was of little surprise to me. But once Celestia had secured the scroll shut with a band, she brought it down toward Philomena' beak in a very stern manner while the little phoenix visibly recoiled. Celestia then spoke firmly, "Be on your best behavior this time, young lady."

Philomena bowed her head while letting out a rather sheepish coo. Only then did she take to the air and snatched up the scroll in her talons. Celestia then quickly used her levitation magic to open the glass door leading out to the balcony while Philomena gracefully flew on out into the night. A bitter cold gust blew in as well and prompted Celestia to all but slam the door shut. "Oof! Autumn may be my favorite time of year, but that last stretch gets miserable with those cold windy nights!"

I then decided to ask, "I don't remember exactly how much I know, but Fluttershy and Philomena have met, right? I think I recall that phoenix feather Fluttershy keeps up in our bedroom..."

"It has been a while since you last saw her, hasn't it?" Celestia giggled as she got comfortable on the floor beside me while that blazing fireplace illuminated the room. She then spoke with a very amused smile, "It was during a visit to Ponyville. Just a pleasure trip to mingle with the commoners. And Philomena was on the last legs of her most recent five hundred years. And you have no idea how pathetic a phoenix looks when they're approaching the moment they die and are reborn. You wouldn't even recognize her if you saw her then!"

"Dang... Of all times, you just happened to bring Philomena along during the last day before she was reborn? One day out of five hundred years? Lucky... Or was it unlucky? Was Philomena a bit of a hassle that day?" I asked while finding it so amazing that my own wife was present to witness the death and rebirth of a phoenix in person. Once every half of a millennium? I was almost jealous. But at the same time, Celestia's parting words to her little feathered friend suggested something problematic about that day.

Celestia rolled her eyes as she said, "I didn't see most of it, but with how sickly she looked and how Fluttershy couldn't help worrying about her, Philomena milked the situation for all it was worth. She does have a mischievous streak that would put most magpies to shame."

I facepalmed and rubbed my temples with two fingers. Just how much trouble did that little scamp give my wife that day? "Oh my god... I hope she wasn't too much trouble."

"If nothing else, Fluttershy wasn't that upset. Philomena was just having fun on the last day of her lifecycle before it was reset. Trust me, she would never be able to pull off the act with how she looks now." Celestia said with a smile. It did not sound like a bad memory at all and might have all been in simple good fun. It is not like Philomena gets an opportunity like that every century.

Not wanting to let our meals cool too much, we set our sights on the domed lids before us. Two were smaller than the others, so we removed the lids on them first. Each hid the same appetizers. A freshly tossed salad with pine nuts scattered across them and a bowl of what seemed to be butternut squash bisque toped with a sprig of mint for garnish. An excellent choice of soup for autumn. And we were greeted by a plume of steam when we lifted the larger of the domed lids. Hearty pasta dishes were on display. Celestia's had a plate of fettuccine Alfredo mixed with green veggies while mine looked even more scrumptious. It appeared to be linguine in an olive oil butter garlic sauce with a splash of cream mixed in to thicken and enrich the dish. Spinach could be seen in it along with various seafood. With such thick rich sauces, they were the perfect pasta dishes for a cold night. "Oh man, they set us up good tonight..."

Those pasta dishes were piping hot, so we had to occupy ourselves with our side dishes first. The salad was crisp and refreshing while the bisque was the perfect comfort food for a cold autumn evening. Celestia and I went at our entrees slowly and carefully to pace ourselves and not burn our tongues. The last thing I wanted was to end that amazing day with a tongue wound that would take days to heal.

There was a sudden knock at the door roughly halfway through our meal. And upon seeing it open, I recognized the stallion on the other side as one of the operators from the telegraph room. He stuck his head in with his levitation spell holding out a scroll as he explained, "So sorry to interrupt you this evening, your highness. I was just on my way out when we suddenly received a message from the Ivory Palace. I thought I'd just leave this with you before I head home."

"Novo wrote back? Thank you very much. You stay warm out there." Celestia replied while having the scroll float over to us. Her subordinate bowed his head and promptly saw himself out without any further questions. But instead of unfurling the scroll to read its contents, she instead smirked at me and held out the scroll to me. "I do believe this is for you."

"Uh oh... I wasn't expecting to hear back from her so soon." I muttered with a nervous giggle in my throat. I was not ready to get a direct response to my first ever love letter for Novo. After sliding off the band that was keeping the scroll tightly rolled up, I took a deep breath to steel myself before opening the scroll with the text being illuminated by the fireplace. And it was...long. Maybe twice as long as the scroll I had used. "Huh... So this is her handwriting. Let's see here..."

The message... It read as follows. "Hey there, sugar bear. Looks like someone missed their queen. I got your message today during a massage and oh my goodness, you made my day. You sweet loverboy. It was so good to hear from the love of my life, even if only through your handwriting. I could see how tidy you were trying to be. Trying to impress your mare, honey? Don't worry about how steady your hands are when holding a quill, baby. Mama only cares about how Daddy uses them to hold her in bed."

The look on my face as I was reading that... I noticed Celestia looking like she was trying to hold in a laugh as I read along that scroll. When my eyes met her, she could not stay quiet. "Novo didn't hold back, did she?"

"I'm not even halfway down the scroll yet... She must've been picking away at this all day while trying to make sure it was perfect before sending it." I grumbled while feeling more than a little flustered over how earnest and lacking in professionalism Novo's wording was. No one would have guessed the queen of Capricorn Island herself sent that scroll just by looking at the text. Novo has always been a queen who marches to the beat of her own drum and it is one the things about her I love the most. A mare who is a wife and mother first and a queen second, but a very competent and beloved queen all the same. No wonder her people have never objected to her reigning over them for so long. Who would not be all right with such a woman calling the shots?

I rolled my eyes and took another deep breath before continuing to read that wonderful love letter. And the mood quickly turned more somber. "But really, honey... I miss you too. So bad. I know you miss your sexy bird of paradise. And I miss my sweet swan king. We really shouldn't have to be apart like this. In a perfect world, you would be by my side every day upon the throne here. But I would never dare take you away from the other wonderful women who have become so much more than mere friends. How is little Fluttershy lately? You still being good to your first mare? And little Miss Rarity? Oh, and let's not forget old sexy Sunbutt..."

I had to pause and laugh at that last part. It was a complete tonal whiplash for Novo to still be talking smack about her best friend. Celestia quickly got curious over why I suddenly started howling in laughter and leaned over to read the scroll and quickly found where I had stopped reading. "Really, Novo?! Oh, you little... I'll get her back for that. Maybe some jalapeno flakes in the next box of chocolates I send..."

Celestia was taking it all in good fun. Even though she looked annoyed at first, that scowl turned into a playful smirk in just seconds. I quickly composed myself before continuing to read the rest. And the tone in Novo's writing once again shifted to loving earnestness. "And how have your little girls been? Especially your princess? Oh, how I wish I could snuggle with that little Gladesong. You be sure to tell her that Mama Novo misses her so bad. Does she miss me too? We need to start arranging for regular visits. It wouldn't do for her mama bird to not be more active in her life, not at all."

I felt such a sad warmness in my heart. I longed for that wonderful mare and I still remember the first time she met my firstborn. The way she was all over Gladesong and took the role of being another mother to her so seriously... It only reinforced my devotion to this path I have embarked on. We really are all a family here and Novo is Gladesong's mother as much as Fluttershy herself. Celestia soon noticed how my gaze was wandering and asked, "Something wrong?"

Perhaps I looked depressed with how I was longing for my queen. And so I looked at Celestia and spoke with a soft smile. "No, it's just... She really misses Gladesong. She met her when she brought me home to Ponyville and fell completely in love with her. Looked after her, changed her diapers, even gave her a personal tour of the Alabaster while it was docked. As if Gladesong was her own baby. Like...really, she was in super mom mode during the whole visit."

"Oh, Novoooo...!" Celestia giggled shrilly with a wrist held over her lips. The Princess of the Dawn sounded like she was a little too aware of that side of Novo. And she then explained, "That sounds like her. Novo was just ecstatic when she and Cygnus had Skystar. And she's always had a special place in her heart for children. She loves the little ones and is no stranger to babies."

"Then I think she's gonna be very happy down the line." I chuckled while Celestia and I shared a gaze and smile. She then reached out and kissed me upon the lips before I whispered to my beloved. "She'll love our little ones like they're her own kids."

"Only if I get to snuggle and play mommy to hers too." Celestia giggled before we shared another kiss. I felt such a warm flutter in my heart. Novo hopes to raise her child with Celestia and vice versa, Orbash and Sunflare dearly desire grandchildren... Happy days were in our future. It was all a matter of when.

I began to resume reading. And my eyes opened wider as I read what was next. "Oh, I wish I could be there with you right now. Keep you wrapped in my wings to keep you warm on this nippy night. And I was very tempted to send a little something extra. A little...teaser of what to expect next time we're in the same room together. Alone. But...not this time. I don't want to tease you too bad. Not when we'll be seeing each other again very soon. Be patient, baby. Mama will be in Daddy's arms again before you know it. Just be patient, OK?"

"Really? She'll be seeing me again soon... Oh!" I suddenly gasped as I recalled something that had slipped my mind. Something important and very relevant to recent events. I turned to Celestia and asked, "The vacation! Aren't we going to Cantercun sometime soon?"

Celestia smirked at me while surely amused that I really had forgotten about our big plans. "Mmhm. In two weeks. We'll be heading out on the Olympia early Sunday afternoon. Mark your calendar, dear. We all need some R&R after that mess on the Empty Plains. It will be a ten day stay down."

I was glad to know that it would not be much longer now. And with plenty of time to prepare. "Right in the middle of November... While it's cold up here, it's hot down there... Perfect timing. I see why you waited until now to set it up."

I resumed reading that wonderful love letter. And Novo saved the best for last. "You are such a wonderful man, James. I wish I could really put into words how much I love you. My sugar bear. My swan king. And the future father of our beautiful babies. I am so unbelievably fortunate that you came into my life. You convinced me to let myself fall in love again. And I could not be more grateful. I'm so lucky to have you. We all are. I thought it was absurd that one man could love so many ladies on equal ground, but you proved me wrong. I really do feel like I've become part of something bigger. Something beautiful. I'm just one of many amazing queens to one very lovely king. A king who really does love us all. So many of us love you, baby. And I know so many more will find a place in your family. Our family. You, us, and the many beautiful little lives who will surely be born into it. What you're doing isn't something just any man can do. So please, James. Don't start doubting yourself now. We'll all make this work. We all want to see this work out in the end. Because we're your mares and you're our man. I believe in you, my love. And I always will."

That part... It got me. I had to pause to wipe some tears away. Maybe it was because of the lingering presence of alcohol in my body weakening my inhibitions, but the tears came so easily. Anyone could have given me words of encouragement about my very unorthodox love life. But to see these words having been spoken from an actual queen... A queen of a race of creatures who mate for life... A queen who dearly wanted to see me where a crown to match her own... It carried the weight of the very mountain she ruled over. I gasped with a brief quiet sob, "Novo, you really are the best..."

Celestia reached out and wordlessly kissed me upon the cheek. She displayed a very tender smile on her face. She knew I was not upset or miserable. I was just too touched by the words of one of the best mares in the entire world. Those were tears of tenderness, not sorrow. And Celestia then peeked at the scroll around where I had been reading before speaking softly to me. "She loves you."

I nodded while unable to find the words to say. And at last, I reached the final paragraph at the bottom of the scroll. "I should probably stop here. I forgot what it's like to write out a love letter. I just hope all this text shows you just how madly in love this sexy mama mare is with her hunky sugar bear. I couldn't help myself, James. Just a little longer, my love. A little more and I'll finally be in your arms again. And Mama will be expecting plenty of kisses from Daddy. Until then, you be good to the rest of the ladies who are expecting you. Because we all love you, honey. With love, your future queen. Novo."

"She didn't waste a single spot on the parchment..." I muttered as I found that the only empty spaces between lines of text were the little gaps setting apart each paragraph. And I took a moment to process everything I had just read. I had not seen Novo in weeks, let alone heard from her. And I could literally hear her voice in my head as I read that message. She sounded exactly the way I remembered her, that sassy queen of soul. I bowed my head and sighed wistfully. "I'm definitely keeping this one. Gonna put it somewhere safe when I get home."

Celestia reached out and draped a wing over me. Just to remind me that there was someone there with me who loved me very much. And we held each other for a moment before I whispered to my beloved. "I just love all of you so much... I wasn't sure if I really had what it took, but...I think I'm starting to believe everything really will work out in the end."

"It will, my sunshine. It will. Just as long as we always believe in tomorrow. Because as long as we have you and you have us, our tomorrows will always be bright." The Princess of the Dawn whispered beautifully to me. And she was right. I could swear I had said something similar in the recent past. If I was a more cynical man, I never would have been able to do this. I have to be hopeful... I have to believe.

I soon curled the scroll up again and tenderly set it aside with its band keeping it rolled up. I chugged the rest of my glass of grape juice before pouring some more with Celestia and I resuming our meal. Reading that love letter and shedding those tears whetted my appetite a bit more. And we left barely a morsel on our plate. Each a small basket of warm dinner rolls wrapped in a cloth had been provided to let us sop up the remains of our soup and pasta sauces to make sure nothing was spared. We both sighed in satisfaction while stacking our dishes and setting them under the domed lids they had once been concealed under. Celestia then whispered to me, "How about a hot shower before bed?"

"Perfect. I never miss an evening shower before I go to sleep." I replied as I started to rise to my feet. But when I did, Celestia turned to look at the fireplace as the golden aura of her magic billowed around her horn. The flames coating the logs began to shrink until they faded away to nothing. Even the glowing embers soon lost their heat and dimmed away to black with the room becoming much darker. All that remained was a trail of smoke rising through the chimney. I then asked with the aura around Celestia's horn still being very visible in the darkness, "Is that really a fire hazard here?"

"No, not really. But there's no point in keeping it going if there's no one in here to appreciate it." Celestia explained as she stood up. The only thing casting light upon us were a few candlesticks. Celestia extinguished all but one and carried the lone remaining flame through the air as she guided me out of her bedroom and into the hall. I knew the layout of that corner of the castle enough to remember the bathroom was close by.

There was no door to the bathroom and we were greeted by the main bathtub in the center. All that pale stonework being noticeable even with such little light available. But there was also a rather spacious shower stall off to the side. It was too long a day and too late to lounge around in the tub, so we both went straight for the shower. I almost expected Celestia to turn the lights on, but she instead settled for something much more subtle. With a flash of her fire magic, she ignited every last candle in the room that was set out on little sconces. The lighting was modest, but it generated a delightful cozy atmosphere that I adored. Celestia even looked over at me and said wisely, "Best not get things too bright. We don't want to our eyes to get too active before bed."

"That's a great idea, really. I love taking showers by candlelight myself. Especially on colder nights were the steam really gets thick in the air." I spoke while surprised with just how much Celestia's pale body stands out in the dark. I disrobed while Celestia did the same as she removed the golden regalia that often adorned her body. But when she tilted her head down to remove her crown, I thought I noticed something at the base of her horn. Tucked in that constantly billowing sea of aurora hues. A glimpse of matching gold. And Celestia did not appear to notice its presence since she did not remove it. "Hey, I think you missed something. Right there..."

"Oh? You mean...this?" Celestia giggled impishly as she appeared to be tickled by the fact that I noticed something at the base of her horn. With it that far down, it would be unlikely for anyone to see it with her very voluminous mane in the way. Her magic aura flared up again as it took hold of something. And then I saw it. A gold ring with a brilliant amethyst set into the front. It floated before me as she whispered, "Remember this, my love?"

It came back to me. That simple yet lovely little ring, marked with a purple gemstone that all too perfectly matched those upon Celestia's crown peytral. "I got this for you... And I forgot all about it. You still wear it?"

"Every single day. I never remove it unless I have to." Celestia whispered sweetly with such love in her voice. But when I reached out to take hold of it, she gently pulled it away from me. "Ah, no. Not this time, James. The next time I let you put this on my head...will be when these two belong to each other."

She suddenly moved the ring deftly through the air. And it tapped me on my outstretched hand. Or more specifically, on my finger. The finger that held my wedding ring. And those two golden bands clinked lightly as they were tapped together to get my attention. My eyes glanced at the two rings and then back at the face before me. The Princess of the Dawn was beaming at me as I think I started to see a blush forming in her cheeks. I muttered softly to her, "Did I really end up buying you a wedding ring that day?"

"The price tag doesn't matter, James. What matters is the meaning behind it." Celestia whispered to me before reaching out and kissing me sweetly upon the lips. Although she then added, "But you chose so well too. It really does look like it's always been a part of my usual attire. Except this is the one thing I never want to take off."

I felt myself become flustered. I was tickled to see her still cherishing that simple little gift even to this day. But as she slid it back down her horn, I then felt the need to ask. "But then...when should I be the one to put it on you?"

Celestia's response was immediate and tender. "When the day comes where you become my king."

With that response, another question came to mind. A vital one. "And...when will that happen? Can it happen? Legally?"

I saw the joy in her eyes waver. Celestia's eyes wandered as she pondered this question. I was already married to Fluttershy. At least that is what the public record says. I could not legally marry anyone else without divorcing her. And I absolutely refuse to resort to that. And even if there was some loophole around it, marrying the Princess of the Dawn to be crowned her king would need to be public. A royal wedding on par with the one where Shining Armor and Cadence were married. While I was not present for it, I understand that it was an event that drew the attention of nearly the entire world. All eyes would be upon us if Celestia and I were officially sworn to each other. And the scandal of it all... Even if there was a way to legally make it happen, there were so many unknowns and risks of how that would play out. But as we both pondered this conundrum, Celestia's eyes suddenly lit up in hope. "I got it. I know exactly when I want you to be the one to place my ring on my horn."

She had my attention. And she looked and sounded so sure of herself. Celestia hope proved contagious enough to provoke me into asking with a matching smile. "Really? And when would that be?"

Celestia smirked lovingly at me as she gingerly stepped forward on her bare hooves. She sneakily brought her lips to my ear and whispered something that sent a wonderful shiver of anticipation and desire down my spine. "The day you give me an heir."

"Celestia... Oh god, really?" I muttered as I became flush with a powerful combination of desire and love. My mind was already racing. Imagining a beautiful future of her, I, and...beautiful little royal foals.

"Yes, my love. Remember what I told you? I would be honored if you could bear your foal. As your queen." Celestia whispered again into my ear before tenderly nibbling on it for a second. Was she trying to seduce me? Not that I minded. She then whispered to me so lovingly, "The day I bring our child into the world is when I become queen by definition. And as father of one of Equestria's true heirs, you will officially be my king. When that day comes, James... When we finally hold our little one together... Please. Place my ring upon my head for the first time. So I may be your queen for real."

What a cunning loophole to exploit. And Celestia has always had a cunning side. There was nothing anyone could say or do if that happened. Our children would literally be the chains that would secure our future as husband and wife. As king and queen. Children born of a genuine love... It was so beautiful. Such a poetic outcome. I held my beautiful future queen in my arms and shuddered in barely contained joy. "Oh my god, please... Please, let it happen. Please, I swear I'll try to be the best for you..."

"I know you will, my love. Please, just give it time. All will be right in due time. And you know my mother and father will adore you as their son-in-law. It'll all be just fine..." Celestia whispered to me as we held each other in our arms and wings with nothing between us. Such a beautiful future... Never before had I been so eager to have a crown placed upon my head. Not to lead the world as king, but just to be there for the queen who would be my bride.

We finally grew weary of the cool air in the bathroom. While the temperature was tolerable, it was still not ideal. As if the castle's heating was deliberately set low after dark to encourage those indoors to go to sleep in the warmer confines of their personal living spaces. Celestia was finally quick to guide me into the shower stall before sliding the clouded glass door shut behind us. Wonderfully warm water washed over us from multiple showerheads to insure the we both would be soaked.

Try as we might, it was difficult for us to focus on bathing. Even as I watched Celestia's glorious mane and tail lose their ethereal properties and slump to the floor as ordinary long strands of soaked hair. She looked genuinely mortal now. And so...radiant all the same. Seeing my beloved Celestia look so relatable only made me desire her more. And soon, we kissed. Our lips locked, our tongues danced, our arms and wings roamed over each other in the dimly illuminated confines of that delightfully warm and wet chamber.

Man and mare... Mortal and immortal... We were just so in love... My thoughts were still swimming with beautiful illusions of a potential future for us. Holding each other with crowns upon our heads. Watching her grow heavy with the child we would create together. And finally...just being able to be a family. Oh my lord, just how radiant would those beautiful royal foals be? How many would we have in time? A darling prince. A beautiful princess. And they would all be happy. And loved by so many mothers. Their two royal aunts would adore them and Orbash and Sunflare would be the proudest grandparents in all the land... With such loving thoughts filling my head, I whispered to my beloved at the first opportunity, "I want you so bad..."

"I need you, my love... My king..." Celestia's succulent voice whispered as I heard the gentle din of her magic emanating from her horn. And I felt it. Unseen hands grasping my stiffening shaft and sliding along its length. We were both being consumed by lust born of love. Our kissing only intensified, gasping and groaning as we audibly and messily made out under that constant deluge of warm water. I gently backed her up against the wall as our tongues danced, my shaft gently sliding against her chest as I brought my hips forward to thrust under her in need. I was only following my instincts. I would not be making any progress unless I was to move behind her, but my heart did not care. I wanted to gaze into my beloved's eyes as I entered her.

My hips kept missing their mark as I grinded against my beloved Celestia. Even as we held and kissed each other. My hands roamed along her neck and down her shoulders and across her back. I wished I could reach her full rounded royal hips from their, but her equine body was just too long for my arms to reach the other end of her. But as my hands dragged their fingers through her luscious soaked mane, Celestia suddenly broke the kiss and gazed into my eyes with a gaze of startled realization. "We... We should stop... Not now..."

Her look of unease brought me back to my senses. Prioritizing Celestia's comfort over my body's needs, I asked softly. "Why? What's wrong?"

Celestia's gaze became more...sheepish in a matter of seconds while she glanced to her right. And at the glass door beside us. "There's no door to the bathroom."

I felt a pit of fear open in my gut. Even over the noise of the shower filling the air, there would be little stopping our calls of passion from echoing down the halls. While the wrong ears would not hear us locked in the throes of passionate lovemaking, it would be nothing short of embarrassing to have the night watch overhear us. This realization hitting me like a brick, I released Celestia from my embrace. "Oh my god, I am so sorry... It didn't occur to me..."

The Princess of the Dawn reassured me with a little kiss before letting out a silly giggle. "I'm just as guilty. I almost forgot entirely."

We did everything we could to focus on bathing from that moment onward. And we failed. While we did manage to wash up well enough, our libidos were not so easily shoved aside. My eyes kept wandering over Celestia's elegant body with my hands often caressing her shapely flanks. This did not go unnoticed for long. Celestia soon smirked back at me while my hand firmly grasped her right flank. "See something you like back there?"

"Oh, I'm just...enjoying the view." I replied while trying to not go too far. And then it was Celestia's turn. She backed up and pinned me to the wall with her very feminine rump. I tried to wiggle free, but those strong equine flanks had me pinned. She then very intentionally rubbed her hips up and down against my belly with my hardening shaft tuck just under them. She smiled most lovingly at me as I rubbed my hands over those beautiful hips. "My god, what is it about mares of your stature that results in them always having such a fine figure?"

"Maybe we're just lucky. Or maybe being taller means there's more mass to go around." Celestia chuckled lustfully with such a look of desire in her eyes. I continued to slide my hands over those two curvy flanks while Celestia rubbed her rump up against me. They were more muscle than anything else, though not quite as full and soft as Novo's. That amazing queen's body would never have become so godly in its beauty had it never been tempered and blessed with motherhood. And Celestia knew this. "I'm sure Novo has a more impressive set of hips. But give me time, my love. I'll match her unparalleled figure eventually."

It was a bit of a struggle for us to keep our hands and wings to ourselves for the remainder of the shower. And when we stepped out with Celestia using some of her heat magic to dry us both off quickly while I helped retrain her mane while drying to keep it from becoming a fuzzy mess, I was quickly reminded of how much cooler it was outside that that sauna of a shower. My libido quickly went to the back of my mind when I felt that cool stone floor under my feet. Celestia snatched up our discarded clothing while I only put my boxers back on. She then peeked outside to check for any patrolling guards before beckoning me to hastily follow her back to her chambers. We hurried with a sneaky giddy gait each as if we were both afraid of being caught together right after sharing a shower with each other.

Celestia was quick to ignite the fireplace in her room again. Those crackling orange flames cast a lovely glow over her bedroom while starting to spread some much needed warmth. She then set aside her golden regalia and left my clothes neatly folded nearby. The Princess of the Dawn and I both sat on her bed at the center of the room, its mattress being something akin to a futon to the point where I almost thought it was built into the floor. And for a moment, we just leaned against each other while watching the fireplace in the silence of a cold autumn night. It was such a simple yet preciously romantic moment. Although Celestia did eventually speak of the crackling and popping of the burning logs before us. "Philomena hasn't returned... I suppose she really will be staying the night with Fluttershy."

"I bet the girls won't mind having a phoenix stay the night. Probably having fun with her too." I replied quietly while adjusting my posture to more easily let my head rest against hers. Celestia responded in kind by draping a wing over me. I felt so relaxed...yet so very fatigued. I would sleep well that night. My eyes closed as I whispered to my beloved, "I had a wonderful time today... Thank you."

"No, James. Thank you for coming today. We all needed a day to ourselves and you gave us the perfect opportunity for it." Celestia giggled before we shared a little kiss. She then whispered to me, "Now...I think we really should get to bed. You'll have to head home in the morning."

"Yeah... Shouldn't stay up too late." I sighed while also letting out a yawn. We both stood up from her bed so that Celestia could pull down sheets. As someone who has a preference for firmer mattresses, I found Celestia's bed to be very comfortable with an adequate amount of padding. She did strike me as the kind of woman who prefers firmer beds. While she rested on her side, I was right behind her and gently draped an arm over her for an embrace. To feel her warm elegant body against my bare chest with only the warmth of the fireplace beyond the covers, I felt like we were in our own little sanctuary. Tucked away where the world would never know what would happen within. "I love you."

"And I love you, my sunshine... Oh?" Celestia whispered before something caught her attention. I began to place gentle little kisses along the back of her neck Up and down, lightly pecking at her silky coat while my left hand caressed her chest. I could feel the thumping of her heart through the muscle beneath her beautiful white coat. "James... Dear, we really should get to sleep..."

"Please, dear. Just a little longer. I don't get to see you often enough." I whispered from just behind her. The atmosphere was irresistible. Beneath the glow of the fireplace, I was compelled to just let my heart spill out. I was so in love with my future queen. So many little fluttering kisses. My heart longed for her. And so did my body. Even as I caressed her chest, I pressed my hips against the base of her spine. Gently grinding against her as my unfulfilled libido began to reawaken. "I just want you so bad..."

"James... Oh, James... I... Mmmm... My sunshine..." Celestia cooed at my many little acts of affection. The erection in my shorts only grew more pronounced by the second. Celestia could feel just how desperately I craved her. And the shallow panting in her voice told me that her own desire was rising. Until finally, she pleaded with me. "James... Take me."

I did not delay. I hastily reached down and pulled my shorts to my knees. Tucked under the covers, I adjusted my position. I brought my hips lower, guiding my tip between those two full rounded flanks and...I found my way inside her.

Celestia shrilly inhaled through her teeth as my length slid between her winking lips. Deep into her feminine folds. I hilted myself to her. And I paced myself. Slow and deliberate thrusts into her. Not once did I slam my hips into her firm full rump. I wanted to take my time and savor this moment with her before we could fall into slumber.

The Princess of the Dawn tenderly gasped and allowed me to do as I pleased. She rested her head upon the pillow and remained still. My arms remained around her body with my hips repeatedly and gently pressed into hers. We said nothing with only the gentle sighs and moans of our voices filling the air for some time. Gradually and surely working towards an eventual climax.

My hands caressed Celestia beautiful body even as my shaft rubbed her from within. My hands slid along her sides and chest and finally down between her legs. I could feel those two feminine mounds. Soft teats that were ripe for massaging. My hand slid my fingers over the gently rounded peaks of those two little mounds with Celestia squeaking with spikes of pleasure. I wanted to position myself low and gently suck on them, but I did not want to withdraw from her entirely. Those inner walls were too inviting with their warm wetness.

It was all so simple, yet so enjoyable. I was pleasing my beloved while she welcomed me to do so. But eventually, my hand found its way to her belly again. And it remained there. Gently rubbing that firm slender midsection so knowingly. A sacred desire began to resurface in my heart. Barely an hour earlier, we whispered sacred desires to each other. A desire to become king and queen the only way that we could do. With a child. A child born from the two of us. And Celestia's gentle gasps became a new kind of loving moan. As if she knew what I was trying to tell her. I heard my beloved whisper to me. "Tell me, my love..."

My thrusting into her depths remained constant, but I closed my eyes as I rested my face against her back. And I whispered my most sacred desire to her. "I want to get you pregnant, dear..."

Celestia replied with quiet joy in her voice. "Tell me more."

"I want to have children with you..." I whispered most earnestly. My fingers began to drag more firmly against her belly. Reaching out to her empty womb. Wishing that our child was already growing within Celestia's body. "To be a father...to our little royal foals..."

"James... Oh, James, my love..." Celestia whimpered before me. I could hear it in her voice. A desperate need. My desire... It was one she shared with me. She gasped and whimpered before me with my shaft still slowly entering and leaving her, my hand still fondling her plump mammaries. The longer it took to reach our climaxes, the more rewarding it would be. And I so dearly wanted to give her that gift.

I was so in love... There was too much love in my heart. Too much for just her. I needed to give her something from me. And to myself. To create a precious little soul to give all that extra love to. And so I whispered once again to my beloved, "I want to have a family with you..."

"James... No more. I'm done waiting." Celestia whispered with more control over her voice. I felt an unseen force grab me and pull me back out of her. But just when I thought I had made a mistake, the covers set over us were flung across the room to reveal my beautiful bare beloved. She rolled to her side and onto her back to leave her glorious body exposed and completely vulnerable. She gazed into my eyes with such a needy smile and spoke...such beautiful words. "I'm ready, my love. Please... Come make a family with me. Make a family with your queen."

It was all I needed to hear. In seconds, I was upon her again. Arms around her and deep inside my mare while maintaining a brisker pace than before. My face was buried against her chest. Hearing the thumping of her excited heart and the gasping breaths deep in her lungs. Celestia was a goddess before me. A goddess who had chosen me to be hers. I was filled with purpose as I thrust deep inside her, knowing what needed to be done. Knowing what we both wanted... No. What we both needed.

There was something missing from our lives. Something that would complete us. And the feeling of Celestia wings and her hind legs locking over me told me what I needed to know. She desperately wanted my gift. Something only I could give her. And with every firm slap of my hips against her full foalbearing hips, we moved one step closer to that sacred goal.

I was praying in my heart with every strained groan. Praying for a miracle. The royal family had gone so long since a foal had been born into it. They were long overdue for a new addition. The sheer pride I was feeling... To be the one who would father the first child to be born to Equestria's royal family in more than five thousand years... What a glorious child they would be!

My embrace tightened around my Celestia's beautiful body as she whimpered loving words to me. And I returned the favor with equally loving words. Complimenting her unparalleled beauty. Whispering just how lovely she has always been. Filled with enough kindness to rival that of Fluttershy herself. And what an absolutely doting mother she would be to our children.

Celestia reveled in those words. I was in such a haze that I cannot recall most of the specifics, but I know she voiced a sincere eagerness to be the mother of my children. To finally have a family with me. And I was filled with a powerful urge upon hearing those words. I wanted to make her mine. To turn that wonderful princess into a queen. A beautiful glorious matronly queen. And all we needed to do to achieve that...would be to have a family.

The more I thought about such a beautiful future, the more feverish my movements became. I could not maintain a slow steady pace. My hips slammed against Celestia's muscular rump as I heightened my pace. Gripping her tightly. And Celestia pulled her head up to gaze at me as I remained atop her. She whispered to me with an almost panicked tone as we were basked in the glow of the fireplace. Words filled with need. "Do it... Do it, James... Make me your Queen of the Dawn!"

I was so very close. And those final words of encouragement were just what I needed. The pressure growing in my loins, I began to thrust as rapidly as I could into my beloved as she struggled to keep her voice down. We needed to silence ourselves. And we did it the only way we could. I reached out while she did the same and our lips met. And as we locked ourselves in that kiss... It happened.

I groaned as she shrieked into that kiss. Such ecstasy filled me as my body fulfilled its duty. Thick jets of my human seed flooded into Celestia's royal womb. Seed that, if fortunate, would soon sire new life within her. And that knowledge...filled me with such a sense of accomplishment. Man and mare. Commoner and royalty. And now...hopefully...mother and father.

Our lips dared not separate until our lungs had calmed. And when we did, gasping and wheezing from such a wonderful shared climax, I was able to see just what had become of my beloved. Celestia looked so...lewd. All composure and poise gone, her mane and tail having lost their billowing ethereal properties and now lay spread and still about her in such an enticingly unkempt manner. And so thoroughly bred. She may have been an immortal princess of near divine power, but she was still a mare. My mare. And I was her man.

I remained hilted to her for a few minutes. Just basking in the afterglow while she kept her wings draped over me in an embrace. I rested atop her as I muttered words that had never been more true. "I just love you so much..."

"And I... I... Oh my goodness..." Celestia sighed and gasped with an exhausted giggle. The aftershocks of her own orgasm were hitting her much harder than my own were. It was difficult to string together words. But soon, she succeeded as she gazed most lovingly at me. "My heart...belongs only to you, my king... My...wonderful king..."

Fatigue was beginning to set in. That last wonderful act of lovemaking was the final push we needed to truly fall asleep without trouble. I returned to Celestia's side and embraced her from behind while she readjusted the covers over us. Under the glow and warmth of the fireplace, sleep took us.

I dreamed of angels that night. Precious little angelic foals who fluttered about of feathery wings. And among them was...their goddess queen of a mother. My memories at this time are foggy, but I...distinctly remember being utterly enthralled by her beauty. The mother of so many gorgeous divine foals. And I knew... I knew that I had fathered them all. And I felt so unbelievably blessed. To hold her in my arms... To cradle our children against us... It was all bliss.

A profound sense of disappointment came over me when I awoke. The glow of the fireplace was gone. Only blackened charred logs lined with a layer of ash remained in the fireplace. Teh light in the room coming in through the glass door by the balcony was dim, yet it felt later than it looked outside. I wonder if Celestia delaying in raising the sun has happened before.

I sat up in bed while wishing I could just go back to sleep. That dream... If that was not heaven, it was very close to being so. And beside me was the slumbering form of the Princess of the Dawn. My thoughts went back to last night. What a wonderful time. An act filled with so much purpose. To create something wonderful between us. And yet...I knew it would not bear fruit. Not this time.

A long sigh hissed from my nostrils. I knew it at the time. I have grown to notice when a mare is in heat during the act of lovemaking. Celestia was warm, but not that warm. She was not fertile at the time. And I felt my heart sink. For as dearly as we both wanted it, there would be no child born from our actions that night.

But not all hope was lost. We would simply have to try again when her heat cycle came around. And it would hopefully not be much longer. I gazed upon Celestia's slumbering form. A smile was present upon her lips. I got comfortable beside her and once again held her in my arms. And then, with lips by her ear, I whispered what I knew would become a beautiful truth someday. "You're going to be an amazing mother someday."

Celestia did not awaken. At least not yet. I held her in my arms and waited patiently without once trying to rouse her from her sleep. But after perhaps another five minutes, she did begin to stir. And her beautiful mane and tail began to stir as well. They gradually went from motionless to regaining their constant billowing ethereal properties once more. And then her beautiful eyes open. Celestia lifted her head, yawned graciously, and then looked over her shoulder with a very happy smile on her lips. "Good morning, my love. Did you sleep well?"

"How could I not?" I replied before I reached out over her and brought my lips to hers. We both sighed in delight with our morning off to a wonderful start. Although as I nuzzled up against her mane and back of her neck, my hand once again slid low to Celestia's belly. And some of my joy faded. My hand slid over her slender belly in longing as I muttered, "It didn't work... It wasn't the right time."

Celestia responded to my touch wordlessly. I felt her hoof resting over my hand with us both touching her over her womb. I froze. A tender display of comfort and support. And I then heard her whisper to me, "Someday, my king. Someday. When the proper time comes."

"I suspect you're even more patient than me. And I'm a patient man." I sighed with a bit of a chuckle. Surely the eons have tempered Celestia's own patience. Although I then took note of how dimly lit the room is and asked, "Before I forget... What time is it?"

"It's currently...far too late! I overslept!" Celestia chirped when it dawned on her that the sun had been stuck lingering on the horizon for too long. The Princess of the Dawn lifted her head high with her golden magic aura flaring up around her horn. In the passing minute, the room began to grow brighter as the sun was moved to its correct positioning. It soon felt like we were in the middle of morning with Celestia soon relaxing. "There we go. It's not the first time I... Hm? Someone there?"

I heard it too. A tapping on glass. And when we looked over at the glass door that led out to the balcony, there she was. Philomena tapping on the glass with her beak. And beside her was a sealed scroll. "Oh, Philomena! Let me get that for you."

Celestia cast her levitation magic on the door and quickly got it open. And she shut it again quickly once Philomena swooped inside with scroll in foot due to a sudden frigid gust. "I hope you did behave yourself... And did Fluttershy send a reply?"

Philomena churred meaningfully while Celestia gave her little friend a nuzzle. While the beautiful phoenix flew up to her usual perch and began to settle in for a nap after the return trip to Canterlot, I unfurled the scroll before realizing it probably was not meant for me. "Right you wrote the last one. Pretty sure it's for you."

"Nonsense, dear. We should read it together." Celestia replied while I sat up in bed beside her. She then unfurled the scroll and held it aloft before us. "Now then... Let's see what little Fluttershy had to say."

That was definitely Fluttershy's writing. And it read as follows. "Dear Princess Celestia... Thank you so much for letting us know where James went. We weren't too concerned when we got home to find he was gone, but we were starting to get worried when night came. It's perfectly all right that James got to stay the night in Canterlot. It would've been such a miserable time if he tried to get home with how cold and windy it was getting. And thank you for sending Philomena! It was so exciting to finally introduce her to Gladesong and she really entertained the kids last night. Her plumage looks so bright and healthy. She's looking much better after what happened last time. And she was such good company too. Just please be sure to let James know we're all waiting for him to get home. Now I need to give Gladesong a bath, but I hope you have an amazing morning. Your faithful subject, Fluttershy."

The last line of text was a bit of a tonal shift we did not expect. Celestia and I glanced at each other with awkward uncertain gazes before I said, "That ending didn't sound right..."

"It really didn't. It just doesn't...feel right seeing her as my subject when we...are the same to you. We are your mares, James. Shouldn't that make us equals in some way?" Celestia mused with a distant gaze of contemplation. She then sighed while bowing her head. "I suppose it doesn't help that she and I haven't really had the chance to mingle and spend personal time together now that...we're essentially family now. I'll have to find a way to fix that... Hm? Hold on, what's this? Something's been scribbled in the corner here..."

She was right. A little line of text was hidden at the bottom of the scroll opposite of Fluttershy's signature. And it was not her writing. It looked like someone had snuck in a little something while she was not looking. And upon closer inspection, I saw the following. "Your love bug misses you very much."

"Uh oh, I think Ocellus was expecting to see me again after she got home..." I muttered in some embarrassment. We only just consummated our love for each other yesterday morning just to have me go away and not come home that night. I felt genuinely bad over having disappointed that beautiful and earnest little lady.

Celestia raised an eyebrow at my response and smirked playfully at me. "Ocellus? Oh, the little Changeling mare you found? Have things been well between you? Or...is there something else going on here?"

She certainly had a good idea of what was happening. Ocellus would not dare send a miniature love letter in that scroll unless she was sure it would be confidential. I averted my eyes sheepishly as I said, "Kind of... We haven't gone far enough to...do what you and I did last night, but...we're not just friends anymore."

The Princess of the Dawn then asked earnestly, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but...she is currently sixteen, yes?"

I nodded and added, "I think she said she'll be turning seventeen in a few months."

"All right. I trust that you would never take advantage of a woman, but I just had to be sure. The age of consent exists for a reason." Celestia replied while not sounding surprised in the slightest. She then reached out and kissed me upon the cheek with a look of trusting pride in those beautiful eyes. "Have you been having any...issues with her though? Not that don't trust her, but...she's been good to you since coming home with you to Ponyville, right?"

"Yeah, Ocellus has been great. Things are even looking up for her. She got her own new look and people are learning to trust her. She's a wonderful little love bug and...I love her. I really do. I just...needed some coaxing to stop lying to myself about it." I replied before gazing up at the ceiling as I contemplated the situation between the two of us. So young, yet not at all a filly. And so wise too when it came to understanding the workings of the heart. Ocellus trusts my heart more than I trust myself. And only because she can read my inner desires like a book. "There's just a bit of...culture clash lingering here. I need to internalize the fact that people who are not humans develop and mature at different rates than my own species. I know I shouldn't be, but I guess I'm just being more cautious than I should be about this issue..."

"That's not exactly a bad thing, you know. If anything, extra caution combined with patience can make for better outcomes. I have faith in you, dear. We all do." Celestia replied before touching her horn to my brow. She then said more cheekily, "Anyway, why don't you go wash up? Might be a good idea to get my scent off of you before you go home. I'll meet you downstairs."

When considering what Ocellus did for me yesterday morning... That would be a good idea. I did not want to risk any minor intimacy between me and that beautiful love bug when I already had the dried fluids of someone else on me. I did as I was instructed and hurried to the bathroom with my clothes in my arms. One hot shower later, I was clothed and all clean. I returned to Celestia's chambers to retrieve my shoes, jacket, and Novo's love letter before heading down the hall to try and find my hosts. "Can't remember the last time I had breakfast here... What do they serve royal diners in the palace?"

I passed some of the guards on the way and shared some hellos before I found myself descending the main staircase. And there at the bottom in the middle of the main hall was not who I was expecting. The entire royal family had gathered as if they were expecting me. Orbash called out first with a wing raised in greeting. "Good morning, my boy! I trust you had a fine evening last night?"

"Yeah, very. Slept like a log." I replied while not expecting to start my day off with that much fanfare. Orbash's almost booming voice echoing around the vast hall carried very well. I soon reached the bottom of the stairs and asked, "What's up? You all gathered here for something?"

Sunflare spoke with a more subdued smile. "We wished to all be present to see you off. We've taken up too much of your time already and really should not get in the way of you returning home. I hope we did not derail any plans of yours."

"Oh, no! No, everything's fine! The entire reason I even came up here yesterday was because I had no plans. And we even heard from Fluttershy this morning. She perfectly understands the situation. Although you are right in that I probably shouldn't delay in getting back home. Gladesong especially must be missing me." I replied before taking note of how right they were. I already spent far too much time away from home during the War of Preservation. I really should spend as much time with my daughters as possible for the rest of the year to compensate.

Luna stepped forward and held out a hoof to me for a friendly parting shake. Which I did partake in. "Whether you had plans or not, we appreciated our time together yesterday. Please do come visit again, my friend."

I then turned to my beloved Nightmare Moon. And for a moment, we simply shred a gaze. At least until I stepped into her winged embrace. The beautiful Princess of Dreams whispered to me, "Luna and I will most likely be seeing you soon, my dear. Watch for us within your dreams."

"If you're there, I'll know. See you soon." I whispered back to that glorious mare of darkest black. I lastly turned to the king and queen of Equestria as they gazed upon me with matching smiles. And I stepped forward with both arms outstretched and was locked in an embrace between the two of them. "I had a wonderful time. Let's do this again before long."

"It would be our pleasure, my boy. Don't be a stranger. Our home is your home now." Orbash said kindly to me before I felt his muzzle gently touch my cheek while Sunflare did the same.

"A grand time we had, indeed. We shall be awaiting your next visit." Sunflare then said before I was released from their winged embrace. Although we then saw hat someone was still not present. And I could not bring myself to be on my way without saying goodbye to my dear future queen. Sunflare took note of this and raised her voice to let the castle's natural acoustics carry her voice around. "Where is she anyway...? Celestia! Where are you?! Will you not be present to bid our honored guest farewell?!"

"Cooooomiiiiing!!!" I heard Celestia's voiced echo down one of the halls. And we did indeed hear the tapping of her hooves. The Princess of the Dawn soon stepped into sight with some sort of food box floating beside her She then quickly approached me with an adorably tippy tappy trot like she was just so excited to see me. She then levitated the box out to me with such a giddy smile on her face. "I was just putting on the finishing touches! We can't have you go home on an empty stomach, right?"

"Celestia, you prepared our guest breakfast?" Nightmare Moon asked with a knowing smirk? And it certainly smelled like it. Something sweet... Maybe baked. Muffins? Whatever the case, I was sure I would be enjoying my morning meal during the ride home.

The Princess of the Dawn grinned at her youngest sister with such glee in her voice. Just why was she so excited to get that treat to me? "Of course I did! You've seen what I can do in the kitchen."

"She's not wrong, sister. Have you tried Celestia's gourmet pancakes? Simply stellar!" Luna laughed as if she knew exactly what was in that box. It was even warm to the touch and was quite wide. I knew I was in for something tasty.

Celestia then finally turned to me and cast a calmer and warmer smile. She then boldly reached out and kissed me upon the lips and followed it with a whisper. "Remember. Mark your calendar. I'll be seeing you again soon."

"Count on it. I'll be here." I replied while grateful for being reminded of that vacation coming up. And I did make certain to mark my calendar when I got home later. I then looked back and forth at my royal hosts and said, "Thank you for having me here. It was an amazing time. And I really should be going. Don't be afraid to send for me if you wanna plan a fun day."

Orbash then stepped forward while he smiled boldly at me. "Actually, my good man... It won't be long before the next train for Ponyville departs. How about I escort you to the station? I know the layout of Canterlot better and should be able to get you there more swiftly."

Orbash's three daughters took note of their father's insistence and reacted with matching gossipy giggles. Sunflare was less overtly amused and asked boldly, "Orbash, must you spoil him so? I do believe the man can navigate his way back to the station as is."

"Ah ah! Stallions only, my dear! Now then, I do believe the prince and I must be off! Come along now, my boy. I dread having to make you wait for the next train." Orbash laughed while we bid farewell to the rest of the royal family. I offered no objection and was thoroughly amused by Orbash's charming antics. Once we had departed the castle and were making our way down the streets of Canterlot, the kind king of Equestria glanced over at me and said, "Pardon my insistence back there, my boy. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I suspect you don't have many...how do you say...guy friends to spend time with."

"Ha! You know what? You might be right. But I do have a close circle of dudes I know back home and even up here. I'm not exactly lacking in male companionship, your majesty." I snickered as we moved along at a brisk pace. If we missed the train, it would be a good while before the next one would come. Only one track goes up and down the mountain. While that does restrict the number of train visits per day, the fact that Canterlot is a dead end location leaves the trains with nowhere else to go but back down the mountain. Perhaps the reason why only one track reaches the city is because Canterlot also has a large airship dock carved out of the mountain. That probably more than compensates and allows for adequate commerce to come and go.

Orbash was not as chatty as I expected him to be. And I think I know why. He was being very mindful of who was around us. It would be wise to not speak too freely of my time with his eldest daughter and the obvious romance blooming between us. And when he did speak, he spoke more quietly than usual. "Not that I wish to intrude too much into your time with my daughters, but...did you enjoy yourself with Celestia last night?"

I nodded with a modest grin on my face. "Yes. She was...a wonderful host."

That smirk... Orbash was onto me. He then asked smugly, "Oh, I do strongly suspect she was much more than just a host to you. What else did you get up to in there?"

I decided to defuse that question after instantly recalling an early scene I witnessed yesterday. "Your majesty, I know for a fact you shagged your wife last night. I don't think you have any reason to ask about what happens in someone else's bedchambers."

God, I got him good. Orbash just about fell over with how he was howling with laughter. He got quite a few stares from the locals we passed before he calmed himself enough to speak. "Goodness me, your wit is as sharp as Sunflare's!"

"Maybe, but I prefer to keep mine sheathed until needed." I replied as I tried to match his wits with my own.

Orbash let out a hearty chuckle before falling silent for a moment. Although he did then turn to me and asked with an uncharacteristically soft tone, "Well, if nothing else... I certainly hope fate won't keep the two of you waiting too long for your first foal."

What was with that tone? It is not like Orbash could have heard us through all those walls. We were not at all that noisy during our lovemaking. I asked cautiously, "You sound like you know something I don't..."

Orbash then started to regain a bit of a sneaky smile on his face. "Perhaps I do. For example... I do believe you were approached by those in service to Equestria's medical field for...studies on interspecies reproductive compatibility some months back?"

I felt a pit open in my gut. Only to be followed by a sense of profound confusion. "Huh?! I honestly forgot that even happened... Wait, how would you know that?! I thought that stuff was kept confidential!"

"It's not like we asked anyone! They approached us, not the other way around!" Orbash retorted while sounding equally surprised. I had completely forgotten about that day... A very strange visit and offer that...did make a lot of sense. Determining the compatibility rate between humans and literally everything else is an important factor to take into consideration when reintroducing my species to Equestria. That train of thought then made me come to a conclusion. One that Orbash mirrored before I could even say it. "But if I had to make an assumption... The hows and the whys of your presence in Equestria being made public after the War of Preservation probably gave them reason to believe the royal family is obligated to a right to know on their findings. My daughters are the entire reason humanity even has a place in this world anymore. And once the...ahem...sample you provided was transferred to Canterlot for more in-depth studies, we were contacted shortly after."

Orbash had a very good point. I do remember that article in the newspaper. Everything about humanity's history in Equestria completely declassified overnight along with the truth about my role as a sort of ambassador for humanity's return. But then... "In that case... What did they reveal to you when they reached out to you?"

A long wistful sigh escaped Orbash's lungs. His usual boundless jolly attitude was gone for the moment. "Their studies have not yet concluded. They have yet to test your species' compatibility with all races yet. But from what they have found so far... The results are not promising. They are seeing a universally low compatibility rate across the board, from what I understand. Although they did not elaborate which species they tested your sample with. And science is...such a slow and painstaking field, from what I have come to know..."

This revelation did take the wind out of my sails. I mean...it did make a certain kind of sense. Fluttershy and I were not blessed with Gladesong until our third attempt. But what even are the compatibility rates between humans and ponies to begin with? 10%? 5%? Maybe even a mere 1%? How lucky were we to be blessed by just one miracle child? I know for a fact that changelings and kirin have very high compatibility rates with all other species, but...everyone else? Would I never be able to have children with anyone outside of Ocellus and Rain Shine? It was...unthinkable to me. And...what of Novo? Or Celestia? Or even my beloved Rarity? They all desire to have a family with me. What if it turns out to be nearly impossible? All because of the frustratingly vexing factor that is genetics?

My prolonged silence drew the moon king's attention. And he responded with a wing draping across my shoulders. "Don't look so glum, my boy. They haven't finished their studies. And they only said the compatibility rates were low, but not nearly impossible. I'm hoping the results will only be...less than ideal news instead of simply bad news."

"I certainly hope so..." I muttered while trying to push that thought out of my mind. I did not want to make any assumptions until we got a proper assessment. And I was soon distracted by the feeling of Orbash's horn upon my brow. I sighed and glanced at him. "I know... I know you want grandchildren."

"Only when you're able to provide us with them, my boy. From one father to another, there's no rush. When fate deems it time." The moon king replied before we continued on our way. It was not much longer before the train station came into view with the train still in the station. But then we heard the whistle blow. And the train began to very slowly start to roll forward. "Huh?! Are we too late?!"

"Oh, come on! Did we just barely miss it?!" I shouted in annoyance. It would be hours before the next train would arrive and have to be turned around for the next trip. But rather than just watch, Orbash suddenly burst into a gallop and rushed ahead. I called out to him and asked, "Hey, what're you doing?!"

"Oh no you don't!" Orbash barked before I suddenly noticed the entire train become coated in a billow silver aura. It was not even halfway out of the station and...he was holding the whole thing in place! With Orbash having the most powerful magic in all of Equestria with only Sunflare being his equal, even a full steam locomotive and several passenger cars was hardly a challenge to hold in his levitation spell. He then looked back at me and called out with a smile. "Hurry along, my boy! Let's not keep them held up for too long!"

"Oh my god, you're the best!" I laughed before rushing over to the rearmost door of the passenger cars. What good fortune to have an alicorn stallion as powerful as Orbash to buy me just enough time to reach the train.

The conductor aboard the train was not so amused. He suddenly opened the rear door and stuck his head out through it. While trying to be as respectful as possible, he raised his voice towards Equestria's king. "Your majesty, what is the meaning of this?!"

"My sincerest apologies, but you forgot someone!" Orbash laughed while I quickly flashed my lifetime pass to the conductor. The conductor merely snorted in annoyance and stepped back to allow me to board. I then looked back at that wonderful king of a stallion while he beamed at me merrily. "Have a safe trip, my boy! We'll be seeing you again very soon!"

Orbash did not release his magical grasp on the train until I was properly seat at the back row. Only then did I feel the train lurch forward again as it began its journey back down the mountain. That was when I decided to see exactly what kind of breakfast Celestia packed me. There was still a gentle warmth coming from the box. And when I opened it...

"Oh my god, Celestia..." I muttered as I beheld the culinary masterpiece before me. Celestia had whipped up a stack of large pancakes three layers tall with a covered cup of maple syrup on the side. And she had decorated it with strawberries and blueberries. The red strawberries were arranged in the shape of a heart while bordered on each side by blueberries that spelled out an I and U. And I knew that she had made them herself. I snickered under my breath and whispered, "Love you too, dear... Love you too."

Some cutlery was provided as well and I thoroughly enjoyed my breakfast during my ride down the mountain. And upon reaching Ponyville, I wasted no time in hurrying across Ponyville at a brisk pace. It was another chilly autumn day, but the wind at least was not as bitter as last night. I passed by a few friends and said hello. I even picked up some hot pumpkin spiced tea from Sugarcube Corner. But I generally kept on the move to get home as soon as possible.

Once I finally reached the western edge of Ponyville, I was greeted by a bit of a surprise. The construction crews had resumed progress on the upcoming home of Ocellus and Smolder. I passed the crew while watching in curiosity without stopping. Noisy, but productive. They will surely be done before the end of the year at this rate. But right when I crossed the brook in front of Fluttershy's house, I was greeted by a face peeking out the door. "There you are! Come on, get in here! They're about to get started!"

Smolder had spotted me during my approach. But what was she even talking about? Curiosity took control as I hurried up the slope before stepping inside. Smolder was disappearing into the nursery at the back of the living room while Scootaloo peeked out at me from the doorway. "Hi, Dad! You're just in time! Come look at this!"

"What?! What's happening? What did I miss?" I asked before closing the door behind me. Did we have some guests? I quickly got my answer when I stepped inside. Everyone who lived in that house, from my wife and daughters to our two teen tenets, everyone had gathered for something very special. "Hey, the beehive is done?"

There it was. That boxy structure installed in the corner had finally been completed. The guys responsible for it must have just finished it. A large glass panel revealed the interior while also appeared to double as a door. It did have a lock on it as a means to keep just anyone from open it. But it was also completely empty aside from a few large chunks of honeycomb that looked like it had just been removed from the freezer. I had been wondering why Fluttershy had put those in there. Fluttershy looked back at me while Smolder cradled Gladesong in her arms to let her watch more effectively. "You're just in time, dear! They're almost here!"

I approached to take a closer look and waited. And minutes later, there she was. A single little bee came crawling in from the top corner closest to the outer wall of the house. The queen had made her way to her new home. And soon, more bees began to crawl on in. Out of sheer curiosity, I took a look out the window nearby. And I could see them. A cloud of swarming bees was filling the air. So long as the outdoor temperature was above freezing, they could tolerate it enough to fly. And they were in a big hurry to move into their new home. Everyone around us was excited to see our new little neighbors moving in to their new permanent residence. Especially Gladesong. She squealed and giggled as she waved at the little buzzing insects on the other side of the glass. Smolder nuzzled the top of the filly's head and said, "You see all those bees? Those buzzy little bees? They're gonna be here all the time now. I guess you've got a lot of little friends you can talk to every day now, huh?"

Ocellus glanced over at Fluttershy and asked, "They'll let us harvest some of their honey, right? When can we start?"

Fluttershy shook her head and said to us, "Not until next year. There's no time left for them to go around pollinating flowers, so they need all the honey in there now to make it through the winter. We won't be able to collect any honey until next summer."

"Aw man, I was hoping for all the honey on toast I could eat." Scootaloo groaned while I just rolled my eyes at her impatience. It was not much longer before the entire hive had finished moving in with most of the bees crawling over the walls due to a lack any infrastructure. It would take time for them to create all those walls of tiny hexagon holes. Our new little friends had a lot of work to do.

All of the girls stayed in the nursery to watch the new hive of bees settle in a little longer. In the meantime, Fluttershy and I stepped into the kitchen while she brewed me up some warm honey tea. "How was your time up in Canterlot yesterday? It was nice having Philomena bring us that message to explain the situation, but was everything OK up there?"

I was more than happy to give her the gist of my experience. "Oh yeah, we had a wonderful time. Got some good eats, enjoyed a movie together, even had a few drinks. They...made me feel like family."

Fluttershy adjusted the heat under the tea kettle before asking with a sudden excited gleam in her eye. "Ooh, the king and queen was there too, right? What was it like being with King Orbash and Queen Sunflare and...the entire royal family for the first time?"

"Quite frankly, I'd say Orbash is the best guy I've ever met. Just...the best. He always knows how to make you smile. And Sunflare is amazing too. They're just...great. I think time really has tempered them into being just some of the best people around. And they're very entertaining together." I explained in brief while really not knowing where to start. It was a very long day with so much happening in that time. And I suspect Fluttershy knew that since I noticed her glance over yonder at the laundry room and my typewriter inside it. She smirked at me knowingly, as if knowing what I really wanted to do now that I was home. I cracked a grin and said, "Yes, I am most definitely gonna chronicle this in a journal."

"In that case, how about I just read all about it when you're done? Your retellings of those special days are always so fun when I see it from your perspective." Fluttershy giggled excitedly while I was glad I would not have to strain myself to explain the events of yesterday. I always do a much better job of transcribing my memories through text than speech. But while waiting for the water to reach boiling, Fluttershy then smiled more softly at me. "And one more thing... A little love bug told me about what happened yesterday morning."

My blood chilled. I should not have been so anxious, but I suppose there will always be a certain risk factor involved whenever a new wonderful woman finds a place in our family. It will always have to be a mutual agreement between Fluttershy and I. And so I said cautiously, "Yeah... I mean we haven't gone as far as you and I have, but...we did...finally say it to each other. And...a bit more."

"James. Don't be so tense." Fluttershy said softly before she beckoned me into an embrace. I dropped to one knee and held my wonderful wife in my arms while she did the same. And she whispered so sweetly into my ear. "It's OK, dear. I know you both love each other so much. Please... Be as good to Ocellus as you've always been to all of us."

"I will, honey... Love you so much." I whispered back to her before we shared a tender kiss. It was so good to be home and back in the arms of the mare I walked down the aisle with. I had no regrets in Fluttershy being my first. We had become husband and wife for good reason. But she then started feeling my hooves against my chest with a look of confusion on her face. As if she had felt something under it. My eyes widened in realization and I said, "Oh, that! Almost forgot it was there."

We released each other from our embrace while I was quick to unzip my jacket. And what came falling out was a tightly bound scroll. I explained quickly, "I wrote a love letter for Novo a little while ago and brought it with me thinking that Celesta had a way of easily getting it to her. So she did, but then we got a reply just last night and... Well... Let's just say Novo was more than happy to send a reply."

"A love letter?! Oh my, I need to see this! And it's from Queen Novo?" Fluttershy asked with an excited giggle while she removed the band. Although her eyes then widened when she saw it unfurl. "It's...um...very long..."

"That's Novo for you. She likes to go heavy on her heart's desires." I snickered as I was reminded of just how much text she put in there. And as Fluttershy looked it over, her gaze only became softer and softer by the second. I whispered knowingly, "I can't wait to see her again."

"This is beautiful... I can see just how much she loves you... Oh my goodness, she really does miss Gladesong too... We need to plan some sort of visit to her place. Or maybe have her come here to see us. Some kind of plan where Gladesong can get to meet and bond with all of her other mommies." Fluttershy replied while sounding very touched by Novo's words. Not once was Novo selfish in her wording. And I was not the only one she thought of. She inquired about several women in my life. Because she knew we are all family and neither is more important than the other. Fluttershy sighed in an almost melancholy manner as she said softly, "She's amazing... And she's right. We all believe in you, James. We'll make this work in the end."

"Thank you, Fluttershy... Thanks. A little reassurance goes a long way." I spoke with a relieved sigh. Fluttershy soon rolled the scroll up and took it up to our bedroom to find a safe place for it while I headed into the laundry room and sat myself down at my typewriter to begin chronicling everything that happened recently.

That would have been the end of my recollection of yesterday, but I did not go undisturbed for much longer. Not even an hour went by before I heard the door close and lock behind me. And a quick glance over my shoulder revealed a pleasing sight. Little Ocellus was stepping over beside me while she smiled up at me. "It sounds like you had an amazing time in Canterlot yesterday."

"I did. Very." I replied before noticing her smile fading a bit. And then I remembered the little hidden message on the scroll in ten corner when Philomena returned home. "I...saw what you wrote in the note Philomena came back with."

"I was so disappointed when you didn't come home last night... I was hoping I could...be by your side in bed. Hold you in my sleep..." Ocellus whimpered while trying to not sound too upset. I felt such profound guilt as I saw her ears droop while she just rested her jaw on my upturned palm. She looked up at me with those big beautiful blank eyes and said, "I just love you so much..."

"Love you too, love bug..." I muttered as those words sang to my heart. We did not have to hide from each other anymore. Ocellus may be young, but she is not a filly. And I understood that. I decided then that the precious little lady before me was much more important than the journal I was writing out. I turned to her in my seat and reached down to her. "Come here, dear. I won't keep you waiting anymore."

Her eyes brightened up as Ocellus soon smiled. But instead of jumping into my arms, she lifted her head and soon coated her horn with her magic aura. And in a sudden flash of green flames, the beautiful little changeling disappeared. And in her place was a taller and equally beautiful young dragoness. She smiled at me shyly while I was left puzzled over why she would choose to revert to her previously preferred disguise instead of her new unique changeling form. "Wha... Are you sure? I'd be perfectly fine with you still looking like a changeling."

"I know... It's just... I wanna hold hands with you right now." Ocellus squeaked quietly as she swayed nervously before me. As if she was afraid that I might not approve. But I could not help but smile at the beautifully feminine little dragoness before me. I held out a hand to ask for hers. And she all too happily replied by setting her hand upon my upturned palm. "I think I understand why Smolder likes doing this with you so much."

I helped Ocellus take a seat on my lap while her tail curled around the back of my waist to hold her against me. Hands grasping, she leaned against me with her head tucked under my jaw. I heard her sigh lovingly while I kept my other arm around her. She had been waiting all night and day for this moment. "I love you, James... Love you forever."

A long sigh blew from my nostrils and through her long head of elegant hair. Those words were soothing to me. And it reminded me of the threshold we had crossed just yesterday. When no one was around to witness. I whispered down to the lovely little lady, "And I love you...my little love bug."

"I'll always be your little love bug, dear. My knight... My...hero..." Ocellus said softly without moving her head from under mine. At that moment, it was just us. A man and woman who were very much in love. And I soon felt Ocellus rest her other hand on my chest. "Your heart is very calm now... So full of love... It feels fulfilled... Like something wonderful happened to you yesterday... Did they make you happy up there?"

"They did... Made me feel wanted. Made me feel like family. It was...a good idea to go see them that day." I whispered back to my little lover. My memories of the three royal sisters. Memories of their glorious parents. And my memories of last night...with my beloved future queen. My hand gently slid over Ocellus' back. Up between her wings and down over the base of her robust reptilian tail. I was reminded of the form she had abandoned for the moment and asked, "Are you sure you wouldn't rather be in your real form right now?"

Ocellus giggled at my insistence. I just did not want her to feel like she had to assume that familiar dragon form for my sake. She then whispered to me happily, "I'm sure. I mean even though that new look for me feels like...me without feeling like I'd hiding in a disguise, I do really like this form too. And I've been wearing my real look long enough to easily remember it from memory. I won't have any trouble switching back. I promise."

"Whatever you're happy with, dear. I just want you to be happy with how you look." I said while making sure she was still comfortable on my lap. We continued to hold each other. And soon, our lips touched. Over and over, I felt her lips upon mine. And soon that long dragon tongue slid past my lips to invite my own to a dance. And what a wonderful dance it was as we quietly sang to each other. Such a subtle sweetness on her tongue... And when we gazed into each other's eyes... I was so taken with her beauty. I loved her... I wanted her. And I whispered carefully to her, "I...want to...do things with you... Make you feel loved..."

I did not want to be too direct with my words, but Ocellus could tell right away. Her deeply blushing face and almost drunken smile told me that my heart was whispering the real truth to her. And she adjusted her positioning on my lap as she whispered back to me her deepest desires. "And I want you to... The door's locked. No one else is here. There's nothing stopping us. I want...to make such sweet love to you. To be your woman for real..."

I wanted her. To hold her and love her and bring her pleasure she has never felt before. To let Ocellus know just how much I truly loved her. But she quickly stopped me with a finger upon my lips while she smiled very sweetly to me. "But not yet. Not just yet. Please... Give me a little longer. I know exactly when I want us...to become more. Please? A little longer? I promise it'll happen before the end of the year."

"Really? Well... Yeah. Sure. It's your call. I won't make you do anything you don't want to do." I whispered back to her while simultaneous relieved yet disappointed. I was glad that we would not be rushing into this relationship too quickly, even if our love for each other was true with there being no risks. But at the same time... I dearly wanted to make love to her. To give her the same pleasure all my beloveds knew.

I think Ocellus could sense that subtle disappointment in my heart. And she replied while resting her hand over my chest. "Oh, but I do. I do want you, James. So badly. But just...not yet. It would be best if we wait. But I promise. When it happens... It'll be so worth the wait. I promise... I love you."

And so we just sat there for a while. Holding hands. Sharing soft little kisses with each other. And allowing Ocellus to drink from my love freely. Things had changed between us. And all those doubts I had... All the fears about the risks... They were gone. I now know that we really are ready for each other. I just wish I did not keep her waiting...

I could not bring myself to resume writing after that. I wanted to catch up on a missed day with my family. The biting autumn chill convinced us to stay indoors for the day and I spent much of my time hanging out in the nursery with Gladesong while we both observed our new neighbors gradually turning their new hollow dwelling into a true home. By the time the sun had set, I could see the beginnings of a wall of waxy hexagons forming. That trembling mass of fuzzy brownish orange and dark stripes was almost mesmerizing to behold.

But now it is getting late and I am finally finished with this entry. And I am just exhausted in all the best ways. What a wonderful time. Things are good now after so much turmoil. And I am convinced happy days are ahead of us

I must keep a close eye on the calendar. There is a lot going on this month. And not just that upcoming vacation. I have plans made and gifts to give. But for now, sleep is calling for me. I hope I dream well tonight.