Heart Path POV. Reincarnation of a stallion 700 years ago. Continuation of the dream.

I slept so soundly after all this wine that I drank and felt a hoof pushing me in the side. When I looked at the pony that woke me up, I was not surprised. It was four o'clock in the morning, and my friend Valiant reminded me that it was time for me to be on duty in our room. I don't think I need to explain why we are doing this? Everything is correct. We are still on a secret mission. And during all this time I managed to find only one changeling in this village. But now I cannot think of this assignment. I just need to be aware of the potential dangers. Plus, as far as I know, changelings can follow their branded traitors, the Princess Emerald. Well, while friends are sleeping, there is time to think until morning. And come up with a plan. But I still need the support of all my friends. And Quick Strike hasn't given its consent yet. He doubts. And I don’t blame him for that. Well, if he refuses to come with us, I will ask him to come back and tell the team that Valiant and I are stupidly trapped. Well, or something like that. But then the team will ask Quick Strike to provide evidence. And, perhaps, they will send their scouts here. And they already know the truth for sure. No, that will not do. In general, you need to think carefully.

After washing myself thoroughly and refreshing myself with cool water, I sat down at the table, where three candles had already burned out. It was already dawn in the window, which means that this kind, and no doubt attractive mare, is still working for the good of Equus. Eh Celestia ... I only saw you a few times when you drove with your carriage through the streets of Canterlot. But once...

I suddenly wanted to remember the event of that day, which I do not tell anyone about. I need to somehow entertain myself while I sit here and guard the sleep of my friends. There is nothing special here. But it was a lucky day for me.

Memories of the event. Four years ago.

It was an ordinary, summer day in Canterlot. The sun was shining brightly, and the day itself foreshadowed a good mood. A year has passed since I moved to our capital, after I worked as a forester. I saved enough money to buy myself a small room in one of the districts, for ponies who come to the capital. Pretty soon I was able to find myself a new job. I was already twenty-three years old, and now I am a unicorn from the province working as a cab. I was responsible for transporting raw materials from warehouses to small weaving workshops. Such an industry in small steps, but still developed in our kingdom. And not without the help of established trade. In general, not such a difficult job, a little boring, but at least not so dangerous.

Yes ... I live next door to a pegasus family. Which featured the same Quick Strike, his mother, Down Feather, and his earth-pony father, Bizarre Hooves. As far as I remember, he worked as a juggler at a local circus establishment. It was rumored that he was not even the father of Quick Strike. But that was none of my business. In general, when the kingdom began recruiting into the ranks of the legion, he left without hesitation. He became a legionnaire, but when this military conflict began, their detachment was one of the first to take battle in the border forests. There he ... died. I am very sorry for my friend's father. He was a jolly stallion.

I had a day off that day and decided to get some rest. Taking my wallet of coins with me, I headed to a local open-air establishment. This new establishment prepared good milkshakes for every taste. Of course, I was not a supporter of such drinks, but for some reason... my heart prompted me to go there. Also, I didn't really want to go to the tavern, where I again see two stallions fighting over a mare or because of too much alcohol. At that time, such alcohol was not yet banned. Later, they began to tightly regulate it. So far, the government has not passed a law prohibiting the use of alcoholic beverages. So, in recent years, we ponies have been able to settle for only weak wine. Of course, there were exceptions, but they didn't show ads. In general, I came to this establishment, where several ponies were sitting. They were mostly couples. But while I was paying for a chocolate milkshake, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a young mare sitting at one of the empty tables. It was a simple earth pony in a white fur coat, with a pale pink mane and tail. She had a noticeably long mane.

This mare studied the menu thoughtfully. And I got a great idea. I hurried to order a strawberry cocktail, and when the order was ready, I leisurely walked over to the table at which this mare was sitting. And when I quietly sat down opposite her and put a strawberry cocktail in front of her, she slowly took her eyes away from the menu and looked at me inquiringly. She had purple eyes, and I also noticed an interesting necklace on her neck. There was nothing special about it, except that there was a strange medallion hanging on it, but I didn’t look at it. I was more interested in this mare than in her strange decorations.

"Forgive me if I dared to invade your personal space so brazenly. But why did I have the feeling that you would like to drink a strawberry cocktail. Well, maybe find a nice company. Would you mind if it was me?" I asked and looked expectantly into her eyes and took a few sips of my chocolate cocktail.

This mare raised her eyebrow and turned her head slightly to look at me with only one eye. But in fact, I know all these mare games. Thus, she decided to show me her beautiful face from all sides. An old tactic, but I'll play along. That's just that she is in no hurry to answer, and to be honest, I began to worry that I screwed up a little. And it seems she began to notice it.

"What if I'm waiting for someone? For example, my stallion?" She said in an unusually beautiful voice. And it seems to me ... somewhere I have already heard this voice. I just can't remember where exactly.

I put the glass on the table and narrowed my eyes, trying to get a better look at the face of this beautiful mare. And it seems that from my gaze she began to get a little nervous.

"Not!" I spoke in the affirmative.

She drew her strawberry shake with her hoof and took a few sips, her lovely purple eyes still staring at me. But then her eyes rolled back in bliss at the taste of the drink. And it became a little funny for me to watch her. But when she slowly set the glass down on the table, she finally asked her question.

"MMM. And this is really delicious... So why did you decide that I was actually here alone, and did not wait for anyone? Although I am not against the company. I am interested to know that." She said and looked curiously into my eyes.

I smiled at her and answered. “In fact, such a beautiful mare like you could not come to such an institution alone. On the contrary, the stallion must be waiting for you! Judging by your appearance, especially by your long, beautiful mane and eyes, and also by your voice ... you are no ordinary mare. A nondescript medallion hangs around your neck, which does not match your natural beauty. I, of course, do not deeply study magic, but something tells me that your medallion has an enchanted property. You wear a mask, but you have your reasons. And in general ... “I put my hooves on the table and pressed my face as close as possible to this shocked mare and spoke so that the surrounding ponies would not hear us, but then I was here to confess my love! Heh. "I understand you well ... Princess Celestia." It was a bargaining chip that she could not surpass. And if you think that I am just a simple unicorn, then you are wrong. From time to time I go to the library and make my own observations.

When she calmed down a little, she tugged at my neck with her hoof and whispered in my ear. “Well, you will be kind and smart, stallion, and keep my secret." Then she let go of me and, squinting, smiled. "Now it's my turn. Based on the area you live in in Canterlot, you are not from a wealthy family. You came here not so long ago, decided to change your job to a more relaxed one and, possibly, find some prospects in life. You are definitely lonely, but you have had mares in your life. With whom it was not possible to build a long-term relationship. You love freedom. But ... trust my experience. I feel like there is another mare who was able to win your heart. But you did not stay with her for long, or rather only for a few hours, maybe a day. I know your name. You are Heart Path. You often remember a wonderful moment in your life that happened to you a few years ago. And I won't tell you any more. I will not lie. That's all I know about you. And for the most part, I feel sorry for you."

It was a prick in the very heart. And with whom did I even decide to compete? With Princess Celestia herself, who is several hundred years old. Naturally she has a lot of experience. I looked at my hooves on the table and spoke to her seriously, trying not to look into her eyes anymore.

“You know, I would never have thought that you could be so cruel. But in fact, I feel sorry for you too! To live so much...” I realized that I was starting to talk too much, and abruptly raised my head, still looking into her eyes. She was watching me all this time, but her face was written with regret. “Maybe we’ll finish our cocktails and take a walk to the nearest park and talk there. How do you like this idea? And by the way, what should I call you? Maybe Sweet Sunshine?"

"Sweet Sunshine? And what I like should be noted. You can really impress a mare.“ Then she took a straw from a glass of cocktail in her mouth... and began to suck ostentatiously. When she did, her eyes rolled back in bliss. And the smacking sounds that this mare (Celestia) made began to attract the attention of the nearest stallions sitting next to us. But while these stallions were sitting with their mares, a few seconds later I heard the cracking of a hoof on the head! Yes, their mares were unhappy.

This moment amused me greatly. Actually, my cheeks have started to warm up noticeably, and I can only imagine how I look now. I'm sitting at the table with Princess Celestia, who decided to demonstrate her skills right at the table. Oh, those experienced mares! I watched her cheeks draw in and the last drops of this cocktail flowed into her mouth. Then she abruptly raised her head with her eyes closed and began to breathe quickly, with her mouth open. Her tongue began to wander over her lips, trying to collect all the drops. At that moment my eye started twitching, and to be honest ... I was quite impressed with this little show. And don't get me wrong, I naturally began to get aroused, and I had to bite my cheek and tongue so that I wouldn't be disgraced right here. Damn it! Okay, okay. She definitely defeated me!

It seems to have let me go a little. And I tried to make a calm face. And when she finally caught her breath and opened her eyes, all the ponies who were nearby and watching her at that moment turned sharply and continued to pretend that they had not noticed anything. Yes, it amused not only me.

"You, too, can impress a stallion." I told her, and I could hardly restrain my laughter, because few people were satisfied to see our princess, who disguised herself as an earth pony. But still ... from this side, I saw her for the first time. But ... be honest. I liked what I saw.

She smiled back at me and said in a completely innocent voice. "Well, let's go for a walk?"

"Of course, now I'll just finish my drink, otherwise I didn't want to be distracted from the show you put on." I answered and quickly finished my cocktail, after which we got up from the table and walked slowly to the park together.

When we went out into the alley, we met rare ponies, mostly foals with their mothers. Heh. These mares looked at us with slight envy, believe me, I noticed it in their eyes. But mostly they smiled sweetly and wished us a good day, apparently introducing us as a young couple in love. Of course they had no idea who was actually walking next to me.

When we were convinced that on this road we only go in two, and in the nearest bushes there is no prankster, a foal that loves to spy on adults, I turned my head to Sweet Sunshine or Celestia. And I decided to study it again. She, of course, noticed this out of the corner of her eye, but she continued to walk as if nothing had happened, giving me the opportunity to get a better look at her. Although to be honest, I like her more in her true appearance. True, she has more height. But it's not a problem. You can put a stool if the need arises. Or ask her to bend over. Oh, that my thoughts did not go there at all. Although I am a stallion, you can understand. Those who have not dreamed of Celestia in their fantasies are either blind or swaying in the other direction, and prefers their own gender.

Oh yeah. She does not even change her regal gait, and tries to keep her head straight all the time.

"You know, Sweet Sunshine. You were actually able to deceive many with your disguise, but as far as I understand your necklace, it cannot hide your voice, and your beautiful eyes." I told her while continuing to walk slowly and lightly touch her with my side. As if by accident.

She stopped and stood in front of me, looked into my eyes with a smile and began to blink her eyelashes. "Do you really think so?"

I chuckled at this behavior of the princess and decided to ask stupid questions. "What exactly? That you do not know how to hide your natural beauty even behind this magical necklace?" I said in a low voice and my hoof insolently began to rise to her chin to stroke it.

She looked at me with slight indignation, but did not remove her chin and even began stroking my hoof, smiling sweetly. “Well, what are you doing now? Did I give you a reason to behave so unceremoniously with me? A cocky and definitely affectionate stallion."

"Why not? After all, you left the palace for a reason. I am sure that your goal is not only to see how your subjects live, but also to find comfort and rest from their daily duties. That is why I said that I understand you." I answered affectionately and removed my hoof. And I myself was a little uneasy from the fact that I had just had contact with the princess, as if she were my special pony.

Celestia looked at me intently, brought her face closer to mine in intimacy and smelled my face, and then began to whisper in my ear. “So they are telling the truth about you. The path of the heart, the joy of the mares. I like it. And I don't mind if we go into those bushes and sit by the tree. And with this we will continue our sweet conversation. Honestly, you completely figured me out. And sometimes I really really want to escape from the palace in order to find myself a company in the form of a stallion and to receive affection and comfort from him." She finished her last words and licked my ear gently.

I jerked a little in ecstasy from her actions and nodded in agreement, but when we left the alley I was tormented by a question. “I’m wondering. Who tells you such tales about me? I’ve been living here for only a year, and during this time ... almost ... I have not been with the mare."

"The key word is "Almost"! Actually, to be honest, in every city I have my own eyes and ears. That's why I told you your name. And you weren't even surprised by that."

When we got to the tree, she squatted down, leaned her back against it and patted a hoof next to her. And, of course, I sat down next to her. But then she surprised me, she just laid her head on my shoulder and spoke in an affectionate voice.

"Forgive me the Heart Path. For hurting your feelings the moment you treated me to this delicious strawberry cocktail." Celestia said with a touch of regret in her voice. "Sometimes I say ... not what I really mean. If you want, we can talk to you about it."

“Actually… I wouldn't want to talk about it. I will only say briefly. Yes, I fell in love with an unusual mare when I was seventeen years old. But then ... you're right. The next day she left me. I can't blame her though. This is her destiny. And love for some stallion for her is not the highest goal in life. Although I can't say with certainty. We can all be wrong about something..." I answered her and started stroking her neck with my left hoof. And she definitely didn’t mind my affection. I have a feeling that today my heart, at least for a short moment, will find peace.

Celestia brought her face to my ear and whispered. "Remember my little pony. When you call on my name, in your prayer, and your prayer is filled with feelings, and the belief that I can help you, then I will definitely hear your prayer. Remember, for example, the day when you and yours." unusual "the mare could have died. And you have called to me more than once." She started laughing in my ear, at the moment when she awakened in me these memories of the changeling princess Emerald.

I freed myself from her embrace and looked with surprise at this Celestia in the guise of an earth pony. She shyly covered her sweet face with her hooves. Well, I just had to ask her about such a fit of laughter.

“I would laugh with you together, but I would like to know the reason for this. And preferably in detail, ”I replied, looking at how this mare writhes. I, of course, understand that she is already several hundred years old, and of course there may be different mood swings. Although, of course, she will not show it to all ponies. But on this day I must have been marked by fate.

She pulled her hooves aside and looked at me seriously, which made my skin go cold. "If you only knew. How many times have I heard words like: Oooh, Celestia! I'm cumming!" she said and laughed again. She is, of course, definitely a funny mare.

And then I began to understand how this princess Alicorn really should feel. If I were in her place, I would have lost my mind long ago. But over time, she was able to get used to her fate. It means being a ruler on a divine level for many centuries. At that moment I really felt sorry for her, I could not stand it and rushed to her... hug her tightly and carefully. My hooves began to gently massage her back, and she finally got what she wanted from me, finally calmed down from a fit of laughter.

I whispered in her ear. “Well, you know perfectly well how your people adore you.”

“Thank you Heart Path. For trying to calm me down. I am very tired of all this. And sometimes ... you want to give up everything and go live as a simple mare. Find yourself a stallion and love him. Give him the foals. Go to work and go to the market for carrots and beets to prepare a modest meal for your family. And again love, only even hotter and more passionate. If you only knew how much passion there can be in this mare that you are hugging now. And it's not a joke! I think you understand me. I live in this palace like a bird in a golden cage. Chained by higher powers to be responsible for the fate of my ponies. But I want..." A tear ran down her cheek and down my shoulder." And I want simple happiness, and again to see my younger sister..."

In the end, she broke down and gave vent to her feelings to finally soak my shoulder with her divine tears. Uh ... Celestia's tears are on my body. I guess I won't wash for a whole week after that. When else will it be possible to receive such a blessing?.. I continued to stroke Celestia's back and head, trying to calm her overwhelming emotions.

"Cry, maybe you really feel better ... But ... I actually have an idea." I said to Celestia and I really had a sense of hope that she would agree to my proposal.

She lifted her head from my shoulder and looked at me, wiping away her tears with her hoof. “Forgive this old mare. I got a little carried away." The princess said and tried to smile, but her eyes were still shining and her cheeks were wet. "I'm wondering what's on your mind, stallion."

I was a little shy and lowered my eyes I said quietly. "You are not an old mare. You're like a well-aged wine. Over the years, it only gets better and more valuable. Actually, as far as I heard, there will be visiting musicians in the local tavern today. Interesting dances among the ponies are promised. I suggest you keep me company. Let's drink some wine and dance. What can you say to that?" I said and looked hopefully into the eyes of this disguised Princess Celestia. I hope I didn't offer her something stupid...

But what she did came as a complete surprise to me. Honestly, anything, but I did not expect this from her! After she understood what I said to her, she pounced on me as if hungry, and began kissing me, hotly and passionately, and at the same time hugging me with her hooves. But I also participated in this. When will I have another such opportunity?

When she finished her kiss and pressed her forehead against mine, she said softly and with the same passion. "I have dreamed of doing this for a long time, stallion. And you clearly read my heart. Your name really suits you as well as your special talent." She said and I noticed how her eyes were no longer shining from those tears, but from something more wonderful.

At this statement, I lightly kissed her on the lips and began to gently stroke her waist, to which she began to laugh a little erotically.

“You, too, can call out my name in your prayers when you are bored and your heart needs comfort. I give my word, even if a long time passes. We'll meet again.” I said in a serious tone and got to my feet, held out my hoof to Celestia.

She hurriedly got to her feet and, nodding at me with a smile on her face, I led our princess to the local entertainment. She must have been very bored with this palace life that she so "tangibly" gave her consent. Walking through the park, we continued our frivolous conversation, in which she was interested in that "unusual" mare, which six years ago was able to shake my heart. But I tried to avoid details. In fact, however, I began to think that this seasoned mare with centuries of experience may well know more about me than she says. I have to try to find out. Now we'll just get to this tavern, buy some wine, and I'll start twirling it with my hooves.

Author's note: I remind you that all the tracks I found on YouTube have their own purpose, to convey the spirit of the scene in the description.

When we entered this tavern, there were surprisingly many ponies. And there were even some children of aristocrats. There were pegasus and unicorns and earth ponies. Even a couple of griffins, apparently traders, also decided to take part in this party. And, of course, the visiting musicians made a real fun with their performance. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sweet Sunshine (Celestia) not even have time to really go into the tavern, as she began to move her body to the music of this fast and fun rhythm.

It was so noisy that I literally had to scream in Celestia's ear (for convenience, I will call her that, but in front of everyone she will be Sweet Sunshine for me). "There are a couple of empty seats over there, next to the griffins! Please take them while I take care of our drinks. I will order a couple of salads for us. Would you mind trying some simple pony food? Excuse me if this seems too much for you simple..." But before I could finish, she... literally with her kiss made me shut up. And I was a little surprised, and at the same time pleased several ponies who came with us to this tavern.

When I approached the owner of the tavern, who took turns serving all the customers, I noticed how Celestia, sitting at the table, was talking about something with two griffins. And judging by the expressions on their faces, it was very pleasant for them to be in such a company. Well, I'm very happy for them and Celestia too! Finally, she can be imbued with the spirit of communication, excluding formalities.

When my turn came, I glanced at the innkeeper, then looked again at the cheerful Celestia, and then at my waist bag of coins. Heh... I'll treat our princess in full! Well, then I'll tighten my belt a little for the next ten days...

The owner of the tavern looked at me with understanding and with a smile, and also turned his gaze to the mare I was just examining (Celestia). And putting his hooves on the service table, he spoke to me in a cheerful and uneasy tone at the same time. "I see that you have a very good taste for mares, the guy. And you know what? Today I am in a very good mood! And that means if you take one glass of Ale, you will get the second for free! And so on until tomorrow morning! Well, and with wine ... Well, of course we have wine today, but I won't give a discount for it! Now I'm sorry, you yourself understand. Wine is not El for you. Although they bring us a very good ale! And I myself sometimes indulge in it. So I recommend!"

I looked again at the laughing Celestia, who noticed me and winked at me. She clearly needed all this fun to be closer to simple ponies, or in this case griffins, to better understand our life. She's definitely a good ruler. And I can sleep well knowing that Celestia is always with us. She sacrifices her personal life for us! But I am a simple unicorn stallion, I want to be grateful to her for everything on behalf of all the ponies.

Therefore, looking into the wallet with coins, I smiled and pulled them all out to the tavern owner. “Give us some good wine, two jugs and four servings of your best vegetable salad! I want to pamper my mare and these griffins a little! Let them know that in Equestria, the word hospitality is not an empty phrase!"

“An excellent approach to serious business! Forgive me, sir ... ”- answered the owner of the tavern, a unicorn stallion, older than me.

"Heart Path!" I answered and at the same time kept glancing out of the corner of my eye at Celestia.

The tavern owner put his hooves on the counter and gave me a serious look, which scared me a little. And I think I noticed a slightly green light reflected in his eyes.

"Yes ... I know you. And do not ask how or where. Just trust the Innkeeper always has a lot of information. I also guess who your mare is for tonight! And be sure. I will keep your secret. The more that you are generous today pony. So I wish you and "your mare" a pleasant evening!" This stallion told me and winked conspiratorially, went about his business, to serve other clients.

When I approached and sat down at the table, where two griffins and Celestia were talking merrily about something, I did not leave the feeling that this day would be remembered for a long time for me. And no less than when I met the changeling princess.

I was able to get to know these griffins, and they seemed to me to be very polite guys. As I learned later from our conversation, they laid a sea trade route to our kingdom, and they transport raw materials from Griffonstone for metallurgical workshops. And ready-made fabrics are taken out of Equestria. In general, I was not particularly interested in this, unlike Celestia. Although I'm sure she knows all the trading contracts for sure. Although I may be wrong.

We had fun, talked with these griffins, and drank the ordered wine and ate salad. And as far as I understood from Celestia's behavior, she really enjoyed spending time with me and this company. In the end, we had a lot of fun, and when I heard the cheerful music that the invited musicians continued to play, I nudged Celestia in the side and got her attention. Heh and I noticed that her eyes really shone at this moment.

"Let's Dance! Music is good to stretch our hooves!" I said to Celestia and held out my hoof to her.

"Why not?! After all, they came here to have some fun!" Celestia said loudly in my ear. Then she got up from the table, smiled at me happily again, and we headed to the center of the dance floor.

It's a good thing that our Canterlot area has a tavern that often hosts such events on weekends. They are intended primarily to cheer up ordinary pony workers, but as it was said earlier today I saw here a few ponies from wealthy areas who did not give up their fun. Well, they really can be understood. So Celestia and I danced, tapping out the rhythm with our hooves. And each time they jumped over to change places. I saw more zeal and enthusiasm in Celestia's eyes. And of course, I had many questions for her, but... right now I saw genuine happiness in her eyes and I did not want to break this idyll. After all, she certainly deserves to be happy, at least at times...

I really liked what I see. Celestia gave herself completely to the dance. Her hooves skilfully jumped, crossed and again in the jump returned to the same position. And at some point we were pretty close to each other, and did not notice how our noses slowly touched. She kissed me lightly and then pulled back two steps back and spoke, trying to shout over the loud music.

"Now I'll show you something interesting!" The princess said and I carefully watched what she was up to.

I noticed how some of the dancing ponies began to retreat in a semicircle and gradually stopped their dancing, allowing "my mare" to put on a little show. And what did Celestia do, you ask? Yes. She really surprised everyone and I started listening to some of the ponies start pounding their hooves, imitating the sound of the drum.

She closed her eyes and squatted down, slowly climbed onto her hind hooves until she was stretched out to her full height, and her front hooves raised up... So she stood for a few seconds, maintaining her balance, and then, with the general approval of the crowd, she stood stand on the tips of the hooves. So she stood for three seconds, and I noticed how she began to fall in front. Seeing this, I quickly ran up to her, squatted down, put out my front hooves and finally caught her falling body in my strong embrace.

As I hugged the excited and at the same time excited Celestia tightly, she hugged me back, and I began to feel how hard and fast her heart was beating. The sound of the ponies' hooves intensified, and while they continued to stand like this, two mares came up to us and laid flower wreaths on our heads. Then they began to wish us happiness, and thanked us for this performance. Celestia started rubbing against my cheek and then whispered in my ear.

"I felt very good in your company. I thank you for that, and now you can walk me to the palace?" Celestia said and looked at me hopefully with a cheerful gleam in her eyes.

Mentally and in the depths of my soul, I sighed sadly and, having agreed, we left the tavern and headed to the palace grounds. The evening was approaching, and it seemed that Celestia needed to return to the palace in order to resume her duties. Lower the sun and raise the moon. Stopping outside the palace, Celestia pulled me into an empty alley where the other ponies could not see us. We turned a corner and sat opposite each other. I did not understand what "my mare" was up to.

"I have a little thank you gift for you for being able to entertain and comfort me." Celestia said and took off her disguise necklace. A second later, the real Princess Celestia was sitting in front of me, only without her royal regalia.

Of course her height became a little larger than usual and her mane and tail began to magically develop. She slowly embraced me with her hooves and wings, all the while continuing to smile sweetly at me. Then she began to gently kiss me on the lips, to which I certainly did not mind and began to hug her with my hooves, going into this game.

So we sat for a minute, and then her horn lit up and she put it to my horn, from which everything brightened in my eyes and I began to feel a surge of strength. I received such ecstasy that my eyes rolled in bliss, and I began to understand for myself that Celestia is certainly not only a good ruler, but also a mare in general. It's a shame that I ... can't spend my mortal life with her. I certainly wouldn't mind, but ... who am I to her at this moment? You can only be a stallion who, by the will of fate, met her and was able to spend a little time with her. But these few hours will certainly be precious in my memory.

When Celestia stopped kissing me and slowly pushed her face away while continuing to look me in the eyes, she spoke to me in an affectionate tone. "This is for you, my blessing. Remember me as often as possible. And I give you my word that I will not forget you as well. But I cannot give you more... not at this time. But I promise you the Heart Path, I will give you even more affection and care when the time comes." Then she was slightly saddened and turned away and freed herself from our embrace. And again she put on her necklace to turn herself into Sweet Sunshine.

"Forgive me Heart Path. But I must run!" Celestia said with an unconcealed sadness in her voice and, without waiting for an answer, ran out of the alley.

I was left alone and leaned my back against the wall of the fence near the palace ... I was overwhelmed with different emotions. And at some point I could not resist and, like six years ago, closed my eyes with hooves, trying not to shed many tears. But it did not help ... I again feel a painful beat in my heart, in my life!I am again having fun with another "unusual mare" who, in the end, after playing with me like a doll, simply runs away from me. And again I am alone ... I can no longer tolerate such moments. And take my word for it, I'm sick of it. I think I need to get away from all this, like go to serve in the Legion and leave Canterlot. I'm just afraid that if I see Celestia again, I won't be able to look at her without sadness.

Here's a story. And I will not share this moment with anyone. It will be better for Celestia.

I continued to look at the sunrise and behind this recollection did not notice how time passed. I heard my friends yawning and sipping their hooves. Although Valiant Romantic slept only four hours and sullenly covered himself with the blanket.

"Mmm ... Can I sleep for another ten minutes, or better half an hour?" Valiant spoke in an encouraging voice from under the covers. Well, can understand him, and I just smiled at that moment.

“Valiant, of course you can take another nap, but I doubt it's a good idea. Now I will go downstairs and order breakfast in my room. And I want to invite Azura, I think now is the time, if she is not busy with something important." I said, jumping up from the chair, went to the chest in which our things were folded, and fastened the belt on the belt on which the scabbard was attached with gladius. In these difficult times, it is better not to remain unarmed.

After a while, both of my friends, nevertheless, got out of bed and went to wash. Well, I left the room and closed the door behind me. When I went down to the living room of the tavern, I saw how its owner was already arranging the chairs, one of the maids, the same red mare, helped him. She saw me, that I was standing and looking expectantly behind these two, and decided to come up to me.

"Mister Heart Path. If you came down to inquire about breakfast, then you have to wait about twenty minutes, soon everything will be ready." Then she shyly scratched the floor with her hoof, continuing to look at me and smoothly lower her eyelids. And she clearly had something on her mind.

I reached out my hoof to her chin and gently lifted it up. She looked at me expectantly and I decided to ask her. "Listen. Sunny Kiss, you are definitely a good mare and I ask your forgiveness for yesterday. I understand that ... it was unexpected. But I have a request for you. Be so kind, when breakfast is ready, let Azura bring him personally. And then ... I promise I'll introduce you to my two friends!" I unceremoniously hugged her neck, which at first she gasped in surprise, but when I brought my mouth to her ear, I began to whisper to her. "In fact, they are very good stallions! And they certainly need to ... be in the company of a beautiful and hot mare. Such as you."

"Ooh. I think I understand you, Heart Path. But I still invite my friend and partner to join your company. She is also a kind and... lonely mare named Night Flicker. She, like me, sometimes needs the company of a stallion. Who will be gentle and caring for us. Will this be acceptable to you?" Sunny Kiss answered me in the same whisper.

"Is this the same filly with a blue fur coat and a yellow and white mane and tail? Who was with you yesterday in the wine cellar?" I asked, already looking into the eyes of this mare. And fortunately, the owner of the tavern, not paying attention to the conversations of the two young ponies, went to check how things were in the kitchen.

"Yes, it is she!" Sunny Kiss answered me and smiled. I noticed an interested sparkle in her eyes. Heh, Princess Emerald, thinks that I am not able to see such sparks in the eyes.

“Well, that will be good! I think tonight, after you finish your work, you can come to our room and grab some wine. In the meantime, I will go and warn my friends that they have a date today. After all, we all deserve a happy moment.“ I said and stroked Sunny Kiss gently on the shoulder. She laughed playfully and thanked me, and then ran to the kitchen to do her duties.

Meanwhile, I returned to our room, and saw that my friends were sitting at the table and discussing something. I said the password, to which Quick Strike simply rolled his eyes and invited me to join them for a conversation.

“Heart Path! You can shove this password under your tail! I tell you again ... yes, even now you smell like ... a mare in heat! You were absent only ten minutes! When did you manage to snuggle up to the mare?" Quick Strike said with a grin and began to sniff at my neck, from which Valiant could not resist and, clutching his stomach, laughed, putting his head on the table.

I raised my hoof in the air for attention and spoke in a serious tone. "Laugh as much as you like, and by the way I have been thinking about you all this time!" But before I could finish, Quick Strike continued to tease me.

"I hope it wasn't sexy?" Said Quick Strike and squinted, put his hooves on the table to look at me.

"Haha! A very funny Quick Strike! But in reality, you are close to the truth. I thought you guys should have some fun with two adorable mares. And I took the liberty of arranging a date for you. Who knows what lies ahead and now it is better not to miss this opportunity! You won't mind, will you?“ I said and out of the corner of my eye I noticed how both my friends listened to me with surprise and at the same time with great attention.

“This... This is a brilliant idea! It turns out that sometimes you can really think not only about yourself, but also about your friends! Quick Strike said and gave me a friendly nudge on the shoulder.

"So. What mares are we talking about? What are their names?" Valiant asked curiously. And I noticed sparks in his eyes. Heh. It looks like I got to the point by deciding to cheer up my friends a little, and myself, too.

I scratched my right cheek with a hoof and something tells me that today it will be too noisy in our room, and we will probably disturb the sleep of the neighbors ... I hope I'm not doing stupid things! “Actually, you saw them in the tavern yesterday. They are both maids, and they work, and they also live right here, just like Azura. One is called Sunny Kiss and the other is Night Flicker! Both beauties, earth ponies. I figured from what Sunny Kiss told me, they both really want to spend time with the stallions! So guys, this is the jackpot!"

Quick Strike looked around our rather modest room and fixed his gaze on three beds near the wall ... "Damn! This will be something new for me!"

Valiant laughed, as did I. And Quick Strike glared at both of us. "Hey! Why are you laughing? I'm not a virgin, but what's going to happen in the room tonight looks more like an orgy that aristocrats like to have in Canterlot! And I have never been a participant in this. Maybe I should rent a private room?"

I tiredly put my head on the table, did not want to go into details, but now I am responsible for this event. By the way ... Azura will have to come soon and bring us breakfast. I just need to stretch the time, and it is desirable for my friends to maintain a good mood.

"Listen to Quick Strike. You shouldn't be so worried. For example, I'm going to invite Azura out for a walk around the village. Although I doubt she'll be pleased to look at the changeling wings hanging on the fences! But I'll think of something. And you stay here. You can't so that we would be in different places." I wanted to say something else, but Valiant, crossing his hooves in indignation on his chest, interrupted me.

"My friend, Heart Path! You want to go away and have fun alone again. But why don't we all go and walk around the village?" My friend said and tilted his head to one side, which caused his short purple mane to lightly cover his face.

“Probably, the whole point is that these mares will be able to free themselves only late at night, and they will obviously get tired. Everything will depend on the number of visitors today. And proceeding from the fact that this tavern is the only place for entertainment, there will be a lot of visitors as always! Do you understand why I am saying this?"

Valiant shook his head and put his hoof to his forehead, and then continued his careful interrogation. "Still, you're suggesting that we stay here while you and your Azura go for a night walk? Don't you think this is... at least a bad idea?" Then he abruptly jumped up from his chair and put his hoof to my nose and spoke as if I was his younger brother! "You will not go without us! And you will remain with your Azura under our supervision. I do not want to lose a friend who becomes stupid because of his "old love"!" Valiant finished this and lowered his head, apparently realizing that he was accidentally harsh with me. But I'm not angry with him, because I really appreciate his concern.

Quick Strike also agreed with Valiant's opinion. And I had nothing left but to admit that I was wrong. But I didn’t have time to answer, because there was a knock on our room. We all paid attention to the door, and at that moment, just in case, I jabbed my hoof at the sword on my belt. I am still in charge of our safety. Actually, I guess who it could be.

"Come in." I answered in a calm voice.

The door opened and Azura came in. In one hoof she was holding a tray with a small saucepan. She walked over to our table and put the tray in the center, then went to our cupboard, where the dishes were, and brought us three plates. All this time we kept calm, even though we knew who was actually serving us. But at some point I could not resist and jumped up from my chair to help my beloved "Princess Emerald" set our breakfast on the table. She was grateful for my help, and remembered a little the past time. But she was careful in her statements, as she was not sure about my friends.

"Oh. Thank you for helping Heart Path." Azura said with a slight bowing of her head and a little embarrassed to look my friends in the eyes. Well, my friends at that moment looked at Azura with an appraising look, until Quick Strike blurted out. He got ahead of me, but I don't blame him for that.

"Valiant. Close the door." Quick Strike said in a friendly tone and Valiant, understanding his plans, went and did what our friend asked him to do.

All this time, I stood next to Azura and pushed her to sit on a chair, since there were only three of them in our room. At first she was indignant, but when I insisted on it, she sat down in my chair with a sigh and lowered her head a little sadly. Well, you can really figure it out. She is a branded traitor-traitor. Now she has no home. And at the moment, the "former" princess Emerald will not find a close creature, except me, a simple unicorn! Although we only knew each other once. But with all this, I consider her the mare (even if she's a changeling) who stole my heart.

When Valiant sat down in his chair again, and I stood pressed against Azura, Swift Strike spoke to Emerald in a tone that I did not expect from him. Sometimes he surprises me, but the respect for him grows more and more! He put the hoof on the table closer to Azura and spoke in a confidential and soothing voice. Now I understand that not only arrogant idiots serve in the royal guard, but also... just good ponies!

"Please. Azura. Believe me, you are completely safe among us. No pony would think of offending you. And you ... can trust us! You can show your true colors and tell about your misfortune. " He looked at us seriously, and especially at Valiant, continued his soothing revelation: “We will help you. Even if it is very dangerous! But that's why we the stallions of the Legion despise Danger!"

These words really struck me, and Valiant, but we did not interfere, the more that I did not want to put pressure on anyone. And Azura, that is, the Emerald, needed a confidential atmosphere. Therefore, what Quick Strike said should certainly have disposed the former changeling princess to a frank conversation.

My old love looked inquiringly at all of us, and when she saw complete trust on our faces, she used her magic and changed. And now it was not the earthly pony Azura who was sitting at the table, but the former princess of changelings. After her reincarnation, I immediately imbued with feelings and hugged her, she answered me in kind. When the Emerald finished its transformation, I hastened to introduce her to my friends. And now that we were all officially introduced to each other, I asked Emerald to relax and begin his revelation.

"Thank you for your trust, you are certainly good stallions. And to be honest, I get tired of constantly maintaining such a disguise. From this I need to eat more, and sometimes it is painful..." Azura said and bashfully cheered her head, from which her mane covered part of her face.

Valiant, immediately hastened to put in a word. “And you are really a wonderful mare, and I am not afraid of you! It's just that our friend Heart Path told us a story about you. And yes, he told us in detail. So, personally, I'm ready to understand you..."

These words made Princess Emerald laugh a little, apparently remembering the past. And she looked at me with a smile, and slightly shyly looked at my friends.

"Please Azura. Tell my friends what I heard from you yesterday." I said and put my arm around her shoulders to cheer her up a little.

Emerald nodded and told us her story in detail, but it wasn't until it got to the point where she mentioned the mercenaries and bounty hunters her mother had been directing that Quick Strike took on a brooding look. While Valiant cocked his head to one side and just spoke his words of approval with confidence.

"I assure you Princess Emerald! My sword and my bow, as well as my horn and hoof, fully support you. I give you my oath of allegiance and I am ready to fully help you on the way, in your mission!" Valiant said and, jumping off the chair, bowed to Princess Emerald, from which she began to smile and a little embarrassed.

I was surprised by the act of my friend, although I did not doubt it. No wonder his name is Valiant Romantic. I smiled and out of the corner of my eye noticed how, Quick Strike continued to look closely at the changeling princess, but then he spoke in a more serious voice than usual.

"Well, if everything is as serious as you say, then you can count on me!" Then he lowered his head sadly and continued speaking in a calm voice. “My father died in this war. And I want to believe that his sacrifice was not in vain. And if your mission can truly help end this war, then I am certainly ready to support you. Though my feathers on my wings stand on end at the thought that for this we three would have to become deserters. And then we will be pursued not only by your mother's mercenaries, but also by our kingdom. And this will mean one thing - we are already doomed! But I am ready to sacrifice myself and my freedom for the sake of a great goal!" Quick Strike finished speaking and looked at me and Emerald curiously.

I continued to hug the Emerald and felt her body begin to tremble after the words of Quick Strike. When I looked at her, I saw that she had closed her eyes and tears appeared on her cheeks.

“Forgive me ... Please forgive us all! Our changelings are not an enviable fate, we are cursed from birth. And I'm not thrilled with this moment! And please accept my sincere condolences to your late father. I'm sorry.“ Said Emerald and hugged me with his hooves, and then gave vent to his emotions. She began to cry.

"Well, well ... Calm down Emerald. We are with you and will definitely help you." I said and kissed her on the cheek and this action, like my words, began to calm down the changeling princess a little.

As strange as it sounds, it is true. My friends came up to us and also began to hug me and the princess. I did not expect this from them. But I am proud that fate brought us all together. So, at this point, the four of us were like one family, except that we were all different. Two unicorns, a pegasus and a changeling princess.

Emerald stopped crying and spoke to us in a gentle and grateful voice. "Thank you all ... you already mean a lot to me ..."

Such a dramatic moment did not last long. My heart was beating faster, and outside the window I heard panicky screams and the noise of rude voices, like minotaurs! My ear twitched, and at that moment we all ran to the window, trying to see what was happening. Oh Celestia, help us! Please ... don't leave us in trouble!

"HELP!"

We were distracted by the panicky cry of the old stallion! And we immediately rushed to our weapons. And I ran to the chest, grabbing my bow and a full quiver of arrows! It seems to have begun ... I saw in the window how a group of several minotaurs and griffins and several dubious-looking ponies began to pester passers-by. They began to perform a barbaric search and scan everyone they met on their way with the help of magic. Since this group also had a unicorn. All were armed. And they were definitely looking for someone. They are unceremonious and arrogant towards local ponies. In total, I counted two minotaurs, two griffins (females), two earth ponies and one unicorn in some kind of purple hooded cloak. This whole group was definitely mercenaries. And they looked appropriate. They behaved to put it mildly like robbers, and I, like my friends, will not allow such behavior on their part!

"To arms! It looks like there are guests in this village!!" I shouted and began to fasten the belt on my helmet.

Quick Strike pulled the whistle out of the bag! Then he hung it around his neck. What surprised everyone. Princess Emerald turned into Azura again. Valiant had already run to the window and began to remove the arrow from the quiver.

I decided to ask a question to our pegasus. "Where did you get the officer's whistle? And why are you taking it?"

"This is a gift from a friend of mine, a centurion of the Praetorian Guard! Later you will see why I need it! I think I have a plan." Quick Strike answered and ran to the window.

Hope these guys know what they're doing... Good luck to them!

Author's Note

It sounds like madness! But at the same time, this is an integral part of the plot ...