Heart Path. Reincarnated unicorn stallion 700 years ago. Continuation.

Author's note: This chapter is a continuation of Chapter 13.

"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.

There were a lot of thoughts in my head, but first of all I tried to calm the panic. I have to think about my friends, but I also remember that I am a soldier in the position of the commander of a small reconnaissance group (First Marine Assault Legion) of Her Majesty Princess Celestia! And we guys are not easy and have already participated in battles more than once. We survived and fought again, of course, not without the help of luck and prayers to Celestia. And if you remember how I told my story earlier, then Celestia gave me her blessing and a promise to help me if I remember her in my prayer, with faith that she will definitely help me! And such help does not imply, of course, the appearance of Celestia herself, but clearly something is happening according to the script, in our favor. And I really hope that now this case will not be an exception.

Mentally praying to Celestia, calling out to her with all my heart! While all my friends and the Emerald stood and watched through the window, what was happening on the streets of this village, no one noticed how I stood with my eyes closed and imagining the image of our ruler, I say a prayer.

That's right, buddy. Pray to this beauty! But I would like my assistant robot Night Fog to appear at this time! Five seconds and no problem!

I opened my eyes and noticed the Princess Emerald looking at me. She was clearly worried for me, and indeed for all of us. After all, now from this moment, from this hour, we three legionnaires are her protection as a political refugee! I'm an idiot! Why didn't I immediately think about it? And we won't have to hide from our kingdom if we can prove the truth about the former changeling princess! Well done Celestia! You are already helping me! You were able to give me reason, there is little left to do. Namely, to protect the Emerald from the mercenaries, at the moment. And there is no need to panic!

"Heart Path! Are you all right?" Emerald asked, after which everyone else was distracted from observation to turn their attention to me.

I raised my head, and after examining my friends, as well as brothers in arms, made a serious face. "I have a plan too!" I turned my head to Valiant and spoke in the same serious voice. "Valiant! You go and deal with all these bastards, and we will stand here and look out the window."

He looked at me with wide eyes and naturally began to be indignant. "What? Are you... out of your mind?"

"Hey! Don't be an idiot at least now Heart Path! We need these bastards to come to the tavern and then we will surround them..." Quick Strike said, but I did not let him finish.

"Yes! It will be so!" I turned my head to look at the Emerald. “As far as I remember, you are a good shooter. Hold my bow! " I said, and telekinesis gave my bow and quiver to Princess Emerald. She remembered the past, smiled slightly and caught my gear in the hooves.

"What are you going to do?" Valiant Romantic asked me slightly perplexed.

"I go and beat them all with my hooves!" I answered jokingly and began to take off my equipment. Everyone was confused by my answer. But Emerald seems to have guessed what I was up to. I saw faith in me in her eyes.

Quick Strike was indignant and naturally decided to give his opinion. “Ha ha! Very funny of you! But please ... I beg you. Don't be a jerk and share your plan with us!"

Of course, there was meaning in his words. But I found it funny. I ... felt like Celestia heard my prayer. And I believe that we will succeed! “The plan is this: now I leave the tavern disguised as a guest and start to resent their behavior. They will naturally turn their attention to me. And when their unicorn comes up to me to scan me with their magic ... You." I pointed my hoof at Princess Emerald. "You shoot the unicorn with a bow! He will have to be killed first! And I hope your accuracy has not suffered in these ten years!"

"Take my word for it! My accuracy has gotten even better over these ten years!" Princess Emerald answered cheerfully and confidently turned to the window to observe what was happening on the street.

I nodded and continued, “A quick blow. You know your task, after all, you are a former praetorian, and it is not for me to teach you. Just don't forget... You have a date with a beautiful and burning mare today!"

My friends glanced at each other and Quick Strike could not stand the emotions rushing over him. "You're a pervert, how can you think about that now?"

"Calm down, Quick Strike. I'm sure we will succeed, Celestia will not leave us!" I said, and then with a friendly smile I turned my head and looked at my friend Valiant. He flinched slightly at my self-confidence. And this, of course, is understandable. He still remembers that fight with changelings from just two days ago. And it was terrible.

"It's strange that you suddenly started talking about Celestia at such a moment." Said Quick Strike, and slightly narrowed his eyes, trying to make out my indifferent face. I was calm. And it was weird.

Valiant looked at me with a raised eyebrow and spoke in a conspiratorial tone. “Why do I have the feeling that you are not telling us something? Painfully often the name "Celestia" appears in your destiny! But actually ... you don't have to answer, now is definitely not the time for that."

"Yes you are right." I answered briefly and began to listen to the sounds on the lower floor of the tavern, standing at the door.

Quick Strike rolled his eyes and turned his head to the window. All this time we heard the noise from the street and the indignation of local residents at the lawlessness. And, of course, they were outraged by such impudence on the part of these outsiders. The griffins of this company, under threat, took the ponies out of the fields where they worked. And then the unicorn checked them with a scanning spell. We all understood long ago who they were looking for. In principle, our command did the same, only they sent a group that was more secret and not suitable for identifying changelings in this mission. That is, they counted on our resourcefulness and initiative. Well, I'll prove to them that they were right!

I looked at Valiant seriously and spoke to him as if I needed to say goodbye to him ... but I tried to drive away bad thoughts. I don't like this bad feeling in my heart. “Valiant, stay with the Emerald! Protect her at the cost of your own life! Take one signal arrow from our warehouse. Shoot her into the crowd of these bastards. Let her shock them a little. Well, then you know what to do. One shot one kill."

"Good! But I still don’t like what you’re up to! What if they kill you? They’re not just a bunch of idiots, too!" Valentine said with alarm in his voice.

I wanted to answer something, but our attention was drawn to the Emerald, which, together with Quick Strike, was looking out the window. "Guys! Shut up, both of you! Looks like they all decided to go to this tavern and finally fell behind the locals, so it looks like you need another hour of thinking to come up with a new plan!" Said Emerald in a low voice so as not to attract attention. And she sat down a little so that her head was not visible from the window.

"Hmm. That makes it a lot easier then." I answered and started putting on my armor and other equipment again. Of course, I will leave my Bow to Princess Emerald, but my faithful Gladius is still with me. Then I turned to Emerald and told her in a serious tone. "Can you turn into a Pegasus Guardsman?"

But instead of answering, she switched to magic. A green glow enveloped her body and a white pegasus in armor stood in front of us. "Yes! It's not a problem! What's next?" Asked Emerald in the voice of a stallion about twenty-five. And he looked inquiringly into my eyes.

But in fact, all the ponies in this room had such a curious expression on their faces. Especially with Quick Strike. One of his eyes began to twitch, especially when he saw the Guardian Pegasus next to him. Heh.

"We know that this whole group of mercenaries entered the tavern, we have no more than a minute!" I pointed my hoof at the Emerald (Pegasus) and said. “You're jumping out of the window with Quick Strike! And go through the main door! A quick blow. You know what to do with your whistle! Valiant and I will go to meet them from the second floor." Then I turned to Valiant, who quietly, so as not to make noise with his hooves, ran up to me and nodded. “Valiant, follow me with a loaded bow and hide behind the wall. When you hear the Quick Strike whistle from below, you look out of the corner of the stairs and kill the unicorn first! The next target is the Minotaurs! Well, we'll take care of the rest while they come to their senses from all this surprise attack!" I gave the order and quietly opened the door from our room.

Valiant and I quietly stepped onto the second floor corridor floor and headed for the stairs. All this time, voices were heard on the lower floor, which demanded from the owner of the tavern: wine and other services, as well as information about who currently lives in his rooms. I also heard the indignant screeching of two maid mares. Apparently, ponies from this company began to pester them. And that was definitely the last straw of my patience!

I pointed my hoof at Valiant's position around the corner, and he took my hint and quietly pulled out three arrows. One was gripped in his teeth, the second was loaded into a bow, the third hung in his magical grip. Valiant is a capable archer, I know him, and along with such clever shenanigans, we studied fast reloading. He nodded to me to show that he was ready.

At that moment I was lying on the floor and watching from around the corner the movement of these bastards in the tavern. My Gladius was already lying next to me, and I again pray to Celestia so that we can deal with this enemy. Provided they have a clear numerical and strength advantage, given the two minotaurs in their group.

I noticed where their mysterious unicorn in a cloak and a hood stood. And somehow it seems to me ... it's not really ... a unicorn. I had the feeling that this was a changeling. He sat up and looked at what was happening in front of his eyes. One of the earthly stallions, molesting Sunny Kiss. Another stallion pestered Night Flicker. Meanwhile, two minotaurs demanded that the frightened old stallion (innkeeper) serve them a whole barrel of wine and breakfast from his kitchen! And at the same time they promised that they would pay him after checking his guests! As far as I could see, the two griffins were very young. They sat down at a separate table and, frankly, were a little discouraged by what was happening. One of them even shouted curses at the stallions for their behavior.

"Listen! You can already stop chasing these mares! In the end, this is not what we are looking for! And you only interfere with them. Be a little more restrained until the locals start a riot! Do you have any idea what the threat is?" Said one of the griffins, getting up from the table and pointing threateningly with his clawed paw at one of the stallions. When the other stallion followed her advice and lagged behind Sunny Kiss, she looked at these female griffins with mild gratitude. Hmm ... Probably, it will be necessary to try to save the lives of these griffins ... But the rest ... by their barbaric actions have already pronounced their own judgment!

I gestured towards the seated unicorn with my hoof, and Valiant peeked out slightly from his hiding place and returned. Then he looked at me and nodded in the affirmative, taking my hint. Oh ... If only everything turned out well!

I began to concentrate my magic on the gladius, and he rose into the air, hovering next to me. I squatted down and prepared to jump. My left hoof began to swing in the air to the left of my face, showing Valiant the countdown to our attack.

THREE!

TWO!

ONE!

For the glory of Equestria and Princess Celestia! Let's show these bastards what our Legion guys are worth!

"HEY! Bastards!" I shouted, and everyone in this room turned their heads to me! There was complete surprise on their faces, but one Minotaur looked at me with contempt and began to pull out his ax.

Two seconds later, the front door was knocked out by the hooves of our Pegasus Quick Strike. He ran in and began blowing the officer's whistle. And after everyone paid attention to him, he screamed in an imperious voice. “Lie down, everyone! Face the floor! You are surrounded by the Legion of the Equestria Kingdom!"

After a group of these idiots were distracted by Quick Strike, a white pegasus appeared from behind him and aimed his bow at the nearest stallion, an earth pony. It was our friend Emerald. Three seconds later, I jumped from this entryway, aiming my hooves at the edge of the table. When I fell, hitting this table, its other edge flew up and hit one of the stallions hard in the jaw, after which he flew with screams of pain against the wall of the tavern. Then out of the corner of my eye, I noticed how the unicorn, throwing back his cloak, tried to fail his magic, but he failed. And you probably already understood why yes? Right!

The arrow hit him in the head and he silently fell under the table, after which he was engulfed in green flames and the body of a changeling was already lying in the fog, apparently one of those battle mages who are in the army of changelings. A second later, I heard the howl of a minotaur, which grabbed a hand for the bloody neck. He also began to slowly fall to his knees until his eyes rolled back, at which point he fell dead. The second minotaur rushed towards me in a rage, swinging an ax, but I managed to jump back, exactly in the direction where I was lying, and sent one of the stallions to curse. He tried to get up and draw his sword, but I just chopped off his hoof.

"AAAA! Oh, you freak! Damn it! My hoof! YES I WILL KILL YOU!" This stallion screamed, but then a throwing knife flew into him.

Before I could turn back to dodge the ax of the second minotaur, I heard his howl and fall. When I turned my head, I saw two arrows sticking out in his head and neck. One from the Emerald side, the other from Valiant. Quick Strike, meanwhile, grappled with the last stallion. The clanging of their swords did not last long, until Quick Strike was simply tired of it. He began to do something... which I did not expect to see, not from one pegasus in this world!

He jumped on his hind hooves and with the help of his wings began to spin in one place, forming a small tornado around himself, while we all saw how dust and wind began to rise around him. Such a dance of this pegasus greatly disorientated the remaining stallion.

Meanwhile, the Emerald in the form of a pegasus held at gunpoint two female griffins, who simply clung to each other in fear and stood in the corner of the tavern with their clawed hands raised, thereby showing that they were in our power.

Valiant Romantic went down the stairs and also took aim at these griffins, but did not shoot, realizing that we did not need extra blood. Moreover, these griffins give up.

There was only Quick Strike and this stubborn and obscenely rabid stallion with two short swords chained to his front hooves. Hmm, interesting design. (This blade design was meant to be mechanical, provided the earth pony did not move on all four hooves. But when its front hoof is lifted into the air, such a blade flies out of the attached device to the leg.)

This stallion, at times furious, did not even notice how he was left alone. But we didn't get involved, and we were all curious about how Quick Strike would behave in combat.

The tavern was in chaos! If the legendary Discord was not now enclosed in a statue by elements of harmony (as is known from school history), then I am sure he would have liked this sight!

We all huddled against the walls, stools and tables flying in different directions, and Quick Strike continued its little whirlwind of the blade! And it surprises me that he still has not vomited from such a dance with a sword, and even on his hind hooves, maintaining balance only with wings and constant circular movements! The wind rose all over the confined space and its rhythm accelerated in my heart, and dust began to fly into my eyes! I heard panicky screams from behind the counter where the old stallion was hiding. Probably, he has already begun to calculate the damage caused by our actions. I even felt sorry for him. Probably, it will be necessary to somehow make amends for the damage caused. It looks like we'll go over to him to give him some of our cash reserves (given to us for this mission) and help clean up the mess.

At some point, this began to turn into real madness. I didn't expect this from Quick Strike! I noticed how the griffins were hiding under the table, and the princess Emerald in the form of a pegasus constantly turned her eyes to Quick Strike, then to these griffins. The valiant meanwhile hid behind the counter of the tavern owner and, apparently, tried to calm the old stallion.

The hired stallion constantly moved away from him, until he rested his ass against the bar of the innkeeper. Everyone watched this whirlwind dance, and even the griffins were interested in this performance, which is played by the Praetorian Guardsman Pegasus. I noticed the fear in the eyes of this stallion. As a result, he fell to the floor and pressed his hooves to his head. And I decided to stop this madness.

My mane began to develop from the wind towards the back, despite the fact that I was wearing a legionary helmet. "Enough! Quick Strike, stop now or you'll ruin everything!" I shouted at our pegasus, and I myself covered my eyes with a hoof from the flying dust and wind.

He seemed to be able to hear me, and his whirling dance began to slow his pace until he came to a stop next to a quivering mercenary stallion. And then he extended the point of his sword into the nose of this frightened mercenary. The noise of the wind stopped, and the dust that had risen began to settle smoothly on the floor. Everyone was silent at that moment, only the pounding of my heart in my chest slightly reminded me that time does not stop.

The hired stallion, who was lying on the floor with hooves to his head, slowly opened his eyes, and his pupils turned to the edge of Quick Strike sword. Quick Strike himself, with a grimace on his face and heavy breathing, as well as a tousled mane from under his helmet, looked at this stallion with contempt.

“Get up, you bastard! You are lucky today that my commander stopped me! Otherwise I would have made minced meat out of you, I swear by Celestia's ass!" Quick Strike said in a burst of emotion. My ear twitched at his last words, but a smile began to appear on my face. Oh, this pegasus!

All this time, Celestia has been sending us her blessing. We managed to deal with this gang. Now we have a lot to figure out. Interrogate the stallion, remove the corpses. And clean up the tavern. But something seems to me... not so simple. In general, my life, from the very moment I met the Princess Emerald, did not seem simple to me in every sense.

"Valiant! Help Quick Strike. We need to interrogate this stallion. I'll deal with the griffins!" I said and turned my head towards these same female griffins, who had already crawled out from under the table and looked at me with a mixture of fear and horror. They probably misunderstood my words.

Emerald and I calmly approached these griffins, while Valiant and Quick Strike brought the same stallion under escort to our room to arrange a short interrogation for him, preferably without prying eyes. I also do not want to know how they will receive information from him, the result is important to me. And in the name of Celestia! These troupes are lying on the floor. Disgustingly, the changeling had some kind of green goo out of his head. I swallowed a lump that rolled down my throat. Take my word for it ... for us ponies who have mostly lived peacefully, it is always difficult to kill, without pain in our souls.

When I and the Emerald were in front of the table at which the frightened griffins were sitting, I spoke in a soothing tone. "Now take it easy." But they knocked their beaks from trembling and I looked at the Emerald and swung towards the door. At the same time, I winked at her. To which she (in the guise of a pegasus) nodded to me intermittently in response, obviously understanding what I want, without words.

Some kind of connection has long been born between us. And although I see Princess Emerald after ten years of separation, I still feel it on a mental level. She ran out of the tavern through the main door. Yes, precisely in order to fly into our room again and turn into Azura. I'm sure these ponies who work at the tavern are already starting to worry about her long absence. Besides, an unpleasant moment just happened. And it seems ... not a frequent occurrence in this tavern ... that someone is being killed here. Yes, I agree, it was terrible. But it was a necessary measure, and I am sure that the owner of the tavern will be grateful to us for this.

I looked again at these griffins, which had already begun to calm down a little. I carefully studied the faces of these apparently young chickens. One had a beige feline color and gray bird plumage. The other was brown in color, but her feathers were white on her head and purple around her eyes. It looks like makeup. On her chest, I noticed a strap over her shoulder. And it had several throwing knives in it.

"Did you kill that stallion?" I asked the griffin, pointing my head at the corpse of the stallion against the wall.

She only hung her head in sadness, but spoke confidently in her young voice. "Yes. He deserves it. "

I once again looked at all this mess in the tavern and noticed how the owner of the tavern and his two assistants, with horror in their eyes, tried to start putting things in order, but they needed help.

"What's your name?" I asked in the same calm voice and began to unbutton my helmet to take it off my head and put it on the table. And I rubbed my mane a little to relieve the accumulated tension.

"My name is Sharp Sweep!" The white-feathered griffin answered proudly.

"And I am the Silver Feather!" The second griffin answered.

“Well, I'm glad to meet you, although the circumstances of such an acquaintance are very specific. My name is Heart Path.“ I answered and nodded to both chicks and smiled benevolently. Yes. I flirt a little with them! But this is only in order to win them over and free communication.

These griffins, in response, smiled faintly with their beaks, and Sharp Sweep lightly scratched the back of his head and decided to ask a key question. "Tell us, Heart Path, what will happen to us now?"

I just wanted to answer, but I heard the clatter of hooves approaching our table and decided to turn around. When I did this, there was a Sunny Kiss behind us. She lowered her head slightly and pressed her ears to her head. Her face was both sad and grateful at the same time.

“Forgive me Heart Path. For the fact that I dare to distract you from an important conversation, but..." She looked around the tavern, not taking her eyes off the corpses lying on the floor, and then looked imploringly into my eyes. "I thank you for helping us in trouble, but we can't do it alone. You can help us clean up the mess at the tavern. The tavern owner has promised to reward you and your friends if you help us.” Sunny Kiss said in a slightly timid and trembling voice.

Her sad look really hit my heart, and her feelings easily passed on to me. I got up from the chair and walked over to her. Then I hugged her, to which she did not mind. So I decided to give her a soothing pat on the back and then spoke to her in a soft voice. “Of course, Sunny Kiss. We will help you now. After all, it's partly our fault that you have such a mess in your tavern.“ I spoke and turned my head to the female griffins and noticed how they were looking at each other. And it was like a mental conversation.

They both got up from the table and came up to us with their heads bowed out of regret and offered us their help, and of course it was nice and right at the same time on their part. We did just that. But I went up to the owner of the tavern and apologized to him personally, to which he only waved his hoof.

“Eeeh. Where is my youth? I would have kicked their asses myself! But it looks like it's time for the young to make way. And these.” The old tavern owner said in an enthusiastic voice and pointed his hoof at the lying corpses then continued. “They have to be taken out and buried near the forest. It will be better this way."

"I completely agree with you..." But before I could finish, I heard behind my back that the door to the tavern opened and five stallions ran into it. Among them were those who drank wine with me last night and were my company.

"What damn changeling hoof happened here?" Maverick asked in a slightly breathless voice. And all these stallions looked at the floor with surprise and a little fear.

One of the stallions, apparently so carried away by the inspection that while walking towards me and the owner of the tavern, did not notice how he stepped with his hoof into the brain mucus of the changeling. Disgusting!

"Oh shit!" Granite said, brushing dirt off his hoof and writhing his face in disgust. "Can you already tell us why there is such a panic in the whole settlement, and rumors of an attack by some robbers? We live the farthest in this village, so we did not have time to arrive in time. We decided to prepare ourselves better. We learned that there were seven of them."

I looked at these stallions with a satisfied smile (honestly, I was slightly amused by the feeling of pride, for me and my friends). "Oh, it's very good that you were a full ten minutes late. Because I doubt you could have gotten an equal chance. Plus there was a changeling mage in their gang. Not to mention two heavily armed minotaurs."

The stallions exchanged glances and began to walk slowly through the tavern to get to know each other better, they noticed two griffins helping Sunny Kiss and Night Flicker raise tables and arrange chairs. The griffins saw two stallions approaching them with menacing eyes, and began to retreat until they pressed against the wall. There was fear in their eyes and they began to tremble again. This is understandable, they really have reason to be afraid. Half an hour ago, they were among these bastards and helped them to commit these barbaric actions against the inhabitants of this settlement. And I think I need to intervene before it's too late. Besides, I haven't quite decided what to do with the fate of these two griffins. They are like two stupid chickens who got into bad company because of some desperate situation that happened in their life.

"Hey guys! Don't touch these griffins!" I said in a loud and imperious voice, and then ran to the griffins and covered them with myself. To look these apparently evil stallions in the eye. In their eyes, I saw a real fire of rage! I really didn't like it! And I wouldn't want to kill anyone again, let alone a pony! But I lit my horn and with the help of magic drew my sword and pointed it in their direction! “Don't you dare touch them! These griffins are volunteer captives. They are under the protection of the legion, Her Majesty Princess Celestia! BACK, I SAID!"

All the ponies in the tavern paid attention to me, froze in place, constantly looking at me, then at these two stallions, whose names I do not know. One of them slowly approached me until he pressed his chest against the edge of my blade and began to look me in the eye. My face was calm and full of confidence. But inside of me, there was actually a feeling of anxiety. I really hope that someone will interfere at this moment and will not allow blood to be shed again! It's enough for today! And I just pray Celestia to bring these stallions to their senses right now. Please, Celestia, don't leave me in trouble again! It seems that I am your eternal debtor!

Time has slowed down.

Everything around was frozen in anticipation. And out of the corner of my eye I noticed how the fluff flying through the air stopped in place, as if it were floating in the air! What's going on now? I cannot move, but my thoughts continue to run at the same speed. I tried to close my eyes, but I couldn't. The eyelids were heavy, but I could hear my heart beating in my chest! And it's loud enough for this sound to echo in my ears! Only this sound broke this enchanted silence. But somehow I doubt that others hear the sound of my heart. It seems like some higher power has just applied high-level magic! I felt that only the pupils of my eyes were resisting this effect. That is, I could move my gaze, but I myself froze in place...

A flash of bright light slowly appeared near the front door of the tavern. And that scared me a little! But I continued to observe this phenomenon. Time passed, and, according to my calculations, almost two minutes passed. And this whole complaint became rather awkward and cryptic. Then this flash of light went out, which slightly blinded me! But my pupils narrowed, to the size of a pin needle in surprise at who was standing in front of my eyes! And my heart beat faster. I began to feel tears forming in my eyes. Tears of gratitude!

"Do you know? Heart Path! Lately, I often hear your call. Your prayers to me. And every time your prayer voice sounds in my head, my heart is filled with blood, from your emotions with which you express your thoughts. And more and more I hear despair and anxiety for your friends. Your belief that I will help you gave me a reason to appear at this moment! You well remember my gift, my blessing that I gave you four years ago..." Said Celestia and slowly began to approach me until her face was next to mine.

Then she licked my cheeks, which were already streaming with thin streams of tears of happiness. She closed her eyes and began to slowly lick her lips, and I noticed a satisfied smile on her face. Then she opened her eyes and continued speaking in a soft voice. "The taste of your tears... Are you really glad to see me after all these years, stallion?" Then she pressed her horn against mine, and her magical aura shone with a faint light.

I felt a pleasant surge of energy go through my body, from Celestia's magic. And after five seconds I was ... finally able to move! The first thing I did was hug Celestia with my hooves, and she happily responded in kind!

Slowly and happily, I began to speak into her ear. "Ohh. Celestia, I'm so glad to see you!"

"I am also glad to see you!" Celestia said and stroked my back with his hoof.

When I hugged Celestia, I noticed that the atmosphere in the tavern remained the same. That is, all the ponies remained in their time. And, naturally, I had a question. “Hmm ... We're not alone here! But don't they see us?" I said and slowly freed myself from the embrace of Celestia.

She looked at me fun and responded with pride for her superiority in magic. "Not! They do not see and do not hear us! Therefore, we can freely speak, although we have... mmm..."

She did not have time to finish, as I pressed my lips to hers. And my tongue burst into her mouth to show her how happy I am to see and feel her closeness. Yes. I confess honestly. I often remembered and thought about our princess. But what happened now is a real miracle! She understood my feelings and succumbed to this caress. In doing so, she began to take part as her eyes closed. Her tongue began to circle around mine, and I felt like my heart was ready to break out, from the emotions that had come over me. Celestia wrapped her hooves around me again and hugged me even tighter to her chest. I heard her crown fall from her head to the floor, but she didn't care. Our passionate, but at the same time ... loving kiss lasted almost a minute.

Our life consists of many colors. As well as Celestia's magical mane, which caresses the body of my character. The unicorn stallion I was in my last reincarnation. All this time I have been observing this dream. Sometimes the ability to expound my human thoughts disappears, for a while, and then reappears. The same as now. My knowledge has been living with this stallion for the third day. And I hope that in the reality where I am with Chrysalis, Discord and Autumn Blaze, not so much time has passed! And they didn't think I was dead! And do not drip me! Damn it! On the one hand, I get pleasure from what I see and feel now, at this time. But on the other hand, I worry about my body and soul in that real time! And I think you understand me? I hope so. And I would like to sigh sadly, but I will not do it. Because I love the way Celestia kisses me! And all the same in what body I am, in my human or in the body of this stallion! The fact that I got into this world is certainly both a gift and a curse at the same time...

I slowly ran my hoof down Celestia's back, between her wings, and stopped at her sun mark to massage her tight ass a little. She opened her eyes and started moaning into my mouth. But then my hoof continued to gently climb up to her wings. She could not stand such pressure, and her wings began to rise. But after that she, with a red face, slightly broke away from the kiss and looked embarrassed into my eyes.

"Ha ha!" Celestia laughed tenderly, and I saw her smile fade gradually, her ears pressed to her head. “Forgive me, Heart Path! I was really fascinated by this moment. I don’t want to say that it was bad! Not! It was really great! And I felt your heart beating. I wanted to say that we do not have much time. Soon my magic will be dispelled and everything will return to your place. I will return to my palace again, and you will return to the position in which my magic originally joined you. We have ... about five minutes! So don't be frivolous, Heart Path, and tell me everything that worries you at the moment. Although I don't mind your love. I really want you, but ... We really don't have time for this."

"Eeeh. You're right. But I think you better look at this situation the best you can. And at the same time listen to my story. I hope we have enough time. So follow me." I answered, completely not hiding my sadness at the fact that we have so little time. After that I showed her with my hoof in the direction of the tavern-hall, calling her attention.

My sword was still hanging in the air by the chest of that furious stallion. Celestia noticed this and asked me many questions. She also noticed when she appeared in this tavern (magically) that I was standing, covering with my body, two frightened female griffins. I know we didn't have much time to explain. But Celestia is certainly a wise and understanding mare. She listened more than she spoke. And even if she did, then these were questions of the case. Oh Celestia, from this moment all the drops of doubt disappeared from me, that she is ideal!

Celestia sighed and looked seriously into my eyes. "Yes. You did the right thing to defend these griffins. But be careful! You don't know a lot. But I will try to explain to you briefly. Now our kingdom is trying to protect this distant colony, as several deposits of gold and bronze ore have been discovered here. And this is not to mention the good and fertile soil. But long before this war, their ambassador from Queen Angeron came to us with changelings. They demanded that we leave this territory, otherwise they will start attacks on our settlements. Of course, this did not suit me, and I sent the Marines of the First Legion of the Assault Fleet there to prevent the capture of Kalonia. But the military conflict itself began nine months ago, as you know, and all because of precious resources and new lands. And I just cry quietly at night in bed, realizing how many lives need to be destroyed for the further development of the kingdom. But a week ago, when your fleet approached this colony, the ambassador of the Griffin Kingdom handed me a scroll with a seal. There were some bitter words written in this scroll!"

The Griffin Kingdom forges an alliance with the Changeling faction. And enters the war with the Kingdom of Equestria!

With great respect, Princess Celestia, and also with regret. But this is politics. And the griffins will not allow the influence of the pony kingdom to spread even further. In addition, the Griffins also claim these rich lands!

King Grover. ( First

month

sowing) 442.

"I think I can guess what you're driving at." I answered with a slight narrowing of my eyes and looked again at these female griffins. "They may well be the spies of the Griffin kingdom! But what am I to do?"

"You are an intelligent and resourceful stallion, Heart Path. Therefore, I trust you to decide the fate of these griffins for yourself. But I will repeat it again. Please, be careful! I will not always be able to be near ... But" Celestia said and raised her head thoughtfully, to scratch your chin with a hoof. "I think I have an idea. As far as I know, there is a pegasus in your scout group. Send him to the legion's camp with a letter for the commander. In it, describe in full the whole situation that happened to you during these two days! In the meantime, I will send my scroll order to your commander, while its contents remain a surprise for you. After that, the commander will send a small detachment of soldiers to this village to guard the local residents. And then you, under escort, will bring all the prisoners to your camp. There we will meet with you! Just please ... remember that this will be a secret between us. And don't be surprised when you see me." Celestia said and nodded her eye in the final words.

I am surprised and at the same time show respect for our princess. We had just stepped over the corpse of a minotaur, and her face was still an expression of complete calm! As if that is not the first time she has seen such things in her life! But alas, no pony can know the whole truth about Princess Celestia. She is a mystery to many. What can we say about me. Yes. I am kind of lucky, I managed to get close to our beloved princess and then, this is a secret. And I can hardly keep the desire to boast to my friends. But I will be persistent. In my head, as well as in my heart, there is a real cycle. In one, these are thoughts. In another, it is emotion. And from all this, I feel a surge of energy unknown to me. It feels like I'm just a character in someone's story. Time will pass ... and I will be forgotten ... Even Celestia, who has lived for centuries, will also forget me.

Celestia lit her horn and lifted the fallen crown from the floor. We went with her to see what happened in the tavern. And I kept on giving her explanations, and she listened to me attentively. I asked her to come up to our room. She agreed, but time passed, and I tried to tell her the details of what happened during those two days. Entering the room, we saw three ponies standing next to a stallion lying on the floor. My friends did not beat him, but still it was clear that psychologically he was under pressure.

When we approached Azura, frozen in a sitting position by the window, I hurried to explain to Celestia that she was one of the former changeling princesses. Celestia looked at me, raising an eyebrow slightly, but then smiled and looked piercingly into my eyes, laid the wing on my back and sighed.

“So this is your “unusual mare”? Hmm ... Unfortunately, I cannot now see her in her true form." Celestia said and began to look more closely at Azura (Princess Emerald).

"Yes. She is a runaway princess of changelings. Her name is Emerald. It is her that all these mercenaries are looking for. But their goal, however, is not much, not a little, it is to kill her! Not to capture and bring back to the province of changelings. This is terrible ... I must help her, and protect her." I said and looked seriously into Celestia's eyes.

Celestia smiled slightly and without malice and began to bring her face closer to me. “Oh, Heart Path. However, you can find adventure on your ass! But I love it, so I will help you on this mission.“ Celestia said and began kissing me on the lips, and I began to close my eyes, completely surrendering to this wonderful moment. After all, not every day Princess Celestia kisses you. "See you soon! Try not to get into any more trouble Heart Path."

When she spoke the last words, a bright light began to surround us, which again began to blind me, then there was a flash. And here I stand again, covering two griffins with my body, and in my magical aura there was a sword that rested against the chest of an angry stallion.

Author's note: I remind all readers that after the reform carried out by Centurion Maximus, (which is described in Chapter 5), the pony's weapons for melee were just like that. Sword Gladius, as an example of one of the arsenal of that time.

Time is back on track.

There was tension in the tavern again, and many continued to look at us. The fluff that hung in the air flew in its direction again, which means that the time has returned.

"So what are you going to do? Kill me while protecting the griffins?" This stallion asked me, raising his right eyebrow slightly.

I lowered my sword and sheathed it, and at that moment Maverick ran up to us and patted the stallion on the back to get his attention.

"No! I'm not going to kill you, but what you are up to is definitely out of control." I answered in a calm voice.

"Hey! Guys! You definitely need to cool down! There is a lot of blood here already. Better, let's all help put things in order in the tavern. And then we all sit down at the same table, drink wine and talk in detail about what happened this morning. It will be better that way." Said Maverick and surprisingly and fortunately for me, that stallion really listened to his friend.

This stallion looked at me and these griffins with regret. "Forgive me. Sometimes I get really hot-tempered. This war took the lives of my two brothers." Said this stallion and turned to go and carry the corpses of the mercenaries into the street.

The tension in the tavern subsided a little, and everyone began to calm down, because in spite of everything, our life goes on. I turned to look at these two female griffins more closely. To which they looked inquiringly at me in response.

"This may sound a little bit of a surprise to you, but I ask both of you to surrender your weapons. Remain calm. This is for your good." I said and held out my hoof.

Silver Feather, slightly grinned but calmed down, took off the belt on which the sword and short dagger were attached. Sharp Sweep did the same. "It's strange that you didn't do this before!" Said Silver Feather.

I levitated all their weapons with my magic and answered in a serious tone. And it seems these griffins have noticed a change in my mood in relation to them. "I was confident that you would not use your weapon. Provided that you helped me a little before." I said and pointed with my head to the corpse of a stallion lying near the wall. Oh Celestia! What an idiot I am sometimes! As naive as a foal!

These griffins just shrugged and we continued to help clean up the tavern. After about ten minutes Valiant came down to us and I asked him to keep me company. As a result, we with griffins and several stallions put the bodies of the killed mercenaries into our cart and took it away from the village and closer to the forest. There, after a while, we were able to dig one grave for all. And without any honors, but still with a short prayer, they buried all the fallen robbers. Naturally everyone was tired and when we returned back to the tavern, it was surprisingly clean. I didn't go up to our room, but I noticed Azura coming down the stairs with slightly sad eyes. She came up to me and sat down at the same table, and at this time Valiant decided to make sure that we could all finally relax and have lunch. So after about twenty minutes, Sunny Kiss brought us food and a small barrel of wine. The griffins also sat with us at the same table. I noticed how they stopped being nervous, apparently realizing that they were not being threatened.

"Azura, I understand that you have just come from our room, but can you go back and call Quick Strike? Let him bring this stallion to our table and we will all have lunch. In the end, even the prisoners need to be fed." I said in a slightly tired voice, but tried to smile.

"Oh yes of course." Azura answered and went to our room.

Valiant, sitting to my left, looked at me and, pushing me in the shoulder with his hoof, said in a cheerful tone. “Come on, friend! Make your face easier. In the end, we defeated them all!"

“Yes ... You're right, Valiant. But I'm tired this morning. By the way, you can cut three stripes into your combat bow. You did a good job!“ I replied to Valiant and, following his advice, began to think about the good again, but not forget about the serious. So I patted him on the back in a friendly way.

"Heh! Yes, I will!" Valiant declared proudly and, looking in the direction of the griffins, also decided to meet them. "Um ... My name is Valiant the Romantic. What about you?"

While they were having a casual conversation at the table, I again went deep into my thoughts. But at that moment Quick Strike, Azura, and a captive stallion came down to us. They sat down at our table, and I began to study this stallion, his appearance and manners. Yes, he was definitely wrong with the choice of his profession. But who am I to judge someone? Let us bring them all to our camp, and there let them decide the fate of the prisoners. This stallion was clearly frightened in anticipation of his fate, but he did not refuse to have lunch and tell us his story. But whether it’s true or not, I don’t know.

As far as I understood from his revelation, and also the information that Quick Strike was able to learn, this stallion was born in the nearest trading port. For some time he served in the security of the port, as a private watchman, where he was able to learn some military craft. But time passed and the legionaries of the Kingdom of Equestria arrived at the port, and naturally they took this port under protection. After which he worked on the loading of merchant ships, but he was paid very little until he met at a local inn with one unicorn visiting. Yes. The same unicorn we killed, that is, the changeling. This unicorn offered him a drink and at the same time earn a pretty amount of money, in search of one runaway changeling, for whose head a very decent amount of money was announced. Of course the stallion agreed. A week later, this unicorn gathered a team, including these griffins. All of them are former sailors of merchant ships who were exiled to the port for some kind of offense. But the griffins themselves arrived in order to find work in the new lands, since nothing kept them at home. Now the Kingdom of Griffins is going through hard times and the economy has weakened. And all because King Grover ordered the building of a navy ... in order to strengthen his naval advantage and not be a weak people, in relation to ponies or other factions.

"Well, that makes sense." I answered when this stallion and griffins finished their revelation.

Then one of the griffins noticed a certain oddity in this whole moment. "Wait. But it seems there were four of you!" Silver Feather said and looked at me questioningly.

"Yes. He will be back soon.” I answered confidently, because at that moment Azura was not with us at the table, at that moment she went to help in the kitchen. It's good. We do not need them to guess that the goal they were looking for is among us.

"Oh, I see." Silver Feather answered and wearily laid her head on the table to look thoughtful.

"What will happen to us now?" The captive stallion asked.

I got up from the table and, passing by those at the table, who were looking at me in surprise, asked Quick Strike to follow me into the room. At the same time, I asked these five stallions sitting at a nearby table to help the Valiant guard the captives, in which they, of course, agreed to take part. Nice guys, these local ponies. Thanking them for their help, I and Quick Strike went to our room, but first of all I stopped next to this frightened captive stallion.

I patted him on the shoulder and spoke in a soothing voice. "If you behave well and do not try to escape, then I give you a guarantee that you will be fine. But you..." I looked at him with a serious face and turned my gaze to the griffins. "You three are under arrest, of course on mild terms, since you are not put in a cage or in a basement. And then you will be transferred to our military camp, where our command will decide what to do with you! Therefore, I strongly recommend... do not test your destiny again and say thank you for keeping you alive!''

When Quick Strike and I entered our room, I walked over to the chest and magically pulled out my writing utensils. I sat down at the table and started writing a letter to our command in the legion camp, but I was distracted by Quick Strike, who came up to me and unceremoniously began to sniff my neck! I rolled my eyes and looked at this jerk.

"So what the hell are you doing now?" I asked and pushed this abnormal Pegasus slightly into the chest with my hoof.

Quick Strike squatted down and looked at me with penetrating eyes, and then began his story. “Do you know? When I served in the palace, I sometimes had to guard the throne room, where I was next to Princess Celestia! And during these three years of service, I perfectly remember the smell of the perfume of our princess! So ... you can think of me as a fool for what you are doing right now, but ... now you clearly exude the scent of this magical perfume!" Said Quick Strike and looked at me with... respect? Yes, exactly. He slowly raised his hoof to rest against my chest, and continued to speak, seriously, but a little more calmly, while his head tilted slightly to the side. "Do you want to tell me anything? For example, the truth!"

Yes, his words made me worry. But I sighed and slightly lowering my head decided to briefly tell Quick Strike about the miracle that had happened. "Okay Quick Strike, I'll tell you the truth, but you have to promise that this will stay between us!" At the last words, I looked seriously into the eyes of my friend.

Quick Strike put his hoof gently on my shoulder and smiled. “And I thought that after everything that happened to us during this time, you trust me. Of course, Heart Path. You can count on me to keep your secret. In the end, I hope that if you respond, you will feel a little easier."

And that's what happened. I told Quick Strike everything that had happened since the arrival of our princess Celestia. And of course I had to admit that I had an easy but passionate intimacy with her. And that this is not the first time in my life. In the end, I even confessed that Celestia had magically blessed me. Therefore, she is able to hear my prayer to her much more often. Therefore, I and those who are next to me are lucky, much more often than usual.

Quick Strike, having listened to me to the end, sat down at the table opposite me and put his hoof under his head, looked at me with eyes slightly widened in surprise. "Hmm ... It really makes sense. So ... how does it feel ... kissing Celestia?"

I chuckled at this curiosity of Quick Strike and decided to tease him a little. "Oooh, this is just magical! And she always has sweet lips. And her tongue is capable of creating a real tornado around my tongue. You know ... you should try it sometime too!"

“Fuck you! I am afraid that during this time you will win the hearts of all princesses! Look, if Celestia stops time again, could you ask her to kiss me on the cheek? After all, don't be so greedy!" Said Quick Strike and pretended to pout his lips angrily.

"Okay. Jokes aside. Now I will write a message to our command, and you will fly to the camp and give it back. After that you will have to return with a column of soldiers.” I said and began to write a message. Indeed, I do not want to hesitate and I need to deal with this situation as quickly as possible.

When I finished writing and handed the scroll to our pegasus, he put it in his saddlebag and we left the room together. When we went downstairs, everyone continued to sit at the table and talk about something. I didn’t pay attention to it.

Quick Strike walked past the captured stallion and hit him in the head with the words: "Because of you, my possible date with the mare was interrupted!"

Next to us at that moment was the Night Flicker, which, upon hearing the words of Quick Strike, blushed slightly. Yes ... a really sad statement! But I think ... that when Quick Strike returns, we might stay in this settlement for one more day. In the end, the headman of the village talked to collect provisions within three days. Then tomorrow we will load these supplies and, accompanied by several more soldiers, will return to the legion's camp. I think this shouldn't be a problem. And Valiant, too, was slightly saddened and lowered his head down, hiding his gaze from everyone when he heard the words of Quick Strike. But I think while our pegasus flew away to get the message, we can cheer up a little. But do not forget that we are guarding three prisoners at the same time. Oh, I hope I won't be stupid making another decision!

"Hey!" I decided to get the attention of all the ponies and ... two griffins. "Why are you all so sad?" I said and then turned to look with a sly smile at the five stallions who were sitting and drinking wine and eating some modest snacks.

The time was about three o'clock in the afternoon. And the flight of our pegasus to the camp, and plus its small delay associated with orders and the collection of the unit will take another half hour. In general, he will not be for about three hours, considering that the command will send a detachment of legionnaires of earth ponies to this village. So we certainly have time and I would like it to fly by as invisibly and more fun as possible!

"Okay. What do you want to suggest Heart Path?" Granite asked me with a slight smile and guessing from my face that it would be fun, despite the fact that the morning was ... to put it mildly, not very good.

Fair. I was about to answer him, but at that moment the tavern door opened and almost two dozen ponies entered. And among them I saw many who were yesterday, including musicians. They walked a little puzzled, looking at two griffins and the same stallion. Then, as if nothing had happened, they approached the counter of the tavern owner and began to place orders. And only the clink of gold coins on a wooden counter, and the clatter of hooves, as well as unforced conversations disturbed the peace in this tavern. This is what you need, entertainment, and it came to us! Oh Celestia, you have definitely blessed me twice already!

I went up to Granite and, bending down, gave him an answer, but before that I again took out five coins from my belt bag and put them on the table. “Let's just say, today I again treat you all with wine, but I have a request for you. While you are drinking wine, remember to watch over our prisoners. Valiant and I may not be able to stay in this room all the time. Wouldn't that be a problem for you?" I asked hopefully.

Granite, like all the stallions at the table, nodded approvingly, after which I walked towards Valiant and sat down next to him. All this time he patiently sat and watched all the ponies in this tavern.

I decided to get his attention and whispered in his ear so that only he could hear. “Quick Strike will be back in about three hours. So why don't you have some fun? Oh yeah. I promise you that we will only leave this place tomorrow and return to Legion camp with. .. ahem ... Azura."

He turned his head and looked at me questioningly. "What do you mean? Didn't we have other plans?"

“Now everything will go according to a different scenario. And I just hope I made the right decision. Moreover, we do not need unnecessary problems. Trust me, Valiant. Now go dance with some mare ... "I said and began to carefully examine the hall in search of a suitable pair ... but I saw only Azura, who lowered her head a little sadly, helping to serve clients in the hall. "Wait here a minute friend. I have an amazing idea!" I said and walked towards the counter of the tavern owner.

The ponies in the tavern have been having fun for a long time, and this is very good. Because you need to live on and quickly forget about the bad. Drink wine again and love each other, because no one knows what will happen tomorrow. As I stood in line at the counter, the old owner turned his attention and decided to serve me first, much to the surprise and slight disappointment of other customers. But I apologized to them and struck up a conversation with this stallion. I asked him to release Azura from his duties for today. I also warned that she would leave his tavern tomorrow afternoon.

The tavern owner looked at me in surprise and decided to ask for details. And why should one of his workers leave so soon. He even began to take offense at me, and decided to draw conclusions that my appearance in this village brings only trouble! Maybe he's right. But I calmly answered him and even emphasized that Azura herself decided to leave his tavern. And all this under the pretext of getting a job in the kitchen in the camp of our legion. Anyway, go to serve as civilian personnel in the naval legion. After he listened to my arguments, and scratching the back of his head with a hoof, he called Azura from the kitchen. And when she approached us with surprise, I hastened to calm her down.

"It's all right. Azura. As of tonight, you no longer work in this tavern. So the owner will pay for your work tomorrow and we will go to our camp." I said with a smile on my face and I noticed how her eyes began to twitch nervously.

Azura smiled and then asked me to follow her to the table where Valiant was sitting and watching us. It was a little embarrassing, but I had to explain our plans. But it's better to do it later. So me and Azura went to the table and sat down next to Valiant. And thank Celestia, our captives were under supervision, as these five stallions took them to a separate large table and had a casual conversation with them. Everything was fine. And I noticed how two female griffins were even sometimes embarrassed by some apparently piquant conversation topics. The captive stallion also cheered up a little and seemed to start to forget the bad one.

Azura sat down to my right, tilted her head towards me and began to whisper, while Valiant rolled his eyes and crossed his hooves on his chest, determined to pretend to be completely indifferent. "Well, why did our plans change? No, I certainly don't mind. But why do we have to go to the legion's camp?"

"Because it will be better. And I know that they will help us. I will even answer you more specifically. They will help you. Well, the three of us, as we promised earlier, will always accompany you. But there is a small problem. Just please, do not be depressed. I have information that the kingdom of the Griffins has declared war on the kingdom of Equestria and has formed an alliance with the changelings." I said in Azura's ear, but at the last words she turned sharply to me and looked with a mixture of fear and surprise. But later she decided to calm down quickly realizing that a panicky face can cause suspicion.

Valiant was attracted by such a reaction from Azura and, as my friend, he decided to show his interest in our conversation. "What can you talk about that makes Azura fearful? I don't know something?"

I put on a cheerful face and a wide smile to play the role of an idiot a little, but my idea was still not realized, so as soon as I saw that some already slightly drunk ponies took out musical instruments. Here it is! Now is the right time!

I took the hooves of Azura and my friend Valiant and pressed them together until their frogs connected. And a magical light lit up in my eyes, and my friends, no doubt, noticed it.

Author's note: I ask every reader to remember this key moment in history! In the future, this will be the answer to some questions. But which ones ... this is for you to find out.

They looked at me questioningly, but Valiant's mouth opened, after which he held his breath and asked his question. "I certainly understand ... that this is almost normal ... given your talent for finding the path of the heart of two opposites, but what ... what are you up to?" Valiant asked, stammering slightly, showing some embarrassment at the proximity of the hooves to Azura.

Azura also looked at me inquiringly and her ear began to twitch nervously from what she saw in my eyes, a kind of magical phenomenon. But I can't tell her that my talent was enhanced by Celestia's blessing. And my special talent is still a mystery for many ponies, and even for me. The thing is, I don't fully understand its effect. And I can't always explain. I just trust my heart to do something right in the name of good! And in the name of Love!

I leaned closer and winked at Azura. “I think you both should go dancing! Please put all your worries aside and don't worry about anything. "

"But..." Valiant started to speak, but I interrupted him.

“Not a single BUT! You both deserve it. Moreover, both of you saved my life today. Remember those two arrows that you shot at this minotaur at the same time? Then I realized that you both can have a mental connection with each other. So go ahead!"

Azura got a little nervous and looked at me with a slight smile. "Are you sure you don't mind that Valiant and I dance? And there won't even be jealousy?" Azura asked and narrowed her eyes, trying to carefully examine my face and, perhaps, guess the sincerity of my feelings.

I sighed and laid my head on the table under my hooves. "No. I won't mind. Besides, why not? In the end, I gave my heart to Princess Emerald, not Azura!" I said with a slight grin, coming to my own conclusion. But my words touched Azura a little, and I felt it perfectly.

"Well ... if you think so ..." Azura replied in a cheerful voice, although I could distinctly hear some regret in her tone. And then she got up from the table and went to Valiant. "Valiant Romantic! Would you mind joining me in the dance?"

Valiant looked at me a little worried, but when he saw my determined face, he got up from the table without hesitation. "Yes. Let's dance Azura! But I wouldn't do it just because our friend wants it! Personally, I ... don't mind. But tell me the truth. Do you want it yourself or are you just pretending?"

Azura rolled her eyes and walked so close to Valiant that their noses began to touch each other. And this action started to embarrass Valiant a little. I felt his fears and to give my friend a little confidence, I got up from the table and walked past him, patting him on the shoulder. And then he went to the counter of the tavern owner to order wine and maybe be a little alone. Because I'm obviously tired of all this. And now I'll just drink a glass of wine and go outside to get some fresh air. I am sure that everything will be fine with them. And I really need to be alone for at least ten minutes.

While I calmly drank wine right outside the bar where the old stallion was standing, and listened to the play of local musicians, as well as the sounds of dancing to the rhythm, a few pairs of hooves. I stood with my back to the dancers and as far as I remember there were five dance couples, including Azura and Valiant. But when I turned around to look at them ... my eyes were a little taken aback with surprise.

The two stallions that threatened the griffins today, now ... at this very moment, are dancing with these female griffins! And, frankly, I liked what I saw! In the end, all thoughts of war and many other problems were driven into a far corner! I started shaking my head in time to this music, and something in my head immediately turned over. And I didn't want to be alone. I decided to find myself a mate and began to look for the free mare with my eyes.

But ... someone quietly approached me from the side and cleared his throat slightly. And when I turned my head to the left, I could not contain my emotions from attachment. Next to me stood a blue mare with a yellow and white mane and tail. She hid half of her face behind her mane and gently scratched the floor with her hoof, still embarrassed to look me in the eye. Yes, I have already noticed that this mare is timid and sometimes even afraid to say a word. I love modesty in mares.

I went up to her and quietly lifted her chin with my hoof, so that we began to look into each other's eyes. And I noticed that her cheeks were starting to turn red. “You know, Night Flicker, I would never have thought that I would hold such a cute face with my hoof. You radiate a lot of kindness and tenderness. And it certainly attracts. Can you join me in the dance?"

"But ... actually I just wanted to talk ... but ... oh." Night Flicker stumbled slightly, but I just gently pulled her towards me with my hooves to hug her. I felt her heart beating quickly and hastened to calm this mare.

"Do not be afraid. I can see that you are ashamed, but in reality your bright soul and your young body ... yearn for more." I said slowly into Night Flicker's ear. She laughed softly, rested her chin on my shoulder and took a deep breath. And I began to feel that her heart rate was back to normal.

"Heh. Yes. You may be right, Heart Path. My friend Sunny Kiss has already talked about you. It's really ... nice to be with you. Your hug is soothing." Said Night Flicker in her timid and gentle voice. And then she slowly raised her head to look into my eyes and began to smile! "Well, let's go dancing?"

I gingerly ran my hoof down her back and freed myself from our embrace. "Yes of course. This is what we both want!"

Yes, we did so, and with cheerful faces rode on our hooves to other dance couples. We circled and clung to our sides and then jumped again to switch places. And all because the music was pretty funny. At some point, I squatted down and hugged Night Flicker again, and she, with a cry of surprise, pressed her chest against me and began to laugh. Many have begun to accept our enthusiasm, and those who have so far shown their dance in pairs in a more subdued manner have begun to feel more intimate. And they also started hugging their partners. Heh. Even griffins! Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Azura and Valiant turning their attention to me and the Night Flicker. At that moment, they had really happy faces. But Valiant looked at me, raising an eyebrow, and slightly shook his head, pretending to never cease to be amazed at my behavior. Well, yes ... he's right. I really take a mare that I can dance with easily. The thing is, Night Flicker was very easy for me. I felt at ease. And I even wanted to protect her and take her under my wing. To be more than just a stallion for her. A stallion who will give her a few minutes of happiness, and then disappear from her life again. Yes, Celestia once told me that she truly felt sorry for me. Well, I do not feel sorry for myself, I feel sorry for that mare with whom I feel good now. Well, these sad thoughts again.

And we were dancing with each other again, myself and Night Flicker. Our eyes did not look away from each other, although she was still sometimes shy and hid her face behind her mane. I liked the way she tries to be discreet, but at the same time I can smell her. And this is the smell, the desire for intimacy. In general, it is now the end of spring and in different regions of Equestria, mares are gradually entering the most responsible and piquant phase. Yes ... Hot season.

And while we dance, I watched everyone in the hall out of the corner of my eye. But first of all, I paid attention to my friends. I noticed how they began to get closer, and their laughter was like falling in love. That's just the Valiant, he forgets something (although it may be right on his part), but indulges in feelings for the changeling. Yes, Emerald is an unusual changeling. But she does not radiate love, but can only play this role. Although I'm sure she regrets it. And, of course, I understand her. She wants to be healed from the curse so that she can also love, and not just feed on this feeling.

I think I got an idea. And I'm also sure many ponies will benefit from it!

When I danced with Night Flicker, it brought me closer to her. I stopped her while the music continued to play and rubbed my nose against her nose. She began to sigh in surprise and seemed to be embarrassed again by this awkward moment. But when I looked at her face, I clearly felt how this mare was waging an internal struggle in her feelings and emotions. She began to breathe harder and finally pressed her lips to me. And of course I didn't mind, so we started kissing and our hooves began to caress each other. But it was in this room that we were not alone, and I began to hear how the music gradually faded away, and out of the corner of my eye I noticed how they were looking at us!

Well, let them watch. Especially Azura and the Valiant! Maybe they'll learn something. Feel freer and bolder towards each other. And it ... worked! I saw Azura reach for Valiant, eyes wide. Azura pressed her lips to his lips and herself decided to show assertiveness in this intimacy. Valiant at first, to put it mildly ... was scared, but at that moment he felt good. And he naturally looked at me out of the corner of his eye and decided to start a mental conversation with me. In which he asked me, as his friend, to let him kiss Azura. To which I shook my head slightly, implying an affirmative answer.

This moment did not last long, but when I looked into the eyes of Night Flicker during our gentle kiss. There is a real riot in my heart! And it seems that only now I looked deeper and deeper into the pupils of the Night Flicker, saw the eyes of many mares with whom I had an affinity. It began to torment my soul. Indeed, all this time my heart wandered in this ocean of feelings, but could not find its refuge. Is this really my destiny? All these many thoughts began to beat in my head, and I began to realize that my life is meant for something important. But I don't know what exactly. But I will definitely find out! And now I hug another mare, and I feel good with her. And the most important thing is that Night Flicker is good with me too. So I tried to bring my thoughts back to the present and enjoy the moment where Night Flicker and I fondle each other. And I will try to please her, even if later she sadly remembers me and our moment with her.

"Mmm ... Aha ... Heart Path. I really enjoy spending time with you, but I was only able to get ten minutes off. Now I have to go back to help Sunny Kiss in the kitchen." Night Flicker said with her head bowed slightly in regret. Again, her long mane covered half of her face. But then she raised her face and looked at me with a determined look, which I did not expect from her! She again pressed her lips to me, but this time I felt her tongue, which asked to visit my mouth.

I just smiled slightly at the behavior of this mare and rolled my eyes, letting her enjoy, lastly, the dance. The dance of our tongues. But then she hugged me tighter with her hoof around the neck. And now I already feel the passion boiling in this mare. And we ... are probably getting a lot of attention right now. But I definitely didn't care!

Night Flicker freed herself from our kiss and began to whisper in my ear exactly what I expected to hear from her. "Today you will be completely my stallion! And I don't care that it will be only once! But you will remember me, and I will remember you. So wait until Sunny Kiss and I finish our shift!" Night Flicker said and licked my ear for the last, calmly walked into the kitchen. Only she slapped me lightly on the cheek with her tail. And I immediately began to feel the cherished aroma, mares in need.

"Heh. Looks like I'm finally going to fuck today!" I said to myself and triumphantly bent my hoof jumping slightly with happiness, but did not notice how my friends were next to me, who all this time were patiently waiting for me to finish my business with Night Flicker. Of course, this confused me a little!

Valiant squatted down with a contented face and pressed his side against Azura. Azura herself looked at me with clearly happy eyes. Looks like she weakened Valiant a little. But only in order to get what her body requires and for him to stay on his feet. Well, that's really generous of her. It's good that she didn't suck all the energy out of my friend right here, among all these ponies! No, I'm NOT jealous!

But then Azura's gaze became more serious and she slipped out from under Valiant, who was leaning on her, as a result, without expecting such a turn of fate, he almost fell. Hahah! It looks like she has worn out my friend after all, since he can barely hold on. Well, let him understand what it is with a changeling, not having with him the magic tea infused on the grass (the effect of which increases energy). Well, this is the same incident that I told my friends that happened to me ten years ago, when I met Princess Emerald!

Azura came up to me and, putting her hoof on my shoulder, looked into my eyes. "Can we talk face to face? Just you and me!"

Something I didn't like the way she said it. And to be honest, I don't have a very good feeling about it. "Valiant!"

"What?" My friend answered, having already risen on his hooves and looked inquiringly at me.

"Valiant, please stay in this room and watch over our prisoners. Otherwise they are already completely relaxed. I need to talk to Azura. We will be back soon." I said and nodded to my friend. To which he smiled and gave his consent, then turned around and walked to our table.

"Let's go to the room." Said Azura and almost with force pulled my neck with her hoof! What got into her? Hope she's not jealous? Although I don't think she's jealous. I'm not jealous. Almost.

When we entered our room, Azura locked the door and decided to curtain the windows. All this time I watched her closely and was tormented by the question. What exactly is Azura up to? Oh yes ... Princess Emerald. It was already evening on the street and almost two hours had passed since the departure of Quick Strike by my order, which means that he should have returned soon. Unless, of course, everything is fine with him, and during the flight, he was not attacked. And this is completely real. I just hope Quick Strike can handle it. He is a good fighter, and I am confident in him!

When Azura finished covering the windows, she used magic and turned into her true self again. Emerald. Yet how beautiful and certainly exotic she is. She quietly approached me, slightly bowing her head. I stood in front of her and looked at her seriously, waiting for her revelation. But she slowly raised her head and began to slowly approach me until our noses began to touch in intimate proximity.

"You are such a moron!" She said and began to kiss me slowly.

I pulled away from her slightly. “Maybe I am a jerk sometimes! But you don't mean to say that you summoned me here just for this?" I said, trying to stay calm.

“Not only for this. I don't quite understand you! You literally bring me closer to your best friend! And at the same time, you try to avoid me! And yesterday in that basement I felt your love! And today ... your feelings for me have gone cold!“ Said Emerald, and tears began to appear in her eyes. It definitely touched my soul. So I hugged her and hugged her to my chest. But she cried harder.

“Forgive me, Emerald ... ten years ago ... I was ready to carve your name on my chest! But the next morning you ran away from me. Although I do not hide that during these few hours I was very good with you! I even got the impression that you and I have already lived a long life together. But years have passed, and although I have not forgotten you, my life demanded that I not live with thoughts of the past moment! And my heart ached with pain. From the pain that I cannot be with you. Perhaps I would even give up everything and leave the city in search of your hive to find you! But what if I hadn't been accepted? Will I become a free source of love energy? Until they dried me, and then just killed me, so that I would not suffer in agony from the lack of love energy in my heart! Because I couldn't go home anymore. Not without the fact that my psyche was completely violated! Do you understand me?" I finished my revelation, and this is exactly what I needed. Speak out for what tormented my heart for years! But I could not find a suitable listener, because she disappeared for ten years.

These words undoubtedly touched Princess Emerald, and I could already feel the changeling's tears streaming down my chest. Who expressed complete regret. Emerald raised her head sharply and looked into my eyes again. Then her cheek touched mine, and she stroked me slowly, demanding understanding.

“If you only knew ... that my heart ached every day after I ran away from you. More than once, on the way to the hive, I just stopped to turn around and look at this forest! The day before the hunt, at the direction of the mentors, I had a huge choice and freedom where to go to achieve my goal. But as I walked along the road near this forest, a small flock of butterflies flew past me. One of them sat on my nose and began to tickle me. I sneezed and the butterfly flew into this forest. I kept walking ... but at some point, my inner voice literally begged me to go the other way! And that was intuition. I decided to listen to my voice and escape to this forest. But before I could get far enough, I heard the pony soldiers marching down the country road! With frightened eyes, I hid in the bushes, watching these ponies between the leaves. And there were a lot of them! Even a pegasus flew over the forest. I decided to hide in this forest and therefore ran into its depths, not caring at all that I might get lost. Plus, my wings stayed in place. Only at that time, using them was not the best solution! And when I ran through this forest, I did not notice how I ended up in Manticore's lair! And I was lucky then that he decided to play with his victim for the first time. Of course, then I was very scared and could not find the strength to concentrate magical energy. He pressed me with his paw to a tree, and I was already prepared for the worst! But I'm still young, I didn't even have time to really live. My eyes closed when I saw that this Manticore was preparing its sting for a decisive blow ... But in all this moment I did not notice that I was not destined to die that day. Because ... YOU could have arrived just in time! And YOU saved me, and then you, too, were able to provide medical assistance. You fed me your sweet porridge and gave me magic tea. And it was you who gave me a lot of love and care in just a few hours. When I returned to my hive, many changelings bowed their heads to their princess. And my mother Ageron was proud of me for a long time..." At the last words, Emerald cried again, but her hooves began to pull me behind my back to hug me tightly. And of course I did the same for her.

Be that as it may, her memories deeply touched my soul, so I began to breathe heavily and my eyes widened. And my eyes began to scatter nervously, because I began to realize a lot. Indeed, that morning, before going around the forest, I was faced with a choice. Going out earlier or after breakfast? And something in my heart slightly ached at that moment and suggested that in the morning it is better to start with a walk around the territory. And do it as quickly as possible! It just so happened that fate directed me and the Emerald to each other! What an idiot I am...

Time has slowed down.

I can feel my heart beating loudly. The feeling began to warm me again. Something is wrong here! It should not be! I slowly freed myself from the embrace of the Emerald. But when I looked at her face, I noticed how she began to glow with magical energy! And from her chest a ray of light oozed, directed into my chest. I felt bliss pouring into me. STOP! I think I understood WHAT SHE IS DOING!

The emerald began to give me all the accumulated love energy, thereby completely depleting its strength. She began to fall on her side, losing consciousness.

I caught her with my hooves. "Emerald! Please don't do this! This can be very bad for you!"

Emerald stretched out her hoof to me to gently stroke my cheek with her cracking hoof. Her eyes faded slightly, as did the color of her mane and tail. I swear I still can't figure out how the magical anatomy of changelings works, it will be a mystery to me for a long time to come.

I took the Emerald with my magic and carried it to the bed. And when I put it down, she sighed with relief. But she continued to look at me and only a slightly forced smile appeared on her face.

"Thank you, Heart Path. But it seems that if I had not taken this step, you would have remained cold towards me. But I never told you the most important thing..." Emerald said in a low voice, while continuing patting my face and chest with a hoof while I stood by her bed. Yes .. just like then ten years ago.

I took her hoof in mine and gently brought it to my lips to start kissing him. I'm sorry that I can't do more for her. And I'm even ready to cut out the heart from the chest, if it helps her!

"Please ... Emerald. Tell me ... all your behavior from the moment we entered this room speaks volumes."

Emerald, as it should be according to the law of a magical and happy moment, again began to acquire its shining shade. This sparkle appeared in the eyes again. "Do you remember how we made love ten years ago? You were very generous with that feeling then! But of course more with passion."

I think ... I understand. I began to smile sincerely and lovingly, and again my energy flowed from me into the body of the Emerald. "Yes! Of course I remember this! This is ... an unforgettable moment in my life." I said and pressed her hoof closer to my chest.

Emerald noticed that I again nourish her with my love and her eyes began to tremble and shine with happiness even more. "That's why... you became a father! This is a truly unique case..." But I didn't let her finish.

"Wait! I became a father? But..." I said in a burst of excited emotion. Take my word for it. Not every day they tell me that I have ... a foal ... a changeling! If I tell someone about this, I’m even afraid to imagine what their reaction will be!

"Yes. You wanted to become one yourself! So let me finish, okay? Changelings usually lay about a dozen eggs. And all this happens after five months of bearing offspring. But when my term passed, my mother noticed it easily. She repeatedly tried to get information from me about who my lover was? After all, if the gestation period lengthens, it means one thing ... I will have a live birth! And this is only possible if changelings mate for love in their true form, as happened to us ten years ago! Then I had to explain a lot to my mother. But she was not angry with me, but began to respect me. And so, nine months later, with pain in the womb, I gave birth to my (our) only daughter! I thought that I would probably die from such a painful birth! Believe me, it hurt. In addition, she had a mane and tail, as well as eyes similar to mine, which can only mean one thing. She has already been marked with a sign of fate! Yes. Heart Path. You and I have a daughter, she is now nine years old and very beautiful. I gave her the name Chrysalis or, as I affectionately call her, Chrissy."

When I listened to the story of a loved one. And that I love her, I no longer doubted. I pressed my lips to her and began to kiss her gently, and then leaned my forehead against hers. "In the end this is a real miracle! Here, at this moment you make me happy! Tell me that everything is fine with our daughter! I hope that Angeron will take care of her! After all, in fact, you left her. I wonder, and when will I Can I see my daughter? And mmmmm..." At that moment I had a whirlwind of emotions and, of course, a lot of questions! But Emerald she's just gorgeous. She decided to kiss me to calm me down a bit.

For a long time we remained alone with the Emerald and I did not notice how the sunset was gradually beginning outside the window. My ear twitched at the sound of dozens of pairs of hooves and the clang of metal armor. Emerald and I looked at each other and I asked her to change her appearance just in case. And thank Celestia, I was able to return a lot of love energy to her, so there was no problem with her magic. We went to the window and when we opened it we saw about fifty legionnaires! Fifty! Among them were unicorn archers from my unit. This is really amazing news. And it looks like Celestia was able to relay a message to our legion in just a few hours. Well, it's really fast. At the head of this escort was the same familiar centurion. It was his unit that saved us that day of the battle, and we then repaid them in the same coin. Quick Strike was standing next to him talking about something. A minute later, our prisoners were led out of the tavern under guard. The griffins were equipped with special devices that bound their wings. And half of the soldiers, led by the same centurion, headed back along this road. The rest of the soldiers began to be billeted according to the state and order. Valiant also went out into the street and approached Quick Strike. They both turned their heads towards our window and noticed us, after which they began waving their hooves with cheerful smiles. But then they ran into this tavern and after a few seconds our friends entered our door, which we had opened in advance.

"Wow! You look pretty happy guys! What were you doing here?" Quick Strike asked and sat down at the table to look at us with a sly grin.

Valiant brought in a small barrel of wine and put it on the table, and before that he locked our door. "Here. This is a gift from the owner of the Tavern. So I also wonder what happened here. And why do you have such a face as if you received really amazing news?"

Azura and I exchanged glances and she changed her magic again to transform into an Emerald. And then I went up and began to hug each of my friends tightly, trying to transfer some of my energy to them. From what, to put it mildly, they were confused. Especially Quick Strike!

"So STOP! I certainly understand that you're glad to see me and all that, but can you already explain to us the reason for your almost love hug? After all, I'm a stallion, if you haven't forgotten about it! But damn it, I was nice..." Quick Strike said and we all started laughing at his words.

“Yes, you really, literally shine with happiness, my friend! And I honestly didn't notice this for you before. Although ... what I saw today, your eyes emitting magical light, I would not be surprised that it is something like that." Said Valiant and with the help of magic began to pour wine into glasses.

I didn’t torture my friends for a long time and therefore waited for Valiant to pour wine into four glasses. Emerald and I took glasses of wine with the help of our magic, my friends did the same. But Quick Strike began to look inquisitively into my eyes, apparently expecting an interesting word from me before drinking wine.

I hugged the Emerald with my right hoof and finally gave the opportunity to entertain the curiosity of my friends. “Yes guys! We will raise these glasses of wine for ourselves, for our victories, for our friendship! And for the fact that nine years ago I became the father of an adorable changeling daughter!“ I finished my speech and, without waiting for the reaction of my friends, began to drink wine with my eyes closed.

"Quick Strike! Oh Celestia!" Valiant spoke loudly, running up to our friend Pegasus, who fell from his chair and apparently lost consciousness.

Emerald and I put our glasses on the table and ran to Quick Strike. "I didn't know he was so vulnerable!" I said and began fanning my hoof around the face of our friend Pegasus.

"Actually, he was ahead of me by a couple of seconds!" Valiant said and looked at me with wide eyes. "You ..." He didn't have time to finish.

Quick Strike was able to quickly come to his senses. Anyway, he seems to have just decided to pretend! Fuck joker! "Here you are an asshole Heart Path!" Quick Strike said benignly and began to rise to his feet. "Well, you give me a friend! However. I congratulate ... both of you! Heh. I thought that the story you told us last night was exaggerated!"

I took a deep breath and asked everyone to sit down at the table. "Yeah guys. I only found out about it twenty minutes ago." I said and reached for Emerald to kiss her gently on the lips.

Of course my friends were happy for both of us. But something still tormented my soul and an inner voice haunted me. And all this is connected, not only with the fact that I learned such amazing news. My inner voice was incomprehensible, and similar to an invocation. He asked me to help my friend Valiant and Emerald. The connection between them. And I have yet to find out what that means...

Author's Note

Guys, there is a lot you don’t know yet. There are enough secrets to reveal them for a long time. But now, at this moment, the secret of the birth of Chrysalis has been officially revealed. And all this taking into account exactly the world that I am building for this story.

And almost 17 thousand words have described just a few hours of the life of these characters. So there is an interesting journey ahead of these characters. In addition, Celestia has expressed a desire to visit the Legion camp in person. Expect many surprises.

I started writing this chapter on Monday, and thanks to a few cups of coffee, I was able to get a lot of inspiration and energy.