The Next Morning

Anon woke up with a tired groan as the sound of a blender raked at his ears. He yawned loudly as he stretched his arms and legs under the blanket he was covered with. Once he was nice and stretched, the sleepy human sat up in the couch he'd slept on and looked around his surroundings.

He was in a modest living room, filled with only the bare essentials of furniture. Aside from the couch he was now sitting on, there was only another armchair beside the fire place in the center of the room, and some hardwood floors to keep him company. Anon lazily got to his feet and scratched his back as he made his way over to the window on the far side of the room.

Outside, he could only see a garden and the fence of the relatively small backyard of the house he was in. A few roses and tulips lined the fence-line, along with a row of watermelons, carrots, potatoes, and turnips all neatly planted in the center of the yard. Past the fence, Anon could only make out more houses with similar sized square-shaped yards and gardens.

With a shrug, Anon turned around and headed toward the hallway. Once there, he walked just a few steps to the kitchen, finding Javelin sitting in the connected dining room. He was sipping at a Bloody Mary held delicately in his hooves while his blanket was still wrapped around his barrel and head, forming a hood to cover most of his face.

"You look about as bad as I feel." Anon mumbled as he walked into the kitchen and sat down in the chair across from Javelin.

The unicorn stallion took one more sip from his drink before sighing heavily, "Yeah... I guess we probably should've left after the fifth beer."

"This is exactly why I don't drink... Always say something like 'just one beer' and then end up having twelve." Anon shook his head, wincing as the motion rattled his brain.

Javelin nodded, "Honestly I'm impressed you managed to down twelve of those. Even for your size, I'd have expected you to only finish about eight."

"You callin' me fat?" Anon chuckled.

"Eh, I haven't known you long enough to know what a fat human looks like. As far as I can tell, you're decently proportioned." Javelin shrugged.

"Thanks. I'm glad I'm at least decently proportioned." Anon deadpanned as he rolled his eyes.

"What? That was a compliment." Javelin offered.

"A backhanded one."

"Eh, maybe, but you need someone to keep you from getting all high and mighty. Wouldn't want all that consortly power going to your head, now would we?" Javelin grinned.

"I guess not," Anon chuckled, before wincing as his head throbbed, "Did I do anything dumb last night? Twelve beers is getting kinda close to blackout drunk me, and he's a problem." He inquired.

Javelin shook his head, "Nah, although you did end up headbutting the door on the way out and shouting a bunch. Pretty tame as far as I'm concerned."

"Ah, that would explain the headache." Anon acknowledged.

"Yep. I had to get us out of there before the bartenders called a guard or ponice officer to escort you back to the princesses." Javelin replied.

"Oh shit, that's right. We totally forgot to go back to the castle last night... I hope Celestia and Luna aren't pissed." Anon muttered, his brow furrowing in concern.

"I'm sure they're more concerned than anything, but you do have a point. We should head back to the castle as soon as we can. You might have been able to get away with taking one day off, but taking two in a row is gonna cause more trouble than it's worth." Javelin replied, taking another sip of his drink.

"Can I get one of those? This headache is killing me." Anon asked, messaging his temples.

Javelin's horn lit up as he levitated another bloody mary from the kitchen to Anon's waiting grasp. Just as the glass reached his hand, Javelin's horn sparked and fizzled out, prompting the stallion to curse quietly under his breath and rub the offending appendage with his hoof.

"What happened?" Anon inquired before taking a sip.

"Trying to cast a spell when you have a hangover hurts. Probably would have been easier to tell you to go get it yourself, hehe." Javelin chuckled.

Anon laughed, "Yeah, but why get up when I have a super cool unicorn bro that can just get it for me from across the room?" He joked.

"Because next time the drink is liable to slip from my magic and spill all over the floor. If that happens, you're cleaning it up." Javelin replied with a smirk before going back to his drink.

The pair quickly finished their drinks in comfortable silence before placing the glasses in the sink and heading toward the bathroom.

"I'll be honest, I don't think you'll fit in my shower. If you want to try to cram in there, I'm sure you could probably wash yourself, but it'd be tight." Javelin mentioned as he headed into his bedroom.

"That's alright. You go ahead and shower. I'll just take mine when we get back to the castle. I need to wash these anyways... Still need to buy more clothes." Anon replied, taking a seat on the couch as Javelin nodded and headed to his shower.

Anon took to quietly twiddling his thumbs to pass the time while Javelin quickly showered. Once he was finished and presentable, he walked back into the living room.

"Alright, ready to go?" Javelin asked.

"Ready as I'm gonna be. I don't suppose you could just teleport us all the way back, could you?" Anon inquired.

"As convenient as that would be, I'm afraid I do not have the magical ability to teleport both myself and a creature of your size that far. Hay, I can only teleport myself short distances. I'm much better at shooting things. Much more fun than just popping over there." Javelin replied, pointing out the window to the neighboring house.

"I kinda figured your butt tattoo had something to do shooting stuff. Wasn't quite sure exactly what it was you would be shooting, but I guess you just answered that for me." Anon surmised.

"'Butt tattoo'? You mean my cutie mark?" Javelin questioned.

"Ugh, don't make me say the girly thing. Butt tattoo sounds cooler." Anon shook his head and rolled his eyes.

"It most certainly does not." Javelin slowly shook his head.

"Well, everyone's entitled to their opinions, even if they're wrong," Anon shrugged, making Javelin facehoof, "Anyways, let's go before Luna has me drawn and quartered for missing a day and a half."

Javelin rolled his eyes but opened the front door and led Anon outside regardless. The morning sun happily greeted the human and pony as they stepped out into the Canterlot middle district. The street leading to the main hub of the level was lined with identical houses all the way down to the corner.

"Still surprised you don't live in the barracks." Anon offhandedly mentioned as they walked down the sidewalk.

"The only ponies living in the barracks are the privates and specialists. As soon as you hit sergeant, they move your flank out and give you double the pay for rent." Javelin explained with a shrug.

"Well that's pretty nice at least... who watches the privates and specialists in the barracks though? They must get pretty rowdy in there." Anon commented.

"Oh they do. There's one NCO that has to live there and manage them, but luckily, I didn't draw that short straw. Celestia knows I'd have blown up on those privates a few times over for all the dumb crap they pull." Javelin shook his head.

"Well after the day I just spent with you, I'm surprised to hear you say that. I'd have thought you'd be down to party with your fellow guards after a long week of standing around looking like statues." Anon teased.

"Oh har har. I have a few friends from the guard, but a lot of those mares still think that my rank is just for show. The second I'd have to get them back in line, they'd try to take advantage of what we'd get up to off duty. I'm not risking that. It's fine anyways, I've made friends outside of work." Javelin replied with a friendly smile.

Anon tussled Javelin's mane, "Aww, thanks buddy. Love you too." He joked as he cupped his fingers together to form a heart.

Javelin gave Anon a deadpan look, "I retract my previous statement."

"Aww." Anon held his head low in mock sadness.

Javelin rolled his eyes as they arrived at the corner of the street. With a quick cursory glance left and right, they crossed and headed to the main streets of the middle district. Unlike the lower district, there were only a few stands and marketplaces out along the buildings. More houses and apartments lined the sidewalks than in any other district in the city, making it easy going to travel up the steps and roads to the palace.

The duo quickly made their way through the stone-lined buildings of the middle district and into the marble and porcelain-lined buildings of the upper district in less than twenty minutes. The tall, pearl white pillars of the palace soon met their gaze while they passed through the paved roadways of Canterlot's finest residencies. The guards standing post at the embrasures of the castle walls stared intimidatingly down at Anon and Javelin as they approached the front gate.

Upon arriving, they were immediately met by a squad of guardsmares.

"Consort Anonymous, your presence has been requested immediately by their majesties Princess Celestia and Princess Luna." Lieutenant Valorant curtly announced.

Anon and Javelin shared a look before looking back at the guardsmares.

"I'm... in trouble, aren't I?" Anon asked.

"I was only instructed to find you and bring you back to the princesses, ASAP, sir. We'll escort you." She replied, her expression unchanged.

"Lieutenant, I don't suppose I can come along?" Javelin inquired, directing her gaze to him.

"You're off duty, Sergeant. What you do with your free time is your decision. Although, unless Anonymous requests it, you won't be allowed in with the princesses, and even if he does, if they ask you to leave, you will be escorted out." Lieutenant Valorant responded, coolly.

Javelin nodded and shrugged, "Alright, works for me. Ready to go get yelled at, Anon?" He asked, turning to the tall man.

Anon sighed, "Ready as I'll ever be. Let's go."

"Of course, sir. This way." Lieutenant Valorant replied, turning tail and leading the group into the castle.

The other mares in the squad quickly took to forming a defensive diamond formation around Anon and Javelin. Anon eyed them curiously while Javelin simply ignored the extra security. Together, the group swiftly passed through the castle until arriving at the throne room doors. Once there, the escort splintered off and took up their positions along the wall beside the doorway, with the exception of the lieutenant.

She opened the door and ushered Anon and Javelin through while the rest of the guards stayed at their posts. Once inside, the group saw Celestia and Luna sitting in their thrones at the end of the room, a bored look on both of their faces that changed the second they saw the tall man enter the room. The group hastily walked to the base of the thrones where the lieutenant bowed deeply before the princesses.

"I have returned Anonymous as instructed, Princesses." She spoke.

"Indeed you have. Thank you, lieutenant. You may return to your post. We shouldn't have further need of your talents today." Celestia warmly responded.

"Of course, your highness." Lieutenant Valorant, following up with a crisp salute and an about face before leaving the room.

With the guard gone, that left only Anon, Javelin, Luna, and Celestia in the room, all locked in a silent staredown, where each party struggled to gauge the mood of the others. Celestia detected a slight furrow in Anon's brow, leading her to believe that he was upset, but just as quickly, it was gone and a soft look appeared on his face.

"Anonymous, I... I think we have much to discuss." Celestia began.

"I think I'm inclined to agree, princess." Anon replied, calmly.

"I see you've invited Sergeant Javelin here as well. I take it you two had fun last night?" Celestia said, eyeing the stallion with interest.

Javelin bowed, "We had a good time, your highness, although my being here was not Anon's idea, he just agreed to it. I wanted to come here on my own accord to apologize. I understand that you were expecting him back last night, but we, uh... we got a little hammered and lost track of time." He admitted, chuckling sheepishly.

Celestia offered him a sincere smile, "We both understand. While I was starting to be concerned just a bit this morning, I know Anonymous needed some space and time." She replied, turning her gaze back over to the human.

"Um, yeah... about that, Princess..." Anon trailed off, twiddling his thumbs as he thought for the right words, "I just... I can't... I won't apologize for what I said. Frankly, I'm still upset even now, and I wasn't sure that I could talk to you without turning it into an argument again."

Celestia and Luna both nodded, "Anonymous, I understand, and... I don't blame you. We both greatly appreciate you returning at all. We are the ones who failed to communicate with you and explain this position properly, leading you to believe something that neither of us ever wanted you to think." Celestia responded, a kind look in her eyes.

"What do you mean?" Anon asked.

"When you agreed to be our consort, and eventually our prince, you agreed to marry us. That does mean that if you were to have an adulterous relationship with another mare, the noble stallions of Canterlot could potentially claim that our marriage to you would be annulled, due to your infidelity." Celestia explained, taking note of the steady frown forming on Anonymous's brow.

"However, there is an exception that we would be happy to exploit since it would give you the means to find a mare to settle and be happy with." Luna chimed in, directing Anon's eyes to her.

Anon's frown immediately softened at Luna's words, prompting him to give her his full attention, "What exception is that?"

"We would simply inform the public that you are scouting mares for a potential addition to our herd." Luna elaborated.

"Our... herd?" Anon asked, quizzically.

"Yes, Anonymous. A herd is a fairly common type of relationship here in Equestria. I don't know the exact numbers, but I do recall the census data showing that roughly forty five percent of Equestrians live in a herd, or have lived in one. It would be our legal loophole to allow you to find yourself a mare to marry and be happy with, while still preserving you as our prince. This way, you would be free to be as public as you'd like with your spouse, without fear of the nobles attempting to claim infidelity." Celestia chimed in, directing Anon's eyes to her.

"Okay, that sounds great, but... what about... your relationship? She'd have to keep that a secret too, I assume." Anon replied.

"She needn't even know... Anonymous, we've been utterly terrible to you since I chose you in that court room... and we both wish to make it up to you however we can. If that means that we have to keep our relationship a secret from your spouse, then we will gladly do so. We both want that to be clear. We were wrong, and we want you to be happy. If you trust this future pony enough to share our secret with them, then we would hope that they'd be willing to keep it a secret as well." Celestia replied, firmly.

Anon was slightly taken aback at the princess's words, "That's... a hell of a change from the last time we talked."

Celestia nodded, "I know. It is as I said, neither of us were at our best when we last discussed this. I don't want you to think that we're just using you and throwing you away when we're done with you. You deserve better than that, and we both want to make sure that we're going to help however we can."

Anon slowly nodded, "I... thank you. That's... that really does mean a lot." He said, gratefully.

"Of course, Anonymous. Did you have any other questions?" Celestia replied with a small nod.

"Just one. I still don't really understand what exactly having a 'herd' entails?" Anon asked, cautiously.

Luna cleared her throat, "A herd is what we are now. Two mares and a stallion. While marriage is a common bond between only one mare and stallion, herds tend to marry one to two stallions and several mares. So that would allow you to find another mare for yourself, and once we married her to you, then she would be an accepted member of our herd, and you would not have to be alone as you feared." She explained, a sympathetic look in her eyes.

Anon looked back and forth between each princess for a few moments, "And... you guys didn't just come up with this last night because I left? This is an actual law that is really legit?"

"Of course, just ask Sergeant Javelin if you want confirmation." Celestia suggested.

Anon looked down to Javelin.

"It's true. Honestly I'm surprised you didn't know about that after being here for a year and some change. We saw a few herds last night." Javelin said, offering a small shrug.

"I didn't think they were all dating... friends, maybe, but all one big relationship... honestly I never asked. Ponies haven't exactly been lining up to meet me since I got here and I didn't want to sound creepy by going around asking about dating to random ponies." Anon admitted, sticking his hands in his pockets.

"Well, you needn't worry, Anonymous. I'm sure there are mares out there that would absolutely love to be with you. It's just a matter of finding them now." Celestia offered, supportively.

"Yeah... thanks." Anon replied.

"Anonymous, there is one more thing we... I wish to discuss with you, if you would listen." Luna spoke up.

Anon looked up at the navy blue alicorn with a curiously raised brow, prompting her to continue.

"The past couple of days... I've been incredibly harsh on you, for reasons that were in no way your fault. I've been rude, and extremely hostile toward you for reasons that were purely selfish and unreasonable. The situation frustrated me greatly, and I took my anger out on you. That was wrong of me, and I wish for you to know that I truly do regret the things I've said and done to you. I am sorry." Luna apologized, bowing her head in shame.

As Luna awaited a response, she felt Celestia's wing gently hug her back, and the lunar alicorn looked up to her sister to see her smiling thankfully down at her. Luna returned a small smile before redirecting her gaze to Anon. The man in question looked shocked at the apology, if his wide eyes and slightly parted lips were anything to go off of.

"I... thank you, Princess. I really appreciate that. I, uh... I'm sorry too. What I said about you and Nightmare Moon... it was uncalled for." Anon offered.

"No, Anonymous. You were right in every way. What I was doing and saying was akin to the very thing that I despised most about my past. All you spoke was the truth, and that is what hurt most of all. You have nothing to be forgiven for, but thank you, regardless. Oh, and please, call me Luna. I don't want to be enemies with you anymore." Luna replied, smiling hopefully at Anon.

Anon stared wide-eyed at the lunar alicorn for several moments before he was able to speak again.

"T-thank you... I, uh... I wasn't sure about you, Luna, but... it really means a lot to hear you say that. I, uh... I don't think I can forget the past that quickly, but... I think I'd like to start over with you too, if that's alright." Anon replied, returning a thankful smile.

Luna's eyes lit up with relief, "Oh, thank you, Anonymous. I promise, I'll do what I can to make up for how I treated you."

"Well, for starters, just call me Anon. I really don't like going by my full name. I always assume I'm in trouble." Anon chuckled.

"Of course, Anon." Luna replied.

"Well, while we're getting to know each other on a more personal level, please call me Celestia. I'm not fond of being called 'princess' by those who are considered my equal, or friends." Celestia chimed in.

"I think I can manage that. Thank you, Luna, and Celestia. I'm... honestly surprised that you both came around so quick. Sunshine wasn't kidding." Anon chuckled.

"Ah yes. Sunshine. She gave us quite the earful yesterday after meeting you in the bar." Celestia nodded.

"How do you guys know her? She made it sound like she's known both of you for a long time." Anon tilted his head to the side.

Celestia quickly glanced to her sister, "Well... Sunshine is a very distant relative. The great, great, great granddaughter of one of my old flames. At least, she's related to one of the other mares that was in his herd. The relationship stayed close enough that her family has been good friends with myself and Luna for generations." She explained.

"So... she's basically your great, great, great... step-granddaughter?" Anon asked, a puzzled look on his face.

Celestia sheepishly rubbed her foreleg with her hoof, "Like I said, very distant. It's been years since I've spoken with her. Imagine my shock when she returned yesterday to give me a thorough reprimand for how you've been treated and what distress our poor communication has caused you." She elaborated, an apologetic look on her muzzle.

Anon nodded, "Huh... well, is she still around? I have plans to meet her on Sunday, but I actually really enjoyed talking to her. I'd love to see her again if she's still around the castle."

Luna gave Celestia a strained look, but quickly regained her composure before Anon or Javelin could notice her change in demeanor.

"Um... well... no, she's... she's not in the castle at the moment. My apologies, Anon. I could see about sending for her and getting her to return, although... she's always been a tad aloof, that Sunshine. It might be quicker to just wait for your meeting with her on Sunday. I'm sure she's more than thrilled to see you again." Celestia offered, a weak apologetic smile on her muzzle.

Anon nodded his head, although the disappointment on his features was impossible to miss.

"Ah, well. Guess I'll just have to wait then. Eh, that's alright. Gives me something to look forward to then." He said, shrugging ever so slightly.

"Of course, Anon. Now, as much as I hate to just jump to other matters, we do unfortunately have a schedule we must adhere to. I'm afraid you do have some duties you must learn as well." Celestia replied.

"What duties?" Anon asked, raising an eyebrow.

"My assistant, Raven, is waiting in the library for you. She'll inform you of all of your responsibilities," At Anon's quickly furrowing brow, Celestia cleared her throat, "Worry not, we haven't saddled you with everything we don't want to deal with. There simply are tasks that will be expected of you as our consort, and certainly as our prince. Raven knows not to overburden you with information right off the bat. This will be a gradual process over the next few months until the official wedding." Celestia explained.

Anon thought for a few moments before nodding, "Can I at least go shower first?" He asked.

"Of course, Anon. Your room is just as you left it." Celestia kindly replied.

Before stepping off, Anon looked back over to Javelin with a raised eyebrow, "Well... I don't suppose you want to go deal with that library crap with me, do you?" He asked, hopefully.

Javelin brought a hoof to his chin as if he was deep in thought, "Hmm... lemme think about that... nah." He shook his head.

"Aw come on, don't you want to see that secretary again? I know you've got your eyes on her. She'd probably be happy to see you." Anon half joked, half pleaded.

A small blush crept up Javelin's muzzle, "I... I don't... fine." He relented, looking away.

Anon laughed, "Thank you! At least I got a buddy to make studying suck less ass."

Celestia tilted her head to the side, "I don't think I'll ever understand your references to donkies."

"Eh, it's a long story." Anon shrugged.

"Right, well maybe one day I'll get to hear it. For now, please do go shower and visit Raven. I fear she's been sitting in the library for the last half hour with nothing to do. She's not going to be happy about that." Celestia shook her head.

Anon held his arms halfway up in mock surrender, "Alright, I can take a hint. But, uh... thanks again. I do appreciate the apologies." He said.

"You're quite welcome, Anon. We'll look forward to seeing you tonight at dinner." Luna added as Anon and Javelin walked out of the throne room.

Celestia and Luna both immediately slouched in their seats once Anon and Javelin were gone. After a moment of collecting her thoughts, Luna looked over to her sister.

"Tia, why did you agree to meet him again as Sunshine?" Luna questioned.

Celestia sighed, "I... am unsure. It was not my intention to spark his interest, although when I revert to my old form I become much more... oh what do they call it now? Flirty. Yes," She nodded, "All the hormones come rushing back tenfold when I transform back to my old self. It made it difficult to do what I went down there to do when all I could think of was how cute he looked. There was just something about him that I found... intriguing. He can be adorably awkward, so that certainly helped." She explained.

"It was dramatic enough for you to ask him out on a date?" Luna asked, puzzled.

"I... don't know, Lulu. It's been hundreds of years since I reverted back to my old self. As we've already seen, I am clearly not the flawless princess our subjects seem to think I am, if the last few days are anything to go off of. Maybe there's a part of me deep down that found him enticing enough to actually pursue, while I was my old self." Celestia sighed.

"So... are you saying that you're starting to have feelings for him?" Luna asked, her brow furrowing.

"I wouldn't go that far, sister, at least, not while I'm myself. Not yet, at the very least. It's true that he has some nice features; a nice smile, a kind demeanor, and something of a headstrong, independence about him, but I can't say that I'm head over hooves for him just yet." Celestia replied.

"Well when you say it like that, it sounds as if you fancy him quite a bit." Luna raised an eyebrow.

"I'd say he's growing on me just a tad. It was nice to have a stallion like him compliment both me and you as if we were just any random mare on the street that caught his fancy, but-" Celestia began.

"Wait, what? What do you mean?" Luna interrupted.

"Well we got to the topic of him marrying us, and I inquired if his dissatisfaction was because he didn't find us attractive. Apparently he genuinely finds both of us quite attractive and his hopes were that my picking him would result in a genuine relationship, at least, at first," Celestia sighed sadly, "But regardless, I simply let my old youth and vigor cloud my judgement. I won't be so flirty when I meet with him again on Sunday."

"Are you sure, sister?" Luna asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Of course. While I may have been a bit more on the flirty side, it wasn't as if I was unable to control myself." Celestia dismissed.

Author's Note

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand here we go!!!!!! The apologies are just flowing in today!

Thank you guys for being somewhat patient with me so far. I know A LOT of you have just been out for blood with regards to Tia and Luna, but I promise that they're trying to be better <3

From here on out, they're going to be much more kind to Anon. Now we can begin the healing process! I hope this with somewhat as cathartic as when Anon blew up on them in the first place, because you lot got me scared that it wasn't going to be enough.