The stallion sat in a chair of Twilight's study as the mare passed in thought. The questions asked weren't exactly difficult for most to understand. But as he mentioned about being from another land, she had to think of the best way to word it.

"You see…" She started before cutting herself off. "The truth is…" taking a deep breath she sighed. "She has a point. Considering the number of males compared to females. It would make sense if you took two or even three females as your mates." She stopped for a moment to think. "Come to think about it. I knew a stallion who had ten mates. Oddly enough he only had one kid… not for the lack of trying, of course."

"So you think I should take her up on her offer?" He asked.

"That's up to you. She isn't wrong about your status either." Twilight replied. "It's obvious the princess sees something in you. And Diamond Tiara's parents won't be the only ones that will be interested in trying to win your favor."

Taking a deep breath he sighed. "I just don't like this."

"What part?"

"The nobility part. Trouble is coming. And I have a sinking feeling that if they get involved, it'll be a lot worse." He admitted.

Twilight thought for a moment before turning to him with a soft smile. "Then I suggest growing your contacts before it arrives. Studies show that things go a lot smoother when you have more friends there to support you. I suggest talking to them about your worries. And if it helps. You already have six mares who are willing to be there for you. And I know at least two brothers and a dragon who will be there too."

Taking a deep breath he smiled. "Thanks Twilight… I think I'll take your advice. For now. Maybe I should go see one of those friends now."

Twilight nodded and watched as he made his way past a guard who was struggling to fix the door. "And I'll…" She sighed. "Keep an eye on the guard so he doesn't hurt himself."

Zephyr gulped as he made his way through town. He hated the fact that the one mare he wanted didn't feel the same way for him. He hated that she expected him to work when she clearly had the skill and body to bring home the bits. And he hated how much others looked up to her.

As the thought crossed his mind, a new one joined it. Others did look up to her. Some even wanted to be like her. If he was able to make that work to his advantage… maybe he'd be able to convince her to be his girl. Or at the very least, he'd be able to turn one of her fans into his ideal mare.

Zephyr licked his lips as a few plans came to his mind at the sight of one such fan with her friends. He had to act fast and carefully. If he didn't do this right, he'd end up in trouble. But if he waited too long. Then somepony else would definitely claim what was his.

"Are you excited about the ceremony?" Zephyr heard the unicorn ask.

"Yeah. I heard that the princess has a special announcement." The earth pony replied. "Hay Scoots. Ya think your parents will be there?"

"Doubt it." She sighed, unaware of Zephyr hiding nearby. "They're too busy with work."

"Maybe you can get Rainbow's parents to take you." The earth pony suggested.

As Zephyr heard Scootaloo agree eagerly, he slipped off to put his new plan into action. Mission, get the mares to fall for him was ago.

Rainbow sat on her porch and looked out over the EverfreeForest. She knew going in was dangerous. But finding the passage would help Ponyville. Then again… there were a lot of dangers between here and there. But she did make the trip several times before, so she knew she'd be able to find it. But once she did, every male with the gift would be trying to become her mate.

Rainbow let out an aggravated groan and shoved her head into the cloud. She REALLY hated to think hard about things like this. She was more used to just doing and worrying later. But now… she had more at stake than just her pride. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and sat up.

What really mattered right now wasn't the risk of going or not. It was why she should go. That was simple. The Guard. She was going to bring back the night guard. And if she didn't? Somepony else will. Possibly somepony with less than loyal intentions.

Nodding to herself, Rainbow stretched and prepared herself for the journey that awaited her. Forget being a Wonderbolt. She was going to be the captain of her own elite team. Ironic as it might be. But Rainbow considered using the name Nightmare Moon had for her team. After all, Rainbow's team would be working in the shadows.

"Look out, would. I'm about to start THE SHADOWBOLTS!"

Luna sat at a table of the castle library as she looked through old records of ponies she knew. She hoped there'd be some clue as to who would have the gift that she gave her first guard. Sadly, several of the guards had gone missing or into hiding soon after she was put in the moon. And several others never had kids.

"Not surprising." She thought. "I did suspect that one mare had a thing for my sister." Sighing, she looked over some that included the elements of harmony. "That's interesting. Pinkie was never registered like her sisters. I wonder…" She mused. "Oh?... Pegasi still practices that?... I didn't know unicorns did that…" She mused as she looked over the records. "Perhaps the elements were preparing for much more than my return."

Looking out the window she thought. "Perhaps I should ask her for some advice." She sighed and looked at her papers. "But asking HIM for help is risky…" getting up she huffed. "SISTER! I NEED TO TALK!" She called before mumbling. "Talk me out of asking for his aid."

Author's Note

Things are happening. And it seems like trouble is coming a lot sooner than the new stallion thought. I wonder what will happen and how this will affect the friendships in town.