Gold Fleece’s estate was truly massive. An enormous, five story mansion with over one hundred rooms made of the finest polished white stone with an elegant copper roof turned green with age. The home was set in the southern Equestrian countryside, surrounded by magnificent rolling plains, green hills, and perfectly manicured lawns that framed the manor in a prime presentation of some of the best that Equestria had to offer. Canterlot was just barely visible in the distance, but still a relatively quick trip by sky chariot. Fragrant vineyards lined the long, white gravel driveway that stretched for more than half a mile to the gilded brass gates leading to the entrance.

A large marble fountain, featuring the figure of a beautiful mare gracefully balancing on one hind leg while pouring water from a vase held in her front hooves endlessly into the basin below adorned the wide, semicircle drive set right before the expansive staircase leading up to the twin gold trimmed doors of the main entrance. The late afternoon sun hanging in the clear blue sky cast the perfect mixture of light and growing shadows that made the entire affair appear completely inviting, like a warm scene from a old oil painting that invited the viewer to step inside and bask in its comforts.

“Welcome back, Master Skies. And Princess Ferra, it is an honor to have you with us.” Said the tall, red unicorn stallion wearing a dark tuxedo vest with a violet bow tie. He had a glossy black mane and tail with matching colored emotionless eyes, though a small, neutral smile adorned his lips.

“Thank you Right Fix,” Flash said as the unicorn closed the doors behind them, “It’s good to see you again.”

The large doors closed with a dull boom that echoed inside the cavernous foyer. Flash always felt poorer just by looking at the place, his entire house could fit in the vestibule alone with room to spare. Twin arching staircases made of obsidian black marble with contrasting white marble bannisters swept upwards to the second floor and beyond. Priceless artwork and statues were placed tastefully at various intervals while dark oaken doors lined the walls leading to only Celestia knew where.

Ferra’s muzzle and ears twitched excitedly as she took in all the new sights and sounds. Flash could tell that she was both amazed and bewildered by the sheer scale of the place.

“Stay close Ferra, a pony could get lost in here.” He said from one side of his mouth.

“Flash my boy!” Boomed a warm voice.

Flash turned to his left to see his friend Gold Fleece stepping through one of the doors along the wall, a huge grin on his face. The green unicorn looked to be wearing a white, sporting vest of some kind, like he had just come in from playing a game. His golden mane was slicked back as well, adding to the look.

“And Princess Ferra!” He added with a slight bow, “What an honor to have you in my humble abode.”

“Hiya!” She responded with her usual bright cheer.

Gold Fleece turned his gaze back on Flash, his glowing grin slowly morphing into a frown as he tilted his head to glance behind the human, “What? No Ella? You dare to show your face in here without bringing the singular delight of my eyes?! I should set the dogs on you!” He exclaimed in feigned anger, though his eyes still sparkled with mirth.

“Hey, that’s my wife you’re talking about.” Flash said, crossing his arms, suppressing a grin.

“Yes, and such a pity,” Gold Fleece said mournfully, throwing his head back with a hoof against his forehead. “I really don’t see what she sees in you besides looks, charisma, and your heroic escapades. She really could do so much better.”

“Can’t say,” Flash said with a grin, “Guess I’m just a lucky dork.”

“Ah yes, well, we all can’t be so lucky I suppose. I guess I’ll just have to mourn my loss as I wander alone in my vast mansion amidst giant piles of money.” Gold Fleece said with a sad shake of his head.

They both managed to keep a straight face for roughly three seconds more before crumbling into a hearty bout of shared laughter.

Gold Fleece held up a hoof which Flash clasped with his hand, pulling the stallion into a rough half embrace before separating.

“Flash.”

“Goldie.”

“Hungry?”

“Famished.”

Gold Fleece nodded, “Well, I’m sure Mr. Fix can help us with a late afternoonsees?” He said with a sharp tap of his hoof on the grey marble floor. The slender unicorn bowed solemnly before turning and exiting in a dignified stride though one of the other side doors.

“And as for you my dear,” Gold Fleece said, turning back to Ferra. “I’m sure you would be happy joining us, but I thought you might like to know that the aft of the manor has a meadow whose residents have for far too long been left undisturbed. I swear, they act as if they own the place. I’m certain that if you wished, you—”

Ferra gasped so deeply that Flash could swear he felt his ears pop. A look of pure, savage joy animated her entire face before she instantly vanished from sight in a blur of motion.

Gold Fleece blinked, “—could…” He trailed off and gave Flash a slightly disturbed, questioning look.

Flash rolled his eyes with a tired smile, “She does that. Welcome to my life.”

“…Indeed.” Gold Fleece said with no small amount of concern. “She, uh, wouldn’t happen to be related to the Element of Laughter would she? What was her name, Pinkie—”

“Ah! Ah…Let’s not go there.” Flash cautioned with raised hands.

Gold Fleece paused for a moment, a shudder seeming to pass through him. “Ah yes, I see what you mean. The implications are…”

“Terrifying.” Flash confirmed.

“Quite. Well, let’s not tarry then, shall we?” He said, gesturing Flash to walk with him.

“So, how have you been my boy?”

“Oh stars, I don’t even know where to begin.” Flash said with a sigh.

“Well, perhaps a little port would help to loosen your tongue?”

“It might.” Flash agreed with a wolfish grin. He glanced over and smiled at the pony as they walked, “Thanks Goldie, sorry to drop in on you unannounced like this. I just really needed to get away for a bit.”

Gold Fleece waved a hoof dismissively, “Bah! Think nothing of if lad. I’ve told you before, you’re always welcome to seek refuge here, even if I’m not at home!”

Flash nodded gratefully, “You’re the best Goldie. By the way, what’s with the getup?”

“Ack!” Gold Fleece exclaimed with a grimace. “Trying to keep up with the local golf country club. I swear, they should make prisoners play that wretched game!”

Flash grinned, “Sorry, but Equestrian law forbids cruel and unusual punishment.” He said, which earned a hearty laugh from the unicorn.

“Does it now? Well, perhaps you should conduct a raid the next time they host a tournament? You’d set me free. Charge the lot of them on grounds of torture you could!”

“Mmm, tempting. But I promised Ella that I would stop taking unnecessary risks. You’re on your own with that crowd, Goldie.”

“Bah! My tax dollars at work indeed, why do I even keep you around?”

“Maybe because I’m one of the few beings alive that can tolerate your planet-sized ego?” Flash suggested.

“Ah! You wound me Captain!” Gold Fleece said with feigned lament, holding a hoof to his heart.

“Not as deeply as I’m about to wound your liquor cabinet.”

Gold Fleece laughed again, and Flash joined in. Together, the two of them walked deeper into the manor. The sound of their shared happiness filling the vast space.

Ella awoke with a small start, feeling the rapid kicks of tiny feet coming from deep within her belly. The room was darker than before, and for a moment, she forgot where she was. It slowly came back to her. Cozy Glow’s accusations, the demand that Ella use her mind-altering powers on her, and then tucking her in for a nap after it was all said and done, only to join the little pony in the nap herself.

Cozy Glow had turned around in her sleep, and the warm little bundle of velvety fur and fluffy wings had snuggled up into her chest; her small, soft muzzle tucked up within the nape of Ella’s neck. She smiled as she could feel the tiny breaths coming from the filly’s nostrils against her skin as the pony continued to sleep. The smell of her curled mane reminded Ella of how sweet tart candies tasted.

Is this what it will be like to be a new mom? Ella wondered as she placed a hand on Cozy Glow’s soft head and another hand over her belly where the kicks were coming, they seemed to calm down at her touch. She allowed herself to imagine snuggling with her babies once they were born, similar to how this filly was currently doing, and the thought warmed her to the heart.

A sudden surge of hunger came, and Ella’s instincts immediately told her that the pony before her was food. That she should dive into her vulnerable subconscious while she dreamt and consume whatever love she could find.

Ella clenched her jaw shut just as she started to bare her small fangs without even realizing it. She took several deep breaths to calm her racing heart, slowly counting to ten until she put that feral part of her changeling nature back in its place.

That’s enough out of you. Ella inwardly grumbled at herself. Honestly, she couldn’t believe that she was already hungry again, especially given how much Pinkie and the other girls had fed her that morning.

I must have used more power than I thought with Cozy, Ella realized. That, or the babies are really growing an appetite. I don’t know how I’m going to make it another six weeks. She thought with a sigh.

Ella slowly got out of bed, being ever so careful to not wake Cozy Glow as she did. The little pony squirmed slightly, reaching out a little with her small hooves, pitifully grasping out for what was no longer there.

Ella quickly pulled the blanket back up over her so that she went still, continuing to slumber. She stared at the filly for a moment, a curious thought crossing her mind. One of the things Ocellus had told her in their many conversations, was that changelings could peer into another person’s dreams while they slept. It was how they fed on them when they placed captured victims into pods in the days before the metamorphisis. With his permission, Ella had tried it out a few times on Flash while he slept with mixed results. She never really saw much other than a few fleeting images in her own mind. Now, however, she wondered if she might have more luck with Cozy Glow. After all, this was a rather rare opportunity to have a peek, to maybe gain some particular insight into why the little pony was the way she was.

It’s just a peek, right? Ella thought, feeling a little guilty at the thought of trying to enter Cozy’s dreams without her permission.

I’m not gonna eat her, I just, I just wanna help her, yeah. Just a little peek…

Ella slowly placed her hand on Cozy’s forehead, closing her eyes and focusing as she reached out with her senses. She felt her mind touch Cozy Glow’s aura. It was a deep blue, with little flashes of light occasionally lighting up the darker parts. It reminded Ella of seeing a storm at night from above while flying over it in a jetliner.

Pushing past the initial layer of the pony’s dormant mind, Ella dove deeper, concentrating, listening, feeling. At first, she couldn’t really see anything. She wasn’t sure if that’s because she was still an amateur at this kind of thing, or was because Cozy Glow simply wasn’t dreaming. She was about to give up, when suddenly, she saw something in her mind’s eye.

A small burst of joy, like an ember popping on a campfire lighting up the darkness. Warmth. Love. Coming from…A stallion? A…Father? He makes her feel special. Then something muddled. Impatience? Waiting. Disappointment. Followed by…Frustration? A crushing sadness, smothered by…Rage? Burning hate…And a cold, cruel judgment on the entire world that sent chills up Ella’s spine.

Ella clenched her eyes tighter as the image got away from her, vanishing like a puff of smoke. No, not yet! What was that? She thought frantically, trying to regain her focus.

She really wasn’t even sure what she saw, but it was something! She felt like she was finally getting somewhere after months of trying to pierce the enigma that was Cozy Glow’s aura in the waking world. And just when she was about to get a breakthrough, it simply vanished?

“Did you get all that?” A voice inquired.

Ella’s eyes shot open. Cozy Glow was looking up at her from the bed with a smug grin, her aura glowing with a tangy mix of amusement, intrigue, and mischief that both smelled and tasted like a hot stir-fry.

Ella quickly yanked away her hand, her face flushing hard, feeling just like a child who had been caught red-handed with her hand in the cookie jar.

“Cozy Glow! I, uh, well you see…I was—”

“Peeking on another pony’s dreams?” Cozy said with a raised eyebrow. She rested her cheek on one hoof with a bemused look, “Naughty.” She said, her eyes narrowing slyly.

Ella blinked, “Wha—how did you—”

Cozy Glow giggled at Ella’s embarrassment, “You think you’re the only one who talks to Ocellus? She’s a great source for information on changelings.”

Ella sighed, “I’m, sorry. That was wrong.”

Cozy Glow shook her head, “Don’t be!" She said with a perky smile, "I’m proud of you, Ella! I would have done the same thing in your position.”

Ella frowned, “And you’re a model citizen, yeah?”

Cozy Glow scowled, “Oh, buck you Ella. All I’m saying is that it was the smart thing to do. After all, I’m going to be staying in your home. You gotta learn everything you can about me, right? Gotta make sure you’re not going to wake up in the middle of the night and see me standing over your bed with a big butcher knife or something, yeah?” She said sarcastically, winking when Ella's face paled at the horrifying thought.

“That wasn’t why I was…Oh, never mind.” Ella sighed, “I’m sorry I did that without asking.”

Cozy Glow waved a hoof, “Meh, we’ll call it even if you can convince Flashy Poo to let me stay with you guys.” She said, getting up and stretching.

“So! What did you see in there?” Cozy Glow asked.

Ella tilted her head, “You don’t know?”

Cozy shrugged, “Nah, I almost never remember my dreams. I don’t really care to anyways. Still, were you able to see anything?”

Ella paused, considering what to say next. She really wasn’t all that sure what she ‘saw’. It was more like a jumble of emotions attached to a vague image.

“Can’t really say for sure,” Ella said with a shake of her head. “It was all kind of muddled, and I’m not entirely sure what I’m doing yet with this sorta thing.”

“Hmph.” Cozy said with another shrug. She buzzed over to the mirror on the vanity, checking her appearance and fixing her curls.

“Well, if you figure it out, let me know. Or, keep it to yourself. I don’t really care either way.” She said while running through a few cute poses before the mirror in obvious practice. “See, I don’t really have any kind of deep dark secrets or fears, Ella. No skeletons in the closet, no regrets. I only have my desires.” She said, a truly sinister look momentarily overtaking her normally adorable face.

Cozy Glow spun around to face Ella, still floating in midair, “Got no time for the past, only the future!” She said with her forelimbs spread wide, a sweet look on her face. She floated over to Ella, sweeping around behind her and dropping to her favorite perch on Ella’s left shoulder, hooking her forelimbs over it.

“A future I’m beginning to think I’d very much like to see you a part of.” Cozy Glow said, placing a small peck on Ella’s cheek. “So, what do you say, friends?”

Ella glanced at her, “More like, your partner in crime?”

“Wellll, I wasn’t going to go that far,” Cozy Glow said, looking up innocently, “But if that’s what you’re suggesting, I would graciously accept it!”

“I wasn’t the one suggesting it, Cozy.” Ella said sarcastically.

Cozy Glow giggled, “Oh, you know me so well. That’s what makes this so much fun.” She said with an excited buzz of her wings.

“Uh huh,” Ella said while heading for the door. “Well, I got to get dinner going. You can tell me all about your plans for world domination or whateva it is your planning while I’m preparing it.”

“Please, everypony knows you don’t talk about such things over dinner. You always wait for dessert.” Cozy Glow said matter-of-factly.

“Not unless you end up being the dessert sweetie. You’d make the cutest pie-filling.” Ella said, reaching back to scratch the pony’s cheek.

Cozy Glow frowned, “You wouldn’t.”

Ella smiled, “I’d serve you with strawberries. Ow! Hey, no biting!”

Gold Fleece’s raucous laughter echoed off the walls.

“She yelled at you! You actually got old Celly angry enough to yell at you?!” Gold Fleece exclaimed while dissolving into another fit of laughter.

“It’s not that funny.” Flash grumbled into his cup as he took another swig from the silver goblet. The wine was exquisite.

They were inside one of the main rooms of the manor, where the central hearth of the building was. Like everything else in Gold Fleece’s home, the scale was absolutely massive. The ceiling of the room was easily fifty feet up, and the walls stretched far enough apart that a buck ball pitch could fit comfortably within the space along with the bleachers, with room to spare. A golden grand chandelier hung from the molded plaster ceiling while graceful marble columns and dark wood paneling lined the walls.

The centerpiece of the room, however, and easily the most impressive part, was the imposing stone fireplace which stretched more than fifty feet long and ten feet tall. The wrought iron grating in front of it was styled in the likeness of ponies from all three tribes garbed in ancient armor while fighting one another, a telling tribute to the violent times before the unification of Equestria. Flash imagined that when a fire was actually lit behind it, that the flames would create the illusion of motion as they danced behind the solid figures, shining light through their fixed eyes and open mouths. He and Gold Fleece were currently sitting in large, comfortable chairs facing each other at an angle. A fine wooden table laden with a variety of tasty delicacies sat before them.

“Let me guess,” Gold Fleece said, still laughing, “You were starting to get a little hot under the collar? What, fly a little too close to the sun there Skies? Eh? EH?”

“Oh, go soak your head!” Flash shouted, flinging a couch cushion at the laughing pony. It missed by a considerable margin.

“Seriously! It’s like standing in front of a blast-furnace when she gets like that!” Flash exclaimed as Right Fix refilled the goblet in his hand from behind. “I swear, the whole room felt like it was about to burst into flames.”

“Oh ho, there’s a reason why Celestia is the best closer in Equestrian history. No foreign delegation wants to sit in a room where the ambient temperature has been slowly rising hour after hour.” Gold Fleece said, gesturing wildly with his goblet. “If they take too long with negotiations, they’ll end up being reduced to a puddle of sweat while she remains the very picture of serenity and grace haha!”

Flash took another drink, “Mmm, I bet. I'm beginning to think she could take a stroll through an active volcano without so much as breaking a sweat.” He said, rubbing a hand over his face in frustration. He paused, holding his hand partially over his mouth, eyes cast down in thought.

“I guess what I’m trying to say Goldie, is that I had it coming. I screwed up. I know everypony makes mistakes, but dang it if I hate disappointing her.”

“Ah, don’t be too hard on yourself lad, I doubt she will be mad at you for too long!”

Flash shook his head, “Yeah, I don’t need to be too hard on myself, I guess. After all, I got the great General Iron Shod for that!” Flash said, holding an exaggerated salute. “I swear, nothing is ever good enough for that old battle wagon!”

“Old Irons?” Gold Fleece asked, “Yeah, he’s a tough old bird. Those ones are always hard to please, Flash. I think they simply can’t stand to see fresh blood and their new ideas, so they’ll always find something to critique.”

Flash drained his glass and set it down hard on the table, “Sometimes it's the new ideas that are the worst, Goldie.” He said, feeling more than a little buzzed. He had lost track of how long they’d been talking, but he knew it had to be at least a couple hours. There were no windows to see where the sun was presently at.

Gold Fleece raised an eyebrow, “Oh? What do you mean by that my boy? Did he propose something that makes you feel a little trapped?”

Flash turned his head, a lazy half smile on his tired face as he considered his friend. Gold Fleece had a bit of a blush on his muzzle at this point from the wine. Flash imagined his cheeks were probably a little rosy by now as well. He wanted to tell his friend more, to tell him all about the horrid weapons they had discovered on Secret Threshold's ship, and the insane plan to adopt them into general use within the guard. The alcohol was certainly doing its part in urging him onwards in that regard. But in the end, abiding by the rules was almost always going to win the day for him.

“Yeah, you might say that.” Flash finally admitted. “You remember when I told you about that time I got shot by that strange weapon while on earth?”

“Yes?” Gold Fleece said, his earlier mirth beginning to fade at the somber turn the conversation had taken.

Flash nodded, “Well, let’s just say that I think dangerous times are coming for Equestria, Goldie.” He said.

Gold Fleece frowned, looking confused.

“What does that mean, Flash?”

Flash shook his head, “Sorry Goldie, I probably said too much with that.

Gold Fleece nodded solemnly, “I see, well, whatever it is, I just hope it has nothing to do with whatever that boorish Equestria for Ponies League is planning. They’ll be trouble later, mark my words.”

“My fan club?” Flash asked, snatching a fat olive off one of the trays on the table and popping it into his mouth. “Yeah, I saw them out earlier today. Looked like Town Caller has actually made a name for himself!” He said with a chuckle.

“I wouldn’t take them so lightly, my boy.”

Flash rolled his eyes, “Oh, what are they gonna do, burn me in effigy? I’ll bring marshmallows.”

“I’m serious, Flash!” Gold Fleece said in earnest, looking concerned. “They’re starting to gain some real political power and influence among the noble class, lot’s of funding too. Notable new members include Top Shelf and Post Haste, and I’m sure you know that those two certainly aren’t your biggest fans.

Gold Fleece set his goblet down and grabbed a newspaper in his green magic, holding it up for Flash to see.

“See here? They bought a full page ad in the Canterlot Times for their upcoming rally in three days.”

Flash squinted as he took the paper to have a closer look. There was a stenciling of a unicorn, pegasus, and earth pony standing in a courageous looking pose together while holding an Equestrian flag above them. The text read:

“Ponies of Equestria, gather with us next week and let your voices be heard! Be proud of your heritage and let our leaders know that we will not be ruled or replaced by alien monsters! The future is yours!”

“Replaced?” Flash questioned, setting the paper down. “What the hay do they mean by that?”

Gold Fleece glanced away, nervously tapping his front hooves together, looking uncomfortable.

“They, uh, well, how can I put this delicately. Among other things, they want to have you and Ella *ahem* uh, regulated.”

Flash blinked, “What? Regulated? Regulated how?”

Gold Fleece took a breath, and looked at Flash, a sadness in his eyes.

“Well, to put it bluntly my boy, they do not want you and Ella to reproduce, Flash. They don't want you to have children! Their goal is to make sure that there are no other humans brought into Equestria.”

Flash simply stared with wide eyes at his friend, his mouth hanging open in shock.

Gold Fleece sighed in disappointment, "I'm sorry to be the one to tell you such ugly news, my boy. But-"

Flash suddenly cut him off, “They don’t want us to…Ha! HahahaHAHAHAHAAA!” Flash couldn’t even finish his sentence as he began to laugh, descending into peals of laughter, laughing until tears streamed down his face while he held his sides.”

“Uh, Flash?”

“They don’t, don’t want us to, oh! HAHAHAA!!!! They’re a little late to the party on that one, aren’t they?! HAHAHAAAAA! Don't they know, that Celestia wants babies?!!! HAHAHAHAHA! Oh, Celestia! My sides!!!! HAHAHAHA!!!! If, if they only knew what it means to be Catholic! HAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA!!!!!”

Gold Fleece’s mouth twitched a little in amusement as Flash’s hilarity caught on to him a little.

“You’re a very peculiar creature, Flash Skies.” He said, snickering a little himself at the human’s laughing fit.

Flash leaned back into his chair after a few more moments, panting to catch his breath.

“Oh, oh mama,” he said, wiping a tear from his eye. “Thanks for the heads up, Goldie. But the Equestria for Ponies legion, league, lunkheads, or whatever the hay they call themselves, don’t worry me.”

“Even if they continue to grow and gain influence?”

“They’d have to get past the sun and the moon first,” Flash said, lolling his head lazily to one side so that he could look at his friend. “I’ve never cared to leverage my special relationship with Princesses or the Element Bearers Goldie, never wanted to. I’m just a kid from Cloudsdale, that’s all I’ve ever cared to be known as. But at the same time, I’m not blind to what it means to know them, to be their friend. I’m grateful to have such ponies behind me. Sure, it hurts a little to know that some ponies don’t want me or Ella or our children around, but ponies are always going to be fearful of what they don’t understand, and I don't blame them. I can forgive them that. Besides, I don’t need everypony to love or understand me. It’s enough to have the ones that do.”

Gold Fleece stared back at Flash, a small, curious smile pulling at one side of his face. For a second, Flash thought he saw something resembling frustration pass through his blue eyes, but it was fleeting. The pony shook his head and chuckled,

“You are a far more patient pony than I, dear boy. I’d have somepony like Town Caller before a magistrate at this point if I were you. Defamation of character, slander…” He mumbled into his goblet as he took another drink.

“Defamation of character?” Flash said with a tired chuckle, “That would presume that you actually have any character to defame, Goldie.”

Flash laughed and ducked under a couch cushion the pony lobbed at him.

“Whipper-snapper!” Gold Fleece shouted, snatching another cushion. “I’ll h-hic-ave you know that I am a contributing member of *hic* society!”

“Yeah, we all need a good laugh from time to time!”

“Bah!”

The sound of a door booming open and the clip-clop of hooves on the marble floor interrupted their friendly trading of barbs. Flash looked up to see a very pleased, very satisfied looking Ferra walking towards them.

“There she is!” Flash said while rising and stumbling towards her, dropping to his knees when he reached her and sweeping the pony up into a hug. “Who’s my favorite murder pony princess in all of Equestria?”

A monstrously loud belch that echoed around the entire room was Ferra’s reply. A few black feathers escaping from her mouth.

“Celestia.” Flash swore, leaning back from her. He noticed that her belly was slightly swollen. “What all do you got back in that meadow anyways, Goldie?” He asked over his shoulder.

The unicorn walked up behind him, “All kinds of varmints: rabbits, squirrels, groundhogs, moles, and,” he paused as he picked up one of the black feathers and squinted at it, eyes widening in recognition.

“Alas, poor Mr. Crow. He made such a nuisance of himself during my morning constitutions. Glad to see that he finally made himself useful for a change.” Gold Fleece said with amusement.

Flash looked back at Ferra who had a slightly dazed, goofy look on her face. He gently gripped her soft cheeks in his hands, “Dang girl. Just how many critters did you eat?”

Ferra’s yellow eyes looked up in thought, her head rocking back and forth slightly, “Yes.” She mumbled. She then gave Flash’s cheek a big lick and nuzzled him, “Can we go home now, master?” She sleepily asked. "I'm tired."

“Home!” Flash exclaimed as he jumped to his feet, suddenly feeling a bit more sober. “Shoot, Goldie. I forgot to contact Ella, what time is it?!”

“Just after sundown,” Gold Fleece said, checking his pocket watch. “But fear not! I shall get you to that heavenly muse of yours double-quick!”

A few minutes later, Flash collapsed onto the red-velvet couch inside of one of Gold Fleece’s luxury carriages. It was white with gold trim, and a team of four white stallions stood at the ready in the black and gold harnesses. Ferra clambered in as well, climbing up onto the couch and collapsing next to Flash, exhaling heavily through her nostrils, her eyelids drooping.

Gold Fleece stepped up to the open door, “Good to see you again my boy, please drop by anytime,” he said, pressing a small bag of bits into Flash’s hand. “Here, for your train fare. Take the express line, first class, I insist!”

Flash smiled as he accepted the gift, “Thanks Goldie, always looking out for me, aren’t you?”

Gold Fleece grinned, holding up a hoof, “Always, lad.”

Flash accepted his hoof. Gold Fleece gripped his hand firmly, pulling the young man towards him slightly, a determined look in the pony’s eye.

“Remember Flash, remember what I’ve always told you about facing danger, especially if trouble is coming to Equestria as you think it is. ‘When facing danger,’”

“‘Become stronger than the danger.’” Flash finished, shaking the pony’s hoof.

“That’s my boy!” Gold Fleece exclaimed, stepping back and slamming the door. “Now, be off! And give that lovely wife of yours a kiss from me!” He shouted as the carriage took off.

“Keep dreaming!” Flash shouted back with a laugh as the carriage rumbled along the main drive at a rapid pace.

Flash sighed as he leaned back in his seat, his own eyelids feeling heaving as his head buzzed pleasantly from the alcohol; he never had a high tolerance for the struff. He felt like nodding off to the gentle jostling of the carriage when Ferra suddenly seized him about the waist in a hug, clinging to him with near earth pony-like strength and leaning her head tightly against his chest.

“Whoa! Hey! Easy on the goods there killer,” Flash said while attempting to loosen her crushing grip on him slightly.

“I’ll never let anypony hurt you, Flash.” She murmured with a sigh.

Flash paused, his eyes widening slightly in surprise.

“Hey, hey there girl,” he said putting his right arm gently around her neck while cupping her cheek with his left hand, scratching with his fingers behind her jawline. “What’s all this about all of a sudden?”

Ferra didn’t answer except to give a small whimper and tighten her grip on him further.

Flash rolled his eyes, but smiled. Leaning down, he placed a small kiss on top of her head while continuing to hold her, gently scratch behind her jaw.

“Okay, okay, thank you Ferra. You're the best.”

“Flash, there you are! I was getting worried—”

Ella was cut off as her young husband suddenly scooped her up in a tight hug and kissed her.

“Hello beautiful,” Flash said with a sheepish grin as he broke off the kiss and set her back down, “Sorry I’m late.”

Ella’s mouth hung open for a second in surprise. To her eyes, Flash’s aura looked a bit like a lava lamp, with different colors and emotions all mixing and overlapping with one another: Anxiety, a bit of guilt, giddiness, and excitement all blending together over an underlying layer of his pure love for her.

Ella gave an astonished laugh as she realized why, “You’ve been drinking, Mr. Skies.”

“Just a little,” he admitted, still wearing that sheepish grin.

“Let me guess, Gold Fleece?”

“He says ‘hi.’”

“And that kiss?”

“He might have asked me to give that to you, but this one is from me.”

Ella laughed and held up a hand to stop him, “Ah, ah, just a second Mr. Skies, we have a guest.” She said, stepping to one side and gesturing to Cozy Glow.

The salmon pink filly was standing shyly behind Ella, just in front of the kitchen table, looking as cute as a button. Her scarlet eyes sparkled with amusement while a small smile graced her lips. She extended her wings and took to the air, floating at eye level so that Flash could easily look at her.

“Hi Mr. Flash, it’s good to see you again!” She said.

“Likewise,” Flash replied with a friendly nod while casting a questioning glance at Ella.

“Cozy Glow is getting ready for Twilight’s school this coming fall,” she said in response to his look. “She told me at the party this morning that she was looking for a place to stay in the meantime and, well, I was wondering if she might be able to stay here with us, Flash? We have the extra rooms after all.”

Ferra slowly plodded up behind Flash and continued towards Ella, nuzzling her belly and purring as the woman began to pet and scratch her head.

Cozy Glow looked away shyly, “I don’t mean to be a bother, Mr. Flash but it—”

“I think that’s a great idea.” Flash said with a smile.

“You do?” Ella and Cozy Glow said at the same time, surprise evident in their voices.

Flash laughed, “Of course! I’m always happy to help out a pony in need. And anypony who wants to learn about friendship should be able to experience a little of it first.” He said, holding out a friendly hand.

Cozy Glow glanced at Ella, appearing hesitant for a second before placing her small hoof in Flash’s hand and shaking it.

“Welcome to our home, Cozy Glow.” Flash said warmly, “Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to help you get ready for school.”

The momentary look of uncertainty on Cozy Glow’s face melted into a cheery smile, “Thank you Mr. Flash! Golly, I can see why Ella likes you so much.” She said while releasing his hand.

Flash laughed, a slight blush coming to his cheeks “Well, well, what a charmer! I’ll have to keep an eye on you!” He said with a friendly wink.

“Oh, you have no idea,” Ella said in jest, slipping her arm around Flash’s. All three of them shared a laugh at that, though only Ella could see the flicker of nervousness that passed through Cozy’s aura. She winked at the pony, sensing that Cozy wanted to give her the stink eye, but couldn’t.

The only one in the room not laughing, was Ferra. The mare remained sitting very still next to Flash and Ella, the only movement being her glossy black tail which slowly flicked back and forth while she stared with calm, unblinking yellow eyes up at the little pegasus. A small, nearly imperceptible smile slowly curled her lips.

Ella sat in her white nightgown before the mirror of the oak vanity in their bedroom, brushing out her long golden hair. It had gotten considerably longer and more luscious since coming to Equestria and was now well past her shoulders, she knew that magic was the likely cause; her magic, as well as the ambient magic of this world. And it wasn't just her hair, Ella had noticed that after just a few months of getting her magic and living in Equestria, that her whole body seemed to rejuvenate, with no traces of the physical trauma her past life afflicted on her remaining. It was almost as if the longer she was here and the more she fed on love, the younger she became. Her skin was like that of a child's, and it seemed to even carry a faint kind of glow, similar to the kind she could see on Flash at times. Another one of those mysterious traits she noticed carried by creatures whose blood ran thick with magic, like all the other ponies in Equestria.

We're the only humans in existence with magic, Ella mused to herself, Well, the only ones out and about at least. She thought with amusement, resting a hand on her belly. She glanced up at the mirror and noticed Flash looking up from his book at her, open admiration and wonder of her written on his face.

“Sorry I didn’t contact you earlier Ella, I lost track of time.” He said. He was leaning back against the headboard of their bed, holding a book on World History from Earth. He was wearing a pair of light blue pajama bottoms and a white t-shirt.

Ella looked back at him through the reflection in the mirror, “It’s alright Flash, and I'm sorry I kind of sprung Cozy Glow on you at the last minute, I didn’t have a chance to talk to you about it sooner.” She said with an apologetic smile.

Flash closed his book and smiled back at her, “No worries El, I trust your judgment.”

Ella beamed at him, her heart swelling with appreciation and gratitude for that simple but heartfelt acknowledgment. She slowly set the hairbrush down on the vanity, standing to stretch her arms out over her head. Finished, she cast out with her senses, and immediately felt Ferra lying vigilant just outside of their bedroom door. The wild pony's emotions were a strange mix of suspicion, confusion, and caution all bedded on a thick layer of devoted love for Flash and herself. The smell and taste of the mix was interesting, like black licorice.

“Ferra doesn’t seem to,” Ella said with a small chuckle.

Flash looked over at her with a raised eyebrow, “Seriously?”

“She’s lying right outside our door as we speak,” Ella said, gesturing with her head.

Flash chuckled and shook his head, “I think she’s just cautious around new ponies, she was acting a little funny around Cozy Glow this morning too as I recall, told me that she thinks the filly is ‘strange’.

Ella swallowed nervously, “Well, she’s not wrong. Cozy is probably the smartest kid I’ve ever met, and I think that makes her feel a little uncertain in trying to relate to others her age and find her place in the world.”

“Well, she’s also at that age where ponies try to to find themselves,” Flash said, “Having a cutie mark doesn’t necessarily mean you have it all worked out. That said, I think the fact that she likes hanging out with you shows that she feels safe around you, Ella. I’m glad you can be the one to help her out.”

Ella walked over to the bed, climbing on and cuddling up to Flash, resting her head on his chest as he dropped a strong arm about her shoulders.

“You really know how to make a girl feel good, babe.”

Flash smiled, “Not bad for a dork, eh?” He said, making Ella giggle.

She lay silently for a moment, listening to the sound of his strong heart while relishing in the sensation of comfort and security that his love for her provided. At the same time, she could sense a knot of turmoil in there, just beneath the surface.

“Tough day at work?” Ella asked.

“Yeah,” Flash admitted with a sigh.

“Wanna tell me about it?”

Flash shook his head, “Nah, maybe later. Leave work at work. Right now, I just want to be here with you.”

Ella smiled and squeezed herself closer to him, “It’s alrigh’ babe. Just remember, God’ll never give you more than you can handle.”

Flash leaned his head back, staring wistfully up at the Crucifix hanging above their bed. How do you deal with it all? He wondered to himself.

“Yeah,” Flash admitted after a few moments, “Just sometimes? I really wish He didn’t trust me so much.”

Ella laughed, “Now you're starting to sound like an earthling, babe.”

Flash smiled and gave her a small squeeze, “Love you, earth lady.”

She leaned up and kissed his cheek, “Love you, pony boy.”

Princess Luna fanned her powerful wings, coming to a halt midair high above the dark forest below, the tops of the trees being softly illuminated by the gentle light of her moon. She had gotten as close as she could estimate based on the last contact the scouts had made with Telson as well as the glimpses of his mind she was able to just touch within the dream realm. His mind was strange, and he seemed to have a way of keeping his dream state to a minimum. Still, she was confident that she would find him here and made ready her approach.

Lowering herself slowly to the ground amidst a small clearing in the trees, Luna focused her magic, summoning down a single beam of concentrated moon light upon her and the clearing, making herself clearly visible to anypony who might be hiding somewhere in the dark cover of the forest; willfully exposing herself. Not in a threat display, but rather, in invitation.

“Step forth Telson, son of Chrysalis!” Luna shouted boldly into the forest, though with nothing approaching the power of the Royal Canterlot Voice. “I would have words with you,” she said while folding her wings, pausing before adding, “Please.”

She waited. She waited for a minute. Then another. Time slipped by slowly, with no sign of the changeling showing himself or of even being anywhere near her location. But Luna was patient, she knew that he was supremely cautious, and if present, was likely evaluating the pros and cons of revealing himself, or if her invitation was in reality a trap, which it was not.

After five full minutes of nothing but the sounds of the forest, Luna’s ear flicked as she heard the sharp sound of a twig snapping under hoof. One that was in no doubt deliberately made coming from one who so obviously knew how to avoid detection.

Luna turned her head slightly to the right, towards the direction she heard the sound. Her night vision was excellent, but even with the aid of the moon, she still saw nothing between the trees at first. But then, focusing on what appeared to be a distortion in the night air, she saw a pair of large, golden eyes slowly become visible.

Telson’s body slowly followed, appearing as translucent as if he were made of glass, his entire figure reflecting and easily blending in with the forest around him. It was a most impressive display of magical camouflage.

No wonder the scouts could never find him. Luna thought to herself.

Golden flames licked away the changeling’s camouflage as he approached her with slow but confident strides, walking towards her until they were but one of her wingspans apart. He was tall and strong, his eyes golden and fierce yet possessing the deepest calm, like the depths of space. His carapace was the deepest black, so glossy that it reflected the very stars of the sky above, making him appear as a living piece of the night itself, while his burnt-orange tail and wings flickered in the pale moon as tongues of fire. He bowed his head low before her,

“Princess Luna, to what do I owe this honor? Why does the Mistress of the Night go out into the wilderness in pursuit of a single flea?”

Luna felt a small smile pull at her lips, his way with words as pleasing now as it was when she spoke with him last year at the wedding. Nevertheless, she kept up her guard, unsure if his endearing charm was the disarming tactic of a professional infiltrator or perhaps some remnant of his predatory nature.

“Perhaps she fears that this particular flea possesses a very sharp bite,” she replied. Normally, she would never dream of referring to a changeling with what she considered to be a demeaning insult. But due to the fact that he had referred to himself as such first, she decided to play along. His reaction could be telling.

Telson raised his head and smiled, “Then let me assure you, Night Mistress, that those fears are unfounded.” He said, shaking his head. “I am not Equestria’s enemy, nor do I mean her ponies any harm.”

“No,” Luna replied, her eyes narrowing slightly, “But Chrysalis is and does.”

Telson nodded once, solemnly “Yes, this is sadly true.”

“And yet you still consider her your Queen, and, by your own rather dramatic admission to the hive, intend to return her to the throne?”

He nodded again, his sharp, curved horn punctuating the gesture. The blood-red tip glistening in the moonlight making it look as if he had just gored an ox.

“I do, and I shall.”

Luna grimaced slightly, “Then why does it surprise you that we should pursue you? Did you not think such a declaration would not cause concern? Or the fact that you kept such intentions a secret would not raise suspicion?”

“I told you everything that you would need to know through Michail, do you not trust him?”

Luna huffed, pawing once at the ground with her hoof, “I do trust him, with my life!” She adamantly replied.

Telson was silent for a moment, before quietly saying, “But, not with my words?”

Luna frowned, “I, want to. But how do we know if you can keep them? How do I know if you will not obey what Chrysalis commands you to do regardless of your own personal desire to reform her?”

“Because,” Telson said, glancing to one side, “Someone very special to me once taught me that true loyalty and love does not necessarily mean blind obedience,” he looked back up at Luna, admiration in his eyes, “But seeking their good.”

“Ella,” Luna said in understanding.

“Yes,” Telson said with a nod. “What is best for my Queen is not her bitter designs, which can only end in sorrow, but healing, and a reconciliation with her children.”

“And should she refuse your good will?” Luna asked.

Telson smiled, though his eyes were sad, “Then, I shall suffer her displeasure, until such a time should come where there is hope that she will make a better choice.”

“And can the same be said of Princess Chelicerae? Is she of the same mind as you?”

“She is."

Luna stared at him for a moment, her gaze scrutinizing, trying to decide if there were any reason to doubt him.

“And what if I demanded that you return to Canterlot with me, to give an account of yourself to my sister?”

Telson shifted his stance ever so slightly, “I would hope that you wouldn’t, Night Mistress. I would be deeply saddened to no longer be on friendly terms with you, and I very much prefer to give an account of myself to you rather than to her. Is your word not enough for your sister?”

Luna felt her lips twitch in amusement. She noticed a curious look in his eyes, it was the way he looked at her. Admiration, wonder, and even a hint of giddiness was coming through the stalwart changeling’s stoic demeanor. It was all visible in his golden eyes, a kind of innocent, child-like wonder that touched her heart.

“Why do you prefer me over my sister? And why do you address me as my night ponies do?”

A tremor of excitement seemed to pass through the changeling, “Because, I feel safe with you."

Luna tilted her head, “Safe? What do you mean?”

Telson gave a small wistful smile, “When I was a young ling, we were always taught to fear the day, and with good reason. Day time meant danger, daylight meant potential discovery and death. But the night,” Telson looked up longingly at the moon, “The night gave us protection, the night made us feel safe.” He said, looking back to her.

“I used to talk to you, you know, the Mare in the Moon. We all heard the legends, and often I would look up at the moon at night to say ‘thank you’ for keeping us safe, to ask if you ever felt lonely, or what the world looked like to you from way up there. Anything, really.” He sighed, looking down for a moment, and then looked up and said, “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would actually get to meet you, let alone speak with you, Mistress of the Night. So yes, that is why I address you so, because it is who you are, who you have always been to me. You are the one who kept us safe with your beautiful night.”

Luna had managed a neutral expression as he spoke, but still found herself supremely grateful for the fact that she had cast a ward over herself before coming here that would shield her emotions and aura from his senses; knowing that if she hadn't, that she would probably look like a lit up Hearth’s Warming Tree to him right now.

Do other changelings view me in the same manner? She wondered to herself.

Luna cleared her throat, “Ahem, I see. You have quite the way with words, son of Chrysalis.”

Telson glanced away, and Luna swore she caught a momentary blush in his face, but could have imagined it.

“Ah, forgive me. I did not mean to speak so boldly to your highness.” He quietly said.

Luna shook her head and smiled, “Nay, I am grateful for your kind words, Telson. Chrysalis should count herself lucky to have one such as yourself working for her good.”

Telson said nothing to that, but inclined his head in acknowledgment.

“So, do you require anything else of me, Night Mistress?” He asked.

Luna considered him for a moment, before saying, “I believe that you truly love Ella.”

“With all my heart.”

“And that you would never do anything that would endanger her or the one you call Michail.”

Telson shook his head, “I would die first.”

Luna sighed, looking down for a moment before saying, “Then, I shall trust that,” she looked up at him, “I shall trust your love, Telson.”

A look of gratitude and something akin to pain seemed to touch his features for just a second before he bowed his head once more, “You have my deepest thanks, Night Mistress. And you can rest assured that if my Queen does make any hostile move against Equestria, I will do everything in my power to dissuade her, and I will certainly warn you if I cannot.”

“Luna,” she replied with a smile, “You may call me by my name, Telson.” She said, feeling a hint of mischievousness at the momentary, though obvious surprise she could see she caused him on his face.

“Yes, Princess Luna, thank you again.”

“Just Luna will do,” she said with a gentle smile. “And yes, thank you for that assurance in regards to Chrysalis and any future plots she may contrive. Is there any gesture of goodwill that Equestria might offer thee in return, Telson?”

“Well, I would like to know that I might be able to visit Ella again from time to time without fearing that a garrison might be called out on me,” he said with a friendly smirk.

Luna chuckled softly and nodded, “Yes, you need have no fear of that any longer, so long as you do not give us reason to. And what of Chrysalis, have you discovered her whereabouts yet?”

“That would be too telling at this time, your highness.” Telson said cautiously, “Please, I must maintain at least some anonymity for my Queen until happier times are upon us.”

“Pity, but I understand Telson. Then would you at least be willing to take this from me?”

Luna’s horn glowed white as the light of the moon convalesced brightly around the tip of her horn. There was a brilliant flash, and when it ended, there in her blue magic, hung a silver crescent on a silver rope.

“This charm will allow me to make contact with you should either of us require it,” she said, holding it out to him. “I believe that establishing proper channels of communication will go far in minimizing suspicion of the other and quickly dispelling whatever unhelpful rumors might crop up in the future.”

Telson didn’t answer at first as he eyed the charm with a hint of indecision.

Luna smiled, “I assure you, it will only allow me to contact you, not trace your location if you fear that you might inadvertently expose Chrysalis.”

That was all it took for the changeling to take hold of the charm in his golden magic and clip it around his stout neck.

“It would be an honor, your highness. Thank you for such a treasure.” He said.

Luna was pleased that he took her at her word without question, and took a moment to admire how the fierce soldier looked once again with that child-like wonder down at the sigil around his neck.

“One last question, Telson. What is your opinion of Thorax, the present leader of the changelings?”

Telson looked up from examining the silver charm, looking displeased for the first time that evening.

“The seat warmer?” He derisively asked, not even trying to hide the annoyance in his voice. Luna actually felt herself snort from holding in a laugh.

“He will suffice for now, my brethren seem satisfied enough with his leadership, regardless of his inadequacies.”

“And what of Chrysalis, say that she reforms and yet does not desire to return to the throne?”

Telson sighed, “If neither she nor Princess Chelicerae press a suit, then yes, I am happy to leave well enough alone, I suppose. I certainly do not desire to rule.”

Luna felt relief flood through her at his words, and she knew that Celestia would share that sentiment.

“You are a rare soul, son of Chrysalis. Thank you for your willingness to speak plainly with me.” She said.

“You only needed to ask.” He replied.

She laughed, “Our apologies then for not asking you sooner. So, now that you need not dodge pursuers, will you be getting some rest?”

Telson smiled at her, “Soon, but not yet. After all, the brightest wonders are the most beautiful to observe at night.”

Luna agreed, but at the same time, was again, very, very glad that she had placed that earlier ward.

Author's Note

“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow. The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.” -Saint Francis de Sales

Hello my friends, glad to finally be back!

If you're curious about Cozy's dream, know that I am using the head canon of RainbowDoubleDash's Cozy Glow: FIENDship is Magic for her background, with the author's permission of course. Thank you RainbowDoubleDash!

And a thank you to Venerable Ro for showing me that story last year which inspired me on how I wished to write the little devil haha.

As always, I look forward to your thoughts and am glad to have you here, God bless!