Circumbinary Star System

Chapters

1 - A Discorded Start
2 - Happy Birthday
3 - Land Disputes
4 - To Learn
5 - From the Nest
6 - My Faithful Student
7 - Dancing the Day Away
8 - Liar, Revealed
9 - Court Duties
10 - Hitting the Town
11 - The Sun Sets
12 - Orbiting One Another
13 - Hunting Predators
14 - Homecoming

1 - A Discorded Start

Discord watched as Celestia accepted each of her gifts. She was smiling at each as she unwrapped them, but he could tell. She was ready for the night to be over. She was getting bored. He didn't blame her, there were only so many variations on 'ponies bringing their favorite goddess gifts' a mare could take before she got tired of it.

But that was fine. What wasn't fine were the more subtle hints he was picking up. She was hoping, deep down, for something else. None of those gifts were what she actually wanted, just things ponies thought their lovely, perfect, Celestia would want.

"Discord," came a familiar voice from behind him. "Where is your gift to Her Royal Highness?"

Discord spun around, folding his talon behind his back. "I've decided to forego the giving of gifts this year, my dear little princess." He smiled at Luna with a little false laugh. "Besides, if I were to give her something, I'd want it to be something she appreciates more than what she's already getting."

Luna looked annoyed at that. She glanced over at the table of gifts. Discord could see her thinking. There were a lot of gifts. Gifts she had probably wanted for herself, but were now sitting there, unopened, because they were for Celestia. "She does seem, hm, unsatisfied?" She turned an ear back. "I do not understand it. When my birthday comes, I receive hardly as many."

Discord patted her shoulder gently. "You didn't have a thousand years of gift-giving to live up to. Everypony expects Celestia to love what they give her, because she always has in the past. So this year, everyone and their grandmare has given her what a thousand moons of tradition demands. But I don't think your sister is really up for it."

Luna shook his talon off. "Well, she is going to have to grin and bear it, just as I do! We have been preparing for this night for months. She cannot simply decide that she's bored now."

"Or." Discord clapped his hands together. "We could get her what she really wants! You're her sister, surely you would have some idea. What would really put a smile on sunbutt?"

Luna considered. "Well..." she said slowly. "She did tell me, once, about a childhood dream of hers."

Discord leaned down. "Yes?"

Luna closed her eyes. "You are not to repeat this to anypony," she said sternly. She sighed, considering who she was speaking to. "I'm serious. If word of this spreads, I will have my revenge!" Discord looked properly scared, faking it though he was. "Sister has dreamed of a stallion, somepony to share her burden with besides me, to stand at her side as an equal. The further we went, the less likely that became. Ponies are intimidated by her, not in a bad way, but none of them dare consider her a potential partner."

Discord could see where this was going, and the wheels began to turn in his head. "Oh ho. I think I know just the answer." He smooched Luna's cheeks, one to each. "I'll be right back." Before the stunned princess could react, he was gone.

Luna stared after him for a moment, before turning her attention back to the party. She hoped that whatever Discord was up to, it wouldn't be too bad. He meant well, she knew, but his understanding of social norms and expectations was rather loose, if not completely absent. She shook her head with a sigh. "It's out of my hooves."

***

Mark whistled softly, summoning one of several mares to stand before him. He gently stroked over the horse's nose and cheeks. "Good girl." He got to inspecting her for the evening. "Getting tired, aren't you?"

"They've had a long night," came a voice from the edge of the paddock.

Mark turned. "This is their job, Mr. Vega," he said.

Vega chuckled. "As is yours to make sure they have this home to begin with."

Mark tensed at that. "I'll get the payment in, Sir. I just need a few weeks—"

"Relax, Mark," Vega said gently. "You're not at the deadline just yet. If you can get me what I'm owed in two weeks, we won't have to have this conversation again."

Mark bowed. "Yes, Sir."

"Have you made any progress on your sales?" Vega looked out over the paddock and the wandering horses there. "Looking up, I hope? You know I'd rather you be successful. Your rent's more useful than an empty horse lot."

Mark nodded, checking out one of the mares' teeth. "I've got several prospective buyers looking at my girls. I think I can get them sold in a month."

Vega shook his head. "It must be getting desperate, if you'd consider selling even one of them, let alone several. Are you sure they'll be happy with whoever buys them?"

Mark sighed. "I'll make sure of it, Mr. Vega. My family has been caring for these horses for generations. They always come first. And that includes keeping their happiness a priority." He glared at Vega, who seemed to take the hint, wandering away. "Sorry you had to hear that." He stroked the mare's side, not that she seemed to grasp the conversation. "But he's right. You deserve better than being sold off just to pay the bills."

The horse tossed her head as if in agreement.

Mark led that mare and the others to their stalls. "Come on, let's get you inside. Don't want evening dew getting on your perfect hooves."

The horses whickered in protest.

"Don't you start that now," Mark chided gently. "It's almost lights out time. You can all play more tomorrow."

One of the stallions threw his head in frustration.

"Listen, I know you're just bored. But there's nothing to be done about it now." He patted each horse on the way past, guiding them into their stalls for the evening. "You'll be safe in there. Get some sleep." He went to close the doors, but paused at the final stall. It was occupied by a colt, resting alone in the dark. Mark pulled up a stool and sat down beside him. "Still not feeling good?" He encouraged the colt closer, cradling them. "I'm sorry."

"Pity."

Mark looked up. "Sir—" But it wasn't Vega. It was some new man, dressed just as sharply. "Who are you? How did you get in here?"

The man walked past Mark, his eyes wandering over the stall. "Quite an impressive place you've got here," he said softly. "Just look at this architecture." He waved down at the sickly colt. "Such dashing steeds."

"He's getting over a sickness." Mark held the colt protectively from the stranger. "If you wanted to talk business, we open at eight in the morning. I'm still closed."

"Well, so am I," the man said with a grin. "But we need to talk. About this lovely young fellow, for starters." He walked over, ruffling the colt's mane. "You can save them, all of them. Every last horse in here. You do want to do that, don't you? For them?"

Mark let out a low growl. "I'd rather not be threatened right now, thanks. Who are you, and what do you want?"

The man sighed. "Straight to the point. I'm not here to threaten any of you, perish the thought." He waved off the idea with a smug smirk. "I'm here to extend an offer. A chance for all these horses to be cared for and live wonderfully productive lives, and you'd be right there with them! Just because they're animals doesn't mean they should be without somepony to give them the attention they deserve."

Mark shifted the colt's weight. "I take care of my horses. What are you getting at?"

The stranger leaned in. "I'm getting at you not having money. I'm getting at you arranging to sell some of them in a desperate bid to save the rest." He twirled away. "I'm getting at that being something neither you nor the horses want, but you're running out of options, aren't you Mark?"

Mark shuddered. "How do you know my name? What do you want?"

The man tapped his finger against his temple. "My offer is a chance to care for your horses without money ever being an issue again." He brought his hands together with a soft clap. "Think of it, never worrying about the next dollar. Just you and horses, forever together."

"Stop saying that like I'm going to leave them!" Mark shouted. The colt made a little noise, shuffling about. "Shh... It's okay..." He glared up at the stranger.

"I'm saying, dear boy, that you don't have to leave them." He flips out a card. "Take this, and call the number. That's all you have to do if you want them, and you, to be cared for. But just know, you've got two weeks before things start getting worse." He handed the card to Mark, who took it after a moment of hesitation. "I look forward to hearing from you, Mr. Silver."

He marched off with a merry whistle into the dark of the night.

Mark cradled the colt, setting the card aside. "It'll be okay. I won't let anything happen to you, or any of them." He stroked the colt's fur gently. "Let's get you tucked in for the night. I'll be here if you need me."

The colt settled into their bed, curling up with Mark's hand on their back. The boy gave him a final reassuring pat before he slipped into sleep.

Mark went to bed himself, but couldn't sleep. He stared at the card and its number and its unwritten promise. "Equestrian Discord," it read in a fancy golden font on a purple background. It had a phone number, taunting him. Two weeks.

Mark thought back. Two weeks... That was when Vega would come back for his rent. No amount of money could cover what he owed now, not any amount he could get quickly, aside of selling some of them.

"I'm sorry," he muttered to himself. "It'll be okay..." Saying it out loud helped ease his guilt, if only a little. He curled up and tried to sleep, hoping for the best.

***

Discord enjoyed being cryptic. He chuckled, watching the poor human wrestle over the choice given. "Come now. It's not even a bad deal." Not that Mark could hear him from another plane away.

To Mark's credit, he lasted a week, desperately searching for a way out. But his horse, the first, would be sold the next day. He was out of time. He called that number.

"Equestrian Discord," sang Discord musically. "How can we help you? Are you ready to take that deal?"

"If you can really do what you say, then I want it," Mark said. "I need your help."

Discord sat down. "Yes, I know. I've been watching you. You really did try, poor thing. No matter. I made a promise, and I don't make too many of those. Now, there is one catch."

Mark sighed into his phone. "There's always a catch."

"Good, you know! The catch is there will be this particular horse. You have to get in good with her, take care of her. That's all." Discord tapped at the table beside him. "Think you can do that?"

Mark blinked. "W-what? I, sure?" He imagined a random mare with an attitude problem. "I'll be gentle with her, but I'll take care of her, yeah!"

"Excellent. Her name is Celestia. You two will become great friends, hm?"

The call ended. The phone dropped to the floor. Mark wasn't there to hold it, and neither were the horses. Vega would return to find the entire horse farm entirely empty.

Mark fell forward onto an alien floor. He struck the ground, but caught himself on his arms, but those weren't his arms. He neighed in surprise, shuffling in place with amazement as he coiled and turned. He was a horse, with a tail, twitching ears, and new senses screaming that he was surprised and scared. The door in front of him opened, allowing several golden-armored little horses to march in. "Ah, Solaris." One saluted sharply. "I thought you were coming tomorrow."

Author's Note

New story go! They paid for 2 extra updates this starting month, so expect weekly updates on this one this month(to 4). What think ye of the premise to start?

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2 - Happy Birthday

Mark, er, Solaris, was led from the room. His eyes wandered around with amazement. There were painted glass windows and fine art everywhere, to say nothing of the gold lines that ran across things. "This place must belong to someone very rich."

The soldiers glanced at each other with confused expressions.

Solaris followed their gazes and smiled. "Sorry. You must think I'm crazy, don't you?" He sighed softly. He rubbed behind his head with a hoof awkwardly. "It's, uh, been a long trip. I might have forgotten a few things. I'm looking for Celestia?" That was a name he knew.

One of them perks and smiles. "Ah, Princess Celestia is expecting you. We are going to court to see her right now. She told us about you."

Solaris's jaw dropped. "She knows me?" His mind was racing with possibilities. "What else did she say about me?"

The two guards were clearly trying not to laugh. One nudged against the other. "She's been expecting you, Sir. You came to wish her a happy birthday, didn't you?"

Solaris gathered himself up. "Y-yeah, right. She deserves a happy birthday."

Things quieted down as they marched through the castle. They led him through beautiful halls of fine craftsmanship and historical architecture. The other humans would have a field day in this place. Solaris sighed softly, wishing he could share it with them. But he was a pony in another world. He'd have to enjoy it on his own.

They emerged into a court where other little ponies were talking among themselves, and with one large horse. She was amazing. His eyes widened, taking in the wonders of Princess Celestia. A flick of her ear, a curl of her mane, and she turned and met his gaze. "Ah, Solaris!" She smiled warmly at him, approaching and coiling her neck over him.

Numbly, he returned the hug, wrapping his neck around hers and reaching a hoof to complete the embrace. "Princess Celestia, a pleasure to get to see you." His mind reeled. That was the horse he was to get in good with? She was no horse. She was a goddess. He looked away, but found a mirror, and in it, himself. His new form was just as divine, if male. He was a slender god of the sun, his rump adorned with a bright star, just like hers.

They were a pair. She broke from him. "We have so much to discuss! Come!"

Solaris trotted after her eagerly. "Where are we going?"

"To my library." Celestia tossed her head, giving him a look. "Your people arrived with you. I'm very sorry to hear for their loss."

"Their loss, right." People? He sped up to be at her side. "It's been quite a trip. Celestia, happy birthday."

She smiled, a radiant gesture. "Thank you. I was wondering if I would have a good one."

Solaris wanted to fall over. His hooves shook, but he kept his footing. "What could make your birthday bad?"

Celestia considered a moment. "Well, for one, no proper friends would stop by." She considered him a moment. "But that possibility appears to have fled. Or so it would seem."

He stopped. "Celestia?"

She stopped as well, turning. "Yes, Solaris?"

Solaris thought back to the phone call. He considered the lovely sun queen before him. "I was thinking, and do tell me if I'm being too forward, but I'd like to get to know you."

Celestia's cheeks darkened, a motion that moved to her snout between her eyes. "Are you asking to court me, Solaris? How bold of you."

Solaris shrank, but marshalled himself, standing tall. "I am asking. It is your choice, of course." Yes, always the lady's choice, be they human, horse, god, or anything else.

Celestia licked over her lips and huffed. "Oh, alright. But we must keep things private for now. I wouldn't want rumors to start just yet."

He smiled. "My lips are sealed."

They marched on to the library, where Celestia gave him a tour. "Your people sprang to work, Solaris." She pointed to a pony sorting books. "She was eager to get her hooves on the books."

The pony turned and nodded at Celestia, then gasped at seeing Solaris. "Sir!" She bowed towards him. "Thank you, Sir. We owe you so much!"

Solaris tilted his head. "It's nice to meet you...?"

"Oh, sorry!" The pony patted her chest. "I'm Bookmark, but you, Sir, knew me as Sunny Patch."

Solaris rocked back. Sunny Patch had been one of his horses, back when he was a human. "S-Sunny Patch?" And she had somehow become a talking little pony? "How?" Looking her over, she did look like Sunny Patch, if smaller and cuter.

Celestia rested a wing on Solaris's shoulder. "We've allowed your people to take up positions that suited their fancy. None were forced, I assure. They are our guests. Once they understand the society, I hope they will be able to choose what role they wish to fill." She smiled at Bookmark. "There is still much work to be done. Would you like to help us find some books? I'm looking for a guide on Equestria's history."

Bookmark perked. "I know where those are! Right this way!" She pranced ahead of them.

Celestia reached and ruffled through Solaris's mane. "Follow your mare. She's taken to the librarian role quite naturally."

The two followed Bookmark to an illustrated manual of Equestria. Celestia passed the book right on to Solaris. "If you and your people are remaining here, which I imagine you are, you should study this. Learn all you can about our world."

Solaris stroked the book. "Of course. Thank you, Celestia." He leaned against her. "I am sorry we arrived so suddenly."

"Dire circumstances." She considered him a still moment. "I would hope, should the situations have been reversed, you would have welcomed us just as warmly. You and your people are home now." She took a step towards the exit. "If you need anything, you have but to call."

Solaris stepped after her, wings flaring. "W-wait! Will I see you again?"

Celestia fixed him with a confused stare. "Why wouldn't you? Your people live here, and I cannot remember when last I had another sun raiser in the castle." She flashed a warm smile. "I am looking forward to a day off, when you feel ready for the task."

"It would be my honor," he said quickly. "We'll work out a schedule so I can cover for you while you have some time off."

"There is no rush. Take the time to get used to things around here." She raised a metal-clad hoof to gently brush his chest. "We are peers."

"Peers." He struggled for words. "Of course." There was the fact that he had no idea how to raise a sun. "I'd like to talk to you more."

"And I'd like to be spoken to." She leaned in, touching her slender horn to his. "But if I'm away too long for my own birthday, they will begin to speak of it. I shall return to you."

Solaris dipped his head down to Celestia's shoulder. "I am waiting for you." He released her reluctantly, allowing her to slip away and leave him alone with Bookmark.

Bookmark bowed. "I will get back to work, Sir."

Solaris turned towards her. "Bookmark is it now? Can I ask you a few things?" The idea of actually talking to one of his horses and getting a reply was a new idea, but not entirely unwelcome.

Bookmark smiled brightly. "I'd be delighted! I couldn't say much before." She glanced away. "I have years of words I want to get out."

Solaris nodded in understanding. "I'm sorry we lost so much time." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "How did you get to be this way?"

"Oh!" Bookmark gasped softly. "I don't really know. Me and the others woke up in this castle." She waved a hoof about. "The other large one, Princess Celestia, welcomed us so kindly and let us do what we wanted to do. I wanted to be with the books, and she let me. She really is nice. Everypony is! You won't believe how nice ponies can be!" She touched his shoulder gently. "We're all together again, the ones that came here anyway."

Solaris looked down at her hoof and patted it. "That's wonderful. I'm glad you're all together again." He smiled warmly at Bookmark. "Did they all make it? Are they safe?"

"Every single horse that lived in the stable you kept." She nodded, clearly envisioning it. "But our friends from the next stable over didn't. I miss them a little."

Solaris hissed gently. His horses had come, and none others. "That makes sense. I'm sorry about that, but my deal only covered my horses. Are you mad at me?"

Bookmark shook her head. "Oh no! How could we be? You saved us, Sir. We're here because of you!"

"I only did what was right." Solaris leaned down. "If you need anything, I'm here for you. I'm still your protector."

She radiated pure joy. "I'm so glad to hear you say that! Can I hug you?"

He nodded and took the offered hug. "Yes, you may. Bookmark, I want to know about all the others, so I can care for them." He held her gently, stroking over her back. "I'm so glad you're alright. You were always a feisty but lovely mare."

Bookmark nodded, breaking the hug. "Thank you. Oh, look around the castle. They're all around here, doing different things they liked doing."

"Like how you like the books." Solaris stroked through Bookmark's mane. "Thank you. We'll have to talk again later. I need to think about all this."

Bookmark waved as he wandered off.

Solaris emerged into a hallway, looking up and down it. There were plenty of ponies in sight, but which were his? He decided to just walk and look, which proved remarkably effective. Most ponies just nodded as he passed. But some would bow the moment he came into view. He talked with those, and most of them turned out to be his horses.

He thought he had run out of things to be surprised about, at least until a stallion nodded at him. "Sir. Good to see you again, Sir."

Solaris inclined his head. "This is going to be an awkward question, but which stallion were you before?"

"Blizzard, Sir." He flapped his wings. "I'm keeping the name, Sir."

"A fine name." Solaris recognized the name. They were a gelding. Most stallions were. The pony in front of him was clearly intact. "Where did you wind up, Blizzard?"

Blizzard pointed a hoof at the door beside them. "I'm a royal guard. The pay's decent and I get to use my skills for something worthwhile. Plus, the princesses are wonderful!"

Solaris shook hooves with him. "I'll leave you to it, Blizzard." He watched Blizzard go, making double sure the gelding had somehow become intact again. "Hm." At least they didn't seem to have any lingering anger about being made into a gelding. Solaris shrugged, turning to keep walking around the castle.

But every pony he passed was happy to see him. When he arrived back at his room, there was a meal waiting for him. He ate, digesting everything that had happened. It wasn't perfect, but his horses were safe. He was safe, mostly. He was being fed, and money appeared to not be an object. It was just as that man had promised, with some little parts he had just left out.

He settled down in his room for the evening, finding a space on the bed, but having a bit of trouble laying down. "I'm a horse," he muttered. "Strange thought."

The door opened. He sat up in surprise to see Celestia waltzing in. She shut the door behind herself. "And a good evening to you, Solaris. I trust you're feeling more at home?"

"Yes." Solaris shifted in place. "I was, um. Is your party over? Do you want to sit down and talk?"

Celestia studied him for a moment, before taking the offered seat beside him on the bed. "I appreciate you accepting me as a partner."

Solaris rubbed his hooves together. "I wanted to talk to you, get to know you, Celestia. I, hm, bet you want to do the same."

"Perhaps." She rested her chin on the bed. "You're the first new pony to enter my life that neither looked up nor down at me in a very long time. That's something I am looking forward to. There's an excitement to that idea, but there's also apprehension."

Solaris turned one ear back, tail flicking. "I'd like to know about you. I know you're the princess, and not much more. What do you like, or dislike?"

"Where to start?" She flicked her ears about in thought. "I enjoy being a princess, and spending time with the ponies that live in Canterlot. My duties as a ruler are fulfilling, and I feel like I make a difference." She took a slow breath. "But they are also consuming. When I wake up to when I rest my head, I am on-duty, being the princess that my ponies need and expect."

Solaris patted Celestia's cheek gently. "It's hard to turn it off. Is there anything you enjoy when you aren't working?"

Celestia closed her eyes at his touch, leaning into his hoof. "Mmm, I do enjoy good music. I enjoy a sunny day. The smell of plants and the call of wild animals sooth me."

Solaris was examining her mane as she spoke. It looked so silky, and felt that way too. He felt entranced by the idea of touching it again. "I think I can work with that." He smiled at this pony that spoke of very simple human desires. "I like most of those too. Maybe we can listen to some music together? What genres do you like?"

Celestia sat up. "Any of them. I can even sing!"

"That's wonderful!" Solaris caught himself, clearing his throat. "What do you sing?"

"Harmonies mostly." She flicked an ear back. "Which can be awkward, being the princess. Alone, I sing what comes from my heart, which can be a little random at times. Maybe you'll like it? Or maybe you don't care for music."

"No, I do," Solaris said quickly. "I play piano and violin."

"Instruments? We'll have to see about getting you some sheet music." She tapped at her cheek. "We have both of those available. Would you like me to have them brought here, to your room? Perhaps we could arrange a time when we can have a musical evening."

Solaris spread his wings slowly. "That sounds nice. It'd be nice to share something we both enjoy. And no rush on the instruments." He wasn't even sure how an instrument would work with his hooves and complete lack of fingers. He struggled to think of things he could add to the pile, but riding horses was right out. Watching TV, no, that wouldn't work.

Celestia opened her mouth to say something, but paused, thinking better of it. She shook her head a little, but said nothing.

Solaris gathered his confidence. "I'd like to be able to get close to you. You seem like a wonderful person."

Celestia froze at that. "Hm." She leaned in a little. "I have been called many things. A person is a rare one." She sat up tall. "But not one I dislike. Most look up to me, and would never call me anything save Princess. Luna calls me Sister, for I am that. But none feel the need to address me as person. As something that is another one of them." She put a hoof on his shoulder. "Thank you."

Solaris returned the embrace to the best of his ability. "You deserve it. But are we actually dating? Is that what this is?"

"It can be," Celestia said slowly. She laughed gently. "For a royal, you are unskilled in the art of courting. If it makes you feel better, I am hardly better. We are courting, Solaris. This delicate phase is when we gently test one another, to see if one's heart can be won by the other. Only after this is managed do we proceed. We are not yet marefriend or coltfriend just yet. But it would be considered quite rude if either found the other in the arms of another pony." She huffed at the very idea. "Etiquette demands one end one courtship before rushing to the next."

Solaris lowered his head. "So, there's etiquette for all this? Is there a book on it?"

"Perhaps, but I would rather teach you myself." She patted his shoulder. "Another excuse to get to know you." She rose to her hooves and turned for the door. "You must be tired."

Solaris moved up to Celestia. "I feel restless, actually. It's only been a few hours since I got here." He shook his head slowly. "This is an entire new world."

"Don't exaggerate." She turned back to him, but only briefly. She needed only a moment to steal a kiss. "Your nation was far, but not that far. Rest. Close your eyes." She strode for the door. "There will be more time tomorrow."

Solaris settled down in his alien form, flopping over and trying to find a comfortable position. The bed was luxuriously soft, he just had a body he wasn't used to. His brain, meanwhile, refused to sleep, and wandered off to muse on Celestia. He knew he liked her. But it was still weird to think of her as an actual person with actual feelings and needs. She wasn't a horse. She was a person that just happened to be shaped a little like one. She was a lonely person, willing to at least give a chance at the first potential partner she laid eyes on.

Author's Note

My lovely patron hurled bits at me and demanded a bonus chapter, and so you all get one to enjoy! Solaris lands with a small splash into pony land! He's keeping his promise so far. So is Discord.

Join the special community of folks who like my stories and/or get your own here at atreon!

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3 - Land Disputes

The morning light was bright and warm. Solaris trotted under it as he trotted through the castle. He was a horse. That was a thing he had to remind himself once in a while. He was a magical horse with his everything just out there for the world to see, and none of them seemed to mind. A guard let him pass with a nod. Some pony brought him breakfast without a word. Another pony brushed his mane, shaved his coat, and polished his hooves, all of which happened with nary a comment.

Solaris kept moving, as if marching would somehow let him catch up with his new direction in life, or maybe let him outrun it.

"Mark."

He came to a sharp halt at hearing his old name. He looked to the source and saw an even tinier pony than usual. The child was smiling at him brightly, like a child might at seeing their favorite person in the whole world. "Mark!" He waved a hoof at Solaria. "Over here!"

Solaris stepped closer, confused. "Hello? Do I know you?"

The colt laughed at the very idea. "Of course you do." The colt rushed up and leaned against Solaris' front leg. "How can I forget my mom?"

Solaris blinked, red creeping over his face. "Mom?"

"Um, not mom mom. Really caring dad? You were there for me, when I was sick. When everyone else had given up on me, you were there for me." He hugged one of Solaris' legs. "You stayed with me and said nice things. It helped me feel better."

Solaris leaned down and gently nudged at the colt's cheek. "What's your name?"

The colt looked surprised. "My name? Didn't you give it to me?"

Who the colt was seemed crystal clear at that point. "Little Pepper?"

Pepper bounced in place. "That's me!" He spread his hooves at Solaris, trying to take in the great horse that used to be his smaller human. "You're all big now. All the others got smaller. The nicest one got the biggest." This seemed alright by him. "They said you arrived, and I was looking for you. Why didn't you tell me you were a princess?"

Solaris winced. "I'm not really a princess." He looked down at the colt before him. "Or at least, I wasn't until recently." He frowned a moment. "But I'm still a boy, a male. That makes me a prince, not a princess." He whipped his tail, golden hay-colored that glittered in the light like spun gold. "Just like you, if a bit larger."

Pepper smiled warmly. "You always say nice things to me." He rubbed against Solaris. "It's weird seeing you this way, but I don't care what you look like. You're my dad." Pepper leaned against him with an almost purr, just to abruptly stop. "Right?" He looked up at Solaris with sudden fear. "Right?"

Solaris flipped an ear back. He felt sure he could just shoo the colt away. But that colt was the sickly little horse he had been nursing to health. That little colt seemed healthy, and so full of life. It was another miracle on a pile. "Of course." He gathered up the colt as he had as a human, embracing them close. "You're welcome to hang out around me, and I'll do my best."

Pepper leaned into the hug. "Thank you!" He kept clinging until Solaris gently nudged him off. "I want to help you!"

Solaris chuckled softly. "Oh? And how do you plan to do that?"

"Well, I could be your servant. We'd be together, and I could help you." His eyes were shining so brightly. It was hard to imagine at times he was the same sickly colt.

Solaris put a hoof to Pepper's snoot. "You are not my servant." He considered other things that fit the vibes he had been feeling. "Oh, how about a squire?"

Pepper's eyes widened, looking overwhelmed in that moment. "Really?! I'd love to be your squire! That's about the same thing, but better! How can I help, Sir?"

Solaris settled back, deep in thought. "Hm, well, I have a question." His eyes went to Pepper's rump. "Why do most ponies here have a picture on their butt, but you do not? Can you find out and get back to me with the answer?"

"I can do that!" Pepper raced off, but skidded to a stop, whipping around. "Anything else?"

Solaris pondered some more. "That's just a start, your very first mission. Do it well, Little Pepper. I believe in you."

Pepper raised his head tall and saluted Solaris. "Right away, Sir! I won't let you down!" He ran off to begin his new task.

Solaris stood tall, smiling to himself. He had gained a squire. Sure, he had also made a deal with some unfathomable force that had clearly gotten him in some terrible deal, but they seemed to be keeping each and every bit of their side of the Faustian bargain.

All he had to do was keep loving and caring for his horses, and to 'get in good' with Celestia, and he would keep up his end of the deal.

"Solaris." Celestia was approaching with her flowing mane and tail. "Good to see you."

He twirled to face her, pondering a moment how she did that, the flowing mane and tail like that. It looked extra lovely in the full light of the day. "Hello! Are you coming to—" But he didn't get to finish, Celestia moving firmly right past him. "Huh?" He scurried to catch up to her. "Where are you headed?"

"My work rarely takes breaks." She smiled at some joke of her own. "You can walk with me, if you'd like, but I need to go to a meeting with a Baltimare official."

Solaris frowned, still walking with Celestia as she continued along her way. "What do they need you for so urgently?"

"Every pony who approaches me has a need that is most urgent, from their point of view." Celestia sighed with a smile. "In this case, it is a land dispute with a neighboring community that would prefer the city not encroach upon it."

Solaris trotted beside Celestia as they descended down into the lower halls. "I didn't know you got into that sort of thing. That's what borders are for, aren't they?"

Celestia bumped against Solaria. "It is, but lines on a map do not always end arguments, especially when entire cities and townships may be at play. When they fail to find an answer, seeking one from me is an option, and so I go to speak to them and consider both sides of it. To seek out balance where I can." She tilted her head a little, aiming a knowing look his way. "I would see if you would be interested in joining me."

"Oh, wow." He held up a hoof, almost toppling. How did ponies do that so easily while they walked? "They're not mine. Wouldn't they be upset if I butted in?"

"You are courting me." She stopped just in front of a door. "Any partner of mine, eventually, would need to stand with me. Even if, today, you only watch and learn, this would still be valuable experience, would it not? Or do you intend to leave me to work on my own, even after we marry?"

Solaris came to an abrupt stop. "Well, um, no, of course not!" He gathered himself up. "Sure, I'll come. If they start hating me, I can just shut up."

"You may surprise yourself. Few can hate you, Solaris." Celestia leaned in for a moment, leaning their heads together in a strange form of embrace. "If they see you as I have so far, they will be enchanted. Of course, your enchantment with your words is what we will be seeing today, perhaps. If you join the conversation."

He shook his head a little. "It would be rude to talk over you, and to them."

Celestia entered the room and Solaris followed. A tall mare was seated across from an elderly stallion. The tall mare looked up, adjusting her glasses. "Princess Celestia, thank you for taking the time." She pointed to a folder of paper. "We've arranged the notes on the project. This will provide needed space for economic development for the ponies of Baltimare."

The older stallion bowed towards Celestia. "Princess. Our town may not be very large, but it is a loving family. Shoving us aside to make room for Baltimare is unconscionable."

Celestia rested her rump against a cushion as she sat at the table. "Is there a proposal for relocation of your people?" She looked towards the younger, taller, mare. "You did consider that, didn't you? Even if I ruled in your favor, they are ponies who would need assistance."

The older stallion stood, back straight, unflinching before Celestia's golden gaze. "They're forcing us out of our homes and out of our lives! We have no other home."

The younger mare pressed her hooves together. "We are willing to move them here." She reached out and drew a map free of Baltimare and pointed to a spot on the other side of it. "Each family would be given a home of their own, exceedingly generous!"

Solaris leaned in over the map, examining it. "Excuse me?"

All three of them looked to Solaris. Celestia seemed amused, as if wondering how Solaris would join. The other two were confused at who this pony was that was butting in. "Sorry." He pointed to where she had said the others would be moved. "I'm no expert, but that looks like a troubled area."

The mare blinked in shock. "What do you mean?"

Solaris leaned in closer. "It strikes me as a low-income kinda place, the way things are laid out. I bet there's more crime there." Did ponies even have human crimes? He didn't know. "More trouble, less opportunities."

The older stallion slumped into his seat. "That would be a terrible idea."

The younger mare let her face fall into the map, before sitting up and peeling it off her face. "Well, it is all we can afford." She had a hurt look to her eyes. "Unless they choose to move farther out, which would take them away from work. Which is another problem for them. I'd like to help them!"

Solaris met her gaze. "Then you need to put some of them into decent homes near the work that's being built. The two in balance would help more than one would or the other." He tapped his hooves together. "You're hoping they don't know any better and end up in cheap houses in bad neighborhoods. That isn't nice."

She paled. "N-no! These are the homes I was sent with. I haven't visited the area personally, I'll admit. I didn't come trying to hoodwink anypony! But these were the homes I was given to work with!" She shrank a little under Celestia's gaze. "Baltimare, as a city, has trusted me with certain parameters. I'm working with them."

The elder scoffed softly. "Parameters that brush us out of the way and dump us where they can forget about us the moment this is over."

Solaris slumped a little. He would love to stick up for his horses. He leaned in and spoke quietly. "How much does Baltimare care for their poorer communities?"

"Not enough," she said back quietly.

Celestia folded her arms. "A stark admission." She leaned in over the mare. "Thank you for having it. Still, if they are not being presented with a truly equitable compensation for upending their livelihoods, I see no reason to allow this to proceed. They were there first. Baltimare is the intruder, in this case. Baltimare will have to move for once."

The mare sighed, her ears drooping. "Princess, that will not be possible without somepony telling me I can work with different parameters." She winced. "Which isn't an option, if I want to make a difference. Which I do!" She worried her hooves. "Do you have a phone?"

Celestia perked a brow. "Phones are a new luxury, still spreading across the land. Interesting devices. Why do you ask?"

The mare pointed off vaguely towards Baltimare. "I can call my superiors, update them on what's going on, and get new parameters to work with. Otherwise, I'd have to go all the way back and come here again to resume this. We wouldn't get anything done today."

Solaris sat in place, studying the maps spread on the table curiously.

The elder bowed to Celestia. "Thank you, Your Highness." His eyes went to Solaris quickly. "Who is this, with you? They seem to be a smart pony."

Celestia laid a wing over Solaris, drawing him close. "My new prince, Solaris. He will one day rule beside me, once our courting is complete." She smiled at Solaris as she said it, clearly having some extra meaning that he wasn't understanding.

The elder's eyes went wide. "Oh! Um, congratulations, Princess." He bowed to her, then to Solaris in quite the hurry. "You two make an adorable pair. I didn't think you'd find another sun pony, Princess."

Solaris blushed softly, sitting back up. "I have a lot to learn about Equestria and what it means to be one of their princes."

The elder sat back. "A matter for another time. I'll head home then?"

Celestia raised a hoof. "Hold yourself. I will arrange for a telephone, and we can meet back here tomorrow. Is that acceptable for all parties?"

The younger mare smiled. "That will be fine. Thank you, Princess Celestia."

Celestia smiled back warmly. "It is no trouble at all. You are doing your best." She looked to the elderly stallion. "And you?"

He nodded once, slowly. "I suppose I can get along with it. A day's delay won't cause us any issues."

Solaris drew Celestia's gaze for a moment, standing. "Then we're, um, done for today?"

Celestia nodded gently. "Thank you both for speaking with me. I would rather ponies talked such things out, even if emotions run high. See you both tomorrow."

The pair left the room, leaving Solaris and Celestia alone. Solaris flopped back against the cushion. "That was... something." He rolled onto his back. "At least we didn't wind up in a fight or anything."

"Partially thanks to you." Celestia inclined an ear. "How did you know they were situated in a poor neighborhood, those houses? You barely glanced at that map and knew in an instant. What told you that?"

Solaris let himself hang there, thinking of how to answer. "Poor areas always have more trouble than better areas."

Celestia smoothed her mane idly. "Certainly true, but that doesn't say how you recognized it so quickly. What is your secret?"

Solaris let out a long sigh. "Where I'm from, uh, in my old nation, cities often develop better places, then cheap housing on the fringes, or low density towards the center. And when they can, the cheap areas get left out of everything good. I didn't want that old pony to get stuck with that."

"Goodness. You recognized that from a few notes on a map?" Celestia leaned in over him. "What a clever pony, and educated as well." She raised a hoof to her chin, eyeing him with a new light. "Since I brought it up, how educated are you, actually?" She laughed gently. "I have little in the way of formal education, myself, but I have a thousand years of experience. That makes up for quite a bit."

Solaris thought back to his time as a human. "I graduated from a fancy high school. That's where they teach you stuff like reading and math."

Celestia inclined her head. "Ah, raised in a city? No wonder you were quicker on the uptake than I had been. Still, you performed excellently today. For one without training, you did exactly what I might have done. That was all very impressive."

He righted himself slowly, so he could face her. "Do you have more to do today?"

"The duties of a princess rarely takes a break." She stood up to her full height. "Walk with me?"

Author's Note

It would seem every single horse made it, even Little Pepper. How could Solaris say no?

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4 - To Learn

Solaris took a slow breath, gazing into a mirror. "I should stop doing this." The same horse was looking right back at him. It was him. He was that horse. He extended his left wing slowly, then his right wing.

Each time those new limbs moved, he shivered faintly inside. Moving things he never had before was such a strange sensation, tickling at a part of his mind that just didn't quite exist before.

His eyes drifted upwards to his new horn. "Hm." He'd seen unicorns use that horn to pick thing sup. Celestia had even done a few outright spells with hers. But what muscle did one flex to do any of that? Solaris sure didn't know!

"Sir?"

Solaris jumped, turning to face Pepper. "Ah, little squire. You look, hm, happy and unhappy at the same time."

"Sir!" He saluted sharply with an upturning in his face, as if just being spoken to made him happier. "I'm back with the report, Sir." He pointed to Solaris' cutie mark. "That's a cutie mark, Sir. Ponies gain one when they realize their purpose. Um, typically around the time of, um, getting close to adult."

Solaris nodded with this information. "Ah." He glanced back at his mark and back at Pepper. "Very good. You're a little young, Pepper. Of course you don't have one then." The image of Pepper as a little colt sprang to mind, far from being anything one could confuse with an adult.

He gently mussed Pepper's mane, to the child's clear delight. "You did very well. Now, this next one may be more complicated, and involve you quite personally."

"Sir?" He stood up straight. "I'm ready to help!"

"But it is you that may be being helped." He touched noses with Pepper just as he'd seen his horses do countless times. "You are young. Find other young ponies like you. I'm going to bet they go to school or somewhere else. Follow them, don't be rude, and see if you can't get in too. If the school wants to speak to your parent, you fetch me right away. Feel ready for that?"

Pepper looked amazed, floored by the command. "Sir? How does that help you?"

Solaris pinned an ear back. "Pepper, I say this with utmost seriousness, but your safety and happiness should rate as the first thing in your mind. Mine can be a second."

"No, Sir." He looked uncomfortable. "You're my dad, and, um." He fidgeted in place. "Tell me why, Sir."

Solaris put down that conversation for later. "Squire, I want an educated squire. You become more valuable to me with a proper education. Address this."

That got a smile back on Pepper's face. "Oh, of course, Sir!" He saluted and marched off, as if all problems in the world had been banished just like that.

Unseen, a maid scurried away with news of what she had seen.

The discussion with Pepper put an idea in his head. "School isn't just for kids." He cut off a scurrying servant. "Excuse me, have you a moment."

"Oh, hello." She bowed to Pepper. "How can I help?"

Solaris smiled at her. "Don't mean to be a bother, but I was hoping to get a tutor." He considered which kind he wanted. "Involving the use of a horn."

"The use of a, huh?" Her horn glowed sympathetically. "I'll check on that. You stay here." She trotted off with purpose burning in her eyes.

Solaris sat back, watching her flee. "Hope she isn't thinking odd things about me."

"What are you waiting for?" came Celestia's voice. She was coming down the hallway towards him. "You look like you're very busily waiting for something."

Solaris jumped faintly in place. "Oh, hello. I just asked for a tutor."

Celestia smiled at that. "How delightful. What topic were you hoping to learn more about." She leaned in closer. "Or is this for your little squire? I've heard you've been caring for him."

Solaris colored just faintly. "Yes, hm. I want him to be happy."

"I know that feeling well." She sat next to him. "I have many little ponies I would see happy. How did you two meet?"

Solaris thought to the past, when Pepper first spilled free of his mom. "I was there, when he was born. I was in charge back then, and did my best. He used to be a sickly little thing, but he's gotten so much better. It's good to see." He let out a soft sigh, smiling genuinely at how much Pepper seemed to have recovered.

Celestia rest a hoof on his shoulder. "I dare say, in your Squire's eyes, you are still very much in charge. But you're sending him away, I hear."

"To school." Solaris waved where Pepper had gone to. "A child deserves a proper education."

"I would agree." Celestia was quiet a moment. "What did you need a tutor for?"

Solaris flinched. "Right, I hadn't answered that." He pointed up at his horn. "I wanted a tutor for this. To be sure I was... ready."

Celestia inclined an ear at him. "Are you worried you won't move the sun properly? I'm flattered you're already thinking of me, but I said, relax first. We can try exchanging that task when you feel ready. No rush."

Solaris went in, touching noses with her.

Her eyes went wide a moment, but she relaxed. He could feel her breath, softly washing over his snout as she snuffed through her nose. He felt sure she was healthy, female, and a thousand other little hints he was struggling to keep right. She was the mare in charge, and she regarded him in a fond light.

Pepper had smelled of an excited little colt. He hadn't realized, snuffing Pepper, how much was really being communicated until the difference between the two was, well, shoved in his face, literally.

Celestia closed her eyes a moment, enjoying that warm touching of their foreheads. "If you feel the need to have a magical tutor, I have taught classes on the topic. It would be a pleasure to serve as one for you."

"You?" Solaris leaned back in surprise. "That's wonderful!" He stumbled a bit over his hooves. "We can discuss a time for it? If you're interested in teaching me."

Celestia smiled at the servant hurrying back with news, just a look was enough to send them scurrying onwards with a giggle. "I have half an hour before my next appointment. Shall we start?"

Solaris face bloomed into a smile. "I'd love that! Now?" He sat back on his haunches. "Do I need to do anything special?"

Celestia brushed her tail slowly as she stood up. "Come, this hallway is hardly the proper place." She led the way to a small sitting room. "Now, where would you care to begin? Are we practicing spellcraft?"

Solaris tensed, realizing he'd made a mistake. "Can we start with the basics? The basic basics?" He made a rewinding motion with his hooves. "Like using the horn at all."

Celestia inclined her head. "Was the calamity that jarring? Very well. We will start from the very beginning." She directed up at her horn. "You have a horn, as all unicorns do. It is the focus of our power. Focus your will there, feel the warmth, and let it shine. There is little more to do until you can perform that reliably."

Solaris laid his hoof on his head, feeling out where the horn connected to his skull. He flexed his will into his new limb, trying to conjure forth that same glow. "It's not like that for me." He squinted a little, pressing hard with his will.

"You are trying too hard." She leaned in from the side. "You don't glare that hard at your legs, do you?"

"My legs don't do anything cool." Solaris shook his head. "Sorry, this is still new." He pushed a little harder. "Oh." He'd missed something right under his nose. "Right there." The horn felt like an extension of himself, no different than any other part of his body. That moment of connection faded, but he'd felt it once, and scrambled mentally to find it again.

The second time wasn't nearly as difficult. He could almost feel his will spreading out along the horn. It was almost like breathing, though it left him drained for the effort. But the very end of his horn seemed to be glowing softly, his body unable to contain the magical energy.

Celestia applauded gently with her hooves. "I knew you'd find it. What a peaceful glow you have, warm, as a sun pony should have. Focus on that, make it brighter. Practice." She stood up. "I should continue, but that is a fine place to leave you. Tomorrow, I'll come back for another lesson. Hopefully, you'll be glowing adeptly when I return."

Solaris bowed his head. "Thank you so much. I appreciate you teaching me." He drew himself up proudly. "I look forward to continuing our lessons tomorrow."

Celestia mimicked the gesture and nodded. "Don't rush yourself." She trotted down the hallway with her usual purpose.

Solaris settled down, gazing up at the ceiling. He felt a gentle warmth wash over him as he flexed his horn, chasing away the chill of winter. It was effortless, almost like breathing, and nothing like doing anything else in his body. He was flexing a new muscle, like moving his wings. He laughed, thinking of it. "This body has so many new limbs." He spread out a wing, testing how moving a wing and working his horn at once would do.

"Enjoying yourself?"

Solaris near jumped out of himself at that voice. He came down facing Discord, which only made his eyes get bigger. "What? Who?" He certainly recognized that voice.

"Oh, we haven't met properly, have we?" He thrust out a hand. "Discord, spirit of chaos. Charmed."

Solaris considered a moment, then touched the offered hand with his hoof. "Hello, Discord." He looked the odd creature up and down. "Are you the same Discord?"

"One and the same." Discord casually patted Solaris on his pointed head. "We have a deal, and it appears you're making progress with it." He folded his arms with a chuckle. "I've held up my part of it. Money isn't a problem for you or your little horses. Look how happy they are." He inclined his head at a passing pony, one of Solaris' if one had to guess from the bow they made before marching onwards.

Solaris managed a smile. "You did that?"

"Oh, I did far more than that." Discord's face froze in place. "Why are you looking at me like that?" He clapped his hands together and looked up. "We made a deal, and I'm making good on my part of it. Now, let me tell you, I don't make promises often." He tapped Solaris' snout. "But Celly was looking a little down. She needs a little company."

Solaris bounced at the spirit, trying to grab them with his hooves. They phased right through them, disappearing in the effort. "Did you do this to me?"

Discord was back by the wall, fingers spreading wide with a giddy smile. "Which 'this' are you referring to? Make you a prince? Hm, yes. A pony? Yes again. Save you from destitution? Also me."

Solaris blinked. "Right..." He could remember that desperate phone call. "You didn't tell me I'd be a horse."

"You don't like it?" He chuckled as he leaned in at Solaris. "I think you do."

"A little warning would have been nice." He stepped from one hoof to the next. "Everyone seems to think I'm from here with some huge story that nobody told me about! What do they think happened to me?!"

"I imagine they think your nation fell out of the sky." Discord spread his arms wide. "Only so few of your ponies made it out alive. Is it no wonder that you're left rattled and confused?" He winked lightly. "Perfect story, if you ask me, which you just did."

Solaris tossed his head with a scowl. "Well, thanks."

Discord grinned from ear to ear. "Is that sarcasm? You're very welcome." He grinned wider at Solaris' little look. "Oh, you are delightful, aren't you?" He tickled under Solaris' chin. "You just keep getting on Celestia's good side. Nice job, by the way. She adores teaching magic, and having a talented student? You're making her day. Follow her steps and you'll have her in no time at all, my boy! In her heart and bed. You won't believe how far a warm bed can get you."

Solaris narrowed his eyes. "That's kind of a disturbing statement."

Discord vanished with a laugh.

Author's Note

Some background given, some exploration done.

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5 - From the Nest

Solaris had almost forgotten what rain sounded like. It came down in waves, each one drifting across the castle slowly but surely. He could feel it echoing down from the sky, sluicing across the earth. He flipped to the next page of his book with his glowing horn, getting it right on the first try.

"There you are."

He looked up towards the female voice as a dark furred alicorn mare strode inside. "My sister has been quite vocal about you." She stomped right towards Solaris. "But I am not fooled! Luna, guardian of the night, can see through such feeble deceptions."

Solaris stared in surprise at this new pony. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Luna marched up and stood nose to nose with him. "Is that so? Is it mere coincidence that you and my sister are courting?" She tapped his chest. "That you arrive with a sob story? That I have never heard of you, or this country you hail from!"

Solaris bit back some reply as he backed off. "My homeland was devastated. We were barely getting by until Discord saved us."

"Discord? You met Discord?" Luna scoffed. "That is more of an answer than I dared hope for." She turned away, just to keep on going in a full circle. "What do you truly intend with mine sister?!"

Solaris took a breath and stood up tall. "I plan to court her, if she will have me. It has been very pleasant so far."

Luna scoffed at that. "My sister can be quite naïve."

Solaris shrank back a little with guilt. "I do want her to be happy."

Luna tapped at him. "Why? Tell me plainly. They speak of you, say you don't bow to her like the others. She is not your princess, so why should you care if she is happy or not?"

Solaris winced. "I am officially her prince." He didn't look up as he said it. "It's important I take that role seriously. A ruler must put the needs of their people before themselves."

Luna stiffened, taking a slow step back. "Ah." She looked towards the rain-streaked window. "I see." She looked back at Solaris. "You do this for your ponies then?"

Solaris smiled softly at the way she phrased that. "They're not mine. I don't own them. They just trust me, and it's my job to watch over them."

Luna gazed at him a long moment. "I see." Every time she said it, the more true it felt, at least to her. "You would do well by them, and to make her happy achieves this." She sank to her haunches. "But what of your true feelings? Do you have any real care for Celestia?"

Solaris smiled up at the ceiling, almost as if he could see through it. "She is wonderful, Luna. I want to spend time with her, because she's interesting." He shook his head, bouncing his mane in place. "She's, what, an angel." An angel that also happened to be a horse, but he shoved that fact aside. "I want to get to know her better, and show her more about me. I'm courting her, not just grabbing her hand and trying to run off with it."

"She doesn't have one of those." Luna rolled her eyes, as if she had caught him in some grand mistake. "I understand the imagery you use, however. Forgive me my skepticism. I am still skeptical of your sincerity." She waved a hoof dismissively at him. "But perhaps you are worthy. At least of a chance. I would know the truth. I have spoken to your people, all smiles, each and every one of them, as if they were given a whole new chance at life, far better than they once had. What miserable place did they come from?"

Solaris smiled faintly, recalling how bad it got. "Luna, I am doing my best." He held up his hoof. "Where we came from, it was getting bad, so bad we were considering selling some to save the rest. It couldn't have gotten much worse."

Luna's eyes widened at the idea. "Truly?!" But she saw no lies in his expression. "Horrible. No wonder they are so happy to be here then. Even laboring, they move with a sincere joy. It is, hm, good to see." She regarded him curiously. "Have you taken any more lovers, or merely my sister?"

Solaris jumped in place. "What? No! Not even one! I want Celestia."

"And your squire." Luna grinned. "Oh, did you think I hadn't noticed?" She settled down into a comfy lounging position.

Solaris inclined his head. "I wasn't aware having a ward was a 'lover'. That isn't how I'd use that, oh, ew, ew! Seriously, ew."

Luna blinked, clearly confused. "What meaning are you imagining?"

Solaris recoiled at the very notion. "I am not approaching Little Pepper as anything other than a helpful mentor. Wow, the idea of doing anything with that little kid! No, thanks, no."

Luna stepped up and sniffed at him. "Hm, you smell honest." She slumped back. "Your business, not mine. If you do end up a prince, you may want to look into additional lovers."

Solaris' brows fell together. "Who might be little kids? No thanks."

Luna looked confused a moment. "Has that fallen out of fashion?" She raised to her hooves. "Excuse me. I've been away for a time. There are things that were taken for granted back then that are now seen as quite strange." She coughed into a hoof. "I act as her sister. Please don't let this reflect poorly on her."

"Oh, uh, thank you?" He shrugged a little. "That's sweet of you."

Luna scowled at him. "Watch it!"

Solaris waved his hooves in apology. "It's nice, to see a sister that really cares. She's lucky to have you."

"Hm, perhaps." Luna sighed, losing her steam in the moment. "I shall be observing you for now." She raised a hoof and poked Solaris in the chest. "But I will remember your words here." She turned and strode away purposefully.

Solaris went back to his book. He flipped to the next page absently. "Could have gone worse, I suppose." He flexed his wings slowly, trying to loosen them up. The thought struck him. "How?" He watched the wings move up and down slowly. "How do they work? Do they work? Can I fly with them?"

He wandered off towards the hallway that led outside. He knew where Celestia flew from, a big open courtyard out there. He saw ponies trotting about with baskets or books. He nodded to them as he went, stepping outside and being spattered with drops the moment he did. It was still raining quite thickly, making puddles and lakes across the ground.

Solaris wiggled his tail in place. "Okay, start running, just like..." He faltered. Just how did he take off in the first place? He came to a unsteady halt with a very equine snort. "It can't be that hard!" He turned towards a clear path and charged down the muddy path.

He tossed his head, charging at full speed. But no matter how hard he ran, he just couldn't get any air. The wind blasted him with more and more raindrops, soaking him right to his core. He didn't even see the pony ahead of him, impressive considering how large she was. They both crashed to the soft ground with a shriek from him.

"Ouch!" Celestia pulled herself up, horn glowing with magic that bid the mud to slide from her quickly. "Solaris? I didn't expect you to be here. What's wrong?"

He wasn't as fortunate as her. It seemed to cling to him and coat him. He groaned as he slowly pulled himself free. "I was trying to fly."

Celestia paused, blinking once. "In this weather? Only a professional should even attempt it." She nudged against him. "Come. I only did it because I had to, and that need has passed. You'll catch cold if you don't dry off." She stepped ahead of him, leading him onwards.

He kept pace beside her. "What was so urgent?"

"Princess Twilight is a dedicated student." She took a shortcut down a narrow hallway. "Her letters always have the most delightful inquiries, about everything from political treaties to questions of language and magic." She smiled as she spoke of Twilight. "But this one made me nervous, so I had to check something. It is of no matter now, I assure." She shook herself as she stepped inside, sending water spraying around her.

Solaris watched the water splatter against the walls and floor. "That's a good idea." He tried shaking himself, but it seemed to get stuck in his coat, like heavy rope weights dragging him down.

She directed a shining horn at him, causing the water to fall free of him. "Solaris, you have a condition." She turned to him. "It is not your fault, but only you can fix it, and I am willing to help. It is not a mark against you, as a pony. Don't feel ashamed."

Solaris colored softly. "A condition?"

Celestia shook her head. "You are an alicorn that has forgotten how to use any of their powers. Only a terribly wounding trauma, or a headwound, could cause it. The cure is the same either way. You will need to learn it anew. For some, you may remember it as you go through the steps. We can hope, but not assume."

He nodded in understanding. "Can I try?"

She inclined her head, dropping to her haunches. "Of course, and I will be at your side as you do so. I already offered magic, but it would seem you are distant from all three tribes of power. An alicorn is the meeting of the three, standing at that apex, and you are without any. That cannot be tolerated."

Solaris nodded along. "I get it. Can I just pick one?"

Celestia smiled at that. "You jest. We will only teach one at any given moment, but you have time, dear Solaris. I will show you all three. You'll feel better as you gain control over them."

He flexed his wings slowly. "How hard is flying? Does every pegasus know how?"

Celestia snorted in soft amusement. "Almost every one of them, save a few. Usually due to developmental issues that prevent it entirely. You are able, I feel confident. You just need to learn, or relearn, how."

Solaris spread out his wings, slowly lifting himself up off the ground. "Whoa!" He swung about, flapping his wings harder, as if that would get him to go the way he wanted. He crashed to the ground, but was laughing. "I did it!"

"You did." Celestia stroked over his head. "A very important first step. You flew competently. Your wings can lift you, you just have no idea what to do about it. Still, good. It means we can make progress."

Solaris cantered in place, all smiles despite his recent tumble. "I did it! No, said that. Seriously."

Celestia bumped her head to his. "I am glad to see you so emboldened. Tomorrow, we'll start for real. Be prepared to learn, Solaris."

"Princess." He raised his head high. "I will try my best!"

She smiled at that. "See you tomorrow then. I look forward to teaching you." She stepped from the room, heading off with that purposeful stride.

Author's Note

Luna! We were wondering where you were hiding.

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6 - My Faithful Student

It was another day in the castle. His days had begun to melt together as they became indistinct in tone. Solaris walked through the halls, nodding to anyone he passed. Few stopped to chat, though he enjoyed when they did. He ran into some of his horses, turned happy ponies. Each and every one was pleased with their new life, and were swift to remind him. One was getting married.

That was a bit of a surprise. As horses, that was thoroughly out of the question. As ponies, there was no rule against it. He'd even been invited to attend their wedding in just a week, a process which had already been in progress before he arrived.

"I hope Pepper gets some education soon." Solaris slowed down, sniffing the air curiously. "Where is he, anyway?"

"Sir?" Pepper came rushing over, darting through the crowd of larger ponies in the hallway. "You called?"

"Pepper!" Solaris swiped him up with a wing, bumping noses with him. "You're adorable, you know that?" He set Pepper down at his side. "Any luck?"

"Sir!" He saluted sharply, but was smiling at the affection. "I am now a student. Thank you, Sir."

Solaris' head snapped up sharply. "Really?! When? You weren't kidding! Do you like it?"

"Sir!" He smiled. "They're all friendly. It's nice being around so many foals around my age. One of them was really impressed I'm a squire." He stood proudly at that particular achievement.

"That sounds lovely." Solaris gazed at him. "I'm glad you found friends, that's wonderful."

Pepper inclined his head slightly. "Thanks." He stood tall, taking a short walk beside Solaris. "Sir. May I ask for your news?"

"News?" Solaris rubbed Pepper between the ears. "I'm learning too. Celestia is giving me magic and flying lessons. It's scary, but I'm learning so much. I don't plan to stop."

Pepper turned to his master. "Sir! You feel that too? I get, um, a little scared at times, or frustrated. I thought it was just me. Hearing even you feel that way sometimes." He danced in place awkwardly. "I feel better, Sir."

"It can be, yes, scary, frustrating, exciting, and rewarding." Solaris hugged Pepper lightly with his wing, careful not to bowl Pepper over. "That's all part of learning, but it is worthwhile."

Pepper danced around Solaris, skipping happily. "Thank you for bringing us here. I like Equestria." His stomach rumbled softly.

Solaris flicked an ear towards that. "Have you eaten recently? We should change that."

"Sir!" Pepper stood proud and straight. "I will get lunch."

Solaris reached out and took Pepper by the scruff, lifting him up off the ground. "Come along, squire. Let's find ourselves some lunch." He turned down the hallway towards the kitchens, grinning as he heard Pepper squeal. The little one pedaled in the air, but was smiling way too big to be anything but delighted.

They found one of many of Celestia's sitting rooms, the table already half-ready for a snack. He sank beside the table and set Pepper at the same. "Good food is needed to keep a pony going, so they can do their best."

"Yes, Sir!" Pepper stomped one hoof. "I wanna learn more! I wanna do lots of fun stuff with the others, and I want to play games, too." His cheeks tinged pink as he said it. "Not that I plan to put aside my duties, Sir."

"I know, I know." He touched noses with Pepper. "You're young. Have fun! Play some games, make friends. Live. Life is precious, Pepper." He stroked Pepper's cheek. "You are to enjoy school, and the friends you make there. That is an order."

Pepper gave his biggest smile yet. "Yessir!" He darted down to a bowl of greens and munched into it. He leaned against Solaris gently. "How did you meet the princess, Sir?"

"She came to me." Solaris lifted an ear. "And we're getting along. She's a nice mare." Memories of other mares her size, horses, came to mind. They were clearly different, but some similarities were there. "I have to see her, in fact, for magic lessons after this."

Pepper finished his munching. "Aw, do you gotta go?" He didn't leave Solaris' side. "Maybe I can watch? Do you think she'd teach me?"

Solaris laughed at that, nosing Pepper's forehead. "You are not a unicorn. You're welcome to watch, if you want, but you'd be better off learning at your own school." He rubbed at Pepper's neck lightly. "Go make friends, learn a bunch."

Pepper fidgeted, rubbing one hoof along the floor. "Yes, Sir." He sounded hesitant, but didn't fight it either.

With his own lunch completed, he stood, prompting Pepper to stand without a word. "Good to check in with you, Pepper. Be sure to come find me every few days, or whenever something happens, good or bad. You are under my care, so don't feel bad coming to me."

Pepper smiled up at him. "Yessir. Thank you, Sir. See you soon!" He scampered off, vanishing down the hall.

Solaris snuffed after Pepper, amused. If there was anything about that crazy sequence that started his life as Solaris that he didn't regret, he put Pepper high on that list.

***

Celestia trotted to a small clearing, turning to find Solaris at her side, matching her steps almost perfectly. She came to a halt and looked over the area, including the ring of guards that circled them. She tossed her head, causing the lot of them to vanish beyond the nearest hedges. She turned to regard him, and spoke quietly, "Today, I am glad to report, you've advanced far enough to try an actual spell." She regarded him carefully. "But I can't teach you spells alone. A teacher can help students refine existing skills. New fields of study must be brought in from elsewhere. I have requested help, from Princess Twilight Sparkle."

Solaris perked up, intrigued. "This is the mare you visited in person last time. What kind of princess is she?"

Celestia waved her wings slowly. "Twilight Sparkle is a gifted scholar who dabbled in all manners of studies. She was also a student of mine. It is only fitting that she lend a hoof. Twilight?" She called the last, and another alicorn came trotting towards them.

The smaller one was mostly a light violet color with hints of darker purple throughout. Her mane was a dark, royal purple streaked with pink highlights. The young mare trotted up to them with a skip in her step. "Princess, what was it you wanted me for? Why didn't you just come to Ponyville?"

"The matters of today demand the strictest confidence." She pointed to Solaris. "This is Solaris, I am courting him, and he is courting me. He is an alicorn that forgot, or never knew, magic, and I seek to remedy this. He's learned the alphabet, and is ready to proceed to his first actual spell."

Solaris dipped his head at her, unsure what else to do. "Uh, hi there." He stumbled on the words. "Sorry to bother you. But I appreciate the help."

Twilight studied him with an intensity he found unnerving. "Interesting." She stepped around him, circling slowly. "We will definitely begin with something basic, an easy starter spell that any foal can do." She put on her usual warm grin. "Ready to start?"

Solaris flared his wings with a growing smile. "I certainly am. What am I casting?" He kept glancing towards Celestia, as if to draw strength from her.

Twilight began the lesson with a board she had brought with her, marking with chalk the runes involved. "Done properly, you can change the color of any object. It does work on living things, but you should ask before you do that. The spell does not last forever, or even terribly long. So don't worry too much about messing up."

Solaris giggled with a huge smile. "Sorry, sorry. I was thinking of painting Celestia's cheeks, is all."

Twilight chuckled at that, looking around nervously. "Please do not prank Princess Celestia."

Celestia, on the other hoof, looked only amused. "You are welcome to try."

Solaris got back to focusing. He cleared his throat, studying the runes intently. He repeated it in his head over and over, picturing the marks until they flowed effortlessly in his thoughts.

After twenty minutes of concentration, he finally looked up and tried again, flexing his horn with the intent behind it.

Twilight sparkled, as her name demanded, then turned a bright green.

She squeaked in alarm and leapt right behind Celestia, hiding behind the massive form of her princess. "Did you have to test that spell on me?!"

Celestia merely nickered with amusement. "You should have given him something specific to target, my lovely student. Still, he accomplished the spell. It worked, he simply was uncertain whom to paint. My apologies, dear Twilight."

Solaris swallowed nervously at her anger. "Uh, sorry. Didn't mean anything by it, honest."

She peeked back out at him, still bright green. "Pranksters aren't appreciated." She stuck out her tongue at him a moment. "Still, congratulations." She emerged from behind Celestia. "Your first spell. You should be proud of yourself, even if I don't approve of the target. Was it on purpose?"

"Sort of?" Solaris shifted his hooves awkwardly. "I tried to think of your face when I cast, since you're teaching me. But, well." He waved over Twilight's green fur. "It doesn't look awful?"

Twilight huffed at that. "Yes it does." But she smiled. "I'm glad the spell actually worked. Would you like to know more?"

Solaris nodded rapidly. "Oh, absolutely. I love learning these kinds of things. This is amazing."

She smiled up at Celestia. "Permission to continue?"

"Granted." Celestia inclined her head at Twilight. "That is why I summoned you. Please, teach him as much as you and he care to do."

Solaris bobbed on his feet, eyes locked on Twilight. "Are you certain that won't be a problem? You're the local expert, so to speak?"

Twilight hummed at that, amused. "I am a wizard. That is a specific term, that means a pony that is particularly skilled and focused on the workings of magic." She returned to the instructions board and erased it. "Magic isn't just throwing fireworks and changing colors. There is so much to it than that. If you are truly interested in magic as a concept, that requires an instructor."

"But who could do such a thing?" Celestia sounded amused, not annoyed.

"Well, I can try." Twilight sat on her haunches. "Let's try a more serious spell, a mending spell! Have a tear in some cloth? This will put it to rights."

Solaris stretched out his wings, studying the pattern intently. "Why wouldn't a tailor work, if it was fabric?"

Twilight lifted an ear. "There are few spells that can't be done with enough skill and effort. But the spell allows it to be done without the same preparations and time. I don't need a needle and thread to mend a tear, and there won't be any visible signs of repair." She finished writing and sat back, motioning to the spell with her wings. "Shall we begin?"

The day melted away with Twilight leading Solaris from one spell to the next, none of them overly complicated. It was approaching dinner by the time Celestia declared it was time to wrap up the day.

Solaris stood to face her, giving the board a curious look. "One last spell?"

Celestia shrugged lightly. "You've learned many, dear Solaris. You and Twilight both look like you could use a break. Don't wear him out, Twilight. Tomorrow is a whole new day. You could pick up lessons then."

Twilight nodded with a gentle sigh. "As you command, Princess Celestia." She tucked her board away and focused on Solaris. "Now, what's this about courting Princess Celestia?! Fill me in, Solaris!" She darted towards him. "I didn't hear anything about this!"

Solaris blushed heavily. "No, wait, give me a chance to explain." He backed away a little bit, tail flicking.

"I want every detail!" Twilight followed close, waving her board at him. "Tell me everything, leave nothing out."

Celestia followed behind them, amused. "Yes, Solaris, do tell her everything." She gave the pair an amused little chuckle, before slipping out to check on other matters.

Solaris flared his wings out. "She needs company, and I'm willing to give it. She seems nice, wonderful even. I'm doing my best to be worthy of that, which is part of why we're here, teaching me magic. Thank you, um, for that. Today's been great."

Twilight laughed a little. "Okay, okay. Tell me more about yourself. Like, what are your favorite foods, books, movies?"

Solaris flicked his tail gently. He saw no harm in sharing that. "Let's see where I can begin with those. Well, the first food that comes to mind is strawberries. Oh, so good. Freshly picked strawberries in spring."

Twilight gave an appreciative hum. "Very nice." She prodded him for more details, walking along with him as she got the information she wanted.

Author's Note

Twilight had to show up to see who's courting her teacher and goddess. Also Pepper's doing good yay!

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7 - Dancing the Day Away

Solaris waited in a grand ballroom. He couldn't see much but lights, and everywhere were ponies trotting about, usually carrying platters full of food or drinks. He stood facing one end of the ballroom, but hardly cared about the food, or anything else besides waiting for the arrival of the main, er, mane attraction.

Lights dimmed, just for spotlights to center on one door, revealing Celestia as she entered. The room exploded with applause, causing the princess to blush. But she raised her hoof and motioned Solaris to approach. He trotted out of his seat and stood just before her. "Today is a day for celebration. Today." She waved a wing over the crowd. "I would like to request a dance. Can two stars orbit one another? Let's find out."

The gathered masses cheered loudly, their cries reverberating through the chamber.

Solaris gave a small bow to her. "As you wish, my princess." He turned to face the rest. "Today is a joyous occasion indeed. Thank you, each and every one of you."

Celestia drew him close, wrapping one wing around him, drawing cheers from the watching ponies. Celestia allowed him to set the pace, giving him lead position as they spun across the marble floor. Solaris held himself in check, keeping his moves simple, so as not to risk tripping her.

There was also the fact that he was still a new pony, and he didn't want to trip himself up either. He was quite proud that he managed the first song with only a few tiny stumbles, though Celestia's keen gaze sure seemed to notice, even if she said nothing of them. They ended the first number with their heads together, horns going off to either side.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" She drew back, taking the lead from him in directing him along. "These songs, I imagine they're different in your nation. I would love, later, to hear some of yours. For now, shall we give them a show?"

"I may trip, if we start too complex." Solaris stayed within her grasp. "But I will try, and try again, should we stumble."

Celestia smiled at that. "What a good attitude." She guided him through each step, and waited patiently as he proceeded. "You are doing well. An interesting pony, you have much room to grow, but, like an eager vine, you expand into those spaces quickly and without delay."

He considered a reply to that, then leaned in. "It's hard not to enjoy myself." He kissed her forehead lightly, prompting cheers from their audience.

"Bold, yet careful." She held him in return, the two leaning on one another, as they continued through their waltz. The music softly played around them, like a third dancer that cheered and encouraged their motions.

Solaris found himself blushing hotter than before, cheeks almost feeling like they were glowing. The song came to its natural conclusion, with Solaris finding himself wrapped in Celestia's embrace. They lay, muzzle-to-muzzle, and their eyes met, staring deep into one another.

Celestia brushed him away, only for her magic to guide him towards the next song as it began. "It has been so long since I was able to dance with a pony that wasn't looking up at me as if I was the very sun itself, bright, but unapproachable. Something that would burn them quickly if they dared to gaze on me for long." She nuzzled along his neck slowly, showing a gentleness to defy her stature.

"You are warm, to be sure." He pressed himself against her front. "Warm as a radiant star." He moved into the next step, feeling more confident as they went. "And I welcome it. Thank you, again, for the help. Twilight is a delightful teacher. You can tell she's passionate about the whole thing. And you, I have nothing but nice things to say." He gave a lone flap of his wings. "You've taught me how to soar, as a sun should."

Celestia felt him tremble ever so slightly as the dancing became more complicated. They leapt together, spinning as they flew, and landed in near-perfect tandem. He stepped forward with her, letting her lead him into the steps. When he did stumble, she was there, moving with him in such a way that they looked like they were dancing still. His mistakes were gently concealed from the outside world. "I insist." She touched noses with him. "I would see one of your peoples' celebrations next. Talk with them and consider what can be done with them. We can hold it a month from today, and invite all to attend. Perhaps it'll inspire unity."

Solaris inclined his head, pleased by the idea. "I'd love to plan something to share my culture with you." But did his people have any celebrations to do that with? "I'll talk with them, but please don't plan, or announce, until I do. There are so few of them—" At least, compared to Equestria, or even just Canterlot's numbers. "—I don't want to put them on the spot."

Celestia chuckled gently, drawing him into the next part of the dance. "Then plan in secret. Reveal it as a surprise." She swept over the floor, holding his hoof gently. "I eagerly await the news either way." The thought was set aside in favor of their dancing. It was a curious thing, horses dancing. Solaris could see the similarities to the human variety, but their forms required different standards at times.

"You are not nearly as intimidating as everyone says." Solaris bumped his head gently to hers as the music started to die down once again, bringing the current song to its final notes. He didn't push beyond the ending point, staying close with her, though not entwined. "You may be a sun, but you are a warm one, not bright and burning."

Her gaze turned thoughtful. "It is difficult, at times, not to allow others' preconceptions of me taint how I feel about myself. It is refreshing to have you here, with me." She drew back with a gentle smile. "Our dancing was delightful, but I should speak to others. I can see some of yours would like your attention as well."

He gave a bow. "Thank you, for inviting me tonight." He watched her trot away, tail swishing gently. A few ponies approached her, chit chatting with the tall mare easily, but he was too far to catch their words over the chatter of others. He started as a pony approached him as well, one of his mares with a shy smile.

"Mark." She colored, lowering her voice. "I mean Solaris! Sir. I wanted to thank you. We're all so happy, and it's your fault. You gave up everything to bring us here. Our home fell apart and you saved it, our family, everyone that's important. You shouldn't be alone." She glanced at Celestia, then at Solaris. "Thank you, again."

He reached with a wing, gently embracing her and draping it over her. "You're welcome." He lowered his voice, not wanting to make a scene of this. "I miss the ranch too." He rubbed her shoulder gently. "But this place, these ponies... they're our family now, too."

She smiled gently. "They welcomed us, and we couldn't be happier."

He ruffled her mane with a forehoof, a laugh escaping his mouth. "Enjoy yourself tonight, Dawn. Make sure to mingle. Everyone is friendly here."

"Everypony," she corrected with a giggle. "But they are. I just wanted to talk to you. You were our first caretaker, and we haven't forgotten that." She rubbed against his foreleg a moment before bouncing away towards a stallion that was waiting nearby, talking with him about the dancing and the night.

He walked up towards the banquet table, sampling from the fruits offered. There were other, heavier, things on offer, like cakes, drinks that smelled faintly of alcohol, and even some things that looked a little like meat. As far as he had seen, he hadn't observed ponies eating meat, but that didn't mean they didn't have options for carnivores among them.

Solaris chewed absently on a slice of orange as a stallion approached him. They weren't one of his. "Sir." He dipped his head at Solaris. "A pleasure to meet you." He lifted his head, smiling at him.

"A pleasure." Solaris studied the new male, and his gold-colored coat. "How do you do?"

"Lovely." The stallion bobbed his head. "My name is Sterling Silver, and I'm honored to have been invited to tonight's festivities. Your people, I understand, have come quite a distance." He waved to one of his mares, enjoying the dance floor. "We were invited, as a gift, for being such long-time patrons of the local business that's supplying most of the food and drink. We've never let anypony go hungry."

Sterling beamed with obvious pride at that proclamation.

Solaris brightened. "Oh, then you're the perfect pony to ask." He turned and gestured at one of the mystery foods. "What is that?"

The golden pony grinned widely. "Dove." He patted his stomach. "Pegasus delicacies aren't common here. Bird is fine for pegasi, but for other ponies..." He shrugged lightly. "Different tastes for different tribes. Unicorns have many delicacies the others find strange, and earth ponies have their own. It's my job to know them all and make them sit on a table without fighting." His smile turned impish. "What kinds of food does your tribe eat? Any peculiar things?"

Solaris blinked. "Sir, so far as I know, we aren't different tribes than Equestrian ponies."

"No, no. Not different tribes as in not a pony, but different tastes as in foods. Hmmm." He thought carefully, humming under his breath as he considered the matter. "Fruits and plants from your area differ in nutrients from the ones we can get here."

Solaris perked up. "Oh! That makes sense." He lifted the half of an orange he'd been working on. "To be honest, I haven't tried anything here that hasn't been very nice."

"That's lovely." Sterling sighed with pleasure. "The night has barely started, but already I can feel the excitement." He motioned with one hoof at his family, busy at play. "Such delight! Princess Celestia does love her events."

Solaris flicked his ears towards her. "Indeed! Tonight is a delight."

The two shared a nod, gently parting for their own business. The evening was pleasant, filled with mingling and conversation. Solaris couldn't stop smiling, surrounded by his people and almost as eager Equestrians that wanted a moment of his time.

"Thank you all." Celestia nodded to the room. "This has been a wonderful event, but all good things must come to an end. I would wish you all a safe trip back to your homes, and that we may meet again."

Solaris gazed towards her, admiring the way the light played over her features. He strode towards her as ponies filtered out of the room. "Celestia, if you're not too tired?" She turned and he could read her interest in those beautiful purple eyes. "Can we dance? One more time?"

She drew him closer. "There are still musicians here." They moved in perfect synchronicity, music fading as players left, but those who lingered played gentle tunes while the pair. They were left with one cellist, playing on as they moved back and forth. A professional, she provided all the music she could to them both without complaint.

"You really seem to enjoy it." He traced a small circle with a hoof, motioning around them. "All of this."

"I do." Her horn glowed softly, casting additional lighting from high overhead. "Having a special somepony to share it with makes it better." She went in for a proper kiss, the dance stopping as they pressed together.

The cellist coughed into a hoof. "I will take my leave now, ma'am." Octavia packed up her cello without complaint and started for the door. "Good evening."

Celestia was too occupied to wave back. The room emptied quickly after that, leaving them alone. They kept together for a lingering moment, and Celestia drew herself upright, looking over at him. She reached up with her hooves, placing them on his chest. "Solaris, speak truthfully. You are not some strange scheme hatched by some nefarious force, hoping to get me when I drop my guard, are you?"

He stared into her eyes, standing firm and immobile under her grip. "You really have enemies that bad?"

"Equestria has its enemies." She sighed gently. "But, perhaps, that is more me being cautious. You feel too good to be true, too perfectly placed. So..." She shrank back a step. "Sorry."

He nodded in understanding. "I'm not a liar." He winced faintly, realizing he was, in part, exactly that. "Tomorrow. I would like to speak to you tomorrow, and I will explain everything I know, from my point of view."

Her eyes narrowed faintly. "I understand." She leaned down and nipped his ear gently. "Until then." She headed out with a flutter of her wings. "Goodnight." With that, she was gone.

Author's Note

Questions must have answers! They had a nice time of it at least.

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8 - Liar, Revealed

"That wasn't smart." Solaris had barely had time to enter his room before his benefactor casually dropped in. "We had a good thing going. Why would you drop the act right now?"

Solaris sighed gently, facing Discord. "Because I am not a liar, and she doesn't deserve to be with one. I will tell her tomorrow." He took a deep breath, collecting himself. "And it will go from there."

Discord huffed in displeasure, but made no attempt to sway him otherwise. "Just know that we have a deal." He casually folded himself more times than anything had a right to be folded into, vanishing from sight.

That left Solaris to flop onto his bed. "Tomorrow." With fatigue of a day of dancing, and the confession he planned to give, he surrendered to sleep.

***

The sun rose, as it was wont to do.

Celestia and Solaris trotted beside one another, walking with a casual pace that allowed them time to think. They walked together to one of Celestia's many sitting rooms. Solaris hadn't quite figured out why she had so many of them, but she did, and they settled across from one another at its table.

The table had treats and drinks, ready to host any visitor casually. He didn't feel hungry, so he left them alone. "I know you have a busy schedule. Sorry to draw you away from it."

Celestia gazed upon him. "I am not upset to have a good reason to set them aside for a moment. But I would rather you intrude in more pleasant ways. Solaris, speak. Tell me what you have been hiding form me until now."

Solaris nodded gently. "Princess. The truth is, I'm not a pony. I was once a human." He pointed at the window, looking out at a pair of pegasi flying by. "I wasn't born with these wings, which is why I didn't know how to use them. Where I came from, I was the caretaker for all the ponies you've met that look up to me. I love them dearly, and I'm so happy they're doing so well now. That wasn't a lie, not one word."

He sighed softly. "Discord offered to change me, because I wanted my ponies, no, my people, to be safe. They were going to die if I hadn't made a deal with Discord. Worse, they'd have been scattered, away from each other, some into better homes than others." He shook his head clear of those distant memories of his failing ranch. "But he had a condition."

Celestia tensed at those words. "Which was?" She kept her face neutral, ever the politician.

He took a deep breath. "To court you, and bring a part of my world here with me." He stood and strode across the room towards a window that faced the sun. "He wanted me to make you fall for me." He raised a hoof. "Before you ask, that doesn't mean I was being insincere, um, about everything. I started for a bad reason, but I really do think you're wonderful. A bright and warm sun." He dared a little smile. "That's why I'm fessing up. I don't want to continue under this lie. I want us to move forward, if you're up for it, with every card on the table."

She sat upright, tail gently flicking behind her. "So, this whole courtship was nothing but an arranged scheme to fulfill a draconequus' request?"

Solaris winced at how flat she sounded, almost monotone. "To start." He shrank a little. "To be honest, all he said was 'get in good' with you. Nothing more specific than that. That got me to at least consider it. Your charm pulled me the rest of the way. I'm sorry if this hurt you."

Celestia gazed out the window. "I cannot fault you for your intentions. I am a princess. My life is one of duty before self. You are not the first to come here seeking favor, or an edge, or an agreement."

Solaris' ears perked. "I didn't want any of those, besides getting them all taken care of, which you did before you even met me. You're dang nice." He smiled with some fondness. "The only favors I've gotten were knowing how I worked." He lit his horn gently and gave his wings a little nervous flutter.

Celestia nodded. "I see. What are your thoughts on Discord? I have my own, but I would hear yours as well."

"Discord? Discord's a trickster, the master of all things chaotic and strange." He sat up. "I've asked around, done some reading. He has quite the past, and his powers are a little terrifying. I think I got lucky, getting his attention and ending up where I did." He turned to face her. "But he hasn't done anything malicious, if I was being watched. I'm not really qualified for that." He shrugged lightly. "Honestly, it kinda sounds like you two used to know each other more than just princess and enemy."

Celestia waved that away. "He does act in unpredictable ways." She sighed out, but there was a little smile on her face. "That idiot. This is not the birthday present I had requested." She reached a hoof, sliding it under Solaris' chin. "But, perhaps, one I could learn to accept?" She held him there, keeping him from hiding his face.

He swallowed, hard. "Yes, ma'am." He felt heat on his cheeks and ears that wasn't her touch.

She nuzzled against him, a hoof resting on his chest. "Very well then." She drew back from him and stood. "If you are willing to trust that I will not have any hard feelings, you have your permission to court me."

Solaris perked. "You'll forgive then?"

"Consider my options." She gently shoved at him. "I could cast you out, but I would be punishing a pony for falling into Discord's schemes. and rejecting the first glimmer set before me. He is a foal at times, but he did what he set out to do. He wanted to give me a potential romantic partner." She rolled her eyes. "If I deny you only because he was the one to give me that opportunity, I would be being petty."

"And not wanting to be petty, that's why I get my second chance?" He stood carefully, keeping himself within range of her shoves.

"Amongst other reasons." She pulled back slowly, considering her options. "Last question, are there any other lies that have tumbled from your lips? Now is the time to speak them."

Solaris rubbed his chin, trying to think. "Nothing comes to mind."

She leaned in and brushed her nose to his, kissing him gently. "Thank you." She drew back from that, gazing out the window. "I still have to process this, emotionally. As much as I would like to claim I am above those, I am not. Allow me some time, then our courtship can resume." She turned to regard Solaris. "Is that fair?"

He bobbed his head enthusiastically. "Yes, thank you." His tone was so heartfelt that she smiled.

She nuzzled his cheek slowly, affectionately. "We still have a flying lesson later today. You'll be there, I trust?" Her tone had just enough amusement he knew it wasn't a real question.

Solaris bowed deeply. "I will, Princess Celestia." He stood tall and proud, giving off his own smile. "I'm glad we can put this behind us." He relaxed in a way he hadn't realized had been tense for a long time.

"What was your name?"

Solaris blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Huh?"

"You had one." She circled him. "You said you weren't a pony. You had another name, what was it?"

"Oh!" He cleared his throat. "Mark. Mark Greaves."

"Greaves? Like the injury?" Celestia blinked, as if not sure what else to say.

"Greaves, as in an ancient form of battle armor." He shook his head. "I'm alright being Solaris."

Celestia advanced, nose to his ear. "But we have a secret to share with one another. Only your little ponies and I know your true name," she whispered, a little smile on her lips. "I will not share it. That will be between the two of us, and the other ponies who are already in on this secret."

He swallowed, cheeks heating from her being so close. "Thank you, Celestia."

"Don't be so stiff." She turned away, gently slapping him with her tail. "I will see you for your flight lessons." Without pause, she strode from the room in a stately walk.

Solaris remained where he was, watching her go. "Wait for me." He felt some confidence in himself as he headed out to make good on his promise.

***

Celestia was already in the courtyard when Solaris arrived. "I hope your wings are ready for practice." She spread them to their fullest extent, showing off how massive they really were. "We're going to be practicing precision flying today."

Solaris bobbed in place, eager to start. "Do you do this often?" He flapped his own wings carefully, keeping from getting too much lift under them.

"Actually, no." She lifted into the air and waved with a toss of her head for him to follow her. "You are an excuse to get some air time without being carried around on a cart. It's nice to stretch out my wings again."

He lifted into the air and laughed, happy to be up with her. "That sounds pretty restrictive."

Celestia snorted, flaring her wings as she came to a halt, hovering. "A princess is not free to simply do as she pleases. It is not as if they forbade me from flying, just that they're eager to provide, so to not have a carriage ready? Unthinkable."

Solaris flew where and how she did, doing his best to keep up with her instructions. Flying exactly where one wanted and how one wanted too more practice and effort, but he was learning to adore the new body Discord had gifted him with. "I'm glad you didn't reject me earlier." He blushed faintly.

"Because being rejected is terrible, or something else?" Celestia gave him a sidelong glance.

The way she said that, the tone and warmth in it, had Solaris flushing even hotter. "Because I love what we have, between us." He waved a hoof between Celestia and himself. "I didn't want to give it up, but I didn't want to stand on a lie either."

Celestia hovered gently in place, motioning for him to come to her. When he did, she reached around him, drawing him into an embrace. "You are my sun, too."

There, hovering, the two drew as close as they could get. It only lasted a few moments, but both were warmed for having spent it. "Come." She started for the ground. "You did quite well. Let's rest and catch up." They settled beside one another and she nipped his cheek gently. "I look forward to getting to know you better."

Solaris rested against her side. "Me too, Celestia."

She glanced away and back. "Call me Celly, when we are not in an official function."

Solaris bumped into her side with his own. "Thank you for the lesson, Celly." His heart fluttered a little just from being able to say it.

They stood and she leaned against him. "You're welcome, Solaris."

That night, Solaris fell asleep with a smile on his face, certain he'd made the right choice in coming clean.

At least until Luna arrived in his dream, banishing that dream away to have his full attention. "What did you do?!"

Solaris flailed in place. The dream was like some sort of void, featureless. But Luna, oh Luna was there, and even as a ghostly form she looked quite angry. "Luna?"

"Do not 'Luna' me." She stomped a hoof on the void. "Sister is behaving strangely, and she's mentioned you a few times. What has transpired between the two of you?" Her horn glowed. "What did you do to her?!"

He shook his head, clearing out of the flailing he was doing. "Calm down, Luna. Please." He raised his hooves in a gesture of peace, hoping it'd work. The way she was approaching implied it wasn't.

Author's Note

He said it, and she didn't immediately kick him out, yay! Luna though...

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9 - Court Duties

Luna did come close, looming over him. "Do not tell me to be calm when I have good cause to worry. My sister, who has been alone for centuries, now takes interest in you, and is being less than forthcoming as to why!"

Solaris decided at that moment that honesty was the policy. "I told her everything, every secret. She decided I was still worth a try, so I'm doing my best." He smiled, thinking of her. "And she's worth the effort."

She stared at him hard. "What do you mean, secrets?"

"The fact that I'm a human in a pony's body." Solaris sat on a chair that hadn't been there before his sitting down. "That I came from a whole other world." He waved at Luna. "A secret I now share with you. I probably didn't have much chance of keeping it away from you for long. How long would it have lasted?"

"Long enough." She huffed lightly, but seemed more confused and frustrated than angry. "Sister never acted this way towards me." She pouted. "It's not fair."

Solaris rubbed his cheek slowly, trying to come up with an appropriate response. "She loves you, a lot, but that's a different kind of love." He brought up his forehooves and danced one. "Family love." Then he danced the other. "Romantic love." He gestured with both. "Two entirely different things."

She glared at him as if she wanted to strangle him. He was glad this was only a dream.

"Look." Solaris held out a hoof, offering it to Luna. "I know it can be, you know, rough when someone gets close to someone you like. I don't want to push you away. You're a nice pony. So, maybe, we can be friends? If it ever gets that far, you'll be my sister too, and I'd like to be a good brother."

Luna eyed him with the utmost suspicion. She took his hoof in hers and shook gently. "Very well, but do not think for an instant that I won't have my eye on you."

He laughed at her threat. "What sister doesn't have an eye on their brother, waiting for them to do something worth berating him for?" He hopped down to his own hooves. "Call me out, when I do something silly. It's what a good sister does."

Luna blinked at this. Her expression softened. "If you're going to be sister's mate... very well." She sighed lightly. "You are an odd pony." She turned away, trotting off to her right. She opened a door that hadn't been there. "I should continue my patrol."

He bowed to her. "I hope to see you again later, Luna. Have a good night."

"You as well." With that, she was gone. The dream faded away into a formless void of restful sleep.

***

The next morning, he sat up in his bed and yawned. "Good morning world!" He stretched and smiled up at the ceiling. "Good to be a part of you."

"Someone's in a good mood this morning." He looked to the side to see one of his ponies wandering the room with a maid's outfit on, cleaning and dusting.

"Oh, hello." He slid from the bed with a laugh. "You wouldn't be wearing that, a world away."

"I wouldn't wear much." She flicked her tail at him. "But I like this. I like being able to talk such complicated words to get my meaning across to other ponies." She waved a hoof at him. "I like thinking those complicated words. My world's gotten so much bigger, with bigger ideas. Sometimes it's a little overwhelming, but I like it." She brushed down over her clothes. "I like it. Thank you, Mark."

He nodded to her gently. "I'm happy you're happy. What about the others?"

She made a face, as if he should know better. "They're doing fine. They're just not as eager to see all these new ideas. They're all trying something different, but they're all happy." She fell to all fours, pausing her work. "You know, the stallions became complete, but they don't chase us mares. They are polite and busy." She tilted her head, confused. "Is something wrong with them?"

Solaris slid from the bed to his hooves, laughing along the way. "Civilized males don't chase females as their first priority. Just like you, they're eager to find and explore their place in this new world. But, if you like one, well, let them know. If they feel the same way back, they'll be so happy you did."

The mare nodded, returning to her work. "I'll let the others know."

"Thanks." He walked to the door and opened it, looking out. Ponies were walking around doing their work, each focused on whatever task they felt was theirs to accomplish. He slipped out into the stream of equines and he started the day in earnest. He spotted a small face among the many. "Squire, there you are."

"Sir!" Pepper held up a paper. "You're needed at court! Princess Celestia is judging cases today and wants you present!"

Solaris accepted the paper, which was a short invitation to the court. "Thank you. Do you have school today?"

Pepper saluted. "Not today, sir! I'm ready to serve as you need."

He rubbed the colt's mane. "Thank you." He glanced around the hall and lowered his voice. "Where I'm going may be boring for a little colt, and you have to be quiet. Do you want to come to court with me?"

"Yes sir!" Pepper stood upright and proud. "I'll be as silent as a stone."

Solaris chuckled, leading the way. "That will have to do, then." He looked down at Pepper. "You are free to leave if it gets to be too much. This is not part of your duty, this is just an offer to come and observe the proceedings."

The colt nodded. "As you wish, sir!" He took off at a gallop, racing through the halls towards the court. Solaris felt he had to speed up after him. They both arrived there shortly. The guards nodded at Solaris, even if they had been ready to bar the way for Pepper.

The court room was a massive chamber with a central platform where cases were presented. It had rows of benches for ponies to sit on and observe the proceedings, which were filled with all sorts of ponies. Celestia was there at the center, nodding as a pony spoke their needs to her.

She smiled on seeing Solaris, inclining her head towards her side. He took the hint and tried his most stately walk up towards her to sit at her side in no particular hurry. His attempt was made less stately by Pepper's quick dashes to be at his side at all times and also look around curiously.

There was no room on the throne itself, but a small stand had been placed by the side. Solaris took that spot, sitting down beside her. Celestia glanced down at him with a little smile before focusing forward again. "Your request is modest, and can be done. I will send word to have it be so."

The mare that had been asking it bowed low. "Thank you, Princess. Your kindness and wisdom is a light to us all."

Solaris looked at her and smiled. She seemed genuinely grateful for whatever had just transpired. He turned to watch Celestia as she began speaking to another pony. He picked up how this worked quickly enough. The ponies came from the stage, walking down in a line towards the main exit.

Each had a turn to speak what was bothering them, and Celestia gave her answer to each in turn. It was simple enough. "Prince Solaris." He jumped, looking to the stallion that had said his name. They were standing where all the other pleading ponies had stood. "I had a question for you."

Celestia smiled gently. "It would seem one of your ponies has used the line to reach you. Go ahead, Solaris."

Solaris stepped towards the podium and bowed his head. "Ask it, good sir."

The stallion looked over Solaris in his finery. "This is hard to explain exactly." He tapped his hooves together as he swayed in place. "I've heard of other places. I like the sound of them. I want to move out of this city. It's full of so many of us close together. I want a little more space. Will you be upset if I move?"

Solaris smiled warmly at that question, stepping down from his stage to come up to the stallion. "Of course not. I know how it is, being stuck somewhere." He motioned at the city around them. "Canterlot is a dense place, full of people, er, ponies. Some like it for exactly that reason, and some don't. If you're more comfortable out in the country, I won't stop you. I just want you to be happy, and live your best life, whatever shape that takes."

The stallion bowed his head, grinning. "Thanks, Prince." He turned to look back at Celestia. "I'll head out to Ponyville then, I've heard it's lovely."

Celestia gently clapped at that. "A lovely rural community. Do you have the bits to reach it?"

"I do." The stallion reached over his shoulder to pat where saddlebags would be, had he worn any. "And I won't need help from anyone. Thank you both." With that, he headed down the steps towards the exit, looking quite satisfied.

Solaris returned to his seat. "I hope he does well." He glanced up at the princess beside him and smiled. "He's a good one."

Celestia gazed over her gathered ponies. "I hope so as well. The court will adjourn for a few minutes, then we'll continue." With a firm clap, ponies moved, clearing the space for the time. "Glad you could attend. I see you brought your squire with you."

Solaris laughed, nodding to Pepper. "Yes, I did." He waved the colt forward. "How are you doing, Pepper?"

Pepper bounded in place. "This is great!" He nodded at Solaris, then Celestia. "I get to see you both doing your things. I feel honored!"

Solaris patted his shoulder gently. "I'm glad you're happy. Just try and stay quiet when we have another pony here."

Pepper nodded firmly. "You won't hear me while court's in session, Sir! You handled your pony quite well, if you don't mind my saying so. He'll be happier. I like it right here, Sir, near you."

"I like having you around too." He smiled gently. "Go ahead and play while the court isn't running. I think there are others from the palace your age to meet."

Pepper saluted with a hoof, turning to run off.

Celestia caught him with a wing, easily scooping up the little colt. "Your name is Pepper, isn't it? Did you know Solaris, before you came here?"

Pepper stared up at the princess wide-eyed, but nodded firmly. "I did! He took care of me when I wasn't feeling very good. I love him, Ma'am!

She reached down with her muzzle and rubbed the colt's mane slowly. "You are lucky to have found someone so kind." She released the colt, who stood upright and beaming from the affection he'd been given. "You may be his squire, but if something troubles you, I am also available."

He gave her a bow. "Thank you, Princess! I won't let either of you down." With that, he was off to find playmates.

She watched the colt run off, then turned her attention back to Solaris. "You have good taste in squires. I've taken on one or two myself, though I usually call them students. You've met one of them. Twilight was a dear student of mine for quite some time."

Solaris nodded at that, smiling gently. "I hope to meet her again. I'd love to get to know another of your students."

Celestia glanced away. "I would not be able to teach you magic as I did her. My school is made for foals, and you are quite advanced past that point. All the same, your lessons will continue. Some with Twilight, others with myself." She reached up to tap his horn. "In fact, why don't we go over a lesson after court is finished for the day?"

He blushed lightly, but grinned. "I wouldn't mind." He flicked an ear, then gazed in Pepper's direction. The colt was playing with a few other fillies and colts, running around the room in a game of tag. "Do you always have foals in your courtroom?"

"It is always a better day when I do." She smiled at their antics. "I don't always get that wish, but I never turn it away, unless matters turn towards darker tones. I am glad to say that is only rarely the case."

Solaris turned to look at her more fully. "What sort of cases are those?"

Celestia sighed gently. "The worst of our society. Ponies who would harm others. Or beasts and monsters hurting ponies that need immediate action. I don't want to haunt any of them with nightmares." She snorted with a little laugh. "Giving my sister more work would hardly be kind of me. Besides, they deserve only the best dreams, something I know Luna is happy to give."

Solaris glanced over his shoulder at the sun, as if considering his own dream. "She's a good pony. She obviously cares about you, a lot."

Celestia tilted her head to regard him curiously. "I care about her, as well. She is my only sister, and one I hold close. Once, I allowed her to drift away, and it almost cost me everything. I will not fail like that again. Now, we should continue court."

The two returned to their places and Celestia called for the next pony to present herself. Court passed slowly as the ponies filtered through, one by one. A few had requests of Solaris, but most were for the princess, and he was left to watch the proceedings.

Author's Note

Never a bad time for Pepper to show up. Court is in session, and ponies are happy to see the two sun ponies ready to assist them.

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10 - Hitting the Town

As court drew to a close, Pepper approached at a lively trot. "That was fun!"

Solaris smiled gently, ruffling the colt's mane. "You can keep hanging around here, but the princess and I have some work to do now."

"Nuh-uh, Sir." He saluted despite his defiant words.

Solaris chuckled at his energetic squire. "And why are you saying no?"

"The princess is busy, but you are not, Sir." Pepper stood at attention, despite his small stature. "What can we do?"

He smiled warmly. "We can explore the castle if you'd like."

Pepper nodded enthusiastically. "Let's go!" He bounded off ahead of his master, leading the way with his youthful energy.

Solaris allowed himself to follow along without further complaint. He didn't notice the faint signs and change of decor as they wandered. It was all a lovely walk until they both ran into two guards in front of a door. "Huh?" Solaris turned and looked behind himself to see just how deep into the palace he had gone.

"S-sorry, sirs!" Pepper bowed quickly. "Prince Solaris was showing me around."

One guard nodded at Pepper. "Let me see if she is awake." He slipped into the room they were guarding.

Solaris sat, blinking. "She? I don't mean to wake them if they are sleeping. This isn't important." But it was far too late, that first guard already gone. "Who is she?"

The remaining guard regarded him evenly. "You'll see in a moment, Prince."

The guard returned and stepped to the side of the door, holding it open. "Please enter, Prince."

Solaris looked between the guards, but the invitation had been given. Having no strong reason to deny after coming so far, he advanced with Pepper at his side. "Terribly sorry for the intrus—" His words died in his throat as he saw who he had wandered into.

Luna raised a brow with a bit of a laugh. "Come to see me in the waking world?" She smiled gently, standing upright before him. "You are lucky, my dreams were unremarkable last night."

Solaris bowed quickly. "I was just showing the colt around. We didn't mean to bother you."

Pepper darted right up to her without a shred of fear. "Hello, Ma'am!" He saluted sharply. "It is good to see you again."

Solaris started. "Again? You two have met before then?"

Luna glanced between the stallions. "I am a protector of foals. He had a nightmare, so I banished it and replaced it with a dream. It is a pleasure to see you again, little one."

Pepper leaned up, hint enough for Luna to lower herself until they could touch nose to nose. He giggled with joy, bouncing back a step. "I haven't had a single nightmare since them, Ma'am! You scared it good." He whirled towards Solaris. "That was before you arrived, Sir. Now that you're here, that nightmare would be silly."

Solaris approached slowly, gazing over the room. It seemed a smaller place, less important than Celestia's own room and yet still quite nice. "I didn't want to bother you." He reached out, drawing Pepper closer. "And sorry for troubling you so much. Were you lonely?"

Pepper colored, ears turning down and away. "N-No... A little? I'm a lot happier now, Sir. Honest!"

Luna laughed warmly at the colt's behavior. "It is good to have such devoted ponies in your care." She glanced around the room, then sat on her haunches, gazing between the two of them. "But you must speak truthfully, why are you here, in my room? Hardly the place you need to be to win over my sister."

"I was exploring." Solaris answered quickly. "Pepper was with me, but I've never been to this part of the palace before. It was an accident." He cleared his throat. "But we are here. It's nice to see you."

"Good on you for accepting your actions." She watched him evenly, some mild amusement in her eyes. "This time of day is for sleeping for me. Unlike you sun ponies, my time is largely in the night. If you are to see me more often, it must be while I am awake."

Solaris nodded quickly. "That would be nice. I don't want to leave it to just seeing each other in my dreams."

Luna reached out her wings, huge and to either side before reaching one out to press up under Solaris' snout. "Perhaps it is just because I know your relationship with my sister, but I hear flirtations with almost every word from your lips. You will not seduce me, stallion."

Solaris backed away from her wing. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound that way."

She snorted and shook her head, folding up her wings. "Good enough." Her expression turned softer. "Thank you for the chance to see little Pepper. I don't often get to visit with my little charges, for they are usually awake when I am quite asleep." She covered her snout as a yawn escaped her. "As I should be."

Pepper saluted once again. "Ma'am!"

Solaris stood and bowed more properly to Luna. "We'll leave you to rest, Princess." He turned, Pepper on his heels as they slipped out of her room together.

The guards outside looked amused as they emerged. Solaris waved their reactions off with one hoof. "Nothing like you think. Good day." As he walked away, he heard the door closing behind him. "I'm sorry about all that, Pepper."

"Sorry?" Pepper darted around him, orbiting him as one does suns. "That was great, Sir! I didn't think I'd get to see her. Are you friends with her?"

He cleared his throat. "She's not so sure, but we are well on the way." He glanced over his shoulder. "She's nice. She could be mean if she wanted, but she wants to be a good pony." He thought about that, taking note that he really hadn't met a mean pony so far. "Do ponies come in mean varieties?"

"Yes, Sir."

Solaris inclined his head at that sure note. "Have you met one, Pepper? You sound so completely sure of that."

The little colt shrugged. "Well, there's been some." He gazed up and away, thinking. "They're not as many of them as there are good ones, Sir. I think they're just louder. There was one mare that got upset that I was even here, Sir."

"What did she do to you?" He stopped to look down at the little colt.

"She tried to yell at me." Pepper shrugged. "The other ponies were quick to chase her off, though."

Solaris frowned at the thought. "Would you recognize her if you saw her again? I'd like to speak to this mare." He could feel anger bubbling at the idea of anyone trying to chase off his squire. "That wasn't very nice."

Pepper nodded quickly. "I'll be sure to let you know if I spot her!" He patted Solaris' side with a small hoof. "Don't worry, Sir. I'm used to mean mares."

He rubbed his hoof through the colt's mane. "Don't be. If someone is rude or unkind, you should inform me. Insults to you, my squire, are insults to me." He turned, looking around. "Where was I?"

Pepper darted ahead. "This way! It's a big palace, but I've been here before. I can get you back to the entrance!" Without a pause, he led the way to the front of the castle, pointing towards the exit. "You can see Canterlot if you go that way. Have you been around the city, Sir?"

Solaris slowed with thought. "I haven't. I've been so busy around the castle, I haven't really wandered too far outside it." He smiled after the colt. "I guess I'll just have to walk about town and see what there is to see. Want to be my guide?"

Pepper nodded quickly. "Let's explore! Canterlot is great!"

The guards at the gate of the castle didn't immediately move out of the way for Solaris. Pepper, they allowed to scurry past without word, but for him, they locked spears.

Solaris looked between the two gold-armored ponies. "Is something wrong?" He glanced over his shoulder, but saw nothing wrong back towards the palace.

"We are under orders to not allow you to leave without an escort."

The guards parted to allow a pony through. She was tall and slender, her coat dark green with a silver mane and tail. They came right back together to form a pointy wall for Solaris. "Princess' orders."

"But I'm not alone." He pointed to little Pepper. "I have my squire."

The pony approached and shook her head. "A foal isn't good enough, I'm afraid." She did smile warmly at Pepper. "It's nothing against your squire. It's just, well, he's young."

Solaris looked over the mare. "Oh! I thought you were just passing by."

"I was." She flicked her tail. "But I heard the discussion. You are a royal guest. You can't wander around without a guard at your side. As eager as your squire may be, he isn't one of those." She looked him in the eyes. "You don't want to cause a scene here, do you?"

The guards glanced at each other. They were uncomfortable with the idea of standing up to a pony who had been called a prince earlier that day. That didn't make them separate and open the way.

Solaris hummed softly. "And where would I find a guard that's free to take a little walk with me?"

She stepped up to his side. "You're looking at one." She offered a wing, which Solaris shook. "My name's Jade. It's a pleasure to meet you. The Princess has mentioned that you'll need a guard if you step outside." She sat and clapped her hooves. "Just good luck I happened to be here when you tried to escape."

He frowned faintly. "I wasn't escaping."

"Not very well," she agreed with a little smile. "Come along." She stepped right past those guards. "He's with me."

The guards nodded slowly and opened their ranks to let the two ponies through. Pepper darted to his master's side, sticking close to him.

As one, all three headed out into the city proper. Solaris' eyes wandered over the buildings with a growing smile. "It's really nice out here." He wasn't even sure what half the buildings were, but they all felt inviting and a bit fancy. The smells of one made it clear it was a place to eat, another had instruments in the window, likely to purchase?

Jade looked between the buildings. "They're nice, if you like that sort of thing. You're from far out, aren't you?"

Solaris nodded firmly. "Yes, quite far. Is that going to be a problem?"

She shrugged. "Only if you make it one. I'm from a smaller village. But I've grown used to Canterlot since I've been working here." She put out a wing, cutting off Pepper. "Stay where we can see you, little squire."

Pepper grumbled, but nodded.

Jade withdrew her wing as she turned to continue walking. "So you're new here, and that's no big deal." She glanced at the buildings in turn. "What were you looking for? Did you want to buy something?"

"I was more interested in seeing than buying." He turned to look back the way they came. "The palace really stands above everything else, doesn't it?"

Jade followed his gaze and had to nod. "It's where I end up, as a guard, often." She followed Pepper with her eyes. "And I imagine it feels the same to him, since he returns to you."

He nodded gently. "I don't know about that, though it makes sense. But I'm really not used to this city. It's so different from my old home."

"Which brings me to my question." Jade turned around in front of him, cutting him off. "Would you tell me about your home nation, before its trouble?"

Solaris slowed. "It's not another nation." He shook his head, gazing at the mare. "It's another world." At her questioning stare, he continued. "It's very different there." He considered how to phrase that. "All the ponies you met that are from it were larger." He spread his hooves as close as he could to a proper horse's length. "And taller, just bigger. They are smaller, here, but happy."

He expected her to be confused, but she just nodded. "Oh! You're from past one of those mirrors? Fascinating. Another world, with another sun royal. You seem to be a nice enough one, like ours." She turned and resumed her walk. "Maybe that's why you two are hitting it off. Like looking in a mirror that you can kiss."

Solaris sputtered for a moment. "I suppose that makes sense."

Jade laughed warmly and shook her head. "Don't let me bother you. I've got a bit of a tongue. Now, you want to see the sights." She pointed. "If you like schools, there are several, teaching magic in some cases, etiquette in others, and even one on warfare, not as popular by far."

He thought about it. "What else is there?"

She waved to a different building. "There's the art museum, it's nice enough."

Solaris considered that, but shook his head. "Perhaps another day."

"Sir!" Pepper came racing over. "Follow me!" He led the way in a short trot to a small store with many brightly-colored and small books. "They have comics here, Sir, with all manner of wonderous tales."

"What kind of tales?" Solaris picked up one of the books, flipping it open to see images of ponies doing all sorts of things. One had an adventure involving saving a princess from monsters. Another showed a spandex-clad superhero of a pony saving a city from some great beast. Solaris chuckled at the images. "Lovely."

"They're stories of adventure, Sir!" Pepper darted to a book to show it off. "Tales of daring-do!"

Solaris glanced between the other ponies. "Oh my."

Jade nodded gently. "Quite a popular amusement for small ponies." She ruffled the top of Pepper. "Though I know some adults who continue to enjoy them. Not my interest, but I get the idea. The foals are always eager to see what happens next to their favorites." Jade paused at that. "What about your world? Do you have books like these?"

He looked at the images in question and frowned softly. "They were different, but we had them, yes." He saw one with Celestia on it and floated it closer with his magic. "What's this one about?"

"Something about two princesses, Sir, but I don't know the details." Pepper shrugged, looking away. "I haven't read that one."

The comic was about Luna and Celestia fighting some great creature from space that threatened all the world. "Hm. Is that allowed, writing fiction about people who actually exist?"

Jade inclined her head. "It isn't not allowed. So long as they don't anger them. Celestia could demand they stop selling it, but she hasn't yet. If she isn't offended by a thing, who is going to say no?"

Solaris chuckled lightly and purchased a few comics, handing them to Pepper. The colt took them eagerly, giving the store owner his thanks before trotting off to lead the way further into the city.

As the trio walked, they discussed the comics Pepper was holding and the stories they told. Jade was happy enough to talk about the ones she had looked at in the past and even mentioned a few that Solaris might enjoy, if he were interested in the format. He hadn't been, too busy with trying to keep his ranch afloat. But he was living a different life.

***

All three walked back into the palace together, Solaris holding a new comic he had bought. "This could be fun." He flipped it open with his magic, examining the artwork with a smile. "Did you enjoy the trip, Pepper?"

"Oh, yes, Sir!" The colt saluted eagerly. "I'm ready for the next one, Sir!"

Jade glanced aside at them both. "I enjoyed myself as well." She gave them a bow and started off on her own again.

Solaris lowered his head to Pepper's level, cue enough for him to get closer. "Find out who she is, exactly. Don't be spotted. If you are spotted, you just happened to be in the area and ask her some innocent questions."

Pepper stood straight and tall. "Sir!"

He ruffled his mane gently. "Go ahead and play for now." With a laugh, Pepper ran off with his comics in hoof. He was soon running with a number of other fillies and colts, having a grand time.

Solaris headed further into the castle, tucking his comic away in his room before speeding along to where Twilight was waiting for him. She smiled at his arrival, then started teaching him magic eagerly. "Have you been practicing what I've already shown you?" He nodded quickly. "Great! Let's get started."

She went over the basic words, more of a quiz than anything else. "Very good. This really is like remembering more than teaching, you're picking it up quickly."

Solaris lifted an ear at that. It all looked new to him, but he was remembering them well enough. "Thank you." He lowered his head as she reached out to pat it with a hoof. "But I want to learn more than just words and theories." He smiled faintly. "I want to do something, a small spell, anything."

Twilight clapped her hooves with a big smile. "An eager student? You should be ready for a simple spell." She turned away, a book floating up with her magical glow as she leafed through it. "Here's one that foals love."

She gave him the instructions. The spell was more complicated than the words she had been giving him before. But, he tried his best, concentrating on the sounds and making sure to get the right notes and pauses in. He felt a warm pull, a tingling rush from his horn as he finished the spell. With a cork coming loose of a sound, a balloon appeared beside him and drifted towards the ground.

Solaris smiled faintly, then tried again. A second balloon appeared and drifted down with the first. He watched them both slowly fade away and nodded quickly to Twilight. "I did that, right?"

"You did. And, it gets better." She floated the book closer to the very next page. "As you can see her, these are the modification points. Learn them and you can change the color and size of each one you create. Keep focusing on a spell and you can keep them around longer, but focusing on one and casting another at the same time is quite difficult. Mostly harmless, so feel free to try it."

Solaris nodded eagerly. "Thank you!" He flipped back and forth between the two pages with the spell and the modifications and smiled warmly. "Thank you, Twilight, really. This means a lot to me." He tried it eagerly, making pink ones and blue ones, big ones and tiny ones. The room filled with colors as he worked, eager to see just how far he could go with it.

She watched with a smile, glancing over as a third pony joined in the fun. "Princess." She bowed, even if she was a princess herself. It seemed to be a habit around Celestia. "How can I help?"

Celestia smiled and shook her head. "You are doing fine. It would seem he's picked up on some magic, but is this really the right path?" She took a step in the collection of balloons carefully. "He seems to be enjoying it, perhaps too much."

"Celestia!" He whirled towards her. Concentration ruined, all the colors vanished in a series of bubble pop sounds. "Nice to see you. Twilight showed me my first spell."

She inclined her head with a smile. "It would seem so. Have you enjoyed yourself today, Solaris?"

Solaris looked between them both and nodded firmly. "Yes, I have. I met one of your guards, walked around Canterlot with her, and even learned some magic." He chuckled. "It's been quite the day."

Twilight cleared her throat. "I should get going. It was wonderful seeing you again, Princess Celestia." She started off on her way, trotting past with a little smile. "I'll be back for more magic lessons, so keep practicing, Solaris."

He nodded firmly. "Thank you again, Twilight." She gave him a bow before she was off, leaving the two royals behind.

Celestia regarded him evenly. "Shall we walk, then? My duties are waning with the day, and it sounds like you've had an eventful day of your own."

Solaris trotted up to her and nodded firmly. "That sounds lovely, thank you." He fell into step beside her, walking with the princess towards the open air of her garden. "I hadn't realized I needed a guard if I left."

"It is a matter of habit, but a good habit." She turned an eye, but the rest of her remained pointed ahead. "If something were to happen, it would be late to then want a guard around. Better to have one there ahead of time. I am pleased to report that, the great majority of the time, it is uneventful for the guards."

Solaris chuckled lightly at that, nodding. "I imagine so." He smiled gently. "But I did find out more about myself today. I like comics."

Celestia paused. "You did not before, I gather?"

"Had no time for them." He brushed against her, encouraging her forward. "I have a little time now, so I think I'll try some. The art of Equestria is nice, and I don't mind some good stories."

Celestia's smile returned. "That's wonderful, I'm glad to hear it." She glanced up at the sky. "And I've had my fair share of stories." She looked at him. "Though I speak of stories I lived, that others wrote down. Embarrassing things. You're lucky there is no novel of your life out there."

He blushed at that, looking away with an awkward laugh. "I don't know about that." He gestured around himself. "But I hope to have a story like yours."

She laughed gently. "I am unsure you mean that." She stepped closer, leaning in so her snout was close to his. "You would rule for over a thousand moons, watching the many lives of your people rush past you?"

Solaris closed the gap between them in a light nuzzle. "Well, it's not all bad." He pulled back after the kiss. "How are things going on for you? I don't hear about royal duties very often."

Celestia started back a precious inch. "I, hm. Nothing too extreme happened today. I am pleased to report that real estate dispute is fully in hoof, with both sides grumbling a little, but the matter closed to their acceptance." She glanced away. "One unicorn was throwing around his magic a bit too much, so he is in the dungeon until tomorrow. It is a crime to use magic against others."

Solaris reached up, rubbing her mane. "I don't know any magic that could be used on someone else, other than annoying them with a few balloons. Still, good to know. What were they doing?"

She smiled and nodded. "He was making others trip. A minor spell, but it can be dangerous depending on the height or where it was cast." She shook her head. "As for the rest, there are taxes being paid, which means I will need to go over those numbers later." She took a soft breath. "I am glad I have trusted ponies that adore counting to assist with that. For some of them, this is their favorite part. For me, not quite as much, but I attend it with a smile to keep their spirits high."

Solaris considered the garden they were walking towards with thought. "Would you rather count taxes or help me pick some apples?"

Celestia laughed and shook her head. "That is easy to answer." She turned her eyes to a small fruit tree growing in the garden. With her magic, she plucked an apple free and floated it over right in biting reach of Solaris. "One, just for you."

He leaned in, taking a bite from it. "Oh wow!" He leaned back, taking another. "That is amazing. I don't know what the trick is, but the fruit of Equestria is sweet, but not in a cloying kind of way, just really tasty." He turned the apple to her mouth. She accepted a bite with a smile before it disappeared into his saddlebag. "I'm saving that for later. What other duties do you have?"

She considered the question with a soft hum. "Other than making sure the sun tucks in, this is when I would normally do the same."

Author's Note

Pepper leads Solaris around, and he's alright with it.

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11 - The Sun Sets

She pushed open the door with her magic. "Most don't walk me all the way to my room."

"Most aren't me." He smiled as he stepped inside. "You're still not tired, and neither am I." He stepped up to the window, looking out over the land. "It's beautiful here." He held his breath for a moment as she approached from behind, nuzzling up against him gently. "As is my company." He took hold of her in his magic, squeezing faintly but offering no real resistance as she stepped up to be perfectly aligned with him.

Celestia smiled and reached down, stroking his side with her wing as she held him close. "I am glad you think so. My company has been much improved by your arrival." Her voice dropped to something more playful. "My guards will assume I am to retire about now."

He leaned against her, feeling her warm breath tickling at the back of his mane. "Oh? They know I'm still here."

"Yes, they do." She pulled back slowly, opening one eye at him with a little smirk. "Suitors can make one's schedule change in different ways. Are you going to keep me up late?" She sank to her haunches, watching him.

Solaris stayed on all four. His magic wrapped around her, squeezing at her gently. He felt his way over her body, exploring slowly and carefully. "I wouldn't want to make the princess sleepy during the day." He leaned in, brushing his snout along hers. "But I can think of something to help her relax."

Celestia gave a soft groan and smiled warmly. "There is no reason to be so formal, Solaris. We are not on duty now."

"Right." His magic flicked along her coat, teasing and tickling in places. "Then I'll just ask it. Celestia, would you like to see how compatible we are in matters of romance?"

She blushed at the forward nature and cleared her throat. "I believe it is a conversation we need to have." She sat upright and proper, ears perked towards him as her tail swished to the side slowly. "You were not a pony before, but you gaze at me with the right sort of hunger. What do you see, when you look at me?"

He stepped back from her and examined the princess with a gentle smile. He took in her eyes, ears, muzzle, mane, and body, even the way she held herself with such grace and poise, yet still an inviting softness. "I see a wonderful person, a female that I would like to keep getting closer to. If she allows me, I'd gladly share her bed tonight." He smiled warmly. "And every other night."

She blushed faintly and looked down. "I am flattered." She turned her eyes back up. "Do you want to know what I see?" Solaris nodded swiftly. "A charming stallion with a coltish streak. There's much you don't know, but you're endlessly eager to address that. You don't see me as a god, just somepony who's important, with no more weight than a local mayor." She pressed her nose to his, muzzles connected. "I like that."

Solaris nuzzled against her. "So... we're compatible then?" He kissed her, pressing close with a little groan.

Celestia blushed at his kiss, feeling his tongue slide over the end of her muzzle. "So far, but you're not wrong, we should test how this goes romantically. Physically romantically." She cleared her throat at the words. "We should make love, you and I." She drew back a step. "And we will."

Solaris leaned in eagerly. "When?"

Celestia laughed. "I am inviting you, colt of a stallion. Now is not the time to be shy."

Solaris blushed deeply, glancing away. "Right." He cleared his throat and approached slowly, feeling the warm tickle of her magic on him. It pulled at his clothing, undoing buttons, loosening belts, until everything was gone, tossed into the air to land as neatly folded piles.

She took a moment to admire his form before she lifted a hoof, making a show of taking off each golden horseshoe one by one. Her necklace followed soon after, landing beside the bed gently. "You have me all to yourself, if you want."

He gazed at the princess, drinking in her naked beauty with a little gasp. His gaze traced over her coat, her curves, and he felt his own arousal growing. "You left one thing." He grabbed her tiara in his magic, lifting it free of her head and setting it on the little end table beside her. "That's better." He stepped up onto her bed, looming over her as the tension grew within him. He was really going to do that with a horse.

The thought made him pause, but only briefly. Even if she was one, so was he, and she was being joyfully consensual in every meaning of the word. She didn't need him. One could argue maybe he needed her more.

[ sex ]

He felt the strange new sensation of a stallion becoming hard, thickness protruding from his sheath and twitching in the air. He was eager to be one with her, but he took his time, kissing her muzzle slowly, gently. His magic stroked over her coat, teasing here and there while he rubbed against her.

She drew him closer with her hooves, arms wrapped around him with a soft sigh. "Let it just be us, and nothing else, tonight," she whispered huskily. She pressed herself against him, feeling his erection slide along her front with the movement. "No need to hold back, I'm not going anywhere." Her words were soft and breathy as she shifted position slowly.

He nipped down along her neck towards her throat, which made her tense a moment. "Sensitive?" That only made him go for more, to find which part of her made her flex the hardest. She groaned as he got a solid lock on her, holding her throat in his mouth he could feel that vibration of each of her sounds. He released his hold to kiss instead.

Celestia blushed deeply as she rubbed against him, the feel of his body sliding along hers was so tantalizing, but she wanted something more than just the rubs and teasing. Her magic took hold of his swaying weight, pulling gently as she turned to gaze at him pointedly. "If you are, hm, trying to warm me up, I am quite warm, dear prince."

He smiled gently at her words, drawing his head back to take her in fully. "Then I'll stop going so easy." His magic pulled her in, angling her carefully before he pushed against her. There was a moment of pressure, a soft grunt, and then he slid inside with an audible moan. "Oh... wow..." He shivered from the sensation of her around him. True to her mark, she was just as warm as one might expect a sun pony to be, radiating powerfully around him as he sank deeper and deeper into her inviting tunnel.

She gripped him close, pulling him into her while he pressed down, kissing the top of her neck with gentle attention as he started moving. He couldn't take himself out far, but he kept on pressing in deep. The two rocked against one another with shared grunts of mutual pleasure and effort with the motions. Her hind legs came up on his back, pushing to make sure they got a snug lock each time, even when he hadn't gone too far out.

Her wings stretched to full extension after a moment, her magic wrapping around the two of them. "That's, mm, it." She barely got it out, eyes closed to slits as she shivered with pleasure. "Go on." There was more she wanted to say, but her words were cut off with a kiss. He was learning quickly, paying attention to what she did that made him moan louder. The clenching of her tunnel around his cock, that was definitely something worth repeating.

Perhaps it was being new to being a stallion, or the quality of who he was with, but he felt things burning to a boil within him quickly. "Celestia..." he whispered in her ear, eyes closed with concentration as he kept on thrusting deep and firmly inside of her. "I don't think I'm going to last very long."

With a sudden shudder, it was all done, life condensing to a single point inside him in a blinding moment of purest completion. He shoved into her as fully as he could, spraying into her in thick gouts of pony seed inside of her, feeling the wetness seeping out around them and over his balls.

She held him close as he came, wings quivering with shared pleasure as they made the most of that shared moment. She leaned up, kissing his neck as he renewed his motions with a second wind. "I don't want to, mmf, let you down." He nipped at her neck in return.

Celestia gave a little giggle and pressed into him, clenching herself around him. "You're a sweet stallion. Go on ahead, keep on going." Her wings wiggled against the bed with each of his thrusts, making her feel them all the more. She groaned and shivered with each movement, her tunnel tightening around him with eager squeezes. "Most aren't eager for a second round, you insatiable thing."

Solaris chuckled softly and leaned up to look her in the eyes. "It's one of my few skills." He grunted and pushed into her, grinding himself inside of her as deep as he could go, pushing so she spread around him. "You said it yourself, I'm eager to go. That isn't only about learning things." He kissed her muzzle slowly.

She blushed and returned the kiss hungrily, wrapping her hooves around him as she pulled herself up against him. "Mm, I was hoping it meant that too."

[ end sex]

She had not invited a stallion to share an evening with her for quite some time, but she had no regrets when they were both satisfied in the end. She could hear his soft breathing in what was normally a silent room. She gave a little smile and curled around him. With a flick of her magic, she turned down the lights. The room grew darker, but never totally black, not with how the moon shone through her window.

"Good night." She wasn't even sure herself who she meant that at, the stallion, the moon, herself. It could go to all of them, she went with, allowing sleep to draw her away from it all for the time being.

***

The sun rose on schedule, as expected, and the day began in Canterlot. But, not all things were so predictable as the sun. "I have a request." Solaris' voice carried across the royal court as he spoke. "My squire is learning well at his school, but any good squire should also learn how to defend himself and others. I would like him to join the guards in their training."

Celestia blinked, clearly surprised by the question. "Your squire is a delight, but he is still young. My guards are all adults. Are you certain this is a good idea?"

Solaris nodded quickly. "I'm very sure of this, Princess." He smiled warmly at her. "I will speak with him about it later today, if you would permit it."

She cleared her throat and nodded once more. "I will send word to them to allow this, and to be careful when dealing with a foal. I would not wish to see him injured."

Solaris bowed to her before taking a seat in the chair provided for him. He didn't have to attend these meetings, they were technically not his court, but he enjoyed it all the same. It was a chance to see what Celestia had to deal with and learn more about the pony world and how it functioned.

There was a farmer that had lost some pigs, and wondered if the royal guard could assist in finding out why and where they had gone. A noble complained that her son had been trampled by some ponies, while the accused ponies said it was his fault for being in their way. That one went on for a while with the two sides arguing heatedly before Celestia clopped down her metal hoof for order.

"Enough!" She spoke with all the command one might expect of royalty. "It would seem you need a time out, and I have just the thing." Both looked to her with a mix of fear and doubt. "Do I have your attention now? Good. You." She pointed at the accused. "Watch where you are going. Ponies should not stampede one another in my city." She turned her accusing hoof at the noble. "Educate your son to look both ways before crossing any street. It is only through all our efforts that we can remain mobile in dense cities without trouble. If your son is still injured, we will see to his recovery. This matter is settled. Next?"

A unicorn in a well decorated cape approached and bowed to the princess. "Princess Celestia, there has been some question of the new stallion prince in your court and how he fits in. He's not Equestrian royalty, but you treat him as one."

Celestia fluttered her lashes. "He is, I trust you've heard, courting me. If I were to accept his hoof, would he not be royalty?"

The unicorn blinked. "I suppose so, but..."

"Then it is settled." She smiled gently. "He is here to learn what he may one day officiate. If you would like to speak with him, he is right there, and quite kind to the curious."

He sat up a little straighter, as several heads turned towards him. The unicorn faced him and gave a bow. "A pleasure, Prince Solaris."

"The same for you." Solaris smiled gently. "Did you have a question?"

The unicorn nodded. "I do! What does your royal family look like? What did you used to do for your nation?"

Celestia shook her head. "Those questions will need to wait until after the court is done."

"I'll talk to him outside." Solaris guided the curious unicorn out with him into the hallway. "Let's not be in Celestia's way. Now, I watched over my old kingdom—" Horse ranch, he internally corrected himself. "dutifully. I kept my people—" Horses. They were horses. "happy and content. They are here now, living wonderful lives among their new Equestrian neighbors."

The unicorn nodded eagerly. "That is so interesting, Prince! You don't see too many nations moving in whole cloth like that." He looked him over with curiosity in his gaze. "What happened to the kingdom?"

Solaris took a soft breath. "A disaster." That much wasn't even a lie, though it wasn't an easy thing to talk about. "Something that destroyed my home, leaving us adrift." Sure, the disaster was coming towards them. Ah. "We managed to get out just before it struck, and Celestia, in her eternal kindness, took us in. I owe her nothing but gratitude."

The unicorn blinked. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's not the most fun subject, no," Solaris agreed with a little chuckle.

The unicorn patted at the front of the large alicorn that was Solaris. "Well, you're here now, that's all well and good. Are you getting along with Celestia? What's she like?"

He chuckled softly and smiled to himself. "She's kind, beautiful, and strong. She's an amazing wo—mare that has been nothing but good to me." He leaned down closer. "She is also a gentle but loving instructor."

He nodded gently. "I am pleased for you, Prince. I hope things go well." With that, he bowed once more and headed off.

Solaris nodded at the fleeing unicorn. He considered returning to court, but decided against it. He cleared his throat and trotted off down the hall. "Prince," came a voice down a hallway to the side. He stopped and trotted towards it curiously.

The voice was a grey earth pony wearing the guards' uniform, though his helmet was missing. Instead, it was held under one hoof as he talked. He bowed politely but kept on speaking. "Prince Solaris. Princess Celestia sent word that we're to accept your squire for practice sessions. We're starting up now, if you want to watch?"

Solaris looked at him with a broad grin. "Yes, that would be wonderful. Thank you, officer." He fell into step beside him and walked with his head held high. "Where does that happen, actually?"

He would find out as they went there, just outside the castle in one of its many green lawns. There, many guards were practicing with hooves and spears, along with a few squires that were doing the same, though far less elegantly.

Solaris spotted Pepper right away and cantered up to him. He patted him on the back. "I didn't even get the chance to tell you myself, and you're already here with them."

Pepper smiled brightly at his master and gave a little salute. "Yes sir! I was invited to come join in, so I did!" His stance was firm and eager, if one discounted the little bounces he couldn't keep down. "They invited their own foals." He pointed to the other ones about his size. "And we're all practicing together!"

"That's wonderful, Pepper." He rubbed the colt's mane with a hoof. "You're free to do this every day, if you'd like."

"Thank you sir!" He saluted again and ran off to go join in with the others. "When I'm not at school!"

Solaris flipped an ear back, chuckling as his squire proved to have more sense than him. "Right." He turned to watch the adults spar with more skill. He wouldn't have guessed anything with a horse shape would engage in martial displays of that sort. It was, after all, a horse. He shook his head. No, no, not a horse.

"You look a little lost, Prince Solaris."

He glanced aside. "Hello, Jade." He jumped, only realizing who she was as the rest of his brain caught up. "Are you here to practice too?"

"No. Princess Celestia asked that I find you and make sure you weren't getting into any trouble." She sank down on her haunches next to him. "It looks like I arrived just in time."

Solaris laughed and looked over the practicing squires again. "Looks like it. Though I don't know what kind of trouble I would be getting into."

"I can see it in your eyes, sir." She smirked knowingly, a chuckle escaping her. "You want to try what they're doing, don't you?"

He flicked an ear back shyly and nodded slowly. "Yes, I do. Is that not allowed?"

"You're a royal, sir. What you want, we provide." She rose to her hooves. "But I'll be your partner, and do my best to not leave any marks to worry the princess with. I'd be a poor guard to be the one that leaves bruises on her special somepony."

Solaris stood as well and stretched, then trotted onto the field towards his squire. "Pepper, mind if I borrow one of those spears? They won't miss it, will they?"

Pepper pointed beyond himself to where the spears were collected in a bin. "Grab one from there, Sir. Oh! Are you going to spar?" He waved at his partner. "Come on, let's watch!"

Jade turned to him and nodded. "Go ahead, pick a spear." She selected a simple wooden one with no adornment, then took up an effortless stance with it. She moved back and forth, spinning it with ease. She used her mouth, hooves and wings in an uncanny coordination to keep that spear moving and twirling as if her body were designed for the task. "When you're ready."

Solaris had to take a moment to find one of the right size for his stature, as many of them were shorter. But then he turned to the field and took his place. "I am!" His voice rose to a squeak as Jade was suddenly right there before him. He couldn't get the spear in the way, so he swatted it aside with a hoof instead, jumping back.

She took her stance before him. "Clumsy, but you deflected it, so not a complete loss." She spun the spear into position and charged forward.

"What now?" He tried the same trick, but she was expecting it this time, leaping above his swipe, landing back on all fours and thrusting with the spear.

He brought down his spear desperately, but her spear was at his throat all too quickly. She brought it back with a soft laugh. "Don't feel bad. I've been practicing longer than you have. Your turn, come at me."

Solaris nodded firmly. "I won't go too hard, since you're a mare." He charged forward, spear up high before he swung down with it.

She batted the spear aside with her own with casual ease. "It may be different where you're from, Prince, but here in Equestria, we take pride in being egalitarian. Mares and Stallions are expected to excel equally in most things. Humph, if I was a poor guard, the princess would send me packing, no matter my gender."

Solaris nodded quickly. "I meant no disrespect. You are a talented guard, so the point is made." He stepped to one side and cleared his throat. "Alright. What am I doing wrong here?" He lifted the spear with his magic towards his hoof.

"First thing." She knocked the spear effortlessly from his weak grip. "Your hoof grip is laughable, so don't use it. Your magic seems to work fine, so go ahead and do that. When you're in a fight, you stop worrying about what's 'proper' and use what you have to the best of your ability."

He nodded firmly and took up the spear again with his magic, spinning it around himself slowly as he approached her. The tip bobbed at her, but she didn't flinch, instead stepping back with each jab until he slowed down as he gained confidence. "That's better. You have a nice good grip with your horn I see. Better reaction times too." She lunged at him, stabbing and swiping with the spear, not holding back any more.

He brought it into position for deflecting each time she tried something new. He even got in a little bit of offense in there, though she was able to deflect that just as easily as he had hers. The two were finally sparring for real, blows traded back and forth. Most ended with the loud crack of wood impacting wood.

Pepper and his new friend cheered them on, celebrating each time either got close to hitting the other. They went on for a while, until Jade called for a break, both of them panting hard. Solaris wiped sweat from his brow. "You're... pretty good..."

She smirked and nodded slowly. "I have the edge of experience. But, you are learning." She tossed her spear, it landing in the bin for somepony else to use. "Keep at it and you may win eventually."

Solaris laughed warmly. "Thanks. Do you know how to fight with magic?"

Jade lifted an eyebrow. "I know to close the distance with any unicorn about to hurl some at me." She pointed at herself with a wing. "But if you're asking if I know any, I'm a pegasus. The only 'magic' I know is flying and pushing clouds around."

Solaris nodded. "Right." He looked up at the sky and smiled faintly. "I'm still practicing my flight."

She froze a moment, looking baffled. "You're an adult. How do you not, oh! Oh!" She crashed to her haunches. "I didn't know you became an alicorn recently. My apologies, sir. May I ask what you were before you an alicorn?"

"Hm?" He blinked and looked down at her. "What was that? Sorry?"

She cleared her throat. "I'm curious, Prince, may I ask what you were before you were... An earth pony? A pegasus? Or a unicorn?" She rolled a hoof with each possibility. "Now you're all three, clearly, but you were one before, right?"

Solaris swallowed gently. "Yes, I had been a pony, um, earth, regular pony."

Jade nodded slowly. "Ah. That explains how you're still learning your new wings, then. When did you become an alicorn?"

He laughed nervously. "It, uh, happened just as the crisis was crashing around us. It was a confusing time for all of us."

Author's Note

4k mooonth! Which gives us time for some cuddles(and more) and some sparring, woo! Pepper approves of the last half. The first half is icky.

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12 - Orbiting One Another

The day was done, the sun tucked in and the moon rising to shine in its stead. Celestia entered her chambers with a little sigh. She smiled at seeing Solaris there. "I am glad to see you here." She inclined her head faintly. "Though I do wonder why you are. Was this your idea, or another's?"

Solaris looked up from where he had been pacing and cleared his throat. "I'd be lying if I said it was entirely my idea."

She nodded slowly. "Luna then." She rolled a wing at him and approached slowly. "Did she put you up to this?"

"Um, no." He imagined the somewhat angry dream guardian. "Actually, I really haven't gotten to talk to her outside of dreams. She really likes you, protectively, I mean."

Celestia blushed gently and rubbed the back of her head with a hoof. "She does, yes." She cleared her throat. "But, you are not here about that, and you said it wasn't her, so who was it that helped place you here?" She touched noses with him. "Not that I mind terribly."

Solaris blushed as well and chuckled. "It's not like that." He cleared his throat. "One of the guards pointed out I looked lost. I was watching Pepper practice with the other squires when I was offered to spar." He made a sharp jab with a hoof against an imagined foe. "I have a lot to learn."

Celestia pricked one ear up. "I can't say I'm terribly skilled in hoof to hoof matches of any kind, so you're ahead of me there. At my side, I would hope it wouldn't come up." She took his hoof and squeezed gently. "If it did though, what would you do?"

Solaris chuckled softly. "Whatever I could to make sure I protected you." He nuzzled her gently. "Even if that means taking some blows, which is why I'm learning how to take those."

Celestia gave a gentle nod to him, circling around. "Is this a social visit then, and if so, what manner? Do you have those kinds of hungers?"

Solaris laughed gently, looking back at her as she walked around him. "I don't know anything about your world, and there's something new to learn every day." He tilted his head slowly, looking back over his flank, but she was already behind his vision. "I wouldn't mind, but I'm not here to press. You've had a long day of being a princess, which I wasn't able to help with, so tell me how I can help now."

Celestia looked back at him with a soft gasp. She took that in for a moment. "You would like to please me?" She smiled faintly. "Luna is going to be so proud."

Proud, or annoyed, but he kept that thought to himself. "Speaking of, could you arrange a proper meeting? I really should say hi to her at some point, face to face. Dreaming is nice, but it's just not the same."

"Of course, I will be sure she makes time to see you." Celestia smiled gently, then nodded. "I would not mind being pleased right now, yes." Her long horn glowed, making room for herself as she slid into the bed. "Show me you have more than one trick, as fun as that can be."

[ clop start ]

Solaris' eyes traced the curves of her body before he joined her on the bed. He was already aroused from seeing her naked and inviting, but he wanted to do more than that. His horn shone brightly as he lifted her hind legs up, pushing himself against her rump. Rather than going for the dive, he nuzzled along her belly, licking out over her thick fur.

The way she flexed and the soft sound that emerged was hint that he was doing it properly, even if some small part of him imagined his old self doing this with some social derision easily gained. He was romancing a horse, but that horse was pretty, kind, and wise. He pushed those thoughts aside as he worked down towards where her leg joined her torso. He felt a hoof land on the back of his neck. "Do go on."

He pressed in closer, licking over her most private place. She was warm, but he was expecting that by now. Already heated with desire, he could lap over her, then gently into her as she flexed and worked around his tongue with new motions. Her sounds made it clear he was on the right path, so he continued, exploring every bit of her that he could reach from here.

Her legs tensed, hind hooves writhing in the air above him. It wasn't until one landed on him that he pulled his head away to see where to best continue. "Such a loyal little prince." Her horn glowed, pulling him up along her body until they were snout to snout. "Eager to please, but I don't want a lap pony. I want you to have a will of your own, and to never fear speaking it. I would have a partner, not another subject." She licked his snout slowly, encouragingly. "What is it you want to do now, hm?"

Solaris swallowed gently as he considered her. "I love seeing your eyes light up when you smile." He touched his nose to that tongue the next time it came close, then to her snout, looking deep into her dazzling eyes. "I could stare into you for hours, get lost." He squirmed in, his firm spire jostling closer to position. "I want you." The words drew a soft sigh of delight from his partner and she spread herself wider, letting him in as he slowly eased deeper. "Celestia, oh..." She was around him now and he felt himself tensing with the sensation.

The words became slower as the two began the ancient dance, bodies working together, moving in and out of each other in time with their motions. A large hoof came up to rub along the side of his neck while the other pressed against his backside to urge him onward, deeper into her. As long as he had become, pressing into her felt like she had no bottom, at least none he could reach. Her body was soft, hot, and gripped firmly with each motion.

Her muzzle was against his neck, kissing along his skin and fur. He closed his eyes, taking in every sound and feeling, the way she reacted to his own thrusts, her body flexing with each. He returned fire, kissing along her neck and along one of her round cheeks. "You are, mmm, wonderful, inside and out. Celestia, you make my heart burn." The words were murmured right into her ears, and made her blush.

He continued, moving closer so his body pressed up against hers. He felt his seed drip out with each movement, but he kept on going, making sure she enjoyed their time together. He felt his tail rise and flick as the tension wound tighter with each motion. A thought tickled at him. "Celly, will this eventually make a foal?"

Celly blinked, then laughed. "That is a topic that could, hm, make or break a moment like this, depending on who you ask." She drew him in tighter. "I have had other lovers, through the ages. None of them planted a seed that could take root. Will you do better, my partnering sun? I welcome you to try, even if such a thing would require much adjustment on my part."

Solaris groaned deeply and thrust harder and deeper into her, feeling his seed leak out freely now. "Yes," he whispered huskily. "To all of it." His voice rose as she clenched around him, pulling at his manhood hungrily, trying to draw out another surge that he felt ill-able to hold back. The dam cracked, then gave way entirely, sending the flood of his release into her.

The tension built within him, spilling out in another gush of sticky white seed, painting the mare's insides with a layer of the thick stuff as it oozed out between them and onto the sheets. He shivered and fell against her, weakened in that moment of completion with soft huffs for air. "Part of me." He paused to just breathe. "Hopes I can."

[ clop end ]

She stroked his mane with her hoof while he laid against her. "Mm, we can certainly see how well you do eventually." She licked along his cheek and pulled herself free, only to roll against him so he could rest on her side instead. "For now, I do need sleep, but would love to have your company while I do so."

He gladly wrapped his arms around her, hugging and holding her. It was apparently just what she had wanted, if that content smile was to be believed. The two faded gently into sleep, cuddled up in each other's embrace.

***

Luna glanced at the letter on her table, then to Celestia. "Sister, are you trying to hook me up?"

Celestia coughed and laughed awkwardly. "No, sister dear. That stallion is mine, so I would thank you to not consider romance in his direction. But he does wish to meet with my sister." She pointed at Luna. "To get to know her. If he succeeds in courting me, he would become your brother, and it is polite, is it not, to get to know one's future sister?"

Luna chuckled and flicked down the little note with a wing. "I am aware of what's proper, sister, though I admit, I am curious about this stallion who captured your eye. Tell me, does he actually make you happy, or is he another toy you'll use until you tire of it?"

Celestia flushed and rubbed her neck. "He is kind, and honest, Luna. There are times we share where we speak our heart openly to one another and it is so freeing."

Luna nodded slowly, then smiled warmly. "You speak well of him. Fine, I'll send him a note back, and we'll have that meeting. I have some questions for this false sun."

***

Solaris woke in his own bed that morning, but it felt empty. He sighed and rolled out, rubbing his eyes. "I hope Celly and I work out, for both our sakes." He shook out his form, spreading his wings as he did it in a full body motion. He looked back at it with a quirked smile. "Some of you is still a little odd, but I'm getting to like you, body." He stepped from hoof to hoof with a little snort. "You have a lot going for you."

A shower and dressing later, and he was stepping out into the castle proper. He took in the hall around himself and smiled faintly. "I really hope we work out, because I'd hate to give this up." Would Discord toss him back where he came from if he failed? Solaris wasn't sure, but felt no urge to rush and find out.

Spying a maid that had once been one of his horses, he rushed to intercept her. "How's the new life treating you?"

She paused and blinked at him in surprise. "Huh? Oh! Hello, Prince!" She bowed low before him. "I am well, though it's still very new. The other maids are all very kind and show me the right way whenever I stray. It's like being in a loving and supportive herd." She went to touch noses, but paused. "I heard you're trying to court Celestia. I shouldn't be too familiar."

Solaris chuckled gently and leaned down to touch with her anyway. "You're still my horse. I don't care what others think." He pulled back and winked at her. "But, thank you for looking out."

She smiled, but fled all the same back to her duties. "Have a good day, sir!"

"Sir!" As if summoned, Pepper raced in front of Solaris. "Prince Solaris! Your majesty!" He stood at attention.

Solaris stopped and arched an eye ridge at him. "Yes, squire?"

"Sir! How would you like your eggs cooked, sir?" He pointed off. "The kitchen staff said a squire should know how to prepare basic meals, and they showed me how to make eggs!"

He sounded both proud and excited at his new skill. Solaris couldn't help but smile. "I like a good scramble, or an omelet. Whichever of those two you'd like to show me, Squire. I'd love to try it." He followed as Pepper darted along. "Sounds like you've been busy."

"Yes, sir! There's a lot to learn, but I'm learning it as quickly as I can. Will you go into battle, Sir?" Pepper looked up at him while they walked.

Solaris raised an eye ridge. "I'd prefer to not have a battle at all. So far, there's no conflict, so why think on such things?" He leaned in, head lowering towards his small charge. "If there's an attack, I'll do the best I can. I wouldn't leave Celestia hanging."

Pepper grinned at that and gave an energetic little prance as he trotted. "I have a lot to learn too, but I want to be ready if we ever have to fight! And if I get stronger, maybe I won't always lose when we play!"

Solaris struggled to think of the little Pepper getting one over on him in any battle, imagined or not. "Focus on growing well and strong, Squire. You're doing your part, bit by bit." He followed into one of many seating rooms. Why Celestia had so many, he wasn't sure, but he sank beside the table there. "Show me what you've learned."

"Right away!" Pepper galloped out of the room, eager to get started on those eggs.

Author's Note

No big shakeups, just a lot of little happy moments really. It'd be a real shame if something were to disturb this.

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13 - Hunting Predators

A new pony stood before him. She wasn't very tall, few were aside of Celestia. She had a horn, white coat, brown hair, and an inkpot for a cutie mark. Floating in her magic, a clipboard bobbed sedately. "Sir." She adjusted her glasses. "I must speak with you. I am Raven Inkwell, Princess Celestia's trusted righthoof mare." She bowed politely. "And I must say, you are failing to meet expectations."

Solaris blinked slowly at her. "Pardon me?"

"Please, come along." She trotted off down the hallway. She walked with complete confidence that he would follow her, and he did. Trailing after her, he examined her, but her back side offered no additional hints as to what was going on in her head.

She led the way into a room of books and slid up onto a chair behind a desk there. "I oversee her schedule and run numbers for her when requested. I also oversee things in as much detail as required for her to render timely decisions." She raised a hoof up at Solaris. "You are interfering with her schedule, and your assistance is insufficient to make up the difference."

He raised his eyebrows. "So, what, you're telling me I need to step up my game?"

"Yes. If you cannot do so, I shall request you be replaced. Celestia's time is valuable, as is that of the court." Raven nodded as if this were both obvious and an objective fact. "If she desires a suitable stallion, I will search for one that will not slow her down. As I said moments ago, she is a very busy pony, for the sake of all of Equestria. It is my job to see she finishes this job as smoothly as possible."

Solaris frowned gently. "I see. Is there something that you suggest for me to change to meet those expectations? I have been trying to help, but if there is a particular goal you want me to accomplish, tell me."

Raven pushed her glasses up on her snout. "That you're asking is a good sign. Let us begin with when you approach Celestia for stress relief purposes. Your accomplishing of that goal is adequate, but poorly-timed. The next day, Celestia suffers from a mild lack of sleep. Not enough to truly impact her work, but her performance is slightly reduced. I estimate about 3-7%." She turned the paper in her magic around so Solaris could see the graph she had made, as well as some other charts and calculations that he didn't get the chance to study before she tucked it away. "Give me your schedule."

He rattled it off to her and she wrote it down on a new page. "I see. We'll need to adjust when you arrive. I'll send a letter to Princess Celestia about this, so she's prepared for the changes." Raven inclined an ear at Solaris. "Why did you speak your schedule instead of just giving it to me?"

Solaris laughed softly. "I don't actually write anything down, I just have a good memory." He tapped his head with a wing. "It all fits up in here."

She nodded gently and wrote more down. "That should be changed. Also, consider me your schedule pony." She turned a hoof back on herself. "I will manage your schedule for optimal performance both for yourself and interfacing with Celestia. Speaking of that, what is the average and maximum duration of your stress-relief visits, so I can maximize the efficiency of my scheduling?"

He stared at her and flushed gently, though he didn't look away. "That's a very blunt way of putting it, and I'm not really sure." He cleared his throat. "Um, sometimes we just cuddle, sometimes it's more." He looked down at that unicorn. "We've only just met and you're poking at sensitive topics."

"I have known Celestia for years." She made a note with a floating quill. "She trusts me completely. If you intend to continue your courtship, you will gain me in addition to anything else she bequeaths to you. Consider my last question and get a more precise answer to me by tomorrow. For now, I have another task for you."

Solaris nodded slowly. "Alright." He was clearly still adjusting to her brusque nature.

"Her majesty's royal guard is performing training maneuvers outside the city." She pointed in the general direction. "You will accompany them. I am increasing your physical training budget. As an able-bodied male, you could protect Celestia in the event of an event that requires it. Go now." She waved her hoof at him.

"Right away, um..." He trailed off and cleared his throat. "What did you say your name was again?"

"I am Raven Inkwell." She made a fresh note. "I'll have your revised schedule ready by tomorrow morning, when I expect your updated answer. When I have it, I will make adjustments to both of your timelines. Now, nice to meet you, but we're both busy." She shooed him away with brushing motions of her hoof.

Solaris sighed and left the room. "She has a way with words, doesn't she?" He spoke softly, just to himself. "I wonder what Celestia did to get her." He rubbed his cheek as he started down the hallway. "And how they get along."

He made his way to the guard's courtyard at a brisk trot. "I heard there was an outing planned today?" He saw a familiar face picking up weapons. "Jade?"

She glanced over and lifted a hoof to him in greeting. "Hey, Prince Solaris! We're doing a field trip outside the city. What's your story?" She smirked and hefted the weapon she was examining. "If you came to watch us practice today, we won't be here."

"I was told, by Raven, to come practice with you all outside the city." He shrugged with a huff. "What are you doing out there?"

"Monster control." She gave a sharp nod. "Canterlot is pretty safe, but sometimes some creepers move in. They're harmless, unless you corner them. There's some that need driving back, though they're not dangerous either." She waved a hoof up at him. "But they make great practice, in basic combat and combination tactics. If you're coming, welcome aboard." She tossed the spear at him instead of into the barrel. "Take that."

Solaris grabbed it from the air with a flicker of magic. "Thank you. Why don't we head out together then?"

"Exactly what I had in mind." She took a spear for herself and trotted away from the basket. "I'll show you where they're waiting. I was just doing some last-minute cleanup. Not right to leave a mess behind, hm?"

The two made their way outside of the castle grounds to where several other pegasi stood in waiting. "Prince Solaris will be joining us today. He's an Princess Celestia's stallion, so try not to poke too many holes in his hide or Princess Celestia may be irritated."

The soldiers all saluted in unison, even as Solaris sputtered. "H-hey. Don't treat me special. I won't learn much if you treat me like I'll break at any moment."

Jade smirked gently and nodded. "Fair point. But you heard him. He's a prince, not some delicate little foal. We'll all have fun, hm?" She turned to him and whispered, "You're welcome for that," before darting into the air without so much as jumping. "Let's move out!" The others roared with agreement and they all started out from the city into the nearby wilderness. The area around Canterlot wasn't as dense or wild as most of Equestria, due to being more settled and civilized. But that just meant there were plenty of clearings with prey animals grazing and foraging.

Where they went, another pony was waiting for them, with a great moustache that occupied the entire end of his snout. "Ah, finally." He nodded to all the arriving soldiers, just to pause at Solaris. "You're not under my command." He gave a sharp look to Jade, who flew forward.

"Prince Solaris will be joining our patrol. Do try to give him something to stab at, I know how you get when you're training." She pointed down at Solaris. "I've sparred with him before, Sir. He's at least half-decent at the art."

The mustached pony looked at her for a long moment, then sighed and rubbed his face with a hoof. "Very well." He gestured up towards the sky. "You lot! There are manticores in yonder hills! You will split up into teams of three and chase them out!" His wings snapped out, pointing back the way they came. "We won't be heading home until I have three manticores to take with me, so get hunting! Stick together, this is a group action. Manticores can be very dangerous, especially once injured. Do not take them lightly."

Jade flew forward again. "I'll lead the group with Prince Solaris in it, if that's alright with you, sir."

He gave a nod to her and flew off. "Alright, since you already know their training level, go!"

She nodded and pointed down at Solaris, who was still getting his bearings with this whole thing. "You will be with me and..." She tapped her chin with a hoof. "Private Lancer!" An earth pony came trotting up. "You're with us!" He saluted sharply. "Let's go bag us a manticore." She landed, joining the two on the ground. "I wasn't expecting a manticore to be the target. That's a little more dangerous than I had implied before, but I think we can handle it."

Lancer grinned at Solaris. "That means you get to learn the fun stuff right away. You'll be fine. The captain is a professional soldier, and I'm trained in combat as well. We won't let some manticore take you down."

"Th-thanks." Solaris rubbed the back of his neck slowly, smiling crookedly. "I'll do my best to lend a proper hoof." He twirled the spear held in his magic. "See if I can't get a stab in?" He imagined actually stabbing a living, fighting creature and part of him winced. "This will be new."

"I saw that." Jade was watching him from the corner of her eye as she marched. "You haven't actually fought a creature, not for life or death. This will be twice the learning for you. If you end up freezing, don't panic. Most of us did our first time. We're taught to be kind from foalhood. It's not something we can easily just toss aside."

Solaris chuckled faintly. "I was more worried about what would happen to me than to it, I think. How big are manticores?"

Lancer threw his hooves wide. "They're fairly big! But they fight simple-enough. Not really tacticians."

"They're also tough. They don't go down easy. We can use that, if things get dire." Jade glanced at the two. "I'm not worried about our own abilities. You've been on patrols before, Lancer?"

"Yes, Ma'am!" He swung the spear he held by the haft in his mouth. "I'm all ready! Um, never hunted an actual manticore before, just heard about them."

"I have." She tapped her spear's tip with a hoof. "I've hunted them several times, for training purposes. We should be able to bring one down. The trick to fighting a manticore is knowing that they're part-lion, part-dragon, and part-scorpion." She chuckled as both looked worried. "The dragon's part just for show, aside the wings, which do work. The lion part has teeth. The scorpion part has the stinger. Don't get stung. Hurts, and for a long time at that. It will take you out of the fight." She waved a wing at the spear. "Use your weapon to block those paws or tail."

Lancer grinned. "Nice and simple. I like that in my fights." Part of his tone felt insincere, but he didn't flinch away from his march along. "I'll follow your example, Ma'am."

"Thanks, Private." Jade glanced at Solaris. "Are you still sure this is what you want to do, Sir? If you're not comfortable with this, we could always take somepony else. You haven't even known what a manticore looks like before, have you?"

Solaris chuckled softly. "Well, no. But if it's something I'm going to need to learn for myself, eventually, then I might as well learn it sooner rather than later." He ruffled his wings, imagining Raven's possible taunts the next day if he wimped out on the training she had assigned for him. "I'm ready."

They soon found their target, which made a louder roar than either of the other animals they passed. It was large and tawny in color. Its eyes gleamed a vicious gold. They approached from a hill, so that they had a high ground as it charged towards them. Being the largest target, perhaps, was reason enough for it to go for Solaris. He got his spear in the way just in time to catch a swipe of its massive paws.

Lancer leaped in and jabbed at the creature, which hissed at him and backed away a few paces, holding pressure onto Solaris' weapon with its claws. Lancer took up position on one side of Solaris while Jade was on the other, all facing the beast together.

It roared with all the ferocity of an angry lion, its wings spread as is leaped with a renewed flap, allowing it to soar in a great jump to pounce upon them. All the soldiers jumped back as claws slashed down where they'd been moments ago, the tail flicking back and forth like a snake readying for a strike.

Its head snapped around at them, jaws opening to show fangs that could crush throats. It hadn't been expecting Solaris to thrust so quickly, catching its cheek in a ragged line of blood that drew its attention away from Lancer and Jade. They both struck the creature in flanking maneuvers, drawing its attention away from Solaris long enough for him to stab deeper into its body.

Their teamwork was more than the manticore could handle, driving the fight out of it with every true strike that fell on its increasingly marred hide. Finally, it leaped away from them with a huffing hiss. "Let it retreat. If you've drawn blood from a manticore, that's about all you can expect." Jade pointed with a hoof at its fleeing backside. "Besides, tracking a bleeder's easy. All he's doing is wearing himself out for us. Easier to capture."

Solaris nodded slowly. "Right, right." He took a deep breath. "Sorry. Just got caught up in the heat of things." He took another few breaths, settling down while Lancer chuckled softly, looking a tad shaky himself. "I did it." The battle replayed in his mind. "I hit it."

Jade laughed at that. "You hit it a number of times, my training prince. You were made for this sort of thing, clearly. Glad you decided to keep up with us."

He blushed softly. "Yes, yes I did, and I am too." He managed a smile. "And now we have to chase it?"

Lancer nodded towards the trail. "As Jade said, it left a trail for us to follow. This shouldn't be hard."

***

It turned out to not be terribly hard. It led them a merry chase through the woods, but with Solaris' speed, they could actually cut off its path and lead it back around in circles to their destination: a set of cages that would be brought by cart to the capital. The manticore was almost happy to have a place to sink miserably to its belly, safe from those that had injured it. It gave a low growl at them as they left.

Captain Hard Buckler stood there, looking the three over. "Good job. I didn't expect it to go so smoothly. Well done!" He was speaking to the teams that had made it back. "But I don't see one of the teams. Next mission, locate Starstreak's team and safely escort them back here. If they're still fighting, you are to aid them in its completion, then resume the mission objective." He nodded sharply at his troops.

Jade chuckled. "That was our training leader. He does a lot of this sort of work with us. Nice guy, but a little rough around the edges."

Lancer fell in with the larger group of would-be rescuers. "I remember the guy. Maybe he's showing the other two how it's done?"

Author's Note

What say we get a little violent? Raven has things in mind for Celestia and Solaris' courtship. It will be efficiently handled. She tolerates no less.

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14 - Homecoming

They crested a hill and found what remained of Starstreak's team already in combat. Both the earth pony and pegasus were fighting a manticore together, though the pegusus was clearly having difficulty getting airborne, his body covered in fresh scratches and bites. Solaris wanted to charge, but some deep part of him made him delay instead, going slow in his approach.

Jade crashed into his side with her own. "Wake up! They need us, now." She glowered and charged forward as the earth pony was flung into a tree, crumpling against its thick base.

Shaking free of that momentary befuddlement, Solaris leaped to follow, wings flaring out as he flapped to gain altitude.

He had no time for fancy maneuvers, he just threw himself at the manticore. His spear slipped between its shoulder blades, earning him a howl of pain that he could only compare to a lion. Unfortunately, its teeth proved its similarities to a lion didn't stop at a roar. Riding a high of adrenalin, he shoved the beast away with all four hooves and drew the spear back in his magic.

It came at him with furious swipes of its claws, its stinger flickering as it readied its strike. Solaris held back this time, letting the more experienced fighters take the lead. He focused on defense, parrying and swatting that fast stinger even as where he had been bitten stung furiously. His spear was covered in a layer of manticore's blood by the time they managed to subdue it with non-lethal injuries.

Solaris panted softly as he looked over at Jade and Lancer, but neither seemed seriously injured. Scraped and battered, but intact. He smiled just as he crumbled, energy entirely expended for the day.

***

He blinked awake, looking up at Jade's face. She glanced down at him with a smile. "Welcome back. I'm not surprised you passed out, there."

"Did you?" He tried to sit up in bed but the various pains quickly convinced him to abort that idea. "Did we win?"

She snorted softly. "Oh yes, that's all that matters." She shook her head. "Yes, we brought them down safely. You did lose consciousness. I thought I'd stay here. The captain and the other two went back to Canterlot ahead of us. I'll take you back now, though."

That reminded him of the feel of the grass beneath him, a separate sensation from the complaints his body had for the rough treatment. "That one seemed tougher than the one we fought first."

"I think the other team made the mistake of getting it in a real fighting fever. We got ours running for its life and tiring itself out first." She lightly swatted him on his less injured shoulder. "You're partly to blame. Those wings of yours aren't purely decorative."

He laughed softly. "Well, I should hope not!" He flexed both his wings outwards, making her duck under the left. "I'm glad to see I can still use them for something, even if I am still figuring that one out."

"Still figuring it out?" She nudged him, encouraging him slowly to his hooves. "Makes me scared to see what you'll fly like after you're done. You have a knack with those wings. Do you think Princess Celestia is as fast?"

He shrugged slowly. "I'm sure she is, when she wants to be. She has control of the sun." Solaris smiled softly at Jade. "But she is a princess first. She takes it seriously." His hesitant steps slowly evened out as he got his aches in order. "She will rule long before she takes flight for fun."

Jade smiled gently, nodding along. "You have a lot of respect for her."

Solaris laughed softly and looked up into the sky. "She's a remarkable mare. I've learned a lot from her." He glanced aside at Jade, thoughts surfacing, but feeling improper to give voice to with her. "Sometimes I feel a little foreign."

"Because you are." She rolled her eyes at that. "Literally from another country, but don't feel bad. We like who you are, and you're learning Equestrian things fair enough." She brushed against his side. "You're even trying new things, like fighting big angry critters with us."

He grinned at that and nodded slowly. "I guess I am. Thank you, Jade." The two shared a soft smile for a moment before Solaris started to look away again, but hesitated. "This will sound stupid, but how do I know if I should be with Celestia."

Jade's smile turned into a squint instantly, tail lashing in a fitful gesture. "You're kidding. First, you just called Princess Celestia just Celestia. I bet she gets a kick out of that. Second, she is an adult last I checked on Our Majesty. If you like her, she seems to like you back. What else is there to consider? I swear, why am I the one talking to the one bedding my princess about this?"

He blushed, rubbing the back of his head, then glanced at Jade. "I just wondered, if maybe, there might be somepony out there who would be better for her."

Jade closed in her steps. "Look, if that's confidence, ditch it. She's making her pick, and if you trust her, well, trust her. If that's legit consideration for her, good! But she hasn't found a better in a thousand moons, so I think she's sticking with you out of her options. Why wouldn't she?" She shrugged gently, but the motion was exaggerated by her wings flaring. "If she wanted some other pony, she'd have them." Jade stopped. "And if that's your ego talking, you don't seem to have one."

Solaris burst into laughter at that last part. "Mean. Of course I have an ego." He tried to point at himself and found the motion made things hurt in unpleasant ways. "Oof, let's get to the part where I sit down first."

She chuckled softly and followed after him. "If it feels like we're moving too fast, then slow it down. I'm not exactly an expert in relationships myself, but I know a thing or two about what a relationship should and shouldn't be." She huffed gently. "You didn't cheat on her the first chance you had. Makes you better than some stallions."

Solaris blinked once. "Well, thank you for that vote of confidence." He smiled faintly, but the expression quickly fell as he considered his options and feelings. "She is special and I'm sure I'll never meet somepony like her again." Reaching back through his discomfort, he played back what she had just said. "Wait. Did someone hurt you? Christ, what I said was super, sorry. Sorry, for what happened. That sounds awful."

"I'm fine." Her reply was quick, and she sighed with a shake of her head. "I was a young mare, it didn't get very far before I got my sense back. But, if you want my opinion, keep being yourself, unless that's too hard on you." She bumped against him. "You have eyes just for her. Which I approve of. Be hers, it's what she wants, and, well, I am her guard. What she wants, I want."

Solaris sighed softly and gave a faint nod. "That's good." He glanced over at her. "It must have hurt. If I'm ever an asshole, you have permission to put me in my place."

She howled with a short laugh. "You'll regret giving me that permission, good sir. I will use it. Not today, you've been roughed up enough I think." She pointed to the castle not far ahead of them. "Go, get some rest. You did really well today."

He chuckled softly. "Thank you. I don't think I would have done as well without your teaching. And Lancer." Solaris smiled at Jade as they came in for a landing in front of the gates.

The guards on duty saluted Solaris as they went past. "Sir."

But they weren't the toughest thing on duty. With firm steps, Raven Inkwell approached with one brow raised. "You are late." She tapped her floating clipboard with equally floating quill. "Not unsalvagably late, but you are injured as well. That will make what I had in mind difficult."

Jade veered away, striding into the castle. "Good luck," she called back before vanishing.

Raven watched her go and adjusted her glasses. "I will send word to the infirmary that they need to prepare for you. Please, follow along this way." She pointed down one hall. Leading the way, She made notes on her board. "I was going to have you spend time with Celestia earlier in the day, as to not interfere with her sleep schedule. I don't think that's possible in your condition today."

He smiled at the idea of seeing Celestia, but it was a little bittersweet. "I'd love to see her again, but maybe you should ask her before we decide something like that." He flinched as a step made something inside twinge. "And today's not a good day, no. Miss Inkwell, you care about Celestia. A lot, I think."

"Keeping her things in order—" She turned back to Solaris. "—is my primary objective. She is a fine pony, who deserves to have her day be as friction-free as possible."

"Right." Solaris leaned in a little closer. He didn't want to loom over her, but she was smaller by some measure. "I appreciate that. But love isn't always 'friction free', especially when you're just getting started. Celestia and I are still feeling things out, and how we fit with each other."

"I am not interested in the specifics of your bedroom activities." She inclined her head faintly. "Kindly exclude that."

It took Solaris a moment to see where the meaning had slipped, color raising in his cheeks. "N-no, not like that. I mean here." He pointed to the clipboard floating in Raven's magic. "How our schedules connect, and how our lives connect. I want to be a positive part of things. I'm sure you do, too."

"Then I am failing." She adjusted her glasses. "You have missed your scheduled times with Princess Celestia. She is my highest priority, but you were brought to Equestria for her happiness." She let out her breath in a slow sigh. "She has bypassed many rules to hurry you along. I do not know precisely what she sees, but that she is smitten with you is very obvious. She has not been so happy since..."

Raven blinked at him, and he blinked back, a little confused as to why she had trailed off suddenly, only to jerk upright with a sudden sharp inhale. "Let's get you to the infirmary." She whirled back around and hurried in her steps. "Here we are." She waved one hoof around the medical area, one pony already laying on a bed. A nurse looked up from her counter. "I would like to submit this stallion for treatment."

The nurse chuckled softly. "I'll take it from here." He was an earth pony, his mane bright pink and tied into a ponytail. "You look like you had a day."

Solaris laughed softly, then winced at how it made him ache. "That's a good way to put it."

He allowed the nurse to see him to a bed. "I don't suppose, with all the magic, there's a healing spell or something?"

The nurse looked confused a moment, then he shook his head. "Magic that could do that would be very high level, and probably a little banned, Sir." He gave Solaris' flank a firm pat. "I will give you a treatment, so don't worry about a thing."

Solaris sighed gently and sank down onto his belly, listening as Raven departed. She shut the door behind herself and trotted off.

Just as he was getting comfortable, another nurse entered the room. This one was a pegasus mare with a bright pink coat, and short purple hair that barely brushed the edge of her ears. "Good afternoon. I'll be treating you for your injuries this afternoon. My name is Sweet Cream, and I'll be taking over for Nurse Tender Care, as he's nearing the end of his shift."

She settled next to him. "Now, you're a creature last I checked, a pony at that, so I'd like you to tell me clearly what hurts and where. If you have to do something to make it hurt, don't do that, but tell me all about it. Sweet Cream is here for you."

***

Raven Inkwell trotted away, making notes on her clipboard. The palace had been in operation for hundreds of years. There were many such hidden areas in its structure that only a select few knew about.

Some, she felt certain, even Princess Celestia had forgotten about in her rush to take care of things that resided more squarely in view.

Fortunately for her, she had helpers, like Raven. She nodded to herself as she pressed a brick that looked like so many others, triggering the secret door. "We take care of it for her." The stone ground as it swung away, allowing her access.

In her thoughts, she was running over what had been said. She stopped in the corridor, blinking as a thought came to her. "I need to check something." She hurried down into a new room where an oak box rested. The seal looked like two alicorns meeting in a spinning dance, their hooves just touching. Opening it would separate their hooves. "How long have you waited?"

The artifact was older than Miss Inkwell, she felt certain. And it had sat here for all that time, waiting for her. That much she did know.

Her hoof reached for the edge of the box. She drew the hoof back with a trembling gasp of hesitation. "It's for Her sake," she reminded herself, picking up the box in her magic. "She trusts me to see that her needs are met." It would take some time, but she could manage it.

Her horn glowed and in her magic the seal broke with a faint crackle of power. The box's lid slid away, revealing an old letter, covered in writing that she couldn't understand at first, then it shifted to make itself known. "This will fix things."

Author's Note

What is Miss Inkwell up to? What is she pulling out for Celestia?

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