One Wing

A week has gone by, and though the media has started to calm down about Princess Luna's relationship for the most part, there was a few papers which chose to pursue matters still. Supposedly because the ponies had a right to know was the accepted line used, though the real reason was always ratings and sales, both of which lined the pockets of all the owners with much coveted bits. The situation was similar among the Royal Houses, with a majority of those who had protested the Princess consorting with what they referred to as a commoner settling down and learning to accept the situation. Surprising, more than a few Families had no issues with The Night Princess and her relationship. These were the same Houses that had accepted her return years ago. Unfortunately, there was a small number that simply refused to accept the situation, and some were quite vocal about this. The worst was House Blueblood.

It was no secret that the standing ruler of House Blueblood, Prince Blueblood himself, craved position and power. He had tried gaining that through marriage, though all attempts at courtship to either Princess's had been turned down. After his one and only attempt to court Luna, which had been forcefully declined barely a week after her return from her banishment, Blueblood had started his campaign of bringing the younger sister down from her throne. He had found every reason he could to spread hatred and discontent among his own House, and the other Houses as well. He always let the media do his work for the masses.

Today, he was being true to form with his melodramatic oration in Court. Actually, today, he was going over the top. "This is a disgrace, your Majesty! How is it that you, the Princess who has guided all of us for centuries, can allow such a travesty to occur? Why do you allow your sister to disgrace the Throne through consorting with a lowly commoner? I DEMAND that you..."

"Need I remind you, Prince Blueblood, of your position, and as such, you have no right to make demands. Also, I suggest that you choose your words more carefully in the future, lest you incur the wrath of those you offend," said Princess Celestia from her throne, interrupting the alabaster Unicorn's rant. Although she maintained an air of serene calm, her eyes showed a growing displeasure at the prince addressing her. Frankly, she was growing more and more put off by his continued verbal attacks.

Blueblood is undetured by the interruption. "Might I remind The Princess that you yourself disgrace the Throne by allowing your sister to carry on with her shameful acts! Not that you are in any better position, mind you." The Prince pressed on, fully engulfed in his self-righteous indignity. "Relations with a commoner yourself. You, Princess Celestia, should be mortified..."

"THAT IS ENOUGH!" proclaimed Celestia in the Royal Canterlot voice. It was a rare occurrence when she resorted to using it, but when she was angered enough, she will do so as she feels. And now, she was truly pissed off. She continues, though leaving out the deafening volume level, "You are treading on very thin ice, Prince Blueblood. Any more personal attacks or insinuations such as this will lead to official censorship, removal from the Court, and you will be barred from all parliamentary procedures and functions for an amount of time as I see fit." The Princess called an aid over to her. "Please note in the official records that Prince Blueblood has been warned of his actions, and the consequences of any further actions he might be considering."

"Nine AM on a Monday, and you have already started with your barrage I see. Blueblood, if nothing else, you do show dedication to your causes, as traitorous as they may be. I should warn you, treason carries a rather severe punishment," said Luna as she walked in behind him. She had known Blueblood was on the schedule for this morning, and on a whim, decided she would show up.

"You're one to talk about treason, Nightmare Moon. So, when do you plan for you and your winged dirtpony lover to take over?" he retorted.

A resounding smack echoed throughout the Throne Room as the Princess's hoof came across Blueblood's snout.

The Unicorn had not expected this, and it enraged him. He replied with a slap of his own across Princess Luna's face. "How DARE you to strike me, you filthy whorse!"

As the last word left his mouth, he found himself tackled by numerous guards. Normally, they would have been considerably quicker to respond, but the shock of what the prince said and did left them stunned for a moment. To give the guards credit, they only restrained him, and did not outright kill him for his actions. NOPONY treats the Princesses in such a manner, and gets away with it. The guards seethe in rage while holding the assailant down, practically begging for permission to commence beating him within an inch of his life.

"BLUEBLOOD! YOU HAD BEEN WARNED!" yells Princess Celestia, Stepping down from her thrown, she stands over the restrained pony before her. "Let it be known," she officially declares, "that of this day, the seventeenth of July, in the year of 1005 AB, Prince Blueblood is officially and permanently stripped of the title of his position as a prince of Equestria. Furthermore, he is also permanently removed from all Parliamentary duties and responsibilities of which his position afforded him. Lastly, it is decreed that he shall be permanently banished from the Nation of Equestria, and has until 10 PM tonight to be on a transport leaving Our territories forever, never to return lest he face the severest punishment afforded by law."

Turning to the guards, she now gives them their orders. "Please remove him from the Royal Grounds. Oh, you do not have to be gentle about it, but I do request that you remember that a Royal Guardspony must maintain proper decorum in public, and that Blueblood does need to be able to walk to wherever his transport awaits, thank you." And with that, she turns to return to her throne to continue with the Day Court.

Before he was dragged away to the severe beating and removal that was coming to him, Luna whispered into his ear, "If you ever do return to Equestria, I will personally buck your shriveled testicles out your ears before you swing by a noose. Is that clear?"

* * * * *

Dinnertime found three Alicorns and a Unicorn around a table covered with food. The volume of food looked excessive, but when you considered the appetites involved here. Shining Armor had always been a big eater, and with the duties he had as the Captain of the Royal Guard, it took a lot of energy, and therefor food, to do everything he did. Luna and Cadance both were still physically young, and had metabolisms still cranked up on overdrive. As for Celestia... lets just say that she enjoys food like an alcoholic enjoys Whiskey. Unfortunately, this means she has to work hard at maintaining her figure. Yes, it looked like a lot, but this is a typical meal for these four.

Dinnertime was also a time for relaxation and conversation for them. With their schedules, it was important for them to have time to be with one another, lest they go insane or dip into depression. The conversations they had would be as varied as the ponies they watched over. Sometimes, things got serious at the table, and sometimes, the talk would be filled with laughter. Right now, they were discussing Blueblood and what happened this morning.

"I can't believe I actually hit him like that," says Luna, as she works through a second helping of spinach and broccoli quiche. She really digs in, her anger fueling her appetite tonight. "Then again, with the shit he was saying, he deserved it! I should have reared around and bucked his teeth out," she said between mouthfuls. She feels that the damned former prince should have been bucked out of the Palace long ago actually.

"Sis, when are you ever going to calm that fiery temper of yours? As much as I feel that he deserves what he received, it would not be perceived well by our ponies if they see us acting in that manner." Celestia did have a point. Though some may see the relationships the Princesses were in as acceptable, a lot were shocked when the word did get out about the incident this morning.

"You know, all these troubles could have been avoided has his father remembered to wear a condom," said Shining.

Luna half choked on a bite of quiche at hearing, while Celestia smirked and Cadance had a shocked look on her face. Even after five years of such conversation at this table, she was still relatively easy to shock. "Shining! I can't believe what I just heard!" she says half serious. As much as the Princess of Love loved her husband, some of the things he would say made her blush.

"I'm just surprised that it took this long for him fo finally get himself kicked out of Equestria. He has been working on his courtships for years now, since before you returned Luna. Now that all three of you are in relationships now, I imagine he saw all his aspirations heading down the drain. With Celestia, she has always deflected his advances, and with how her relationship with my sister has grown stronger every day, he knew he no longer had a chance there. As for his attempts at trying to get Cadance to marry him, when the announcement of our wedding came out, he was incensed. I remember him even calling for me to be brought up on charges, and to be dismissed from the Guard. And now that you have found somepony to be with, it was the final straw.

"To be honest, I am a bit worried what he might do now," he continues. "He does have a good deal of influence, and I doubt that he lost all influence with his banishment. There will be several nobles who are going to protest your Proclamation, Auntie."

"They may protest, but that will not effect my decision," replies Celestia. She has been dealing with the Noble Houses for almost two thousand years now, and while she had the support of the majority of the Families, there were always some dissidents who would cause varying degrees of trouble for her. Now that Luna was back, some of those dissident Houses were more vocal about their displeasures, but for the most part, the trouble was minor. Still, House Blueblood needed closer watching. "Blueblood was the most active and vocal of the nobles who oppose my and my sister's rule. With his banishment, a lot of the troubles should be effectively diffused."

Luna found herself tired of discussing the former prince. Fortunately, there were always much better things they could always talk about. "So, how did your visit with the Dr. turn out Cadance?" she asked.

The Love Princess positively beamed with pleasure for this subject to be brought up. "Well, I do have an announcement. Shining and I are expecting our first foal in the spring!" she informs them as she takes her husband's hoof in hers. The two of them have been wanting one for a while now, and now, they finally have been blessed. When she had told Shining earlier this afternoon, he expressed his happiness with the deepest of kisses, which would have continued on to more, had he not had a meeting scheduled with the Palace Security Company. Cadance planned to make up for that tonight though, and Shining might be one tired pony come morning.

The Alicorn sisters could not have had bigger smiles on their faces. This was the best news they could have received this evening. Celestia couldn't wait to see Twilight's face when she heard the news. She'll have to get Twilight up here tomorrow for dinner. Maybe Silverwing would like to join in on dinner as well. She is certain Luna would love for him to be here. Hopefully, he will be free tomorrow evening. "So, when will you be able to find out the sex Cadance?" asks Celestia.

The conversation carried on for another hour after they had finished their meal together. With the daily stresses involved with the duties of leadership, such times were treasured by them.

* * * * *

The area was mountainous and beautiful. The beauty was different from what most ponies would be used to, but that did not bother the griffons which called this land home. Forests occupied a lot of the lower slopes of the mountain. One area gave away to a city, which extended from roughly half way up the mountain to it's base. Roads lead to and from the city, heading to every other part of the Griffon Nation. A few miles away from the city, another area of forest had been long ago cleared, and a military base had been established. Still, both the city and base looked as if they belonged here. It had been the intentions of the initial designers for this to be so, because that is how the Griffons preferred things. Everything they did, they did so because it was the Griffon way of doing it. This included the many arguments and fights that went on in one major building in particular. That building is known as The Fortress. It is the seat of government for Griffia, the traditional name for the Griffon Nation.

Inside, the discussion revolved around the upcoming treaty with Equestria, and the troubles within the nation that made such a treaty necessary. As normal, the arguments on both sides would be heated, and sometimes bitter, and more than one claw fight has been known to break out. Right now, it is all King Razorbeak can do to not rip the beak off his top general's face.

"Maybe you feel that all our issues will be fixed by the application of military might General Claw, but in the real world, it does not work quite so simply! If you had an ounce of sense, you would see that a nation does not live off of arms alone, but also needs food, shelter, and a stable economic base for survival. With the loss of valuable cropland, wildlife and feed stock caused by two major eruptions in the past six years, along with the loss of an entire city, along with over three thousand griffons, we are in dire straits right now! If we do what you would propose, it would be our downfall!" Trying to get the differing factions of griffons to agree on anything was difficult enough, but when one of his own closest allies actively opposed him, it just made things that much worse. The fact is that they needed this treaty, if they were to survive. Food reserves were at an all time low, and they could not afford to go conquesting for what they needed. Yes, the Griffon military was strong, but not strong enough to take land from Equestria and hold it. Plus, if they were to try such a thing, the Equestrian military would surely strike back in force, which would be enough to completely cripple this nation.

"And giving up our sovereignty would solve all of that?" asked Claw. "Do not sit there and tell me that Celestia would not take advantage of her new found influence to work towards making Griffia another territory of hers. Yes, we need the food, but can we afford to lose ourselves in the process? WE ARE GRIFFONS! And it is beneath us to be indebted to lesser races!" This was one of the biggest arguments against the treaty. And it was an argument which gained support almost daily.

"I doubt that we will lose any of our sovereignty because of this, General," came a voice from the Council. "If anything, we will actually gain an ally, as well as much needed aid to help us rebuild and remain strong. It is a win-win situation for both nations, and we would be foolish to not accept the assistance." Council-member Brightfeather was always a voice of reason, and was always willing to stand alongside his King when the need arose. Granted, a few times, he had opposed something the King proposed, but in the end, it was almost always Brightfeather who was correct when they disagreed.

"Thank you for your wise words, Brightfeather," came General Claw's retort, with an edge of sarcasm, "but wise words are not wise when they are lies." He let the implication hover over every griffon's heads as he continued speaking to the gathered Council. "May I remind the Council of Equestria's increased military forces near our border, as well as the power which they yield. If they were to attack, they have the numbers to overwhelm us. For that reason, we need to strike first. A preemptive strike at their gathered forces would disrupt their might long enough to capture the land there, and hold it for ourselves. I should also remind you that the land there is prime land filled with resources which we need."

"And where would we find the resources to support such an operation, General?" asked the King. "Our economy is already strained, and we barely have enough food to keep the Kingdom fed through this oncoming winter, and that is assuming that it will be a mild winter. Not only that, but financially, it would cripple us to do this. Contrary to what you seem to believe, the budget will not support your proposal. Where do you expect us to come up with funding for an invasion to seize and hold territory?"

"Once we have the lands, we will have the resources this Nation needs..."

"And HOW will we be able to put such resources to use? How many griffons will it take to defend our captured lands from being retaken by Equestria's military? On top of that, we will have to have a lot of griffons to actually start farming the resources we will need. All of this will leave the remaining borders undefended and open to attack.

"My decision has been made. Tomorrow, a message will be sent to our embassy in Canterlot to prepare for my daughter's arrival as part of a diplomatic mission to get this needed treaty in place!" With that, the king turned to walk out of the Council room.

* * * * *

It did not take long for the message to arrive, and within a couple days, the Griffon Ambassador to Equestria, Sir Horace Razorbeak, was meeting with Silverwing within the Griffon Embassy. The treaty between the two nations was progressing at a surprising rate. Maybe, before the year was over, there will be a formal signing and ratification even. This would definitely please Silverwing. He wished for the end of the border conflict that had plagued the two nations for years. There has always been tension between the two countries, and two wars, as well as numerous minor border skirmishes have been fought over this.

A big reason for this was the fact that the land was both fertile, and filled with natural resources that benefit Equestria, and Griffia needs. With two natural disasters in recent years, the Griffin Nation was getting desperate for the food and resources that would keep their nation afloat for years to come.

As a means to solve this dire situation, and to prevent any further conflict, a treaty was proposed to offer food and financial assistance, as well as access to the area for joint use of the resources. In exchange, there were certain technologies which would be a boon to Equestria's economy. One of the more notable technologies was air transport. With such technology, the improvements for quality of life for ponies everywhere were impossible to calculate, but everypony agreed that it would be a remarkable change. Another area of technological interest was in communications. The griffons have developed telegraph systems, and were working on developing a wireless system, which would allow for virtually instant communication with anywhere. The changes from this were predicted to be even more profound.

Not only was aid and technology on the table, but a declaration of ceasement of further hostilities between the two nations, as well as increased diplomatic, social, and military ties was being proposed. All in all, it looked to be a win-win situation for both sides. Unfortunately, on both sides were those who did not see it that way. Still, those who wanted this treaty were in the majority, and also in rule. Those who did not want this would just have to accept the situation.

"I am thankful that we can come to agreement on these matters so quickly, Horace", said Silverwing to the diplomat across the table from him. Horace Razorbeak has always been a reasonable griffon to deal with, as well as a pleasant one. This is one of the reasons why he preferred to be a diplomat, and let his brother rule the Griffon Kingdom. Still, the reasonableness and pleasant manners did not mean that he could be hard when he needed to be. There has been more than one occasion where he had to take a harsh stance, and not back down before those he dealt with. For that, the Princesses respected him, and knew that they could trust him to be a griffon of his word.

"Since the treaty is of great importance to Griffia, and the terms so far are quite agreeable, it seems best that we do not delay with this. Besides, this will benefit both nations, will it not?" Horace found that Silverwing made for an excellent diplomat himself, and also would have considered him a friend, if it would not have potential conflicts of interest. His first allegiance has, and shall always be, towards his own homeland, and that came before even something as valuable as friendship. Maybe someday, he mused, when he retired, he could actually accept friendship with Silverwing.

"Now that we have these items of interest settled, we can move on to the next item of business, which I believe is Princess Razorbeak's upcoming visit." This was another area that was causing some concern among various high level ponies, in particular, the military. Several of the generals did not care for the fact that there would be two companies of Griffin Royal Guards accompanying the Princess, along with her personal aids, servants, and support staff. Shining Armor was worried about security, and how will it be dealt with. A few nobles protested the griffons being allowed to enter Equestria, seeing them either as a potential threat, or just as something undesirable which they did not want around.

"Yes, She will be here in three weeks. I gather that there are still some who oppose her coming here. Do you have any suggestions on how we might make this official visit more acceptable?" was Horace's reply. If this visit went well, as well, as the following visit of Princess Luna to Griffia, it will help smooth the road for the passage of the treaty. If either trip ended in failure, the treaty might just end up scrapped.

"I do have a few ideas," said Silverwing, and then commenced to outline his ideas to the griffon diplomat.

* * * * *

The nighttime streets of Canterlot were sparsely populated as the carriage pulled up to the Griffon Embassy. It did not stop in front of the building, but instead turned down a short side street to a back entrance used for deliveries. This is because it was a simple delivery carriage. When it came to a stop, the brown unicorn pony with a red mane grabbed three packages from the back, and went inside, where he was met by an identical pony and a griffon.

The unicorn who had been standing next to the griffon wordlessly heads out the way that the other one had come in. All he knows is that he was receiving an extra hundred bits for basically doing nothing for a half hour. Maybe he should see if he could get any more of these under-the-table jobs. Just what was going on, or how legal such activities were did not concern him. A little over a day's pay extra DID concern him, and for that, he would do as he was asked with no questions.

With a glow from his horn, the delivery pony ceased being brown and red. The illusion spell now ended, Blueblood addresses the griffon before him. "I have your guarantee that nopony knows of my presence here?" He has been in hiding ever since he missed his train to Baltimare, where he was scheduled to be on a ship heading to Zebrica. Having not left Equestria as dictated by Celestia's decree, he was now a wanted pony.

"I assure you Blueblood, that no pony will find out that you are here. After all, it would be disadvantageous if you were to be caught. Shall we head to my office? I do believe you prefer Earl Gray tea, and I have some steeping at this moment for us," Angus Redtail told the fugitive unicorn as he turned to walk down the hall, with Blueblood following.

When they got to the office, they immediately took a seat on some cushions by an opulently carved table. Going through the standard pleasantries which would be expected between a diplomat and somepony of royal blood. Blueblood was impatient though, and soon, he cut through the formalities, and directed the conversation towards more pressing matters. "As much as I appreciate the tea and conversation, we must discuss this horrendous treaty which our nations are working on. As you are aware, House Blueblood opposes this treaty, and I am certain that my sister will continue the opposition. What can you tell me of its progress?" he asks in a serious tone. This treaty would be financially damaging to the arms development which his House's companies were working on. Arms that would be sold to not only to Equestria's military, but also to other nations, including the Griffin Empire.

"The treaty advances rapidly in its development, Blueblood. Silverwing and Horace Razorbeak have finalized numerous details, and have made plans to further the treaty along. Also, it has been confirmed that Princess Luna shall be visiting Griffia in a diplomatic role, and if all goes as they have planned, it is her that will be signing the treaty.

"Fortunately, not all griffons support this misguided disaster we have before us. There are high level Generals who wish to see the standing King removed for treasonous actions." Leaning in closer, he continues in a hushed tone, "As we speak, the Generals are planning a coup to oust this weak ruler, and place someone strong on the throne."

Bluebell may be many things, but one of his skills was the ability to see opportunity knocking. The planned coup within the Griffia government was knocking very loudly. A plan was forming with his head. not all the details were worked out, but they would fall into place, given time to plan.

Angus could see the wheels turning in the unicorn's head. Planning wheels, he suspected. "Blueblood, what is it that you are thinking?" he asks.

"Maybe Griffia is not the only nation crying out for new leadership. Considering that Celestia and Luna both are pushing for this treaty, as well as other failures they have to their name, they have shown themselves to be rather weak. I am thinking that the Celestial reign is about to come to a close soon. And this coup your generals have in the works would fit right in with disposing of a pair of Alicorns who have become more of an embarrassment than real leaders." He continues on, laying out the rough plan which had quickly formed within his head.

* * * * *

High General Tiberius Claw sat at a table in the back yard of his estate home. With him sat his Aide-de-Campe, Colonel Ironwing, along with three of his most trusted divisional commanders and their executive officers. Every griffon had a tankard of mead, and had just finished a meal of buffalo steak. Though the eating of sentient creatures had been outlawed centuries ago, for those with the bits, it was available if you had the connections. And griffons do like meat.

This was not a social gathering though. It was a meeting. The topic was a coup which they were planning. In this nation, either the King (or Queen) passed the crown to a designated heir, or the reins of leadership are taken by force. Where as General Claw saw King Razorbeak giving up his seat on the throne anytime soon, and he had already designated his heir to be his daughter, the leadership the Griffon Empire needed had to come to power by displacing the current ruler. Unfortunately for the standing king, coups were generally fatal for those on the losing side.

General Blackheart, commanding officer of the Fourth Royal Division, told the gathered griffons, "Alpha company will have no problem taking charge of the Third Division, and Bravo will take control of the Fifth Division. Once control is established, other than his personal guards and those few who will stand with him, you will be unopposed when you enter the building and remove him from power. Once you have full control of all five Divisions, General, nothing will stop us from carrying out your plans."

"We may have problems with the Fifth Division," says Colonel Quickclaw. One of the Empire's brightest officers, she had shown a fierce loyalty to the Army, and to General Claw in particular. She would probably hold General Claws position someday, which was surprising, considered that the Griffon Army was still a male dominated aspect of Griffon society. Not because males were better, but because the females within society were more domestic in their national duties, preferring to control things within, while the males looked outward. "Their First and Second Battalions have consistently shown their strong loyalty to Ravenclaw, and might fight back. And they are seasoned fighters. Yes, we will win in the end, but I suspect they will make us fight for that victory," she reminded the officers.

Second Division's commander, General Bloodeye, spoke up. Initially supportive of the planned coup, He was now starting to have doubts. Some serious ones. He has seen the reports on food production, economic strength, and he knows what resources are available. He also understands just what is needed to carry out a major military operation. He knows what the cost to Griffia will be if this plan fails. "And what if this plan does not succeed?" he asks of his commrads. "What will happen to Griffia if we fail in this endevour? We will be committing everything this nation has to this gamble, and if we lose, then Griffia will not survive."

General Claw fixes his attention on the griffon with the dissenting voice. It is unfortunate that one of their own would be having second thoughts. This was a development that could not be afforded right now, even though he had been starting to suspect this might happen. "And how is it that you feel suddenly that this is the wrong course of action, Bloodeye? Why the change of heart? You're not getting cold feet, are you?" he asks with a icy timber to his voice.

"I think we should carefully consider just what the consequences will be of our actions. I need to think about this..."

He never got a chance to say any more than that. With a slight nod of the general's head, he is tackled from his seat, and is immediately on the receiving end from the blows of six griffons. He does struggle, and even manages to land a few blows in with his talons, but the odds are just too great, and he is quickly beat down and subdued. General Claw now stands over him, having already decided the fate which awaits the weak fool on the ground before him.

"Kill him. We have no need for weakness among us."

Colonel Quickclaw steps forward. "May I have the honor, General?"

This is a nice surprise, thinks Claw. She is showing that she is completely loyal in doing this, and showing that she is ready to move up. Claw looks in her eyes, and makes his decision. "Do so, and make sure to take care of everything so suspicion is not aroused." Turning back to a large bottle to refill his tankard, he continues, "And take care of your new command, General Quickclaw."

"Yes Sir." The newly promoted general turns back to her former commanding general. "Lift him up," she barks at the two griffons near him. When they do, she draws the dagger which she habitually carries. Without another word, she plunges it deep into her victim's stomach several times. As he lets out an agonized screech, she grabs him by his feathered scalp drawing his head back. His screams turn into a strangled, wet and loud gurgling sound as the blade cuts through his windpipe directly below his voicebox. Blood splashes off the two holding him, and the cruel executioner, who grins as she watches the life pump out of him onto the ground.

"By your leave, General, I need to take care of some things," she says, kicking at the body to indicate her meaning.

"By all means," is the reply.

* * * * *

Saturday night normally would find Silverwing and Luna both busy with official duties. Tonight, such duties were few enough that they could be cast aside. They had shared dinner with her sister, Cadance, Shining Armor, and Twilight, and the six of them have spent hours after sitting around in Tia's private lounge relaxing and talking. Silver was actually quite relaxed now around Celestia, after how well dinner on Tuesday had gone. To be honest, he was initially apprehensive on how well the dinner would go. The last thing in the world he wanted was to offend the Sun Princess, or to have her disapprove the relationship he had with Luna.

Well, by the end of that evening, he was just about considered family. And tonight, they gathered on cushions drinking wine and telling stories until almost midnight. Well, Cadance didn't drink any of the wine, preferring iced tea, where she was pregnant. Still, the evening was joyful and happy, allowing them all to forget the troubles of the day they all deal with.

It was near midnight when the small group parted ways. Maybe it was Shining having to tell his sister to get a room that was the signal that it was time for everypony to head to their own chambers. Silver did find it surprising that Twilight would be so bold to suddenly get extremely frisky with Tia like she did, but lovers will be lovers, as they say, and they all took the hint.

Silver and Luna now find themselves walking down the hall towards her private chambers. She finds herself wishing that he would stay the night. The though surprises her that she would think that, but she cannot deny the fact that he has awakened feelings inside of her that she has not felt for countless years, and some feelings that she has never felt before. She is nervous about this, where as feeling in love with somepony is quite new to her, having been so long since the last time she ever felt close in this manner. And there is another feeling. One of desire that she understands from the perspective of seeing others with such emotions towards the ones they care for, but Luna has had no actual experience here herself. She loves this feeling, but at the same time, is slightly scared as well. Still, she wants this. She wants these feelings, and she finds herself wanting more. "Will you stay tonight, Silver?" she asks, trying not to let her nervousness show.

Silverwing feels a bit surprised that she would ask this so soon. Not that he was offended in any way, or that he did not want to, but he did not expect that she would wish for this tonight. He himself is a bit nervous about this, having been a few years since he has been with a mare in any intimate way. He too has been having feelings of desire, but had been uncertain if it was time to take their relationship to the next level. "Are you sure, Luna?" he asks, testing the waters of their relationship and his own heart.

"I don't wish to be alone tonight. I want to be with you, Silver," she says. "I have never felt this strongly about how I feel for you, Silver." She looks him in his eyes as she continues, "I love you. Be with me tonight." She moves in and softly kisses his lips, then opens the doors to her chambers, beckoning him to follow.

Upon entering her chambers, he sees that though spacious like her sisters, there are very few similarities. Celestia's quarters was bright and rich with gold elegantly crafted woodwork, with the emphasis on lighter hued woods. Cushions of lighter rich colors made of the finest silks placed everywhere made it so wherever a pony was, there was a comfortable place to sit. Everything about Celestia's chambers radiated a sense of bright cheerfulness, as fitting the Sun Princess.

Luna's chambers had a darker, but serene motif to them. Woods of a darker hue, such a mahogany and ebony were used extensively, with light silver and platinum accents. There were fewer cushions about as well, and overall, there was a neatness to how the room was organized, giving it an almost zen-like quality. The two chambers reflected the occupants, and unlike her sister's cheerful display of colorful and comfortable opulence, Luna chose a more subdued atmosphere.

Luna walks through the first room, heading to her bed chambers. Climbing onto her bed, she is joined there by Silver. They lay there side-by-side as they share a tender kiss. This kiss is followed by his soft kisses upon her cheek, then neck. Luna sighs in delight at the pleasant feelings these bring, as her lover gently caresses her neck and sides with his forehooves and lips. As his hooves rubs softly along her flank, he starts to preen her feathers with his teeth. She loves this, and she feels a heat begin to build within her nether regions.

Silver lets a hoof slide under her tail, and ever so softly begins to rub, causing the heat within her to build more, and her breath to quicken. She spreads her hinds legs a little in response, wishing for more of what she feels. Gently rolling her onto her back, he locks his lips with hers, and they kiss deeply as his hoof continues with its ministrations on her marehood. parting her lower lips, his hoof finds her clitoris, and rubs in small circles around it, bring forth a gasp from the dark mare in his embrace.

"Mmmmmmm..." is all Luna can say at the moment, as she starts feeling lost in the feelings inside of her. The pleasurable heat that had been building is the only thing she can focus on at the moment as her lover keeps his tender caresses going. Never before has she felt anything like this, and she gives in totally to her desires.

Silver starts kissing down her neck once again, and then down her chest and belly. His own arousal has been growing, but he wishes to make her first time as special as he can. As he heads further down, he spreads her hindlegs, and kisses along her inner thighs, working inwards slowly until he reaches the moist flower at the center. Licking around her labia lightly, he sends shudders of pure pleasure and anticipation up her spine. When his tongue slips between the lips to flick up and down her clit, it brings forth more gasps and panting. He can tell she is getting close, and he gently licks and sucks on her nub, bringing her closer and closer.

"Silver... I feel... oh my FAUST..." she cries out, as the dam breaks, sending wave of intense wave of delicious pleasure cascading out from her center of pleasure to wash over her body. Grasping his head in her forehooves, she grinds her pulsating quim into his face as he laps up her flowing juices. As the waves of her first orgasm reside, she pulls him up into her embrace, kissing him deeply, their tongues intertwined in passion.

"Take me now, Silver. I want this! I want you," she tells him in between kisses. Reaching down, she starts stroking his rockhard member, bringing forth drops of his precum and a deep moan of desire from his lips. Still stroking, she guides his stallionhood down to where she desires it most. Though nervous, she wants to feel him inside of her. She NEEDS this. Slowly, he eases his hardness inside of her, just a bit until he reaches the barrier inside. Wrapping her hind legs around his hips, she pulls him tight to her, letting out a slight hiss of pain as her virginity is taken from her. This causes him to pause, suddenly worried that he had hurt her, but she reassures him that its ok, and he slowly starts thrusting in and out. That momentary bit of pain is quickly replaced with pleasure as she feels him inside of her. Once again, her breath quickens as she feels that same feeling building again inside her sex.

Silver feels himself building up towards his own release. The sensation of her tightness around him is nearly overwhelming as their combined urgency pushes them both to increase the pace. Kissing her passionately, his thrusts push her closer and closer to the edge once again. The sensation of fullness he provides her causes her body to scream for more as she thrusts her own hips up to meet with his. Within moments, he can feel her tunnel tightening around his shaft as she cries out in orgasmic bliss. The rhythmic squeezes send him over the top, and he too cries out as his seed starts filling her insides.

They hold one another tightly as they ride out the orgasmic waves of pleasure that wash over them. Looking her in her eyes, he kisses her tenderly, then tells her he loves her. And he knows in his heart that it is true. He has fallen in love with her, and never wants to let go.

"I love you too, Silver, with all of my heart," she tells him back. Never before had she had such feeling, and though they scare her in a way, she wants them to continue so very much. This feeling of love is unlike anything else she has experienced. And making love is even more incredible. If only had she been able to know this feeling all those many years ago, maybe history would have turned out differently. She tightens her hold on her lover as they slowly drift off to sleep together, never wanting for this to end.