The Courtship of a Princess
One Wing
by
Biker_Dash
* * * * *
The Courtship of a Princess
The gardens were quiet and peaceful this evening. Princess Luna had just brought forth the moon, and had decided to take a short stroll to relax and think. Maybe even find some contentment in her contemplations and solitude. It was not often that she would have the time for this, so she made extra efforts to ensure that, once a week, she would have no royal duties to contend with, other than the raising and setting of the moon. She did not always get her night off, where as things do come up that require her attention, but she valued the time she did have. Tonight, as she usually does when she goes for her evening walks, she is without her Royal Regalia. She wants a break from her role as a ruler of this land, even if it is only for a few hours.
She found herself walking along a path within the Royal Gardens, gazing at the beautifully manicured foilage and statues, and at the few ponies strolling around, enjoying evenings as couples for the most part. This brought a touch of sadness to her. It was moments such as this which made her desire to have somepony in her life. A special somepony whom she could share her heart with.
Who would wish to be that pony for her though? The taint of her past as Nightmare Moon still lingers in the thoughts of many. And even if she were to find somepony who saw past that, who would wish to deal with everything that would come with a royal relationship? Yes, there were those who would have her, but they were either royalty themselves just looking upon her as a trophy that would grant them status and power, or a few worshippers, who saw her as an omnipotant goddess.
She didn't even have a whole lot of friends, to be honest. There was a time when she did have numerous friends, but that was more than a millenia ago. Now, she had Tia, her dear sister, Twilight Sparkle, who has taught her quite a bit actually, and...
And really, nopony else as far as friends go.
And for the last year, Tia and Twilight have been together. While happy for the two of them, it did add emphasis to her having so few she could turn to. After five years of being a part of Equestria again, this is all she had. It was just one more chip chiseled out of her heart. It was painful enought that she has often softly cried herself to sleep in the past year.
She does what she has always done. She pushes those thoughts aside. She is the Princess of the Night, and she could not let these feelings show. What would her subjects think if they knew, that deep down inside, she hurt just like everypony else? What would they think if they saw her show any weakness?
It would weaken Equestria as a whole. Also, there were numerous members of the Royal class who did not wish to see her in a position of leadership, and it might give them thought of attempting to upserp the Throne. That could not be allowed to happen, for if it were, then in the end, all of Equestria would fall.
Wandering a little further along the path, she stops to gaze at the moon as it slowly makes its way across her night sky. It is a beautiful sight, the way it seems to form the top of a picturesque piramid with a pair of trees near the edge of the gardens, and the side of the mountain and a few clouds as a background. She also sees that she is not the only one gazing upon the moon.
Under the branches of a cherry tree sits an Earth pony holding a drawing pad propped against his hind legs as he leans back against the tree. In his other hoof is a pencil. That's pretty adept for a pony, where as hooves generally are not made for holding objects. To be able to do so, and to have the dexterity to write and draw in that manner is a skill many ponies work hard at.
Luna quietly approaches so as to not disturb the artist. His work is good, she sees, capturing the image in paper and charcoal. His face has a look of contented concentration as he shades in the details of his work, the dark ebony pencil moving deftly in his hoof. He pauses to brush a locke of his silverish mane from in front of his eyes, then resumes his artistry.
"That is some beautiful artwork you have created," she says softly, so as to not startle him.
The stallion stretches his back, and as he does so, a lone wing stretches outwards as well. He is not an Earth pony, but a Pegasus, just only with one wing. "Thank you Miss..." Looking up to the mare who spoke, he sees it is not just any mare, but Princess Luna herself. Rising to his hooves quickly, he begins his apology. "My apologies, my Princess, I did not..."
He got no further when Luna smiled softly, replying, "No need to apologize, good pony, for you meant no disrespect. If I may ask, what motivates you to draw such a beautiful scene?"
"It is beautiful, Princess. For me, that is all the reason I need," he says politely. "To be honest, I have always had a fondness for the evening, just as the sun has set, and the moon rises. It relaxes me, Your Majesty"
Luna cannot do anything but smile happily at hearing this. To hear that somepony appreciates her nighttime sky gives her a warm feeling inside. "Thank you, good Sir. Per chance, may I have your name," she asks. She does not know why, but she feels she would like to know more about this stallion. After all, he is a handsome one with how his silverish mane graces his light tan coat...
What are you thinking Luna, he probably already has somepony he loves. Quit thinking like a teenage filly, she thinks to herself.
"The name would be Silverwing, Princess," he says. Luna notices that he says it with respect unadultered by fear, nervousness, or undue goddess-worship. It is a proper respect, one that a gentlecolt would use towards a mare, yet fully respecting her position as a Princess. Its quite refreshing actually, where it lacks the upper crust attitude of superiority. And his voice... mello and open in a way that's just... Luna, BEHAVE! Your acting as bad as Twilight used to be around Tia, for Faust's sake, she silently tells herself.
"Would you care to converse more over coffee, Silverwing?" she asks, surprising herself with her sudden boldness.
"Why, yes, I would be honored, my Princess."
"Please, call me Luna."
* * * * *
Donut Joe's is a fairly popular place, with the quality of both the food and coffee there. It is nicely lit, though not overly bright with the lighting. A counter with stools for over a dozen is one of the first things you would notice. Tables and booths arranged in an order that gives plenty of seating, but makes the place feel roomy and friendly. Picture of various ponies and scenes adorn one wall, with the counter taking another. Behind that is the kitchen itself, where all their food, including the donuts the place was famous for, is made fresh. The other two walls are comprised by big panes of glass, adding to the openness of the place. In one corner there is a space that is left open where the ash and ebony wood flooring gleams. A small stage occupies a corner, used on nights when they hold an open mic event. Also, there is an antique looking jukebox with a decent selection of music. Generally, the thing plays nonstop.
Luna and Silverwing were sharing a corner booth, chatting and laughing together. Two cups, a carafe of coffee, and a large plate of hayfries sat on the table in front of them as they exchanged stories about themselves.
"I was a Seargant of the Royal Guard, hoping to be able to become one of the Solar Guard when you returned," he tells her. "When they announced that a Lunar Guard would be forming, I immediately submitted my application. Sadly, it was a week later that the accident happened." His face takes on a slightly saddened look as he remembers that time.
Luna notices this, and feels a bit concerned. Concerned that her new friend might still be hurting. She felt a need to reach out and be there for him. That is something friends do. Her friend, Twilight Sparkle had taught her that. "Would you like to talk about it?" she asks him softly.
"It was a cool, breezy day. We had training scheduled. That included flight training for us Pegasi," he says in almost a whisper. "Pretty basic stuff for the most part. Formation manuvering, basic arial combat, evasive manuvers. Just stuff to keep up our skills. Well, that all went well enough, even though the L.T. thought we should be better. Understandable, considering that he spent a couple years with the Wonderbolts. Mind you, he was never degrading or insulting about it. He was always encouraging us to strive to improve, and to take pride in what we do.
"The last part of the training day for us was the obstacle course. I usually excelled there and it sort of became a competition amongst us on who could fly through the fastest. I was the fifth one up, and I took off flying through as if I were Rainbow Dash or something." He shivers almost invisably as he continues on. "I guess I got cocky and overconfident. I misjudged a gust of wind while doin the slalum portion, and my left wing clipped a tree. I ended up careeming into another tree, and it just about tore my wing off me. I slammed into the next tree, fracturing my skull.
"I woke up a week later in Intensive Care. When I discovered my missing wing, I panicked. I instinctively tried to fly away... and could not. It took four guards to get me strapped down to the bed as the doctor sedated me. It took almost a year of therapy and counciling after that." Silverwing stops at this point, silent tears visible, though he struggles to not show them.
Luna gently wraps a foreleg across his shoulders, hugging him close. "I'm sorry. I didn't know. I did not wish to make you sad," she says softly. She wishes she was better able to help with his pain. She feels she has made a new friend tonight, and her heart feels for the suffering he still endures.
"Its ok Luna. Its been five years now. I should be over it," he says. With a shy smile, he thanks her. For some reason, he feels comfortable around her. He knows that he should not be so informal around the Princess, her being royalty and such. With his training as a Royal Guardspony, a big part of him feels that how he is acting is shameful, bordering on criminal. Yet, she is here talking to him not as one of her subjects, but as a friend and equal. Silverwing feels conflicted inside. He feels he shouldn't, but he desires to be Luna's friend. He doesn't have many real friends, and those that he does, he cherishes.
"Silverwing, I'm here for you, and I would like to have your friendship," she tells him.
Smiling, Silverwing replies, "Thank you. I would like that as well."
A couple hours and two more carafes of coffee later, the two of them are walking back towards the Palace. They spend the time while walking chatting about various things, just whatever comes up. It is not long before they arrive in front of the main gates.
"You, my gentlecolt friend, should return home. You do have work in the morning. It would not look good for you to meet with the diplomatic attache from the Griffon Kingdom yawning and bleary-eyed," Luna tells him with a smile. As much as she would love to keep spending time with him this evening, it is already past midnight, and he does need some sleep. There will be other evenings for the two of them to be together. She looks forward to those times to come. The Princess of the Night does have need for friendship, just like anypony really. "I would love to do this again Silverwing, if you would be willing," she softly says, looking into his eyes.
This is not what the pegasus had really expected, but he had been hoping that they could. With a happy grin, he replies that he would love to.
Luna's eyes light up with a joy she had not felt in too long of a time. "That's wonderful! Same location next Sunday, same time!" And she canters off happily humming a joyful tune.
Silver wing starts trotting home with a smile as well. A moment later, it hits him that he has a date with a Princess! Well now, who would have thought of that?
* * * * *
A little after dawn the next morning, Princesses Celestia, Cadance and Twilight Sparkle are gathered around the table in the private dining hall. Breakfast is on the table and the mares are chatting casually as Princess Luna saunters in with a smile and glow about her that has not been seen in a long while. "Good morning girls, and how is everypony this morning?"
"And good morning to you as well, my Sister. You seem quite chipper today. I would guess you had a very pleasant evening?" Celestia sips her tea as she ponders what could have put her sister into such a good mood. Whatever it was, she hopes it happens more. Luna has been down lately, though she tried to not show it. Celestia suspected why she was down, though she did not know how she could help. Though she had Twilight and her who were close, there were limits to what either could do for the younger sister. Lonliness hurts, and before Twilight had become her personal student those many years ago, she was just as lonely.
The Sun Princess did not the bombshell that was about to hit them.
"So Auntie Luna, who was the gentlecolt you was with at Donut Joe's last night?" asks Cadance with a subtle, knowing smile upon her face.
The teacup came to a sudden stop on its way to the elder sister's lips. Twilight's responce was more dramatic. Her eyes kind of half bugged out in surprise as her head did a ninety degree turn that almost caused its own sonic rainboom, it was so fast. A toothy, manic grin formed, and Twilight leaned in right into Luna's face. "OOOHHHHH!!! Tell me! Tell meTELLMEEE!!!"
Cadancy giggled softly as Celestia came to her sister's rescue. "Yes, Lu-Lu, we would love to hear all about it," she said warmly while pulling Twilight into her forelegs. "He must be a good catch for you to be so happy today."
So Luna told the mares about her evening with Silverwing. As she told the trio about her time with him, she seemed to almost glow from the happiness within. She didn't even realize how much of a change making a new friend has done to her, especially a friend so nice, but the other three could see it plain as day.
"Silverwing. I do remember him. It was a shame that he had such an unfortunate accident. He was one of the ones that I was planning on selecting to join my Solar Guard, then I saw that he had applied to join the new Lunar Guard. He would have risen quickly, I'm sure," says Celestia fondly. "I do have to say that he has done well, having risen to becoming the Undersecretary of Diplomatic Affairs to the Griffon Kingdom."
"Shining tells me that he is a real gentlecolt towards mares. If he vouches for him, then you know he would be perfect for you Auntie Luna."
Much to Luna's shagrin, Twilight was more direct. "So Luna, she asks as she snuggles into her marefriend's chest, "how do you like having a coltfriend?"
Luna half choked on her coffee. Fortunately for her, it did not go flying out her nose in a rather unmarelike fashion.
* * * * *
Silverwing was taking a break. It had been a productive meeting with the Griffon, and he has earned a momentary breather before tackling the vast amount of paperwork that goes with his job. As an Undersecretary, the workload was pretty heavy, but he felt good about it. Yes, the hours were usually quite long, but he enjoyed knowing that what him and the others here had a real mission, one that was vital to Equestria. Plus, the pay was good, which allowed for him to persue his project at home.
In the small executive lounge sat a few other higher level ponies. One was going over paperwork, a couple were discussing shop, and two others sat around a table with Silverwing talking about their days off.
"You wouldn't believe how long that weathermare rode my tower of power! We must have bucked all night long. We bucked on the bed, the floor, the kitchen table even. My rod was so sore after all that. It was incredible," says an emerald hued pegasus. His exploits were legendary within the Department of Diplomatic Affairs. Unfortunately for him, they are also the reason he will never rise beyond Assistant Undersecretary.
"Yeah, I think it would be best that you go see a doctor soon, Mile High. I don't know if I would trust a pony who uses "let's bang" as an introduction," says the unicorn mare next to him. Bright Charm bristled at the thought of what her friend could have caught. Some diseases were best avoided if you wish to continue living to an old age.
On the other side of her, Silverwing chuckled softly. "Be careful Bright, Mile might offer to hook you up with her."
Blushing lightly under her robin's egg blue fur, she mumbles, "I have a marefriend, thank you."
"Speaking of marefriends, when did you hook up with a certain grey alicorn Silver?" Mile asks. "You and her seemed pretty close last night in Donut Joe's. Don't hold out on us, enquiring ponies wanna know!"
If it were possible for a pony's jaw to detach from their face, and bounce across the floor, that is exactly what Bright Charm's jaw would be doing right now. Just thinking of the scandle that this would cause sent a chill down her back and turned her stomach to lead. This was unheard of and could very well have serious reprocussions. For Faust's sake, we're talking about THE Royal Princess of the Night here! The papers would have a field day, all the Royals would blow their collective gaskets, and what would be Princess Celestia's reaction be? This was bad. Very bad indeed. "Are you crazy Silver? Do you have ANY idea of what this could cause? The trouble that WILL happen because of this?" she asks him in a stern voice. "Are you willing to risk your career for a little fun? Because once this comes out into the open, your career is going right down the shitter!"
Mile High just adds fuel to the fire with, "So, you getting any tail from her yet?" He recieves a sharp elbow to his ribs from an irate mare for this comment.
Silverwing looks at the two of them feeling a touch of anger. He should have expected something obnoxious from Mile High, so he does have reason to feel upset there. As for Bright Charm, he can understand her reaction. Silver has known her for the past four years, and she is one of his few friends. She cares for and worries about everypony she calls a friend, but still, for some reason, her words seem to hurt.
"Mile, your a real flank at times. And, no, I have NOT gotten 'any tail' from Princess Luna. Her and I are friends, that is it.
"And Bright, what is so wrong about the Princess having a friend? Does her position as co-ruler make it so she should be forbidden to have friendship? Would it fit everypony's sensabilities if she were to remain cooped up in the castle? Sounds a bit cold to me." He says as he leaves the couch, his hooves clopping loudly on the teak flooring as he heads back to work.
"Wow! What's gotten into him?" asks Mile High.
"I think maybe we said more than we should have said."
"Yeah, you didn't have to be so harsh on him, Bright."
"Me? What about your crude mouth?"
* * * * *
A month passes and the pair still see each other every Sunday. On this particular Sunday, they have decided to start their date with a picnic. With saddlebags filled with the appropite picnic goods, the two of them wander out into the gardens. The spot they choose could not have been any better. It was under the tree which the first met.
Always the gentlecolt, he removes her bags for her followed by his own, and sets it all up. They have sandwishes, cookies, pie, and a couple of bottles of the finest aged Sweet Apple Acres cider. Pouring a couple glasses of the smooth brew, they settle down for a relaxing afternoon.
"I'm curious Luna. I notice that normally, your mane and tail almost seem to be an extension of your nighttime sky. But when your not wearing your royal regalia, they're normal like any other pony's. Is it because of the magic in the items?" This was something he had been curious about, but had been almost afraid to ask, lest it be a secret that was only for the two sisters.
"Why, yes it is, in fact. That was quite astute of your observations Silver. Then again, it is not often that I have the chance to break away from my royal duties, so not many ever see me as I am now. Do you prefer to see me as I am now, or would you prefer my fully adorned self?" she asks, wondering how he will reply.
"As beautiful as you are when your in your regalia, Luna, I think your even more beautiful as you are right now," he says, blushing a bit. He doesn't know why, but he has always been a bit shy around mares. Hell, he has had only one marefriend in his life, and that had only lasted a few months. Still it wasn't like he was totally inexperienced. Just that his shyness made it harder to open up around mares. There was something about Luna though. Something that just made it easier for him to talk to her.
"Thank you, Silver," she replies with a light blush herself. As a Princess, such open compliments usually were directed towards her as a Princess, and not as a mare. And then they were rare, and felt more like somepony just wanted to butter her up. For once in her life, she was being treated not as a goddess to be worshipped or feared, but as a friend. It felt wonderful. She felt genuinely happy.
The picnic went on for a few more hours, with the two of them slowly feeling closer to one another as they talked. After a bit, she asked, "So, are you going to show me that project you told me about?"
"Sure," he replies, wanting to show her the idea he had that some may think crazy, but would open the sky to him once more.
* * * * *
The little shop he had set up within his home was filled with drawings, blueprints, and tools. And in the center of all of this was a framework attached to a harness that would fit around a pony's barrel. Specifically, it was fitted to his own. Luna looked at it in wonder. "Are you making... wings?" she asks him as she inspects his work.
"Yeah. I figured that since a Pegasus cannot fly with only one wing, maybe I could find a way to do so. If you look up, you can see my first version."
She looks up to see what looks almost like a giant triangular kite. Attached to it is a harness almost identical to the framework she had just seen. Also, there was a bar in front of the harness which had her puzzled. This was like nothing she had seen before, and she had to ask how it worked.
"I call it a hang glider. The harness attaches it above my body, and that bar you see in front is used to control your direction. One thing I learned quickly is that without any means of thrust, you have to be careful about where you fly. Storms are to be avoided at all costs, and it is good to have a place you can safely land already selected. Also, with landing, you better be prepared to be running, because you cannot hover with it. Still, I do find it enjoyable," he tells her all of this with a sense of pride. When a Pegasus loses the means to fly, it is devistating, but when he used his glider, it gave him the skies again, at least to a limited degree.
"And this one you have here, it looks like the wings fold in," the Princess observes. "Why is that?"
"It makes it a lot easier to bring it to a high point where I can take off from. With the first one, its bulky and hard to carry around. Also, if not careful, I could damage it. With the new design, it will be a bit lighter, and stronger too." Hitting a switch at the front of the frame, he then pushes the wings inward so that they fold inwards. When closed, they would only extend a hoofwidth past his tail, and would not be much wider than a set of saddlebags across.
"Silver! That's... ingenius!" exclaims Luna with excitement, clapping her forehooves together. "If someway could be found to provide thrust..." Thoughts form in her head of how injured Pegasi could once again partake in their natural environment. For too long, many have been restricted to living on the ground, unable to return to Cloudsdale, or other Pegasi cities, due to their disabilities. "Imagine how many ponies you could help with this, Silver!" She cannot contain her enthusiasm and practically glomps him with a tight hug.
"I have an idea. How about we take your glider up there, and let's go flying," she says with a slightly mischivous grin. She wants to see this device in operation. More so, she really wants to see Silverwing fly. "And I know the best place to do this. You're don't mind teleporting, do you?"
"Teleporting?" he asks nervously.
* * * * *
The feel of the wind blowing through his mane was one of the simplest things, and biggest things, that Silverwing missed. It represented the freedom and vitality that flight meant to a Pegasus. It was not often that he had a chance to take the glider out, so any chance was a gift to be cherished.
It was also better than teleporting, he had discovered. Much better. Once airborn though, the unpleasantness of instantanious travel was quickly forgotten. Now, with his Alicorn friend flying next to him, he felt on top of the world. Though the glider could never really replace wings, when you're normally grounded, it is bliss.
No words need be spoken between the two of them. He is happy to be able to have her alongside of him as he soars over the Royal Gardens, and she is happy to have someone she cares for fly with her. He pushes forward on the bar, flaring the glider to climb suddenly and slow, shile pulling it to the right, causing a left hand bank and turn. Following this, he straightens out then pulls the bar to him, and goes into a dive picking up speed. Luna pivots to follow behind and watch how he controls the device. Skimming the ground at a fast clip, he nudges the wing into a gentle climb to avoid oncoming trees. Banking sharply, he bleeds off more speed and settles towards the ground, flaring one more time to land at a quick trot.
"That was amazing!" Luna tells him landing next to him.
"Yeah, it does feel that way every time I do this. I never knew how much I took flying for granted until I lost my wing," Silver says, his voice taking a slight downcast tone. "Time to put it away for the evening though. Its almost dusk, and flying at night is a completely different game." A completely different game, and much more dangerous. With darkness, one could not see even remotely as well as during the day, and also, there was the winds that came off the mountain at night. Normally, the winds would be no issue for a Pegasus, but that is because the wings give sensative tactical feel for the air currents around, allowing for instinctive flight through the currents. The glider did not give that kind of feel for the air around him.
"You hungry Luna? Want to grab a bite to eat after you raise the moon?" he asks. Though they had eaten earlier during their picnic, jumping from the Princess's balcony with a big wing on his back and gliding around for a while worked off that light lunch.
"That sounds like a plan to me. Stuffed jalapinos and cider at Donut Joe's?"
They agree, and slowly walk back to the castle, so he can stow the glider there while she performs her one duty planned for the day.
* * * * *
"After the accident, she stayed with me for about six months. Then she tells me that she just can't be with a pony who cannot fly. I guess I should have seen it coming. But I was just not smart enough to see the signs that she was not happy with me. She didn't know how to deal with my depression.
"After that, I just did not feel comfortable around mares for a few months. Maybe that's why I'm so shy at times," he tells Luna. This was something they did often on their days together, learning more about each other. Normally, he didn't talk to others about his past relationships, but he felt a need to do so tonight.
Luna listened to him as he told his story. It almost sickened her to think that a mare would have left a pony so wonderful just because of an accident that he had been still recovering from, both physically and mentally. A part of her felt like finding that cold-hearted mare and bucking her Applejack style in her teeth. That would do nopony any good though, she thought as her heart went out to Silver. "I'm sorry that she hurt you in that way, Silver," she softly tells him, wrapping a wing around him as they sit together at the counter. "Not all mares are like that though. There are good mares in this world. Mares who would love to have a special pony like you in their lives. Mares who would always stay by your side."
"What of you, Luna? I'm suprised that you don't have a special somepony in your life. Your a beautiful mare with a loving heart. I can't imagine that nopony is courting you."
"There was one pony, a long time ago, back before I had been banished to the moon. He was a Unicorn of royal blood who started courting me one spring. I had been feeling depressed for a while, growing more and more jealous of Tia, and how ponies loved the daytime, but not the night. He actually had me starting to feel better about myself for a short while, until I discovered that the only reason he desired me was for power. He figured that if he married me, he would become a co-ruler of all of Equestria, like my sister and I." Her voice picks up a sad tone as she continues. "The next day, when he came to see me, I bucked him in the ribs and informed him that if he ever found himself in my presence again, I would be serving his jewels to various woodland creatures. Not very marelike, I know, but I have always been the sister with an attitude. From there, my emotional state spiralled downward, until I became Nightmare Moon. And you know how that turned out." Only one other pony knew this story, and that was her sister. "And ever since I have been back, most ponies either treated me like a goddess, or feared me. Granted , a couple of princes have made attempts at courting me, but as with that prince long ago, they only see me as a way to status and power. That is not what I desire though. Would you believe that Blueblood was one of those few?"
Silverwing wraps his forelegs around her, holding her to him. "Seems that we've both had bad luck in that department. Will we ever find somepony special for ourselves?" he ponders, holding Luna close.
Biting her lip, the Princess finally builds up the courage to ask something. Something she was not certain about in her mind, even though she knew in her heart now that she desired. "Silverwing, would you be my special somepony?" She asks, almost afraid to hear his reply.
Silver feels his heart skip a beat in surprise. Never had he thought that he would have been asked this. He never thought that she wished to be anything more than friends. He replies with the only answer his heart will allow. "Yes, I would love to be your special somepony."
Getting up from the stool, he leads her to the dance floor. Stopping at the jukebox, he puts his bit in and selects the song he desires. As the song starts to play, they embrace each other in their forlegs and begin to dance. Dancing like this is really special for ponies, because it is natural for all four hooves be on the floor. They rely one one another for support as they dance. Its a special trust between two when a pair dances as Luna and Silver dance. It is a dance that binds their shared love for one another.
As they dance, he wraps his wing around her and she wraps her's around him, holding one another close on the dance floor. Both feel lost in a moment neither wants to end. As the song comes to a close, their lips come together in a tender kiss.
They dance several more times this night, wrapped up in new found love.
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.