The Lost Element

by XD-385

Equestria has long been known as the land of ponies. However, the name of Equestria is misleading. For far too long, a certain element has been missing from the world. And now, that element has been brought back. But for better or for worse?

90. A Visit From Paradise

I rested on my bed with eyes gazing at the rather low ceiling above me. It was hard not to think of what was approaching the encampment at the time. No longer was my immediate concern about the war that was currently underway that had resulted in myself and many others being very many miles from home. Now my mind was focusing exclusively on one person only. Just one. And I was not entirely certain if I should be excited or afraid.

Novo. Queen of Capricorn Island. It was not that long ago when I first sailed the skies aboard the R.A.S. Olympia to that towering mountain island and was introduced to the wonderful people who call that place home. The hippogriffs. Easily some of my favorite people of Equestria by far. So happy and positive with a queen whose beauty is without equal. A queen who my heart pined for. And whose heart ached for me.

I almost felt ashamed that I had spent so very little time thinking about Novo since my return to Ponyville. Especially over the past two weeks. I insisted that we wait and think things over with distance and time serving as the test for what our hearts truly felt about each other. And yet, recent events have demanded my attention to the point of being unable to focus on anything that was not related to the matters at hand. But now Novo was approaching aboard her very own personal flagship. The R.A.S. Alabaster. I do not believe I ever saw it during my stay on Capricorn Island. I could only imagine what a beauty of an airship it must be.

But still... Novo. We... We fell deeply in love while I was there. Such wonderful kisses she gave and what a unique and colorful personality. Novo always made me feel like the luckiest man in the world whenever we were able to indulge in our building adoration for each other. I never expected to fall in love while on that island. Certainly not with the most beautiful queen in all the land. And I knew why. We understood each other's pain. Time had not been kind to us in terms of relationships. I have never known the pain of watching my beloved suddenly and unexpectedly fall ill and die. And Novo has never understood the pain of betrayal by the one she loved most. But while the experiences were different, the aftermath and pain was the same. The pain that comes from being so deeply in love with someone and having that bond being violently and suddenly ended by circumstances outside your control. You feel lost and listless. You feel desperate to numb or drown the pain. Even willing to do reckless and foolish things that you at one time could never imagine yourself partaking in...

But she... And I... That was the catalyst. We were drawn to each other by shared pain. And a desire to heal the other. I grew to adore her. And I was there to try and soothe her aching heart. And I did. But I never expected to fall in love with her. Nor do I believe she ever expected to find love anew with her heart still longing for her fallen king. I am not Cygnus. And I never will be. But I do believe Novo understands that and would not have me be anyone else. She truly is a wonderful woman who deserves the love she desires. And I was more than happy to give her my love while she gave me hers. But now...

I could not decide for certain on where my feelings were. Not until she arrived. I would have to wait until I saw her with my own eyes before deciding. Thoughts are one thing, but actually seeing and being with your beloved is a very different experience from that. And yet... I was afraid. Novo was completely set on her decision at the time. She begged me to stay longer just so we could be together longer. Her heart had made up its mind. Such is the way of her people. But my mind does not work like that of a hippogriff. And I had to insist that we wait and see what a little time could do to test our feelings for each other. And by doing so, I...fear I may have hurt her.

Was I too cautious when I insisted that we wait and see? Was it out of sheer modesty, being the object of affection for a powerful queen I could never hope to compare to? So strong and confident, only to suddenly display an air of desperation when she pleaded that I stay. What had happened since then? Had that sting of disappointment or compromise caused that love to be poisoned into resentment? Anxiety took hold of me as I thought of this. There is not another woman in the world like Novo. If I ended up alienating her from me...

I had no way of knowing what her reaction would be once we were together once more, and yet my heart was convinced I had made a mistake. Convinced that my assumptions were already truth. Perhaps I should just do all I could to avoid her until she departs for home... No, I had to see her. Even if just to confirm my fears. With a groan of unease, I forced myself to stand up. Wanting to at least be presentable for her, I placed one foot in the tub that held my armor's liquid form and allowed it to crawl over myself before hardening into its majestic completed design. Leaving my helmet and weapons behind, I stepped out of my room and made my way down the stairs. When would she even be arriving?

I stepped into the main room at the bottom of the stairs, looking around to find the Morse code operator. I saw one of the royal guards seated in one corner with the device as the sound of an incoming message being typed out was being printed before him. I stepped his way and asked, "Excuse me. Has there been any word from the Alabaster this morning? Any word on its time of arrival?"

"The Alabaster? Pretty sure I got something from them a little while ago..." He retorted before sorting some papers on the desk beside him. Her soon focused on one that he had deciphered and said, "Right here... Sounds like they'll be here within the hour."

"Got it. Thanks." I replied before stepping out of the command center. Not even an hour to go... And it was not even 11 AM yet. With lunchtime being on the horizon, I suddenly found myself craving any manner of seafood they might have available in the galley. Such excellent and varied cuisine they have on Capricorn Island. Although that appetite was squashed by my sudden realization that Novo was that close to arriving. The moment of truth was drawing near. I could not run from this. I had to see this through. I did promise Novo that we would decide where our hearts stood next time we saw each other. With nothing else to do, I started to make my way over to the airship docks.

I passed many ponies as the encampment was now quite busy with its orders of the day. There were significantly more personnel there now that more volunteers had been brought in aboard aerial transports. I was especially surprised to find that Trixie had signed up for this last night. And I could even seen another one of those transport airships in the process of docking on the horizon. More men had arrived to begin preparing for the clashes to come.

I did eventually reach the docks and looked around at the moored airships that were still present. The Zephyrus was still silent as she floated nearby. I suppose it takes more than a day for such a ship to be loaded to capacity with discarded refuse. Celaeno and her crew were likely somewhere else or even aboard the ship somewhere. But as I turned my gaze to the west, I could see...something on the horizon. Something with a distinctly avian form. A bird? No, it could not be...

I watched an waited with a growing sense of dread in my gut. While what I saw did appear to be a large bird pulling along a balloon above it, it was most certainly not. An airship was approaching. And I immediately assumed what it was. The R.A.S. Alabaster was coming in for a landing. And as it drew near, I saw that it lived up to its name. A mostly white finish over much of its hull and even the hardened casing of its gas sack above it made its name more than fitting. Intricate golden patterns shone as the sun's rays illuminated it. But the overall form... Especially towards the front of the bow... It indeed had an avian design to it. A seagull? No, it looked too...grand for a simple rat of the sea. Instead, my eyes were convinced that the Alabaster's hull was designed to invoke the form of a mighty albatross. It was an impressively sized one too, quite possibly slightly larger than the Olympia.

My fears were momentarily pushed out of my mind as I beheld this beauty of an airship starting to come overhead with the propellers at the stern buzzing away. I crossed my arms and watched as it slowed down with the engines going silent. Mooring ropes were dropped over the sides while members of the royal guard who consisted entirely of pegasi flew up to take hold and help guide the ship down. But my heart skipped a beat as several individuals dove over the edge of the deck on both sides. Majestic hippogriffs clad in matching gold and silver armor flew down and took hold of the ropes as well, using their much larger and stronger wings to provide greater pull. All members of Capricorn Island's guardsmen. Even the other royal guards looked surprised as they likely saw a hippogriff for the first time, but I could hear the hippogriff guards calling out quite happily to their pegasus comrades. Always friendly people.

I found myself smiling as I carefully scanned the hippogriffs who were guiding the Alabaster down. I did not see any whose plumage pigmentation looked familiar to me. In a matter of minutes, the Alabaster was brought very close to the ground as the mooring ropes were affixed to ballasts to keep the thing from getting potentially pushed away by winded. A gangplank was soon lowered from the deck to allow entry and departure, but one hippogriff in particular dove over the side and swooped down to the ground. And I immediately recognized that purplish plumage and his circular sea green mane and tail. And especially that accent when he turned my way and called out to me. "Ah, Sir James! So good to see you well!"

I was about to respond, but my eyes were fixated on the armor he was wearing. And I could see why Novo told me what she did that one time. While the design of Seaspray's armor was physically identical to those worn by his men, his armor had a gorgeous iridescent finish as if it had been coated with nacre! You know, that stuff that lines the insides of mollusk shells? Mother of pearl? I was utterly dazzled as the sunshine was refracted off the surface. Truly a one-of-a-kind suit reserved only for the top of the chain of command. "Whoa, now I see what Novo meant... Where can I get some of that?!"

"Pardon? Wha... Ooooh, you mean my armor, yes?" Seaspray replied quite proudly with his head held high. With a hand upon his armored chest he proudly proclaimed, "This fine plating is reserved exclusively for the one who commands the royal guard of Capricorn Island. Truly a fine piece of craftsmanship, wouldn't you say?"

"I certainly would... Man, that is gorgeous." I replied while stepping around him to see the prismatic sheen of his armor from different angles. Utterly captivating.

"I dare say my armor surpasses yours in utter radiance, if I do say so myself." Seaspray said with a proud smile on his beak. But then he leaned towards me and said rather sneakily, "But...if you wish for a similar suit for yourself, I suppose we can arrange for some bartering."

"Still eyeing my armor, admiral?" I retorted with snicker as I knew exactly what he was going for. "Sorry, but no dice. I absolutely need this suit if I'm going to survive out here. Your armor is far more beautiful than mine, but I'm not willing to part with is. Not that the royal sisters would ever allow that anyway."

"Ah, paradise is always out of reach, is it not?" Seaspray spoke while feigning disappointment in a rather dramatic fashion. But he then smirked at me rather playfully as he said, "But if your equipment is the one thing insuring your survival in these trying times, then do keep it. It would not do for a friend of Capricorn Island to meet his end out here. And I am most certainly looking forward to seeing exactly what you are capable of out here."

"Likewise, admiral. It's good to have you with us." I replied while knowing that Capricorn Island's guardsmen are the finest archers on the planet. No one would make better mentors in archery than them. Although I was still curious of how they would do so in a matter of weeks, if not days. Now was as good a time to ask as any. "Say, admiral... How exactly will you train our fighters in time for the next wave? Archery... It takes literally years to perfect, right?"

"Perhaps for other races, but not so for us, my good man." Seaspray retorted as he pushed himself up to a bipedal stance while his impressive wings reached back to provide a counterbalance. It was only then that I noticed a quiver of arrows and a longbow hanging off his back. Pulling the longbow around and off his shoulder so that it was in his hand, he even took an arrow from the quiver and nocked it in the bowstring. "We hippogriffs are naturally gifted in the sniping art, with our natural upper body strength providing the means to work with a longbow's draw weight and having eyes as keen as those of any eagle for pinpointing distant targets. Where other people may take years, we can perfect our archery skills in mere weeks."

I watched as Seaspray took aim at nothing in particular while standing tall before me, showing no signs of difficulty as he drew the long and taught bowstring back. A much more difficult feat than it likely seemed. I then asked, "And you think you can fast track our recruits into matching your skill in mere days?"

"I'm not expecting miracles nor do I expect our cadets to truly match the skill we have, but I assure you that our lads and ladies will do all we can to make certain your archers can pull their weight in the coming clashes." Seaspray proclaimed as he returned the arrow to its quiver and slung his bow over his back. He then dropped back down onto his hands and said, "But firstly, we must determine who can actually wield a longbow. I strongly doubt most of them can... Perhaps the unicorns can?"

"That doesn't sound like a bad idea... Yeah, you should probably start with them... Eh?" I retorted before I happened to notice someone approaching. Shining Armor was trotting our way while clad in all but his helmet. "What's up, Armor?"

"Just coming over to check on our new arrivals." He replied before he and Seaspray faced each other. Each raised a hand or hoof to their foreheads for a mutual salute. "Been a long time, admiral. How are things on the homefront?"

"Peaceful and pleasant as always, captain. I see to it that no harm befalls our people, though threats are few and far between when surrounded by the ocean." Seaspray replied as it occurred to me that they no doubt had a history with each other. With Shining Armor serving as the captain to the mainland branch of the royal guard, he and Seaspray must be longtime acquaintances.

"Good to hear. No news is good news, right? Anyway, our princesses are expecting you. Right this way." Shining Armor retorted before he began to lead the admiral of Capricorn Island's security forces away. All around me, those beautiful armored bird horses went about securing the Alabaster to its moorings as well as just discussing things with other members of the dock crews.

But just before I could even think about anything else, I was suddenly grabbed from behind and held in a tight embrace. "There you are! Been waiting to see you for a while! How's my boy holding up out here?"

"Wha...?! Hey...! Who?!" I yelped as I had been completely caught by surprise without even hearing the guy coming. Whoever it was startling to get snatched up like that even if I was not in danger. But when I wiggled out of his grasp and turned around, I was greeted by the sight of a very familiar hippogriff stallion that I was all too happy to see. "Sky Beak!"

All too readily, we embraced. I was just so happy to see someone not only that I cared about, but genuinely looked up to. His wing wrapped around me while my arms held him close, our helmets rubbing up against each other. He then spoke in a softer tone and said, "Feels like it's been longer than it has... You doing fine out here?"

"Missed you too, papa bird." I replied quietly as I felt myself relax more than I probably should have. I felt Sky Beak quiver in my grasp as I heard him inhale sharply in a likely attempt to stabilize his emotions. But with him there, my thoughts went back to that wonderful mountain island of paradise out in the middle of the ocean. And a few faces flashed through my mind. Once our embrace ended and we stood face to face, I asked, "How are things back at the nest?"

After taking a minute to wipe his eyes free of any building tears, Sky Beak beamed at me with a much calmer smile. "Everything's always good back home. Although the Mrs. and the kids say hello. Ocean Flow wanted to pack you some fresh sushi, but...I don't think it would've been very fresh by now..."

"She always was good to me... What about Silverstream and Terramar?" I asked as my thoughts went back to that adorable brother and sister duo that I spent quite a bit of time with over there. I certainly missed them. Especially Silverstream and her boundless energy and happiness.

This question got a bit of a laugh out of Sky Beak. "Ohohoho, you better believe they miss you. Especially Silverstream. She keeps asking me when you'll be back to give her more scritches. You really made a friend with those two, you know."

"Yeah, they are good kids. They were always good company." I replied while thinking back to them and whatever antics we got ourselves into while exploring the many sectors on that island and all the spaces in-between. "Good to hear they're doing well. When you get back, tell them I miss them too."

"Will do. And they'll be happy to hear from you." He replied before that smile started to fade. Sky Beak then placed a hand on my pauldron and asked, "Are you sure you've been holding up fine? I heard that you were the first to head out to deal with what's going on out here. And we're hundreds of miles deep into the Empty Plains by now. Was it hard?"

"Yeah, I'm fine... Really. I mean it wasn't entirely a picnic getting out here, but Nightmare Moon was with me. I wouldn't have made it this far without her." I replied while knowing that while things did turn out fine, I felt kind of stupid for having left without bringing along any supplies. "But it's gotten much better now that everyone is here. I don't feel so alone now..."

"That's good to hear... But that means things just got better. You know why?" Sky Beak asked before suddenly scooping me under his wing and pulling me close until we were shoulder to shoulder. "Because now I'm here. And we're going to see this whole mess through to the end. I'll be keeping an eye on you out there."

I felt unbelievably flattered at his dedication. Almost like he was declaring a partnership. I snickered under my breath and said, "Um... Yeah, sounds good. It's great to have you all here, Sky."

"Ah ah ah, no need to call me that. What did you say a minute ago?" He retorted defiantly yet playfully before releasing me from his wing and looking me in the eye. What I said... That term? "Don't forget what I said that night. As far as I'm concerned... And quite frankly, as far as the rest of my family has to say... You're kin, James. And that's the biggest reason why I'm out here."

Heavy words to say. And from such a usually upbeat and cheerful guy too. And the words he referred to... I muttered quietly as I recoiled from his declaration, "Papa bird...?"

Sky Beak reached out and placed both hands on my pauldron as he displayed a rather humble smile on his beak. "I know I said I can't be your father... But that doesn't mean I can't try, right?"

My legs buckled. I remembered the times we shared together on that island, even if they were relatively few and far between. The adoration I felt for this wonderful stallion surged in my heart as I was left at a loss for words. Tears starting to flow, I reached out and silently held him in a firm embrace. I had all but forgotten what it is like to have a father one does not fear...

"Hey... Hey, no tears, all right? I'm not here to make you cry." Sky Beak whispered to me most tenderly as he stepped back and caressed my face with his wing's tip to dry my tears with his feathers. "I know you had other things to do during most of your visit, but now we have a lot more time to spend together. So, how about it? Let's try and meet up at least once a day during this whole thing. We've all missed you and I want to get to know such a good man like you now that we have the time."

I took a deep breath of my own and nodded while trying to withhold my tears. I did not realize how much I missed that wonderful stallion until then. "Yeah... Sounds good, papa bird."

His smile wavered upon hearing those words, but it never faded. "Gonna have to get used to hearing that... No one's ever called me that before. Except for you... Hm?"

Sky Beak looked beyond the hull of the docked Alabaster as a couple of hippogriff stallions in silver and gold armor called out to him while trying to wave him down. I think I even recognized them from somewhere. "Oh, looks like Mick and Mundy need a hand with something. Guess I better get back to work."

"Sounds good... I'll see you around, right?" I asked while not wanting our reunion to end too soon, even if he did have some tasks to tend to.

Sky Beak nodded with a smile and patted my pauldron with his wing. "I wouldn't have it any other way. We'll be seeing each other a lot more often from now on. Until then, my boy!"

I could not help but crack a big lucky smile as Sky Beak galloped across the grass and over to his comrades over yonder. I was already feeling my spirits rise now that I was in the presence of some of the happiest people in Equestria as well as someone I could instinctively count on. But as I looked up at the impressive form of the Alabaster, my gaze drifted to the left as the gangplank came into view again. And standing at the edge of the deck...was her.

I froze as my breath caught in my throat. Someone was standing at the edge of the deck to survey everything that was happening below. That pale pink coat of feathers. That gorgeous magenta plumage and those icy blue tufts of feathers reaching up from just behind the simple gold crown on her head. There was no doubt in my mind. It was her. Queen Novo herself. And she was looking right down at me.

Our gaze locked, neither of us blinking. But even from that distance, I could see a frigidly cold, yet fierce gaze in her eyes. She lifted one hand and beckoned me to approach her before turning and walking out of sight. That look she gave me... It was not a happy one. In a matter of seconds, all of my preconceived fears over this reunion sprang forth to the forefront of my mind. She wanted to see me and I knew this was not going to be a pleasant encounter. I was in trouble. And I could not run from this. Dread in my soul, I walked up the gangplank to accept my fate.

I allowed myself to be momentarily distracted by the majesty of the Alabaster. It truly was one fine airship with its polished deck. Although unlike the Olympia, I was never under the impression that there were cannons installed somewhere aboard the ship. Perhaps the archers stationed upon the ship were enough to protect it in the occurrence of encountering a hostile force. And as I delved below deck, I found the initial layout to be reminiscent of the Olympia. At least on the upper deck even if the ship was probably a little longer to really accentuate the avian visage of the ship's shape. But unlike the polished mahogany walls of the Olympia, the interior of the Alabaster was coated with a fresh whitewash with bits of gold or brass fixtures to really add some shine and pop along the walls. It felt like the interior of a fancy mansion with those white halls. But upon descending the stairs at the back of the ship and stepping out into the hall, I saw Novo with her head peeking out of a room. Once she knew I had seen her, she ducked back inside and closed the door. I knew where she was.

All of the hippogriffs I happened to pass by inside the Alabaster were either clad in the royal guard's armor pieces or wearing what definitely looked like a white sailor's shirt and a matching round hat. I suppose a sailor is a sailor regardless of whether they are sailing the seas or skies. While they paid me little mind, I still made certain no one was looking as I reached for the doorknob. I took a deep breath and held it in as I slowly rotated the knob and pushed the door in.

The interior of Novo's private chambers certainly looked the part from what I had already seen from back within the Ivory Palace. While the layout differed from her royal bedchambers, it still looked exactly what I would have expected from someone of Novo's taste. Elegant and decadent. But once I had stepped past the door, I heard it close and lock itself behind me. I then noticed an avian hand rest upon my right pauldron, the flesh a familiar shade of pink. A deep and firm feminine voice then spoke menacingly into my ear. "Not a word."

It was the first time in a while that I had heard that voice. And instead of a warm and loving greeting, it was practically commanding me to comply. There was a barely masked fury in that tone and I was compelled to not move. Piece by piece, I felt my armor being manually removed like more than one time before. When only my greaves and sabatons remaining, I felt Novo's hands pin my feet to the floor to allow me to step out of them. "Take a seat."

I did as I was told and turned around before sitting upon the round bed before me. And when I lifted my head... There she stood. Queen Novo. Ruler of Capricorn Island. And she was every bit as enrapturing and beautiful as I remembered. But instead of her usual display of smug yet fun-loving poise, a look of cold anger was set into her face. Dread filled my senses. She was not happy to see me at all.

No words came to me. I could not find the will to speak. To see her giving me such a harsh glare... After all the love we felt for each other... All those caresses. All those wonderful kisses. All those sweet loving words of adoration and understanding. All those memories became so painful as I saw no signs of joy in those beautiful eyes. I wanted to see her again. And now I was doing just that, but only fear and resignation filled my heart as she spoke with such a menacing tone. "I still can't believe what you said to me back then. I gave you my heart, but you gave it right back."

That hurt to hear. And I was truly beginning to wonder if I did the right thing. I did not want to hurt Novo, but experience had taught me to be cautious when powerful feelings of romance blossom too quickly. And the attraction between Novo and I was indeed a quickly forming relationship built on the foundation of shared pain and similar experiences. But I still had to be cautious. And now I was wondering if that was a mistake as she began to slowly pace around before me without ever breaking eye contact. "You told me to wait and see if things would change. To see if our thoughts and feelings would be the same next time we met. Well, I did just that. And my thoughts have been...angry. I can't believe you told me no. After all I said to you. After all you said to me. After all that, you held me at a distance when you left my home. And I've been thinking long and hard of what I would say to you when we finally met again."

Not once did Novo raise her voice. It was always low and commanding. And despite the lack of volume in her words, she was utterly frightening. I was almost convinced she was going to suddenly lash out at me at any time as she said, "I loved you. You knew that. You gave me something that no one had done in ages. And that love became pain. Then it became sorrow. And now it's nothing but anger. And I've been planning a long speech to give you. Talking to myself in the mirror every night to prepare myself for this moment. Ready to give you every piece of my mind that I've been putting together. And now...!"

Novo stopped before me, eyes wide open as if she was struggling to hold herself back from inflicting harm upon me. I leaned back on the bed, unable to look away, yet expecting the worst. But as that moment of incredibly thick silence lingered, Novo's gaze began to soften as that look of fury in her eyes began to fade. "Almost every night... You were there... In my dreams. And not once...did I feel anger. You always held me... Kissed me. Reminded me of what we said to each other... And every morning, that disappointment would be there to stir that anger back up again. And now... Now that you're right here..."

I felt that tension fade as a look of sorrowful longing filled that beautiful face. Her voice beginning to speak with such soulful tenderness to it. "It's all gone... All that anger I held onto... It's just...not there now that you're here... All I feel now is... Oh god, I knew I missed you, but...just not this much... Is this what you meant? To see how much happier I'd be to see you after some time apart?"

I too was not entirely certain of what exactly I was hoping to prove with what I insisted with Novo when we finally parted ways. But now that the anger in her voice and eyes had faded to show emotions I was much more familiar with seeing out of her, my fear faded. And I too was filled with a profound sense of longing. The queen I loved was right there before me. Longing for me as I longed for her. I began to raise my arms, unable to bring myself to speak as I welcomed her for an embrace. She took a step forward, but hesitated a moment longer. "James... Please... You say it first. It's been a while. It's been enough time for you to think and decide, right? Tell me... When you look at me... What do you feel? Is your heart still telling you what it did back then?"

I did not hesitate. But I was honest with her as well. "I admit that...you haven't been on my mind much in recent weeks... I've had to focus on recent events more than anything else. But now that you're actually here, I... I didn't realize how much I missed you... And...how much I still love you."

Upon hear those words, tears burst forth from her eyes and cascaded down her feathery face. She sailed into my arms and pushed me down to the bed as I wrapped my arms around her. She wept quietly, holding me as I held her. My eyes closed as I felt everything that was there with me. The soft caress of her plumage. The deep luxurious soulful pitch of her voice. Even the faint natural scent of her feathers combined with lingering hints of a wonderful perfume. Just like I remembered. And through those tender whimpers, she spoke sweetly to me. "I love you... Oh god, I still love you, my sweet sugar bear... Love you so much, baby..."

"Shhh... Love you too, my bird of paradise..." I whispered back to her as I too felt the formation of tears around the edges of my eyes. All that dread and fear now replaced with extraordinary relief and sense of pleasant familiarity. Just like before. Nothing but love between us. I stroked my hand down her feathery back, loving the plush plumage of her coat of feathers. "I didn't mean to hurt you... I never want to hurt you..."

"No, honey... No, don't apologize... I get it. I don't know what it's like to be hurt by the one I love... But you do. That's why you had to be cautious, right?" Novo cooed to me before lifting her head and gazing down at me with that beautiful avian face, fresh tears staining her face. She slid a finger over my lips, her finely filed and blunt talon tips harmlessly hooking over my lower lip at one point. "I was so eager to love again... I never had a reason to be cautious. My pain was from loss. Yours was from betrayal. But that's why we get each other, right? We know the pain of losing our own little slice of paradise out of nowhere..."

All I did was nod since she still had her finger on my lips. She sniffled lightly, trying to ease her emotions. "No one ever understood what I was going through until you came along... I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have you in my life, baby. So please... No more keeping our distance, all right? We've made up our minds by now."

"We have... No more caution. Not with each other. I know I love you for sure now." I whispered back as my hand rose and cupped her beautiful face. It felt so pleasing to hear that familiar loving and soulful tone of that voice. A voice speaking with a rhetoric that was completely unfitting of someone with Novo's appearance. But I only adored her all the more for it. There is not another woman in the world like Novo. And I felt incredibly blessed that for everyone in the world she could have found renewed love with, she chose to find it in me.

"Agreed, honey." Novo whispered while bringing her hand to my brow and stroking her fingers through my hair in a lovingly romantic manner. She then began to lower her face towards mine as her eyes narrowed while a smile formed on her beak. "Kiss me, baby."

"Gladly." I whispered in return as my eyes closed. My hand held the side of her head as I felt the curled tip of her beak meet my lips. But only once before I felt her beak open wide as her head turned. My lips parted as I felt her beak clamp down on the sides of my face as her tongue reached out to mine. That kiss... That wonderful kiss as our tongues took hold and began to dance. I would never have guessed how much I missed that special touch. My hand slid to the back of her head, holding her close to me as that gorgeous voice moaned deep in her throat. Her beak released me for a moment to get a desperate gasp of air, but she then went right back to making out with me with even more vigor. I too groaned in delight in that kiss, clinging to the queen I was so dearly in love with. It was good to be in love. Especially with someone as wonderful as Novo. Between yet gasp for breath, I whispered quickly to her, "God, I love you, Novo..."

"And I am so madly in love with you, sweet James..." She replied with a raspy and panting voice before once more, her beak clamped onto my face to let our tongues dance some more. Weeks of absence in each other's lives all being unleashed in this one lovely kissing session. But it could not last. I have no idea how many minutes passed before Novo finally lifted her head away from me for the final time, the two of us gasping for breath as we gazed at each other in a haze. Such a profound blush shining through those feathers lining her face. She cooed to me as sweetly as any dove, "I'll never hurt you, baby. Never give you a reason to be cautious with me. I don't want to give my man reason to think mama might stab him in the back..."

"You won't, Novo... You don't have it in you... I know you don't." I sighed while bringing my hand to that fluffy ruff of beautiful icy blue feathers that lined the base of her neck. "You're too good to do something like that..."

"I know... I know, baby..." Novo whispered as she rolled off of me to my side and spread her glorious wing before draping it over me. She pulled me closer to her as I felt her hand rest upon my chest while gazing into my eyes. "Let me stay here with you a while longer, James... Feels like I haven't seen you longer than this."

I almost forgot why she was even there. And so I asked, "But...aren't you expected out there right now?"

"It can wait, honey. Mama missed her man and she's catching up on lost time with him. If they need me, they can come knocking." Novo whispered to me with a hint of her usual sass starting to emerge. God, I love that mare... She then brought a finger tot he side of my face and dragged her talon along my cheek. "That all right with you, dear?"

"You know what? Sure. I missed my queen, you beautiful creature." I whispered to her while all too happy to remain with her in the private confines of her bedchambers. We held each other. Caressing and kissing like a pair of newlyweds taking a ferry to their honeymoon. A little slice of paradise out on the Empty Plains.

Sadly, it would not last. After maybe another twenty minutes, there was a knock at the door. And the familiar voice of Seaspray spoke up from the other side. "Your majesty? If you are present?"

"Oh for the love of..." Novo growled in irritation as our kiss was interrupted. Without releasing me from the embrace of her wing and arms, she lifted her head and looked towards the door. "Yes, admiral?"

"Her royal highness, Princess Celestia, requires your presence at the command center. Please make your way there posthaste, if you will." Seaspray explained before I heard him quietly step away. "Now, if you will excuse me..."

"Ugh, duty calls, I suppose..." Novo groaned as she all too reluctantly released me and brought herself up to a prone position. "That's right... War... This is actually happening, right? And way out in the middle of nowhere in the Empty Plains? I always wondered what the deal was with that place when I checked out the globe in the library..."

"Yeah, I was perplexed by it too... But now we know. The empty remnants of a fallen empire. No wonder nobody comes out here anymore. The place feels cursed..." I muttered as I too sat up on the bed. "How much were you told about what's going on?"

"Not a whole lot, really. Just that there is an invasion coming from somewhere inside the Empty Plains and that the royal family have requested that I provide a unit of my archers to train and assist the recruits. And when I was told you were the first to set out... Well, you know what I needed to say to you." Novo replied as she placed her hand over mine while gazing into my eyes with tender sincerity. "I'm here for you just as much as I am for Equestria. Capricorn Island may not be in danger, but Celestia and I go way back and I'm not about to stand by and watch my friend and her people be overrun."

Novo truly felt like someone I could always depend on. And I am sure Celestia thought the same. She certainly is someone who would never turn down a chance to assist someone dear to her in dark times. But with how little she actually knew of this incoming threat... "I think you should at least know what's going on out here... But first, did you ever have contact with the humans who once called the Empty Plains home?"

"Humans lived out here? I know I've been on the throne a long time, but if there were any out there when I was in charge, I never met them. Doesn't really help that we're so far off the beaten path on Capricorn Island and airships haven't been around all that long either." Novo replied while not sounding particularly hung up on that revelation. "But what does that have to do with now? The humans of this world are long gone, right?"

"All but one." I retorted as I felt Novo's hand start to tighten over mine. "The emperor... The one who led the rebellion against Equestria back then is somehow still around. And he's declared war. While he no longer has people to command, he has found a means to create hollow human imitations that look and fight like human warriors. And until we deal with him, they'll just keep coming."

Novo's eyes widened slightly as I revealed this information to her. "He is, huh? Some people just don't know when to die, do they? Well, if he wants to conquer this world, I'll be more than happy to do what I can to make sure this old sore loser doesn't get his way."

"Thank you, Novo... I know that war really isn't in the nature of Equestria or its people, but I just hope that this whole mess ends up becoming something we can all look back on and laugh about someday." I replied while still trying to stay optimistic. Day after day, more breakthroughs have been made in preparing for the storm that was coming. The odds were becoming more and more in our favor. And now the finest archers in all the land were here to lend a hand.

I was caught by surprise as Novo reached out and placed a little kiss on my cheek. She then smiled more somberly as she said, "I'm sure it will, honey. I just wish I could be out there with you. While I may be the finest in the world when it comes to a rapier, I'm not cut out for the battlefield. One at a time is my style."

A wretched thought indeed, imagining that wonderful queen being placed in harm's way. I pulled my hand out from under hers and placed mine atop hers before grasping it firmly. "No, you wouldn't be... I'd hate to see you out there."

"I know, baby... But while we still have a minute, I want to ask a favor." Novo replied as she gazed into my eyes. "Whenever the Alabaster is docked here for the night, I want you up here with me in my room. I want to spend my nights with my sweet sugar bear whenever I'm here."

A lovely request, one I was not about to turn down. I nodded while smiling softly at the wonderful queen and whispered, "It would be an honor, my bird of paradise. Just make sure you have something I can store my armor in. Maybe a tub of sorts?"

"I can make that happen. Maybe tell the stewards I need something to soak my hands in." She retorted with a playful smirk before my lips met her beak as we shared one last little kiss before we finally stood up from the bed and approached the door. "Don't forget that, baby. If I don't find you up here after sundown, I'll send Seaspray out to find you. But for right now, better get out there before Little Miss Sunbutt comes knocking."

That... Oh wow, I had completely forgotten about that silly pet name. I suddenly hunkered over and let out a sudden guffaw as Novo even stepped away with a startled glance in her eyes. "Bwahahahaha, I forgot all about that one!"

"Then you better get used to it because it's not the last time you'll hear it!" Novo laughed before leading me up the stairs at the back of the Alabaster and back out onto the deck. We soon looked over the edges before we could even start to descend the gangplank. Novo turned her gaze from one side to the other as she surveyed the vast encampment before us. Rows of personnel tents as far as the eye could see and the various facilities set out in the camp for more specialized developments. "I have to say... While I wasn't sure what to expect, I'm quite impressed here. Everyone looks like they know what they're doing."

"For the most part. We're all still playing by ear for the moment, but we're making sure we're actually ready before we advance." I replied before following Novo down the gangplank to find more of the hippogriffs who had arrived aboard the ship helping unload some of its cargo and generally refuel the ship. Members of the royal guard seemed to be discussing some things with their new allies. But before we got far, I was quick to see a group of familiar faces approaching. "Oh boy... I guess they saw you coming."

"Who? Oh, them? Friends of yours?" Novo asked as five familiar mares trotted our way. Except for Rainbow Dash, who chose to stay airborne as she led our friends along. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, and Rarity were all approaching as a group. And Novo was quick to mention, "Hold up... That little lady there with those gorgeous indigo curls... Could it be?"

I almost forgot that Novo had some knowledge of Rarity's existence. Both from my own recollections as well as through the act of browsing various fashion magazines. I heard Rainbow Dash call out while still clad in a suit of camouflaged brigandine, "Hey there, James! You checked out that airship yet?! Looked really cool coming in!"

"I thought it was some sorta seagull at first! That thing's really a... Whoa..." Applejack added before they all slowed to a stop once close enough to notice that the hippogriff mare next to me was not like the rest. "Boy howdy, this bird's a beauty... Where'd ya find 'er?"

Amused by my friends' lack of knowledge about her, Novo cast me a smirk and asked, "Friends of yours, honey?"

"Yep. Known them since the day I got here." I retorted before facing my friends. "Girls, I know I've told you about her before, but this is Novo. Queen of the hippogriffs and Capricorn Island."

"Oooooh, so this is that queen you kept talking about when you got back!" Pinkie Pie chirped as she hopped forward once. "Wow, she really is as pretty as you said she is! And... Golly, are all hippogriffs so pretty? All of them are just gorgeous!"

"Well, when you're the queen of a bunch of literal birds of paradise, you better believe beauty is in our nature." Novo proudly declared as I almost laughed to see my friends recoil in confusion at the sound of her deep and soulful voice. She then placed a hand on her chest and spoke, "A pleasure to meet you, ladies."

"Wow... Are you... Um... Are you sure you weren't ever a zebra mare in a past life? Because... Not to sound disrespectful, but...you don't...sound like we were expecting." Twilight replied while looking thoroughly bamboozled by the way Novo sounds and talks. I honestly do not believe it is possible to hear Novo speak for the first time and not be shocked by how she talks.

Novo let out an amused laughed with her head held high. "Why do people keep asking me that?! You won't find any stripes on me, baby!"

Rarity then spoke next as she asked, "But...you almost sound like a more sophisticated version of our friend Zecora. Just without the rhyming and without that heavy exotic accent..."

It was only when Rarity spoke did Novo fully notice her. And I too only then noticed what she was wearing. Instead of the golden armor she had worn during that first battle, Rarity appeared to be decked out in what was likely one of the first modified suits of armor made for battlefield use. It looked like a thorough suit of barding not unlike those worn by the princesses themselves and seemed to address every single weakness I addressed during my earlier observations. No noticeable weak points were readily apparent. And unlike the golden polish of the armor worn at first, hers had a gorgeous silvery shine to it. Even her eight shamshir sabers were affixed to the sides of her armor with four on each side, the scabbards resting the in the curves of the ones below each other. As I observed Rarity's new armor, Novo lowered her head a bit as she said, "Well well well... I've seen you often enough on the cover of fashion magazines, but I never thought I'd see Miss Rarity in the flesh. Certainly not out here."

My beautiful armored beloved took a step back in shock, though while also sounding quite delighted as she recoiled with a...laughably hoarse tone of voice at first. "You... You... You know my name?! Oh goodness me, I'm getting Sapphire Shore flashbacks already..."

"Of course I know of you, honey! How could someone as beautiful as me not notice a symbol of beauty like you? You show up often enough in those issues that I know you're a master of your craft!" Novo said with legitimate respect before her gaze focused on a certain aspect of Rarity's attire. "Hold up a minute... I'm counting one, two, three, four... Eight swords? Do you just keep a bunch of spares on call in case one breaks?"

With giddy and knowing smiles on their faces, the rest of my friends started to give Rarity some space. Rarity began to smirk proudly as her magic icy blue aura flared up around her horn before matching auras coated the hilts of her swords. "Oh, not at all! I simply experimented here and there and found that...one just wasn't enough."

All at once, the eight elegant shamshirs were drawn from their scabbards and floated beside Rarity as they suddenly fanned out in a manner resembling widely spread wings. Rarity held her head high as she spoke, "I have far too much experience in handling so many props at once when I am...in the zone, so to speak. So I decided to try and weaponize such a skill! Fitting, no?"

Novo's eyes went wide as she looked genuinely impressed with Rarity's own type of swordplay. All our friends looked on as I am sure there is not another unicorn in the entire militia who can muster eight weapons at once. But that gaze of awe started to become one of...plotting as Novo began to smirk. "Ooh, very impressive... But now you've got me curious... Sorry to impose this on you so suddenly, but I have got to try this!"

"Beg pardon?" Rarity asked as we all looked towards Novo, who then held a hand to the side of her beak as she let out the call of a hawk that carried through the air around us. She then asked again, "Your majesty...?"

"Give him a minute." Novo smugly retorted as we all fell silent. Our eyes scanned the sky around us. Had she called for someone? Not even a minute later, we got an answer. I looked to the command center in the distance and noticed someone flying away from it and towards us. "There he is."

My friends looked on in awe as Seaspray came in for a landing before his queen. That armor of his gleamed beautifully in the sunlight as he asked, "You called, your majesty?"

"Fetch me my sword! Mama's got an itch to scratch." Novo replied as her majestic wings reached high before she pushed herself up to stand on just her hind legs while her wings served as a counterbalance. She then rested her hand on her hip, standing much more like a woman than a mare at the time.

Seaspray promptly bowed and flew up onto the Alabaster and disappeared from view. Although Rainbow Dash was much more impressed with Novo's greater height now that she was standing tall while just looking oh so sexy in the process. "Wow... Tall and in charge. I like this queen!"

"You better believe it, honey. Can't use a sword right if I don't have my hands free." Novo replied while holding up her other hand to examine her talons to pass the time.

It was only then that Rarity asked, "Are you challenging me to a duel, your majesty?! So suddenly?!"

Novo smirked down at Rarity while constantly maintaining that amusingly aloof and smug air about herself. "Honey, I haven't had a decent challenge in way too long. Even your boy here can barely keep up with me. But I've never seen such an innovative means of wielding a sword before, so you've got me intrigued. I'm expecting good things from you!"

"Oooooh my goodness... Such high praise, your majesty! Well, I most certainly hope I do not disappoint!" Rarity retorted with a graceful bow. Now that we were aware of where this was going, my friends and I decided to back away to give the two sword maidens some room.

While we waited for Seaspray to return, Applejack looked up at me and asked, "Just...uh...what is that queen packin' over there?"

I was tempted to laugh since they likely could not ever expect just what layers of experience were being hidden under Novo's feathery belt. I looked back down at her and said, "Centuries of experience and dozens of championship titles. Novo just might be the finest swordfighter on the planet. Even I could barely hold my own against her in a sparring session."

They all fell silent with looks of utter disbelief, though Pinkie Pie's jaw completely hit the floor. Not that I was surprised that she could do that. I have seen her do that before. Twilight then gulped quite audibly as she looked back over at our beautiful friend and muttered, "I hope Rarity knows what she's getting herself into..."

"She'll be fine. Novo knows how to pull her punches." I replied while knowing Novo better than they do. Each and every time Novo forced me to heel in our duels, she never once inflicted even the lightest smack on me. Hers is a finesse I doubt I will ever be able to match.

It was right around then that Seaspray dove over the side of the Alabaster's deck with the unmistakable form of a rapier in his hand while still contained in its polished white scabbard. I knew that it could not have been any of those blunt training swords she had used in our duels. This time, it was the real deal. Seaspray landed beside his queen and bowed his head while holding the sword to her in order for it to be drawn. Novo reached out and grasping the hilt before slowly, as if savoring the moment, pulling her sword up and out of its long narrow scabbard. And what a beauty that rapier was to behold. A shimmering narrow silver blade with a knuckle guard of shimmering gold or finely polished brass. But upon looking closer, I could see that the queen's sword had some special stylized designs where the blade met the hilt. Just above the top of the knuckle guard was the head of a swan while on the opposite side was a curved barb molded into the shape of a spread wing that could surely snag an enemy's blade. With the sword drawn, Seaspray stepped back and joined us at the sidelines. He then promptly greeted my friends as he said, "Fine day for a duel, wouldn't you say? It is rare that her majesty Novo ever takes up her proper sword for one."

"It's certainly a beauty, admiral." I retorted as our eyes fell upon Novo and Rarity. Novo had already taken a proper stance with sword held out before her. Rarity was keeping her swords in formation with all eight forming a half circle in front of her. I was rather confident in Rarity's ability to perform. She always was a master of improvisation. "I think Rarity just might surprise her."

"Such poise... Such elegance... Your majesty, I am in awe!" Rarity called out as a steadily growing crowd of onlookers started to gather around the airship docking grounds. While the two gorgeous mares stared each other down, I took a moment to analyze the situation. Novo had only one sword while Rarity had eight, but Novo's was of significantly greater length than that of the average saber. Even unusually long sabers like those shamshirs. While capable of light cuts, that rapier's real strength was its raw piercing power. But at the same time, Rarity was much lower to the ground than Novo. The same trait that would give her an advantage against the emperor's minions, and yet Novo was even taller than them when taking a biped stance. And with a full suit of barding covering Rarity's body, Novo would be hard pressed to find an opening. Not that I was expecting Novo to inflict harm upon Rarity, but she was still at a tactical disadvantage all the same.

"I could say the same thing about you. I'm liking the formation you have going there, Miss Rarity. I just might have a challenge on my hands after all." Novo replied quite respectfully with her usual sassy tone being much more subdued. She was not being cocky at all, no matter how experienced she was. And with that, Novo struck. She made a light snap forward with her sword, but Rarity reacted quickly by having more than one of her swords form a mass of metal to block against an overhead attack. A whistle escaped Novo's beak as she suddenly realized how in sync each of Rarity's swords were with each other. She was not wielding each individually. They were all eight pieces to a complete set. "Woo! I've got my work cut out for me this time!"

"So sorry, your majesty! Be careful!" Rarity called out almost apologetically as if she was frightened of the prospect of harming such a radiant queen. One of her sword's flicked out as Novo stepped back, successfully letting out a loud clink as it clipped the knuckle guard that protected her hand. A gasp filled the air as Novo was now on the defensive. Pinkie Pie even let out a shriek to cheer Rarity on. I was impressed. Even I had never forced Novo to back off so early in a duel.

With her hind legs not designed to allow to quick movement when functioning by themselves, Novo had to flap her massive wings to propel herself backwards to get out of range as Rarity's multiple swords rushed her too quickly to really defend against. She would never be able to get in a decisive strike if the her opponent got too close. A disadvantage for most longer weapons like many rapiers. Half-swording might work, but rapiers are simply not designed for that. Nor do I believe Novo has ever practiced such techniques.

Now with more distance between the two of them, Novo regained her balance while also losing her smug smile. She was finally starting to get serious against an opponent she had no experience facing. Rarity began to approach while keeping her swords ready before her to attack and deflect an incoming strike. While maintaining her distance, Novo began to put the length of her rapier to great use, making many quick stabs to test Rarity's defenses. The sheer frequency of her strikes prompted Rarity to get more creative as she started making some of her shamshirs spin in place like propellers to deflect incoming stabs.

Once again, Novo jumped back while maintaining her biped stance. The crowd cheered and whistled, begging for more action. It was then that I noticed a smirk starting to form on Novo's beak. Duels like that tend to not go on for very long with most lasting for less than half a minute. Rarity's impeccable defenses and the limitations of Novo's rapier were dragging the fight out to nearly a full minute. But if that smirk was anything to go by, Novo had finally found a chink in Rarity's armor. I inhaled sharply as I anticipated the finishing blow.

Now with greater distance between them than before and with Rarity's sword's still whirling before her like a wall of spinning fans, I saw Novo take a step back while doing a slow pirouette of sorts to her left. And when her right arm came back around, she suddenly and forcefully brought her hand forward while bringing herself low to the ground to maximize the reach of her arm. With her left hand having to plant itself on the ground to not outright fall, this strike was all or nothing. And it worked. The crowd fell silent as the air became still. Rarity's swords suddenly stopped moving while she too froze in place with fright. Like a laser piercing a tiny gap in a hall lined with debris, the narrow blade of Novo's rapier had slipped between the many curved blades of Rarity's shamshirs with the tip now stopped just short of striking her right between the eyes.

Rarity's magical grasp on her swords began to falter as she realized how close Novo could have come to running her head through on her blade had she not put just enough distance between them to insure the tip would not actually touch her. A move so bold and requiring so much precision that only someone with Novo's centuries of experience could ever hope to pull it off. The eight shamshirs fell to the ground as Rarity shakily sat down on her haunches, more than just a bit rattled by such a move. Even if her helmet had taken the blow should Novo have been too close, that is still a startling thing to see right between your eyes. "Oh...dear me... Too close..."

"Don't beat yourself up, honey. I can't remember the last time I got such a kick out of a duel. You actually gave me quite a bit of trouble. Can't remember the last time someone landed a whack on my guard like that." Novo replied while pushing herself back up onto just her hooves. But as she twirled her rapier around her hand with her fingers inside the knuckle guard, she then proclaimed boldly, "But just remember. You might be good, but I am the best!"

"I most certainly won't argue with that, your majesty!" Rarity replied as she managed to stand up and rather shakily returned her eight swords to their scabbards. As the crowd cheered with applause, Novo elegantly bowed while keeping her sword behind her. Rarity did as well, though not with as much poise. Seeing that blade come in at her between the eyes must have been frightful...

As Seaspray stepped forward with the scabbard for Novo's sword, the crowd began to disperse. All except for three other faces that had not been there earlier. And Novo was quick to notice them as well while sliding her sword back into its sheathe. A familiar voice spoke up with an amused tone to its voice, "Couldn't help making a scene, Novo? Did you get your fill?"

My friends all turned and bowed. Celestia stood before us with her sisters at her sides. And Novo's gaze softened upon seeing her longtime friend while dropping back onto her hands. "Celestia... Good to see you, honey."

I watched as the two of them stepped towards each other with subdued enthusiasm before holding each other in a winged embrace. Just like back on Capricorn Island, but with a noticeable air of seriousness about them. I heard Novo speak most sincerely, "Seaspray will make sure my men teach your ponies how to shoot straight. No one snipes better than a hippogriff, so you can bet no one teaches how to snipe better than them either."

"I have faith in your men, Novo." Celestia replied as they released each other from their embrace. Though Celestia then said, "But now that you're here..."

Novo's gaze fell upon Luna and she was quick to smile. "Well, if it isn't little Luna. Been a while. You still keeping your sister in line?"

"I try. You'd be surprised at how much sway the younger sister can hold over the elder." Luna replied in smug fashion while Celestia just rolled her eyes. "I jest, but it is good to see you after so long. And it is good to have you with us."

It was then that Novo's eyes fell upon the youngest sister among the Equestrian royal family. Her eyes went wide as she beheld the blackened majesty of Nightmare Moon. The Princess of Dreams calmly asked, "Queen Novo, I presume? It is a pleasure."

Dazzled and curious, Novo then asked with an intrigued smile set into her beak, "My my... Who's tall, dark, and sexy right here?"

My friends and I nearly stumbled over in sudden awkward laughing as Novo made no attempt to hide how impressed she was with Nightmare Moon's tall beautiful ebony form. Celestia was quick to interject while Luna and Nightmare Moon could not even try to find a response, "Novo, please! This is...um...the newest addition to the royal family. Nightmare Moon. Princess of Dreams."

"Newest? Celestia, I'm pretty sure you brought her up last time you stopped by for a visit, but I seem to recall that Luna here was your only sister." Novo replied before turning her gaze to Nightmare Moon once more. "She does have the look down though. Tall and gorgeous, billowing and almost ethereal mane and tail, extra long horn on her head, and some pretty big wings. Yep, she's got the Equestria royal family look down. Though I'm really liking those eyes. Tell me, Princess of Dreams. What's your story?"

"It's...eh...a long and complicated story. All you need to know is that Luna and I were one once, but she and I became separate after the Elements of Harmony purged me from her body. Were it not for our human friend here, I doubt I would have ever lived long enough to be welcomed home by my sisters." Nightmare Moon explained while glancing at me out of the corner. I could only smile back at her all the same.

As the three sisters conversed with the hippogriff queen, Rainbow Dash hovered up to me and nudged my arm with her elbow. "Is that queen always this goofy?"

"There's probably not a single monarch like Novo in the entire world. She's one of a kind. And she's awesome." I replied while noticing just how amused they all were with Novo's behavior. "She's really fun to watch and listen to."

"She sure knows how ta leave an impression. Bet she's real popular with the common folk." Applejack added while starting to show a crooked smile on her lips. Novo was getting really heavy with the playful rhetoric and even slipped in one 'Sunbutt' at one point, much to Celestia's chagrin. Twilight especially could not keep a straight face and burst out laughing harder than the rest of us. "Hoowee, I'm likin' this mare!"

"Yes, yes, quite! Now then, we have business to attend to, don't we?" Celestia barked to silence Novo. "There's no telling how quickly our recruits will be able to hone their archery skills, even with the best possible tutelage. We must start the vetting process to decide which unicorns are best for the job."

Pinkie Pie took an interest in this line and hopped forward. "Hold on! What's that about unicorns?"

"I can answer that." Luna replied as she turned to face us. "Our unicorn volunteers are our most diverse group of recruits and what we assign them to depends entirely on what types of magic they excel at. We have three categories. Those who excel at manipulating physical objects such as weapons with levitation magic to serve as infantry, those who have the necessary focus to use offensive types of magic for long-distance parabolic bombardments, and those with very precise levitation magic for handling longbows for archery."

Twilight then added, "I'm grouped with the second one as one of the militia's battlemages. Rarity's with infantry, as you can see."

"Fighters, archers, and mages... Sounds like a good balance." I muttered as Seaspray came back down from the Alabaster while my friends and the princesses finally continued on their way to return to their duties and to begin the process of training our new archers. Only Novo stayed behind. She and eye shared a gaze as the area around the airship docks had finally gotten rather quiet. "Looks like we're in good hands with your men here."

"I sure hope so. I'm still playing things by ear, but there are no finer archers in the world. If they can't seal the deal, I don't know who can." Novo replied while letting out a sigh before bringing a finger under my chin with such a look of cunning in those beautiful eyes. "Just remember. Tonight, I want you in my room."

"I won't forget, your majesty." I replied as we glanced around to make sure no one was looking. For just an instant, my beak and my lips met for a quick kiss. It was nothing when compared to what we could have done, but it was enough to tide us over for the moment. "I love you, my bird of paradise."

"And I love you, my sweet sugar bear. See you tonight." She replied softly before reluctantly turning away and walking towards the command center in the far distance. I did not know what she had in mind, but she surely had something to tend to over there.

Before I could even take a step away to try and find something to contend myself with, I thought I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. And when I turned to my left, I found none other than Gilda looking up at me. But before I could offer a greeting, I noticed the look she was giving me. A rather harsh glare. And it was only then that I realized what had happened. "Did you...see that?"

"You... You're seriously getting it on with that queen? Behind your wife's back?" Gilda growled as she turned her head to let just her left eye focus on me with a look of disgust in her gaze. "Even I've always known that cheating on your spouse ain't cool. What's your deal?"

"And I assure you that is not the case, Gilda. It's...complicated." I replied while all too understanding of why she saw a problem with what had just happened. "Fluttershy knows about Novo. And... Well... I'd be happy to tell you everything, but not here. It's not something we can discuss in the open."

"Really, huh? In that case..." Gilda muttered before glancing around and eventually looking up. "Fine. If we're gonna talk, follow me."

I spread my armor's wings and followed Gilda up into the air. Right up to...the Alabaster's gas sack. She set down right in the middle while I did the same. It was an impressive view up there and not a place where we would be easily spotted. I had to mind my balance though. It had a very gradual yet smooth rounding that could cause me to slide right off. "Never thought I'd be standing on one of these..."

The two of us got comfortable and sat down. Gilda still looked at me with an accusatory scowl as she asked, "So, what's the deal? I thought you're too nice a guy to do that to your wife. If you're not cheating on your wife, then what was that about?"

"I'm not unfaithful to Fluttershy, if that's what you're thinking. Yes, she is my wife. And I have no intention of getting a divorce. And for a good while, we only had eyes for each other."

"Uh huh... Then what changed?" Gilda asked while not looking very convinced at first. It was actually commendable that she valued faithfulness, even during her worse times, and I could not fault her for assuming the worst.

"I guess...it started with Rarity." I explained while gazing up at the sky and its modest cloud cover. "She and I had always been good friends. We shared important values and adored each other. And that friendship...became something more. I was willing to...share my love with her. But that love grew over time. But where our love for each other grew, my love of Fluttershy did not weaken. And they even discussed with each other the possibilities of us...becoming a family."

Gilda's eyes opened wide at the revelation I had just given her. "You mean...this was their idea? Your wife and...her friend were OK with this?"

"Only because they have as much faith in me as they do. I admit that I'm not entirely confident yet if I'm ready to really commit to a genuine polyamorous relationship, but...I'm willing to experiment with it until I'm ready. And it's...been very fulfilling. I love Fluttershy. And I love Rarity. And...there may be more to come in due time."

"So...they might not be the only ones you...fall for, huh? Like that queen?" Gilda asked while now sounding more curious than cautious.

"I admit it's not something just any man can do. At least not with genuine sincerity. Polyamory is not about sex. It's about love." I explained while not taking the topic lightly in the slightest. "I'm honestly surprised I've handled it as well as I have. Right now, it's...mostly just Fluttershy and Rarity with me. Though...as you saw, there are others where things are...growing."

Gilda tilted her head to one side and asked, "In that case... How many mares have you...gotten in bed with so far?"

I felt my nerves alight. Even if it was an honest question and I was no longer expecting hostility from her, it was still a difficult thing to admit to. "Well... Uh... When it comes to Novo, we haven't done that yet. Not entirely. Just a few bits of soft core stuff so far. We're not rushing anything. But for those who I've...actually done...that with? There's...um...Celestia..."

"Whoa, what?! Hold on there!" Gilda shrieked while thankfully being in a location where no one would really hear us. She pointed at me and said, "You're serious?! You and...and...the princess?!"

"Gilda, not so loud... And...yes... I've had close ties to the royal family since shortly after my arrival in Equestria, but that's because of the nature of my presence in this world. But with Celestia... Things didn't start to develop like that until maybe a year after I got here. She and I... We have a...kindred connection of sorts. And we're in love. But...since she's...who she is, this kind of thing can't go public. Much moreso than with anyone else."

She immediately shut up after that, surely knowing the kind of scandal that could be caused by such knowledge being discovered by the public. "OK... OK then... Right, I'm not gonna ask the details on that... But man, with her? What's it like? Does it have any perks?"

I gave Gilda a bit of a scowl upon hearing that. Whether intentional or not, such an inquiry almost sounded shallow. "I don't like taking advantage of her position of power. I only ask favors if I really dearly need something from her. I'm not that kind of guy."

"Whoa, whoa, I didn't mean it like that. I know you're not the kinda guy who uses women like that. You just don't give off that kinda vibe. Just...uh...got me thinking a minute." She retorted while holding up a hand between us. "Anyway... Is that it? Princess Celestia is the only other mare you've...done that with?"

There was one special night last year that I could not forget. One that would surely shock her. "There's one more... And just once... Rainbow Dash."

Instead of shrieking, Gilda just stared at me with eyes wide while never blinking. Although she then started to smirk as she said, "Oh, so that's where you got that information, right? You only figured out her sexual preference when you got in bed with her?"

"Actually, she told me that before it got to that point. Something about leaning more towards the foot-longs than the carpets?" I replied while remembering that rather...interesting analogy Rainbow Dash told me and Fluttershy that evening.

Gilda's response with a hearty chuckle as she spoke, "Yep, that sounds like Dash... But really? You and Dash? Seriously?"

"We've been...a good influence on each other for a while. I value her and she values me. Although she...has been a bit on the fence about things for a while since that time. We love each other, don't get me wrong, but...I feel like she's keeping some sort of distance for some reason." I explained while thinking back to my brash yet beautiful friend. "I'm not gonna pressure her. Whether or not she wants to take things further is up to her."

"That's good... I mean she was about ready to smash my beak in back when I first saw you... You must be something special to her if she said that. Dash isn't the kinda mare who gets quiet when she gets mad, so that... Now I see why she was that protective of you." Gilda retorted while looking down beyond the Alabaster's gas sack's hardened casing. "So then... What about that queen? What's your history with her? I could tell she has the hots for you."

"Novo? Interesting story behind that one." I replied while thinking back to not all that long ago. "A lot of people who know me say I have a healing personality. And I think Celestia tried to utilize that for Novo. She brought me along for a visit to Capricorn Island so I could interact with Novo because... Well... Novo is a widow. And she's been in morning for a long time."

Gilda's tone became more somber as the topic became significantly more solemn. "She... Sorry to hear that. But what did you do?"

"Well, I almost forgot about that part until towards the end of the first day. It wasn't until we had a private chat together on a balcony one night that she really talked to me about the pain she went through. And...what clicked for the two of us was that...I knew where she was coming from. I knew the kind of pain she had experienced." I explained while feeling my heart grow heavier as I thought back to that fateful night. When the pieces of our hearts started to be rearranged.

The griffon hen beside me gave me a look of mild shock as she asked, "You mean... Oh man, you lost someone like that too?"

"Huh? Oh, no, not like that. I don't know the experience of watching my spouse die." I replied while understanding why Gilda would make that assumption. But I then cast my gaze out at nothing in particular as I said, "But Novo...also doesn't know the pain of being betrayed by the one you were madly in love with either... But the end result for us was the same. The feeling of isolation. The new desire to do desperate and drastic things to drown and numb the pain... That mutual understanding of each other's pain was the catalyst for us to become much more than just friends... We soon fell in love. And we fell for each other hard."

Gilda said nothing as I detected no movement from her out of the corner of my eye. That did not last long as I soon felt something rest upon the back of my gauntlet. A quick glance revealed that Gilda hand placed her gloved hand upon my own as she gave me such a sad look. "Sorry you had to go through that... It sucks. Especially when you've got no one else to turn to."

"Was it hard after you and Rainbow Dash parted ways?" I asked as I started to see why Gilda was emphasizing with me more than I could have expected.

"Yeah... Didn't know what I had until it was gone. At least I was lucky to get it all back and then some." She said softly while starting to give me a gaze of sincere gratitude. "But anyway... That's how you two hit it off? She didn't care that you didn't have a crown on you?"

"Funny thing about that is that Novo's king was originally a commoner. She's not the kind of woman to care about social status. She's certainly not your typical queen either, if her behavior and style is anything to go by." I replied while finding myself smiling as I thought back to some of Novo's more unorthodox attitudes and manners. Such an unusual, yet amazing woman. "Although she and I did need to have a conversation like this when she noticed my wedding ring. She's not someone who takes the concept of love lightly. And she despises unfaithful scoundrels. She...eh...even put me through a test of sorts that night to see if I was what she hoped I was."

"I'm guessing you passed if that smooch I saw was anything to go by." Gilda retorted with a smirk before she pulled herself up and got behind me, her body tucked between my armor's wings. I felt her playfully tug on my ear with her beak before she whispered rather sweetly, "OK, James. I'm convinced. You know what you're doing and you're not the kind of guy who is unfaithful to his mares. I'll just pretend I saw nothing, all right?"

"It's appreciate, Gilda..." I muttered while finding myself shuddering from this surprisingly tender show of affection. "Just...don't mention what I said to anyone. I don't think it's illegal in Equestria, but I...don't think it's entirely socially accepted either."

"Cool, I getcha. I mean it's easy to take a look at what you're doing and assume the worst, right? I know I did just a few minutes ago." Gilda replied before she released me from her embrace and sat beside me once more. "But you're a good guy. A really good guy. And I hope you'll be good to every woman who comes into your life."

"I will. I just hope I'll always have the patience for it. And that this conversation never gets old." I retorted while almost letting out a chuckle while turning my gaze up to the sky. "Because I'm probably going to have to explain this quite a few more times down the road."

"Well, I can't exactly blame anyone for needing some help wrapping their heads around it. It sounds like the kind of thing some dude would do just to stroke his ego and pride." Gilda spoke while also looking up at the clouds. But I then saw her smirk as she then said, "But not you. You're not in it for that. You're no Casanova. You actually want to be in their lives and make them feel special."

"Thanks, Gilda... I try to be." I replied while glad that she was being as understanding as she was. Although with the topic having shifted, I then asked, "Do you think you might find someone for yourself eventually? Maybe settle down with a nice girl?"

She cast me an amused smile as she said, "You forgot? I mean yeah, Dash is a hottie in all the right ways, but I'm not exclusively a carpet muncher. Maybe I'll find a nice guy out there sometime. Who knows?"

I looked at her out of the corner of my eye as the conversation stalled. Gilda had certainly convinced me by then that she was a much more pleasant griffon than I had initially made her out to be. And now that my emotional barriers had been lowered, my eyes scanned her. While she was still wearing that suit of brigandine, her head and tail were completely exposed. And what little I saw, I could certainly say she was quite beautiful in her own rebellious tough girl kind of way. She oozed that sort of spunky yet sweet charm you almost never find in women. And she was a good listener. I was genuinely surprised with how open she was to hearing me out and processing my words. And so I said, "You're a good friend, Gilda."

Her eyes suddenly opened wider than usual upon hearing that before she glanced at me, but Gilda then closed her eyes as she accepted what I said with a warm and rather lovely smile on that beak. "You too, James. You're a good man."

Almost on instinct, I began to reach for her hand. And she began to reach for mine. But just when they were about to touch, Gilda shuddered and pulled hers away. I only then realized the implications of that gesture as well and set both hands upon my armored thighs as I tried to avoid looking at her. Though Gilda then said, "So... You like griffons? Or cats or birds?"

"I'm not particularly partial towards any species, really. At least when it comes to the people of Equestria." I replied while closing my eyes for a second and thinking of as many women as I could recall meeting. While I have met many ponies, I have met a number of other races before. And regardless of which, beauty was not exclusive to just one. The people of Equestria are all capable of being very physically appealing if one is open to the idea of pursuing a relationship with someone who is not their own species. Although I did say, "But I've always had an affinity for birds. That might be part of why I adore the hippogriffs so much... And I admit I've always been more of a cat person."

"Guess that means I'm the best of both worlds, huh?" Gilda replied with a rather flirtatious tone in her voice. Although I am convinced she was just messing with me at the time. She quickly lost that look on her face and looked away. But as I dismissed those words, I noticed too late that Gilda had scooted herself closer to me. She then asked, "Um... When this is all over... Would you mind if I swung by now and then? Just to say hi and kill some time?"

I placed my armored hand upon her fluffy feathered head and said, "It would be nice to see you again. You're more than welcome to visit."

The white feathers lining her head quickly puffed up almost like those of an excited cockatoo. Though I could still see her beak as she then said, "Thanks... I just hope I won't get run outta town. Didn't exactly leave a good first impression on my way out..."

Once again, I began to bring my hand lower to reach for hers. Just to hold her and let her know that I did appreciate her. But Gilda once more, almost reluctantly, moved her hand away from mine as she even avoided looking at me. "Please, don't... You're too good for me..."

"Wha... Why? What?" I asked while not entirely sure of where that came from. I did relent in reaching for her hand, but did she misinterpret my intentions?

"Look. You're a sweet guy. Maybe the best guy I know. I've only known you for a few days, but these past few days have made it all worth it because of you. And you're a...good friend. But..." Gilda replied rather shakily before scooting away from me. "You shouldn't get too close to me... I don't...wanna let you down like I did with Dash... You never saw the old me. And I don't want to be the old me anymore..."

"Yeah, I never did see how you were. And that's probably a good thing." I replied while the two of us shared an aside gaze for a time. "Maybe that affects my bias... I don't easily forget being needlessly wronged, but I never actually saw what happened. I only know what I heard. And...you've subverted my expectations." I explained before fully turning my head to look at her. "You're better than you used to be, Gilda. And I'm grateful I got to meet you."

"You make me wanna cry... Not even Dash ever said something like that to me..." Gilda growled while trying to not look at me. Although she then spoke in a manner that almost sounded like she was forcing herself to speak. "Could...you...hold me for a minute?"

I said nothing as I held my arm out to her. I did not fully understand what was going through her head at the time, but she was extremely vulnerable. It would be unwise and cruel to not offer her some emotional support at the moment. She slunk over to me and leaned against me with my arm around her. As she let out a haggard wheeze, I asked softly, "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Without even looking at me, Gilda whispered shakily after another loud sigh. "Don't...stop being good to me... Don't...give up on me... And...keep making me feel like I'm...not a stupid piece of trash that only knows how to keep screwing up... Make me feel like I'm worth something... Like I'm something special..."

"I will, Gilda. I will." I whispered back to her with my arms around her covered body. Not that I could feel much through the plating of my own armor. Poor little hen... One would never know that she was the kind of woman who is haunted by old regrets. I wonder how often a tough abrasive exterior only serves to hide a troubled soul...

My grasp on Gilda never loosened. I dearly wanted to give her some scritches, though my armored fingertips would not provide the most comfortable experience. But as a minute or two went by, I heard her speak. "Those mares in your life are lucky to have a man like you... They made a good choice by falling for you and not someone else... I know they'll be happy with you."

"I hope so... I don't want them to regret their decision or to start being envious of each other." I muttered while appreciating Gilda's tender words. I knew their were risks involved. And not just from how society may react if things ever became public. I had faith in my beloveds. I just hope they could maintain faith in me and in each other.

Minutes went by as I held Gilda while she rested her head against me. Unfortunately, it could not last. All too reluctantly, Gilda started to wiggle out of my grasp. "OK, moping time is over... I gotta get over to the drills before they start without me anyway."

"Right. I shouldn't keep you." I replied while displeased that this moment could not go on longer. I was sincerely enjoying my time with Gilda and would be more than willing to spend another ten minutes up there with her. Although I did ask, "We cool now?"

"Yeah, we're cool. I get what's going on now. Sorry if I was a little quick to assume otherwise. You're good to your mares. I just hope they're just as good to you." Gilda said while starting to sound like her mood was being lifted. "And...uh...thanks for being here. I was...um...kinda scared for a second when I let myself out like that... Just between us, right?"

"If you don't want me to tell anyone, I won't." I replied while stroking her head for a moment. "If you need a minute to cuddle or get something off your chest, you can come find me. I'm a good listener."

"Yeah, I know that by now." She said softly only for her eyes to go wide for a moment. "Oh yeah, sorry I didn't show up last night to jam at your place. I was going to, but I saw you had a guest and thought it wasn't a good time for it."

"Ember? Oh yeah, we were kinda preoccupied with everything going on last night. Though I did end up forgetting all about that arrangement..." I retorted upon realizing that we did plan for her to visit my dorm to play guitar for a while. Ember was quite the distraction that night.

Gilda then smiled and asked, "How about tonight then?"

I was about to agree, but I then recalled what Novo had requested from me. "Yeah, it would... Oh, wait. Not tonight. Novo wants me to spend the night with her aboard the Alabaster, so I don't think she would appreciate anyone unexpected paying a visit."

"Novo? Oh right, that queen?" Gilda replied before she suddenly gave me a smug smirk. "Oooooh, I get what's going on. She's got the hots for you, right? Gonna spend some...personal time with that pretty bird where no one can see you? Ohohoho, you better give her a good time. Make her chirp, all right?"

"Whoa whoa whoa, she never said anything about that! She just wants my company, all right?!" I yelped while leaning away from Gilda on reflex. Though I suppose it would be in her nature to make such an assumption. She certainly is a wild kind of woman...

Gilda could not stop herself from laughing as she almost fell backwards. "Bwahahahaha, couldn't help myself! But seriously, I saw how she was with you! Tell you what. If she doesn't try to get your pants off once tonight, I owe you a drink. Deal?"

"Fine. Deal." I groaned with embarrassment as I started to push myself up with my heels dug into the gentle slope of the Alabaster's gas sack. "I mean you might be right. Novo is the kind of... Whoa! Hey!"

I severely underestimated the smoothness of the gas sack below me and quickly lost my footing as I tried to stand up on something that was not the very top of it. I fell right down on my rump and started to slide down the thing with my armor's wings being pushed up behind me in a manner that prevented me from taking to the hair or even springboarding right off the side. And it was still a long way down! I would end up overshooting the hull and plummet right to the ground if I could not stop myself soon! But just as I was trying to think fast and use the levitation spell to catch myself or at least generate a barrier around myself, someone beat me to the punch. Right as I started to properly fall free from the gas sack, my descent drastically slowed as something grabbed me by my armor's wings. "Jeez, don't scare me like... Whooooaaaa, you're heavier than you look!"

"Hoo...! Thanks for the save, Gilda!" I shouted upon looking up her to see the griffon hen furiously flapping her impressive wings to keep me aloft. She gradually set me down on the ground before right before she too landed beside me. "You OK there?"

"I should be asking you that! Maybe it was a bad idea to sit up there after all..." Gilda replied while looking only slightly winded from hauling me through the air for a minute. "You're no pegasus... I guess humans really aren't built for flyi... Wait a second! If it's that hard to lift you in the air, how're you gonna get hauled back to base if something goes wrong out there?!"

I too flinched upon realizing what Gilda had mentioned. While she and her aerial teammates were proving adept in evacuating their fellow Equestrians by then, my armor's bulk along with my larger and heavier frame would undoubtedly make carrying me through the air much more difficult. Even with her larger and stronger wings, Gilda still struggled under my weight. Although I did say, "That's a good point... Maybe I could just use teleportation to get myself back here?"

"You sure you can manage that when dealing with a fresh wound? I dunno... You'd be surprised how hard that kinda pain to focus on something..." Gilda replied while looking and sounding understandably skeptical about the issue.

"I know. I've felt pain before. Even from some pretty significant injuries." I replied while thinking back to that horrible impalement wound I suffered when Nightmare Moon and I were forced to fight each other that night. "I'm pretty sure I'll be OK. This armor amplifies my focus to use some pretty impressive magic that only the royal sisters themselves can use. I can't prove it, but I'm convinced I'll be OK if I do end up taking a nasty hit. Assuming they manage to get through my armor in the first place."

Gilda still tilted her head to one side while not looking entirely convinced. "I'm still gonna bring this up to Spitfire when I get... Oh right, I gotta get going! Let's talk later!"

I did not even get a proper goodbye out before Gilda darted through the air and over the camp to find her aerial comrades. I could only hope she would not be in trouble. With nothing else to do myself, I decided to at least check in with the command center to see if anything was happening. Especially now that we had a platoon of elite archers to add their skills to the pool.

While there were not many hippogriffs in the camp at the time, everywhere I went where I happened to see one, they were getting a lot of attention. Everyone was curious of who these tall beautiful bird horses were and were quick to gather around our new guests. The hippogriffs did not mind the attention and even seemed more than happy to chat with their mainland neighbors.

Once I found my way back to the command center, I found Shining Armor standing at the door that led into the war room. He immediately called over to me, "Hey, James! In here! We're expecting you."

"Huh? Oh, all right." I muttered before following him in without much thought. Upon stepping into the war room, I found that quite a few faces were already present in it. All three of the royal sisters were present, as was Seaspray and Queen Novo. I then asked, "Um... Is this a meeting?"

"That it is, Sir James! Now that we are all present, shall we?" Seaspray replied while everyone took a seat around the table while he and Shining Armor removed their helmets and set them on the table before them. I reflexively tried to do the same with mine before realizing that I was not wearing it at the time. Once I took a seat across from Novo with Nightmare Moon at my side, I noticed a large tea kettle floating across the table with a familiar blue aura coating its handle. Seaspray then held out a provided coffee mug and asked, "Tea, your highness?"

"Plenty to go around, admiral." Luna replied as she used her magic to pour us all a cup of tea. A quick sniff revealed the potent scent of bergamot. A freshly brewed serving of earl grey tea. Once we all had a cup to sip from, Luna set aside the kettle and said, "Now that we are all here, shall we begin?"

Feeling out of my element, I decided to stay quiet and listen to what needed to be discussed. Novo spoke first as she said, "I've already sent word back to Capricorn Island to prepare a shipment of our finest arrows to keep our archers stocked. We've also brought along a few more men to serve as fletchers on site to whip up some more."

Seaspray then added, "My men should be preparing to tutor your freshest recruits within the hour. Although if I might make a suggestion for when they must step out on the battlefield?"

"We are listening, admiral. What do you advise?"

Seaspray reached out with one hand and dragged his finger along a mostly blank map of sorts that had been set out on the table. No doubt meant for future planning of formations, but currently without use. "If I may suggest, I believe it it would be wise to keep my men to the rear so that our greater height will not interfere with the smaller stature and lower aim of our equine companions. I assure you that the greater distance from the enemy will not hinder us as we hippogriffs have excellent vision to counter such a distance."

"Remind me what kind of precision your men are capable of?" Shining Armor asked between sips of his tea.

"Well, I can't speak for all of my men, but if we were speaking of just me..." Seaspray replied before taking another sip of his tea. He then spoke rather proudly as he spoke, "At my best, I have pinned a sparrow to a tree from nearly a mile away. Without killing the poor creature, I admit."

"Most impressive, admiral. Yes, it would be best to keep those with superior skill and greater height towards the rear if that is what your men are capable of. It would be best to not obstruct the lower archers." Nightmare Moon retorted while I too was surprised by the natural talent hippogriffs tend to have with the bow. If our unicorn archers could be trained to be just half as good as them, then even they would excel on the battlefield.

"I can assure you my boys will keep your infantry safe during their approach. And after." Novo added while sounding smugly confident as always. She then asked, "But what about the frontlines? You got any plans for them?"

"Actually, we have...'borrowed' some texts from the world James hails from. And some of them have given us some improved insight on how to best face the enemy's vanguard." Celestia replied as she levitated some pieces that remembered tiny flags out from under the table and set them upon the map. They were placed in long rows with each being three pieces wide. "Our pikemen would face the enemy first with at least three ranks at a time, with three pikes lined in a row to make countering difficult."

I recognized this formation immediately. I set my mug down and leaned forward to take a closer look. "A phalanx formation... Brilliant. That would be devastating against the front lines."

"So glad you agree. Is there anything you would like to add or suggest to this?" Luna asked while all eyes fell upon me.

I scanned the little pieces on the map. At least three ranks, each carrying a heavy and exceptionally long pike that would excel at running through the front line and holding them at bay. With enough speed behind each ramming strike, it might even be enough to penetrate plate armor. And ponies can run with much greater speed than humans. Although I was quick to notice that such unwieldy spears would not be of use for much else. Relentless forward charges and holding the line would be the only things they would be good at. Effective, but not without weaknesses. I reached out as I pointed along the map, "Effective, but they'll likely be vulnerable to flanking from the sides. And potentially enemy archers. If you can find a way to cover them, they'll be much more effective. "

"Wise observations, James. We will arrange for some of our battlemages to provide cover fire to discourage enemy units from approaching from the sides." Nightmare Moon replied while casting me a pleased smile.

"That takes care of the ground troops. But what about the enemy archers? You think your men's armor will stand up to them?" Novo asked with some concern while resting her jaw upon the back of her hand.

"While the revisions for our armor have been finalized, it would not be wise to place too much faith in them... All it would take is one unlucky strike for an arrow to slip between the gaps." Luna replied before looking like she was distracted by her thoughts. "Perhaps it would be wise to consult our technicians in the R&D lab... A barrier to hold off falling arrows does sound beneficial."

"Perhaps we should try testing some of our unicorn mages to see if any excel at barrier projection. A fourth category dedicated for defense does sound like a good idea." Nightmare Moon added as I leaned back in my seat now that my input was complete.

Back and forth, the higher ups of the militia discussed tactics, supplies, and so on while I listened in and provided input when needed. Compared to the rest of them, I did not have a whole lot to say. After another half hour of discussions and another mug of tea for everyone, my companions began to rise from their seats with the meeting ending. Celestia then said, "Well, it sounds like we're making great strides in preparing for the coming battles. Let us hope fortune remains on our side."

"We will all do our part, your highness. Now, I believe I should see to the archers. There is much to do." Seaspray said in farewell as he saw himself out. One by one, we all left the war room. I felt a little tired after it, but still pleased by the progress we were making.

Before we got far, Nov pulled me aside and asked with a smile, "Hold up a minute, honey. It's just about lunchtime. Wanna join me in the galley on the Alabaster for a little taste of home away from home?"

There was only one thing on my mind when I heard that. "If you're talking seafood, I'm there. Just let me get this armor off and I'll be right over."

"Glad to hear, sugar bear. I'll make sure they'll whip something up I know you'll love. See you there." Novo said before giving me a quick peck on the cheek and stepping out of the command center. I hurried up the stairs to remove my armor in the confines of my dorm before getting my shoes on and hurrying back down the stairs and outside. I was really hankering for some fish.

After a long stroll through the camp, I found my way back to the airship docks and headed on up the gangplank to the Alabaster. While I had only been in there once, I was familiar enough with the layouts of these royal transports enough to know the galley was always located right at the bow and down the first corridor below deck. And sure enough, once I stepped through that door, I was greeted by a wide and very clean cafeteria that looked like something out of a passenger liner from a century ago. Quite a few of the ships stewards were already seated at long tables with trays of fresh seafood, as was Novo herself. But as I scanned my surroundings, I noticed someone waving me down from the table that Novo was seated at. "Over here, James!"

"Uh... Ah, Sky Beak! Hang on." I replied before making my way over to him and taking a seat between him and Novo. "Thanks for waiting for me. You got the good stuff up here today?"

"Only the best Capricorn Island has to offer, honey. Speaking of which..." Novo said before looking over her shoulder. When I did the same, I saw one of the stewards coming over with a platter held on his upturned hand.

"Here you are, sir. Fresh out of the pan. Enjoy." The kindly hippogriff said with a smile as he set my meal down. And what a welcome sight it was. Fresh steamy seafood risotto mixed with a zesty lobster tomato sauce, glistening seaweed salad, and a bottle of icy cold sparkling fruit juice. It just reeked of Capricorn Island's culture and cuisine and I could not be happier with what had been served to me.

"Oh man, this looks...and smells fantastic. Thank you." I said to the server as he nodded with a smile and went about his duties. Unfortunately, the risotto was still much too hot to eat without hurting myself. In the meantime, I decided to focus on those around me. I then looked at Sky Beak as he helped himself to a grilled salmon filet, "How're things turning out now that you're here?"

"Very well! I already ran some of the rookies through the basics before the admiral took over for me. I'm actually really impressed with how unicorns handle a bow. Instead of focusing on the entire bowstring, they use their magic to pull on just the middle of the thing. They make it look easy. All we really have to do is teach them how to direct their shots and the rest should come easily enough." Sky Beak explained between bites.

"That's all they have to do? Man, I've heard it takes years or even decades for humans to develop the skill and upper body strength needed to use a longbow on the battlefield. If levitation magic focused on a tiny part of the bowstring is enough to draw it, then that'll shave off loads of time in regards to training. They just might pull this off after all." I replied while equally impressed with how the unicorns' magical output allow them to completely bypass one obstacle in using longbows. While I know the eyes of a pony are not as sharp as those of a hippogriff, having a platoon of elite archers backing them up should be enough to cover their shortcomings.

Right around then, a couple of hippogriff guards took a seat on the other side of the table and set their helmets upon the table. One looked familiar with his armor being a shining silver and a coat of an orange-tinted shade of red in his plumage while having a lilac-hued mane and tail. The other...was pretty much all that, but with gold armor and with the colors of his mane, tail, and plumage being an inversion of his comrade. Though his coat was paled towards a shade of grayish purple and his mane and tail leaning more towards vibrant shades of pink. Only his eyes did not match, being a shade of deep blue. The one in silver armor quickly passed me a greeting as he said, "Hey, James! Been a while! Remember me? Mick?"

"Mick... Mick? Oh yeah, I recall. Though we only met a few times, right?" I replied as his combination of reddish plumage and silver armor stuck out in my mind. I then looked at his partner while they took a seat before us and asked, "Who's your buddy?"

"The name's Mundy. And we've met before, even if we really didn't have the time to get acquainted." The other hippogriff replied with a familiar warmness. "Remember when old Seaspray was talking your ear off? And we called you over like this?"

One after the other, Mick and Mundy let out a familiar deep hoot of an owl. That jogged my memory right there. "Oh right, you were there?! Yeah, I remember that moment. Your boss likes talking a little too much."

"The rest of the guys like to call us the hooter brothers. We're paired up more often than not. And I'm sure you can guess where the name comes from." Mick spoke right as their orders were brought over. Grilled fish over rice. Maybe a type of sea bass.

"Yeah, you guys are a hoot." I retorted in an attempt to be witty. Not wanting to wait any longer, I started to help myself to my meal now that it had cooled just enough. I felt...a sense of familiarity from being surrounded by those wonderful birds of paradise. Even far from home, they were just as I remembered them. Such happy and friendly people. How I missed that place...

Novo soon whispered to me from beside me while pausing between bites of what seemed to be a steaming bowl of tutto mare, "Did they get it just right, honey?"

"Mmmmhm, no complaints. I'm loving it." I retorted with a hearty growl of delight while I savored the rich flavor of my meal. "Would it be all right if I stop by sometimes for lunch or dinner?"

"Of course, baby. I'll put in a word with the crew that you're always welcome here and that you're to be accommodated. Not that I really need to." Novo replied while showing me a smug yet very sweet smile on her beak. "I swear, you must love seafood more than we do."

"I won't deny that. There's not much to choose from when it comes to protein in most Equestrian cultures. So this is a pretty rare treat. That, and fish is good for you." I said between bites while knowing fish is available in Ponyville, I do not get to enjoy it often enough. And it is never as good as what the hippogriffs get to dine on.

Right when I finished my meal and set aside my empty dishes, Mundy tried to chat me up from across the table. "So, what's this I hear about you giving scritches? I don't even know what they are, but anyone who's gotten them says it's the tops!"

There was a sudden tension in the air as I felt all eyes fall upon me. One of the guards, a mare, spoke up from the end of the table. "Oh, right! I had some once when he was on the island! Mind if I get some more?"

"It has been a while. You wouldn't mind sharing some, would you?" Sky Beak added as he looked at me.

"Uh... I dunno if this is a good time for... Whoa, hey, not so close. Guys, really, I'm..." I started to stammer as the hippogriffs around me began to congregate around me. I was beginning to get flashbacks of when that gaggle of hippogriffs observed me from the rooftops after I gave Silverstream some scritches for the first time. And when they dogpiled on me when I tried to make a run for it just so they could sample some scritches themselves. Sure enough, I soon found myself caught up in a prison of cushy feathers once again. But instead of being excitedly tossed around like last time, the hippogriffs pressing up to me were quite patient and allowed me to go to work at my own pace. Feeling quite relaxed in that fluffy prison, I let my hands go to work as I wiggled my fingers through their plumage.

"Oooooh yeah, this is more like it... No wonder everyone couldn't stop talking about this..." Mick mumbled in delight as my fingers slid through his mane. Minutes upon minutes went by as each of my customers stood up and stepped away once they were satisfied with my caresses. But once they all stood up, I noticed Novo standing nearby while just looking down at me with a knowing smirk. What was she up to?

"Um... Wait, did I remember to give you some scritches?" I asked while wondering why Novo looked as if she had not partaken in that session.

"That's exactly the problem here, honey." Novo replied while looking like she was trying to not chuckle. "You made the mistake of not giving me first dibs."

"Ohohohoho, you're in trouble now, mate!" Mundy cackled with a laugh as the rest of the hippogriffs around me seemed to know where this was going.

"Now, what would be the proper punishment for leaving me out like that and forcing me to wait?" Novo cooed mischievously while dragging a talon along her jaw, eyes gazing elsewhere in thought. I swear I was starting to sweat. It would have been one thing if she was doing this in private, but now we were standing in front of a platoon of her own guards. I could not shake the feeling that she was about to mess with me in a very special way.

"Ooh, I got it. I know just the thing." Novo said with a smirk before turning her gaze towards me. All of the guards watched with snickering excitement. Novo must be fun to work for most of the time. She then leaned towards me and said, "For not giving me the royal treatment, I decree that you shall refer to me as...the sweet sexy queen mama of total hotness. Sound fair?"

"Oh come on, Novo! Not in front of your men!" I yelled in mild horror as her subordinates howled in laughter behind me. Was she just messing with me? Or was this just her way of expressing love to me in a way only she could? "How about I just give you all the scritches you want back in your room?"

"Ah ah! You missed your chance for that, honey! Now you have to pay the piper. Let me hear it. Unless..." She held up a finger to silence me and regain her authority over the situation. Although Novo then smirked most deviously as she muttered, "Unless you would rather I come up with...something better."

Those hippogriffs behind me would not shut up with their constant whispering and snickering. They were enjoying the show and watching me squirm. Dear lord, what else did Novo have in mind if I refused? Not wanting to test my luck, I relented with a loud groan. "Uuugggghhh... Fine, you sweet sexy queen mama of total hotness!"

I immediately covered my face with my hands as the boys and girls behind me howled in cawing laughter. Just saying that to their own queen, right in front of them, was all kinds of awkward. But that did not stop Novo from stepping forward and pulling me up to her with her massive wing scooping me up like a and. "Oh, that is just sweet supple candy to my heart, baby. I knew you had it in you."

Before I could even say anything, she brought her other wing over us to serve as a curtain before bringing her beak to my lips. The tips curved just enough to provide a kiss, one which I gladly returned. She then gazed into my eyes with such a look of adoration in them and whispered, "Love you, baby."

"Love you too, dear..." I muttered while still reeling from that experience. As the laughter died down and Novo released me from her wings, I looked to see the gaggle of hippogriffs still looking like they were trying not o laugh. I then asked, "Can I trust you all to not speak of this?"

"Our beaks are sealed!" Mick spoke out while showing a thumbs up gesture while all the other hippogriffs nodded or smiled in agreement. As much as they probably got a kick out of that scene, they still respected my right to not want just anyone to find out about it.

"All right, shows over! We've all got our rounds to make, so let's get back to work. Mama's gotta pay a visit to the radio room to check in with Skystar and make sure things aren't going nuts back home." Novo spoke boldly while everyone stood at attention. Though she then whispered to me, "Remember. My place tonight."

"I haven't forgotten. I'll see you there." I replied softly before watching Novo gracefully walk past me. I almost suspect she was putting on a show as she left the galley, as if telling me that her gorgeous body will be in my arms soon enough. The guards in the galley retrieved their helmets and started to see themselves out too while the stewards gathered up the used dishes and drink bottles. But as I stood there while not being able to get my mind off that wonderful queen, Sky Beak stepped up beside me and nudged me with his elbow. I was surprised to see that he stuck around and said, "Huh? You're still here?"

"Boy, the queen sure likes you. I mean wow, what was that about?!" He said while once again bursting into laughter. I just shook my head as I looked away. Nothing short of a breach in protocol, that demand was. Not that Novo is your average queen in the first place. But he then said, "That's why I like working for her. She always knows how to make things fun!"

"I'll say..." I muttered in a strange combination of amusement and annoyance. Although I then looked at him and asked, "Come to think of it, how has Novo been since we last saw each other?"

Sky Beak smiled quite brightly as he said, "Oh, she's been better than ever! I mean she always had her moments now and then, but...I always got the feeling something was constantly on her mind. Like she was...distracted by something."

I decided to not hide the nature of Novo's longstanding grieving at the time of my first visit. "Yeah, that... Celestia told me that Novo never really got over the loss of her king decades ago..."

The kindly papa bird sighed as he said, "Right, I did hear from those who were around back then that those two were just madly in love with each other. King Cygnus died long before my time, but he's still fondly remembered. Although... If she was grieving for so long, what did you to make her so happy?"

I knew better than to reveal the full extent of my relationship with Novo. Certainly not to one of her own subordinates, let alone the stallion who is the closest thing to a father I have in Equestria. So I told him all that I could. "I...understood where she was coming from. I know what it's like to have a broken heart. And to be so deeply in love that I could never hope to see the end coming. It hurts. And you always feel so alone and isolated when it hits you. I was brought to Capricorn Island to see if I could help her. And I did."

"Well, whatever you did for her, it must have worked. I've never seen her so happy before. Although she did look kind of broody at times lately... Like she was really mad about something. Not sure if I prefer that over her being depressed..." Sky Beak muttered in thought while I felt rather uncomfortable over the thought of Novo not being able to hide her conflicting feelings from how we parted ways last time. At least that issue had been resolved by then. Even so, Sky Beak then looked at me with a most sincere smile on his beak. "Well, as a man of Capricorn Island, I just want to say we really appreciate what you did for our queen. When she's happy, we're happy."

"And I'm glad to see her happy. Someone as amazing as her deserves happiness." I said while also smiling in relief that my visit to that island was not in vain. Although now that the galley was getting quiet... "Come to think of it... Is there somewhere we need to be?"

"Right, good point. We've got duties to fulfill." Sky Beak replied while placing his helmet back upon his head. It was then that I took a good look at him and just how much of his body his armor actually covered. I was reminded of just how much Capricorn Island's branch of the royal guard emphasize ranged combat over direct confrontation. Aside from the helmet and peytral, the hippogriff guards basically did not wear armor. I was most relieved that they would be kept to the rear and away from approaching infantry. But I digress.

"Right. I'll see you around. Have a good one." I retorted before he and I shared a brief hug. I let Sky Beak leave the galley first before I stepped out into the hall as well. But right as I passed the radio room, the door opened as the communications officer looked out while dressed in a tidy black vest. He looked up and down from the slip of paper in his hand, his eyes glancing at me. Thinking he wanted to say something to me, I asked, "Can I help you?"

"You are...Mr. James, yes?" He asked while I merely nodded. He then smiled and held out the page to me. "Oh, good. I was hoping we wouldn't have to comb the camp to find you. We just got a message from back home. It's for you."

"For...me? From Capricorn Island? Um... Thanks?" I muttered in confusion while I took the page before the officer ducked back inside. I then held up the page while trying to figure out what they had just received. "I just hope they decoded it first..."

Thankfully, whatever the Morse code had received, it had been jotted down as ordinary text. And I quickly found out who sent it. "James! Hi! This is Silverstream! Is Dad there yet?! You two will be just fine out there, right? Take care of each other! I miss you, best friend! Come back and give me some scritches sometime! With love, Silverstream! Wait, did I already say that? Oh well."

I could not help cracking a crooked smile as I read that silly little note. Silverstream must have asked Skystar to put in a word with their communication officers back home to send that message. Even so, I held the note to my chest and sighed while snickering to myself. "Awww... Miss you too, pretty bird."

I decided to head right back to the command center so I could drop off the message in my own dorm so I would not lose it. With nothing else to do for the moment, I was about to head out to explore the camp and survey any developments that were underway. But before stepping out the door, I paused. Everyone was busy getting themselves ready for the coming march east. But what about me? I had barely touched a sword over the past couple of days. But what could I do alongside my equine companions? There was no way I could mesh with them in a formation. And what of the royal sisters themselves?

With that thought, I looked around the main room of the command center and found Luna looking over a note that she had no doubt just received from Cadence. I approached the Princess of the Night and asked, "Uh... Luna? If you have a minute?"

"Mm? Oh, what can I do for you, my friend?" Luna asked in return as she set aside the message that was floating in her magical grasp.

"I'm just wondering... Exactly what roles will you and your sisters be serving once the next battle begins?" I then asked while knowing that their magical prowess far surpasses even the mightiest unicorns. If they absolutely had to, the three of them together could probably overwhelm the emperor's armies if no real strategy was involved and only brute force was utilized. But in a scenario where tactics and sheer numbers makes or breaks a battle, brute force could be countered.

Luna's smile faded as she explained, "You mean what tasks we are faced with on the battlefield? I am tasked with commanding our mages, both for offense and defense. Celestia is our commander-in-chief and will be serving as our last line of defense for our field camp. As for Nightmare Moon, she will be fighting in the thick of battle alongside our troops as a battlefield commander. We trust she is the only one with enough fire in her to maintain her composure in such scenarios."

"Yes, I would expect no less from Nightmare Moon." I retorted while knowing that nightmares like her are not to be trifled with. Although I then asked, "All right, there's that. But...what about me?"

"I beg your pardon?" Luna replied while not immediately understanding where I was going with this.

I then explained, "I've barely even touched a weapon these past couple of days. While everyone else here are dligently preparing for the coming battles, I've...done next to nothing. But I don't think I can really effectively fight alongside everyone in a formation. Ponies fight in different manners than humans. What should I do?"

Luna's eyes narrowed while glancing elsewhere. She rubbed her wrist against her chin as she muttered, "Yes... Yes, that is a valid point you have there... You absolutely would not fare well in trying to fit into a formation of our troops... And your equipment and experience puts you on a different level than the average guardsman..."

A moment later, Luna smiled confidently as she looked up at me. "Well then, if conventional training will not do for you, then we will have to prepare you in the only way we can. As we have done for some time already. We will have to delve into your memories while in the realm of dreams to summon up imposing figures for you to face, fictional or otherwise."

"Ooooh, you mean we will have some more dream clashes like before... That sounds effective. And you three will be there with me, right?" I asked while remembering some truly memorable battles in my dreams in the prior months. Battles that even gave the royal sisters some trouble.

"Yes, precisely. They would make for challenging opponents, would they not? Certainly for my sisters and I. Typical infantrymen would not be a proper match against us and our magical might." Luna replied while sounding type excited about the suggestion. "Shall my sisters and I pay a visit in your dreams tonight?"

I was on the verge of agreeing when I remembered what my plans were for that night. "Actually...could we hold off until tomorrow night? Novo wants me to spend the evening with her and I'm sure I'll just want to chill with her and not have such a massive tonal shift while I sleep."

"Ooooh, so that is the case? Very well then, we shall allow you to slumber undisturbed tonight. But tomorrow night will be when our work begins. Does that agree with you?" Luna asked in return while probably not being entirely aware of what things are like between me and Novo.

"Yeah, tomorrow night should be fine. Though I can only wonder what we'll find when we start looking..." I muttered as my thoughts trailed off. We had already experienced three such battles in the depths of my dreams, each with increasing levels of severity. What sort of nightmare of an opponent would come next? So many to choose from...

"We will not know until we delve. Until then, take the time to rest and at least mentally prepare yourself for the coming clashes." Luna retorted before using some levitation magic to pick up the note she had been reading. "Although if that is all we have to discuss, I need to tend to a few things here..."

"Right, sorry to interrupt. I'll see you later." I said before seeing myself out. Now that I had some free time, I decided to try tracking down some of the hippogriffs that were now undoubtedly putting their archery skills to good use somewhere.

After wandering around for a while, I found a large open area that was likely used for training purposes. And I was greeted by an intriguing sight. Several hippogriff archers were standing tall while taking aim with their longbows. And far ahead of them were several pony mannequins clad in suits of brigandine while hanging from ropes. Sky Beak was among them and I focused mostly on him as they let one arrow fly after the other. But why were they shooting at facsimiles of their own allies?

One by one, each arrow struck the mannequins with the sound of a metallic clink ringing out each time. The mannequins would sway and swing from the ropes with each hit, leading me to believe they were strung up like that to properly simulate how a pegasus in flight would reel from the hit. After several hits, the hippogriffs strung their bows up on themselves and lowered themselves back to the ground with their wings folding. I decided to step closer and inquire what this exercise was even about. "Say, uh... What's the point of all this? Aren't the pegasi our allies here?"

Sky Beak was the first to respond to my presence and said, "Hey there, James! We're just testing how effectively the brigandine holds up to arrows. The only thing they'll have to worry about are enemy archers, right?"

"Huh... Point taken." I mumbled while not noticing how situational the threat to our aerial units would be. "And how's that looking?"

"I don't know... Let's ask." Sky Beak replied as we all approached the mannequins while a number of plainclothes guardsmen poked and examined the spots where the arrows had ripped tiny gaps in the fabric woven over the underlying metal plates. "How's it looking, gentlemen?"

"Hold up... Let's get this stuff off and see how... Uh oh..." One of the guards standing by said as he used levitation to start and remove the layer of padded plating from the mannequin before looking at the underside. I assumed that the arrows that were sticking out of the brigandine were simply strung up in the fabric. But when we got a look at the underside...

I felt myself cringe as I saw the extent of the damage. It appeared that half the time, the arrows failed to get by the armor or managed to leave a deep enough dent to get stuck between the metal plates and the fabric over them. But still, the other half of the time showed that with the right amount of force and on the right angle, the arrows could still pierce that armor. One arrowhead even got all the way through and left a significant puncture on the chest of the mannequin it had been worn on. We all gazed in discomfort at the arrowheads that were poking through some of the plates while I groaned, "Gyuuhhh... That doesn't bring a pretty image to mind..."

"Oh boy... Um... You think they'll be all right at this rate?" Sky Beak asked in unease as the other suits of brigandine were displaying similar levels of damage. While the brigandine was at least somewhat effective, it was not entirely reliable against arrows.

"Maybe...? I mean there could be some design inconsistencies. Some of these plates might be just a bit thinner than the others, but still..." One of the guards grumbled as one arrow after the other was plucked from the armor. "Either we need to revise these things, or some other safeguard needs to be developed..."

"At least it's better than nothing..." I muttered while fearing for what would happen in someone like Rainbow Dash or Gilda got hit with an arrow at just the wrong angle. Even if it provided some protection, the brigandine was not perfect and there were no better alternatives. The barding worn by infantry provides no protection on the underside and dedicated plate armor might not get in the way of units built around speed and troop evacuation. This was the best they had. The only thing I could hope for was that the R&D lab might be able to come up with something to compensate for that weakness.

"It would be a waste to test more of them... How about we call it a day and report to the admiral? He'll want to know about this." Mundy spoke while not one of his hippogriff allies looked pleased at what this test had resulted in.

"I suppose there's nothing else we can do now. I just hope they can iron out the chinks in this stuff before they have to face the real deal." Sky Beak retorted as they began to disperse. Only Sky Beak stayed behind for a bit longer as he stepped over to me while my eyes scanned the compromised suit of brigandine that had been left on the ground. "You have any friends serving in these aerial units?"

"I do... Very good friends. And knowing what a stray arrow can do to these things... Ugh, it's not a pretty thought." I grumbled while still cringing at the sight of the holes in a few of the plates. Rainbow Dash would probably be quick enough to see an arrow coming and dodge, as would most of the Wonderbolts, but fliers like Gilda are bigger targets. For just an instant, an image flashed through my head as I imagined Gilda dropping out of the sky with an arrow embedded in her chest. "I don't wanna lose them..."

I felt Sky Beak's hand rest upon my shoulder, prompting me to look over at him. He tried to smile, but it was more subdued than usual. "We won't lose them. I have faith that our allies will find a way to cover them for that. We hippogriffs might not be fluent with magic, but I've heard interesting things over what our unicorn allies are up to."

"Huh... You're right... And with that Sunburst guy overseeing development, they're bound to make a breakthrough..." I mumbled while appreciating this little pep talk. But as I thought about Sunburst, a thought came to mind as a surge of inspiration flared up in me. "Actually, I'm gonna go check on them right now. I haven't stopped by today."

"Sounds good. If you need me, I'll be around. Take care, my boy." Sky Beak said with a soft smile while I felt his wing pat me along the back.

"You too, papa bird." I retorted while feeling rather warm and fuzzy with those prior concerns being pushed into the back of my mind. I felt relieved to have him there. With our goodbyes said, I set out for the magic R&D lab to see what new developments had been made.

I was glad I did not get approached by any of my flying friends during the walk. Spitfire must have had them all busy with their drills. But if their armor were to fail, who would rescue them on the battlefield? An ugly thought... And I could not be the one to tell them that their armor might not protect them. We still had time to prepare. And we would not advance until those leading the militia was convinced that we were ready.

I eventually came to the very long tent that served as the R&D lab and stepped inside. Test chambers were all full with personnel in lab coats experimenting with forms of magic both familiar and alien to me. And standing at the table in the middle was Sunburst in his cape. Twilight was nearby in one test chamber, but I chose to not disturb her. Sunburst soon noticed my approach and said, "Hey there, James. How are things out there? I heard we have some new arrivals."

"Yeah, Queen Novo and her elite archers just showed up from Capricorn Island. Very friendly bunch." I replied while wondering how much he knew about the situation. I had never seen him outside of the lab, so I was left wondering just how often he got out of it. "Anyway, I came to you to ask... Have you heard anything in regards to the armor being worn by the aerial evacuation units?"

"Funny you mention that. I just got an update about that only a few minutes before you got here." Sunburst explained before using levitation magic to hold up a note. "Sounds like the brigandine they wear isn't entirely reliable against arrows. They're requesting us to develop a means to either reinforce the armor or to find an alternative method to increase the survivability of our aerial units."

"And what do you have in mind?" I asked while having faith Sunburst was a creative thinker who could come up with all manner of hypotheses for potential solutions in regards to magic.

"Well, since what they have to deal with is flying arrows... I think trying to develop something to enhance the armor isn't the best approach. I mean not all of the wearer is covered, right? And its not like they're supposed to just stay there and take an incoming hit." Sunburst explained while tweaking the goatee hanging from his chin. "Since that stuff is meant to provide passive protection, I'm thinking... Rather than make the armor more resistant to arrow strikes, it would be wiser to come up with a means to redirect arrows away from them altogether."

My eyes went wide as I quickly saw where this was going. "You mean...a magnetism repulsion enchantment?"

"Yeah, exactly! Something that will have the arrows veer away as they approach their target!" Sunburst replied in triumph with a hoof held high. Although he then asked, "Although that does beg the question... What are our enemies' weapons composed of? Steel? Iron? Or...something else?"

I felt a sensation of confusion come over me. He had a very good point. I saw those minions of the emperor myself. All coated in hues of dark purple, both in body and in equipment. They would entirely dissolve into purple mist upon suffering a significant wound and their weapons would not take long to follow. There was no way what those weapons were made of could were any traditional material. They might not even be metal at all. "We...might have a problem there... The weapons those things carry dissolve not long after the wielder falls in battle."

"Yeah, so I heard... That's our biggest issue with this problem. If we're going to develop a means to deflect enemy arrows, we need to know what they're actually made of first." Sunburst said with a sigh of exasperation. "The real question is...if you can capture one of those things alive."

This sounded absurd. Trying to actually string up and drag back one of those things without destroying it? How would we even pull that off in the thick of battle? I facepalmed while letting out a groan and said, "Sounds like we might have to put that on hold for the moment..."

"I'll see what I can do about laying out the groundwork for that enchantment. But until we have a specimen to examine, we won't be getting very far with this." Sunburst replied as he used his levitation magic to drag something out from under the central table and set it atop it. The object was an opened suit of brigandine that had a number of arrow punctures in some of the plates on the inside. "I'd best get to work. Just seeing these punctures makes me uneasy.. Imagine if someone had been wearing this when they tested it. Probably would've been rushed to the infirmary right after."

"Yeah, let's... Let's not go there. I'll just leave you to it." I retorted before I made my way to the exit. I could only hope that a lucky break would give us the opportunity needed to successfully capture one of...whatever those things are. Ironic when considering many during that first battle were trying to capture some of our own men alive. However, as soon as I stepped out of the lab, I was greeted by a...rather perplexing sight. "Wha... OK, where'd all this come from?!"

Was it some sort of prank? An entire forest of bamboo had sprouted up from the ground right outside the tent. They were so tightly packed together that it was as if the many blades of grass on the ground had produced them. Only a small space outside the entrance was not overgrown. I reached out and tried to push my way through, but it was practically a wall of sticks. "OK then...? How am I gonna... Whoa, what now?"

Right before my eyes, the bamboo stalks before me began to shrink further and further until they not only became the size of blades of grass. They turned right back into the blades of grass that lined the ground around me. Was that all a trick played on my mind? And...illusion? As I pondered this, I turned to my left and saw what should have been a predictable sight. "Was that your doing?"

Trixie. She was standing proudly before me while that smirk gave away her involvement in what I had just experienced. "Gotcha! I guess that makes this spell a success. Now it just needs a field test."

"Hang on, what exactly are you even going to do out here? You're not with any of the other mages, are you?" I asked while knowing that Trixie was a skilled magic caster in her own right, but not a particularly powerful one. What sort of skills had she brought along for the battlefield?

"No, my skills aren't...mainstream enough to fit in with the other unicorns." Trixie replied as she walked up to me. "But I am refining what I know best to be of use on the battlefield. I just hope I can properly test it before long..."

Now I was curious. Trixie's magical output was not powerful enough to blow her opponents off their feet. Nor did I believe she could effectively handle weapons with levitation magic in a combat situation. "Sounds like you have a plan... I'm guessing you'll... What the hell was that?!"

Right then, a distant explosion rang out through the air as we both looked to the east. A rising plume of smoke and embers rose into the air. From somewhere inside the camp. Trixie then muttered, "I suppose I'm not the only one running some experiments..."

"You sure we aren't under attack?" I asked while convinced what that was could not have been planned. And for some reason, I had a feeling Pinkie Pie might have been behind it.

"One way to find out. Stay close to me." Trixie replied before I stepped over to her as the magic aura around her horn flared up vigorously. Seconds later, I found the two of use standing in a more open section of the camp with the scorched remains of a tent strewn around us. And sitting in the middle of where the blast was surely to have originated from was a coughing and wheezing soot-covered Pinkie Pie. Trixie then glanced up at me and said, "Better answer that phone. Because you totally called it."

"Oh god... Pinkie, what did you do?" I groaned as I went from feeling concerned to rather annoyed that she ended up pulling off something this crazy. Was she testing live explosives for something?

A whole mess of armed and armored guards were already galloping our way as Pinkie Pie looked up at me and spoke with intermittent coughs. "Whoops! I... Ack! I just...ugh... I was trying to coming up with some really big booming firecracker bombs for my party cannon! I mean... Eeehhhh hegh! I mean that hammer's pretty good, but what if there's a whole bunch of those things? Better to blow them all up instead of one at a time, right?"

A surprisingly sound idea, even if her attempts to realize...had some kinks to work out. Estoc was the first to approach us, now clad in a properly revised suit of gilded armor, and looked at Pinkie Pie with a most annoyed scowl. "I take it this was your doing? We haven't been infiltrated?"

"Nope! I swear this was just a bunch of bomb building gone wacky! I'm not used to packing that much powder into one thing..." Pinkie Pie retorted while looking and sounding rather embarrassed about raising such an alarm entirely by accident. "I'll be more careful! I promise I can make this work!"

Trixie then stepped forward and said, "Actually, I have a lot of experience with pyrotechnics. Maybe I can give you some pointers on the proper mixture of that explosive powder."

"You'd do that?! Wow, thanks! It'd be great to have the Experienced and Helpful Trixie giving me some tips!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in glee while Trixie cringed with awkward giggling in response to that butchering of her older stage name. "Anyway, just let me see if there's anything that didn't get blown up here first."

"Right, sure... Just keep it down while you're at it." Estoc added before he and his men began to disperse. I was quite surprised that an alarm had not been set off when that lab got blown to smithereens.

Trixie then looked up at me with a winking smile and said, "And here I was hoping we could catch up on lost time. Looks like I got some big boomers to help her put together. Can't wait to see how this will go."

"Just make sure she doesn't drive you mad. Pinkie Pie has a...history of making things go boom when getting too experimental." I replied while almost breaking down into a giggling fit as I remembered what happened the last time Twilight Sparkle introduced her to the concept of static electricity. Zappity zap zap indeed...

"I trust you speak from experience... Well, wish Trixie luck! I'm gonna need it..." Trixie said in farewell while not looking entirely comfortable with the prospects of tutoring Pinkie Pie on...whatever it was she was planning on doing. Hopefully before she could get the chance to blow us all up...

I decided to make my way back to the command center now that I could not think of anything else to do for the time being. As I sat down in the bathroom to relieve myself, taking some time to savor this bit of respite, I felt distinctly out of place there. Everyone was out there in the camp training for the coming trials. Developing life-saving spells, perfecting formations, and learning how to use their weapons. And yet, I had no place among them. Despite my methods and equipment being far more specialized than the rest, I felt paradoxically helpless at the time. Like I was only getting in the way if I could not be out there with everyone else and performing on their level. I know I have never excelled or been comfortable performing in large groups, but I still felt like I was not contributing in any meaningful way. Even during that first skirmish, I did not get involved until the enemy army was down to the last man.

As I finished up in there, I could only hope that whatever fictional faces I would duel in the upcoming nights in the realm of dreams would do something good for my confidence. I just needed some action to insure I was not getting rusty. Although when I stepped out of the bathroom with the intent of getting some writing done on my typewriter, I heard a tapping on the window beside my bed. "Huh? Now?"

I assumed it was Gilda after having finished another training exercise. Maybe just wanting to chill and play some guitar in my quarters. But upon parting the curtains to look outside as I reached over my bed, I was given the exact opposite. Rainbow Dash was tapping on the window. "Yo, James. Mind if I pop in?"

"Sure thing, Rainbow." I replied before lifting the window to allow my colorful friend to crawl in. Once closed, I pulled the curtains shut over it for the sake of some privacy. "So, what's up? Done with drills for now?"

"Yeah, Spitfire says it's not safe to do it too late in the day. She wants us to only do that stuff when the lighting's still good." She explained while seated on the bed beside me. Rainbow then looked around and said, "Man, you've got a sweet pad. But not as cool as my place back home."

"Meh, I'll take what I can get. I just hope you girls are comfortable out there." I said while knowing that one could only get some much out of a tent.

"I'd guess it's not a whole lot worse than the barracks for the Wonderbolts. Or maybe the royal guard? Whatever, it's still comfy enough in them." She retorted before leaning against me in a cuddly fashion in spite of the brigandine she was wearing. Although she then asked, "So, those hippogriffs are something else, huh? Such awesome wingspans those guys have. And I heard they were testing our suits against arrows? How'd that go?"

I was a little hesitant to tell her that the brigandine she was wearing, while effective, was not perfect against hard piercing strikes. But I had to tell her anyway. "They...uh... They did test some suits of this stuff and pretty thoroughly. And...they found that it's not perfect."

"Uh oh... I don't like the sound of that. What went wrong?" Rainbow Dash asked as she looked up at me while I put my arm around her.

"Simply put, I wouldn't rely on that stuff too heavily. Some failed to get through, some poked deep enough to get stuck in the fabric over the plating, and others punched right through. I'm just glad they weren't using live models at the time..." I muttered while still remembering the punctures on the chests of those test mannequins. Deep enough to puncture vital organs or at least enough to induce heavy bleeding. "The guys at the R&D lab are looking for ways to help with that, but they're having complications at the moment... Just be extra careful if we have to put you and your wingmen to use before they develop a solution. One wrong hit by an arrow will probably knock you right outta the sky."

"Oh, don't worry about me. My reflexes are sharp enough to weave around stuff like that. I just dunno about G... Or anypony else, to be honest." Rainbow replied while sounding very concerned about our friend. "Still, thanks for the heads up. Now I know to not just try and barrel through any arrows that come my way."

"Anytime, Rainbow. I'm sure they would've informed you anyway soon enough, but I'm glad I got to tell you." I said while patting her on the chest from below. I could feel all those metal plates under the fabric. And I knew why they did not consistently endure arrow strikes while suits of dedicated plate armor would. "Right... These plates are all consistently flat... Proper plate armor is rounded and curved everywhere and has no entirely flat spots. No wonder it stands up to piercing attacks better. The curves absorb and disperse the force of the impact."

"Sheesh, who knew armor could be so complicated?" Rainbow said while letting out a snort. Although I was then caught by surprised as she placed a kiss on my cheek. "Before I forget to say it... Love you, big guy."

"Love you too, Rainbow." I whispered back to the boisterous beauty beside me. Although I then asked, "Remind me... You know? About Fluttershy and...Rarity?"

Rainbow Dash let out a chuckle before giving me a sly smirk. "Yeah, it's all an open secret between us girls right now. We know what's going on between you and those lucky ladies. And we respect it."

I was relieved that I would not have to explain myself to the rest of my closest circle of friends. Although... It was then that my memories went back to a very special night. The first time I had ever set foot in Rainbow Dash's own house. And the night of passion that followed with her and Fluttershy in my company. "Then...what about you? I mean... That night we shared back in winter..."

"James, that was different... Fluttershy and I wanted to do something special for you. We were worried that...some old scars were still there and wanted to make sure you knew we loved you like we always have. We're...not really in a..." Rainbow muttered as she averted her gaze. And she looked quite pained as she said that.

"You mean...you don't want to be in a relationship?" I asked while slightly disappointed, yet was mildly confused as well. Rainbow Dash loved me. And I knew I loved her. That night... I was her first. She became my mare that night. But if she... Had something changed since then?

"No, I mean... I do! I really do! I'd love to live a life with you! You know I love you! And...I don't regret what we did that night... You were so good to me... Made me feel like the luckiest mare in the world. But..." Rainbow retorted rather loudly before she grimaced in unease. "I love you. And I know you love me. But...I'm not sure I can trust myself to...not do something terrible..."

Where was this coming from? Rainbow Dash was much too confident, even bordering on cocky, to doubt herself so hard about something. And so I asked, "Why? You've always been stalwart and loyal to us. Why would you ever..."

"Have you really forgotten? Our first Hearts and Hooves Day together? What I almost made you drink?" Rainbow retorted while being unable to look me in the eye. That day... A love potion of sorts... She smacked it out of my hand. "I almost took you away from Fluttershy in the worst possible way... And the worst part is I really did go through with actually putting that potion together... What if I do that again? What if I decide I want you all to myself and make sure Fluttershy and Rarity can't even touch you again?"

I had all but pushed that memory out of my mind by then. I chalked it up as a lapse in judgment and a mistake to simply not repeat. But for her to still be haunted by that decision back then... "Do you really think you have it in you to do that again?"

"I dunno... But I'd rather stay away from you than do that to my friends... And I know it's not just them. I know there might be more women in your life that'll become something more. I know that's how you tick. You...just have it in you to balance yourself like that. But..." Rainbow Dash muttered uncharacteristically quietly in my embrace. She could only turn her gaze to the floor. "I'm supposed to be the spitting image of Loyalty. So why did I ever go there back then?"

Quite frankly, that was not the only time she entertained the notion of screwing over one of her friends for something she wanted. I have heard a number of times of how selfish she was well before I ever met her. Even as the harbinger of the Element of Loyalty, she still had the capacity to display traits of the exact opposite. And yet... Rarity has long had a subtle greedy side to her. I have seen Twilight go from being wise and collected to being somewhat manic if stressed out in just the right way. And Pinkie Pie... When she is not laughing, her mood can drop frightfully low. And...myself...

I turned my gaze up to look at the helmet resting atop my dresser across from us. The polished white form of the Element of Humanity displayed prominently on its brow. As white as bleached paper. And yet, I knew there had been times where it had not always been white. Even if I had difficulty recalling exactly when the hue of its coloration had darkened, I knew it had happened. There was a time when there was blood on my hands. A time I am sure I should be grateful I could not recall. I have never been infallible. And neither were the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. "No one's infallible, Rainbow. Not even the bearers of the Elements."

She looked up at me while I looked down at her. And I whispered to her, "I have faith in you. I don't know what I'd do without you. I trust you're not the kind of person who likes to repeat her mistakes. Especially those that hurt the ones you value."

"You really think so...? Do you really trust me more than I trust myself?" She asked while I could only nod in confirmation. A crooked smile crossed her lips as she muttered, "You're too good for a numbskull like me, you know that?"

"Why do you think I've always been there to give you a push in the right direction?" I retorted with a bit of a smirk on my lips. We could not be more unlike each other, and yet we have sort of needed each other since the very beginning. I then tightened my arm's grasp on her and said, "Just...think it over. We have faith in you. If you really want us to be something more, then... Just let us know, all right? Because...I do love you. And I'm open to...letting things deepen between us."

"And I did say I wanted to be your mare..." Rainbow Dash said with a sigh while bowing her head. She rested it against my chest, eyes closed as she spoke to me. "If you really have that kind of faith in me... Just... Give me some time, all right? I wanna be able to trust myself and make sure that faith isn't for nothing. Because...if there really is a place for me...with you, Fluttershy, Rarity...and anypony else who comes into your life..."

I waited for her to continue as Rainbow Dash paused. She soon looked up at me with a hopeful gaze in her eyes and whispered, "If we have a future together, then I'd really like for that to happen."

"Me too, Rainbow..." I whispered back to her as I felt compelled to bring my lips towards hers. The feeling was mutual as Rainbow Dash pushed herself higher with our eyes closing. For the first time in what felt like far too long, our lips touched in earnest as long hissing sighs escaped our nostrils. I loved that fiery mare. And I knew she loved me.

A quiet moan hummed in Rainbow's throat before the kiss ended, the beautiful yet brash pegasus before me sighing deeply with lidded eyes. "I wanna believe... I want to be yours someday. Without being dangerous to everyone else... You're the only man who will ever tame this wild mare. And I've never stopped loving you..."

"Just don't ever stop being you, Rainbow. Don't stop being the awesome yet wonderful mare I love." I whispered as I stroked my fingers through that wild rainbow mane of hers. While the flame between us may have dimmed since that night, it never went out. And it was not too late to add some kindling to it.

"I won't, big guy... Just don't ever stop being the only man I ever fell for." She cooed before placing a kiss upon my cheek with a much more hopeful smile than before. "I'm just gonna...play it safe for a while. Give me some time, OK? I wanna be with you, but I just gotta make sure I'm ready when it happens, all right?"

"That's fine with me. You take all the time you need. You know I'm a patient man." I replied while continuing to hold her against me. But not much later, I decided to try and lean back towards recent events. "Anyway... How're the drills going? You and the others making progress?"

"Yeah, that's going pretty well. I'm having no problems with it. Come to think of it, I once carried four ponies in one go that one time. I told you about that time at the Best Young Fliers competition a few years back, right?" Rainbow Dash retorted while grinning at the memory. I had not been there to see it, but it sounded like a wild time. But I then saw her ears flick as Rainbow barked, "Oh, wait! Spitfire said we're gonna be adding something else to our gear! Something about...emergency weapons?"

"What? Like a dagger in your boot? I dunno how that's gonna benefit you when you're not even supposed to get close to the enemy units, but...nice?" I muttered in confusion over what such an addition to their equipment would do to aid in the situation. But if it really was just something like a dagger, then it would hardly be worth making an announcement for it. Perhaps it would turn out to be something far more specialized.

Rainbow Dash shrugged her shoulders and said, "Beats me, but if it gives us an edge, I'm all for it. Although... If you don't mind, could I nap up here for a while? My place is comfy enough, but...sometimes I really just want a real bed to lounge on."

"You know, I don't know why I didn't assume that's why you didn't come up here in the first place." I spoke before rising from the bed. I then motioned my hand towards the pillow and said, "Help yourself. I'll just be getting some writing done in the meantime."

"Thanks, big guy. I won't snore too loud." Rainbow said softly before crawling across my bed and resting her head on the pillow. But she then breathed deeply with her eyes closed before whispering sweetly, "Smells just like you too..."

For the next couple of hours, I sat myself down at the typewriter and clicked away on the keys. The noise it made was not enough to keep Rainbow Dash awake as I eventually heard her starting to snore lightly. But as the hours went by and I started to notice the change in natural lighting in my room, I began to notice it was getting quite late in the day. It would probably be time for dinner soon. And I knew I was expected somewhere that night.

No sooner had I started to notice the time, I heard Rainbow Dash let out a long yawn. She sat up on my bed with a rather groggy and disappointed look in her eyes. "Aw man... Didn't wanna wake up..."

"Why? Just that good a dream?" I asked while turning on my seat to face her.

"Oh yeah... All I could smell was you. And...we..." Rainbow Dash replied as that groggy look on her face became increasingly uneasy. She bit her lip while her rosy eyes glanced about. "And...we...uh... Let's just say...you and I had a good time together."

I too winced at those words. And I was not going to inquire further into what images played out in her dreaming mind. "Riiiight, let's just leave it at that."

"Uh huh... Um..." Rainbow Dash mumbled before hopping down from the bed and walking over to me. She rather meekly looked up at me and said, "Hey, um... Just asking, but... Am I...hot to you?"

That was...amusingly direct. I never took Rainbow Dash as the kind of woman who put much thought into her sex appeal. But I still cracked a smile as I stroked my hand over her head. "Yes, Rainbow. You really are a special type of wild beauty."

My words must have emboldened her since that meekness quickly faded as she climbed up to me with her hooves resting on my chest. She looked me in the eye and said with a smirk, "Really now? In that case, tell me I'm sexy."

I too felt emboldened by her flirtatious response. And so I spoke a reply while sliding my hand over her smooth flank, "You are a sexy little thing, Rainbow. Your own brand of fiery and sweet that's all your own."

"Oooooh man..." Rainbow groaned with a shudder as she felt my touch along her rump. She then looked into my eyes with a much more sincere gaze as she said, "Give me...a little time... I want to be yours...but only when I know I won't be any trouble to you or anyone else in your life... Don't wanna be a homewrecker, you know?"

I could not help myself. I pulled Rainbow Dash up into my arms for an embrace. "That makes you awesome, Rainbow. You really are Loyalty itself."

"Heh... I hope so... I mean...loyalty to my friends comes first, but..." She muttered before placing a kiss upon my lips and once more looking into my eyes with tenderness that I almost never see out of her. "The only loyalty of mine that can match that is towards my stallion. I did say I'll save my lonely heart for you. And I still am."

I almost forgot that line from back then... And I was glad to have my memory jogged. My embrace tightened as she too put her arms around me. And I whispered into her ear, "I'll treasure that heart. Just let me know when you want to give it to me."

"I will, big guy. I will." She cooed before I set her back down on the floor. "Anyway, I should probably go find the girls. Don't wanna miss dinner. You got plans tonight?"

While it was tempting to join them, I knew there was somewhere I needed to be. And I did not want to be late to see Novo and probably join her for dinner. I then nodded and said, "Yeah, Novo is expecting me aboard the Alabaster for the night. I really shouldn't keep her waiting."

"Novo? Oh wait, you mean the hippogriff queen? Why does..." Rainbow Dash asked before she suddenly gave me such a sly smirk. "Waaaaait a second... That queen? That sexy mare wants you with her tonight? She's probably the only mare I've seen who's as gorgeous as Princess Celestia and she wants you in her room tonight? What haven't you told us?"

I rolled my eyes at this assumption. Even if her suspicions were true, I scoffed at the idea of being in a loving relationship with the most beautiful queen in the world was a symbol or status of pride. "Novo is a wonderful and deeply devoted woman who's been through a lot. We understand each other and what we've gone through and that's what our bond is built on. Please don't think there's a simple fling going on between us. Whatever happens between me and her is entirely out of love."

"Whoa whoa, I didn't mean it like that. I know you're not the kinda guy to get in bed with a girl just because you wanna get your rocks off." Rainbow Dash retorted while shaking her hoofs at me while backing up for a second. "It's just... Wow, that queen? Man, I bet she's really good to you. Are you good to her too? Wait, what am I saying? Of course you're good to your mares. And...Fluttershy knows about her?"

"Yes, I've told Fluttershy about Novo and she understands. Like with every other mare who's become more than a friend to me. It's just that...Novo and I haven't gone that far yet." I explained while not wanting to give Rainbow Dash the idea that I was upset with her. I knew she was just messing around in her own way.

"I bet that's gonna change tonight." Rainbow Dash replied while still showing a knowing smirk. "She's a fun one, so I bet she's got some awesome plans in store for you. Anyway, I better get going. And I'll tell the girls you said hi. You have a good night with your queen, big guy."

Before I could even get much of a word out, Rainbow Dash lifted the window by my bed and took off through the air. And now that I was left wondering about what was going to happen in Novo's private chambers that night... "Hoooooo boy, what am I getting myself into tonight?"

Remembering that I had gone out of my way to request a container to store my armor in, I decided to wear my armor just to not let it go to waste. It would be rude to request something and then not need it upon arriving. I departed the command center and flew lazily across the camp without my helmet. I needed to keep my speed down to keep the wind out of my eyes. But before making my way to the airship docks, I decided to pay one last visit to the R&D lab. Even if just for its own sake.

The encampment was starting to get quiet now that the sun was starting to dip over the western horizon. I made my way to the telltale long tent serving as the lab and stepped inside. At this hour, most of the test chambers were open and empty. The only interior lighting was coming from the glowing barriers of the test chambers that were in use and a number of lanterns hanging from the tent's frames. Only a few chambers were in use at the time while Sunburst looked over some documents in the middle of the place. I stepped over to him and asked, "Evening, Sunburst. Any new developments?"

He was starting to look and sound quite tired. Going over those equations and formulas must be mentally taxing, even for those who excel at it. He let out a yawn before he could even get a word out and said, "Huh? Oh, hey... We're just about ready to shut down for the night. Maybe in twenty minutes. Although..."

Sunburst turned to face the nearest test chamber. I recognized one of the occupants. Estoc stood before us in a fully revised suit of gilded barding that definitely addressed the issues I mentioned after examining the standard issue royal guard armor. Hanging from his neck was a familiar gemstone. And standing before him was a griffon who was still clad in a suit of brigandine. I did not recognize him, but he seemed to be one of Rainbow Dash's wingmen. Sunburst then said, "We've managed to get that barrier spell's duration up to twenty seconds. As for the rest..."

I watched as Estoc used a spell to trigger the enchantment in that gemstone hanging from his neck. Much like with Twilight before, he was suddenly engulfed in a glowing spherical barrier as time slowed down around him. On this cue, the griffon before him began to hover and flew forward until he passed right trough the barrier without issue. He then turned around and descended just enough to grab and pick up Estoc in his arms before lifting him off the ground. It was around this time that the time inversion effect kicked in with Estoc's subtle movements beginning to reverse while his griffon partner was left unaffected. The griffon then set Estoc back on the ground and looked our way before giving an approving thumbs up. Sunburst then looked my way as that barrier dissipated and said, "We're trying to make adjustments to the barrier spell to decide on what can and can't get through it. Wouldn't be much help if our aerial units couldn't even reach their wounded comrades."

"And it looks like it's working." I replied with a sense of relief coming over me. Estoc looked genuinely baffled while glancing around. That time inversion spell must really mess with your senses. And it did indeed last twice as long as the previous time. I then looked at Sunburst and said, "Anyway, I just wanted to see how things were coming along before I turned in for the night. Anything I can help with while I'm here?"

"I don't think so. We'll be closing down for the night in just a little bit. I'm famished myself and could really use a hot meal." Sunburst replied while jotting down some notes on a sheet of paper. "I'm just glad we're making progress. Although we're still going to need a live sample from the enemy if we're going to develop a means to counter their weapons and whatever material they're made out of. Until then, we're working in the dark."

"Well, I guess we'll see what we can do when the next wave arrives. Anyway, I better leave you guys to it. Have a good night, gentlemen." I retorted before seeing myself out of the lab and taking to the air to get myself over to the Alabaster. As brief as my visit was, it did my morale some good. Progress has been steady and the prospects look promising.

I flew across the encampment with the sun finally starting to sink over the horizon to the point where only a beautiful orange glow filled the sky and hues of pink in the clouds. Truly a majestic vista that served as the cherry on top of an otherwise lovely day. For the most part. But I knew that glorious sight would not last long. And so I glided on my armor's wings while beholding the sunset for as long as I could before setting myself down aboard the Alabaster's deck. Upon doing so, I almost bumped right into Seaspray. "Eh? Oh, good evening, admiral."

"Ah, Sir James! I was just on my way to find you to forward a reminder to you from her majesty, but it seems you've saved me the trouble. Queen Novo is expecting you this evening." He replied while still being decked out in his polished iridescent armor.

"That's why I'm here, admiral. I'll be right down." I replied while not quite ready to head down below deck just yet. I wanted to get one last good look from the deck before turning in for the evening.

"Very good then. She is expecting to see you in the galley for dinner. I will let her know you are on your way." He spoke before turning around and heading towards the stern to enter the airship. Now left to my lonesome, I took a stroll along the deck while gazing out at the horizon.

Things were getting quiet around the camp. I could scarcely hear anything that was not happening around the airship docks. I was left wondering if we even had enough space for all the volunteers we would surely be receiving in time. At the other side of the deck, I could see the northern walls of the camp and some of the guards patrolling it. One stood out to me. A stallion wearing a wide hat not unlike that worn by Applejack most of the time. And with a crossbow slung over his shoulder. Who was her cousin again? Braeburn? I think I only met the guy once, but he left quite an impression on me. And yet, I could imagine him being a good shot with a crossbow. With the sky finally getting dark, I decided it was time to head downstairs for dinner. I did not want to keep Novo waiting for too long.

I took the same route as before and made no detours as I headed down the hall of the first floor. But before getting to the galley, the door to Novo's chambers opened with the beautiful queen herself poking her head out. She beckoned me inside with a smile as she said, "There you are, honey. And still suited up? Come on in so we can get that all off first."

"Ooh, good idea." I retorted before stepping inside before I was guided over to he corner. A simple plastic tub that had just enough depth to hold my entire suit's liquefied form. I wasted no time in stepping into the tub and casting the necessary spell to get my armor to melt right off me. "Glad they remembered to bring that in."

"I still can't get over how easy it is to get hat all off... Just one spell and you've got a puddle around your feet." Novo muttered as she gazed down at the puddle of liquid metal while I stepped out of it. She then looked at me and said, "Anyway, let's go get some good eating. We're having soup tonight."

"Sounds good to me." I replied before following Novo out of the room and down to the galley. The place was busy with guardsmen and officers while a fantastic aroma filled the air. Some already had their meals out. And I was impressed by what I saw. Heaping bowls filled with a clear and delicious brother filled with seaweed, shrimp, scallops, and slender buckwheat noodles. "Oooooh my god, if that's what I think it is..."

"You already know what's coming, hm?" Novo asked while glancing at me with a knowing smirk. Once we sat down at a table, the servers brought us two steaming and heavy bowls of that seafood noodle soup. And with the first slurp, I was in heaven. The broth was surprisingly sweet, yet did carry a distinctly fishy flavor to it. I could barely even speak as I slurp up the noodles and took a large spoon to sip up the broth and the rest of its contents. "My my, looks like you're getting a mean case of nostalgia right now."

"Mmmhm, I forgot how awesome this stuff is..." I whimpered as I was in love with this fine seafood soup. I was almost disappointed when I slurped down the last of it, but I knew I should not be too demanding as a guest. And it was filling enough as is. "Oh man, that was amazing... Please tell me you'll be having more of that while you're here."

"Well, if you loved it that much, I'll see if we can arrange to have it again tomorrow night. On the condition that you spend the night up here with me as we planned." Novo retorted while giving me a wink. We had both agreed to that already, but it was still amusing to hear Novo throw her royal weight around with playful banter.

With the kitchen finally going silent and with the night having started, everyone started to settle in for the night. And I was pulled into Novo's room while a twinge of excitement filled my heart. We were finally together again. And we knew where we stood when it came to how our hearts felt for each other. Once the door was locked behind us, Novo rested upon her bed and patted her had upon it. "Come here, baby. Mama wants to cuddle before we wash up."

"Sounds good to me." I replied before walking along the soft carpeting and sitting upon the bed beside her. Novo promptly reached up and pulled me down and into her embrace with her soon being atop me. While she held and nuzzled me, I stroked my hand down her back and through that soft layer of feathers. And as she lifted her head to gaze down at me, I gazed up into her beautiful eyes. "Why are you so beautiful..."

"Because I'm the queen, sugar bear. Comes with the job." She said with a proud smirk on that beak. Truly a mare whose beauty was without compare. And she then whispered to me while stroking her fingers through my hair, "And all this beauty belongs to you now, honey."

"You flatter me, Novo..." I muttered as she tenderly tended to my hair like a doting wife caressing her husband's face after he had a bad day. And as that analogy crossed my mind, I remembered something. "I did say I didn't think about you often lately, but when I did... It was usually when I was at a low point out here... I was sure you could make me feel like I could take on the world if you were with me."

"Well, I'm right here with you now. And you better believe I'll make my honey bun feel like the luckiest man alive." Novo cooed most lovingly as I left myself completely at her mercy. Her touch was so tender. Her voice so soulful and heavenly. I almost cried as I felt so fortunate to have her there with me. One tear did leak free from my eye and did not go unnoticed. She brought her finger to my cheek to wipe it away as she whispered to me, "No tears, baby. You're gonna be fine. Just know that when this whole mess is over, I'll be waiting for you with arms and wings wide open for you."

"I'm definitely going to need to see you more often..." I said with a sigh, feeling so blessed to have that wonderful woman in my life. "I love you, Novo... I really do."

"And I love you, sweet James." Novo cooed to me as we continued to embrace and caress. We were like a pair of newlyweds out on a honeymoon airship cruise docked overnight. The way she held me... Caressed my face... Stroked her fingers through my hair... I came to understand that Novo is a mare with centuries of experience in the subject of love. She knew just how to soothe me. She knew exactly what to say to put my heart at ease. For how fluent I have been in the art of love, Novo had me completely beat. And I loved her for it.

As we savored every passing minute while indulging for our finally realized love for each other, the landscape beyond the few portholes at the far end of the room only grew darker. It was getting late. And Novo knew exactly what to say as her hand cupped my cheek. "Care to join me for a shower before bed, dear?"

"I'd love to, Novo." I retorted as my hand rose to the side of her face and slid against the light layer of feathers covering it. Her beak curved into a smile as she all too reluctantly pushed herself up before stepping down from the bed. While she stepped into the bathroom nearby, I disrobed down to just my boxers. I then stepped into he bathroom as the hiss of falling water reached my ears. While the confines of the Alabaster limited space and removed the option of a large bathtub, the shower stall provided was still spacious enough for the two of us.

Novo soon looked back to me while waiting for the water to warm up. But as her eyes scanned me, a perplexed scowl formed on her beak. "Honey, you're gonna wash up like that?"

"Huh? Wha... Oh, you mean these?" I asked while glancing down at my undergarments. I know it may be odd to bathe in those, but I was doing so solely for the sake of modesty. "I just don't want to...reveal myself when not called for."

"Baby, have you already forgotten what we said to each other?" Novo asked while looking and sounding like she was trying not to laugh. She then suddenly reached out to my waist and grabbed my boxers at the top. "No king of mine is going to have something like that in the way when in the shower with me."

"Novo! We...!" I could barely get a word in before Novo yanked my boxers right down to my ankles with one swift tug. I froze where I stood, utterly mortified that I was now exposed to this gorgeous queen of Capricorn Island. She looked down where my boxers had once been set, eyes wide with the gleam of discovery setting into them. I knew I was no stallion. I could not even find any words to say.

As the seconds went by, Novo's eyes stopped looking down and instead gazed at me while a whimsical smirk formed on her beak. "Why so modest, dear? You look fine to me."

"You're...not unimpressed? Or disgusted?" I asked while still feeling so conflicted over the situation. I knew I loved her. And that she loved me. And yet, this was something I could not entirely bring myself to not to be comfortable with. She was still a queen and I had to at least maintain some degree of modesty with her. Or so my nerves demanded.

"James. It's not the size that matters. It's what you do with it." She cooed before stepping forward and draping a wing over my bare body and pulling me up to her. "Besides, why would you need to hide that from me now? I love you, baby. And I want to experience everything life has to offer with you."

I then quivered as she slid a hand down my back until I felt her fingers grasp my left butt cheek. She then smirked lustfully as her gorgeous voice cooed with a sensual churr, "And I mean...everything."

I bit my lip as I heard the inflexion of her voice. Truly a woman who knew what she wanted and what she wanted to give me. Someone who had seen every side of the subject of romance. There was no way she would settle for anything less than the full experience of a romantic relationship. And as I juggled these thoughts in my head, she placed a brief kiss upon my lips and said, "So please... Don't be so modest, honey. I may be queen, but first and foremost, I am a mare. A wife. A mother. And I want to be yours, honey. Your mare."

"Oh god, Novo..." I said with a sigh as I put my arms around her. It was just all so much to take in... I loved her, but it was still a challenge to see her pushing aside the royal veil of her crown to reveal the true mare underneath. Celestia was one thing, but Novo was eager to bring me into her life not as a friend or subordinate, but a lover and partner. "You really are one of a kind... And I love you for that."

"Then keep loving me, baby. Because I will always love you." Novo cooed directly into my ear as she began to step backwards with her wing pulling me forward. A moment later, falling warm water began to wash over us while I heard the shower door close just behind me. I pulled my had back to gaze at Novo while she gazed right back at me, her smooth feathers and flourishing plumage quickly becoming weighed down by the water as she went from looking utterly majestic to actually strangely adorable like she had just flopped around in a bird bath. "Now then, how about putting those soft hands of yours to good use and lather me up?"

"With pleasure, your majesty." I said with a bit of gusto as I reached for a bottle of shampoo. Novo partially stepped out of the falling water so that I could properly lather her up with the fragrant salve. I started with her head and worked my way down her neck as a thick layer of later started to coat her cushy soaked feathers.

"While I would have to punish you for referring to me with that term, this...feels so nice that I'll let it slide this time..." Novo said with an amused chuckle as she spread her wings wide for me to work my magic on. But as she turned around to rinse herself off from the waist up, I placed more shampoo in my hand before turning to her and pausing as I found myself presented with her backside. And her impressively curvy rump. Novo must have detected my hesitation since she then looked back from the falling water and asked, "What's the holdup, honey? Like what you see?"

"Oh, sorry. It's just... Um... I forgot what an impressive figure you have..." I retorted as my eyes scanned the rounded curves of her flanks. With heavy quantities of water weighing her feathers down, I could see the smoothed curves of those soft yet firm flanks toned by motherhood as the glistening feathers clung to them like a skintight suit. And my eyes went wider still as Novo lifted her tail feathers to draw my attention to her exposed vulva.

"Honey, that's because this is a mother's rump." Novo declared proudly as she made her hips sway before me while looking back at me with a smirk. The tips of her folded wings bent inward to slide over the sides of her flanks as if they were her own hands. "Come give it a feel, baby."

And I did. I first spread the shampoo that was in my hands along her lower back to hold it for the moment before placing my hands firmly upon her hips. And my fingers dug firmly into those curvy flanks. Much rounder and firmer than those on any human woman. I could feel the powerful firm equine muscles coated with a softer layer of flesh and subtle amounts of fat. A long churr rumbled in Novo's throat and out her beak with her head held high, the tips of her wings curving in to rest upon the backs of my hands. "You have a tender touch, baby... Mmmm, feel up mama's curves all you like."

"God, you're so sexy, Novo..." I muttered with a bit of a raspy sigh. It was so hard to not lust for her as I grasped and squeezed those cushy yet firm flanks in my hands. As if those were the curves of a goddess. And my body responded in kind. For the first time in what felt like a small eternity, I felt my body tingle with lust as the length between my legs steadily stiffened and hardened. And I was all too quick to realize what was happening. "Oh...uh... Oh man, I..."

"Hm? What's wrong, honey? Is... Oh... Ooooh my... Who's that down there?" Novo cooed with a smirk forming on her beak as she looked back at me. "Am I just so sexy that you can't help yourself, baby?"

"Yeah, pretty much!" I yelped with a louder voice than I normally use as I was unsure if I should feel embarrassed or not. When was the last time I found release outside the realm of dreams? My body ached for something familiar that I had not indulged in for what felt like weeks. And if that look in her eyes was anything to go by, Novo wanted me as much as I desired her.

"Well then, mama better do something about that. But only when we're done here. These shower floors are more slippery than you'd think. And I don't want my sugar bear hurting himself in a tumble to the floor." Novo cooed sweetly before taking a step back to me, pressing her cushy rump against my waist to playfully pin me to the wall while also completely stepping out of the falling water. "Go ahead, honey. Work those hands like the pro you are."

And so I did. I started scrubbing the shampoo that I had felt upon her back into her feathers before spreading the resulting lather all over her lower body. And no sooner had I started to scrub the cleansing foam into her flanks that Novo let out a delighted groan as her head rose high. I could tell she was enjoying my attention to that part of her body a little too much. Especially when I started to notice a faint spicy musk mixing with the steam that filled the room. The unmistakable scent of a very needy mare. I bit my lower lip in anticipation, knowing what likely awaited me once the two of us had climbed in bed for the night.

The last place I bothered with was Novo's underside. My fingers scrubbed along her lower belly before they drifted even lower and between her legs. And it was there that I noticed something tucked under a layer of her soft feathers. A pair of soft mounded of flesh that fit snugly in my hands. Her teats. And with a hint of cheekiness forming in my mind, I placed my hands over them and curled my fingers inward to firmly grasp them. This did not escape Novo's attention as she gasped lightly, "Ooh, are those... Mmm, I forget those are even there half the time..."

"I take it Cygnus never paid them much mind?" I asked while hoping to not trigger any unpleasant memories. Even if her heart was much more interested in the present than painful memories of the past, I had to be cautious.

Thankfully, Novo showed no signs of distress as she looked back at me. "Sometimes, although he could reach them as easily as you can. And...oh my, honey... His touch was not as soft as yours..."

"That's a shame. They tend to be one of the most sensitive parts on a human woman." I replied while beginning to tenderly knead her motherly mounds in my hands while Novo cooed sweetly, halfway between a moan and the call of a happy dove. I then whispered, "I want you to be happy, Novo..."

"And I'll always be happy as long as I have you, James..." Novo churred as she gazed back at me. Although she then said, "But really... Don't compare yourself to Cygnus, baby. I'll never stop loving that stallion, but I only want to focus on the here and now. And the here and now is just you. All right?"

"All right, Novo." I said as I rested myself along her back, embracing her from behind with my arms wrapped under her and hands still firmly grasping her plush teats. All the while, my eager shaft rubbed under her body as I could not help lusting for her.

"Mmmmm, honey... When was the last time you enjoyed the touch of a woman? I can't help but get the feeling you're really pent up back there." Novo asked while likely sensing the desperation of my body's desires. And she was right. Outside from the odd event of respite in my dreams, I had not felt the joy of making love since before I set out for the Empty Plains.

"That's... Huh... That's a good question... Not for at least two weeks." I retorted while trying to think back past the days of solitary wandering. While Fluttershy and I do have a healthy sex life, not to mention the times I can spare with my beloved Rarity, it felt like it had been much too long since the last time by that point.

"Oh, you poor baby. A sweet man like you should never go so long without a little love at the end of the day." Novo spoke before turning herself around and pulling free of my embrace. Only for her to step right up to me and hold me in one arm as she gazed lovingly into my eyes. "Looks like I'll just have to do something about that tonight."

I quivered in anticipation and nervousness as that gorgeous creature smirked at me. Dear lord, we really were going to do that. And I could not really prepare myself for the first time. But I wanted her. And I could see and hear that she wanted me. Why deny each other our love? We knew where we stood by then. We were in love. Dearly so. And so I muttered the only thing I could. "I...love you, dear..."

Novo closed her eyes and rested her brow against mine, tilting her head back and forth subtly as if performing a subdued reenactment of a show of affection from a swan. And she cooed to me, "And I love you so very much, my sweet dove of a king."

I held her as she held me. No teasing or lust. Just a moment of the two of us savoring this moment of respite away from the rest of the world. What a wonderful woman... A wonderful mare, a wonderful queen, a wonderful mother, and a wonderful lover. Novo was easily one of the finest women I had ever known. A powerful and dependable leader while still being one who wants to enjoy life like anyone else. And thus I told her, "You're probably one of the finest women in the world..."

"You know it, honey. That's because I am the best." Novo whispered proudly, half bragging and half jesting. But she then brought her beak to my ear and gave it a little tug before saying, "But I'm nothing without the one I love. And I only have room in my heart for the best of men."

I tensed up in flattery while being unsure of what to even say to that. She then pulled her head back just enough to look me in the eyes a she smiled warmly. "And you've proven to me that you're one of the finest men I have ever known. If things were different, I would walk down the aisle with you and put a crown on your head at the first opportunity. I love you, James. And I always will."

"You're too good for someone like me, Novo... Really, I'm honored." I whispered while almost tempted to cry. Such bold and meaningful words from someone with so much power. She truly made me feel special. Not merely as a commoner, but someone from another world entirely where I doubt I ever would have found an equivalent to her.

"Aw, don't go getting misty-eyed on me, honey. I don't wanna see you cry. I wanna see a smile." The wonderful queen cooed to me while slipping a kiss onto my lips. But then she began to pull me back into the falling water in the shower as she said, "But right now, time for this queen to return the favor to her king. You just stay right there and let me do all the work this time."

I really did not have any say in the matter. With a shower sponge in hand, Novo took a handful of bath gel and started lathering up my body all while humming and very quietly singing to herself. "Mmmmmm hmhmmmm... Let me be good to you..."

There was just something so tantalizing about hearing that gorgeously deep and soulful voice singing at all, even if it was just some playful muttering. Truly, Novo blurs the lines between being a mere mare and a genuine goddess. To say I felt lucky to be the one her heart longed for would be a severe understatement. I was grateful to have her in my life. To be hers as much as she was mine.

However, I was snapped out of my thoughts as I felt her hand cup me between my legs. I inhaled sharply through my teeth as Novo all too easily coaxed my length back up to full mast before wrapping her fingers around my neglected equipment. She whispered into my ear, "My goodness, you must be starved for love, honey. You're getting hard much faster than last time."

"It...has been a while..." I wheezed as she slid her fingers up and down my length for a moment. Barely touching, yet masterfully tending to my needs.

It did not last long. Almost as if she had merely been testing the waters, Novo released her grasp. "Well, we don't want to let it go to waste. Let's save it for the real deal. And it'll be soon, dear."

"Yeah... Good idea." I gasped while my erection was all too slow to relax. I was craving that beautiful queen by then, even as the compulsion to adhere to some degree of protocol still lingered in my mind. I was starting to suspect that Gilda would not owe me a drink after all.

I was eventually completely coated in a layer of fragrant lather while I at least took the time to wash my hair with my own hands. With a turn of the handle, the shower ceased to fall. And while I was soaked from head to toe, Novo's feathery body retained water much better than my bare skin. I almost felt tempted to laugh as I beheld her sopping wet form as those feathers tightly clung to her body while constantly dripping. "Good lord, how do you ever get dry like this?"

"Well, I can tell you that a few towels won't get the job done. Remember?" Novo replied as she pushed the door open and reached for a massive towel that could have easily doubled as a tablecloth and started to wrap herself up in it. "But it's a good place to start. Help me here, hun?"

"Sure thing. Let's see..." I mumbled while patting her down all over to try and get the towel to absorb as much moisture as possible. And even when she finally took it off and set it aside, Novo still looked very uncomfortably moist. At least until I saw a pair of hairdryers set against the wall near the bathroom sink. "Need an extra hand?"

"I thought you'd never ask. You handle the back and I'll tend to the front." Novo replied while handing me one. Seconds later, the roar of the hairdryers filled the room while we took...a surprising amount of time making sure every last inch of her was all dry and fluffy. I am sure hippogriffs have a certain resistance to cold thanks to their thick plumage to the point where air drying would not be a problem, but no one wants to get in bed while still wet. And once we finally turned those hairdryers off, I cracked a bemused grimace as I saw Novo looking all dry while so very fluffy. "Oh my... How can you be so hot, yet so utterly adorable?"

"You tell me, honey. Does a fluffy queen look cuddly or not?" She replied playfully before stepping up to me and wrapping her freshly dried wings around me for an embrace. And having only just been exposed to the hot air of a hairdryer, her entire body was delightfully warm against my bare flesh. "Sexy when wet, but cute and cuddly when dry. I'm the best of both worlds, baby. But you know that by now, don't you?"

"Sure do, you beautiful creature." I retorted with a hint of wit while keeping my arms around my beloved queen. So warm... I could not get enough of her heated fluffy embrace. "I...love you, my bird of paradise..."

"And I love you, my sweet sugar bear." Novo cooed as she brought her beak to my lips for a sweet little kiss. But we both knew what we wanted. Our eyes closed as my lips parted, her beak opening wide before clamping over my face as her tongue sought mine out. We were just...so in love. The crown resting on her dresser just out the door meant nothing to her at that moment and I too did all I could to see beyond her title as the wonderful mare she had always been. But I still took a certain thrill to knowing of her title. She may have been queen, but now she was my queen. Mine and no one else's. And I wanted to be worthy of that honor. And as our kiss ended with eyes gazing at each other in a haze, she whispered tenderly, "Sweet as honey, baby... Come on... Let's get to bed, my love."

"Gladly, dear..." I whispered as a new desire bloomed in my heart. There was no walking away now. We knew what was coming. It was inevitable.

Novo kept a wing around me as she guided me out to the bedroom with only a lamp beside the bed casting a gentle glow across the room. Novo reached out with a hand and pulled the covers of her bed down before finally releasing me from her folding wing and crawling upon her bed as she gazed back at me. She made no attempt to hide anything from my wandering eyes, her tail feathers lifted to reveal to me her vulva as it visibly winked at me. A smirk settled upon her beak, but a much more tender and inviting one than usual. "Come to me, honey. Don't keep mama waiting."

"Heh...heheh... Just a little nervous, really." I stuttered uneasily. My lord, she was utterly ravishing now that I was seeing her in a way I never had before. In a manner that no man ever had in decades. I crawled across the bed, my body as bare as hers, and slid a hand along her body as hers rose to my jaw before her beak met my lips for a brief kiss. "I love you... Is there anything I can do for you?"

"I'm all yours, baby. Go ahead. Do whatever you want if you think it'll make me happy." She cooed tenderly in an almost vulnerable manner. Novo had always been one who relished her authority and I could still remember how domineering she was when I first shared her bed with her that night. How careful and cautious she was. And now she was being so trusting. Leaving herself more vulnerable than she likely had been for close to a century. And I did not want her to think her faith had been misplaced.

"I'll be good to you, dear... But let me know if I do anything you don't approve of." I whispered to her as I slid my hand down her body and once more over her soft and rounded flanks. Even with her feathers now so dry and fluffed up, I could feel how defined and toned they were through that cushy padding. I moved further back so that I could bring both hands to her hips as I continued to thoroughly examine them through touch. "I can't get over how curvy you are back here... You have some amazing foal-bearing hips, Novo..."

"I wouldn't be a MILF if I didn't, honey. I'm the hottest mama there is and my curves are proof of that." Novo cooed softly yet proudly as she savored the attention I gave to one of her most defining assets. I could tell she appreciated my observation of her motherly attributes. It tickled me of just how much pride she takes in not just being a queen, but a mother. Perhaps it comes from her avian side, who tend to make famously doting parents to their children. And I was adoring her show of pride for it.

"And you're the hottest MILF I know, dear." I said with a bit of a knowing inflexion to my voice. She was just so beautiful. I wanted her to know she was loved. And while she enjoyed my attention to her hips, I knew of another spot that I could focus on. I gently rolled Novo onto her side, hand sliding over her side and down her belly. "These must be hard for you to reach..."

My...teats? I have to admit I don't pay them much mind very...ooooh..." Novo said with a sigh as my hand cupped and tender squeezed the soft feathered mound of flesh between her legs. She took long and slow breaths as she savored that tender kneading. And I could tell with the scent filling the air. Novo was becoming increasingly needy. As was I. But not just yet. I was not quite done with coaxing her further. I lifted her leg as I lowered myself, bringing my face forward to feel through the soft layer of feathers with my lips. "Hm? What're you...oooooh my!"

My lips found their way to their destination. Tucked away under her feathers was a dark and puffy equine nipple that I then closed my lips around. It must have been centuries since someone last touched such a sacred spot on her body. Novo could barely speak. She groaned and gasped while quivering against me. I paused in my suckling and asked, "This new to you? Did Skystar ever nurse from you? Or did Cygnus ever suck on these too?"

"They never had lips, baby...!" Novo gasped as she looked down at me with her eyes clouded with a lustful haze. "I mean...Skystar still nursed, but... Her beak could...form a seal, but... Oh my, I've never felt such a soft touch like that..."

I could not help but smirk a bit as I continued to treat Novo to something that she had never experienced before. My soft lips sucking on her motherly teats. That beautiful deep soulful voice whimpered and cooed as she relished my touch. "Mmm... Oh goodness, baby... I wish I had some milk to give you, but the well ran dry ages ago..."

"Mmm, you don't have to do that, dear. Just let me love you." I whispered between breaths before I brought my lips to her other teat. My body too craved her the longer I tended to her needs. It would not be long now.

"James... Please, no more... No more waiting..." Novo begged with such desperation to her voice. I looked back at her while she brought a hand to my face. "I love you... And I need you, baby... Please..."

This was it. There was no turning back. And so I pushed myself up to my knees as Novo lifted her tail feathers aside. Her moist mare lips winked in need, glistening with moisture. Still feeling a hint of caution in my heart, I asked, "Hippogriffs mate for life, right?"

"We do. And I'm ready to be yours, baby." Novo said with unwavering faith and a desperate look of lust in her eyes. "Please, baby... Our hearts know what they want, right? Please, make me yours forever. Make me your queen."

"Oh god, I will, dear..." I whispered to her as my shaft between my legs all but throbbed in aching need. I wanted her... I needed her. I wanted to make her mine as much as I wanted to be hers. And so I brought my hips to her curvy feathered rump, holding her as she looked back at me. "I love you...!"

"And I... I... Oh god, honey!" Novo yelped as I pushed deep into her for the first time. That warm moist velvety passage engulfing my shaft. After too long out in the wilds of the Empty Plains, I found pleasure with a woman I was so very in love with. And she too voiced her delight with deep yet shrill gasps as she felt a man inside her for likely the first time in nearly a century. "James...! Oh god, my love...! Yes, baby... Make me yours!"

"Oh god, Novo... My queen... My beautiful queen..." I gasped and groaned with an arm under one leg, holding it high for leverage as I thrust deeply and gently into her, taking the time to find a rhythm and pace myself. It had been too long since the last time I made love to one of my precious mares. I did not want my starved body to reach climax too quickly. I wanted our first time to be special.

Novo spread her wing and reached far back before draping it over me the best she could to hold onto me. She was so beautiful... So lovely... Like an angel out of a dream. "You're so good to me, baby... Oh god, I love you.. .My king... My wonderful king..."

I knew I would never be fit for a crown, but those words touched my heart. There was so much meaning in those words as I made love to that gorgeous mare of unparalleled beauty. Even if I could never be king, as I thrust my hips against her full and cushy rump with those feathery flanks rippling with each thrust of mine, I at least wanted to be her king.

We whispered to each other such sweet and loving things. Losing ourselves in the moment to the point where time became a blur. But after a time, I pulled back for the sake of pacing myself and to try a different position. Being the veteran of love that she was, Novo noticed and rolled over until she was entirely on her back. She looked up at me, eyes full of love as she reached out to me with both arms. And so I brought myself forward and into her embrace as I once again plunged deep into her waiting depths. Novo gasped in delight as she tightly wrapped her arms around me while mine reached under her. What a wonderful woman she was as I did all I could to make sweet passionate love to my new queen.

But as the moments went by... I noticed something about the liquid warmth I felt around my length. It was warm... Very warm. I would even say too warm. I have made love with Fluttershy often enough to notice the signs. And so I paused briefly and lifted my head to look down at Novo. I had an important question to ask. "Novo...? Are you...in heat?"

Instead of looking uneasy or worried, I did not see a hint of doubt in those beautiful confident eyes. Instead, she smiled at me most lovingly and asked, "Isn't that just part of the thrill, love?"

As if to answer my question further, I felt it. Her legs crossed over my lower back and locked themselves over me like a vice to prevent retreat. True to her words, a new thrill suddenly bloomed in my heart. And she cooed to me most sincerely, "Go ahead, honey. Put your foal in this mama mare."

My god... She really was in heat. If we did this, there was the distinct possibility that she could...

My thoughts went elsewhere. I remembered my days on Capricorn Island. And the days where I would visit some of the lower sectors. And the precious little hippogriff children that would often flock around me. Younger than the likes of Terramar and Silverstream, but that only made them all the more adorable. Little precious balls of fluff, like little cockatoos, who were always happy and curious. Every last one of those little bird foals were just precious little angels whose company I always appreciated.

And now Novo was giving me the opportunity to make one such little feathered angel with her. How could I say no?!

"Novo..." I gasped as I realized the implications of what was about to transpire. I could see it in her eyes. So much love and confidence. No doubts at all. She knew what she wanted. She wanted this. She wanted me to try and give her a child. And I knew she would be a wonderful mother, if not the best. And as all sorts of questions and arguments swam around in my head, my heart won out against the rest of me. I brought my lips near her ear and whispered my most precious desire. "Let's make some angels."

"Music to my ears, baby." Novo cooed to me as I felt her grand wings drape themselves over me, providing even more resistance to insure I could not pull away. Not that I would try to. I knew what she wanted. And what I wanted. My lips met her beak as I began to resume my thrusting, now filled with a sacred desire and purpose. We were not just making love. We were making life. "Claim your queen, honey... Make me yours forever... Give me...what we want."

"Novo... Oh god, Novo... I am...so madly in love with you..." I gasped as I held her, my hips thumping against those soft and curvy motherly flanks. Novo's confidence and sincere motherly desires were bringing out the father in me. I cannot recall the last time I so dearly wanted to have a child with a woman I was so in love with. To have a child with someone as wonderful as Novo... To have a family with her... It sounded like nothing short of paradise. We would be so happy together. Our children so precious, royal heirs to the throne of Capricorn Island. The people would love them. "I wanna be a daddy, Novo... I wanna have a family with you..."

"James, baby... Oh, my sweet sugar bear... My sweet...papa bear..." She groaned in utter bliss as that heavenly and soulful voice gasped and cooed. She cupped my face to gaze into my eyes, her beak showing a most loving smile as she tried to maintain some form of composure. "I'll gladly make you a daddy... Mmmmm, oh goodness... You have no...idea how...precious our babies will be..."

"I...can only imagine, love...!" I groaned in need as I closed my eyes briefly. I remembered those little angels on Capricorn Island. The youngest hippogriff children were always precious little darlings, always happy to be around me. Some even snuggled up to me for a cuddle when they began to trust me enough. I remember holding their soft fluffy bodies. Precious little things, but not one of them my own. How I savored the thought of having a child of their kind. And how goodly and gorgeous that precious little thing would grow up to be just like its mother.

"Oooooh, James... Give me your baby boy. I want your baby boy!" Novo pleaded in earnest as she tilted her head back, surges of pleasure wracking her body. I too gasped and lifted my head as I felt the full extent of her fertile warmth engulfing my shaft with each thrust, my hips slapping against hers in frenzied purpose. And her words sank right to my heart. She did not just want us to have a child. She wanted a son. A prince. What a gorgeous king that precious little colt would grow up to be. Any child born from the most beautiful mare in the world would undoubtedly inherit her beauty and wonderful heart.

"A son, Novo... Ooooh god, yes...!" I growled as I began thrusting as hard and fast as I could. I was desperate. I wanted to fill her and fulfill our shared desire. We would be so happy together... Even if I could not always be there with her on that lovely island, I would still be there often enough. For her. And our precious little ones. What a wonderful family it would be... As I mused on this, I frantically kissed and nibbled along her neck to pleasure her as much as I could. "Gonna fill you, Novo... Gonna give you...all I have, mama...!"

"Babyyyy...! Give it to me, daddy! Oh my goodness, give it to me!" Novo whimpered before placing a hand on the back of my head, her wings and legs clinging to me tightly to insure I could not back out. This was it. There was no stopping us now. She gazed into my eyes, gasping quietly as she said, "Make me a mama, daddy!"

We were madly in love, her beak parting to clamp onto my face as we held each other tightly. We groaned and sang to each other loudly as our voices were muffled by that deep and powerful kiss. Deeply devoted lovers, now trying to become mother and father. And a moment of frantic thrusting later, it happened. We quivered in climax as I felt her inner walls spasm around my shaft. And I did not simply spill my seed into her. I exploded. Weeks of no release resulting in one of the more powerful orgasms of my life. My head became hazy as I unleashed my virile gift into her, so very nearly fainting from the fruits of my labor. It was done. Now everything else was up to fate.

"Ooooh my goodness... So much... You...really must have been pent up, baby... Saving yourself for me..." Novo murmured as she went all but limp under me. I could not find any words as my head spun. I gave her all I had. Everything she wanted. But even as the last trickles of my human seed entered her, I felt Novo put her arms around me while her legs and wings clung to me even more tightly. "Mmmmm, that's it... Good daddies always finish inside."

As my senses very slowly came back to me while basking in the afterglow, I started to process what had just happened. We... My god... We were not simply entertaining our deepest desires. She was in heat. Had I just sired a bastard child with the queen of Capricorn Island herself? We were very much in love with each other, but still... My vision still shaky, I looked down at Novo and asked, "Are you...really sure about this, Novo? The risks...?"

Even as her composure slowly returned, Novo chuckled sweetly while gazing into my gazes. No shame. No doubts. She still showed unwavering confidence and satisfaction. "You didn't notice? Honey, if you're going to be my king, you better be ready to give me some heirs."

A thrill and startling chill flowed through my body. She really was not joking around. She very sincerely wanted to have my child. But was it out of some sort of royal obligation? She must have noticed the implications of those words since Novo quickly brought a hand to my cheek and whispered sweetly, "Oh, no no no, don't go getting that kind of idea, honey. I'm not some sleazy political type who sees my kids as an asset. My kids are my babies. And I love and take good care of my sweet little baby birds."

"Oh... OK then... That's good to know..." I said with a gasping sigh while still so very drained. But even with the knowledge that any child of Novo would be in good hands, I still had some little questions floating around in my head. "But...still...you really want this? From me?"

"James... I may be queen, but I'm a mare and mother first." She said gently while her hand continued to caress my face. That look of confidence in her eyes faded as her tone and gaze softened considerably. "I miss being a wife... And I miss being a mother... And I haven't been so in love since...far too long. You're the only man I want now, James. And the only man whose children I want to have...is you."

That hit me right in my heart. How long had it been since Novo got to experience all of that? That part of her life ended what was easily an entire mortal's lifetime ago. And I...was so very touched. I... I cried. I buried my face in her neck and held her tightly in my arms while I felt her hand stroke my head. "I love you, baby... And I you'll be such a good daddy when the time comes... Our kids will love you."

"Mmhm..." I whimpered as the thought of having a family with that wonderful queen sounded like such a lovely life to live. But now I was so very tired. And so was Novo. I felt her allow me to pull out of her soaked depths before pulling the covers over us as what little light remained in the room dimmed to near total darkness. We had a long day and it was time to rest. Without even bothering to open my eyes, I whispered to my queen. "Good night, Novo... Love you."

"Love you so much, baby. Sweet dreams." I heard her say before feeling those cushy soft feathers against my body's front. I draped an arm over that fluffy mass and soon drifted off to sleep.

My dreams were not interrupted. And while I cannot recall exactly what they entailed, I awoke feeling quite rested even if still lacking in energy. But as I opened my eyes with gentle morning light shining in through the few portholes on the far wall, I found Novo sleeping with her back pressed against me. And my hand... Where was it resting?

Upon pulling the covers down to reveal the beautiful creature before me, I saw that I had held her in my arm the entire night. And I remembered everything. The lingering odor of sex hung in the air, albeit faintly. We really did it. And...

Now rested and awake, I brought my hand to Novo's belly as I continued to hold her from behind. It really happened. She was in heat...and I... I had not even properly introduced her to Fluttershy yet. My wife knew about Novo and our growing feelings for each other, but... It was an unambiguous breach of protocol to do such a thing with a woman that I sincerely loved so much, yet had not quite gotten her to know my wife. Fluttershy trusts me and I would never leave her... And yet, right at that moment, I knew my essence was likely hard at work trying to sire Novo's first foal in centuries.

This was a mistake... It was too soon for us to be doing this. Not just due to the nuances of my relationship with Fluttershy, but also in no small part to how little time we have known each other. Even if I had suspicions that humans are not particularly compatible with the various races of Equestria, I knew that it was very possible that Novo would soon be pregnant. With my child.

And yet... As I held her... As my hand caressed her slender feathered belly... I could not help but feel a sense of fatherly pride come over me. Yes, this was not an ideal time to do such a thing, but...I would be lying if I said I did not feel happy at the thought of Novo and I truly starting a family together. The precious little thing that would come into our lives by this time next year... Conflicted as I felt about it, I... I wanted this to happen. I wanted our efforts to bear fruit.

My thoughts once again went back to the youngest hippogriff children I met during my prior visit to Capricorn Island. And I tried to picture what Novo's child would look like. A precious little filly? One who would grow up to be as cute as Skystar? Or... No, wait. A colt. Yes, I remembered that Novo voiced a desire to have a son. What sort of handsome boy would a colt mothered by someone as gorgeous as Novo grow up to be? All hippogriffs are quite beautiful by default, so I could only imagine what a spectacular prince our son would eventually become. It was an exciting mystery. One that I truly wanted to see unravel.

Minutes passed as I held that beautiful queen in my arm's embrace. My queen... The possible mother of my child. And soon enough, I received a surprise. I felt a hand rest over mine. And it curled its fingers over mine. I looked at Novo's head to see it begin to turn until I saw a beautiful eye gaze at me while that beak displayed a warm and welcoming smile. "Good morning, daddy."

"Good morning, mama." I whispered back to her. We reached out to each other with her beak meeting my lips. There was something sacred about the way she greeted me. Those words... Asking for confirmation if I was to be the father of her next child. And I answered in kind, confirming her to be the mother of our eventual little ones. Being a wonderful mother... It was part of Novo's identity. She is one who embraces her image as a mother. Perhaps moreso than she should. And she was all too eager to become one again. Even then, I whispered, "Sleep well?"

"Better than I have in ages, honey." She cooed before rolling over and draping a wing over me as I was pulled into another embrace. We held each other, so very much in love. I could not bring myself to have any fears or doubts over what had happened. If y seed did end up taking root, we would find a way to make it all work. And I was hoping that it did at the time.

Still... As we held each other in a morning embrace, I started to think more logically. I had to. What we just did... "Novo... You know I love you, but... Isn't this all going too fast?"

"Let me guess... You think I'm being way too hasty now that I've found love again after way too long, right?" Novo asked as we looked at each other. And yet, she still smiled confidently at me. "I don't blame you for being worried. It usually is a bad idea to go too far too fast in a relationship. But you need to remember something, honey. I've been married almost as long as I've been queen."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked while uncertain of exactly what she was implying by that claim.

"What I'm saying is... I've been around long enough to more easily recognize certain...attributes in people. Yes, you do have some traits that Cygnus did, but that's not the only thing that draws me to you, baby." Novo explained calmly, yet happily. "I've come to understand what I value in a man. And I've learned how to recognize those traits when I see it. I know the ins and outs of a relationship because I've just got that much experience, James. I'm not hasty. I'm just experienced. And I know for a fact...that you have everything I love in a man."

"That's...not something I considered... You have a good point." I retorted while feeling rather silly about that assumption. It is easy to forget just how long immortal beings like Novo have been around and exactly how centuries of experience can temper their perceptions when such notions are nearly incomprehensible to mortal minds.

"But that does beg the question..." Novo muttered as her gaze and tone became more dire. "What about you? I know what I see, but...do you think you'll lose interest in me eventually?"

I took little time to provide an honest retort. "Absolutely not. You're not just gorgeous and hot as hell. You're...easily one of the most desirable women I've ever met. I can't imagine anyone getting bored of you. Anyone who loses interest in you at all is a fool who doesn't appreciate quality. I love you for everything that you are. And that won't change. I swear."

Novo cracked a crooked grin as if she was not expecting such direct praise like that. "Oh, honey... Really now? You truly do know how to make this mama feel special. Come here. You've earned some morning smooches."

Which I all too happily accepted. We held each other and lovingly made out with her beak refusing to let go of my cheeks as our tongues did a gentle dance. But once that kiss ended, she did sigh with a slight look of guilt in her eyes. "Although...you do have a point... Make no mistake, I really want us to have a family someday, dear. But...even I know we shouldn't be talking about having kids this soon."

"Right... I mean... Everything I said, that came from the heart. The married life with you sounds wonderful. But...it's too soon. I haven't even introduced you to Fluttershy yet. She needs to get to know you first." I replied while also finding my eyes wandering. A beautiful thought, but not something even the most prepared person should rush into.

"I know... And I don't wanna get you in trouble with your wife. I'm...still trying to wrap my head around the kind of relationship you're in, honey. I know you have what it takes for it. You've convinced me of that, but..." Novo muttered before holding her face while letting out a sigh. "I hope she won't have any issues with me..."

"I can't imagine she will. I'm sure Fluttershy will like you quite a lot. You're awesome, Novo." I replied while still recalling that Fluttershy was quite interested in meeting Novo when I first brought her up. "Maybe when this mess is over, you can stop by and say hello."

"Sounds like a plan, honey. We did pass over Ponyville on our way out here. Had to stop by Canterlot first anyway." Novo said while looking more at ease. However, her gaze became more serious as she brought a hand to her belly. "But...I'm just telling you now, James. If... If what happened last night ends up bearing fruit... I'm keeping the kid."

This awoke a nameless fear in my heart. I would never ask Novo to seek an abortion or to even give up custody of any potential child she would have. But what sort of consequences would happen if a bastard child was birthed by the queen of Capricorn Island? Regardless, I reached out and held her in my arms. "Let me know what the results are when you can."

"You'll be the first to know, honey." Novo cooed sweetly as she too held me. We sat there in bed, holding each other after a very fulfilling night. The night where we finally became so much more. And very possibly started taking the first steps to making a family. However, Novo then asked, "But now that I think about it... What exactly are the compatibility rates with humans?"

That was a very good point. I had every reason by then to suspect that humans...are not entirely compatible with nonhuman species in Equestria. While Fluttershy and I were blessed with a daughter, it took three attempts before it happened. And it likely could have taken more. "Um... Good point... Now that you mention it, I was approached by a few researchers from the local sperm bank not long ago who requested I...provide them a sample for them to study crossbreeding compatibility rates or the like."

Novo very suddenly cast me an amused cockeyed stare while sounding like she was trying to not laugh. "Huh?! Let me get this straight. Someone stopped by for a visit and asked you to bust a nut for the sake of science?"

"Well, when you put it like that..." I retorted before the two of us burst into laughter. Just the way she worded that was hard not to laugh at. Although I then took notice of the time. "Anyway, mind if I wash up quick before breakfast?"

"Only if I get to join you, honey. I...uh...need to get the smell out anyway before we leave the room." Novo replied while we could barely notice the lingering scent of sex still hanging in the air. And so we stepped into the shower. But while helping each other bathe, we held each other often. Holding and kissing each other. We no longer had reason to deny what our hearts desired. We were in love and we knew that by then.

Once again, I helped Novo dry off until she was all fluffy and dry again. Only this time we used a hair brush to smooth out her feathers to make her sleek and presentable like normal. She departed the room first while I took the time to get dressed. I debated putting my armor on, but decided to wait until after breakfast.

I was more cautious than usual while leaving Novo's room. Just wanted to be sure no one suspected something odd had occurred in there last night. But when I made my way to the galley, I found the place bustling with the guards having all manner of breakfast foods. Not much in the way of seafood outside of some omelets. Though when I found a spot to sit down, I saw Novo herself emerge from the kitchen. And with a platter resting upon her upturned hand.

Did she do some cooking of her own? That smirk of pride on her face told me all I needed to know. She was eager to give me something. And when she set the platter down... A plate of fresh sushi. Shrimp, salmon, and tuna. The rolls were simple with a little dish of soy sauce on the side, but the simplicity was ideal for breakfast. I looked up at the beautiful queen and asked, "Did you prepare this?"

"Just for you, honey." She said softly before taking a seat beside me and placing a kiss upon my cheek. "Love you, baby."

"Love you too, Novo." I whispered back while hoping to not draw too much attention. While I savored Novo's cooking, one of the servers brought over a fresh seafood omelet for her to enjoy. What a wonderful start to our day.

It was after breakfast that I decided to head back over to my private chambers over in the command center while Novo seemed preoccupied with a message she had received from Skystar. But no sooner had I suited up in my armor and made my way down the gangplank to get back to the ground did I notice someone swooping down to me. A familiar griffon with a massive smirk on her beak. "Um... Morning, Gilda."

She said nothing at first, but the longer she gave me that knowing grin, the more nervous I got. She finally asked, "So... Do I owe you a drink?"

I only then remembered what she said to me yesterday. I wheezed and snickered while trying to avoid giving a clear answer, but I could not steer away from the topic. With a sigh, I complied. "Nope...!"

Gilda let loose with a bought of hearty chuckling while having to sit down. She then looked up at me and asked, "Was she good to you?"

"Like a goddess." I retorted while taking a moment to think about that wonderful queen. "There...isn't another woman like her in the world. She makes me feel lucky."

"Sounds like it. You better be good to her." Gilda replied before spreading her wings. "Anyway, just wanted to check in on you. I gotta get over there for our drills. You take care, lover boy."

"Pfft, you too. Have a good one, Gilda." I said before watching her take to the air and fly over the camp. Hoping no one overheard that conversation, I hurried on my way. I had a lot to write.

I am trying to document all that had happened since my prior entry. I still can scarcely believe all that happened. Novo... That beautiful creature... I love her. I really do. She brings out the best in me and makes me feel like I can take on the world. And now, we have become so much more. Even...

I had to take a moment to collect myself just now. I am thrilled yet uneasy. I cannot ignore the fact that Novo just might be well on her way to being pregnant with our child. I know now is not the time for it. We should have waited... And yet, a big part of my heart hopes that it will happen. It much too soon to say, especially when taking into account the likely low compatibility rate between the two of us. But even so... If she does even up being confirmed to be with child, I only have all the more incentive to do what I must to survive this war. I cannot leave her and our eventual child alone like that...

I need to stop overthinking this. Just need to take one day at a time. Best not to start making plans until we get some confirmation on that front. And we really should focus on introducing Novo to Fluttershy at the first opportunity. I cannot imagine the two of them not getting along. Novo is very hard to dislike. And I am sure she will leave quite an impression on little Gladesong, but we will cross that bridge when the time comes.

All right, that is enough for now. I think the royal sisters wanted a word with me soon. Better go see what has come up before anything else can happen.