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?

144. The Promised Voyage

The day finally came. My bags were packed and arrangements were made. The day finally came where that promised vacation down in the tropics was set to begin. All that I had to do was get myself up to Canterlot for the airship ride back down south.

I had spent much of my morning putting on the finishing touches to my preparations. I packed enough clothes, made sure to bring along cash for souvenirs, and I had to remind myself to dress light down there. I was about to get such a change of pace from the weather alone.

I began to check around the master bedroom for anything I may be forgetting or to hope and spot something that would jog my memory. But I soon heard the tapping of hooves coming up the stairs. Except they sounded lighter than those of Fluttershy while not as rapid as Scootaloo's. And I quickly figured out who was coming. Only one person in that household stepped so lightly with that kind of stride. A beautiful little changeling mare soon stuck her head up past the top of the stairs. "Need any help, James? It sounds like you're pacing a lot."

"Hey there, love bug. I'm just trying to make sure I'm not forgetting anything. Any supplies I might need or anything I'm supposed to bring along for someone in Canterlot. Think you can help me?" I asked precious little Ocellus. She has always been a bright girl, so I trusted her ability to spot anything I may be missing.

"Sure! Lemme see here..." She replied before stepping into the master bedroom. Although I then noticed she then lowered and locked the hatch over the stairs. She probably and understandably wanted to have a brief chat with me before I headed out. She then hopped up onto the bed and examined my supplies. "You've got clothes, you've got hygiene supplies... Isn't it hot down there? Do you need sunscreen?"

"To be honest, my skin's not that sensitive. I haven't gotten sunburned in years. Maybe I have just enough of a habit to not stay out in the sun for too long. I'll be OK." I replied while also considering whether or not we even had sunscreen. Can ponies even get sunburned to begin with? Or really anyone who has a fine layer of hair, scales, or feathers over their bodies? Maybe I was out of luck regardless...

"Hmmm... You know what? I don't think I've even seen any around the house... Maybe you'll be fine anyway. Is there anything else you need to bring?" Ocellus asked while I crossed my eyes in thought. She hopped off the bed and went trotting over to the desk in the corner. She then stood on her hind legs with her hooves on the lowest shelf to get a better look. "Any messages you needed to bring? Ooh, there's a scroll he... OOOOOH!"

Ocellus recoiled suddenly with her eyes wide. I flinched at her sudden audible cry and noticed that she was blushing furiously. I raised an eyebrow at her seemingly overreacting to nothing. "You OK there?"

"Oh, I'm fine! It's just... Wow, where's all this love coming from? It's huge!" Ocellus replied before her eyes narrowed in investigation. She carefully scanned the desk and its contents. "But what's it coming from? It feels strongest from...this?"

Now it was my turn for my eyes to widen. Ocellus took hold of a single scroll tucked away in the desk with her levitation spell and brought it over to me. "This! It's definitely this! So much love in it... And it tastes delicious. What is it?"

"That's...for Ember." I muttered as I suddenly recalled that love letter I wrote for her. A letter I could not show her yet.

Ocellus was innocently unaware of that scroll's contents. She came trotting over to the bed and spoke with a smile. "It is? And...she'll be there, right? Then let's get this packed in with the rest of this stuff."

"No!" I yelped before pushing the scroll away from the suitcase as it was lowered into it. Ocellus glanced up at me with shock as the scroll floated idly between us. I collected myself and averted my gaze. "I mean...not yet. Please. I can't show her that. It's too soon... She's not ready."

The innocent little love bug gazed upon the scroll before looking back up at me. "Is it...bad? What is it then? There's so much love in this... Something with this much love in it can't really be a bad thing. What did you write?"

I did not mince words, yet I kept my response brief and succinct. "A love letter."

Ocellus gazed at me with her eyes widening in realization. She then gazed upon the scroll again and muttered, "Oh my goodness... With that much love in it... James, just how madly in love with Dragon Lord Ember are you?"

My mouth opened, but no words came. I was at a complete loss of how to describe my feelings for that wonderful dragon queen. So I gave Ocellus the only suggestion I could. "I... She... Just read it. You can see for yourself."

My beloved little love bug did as I suggested and unfurled the love letter. But as she began to read, her eyes widened. Her cheeks darkened with a pronounced bush. And soon...even tears began to spill from her eyes. "Oh my... This is..."

Was she upset? No, she was just... I could see an unsteady smile forming across her lips. And right when it looked like she had finished reading it, Ocellus brought her hooves to her face and wept joyously. "It's so beautiful! Ember's gonna love you so much for this! I love it! Such a lovely thing to say to her! And it's just overflowing with your love!"

I fidgeted back and forth while at a loss of what to say. It was simultaneously encouraging yet embarrassing for someone to be reading the love letter who it was not meant for. But as Ocellus tried to control her emotions, I took note of what she had detected from that simple sheet of parchment. "Wait... You say there's actually love in that scroll? How? I thought only living creatures can produce love."

Ocellus cleared her throat and wiped her tears away before looking at me with a smile. "They do! But you can still instill your love into stuff like this. And this is just... Oh my goodness, James... Now I see how much you love her."

If Ocellus could sense my own love being placed into every line of text... I had a question to ask. One that could not wait. "Ocellus... You've been around Ember before. Maybe I've asked you before and just forgot, but... When she was nearby, what did you feel? Did she hold love in her heart for me?"

The insightful love bug looked up at me with a calmer smile. "I mean... I don't exactly have a photographic memory. But when you and her were near each to her... Yes. I remember a powerful love radiating off of her towards you. And the other way around. It was such a strong love too, so I wouldn't easily forget it. And if her heart works the same way Smolder's does..."

My heart swelled with hope. But I also recoiled in uncertainty when Ocellus winked at me while sticking out her tongue. "I think someone loooooves you!"

All I could do was let out a shrill little snicker. If a changeling claims someone loves you, then it must be so. I grinned in renewed confidence while gently patting Ocellus on her head. "Thanks, love bug. I needed that. Anyway, if that thing's full of love, go ahead and help yourself to it if you need a snack."

She did not react the way I expected her to. Ocellus gazed with wide eyes while her ears drooped before suddenly looking down at the scroll and back up at me. "This?! Oh, no no no no no! I could never eat the love in this! All the love in this letter belongs to Ember! It just wouldn't be the same if you gave it to her with all the love in it missing!"

"Wait, you serious? You mean removing the love that's already in it...would be a detriment to it somehow? It's just text on paper. Right?" I replied in utter confusion. What does it matter if something like that has the love removed from it? Only a changeling would be able to notice at all and Ember most certainly is not one.

Ocellus carefully rolled up my love letter for Ember and secured the band over it once again. She then spoke to me with a firmer tone of voice than usual. "Trust me on this, James. If you remove all the love from a love letter, then it's just like any other letter. It'll hit her much better if all that love's still there when she reads it. And isn't that a really big deal in dragon courtship?"

She was right. Dragons put everything on the line when it comes to courting a potential mate. If Ember was going to throw everything in her heart at me, then I should do the same with my own attempts. But was it really possible for a dragon to sense a lack of love in something mean tot be a love letter? I snorted while shaking my head at my own ignorance. "All this metaphysical nonsense all over Equestria is something I'm still getting used to, I guess..."

"You poor thing." Ocellus said playfully before reaching out and touching her nose to my cheek for a more traditional equine kiss. She meant no disrespect. That little love bug was just trying to lift my spirits. "I guess it takes a long time to really understand how Equestria works after spending a lifetime in a world without any real magic. But it'll get better. Especially with your own love bug helping you along the way."

"Yep. And I've got the best love bug in the world, don't I?" I replied with a playful smirk of my own. Ocellus lost her grip on the scroll and covered her mouth with both hooves. A shrill little giggle squeaked down in her throat as she surely sensed the love I was emanating towards her. I then lovingly lifted her into my arms and whispered right to her face. "I love you."

Neither of us could resist the calling of our hearts. For just a moment, our eyes closed and our lips met. Ocellus was the only one on my mind at that moment. My wonderful little love bug. I was going to miss her while I was away. And I knew she would only miss me more. And when the kiss ended, she gazed longingly into my eyes with such a lovely gaze. "When you get back... Can we just...cuddle in bed? Hold each other and...kiss each other? Just to...love each other?"

"Dear, I wouldn't have it any other way." I whispered back to her with no doubts or insecurities in my heart. She shared a few more kisses before my lips reached her cheek, then down her jaw and to her shoulder. Ocellus shuddered as she inhaled sharply. She was biting her lower lip. I then whispered to my wonderful beloved, "No matter what... I'll always love you, my little love bug..."

"I'll always be your little love bug, my love..." Ocellus whispered back to me as she kissed along my neck as well. But then I felt her do something unexpected. She gently closed her teeth onto my neck with a tender little love bite. A little nip that sent a shiver down my spine. And then I felt a familiar sensation. Ocellus began to feed. That subtle sensation of...something being siphoned out of me through where she was biting me. Can changelings directly feed through their fangs? Or did she even have fangs in that form anymore? Although she did not feast for long, Ocellus did whisper lovingly into my ear again. "I'll always be your mare. I'll always...be your woman. My love... My everything."

I wanted to delay just a little longer. Hoping that I still had time, I turned around and sat on the bed with Ocellus all but seated on my lap. We held each other as we basked in that wonderful shared love. It felt so right... No longer hiding behind any doubts. We were so in love. And I whispered the truth to her again. "I love you."

"And I love you." Ocellus cooed with her cheek nuzzling up against mine. We once again began to kiss. Little brief touches of our lips upon each other, over and over. It was just a love so pure... A love so natural. Ocellus whispered to me, "Can you feel my love, James? All the love I'm carrying for you?"

"I think so. With every touch, I feel...something. So bright and warm." I replied before we kissed again. A kiss is always a pleasant sensation. But whenever I shared one with Ocellus... It was always something more. As if I could sense her love reserves reaching out to me with every touch of my lips upon hers. How much love did she contain by then? She felt full to bursting, yet she could always hold more. Ocellus was probably the healthiest and heartiest little changeling in the world by then.

I held my little lover in my arms. I was so happy for her... So proud of her. If Ocellus was a lost little caterpillar when I first found her, then she had already blossomed into the world's most glorious birdwing butterfly. My hands roamed her smooth chitinous body while she peppered my face and neck with a flurry of little kisses. From the bed, I could see the clock set on the fireplace mantle. It was time to go. I whispered mournfully, "I need to get going... I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you more." Ocellus replied sincerely before our eyes met again. And I could see tears at the edges of her eyes. She whispered with dread, "We've never been apart for so long... I'm sure I'll be OK, but... I just love you so much. Please be safe out there. I love you."

My hand gently stroked Ocellus down her head and that shimmering gossamer crest atop her head. How I wish I could bring her with me. "Shhh... I'll be OK, love bug. I'll be in very good company. If anyone messes with me, they'll have the royal family to deal with. And they would never let anything bad happen to me on their watch."

Those words prompted just the slightest smile from my little lover. "Oh, right... Yeah, that would be a dumb idea. Trying to hurt you with the royal family around? Bad idea. Still... I'll miss you. Because I love you."

"I'll miss you too, Ocellus. And...you know I love you." I whispered back to her while we shared just one more kiss. And during that touch, I felt a sliver of her own love flow into me through my lips. I smirked at the sneaky little lady once our kiss ended and asked, "A little something for the road?"

Ocellus giggled rather brightly while she squinted her eyes shut. "Mmhm. Keep a little piece of me with you."

It would be a mistake to linger any longer. I had to be very mindful of the train schedule when it came to going to Canterlot. If I missed just one train, I would be set back hours. And while I am sure the royal family would wait as long as necessary for me to get there, it would not sit well with them. And the last thing I wanted was to make my royal friends and family cross with me over mishandling my schedule. With nothing else needing to be done, I zipped up my suitcase and carried it down the stairs with Ocellus close behind me.

Everyone living under that roof was present to say their goodbyes. Smolder was cradling Gladesong in her arms while I fetched my jacket. And I quickly began to give them goodbye hugs and kisses. "I'm off to the tropics and I promise to bring home goodies for you girls. Take care of yourselves out here, all right?"

"You got it, Dad! Take photos while you're down there too!" Scootaloo replied with my adopted daughter hopping up for a quick hug. She then looked over at her sister and said, "I'll be the best big sis to Gladesong while you're gone. You can count on me!"

"Heh, we'll all be doing our part here. This little thing won't ever have problems." Smolder retorted while getting Gladesong to let out a giggle with one finger tickling her under her chin. The grinning dragoness looked down at her favorite filly and said, "It's gonna be ladies night every night!"

"Heh, you girls..." I snickered while wondering exactly what happens when the only ones home are Fluttershy, Ocellus, Smolder, Scootaloo, and Gladesong. What do they do when I am away from home for the night? Slumber parties? Tea sampling? Karaoke nights? Maybe I will never know.

I gave my newborn daughter a kiss on the nose and only barely resisted the temptation to kiss Smolder as well. Not in front of Scootaloo. Not yet at least. Gladesong babbled happily while I spoke softly to her. "Daddy's gotta go far away for a little while, but he'll be home before you know it. Be good for mommy, all right? And be good for your love bug and dra dra."

Ocellus and Smolder beamed with huge grins while they glanced knowingly at each other. Although Fluttershy then added, "Rarity will be coming by daily too. She would never miss having more time for Gladesong."

"Mama Rarity's gonna be seeing you everyday too? You lucky little thing." I added before kissing a very happy Gladesong on the nose. I then turned to my beautiful wife and got down on one knee. She all too happily stood tall and held me in a firm embrace. I then whispered into her ear, "Will you girls be all right while I'm gone?"

"Mmhm, don't worry about us. We have lots of friends close by if anything happens. And you suffered through so much out there... You need this vacation, James. Go have fun. And bring home lots of photos and stories, OK?" Fluttershy whispered to me with such a sweet and hopeful tone. Even if the worst memories of my time on the Empty Plains had been dulled, some real R&R was practically being demanded of me. We then gazed at each other before sharing one last kiss. Fluttershy grinned at me and said, "Hurry along now! Don't miss your train!"

"Right, got it! Gotta go! See you next time, ladies!" I retorted sharply before giving them all one last hug and hurrying out the door. I made doubly certain my DSi was present in my pocket. I even remembered to bring the cord needed for recharging it. With it being one of only two cameras I owned, it was all I needed to sap some photos. With time not being on my side, I hurried down the path with my suitcase rolling behind me on its two wheels.

I did gaze upon the increasingly finished frame of the future home of Smolder and Ocellus. It was looking better by the day. The construction crews were off with it being a Sunday, so the site was quiet. Maybe they would be done by the time I returned? Regardless, I could not stop and examine the place. If I missed the next train, I would have a lot to hear by the time I did reach Canterlot.

There was no time to stop and chat or make any detours. I had only one destination in mind as I rolled through Ponyville. And it was another dreary and chilly autumn day. I almost regretted not bringing a scarf and had to make do with a pack of tissue paper in my jacket pocket. If visiting Cantercun would be like getting a week or two of summer, then I could not get to Canterlot soon enough.

I got a shock when the train station finally came within view. The next northbound train was already there and idling at the station. A sense of alarm came over me. I quickly slid my suitcase's handle back down and hoisted the whole thing into my arms before sprinting as quickly as I could towards the train. If I missed that train, I did not want to think about how hard my friends in Canterlot would have to bend over backwards to get me up there at a reasonable time.

My fears were thankfully misplaced. Once I reached the station and showed the conductor my pass, I found that the train had another five minutes before it departed. Feeling rather silly over my haste, I took a seat at the back of the rear car and got comfortable. I then took the time to turn on my DSi and use its inner camera to snap a photo of myself at the start of my journey to Cantercun. What do they call those kinds of photos? I think it was selfie...

The train got rolling just fine. And it was such a strange dissonance to see all that lush green flora across Ponyville and the plains north set out under that frigid autumn sky and knowing just how cool it was out there. At least that would change once I reached Cantercun. All that green would perfectly compliment those clear blue skies and bright summer sun. I even took a few more photos while the train climbed the mountain. How many times had Scootaloo even visited Canterlot? We still need to plan a family trip to meet Shining Armor and Cadence. I know they are itching to meet Gladesong.

The train reached Canterlot without ceremony and nothing of interest occurred during the ascent. But no sooner had I disembarked was I approached by a familiar face at the station. "Hello, I'm looking for one Mr. James. Have you seen him?"

"Good to see you too, Armor." I replied as I was approached by my escort. Shining Armor was decked out in his personal suit of armor when he greeted me with a smile. I got my suitcase ready to roll and asked, "We all ready to fly?"

"You bet! We're all heading south for the winter! Or just for a little while." He replied before leading me through town. The wind was even more bitter up there at the mountain summit, but Canterlot's towering architecture provided a lot of cover from the biting autumn gusts. I was glad to know Shining Armor and surely Cadence were coming too. I know that the vacation was reserved for the militia's top officers and field commanders. I would surely be seeing some familiar faces soon.

Shining Armor asked me all sorts of questions regarding Gladesong on our way towards the base of the mountain's summit. I only vaguely remembered the path there before. And I felt a certain thrill knowing I would surely be making the voyage aboard the Olympia again. I think I may have gotten a bit too distracted by my thoughts and the mountain summit looming overhead since Shining Armor called back to me. "Hey! Got your head in the clouds, James?"

"Oh, sorry. Big day for me, so my thoughts are all over the place. Anyway, what did you say? Something about Hearth's Warming Eve?" I asked in return now that the topic had shifted to the next big holiday coming up.

My escort slowed down to let me walk beside him. Shining Armor then looked up at me and said, "Yeah, I was thinking we could figure something out when the holidays get here. Have you seen Canterlot in winter? The city's never looked better. And... Hang on. OK, looks like no one's listening in..."

I do believe I have only visited Canterlot during winter once. And yes, Canterlot is at its best during winter. The snow only enhances the city's pale architecture and the holiday spirit even brings out the best in the Canterlot elite. It really is the best time of the year. But what was with Shining Armor being discreet all of a sudden? "What's up? You got some gossip to share?"

"Nah, I wouldn't call it gossip. More like...stuff I've heard my bosses discussing behind closed doors." Shining Armor replied quietly and cautiously. I can only imagine how many royal secrets he must carry with him as captain of the guard. Once he was certain no one was listening in, he glanced up at me and said, "I've been hearing them talking about the upcoming Hearth's Warming Eve play that's held here every year. My sister and her friends were even offered the leading roles a few years back."

"Now that you mention it, I do recall them telling me about that once or twice... Been a while though. Why? You think they'll be asked to reprise their roles for it?" I asked while thinking back to the first time I heard of that day. I think I first heard of it during my first Hearth's Warming Eve season back when I mostly stopped writing these journals for a while in order to focus on settling into my new home. I never thought much of it since I was sure it would never be relevant to me. But now that it was possible such an event may repeat with me being there to witness it, the conversation had caught my attention.

Shining Armor cast me a smirk. "Sounds like it. And it also sounded like they were hoping you'd be available to perform as well."

A pit opened in my gut. I had not performed in a stage play since my elementary school days. And this sounded like a borderline professional event. All sorts of questions ran through my head before I suddenly noticed one glaring issue with that suggestion. "Hang on... Why would I be needed for the play? I'm pretty sure they'd be better off having a pony play the role of a pony anyway. Having me on stage would be...awkward."

My friend snickered at my response. "Yeah, that would be a problem. But that's not the point."

I tilted my head to one side. Was there something I did not know? And sure enough, I did not expect what I was told next. "The reason why they're probably considering asking you to perform...is because this will be the first time the real Hearth's Warming Eve story gets told. It sounds like the tale we've all been told all our lives was a redacted version to erase humanity's role in that day way back when. It wasn't just ponies who properly founded Equestria. The human race had a role back then too. At least that's what I'm guessing."

My eyes widened in a sudden epiphany. Of course... After the near total banishment of Equestria's human population, steps were taken to erase their entire legacy as a means of soothing lingering wounds. Even humanity's place in the founding of Equestria had to be omitted from public memory and the history books. How sad... But if that was the case...

My curiosity was piqued. If Equestria's human population played an important role in that day... Then what really happened back then? This was a story that had not been told in more than a millennium. A very important event in Equestria's long history now that the existence of humans in Equestria's past had been declassified. While still uneasy about being up on stage, I could not let myself pass this up. "Man... That is a big deal. I guess they need a human to play the role of a human. I'll have to consider it..."

"Hey, there's no rush. They haven't even asked you yet. But if they do, I hope you won't let us down. That's gonna go down in the history books." Shining Armor replied while I tried to push that thought out of my mind. I would cross that bridge when the time came. I only hope I will not disappoint in the end. I have never been an actor nor can I ever imagine becoming one. Let us hope I am at least good enough in the end.

We at last came to the entrance to the airship docks within the mountain summit. And my heart swelled with awe as we stood outside. Before we could enter, Shining Armor looked up at me and asked, "Your first time here was when you first went with Princess Celestia to Capricorn Island, right? What was it like seeing the docks for the first time? Left you speechless?"

"I wouldn't quite say I was speechless, but I was completely blown away. They don't have airships like those back where I come from. That kind of aircraft only exists in the realms of fantasy on Earth." I replied before we headed inside and down the halls. It was cozy and cramped with my ears even detecting the changes in air pressure in that compact tunnel buried encased in thick walls of stone. And once we entered that vast cave carved out of the mountain itself, my ears were greeted by the sound of machinery. Several great airships were moored at the docks on each side as the crewmen went about their business to load up cargo ships. But before I could notice the majestic form of the Olympia, I recognized a very familiar airship on the far side of the docks. One with a very colorful and almost feathery flourish towards the front of its gas sack. "The Zephyrus! Excuse me, Armor. I gotta... Wait, how long until the Olympia departs?"

"Huh? The Zephyr... Oh, Celaeno's ship! Right, you're friends with those birdbrains? Sure, we got time. We'll be shipping out within the hour. Just come on over when you're done." Shining Armor replied while quickly leaving me to a last minute change of plans. He trotted off to one side of the docks while dragging my luggage along with him as I hurried over to the other side. He definitely knew Celaeno by then since he was basically her boss. And I was all but jogging. I had never been so excited to see Celaeno again and was not wanting to miss this chance.

I rounded the corner and passed a cargo ship that was being loaded up. And I saw a few familiar green faces. Boyle and Mullet were helping out around the docks beside the Zephyrus with the former hoisting a wooden box over his shoulder. I slowed my pace as I scanned the people around the docks. Celaeno is usually easy to spot, especially since she was one of only a few harpies present around a whole crew of ponies.

I had become so focused on scanning the horizon that I failed to notice that someone was approaching from my left. And I soon felt a hand grab my head from above while a deep yet happy voice spoke from next to me. "Ahoy, lad! Looking for the captain? Lemme adjust your compass."

Mullet had gotten the jump on me and turned my head. A stack of crates was being moved along on a wheeled cart. And it soon rolled out of the way to reveal the form of Celaeno with her back to me. I glanced at Mullet while he glanced back at me with a big smirk on his beak. "Thar she blows. Go get 'er, matey."

"Thanks, mate!" I said with a snicker while Mullet turned me loose. I hurried along with a jog while wondering if I should try calling out to Celaeno. Would she even hear me through the noise in the air? That massive stone chamber lined with reinforcing beams of steel across the walls and ceiling served as a natural echo chamber. But right as I was starting to get close, she began to turn my way. And Celaeno's face brightened up the instant her eyes met mine. She turned and held her arms wide as I sailed into her embrace. "Celaeno!"

Her embrace was very firm and I even heard her giggle loudly as we held each other with my head tucked under the brim of her wide hat. But what she said next... I did not immediately understand. "Hola, hola, mi maravilloso amigo!"

"Uh...what?" I mumbled while that giggling made way to proper laughter. Celaeno then just rubbed her feathery head up against mine while I was still locked in her embrace. I then rolled my eyes and dropped the subject. Whatever it was she said, it sounded very happy.

Celaeno finally loosened her grasp on me and allowed us to speak face to face. A big smile was on her beak as she said, "Fancy seeing you here! What brings you up to Canterlot and out onto the docks today? I never got the feeling you're the kind of man who spends a lotta time flying. Special occasion?"

"I was just lucky you happened to be here when I arrived. I showed up to head out on a private vacation with the higher ups who served during the war. We've been planning it for a while." I replied before turning left and trying to spot the Olympia on the other side. I moved my finger back and forth before I finally spotted it. "There. That's my ride. You see it?"

Celaeno squatted a bit to have an easier time seeing under the brim of her own hat and the hull of the Zephyrus above us. She did not take long to spot it. "That... Oh, the Olympia! She's a real beauty of an airship, that one. The royal family's private cruiser. I guess it pays to have friends in high places."

Before I could form a response, Celaeno then nudged me with her elbow and wiggled her eyebrows at me. "Or maybe I should say...you have sweethearts in high places?"

"Celaeno, not here... There's people listening." I muttered in a near panic. She was not even trying to whisper. Celaeno was speaking with a pretty normal tone of voice.

The harpy captain held her arms wide and asked, "And who do you think is gonna hear us?! Unless somebody's standing right behind us, no one's gonna hear a thing in this racket!"

She was right. That entire stone chamber was as noisy as the average cafeteria during the lunch rush. A complete cacophony of noise. I rolled my eyes as I quickly understood that I was fussing about nothing. "Point taken."

Celaeno then stepped over to me with arms crossed and a gleam of intrigue in her eyes. That smile on her beak and her bright rosy eyes really drew my attention and made me notice just how pretty she is. "But you do have sweethearts in high places, right? Someone waiting for you over there?"

"I mean it IS the royal family's personal airship. The king and queen and all their daughters are coming too. And...Celestia will be there. Yeah... Yeah, she and I have enjoyed some quality time together lately. We'll surely get some time together down south too." I explained meekly now that I was discussing a very closely guarded secret. Celaeno was just one of the few outside my family I could trust with that info.

Rather than poke fun at the dynamics of me romancing one of Equestria's true sovereigns, Celaeno spoke sincerely to me. "She found herself a good man. A man who knows how to make his women happy. I'm rooting for you, matey."

All I could do was hold Celaeno in my arms for another hug. It was reassuring to hear that from someone whose only perspective was from the outside. And while she was in my embrace, Celaeno asked again. "How's the kid? That little cutie still as happy as last time I came around?"

"Yeah, Gladesong is still living her best life. She almost never cries, she's just that happy of a filly. Always surrounded by people who love her. I gave her a goodbye kiss on my way out today. I know she'll be in good hands...and hooves while I'm gone." I replied while I found myself missing my baby girl. She was still a bit young for traveling far, so it was too soon to take her on a more adventurous vacation far away.

"Sounds like she's got several mamas watching over her, if you know what I mean." Celaeno said before bursting into a snickering fit. And I cracked a crooked grimace over that statement. She was right. Fluttershy may be Gladesong's mother, but Rarity loves her as if she was her own. And Smolder most definitely has displayed such a motherly side towards Gladesong since shortly after meeting her... Although Celaeno then asked, "Anyway, you're flying south, right? How far south we talking?"

I glanced back over at the Olympia and said, "We're heading down to Cantercun for a while. Sounds like a good place to be this time of year."

Celaeno raised an eyebrow, but not quite in disappointment. "Stopping short of Aquila, huh? Just remember, you're signed up for the tournament down there. I'll come by to pick you up when it's time. You wouldn't mind bunking with some birds for the trip, would you?"

"After seeing how much you tidied up old Zephyrus here, I think that'd be a nice time. It'll be cool to see how real aviation pioneers sail the skies for once in their home territory." I replied with a playful smirk of my own. I almost thought I had soared on the Zephyrus just once during the trip home from the Empty Plains, but I then recalled that I spent the entire voyage aboard the Alabaster and not the Zephyrus. Only to then remember the only time I did fly on it was when I was abducted off that train and more or less held hostage. And right with our first encounter too. "At least the old girl will be in much better shape than last time, right?"

Celaeno facepalmed at the memory. And she got quite a laugh out of it too. "Oh man, you had to remind me! Yeah, not the best first impression, was it? I swear it'll be much smoother sailing next time around. They fixed old Zephyrus up good after keeping her dry-docked for a while. She's never been better!"

I looked up at that majestic airship floating above us. The Zephyrus was on the verge of falling apart when I was first dragged aboard. It did my heart good to see the old girl finally restored to her prime. Celaeno then glanced down while I noticed her out of the corner of my eye. "And next time, I'll be walking on two real feet again. Can't wait to see that happen."

A twinge of unease rippled through my heart. I was suddenly reminded of what Celaeno and I had planned. And upon looking at her, I did not really notice any changes in her appearance. She looked just as lean as when I last saw her. At least from a glance. "Celaeno... You know you don't have to do that if you have any doubts... If you're having second thoughts, I understand."

Her smile faded a bit, but more with a look of concern instead of fear or unease. She then managed to smile again and said, "Easy there, James. I know what I signed up for and I'm still preparing myself for it. I know it doesn't look like I've packed on any extra weight, but my jacket's a bit tighter than it used to be."

There was no doubt in those eyes at all. She had set a goal for herself and was set on meeting that quota by the deadline. I had to ask. "You do sound sure of yourself... What're you even doing to prepare yourself for that?"

Celaeno smirked while also looking like she was trying to not laugh at something particularly absurd in her head. "Lix Spittle's been serving me meals with extra calories. And I'm snacking all the time on stuff like nuts and salty foods to get all that extra fat in me. And just this week, she started mixing a special ingredient into all my meals to real get the calories counting. A little something called...coconut oil."

My eyes widened as I recoiled at that last statement. I knew enough about that substance to know just how inherently unhealthy that stuff is for consumption. "Oh my god, coconut oil shouldn't even be served as food! The saturated fat content of that stuff is terrifying! And you've been eating that stuff with every meal?!"

"Yeah, I'd never touch the stuff normally. Why anyone would want to use that as a cooking ingredient is beyond me, but it's exactly what this bird needs if I'm ever gonna run again!" Celaeno laughed before making a light stomp with her right leg. Or rather the peg leg that extended just below the knee. While I would have been repulsed at any other time, I felt more confident in Celaeno's preparations for that dangerous potion now that she was routinely consuming something so ridiculously high in fat. I suppose coconut oil is good for something edible after all. She then looked down at the peg leg of solid emerald and said, "Just a little longer and I'll be able to feel my toes again. Can't wait to go jogging on the beach back home..."

She sounded so hopeful. And that smile was calm and full of longing. Celaeno was truly ready to stop walking and start running. The scarred harpy captain then looked my way and asked, "James? Can I ask a favor for when we reach Aquila? It's not a big deal, I promise."

I titled my head to one side just slightly now that I was curious of this sudden bout of sincerity. "Yeah?"

Celaeno held a hand out to me. Almost like she was asking for a handshake, yet...not quite. "When we get there and we have time between matches at the tournament... Could we go for a jog on the beach? Just the two of us. I'd really appreciate it if we could just go for a run together. That OK with you?"

It sounded lovely. The warm soft tropical sand beneath my feet and the waves crashing along the shore at one side... It was a simple request, but I adored the way it played out in my head. I then reached out and held Celaeno's hand for a shake. "I'd be happy to. But you'd need to get your right foot back first."

"Yeah, count on it. I'm not backing out now. I've spent too much time walking to miss out on a chance to run again. I can't fly, but I could always sprint with the best of them back in the day." Celaeno said proudly before she then pulled me in for a hug with one arm. I felt her patting her hand on my back before she whispered into my ear, "Chin up, matey. This captain's been through worse. We'll get through this. I didn't sign up for this procedure just to kick the bucket now."

One arm was not enough for me. I grabbed Celaeno in another full embrace and just held her for a moment. I wanted to believe her. And now I knew more of the details on just how she was preparing her body for the extreme strain that potion's effects would have on her. I wanted to believe everything would be just fine, but... "James...?"

I almost did not notice Celaeno's words. I knew of the risks. She could very well die. And in a ghastly manner. I whispered with my head resting on her shoulder. "I just...don't want to lose you. Not like that. I'm just...afraid. I don't want to watch you die."

Celaeno let out a sigh before she reached up with her free arm. And she...tilted the brim of her hat down to the left so that it was draped over our entire heads. We could not see anything to my right and the only the Zephyrus and the rest of the docks on the far side could be seen to my left. Celaeno then brought her beak to my ear and whispered...something I still do not understand. "Estás enamorada y no lo puedes negar."

Whatever the meaning behind those words were, I was soon shown why she had adjusted the brim of her hat to hide our faces from any prying eyes that were near enough to make us out. Celaeno quickly brought her face before mine and clamped her beak over my mouth. Her tongue immediately slipped past my lips and...

We kissed. Like only a handful of times before, we held each other and allowed ourselves to partake in a mutual show of affection. And the taste on her tongue... It was coconut. She was not kidding about the excessive use of coconut oil to increase her calorie intake. But regardless... I felt comforted by this show of tenderness. We were in our own little bubble for the moment. And I closed my eyes and let it happen.

It felt like a small eternity, yet it was still all too brief. But when Celaeno very reluctantly pulled her face away from mine, she gazed into my eyes with a look of...sadness? Longing? It was as if all that confidence and joy was just gone for a moment. And once again, she whispered to me words I did not understand. "Pero... Alguna vez seré digno de tu corazón?"

All I could do was stair at Celaeno in uncertainty. I was convinced that she was telling me something. Something important. Yet also something she did not want me to understand at the time. I was tempted to ask, but my gut feeling demanded that I not press her for answers. I felt a powerful urge to change the subject. And as her fingers rose to the side of my face to tenderly caress my cheek, I found something silly to say. "You taste like coconut... I don't even like coconut."

That was just the icebreaker we needed. Celaeno suddenly staggered back while howling with raucous laughter. She looked like she was about to fall over, but managed to compose herself after a brief moment and even readjusted the angle of her hat on her head. "You noticed, huh? Yeah, coconut oil isn't like coconut milk. That flavor is very prominent in whatever it gets into. It's a good thing I don't mind the flavor."

I was unsure of how to feel. Did I kill the moment, or did I break away in just the right manner? Whatever the case, Celaeno then stepped towards me and rested a hand on my shoulder. "Really though... Don't worry too much about me. I've got too much to look forward to. I can't let myself die now. And I won't do that to you. If you're there with me when it's time, I won't let myself die. You believe me, right?"

"Yeah... Yeah, I do. I guess I'm just overthinking this. It wouldn't be the first time I...almost lost someone dear to me." I replied while bringing my hand up to hers. I gently slid her hand from my shoulder while our eyes met again. Celaeno was smiling, so I smiled back at her. "You're a great person, Celaeno. I'd hate to lose you."

"Back at you, matey. Anyway, I think I've taken up enough of your time. There's somewhere you need to be, right?" Celaeno replied before looking over yonder at the floating form of the Olympia. She then tipped her hat at me and said, "Safe travels, James. Get out there and catch some rays for me!"

"Will do, captain. See ya!" I said in farewell as we both turned away from each other. I was in better spirits by then and tried to set my mind on the good times that were just on the horizon. But I did not get far before finding Boyle and Mullet standing beside each other while constantly watching me as I walked by. And the looks they were giving me... The biggest and smuggest smirks I had ever seen on their beaks. I could not stay quiet and asked, "What?"

The two of them did not really reply. All they did was chuckle amongst each other. But as they started to walk back towards the Zephyrus to get back to work, I heard Boyle speak something I once again did not understand that was immediately followed by very hearty laughter from both of them. "Diablo suertudo."

"The stuff a guy can get away with when hiding behind a language barrier..." I grumbled while amusingly shaking my head at the two harpy men. What were they up to? Whatever the case, I was needed elsewhere. I headed back down the docks at a brisk pace to reach the other side.

I could make out some familiar forms on the docks near the Olympia. Sunflare and Orbash were present and were presiding over Shining Armor and Cadence. I did not see their daughters anywhere, so they were likely already aboard the Olympia. But amongst them was a bright shade of blue. And my heart leapt into my mouth. Ember was among them.

My heart was pounding. A thrill was sent through my spine. Ember was coming? I could not recall whether or not I had ever been told she would be present for the vacation, but I was delighted all the same to see her. And yet...I was anxious. I was so madly in love with that wonderful dragon queen, even if I could not tell her at the time. And she could not tell me. I wanted to run right over to her, but...

A powerful compulsion told me to be sneaky. And Ember clearly did not see me coming while she held the Bloodstone Scepter in her left hand. Her own right wing was also partially blocking her view of the direction I was standing in. A smirk forming on my lips, I walked towards the distant Dragon Lord.

Everyone there was so distracted with each other that they did not notice my approach. Or perhaps they did and understood what I was doing. Regardless, I drew nearer and nearer while Ember was completely oblivious to my position. But when I was several paces away... The gemstone atop the Bloodstone Scepter. It began to glow brightly.

Ember responded to the glow while no one else did. She turned her head just slightly in its direction and appeared to say something to it. And mere seconds later, she turned her head further to look over her shoulder with a gaze of surprise that turned into one of smugness. She smirked at me and said, "Someone's being sneaky today."

I almost cracked up laughing as I remembered exactly what the Bloodstone Scepter actually does. I had only met them once, but her parents were able to speak to her from beyond the grave through the Bloodstone Scepter so long as she responded to their calls. And they could see everything around it. I asked with a crooked grin, "Did your mom and dad see me coming?"

"Maybe." Ember giggled before turning to me and holding out an arm for an embrace. And I all too happily replied. I dropped to one knee and took Ember into my arms while she draped her arm and both wings over me. She then whispered into my ear, "I missed you, my little warrior poet."

Such tenderness in those words. I wanted to kiss her. If only there were not so many prying eyes around us. All I could do was nod onto her shoulder and whisper back. "I've been thinking about you a lot lately..."

Ember almost said something, but her gaze was directed towards the Bloodstone Scepter again. The Bloodstone itself was glowing brightly. Someone was reaching out to us. Ember then smiled at me and said, "I think someone wants to say hello."

I brought one hand low to touch that craggy stone scepter near the bottom of the handle. I hoped that just touching it anywhere was enough to establish a connection. "OK then... Um... Hello?"

A voice suddenly reached out to me in my mind instead of reaching my ears. Instead of a gruff and booming masculine voice, a very lovely feminine voice spoke up with a delighted and sweet tone. "Hello, my dear! How have you been since last time? Oh, I wish I could read what other lovely stories you've written since then. Have those artist's fingers been busy?"

"Blaze! Hi! Yeah, things have been pretty good! Great to hear you!" I replied as I immediately recognized the beautiful voice of Ember's very lovely mother. I could still remember her towering yet gorgeous form and those very loving eyes in that face of gentle purple hues.

A different voice then spoke up. One that was powerful and masculine, but still happy nonetheless. "Ha! The boy returns! Been keeping yourself safe? Have your scars healed since then? Our daughter's been fretting over you since the last time."

"Dad! Not here!" Ember fumed as she suddenly released me from her embrace, but did not pull back enough force me to let go of the Bloodstone Scepter. She turned her head away from me, but then spoke to me out of the corner of her eye while showing a crooked smile. "We started talking every day after figuring out what the Bloodstone Scepter does. It's...nice knowing they're still with me."

Ember looked happy, even if understandably uncomfortable with her parents looming over her during that moment. It was as if they never died at all. They had always been with her all along. I then looked at the glowing gemstone atop the scepter and said, "Good to see...um... Good to hear you too, Torch. And thanks for looking after Ember for me. I wish I could be there more often."

"Think nothing of it, boy. Much like the king and queen of Equestria, Blaze and I continue to serve as confidants for the current Dragon Lord. And it's a pleasure to...just be a family again. We should be thanking you for watching over her until we could finally reach her." Torch said rather gently in spite of his very intimidating voice. I even heard a quiet giggle from Blaze in the background.

A quick look at Ember confirmed that she was still getting used to having her parents back in her life. And she was not entirely comfortable yet with them listening in on the conversation we were having with each other. The kind approval of Ember's mighty father was reassuring and prompted me to provide a retort. "I'm honored I could, sir. Your daughter is a wonderful person."

"All right, that's enough!" Ember barked before yanking the Bloodstone Scepter out of my grasp entirely. The glow coming from the gemstone atop it also faded now that Torch and Blaze could no longer reach me. Although I am sure they were having a laugh over Ember's discomfort. Ember then snorted before looking at me with a very crooked smile. "They ask about you now and then. I think they like you."

"Hey, that's fair. I like them too." I retorted while sure that the former Dragon Lord couple could still hear me just fine. I then reached out to Ember again before catching myself. I should not be too openly affectionate with her. But she still responded and held my hand. "I didn't know you'd be coming... But I'm glad you're here anyway."

"They didn't tell you? Weird. The royal family reached out to me just after that big party up here and I really couldn't say no." Ember replied while an amused smile formed on her face. Had they kept her arrival under wraps just to surprise me? Not that it mattered. Having Ember along would be a joy. Although her eyes narrowed as a very sly smirk spread across her lips. "And I'm not the only one they went and picked up today."

I raised an eyebrow at those words. I assumed Ember had simply reached Canterlot on her own two wings, but it sounded like she had arrived via airship. But who else could have been brought along? Or at least that was what I asked myself before I noticed something. A presence...

What was this sensation? I felt...a pleasant aura. Something reaching out to my very soul. And I felt...happy. As if I recognized this presence. But the only time I ever felt such a sensation was when in the company of...kirin.

My eyes widened. And I stood up before turning to my left. And there, standing nearby like a single tree in the path of many dock workers going about their business... Just patiently watching us... It was her. "Rain..."

What a majestic contrast to the more industrialized setting around us. That glorious kirin queen of verdant pine green hair stood out like an evergreen in a desert. And she gazed upon me with those gentle eyes of rubies before slowly approaching with a gentle yet methodical walk. My heart pounded in my chest as I could plainly see the love in her eyes. Her spirit reached out to mine as mine did to hers. We were together again. As we should be. I barely took a step forward before she reached me. And with open arms, Rain Shine stepped forward and rested her jaw upon my shoulder. My arms folded around her as I muttered, "I... I just..."

"No. Say no words, my love. Let us savor this." She whispered back to me with that beautiful voice. And so we both fell silent as I closed my eyes. I felt at peace as our ears were filled with the white noise of that giant stone and iron echo chamber. No one reached out to us. No one dared disturbed us. For that brief moment on the docks, it was just Rain Shine and I.

My heart was a storm of conflicting emotions. I was full of joy, but also regret. It was so easy to forget how easily and naturally our hearts reached out to each other. But now that I was in her presence again, I had been reminded. The love between man and kirin... It is a natural and mutual love. The love we found on the Empty Plains... A love that remained even afterward... And how I was a fool to have ever doubted it at all.

Rain Shine sighed tenderly with long breaths wheezing forth from the expansive lungs housed in her powerful equine body. The soothing scent of pine was still set into her mane and delighted my nostrils with every breath. Almost like the scent of a holiday tree set up in one's living room with the landscape blanketed in snow just outside. And with Hearth's Warming Eve coming up soon, it could not have been a better time. With my eyes closed and my nose breathing in the scent of a mare's mane who is inexplicably connected to the earth's natural bounties, I felt as if I was standing in the middle of a glorious forest of pines and firs. Her aura surrounded me and I was at peace.

And yet, I felt guilty. I had forgotten. Spending too much time away, even in a place filled with the beautiful greens of nature like Ponyville... I had forgotten what it meant to be with the kirin. To be with a mare whose very soul reached out to mine. We belonged together. Man of humanity and mare of nature's blessings. And with my throat clenching in some quiet grief, I whispered something to Rain Shine that I knew she had been waiting to hear. "I love you."

Her response was immediate. Rain Shine leaned more into my embrace as she whispered into my ear. "Your heart... Why does it weep, my love? Why do I feel sorrow within you? Or even shame? Do not fret, for I am here now. And I love you, my dear. Please? Be happy for me? We are all here to have a joyous time, are we not?"

Such grace and understanding... Much like how I could never hope to hide my heart from lovely little Ocellus, my very soul and spiritual energy was an open book to a kirin like Rain Shine. But rather than be embarrassed, I felt comforted. She could understand me in ways others could not. And she could help me understand and find peace with myself. There was no disappointment in her voice. Rain Shine was nothing but pleased to be in my arms again. I tried to push my own doubts away. I need not fear forgetting if I could be so quickly reminded by one I love so dearly. "Thank you... It's just so easy to forget...what it's like to love a kirin."

"Then let me remind you today. We will have time alone, yes? Please, let us have moments to each other during this voyage. I will feel...more at ease in your arms while we are separated from the earth." Rain Shine whispered to me before my eyes widened in sudden remembrance. Her trip to Canterlot was not her first time soaring on an airship. And I could remember how she felt the first time it happened when she was ferried home aboard the Alabaster.

Remembering that elegant and gracious mare becoming overcome with a new kind of anxiety the instant the Alabaster lost any connection to the ground made me suddenly snicker. Only then did I pull my head back to look at my beloved face to face. "Uh oh, they brought you here by air, right? Was it...stressful?"

"We kirin were never meant for the sky. As much as I wish it was not so... I feel...isolated and vulnerable when I can no longer sense the presence of mother earth beneath my hooves." Rain Shine replied with an uncharacteristically crooked smile. She suddenly looked so unrefined as she recalled how nervous she must have been. But she then cast her gaze up at the vast cave we were now standing inside. "Even here, I can still feel my connection to the earth. Even if all this metal acts much like a thin curtain between us. I find the energies in the air here...intriguing. The marvels of modern discoveries and technology refined from the ores deep in the earth..."

"Let's hope Equestria always maintains the right balance between industrialization and conservation of the environment. You would hate to see what the people of my world has done to the planet. Not that I need to tell you that..." I retorted while staying hopeful that Equestria would not lose its way the way the world of Earth has. With how Celestia and Luna had been observing my world for so long, I can only imagine how many cautionary tales they took away from it to serve as examples on how to avoid making mistakes. I had faith in them and their guidance for this beautiful world.

Rain Shine displayed a more pained smile at me as I said those words. But she did not speak. Because she knew. I still remember when she tried to feel what was so far ahead on the Empty Plains and what was at the summit of the Heaven's Pillar. And the sheer overwhelming malevolence of my world's sins spilling past the portal that hung high above. She was in genuine agony. Just being in the world of my birth may very well have killed her. As I considered this concept, I protectively and instinctively reached out and held Rain Shine in a protective embrace. To imagine her in pain... It unsettled me. I wanted to keep her safe just as she had done for me. "It's OK... We're in a good place now. Equestria won't be tainted anymore."

"I know, my love. I know." She whispered to me. But Rain Shine then suddenly jerked her head back to look past me. Someone was approaching. And I turned and saw that Sunflare was being the first to finally intrude. But when I turned towards Equetsria's mighty queen, Rain Shine suddenly got between us with her eyes filled with wariness. "Your majesty."

Sunflare and I were both perplexed over why Rain Shine was being so protective of me when I was in no danger. I immediately assumed it was due to the memories of that...harrowing first encounter we had with her on the Empty Plains. Acting more on instinct than anything else? Regardless, Sunflare took no offense to Rain Shine putting herself between us and spoke kindly to her. "Calm yourself, kirin queen. The boy and I have no quarrel."

I gently pushed my way past Rain Shine without a word. When she gazed upon me with eyes full of concern, I merely smiled back. I stood before Sunflare as she then reached out to me. And Rain Shine saw it all. The sun queen placed a kiss upon my forehead before speaking to me. "So good to have you with us today, child. Celestia would be most displeased if you missed your flight."

"I wouldn't miss this for the world." I replied before turning to look at Rain Shine. While not exactly shocked by the mutual affection towards each other, she still looked surprised. I then explained to her, "Stuff has happened since last time. We're cool with each other."

Sunflare then spoke more firmly towards Rain Shine, although her eyes displayed a quiet shame. "I understand your concerns, Rain Shine. I was a fool that day. I attempted to end this man's life for my world without knowing how he truly served our enemy by existing. I was hasty and reckless. And I beg you for your forgiveness. This man has become a dear friend of the royal family..."

The queen of Equestria then reached out with her wing as she glanced over at me. I saw what she wanted and stepped into her winged embrace for a hug. She then spoke more happy towards our guest, "And I adore him as if he were my own."

Rain Shine's eyes narrowed as if she was trying to scan Sunflare for any deceit. She...actually looked rather funny about it in hindsight. She raised an eyebrow with a scowl on her lips that made her look a lot funnier than she should have. At last, she finally spoke. "Your aura is...warm. Like a gently flickering flame and not a raging inferno. You speak the truth, yes?"

As if detecting Rain Shine's lingering doubts, Orbash finally stepped forward after watching patiently for long enough. "Of course, my dear. I was there, you know. This fine lad joined us for a night on the town not too Long ago and it was a grand time for us all. I assure you that my wife holds no ill will for this boy and has come around to being quite sweet on him in her own fiery way."

"Hmph! I can have my moments in casting aside the royal facade, my love. A queen can just be a mare now and then, can she not?" Sunflare asked while that annoyed scowl quickly turned into an amused smile. The two of them shared a brief kiss while Rain Shine stepped over to me. She looked at me while I glanced at her. That growing smile on her lips told me all I needed to know. She understood then that Sunflare could be unconditionally trusted. If I could place my faith in her, then so too could Rain Shine.

I happened to notice that Shining Armor and Cadence had boarded the Olympia while I had been so fixated on the beautiful kirin queen beside me. They were looking over the side of the deck at us for a moment before disappearing from sight. Ember soon drew near and began to chat up her fellow dragon of the east now that she had joined the conversation. Now that all eyes were off me for the moment, I decided to take advantage of the situation by taking some photos.

I pulled out my DSi and got to work. I wandered around the dock and snapping photos of that massive cave and the various airships docked there. I took photos of the Zephyrus over yonder and the majestic form of the Olympia looming overhead. I even snuck a photo of the four royals chatting amongst themselves just to show exactly who I was going to be taking a vacation with. "Gotta get lots of these for the kids back home."

Once I had snapped enough, I clapped the two haves of the device closed and slipped back over to my hosts before they even noticed I had stepped away. Orbash then spoke up, "Now then! Since it seems everyone is here and accounted for, shall we be off? We have sunny shores and clear skies waiting for us! And I haven't seen Cantercun in...how long has it been?"

"I do believe we last wandered the empty beaches some two hundred years ago, my love. I merely wish to know how much more enjoyable it will be to partake in the festivities among the common folk." Sunflare replied as she and her husband began to lead us up the gangplank. I followed with Ember and Rain Shine close behind me. Hearing those words being spoken made me wonder how Orbash and Sunflare even managed living a vagabond lifestyle for so long. I will never grasp the minds of immortals.

I found my luggage sitting not far from the top of the gangplank. And I was about to ask Ember and Rain Shine where theirs were until I realized who I was looking at. Dragons are very hardy by nature and tend to live especially lean lifestyles back in the rugged dragon lands while the kirin live entirely in harmony with nature. Whatever Rain Shine might need could simply be produced from the earth itself and Ember would be just fine with whatever came her way. Although Ember did notice the suitcase on wheels and asked, "What's that you got there?"

"Just some necessities for the trip. Clean clothes, hygiene products, the basics. Come to think of it, when was the last time you used any of that stuff? Like say...brushed your teeth?" I asked before suddenly remembering that Ember had likely gone without any of the necessities modern society takes for granted after returning home once the War of Preservation ended. She had been introduced to soft bedding, appliances, running water, and even basic dental care. She had even started to dabble in the art of cooking. What had she been up to right after going home?

Ember's eyes widened in equally sudden realization. "Uh... Now that you mention it... Not since we left the Empty Plains. I guess I should fix that tonight, huh?"

"Yeah, most definitely. They probably have some provided in the bathrooms here." I replied while sure that Ember had been snacking on gemstones the entire time. All that would cause is gradual physical erosion instead of chemical corrosion. And that is assuming that dragon fangs are not tough enough to withstand getting worn down by crushing diamonds over the centuries.

I saw Rain Shine's eyes suddenly go wide in unease the instant the gangplank was disconnected from the side of the ship. Ember noticed her friend tense up and asked, "Uh... You OK there, Rain?"

"I can't sense the energies in the earth anymore... I may never get used to this." The kirin queen replied with such a crooked smile on her lips. In just an instant, all of her regal poise was gone. She now looked so much sillier with those wide eyes and quivering smile. Even her long legs appeared to be quivering like the limbs of a newborn faun. She then looked at me and asked, "May I ask you to hold me as we depart?"

"Heh, sure. Come here." I replied before taking that beautiful creature into my arms. Her quivering ceased immediately in my embrace. He aura soothed me just as mine soothed hers. Just to try and calm my beloved's nerves more, I whispered near her ear. "I love you."

"And I love you, my dear. Thank you for bearing with me. For as exciting as flight is, it still unsettles me all the same." Rain Shine giggled nervously. I could only imagine what her fellow ladies back home would say if they saw their elegant and composed chieftain so consistently uneasy aboard an airship.

We felt the Olympia beneath us shift just slightly. It was being pushed out towards the empty center of the docks to prepare for departure. And we began to hear the buzz of the propellers whirring. Ember and Rain Shine could not contain their excitement and hurried to the very front of the ship's bow to witness it take flight out of that mountain's cave for the first time. But while they did that, I hurried to the edge of the starboard side. And there beyond was the Zephyrus.

I scanned the deck as a number of crewman went about their business. And thankfully, there she was. Celaeno was up on deck and happened to be watching the Olympia with keen interest. When I waved at her, she waved back. I just wanted to say goodbye to my friend before we could lose sight of each other.

With those last goodbyes said, I hurried over to the tip of the bow with the Dragon Lord and the kirin queen. The great doors that kept out the bitter autumn winds began to open outward to reveal that gloomy autumn sky beyond. Rain Shine's eyes were wide with intrigue as her own detachment from the earth slipped her mind for the moment. Ember then glanced up at the Bloodstone atop her scepter and said, "Mom? Dad? You seeing this? I bet you never got an experience this grand when you took off."

The Bloodstone began to glow, but I heard nothing. And I did not want to intrude on a conversation. The Olympia began to gain speed as she drifted out beyond the great gates. We all watched in awe as we completely emerged from the cave and drifted out over the vast plains below. The helmsman then took us around the mountain to let us get a very scenic look at Canterlot from the outside. Canterlot was always a sight to behold from below, but seeing it on equal altitude was something else entirely. He was probably also doing so just to let the people who were out and about at the time to gaze upon the royal family's private airship as it set sail. Rain Shine especially muttered in awe, "Splendid... It is almost worth enduring my fears just to witness this."

"There really is no means of travel quite like this. We don't have airships like this back home. It's just...so fantastical and whimsical that I love it." I replied as I savored that moment. The design of the ship and the altitude of the gas sack above greatly diminished the amount of wind that swept over the deck. While there was a bit of wind chill, I found it tolerable.

Ember looked up at me as she paused in the conversation she had with her parents. "You have flying machines back of Earth too? Are they like this?"

I found myself smirking in somewhat bitter amusement. "No, nothing like this. These kinds of airships only exist in fantasy in my world. The aircraft of my world are fast and efficient airliners that are many times faster than this. But they just don't have the appeal of airships like this. It's all speed and efficiency over aesthetics, sadly. Even if it is completely necessary. Airships like the Olympia and Alabaster combine the convenience of air travel with the majesty and grace of an ocean vessel. And there's nothing else like it."

"Sounds boring compared to this. Just being up here feels like an adventure to me." Ember said with her arms crossed as she took a step forward to stand right at the front of the bow and gazed out over the plains below. We were now heading south at a steady pace. Although she then looked back at us and asked, "Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure I can fly faster than this! Can't we go faster?"

I stepped closer to Ember while Rain Shine stayed close to my side. While not fluent in the field of aeronautics, I could make an educated guess on how airships work. "I mean yeah, I'm sure the fastest pegasi in the world can fly circles around most airships. But airships can fly for longer and farther and they can carry a lot of cargo. As long as they have enough fuel, they can probably span the entire globe in one flight. Even if it would take days or weeks."

Ember came walking our way and asked, "Fuel, huh? I...didn't consider what actually makes these things work."

Of course she would not know. An unfortunate requirement for all vehicles is that they require a fuel source to power the machinery inside them. I then explained, "Yeah, that's how this stuff works. I haven't seen many airship engine rooms, but...I think most are powered by steam engines. And that's probably fueled by burning coal. But maybe some more modern airships use oil...or other more magical means of power?"

The Dragon Lord before me tilted her head to one side as she looked like she was struggling to comprehend my words. She was a barbarian queen from out in the badlands and had next to no understanding of machinery at all. This was all too much for her to take in at once. The Bloodstone began to glow once again to get Ember's attention. And her response confirmed my suspicions. "No, I don't have a clue of what that all means."

Torch and Blaze were likely equally at a loss of what to think of what I just described. Rain Shine even smirked at me in amusement over Ember's confusion. Even she was likely more knowledgeable of the workings of modern machinery thanks to her people's ability to listen in around the world wherever Equestria's flora could reach. I just raised a hand towards her and said, "Don't worry yourself over it. This is supposed to be a pleasure cruise, right? No point in wracking your brain with lectures over stuff you don't get."

"Hey, just because I'm ignorant doesn't mean I'm stupid! I want to learn more about this world!" Ember barked defiantly while also looking quite proud over the opportunity to learn new things. She had always been a real go-getter when it came to opportunities to broaden her horizons and I found that extremely admirable about Ember. Although she then looked like she heard another question from her parents. And Ember's only response was to look at me with a much more crooked stare. "Except maybe I shouldn't try to learn too much in one day..."

"Wise words, Ember. Pace yourself. You have all the time in the world to enlighten yourself to the wonders beyond the borders of your people." Rain Shine said serenely as Ember's friend and elder. They may have both been dragons of the east and west, but Rain Shine has been around much longer than Ember.

Ember appeared appreciative of Rain Shine's words. But now that I had them there with each other and knowing that they lived not all that far apart, I suddenly had an idea. "Say, before I forget... Have you ladies seen each other after returning home? Made some visits?"

"No, my people and I have not ventured into the dragon lands. I am not so certain they would give us a warm welcome regardless." Rain Shine replied while I understood exactly where she was coming from. The dragons of the west are barbaric brutes who are not above greeting outsiders with a rock to the back of the head while the dragons of the east are pacifists by nature. But she then looked Ember's way and spoke with a smile. "But our friend here has stopped by twice since we returned home. Once just for its own sake as well as to confirm the location of the Grove of Silence and then for more diplomatic matters. To discuss the future of our people."

The Dragon Lord was beaming at the memory. And she only confirmed those visits further. "They made sure I had a good time. Amazing food to try and just being deep in all those changing colors in the leaves... It's completely different from back home."

It was inspiring to see that the leaders of the dragon lands and the kirin community of the Grove of Silence had become more than mere allies. Rain Shine and Ember were genuine friends by then. I then asked, "You said you were discussing things about the future? As in...what?"

Ember crossed her arms with the Bloodstone Scepter in one hand while she said proudly, "Oh, the basics. Possible trade deals, enlisting outside air to introduce the concept of agriculture to the dragon lands. My homeland really needs more green to balance out all that volcanic rock."

"I'm sure you can make it work too. There are some places with very active volcanoes that still have plenty of foliage growing around them... Hey! Yeah, volcanic ash and rock can even enrich the soil! With the aid of kirin magic, you should have an easy time making the dragon lands much prettier." I replied as I considered just how the two races of dragons could air each other. Although it sounded like Rain Shine's people had a lot more to offer than Ember's.

Ember seemed to be very aware of that thought in my head. Her optimistic smile faded as she said, "Yeah, but that's just for starters... The dragon lands needs a lot more than agriculture. We've completely fallen behind the rest of the world entirely. Equestria has surpassed us by millennia. All because those boulderheads were too proud and stubborn to think about how much better we could be if we just...looked at the world around us."

She was bitter. And her parents were definitely listening in at the time. And what came next was not the most shocking thing Ember had ever said. "Keep quiet about this, but...I'm going to discuss the official annexation of the dragon lands into Equestria with the royal family during this vacation. Seems like a good time to bring it up."

My eyes widened at this revelation. I vaguely recall Ember having discussed considering such an option the last time I saw her, but now? The intention to make it official? Even Rain Shine appeared alarmed by this and said, "Are you sure that's wise? I doubt your people will be in favor of it."

Ember scowled at us, but not with anger directed at Rain Shine or I. "Those boulderheads don't know better. And that's not my problem. I've thought about this long and hard and I can't think of a better way for the dragon lands to crawl out of the pit they've dug themselves into while staying completely independent. We have nothing while the rest of the world has everything. The only alternative would be to invade...and I won't stand for that."

Those words were filled with bitterness, but also wisdom. And I was proud of her. Ember was definitely proving that she had nothing but the best interests of her people at heart, even if they did not know it. Her intentions were radical, but drastic means would be necessary when there is such a massive gap between the dragon lands and the entire rest of the world. Ember then knowingly looked up at the Bloodstone Scepter and said, "Any objections?"

The Bloodstone glowed just briefly before going dim again. And Ember's firm scowl made way for a calm smile. I did not even have to ask what Torch and Blaze had to say to that. They clearly gave Ember their blessings and faith. Rain Shine bowed her head towards her friend and said, "Be strong, Dragon Lord. I trust your people's future is bright with your leadership."

"I'm trying my best here. The only difference between me and them is that I'm no boulderhead." Ember replied with a smug smirk on her lips. I had faith in her too. Ember had impressed me in so many ways since we met. Being so open and willing to make necessary changes and to learn new things... Truly a blue rose amongst her kind. Although a sudden crosswind did blow over the deck right then and made Ember's eyes go wide as she felt the bite of cold autumn air. "But anyway... How about we get inside? I've had enough of the cold up here and its hard to appreciate the view when it's this...dreary out here."

"Yes, quite. I shall feel more at ease indoors myself." Rain Shine added while I too was starting to feel the need to blow my nose. We all turned and walk along the entire length of the deck towards the stern to go downstairs. Orbash and Sunflare were still up on deck at the time and appeared to have been having a private chat while enjoying the view. They turned to us as we were about to pass them and looked ready to get out of the cold themselves.

"Sunflare, why don't you go on ahead and let our daughters know our guests are all aboard? I shall see them to their rooms." Orbash spoke up with Sunflare agreeing to his suggestion and disappearing into the deck through the door at the back of the stern. The happy moon king then looked our way and spoke with a smile. "Prince and queens, right this way."

I fetched my suitcase and followed Orbash down the stairs just inside the stern. I had not seen the Olympia since my return from Capricorn Island and was eager to reacquaint myself with her layout. It was bigger on the inside than I remember, but I suppose vehicles can feel like that. Rain Shine was noticeably calmer once indoors as we were greeted by the polished mahogany interior of the walls. "I can sense the natural energies lingering in the wood more easily than I did aboard the Alabaster. That rich red earthy tone... These were very healthy trees when they served as the frame for this airship."

"You and your green hoof." Ember said jokingly as we followed Orbash along. The two of them were not that impressed by the interior design of the Olympia as I expected them to be. Probably because they had already seen it while being ferried back to Canterlot aboard it. We passed a door on the right before Orbash took hold of my suitcase and set it beside that door. Ember took note and asked, "Why're you leaving that there?"

"Because this is Celestia's room. And she has arranged for our boy here to bunk with her during the voyage." Orbash replied before wiggling his eyebrows at me. I snorted and averted my eyes while Ember and Rain Shine eyed me knowingly. Although if Celestia did not hear us from outside her room, then where was she? Were she and her sisters in the galley having lunch at the time? I assumed that they would have wanted to be up on deck to watch the Olympia fly on out of the docks, but I suppose they have seen that spectacle many times or just really did not want to put up with the autumn air. Orbash then led us a few more doors down before saying, "And here is where you will be staying, ladies. I hope you don't mind sharing a bed. I understand that there were no spare doubles in stock, so they had to settle on a full."

We all stepped inside and found the guest room to be very accommodating. It looked like something off of a luxury liner from a century ago. I still remember my childhood obsession with those Cunard and White Star liners and the many photos of their interiors in those books. A grand canopy bed stood invitingly at one side of the room. The very impressed gazes Rain Shine and Ember were showing told me that they would not mind sharing such a comfortable bed. Ember spoke first and said, "I'm liking what I'm seeing!"

"Take your time and get yourself acquainted. Once you're settled in, head on down to the end of the hall and join us in the galley. It's about lunchtime and I'm sure you've all worked up an appetite by now." Orbash said happily before leaving us alone. While I probably should have followed, I was interested in seeing Ember and Rain Shine check out their home away from home. I waited by the door and watched as they looked around.

Ember was much more enthusiastic about the experience than Rain Shine as she hurriedly went from one side of the room to the other, her hand interacting with various devices and furniture. Rain Shine even cleverly willed small flowering bushes to sprout from the wooden walls to provide what were functionally potted plants. I am sure she could just make them regress back to nothing if needed and would be required to by the end of the voyage. They were both having a good time already and were not at all acquainted to such luxuries. The Alabaster was one thing, but we just did not have the time to really enjoy ourselves at the time. Now a good time was all we were having.

Rain Shine and Ember did eventually head out to join everyone in the galley, but I stuck around a while longer to really survey the interior design of their room. It was only the third time I had ever been aboard the Olympia and I wanted to savor it. But as I went about the room that was gently lit by a pair of lamps setting atop sconces on the walls, I noticed a pale red glow coming from the corner. The Bloodstone Scepter had been propped up next to the chair.

I raised an eyebrow as I took note of what that glow meant. Torch or Blaze were reaching out to talk to someone. But...Ember was not around. I was the only person in the room. Seeing no harm in doing so, I took a seat in the chair and held the Bloodstone Scepter in my hand. "Good afternoon?"

Much to my shock, the response I got was far from friendly. I heard Torch roar at me in fury. "What do you think you're doing, outsider?! How dare you lay your hands upon the Bloodstone Scepter without the presence of the Dragon Lord! You have no right!"

"Yeesh, sorry I asked!" I yelped before dropping the scepter to the floor. It clattered lightly onto an ornate rug that reached out from under the bed. I did not appreciate that scolding and found myself just sitting there with my nerves a bit frayed. Torch sounded terrifying when angry. And I considered myself lucky that I had not spiritually joined him beyond the realm of the living. He probably would have smashed me under his fist.

Not even thirty seconds passed before the Bloodstone began to glow again. But why? I already tried to answer the call and was very fiercely rejected. I just watched it as it glowed and glowed some more. But I dare not touch it. I finally called out to it, "I know you guys can see from there! Ember's not back yet!"

My words did nothing to stop the glow. The Bloodstone Scepter continued to silently beckon me to take it into my grasp. And with no one else there to do it for me, I sighed and relented. I reached out and took hold of the scepter before sitting back down. I sighed again harshly as I considered how to answer them. And the only response I could think of was one composed of dry wit. "Hello, you've reached the residence of the Dragon Lord. She is not in right now, so please leave your name, address, phone number, age, date of birth, social security number, and a winning lottery code and she will get back to you as soon as possible."

Their response was very different this time. I could hear both Torch and Blaze howling with confused laughter over my very snide retort to that prior scolding. Torch finally spoke coherently and said, "Bwahahaha, you outsiders are too easy to mess with! Sorry if I startled you earlier, boy. You're welcome to answer any call from us in the future. I was just trying to have some...ow!"

Did someone just smack him on the other side? I then heard Blaze speak up while still finding a lot of amusement in the situation. "Torch, be kind to Ember's friend! You know he's a gentle soul! All artists are! James, please forgive this silly fool for his antics. We've missed you, my dear!"

I was at a loss of words for a second. Was this just another ploy to lure me into another prank? I stared at the Bloodstone Scepter in silence for a moment. Just waiting for them to do or say anything. Blaze eventually noticed my delayed response and asked, "Um...James? Hello?"

"Oh, sorry. I wasn't sure if you or your husband were about to yell at me again." I finally replied while feeling a bit silly about the whole situation. They really got me that time.

Blaze giggled at my show of caution and replied sweetly to me. "Of course not! In fact, we've been wanting to talk to you! And Ember's not around this time. Come on, get comfortable and close your eyes. We've been waiting to see you again. Please, dear? Ember's not the only one who missed you."

The tone of that lovely dragon queen was just oozing with all the sweetness I remembered from our first encounter. I would have never expected such a lovely woman to have come out of the dragon lands. Truly a diamond in the rough. With nothing else to do and with no one knocking on the door to come fetch me, I decided I might as well take them up on their offer. "Sure, I'll be right there. How do I get in there again?"

"Just make yourself comfortable and close your eyes. Relax yourself and we'll pull you in." I heard Torch say while I tried to get in a comfortable position. I had the Bloodstone Scepter lie across my lap with both hands atop it. I then closed my eyes and sighed deeply to settle my nerves. And before much longer, the dark veil over my vision began to brighten.

It felt like I had never closed my eyes at all. And a vast starry vista lay spread out before me while standing atop a great and round stone plateau. Some sort of nexus between the realm of the living and the afterlife. But I did not see my hosts anywhere before me. Although I was certain they were looming over me at that moment. "Are you two behind me?"

"Turn around and see for yourself." I heard a gruff booming voice speak up from above. A roar from a voice so powerful could probably kill me were we still bound by the laws of reality. And with some caution, I turned around. And I still staggered backwards as I was greeted by the towering forms of the two Dragon Lords who served before Ember. I remembered them being big, but...had they always been that big? Torch cracked a crooked smile and asked, "Please tell me you're not frightened again..."

"No, I wouldn't say that. It's just... I don't think I'll ever get used to how...colossal you two are. Such sizes would be impossible for anything from the world I came from. How did your bodies even sustain themselves while you were still alive?!" I replied while still just blown away from how much larger they were than even the largest dragons I had ever seen. They were literally the size of a small mountain! They could probably fit several dozen of me in their mouths!

Torch and Blaze looked equally uncertain of how to respond to that question. And the former dragon queen did say, "I must admit he's right, dear. These bodies were not the most practical when we were still amongst the living."

"Hmph. And it does make it difficult to speak to someone so tiny on the same level... Feels like I chatting up an insect instead of a man." Torch grumbled with some genuine frustration. He looked down at me almost apologetic as he then said to me, "I wish there were a better way to do this, boy. I want to talk to you. Not down at you."

I started to suspect that their colossal sizes were a product of their time. Literally the result of living in a more primitive and barbaric era not unlike how the long extinct dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures of the distant past were much larger than anything remotely resembling them in the modern world back on Earth. Perhaps their absurd size even contributed to their demises. It was a shame. Torch and Blaze were good people, but the vast difference in size between the two of us made it very difficult to interact as equals. Especially when Ember was not there to serve as my wingman. "I'm sorry... I'll try to look past it if I must."

After a few seconds of thought, Blaze's eyes lit up with inspiration. She then looked at her husband and said, "Come to think of it... We're not exactly bound by the laws of reality up here anymore."

Torch raised an eyebrow in confusion, but his strong bulky jaw soon showed a cunning smile on his face. As if he knew what she was suggesting. "Hm, perhaps. Are you thinking what I'm thinking, my love?"

Blaze smirked at her husband as they both joined hands. With fingers clasped, she then glanced down at me. "Give us just a moment, dear. Let's see if we can make our sizes more manageable."

I had no idea where this was going. But in a matter of seconds, the two Dragon Lords... They began to dimly glow. And...was I growing? Or were they shrinking? Could they just...will certain things to happen that could not be possible in the realm of reality? And sure enough, they eventually stopped shrinking with that glow fading. Blaze then looked down at me and asked, "Is this size more to your liking?"

They were still very large while they sat on their haunches before me. But only as large as the other largest dragons I had seen during my time in Equestria. I suspected they had shrunk to only a tenth of their original sizes. They could probably only fit a few of me in their jaws by then. I immediately sensed the shift in dynamics between us and said, "Um...yeah. This size feels more natural now. Like I could reasonably see you both being very comfortable in this form in life."

"Heh, I still remember the days back when I was still this size. I had only been the Dragon Lord for a century." Torch chuckled as he found that size to be strangely familiar to him. Comfortable, manageable, and familiar. He and Blaze then released each other from their grasps and brought themselves down to the stone floor. Blaze even gingerly rested her head atop her interlocking fingers to gaze sweetly upon me. Torch crossed his arms comfortably before himself and said, "Now then, welcome back. We haven't seen you since the first time, boy."

Blaze then spoke with her beautiful red eyes casting me such a sweet and tender gaze. "How have your little ones been? And the lovely ladies you've found love with? Have you been as good to them as you have with Ember?"

I expected nothing less from such a loving mother. We had only met once before, but I remembered absolutely adoring Blaze with our previous encounter. I can only imagine what she and Ember had done to reconnect since the night we first met her. But I did not let myself get too distracted. "Yeah, they've been very happy. One's still a little sparkplug and the other's still figuring out how to talk."

Blaze's smile only grew bigger. As if she knew exactly which filly was which. "Ooh, I remember which. The elder is Scootaloo and the other is Gladesong, right? I really hope we can plan a meeting. I want to say hello to the little dears."

How in the world could a dragoness from the most primitive and barbaric region in the world possibly be so...kind?! Blaze's very womanly and motherly behavior almost felt too good to be true. I muttered aloud, "I still can't believe someone like you could've ever existed out there in the dragon lands..."

"I know, right?! Lucky me!" Torch burst out laughing while Blaze just turned his way with a big smirk on her lips and a very flirty gleam in her eyes. As if she knew just how lucky he was to have found love with a woman like her. At least his laughter was much easier on my ears that time. I could literally feel my eardrums quivering whenever he spoke too loudly at his previous size. But he then regained his composure and said, "But as one father to another, I say this calls for a toast."

A toast? As in a drink? This caught my ear and I asked, "Hang on, do the dragon lands even have any sort of cuisine? I though tall you feed on are rocks and gemstones. And...literally anything you can devour."

Blaze brought a hand to her lips as she giggled loudly. "We do, but it's not anything you would like! I'm not sure you could even digest it. However, we've mingled with the Dragon Lords of generations past and...they've come up with a little something special."

Torch and Blaze brought their hands together and brought them down to the floor. As if they were hiding something inside them. And when they released their grasp on the unseen object, something had materialized before us. A massive bottle of black glass. As if composed entirely of obsidian. And with a wave of their hands, they summoned a pair of large mugs or tankards for themselves composed of marble. Too large for me to lug around, but just right for their mighty hands. Blaze then spoke almost excitedly to me, "They call this dragon's mead. And they describe the flavor as...heavenly."

"Oh, I believe it. But...um... You got a glass for me?" I asked with great interest. As a man who loves his booze, I could never pass up the chance to try a new drink. Blaze then reached out and placed her finger over my upturned palms. And in an instant, I felt some weight in my hands. Blaze pulled her finger away to reveal a matching marble tankard that was just my size. And with great care, the dragon queen poured me a helping right to the brim. It was bubbling and had the distinct sweet smell of honey. It truly was a type of mead.

Torch looked especially interested as I began to take my first sip while taking a seat before them. He asked smirkingly, "How is it, boy? You can't find this brew back in Equestria. Or even the dragon lands."

"Is this...the nectar of Valhalla?" I asked as that sweet flavor sat on my tongue. Strong and heady, yet filled with the flavor of the finest honey. And it had a distinct...earthiness to it. When considering what the average dragon's diet consists of... Was that literally the flavor of gemstones I was noticing? Whatever it was, I loved it. And I drank steadily of my cup. "It's divine... Thank you."

Blaze and Torch lightly tapped their mugs together and drank deeply of that otherworldly nectar. There were no words for the moment. They were just allowing me to savor my first cup of that brew. But after a moment longer, Blaze set her mug down and once again rested her head atop her interlocking fingers. She then asked me one thing I never expected to hear from any past Dragon Lord. "Now that you're here, I have just one question to ask. When are you and Ember planning on settling down to give us some grandkids?"

That came out of nowhere and hit me harder than I ever could have expected. I was in the midst of gulping down the last of my cup and ended up spewing it across the floor before howling in awkward laughter. Seriously?! I could not even talk! I could only laugh!

There was no way they could have been serious. Blaze was just being cheeky for the sake of getting a laugh out of me. But as I howled in confused laughter, I happened to glance up at the two Dragon Lords. And they...were smiling at me. No, not smiling. Smirking. Those grins were becoming wider and more devious the longer I kept laughing. Like they were just waiting for me to get the punchline.

The humor of the situation began to quickly dry up. And my laughter started to run its course. "Hahaha...ha...heh..heheh...uh... You're really not kidding."

"Who said I was?" Blaze replied while she and Torch snickered amongst themselves for a moment. Was I actually a little intoxicated by that point? Because my face was getting very hot. All I could do was stare up at Ember's parents while she was thankfully not there to hear her mother say that. Poor Ember would have surely died of embarrassment. The beautiful dragon queen then asked again with such a sly glimmer in her eyes, "And if you think I was, let me repeat myself. You and Ember. When are you two planning on giving us some grandchildren?"

Never once in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to be given that question by the parents of any of my beloveds. I mean sure, King Orbash himself knew that Celestia and I were hoping for children someday, but this? It was just...so forward! And I completely felt myself lock up. I had only met Torch and Blaze once before. Where was this coming from?! "I really don't think I'm in any position to answer that question... It's not like Ember and I are...you know... We're not mates."

"See? I told you, Blaze. Those two do have something in common." Torch snickered as he loomed over me with the biggest smirk I had seen on his face at the time. He then lightly rested one finger atop my head and said, "You and Ember are absolutely completely inept at hiding what's in your hearts."

My heart jumped into my throat. Even though they clearly held nothing against me, I felt like I was in very real danger with the two former Dragon Lords looming over me. But if I was unable to hide my love for Ember from them... "Has Ember said things about me since last time?"

"Dear, I think the better question is what has she NOT said about you!" Blaze giggled loudly with a hand in front of her face. She then looked at me and spoke with quite a bit of glee in her voice. "We talk with Ember every day. And whenever the topic shifts to you, she just gushes about you! When she starts talking about you, it's hard for her to stop. She always has a lot to say about her...little warrior poet."

Goodness me, I could only imagine the conversations Ember has had with her parents. Especially whenever they have asked about me. No wonder they had waited until I was alone before reaching out to me for a talk. Ember would not be having that if she was present. I tried to feign ignorance. It was wrong to tell Ember I loved her too soon and I was sure there must have been a similar protocol in effect for her parents. "She... Yeah, she's a great friend. We've been through a lot out there on the Empty Plains."

"You lie." Torch said unexpectedly firmly. He then suddenly brought his face towards me and all but glared at me. I almost fell back onto the ground. The mighty dragon king then said, "A friend, you say? After all the things you've said to her? The way you hold her? After all the times your lips touched hers? Do you take me for a fool, boy? You think I really don't know what's going on in that head of yours?"

I was genuinely terrified. There was no telling how much Torch and Blaze saw happen between Ember and I while the Bloodstone Scepter was at Ember's side. They knew. And yet, I could not tell them. I could not tell Ember's own parents what I truly wanted. And Torch then spoke firmly to me, but not so angrily this time. "If you're going to lie about that, then let me tell you a little truth about my daughter. The female you've held in your arms. The woman who has kissed you as often as you've kissed her. My little Ember is madly in love with you, boy. Even if she won't say it to our faces."

Torch was Ember's father. He had known her longer than anyone else. He knew her in ways no one else did. I knew in my heart that the love between Ember and I was mutual. It had to be. The times we have held each other... Kissed each other... Even shared pleasure with each other... We were always walking a tightrope on the edge of commitment. I had even almost fallen off several times only for Ember to push me back up onto that very thin line. If Torch was so certain that Ember's love for me was true... I had a question to ask that I could have only asked him. "Has she...ever known love before? A century and a quarter is a long time. Has there ever been a time where some handsome drake tried to sweep her off her feet?"

Blaze too listened closely with her hands clasped. And Torch was very forward with his response as his gaze softened. "No... Not once. She never had an interest in the brutes I reigned over. Then again, perhaps they were also too intimidated by my presence to approach her. I also doubt any potential suitors sought her out for...admirable reasons. Ember has always been small... At least compared to most. And with lack of size comes a lack of strength. At least from a glance. I was watchful... I would not let any deceitful suitors take advantage of her."

This revealed a strange paradox to me. "I thought dragons take the art of romance very seriously. I thought...the pursuit of a mate is always sincere."

"There is no romance to be had in the pursuit of power. We dragons are just as capable of deceiving others to take advantage of them. At least we're not so good at hiding it." Torch replied before he happened to notice Blaze given him a very dry stare. But...was she just messing with him? Torch's eyes widened in unease as he began to stammer. "Not that I...uh... Not that I would have ever taken advantage of my queen. My heart has always belonged only to her."

"Oh, you silly thing. I know you've been utterly enthralled with me since that day. Don't mind my teasing, Torch. Do go on." Blaze giggled as that sweetness returned to her face. I too found myself smirking at them. Those two really are so good for each other.

Torch grinned and chuckled briefly like he had only just barely escaped trouble. But he then looked down on me with a gaze that...was somewhere between caution and concern. "But what about you, boy? You are human. Your heart does not work like that of a drake. It does not establish an unbreakable bond once the declaration is made and the offer is accepted. You are not as stalwart as the mountain. Your kind is fickle. Chaotic. Would you...let her go? Cast her to the wind?"

The longer I hesitated in giving an answer, the more furious Torch began to look. That growing anger in his eyes only compelled me to stay silent. I just...could not say it. I wanted to believe I could love Ember forever, yet that glare... It kept filling me with doubt. What if falling in love with Ember was a mistake? What if I would lose interest and just...drift away in the decades to come? And finally, Torch pounded his fist into the ground dangerously near me. I fell right over as the mighty Dragon Lord loomed over me with his eyes filled with a frightening fusion of rage and fear. "Would you abandon my child?! Would you leave her after she gives her heart to you?!"

It was then that Blaze made a move. She firmly took hold of Torch's right hold and tugged it to get his attention. Her gaze was firmer than before, but her tone was still gentle as she spoke. "Dear, that's enough. Look at him, you're frightening the poor man."

Torch's anger immediately faded and he began to look quite flustered. He stepped back from me and cleared his throat, his eyes glancing about rapidly. "Yes, I... I was not trying to... I mean... Blaze, why don't you take it from here?"

"Gladly. Come here, my dear." Blaze said before reaching out and oh so gently picking me up in her hands. They were just large enough to wrap around my entire body. And like the tender mother she was, Blaze pulled me close and nestled me against the smooth ventral scales of her bosom. I was immediately relaxed as I was securely held in the hands of those lovely dragon queen. She then whispered at me from above, "Please forgive my husband, dear James. Ember was all he had after he lost me. It would break him if some brute were to take advantage of her."

I heard Torch loudly clear his throat as he struggled with his emotions. I knew the big guy meant well. He was just being protective of his only child, regardless of age. And I remembered what Ember had told me of the darker side of dragon courtship. If she were to fall in love only for her mate to betray her, it would wound her in a way she would never recover from. She would never allow herself to love again. I had already seen Ember show so many emotions. Even some very negative emotions. To see her so broken and bitter forevermore... The thought frightened me. And it made me doubt myself even more. I rested my head against Blaze's chest as I said, "It's OK... I'd never forgive myself either if I betrayed her like that... Your daughter is an amazing woman... One of the best women I know."

Blaze stroked the back of my head with a single finger. She was just so gentle. She had never even held her daughter back when she still lived. Blaze must have been waiting a very long time to show such motherly care to another so young. At least when compared to her. Now that I was becoming much more relaxed, she tried to get answers out of me that her much more intimidating husband could not. "Thank you for putting our daughter's needs first, dear. Now then... Please do be honest with us. Ember. Do you love her like she loves you?"

I finally found the will to be dearly honest with my words. "I'm...madly in love with your daughter. I just...love her so much. Want to see her happy forever. I want to see her succeed..."

I instinctively expected the two former Dragon Lords to become very accusatory of me. Grilling me with many questions to test me or even demand that I stay away from Ember. And yet...those responses never came. If anything, Blaze's comforting embrace only tightened as she gently pressed me into her chest. And deep behind those smooth scales... The beating of her powerful heart. Even beyond the realm of the living, the dragon queen's heart still beat steadily. She then asked softly, "Do you doubt yourself?"

"Very." I replied as I was left there and wondering if desiring Ember was a mistake. She was not just some dragon woman. She was the Dragon Lord. If I failed her, it might drag her entire nation down with her. There was so much risk at hand... I was so in love with her, yet...what if that love faded in time?

Blaze then whispered sweetly, yet firmly to me. "I don't."

Those words struck me in ways I did not expect. The sincere brevity of Blaze's words just... I looked up at her while she looked down at me with a loving smile. "I don't doubt you, my dear. I've seen enough artists in my life to know that they always commit to creating something beautiful. And you are most definitely a man with the heart of an artist."

So comforting... And yet so cheeky. Blaze then turned her attention to Torch and spoke with a very sly smirk. "Just like this handsome brute here. How many poems did you weave for me, my love?"

Torch only became all the more flustered over his dabbling in the arts just for the enjoyment of his queen. He tried to act like he was embarrassed, but I could see he took some pride in his creations. Even if his people would never have appreciated them. "Oh come on, you know it was nothing special, Blaze. They were always...uh...spur of the moment ramblings..."

They bickered playfully and lovingly for a moment with Blaze giving her husband so much positive reinforcement. Torch raised his voice a bit now and then, but he always had a smile on his face when he did. I found myself marveling at the chemistry between the dragon king and queen and muttered under my breath. "These two really are great for each other..."

Ember really did have great parents. I could see it plainly. It was just such a shame she did not really get to know the family she never had until very recently. With their playful argument fading out, Blaze then turned her gaze down to me again while keeping me held to her chest. "And that is why I know you will never give up on the beautiful mural that is our daughter. You'll keep painting new scenes for the two of you to see, sculpting new mountains to climb, dancing together through so many songs, writing new chapters to experience together... And someday...you'll create the most beautiful treasures of all together. Won't you?"

Such beautiful words from an equally beautiful dragon queen. How could such a marvel of a woman have ever existed in such a blighted volcanic wasteland? Torch had truly found himself the brightest gem to ever grace the dragon lands. Her words sang to my heart. Soothed my fears. We understood each other through our mutual appreciation for the arts. And her last words brought the topic back to what she had asked me in the first place. To create... Treasures like no other. To create...children. I bowed my head and rested my brow against Blaze's chest again. "To become a father to dragon children... It would be a dream come true... Especially if Ember would be their mother."

"Does that mean you will provide us with grandchildren, my dear?" Blaze asked with renewed excitement in her voice. She rubbed her finger against the back of my head with a bit more energy than before. I think I even heard the tip of her long tail thumping along the floor.

A crooked smile spread across my face. She got me. There was no denying my love for Ember. Or the loving desire to bring beautiful new lives into the wonderful world of Equestria. But I could not be hasty. After all, there was no telling if Ember was as on board with it as I was. I looked up at Blaze and said, "To be fair, we're not mates yet. Have to cross that bridge first. And...it'll be up to her in the end."

"You think she wouldn't?" Torch then asked with his voice speaking with a tone of concern. I turned enough to look at him over my shoulder while Torch asked again with a look of almost suspicion in his eyes. "Do you really believe our daughter would deny you an heir?"

There had been times... Theoretical discussions between Ember and I on that subject. Maybe only once or twice. But she could have very easily changed her mind since then. I had difficulty looking at Torch and said, "I would never force her... That's a heavy responsibility to carry. And she's the Dragon Lord. Keeping her people on the right path while dealing with her own children... How would she even manage that?"

Torch sighed softly before he relaxed on the ground beside Blaze and I. The dragon queen gently rotated me in her grasp to let the back of my head rest against her chest so we may both look at her husband. He then began to speak softly to me, "Boy... I know I've told you that Ember longs for you when you're away. Even debating just abandoning the throne to go and be with you..."

"Yeah... I recall. Does she still do that?" I asked as I recalled that conversation during our first meeting. When Ember was distracted by her first personal conversation with her mother.

Torch nodded as he maintained a more somber tone. "Yes. Every other day. And she can be...vocal about it. She doesn't seem to be aware that we've been watching. She keeps wondering if her people are even worth guiding at times. If she should just cut her losses and rush off to find you. To cast aside the Bloodstone Scepter and just live happily as a commoner. With you."

I had no words. I knew that Ember had no love for her people. Stubborn and stupid barbarians who just do not know better. To be reminded of how my dear Ember was always longing for me that she would even entertain the notion of just exiling herself from her homeland just to find happiness with the man she loves... Torch then chuckled for a second and added, "She never will, thankfully. Ember is a stubborn one. She knows what our people need now and has a plan for them. But know that she prioritizes you just as highly as them."

"She's...something else. She's more of a queen than she realizes." I said with a growing smile. I was proud of Ember. Truly a blue rose in a sea of volcanic stone. Although thinking of her plans for the dragon lands... I felt it was wise to tell them. "I'm not sure if she's mentioned this, but... Ember is considering letting Equestria annex the dragon lands."

"You think we haven't overheard, dear?" Blaze giggled before pulling me more firmly against her chest for a hug. Even Torch was showing an amused smirk above me. Blaze then said, "We know. And it probably would be for the best by this point. Staying independent has not benefited our people at all. You've seen that. And we know the royal family. At least back when only Celestia was on the throne."

"Our people will be in good hooves if that comes to pass. Nothing to lose and everything to gain. Not to mention the governance of Equestria must be more stable than ever now that the likes of Nightmare Moon and the king and queen have joined their ranks. My grandfather told me horror stories at night about the might of King Orbash and Queen Sunflare. The only ponies we dragons have ever truly feared." Torch laughed heartily as I wondered just how much his people even knew of the two most powerful ponies who had ever lived. Their very existence had been a closely guarded secret for eons until very recently.

"I'm glad that you guys are open to new ideas. I trust Ember's judgement on this." I replied as I felt genuine appreciation for the wisdom of the two prior Dragon Lords. If they had been less wise in life, then their time after Ember's birth must have surely enlightened them. Responsible and wise. No wonder Ember turned out so great.

Torch then smiled at me and said, "Whatever the future of our homeland holds, at least promise me this. Please continue to be good to our daughter. Can I trust you with this, boy?"

There was no hesitation from me that time. "I will. I just want Ember to be happy. After all she had to put up with, she deserves a happy ending... Huh? Did you hear that?"

We all looked up at the vast ephemeral sky. Was it a whisper on the wind? Only very suddenly for a familiar voice to speak out clearly from all directions. "Hey! James, you awake?! What's keeping you?"

Ember. She had likely wondered why I was staying behind in her room for so long and had come back to check. And before anything could be said, Blaze suddenly held my head between two of her fingers and...

I went from seeing the two former Dragon Lords before me to suddenly waking up with a start and all but tossing the Bloodstone Scepter with a yelp. Did... Did Blaze break the connection between that realm and me by crushing my head between her fingers?! I felt only the briefest stinging pain around my entire head like a quick static shock only for that pain to vanish the instant my vision displayed the room around me. It was as if I had blinked only to find myself in a new location. And standing before me with hands held out before her was Ember. "Whoa, whoa, are you OK there?"

Suddenly emerging from that trance with the flailing of my limbs must have startled her. But I still had the Bloodstone Scepter in my hands while I took a second to get my bearings. What an abrupt end to a pleasant chat! "Oh, uh... Yeah. Yeah, I'm good. Your parents just wanted to chat for a bit and I decided to oblige."

"They did, huh?" Ember asked with a curious smirk now that she was crossing her arms and leaning towards me. "And what were you and my mom and dad getting up to in there? Saying stuff behind my back?"

I decided to play a little half truth. "They invited me to a drink. They called it dragon's mead. Good stuff."

Ember was quick to recognize that name. "Oh, that stuff! Yeah, that is a nice brew. I wasn't sure if a human could even drink it, but it sounds like you enjoyed it."

She had been drinking that stuff too? No wonder Ember was as chatty as Blaze claimed she was whenever they talked about me. That brew must have loosened her up. Strangely, I no longer felt even the faintest lingering influence of alcohol in me by then. I know for a fact I tasted the bite of strong drink, but my mind was clear by then. Is it even possible to get the soul drunk? Strange properties must be in play in that realm...

Suddenly remembering how I had been ejected from that nexus, I looked at the Bloodstone and gave it a very firm scowl. I had one question on my mind. I then looked at Ember and asked, "Could you step outside for just a minute? I have one little thing I need to say to them."

What was with that crooked smile? Did Ember notice that I was probably annoyed with her parents and was about to give them a good scolding? Whatever the case, she departed without a fuss. I then stepped into the bathroom to get as much sound insulation between me and Ember as possible. I then looked right at the scepter and asked, "Blaze. Did you seriously crush my head like a walnut just now?!"

"I am so sorry! I panicked!" I heard Blaze squeal in embarrassment the likes I had never heard from her before. And Torch was just laughing it up at his wife's desperate attempt to keep Ember from eavesdropping on our conversation. I could not even be mad at her. It hardly hurt at all and only for an instant. I was out of there too quick to feel the full extent of agony I would have felt in the realm of reality. But this did not stop Blaze from apologizing profusely over such a graceless tactic. "Sorry, sorry, so sorry! Are you all right, James?! Oh, please don't tell Ember about this! I'll never hear the end of it!"

I was feeling more than just a little cheeky myself at that moment. A huge toothy grin spread across my face as I felt a devious urge in my gut. "I dunno... I think it would make for a funny story if Ember found out you squished her little warrior poet's head like that."

Blaze only began to squeal incoherently while Torch just howled at the situation. I would have expected Torch himself to do something like that. But Blaze? Beautiful and tender Blaze?! I suppose it is easy to forget that even someone like her is still a giant of a dragoness who could tear down a mountain with her bare hands. Torch then barked at his wife in amusement, "Ha! And they say I was the fearsome one! Dragon Lord Blaze, the Skull Crusher! If only our people knew."

"Shut up, shut up, shut up! Why must you tease me so, my love?! You know I would never... I mean I just did, but that's not the same as... AUGH!" Blaze was just beside herself with utter disbelief and shame. And I finally cracked up as I could only imagine how she was flailing about. She finally spoke out to me and said, "Ugh, James... James, please stop laughing. I'm sorry, all right? Can I please ask you to not tell Ember about this? Please, my dear?"

I suspect Blaze even had her hands clasped together in pleading at the time. And finally, I relented. "OK, OK, this never happened if she asks. Let's just...try to not make this a habit, all right?"

The sound of Ember quickly tapping her fingers together in relieved glee echoed in my mind. "Oh, thank you! I swear I'll just let Torch do it next time."

"What?! Now hold on a minute! I never said you..." I barked in shock while I could hear Torch laughing very loudly at that suggestion. Granted, I could totally see him doing that to someone if they ticked him off enough, but really?! "Guys, please tell me you're kidding..."

"Bwahahaha! Blaze, enough. Now you're the one teasing the boy." Torch finally said as he tried to reel in his own laughter. Blaze merely responded with a giggle. Although the former dragon king then spoke more sincerely to me, "But in any case, let me keep this brief. I know you are much more fluent with the workings of the heart than Ember ever was. She never knew that kind of love. Never really even had such a connection to a male before. These emotions and desires... They are new to her. I assure you that she's still struggling to understand herself and how much she desires you. I know you've made up her mind, but... Please. Be patient with her."

"I will, sir. I'm a patient man. I hope..." I muttered while doubting the patience of my own heart. It was so hard to restrain my love for their daughter. Could I truly wait long enough for her? Regardless, I had to focus on what was happening right then. And what was happening was that I was keeping a lady waiting. "I...uh...should probably be going now. Ember's waiting."

Blaze replied happily, "And we'll be here, dear. If you ever want to chat, just hold the Bloodstone Scepter and call out to us. And don't be afraid to say hello if you see our signal. Take care!"

The voices of the two former Dragon Lords fell silent and I left the bathroom. I propped the Bloodstone Scepter up in the corner where it could easily be seen as soon as someone entered the room. Ember would be furious and panicked if it ended up being misplaced. It was more than just the symbol of her title as Dragon Lord. It was the only connection she had left to her family. I then called out to the door leading out to the hall, "OK, I'm done."

Ember promptly entered again and closed the door behind herself. And that crooked snickering smile on her lips... She then said, "Sorry, but I heard yelling and laughing somewhere in there. Things got fun with you three?"

It sounded like she heard something, but not any actual words. I cracked a crooked grin and said, "Yeah, pretty much. I like your parents."

"They like you too, you know. Especially Mom. She asks about you and whatever masterpieces you've put out since last time. Even if they're just journals." Ember said with a chuckle while crossing her arms. There was such a happy yet slightly annoyed smile on her lips. I could tell that Ember was recalling happy memories. It was good to see that she had established a very healthy relationship with her parents. She then started to turn towards the door again and said, "Anyway, everyone's waiting in the galley. You coming?"

"Yeah, sure..." I said without moving from that spot. I observed Ember from behind as she approached the door. The gentle sways of her tail. Her impressive wings. And my thoughts went back to the conversation I just had with her parents. And the question that kicked off the entire chat. We said so much about her. And as I pondered what had been said, I was reminded of just what was in my heart.

I was so madly in love with the beautiful blue dragoness before me. And I was too distracted by my infatuation to even consider leaving the room at the time. I did not want to focus on anyone else at that moment. I only wanted the wonderful woman who had followed me into the Empty Plains. Who saved me more than once. Who protected me in my most vulnerable moments. At just that moment, there was only Ember and no one else. And she soon looked over her shoulder once her hand was upon the door's handle. Her eyes widened when she saw my stare before she asked softly, "What?"

There were no words. I was so in love, yet...so overwhelmed by so many emotions. Doubts and fears, yet wonderful happiness and desire. I fidgeted just slightly with my eyes darting from side to side. Ember assumed the worst and hurried over to me before taking my hand between hers. The beautiful Dragon Lord gazed up at me and asked, "What's wrong? Did Mom and Dad say something to you they really shouldn't have? Tell me. I'm here now."

"No, they... They were good to me. Said some very kind things to me. It's just..." I muttered before dropping to my knees. I could not bring myself to stand any longer. With our eyes all but level with each other, I whispered to that wonderful dragon queen. "I... There's things I want to say, but...I know I shouldn't yet."

Ember's eyes widened noticeably. Did she know? All I wanted to do was take her in my arms and whisper the beautiful truth to her. To tell her how madly in love I was with her. To ask her to be mine forever. And she would say yes. I know she would. It would be a love that would burn forever. And yet, it just was not the right time. No matter how badly I wished it was.

She did not speak. Ember knew what was wrong. And she brought a hand to my cheek. An invitation. And as our eyes gazed deeply into each other's, I could not resist. And neither could she. Our eyes narrowed and finally closed as our lips touched. We embraced. Even Ember's glorious wings embraced me in a protective cocoon as our voices hummed quietly in our throats. But...the doubts remained. I doubted myself. Would I ever truly be good enough for her? And would my love for her be as eternal as hers for me? What if...there was another? Those intrusive thoughts finally won out and I whispered something...bitter to her at the first chance I got. "You really deserve to be happy... To find a good man. One who can be your king."

Ember tenderly stroked a finger along my jaw in such a lovely fashion. And she whispered back to me with a smirk of amusement on her lips. "James, you really think one of those boulderheads out there is good enough for me? Dream on. I've had to broaden my horizons recently and I know for certain that not one of those idiots out there will ever be good enough for this Dragon Lord."

That response did not make me smile. I instead said, "Yeah... You did. You've seen more of what this world has to offer. You've seen...the people from beyond your borders."

My words triggered a response in Ember I did not expect. Her eyes went wide and her jaws parted so slightly. It was a gaze that told me that Ember could not believe what she was hearing. I could not even look her in the eye as I talked to her. "There's some amazing people out there. Wonderful men too. Do you think...one of them might..."

"No." Ember spoke firmly with just one word. Her hand cupped my jaw, but almost as if she was gripping it as well. Her eyes were filled with a new kind of fury. And pain. The Dragon Lord before me spoke without blinking once. "Don't you even go there with me. Do you really think I'm that kind of female? That I'd turn my eyes elsewhere for a mate?"

What was with this paradox of words? Chiding me for suggesting that she would seek love elsewhere, yet not confirming her own love for me. Perhaps Torch was right. Ember truly did have no idea of how to be transparent in the workings of her own heart. Feeling like I had made a mistake, I asked softly. "Then...is there someone like that in your life?"

Ember's gaze softened just a bit, but I could still see that she was mildly upset over what I had suggested. We were not mates. Far from it. But we were still focused on each other. Even if we could not say it to each other without consequence. She then brought her other hand to my opposite cheek and whispered to me. "Mom's asked me to marry an artist."

This confused me. I mean I did recall our first encounter where Blaze, most surely in jest, demanded that Ember marry me in order to have an artist in the family. But...was such a quality really something Ember desired in a mate? And Ember was quick to jump on that thought as she started to smile, her fingers sliding along my jaw in such a flirtatious manner. She was not even trying to hide what was in her heart. "And...she's right. I don't want some stupid warrior who only knows how to fight and destroy. I don't want some simpleminded brute. I want...an artist."

A surging warmth filled me as I began to sweat. And I think Ember knew. She was taking some delight in teasing me with her tender touch and sweet words. "An artist who loves to create. An artist who can find beauty in anything. An artist...who helped me see the beauty in myself."

I was weak in the knees. Had I not already been down on my knees, I would have surely needed Ember to catch me. What a woman... My eyes wandered in humiliation as I could not find the will to look her in the eye. I felt like a fool to ever assume Ember would choose someone over me. That she would...let me go after all that happened between us on the Empty Plains. And she then whispered to me again. "What's wrong, James? Why did you say that? Have you been doubting yourself?"

"Yeah... Sorry. I just...want you to be happy. Even if it means being happy without me." I muttered in defeat.

"Silly man. I really do hate it when you let such dark thoughts into your head." Ember said with a bitter sigh before turning my head to force me to look at her. Instead of anger or disappointment, those beautiful scarlet eyes gazed at me with such a comforting stare. "But I guess that's just part of being humble. And it's a good thing you've got me to chase those doubts away."

"You've always been good at that, haven't you?" I mumbled as a bitter smile formed on my lips. I raised my fingers to her hand to hold it to my cheek. A long sigh escaped my lips before I whispered to her, "You give me courage."

"And you give me hope." Ember whispered back before bringing her lips to mine for another kiss. It was brief, but meaningful. She then gazed into my eyes again with a much more confident smile and said, "My little warrior poet."

We embraced once again. I hated that I could not help doubting myself from time to time. Ember was just that amazing... A true blue rose. To be worthy of such a woman felt insurmountable, even when she stated otherwise. Even when her own mother and father, true titans among dragons, insisted that I was worthy as well. I cursed my fickle human heart as I whispered into Ember's ear. "My little blue rose..."

Ember pulled away from me just enough to look me in the eye. And she looked and sounded pleasantly intrigued. "Ooh, that's new. I like the sound of that. Is it something special? What's the significance of a blue rose?"

It was no small wonder that Ember had little understanding about any meanings behind flowers. Very few must ever bloom out there in the volcanic crags. But I was happy to explain. "In actuality... There's no such thing as a blue rose. It's a color that just does not occur in nature. The blue rose is symbolic of something...impossible. Something that's just too good to be true."

"And I...am your blue rose." Ember whispered to me with a huge grin of delight spreading across her lips. Her eyes narrowed in glee as she readjusted her wings to wrap me up even more tightly in them. With us pressed up against each other, Ember placed her palms upon my chest. Sliding her hands in circular movements to feel the beating of my own heart. And she never stopped grinning at me. "I'm that impossible flower, huh? I guess I really am too good to be true. In a sea of stupid boulderheads and brutes, you found me. Something that shouldn't exist, but does anyway. There shouldn't be someone like me in the dragon lands. And yet, here I am. One little blue rose. And I belong to this wonderful warrior poet now, don't I?"

God, she was being such a flirt! And I did not realize at the time that Torch and Blaze were most likely watching and listening with great interest nearby. I was giddy in Ember's embrace while she smirked right at me. She was not done playing with me. "Well, if I'm you're little blue rose, you better take good care of me. Flowers are delicate, right? Wouldn't want anything to...break."

Ember began to release me from her wings. And I noticed that she was beginning to gently push herself off of me. But without adjusting the placement of her feet. She was not backing up. She was leaning back. Further and further to give me enough time to figure out what she was doing. And she still spoke with a playful smirk. "Better not let this little blue rose fall."

I had to act quickly. I reached out and caught Ember in my arms and turned her to the side to more easily let herself hang in my arms. She had gone completely lax and draped herself limply between my arms with her eyes closed. I was a little unsure of what to make of that move as I gazed down upon the beautiful dragon queen in my arms as she feigned sleep. But this only went on for several seconds before she suddenly opened one eye and looked up at me. "Nice catch."

I can only imagine what fun Torch and Blaze were having watching their cunning daughter messing around with me like that. And I finally could not stay stoic any longer. I let out a snicker of amusement before saying, "You really do take after your mom. Cheeky."

"Oh, I think I get a lot from my dad too. Why else do you think I can be so fiery?" Ember replied with a big smirk on her lips. She then looked over at the canopy bed near us and placed a hand on my shoulder for support. "Carry me to bed. Everyone can wait a little longer."

There were no objections from me. I had no desire to go anywhere just yet either. All I wanted was a little time between me and my beloved Ember. I carried that beautiful dragon queen to bed and gently draped her along the mattress. But she then reached up and pulled me down onto her for another embrace. And I chuckled once we were in each other's arms again. "Cheeky little thing."

All Ember could do was giggle as she rolled onto her side with me in her embrace. She was just so...perfect. Her father's fire and stalwart will combined with her mother's beauty and playful tenderness. A perfect fusion of the two great Dragon Lords who sired her. And she was mine. And I could only whisper to her. "I want to kiss you."

"Kiss me then. All you want." Ember whispered back invitingly. And so I did. My lips met hers over and over again. And then my lips began to wander. I kissed Ember between the eyes while she let out a delighted giggle. And that giggle made way to euphoric gasps as I kissed along the underside of her jaw and then to her shoulder. I took Ember's hand into my own and kissed along the length of her arm. Ember let out a long shuddering gasp as she trembled for just a moment. Her eyes closed as she laid before me. "Be good to me, please... Be good to your little blue rose..."

And so I did. I caressed Ember's beautiful body with many kisses. Along the length of her arms. Upon her lips. And down her smooth ventral scales over her chest and finally her belly. I lingered over her belly as my thoughts went back to what had been asked of me before by her own mother and father. Their request for grandchildren. And Ember began to take notice of my lingering trail of kisses over her reptilian womb. Her hand caressed my head as she asked, "Something wrong, my little warrior poet?"

There was no way I could tell her what Blaze and Torch had asked of me. It would kill the mood entirely and leave Ember mortified. And so I whispered to her something. A topic I had only asked her once before. "I was wondering... Do you have any plans...for an heir?"

Ember did not react as strongly as I expected. I expected her to fluster a bit or even laugh if she even remembered the last time we talked about that. She instead sighed dreamily and said, "I'll need one eventually... That's just how these things work. I can't imagine passing the title of Dragon Lord onto any of those boulderheads back home. If I can't find a successor...then I'll have to make one."

I slid my hand over Ember's smoothly scaled belly and she only sighed lovingly at my touch. Her hand soon found her way to mine and pinned it there over her womb. I looked back at Ember while she gazed at me. The beautiful Dragon Lord then gently pulled me back up to her side so she could gaze into my eyes while we held each other. And she whispered to me with a certain sincerity in her voice. "James... I have a request. Not as your friend, but as the Dragon Lord."

This caught my attention. Why was she making a royal decree like this? Ember never spoke to me through her title as Dragon Lord. But I listened. And the request that followed was a most sacred request indeed. "When the time comes... When I think the time is right... I want you to sire my heir."

A fire ignited in my heart. And my body became soaked in nervous sweat. To do that... Just to mate with Ember would bind us as lovers forever. But she was being so formal with this. And all I could mutter was, "Uh... Excuse me...?"

Ember continued to speak while trying to hide a smile. She was trying to be completely serious about what she was saying. "I want you to be the one. I want my heir to be sired by the hero of the War of Preservation. I'll need an heir eventually...and I want it to come from you."

I maintained my composure enough to ask, "You would have me father your child?"

"Yes. Sire my sons and daughters. And I'll make sure they know. They'll know what an amazing man their father is. How he's so much better than the brutes they'll reign over. I'll tell them about his love of the arts and the many chapters he wrote. They'll know who you are. And they'll be so proud of their father." Ember whispered to me with beautiful sincerity. She was trying to stay formal and professional, and yet there was no hiding how much of that sacred request came right from her heart. And finally, her hand reached for my jaw as she asked, "And... I know this is selfish, but...can I ask you something else? As your friend? As your...little blue rose?"

My hand rose to hers as her hand touched my face. "Name it."

Ember smiled beautifully at me in longing. The formality was gone. The Dragon Lord was not speaking to me anymore. Only the wonderful woman behind the scepter was speaking now. "Please... Be there for them now and then. I don't want you to be their sire. I want you to be their father. So they can know you... And so they can love you."

This...brought me to tears. To hear one I love so much... To hear my lovely Ember plead for me to give her not just an heir, but a family... The tears flowed, but I still maintained my composure. My hand grasped hers firmly as I nodded. "I would be honored... More than honored. It...would be such a joy for me to...to..."

"Shhh... Come here, my wonderful poet." Ember whispered lovingly before pulling me into another winged embrace. I held her as she held me. And I whimpered just briefly to loosen the tightening in my chest. It was...such a joyous thing to experience. Oh, my wonderful Ember... Could my love for her ever burn more hotly in my heart? That beautiful dragon queen then whispered tenderly yet playfully into my ear. "Oh, James... To make you a father of dragons..."

My hand found its way to Ember's and folded its fingers between hers. I held her while she held me. And I whispered back to her. "It... It's been a lifelong dream of mine, if I'm to be completely honest."

"Then I guess I'll be the one to make your dreams come true." Ember giggled before lifting my chin to let our lips touch again. And then... A knock at the door. All the joy in Ember's eyes faded and was replaced by a very recognizable scowl. She groaned and turned to the distant door. "Ugh, what?!"

The voice of Shining Armor spoke from the other side. "Are you two OK in there? Everyone's still waiting in the galley."

Ember then shocked me by shouting at the door with a raised fist. "Get lost, captain! Disturb us again and someone's going overboard!"

While Shining Armor did not respond, I could hear some pretty nervous tapping of his hooves becoming increasingly distant. That was more than enough to get him to back off. Once there was no sound coming from the other side of the door, Ember's scowl made way for a playful smirk as she turned her gaze towards me. "Now then, where were we?"

"I think we were about to do a little of...this." I replied before fully embracing my the woman who would surely become the mother of my wonderful dragon children in due time. And once our lips touched, my tongued caressed the edges of her lips. Ember reciprocated all to eagerly and her jaws parted. Her tongue met mine as I savored its caress upon my own. The subtle spicy flavor of sulfur was still on her breath. We held and cradled each other. We hummed and sang to each other loving muffled songs deep in our throats. The song of lovers locked in a kiss. And one was not enough. Once the kiss ended just briefly, we eagerly resumed with our tongues performing a vigorous tango together. I was just...so enthralled. So in love with that beautiful Dragon Lord. When we finally ceased that kiss to gasp for breath, I whispered my utter disbelief at just how lucky I was to have her. "I can't believe you've never had a single suitor in your life... You're just so...perfect."

Ember took no offense to my words and tenderly dragged a finger along my chest. She gazed lovingly into my eyes with those warm scarlet discs. "Then it's a good thing that never happened. Or I probably wouldn't have found such a wonderful man to be the father of my heirs."

Again with that... She was so serious about it. And so I embraced Ember more firmly with the side of my head rubbing up against hers. "Thank you for choosing me... They'll be just as amazing as their mother."

Ember let out such an adorable giggle at those words. I felt her hand gently stroke the back of my head while she whispered gleefully to me. "And I hope they'll have as much an appreciation for the arts as their father. I want my heirs to grow up to become kings and queens, not warlords."

Her words tickled my heart. Although Ember then touched her finger to my nose as she then said, "Just don't get too excited yet. I've only been the Dragon Lord for five years. It would be irresponsible of me to pass the scepter on to the next so soon. And Mom and Dad would be very disappointed in me if I did."

"Whoa, I never insisted anything of the sort. It's all up to you when you think the time is right. I'm willing to wait." I replied with a nervous chuckle of my own. While it was one thing to discuss the topic of starting a family, let alone a family who would serve as the next Dragon Lord eventually, it was another entirely to act upon it. And Ember had a lot of work to do to temper the dragon lands enough for a fresh start.

Ember continued to gaze into my eyes while she traced that one finger over my chest and up along my neck and jaw in a way that sent a shudder down my spine. She just loved to reach out and touch me. To revel in displays of tenderness that she could never show to anyone else. And to think... Over there in the corner, her mother and father were likely watching the entire display she was putting on. To see their little girl so in love with a man who loved her just as much. But the Bloodstone Scepter never once glowed. They did not once try to interrupt. And as we gazed at each other, Ember whispered sweetly to me. "But enough about me... How's your first mate been lately? The matriarch of your family? Can't quite remember the name... It was something delicate."

I suspect Ember has been trying to get used to pony naming conventions. She had met the rest of my closest circle of friends enough time to get their names memorized, but the number of times she had met Fluttershy could be counted on one hand. A human hand, that is. I happily replied, "Fluttershy. And she's been well. And she knows about you. About...the times we've done things like we're doing now. She's my first. She needs to know about these things."

Ember's eyes opened wide at my reply and the delicate movement of her finger stopped cold. She asked cautiously, "What did you tell her?"

"Things... Little things. She knows how...good we tend to be towards each other." I replied while not wanting to speak for Ember. I knew she was just as in love with me and I was with her. She had just pleaded with me to become the father of her future children. No dragoness would ask that of a man unless they had every intention of becoming his mate one day. Just barely hiding that sacred confession behind a sheer veil. I then brought my fingers to hers as it remained touching my cheek. "The important thing is... If you and I ever become something more... I promise Fluttershy would be happy to have you as part of our family. She trusts you."

"If... Yeah... If is good. And I'd never want to...take you away from her. Or your children..." Ember muttered as her eyes relaxed with her entire hand coming to rest against the side of my face. She looked much more relaxed by then. Although that look of relief became one of embarrassment as her eyes wandered. "Now I feel silly... I'm trying so hard to remember the name of that little foal I held... What was her name again?"

"Hey, it's fine. It takes a while to remember new names. Especially when they can't really hold a conversation with you yet." I said with an amused smirk. I then kissed Ember on the tip of her muzzle to elicit a giggle from her before continuing. "Her name is Gladesong. And she's a very happy little girl. Especially with how she always has someone around to look after her. Smolder and Ocellus just love doting on her when it's their turn to watch her."

"Smolder? Right, the young one... Does she still long for you now and then?" Ember asked softly as her eyes displayed a very knowing gaze. She slid her hand own to cup my jaw and asked softly, "Have you two become mates yet? Have you been good to her? She's young. Even if you are hers, it can be so easy to manipulate her..."

Ember was wiser than she seemed. And for her to assume we had already done the deed spoke...some very concerning volumes about the blurred line of a territory with no defined laws regarding protecting the youth. I shook my head and said, "No, not yet... It's still too soon. But she did turn fifteen very recently. One more year to go before we can safely belong to each other. Until then, I'm giving her enough space to live and grow at her own pace. She's been living a very healthy life every since we came home. New friends and new routines. I'm proud of her. And...it's just so weird how much better her life got only after the war..."

"Hey, at least we got something good outta that mess." Ember chuckled before lightly touching a finger to my nose. She then whispered lovingly, "I know I did."

"I did too... I found...someone amazing." I replied before we both reached out and kissed each other again. I whispered again as I gazed into those beautiful eyes, "A real blue rose of a woman."

"I just hope you have enough of a green thumb to tae care of this rose. And that you won't mind my thorns." Ember giggled smug as her wings draped over me.

"I'll do my best. And just so you know, Gladesong loves flowers. So she must surely love you." I whispered back to Ember while she could only show a crooked grin. And then something dawned on me. And I spoke with an excited smile. "And Ember... Your heirs will be her brothers and sisters."

"Oh my god... Oh my god, you're right..." Ember muttered with wide eyes. Those scarlet eyes darted back and forth as she looked increasingly flustered. "Does that mean...I'll be her mom too when that happens? Is that how these things work?"

"Yep, pretty much." I snickered as I noticed Ember's cheeks turning dark with a blush. The Dragon Lord squinted her eyes shut while a huge confused smile formed on her lips. And I then whispered to her, "And Fluttershy will be way too excited to meet them. I haven't told you this yet, but she absolutely adores baby dragons."

"Wow, really?" Ember asked with her eyes going wide in very happy surprise. And all I could do was nod. She then giggled shrilly before adding, "In that case, don't tell her about what I asked of you. I don't need her pestering me for nephews and nieces. Or does it not work like that? You would be their father, so...all of them in your family? They're all their mothers?"

"Yeah, pretty much. I mean Gladesong definitely knows who her real mother is, but she knows Rarity is her mom too. And she definitely loves her Mama Novo." I replied before recalling just how doting Novo was towards Gladesong the first time they met. That was not the behavior of a babysitter. Novo really was treating her like Gladesong was her own flesh and blood. My daughter earned another mother that day. One that she was all too happy to be with. And as I thought back fondly to that endearing display of the beautiful Queen Novo having met my daughter for the first time, I remembered the very last thing ever heard or read from her. "Novo... She'll be there in Cantercun with us."

My heart was filled with excitement as I remembered that wonderful queen. A mare I was so madly in love with. A mare tempered by millennia of experience as a queen, wife, and mother. Even Celestia did not share the same types of wisdom with Novo despite having existed longer. Truly, Novo is easily the best mare in the world. Or so she says. Ad I have no reason to doubt her. And we would be in each other's arms again very soon. She promised me that day would come before much longer. The loving words in that love letter she sent back... Ember noticed my prolonged silence as my mind wandered. She gently stroked her finger along my jaw again to get my attention and whispered, "You look like you really miss her."

"I do. She's...just so amazing. I'm so madly in love with her..." I muttered as I remembered those beautiful words she wrote for me. Novo was just one of several wonderful queens in my life. Ad when the day comes when I am finally crowned her king... Oh, I hope I will be good enough for her. I cannot compare to that undying queen's ageless wisdom. It is normal to have doubts when courting those so high up the social ladder, I suppose. But Novo... She never had doubts whenever we showed love to each other. She knew exactly what she was doing. And I found that confidence to be very admirable. "I just want to be good enough for her... To be the king she needs."

"James. Look at me." Ember whispered firmly yet gently. And when I focused my gaze upon her, Ember looked back at me with a smile of her own. "If you're good enough for me, you're good enough for her. I've seen how she is around you. She's completely shameless with how much she loves you. I'm honestly kinda jealous! I hope I can be as confident as her someday."

Ember's words were indeed soothing. She may not have possessed Novo's tempered wisdom and many centuries of experience, but she was inspiring all the same. I then whispered a sacred truth to my beloved about that beautiful hippogriff queen. "She wants to have children with me. Many children. And I want to give them to her."

The Dragon Lord before me gazed at me with eyes filled with some kind of epiphany. As if the cogs in her head were turning to process something even I had not realized. She soon found the will to speak and said, "Then that means... Between her children and mine... We'll have our own royal family? A family watching over several territories?"

My heart was aflutter with renewed excitement. She...was right. To become a father to the next generation of beautiful royal children of Capricorn Island...and to father a dragon prince of princess who would eventually become the next dragon lord... While neither of us wanted to factor in any political agendas or royal hierarchy concerns, this...sounded like Equestria itself would benefit from such connections. The future heirs to the thrones of the dragon lands and Capricorn Island would be brothers and sisters. Close friends who would love and support each other as family. Novo would absolutely want to get to know Ember's children... And Celestia! I could never forget my beautiful future sun queen. She absolutely desires a family with me and her parents are hoping that we will provide them with grandchildren. Just the possibilities...

"James?" Ember asked as my mind began to brainstorm too much. I think I was even beginning to sweat from just how much excitement I was feeling. It was such a thrill, wondering what our children would do for the wonderful world of Equestria in due time as those who guide their people and the world at large. I was at a loss for words, but Ember traced her finger over my heart again while showing me a knowing smile. "Thinking too much? Yeah, maybe we should think about that later. But...if you and Novo do end up having kids, I'm sure I'll love them. Those hippogriffs are amazing people, so I can imagine how precious the kids must be."

"As someone who's gotten to hold some, yes. Hippogriff children are very charming. Fluffy little angels." I replied while remembering some very lovely times during my first visit to Capricorn Island. So many fluffy little bird foals enjoying some time out of the house as a playful flock who were so curious to meet someone the majority of Equestria knew nothing about at the time. My heart longed to be able to snuggle with those fluffy little creatures of innocence. And to hopefully one day be blessed with one of my own. Oh, my beloved Novo... When will you and I finally be blessed with a child to love?

Ember snickered at me before reaching out and distracting me with a kiss. I had let my mind wander again and she had noticed. The beautiful dragoness held me in her wings again. "You lost focus again... And it happens a lot whenever you start thinking about having kids with the women you love. Do you just want to be a father that bad?"

I felt very vulnerable. That was such a profound question to ask. And...I think I was almost in tears as I pondered my own desires so deeply. "I... Yes. I... I do. I want to know what it's like...to be a father to so many beautiful children of so many different species. Something that would've been impossible in the world I came from. And...this opportunity I've been given. Knowing that I'm finding love with so many from very different places and people... I already adopted Scootaloo. And then Fluttershy and I had Gladesong. I'm a father of fillies. But...to be a father of more... Hippogriffs. Dragons. Kirin. And...who knows what else? But I'll love them all... I want my children to grow up happy. And I want them to come to know the wonderful world of Equestria the way I did. I want my children...to know the closest thing to paradise that has ever existed."

My beloved listened very patiently. I know I rambled a bit, but she still listened. I always listened to her and she did the same for me. Once it was clear I had nothing else to say, Ember tenderly cupped my face and tenderly brought her lips to mine for a long yet simple kiss. She sighed once our faces separated and whispered so sweetly to me. "You wonderful man... You really do mean that. I know you'll be an amazing father to any children you sire down the line. Be brave. Never stop believing in tomorrow. Not when all of your mates believe in you.""

Hearing those words from Ember was truly inspiring. I brought my hand to hers and coiled my fingers around it while she did the same with mine. I remembered the beautiful request Ember had asked of me. And the promise I had just made to her in reply. "I promise I'll love your heirs. I'll be good to them and raise them to be wonderful kings and queens to the best of my ability."

"No, James. No. Not my heirs." Ember said firmly while she began to smile at me. Her wings pulled me closer to her before she whispered...something so beautiful. "Our children."

I... My heart just exploded with joy. I embraced my beloved Ember and kissed her with such passion. She squealed and sang while doing the same, her powerful limbs wrapping around me as that kiss only deepened. We were just so madly in love... Our hands roamed over each other, her sulfurous breath tickling my tongue with that spicy overtone. God, I loved her so much... I was so hopeful. Hoping that whatever children waited in our future would be the most wonderful dragon children to ever grace Equestria. The future was bright. I knew it was.

If we wanted to, we could stay in that cabin for the entire evening. We would find more to talk about and never get bored with each other. But once our kissing session began to run its course, Ember finally relented and sighed with the two of us wrapped in an embrace. "Right... They're waiting for us. I've taken up too much of your time already...but I don't wanna get out of bed yet..."

"Lunch has probably gone cold too..." I muttered as I contemplated just how much time had gone by since I first set foot inside that cabin. All for Ember. We did not want to let go. We were just so addicted to each other. The love of a dragon is truly a magnificent thing. But I was so comfortable with her. I...just did not want to let her out of my embrace. "Ember... May I join you and Rain Shine in bed tonight?"

"Please. I know Rain would love to have you with us. We just don't get to see you often enough." Ember whispered to me as we sat up while still wrapped up in each other's arms and wings. She then grumbled to herself, "And I guess I am pretty hungry..."

I found the perfect way to turn Ember's attention elsewhere. "Come to think of it, you haven't had any real cooking in a good while. Ready to try some gourmet Equestrian cuisine?"

"Curse my appetite, you know exactly what I want!" Ember laughed as she finally let go of me and hopped down to the floor. She then looked back at me and grinned apologetically at me. "I really should apologize for taking up so much of your time. I... I missed you."

"Missed you too, Ember. You go on ahead and I'll be right there." I replied while Ember finally saw herself out. I was feeling good by then. So many lovely things were said to each other. And it invigorated my hope for the future. But no sooner had the door leading out to the hall closed, a glow started coming from the corner nearby.

The Bloodstone Scepter was glowing bright. Someone was calling out to me. I tensed up as only then I realized that Torch and Blaze had a perfect view of what was happening the entire time. Resigning myself to my fate, I headed over to the scepter and took it in hand. "Hi."

Rather than speak directly at me, the voice of Blaze was directed elsewhere. "See? What did I tell you, dear? Didn't you see how good those two are for each other?"

Torch's voice let out a low grumble as he almost begrudgingly responded to his wife. "Yes, yes, I saw. And yes, we saw everything, boy. I mean I knew that Ember longed for you greatly, but... That was...quite the performance you two put on for us."

I covered my face with my other hand. If I was that mortified by Ember's parents seeing that fiery romance simmering between us, then Ember would probably die where she stood if she heard that. Blaze could surely see my shame and spoke softly to me. "Oh, James... Dear, please don't be so shy about this. That was wonderful. All the things you two said and all that you did. Now I know for certain our daughter is in good hands with you. I approve. I wholeheartedly approve."

The words of the lovely dragon queen did help, but I was still fearful of Ember's very imposing father's verdict. And so I asked cautiously, "And...you, Torch?"

Instead of a gruff grunt or indecisive mumble, I heard Torch chuckle lowly. "You're fine, boy. Even if I were to disapprove, Ember would defy me to her dying breath. She's yours now. Be good to her like you always have."

That took a load off my chest. Torch did not sound like he was reluctantly conceding to Ember and I. More like...he was just being standoffish for its own sake. I sighed in relief, but then remembered what they asked of me the first time we spoke in private. "Thank you... And I think you should know that...you'll likely be getting those grandkids someday."

Blaze giggled in such delight at those words. She then surprised me by bringing up a little something I had already forgotten about. "Yes, we heard! And from the sound of it, you'll be giving us grandchildren who aren't just dragons."

I tensed up again. Had they really listened in on the entire conversation Ember and I had with each other?! Torch then spoke out to me with a rather sincere tone in his powerful gruff voice. "Boy. As one father to another, you're very bold. And I hope that your many little ones will live happy lives under the watch of you and their many mothers. I never got to know Equestria like you do... I hope it's as wonderful a world beyond our borders as you claim it is."

Such a lovely thing to say. And it was easy to forget that Torch and I really did have something in common. We were both fathers. Perhaps I could learn a thing or two from him. And yet... To know he never really familiarized himself beyond the borders of the dragon lands was just so sad. Until I realized what was happening at that very minute. "Hey, at least you're all coming along for the ride. Now you can see more of the world. Ember's gonna be getting out there to see the world, right?"

"Ha, you're too right! I wonder what this Cantercun place is like... And I never dreamed I would see the inside of an airship like this. Perhaps watching over Ember's reign really will be an enlightening experience." Torch replied with a happy chuckle.

Blaze then spoke out to me sweetly, "Anyway, we really shouldn't keep you any longer. Ember was already a big distraction for you. Just know that we won't always be watching and listening. It's not like we constantly spy on what's happening around us."

"Right, thanks. Anyway, gotta go now. They're probably wondering where I've gone." I said in farewell before setting the Bloodstone Scepter back in the corner of the cabin. But when I stepped outside into the hall, I found Shining Armor waiting for me. He was out of uniform by then and looked like he had been waiting at the far end of the hall to evade detection from Ember. "Wait, how long have you been out here?"

Shining Armor's eyes wandered while looking like he had something awkward to discuss. "Um...since I last knocked. I know I really shouldn't have tried to eavesdrop, but...just the way the Dragon Lord yelled at me didn't feel right. So I hung around and... Well, I didn't hear everything going on in there, but..."

My nerves were at odds with each other. I knew my friend was good at keeping secrets and was aware of my unorthodox relationships, but now... After making sure that no one was present to overhear us, the captain of the guard asked, "James, I know you and Princess Celestia have something going on between you two, but... Are you sweet on the Dragon Lord too?"

I hesitated. Shining Armor had seen Ember at her worst at times. As a pony, he probably had a very different inherent outlook on dragons than me. Let alone their queen. I cautiously replied, "If Ember asks, I didn't tell you this. But...yes. I am madly in love with Ember. And I know it's mutual."

My friend stared up at me with an awestruck stare. As if he could not immediately process this information. "Uh... Wow. How'd that happen? I mean with how scary she can be... You're braver than I am."

I was surprised he did not make any assumptions about how such a love came to be. And so I said, "You saw what happened out there during the war. I've learned that romances that bloom on the battlefield tend to grow fast and hard. Yeah, Ember and I haven't known each other for all that long, but we went through a lot together in a very small timeframe."

"I guess I wouldn't know... I've only ever had Cadence. I can't imagine what happened between you two when I wasn't looking... Well, forget I said anything. If you two have the hots for each other and it's mutual, then what do I know?" Shining Armor replied before laughing at his own lack of experience with that scenario. He went trotting past me towards the galley while I followed. I had denied myself a hot meal for too long.

I was greeted by quite the sight when I entered the galley. Every last person aboard the Olympia who could pass for royalty were seated at the same table. And I felt silly when I saw most of them had emptied plates set before them. Ember was only just then starting on her meal as it was brought out, Rain Shine was almost done, but everyone else had already finished their lunch. Shining Armor returned to Cadence's side while I beheld the rest of the royal family chatting each other up. And Luna was the first to spot me. "Ah, there he is! What kept you, my friend?"

There was no denying my faux pas by then. I had not even gotten to see the three royal sisters until that moment. I sheepishly approached the table while Nightmare Moon and Celestia gazed upon me with curious smiles. I took a seat beside Celestia with Ember just on my left. "Ember and I... We got into a really good conversation. It was honestly hard to stop. Sorry if I kept you waiting."

"Aw, there's no need to apologize for that. You two haven't seen each other in a while. Isn't that part of why we're here? To catch up on lost time?" Celestia replied before placing a kiss of forgiveness upon my brow. Although I also felt something against my lower back. Something narrow yet robust. Ember had moved her tail behind me and had it slightly curled to hold me. Even more than that, she had begun to hold my hand below the table and out of sight. When I looked at her, she displayed a sly wink. And I could only smirk back at the sneaky Dragon Lord.

Nightmare Moon smiled at me from beyond her sister and said, "If you must take some time to yourself behind closed doors, feel free to do so. We will have plenty of time to catch up with each other once we land in Cantercun."

They were being very good sports about the whole thing. And I could hear the chefs in the back of the kitchen nearby getting to work on my own meal. They must have been instructed to get started as soon as I entered the galley. Ember soon released my hand and body from the grasp of her hand and tail and resumed dining on what looked like a pasta dish slathered in a rich cream sauce. Something thick and filling for colder weather. "Mmm, I forgot how much I missed this stuff! Ponies really know how to cook!"

Rain Shine was seated just beyond Ember and looked at her friend with a smile. "If you wish, I could teach you what my people and I know of the cooking arts. The cuisine of the eastern lands are know for their extravagance and colorful presentations."

"Oh yeah, they really do. Still cant wait to come by for another overnight stay at the Grove of Silence. Everything you girls cook up is amazing!" Ember replied with a famished grin. Not that I can blame her. I too found myself craving some of that eastern cuisine. The kirin must make amazing chefs back in their homeland

I listened in on the clamor of conversation around me while sipping away at sparkling apple juice. At least until it came time to soothe my hunger with an impressive display of roasted veggies and linguine in a rich cream sauce. I was left excited over what we could expect for dinner if lunch was already that delicious.

Once lunch had passed, I felt like I was in the need for a nap. Perhaps it was a result of that cozy mahogany interior, my full belly, and just being up there in the cold autumn sky with nowhere to go. I stood up from the table and asked, "I think I just need a couple of hours for a nap. Anywhere I can crash for a while?"

Celestia looked my way with an almost subtle smirk. "Why not my room? I think I can use a little sleep myself."

No one batted an eye at that. Celestia led me back down the hall to her private chambers. And it looked just the way I remembered it once we stepped inside. With no portholes looking outside, only an elegant porcelain lamp was casting a glow over the room next to the bed. Celestia's magic aura locked the door behind us as its gentle din removed her golden regalia piece by piece. All I did was slide my shoes off before flopping onto my back with Celestia crawling onto her bed beside me. She reached down and kissed me on the forehead before asking, "You and Ember were in there for a long time. What were you two up to?"

Celestia had the right to know. They were no different from each other. I stayed silent for a moment before saying, "Just...being in love."

The Princess of the Dawn gazed down at me with wide eyes and an even wider smile. "Really? Oh my... To be fair, I should've expected this. The two of you... You went through a lot together out there, didn't you?"

"She gives me courage. I give her hope. We need each other." I replied in brief while feeling that fatigue demanding that I sleep. I then asked softly while fighting off sleep, "Just...don't approach her on this, OK? She needs to figure this out on her own terms. You know how a dragon's heart works, right?"

"Yes... Yes, I do. I knew Blaze and Torch and was a personal witness to their courtship over the years. I know Ember needs to take her time, the poor thing. But if she's that happy with being with you, then I'm sure she'll make the right decision when the time comes." Celestia said wisely before she began to gingerly caress my brow with the tip of her wing. The only sound that reached our ears was the muffled buzz of the Olympia's propellers and the hum of the airship's inner workings. So relaxing, yet...I was determined to not let myself fall asleep yet. Celestia and I do not see each other often enough and that moment together behind closed doors was a rarity.

I gazed up at my beloved sun queen while she smiled warmly at me at all times. I loved her. I truly did. And I knew she loved me. But she knew little about my bond with Ember. Or even Rain Shine. I had always been so focused on telling Fluttershy first about new beloved entering my life that it slipped my mind on telling the rest of my beloveds about the newest arrivals. I asked softly, "What do you know of Ember anyway?"

Celestia's smile dimmed a little before she spoke even as her wing continued to caress my head. "Not as much as I would like to admit. I did periodically visit when she was such a little thing. Torch was adamant that I come meet his freshly hatched daughter and I did. But in a matter of years, he...became more distant. He just wasn't the same after he lost Blaze..."

I could see why. I had only just spoken to the two Dragon Lords a mere couple of hours ago at most. A weak smile spread across my lips while I said, "Yeah... I saw them. They're very good for each other. I'd...be crushed too if I lost a wife as lovely as Blaze."

"That's right, you DID talk to them recently. A little trick about the Bloodstone Scepter, right? Maybe I should sit down with them and have a nice chat sometime. You can actually see them in there, right?" Celestia asked with renewed intrigue. She had only spoken to Torch and Blaze through the Bloodstone Scepter once during the party in Canterlot to close out the War of Preservation. And all the hustle and bustle at the party probably prevented her from sitting down and having a face to face discussion with them.

I was happy to talk more about Ember's parents. "Yeah, you can actually project yourself into their realm while you're holding the Bloodstone Scepter. They can explain it better than I can. I just...didn't expect them to be so huge. They're giants even by the largest dragons I've seen elsewhere. But they're both great people. Torch is menacing, but very fair. I have a lot of respect for the guy. And Blaze... Man, she's just wonderful. Really knows how to make me feel welcome. I see why Torch loved her so much. Were you friends with them?"

"Oh, very good friends. I regularly visited for diplomatic reasons, but they were always so accommodating. Those two always brought out the best in each other. And...they were very comforting of me after Luna went away for a thousand years. Blaze would always hold me and whisper words of encouragement while Torch would always commend me for making hard decisions during times of crisis... I owe them much. I was really not in a good place for a while after the banishment of Nightmare Moon." Celestia said happily before that joy began to fade. It was easy to forget the mess that happened in the past now that Luna and Nightmare Moon themselves were among the people of Equestria like nothing had ever happened in the first place.

It was also easy to forget that Celestia ruled entirely on her own for a full millennium. A role originally meant for two. That kind of burden was unfathomable for a mere mortal like me to imagine. I asked softly, "Were they the only ones who were there for you during that thousand years?"

Celestia sighed as a smile started to return to her lips. It was a somber smile, but a grateful one as well. "No... No, Blaze and Torch were far from the only circle of confidants I had during that thousand years. Novo and Cygnus were the single greatest pillars of support I had. You know she and I have been best friends for a very long time. Most of my longest lived subordinates also comforted me from time to time. I may have been their superior, but they were also my friends. I...would have surely broken without them in due time."

I rested my hand of Celestia's wrist while she continued to stroke my head. I felt guilty for not having been able to be there for her during her darkest times. Celestia must have noticed that subtle look of shame in my eyes since she then grinned brightly at me and said, "Oh, don't give me that look, my sunshine. I made it through in the end just fine. My perseverance paid off, right? Luna came home and had healed. And then...she and I brought you to this world. And then you gave us the sister we did not know we ever had. I may have struggled for so long, but...it was worth it. By my mother's sun and my father's moon, was it worth it in the end."

"You really are something special..." I muttered while I marveled the at teh sun princess above me. Everything that defined her was something a merely mortal man could not hope to ever fully grasp. I almost felt unworthy of her, but I had to push those thoughts away. Celestia would be disappointed in me if I let those doubts get the better of me. I then whispered a beautiful truth to her. "I love you."

"And I love you, my king." The Princess of the Dawn whispered back to me before bringing her head low and touching her lips to mine. It was such a brief kiss, but I cherished it all the same. Celestia then resumed the gentle caressing of my head with her wing and asked, "But enough about me. What were you saying about Ember earlier? Have you two...taken a step closer to becoming an item?"

I poured my heart out to Celestia about that wonderful blue rose of a dragoness. "We are... I know we can't openly tell each other yet, but... I am just so madly in love with Ember. She was one of the best things to happen to me out there on the Empty Plains. I wouldn't have made it in the end without her. She's just...one of the best women I've ever known. Just...so admirable. I love her. I just...want to make her feel like the luckiest person in the world. To...be good to her all the time..."

"Shhh... Not so fast, dear. My goodness, you really are smitten with her." Celestia said softly before letting out an amused giggle. I think I was blushing by then. My love for Ember was burning so hot that I had begun to ramble. The Princess of the Dawn then whispered sweetly to me, "Like I said, I don't know Ember all that well. I didn't even recognize her at first when she first arrived to find you. But from the sound of it, you two sound very good for each other. Has she...said sweet things to you as well?"

I began to ramble again as I started to feel a little upset with myself as a few unfortunate memories returned to me. "If she's trying to act like she's still on the fence about it, Ember's not doing a good job of it. I think she's looking for any excuse to not openly ask me to be hers. Bidding her time... But she still shows it all the time when we're alone... Her touch... Her kisses... I wish we didn't have to wait. I want to tell her just how much I love her, but...it got to the point where she demanded that I not say it again. I've made things harder for her than they need to be and...I'm sorry. I'm not a dragon. I can't understand how her heart works especially when these kinds of feelings are so new to her..."

Celestia comforted me again with her wing delicately sliding the feathers at its tip over my brow. "She waited a long time to find you. I don't know how the two of you first crossed paths or how you found the dragon lands in the first place, but it must have been a blessing in disguise."

"She's only a hundred and twenty-five years old... I mean that's still a long time for most creatures, but that's still only 5% of a dragon's average lifespan. But still... I wish I found her sooner. I wish I could've been there for her while Torch was still around. Then again, maybe he would've not wanted me to get too close to her..." I muttered while starting to ponder the possibilities of what could have happened had I existed much sooner. How would things be different between Ember and I if I had met her at the age of twenty? Or even fifty? It was a strange dissonance to know that Ember was nearly five times my age, yet had the presence and personality of a young woman.

My beloved Celestia one again silenced me with a kiss. And she spoke with a smile. "If that happened, then I don't think you and Ember would be quite the way you are towards each other now. The circumstances of your first meeting made way for something truly beautiful. You met during wartime, but left the battlefield as betrotheds, right? Can you imagine a better outcome had you two met under different circumstances?"

I could not. Had Ember not been a fledgling Dragon Lord at the time... A Dragon Lord with no friends or even a predecessor to look to for guidance... Had we met in circumstances where we were not bound to protect each other on the battlefield while striving for a unified goal... No. I am convinced that had Ember and I met at literally any other time, she and I...would never have grown so close. Let alone so quickly. And so I shook my head in silence. Celestia smiled at me and asked, "There, you see? Things happen for a reason. Now tell me. I know that declaring her love for you would be an invitation to marriage, but what sweet little nothings has she told you to skirt around the issue? Has she...dropped any hints?"

My heart jumped into my throat. There was only one thing I could say to that. And it was something I had been told barely an hour ago. "She...formally requested that I...sire her heirs."

Celestia stared at me in complete silence for maybe a good six seconds when I told her that. Only for that confused stare to become one of amusement. Celestia brought a wrist to her lips while giggling shrilly. "Oh, Ember... So in love that you hide in plain sight! Sounds like she's really no good at actually hiding what's really in her heart."

"I guess that's the price of not having much experience with certain emotions. Even if you don't know how to talk about them, you have a harder time hiding them." I replied while finding some humor in the paradox that is Ember's inexperience in matters of the heart. Although I then felt it was a good time to mention something. "I mean...it's not something I'm against. Torch and Blaze want us to give them grandchildren someday."

That got another chuckle from my beloved. "Oh my goodness... First Mother and Father, and now Torch and Blaze. Well, if you and Ember do end up having little ones, I would be honored to look after them from time to time. And I bet Novo would be overjoyed to meet them."

"Yeah... Ember's kids would be your kids too. They'll all be ours. That's...what being a family is about, right?" I replied softly while tightening my grasp on Celestia's wrist. And she could only respond with a kiss. I sighed and gazed up into her beautiful eyes, "Novo. Ember. And...you. A new generation of royal children. I...can barely wrap my head around it."

Celestia's eyes went wide with that sudden realization. And her smile only became much broader. "You're right... Royal brothers and sisters reigning over Equestria? That's...not something I ever considered. And...what an intriguing concept! James... I hope all of our little ones grow up to get along. Bonds between monarchs of both friendship and family? I can't imagine a stronger bond."

"Yeah, that's... Wow. I..." I muttered as my mind went wild with fantasies of the future. Beautiful princes and princesses who would grow up to be glorious kings and queens. Equestria would be in good hands and hooves for certain. I only just then remembered, "About Ember... She asked me to bunk with her and...Rain..."

I paused in realization. There was another beautiful dragoness my heart longed for. Not of the west, but of the east. A woman who was more mare than dragoness. And Celestia was quick to notice my wandering gaze. She whispered to me, "Rain Shine missed you, dear. I know she loves you."

I was hardly surprised that the love between myself and Rain Shine was so apparent to the trained eye. I cracked a crooked smile and asked, "That obvious, huh?"

Celestia replied while showing me quite a smirk. "You think? I've been around long enough to know that kirin mares and human men have a certain...synergy between each other. A natural attraction. I knew there was something special going on between you two since the moment she arrived outside our walls on the Empty Plains. She wasn't there for us. She was there for you."

I felt honored to know that Rain Shine's presence on the battlefield was out of concern for me. She only set out to find us after listening in on my duel against the general of the second army. That was an actual struggle and she knew it. And had Rain Shine not been there in the end, I know for a fact many would have died out there. Her presence was a blessing. And then... Another bit of knowledge returned to me. "Rain... She... Correct me if I'm wrong, but...was she and the emperor... Were they...in love?"

The joy in Celestia's eyes vanished instantly. I had just unearthed some very sad memories in her. "Yes... They were. The emperor grieved for some time after the loss of his queen and he found solace in Rain Shine's embrace. A tragic fact is that the field of medicine has always advanced slowly. And medical science, even moreso. It was a time where his queen simply could not be saved."

"I understand... Even magic can't be expected to be a cure-all for everything, especially back then." I replied before allowing Celestia to continue telling the tale of the love between a human emperor and a kirin queen.

"Very true... The emperor visited the Grove of Silence more frequently along with his daughter. I know you are familiar with Megan by now. And Rain Shine loved her as if she were her own. As for her father... They in time fell very much in love. I even remember speaking with Rain Shine and hearing her confessing her hopes of blessing her beloved with daughters one day. But...his twisted ambitions proved stronger in the end." Celestia continued with such a profound gaze of longing in her eyes. Or perhaps pity for her old friend. What a sad story. Rain Shine wanted to give her beloved back the life that had been taken from him by nothing more than fate. The love of a wife. A family to love and raise together. And he...just threw it all away in the end. All without even saying goodbye to her. Celestia then whispered to me, "James. Please. I know Rain Shine loves you dearly. Don't ever break her heart like he did."

My fingers gripped her wrist firmly. The thought of a human man betraying a kirin mare... It would surely be just as cruel as a dragon's mate betraying their beloved. I spoke firmly to Celestia, "Never. I'll never do that to her. That love... It... I've never felt a love towards a woman that felt so...natural. Like it was meant to be. Whenever she's near me, I...feel like I belong. Like our souls are embracing."

Celestia smiled wistfully. Almost as if she was jealous. "I wish I could understand how that feels. The kirin and humanity have always shared a very unique connection that has never been possible to explain. A harmonic resonance on a spiritual level... I wish I could understand it..."

"Yeah, it's one of those things I can't explain. I just know it when I feel it." I replied as I found myself longing for that wonderful mare even though she was nearby. At least I would catch up on things with her that night. I looked up at Celestia and asked, "About her... Ember requested I spend the night with them in their room. Would that be all right with you?"

The Princess of the Dawn smiled brightly at me as she spoke her answer. "Of course that would be all right, dear. You and I will have plenty of nights at the resort to share a bed together. Besides, I already had a night to you myself not long ago. I shouldn't be greedy with you when there are others you love who need you."

"Thank you... Ugh, I just can't keep my eyes open..." I grumbled as my urge to sleep became stronger by the minute. Celestia had turned off all but one light source in her cabin. Dim enough to sleep, but not dark enough to tempt me to sleep into the evening and to the break of dawn. I grumbled apologetically, "Shall we nap, love?"

"I was thinking the same thing..." Celestia mumbled before letting out a graceless yawn. She then levitated over an alarm clock and set it to go off in two hours. We did not even bother pulling the sheets over us. All I needed to keep me comfortable was Celestia's wing draped over me. We shared one little kiss before my beloved whispered to me with such a fatigued smile. "Sweet dreams, my sunshine."

My dreams went uninterrupted. All I vaguely recall were...dragons. Just running along and hiding from dragons soaring overhead. And one helping me to hide. Not out of fear. More like...we did not want to be seen together by others. Was it Ember? She was small like her. Or...was it Smolder? Whatever the case, I was restless. It was not the calmest dream I could have had, but it was not a bad dream. I was constantly active as if I had a mission to carry out. And my dragon companion was with me the whole way.

I will never know what happened next. My dream ended abruptly at the call of shrill chiming bells. Celestia and I both sat up with a start before she quickly located the alarm clock and shut it off with a quick flash of her horn's magic. She then grinned sheepishly at me and said, "Well, I guess that worked well enough!"

"Tch, at least I'm wide awake now. Don't wanna pass out again just yet." I grumbled while almost tempted to laugh. I was groggy, yet determined to get myself back up. I hated how autumn is the time of year where I am prone to more naps. Especially towards the end when it starts to transition into winter. I reached up and stretched before sitting at the edge of the bed. "Curse my seasonal depression... Autumn takes a lot outta me, I swear. I know you love this season, but I'm not much of a fan."

Celestia crawled up beside me and kissed me on the ear. She then whispered sweetly to me, "Oh, James. You don't have to apologize. Even I don't really like the later stages of autumn all that much. Once all the colors have changed and have mostly fallen from the trees and the weather needs to become gloomier, even I'm not happy with it. But at least things get festive when winter arrives."

"Yep. Everyone loves a snowy winter wonderland. Even if it's cold, it's the best kind of cold." I replied while already looking forward to taking long quiet strolls with fresh snow filling the sky. I always adore how those countless snowflakes bring a comforting silence to the world as it falls. Such tranquility...

We departed the room before Celestia was called down the hall to one of the offices at the side. I was tempted to head up on deck and tracked down my jacket. I headed back up the stairs at the Olympia's stern and emerged out on deck as I was greeted by a gentle yet bitter cool breeze. The design of the airship minimized how much wind would sweep over the deck as it moved forward, but I still felt the bite upon my face.

The skies were dark and gray, and not just because of that typical late autumn weather. The sun was setting in the west at the time as Celestia was likely being reminded of her duties at the time. I looked back at the stern's top to see what the helmsman was up to. A stallion was manning the helm while dressed in an officer's uniform complete with a dapper hat, but he was also warmly bundled up with a scarf over his face to shield him from the biting cold.

I began to stroll along the deck and enjoy the experience of soaring aboard an airships while also minding the line painting along the floor. It covered the entire perimeter of the deck and was maybe ten feet from the edge. Most likely a warning to any wingless passengers over what was a safe distance from the edge. I got as close as I could and made certain to walk with my knees slightly bent. Just walking cautiously to make myself ready to respond if the ship got caught in a crosswind.

It turned out that I was not the only one up there. Ember and Rain Shine were standing right at the front of the bow while looking like they were just facing into the wind. I hastened my pace to hurry over to those lovely ladies and asked, "Evening, ladies. What's up?"

"Oh, just...trying to conquer my discomfort." Rain Shine replied with a very forced smile on her face. I thought she was starting to feel airsick at first. At least until i remembered that Rain Shine was entirely out of her element. We were probably flying much higher than we had the last time as well. We could not even see the ground from that altitude and with the gray clouds all around us.

Ember reached up to her friend and patted her on the shoulder. She spoke with a confident smile, "Hang in there, Rain. You're doing fine. Just think of all the wood beneath you now. That's still part of the earth, right?"

"Yes, the residual natural energies filling the Olympia's hull is comforting enough. But...just seeing how disconnected I am from the earth up here... We kirin were never meant for the sky!" Rain Shine giggled in a manner that was very unlike her. And I could not help getting a snicker out of the look on her face. I always saw Rain Shine as a woman of unwavering poise and grace. But I suppose even she has her limits. She looked utterly giddy and nervous. Although she did find one silver lining. "Thank the heavens everyone back home cannot listen in on me at this moment. Autumn Blaze would have a field day writing up a new standup routine at my expense."

"It's weird how the dragons of the east and west contrast with each other so much. I'm at home in the sky, but you're better off anchored to the earth." Ember said with a smirk. Rain Shine cast her friend a rather uncertain scowl, as if noting how that was not quite the right contrast between them at that moment. It was not like Ember was uncomfortable with being grounded for too long.

Funnily enough, that thought actually did bring someone to mind who did fit that description. I spoke up and said, "I don't think that's the point here, Ember... But! It does sound like how it might be with Rainbow Dash!"

The new conversation was a pleasant distraction for Rain Shine. She and Ember turned to me before asking, "Ah, the winged mare of rainbow mane? What of her?"

I then explained while digging into my memories of my friend and new budding beloved. "Rainbow Dash is almost always airborne whenever I see. She really likes to hover everywhere she goes. It almost makes you wonder if she has some kind of phobia of standing on solid ground for too long..."

Ember cocked her head to one side and cast me such a skeptical stare. "That sounds way too silly to be true. I mean come on, everyone with wings have to land to rest now and then. Especially if they want to get a good night's sleep."

"Yeah, that's true. I'm pretty sure she does it just outta preference instead of any real insecurities." I retorted while balking at Rainbow Dash being that timid about being grounded. Sure, she has other insecurities when it comes to her ego, but just standing on the ground and walking for a while just is not one of them. "I dunno, maybe it's entirely outta habit from having spent most of her life in Cloudsdale. I've been there once and everyone flies everywhere more often than not. Even with there being plenty of cloud roads. Just more convenient, I guess."

Ember and Rain Shine just stared at me in confusion. Had I never told them about Cloudsdale? Or had I done so and they had forgotten? "What? You don't know about Cloudsdale? Rain, you've been around a long time. Surely you've heard some... Oh. Right. You can't listen through the flora in Cloudsdale because it's miles off the ground."

I have to wonder how much someone as long-lived as Rain Shine even knew of the cloud cities of Equestria. Cloudsdale could not possibly be the only one of its kind. While Rain Shine let out a snort at the acknowledgement of the limitations of her kind's ability to listen to distant locations through the world's flora, Ember just crossed her arms in annoyance. "A city of clouds, huh? Lucky weirdoes. I don't get how dragons are the only things with wings in this world that can't rest on clouds. What do they have that my species doesn't?"

"My guess? Feathers." I replied briskly as I very quickly came to some kind of a logical conclusion. I just have to wonder if that is true. Do the feathers of winged species carry a certain magic that allows the creature to physically interact with clouds like they are a solid mass? I should mention this hypothesis to Twilight Sparkle sometime. She would be more than happy to look into it.

Ember reflexively spread her featherless wings at those words before looking at them and scowling at me with her face scrunching up in annoyance. Rain Shine even laughed at that realization. I then spoke while Ember folded her wings again. "Hey, don't be mad. You have some very beautiful wings."

"Oh really?" Ember asked with that scowl being replaced with a much more whimsical gaze. She then turned away from us and spread her wings wide to display that lovely bright blue instead of the darker blue lining her wings' inner membranes. "In that case, admire to your heart's content... Whoa!"

The ship began to rock a bit. And a stronger breeze began to blow across the deck from the starboard side. Ember had to fold her wings to make her less susceptible to being caught by the wind. I shielded my face from the cold and said, "We've got some turbulence?"

"The wind is fierce up here... We are standing behind the line, yes? We should be safe from falling overboard if... Ugh!" Rain Shine grunted before she too braced herself from a very strong crosswind blowing over the deck. But I...

I had allowed myself to get too relaxed during that conversation. My stance was not steady enough. Between that gust of wind and the ship rocking under me, I yelped and stammered as I stumbled back. Right over the line towards the edge of the deck. I instinctively tried to regain my footing, but that resistance only caused me to stumble further back towards an inevitable fall to the floor. But the further I stumbled, the closer to the edge I got. And Ember and Rain Shine were only barely able to look back in time to see me starting to reach the edge.

It all happened so fast. I saw my life flash before my eyes as a primal terror filled my heart the instant the back of my legs made contact with the railing. It was tall enough to catch ponies. Even ponies that are taller than average. But a grown human man? There was nothing to stop me. Ember reached out to me in a panic as she could not possibly reach me in time. But just as I felt myself leaning far back over the railing... Something caught me.

Several points of leverage very suddenly scooped under me and wrapped around my limbs as I felt all momentum disappear. I stood where I was held with only one foot on the floor as I tried to take in the fact that I was no longer in danger. My limbs, my torso... I was being held very firmly by hard tree roots. Roots that had sprouted from the wooden deck itself. I tilted my head down to gaze ahead and saw Rain Shine gazing at me with utter panic in her eyes even while staying as stiff as stone. The runes on her horn were aglow with a familiar bold shade of green. And ever so gently, those roots carried me across the deck and set me down on the correct side of the deck's safety line. The roots only released me and disappeared back into the floor like they had never been there once Rain Shine had stepped forward and draped her head across my shoulder in a protective equine embrace.

The wind had not stopped. The Olympia continued to be buffeted by the autumn gale. And Ember was not about to let that happen twice. The Dragon Lord took hold of my hand and spoke just as firmly as her grasp. "Inside. Now."

"Yeah, got it." I put up no resistance as the adrenaline in my body began to filter itself out. I was held by dragon of east and west while being guided down the middle of the deck while not another word was spoken. I happened to look up along the way and could see that the ship's helmsman was watching us the entire time. He must have witnessed me almost go overboard despite the safety precautions aboard the Olympia. We would likely make a report on it later.

The instant we were finally inside atop the stairwell, Rain Shine and Ember simultaneously embraced me from both sides. Ember almost sounded angry at me as she spoke with a growl. "Don't you ever scare us like that again."

"I don't even know how that happened... I was behind the line...and I almost went over anyway." I muttered while probably still in a bit of shock. The railing was low enough for ponies and most other creatures, but I was still too tall? The only ponies as tall as me were the royal family themselves. And they had wings. Falling overboard was a borderline nonissue for them. And the only reason I was still up there was... "Rain... Thank you."

My beautiful beloved gently nuzzled her head up against the side of my head. She even began to alternate from shoulder to shoulder. With every switch, she would caress my face with her luscious emerald mane. The familiar scent of pine in those green strands... It was almost soothing. She knew what she was doing. "Thank goodness I was there... I nearly lost you once. But never again. The only fate I wish to lose you to is the march of time and nothing less."

I held her while she held me. And Ember's hand found its way to mine. But while she gripped me firmly at first and almost in an aggressive fashion, her grasp softened and held my hand in a much more familiar and tender fashion. The fear had passed. We were all safe indoors now even as we could still hear and feel the Olympia tremble against the turbulence battering its sturdy wooden hull. Ember then said, "If you need to go out there again, let us know first. Just in case."

"Yeah, I'll do that. Thank you." I whispered in relief. I was all the more thankful that those two wonderful ladies were there for me when I needed them more than ever. And heaven forbid anyone in the royal family witnessed that happen aboard their own private vessel. But they would surely hear about it later. And I was expecting an earful for it. But still... I was annoyed with myself. "I don't get it... I was on the right side of the line. I should've been a safe distance from the edge..."

"Maybe it's a good thing you stumbled that far before falling anyway. If you fell any sooner, you probably would've smashed your head against the railing. You only just recovered from a skull fracture. You don't need another one." Ember replied with an unexpected show of insight. I went down hard and clipping the edge of that sturdy wooden structure would have easily left me with a concussion at best. And if only Ember had been up there with me, she would have had to dive overboard to catch me. And she would then have to endure the impossible task of chasing down the Olympia while carrying me along after a dive of however many meters to reach me. All while struggling against the bitter cold wind that blew me over in the first place. A nearly impossible task for certain, one that would surely doom us both.

I looked at Rain Shine as my face nuzzled into her soothingly fragrant mane. There was only one way to insure there would be no repeats of that incident. "Rain. I don't think I should go out there again without you. Even Ember won't be able to save me if I fall off."

"Consider it done. Should you need to see the sky again, find me and I will stay by your side." She replied firmly yet lovingly. The beautiful kirin queen then stepped back and said more tenderly, "But enough of us loitering in this tiny chamber. Let us return to the galley so I may brew us some tea. The cold winds has put me in the mood for a warm drink."

We were all in favor of that suggestion. Ember and I followed Rain Shine back below deck and through the central hall to return to the galley. Hardly anyone was in there by then and we were pleased to find that we did not have to go out of our way to brew our own. There was an entire beverage table in the corner lined with large canisters with spigots at the bottom. One contained coffee while a few others contained different kinds of tea. The former caught Ember's attention when she read the label. "Coffee? What's that?"

"It's a beverage that's usually served hot. It serves pretty much the same purpose as most teas by containing caffeine. It's popular around the world as a means of just keeping you alert and less prone to drowsiness." I explained while having absolutely no interest in that drink choice.

Ember turned my way with an even more confused stare as she heard a word she did not recognize. "Caffeine? What's that? Is it a poison?"

Always happy to aid my beloved Ember in her pursuit of knowledge, I explained further. "It's a stimulant that basically perks you up and keeps you awake. It naturally occurs in certain teas and coffee, although coffee generally contains more than tea. It'll wake you up more effectively."

"Ooh, so you people drink it throughout the day so you won't be tempted to take naps. In that case, I better get some. This dreary autumn weather makes me want to just curl up and sleep through the rest of the voyage." Ember replied before grabbing a ceramic coffee cup nearby and pouring herself a full serving from the metal tank. I was about to warn Ember of the flavor and even Rain Shine appeared alarmed that Ember was not even adding any sugar or creamer to her cup. We looked at each other, but then we started to smirk. We were about to get a very interesting live reaction to Ember's first taste of that foul devil's brew.

Ember did not even bother taking a little sip of that steaming hot fluid. She was probably more interested in the effect than the flavor. She chugged the whole thing in one go. But no sooner had she lowered her mug from her lips did we get pretty much what I was expecting. Her eyes went wide while her entire body was wracked by a violent spasm as the sheer bitterness of the coffee hit her. I almost thought Ember was going to vomit as she gagged at the flavor. "Ack, what is that?! Do people really drink this stuff?! It wasn't so bad going down, but... Augh! That aftertaste! Make it go away!"

Rain Shine and I were howling as Ember stuck her tongue out and dragged her fingers over it like she was trying to wring out a wet towel. She could not stand that flavor at all. I finally caught myself and said, "Yeah, I could never stand that stuff myself. And the leftover coffee grounds are just disgusting and get everywhere. Even adding stuff like creamer and sugar doesn't improve the flavor all that much. You're still going to get that coffee flavor in there regardless."

Ember still looked like she might vomit at any time. I knew all too well about how that wretched flavor likes to stay there on the back of one's tongue for several minutes. The disgusted Dragon Lord set her used mug in a plastic tub with other dirty drinkware on the table before fetching herself a new mug. Her eyes still squinted in response to that bitter flavor, she then asked, "What do you even have to do to make this stuff? I know tea is made from herbs and stuff like that, but is coffee made the same way?"

While not the most knowledgeable on the drink, I knew enough about coffee to give her an answer. "Uh... Kind of? Except instead of steeping the stuff in water, you strain the water through it. The way it works is that you first have to roast the beans until they're dark and crunchy. Then you grind it down into tiny pieces that you strain water through."

Just the very realization of what she had actually consumed only seemed to revolt Ember more. I suppose actually describing the process of creating coffee does make it come off as more disgusting than it really is. Her eyes displayed horrified disbelief as she said, "You mean you have to BURN that stuff first?! So coffee is basically a tea that uses burned bean ashes?! Yeah, that's disgusting. I'll stick with tea, thanks."

Rain Shine giggled once more before she finally spoke up. "Yes, it is a very acquired taste. Even my people and I prefer tea over it. We could produce coffee plants and roast the results, but...we just don't care for it. I am certain most drink coffee for the effects rather than the flavor. Come, let us cleanse our palettes."

The tea selection was generous in its variety. There was green and blacks to chose from. I wanted no part of the standard black type, but the other blacks were infused with seasonal flavors. We all took part in the pumpkin spiced variety. That flavor was just perfect for the occasion. The three of us took a seat at a table while some pleasant music played from the galley's audio systems. Ember was quick to take a few sips of the steaming liquid to wash away the lingering flavor of that coffee. "Phew, much better. What did you say this flavor is?"

"Pumpkin spice. Pumpkins are those big tough orange fruits that grow from vines on the ground. They're kind of a seasonal fruit that get the most use during colder seasons like this." I gently blew at the top of my drink to cool it just enough for the tiniest sips. The temperature forced me to pace myself, but it also allowed me to savor the flavor for longer. I really did love that flavor. Pumpkin spice has become one of my favorite seasonal black tea flavors.

Ember's eyes narrowed as she pondered my words. "Pumpkins... Orange fruits? But not those small ones that you peel? Don't think I've seen those."

Rain Shine then took another sip of her tea while the runes on her horned glowed with that glorious deep green. They began to glow brighter as she said, "Perhaps I can show you. The lingering natural energies within the wood here is low, but perhaps it is just enough to produce this..."

Ember and I leaned over to see what Rain Shine was up to. Sparkling magical light began to shine from a spot on the wooden floor before a green vine began to sprout for it. And it rapidly produced a large round fruit that was around the size of my head. A type of pumpkin attached to a vine. Rain Shine then said, "Help yourself. It is yours."

"Ooh, so this is a pumpkin... Huh. It's heavier than it looks." Ember replied before hoisting the fruit up in one hand. The vine shriveled and snapped off from the stem before the rest regressed back into the floor like it had never been there. Ember set aside her tea and held the pumpkin in both hand to look it over. "You're supposed to eat these?"

"Um... People don't normally eat them raw, but...I guess you can?" I replied while Rain Shine and I watched with renewed interest.

Ember shrugged her shoulders before taking a big bite out of the pumpkin's thick rind. We watched as she chewed before looking at the fruit with an intrigued smile. "Hm. Interesting."

Ember started helped herself to more as she gnawed away at the pumpkin bit by bit. We had only sat down for a drink, but now Ember had a snack. Although she eventually gnawed a large enough hole in one side to reveal the contents of the pumpkin's interior. "Ooh, what's this? More fruit inside the fruit? Nice!"

Rain Shine and I had no time to stop her. Ember stuck her narrow jaws into the pumpkin's cavity and pulled back out with a load of those stringy pumpkins guts dangling from her jaws while lined with seeds. She then slurped it all in and started munching...only for her look of curious joy to gradually turn into confused disgust. Her eyes narrowing, my chewing slowing, and just the sheer look on her face was something to behold. Ember begrudgingly swallowed what she had in her mouth before groaning in disapproval. "Ugh, why is it so slimy?! That was just...totally unappealing!"

I was actually having a lot of fun watching Ember try so many new things that day, no matter how ridiculous the results were. Rain Shine then explained, "People generally do not eat the contents inside the pumpkin. That is usually scooped out first."

That was when I had an idea. I pointed at the pumpkin and said, "Hey, come to think of it... People also roast the seeds to eat for later. You think maybe you could... I dunno... Maybe use your fire breath to cook everything that's in there?"

"Really? Huh... Sure, let's see what happens." Ember replied with an intrigued smile. Breathing fire indoors would normally be a terrible idea, but I trusted Ember to control herself. Regardless, I was still suddenly hoping suggesting she try to use her flame breath inside the Olympia would not be a bad idea.

Ember held out the pumpkin before her in both hands. And with a deep breath, she unleashed a long and very focused gout of her vibrant pink flame breathe into the pumpkin's gaping cavity. No embers escaped the fruit as the pumpkin's thick rind kept the flames contained. Rain Shine and I still kept a close watch just in case something went wrong. We could hear the crackling of everything inside being quickly dried out by the flames before Ember finally relented. Trails of smoke rose from the freshly roasted pumpkin while Ember gazed into the fruit. The smell of freshly roasted pumpkin was...simply indescribable. "Ooh, this looks so much better now."

She really started going at it then. Ember was very happy with the end results. Reaching in and crunching on the crispy seeds and really enjoying the roasted pumpkin fruit. And Rain Shine and I could only watch in intrigue. I found myself muttering, "Man, I really need to check with Applejack if roasted pumpkins are even a thing. I wanna try that sometime."

Ember ate every last bit of that pumpkin, even if it took at least fifteen minutes from start to finish. Even the stem was not spared. Ember patted her bottomless belly and said, "Pumpkins get a pass from me. I see why they like this stuff so much."

It was an entertaining experience watching Ember indulge in a new kind of snack. But before we could really chat each other up, someone came trotting our way. "Hey there! Enjoying your first trip abroad, ladies?"

Cadence had tracked us down and was looking to really get to know the two newest arrivals. There just was not enough time and too much happening during that victory party several weeks for her to really talk to them. Ember was in a cheery mood and raised a hand in greeting. "Hey there! Just staying down here where it's warm and toasty. Although I don't think we've really met. Who are you again? You're the captain's mate, right?"

"Yes, I am Shining Armor's wife. I know you probably got to know my husband out there during the war while I was stuck back here dealing with all that paperwork." Cadence said with a dry chuckle. It was easy to forget that even Cadence helped out with the war effort by staying behind to handle the legislative side of governance while the sovereigns of Equestria were out there in the field. Definitely not a fun time, but at least Spike was there to assist. And he surely has enough experience as Twilight's assistant to handle that role quite handily. Cadence then took a seat at the table and touched her gilded hooves together with a happy smile on display. "So then! Dragon Lord Ember? Rain Shine? Hello! I'm Princess Cadence."

Rain Shine bowed her head in greeting before speaking. "A pleasure, your highness. A such a bright aura about you. Princess of Love, so I've heard?"

"Yes, that's what they say. I mean I don't have any real ruling power in the royal pantheon, but Celestia did raise me like her own." Cadence explained before I started to notice something about her that never struck me before. She was not Celestia's child or even Luna's. There was no possible way she was born an alicorn. Could she...have been in the same situation that Celestia had placed Twilight in? But if Celestia had Twilight under her wing then, there was no way Cadence could not have been taken advantage of by her foster mother. That, and I do not believe Celestia would ever have it in her to resort to something that disgustingly underhanded and deceitful to a filly who basically saw Celestia as her own mother for a time. At least I pray she did not...

Rain Shine cast me a very concerned gaze as my mind went to a very dark place almost out of nowhere. It was a dark discovery I made during wartime about my beloved Celestia that greatly shook my faith in her. And I could only hope that Luna and Nightmare Moon would see too it that Celestia would not make a choice she would ultimately regret. I suddenly noticed Rain Shine's gaze as she likely sensed the budding turmoil in my soul. I quickly tried to break the ice and get my mind off of that irrelevant topic. "Oh, uh... Yeah! Princess of Love. You've always had a special brand of magic at your disposal, right?"

Cadence beamed happily like the walking bundle of positivity she had always been. "Yes! It's always been my own little quirk. I spread love wherever I can when needed. Oh, but it's not like I fire cupid arrows at anyone. I just bolster the love that's already there."

Ember rested her jaw atop a fist as she looked upon Cadence with curiosity. "Princess of Love, huh? Sounds kinda cheesy, but cute too."

Ember's almost dismissive response prompted Cadence to look at the Dragon Lord with confusion. "Cheesy? But Ember, I thought that dragons have some of the most sincerity and enduring courtship practices in all of Equestria. They say no love burns hotter than that of a dragon's."

She got Ember there. Even I found myself smirking as Ember tried to play it cool and keep up a facade of stereotypical dismissive dragon crudeness. I suppose even she was not entirely immune to falling back onto the bad influence of her own people. That, or she was actively trying to hide her own heart. Ember shook a hand between her and Cadence as she said, "OK, that's true. Yeah, we dragons are all or nothing when it comes to pursuing a mate."

Cadence's eyes narrowed mischievously as her horn was coated by that gentle light blue magic aura of hers. Ember's eyes widened in uncertainty. Cadence did not appear to be trying to cast a spell on anything. But she then gazed at Ember in delighted surprise. "Oh wow, so that's what a dragon's love feels like! You're so full of it that you could burst!"

"What?! Keep your magic to yourself! Stopping trying to peep into my heart!" Ember barked while wrapping her wings around herself to try and hide her own feelings from a mare who possessed a very special kind of magic custom-made for just such a purpose. It was almost as if Cadence could read hearts as easily as Ocellus, but not quite as constantly.

Cadence got a good giggle out of Ember's defiant retort, but I knew better than to let Cadence prod further. I reached out an placed a hand on her shoulder and said, "Please don't pressure her for answers. Ember needs to figure that stuff out on her own and at her own pace. Dragons have to be cautious. It's...just the way their hearts work."

The Princess of Love gazed at me with genuine surprise in her eyes. I am honestly shocked I knew more about dragon courtship than her at the time. Ember was calmed by my words and unwrapped herself from her wings before gazing at me with a look of loving gratitude. Cadence then asked more respectfully, "Oh... I'm sorry. I didn't know that dragon courtship is so...delicate. But...if you have that much love in you... Is there someone you have your eyes on?"

Ember's breath was caught in her throat. And we all listened closely. Cold sweat began to pour from my pores as I anticipated what her answer would be. Thankfully, Ember's response was admirably vague. "Yes. There is. A wonderful male. And that's all I'm gonna say on this matter, all right?"

"Yes, yes, no pressure! And I wish you the best of luck!" Cadence giggled as the aura around her horn faded. Ember smirked triumphantly while I took some relief in how she handled that question. But Cadence then looked at Rain Shine next. "And you... So much love too. Is there someone in your life?"

Rain Shine was much more transparent as she replied with serene sincerity. "There is. A truly wonderful man whose very soul longs for me as mine does for him. We are very happy together."

Touching words. I had to try and hide a smile. Rain Shine's inviting aura called out to me and demanded that I reciprocate. Cadence beamed with an approving smile at the kirin queen's sincerity. "Oh, you're already with someone?! Then who is he? Who's the lucky stallion?"

I tensed up, but then watched in curiosity. Rain Shine never lost that serene smile, but...she never spoke. She just sat there in complete silence as we watched. Was it an attempt to protect me without speaking a lie? After a brief moment with Cadence looking more and more confused, Rain Shine did something that betrayed her heart. Her eyes. Those beautiful crimson eyes glanced my way for just an instant. And Cadence noticed. Her eyes narrowed before looking at me. And then her eyes widened in realization. "James?"

There was one saving grace about how Cadence's magic worked. She could sense how much love was in me, but she could not tell who it was reaching out to. With this in mind, I tried to feign ignorance. "It's not what you think. Rain Shine and I became good friends out on the battlefield. We served together..."

Instead of becoming more suspicious or even accusatory towards me, Cadence just looked at me with a calm smile. Although she then looked around carefully to inspect the galley. No one else was nearby save for a few stewards at a far table chatting over some coffee. And the galley was not exactly silent either. The ambient music being broadcast from the audio system and the muffled buzz of the airship's engines helped mask our voices as long as we were quiet. Her observations complete, Cadence looked at me again. "It's all right, James. I know."

Ember was swift to intervene. She firmly set her hand down on the table to get Cadence's attention and spoke with a very menacing unblinking gaze. "Now you listen here. If you do anything that ends up endangering this man or his family..."

Cadence immediately interrupted Ember with a reassuring cautious tone. "No, of course not! I would never!"

"She speaks the truth, Ember. I sense no deceit in her soul or even revulsion towards our friend." Rain Shine spoke up calmly. She definitely did not look the least bit alarmed when Cadence put the pieces together. Ember relaxed her gaze, but Rain Shine then did ask. "Although I must wonder... How do you know?"

I too was curious. Although I did have my suspicions. And Cadence quickly confirmed them. "I've heard things. And my husband trusted me enough to know. Just a close secret regarding a dear family friend."

I then cautiously asked, "And...that doesn't offend you? Even as a married mare?"

Cadence grinned at me with a gaze of amusement. "James, I sometimes joked that with how bottomless your love feels, that there was no way Fluttershy alone could possibly handle all of it. I just didn't know how right I would be."

All I could do was just stare at Cadence with a crooked grimace. She was gossiping behind my back about just how much love I have in me? Hopefully not to anyone who would let that gossip spread. She then reached out and patted my shoulder with a wing. "I really don't think you have it in you to use women like that. From what I've heard, you really do have that much love in you and are very good to those who become something more. Is that true, Rain Shine? Does he love you just as much as Fluttershy?"

"He does. It's just a pure and sincere love. So eager to love and see his beloveds happy. And I am honored he found such love with me." Rain Shine replied with a special confidence in her voice. And she and I shared a knowing smile together.

Ember then took the time to ask, "But if you're OK with it... Why exactly would others not be? It's not forbidden is it?"

"No, polygamous relationships were never outlawed. It just... At least from what I found when I looked up information on it out of curiosity..." Cadence replied before her smile faded. As the Princess of Love, it was only natural to learn of all the ins and outs of romantic practices. Even the most unorthodox ones. She then sighed wistfully before continuing. "It fell out of favor because...they stopped being about love and became all about lust. It's just...so easy for a stallion to let such a situation go to his head. Such relationships ended up becoming a testament to the husband's ego and image and not a display of how much love he had to give his wives. The public grew to turn on it and the general consensus plummeted. It's not illegal, but many would assume such relationships are never done in good faith. So I understand why you want to keep this a secret between you."

"Then that's their problem. I know this man and he is truly a wonderful husband to his women. There's no lust at all. And it's just so...inspiring. I'm proud of him. I really am. I have faith that this man doing a good thing here." Ember said boldly while casting me a very inspiring smile. And I returned that smile with one of my own and whispered a quiet 'thank you' to her.

Cadence took note of Ember's stalwart support of me. "That's quite a thing to say. Is polygamy more accepted in the dragon lands than elsewhere?"

Ember snorted at the notion and almost burst out laughing at it. Rain Shine quietly sipped at her tea while she enjoyed the show in silence. "Ha! No, not at all. Dragons only have eyes for one and just one. And it's for life."

This admission only confused Cadence. The Princess of Love cocked her head to one side just slightly as she asked, "Huh? They don't? As in...at all? But then...why do you support it in James' case?"

"I...didn't at first. But he tried to explain himself to me. And...I listened. Because he always listens to me." Ember replied with her voice softening. She looked at me out of the corner of her eye while continuing to speak. "It was...such a weird concept. But he explained himself with such cautious conviction. I could tell he was still very unsure of himself, but there was so much love in what he was saying. I could tell that it wasn't a lie. That he wasn't do it for his own pleasure. He's a good man who just wants to be good to his mates, no matter how many he has."

Cadence's eyes narrowed a bit as she heard the earlier words Ember spoke. And she asked a piercing question. "You say James always listens to you?"

"Mmhm, always. When I speak, he listens. And it's only fair I do the same for him. And I can tell when he's listening to everything else too." Ember replied before casting a smirk my way and wiggling her eyebrows at me. I almost laughed and covered my smile with my fist. "See? When he goes quiet, his ears pick up on every little thing he hears. He's a sneaky and observant one."

Ember was playing a dangerous game. She was being too open with her heart. Such playfulness in her words was not like her to those she was not closer to. And Cadence would plainly see this. The Princess of Love asked with a growing excited smile on her lips, "Ember. What's your history with James? Are you two...friends? Or is he that special man you said you're pursuing?"

The Dragon Lord opened her mouth to speak, but her eyes suddenly went wide with shock as she suddenly realized what Cadence had figured out by observing her behavior. And she immediately went on the defensive. "I'm not answering that question."

And yet, the refusal to provide an answer was even more of an answer than Ember realized. Cadence then looked my way for an answer on my part. "James? What can you tell me about you two?"

Ember's eyes opened wide as she gazed at me with shock. And the urge was so strong. I could have confessed right there. As long as I was not speaking to Ember, would a confession carry less risk? I dearly wanted to pour my heart out about my beloved Ember. I wanted to, and yet...

"Excuse me." I could not. I should not. I rose from the table and quickly exited the galley. I leaned against the corner right outside in the hall and just... I was so upset with myself. I wanted to say it, yet I could not.

I was not alone for long. Cadence stepped out after me and closed the door behind her. She gazed up at me and spoke with such a profound frown on her face. "James... I'm sorry. I just... Are you all right?"

Cadence meant no harm and she was ignorant to the nuances of dragon courtship. I could not be angry with her for that. It was entirely the fault of the dragon land's and their barbaric isolationism that has made much of Equestria just as ignorant about them as they are to the outside world. I could barely look at her as I muttered, "It's just... I wish I didn't have to hide it from her..."

The Princess of Love asked softly, "Hide what? Do you...love her?"

I sighed harshly and spoke quietly. "I am madly in love with that wonderful dragon queen. I want to be hers. I want her to be mine. I want...to be good enough for her. And...I can't tell her yet. Or maybe I should say...I shouldn't. I've already said too much to her already. It's...hard on her to tell her that when she's not ready to say yes or no..."

Cadence's eyes widened considerably as I poured my heart out to her. And she glanced back at the door where Ember was surely still waiting at the table for us to return. Cadence then stepped forward and rose high on her hind hooves to pin me in the corner. And she held me in an embrace. "I shouldn't have prodded. I'm sorry. I know nothing about how dragons find love with each other. If you two need to be careful with what you say to each other until the right time, then I won't say anymore."

I sighed in some relief while I hugged my friend right back. Although she then whispered to me with a cheekier tone of voice, "But it looks like you don't have to worry about whether or not you're good enough to her. Didn't you see how much she was fawning over you back there? She thought she was being subtle, but it was clear how much she adores you."

"Don't say that to her face. She'll get mad." I said with a bit of a snicker in my voice. That helped lighten the mood just enough for me. And Cadence also got a giggle out of that. I then remembered who else was at the table with us and added, "I don't think you have to worry about Rain Shine though. She and I... We've made up our minds. It feels...natural. Like it's meant to be."

"I wish I knew more about the kirin of Equestria, but it sounded like it's deeply mutual between you two. No doubts at all. I don't know what's going on between you two, but I hope everything works out fine." Cadence whispered to me with her head nuzzling up against mine. As the Princess of Love, her approval was very important. And it gave me hope that I was not making a mistake in my choices. She then whispered to me quietly, "Have you and Ember always been good to each other?"

I was vague with my answer, but I also told her the most profound reply I could. "She gives me courage. And she says I give her hope."

Cadence did not even have an answer to that question. All she did was pull her head back before placing a kiss on each side of my face. She then beamed at me with a grin and said, "You two are going to be so happy together when the time comes. We'll need to set up a time for couple's night. You, Ember, Shining Armor, and me just have a time out on the town. Our treat!"

She was certainly confident about us. Very confident. That offer just got a chuckle out of me. And it was enough to help coax me back into the galley. My eyes immediately fell upon Ember and saw that she was watching me. We immediately averted our gaze. Although Cadence then found the perfect ice breaker. "Say... If you're done with your drinks, how about I show you where you can have some fun on the ship if you're looking for a way to kill some time?"

I knew where this was going if that smug smirk on Cadence's lips was anything to go by. The three of us followed her down the stairs in the corner of the galley and quickly found ourselves down in the rec room of the ship. And it was getting a lot of use at the time since there was not much else going on aboard the Olympia. Pool tables were in use by a few stewards, some of the guards were playing a game of poker, and a particularly hilarious sight was almost the entirety of the royal family huddled around an arcade cabinet with Orbash and Sunflare getting their first taste of the field of video games. Celestia and Nightmare Moo were seated beside each other and sounded like they were having a good time. Luna and Shining Armor were just watching like they were eager for their own turn. Cadence then smirked at us and held out an open wing towards the sight before us. "Behold! The dork chamber!"

Between the clamor of everyone having fun, the sound of the engines being more noticeable due to being closer to the engine room, and the background music and sound effects coming from the arcade cabinet in use, it was clear we were in the room were all the fun happens. Ember and Rain Shine could not stop just looking around at these completely new surroundings. The marvels of modernity was a constant stream of surprises for them. Although Cadence then added, "We also have shuffleboard up on deck when the weather is fair."

"Forget that. I wanna see what these are! Boxes...with moving pictures behind the glass?" Ember said as her eyes focused on an unused arcade cabinet that was in demo mode. And it was none other than a copy of Equestrian Heroes. Cadence and I both smirked at each other now that it was Ember's turn to discover her inner gamer. I followed with Rain Shine also peering over my shoulder in curiosity. Ember marveled at the detailed sprites on screen. "What is this? Is this like a book, but you can actually see what's happening?"

Shining Armor beat me to the punch. Cadence's favorite dork trotted over and explained, "It's interactive entertainment. Instead of just watching passively, you get to control the characters and interact with the world in the game. If you want something more accessible to start with, I can't recommend Equestrian Heroes enough."

"Something new to try? In that case, sign me up!" Ember beamed as she grabbed a stool and took a seat at the far end of the cabinet. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to spend some bits on the game, but I then noticed the coin compartment's hatch was left wide open with four bits left inside. Since those arcade cabinets were onboard the Olympia itself, they must have been privately purchased and were now owned by the royal family themselves. No one would be coming to collect those bits, so there was no point in keeping them locked in. The four bits in there were probably just there to be reused at will by the players. Ember took hold of the joystick and tapped away on the two buttons. "Do you control it with these? And why is nothing happening?"

"You have to insert a coin first. Like this." Shining Armor replied while using his levitation magic to snatch up one of the bits before sliding it through the coin slot. It noisily rolled on through before dropping back into the coin box. The text at the bottom of the green responded to show that one credit was now available. Shining Armor then looked back at me and asked, "Anyone else wanna join? We've got three seats ready."

"Huzzah, count me in! I claim all mage privileges!" Luna called out before rushing over and pulling up a seat. Ember looked ready to go too, but was waiting to see who would join. And there was no way Shining Armor would let them start without him.

I could not pass up a chance to have some fun on such a classic of an arcade title, especially when we could replay it endlessly with a set of bits on hand. The four of us lined up in a row and got started. Luna immediately selected the mage once the character select screen came up. I swiftly picked the paladin since the sword and shield style resonated with me. Shining Armor waited for Ember to make her selection while he said, "Choose your player, Dragon Lord. I'm fine with any class."

"Hmm... I like the look of those axes...but I think I feel more at home with someone who can actually fly." Ember replied before she selected the tiny pegasus archer. Cadence was looming over her husband as she looked very eager to watch her favorite dork have some fun and flex his gaming skills. With our four classes set, the game began.

I recall heavily detailing my first full time playing through Equestrian Heroes a while ago, so I will not repeat myself here. Regardless, Ember did not take long to get the hang of the controls and started peppering the enemy characters with arrows from afar. At least at first. It turned out that Ember's courage constantly kept getting the better of her since she repeatedly overestimated the archer's capacity for melee combat. She kept getting in close to lash out with the archer's dagger and kept taking heavy damage due to his fragile defenses. By the time we reached the final boss, I lost count of how many times she had to pop in another coin to avoid getting kicked from the game. At least Ember never raged too hard and was having a genuinely fun time. It was just such a shame that constantly losing lives made it impossible for her to hold onto any power-ups. It eventually got to the point where Shining Armor just had to point it out. "Ember, why do you keep rushing in to attack the enemies up close? You know the archer is meant to attack from a distance, right?"

"I can't help it! This guy gives me courage! I have to stand strong in the face of danger!" Ember barked while I was seated right next to her. She even grabbed me by my opposite shoulder for a friendly half hug while I just cracked up laughing for a second. She says I give her courage... Maybe a little too much courage, it seems.

We were having so much fun that we promptly restarted the game for another go after the credits rolled and even swapped out characters. I decided to give the archer a try for once while Shining Armor took the role of the mage. Luna settled into her role as the paladin and Ember took control of the much hardier and brutal berserker. But barely five minutes went by before both the arcade cabinet of Equestrian Heroes and all the others in the rec room suddenly shut off. And Ember was not pleased. "HEY, WHAT GIVES?!"

One of the stewards at the far end of the rec room had apparently tripped a switch in the ship's fuse box. He spoke out apologetically, "Sorry! The nightly curfew is in effect! All arcade cabinets get shut off at 9 PM sharp! Time to start settling in for the night."

"Come to think of it, it was getting quite noisy in here with all of us. I bet we could be heard throughout the entire ship." Orbash said with a chuckle while not particularly bothered by having his game cut short. He then rose from his seat along with his daughters now that the rec room had gotten a lot quieter.

Ember grumbled in annoyance over the fun being cut short. But she then noticed something along with me. Where had Rain Shine gotten off to? At least until we heard the sound of what I think was wood striking wood. We all turned to face the nearest pool table and found Rain Shine striding around it with a pool cue held in her levitation spell. It looked like she had little interest in the technological attractions in the rec room and was finding some fun in a game of pool. She appeared confident too with how she carried herself and had a bit of an audience with the stewards and guards gathered around the table.

We too drew near and watched. Three balls were left on the table aside from the white cue ball. And Rain Shine seemed to know exactly what she was doing. She brought her head down low and closed one eye to look right down the length of her cue. But she did not immediately shoot. She began to sidestep back and forth without ever lifting her head. Until finally she launched the cue ball fast and hard. It struck one ball, ricocheted around the table, and struck the other two. And that was enough to send all three into the pockets. Applause erupted throughout the room as the kirin queen lifted her head with quite the proud smile on her lips.

"Well played, Rain Shine! How many games have you played tonight? Mind if I join in?" Celestia asked while she fetched a pool cue for herself. The audience's interest only grew now that a pool duel between royalty was starting up.

"Gladly." Rain Shine said confidently as the balls were fetched and arranged in the triangle. Even with the arcade games shut down for the night, Ember found some fun in trying out for a game of darts nearby. She definitely had the hands for it. As for me, I decided I had enough noise for the moment and headed back up the stairs to the galley to partake in some tea before bed.

The lights in the galley had been dimmed a bit to make it easier on our eyes. And a new tank of tea had been set out that consisted of chamomile. I took a seat with cup in hand and sipped lightly at the piping hot fluid. hat subtle natural hint of honey was just what I needed. Although I was not alone for long. The door leading to the stairwell soon opened and revealed Nightmare Moon. And she made a beeline right for me. I waved in greeting while she spoke softly to me. "Good evening. Have the accommodations been to your liking?"

"Mmhm, very. I've been having a good time. For the most part." I replied to the beautiful Princess of Dreams. She fetched herself a mug of tea as well, but that smile eventually faded. She gazed upon me in almost accusatory concern. And I quickly understood why. "I guess someone told you?"

"Yes. The helmsman reported to us an accident that occurred some hours ago. But it was not something to discuss in the open with watching eyes. Can you describe what happened up on deck?" Nightmare Moon asked most tenderly. She was not upset. She just wanted answers.

I was very clear with my choice of words and spared no details. "There was a very strong crosswind at one point. And I was standing behind the safety line on the floor. But between the rocking of the ship and the wind hitting me, I stumbled over far enough and ended up going over the railing anyway. I would've gone overboard if Rain Shine hadn't been able to grab me with her magic."

"It sounds like you were not being reckless or dismissive of any safety protocols. More like you ran afoul of the ship's design being built around ponies and not something as tall as humans. This demands a reevaluation... Until then, please take extra precautions if you happen to go up on deck while in flight. We did not bring your armor along for this trip. You really should not need it." Nightmare Moon said now that her concerns had been dealt with. She took another long sip of her tea while I did the same. She was not upset. She knew that close call was not my fault.

I was grateful that I would not be wearing my armor during that vacation. This was a trip for relaxation, not training. Although I then said, "Yeah, Ember was kinda mad at me afterward. Or rather she was mad that she had been scared like that."

Nightmare Moon spoke with a knowing smile at me. "I can imagine. But tell me. Just what were you two up to in her cabin earlier? We invited you two for lunch, but you took your time coming back. What happened in there that distracted you so much?"

My gaze wandered in embarrassment. And then a sound reached my ears. I looked past the beautiful princess before me and saw that the door leading to the stairwell had opened. And standing there was Ember. Speak of the devil... I tried to avoid eye contact and I think Ember was doing the same. She walked along the very perimeter of the galley to reach the door leading out to the main hall, but I could tell she was watching me. And I spoke with a very quiet whisper that only Nightmare Moon would hear. "We were just...being in love."

The Princess of Dreams glanced at Ember out of the very corner of her eye. Ember had no idea that she had drawn Nightmare Moon's attention. And she spoke softly with a smirk. "The two of you are terrible at hiding your feelings for each other. Such an open secret. Do Torch and Blaze know?"

"Yeah... They know. And they approve." I muttered while hoping Ember was truly out of earshot. She stepped through the doorway, but it did not close behind her. And that splash of blue never disappeared from the edge of my vision. I turned my gaze up...and there she was. Ember was standing just beyond the doorway, but was basically looking in from beyond the doorway with her hand grasping the frame for support. Watching... Waiting. As if silently pleading for me to come to her. I finally relented and whispered to Nightmare Moon. "I think she's calling me."

"I think so too. Then do not let me keep you. Worry not about how little time you and I have shared during this voyage. That is what our arrival on the tropical shores of Cantercun will be for. You and I will be catching up on lost time very soon." Nightmare Moon replied with a chuckle. She even used her levitation magic to prepare another mug of chamomile tea and had it float over to our table. "Take this with you. She will surely appreciate it."

I glanced over at Ember just briefly. She was still watching in silence. I looked back at Nightmare Moon and asked, "You really OK if I call it a night now?"

Nightmare Moon merely smirked at my concerns. "Like I said, we will catch up with each other very soon. And you have not seen your precious Dragon Lord in some time. Pleasant dreams, my love. We will speak again soon. Very soon."

"Right... Love you too." I whispered back to her. I made sure to top off my own tea before carrying both mugs over to the galley's exit with very careful and level steps. Ember never took her eyes off me, her gaze gentle while also a bit uneasy. I spoke briefly to her once I reached her. "Hey."

"Hi... Ready to turn in for the night?" Ember asked before I followed her down the quiet hall. The lanterns along the walls had the lights dimmed now that night had fallen. Ember took a moment to try and remember which cabin was hers, but she found it just fine. The room was pitch black when the door was opened, prompting Ember to enter quickly and turn a lamp on to allow us to see before the door could be closed. Such a cozy atmosphere immediately fell over us. I held out Ember's mug of tea to her, which she took from me. But not to drink. "Thanks... But not yet."

She set her tea aside while I lifted mine to my lips for another sip. Only for Ember to also gently pull it out of my grasp and set it aside. I quickly understood what she really wanted. And part of that desire was to not have anything between us. I dropped to one knee as Ember set my mug down nearby only to immediately fall into my arms for an embrace. She rested her brow against my chest with a whisper coming from her lips. "I had a great time today..."

"Me too... I forgot what a joy it is to watch you try new things." I replied with one hand on the back of her head. My fingers slid between the gaps of her dark blue spines. I was not kidding either. Seeing Ember happily partaking in new experiences she never could back home is a very entertaining experience.

"I'm just glad you're always there to experience them with me." Ember cooed at my touch before tilting her head back to gaze into my eyes. Those beautiful scarlet eyes appeared to be pleading with me. And I felt such a powerful urge to... To just...

Our lips touched. And our eyes closed as those lips parted. Our tongues began to dance while our voices quietly hummed a gentle symphony for them. When safe and sound behind closed doors, Ember and I just could not keep our hands off of each other. Her hands kept roaming over my head, her fingers dragging and parting paths between rows of hair on my scalp. A soothing and pleasing sensation as her dull claws raked and groomed my hair. Her wings wrapped around me, pulling me close as she securely cocooned her beautiful blue body around me any way she could. Our kiss ended all too soon with those beautiful scarlet eyes gazing into mine from mere inches away as she whispered to me. "My little warrior poet..."

"Are you saying I'm yours?" I asked softly while also compelled to try showing a hint of wit for the situation. As Ember's fingers dragged along my scalp, my hand caressed and held her at the base of her robust tail.

Ember's almost drunken gaze became a bit more joyous as she let out a giggle. And her voice deepened with such a sultry inflection that I am not so certain I have ever heard out of her before. "Only as much as I'm your little blue rose."

God, we were just so madly in love... I felt honored. So honored to be deserving of the love of the finest dragon woman in all the land. What a true blue rose of a lady. And so I rose to my feet with my beloved Ember still clinging to me. I carried her across the room and sat myself down in an armchair with her very comfortably leaning against me. I placed many kisses along her face and her strong sturdy horns while she just stood there and took it all without objection. I whispered lovely things to her. Anything I could think of to tell her how much I loved her without actually saying it. "You're one of the best things to happen to me since I came to this world. I wouldn't be here now if I never found you... Wouldn't feel so blessed..."

"Shhh, you're not the only one... Shhhh..." Ember hissed at me sweetly as she tenderly cupped my cheek with her hand. Those smooth scales lining her palm caressed my cheek and jaw with every sliding movement. Her gentle and loving gaze slowly shifted to one of concern. Maybe she thought I was on the verge of bursting into tears out of sheer joy or a moment of emotional weakness. And she whispered her own somber thoughts to me. "I'm so lucky you came to me that day... I've had nightmares. Dreams where...nothing ever changed. Where no one ever listened to me. Where my people were still the same idiots stuck in the past. Those dreams terrified me. And then I wake up...and I remember that I have you. And then I'm reminded that things will get better."

I could not resist. My lips found their way to Ember's once again. Our eyes closed as our lips remained together for as long as it took for us to hold our breaths. And I leaned over to one side of her head to whisper a sacred truth to her. Not the truth I should not speak, but as close as I could get away with it. "Someone loves you."

Ember sighed deeply, but with a very happy inflection in her voice. I pulled my head back, but Ember placed her other hand on the back of it to keep me from pulling away too far. She gazed almost mischievously at me as a happy whisper escaped her lips. "I wonder who they are... I hope they're a wonderful person. Someone who makes me happy... Someone who listens. Someone...who helps me believe in tomorrow..."

She knew. Ember knew just how madly in love with her I was. How in love I still am. Just a ridiculous open secret between us. But to be able to show so much love towards each other... Even if we could not say it, just being able to show it made waiting easier. I whispered to my beautiful dragon queen, "Take all the time you need."

Ember gazed meaningfully into my eyes. I felt her fingers curl more securely over the contours of my lower jaw. Her eyes filled with an apologetic sincerity, she then whispered to me. "I'll...try to not keep you waiting too long for an answer. You have so many who love you...and you love them all in return. You...are an amazing man, James."

I began to lean in closer to give Ember another reassuring kiss. A way to tell her that she was one of those wonderful women I love so dearly. But she quickly moved one hand to gently block my attempt. My eyes widened when I felt one finger upon my pursed lips. And she smiled at me almost whimsically. "But until then... Make sure your little blue rose never wilts."

"I think I've got enough of a green thumb to make sure that won't happen." I replied in an almost joking fashion. Ember giggled in wordless agreement and soon just rested her brow against my chest. She looked so vulnerable at that time. And so I held her while she held me. I whispered to her as my fingers slid down the beautiful blue scales between her wings. "My beautiful blue rose."

Ember cooed at my tender words. She placed both hands upon my chest as she became pressed up against me with those majestic wings holding us together. And her words were equally tender. "Mmmm... Yours. All yours. None of those boulderheads back home will ever pluck this blue rose's petals. All they'll ever get are my thorns."

"And I'll take very good care of this blue rose. I'll never let you wither." I replied to her sweetly with Ember's fingers and palms subtlety rubbing over my chest. And for a while, there were no words. Just Ember and I. Holding each other. Alone. And for a time, it was...paradise. The only thing on my mind was the beautiful dragon queen in my arms.

How long did we just sit there? When all we did was hold and love each other? I wish I knew, but it felt like a small eternity had gone by when the door leading out into the hall finally creaked open. We both snapped out of our loving stupor with a start with Ember looking over her shoulder at the door. But she relaxed instantly when she saw only Rain Shine in the doorway. The kirin queen gazed upon us unblinkingly with her crimson eyes wide. An awkward moment of tension passed with no words being spoken. But while I was nervous over being caught in a moment of tender intimacy with Ember, the Dragon Lord herself was much more at ease over being caught by a close friend in my embrace. She finally asked with an almost smug smile, "What's up? Someone looking for us?"

Rain Shine's gaze of curious surprise quickly faded as Ember did not even try to hide how in love we were with each other. She still kept me in her winged embrace with her hands rubbing along my chest. And Rain Shine absolutely could sense how our spiritual energies were lovingly in sync with each other. The kirin queen locked the door behind herself and said, "No, nothing like that. It is late and I must rest. We all must. But am I interrupting anything?"

"No, not at all." Ember replied softly before turning her gaze up at me again. Those scarlet eyes demanded affection from me. And she spoke again as our lips drew near each other. "You're not interrupting anything... We were just... Just..."

Neither of us could resist. I wanted to show Ember how much I loved her. And to show Rain Shine all that love as well. We embraced as our lips parted. And our voices sang to each other in rekindled passion. Ember especially was being so...brazen! She was not even trying to hide how madly in love with her little warrior poet she was with her dear friend watching. And Rain Shine could only observe with an amused smile as Ember and I kissed most vigorously. And when that kiss ended with the two of us lightly gasping for breath, Ember spoke again without ever turning her gaze away from me. "This little blue rose...was just being good to her warrior poet..."

Rain Shine giggled while I placed another kiss upon Ember. Right between her eyes. The graceful kirin queen before me began to approach at a slow pace as she spoke to us. "The rose. Such a diverse and hardy flower of so many beautiful meanings with every color. And yet...some have very sad meanings as well. And always lined with thorns that repel. Where are your thorns, Ember?"

"Hidden. Buried deep. I'll never let my thorns prick the delicate hands of this wonderful poet." Ember replied promptly as her eyes displayed concern. And maybe even a hint of fear. She brought her hand to my face again and asked, "Do you believe me, my little warrior poet? Do you think I'll ever prick you?"

"Never. I know you won't. My little blue rose never has thorns displayed when I hold her." I whispered to my dear Ember before placing another kiss upon her brow. She giggled so softly with her fears being washed away by that one kiss. And our lips touched again. We were shameless before Rain Shine. We had no need to hide our love from her. Not when she was no different from Ember. I loved Ember. I loved Rain Shine. And they loved me. And Rain Shine proved this as she stepped closer and loomed over Ember. She gazed into my eyes while I gazed back. And her lips reached out and touched mine before I could whisper to her. "I love you."

"And I love you, my dear. I eagerly await the joy we will find together under the tropical sun tomorrow." Rain Shine said beautifully with that wondrous voice of hers. But when she glanced down at Ember, she then asked with a whimsical tone. "But if I may ask... If this dragoness is your blue rose, then what does that make me?"

"Ooh, good question. What is it, James?" Ember asked in a playfully jeering tone. She knew all too well the love between Rain Shine and I and was listening in for an answer like the latest juicy gossip.

For once, I was at a loss for words. I tried to think through my knowledge of the language of flowers, but... Rain Shine was a kirin. She had the entire plant kingdom at her beck and call! All flowers in the world were connected to her! How could I possibly pin down just one when she had the very essence of all flowers tied to her soul? Fearful of disappointing her, I finally conceded in the most graceful way I could manage. "You... Uh... I... Oh my god, I'm sorry. I can't pin down just one. You're the entire biosphere."

Rather than be disappointed, Rain Shine recoiled with a look of confused appreciation. She was very noticeably blushing while trying to not laugh too hard. "Ohohoho my goodness... What an...unusual analogy!"

Ember joined in as well while smirking up at her friend. "You know what? He has a point. You're not just one flower. You're the entire meadow!"

Rain Shine took no end of amusement from my choice of words. She was delighted while she tried to shield her face with her wild emerald mane. Although she did regain enough composure to notice something she had passed by on her way in. Rain Shine used her levitation magic to gently bring over our cups of tea. "Before we may forget, I do believe these are yours?"

Now that Ember and I were distracted from each other, we were able to finally sip away at our soothing chamomile tea. It had cooled a fair bit and was now an accessible tepid temperature. It seemed that Rain Shine had already had a dose of tea before coming to our cabin. And with our drinks done for the night, Ember began to release me from her winged embrace. "I guess...we should wash up for the night then? I think that's part of the nightly ritual we always had?"

"Yeah, we should.." I replied as Ember climbed down from her seat. Although I then realized who was with me at the time. "Um... How about you two go ahead of me? Ladies first, right? I can wait."

Rather than take me up on my offer, Ember smirked at me as she grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me onto my feet. "Oh really? No, I don't think we will. Come on, my little warrior poet. You need it more than us and you're not supposed to keep a lady waiting either."

I stammered incoherently while trying to hold onto some modesty. If Ember was alone with me, that would have been one thing. But sharing a shower with her and Rain Shine? It felt like too much too soon. Although Rain Shine's whimsical smirk told me that she did not share my sentiment. She nudged me towards the bathroom door while she asked, "Why so hesitant, my love? Come, let us enjoy this together."

I can only imagine the laughs coming from Torch and Blaze as they watched from the Bloodstone Scepter right behind the armchair I had been seated in. Unless they too had gone to sleep for the night. A moment later, I was locked in the bathroom with those two wonderful ladies. They took it upon themselves to undress me with Ember focusing on my lower body due to her petite stature. I soon stood between the dragonesses of the east and west while feeling very unsure now that I was fully exposed to them both at once. And they smirked at each other as if they both liked what they were seeing. Modesty taking over, I asked meekly, "So...uh... Shall we?"

"Yes... Let's. Just let me see if I can remember how to get this going..." Ember replied with a smug smile that soon made way for one of uncertainty once she stepped into the rather spacious shower stall. I keep expecting those bathrooms to be very cramped aboard airships, but the shower stalls were easily spacious enough to accommodate a mare of Rain Shine's stature. They must have been designed with someone like Celestia in mind and Rain Shine did share her proportions. Although Ember then suddenly jumped out of the shower stall once she got the water going. "Ack! I forgot that it always starts off cold!"

Ember stewed there in annoyance while waiting for the water to warm up. And I could only smirk at her while Rain Shine did the same. Just a rookie mistake. Ember had probably been taking nothing but lava baths after returning home. But it was not long before steam began to fill the bathroom. Ember went in first to warm herself back up and turned her head up to face the falling water directly. "Ah, much better."

We all stood in that torrent of falling warm water while I messed with the showerhead to try and get it to spray as widely as possible to catch us all in it. And for a short while, all was well. I felt increasingly comfortable around my beloveds while fully exposed. Although I was stunned when I eyes fell upon Rain Shine. Her wild emerald mane was hanging heavily over her shoulders now that it was soaked to the roots. I almost did not recognize her, and yet she was just so radiant...

I was eventually requested to help wash Rain Shine's back and I obliged. I lathered up her posterior and marveled at the smooth snake scales lining it. Once the shower gel was washed away, they glistened before me. I could not help sliding my hand over them to feel how radically they differed from her smooth coat. Further and further...until my hand slid over her flank.

Rain Shine did not protest my wandering touch. She instead sighed calmly as I began to examine her glorious figure. Those powerful flanks... Full of equine muscle, yet so full and feminine. Easily a match for Celestia's beauty. I should have focused on resuming bathing in earnest, but I was just so distracted. I had not seen Rain Shine in some time. Let alone had time to bask in her love while showering her with mine. She was just so beautiful... And I loved her so dearly...

I was not aware that Ember was observing my caresses along her friend's strong haunches. Rain Shine cooed at my touch as she even swiveled her hips with both my hands sliding over those powerful and feminine curves. Her long leonine tail even began to hike up in invitation while I noticed her look back at me with a smile. Her beautiful voice asked softly, "Does my beloved...desire his mare?"

I wanted her. I had spent too much time lying to myself out of sheer caution. But now that I had allowed myself to openly love this mare who so dearly loved me, I could feel my very soul reaching out to her. Our spiritual energies mingled, demanding that we not delay. To love and be loved as man and mare. It felt so natural... The purest compulsion I had ever felt in my life. It needed to happen. And yet...I resisted. Because there was one little thing in the shower stall with us that kept me grounded. Ember was right behind me and was eyeing us both curiously. "Uh... I... I would, but...we have a guest."

Rain Shine only looked at me with a crooked smile. As if she really did not see the problem with the situation. And Ember too objected in her own little playful way. She embraced me from behind with her hands sliding up and down my chest and belly. And even...sliding dangerously low. "Oh, don't let me stop you. I'd like to see how this wonderful man shows love to his women."

I blushed profusely at Ember's words. We were not even mates yet, but she still wanted to be a witness to the love I hold in my heart for my beloveds. She held me and caressed me. Until finally her hand caressed me between my legs. And finally gripping my stiffening shaft in her smoothly scaled grasp. The beautiful Dragon Lord whispered to me, "Look how badly you want her... But you won't use your bride, will you? That's not how you work. You want to make her happy."

"I do..." I muttered in need while beholding Rain Shine's beautiful form. The serene kirin queen beckoned me with her tail rising. And there, nestled between her powerful flanks, was her eager marehood. My mare was calling for me. Her very soul was inviting me to take her and make her mine as much as I would be hers. And I could not resist. My heart burning for that wonderful woman, I took hold of those strong rounded hips and brought my hips forward.

I was inside her for the first time. Plunged to the hilt inside my beloved Rain Shine. And she inhaled sharply through her teeth as she felt me plunge past her folds. When was the last time she felt the love of a man like this? To be held and given pleasure in the way only a man could? And as I began to move my hips, even while Ember continued to hold me and be a witness to this beautiful occasion, Rain Shine did not simply whimper. She sang. Lifted her head and let out some of the most delightful calls I had ever heard her moan.

We were in love. So in love. And I wanted her to be mine and for me to be hers. With those warm moist walls caressing my length with every move, I spoke to my beloved. "Rain... Oh god, I... I love you... Love you so much..."

"My love... Yes, just like that. Oh please, do it. Make me yours, my love. I have been kept waiting too long..." The kirin queen before cooed with her eyes only barely able to look back at me. She tried to not move her legs. To remain rooted to the spot and allow me to have full control. And there we stood in that warm soothing rain as we made tender love to each other. My beloved was in her element. And she was not the only one contributing. Ember continued to slide her hands over my body while holding me I that embrace. She was seeing, hearing, and smelling everything that was transpiring. And Rain Shine took notice. During a moment of lucidity, she glanced back at her friend and spoke through the pleasure. "Ember... Do you see how this man of boundless love gives such love to his mares Tell me, my friend... Isn't he...simply wonderful?"

"Oh, I'm very impressed. Just the way he holds you... But not too controlling... He's being very good to you." Ember replied softly before even placing a kiss on my cheek. I felt so...safe between the two of them. Ember may not have been mine yet, but she was seeing how true the love was between Rain and I. And she then whispered to me. "You're such a good man. Go on. Be good to your mate. Let me see just how happy you two are together."

"I will... Oh, Rain..." I whispered with all my attention being focused on the beautiful undying mare before me. Ember had to release her grasp on me when I leaned forward. I remain hilted to my beloved with my hips continuing to piston in and out of her. But I draped myself across her back and embraced her. My arms wrapping under Rain Shine's powerful body and rubbing my face along those smooth scales lining her posterior. Such a mare of exotic beauty. "I love you... Feel so blessed to have you..."

"And you will always have me, my love. Always... Oh goodness, hold me... Hold me...for I am yours..." Rain Shine cooed majestically as I felt her quiver in pleasure under me. That spasm told me that I was succeeding in my quest to give her sweet pleasure the likes of which she had not experienced in far too long. The sound of her voice. The caress of her smooth coat and shimmering scales. The scent of a kirin mare tickling my nose. A sensory smorgasbord that was bringing me bliss.

Unfortunately for me, a shower was not the best place for me to be rutting a mare. My feet finally began to slide out of place as my stance widened. The floor was too wet. Thankfully, Ember was quick to notice something was wrong and took hold of my legs to keep me standing. But that sudden shifting of my feet did startle me and disrupted the flow. Distracted from my libido, I focused on maintaining my balance. "I... Dang it, not now..."

"Hm? Ah, I see. Here, my dear. Let me take it from here." Rain Shine said softly before I was caught in her green magic aura. Ember held me as I was brought down to the floor. Seated with Ember kneeling behind me, Rain Shine began to back up as she brought her hips low. "Allow me, my love."

"Rain... Mmph, you're... Have you always been this amazing?" Rain Shine lowered her curvaceous rump to take me back into her. Her powerful legs never tired as she worked her hips to just let me rest safely on the floor. What a woman... And Ember was not sitting out the experience either. She continued to hold me from behind, her lips whispering such sweet words of encouragement into my ear.

What a view I had from down there. Rain Shine appeared taller than I remembered as I gazed up at the towering mare before me. Her feminine hips rising and lowering even as her long tail curled and raped itself across my shoulders. She gazed back at me with every rise and fall of her hips. Those crimson eyes were so full of love. And I tenderly caressed those powerful and round flanks at all times.

I was surrounded by love. In the embrace of two beautiful queens. A dragoness of the east and one of the west. Queens tempered by many years. Between Ember's embrace and her sweet whispers and Rain Shine's very soul reaching out to my own... I did not need to do anything to contribute. Their presence alone was bringing me to nirvana.

I closed my eyes and allowed the sensations to come over me. My body was not the only part of me experiencing such sweet pleasure. My soul... My spiritual energy was dancing with that of Rain Shine herself. A deep spiritual pleasure that could only be known by man and kirin... That beautiful kirin queen... A kirin who sought to become my bride... To bless me with kirin daughters...

My climax was approaching. My love tempered my pleasure. I wanted to fill the wonderful mare whose hips kept pressing down against my own. I loved her. I wanted to give her everything her heart desired. To live and love with her. My body demanded to fill her. To give her a gift only I could. And finally...my eyes squinted hard as that climax came. A rush of euphoria came over me even as Rain Shine's joyful howls reached my ears. Her rump, once rising and falling, pinned me were I was as my essence flooded deep into her spurt by spurt. My seed flooded her womb for the first time.

And yet...despite my desires... I knew. The warmth within her was wonderful, but...it was not the heat of a mare at her most fertile. I remembered. The last time we held each other. And I whispered a beautiful truth to my beloved. A desire to father her children. To become a father of kirin daughters, if she would have me. And she all too happily accepted. But this time... It would not be happening. I opened my eyes and gazed up at my beloved as she gasped lightly from the rush of our shared climax. I was so happy...yet filled with a subtle sorrow. We would not be blessed with children this time. The laughter of happy foals would not be gracing the Grove of Silence for a while longer. Our family would have to wait before it could finally begin.

While words failed me as I basked in that bittersweet afterglow, Ember was not so silent. She embraced me more firmly and spoke loving words of approval. "What a man."

I felt myself blushing profusely as a newfound tension entered my heart. Ember had witnessed the entire act of lovemaking between Rain Shine and I. Even then, Rain Shine had me buried inside her to the hilt as I felt her powerful hips still pressed down on me. I asked cautiously, "You...uh...think we did all right? I don't normally...have someone watching like this..."

"What's wrong? You think I'm jealous or something? Silly man." Ember cooed before turning my head so she could kiss me upon the lips. That wonderful Dragon Lord gazed lovingly into my eyes with my torso wrapped up in her arms. "You were so good to her. Now I know that I'll be in good hands when the time comes for you to give me those heirs I requested."

I tensed up in joyful apprehension. And Rain Shine looked back at us with such an intrigued smile on her lips. "What's this, Ember? Do my ears deceive me? You asked for this man to sire your heirs?"

Now it was Ember's turn to visibly blush. All that confidence left her face while she displayed a very crooked grimace. Even I almost laughed at the look she was giving me. But Ember did soon gaze into my eyes with a joyful hope in those beautiful scarlet eyes. "I did... There can be no other. I can't imagine a single one of those boulderheads back home being good enough for the job... This man right here. This...wonderful man. He's the only one. James... I know I already formally asked you to, but... Will you?"

"Ember... Of course I will." I whispered to her as I leaned my head just a little closer to her. She understood what I wanted and brought her lips to mine for one brief kiss. I smiled hopefully at her and said, "I would be honored to be a father to your princes and princesses. Those kids... They'll be the best dragon children your people will have ever seen."

Just the sheer joy in those scarlet eyes... Ember was beaming at me. She squinted her eyes shut and giggled almost deliriously. It was such a beautiful thought to have. We were in love and our children would be loved just as much. But Rain Shine then added her input to this revelation. "Is that so, Ember? Then our children will have to meet at some point. My daughters will need to get to know their brothers and sisters."

Ember's eyes widened. The sacred pledge Rain Shine and I gave to each other had been known to only a select few. And now Ember knew. She glanced at us both before whispering, "You're both...planning on having kids someday?"

"We are... I...so dearly want to have children with her." I replied nervously. It is never easy to discuss that subject, no matter how dearly I wanted it to happen. I then gazed up at my beloved Rain Shine and said, "I really do, Rain."

"And I would be honored to bless you with daughters, my love. The Grove of Silence has gone so long without the laughter of children... How fitting it would be for you to father the first my people will have seen centuries." Rain Shine declared without a hint of doubt in her voice or those beautiful crimson eyes. She was ready. And she had gone so long without feeling the love of a man she could give herself to. I was honored to be hers now. To be the one...to give her a family when the time came.

Ember's eyes widened once again as she heard those words. And she asked softly, "Wait... You're right. Every time I visited the Grove of Silence, something...felt off. Like there was something missing. Now I know what was wrong... There were no kids there. None. And it feels...so sad in hindsight."

Rain Shine's serene joy faded quickly. Such a sad fact to bring up. "Yes... There are no stallions among the kirin. And little Autumn Blaze was the last to be born to us nearly a millennium ago. When the Empty Plains became...empty, something else was lost. Our neighbors. Very rarely did a man of any species visit. And with no husbands, no wives came to be. And with no wives, no foals were born to us. And...I hope it will not be much longer before that changes."

I caressed my hand along the smooth scales that covered Rain Shine's posterior. She had seen so much in her very long life. She must have had memories of the childhoods of all of the kirin she still watches over. They were all little fillies at one point. To see them be born and grow up into wonderful mares only for the cycle to suddenly stop... The Empty Plains. So empty that nothing new could begin. Not even children could begin out there. I gazed up at my beloved and said, "It won't be much longer... Just tell me when and we'll make it happen. Fluttershy would be more than happy to meet any kirin children born into our family. And Gladesong would adore them. They'd probably be her favorite sisters."

Rain Shine giggled happily at such a thought. We had a bright future ahead of us. And Ember gently caressed my chest with her fingers as she gazed up at her beautiful friend. "Well, when that time comes... We'll have to set up some play dates for our kids. If they'll be brothers and sisters, they'll need to get to know each other. Dragons of the east and west... Why...does the thought make me so happy?"

We could not keep distracting each other. The hot water supply for the shower would only last so long. We finally willed ourselves to continue bathing. But Rain Shine and I were still basking in that afterglow. Her lips kept finding her way to mine and my arms kept snaking around her. Holding each other. Kissing each other. Whispering such sweet words to each other. We were closer than ever before. She was my mare and I was her man. No more waiting and no more caution. I knew my heart would be safe in her care.

The cabin was gently lit by only a single lamp when we stepped out of the bathroom. And no sooner had I turned the sheets down for the bed did Rain Shine make a cheeky move. She used her levitation magic to push me onto the bed so that I was lying down. And with a swift motion, she bounded up onto the bed before draping her long powerful body atop me. I found myself pinned under that majestic kirin. A mare of the earth, she was noticeably heavier than Celestia. Ember cocked her head to one side as she asked, "Uh... Rain? What're you doing?"

"What? Can a mare play a little with her man?" Rain Shine giggled before she gazed down at me with my body so thoroughly pinned under her. That fragrant silken coat rubbed up against me while I could only gaze up at my beloved in playful uncertainty. What was she up to? Whatever thoughts were behind that smirk, she soon lowered her face to mine and whispered to me once more. "I love you."

"And I love you, my dear." I whispered back to the kirin queen atop me. Ember watched patiently with a smile on her lips. I had spent so much of that voyage with her already, so it was only fair for Rain Shine to get a moment with me as well. It was such a gentle bliss all around for us. I was in no hurry to move. Rain Shine's weight atop me was comforting and the scent of nature was all about her. And that was without factoring in just how much our very souls were embracing at the time.

At last, Rain Shine spoke something to me that was not expected. A very timely subject to mention. "James... My love. With the year being so close to ending... May I ask a request of you?"

She had my attention. And so I listened. "Sure. What's up?"

Ember also drew near to listen closely. There was something...almost formal about that tone as Rain Shine continued to speak. "There is a practice in my homeland far to the east. The lunar new year. My people and I have not seen the land of our origins in so long. And after all that has happened... If I can secure a journey to the east, would you be willing to come with me? To see the lunar new year with me?"

A journey to the east? For an annual celebration? I was nothing short of intrigued. To see the homeland of all kirin... I grinned up at her and said, "You know what? Sounds like a field trip in is order. I'd be happy to go with you. I'll even bring this up with my friends and family back home. They won't wanna miss this."

"I'm up for it too! I've really grown to love seeing new places and trying new things. Got room for one more?" Ember asked with genuine excitement. I too was rather hyped over the possibilities. And now that my horizons had been broadened something fierce as a result of the War of Preservation, I had a new itch that could only be scratched by seeing more of what the wide world of Equestria had to offer.

Rain Shine beamed at us both with joy in that smile. "Oh, it would be an honor for you to come too, Ember! The emperor of the east would revel at the opportunity to meet the Dragon Lord herself. Although I will have to discuss this with the royal family in the morning. I'm certain we can trust them to arrange for a voyage to the east. I do believe they have not been present for my homeland's lunar new year celebrations in quite some time. They would be welcomed with open arms."

The mention of the royal family caused me to brainstorm. And I came to a somber realization. "Now that you mention it... I'm pretty sure Luna hasn't seen the east since before she became Nightmare Moon. And Nightmare Moon hasn't seen it at all... And that's not mentioning the king and queen. Yeah, I'll bet they would be more than happy to attend the next one. It would be the first time the entire royal family would be present. It wouldn't just be a good time for them. It would be an important one."

"Yeah... Yeah, there's a lot of good reasons for us to go, isn't there? Tell you what, Rain. I'll go with you when you wanna talk to them about it. Give them a little more persuasion. It sounds like they really shouldn't miss out on it this time." Ember replied while I was confident they would not say no. Celestia and her sisters had much to gain by visiting the far east this time.

At last, Rain Shine rolled off of me and to my side. She rested a hoof atop my chest as those beautiful eyes gazed lovingly into mine. Ember soon joined us with the room being bathed in darkness. Only the sound of the ships muffled engines and the subtle rocking of the ship from the wind reached our ears. It created a calming ambience that would aid us in falling asleep. I felt Ember grasp my hand and her wing drape across me in the shadows before we were bathed in the green glow of Rain Shine's magic runes on her horn. The blanket was also coated in her aura before it was pulled over us. Trapped in the twin embrace of my beloveds, I spoke first. "Good night, ladies... Big day for us tomorrow."

Loving words were exchanged before I felt myself becoming more and more sunken into the bed under me. Between Ember's hand holding mine and my body being held in her wing and Rain Shine's arm, I felt very comfortably secured by the warmth of their bodies. Sleep soon came for me. And while I was allowed to dream undisturbed, I do remember a sound... And a feeling. Little bodies being held against me in my arms. And the sound... Laughter? From the voices of little girls?

I awoke feeling relaxed, rested, but...also a bit sad. I felt happy in that dream. So happy that I was hesitant to wake up. And it was still so dark in the room around me. But the sensations on my body remained the same. I was still trapped in the embraces of Rain Shine and Ember. And I could hear them slumbering beside me.

I had enough sense that it would be best to get up right there. I could not even tell what time it was in there. But when I tried to wiggle my hand out of Ember's grasp, it only tightened. And when I tried to sit up with her wing over me, I suddenly felt it press down on me. And a soft groggy moan mumbled into my ear as she did so. "Noooo... Not yet. A little longer, please..."

"Ember... Come on, we really should be getting up now..." I mumbled while also very tempted to go back to sleep for a little longer. But my instincts were demanding that I prepare myself for our first day of a needed vacation.

The Dragon Lord did not relent. I even felt Rain Shine nuzzle up against me in slumbering defiance without mumbling one word. Even though I could not see them, I did feel Ember kiss me upon the cheek while she quietly pleaded with me. "Please? Stay. Do it for your little blue rose?"

She got me there. It was so hard to say no to Ember when she was being that way with me. I did not know she even had it in her. "Oh my god, Ember... OK, you win. Just...lemme get comfy again..."

"Mmmm, thank you... Stay with us, my warrior poet..." Ember muttered happily before she and I drifted off to sleep again. Not that I did not appreciate it. But we were only asleep for maybe another hour at most before we got a very rude awakening. The room's ceiling light suddenly turned on while there was a loud knocking at the door. We all awoke with a start as the darkness over our eyes was washed away instantly by the light. Ember barked and lashed out at open air for a second, "Gah, what, who's there?!"

"Rise and shine! Breakfast is ready in the galley!" A voice I did not recognize called out from the other side. Probably just one of the stewards making the morning rounds. The subtle sound of hooves became increasingly distant as the stallion moved down the hall.

The three of us just sat up in bed. Awake and ready, but also far from happy. Rain Shine in particular grumbled in a manner I never expected to see out of her. "They have a mandatory wakeup call..."

"At least we didn't oversleep..." I muttered before Ember hopped out of bed. We all looked and felt pretty grumpy by then. How did they even turn the ceiling light on from the outside? Was there a master switch somewhere on the ship? We blinked and yawned utterly gracelessly while Ember blindly grabbed the Bloodstone Scepter from the corner. My two bedmates looked like only a good meal would perk them up. "How about you girls go grab some breakfast? I'll be along in a bit."

While Ember and Rain Shine saw themselves out, I took a very short hot shower to insure that I would be awake enough to get things done before docking. Breakfast was pleasant and I downed a few cups of tea as well. While Ember and Rain Shine stayed behind afterward to discuss the next lunar new year celebration with the royal family, I hurried off to the communications office to get some writing done after such a meaningful day. It appears to be the only place on the Olympia with typewriters present and the general ambience of all that tech working generates some helpful white noise to keep me in the zone.

What a day. We have not even docked in Cantercun yet and I have already had some wonderful experiences. So many big plans to look forward to... And I could not have finished up this entry at a better time. I just heard an announcement through the Olympia's internal audio system claiming that we are on our final approach. The Olympia will probably be docking within the hour.

Better pack away all these pages and get up on deck. I want to see how it is to arrive via airship instead of train this time. Good times are coming and I will be with many friends and loved ones the entire time. And I think I had best not bother writing any journals during my stay. I want to spend as much time as I can just having a good time. The recollections will have to wait until I get back home.

Until then, it is time to catch some rays.