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?

153. Familiar Lands, New Beginnings

It was quite the experience spending my morning aboard the cozy interior of the Olympia. And it was a joy to have Novo join us for a scrumptious breakfast in the galley. The vacation was not quite over just yet. I was almost curious enough to ask her and Celestia about what happened in the latter's private chambers the previous night during their two mare slumber party, but I decided against it. I did not need to know every little detail about what my two royal beloveds did when I was not around. Ladies will be ladies, I suppose. Royal friendships in general are a complicated affair.

The first thing I did after breakfast was take a stroll around the ship. Ember would have joined me had she not been too busy feasting on the wide variety of goods at the buffet. She wanted to make sure she got to try absolutely everything. I swear her stomach is truly bottomless sometimes. But when I started to head up the stairs towards the stern of the ship, I heard someone approaching me with a quick trot. A glance over my shoulder revealed none other than Rain Shine coming my way. Her usual serenity had been replaced with a look of urgency on her face. She asked me quickly, "Are you heading outside right now?"

"Uh... Yeah. I was. Just wanted to get some air and stretch my legs." I replied while wondering why she looked so concerned. What had happened when I had my back turned for a few minutes?

Rain Shine briskly stepped forward and placed herself beside me. All while speaking with an almost uncharacteristic firmness in her voice. "Then I shall join you. Remember what happened last time."

"Last ti... Oooooh... Right. Thank you." I muttered while my beloved gently nuzzled my brow with hers. How could I have forgotten that? All it took was one sudden crosswind while I was near the edge of the deck to almost send me overboard. Ember even made me promise to not go up on deck while the Olympia was in motion without her or Rain Shine. Had I set foot out on deck while unsupervised, she would have been furious with me.

It turned out there was one other factor that would have stopped me from going outside. When we reached the top of the stairwell and opened the door leading out, I recoiled as I was blasted by a sudden gust of bitterly cool wind. We had left the tropics and were not far from Canterlot by then. And autumn's chill had returned. I slammed the door shut as I had completely forgotten where we were going and had dressed myself in summer attire. I looked at Rain Shine while she looked at me with wide eyes of surprise before I said, "I'll be right back."

"And I will be here." My beloved replied with an amused giggle. I hurried back down the stairs, dressed myself more appropriately in the only clothes I had that were fit for such weather, and then returned to Rain Shine's side in the span of five minutes. The elegant kirin queen glanced down and up my form before saying, "Warm enough?"

"I should be. Frankly, I prefer winter to autumn. At least snow makes the cold worth it." I grumbled before finally stepping outside with her. The skies were so gloomy despite being in the late morning. Not wanting to worry Rain Shine, I stayed closer to the middle of the deck. Although we were not alone. Shining Armor and Cadence were taking part in a game of shuffleboard towards the front of the ship.

My jacket kept me nice and cozy while Rain Shine and I observed the married couple using levitation magic to hold those long sticks to shove around their discs. I know nothing about how shuffleboard is played, but they were really getting into it. Although the two of us were distracted by the sound of the door at the stern opening. Ember came stumbling out while taking a few deep breaths. Rain Shine lifted an eyebrow at Ember's apparent discomfort and asked, "Are you well?"

"Nah, it's nothing to worry about. It's just...this stuff never stays down as long as diamonds do, you know?" Ember replied before holding a fist to her lets as she let out a flameless and quiet belch. I had noticed at times where Ember would excuse herself almost immediately after a meal, especially the bigger ones. I never thought much of it before, but now Ember looked almost ill.

I approached Ember out of concern, but she made her way past me. Right over to the railing of the deck. "You sure you're OK there? You're not about to lose your lunch, are you?"

"What? You don't know how dragon digestion works most of the time?" Ember asked while looking over her shoulder at us. Rain Shine and I glanced at each other in unease. Digestion? Was I forgetting something there? Ember took some amusement in our disgusted confusion and said, "Oh, you've never seen this before? You better pay attention then."

I was expecting Ember to do something utterly revolting. But what followed was...surprisingly educational. With her head out over the past the railing, Ember took a deep breath before letting out a long and impressive belch. But no flames came from her maw. It was just a long trail of black soot and smoke that got carried away on the wind. The Dragon Lord pounded on her chest a few times afterward before saying, "Woo! Not a bad aftertaste!"

Wha... What did I just see? Even Rain Shine glanced at me with a hilarious befuddled stare with mouth agape. Had even she not witnessed Ember do such a thing during their previous meetings when I was not around after the war? I do not recall even seeing Spike or Smolder do such a thing back home. Weirdly enough, I could actually smell bits of that smoke on the air. It smelled...tasty. Like I was standing near a barbeque. I then asked while Ember turned to face us, "Is that...normal? What did all that smoke come from anyway?"

"What do you think it was? That was my breakfast. It turns out real food doesn't take long to turn to ashes in a dragon's stomach. Even diamonds almost never get far enough down to come out the other end." Ember explained nonchalantly. I was aware that a dragon's flame breath actually comes from their stomach, which is a perpetual inferno that naturally produces fire. But then... Is that what really happens to everything they eat? It goes through what is basically incineration?

Rain Shine asked sincerely, "I am not familiar with how western dragon fire works... Could you please explain?"

Ember cast us both such an amused smirk. She then explained, "If you really need to know... What we eat ends up basically becoming ash. Which starts to pile up. When the time is right, we just belch it all up as smoke and soot. Which is why I came up here. I don't think they'd appreciate me doing that indoors."

"Heh. You dragons have it easy when it comes to dealing with bodily waste. At least for the solid stuff. All you gotta do is burp it all up? I bet that ash will be good for the soil wherever it lands." I retorted while wondering if Ember has ever had to use a toilet. I mean dragons do still need water now and then. And that is not something they get from gemstones. But... I scolded myself for even considering going there. Some things just do not need to be said or discussed.

The Dragon Lord coughed a bit to clear her throat of any lingering soot. She then looked up at us and asked, "So then, what's happening up here? Besides those two shoving around discs."

"Just getting some air. And don't worry, Rain Shine's been keeping an eye on me." I replied before seeing my beloved smirking at me out of the corner of my eye. At least the Olympia was cruising steady so high up. The wind was gentle despite autumn weather setting in.

As we gazed out at the gloomy gray sky, Ember let out a sigh. And she turned her gaze up at me with a frown on her lips. "It's almost time to say goodbye again, right?"

I knew exactly what to say to Ember at that moment. I dropped down on one knee and took her hand between both of mine. I remembered what happened the first time Ember ever had to leave me side after seeing me safely return home. And what the best remedy was. "Would you like to stay the night? We'd be happy to have you over again."

"Yes! I would!" Ember squeaked before grabbing me in a big winged embrace. Rain Shine got a good snicker out of her friend's enthusiasm. Although Ember soon forced herself back into a composed state and said while pushing herself back from me, "I mean... Yeah. That'd be nice. At least if Flutter... Um... Wait... I'm still trying to get used to pony naming conventions... Flutter...shy, right?"

It was a shame Ember did not get to meet my beloveds who were part of the common folk more often. She had much more experience in getting to know those from loftier positions in society. I surprised Ember with a kiss between her eyes while she chirped in surprised delight. "Yep, that's her. And Fluttershy would be more than happy to have you stay the night."

Ember nuzzled her head up against mine with her horn tucked under my jaw. We would not be parting ways just yet. But that still left someone else. I looked up as Rain Shine loomed over us before asking, "Would you care to stay the evening, Rain?"

Rain Shine's serene expression became one of excited joy. "Oh how I was hoping you'd ask. I've been longing for the day when I could finally meet your firstborn."

"Doesn't she have a thing for flowers, that kid? She's gonna love you if you can make whatever flowers she wants bloom all over the place." Ember replied while Rain Shine could only let out a giggle. I just know Gladesong will adore the kirin as she comes of age. I can see her making excursions out into the Empty Plains sometime in the future with the Grove of Silence serving as a sanctuary for her. But who can say? The future for my infant daughter is entirely up in the air at this time.

After a moment longer of just gazing out at the vast gray sky, we quickly found ourselves getting bored. It is hard to enjoy skygazing from an airship's deck when all you see are gradients of gray. I then glanced back and forth at my two beloveds as an idea came to mind. "Anyone up for a round of Equestrian Heroes?"

"I call dibs on the axe mare." Ember replied quickly with a confident gleam in her eye.

"And I shall assume the role of the mage. Perhaps we can find someone who can join us as the archer?" Rain Shine added before we began to head back towards the door leading back inside. But once we were facing the starboard side of the ship, she then paused. I noticed her stop and saw the kirin queen squinting her eyes. "Ah, I did not see that out there. Isn't that Novo's airship?"

Sure enough, there it was. The Alabaster was still maintaining a safe distance from the Olympia while staying far off the starboard side. It was quite a treat to see such a majestic airship in flight from the side instead of from below. I then added, "Novo always knows how to fly in style."

We wasted no time in getting back indoors. And we did head down into the belly of the ship to enjoy some games in the rec room. Luna took it upon herself to become the fourth player and joined us for a round of Equestrian Heroes. We managed to play all the way through to the end with Ember managing to be the one to deal the finishing blow to the final boss. But no sooner had the credits finished rolling while we congratulated each other, a voice spoke up on the airship's intercom system. It sounded like we were on the final approach towards Canterlot and would be docking within the hour.

"Wow... Home already?" I muttered as I remained alone at the arcade cabinet for just a little longer. What a time. I took a moment to process everything that had transpired after leaving home for some much needed relaxation in Cantercun. It was like a small lifetime had passed and I was now trading that life for one I had left behind. But I knew I would get back into the swing of things quickly enough. I would soon have my first love and firstborn in my arms again soon. They where it all began.

I did not notice that the rec room had gone empty while I was sitting there in thought. At least until a very special mare came down the stairs and sauntered over to me. "You all right down here, honey?"

My gaze lifted before I saw the beautiful face of my bird of paradise. Novo stood before me, but her smile had flattened. She was merely concerned for me. And so I said with a quiet smile, "I'm fine. Just...thinking about all that's happened. Everything and everyone I have... You... Them..."

Novo took a seat before me and held me in an embrace with arms and wings. Her head rested on my shoulder as she whispered, "We love you, baby. I know you've got a lot to think about. And a lot to remember. But we'll make it work. Now then, let's get you home so you can see your first love and your baby girl. Little miss Fluttershy is just as much your queen as I am."

"I know, Novo... Love you too." I whispered back to her while also putting my arms around my beloved queen. I did all I could to not have to think about the fact that we would be parting ways before long. I would miss her dearly. And as I held her in my arms, one hand slid down her side. And then to caress under her belly. Rubbing through that luxurious layer of feathers, searching for something. Searching for someone.

My beloved let out a sigh of longing as she allowed my hand to caress her belly. She knew what I was searching for. We had tried many times during our stay in Cantercun. We sated her heat. We tried our hardest to create our first child together. And it was just too soon for me to feel any physical signs of life growing within her. I was hoping that by then, there would be just the tiniest sign. A sign that we would have a family of our own by that time next year. But there was nothing. Novo's form was still sleek and strong, but not yet showing signs of being heavy with life.

"James... My sweet daddy... Don't worry too much, my love." Novo whispered to me as she pulled her head back so she could gaze into my eyes directly. Her beak met my lips as our eyes closed. Kiss after kiss was shared, her beak's tip curling to mold itself just enough to the shape of my pursing lips. Her brow rested against mine as my vision remained blurred under my sealed eyelids. "You'll be the first to know, honey. Give me a week or two and I'll send word that's for your eyes only. I'll have the results by then for sure."

"Novo..." I whispered with almost a sob. My finger's cured inward to try and reach through her feathers. I could feel her strong stomach muscles just past the base of her plumage. Strong equine muscle that would make way for a swelling womb in due time. I could still remember that wonderful dream from just the previous night. That wonderful little dragon boy. The perfect son Ember and I had been blessed with. And I wanted to see that beautiful boy be given an equally darling hippogriff brother or sister. Born of different mothers and different races, but still siblings as part of a brand new royal family. I whispered lovingly to her, "I just...want us to have children someday. To have a family for real."

"We will, baby. We will. And until then, you still have your two little girls back home. They're my babies too, you know." Novo cooed to me before we finally opened her eyes. It was easy to forget about the here and now when obsessing over what could still be in the near future. Especially after seeing what could very well be the end result of such an endeavor. If only in a dream. My dear Novo then spoke with her sweet soulful voice, "Now then, let's get ready to get you home. You've got people waiting for you back in Ponyville."

But when I finally stood up, I heard Novo suddenly gasp in realization before scooping me towards her with her wing. The two of us were hidden under it as she whispered to me, "On second thought... How about I get you home in style instead? With all of us?"

"Huh? What? You mean...like last time?" I asked in some confusion.

Novo smirked at me as she explained to me, "Of course! Mama won't stand for a chance to spend time with her baby girl. And Celestia still needs to meet her too. And let's not forget about Rain Shine and Ember. Your women all need to get to know the family they're becoming a part of, right?"

I was in awe at just how family-minded Novo is. She was truly taking to the unorthodox family dynamic I was building with Fluttershy and every other wonderful woman who had become so much more in my heart. I suppose it is in a hippogriff's nature to be mindful of her flock. I then whispered with a smirk of my own, "In that case, what's the plan?"

"I was thinking we go ahead and dock so the Alabaster can make it home in one go after being refueled. Then we gather you and the girls up and fly you on down to your cottage. It'll also be the best way to get Celestia down there without anyone getting in a tizzy over their sun princess being in public. Everyone knows Celestia, but almost no one around these parts knows anything about me." Novo explained with such a sly tone in her deep luscious voice. She was being quite the schemer, that shrewd and experienced queen.

"Are you seriously going to smuggle Celestia down to the edge of Ponyville just to meet my daughter?! That's crazy. And hilariously effective. I say we go for it." I snorted with a hearty snicker. The antics Novo and Celestia have gotten up to during their times together. They are quite the royal duo. Something only best friends would do for each other.

Novo led me out of the rec room and back up to my cabin so I could finally start collecting up my luggage. Ember was already present and only had to collect the Bloodstone Scepter. As for Rain Shine, she was returning our room to how it had once been with all of those flowering bushes retracting into the wooden walls as if they had never been there. With my suitcase ready and loaded, I stepped back out with Ember right behind me. She then asked quietly, "What's the plan for getting you back home once we land?"

"Novo's taking care of it. She's gonna fly the Alabaster down to my house like last time and visit for a while. Then she'll fly home from there. She'd never miss out on an opportunity to spend time with Gladesong." I replied before I happened to notice the Bloodstone Scepter starting to glow in response to my words. Someone was reaching out to us.

"Huh? Yeah, what is it?" Ember asked while giving her attention to the glowing red gemstone. Her eyes then went wide while she started to display a crooked smile on her lips. The Dragon Lord glanced at me and said, "They say they really want to meet your daughter."

"They did say they want grandkids someday. I guess they technically already have one." I replied with a statement that got Ember all flustered. She stammered and coughed into her fist to act like she had no idea what I was talking about. But she knew. Her parents had already asked me when she and I would bless them with grandchildren. And they really were not kidding. I can only imagine how many times they have teased their own daughter about the prospect of having a family with a man she loves. Blaze always seems especially eager to become a grandmother. Torch may try to hide it, but I can always see he is eager to meet Ember's future little ones.

I decided to not think too hard abut how that first encounter would go. We would deal with it when it happened. How would I even get Gladesong to interact with the Bloodstone Scepter anyway? She barely understands speech at her current age. Scootaloo though... Oh, she would be thrilled to have dragon grandparents. She would think they are the coolest grandma and grandpa ever, that wild child. But my train of thought was interrupted when I noticed Rain Shine emerging from our cabin with an unusually sly smirk on her lips. She then asked, "Am I intruding here?"

Rather than say anything, I just stepped forward and embraced my serene beloved. Only then did I whisper to her. "We were just talking about my kids and how you'll soon be meeting them."

"Oh my love... That's right. We will soon be meeting the sisters of our future daughters." Rain Shine whispered to me with a bit of an impish tone. That reminder caused my body heat to spike while Ember got a giggle at how she could see me blushing. I just know that Gladesong's kirin sisters will be some of her favorite relatives. I would even be willing to bet money on that assumption. Although Rain Shine then asked, "I overheard. Novo will be doing us the honors of bringing us to your home?"

"You've got an ear to the ground even all the way up here, don't you? Yep, that's the plan. Don't go too far when we land. I'm not sure how long it will take to refuel the Alabaster." I retorted with an amused smile. Whether it be through earth or wood, a kirin can listen in on anything. And a queen like Rain Shine must be especially attentive.

We finally went up on deck to watch what little of the flight remained. While the sky was overcast with gray clouds, the horizon was fairly clear. And we could see it looming out in the far distance. The mountain Canterlot rests upon was coming up ahead. It started out as a tiny hill before gradually growing into a great spire rising from the ground far below. I glanced to my right and saw that the Alabaster was beginning to fall back in order to let the Olympia proceed. I am sure the airship docks inside the mountain can only take one at a time. There was no sign of Novo anywhere. She must have flown back over to be aboard her own ship during its arrival.

We all watched in awe as that great mountain began to loom ahead. But it never completely rose above us. It was impressive just to see the sheer scale of such landmasses while so high in the sky. Ember stepped closer to the edge of the deck to peer over it as the elegant city of Canterlot began to pass under us. "You just don't get this kind of experience when you're soaring on your own two wings. Airships... They really are something else."

"They may not be quite as fast as the airliners of my world, but they're a lot more enjoyable to ride." I replied while sharing Ember's sentiment. The airships of Equestria truly are the final aviation fantasy of any aerial enthusiasts of my world. I am sure the closest my world has ever gotten to emulating such technology are the zeppelins and dirigibles of a century ago. But I am sure that despite their massive sizes, their cargo capacities were even less than those of Equestria's airships. So much of those things were just the steel frames and massive floatation sacs inside. It makes a lot of sense why they eventually fell out of favor.

We beheld the majesty of Canterlot from above as well its vast mountain while the Olympia drifted around it to the north side. And there they were. The great metal doors to the interior docks open wide. The Olympia began to descend to line itself up as that gaping entrance loomed before us like a gaping maw of the mountain itself. It was daunting to see just how large and grand everything surrounding the field of aviation in Equestria is. It is always larger than what one might imagine in their mind. Even Ember looked stunned as we began to slowly and carefully enter the cave. Such size was probably beyond even what she saw from her parents during their conversations.

The racket from the docks echoed all over the place once the Olympia began to line itself up for an open spot off the starboard side. I tried to see if any other familiar airships were presently docked nearby, but none of them looked familiar. I remembered when I happened to spot the Zephyrus before we all departed for Cantercun in the first place. Celaeno and her crew were out there somewhere. Probably somewhere to the south to escape autumn's bitter chill. Those harpies are not made for colder climates.

Minutes went by as the Olympia began to lobby itself alongside an open spot at the docks. I watched carefully from the side along with Ember and Rain Shine. It was much easier to land at the seaside docks when the airships could just set themselves down on the ocean. How would we dock in a much more crowded enclosed space?

I got my answer when the Olympia's engines went silent. With all the noise around us, I did not hear what was happening above. But I soon felt the entire ship suddenly lurch to the right. It was being moved perfectly horizontally into the docks. But also very slowly. Was something holding onto the gas sack above us? Whatever was doing it needed to be very slow to not create momentum that could cause the whole ship to swing into the dock.

The Olympia came to a complete stop before the dock workers brought a gangplank to the side. Only then did we know it was safe to disembark. Rain Shine let out an immediate sigh the instant her hoof touched the gangplank. "Finally... Solid ground at last."

"Nothing like having your feet back on the ground, huh?" Ember said with an amused smirk. Rain Shine descended the gangplank quickly while just looking so very relieved to have a connection to the earth. Even if that earth was covered by a layer of steel. It was especially cute seeing her trot over to a part of the cave wall that was exposed and summoning a bellflower from it to have a quick conversation with the ladies back in the Grove of Silence. She needed to let them know she had landed safely. They definitely have no means of reaching her when separated from the ground.

"Man... Just all of this metal here... My people could learn a thing or two from these ponies when it comes to metal work." Ember remarked as we descended the gangplank. When considering that the dragon lands do have knowledge in how to forge and smith metals for armor and even jewelry, I am certain they have immense untapped potential in the field. I can only hope the near future will result in them getting pushed in the right direction.

The two of us approached a café that was tucked away nearby for passengers waiting for their flights. It had indoor seating as well for those who wanted to get away from the noise of the indoor docks, but we remained outside. Ember had the Bloodstone Scepter set across her lap while seated on a stool. I only had my carryon luggage beside me, knowing we were not done yet. It was so cool in that massive cave... But it was a comfortable cool that my jacket made bearable.

Now that we had time to just sit and wait, Ember took the time to really observe the docks. Massive floating airships, steel support beams, and dock workers going about with all sorts of machinery. The Dragon Lord was thoroughly impressed with the marvels of engineering around us. The gem atop the Bloodstone Scepter glowed, prompting Ember to have a quiet conversation with her parents while I could not make out what she was saying from across the table. They were surely discussing what the three of them were seeing. Although my attention was so drawn elsewhere. Rain Shine approached and took a seat beside me while even sneaking a quick kiss upon my cheek. "Home at last. At least for you."

"Not quite yet, but close enough." I replied while having no intention of leaving the docks. I was content with staying put and waiting for the Alabaster to refuel so it could take me back home to Ponyville. I could come up and take a look around Canterlot literally any time I wanted. And speaking of the Alabaster...

Many eyes were drawn to the majestic form of Novo's personal airship slowly entering the cave as if drifted along at a sluggish pace. There was little room for error in such tight quarters. There was a space right at the far end of the docks on the side we were seated. But just how would the Alabaster come in sideways? Then again, how did the Olympia pull off a horizontal maneuver?

And then I saw it. I just happened to look up and noticed something I had never noticed before. Set up on both sides of the docks and reaching the ceiling of the cave were a pair of rails that had a device that ran back and forth along the entire length of the docks. And attached to that single spanning steel girder was a grabber device that would roll into place before lowering and fitting its grasping clamps to the sides of the airship's gas sack. Once it took hold, the base of the device would very slowly roll along its rails to move the entire airship sideways and hold it in place to allow the dock workers to secure the ship's moorings. Rain Shine spoke with a quiet tone, "Fascinating..."

"You do not see stuff like this where I come from." I replied while equally impressed with just what has to be done to make an indoor airship dock actually work. The royal families aboard the Olympia and Alabaster began to descend the gangplanks now that we were safe and sound in Canterlot. Novo and Skystar did not appear too impressed with the vast cave dock, but Sky Beak and his family looked much more impressed. It must have been their first time there.

At last, Sunflare and Orbash disembarked the Olympia with their daughters. While their children stayed behind to speak with some of the dock workers, the king and queen of Equestria came our way. Rain Shine spoke first while bowing to them. "And so we return to familiar lands. Many thanks for inviting us, your majesties."

"The pleasure was all ours, kirin queen. Although if you would permit us to be brief, we should return to the castle and evaluate what has transpired in our absence. We would not wish for our daughters to return home and be greeted by a backlog of whatever needed their attention while away." Sunflare replied while bowing her head to us. Having her and Orbash around must take a lot of pressure off of their daughters and their duties.

Orbash then stepped up to me and rested his head on my shoulder as an invitation for a embrace. One which I answered. I put my arms around that wonderful king as he draped a wing over me. "It was such a joy having you with us, my boy. I wish we could stay longer, but duty calls. Just remember that the doors of the castle remain open for you at all times. Don't be a stranger to us or our daughters, you understand?"

"I will. Keep an eye on your daughters for me. I can't always be here... Soon you soon, all right?" I replied with a sigh. After almost two weeks in the presence of Equestria's royal family and the mare and stallion who created it in the first place, it felt wrong to have to say goodbye. I was all but a part of that wondrous family as well by then with the glorious king of Equestria having accepted me as if I was his own child. And once I released him from my embrace, Orbash and Sunflare began to see themselves out of the cave. Although they did look back at us once before fading from view.

"They really are something else, those two. And the king really seems to like you." Ember said with a big smirk on her face. If only she knew the half of it.

"He's basically given Celestia and I his blessings. Sunflare too, but not with the same level of enthusiasm, but really, who can match Equestria's king in levity?" I asked in return while so dearly adoring that fine stallion. Although I then noticed a certain array of colors disembarking the Alabaster over younger. Sky Beak and his family were heading down the gangplank while looking about with gazes of intrigue. They had never seen the interior of Canterlot's airship docks before. And then there was Silverstream...

That spry little lady was not walking down the gangplank. She was staying constantly airborne as she went from one spot to another, marveling over a prime example of Equestria's engineering feats. Although she did draw the ire of the dock workers when she flew up to the device spanning the entire cave that was responsible for moving airships into place. A few pegasus officers swooped up to her before she could get too close and barked something at her, prompting her to sheepishly retreat back down to her family. And I did not hear a word over the clamor in the air. Rain Shine gazed upon the distant young hippogriff girl and said, "An inquisitive one, that little Silverstream. Always eager to learn."

"If Pinkie Pie could fly, she'd probably do the same thing." I grumbled while noting the similarities between the two mares. But while Pinkie Pie is wacky and joyful, Silverstream is more curious and excitable. I have seen plenty of times where Silverstream has been quiet and easygoing when Pinkie Pie would be hopping along with a giggle in her throat. They have a fair bit in common, but are also very different people.

The feathery family came over our way with Silverstream breaking into a gallop the instant she saw me. I stood ready to catch her since I was anticipating a tackling leap into my arms. And that was what I got. Silverstream dove at me on spread wings before grabbing me in a big excited hug. Thank goodness hippogriffs her size are so light. "Just look at this place! We've got mines around the island back home, but nothing like this! All our airship docks are out in the open, but this is so much cooler!"

I did wonder at times if there is any subterranean activity on Capricorn Island. It cannot be overstated just how massive that mountain is out in the middle of the ocean and the vastness of its ecosystem. And I still have much more to see there. "Then you'll have to show me around some more next time."

"Just a reminder, all of you. Our queen says the Alabaster will be refueled and ready for departure in an hour. Let's all be here when that happens, all right?" Sky Beak spoke up as the rest of Silverstream's family drew near. They gave passing greetings to Rain Shine and Ember before Ocean Flow headed over to the café to pick up some hot drinks for all of us. I was given a hot chocolate blend with some wonderful pumpkin spice mixed in.

Sky Beak and his family did not stay long. They wanted to get out there and see what they could of Canterlot during the brief window of opportunity they had. And they were quickly joined by Skystar on her way out. I think she got held up by some royal protocol aboard the Alabaster since she just did not have time to even come over and say hello. While I am sure she has seen Canterlot before, she was definitely the kind of person who wanted to get the most out of traveling abroad.

I decided to wait out the next hour in the docks with a hot drink in hand. Ember and Rain Shine also took the time to just explore such an engineering marvel all around us. While I passed by the Alabaster, I noticed Novo eyeing me from the edge of the deck above. I could see a smirk on her beak even from such a distance. I waved at her while she waved at me. We could wait to talk to each other later. We would be getting some time together before the day was done.

My feet carried me all around the docks while I got my DSi out to snap some photos. I took quite a few of the Olympia and Alabaster from below. They were the best looking airships there. I even took a few selfies of myself with such sights in the background. I even tracked down and took a few photos of myself with my traveling companions. Although I was kicking myself for not having the presence of mind to ask Orbash and Sunflare to pose with me for a photo before they left.

In due time, the Alabaster was ready for departure. And Novo sent Seaspray out to track me down and escort me back over for boarding. I checked my luggage in with the stewards and also confirmed that the boxes of souvenirs I had brought home would be delivered to my address in the next few days. Novo stood at the bottom of the gangplank to call everyone over just in time for her daughter and Sky Beak's family to return from their venture around town. "Listen up, everyone. We're going to stop in Ponyville for a little while before heading home. Feel free to stretch your wings and browse the shops however you see fit."

Sky Beak already had a good idea of why he and his companions would be holding over in Ponyville instead of just making a quick stop to drop me off. He then leaned towards his wife and said, "She just wants to visit a certain little filly. Are you ready to finally meet our granddaughter, dear?"

"My goodness, Sky Beak! I don't know if I'm ready to be a grandma!" Ocean Flow burst into uneasy yet excited laughter as she tried to hide her face with a wing. I have to wonder how much Sky Beak told his wife about his first encounter with my children. She did not like the idea of considering herself as old, but she still looked joyful over meeting her technical grandchildren.

Terramar and Silverstream looked notably confused. They clearly had not been told much about what happened the last time their father had visited. Terramar then asked, "Uh... Wait, your a grandma now, Mom? But...Silverstream and I haven't had kids yet! Unless...we have a brother or sister you didn't tell us about?"

I had to hold in a laugh at just how unconventional my family tree was becoming. And that was before factoring in the polygamous aspect of my relationships. Sky Beak took a step to the side and draped a wing over my shoulders before saying, "No, not like that! This fine boy is a member of our family too. And he has two fine little fillies waiting at home. So you can all just call me Grandpa!"

Silverstream's eyes widened as she looked up at us while I was at a loss for words. The excitable little lady then turned to her very confused brother and asked, "Does that mean we're an aunt and uncle now?!"

"Oh my god...! Let's just...try not to think about this too much!" I cracked up as I almost felt my knees give out from sheer laughter. Even those who had nothing to do with the conversation were getting a good laugh nearby. I could not care less about how bizarre my family situation is becoming. I would not give up my place in my extended feathery family for anything.

One by one, the Alabaster's passengers began to board. And Ocean Flow was getting chatty with her husband. She as asking so many things regarding what to expect from the two fillies waiting for us at home. Already pregnant with her third child, yet already excited to be a grandmother. It was...a very unorthodox situation. And we were still keeping that fact under wraps for now. With every last one of the hippogriff passengers having boarded, only Novo remained at the bottom of the gangplank. Just in time for the three royal sisters to approach in order to bid their farewells. But we would not be leaving just yet. Not without one of them.

Celestia stepped forward first and gave her best friend a winged embrace that Novo all too happy returned. "We had a wonderful time, old friend. Let's not wait too long for another getaway like this."

"It was a swell time down there, wasn't it? Plenty of good times with each other. And with our man." Novo retorted with a smug giggle before lifting her wing to let me get a look at my beautiful queen and her winking smile. Celestia's smile quickly turned more uneasy, but she still beamed at me all the same. We were in love. There was no point in hiding that from each other. And her sisters looked our way with facetious smiles of their owned. Although Nightmare Moon's smile was more...subdued. And I knew why.

With Novo and Celestia being very briefly distracted with each other, I stepped towards Nightmare Moon. Luna wisely understood the meaning behind my approach and stepped away to give us some more room. We were all but invisible amongst the clamor filling the cave and everyone around us being thoroughly distracted with their order of the day. As we hid in plain sight, I embraced my angel of the night while she did the same with her elegant sable wings. Ours was a love that should not be, yet still was all the same. My head rested against hers as I said, "I love you... See you soon, all right?"

"Yes, my love. Very soon. If not in person, then in your dreams." Nightmare Moon whispered to me before placing a few fluttering kisses upon my neck. For just that moment, we only had each other. And I savored it for as long as I could. A nightmare's heart was too selfish to find a place in my family, but our hearts still longed for each other. Will the future find a way to let us make it work?

We could not hold each other forever. Nightmare Moon let out a sigh before she released me from her wings. I turned to Luna, who gazed up at us knowingly. She was excellent at keeping secrets, especially regarding her fellow sister of the night. I held out my arms to her only for the Princess of the Night to rise high on her hind legs and embrace me in her arms and wings. She said kindly to me, "Let us arrange for another time away from all this hustle and bustle soon, my friend. It was a fine time down there. And do give my finest regards to your family."

"Will do, Luna. I'll see you again soon. Take care, all right?" I replied gently in my friend's embrace. Once I released her, I turned to Celestia and Novo. They then looked my way as if to ask me if I was ready to head home. I glanced up at the Alabaster looming overhead and could see Rain Shine and Ember peering over the edge of the deck. We were the only ones left who had yet to board.

As I approached my two royal beloveds, Celestia turned to face me directly. And she reached out before placing a kiss upon my lips. I did not resist. I even closed my eyes and pushed back into that lovely kiss for just a moment before we gazed into each other's eyes. The Princess of the Dawn whispered to me in an almost forlorn tone, "I love you... Please come by again soon. Don't worry about when. I promise I'll make time to be with you if you ever come knocking."

"Celestia. Honey, you sound like this is the last time you'll be seeing you future hubby for at least a few weeks. You think you're going home already?" Novo spoke up in a manner that roused a look of stunned surprise in her best friend. Just seeing Celestia's eyes go wide caused me to wear a smirk that matched Novo's. The hippogriff queen held her head high as she explained, "You're not going home just yet, honey. You still haven't met your baby girl yet and mama here's gonna give get you there on an express trip. Just like our king requested."

"James! I mean yes, we did discuss the possibility of visiting your children, but... Now?! Here?! What if somepony sees me down there?! What would the public think?!" The Princess of the Dawn stammered while I had to try and resist the urge to chuckle at her response. But not her sisters. Nightmare Moon and Luna responded with varying degrees of amusement.

Novo was quick to try and calm her friend by pointing out some facts. "Of course I know that, baby! Why do you think I'll be getting you there aboard the Alabaster? No one around Ponyville even knows who I am, so its not like they'll be following the old girl when she comes in for a landing. We might get a few gawkers, but that doesn't mean you can't be easily kept out of sight."

I then rested a hand on Celestia's shoulder to soothe her further. And I also provided my own observations. "You've seen Fluttershy's house before. With how far away it is from the rest of town, no one will even know you're over there. It'll be our little secret. So please... For me, dear? For Gladesong?"

Celestia appeared calmer, but was still silent with hesitation. The crown on her head required her to fully consider all options when it came to the risk of a scandal. A burden I do not envy. Her best friend then said more softly, "Celestia. If you're going to give that sweet little thing brothers and sisters someday, then you need to get to know her before that happens. Because when that happens, you'll be her mama too. Come on. Let's go see our daughter. Where none of the common folk will see us."

"My...daughter...?" Celestia muttered with her eyes wide with a very unique kind of excitement. I kept my hand on her shoulder to make sure she knew I was with her. Novo was right. And at that moment, both of them may very well have been carrying the next of Gladesong's brothers or sisters within their wombs. With a sigh, Celestia relented. But not before flashing her friend a defiant smirk. "All right, you have a point there. I really should meet her as soon as possible. But if any sort of scandal break out about this, I'll be holding you responsible!"

"Ha! Don't you worry your pretty head, honey. I know what I'm doing. Just don't stray too far from good old Alabaster and no one will even know you were there! Now come on up! Our baby girl misses her mama bird and I shouldn't keep the little thing waiting." Novo laughed before quickly trotting up the gangplank. She was eager to get going and I did not blame her. I could still remember the adorable first encounter she had with Gladesong and how she very quickly accepted the role of another mother for my daughter. Gladesong adored her new mama bird and would surely be thrilled to see that wonderful mare walk through the door.

My future sun queen and I shared an excited and giddy smile. There was no turning back now. We then turned to face Celestia's sisters while they watched with amused smiles on display. Celestia then let out a harsh sigh and said, "It looks like there's been a change of plans. I doubt I'll be home until tomorrow, so if you could just..."

"Think nothing of it, sister. We shall inform Mother and Father and make all manner of excuses over why your return has been delayed. Go! Have a grand evening with your king's princess!" Luan replied before bursting into a playful laugh that only got Celestia to blush profusely. I moved my hand to fully drape my arm across my beloved's shoulders. Gladesong had no idea she was now technically part of a royal family. And in time, she may truly become an official princess by association. Would my firstborn ever wear a crown? An exciting prospect.

With our goodbyes said, Celestia and I strolled up the gangplank to board the Alabaster. Ember and Rain Shine greeted us with curious smiles while the latter asked, "You are coming along too, Celestia?"

"Yes, I am. There's someone special I need to see down in Ponyville. Someone...I think we all want to see." Celestia giggled uneasily while the three of us smiled at her with cheeky grins. The Princess of the Dawn then groaned all while still wearing some sort of smile, "Ugh, I can't believe I'm doing this on such short notice... Novo, don't you dare let me down now."

"If you wish, I could erect a wall of towering reeds to separate us from any prying eyes from the east." Rain Shine replied while I tried to imagine such a thing. A towering wall of very tall grass set up in front of my house? That would just draw more attention!

"Oh no no no, that won't be necessary! I'll just...find a way to make this work. It's not like Fluttershy's house receives many random visitors to begin with." Celestia laughed nervously before we suddenly felt the entire Alabaster under us shudder. It was honestly a bit startling. Celestia looked up at the gas sack above us and said, "Here we go. Let's step away from the edge for now."

I looked up as well and saw why the entire ship shook like that. The entire Alabaster was starting to drift sideways towards the open middle of the docks. The clasping device above had secured the edges of the airship's gas sack and was pulling it away from its moorings. Once situation out in the open and away from the other docked airships, I got to see exactly how they would get airships to face the correct direction for departure. "Oooh, so that's how they do it."

The device high above began to slowly rotate in place as it turned the entire airship around. It was very slow about it to avoid putting pressure on the cables securing the ship itself to its floatation device. And once the Alabaster was pointing directly towards the great steel doors leading out, they opened to reveal the vast gray autumn sky beyond. Only then did the Alabaster's engines come to life and send its propellers spinning. We gradually drifted forward in a straight line. Many dockworkers saw us off with smiles and waving hooves, although I think they were directing their attention towards Celestia specifically. And with that, we were out and on our way down towards Ponyville. Finally, I was almost home.

Novo came up on deck shortly after we left Canterlot's airship docks. Not even a minute went by before she came over to us. We had drawn closer to the edge of the deck to get a better view of the vast expanse of land below us. The Alabaster had been designed with hippogriffs in mind, so the railing reached high enough to provide me with ample safety should we be hit by some turbulence. Novo spoke up soulfully, "Almost home, honey. Now I know you won't mind, but... Would it be all right if we stay docked overnight? I don't wanna say goodbye to your baby girl too early."

"You're more than welcome to keep the Alabaster docked until tomorrow. I just hope your crew won't mind being there for a day." I replied while hoping the many crewmen of the Alabaster would be accommodated by Ponyville. Especially during the gloomy autumn months. They already did so once before, but that was during the summer.

Ember and Rain Shine leaned a little further over the edge of the railing to get a good look at Ponyville as we began to drift over it. Celestia stayed back to make certain no one would spot her onboard. We got a lot of attention as the elegant Alabaster buzzed overhead while gradually descending. Everyone stopped and looked up and even some of the local pegasi who were airborne hovered in place to watch that glorious airship buzz on by. But unfortunately for us, there was one specific pegasus who escaped our predictions. Out of nowhere, a familiar pegasus mare shot up beside us and called out in greeting. "Man, this is one sweet ride! Huh?! Hey, you're back! And all of you!"

"Rainbow Dash?! You weren't supposed to come up here!" Celestia barked in shock now that someone knew that she was aboard an airship that did not belong to her. Of course Rainbow Dash would be curious and daring enough to fly right up to us. Airships never stop in Ponyville, let alone fly so low over it.

"Why not? You're in my airspace, you know! Hey, Ember! Good to see ya! And Rain Shine! How's it flying? And you too, Novo!" Rainbow Dash called back over the buzz of the airship's propellers. They were at a loss for words on how to respond to this random passersby swooping right up to us like she owned the sky over Ponyville. But she then swooped over at me and grabbed me in a big hug. "And you're finally back, big guy! Did you bring us any souvenirs? We've all been keeping busy and having fun while you were down south. Everything's OK up here!"

I rolled my eyes at Rainbow Dash's complete disregard for aviation protocol. All I could do was put my arms around her and said, "Yeah... It was a very nice time. I'll have to tell you all about it later."

"Under normal circumstances, what you're doing is a big no no for airship safety. But I'll let it slide since you're such a good friend for my sugar bear here." Novo said with a smirk on her beak. Rainbow Dash suddenly lifted her head from my shoulder to suddenly look at Novo with a nervous gaze. Only for the hippogriff queen to reach out and give her a playful poke on the nose. "You're quite the sparkplug, aren't you? I bet you keep this man safe when I'm not around."

"Yep! We've backed each other up during some pretty big stuff now and then. You should've seen us take on the Shadowbolts together!" Rainbow Dash replied with her usual gusto. I happened to notice Ember glance at us with an inquisitive smirk while keeping her arms crossed. After all she and I have been through together, she would have gladly been by my side to face off against any threats we dealt with in the Everfree Forest that night. Although she then finally noticed the most important mare aboard the ship. "Hey, Princess Celestia!"

Celestia acted quickly. She raised a hoof and pressed it to Rainbow's lips. She then spoke firmly, "Rainbow Dash, I am being completely serious here. Don't tell anyone you saw me here or that I'm aboard this ship. I'm here for very personal reasons and don't need any of the townsfolk mobbing me with questions or adoration or whatever reason they'd have to come see me. I don't think Fluttershy would appreciate so many right outside her house either."

"Heh... Yeah, Fluttershy would hate having so many weirdos show up at once. But...uh...why are you coming down here anyway?" Rainbow Dash asked once Celestia lowered her hoof. She was not even all that excited to see the Princess of the Dawn. Perhaps seeing her regularly in the field HQ during the war disenchanted her views about Equestria's three royal sisters.

Celestia glanced at me and then at Novo before she spoke with a soft smile. "I'm...just here for a family visit. I'm overdue to meet my...daughter."

"Daughter?! You have a... Oooooooh..." Rainbow Dash spoke before it suddenly dawned on her. She knew. Even if we were only in the beginnings of our friendship finally becoming something more, she still knew the full dynamics of my unorthodox family situation. And she could be trusted to keep it a secret. Now that she had been reminded, she winked at the Princess of the Dawn. "In that case, I won't take up your time. And I just know Gladesong's gonna love you!"

"I hope so! I've heard so many good things about the little dear. And it's been so long since I last held a foal so young..." Celestia replied while she cast her gaze to the west. The Alabaster was buzzing along very slowly now that we were in low altitude over a small town. And we could see it on the horizon too. Fluttershy's cottage set before the eastern edge of the vast Everfree Forest. It as such a strange contrast... The flora around Fluttershy's home was still vibrantly green, but the Everfree Forest was well on its way to losing its leaves. Untended to by the subtle magic of Ponyville's earth pony settlers, the Everfree Forest was left alone to let nature take its course.

Novo stepped over to her best friend and said, "Say, Celestia... Way out there in that forest. Isn't that where your old place is?"

"Yes... Or at least what's left of it. And I never had the chance to show you around back then." Celestia said with a bit of a bitter chuckle. I could understand why Novo had little means of getting to the mainland back then. Airships were definitely not a thing more than a thousand years ago. They would have to travel by sea to reach the mainland. Even a hippogriff's mighty wings need to rest and that is a long flight across the ocean. Although Celestia then said with a small smile, "But I suppose I can now."

"Let's save that for tomorrow, honey. We'll fly on over there, take a good look around, and then you can fly on home with no one being the wiser." Novo said with an equally subdued voice. I think she understood that tiny corner of Equestria held many dark memories. But with her best friend by her side, Celestia would be able to handle them. Novo then turned to us and said, "Anyway... Not to be a buzzkill, but would you mind leaving us be until tomorrow?"

"Right, sorry. I get it. Gotta let you guys get settled back in to the old routine. Meeting up with friends is great, but family comes first." Rainbow Dash replied before gently nuzzling my cheek. We continued to hold onto each other while she said to me, "I'll check back in on you tomorrow. Have a good night, James."

"You too, Rainbow. Stay warm out there." I then released Rainbow Dash from my embrace only for her to swoop through the air towards the south. She was definitely heading home to get out of the cold.

One thing I did not notice right away was the house being built just a little way down the road from Fluttershy's home. The one being built for Smolder and Ocellus. The roof was complete and even the outer walls looked to be almost done. It would be only a few weeks at most before construction would be complete and they could finally move in to their forever homes. While no one around me knew of the construction site's significance, I did and was happy for the two little ladies currently living under my roof.

Speaking of them, the approach of the Alabaster did not go undetected. The outside of the cottage was quiet with many of Fluttershy's usual neighbors having started going into hibernation around that time. Some had even flown south for the winter. But once the Alabaster began to come to a stop over the field north of the cottage, someone poked their head out of the door. I saw a flash of orange before someone swooped on up to us on dragon wings. "Hey, you're all back!"

"Smolder, hello!" Ember called out as her fellow dragoness hovered before us with the propellers of the Alabaster finally going quiet. The two dragon ladies even shared a friendly fist bump in greeting. "You're looking great! Staying safe over here in Ponyville?"

"There's no other place I'd rather be. Anyway..." Smolder started to say before she swooped over to me before grabbing me with a firm embrace. She clung to my body while I winced in surprise. I had been so distracted with everything that had been going on that I had almost forgotten who we were talking to. And what we had to put aside for the time being. "This is the guy I've really been missing."

I was at a loss for words. I had been distracted by the love I shared for the four wonderful royal women around me over the past two weeks or so. Now that the beautiful little dragon lady of warm vibrant orange in contrast to Ember's cool blue was back in my arms, I was reminded. And I recalled why we had to establish some necessary distance for now. But I still embraced her. And I whispered to her. "Missed you."

Smolder said nothing as we remained out there in the cold while the Alabaster's crew came up and began to secure the ship with moorings attached to heavy ballasts. Those around us remained silent to allow the two of us to reconnect. Although I did hear Rain Shine whisper quietly, "Such a warm resonance between them. It reminds me of..."

I noticed out of the corner of my eye. Ember brought a finger to her lips and shook her head while glancing at Rain Shine. Only for the kirin queen to nod in understanding. Ember knew. She had always known since I first inquired about the art of dragon courtship. And she was aware that it was for the best to not even remotely mention the love Smolder and I hold for each other. She has always been more woman than girl, but she still has a ways to go. I needed to let her just be herself away from me as often as possible. But we would never truly forget. We had a future together and we only had to wait for it to arrive.

Not wanting the two of us to become too distracted by what was in our hearts, I asked softly a question I knew Smolder had an answer for. "How have things been on the homefront?"

Smolder lifted her head from my shoulder and spoke with a bright smile, those beautiful blue reptilian eyes gazing at me with her fanged smile on display. "Pretty nice! I mean about as nice as you can get when the weather's this gloomy. The girls kept us busy so we would have a good time every day while you were gone. A little...staycation, I think Pinkie Pie called it?"

"Good thinking. Just because we were soaking up sun down in the tropics doesn't mean you couldn't have a good time up here." Novo replied as she approached her guest. Only then did Smolder happen to realize that she was surrounded by royalty. Her eyes widened in confusion as her gaze shifted from one royal lady to the next. Novo then spoke up, "Anyway, how about we get on down to solid ground. Time for this man to get back home where he's being expected."

"Uh... Just asking here, but...what's going on? We've got Princess Celestia, the hippogriff queen, the Dragon Lord, and a kirin queen here. Did something happen?" Smolder asked in genuine curiosity as I gently lowered her to the floor. The four royal women around us were indeed an odd sight a that time and place.

Novo was quick to provide a rather witty response. As I would expect from a woman like her. "Is there a problem with that, honey? We're all here to say hello to the littlest princess inside that house down there. And I'm sure she would be happy to see her mama bird."

Smolder's confused gaze made way for one of smug amusement. She snickered for a second before saying, "Oh right. Like I could forget what happened last time. Yeah, Gladesong's gonna love having you girls over. I'm gonna go on ahead and let everyone know we've got guests, all right?"

"You do that, dear. We'll be right down in a minute." Celestia replied while trying to maintain an air or royal confidence. But once Smolder swooped down back to my house's front door, Celestia grinned nervously at us all. "Oh boy, here we go..."

"Deep breaths, honey. I promise the baby girl down there will love you." Novo retorted before she happened to notice that someone was looming over us in complete silence for a while. All while patiently waiting for an opportunity to speak. Seaspray was standing at attention as if wanting to ask a question. Novo knew exactly what he needed to know and glanced at him over her shoulder. "Let the crew know we'll be heading out at noon sharp tomorrow. Everyone's on shore leave until then."

"I shall pass the news along immediately, your majesty." Seaspray said with a bow. While he headed back down inside the airship, the rest of us began to descend the freshly lowered gangplank. My eyes scanned the eastern horizon all the while. There was no signs of anyone rushing over to get a closer look at the majestic airship that had just landed beyond their western borders.

"The coast looks clear... Rain, do you happen to sense anyone around now that we're back on solid ground?" Celestia muttered before turning to her longtime friend. She knew well the abilities of a kirin.

Rain Shine responded at once, "I sense no one, Celestia. The wildlife tend to become dormant the closer we get to winter. Even in lands where pony society have tamed nature like this. The only signs of life we have to worry about are within that home over there."

I decided to ask a question while smiling whimsically. "Does that mean you can sense Gladesong specifically?"

The serene kirin queen smiled a bit more unevenly as she said, "I can. There is a tiny presence within those walls. A very bright and happy presence. So pure."

"Oh she's gonna love you, Rain." Ember snickered while taking note of just how excited her friend was starting to sound. Truly, motherhood is in the nature of every kirin mare. She was eager to meet my firstborn.

"I am certain I shall. But she is not the only one I sense. There is another. Small, but not as small. And filled with vigor. But perhaps not as much as there should be? This autumn gloom has a way of draining oneself..." Rain Shine added before letting out a graceless yawn. I suppose even those who enjoy autumn have difficulty appreciating the growing number of days where the skies are gray and the chill gets worse. At least fairer days can be beautiful.

Novo decided to speak up since she knew exactly who Rain Shine was sensing. "You mean little miss sparkplug in there? Mmhm, she's a fun one. And she's about to meet more of her mamas in a minute."

Celestia brought a wing over her lips as she let out a giggle, "Oh my goodness, I forgot about Scootaloo! What do you think she'll do if she knows I'm...part of this growing family?"

I took a moment to think this over myself. There had been times where Scootaloo and I had to discuss the nature of our increasingly unorthodox family. And I did have some good news to share about her. "I think she'll be utterly thrilled. Scoot was an orphan before she came into my life. She didn't know what it's like to have a real family, so her having more mothers is something to get excited about in her eyes."

"Orphan?! I dunno if you ever brought that up with us, but... That just won't do. Every little colt and filly needs a mama. And that little wild's gonna have plenty at this rate." Novo replied with surprise before quickly regaining her lovely sass. But before much longer, we stood before the door to my house. And Novo then spoke to me with a whisper. "You first, honey. Your wife and kids are waiting."

"Right... Here I go." I replied before rather nervously pushing my way inside. I was greeted by the warmth of the fireplace blazing away on one side of the room. Smolder was seated on the sofa at the back of the living room while gently rocking the tightly swaddled form of Gladesong. I did not see Ocellus or Scootaloo. They were probably in their bedroom. But coming out of the nursery at the back was the one I was most excited to see. Breaking into a near gallop, my beautiful wife came soaring into my arms for an embrace. All I could do was whisper into her ear, "I'm home, love..."

"Welcome home, James... We all missed you..." Fluttershy whispered back to me as we embraced. No matter how distracted I had been with my thoughts of my royal beloveds during the vacation, nor how many times I found myself making love to them, Fluttershy was the most important of them all. She was my first. My true wife. The matriarch of our family. Without her, our lives would not have been possible. And being in the warm embrace of that wonderful, timid, and loving mare reminded me of why we walked down the aisle together. I was home. And I would not trade anything for what I had.

While we stood there just past the doorway, I happened to notice Novo peeking in just through the crack. I could tell she wanted us to get out of the way and I had a hunch of why. I inconspicuously stepped aside with Fluttershy still in my arms only for Novo to burst in suddenly with her eyes filled with life and glee. The soulful hippogriff queen then called out, "Gladesong! Your mama bird is home!"

Fluttershy winced in my arms before suddenly glancing around. I know that she definitely heard the Alabaster's approach and Smolder had told her about it, but I doubt she was expecting much in the way of guests. And Gladesong perked up instantly at the sound of Novo's voice. I looked over Fluttershy's shoulder and could see my infant daughter wiggling in her swaddling as her eyes lit up at the sight of the beautiful hippogriff mare trotting her way. "Birb! Birb!"

"Yes I am! I am a birb! Your mama birb, sweetie!" Novo chuckled at Gladesong still having not quite figured out how to get her ending Ds to work. Smolder did not even say anything. She just looked like she was on the verge of laughing as she handed Gladesong to her avian mother. Novo took a seat with Gladesong cradled in her arms before nuzzling her forehead against hers. "I missed you, baby girl. Mama missed you so bad."

Gladesong giggled and tittered as Novo placed many little kisses all over her head. My beloved queen was truly over the moon to know the joy of being a mother again. She may not have been the one to bring Gladesong into the world, but she was still her mother all the same. Fluttershy and I watched the mother and daughter bonding after too long apart. All while wearing matching smiles. My wife then whispered to me, "We have guests?"

"Yep. Come on in, ladies." I replied while glancing over at the door. One by one, the beautiful royal ladies entered. First Ember and then Rain Shine. But not Celestia. She seemed to be hanging back and out of sight to let us all reconnect before she would enter and likely become the center of attention for a bit.

"Ember! Rain Shine! It's...so good to see you! You were all down there in Cantercun too, right? Did you all have a good time?" Fluttershy asked while dazzled to see the Dragon Lord and a kirin queen right there in her home. Humble and timid she has always been, I doubt Fluttershy will ever grow completely accustomed to having members of actual royalty casually paying a visit to her home. Even as family.

"We had a splendid time, dear Fluttershy. Simply wonderful with many new experiences. And if I know your husband well enough, he will have plenty to document in his writings soon." Rain Shine retorted with a surprisingly sly giggle. She knew me well. And as I have shown, there was a lot to write down after I got home. Which I am still doing at this moment.

Ember was about to speak up only for the red gem atop the Bloodstone Scepter to start glowing. And she knew exactly what that meant. "Huh? Oh, right! Fluttershy, I think someone wants to say hello!"

"They do? Who? Is there someone else out there?" Fluttershy asked while I gently set her down. I knew where this was going. And I was actually rather excited. The last time Fluttershy and Ember crossed paths was during that victory party in Canterlot. When Ember by sheer happenstance discovered the secret purpose of the Bloodstone Scepter. And aside from the Equestrian royal family, she revealed it to no one at the time. Until then.

Rain Shine and I smirked at each other. Fluttershy had no idea who was on the other side of that glow. I then said, "Someone very special. The Bloodstone Scepter has a unique...function. Go ahead and touch it and just say hello."

Fluttershy did just that. She confusedly touched her hoof to the Bloodstone Scepter's shaft and said, "Um... Hello?"

Sure enough, she suddenly pulled away with wide eyes on display. "I heard a voice! A big booming voice! Is the scepter haunted?"

Ember got a chuckle out of Fluttershy's first encounter with the voice of what I am sure was Torch. Blaze's voice is one I could never describe as booming. "Kind of! That's what the Bloodstone Scepter does. It has a connection to the previous generation of Dragon Lords. I can talk to my mom and dad whenever I want. I just have to answer them whenever they try to call out to me."

Fluttershy just stared with such a bewildered gaze as Ember pretty much confirmed that she had just heard a ghost. She then looked at me and asked, "You can talk to the ghosts of the previous Dragon Lords through that thing?"

"Yeah. And they're both great people. Wanna talk to them? I bet they really wanna meet you." I replied while Rain Shine quietly excused herself to the kitchen. I heard her whisper that she was going to prepare tea for us. Hot tea in autumn sounded like a great idea. And Novo was busy chatting up Smolder while they both doted on Gladesong.

Ember took a seat with the two of us and held out the Bloodstone Scepter for us all to hold. Fluttershy very nervously reached out and touched her hoof to the scepter while I also took hold. When it began to glow again, she spoke out. "Hello?"

Torch was not the one to respond this time. I heard the beautiful and kindly voice of Blaze reply instead. "Hello there, dear! It's so good to finally talk with you. Are you Fluttershy? The wife of dear James here?"

Fluttershy turned to look at me with happy confusion, clearly pleased by Blaze's sweet motherly tone while also wondering what Blaze knew about me. All I could do was snicker nervously while Ember provided a response. "She really likes him. Mom always had a thing for artists."

"That I do! You married a wonderful man, Miss Fluttershy. Such a novelist!" Blaze giggled while Fluttershy grinned massively. All while blushing profusely. Blaze was making a great first impression. Even if Fluttershy had no idea what she looked like at the time.

That smile suddenly faded when we heard a different voice speak up. That big booming mountainous voice that could only belong to Torch. "So good to see you, Miss...Fluttershy. I just want to say it's been a pleasure getting to know your husband. He's a very good man. Been very kind to our daughter."

Torch sounded a bit uneasy himself. I think he had no idea how to talk to such a little pony. Especially one as demure as Fluttershy. And my wife's wide eyes and gaze of unease told me that Torch's very voice was enough to intimidate her. "Hi again... You sound very big... And very scary."

"I try not to be..." Torch grumbled quietly while I am sure Blaze was nuzzling him in an act to comfort him.

Blaze then spoke up supportively, "I assure you Torch here is not as frightful as he sounds, dear. He's a very fine man. And he developed quite the gift for poetry! Didn't you, my love?"

True to traditional dragon form, Torch was rather standoffish about that revelation. "I swear it's always just random ramblings that come to mind!"

"Nonsense, my love! You are so much more eloquent than you give yourself credit for." Blaze giggled while it sounded like she was giving her husband a few sweet kisses. Torch really found himself a fine bride in the long run.

Fluttershy started to get a good giggle out of the back and forth loving bickering between the two former Dragon Lords. She winked at me with a growing smile and said, "They sound like they're really good for each other."

"Most dragon couples are. They never yes unless they're certain they've found the one. Dragons mate for life. Or rather...forever." Ember said softly before her tone softened further. She knew the weight of her words. Torch and Blaze were a prime testament to how enduring a dragon's love truly is. Even in death, Ember's mother and father were still madly in love with each other.

Now that Fluttershy appeared comfortable in the presence of Torch's voice now that Blaze was serving as a foil to him, I asked an important question. "Would you like to meet them? In person?"

My wife stared at me with such a gaze of confusion. Not that I could blame her. "Wait, we can?"

"Sure! Just hold the scepter, close your eyes, and relax a bit. Mom and Dad will take care of the rest." Ember explained before closing her eyes. She then said, "Mom? Dad? We're coming in."

Fluttershy's curiosity won out against her concern. She and I touched our hand and hoof to the Bloodstone Scepter and closed our eyes. And my vision soon made way for a familiar sight. The sounds and voices in my home's living room faded as I found myself atop a flat stone plateau beneath a beautiful night sky adorned with the aurora borealis. Ember and Fluttershy were at my sides. And looming over us were the gargantuan forms of Torch and Blaze. Ember's mother spoke up first with a hand raised in greeting. "Hello there, dears!"

"Hey there, Mom! This is... Uh... James? Is she OK?" Ember started to say before turning to Fluttershy and I. And I immediately saw why Ember was concerned. Fluttershy was gazing up at our two hosts with wide unblinking eyes filled with a type of terror I had never seen. Just...the look on her face and unflinching body told me she was consumed with fear.

Even Torch and Blaze were at a loss of what to make of Fluttershy just staring up at them as if she could let out a shriek of terror at any time. Torch finally found the will the break the silence and asked, "Uh... Is this normal for her?"

"No...? I've never seen her freeze up like this. Fluttershy? Dear? Are you all right there?" I asked before carefully nudging Fluttershy's shoulder. That little push was enough to cause her to flop onto her side as stiff as a plank. It was so surreal to see someone do that who was not Pinkie Pie. I then reached out and caressed her head, "Fluttershy...? What's wrong?"

She finally reacted. Fluttershy, in one swift motion, jumped up and clung to me with her head on my shoulder and her back to our two hosts. "Dragons..."

Ember and I glanced at each other in mutual confusion. Where was this meltdown coming from? I then held my wife while pointing out an important fact. "The problem is they're dragons? But you've never had any issues with Smolder or Spike. Or even Ember for that matter."

"That's because...they're very young dragons. Not super scary adult dragons." Fluttershy whimpered in further contradiction to what I had seen from her.

Ember looked like she did not know if she should be offended or confused. She held out her arms to her side and said, "Wha... I'm an adult dragon here! I'm a hundred and twenty-six! You weren't even all that scared when I showed up with my men the first time we met!"

Fluttershy then proceeded to go off on quite the panicked tangent while still keeping her voice quiet. "That's because you're not...a huge gigantic terrifying enormous teeth-gnashing sharp-scale having horn-wearing smoke-snoring could eat a pony in one bite totally grown-up dragon!"

Me and Ember just shared quite the silent stare with each other. Even Blaze and Torch gazed down at us with uneasy grimaces as if they were unsure if they should feel embarrassed over terrifying a guest entirely without doing anything. I then said quietly, "I swear I never knew this about her. Fluttershy never said anything about being afraid of larger dragons."

"Considering just how massive they are, I can't really say I blame her." Ember said softly before looking back at her parents. "I...uh...seriously didn't know this about her. Got any ideas?"

"If she's really so scared of us because of our size, then I can think of only one way to fix that." Torch muttered before casting a knowing smirk at his wife from the side. She returned that smirk before the two of them brought their hands together. As the seconds went by, their great sizes began to shrink. Torch only then spoke once he and Blaze had shrunk to only a tenth of their original sizes, "How about now?"

I tapped Fluttershy on the back to try and get her attention for a second. "Hey, Fluttershy? Dear? Take another look at them. Do they look less scary now?"

Fluttershy only peeked over her shoulder for a second before tensing up and burying her face into my chest again. "Still...so scary..."

"Um... Just curious, but you did notice they're a lot smaller now?" Ember asked while Fluttershy just shivered in my grasp. I had no idea what to say. Although I did understand her fear. Even at only a tenth of their true size, Blaze and Torch still towered over us. Ember rolled her eyes before looking back at her parents. "How about a little smaller?"

And so it continued. Blaze and Torch would shrink themselves a bit smaller only for Fluttershy to peek over her shoulder and immediately cower again. And just the look on the faces of Ember's parents... They looked so confused of just how far they had to bend over backwards just to not frighten my wife. Ember kept calling out to them as they shrank more and more with every failed attempt to appease Fluttershy. "Smaller... Smaller... Smaller... OK, how about now? Is this not scary enough?"

I had to struggle to contain my laughter. Despite still holding the same proportions as always, Torch and Blaze had shrunken to being...maybe only twice my size. Big, but not even close to being giants. Maybe only the size of a large bear. And Fluttershy is friends with a few bears in the area. There was something bizarrely hilarious seeing the two biggest dragons in quite possibly the history of the world shrunken down to an only slightly intimidating size. Torch glanced t his wife with wide confused eyes and muttered, "I can't even remember the last time I was so tiny."

"I can! It was a lot easier to get around back then." Blaze said with a giggle as she finally let go of her husband's hand. Only then did Fluttershy peek over my shoulder. And her terrified gaze became one of shocked confusion. Blaze gingerly waved at my wife with a smile as she said, "Hello again! Is this size more to your liking?"

Fluttershy was too confused to even say anything for a good ten seconds. She then looked at me out of the corner of her eye and asked, "How did they go from super scary humongous to...not so scary big?"

Torch actually got a good laugh out of that statement. And for once, his laughter did not make the air quiver. "Ha! That's just one of the perks about no longer being bound by the laws of the physical realm. Although this is the first time we had to shrink this much... I haven't been this size in eons."

"Wait... What you just said... Do you mean...?" Fluttershy started to say while she remained in my arms. I would not let go of her until she let go of me first.

Blaze could see that the truth was starting to dawn on Fluttershy. And so she spoke with a gentle tone. "Yes. Torch and I are no longer among the living and we haven't been for a while now."

Shock filled my wife's eyes. She was at a loss of what to think or feel. Even if inherently fearful of larger dragons, she still felt the gravity of acknowledging the deaths of Ember's parents. Only for Ember to look at us with a smile devoid of sorrow. "Hey, it's all right. Thought the Bloodstone Scepter, it was like they were never gone."

It was then that Fluttershy noticed something was missing. She glanced around and asked, "Wait... Where is the Bloodstone Scepter anyway? Weren't we just holding it a minute ago?"

"You're inside it. Or at least your minds are." Torch replied before raising his hand high. The auroras above began to make way to reveal everything that was happening around the Bloodstone Scepter. Although everything looked so much bigger with that vast dome of a sky displaying the activity happening in the living room. We even saw the door to Scootaloo's bedroom open to reveal her and Ocellus emerging. They must have been taking an afternoon nap at the time and finally woke up to investigate the commotion. They responded with surprise and delight to see some familiar faces visiting. And they were very confused to see the three of us sitting around the Bloodstone Scepter with our eyes closed. There was something funny about seeing the two of them come on over while gently nudging us and whispering into our ears. Torch then explained, "We can see everything that's happening around us from within the scepter, so we're not exactly cut off from the world of the living."

"Yeah. So be careful if you see the Bloodstone Scepter just lying around. You never know if someone is watching and listening." I said in jest while Ember scowled at me in disapproval. She probably had worked out an understanding with her parents to keep them from spying on her in private and that they were trustworthy enough to honor such a request.

Blaze chirped in equal disapproval as she spoke up, "Sweetie, no! We don't eavesdrop on everything happening around the scepter at all times! Only now and then."

Fluttershy was gradually becoming more comfortable in the presence of Ember's parents. She finally loosened her grip on me and slipped out of my protective embrace, standing before the two of them. Ember loomed over her just to be safe. I heard my wife take a deep breath to steel her nerves before asking, "Then...you're Ember's parents?"

"Mmhm. Torch and Blaze. It's a pleasure, Miss Fluttershy." Torch replied as he reached for her. While still a size that Fluttershy was actually familiar with, she still took a step back from his hand. Torch got the hint and retracted his offer for a handshake while looking more confused than disappointed. Did something happen with Fluttershy and a larger dragon in the past that she never told anyone about? Maybe it is for the best I never ask...

Seeing Fluttershy still being so uncomfortable in their presence, Blaze took it upon herself to do something about it. She held out both hands to offer a hug. "Come here, dear. I think what you need is a hug to squeeze all those fears out."

Fluttershy stammered and stuttered as she hid her face partially behind her long mane. She was at a loss of what to do in the face of such an offer. When she looked back at me, I gave my wife a thumbs-up while showing a big grin. Ember even patted Fluttershy reassuringly on the head before saying, "Go ahead. Mom's great."

"Um... All right then. Here I go..." My timid little wife muttered before she finally found the courage to reach out to Blaze. Torch only watched with a big smirk while crossing his arms. And with one gentle motion, Blaze effortlessly lifted the timid pegasus into her arms and gently cradled Fluttershy against her scaly bosom. In a matter of seconds, Fluttershy began to smile as she snuggled with Ember's doting mother. "Wow... Are all dragon mothers so cuddly?"

"I hope so. If I was still around when my dear Ember was still a tiny whelp, I'd cradle her like this every night. Are you comfortable, dear?" Blaze said softly while looking like she was tempted to rock Fluttershy in her arms like a child. She always had such a motherly soul, even towards me. It was just in her nature to be nourishing towards those much younger than her. And Fluttershy was very small by dragon standards.

I heard my wife let out a long sigh as I saw such a wide smile finally spread across her lips. She was very quickly losing all that fear. Ember and I shared a smirk. It was silly to be afraid of a wonderful woman like Blaze, even if she is as big as some mountains most of the time. She and I even shared a fist bump to celebrate helping Fluttershy at least partially conquer her old fears. We then heard Fluttershy speak softly, "I didn't know dragons so big could give such gentle hugs..."

"Then why don't we greet each other with hugs like this from now on? I'll bring my best cuddles, dear." Blaze giggled while even nuzzling the top of Fluttershy's head with her long jaw. Although she soon held Fluttershy out to Torch, both he and my wife recoiling in surprise. "Your turn, my love!"

"Me?! Well... I... If you insist." Torch grumbled while Fluttershy tensed up too much to even get a word in. At least she did not try to flee. Ember and I watched with uncertainty as the burly former Dragon Lord took my wife into his arms and cradled her in them. My eyes widened for a second when I realized his arms were twice as thick as his wife's. Torch's eyes wandered while he muttered, "I'm...not that great when it comes to giving hugs like this."

"You're doing fine, Dad. She looks pretty comfortable right now." Ember spoke out while Blaze started to show a very amused smile. Fluttershy and Torch could not even let their eyes meet. There was something just mutually awkward about the situation for them. Ember then asked, "Hey, Fluttershy. You OK there?"

"He has...very strong arms." Fluttershy whimpered with her limbs all tucked up against her body. She was right. Torch looked incredibly buff by dragon standards. He was surely not trying to crush her in that embrace. And his exposed fangs did make him look quite fierce. It was no wonder Fluttershy did not feel entirely safe at the time.

"I'm not trying to squish you here... I just...don't have experience for anything like this. Ember was like a pebble to me throughout our time together." Torch muttered while looking more like he was just unsure about how to deal with the situation. He really was trying to be gentle with Fluttershy, but when considering how massive he had been throughout most of his life... He had no point of reference to work with.

Fluttershy did start to show signs of becoming more relaxed. Her limbs loosened up and her eyes became more relaxed. Until she finally said with a small smile, "You're...kind of cute when you look so nervous."

"Peh. I suppose I do. I...didn't get many chances to feel like this while raising Ember." Torch grumbled with his eyes looking elsewhere. And I could swear he was blushing. Ember and Blaze found the statement to be a lot funnier than I did, the two of them letting out quiet laughter in unison. Torch finally asked an important question. "So then... Are you still afraid of me?"

My wife's eyes darted back and forth with uncertainty. When she finally spoke, it was with such a nervous grin. As if she was being very careful to not offend him. "No...? You kind of remind me of a bear... A bear covered in scales instead of fur."

This only confused Torch. He looked at Ember and I before asking, "A bear? Aren't those creatures dangerous and intimidating by your standards?"

"Not her bears. Fluttershy's become friends with just about every bit of wildlife in the Ponyville area. Including the bears." I replied with even Ember looking at me with eyes wide in surprise. She still had a lot to learn about my wife.

"Really?! Ha. This little mare has the courage of a lion. I can respect that." Torch laughed before he began to carefully lower Fluttershy back down onto her four hooves. She looked much more at ease by then. The greatly shrunken Dragon Lord then asked, "So then... Was that enough?"

"I think so... I don't feel so scared now." Fluttershy said with a bit of a nervous tone in her voice. I could see her being a little too stiff while up at Torch and Blaze. At least she was starting to become accustomed to some of the finest dragons either of us had ever met. She soon looked back at Ember and spoke with a jittery smile, "Your parents are...very nice, Ember."

"Yeah, they are. They're both great." Ember chuckled while also glancing at me with a smile. With Torch and Blaze being on the verge of becoming my in-laws, there was a certain discomfort and thrill to be had in introducing them to the rest of my family. And that family tree would only grow in time.

It was then that Fluttershy asked again while beholding the two former Dragon Lords, "But...didn't you say you're...not alive anymore?"

Their smiles faltered for a moment before Torch explained, "While our deaths ultimate matters little when the Bloodstone Scepter keeps us connected to our daughter, yes... Blaze left this world a far longer time ago than I did. I left the world of the living roughly five years ago."

Blaze then explained while she gently took hold of her husband's hand, "It's all thanks to the Bloodstone Scepter that we're still in our daughter's life like this. No one really knows how it was even created or why it has this kind of function, but there are rumors... Supposedly the very first Dragon Lord bound his soul to it in a way that created a cycle that every successor."

I remembered one time during breakfast out on the Empty Plains where Ember even mentioned such rumors to me. And that was when I had an epiphany. "Hang on... Have you two even spoken to any of the previous Dragon Lords over there? I mean...you are on the other side, right?"

Torch just rolled his eyes while letting out a snort, a flicker of flames escaping his nostrils. Blaze then said playfully, "We have...but they're a bunch of old fashioned blowhards. A bunch of traditionalists. And not in a good way. Hardly worth striking up a conversation with. Torch here was the first to actually start adopting some progressive policies during his reign."

"I was only as good as my queen, Blaze. You were an excellent influence and advisor for me. When you became my life mate, we reigned together. And I won't let anyone forget it." Torch said with a big and grateful smile. And while being impressively humble about it.

Blaze then surprised her husband with a quick kiss upon the lips. She then batted her beautiful eyes at him as she said, "I didn't become yours for power, my love. I became yours because you came to mean the world to me. Being able to help guide our people to a better future was just a bonus."

I could see Fluttershy beginning to fawn at the sight of the tenderness between Ember's parents. She stopped seeing them as something to fear and more as something to admire. They were such a great couple. It was easy to see how their love was enduring even into the next world. Torch and Blaze became distracted with each other for a moment, softly speaking to each other as they began to embrace. To see them so deeply in love... My eyes glanced at Ember just as her beautiful scarlet eyes glanced at me. She soon turned her head away and faked a cough into her fist. But I could see that smile. And the deep blush forming on the side of her face. I felt a twinge of excitement. For I knew our love burned just as hotly.

Now that our hosts had taken their attention away from us, Fluttershy trotted over to Ember and I with a quiet smile on display. She whispered to us, "I didn't know dragons could make such wonderful couples. You mom and dad are such good people, Ember."

"Yeah, they really are great. I'm...glad to have them back in my life. I'm not alone out there anymore. If I'm having trouble keeping those boulderheads in line or if I'm having a bad day, they're always there for me." Ember said without an ounce of embarrassment. Being without her father for a good five years and having never known her mother until recently had made their return all the sweeter. I was happy for Ember. She deserved a healthy family life.

It was then we took a moment to get a good look at what was happening around the Bloodstone Scepter. And it was then I suddenly had a realization. While Scootaloo and Ocellus had joined Novo and Smolder to play with Gladesong, Celestia was still nowhere to be seen. She was still right outside the front door. In the dreary and chilly autumn afternoon. My eyes went wide with shock as I said, "Uh oh... She's still out there?"

"Who's still... Ack! You're right! She's still out there! Mom! Dad! We should probably get going. We've got...guests to bring in." Ember replied while just barely avoiding ruining the surprise for Fluttershy. My wife still did not know someone wearing a crown was right outside her front door.

Torch and Blaze glanced down at us with surprise before even them seemed to recall what was happening around them. The two of them brought their hands together before growing back to their original gargantuan sizes. There was a good reason for that since we could not sever the connection to the Bloodstone Scepter on our own. The towering dragon queen then waved at us and said, "Right, you've got a lot to catch up on now that you're back home! We'll just sending you three on your way and talk again soon, all right?"

While a bit intimidated by their massive size once again, Fluttershy still spoke through a crooked smile. "Sure! That'd be...nice! It was really good meeting you two."

"Likewise, Miss Fluttershy. Now then, just stand close together and we'll take care of the rest." Torch replied while we did just that. Ember's parents then lowered a hand over us to create a massive dome of darkness to keep out all light. Seconds later, I suddenly came to with Fluttershy and Ember also opening their eyes. We were back in the living room with the Bloodstone Scepter standing between us.

Scootaloo was quick to notice that I had opened my eyes and came galloping over to me with her little wings buzzing in excitement. "Dad, you're back! And...what were you doing with Mom? And... Uh... Right! Ember! It's cool to see you again too!"

"Hey there, Scoo... Uh... Scootaloo, right? Weird names, these ponies..." Ember replied while she seemed to take annoyance with her difficulty in remembering some of the quirkier pony names she had heard. Who even named Scootaloo anyway? A question I may never get an answer on...

"Hey! At least my name's the kind you just don't forget!" Scootaloo barked in proud defiance. I doubt she was actually offended, but she did widen her stance to look brave in the face of a larger opponent.

Ember just rolled her eyes as she displayed an amused smirk. She then patted Scootaloo on the head and said, "I didn't say it's a bad name. It's perfectly unique and...snappy! I guess pony names being so quirky and unique makes them easier to remember... Except for me."

While Scootaloo and Fluttershy got distracted by a conversation with Ember, I made my way over to the front door. Even Ocellus had managed to avoid noticing me from behind Novo. I then stepped outside and did indeed find Celestia standing just behind the door. She flinched upon seeing me, prompting me to ask, "What's wrong? Aren't you coming?"

"I... I suppose I'm just getting cold feet, my love. But now that you're here... Together? Please?" The Princess of the Dawn replied with an uncharacteristically uneasy gaze. This was it. The moment when Celestia herself would truly approach Fluttershy over the subject of her becoming part of our growing family. Fluttershy knew. She just had not had the chance to really speak with the glorious sun princess about it.

I held out my hand, beckoning Celestia to rest her hoof in my palm. Which she did. I said softly, "Let's go together, dear. It'll be OK."

We stood ready, both of our hearts filled with uncertainty. This was not like with Novo. Fluttershy and Celestia had always had the same dynamic the Princess of the Dawn has with virtually all of her subjects. One was a commoner. The other was one of Equestria's true eternal sovereigns. And they were both my beloveds. My brides. Would we ever be able to make this work? With these questions still swimming around in my head, I stepped back inside with Celestia close behind me. "Fluttershy...?"

"Oh? Hello... Oh my! Princess Celestia!" Fluttershy replied before her jaw dropped open. Having the queen of Capricorn Island in her house was one thing. Having someone who was part of Equestria's highest echelon of power was another matter entirely. My wife quickly came over and bowed with a meek smile on her lips, "It's...good to see you! Did you come back with everyone else?"

"No... No, there's no need for bowing or honorifics or all that nonsense. Not here. All right, dear? I'm not here on any official business." Celestia replied while I closed the door for her. Fluttershy lifted her head, but still struggled to resist the urge to be subservient in Celestia's presence. Even Celestia did not even know where to start on approaching my wife on what needed to be said. "The truth is... I'm here for something important, but...it's on a personal level. None of that royal silliness... It's just that..."

"What's the matter, honey? Need an icebreaker? Because I have just the thing." Novo spoke up before coming our way with Gladesong cradled in one arm. With Fluttershy and Celestia beside me, she held out my youngest daughter to us. All while bearing her usual confident smile. "Why don't the two of you bond over this sweet baby girl? Or should I say...your baby girl?"

"Oh my goodness, is this Gladesong? Is this...her?" Celestia quietly squealed as the little swaddled filly looked at her with those innocent brown eyes. My eyes. And she began to smile. While Gladesong tried to reach out to Celestia, the Princess of the Dawn glanced at Fluttershy with a pleading smile. "May I?"

Fluttershy glanced between Celestia and I while we both waited for an answer. And she soon began to realize what Celestia's presence implied. My wife said with a cam smile, "You're...just like Novo, aren't you? You're part of our family now, right? Yes. Please. Hold her. She's yours too."

Celestia looked like she was on the verge of bursting into tears. She could not even speak. All she did was gently take Gladesong from Novo with my little girl wrapped in a billowing layer of Celestia's golden yellow magic aura. She floated up to Celestia's face as the Princess of the Dawn spoke to her daughter for the first time. "Hello... Hello, little Gladesong. I've heard so much about you, but I... I'm just so happy to see you, dear. You even have your father's eyes... You're just so..."

Novo reached out and gently rested her hand on her best friend's shoulder. This drew Celestia's attention to her while Novo said softly, "She's yours as much as she's mine, honey. Don't be shy. Be good to your baby girl."

Gladesong wiggled in her swaddling and managed to get an arm free. She reached out to Celestia while letting out soft little babbling. And the tears could not be contained. Celestia almost wept as she tenderly nuzzled the precious filly before her. A filly that was hers as much as she was mine. I suspect Gladesong was even beginning to learn how to tell who her other mothers were. And now Celestia had come into her life. And yet...

I felt such an urge to tell someone. To tell Fluttershy the news. I knew that at that moment, Celestia and Novo may very well have been carrying Gladesong's newest brothers or sisters. The first of many beautiful fillies and colts that would be born into our family. But I only barely resisted the urge to even suggest it. It was too soon to say. But my heart hoped.

"Oh my goodness, you precious little thing... You even know how to give kisses? Do you know who I am? I only just met you...but I already love you. Yes, Gladesong. Yes. I'll be your Mama Celestia. I'm here, dear. I'm here. Shhh..." Celestia said with tears flowing freely. All while so many watched. She lowered herself to the floor to rest. All while snuggling with and whispering such sweet things to my daughter. I had high hopes for Celestia. She would truly make for a wonderful mother when the time came.

But it was then I noticed someone sitting next to Smolder on the sofa at the back of the room. Someone who had been patiently quiet and unassuming. And my heart swelled at the sight of her. Ocellus was gazing at me with a pleading smile. And Smolder noticed before pointing her thumb at her friend. She knew what the little love bug was waiting for. Without a word, I stepped over to her and lifted the precious little changeling mare into my arms. She clung to me with her limbs, all without saying a word. I looked down at Smolder and whispered, "Excuse us for a little while."

"I'll keep them busy if they wonder where you two went." Smolder replied while giving me a clever wink of her eye. I slipped away into the nursery at the back of the house and closed the door behind me. Ocellus needed more than just a simple greeting. I knew she had been waiting for me for too long.

I sat in the corner while keeping Ocellus in my embrace. I could already sense her starting to feed. That indescribable sensation of my love being siphoned from my body. I whispered to her, "You hungry?"

"I needed this... I didn't know how much I really missed you until I sensed your love again... It just...wasn't the same without you..." Ocellus cooed in my embrace. Her head was resting against my chest. Over my beating heart. And she whispered to me again, "I love you... I missed you..."

I felt such a sense of shame. I knew she could not come, but seeing how badly she longed for me... I promised myself that I would make it up to Ocellus somehow. And she was not the only one who missed someone while I was gone. "Ocellus... I love you. And I never forgot about you, my little love bug."

"I'll always be yours... Always. I'm just...so happy to have you home." Her words were soothing to my heart. As I basked there in my love bug's aura, I was reminded of all we had been through. Our time together had been relatively short, but our love for each other had bloomed gloriously. I was blessed to have found a place in such a wonderful little mare's heart. I kissed her upon the head only for Ocellus to lift her head and gaze into my eyes for an instant before bringing her lips to mind.

That kiss... Succulent does not begin to describe it. Ocellus began to give her love back to me even while she fed on mine. Giving and taking, creating a loop where our love flowed to and from each other. It almost put me in a trance. Holding her, loving her, feeling our love coming together in a way that I did not know she could do... It truly was a love meant to be. I had no regrets. I loved her and needed her as much as she loved and needed me.

And for just a little while longer, it was just us. Man and mare, two lovers savoring each other. It was just a love so pure and earnest. I asked softly, "I know you missed me, but how were things while I was away?"

"Things were good... Just not as good if you had been here. But I kept myself happy... I have friends. And Gladesong always makes me feel like I'm needed... She always loves having her love bug around." Ocellus giggled while she got comfortable in my embrace. My fingers slid over her smooth and polished chitinous exterior. Then over her ladybug patterned...elytra? I think that is what she called it? Ocellus must have mistaken my caress for an invitation since they soon lifted. And out from under them spread her beautiful gossamer wings.

"God, you are just so beautiful..." I muttered as I beheld my beloved's shimmering and delicate wings. Ocellus even placed her hooves on my chest to push herself up. Just to allow me to survey her full form from below. She smiled and sighed as my fingers caressed over the faintly pink membranes of those wings. Easily the most delicate part of her body, yet my hands were those of an artist. I always knew the value of a delicate touch. I marveled at that wonderful love bug. Rarity had truly given her a form that was all her own. One that was just as beautiful on the outside as she was on the inside. "I love you. I love you, beautiful little thing."

"And I'll always love you, my dear. My...wonderful everything." Ocellus cooed before she brought her lips to mine again. Over and over, again and again. Our lips touched for the softest of kisses. With every kiss, she would take some of my love. And with the following, she would give me hers. Back and forth, reminding us both of how dearly in love we were with each other. She soon cooed into my ear while also placing a kiss upon it, "You didn't even have to bring me back anything. Just having you home is good enough for me."

"Really? But I did bring you back something. Something...special." I replied in confused yet amused surprise. I knew exactly what was packed in with my box of souvenirs for Ocellus. Those beautiful earrings. Perfect for a mare who blurred the line between pony and insect. But as her shiny and featureless eyes opened wide, I cheekily replied, "Buuuuut if you really don't want it..."

"No, no! I mean... Yes! Wait, I... If you really got me something, I'd be happy to have it..." Ocellus stammered as her beautiful wings rapidly and spastically fluttered with the cutest flittering buzz. The poor thing did not think her words through at all.

I let out a good snickered before rubbing a hand over her smooth head. "Yeah, that's what I thought. I know you love bugs don't need much. But I did get you something. Something...special."

Ocellus began to smile inquisitively, her featureless eyes showing intrigue as she whispered to me. "And...what is it?"

Was I blushing? I think I was. I remember that warmth in my face as I tried to find the right words. I wanted to keep it a surprise, but it was still a gift I was eager to give her. Those beautiful silver earrings molded into the form of moths. A single piece of jewelry that was meant to serve as my connection to her. And of course, my own treacherous heart was whispering things to her that she was not supposed to be sensing. After a moment, an excited and giddy smile spread across her face. "James... Did you...get me a wedding ring?"

She was so very close to being right. But I had to at least try to feign ignorance. "Uh... Ah... No! No, it's not a ring or a bracelet. But...it is something that's meant to last forever. Just like Rarity's bracelet. Or Smolder's earrings."

She was blushing. I could see Ocellus' cheeks turning a much dark shade of turquoise. But she never stopped smiling. My little love bug tried to hide her face as she said, "Oh my goodness... James, I love you. But...really? Now? You're...giving me something...like what you gave them?"

I gently pulled her hoof down to reveal my beloved's face. And I knew exactly what to say. "You've said it to me quite a few times. My heart knows what it wants. Feel it, dear. Listen to my heart. Does it really want to be with you forever? Please be honest..."

"It does. There's no deception. The heart... It's not like your brain. It's always honest. And...I can feel...how much it wants me. How much it wants me to be happy with you." Ocellus said softly, her whisper becoming a happy whimper as she began to understand why what I brought home for her was so important. Tears were beginning to form at the edge of her eyes. Tears of hopeful joy. "James... If what you're brought me is for what I think it is..."

I clutched Ocellus' hoof between both of mine. Our love was a rare one. A love that no changeling had ever found with another. A love that could only exist between a man and changeling mare. And with my eyes locked with hers, I steeled my nerves and asked the question she wanted to hear most. "Ocellus. Will you marry me?"

She clenched her teeth. She almost squinted her eyes shut. And...I swear she was beginning to glow. There was the faintest pink aura surrounding her outline. Just how much love was her heart producing? And as her tears flowed freely, she provided an answer and a question in turn. "Yes... But will you take me as your bride?"

Now it was my turn to feel the gravity of such a request. My heart quickened as I felt hot. But I did not hesitate for long. I too felt a tear flow from each eye as I whispered, "Yes. Forever."

And then it was done. We sealed our vows with a kiss. Even without someone officiating over us, it did not matter. We were in love. Madly in love. And it was a love neither of us had doubts about. All because of the piercing insight of a changeling. Even if we could not walk down the aisle together, we were still meant for each other. I brought home more than just a pair of enduring jewelry for Ocellus to wear as my bride. I brought home my heart to her in more ways than one.

Good lord, that kiss... I once again felt our love looping back and forth between us as that sealing kiss endured. When it ended, it was too soon. And so we kissed again. And we held each other. For all intents and purposes, we were now engaged. Betrotheds. All that remained was to place those earrings upon her. And I knew I should not rush so quickly into that. Even with Ocellus able to confirm how steadfast my heart's love for her is and always would be. And so I whispered to her at the first opportunity, "When the time is right... Only then will I give them to you."

"Mhmhmhm... The wedding never happens right after popping the question, does it?" Ocellus giggled while wiping her ters away. She then closed her eyes and breathed a long sigh to relax herself. While her eyes were featureless, I knew she was looking at me out of their corners as she spoke with a soft smile. "I just...can't wait to finally be yours for real. I'll always be your little love bug. But...when the day comes...where I can finally be your wife too..."

"It'll come. At the right time. And...I'd be honored to be your husband." I whispered to my future bride, my lips kissing her right on the tip of her elegantly curved horn. Ocellus squealed in joy, no doubt receiving a jolt of my love through the part of her body responsible for exerting magical forces. I then asked softly, "You're the first changeling ever to do this, aren't you? To...know what it's like to fall in love for the long haul. To...be a wife?"

She was blushing so hard in response to my words. Those beautiful gossamer wings fluttered at her sides while my beloved beamed at me. "I... Yes! To be the first ever... And to someone like you... Someone I know will never stop loving me..."

There was no need for more words. We embraced and held each other in the dark. Tucked away from the rest of the world and the clamor coming from just beyond the door. Only the glow of the living room's lighting reached us through the window to the left as it tried to peek through the curtains. For the moment, it was all about us. A man and mare who would in due time be husband and wife.

But we could not stay in there forever. We eventually had to return to the business at hand. Ocellus gently touched my face with her hoof before whispering to me, "We...really should get back out there. I'm not the only one who missed you."

"Yeah... Just remember. Let's keep this a secret between us for now. It'll be better if we surprise everyone when the time is right." I replied with my little lover giggling in approval. The only question remaining, one which I ponder as I write this, is when I finally bestow those earrings upon her. It has to be a very special day...

We carefully emerged from the nursery with everyone still being distracted one way or the other. Gladesong in particular was getting a lot of attention. Only for Rain Shine to finally emerge from the kitchen with many teacups and our biggest teapot floating in her magical grasp. And the smell in the air... Pumpkin and apple spice? My beloved from the grove looked my way and spoke with a knowing smile, "Tea, anyone?"

We all got comfortable on the floor as our guest served us all some exquisite hot tea that helped keep away the autumn gloom. It was all very warm, but just tolerable enough so long as we sipped on it. But Rain Shine had other plans. She set her teacup aside for the moment before setting herself down on the floor in front of Celestia. The Princess of the Dawn was still busy holding Gladesong while giving her sweet little whispers that made my daughter giggle. But she was not Gladesong's only mother who wore a crown. Rain Shine then asked, "Celestia... May I?"

The Princess of the Dawn lifted her head to look directly at her old friend. And she smiled almost excitedly before looking down at the filly cradled in her arm. "That's enough for us, Gladesong. You still have another mother to meet."

Goodness, that blush in Rain Shine's cheeks when she heard that. She was trying to keep up her usual serene and wise air, but it was starting to falter a bit in the presence of the tiny little girl being levitated over to her. Gladesong always looks like she is having fun when she floats through the air on someone's levitation spell. But once she was resting between the arms of the only kirin in the room, she gazed up at her with wide and happy eyes. She had never seen a kirin before, but was completely fearless in the face of seeing someone new.

We all watched with keen and quiet interest. And Rain Shine giggled with a crooked grin on display as she finally spoke to the filly in her arms. "Oh my goodness... Hello there, little one. I have only been able to listen to you from afar as you frolicked through the meadow. But now that you're here..."

My eyes widened as I saw something at the edges of Rain Shine's eyes. The beginning of tears. I was left wondering... Was seeing my newborn child... The child of the man she loved... Was it reopening old wounds? She had known love before. Rain Shine had found love with a powerful human man. One who I am sure she hoped to have a family with one day if only his ambitions did not distract him from what they had together. Only for her to eventually find love with me. And as Gladesong looked up at Rain Shine while surely just loving the sound of her silken voice, the beautiful and wise kirin queen whispered sweetly to my daughter. "My word, so pure... Your aura is just so bright... Not even the slightest shred of negativity. It has been so very long since I last held a life so young... A life so pure... And I thought only kirin foals could be so pure."

It was Scootaloo who spoke up next. And she spoke with such confidence in her voice. "That's because she's got the best mom and dad ever. I should know. They've raised me too."

Fluttershy and I beamed with pride. Those words were high praise when considering who they were coming from. All I could say was very little. "Thanks, Scoot."

"Nah. Thank you, Dad. And you too, Mom." What was it about those words from that wild filly that just hit us so hard in such a good way? It still only feels like a week ago that she saw me as a big brother instead of a father figure. The poor thing... She did not need a sibling. She always needed a mother and father. And Fluttershy and I were happy to give that to her.

Rain Shine giggled while surely sensing how our auras reacted to each other. She then looked down at Gladesong and said, "You were born into a very fine family. One that will only continue to grow. Now then... What can I do for you, my child? Perhaps something...like this?"

That was when Rain Shine did what a kirin does best. With just the smallest flex of her magical might, she willed a daisy to grow right out of the floorboards beside her. Gladesong's eyes went wide as she became excited. She even managed to get her other arm free from the swaddling to reach out to the flower while giggling incoherently. The wise and matronly kirin queen giggled adorably while saying, "Yes, you do have a big soft spot for nature's graces, don't you? And I seem to recall that daisies are some of your favorite flowers?"

"Yes, she really loves her daisies... Ooh! And she likes to eat them!" Fluttershy started to say before I also flinched in surprised amusement. Gladesong had pulled the flower closer and goggled down the whole thing. Only to get giddy all over again as Rain Shine summoned an entire bouquet beside her. That one bite was enough to satisfy Gladesong for the moment. She instead nuzzled her face into the round middles of the dainty white flowers. Fluttershy took a step forward with wide and impressed eyes as she said, "Oh my, she's going to love you! Is this normal for a kirin? You can just...make anything grow wherever you want?"

"Yes, so long as I have access to the earth or wood. We kirin are very in touch with nature's magic and can wield it at will." Rain Shine with a soft smile. She then began to will an entire flower patch around herself and Gladesong. Lilies, orchids, violets, the list just goes on. And Gladesong was having a ball as the entire room was filled with the fragrance of fresh flowers. A welcome change in that gloomy autumn afternoon. Rain Shine beamed at how happy she was making my daughter as she then nuzzled her head. "Of my goodness, I can hardly wait to introduce you to the rest of my people within the Grove of Silence. You will be the talk of the village!"

Fluttershy tapped me on the leg to get my attention. Now that she had seen what a kirin could do, I was not surprised that she was so intrigued to meet an entire village of them. "James? When spring comes, could we please pay them a visit?"

I cast a glance at Celestia to see her smirking at me. We both knew what was coming very early next year. I then looked down at my wife and said, "Oh we'll be seeing them sooner than that."

She only looked at me in confusion before Celestia stepped in. "I guess now's as good a time as any. During our trip down in Cantercun, Rain Shine discussed with us the possibility of arranging a visit to the homeland of the kirin in the far east. The land of the orient. And we agreed. Care to come along to take part in the Lunar New Year celebrations?"

Just about everyone who was waiting for us to come home immediately got excited. But none moreso than Fluttershy. "Ooh! Oh my, yes! The eastern lads have always sounded so exotic and beautiful! I'd love to be there for the Lunar New Year!"

"Then it's agreed! You and your friends will be contacted when the date gets closer so we can provide more details on how it will happen. Until then, you just stay warm during winter. And please keep this a secret from everypony else. Best to keep it a surprise, right?" Celestia replied with a cheeky smile. Everyone present unanimously agreed to not let that information leave the house. I just do not recall when that exact date is. I seem to recall that it changes from year to year. Something in late January or early February? Hopefully we will have a means of dealing with the cold over there in the east.

Even with Rain Shine continuing to endear herself to Gladesong by sprouting her favorite things ever, Novo finally pointed out a very important thing that had been overlooked in all of the excitement of introducing the baby to all of her new friends and family. "Ladies, I think we're forgetting something here. This baby girl's so happy to meet with her mamas, but wasn't she waiting for someone to come home?"

My eyes went wide. Everyone else who had arrived were only visiting. But me? I had finally come home. Rain Shine understood immediately and gently levitated Gladesong right over to me. And when her eyes met mine, she immediately brightened up and held out her little arms to me. She babbled a bit, but it was the same kind of babble I heard every time I came home after being out of the house for a while. It was just gibberish, but it was always the same gibberish. My daughter's way of recognizing me as her father.

I took my child into my arms. My beautiful baby girl. My firstborn. The first of many wonderful children that would be born in my growing family. I inhaled sharply knowing what such a beautiful future would mean for my daughter. She would have many brothers and sisters. Even at that moment, she may very well have had an alicorn and hippogriff sibling growing within the wombs of two of her other mothers. And I cold never forget that darling dragon brother I saw in my dreams only once. But it all started with her. And I kissed my child on the head before touching my nose to hers. She giggled while I whispered to her, "Daddy missed you, sweetheart. He's home now."

"She missed you. I had a harder time getting her to sleep after you left. Thank goodness all my little friends around the house know just how to help the little thing." Fluttershy giggled while I got on one knee to allow her and even Scootaloo to gather around for a full family hug. No matter what happened down there on the beach, no matter how many times I loved and made love to my royal beloveds, I never forgot about the roots of my wonderful family. I was happy to be home.

It was finally time for me to reconnect with the child my wife and I created together. I was given some space and allowed to take a seat on the sofa at the back of the room. But all eyes were on me while Novo spoke with a smug yet loving smile on her beak. "Would you look at that, ladies. There's a fine daddy there if I ever saw one."

"Novo..." I grumbled under my breathe while trying to bury my face in Gladesong's swaddling. She was right. I loved being a father to such fine children, but it was still embarrassing regardless. Especially when so many of them started giggling at my reaction. But Gladesong did not care. She loved me for who I was. She and I may look nothing alike, but she knew I have always been her father and loved me for it. And she showed this by taking the opportunity to nuzzle my cheek while my face was so close to her. I snickered under my breath before whispering to my daughter's face, "Am I good daddy, Gladesong?"

Whatever it was she tried to say, Gladesong's babbling response was a happy one. And so I kissed her between the eyes again and got comfortable with my little girl cradled in my arms. I was feeling more tired than I should have been and even Gladesong was a bit low on energy. I suppose those dreary autumn days have a way of draining oneself. So I just cradled her with my fingers stroking her little mane. But we were not alone for too much longer while everyone else mingled and got to know each other.

Ember approached me and took a seat beside me with the Bloodstone Scepter propped up between us. She said nothing, but her eyes were full of uncertainty when I looked at her. Even Gladesong took note of her presence and reached out to her with a big smile. When Ember did not really respond, I asked in concern, "Are you OK?"

"I... Uh... I... I kind of...want to hold her?" Ember said quietly while very hesitantly reaching for Gladesong. But not quite enough to reach her. She then added while her scarlet eyes glanced elsewhere, "You know... To practice."

I almost laughed. While it was not the first time Ember and Gladesong had interacted, things had changed since the last time. Ember and I... We had vowed to become the parents of the future heirs of the Bloodstone Scepter. Ember would become a mother herself one day. And she just wanted to be wise and get used to handling infants. Even if those infants were not her own species. With that in mind, i held out my daughter to her. "Look who's here, Gladesong. You remember this beautiful blue lady, right?"

"Dra dra!" Gladesong replied while Ember had to cover her lips as she burst into a snickering fit. She normally reserves that term for Smolder. But she soon composed herself and very nervously took the tiny filly into her arms.

"Lemme see if I remember how this is done... I need to hold her head from below, right?" Ember muttered while repeatedly adjusting how she was holding Gladesong in her arms. She was very unsure of what she was doing. Her interactions with children over the past century must have been infrequent. She had no confidence at all in handling babies. But she tried. And Ember soon whispered to Gladesong, "Hey there... Remember me? I...really don't know what I'm doing here, but at least you look happy."

Ember soon looked over at me while she started rocking Gladesong in her arms. I just smiled proudly at my beautiful beloved. Even if she was not confident and lacking in experience, she was handling Gladesong quite well. The little filly was very comfortable in her arms. I widened my smile before I spoke, "She really trusts you."

That was enough to get a chuckle out of Ember. But when I looked down at Gladesong, I had an idea. I then whispered to Ember, "It's OK... You can tell her."

"Tell her what...?" Ember asked with some confusion. Only for her eyes to go very wide in stunned realization. She knew. And Gladesong had the right to know. And after taking a deep breath, Ember began to whisper to Gladesong's face. "I...don't know if you even understand what I'm telling you, but... Your father and I... We... We're going to give you brother or sisters eventually... Do you understand that? Being a big sister to little dragon boys? Or little dragon girls?"

She did not understand. Gladesong still barely has any understanding of words at this time. But she still quietly mumbled something without really speaking. At it sounded happy. Ember took that bit of gibberish as a sign of approval. And it only caused her to smile while continuing to rock my daughter in her arms. "They'll... They'll be the most beautiful dragon children this world has ever seen. You'll love them... And they'll love you. Can you imagine that? Being the big sister to the next Dragon Lords? Do you like dragons? You like me and Smolder, right? Which means...your dragon brothers and sisters will also..."

Ember's voice was quivering. And she suddenly turned her head up to look directly at me. And I almost jumped when I saw her scarlet eyes wide with shock even while profusely spilling tears. She spoke to me in an almost fearful tone, "James, what's wrong with me? Why am I crying?"

Thank goodness no one was watching. This was a situation between just the two of us. And I replied quietly, "You're happy. And you're hopeful. At least I think you are. Is that what it feels like?"

"It...does." Ember muttered while the tears continued to flow. She must have been happy. Her tears got absorbed by Gladesong's swaddling, my little daughter not looking alarmed at all to see Ember in tears. Perhaps she knew that Ember was not upset? Regardless, Ember tried to distract herself by continuing to whisper sweetly to the filly being cradled in her arms. "I promise... You're gonna love the siblings your father and I give you... They... I know they'll..."

"They're going to be absolutely gorgeous." I said while also feeling my heart swell with hope. I could still remember that beautiful face gazing at me. That beautiful dragon boy. Could Ember remember him as clearly as I could? Whether or not she could, she still turned her gaze ahead to me. Her eyes displayed shock, but also delight. I then said, "Gladesong's dragon siblings will be the most beautiful dragon children Equestria has ever seen. They'll be as amazing as their mother."

"James, you... I... Please. Hold me." Ember pleaded as she tried to scoot closer to me. And so I did. I moved closer as we until we were huddled up against each other, Ember's head tucked under my jaw while I kept my arms around her. And for the moment, we just sat there with Gladesong tucked between us. Father, child...and mother.

And I was not the only one who thought the same. Ember and I soon heard Gladesong try to speak up under us. "Mama dra dra."

"Huh?" Ember mumbled before we both glanced down at the filly pressed between our chests.

Once again, Gladesong reached out to us and spoke again with a big smile on her face. "Mama dra dra!"

"Kid, I'm not your mom..." Ember grumbled more out of amusement than frustration. She even giggled a bit while trying to hide her smile.

I began to smirk. Gladesong was only as intelligent as any child her age. But she was starting to notice patterns. And I felt such joy in my heart. I whispered to Ember, "I think she's starting to figure out how to tell who her mothers are. It all comes down to how they behave around her daddy."

"Peh, at least I'm making this kid happy." Ember snorted before gently tussling Gladesong's mane of chocolate brown and bubblegum pink. But our gazes were soon drawn to a bright reddish glow right next to us. Someone was calling out to us from the Bloodstone Scepter. "Huh? Oh, excuse me a second... Hello?"

Ember touched a hand to the scepter while I helped support Gladesong between us. And whatever it was Ember's parents were telling her, it caused her eyes to go wide in disbelief. She soon took her hand off the scepter and glanced over at me. "They said they want to meet your daughter."

"Wait, seriously?" I asked in return. Only for the Bloodstone Scepter to glow brighter for a second with Ember nodding in confirmation. "Huh... I mean I guess we can, but... How do we get Gladesong in there anyway? I don't think we can convince her to touch the scepter for very long. And I doubt we can get her to focus enough to just relax."

"Good point. Any ideas, you guys?" Ember retorted before directly her gaze to the scepter. She then replied a moment later, "They said us holding her should be enough to get her connected. We just need to convince her to close her eyes for a moment."

"Hmmm... Hey, I think I got an idea. Can you hold her for a second, Ember?" I asked before allowing Ember to fully cradle Gladesong in just one arm. With my daughter looking at me, I decided to play a little game she knew. "Gladesong. Lookie here, sweetheart."

Ember was confused over what I was doing when I covered my eyes with one hand. Only for me to say, "Where's my little girl...?"

"James... What're you doing?" Ember asked dryly. She really had no experience with babies at all. Or how to even play with them.

"Looking for Gladesong. I don't see her yet..." I replied as I almost snickered under my breath. And all of a sudden, I lifted my hand from my face to reveal my eyes to my youngest child. "There she is!"

Gladesong giggled and waved her little hooves at me. I think she has grown to recognize and like my face, especially when it is entirely unobstructed. I then repeated the routine a few more times, covering my eyes to feign ignorance to her presence. "Gladesong, where are you... There you are!"

The Dragon Lord snorted at how silly and nonsensical our behavior was. But after a few more times, I then brought the tip of my finger to Gladesong's nose before speaking with a smile. "Now it's your turn. Time to hide, sweetheart."

That was a statement Gladesong had come to understand over time. She knew it was her turn to play the part. She closed her eyes and covered them with her little hooves. I smirked at Ember while she just rolled her eyes at me. At least it worked.

All three of us had our eyes closed. Until I called out for Gladesong, she would not open her eyes. All that was left was for Torch and Blaze to draw us all into their sanctuary. The brightness of the blur over my eyelids shifted slightly as I felt the sofa under me gain the firmness of smooth stone. And when we opened our eyes, there they were. The two prior Dragon Lords towering over us at their original sizes. But they did not immediately speak in greeting. Because they had a tiny and fragile visitor in their presence.

Seeing Torch and Blaze back in their original gargantuan sizes made me and Ember realize something. How would Gladesong even react to such behemoths? I whispered to Ember, "This suddenly seems like not such a good idea."

"Yeah, I'm getting that feeling too. This might be too much... Uh oh." Ember started to say before glancing down at Gladesong. And I suddenly realized why. Despite me not having called out to her yet, she had sensed a change in the air and opened her eyes on her own. And she immediately noticed Blaze and Torch looming over us.

No one made a sound. No one dared to move. There was a baby there now and two monstrously large dragons were right in front of us. But after a moment of Gladesong staring up at the two former Dragon Lords, she finally responded to their presence. And not at all in a way we expected. She reached up to them and let out a loud and happy sound. Almost as if she was just marveling at their sheer size. A sort of 'Wow, look at how big they are' kind of way.

Torch and Blaze just stared with wide eyes. Gladesong, despite being a tiny fraction of their size, was entirely unafraid of them. Torch soon turned to Blaze before saying, "She's fearless!"

"She is! But why? Dear, has your daughter never seen bigger dragons before?" Blaze replied before turning her attention to me.

Ember and I shared a confused glance as I pondered this question. Most children would freak out at such intimidating large creatures. But not Gladesong. And after a moment of thought, I came to a realization. "I think it's because...she's never been given a reason to fear anything."

Torch scowled at such a notion. Not that he did not have a good reason for it. "That's dangerous. Everyone needs to learn that there are dangers in even the most peaceful parts of the world."

"Oh don't be such a buzzkill, my love. Let the little thing enjoy her ignorance for as long as she can. I think it's a good sign that she has no reason to be afraid of anything yet." Blaze snorted before giving her husband a playful nudge of her elbow. Torch backed down and rolled his eyes. The dragon lands are harsh, but much moreso than anywhere else in the world. The poor guy was definitely more hardened than he needed to be.

Now for the most important part. I gently took Gladesong from Ember and removed her swaddling. With her limbs no longer restrained, I set my little girl down on her tiny hooves. I leaned down to her and whispered into her ear, "These two really wanted to meet you. Go ahead. They're really nice."

Gladesong had mastered walking and even running a while ago. And instead of walking forward, she burst into a scampering little gallop as she laughed and babbled in excitement. My little girl was so eager to get a closer look at the giants before us. She eventually came to a stop in the middle between the four of us and raised her arms to them. She babbled and laughed, marveling at their size. All while Torch and Blaze looked down at her with very uneasy smiles. Blaze finally said, "My goodness, she's a brave little thing..."

They finally began to reach down to hold Gladesong. And she raised her arms higher, likely knowing they wanted to pick her up. But the two former Dragon Lords stopped. And they soon examined their hands with Torch saying, "I...think we have a problem here. I'm afraid to even touch her at this size."

"Same here, dear. I'm afraid she'll get squished just by touching her." Blaze said cautiously. I quickly understood what the problem was. They were much too large and strong for their own good. And Gladesong was especially tiny and fragile. Even moreso than a dragon hatchling. Blaze's hands were utterly massive, but Torch's mighty hands were massive enough to hold my entire house in his grasp. Trying to pick Gladesong up would be like trying to handle a bubble without popping it. There was only one way to fix that problem. "Dear? I think we should downsize for this."

"Agreed." Torch grumbled before they brought their hands together. And like several times already, they began to shrink before our eyes. Until they had reduced themselves to a tenth of their usual size. And yet... They took one look at Gladesong, then at themselves, and then back at her. Their eyes were still wide with uncertainty before Torch asked, "Smaller?"

"Smaller." Blaze agreed. Only for them to go even smaller. Up until they had shrunken to the size that Fluttershy would be comfortable with. Still bigger than me, but no longer the giants they had always been. And funnily enough, Gladesong suddenly sounded disappointed in them being so much smaller. She let out some kind of groan while quickly looking much less enthused. Blaze understood this and waved her hand at my daughter, "I'm so sorry if we don't look as impressive anymore, sweetie! We just didn't want to risk squishing you!"

Ember and I approached and sat down behind Gladesong. I then gave my daughter a nudge and said, "It's OK. They're really great dragons. And...they're your grandparents. You wanna meet Grandma and Grandpa?"

Oh man, the look of shock on their faces. Gladesong perked up instantly as she understood what I was saying, but Torch and Blaze were clearly getting more than they expected. They just wanted to meet my daughter. Not to establish themselves as her grandparents. Not yet at least.

The two of them stammered quite a bit before Ember spoke up with a big smirk on her face. She then dropped a reminder on them. "Maybe my memory's a little foggy, but didn't you say you wanted grandchildren someday?"

They froze. She got them there. Even I had received that question before. Torch and Blaze were eagerly awaiting the day when Ember and I would provide them with grandchildren. And now they had finally met their first. Gladesong may not have been Ember's, but she was mine. And someday in the near future, Ember would be mine. Thus making Gladesong hers. It was just a minor breach of protocol.

When presented with this realization, Torch and Blaze almost nervously held out their arms. Beckoning Gladesong to come on over to meet them. And she burst into a happy tappy trot as she approached them. They were no longer amazing giants to marvel at. They were the grandparents she did not know she even had until that moment. But right when I was sure she would head for the beautiful and tender Blaze, Gladesong instead veered over into the burly hands of Torch. Even he appeared stung that she went to him first. Blaze got a giggle out of the look on his face as she said, "Oh my! She wants to be with her big strong grandpa first!"

For once, the perpetually intimidating Torch was at a loss of what to do or say. He gently lifted the tiny filly into his powerful arms. Cradling her in a way I am sure he wished he could have done with Ember when she was so small. And as he looked down at the happy babbling baby pegasus, he remained silent and still. And then we saw it. Big wet tears began to just cascade down his face. And he soon asked softly, "What is this feeling...?"

It was Ember who spoke next. And she spoke with a very kind smile. "You're a grandfather now, Dad. Enjoy it."

It was clear why he was so confused. How it happened was not at all how he and Blaze expected that promotion to play out. But they wanted me to father Ember's children. They wanted me to be the father of their grandchildren. And by that logic, Gladesong was their granddaughter all the same. They had finally been given a grandchild, even if not the way they had expected. And while Blaze rested a hand of support on his shoulder, Torch began to smile in a way I had never seen before. A way I doubt any of his subjects had seen from him during his reign. He looked so...serenely happy. He looked down at my daughter, tears still flowing, and spoke softly with his powerful gruff voice. "So I am... Hello, child... You know who I am, don't you? This old craggy dragon holding you now... I'm your...grandfather, aren't I?"

"You are, dear. You are. Congratulations." Blaze said just as softly before placing a kiss on his cheek. Ember looked genuinely proud as she watched her father finally knowing the joy of being a grandparent. And of a grandchild who was very eager to meet him. When he lifted her to his face, Gladesong reached out and embraced his large head the best she could. I could hear a soft chuckle deep in his throat. And as we watched, Ember and I draped an arm and wing across each other's back to hold ourselves close.

Blaze impatiently watched her husband bond with his precious little granddaughter. She may have been a fragile little pony, but he did not care. Torch loved her all the same. But oh, how eager Blaze looked to hold her precious granddaughter. The newly promoted dragon grandmother kept shifting her position to look over and around Torch to see the baby in his arms. His thick finger would gently tickle her belly and rub her under her jaw. He must have been so good to Ember as well when she was just a whelp. But finally, he glanced to his right as Blaze pleaded with her big beautiful red eyes. She held out her arms and asked with a sheepish smile, "Please? Is it my turn yet?"

Torch snorted with a big smirk on his face. He then looked down at Gladesong and spoke softly to her, "Grandpa loves you, but now it's time to meet your grandmother. Trust me. You will adore her."

"Here we go..." I muttered under my breath while Ember snickered to herself. There was a certain joyous tension in the air. To witness Blaze finally hold a child that was all but her own was going to be a sight to see. She had always displayed such profound and nurturing motherly traits, but I had never seen her interact with a child. I was deeply curious of how it would go.

Gladesong put up no resistance to being passed to her dragon grandmother. And when she faced her while being held in Torch's burly hands, she joyously reached out to Blaze in a way that made the former dragon queen's eyes widen in equal delight. Her much more delicate and feminine hands held my daughter before cradling her to her smooth scaled bosom. And with her fingers tenderly caressing Gladesong's face, Blaze whispered to her. "Hello, dear... You can call me Grandma... Oh my goodness, I was not ready for this... I didn't think I'd know how this feels so soon..."

It was Torch's turn to comfort his wife. He put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, his right wing draping over her as well. He whispered with a very proud smile on display, "You've always wanted grandchildren, my love. And now our first is finally here. Aren't you happy?"

"Torch, you have no idea how...utterly ecstatic I am right now..." Blaze replied with a quivering voice. Tears began to spill forth and down her long jaws even while her smile remained. Gladesong reached up and even managed to catch one tear as it fell. She did not sense that Blaze was upset. She was just getting so emotional over this first meeting. "My sweet little girl... You have no idea how much Grandma loves you. It's so good to finally meet you, sweetie... I love you. Dragon or pony, it doesn't matter. You're my sweet baby girl and I love you. My sweet grandchild..."

"Man, she's really taking this hard... But in a good way, you know?" Ember whispered very carefully to me. I only nodded while we continued to embrace. It was just such a lovely sight to see. Both Torch and Blaze being so happy with their first grandchild in their arms. Seeing them cradle and adore my daughter as if she was their own... Something...Ember herself did not get to experience. I heard my beautiful blue beloved mutter, "Is this how they would've been to me...if they could've held me like that back then?"

She sounded almost mournful. Ember had not known the love of a mother. And even though she had a father who truly loved her, he was always far too large to ever cradle her in such a satisfying manner. But I still pulled Ember even more firmly into my embrace and whispered to her, "You are loved. You know that, right?"

The Dragon Lord went silent for a moment. But she did soon speak with a happy sigh. "Yeah... I am. Thanks. I needed to hear that."

My hand found its way to hers. I wanted to tell her who loved her most, but I should not. Especially not when there were witnesses who would see. To tell Ember I loved her was one thing, but what if her parents were a witness to that? Was there a certain piece of dragon courtship protocol I did not know? I did not want to risk triggering a reaction demanded by Blaze and Torch's very genes that could complicate matters further.

Ember's hand gently clutched mine while my fingers wrapped around hers. We were just enjoying the show. Blaze placing little kisses on Gladesong's chest. Some of them being playfully sudden and precise like a snake striking at its prey. All while getting lots of giggles out of my daughter. And she would reach out and touch her hoof to Torch's nose. Her new grandfather would demonstrate his strength by letting her stand tall on just one upturned hand. The way he lifted her so high... It was as if he was presenting his newborn princess to all of his subjects far below. To imagine Gladesong being in line to become the next Dragon Lord... I snickered at the thought.

I heard my beloved Ember sigh as she whispered, "They really love her... I think I love her too."

"I know Gladesong loves you. You're her mama dra dra now after all." I whispered back to her in a facetious manner.

Ember squealed softly while tryign to hide her smile. And I could see her cheeks becoming a very dark blue as she began to blush. "James, come on! I'm no one's mama... Not yet."

Not yet, she said. And I knew why. I pulled her closer and brought my hand to her smooth scaled belly. Ember let out the tiniest gasp, my fingers caressing her over where her egg chamber likely was. "Not yet, but someday. Right?"

She rested her other hand over mine. Not to push it away, but rather to hold it there. And she soon closed her eyes while displaying such a hopeful smile. "Someday... Someday I will need heirs... And they'll be yours."

I had to resist the urge to speak. Because all I had left to say was how much I loved her. So I did the next best thing. I pulled Ember into my arms as we embraced. I was wrapped in those majestic blue wings while Ember rested her head into my shoulder. While Torch and Blaze were occupied with my child, Ember and I only had eyes for each other. I wanted to give Ember everything she could ever want... I would give her the world. And so I whispered to her, "Is there anything I can do for you right now?"

Without even lifting her head, Ember whispered back to me. "Give me happiness. Like you're doing now."

And so I did. I continued to hold Ember in my arms while she kept me wrapped in her wings. She was so delightfully warm too. In a way that I never noticed during warmer summer months. It was as if the fire in her stomach was radiating out from her and being trapped under her wings. I was suddenly looking forward to winter. The two of us taking a stroll through town, savoring cups of hot chocolate, wrapping ourselves around each other with Ember's inner fire warming us both...

My mind started to race. The holiday season was quickly approaching us. It would be Ember's first since expanding her horizons beyond the border of the dragon lands. I whispered to her quickly, "There's so much I wanna show you when winter gets here. You need to see what the holidays are like."

Only then did Ember lift her head so she could look right at me. Those gorgeous scarlet eyes gazed at me with excited curiosity. "From the sound of it, I'll have to make lots of time to come see you. The dragon lands tend to get a bit quiet during winter, so I think those boulderheads won't need my supervision as much."

While I know dragons are not cold-blooded like most reptiles, and if they are then that aspect is cancelled out by the literal fire in their stomachs, I can imagine them being less energized out in that volcanic wasteland. They probably spend most of their time going for the hot tub treatment with all the lava pools around that region. I suppose in that regard, winter does generally make dragons more docile and less likely to get rowdy. Maybe even the dragon lands see winter as a time for taking it easy and being merry in their own primitive way.

But more than anything, I was happy to know the dragon lands needing less guidance from Ember meant more time I would be spending with her. I touched my brow to hers while we remained wrapped in our embrace as I said to her, "Please don't keep us waiting. You know where to find me."

"Oh please. Like you could ever escape me, my little warrior poet." Ember said with a mischievous giggle. Those words brought to mind some of my happier memories of her during the War of Preservation. Her vows to pursue and follow me to the edges of the continent and even to the bottom of the sea. How she would scale every mountain just to reach me. Her heart belonged only to me. And she would always hold a piece of mine. Ember, if only I could tell you how much I love you...

However, our eyes suddenly went wide. We had an intruder. Something had slipped under Ember's wings and was now on my lap. The two of us stared at each other without making a sound, our eyes wide with unease. Ember whispered softly, "Did you feel that?"

"It's...on my lap." I muttered, the sheer unexpectedness of that sensation disrupting any common sense I had at the time. But when Ember released me from her wings, we both almost laughed at what we found. Gladesong was looking up at us with her bright brown eyes. "Oh. We have a lost little filly over here."

"Cheeky little thing." Ember snickered before we suddenly realized what this meant. We turned our heads to look over at Torch and Blaze while they watched with very amused smiles. We had completely forgotten about them while focused on each other. They had turned Gladesong loose to let her come back to me. Ember then asked, "You two had your fill with her?"

"She's just such a dear, that filly. Thank you for letting us meet her." Blaze giggled while Torch looked equally proud of his new granddaughter. But she then said, "But as much as we would love to have you stay longer, you have more people to deal with our there. We shouldn't take up too of your time."

She had a point there. There was a lot to do and discuss between our guests and my family. As pleasant as it was to let my child bond with her draconic grandparents, we could not stay all day. Ember and I cradled Gladesong between us while I asked, "Care to do the honors?"

Torch and Blaze brought their hands together. And in just a moment, they quickly grew back to their natural sizes. And Gladesong got a kick out of the spectacle. She shouted excitedly with her arms raised high, calling out to the two largest dragons Equestria had likely ever seen. Torch's booming voice called out, "It seems our granddaughter prefers us being her biggest grandparents! The bigger the better, right? Then just imagine how much we love you with such massive hearts, my child!"

"Oh my god, Dad..." Ember giggled while bowing her head. I swear, those two... I never could have imagined just how eager they really were to become grandparents. Although we then waved goodbye to them with Ember saying, "Anyway... We better get back out there. We'll talk again soon, OK?"

"That we will. You take good care of our little girl, all right? Goodbye, my dear! We love you!" Blaze cheered as she waved her hand down at us. Gladesong called back to her grandmother with a cheerful yet incomprehensible babbling. With our goodbyes said, the two towering dragon grandparents each placed a hand over us to cover us in a dome of darkness. And that dome made way for light before we found ourselves back on the sofa. And to find Smolder standing in front of us with her arms crossed.

The little orange dragon lady titled her head to one side while we were not sure of what to even say to her. She looked puzzled and inquisitive. She then spoke first while she asked, "What's even going on with your guys anyway? Do you just...take a nap with that scepter thing?"

Ember and I glanced at each other. Only for Ember to smirk as she held out the Bloodstone Scepter to her younger friend. "We were just having a conversation with my parents. That's how the Bloodstone Scepter works. It's connected to the souls of the previous Dragon Lords. Wanna give them a call?"

Torch and Blaze were definitely watching. The red gem atop the stone scepter began to glow in invitation. Smolder's eyes lit up at the sight of the glow and she quickly took the scepter into both hands. "Really?! You can talk to the old Dragon Lords with this? How do you do that? Hello? Anyone there... Wah! I hear them!"

I cracked a big smirk while Ember even got a laugh out of Smolder's surprise. She began to display a crooked fanged smile as she said, "Wow... I'm talking to dead people. But they sound like pretty cool dead people."

"They are! And you can even go see them in person. Just get comfortable and close your eyes. While touching the scepter. I'm sure they'd be happy to meet you." I replied while Ember looked like she was unsure about letting a commoner of her people just jump right into an audience with her parents. But she soon rolled her eyes and smiled. Smolder had never been one of her subjects in the first place and was more or less a part of my family by then. She knew Smolder could be trusted.

"Hang on, you can?! Like...actually meet them?! Oh man, I gotta tell Scootaloo and Ocellus this!" Smolder spoke with such excitement in her eyes. Had she never even seen Torch during his final years as Dragon Lord? Probably not when considering her family resided in the wild sectors outside of his territories... She then rushed over to round up her youngest friends. "Hey! Girls! You gotta try this with me!"

"Why do I feel like this isn't the best idea?" Ember asked with a nervous smile as I saw Smolder gathering up Ocellus and Scootaloo in the far corner. All the other ladies in the room had gathering around the fireplace while chatting and sipping tea. Just the girls having some time to themselves.

"Meh, let them have fun. It's not like your mom and dad have any real authority anymore." I retorted while certain that Torch and Blaze do appreciate visitors. They definitely do not have many people to talk to over there most of the time. But as I focused on Smolder while she gathered her two friends around the Bloodstone Scepter, I suddenly remembered an offhand comment Ember had made a very short while ago. And I needed to ask about it. "Ember... I just recalled. What did you say your age is a little while ago?"

"Huh? I'm one hundred and twenty-six right now. Why?" Ember replied rather nonchalantly.

This felt wrong. I then asked, "But...I remember you saying you're actually one hundred and twenty-five."

"I was. But then day I hatched came and went. I hatched on the twenty-eighth day of the tenth month." Ember again replied with another case of inappropriate dismissiveness. Like she did not understand the importance of that date.

"Your birthday is October 28th?" I asked while Ember only nodded at me. She looked just a bit confused over why I was asking her about that. I then asked with a minor sting of concern and disappointment in my heart, "Why didn't you tell me about it?"

Ember tilted her head to one side. She really did not understand the seriousness of the situation. "Is a dragon's hatch date really such a big deal?"

"Could you...come with me? So we can talk in private for a little while?" I asked while Ember's eyes suddenly widened. She looked very afraid. I think she was worried she might have done something to hurt me. But she still nodded. But I first had to do something about Gladesong. She was quietly snuggled in my arms the entire time, so I took her over to the four lovely mares gathered around the fireplace. And they all too happily took my daughter off my hands for the moment. Now that I could give Ember my undivided attention, I led her into the nursery at the back of the house and closed the door. The room was dimly lit, which only added to the tension in the air.

Ember was upfront with her concerns. She asked me with her scarlet eyes displaying a type of fear I rarely ever see in her, "James, did I do something wrong?"

"I wouldn't say wrong, but... I wish I knew about your birthday. But what happened that day? Anything unusual? Anything...special?" I replied while getting flashbacks to some of my earliest encounters with Smolder. Even she did not understand the importance of one's day of birth. And how I helped her find it on the calendar in my kitchen. She did not know...because the society of her people had not yet come to that realization. And I feared Ember was no different.

Ember's response was as I expected. She looked less afraid, but still seemed confused. "Not really... It basically went by like any other day. Why? Is a birthday...important?"

"Of course a birthday is important. It marks the day when you started to exist. If...you were never born..." I began to reply as I contemplated what Ember's absence from my life would have meant. And as my mind went digging through my memories of her, it all went back to one specific time period. The War of Preservation. The vast majority of the time I have spent with Ember at this time of writing was on the battlefield during wartime. Had she never had been born...

She would not have been there at my side during one of Equestria's most desperate times. She would not have stopped me from rushing off to face the enemy alone. She would not have been there to comfort me during my own darkest moments. She would not have been there to protect me from desperate assassins when victory began to seem all the more impossible. And...she would not have been there to save me when I lay bleeding and dazed, unable to even stand on the battlefield.

"If you never hatched... If you never came to exist..." I said softly before I brought myself down on one knee to bring my face before Ember's. I rested my hands on her shoulders and spoke directly from my heart. "I...wouldn't be here now. I never would've come home alive from the Empty Plains. I would never have met you... Would never have known you... Would...never have..."

I bowed my head and closed my eyes. And I prayed what I said next would not carry dire consequences. "Would...never have...loved you."

A pair of hands soon cupped the sides of my jaws. Hands lined in scales. And those hands gently lifted my face so my eyes met hers again. Ember's scarlet eyes no longer contained fear. But they were still filled with a subtle remorse. She soon whispered to me, "I'm sorry... I didn't...know. I never thought about it like that. I guess...it just goes to show how far behind the times my people are."

I brought my right hand to Ember's cheek even while her hands held my face. And I began to smile just a little. "Your birthday deserves to be celebrated. Because you're important. Especially to me."

"Then I am very happy that I exist. Because you make it worth it." Ember let out a bitter chuckle. Mostly out of disappointment in herself, I am sure. A birthday having come and gone. All without anyone noticing. What a waste. But she then asked with a small smile on her lips, "In that case... What are birthdays like everywhere else? Are they a big deal?"

"A very big deal. Smolder just had hers right before we left for Cantercun on the eleventh of this month. And we all got together to make sure it was something special. There were games, there was cake and other treats. and we all made sure she got a gift from each of us. And she was just...so happy." I recalled while my memories of that day remained fairly fresh in my mind. Smolder had been through too much for someone so young. That wonderful little lady deserved to know how important the date of her birth was. And we all made sure she knew.

Ember's eyes brightened the more I explained that special day to her. As if she began to understand that she had something great to look forward to every year. But she then cast me a more inquisitive smile before asking, "She was given gifts, huh? In that case, what did you give her?"

I hesitated. And a giddy smile graced my lips. "Earrings. A set of pearl earrings."

Ember's eyes widened with a pleasant kind of shock. And she asked a question I did not expect. "Then...did she say yes?"

"Yes? For wha... Oh! No, no, I swear I didn't intend that at the time!" I replied while starting to pull away only for Ember to swiftly yet gently grab my wrist to almost playful insure I would not get away from her. But I then cracked a crooked grimace while my eyes glanced elsewhere, "Although he did faint for a moment when she saw them..."

"Ooooohohoho, I bet she did." Ember snickered to herself before her smile softened. She then asked more sincerely, "But...really? If that wasn't an act of courtship, then...why give her such a thing?"

I let out a long sigh before saying, "It's...kind of a funny story. I got those for her when I first visited Capricorn Island. Just because I thought they would look nice hanging from her horns. And...I didn't know a thing about dragon courtship until after I met you. So...yeah. Pure ignorance. And that detail slipped my mind until after I gave them to her."

"Heh. Understandable then." Ember snorted without pressing the subject further. But she instead shifted the subject to something else about Smolder. "The way she greeted you when we came back today... It didn't feel like the two of you are courting. Did something go wrong? I remember..."

"We can't... Not yet. And you know why. It's just too soon." I said forlornly with my head bowing. I still remember how hotly my love for Smolder burned and how hers burned for me so early on. But we had to acknowledge the reality of the situation. And fate thankfully intervened gently. "It's actually a good thing that she's had the opportunity to get some distance from me after we came home from the war. She brought home new friends and has a healthy social life with them. And she'll have her own place very soon. For now, I'm letting her develop and grow into her own woman. But...that love is still there. She reminded me after the party was over."

Ember then whispered cautiously, "How much longer until you two can finally be together?"

I sighed with a subtle sense of anticipation in my heart. That fated day was so much closer than it felt like. "One year. Smolder turns sixteen this time next year. When that happens, she'll be a woman in the eyes of Equestria's society. And when that happens..."

"She will finally be yours. And you will be hers." Ember whispered with a quiet joy in her voice. She then reached out and placed a soft kiss upon my lips before caressing my cheek again. "I've seen the signs. You two really are very happy together. Just please... Always be good to her when that day comes. Don't toy with her heart, James. A dragon's heart is...so much more delicate than most know."

"I know... And I won't. Smolder...deserves the best life has to offer after all she's been through. She was just so happy on her birthday when so many friends turned out to make sure she knew how much she's appreciated." I said with a sigh of longing. With how much time we spend apart from each other, it is easy to forget just how much we love each other. But every once in a while, we do find moments to spend together. Alone. And we always find ourselves cradling each other in our arms. Just to remind ourselves of what awaits us in just one more year.

But with my thoughts going back to that wonderful birthday party that was thrown for Smolder, my attention was drawn back to the subject at hand. The reason why I took Ember aside and in private in the first place. I gazed into Ember's eyes and asked, "Ember... I know it's late, but... Is there anything I can give you for your birthday? Anything I can do for you?"

"Really...? Well, if you're offering... Hmmm... Give me a minute here... I've never gotten anything for my birthday except maybe a pile of fresh gemstones from Dad. But there was nothing unusual about that." Ember muttered before her gaze began to wander. She held a fist under her jaw, the silence of the darkened room around us being broken only by the merriment happening on the other side of the wall.

After a moment, Ember let out a harsh sigh. And she gazed at me with a very nervous smile. "I guess...there is one thing you can do for me. But it's really dumb and..."

"No, really. Name it." I spoke up with my hands resting on her shoulders. My eyes brightened. I was hoping that I could give her exactly what she wanted.

Ember smiled. She closed her eyes. And then she...slumped forward with her entire body just pressing against me. "Let me be...vulnerable. Let me be...weak. And...let me feel...delicate and beautiful. Just for a little while."

She had completely relaxed. Ember's body was lax with the only thing keeping her up was me. I embraced her, holding my beloved dragon queen in my arms. The gently disturbed silence of the room weighed down on us. And I closed my eyes while holding her up on my knees. "I will. Let me be the one to protect you for now."

"Keep me safe, please... Let me be as delicate as a rose for just a little bit..." Ember cooed with her eyes so lazily shut. I listened closely to her long and deep breathing. It was soothing to hear in the dimly lit nursery. The two of us shut away from the rest of the world for just a brief time of respite. That beautiful woman in my arms... So wonderful with the unwavering resolve of a mountain. One who carried the weight of her people on her shoulders. A people who had not begun to appreciate her until recently.

It was not enough. Just holding her... Keeping Ember safe from anything that might disturb her... I had to do more. Or at least offer her more. I whispered into her ear as I felt so...enthralled as I held her. "Ember... I would give you the world if you asked me of it."

"But you already have, my little warrior poet... You gave me a world I didn't even know was out there beyond our borders... And...it's a world I want to see more of." Ember whispered to me while remaining completely lax in my arms. Her words soothed my heart. I loved her. I wanted nothing but the best for the single most beautiful blossom in the volcanic wasteland that is the original home of all dragons. A blossom that had endured so much even before I caressed its vibrant blue petals.

I held her. I caressed her. I made certain that Ember was safe in my embrace. I wanted to tell her so much. Things I should not say just yet. But I walked that razor's edge while trying to not let myself lean too far to one side as I whispered a truth to her. "I am just so in love with you... My beautiful blue rose."

Ember trembled at the very whisper of such words. Love. It was what we both held for each other. A powerful love. An undying love. I do not have the heart of a dragon. I am not bound by blood to love my brides forever. But I will not allow myself to let those embers die out. I will always keep that blaze burning in my heart. For them. And for her. And I whispered this truth to her again. "I'm yours, Ember. I always will be."

"My...most precious treasure..." Ember cooed as she finally began to move. I felt her arms wrap around me. And then her wings as well. Once she had evenly placed her feet upon the ground, she began to take control of the situation. She oh so carefully pulled me forward. Bringing me down as she rested upon her back. Letting me pin herself under me with an embrace. She had allowed me, a man, to pin her beneath myself.

I was no fool. I knew that Ember would easily overpower me if I tried anything. But she was still in such a vulnerable position. And she was willfully placing herself in such a situation. Allowing a male with access to a stiff spear to pin her under him. A spear that could slide between the one chink in her beautiful blue armor to plunge deep where only one would ever be allowed to reach.

But I would never. No. Not to her. Not to them. Not to anyone. I would never... Not to someone with eyes filled with pleading tears. Eyes filled with fear. Only if those eyes were filled with a beckoning love. Only then would I hold her. And only if she held the gates open for me. I was Ember's knight. And I would not enter her castle to claim her until she welcomed me inside with bridge lowered and gates wide open.

My lips caressed that cool and so very smooth armor coating her chest. And Ember hissed with a jolt of pleasure surging through her body. Those smooth ventral scales served as armor, but she still felt everything through them. Her head tilted so far back with her deep blue spines folded under her. Until I finally lifted my head to gaze down at her. "Do you feel beautiful?"

"I..." Ember muttered as her body relaxed a bit more. And soon, her arms released me. As did her wings. Ember tucked her hands behind her head while her beautiful wings were spread wide along the floor beside her. And with those sultry scarlet eyes gazing up at me, Ember let out a long sigh as she spoke with such a confident smile. "I feel...gorgeous."

And she was. I pushed myself up onto my knees to get a good look as my beloved all but presented herself to me. Wings spread wide in a display, arms folded behind her head to hold it up, her legs crossed over each other. She was just...the epitome of feminine reptilian beauty. And as I truly marveled at the beauty of the dragon queen before me, she asked with a very different kind of inflection in her voice. "Am I beautiful enough for you?"

"You are just..." I became increasingly flustered. Ember was leaving herself wide open. Displaying herself for me. Baring her beautiful naked body for me to appreciate with nothing more than my eyes. And she was taking such pride in knowing how much I valued such beauty. She was so very vulnerable, but still completely safe in my presence. I stammered. My face was growing so hot as my heart pounded in my chest. "You... You're just... Oh my god, Ember..."

"I didn't know I could be so beautiful to a man... And one day... This beauty will belong to you." Ember said softly before she held out her arms to me. She then whispered with a calmer smile, "One more birthday request... Hold me, please? Come hold your little blue rose."

And I did. I draped myself over Ember protectively and scooped my arms under her. All while her arms and wings did the same thing. And without a word, our lips met. And then they parted. Our tongues danced. Our voiced hummed and sang together. All while I felt the subtle spicy taste of sulfur on my tongue. A flavor I had grown to enjoy each and every time our love burned too brightly to hide from each other.

We were so enthralled with each other that we did not notice a little more light coming from one direction. Until that light faded. And then the room became a little brighter from the glow of an old oil lamp being lit nearby. Only then did our kiss end. We were no longer alone. Someone had entered when we were just so blinded by each other's love. I lifted me head. Fluttershy was seated beside us while looking down at us with a look of concern. "Are you two all right in here?"

I was at a loss for words. Fluttershy knew of my burning love for Ember. I had told her myself. But what of Ember herself? Someone had just caught us in the act when she dearly needed to keep such love to herself. But much to my surprise, she responded more calmly than I think either of us expected. While she did not smile, Ember still caressed my head as she said, "My birthday was last month. And I didn't know how important it was. So James here... He offered me anything I wanted for my birthday. And..."

Ember pushed her up with me getting back on my knees. But she still held me and rested her brow to my chest. Eyes closed, she spoke sincerely. "I asked him to let me be vulnerable... To let me be weak. Just for a little bit."

Fluttershy was understandably confused as I put my arms around the wonderful dragon woman in my embrace. My wife asked softly, "But...I thought you're very strong. So inspiring too. Why would..."

"I don't want to be strong all the time. There's times where I just wish I could...run away from it all. And..." Ember grumbled before lifting her gaze to look into my eyes. And she began to smile again. "And I've found that little sanctuary right here. In this man's arms."

No words came from me. I could not find anything to do in response other than smile. And Fluttershy got a little playful with her response. "He does give some amazing hugs, doesn't he?"

"He sure does." Ember replied while even sticking her tongue out at me. I snickered under my breath as she finally stood back up on her own feet. But Ember then glanced back and forth at the two of us as some sort of epiphany came to mind. "Actually... It's a good thing you're here. There's something important I need to tell you. Before I can forget."

A chill flowed down my spine. I had a good idea of where the conversation was going. I should not have been worried, but I could not help it. What was about to be discussed was not something to say lightly. Fluttershy looked up at Ember and said, "Yes?"

Ember steeled herself with a deep breath. She closed her eyes and even lightly patted her face to psych herself up. "Hoo boy... Am I really about to say this?"

"It's OK, Ember. Tell her. She needs to know." I spoke while resting a hand on the base of her left wing. She glanced back at me while I only nodded. If there was one person in my family who needed to know, it was the woman I gave my vows to at the altar. Fluttershy came first. And she needed to be the first to know out of everyone.

A twinge of confidence filled Ember's eyes. She thanked me with a smile of her own before facing Fluttershy. "You're his wife. His life mate. And the first to be his. So you need to know that...I, as Dragon Lord, have formally requested that this man be the one to sire my heirs when the time comes."

Fluttershy took a moment to process what Ember was saying. She was being uncharacteristically formal about the whole thing. Probably as a means to hide her heart's intentions. She and I did not want to pursue some sleazy and cold political agenda. We wanted to have children to love and raise. Royally born, but still a family to cherish. And Fluttershy's eyes opened wide as she asked, "Sire...? Heirs...? You mean... You and James are going to have babies together?!"

It was not just how loud Fluttershy got that surprised me. It was her smile. She looked way too excited over this revelation. Ember and I glanced at each other before she said with her formal tone fading, "Uh... Yeah. That's basically what I'm saying in a nutshell."

My wife got so adorably happy as she took a step forward. She was just so joyfully excited over what Ember had just revealed. "Then that means... We're going to have baby dragons in our family?! With their tiny wings and scaly round bellies? And since James will be their daddy... I'll be their mommy?!"

Ember and I were just staring with wide confused eyes at Fluttershy's remarkably vocal response. Not one of anger or jealousy, but one of genuine glee. Ember then glanced at me and asked, "Has she always been this way about baby dragons? I thought she was scared of my species."

"Not when it comes to baby dragons. I knew she always found Spike to be very cute and she even mistook Smolder for one at first. I just didn't know she loves them THIS much." I retorted in equal confusion. I wonder what happened that caused Fluttershy to find dragon children so cute. I mean she is not wrong. All of the very few dragon children I have seen in Equestria are very cute to behold. But then just how much cuter would a dragon child be right out of an egg?

A weird giggle came from Ember as she turned her head to face Fluttershy again. All facades of any kind of formality disappeared as she said, "Well...yeah. If James is their father, then...I guess that makes them your kids by proxy. But what I'm asking here is... Do we have your approval?"

"Of course you do! I can't wait to meet those precious dragon babies! Oh, if only one of them will call me mama too...!" Fluttershy squealed as she started to just ramble on and on with such enthusiasm. I mean wow, I almost never see my soft-spoken wife get that fired up about anything. I promised myself in that moment that she would be the first to meet Ember's children when or if that day ever came.

"OK, OK! Just...take it easy! We'll...uh...discuss this more when the day actually gets here, yeah?" Ember laughed while placing both hands on Fluttershy's head to keep her on the ground. And by some miracle, Fluttershy did not press Ember on the relationship between her and I. Which was for the best. That could only be discussed between us until we finally belonged to each other.

Fluttershy took a long and harsh breath to calm herself down. "Right... Deep breaths. It's not happening yet. But...pleeeease let me know when it's finally happening. I would love to be in their lives. I've always wanted to know what it's like to raise dragon children. And I'm sure Gladesong would love to meet her brothers and sisters."

"And I think you're right. I mean... Hoo, can we change the subject? Maybe we should get outta here. I've had enough of being here in the dark for now." Ember stuttered as I noticed a dark blue blush on her cheeks. I too felt myself becoming warm as her gaze met mine. To have children with a dragon would require us to become life mates first. And Ember was undergoing a massive breach in protocol by already voicing a desire for her and I to bring children into this world. I can only hope that such a future has been decided for us.

Almost as soon as we left the nursery, I saw the three girls gathered around the Bloodstone Center open their eyes. But Smolder looked like she had seen a ghost. And I could only imagine why. Scootaloo looked like she just got back from an adventure and said, "Wow, the old Dragons Lords are huge! Hey, Dad! Did you ever see them?! They're...like...as big as the mountain right over there with Canterlot on it!"

"Yeah, I saw them. And they're both pretty cool. What's up with Smolder though? Is she OK?" I asked while the little orange dragon lady still looked a bit out of it. Even Ocellus did not appear as jarred by meeting Torch and Blaze for the first time.

Scootaloo glanced at her friend and gave Smolder a nudge. Only then did she respond. "Big... Too big... Thought they were gonna eat me."

"Yeah, that's how some of the locals would be around Dad when he was still in charge." Ember snickered while she patted Smolder on the head. It would probably take a few visits for her to get used to their size. When considering that she knows what it is like to live amongst her own species in the wilds and having seen larger dragons before, seeing Torch and Blaze in their natural sizes must have triggered some sort of primal fear in her. But while Smolder started to come down from that fear, Ember happened to notice someone that she had overlooked. "Hey, I haven't seen you around before. What even are you? Very colorful though."

It was only then that Ember had finally noticed Ocellus. It was no wonder she had overlooked her. Ocellus had been very quiet and avoided drawing attention to herself when I got home and specifically waited for us to get away from everyone else before saying anything. And I had almost forgotten that it was the first time Ember had seen the little changeling mare after she had permanently accepted her current appearance as her default form. Ocellus spoke up with a smile, "Ember, hi! Do you not remember me?"

"Uh...no? I swear I've never seen anything like you. Although you do kind of remind me of that strange black...bug pony. Just a lot prettier now." Ember replied as she sounded like she was on the right track. She did remember Ocellus. She just did not recognize her at the time.

"Uh... Does this help?" Ocellus replied before she was suddenly and briefly engulfed by a rising wave of green flames. When they faded, the little changeling had been replaced with a familiar and very feminine dragoness of sandy hues and long orange hair.

Ember recognized her instantly while smiling in pleasant surprise. "Oh right! Ocellus! I forgot you can do that. So then... What's with that really vibrantly colored form you had just now?"

Ocellus happily explained while climbing to her feet, "It's a new look! The real me! I mean it's still not my natural look, but you can tell I'm still a changeling when I look like it. Rarity designed it form me on paper and I just tried it out for myself. I just wanted a look that everyone in Ponyville wasn't so...wary of. And that form just feels like...me. Like how I was always supposed to look."

"Hmmm... I get what you're saying. Mind if I see it again?" Ember asked while Ocellus was all too happy to oblige. She was shrouded in a veil of green flames for an instant before she emerged in her new default form. Ember tilted her head to one side while crossing her arms, an inquisitive smile on her lips. "Wow, that's just so...pretty! And you say Rarity designed this look for you? As in she drew a picture of this and you tried to take on the look yourself? Changelings are...interesting."

"Mmhm! But still..." Ocellus replied before once again swapping back to her personal dragon form in a flash of green fire. She grinned shyly and said, "I do like wearing this form a lot on the side. I still feel like I look like...me when I look like this. Like if I was born a dragon, this would be me. And James likes it too."

My eyebrows rose in response to that claim. And Ember smirked at me while looking over her shoulder. "Does he now?"

I decided to get a bit facetious and said, "I sure do. And I'd say she's even prettier than you."

"Hey! I thought you said I was beautiful." Ember barked while faking a scowl. Ocellus just got a giggle while Scootaloo watched in amusement. All while she kept rubbing her hoof over Smolder's head after the little dragon lady had flopped over onto her side. She was just so out of it.

I quickly replied, "I did! And you two are the most beautiful dragon ladies I've ever seen."

"Meh. Good enough for me." Ember chuckled while Ocellus got a good giggle out of the exchange. Although Ember then reached over and tapped Smolder on the head to try and get her attention. "Hey! Smolder! Snap out of it! Mom and Dad would never try to hurt you over nothing."

"Uuuuggghhh... I had heard the Dragon Lords were big...but not THAT big!" Smolder groaned as she finally pushed herself up to a sitting position. The Bloodstone Scepter itself was now lying on the floor with no one holding it up. But as Smolder looked down on it with unease, a very sly smirk spread across her lips. What idea just popped up in her head? She then looked up at Ember and asked, "Hey, mind if I borrow this for a little while?"

Ember crossed her arms defiantly and asked, "I dunno... Handing the Bloodstone Scepter over to just anyone is a tall order for the Dragon Lord. What're you up to?"

Smolder almost laughed as she explained, "I wanna show Spike the old Dragon Lords. Just to see how it'll go when the tiniest dragon in town sees the biggest dragons ever. Is that OK with you? I promise I'll bring it right back when I'm done with it."

"Hmmm... I mean we are friends here... But it's still the Bloodstone Scepter..." The beautiful blue Dragon lord before me grumbled in uncertainty. Her interactions with Spike had always been very brief. And she definitely had some issues with just anyone taking the Bloodstone Scepter. She then looked up at me and asked, "What's your take on this, James? You think I can trust her with it?"

Smolder watched and waited. And I did not take long to answer. "I...think you can trust her with that thing. Smolder's loyal. And she's dependable."

"All right then. Sure, you can borrow this. But only for an hour. You better get this back to me by sundown at latest." Ember said with a smile. She picked up the Bloodstone Scepter and held it out to Smolder. Only to very suddenly yank it away from her reaching hands. What was that about? And Ember was showing a very firm and fierce gaze on her face. We did not move. And Ember soon began to slowly bring the scepter back down within reach of Smolder's arms. "Guard it with your life."

Smolder understood the gravity of what it meant to take the Bloodstone Scepter into her hands. And she displayed this by getting up and bowing to Ember on one knee. With a hand outstretched, the Bloodstone Scepter was set in her grasp. Smolder rose to her feet and held the scepter up in both hands. She really took a moment to process what this meant for her as a dragon. "Wow..."

"Impressive, right? Just remember that it's not yours. I'm only letting you borrow it for a little while. Anyway, tell Spike the Dragon Lord says hello." Ember replied before watching as Smolder excitedly rushed out the front door and even took to the air on her wings. Although Ember then looked up at me with a crooked smile and asked, "How to you think that kid's gonna react to seeing Mom and Dad for the first time?"

"Ooh, that's a good question... But when considering that I've heard Spike has had almost nothing but bad experiences with dragons outside of Ponyville... I doubt it'll be good. At least he won't be in danger." I explained while realizing it was too late to stop Smolder. She was not doing this to let Spike meet the previous Dragon Lords as a means to pay some sort of respect to them. She was doing it just to freak him out as a prank.

Ember just let out a snort and headed over by the fireplace to join in with the rest of the mares with Ocellus. I also heard her ask if there was any tea left. I was left with Scootaloo and noticed my daughter's eyes drifting back and forth as she scanned the ladies over yonder chatting while keeping Gladesong entertained. "Wow..."

I took a seat by her and asked, "What's up, Scoot? Something wrong?"

The pegasus child looked at me with a very sincere smile on her face. "Our family just keeps getting bigger, huh?"

If there was one person I had reason to be the most apprehensive about when it came to the unorthodox family I was building, it was my first child. She may not have been born from me and Fluttershy, and the colors of her body would give one reason to suspect she and Fluttershy have always been secretly related, but she was still my daughter in a sense. I asked cautiously, "Scoot... If you have any problems with anything, you can tell me."

My words only confused her. Scootaloo asked with her head tilting to one side, "Huh? But...I don't have a problem with anything. Why?"

I then asked carefully, "Are you sure you don't have a problem with...this? With them? With your mother...not being the only mare in my life?"

"Oooooh... That." Scootaloo replied while still not looking at all upset about what she was seeing. She then smiled a very big smile and said, "Nah. I'm good. I mean why would I have a problem with having so many moms?"

"Huh...?" It was my turn to be confused. Scootaloo and I had discussed the state of our family before, but not with so many of my beloveds under one roof.

Scootaloo's tone softened as she looked at me. "I never knew what it's like to have a mom or dad... Or even a family. I still have no idea who my real mom and dad are or where they went... And I'm OK with that now. Because I have an awesome dad. And so many awesome moms!"

I was truly amazed. Scootaloo was more than just accepting of the situation. She then pointed over at everyone around the fireplace as she said, "And now I even have royal moms! Even Princess Celestia! And she's...just...Celestia! She's amazing! And Novo's just the coolest queen mom ever! And Rain Shine! She's just so mysterious and gentle and pretty and... Just wow. Don't we have the coolest family ever?"

There was no hiding my sheer relief at Scootaloo's enthusiasm. Even my first child was genuinely supportive of where things were going. I swiftly scooped my daughter into my arms and held her, a single tear squeezing its way out from each eye as I embraced the little filly. "You're right... You are so right, Scoot. We...have the most amazing...diverse...just...great family in the world."

"Dad...? Are you OK?" Scootaloo asked as I think she felt my tears soaking into her shoulder.

I nodded while squeezing my daughter in a tight hug. Just out of sheer relief. "Yeah... I'm fine. I just...really needed to hear that from you. I needed to be told that I'm doing the right thing here. We're all in this together..."

"Yeah... You were so brave to try doing this, Dad. I still haven't told anypony at school about it. Only Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom know. And we all did a Pinkie Promise to make sure it never gets out there. We...don't want to get you or them in trouble. We all want this to work too... I love this family." Scootaloo whispered to me with her hoof patting me on the back just below my neck.

"And we love you, sweetheart." I whispered back to her while we were all alone together. I then knew there was something I had to tell her. Something that she needed to know sooner than later. "I just want you to know though... You are most likely going to have many brothers and sisters down the road."

Scootaloo's response was once again unexpected. Her embrace tightened while she giggled excitedly. "Oh man, I'm gonna be the biggest big sister ever, aren't I?"

That was all I needed to hear to know there was no need pressing the subject further. Scootaloo truly desired everything that meant being a family. Having a loving mother and father. And little brothers and sisters to look out for. And she would have many. I just know she will. Only time would tell just how many and of how many different species.

I let Scootaloo run off over to the fireplace. It was her turn to play with Gladesong. And to get to know Celestia a little better. And I got a good chuckle out of what I heard. Something about Scootaloo asking Celestia to buy her some impressive new model of scooter only for Celestia to playfully reprimand her by saying she could not let even her closest relatives and extended family have free access to Canterlot's treasury. Much to a frustrated groan from the rambunctious filly.

Scootaloo got over her disappoint quickly enough. But while she took the wheel in entertaining Gladesong, Fluttershy stepped away with Rain Shine and Celestia while the rest of the ladies kept watch over the kids. And I was quietly called into the nursery with them. I had a strong hunch where this was going. Gladesong had already accepted the two of them as her mothers. But there was still more to discuss.

The door was locked with the only direct source of light being a single open flame. And Fluttershy just looked nervous as she gazed up at the two beautiful royals before her. "Wow... I mean I... I didn't think we'd actually really be doing this. Novo was one thing, but... Princess Celestia, I..."

"Fluttershy... Dear. Please don't. From this day forward, my crown means nothing when it comes to...this. You and I? We are mares. And we are the mares of one very special man. Right?" Celestia interjected at the first opportunity. She then looked at me and spoke with a proud smile, "Even he struggled for a time to see the mare beneath the crown. But he succeeded in the end."

I closed my eyes and answered with a nod. There was little for me to say about the situation. I had already come to terms with it and them. All that was left was for Fluttershy to fully settle on it as well. And she still stammered in the presence of the immortal princess she, like everyone else in Ponyville and virtually all of Equestria, deified throughout their lives. And for good reason. "I... I know. It's just that... You've always been our princess... My princess too. For you to go from that...to also being his wife like me? It's..."

"Celestia? If I may?" Rain Shine asked as the runes on her horn began to glow. She pointed at the peytral around Celestia's neck and said, "Let me help you with those."

"Oh? Um... Oh! Go right ahead." Celestia replied while Rain Shine went to work with a levitation spell. Piece by piece, Celestia's golden regalia was removed from her body. Until she finally stood completely bare. All except for one little detail. A gold ring embedded with an amethyst at the base of her that was obscured by her voluminous mane. The Princess of the Dawn, now removed from the symbols of her royal status, looked down at Fluttershy with a smile. "Is this better? I should have you know I used to always look like this. No crown, no gold, not symbol of any social status. Back in my earliest days, I was... No, I wouldn't even say I was a commoner. More like a vagabond with the rest of my family. We wandered and observed, but didn't rule for most of Equestria's existence."

"Really? I guess...I just sort of grew to expect you to...have always been royal. I mean...just look at you! You look like a goddess out of some sort of mythology!" Fluttershy stammered before even raising her voice more than she usually does. And she was right to assume such a thing about Celestia. Those almost ethereal billowing manes. Filled with magical elements. Such a trait is something no mortal pony could ever possess. Even Cadence, despite her being an alicorn herself, lacks such traits. It denoted power, longevity, and unnatural beauty. Almost as if any pony who possessed them did not belong amongst the common folk. A...sad thought.

"I know, I know. And it's really not something I can help. But truly, Luna and I haven't even been wearing our crown for a full two millennia yet. I'd maybe twelve-hundred years at most. That's not very long given how long society has existed in this world." Celestia explained in an awkward attempt to make her reign seem less impressive. I suppose twelve-hundred years does not seem like such a long time to an immortal who has been around quite a while. Time just flows differently for them, I suppose. I almost envy them. Celestia quickly realized that she was not helping her case in trying to downplay her history as a monarch and said, "I mean what I'm saying here is... And I'm not expecting you to adapt overnight, but..."

Celestia then had another idea to try and bring herself down to Fluttershy's level. She brought herself low and rested upon the floor. Their eyes now level with each other, the Princess of the Dawn spoke to my wife. "Let's just take things one visit at a time. A little repetition will make things easier. Does that sound like a plan?"

Fluttershy smiled brightly as some sort of epiphany hit her. She nodded and said, "Yes! I mean I still remember how it took me a while to get used to having a close circle of friends after Twilight first came to Ponyville. It got easier to take the initiative over time with them. I hope someday...I can see you as a fellow mare and friend like them... And as part of our family."

"Thank you, dear... I swear his love for me and mine for him is true. I may be a princess of Equestria, but I'm still a mare. And I hope that in time, I can be just as much a bride for him as you." Celestia said softly before lowering her head and touching her horn to Fluttershy's brow as some sort of gesture of gratitude. Fluttershy giggled at the touch and bowed back. She did look a little more relaxed before Celestia by then, but her entire lifetime of deifying the mare before her would not fade anytime soon. But it was a start. And I smiled at them while they smiled at me. But we were not done yet. Celestia then looked up at one of her oldest friends. "Now then... Rain Shine?"

The glorious kirin queen stood before my wife with grace. She and Fluttershy had only met once and that was during the victory party up in Canterlot not too long ago. She asked kindly, "You know what it is I wish to ask, my dear. Do you have any objections?"

I approached and stood beside my kirin lover. I could still feel her aura. Calming and serene, yet...with an underlying unease. She was hiding it well, but Rain Shine was still fearful of an unpleasant response. She never expected to find herself in love with a man who already had a ring on his finger for another woman. Let alone a man whose wedding ring was being worn for more than one bride. But Fluttershy still spoke with a small smile, "James has said such wonderful things about you... Very loving things. The things he says he hopes to do together with you... Rain Shine, could you please tell me how you two came to meet?"

I was blushing the more Fluttershy said what she knew. And Rain Shine smiled whimsically at me out of the corner of her face as she sensed my aura quivering with a timid love for her. But she still spoke honestly. "It is a love that came to be entirely by chance. And through the perils of the battlefield. Kirin and man... We have always held a certain...symbiosis with each other. Our species are naturally drawn to each other. Some more than others. And...I found myself falling most deeply in love with this wonderful man. And I wish to be his while he becomes mine. But only if you would have it be so."

I found myself idly draping an arm across my beloved's shoulder to pull her into an embrace. I was becoming worried too. Fluttershy had always been understanding and patient as our family has expanded and more wonderful women have found places in my heart. But she could always say no. And I would have to respect her choice. But Fluttershy then started to show a bit of a playful smirk. One that made Rain Shine recoil a bit. My wife then asked, "He told me that he dearly hopes to have children with you someday."

I flinched. And Rain Shine's beautiful crimson eyes widened. She glanced at me with a smile so crooked that I am sure she almost never shows one like that. "Did he now?"

"I did... Because I just love you that much." I replied while shielding my face. Celestia let out a snickering giggle at the admission. And while I could not see them for a moment, I was surprised to feel a kiss upon my cheek.

My hand lowered from my face to reveal Rain Shine gazing at me in tender longing. All before she said to me, "What sort of kirin bride would I be if I was unwilling to bless my human husband with beautiful daughters to love and raise with me?"

There was no restraining my heart. I squinted my eyes closed and embraced her. That luxurious full head of emerald green hair coated my face. The soothing scent of pine needles filled my nostrils. And my beautiful beloved whispered to me where all beside us could here her. "I love you, my dear. And I will be forever yours if you would have me. I will give you my heart. I will give you daughters. And I will love you forever."

"Rain, please... This is too much..." I whimpered as I felt my very soul flare up in the presence of hers. Man and kirin. The two of us so dearly in love. And I was still frustrated with myself for keeping my heart hidden from her for a time. I should have accepted her love at the first opportunity. But I suppose the wait only made the moment sweeter. I loved her. And I was honored to be hers.

"Yes." A quiet voice caught our attention. When then looked down at Fluttershy, who smiled kindly at us. "I approve. I can just see it between you. It's a love that comes so naturally. Like...it would be wrong to deny you two of each other. But...can I ask just one favor in return?"

Rain Shine and I shared a glance with each other. It was good that Fluttershy was supportive of us, but what could her request be? I then asked, "Yes...?"

A rather giddy grin spread across Fluttershy's face as she said, "When you and James finally have foals... Can I please be the first to meet them? Kirin fillies just sound soooo precious..."

She laughed. Or rather we chuckled together. Fluttershy has proven in recent times to be an excellent mother and it shows. Rain Shine grinned excitedly at her host and said, "It shall be done. But only if Gladesong gets to meet them as well. I am certain she will adore our kirin foals as her sisters."

"I can already picture it... They'll be such fast friends!" Fluttershy squealed as she even hopped in place for a bit. My mind too started racing as I considered the possibilities. And I found myself smirking at the images that flashed through my head. Rain Shine had already wowed Gladesong with displays of her nature magic. What if Gladesong had a trio of sisters who could conjure up all the flowers she wanted? I could smell a wonderful friendship and sisterhood in the making.

But after a moment, Fluttershy looked back and forth between the three of us. After glancing at Rain Shine and Celestia a few times, she looked up at me with a very happy smile. "Wow... James, when Rarity and I decided we should probably give this a chance... I didn't think it would be so...magical. You love us all, but in slightly different ways. Beautiful ways that's unique between each of us. I'm glad...we went down this path. We have such an amazing family, don't we?"

Our two beautiful guests beamed at me with impressively playful smiles. And I could only bow my head while gritting my teeth in an equally bashful grin. "Heh... It really is... And it's a family like no other in the world."

We were about to say more, but something caught Fluttershy's attention. Her ears swiveled about as I too head something. Was Gladesong...crying? Or at least calling out to us? My wife looked back at the door and said, "Oh?! I think Gladesong's calling for me. Let's talk again in a little bit!"

She happily trotted out of the room and even closed the door behind her. Fluttershy had truly adapted well to the role of being a mother to a darling little filly. She had picked up on patterns and sounds Gladesong makes that even I was still getting the hang of recognizing. I then looked at my two beloveds while Celestia rose to her feet and said, "I think that went well."

"I think so too. I'm not expecting her to stop seeing me as her ruler anytime soon, but I'm convinced she'll get there one day." Celestia replied with an equally confident smile on display. She then looked at the door and said, "She's such a dear, that Fluttershy. And she's very brave to have so much faith in you, James."

"I won't let her down. I can't. Not now. I didn't marry her just to break her heart in the end." I said while looking back out at the door and the window that stood between us and the rowdy living room. I took a moment to count my blessings. "All we can do is keep facing the future. There's no room in this kind of relationship to dwell on anything else."

"True. Keep your hopes up. Because our hopes are with yours." Celestia added before kissing me upon my cheek. Rain Shine even came up on my other side and rested her head against mine. Just a reminder that I was loved. Although Celestia then asked with a more whimsical smile, "And the two of you have discussed having children, Rain? How many are you planning on?"

Rain Shine and I shared a glance. And we burst into incoherent nervous chuckling. The number did not matter. We just wanted to finally have a family with a small herd of beautiful little fillies of the grove. Rain Shine soon composed herself and shot Celestia an equally sly glance, "And what of you, your highness? Have you and your future king been making plans for an heir?"

Celestia was left silenced. And I too was unsure of how to response. But it was futile. Rain Shine already knew what we had been up to during our vacation in Cantercun. The Princess of the Dawn answered rather meekly, "We've...been trying lately."

The kirin queen said nothing else. She merely smiled serenely at her friend and stepped over to give her an equine hug in a show of support. And I put my arms around both of them. We were all in this together. Princess of Equestria. Chieftain of the Grove of Silence. It did not matter. We were all family and they were both my queens.

But after just a moment, Celestia spoke up. And she spoke with a quiet and...odd tone. "Rain Shine. May I ask you a favor?"

"Of course, old friend. Name it." The gracious kirin queen replied as she stood at attention before her friend. I too watched, but there was a new kind of concern in my heart.

Celestia took a deep breath and asked, "It's been several days at least... By now, it should have... Rain. Do you think you could sense life as young as one that has only just begun?"

It took her a second to understand, but Rain Shine's eyes suddenly went wide in realization. As did mine. I knew what my beloved was asking. "I...can, yes. Are you asking of me what I suspect you are?"

I looked at Celestia and saw her slightly spread a wing before bringing it back to caress under her body. Right over her belly. She looked so anxious as she asked, "Please, my friend. Could you try and feel if...there is life in there? I've never carried a foal before. I can't tell. I just...need to know if we succeeded."

A new fear bloomed in my heart. We had tried many times during our vacation in Cantercun. We finally decided that it was time to start a family. To sire our first child. But...we had no way of knowing if it took at the time. And I suddenly had a realization. Sky Beak and Ocean Flow had done the same thing. They too had planned to have another child during their time there. And if Ocean Flow's admission to having experienced her first case of morning sickness just before we departed from Cantercun was anything to go by, they succeeded. So why was Celestia not displaying any unusual symptoms? Had we...failed? I held Celestia's hoof firmly after she lifted it to my grasping palm. I turned to Rain Shine and asked as well, "Please...?"

"Very well... Just give me a moment." Rain Shine replied before she closed her eyes. The runes on her horn glowed brilliantly. Even her mane began to be lifted as if a gentle updraft was coming from below. She was exerting her magical will harder than she normally does. She could probably sense all life around her. From everyone on the other sides of the walls to any of our little critter neighbors scurrying across the rafters. And Celestia and I waited with bated breath. I pleaded in my heart. Pleaded that a child was beginning to grow within the womb of my beautiful sun queen. The child we both wanted to love...

After a moment of tense silence, Rain Shine's mane relaxed and became still. But without letting the runes of her horn lose their glow, Rain Shine opened her eyes. And she appeared vaguely distraught. "Nothing...? No, let me look again. I shall peer...harder within."

And so we waited. And we hoped. But after a moment, the glow filling my beloved's rune's finally faded. And Rain Shine gazed upon us with such a gaze of profound shame. "Forgive me... I sense nothing. Not even the faintest glimmer of a life in its earliest stages."

Those words came to me like a needle to my heart. I was filled with a painful sense of disappointment. And when my eyes met Celestia's, she gazed at me with mouth slightly agape. Tears began to flow. She tried to speak. Tried to say anything. And she finally did one she rested her head on my shoulder. "I was ready this time, James... I was truly ready...for us to have..."

I struggled to hold my tears back as I threw my arms around her. Words failed my beloved and she sobbed weakly in my embrace. I squinted my eyes shut. Why? We tried. We tried many times to be certain my seed would take within her womb. We were ready... Ready to be mother and father. To be king and queen to a darling prince or princess. What got in the way? What prevented that precious life from starting?

Celestia proceeded to take it harder. And her words were laced with despair. "Is it too late for me...? Am I just...not able to do it anymore?"

"No. No, do not let this one failure fill your thoughts with such poison, my friend." Rain Shine said firmly before stepping forward and draping her heed across the back of her friend's neck. She spoke firmly yet kindly, "While I sense no life within you, I still sense that your body is still ripe with youth. A fertile field of rich soil ready to burst forth with fresh blossoms. You have not become barren. Motherhood is still well within your reach, Celestia. And I pray that fate will not keep you waiting too long to finally see your fertile fields bear fruit."

"You are...sure of that?" Celestia asked with fresh tears still staining her face. I too savored those words. Leave it to a kirin to sense how ripe with fertility a woman is. And I always got that feeling from Celestia on my own. She was always so radiant... So bright. So full of life and ready to create new life within herself. Motherhood was in her nature. A nature filled with shining nurturing life to cast down upon the blossoms that would sprout from her fertile fields. I squeezed her hoof in hope before she looked into my eyes. Her eyes quivered, still feeling the sting of disappointment while hoping for the future. "Then...we'll just have to try again next time... Right?"

"We won't miss a single opportunity. Just tell me when you're ready...and I'll be there. I love you." I whispered to her as we shared a kiss. Trying to do anything to push those thoughts of bitter failure away. It could happen. And we would have children of our own one day. It was not a matter of if. It was a matter of when.

Although we were then reminded that Celestia was not the only one of my beloveds during our vacation in Cantercun who hoped to return home with a child growing within her. Rain Shine asked cautiously, "If you have me do so, I shall examine Novo while we have a moment."

My eyes widened, as did Celestia's. The Princess of the Dawn faced her friend and abruptly shook her head. "No. No, not Novo. Never Novo. Not here. It would devastate her if she found out now that she's not with child. Let us find out when she learns the truth on her own. It would...bring down the whole mood here if you checked and found...nothing inside her. Let her hope. And let's hope she has good news to tell us before long."

I sighed harshly and nodded in agreement. As did Rain Shine. Novo had been very cruelly denied the chance to have another child with her previous husband just after they both decided it was time to let their family grow again. Only to lose him before it could happen and spend the next century being periodically reminded of what she had been robbed of. Novo is a woman dearly desiring to experience that joy again now that she had found love again. We tried so many times... Novo dearly wished to bear my child. To let me experience the joy of becoming a father to precious and fluffy hippogriff children. I was pleading in my heart at that moment. Fine, I was willing to accept Celestia and I failing to conceive our first child together for the moment. But Novo... Please, not my dear bird of paradise. Please let her dreams be answered. She has been kept waiting too long...

Rain Shine nodded in grim understanding of Novo's plight. She then pointed towards the door and said, "I see... Then I shall let fate itself decide. But until then, do remember... You have a daughter out there waiting for you. Two, if memory serves. Shall we return to them?"

Celestia and I managed to smile through our pain. We did have a daughter or two waiting for us. But when I released her to allow Celestia to go first, she paused. I saw her spread her wings and draped them over her face as she sniffled loudly. Just trying to dry her tears. "Just...give me a moment, please..."

The pain of knowing she had been denied a chance at motherhood hung in her heart just as heavily as my own over being denied the opportunity to experience fatherhood again. I had to do something for her... So I did. I stepped up and embraced Celestia from the side, her wings making way for me. I whispered sweet words to her. Gentle reminders of what we wanted and would have in due time. "I love you. I want to have beautiful little ones with you. You'll be such an amazing mother someday..."

The Princess of the Dawn inhaled sharply through her teeth. Trying to ignore her sorrow. That pain was temporary. But the future we craved... When it finally happened, that joy would last forever. And she whispered back an equally loving reminder to me. "And you...will be a wonderful father, my love. Please... When I call for you, please be there. I don't...want to waste a single opportunity."

"I will, my love. I will." I whispered before Celestia turned her head to let her lips meet mine. There was always next time. There would always be another chance to create a beautiful prince or princess together. We would have our heirs someday. And I shuddered as I anticipated many loving nights ahead, my future queen and I locked in lovemaking. All for the chance to finally create a family together. And with Rain Shine placing a kiss upon both of our brows, we headed back out into the living room doing all we could to keep anyone from noticing the shift in our mood. At least up until being around them long enough caused us to just forget all about it.

Fluttershy even dug out some of her relaxation music albums to play on the phonograph nearby to compliment the calm and happy mood around us. For just a while longer, it was just us. Gladesong with her big sister. And with many of her mothers gathered around. But they were not just focused on her. They would also cuddle up to me while watching the rest play with and socialize with the two young pegasus children in the room. They loved her, but they also loved me. Because we were all family. And I loved them all so much.

We talked, we smiled, and we savored warm tea. Although a point came where Gladesong needed a diaper change. And Novo stepped up to the task like the old pro she is. And she sealed the act of placing a new diaper on her daughter with a kiss on the forehead. "There you go, baby girl. The littlest princess is all set to greet her subjects!"

Smolder had always been the one to dispose of the freshly discarded diaper. Nothing a scorching flame from a dragon's breath would not incinerate. And Ember was quick to take it outside and reduce the thing to a pile of fine ash in Smolder's stead. She then came back in before closing the door behind her and said, "Good thing we dragons don't have to worry about those when we're just hatchlings."

But just before she could return to her spot by the fireplace, Ember stopped when she heard the front door creak open. And when she and I looked, we were greeted by Smolder poking her head in. I think less than an hour had gone by since she left with the bloodstone Scepter in hand. Ember greeted the orange dragon lady with a smile and said, "Oh hey, you're back! Did you and Spike have... Uh... Smolder? What's with that grin?"

I raised an eyebrow at the sight of Smolder's face. Those eyes. That big toothy grin. That was the face of someone who screwed up, knew they screwed up, and knew there would be hell to pay. She nervously said, "Uh... Yeah. I got to Spike. And he held the Bloodstone Scepter. And... Uh..."

"Smolder. He didn't eat the thing, did he?!" I asked with a surge of concern. Did Spike try licking the gemstone itself, loved the flavor, and tried to swallow it? Would that thing even fit past his jaws?!"

"No no, he didn't eat it! But he did...uh... Oh man, please don't be too mad, all right?" Smolder retorted before shrinking back past the door a bit. Now I was worried. What in the world happened between those two.

"I'll be the one to decide that. Now get in here." Ember said firmly with all eyes falling upon the young dragoness as she very reluctantly entered the house. And clutched against her chest was the Bloodstone...without the Scepter! Ember's eyes shot wide open in shock and anger before she swiftly zipped over to Smolder and grabbed her by the shoulders. She then growled with Smolder continuing to cower before her with that nervous grin on display, "What. Did. You. Do?!"

"It wasn't me! It was Spike! When he tried talking to... Um... Come to think of it, I think a reenactment might work better?" Smolder replied while Ember slowly took her hands off her. She then took the Bloodstone back into her hands while Smolder ran off to the kitchen and returned with a big wooden spoon in hand I normally use when making soups and stews. She then stood in the middle of the room and said, "OK, let's say this is the Bloodstone Scepter. I gave it to Spike and he held it like this..."

Some of those around me gave each other some confused and curious glances. Was Smolder really putting on a game of charades to explain what happened? Smolder then held the spoon in both hands, the head pointing straight up as she held it out in front of her like a flag. She closed her eyes and said, "Spike closed his eyes so he could see the Dragon Lords... And then..."

Out of nowhere, Smolder jumped in the air with her eyes popping wide open. What was up with that shriek?! Did Spike just let out a yell and break his connection to the Bloodstone Scepter out of sheer fright? And as soon as her feet touched the ground, Smolder just flung the spoon right up into the ceiling with all her might! It hit the wooden rafters with a clack before falling back down to the floor with no real signs of damage to either wooden surface. She then looked at Ember and spoke with that nervous grin again, "And the scepter...just...kinda exploded? Bits of rock flying all over the place? And Twilight was mad when she came downstairs to find the mess... She wouldn't let me leave until we both swept it all up."

"Oh my god, you two..." Ember grumbled while the rest of us got a good laugh of the mental image of Spike freaking out so hard at seeing the gargantuan and intimidating forms of the previous Dragon Lord couple that he severed his connection the to Bloodstone Scepter. And with a groan, Ember tucked the Bloodstone under her arm and said, "Could've been worse, I guess. I swear I can't go one year without the scepter's shaft breaking in some way."

That admission surprised Smolder. She asked with wide eyes, "Wait, you mean that's not the first time the scepter broke?"

"Nope. But you're still never holding this again without my supervision! Got it?" Ember barked with a playful smirk of her own. Smolder did not even try to combat that ultimatum. She deserved it after that little stunt.

Ember then held up the Bloodstone in her hands before speaking to it. "Are you two all right in there? Did Spke take you for a ride? OK, sure. And I'm not holding this upside-down right now? What do you mean where you are rights itself after a while?! Huh... OK, sure. Talk to you later."

Smolder sat by me and glanced at me out of the corner of my eye while Ember had a brief chat with her parents. "It's still so weird that you can talk to dead people through that thing."

"Specifically two dead people. I think it's a really cool feature for that thing. It means the Dragon lord has easy access to advice from her predecessors." I retorted before there was a knock at the door. Another visitor already? I then stood up and started making my way over to it. "I got it."

I opened the door. And I went silent as I saw who was on the other side. As did he. My good friend Gallus was staring up at me while I stared back. He then grunted with a short laugh and said, "Heh. You're back, huh? What's up?"

"Just winding down with the family. Good to see you, bluebird." I replied as we greeted each other with a friendly fist bump. I did not have the door open all the way and was not aware that Gallus was not alone. "Anyway, what's up?"

Gallus then rolled his eyes and said, "Some folks got lost in town and wanted me to give them some directions. And... Well, see for yourself."

"Hi there!" A familiar face poked her head in from the side and almost startled me into falling right down. Silverstream had finally arrived. And then the rest of her family stepped into view along with Skystar. And I suddenly realized just how many people we were having over. That cozy cottage was getting crowded and fast. "We don't know our way around Ponyville, but this friendly blue hippogriff guided us over here! Are we late?"

"I told you I'm a griffon! Haven't you bird ponies ever seen my kind...wherever you're from?" Gallus squawked as he led his five guests into the house. Sky Beak, Ocean Flow, Skystar, and especially Terramar were quite impressed with Fluttershy's choice of interior design. Especially when some of her little chipmunk, mouse, and squirrel friends came scampering over the narrow walkways above us. Gallus then asked, "Anyway, you know these guys? They said they wanted to know where you live."

"Sure do. They're basically my family." I replied with Gallus responded with wide eyes. I knew he had met Sky Beak, but he was not expecting to meet the rest of my extended family with him that day. I then extended a hand to Skystar and said, "Except for her. Gallus, this is the crown princess of Capricorn Island. Skystar, this is Gallus. He's a good friend of mine."

This only stunned the blue griffon boy all the more. Skystar, cute and bubbly as always, waved down at him. "Hey, sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier! Hi, Gallus! And you've met my mom, right?"

Novo nonchalantly waved over at Gallus and added, "Hello again, boy. I see you've finally met my pride and joy. You too didn't exactly have time to mingle at that party several weeks back, did you?"

Gallus glanced back and forth at the royal mother and daughter before he cracked a smirk. "She's your kid? I can totally see the resemblance... Wait, scratch that. No I can't. You look nothing like your mom."

"And I'm perfectly OK with that. My mom's herself and I'm happy being totally different from her." Skystar said sincerely before she happened to notice the tiny filly nestled in her mother's arms. "Oh my goodness... James, is she yours?"

I cracked a big smirk before looking at her mother. Novo then said with a matching smirk, "She sure is, honey. Come say hello to the newest princess."

"Oh my oh my oh my..." Skystar giggled as she beheld little Gladesong. And when she took my child into her arms, she just puffed up like a fluffy little yellow chick. Gladesong must have thought she was really cute with how she tittered and reached for Skystar's face. Skystar glanced at Novo while Novo wiggled her eyebrows at her daughter. That was when I had a realization. As did Skystar. Given my relationship with Novo, would that make Skystar the sister of Gladesong as well?

"You... You probably don't know who I am... I'm Skystar. Your...Mama Novo's first daughter. At least I'm sure that's what she calls herself." Skystar said with a hint of snark at the end. Novo's snickering confirmed that assumption. But Skystar then said softly while rocking my daughter in her arms, "Now I don't think...we're really sisters here. But I'd be happy to be your aunt. Does that sound nice to you? Do you want an Auntie Skystar?"

Even if she does not understand spoken speech, Gladesong seemed to at least get some of what Skystar was saying. And she responded happily. But that was when we both noticed someone was sitting next to Skystar. Very impatiently, I might add. Silverstream had snuck up beside her friend and had her fist clenched against her chest as she was visibly shaking with a big crooked smile on her beak. She was desperately trying to not squeal in adoration of the tiny filly in her friend's arms. To be honest, I am not so certain a loud squeal from Silverstream would have even bothered Gladesong all that much, but it was admirable to see her keeping her impulses in check in front of a baby.

Skystar soon noticed her friend eyeing her from the left. Once their eyes met, Silverstream let out a muffle whine as she held out her hands, begging for a chance to hold the new baby. Skystar responded by giving Gladesong a kiss on the head before carefully handing her to Silverstream. It was impressive with just had restrained she was being. She wanted to squeal and talk a mile a minute, I am sure of that. But she did not. She quivered constantly while holding Gladesong in her arms. And I watched cautiously, just in case she finally snapped.

Silverstream even knew to hold up Gladesong's head while she cradled her. And she muttered with a wavering voice, "Ooooooh my goodness, you have your daddy's eyes... Hello... Gladesong, right? Your dad is my best friend. He listens to everything I say. Are you a good listener too? I bet you are. I bet you really take after your daddy!"

"Man, she's a wild one. Where'd you find these birdbrains anyway?" Gallus asked me discreetly. I think he had no idea what to think about Silverstream due to how abruptly she came into his life. Or about the rest of her family outside of Sky Beak.

I noticed the irony in my friend's words and said, "You're one to talk, bluebird. But yeah, I met her and the rest of her family during my first visit to Capricorn Island. They basically became a lifeline for me. She and her brother were there for me every day and did a lot to show me around."

"Yeah, we did. We both had a good time too." Terramar spoke up after overhearing us. He came over and said, "Sorry if my sister talked your ear off on the way over here. She has a hard time holding herself back when it comes to just about anything new."

"It's cool, dude. Kinda nice just having to listen for once without saying anything." Gallus replied while he and Terramar shook hands. It was so odd seeing those two together. Gallus was fifteen years old at the time, but Terramar was just twelve. Yet they both gave off the presence of very young men. Late teens perhaps. They felt more like a couple of guy friends than young boys.

At last, Sky Beak approached his daughter while she kept entertaining Gladesong with her voice. She even took a moment to preen my daughter's tiny wings. And at my papa bird's side was his wife. "Dear, I think it's time to meet my granddaughter. Because it looks like she missed her granddad."

Ocean Flow was at a loss of what to say. But Gladesong instantly perked up when she locked eyes with the grandfather she met a while back. Sky Beak took a seat while Silverstream happily handed Gladesong to her father so they could experience a well deserved reunion. Sky Beak said softly to the filly in his arms, "Hello again, my dear! Do you remember me? Grandpa? Yes you do! And I have someone you should meet. Do you want to meet your grandmother too?"

"Oooooooh my goodness, I was not ready for this. I was not ready to have grandchildren so soon..." Ocean Flow giggled as her husband turned to her with my child in his arms. His wife was nervous and giddy, but all it took was one long gaze of bonding with Gladesong to win her over. Ocean giggled and said, "Oh, who am I kidding? Give her here, dear. Grandma wants to meet this little sweetheart!"

I was grinning so hard as I watched my father's wife meeting my daughter for the first time. She touched her beak to Gladesong's nose as she said, "And hello to you, dear! You've met your grandfather before, right? Well, I wasn't expecting to be promoted to grandma so soon, but I'm yours! And it's so good to meet you, sweetie. I'm Ocean Flow. But you can always call me Grandma."

She was crying. Ocean Flow was trying to hide it, but I saw her eyes glisten with tears. She was just so happy... I really do admire the strong familial bonds that come naturally to hippogriffs. Gladesong was now a part of their flock. Gallus then nudged me with his elbow and said, "It just gives you the warm fuzzies, huh?"

"Sure does, man... It's good to be home." I muttered while hoping Gallus was still in the dark about the situation surrounding the polygamous aspect of my family. I still do not know how I will explain it to him when the time comes. I made a mental note with myself to maintain a bit of distance from my beloveds while he was there. Just to insure there were no acts of overt romantic intentions being displayed.

Many introductions were made back and forth. And probably the one that caught my attention the most was when Scootaloo hit up Silverstream and Terramar for a conversation. Not because my first daughter was meet the children of her adoptive grandfather, but because...they were all the same age bar a few months. Scootaloo definitely looked and sounded like the average twelve-year-old filly, but Silverstream and Terramar... I realized then what Sky Beak meant when we had that talk a few days into the vacation. There was such a noticeable dissonance between the pegasus and two hippogriffs. Avian races really do grow up fast compared to other species. The same age, but with two of them being very clearly more mature physically and psychologically. Compared to Scootaloo, Terramar and Silverstream looked and sounded like a pair of teens approaching their final years in high school. A bit of a mind screw there... But that is just how birds work. They grow fast. Maybe too fast.

At last, Silverstream and Terramar were approached by one of the few people in my very crowded house who looked like they were in the same age group. I did not take part, but I did watch and listen from a short distance. Smolder came up behind them and asked, "So then. You guys are from Capricorn Island too, right?"

Smolder had finally noticed Silverstream and Terramar. And she had approached with Gallus and Ocellus at her sides. And Silverstream was unsurprisingly the first to respond. "Oh wow, another dragon! But you look way different from Ember! And...whoa! Look at you! I didn't know ponies could be so shiny and pretty and... What's up with your eyes? And you have a bug's wing for a tail? And I love the ladybug patterns on your back!"

Silverstream took an immediate interest in Ocellus despite the latter's best attempt to go unnoticed at first. Ocellus flustered a bit in the face of Silverstream's enthusiasm, but still managed to reply with a shy smile. "Me? Um... To be honest, I'm not exactly a pony. I mean I kind of am? But...not really? I'm what everyone calls a changeling. And I'm Ocellus."

"And I'm Smolder! You already met the bluebird, right? He's Gallus. And I think I remember hearing or at least reading about you guys. James kept a pretty thorough record of all the stuff that happened to him when he visited Capricorn Island." Smolder explained while making me wonder if she reads some of my journals when I am away. I really hope she never noticed the...spicier moments of my life if she really does snoop around in my journals.

"He did?! He does love his typewriters, doesn't he?" Silverstream replied before looking over her shoulder at me. I waved at her while she happily waved back.

Terramar then spoke up, "But yeah, we did! We showed him around all over the island. It was a good time, just letting a new friend see the best our home had to offer."

"And it sounds like it's got a lotta good eating. You hippogriffs love your fish out there, don't you? Sign me up sometime." Gallus slyly added while playfully pointing at them with a wink of one eye. If there is one thing hippogriffs and griffons have in common, it is their shared love of seafood.

They talked and talked. The five teens very quickly started to look like they were becoming fast friends with each other. Two new faces to add to their circle. But with how noisy things were getting and as the minutes ticked by, night was beginning to come early. And there were a lot of mouths to feed for dinner.

That was when Rain Shine decided to handle feeding us all for the night. For the next hour or two, she labored in the kitchen to prepare some vibrant eastern cuisine. I forgot just how good the kirin tend to cook. The entire kitchen looked like it had become a jungle from the outside. Rain Shine would summon various plants to harvest their spices for her dishes. The entire cottage was filled with such an aroma that only made us all the more impatient. And when dinner was served... Exquisite. Everyone was happy and no one would be going to bed hungry.

At last, it eventually reached the point of the day where it was time to start turning in for the night. Novo was gracious enough to volunteer to foalsit Gladesong to insure Fluttershy and I would have no risk of being disturbed over the course of the night. She and Celestia departed for the night with Sky Beak and Ocean Flow along with Skystar. But not Silverstream and Terramar. They wanted to stay the night and have a sleepover with the rest of their new friends. All five of them and even Scootaloo gathered in the nursery with blankets, pillows, games, hot chocolate, and comic books to stay up late. Fluttershy and I agreed to their request for a sleepover on the condition that they kept their voices down. Although I could hear their whispers through the window beside the door. They sounded happy and like they were having a good time.

I took a seat in front of the fireplace after adding another log or two to the blaze. Just to sip some warm tea to help soothe my nerves before bed. Ember was helping out in the kitchen to do the dishes with Rain Shine. That was a trick she picked up on during our time out on the Empty Plains. Now alone with my thoughts, I was soon joined by my beautiful wife. Things were quiet aside from the crackling of the fire and the sounds of running water and the clinking of drinking glasses and dinner plates in the kitchen. She put a wing around me while I leaned into her embrace. I heard Fluttershy whisper before long, "It's so good to have you home, dear."

"It is good to be home. Autumn gloom notwithstanding." I retorted before kissing Fluttershy on the ear. She giggled softly and nuzzled up to me even more firmly. The two of us sat in the warm glow of the fireplace with most other light sources in the house having been shut off for the night. I took a long swig of my tea before whispering into my wife's ear. "Love you, Fluttershy."

"Love you too, James." She whispered back to me. It was all a moment to remind myself of where everything got started. No matter who found a place into my heart. No matter how far I would travel to meet and see them. No matter how much our family would grow. I would always find my way back to the foundation of my life in Equestria and my life as a husband and father. Fluttershy was where it all started. And I loved her for it. I finally put an arm around her after finishing my tea as Fluttershy spoke to me quietly. "It just keeps getting bigger, doesn't it? Our family... And you love us all in subtlety different little ways."

"No two loves are exactly alike. Even if that love burns just as hotly for all of them." I said with a whisper. At that moment, all felt right in the world. Fluttershy, my first love, was in my arms. And nearby were some of the wonderful women who had joined her in my heart. I gazed upon the fireplace before us. I wondered how radiantly the flames in our hearts were flickering. "I feel like I know what I'm doing now. Or I'm closer to that point than ever before. It gets a little easier every day."

Fluttershy was quick to kiss me on the cheek while she gazed at me with those beautiful eyes. "And we have faith in you. I know you can do it, James. You proved it with me and Rarity. We love you so much... And I feel confident with all those whose hearts you've touched. You really are someone with enough love in you to make this all work... Don't lose faith in yourself, dear. We trusted you and it's all working out. I trust you as much as I trust them. I just wish...my mother was still here to see this."

I remembered that day... When I learned the origin of Fluttershy's own personal lullaby. She really was all alone now. No family left to reach out to. But now she had one. And I found a reason to smile at her. "If Gladesong and Scootaloo have grandparents now, that means you have a mom and dad to look to now. I mean they're technically our in-laws, but that counts. Right?"

My wife let out a giggle at this reminder. And she smiled crookedly at me. "Oh my, that's true. Although...I'll have to get used to having giant dragons as part of my family now, won't I?"

"Honey, they were good to you. Even if they had to go super mini for you. But I get it. Old phobias are hard to conquer." I retorted with a grimace on my face. Fluttershy failed to find any words to say to that, but she did make a few funny faces before giving up on trying to word a response. None of us could have expected her to imitate a fainting goat at first sight of Torch and Blaze. Speaking of them, I happened to glance to my left and saw the Bloodstone sitting front and center on the sofa at the back of the room. I have to wonder what Ember has to do to fix it whenever the scepter breaks.

We sat there while occasionally hearing the odd laugh from inside the nursery. And a giggle or two from Rain Shine and Ember as they conversed quietly. Thank goodness I did not hear anything break in there. But after conversing for a while longer and reconnecting after so many days apart, I turned my head to gaze at the door leading outside. I missed Fluttershy. I missed Scootaloo. I missed Ocellus. I missed Smolder. But I also missed my newest child. And I then whispered to Fluttershy with an empty teacup in hand, "Dear? I'd like to go check on Gladesong one more time before bed. I'll be right back, OK?"

"All right, James. Be sure to give her a kiss for me. And I'll prepare another cup of tea for when you get back." Fluttershy replied before kissing me on the cheek. I did not even bother with grabbing a jacket before heading outside. It was short enough walk to the Alabaster that I would be up and inside it in a few minutes at most. But that mid autumn bite still made me shudder once I was out in the dark.

The Alabaster loomed nearby with its pure white paintjob making it easy to spot even in the dark. A harvest moon was high. I scanned my surroundings. Still so vibrant and green, yet the sky and the air carried everything I disliked about autumn. I strolled down the path and across the bitterly cold brook in front of my home. Strolls during an autumn night are a strange mix of soothing yet somber.

I started to head up the gangplank to reach the Alabaster while I noticed that multiple portholes along the portside of the ship were lit up. Not everyone had turned in for the night. But while heading up, I was startled to see two figures peering down at me from the shadows. But when I flinched, a friendly voice called down to me. "Hello there, sir! Come on up!"

It was just a pair of Novo's guards keeping watch from the deck. There were several more stationed up there, each hippogriff guardsman carrying a longbow and a full quiver of arrows. They did not mind the cold at all thanks to their fluffy winter plumage. Now knowing that I was safe and fully welcome, I headed right inside at the back of the stern before descending the stairs. Once I was in the hallway just below the main deck, I found that the lamps lining the walls had dimmed to be easier on the eyes of sleepier occupants. And there she was coming from the far end. Novo with a pot of tea held in one hand. She came to a stop just before reaching her private chambers and asked, "Oh? Look who couldn't stay away. Whatcha need, honey?"

I smiled and stepped towards the beautiful hippogriff queen before me. I then explained, "I...just wanted to check on Gladesong one last tie before bed. I missed her, you know?"

"Awww... Someone's a good daddy. Sure, honey. Come on in. She's with Celestia right now." Novo replied while allowing me to go first. I opened the door into her private chambers and found the room only dimly lit. Just as elegant as always. And there on the center of the bed was Celestia. Curled up with little Gladesong snuggled into her side like a wolf cub nestled against her mother. Gladesong was clearly asleep while Celestia kept watch over her. Her eyes met mine while we both smiled at each other.

Novo followed me in without a word. And while she poured Celestia and herself some tea, I took a seat beside the beautiful and loving Princess of the Dawn. I whispered to her while we both looked at my daughter, "Has she been giving you ladies trouble?"

"She's been a peach. I'm getting so many flashbacks of Cadence when she was a little thing." Celestia whispered before bringing her head back down and tenderly giving Gladesong's mane a gentle nuzzle. My daughter barely reacted, staying fast asleep. Celestia lifted her head again, but did not look away from her. "I love her..."

"She loves you too. And I really do think she knows your her mother in a way." I whispered while resting my hand over Celestia's bare hoof. Our eyes met again and our gaze was followed by a soft kiss upon our lips. We may have been denied an opportunity to finally be blessed with a foal of our own, but we still had Gladesong. I was Celestia's and she was mine. And Gladesong was ours. My fingers rubbed over my beloved's hoof as I said to my future queen, "I love you... Thank you for all you've done for me."

"No, James. Thank you. For being...so much more than I hoped you would be." The Princess of the Dawn said with so much love in her eyes. She closed them and rested her head on my shoulder. Only then did Novo finally set out a tea tray on the bed with steaming cups of chamomile tea ready for her and Celestia. I did not mind them not pouring me one. I had some waiting for me back home. Unfortunately, the shifting of the bed caused by the tray and Novo climbing onto it to join us was just enough to rouse Gladesong from her slumber. The little filly began to sound like she was on the verge of crying, but her two royal mothers swooped in by bringing their heads low to nuzzle her together. "Shhhhh... We're right here, dear. All is well."

"It's all right, baby girl. Your mamas are right here. And we love you." Novo cooed before placing a kiss on Gladesong's ear. The two beautiful mares showered their daughter with tender whispers and little kisses upon her head to soothe her. Just to let her know she was safe in the darkened room. Their loving presence kept her calm and she soon lifted her head to gaze up at me. And her beautiful brown eyes widened as she tried to fight the urge to go back to sleep. Novo smiled at me and said, "Aww, look at that. Our baby girl knows her daddy's here. Go ahead, honey. Hold your little princess for a minute."

"Right... Hey there, sweetheart. Daddy just...wanted to see you one last time before you went to sleep. Has Mama Novo and Mama Celestia been good to you up here?" I asked with Gladesong barely able to manage any kind of a vocal response. That noisy gathering of so many people earlier was tiring, but Gladesong was more worn out than the rest of us. And as I cradled her, rocking m child in my arms, Novo and Celestia shifted their positions to place themselves on opposite sides of me. They reached out with their wings, embracing me from each side and cradling Gladesong between them. I glanced back and forth, seeing tired yet happy smiles on their faces. I whispered to my beautiful queens, "I love you both so much..."

"And we love you, honey. You and your little princess here." Novo cooed as she placed a kiss upon my lips. With Celestia doing the same when my eyes met hers. We went back and forth, my lips being met by my two royal beloveds one at a time. All while Gladesong served as a witness to the love shared by her fatehr and two of her beautiful mothers. It was just...such bliss.

"My loves... My queens..." I whispered to them as I just wanted them to know how much I loved them. How much I loved all of them.

"Yes, my love. Yours... And only yours." Celestia sweetly whispered to me while she and Novo rested their brows against my head. I heard Gladesong mutter something. Something like 'mama'. Followed by her...trying to say Novo and Celestia's names? All that mattered was that she knew. She knew who her mothers were.

"Sweet baby girl... You have no idea how precious you are. Or just how special your family is. But you will one day. But just know right now...that you are loved. You have such a wonderful daddy. And you're going to have so many mamas who will love you silly." Novo cooed to my daughter. But as much as she tried, Gladesong just could not stay awake. She started to doze off with Novo placing one last kiss on her forehead. "Shhhhh... Sweet dreams, little princess. Your mamas will be right here with you come morning. And we'll bring you home to your daddy."

I was hesitant to put Gladesong down once she was asleep. Deathly afraid of waking her up. Until Celestia seamlessly moved her from my arms to her side with the levitation spell. My beloved sun queen then whispered to me, "Thank you for coming by, James. It was lovely seeing you one more time. But now... Go home. Somepony's been waiting days for you to come home."

Novo then added with her usual flair and sass being subdued to a whisper, "You had us to yourself for almost two full weeks, honey. Time to go home to the most important mare in your life. Go, James. Be with your wife. Be with the true mother of your little girl here."

"I will... Sweet dreams, you two. Love you... Love you so much." I replied quietly before giving one last kiss to each of them. I very quietly left the room while Novo and Celestia got comfortable with their tea and to have a little quiet girl talk before bed. I departed the Alabaster with barely a word spoken to the sentries up on deck and soon returned to the living room of my home to find Fluttershy waiting for me with fresh hot tea on the side. I promptly whispered to her, "Gladesong's having a wonderful time with Celestia and Novo."

"I hope she's not keeping them up. She sometimes had a hard time getting to sleep when you weren't here." Fluttershy giggled as we got comfortable in front of the fireplace again. And I felt guilty for not being there to let Gladesong know that her father loved her on those nights.

"Nah, not at all. Celestia and Novo are making sure she's very comfortable. I think she knows they're her mothers too..." I replied before having to sigh after that first sip of my tea. I then gently leaned against my wife. My eyes closed before I spoke. "I just...love you all so much..."

"And we love you, James... We always will." My wife cooed to me as we basked in each other's presence. A lone tear flowed from my eye. I was just so happy.

I did not notice right away that the kitchen had finally gone quiet by the time I returned. And the sound of soft feet and tapping hooves approach us. We were soon bordered by Ember and Rain Shine as they savored the heat of the fireplace with us. The kirin queen spoke first. "Autumn nights are so silent... Chilling yet soothing."

It was then that Fluttershy happened to notice that they had not returned to the Alabaster. She asked in concern, "Oh? Are you two being expected back on Novo's airship?"

Rain Shine shook her head and said, "I am much more at ease on the ground than being suspended in the air. We kirin were never meant for the sky. If it is no trouble... May I make myself at home here until morning?"

"Of course! We'd be happy to have you over for the night. What about you, Ember? Would you like to stay?" Fluttershy replied with a smile. She was very fond of Rain Shine by then. Maybe she was a kirin in another life.

Ember's eyes wandered while I too watched in concerned silence. I knew exactly where she wanted to be that night. And with a sigh, the Dragon Lord asked, "May I...join you two tonight?"

I looked at Fluttershy and said, "She means...to share a bed with us."

Fluttershy knew about the love that burned between myself and Ember. And she knew to not press her on the issue. But she still said, "Oh...? Why...yes. You can. We've shared a bed with Rarity during her overnight stays. I'm sure you could fit too. Come to think of it, we did share our bed with you once."

"Thank you. Really." Ember said rather modestly. And that was all she said. Once that was said, she directed her gaze towards the flames again. But I still tried to comfort her. This was just the first step of truly being accepted into our family. I discreetly placed my hand over Ember's. Without even looking at me, she turned her hand to allow mine to grasp hers while she did the same.

There was one more thing that needed to be asked. I turned to Rain Shine and said, "Um... Wait, is there anywhere you'd like to sleep tonight, Rain? You could use Scootaloo's bed if you'd like."

"Oh you'd need not trouble yourself with me. All I need...is this." My graceful lover said as the runes on her horn began to glow. And right behind us in the middle of the living room rose a thick layer of flowers. A little flower patch for our guest to sleep on. Rain Shine then stepped over and rested atop them before looking our way wiht a bit of a cheekier smile than usual. "Will this do?"

"You and your flower power, Rain." Ember chuckled at her friend's resourcefulness. Kirin really do not need much to get by.

Fluttershy marveled at the sight. All the flowers that would serve as Rain Shine's mattress were those with stems that could easily bend. And they were thickly packed together. "Ooh, I love it when you do that. I'm almost tempted to have you just leave these here tomorrow."

"No, it would be best if I remove them in the morning. When all this flora is summoned from wooden surfaces, it is very difficult to remove them in a manner where they do not grow back. But tonight will do." Rain Shine explained while she flexed her neck to stretch. She then rolled onto her side and said, "But for now... I bid you good night. Pleasant dreams, my friends..."

"Sweet dreams, Rain... See you in the morning." I replied before gulping down the rest of my tea. The three of us very quietly ascended the stairs leading to the master bedroom. And we immediately proceeded to the bathroom. Although Ember did stay outside to let me undress and get in the bathtub. While she and I were no stranger to pleasing each other, she must have been hesitant to let herself see my bare body freely in Fluttershy's presence. We were not there just yet.

Ember did eventually join us. The cool air of autumn did leak in a bit from the outside and resulted in the air becoming very thick with steam. Ember even seemed to like it as she would often just embrace me from behind while she and Fluttershy helped lather me up while I washed Fluttershy's mane. I think that cover of steam made Ember feel like she was being partially hidden. Allowing her to embrace and caress me.

Bathing was uneventful, but I so dearly needed a good hot shower after getting home and feeling autumn's chilling sting. And I felt so secure in bed with Ember on one side of me and Fluttershy on the other. Fluttershy's warm body pressed up to me with Ember's wing adding a layer of insulation under the covers was the cherry on top of my first night back home. I almost asked about whether or not we should bring the Bloodstone up with us to keep it near Ember, but then I remembered who was literally sleeping within sight of it. No one would make off with it while a kirin queen was within sight of it.

We were tucked away from the rest of the world up there. The hatch over the stairs had been lowered and locked. For the rest of the night, it was just me and them. My beautiful wife and the lovely Dragon Lord herself. Safe and sound, I soon fell asleep in their embraces.

My dreams that night where like most others. A flash in the pan that fades from one's memory moments after waking. But I awoke to a lovely feeling. My wife and my dear Ember holding me from each side. And there I waited. I dared not wake either of them. Just letting them savor their slumber.

Ember was the one who woke first. I felt her stir. And when I looked at her face, her beautiful scarlet eyes opened slowly. Ad when her gaze met mine, she smiled while I gave her my morning greetings. "Good morning."

"It...is a good morning." Ember muttered before reaching out to me with her lips. Only for her to suddenly come to her senses and pull away when she realized who was behind me. "I...uh...I mean..."

"Ember... It's OK." I whispered as I brought my head forward. She was always so much more cautious when in the company of Fluttershy. That fickle dragon heart... So steadfast in who it loves, but so uncertain before it is time to say yes or no. And together, our lips touched. Just for a moment. Ember's scarlet eyes became calmer when it ended, her wing pulling me into her for a morning embrace. I whispered to her, "My beautiful blue rose..."

"Even in autumn, this rose never loses her luster. And she will endure even through the frost of winter. My petals will always be yours to caress, my little poet." Ember cooed to me as her fingers dragged themselves through my hair. Over and over, caressing me as if she and I already belonged to each other. Until she suddenly realized what she said. "Wow. That was weird for me to say... I guess your artistic wiles are rubbing off on me."

"Are you saying the Dragon Lord here might have some skill in the arts waiting to be unlocked?" I asked almost in jest. I did not really mind if Ember's greatest skills were in the art of combat. She could never find an aptitude with a paintbrush, a flute, or before a microphone. I would always love her all the same.

Ember's hand released my scalp. She brought it between us, examining it. Lined with beautiful blue scales, I knew that was the hand of a warrior. It had crushed bone and surely had killed before. But it was still so elegant and feminine. It was meant for more than just causing harm. Those hands had held me so many times. Tenderly grasped and pleasured the most delicate parts of my body. And with a sigh, Ember whispered to no one in particular. "Mom always wanted an artist in the family... You write impressive narratives. He...played so beautifully on the piano. I... I hope I can find an art to master too. Someday."

I brought my hand to Ember's and gently wrapped my fingers around it. She still remembered him. Our beautiful boy. I could still remember those melodies he played on that piano. All from memory. Not at all a brute like his peers. A true prodigy in the musical arts. His grandmother would have been so proud. If only he truly existed... But to imagine my beloved Ember finding a true art to practice and eventually master... She would be the first of her kind. A Dragon Lord who was also an artist. And as I held her hand while her fingers wrapped around mine, I offered at least a small suggestion. "If all else fails, you could try song. You've always had a lovely voice."

The eyes of the Dragon Lord widened considerably. Only to narrow into a very sly stare while she smirked at me. I recoiled slightly, wondering what was coming. "You would know, wouldn't you? You've just sat there and listened to me talk so many times already."

Of course she would know. I have always listened to her. Even when no one else did. And...I enjoyed it. For Ember has always had a beautiful voice. A voice that sounds even better when it is happy. I almost laughed at her recollection before saying, "Will you sing for me one day?"

"I really should. I've talked to you so much. I need to sing for you to. And you'll always listen, won't you?" Ember giggled before we embraced. My fingers caressed her down her back and between her wings. Then low and over her tail while Ember whispered to me. "I'll master as many arts as I can. Just for you."

"And I'll be watching. And listening." I whispered into her ear. Oh how excited I was for our future. I wanted to see my beautiful blue rose grow and flourish. What a woman... Ember, you marvelous creature.

Before anything else could be said, Ember tensed up. Why? She was staring past me. When I looked back, I too froze. Fluttershy was watching us with a sleepy gaze. But she was aware enough to understand what was happening. Ember asked cautiously, "How long have you been watching?"

"I'll be honest. Your little whispers are surprisingly good at getting somepony's attention." Fluttershy weakly giggled. Ember, mortified over having someone witness us in a moment of intimacy, jumped out of bed and patted herself on the face to wake herself up completely. Fluttershy suddenly became concerned and asked, "Ember? Are you all right?"

"Yeah! Yeah, I'm good! I'm up! And I'm...uh...gonna go see what I can whip up in the kitchen... See you in a bit!" Ember did not look back once as she hurriedly unbolted the hatch on the floor and went down the stairs before even closing it behind her.

"Oh my god, Ember... What am I gonna do with her, Fluttershy?" I grumbled in a weird combination of amusement and disappointment. If only her heart was easier for her to understand.

"You could keep loving her." Fluttershy cooed before kissing me on the cheek. That was enough to soothe my mood, prompting me to turn and embrace her. We sat there for a moment to enjoy our first morning back together after too many days apart. My tender wife then whispered to me, "I don't think I'll ever understand how a dragon's heart works, but I do see why you've had such amazing things to say about her. You two are very good for each other."

"Thank you, dear... I don't think I've ever had such a hard time being patient, but I want this all to work out with Ember. I just...love her so much." I sighed while tightening my grip on my wife. Just for a little longer before she went downstairs to help with breakfast while I went into the bathroom for a quick morning shower. I knew we still had a lot of guests to tend to very soon.

When I descended the stairs into the living room, I could already smell Ember and Fluttershy frying up lots of eggs and hash browns. That was really getting my appetite going. With all that tropical fare I had been feasting on down south, I had forgotten how great country style home cooking is. But there was a big anomaly right in the middle of the living room. Rain Shine had just woken up for her slumber and was holding her head high to let out a yawn. All while resting on a thick flower patch growing right out of the floorboards. "Sleep well, dear?"

Rain Shine blinked her eyes a few times to clear her vision before she turn to me. The logs in the fireplace were now nothing but glowing cinders by then. She must have been very comfortable all through the night. The beautiful kirin queen said softly, "I slept like a foal at her mother's side. This corner of the world filled with nature's blessings... I found it reassuring. It is a gift only earth ponies have mastered. Only they know how to cultivate the land to keep the flora vibrant and in full bloom throughout the year."

"Yeah, I don't know how they do it. I guess their magic is a lot more subtle than that of unicorns and pegasi." I replied while Rain Shine stood up and willed her literal flowerbed into regressing into the floorboards to leave no trace of it having ever been there. I then approached the fireplace and inspected what was left of the wood. "Right, gotta get this all out of here before we load up another round. And it's never fun."

"Allow me, my love." Rain Shine said before I saw everything in the fireplace get scooped up in Rain Shine's bold green magic aura. I could only stare in amazement as she easily and cleanly removed all but the soot stains on the stone bottom of the fireplace. She made her way to the front door with that ball of soot and cinders as she said, "I will be back shortly. Just need to find a spot to bury this in."

"Man, you kirin know your wood and fire... Thanks!" I said before getting a few more logs ready for the fireplace. Once they had been arranged, I added a secret ingredient to insure the fire would really get going. Leftover used cooking oil I kept in a canister above the fireplace. That would get the flames going nice and easy. A trail of oil was applied along the top of each log to let it soak in. I was about to go ask Ember to ignite the pile with a quick flame breath, but knew she was busy with Fluttershy and could not leave the stove. But then I was reminded that that Ember was not the only dragon there when I saw the nursery door open. "Ah, just in time."

The participants in that little sleepover emerged while still looking pretty groggy. I suppose the smell of the cooking going on in the kitchen woke them up. But as soon as I waved over at Smolder, her sleepy eyes brightened as she realized what I needed. "Oh sure! Hey. Silverstream. Terramar. Check this out."

Our two hippogriff guests watched with their eyes perking up while Smolder ran over to me. And with one quick huff, Smolder blasted the logs with a gout of bright blue flames that caused them to quickly ignite and be overtaken with bright flickering orange flames. Terramar spoke first while he and his sister watched with wide eyes. "Wow! Dragons really do breathe fire!"

"Ooooh, do it again!" Silverstream squealed before Smolder got an even better idea. She ran off to the kitchen and came back with a bag of jumbo marshmallows. One by one, she toasted her friends one marshmallow with just one flash of flame from her maw. Silverstream chomped down on her early snack and said, "Awesome AND practical! Dragons are so cool!"

"Yep, we sure are! And James can vouch for that." Smolder snickered while she wiggled her eyebrows at me from across the room. I averted my eyes, but she was right. I do know some truly amazing dragons in the world of Equestria. Some of the best. And Smolder has always been one of them. But Smolder then came my way before roasting one more marshmallow pinched between her fingers. She handed it to me and said, "And one more for the best guy here."

"Heh... Thanks." I replied while taking a moment to savor it. While the outside was crispy and the layer just below was gooey, that quick flash of fire was not enough to liquefy the innermost area of the marshmallow. You just cannot rush great cooking. But for a very brief second when no one was looking at us, Smolder reached out and placed a quick kiss on my cheek. I glanced at her, seeing her looking at her new friends over yonder with her arms crossed. Almost as if she was acting like I was entirely out of her attention. Only for her to glance at me out of the corner of her eye and smirk at me.

I said nothing. I needed to say nothing. But I still smiled meaningfully at her. It was still too soon for us to really pursue each other as potential mates for the long haul, but moments like that still happened. And it was always a healthy reminder of the embers in our hearts always been keep lit. They would only flare up into a healthy blaze when the time was right. Until then, we would continue to maintain our current holding pattern. Smolder deserved the best. Even if what she needed required us to keep a certain distance between us for a while.

Silverstream and Terramar departed for the time being. Probably because they felt it would not be right to be away from the rest of their family for breakfast. And I and sure whatever they were serving up in the Alabaster's galley would better suit a hippogriff's nutritional needs anyway. They even invited Gallus, who could not say no to a chance to try some Capricorn Island cuisine. Although Rain Shine soon returned and joined us at the breakfast table for cooking she was likely not used to. Ember was pretty proud of herself for how well she did for her first time cooking at a stove since the end of the War of Preservation. I was told she handled the pancakes and she did very well. She got the outside just a little crispy without burning it. Those are some of the best kinds of pancakes.

Although something did feel off after a little while. Like something was missing. And we found out what when breakfast was over. When Ember and I entered the living room again, we saw it. The Bloodstone Scepter...but without the scepter. Just sitting by itself on the sofa in the back. And Ember immediately went rushing over to it. "Aw man, I forgot to say good morning! Mom, Dad, are you there?"

Ember held the Bloodstone between her hands as it began to glow. She cracked a crooked smile before looking back at me. "Yeah, now I see why this thing needs a scepter in the first place. Harder to keep track of when you gotta lug it around like this."

"Then perhaps I can provide a temporary solution? Give it here for a moment." Rain Shine spoke up as she emerged from the kitchen. Ember did not even have to hand the Bloodstone over. The kirin queen willed a growing spire of solid wood from the floorboards that soon began to wrap around the Bloodstone. That spire soon detached from the floor while now uneven bumps were left behind. "How's that? Will this do for now?"

"Wow, that actually looks kind of familiar... Isn't that like one of the staffs the druid class uses in Ogres & Oubliettes?" I asked while marveling at the new shaft Rain Shine had provided. The Bloodstone was now sitting atop an oaken staff with a single band of wooden almost ornately wrapping around it to hold the stone in place. While I barely have any grasp of Ogres & Oubliettes, I have seen some of the instruction books and it really did look like something a druid would use. There is no other way I could describe it.

Ember stared at the replacement staff the Bloodstone was now affixed to. She took the staff in both hands and tested how it felt. She then smirked at Rain Shine and said, "Rain. You're a genius. This will do nicely. What about you two? Can you see just fine from there?"

The Bloodstone glowed atop its scepter for a moment before Ember looked at Rain Shine with a smile. "They approve! For now at least."

It was around then that there was a knock at the door. And when I answered, I was greeted by a pleasant surprise. Two beautiful royal mares with Gladesong held between them. One of them asked, "Morning, honey. We're just bringing this little princess home to her castle."

I was more than happy to welcome my royal beloveds back into my home. And Gladesong was happy to be home and back in my arms. Fluttershy quickly emerged from the kitchen to greet them and said, "Good morning! Gladesong didn't give you any trouble over there, did she?"

"Not at all! She was just darling last night. And she was the talk of the ship during breakfast. Everyone wanted to say hello to the little thing." Celestia giggled before she kissed my daughter on the head while she rested in my arms. The Princess of the Dawn then added, "She worked up quite the appetite too. She enjoyed plenty of fruit, so you don't have to worry about feeding her until later."

"Oh my, they gave you the royal treatment, didn't they?" Fluttershy snickered while I gently passed our daughter back to her mother. Gladesong was happy, but she seemed sleepy too. A full stomach will do that to a baby. She had only been up for a couple of hours and was ready for a nap already. Fluttershy nuzzled our baby girl before looking up at Celestia. "Um... Princess Celestia? Would you like to put her down for a nap?"

It really was going to take a while for Fluttershy to learn to drop the old honorifics when it came to Celestia. But we were all patient. Celestia took my daughter back into her magical grasp and carried her into the dimly lit nursery. Where we found all the leftover blankets, pillows, and just about everything else left behind by our younger guests. Celestia looked at me and asked, "Did soeone have a slumber party in here last night?"

"Yep. Our younger guests bunked together in here. They just became friends, you know." I replied before guiding Celestia over to Gladesong's crib. I turned on a small lamp in the corner to shed a healthy bit of light on the room, but not too much. I then asked, "Care to do the honors?"

Celestia was all too happy to try and lull Gladesong to sleep. She lowered the drowsy filly to the crib, making sure she was comfortable. And then... She began to whisper a familiar song. "You are my sunshine. My only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You'll never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away..."

And just like that, Gladesong was out like a light. That song though... Even though it was sung in a happy and soothing manner, it still brought a tear to my eye. For that song had also been reserved for me. A lullaby that also served as a love song. I gently draped an arm over the back of Celestia's neck and pulled her close as we both gazed down at the sleeping filly before us. As if she was truly ours. I whispered to my beloved, "She's yours."

"I know... And I love her." Celestia said with a wistful yet happy sigh. But her gaze then wandered before noticing something that had been stacked against the wall. "Oh my, did I really leave those here last night?"

Celestia's gilded regalia. She had removed them, never put them back on, and left them in the nursery the whole time. I was surprised that someone like Silverstream did not mess with them. Knowing she could not return home without them, Celestia equipped her royal attire while I watched. But only for her to notice something else now that there was some proper light illuminating the room. "Hm? Wait, I didn't notice this earlier."

She was drawn to one corner of the room. The far wall. And I smiled in anticipation when I saw that Celestia had discovered the artificial beehive we had installed. Celestia's eyes brightened when she saw the colony of tiny striped insects on the other side of the glass panel, "You have a beehive in here?"

"Fluttershy thought it was a good idea. She made friends with the queen and offered them a permanent home in exchange for some honey now and then." I replied before coming over to get a good look at them. The bees were many, but they were also very still. Some would move around a bit now and then, but they were very lacing in energy. Not that I blamed them. "Autumn was getting close and they would've had a much harder time had they not moved in here. Looks like they're settling in for hibernation right now."

"I love bees. Such hardworking little ladies. All to make honey for the world." Celestia replied as she admired the warm fuzzy orange insects. She then glanced at me out of the corner of her eye and said, "Did you know bees can remember faces? They'll remember you as a friend. Or as an enemy if you give them a reason to hate you."

"No wonder Fluttershy gets along with them so well. They grew to recognize her as a friend." I retorted before trying to pinpoint the exact location of the queen. All to no avail. I have no idea how anyone tells the queen apart from her very many workers. Although I then turned to Celestia and asked, "Almost time for you to head home, right?"

The Princess of the Dawn sighed before she looked at me with a troubled smile. "Yes... Very soon. But I'll leave last. So nopony over in Ponyville might think there's anyone left over here."

I rested my hand on my beloved's shoulder and said, "Thank you for coming. I think...everything went very well. Fluttershy. Gladesong. Even Scootaloo. They needed to see you yesterday."

"Yes, I know. And I was very happy to be here. It feels like...we're finally becoming something more. My encounters with Scootaloo were very few and far between and were mostly based of sheer circumstance. Just be sure she doesn't try to tap into that trust fund I set up for your family, all right? That's exclusively for important purchases!" Celestia replied before breaking into a chuckle. Oh my goodness, kids these days. Always so willing to ask their rich aunts and uncles for favors. Thank heavens Celestia is too wise and weathered to be swayed so easily.

We finally departed and stepped outside. The Alabaster would have to be leaving soon. It was already behind schedule for its return to Capricorn Island and would need to leave as soon as possible. I found My feathered family from that island waiting outside, not wanting to leave without saying their farewells. Gallus was being chatted up by Silverstream and Terramar, the former being a bit confused over something. "You have to leave already? Even before we do?"

"Yeah, I really should get back and explain where I was last night. Not that she'd be worried about me, but Applejack's my landlord. She needs to keep tabs on me if I'm away for too long. But it was cool meeting you guys. It's good to have more bird friends like me, you know." Gallus explained while managing to prevent Silverstream from hugging him in parting. Silverstream is such a cuddlebug that she really does prefer an embrace to a handshake.

Terramar was more reserved in his approach to Gallus and shared a simple handshake with him. "That's fine. We won't keep you then. Say hi to Miss Applejack for us!"

Gallus then looked up at me and cracked a slightly wider smile. "Sorry we didn't get much time to talk last night. I got completely caught up with my pals and the rest of my new posse. You brought some cool kids back with you. Let's get caught up tomorrow with the gang at Sugarcube Corner, yeah? We'll bring the goods."

"Sounds like a plan, bluebird. Have a safe flight." I replied before bumping my fist to his. Gallus then said his farewells to Ocellus and Smolder before spreading his impressive blue wings and taking to the air before heading south. I hope Applejack did not press him too hard on why he did not come home the previous night.

All that was left was to say our farewells to the passengers of the Alabaster. While everyone else was saying their goodbyes to Novo and Skystar, I stepped over to my extended family. Sky Beak and Ocean Flow stood ready with opposite wings spread and ready to give me a big winged embrace. Which I all too happily accepted as I stepped forward and put my arms around them. "It was so good having all of you over..."

"It really was. I'm still not sure if I'm ready for the kids to start calling me 'Grandma' just yet, but your girls are just delightful. We have to plan a time for them to come see us sometime!" Ocean Flow giggled as she nuzzled the side of my head. The sweet motherly hippogriff then said, "We love you, OK? Don't be a stranger when you come by next time! We'd love to have you over for dinner!"

Sky Beak was more quiet as he spoke to me. "It was so good getting to be with you again, my boy. Just remember that you have family on Capricorn Island. We'll be there. And you know where to find us."

"Thanks, papa bird... I'll try not to stay away for too long. Have a safe trip back." I said while actively nuzzling my head up against theirs. I was reluctant to let go before I turned to their children. Silverstream actually took a step back to let her brother go first. I would not know why until afterward. I got down on one knee to offer Terramar a handshake, but he insisted on a hug. So I held that fluffy feathery boy in my arms. When he did not speak first, I spoke instead. "I enjoyed our time together."

Terramar spoke very softly to me. "Me too... We really missed you. And I don't know if I said it yet, but I'm glad everything turned out OK out there on the Empty Plains. Do you still have the pillows we made for you?"

"Oh yeah, I do! I've got them up in the bedroom. Really soft fluffy feathers in there. Thanks again!" I said in realization with a big smile on my face. I almost forgot about those. I never got rid of them and made sure they would be kept in a place they would always find some use.

I finally turned to Silverstream. And she waited until just the right time to pull her stunt. When I turned to her, she leapt into my arms to completely cling to me with all six limbs wrapping around me. It was a bit silly, even for her. While I was wondering what to even say to my silly fluffy friend, she spoke with a less than happy tone in her voice. "I'm just no good with goodbyes... I don't wanna see you go."

"Yeah, I know... You chased me down on the Olympia just to make sure I wouldn't leave without seeing you one more time." I retorted as I recalled how my departure from Capricorn Island went for the first time. She really did fly after us and illegally boarded the ship just to make sure I got a proper goodbye from her.

Silverstream said nothing, so I just held her. Cradling my silly friend against me in the autumn cold. But she felt so fluffy and warm that she countered the cold with her own body. At least until she whispered into my ear. "You're my best friend... I'll miss you."

A long sigh came from my lungs. Silverstream was a fine young lady and a good friend. She really made my first visit to Capricorn Island something special. I was hesitant to let go. But I had to. I whispered back to her, "I'll miss you too, pretty bird. Next time I come by, I swear I won't leave without giving you a hug. And some scritches. Can't forget those."

"Yes! More scritches! Um..." Silverstream replied before she glanced over at Novo and Skystar. They were both chatting up Fluttershy and the rest of their royal entourage. She then asked, "Um... Since we have time..."

"Oh man, I really did do you guys dirty during our vacation, didn't I? No scritches at all? That won't do. All of you get over here now." I retorted as I suddenly realized that I had screwed up during our vacation. All that time there and I barely gave them any scritches. And that is if I gave any at all. My four feathery family members gathered around and crooned their necks as I went from one to the other to let my fingers go to work. Birds do love scritches and I was not going to let them go home without some. And as soon as I was done, I got snuggled by all four at once. Where I then let out a sigh of comfort. "I love you guys..."

"We love you too, my boy. Let's get together again soon, all right?" Sky Beak said while I quickly gave them all one last hug. Now that they had all come to see me at my home together, it would only be fair to come see them at theirs next time. But how would I arrange a visit to Capricorn Island for my own benefit? Even commercial flights must not come keep. I will have to evaluate my options later...

Skystar gave me a friendly hug goodbye before I was approached by Novo. And we were given a wide berth. Probably due to her queenly aura. My beautiful bird of paradise brought her brow to mine with her eyes closed while I did the same. And her wing wrapped around me in an embrace. We had nothing to hide from those who were there. I heard her coo to me, "Just a reminder, honey. You'll be the first to know when I find out."

I could not reach where I wanted to hold her from that position. And I should not. Certainly not with prying eyes. Those present knew we were dearly in love. But no one outside of Celestia and Rain Shine knew of what was likely happening within Novo's womb. I pleaded in my heart that our efforts would bear fruit. I whispered back to my beloved queen, "I'm eagerly awaiting the results... I love you. And I love...them. Whatever they might be."

"Easy there, daddy. I won't rest until I bless my king with the heirs he deserves." Novo cooed to me again before bringing her beak to my lips for a kiss. Her wing shielded us from prying eyes as my heart swelled with hope. She then whispered to me so only my ears would hear her, "I love you. And I always will, my sweet swan king. You be good to your mares, all right? And especially to your baby girls."

"I'll give it my best, dear. They'll be waiting to see their Mama Novo again, so let's not make them wait too long." I whispered back to her. I tried to keep my hopes up. It was never pleasant to say goodbye to a woman as wonderful as Novo, but she had a kingdom to run. And she runs it well.

With our goodbyes said, there was one last thing to consider. Novo then turned to Rain Shine and Ember before asking, "Before we head out, just one more question. How're you girls planning on getting home? I think we can ration enough fuel to drop you two fine ladies off at your places out to the east."

That was a good question. The Alabaster would have to fly west to get home, but the dragon lands and the Grove of Silence were pretty far to the east. They would be going well out of their way to get those two home. Ember and Rain Shine quietly whispered amongst each other. But only for a quick moment. Ember then said to her royal friend, "Actually... We'll walk."

As someone who has actually ventured out into the Empty Plains myself on just my own two feet and the wings of my enchanted armor, I distinctly remembered how long it took me to even reach the places where I first encountered Ember and Rain Shine for the first time. I asked in concern, "Are you sure that's a good idea? It'll probably take you close to a week if you go on foot. And the cold..."

"I concur. I think Ember and I would enjoy the trek back together. It will give us plenty of time to talk and see more of Equestria that we have yet to see. I am more than willing to embark on a pilgrimage to return home." Rain Shine replied with no doubt in her eyes. I have to wonder if the kirin are truly tireless as long as they remain on solid ground. Does the latent energies in the earth empower them?

Novo did not even try to argue. She replied with a confident smile on her beak, "If you insist, ladies. Just make sure you stay warm out there. Winter's not too far off, you know."

"I'm pretty sure we'll be fine. But all of you have a safe flight home. Let's meet up again soon! We had a great time down on the beach with all of you!" Ember said while giving her friend a handshake in farewell. Rain Shine then stepped up to Novo before the two of them shared an equine hug with necks crossed over each other. It did my heart good to see my royal beloveds on such good terms with each other. They were more than just diplomatic allies. They were genuine friends by then.

It was time for our feathery friends to depart. And we all watched as they boarded the Alabaster one last time. The gangplank was pulled up afterwards while the majestic airship began to rise higher. The propellers behind the stern began to spin until they let off a profound buzz. And a moment later, the Alabaster began to soar overhead and to the west. It would a long flight back to Capricorn Island. They would probably be arriving early in the morning the next day. While I felt a sting in my heart knowing Novo was leaving, at least seeing her leave in such style made our parting more bearable.

Rain Shine spoke first now that there were much fewer of us outside. "We should be off too. It is not often I leave the Grove of Silence unsupervised for this long."

"Same here. I can't imagine how many messes I'll have to clean up when I get back..." Ember grumbled before she looked up at Celestia. She then cast the Princess of the Dawn a proper smile and said, "But anyway... Thanks for the invite! I had a great time down there! If you ever wanna show me someplace new, I'm always ready to travel."

"I will keep that in mind. And it shouldn't be too much longer before such an opportunity comes up. We'll be in touch." Celestia replied before she then turned to Rain Shine. The two longtime friends bowed their heads with their horns crossing. "Give my regards to the ladies, Rain Shine. Let's get together again soon."

"I shall, my friend." Rain Shine said softly to Celestia. But she then looked at me. And I felt her aura beckoning me. She just stood there in waiting, her crimson eyes displaying a quiet joy. Ocellus even gave me a nudge with her hoof, no doubt sensing just how much love my beloved was giving off. And so I stepped forward and gave my beautiful kirin queen a kiss upon the lips. She then whispered to me, "Take care, my love."

"You too... Love you." I whispered back to her. There was no need to hide our love from those who were present. But when I turned to Ember, we noticed that the Bloodstone was glowing. And after responding with a muttering whisper, Ember held it out to me to hold. "For me? Uh... Hello?"

My words were answered by a familiar and gruff voice in my head. "Take care of yourself, boy. And be good to our granddaughters. Keep them warm and safe during winter. It is the first for your youngest after all."

Torch's tone was kind and I could only nod with a small smile on my face. I then heard the lovely voice of Blaze speak next. "We love you, dear. Take care of yourself. Stay warm. And don't keep us waiting too long for another visit."

"I will... Love you too. And please... Keep watch over Ember while I'm away." I replied before handing the Bloodstone Scepter back to Ember. But then it was time for her and I to say farewell. And I was worried she would have immense difficulty prying herself away from me like the first time we had to part ways. And while her grip around me was tight, she painstakingly loosened her grip until only our hands were touching. We gazed at each other, eyes full of longing. I loved her too much... I did not want to see her leave. "I'll miss you."

Ember's response was unexpected. She replied with a smile. One that became a little more devious after a moment. "I know where to find you. When I need you, I'll come to you. You won't escape me."

"And why would I want to?" I retorted while we both cracked a smirk. And after saying their goodbyes to the rest of my family and our current temporary housemates, Rain Shine and Ember were off. While Ember soared a short distance over the ground, Rain Shine took off at a full gallop. They had a long ways to go to get home and they were not wasting any time.

The only one left was Celestia. And she carefully scanned the eastern horizon. "Hmmm... I don't think anypony will see me if I go straight up before flying back towards Canterlot. I should be fine from here."

"I'm glad you could come yesterday... It was a pleasure having you over here." I said before Celestia held me in a winged embrace. I then whispered to her, "I love you... Give your family my regards."

"I will, my love. And I'll be seeing you again soon." Celestia whispered back to me before I was released from her wing. She then turned to the rest of the ladies beside us and said her goodbyes to the youngest of the four. But when she turned to Fluttershy, my wife could not help bowing to her princess. Celestia smiled crooked before lifting Fluttershy's bowed head with the underside of her hoof. "Ah, no no no. No bowing, dear. You and I are on equal footing in these situations."

"Oops! Sorry... I'm still getting used to this... But it was so very nice having you over last night, your high... I mean Celestia. If you ever want to visit again, our doors are always open." Fluttershy replied nervously while struggling to hold back her urge to be as respectful as possible to the true sovereign of Equestria.

Celestia's eyes gleamed with inspiration when she heard that. She then said, "Likewise, Fluttershy. In fact, I think I'm going to send you a little something in the mail in a few days so you and the girls can come on up to my place whenever you want. James shouldn't be the only one with free access to Canterlot."

I raised an eyebrow in intrigue. Was Celestia going to send Fluttershy her own lifetime pass for the Canterlot line of the railway system? If Rarity finds out about that, she will surely demand one for herself. And she most likely will get one. We are all family at this point after all. I even reached into my pocket to check the pass that was tucked in my wallet. It had no expiration date.

Fluttershy giggled excitedly while even Scootaloo looked pleased by the offer. "Really?! Oh my, I can already imagine the walks through the courtyard, letting the little ones play... Please do! We'll always find a way to set aside time for a visit!"

"That we will! But until next time... All of you be safe. And while it is a bit early to say it... Happy holidays!" Celestia replied while sharing a quick nuzzle with Fluttershy. With her great white wings spread, Celestia took to the sky. She rose swiftly upwards until barely more than a dot in the sky. Too high for most to notice, she then soared east and back towards Canterlot. At last, my vacation finally came to an end.

I still had the day to myself afterwards. My employers had allowed me one day of rest after my return before returning to work. And I have spend that time and the next week or so typing out all these entries. Thank goodness I kept a stack of notes with me to jog my memory. That vacation was not something I should be allowed to let slip from my long-term memory.

What a wonderful time... But it is still good to be home. And night falls yet again. And it is coming earlier than usual thanks to autumn. I wonder why Celestia and Luna even do that when they are directly responsible for the movements of this world's two celestial bodies... No matter. Autumn would not feel like autumn if they did not.

I hope nothing too interesting happens for a few days. I would like to rest my fingers. And for now, it is time for dinner. And the aroma in the air... Smells like stew. I will be eating good tonight.