If the Royal Palace was Equestria's soul, then Northern Canterlot was its beating heart. Widely known as the "Industry District", Northern Canterlot hosted the largest collection of food storage and preservation warehouses, blacksmith forges, bakeries, and other goods and services shops in the greater Equestrian area. Here, too, could be found the most well-to-do ponies of all races -- masters of their domains, titans of industry. Their elegant and expensive homes clung to the very edges of the suspended city, providing unparalleled views of the valley and mountains below.

Clutching his formal clothing tightly against his body, Tercio traveled down the maze-like expanses of small footpaths and carved stone roads that were, supposedly, going to lead to one home in particular. It was decidedly chilly out, even with his multi-layered tunic and his toga that hung down to his knees. Indeed, the nights had grown colder as of late -- it wouldn't be long before the month of Harvest was upon the land. He pictured his father toiling in the fields, despite his mother's objections, with a small band of Summervale's youths at his side, busily threshing and picking and sorting their various crops.

The trip thus far had been uneventful, though the grandeur and opulence of the homes -- really, private mansions -- that he'd passed had only increased. Each one was larger than the last, looking for all the world like a bizarre game of one-upsmanship. Here, he thought, were those who could afford such things without batting an eye. He was equally jealous and fascinated.

Two streets down, past a small hedgerow of thorned bushes, he finally reached his destination. The dwelling was a three-tiered monstrosity of shaped marble columns and shimmering, tiled frescoes that wrapped around the rectangular building in intricate patterns of deep, black opal. The front entrance had been decorated with long lengths of purple and gold silk decorated with various celestial signs, including, Tercio noticed, the bull that adorned his armor's cloak, which he thankfully hadn't had to wear tonight. The whole property, from front to back, was lit by burning braziers full of crackling cherry wood, giving off a slightly sweet smell that tinted the earthy, sharp tang of wafting smoke. It was, he decided, the most impressive private residence he had ever seen. For a time he wondered if he was at the right location, but the unmistakable sound of uproarious laughter from inside reassured him. Perhaps Sapphire Quill wasn't as off-putting as she initially seemed, and he was merely over-reacting. There was only one way to find out.

Princess Celestia sat in her chambers, a thick book floating before her. It was a mostly forgettable novel, a tale of romance and intrigue the likes of which she'd read a thousand times before, and would likely forget soon after she was done. It did, at least, serve to take her mind off things. Namely, the impending celebration in the Praetorians' honor half way across the city, put on by Sapphire Quill and many of her closest friends, or at least those who claimed to be so.

It had been very sudden -- a short conversation between the playwright and Equestria's resident human, followed by a smiling, triumphant Sapphire returning to the observation balcony to announce that she would be hosting a grand event. And, she'd said, Tercio would be the guest of honor.

Try as she might, Celestia couldn't figure out what, if anything, Tercio saw in the young mare. She was quite attractive and well-spoken, certainly, but her pushy demeanor was the antithesis of Tercio's own.

Then again, Celestia thought glumly, one could be blinded by gifts or honors or simple lust without realizing it. She'd seen it happen many times, and Tercio was a young man in a very stressful situation; maybe he saw something in Sapphire after all, even if it was just temporary comfort. He'd certainly seemed interested, constantly looking up at the balcony during his sparring matches with the others. A small thought crossed her mind, and she wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it, yet it insisted on lingering.

What if he wasn't looking at Sapphire?

No, such an idea was idle musing at best. She refocused her thoughts, shifting her attention to the Praetorians as a whole. They had been overjoyed at the news that they would be getting a celebration in their honor. Even Imperator Stonewall had seemed eager, at least as much as gruff demeanor allowed. Despite her own feelings toward the matter, she was not about to let her hereto unfounded doubts deny the most loyal of Equestria's soldiers their relaxation and time away from the barracks, away from the sparring and the reminders of battle. They would drink and eat until they were sated, and come back renewed.

Morale is of the utmost importance, she could hear her father say.

So she would allow Tercio to be played by the whims of Sapphire's cunning, such as it was, if it pleased all parties involved.

But she did not have to like it.

"Tercio, you sly dog! How in the name of the nine hells did you arrange this?!"

Praetorian Stormfront clapped a hoof on Tercio's back and laughed, leading him through the entryway into an expansive central room. Torches and candles lit the dark hallways, and numerous mares in serving sashes carried trays of food on their backs between the ends of the mansion-like home. Several ponies, mostly civilians, sat on large cushions and chatted with cups of wine and sweet amasec beside them.

"It's a rather strange story. Take my word for it," Tercio answered.

"Come on, you can't just leave it at that!"

"Perhaps another time. For now, I believe we have a celebration to enjoy."

"That we do! Come, come, this way. The others are awaiting your arrival."

Stormfront was one of the younger Praetorians, a recent peagsus inductee who had arrived just before the attack on Canterlot. He'd proven himself in combat on the palace grounds, and he seemed like a genuine sort of stallion, but he apparently felt he knew Tercio better than Tercio knew him.

Off to the left of the central sitting room, down a hallway dotted with numerous bedroom doors, a large, heated bath house greeted him with a plume of mist, and the air grew damp and warm. He could just make out the silhouettes of numerous stallions as they conversed and laughed. Stormfront trotted off, leaving him to himself.

"Praetoria Victor!" he shouted, raising a clenched fist above his head.

"Praetoria Victor!" came the answer, followed by cheers and good-natured laughter.

"Well look who's finally here!" someone said.

"It's the guy with the long legs and the short prick!"

"About time you showed up, Your Highness," someone else jabbed.

Tercio stepped closer to the steaming water. "Good to see you're all enjoying yourselves. Started without me, did you?"

Rimeberry raised his cup and tilted it in Tercio's direction, spilling a few drops of deep red wine.

"The party waits for no one, my friend."

"Besides," someone else said, "it's first come, first serve with these fine mares. Or maybe it's first served, first come! I know which one I prefer, eh ladies? Ha!"

Tercio waved his hand through the fog, now able to see that several of his brothers had a mare -- or two -- at their side. Empty pitchers of wine floated on the surface or rolled around on the polished granite where several more Praetorians were gathered around and conversing. Occasionally one of them would gesture wildly, and the others would practically roll on the ground in amusement. He smiled -- it was good to see everyone getting the chance to enjoy themselves again.

An out-of-step clacking caught his attention, and he turned to see Stonewall approaching with a roll of scrolls stuffed into a saddlebag. At his side was an older mare, perhaps a few years younger than himself, with a graying coat of light purple.

"Krosus," he nodded.

"Imperator, sir," Tercio replied.

"Good to see you. How fares your night?"

"Ask me in several hours," he chuckled.

"Noted." Stonewall gestured to the mare. "Tercio Krosus, this is my wife, Radiance. Honey, this is Tercio Krosus. One of a kind, probably for the best."

"A pleasure to meet you, madam." Tercio bowed and stuck out his hand, shaking her hoof gently. "I have heard much about you."

Her eyes lit up, an inner youth behind her slightly wrinkled face.

"All good, I should hope," she laughed. "It's nice to meet you too, dearie."

Tercio pointed to the saddlebag across Stonewall's back. "This is supposed to be a relaxing time, Imperator. You look as if you're ready to inventory the entirety of Equestria's military."

"Someone has to be the mouthpiece of Equestria, may as well be me. There's negotiations to be had, Krosus, and the atmosphere is conducive to some very good deals." He paused, then added, "and don't worry, I'm not going to be a stick in the mud all night. We'll partake once the business side of things has been wrapped up."

Radiance giggled at the sights around her. "Reminds me of our younger days, Stoney."

Stonewall caught Tercio suppressing a laugh, eyeing the thin smile that was trying its hardest to break out into a full-on grin.

"Right, well, we should get going, my dear. Let's leave the young bucks to their entertainment. Do try to behave yourself, Krosus."

"Sir."

With Stonewall gone, Tercio was once again free to converse with his fellow Praetorians. After the long, cold walk the heated bath seemed very inviting. Finding an unoccupied stone bench, he stripped down to his bare skin and set his clothing off to one side, then stepped to the edge of the large bath and eased himself in. It was almost uncomfortably hot at first, but he soon adjusted to the heat and submerged himself up to his neck with a sigh of relief.

"Feel better?" Tercio recognized the voice immediately -- Polaris.

"Like you wouldn't believe." He stretched his arms out, resting them on the carved stone edges of the bath pool. "How are things in Barracks Three? I've hardly seen hide nor hair of you in weeks."

Polaris shrugged. "Business as usual, really. We had a visitor from the Royal Guard a few days past, some stallion looking for assistance with a convoy of goods moving to the front lines. Normally we let the other branches take care of such things, but the Princess herself approved it. As far as I know it went without a hitch. That was our 'excitement' for the week, as it was."

A pitcher of wine and a golden cup floated over, and Tercio eagerly grabbed them both and poured himself a drink. The wine, like the rest of the house, was exquisite, and likely very expensive.

"Let's join the others, shall we? I'm sure there's a few mares we could get you acquainted with."

Two floors above, in a lavishly decorated bedroom, Sapphire Quill watched the military stallions and their companions from a window that was encircled by tiny, white flowers. None of them seemed to have noticed her, which suited her just fine; the celebration was for all of them, and though she did admire them she preferred to leave the entertaining and serving to her hired mares. She was expecting just one guest in particular.

He'd already arrived, of course, and had spent the last half hour rejoicing and drinking with his Praetorian comrades. She did not want to pry him away from them, not just yet. A good host knew when to let her guests enjoy the company of others, and when to converse with them in private. She could still enjoy the sight, though. He was so...different. Mysterious. Something about the definition of his body and the smoothness of his skin intrigued her greatly. What was he like, away from the formality of the palace? She intended to find out. She needed only wait.

How long had it been? Hours? It was hard to tell. Not that it mattered. Tercio was all too happy to partake in good drink, good food, and the company of good mares. Some of his brothers had disappeared into various rooms with their fairer sex in tow, and while he'd been tempted to do so himself a few times, he'd thus far been content to delight the gathered mares with tales of his bravery -- sometimes embellished more than just a bit. They were, he thought, a very friendly bunch. None of them had made a move at him beyond some teasing, though the more he drank the more he wished they would be a little more...accommodating with him. Or each other.

He smiled as one of them -- a pretty young earth pony named, of all things, Peachy Pumpkin -- filled his cup once more. It wobbled in his hand before he took a long drink.

"That can't be your real name," he insisted with a laugh.

"Oh, but it is! What, you've never heard an Eastern Equestrian farmer's name before, Sir Tercio? I should be hurt to hear as much." She pouted dramatically, drawing giggles from the others.

"No harm intended, madam. I...I, too, am a farmer. Was a farmer. Still am. Sort of." He looked at his cup, watching it swirl before his eyes. It amused him more than it should have. "It would seem the bounty of Autumn Harvest is with me tonight."

"The Gods bless us with many things," Peachy agreed, "though I would posit that wine is the best of them all."

"You will find no argument here! Come, ladies, let us raise our merriment to Autumn Harvest. We will rejoice in Her gift to Equestria."

Four cups clattered together, and they drank their fill. Two of the mares -- Tercio could not, for the life of him, remember their names -- dropped their empty cups and up-ended the nearly empty carafe, which was down to barely more than a few drops. It dripped its last between them, and they giggled as their inhibitions faltered and they met in a passionate, more than slightly drunken kiss.

"Perhaps being a Praetorian isn't so bad after all," Tercio said to himself, content to sit back and watch with interest as their increasingly comfortable acts threatened to create a show he would not soon forget. Peachy Pumpkin's eyes were wide as she sat next to him, obviously uncomfortable with the situation.

"I was not expecting that..."

"Neither was I. You won't see me complaining, however."

She nodded. "Your interests are quite different from mine in this regard, Sir Tercio."

One of the mares had just pushed herself up on the edge of the bath, letting her legs dangle in the water, when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"Yes?" he asked, turning his head.

"Excuse me, sir, but are you the Praetorian known as Tercio?" It was a young mare with a pinkish-red coat. A unicorn, he noticed. She wore a loose-fitting, deep-blue toga with golden highlights that wrapped around her shoulder.

"I am..." he answered, his interests split between the mare speaking to him and the two who were now engaged in an act he could hardly draw his eyes from.

"Excuse the interruption, but Madam Sapphire Quill wishes the pleasure of your company. I will be happy to escort you up to her chambers. You may call me Ruby Rose."

Between the wine clouding his mind and the sight before his eyes it took a moment for the name to register.

"Sapphire. Right. I'd nearly forgotten." Quietly, he added, "damn her timing."

"Sir?"

"Yes, yes, I'll follow you. Give me a moment to gather my clothing and--"

"No need, I can do that for you."

Pink magic enshrouded her horn and floated over his stacked formal wear, which hovered beside her as she bowed courteously.

"Oh. Alright, then. I can't help but feel I'm not properly dressed to meet her, however."

Ruby Rose simply smiled. "There is no need to be embarrassed, Sir Tercio. Going without clothing is perfectly normal in the privacy and comfort of one's home. And you should very much consider this estate yours for the night."

Intimate with Equestrian society though he was, Tercio had always felt awkward at the concept of walking around with his nether regions open to the breeze. Looking around, he found a length of white cloth used for drying oneself after a bath, and quickly wrapped it around his waist, where it ended just above his knees.

"Ladies, I am afraid I've been called on," he told the mares still in the water. They bemoaned his departure, cloyingly calling to him to come back. "Believe me, I would very much like to. Perhaps I shall be free in some time." He bowed slightly to Ruby. "Lead the way."

Sapphire Quill's room was, without a doubt, larger than the entirety of the home he'd grown up in. Even before stepping through the entrance arch he was bombarded with sights and smells: fresh flowers of every color, small pots of burning incense, gems and jewelry that sparkled in the light of countless flickering candles. Everything, from the ceiling to the tables, was made of grey-black marble strewn with golden flakes that caught the light and twinkled like a cloudless night.

"Hello again, Tercio," Sapphire greeted him. She sat on a large, cushioned chair that resembled a basket turned slightly on its side, her cream-colored body partially hidden behind twin layers of sheer, dark blue fabric that wrapped around her shoulders and torso twice before hanging off to one side. Thin, delicate chains of gold dangled from a pair of rings just above the base of her ears, and a choker of gold and silver studded with tiny sapphires decorated her neck.

Tercio bowed in respect, impressed by his surroundings and the mare seated before him.

"Lady Sapphire. You look quite stunning, if I may be so bold."

"You may," she answered with a wry grin. "Come, join me, I insist." She patted the cushion next to her, then motioned to Ruby Rose. "You may leave Sir Tercio's belongings on the dresser, Ruby. Would you be a dear and fetch us some hot tea?"

"Of course, Miss Sapphire."

Ruby trotted off to the far end of the room, where a very expensive-looking tea set had been arranged on a low table.

"She's so helpful," Sapphire said as Tercio took a seat beside her. "I take it the party has been to your liking so far?"

"It has indeed," Tercio nodded. "I want to thank you for such a grand event, and I assure you the others feel the same way. It has been a long time since we've had the chance to relax and forget about our duties." He cleared his throat as he realized he was wearing nothing but a bathing towel. "I feel I must apologize for my lack of formal attire. I assure you I came properly dressed, but Miss Ruby was insistent that I needn't worry about getting fully dressed to see you. I hope I do not offend in such a regard."

Sapphire giggled, refined and practiced. "I can appreciate your modesty, but really, there is no need to worry about such things here. My home is your home, and I only wear this outfit for the sake of being a good hostess."

Tercio waved his hand at the opulent surroundings. "You have a beautiful estate here."

"Thank you."

"But if I may ask, aren't you a playwright? I had always considered northern Canterlot to be a place of blacksmiths and grain barons."

"You have a sharp mind, Sir Tercio."

"As much as it can be with gods-know-how-much wine in my stomach, anyway. Very good wine, might I add."

"Only the finest. But yes, I must admit this is not a home of my own design. My dear uncle left it to me when he passed, many years ago. Only recently have I been old enough to take advantage of its grandeur. I'm quite partial to it." She brushed a length of pink hair from her face. "It is well that I have found success in my own right, or this would be a very expensive place to live."

Ruby Rose returned with a tray on her back, and she levitated a ceramic tea pot and two small cups onto a table in front of Tercio and his host.

"Your tea, Miss Sapphire. Twist of lemon and a small spoon of sugar in each."

Sapphire smiled in delight as the scent caught her nose. "That will be all, Ruby. You may resume your cleaning now."

Tercio grasped the cup, almost amusingly small in his hands, and carefully took a sip.

"I've not had tea very often, but I could get used to it if it's this good." He paused for a moment, thinking of how to ask what was on his mind. "Miss Sapphire--"

"You can drop the 'miss' part," she interrupted with a grin.

"Sapphire, then. I must ask why you have shown such interest in me. You must understand: from my perspective, this is all very sudden."

"Oh I understand perfectly well. After all, it's not every day one is wined and dined by the elite of Equestrian society." Sapphire motioned with a hoof. "Obviously your unique looks are part of it, but please, do not think me interested in you solely because you are some sort of exotic creature to be gazed upon as a child gazes upon a lamb. No, there is something deeper at play here. Is it so wrong to want to know more about someone?"

"No, I suppose not. In that case, what is it you wish to know?"

"Whatever you would like to tell me," she said simply. "I am a patron of the arts, Tercio. I appreciate that there is drama and laughter and sadness and a thousand other emotions and experiences within each and every one of us. So please, tell me about yourself."

Tercio set down his cup and picked up a small bowl of fruit that was set beside it, full of brightly colored apples. "May I? A bit of food should help this wine and tea settle."

"By all means."

"Thank you." He grabbed an apple roughly the size of his fist that was peculiarly colored, like a rainbow. A bite revealed it to be juicy and sweet, with a strange tingling that was not unpleasant as it traveled down his throat, though he did cough at the unexpected sensation.

"Your first time having a zap apple, I take it? They say the heavens themselves strike the orchards with thunder and lightning to make them."

"It's certainly different. But yes, you wanted to know about me. Hmm..."

What was there to say? Aside from being physically different he didn't consider himself to be particularly unique. Surely others had led more interesting lives.

"Well, I was found in a field when I was but a very young child. Princess Celestia tells me I fell from the sky, like a falling star. My adoptive parents -- my mother, Glimmering Grace, and my father, Roughshod -- took me in out of the goodness of their hearts. Were I in their position, I cannot say I would have done the same with a child that was so strange compared to the rest of the world, especially since they had just had a foal of their own: my brother, Victus."

"They were good to you?"

"Far more than I could have asked for. Growing up among the other children was difficult at the best of times, and I faced nearly constant harassment from my schoolmates until I was old enough, and tall enough, to stand up for myself. Victus was always there for me, though. For most of my life we were inseparable."

"Most of your life?" she questioned.

"Yes. Upon reaching the age of seventeen we had decided to join the Equestrian Guard, mostly as a way of escaping a home life we thought to be boring and stagnant. My family has been farmers, at least on my father's side, for generations. While I still enjoy it to some extent, it's back-breaking work and the pay isn't anything of note. Enough for a comfortable life, but Victus and I wanted to travel, to see new places. That sort of thing." He laughed and added, "and yet most of my career has been spent in Equestria. Fate is strange."

"So you joined up?"

"Yes. I thought I would do well as a soldier. I have advantages the others do not."

Sapphire looked at him with interest. "Advantages? Such as?"

"Well, I am quite obviously taller than the others. It makes it hard for many ponies to fight me on equal terms, as they have to look up to watch all of my movements. I find that throws many of them off balance. I am also more flexible in my movements, since I am not restricted to mouthing the hilt of a sword. Only a unicorn can truly match my dexterity with a blade, I find."

"Funny you should say that. I, myself, am also quite...flexible," she giggled.

Tercio cleared his throat, unsure of what to say.

"Besides that, I have a longer reach than the others. Imperator Stonewall may be a hard-ass, but he's taught me to fight well. Far better than the basic combat drills we learned in the Equestrian Guard. 'Your mind must be as sharp as your blade', as he likes to say."

"Unless you happen to be...preoccupied?" she laughed.

Tercio saw himself being knocked to the ground time and again, his ridiculous notion of romance drawing him from his duties. A notion that had, somehow, resulted in his current situation.

"I, uh, must admit that was not my finest moment."

"I thought it was cute. I've seen stallions struck speechless at my approach, but never before have they also been struck in the head by a shield because of it. First time for everything, hmm?" She lifted the tea pot and smiled. "More tea, Sir Tercio?"

"Thank you, I would--"

For a few heartbeats his vision lost focus, and he shook his head to clear it away.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm sorry...I must have imbibed more than my share of wine in the bath."

"An experience I have shared more than I would care to admit, believe me. Come, drink. The tea will help you focus." She poured a steaming cup and joined him in a drink, adding a twist of lemon and sugar for taste. "Please, continue."

"I...I was in the Equestrian Guard for some time. Oddly enough, I found it boring most of the time. My dreams of travel and adventure fell to the wayside, replaced by cleaning duties in the barracks or drill and ceremony to make the officers look important in front of foreign dignitaries. I suppose I still spend much of my time guarding doors these days, but at least I am afforded travel from time to time as the Princess' personal guard."

"And what of your brother, Victus? What does he do?"

"Victus is a Legionary!" Tercio said proudly, and perhaps a bit too loud. "As I said, we were close for much of our lives, but once Victus was accepted into the Legion we grew apart somewhat. One could argue it was out of necessity; Victus had dreams of Legionary service and I wanted to be a Praetorian. He obtained his posting first, a few years ahead of me, and I must admit with no small amount of shame that I was envious of him. Instead of the Praetorians I was moved up to the Royal Guard -- still a good place to be, but the Royal Guard is even heavier on pomp and ceremony than the regular rank and file I had just left. While my brother was fighting criminals I was polishing my armor and standing around from dawn to dusk. It could be said that...that..."

All of a sudden, seemingly without provocation, he was very aware of the fact that the mare across from him was stunningly beautiful. She seemed to glow in the soft light of dozens of candles, her eyes shimmering like precious gemstones, the curves of her body--

"Tercio? Are you sure you're well?"

He acted as if nothing had happened. Best not to draw attention to such things.

"Perhaps it was a lot of wine...but yes, I did not become a Praetorian until very recently, when the Whitetail invaded from the west. Victus was overjoyed to hear it, and we celebrated until early morning at a local tavern, just sharing stories of our childhoods and talking about how we would stop the whole damn deer army by ourselves if we had to."

Sapphire smiled and let one of the straps slide from her shoulder. "A very noble sentiment."

"Yes...noble. That was, uh..." He struggled to find his thoughts, feeling a strange tingle working its way from his hands and feet. "That was the last time I saw him. He is still well, last I heard, but with this war striking so close to home I can't help but feel a new-found appreciation for my family. Too many citizens lost loved ones during the recent attack."

"It was awful, truly awful," Sapphire said with a hoof to her chest. It traced a line down her body. Very slowly.

"And what of you, Sapphire? Do you...or rather, are you from Canterlot originally?"

"I am," she answered. "I've always enjoyed the sights and sounds of Equestria's capitol. The bustling crowds, the rooftops as far as the eye can see, the great palace looming over the city like a protective mother. It's provided me a source of endless inspiration. After all, one needs only venture outside to find a story worth telling. There are thousands of them out there, Tercio, just waiting to be discovered." She sipped her tea and laughed. "And they are all very profitable for one such as myself."

"Clearly it's working out for you. What made you want to be a playwright in the first place?"

Sapphire shrugged. "To be honest, it's not all that interesting. I want to say it's because I once saw a play when I was a filly, but I don't actually remember much of it. I thought it was terribly boring! But, I've always enjoyed creating and writing. I wanted to be an author for a time, but near the end of my time in Talent School I ventured into creating plays. My very first play, The Acts of One was stereotypically self-important and loaded with cliches, but it lit a fire within my soul. I wanted to improve. I've only been out of school for a few years, but I seemed to have struck gold with my second effort, A Shadow at Dawn. Within a few months it had become the best-attended play in the last century, and to this day it routinely sells out wherever it goes."

"You don't travel with it?"

She laughed. "Sometimes, but lately I haven't had the time or the inkling to do such a thing. I may be looking to start anew, however, and very soon. Call it a new venture."

"A new play, then?"

"Exactly. Just not for some time. There are still details to work out, and I enjoy my place in Canterlot. Besides, I have others who do the traveling for me. They ensure my work is represented exactly as it is written, and there are no finer actors in all of Equestria. Have you ever been to a play, Tercio?"

"No," he shook his head, "I am not exactly well-versed in such things. I like to consider myself well-read, however. Reading has been a hobby of mine for many years."

"The tallest of buildings are built upon the foundations of quill and parchment," Sapphire recited from memory.

"The Musings of Veranius,," Tercio replied.

"Very good! You are well-read. And here I thought it was all for show," she teased.

"I tend to have a lot of free time in the military. Ask any of my battle brothers."

"Oh I agree, that's why I invited all of you here tonight."

Tercio felt like a school colt, nervous and excited to be talking to a filly who was, in his mind, far out of his grasp.

"Did Celestia resist the idea?"

"Not at all! In fact, she encouraged it. She knows you've all been working very hard, and your jobs are so stressful. Tia is very generous like that. Not as generous as myself, of course."

"Right...generous..."

Generous, like the subtle curves of Sapphire's form. She was quite attractive...

"I only tease, of course. I cannot imagine what she has experienced in four hundred years of life. But then, she lives a life of regality and formality. She is not free to set aside her inhibitions and, say...share several pitchers of her finest wine with her guest of honor? At the very least, some fine tea?"

The tingling sensation had, by now, traveled up his arms and legs before settling in his chest. He found it increasingly hard to think -- or rather, to think of anything but Sapphire.

"...don't you agree, Tercio?"

He caught her gaze. "Yes, without a doubt. I...I should probably gather my belongings and find some place to rest for a time. Please excuse me, I don't mean to be rude, it's just that I would not want to be a poor guest by losing myself to drink." He pushed himself up from the chair, but stopped half way up. Sapphire had pulled herself from her own seat, and was standing before him.

"Rude? I would not dare think of you in such a way. You have been a wonderful, polite guest thus far. Only...politeness is so boring. I could be polite with any number of guests, but you, Tercio...you are different. It's there, just beneath the surface. Do you truly think me so blind as to not see it?"

"I am not sure what you mean."

"Please, there is no need to continue this game. The other day, on the balcony. I saw you looking at me. When I spoke with you, I saw your gaze wander and your thoughts flit from your mind. Even now, you grasp at straws to excuse yourself from my presence, lest your true intentions be revealed for fear of...well, I'm not sure of what, exactly. Perhaps you're embarrassed? Nervous? You needn't be."

Sapphire's words echoed in his mind, pleasant and soothing, like a warm blanket. He sat back down.

"I'm..." he put a hand to his head, his mind racing. "It's not that I am nervous in your presence, Sapphire."

"Mmm. So I can tell," she answered with a giggle. Tercio was vaguely aware of the fact that his towel had fallen, and he was now nude before her. Distantly, as if looking upon himself, he saw that he was growing increasingly erect. For some reason, he could not find it within himself to care. It was, he reasoned, perfectly normal.

"Goodness," she continued, "I am not sure what I had expected, but I am pleasantly surprised. Very pleasantly. I take it you are truly comfortable now, Sir Tercio?"

"I am getting there..."

Sapphire brushed the other strap from her shoulder, then unwrapped the formal wear from around her body. She took the soft, silky material in her grasp and played it up his leg.

"Perhaps I could help you get there faster?"

"I'm not sure I--"

She placed a hoof to his lips. "Just relax. Do not concern yourself with anything but my touch."

He found it hard to argue as she grasped him firmly and slowly, ever so slowly, took him in her mouth. He gasped at the sensation, setting his head back against the chair's thick cushions as she used her tongue to trace long lines up and down before bobbing her head. She moaned softly as she reached between her legs and touched herself, warm waves rippling through her body.

Tercio only opened his eyes once she stopped, lamenting that she had done so too soon. Sapphire did not say anything as she climbed up to straddle his legs, pushing herself into him with a firm kiss. Now fully lost in the moment, Tercio felt, rather than saw, the moment she lowered her warm, wet body onto him with a groan. She threw her head back and her breaths came out ragged, dripping with ecstasy.

"Sapphire..."

"Do you love me, Tercio?" She asked as she rocked her hips and pushed against him.

"I...I'm not..."

"Would you do anything for me?"

"...yes..."

She smiled at his answer, a wry, satisfied smile.

"I will be yours tonight. As often as you want, any way you want. My body is yours." She leaned in and breathily whispered in his ear, "all I ask is a single favor."

He looked into her azure eyes and nodded.

"Anything."

"Travel with me. Stay at my side. I will make you famous."

"I don't...don't understand..."

"The new venture I mentioned? It's you, Tercio." She thrust her hips forward for emphasis. "You will be the star of my greatest piece yet. Think of it: just you and I, all around the known world. A story of your life. A life you will share with me. Leave the Praetorians behind, forget the bloody battles and the stress of not knowing whether you will die the next day. Join me, and you will know joy the likes of which you've never imagined."

Somewhere in the back of his mind, a small ember started to grow. He could leave the military. What had it done for them? No more fighting, no more taking orders, no more guarding Celestia, no more--

Celestia.

With a rush like cold water he felt his senses return, clarity for the first time since he'd arrived. Horrified, he saw Sapphire smiling at him with a look he could only imagine seeing on a manticore before it pounced. Not only was he no longer seated by himself, he was now deep inside the mare who had, at his last reccolection, been merely beside him. He gasped at the realization. Where had his mind gone, to so casually let her coerce his thoughts? First the Deertongue word that brought unfathomable rage, and now the heartless toying of his baser desires by a mare who had outwardly appeared interested in his life? It was as if he was hardly in control of himself at all anymore.

"Tercio, my love? Are you--"

He grabbed her shoulders with both hands and pulled her face in close to his.

"What did you give me?" he asked quietly.

"What are you talking about? I didn't--"

"What did you give me?!" he shouted, pushing her off him so that she nearly fell off the chair.

"I merely sought to calm your nerves. A bit of an aphrodisiac never brought any harm."

"You drugged me! And for what?!"

It came back to him, the absurd request to leave behind everything he knew for a life of travel and sex with a mare he'd only just met. I will make you famous. The words echoed relentlessly.

"You misunderstand!"

"I misunderstand nothing, Sapphire! You want to make me into some sort of...of...spectacle! All of this, the party for my brothers, the drink and conversation, the false affection, was some misguided attempt at personal gain? Do you really think I would abandon my life for you?! I hardly know who you are!"

"I thought you were interested..."

"In you?! Ha! I had never even seen you until a few days ago! What kind of arrogance would possess you to assume that simply because I glance in your general direction that we are somehow meant to be together? I came here tonight to be polite, for the benefit of the stallions I fight beside, and when I regain my senses I find you riding my cock as if we were lovers!"

Sapphire sat back down on her side of the chair, fuming with frustration.

"I only wanted to give you a real life, Tercio!"

"As your play thing, your centerpiece. I cannot believe you would do such a thing." He leaned in and stuck a finger against her chest. "I will not abandon my all that I have worked for. Not for you, not for anyone. I am proud to be a Praetorian, to guard the very life of the Princess. It is not your affection that I seek, Sapphire. I am sorry you believed otherwise." He stood back up, wrapping the towel around himself and grabbing his clothes. "I am leaving."

"Please, Tercio, you must reconsider! Think of the thousands of Equestrian citizens that will delight at the story of your life! You will be known for all of history!"

Ashamed and disgusted with both himself and Sapphire, he turned and walked out of her presence.

"If I am to be remembered, it will not be because of you."