“We’ve been walking for hours.” Cielo moaned lagging behind Princess Luna slightly. Princess Luna and Cielo had begun their journey to Hollow Shades earlier that morning like any other, starting with a ride on the train the two of them had to get off mid trip due to the tracks leading into Hollow Shades being worked on. “We could fly you know, like normal pegasus.” Cielo continued to make his case eager to get to the inn.

The light from the sun started to fade as it was setting for the night darkening the thick forest surrounding Hollow Shades. Luna looked back at Cielo and brushed his muzzle with her tail and letting out a little giggle as he seemed to snap to attention. “Now now dear what fun would that be? are you not enjoying our little stroll?” She asked mimicking an upper class voice.

“I would not call walking for upwards of three hours a little stroll.” Cielo muttered picking up the pace rejoining Luna at her side.

“If you really want me to i’ll fly Cielo but I am enjoying this time.” Luna leaned the side of her flank into his making their saddle bags bump. “I mean it is nice and peaceful, the only time we have had privately has been evenings and the train rides.” Luna let out a little sigh. “And we use most of that time just to rest up.”

“Think of the pay off Luna, it’s been a long trip but it’d also been worth it. Not only have ponies embraced you once more but I have noticed you seem a lot happier and I dare say more open.” Cielo smiled for a little. “We can keep walking, i’m just being a big foal right now.”

Luna giggled again. “You said it not me.” She teased turning her gaze up through the thick canopy catching a little glimpse of the rising moon. “You know Cielo, I am happy. I feel better than I have in a long time and yet… I still feel like i’m missing something. Like a part of me has yet to find everything I truly want.”

Cielo looked over at Luna through the corner of his eye. “What do you mean Luna? what do you feel is missing.” Cielo asked letting out a nervous chuckle. “It’s not in the feeling loved department is it?”

Luna turned her gaze to Cielo with a warm smile. “Don’t be silly, you’re more than enough to make me feel loved and cared for. I think you’re just fishing for the compliments now.” Luna turned her gaze back up the the sky. The light from the sun nearly faded away now as the two continued down the dark forest path. “Look at that.” Luna said softly, her eyes fixed upon the rising moon. “It’s beautiful isn't it?”

Cielo looked up through the trees at the moon then back at Luna. “Yes it is but…” Cielo paused for a second. “Are you sure you’re okay? I mean you seem happy but you’re acting a little… well strange.”

“Sorry about that.” Luna replied still smiling. “I guess i’m feeling a little strange tonight. I mean look at that moon, it’s absolutely beautiful yet I had nothing to do with making it look that way on this night.” Princess Luna shook her head a little. “What is it I really do? All it seems my task  since I took the throne is to ease the burdens of my sister. Not that I mind helping anymore.” Luna added. “But still looking up and seeing how well she can handle what I do really… What is the point of me even doing it at all, aside from easing the weight of ruling alone off her back what is it I really do?”

Cielo remained silent. If he was being honest he really was unsure of what to say at this point. Lucky for him Luna seemed to only be thinking aloud and not seeking answers.

“It’s nice being princess of the night, watching over others and keeping the kingdom safe, bringing nightmare night to all the fillies and colts giving them something fun to participate in but when I think about how much I have missed by letting myself be locked in a ruling role for so long it bothers me. My imprisonment didn’t help things much either… I guess the one thing i’m learning is there is more to life than being a princess and…. and i’m not even sure if i’ll be ready to go back to that life after this… or ever again.”

“Princess I…” Cielo was dumbstruck, where was all this coming from. Was this a feeling she had welling up inside her and was just letting out or was this all spurred on by a single glance of the moon.

“It’s okay Cielo, really, you don’t have to say anything.” Luna said still smiling as she looked over at him. “Just knowing you are listening helps and i’m sorry for bringing all this up so sudden. I’m not trying to damper the mood or anything i’m just feeling… well strange as you put it.” A small glow appears in the distance catching Luna’s attention. “Oh look that must be the town up ahead! Race ya!” Luna seemed to snap back into a playful mood as she dashed forward down the path.

Cielo dashed after her a bit taken back, though Luna did not seem sad she did seem torn and bothered by her thoughts. Cielo, rather and try to stop her and talk a bit more instead try feeding her playful side.  “That all you got!?” He taunted galloping beside her and pulling ahead for a moment. His taunt proved to be affective as Luna quickly crushed his little lead on her and pulled ahead once more with relative ease surprising Cielo with her speed.

The two came to a stop at the town's entrance, Luna finishing first she panted softly. “You lose dear, better luck next time.” She teased gloating a bit. “But second place is not to bad, and as your reward.” Leaning in, Luna kissed the side of Cielo’s muzzle making him smile a little.

Turning to have a look at the town Hollow Shades was a bit different that other towns they had been to, some of the homes were built into the trees themselves seeming to work with the forest rather than against it. The town itself seemed quiet, many homes were lit by candles or fire but nopony seemed to be out. “Quiet little place isn't it?” Luna asked looking around a bit.

“Yes it is, things will pick up at dawn but the nights here are as peaceful as can be.” Cielo said softly having caught his breath. Cielo started to walk into the town with Luna following close by his side. “One of the things I really like out this place, the peace and quiet the night brings. You know I almost moved here when I left home.”

“Really? what stopped you?” Luna asked looking up at a few homes in the treetops above. The trees around the town and inside the town itself towering above the rest.

“My job.” He replied. “Celestia wanted me closer to Canterlot you see so she could reach me if needed, late down the road she would convinced me to move into the castle once I started work for the guard.” Cielo stopped in front of a huge oak tree growing upside the edge of a rock ledge , at the base of the trunk a rather fancy looking door resided. “Ah we’re here.” Cielo waked up to the door and gave the handle a twist as luna Looked on curiously.

The warm glow of firelight escaping the door as Cielo opened it giving luna a little peek of what laid beyond. A small walkway was carved out with stone steps leading down a few feet. Beyond that the rock seemed to be hollowed out opening up into a large room. “Is this… the inn?” Luna asked.

“It’s much nicer inside than you think. Come one i’ll show you.” Cielo said as he walked inside.

Luna followed not bothering to correct Cielo, she did not think it looked uninviting but was more taken aback by how spacious it looked and how inviting it felt. The door closing behind Luna, she followed Cielo down into the main hall where the two were quickly greeted with a warm welcome. Inside, light by lanterns there seemed to be two floors, the size was about the same size of the main throne room back at the castle. “It’s huge…” Luna whispered to herself.

“Welcome welcome!” A middle aged tan mare came out from behind the reception desk and greeted Cielo with a warm hug. “Oh dear it’s so good to see you!” She said happily excited by Cielo’s presence. Letting the stallion go she bowed before a slightly confused Luna. “I've been expecting you two, come come, Your room is all ready for you!” Before Luna could get a word in the mare was already on the move.

Cielo looked back at Luna and gave a little shrug smiling widely as he motioned for Luna to follow. Cielo followed the mare as she walked out of the main room and down one of the three halls on the first floor leading back further. “The place looks great, how has business been?” Cielo asked seeming to know the mare.

“Oh it’s been great and thank you dear, I do try my best to keep everything running smoothly. I have some very good staff here that keeps the place looking tip top shape.” Auntie Nell replied coming to a stop at room 7. “Ah here we are~” She climbed opening the door for the two of them. “I know you two must have had a long trip but once you’re rested and if you have time i’d love to catch up with you a bit.” She said looking at Cielo. “It’s been ages it seems.”

“Sure auntie Nell, i’m sure I can make time tomorrow.” Cielo replied.

“Great,” auntie Nell seemed quite pleased to hear it. “Please if you two need anything do not hesitate to ask, we have full staff working around the clock.”

“Thank you but I think  we will be fine.” Luna cut in with a smile. “It’s been quite a trip and I think a good night's rest will be just what we need.”

Nell looked at princess Luna and smiled. “I’ll be on my way then, rest well you two.” She said before looking back at Cielo. “Really is nice to see you again, looking forward to catching up.” With that she turned and headed back down the hall.

“She’s a little… friendly.” Luna said sounding a little worried as they entered the room once Nell was out of earshot. “I don’t have to worry about anything right…?”

“Never.” Cielo replied with a chuckle. “Nell is just a friendly mare who let me stay here a few times free of charge, she’s nice to everypony. It’s just her personality and before you ask no we never did anything.” Cielo said quelling Luna’s curiosity.

Letting out a little snicker Luna closed the door and had a look around the nice, well lit, warm room. The fire burning bright as it appeared to have been tended to recently. The room was furnished with a couch, a few chairs, bookcase and a large bed. A little open kitchen was to to the left of the fireplace. To the right an open washroom. “It’s kinda cozy i’ll admit, I like it.” Luna took off her saddle bag and started to take off her royal attire, she set her crown own on the nightstand next to the bed before removing her chest piece and hoof wear. “Would you mind if I took a shower?” Luna asked stretching her wings a bit.

Cielo had made himself comfy on the bed while Luna took her armor off, his saddle bag resting against the wall. “Awww, I just got comfy…” He moaned as he started to get off the bed assuming Luna asked because she wanted some privacy since the washroom was exposed to the room. “I guess I can go to the lobby and chat it up with Nell for a bit.”

“No no you don’t have to go.” She said quickly blushing a bit. “I just wanted to be sure you would not mind if I you know, washed with you in the room.” Luna looked down at the floor tapping her hoof lightly. “I mean I don’t mind if you don’t. It’s not like it’s something you have not seen before right?”

Cielo paused with half his body still on the bed. “Really? I can stay? And you’re fine with it?” He asked dumbfounded. Cielo did take notice how much Luna had been letting him get away with the past few days but that was normally once she had already allowed herself to be taken by passion. “Is this some kind of test?” He asked.

Luna smiled lifting her head, her cheeks a little red. “No it’s not. I honestly don’t mind… I kind of actually want you to stay.” She admitted making Cielo’s jaw drop a little. “It’s your choice Cielo.” Luna started over towards the shower, though blushing she moved with confidence, her posture and voice showing very little signs of nervousness.

Slowly backing up onto the bed Cielo watched as Luna turned on the water to the shower. “Who are you and what have you done with my sweet princess?” Cielo asked in a semi joking tone.

“I’ll never tell~” Luna sang playfully. “You’ll have to torture me a little if you hope to loosen my tongue~”

Cielo’s feathers ruffled a little hearing how Luna spoke to him. “Whaaa?” He could not even form a complete word as he watched Luna step under the water. “You… Where is this coming from?”

“Am I displeasing you?” Luna asked looking over at Cielo with a devilish grin as her horn lit up levitating a clean cloth off the nearby towel shelf over to her. Luna let the cloth wet before gently washing her neck. “Sorry, I’m a bit new to acting provocative. Am I making thou nervous?” Luna teased.

“You’re making me something but nervous is not it by a long shot.” Cielo admitted. “I hate myself for asking this but why are you acting this way?” Cielo inquired instantly kicking himself in the rear for not just shutting up and enjoying his little show.

“You said it best when you stated I seemed a bit strange, I just feel like doing this today.” Luna replied lifting her wing and gently washing her side. “I mean you have been getting a little… touchy the past few nights so… well.” Luna stopped there.

Cielo gulped a little, there is no way she was hinting at what he had in mind was she.

“I know you have been patient with me Cielo and I appreciate that, you did tell me I can go at my own pace did you not?” Luna asked looking at Cielo as he nodded. She continued to wash up as she spoke. “Well then maybe i’m ready to try something a little new, I have been doing everything for me lately and I have done nothing in return for you.”

“Luna, you don’t have to do anything for me, I do everything I do because I love you. I need nor want anything in return but your love.” Cielo said keeping himself composed trying not to act like a lust crazed animal.

“I know you asked for nothing really in return but what If I wanted to do something for you anyway. What if I made that choice, would you turn me away?” Luna asked washing her tail and flank.

Cielo averted his eyes a little not because he did not want to see but out of respect. “You don’t feel like you’re going a bit far? I mean I do like you talking like that to me.” He admitted hearing the water turn off. Knowing she was finished he turned his gaze back to Luna while she toweled off. “But understand please I do have limits, I mean it don’t take much to get me going my love.”

Luna dried herself giggling a little listening to him speak. Setting the towel on the rack to dry Luna made her way over to the bed. “Has it been hard for you?” She asked climbing up on the bed and laying down. “You know to repress your desires?” Luna rolled onto her back and looked down at Cielo, she kept her hind legs close to cover herself.

“Well… A little ya but you’re worth it to me Luna.” Cielo admitted turning and laying down on his belly beside her.

Luna moved her hoof a little waving Cielo closer, once he leaned in a bit she leaned her muzzle over giving him a soft kiss. Luna took her her left hoof and cupped his cheek while gently tracing his wing with her right.

Cielo move a little closer slowly standing back up and moving his body over Luna's as her hoof seemed to be guiding him to do so.

Taking her hind leg Luna very carefully brushed Cielo’s undercarriage causing him to break the kiss and pull back a little. Luna smiled softly looking up into Cielo’s eyes with understanding and love. “It’s okay Cielo, you don’t have to hold back… not this time.” She whispered. Luna could see Cielo was a bit torn on what to do. “Really Cielo, if I must say it I will… I want this.”

“Why… Please just tell me why.” Cielo asked with a light pant trying desperately to keep himself from being aroused.

“Tomorrow will be our last day before I have to return to the castle.. return to that life and it’s… it’s honestly bothering me.” Luna admitted. “I want to remember something beautiful on our last day, something special that I can carry with me forever. Something that I can cherish, something that will make me happy… That’s you Cielo. I want to make you happy, I want to make you smile, I want to give you my heart and soul moving forward. Please, will you create this moment with me? Will you let me take away all your stress and desire?” Luna she softly rubbing his cheek. “Will you let me give myself to you? Let me create this beautiful moment in time that can never be touched.”

Cielo Swallowed hard as his body started to give in to arousal. “I love you so much Luna… and if this is what you want I will not deny I have wanted it for sometime too… are you sure you’re ready for this?” He asked. “You’re not doing this because you’re on your… cycle or anything right?”

“No Cielo i’m not on my cycle don’t worry and yes i’m sure.” Luna pulled his muzzle back down to hers and licked his chin. “I have been thinking about it the past few days Cielo, this is not a choice I made lightly. You are the stallion I love, the stallion I want to spend my life with so I feel no shame in giving myself to you.” Luna gently started to stroke Cielo’s undercarriage once more with her hind leg feeling the stallion was already quite aroused. “Just be gentle okay?”

“I will my love… I will.” Cielo whispered leaning his muzzle into Luna’s for a loving and passionate kiss.

That night every worry seemed to fade out of Luna’s mind, for a moment in time nothing seemed to matter to her but the stallion before her. Though she was not looking forward to having to return to her mundane duties she would do so with her head held high knowing she would at least have one thing in her life to keep her happy. By allowing herself to be taken by the stallion she loved in her eyes this only sealed their love with an unbreakable bond. He now had a piece of her that no other would ever be able to take, and Luna could not see herself more happy than with the decision to entrust it to him.

After mating for several hours the two fell asleep embracing one another in a loving manner. Cielo’s muzzle gently resting against Luna’s as the two slept peacefully through the night but like all beautiful moments it could not last forever. A bang came at the door startling the two awake.

Cielo whipped his head up and quickly moved over Luna, his first reaction at the sudden noise was to defend. Nell Came barging into the room closing the door in a panic. Cielo quickly notice the room was filled with a light mist.

Before Cielo could speak Nell spoke up. “Cielo something is terribly wrong. Something’s outside, we don’t know what!” She cried hysterically. “Nopony knows what to do! a few said they are killing others who try to run! Cielo, Princess! You have to help!”

Cielo in a bit of a daze tried his best to process what he was being told. “What!? Slow down now who’s killing who? What’s going on!?” Cielo’s first thought was maybe a small raiding party of changelings but changelings were not known to just kill.

“Monsters!” Nell cried.

By this point Luna had woken in a daze just as confused as Cielo. “What’s going on?” Luna moaned crawling out from under Cielo.

Nell gasped and covered her mouth upon seeing Princess Luna. “What… What happened to you…?”

Cielo looked down at Luna before quickly moving. “What the…” He looked at her in shock.

“What! What’s wrong!?” Luna asked a bit hysterical as she got off the bed. she instantly noticed something was not right. Instead of being about the same height as Cielo her muzzle nor barely came up to the top of his chest. Looking down at her own hooves her coat had gone from a dark blue to a light blue. “No...no no no no!” Luna focused hard trying to as she tried to levitate her crown off the nightstand but to no avail. “I’ve… lost my powers…” She muttered to herself as she sat down in disbelief.

Luna had indeed lost all of her magical powers, her height and mane diminished. The color of her mane and coat now a light blue.

Cielo slipped back into his training, panicking would not be of any help to any of them right now. “Okay calm down, both of you we’ll figure this out. Nell tell me everything you can as quickly as possible, don’t leave out any details at all understand?” Cielo asked, his tone calm, relaxed and yet commanding.  

Nell took a deep breath composing herself. “I’ll try my best Cielo… I’ll try my best.” Next Chapter: Rescue Estimated time remaining: 18 Minutes