“Tia I must speak with him!” Luna's voice echoed from the hallway as the door to Celestia's personal study swung open. StarStep turned his head to watch the white rump of the alicorn back into the room.

“He is part of my Royal Guard, and I shall talk with him first. Then you may have your say, sister.” She shoved the blue alicorn back a step and slammed the door in Luna's surprised face.

In the darkness he could just make out Celestia's white coat as she sighed heavily. A golden glow illuminated her horn and the fire sprang to life. Blinking against the sudden light, StarStep shifted on his seat before the massive hardwood desk. The Sun-Goddess stepped behind it and slid up onto her padded bench, rubbing her tired eyes with a hoof.

Star had never been in this room. Bookcases lined the walls and stacks of scrolls and parchment covered much of the massive surface of the desk. Two red silk chairs sat in front of it, lower than Celestia's bench so the occupants had to look up at her. One of which Star was now curled in.

She took a deep breath and exhaled, before looking down at the pegasus with a sad disappointment in her eyes. “StarStep...”

“Princess, I'm sorry, I really am I-

“STAR!” He cut off immediately, feeling a tremble in his wings. She shook her head, “Be still a moment my little pony. Allow me to speak first.”

Using her magic she poured herself a glass of water, sipping a bit before resting it onto a coaster. “Star dear. Do you remember the talk we had after you had fallen asleep in front of my sister's door?” He nodded. “Do you remember what I told you the first rule was?”

He thought for a moment before opening his muzzle, his ears laid back, unable to meet her disappointed eyes, “You said...if I let my feelings get in the way of duty, we'd have a...discussion.”

She nodded, “And here we are. Now, is there anything you wish to say before I begin?”

He frowned and glanced up at her, “I'm sorry. I just...I flipped when he said such terrible things about Princess Luna. It was beyond rude it was...it was...” He searched for the right word.

“Provoking?” She offered. To which he nodded in agreement. “That, I'm afraid, was the point.” She sighed, “Thankfully, griffons dislike lying. It taints their honor code. It's even more unlikely they will lie with so many witnesses. In this case, they confirmed everything that happened leading up to your...assault.” She sipped her water, “They have agreed to ignore your actions if we agree to ignore the young griffon who started it. As such, the incident is null and void in the eyes of the ambassadors.”

“All the other griffons were...at least sociable. What happened, Princess?” He tried to make reason for such vulgar language against Luna.

“It appears, that the griffon in question, was an aide to one of the ambassadors. He thought to advance his position by forcing Luna to lose face. I suspect he thought he could provoke Luna into a fight. Even if he lost, he'd have gained honor by riling my sister into a physical confrontation. It appears his family has had some failed dealings with us before. It has made him rather bitter towards us. The ambassadors will deal with him. It is out of our hooves.” She finished her glass of water and sighed again as she tried to rub the sleep from her eyes.

“ But Princess, if the griffons agree he started it, why am I in trouble?” The pegasus pleaded.

“Did he draw a weapon?” Star shook his head, “Did he make any attempt to physically harm Luna?” He shook his head again and sighed.

“I...understand Princess. I just thought I was standing up for her.”

“Unfortunately, my little pony. That's part of the problem. Now...we need to speak of punishment.” She said firmly, that no-nonsense motherly tone in her voice.

“...Can I ask a question first?” She eyed him coolly then nodded. “...are Luna and I finished? Is that it? Does she hate me now?”

The white alicorn smirked slightly, “That's far more than a question, StarStep. As for your...relations with my sister, you will have to speak to her about that. I believe she's just very angry with you right now. Speak from your heart, apologize for what you have done wrong, and I suspect not all will be lost. But StarStep...if I ever am forced to punish you for letting your feelings get in the way of duty again...” She frowned, holding his gaze till the pegasus nodded firmly.

“I...I understand Princess.”

“Good. That being said. Now for your punishment. Despite the ambassadors agreement to dismiss the matter, you still must be punished to set an example for the other Guards. Therefore, I place you on one week's suspension without pay, starting at noon today.” Star glanced at the clock, four am. “Your partner, upon his return, will be placed on administrative duty and will work in the command department until your suspension ends. Do you feel this is an unjust punishment?”

Star shook his head, “No, Princess.”

“Good, then our discussion is at an end, and I am certain Luna is eager to have a few words with you.” She stood from her bench, walking around to coax Star out of the chair with her wing, nudging him towards the door. Her magic unlocked the latch and swung it open. On the other side of the hall, Luna was stalking, still in her beautiful outfit, glaring at them the moment they were in sight.

“Luna. I've given him one weeks unpaid leave as punishment for the incident.” Celestia used her wing to push StarStep in front of the moon-goddess.

He swallowed, looking up at her. “P-Princess, Luna. I...I'm sorry. I want to apologize.”

The Princess flicked her eyes to her sister then back at the pegasus, a frown on her lips as her eyebrows rose, “Mine ears art open, speak.”

“I'm sorry for bucking that griffon in the face.” Luna's eyes narrowed and her frown deepened. Star glanced away for a moment, then met her eyes again, “Actually, no, I'm not sorry I clobbered him. He was a parasprite and I enjoyed smashing his face for the things he said to you.”

Oddly, the Princess smiled faintly at that and nodded, “Truth from thy lips. Go on.”

His confidence slightly restored he continued, “I AM sorry I knocked him into your Moon-Pool. That was bad aim on my part. I'm also sorry for any trouble I've caused you or Princess Celestia with the griffons.” She nodded, her expression beginning to soften. “I'm sorry for embarrassing the Royal Guard with my rash actions.”

Luna nodded again, “And?”

Star blinked, he couldn't think of anything in particular. “And...and I...I honestly can't think of anything else.”

Luna frown returned, albeit with less disappointment. She pulled the Night-Lily from her mane and dropped it at Star's feet. “I reject thy offer of courtship at this time. I also issue my own punishment. Thou art banned from the castle during thy suspension. Thou should take advantage of thy week off and ponder upon how thou hath offended me. I placed much faith in thou...” She paused, looking away, he thought he could see her eyes water, “Do not return to me if thou dost not find the answer.” Her voice softened, tinted with sadness. “Go...begone from mine sight. Thou hath one week.” She pointed one of her hooves down the hallway, refusing to meet his concerned look.

Star nodded softly, his wings drooping from the stress and the heavy silver clips. As the pegasus wandered around a corner Celestia turned to her sister, curling her wing around her.

“Shhh...Lu-Lu. I'm here.” She tucked the smaller alicorn's head against her neck and held her close.

“Tia, I refuse to have another Goldwing at my side.” The blue alicorn sniffed, nuzzling at her sister's white coat.

“Is that what this is about? I know you haven't courted in ages, I thought you were just slow to warm up, Lu-Lu. How long has it been since Goldwing? How many consorts and loves lost, dear sister. Yet it always goes back to him.”

Luna sobbed softly, nodding, “This colt...I fear he may never understand. I refuse to go through that pain again, Tia. I'll stay cold and alone before I suffer such torment anew.”

Celestia smiled sadly, “So we tell ourselves, every time.” She sighed as she looked down the hall where StarStep had vanished, “I fear this ultimatum of yours, Lu-Lu.” She looked down, tilted her sisters face up to wipe away tears, “Sister, you will also take this week to think long and hard about your feelings towards this colt. You can cut him loose, or reel him in. But I shall not allow you to continue playing with him.”

The smaller sister frowned, “Thou hath no say in this.”

“When one of my, our, little ponies is involved, I have every right. Do not keep him caged as a pretty thing to amuse you. Either let him find love, or love him yourself or both. Though, I suspect if he cannot find this answer you seek, he may not return at all. And your decision will be made for you.”

Luna nodded softly, “I...I shalt think upon it sister. Thou speakth truth. Have I grown so cold Tia? At least if I stayth cold...there shalt not be scars to add to mine heart.”

Celestia kissed her sister on the forehead, “You are right, Lu-Lu....I myself have not taken a consort since your...banishment. Perhaps we've both grown cold.” The sisters hugged each other tightly, taking what comfort they could from the chill of immortality.

__________________________________________________________________

StarStep was packing his saddlebags with necessities, his outfit from the evening carefully put away in the uniform cabinet. He glanced over to this clock, 10 am. One week away from the castle. Where should he go? His first instinct was Ponyville. At least he could bunk at his parents house for a while. In a way, he was starting to look forward to this week. Despite the extra worry Luna had placed on it. It really would do him good to get away from her pranks for a while.

As he buckled down his saddlebags, he heard the slip of paper under his door. Curious he walked over and unfolded it on a nearby dresser.

Dear StarStep,

Before you left, I wanted to offer a few pieces of advice. I cannot tell you how you have offended Luna, as you would not take the lesson to heart. I will however, advise that you seek guidance from somepony you trust. Perhaps with their help, you will gain new perspective and return to us enlightened. Know that whatever may come to pass, you are still one of my dear subjects and will always have a place in the Royal Guards, as long as you come prepared to do your duty. Look not upon this week away as punishment, but as a chance to clear your head and return stronger for it.

I look forward to your return.
~Princess Celestia~

He smiled. Celestia always was the comforting one. He tossed the note onto his dresser on top of Luna's from the night before. Slipping on his saddlebags he took one more look around his room, ensuring he had everything he needed for the week, and left, locking his quarters behind him.

______________________________________________________________

It was mid-afternoon when StarStep glided down to the outskirts of Ponyville. His first stop was his folk's place on the edge of one of the large ponds in the area. There were hugs, and kisses and pats on the backs. His mother and father were pleased to see him and admiring over how much he'd grown since leaving to join the guards. While his old room was cluttered with boxes, the bed was still available and that was good enough for him.

He stayed for the night, enjoying a hot home-cooked meal and telling stories to his folks about life as a guard. While leaving out some of the more...embarrassing of Luna's pranks, they were overjoyed at how well he was fitting in. He didn't tell him the real reason he was in town, instead simply telling them Celestia thought he could use a little time off. It wasn't a lie, just not the whole truth.

Morning came, a breakfast with his folks of biscuits and oatmeal with a side of apple slices. His mom even packed him a little snack when he said he was heading to town to visit old friends. Then with a kiss on his cheeks from his mom, he was off to Ponyville downtown.

As he trotted down the lane, he thought back to Celestia's note. Guidance. There were only a few ponies he trusted enough with the truth of his problem with Luna. Two at the forefront of his thoughts were Cheerilee and Twilight Sparkle. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed like Cheerilee would be the best pony to talk to. During school she had always done her best to help him fit in and adjust to life in Ponyville. She was by far, the most uplifting, friendly pony he'd ever known. While she wasn't as book-smart as Twilight, she had a certain knack for helping him work out his problems. He thought back to the little picture he'd found in his graduation book and smiled. He missed his talks with the fuchsia mare. He missed just spending time with her. The more he thought about it, the more he decided that if Cheerilee couldn't help him with this little mess, no pony could.

Taking a right on Marigold lane, he immediately spotted his former teachers house. A two story cottage with pink siding and white roofing. Surrounding her front yard was a white picket fence, filled with large yellow sunflowers. He couldn't help but grin as he opened her little fence and trotted down her pathway. For just a short trip through her yard, he forgot all about his issues and began to grin. A bit of hop in his step.

With a bright smile on his face, he reached for her door. This would all be over soon. He reached up his hoof and brought it down to knock. Then he froze, his hoof an inch from contacting the wood. He paled slightly, backing away a couple of steps. “Of all the bucking times...” He mumbled and stared at the cause of his alarm. Woven around her door handle was a small sunflower.

Somepony cleared their throat behind him, “I don't reckon you should do that stranger.” A husky voice began, “Don't take kindly to ponies messin' with mares in that there state.”

StarStep turned, a smile breaking on his face as he noticed the very large red earth-pony leaning against the top of Cheerilee's white picket fence. “Big Mac!” he bounded down the path towards the confused stallion. Growing up, Big Mac was one of the few ponies he could talk openly to. He'd had more than one heart-to-heart to the big stallion over Applebloom and their friendship. He was one of those ponies who had a deeper understanding of the world that most would never guess.

The earth pony scratched his yellow mane and moved the straw of hay from one side of his mouth to the other, “Eeyup. 'Fraid yah have me at a disadvantage, stranger.”

Star chuckled, somethings never changed, “I'm StarStep, went to school with Applebloom?”

Slowly, recognition lit in the farm pony's eyes, “Well, yah done grown up to a fine stallion, Star.” He glanced up the yard at Cheerilee's door then back to him, “While it's good tah see yah, I don't go advisin' yah bother poor Miss Cheerilee. She's in a right fine state.”

Star grimaced, looking over his shoulder, “Yeah, I just got into town. I really needed to talk to her.”

The large earth pony dropped his fore-hooves off the fence to the dirt street, “Well, she'll be right as rain at the end of tha week.”

“A week? It just started? Oh buck me.” Star groaned and put a hoof to his forehead. He didn't notice the glare from Big Mac at the cursing.

“Anything I mighta can do tha help, Star?” He asked as the pegasus flapped over Cheerilee's fence.

“Well...not unless you know anything about mares.”

The two of them began to walk side-by-side. “Well...I'ah reckon I do. Seeing how Iah got a mare and two little foals ah mah own.” He smirked.

“Oh yeah, congratulations on the wedding by the way. Sorry I couldn't attend, I'd just entered guard training.” He gave the big stallion a gentle slug on the shoulder.

“Eeyup. Fluttershy knows you couldn' make it. I reckon she and Applebloom will be happy tah see yah. Now, about this here filly problem. Something I can do tah help?”

They were entering the main section of Ponyville, shops and the larger portion of the housing surrounding them. “Well...yeah, you might. I guess it can't hurt. But you have to promise not to tell any pony what's going on. Not till I can fix this thing. In return, how's a free lunch sound? Deal?”

“Eeyup.”

______________________________________________________________

Just under an hour later, and both colts happily filled. Star pushed away his plate and sighed softly, “So that's how it is.” He finished, glad the outdoor cafe was fairly quiet today, allowing him not to worry about eavesdroppers.

The red stallion across from him considered quietly. He'd said nothing while Star laid out his tale of his dealings with Luna and the current crisis. After a while he opened his mouth, “Mighty complicated problem yah done got yer self wound up in. Mares'll do that to yah. I remember ah saying mah pappy told me. 'Tartarus have no fury like a filly scorned.'” he nodded softly, “'fraid I can't be much help Star. Till yah figure out what gosh-durned thing she's done flown off her rocker about. And being a Princess....well partner, I reckon it could be any ol' thing.”

He shrugged as he rose from his chair. “I wish yah best ah luck, and iffin I think ah something. Ah let yah know. At least I know why yah wantin' to get to Cheerilee. We been friends a long time. Right good head on her shoulders.” He patted the pegasus on the shoulder, his hoof felt like bricks. Star always admired Big Mac's incredible strength. “I's gotta get back tah the farm now though. 'Shy be waitin' on me.”

“Hey, thanks for listening Big Mac. It kinda helps just talking about it.” The other colt nodded and went on his way towards Sweet Apple Acres.

Star found himself wandering the streets for a bit, just admiring how much and how little had changed about the little town in two years. After living in Canterlot Castle for so long, it all seemed so quiet and small. Along the way he noticed a newer shop and smiled as he recognized the symbol on the door. A hammer with an apple-blossom behind it.

The bell rang over the door as he entered, his nose picking up smells of fresh cut lumber, stains and paint. A voiced called out from the back to hold on. Star's grin widened as his old friend came trotting around to the counter.

“Well howdy partner, welcome to Applebloom's repair and.....Star?” The yellow earth filly with the front of her red hair covered by a handkerchief, blinked, then grinned to match the colts. “Oh my...Star! It's so good tah see yah!” She bounded around the corner and gave him a tight squeeze, he had to gasp for breath.

Star returned the vigorous hug as best he could, feeling his ribs protest till she relented and stood looking him over head to tail, “My word Star, yah done gone soft on me! Used to be you could hug tha breath outta me, now it seem like shoe's on the other hoof, now anit it?”

Star laughed, “No, I haven’t gone soft, you've just gotten strong. Wow AB, I figure you can buck a tree in half now.” He noticed her very sturdy hooves and tough toned limbs. She wasn't overly muscular, she still had the curves in all the right places, but he figured he could bounce a Bit off her flanks. She giggled at his joke.

“Scoots told me she done ran into you a little ways back. Glad you stopped by to visit all us country folk since yah all high and mighty servin tha Princesses.” She grinned slyly

“How could I forget the three little fillies who saved me from years of school-yard bullying. I owe you three big time.”

The yellow mare wiggled her eyebrows, “Oh yeah, Star? When do ah get to collect?” She giggled and gave him a playful shoulder punch.

“Say is Scoots around too? I know Sweetie Belles up in Canterlot. I just found out the other day.” He glanced around Applebloom's shop, admiring how professional and in order everything was.

“Nah, Scoots is on another one'ah her deliveries. And uh...yeah...we have ah hard time keeping in contact with Sweetie. Me and ah Scoots are a little worried about 'er. If yah reckon you can check on her for me, I'd be right appreciative.”

He nodded.“Yeah, when my week off is up, I'll make it a point to check on her. I'm glad to see you're doing good, by the way.”

The yellow earth filly nodded and gave him a surprise peck on the cheek. “Thanks Star. It's nice tah know yah still care about us.”

He smiled, “How could I not be? Didn't I rescue you fillies from the timber wolf pack? Or get you out of that pit when you decided to be 'Cutie Mark Crusader Coal Miners'?”

Applebloom giggled, “Right you did hun. But then, I done reh'collect we rescued you from quite a few fights, and when yah got yer head stuck in that bucket.” They shared a laugh, then she paused and looked towards the back of her store, "Hey Star, I gotta finish up an order 'fore I close up in ah few hours.. Really sorry hun."

“No, no, it's cool, AB. It's awesome just seeing you're doing well.” They embraced for another tight hug.

“Let me know when yah got a night free hun. I'll whip you up a fine dinner.” She smiled warmly to him. “For ol' time sakes.”

“You got it AB.”

He left with a parting smile for the filly, mentally making a note to spend time with his friend sometime this week. Then it was a straight trot to the massive tree library where he hoped to find an answer to his problem.