Two pegasi Sun-Guards stood along the narrow ramparts of the Castle. Quiet at their station, as dusk settled on the city. One of the two identical pegasi nudged his partner and pointed a hoof at an approaching speck on the horizon. Slowly the dot became a pony, flapping hard to gain the altitude the castle sat at. They ruffled their wings, ready to lift-off if necessary. The skies over Canterlot Castle were a no-fly zone unless given specific permission. Even then, just long enough pass the walls and land. Despite that, some have tried, thinking it a short-cut or attempting to reach the Princesses through non-formal means. Most are tackled by pegasi or unicorn guards and promptly hauled to the cells to await trail the next morning.

The incoming pegasus slowed and hovered before the mighty white rampart and saluted the two guards, “Evening fellas. StarStep from 3rd company requesting permission to enter the gardens.”

One of the guards glanced at the other then to the hovering blue-grey colt, “StarStep? I heard rumor you weren't coming back. Why aren’t you using the main barrack's entrance?”

Star raised his hoof, showing a frost coated bucket dangling from a cord around his wrist. Drips of something were leaking from it's lid. “It's melting too fast. Fresh from Ponyville, wanted to bring Princess Luna a gift.”

The guards looked at each other then one shrugged, “Yeah, I guess it's ok. If you're looking for her highness, I think she's on that grassy knoll in the garden, raising the moon.” He paused, “Did you really knock out a griffon in one blow?”

Star grimaced and nodded. It appeared the rumors of the little incident finally leaked out. “Yeah. It's why I've been gone a week. Punishment and all that.”

The guard slid his helm from his head, dispelling the illusion. He was a deep green colt with blue mane. “Unofficially, thanks for putting that feather-brain in his place. I heard bits of what he was shouting at the Princess. The guards can't say anything openly, but most of us support what you did. Political ramifications be damned.” he nodded his head in respect. His partner hesitated then did the same.

“Thanks fellas. I appreciate the support, but I don't recommend doing it. Pisses off the Princess something fierce.” He sighed and lifted his melting package. “So is it cool I go on?” The two pegasi nodded and resumed their posts. StarStep drifted over the wall and glided to the stone walk-ways of the castle garden.

He trotted down the path, handle of his melting package in his teeth, saddle-bags clunking along against his sides. He came straight here from Ponyville. His ban was over and he needed to see where he stood with Luna.

At last he rounded a hedge row, finding himself near the grassy knoll the Princess of the Night favored. She was sitting on her haunches at the very top, back to him, watching her moon crest on the far-off horizon past the flickering lights of Ponyville. He quietly approached and halted at the bottom of the knoll, setting his gift on the soft grass.

“I see thou hath returned. Speak from thy heart or begone from mine presence.” She didn't bother looking at him, her stillness as cold as the night.

“First, Princess. I brought you a gift from Ponyville. It's melting fast so I'd like to go ahead and give it to you.” He placed a hoof on the start of the slope up the grassy knoll, “May I bring it to you, Princess Luna?”

She turned her head to the side, glancing back at him with one eye. Her flowing water-like blue mane, silhouetting her regal face. She frowned slightly and nodded, “Thou may approach. Dost thou attempt to win my favor with treats?”

The pegasus smirked as he trotted up to the top and set the container in front of her hooves. He turned his head to dig around in his saddle-bag. Soft clinking and rustling as he nuzzled through it till at last he produced a large spoon and set it on the top of the container. “No, Princess. Simply a gift I thought you might like. Nothing more.”

She raised an eye at him, a curious look. Then she used her magic to lift the spoon and pop off the lid. Her eyes widened and she leaned down to sniff at it, “Oh, tis...” She eyed him suspiciously, using the spoon to dig a trench in the bright-green, soft cream. Little bits of dark brown specks in it's surface. She watched him warily as she ate a spoonful and gave a happy moan, “Mmmmm, tis mint and dark chocolate. Mmmmm...wonderfully strong. Sweet and bitter.” She ate a few more bites, delighting in the flavor like a filly with her first ice-cream cone. “Oh, heavenly. Mmm...” After polishing a quarter of the treat she halted, spoon mid-way back down. “Thou knowst this changes nothing.”

Star chuckled, long since sitting back on his haunches to watch Luna enjoy the ice-cream. “I wouldn't expect it would, Princess. But I thought you would like it all the same.”

She nodded, replacing the lid and set the spoon on top. “Enough for now. Thou dost delay. Speak and let us be done with this.” She looked into his eyes. Cold and regal. She would know if he lied, and her fury would be terrible.

He turned his head, pulling her black wing-ribbon from his pack and set it on the ground at her feet. “Till I find your forgiveness. I didn't want to wear this anymore. I don't deserve your token.” She nodded, and waited for him to continue. “Princess Luna.” He bowed his head to her, “Please forgive me for my actions when I was your escort at the party. It was wrong of me to overstep your authority in dealing with the griffon. It was wrong of me to meet harsh words with brute force. It was also wrong of me to make you look weak when you were strong enough to deal with the heckler. My job was to protect you from harm, and you were not in any danger. I'm so very sorry my feelings for you blinded me.” He looked up into her eyes, determination in his voice, “You are the Princess of the Night, a wise, playful, brutally honest mare. I care about you, Princess. I would do anything for you.”

She nodded at his apologies and frowned at his final statement, “Wouldst thou take a spear for me?”

“Without question. Your life is precious to me.”

She stomped one of her crystal-shod hooves, “Pray-tell, how art mine life more precious than thy own, or any other pony? Why dost thou feel thy life is worth ending to save mine?”

He met her hard stare, never flinching, “Because Princess. I can't rule for thousands of years. I can't lift the Moon. I can't bring love and stability to all of pony-kind. But you can, Princess. If my tiny flicker of a life is worth spending to keep you safe and bring joy to thousands of ponies. Then why not?”

She held his gaze for long quiet moments, judging his words. A quick jolt from her magic slapped him across the cheek, he recoiled in slight shock. He gritted his teeth and kept his eyes locked with hers. “What of the ponies who love thou? Wouldst thou wish their suffering, as thy life slips from their hooves. What of the young orange pegasus who's heart belongs to thou? What of thy family or friends? What of me? Thy Princess, whom thou claims to care for? What a terribly selfish thing to say. To believe that thy sacrifice wouldst go quietly into the night? How many ponies would weep for thy death? HOW MANY?” Her eyes were watering, a terrible sadness in their depths.

Star held his ground, his heart breaking at the pain she appeared to be hiding. “I...think I get it now. You don't want more Goldwing the Champions. That's what you meant by that question. It's why you were so angry when I stepped in harms way with the griffon.”

She looked away, a sparkle of tears falling in the moonlight, “Yes...”

The pegasus sighed. It was not going at all as he had expected. “Princess Luna. There are many who love me. And so many that love you and your sister. I'm not in a hurry to die, I would much rather be by your side. Personally, I think the more ponies who grieve when I go, the more joy I brought into their lives while I was alive.” He shook his head and began to walk down the grassy knoll. “Good night, Princess.”

“Wait...”

Star held, one hoof in mid-step and turned his head to the dark blue alicorn. She was smiling back at him, her eyes still wet, but she seemed less troubled, “Thou hath found wisdom in thy time away. From where dost it come?”

He smiled back at his Princess, “A friend named Cheerilee in Ponyville really helped me get a better perspective on this whole love thing. I may be slow but I think I'm starting to understand.”

She patted the grass next to her, “Please, sit.” He nodded and took his place beside her. “I...apologize for my reaction. Thou hath spoken truthfully and from thy heart. I suspect thy reasoning is why thou art so determined to court me. Thou hath only found the courage to speaketh of it recently. Tis true?”

Star nodded, “It is. I've always thought, that you deserved someone who accepts you for who you are and understands that one day they may have to sacrifice to help you. If you ever die, Princess. Every pony in the land will grieve and mourn. I can't even imagine your sister's reaction.” He sighed and reached out a hoof to touch hers, she blinked in surprise at his boldness but otherwise did not react. “I'd rather die than let the world suffer so much.” He gave her a gentle smile, “Princess, I promise to work very hard on my impulsiveness. To better understand when to stay out of your fights. To support you and be your shadow until the day I no longer can.”

She slid her hoof from under his and turned to gaze at her half-moon. “Thy apology is accepted, StarStep. It appears I must meet with this, Miss Cheerilee at some point. She hath knocked wisdom into thy head. Truly a feat.”

Star smirked and nodded, “She did at that.”

“However, I still think thou a foal, spouting pretty words of commitment and acting as if thou understands the depths of what sacrifice truly is. Still...” She regarded him for a moment. “Thou hath surprised me.” She sat back on her haunches, reaching out to pull the pegasus into a tight hug. He blushed hotly, his head against her soft blue coat, the smell of night-skies, night-lilies and blueberries. “I thank thee, dear StarStep. For thy honesty and devotion. Forgive my sometimes, cold and harsh demeanor. Tis often difficult to remember how very little of life, thou hath yet to experience. But I see promise.”

She released him from her hug, and held him at hooves' reach, “I should like to think upon thy words this evening. Take thy leave and relax. At dawn, report to mine sister's study with thy guard partner.”

“Yes, Princess.” He paused and nodded to the black wing-ribbon, forgotten on the ground, “I, uh. Do you still reject my courtship?”

She levitated the ribbon up and curled it around her wrist. “For now. I must think upon thy words. Thou still doth not completely understand, but...thou hath opened thy eyes to a broader perspective. It dost bring joy to mine heart to see such.” She leaned forward to nuzzle at his nose, “Rest well, StarStep. The dawn may herald a beginning or an end to things. We shall see.” She smiled to him before unfurling her large, beautiful alicorn wings and lifting up into the blackness of the star-dotted sky.

StarStep watched the Princess leave and plopped back on his haunches. Well, it didn't go terrible, but it wasn't the home-coming he was expecting. At least he'd finally found the courage to express why he wanted to be at her side. He'd caught glimpses of her sadness when that regal facade slipped. He wasn't expecting part of this to be tied up in legend of Goldwing. It did explain a few things. Still, he wasn't out of a job, and Luna was still considering. Not bad at all. Though, he worried about her visiting Cheerilee. That would take some careful explaining. He gathered up the melting ice-cream and spoon. The little bucket swaying as he held the handle in his mouth. He'd have to give AB a big thanks for a last-minute batch of hoof-made ice-cream for the Princess.

He trotted into the castle, passing through the main halls to the barracks section, nodding to guards he passed in the lantern lit corridors. At last he arrive at his home away from home. Unlocking the door he brushed aside letters piled inside and placed the little bucket in the freezer part of the mini-fridge. With a groan, he let the saddle-bags fall off his hunches. Flying with those things always left a crick in his back. Star gathered up his mail at the entrance, flipping through to check for important notices and tossed the pile on the counter. Nothing but the usual bills and ads.

A few minutes later, he found himself outside of Lighthoof's door. At the very least he wanted to make sure his buddy was aware of the dawn appointment. Plus to see how he was doing. Fortunately, there didn't seem to be a sock on the door tonight. So he knocked firmly, hoping Lighthoof was home. Quiet. So he knocked again.

A locked clicked and the door swung open ajar, the tan pegasus peeking out. He grinned when he recognized his friend and fully opened the door. “Dude! Wow, you're back! Come in, Star.” He ushered his buddy in, shutting the door firmly. “Want a drink?” He wandered over to the fridge, scooping out a two Hard Pear Ciders and tossed one to Star. “I was...a little worried you weren't coming back. Lotta rumors flying about. Some pretty messed up.” He looked his friend over, “Dig the mane highlights, dude.” He popped the cap off his drink and tipped it back as he plopped into his recliner.

Star popped the lid off his own Cider and enjoying the crisp flavor before dropping into a small desk chair, “Really sorry I couldn't let you know before I had to fly. You were out of town and I didn't have much time.” He shrugged.

“It's cool, Star. So...what exactly happened? I've heard everything, from you challenging a griffon to a duel of honor, to you going crazy and pouncing on one. The only thing all the rumors match up on, is that Princess Luna flipped.”

The grey-colt pegasus leaned back in his chair and told the story of the party and the after-math.

“That's...a lot to take in. Still dude. I woulda decked that griffon too. What a parasprite.” Lighthoof shook his head, “And then for Princess Luna to ban you for a week? That seems kinda harsh.”

“Yeah, well...it gets more interesting...” He gave a shortened version of his week in Ponyville. He left out the parts with AB and all of the sexual encounters. Those weren't any of his business. His friend's eyes about bulged out his head when he heard about Cheerilee.

“Dude! You rutted your ex-teacher? I knew you thought she was cute and all but...wow. That musta been a wild week.” He pondered, “I wonder if that Twilight Sparkle will put that spell on me for Sherry.”

“Lighthoof, you might not want it. It feels like an earth-pony double-bucked you in the sack then set it on fire.” He grimaced, remembering the terrible feeling of that spell.

“I donno, a week with a mare in heat, craving your body hour after hour? Sounds like a dream come true.” Lighthoof polished off his drink. “So, this teacher helped you figure out what Princess Luna wanted? Did you talk with her yet?”

Star nodded, playing with the bottle between his fore-hooves. “Yeah, I think so. But something is still troubling the Princess. She wants us both at Princess Celestia's study at dawn.” His friend nodded. “Also, please don't say anything about Cheerilee right now. All the Princess knows is that she helped me find perspective. I'm not sure how she'd react if she found out I had to rut a mare in heat for a week to get it.”

The tan pegasus shook his head, a slight frown on his face, “You should probably tell her before long. I suspect it's gonna come out if you go visit Cheerilee again. You know the rules on multiple mates. Everypony involved has to be aware of the others.”

“Yeah, but Princess Luna and I aren't even courting. She threw me out of the castle, for crying-out-loud. The thing with Cheerilee was between her, me and Twilight. But yeah, I'll have to tell her if she decides she wants me around after-all.” He sighed, the soft clink of his empty bottle sharp in the quiet room as he set it on the desk. “Now, how about you and Sherry. How'd it go on your trip?”

The other pegasus smiled broadly, “Oh it was great, dude. Who knew that unicorns knew how to have such a good time. We took a trip down to Blue-water canyons. She even let me fly her through them. Talk about brave.”

“Sounds like she trusts you.”

Lighthoof nodded with a fond smile, “Yeah...she's something else. And then yesterday she introduced me to Peach Blossom. Cute earth pony, very sweet. They started making out right in front of me and forbid me joining in. I think Sherry enjoys teasing me sometimes.”

Star chuckled and slid from his seat. “Yeah, but she loves you. You think she's the one?”

His buddy tilted his head, “Huh...it's only been what, a month or so? But so far, I don't see any reason she's not. She gets my crazy humor, and doesn't nag me about my habits. She even thinks it's funny when she catches me glancing at another mare's plot.”

“Where is she tonight, anyway? I figured you'd be wrapped in her hooves right now.” Star made his way to the front door. Lighthoof hopped up from his recliner and joined him.

“I would, but she's having a filly's night out. It's cool though. When Princess Celestia told me you'd be back in a week, I suspected you'd come round tonight.” He put his hoof on the door-handle.

“How was admin, anyway?”

“Star, dude. I thought standing guard was boring, but that stuff. By Celestia, it's the most mind-numbing, soul-sucking work I've ever done. How can those paper-pushers do that day after day? If you hadn't come back, I woulda dragged you back. Or quit!” He turned the handle and opened the door for his friend. “Still, Star, I can't tell you how happy I am you came back. It wasn't the same without you, dude.”

StarStep chuckled and gave his buddy a hug, “It's good to be home, Light. See yah at dawn.”

“Sure thing, Griffon-Oneshot.” He smirked at Star before shutting the door. The locks falling into place.

The blue-grey pegasus blinked in surprise. Was that a joke or did the guards pick a nickname for him? Well, he hoped it wasn't a guard thing. He didn't want reminders following him of how bad he bucked up his night with Luna.

________________________________________________________________

Star spent the next hour unpacking and polishing his golden Sun-Armor. He wanted to be presentable to the Princesses. Whatever came to pass. Then he retired to bed. Laying awake for a while, staring at the darkened ceiling and he thought about Luna. If she refused him, what was he to do? Would he quit the guards? He wasn't sure. He still wanted to be at her side. Even if she wouldn't return his love, he could still love her. Though a hollow feeling in his chest caused him to wondered if that would ever be enough.

Dawn came, Celestia's sun cracking the horizon as StarStep trotted down the empty morning halls. As he passed an intersection, Lighthoof joined him. They didn't speak a word, they didn't need to. Lighthoof knew this morning was important to his friend and his armor was just as polished. He didn't know what else he could do to support, Star. The friends made their way to Celestia's study, just as the first quarter of the sun rose above distant mountains. The doors were closed, and two grey earth-pony guards stood at attention. At the sight of the two pegasi approaching, one cracked open the door and spoke inside. There was a pause, then he opened it wider, gesturing to the pegasi to enter.

Inside, Princess Celestia was behind her massive red-oak desk, smiling warmly at the two ponies. Princess Luna standing at her side, her face an expressionless mask. Star felt a clutching in his belly. Nervousness and fear. He hoped she would have at least smiled or wished him a good morning.

The two guards came to attention before the regal sisters, awaiting further instructions as the massive study doors clicked close behind them. There was silence for a long while. The only motion, the sister's otherworldly manes. The only sound, that damning ticking of the grandfather clock in a corner.

"StarStep, Lighthoof.” Celestia began, still wearing her bright smile, “Good morning to you both.” They returned her greeting. “StarStep, my sister has explained to me your apology last night. I am in agreement with her, that this was most heartfelt and insightful for your age. It appears that Twilight's mare-friend has had a wonderful effect on you as well.” Star stiffened at that. How much did Celestias know? Did Luna know?

“She sent me a wonderful letter this morning. Telling me about how you helped her realize she was neglecting her friends and loved ones. For that, I am grateful. Twilight often becomes....obsessed. Perhaps dangerously so, in her research. With the dear Cheerilee to help temper her pursuits, my fears of Twilight harming herself, are abated.” She nodded softly to the pegasus, he returned the gesture.

“Despite that, there's a very serious matter we must discuss. Now. StarStep, you have gained perspective and wisdom during your week away. And so, with that in mind, I ask you this. Would you do anything for my sister? Would you sacrifice your all to protect her from harm?” He agreed without hesitation, “And would you continue to improve yourself, for the sake of understanding when to fight and when to walk away?” He agreed again, firmly. Looking to Luna as if to will his desire to be better, for her, for himself.

“Would you surrender the Sun to save the Moon?” Celestia asked, a slight warning to her tone.

His jaw dropped, what kind of question was that? Was it a trick? Seconds passed, the clock ticked on. Lighthoof glanced at him, worried. He racked his brain for a response. But, as he looked into Luna's beautiful eyes, he knew it would do him no good to lie, or beat around the issue.

“I would.”

Celestia's expression fell. She seemed disappointed, yet Luna's eyes brightened, what was that about? Still, the tightness in his belly increased. Something was...off.The Sun Goddess turned her head to regard his friend, “Lighthoof, I know you do not have the same level of dedication towards my sister as StarStep does. However, being his guard partner. I must ask you a few questions to see your stance upon the matter.” The pegasus nodded.

“Would you do anything to protect Princess Luna?”

“I would do anything to protect you both, Princess.” She smiled briefly to his response.

“Would you sacrifice yourself to save her?” Again he responded he would for both.

She shook her head, “Perhaps I am going about this the wrong way. Lighthoof, would you follow your friend and guard-partner, where ever that path may lead? Is your loyalty to him strong enough to stand at his side and accept the same judgment I shall pass on him?”

They shared a glance. Star smiled at his friend, “Lighthoof, don't get caught up in this. You don't have to go down with me.”

Lighthoof chuckled and reached over to tap him on the shoulder, “No, I don’t have to. I choose to. Besides, who the buck else likes my jokes?” They shared a knowing grin, then Light turned to the white alicorn. “He's my best-bud. We're a team and that's that. There's not another guard in this place I'd want to have as a partner. So yeah, I stand by him in this.”

The Princess sighed softly and shook her head, a slightly sad expression gracing her angelic face. “I see. Your loyalty is commendable, Lighthoof.” She gave her sister the same sad smile. Luna was still as poised as ever.

“It is done sister. Thou hath thy answer from their very lips. Let us be conclude this inquiry. The sun rises and I grow tired.”

Celestia closed her eyes and gave a deep sigh, “You are right, Lu-Lu. It is done.” She turned her disappointed gaze to the two pegasi.

“Remove your armor. You are no longer a part of my Sun-Guards.”