“Hey Scoots?” StarStep whispered to the orange pegasus. The two of them were on their backs, looking up at the stars, with their heads resting against Luna's side. The Princess appeared to be napping. Her chest rising and falling softly while her wing was still spread over the two pegasi. The moon was just nipping the mountains in the west, and soon the sun would take center-stage.

Scootaloo leaned slightly to the right, nuzzling at Star's neck. “Yeah?”

“What are you going to do now?” He asked, tilting his body so it rested a little more against the mare's side.

“Mmmh? What'da mean, Star?”

“Well, you said you want to date Luna and I, right?” She nodded in response, “But...you live in Ponyville. How is it going to work?”

The filly gave a soft sigh, her breath ruffling his blue-grey coat. “Ponyville isn't my home, Star. I only live there because it's where my stuff is. I mean, if it wasn't for Apple Bloom, I wouldn't have much reason for going back.” She gave a gentle kiss under his jaw, “For now, my home is with you. I have some savings, I'll get a place down in Old Canterlot, and make this my hub city for the deliveries. Seems like it provides most of my business anyway.” She giggled very lightly, careful not to disturb their napping alicorn pillow. “I'll still be coming and going, but it's better this way. I feel like my time with you and Luna will be that much more special. Right?”

Star looked down at her, smiling into the fillies purple-tinted eyes. “You really thought this out, huh?”

The orange pegasus grinned, “Well...Luna brought up the issue. And it seemed like the best way to solve it.” She hesitated, fidgeting with her hooves as they curled against her chest, “Star...I don't know what changed but...I kind of like this new you. You'll have to tell me all about what's been going on since I visited.”

He nodded, reaching across his chest to caress her muzzle, “Of course. I love you Scoots. I'm sorry I ignored you all those years in school. I love Luna so much, I just...I was afraid there was no room for you too.”

She smiled and lifted her head up to kiss him sweetly, “I know Star...I'm sorry if you ever felt pressured. I'm happy to have a place in your life. And, hopefully, in Luna's too.”

He returned her kiss and gave a soft chuckle, “I'm still trying to figure that one out.”

Scootaloo expressed mock outrage, “Are you saying I'm not allowed to love our Princess too?”

“What? No, no. Not like that. I just...it just seems sudden.”

She smirked, “There are things about me you've yet to learn, Star. I think you missed a lot during our dating in school. So blinded by the moon.” She shook her head, mane ruffling softly against Luna's side. The filly gave a little giggle and nibbled at his cheek, “But don't worry. I've got plenty of time to train you now.”

“Indeed. While housebroken, he dost have issues with courtesy and knowing when to heel.” Luna gave a light laugh, her chest quivering under the two pegasus as she lifted her head to look down at them.

Star stammered as Scoots leaned over him to give a soft nose nuzzle to the Princess. Luna returned the gesture and gave her colt a gentle kiss.

“Tia wilst be raising the sun soon, and I must attend to the final lowering of the moon. Being as I hath guests this morning, perhaps the two of thou wouldest like to partake in breakfast? Due to Star's splendid offering of snacks this past week, I hath been ignoring my sister's ritual of a dawn meal. I believe she would most enjoy the company.”

Scootaloo glanced at Star, eyes glimmering in excitement. “Ooooh, Star, can we? I never got to dine with Princesses before.”

The colt chuckled, “Of course, Scoots.” He smiled to the blue alicorn, “We'd love to attend, Princess.”

“Splendid! Then I bid thou seek the Royal Dining hall. I suspect mine sister wilst be there shortly, as will I. Thy feather tokens will grant thee entrance.”

The three of the rose from the comfy spot on the grass. Luna leaned down to accept their affectionate nuzzles. “Ah, before thou goes.” Her horn shimmered and the outfit Scootaloo was still wearing, vanished. “While quite a delightful outfit, I doth not think it appropriate for dining with Tia.”

Scootaloo blushed and softly scuffed a hoof against the grass as Star gave her a playful flank-bump. “Don’t worry Scoots. You can wear it again for me tonight.” He gave her a wink, and the filly blushed before shoving him into the grass and beaming an innocent smile at Luna.

_______________________________________________________________

A short walk through the polished hallways, the pair was ushered into the Royal Dining hall by the two guards on duty. The room was simply furnished. A large table built more for alicorn size, able to seat sixteen ponies. Seven on each side and one on each end. It was draped with a white table-cloth, laced along it's edges with deep blue. The candelabras dotting it's surface were silver with gold colored candles. Not lit for the moment, the early morning sun-rays were beaming into the room. The wall of windows facing the East. Star blinked against the glare, his eyes still used to the dim light of early dawn.

Scootaloo seemed to be dancing on her hooves, looking this way and that. She gave a guilty look about, insuring they were alone and fluttered up the ceiling to inspect the beautiful paintings that covered it's dome surface. Star gave a chuckle as he trotted up to the table. He noted there were six silver plates set out with glasses and matching silverware. Three on each side of the table.

As he pondered the pre-set table, the main door creaked open, and Scootaloo rushed to the floor next to Star, eying around him with giddy excitement.

A long slender pink leg slipped through the crack as it continued to widen. A herald for Princess Cadance as she trotted in. She paused, tilting her head as she noticed the two pegasi. There was a brief look of confusion before her eyes settled on the feathers they wore on their chests. The alicorn gasped and giggled softly, “OH. I wondered who you two might be. I didn't expect we'd have more joining us for breakfast.”

Respectfully, the two pegasi bowed to her before resuming their stances at each others side. “Who all is coming, Princess Cadance?” Star asked, curious who she was referring to.

“Oh, my husband and Tia. Luna was occupied these last few mornings.” She gave a knowing smile. The young alicorn stepped close and looked them over more carefully, “You must be StarStep, am I right?” He nodded before she turned her bright expression to the orange pegasus, “I'm sorry, I don't know you yet.”

Scootaloo gave a little giggle and blushed as she dipped her head, “It's ok, Princess. It was a while back since you saw me last. I was one of the flower-girls at your wedding.”

Cadance blinked, giving shy grin, “Oh, I do apologize. That was quite an event. So much happened all at once. I remember you now, but not your name. Forgive me.”

“Scootaloo! How wonderful to see you, dear.” Princess Celestia's soft yet regal voice interrupted them as the white alicorn of the sun, strode into the room. The embodiment of royalty in all it's splendor. She stepped to the small group of ponies and leaned down to give Cadance a gentle nuzzle on the cheek. All the while, she was beaming warmly at the two smaller ponies. “I had heard that my sister had visitors last night. I had begun to worry when she began to miss our morning meals.” Her gaze fell on the blue-grey colt, “Something special must be occupying her.” She nodded her head towards the table. “Come, let us sit while we wait for the others.”

So, Celestia took a place at the center of one side of the table, with Cadance taking a seat to her right. She bid the other two to leave the other center for Luna, so the pair sat across from the sun-goddess, a seat between them. Shortly thereafter, the blue alicorn arrived, Shining Armor escorting her.

“Look who I found, Cadance, I...OH” He halted when he saw Star, his expression shifting from surprise to slight curiosity at Scootaloo. “Quite the breakfast gathering this morning.” He trotted over to give his wife a kiss before taking his seat next to Celestia. Luna looked at her sister as she approached, an eyebrow raised quizzically before slipping onto the stool between the pegasi.

“What art thou up to, dear sister?”

Celestia smiled innocently, “Whatever do you mean, Lu-lu?” She clapped her hooves together and maids wheeled carts into the dining hall. Star could smell the fresh cooked Hay-browns and fought the urge to lick his lips. His belly did decide to rumble, eliciting a giggle from Cadance, who sat across from him.

“Thou knowest exactly what I mean.” The blue alicorn glared at her sister, even as the plates were filled with hot food, and glasses topped off with sparkling apple juice.

The white alicorn simply smiled before using her magic to raise her glass and sip. “StarStep, dear. How are you finding Night-Guard duty?” She turned her attention to the pegasus colt.

His muzzle half-full of Hay-browns, he halted mid-chew, startled by Celestia's question. A blush on his cheek when he noted that nopony else had begun to eat. Scootaloo was shaking her head. Quickly, the colt swallowed and smiled to the sun-goddess. “It's great, Princess Celestia. I sort of miss spending time in the castle, but it's been interesting helping out the night-life ponies.”

“I am glad to hear it dear.” She waved a hoof at the other ponies, “StarStep has the right idea. Eat. Please enjoy.” She sipped her juice and nibbled on a bit of hay-bacon. “Lu-lu, I wanted to thank you for the beautiful evening, it was very exciting.”

Luna tightened her lips around her own piece of hay-bacon, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“It was, wasn't it, Princess.” Scootaloo spoke up, smiling happily across to the white alicorn. “The stars, and touches of blue fields, and a bright moon.”

“Yes, quite the full moon.” Celestia smiled slyly across at her sister as Scoot blinked in confusion.

“But...I thought it was a half-moon last night?”

“Not from where I was sitting.” Celestia crunched on her bacon with a smirk. Shining began to cough, apparently his apple-juice had gone down the wrong way. She smiled to her sister, “Sister, dear. Did you plan last night's beautiful show of star. Or was your work, spontaneous?”

The moon-goddess tilted her head, “Twas it not the same as yesterday's sister?”

“Oh no, most certainly not. It touched me deeply. Will you be planning another soon? I love to watch you work your magic.” A quick glance at Scootaloo, “It's so very fulfilling.” She grinned over the lip of her crystal glass. The sisters looked at each other as the other ponies went about their meals. A few moments passed before the pink alicorn broke the conversation silence.

“Luna, I noticed you're all wearing feathers.” Cadance began, smiling warmly, “Does that mean you're all in a relationship?”

Suspicious of her sister, Luna nodded, eyes lingering on the white alicorn before shifting to the pink, “Indeed, dear Cadance. StarStep asked to court me but a week ago, and now, dear Scootaloo has joined us. I am quite pleased.” She unfurled her wings to give a quick hug to the pegasi.

Luna's ears caught her sister's whisper, “So was she.” Thankfully, the other ponies seemed not to hear her.

“I'm so happy for you, Luna.” The pink alicorn beamed before she glanced over at her husband. “It's so wonderful to have someone who loves you. Somepony who'd do anything for you.”

Celestia looked at Star, “Would you do anything to Lu-lu?”

The pegasus blinked. He wasn't sure he heard the question correctly but nodded, “Yeah, her and Scoots both.”

“Oh my. I'm sure they're both lucky to have you.” She smiled innocently, but made suggestive tongue-wiggles at her sister when the other ponies were not looking. Luna's resisted the urge to grind her teeth as she chewed.

While the ponies ate, Cadance asked for little tid-bits of how they were getting along. Smiling sweetly at the romantic gestures she heard and laughing at the silly pranks Luna played on Star. Shining Armor kept fairly quiet, leaving the conversation to his wife and shooting confused glances at StarStep.

During a brief lull in the conversation, Celestia addressed the blue-grey colt. “Tell me, Star. Did you know that Lu-lu is a screamer?”

Cadance paled, Shining began to choke on his food and Scootaloo's mouth dropped open. All Star could do was take a deer-in-headlight's look as Luna glared daggers. Star found his mouth working at a response, “Princess...I...really don't think...”

Celestia looked around at the others and blushed ever so slightly, “Oh. I'm sorry, I meant to say, that Lu-lu likes to use the Royal Voice when she's worked up. You cannot imagine how difficult it was to explain to the Dragon Empress why Lu-Lu was shouting at her. She's commands such a terrifying presence. The Dragon Empress was frighted as well.”

“...Tia...” Luna warned.

The white alicorn laughed softly, “Oh Lu-lu. It's too funny a story not to tell. OH, that reminds me. StarStep, you MUST let me show you portraits of my sister from ages ago. Saddle styles back then were so...risque.” She giggled as her sister bristled.

The other ponies did their best to ignore the tension, though Luna gave her sister the evil-eye. The breakfast continued, and the ponies finished their meals. The maids swept through, clearing plates and leaving coffee for Tia, Shining and Cadance. Mint Tea for the other three. They sat in quiet, sipping their drinks. Celestia smiling smugly over her mug at her sister, the other glaring back with promises of revenge.

They finished their hot drinks and Luna stood, prompting her dates to do so as well. “Well, sister, it was a delightful meal.” The blue alicorn began, “Since thou enjoyed my magic so much last night, perhaps I will take time to watch thine.” Her eyes flicked between her, Shining and Cadance. With a smug grin, she led her two pegasi towards the door, pulling it open with her magic before pausing at the open passage to glance over her shoulder, “Oh, by the way, dear sister. Thou hath 'magic' on thy coat.” She broke out into a terrible grin and laughed pulling the door closed behind them. Her last glance of her sister, was the white alicorn patting around her own muzzle and neck, searching for spots.

“Princess...what was THAT all about?” Star asked as they approached Luna's massive blue bed-chamber doors.

“It appears, mine sister saw the two of thou last night.” She gave a smile of pity to the pegasi.

Scootaloo's cheeks flushed and Star balked, “She was watching us? The whole time?”

“Quite possibly. She...enjoys nosing into my personal life.” She gave a little grumble. “Worry not my dear ponies.” She nuzzled them both. “Let it not dampen thy love and affections. To hide thy feelings for fear of discovery, tis a tragedy.” Her horn glowed as the massive door parted. “I wish thou both a spendid day, as I hath scrolls and forms to fill before rest. I hope to see thou both at dusk.” Both pegasi nodded before the Princess nuzzled warmly at Scootaloo, then kissed StarStep sweetly.

“Sleep well Princess.” Scoot said, beaming a happy smile as she cuddled against Star.

“Dream happy dreams, Princess.”

The blue alicorn nodded with a smile, “I believe I am.” She slipped into the darkness of her room and the door shut with a heavy thud.

It was then they two noticed the door-guards. Scoot blushed hotly and tried to hide her face in his neck. Star just gave them a nervous grin, “Uh...hey fellas. Don't mind us. We'll...just be going now.” He turned and lead his mare-friend away, doing his best to ignore the soft snickers from the two earth-ponies.

The two ponies returned to Star's room, along the way he told Scoot about how he'd spent the previous morning.

“So I found the pawn shop Sweetie and her crew had sold their gear to. Fortunately, I was able to get it back. Took all my savings though.”

“Are you going to be ok spending that much?” She asked, leaning against her colt as they walked in the early morning light.

“Yeah, it's fine. They'll just pay me back when they can. Sadly, there's not much else I can do to help Sweetie. Luna has that contest coming up in a few weeks, so they gotta practice and get ready. Kind of hard without instruments.”

Scootaloo giggled, “I don't know. Dash could play a mean air-guitar.” They shared a laugh. “When can I see Sweetie?”

“When are you leaving town again?”

She thought about it, “Hmm...couple days I think. Some pick up from Cloudsdale to Manehattan.”

Star nodded as they reached the door to his room, “Well, tomorrow morning, we'll go catch her at the coffee shop. She works a pretty messed up schedule right now. Two full time jobs. I don't know how she's going to find time to practice.” He gave a soft sigh, “At least seeing you should cheer her up, right?”

Scoot pushed open the door and nudged him inside, “Mmm-hmm. I know I'll be happy to see her at least. Me and Apple Bloom were getting really worried. At least now that you've explained it, I'll chat with her and see if we can't do something to help Sweetie.” As soon as they were both inside the room she slammed the door with a back hoof and fluttered off the ground to tackle the colt.

Star blinked up at the orange pegasus, “What?”

“Mmmm...round two...” She began to nibble seductively on his ear.

She played with him, teasing and toying with his wings. Through his haze of pleasure he tried to take note of exactly what she was doing to him. He needed to learn, and Scoots was oh so very good. At last she relinquished her game and rode him from on top. It wasn't the optimal position for ponies, but he loved watching her eyes, half-lidded in pleasure, look down at him, her wings-tip shivering when she climaxed. The colt did his best to hold out for her, up until she leaned her neck on his shoulder, her mouth taking one of his stiff wings in her muzzle and bit down as she wiggled her body down on his shaft. That was all he could take and filled the filly till it was running out of her and along his inner thighs. The two of them laid together, gently caressing each others' coats with their hooves and nuzzling softly into each others' manes. At last, Star half-pulled the tired filly into his bed, and the two of them slept cuddled together until early afternoon.

______________________________________________________________

Lighthoof was shouting over the crowd of ponies in Ol' Rowdy's as he sat in the booth. “So this poor new recruit comes to me and asks for the keys to the chariot.” He gestured wildly as he retold the story, “Now, I wasn't going to be the poor sport that ruined the game, so I told him that I'd give him the keys if he could bring me a plate-armor stretcher from the blacksmiths. So off the little guy runs.” Sherry and Peach giggled as the cuddled into their colt. Across the table, Luna looked perplexed between a laughing Scootaloo and a smirking StarStep.

“I doth not understand. Mine chariots have no keys.”

The ponies at the table paused, and laughed harder. Star chuckled and smiled to Luna, “That's the point Princess. New recruits have a bad habit of not thinking orders through. So sometimes they'll get asked to find something that doesn't exist. It's a bit of a prank.”

The alicorn tilted her head, then her expression brightened, “Oh-ho! I see! Tis a delightful jest. Though, I doth feel for the recruit. For how long did he seek out the keys?”

Lighthoof gave a sly grin, “Well, the blacksmith sent him looking for elbow grease. You know, to lube the armor stretcher. And somewhere along the line, some guard let slip that there's no elbow grease, and the whole prank fell apart.” They all shared a little laugh, even Luna joined in before sipping her Pear cider.

“Truly, Lighthoof. I did not know thou indulged in such merry jests.”

The tan pegasus grinned, “I try, Princess. I try.” He nuzzled Sherry then Peach. The first gave a kiss back, the other squirmed and giggled shyly. “If it wasn't for these two, who knows what kind of shenanigans I'd get into.

Sherry smirked, “Is that her name, hun?” The colt balked and tickled her in revenge.

Luna smiled at the affectionate display, giving a soft giggle as both Scootaloo and Star leaned into her sides. “I am most delighted, my dear Star. At the invitation to this tavern. So many of the guards are here, it allows me to see them so unreserved and more natural. Splendidly, most of the ponies here art not falling over their hooves to bow and prostrate themselves before me. Even the bar-tender allowed me to pay for his fine beverages.”

Sherry laughed, “Dad'll take money from dang near anypony, long as they're not hurtin' nopony.” She glanced over her shoulder and nodded to her father. He returned the gesture as he handed off mugs to patrons at the bar.

“Indeed. While I do appreciate gifts, I would much rather patron and support establishments whom offer services I indulge in.”

“Like the spa, Princess?” Star smirked up at her. She returned the look and nudged him with her crystal-shod hoof.

“Very true. Perhaps we should ask thy guard-partner to seek out a Lunar Treatment as well? I would assume he would make quite the pretty pony.” They shared a laugh as Lighthoof just blinked in confusion.

“Actually...Princess. That's not a bad idea for a friend of mine.” he nodded in thought before tipping back his mug of Ale.

The friends spent the rest of the evening till the wee-hours, chatting and laughing. Star was feeling quite warm and fuzzy, and not just from the soft blue wing that blanketed him as he and Scoots walked next to their Princess. Lighthoof followed just behind, his two mares tucked under his wings. The two guard ponies were singing a drinking song, horribly off key, but full of vigor, much to the amusement of the mares.

Lighthoof wrinkled his nose and halted, his singing suddenly cut off and Star slowed to look back over his shoulder, “Everything, cool, Light?” Luna and Scoots halted with Star to glance back curiously.

“Not sure, dude. I smell smoke. Lot of it.” He sniffed again and pointed down one of the streets. “That way I think.” He glanced at a near-by street-sign. “We're in our patrol district, I think we should check it out, Star.”

The blue-grey colt nodded. “I agree.” he turned to Luna and Scoot. “If you wonderful mares want to head on back, we can catch up later. Me and Light just wanna check this out. Probably just some pony burning trash.”

The alicorn shook her head, “Neigh. I shalt attend. Despite this being thy days off, there should be two ponies covering thy shift. Let us investigate.” She smiled down at the orange pegasus, “Art thou up for a little extra walk, dear?” Scootaloo nodded. She was still a bit buzzed from her drinks, but was able to stagger along, using Luna for occasional support.

Lighthoof led the way, his two fillies right on his flanks with his friend taking the middle. Luna and Scoot following at the rear. It was slow going, narrowing down the exact direction of the smoke just by smell. Moving from one street to another to track it. At last they found drifting black haze through the upper half of the streets and alleys, leading them around a corner to find the source.

Star's blood turned to ice. Sweetie Belle's house was in flames.