Princess Luna led Starstep around the corner and down a short hallway, one wing still blanketed over his back. He should have felt comfortable with the plumage draped on him, but the strange smile upon Luna's face, gnawed at his pleasure. Around another left turn and the alicorn halted in front of a large iron bound door, flanked by a pair of Trottingham unicorn Guard-mares.

“My dears, thou art relieved of duty.” The hesitation and flicker of looks between them caused the Princess to smirk. “Worry not, mine personal guard from Canterlot hath arrived. We have business from home to discuss.” The two guard-mares looked to Starstep, their eyes lingering on his bandaged wings for a moment. One opened her mouth as though to challenge but her partner shook her head and smiled to the Princess.

“Of course, your Highness. We right get the hint.” She trotted away from the door, her partner chasing after. Just before the mares rounded the corner, he saw them glance back and giggle to each other.

“Now that we art alone, shall we?” Luna's blue magic lifted the latch and swung the door wide for the other pony. Star bowed his head in thanks to the Princess before stepping inside. It was a humble room, just big enough for a large comfy four-poster bed and a writing desk of black oak with a padded bench large enough for an alicorn. A crackling blue fire flickered in it's hearth on the opposite wall from the bed, bathing both ponies in black and blues. “No window, Princess?”

“Neigh.” She replied, pushing the door closed with a hind-hoof. “Tis a relic of ages past. Built for defense, and not for comfort. If thou desires to look upon mine stars, one need only bury one's face in mine mane.”

Starstep blushed slightly, the memory of his past boldness creeping up from the gloom of personal mistakes.

“Yeah, I image so.” He hesitated, anxiety rolling about in his belly. “Um...you look wonderful, Princess.”

“Indeed.” Her lips pulled up into a sly smile as her eyes narrowed slightly. “Thou art looking splendid thyself.” Her magic slid the padded bench over with a scraping of wood on the stone floor. “Lay down.” It was not a request.

The pegasus blinked, beginning to step back when Luna's eyes narrowed as she pointed a demanding hoof to the bench. With a heavy sigh, Star climbed up and laid down, his legs tucked under him. A slight tingling on his bandaged wings warned him of her intentions, and he averted his eyes, fearful of the damage underneath. The pegasus felt a cool hoof coax his wing to unfurl and caressed his feathers. Feathers? Surprise overwhelmed his discomfort as he whipped his head around, noticing the early growth of new plumage prickling out from his flesh.

“It's growing back...” He stated in hushed excitement. “But...” He watched as Luna moved his wing about carefully, running her hoof through the underside growth, sending a chill down his spine. He noticed the feathers were black now, instead of his usual blue, and had an oil-like sheen to them. “They're discolored.”

“Indeed.” The Princess gave him a reassuring smile, leaning down to kiss his healing wing, making him tremble for a moment. “While it may be too early to say thy wings will return to normal, it appears they hath absorbed properties from the dragon-fire.” She pushed a feather up, admiring the pearlescent coloring in the flickering firelight. “Like water on a duck, thy wings will resist and roll magic from them. It is not to say they are immune...” She unwound the other wing's bandages, revealing the same black, glossy feathers sprouting there too. “However, this blessing may also prove a curse, dear Starstep. If in the future, thou injure thy wings, healing magic will not work upon them. Thou wilst be forced to heal the traditional way with salves and splints.”

“Wait, is that why...” He trailed off. “That's why you've been using that goop instead of letting a medical doctor attempt to heal me.”

She nodded. “They attempted at first, when thou were admitted into the hospital. I suspected what was happening, though I could not say if thy feathers would ever return. Tis to thine good fortune I remember much of herbal medicines before magic healing became standard practice.” She placed a hoof between his wing joints and began to massage with her crystal-shod slipper. He groaned in pain and pleasure. “Now that there is hope, I expect thou to begin exercising thy wing muscles again. Lack of use will hath made thee soft.” She pressed her hoof harder, causing the pegasus to yelp.

“Ok, ok. I get the point.” He gritted his teeth, grunting and giving gasping cries as the Princess worked at the knots around his neglected wing-bases. “Thank you, Princess.”

The alicorn giggled softly. “From thy noises, one would not suspect thou wouldst be thanking me.” She began humming lightly as her hooves worked around the shoulders and down his spine. “So tense, dear Night-Guard. Was thy trip here so taxing?” She leaned her head down, kissing his outstretched wing among the newly grown feathers.

Star blinked, turning his head to watch her in shock as the Princess began to nuzzle into his black feathers. “Wait, Princess, what are you doing?”

She smiled coyly, before licking between the feathers causing him to gasp. “Whatever dost thou mean?”

“I...no, Princess...Ahhhhhh” He trailed off in high-pitched exclamation at her hoof began fondling his tailbase. Pulling free of her teasing, the pegasus rolled from the bench and backed away. The alicorn laughed at his antics, tilting her head to one side.

“Is this not what thou hath desired?” She turned, taking a few short steps to the bed-post, then raised up to wrap her fore-hooves around it, pushing her hindquarters towards the colt. She wiggled her rump with a laugh and a sly grin. “Is this not what thou hath dreamed of? I hath seen glimpses in thy dreams. Oh, thy naughty pony. Such scandalous thoughts flutter though those day-time hours of rest.”

With a groan of effort the blue-grey pony tore his eyes from the presented royal flanks. “No...no. Princess, this is wrong. I've...I've things I need to tell you. I know you're just toying with me again.”

“Oh?” The alicorn slid from the bedpost and took the few regal steps to stand before him. “How dost thou know that I do not seek to satisfy desires? Princesses art not made of stone. I am flesh and blood, as much as thou.”

Starstep hung his head. “I know, Princess...”

“Luna, please.” The alicorn said softly. She turned so they were side by side, unfurling her plush blue wing over the colt and hugging him to her cool coat. “I feel thou hath earned the right to openly call me by my name.” She raised his chin with her crystal-shod hoof, catching his eyes in her serious look. “Within mine chambers only. Understood?” The colt nodded lightly. Satisfied, the mare coaxed him towards the bed with her wing, pushing at his hind-quarters till he relented and climbed up. She followed to lay beside the smaller pony, still blanketing him.

Star trembled slightly, he was afraid, and excited. “I...know you're just teasing me, Prin-Luna. It's that look in your eyes. I think I know it by now.”

She gave a mock gasp. “Look? Thou wound mine heart.” Her expression softened. “Dear, Starstep. From the moment I saw thee step off the chariot, I could see both of thou were burdened with heavy thoughts. Like a raincloud one cannot shake off. Thou hides it well enough, but mine sister and I art not so blind as to ignore it.”

The pegasus glanced up at the Princess. “Yeah...Light and I have...been busy.” He looked away but a hoof at his chin brought his face about to look into the alicorn's knowing eyes.

“So I hath heard. I brought thee here, to allow thou a chance to...unburden thy heart. I must admit, the expression upon thy face as thou struggled to tear thy eyes away from mine presented flank, dost amuse me.” She giggled as the colt blushed. “Be not embarrassed. It is a most lovely backside, if I say so myself.” The alicorn smirked as Star gave a sudden laugh. “Now, tell me about thy heroic exploits, and troubles that darken thy mind.”

“I...I'm afraid to, Luna. I'm not proud of some of the stuff I've had to do these last few days.” He hung his head.

“Dost thou feel guilty about thine actions?”

He hesitated, feeling the warmth of Luna's wing about him, and the cool touch of her coat against his side. The colt looked up into the crackling blue fire, searching it's dancing embers for some way to come to terms with what he knew in his heart. “No...and that's what scares me, Princess.” He met her beautiful cyan eyes, fighting back tears. “I've...done something terrible, and...I'm afraid you'll send me away for it. I could lie, or hide it, just to be closer to you, but...”

“But thou knowest it to be wrong. The guilt of hiding it would devour thy heart. All I hath ever asked of thou, is to speak truth and to temper thy impulsiveness.” She leaned down to kiss his cheek. “It has been a struggle, but thou art learning. I cannot say that there wilst not be repercussions from the truth, but thy heart wilst be purer for it.” She floated a newpaper from her writing desk, laying it out before them. “I suspect it is in regards to this image of mine Night-guard?”

Starstep looked at the massive picture of the full force of his brothers and sisters in arms, marching into Ponyville, escorting the tired but hopeful mares, colts and fillies. “Yeah...” He took a deep breath. “I guess I'll start with how I got the info in the first place.” He told Luna what had happened after she'd left Ponyville, pausing at the encounter with Steelhoof. “I've had to deal with this pony before. He...asked for your feather last time, but I refused, despite the trouble Sweetie Belle is in.” The alicorn's eyes glimmered dangerously, but she remained silent as he continued.

“Then, he offered the location of the foal-napper. With AB being taken, and no leads at all...I felt hopeless, and time pressing down.” He shook his head before looking up at the Princess. “I know it was a gift, a symbol of our attachment, and I almost gave it up.” The colt lifted the two feathers from his chest and stroked them with his other hoof. “I thought...I had no choice. I didn't know if you'd be mad or happy if I did such a thing.” She didn't answer, so Star swallowed. “Scootaloo...gave her's up instead, to protect me. Just in case.”

“I know.” The Princess's words were cold. “I felt the backlash from the emotional link being severed. I suspect the filly suffered greatly from the break.”

“She...yes. She cried for two days. Would that have happened to me? Did it not phase you too?”

“I felt it. But one must remember how many lifetimes I hath lived. How much hurt and pain I hath endured. What is a newly severed bond but a pinprick upon mine scarred heart.”

The cold anguish in her words sent a chill through Starstep. He couldn't remember her speaking so openly about her feelings or the past. “I'm...sorry Princess. Please forgive me. Please forgive Scootaloo. She did it for love.”

The alicorn looked into the fire. “Indeed. Thou art forgiven. She is not.”

“What, but Luna sh-”

“NO.” She turned her furious eyes to him. “Mine heart is not a commodity to trade!” The alicorn sighed and her voice softened. “Apologies. I know she did it for all the right reasons. I...used a spell to speak with her yesterday. She cried and begged for me not to blame thou.” The alicorn flung one of her crystal-slippers off her forehooves, shattering it against a stone wall. “But not once did she ask for me to forgive her. She may hath been growing fond of me, but she did it for thou and thou alone.” The Princess looked at Star. “I cannot forgive those who dost not ask forgiveness.”

The pegasus lowered his eyes. He understood her simple logic and hated himself for agreeing with her. “I...I guess not.” He sighed. “Is she still allowed to be with me?”

“She is, though I am afraid things between the two of thou, wilst not be the same.”

“What do you mean?”

“The...jolt, or snap of the spell, also connect her to thou. Though in a small way. She now knows just how devoted thou art to me.”

“She's always known. How is it any different?”

The alicorn tossed aside her other slipper, it sharply tinked across the stone floor and came to rest at the foot of the fireplace. She placed her unadorned hoof upon his lips. It was cool as fresh snow. “Neigh. She thought she knew. Now, that illusion is dispelled.”

“But Luna, I love her, and I love you. Doesn't she see that?”

“She does, my poor guard. Scootaloo loves thou truly and she may still be a part of your life beyond a friend. However, never again wilst she seek to share thou with me. Perhaps, this unfortunate turn of events, may prove best for the young mare.”

“How can you say that?” Again the hoof pressed to his lips, her coolness tempering his flares of frustration.

“Still thy tongue and ponder upon what kind of life thy dear friend would lead. She hath pinned so much hope upon thou, she hath lost herself. Would she be content, living bound to Canterlot, to live with us both? I would have welcomed her with all mine heart, but I cannot take away what she loves the most. More than she loves thou.”

“Flying...” Star wiped away tears. “Travel and flying. I....never thought of that. I mean, she could have always left when she wanted.”

“And still never truly be free. Imagine if she was mine consort beside thou. Never a moments peace beyond the city. In essence, she wouldth become Royalty. Dost thou picture thy friend bending to the rules and limitations such titles bring?”

“No...”

The Princess tightened her wing around him and nuzzled at his cheek, kissing away a tear. “Then cry not for her. She loves thou with all her heart. And I knowth thou loveth her just as much. But this life was never for her, my dear guard. It is both fortunate, and tragic that the veil of the illusion was ripped away so violently.” She kissed his cheek again. “If thou wishes, I wilst remove the bond and allow the two of thee to be together. However...”

“However, we both know I wont.” They shared a sad smile. “I'll always want to be with you. Assuming you don't banish me to the moon for what I've done.”

“The moon? Heavens no...unless thou liketh bananas.”

“What?” The colt blinked in confusion.

“Ah, I believe tis what thou callth an 'indoor joke'?”

“Inside joke.” Star gently corrected her.

“Ah. Well. Please continue with thy tale.”

Starstep began from recruiting Twilight Sparkle and shortly thereafter, reached the part with the confrontation with Copper. “So, he launched this magical attack at me. I thought I was doomed, but the magic just sort of...slid off me.” He flexed one wing out to admire the glossy black feathers. “Guess I know why. Anyhoof...the explosion broke the bridge and I came to, laying on a plank of wood. On the other end was Copper, dangling over the gorge.” He lowered his eyes, taking a few deep breaths as the blue alicorn watched intensely.

“He...began a teleport spell and I knew he was going to get away. So...I stepped off the board and let him fall.” The pony waited, listening to the crackling of the blue flames before he lifted his eyes to meet his Princess's. “I...I killed him.”

Luna regarded him coolly, as she had the entire last half of the story. Her stoic face hiding her thoughts. At last she broke the silence. “Dost thou feel remorse for taking his life?”

He hesitated. “I...no...Luna. I feel more sadness that I had to do it, than the act. I didn't want him hurting another pony again. Does it make me a bad pony?”

The Princess of the Night shook her head. “Neigh. Thou hath done what thou felt was in the best interest of all the other ponies. Mine sister did the same when she banished me those many years ago.” The alicorn caressed his cheek with a hoof, nuzzling at his nose. “My dear Shadow-Guard. Whilst we mourn for every pony life loss, we knowth there art times when hard choices must be made. It is those who do them for the greater good of everypony, that take on a terrible burden. It is not to say that I approve of such a final judgement, but understand the need. Very few ponies will.”

“...what about your sister?” Star croaked out, trembling under her affection and coldness of her logic.

“Tia is...hesitant about certain types of actions. Her thousand years alone have softened her heart to the firm judgments she was once so eager to enforce. Discord, Sombra, and many others. It was mine own banishment that finally broke her desires to issue stern punishments.” She sighed. “She would not hate thou, but it would make things...tense. There art times when discretion is best. I suspect thou hath already agreed on a cover story with thy partner?” The colt nodded. “Then the matter is closed.”

The alicorn smiled. “Why, it appears thy heart is lighter.”

Starstep tilted his head. “Yeah, a little I guess. Though the thing with Scoots...”

“Wilst be settled in time. I assure thou, Scootaloo wilst become much happier once she's had time to find herself. Support her, love her, but let her find a path.” She grinned. “Now...my dear Shadow-Guard.”

“Wait, you called me that a few minutes ago. What do you mean?”

The Princess laughed mischievously. “Oh, dear Star.” She kissed him sweetly. “Shadow-Guards art mine personal escort.” Her smile turned sly. “They art mine shadows. Thou hath proven thy dedication to the idea of the greater good. For all of Ponykind.” She nibbled at his ear making him squirm about on the bed. Giggling lightly, she whispered. “For that, I reward thou. I hope thou wilst live up to mine expectations.” The alicorn relented her teasing for a moment, her ear swiveling towards the fire. “Oh my...it appears things hath gotten...interesting.”

Star tilted his head, watching her amused expression as her attention was focused on the wall. Emboldened by his new title, and his lightened heart, he leaned up to grasp her velvety ear in his lips and nibbled every so gently. The alicorn gasped, moaning before pulling her ear from his mouth. “Neigh! Behave thyself.” She grinned at him. “Terrible teasing pony that thou art, be still and let us watch. It appears mine sister has a...guest.”

The colt blinked, glancing at the wall and the fireplace. “What?” Then his eyes widened as Luna used her magic on the stones. They became slightly transparent, revealing an identical bedchamber on the other side. Princess Celestia was on the other side, reclining on her writing bench as Lighthoof sat before her. The white alicorn was using her magic to scribble on a parchment with a white feather quill as the smaller pony watched.

“Princess...thanks for seeing me.”

Celestia beamed a smile at the tan-pegasus while her magic rolled up the scroll and quill, setting it on the writing desk. Even on the bench just large enough for the alicorn, she appears so regal and warm. Her pastel multicolored mane and tail billowing gently in non-existent wind. “Of course my little pony. Though I am surprised you wished to speak with me and not my dear sister. You are of course, her guard.”

The colt rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah, about that. Star is um...talking with her now. I...I just wanted to talk with you.”

The white Princess glanced towards the one-way wall with a twinkle in her eyes. “Is that so...” Her warm expression lighted upon the smaller pony again. “So what would you like to talk about?”

“It's about the rescue Op I ran a few days ago.”

“Ah, yes. Twilight sent me a very detailed report about your investigation and I passed it on to my sister. Lu-lu was quite proud.” She paused, waiting for the pony to look up. “ One hundred and two ponies rescued from such horrible conditions. You've given them and their families hope. Though you're not a Sun-Guard any longer, I'm so very happy of your accomplishment.”

The colt lowered his head. “You shouldn't be. Star and I. We undermined Shining and I...I got a pony killed, Princess. It's my fault and I'm so sorry. And I've no idea how Princess Luna's going to take this.”

Gently, the white alicorn leaned her head down to touch against his. “No, dear, no. We both know how you handled the situation. While I do not approve of going around your Captain's authority, I cannot find fault in your plan or actions.” She lifted his chin with a hoof. “My dear, your tactics were sound, and I know in my heart, that waiting longer for help, or adding my Sun-Guards to the raid, would caused more harm than good. Lu-Lu will agree with me. I promise.” She gave him a reassuring nuzzle. “Lighthoof, you love my subjects so much. I know the life you once had, and how hard you struggled in training.” She smiled nuzzling into his mane. “Dear, the royal guards are not about protecting Luna and I. They are about helping us protect the ponies we love so dearly. We cannot be everywhere and do everything. I assure you, we've tried.” She shared a smile with the colt. “You did everything you could to save those who could not save themselves. Do you not think the other guards felt the same? Night-Guard or Sun-Guard, you all share a common bond in your desire to protect other ponies. The guard who died, he volunteered, did he not?”

“He did, Princess.”

“Do you believe you could have done anything different at the time?”

“...no...” The colt shook his head.

“Then honor his sacrifice, and take to heart the knowledge that he did what he thought was right. Just as you did. If it had been you who had passed away in his place, would you have wanted him to despair over your death?”

“No...I wouldn't” His chin was tilted up by Celestia's gentle hoof.

“I am glad. Learn from your mistakes, but do not let them bury you.” She gave him a gentle nuzzle. “Now, Twilight wrote of the guard's return to Ponyville. She said you all refused a thank-you party, despite Pinkie Pie's insistence, and marched off to board the train to Canterlot. All of Ponyville wanted to reward you in what little way they could. Why did you leave?”

Lighthoof shook his head with a weary smile before meeting the Princess's gaze. “It was just our job. Our duty. I don't need no cake or parties or even a thank-you. You know, I'm just glad we saved those ponies.”

The regal alicorn nodded with a knowing smile. “That's very noble and selfless of you. However, sometimes receiving a reward is not about you, but about allowing others to express their gratitude. Do you not agree?”

“Huh...didn't think of it like that.”

Celestia laughed warmly. “So, how does one reward a pony who seeks not gems, money, or fame?” She tilted her head, a slight mischievous smirk on her lips that Starstep recognized from Luna's teasing. “How do I reward a pony who's only desire is to serve other ponies?”

Luna and Star shared a glance before they both smirked.

Much to Lighthoof's surprise, Celestia kissed him sweetly, leaving him startled as she smiled down at him with so much warmth and affection. “All I can think to offer you, is love. The love of all the other ponies. The love of a ruler who is overjoyed that so many were spared a terrible fate. Beyond this morning, I cannot make promises of what is to come. For now, a secret between us and the walls.” Lighthoof made to protest before another of the white alicorn's gentle kisses left him speechless. “If you don't want it, you are free to go.”

Lighthoof shook his head clear, looking up at the regal pony and smiled. Then he rolled from the bed and trotted for the door. Starstep heard Luna gasp softly beside him and felt his chest tighten at the slight sadness in Celestia's eyes. Then, much to their surprise, Lighthoof slid the doorbolt to lock them in and turned to calmly trot back to the Celestia, wings flared on his back.