As Starstep trotted at Luna's side, her silky blue wing draped over his back, he noted the contrast of buildings in the city. It wasn't uncommon to see an old-world wood and stone cottage tucked between modern shops or some sort of factory. Steam-stacks rose high into the sky, dwarfing the ancient oaks that dotted the sides of the streets. Bright lights and laughter rolled from pubs, scores of ponies and griffons ending their work shifts, lined up at the low-scale delis and various corner food carts. Another thing Star found interesting, was that the population here was easily 2 to 1 in favor of the Griffons, yet the city was officially on the Equestrian side of the border. Oddly enough, most of the griffons still sported their status color stripes, painted upon their breasts, though not all of them did so.

“Princess?” He spoke up after passing a pair of non-striped griffons, chatting with what he assumed was a pleasure pony on the porch of a business with a bright neon sign declaring it the “Lovers Nest”. The Alicorn glanced down at him, curious at his query, a hint of a smile upon her lips. “Why are there so many griffons here? And how come most of them aren't wearing the stripes? I know it's a border town but...” He trailed off.

“There art some amongst their society that prefer the more...accepting way of life we offer for Equestrian citizens. Some of them have applied to become official subjects. Others simply enjoy the combined work opportunities available here. The Griffon Kingdoms are very...competitive with one another and as such, they rarely work together towards a common goal.”

Star nodded, pondering upon that knowledge for a moment as they entered a section of town bustling with evening patrons. The lights were brighter here along with an air of financial well being. A few of the passing ponies gave respectful nods to the blue alicorn, a few even bowed with proclamations of 'long may she reign'. To Star's surprise, one young female griffon did so as well. She thanked Luna for letting her be a citizen, telling a story of oppression in her tiny village deep in old griffon country. The Princess gave her warmest smile, yet stood with all the grace and bearing of a thousands year old ruler, listening thoughtfully to the tale. When it was finished she welcomed the griffon, placing a her crystal hoof upon her shoulder and bid her good fortunes. Then off the pair continued down the street to a quieter section of the city.

Luna paused for a moment, bringing her companion to a halt. “My dear Shadow-Guard. Where I desire to dine this evening, is...unusual.” Her eyes twinkled, her voice was warm. “As we grow closer, thou art to remember that a ruler is always being judged by the public. It is not to say that we cannot enjoy ourselves amongst others, but that in some ways we must maintain a certain public image. Dost thou understand?”

The blue-grey pegasus gave a curt nod. “In other words, you love me, but I'm officially on duty when I'm your escort.”

The alicorn leaned in to kiss his cheek and whisper coolly in his ear. “I dost love thou.” She gave a little giggle at his faint blush, then turned to trot onwards, leaving the colt to catch up to the long-legged pony's gait.

At last, the pair arrived before a rather ancient looking building. Ionic pillars held up an intricately carved wooden ceiling framing the entryway. A pair of double doors made entirely of colored stained glass and bound by a silvery metal were guarded by a pair of griffons in tight tuxedo vests, dull stripes adorned their chest, the color difficult to see in the flickering candle-light of the small chandelier above their heads. Star noticed the two griffons exchange confused expressions as the Princess led him right up to the front door.

The larger of the two guards raised an eye-brow as he stepped forward, blocking the entrance. “My apologies uh...” He noted her horn and wings, then the regalia of her crown, slippers and torque. “Princess Luna. I'm not sure you have the right place.”

Star bit his tongue and remained her shadow for the moment as the alicorn drew herself up, intimidation rolling from her sleek and regal form. “I am quite certain I hath the correct establishment. Is this not the famed Black Talon restaurant? I should be most displeased if I was misinformed of it's location.”

“This is the Black Talon.” The larger griffon stated. It was then that Star noticed that there were no signs on the building and all the windows were also of colored stained glass. He could make out shadows of figures, but could not see the actual dining patrons within.

Luna's expression hardened as she glared down at the griffon in her way. “Then by what rights dost though impede mine entry?”

The larger griffon began to cringe away from the withering stare as his companion came to his rescue. “I'm very sorry Princess. He didn't mean any disrespect. We're suppose to warn pony-kind that this kind of dining establishment does not really cater to their diets.”

The alicorn's cold gaze shifted to the speaker. “I am quite aware of what thou consumes behind these doors. Art thou saying I cannot be a patron here? Within mine own kingdom?”

The griffon paled. “O-of course not, Princess Luna. Never. I uh...Are you sure you want to eat here? I mean, it's-” The alicorn narrowed her eyes, cutting his words off. Then, with a quick glance at his fellow guard, they gripped the silvery handles in their claws and pulled open the double doors. “Welcome to the Black Talon, Princess Luna and consort. May your dining experience meet your expectations.” He said in practiced tones.

With a toss of her head, ethereal mane shifting in the breeze, she trotted in, crystal slippers clicking on the polished stone floor as Star followed quietly behind her. The first room held only a podium with a rather confused looking female griffon. Her station just to the side of another pair of stained glass double doors. She watched Luna enter, eyebrow raised, which climbed up her forehead at the sight of Starstep. “W-Welcome to the Black Talon. How may I assist yew?” Her accent was thick and slightly slurred to Star's ears.

Princess Luna gave the griffon a faint nod. “A table for two.”

The female gave a fake apologetic smile. “Oy, I do apologize. We are reservation only.”

“I am quite aware. Tis under Starstep.”

The griffon nervously tapped a talon on the podium as she scanned her lists. “Ah...well...yes. I do see that here.” She looked up at the pair, her eyes mostly falling on the larger pony. Star could swear she was praying on the inside that there was some kind of mistake. Seconds ticked by, and Luna made no move to depart. “Well, allow me to show yew to 'oar table then.” She pulled a pair of menus from a shelf behind her, tucking them into her wing before opening the door for the ponies. “After yew.”

As Star followed Luna, his nose wrinkled at the unusual smell that filled the air. It wasn't necessarily unpleasant, but had him feeling a little uncomfortable. A quick glance at the Princess, revealed she was still wearing her regal mask and bearing, so he did his best to follow her example. The interior was not brightly lit, only chandeliers and lanterns upon each table, lighting the massive dining room. The hostess led the pair towards the back of the restaurant, the conversation when they had entered was lively, now it stilled and hushed whispers rolled outwards from the aisles as the blue alicorn calmly walked amongst the all-griffon diners. Star summoned up his parade-guard training, calming his nerves to still his face and twitch in his belly. Long moments later and the pair were seated at a simple table, covered with a black table-cloth, a single lantern flickering in the center. The two menus were placed in front of them before the hostess quickly excused herself.

Star ignored the odd looks the pair were getting from surrounding tables, opening his padded menu to focus on the rigid printing inside. “Huh...it's all in Griffon.” He glanced up to notice a hint of a smile on Luna's face. The faint shadows of the dining hall hid it from the others, but he knew that look.

“It is indeed. If thou dost not protest, I shalt order for thou.”

“Sure, Princess. I can make out some of the words...” His brows furrowed as he tried to recall his old lessons in the Griffon language. “Parmesan...Cockatrice?” He shook his head. “No, that's not right.”

“And not all together wrong either. Thou art close. Tis Parmesan Chicken.”

He gave a little grimace and studied the next one. “Huh...what's 'Veal'?”

“Meat of a young calf.” Luna answered while she browsed her own menu. She flicked her eyes up and gave a slight smirk at Star's slightly sickened expression, then she turned a page with her crystal hoof, looking back down at the menu. “If thou art uncomfortable, thou hath my permission to depart.”

“No, no Princess. I'll be ok.” Star said firmly, swallowing his natural revolution at the mental image of eating a calf. He took a moment to glance about the dining hall. Even with only low light, he noticed every diner was eating some form of meat. Sure, there were greens and vegetables here and there, but this was clearly a carnivore's restaurant.

Eventually, an older female griffon approached the table followed by a younger one. The smaller set a pair of water filled glasses on the table before scurrying off. The remaining griffon studied them for a moment. As she looked at Starstep, he caught a glimpse of curiosity and maybe even a hint of approval in her eyes. Quick as the wind her attention was turned to the regal alicorn. She gave a little curtsey, a faint dip of the wing-tips. “Good evening, Princess Luna. My name is Orangefeather Sasha. I must say I was quite surprised to discover you dining with us this evening.” Star noticed eight bright orange stripes on her plumage, marking her at least mid to mid-high amongst her kind. Her voice was smooth as silk. Practiced and refined without the usual slight slurs that beaks gave their kind. “I apologize that I do not have more fair to offer pony-kind, as I created this restaurant to give Griffons a bit of...home away from home.”

Luna turned her head to smile at Sasha, closing the menu with a hoof. “Oh no, dost not apologize. I think it a delightful concept and only wish we had the same for ponies visiting the Griffon Kingdoms. Art thou here to take our orders?”

An amused smile curved at the edges of the griffon's beak. “I'd be delighted to. Consider your meal on the house. Now, what may we prepare for you and your-” She glanced at Star, that same curiosity glimmering in her eyes. “-handsome consort?”

Luna pulled the menu from Star's hooves with her magic, stacking it upon the other before handing them to Sasha. “We shall begin with the grand salad with the olive oil mixture as a dressing. Please be sure to not neglect the tomatoes.”

A triumphant, knowing smile graced the griffon's face. “Of course. And for dessert?”

Now it was Luna's turn to smile, though Star instantly recognized the mischief twinkling in her eyes. “Dessert? I hath not declared our entree. For that, I wish a double order of the Parmesan Chicken with tomato red-sauce upon the pasta side.” Star struggled to hold a calm expression and succeeded. It became an even sweeter triumph as he watched the griffon's face fail to hold back her shock and surprise. However, she recovered rather quickly, a hesitant, awkward smile on her face.

“I'm...sorry, Princess. Perhaps I misheard. You did say Parmesan Chicken, am I correct?” She emphasized the chicken word rather firmly.

“I did indeed. Please ensure that the crusts are thick. I rather enjoy the breading. I should also like a bottle of thy best red wine.” She turned her head, ignoring the bewildered owner till Sasha came to her senses and gave a curt nod.

“Of course, Princess. We'll make your meal to perfection.” Then she spun on her lion paws and marched towards the kitchens with all the dignity she could muster.

Starstep looked into the eyes of the beautiful alicorn across from him. Those shining cyan wells that danced in merriment despite the regal calm face she wore. Though he felt confused and worried about being fed chicken, something about the mischievous smirk playing at the corner of her mouth dulled the anxiety that gnawed at him.

Shortly thereafter, the salads and red wine arrived. The server popped the cork, handing it to Luna for her approval. She sniffed it's damp end and nodded curtly to the young griffon. Star noticed her talons were shaking slightly as she poured, so he reached out a hoof to rest upon a claw, giving her his best reassuring smile. The griffon gave a nervous smile in return, but seemed more calm as she continued to pour. She left the bottle and departed, leaving the pair to their wine and salads. Star found it to be surprisingly good. A mixture of lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, tiny broccoli crowns, black olives and little radishes. Luna was even kind enough to allow him to have her radishes. Then he sipped the wine and grimaced. It was very very strong, rich with flavors he couldn't identify though he detected a hit of oak.

Luna was sipping her own, held in her blue field. She smiled around the crystal rim of the glass before returning it to the table. “Tis not up to thy standards?”

“Oh, it's fine Princess. I just...I've always been more of a hard cider pony.” He gave it another taste, finding the second time less shocking. “It's not bad, just...different.”

“Indeed.” She swirled the red liquid around in her glass. “Tis satisfactory, though I doth crave wine from the era before the moon incident. Alas, a thousand year old wine is quite difficult to find.”

“And probably tastes awful.” Star smirked.

Luna giggled lightly. “Very true. They doth become quite undrinkable after a few hundred years.” She paused, meeting his eyes with a sly smile. “Unlike alicorns.” Star could only look away and blush slightly at the joke.

At last the salads were finished and the plates taken away. Immediately a cart rolled up, pushed by a rather fat male griffon, a white chef's had upon his head, followed by Sasha. “Princess Luna, I wish to introduce you to our head chef, Bluefeather Gustave. The chef gave a polite nod, pulling the metal lid off the cart, revealing a pair of plates with the entrees. The fat griffon picked the plates up with towels in his claws, sliding them before the two ponies.

“I h've put mah heart and soul into thees meal. I have naver before cooked 'or a Princess, so 'ou have honored me. Please, I should hope it meets 'our expectations.” He gestured to the plates. “Please, please, taste it and tell me if it is right. If it is not up to 'oar standards, I shall create it ah'gin.”

Star stared down at the plate. The side of pasta with tomato sauce, garnished with a sprig of rosemary did not concern him. It was the large, pan-fried, breaded chicken under a red sauce and cheese that churned his stomach. He'd eaten many things that looked exactly like this dish, but the knowledge of what laid under the breading made all the difference. He glanced up at the Princess, who was smiling at him. A faint twinkle in her eyes warned him that she was up to something.

“Oh, I doth believe thy portion is larger than mine own, dear Starstep.” Without another word, her magic enveloped both plates, there was a flash of blue and the meals swapped positions. The chef and owner shrugged at each other, still standing at the table side to see if the meal met their approval. Then, the alicorn levitated her fork, cut off a piece, and placed it into her mouth. Star could only watch in internal disbelief as she chewed, closing her eyes as she apparently savored it's flavor. His ears picked up a soft collective gasp from the nearby tables at the Princess of the Night feasted on chicken. “Oh, tis quite delightful. Starstep, do try it.” She gestured with a crystal hoof at him.

It was then that the chef and owner turned towards him. Both seemed already stunned by the alicorn, but somehow the thought of a normal pony eating such fair intrigued them. He could feel the eyes of the crowd burning into his back. Thankfully he wrestled down the anxiety in his gut, maintaining a noble bearing to suit a royal escort. Noting Luna watching him across the flickering lantern, he again caught sly expression and the faintest of nods. Carefully, he scooped the fork into his hoof and awkwardly cut a piece of the Parmesan chicken. After stabbing the piece, he brought it to his lips and hesitated, the smell of herbs and spices making his mouth water despite what the meal was suppose to be. With a silent prayer to his Princess, he ate it, chewing quickly, his tongue trying hard to avoid touching the food.

While Luna had caused gasps, his eating the dish caused hushed whispers to break out in a frenzy. As he chewed, he caught sight of Orangefeather Sasha watching him intently, eagle eyes drawing down as she slid her tongue along the edge of her beak. He suddenly felt like prey under that predatory gaze. Doing his best to ignore her, he suddenly realized he actually found the flavor of the food to be good. Really good. In fact, it reminded him of another dish he'd had. It was about then that the realization hit him and his eyes found Luna's. She smirked and nodded as though knowing his thoughts. He swallowed and looked to the owner and chef. “It's fantastic.”

The chef beamed at them. “Oui oui ! It iz not a fancy dish, but I am oh so pleased to 'ave make ze Princess and 'er consort happy! I shall make a chocolate moose just for 'ou to share, oui? Please, enjoy the rest of 'oar meal.” With that, the chef wheeled the cart away, the owner lingered for a moment more, flicking her eyes from Luna to Star, then gave her best smile before walking off, leaving the two ponies to enjoy their meal.

Luna wasted no time getting started, her fork curling in the pasta as the knife sliced up the Parmesan. She smiled across the table at him, warm and loving. Star had to fight the urge to stiffen his wings at the emotions that poured from that expression. While he was distracted, the Princess levitated her knife over to slice up his 'chicken' as well. “I knowth how awkward dining with griffon tools can be when one has no magic.”

“Thank you, Princess.” He began to eat, glancing around for a moment when no griffon was looking then smirked at her, mouthing the word 'Eggplant' to which she nodded ever so faintly before sipping her wine.

The entree went much faster than he'd expected. The knowledge that it wasn't chicken made the meal all the more delightful. The chocolate moose was brought out afterwards, a single bowl with a single spoon. Star blinked at it confused until the Princess giggled. She reached out to rest a crystal hoof upon his own. “It appears thy studies of Griffon culture did not touch upon their eating traditions.” Her cheeks were slightly flushed from the wine, and Star himself felt a little warm from his nose to his hooves.

“I uh, no Princess. I haven't.” He was fishing through his napkin for another eating utensil when her hoof pressed firmly upon his, causing him to look up into her cyan eyes. She gently shook her head.

“One spoon is more than enough, dear Starstep.” Her magic lifted a spoonful of the brown, thick dessert up and towards him. He eyes glanced around, noting more than a few griffons watching, yet here the Princess of the Night was trying to spoon feed him.

“Uhh...Princess. They're watching us.” he hissed softly.

“They art indeed. Now open, before thou finds a spoon inserted into thy nostril.” He could feel the wine and awkwardness heating up his cheeks as he opened his mouth. The magic held spoon dipped in and he closed his lips around it, tasting the rich chocolate dance on his taste-buds.

“Mmm...” He pulled the spoon from his muzzle. “That's some really good stuff. Don't you want any?”

“Indeed. I cannot allow thou to indulge in all of the dessert. Tis thy turn.” She grinned mischievously.

“Uh...wait.” He glanced around, noting even more griffons were watching, most of them smiling. Yet the Princess was waiting expectantly. With an internal sigh and a chuckle at Luna's idea of 'public appearances' he awkwardly grasped the spoon in his hoof, filled it with the moose and leaned over the table to jab the side of Luna's open mouth with the spoon. She laughed at the dab of chocolate and winked at him before opening her mouth for him to try again. And so he did, feeding the blue alicorn a spoonful and admiring the way her lips closed around the metal. His eyes drifted up to hers and a shiver ran through him. She was beaming joy and approval at him with such intensity, that he only caught his wings from drifting up after a few inches. Spoon after spoon, they exchanged tastes of the dessert. It wasn't a very fast process, but thankfully the bowl was rather small. After a while, he stopped caring about the griffons that would glance their way, more interested in the happy Luna across from him.

At last, the meal finished and with a final farewell to Sasha, they departed the Black Talon, warmed and a little buzzed from the wine, with bellies and hearts filled to contentment. Down the cobblestone street they walked at a leisurely pace, the Princess leaning up against his side, so he returned the gesture, enjoying the coolness of her coat.

“Princess...” He began after a quick glance around to ensure they were alone.

“Mmm, yes my dear Starstep?”

“You switched our meals to Eggplant, right?” She nodded. “Where'd the chicken go?”

The alicorn gave a soft smile. “Even here there are those less fortunate. Around the corner, there is a homeless Griffon joyful that his hunger was sated for one evening.”

“Where'd the Eggplant come from?” The look that Luna gave him answered his own question. “Right, magic.” He smirked and playfully nuzzled into her neck as they continued down the lantern-lit street. “What was with the one spoon thing at the end?”

The Princess tilted her head slightly so her neck pressed into his nuzzling. “Tis tradition amongst mates in the griffon kingdoms to share their desserts with one another. A form of bonding and to show confidence in their relationship to others.”

Star almost tripped on a cobblestone, thankful for Luna's support against his side. “But, we're not...mates.” He almost choked on the word. “In fact, they kept calling us consorts all night and you never denied it.”

Her head turned to catch his eyes in her own. A look of mirth danced in their endless depths. She led him to a fountain at the center of the town square. A few griffons passed by at the fringes of the shadows, generally ignoring the pair as the alicorn pushed him up against the edge of the fountain's cement basin. “Perhaps not yet.” She leaned down to kiss him before her hoof pressed against her feather and his chest beneath. “But to them, this token between us marks us as such. Sometimes it is best to allow others to believe what they wish.”

The blue-grey pegasus leaned up to kiss her, feeling the cool touch of her lip turn against his so their mouths parted slightly. Upon impulse and a belly full of wine, he pressed out his tongue, gasping when her own met it half-way. Slowly, hesitantly, his tongue rubbed and curled with hers while they held the kiss. She was gentle with him, guiding his fumbling till at last she pulled back, a strand of saliva connecting their lips till it thinned and snapped.

Star staggered about a little, a smile of absolute joy upon his lips as he sought to catch his breath. He looked up at her warm, yet playful smile. “I...I want to be your mate, Princess.”

She giggled, reaching out a hoof to caress his cheek as she leaned down to nuzzle his nose. “Patience my dear Starstep. Remember to temper thyself.” She grinned and gestured with a hoof towards his rigidly stiff wings. “Good things come to those that wait.” She gave him another kiss, long and lingering, again allowing him to use his tongue to touch hers. At last they parted, leaving the colt breathless again. “Thou hath done very well this evening. I am pleased at how thou handled thyself at the restaurant. It could hath gone quite badly.”

“What was that all about anyway? Why the deception with the meal?”

The alicorn smirked. “Thou knowest the answer already.” She gestured at the clock high on a structure that towered above the square. “Come, we hath a few hours yet to fill before our meeting with Lighthoof.” With that, the alicorn trotted off, leaving the pegasus slightly confused.

A few minutes later found the pair at a large crowded pub, dancing to strange local music, bumping into each other and the other patrons. But despite their lack of skill at the folk-dance, it was incredibly joyful to revel in the music with the ponies and griffons. Most were simple factory workers, off from their day shift, enjoying a pint before bed. The rest were a mixture of small shop owners and farmers in from the fields. As they danced and drank the local beer, Star noticed how open and friendly these citizens were around their Princess. They all knew who she was, and respected her, yet were not afraid to let loose and have a good time around her. Gone were the trappings of ceremony and that underlying current of worship that the other side of the pond seemed to have.

His thoughts were shaken when a filly bumped into his rump during the dancing, sending them both sprawling to the ground. The surrounding dancers laughed and gave them room as Star sought to disentangle his limbs from the other. She was a brown unicorn with sandy colored mane and tail. Her bright green eyes met his and smiled.

“Well, 'ello love. Fancy runnin' into you 'ere.” She got to her hooves and assisted him to his.

Star tilted his head in confusion, trying to place where he'd met her when Luna appeared beside them, breathless from the dancing. “Oh, good evening Sandy.” She shouted over the music. “Tis delightful to see thou enjoying thy time off. Care to join us for a drink?” She gestured with her head towards an unused booth towards the back. Together the three wove their way through the dancers and settled into the ragged padded seats. It was a bit of a tight fit for the alicorn, the booth clearly made for normal sized ponies. A waitress slipped up, dropped off three ales and scurried away to leave the three alone. The pegasus glanced from Luna to Sandy.

“I'm...sorry, I don't remember you.”

The unicorn laughed, loud and pleasantly. “Oh, aye. I've no doubt. Uniform magic being what it is.”

“Ah, you're a Sun-Guard at the fort.” He sipped his ale and his lips twisted at the bitterness.

“Right yah are, love.” She made a toasting gesture towards Luna and tipped back her mug. Star watched in amazement as the unicorn drained the entire glass in one go. She gestured the empty container towards the bar to catch their attention before turning back to the other two. She stuck out a hoof that Star shook. “I been with tha Spurlin guard going on...eight years?” She let loose a little belch and blushed as her hoof covered her muzzle. “Sorry 'bout that, Princess.”

The alicorn laughed lightly. “Tis quite alright.” She sipped the ale and Star caught the faintest of frowns on her lips. Regal as always, the Princess calmly set the glass down and smiled to the unicorn. “In thy honest opinion, how has Spurlin been these last few years? Most importantly, anything different in the last few months?”

The unicorn paused, hoof tapping her chin in thought till the waitress brought her a new mug. She took a swig, still staring at the ceiling in thought. At last she returned her bright green eyes to the Princess. “Well...for the most part, it's been quite pleasant with a few rough spots. Culture clashes and such. Nothin' we guard can't handle.” She said with pride. “Mah best mates are griffons, and we do our best to soothe any rowdy gits. Workin' as mixed species, no one can claim we're playin' favorites.” She took another swig, her eyes lingered on Star for a long moment before returning her attention to the alicorn.

“There has right been an issue o' late. There's whispers ah some kind of griffon only cult trying to recruit in the city. Nasty pieces ah work I'm told. Mah best mate, Isaak, he was approached by one just tha other day. Told me this group is trying to promote griffon superiority or some nonsense. I never 'ave figured out why one species has to feel better than another. We all in this life together. Why not eat, drink, rut and be merry.” She paled a little as she realized what she said to the alicorn and cleared her throat. “Er, uh. Sorry. Habits, Princess.”

Luna just smiled and gave a soft chuckle. “Tis quite alright. Though many try to hide our base instincts behind walls of lace and culture, in the end, we all enjoy those very same things.”

Sandy raised an eyebrow before a grin crept up on her lips. “Yah know, Princess. I really like you. You get it.” She raised her glass in another mock toast. “To Princess Luna.” Star raised his own glass and repeated her call of praise, then together they drank to the blue alicorn, who could only laugh at Star's cringing expression when the after-taste hit him.

An hour later, they bid Sandy a good evening and wandered back out onto the streets. Only a short time before midnight, the two calmly walked, leaning against each other as the chill of the night crept down the industrial streets. The soft click of her slippers and clops of his hooves echoing on the stone and mortar walls.

“Thou could haveth her, thou knowst?” Luna broke the silence.

The pegasus blinked and turned his eyes to her. “Who? Sandy?”

She did not confirm it, only a playful smirk on her lips. “She can be quite the submissive type.” She leaned down to whisper in his ear, her cool breath rushing across the sensitive skin. “Bind her in bridle and bit. Perhaps a saddle tight around her waist.” Her tongue teased at the edge of his ear. “A spreader bar between her legs, tail pulled up high for thy pleasure.” Her sultry voice ran a chill down his spine. She nipped his ear lightly, drawing forth a gasp. “And she-” Luna began softly, light kisses planted around his quivering ear. “-She would enjoy every moment of her strong colt having his way with her. Playing with her horn, using crops and paddles and terrible teasing toys of delight.” She nuzzled his neck. “Just think of how many times thou could make thy mare climax. Just-” She kissed his nick, “For-” She licked it. “Thou.” She hissed the word seductively before biting the colt. He groaned then jerked away to scramble a few feet to the side, gasping for air, his wings stiff on his back.

“Enough, enough. I can't handle it, Princess.” He was trying to hide his arousal with his limbs.

She laughed, clear and bright as her moon overhead. “Oh, my dear, dear Starstep. Perhaps we shall see how well thou, 'handles it'”

A pony cleared their throat off to the side, bringing Star's head around sharply, Luna simply smiled at Star as she spoke. “A good evening to thou, Lighthoof.” Then she tilted her head slightly to look at the other pegasus.

“Ah...I can come back, Princess.”

“No, no. Tis quite alright. We've just been...” She grinned wickedly. “Enjoying the evening.”

Star managed to mentally calm himself and clear his mind before standing to greet his brother in arms. “Sorry about the scene, Light.” He hesitated. “How's uh...Princess Celestia?” He shot Luna a venomous glare, she returned a mischievous smirk.

“She's fine, dude. Just a little lonely.” He glanced at the two others and chuckled. “If you two put on shows like that all the time, it's no wonder she's getting a little...jealous.”

Luna and Star shared a glance. The blue-grey pegasus took a deep breath. “I'm not sure how to say it but...you know she's using you, right?”

The tan pony nodded. “Yeah, bro. I know.” He glanced over his shoulder at the faint silhouette of the fortress off on the horizon. “She doesn't really have anyone else. I mean, it's not like she's trying to fool me about it or anything.”

“How are Sherry and Peach Blossom going to handle this?”

Lighthoof grimaced. “Yeah...I'm not sure how that's going to go.”

The goddess of the night stepped up to draw the two ponies into her wings. “Dear, Lighthoof. Know that my sister does love thou, as she loves all her ponies. I wish I could say she was not using you to soothe her own needs...but that would be false.” She hesitated. “If thou continues to fulfill her desires, she will never let thou goeth. However, I do not expect she will ever come to love thou as I love Starstep.”

The tan pegasus looked away. “What are you saying, Princess?”

“My suggestion, is that thou doth not continue this, and instead seek to assist her in finding real love, instead of using thou.”

He looked up at her, disappointment and a hint of anger in his eyes. “Now wait a minute. Are you saying I should just ignore your sister? Who's to say she wont love me in time?”

“I hath known my sister for many an age. We know each other very well and I know that thou wilst not fulfill her needs in a real companion. I am sorry, but tis the truth. Thou dost not love her as thou loves thy two mares who wait patiently for thy return home.”

Star could feel the sting of truth reflected in his friend's eyes, but there was also stubbornness. “Look, Light. Brother.” The last word caught the other pegasi's attention. “I'm still learning this whole relationship thing but...you got a really good thing with Sherry and Peach Blossom. Those two want to be with you. Why throw it away just to please the Princess?”

“I could ask you the same thing.” Light frowned. “I don't see you with Scootaloo.” The words burned in Star's chest for a moment. The tan pegasus sighed. “Besides. It's my duty to keep the Princesses happy.” His eyes flicked to Luna. “All of them.” He cleared his throat. “Is this why we're meeting out here at midnight? To yap about relationships?”

Luna gave a soft sigh and a sad smile as her wings withdrew. “Neigh.” She looked around to ensure they were alone in the square. Then her horn glowed blue, surrounding the fountain in her field for a moment. There was a soft rumbling under their hooves as the fountain rose, revealing a doorway and spiraling stairs into the earth, lit by bio-luminescent mushrooms.. “Proceed, my Night-Guards.” With a shrug, the two colts trotted down the stone stairs with Luna right on their tails. A rumbling above told Star that the way out was sealed. Down into the depths the stairs drove, until at last it opened up into a small carved stone room with a steel door at the end. Luna passed by the two of them to rap her crystal hoof on the metal. It echoed loudly in his ears, shattering the stillness and the oppressive weight of the earth the pegasi began to feel. A slit opened on the door, then closed just as quick. Many whirls and clicks later and the massive steel door swung wide for the group to enter.

Star glanced around the busy interior, filled with mostly ponies and a sprinkling of griffons. It reminded him of the headquarters command room back in Canterlot. Soft chatter between the hundred or so individuals came to a halt as they realized they were in the presence of the Princess. Star gave Light a glance and they came to attention at her side, becoming her escorts.

“Good evening to thee, Night-Guards. Lieutenants, please gather thy notes and meet me in the briefing rooms. We have much to discuss.”