Star and Luna stood ten steps above the massive feasting hall. Old stone walls and heavy timber enclosed the room, roaring fireplaces on three of the walls, the main entrance that Star and Luna stood in, on the fourth. Smaller doors flanked the fireplaces, the ones on the left partially hidden by the line of waiting staff, Orangefeather Sasha and her head chef standing on each end. Star assumed those doors led to the kitchens. Three grand black oak banquet tables dominated the floor space with benches lining their lengths. Heavy silver and gold lit candelabras dotted the centers of the massive surfaces, giving the hall a golden glow that only reached the attendees, leaving the high ceiling bathed in shadow. The assembled griffons and ponies were on their hooves and feet before their spots at the tables. Already Celestia and Lighthoof were at the end of the center one, awaiting the last pair.

The regal Princess of the Night began a slow, graceful walk down the stairs, blue mane flowing about her gently. Her movement jolted Star from his nervousness, stepping down the first step and gritting his teeth at the awful 'CLANK' that sounded from the coins in his pouch. With the room so deathly quiet, the coin on coin noise resonated loudly in his ears. Luna did not stop her graceful stride for him, so the pegasus gave an slight smile to the watchers and took another step, softer this time. The coins still clinked, but not as loudly. He focused on using his lightest touch on the next, imagining himself on a lightning filled cloud. Only the faintest of metal on metal resulted.

Each stair downward at Luna's side, his stride became measured and gentle. While not as practiced as the Princess, Star's efforts to keep the coins from making a racket gave him a certain grace that mimicked Luna's. They reached the floor and he maintained that controlled step as they walked between two of the feast tables, aware of all the judging eyes. One soft hoof in front of the other, matching his Princess' pace, till at last she stood at the head of the table to her sister's right and him at the end of the table to Luna's right, with Lighthoof directly across from him.

Celestia raised her hoof. “I welcome you all to our summit. Before we begin our talks, let us enjoy a meal prepared by Orangefeather Sasha.” She gestured a hoof towards the side of the hall where the griffon stood with her crew of wait staff. She bowed with a sweep of her wings at the acknowledgment, a smug smile on her face.

Luna raised her hoof as Celestia lowered her's. “In this twilight hour, let us bond as allies and friends over this meal. It would please us if thou wilst eat, drink and be merry.” Luna and her sister sat in tandem at the head of the table, signaling the attendees that they could do the same. Immediately, soft conversation started along the lengths of the tables as the serving staff worked quickly to wheel out carts of soup.

Settled on his bench, Star took a moment to smile at his Princess, which she returned, a twinkle in her eyes. Across from him, Lighthoof was dressed in a high stiff collared white tuxedo, the hems and cuffs of his jacket trimmed in gold. Little golden suns adorned his label, glinting in the flickering candlelight. At the head of the table to Light's right, the Sun Goddess was in a flowing gown of sunshine yellow, laced in white. Besides her usual golden crown, a tiny golden chain drooped across her forehead, dangling little amber droplets that seemed to magnify the candlelight, brightening her face.

The pegasus glanced to his right, meeting the scowling stare of an older female griffon. Her chest was striped with brilliant yellow, at least six times. He didn't take long to look at her markings, afraid of offending the visiting dignitary.

“Starstep.” Luna's voice caught his attention. She gestured to the griffon at his side. “This is Yellowfeather Hilda. Clan leader of the Fairwind griffons.”

Star looked back to the older female, offering a hoof in a polite gesture of greeting. The griffon just looked at it, then him. Eyes cold and uncaring. After a few awkward moments, the pony lowered his hoof.

“Princess Luna, I am not here to speak with your...consort.” She spit the word out like it was something distasteful. “I came only because you promised we would speak of how your encroachment of trade policies is harming my clan's hold over the trade in the griffon kingdoms.”

Luna leaned back as soup as set in front of her and Celestia. Using her magic, she sipped it, giving a smiling nod to the waiter griffon before he scurried off to collect more bowls. “Encroachment? Tis a strange choice of words. We have no control of thy kingdom's trade arrangements with each other.”

Soup was placed in front of Star and Light. The blue-grey pegasus glanced to his right, noticing a tightness around Hilda's eyes. She seemed angry at him for some reason, even as she talked right past him to the Princess.

“Yellowfeather Hilda.” Celestia began. “Your clan has been one of two in the kingdoms to be able to freely trade from one end to another. I am certainly understanding of the money your clan makes from such an arrangement. But why do you seem so hostile to us?”

Star sipped his soup carefully, listening and trying very hard not to annoy the griffon at his right. Huh, some kind of cream of mushroom with bits of rice. Very rich, very good. He accidentally slurped his soup from the spoon in his haste to taste more.

“Insult after insult.” The griffon growled, glancing down at the pegasus. She turned her angry brown eyes on the Princesses. “Ponykind's soft stance on trade restriction is beginning to bleed into griffon politics. Things have been as they are for thousands of years. My clan has been rulers of the trade before Equestria was even formed.”

A cackling laugh across the table snapped Star's eyes up. Sitting next to Lighthoof was a very ancient looking male griffon. The feathers along his chest were no longer pure white, but a sort of silvery-grey. White stripes adorned his chest, a color Star had never seen before. He looked up and fought back a gasp at the cloudy eyes of the griffon. Only the slightest of coloring marked where his pupils were. His beak was chipped and scared down it's entire length, and strange little spots of missing feathers where old white scars prevented their growth, sprinkled down his head and neck. Hilda pointed a claw across the table at the old griffon. “Stay out of this Alexander.”

Again, a ragged laugh rolled from the griffon's throat. “Oh, not even using my title now. Now who is being insulting?” He turned his blind eyes towards the royal sisters. “I apologize for her behavior, Princesses. It is always the younglings that try to puff themselves up.”

Hilda's eyes widened, too shocked to notice the soup placed in front of her. “Youngling?! Why you old fossil. I'll have you know I'm fifty-four cycles! I've mothered dozens of broods and have led my clan for twenty years.”

Again, the old griffon cackled. “Perhaps in your eyes you are not a hatchling, but to I, and especially the sisters, you are just a twinkle in time. Why, just two-hundred years ago, your clan was almost bankrupt over starting that feud with the Daggerbeak clan. I saw it with my own eyes.”

The female griffon sputtered, so angry that no coherent words spilled from her lips. At last she pretended to focus on the soup, sipping at it with the spoon clutched in her talon. Star could see the metal bending in her furious grip.

Celestia smiled warmly towards the angry griffon. “Please, Yellowfeather Hilda. We're not trying to change how the griffon kingdoms are ruled. We've managed peace between our subjects for generations now. Why would we jeopardize that?”

Hilda just glared at the white alicorn until Celestia sighed and shook her head sadly. Minutes passed in relative silence as the griffons and ponies ate the appetizer. Soft clinks of spoons to porcelain, an occasional slurp and hushed conversations buzzed in the room like a little hive of bees..

Starstep reached for his mug of mead and happened to meet the ancient griffon's sight-less eyes. Curiosity got the better of him and before he could stop himself, he asked; “Whitefeather Alexander.” The colt began, hoping he got the title right. The ancient griffon tilted his head curiously. “I mean no disrespect, I'm just curious. How old are you? You said you saw a feud two-hundred years ago.”

The griffon smiled, the twisted, chipped beak curled the look into something not quite friendly, though Star knew it wasn't intentional. “Well, it appears this consort is not just for looks.” He tilted his head the other direction in thought. “Ah, I would say...five-hundred and twenty something. Give or take a few years. I lost some time during the great wars.”

Hilda hissed. “Why are you talking to him, Alexander? He's just for breeding and to make the Princess not seem like the lonely age-less freak that she is.”

Star fought down the urge to snap at the griffon, instead sipping at his soup to keep his mouth busy. He glanced up to see Lighthoof across from him, giving the faintest of nods.

“Oh, come now, Yellowfeather Hilda, have you no honor that you would insult your host?” Alexander smirked. “Just because you use your consorts as breeders and nothing else, does not mean everyone else does. Have you grown so cold that you've forgotten to love? I may be ancient, but even I can still love.”

“No honor? NO HONOR!” She picked up her soup bowl and flung it at the old griffon, the white ceramic slid by his head, smashing into the floor between tables. The hall went silent, eyes turning to the commotion.

The old griffon calmly ran a claw along some of the soup droplets along his feathers and licked it from the talon. He smiled across the table at the furious female. “Oh, enough with the theatrics. We all get your point. You're angry about recent changes to your monopoly over griffon trade. If you wish to challenge me to a duel, challenge me and let us be done with it.” He traced his claw along his scarred beak. “If not, calm yourself and act like a clan head, not a spoiled hatchling.”

The female's eyes widened at the talk of challenge. She stuttered for a few moments before settling back onto her bench, dipping her head towards the old griffon though he couldn't see it. “I don't wish to challenge you. I'm sorry if I insulted you Elder Alexander.” The ancient griffon bobbed his head and immediately the tension in the air dissipated. Conversations resumed and the servers returned to handing out the soup.

“Elder-” Starstep began.

“Whitefeather would be the correct title for a non-griffon, young pegasus.” The old griffon turned his cloudy eyes towards him.

“Er, Whitefeather Alexander. I've never heard of a griffon living as long as you have. How is that possible? And being that old, why aren't you king of all the griffons? I mean, that has to have some kind of pull to unite the clans.”

“Ah, something that my rivals have been asking for many a generation.” He cackled to himself. “I simply tell them it is genetics. Our clan is the oldest still existing. Dating back to the creation of griffon-kind. Why, my eldest living daughter is three-hundred. Off gallivanting with the dragon empress. As for ruling...well.” He smirked, that damaged beak giving him a fearful expression. “As you may know, young pegasus, we griffons are a proud race. Tied to our traditions and self-importance. Every griffon wants to lead, very few wish to follow. To bring the clans together requires at least one of three things. Grand power, massive wealth.” He paused to flick his blind eyes in Hilda's direction. “Or war against a common foe.”

A thought occurred to Star. “Wait, you called me a pegasus. How-”

“Did I know what you are?” The old griffon laughed again. He pointed a claw beside him to Lighthoof. “Just like I know he is also a pegasus. It's no secret that you ponies have a sort of natural magic. If you live as long as I have, you start to...feel, the energy that surrounds each race. More so when you go blind.” He chuckled.

Star went quiet for the rest of the appetizer portion of the meal. Rolling the thoughts in his head now that his curiosity was sated. Celestia began a conversation with a griffon one seat down from Alexander and soon Lighthoof joined in when the topic shifted to flying in harsh weather. His ears swiveled about to pick up on the talk around him. There was a few snippets of the attacks on the borders. Many comments on the soup or mead. A few tid-bits about some griffon challenging another. After a while Luna and Celestia were pleasantly answering any questions directed their way. The feasting hall a quiet buzz of tempered discussions with occasional flare-ups of outrage or exclamations. Thankfully, no fights broke out and soon it was time for the main course.

An expectant hush rolled through the crowd as Sasha and crew wheeled out the entrees. Eyes followed one ornate cart with the two covered dishes as it made it's way to the Princesses. Sasha smiled to the royal sisters as she lifted the polished metal lids. One was a huge bowl of mixed greens, topped with exotic fruits and vegetables. The other caused Star to gasp in disbelief. A grilled bone-less chicken breast, topped with some sort of diced green vegetable over a light coating of red sauce. This meat dish was placed in front of Luna, drawing surprised and expectant eyes towards her.

Star caught the faintest glimmers of disgust in Luna's cyan eyes as Sasha beamed at her side. She puffed out her chest and looked over the crowd. “Princess Luna dined at the Black Talon yesterday evening and so enjoyed her chicken dish that she agreed to allow me to cook something especially for her.” The griffon smiled down at the blue alicorn, the Princess returned the warm expression but Star saw the tightness around her eyes. “I personally cooked a Black Talon clan recipe for you, Princess Luna. I very much hope you enjoy it.”

Starstep looked at Celestia, who wore her ever present mask of regal warmth, then to Lighthoof. He seemed stunned, maybe even a little ill. Alexander seemed...thoughtful, though it was hard to tell with such a damaged face and sight-less eyes. He risked a quick glance to his right and found Hilda's eyes wide in disbelief.

“It looks most delightful, Orangefeather Sasha.” Luna said, lifting her fork with her magic. “I cannot wait to try it.” Star spared a look around the room. Every griffon was watching the Princess, now that news of what her dish was had spread. She cut off an end of the chicken, stabbing it with her fork then lifted it to her lips without hesitation. The alicorn chewed on the piece of meat, eyes closed as though she was savoring the flavor before swallowing. “Mmm...tis quite tasty indeed. My compliments.”

A collective gasp followed by hurried whispers flowed down the tables. Star noticed Hilda's beak was wide open in shock. “B-but, ponies don't eat meat. What is this?”

Luna smiled as her fork cut off another small bite, effectively dismissing Sasha and her crew to begin asking each guest if they wanted chicken or salad. Star asked for salad without a thought, too intent on the drama at his sides.

The alicorn swallowed. “Mm...tis not often I eat chicken. I prefer the wild flavor of eagle.” Her eyes sparkled mischievously at the Hilda.

If griffons could pale, she would have. The clan head's pupils shrank and she trembled ever so slightly, the vibration rolling down the bench to Starstep. It took a server asking her four times what she wanted to get her attention. Across the table, Alexander was laughing.

“Really, sister, is this necessary?” Star caught Celestia whispering. To which the blue alicorn nodded before chewing another bite.

“I had heard...rumors recently, Princess Luna.” Alexander began, carefully pulling apart the his own chicken with his talons. “That you were a different kind of pony. A being one should be cautious around.” He chewed a bite of his meal and swallowed. “It appears the rumors were not far from the truth. I expect that those who labeled pony-kind as weak and submissive like prey animals-” He cut off another piece. “Will be forced to reevaluate their views. Well played, Princess.”

Luna simply nodded to the old griffon and ate.

A while later, Starstep pushed his empty salad bowl away with a hoof, burping politely into his other, drawing an angry glare from the female griffon at his right. He gave an apologetic smile before looking the other way. Princess Luna had since finished her dish and was staring at him very intently, one fore-hoof resting on the table near him. It was though she was trying to communicate something. Curious, he reached out to softly rest his own blue-grey hoof to her sock-clad one, stroking the black fabric every so slightly as to not draw attention. She whispered something Star couldn't make out, so he leaded his head forward, she mirrored and nuzzled near his ear.

“Thou shalt follow my lead Starstep, please do not linger.” Her voice seemed labored, as though she was having difficulty breathing. He gave a quick nod as she pulled away.

The alicorn stood. “I must step away for but a few moments. Please excuse us.” She turned, calmly walking towards the doors on the other side of the hall.

“Is everything all right?” Celestia asked, her concerned eyes following her sister. He gave a smile to the alicorn.

“Yeah, we'll be right back Princess.” He tried to ignore the curious look from Alexander and the distrustful one from Hilda as he spun and trotted to reach Luna just as she opened one of the side doors.

Star followed her through, glancing back as it clicked shut, leaving them in a dim hallway alone. She quickened her pace, onyx slippers clicking on the stone floor. “What's going on Princess?”

She shook her head, long legged pace losing her natural grace. She seemed hurried now, chest heaving as she fought for breath. Not sure what he could do to help, he followed at her side till she slammed open the door to the filly's restroom. Indecision caused him to linger for a moment before he took a deep breath and followed his Princess in.

Thankfully, the room was empty, relieving some of the embarrassment Star was feeling. The alicorn hurried to an empty stall, breathing heavily through her mouth, a shudder running through her body. Suddenly, Star knew what was wrong, though his own experience with it was due to alcohol. He slid up beside her in the stall, reaching up to pull her ethereal mane away from her face as the pony jerked her head towards the ceramic basin in the floor and retched.

The colt felt helpless, holding her mane out of the way, listening to the stomach churning sounds of her emptying her belly. He pressed his cheek up against her neck, stroking her mane with a hoof in a desperate attempt to soothe her. At last, trembling, and with nothing else to purge from her body, the alicorn sank to the floor, saliva dribbling in trails from her muzzle. Star grabbed the stall-paper and wiped it away, gaining him a unsteady, but thankful smile.

“ I t-thank thou, Starstep.” She took another deep breath, reaching out a hoof to flush the evidence.

“It was the chicken, wasn't it?” He asked, still softly stroking her beautiful blue mane. She buried her muzzle into his neck and nodded.

“Sometimes one's games and deceptions have consequences.” She gave a shuddering breath. “We cannot linger long, dessert wilst be served soon and would be seen as insulting if we art not there.”

“Was it necessary? This whole eating meat thing? I can't imagine what it must have been like to...” Just the thought of what she had done made his dinner threaten to rebel.

“They know me not, dear Starstep. They have only dealt with mine sister for a thousand years and we see how far that has gotten them. I must represent an element of the unknown, perhaps even a little intimidation. For that, there is a cost.”

The colt shook his head. “If you say so Princess. I just worry about you.”

She nuzzled him before standing shakily on her hoofs. “I knowth, my dearest stallion. I knowth.” The alicorn calmly stepped to the sinks to rinse her mouth out, gargling water to clean the taste from her tongue and sting in her throat. Satisfied that she was as fresh as she would get without mouthwash, she patting her lips dry with paper towels. Suddenly her ears swiveled towards the doors. “Quickly, Starstep, kiss me.”

Never one to deny his Princess, the pegasus took the few steps to close the distance and locked lips with her, closing his eyes at the cool soft touch of her lips. A creak of the bathroom door snapped his eyes open and ears swiveling. A pair of gasps and gentle tittering told him they had company. The colt met the knowing grins of a mare and female griffon, embarrassed and cheeks red. Luna smiled to the pair. “My apologizes, ladies. We simply wished a little...” Her gazed flicked back towards the colt. “Privacy.” Her ethereal tail curled under his chin and pulled him forward a few steps. “Please excuse us.” The pair stepped aside, watching the Princess and her consort exit the filly's room. He caught the briefest laughter and hurried whispering as the door swung shut.

“You know that gossip is going to spread like wildfire in a few minutes.” Star smirked at the alicorn.

“Indeed, twas the entire point. I would much rather them think we wandered off for a little...” She hesitated, contemplating a suitable word. “-naughtiness than to allow Sasha to believe she's been deceived.” They were walking back down the stone hall towards the banquet room.

“What's with this Sasha anyway? You didn't seem like you wanted her here to cater.”

“Despite her working in our city and her willingness to obey the rules, her sister is clan head of the Black Talons. A rather war-like and aggressive griffon family. To have them cater sends mixed messages to the rest of the clans. I dost enjoy leaving mine foes in confusion, but only when I can predict the outcome. Having her here dost creates variables I wish not to contemplate.” She halted in front of the door, the soft buzz inside echoed through the woods. “After the meal, I and the clan heads shalt have a discussion. Thou wilst not be in attendance.”

Star opened his mouth to protest but she rested her onyx slippered hoof to his lips. “While thou art my shadow, to have thou there would weaken my strength in their eyes. None of them wilst be attending with guards, consorts or otherwise. To do so would be seen as distrustful. Instead, thou shalt join the garden party with the other non-clan heads.” She tilted his chin up to kiss him sweetly. “Be mine eyes and ears. See and hear what I cannot. It is often those closest that know our darkest secrets.” Her eyes glimmered brightly, a loving warm smile on her lips. Starstep leaned in to nibble at her bottom lip, causing the Princess to gasp softly.

“I love you, Princess.”

He thought he saw the beginnings of a tear as her smile broadened. “And I, thou.”

Dessert was some kind of crushed ice with sweet syrup coating it along with a side of strawberries and cream. Star thought it very fortunate that dessert was light, considering what Luna had just been through. Eventually, all the attendees finished, though a few called for after-dinner coffees. The sisters thanked everyone for being their guests and asked for all the clan-heads to follow them to the council room, directing everyone else outside to the gardens for entertainment.

Star lingered a while, Lighthoof joining him near the exit doors, watching the mass of ponies and griffons leave, nodding to those that did so, ignoring the occasional glare.

Light leaned towards him. “Everything cool with the Princess?”

The blue-grey pegasus nodded, spiky mane bobbing slightly. “Yeah. I'll bet you'll start hearing rumors about us tonight. For now just nod and smile. I'll tell you what really happened later, alright?”

“The dinner?” Light glanced at his friend as the last of the guests exited the grand hall. Only the cleaning staff remained, sweeping and collecting dishes.

Star nodded, leaving it at that before turning and leading the way out and down the main hallway towards the gardens. “Nice outfit by the way.”

“Thanks dude. Not enough black, but it's not bad.” He stumbled a bit as his ceremonial blade sheath caught on a loose rug. Recovered, he hurried to catch Star. “Hey, dude. You've really got the royal walk down.”

“Huh?”

The tan pegasus gestured to Star's gentle steps. “Captain Shining is the only colt I've seen get it right.”

“Oh!” Starstep chuckled, bouncing the next couple of steps making the coin pouch clank loudly. “Pouch full of bits. Princess Luna's idea. I was so afraid of making a racket, I just imagined myself walking on a volatile lightning cloud.”

“H-uh. I might have to try that. Princess Celestia asked me to be her date for the Grand Galloping Gala in a couple months.”

“Will uh, Sherry and Peach Blossom be coming?”

His pegasus friend frowned. “Assuming they're understanding about the whole thing. Celestia promised to pay for any outfit they want. Even offered to have the royal tailor craft one specifically for them.”

“Rarity? Tartarus, Light. The way most fillies act about Rarity's clothing line, they'd agree to come just for the dresses.” He gave a sigh. “Well, I really do hope this all works out, Light.” They stepped out into the gardens. “But for now, it's time to mingle.”

And mingle they did. The colts went their separate ways, stopping to thank the pony and griffon guests for coming. Being the consorts to the Princesses, they had to act as sort of ambassadors of good-will and represent the royal sisters as best they could. Soft music played from a six piece band off to one side, a couple of tables set up with refreshments and a stage where a griffon 'magician' was pulling a rather angry rabbit out of his hat. Sun-Guards stood at various places along the walls, not interfering with the guests, but their presence ensured that they behaved themselves. Star even caught a glance of one of the Night-Guards slinking along the roof-top of the fortress.

Most of the griffons were consorts or a very close family member. The reactions to him were mixed; some enjoyed talking with Star, some refused to acknowledge him and walked the other way. It was a struggle to not get angry, but he understood the gestures were political and generally not personal. The ponies in attendance seemed to be very powerful aristocrats from the surrounding cities, even a couple from Canterlot. All in all, the night was fairly pleasant, though a little dull. All they seemed to want to talk about was relationship rumors, or clothing or some random nonsense that Star pretended to listen to.

Then, sometime before midnight, as he made his way through the crowd towards the punch bowl, a cold firm voice froze him in his tracks, sending a chill up his spine. “Mister Starstep, it's a delight to see you again.”

He turned his head to find a massive silver earth-pony with a deep blue mane, smiling at him. Smug and arrogant, the large pony crossed the last few feet to stand before the smaller pegasus. “I was wondering if I would get to see you tonight.” He was wearing a sleek black tuxedo that seemed to broaden his already large shoulders, a night-lily pinned to the chest pocket.

“Mister Steel. What are you doing here?” The colt glanced about, a little nervous to be seen talking to the information broker in the open.

The large pony waved a hoof at the gathering. “Why, attending a party with some of the most influential ponies and griffons in both kingdoms. It's quite the treat. You wouldn't believe the information floating around here.”

Star frowned. “Ok, let me rephrase that. How did you get in? No offense, but you're not exactly an upstanding citizen of Equestria.”

Steelhoof seemed shocked. “I am quite the citizen. I serve my country dutifully.”

“When it suits your agenda.”

That raised the earth-pony's eyebrows. “My, my. Mister Starstep. It seems this last week has changed something in you.” His cold bronze eyes took appraisal of the pony. “Yes...something is different.” He hummed to himself, tapping his chin with one of his steel-horseshoed hooves. “AH, I see!” The pony leaned into Star's personal space, nose to nose. “Your wings grew back black.” He grinned at Star's confused expression and laughed. It was rich and deep. “You must learn not to take everything quite so serious, Mister Starstep. Or the dark things you've done, will consume you.”

“Dark...what are you talking about?” He hissed in a near whisper.

The stallion pulled back his head, shaking it sadly side to side. “Denial will not make it go away. You must accept it, embrace it.”

“You still didn't answer my question about how you got in here. I have the power to call the guards and boot you out.” The colt drew himself up and flapped his silver-trimmed wings in anticipation of a fight.

“Oh, you do indeed. But that would be quite...awkward, considering it was your Princess who provided my invitation.” The stallion reached into the his tux jacket to draw out a folded slip of paper. With a smug expression he flicked the end, causing it to fold outward for the colt to read. Sure enough, it was an invitation with Luna's signature on it. Curious, Star leaned out and sniffed the paper. Luna's scent. Apparently it wasn't a forgery.

Disbelief still floated in his eyes. “How did you get this? The Princess knows who you are.”

“Oh, she does. I certainly did not gain this for free. I had to pay a rather high price.” He looked around at the conversing ponies and griffons, bronze eyes sparkling like a foal in a candy store. “But so very worth it.” The stallion turned his head to meet the pegasus' stare. “It's been delightful to see you again, Mister Starstep. But I must not allow this opportunity to slip through my hooves. I'm certain we'll bump into each other again before you leave home for Canterlot.” The large silver stallion turned to leave.

“Wait.” Stars firm call halted the information broker. “What about Granite?”

Steelhoof smiled, it wasn't pleasant. “He's been...dealt with.”

“How?”

“Mister Starstep, do you really wish to know?”

Star contemplated it for a few moments then shook his head. “No, not really.”

“And that, Mister Starstep, is the difference between us.” With his parting comment, the large stallion vanished into the crowd.

The pegasus finished his walk to the refreshment table and guzzled down a cup. It had a little burn to it. Apparently it was alcoholic. He drank down two more and was reaching for a third when a claw gripped his forelimb. He turned his head to find Sasha smirking at him.

“Careful now. We wouldn't want Princess Luna's Shadow-Guard to be drunk on duty, do we?” She sounded playful, but there was something about her eyes. Hunger, like a predator.

Star set his empty cup onto the table, turning his full attention to the griffon. “Orangefeather Sasha, on behalf of the Princess, thank you again for catering on such short notice.”

Her smirk didn't leave her face as she reached up to run a claw down the front of his vest. “Oh, please, none of us here are Clan-heads, just Sasha for now.” She tilted her head, gesturing to a garden path through the hedges. “Care escort me through the garden? I've never been up here to the fortress before. It's quite...” She hesitated, searching for a word as her eyes looked him over. “Formidable.”

“Uh...y-yeah. Ok. Sure, Sasha.” He gave a nervous glance to make sure they weren't attracting attention and started down the path that ran through the hedge garden away from the soft music and gentle buzz of conversation. They walked in silence for a bit, listening to the chirp of crickets complementing the faint sounds of the party, under the cool blue light of the moon and Luna's bright stars. “So...” He began, attempting to break the ice. “Was there something you wanted to talk about?”

“Talk about?” The griffon asked, amusement in her voice. “Oh, no. I've nothing much to say.” She halted near a heavy hedge wall, bringing them to a stop as she glanced over her shoulder. Quicker than Star could react the griffon grabbed his neck in her talon and slammed him up against the hedge. It didn't hurt, but it was prickly and rather uncomfortable with her claw firm around his neck.

Star blinked at her in surprise, but didn't cry out, knowing that if she really wanted to hurt him, she just had to tighten those talons that pricked at his coat. The griffon smiled at him, lifting up her other claw to trace a claw along the side of his face.

“The Princess is one thing, but you. Something about you is...exotic compared to the rest of the little pip-squeak subjects of Equestria.” Her claw circled around his eye. “I wonder what it is that attracts a creature as powerful and cold as Princess Luna to you. She even has you eating meat and sneaking off to fool around in the middle of dinner.” She laughed at his expression. “Just because I'm not clan-leader like my sister, doesn't mean I don't keep tabs on what's going on.”

The griffon leaned closer, tilting her head up so the tip of her beak sharply stroked along the top of his muzzle, causing him to shiver involuntarily. “Mmm...does this excite you too?” He tried to reply but a simple tightening of her claw around his neck made him forget his words. “I tried dating a pony once. Too docile, too...weak.” She spit the last word. “I even tried a male griffon or two. But none of them had real ambition.” She ran her claws along his mane and teased his ear. “But you. Mmm...something about you caught my eye.” She turned her head, opening her beak so that her strong, thick griffon tongue prodded at his lips.

Star realized she was trying to kiss him as only griffons can. He had a moment to consider it, then opened his mouth to accept her advances. He played with her tongue with his own, it was rather wet and a little sticky, but hot and exciting with the tip of her beak grazing through his cheek fur. At last she pulled back, licking her mouth. “Mmm...not bad.”

Sasha leaned in, nose to nose. “I think I'm going to rape you now.”

Star managed a grin, fighting back the panic in his belly and replied. “It's not rape if I want it.”

His comment took the griffon by complete surprise. She blinked a few times, then rolled back her head, laughing in a melodious chirp. Eventually she recovered enough to look into his eyes just before somepony cleared their throat to the right. They both looked over to find a mare unicorn Sun-Guard watching them with trained professionalism.

“Everything alright?” The trottingham mare asked, golden helm glinting softly in the moon-light.

Sasha released her grip on the colt, allowing him to fall back to his hoofs and beamed a smile at the mare. “Of course, guard. I was just on my way back to the party.” She started away, glancing over her shoulder at the colt. “Till next time, Shadow-Guard.” She smirked before wandering off into the darkness.

The mare watched her leave before stepping up to the colt and removing her helm. Sandy ran a hoof through her mane and exhaled deeply. “What the buck was that all about?”

Starstep shook his head and shrugged. “To be honest, I really don't know.” He gave the mare a smile. “Thanks for the save. I think she was serious.” He reached out a hoof, to which the Sun-guard bumped in return.

“Hey, no biggie. You'll just owe me one.” Sandy winked at Star before sliding her helm back on and resuming her patrol.