Starstep made his way back towards the voices of the party, occasionally rubbing at his neck where the talons had pressed at his skin. A part of him wondered how badly things would have gotten if he'd fought Sasha's advances, the other part felt ashamed that he didn't. He reminded himself it was to keep the peace on Luna's behalf. To cause a much bigger scene would have deeper consequences than his comfort. At least, that's what he told himself.

At last he rounded a final hedge to rejoin the party, nodding curtly to the two Sun-Guards posted at the entrance, then struck up a conversation with guests nearby. As time dragged on, mired in the nonsense the ponies and griffons prattled on about, he noticed Sasha watching him rather intently from across the room, something challenging in her stare. Star adverted his eyes, focusing his attention on the pair of ponies visiting from Trottingham who were discussing their jobs as travel agents. While he was busy, Sasha began to work the crowd, speaking with one cluster of guests and then another, weaving her way towards her prey one group at a time. When Star finally noticed, he began to do the same, except to get as far away from her as he could. And so for the next hour, Sasha chased Star around the party in a strange game of chase that no other pony or griffon seemed aware of. He was trying to think of some excuse to leave the gardens completely when a waiter stepped in front of him.

It took the pegasus a moment to recognize the large grey earth pony in the white buttoned waiter's shirt. There was a silver tray balanced carefully on his back, a few delicacies on the platter. It was the jagged scar on his thick neck that jogged Star's memory. Thundermane, one of Luna's lieutenant looked very much out of place. The shirt strained against his large barrel and thick forelegs and his eyes had a cold authority that marked him as anything but subservient.

“Sir, we have a bit of a problem.” The pony rumbled, his voice low and very deep.

Star glanced over his shoulder, noting that only Sasha was watching them from three groups back. She caught his eyes and smiled, it was not pleasant. “Yeah, I noticed.” He turned his head back to the lieutenant who seemed puzzled at his response.

“Uh, no sir. Not her.” He cleared his throat, speaking soft enough that his voice wouldn't carry far. “There is a protest forming at the gates.”

“Protest? By who?” The pegasus couldn't hide his confusion.

“Pony citizens. Dazzle is trying to find out more, but it doesn't change the fact that there's a crowd of ponies at the gate, demanding that the griffons be sent home.”

Star tilted his head. “Ok, I'm not sure why you're telling me though.”

Thundermane seemed puzzled by his response, an eyebrow raised, a slight frown forming. “Sir, you're Princess Luna's Shadow-Guard. Her eyes, ears and voice. When we can't talk to her, we come to you.”

Star glanced over his shoulder again, Sasha wasn't anywhere to be seen at the moment, his eyes darted from one side to the other, attempting to relocate the crazy griffon. “Ok, I'll let the Princess know what's going on soon as they get out of that meeting.” He said, not abandoning his search.

“What do you want us to do about the protestors?”

“Do?” Star blinked. “I-I donno, they're not hurting anypony are they?”

“No, sir. Not yet.”

“Yet?” Star's eyebrow climbed as he spared a moment to face the earth-stallion “Are Spurlin ponies the violent type?”

“Normally, no, but they're scared and angry. Seems a few of them are families of the deceased from the outposts. They called friends and relatives and it grew around them. It appears they feel some of the griffons here are responsible. Dazzle is afraid it wont take much to ignite their mistrust into something more than words.” The earth pony gave the slightest shake of his head then he stared at Star, waiting for orders.

The blue-grey pegasus sighed. “Just do whatever you can to keep them calm. They have every right to protest as long as no pony gets hurt.”

“We know that sir. The question is, what do you want us to do if things get out of hoof?”

Then the realization of what he was asking for struck Star. “What would you suggest? I'm sorry that I don't have much experience in protests or potential riots. Canterlot doesn't have these kinds of things.”

“I understand, sir.” The large earth pony gave the faintest look of pity. That expression puzzled the pegasus as the stallion continued in his low, deep tones. “And off the record, I'm glad you're willing to admit it. Too many ponies would just assume they knew best.” He nodded. “My personal suggestion is to keep them out of the fortress with non-lethal force, jail those that press the matter, and otherwise let them fend for themselves.”

Star blinked. “What does that last bit mean?”

“If they get into a fight, with themselves or say a rival group, our guards will not interfere, instead focusing on keeping our perimeter and guests safe.”

The pegasus looked around at all the consorts, family and generally important ponies and griffons. A few were giving them odd glances, perhaps wondering why he was having such a long conversation with a waiter. The guests were here under the code of safe-conduct and because of that, the Princesses were honor bound to protect all of them to the best of their abilities. He sighed, not liking the thought of what would happen if the guards refused to help the protestors if things got really out of hoof.

“Ok, I agree with your suggestion. Do whatever is necessary to insure the fortress and it's guests are protected. I'll let the Princess know as soon as she gets out of the meeting.”

Thundermane nodded sharply, his right leg twitching for just a moment as though he was going to salute Starstep, before he remembered his disguise and instead spun on his hooves, trotting off to disappear into the crowd.

“Now that we're alone again.” A female voice said close to his side, whispering in a seductive voice that promised wicked things. “Well...if you ignore all these fools and boot-lickers.” Star felt a sharp point trace down his flank, making him shudder. “We can pick up where we left off.”

The pegasus turned to find Sasha smiling slyly at him. He swatted her claw away and frowned. “Ok, look Sasha. Now is REALLY not a good time.”

“Oh?” The griffon chirped, taking another step closer to him. “Why ever not?”

“We have protest-” He hesitated, considering the implications if he told her what was going on just outside the gates. Swallowing his initial reaction, he stared up into her hungry eyes. “I'm on duty. I have a job to do.” He lowered his voice until it was a hiss. “If you don't back the buck off and let me represent my Princess honorably, I will personally kick your flank out.”

She laughed, letting the angry words roll right off her. “Oh please. You don't have the strength. Besides, I'm not keeping you from your duty to the Princess.” She leaned closer, causing Star to take a step back. “Your fear of me is doing that.” She licked her beak, as though tasting something delightful.

The pegasus steadied his nerves and regained the step he lost, placing his face close to Sasha's. “I'm not afraid of you. Now if you'll excuse me, I have other guests to attend to.”

“Oh, you most certainly do.” She stepped aside, gesturing with a claw to a group of griffons on the other side of the party. Two of them were staring at each other angrily, claws digging into the ground as they attempted to stare the other down. Behind them, their supporters were gathering, urging them on with cheers and little shouts that grew in volume until it drowned out the band.

Star rolled his eyes, remembering the book he had read on Griffon culture. The two males had some sort of disagreement and so one of them had issued a challenge. They'd stare each other down, the first to look away could get attacked by the other. But until then, they had to face-off, using intimidation, threats and insults to force the other into submission. For all their talk of violence, griffons actually seemed to take more pride in defeating their foes without it. To strike before the other submitted was a huge dent in one's honor. A lot of times, if the initial cause of the fight wasn't that bad, the winner accepted submission as enough to end the battle, but occasionally the anger and hatred ran so deep a fight was unavoidable.

Looking at the pair of griffons, the rage in their eyes, and the very large gathering of supporters for both, Star wasn't so sure this would end without conflict. He couldn't hear them insulting each other over the growing shouts and cries for justice by the two crowds. He took assessment of the rest of the party, noticing the Sun-Guards in nervous battle stances at the fringes, not really certain what they should do. Thankfully none of them had drawn swords. Between the two rival groups and the guards stood the rest of the guests, watching with fascination, as though it was a show for entertainment. Unfortunately, if the guards came charging in, they'd be in harms way.

“Star?” Lighthoof slid up to his side. “What the heck happened?” The tan pegasus spared a glace at Sasha, who stood nearby, a smug expression on her beak.

“I donno, I turn around and these two are going at it. If it was just the two griffons, I wouldn't be too worried, but their friends are REALLY getting into it.” He noticed one guard at the door look back at his sheathed blade, as though contemplating on drawing steel. “Light, can you do something about the Sun-Guards? I don't think this is a fight they want to get involved in. It's griffon politics, not ours.”

Lighthoof nodded in agreement, his eyes also watching the same guard. “Yeah, dude. I noticed that too. Maybe being Princess Celestia's consort will hold some weight with them. Gotta count for something, so I'll do what I can. See if you can talk these griffons down.” They shared a look, unspoken words of trust in the others abilities, before Light trotted towards the nervous door guards.

Star took a deep breath then exhaled before he stepped between the two groups but not the griffons facing-off. He raised a hoof, shouting to be heard over the rising tide of yells and insults. His words for calm were lost to the cries of violence. He began to yell as loud as he could, but to no avail. The two groups were now pressing forward around the flanks of the initial two rivals, then one of the challengers looked away and all Tartarus broke loose. The winner launched himself at the other griffon, signaling for his followers to scream like large birds of prey before they too attacked the other group. Claws slashed, colored tunics were shredded, beaks bit, screams and yells of the struggle echoed in the evening air. Starstep staggered back as two griffons collided in mid-air in front of him, inches from his muzzle.

He could see Lighthoof out of the corner of his eye, arguing with a pack of Sun-Guards who had rushed forward to intervene. All the while, the other guests watched in rapt fascination, yet Sasha had eyes for only him, smiling with amusement. What part she had in all this, he didn't have time to figure out.

He could wade in, hooves flying and maybe break the fight up, but the fall-out of breaking hospitality law would be incredibly harmful to his Princess. “Luna” He said softly to himself, stroking her feather against his chest to steady his nerves. “I could really use your help.” A sudden cold chill spilled from the feather into his body, causing his fur to stand up as his vision blurred slightly. In his mind's eye, he was looking out at the large table of griffon clan leaders. He could...feel his Princess responding to his request, sharing something with him beyond words. There was a quick image of her shouting at a crowd of thousands and being heard by all, then the image faded as a tingling in his throat began. His vision cleared, but the strange burning in his throat remained. Star knew what she'd done, he just hoped he could figure out what to do afterwards. He took a deep breath, planting his hooves solidly on the grass and arced up his neck.

“BE STILL!” His voice was magnified to the point that he could feel the ground at his hooves tremble ever so slightly. The result was instantaneous. Every pair of eyes in the garden was focused completely on him. Most wide with shock, a few raised eyebrows here and there. The fight had stopped almost as though he'd frozen the action. Fists and claws raised, beaks in mid-motion to bite. None of them dared to move as the echo of his words rumbled off the fortress walls and faded. He could feel the tingle in his throat dissipate.

'Too late to be nervous, gotta follow this thing through. Think, Star, think. How would Luna handle this?', Star asked himself, clearing his throat of the numbness from the spell before daring to speak into the sudden stillness.

“How dare you insult our hospitality. The Princesses have promised you all safety and comfort, so that we may work out our differences and find some common ground on which to stand against these rogues who threaten both our people.” He drew himself up, ruffling his black wings in irritation. “I'm not going to try and understand why you felt you needed to fight. I get that clan scuffles are normal for you. They are as much of your culture as Hearth's Warming Eve is to ours. What I want to know is, why you decided to do it here and now rather than wait to go home?”

A few griffons from each side glanced at the other. Most of the looks were of shared concern, with a sprinkling of blame. A couple seemed genuinely ashamed. One of them hesitantly raised a claw, as though they were in class. Star noticed and gave a nod to the griffon.

“Uh...can...we move now?” He was pinned underneath another griffon's claws.

“Yeah, everypony, er every griffon get up and just chill the buck out.” Slowly, they did as they were bid, extracting limbs and bodies from each others grasp, brushing off dirt from their feathers and what was left of their formal tunics, eventually separating back into two groups. “Now, for as long as you have guest rights under our roof, you will refrain from fighting with each other. You've already brought shame to your houses and if I find out anyone here is fighting again, I will personally boot you out of Equestria.” His eyes darted from one griffon to another, daring them to argue. Satisfied that the griffons had gotten the point, he pondered on how to resolve the situation. The first thing that came to mind was Luna and his visit to the local tavern. He smirked and gave a little sigh. "Well, when in Roan." He mumbled softly.

“How about, instead of fighting, we bond.” The griffons seemed puzzled, a few suspicious looked passed through them as the pegasus pointed at a cowering pale-green earth-mare waitress. “You.” She squeaked in surprise. “Go tell the kitchen to bring us kegs of the Royal mead and ale.”

Biting her bottom lip in nervousness, the little mare nodded quickly before bolting off to deliver the message as Starstep turned back to the crowd. “Now, instead of beating each others faces in, how about a different way of challenging each other?”

_____________________________________________________________________

“Drink, Drink, Drink, Drink!” Griffons and ponies alike were chanting as the two original instigators of the earlier evening's fight, were chugging their sixth mug of ale each. At last, one finished his, the others eyes rolled back in his head as he toppled over to the cheers and groaning of the spectators.

Off at another table, some guests were hoof (or claw) wrestling. Starstep was a little concerned that Sasha seemed to be dominating that sport, despite being on her fifth mug of honey mead. He felt a sense of relief that her aggressive pursuit of him had been deflected into the competition and copious amounts of alcohol.

The guards did not join in with the drinking, being that they were on duty. Starstep and Lighthoof managed to nurse a mug each, more for appearances as they kept a careful eye on the drunken guests. At first, a few had protested the drink and games as poor-pony entertainment, but as more and more of their peers became intoxicated and loosened up from their normally stiff attitudes, the rest relented and joined in. Star imagined that Luna was going to flip at how much the guests had drained the Royal kegs, but seeing rival clans congratulating each other at a round of drunken horse-shoes, or hoof-wrestling and generally not being a bunch of puffed up, angry griffons, Star didn't care if he was punished for the change of plans.

Around midnight, the main doors leading back into the fortress swung wide, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna filling the vast entrance with practiced smiled on their lips, still dressed in their finery. Their eyes glanced around as they held their regal poses, taking in the drunken revelry. Celestia's eyebrow raised high with the slightest hint of a smile while Luna's face remained serene, her thoughts on the party remained tucked away.

The white alicorn spoke, her voice full of warmth and kindness. “I do hope you all have enjoyed your evening. We just wish to inform you that our talks, while progressing, will take longer than one night. Therefore, those of you who are guests of the Clan-heads, rooms have been prepared in the Fortress. Those of you visiting us, we thank you for your attendance and sharing your company with us.”

Luna looked out at the crowd. “I bid thee all a good evening and wish safe travel on thy return home. Guards will escort thou to thy appropriate rooms or assist in seeing thou out of the fortress safely. We dost hope thou hath enjoyed our hospitality.”

A ragged, drunken cheer went up for the Princesses, followed by a bit of laughter and a few slaps on the back between new friends. The sisters stepped to the sides of the doors, flanking the entrance as the griffons and ponies began to file back into the fortress. Both in their ever noble poses of grace and beauty. Starstep thanked the griffons he was talking to before taking his place at Luna's side, Lighthoof mirroring his actions with Celestia. A few guests stopped to offer thanks for the hospitality to the royal sisters, a few even commented on Star's honorable handling of the conflict. That bit of news cause Luna's eyebrow to raise ever so slightly. Thankfully, Sasha did not cause a scene on her way out, only pausing to give her gratitude for being allowed to cater the dinner and offered her services for future events. Luna nodded thoughtfully, smile on her lips as she promised to consider it. Then, with a slight glance in Starstep's direction, the griffon chef left them.

Steelhoof stopped in front of Star on his way out, grinning ear to ear. "I must say, Mister Starstep. I could not have asked for a more...enlightening evening." He gave a slight dip of his head to the moon-goddess at Star's side. "I thank you again for the invitation and I look forward to attending the wedding of Professor Twilight Sparkle. Be well, Princess." He bowed that thick neck of his before trotting away, leaving Star slightly confused.

"He's coming to Twilight and Cheerilee's wedding too?" The pegasus hissed under his breath.

Luna maintained her stoic expression. "A necessary price." She offered no other information as she resumed thanking guests for coming.

At last, the final guests were gone, leaving the gardens empty except for the cleaning crew and the musicians on stage, who were packing their instruments. Luna exhaled deeply and blanketed Starstep in her wing. On the other side of the door, Lighthoof was being guided back into the fortress at Celestia's touch. Relatively alone, the blue alicorn gave a gentle giggle, leaning down nuzzling her colt.

“I felt thy call for mine assistance. It appears thou hath made satisfactory use of it.” Her eyes fell on the pile of empty kegs nearby, clearly stamped with the royal seal. “Though it remains to be seen, what thy tactic hath cost us. I very much liked that mead. Pray-tell how much remains?” She looked down at him, a hint of annoyance on her face.

Starstep grimaced as he looked up into Luna's eyes. “We have two kegs left. I know it was your favorite. I'm sorry, Princess, I couldn't think of any other way to keep them from ripping each others throats out. I had to ask for your help to stop one fight, I didn't want to stop more.” He gave a shrug. “Spur of the moment, I realized that drunk griffons are usually happy griffons.”

The ruler of the night coaxed him inside with a touch of her soft wing, walking slowly at Star's side. “On this, we dost agree. I suppose the mead is a small price to pay to maintain order. It was also quite delightful to see the panicked expressions upon the clan-leader's faces as the walls shook around them." She smiled at the memory before her expression faded. "Though upon my way out of the meeting, Dazzle informed me of the protest.” She sighed. “I cannot fault them for their...displeasure at us hosting these griffon leaders, when one of them could very well be behind the attacks.”

“I take it the talks didn't go well?” Star nuzzled lightly at Luna's neck as they walked, leaning slightly against the larger pony.

“Tis an understatement. Without going into details, a few of them charged the others with the crimes. Tempers flared, feelings were hurt, much gnashing and grinding of...beaks, were to be had. Much distrust can be found amongst the clans, where posturing and intimidation art part of their political structure.” She shook her head with a small smile. “Fortunately, thy use of my Royal voice, shook them from their endless arguments. Not knowing what hath caused the walls to rumble, they became timid and less willing to create a scene.”

They turned down a side hall, torches flickering in the dark stone passage. Starstep looked up at his Princess. “Was anything accomplished?”

“Mmm...I suppose. They hath agreed to bolster their border patrols in hopes of catching the group responsible. We hath agreed to do the same under the promise that both sides will not maintain this level of military might along the borders after the culprits art dealt with. I pray that we end this soon, my dear Starstep. The protests at the gates art but the first sign of a distrust that may fracture our peace.” She paused to nuzzle the pegasus. “I am fearful for pony-kind if this escalates. I am also fearful for the griffon-citizens who art innocent in this matter.” She sighed heavily. “Heavy is the crown, Starstep.”

Starstep ran his muzzle through her mane, feeling the tingling strands of ethereal hair caress his coat like a lover. He slid a fore-leg around her neck and hugged her tight. The Princess pressed into his embrace, giving a contented sigh.

“Princess?”

The alicorn made a sound of acknowledgment.

“How about a nice relaxing bath? I'll personally pamper you, if you'll let me.”

Luna slowly pulled back from his embrace, smiling down at him. “That dost sound lovely. I accept thy offer.”

________________________________________________________________

In short time, the Princess led the colt to the royal washroom, inside four mares stood at attention, already alerted to of the alicorn's desire to bathe. The floor was made of six-point star-shaped tiles of sparkling black with white caulking in the cracks. The usual stone walls were decorated with tapestries showing off fields of blue and violets with stylized forms of stars and moons. On the back wall were four black marble stairs leading up to a stage-like platform. The center of which was cut out for the tub to rest in the recess. Two black metal braziers rested on stone pedestals carved to resemble crescent moons, flanked the stairs, lighting the room in warm yellows.

Luna's horn flared for a moment, shifting the fire to a brilliant blue before she smiled to the four mares, waving a hoof dismissively. “Thou art relieved of thy duties this evening. I hath a volunteer to attend to mine needs. Please enjoy thy time off.” The four exchanged glances with each other before their eyes flickered to the nervous colt at Luna's side. They nodded their head in acknowledgment of Luna's command, leaving behind their brushes, towels and combs, before trotting past the pair, knowing smiles on their lips. The last pony closed the door behind them, giggles slipping into the room before the final click sealed the exit.

Luna took measured paces into the center of the room and glanced over her shoulder. “Well? I hath dismissed mine hoof-maidens. Keep me not waiting, my Shadow-maid.” She smirked.

Never one to deny his Princess, the colt bounded over, glancing from the tight satin choker around her neck to the hem of her dress that draped over her every flowing tail. “So uh...where do I begin?”

The blue alicorn gasped, raising one hoof to her chest in mock disbelief. “My dear, sir. Thou art asking how to undress a lady? Quite unbecoming. Where is thy gentlecolt's honor?” Her eyes narrowed seductively as she leaned her head down, whispering. “A real stallion wouldth not need to ask. He would simply....do.” She lifted her head back to her usual pose, the corner of her lips upturned, eyes sparkling in mischief.

Star gave a shrug and a chuckle. “Sorry, a real lady wouldn't ask a stallion to disrobe her.”

Luna's eyebrows raised. “Oh-ho! Thy tongue grows sharp. Be wary lest thou cut thyself upon it.”

The colt reached out to gently take one of the alicorn's forehooves, pulling free her onyx slipper then tugging the satin sock off with his teeth, before leaning down to kiss her hoof. “It only grows sharp from the course stone of adversity.”

Luna pulled her hoof away with a giggle. “I thought thou were to pamper me as a hoof-maiden? They dost not kiss, lick or otherwise engage in naughty behavior with the royal body.”

“At least when no one else is looking, right?”

“HA-HA. Where doth thy sudden boldness spring?” She lifted her other hoof and stuck it out towards him. “I must protest thy harsh treatment of thy Mistress. My mind is but weary from the arrows of scorn and distrust of mine adversaries this night.” Starstep slid the other slipper and sock free, then trotted towards her backside as she continued. “Even now, thy cruel, teasing hooves strip away my royal adornments. Thy eyes linger too long upon my flanks and curve of mine rump. I blush in embarrassment of thy rough treatment.”

Starstep laughed as he lifted up her hind-leg, gently pulling that slipper and sock free, then switching sides to pull off the others. “I think my Mistress doth protest too much.” He released her leg then trotted up to her side, running his muzzle along the corset.

The Princess laughed at his word-jab, pointing out where the releases on the corset were, till his fumbling finally allowed the stiff fabric to slid free of her sleek body, tumbling into a growing pile at her hooves. She allowed him to pull the rest of the dress from her back-half, warning him to be cautious, lest he incur Rarity's wrath. The alicorn blushed and watched Star's face as the layered dress fell away, revealing a pair of tight, rump hugging black silk panties. Her tail curled towards him, caressing his chin for a moment to break him of the stunned gazed, locked onto her hindquarters.

“They art mine only pair. I pray thou wilst be gentle?” She said softly, almost meekly

Starstep got an eyeful of just how firmly it fit the alicorn and while he'd seen that part of Luna before, there was something exotic in seeing her clothed in silk like that. Hiding it away from his prying eyes made it more exciting. The pony nodded to her words before taking the waistband in his teeth and every so carefully working one side then the other, a few inches at a time to draw them down and over her sleek rump. He was panting by the time they tumbled to the floor around her hind-legs, resisting the urge to look back up at her hindquarters.

Luna giggled, turning to stroke his cheek with a cool hoof wearing nothing but the silvery chain with his feather. “Now, disrobe and join me in the tub. I hath a terrible time scrubbing mine own back.” With that, she stepped away, swaying her hips teasingly as she gracefully ascended the steps and settled down into the waiting water. Her magic pulled loose the choker around her neck and tossed it to land across the pegasus' muzzle.

__________________________________________________________________

A few minutes later, the pair of ponies were sitting in the rather large black polished granite tub. The stone was laced with silver veins, sparkling in the flickering light from the braziers. The water flowed hot and steaming from a spout shaped like shooting star made of silver, the handles were half-moons. Apparently the tub was designed that water was continuously refreshing itself, a constant flow of hot as the cold drained out somewhere in the bottom. Clearly it was made for alicorns, the water coming up to Star's shoulders as he sat back on his haunches behind Luna.

Star wiggled closer behind the Princess, caressing her shoulders and curling a fore-hoof through the blue ethereal mane. “Hmm...how do you shampoo this? Or does it even need to be?”

Luna giggled softly, her magic floating a bottle to rest on the side of the tub, nearest Starstep. “Tis not strictly necessary, but quite soothing. Attend thy eyes.” Her mane faded from the rich blue to a light blue, bordering on grey. No longer did it dance about on unseen winds, but was very much like any other pony's. “Feel free to continue thy pampering.”

The pegasus grinned as he filled a hoof full of a lavender scented gel, before working it into the alicorn's mane, starting between her ears. She moaned very softly, closing her eyes to the relaxing touch.

“How does your mane work anyway?”

“Mmm...well...alicorns attach themselves to an element. The moon, the sun, love, and so on. We act as a sort of conduit, letting its power flow through us. The mane changes when we can channel enough.”

Star's hooves were covered in the lilac colored foam as he worked down her neck. “So Princess Cadance hasn't attuned herself enough yet?”

“Neigh, not yet. Soon, I think. It took Tia and I a hundred years to discover because we had no teacher. Tis fortunate for her to have Tia and I as guidance.” She leaned back into Star's hooves as he worked the area where her neck met her shoulders. “Mmm...there, rub harder.”

The pegasus gave a soft chuckle. “As you say, Mistress.” He worked his hooves into the spot, finding the tension under her coat begin to relax under his attention, rubbing and grinding his hooves over her muscles where he found knots.

The bathroom was quiet except for the occasional sounds of delight from Luna and the little splashes of water. After a few minutes, the alicorn reached a hoof around to trap Star's against her neck.

“I know about Sasha.”

Star looked away, he wasn't sure if he felt shame, guilt or anger. Unconsciously his other hoof strayed to the spot where her claws had dug into his coat.

“Fear not, my dear Shadow-Guard. Sandy was awaiting me upon my exit of the meeting. She wanted to personally inform me of what hath transpired. I doth not blame thee. I know thou kissed her to prevent harm to this delicate situation. I hath not expected her to be so...aggressive in her pursuit of thou. Sasha is jealous of her sister's position, wishing she were clan-head instead. She has always been attracted to power and strength. Our little...show at her restaurant may have led her on further than I hath wished. For that I apologize. Know that I wilst have a discussion with her. Thou art my consort and not to be abused. Tis fortunate that Sandy interrupted her...advances.” The burning in Star's gut faded slightly as he turned back to the Princess. He took his free hoof to rest on her's, letting his hoof caress her silky fur.

“I guess I really do owe that mare a favor.”

Luna laughed brightly. “Indeed.” She slid her hoof free and pointed to her mane. “Rinse.”

“Of course, Mistress Luna.” His words caused the alicorn to laugh again as he used a cup to run water through her hair.

“Thou dost love to use that name.”

“I like you being in control.”

“Oh? So thou sayth, however...thou hath shown fine control this evening. Thou didst not start a fight, but halted one and prevented more. Thou handled an aggressive griffon to the best of thy ability while not bringing me or thyself shame.” She turned her head so she could look at him with one eye. “I wouldst venture to say, thou hath commanded the evening very well. How far thou hath come from that evening, many moons ago?”

Star sighed, shaking his head sadly as his hooves began to lather soap into Luna's blue coat. “Yeah, don't remind me. I made a mess of things at that ambassador's party. I was a bucking-foal. And then I went and complicated it more because of your ultimatum.”

Luna tilted her head up so the pegasus could soap under her chin. “Mmm...perhaps I am partially to blame for that outcome. I was angry...afraid...and didth not anticipate the results of mine demand.” She hesitated a moment. “How art thou handling the prospect of becoming a father?”

The blue-grey colt rinsed the soap from Luna's fur. “With everything that's been going on the last few weeks, I haven't had much time to really wrestle with it. Maybe it's for the best. I'm not trying to over-think it, I've just kinda accepted it. Twilight and Cheerilee will do an incredible job of raising the foal and I'll do whatever I can to help support them, and visit when I can.” He wrapped his fore-hooves around Luna's slender waist and hugged her. “To be honest, it's less about how I feel about it, and more about Cheerilee. She's...well...just so happy. She's always been so upbeat, but now...it's like she radiates with joy.”

“So if she is happy, thou dost not regret?” Luna leaned into his embrace.

“Nope. Not a bit. I wish it had been under less crazy circumstances, but...hey, I guess that's life.” He gave a slight shrug.

“Indeed.” The Princess exhaled heavily. “For what tis worth. I offer mine apology for driving thou into it.”

“Apology accepted, Luna.” He nuzzled at her wet mane, hugging her tight.

“Wouldst thou like to see how the school-mare is doing? Tis been a bit since thou hath an opportunity to speak.”

“Uh...sure? How?”

“Oh, a bit of moon magic.” She pointed at the water in front of her. “Watch.” Star leaned around her side so he could look at the lightly rippling water as her horn glowed that shimmering blue, and the reflection of the pair of ponies faded and became another. The picture was distorted at first, but ever so slowly came into focus.

Twilight was brushing her mane in the image when she looked up and squeaked out a surprise as she toppled out of view. A few moments passed before the top of her head and eyes slid into sight.

“Princess Luna? Starstep? How are you in Cheerilee's mirror?” She reached out a hoof, as though to touch them, but no hoof came out of the water.

“Good evening, Twilight Sparkle. Tis only a bit of my magic, fear not.” Star waved a hoof over Luna's shoulder.

“How? This is...I've never heard of this spell before.” She blinked, tracing the image with a hoof, searching for the trick of the magic. Her eyes eventually settled back on the pair. “Oh, your mane is all wet and...are you two in a tub?” A little blush darkened the unicorn's cheeks as she attempted to advert her eyes..

“Tis quite alright, Twilight Sparkle. Be not ashamed. As for the spell, think upon the moon. How art we able to see her surface?”

“Oh, the moon reflects sunlight...OH!” Twilight's face brightened as she realized the link. “I'll have to try that.”

“For now, may we please speak to Miss Cheerilee? Starstep is most curious how she fairs.”

“OH, well...” She hesitated, looking off picture. “She just got to sleep. Hasn't been getting very much lately. Guess it's the pregnancy." She bit her bottom lip for a moment before turning her eyes back to the pair. "If you promise to keep it short, I'll go wake her. I know she'll be really happy to talk to you, Star.” She smiled warmly.

“Yeah, I promise to keep it short.”

“Ok, hold on.” She slipped out of view leaving the pair of ponies staring down into the dark water.

Star shook his head and chuckled softly. “This is really weird to be talking into the bathwater.” He batted aside a floating pile of bubbles. The resulting ripples wavered the image. After a few moments, the bright and smiling fuchsia face of the school-mare slid into view.

“Oh, hello. Star, Princess. It's really nice to see you both, though this is a little...odd.” Even puzzled, she seemed to radiate a sense of good cheer. The earth-mare pushed a bit of her plush mane from her eyes. “So, how are you two?”

“Quite well, my thanks, Miss Cheerliee.” Luna answered softly.

Starstep felt his heart warm just seeing the fuchsia pony's beaming smile, he couldn't help but return the expression. “I'm good, Cheerilee. I'm way off in Spurlin.”

“Oh, my. That is a ways off. I do hope you remembered your culture lessons from my class.”

“Haha, yeah. I wish we had more lessons on griffons though. Sheeze. They're a touchy bunch.”

Cheerilee giggled. “Look at you, Star. Look at how far you've come.”

“W-what do you mean exactly?” Star noticed a look of admiration in his ex-teacher's eyes.

“Why, I remember a certain pony who graduated from my class, his heart set on a dream so far off that other ponies only laughed. But you really have touched the stars.” She clasped her fore-hooves together. “Guarding our Princesses. Protecting and rescuing ponies in need. Seeing the world and discovering new cultures first hoof. And to top it all off, becoming Princess Luna's special some-pony. Just like you said you would on graduation day.”

Luna glanced back at the colt, an amused smile on her lips.

“Yeah...it has been a heck of a ride these last couple of years. I guess learning to love you and fathering a foal is just icing on the cake.”

The earth-mare shyly brushed her bangs aside, her cheeks reddening slightly. “I love you too, Star. While I may be with Twilight, you'll always have a place in my heart, and we both want you to be a part of the foal's life. As much as you're able." She met his eyes, brimming with affection. "I know you have your hooves full, being Luna's special somepony and all.” She hesitated, looking down for a moment before glancing back up. “Star, I know you never intended to get me pregnant. None of us did...but...Thank you. I never really thought about how wonderful it would be until now. Work just made the years slip by. I was so busy raising everypony else's foal, I never really considered one of my own. Now I am.”

Her expression took on a far-off look. “Oh, one day that little filly or colt will be part of my classes and I'll get to watch him or her grow up with friends and become a part of our world.” Her eyes went back to the pair sitting in the tub. “And he or she will have a daddy to be proud of and two mothers who will love and teach.”

Luna nodded faintly, a warm smile on her lips. “May I ask to be the godmother of the foal? I should very much wish to be a part of his or her life as well.”

“Oh, Princess, I-I don't know what to say. But, thank you.” Tears began to form at Cheerilee's eyes. “Thank you, both of you.” She sniffed, wiping away tears with her fore-hoof. “I-I'm sorry. The pregnancy has me a little emotional.”

Twilight's head poked into view behind the school-mare. “I hate to interrupt, but it's super late and Cheerilee has class in the morning.” She wrapped her hooves around her lover, nuzzling at her neck. “She really needs her rest.”

Star chuckled. “You're one to talk, Professor I-dont-need-sleep-experiment-all-the-things.”

Twilight stuck her tongue out. “Oh, ha-ha. Well, I'm not the one going to have a foal. Seriously, she needs her rest, ok? But, thank you for...calling?” She seemed puzzled on how to define the reflection magic. With a shrug she gave up. “We both appreciate you saying hello.”

“Good night, Twilight. Good night, Cheerilee. I love you and sleep well.” Star said, a little tightness in his chest threatening to choke his voice.

Twilight hugged Cheerilee to her as the school-mare wiped her eyes clear again before speaking. “Good night, Princess Luna. Good night, Star, I love you too. Be safe over there.”

The alicorn smiled and nodded. “I wish thou both a peaceful evening. Sleep well and I will watch over thine dreams.” With that, the image faded away, replaced with Luna's and Star's.

The pegasus sighed, leaning his head into Luna's back between her wings. He nuzzled with his nose, causing the alicorn to giggle lightly.

“May I ask a favor, Luna?”

The alicorn leaned slightly back into his nuzzles. “Indeed, my dear Starstep. I doth owe thou for the excellent handling of tonight's gathering.”

“Contact Scootaloo with your magic, please.” He could feel the Princess stiffen slightly under his touch. A few moments ticked by before she exhaled, relaxing under his gentle touch.

“Neigh, not now.” She held up a hoof to halt his protest. “Tomorrow.” The hoof reached back to caress his cheek. “For now, be with me, heart and mind. Let our troubles slip away for the evening, for they wilst be there come sun-rise.”

“Alright, Princess.” He nuzzled along her neck, knowing better than to push the issue. “What do you have in mind?”

The alicorn giggled, her magic raising soap and a brush. “For now, cleaning up my Shadow-Guard.” She stood, turned and grinned menacingly down at the colt.

Star had to admit that Luna's method was the fastest he'd ever been scrubbed and shampooed squeaky clean, and possibly the most embarrassing. While her magic did all the work, having the regal alicorn giggle like a filly as her magically held brush scrubbed his nether regions, was a little...unsettling. Though it was probably his blushing and repeated attempts to bat away the invasive brush that amused her.

Satisfied that both ponies were clean, she carefully stepped from the bath, watching Star climb sopping wet from the granite tub from the center of the room. She floated over a few fluffy towels, dumping them on his head as she stood proud and regal even as a puddle formed at her hooves. The colt just chuckled as he took the hint and ruffled the plush towels through Luna's coat, mane and tail. Once she was dried off, the mane and tail flowed back to its usual deep-blue ethereal self. Then Luna turned, grinned at the still wet colt and her horn flashed brightly.

Star felt his fur stand on end, then POOF, he was instantly dry, though the fur was sticking up everywhere. “Hey, why didn't you just do that for yourself?” He shook his still damp wings a bit, scooping up a discarded towel to dry them by hoof.

“Pray-tell, where be the fun in such? I thought thou wished to run thy hooves across mine sleek body?” She batted her eyes, which would have been seductive if her lips were not curled into a mischievous smile. “Please gather mine dress and regalia, the cleaning crew will attend the rest.”

Star nodded, turning on his hooves to scoop up a pair of satin socks in one hoof, slinging them over his back as he piled up the slippers and crown onto a towel. When he looked back to ask Luna if she wanted to wear them now, he found himself alone in the bathroom. The colt trotted to the door, opening it to stick his head into the hall, searching side to side down the torch-lit passage. Yet, no pony was around. He gave a little sigh, chalking it up to one of Luna's games as he resumed gathering the rest of hers and his outfits.

A hike through the passages, a towel bundled with all their clothing slung over his back, led him to Luna's bedchamber doors. The pair of unicorn mare Sun-Guards smiled at him, gesturing to the door as though to welcome him.

“Did the Princess come back here? She forgot her stuff.” He shook the towel filled with clothing.

One of the golden-clad ponies gave a crisp nod, metal glinting in the torchlight. “Her highness bid you enter when you arrived.”

“Oh, uh, ok. Thanks.” He smiled awkwardly at them before pushing his way into the chambers, kicking the door closed with his hind hoof as he looked about the small quarters. The fireplace was lit, its usual blue flames flickering, but two things caught his attention as he gently set his bundle to the side of the door. First, Luna did not appear to be in the room, and second, there was a massive standing mirror against the far wall. Curious, he trotted over to it, looking it up and down.

The mirror was freshly polished without a hint of imperfection, framed in black iron, wrought into the shape of a pair of alicorns flanking its sides as they rose up on their hind-legs. One fore-hoof wrapped around the back, the other curled to their chests. Their horns angled up into a capital 'A' at the top, framing the upper portion of the mirror. He looked at himself in the mirror, brushing back a part of his usually unruly charcoal mane when his image faded and Luna's appeared.

The alicorn smiled at him, standing on what appeared to be a very contrasted landscape of white and deep shadows. Behind her was a clear horizon of blackness and twinkling stars. She reached out a hoof towards him, beckoning, urging him to come to her.

Star hesitated, glancing at the frame of what he knew was a mirror, then back at the blue alicorn who called to him. Hoping this wasn't some elaborate prank, he reached out to touch Luna's image, only his hoof pushed through the surface like water. He jerked his hoof back in panic, confused at the tingling feel on his coat. Again the image of Luna beckoned, a warm, understanding smile on her lips and playfulness in her bright cyan eyes. The pegasus ruffled his wings, took a deep breath, then strode forward into the surface.

It was like being doused in ice-water. He stumbled onto a white dusty surface, shivering uncontrollably before a warmth covered his body. He turned his head to the side to find Luna cuddled up beside him, her large blue alicorn wing blanketing his back. She gave him a reassuring smile, leaning closer to nuzzle at him before kissing his lips so affectionately, a tingle rolled down his spine. She grinned at his response before gesturing with her unclad hoof towards the sky above them. Curious, the colt tore his eyes from Luna's to gaze up into the void of space and a shining marble of greens, blues and whites that hung in the air before them. In that earth-shattering moment, he realized he was on the moon.

Author's Notes:

So...yeah...largest chapter yet. I do hope you ponies enjoy the effort.