After Lighthoof's ceremony officially ended, the herd celebrated, though it was a reserved event. Campfires were lit up under the twinkling stars as Luna's crescent moon rose in the east. Music began lightly, a guitar here, a flute there, and soon the refugee musicians that had brought their instruments along were gathered up at the center of camp. The songs were either somber or filled with hope for a better time. The herd clustered around the campfires, swapping stories of their past lives, families or hobbies. Though most did not know each other, they soon found new friendships, united by the bond formed from the loss of their home.

Celestia ordered a few crates of Sun-grass wafers and blackberry jam to be opened and given out. Meanwhile Luna enchanted the pond, causing the water to turn crisp and clean, glowing a soft silver.

The volunteers that handed out the simple meals and cups of the lunar water took to wearing white robes with blue fields stitched across the breast. It started slowly, with just a couple sprinkled amongst them, but as more noticed the garments, requests to the tailors grew. Apparently the ponies had taken a liking to the alliance colors the griffons flew and in short order, all of the helpers wore the robes patched together with old cloth from various sources.

It wasn't just the robes that marked the volunteers, but their kindness and compassion for their fellow refugees. As they hoofed out supplies they would give gentle words of encouragement and promises of support. Even a couple of the griffons took on the role, though their vows were of justice and retribution. The rest of the griffons seemed split between avoiding the camp and joining in with the more accepting clusters of ponies. Though not all of the refugees could tolerate their presence, no fights were started and heated arguments were quickly quelled.

Starstep, Luna and Lighthoof stood off to the side of the camp, just inside the halo of a flickering fire. Star was watching the herd, noting the occasional smiles and reserved hopefulness of the refugees. Next to him, Luna was going over the finer points of being an Equestrian Knight to Lighthoof.

“The rules of a Knight art most simple. Use thy blade only in the service of Equestria. Never for thy personal gain. Thou art to uphold the three pillars of Knighthood; Loyalty, Compassion, and Truth. Thou answers to no pony save for my sister and I. Tis highly advisable that thou keepth in good standing with both the Sun and Night Command, as they art often thy eyes and ears. Remember that thou art not above them, but work beside them. Thou hath the power to do whatever is necessary to protect Equestrian citizens, but be warned that thou answers to Tia and myself if complaints art leveled against thy actions.”

Lighthoof cocked his head. “The ends justifies the means?”

“To a point. Know that all eyes art upon thee and act accordingly.”

“That's a lot to take in... whew, I mean...” Light ruffled his mane as he glanced down at the golden armor on his body. “This whole thing... I've no idea what I'm doing, Princess.”

Luna smiled and placed a slippered hoof to his shoulder armor. “Follow thy heart. I know of thy desire to protect thy fellow ponies. Tis a fine foundation to build upon.” Her firm-but-caring eyes looked into his. “Know that if thou had been allowed to continue within the Night-Guard, thou wouldth eventually become mine Captain. Perhaps in five to ten years.”

Lighthoof's eyes widened. “Me?”

“Yes, Lighthoof. Thou hath a tactical mind and compassion for thy fellow ponies. I see no reason why thou would not have achieved that rank. Yet, that position has its limits and restrictions. I saw it would chaff at thee, turn thy heart bitter when rules kept thee from doing what thou felt was just. Tia was aware of this as well.”

Lighthoof's ears wilted a little. “Oh.”

“After the Cragadile, mine sister took note of how the ponies looked upon thee as a hero. Twas her suggestion to rebuild the old order of Knights. In this, we hath given thee a position with which to do much good and also hath created a symbol of hope within our subject's hearts.”

The Equestrian Knight pondered her words a few moments before turning his eyes to Starstep, a bit of sadness within. “Well... dude, we're not guard buddies anymore.”

Luna sadly shook her head. “No, though I suppose that ended upon his marriage to royalty.”

“Oh, right.” Lighthoof make a mocking bow to Star. “Your majesty.”

Starstep groaned. “I order you to never do that again.”

“As you wish, Prince Starstep.” Lighthoof grinned at Star's discomfort.

The Moon-Goddess smiled. “I know, tis a bittersweet moment. Thou hath been guard partners for some time. But while thy role as guards may officially be ending, thy friendship hath not.” She smiled at both of the colts. “Good friendships require work and dedication. Remember to take time to spend with one another.”

Star smiled up at his wife. “I will, Luna.”

Lighthoof chuckled. “Somepony has to protect Star from the mares.”

They shared a soft laugh.

Starstep noticed a young earth-filly, perhaps ten or eleven, watching Lighthoof, her eyes filled with admiration as she studied him, his golden and onyx armor, and the Moon-blade on his belt. She was a painted pony, white with reddish-brown spots like most native Trottingham citizens. Inquisitive yellow eyes looked out from under an unruly, uncut mane. Her cutie-mark was a sun half-way up a horizon line with broad yellow streaks of sunlight. The filly wore a pair of battered slim olive saddlebags, the corners worn with use and the latches made of mismatched buttons.

She stood far enough away to appear as though she wasn't intruding on their conversation, but close enough that she wanted to be noticed. Star smiled and gestured with his head towards her. “Hey, Light. You have an admirer.”

Lighthoof blinked and turned his head to notice the young filly. He gave her a grin before facing her fully. “Hey, how's it going?”

She gave a shy smile, her eyes glancing to Luna and Star before giving an awkward curtsy. “I-I'm sorry.” She blushed. “I've never met royalty before.”

Luna dipped her head politely. “Twas not a bad first attempt.” Her eyes sparkled playfully.

Light held out a hoof. “I'm Lighthoof, what's your name?”

The filly shook his hoof gently. “I'm Sunshine.”

“It's nice to meet you, Sunshine. What can I do for you?”

Her face brightened as she turned to pop open one of her worn saddle-bags and produced a slim book, bound in grey, the corners worn with teeth-marks, and a faded title, the letters long since rubbed into illegibility. The earth-filly held it out towards Light in her muzzle, smiling broadly around the book.

With a questioning look to Star and Luna, the colt sat back on his haunches and took the book gently into his hooves. He tilted his head this way and that, trying to make out the title before he opened the cover and cocked an eyebrow. “Huh, 'The Legend of Winter: the first Earth-pony Knight of Equestria.'”

Light looked up at the grinning filly. “Sounds like a cool book.”

“It's my favorite. Would you read it for me please?”

The Knight glanced up to notice Princess Celestia standing behind Sunshine, smiling warmly at him. Around her, all of the young colts and fillies were watching Light with curious and hopeful eyes.

“Sunshine,” Celestia began, catching the earth-pony's attention. “Would you mind if we all joined you? It sounds like a wonderful story.”

The little filly gave a rapid nod of her head and in short order the other fillies and colts formed a semi-circle around Lighthoof, who wasn't sure what to make of the sudden audience. Celestia laid behind the little ponies, giving the Knight an encouraging smile.

“Well, guess I'll give it a shot.” Lighthoof cleared his throat and turned the page. “Once upon a time, there was a young filly named Winter. Her coat was as white as fallen snow and her mane was a beautiful pale blue, wild and untamed. She was an orphan, her parents lost in the last war...” Lighthoof stopped, looking up to Celestia with concern. “Is this okay to read to children?”

The white alicorn gave a soft laugh. “Yes, dear. Trottingham culture is a bit different from the rest of Equestria. That was written specifically for them.”

Sunshine sat back, grinning. “It starts off sad, but the ending is super happy.”

He raised an eye brow, noting the hopeful looks of his audience. “If you say so.” With a sigh he continued. “But Winter didn't let that get her down. She was strong, and helpful, and kind. Always willing to lend a helping hoof to anypony who needed it...”

As Light read from the book, Luna nudged Starstep and led him away. “This experience wilst do him well. Perhaps he may learn something from Winter's tale. She was the most caring yet effective of the Knights and I do miss her dearly.”

Star leaned over to nuzzle gently into Luna's blue coat. “I'm sorry.”

She pressed into his affections as they left the glow of the campfires. “Doth not be, for she still lives in my memories.” The alicorn paused to press her lips to his, soft and cool, leaving him longing for more as she pulled away. “I am glad thou art with me, Star.” Her eyes flicked away for a moment. “This journey reminds me of a rather painful time long, long ago.”

“History repeats...”

He nuzzled at her cheek. “Did you want to talk about it?”

She returned his gentle nuzzling with her own, inhaling his scent. “No, my love. I would rather it become lost to the ages.”

“She's afraid.”

Star fought the urge to snarl at the voice in his head, instead focusing on planting affectionate kisses down Luna's long neck.

“Ahhhh... “ she gently moaned before pulling back with a smirk, a playful sparkle in her eyes. “Thou art a tease. Hold thy affections until later, I hath one more appointment. I must speak to our captive hippogriff.”

“Well, let's go. Then after, I'll shower you with love.”

She giggled. “Yes, is that what thou calls thy seed?” Her smile broadened at his blush. “But no, my love. For this first encounter, I must face her alone. She must see that I am not afraid or we mayth not learn anything.” She tilted her head up proudly, onyx crown glinting sharply in the moon-light.

“Alright. Is there anything you'd like me to take care of while you're gone?”

Luna raised a hoof to gently brush her crystal slipper along his cheek. “Yes. See to thy friend.”

Star raised an eyebrow. “I'm pretty sure Lighthoof can handle your sister and a bunch of foals.”

She smirked. “No, love. Thy other friend.” The alicorn looked past him towards the small group of ponies surrounding Lighthoof. On the outside of the gathering, Featherweight was hovering about, snapping photos, but his assistant was nowhere to be seen.

Starstep turned back to his wife. “Scoots?” At her gentle nod he shrugged. “She's fine. Featherweight is looking out for her.”

Luna put her hoof to his lips and gently shook her head. “Doth not think me blind, Star. I hath seen her pain when she looks at thee. Despite thy brave face, I still see thy buried anger. Neither of thee hath truly accepted thy parting.” She removed her hoof and stepped close to nuzzle at his face, cool breath washing over his coat. “Go and see thy friend. Both of thee hath had time to reflect upon thy issues.” She placed her hoof to his chest, pressing the feather against him. “Find closure or forgiveness, but let it not linger.”

“If... if by some chance she wanted to try again. You know, with us. Would you let her?”

His wife tilted her head. “I hath forgiven Scootaloo and was most willing to work out our differences. Twas not I who ended the courting. Anything more is entirely dependent on her, though I doth not hold much hope. I wilst seek thee out later.” With that, the Princess turned and trotted away into the darkness.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Featherweight?” Star said to catch the hovering pegasi's attention.

The cream colored pony snapped another photo of Lighthoof reading the story to the entranced fillies and colts before glancing down at Star. He landed giving a little bow. “Prince Starstep?”

Star groaned. “Okay, I'm never going to get used to that title. Feather, we grew up in the same town, went to the same class, so please, just Starstep, or even Star.”

“Alrighty, Star. So what's up?”

“Where's Scoots? I need to talk with her.”

Feather's ears perked. “Ah. Figured this was coming.” He looked over his shoulder at the laughing foals as Lighthoof mimicked a beast from the book. “Guess I got plenty of shots.” Satisfied, the pegasus trotted off towards a quiet section of the camp, Starstep following and trying his best to ignore the occasional bows and murmurs of 'Prince'.

The photographer found an empty campfire, planting himself down on one of the many fallen logs surrounding the crackling blaze. Star took the hint and sat near the other pony, tilting his head curiously.

Star began. “So, you figured what was coming exactly?”

“The big talk.” Feather shrugged.

“Big talk?”

“You know, the one-on-one between me and you about my- our mare-friend.” When he noticed Star's puzzled expression he gave a little sigh. “Look, Star. I'm a photographer. It's my job to notice stuff.” He unfastened the camera rig from around his neck and gently set it aside. “Like you said, we grew up together. Everypony in that class knew that Scoots and you were a thing. Even with you obsessed with Princess Luna, you still took time to hang out with her a little more than the rest. Think I didn't know you two were sneaking kisses behind the school-house?”

Feather exhaled. “Star, when I bumped into Scoots a while back, I offered her a job as a camera assistant because I knew she could do the work of four ponies. Not because I was trying to get close to her. Then, one day she got really affectionate.”

“I'm not sure I really need to hear all this.”

“No, you do. Look, I'm what you might call a... free spirit.”

“Rogue”

Feather continued, “I go where I want, I do what I want-”

“I rut what I want.”

“I come and go where I please. Anyhoof, point is, when Scoots wanted to start fooling around, I told her straight-up that I was okay with it but we were both free to be with other ponies.”

“He's afraid to commit.” Nightmare chuckled.

Feather smiled. “I'll admit, I love having Scoots around. She's the best photo-assistant I could ever ask for and she's a lot of fun to be with. We had a blast on some of the trips to the far corners of Equestria.” His expression fell. “But I think she's mixing up my needing her around as something more than professional.”

“Anyhoof, fast forward to our little photo-shoot in Spurlin. I was pretty sure she was still seeing you, but didn't think much about it. Her life, her business. That was the deal. But after that morning, she's been really withdrawn and frankly, not a lot of fun to be around.”

Starstep cocked his head. “Sooo... what does all that mean?”

“It means, that I want Scootaloo around as my assistant and eventually my partner in this photography business, but I don't need her in the way she wants. She's confusing the two since we've been fooling around. I just wanted to clear the air between us so you don't think I'm a romantic rival.” The colt cast a smug grin. “I mean, you're a Prince now, you could always send me off to the dungeons.”

“Off with his head!”

“No, no. None of that.” Star held up his hooves defensively.

“I love being around her, I love working with her, and yes, I love our little private moments.” He noticed Star's awkward look and hurried on. “But I'm not in love with her. Right?”

Star cocked his head. “I thought she was your mare-friend? Did you try telling her all this?”

The other pegasus shrugged. “So are the other five mares I visit from time to time. I care about every one of them, but they could dump me tomorrow and it wouldn't hurt my feelings. I'm just enjoying her company, that's all. Come on, you know Scoots. She gets her mind set on something and, well, that's that.”

Starstep gave a soft nod. “It's one thing to be okay with her and I having a little fun now and then, but what if by some miracle, Scoots and I made something work between us again?”

“Go for it. Long as she can still help me with this job, I'd promise to remain hooves-off.” He smirked. “Look, Star. I think she's just been using me to fill a hole shaped like you. Not like I really care, it was fun while it lasted.” Star narrowed his eyes and Feather cleared his throat nervously. “What I mean is, I care about her enough to not stand in the way if you two find a way to work it out.”

The cream colored pegasus leaned down to pick up his camera, adjusting the settings and refastening the neck-harness. “Only one problem though.”

Star stood up. “And that is?”

“A great big shadow shaped like a certain Princess. She hasn't told me much, but I still get the feeling that the Princess intimidates her.” Feather hopped up and held out a hoof to the other pony. “No hard feelings?”

Star smiled and shook the offered hoof. “None. Thank you for clearing up how you fit into this.”

“Anytime. If you still want to find Scoots, try the far-side of the pond.” With that, the photographer trotted off into the herd.

Starstep watched him go and sighed. “You sure have been talkative tonight.”

“I don't like those kinds of ponies.”

Star suddenly realized that Nightmare was actually responding to him. “You don't like any kind of pony.”

There was a pause, then cold laughter, but nothing else--the dark mare had gone silent again.

Starstep found Scootaloo right where Featherweight had suggested. She was laying on the far-bank of the glowing pond, gently stroking one of her feathers through the water, trails of silver rippling in its wake. He watched her from behind some trees, contemplating the best way to start the conversation, or what he would even say. Star thought back to an earlier time, when they would sneak off on hot summer nights to go swimming in the Ponyville pond. He was pretty certain both of their parents knew but never said a word. Most of their day was around other ponies: teachers, friends, family. And while he cared about Sweetie and Applebloom, there was a certain warmth that filled his chest when he thought about the times he and Scootaloo spent alone. But now, looking at the young mare as she laid lost in her thoughts, he felt a twinge of regret. He only saw her as a friend back then— his obsession with Luna had been blinding. Sure, he'd play along when she wanted to cuddle on the banks of the pond after a hard swim or let her practice kissing with him. That's what friends did.

Starstep put a hoof to his forehead and sighed. Why was it only recently that he had begun to understand? He could just walk away, let her enjoy herself with Featherweight and continue his own life with Luna uninterrupted. Yet, he couldn't will himself to let her go. He had hoped the trio between himself, Luna and Scoots would have worked out, but the opportunity had been snatched from him before they even gave it a real chance. Scootaloo had taken that from him.

Star punched a large sapling as he turned to leave, the vibration knocking a limb free from the branches, which tumbled nosily down before landing with a dull thud.

Scootaloo's ears snapped back moments before her head, eyes wide. “Who's there?” She noticed the blue-grey coat in the moon-light and hopped to her hooves. “Star?”

With anxiety knotting in his belly, the colt trotted out from the trees and gave his friend a smile. “Hey, Scoots.”

She hesitated then began to turn away. “It's, ah, it's nice seeing you're safe, Star. I was just taking a quick break, but I better get back. I'm sure Feather needs me.”

“Stop,” he commanded, a hint of anger seeping out. As the filly turned to look at him in surprise, he took a deep breath and exhaled. “Please, wait a moment. I wanted to talk to you. Just for a few minutes.”

The orange pegasus darted her eyes left and right, lightly biting her lower lip before sighing and hanging her head in defeat. “Fine. Talk.” She plopped down onto her haunches.

He mulled his thoughts over in his head, finding so many things that he was conflicted about, things he wanted to say but wasn't sure how to express properly. He sat down in front of the other pegasus and simply looked at her. Faintly, he recalled his school-yard days with Scootaloo and all the adventures they shared, of the bonds they formed and the sweet moments they would sneak when nopony was looking. When he noticed she wouldn't meet his gaze, he felt the irritation building and he realized there was no soft-way to go about this. She needed to know exactly how he was feeling, even if he burned all the bridges between them.

“I'm angry at you.” The first words out of his muzzle caused Scootaloo to look up at him with heart-broken eyes.

“You have every right to be, I was sleeping with another pony without telling you.”

“No, Scoots, That's not why I'm angry. We already went over that. I was just as much in the wrong sleeping with other ponies as you were. I swear to Luna, that's not what's bugging me.”

“Then what...?” Her voice trailed off, confusion flickering across her face.

Starstep saw a flash of the vision Nightmare had given him in her crypt—of pushing Scoots over that cliff edge to make her hurt. He understood it was because he wanted her to share his pain.

“I'm angry because you decided for me that our relationship was over. You took the choice out of my hooves and I feel like it was because you couldn't trust me. Instead of working it out with me, you ran. And I'm angry with myself because I let you. I didn't argue hard enough because I was trying to be more understanding. I did what I thought was right, not what I felt was right.”

Scoots eyes widened and her bottom lip began to tremble. “S-star. I'm sorry, really. It's okay now, you have Princess Luna and I have Featherweight. We both have ponies who care about us. I didn't want to be in her shadow anymore—I'm nothing compared to her. Why did you even want me around?”

“She's afraid of being abandoned...”

In his mind's eye, he saw a vision of Scootaloo walking behind Starstep and Luna, struggling to keep up as they left her behind. A new scene flickered into his head; this time Scootaloo was sitting at a table with three plates and flickering candles that had burnt to nubs. She was sobbing into her hooves as a Dream-Starstep trotted up.

“Oh, hey Scoots,” Dream-Star said. “Sorry, I forgot about our dinner plans; Luna and I went out for our anniversary. I'll make it up to you later.”

Another vision, this time Luna was staring down at Scootaloo, her eyes cold and hard. “Thou art but a child, a foal in mine eyes. Why should I share Starstep with thee? Why would he care for such a little filly when he hath a Princess to love him? I am powerful, beautiful—a mare that can show him pleasures beyond his wildest fantasies. Thou art nothing but a weak foal, crying for his attention. Begone from mine sight.” Luna turned around and took Dream-Star under her wing, guiding him away from the distraught Scootaloo who could only weep as she was left in the darkness, alone.

Starstep blinked as the visions faded, finding the real Scootaloo before him, looking at him curiously. “Star? Are you okay?”

“I- er, look, we've been friends a long time, Scoots. It was my fault I didn't keep in touch after I went off to the Guard-Academy. I could make all the excuses in the world, but it was still on me.” He looked into her beautiful light-purple eyes. “When you started visiting Canterlot, I was reminded of how much I love having you around. You're not Luna, and Luna isn't you. I could never compare you two because you're both wonderful mares in your own ways. It took a little a while, but I started to really enjoy the thought of having you both in my life.”

Scootaloo turned away and wouldn't look at him. “That's sweet, Star, but... You have your life, and I have mine now.” She looked up with a weak smile. “I'm really enjoying my new job, and Luna really depends on you. We're both better off.”

“If you really want to be with Featherweight, please, go with my blessing.” He closed his eyes, attempting to regain his composure before continuing. “You will always be my dearest friend, and I truly love you... But if you really can't handle being in a relationship with Luna and I, I'll accept it. I will let you do whatever makes you happy.” His voice lowered. “But give me a chance to let go.”

The young mare's ears wilted as she lowered her voice. “You have Luna, you don't need me. You... you don't really love me.” Her last sentence was almost a whisper.

He stood and stomped forward, sending the filly onto her back with a surprised yelp, fore-legs curling to her chest. She looked up at the angry colt who stood over her body. “Star?”

Starstep leaned down, nose to nose with the mare. “Look me right in the eyes and tell me I don't love you.”

“Yes, scare her into submission.”

Scootaloo looking into his eyes. “Y-you don't...” She couldn't get the words out. When she tried to look away, Star pressed his nose against hers.

“Look at me, Scoots. No more bucking games.” His intense tone caught her full attention. “I want you back in my life.”

He pulled back but remained standing over her, watching a couple of tears seep out the corners of her eyes. “S-star... you're scaring me.”

“Hah. No, she's scaring herself. She still sees you leaving her behind. Forgotten.”

Scootaloo forced herself to look into Star's icy blue eyes. “I don't want to be with you.”

“Liar.” Even Star could tell without Nightmare's comment.

The colt had had enough. “Yes, hurt her...” He stepped to the side and scooped the surprised filly up, slinging her over his back. Before Scoots knew what was happening, the colt trotted into the shallows of the pond and bucked her off into the cool, glowing water.

Scootaloo popped to the surface, gasping for air and splashing about before her hooves found purchase on the muddy bottom. “The bucking tartarus was that for, Star?”

“For lying.” Star smirked at the wet-maned filly. “I seem to remember when you did the same thing to me in Ponyville when I lied about drinking your cache of Wonderbolt-cola.”

“Y-you remember that?” She blew water from her lips and stomped towards him, kicking up the illuminated water.

“I remember everything about our time together. The pranks, the late evenings watching the constellations...” He smiled fondly. “The secret kisses behind the school and the first time we explored each others bodies. All of it. I remember all of it. I was an idiot for not understanding how much you cared back then. I suppose that part was my fault.” He turned around and started to leave. “I wont bother you anymore. I'll miss you, Scoots.”

He was tackled from behind into the shallows, and found himself laying on his back, his neck and head resting on the bank with the orange pegasus straddling his belly, her fore-hooves on his shoulders.

Star blinked up at her, ears perked as the cool water caressed his coat. “Scoots?”

“You're right. I was lying.” She hesitated, tears beginning to drip from her red and damp eyes onto Star's cheeks, and sniffed. “You are a jerk, Star. Why now? Why now- do you decide that you want me? Why, after I've already let you go and started a new job I like and found a pony who enjoys having me around? Why now do you suddenly care?” She struck him in the chest with her hoof, choking back a sob. “I gave you my heart, Star. I would have given anything for you to look at me back in school like you do now. So why now—why can't you leave me alone?” She slugged him in the chest again.

Star looked up into her half-closed eyes, tears splattering on his coat as the hoof on his shoulder trembled. “I never wanted you to leave in the first place. You left me, remember?”

“I couldn't stand to be forgotten. I'm nothing compared to the Princess. Nothing, Star. You asked me to be a part of your relationship because you took pity on me, the little foal-hood friend who couldn't let you go.” Her body shivered atop his. “For you, I tried to make it work. I smiled and put on a brave face and played nice.”

“Oh, Scoots. No, no.”

She gave a sad smile, ears flattened. “Yes. I thought to myself, 'it wont be so bad,' *sniff* 'just play along and I'll still get to spend time with him'. But when I gave up the feather... all of my doubts and fears and the shame I felt for not telling you about Featherweight came down on me all at once. I realized that one day you'd grow bored of me being around you and Luna, tired of the silly filly who couldn't take a hint, who was just in the way. It crushed me Star... I-I still feel the hurt when I look at you.” She started to rise off him, but Starstep grabbed her around the waist. “Let me go, Star.”

“The buck I will. You know what, Scoots? I guess I'm going to have to be a jerk to get this through your head.” He pulled her close to his body as the silvery water rippled around them. “Scootaloo, look at me!” He put his hooves on her cheeks and glared directly at her until she hesitantly met his eyes. “I will never cast you aside and I will never think of you as lesser than Luna. You are not covered in her shadow because you cast your own light.”

“Star, I-”

“The next words out of your mouth better be 'I believe you,' cause I swear to Luna I'm not letting you go till you understand I would never, ever abandon you.”

Fresh tears started to fall from her eyes and the filly collapsed onto his chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Starstep simply held her to his chest, stroking her wet mane and watching the stars twinkle overhead.

“Ugg, so weak...”

After her crying ran its course, she looked up at him, cheek pressed against his coat. “Why?”

“Why, what?” He gave her a reassuring smile as his hoof caressed the side of her face.

“Why are you doing this? You could have let me go, have the Princess all to yourself. I was trying to move on.”

“Because you never gave us a real chance to find out if the three of us could work. Luna even asked me to come talk to you because she knows it's hurting us both.”

“I-I don't know why she cares. She was pretty angry at me for waiting so long to come clean.” She looked away.

“She said she forgave you. Despite how she may act, Luna is probably the most understanding pony I've ever met.” At Scoots' raised eyebrow he held up his hooves. “I swear it.”

“I don't know, Star. I mean, there's the whole thing with me and Feather...”

“He just wants you as a partner in his business, not his love-life.” He saw Scootaloo cringe slightly at the statement.

“He told me something like that once. I think I was angry at the time so I didn't listen.” She gave a soft sigh. “Thank you for making me feel wanted, Star. I... I wish you could have told me those words a long time ago. I don't think I can jump back into a relationship with you two right now.”

Star reached up to caress her cheek. “Scoots, I want you back in my life.”

“I'm afraid...” She bit her bottom lip and leaned into his hoof.

“So am I, Scoots. I'm afraid of losing my best friend.” He leaned up to nuzzle softly. “I was terrible to you for so many years. Please forgive me.”

She closed her eyes, exhaling slowly and simply laid on his chest for long quiet moments. After a while, she half-opened her eyes and gave him a genuine, but wary smile. “I forgive you, if you forgive me for not letting you have your say when I broke up with you and the Princess.”

“I do.”

Scootaloo gave a soft snort. “We're such sad, hopeless ponies.”

“We are,” He agreed. “Will you please at least consider coming back to us? Talk out your troubles with Luna? She cares about you.” At Scoot's raised eyebrow he continued. “Luna doesn't waste her time with ponies she doesn't like. She's firm, but fair. Just... don't lie to her, or me, anymore.”

The mare tensed for a moment, then exhaled. “Alright, Star. I'll... consider it. I guess that means I'll have to have another mare-to-mare with her.” She looked into Star's eyes. “Trust me, that's a scary thing. She gets all super serious and intense.”

“Hah, she tends to do that.” He pondered for a moment. “Back then, did you mean it when you said you might have feelings for Luna?”

Scoots ran a hoof across her eyes, wiping away some of her tears. “A little bit. She's beautiful and I'd be lying if I said I didn't fantasize about preening her big wings.” Scootaloo blushed. “But it was more for your benefit than mine. I still feel so... tiny and worthless around her. Like nothing I'll ever do will matter. Yet... I think she's done a world of good for you Star, you're a stronger, more loving pony than when you left Ponyville. But I still don't see why you want me in the picture. How could you love me with her around? How could I really learn to love her the same way?” She exhaled. “For now, just... just tell her that I'm interested in talking about it. Nothing final yet.”

“I like that answer.” He pulled her down for a tight hug, the mare relaxing into his hooves as he curled them through her wet mane. “Thank you.”

Scootaloo nuzzled into his neck. “Anything for you, Star.”

“Anything, huh?” He smirked and lightly ran a hoof down her tail-base.

She blinked and swatted him playfully on the chest. “You've been hanging around Lighthoof too long.”

“You're probably right about that.” The two got to their hooves and trotted out of the shallows, silvery water running down their coats. “Just one last thing. I noticed that the photography job makes you happy. I'd like you to keep doing it.”

Scoot raised an eyebrow. “What are you saying?”

“I'm saying that even if we got back together in a relationship, that you don't need to feel obligated to hang around Canterlot. City life isn't for you, never has been.” He put a hoof on her shoulder and smiled. “You would never be tied down, but you would always have a place to call home.”

“That actually means a lot to me, Star.” She smiled. “Have the Princess talk with me when she has time. Good night, Star.” She gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek before turning away.

“Good night, Scoots.” He watched her trot towards the camp, eyes not leaving her till the orange pegasus disappeared amongst the herd. When he was alone with the soft chirping of crickets, Nightmare snarled at him.

“You should have threatened to cut off your friendship. It would have been a lot faster.”

“That's not how relationships work, Nightmare.” He whispered.

“Relationships are about power over others. She would have crawled to your hooves, begging you not to leave her. To not abandon her. She would have let you rut her raw and beg for more so that you'd say you would keep her around. What a pathetic little filly.”

“Okay, seriously, Nightmare, shut the buck up. You don't talk about Scoots like that.” he hissed, looking around to ensure he was still alone.

“I did let you see her little fears. Was I not helping?”

“Y-you did.” He grit his teeth, ears flattening. “Thank you.”

“Was that so hard?”

“Yes,” Star growled.

“Everything alright over here?” A Night-Guard trotted out of the trees, looking about suspiciously.

“Yeah, it's fine.”

“Oh! Prince Starstep. Sorry, I was just on patrol.” He raised an eyebrow. “Was there somepony else here?”

“A few minutes ago, but you probably just heard me. I like to talk out loud when I'm working through a problem.”

“Ah. I understand. I'll leave you to it then.” The guard gave a bow of his head and trotted off, armor clinking softly.

Star waited a couple of minutes then growled under his breath. “Great, now he probably thinks I'm crazy.”

“You're not? You are talking to yourself.”

“No, I'm talking to you because you keep saying some really nasty things.”

“No pony asked you to respond.”

Starstep put a hoof to his forehead and sighed.

A few hours later, he was laying amongst the trees, watching a few brief flares of smoke and cinders as ponies tossed their final logs onto the campfires and began to settle down for the night.

He spent the time thinking about the conversations with Feather and Scoots and remembering moments from his school-days. The more he thought about the more he realized he had been a real jerk to Scoots feelings back then. Regret threatened to consume him when soft hoof-falls brought his head around.

Luna slipped out of the shadowy woods and smiled at him. “Evening, my love. Forgive my interrupting thy contemplations.” She began to slide her hooves from her crystal slippers, one at time, then pushing them to the base of an oak tree.

“It's fine. I'm glad you did. What used to be happy memories aren't so happy anymore.”

The alicorn used her magic to set aside her crown and neck-piece. “A matter of perspective?”

“Something like that.”

Luna gave a little yawn before settling onto the leaves and soft grass beside him, nuzzling at his neck. “I hath dealt with the same. Tis not easy to deal with things we feel as mistakes, as we cannot fix the past. My only suggestion is to learn from it and improve thyself so as not to repeat them again.”

Star leaned into the gentle affections, his black feathered wing unfurling to gently caress Luna's back. “I'm trying to make it right.” His eyes flicked to her unadorned neck and hooves. “No patrolling tonight?”

“Not this evening. Alexander hath provided more aerial night protection. I wilst respond if needed, but I am most grateful for the show of unity.” She cuddled her head into the crook of his neck, careful not to jab him with her horn, and gave a soft sigh of contentment.

Star leaned against the alicorn, enjoying the cool breath that washed over his coat from her exhales. “How did the meeting with the hippogriff go?”

“Unproductive. She is thankful for the healing but all of her words art but attempts to have us join the Empire.” She did not elaborate further and the pair laid in silence for a few minutes.

Starstep took a deep breath, his conversation with Scootaloo flickering through his thoughts. “So... before I forget, Scoots wants to talk with you when you have a chance. She is considering dating us again.”

“Very well, in the morning,” she mumbled into his coat.

“You don't sound too happy about it.”

The alicorn gave a heavy sigh. “Star, my love. I hath not slept in days.”

Starstep nodded, blanketing his wife in his wing and letting her cuddle warmly into his side. “Sorry, Luna. I didn't realize. I just... it's important to me if you could help Scootaloo see that she's not any less important a pony than others. She seems to think you don't want her around.”

Luna bumped her nose into his neck. “Star... She is a sweet pony, a kind pony. Despite her failure to tell thee of her other lover, I doth not find reason to dislike her. In fact, I doth find her personality quite enjoyable, yet it was not I whom broke our courtship. I wilst never ask a pony to stay at mine side. All may go as they please.”

“Even me?”

Luna nodded into his neck. “Yes love, even thee. Thou art mine husband, but should thou find thyself unhappy with our union, thou art free to leave. All of mine lovers share that right.”

He remembered the story of the rogue pony she tricked into marrying her and bit back the other questions in his head.

He leaned down to kiss her sweetly on the forehead. “I love you, Luna. I will never leave you.”

Luna smiled warmly, and in a few short moments she was fast asleep. Star closed his eyes and soon followed.

Starstep was in a castle room, cold grey walls only faintly illuminated by the moon-light filtering through an open window. There was a simple queen sized bed, the blankets and sheets a jumbled mess, an oak table off to the side with a pair of chairs and a standing mirror in the far corner. At the window, a young alicorn mare, perhaps fourteen, had her fore-hooves on the stone-lip, looking out in delight. While most of the room's colors seemed greyed out, she was a bright-spot in the darkness, a pure white with golden mane that sparkled in the moon. She turned to smile at Starstep, orange eyes full of excitement.

“Come on sis! It is almost time for the sun to go up.” The voice was in a language Starstep had never heard before, but some how he understood what she was saying.

Star found himself walking towards the filly then lifted up his hooves onto the railing to look out with the other pony. The sky was dark except for the twinkle of little stars, but as he watched a glimmer of yellow and orange lit the horizon.

The filly at Star's side bounced excitedly. “Ooooh. Here it comes.!”

Star cocked his head, smiling at the other pony.

“Why do you like watching the sunrise every morning?” Star heard himself say, yet the voice of a female came through in the same think heavy language as the other filly.

The young mare giggled and looked her sister in the eye, bright and cheerful. “Because I am trying to learn how. With some practice, I will bet you and I could do it for the unicorns! Think of how happy they would be if they did not have to anymore. I bet their king would thank us and they could be friends to the earth-ponies.”

“I do not know about this, sister. Chancellor Puddinghead got a little upset when we used magic to help with the field-work. Plus, she promised if we were good we would get to go to the party this weekend.”

The other pony sighed and rolled her eyes. “You just want to talk to Lady Jade's son again.”

Star heard himself giggle. “Well, yes... he is awfully cute. When I said I was learning how to plow fields and plant crops, he offered private lessons. I believe you are just jealous.”

“I am not.” The alicorn filly left the window and trotted back to the bed, leaping up and snuggling down into the blankets. She looked over the covers at Starstep. “He just makes me... feel weird. He was staring at your rump a lot when you were not looking.”

Star felt his cheeks warm. “I cannot help if I have a good figure.” He trotted towards a standing mirror in the corner of the room.

“Sister, we are twins, remember? I will wager he was staring at mine as well.”

Star giggled as he reached the mirror, looking back was a white alicorn filly with a silvery mane. “I do not know why it offends you. Is it not better that the others admire our beauty than curse how strange we are?” He turned to wiggle his rump at the mirror, looking over his shoulder and noticing he truly was female. How strange a feeling.

“What are you doing here?” A cold voice asked and the dream-world shattered like glass.

Star blinked up at Nightmare, her nostrils flared, her eyes narrowed and ears laid back. “I-I don't know, I went to sleep and-.”

“STAY OUT!”

With her shout, the colt stumbled back, falling into a void and tumbling head over hooves for what felt like eternity.

Starstep woke with a start, gasping for air. Luna was gone and the sun was just peeking over the hills to the east. He gave a heavy sigh and hopped to his hooves, stretching out and beginning his morning routine as the herd also began to stir.

During his breakfast of grass along the bank of the pond, Lighthoof trotted up, his golden and onyx armor gleaming brightly in the early sun, sword belt jangling at his side. He gave Star a slight smile. “Mornin', dude.”

“Morning, Light.” He tilted his head at the book.

“Say... uh, got a minute?” He glanced around to ensure none of the herd was in ear-shot.

“What's going on?”

Lighthoof's ears lowered as he glanced at the earth before lifting his eyes to his friend. “Star... I think Nightmare is inside my head.”

Starstep raised an eyebrow. “Why do you think that?”

“I've been seeing things lately. I lied about the ripples in the river yesterday. I... I saw how those ponies were going to die. I saw them being eaten alive.” His voice trembled lightly. “It's one thing to see my own nightmares, but Star, seeing other ponies get hurt like that... I just...”

Star hopped up and put a hoof to Light's shoulder. “But those five mares didn't die, you saved them.”

“Y-yeah. But, they're still going to die. Now I see one dying to griffons, one to a building accident, one to child-birth, the other two to old age, surrounded by their families.” He put a hoof to his forehead and shut his eyes. “Why is Nightmare doing this to me?”

“I-I don't think it's her.”

Light looked up at him, worry on his face. “How can you say that? Who else would be in my head showing me these terrible things?”

“Dawn,” Star mumbled.

“What? The little filly? No way, dude.”

“It is... Nightmare is in my head.” His admission caused Light's eyes to go wide.

“No... How could she be with us both?”

“She's not. She even told me that Dawn is with you. She shows up in my dreams and she sometimes speaks to me.” Star sighed. “We have a deal. I keep quiet about her to anypony but you, and she doesn't mess with anypony else. Equestria stays safe.”

Lighthoof sat back on his haunches. “That doesn't sound like a fair agreement. So... why would Dawn show me these things?”

“I don't know, Light. Nightmare shows me dreams and whispers about pony's fears. Maybe Dawn's thing is the future?”

Light shook his head. “I'm not sure... I'm not sure what it is. By saving those mares I changed their future.”

“Do you see it on everypony?”

The other pegasus shook his head. “No, it comes and goes. Half the time I don't understand what I'm seeing.” He exhaled. “I have to see if the Princesses can get her out of me. I thought Dawn was a nice filly, but these visions...” He shivered. “Dude, I wouldn't wish it on anypony.”

“No!” Star grabbed him by the shoulders. “You can't!”

Light blinked at him in confusion. “Why not?”

“If they find out about Dawn, they're going to know about Nightmare. As long as she stays put in me, then all the other ponies are free from her nightmares and torments. I'll happily take sleepless nights to protect them from her.”

“Is... is she tormenting you like before?”

Star shook his head. “Not yet. She seems a lot calmer than what we saw in the ruins.”

“I-I don't know how long I can deal with these visions, dude.” Lighthoof hung his head.

“Use it like you did for those mares. Save the ones you can.”

“And what about the ones I can't?” Light tapped a hoof to his golden armor. “What's the point of all this if I can't protect ponies? What am I supposed to do if we get home and I see how Sherry or Peachy die? Just live with it? I couldn't. I just couldn't.”

Star sighed and gave Light a gentle shake. “Lighthoof, brother. We're all going to pass on one day. Best we can do is try to make it a good life until then. Just like that Night-Guard who died helping us free all those ponies in the slave-mines. Remember him?”

Lighthoof nodded but refused to meet Star's eyes.

“He died doing what he thought was right. We both would have accepted the same fate. If Dawn is showing you the future, maybe now you can help stop unnecessary deaths. Warn a pony about a mountain-climbing trip or not to take that extra shift on the docks. You could change their fates. I know it has to be hard to see these things, but maybe it's just Dawn's way of trying to help you—to thank you for saving her from being locked alone in those ruins forever.”

Light raised his eyes, his ears half-lowered. “What about Nightmare? Is she thankful?”

“I... I suppose in her own way. She hasn't been making me see my worst fears and despite her cynical remarks she has given me some insight into others.”

“And the ponies I can't save?”

“I don't know, Light. You can't save everypony, but the Princesses just gave you a lot of power and authority. I think you could do a lot of good with Dawn's visions.”

Lighthoof closed his eyes and sighed. “You make a good point, but the things she shows me really hurt.”

Star bumped his forehead against his brothers. “It hurts because you care.”

“Sometimes... I wish I didn't.” He hesitated. “I saw your end, dude.”

Starstep swallowed and closed his eyes. “What was it?”

“I-I shouldn't have told you anything.” Lighthoof pulled away and turned.

“Tell me, Light. I'd rather accept it now and face it bravely when it comes.”

Light gave a sad chuckle and looked over his shoulder. “You've changed, dude.”

“Almost getting killed a few times and facing down your worst fears will kinda do that to a pony.”

“I wish I had more to tell you, but all I saw was darkness.”

Star cocked his head. “Like, there wasn't an end?”

“No, it was like you were just gone. Poof. Sorry, dude, I don't know anything else.”

Starstep hopped to his hooves and trotted over to Lighthoof's side. “It's fine. If you ever need somepony to confide in about the stuff Dawn is showing you, I'm always here.”

Light gave a sad smile. “Same here if Nightmare starts really getting to you.” He looked out at the herd. “I guess I can't just go around telling ponies what I'm seeing.”

“No, a lot of questions will come up.”

Lighthoof nodded then looked to his friend. “Star, a lot of these ponies are going to die to griffons.” He sighed heavily. “I just don't know how to convince the Princesses to prepare without telling them about the visions.”

“How long do we have?”

Light's ears drooped.“Most of the deaths happen in a rocky pass. I checked the maps. We're going to reach one in three days.”

“Three days...” Star shook his head. “Is it from scouting parties? A warband? An ambush?”

“I don't know, dude. I just don't know. I only get glimpses.”

Star tilted his head, a thought occurred to him. “I'll bet the hippogriff knows.”

“Her or the other captive..” Light considered it for a moment. “If we can get them to talk, we can use that as reason to prepare for an attack.” He gave his friend a sad smile. “If we get to the third day and we still have nothing out of them... I'm going to tell the Princesses about Dawn.”

“You cant! If you do they'll find out about Nightmare and she'll be released from her vow and all of Equestria is going to suffer again.”

Light put an armored hoof on Star's shoulder. “I'd rather go through that terror than watch all these ponies die because I was too scared to say anything. I couldn't live with myself.” He gave his brother a sad smile. “And you couldn't live with Luna weeping over their deaths.”

Star lowered his head and sighed. “Morning of the third day then. I just hope somepony can get answers out of the captives before-hoof.”

“I know, dude. I might even take a crack at it, can't hurt. Anyhoof, I have to go meet with the Command staff. Seems they're going to start giving me lessons on communication procedures. Later, dude.”

“Later, Light.” Starstep called as he watched the other pegasus trot away. He hoped that his friend could handle Dawn's Gift. For a moment, he wondered if he or Lighthoof had received the short end of the stick. He couldn't imagine looking at somepony and knowing how they were going to die. Had Dawn always had this power? Yet she seemed so cheerful in the dream-memory and even in the crypt. Perhaps there was an off switch?

Star whispered to Nightmare, seeking an answer, but the alicorn remained silent. With a resigned sigh, he trotted towards the front of the herd as they gathered up to begin a new day's march. As he smiled to those who greeted him and dipped his head politely to those that bowed, he wondered just how many of these ponies would die to the griffon assault in just three days. The count-down weighed heavy on his mind.

Author's Notes:

Chapter edited by Idylia /) Brohoof

Finally a heart-to-heart between Scootaloo and Starstep.
A brief look at Dawn's powers and the count-down begins.