As a colt, Caecus had loved fairs: the music of the flageolets, fiddles, and lutes had always been a joy to hear. There was singing as well; normally they were songs of the faith or of great heroes, some of whom he was related to. His father was one to invite random ponies to set at the table and feast with them. Some were lords and knights, others smiths and woodsponies. All had stories to tell, some more interesting than others.

However, it was on his ninth that all changed. It was at the fair held in Oakhaven that some words were said between his uncle’s soldiers and the Griffin band that was known as the Silverlight at the time. It may have been over the old griffin king or just some hatred over the conquest of the Golden Rock; either way in ended in a fight. One of the griffins had thrown a knife toward the king table, doubtless meant for either his father or uncle, but had caught Caecus in the leg.

That was the first time Caecus had ever seen his father truly angered. His father could forgive many things, but an attack on his family was one of the things he couldn’t. In his wrath his father called down the Power of Lux on the terrified griffin, leaving only a shadow where the griffin stood.

However, he would not think of it this night, for the sake of his friends. That and he had a challenge to win against Gallus, to see who could get the most spiders on a web.

It was far from the ring toss game, but without the aid of his magic, Caecus had five while Gallus had ten.

“And that’s eleven!” the griffin boasted.

Caecus shook his head. He knew when he was beaten.

“It seems you have bested me.” He had learned from his brothers that it was best to admit when you have lost.

“Ah, if you had used your magic it wouldn’t have been close,” Gallus replied, throwing another spider.

“Very true my friend, yet the challenge forbade it. For now, I think I’ll join the feasting,” Caecus said, throwing his last spider and missing by a bit. With a glace around for Ocellus and Silverstream but was unable to in the crowd.

Gallus looked around but his eyes fell on a stall selling all kinds of fish. “As that smoked fish smells delicious.” Most of the food smelled wonderful, but most of it was doubtlessly far too sweet for his tastes.

“That it does,” Caecus couldn’t help but agree.

The pair want over to the stall that was selling smoked fish and placed their order.

“Nay a need, I’ll pay,” Caecus said, paying the stall owner for both meals.

“Thank you, but you didn’t have to,” Gallus said as they took their meals and started for the tables.

Caecus smiled. “It’s the least I could do, and you did beat me in a test of skill.” The prince was looking for his other friends, who couldn’t have been far.

“True, but we didn’t bet.” Gallus took note of how Caecus seemed to be searching for somepony. “I think Ocellus and Silverstream said something about being closer to the music and dancing.”

“Ah, aye, I see them now.” Caecus spotted the pair at one of the long tables by the dancing near the center of the town square, across from them were the musicians. The music becomes louder as they neared.

“So think you’ll ask Ocellus to dance?” Gallus asked.

I may, but should I? Caecus thought. He knew friends could dance together, and he had danced with a few high-born mares at feasts. Yet, he felt strange at the thought of asking Ocellus to do so. “I don’t know. I mean, would she even want to?”

Gallus looked confused. “Um... You have seen how she looks at you, right?”

“What?” Caecus hadn’t taken note of any strange looks.

The griffin shook his head, “Okay, just watch when we sit down.” Gallus seemed to say something to himself.

“Very well.” Caecus could only shake his head at the ridiculousness of the suggestion. He would have taken note if Ocellus had feelings for him other than that of a friend. However, that thought changed once they sat across from their friends. When he took note of how Ocellus seemed to light up when he sat down, the way she smiled and looked at him the way Nightwind looked at his brother. While he was unsure of how to react, he had to admit that Ocellus had gentle and beautiful eyes. He prayed he was misreading her, but at the same time hoped he wasn’t.

Being friends with a changeling is one thing, but courting one would lead to scandal, in no small part due to his title and bloodline. The lords of Aquinas would all mutter of changeling magic and treachery, and the faith would believe him under Ocellus’s spell. She could doubtless win over a few of them, but could he put her through that? Would his father even allow him to court a Daughter Tenebris? Caecus’ thoughts raced, but they calmed a bit as he looked into Ocellus’ eyes.

Silverstream nudged Ocellus a bit. The changeling glanced at her hooves and tapped the tips together.

“Um… Caecus, would you like to… d… dance?” she asked with a hopeful smiled and a light blush.

Caecus wanted to say yes, but first, he needed to talk with her alone. “Ocellus, could I have a word with you alone?”

Ocellus’ face took on a nervous look. “Okay,” she replied, getting to her hooves as Caecus got to his.

“Don’t worry, it’s nothing bad just… just need to tell you a few things.” The pair left the main festivities.

Ocellus walked beside Caecus, his face like a wall, and while the prince was hard to read even on a good day, his feelings were buried deep. This made Ocellus feel all the more uneasy as they walked down the streets of Ponyville, passing foals seeking sweets.

Caecus led her to the side of the same river that runs through the town, there he sat in gazed into the dark water. It was there he let his guard down a bit, and Ocellus saw just how conflicted Caecus was. After what felt like hours his face softened and he spoke up. “You have read enough to know how my kingdom feels about changelings, but I would be lying if I said my mind hadn’t been changed on the matter. Still, it is already dangerous for you and me just being friends, more so if you do indeed hold deeper feelings than that.”

Ocellus looked at her hooves. She had learned much about Aquinas and of the myths and legends of the land. The stories of the changelings and how they would steal away foals, kill and take the place of ponies.

“I know, but maybe we could change that. I mean, King Thorax did that here. So why can’t we do the same for your homeland?”

The prince didn’t speak as his brow furrowed in thought. “Mayhaps we could, but it would be challenging, and I fear that it could cost you your life...” Caucus seemed to want to say more as he turned to face Ocellus.

Ocellus could see his pain clearly, as well as a longing. Ocellus could only think to do one thing; she embraced Caecus with a hug. The prince stiffened at the touch, but soon relaxed and returned the embrace. A few moments passed before Caecus pulled away.

“Um, we should return to the others. I believe you wanted to dance?”

Ocellus smiled and nodded in agreement.