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I came downstairs during the early afternoon. Lunch had just finished and we were all ready to move. A box full of the sensor crystals Smolder and Ocellus were responsible for deploying had already been collected and placed in a box on the largest table in the main chamber. A quick glance at the radar station in the corner revealed that some of the crystal map panels had been shut off in a way since the sensors placed closet to the camp were now inside the command center. The rest would be collected as we proceeded east.

Smolder and Ocellus sat at the main table in the room while armored stallions made their rounds indoors. It was busy with everyone getting ready to pack up and march, so I too sat down in my armor to stay out of the way. I set my helmet on the table and turned my gaze to the young dragoness and Changeling, although Ocellus was still wearing her own unique dragon disguise at the time to not stand out too much. "Kind of glad we're actually getting outta here. I was starting to go a little stir crazy myself."

"Hoo yeah, it sucks being stuck indoors most of the time, but it's worse when we're not going anywhere for a while." Smolder groaned as she leaned back in her chair for an enjoyable stretch. She suddenly lurched forward with a very relaxed smile and added, "At least we don't have to worry about having to deal with the bad guys out there. You'll be OK out there fighting, right?"

"With Ember and Rain Shine by my side? I don't think I've ever felt more confident about how I'll handle things on the battlefield. Rain Shine especially would probably do some great crowd control with the kind of power we saw yesterday." I replied while not feeling particularly anxious for the moment. Now that we had a proper first battle to gauge how prepared we are for the remainder of the war, I was confident that things would go fairly smoothly at this rate. And we were even more ready by now. The emperor may have the numbers, but we have the strategies and specialized resources. We have the advantage in the vast majority of categories.

"She was really amazing using the earth as a weapon... I wonder how she'll do against real bad guys..." Ocellus mumbled in unease. She had yet to actually see or hear battlefield combat at the time. Goodness knows she would never be able to handle such a situation. She could barely handle any inherently antagonistic role towards a potential enemy while still a part of the Changeling hive to begin with.

"Just promise me you'll stay here whenever the enemy is detected, all right? Even though we've only had a few minor injuries so far, I have no reason to believe the enemy won't adapt in some way to our offensives. It'll get ugly out there eventually, I'm sure of it." I replied while knowing Ocellus would much rather hide from an enemy than fight back. Smolder is also wise enough to avoid trouble when possible. I just wanted to give a reminder to be safe.

"Yeah, we got it. When you all find the bad guys, we stay here. Right, Ocellus?" Smolder retorted while Ocellus rapidly nodded in immediate agreement. Although I then noticed Ocellus freeze up and turn her gaze to something behind me with her eyes going wide. Smolder's eyes also narrowed as she then asked, "Yeah...?"

I looked to my left and found Shining Armor drawing near. And I knew who he was looking at. His eyes filled with contempt while fully clad in his armor, he gazed at Ocellus while Smolder looked ready to jump in the way if he were to try anything. He then said coolly, "Now we've got a Changeling among us while we advance... This is dangerous, so I'll have additional security stationed here while we're marching."

"Armor, you know that's not necessary. Ocellus is a strict noncombatant and has no ties to enemy forces. She's not a threat to us." I replied while understanding his continued display of caution. I did not see what happened at his wedding. I did not see what happened to Cadence. Having someone harm you is one thing, but harming your fiancée is much harder to stomach.

"And you expect me to believe that?" He replied sternly with his eyes glancing at me with a barely contained malice that was hard to look at on a stallion I had come to regard as a close friend. I never would imagine he would have the capacity to hate anyone. His magic aura coated his horn as I noticed a dagger's hilt affixed to the side of his barding also become coated in that billowing aura. "The longer that thing is here, the greater the risk. I can't take chances on...hey?!"

I assumed the worst the instant I saw him use the levitation spell to grasp a weapon. Smolder and Ocellus jumped as I suddenly reached out and closed my armored hand around his horn, my gauntlet covered with my own magic aura to block his own. I glared coldly at my friend and spoke very firmly. "Armor. You're a good friend and I like you. But if you make a move on Ocellus, I will defend her."

"Such an air of hostility in here..." I heard an elegant voice speak as the door leading outside entered the command center. And in came none other than Rain Shine. She immediately turned her gaze to the four of us with a gaze of concern in her beautiful red eyes. We all turned to look at her, having not yet gotten accustomed to her having just joined us yesterday in the war effort. "Is all well? I sensed a great animosity nearby and decided to investigate. Is all well? I am well versed in serving as a mediator in my village during arguments."

"I don't think there's anything you can help with, ma'am. It's not a matter of bickering." Shining Armor retorted while we both relented in struggling with his dagger. He then turned his gaze back to timid little Ocellus and said, "We just never had to move with a...enemy combatant in our company."

"She's not. She really isn't. But the captain here has...old wounds regarding them." I explained without going into too much detail. I knew that Rain Shine could sense that Ocellus was not what she seemed.

The kirin chieftain glanced at the cowering false dragoness while Smolder still looked ready to intervene at a moment's notice. She then looked back at him and asked, "Is the act of her hiding really that unsettling to you?"

Shining Armor flinched upon hearing that. "You know...? In that case, how are you so calm about knowing there's a Changeling in here? Do you even know what they did a few years ago?"

"I do. In Canterlot. We sensed an...unsettling event there that day." Rain Shine said stoically before looking back at Ocellus. "But you were not there. Were you?"

"No... No, I was still a filly back then. I couldn't be there even if I wanted to... I didn't even want to go... That was a terrible thing to do." Ocellus whimpered while appearing only slightly more relaxed in the calming presence of our friend. Rain Shine always proved to be a reasonable sort.

"Is that not enough for you, captain? She is no enemy of ours." Rain Shine declared calmly, clearly certain Ocellus' admission would be enough to convince him to go easier on her. But I knew better.

Shining Armor was still defiant in a very disheartening manner. It kind of hurt to see a good friend being so dismissive of the observations of someone who could read Ocellus better than he could. "How can you be so certain of that?! The Changelings are enemies of Equestria and have had their hooves in a number of dark events throughout history! You expect me to believe she's not some sleeper agent or something that might try something on us in our sleep?!"

"Shush. Your hostility towards her is frightening the poor thing." Rain Shine spoke with a much firmer tone the instant Shining Armor stopped speaking. Indeed, Ocellus was cowering harder in her chair and looked about ready to try to run or hide. Smolder just looked frustrated and looked like she was about to try throwing something at the guy. Rain Shine then declared, "We kirin are not so different from Changelings when it comes to how deeply we feel. Our means of sensing is different, but we can still detect emotions all the same. She can feel your hatred. And it frightens her."

As justified as his suspicions of Changelings may have been, it was not in Shining Armor's nature to be inherently antagonistic to anyone. For just a moment, I saw that glare in his eyes falter. I suspected that Ocellus could sense emotions to some degree. She was always a little too aware of how hostile the guards around her had been towards her for a while. But I was not aware that her kind are genuinely empathic enough to read people that way. And being cruel to someone for the sake of it was at odds with the guy's more benevolent nature. "But... She... She's a..."

"Silence." Rain Shine spoke sternly before stepping forward and firmly planting her hoof on his head. The runes on her horn began to glow. "Close your eyes. And feel."

We all watched in curiosity as Shining Armor did just that. And while his eyes remained closed, his eyebrows rose to indicate a feeling of surprise. Rain Shine then asked, "Do you see her? That timid presence? Do you feel any sinister desires in her? Any cunning or a will to harm? Do you truly see an evil being before you?"

I had to wonder what he was seeing. After maybe a good thirty seconds, Rain Shine removed her hoof from his head. And when he opened his eyes again, Shining Armor was silent while looking deeply conflicted. And instead of saying anything after sitting there in silence for a moment, he looked at Ocellus for a few seconds before leaving his seat and trotting right outside without a word. Smolder then asked, "What was that about? What'd you do to him?"

"I allowed him to see in a way only we kirin can. If just for a moment." Rain Shine replied while displaying a satisfied smile. She looked at the door leading outside as it closed behind him. "And I felt him as he departed. He is...confused right now. He does not want to hate, but memories of the past and a desire to protect those he cherishes... They are at odds with each other. Such a valiant stallion, but so scarred by that day..."

"It really doesn't feel good to see him like that. I never would've imagined he had the capacity to be so harsh to anyone until he first saw Ocellus." I added while hoping that maybe that little experience was just the push in the right direction Shining Armor needed. Only time would tell.

"It is a shame..." Rain Shine muttered before turning her gaze to the false dragoness across the table. She then asked, "If I may... Could you please show me the true you?"

"You won't like the real me... I'm...kind of scary..." Ocellus retorted while twirling a finger around a long lock of her hair. A cute little quirk she had picked up when nervous. She had been in that form so often that it almost appeared to double almost like a second skin. I wonder if that happens when a Changeling assumes the same form often enough... Do those specific forms start to feel natural and less like a disguise?

"Nonsense. I know of your kind. You will not frighten me, child. Trust me, I have seen far more imposing displays from my fellow kirin than you." Rain Shine retorted, although I could not imagine what would make her admit that. The kirin are adorable and beautiful and such peace-loving people. Are they really that frightful when angered? I suppose it would be wise to not test the fury of a pacifist...

Smolder looked over at her friend while I too watched. Aside from the four of us, only a few guards were in the main room at the time. After taking a deep breath, Ocellus finally relented and was briefly coated by a flash of green fire. There she sat in her natural form, an unsightly little Changeling mare. She was stiff and motionless, the faintest sign of those whiter spots on her eyes glancing about to watch for danger. I too looked around as I wondered if one of the guards might see this as a sign of trouble, but they carried on while barely batting an eye. They knew what she was by then. With or without a disguise. Ocellus then asked meekly with her slightly buzzy voice, "Am I...ugly?"

"Unsightly, yes. But I can't fault you for it. No one has any say in how they appear, child." Rain Shine replied while casting the little love bug a warm and serene smile. "Such a form does not dictate your heart. I sense wonderful spiritual energies about you. You are loved, know this to be true. And more will come to love you in due time, I am sure."

"I really feel like I should believe you... And I'm not uncomfortable with this body... It's just..." Ocellus replied before suddenly being engulfed in a flash of green fire once more. Now back in her more familiar dragon body, she waved sheepishly at our guest as she said, "I feel safer like this. And it's nice having hands."

"And you're a lot cuter than me." Smolder said before laughing as Ocellus flinched at her words. I too let out a snicker. Smolder then looked at Rain Shine and asked, "She's a peach, ain't she?"

"The ripest and softest peach I have ever seen, I believe." Rain Shine retorted with an amused smirk on her lips. She then looked around and asked, "But I do believe it would be wise if we prepared to move. We could be heading out at any moment."

"Right, it is about time. Shall I meet you out front?" I replied while I rose from my seat. Rain Shine nodded and made her way to the door. I then used the teleportation spell to summon my helmet to my hands before placing it upon my head, its intangible plume flowing fro the backside. I then also summoned the Lunar Shield to my left arm, now armed and ready to march. I turned my eyes to the two little ladies sitting across the table and said, "I don't think I need to say this, but please stay in the command center while we're moving."

"We know. You be careful out there. We'll be here." Smolder replied while she and Ocellus waved goodbye. It was finally time to move. I could only hope Ocellus would not mind traveling with us now.

Once I was outside, I found that the camp was starting to sound rather quiet. Everyone who would be marching was probably gathering beyond the east gate. I knew the more essential locations in the camp would be carried along on wagons to allow their occupants to do what they needed to do, but the vast majority of the militia's personnel would be marching on foot. It sounded like Rain Shine was inside her hut and was taking the time to suit up. While wondering if I should wait, I turned my eyes to the northwest. One by one, I saw airships taking to the air and flying back west towards familiar territory to refuel and complete more supply runs. And the last to start to leave was the Alabaster.

I felt a sting in my heart. Novo was aboard that airship. Even though we knew today would be the day where we would part ways until she next returned, I felt compelled to say goodbye one last time. With a flap of my wings, I soared swiftly over the camp as the Alabaster gradually rose into the air. And much to my relief, I could see her plain as day out on the deck. And she jumped in surprise as I flew over her and landed in the middle of the ship's deck. "Honey, back so soon?! Did you forget something?"

"Sure did." I retorted before briskly walking up to Novo with my right wing spread wide. I then pulled her in for an embrace with my right arm also wrapping around her. "I didn't get to say goodbye."

"Oh, honey..." Novo cooed before also wrapping her wing around me in an embrace to leave us both covered in feathery curtains. She gazed lovingly into my eyes as she whispered, "Then I also owe you a goodbye kiss."

Over and over, her beak met my lips. My beloved queen... I was nearly moved to tears at the prospect that it was now time to say goodbye. What a wonderful night we had together... The love in my heart had finally burned through the excess Ocellus had pumped into me, but my heart ached for my queen all the same. A few tears began to flow down my cheeks as I whispered, "I don't want to say goodbye... I just love you so much..."

"James, my love... No tears, baby. Don't cry." My beautiful loving queen churred sweetly as she wiped my tears from my face. Her beak displayed a sweet, yet regretful smile as she then said, "You know I'll be back. I'll make sure we'll make a roundtrip as soon as we can. Now that we've settled into a routine, you know I'll be back soon."

"Right... Right... Just need to...get used to that. The world doesn't seem so big when you can travel far so quickly." I replied while trying to ease my emotions. It was goodbye, but not for long.

And even besides that, Novo was quick to remind me of an important fact. She brought her face closer to mine and spoke tenderly, "And besides, it would be remiss of me to steal you away from your other beloveds. I know there are some lovely ladies out in that militia who are loving for you. I still want you up here with me every night when I am here, but you better be there for them when I'm not here. Can you promise me that, my sweet lover boy?"

Of course. Novo is such a perfect woman and unbelievably desirable that it is easy for my heart to forget about who else it longs for when the two of us are alone together. I dearly appreciated that reminder. I gave my queen another kiss and whispered, "Right... It really is hard to think about anyone else when it's just you and me... I'll be there for them, dear. I love you...but I'll never stop loving them either."

"Good to hear it, honey. I didn't fall in love with a scoundrel, so don't you dare become one to them." Novo spoke firmly yet lovingly. She had nothing but faith in my heart. She then gazed into my eyes as she tone softened along with her beautiful eyes. "Just...stay alive out there, honey. I know things have been going super smoothly for everyone, but...I still worry that I'll come back and find you in...not so good shape. I'm still gonna reserve that vacation for when this is all over. My sugar bear will deserve it after all this."

"I will... I will. I'm in good company and we're all looking out for each other... Wait a second, how high up are we?" I then suddenly asked upon realizing that we had not asked the Alabaster's pilot to stop. When we did release each other from our winged embrace, we found that the airship was high above the camp and starting to rotate in the air to face west. "Uh... Maybe I should get going before they start wondering where I am...."

"Mmhm, you'd better." Novo chuckled before we both glanced at each other with matching knowing smirks on our faces. She and I shared one last quick kiss before she winked at me. "Go get 'em, my sweet swan king. Love you, baby!"

"Will do, my love. See you soon." I replied before embracing her one last time in my arm and jumping off the Alabaster's deck for a diving glide. I had long since become accustomed to how much safer I am in the air with my winged armor to the point where diving from a high altitude no longer fazed me. I swooped swiftly and gracefully across the camp before braking with my wings upon righting myself and landing before the command center. It already had been raised onto its wheels and was ready to roll. I turned back to the northwest and saw the Alabaster picking up speed as it began its return voyage back towards familiar territory.

I heard a rustling behind me as the leafy curtain over the doorway to Rain Shine's temporary home curled up to allow her to step outside. She was clad in her impressively exotic suit of armor that oozed with eastern aesthetics. Her glaive was secured to her side on a steep angle by a harness composed of tightly wound vines and its blade was equally protectively wrapped in leaves. "Huh... I always wondered how one carries those while keeping the blade protected from the elements..."

"It is customary to keep the blade wrapped in cloth when not in use, although I have an equally effective substitute." Rain Shine replied while she approached me with a serene smile on her face. She then sighed deeply as her calm facade faltered for just a moment. "I must confess that I...am not entirely certain if I am ready for who we are facing... But so long as I have you at my side, I will persevere."

"Thank you, Rain. I know you have an...intimate history with the enemy, but I hope you can look past all that. We... I need you here." I replied while feeling terrible for the beautiful mare before me. She was armed and impressively armored in a way that the rest of our infantry was not, but her heart just was not in it when knowing who the enemy is. "Just remember that our enemies won't be actual living thinking humans. Just empty puppets like the one you saw in the lab. Don't feel shame about destroying those."

Rain Shine approached me and gently rested her armored head against mine. "I know... I won't have qualms about slaying them. They feel...unnatural. Like they must be destroyed. I won't falter against those, I swear. Not if it means protecting you, my dear."

I put my arm around my dear friend. I could feel her symbiotic aura even through my armor. I would be strong for her if she stayed strong for me. We would...draw strength from each other. I was sure of it. Although when our affections finally relented, I took a good look at the domed hut she had weaved. I tilted my head to one side as a question popped into my head. "Wait... This thing... Will this be coming with us? The entire camp folds up neatly and packed away like a shrinking toy almost... Will this be part of it?"

No sooner had I said that, what I described happened right then and there. The entire camp, right down to the last tent and even to the very walls, shrunk down in a flash of light and left us standing out there on the open plains with only the more important establishments still out there on wheeled carts to be pulled along. Strong earth pony stallions were already harnessed to them and ready to pull. But along with the command center beside us, Rain Shine's hut remained where it was. Bound to the earth. I cocked my head to one side and said, "Huh... Looks like it won't be coming with us after all... I guess it could make for a handy landmark or a safe house for any intrepid explorers who manage to come across it out here."

"I could always just make another. It was easy, really." Rain Shine retorted before we both noticed someone flying our way. But it was not a pegasus or a griffon. My companion spoke up in pleased realization. "Good afternoon, Ember. Is it time to depart?"

Indeed, it was Ember. Now carrying her trusty spear and clad in her full suit of gilded armor with her face concealed by her horned helmet. "Yeah, time to go! They asked me to come get you so we can all get in formation."

"Right. Lead on." I retorted in brief before we both followed her. The many wheeled necessities were also pulled along to be strategically placed throughout the militia to better serve our needs as well as to be kept protected from any potential surprise attacks should we be attacked before we could mount a defense. If we lost the infirmary especially, our infantry would be in dire trouble.

It was easy to forget how many of us there were now. More than in the previous battle upon the Empty Plains. I heard the call of Nightmare Moon over us all before the entire ground under me began to quake. Thousands of pairs of hooves weighed down by barding. And with them, I too marched. The weather was fair with hardly a cloud in the sky. A perfect time to proceed.

Rain Shine stayed close to me at all times. As did Ember. I felt as if they were my dedicated partners in battle. Ember was already quick to come to my side during the previous clash with the enemy and even put herself in harm's way to help me try and take down the general. While it would be wiser to face the enemy in a proper formation, perhaps a small unit of specialized combatants with their own unique powers could also hold many enemies off while cutting through them a bit at the time.

I quickly found myself daydreaming while I marched. Strategizing and wondering over what Ember, Rain Shine, and I could do if it was just the three of us together with a wall of enemy units trying to reach us. Perhaps near a gap in the pikemen formations. Rain Shine could easily will up a wall of thick roots to set up a barricade around us or even to attack. Perhaps force the enemy to bottleneck their formations through small gaps in the roots that we could then attack through. Trixie's ability to control small numbers of Hollows like last time would not be necessary if Rain Shine could provide a similar level of crowd control that was even harder for the enemy to hack through with their weapons. And Ember's flame breath could ignite entire rows of enemy Hollows. I myself would probably excel at defending a point where the enemy would have to squeeze through one at a time. They would never get by my shield while a quick stab of the Celestial Sword would drop them in one strike and likely even pierce their shields with ease.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I did not even notice someone make their way over to me and my companions. Twilight Sparkle had come over to us and kept tapping at my armored leg to get my attention. "James...? James? Hello?"

I was so lost in my thoughts that it took a few tries for her to get my attention. I so glanced down and saw my friend wedged between me and Rain Shine. My kirin companion said nothing and allowed us to converse. Ember was a little out of formation and was too far ahead to hear Twilight behind her. I then asked, "Oh, sorry. Kinda easy to space out when there's nothing going on while walking in a straight line. What's up?"

"I just wanted to check up on you with a few things, if you don't mind me asking." My friend replied while glancing around to make certain that no one was watching or eavesdropping on us. She wanted to speak, but she was clearly hesitant. Especially since Rain Shine was clearly paying attention to Twilight's presence.

A strong suspicion filled me as I considered what Twilight wanted to discuss. "Is it about Ocellus? Rain Shine already saw her...wearing her usual look today. You don't have to hide anything from her."

Twilight glanced up at Rain Shine, who simply cast her a knowing smile to confirm my statement. She was not at all familiar with the kirin chieftain, but I think she understood she was trustworthy. Speaking with a whisper, Twilight looked up at me with the sound of rattling armor and marching hooves keeping her voice from spreading too far. "Yes, it's about the Changeling... Has she given you any problems since we last talked?"

"Twilight, I assure you that Ocellus is a lovely little lady who means no harm. And that answer won't change no matter how many times you ask." I replied in the hopes of getting her to drop the subject. I understood her extreme wariness. It would take time to get her to let go of old prejudices. Not that they were not entirely justified.

"I know... I know. I just can't help worrying about you, right? Having something like that around you all the time... After everything I saw that day..." Twilight started to muttered before letting out a harsh sigh. "Anyway! If I'm going to get used to her... Does she have any hobbies?"

While there is not all that much to do in the command center, I was familiar with her and Smolder's routines by then. "She does appear to enjoy reading. Although there's not much to read aside from Spike's comic books at the moment."

The mention of Twilight's favorite pastime definitely caught her attention. Her ears flicked up as she said, "She's a bookworm, hm? In that case... Maybe I'll stop by tomorrow with a few books of my own to share. I can always respect someone who has a taste for literature."

"As long as you're not too harsh with her, I'm sure she wouldn't mind the offer." I replied before Twilight started to trot away to return to her formation. I was strangely glad the conversation did not go on any longer. It was not safe to discuss the matter of a Changeling being among our allies.

Rain Shine stepped closer and asked, "She felt uneasy about the hidden one, though not as severely as the captain."

"She's his sister. She saw what happened that day, so there's a personal animosity between them and the Changeling hive. I can't really fault her for being suspicious when... Oh, excuse...me?" I explained before stepping out of the way of something I was about to collide with. Except I swear I did not in time only to watch whatever if was phase harmlessly through me. And then there was another that passed me. With many more up ahead and around me. And my heart felt a chill when I processed what I was seeing. "Oh no, not this again..."

There they were. Phantoms in human form. It had been so long since the last time I experienced that phenomenon and so much had happened to distract me from the memory that I had entirely forgotten seeing this occur once before. And after facing Hollows on the battlefield and actually hearing the emperor for the first time, seeing these phantoms of humanity from eons past chilled me more than the first time.

I continued to march along with my companions while they remained completely oblivious to the ghosts they were passing through. Truly only my eyes could see them. As if the Element of Humanity upon my helmet was trying to tell me something. I remembered dreams I had experienced recently. Lucid dreams where the Element of Humanity appeared before me and even seemed to speak to me. Is it...a sentient entity? As more and more human ghosts passed me, clad in archaic attire straight out of a medieval fair while carrying about their day in a time long past, I glanced up towards my own forehead. "Are you trying to tell me something?"

Nothing. I heard no words. Either in my ears or in my head. The Element of Humanity was voiceless. And likely not what I had assumed. But I could not believe I was seeing these shades of a fallen empire solely because I was human. And the longer I walked past these human phantoms, the more uncomfortable I felt. Especially now that I was surrounded by the people of Equestria. I felt...dirty. Almost like the illusions before me were trying to tempt me to turn on my allies.

"Who...were you speaking to just now?" Rain Shine asked as her gaze turned to meet mine. I was not surprised she heard me. And she could tell I was distracted. "You...feel uneasy. Thoughts of the coming trials?"

"No... No, it's happening again. I'm...seeing things. Something that's only happened once before. I think...a town or city used to be here and we're passing through where it once stood." I explained in brief while unsure if I should let her see what I was seeing. Like Nightmare Moon before her, all I would have to do was reach out touch her to share my vision.

Rain Shine's eyes narrowed as she scanned her surroundings. The runes on her horn even lit up as she likely tried to sense something that her eyes could not. "I...sense only the presence of our companions here. The many blades of grass beneath us detect and see only them. What are you seeing that I am not?"

Finally relenting, I lifted my left arm and draped the Lunar Shield over her back with my hand resting at the base of her neck. "I think this will show you."

"What will..." Rain Shine began to say before her eyes opened wide in shock. I knew she could see what I was seeing at the time. She glanced left and right as human phantoms passed us. One young maiden even raised a hand to apparently call out to someone we could not see. Most likely a visitor who was not human back then. Rain Shine raised a hoof in greeting, as if desperately wanting to say hello, but only passed through the illusion as if she was not there at all. Eyes quivering, Rain Shine quietly pleaded, "Please... No more... This hurts to see..."

I did as I was told and lifted my hand from her body. It was never pleasant to see such a beautiful creature in turmoil. She knew what we were up against. And now she had been reminded about what had been lost so long ago. We continued to march along, but Rain Shine remained eerily silent. Although before much longer, even I could not stand to see these phantoms any longer now that I had become more knowledgeable of the nature of the Empty Plains and its history. "I'm sorry... I need to...get some time alone."

Spreading my armor's wings, I swooped over the militia and towards the command center as it rolled along. I noticed one of our pegasus personnel go in through the door before departing seconds later. It looked like he had retrieved one of our sensor crystals from out in the field as we passed it. I stepped high upon getting to the door in order to get inside, but even the interior of the command center was not enough to escape the company of those phantoms. Only now they were passing by my feet with the floor stopping just below their shoulders. Even more unsettled, I hurried up to my dorm in order to escape this spectacle.

I locked the door once inside and removed all my armor to be safe. As long as the Element of Humanity was off my head, I would most likely be blind to them, even if those phantoms happened to be on a higher elevation due to standing on a taller structure. I felt so ashamed in more than one way. Both for not being out there with my allies while they marched and for a strange feeling of being guilty by proxy over all that was happening. I was the only human among the many ponies, griffons, and other citizens of Equestria out there. I muttered to myself, "I'm not like you... I'm not their enemy... I love this world. I won't betray it..."

It was only then that I noticed how alone I was. Smolder and Ocellus were nowhere to be seen. At least until I noticed the window next to my bed being open. In my haste to get inside, I failed to notice that the dragoness and Changeling mare were both sitting on the roof just outside the window. Probably to get some fresh air and watch the scenery go by with there being no threat to them. I decided to not call out to them. I instead just rested on my bed and pulled the two new pillows on it into my arms. I inhaled deeply through my nose, noticing the faint familiar avian scent of the freshly molted feathers inside. I missed Capricorn Island dearly and the friends I made there. What I would give to leave the Empty Plains behind and return to where I felt like I truly had family waiting for me.

Tapping away on my typewriter was the only thing to really serve as a pleasant distraction for me. And the day went by surprisingly quickly. But I was not really all that happy for the most part. I felt uneasy. I never thought I would see those phantoms again out there when considering how unlikely it would be to pass through where another town once stood. Those kinds of settlements were often many miles apart, so what were the odds?

Night came and the camp was set up once more. Ocellus and Smolder made their rounds in deploying our sensor crystal array to insure we would not be caught by surprise while resting. But I never left the command center. I felt strangely drained and did not have much of an appetite that night. Although I was aware of how many nights had gone by without me staying in my own room, so I made an effort to not go anywhere that night. And after a hot shower to prepare me for bed, I stepped out of the bathroom in a clean pair of boxers and found the room gently illuminated by a single candle near my bed and the soft dimmed glow of moonlight pouring through the curtains of the only two windows of my room. Smolder and Ocellus, the latter still in her personal dragon disguise, sat on my bed with the sheets pulled down. Smolder softly asked, "Long day?"

"More mentally tiring than physically, to be honest..." I wheezed with a sigh. While that shower may have lifted my spirits well enough, I was beat. I promptly fell onto my bed with those two pillows tucked up against the one I normally use. Ocellus and Smolder relaxed by my sides while Ocellus blew the candle out. It was quiet aside from the nightly ambience of the Empty Plains beyond the windows. I glanced left and right, the faces of two lovely dragonesses gazing at me in the dark. "Sorry I've been spending so little time here at night..."

"Hey, it's fine. You're in love. And you don't get to see Novo all that often, right? We get to see you all the time when she's not around, right?" Smolder replied softly before cupping my cheek in her hand and bringing her lips to mine. Those beautiful blue eyes gazed into mine as she whispered, "But we did miss you. Thanks for being here tonight. If you're having a hard time, we'll help keep you going."

"Mmhm. You've done so much for us, so we have to keep your spirits up too." Ocellus added as she draped an arm across my chest. When I turned to look at her pretty face, she smiled meekly at me and asked, "If it's OK... Can I give you something to make you feel better?"

"I'll take whatever you have in mind." I replied while eager to take anything to help me get to sleep. With some hesitation, Ocellus closed her eyes and brought her lips to mine for a kiss. While that alone would feel nice enough to soothe me, I felt something else. And only for a second or two. Something being...siphoned into me through my lips. When the kiss ended, I asked in caution, "Did you...just pump some of your love into me?"

Ocellus grimaced in unease while her ear drooped forward over her face. "Uh huh... Just a little though. Was it enough to make you feel happier?"

"Now that you mention it..." I muttered before taking note of my own emotions. I did not feel any sort of desire starting to well up inside me. But...I was much more focused on the two lovely little ladies beside me. I was more receptive to their presence now that I had more love in me. And so I smiled at them both, "Yeah... Yeah, I do feel happier now. Because I'm that much more aware and happy to have you both here."

"Oh, mi amor... We'll always keep you happy." Smolder cooed with her voice shifting to lose its usual slight growl. She brought her lips to mine for the sweetest kiss, but I felt a tug on my other shoulder before I turned and found Ocellus also moving in for a kiss. She could not bring herself to speak, but I did not mind. I heard her sigh softly into that kiss before I began to alternate between the two lovely little ladies, lips touching lightly. Smolder then soon whispered with her hand dragging across my bare chest, "We're here for you."

"Thank you... Really. I'm glad to have you both here." I sighed in genuine gratitude. I was certain I would not be as emotionally well off if I had to spend every night alone in my room. Smolder's presence had proved to be a subtle blessing. And now dear little Ocellus only added to it. I kissed them both on the nose and said, "Sweet dreams, girls... And thank you."

"You too, James... Thank you for having us." Ocellus whispered meekly as the two of them draped an arm over me to hold me in an embrace. Exhausted in more ways than one, I drifted off to sleep in mere minutes.

My dreams were restful and went uninterrupted. Fleeting thoughts of happy times, although I also recall moments of exhilaration. Sensations of flight? Falling? It could mean anything, but I doubt it was anything of importance. When I awoke, I found myself still tucked under the sheets with those two lovely ladies holding me in their sleep. And I could not bear to disturb them. They both had such peaceful dreamy expressions upon their faces. No signs of a smile, but I knew they were surely dreaming happily.

I remained still and closed my eyes to go back to sleep. I would not leave the bed until they were ready. I think I did sleep again for a while longer, but my sleep was much lighter since I awoke easily to the sensation of something stirring against me. My eyes opened as I found Ocellus and Smolder starting to stretch in bed, the latter displaying her wingspan in the process. Dazzled by those lovely set of wings with the morning sun even causing their membranes to almost glow, I reached out and caressed a hand over one. Smolder jumped slightly and looked back over her shoulder, but that gaze of surprise turned into a most loving stare while she reached her wings out even further while probably crossing her arms. "You like my wingspan?"

"You always had a lovely set of wings, Smolder. Gorgeous display." I retorted before sitting up in bed and running both hands along their frames. She let out a long delighted sigh at my touch, although I noticed Ocellus looking back at her much smaller wings. I knew they could support her in flight despite their slightly smaller size, but I think she wanted me to feel them up too. "Want me to inspect yours too?"

"Um... Please?" Ocellus asked with a sheepish toothy grin on her draconic muzzle while on her knees. Smolder watched with her wings folding as I turned Ocellus around. She spread her wings before me to let my hands slide over their frames. It was hardly a grand gesture, but she still sighed happily. "That...does feel nice, come to think of it."

"You dragons really do have some nice wings sometimes." I replied before I decided it was time to get up. We would most likely be packing up and heading out sooner than yesterday now that our priority was to progress east. "You girls head on down and make yourselves comfortable. I'll be down shortly."

"Gotcha... I can already smell the potatoes. Let's go, love bug." Smolder replied with a hungry gleam in her eye. Ocellus followed without objection and I was left alone to take a quick shower.

Plenty of breakfast staples were set out on the buffet table by the time. While Smolder and Ocellus waved at me to join them at the main table in the room, I could see the door to the war room was left open as the royal sisters dined within along with Rain Shine and even Ember. It was a largely informal conversation during breakfast and they made no attempt to keep the door closed. They just needed more room for seating.

Ocellus once again only took mere morsels of each selection of food for the sake of tasting it. I could feel her extracting some of my love from beside me, so it was clear what she prioritized for her nutritional intake. There was no need to resort to less nutritious solid foods as long as I was near her. It was only then that Smolder leaned over to inspect her friend's plate. She then cast Ocellus a curious smirk and asked, "What's the deal with you barely getting anything since last night? You just not hungry?"

The disguised Changeling averted her gaze while displaying an adorable toothy grin. "Oh, uh... Well... I don't really need to eat this stuff as long as...I have so much love around me to feed on. But I still like tasting this food, so I at least got a little."

"Pfft, right. I keep forgetting James is your love jug. That well's never gonna run dry." Smolder spoke before letting out a laugh at such an obvious answer. I too rolled my eyes in amusement and gently patted Ocellus on the head to voice my approval.

Much to my surprise, Ocellus did not seem to notice Shining Armor seated across the table from us while he and Estoc discussed current events. I knew her ability to sense the concentration of love in someone no doubt allowed her to detect changes in someone's emotions, so the fact that Ocellus appeared perfectly content for the moment meant she sensed no genuine hostility from him. All the other guards who were aware of Ocellus had at least grown accustomed to her present, Estoc included. And while they were not much for conversation with her, I never saw them showing any wariness to her by then. Even Ocellus appeared to have become comfortable around them. Although I did notice Shining Armor was trying to not look at Ocellus, so it was safe to say he was not ready to completely trust her yet.

While my eyes focused on Estoc, I noticed the hilt of his sword sticking up just past the edge of the table. I remembered taking that sword in hand when I first examined and pointed out potential flaws in his previous set of armor. How I tested what sort of angle a sword in the hands of a human warrior would come in to attack someone so low to the ground and with how much force...

Upon hearing Rain Shine's voice in the next room over, I suddenly had an epiphany. I stood up from the table as soon as I finished my plate and asked, "Estoc? May I see your sword for a bit?"

"Huh? My sword? Uh... Sure, I guess." He replied before using the levitation spell to draw the long narrow needle of a blade from its scabbard. No sooner had I taken hold of the hilt did Rain Shine begin to enter the main room with her tray floating beside her.

"Morning, Rain. Could I ask you to step over here for a moment?" I asked with a hand raised to get her attention.

"Ah, good morning, my friend. You need me for something?" The beautiful beast mare replied before setting her tray aside and gracefully stepping my way. I guided her to the most open section of the room and stood before her. She was quick to notice the long narrow sword in my hand and asked, "Why the sword?"

"I just realized something and need to check something out. Be still, please." I said before readying the blade in my hand. With slow gentle swings, I simulated a proper attack with my weapon. The blade was entirely without an edge, so I could not cut her with it even if I tried. Rain Shine's eyes followed the blade as I touched it to her head. And then to her neck and shoulders. I began to step around her, adjusting the angle of my blade to gently strike her body. I was mindful of my posture and found I had no trouble striking any part of her without having to adjust the positioning of my legs to strike at a lower target. And this worried me because the many Hollows we would face were roughly my height. They would have no issue swinging their weapons into her with all the force and finesse they would display in the face of a proper human opponent. I knew those large steel tassets that cover her backside would provide excellent defense from the rear, but the rest of her armor was not quite as stalwart. "We may have a problem here..."

"We do?" Rain Shine asked in confusion. I was glad I figured this out before we could face the next wave. And after however many days since the last clash, it was anyone's guess on when we would cross paths with the next swarm of Hollows. Rain Shine then looked herself over and asked, "Should I fetch my armor?"

I raised my left hand to get her attention and said, "No, it's not that. It's just... You're too tall for your own good. At this height, the enemy will be able to put the full force of their attacks into you if their weapons connect. Are you sure it's a good idea to be on the front lines with me when you're a much easier target than the rest of our allies?"

My explanation did clearly register with her, but she remained steadfast in her original intention. "Of course. There is nowhere I would rather be. If the enemy is able to strike me so easily, I will see to it that nature's blessings will make that a challenge."

"When you put it like that, I'm sure you could conjure something from the ground and strike them from a safe distance with your glaive... All right. If you understand the risks and know how to counter it, I guess that'll be OK. I'm just glad I noticed this before we ended up going in blind." I replied while considering what I knew about her abilities in battle. Wooden barriers that would be difficult to cut through. A long polearm to strike from far away. It would not matter if the enemy could not even reach her.

"While we're on the subject..." Shining Armor then spoke up while turning in his seat to face us. "Something that was brought to my attention was a potential weak spot in our anti-archer defenses. While the barrier in that previous battle held off any arrows that fell from above, our researchers have discovered arrows fired on a much lower trajectory could potentially fly right under it. And taller combatants, like you, could be sniped on the front lines."

This made me winch at the thought. A stray arrow to the face out of nowhere... A gruesome thought. I looked at Rain Shine and pondered the armor I last saw her wear. That jacket of scale armor covered much of her neck, but most of her face was still exposed. Unless she kept her head tilted down at all times to maximize her helmet's coverage, that would be all it would take. Although I had to consider other elements of a battlefield situation. I had been right up in the face of the enemy before and knew what it was like to stand before that wall of purple masses resembling human bodies.

I cupped my chin in my left hand with it nestled in the crook of my finger and thumb. And I began to think hard. "That's a risk... But...considering that the archers in the back rows would not be able to really see over their own infantry unless they happened to have some high ground... It would be a challenge to angle their shots in a way that would hit anyone who's right in front of their own front lines. And there is the possibility the emperor has not considered that yet..."

Estoc then spoke up while I returned his sword to him. "If I may? Perhaps we should consider making enemy archers a priority target for our mages. Their attacks won't reach us easily, but there's nothing they can do to stop a parabolic barrage from afar."

"Nice. That's a good point. If we pressure them with our own magic artillery, we won't have to worry too much about archers being a problem to anyone on the front lines." I replied as a surge of satisfaction washed over me. That was a relief that I needed after what I just discovered. I then added, "If you could forward that to the top brass, that would be appreciated."

"Yes, sir. Right away." Estoc retorted before trotting right into the war room without delay. He wasted no time in forwarding that information to the royal sisters and I was grateful for that.

Rain Shine then turned to Shining Armor and asked, "Will we be heading out soon?"

"Very soon, yes. Once our men have been properly fed for the morning, we'll be heading out. I recommend suiting up soon." Shining Armor replied while he too trotted away to fetch the rest of his gear.

I turned my gaze to Rain Shine, her aura filling me with concern. Now that I knew how much more vulnerable she is compared to the rest of our comrades, I was that much more fearful for her survival. But she smiled reassuringly at me and said, "I shall be waiting outside for you. Let me stay near you, yes?"

"Please... I'll feel better if you're close." I said softly while no one was really within earshot. Rain Shine then departed while I too went upstairs to retrieve all of my gear. I returned to the main room of the command center in full armor and with the Lunar Shield on my left arm. I then looked over at Smolder and Ocellus while they gazed up at me with a look of marvel in their eyes. They really do dig the knight in shining armor my gear seems to give me. "You girls stay safe in here, all right?"

"Will do! Be careful out there..." Ocellus replied while I rubbed my armored hand over her head and the soft layer of hair coating it. Although she then raised her hand in greeting and looked past me. "Hello, Ember!"

"Hey there, you two. I'll be keeping an eye on your friend here like always." Ember spoke as she stepped out from behind me. I then glanced down at her while she smiled up at me. "Time to roll?"

"Yep. Good to have you by my side, Ember. I feel safer with you around." I nodded with a relieved smile. In the presence of Ember and Rain Shine, I felt like nothing could go wrong. I have nothing but faith in those two after seeing what they are capable of. "Better go grab your stuff. I'll meet you out by the east gate."

"Right then. We'll all talk later, all right?" Ember replied before briskly walking towards the door to step outside.

"Sure! See ya, Ember!" Smolder called out while the two dragonesses waved goodbye. She then looked up at me and said, "We'll be here. And we'll keep your room tidy."

"Thanks again, girls. See you tonight." I wasted no time in heading out myself. There was yet another wooden hut summoned from the earth itself just to side of the command center and I knew Rain Shine was busy suiting up inside. Knowing that she knew where to find me and that I could not hope to hide from her anyway, I headed east to assemble at the gate. The camp was alive and ready to march.

Less than an hour later, we were all marching in formation across the wide open plains yet again. Rain Shine stood to my left while Ember was on my right with spear in hand. It was another pleasant day with hardly any clouds in the sky. I could still see our pegasus scouts hovering high above to watch for any signs of enemy movement in the far distance now that our sensor array was being gathered up on the move again. And when considering how thoroughly that malevolent purple the Hollows are made of stand out, they would be impossible to overlook.

"Nice day, huh? Almost makes you forget we're at war out here." Ember eventually spoke up with her voice echoing inside her helmet as if she was speaking with her head stuck inside a metal bucket. It is easy to forget that a metal helmet that fully encases one's head will do that to you.

Rain Shine was quick to mirror that thought. "It feels that way as well. I sense nothing amiss around us. The Empty Plains feel the way they always have."

"Don't get complacent now. We all know it's only a matter of time before we meet the next detachment of the emperor's forces. The further east we go, the less time we'll have to rest between battles." I spoke up while sure that my companions knew better than to get lazy by then. If there was one advantage of ours that was also a double-edged sword, it was our morale. If we got too relaxed, we could get jumped at the wrong time. But the Hollows... They are empty. Soulless. Their performance will not be effected and will always remain consistent. And heaven help us if they arrive at the encampment gates under the cover of dark...

I have to admit that this was probably the most uneventful day of marching I had seen so far. I even found the will to remain out there the entire day. We thankfully did not pass through any ghost towns that had been erased by nature, so I did not see any human phantoms. The vibrations felt through my feet were almost relaxing. Like a tempo to march along with. Although that did not stop the local night band from setting up on a wagon and playing music to help lighten the mood.

We rolled over some hills and crossed a shallow river at one point. But over all, it was mostly a pleasant hike. And the food carts made certain no one went hungry if they needed a snack during the trek. When the sun started to get low in the sky, that was when we stopped to set up camp in a valley that was wider than it was low that had another shallow river passing through it to the south. A prime location to fill our water supplies and ease the strain on our supply line. Due to the risk of the hills around us giving a potential enemy attack a drastic terrain advantage, we had to send out scouts to check at least twenty miles to the east to see if there was not even the slightest sign of an unnatural purple on the horizon. Thankfully, there was not. We would be safe for the night.

I watched from atop the southern walls to see some of our personnel loading up fresh flowing water from the river into tanks on wheels. It flowed into a curve that went towards the south so we would not have to worry about crossing it up ahead. I even went out of my way to swoop on down to sample the water myself. Crisp and refreshing, straight from the source. Very clean too.

Once I launched myself back up onto the southern walls with a flap of my wings, I could see Ocellus and Smolder coming in for a landing after deploying our sensor network. I was told that they had slept for much of the day. They were not the only ones who felt lazy due to lack of activity. I could see Ember's twelve subordinates sprawled out in front of her cottage over yonder and having gone to sleep early for the night. They must have been bored silly that day.

I let out a yawn as I took a seat at the table in the command center's main room. I felt tired, but n a good way. Nothing weighing too heavily on my mind. No one hitting me up for conversation. Just watching and listening to things unfolding around me. My eyes fell upon the crystal map panels over in the radar station in the corner. Nothing going on out there and that was how I liked it.

Celestia eventually passed by and passed a kiss upon my head when no one was looking. We exchanged no words, but we did exchange smiles. I looked up at my beloved while she smiled down at me after shedding her armor for the night. For the moment, we were at peace. I nodded at her with a smile to confirm I was feeling fine before she continued on her way. Although that was when Shining Armor came my way. I thought he was just going to pass by or take a seat to look over something, but I glanced his way when he set out a pair of small drinking glasses and a bottle of a dark purple fluid. "Got a minute, James? Lemme pour you a drink."

"Wine? I thought you can't handle alco...wait..." I started to say before I noticed the fluid did not carry that distinctive wine scent. It smelled sweet. Like juice. And it had a bit of fizz to it. That was when it hit me. "Ooooh, sparkling grape juice. I see. Anyway, what's up?"

Shining Armor took a seat near me and poured us both a drink while being entirely out of uniform. He then said rather softly, "First of all, I owe you an apology. I shouldn't have been so quick to reach for a weapon to pull on your friend. You had the right to restrain me."

"Yeah, thanks. Don't do that again, please." I retorted while taking a sip from my glass. That was some good stuff. And it was icy cold. He must have been saving that for a good day. Although I then asked, "Wait... Why are you apologizing for almost lashing out at Ocellus? I thought you can't stand her."

"I wouldn't say that... I don't... I mean... Ugh, I just don't know what to think right now." He groaned before chugging his drink and pouring another. "I can't forget what happened that day. Both for myself and for the sake of my men. But I can't pretend I didn't see what I did when Rain Shine made me...feel."

I raised an eyebrow in intrigue when I heard that. I almost forgot what happened that morning. "Wait a minute... What did you see when you closed your eyes when she had her hoof on you?"

"I saw...colors. And vague shapes... And the colors were...pleasant. It was nice to look at. And it felt...gentle. Like there wasn't a single bad bone in her. I couldn't hate something filled with such an endearing presence like that." Shining Armor explained with careful use of his words. He then sighed and looked at me with a conflicted gaze in his eyes. "I can't say I exactly trust that Changeling, but...I can't act like I see her as a threat now. Because she really didn't feel like it at that time. I'm willing to at least give her the benefit of the doubt for now."

"Good to hear. I swear she won't disappoint you. Ocellus has been a sweet little thing ever since she showed up." I said while glad to see Rain Shine's intervention was starting to bear fruit. It was a step in the right direction. I then took another swig of that deluxe juice and added, "Just so you know, she's very...empathic towards hostile emotions directed towards her. She can feel hatred and it makes her miserable."

"Right, right, I don't think you'll have to worry about that now. I just...don't know what to think. But I'm convinced she's not a threat now." Shining Armor replied before his eyes narrowed. His nostrils flared as he sniffed the air. I too noticed an aroma coming from the kitchen nearby. Dinner was almost ready. "Man, I didn't notice how hungry I am. I'll put this all away for later. Glad we had this talk, James."

"Likewise. You take it easy, Armor." I replied before chugging what's was left in my glass before letting him take the glasses and bottle away. I was glad for him. There was nothing to be gained from hating someone who had no reason to be despised.

I watched with some anticipation as the buffet table was set up. And before long, the food was brought out tray after tray. No sooner had the table been fully loaded up, the door opened as Ember poked her head inside. A hungry gleam was in her eye as she asked, "Got room for one more?"

"Always a pleasure to have you, Ember. Help yourself." Nightmare Moon spoke up as she stepped out from the hall leading to the officer dorms. Smolder and Ocellus soon joined us as well while a line grew beside the buffet table. I soon took a seat at the table in the command center's common area along with Smolder and Ocellus. As usual, Ocellus only placed a few morsels on her plate while occasionally sipping at my love. Ember was the entire opposite. She piled her tray high with whatever she could fit on it, though while keeping everything neatly sorted to avoid mixing. She made sure to keep the salad away from the casserole for one example. Although the royal sisters did move their dining to the war room. No doubt to also take the time to discuss more pressing matters regarding preparations for the next battle.

Smolder took notice of just how much Ember had piled onto her tray while also digging into her meal with gusto. She must have worked up quite the appetite during the march and it did not help when considering a dragon's incinerator of a bottomless stomach. "You really liking all this Equestrian cooking, huh?"

"Mmhm! So much variety!" Ember beamed while savoring every bite without dwelling on them for too long. Smolder got a snicker out of seeing the mighty Dragon Lord being so down to earth among us. Under that armor and behind the scepter, she was still just like us. Someone who knows how to enjoy the simple things in life. She is hardly royal in terms of how she carries herself except when protocol is required, but she is no barbarian either. Seeing Ember so happy just by enjoying a delicious meal made me smile. It was good to have her with us.

Ocellus then tried to strike up a conversation at the dinner table. "How was the march out there today? It was really quiet."

"Yeah, it's been pretty relaxing. Giving me lots of time to think while we're on the move... Ow." Ember replied calmly before wincing with a jolt of pain. I thought she might have nipped her tongue, but she instead fidgeted in her seat to adjust her positioning. She then looked under the table with a scowl of annoyance as she said, "Although I swear my sabatons were never designed for this much casual use. Those things are designed for battle, not for long marches."

Due to the lighting not being ideal and her feet being covered mostly in scales, I could not see anything wrong with them when I too peeked under the table. Although I did suspect that her sabatons being worn so much during long walks was creating a lot of painful friction on Ember's feet and had left the surface of her skin very tender and sensitive to touch. They would need to have a good soak that night. Although a question did pop into my head. I had seen her take them off before. "Say... You don't happen to wear socks on your feet, do you?"

Ember stopped eating and cast me a most perplexed gaze. As if she had never even heard that word before. "Socks? What's... Wait, is that what you call those cloth sleeves I've seen you put on before sliding on your shoes?"

"Yes. It's a layer of cloth that protects your feet from the friction caused by the inside of footwear. And it generally makes wearing shoes more comfortable. You really don't have any?" I asked in surprise before suddenly taking into account that textiles and fabrics in a rocky arid environment like the dragon lands are hard to come by due to a lack of cotton or silk. And there was no way they knew anything about the process of creating artificial fabrics like polyester. "Oh wait... There's no way they could even make them where you're from... Go talk to Rarity when you get a minute. She's a seamstress by trade, so she can probably stitch a pair for you if she can find the materials for them."

"Rarity? That white unicorn with all those curls in her mane and tail? OK, I'll do that right away when I'm done here. Shouldn't be too hard to find her." Ember replied with a smile. I knew that if she went too many more marches in those sabatons with her feet not having some extra padding, her feet would be in too much pain to even allow her to stand and fight. She needed a good pair of socks immediately... Why does this situation during wartime sound familiar?

Dinner time went by smoothly without interruption. There was no sign of Shining Armor, although I think I did hear him in the war room with Estoc talking with the three sisters. And as soon as Ember had devoured her fill, she rushed off to try and find Rarity before it became too dark outside. Although not much later while I sat down at the table to have some sherbet for dessert, I thought I heard Rarity's voice just outside the door. And Ember's. And...was that Rain Shine too?

Hearing the three of them together, I became immediately curious and stepped outside to wonder what that oddball trio were up to so close to the command center. There they were, the three of them standing just outside the hut Rain Shine had summoned from the earth itself. I then heard Ember ask, "Let me see if I'm remembering this right. You can summon any kind of plant from the earth? Like...any plant at all?"

Rain Shine nodded and spoke with a serene smile. "I can. That is what you need of me, yes?"

Rarity was quick to speak with a gleam of inspiration in her eyes. "Ah, yes! Then this is perfect. If I am going to weave a set of socks for Ember here, then I require the materials for it. I never leave home for extended periods without a set of tools on hoof, but I am lacking in materials to create any ensembles. But if you can summon plants as you wish, then surely you can conjure up fresh cotton, no?"

Cotton. Of course. A naturally occurring fiber that is commonly used in creating clothing. And it comes from plants. How convenient for someone like Rain Shine to be around to help just with that. Rain Shine nodded once more as the runes on her horn began to glow. And seconds later, a bush sprouted from the ground between them in seconds. Dark pods dotted the branches and soon popped open to reveal fresh tufts of white cotton. Ember's eyes opened wide as she watched the marvel of a kirin's nature magic create a fully functional plant with it providing useful resources. She rubbed a finger under her long jaw and said, "Now that's a handy trick to have."

"And this will surely suffice... Yes, this should be enough. Many thanks, Rain Shine! I'll most likely have those socks ready by morning." Rarity spoke in thanks as she used levitation magic to pluck the tufts of cotton from their ruptured pods until not a speck of white could be seen on the bush. She bunched the cotton balls together to form one larger sphere and then trotted away while I looked on in amusement. I could only imagine how much easier it would be on her job if she had a kirin assistant who could provide her with multiple types of raw materials whenever she needed them.

Ember then looked up at her sparring partner and said, "Thanks again for that. I never expected my sabatons would be so hard on my feet when being worn for this long. Now I need to head back over to my place and...let these soak for a while. They really need it."

"That would be wise. It would be a shame if you were in too much pain to even stand on a battlefield. Rest well, Ember." Rain Shine said in farewell before Ember spread her wings and took to the air to fly back over to her cottage. The sky was getting dark by then. The sun could not even be seen over the horizon. Now that Rain Shine was alone, I stepped out of the doorway and headed over to her. She then looked my way with a smile and asked, "A pleasant day, was it not?"

"Actually, yeah. If only every day out here felt this nice." I replied before finding myself filled with the desire to give her a hug. And so I did. I put my arms around Rain Shine and nestled my face into her full wild mane. That wonderful natural scent of pine filled my nostrils. "Thanks for being here."

"It is a pleasure, my dear." Rain Shine replied softly with her head leaning into mine. But she then asked, "Although if I might make a selfish request... Stay by my side this evening? Join me in bed?"

It was a tempting offer. And now that the Alabaster was not docked at the camp, I no longer had any obligations to be anywhere for the night. And it had been some time since Rain Shine and I last got to spend such quality time together... I nodded and whispered softly towards her ear, "I'd love to. Just give me a little while, all right?"

"Thank you. I'll start a bath before long." Rain Shine said before she touched nose to my cheek. I watched as the glorious kirin strode into her hut with the long leaves curling up and then back down to serve as a door. It looked virtually identical to the previous one. Although when she mentioned a bath... How would she manage that? I understand kirin can manipulate plant life, but where would she get the water?

More curious than anything, I headed back into the command center and up to my dorm to at least get some writing done. There has not been much happening lately and has resulted in my output being less than usual. Although I eventually felt something hug me from behind. A couple of arms wrapping around me for a hug. "Smolder?"

"Guess again." A sweet and almost buzzy voice replied before I felt a longer dragon muzzle nuzzle up against the side of my head. "Smolder's still having dessert, but I'm full now. Especially since you always have plenty for me to enjoy."

"Ah. Hey there, love bug." I replied before turning around in my seat and pulling the false dragoness into my arms for a hug. Which she all too readily accepted. Not wanting to wait until later, I decided to break the news to her. "Just so you know, Rain Shine has requested my company tonight. I'll be spending the night right next door if you or Smolder need me."

"The big kirin lady? Right, I always feel something special between you two. She really loves you in a...different way? It's not like most kinds of love I've felt. I wonder what makes hers different?" Ocellus retorted before pausing momentarily in thoguht. If she really could feel different intensities of love, then what was so unusual about the love Rain Shine feels towards me?

After thinking this over for a moment, I thought back to what I had heard time and again from her and Autumn Blaze. As well as anyone else who is familiar with the kirin. I then said softly, "I think she said something about...it just coming naturally? I've been told that man and kirin have a certain natural chemistry and kinship towards each other. And...I feel it too when I'm around them. Like I always belong."

"Hmmm... That could be it. A love that...comes naturally? Huh... I've never thought about it like that. But that means it would be wrong to ask you to stay if she wants to see you..." Ocellus muttered quietly with her head bowed in what seemed to be a show of disappointment. But she then smiled demurely at me and said, "Sorry. I just miss you when you're not here for the night. Smolder goes a great job making me feel safe in the dark, but...it's not like when you're here with me. I'm...always happiest when you're here. Like I know everything will be fine."

I felt bad for leaving Ocellus unattended at night so frequently lately. I know she's in a potentially dangerous situation at the moment. I sighed before I stroked my fingers through her head of long brunette hair and looked her in the eye. "I'm sorry, love bug. I would like to stay here more often, but there are those who want to see me now and then too. I'll never forget about you two, all right? Promise."

"Thank you... But before you go..." Ocellus mumbled before her eyes started to wander. She looked nervous. Even though I waited, she could not bring herself to speak. Although I raised my eyebrows in realization when she tapped a finger to her lips.

"Ha! Sure thing, love bug. Come up here." I said with a laugh. I then pulled a very excited Ocellus up onto my lap and held her as we brought our lips together for a kiss. I thought for sure she just wanted a taste of love fresh from the source. But after maybe a good five seconds, the kiss ended without me feeling anything being drained out of me. And Ocellus knew I had noticed if that very sheepish grin was anything to go by. I then asked, "You...aren't hungry? Then...why?"

"I...just wanted to... Is that a bad thing?" Ocellus muttered sweetly while trying to not look away from me. She was tempted to hide after a harmless act of deception, but she did not look away once even with her eyes quivering. "I just...want to be with you."

"Ocellus..." I muttered as I felt the sincerity in her tone. Just so earnest. I pulled her closer and held her head just under the crook on my neck and whispered, "Will you really come home with me when this is all over? Will you really stay with me?"

I felt her tilt her head back with her horns not quite pressed into the side of my face anymore. Like she was trying to look up at me. "Yes... Do you want me to stay with you?"

"Please... I want to be with you too. I want to see you daily like almost everyone who's dear to me back home. I want you to be happy with us..." I whispered in equal sincerity. I held that precious little lady to my chest as she curled up against me. I then whisper into her drooping ear, "Please come home with me."

"I will. I promise... I'll stay with you...forever. Because..." Ocellus cooed in a manner that almost sounded like she was on the verge of tears. And when she pulled herself away in order to look up at me, she really was on the verge of tears. But that smile... It was so genuine. "Because...I'll always be...your little love bug. Right?"

"Right... Always..." I muttered as the sentimentality of the situation really started to get to me. I lifted my fingers to her long jaw and caressed them along it. Even though I knew this form was false, this dragon body had become part of Ocellus' very identity and I adored it. I knew she enjoyed the caress of my fingers along the smooth scales lining her reptilian face. "That's my little love bug. The best love bug in the world."

She squinted her eyes shut to squeeze out the building tears as a very pleased smile spread across her face. Ocellus was very happy. "Mhmm, mmhm... I'm yours and only yours. Forever."

If I stayed any longer, I would not want to leave Ocellus at all. There was somewhere I needed to be. And so I kissed her on the lips one more time and asked, "I really should be going... Will you be OK up here tonight?"

Her eyes looked so tired... Or was it something else? But she did whisper, "Yeah... I'll be all right... Please come back in the morning."

"I will, love bug. You have a good night." I said back to her before helping her down to her feet. But when I stood up and reached for the door, I looked back at Ocellus and froze. She was just standing there. Hands clasped and held against her chest. And the look on her face... She looked utterly lovestruck. A result of consuming too much love too quickly? Or...something else? Feeling like it was a bad time to inquire, I merely waved goodbye. "See you in the morning, Ocellus."

She said nothing. Ocellus just gently waved goodbye with one hand without taking her eyes off me. When I stepped out into the stairwell, I felt a hot sweat trickling down my neck. And when I hurried down the stairs, I found Smolder still seated at the table with her dessert bowl empty. She must have just finished it more than once if the way she was slouching in her chair was anything to go by. Very satisfied smile on her face. I then walked up behind her and stroked my fingers along her purple fibrous crest on her scalp. "I'm heading out next door for the night, all right? Please keep an eye on Ocellus. I think something's...wrong with her right now."

Mentioning Ocellus got Smolder to snap out of her stupor and look up at me instantly. She has become very protective of that little love bug. Almost like a big sister, paradoxically enough. "Huh? She's not OK? What happened?"

There was no easy way to explain what I saw. I tried anyway. "She's not sick or anything like that. It's just...she was giving me some funny looks when I left. I don't know if it's a Changeling thing or not. Just...look out for her, all right?"

Smolder started to smirk at me and said, "Sounds to me like she has her eyes on you. Or maybe not. I dunno, I mean when Changelings actually eat love, maybe getting too much of it makes them...feel lovey dovey? Those love bugs are weird... But sure, I'll keep an eye on her. And I'll let you know if anything comes up."

After a quick glance around us to make certain no one was watching, especially the one guard watching over the radar station in the corner, I placed a quick kiss on Smolder's head. "Thank you. See you in the morning."

"Je t'aime, mi amor. Sweet dreams." Smolder cooed with a whisper. I merely smiled lovingly at the precious little lady as her eyes narrowed into a lovely gaze of adoration. I wanted to say more, but the risk was simply too great with even one person around who was not even paying attention. I resorted to gently stroking my fingers along her scalp before hurrying out the door before any questions could be asked.

It was finally nightfall by then. Another night out on the Empty Plains. And there was a certain feeling of unease as I could barely make out the gentle incline the of the hills around us beyond the walls. Camping out in a valley is never a wise idea in warfare. But as long as there was no chance of the emperor's forces reaching us anytime soon, there was nothing to fear. I knew there would be no one out and about unless they had a good reason for it as I tapped on the leafy curtains that were draped over the entrance to Rain Shine's hut. "Rain? You there?"

The leaves curled up to allow me in as I was greeted by the sight of Rain Shine just then starting to submerge herself in a large wooden tub filled with fresh water. Where did she even get that? The tub was made entirely of wood and was clearly bound to the ground from where it had been summoned. A few torches were set about the room to cast a gentle warm glow over the place. With how big Rain Shine is, I was concerned there would not be enough room in the tub for me. It was impressively large when I drew near, having just enough room for me to fit. The graceful kirin chieftain gazed tenderly at me and asked, "You're just in time. Shall we?"

I tried to process where she got the water for a bath in the first place. "Um... Did you lug entire gallons of water to your hut for this?"

She chuckled heartily at my observations. "No, of course not. We kirin may control the flora around us, but water is an inherent element present in them. We do have some power over water. And since we are so close to a water source, it was easier than usual to draw some from the ground."

"Huh... The more you know." I retorted before sticking my hand in the water. It was far from ideal, having likely been just then drawn from the river outside the walls. Much too cool to be pleasant for bathing. "Um... Do you normally bathe in water this cold?"

"No. If you will just give me a moment..." Rain Shine said before closing her eyes. I took a step back as I thought I noticed something forming around the edges of her eyelids. Were those...flames? Of blue and ruby hues? Even her mane began to shift to an almost ethereal state as that wild head of emerald hair almost appeared to ignite. The water began to bubble around her, but only just barely. It was around then that anything resembling flames on her body faded before Rain Shine opened her eyes to smile at me. "There. I hope it's just right."

I curiously touched the water as steam rose from it. I would say it was just shy of being too hot. Like the steamiest hot tub. I then asked, "Let me guess... That power of fire kirin possess that's a little different from dragons?"

"It has its conveniences. Now come. Join me, my dear." She replied with an earnest smile while she waited there in the tub for me. I promptly disrobed until I was only in my boxers. But as I started to step towards the tub, Rain Shine cocked her head to one side and said, "I do believe you forgot something."

I was left confused at first. I looked myself over. I left nothing on me that would get in the way. But then my eyes fell upon the clothing that covered my pelvic region. I looked at Rain Shine with a twinge of discomfort. "This...uh...is just for modesty. They'll probably be dry by morning."

"Do I...make you uncomfortable?" She asked with a genuine sincerity that did not belie any sleazier motives. I was certain she did not hold any ill will or a desire to take advantage of me.

I was quick to try to explain. "No, not at all. It's just...we don't know each other well enough yet, right? I feel...compelled to maintain modesty before friends, you know?"

Rain Shine cracked a more amused smile as she began to understand where I was coming from. But she still said, "James. My dear. I am very familiar with the male anatomy of humans. As intimately as possible. You will not unsettle me."

Once again, my heart was in conflict with my head. Instincts and experience at odds with what my heart was trying to accept naturally. With great hesitation, I finally removed the last article of clothing on my body and gingerly stepped into the tub. My eyes were turned upwards as I tried not to think about what Rain Shine was seeing. And the heat of that water was quite the distraction as well. The two of us nearly caused the tub to overflow, but the tub barely held as I took a seat at the other end. "Hoo boy, this is so close to being too hot for me..."

"It has been a while since I shared a bath with a human alone, so do forgive me if I did not stop heating it in time." Rain Shine said softly while she continued to smile. Although that smile did fade as she let out a long and very relaxed sigh with her body leaning against the side of the tub. Even with that smile gone, she was still savoring this moment of peace. "Alone with you... I almost forgot what it is like to share a bath with one my heart longs for."

"You're really laying it out heavy with the sweet talk..." I muttered in unease as my heart continued to argue with my knowledge and experiences in life. I knew she was being entirely sincere with what she was saying and was far from naive on the subject, but it...still felt far too good to be true. And yet, my heart was trying to tell me otherwise. There was something there. Something intrinsic and natural between man and kirin. I continued to try to rationalize my stance on it and said, "There's no such thing as love at first sight... Except maybe in fairytales."

"When did I ever say my eyes determined what my heart longs for?" Rain Shine asked as she directed her gaze towards me once more. She appeared concerned and even worried. As if she feared there was something wrong with me that had nothing to do with the war that was underway. "Why do you still insist on hiding your heart from me? I can feel it, my dear. It beats for so many, but it desires me as well. Does it not?"

"I know... I do feel something... But it just feels...wrong. Foolish to just open myself up to someone that quickly. I hardly know you, as sad as that is to say. Please don't think I fear or doubt you, all right? Experience has taught me...to be patient and cautious. Trust takes time to build, right? And it's so easy to be manipulated through your own heart..." I explained while hoping she would understand.

Rain Shine let out a long sigh as I averted my gaze. I did want to love her. A piece of my soul told me that doing so would not be a mistake. She then said softly, "What a dreadful thing to say... I have never met a human man who was so hesitant to respond to the call of his heart towards a kirin mare. All the men I have seen acted so naturally upon their heart's desires when the heart of a kirin longed for them in equal turn. The men were blessed with wives and the mares with husbands. And then with beautiful daughters. And not once did I ever see them regret what allowing themselves to love had given them. What kind of world...could fracture your heart so much that it would fear being harmed through anything that could be perceived as haste?"

I could not bring myself to look at her. "Yes... I have been hurt... Not by the world at large. But by a single woman not long before I came to this world. Three years...is a long time to keep that kind of a lie going... And that's not going into detail over what she did to me after I finally came to terms with what she was..."

She said nothing. But I did notice Rain Shine start to crawl towards me with her body still low in the tub. I leaned back as I soon found her pressed up against me with her beautiful red eyes gazing directly into mine. "Betrayal... Some harlot...had the audacity to betray you. To take advantage of you. And then dare to harm you afterward? I feel it... Buried deep, but that scar is there. It no longer brings pain, but your heart is slower to love than it once was. There is a cage around it now. A cage that opens freely, but not as easily as it once did. That which requests entry too early is swiftly denied... Even when the visitor's intentions are sincere."

This almost alarmed me. Other women I had come to love had developed a certain understanding of my first failed relationship and the trauma it caused me, but Rain Shine... She was the first to actually read me so deeply. She could sense exactly what was wrong with me. Even if I was not entirely aware of it myself. And she closed her eyes with a profound frown upon her lips. "I understand...that this scar will never truly heal. Such caution may even benefit you in the grand scheme of things. But...I so dearly wish it would not interfere in this very moment. The innocence and joy of one's first love... It is always the most painful and scarring when it...almost certainly...does fail... Even moreso when there is genuine malice behind it."

"I'm sorry... It's not your fault..." I muttered as I felt a twinge of regret with her body still pinning me to the side of the tub. I knew she only wanted to love me... And I could not love her back. Not so soon. Not yet. What a wonderful thing it must be, living in a world like Equestria where such betrayal is much rarer to the point that one almost never hears about it...

"Then...let me heal you." Rain Shine whispered with her nose touching mine. Her aura radiated around me. I could not see it, but I could feel it. And it felt wonderful. "Even if the scars never fade, at least let me mend what I can. Please, my love... Have faith in me. My heart longs for you. Betrayal is not in the nature of the kirin. Do you believe what I say? Do you believe me when I say I will never give you reason to regret allowing me into your heart?"

I closed my eyes and placed my hands upon her shoulders beneath the water's surface. I wanted to believe her. I wanted to love her. To let things...begin between us. I was most grateful that she had come into my life and even returned to me upon the Empty Plains. And yet, I knew my feelings would be insincere to some degree if I acted upon what my heart was demanding. Under most circumstances, being patient was the wisest choice. But this was an exceedingly rare scenario where there was absolutely no risk. Where I knew she and I would...be very happy together. And despite knowing this, I could not fully commit to that desire. And it was maddening. Eyes closed, I whispered my answer. "I want to... I really do... Please... Be patient. Give me time and...I'll grow to fully love you someday soon... Please?"

"I shall. And I will be by your side as long as I must." Rain Shine cooed not in disappointment, but satisfaction. She tilted her head enough to bring her lips to my own. And that kiss... That tender kiss upon my lips. It truly helped in soothing my heart. It gave me hope. And when that kiss ended, Rain Shine gazed tenderly into my eyes. "Know this, my dear. I love you. And I will gladly be your mare if you would have me. And I shall wait for you. As long as I must. Though please... Do not keep me waiting for too long. For even the patience of a kirin has its limits."

I think she was messing with me at that last part. She failed to hide a smile that showed she may have been trying to not laugh. I put my arms around her and pulled that beautiful creature into an embrace. "I'll try... Give me time... I'd hate to disappoint you."

"You will not, my dear. You have already far surpassed expectations for us all as things stand now." She whispered to me with her head resting against mine. I wanted to love her. To actually listen to my heart. I had come to a crevasse with a beautiful mare waiting on the other side. I could just jump, but the fear of not being able to make it across the gap was holding me back. So I will instead have to assemble a bridge in order to feel safer in doing so.

It was only then that we started to bathe in earnest. And Rain Shine's ties to nature made it that much easier. She summoned plants from the ground that naturally produced a luffa fibers and affixed them to sturdy sticks. And multiple pods filled with fragrant natural fluids oozed out and were mixed in the water to turn the bath into a soothing fragrant soak of cleansing suds. I watched her dunk her entire head into the pool before lifting it with her full head of emerald hair now soaked into long flowing trails of beautiful green. More pods of natural nectars and salves grew up beside the tub to provide us with a perfectly natural shampoo. I watched in intrigue as Rain Shine levitated an orb of that mixed gel to her mane and began to scrub it all in with invisible fingers. As a thick lather began to coat her mane, she eyed with me a smile. "You have quite the assortment of friends here among us. They flocked around me when I visited one of the food tents to join me for dinner."

"Yeah, they're quite the varied lot. I love them for that." I replied while I took the time to start shampooing my own hair. Anything I needed, Rain Shine provided with only the fruit of the earth at her beck and call. "Did they give you any trouble?"

"No, not at all. Although one of them... The sister of the pink pie? She had quite the fascination with rocks and inquired if I was able to manipulate rocks as well as I can rend the earth. I had to take a few minutes explaining how my magic is tied to the flora of this world and not the earth itself." Rain Shine explained with an amused smirk on her face. She then dunked her head in the tub, shook it around to rinse the shampoo from it, then lifted it high with a gasp for air coming from her throat. "She did not appear all that impressed though..."

I snorted with a brief laugh. "Yeah, that sounds like Maud. She's got quite the fascination with earth sciences and geology. She took a break from her studies to take part in the war effort. I hope she'll be compensated for it by the university."

"You would not know it by looking at her." Rain Shine replied as her smile faded for moment. And I should have seen what was coming next. "It was...strange. I could sense a pleasant aura from her, yet...restrained in ways I could not comprehend. She was calm, but more detached than she felt. That stoicism... It does not feel natural. I could feel the intrigue in her. The modest excitement in her as she asked me questions. But...her tone. Her eyes. They betrayed the wonderment in her heart."

I rested my arm on the edge of the tub while continuing to scrub the shampoo into my hair with the other. "So you're not the only who thinks something's not right with her, huh? I can't say I feel like there's something wrong with Maud, but...I can't shake the feeling that she has some sort of psychological condition that inhibits her ability to display emotions. And the worst part is I feel like I already have an idea of what it might be. But it's...just out of reach. I can't pin it down... Whatever she might have, I don't think she was ever properly diagnosed with anything..."

"Hm... I can sense and see the workings of one's aura, but I cannot peer into the mind. Perhaps the mind can interfere with the heart in ways that I could not have foreseen..." Rain Shine muttered in contemplation before lifting her tail's tip from the water to also shampoo the tuft of green hair at the tip. She still smiled at me as she said, "But she has a kind and caring heart. Stoic she may be, the one you call Maud has a good soul. She asked about you as well. She mentioned fears she holds for you on the battlefield, but she is more concerned over her sister. She wishes she could be by your side were it not for her sister making her worry."

"Aw... Maud said that? I would feel safer if she was with me. That mare is a mountain in a tiny package. She can bust a Hollow with just a punch. She doesn't even bother with weapons, she's just that strong and her armor that tough." I mused with a smile on my lips. I almost felt bad over having not seen Maud more often during all this downtime. But I can understand why she would think it wiser to keep an eye on Pinkie Pie... Although I did say, "I wonder what it is with her, now that you mention it... We bonded pretty quickly when we first met. All of Pinkie's other friends had great difficulty at first in connecting with her, but she and I...clicked much more easily. I swear I can read her better than others... I wonder what we really have in common..."

Even by the time we finished cleansing ourselves, Rain Shine and I continued to lounge in the tub for as long as the water's warmth would hold out. And the lack of any distractions from bathing allowed us to focus on just each other. We reclined at opposite ends of the admittedly cramped tub, but it did not take long for Rain Shine to slink over to me once again and into my embrace. She rested against my body with her head upon my shoulder, trying to keep her mane from dipping too deep into the water again. I soon heard her whisper, "Is your heart at peace?"

"It's hard not to be when you're here." I replied softly before I brought my lips to her ear and planted a kiss upon it. Her ear flicked suddenly, most likely not having anticipated such affection. I then added, "Give me some time, please... I do want to love you someday."

"I shall wait, my dear... It will make that day all the sweeter when it arrives." She cooed to me with her lips tenderly caressing my neck. That sent wonderful shudders down my spine. She must have had many years practicing with the few men who came into her life.

The time eventually came for us to leave the tub. The two of us stood up, my modesty having faded for the moment. I felt more at ease around her with nothing between us by that point. Once out of the tub, I watched in surprise as the wall nearest it parted to create a large gap before the tub also rose higher into the air upon a pillar of wood before being tilted to the side to spill everything outside the hut. There was nothing but open space out there, although I wondered if anyone might slip on the residual elements in the bathwater. It would probably give off quite the delightful fragrant scent if nothing else.

The walls closed and the tub dismantled itself before retreating back into the ground as if it had never been there. Rain Shine then stepped up to me and asked softly, "Hold me, please. Just for a moment."

I did as I was asked while assuming it was just a request for an act of affection. But there was something more to it than that. Rain Shine's mane all but ignited once more as mystical warm flames surrounded us. But they never even touched us. And in a moment, we were completely dried. And I was especially surprised to see that Rain Shine's mane did not require any grooming. "Wow... You have it easier than Celestia. The last time she tried that after a swim, she needed to visit the salon."

"Hm! Did she now? Most unfortunate." Rain Shine chuckled at the thought. Perhaps there was something about an all-natural way of living that allowed her to more easily maintain her natural look. With the camp having fallen silent for the night, it was time to turn in as well. Rain Shine guided me to the mound of earth filled with a soft mattress of cushy moss and rested upon it. Her vibrant red eyes beckoned me to approach. "Join me, please?"

"My pleasure." I whispered before I stepped forward and crawled onto that soft bed of moss. It was impressively thick and sank under my weight. And even thicker layer was at one end to serve as a pillow for us. But once I was beside her, my eyes belonged only to Rain Shine. The way the glow of the torches in the hut shone over her only enhanced her radiance. I then asked, "May I...hold you?"

"Please do, my love." She cooed as the glorious kirin before me draped an arm over me. I embraced her, hand sliding along her back. That smooth sensation of polished scales was delightful to touch and my hand slid lower to see how far they reached. And I was most surprised to find that such a smooth reptilian feature reached over her flanks as well. My hand caressed her rounded strong haunch while Rain Shine sighed in delight as my touch became increasingly intimate. "Such a fine touch... Will you make me your mare one day?"

"I...just might..." I muttered as our auras mingled together. I wanted to be with her. Rain Shine...felt like someone I genuinely needed in my life. And as my hand caressed her feminine equine curves, I recognized such a figure. Such flanks were not alien to me. "What is it with mares of your stature having such wonderfully defined hips like this?"

Rain Shine let out an adorable giggle as I saw her beam in the dark. The torches were starting to dim as her horn's runes glowed mesmerizing in the shadows. "A mystery for the ages. But I suspect you are hardly concerned about why, yes?"

"Hey, I didn't say I had a problem with it." I said with a smirk before giving her flank a firm squeeze. Even with some of her scales under a few of my fingers, her flesh gave as my fingers pressed into her. Rain Shine gasped and sighed as she enjoyed my firmer touch. Hearing her swoon like that reminded me that it would be unwise to progress too fast. I loosened my grasp on her flank and whispered, "We shouldn't stay up too late... May I sleep?"

"Yes, we really should. And I will be here for you when you awaken, my dear." Rain Shine cooed to me as her lips touched mine. This time, I pushed back into the kiss as our lips drew away only to come together again and again as the shadows began to coat us. With only glowing embers left on the torches and trails of smoke rising up and out of the vents in the ceiling, I could hear the earth shifting around us before I felt large leaves drape themselves over us to provide a welcome covering weight. I pulled myself closer to the beautiful creature beside me as she all but vanished from my sight. But I could feel the warmth of her body as my eyes became too heavy to stay awake. "Sweetest dreams, my love. I will be here when you wake."

And wake I did. Several hours later, that is. I dreamed well. Very well. I awoke feeling very relaxed and rested. Being so close to Rain Shine when each other's presence put us at ease... Surely we must have influenced our dreaming minds to conjure up even more pleasant thoughts than usual that night. And when I awoke, I found the peacefully slumbering face of that wonderful mare right before me. Her breathing was deep and relaxed and I found us both covered by a layer of very long and insulating leaves. The air smelled so clean.

Wanting to wake her as gently as I could, I took Rain Shine's hoof into my hand and gently rubbed my thumb over the cloven walls. Minutes went by, but Rain Shine did begin to stir. And when those beautiful red eyes gazed lazily at me, we both smiled and brought our lips together for a morning kiss. She whispered softly, "To what honor do I owe having such a joyous start to my day?"

"I could say the same thing." I replied before our lips once against touched. I then spoke softly, "I dreamed well... Can't recall exactly what about, but I woke up feeling happy. Thanks for being here with me overnight."

"As did I, my dear. Your presence...soothed me. Although my dreams were lucid enough for me to somewhat recall at this moment... Although you will have to use your imagination." Rain Shine retorted before letting out a groggy yet cheeky giggle. She then smiled at me and said, "But we should not dwell in bed for much longer. We must be going soon, yes?"

"Ah, right. Better get some breakfast before we march." I replied before pushing myself up in bed. That moss was very comfortable and even molded itself to fit my body. Almost like one of those novelty mattresses back on Earth, but made entirely of organic material. Amazing what the kirin can come up with. I put on my clothes and hurried back over to the command center to swap into a new set. Rain Shine and I must have slept in since everyone who resides in the command center was already at the buffet line to help themselves to breakfast.

I did not bother with a morning shower now that breakfast was already out and quickly swapped into a pair of clean clothes up in my loft. Once I was seated at the main table in the common area, I was once again bordered by Ocellus. She did not come rushing to greet me like every time I head up into my dorm since she was already in line to get some breakfast, but her insistence on maintaining a close proximity to me while indoors told me everything I needed to know. I stroked her long brunette hair while she remained in her convenient dragon form and said, "Sleep well last night?"

"Mmhm. But I think I'd sleep better if you were there too." She said meekly while pushing her head up into my hand. That sweet little love bug. She had gotten so accustomed to having so much love on hand after going most of her life with so little that she was having difficulty adjusting to going too long without it. Maybe once she settles in Ponyville and everyone there accepts her, the more pleasant vibes of a welcoming environment will balance her out.

Rain Shine soon entered the command center and Ember was not behind her for long. Ember joined the three royal sisters in the war room along with Shining Armor and Estoc. I mostly listened to those around me and spoke when spoken to. I enjoyed this moment of respite being surrounded by friends. But as the morning went by and breakfast passed and the buffet was cleared out with everyone starting to leave the command center in order to prepare for the imminent march, Rain Shine remained seated across the table from me while I just sat there and allowed my thoughts to wander. Ember eventually departed while bidding me farewell, no doubt being in a hurry to fetch her armor and spear. Although Rain Shine then took the moment to speak to me. "Ember is a fine young woman. And a very different person depending on who is in her company."

It did my heart good to see her thinking so fondly of her partner in battle now that Rain Shine and Ember would be at my sides on the battlefield. I then said, "She is great company, isn't she? Most would probably expect that Dragon Lord to be a warmonger, but Ember's just...great. I'm glad I bumped into her."

"Considering how she is around her men, I can see why some would make that assumption. The few instances I have caught her in the company of the twelve who serve under her, she has been consistently agitated and speaking loudly and firmly to them. And they always look tempted to shrug her commands off." Rain Shine spoke while sipping tea from a cup. It was unfortunate that she had to see Ember's bitter relationship with her own subordinates. Although she then smiled at me as she continued. "But you... She is easily at her happiest when in your company. There is a wonderful chemistry between you two. And when we marched, I could sense her constant concern for you. So very alert of her surroundings... I fear she would die for you if she must."

That discussion was going by so smooth until I heard that last part. I smacked my hand firmly upon the table and said, "God, don't say that... Ember getting herself killed out here for my sake is the kind of thought that keeps me awake at night. I don't know what I'd do if I saw her drop dead out there. She needs to live. Her people need her."

Rain Shine's eyes fell upon my hand. I did not mean to make such a brief scene, but just saying such a thing disturbed me. Largely because I had seen battle by that point and knew that Ember suffering a fatal injury was not an impossibility. And the thought of losing her...scared me. As I slid my hand off the table and placed it on my lap, Rain Shine then asked, "She is dear to you. I can feel it. Such a sense of dread when you did that just now. That is a very palpable fear you just felt. But fear not. I shall be there as well to watch over you."

"I can't thank you enough for that, Rain. Please make sure we all get through this. Both of you." I pleaded softly as I finally stood up. With such an ugly thought in my head, I needed to get outside. And so I went upstairs to fetch my armor and weapons before stepping outside. Rain Shine had disappeared too. No doubt to fetch her own equipment for the imminent march.

While I waited outside the command center under the late morning sun, I noticed something approaching from the north while carried on the wind. A flash of glimmering gold on wings of blue. I felt a smile creep across my face to see the familiar form of Ember descending towards me. Spear in hand, she pulled her helmet off. "Ready to head out?"

"Yeah, pretty much. Rain Shine should be here shortly..." I started to say until I remembered what happened with Ember where we were standing just yesterday. I glanced down at her armored feet, clad in golden winged sabatons. Rarity did weave some socks for her, right? I could not see any fabric peeking above the metal. "Say, before I forget... How're your feet feeling since yesterday?"

"Oh, about that...!" Ember retorted while firmly placing her spear's pommel into the ground for leverage. She lifted her right leg with its reptilian joint placement allowing her to easily lift her foot towards her left hand. She managed to wiggle her sabaton off and revealed that there was indeed a white sock coating her foot that stopped just shy of her ankles. And the white surprisingly complimented that beautiful shade of blue on her scales. "Rarity put these together for me just this morning. And I have another pair in my dwelling. My sabatons are a little more snug than I'm used to, but at least they're comfortable and there's almost no friction. It really makes walking around in these a lot more pleasant."

"Good to see that. It would suck if your feet hurt too much by the time we have to face the next wave." I replied while Ember slid her sabaton back on. Amazing to know what a difference something as simple as a pair of socks can do for a simple foot soldier's performance. Before long, Rain Shine joined us in full armor with her glaive secured to her side. I looked to the east to see the shallow hills before us. "Right, let's get going. Being down in this valley doesn't feel right."

Everyone was in a hurry to get out of that valley. While there was never any sign of enemy movement before and after we set up camp for the night, being surrounded by higher elevations was a massive tactical disadvantage. We would have to avoid doing that more than once as the distance between us and the enemy stronghold became smaller.

I was almost certain that today was going to be the day where we would finally see the next enemy detachment. But after another long day of marching in some admittedly fine weather, we once again found no resistance. Perhaps staying in one spot for several days after that previous battle skewed my perceptions of time and distance. We were not even really sure of exactly how far away from the Heaven's Pillar we were at the time. But even with all of our sensor crystals tucked away in the command center after they had been rounded up during the march, there was not a single sign of Hollows out there. Even our pegasus scouts saw nothing out over the horizon while watching from high above.

As the sun began to set behind us, it was time to set up camp. I was starting to suspect maybe the emperor was deliberately withholding his troops longer than necessary to get us too relaxed. No, that could not be the case... He would have to revise his tactics, select what type of gear for his pawns to carry into battle, set up their formations... It was most likely a very time-consuming task when he is entirely on his own with no advisors or generals to provide suggestions. The next wave will come. It is inevitable.

I sat myself down at the common area's main table once the camp had been set for the night. It was such a difficult wait. And it almost felt like there was a trap waiting. And eventually, Ember walked in and joined me. She did not bother to remove her armor, but left her spear behind and probably had a dagger on her person just in case. She sat down across from me with mostly the only sound we heard being the soft mystical sounds of the crystal panels over in the radar station. I watched her as she lifted her helmet from her head before she let out a long sigh. "Hoo boy, this feels like it's taking too long... I don't mind the quiet, but you'd think we'd have found something by now."

"The emperor is just one guy. He's gotta set up his army entirely on his own and has no one to provide a second opinion on placement and equipment." I replied while slouching in my seat. I was only taking an educated guess now that I had become familiar with the strategizing that occurs before battles. That is the entire purpose of the war room after all. I then let out a yawn and added, "But I get the sentiment. I'm getting a little anxious too with all this downtime. I know he's not stringing us along, but it's hard not to suspect he might do that..."

In the meantime, Ember started to examine her helmet. She specifically looked at the front and how the plating covered her long jawline. She tapped her finger on the underside. It appeared to consist of a single plate riveted in place. "Hm... I wonder... You think I should ask the blacksmiths to remove this panel here? If I could open my jaw enough, I could probably breathe fire without having to take my helmet off."

"That might... Huh, that's a really good idea..." I muttered in thought. Since her jaw would open downward instead of up, Ember would not have to worry about the upper section of her helmet set over her face getting in the way. Although I then pointed out, "But that would leave your jaw open to attacks from below. You sure that's a necessary risk?"

"It's not like they'd be able to see that spot being exposed. And attacks from below aren't exactly easy to pull off when your enemy is a lot taller than you. I'm sure I'll be fine." Ember replied while bringing up a good point. Every attack from a Hollow would come from above for something as petite as Ember. The best they could hope for would be a kick, but good luck getting close enough to pull that off when being held at bay by a spear. Ember then set her helmet on the table and smiled at me. "And it'll be nice to talk to you without sounding like I have my head stuck in a soup pot."

That made me laugh. It is easy to forget how a fully enclosed helmet can add a metallic echoing filter to one's voice. Ember just rolled her eyes since she knew exactly where she was coming from. There were a total of four narrow slits on the front of her helmet's snout area to allow for improved airflow, but it did little to let her voice out.

The two of us sat there as the smell of dinner being prepared started to leak out of the kitchen. Although after a while, Ember leaned on the table to bring herself a little closer to me. I noticed a smirk on her lips as she said, "You really do listen more than you talk."

"Is it that obvious?" I retorted while taking amusement in her observations. I said little and was just listening and watching my surroundings and those who came by.

Ember chuckled while she gave me a most tender knowing gaze. "I've noticed. There are plenty of times where you just shut up and go silent while everyone else around you does the talking. You don't say anything, but I know you're listening. You hear and process everything that reaches your ears. And I adore that about you."

I tensed up in glee at her words. That was nothing short of high praise coming from Ember. She then asked more softly, "And if you don't mind me asking... May I have your company tonight at my place?"

With how many nights I had spent away from my own dorm lately, I did not want to deprive Smolder and Ocellus of my company too often. But I did long for Ember's company as well. She is always a good host to me. I tried to ease her out of the suggestion and said, "I don't know... Smolder and Ocellus miss me when I'm away too many nights. Can we wait a few days?"

"James. Please." Ember said more firmly, but gently as she leaned further over the table. Her eyes pleaded with me in a way she seldom does. "I'm...worried about you. I don't know why. I just am. I'll feel better knowing you're safe with me for the night. You know I'll keep you safe."

It would probably be a bad idea to dismiss a dragon's concern. She probably had some sort of hunch. I did not share that superstition, but I was not going to make her worry to the point of staying awake all night. If being by her side would improve her ability to function in the war effort, I had a duty to perform for the Dragon Lord's sake. "All right. I'll be there tonight. But only after dinner."

Ember's eyes brightened in relief as she sat back in her chair again. "Thank you... I know there's others who care about you, but... I just can't shake this feeling. Like something will happen soon... I just hope it's only my nerves."

Dinner came and went as familiar faces gathered in the common area to survey the buffet. They even broke out some bottles of hard cider. Smolder and Ocellus were not permitted to have any, but we all appreciated that hard bite among that cider flavor. Ember did not seem to be affected by the alcohol in it at all. Too little on a full stomach, I suppose. And while everyone conversed, I saw Ember smirking at me whenever I went quiet for too long. She knew I was listening. Just like how I always listen to her.

Smolder and Ocellus were disappointed, but understanding when I insisted that Ember needed me with her that night. I promised them I would stay with them for every night afterward until the next time Novo arrived. My beautiful queen would not stand for me to not stay with her every night to make up for lost time. Ember departed just after dinner and I soon walked across the camp under the cover of dark now that the camp had settled in for the night. A curfew was in effect like always, but I was never approached by guards on patrol while I kept my course consistent.

I eventually arrived at the open lot set out before Ember's cottage. And sure enough, I was greeted by an amusing sight. All twelve of Ember's ragtag dragon subordinates were sprawled out before it while dead asleep. And they were still clad in their rugged armor. I suppose dragons can get comfortable on just about anything. There were some soft glows coming from the windows of the cottage ahead, but not so bright as to be caused by the ceiling lights.

I felt a certain kind of tension as I stood out there in the hauntingly dark Empty Plains with almost no light sources besides the crescent moon above and a few torches at the far end of the archery range behind me. Wanting to get out of that almost insidious darkness, I knocked on the door. And it promptly opened before something grabbed my hand and pulled me inside. "Phew, I was getting anxious! You can barely see anything out there at this hour."

"Yeah, it gets creepy dark this far from civilization." I retorted as Ember locked the door behind me. I glanced around and saw why the light coming from the windows was so dim. The only light filling the front of the house was coming from the few lamps in the living room. As if Ember did not want to get things too bright in order to keep the atmosphere cozy and quiet. And beyond that... She even had the phonograph playing some lovely soft classical music. "Wonderful mood you've set for the place."

"Yeah, I don't know what it is, but having less light felt...better for this time of night." Ember retorted before she took my hand and guided me to the kitchen. "Here. I found something in that freeze box that I think you'll like."

"You mean the freezer? That's for preserving foods with freezing temperatures... Although not everything freezes well." I replied while knowing it would take a long time to explain how and what should go in a freezer. Ember still had a lot to learn about modern conveniences. I sat at the table and watched Ember as she carried herself around the kitchen in a knowing manner. She set out a pair of bowls and spoons to match. And I quickly figured out what she was going for. She turned around with a tub of ice cream in her hands before using her tail to expertly close the door behind her. "Ice cream, huh? Some cold dessert before bed?"

"Mmhm, I don't know what you do to make this stuff, but I love it. Melts so easy in your mouth and just...feels good going down." Ember spoke with a big smile on her face. She really was trying to be a good host. Not even a minute after I stepped inside and she was already setting me up with a tasty treat. And the ice cream... Cookie dough. Excellent choice.

I did raise an eyebrow when Ember started to add the ice cream to our bowls. She was scooping it out one spoonful at a time. That was when I asked, "Is there no scooper in the kitchen?"

Ember stopped immediately and looked over at me. "There's no...what? You when there's a better way than this?"

"Hang on, I think I saw one around before." I then stood up from my seat and started checking the drawers. I did not take long to find what I was looking for. A cast iron scooper. I then came over and brought the scooper's head to the tub. "Here, this makes it a lot easier."

Ember watched closely while I dug out a hefty scoop of ice cream and shook it into the bowl. I then handed the scooper to her. "Here. This'll do the job better."

In barely a minute more, we had three scoops each sitting in the bowls. Ember and I took our spoons and sat beside each other at the table. Not much was said at first. At least until Ember had already consumed one of her orbs of ice cream. "Thanks for being here tonight. It...gets lonely when you're not here."

"Always a pleasure, Ember. Thanks for having me." I replied as the music from the next room over continued to serenade us. Such a lovely atmosphere, especially with the lighting being low and soft. I then asked softly, "You did a great job setting the tone here. Very cozy."

"It is, isn't it? I tried turning on the lights on the ceiling, but that felt too bright. Like it would make me too awake. So I went with just those little lamps set around the place." Ember explained while displaying a growing sophistication in how she was adapting to more civilized living. She was a quick learner and appreciated catching up with what her people had been left behind from.

Now that I was in her home, I felt the need to ask. "Did you want me here because you missed me?"

Ember had just finished her bowl of ice cream and set the spoon down in the bowl. And she was hesitant to look at me. "OK, yes... I was serious when I said I wanted to keep you safe tonight, but..."

Ember then turned her head to look up at me while almost looking ashamed. "I...missed having you around. And I miss having someone with me who actually listens."

I said nothing for a moment, but then reached out and pulled Ember close to me. Chair and all. We held each other as I asked, "Your men still giving you trouble?"

"Not as bad as before, but yes... I think even they know that they need to take this war seriously, but it's still a hassle getting them to take me seriously... Half the time, at least." Ember grumbled before lifting her head to look at me. She cracked a crooked grin and said, "I mean I am noticing some improvements, but the situation still isn't exactly ideal... Especially since they did bring up how I lost that duel to Rain Shine..."

I sighed with an exasperated groan, knowing that her subordinates really would view that loss as a sign of weakness. I held my friend's brow to my chest and grumbled, "Oh those... Ember, you were great. I was very impressed with how you handled yourself in the face of a massive disadvantage. If luck was on your side, I think you could've forced Rain to yield. You didn't win, but you didn't lose easily."

"Thanks... Really, that means a lot to me." Ember muttered with her arms wrapping around me. And for a moment, that was all we did. With only the phonograph breaking the nightly silence, we held each other. So strong, yet so fragile. I felt safe in Ember's presence, yet also felt compared to cradle her like she was made of glass. She made me...feel more sure of myself. If the Dragon Lord values me so much, then surely I would not disappoint her.

Maybe that was just the music getting to me, but I did caress a hand over Ember's back. Tenderly caressing her as I heard her sigh. And her wings spread wide open. But we then both realized what that involuntary gesture meant and released each other from our embrace. Ember then stammered a bit as she said, "I...uh...I'll go get the bedroom ready..."

"Yeah... Sure..." I muttered before Ember rushed away from me with a staggering gait. I needed to be careful... Dragons...are to be handled with care when it comes to their hearts. And the Dragon Lord's heart carries an especially heavy burden.

I did all I could to distract myself. Focusing on simple things, I carried our empty dessert bowls over to the kitchen sink. And I was in for an unpleasant surprise. "Wha... Oh come on, Ember..."

The steel sink was filled with several dirty dishes and bowls that must have been the result to Ember feeding herself with whatever she found around the kitchen. I knew she was not lazy. She just had no idea what to do with them. Rolling my eyes, I grabbed a sponge and a bottle of dish soap and got to work to help pass the time. And before much longer, Ember got curious about the sound of running water in the kitchen and came back over to investigate. "Um... James? What's keeping you?"

"Just doing the dishes. You're letting them get piled pretty high here." I explained before I noticed her peek past me.

"Wait... Am I supposed to clean those after I use them?" Ember asked while I almost laughed at her sheer ignorance. She cracked a crooked and meek smile at me when she saw that grimace on my face. "OK, OK, I get it! So, how you do this?"

"If you need to do it by hand, use warm water to soak the stuff and then rub everything off with a sponge and soap before giving it a good rinse. And I mean the liquid soap, not the stuff you find in the bathroom." I explained while Ember watched every move I made. I set the dishes and silverware aside once clean and saved a little of everything for Ember right at the end. I watched from over her shoulder as she mirrored my actions from moments earlier. There was a certain paradox seeing the mighty Dragon Lord carrying out mundane household tasks, but Ember really did not care. She even looked rather proud of herself once every piece of ceramic and cutlery was polished and clean. I then looked down at her and asked, "You learn something new every day, huh?"

"Mmhm! Feels good, seeing those all spotless and ready to be used again." Ember replied with her arms crossed. I then started putting the dishes away in the cabinets and the silverware into the correct drawer while Ember watched my every move. I knew she was aware of where to find the stuff since she had to get them from somewhere in the first place, but now she needed to know exactly how to put them back. I made sure she could see me correctly stack the dishes and bowls and sorted the silverware in the drawers. It was a simple task, but there was something satisfying about teaching the barbarian queen about the fundamentals of civilized living. Especially when she was so willing to learn. "So that's how you do it... I'll keep that in mind."

"Yep. Anyway, what's...next... Oh right." I muttered before suddenly remembering what we were about to do right until I noticed all those dirty dishes. Still, it was late. We should not be kept up for too long. While Ember stepped away to turn the phonograph off for the night lest that subtle scratching sound keep playing for goodness knows how long, I made my way down the hall to the bedroom at the end.

The room was aglow with the two lamps on the end tables next to the bed casting their light from under their shades. The atmosphere was even cozier due to the bedroom's confined space. Not as wide as the front of the house due to part of the living room being on the other side of the wall while only leaving room for a closet. But that was necessary in providing a feeling of security. The bedroom is supposed to be a safe haven at the end of a long day. The blinds were closed to keep out any prying eyes. And the place was quite tidy. It was as if Ember had the foresight to clean up before my arrival. Although she did leave her used socks out on the dresser nearby. A little interior design faux pas she clearly did not have the experience to consider.

I lied down on the bed with it looking like it had just been made. I rolled over and dragged my fingers along it, my nose pressed into the blanket. I knew Ember knows nothing about doing laundry and I was not going to fault her for not bothering. I was wondering if I would smell her natural scent in the sheets since it is normal for one's natural scent to leak into the sheets after enough time has passed. I did not notice much. Maybe the lingering scent of myself and Nightmare Moon since we probably used that bed longer than Ember, but I was merely trying to distract myself. Why was I so nervous tonight? I had shared that bed with Ember before. What was so different about tonight?

Moments later, I noticed the lighting shift. What little light was shining in through the door dimmed. It took me several seconds to notice and the sound of soft footsteps. I rolled onto my side and saw Ember standing in the doorway with nothing but the darkened hallway behind her. We gazed upon each other, but said nothing. Ember then stepped inside and locked the door behind her. I watched her while she strode forward and crawl onto the bed before resting beside me. Those beautiful scarlet eyes set into a face of soothing blue gazed at me before she soon asked with a soft tone one would not expect from the mighty Dragon Lord. "How are you feeling?"

There was no easy answer to that question. I all but rolled onto my back as I let out a wheeze of amusement at my own indecisiveness. "That's a... Um... Hard to say, really. It's a nice night, if nothing else, so that makes me happy."

"Good. I didn't call you over to put you in a bad mood." Ember said softly before I felt her hand upon mine. Not holding it. Just resting over it. She then spoke with a whisper, "I'm here for you, OK?"

"Thank you. Really." I retorted before just looking at the ceiling for a moment. Ember said nothing after that, just waiting for me to speak first. Although I started to narrow my gaze when I felt Ember's fingers starting to slide over the back of my hand. And seemingly for no reason. I looked down and did indeed see Ember tracing a single finger along the back of my hand with it weaving between the ridges caused by the bones in it. I asked softly, "Just being gentle tonight?"

"Didn't you tell me that tenderness isn't a sign of weakness?" Ember asked with a smirk on her lips. As she and I both grinned at each other in knowing amusement, she then added, "Not sure if you've picked up on this yet, but I'm a fast learner. Need to be if I'm the one in charge."

"I bet you pick up on things faster than your old man did." I almost chuckled while Ember rolled her eyes. I was not being disrespectful to Ember. I knew her father only had his people's best interests at heart, same as her. I then smiled more softly at her and said, "You're the best."

Ember's movements over my hand became more restrictive, merely sliding back and forth over the same spot. Her tone was quiet as she only barely whispered to me, "Thank you. I hope I am."

She looked so lovely in the glow of the lamps' light. Reclining beside me with posture that blurred the line between regal and bestial. She was beautiful. But now that I was getting a look at the horns on her head exactly from the side, I was left perplexed when I saw that they did not jut forward as far as I had believed. Perhaps I just got really unlucky in that shared dream weeks ago where she jammed one of them into my cheek entirely by accident simply by turning her head too sharply and on just the right angle, but they did not look quite as haphazard as I remembered. Just an optical illusion, I am sure. I pulled my hand out from under Ember's and raised it to the left side of her head, sliding my fingers down her horn with the tip pointing forward only as far as the point where her neck connected to her head. "You know, looking at these directly from the side... I don't know how you knocked a tooth out of me when the tips are this far back."

"They are?" Ember asked before she brought her hand to her right horn and tried to see how far they reached. "Huh... Yeah, they really don't reach that far forward... Just it was just dumb luck. Sorry about that. Really. I really didn't mean to hurt you back there."

"It's fine. Nightmare Moon fixed me up right away." I retorted while thinking back on that experience without much angst. It was painful, but almost feels like something I can laugh at. But as I examined the length of Ember's horns, I came to a realization. "You don't have to wear any padding over these tonight if you don't want to. I don't think you have to worry about hitting me with these."

Ember brought her right hand over to mine and held it to her horn. Her beautiful scarlet eyes gazed at me with tenderness, but also unease. "You sure? I really don't mind wrapping them in something. I'd hate to hurt you again."

By then, I was much more certain of Ember's awareness of her own body. She is far from reckless and is always so careful when in close proximity to me. As if she is always looking out for me more than I tend to look out for her. I still insisted, "It's fine. I know you won't screw up."

She let out a long sigh with her eyes closing momentarily, but Ember then smiled dearly at me before lowering her hand to the bed and resuming her relaxation. The tip of her tail swished slowly and subtly along the blanket. She was very happy. And I was enjoying myself with her despite the simplicity of the situation. But as the moments went by, my mind went to a darker place. All because thinking of her holding her spear triggered a chain reaction that made me think of the coming battles. And so I asked, "Do you...regret being out here? Wouldn't you rather head home?"

This statement caused Ember to glance at me with eyes of confusion. "Why would you assume that about me? I know what's going on out here and I'm ready to see this war through to the end."

Perhaps I was not clear enough with my words. "I mean...do you feel obligated to be out here? The emperor isn't focusing exclusively on your territories right now. You could..."

"Stop." Ember barked firmly before bringing a finger to my lips to silence me. She glared at me for a moment, but her gaze began to soften. "I don't regret coming out here. I don't regret facing the enemy on the battlefield. I want to be here. And the biggest reason I'm out here...is because of you. I'm here to make sure you make it home alive, all right? I'm here for you."

Her conviction was impressive. Even though I anticipated such a statement from her, it felt great to hear it again. I gazed at her in gratitude while Ember's gaze softened further. She knew she got her point across and she knew I appreciated her. And those eyes casting their gaze upon me... "You...have such beautiful eyes..."

"Because I am beautiful, right?" Ember spoke with a chuckle as she finally showed no discomfort over being referred to as such. She rested her chin on the back of her hand and gazed down at me with that tender smile and soft gaze. "I hope I am... It feels...nice to think I'm beautiful. Thank you for teaching me that."

"I've always had an eye and appreciation for beauty... It's a shame when someone sees it as a bad thing." I said softly while staring up at her even as she gazed down at me. She truly is beautiful. I can only hope that beauty remains intact by the time this war ends.

After a moment more of sacred intimate silence with only the muffled sounds of the night leaking into the cottage, Ember's gaze began to wander. With some hesitation, she then asked, "James... Do you...still feel the urge to kiss me?"

That again... I felt stupid for having ever said that in the first place that one time. But I was not going to ignore her question. Unsure of what to even say, I responded with a question of my own. "Have you ever been kissed before?"

"Never." Ember said briefly with her gaze wandering. She muttered wistfully, "I know it sounds ridiculous. More than a hundred years and this girl never kissed a boy..."

My thoughts went back to what Ember had told me of dragon courtship. And what a heavy and serious practice it is for her kind. I then asked, "Does even a simple kiss...carry heavy connotations for dragons?"

"Maybe it'd be best if I showed you..." Ember sighed before she crawled forward until her face was right before mine. For just a second, I thought she was about to kiss me. But just when I was starting to relax, Ember pulled something entirely unexpected. She opened her jaws wide. The widest I had ever seen her do so. With her powerful jaws lined with diamond-crushing fangs, she leaned forward to crush my face in her maw.

"Ember...!" I shrieked as I froze with eyes squinted shut. Would she really...?! But no pain came. I did not even feel anything touch me. And when I found the courage to open one eye, I found Ember resting beside me as she had been a moment ago. She looked pained, eyes gazing at me with worry. I asked with the rush starting to pass, "Why did..."

She was quick to bring her hand to the side of my face and cupped my jaw. Ember then spoke softly, "I swear I wasn't going to hurt you. But that... That's the risk a dragon takes even with something as simple as a kiss. To show such affection, you...have to make yourself vulnerable. Because if they really wanted to take advantage of you, all they would have to do is open wide and bite your face off."

Such a dark concept... Was there really a time where dragons were so cunning and deceitful that it was not unheard of for potential mates and loved ones to betray those who were just starting to long for them? I understood why Ember did what she did. Explaining it would not have had the same impact as simulating the experience. Although I then said, "You know my teeth and jaws aren't like yours... I wouldn't be able to hurt you much if I did try to bite you."

Her eyes narrowed as I suddenly realized I may have unwittingly downplayed the implications she was trying to explain. Ember then said coolly, "It's not about how much damage is done. It's the act of striking a potential suitor when they've lowered their guard around you out of trust."

"I know, I know..." I retorted with a hand slightly raised to calm her. I was not about to dismiss anything Ember was saying about dragon courtship and the risks it carries. But even though I knew I did not have the capacity to ever do such a thing to her, I still felt the need to ask. "If you don't mind me asking... What would you do if I...ever did such a thing to you?"

It disgusted me to even entertain such a notion about myself. I just...cannot comprehend the mindset necessary to do such a thing to my partner. And Ember did not respond immediately. Her eyes wandered. They even closed for a moment. After what felt like twenty seconds of silence, she spoke coldly to me. "I would never want to see you again."

And it did not stop there. Before I could offer a retort, Ember continued with her voice carrying an icy and low growl to it. She glared at me unblinkingly as she continued. "I would return home. And I would declare that you are to be killed on sight if you ever dare to show your face in the dragon lands again. And should that happen, I would cast your corpse into the nearest lava pool to insure nothing would remain of you."

I could feel the malice on her tongue. And it was chilling to hear such a thing come out of the mouth of someone I adore as much as Ember. I believed every word she said to the point where I felt I should depart immediately and leave her be for the night. But before I could even try to push myself up from the bed, Ember's icy gaze began to warm as her cold rage was replaced by such a sorrowful and fearful pleading stare. Fresh tears trickled down her blue face as she asked, "But...you wouldn't... You wouldn't, right...?"

With the facade crumbling I felt compelled to comfort my friend. I reached out and pulled Ember into an embrace as her wing draped itself over me. "Never. I will...never do that to you. I can't...imagine myself ever hurting you like that."

Ember let out a soft whimper as she held me, her stalwart presence as the Dragon Lord fading entirely. At that moment, she was a fragile vulnerable young woman. Vulnerable... The one thing she could not allow herself to be in the face of her people. But so many times, she had let herself be vulnerable around me in private. She would laugh, smile, and even hold me and let herself be held in turn. When we have been together, she has always been the happiest she has ever been. Because...only then could she let herself be vulnerable.

As I held her, my mind wandered. I was not going to ask her any difficult questions. But I could make an educated guess. For the longest time, she was the daughter of the Dragon Lord. She was connected to the ruler of all dragons. If someone wanted to strike at him or try to usurp him, taking advantage of or even murdering his daughter would be a good place to start. To spend so long being wary of males that may seek to use her on top of just growing more and more disgusted with her people's barbaric ways... Ember must have led a very lonely life while desiring so much more. And so I quietly asked, "Do I make you happy when I hold you?"

Ember gasped as she tried to compose her voice with her face still buried in my chest. "You've...made me the happiest I've ever been..."

And so I continued to hold her. My hand slid up between her shoulder blades and to the spines hanging down the back of her head. So fragile in spite of her strength... Like a fine porcelain egg, I cradled her to try and not break her. And just when I thought it was over... Just when I thought it was finally time for us to sleep, I heard her. "James."

Ember started to push herself up and I followed. I sat before her while Ember remained on her knees. Eyes filled with a desperate need, she whispered to me. "Will you...give me my first kiss?"

My heart jumped into my throat. After what she had just told me... What she had just shown me... Now she was requesting that I do something to her that demanded some of the greatest faith in me possible? And so I asked, "But...why me?"

Her answer was as simple and it was powerful. "Because I trust you."

To hear that from a dragon... And from the Dragon Lord herself, no less. It felt like one of the most powerful things she could ever say to anyone. And it struck me right in the heart. This was not simply a request for a friend. Ember...was bestowing upon me a great honor. I sighed as I steeled my nerves for this simple yet important act. "It would...be an honor."

Ember's hand quivered as it reached for mine. And I took hold of it as tenderly as always. But as we drew even closer to each other, I felt that faint vibration in her grasp. And her eyes... So wide. Wider than I had ever seen. I could see tiny beads of sweat being squeezed out from under the scales on her head. She was shivering. But not from any sensation of cold. I then asked softly, "Are you...afraid?"

She could only barely nod and provided a brief whisper. "Terrified."

My grasp on Ember's hand tightened. She was so vulnerable. Something she was just not used to. The very act of putting herself in this situation must have surely required great courage. If her men knew of it, they would likely be watching with bated breath. But I knew myself well enough by then. I would not harm her. I could not. I would not. Not then. Not when she had become so dear to me. "I won't ever hurt you."

"Please don't." Ember pleaded as I noticed fresh tears starting to build at the edges of her frightened eyes. Was she telling me to not kiss her? Or to not harm her? Regardless, I began to lean closer to her as I readied myself for this scared act. But Ember began to lean back ever so slightly. And she constantly unceasingly muttered fearful words pleading for mercy. "Please don't... Please don't..."

"Ember..." I finally muttered as I became convinced she was on the verge of a panic attack. My hand rose to the side of her long jaw. And upon feeling my touch, she froze. I then whispered softly to her with my eyes gazing into hers, "Shhhh... Breathe, OK?"

I felt her head barely nod in response. She then closed her eyes and inhaled deeply to fill her lungs for this leap of faith. We both closed our eyes. And before Ember could have second thoughts... I felt them. Right upon my lips.

That kiss... Our first. And the first Ember had ever experienced in her entire life. More than a hundred and twenty years and it finally happened. And it was...so amazingly sweet. And that sweetness only grew as I heard Ember let out a long wheezing breath as all that air in her lungs was released in a gasp of relief. She made the most daring leap of faith in her life and I caught her as I promised I would. As I proceeded to take her into my arms.

I dared to not pull away too soon. I kept my eyes closed as I felt those majestic blue wings wrap around me. And her hands... I felt one rest upon my chest to feel my beating heart. The other, sliding up to the back of my head to hold it with her fingers sliding through my hair. After perhaps a full thirty seconds, I felt Ember starting to relent. Only then did I pull away as I allowed my eyes to open. I saw a fresh trickle of tears staining her face, but the rest of her was... Ember's scarlet eyes looked almost dazed. Her mouth hung open just slightly as she breathed softly in relief. Treading carefully, I asked quietly. "Are you...all right?"

Ember did not speak at first. She looked tired. And when she did speak, she did not exactly answer my question as her eyes wandered. "It's weird... It's so scary at first, but becomes...so nice once it actually happens..."

Ember's response to her first kiss in the face of overwhelming fear was amusingly subdued at first. Like she had no idea what to actually think of the experience. But just when I was almost tempted to crack a grin at her borderline stoicism, I froze when I felt her hand grasp the back of my head more firmly. She did not smile, but those soft words carried with them a dear desire. "Again... Please..."

"Gladly." I whispered before we were both wrapped up in our embrace. My eyes closed before I felt her draconic lips upon mine, our arms and hands cradling each other during another sacred kiss. I could not see her, but I could feel her. And I could smell her. A faint reptilian scent upon her that was entirely her own. And I wanted to protect and cherish her as I always had. And at the first opportunity, I whispered during a brief pause in that wonderful kiss. "I won't ever hurt you... I swear."

"I know you won't." Ember sighed without a shred of doubt in her voice. Just like that, all that fear, all that dread and anxiety... It was gone. And I felt so happy for her. One should not fear a kiss from a loved one. She knew she was cherished. The beautiful and noble Dragon Lord needed to not be afraid of receiving genuine affection. And after another brief kiss, she gazed into my eyes as she whispered to me. "I...want to taste you... Is that...normal when doing this?"

"That's just a deeper kiss you're thinking of. And...we can if you want." I muttered softly while understanding her ignorance on the art of romance. Ember merely nodded with mouth hanging open slightly. Her eyes narrowing as she placed her faith in me. She did not even ask me to be careful to not bite her tongue. For she knew I would not. I closed my eyes once more. And with our lips parted, I felt it. Her long tongue caressing mine. I tasted that faintest hint of sulfur upon her breath, but in an ever so slightly different way than I noticed from Smolder. Ember's taste... It was entirely her own.

My embrace tightened around the beautiful Dragon Lord as our kiss only continued to deepen. Ember always had a lovely voice. And to hear her groan and moan into that wonderful kiss with her limbs clinging to me more desperately with every passing moment was a joy to hear. She was in bliss the likes of which she had never experienced before. I just wanted to make her happy.

Ember huffed and whimpered, her tongue lashing around mine as I too groaned softly into that kiss. For as long as it lasted, it still ended too soon. She gasped and wheezed while gazing drunkenly into my eyes. It felt so surreal to me as well. I was trying to keep my heart restrained, only doing what Ember asked of me. That night was about her, not me.

"Why does that feel so good..." Ember muttered in a haze. She could not even look at me directly as she was surely feeling a surge of endorphins. "Is it supposed...to make me feel this nice...?"

I gently caressed Ember's jaw to try and keep her calm and at ease in the face of these new sensations. She was so naive and inexperienced in matters of the heart. "Yeah... It should. I'm enjoying this too..."

Our lips touched again. And our tongues resumed their waltz. Man and dragoness, together in such a wonderful display of intimacy. One of my most precious desires and dreams, even if it was only a taste of what I had dreamed of for the longest time. And when that kiss ended again, Ember gazed into my eyes with her voice carrying sacred words. "You give me hope..."

"You give me courage..." I replied in turn as we savored each other. Minute after minute passed, lips locked together. Tongues dancing for the first time. I tasted her while she tasted me. For just a moment... Even if I knew this was not what a part of me hoped it was... It felt like we were something more than just friends. Even if just for a minute.

"Please... Hold me?" Ember asked as her curiosity over the art of the kiss had been satisfied for the moment. And I did. Ember brought her hands to my chest as she leaned into me, brow upon my chest. Her wings relaxed while I kept my arms around her. I kept my right hand upon the back of her head, gently sliding my fingers between those long blue spines and even playing with them a bit by tilting them down to see how they can bend. Ember muttered softly as I felt her pressing more firmly into me as her body weight shifted. "I should be afraid... I shouldn't be this...relaxed..."

"Don't be afraid. You have me." I whispered back to her. To completely let all of her defenses down to be truly vulnerable like this... For the Dragon Lord, such a concept must have been incomprehensible. Surrounded by barbaric fools who usually disregard her input. Having to potentially consider the possibility of some rogue trying to usurp her. And now she was slumping into my arms. If she could not bring herself to stay on her toes here, then I would hold her and keep her safe.

Before long, Ember turned herself around and leaned back against me. Her wings were open wide as I was tucked between them. My head beside hers, I placed my hands upon her chest and belly. Those smooth light blue ventral scales were pleasant to slide my hands over. Very little friction at all. And Ember sighed pleasantly in my embrace. I was mindful of how low I would let my left hand wander, knowing what I might discover if I reached too low. And Ember knew this as well.

After a moment, I felt Ember take hold of my left hand in hers. That tender grasp being very welcome. But then... She began to guide my hand lower. And lower. Past her hips. My eyes opened wide as I began to realize what she was guiding me towards. But...surely she would not? Not when such an act would most likely be a massive breach in protocol in the field of dragon courtship. This was much too fast. "Ember... Why are... Down there?"

"If you do this to me, I'll be the most vulnerable I've ever been. I won't be able to resist you if you try to take advantage of me while I'm feeling...that." Ember muttered softly with a certain earnestness in her voice. She turned her head in my face's direction just enough for me to see her scarlet eye. She then softly pleaded, "Please... Prove to me that I can trust you as much as I think I can."

It was not an act of lust. Nor a declaration of romantic desire. It was...a test of trust? I then asked cautiously, "Do you...really trust me enough to let me...pleasure you like that? To let me be inside you?"

There was no smile or display of joy. Ember was cautious, but no longer afraid. I was doubtful that this was any sort of part of dragon culture. In hindsight, I suspected Ember was truly wanting to reassure herself of our friendship while also dealing with a budding libido. And she definitely deserved a moment of release. And her words that followed... So simple, yet powerful. "There isn't a man alive I trust more than you."

"You...really mean that." I mumbled in near disbelief. Ember nodded to confirm she was not exaggerating. To a dragon, certain words carry heavy weight. She would never declare such a thing if she was not sincere. I knew then that refusing to do this would be a mistake on some level. I touched the side of my face to her head just above the base of her horn. "I'll...be gentle."

"Please..." Ember pleaded as she closed her eyes. Her guard was down. Her hand released mine from her grasp. She was entirely at my mercy. And so I began to finally explore. To learn about the body of a dragon female.

I could feel her heart pounding under my right hand as I continued to hold her. Ember was anxious. My fingers on my left hand began to slide lower down her belly as I inspected between every individual ventral scale. And then, directly between her legs, I found something new. As I pried, I felt two of the scales move apart. And as I pushed deeper into that horizontal chink in her natural blue armor, I felt the sensation of warm moist flesh. Ember inhaled sharply with her head tilting back. And I could smell it. A familiar pungent and almost spicy scent beginning to feel the air. This was not a mammalian vulva my fingers were exploring. This was a dragon's cloaca.

A sensation reached the side of my head. Ember's right hand was holding me as I held her. She gasped and whimpered as she felt the touch of a man for the very first time within her most vulnerable area. And I proceeded to try to enhance this experience with a gentle series of kisses along her neck. I tried to not think too hard about what I was doing. I was not doing this for my own pleasure. This was not an act of catering to my own libido. This was entirely for her. She was at my mercy and it was my duty to insure that precious and fragile trust of this beautiful dragon maiden would not be betrayed. The more pleasure she felt, the more arduous it would be to find the will to resist the advances of another. The Dragon Lord...could not afford to be so vulnerable.

"I...didn't expect this to... Ah! To feel...this good...!" Ember groaned as I suspected this was her very first encounter with such sensations. The lack of a desire for a male would surely put a damper on her own sexual urges. Dragons most likely do not feel lust easily when there is not someone they can focus that desire upon. In a strange way, I felt honored knowing that I was the first and only man to ever let Ember experience this. This was all for her and I wanted her first time to be one worth remembering.

"Are you OK?" I whispered to my very special friend as my fingers stroked her inner walls. Her powerful feminine scent was spreading throughout the room. Such a strong spicy odor, but not at all an unpleasant one. This was a learning experience for me as well. Ember quivered in my embrace with her voice struggling to vocalize a response. "Am I...doing anything wrong?"

"No, you're... Oh...man... You're...doing wonderfully..." Ember groaned as she leaned her head against mine with her eyes squinted shut. She lowered her left hand to my own and rested her fingers upon the back, holding my hand to the most sacred location upon her body. She gasped and shuddered, speaking with a shriller tone than usual. "Your touch is so... These...aren't the hands of...a warrior... I should...be protecting you..."

"No... These hands weren't made to destroy. They were made to create. To hold and cherish those that deserve it." I whispered back to her as I allowed my inner artist to come out. And as I stated, I continued to hold her. To pleasure her. To give her something no man had ever given her before.

Ember gritted her teeth as she experienced a spasm of an intense spike in pleasure. I must have caressed a particularly sensitive spot inside her. She whispered and moaned with her wings spreading impressively wide, "I should be afraid... I'm helpless... I can't...resist you... Please... Please don't...make me regret this..."

"Ember, I swear I'll never do anything to you that you don't want." I spoke sincerely to her. I began to wiggle my fingers around inside her more vigorously, thinking that trying to keep her first time from dragging out for too long might be for the best. She was not ready to leave herself vulnerable for too long. We were not mates sworn to each other. Sad as it is to say, I knew she could never bestow that level of trust upon me. But she was still dear to me. And I wanted her to know I was hers to believe in. "I won't hurt you. I won't betray you. Do you believe me?"

"Yes... Yes... You...wonderful man... I... I...!" Ember groaned before she snarled loudly with teeth bared and gritting hard. She quivered hard in my embrace as I felt her inner walls spasm around my fingers. A massive increase of moisture was felt around my fingers. She had just reached her first climax. I had just...brought the Dragon Lord herself to her first orgasm.

As Ember slumped back into me as she basked in the building afterglow to the point where I thought she had fainted at first, I carefully withdrew my fingers from her very warm cloaca. My fingers were slick with her juices and carried that same powerful scent of a reptilian female. I was afraid to touch anything out of worry that the odor would sink into the fabric. I started to wonder if this was a mistake. There was a lot riding on this experience. Did I displease her? Did I make her uncomfortable at all? Would she demand that I leave?

When Ember started to turn around, her eyes were filled with an almost drunken haze. That surge of pleasure must have hit her hard. I remained still as I found her tired scarlet eyes gazing at me from mere inches away. She wheezed quietly in fatigue while I felt it was a good time to check on her. "Did I...do anything wrong?"

Ember said nothing. Instead, she acted. Before I even saw them moving, Ember brought her hands to the side of my head and took hold before suddenly bringing her lips to mine for a very forceful kiss. I was taken aback by this aggressive display of affection and was pushed to my back while I tried to keep my left hand held high. Ember pinned me there with that kiss never letting up for a second. But when it did finally end, she gazed down at me with a weak smile upon her lips. "You...really are the best man I've ever met... Thank you..."

"I'm...uh...glad I could be of service?" I mumbled while having no idea if this might have been a bad idea. But my worries started to fade when Ember began to tenderly drag her fingers along my chest. I recognized this tender display. She had done this a number of times before. Although now that the air in the bedroom was thick with Ember's scent and my hand was even more heavily coated in it, I knew there was something that needed to be done before we could allow ourselves to sleep. "We...uh...should probably wash up before bed. If anyone notices your scent on me in the morning..."

"Oh god, you're right! We...uh...really should!" Ember suddenly yelped as that realization dawned on her. While I noticed that her fluids had not leaked into the bed below us, I could see a clear fluid coating her tail's underside and her inner thighs. Ember hastily hurried out of the bedroom to get a the shower going in the bathroom while I was left wondering if this might have been a mistake. A very strange situation to find myself in, all things considered.

I was very careful in getting most of my clothes off. Even trying to make my hand dry to keep Ember's lingering fluids from sinking into my shirt. Once I was clad in just my boxers, I headed down to the bathroom while leaving the bedroom door open to air the place out. Ember was waiting for me while the steadily warming water splattered just beyond the glass door. I expected her to enter first, but she reached for my right hand instead. Smiling rather meekly, she then asked, "Join me?"

I hesitated at first, but took comfort in knowing that I was covered enough. I nodded and allowed her to guide me in. I had grown accustomed to sitting down for part of my shower since the showerhead was not as high as I would like it to be, but Ember was probably waiting for me to do that. When I did take a seat in the corner of the shower stall, she kneeled before me and leaned into me. Her hand rested upon my bare chest while I was wondering where this was coming from. "Ember...?"

"I trust you." She replied softly before I saw those beautiful scarlet eyes gazing at me. Such a sure smile on her lips... No signs of regret in those eyes. She looked so...happy. As her finger traced over my chest, she spoke again. "I trust you with everything."

My heart pounded in my chest as I felt the earnestness in that voice. It almost felt like, at least in dragon terms, those words were just one step below the precious statement of 'I love you'. I treaded cautiously and said, "I'm not sure I follow... I trust you too, but..."

"You've always listened. You've always cared. When I speak, you listen." Ember said softly as she then draped her left wing over me. And once again, without any fears or doubts, brought her lips to mine for another kiss as if it was all second nature to her. "You...just might be the best thing to happen to me since I took up the Bloodstone Scepter... Maybe even all the years of my life so far. I trust you. I trust you...with everything."

"Ember... I really don't think I'm real able to process what you're trying to tell me... I'm not a dragon. I feel like what you're saying is going over my head." I retorted while suspecting Ember was trying to be profound. But even then, I still raised my hand to hers under that great blue wing and held it to my chest. "But...I do appreciate it. I won't ever hurt you. You know that, right?"

"I do. You've proven that to me tonight." Ember whispered before bring her other hand to my face. She dragged a finger along my cheek and down to my chin in a wonderful display of womanly affection that sent a pleasant chill down my spine. "It's all right if you don't get what I'm saying. Just know...that I'll always be here for you. I'll be by your side. All right?"

"Thank you... Thanks...for being here for me." I replied in modesty. I felt bad that I could not find as flowery a response as she was giving me, but I think Ember knew I was largely at a loss for words. We held and caressed each other for some time longer before we began to bathe properly. We even took turns in helping each other lather up. I was especially diligent in washing my left hand enough times to insure I got Ember's scent off me.

Not much later, we rested in bed with the lights having been snuffed out for the night. I felt her pressed up against me with her hand grasping mine. I wonder if she could see me in the dark more easily than I could see her. For once, we said no words aside from simple goodnights. Although once more, I felt her lips upon my lips. No doubt as a show of her unwavering trust. The trust of a dragon... It was a wonderful thing to earn.

I slept well. My dreams were allowed to occur naturally without any visitors from beyond the veil. The memories are a blur, but I remember waking up in a good mood. But to my surprise, Ember had woken up before me and was nowhere to be seen. I was almost alarmed for some reason, worried that maybe what happened the previous night might be responsible for her not being by my side upon awakening. I hastily dressed myself, but only then noticed the door was left open a crack. And that smell... Breakfast?

I stepped softly down the hallway in my soft socks and peaked around the corner at the end to look into the kitchen. And there she was. Ember had a cookbook left open by the stove and a number of ingredients set out by it. With a skillet on the stove, she reached into an egg carton and pulled out an egg to crack. She dumped the egg into the skillet as the sound of sizzling filled the air, but I ended up letting out a snicker when Ember just disposed of the leftover shell by devouring it. Dragons really can eat anything.

My voice got Ember's attention while she was reaching for another egg to crack. She grinned at me in an almost sheepish manner before saying, "Oh, uh... Good morning! I know I usually go to the buffet at the command center, but...I kind of wanted to try my hand at this cooking thing. For you."

"Hey, nothing wrong with that. It's fun to cook and see what you can come up with." I replied while heading over and watching Ember crack a few more eggs into the hot skillet. She mixed them up with a spatula to scramble them and there was a lot of veggies next to the egg carton and even some grated cheese. It looked like she was putting together a large omelet.

I at least tried to add some atmosphere to the place by turning the phonograph on for some music. While waiting for Ember to finish cooking, I took note of the far corner at the front of the cottage. Ember's trusty spear was propped up in the corner with her gilded armor arranged in a neat pile before it. Her helmet was conspicuously missing though. She must have dropped it off with the blacksmiths last night to have it adjusted.

With nothing else to do as the sound and smells of morning cooking filled the air while being joined by some acoustic guitar, I sat myself down at the typewriter and started documenting more of recent events. Ember did not seem to have gotten much use out of it since the paper and ink supplies looked unchanged from when I last used it. But I did not go for long without hearing the clinking of dinner plates on the table to my right. Ember was setting out my newest culinary masterpiece along with some fruit.

I joined Ember at the table while we sat at opposite ends. Aside from sharing some praise for how well the results turned out, I did not have much to say. And neither did Ember. It was impossible to not think about what happened the night before. I learned more about Ember than I ever expected to that night. Even she had a hard time making eye contact with me. Although Ember was the first to speak. "I had a wonderful time last night... Thank you."

"It was...a pleasure. I think." I replied while so unsure of what to even think of that experience. I only did what Ember asked, but that did not change the fact that I was...inside her. We were by no means romantically involved. Or at least that is what I like to tell myself. I tried to dismiss that night as a strange oddity and said, "We...probably shouldn't do that again..."

"Right... That was... I mean I know why I asked you to... I felt so...safe... I should've been scared out of my mind... But I wasn't. I felt untouchable... Like nothing and no one could hurt me while you were holding me." Ember said softly while looking both uneasy over what she did even while she smiled on fond recollection. She then looked at me from across the table and said, "I'm sorry. That was selfish of me. I just...wanted to be absolutely sure that I can trust you as much as I thought I could."

"As long as it was just a one time thing, I don't think we have to dwell on it too hard." I replied while also a little uncomfortable with the memory. I even brought my left hand to my nose for a quick sniff and was relieved to not notice any lingering odors on it. "I mean at least you didn't try to seduce me... You...weren't planning on that, were you?"

"No, no way. The act of mating is not something we dragons perform freely. That's the last test for a couple to become life mates and it needs to be approached cautiously." Ember retorted without hesitation while even holding up her hands in an act of defense. Her immediate response confirmed she had no ulterior motives last night.

Although there was one thing that her reply did catch my attention. And it was as good a time to ask as any. "Wait. You say that...doing the deed is like some rite of passage? And the last step to become a couple?"

"Think about it for a minute, James. I showed you last night why just the act of kissing carries risks by putting you in an exploitable situation. Imagine how much more vulnerable you are when you're...inside someone. Or when they're inside you." Ember began to explain with a much more deliberate tone. She rested her jaw on the backs of her interwoven fingers as she stared at me from across the table. This topic was not at all a joking matter. And it made me uncomfortable the more she spoke. "When you're in that state... Physically bound to someone when almost all you feel is pleasure, do you really think you'll find the strength to defend yourself if they decide to strangle you? Or try to stab you with a weapon they've hidden? It's a horrible thing to say, but it's.....easy for some to mate with someone when you want to hurt them. When you...open your heart to them like that, you're the perfect defenseless target. And by showing that you trust them enough to share in that pleasure while they trust you all the same, you've proven yourself as a worthy mate."

"I see why such an act is held so sacred in the art of courtship... It's archaic and primal, but beautiful in its own way. I see why your kind takes it so seriously." I replied before helping myself to another bite of that tasty omelet. Trust... In such a primitive and barbaric land, I understand why it is such a vital thing to find. I then said in genuine sincerity, "I hope you find the right man someday... After last night, I know you'll make someone very happy someday."

When I glanced up to look ahead of me at Ember, I saw her more whimsically resting her jaw on one upturned hand. And she was giving me quite the knowing smirk that made me uncomfortable. "Oh, I think I've found someone who just might fit that criteria. Just maybe..."

After a moment of the two of us eyeing each other in awkward silence, we both cracked. We just started laughing. Although my laughter might have been a little more bitter than hers. Because...I know it most likely would never work out if that ever did happen between us. The Dragon Lord. Her people would never accept me. Not like that.

However, there was one aspect of what she told me that came to mind. Something she had told me before. "Hang on... Didn't you mention... You said that in the event a dragon betrays their mate, they end up ostracized so hard that they have to leave the dragon lands for their own good. Then...what would happen if someone usurped you through betrayal? Your people wouldn't really accept someone like that, would they?"

Ember's eyes narrowed as the levity that filled the air faded. I almost regretted asking a question regarding such a morally despicable thing to do to anyone, let alone a dragon. But she still provided an answer. "Let's just say being hated by one's subjects is a small price to pay for power. At least to some shortsighted morons. Trust me, there would surely be an outright rebellion if some scumbag broke my heart just to lay claim to the Bloodstone Scepter. And that would lead to civil war and...goodness knows what else. My people might be a bunch of boulderheads, but I'm pretty sure even they're not dumb enough to make the entire dragon lands turn on them just to get their hands on the Bloodstone Scepter."

It was only then that I noticed the Bloodstone Scepter had not been mentioned much in quite a while. And that left me wondering. More for the sake of continuing the conversation than anything else, I attempted to change the subject. "Right, sorry to ask. Let's talk about something else... Before it slips my mind, what can you tell me about the Bloodstone Scepter? Like...where did it come from?"

This really caught Ember's attention. And she was more than happy to share her knowledge. "That? To be honest, I really don't know all that much. No one does. I heard from my father that the Bloodstone Scepter...or at least just the Bloodstone itself predates this world's own moon and sun. We dragons are long-lived, but there's no one alive in the dragon lands who could have been around long enough to remember that time."

I brought a finger to my chin to ponder this revelation. A truly ancient artifact of great importance that dates back to the world's literal dark ages. Although Ember then continued, "But...there are legends that have endured for eons thanks to spreading via word of mouth. Way back before the first sunrise, the one who would become the first Dragon Lord supposed created the Bloodstone. Some sort of paragon who wanted to unite his people in a chaotic scary world without light. And from what I've heard, it was supposedly forged out of his own fossilized blood. Hence the name, I guess..."

"The Bloodstone...is fossilized blood? And that tastes good to you?" I asked in utter bewilderment. One of the first things Ember did when she led me to her throne room was take one big lick of the Bloodstone. And she really liked the flavor. But blood does not taste...pleasant to dragons, does it?

Ember understood why I was asking that and had a good laugh at my response. "Hey, fossilization does weird things to stuff. I know how blood tastes. Really strong iron flavor, right? But back to the subject... It was believed that the first Dragon Lord infused his very soul into the Bloodstone during his final days and that was why it sometimes glows. Except back then, it was said to glow all the time. And that constant glow drew dragons to it like a beacon in that eternal darkness. So in a weird roundabout way, he did end up unifying the dragons of this world. Just not in the way he intended, I'll bet. But if his soul really is inside the Bloodstone, then he's never said anything to me."

I just stared at her as I tried to wrap my head around that. A scepter that can communicate with the spirit of the long deceased first Dragon Lord? Fat chance. Especially since Ember had certainly never heard a peep out of it. "Yeeeeah, that sounds like a stretch... Interesting background, but that last part sounds a little sus. A lot can get lost in centuries of word of mouth."

With the conversation winding down for the moment, Ember took another bite of her omelet while I too directed more of my attention to my food for the morning. "Like I said, I've never heard voices for as long as I've been around the Bloodstone Scepter. Probably just an exaggeration to make the story sound more fun."

After a filling breakfast, I volunteered to do the dishes in order to free up some time for Ember. By the time I finished and put everything away, I saw Ember standing by the front door while clad in her armor with spear in hand. We would have to march soon. Once I got my shoes on, I stood by her with my gaze directed towards the nearest window. I gathered up the few sheets of paper from the typewriter that held my text. But in my free hand, I felt Ember take hold of it.

"I'm with you, all right?" I turned my gaze to Ember as she stood there, my hand in hers as those beautiful scarlet eyes looked up at me with such a lovely tenderness in them. I found myself smiling back at her. She then spoke with a precious tone to her voice. "Let's face the day together."

As of right now, I am seated in my dorm with the command center rolling along on its wheels as the militia marches east. Ember insisted that I be allowed to rest if I had something to document. She is perched upon the roof of the command center outside along with Smolder and Ocellus just watching the scenery go by.

For having only been a few days of nothing going on, these past three days were surprisingly meaningful for what did end up happening. But at the same time, I know the time for battle draws near. We are ready, but will the emperor be too? And when that day comes, will Ember and Rain Shine truly be the dream team I need beside me? We can only hope.