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I did not immediately leave Rain Shine's home after waking. I sat upon her bed after dressing myself once one of Novo's stewards delivered a set of clean clothes for me. My eyes scanned the interior of that treetop dwelling that I had seen only once before. And tucked under my arm was the beautiful kirin queen herself as she nuzzled me constantly. Her lush mane of emerald green still carried the subtle scent of fresh pine.

It was tempting to just go back to sleep in her presence. I awoke in sorrow, but my heart was now in much calmer spirits by then. All because of Rain Shine's soothing aura. My thoughts went back to all we had been through out on the battlefield, the sight of her prized glaive hanging on a wall rack reminding me of her battle prowess. Things would never have gone as smoothly as they did had she not been there for me. And so I whispered to her, "I don't think you realize how much you contributed to the war effort by being there."

"Perhaps I do. Perhaps I don't. Just remember that I was there for you first and Equestria second. I could not bear to see you fall out there, my love." She cooed to me with the scaled middle of her face sliding smoothly under my jaw. Our eyes met before our lips touched. She rested her hoof upon my lap and I rested my hand upon her hoof. It felt like...paradise for that brief moment. Only then did I truly understand what it meant for a man to be one with a kirin. We belonged with each other in a sense. Those beautiful red eyes gazed tenderly into mine as she said, "I love you. Never forget that."

"I won't, dear. And thank you for giving me the time to figure out what my heart wanted. I almost feel silly for insisting we wait..." I retorted with a goofy smile spreading across my lips. It really did look silly in hindsight. I should have never doubted the two of us. "Just old wounds getting in the way... I'm sorry I made you wait."

"Better late than never, James." Rain Shine whispered with her muzzle caressing my cheek. We could have headed down to join the rest of the village and their guests for breakfast, but we were in no hurry to leave. While we held each other, my eyes wandered the room once again. But when my eyes happened to look at the floor, a recent memory flashed through my mind. We were visited last night. And by a most unusual guest. I could remember how flowers grew from the floor itself wherever she walked. But now there was no sign of her having ever been there. Rain Shine noticed that I was distracted and asked, "Something wrong, my dear?"

"I'm just thinking about Mistmane... I met her once before. Literally shortly before I even found the Grove of Silence. She even healed me after a nasty tumble left me with a sprained ankle." I explained while also cringing at the memory of tumbling through that tunnel in the ground after a misjudged hop over a particularly large tree root. I then looked at my beloved and said, "The way her magic works... It's almost like she could've passed for a kirin herself."

What Rain Shine said next took me a moment to process. "She almost was."

"Almost... Wait... Huh?" I muttered before casting Rain Shine a bewildered glance. "Hang on... Was she a unicorn or a kirin? Or was she a kirin before becoming... I'm sorry, I don't quite follow..."

"James. What I am about to say next does not leave this room. And if you must feel the need to document it... Burn the page whenever you can." Rain Shine said very firmly in a manner that was very jarring. I saw the runes on her horn glow, but nothing else appeared to be happening. I looked around to try and find what she was casting magic on, but she answered my curiosity. "I am...muting us. So that even my own people cannot listen in on what we are discussing."

I was not going to argue with the mighty kirin queen. I nodded and said quietly, "I see. So then... What's this about Mistmane?"

Rain Shine began to speak with barely more than a whisper. "First of all, yes. She and I knew each other well during her very short life. She made more than one pilgrimage out to the Grove of Silence. The vast untouched beauty of the Empty Plains enthralled her and she was always an honored guest. Her brand of magic was also very unusual for the unicorns of the eastern lands. It was nearly identical to the magic we kirin possess. Even if not quite the same..."

"Yes... Yes, she almost seems very much like a kirin in hindsight. That mastery over the world's flora..." I muttered in recollection. Encountering Mistmane in that earthen hollow almost felt like a precursor to the kirin I would encounter very shortly afterward.

"Yes. And the truth of the matter is... When her life was nearing its end... We offered her a place among our people here." Rain Shine explained with her tone growing more somber. "We offered her the choice...to become one of us. So that her lifespan may be extended and her youth restored. But she...politely declined. And she remained with us until she...passed in the night. Mistmane had already said her farewells to friends and family back home...and wished to meet her end in the untarnished beauty of the Empty Plains..."

I recalled that story. And I remembered the illustrations that Rarity had shown me. A mare so young and vibrant who sacrificed her youth for the greater good. What a beautiful soul... But only then did I take note of exactly what was said to me. "Wait a minute... You say...you had a means to turn a unicorn...into a kirin? Why wasn't that part of the story I've heard about her?"

"I was just getting to that, James. That conversation went unrecorded by history because that is a closely guarded secret of the kirin people. And it is a ritual known only to the chieftains of our tribes." Rain Shine expected sternly with the runes on her horn glowing even brighter to further exert her silencing influence. "I do not believe I need to explain to you how...deadly the magic of a kirin can be."

A chill flowed down my spine. I knew exactly of what she spoke. Because I had witnessed such power on the battlefield. Forests of thorns that impale. Upheavals from massive roots that throw the very earth around. And that demonic fiery state when a kirin's wrath reaches its peak... For being one of the most inherently peaceful races of people in the world of Equestria, the kirin are easily some of the most dangerous with power that is all too easy to abuse. "I think I see where you're going with this..."

Rain Shine nodded solemnly. "Yes. While the ritual cannot be forced, some would absolutely seek such power if they knew exactly what a kirin is capable of. Such a ritual was devised only for when our numbers draw dangerously low and we need to replenish our population's numbers quickly by seeking out volunteers. I have not heard of the ritual being performed during my lifetime, but it is possible. And the ritual is only compatible with other equines, be they earth ponies, unicorns, pegasi, or zebra. If an ambitious and heinous person learns of such power, they will surely stop at nothing to acquire the benefits of a kirin life. And if they succeed...Equestria will have a new very dangerous enemy to contend with."

A frightful thought. I could remember some of the more brutal means Rain Shine used to destroy the enemy Hollows during the war. Even tearing one apart limb by limb... And I could think of at least one psychopath who would have been very eager to acquire such power. Someone who will not be named here. "I see... I won't mention this to anyone. And I'll be sure it goes into the fire after I write it down for the sake of memory."

"Thank you, my love." Rain Shine whispered as the glow in her horn's runes finally dimmed. She then leaned into me as we embraced again. It was best just to forget about that topic. She then whispered, "You always have Equestria's best interests at heart. I can't thank you enough for that."

I cracked a crooked and almost cheeky smile as I closed my eyes. "You can thank Equestria for that. This world's been good to me, so I want to be good to it."

"Then why don't I be good to you too, my dear?" The kirin queen giggled as she gently nudged me over until I was resting upon my back. She crawled atop me with a certain...gleam in her vibrant red eyes. "After all you've done... After all we have accomplished together..."

I shuddered at the feeling of Rain Shine dragging her cloven hoof slowly down the middle of my thinly veiled chest. A motion I could not perceive as anything other than seductive. She rarely blinked while gazing down at me. "Before you depart... Please, let me do this for you. I would be honored to..."

"Rain... Please. Not here. Not yet." I whispered with my hand resting over her hoof. I gazed sincerely up into her eyes. I knew what she wanted. And I dearly wanted the same too. But my body...was just not in the condition for it. "I know you want me. And I want you too. But not yet. My body just isn't ready for that yet. Not in my current condition..."

A glimmer of disappointment filled her eyes, but so too did a sign of understanding. Rain Shine nodded and said, "I know... I was hoping that perhaps you may have healed enough by now, but...I suppose such wounds leave a lasting effect on the body in more than one way..."

"I know... My libido's been shot ever since. My body's more interested in rest than exerting itself." I explained while disappointed in my own limitations at the time. I did not want to refuse her, but it would have gotten awkward fast when my body would fail to perform adequately. My hand rose to her beautiful face and cupped her cheek. "Next time... I need to come back to this place now and then. I can't stay away after all that's happened..."

"Yes... Please do. We will be waiting for you. And next time..." Rain Shine sighed with a patient joy in her eyes. She then lowered her head and whispered to my ear, "Next time... I will be your bride."

Those words lit a fire in my heart. To truly find love with this wonderful mare of the east... It felt natural. Like it needed to happen. I embraced my beloved as I muttered, "I...want that."

She whispered sweet sincere words to me as we basked in each other's presence. "It will happen, my love... I will be your mare... And I will give you such precious daughters with the family we will grow together... They will know the love of a human father..."

Those words... I closed my eyes and tried to imagine. I had met many kirin in recent days, but not once have I ever seen a kirin child. What would they look like? Precious little foals carrying my blood in them? I sighed somberly and said, "It's...been a long time since the pattering of tiny hooves was heard in this village, hasn't it?"

"Nearly a millennium. Autumn Blaze was the last to be born among us and I watched her grow into the fine mare she is today. But it has been so long since the Grove of Silence was blessed with children..." Rain Shine recalled with an almost nostalgic tone. She sounded like she savored the days when Autumn was just a wild little girl. She then whispered to me again, "I hope to give you several. My people will adore our little ones living amongst them."

"Several... Wait..." I muttered before I recalled a very important aspect of a kirin's biology. Something that must not be overlooked. "I was told that a kirin's lifespan of five thousand years gets cut in half with every child she has. How many can you afford to carry at this point?"

Rain Shine's words as she gazed into my eyes... "I wish to only have as many as it takes to insure our lives will not end too far apart from each other."

I felt the edges of my eyes became hot. Such power in that statement... With such a massive natural lifespan, it is easy to forget that the kirin are not immortal creatures. Even they cannot escape the march of time in the end. But...to intentionally cut her lifespan down to nearly match my own... I asked softly, "You would grow old with me?"

"Yes. And I would die with you, my love." She replied as a single tear escaped my eyes. Rain Shine wiped each away as she said, "I lost my previous love before we could be blessed with children... I would have gladly given dear Megan half sisters, but...you know what happened. But then I found you, my dear James. And...I do not wish to lose you all the same..."

We held each other as I contemplated our own mortality. Such love in her words... I could almost feel it. She had already lived so long... I could only hope I could make her remaining years as happy as she desired even as she would reduce those years directly over time. But I knew that the family we would have would not be the only one in my life. "I will need to introduce you to the rest of my family back home... They need to meet you."

"Oh, I know... And I have tried to feel far to the west at times. Ponyville is such a fine place. And your wife... What wonderful mare. Her adoration of nature rivals us kirin. We would be honored to have her visit." Rain Shine giggled as revealed this information to me. I knew Fluttershy would adore the Grove of Silence. Although Rain Shine then added, "And your firstborn... Gladesong, was it? I should have you know that I have heard her frolicking amongst the flowers around your homes. At least whenever your wife brings her outdoors. The little thing adores nature's blessings quite a bit."

"Gladesong likes to bask in the glade? I guess Rarity did a fine job of choosing that name for her." I snickered at the thought of my baby girl prancing through a flower patch in a Pinkie Pie fashion. And yet...I was not sure if I could even picture her accurately. I imagined her taller with fawnlike legs... I sighed in disappointment with myself as I suddenly realized that I struggled to remember how she looked. Even with that family photo that had been sent to me, I did not look upon it as often as I should have the more dire the war effort became over time. I sighed mournfully as I muttered, "I miss her... She had only just been born a few weeks prior when the war broke out... I wonder if she even remembers me?"

"You poor dear... Here, let me see..." Rain Shine whispered while closing her eyes. Teh runes on her horn lit up as she became silent. I did not interrupt. A moment later, she opened her eyes and said, "Hm... It's still quiet in Ponyville right now. Hardly anyone is awake. The sun must just have just risen out there. And your child still sleeps soundly... Although it feels like there's quite a few presences around the room... Keeping watch?"

That got an amused and relieved snicker out of me. "Oh, right... Fluttershy has lots of little animal friends living around the cottage and they've really taken a shine to the new baby girl in the family. They've been a massive help in letting us ease into our new routines of having a baby in the house. I can't thank them enough for all the extra work they do on the side and Gladesong loves them. I almost never heard her cry... She's a very happy filly."

"Then she will surely be overjoyed when she sees her father again today." Rain Shine giggled softly before placing a kiss upon my brow. She then began to push herself up and said, "That's enough talk for now though. We really shouldn't keep you up here too long. My people will surely be starting on breakfast soon."

I was soon on my feet before gazing around Rain Shine's home. Taking in all the sights of my beloved's home while she fetched her long missing golden crown. My eyes fell upon the tapestry that depicted her mother and the glaive that was displayed on the wall nearby. I looked at Rain Shine and asked, "Do you think your mother would have approved of me?"

The beautiful red eyes of my host narrowed as she showed a solemn smile. "My mother would have adored you. I am only sorry she was gone before she could have met her grandchildren. My birth resulted in half of those five thousand years being taken from her, but she had no regrets. I can only hope I have not disappointed her legacy..."

"You didn't. I think you followed in her footsteps perfectly." I replied as I thought back to the day she personally waged war with the arrogant deer tribes and ended that war in one night. "I think she would've been very proud of you if she saw how things turned out."

"Thank you, my love." Rain Shine said while she bowed her head. Although I lastly took a closer look at the glaive hanging upon the wall. I took the Viper Fang in hand for a moment to examine it and even tried to find the best way to actually hold it. I quickly gave up and placed it back onto its display rack while acknowledging to myself that polearms have never been my forte. Although every weapon needs armor to compliment it. Armor that was destroyed by its own wearer's grief and rage. I turned to Rain Shine as she stepped around the tree trunk that stood at the center of her house. "I'm sorry about your armor... A shame it didn't survive the war."

"Think nothing of it, my dear. It served its purpose and it can always be reformed. However..." Rain Shine replied before rubbing her hoof over the tree trunk that her house was built around. She eyed that sturdy mass of wood and said, "I believe I may try something...experimental. Metal is so much harder for us kirin to work with than wood. Perhaps... Perhaps a wooden shell would stand up to a blade better."

"Wood does resist wear and tear better than metal... You might be onto something there." I retorted as I pondered that concept. Even shields have often been composed of wood. Ember's spear with a wooden shaft fared much better throughout the war than that crude stone spear she used in our first encounter. I wonder what hardwoods would make for functional armor... Just as long as the enemy is not wielding an axe.

Enough had been said by then. Rain Shine and I departed and were soon descended to the ground. One of the guest demographics who remained in the village for the night were the dragons. They all slept around the fountain in the middle of town and were in the process of freshening themselves up by splashing water into their faces. Ember was watching from nearby, no doubt due to a lack of faith in their ability to behave themselves. Once Rain Shine and I were back on solid ground, the Dragon Lord looked our way and greeted us with a smile. "Morning, you two!"

I waved at Ember while Rain Shine approached her friend with a serene smile on display. "A lovely morning to you, Ember. How was your first night in the Grove of Silence?"

"I slept like a hatchling. Something about the sounds and tranquility around this place just knocked me right out." Ember said while stretching her arms high and letting them fall while she grunted and groaned. She was having a very good morning. Although she then looked up at me and asked, "How're you holding up? You've been steadier since after we got here."

"One of their healers did something to me yesterday. It restored my sense of balance." I explained before eyeing Ember closely. Something was missing from her body. "Say... Where's your bandages? Those wounds didn't heal already, did they?"

"You noticed? Yeah, they wouldn't stop bugging me when they noticed I was hurt and I let them take to me one of their healers. I'm impressed with how quickly they got those cuts to heal. They didn't even leave a scar behind." Ember replied while rubbing a hand over where some of those white bandages had been covering her blue body. Although she then grunted with some discomfort. Like she suddenly felt a jolt of pain. "They said there's nothing they can do about that...um...anxiety hangover though. That's something that'll have to clear up on its own. I'm still feeling the burn now and then..."

"Rest, Dragon Lord. You have more than earned it." Rain Shine retorted while she and Ember bowed to each other gracefully. Our host then said, "We should be starting on breakfast soon. And we still have quite a few mouths to feed. Excuse me for now, my friends."

Ember and I watched the chieftain of the Grove of Silence walk away to speak to her people about the matters of the morning. Although as I watched her, I noticed rows of kirin over yonder with a number of their guests performing...some sort of morning exercises. Slow and graceful movements while maintaining bipedal stances. I raised an eyebrow as I muttered, "Morning tai chi?"

"That's what they called it. I don't get it myself." Ember retorted before beckoning me to lower myself to her level. When I dropped to one knee, she lovingly cradled my bandaged head with her fingers rubbing over the back of it. "How're you feeling? Did you sleep well?"

"I didn't exactly dream all that well, but I had a good time up there overall." I explained while I closed my eyes to allow Ember to do as she would. I was especially surprised when she lifted my chin and placed a kiss upon my lips regardless of who might be watching. My eyes popped open as I said, "Whoa, Ember... Someone might see..."

"Let them, my little warrior poet. What happens in the Grove of Silence stays in the Grove of Silence." Ember chuckled slyly with such an endearing gaze setting into her beautiful scarlet eyes. She then said, "No, really, that's what I was told. By...Autumn Blaze, I think? These kirin and their naming conventions..."

"Autumn said that, huh? Yeah, I can picture her saying something like that." I muttered with an amused smirk on my lips. Such a cheeky lady, that mare. Although I then asked, "Who patched you up last night anyway?"

"What was her name? I think it had something to do with the seasons... Was it...Summer? No, hang on... Winter! Yeah, Winter. Something about the colors did feel cooler than Summer anyway..." Ember retorted before looking around. She then sudden waved off to my right, "Hey, Winter! Thanks for fixing us up yesterday!"

Sure enough, Winter Flame was trotting by in the distance and promptly waved back at us. Once she went on her way, Ember then whispered to me, "She's the one who fixed you up too, right? I'm pretty sure I saw her come out of the hut you and Autumn did."

"Yeah, she was the one. Winter was very good to me." I replied before a cheeky thought entered my head. "I wonder if there's a Spring and Summer in the Grove of Silence too?"

"That would be funny. And fitting." Ember snickered before lifting her head inhaling deeply. There was an aroma on the air. The smell of outdoor kitchens preparing our morning meals. "The kirin here really know how to cook. Some of the best eating I ever tasted last night and that's saying something."

"Yeah, that oriental cooking... Some of the most vibrant and flavorful on the planet, I swear... They always eat like queens here." I too could feel my mouth starting to water at the very smell of those exotic spices. But as my eyes wandered, I noticed Autumn Blaze standing a fair distance away. She quickly noticed that I was watching and motioned for me to follow her. I saw her trot off towards the far end of the village. Right towards the path that led up to that scenic vista on the outskirts. I looked back at Ember and said, "Excuse me for a while, Ember. I remembered that Autumn wanted to have a word with me before breakfast."

"All right then. I won't keep you. See you soon, OK?" The Dragon Lord replied before placing another kiss upon my cheek. I stood up and followed the lone kirin while genuinely happy to be able to walk without any real disorientation. It was good to be back on my feet without any assistance.

Autumn went on ahead while I followed the path through the woods. That morning light peeking through the trees above only modestly illuminating my path gave the area a mystifying and mysterious feel and not in the same way that bamboo grove does on the way in and out of the village. And after a while, I reached my destination. The twisting path opened up to a wide cliffside facing the west that overlooked a part of the forest covering that little mountain. And Autumn Blaze was patiently waiting for me with her gaze meeting mine.

"Good morning, hero." Autumn Blaze said happily while I could only try to hide a smile. It felt so unwarranted to be called that in spite of my own reservations. I stopped shortly before I could reach her to examine the view. While lacking the beautiful sunset of the last time she and I enjoyed some time up there, it was still a lovely view all the same. The vast green forest below and the Empty Plains beyond contrasting against a pure blue sky with hardly a cloud to be seen. Although a leaf did drop down from above and into my grasp. The leaf had partially turned a shade of yellow. And my little friend found something funny about it. "Hey, looks like I'm gonna be everywhere before long."

I snorted in amusement. She was right. Autumn was practically upon us. Even the air was starting to feel cooler than I was used to. Although I then realized how long it had been since I last saw an autumn leaf. Ponyville maintains its verdant scenery all around the year. Must have something to do with earth pony magic, if such a thing exists. To see a leaf starting to turn yellow almost felt nostalgic for me. "It looks like nature is left to its own devices out here. The seasons roll on in and out unhindered."

"Mmhm. We kirin let nature takes its course wherever we live. The ponies of Equestria do things their way and that's fine too, but there's nothing like watching all those colors changing." Autumn Blaze replied while I let the leaf fall beside her. She then added, "I admit I'm not a big fan of winter. Almost none of us are. There's just something really sad about the entire forest around us becoming bare with all those empty branches reaching out to the cold gray sky, even with that pretty snow all over the place. But it just makes the wait worth it when all those flowers and new leaves bud anew in time for spring."

Once again, Autumn Blaze started to get philosophical over the beauty and even the harshness of nature. I liked that about her. It was then I took a seat beside her and even pulled her in for a hug with my arm draped over her. My friend sighed before she whispered to me. "I was always rooting for you out there. I checked in on you every day. Listened in, tried to figure out what was going on... You went through so much trouble for us..."

"Yeah... I did." I muttered as I started to wonder exactly how much the kirin knew of the truth. The king and queen of Equestria themselves revealed exactly how the emperor was still alive. Surely the kirin had overheard that too.

Autumn Blaze let out a sigh as she then said somberly, "We...heard what really happened to the humans who were here first. I never met them, so I didn't really have any kind of attachment, but... The rest of the ladies here were really upset when they heard that. Things were...really gloomy for a few days. But they all had faith in you. Because we all knew you wouldn't let us down."

I could not say anything to that. So many of the kirin in the Grove of Silence found love with human men back in those days. Many of them had even been sired and raised by human fathers. To hear that... To know why their beloved neighbors had disappeared overnight...

However, Autumn then looked at me directly as she spoke. "I told them about you. I told them what I felt in you. I made sure they knew you wouldn't let us down. Because I know you appreciate Equestria in ways no one else does. You love this world."

My eyes wandered as I found some difficulty looking her in the eye. But Autumn did not let me look away. She cupped my cheek with a hoof as that beautifully deep and vibrant voice whispered to me. "And we love you."

That was all my heart needed. I thoroughly embraced that beautiful mare while she held me all the same. And just like before, our lips found each other. We sighed joyously into that kiss. Much like Rain Shine before her, I found tranquility in Autumn Blaze's aura. Man and kirin truly do belong together.

The two of us let out a long and pleasurable sigh as the kiss ended. We gazed into each other's eyes as she whispered to me. "I wish you could stay."

"I do too... It's wonderful here... And you're all so good to me." I muttered back to that precious little lady. And I said what I could to soothe her. "I'll be back. I need to come back. I can't just say goodbye forever."

"We'll miss you..." Autumn Blaze whimpered with her eyes beginning to glisten. She then whispered mournfully, "I...will miss you."

"I'll...miss you too. You're my favorite kind of Autumn." I muttered with my fingers dragging through her voluminous mane.

A tear flowed down that beautiful little lady's face. "I learned so much about you while you were out there. I think I see why my kind just...like you humans so much."

She leaned into my embrace with her face buried against my chest. I then heard Autumn mutter, "I think I'm...falling for you..."

I should have been startled. This was only the second time I had met her. But she had known me even longer than I had thought. What had she heard since we last parted ways? And even then, I felt...touched. Almost honored that this wonderful little lady would say such a thing to me. It felt...natural. That I should not refuse. But with so little time left to spend there in the Grove of Silence, I knew I could not realistically reciprocate at the time. So I asked, "I'm...honored, Autumn. Do you want me?"

"I do... I want us to be...something more..." Autumn Blaze sighed wistfully. She lifted her gaze to look up at me and said, "I know you have Rain Shine. And I heard you two have been talking about having babies."

I saw that smirk. She knew she got me about something I did not expect anyone else to know at the time. But while I flustered in her embrace, Autumn then asked, "But...is there room for me in there? She's not the only one who found a place in your heart, right?"

I said the wisest thing I could. "We'll see... Next time. I mean I do feel it. And I do feel silly for waiting longer than I should have in returning Rain's feelings, but... This is only the second time we've met. And I have to leave soon... Next time. Next time, we'll see. All right?"

Autumn actually chuckled at that response. "Figures. I know I've been around a long time, but I'm still the baby of the village. I guess I should trust a guy who has a better idea of how a heart works."

She then nuzzled her face into my chest while I stroked her fabulous mane. "Sorry about that... First time falling in love, you know? I guess it's normal to get a little hasty..."

"It is... The first time is always the most magical... No caution. No experience. Just playing it by ear thinking love's all you need to make it work..." I explained as I thought back to days from not so long ago. "And...that just makes it hurt more when it fails and you have no idea what went wrong..."

I felt her hold me. Put her arms around me as she said quietly, "I'll make you smile every day. Really."

"And I believe you." I whispered while placing a kiss atop her horn. I think she felt that somehow. Autumn quivered while I heard the faintest giggle from her. I then asked, "Anyway... We about done here? Breakfast should be about ready now, right?"

"Yep! Can't let the returning hero leave on an empty stomach!" Autumn Blaze chirped as she hopped out of my arms and onto her hooves. Although we did take one last look at the morning horizon beyond the vista. Autumn then looked up at me and said, "This place will always be your home out here. The girls and I will always be happy to have you if anything goes wrong."

"You heard about that, huh?" I retorted before we started to head back down the forest path. This reopened new fears I held in my heart. And if anyone had an answer for my concerns, it was the kirin. "Have you heard anything out west? Or even further east than the war was covering?"

Autumn tilted her head to one side in silent thought for just a moment. "Um... Well... No, not really. I mean I was listening in on what was going on wherever you were more often than not, but when I was listening in on places around the rest of the world... When people were talking about the war and why it was happening, I didn't hear anyone bring you up. None of the other ladies in the village mentioned it either. It doesn't sound like anyone thinks you had anything to do with the war happening in the first place."

I could only wonder how much truth was in those words. It is not like the kirin constantly monitor every corner of the world where the blessings of nature take root in. They surely only knew a fraction of what had been discussed out in the great wide world of Equestria. And I could not believe that Autumn's words were to be taken at face value. But after a moment of thoughtful silence, I noticed Autumn looking up at me with eyes wide with concern. "Why are you afraid?"

"Um... I'm not, really." I retorted while finding her presence comforting. Or so I thought that was enough.

"James... The instant I brought that stuff up, something just...twitched in you. Like a switch was flipped. What's wrong? You don't think Equestria hates you, do you?" Autumn asked as we both came to a stop. She could read me even more deeply than I knew myself. "It feels like...your soul is fractured in ways the rest of your isn't..."

I had no way of understanding what she was seeing in me. But I could never forget the stares... The wariness amongst my allies in between battles. Once word got out about what was sustaining the emperor, nothing was ever the same. When I still did not respond, Autumn spoke up with a gleam of inspiration in her eyes. "Here, I got it. Just give me a few minutes. I'll scout ahead to see exactly what's up in Ponyville. That's where you're head, right?"

All I did was nod. And Autumn... She faced the west before the runes on her horn glowed brightly. Little green vines sprouted from the ground and coiled around all of her limbs. She then closed her eyes and became...uncannily silent and focused. What was she doing? Listening more closely to what was happening out there?

She remained still and silent for a full five minutes. I passed the time by pacing around the little kirin while observing her in action. Just when I was starting to wonder if I should go on ahead without her, the glowing of her runes faded while those vines released her before retracting back into the ground. Autumn then opened her eyes and looked up at me with a reassured smile. "Things sound pretty happy in Ponyville right now. The only times I heard your name get brought up was when they were wondering when you'd be getting back with everyone else. You'll be safe there."

I had to take her word for it. Autumn put some significant effort into listening in on what was happening in town. I was obligated to believe her by then in spite of my doubts. If what she said was true, I would not have to fear for my life. Our concerns set aside for the moment, we continued on our way.

Breakfast in the Grove of Silence was much quieter than the grand feast being served the night before. Nowhere near as many guests and only with some live music for entertainment and ambience. Ember was by the side during the entire meal, as was Autumn Blaze, but many of the guests who were present in town last night were absent. Probably just enjoying breakfast of a more familiar cuisine aboard the Zephyrus and Alabaster just outside.

Once I had eaten my fill, Ember leaned my way to hit me up for some conversation. "The kirin really know how to eat. Is all food far to the east like this?"

"I haven't been there myself, but I'd assume so. Eastern cuisine tends to be very vibrant and zesty." I retorted while I noticed Ember was still not done. I think the kirin chefs knew that dragons can be big eaters and had provided her with extra to sample. Just to make certain she got to try a bit of everything. I found myself cracking a smirk while I said, "With how eager you are to try new foods, maybe you could be a food critic on the side."

"Wait, seriously? That's a thing?" Ember asked with a very excited gleam in her eye. Although I doubt the word 'job' carries much meaning in a land that has no actual economy. The dragon lands have a long way to go.

Just as breakfast was winding down, someone entered the village. The gleaming of that iridescent armor in the rays of sunlight shining through the gaps in the canopy above revealed his identity before I could even register him by his general appearance. Seaspray strode over to the tables of satisfied diners and said, "I do hope I'm not interrupting anything this fine morning."

Rain Shine bowed the hippogriff admiral and said, "Always a pleasure, admiral. What do you need?"

He bowed graciously to us all and said, "Her majesty Queen Novo sent me up here to inform you that the Alabaster and Zephyrus are ready for departure. The engines are stoked and ready to carry us home. I do not wish to rush anyone, but we really should be off soon. We've been away from home for much too long."

All of the kirin around us groaned in dismay, having gotten so used to having so many guests for the first time in what was likely centuries. As eager as I was to return to familiar territory, I too felt a sting in my heart now that it was time to leave the Grove of Silence. The kirin had always welcomed me with open arms and I could always trust them with my life. To leave the safety of that place felt...daunting. More daunting than it should have felt. Ember then nodded and said, "We'll be along shortly, admiral. Just...give us a little time to say goodbye."

Seaspray nodded and bowed to the chieftain of the grove. "Very well. No rush. Though please do not delay. And it was a fine time last night, Rain Shine. Her majesty sends her best regards."

"Give her my best, admiral." Rain Shine replied before Seaspray began to depart. Everyone took the time to say goodnight before returning to their airships last night, but it would be excessive to walk into the village just to leave again.

Everyone present began to say their goodbyes to our many kirin hosts. Kind words of thanks and praise were given and many a hug was shared. Except for the dragons. They were more reserved in their thanks. Although Ember gently shook the hoof of Rain Shine as she said, "It's gonna be so strange leaving without you... We were quite the trio out there, huh?"

"We did make quite the team. And quite good friends." Rain Shine replied before she pulled the Dragon Lord into an embrace with one arm. And embrace Ember did not resist. The two dragons of the east and west held each tightly. And I found myself smiling in relief. Even if the war itself gave us nothing, we had gotten something of value out of the experience. Something we would not have found otherwise. "Return whenever you wish. You know where we are and you will always be welcomed with open arms."

"Count on it, my friend. Just be sure to feed me when I do. I can't get enough of your cooking." Ember retorted while the kirin around us giggled at the eagerness of their guest. Although Ember then turned and noticed some of our closer friends watching from nearby while my wheelchair was set before them. As if concerned. The Dragon Lord then waved at them and said, "You can all head on down. He'll be in good hands with me."

They understood and left us alone. And I think Ember knew that my goodbyes would not be as brief. With no outside eyes prying, I stepped over to Rain Shine. This really was goodbye. And now that I was processing this information, I...did not want to let go. We gazed at each other while the people of the Grove of Silence remained respectfully silent. I muttered softly, "You were with me every day out there... I don't think I would've made it without you."

The beautiful kirin queen gazed at me mournfully as she took one step forward. "I dread to imagine what would've become of you had I stayed behind. I have no regrets on facing the war with you. But now... Saying goodbye has never been more difficult..."

I knew why. And I shared the sentiment. "I love you."

"And I love you." Rain Shine whispered to me before we stepped closer. We held each other. Our lips touched as our eyes closed. To let her go now was nearly unthinkable. But I could not stay. And she could not follow. At the first opportunity, Rain Shine whispered to me. "This place will always be your home. If Equestria ever forsakes you, return to us. And we will see to it you will always be happy."

"I'll have to return eventually. I promise. I can't stay away after all that's happened." I whispered in turn with my hand caressing that beautiful face. "I'll be back. I need to see you again. And...next time..."

Rain Shine managed to smile beautiful despite the tears that were beginning to flow from her eyes. "I will be yours."

I nodded. There was no denying the desires in our hearts. It was mutual. We were in love. And it was meant to be. But when I stepped away from her, another little kirin stepped forward before the rest. Autumn Blaze did not say a word, but still reached up to me. And when I kneeled before her to hold her in my arms, she sniffled near my ear. "Why does it hurt so much more this time to have to let you go?"

"I'll be back... You've always done so much to make my visits something special." I whispered to her with my fingers stroking her beautiful full head of curly ginger hair. A single warm tear flowed against my cheek. I only met her once before, but what a day it was we spent together. Autumn Blaze had found a very special place in my heart. "Please wait for me. You...did a lot for me in what little time we had together."

"Mmhm... I'll always find a way to make you smile. Don't be a stranger... I'll be waiting for you." Autumn muttered before she placed a kiss upon my cheek. When I finally released her, I found the rest of the Grove of Silence's citizens gathering around. So many, but all were kirin. And I found myself almost upset at myself that I never had the time to really get to know any of them.

"I'm sorry I never had the time to really get to know you... But I really enjoyed my time here. You're all wonderful people... I'll miss this place and all of you dearly." I replied sincerely as I beheld the lovely little kirin mares before me. And they all responded en masse. The entire lot of them trotted right up to me and held me from all sides. Taking turns while saying sweet words of farewell. I hope I did not disappoint them. But one stayed back until the rest of her neighbors had their turn in saying goodbye. The only other mare in town whose name I had come to know. "Winter...?"

The kirin healer stepped up to me with such a forlorn look in her eyes. She bowed before me with a hoof on her chest. "It was an honor, Sir James... Thank you for remembering my name."

My head felt so much more steady on my shoulders by then. All because of her mastery of medicinal herbs. I held out my arms to welcome her into an embrace. Which she all too eagerly accepted. The little mare jumped into my arms and nuzzled her cheek against mine. "I hope I did enough... You've done so much for us. And for this world... Please come back soon..."

"I will, Winter. Wait for me. And thank you." I whispered into her ear. With great reluctance, I released her from my embrace and allowed Ember to bring the wheelchair up behind me. I knew I could walk straight now, but best to not take chances until I was safe and sound at home. I took one last long look at my many hosts and bowed my head. With farewells all said and done, the Dragon Lord began to roll me out of the village and down the path through the forest. I finally spoke once we began to pass through the bamboo grove along the path. "I miss them already..."

"They are all good people. And Rain Shine has always been a good friend." Ember replied with the tall narrow bamboo trees around us instilling a certain serenity over the area. Ember then whispered to me over my shoulder, "Thanks for bringing the two of us together. I'll definitely be stopping by now and then. Need to keep relations strong between our people."

"Dragons of east and west, right?" I retorted while finding some levity in Ember's fond recollection of her new friend and comrade on the battlefield. The Dragon Lord chuckled at my mentioning of those monikers. But as she rolled me down the path with the mystifying wind blowing through that grove of narrow trees, I acknowledged what was in store for us. "We'll have to say goodbye today..."

"I know... And I'm dreading it." Ember muttered with such a bitter tone in her voice. She sighed harshly before saying, "I don't know if I can say goodbye anymore... Not after everything. I was there for you on the battlefield every day. Even off the battlefield, you always had me. And I always had you..."

The rolling of the wheels stopped before I leaned back in my chair. Ember wrapped her arms around me from behind while I paced my fingers upon her arm. She whispered to me, "I don't wanna let go..."

"Me neither... I never would've made it without you, Ember." I replied with her jaw resting on my shoulder. I closed my eyes and rested my head against hers. I wanted to say it. Anything to give her a reason to be happy. But I knew she wanted me to wait. I made such a risky move just the other day... "Please stay..."

"I'll stay for as long as I can." The beautiful creature behind me sighed, her hand grasping mine. We began to move again before long. It would not do to keep everyone waiting. And the vast green expanse of the Empty Plains soon laid spread out before us as we exited the forest. The Zephyrus and Alabaster were still floating where we had left them. The Zephyrus even already had its gangplank retracted and the ballasts removed. Only the Alabaster was still fully docked. "Better get up there!"

Ember briskly pushed me along and up the gangplank while some of the Alabaster's stewards stood ready to get the ship ready for takeoff. No sooner were the two of us up on deck was the gangplank put away and the ballasts removed. The buzzing of the two airships' engines filled the air as we immediately began to rise higher into the air. They really did not want to waste any time. Novo even approached us up on deck and said, "You two were the last ones out. Everything all right down there?"

"Lots of goodbyes to be said, Novo. Turns out the kirin have a very special connection to humans. Rain Shine especially needed a minute with him." Ember explained while I looked at the beautiful hippogriff queen with a sobering realization. Rain Shine was no longer with us. And it really did feel like something important was missing from our company. Ember looked out at the forested mountain Rain Shine was tucked away on and sighed, "I'm not used to saying goodbye to friends... She really did her part in the war and more."

"That pretty thing really is good company. Don't be a stranger to her now. You live pretty close by, right?" Novo asked while Ember nodded. She then stepped up to me and stroked her hand over my head. "I should let you know something, honey. We radioed ahead to Canterlot to let them know we're coming. And it sounds like they gave Ponyville a rough estimate of our arrival. We were told to drop anchor at the town square since its pretty wide open. I think we'll be getting a proper welcome when we get there."

"They know we're coming? Wow..." I muttered while feeling just so tired. It was finally almost over and I could truly let myself relax. Ember began to roll me towards the entrance into the Alabaster so we could head below deck. The Zephyrus and Alabaster were gradually gaining altitude to reach a respectable cruising altitude as they gained speed. I did not even ask where anyone was. I was just ready for this whole mess to be over. "How long until we get there?"

"I'd say sometime in the afternoon. We're still pretty far off." Novo replied while I was rolled into her private chambers. I promptly rose from the wheelchair and flopped onto her bed. Ember got a chuckle out of that graceless display, but Novo barely batted an eye.

"It took Nightmare Moon and I days just to reach the Grove of Silence for the first time... I can believe you when you say it'll be hours before we arrive." I spoke with a yawn. After such a filling breakfast and just...everything leading up to that point, I only wanted to take a nap. While I tried to get comfortable, Novo and Ember joined me on the bed. "You joining me?"

"Breakfast was filling, honey. And with just about nothing to do for a while, I think we've earned a little more sleep." Novo cooed with her wing draping over me. Although Ember beat her to it with her own smaller wing holding me first. The hippogriff queen then asked, "I take it they filled you up too, Ember?"

"Oh, you have no idea. Those kirin really know how to eat." Ember said with her words being followed by a yawn. "Oh man... What is it about a full belly that tires you out? I think I need this as much as you two..."

"Please stay, Ember... I'll sleep better with you here." I replied before snickering when I felt Novo's beak pull on my ear. "You too, Novo. I always sleep well with my bird of paradise."

"Good answer, baby. All right, royal nap time starts now." Novo chuckled while she and Ember snuggled up to me with my body draped in their glorious wings. And the company of those two wonderful ladies could not have been more reassuring. In a matter of minutes, we were all out like a light.

I suspect we were asleep for quite a while. At least until there was a knock on the door. And the voice of Seaspray spoke up. "Your majesties? Our navigator has informed me we will be exiting the airspace over the Empty Plains within the hour. We should be preparing for docking."

"Wha... Eh... Huh? Oh, sure. Have the crew on standby, admiral. We'll be right out." Novo snorted before lifting her head for quite a yawn. Ember soon did the same. The hippogriff queen sat up in bed before looking down at me. "You're almost home, honey. And I bet they miss you."

All I did was sigh while gazing up at the ceiling. The war had only been going on for a few months at most. And yet it felt like years since I last saw the town of Ponyville. Almost like time flows differently out on the Empty Plains. "I can barely believe it myself..."

"James. Remember." Ember spoke with her hand resting over mine. "If anything goes wrong, you'll still have us."

"Thank you... Really." It was all I could say to the two wonderful queens who had always been there for me. They both placed a kiss upon my cheek before I was seated back into my wheelchair. No time was wasted as I was rolled through the hall, although I felt more energy in the air than usual. The crew was abuzz with anticipation for the upcoming landing. Although once I was up on deck, Ember went back inside with only Novo in my company. "Where's she going?"

"I dunno... Maybe she forgot something?" Novo retorted before pushing me pretty much right up to the bowsprit at the front of the Alabaster. The vast green valleys of the Empty Plains were still spread out far below us, but not for much longer. Novo stood by my side as she said, "I've never been to Ponyville until now... There's good people there, right?"

"Ponyville is a place I can't imagine ever truly leaving. It is the epitome of Equestria's values and customs." I explained while still remembering my earliest days there. Days...that ultimately led to this crisis. At least now it was time to return home for good. "It's going to take some getting used to getting back into old routines..."

"You got so used to being out in the field that it's hard to imagine leaving that behind, huh? I'll bet you're not the only one." Novo replied while she also let out a sigh of longing. She then explained, "I'm in the same boat as you, baby. Ever since the war started, I haven't been home this entire time. I hope Skystar's holding down the fort over there. Can't wait to smell that crisp mountain air and fresh sea breeze again..."

"I hope this is the last time Equestria ever has to deal with something like this... They don't deserve war. It's not in their nature." I muttered with my gaze turned to the sky. It was a borderline miracle that we survived the entire ordeal without a single loss of life. But how many scars would remain?

Novo put an arm around me and pulled me into a leaning embrace. Although a certain sound started to reach my ears. The clanking of sabatons. And once Novo and I looked back, we found Ember standing before us in full armor with her spear in hand. She was quick to explain herself to us. "Just gathering up my stuff before we land."

"Looking good, Ember." Novo replied while the Dragon Lord stood at my other side. I felt much safer when Ember was near me while fully suited up for battle. She would surely make a strong first impression arriving in Ponyville looking like that.

After a while longer of enjoying the view, I started to see it. That dip in the land that I recalled seeing when Nightmare Moon and I reached the Empty Plains for the first time. Except now it was a shallow slope leading up towards the edge. "That's it... That's the edge of the Empty Plains."

"There? Yeah, I think I can see it..." Ember asked as the three of us stared transfixed on the literal border of that vast empty wasteland of purest greens. And minutes later, we crossed that border. We all instinctively looked back as the Alabaster and the nearby Zephyrus passed over that border. And I heard Ember whisper. "Farewell, Empty Plains. May we never return dressed for war."

"Very poetic of you, Dragon Lord." Novo spoke with a knowing smile on her beak.

Ember winked at the two of us while she said, "I guess our little warrior poet here rubbed off on me."

"In that case, I wonder what forms of art you've yet to discover a talent for." I added as I beheld her while clad in that glorious gilded armor. So regal, that beautiful creature. Although while looking at Ember, I noticed the Zephyrus beyond it. And I could see Pinkie Pie and Maud Pie hanging out near the edge of the deck. They were very observant of what was happening below. And after a while longer, Pinkie Pie became very visibly excited. "What's gotten into those two?"

"Hmm... Maybe that down there?" Novo asked as she pointed ahead. There was indeed a clearing in the forests ahead that even had winding roads leading to what seemed to be a town made up of stony hues. That clearing had a simple house and a silo with a particularly large boulder set out in the barren lot around it.

"Oh hey, that's the Pie family rock farm! I guess Pinkie and Maud recognized their old home." I replied while leaning over in my wheelchair to try and keep the rock farm in sight for as long as possible. "I saw their sisters right after heading out to reach the Empty Plains. Marble Pie was especially kind to me. She even shared some fruit with me when I asked."

"A...rock farm? That doesn't sound too crazy. I swear those gemstone deposits keep replenishing themselves over time in my territory. Must be some magic in the earth itself..." Ember muttered in contemplation. That does make a certain kind of sense now that I think about it. Perhaps certain areas do contain a certain magic in the soil that allows certain ores or other earthen products to replenish over time. It would certainly explain why a rock farm does not have to dig out an entire quarry when its 'crops' keep growing back. And I swear I saw a few ponies out there before we passed over them...

There was one specific moment where I knew this journey was coming to an end. And that was when a certain mountain began to loom on the horizon. All manner of anxiety and anticipation filled my heart when I saw that far too familiar mountain slowly growing from a molehill into a towering spire. Novo was the first to speak. "There it is, honey. Welcome home."

The landscape below began to look more and more familiar. And then... There it was. Not far from the base of that mountain was a colorful little town set out over the plains and rolling hills. Ponyville. Ember then asked softly while pointing ahead with her spear, "Is that it...?"

"Yeah... Ponyville." I replied as I forced myself onto my feet. I needed to see this. I peered over the edge of the deck as I beheld my home coming into view. The Alabaster and Zephyrus were already beginning to descend with their speed slowing. Everything looked exactly the way I remembered it. And out there in the town square... A huge mass of pastel colors packed together. I could even hear the sound of music filling the air. A rising clamor of voices. Did the entire town turn out to welcome us in? "Heh... That's Ponyville hospitality for you."

Two spots had been left bare of anyone who might get in the way and not too far apart from each other. Each clearing was just vast enough for an airship of such sizes to land over. The Zephyrus went first and began to pull ahead of us. And I could see the deck becoming crowded with all of its passengers coming up on deck just to see the approach. Ember then set aside her spear for the moment and took hold of the handles behind my wheelchair. "Let's go."

I returned to my seat and was wheeled over to where the gangplank would be lowered. I saw Seaspray leading his men out onto the deck with each in full armor, Gallus, Smolder, and Ocellus in their company. I also noticed Smolder was clutching a mass of papers against her chest. And I could see that they had colorful colors from what little I could make out. At last, the Alabaster and Zephyrus became idle and the gangplanks were lower. It was finally time to depart.

While Ember rolled me down the gangplank, the roar from the crowd was almost deafening. Cheers and greetings from too many voices to count. And I could see all of the Ponyville natives who were aboard the Zephyrus descending the gangplank much more eagerly than the rest of us. And out across that clamor, I could hear the mayor of Ponyville herself calling out from a stand set just before the town hall like at any other public gathering she would speak at. The microphone carried her voice through the town hall's external sound system. "Welcome home, friends! Welcome, heroes of Equestria!"

I do not think anyone was more taken aback by this joyous and loud welcome than Ember's twelve subordinates. Even when suited up in those craggy suits of armor, they were still welcomed all the same. Some of the pegasi in the crowd began to swoop overhead and began to drape flower wreaths over every last one of us who were descending the gangplanks. While still a bit unsure of themselves, the twelve dragon warriors looked fairly pleased over the warm welcome. And it was...touching in ways I cannot describe when I felt that ring of white flowers draped over my shoulders.

The first to reach the bottom of the Zephyrus' gangplank were the Apple siblings. Applejack and Big Macintosh were almost spellbound when they reached the bottom. Almost like they could not believe that they were truly home. And there at the front of the crowd were two faces that they recognized instantly. Little Apple Bloom and good old Granny Smith. The sight of their grandmother and little sister calling out for them filled the faces of the two of them with gazes of stunned silence. They even brought Applejack's prized hat along for her to wear. And it only took a few seconds for those faces to be overwhelmed with looks of identical displays of tearful joy. The two of them broke into a gallop while I distinctly heard Applejack call out, "Comin' home ain't never felt so good!"

My five closest friends found their ways into the arms of very appropriate recipients. Rarity was welcomed by her parents and little Sweetie Belle, Pinkie Pie rolled forward into the welcoming embraces of Mr. and Mrs. Cake with Maud Pie staying close behind her, Applejack and Big Macintosh were in utter tears as they were held by their grandmother, and little Scootaloo was the first to rush over to welcome home her idol. I noticed Gilda was staying a safe distance behind her friend in an attempt to maintain a low profile for the moment. But while I did not see her parents, Twilight Sparkle was approached by someone who was a total constant in her daily life. Spike had made it home in time and the little dragon boy rushed right over to her as the two of them held each other while looking like they could burst into tears at any time. I wish I knew what was being said between them, but the clamor of the welcoming crowd thoroughly drowned out any clear conversation. But what I saw told me enough. And Ember spoke to me behind my head. "I wasn't expecting such a turnout... These ponies really know how to give a hearty greeting."

"I didn't expect this either... Wait... Where is she?" I muttered as I started to feel fairly sentimental myself. I never could have imagined such an overwhelming welcome from the town that had been my home for two years. But as I surveyed my surroundings, I noticed a berth being formed in the walls of ponies before me. Like someone was trying to push through and the greeters were stepping aside for them. And then... There she was. A pegasus mare of pale gold and vibrant pink. "Oh my god..."

Fluttershy. The instant our eyes met, my wife burst into a full gallop and leaped into my arms. Ember had to brace herself behind me to prevent my wheelchair from being knocked over. No words were shared at first, but I could hear her weeping. I did not even have the chance to really goodbye when I set out to face the enemy. We last saw each other thinking it was just any other day, only for what followed to very nearly tear the two of us from each other forever. But now she was seated on my lap with arms and wings wrapped around me. Precious little Fluttershy wept loudly with her flowing pink mane rubbing up against my face.

This was too much. From such a spectacular welcome home from everyone in town to finally holding my beloved wife in my arms for the first time in weeks... I broke. I squinted my eyes shut and whimpered pathetically with that wonderful mare in my arms. And no one dared to interrupt us. It felt like everyone around us became oblivious to our presence amidst that uproar. I was home. And I was very quickly reminded who Fluttershy is and why I walked down the aisle with her mere months ago.

A thought did cross my mind. Fluttershy was finally in my arms again. But...where was our little one? Dear little Gladesong? This moment of logical thought crossed my mind for only a moment before I pushed it out of my head to focus on who was in my arms. Of course Gladesong was not present for this event. The poor little thing would only be frightened and confused with all that deafening noise around her. She would have been miserable and constantly crying the entire time. Best to leave her be and rest for a nap at home. And I knew there were plenty of reliable little helpers Fluttershy could count on to keep watch over our baby girl when we could not.

It felt like a small eternity as my wife and I shed mutual tears of rejoicing with the clamor around us becoming an almost comforting miasma of white noise. And when we finally gazed upon each other, there was no waiting. We joined lips with eyes squinted shut to push out more tears. I loved her... And no matter how many new loves came into my life since I last saw her, no one would ever replace my wife. It was good to be home.

Just when our tears began to cease and the crowd's roar became just a little quieter, Fluttershy's hoof rubbed over my head soothingly. But only for it to stop as she felt the texture of bandages instead of a full head of hair. She gazed at me in horror as she finally realized what my current condition was. Seated in a wheelchair with my entire scalp wrapped. And her gaze of intense worry was joined by the first row of Ponyville's citizens who were nearest. They did not know what had happened. I could not have brought myself to tell anyone outside the militia any of the gruesome details of what happened to me.

I suddenly felt a surge of defiance fill my heart. I knew my current condition was not as bad as it appeared. The worst was behind me, but they could be forgiven for not knowing that. And I had an idea on how to soothe their concerns in one move. I smiled confidently at Fluttershy without a word and gently helped her back down off my lap. She stood back as I locked the wheels of my wheelchair. With both hands grasping the armrest, I stood up without any trouble. Everyone's eyes widened while I held my arms out to my sides and called out to them. "I'm OK!"

They did not only suddenly look relieved. The ponies before me applauded with a thunderous stomping of their hooves. With Fluttershy reaching up to me with her hoof, I took a seat back into my wheelchair and let her climb back up into my lap. With the noise around us just a little quieter, I heard her voice whisper into my ear for the first time in too long. "I missed you like nothing I've ever felt..."

"And I didn't know what I really had to leave behind until just now." I replied with her firmly in my embrace, fingers dragging through her long flowing mane. "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you..."

"I know, James. I was told everything. And I understand. Just...thank you for coming home in one piece." She replied to me within that little bubble in the middle of that outdoor echo chamber. Fluttershy then rubbed her hoof over my bandaged scalp and asked, "It's...not that bad, is it?"

"I was told I'll make a full recovery. It could've been a lot worse." I replied while placing a kiss upon her ear, that little appendage flicking about in response to my touch. "It's just...so good to be home."

Fluttershy lifted her head from my chest. And only then did she really notice who was standing right behind my wheelchair while adjusting the wreath of flowers that hung over her shoulders. Her wishy-washy views on dragons being well known to me, Fluttershy muttered, "A...dragon...?"

Ember began to step around my wheelchair to my side with her helmet doing an unfortunate job of hiding her smile from that angle. I smiled at my constant companion from the war and replied, "The Dragon lord herself."

With some of the introductions taken care of, Ember held a hand to her breastplate and performed a modest bow. "I am Ember. And I served with your mate in the war. Basically as his bodyguard. You found yourself a wonderful man here. It was an honor fighting alongside him out there."

There was only one part of that statement that Fluttershy responded to. Her wary gaze became more cockeyed as she pondered Ember's choice of words. "My...mate?"

Ember immediately flustered as she said, "Wait, what's that modern term? Husband...? Yeah, that! I served with your husband out there! And he's a great man."

Fluttershy's wary gaze started to look more amused than anything in response to Ember hastily trying to correct herself. Now that she had no reason to fear the dragoness beside us, Fluttershy then spoke more calmly. "I've always been so afraid of big scary adult dragons, but...you're the nicest adult dragon I've ever seen."

"That's because she's the best the dragon lands have to offer." I spoke up while Ember only became more flustered now that I was openly praising her to someone she had only just met. "She was one of the best things to happen to me out there. I wouldn't have made it without her."

"Jaaaames, come on! Don't go so heavy in front of complete strangers! I just met her!" Ember squawked while trying to keep her head tilted down to hide her smile. Although Fluttershy started to smirk at Ember's very unauthoritative behavior. And I suspect she was starting to notice a certain chemistry between the two of us. For the Dragon Lord herself to suddenly and comedically protest against me complimenting her like an embarrassed girlfriend, there had to have been a certain subtext in play. Ember suddenly noticed Fluttershy's inquisitive stare in the face of just how comfortable she is around me and took a step back. "Whoa, what's with that look? What'd I do?"

Fluttershy wasted no time in making friends with the Dragon Lord before me. She then smiled at me and said, "I see why you two get along so well. She's great. And she's really beautiful."

"Oh, come on! Why does everyone keep saying that about me?!" Ember barked in response to that familiar observation about her. But unlike so many times before where she responded out of annoyance, she sounded more like she was trying to not laugh. It was then that she finally removed her helmet and hung it on one of my wheelchair's handles. Ember then asked, "Really though, am I beautiful?"

"Oh my, you are! You're the prettiest dragon I've ever seen!" Fluttershy exclaimed now that she got a good look at Ember's bare head and face. This only caused Ember to squeal while looking away. It was a good sign. The two of them were getting along quite well already.

A taller form began to loom over us before a hand rested upon Fluttershy's back. And I found myself smiling as a familiar regal form stood over us. "So then, this is the lucky little lady who struck gold when she found this sweet sugar bear a while back?"

Fluttershy was utterly dumbfounded when she found Novo gazing down at us. I think she was not entirely sure of where that voice had come from and could not believe it came from the spectacularly gorgeous hippogriff mare beside us. "Um... Was that you, ma'am?"

Novo let out a hearty chuckle before providing an answer. "You better believe it, honey. Queen Novo, at your service."

Fluttershy's eyes widened in disbelief as she tried to process what she was seeing and hearing. Ember and I were just smirking in knowing. Every person who meets Novo for the first time probably has the same reaction. Fluttershy then glanced at me out of the corner of her eye and muttered, "When you said she really doesn't sound the way she looks, you really weren't kidding..."

Novo lifted her head high and exploded into laughter that fit in too well with the clamor happening. "I get that all the time, honey! And it never gets old. But anyway, your man here is quite the marvel. And I'm guessing he's told you about me?"

"Oh my goodness, you're really Queen Novo... It's...such an honor to meet you, your majesty!" Fluttershy bowed her head before greeting the queen with a smile. Her eyes then brightened as she exclaimed, "James said so much about your home when he got back from that visit! Capricorn Island sounds like such a beautiful place! And he especially had a lot to say about you."

"You know, it's funny you mention that. I've been itching for a chance to talk to you, honey. And you're every bit the sweet little lady I've heard of too." Novo retorted while Fluttershy tried to hide her face behind her mane. It must have been such a surreal experience, being addressed by a queen who really was not acting like a queen. Novo then winked at me and said, "She's a peach. I see why you married her."

"I made all the right choices back then, huh?" I chuckled as I basked in the revelry around me. Nothing but good vibes. But it was then that someone jumped onto my lap and wiggled their way between Fluttershy and I. "Huh? Scoot?"

"Dad, you made it!" The rambunctious filly called out as she clung tightly to me with her face nuzzling into my chest. Just hearing that word... I almost burst into tears as I held that little filly against me. Gladesong was not my first child. A lost little filly with no one to look up to came into my life close to the start. She looked up at me and appeared to be on the verge of tears. Something she desperately tried to hide from the crowd around us. "You didn't say goodbye...but I knew you'd be OK! You're gonna be fine, right?!"

"Yeah... Yeah, these bandages make it look worse than it actually is. I'm OK." I retorted before holding her head to my chest. With my hand over her face, I felt a few tears touch my fingers. "Thanks for believing in me... It got pretty bad out there."

Scootaloo fell silent for a moment while she was nestled between Fluttershy and I. And it was then that I noticed she was wearing her Cutie Mark Crusader cape as well. As were Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. They probably just wanted to look their best to welcome home friends and family. Unless...

It suddenly hit me. I remembered that special time together I spent with my wife and our five closest friends in the depths of our dreams. A little get-together during the war. And Fluttershy revealed a certain bit of info to me. I whispered to my wife, "Hey, dear. Didn't you tell me that the Cutie Mark Crusaders haven't been seen without their capes for a while?"

"Oh, right! They haven't gone anywhere without them for weeks! I wonder why..." Fluttershy replied before looking down at Scootaloo, who had her eyes squinted shut while resting her head against my chest. She then asked, "Scootaloo? Before I forget, why have you been wearing your cape all the time now? I've even seen you wearing it to bed."

Scootaloo's eyes popped open in sudden realization. As if that question had flipped a switch in her head. "Oh yeah, I totally forgot! We've been waiting for this!"

She jumped out of my arms and called out to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle while they were catching up on lost time with friends and family. "Hey, girls! We were waiting for today to show them, right?!"

"Huh?! Show us what?! What're you girls..." Rainbow Dash began to say before she froze. Her eyes opened wide before she asked, "Oh man... Is this going where I think it is?! Did you girls finally do it while we were gone?!"

Rarity and Applejack also began to draw near with the former asking, "Girls, did it happen?! Did you win your own war while we were fighting ours?!"

The three fillies stood near each other as so many eyes fell upon them. Friends, family, and even anyone in the crowd who were familiar with the three of them. We all watched with bated breath. It was all too obvious where this was going. Apple Bloom then explained, "Why dontcha see for yerselves?! We wanted y'all ta be the first ta see!"

"Yep! And we waited for weeks! Ready, girls?" Sweetie Belle added before they all took hold of their capes by their teeth. "Cutie Mark Crusaders..."

And with one swing of their heads the three fillies tossed their capes high as they all shouted together. "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!"

There was an audible gasp among us. There... There on their flanks. They had finally done it. And had gone to great lengths to save us the honor of being the first to see them. The Cutie Mark Crusaders now each bore a cutie mark that just filled my heart with a surging feeling of pride that all too perfectly enhanced the sense of triumph that coming home to Ponyville instilled into us. Applejack was the first to speak, her voice getting shaky as she dried her eyes with her famous hat finally back atop her head. "Oh my goodness... Just when I thought this day couldn't get any sweeter, y'all had ta give us such a sight ta come home to!"

Each of those cutie marks differed, but were perfectly representative of the talents that literally everyone in town was aware of while the three fillies themselves were entirely oblivious to them. At least until recently. Apple Bloom's cutie mark did feature a single red apple that would not be unexpected among her family, but it also sported a hammer and paint brush crossed over it. Sweetie Belle's featured a heart surrounded by a music chart bearing music notes. No doubt symbolic of her specialty in beautiful song. And then there was Scootaloo. Hers depicted the obvious form of a scooter that appeared to be pulling off a wheelie while performing a spinning pirouette to showcase her masterful scooter riding skills. Just when our journey home had ended, so too had theirs.

"Scoot, that cutie mark's totally rad! What'd happen?! What made you finally figure it out?!" Rainbow Dash asked as she rushed over to her #1 fan and lifted her high like a big sister who was so very proud of her understudy.

"That's the funny thing! We all figured our talents out on the same day! Even if they did happen a few hours apart..." Scootaloo laughed in sheer joy before she was set down.

Apple Bloom then pointed at her unicorn friend and said, "It was Sweetie Belle who came up with the idea!"

Sweetie Belle then explained, "Uh huh! I got the idea that...maybe we were looking in all the wrong places! I said maybe we should try to focus on less stuff. And then try stuff that we always do that we're really good at! I'm really great at singing and coming up with lyrics, Apple Bloom's amazing at carpentry and just building stuff, and Scootaloo... She's probably the best scooter rider in the world!"

"Yeah! And then it...just...sorta happened! By the time we all met up again, we all had our marks! The Cutie Mark Crusaders finally got their marks!" Apple Bloom cheered while her family could not be more proud of her. All three of them gathered around her even as Sweetie Belle's family did the same. Rainbow Dash affectionately rubbed her best fan's head, but Scootaloo then trotted my way and hopped back up into my lap.

I was utterly speechless. Of all the things I expected to see upon returning home, the Cutie Mark Crusaders having found their cutie marks while we were away was just about the last thing on my mind. I suppose I had grown too accustomed to them just being without cutie marks. Although as I rubbed my daughter's head, I heard her speak to me. "We...uh...all felt really stupid at just how obvious the answer was... Just wondering, but did you know all along?"

"Yeah, pretty much. It's not exactly a secret what you girls are best at. I've considered dropping you some hints now and then, but chose not to in order for you enjoy the full affect of finding out on your own." I replied with the clamor around us not being quite as noisy as it had been minutes ago. I then asked, "It felt better in the end when it was all on you, right?"

"Yeah, really! Oh man, when I saw my flanks light up like that... I just about cried! And here we were all wondering if we'd be stuck as blank flanks forever... We're totally gonna show these babies off at school tomorrow!" Scootaloo squealed with her teeth constantly bared in a huge grin. It looked like none of her classmates were able to see through the walls of ponies or perhaps the sheer joyful chaos of what was happening around them kept them from registering what had just been revealed. Better to reveal to them the fruits of their labor in a familiar setting anyway.

Fluttershy hugged her adopted daughter all the same, as did I. I noticed Novo took a step back to leave us alone for some family bonding, but Ember did not quite step away. She loomed over us with arms crossed until Scootaloo finally looked up to meet the newest friend of the family. "Oh, hey! Wow, that's some cool armor! Did you dragons help out in the war too?"

"Sure did! And I saved your dad more than once out there." Ember retorted with a tone of faux smugness. I smirked crookedly while the Dragon Lord rubbed her hand over my bandaged scalp. "This poor thing wouldn't have lasted a week without me. But he was impressive in his own right too. Your father is an amazing man."

"Isn't he?! He's the best dad I could've ever asked for!" Scootaloo exclaimed while I went silent from the sheer flattery. They started conversing for a moment along with Fluttershy while I did what I do best and just listened in. I think Ember was really enjoying herself by being surrounded by much more pleasant people than she was used to back in the dragon lands.

It was right around then that Spike came running my way after having caught up with Twilight. Although while I did notice that her parents did not appear to be in the crowd, I quickly came to the assumption that it was for the best. I think I did document at one point the...mental health issues of her mother. It would probably be best to wait until Shining Armor got back home anyway so they could truly reconnect with the entire family being present. Regardless, the little dragon boy hurried to my side with his hands waving over his head. "Hey, James! You made it back! You sure you're OK there?"

"It looks pretty bad, but the worst is behind me. I'm all right." I replied with my hand reaching down to him. He took it between both of his and gave it a hearty shake. It was so good to see my comic book buddy again. Although I then noticed Ember peering past me while Scootaloo and Fluttershy were preoccupied with each other. With this being a first meeting between dragons, I took the opportunity to speak first. "Ember, this is Spike. And he's a good friend of mine."

Spike immediately took a step back when he saw a dragon he did not recognize stepping out from behind my wheelchair. His eyes wide with wariness, I immediately recalled hearing how his one and only foray into the dragon lands ended up being a less than pleasant experience. It was no wonder he was a little wary of any dragon who he did not know. But Ember greeted him cordially enough with a raised hand. "Hey there! You all right?"

"Oh, uh... Yeah! Yeah, I'm good!" Spike replied with his mood softening now that Ember had made the first move. And a very friendly move as well. "Anyway, I'm Spike! You can find me at the library most of the time with Twilight. Sorry if I freaked a little. It's just...the last time I met dragons who don't live in places like Ponyville..."

Ember had a very shrewd smirk on her face. She knew exactly where this was going. She then placed her hand atop Spike's head and said, "Let me guess. They were a bunch of boulderheads with no tact or courtesy and no culture to speak of who value brute strength over all else?"

Spike gave Ember the weirdest stare. It was as if she completely nailed what was going through his head. "Come to think of it... Yeah! Yeah, pretty much exactly that! How'd you know?"

"Because I'm the one who has to keep those morons in line every single day! It's not easy being the Dragon Lord when your people insist on being stuck in their own little time capsule from millennia ago." Ember exclaimed while speaking with a smile more than any real frustration.

Spike's jaw dropped open as he connected the dots. "Wait... You're...the dragon queen?! You're the ruler of all dragons?!"

"Dragon Lord. And yeah, I try. And it's never easy. Although I have a creeping suspicion that things might start changing before long." Ember replied while peering ahead into the crowd. And I saw why. Her twelve subordinates looked like they were having a great time as Mr. and Mrs. Cake served them up some fresh pastries. Even Celaeno and her crew were nearby and enjoying some sweet Ponyville baking of their own. Speaking of which, I saw Pinkie Pie coming my way with a tray of sweets set upon her back. And with her rear half still supported in a wheel harness, it gave her the amusing implication that she had volunteered to serving as a serving cart.

Although it was also then that Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy finally laid eyes on each other. The two longtime friends froze now that they had each to her's undivided attention. And sure enough, the rest of their circle of closest friends hurried over. I could only watch as Fluttershy hopped down from my lap and sounded like she was starting to cry. The six mares all ran to each other and embraced the one friend who could not follow them onto the battlefield. "I had no idea I would miss you girls this bad...!"

"You did say you would miss us so much, darling... Let it be known that the feeling is mutual!" Rarity replied as they just looked...utterly overjoyed. They were all pieces to a puzzle. The bearers of the Elements of Harmony themselves. Seeing them all embrace like that reminded me of what they had always been even before I ever came to this world of Equestria. And they were finally together again after far too long apart.

Now that Fluttershy was so thoroughly distracted by her best friends, Gilda took the opportunity to come over to me while Ember and Spike were distracted with each other as well. She took the time to drape her feathery bangs over the left side of her face to help hide the bandage over her eye. She had been staying in the background, most likely because she had recognized Fluttershy. "Man, what a crowd. They sure missed you guys."

"Some things never change." I replied while watching and genuinely enjoying the roar of so many people around me. It was the surest sing that I was back in familiar territory. But now that Gilda was back in Ponyville for the first time after she and Rainbow Dash more or less abandoned each other, it was probably a stressful situation for her. I then asked, "So then... What's next?"

"I'm gonna bunk with Dash for the night and then catch the next train home tomorrow. I wanna rest my wings for a while. And... Well..." Gilda replied before looking over at the circle of six mares. "I still got some apologies to make. But this ain't the time for it."

I rested my hand on her head and said, "Fluttershy and I live past the western edge of town. Right at the edge of the Everfree Forest. Stop by whenever you're ready."

"Right, yeah, over there. I'll just...duck back into the crowd until then." She replied before starting to step away. Although Gilda then looked back at me while making sure she was out of Fluttershy's field of vision. "You think she'll really listen?"

"Fluttershy is probably one of the more forgiving mares in town... Just be honest and forward with her. Don't give her a reason to think you're being insincere and you'll probably be fine." I explained while starting to wonder how much Fluttershy even remembers about that day. I am not even sure of how much time the two spent around each other. It could have been five minutes or just fifteen seconds. I never asked and felt it would be best not to.

Gilda nodded before glancing back at my wife. I had to wonder if Scootaloo even knew that she existed when considering the hen's close ties to her idol. She then said to me, "I'll lay low until things die down and you get back home. I'll see you there."

All I could do was watch Gilda disappear into the crowd. Although I was soon distracted by a trio approaching. Smolder was finally making her way over with her arms crossed over her chest. And I could see why she was heading straight for Spike. Ocellus and Gallus followed behind, although Ocellus looked like she was really taking in all the good vibes around her. The disguised Changeling was forced to wear her favorite dragon guise, but did not seem entirely afraid. It must have felt so surreal to be welcomed by people that her old hive were enemies with.

"Hey, Spike! Long time no see!" Smolder called out to get Spike's attention. Ember stepped back to give them a little more room before Smolder held out what was being held against her chest. Every last comic book that had been sent to us while we were out on the Empty Plains. "Thanks for letting us borrow these. They were a great read. And they're still in perfect condition."

"Oh, hey! Smolder! Thanks! I've been so busy with helping Cadence all this time that I've had almost no time to read this stuff. I can't wait to get caught up again!" Spike all but squealed in joy to see a chunk of his prized comic book collection being returned safe and sound. I too could relate. With where my mind has been during the war, the more recent exploits of the Power Ponies and Project H were the last thing on my mind. Surely a new issue or two had been released since then. But while Spike held his books to his chest, he had a sudden realization. "Wait a minute... Were you out there too?!"

"Yep! But all I did was spread out their radar stuff. I didn't do any fighting." Smolder explained before extending her hands to her two friends. "And I had some help! This is my gal pal, Ocellus. And the grumpy bluebird is Gallus."

"Hey, I'm actually in a really good mood here!" Gallus squawked at the sassy dragoness before cracking a more sincere smile at the little dragon boy. "Anyway, good to meet ya. Good to see I'm not the only dude around here."

Ocellus then meekly waved at Spike and said, "Nice...to meet you?"

"Wow, she's really nice. Always great to meet another friendly dragon." Spike replied with an outstretched arm. Ocellus gently took hold for a moment before Spike started chatting up Smolder and Gallus. Both as a fellow dragon friend and probably for some boy talk. But not Ocellus. She slunk over to me while Ember stood beside me to just keep watch.

Ocellus stepped even closer to me with her hands rubbing up and down her arms. Even if the atmosphere was pleasant and very inviting, she was still surrounded by people who would likely have a much colder reaction should her disguise come off. I then leaned over to her and asked, "How're you holding up, love bug?"

"It's...so pleasant here... This is Ponyville? I see why you and Smolder had such nice things to say. There's so much love in the air... So much happiness." Ocellus muttered as a very timid smile spread across her draconic muzzle. Even though surrounded by very many strangers, I think she felt comfortable in being nearly invisible to so many unfocused eyes. Hiding in plain sight. Although she then asked, "Do you think...they'll accept the real me?"

"In time. Just...keep that disguise on for now, OK? At least until you don't need it anymore." I replied with my hand resting on hers. We watched as Celaeno came over to the six friends and began to introduce herself to Fluttershy. Judging by the way Fluttershy looked over at me with a cockeyed glance had me suspecting she just found out I was not making stuff up that day when I came home and told her that I had been kidnapped off a train by a crew of sky pirates. While they chatted, Gallus snatched a few cupcakes off the tray Pinkie Pie was carrying around and brought one over to me. "Thanks, Gallus. I almost forgot what Sugarcube Corner's products even taste like."

"Tastes great to me!" The happy griffon boy replied while also passing one to Ocellus too. While probably not exactly hungry, she was more than happy to at least sample one. Gallus even passed one to Ember as well. "Oh, right. One for you too."

"Thank you. And these are...what'd they call them? Cupcakes? It kind of looks like you could carry it in a cup..." Ember asked before she and I took a bite almost in unison. It was nothing special. Just a classic white dough cupcake with buttercream icing, but the sheer quality of it sent my senses ablaze with wonderful sensory nostalgia. I used to sample those wares from Sugarcube Corner frequently and was reminded of just how long it had been since I had last even seen the place. Ember was especially impressed as I noticed her eyes roll back in her head. "Oh my... This is...just about the sweetest thing I've ever tasted... Even out on the Empty Plains, I never tasted anything like this."

"Yeah, we did go a bit light on desserts out there..." I grumbled as I remembered most of the desserts we did end up trying were few and far between and were mostly fruit based and largely unsweetened. Delicious in their own right, but not like a good cake. I then watched Gallus as he scanned the crowd and the Ponyville skyline beyond them. "So then... Now that we're in Ponyville, what's your take on it?"

Gallus rubbed a fist under his chin before he said, "I dunno about the aesthetics, but...I think I dig it. Although I bet it's not always this noisy."

"Nah, Ponyville's pretty quiet most of the time. But when they party, they party well. Although I'm surprised they set this all up without Pinkie Pie. She's the premier party planner in town."

The crowd was starting to wind down a bit by then. This was not so much a party as it was a welcoming display for the sake of morale. Refreshments were passed out and everyone was ecstatic to be back home, but there was not much of a reason to stick around longer than necessary. Bit by bit, the locals who turned out to welcome us began to depart. Although Maud Pie then finally approached me now that it was just a little quieter. I greeted her with a wave of my hand. "Good to have you back in Ponyville, Maud."

"It's nice to be back, although I can't stay long. I'll bunk at Pinkie's place for the night and head home tomorrow. I need to check in with my professors to discuss resuming my studies." Maud replied while she set a hoof on my hand. I think she really wanted a hug, but knew she was probably a bit heavy to climb onto my lap on such short notice. And she did look tired. Moreso than usual. "I'm...really glad you made it home. I can rest easy knowing you're here now."

"Thanks for all you did, Maud. It wouldn't have been the same without the same without you." I sighed before I grasped her hoof in my hand with just the slightest display of a shake. Although when she stepped away, Fluttershy was on her way back over to me. And someone was eager to say hello as they waited for an opportunity to catch her alone with me. Gallus and Ocellus noticed someone else drawing near and backed off to give us some room. I glanced at our guest and asked, "Can I help you, admiral?"

Fluttershy glanced to her left in awe as Seaspray stood over us in that glistening iridescent armor of his. The kindly hippogriff captain bowed to my wife while he asked, "So sorry if I'm interrupting anything, but are you the wife of this fine man here?"

Fluttershy stuttered and stammered a bit as she beheld yet another regal hippogriff towering over her. "Oh my... I knew the queen is gorgeous, but... Are all hippogriffs this pretty?"

I failed to suppress a snicker before I could respond. "Heh... Yeah, pretty much. I like to call them the birds of paradise."

Seaspray could only give a hearty laugh at that compliment. Fluttershy smiled crookedly as she said, "My goodness... Well, yes. I am Fluttershy and James is...my wonderful husband."

"In that case, it is a pleasure to meet you, madam. I am Admiral Seaspray and I was fortunate enough to be the first to welcome your husband to my home of Capricorn Island. Let it be said that our Sir James here is one of the finest men I've ever known and it was nothing short of an honor serving with him on the battlefield. And I see that he chose his bride equally well, madam." Seaspray replied with his own unique flair that was nothing short of a joy to listen to.

"First the queen and now you... I see why James had nothing but the highest praises for you hippogriffs when he came home from Capricorn Island. It sounds like you're all amazing people." Fluttershy giggled with a wrist held to her lips. She did have an affinity for birds herself, so it must have been a pleasure getting to meet such beautiful avian creatures who are generally very fine people in their own right.

"And before I forget... There's someone who I think wants to meet you." Seaspray said slyly before he called out over the crowd. "Sky Beak! Report to me at once!"

Sure enough, one specific hippogriff clad in gilded armor swooped over the crowd on his glorious wingspan. As he approached, Seaspray took a step back before he could depart. "I will just leave you both to it. May we meet again later today, my friends."

Sky Beak and Fluttershy instantly locked eyes with each other while I allowed them to speak to each other first. And Fluttershy quickly put the pieces together. "You're...Mr. Sky Beak?! James had such nice things to say about you!"

"My boy told you about me, huh?" Sky Beak chuckled before bowing to my wife. "It's great to finally meet my daughter-in-law. And what a fine young lady you are!"

Fluttershy immediately cocked her head to one side with such an amusing gaze of confusion in her eyes. I suppose she must have forgotten about that detail. Or did I never tell her? It is hard to recall at this moment. Although I then said, "He's basically the closest thing to a father I have in this world. And I love him for that."

"Ooooooh... Now I remember." Fluttershy muttered in some slight embarrassment before bowing to Sky Beak as well. "Then... Thank you for being such a good father to him. He's told some...not very nice things about his dad back where he came from."

"I know... I was told. And I want to be better than that." Sky Beak replied solemnly before stepped up beside me and draping his wing over my shoulders. We gave and received a smile from each other before he said, "Every boy and every man needs a true father in their lives and I was happy to step up and take that role. And this boy has made me proud so many times. You found yourself a good man, Miss Fluttershy."

"Love you too, papa bird." I replied while Fluttershy's wings sprang open wide, her hoofs covering her lips as she likely tried to not squeal at the display of adoration between father and son for the first time. She never met my true father and I know it would be best it remained that way. But I could not ask for a better father than that wonderful papa bird at my side. I think I was blushing when I realized exactly what Fluttershy was seeing and spoke in spite of the warmth in my face. "He's a great dad. Really, he is."

"I can tell... I'm glad at least one of us has father in our lives." Fluttershy said almost somberly. At least until I remembered why. It feels like so long ago when she told me, but I never forgot. She never knew her father. And she eventually lost her mother. Fluttershy then said, "You're always welcome at our place, Mr. Sky Beak."

I think he noticed that slight emotional dip in her eyes. And so I whispered the unfortunate truth into Sky Beak's ear. He nodded with a firm frown on his beak before stepping over to her and pulling my wife into a soft feathery hug. "Thank you, Fluttershy. Although since we're technically in-laws now... Why don't you just call me 'Dad' from now on?"

Fluttershy's eyes opened wide while I had to struggle to hold back a laugh. Ember, who had been patiently quiet and observant, leaned over my shoulder and whispered into my ear. "You really did find yourself a great dad."

"I know, right?" I chuckled in return. "I just hope we can see him more often. It complicates things when someone lives oversees."

It was right around then that the crowd finally began to disperse properly. We had been welcomed home and they did not want to wear our their welcome. And if there was one thing we all had in common, it was that we were tired. I am sure that everyone just wanted to go home, plop themselves down on their bed, and just start to reacclimate themselves to where they belonged. But not Pinkie Pie. She still had enough energy to make a statement to the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Hey, lucky ladies! Now that you've got your cutie marks, we need to plan your cute-ceañera! Let's head over to my place and get brainstorming! You've had this coming for a long time and we need to get it just about perfect!"

"Oh yeah, we do need that! Mom, Dad, I'll catch up with you later, all right?!" Scootaloo replied while I nodded and waved at her in parting. We finally got caught up and could reconnect at the dinner table that night. Finally earning their cutie marks was a massive deal to the three fillies and they deserved to take an afternoon to plan out their perfect party.

Applejack then let out a yawn before she almost slumped to her knees. "Yup, I think we all deserve a lil' alone time ta get settled. Don't know what it is about bein' back home, but I am just plum tuckered right now. I'm probably gonna crash right into bed, then wake up for some dinner in a few hours, then go right back ta sleep and nap 'til mornin'. We can all catch up tomorrow, right?"

Big Macintosh could not even muster one of his iconic eeyups. It was like as soon as we were back in familiar territory, we all could finally relax. And our bodies were far too eager to leave all that battlefield baggage behind. Rarity too sighed and said, "I really should be getting back to my boutique as well. I've probably accumulated quite the backlog by now. Hopefully Mitta was able to hold down the fort while we were gone."

"No kidding. I feel like I can barely get myself back in the air. I'll probably just walk home before going airborne for five seconds." Rainbow Dash chuckled before letting out an impressively long yawn. "I know I like my naps, but I swear I've never felt like I've needed one more than now..."

"We all do, Rainbow... We all do." Twilight nodded while both she and Spike looked to be on the same page. Poor Spike probably had to deal with more paperwork than ever before while serving under Cadence during the war. "How about we have a little tea before taking a nap for a few hours, Spike?"

"Sounds good to me... I'll brew up my best brew of chamomile and mint." The dragon boy replied before he suddenly glanced at Fluttershy. "Oh, wait! Fluttershy! You were looking after Owlowiscious while we were gone, right?"

My wife beamed at us all while she said, "Oh, about that! I was looking after all your pets while you were away. As soon as I heard you would be coming home today, I dropped them all off at home for you. Except for Winona. Granny Smith was happy to look after her the whole time. You should find them waiting at home."

"Awww, you're a peach, Fluttershy! I hope Gummy didn't give you any trouble. He can sure be snappy!" Pinkie Pie giggled before she looked at her sister and said, "Anyway, ready for a night at my place, Maud? We can even make another batch of... Oooooh, wait. You don't even like rock candy, right?"

Maud Pie cracked a surprisingly crooked yet subtle smile. "Yeah, sounds fun. Just give me a minute first."

Pinkie Pie's sister then walked over to me with that smile fading. Our eyes met for a moment before she reached out to me and held me in a hug. I did the same with my hand on the back of her head. She whispered to me, "In spite of everything that happened... I really enjoyed our time together."

"Yeah... Thanks for being there for me, Maud." I muttered with an exhausted sigh. I could still remember. When I was at my most helpless, she became a stone wall to shield me from anything or anyone desperate enough to take a dagger to my throat. I would not be there at that moment had Maud not protected me. "I owe you my life."

"You would've done the same for me." She muttered frankly, her cheek rubbing up against mine. "If I don't see you soon, I'll see you this holiday season. I'll get back to you on that. Need to talk it over with everypony back home."

"I'm looking forward to it. Tell Marble I said hello." I whispered with our embrace loosening. With a part to plan and three excited fillies in her company, Pinkie Pie rolled off with her sister trailing behind at a more leisurely pace. Although we were not the only ones left. Novo was still there with her entire cadre of archers while Celaeno was speaking with her crew. And while the crowd had dispersed, several stragglers were checking out the Zephyrus and Alabaster from below. It is indeed a rare sight when an airship docks in town. I do not think it happened once before my trip to Capricorn Island.

With everyone just about ready to head home and rest after a long journey home, Rainbow Dash trotted up to me and lifted herself higher to whisper discreetly into my ear. "Hey, James. Have you seen G? She just disappeared on me a while ago."

"Gilda? Oh, right. About her..." I muttered while trying to keep my voice from reaching Fluttershy. There was a lot riding on their upcoming encounter. "She's...waiting for the right opportunity to approach Fluttershy. But when that's all over, she'll be coming by your place to bunk for the night. Be sure to leave the door unlocked in case you're not awake to let her in."

"My place? Sweet. Maybe we can have a jam session like the old days. Thanks for the heads up." Rainbow Dash said quietly with a wink of confidence. When she pushed herself off my wheelchair, she let out another yawn. "Anyway... I'll see you girls tomorrow. How about we all get together for lunch at the café? Really get settled back into old routines."

"I couldn't think of a better way to really cement putting this mess behind us. I'll bring a bottle of my best wine, darlings. And we need to make sure Pinkie Pie knows too!" Rarity replied with her fatigue briefly subsiding.

I noticed someone approaching. Gallus had stepped away from a distracted Smolder and Ocellus and came up to me. I think he had been listening in and knew that if he was going to say something, that was the time to do it. "Hey, uh... Now that we're here... What's next for me? Where do I go?"

This raised some good questions. Gallus and I had discussed getting him to Ponyville in order to give him a better place to live. But what now? Especially when we were all too exhausted from the ordeal of warfare to even try to think of what to do next. Thankfully, Applejack stepped in. "How 'bout this, Gallus? Why don't ya bunk with us at Sweet Apple Acres? We always love company and my folks and I always have a few guest rooms ready. You can stay as long as ya need to until ya figure out what happens next."

"Wow, really? Just like that with no strings attached? Sure, I'm good for it. Thanks." Gallus replied as he stammered a bit from the unexpected and unconditional show of hospitality from Applejack. I would have expected no less from her. But he then looked up at me with a less happy gaze. The griffon boy held up a hand and said, "Thanks for getting me here. I think you really weren't kidding when you said Ponyville's a great place to be. I'll be seeing you around, right?"

"Count on it." I retorted while I took hold of his hand for a gentle shake. "Take care of yourself, Gallus. You're in a good place now. If you have any questions, you come find me. I know what it's like feeling out of place here at first."

I think I saw a few tears starting to build at the edges of his eyes. In just a few days, his entire life had been turned upside-down in all the best ways. It would probably be a while before he adapted to the wonderful hospitality of Ponyville's people. It was something I definitely emphasized with. He struggled to hide a sniffle while he wiped his eyes. "Sounds like you know where you're coming from..."

"Hey... It's OK." I whispered with my hand gently scritching his feathery head. "I cried a little too on my first day here. It's OK if it feels a bit overwhelming."

All he did was nod while drying his tears. I felt for the boy. While I am sure my background is nowhere near as awful as his must have been, spending twenty-five years on Earth has a way of leaving you bitter after a while. It was such a jarring change of pace for me and Gallus would experience that too. I watched the griffon boy step over to Applejack and Big Macintosh with Granny Smith still waiting nearby to lead them home. And with one very tired wave, they were off.

It was at this point that Celaeno finally drew near. Her crew waited over yonder for her to return, but still waved at me in solidarity. "How you holding up? Feels good being back home, right?"

"Yeah... That first encounter was a bit overwhelming... Didn't expect the entire town to welcome us back like that." I retorted while adoring the look of that flower wreath draped over her shoulders. Although I then asked, "So then... What's next for you and the crew?"

Celaeno cracked a smile while glancing around at our surroundings. "I was thinking...we stay docked for a few hours. Do a little sightseeing, maybe grab a bite, stretch our land legs. And after, we should head back up to Canterlot and report in."

"And you've never been to Ponyville before, right? Take your time. It's a good place." I replied with a smile even as she patted me on the shoulder.

"Yeah, it must be after they rolled out the red carpet like that. I don't think I ever saw that hard a welcome back home myself and my people do love a good party." Celaeno snickered before her gaze began to soften. She then tapped her peg leg on the ground a few times and said, "So then... Now that this whole mess is over... When're we gonna do something about this?"

The sight of that shiny peg leg of raw emerald reminded me of a choice encounter I had with Zecora. And the words of warning I heard from that zebra herbalist. "Well, Zecora's not back yet. She wasn't exactly a priority evacuee when we departed. I say...check back with me in maybe six weeks. We'll go see her and figure out what needs to be done since it sounded like there is some risk involved."

I saw Celaeno's eyes brighten up. Genuinely excited and hopeful. "I'm gonna owe you big for this. And I still owe you for what you did for us already. Gotta start thinking about retributions..."

"Yeah, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Until then, you guys just take it easy for a while." I replied before Celaeno and I held each other for a hug. "Thanks for all you did out there."

"And thank you for being the hero we needed. I'll see you around, James. Hopefully sooner than later." Celaeno sighed with an almost somber smile on her beak. When she stepped away, she led her crew along into town. Although I noticed Boyle and Mullet standing on opposite sides of Squabble. Most likely to be ready to wrangle him in if he caused a scene. It looked like that goofball had already eaten his flower wreath...

One by one, we saw our friends off. Until it was just Fluttershy and I with Ember still presiding behind us. And Smolder and Ocellus still whispering to each other nearby as were Embers twelve subordinates. The disguised Changeling looked more at ease now that there were fewer people around. Ember then sighed with her arms crossed and said, "Feels like an end of an era... But in a good way. Now that the place has cleared out, I really do like this kind of atmosphere. Quiet, but not in the same way as an open valley between the mountains..."

"Ponyville can be very quiet on its less busy days. I think just about everypony is finally able to relax now that the war's truly over. It got really crazy for a couple of days when we all heard the war had ended and I guess everypony burned themselves out." Fluttershy said before bursting into an amused giggle. I wonder how the town must have looked right after victory was declared. Pinkie Pie would have been proud.

Novo approached us at the first opportunity. We all looked up at her as she said, "So then... I guess now's a good time for you lovebirds to get home. You live nearby?"

I pointed to the west and explained, "Not really. We have a cottage past the west edge of town. Right outside the Everfree Forest."

"Sounds like a long walk. That won't do. How about I chaperone you all home in style? Come on up!" Novo retorted, hand extended towards the Alabaster while I saw her men hurrying up the gangplank to prepare for departure. They knew we would not refuse such an offer.

Fluttershy's eyes widened before she looked up at the Alabaster above. "Really?! We can...ride that?!"

"Of course you can, honey! Come on, my treat. You're the guest of honor today!" Novo retorted before Ember placed her helmet over her head and started pushing me towards the gangplank. Fluttershy stammered and stuttered while following as literally everyone began to follow. Novo called out to Seaspray on the way up. "Admiral! Tell the helmsman to set her to slow ahead!"

"Slow ahead! At once, your majesty!" Seaspray replied before he disappeared from sight. The gentle rumbling of the Alabaster's engines could be heard even before the gangplank had been retracted.

The deck was more crowded than I was used to seeing now that we had so many dragons out. And I saw Fluttershy's face brightening as the Alabaster began to gain some more altitude. "Oh my, oh my, I've never flown like this before!"

"Yeah, first time aboard an airship is always a trip." I retorted, having experienced the Zephyrus, the Alabaster, and even the Olympia in just the past few months. "Enjoy the view. It's a good one."

The Alabaster turned to the west before it began to soar along at a leisurely pace over Ponyville's rooftops. No more than a hundred feet off the ground. Probably just to dazzle the locals as it buzzed overhead. I think they were trying to stall for time to really let us enjoy the trip since Fluttershy's cottage was only relatively near.

Barely five minutes was all it took for my home to come into view. We passed over the meadow just west of town with that lovely little cottage coming up ahead. Smolder was at the front of the bow to point ahead for Ocellus to see where she lived. It must have been such a joy for Smolder to see a place she finally came to call home coming into view. Ember peered over the side of the deck and asked, "That's your house? It's...different from the one I was assigned to."

"I tailored it myself when I first moved in. I've always had a fondness for the beauty of nature that you just don't get in Cloudsdale." Fluttershy explained with Ember's eyes widening at the mention of a city she had never heard of before.

"Clouds...dale... Wait... You mean to tell me..." Ember muttered as the gears turned in her head. Desperately trying to process such a foreign concept to herself. I almost laughed when I remembered taking a break upon a cloud out on the Empty Plains while Ember was with me only for her to drop right through it when she tried to land on it. There may be dragons who can fly, but they lack some of the qualities of other aerial beings. "There's an entire city out there in the sky?! And I'm guessing...it's made outta clouds?!"

Fluttershy happily replied, "Yes! It's home to most of the pegasi in this section of Equestria. Rainbow Dash and I came to Ponyville from Cloudsdale."

"Huh... The more you know." Ember muttered in bewilderment as the Alabaster started to come in for a landing. But it was then that Ember's tone became more solemn. She looked at me and said, "It's almost time."

It took me a second to understand what she meant. And I felt a twinge of dread in my heart. "Thank you for...everything, Ember. I wouldn't have made it without you."

Fluttershy overheard and watched in silence. Ember rested a hand on my shoulder and said, "I would've been worse off had I never met you."

I found it difficult to even bring myself to look at Ember. To have to say goodbye now almost felt like an alien concept. Day after day, she was at my side without fail. Moreso than anyone else. I brought my hand to my shoulder and rested it over Ember's fingers. She then whispered to my ear, "I'm not going anywhere until you're fully situated here. Not until I have no doubts about leaving you alone."

She put her arms around me from behind as the Alabaster ceased its decent. While the crew went about to secure the moorings before the gangplank could be lowered, Fluttershy stepped to the side to look at us with a soft smile. "Dragon Lord Ember..."

"Yes?" She replied, head turning a bit to look in my wife's direction. I too cast a glance her way.

Fluttershy then said softly as always, "Thank you for looking out for him. I can tell that...you both mean a lot to each other. You're always welcome to visit us."

Ember sighed deeply before I could feel her jaw atop my head as it clenched a bit to allow her to smile. She then lifted her jaw from my head and began to oh so sweetly drag her fingers along my bandaged scalp. "I would be lost without this man."

I almost cried. Such a meaningful caress. And Fluttershy whispered to me with a bit of a knowing wink in her eye. "She's wonderful."

"She's the best." I retorted with a quiet chuckle. Ember did not even try to refute that statement for once. Only then did the gangplank start to lower while all the guests began to make their way down. But we stayed where we were for a little longer.

Ember was still in full armor despite everything. It must have conflicted so hard with her gentle tone and movements, at least to Fluttershy. And she did confirm this with another whisper to me. "She looks so fearsome...but she's so nice too."

"Just wait until she takes that armor off. She's beautiful." I retorted, but not without Ember noticing. She placed both hands on opposite sides of my neck as if she was threatening to strangle me. And she could have too. But I knew she never would. I glanced back at her and said, "What? You know it's the truth."

Ember grunted playfully as her hands slid lower to hold me in an embrace. Face still shrouded by my helmet, she then playfully spoke, "If you could, I bet you would tell the whole world that."

Fluttershy grimaced with a suppressed desire to laugh at the playful air hovering around us. And I said smugly, "I just might. The world needs to know the Dragon Lord is the most beautiful dragoness in all the land. Why rescue a princess in the tower when you can court the beautiful guardian dragon instead?"

"Oh, you charmer!" Ember howled while taking a step back to laugh. I normally do not get so bold, but Ember has always been someone I could trust with my life. The only reason we were so witty towards each other was the sheer level of trust that had been built in recent months. Fluttershy could see this too and giggled along with the joyous Dragon Lord. But Ember then silenced herself and held me from behind, her armored head resting on my shoulder. "And you say I'm the best. Who's the best man I know? This little warrior poet."

Fluttershy's eyes widened in delight to hear that precious little title Ember had bestowed upon me. She then squealed louder than she usually does, "You two are just so adorable together!"

I think we both blushed at that remark. I felt my face grow hot while Ember lifted her head from my shoulder. It was then we decided it was time to head down. I had been away from home long enough. But when I was rolled over to the top of the gangplank, Seaspray was waiting for us. The admiral inhaled deeply before he said, "This is your home, yes? Such a fine little place to be. There's something very different about the air out here. Lush and fragrant with floral hues. Not at all like the crisp mountain air or the misty air of the shoreline back home."

"It's the perfect place if you just want to get away from it all after a long day." I replied before Ember began to roll me down the gangplank with Fluttershy leading us along. I saw that Ocellus and Smolder were the last to leave the Alabaster before us and they were just surveying our home from a distance. Smolder looked like she was just savoring being back home after so long away. A place she had only just gotten accustomed to calling her own. And Ocellus... She was just speechless. She stood there while processing the lovely little home before her. I then rested my hand atop the false dragoness' head and said, "Welcome home, love bug."

"This...is where I can stay?" Ocellus asked with such a look of hope in her eyes. Smolder looked her way and grinned too. She knew what it was like to finally have a home where she could be safe and happy.

My words used to address Ocellus caught Fluttershy's ear. And I knew then that this was the best time to explain. "Love bug...?"

"Yeah, about that... Ocellus, come here." I replied while tapping my lap. Ocellus flinched at Fluttershy's inquisitive statement and hurried over to me before being seated comfortably on my lap. I looked at my wife and said, "Now that there's no one around... There's something you need to know. Show her, Ocellus."

She squinted her eyes shut in dread just before a flash of harmless green fire engulfed her for just an instant. And there Ocellus sat, her pure Changeling form on display. Fluttershy was understandably shocked, but did not reply with as much volume as I expected. "Another Changeling?!"

Ocellus immediately cowered at Fluttershy's sudden shout as my wife took a step back. The little love bug whimpered, "Please don't hate me... I can't even go back to the hive anymore... I just...want to belong..."

Smolder was quick to jump to her friend's defense as well and stepped between us. "I was out there with her the whole time. Ocellus is a good girl. A really good girl. She's OK by me."

I then took the opportunity to sing my little friend's praises as well. I put my arms around the little Changeling mare and held her against me in an embrace. "Trust me, dear. This little thing is the best love bug you'll ever see. She has nowhere to go and I promised her that she can have a happy life with us in Ponyville. Please."

Ocellus then added almost desperately, "You don't even have to feed me! I can even become something smaller if I'm taking up too much space. And I can be really quiet. I know how to hide. I won't get in the way... I won't...be a burden..."

Fluttershy's wary gaze became increasing conflicted the more she was spoken to. She already had a positive first encounter with Thorax and that may have made her not quite as uneasy around Ocellus at first sight, but we still needed to handle this situation carefully. Ember then decided to speak up and gently rested her hand atop the cowering Changeling's head. "You have nothing to worry about from her. She was nothing but helpful to us on the battlefield and never gave us a reason to doubt her."

My wife looked at Ember and then back at Ocellus before asking, "Do you even know what a Changeling is? Or what they've done in Equestria?"

"Yes. We saw their queen. She infiltrated us." Ember said firmly with her eyes narrowing slightly.

"She... She was there?! The Changeling Queen?!" Fluttershy shrieked, no doubt remembering very vividly the invasion of Canterlot that she must have been present to witness. Ocellus shrank into my embrace even harder as I expected accusations of the poor thing having served as a spy.

"Sure was, honey. Creepiest mare I've ever seen. Almost ran her through on my sword." A voice called out while a shadow descended over us. Novo glided gently down from the deck of the Alabaster and softly landed beside us. "But as it turned out, she wasn't there to start trouble. She just snuck in to give us some valuable information about the enemy and then bolted once the deed was done. It sounded like she had just as much to lose as we did if the enemy won in the end. And this sweet little lady had nothing to do with that mess."

Ocellus rapidly nodded as she added, "I should've been able to sense her, but I couldn't... I've been disconnected from the hive. In can't go back even if I wanted to..."

"Please, Fluttershy..." I asked again with my chin resting atop Ocellus' head. "Please give this love bug a chance. I trust her and she trusts me. She won't be a problem."

Fluttershy began to approach with much of her initial wariness having faded by then. Ocellus even began to relax in my arms. She could probably sense the receding negative emotions through the fluctuations of my wife's impressive love capacity. Once she was just a few steps away, Fluttershy asked softly, "Are you a good love bug?"

She did not say Changeling. That use of such an affectionate title surprised all of us. Especially little Ocellus. She started to nod, but then hesitated. "I hope I am... I don't want to hurt anyone. I just...want to be happy. To make others happy. Is that...wrong?"

A genuine welcoming smile spread across Fluttershy's lips before she looked up at me. "You found so many good people out there while you were away."

That was the only answer we needed. I released my grasp on Ocellus to let her step down to the ground. Fluttershy then rubbed her hoof over the smooth rounded contours of the Changeling's head and said, "All right. We'll figure something out. Just be good and you can stay. Ocellus, right? I'm Fluttershy."

"Thank you, Fluttershy... And...you have so much love in you... It's so warm and sweet..." Ocellus replied before quickly catching herself. "Oh, I wasn't eating any! I was just...tasting it. If you want, I can only feed from the love James has. It's...bottomless, I swear. He never comes close to running out."

"Oh, I believe you. His love really is just that deep." Fluttershy replied without the slightest show of alarm. She looked at me while I nodded and smiled to show that I was more than comfortable in letting the little love bug feed off of me at any time. Fluttershy then said, "You can feed whenever you want and from whoever you want if they don't mind. Just as long as it doesn't hurt them."

"It shouldn't. And I don't think I'll need much from any one person with...how much love will be in that house." Ocellus giggled almost nervously. It was good to get that introduction out of the way. Ocellus was finally safe and sound.

Ember then turned to her subordinates, who looked like they were unsure of what to do or say. Although they were being admirably patient. She then waved at them and said, "We'll be here a little longer. Just...do as you please. But don't cause trouble. No fire unless you need it."

They said nothing, but all nodded. The twelve armored dragons began to disperse in just about every direction. But as they did so, Sky Beak swooped down from the Alabaster and landed near us. "Shall I at least see you to the door?"

"Actually...it'd be nice if you could stay longer than that. There's someone I want you to meet." I replied while Novo wiggled her eyebrows at Sky Beak as a deep soulful chuckle filled her throat. Sky Beak's eyes widened as he began to process what I was implying.

Ember pushed me along the path as we all headed over to the little bridge that spanned the brook in front of the cottage. But as soon as we crossed it, I felt the need to speak. "Ember. I'd like to walk the rest of the way."

"All right. Easy now..." She muttered before securing the locks on the wheels. When she stepped before me and removed the footrests, she held out both hands with the palms facing upward. While I did not need that much assistance by then, I did not refuse. I placed my hands atop hers with our fingers curling to take hold as she began to step backwards. The greater leverage made it much easier to rise out of that chair thanks to Ember's iron grip. She smiled up at me once I was standing and said, "You're right. It's much more reassuring to see you standing on your own two feet now that you're home."

I took a moment to really survey my surroundings now that I was standing right outside my own house. It felt...momentous. So simple, yet carrying so much weight. I closed my eyes and inhaled the familiar scents of nature that always surrounded that cottage. It was only then did I truly understand that I was home.

We headed up the path to the front door and I saw Ember recoil in shock as I reached for the handle. And I realized why. I very nearly hit my head on the door frame after spending so much time away and using doors that were designed for all general sizes in Equestria's population. Even a moderate tap could aggravate my wound. I very carefully ducked low and under the frame before finding myself back inside the cottage I had not seen in too long.

The wonderful scent of hardwood filled my nose. The sights of the minty green finish on the floors and walls and the pure light brown of the rafters above instilled me with a powerful sense of nostalgia. I ran my fingers over the stone fireplace on my right as I took in the sights and smells. And soon the sounds as little critters ran across the walkways built out of the rafters above. Some even stopped and waved their little paws at me in greeting. I had not been there in weeks and Fluttershy's many little animal friends must have been wondering of where I had gone. Ember followed in after me first and said, "This is...very different from the cottage I was staying in... So much wood and... It feels...more primitive, but not as primitive as the caves back home."

"I tried to retain an interior design that blended well with all the nature around me. And all the little creatures to live around us are free to come and go as they please. I have so many little friends here. Like little Hummingway up there." Fluttershy explained while she pointed out a little hummingbird perched atop the cabinet just beside the door. He waved his little wing at us in greeting. Smolder and Ocellus then stepped inside while they both looked equally relieved to be back in a proper home. Smolder led Ocellus off into the side bedroom where she and Smolder bunk together. But when Novo and Sky Beak followed us in with Seaspray standing outside by the door like a guard, Fluttershy then asked, "Oh, your majesty! Since you hippogriffs are part bird, does that mean you can talk to birds too?"

"If you mean we can imitate birdcalls, then we sure can. And speaking of which..." Novo replied before she pointed at the doorway leading into the nursery. "I think someone else wants to say hello."

A white form immediately took to the air from the floor and fluttered right at me. I held out my hand to provide a perch almost on instinct and was greeted by a familiar sight. A beautiful white dove was perched upon my fingers and was constantly cooing deeply in joy. With all that had been happening recently, I had almost forgotten about Angela. "Oh man... Hey there, pretty bird. It's been way too long."

No one interrupted as I took a moment to reconnect with my little pet dove. He cooing never stopped as she preened my fingers while they reached for her head. And she dutifully bowed while I went to work on applying scritches all over her feathery scalp. Novo then peeked past me and said, "You really do have a thing for birds, honey. No wonder you get along with us griffs so well."

Ember noticed a coat rack near the front door that usually only gets used during winter with scarves and hats and had the idea to hang her helmet on one of the hooks. While she began to look around the living room to familiarize herself with the rustic accommodations of Fluttershy's cottage, Sky Beak stepped up beside me and eyed the little dove who would not stop cooing at me. "Nice place you have out here, James. Cozy."

"Yeah, I never get tired of this place... I spent my weekends in places like this when I was a kid, so I grew to love it out here." I replied while Fluttershy began to approach the doorway that Angela had emerged from. And she looked back knowing at me. I felt my chest tighten upon realizing where she was going. The nursery. I knew what was coming as she disappeared inside and lowered myself to my knees, Angela leaving my hand to perch herself atop my shoulder. "Oh boy, here it comes..."

All eyes fell upon me with Ember being the first to speak. "What's wrong?"

"There's someone I need to introduce you all to." I replied while not blinking once. Barely a minute later, Fluttershy emerged from the nursery. And cradled in one arm was something wrapped up in swaddling. I held my breath as I saw my wife smiling warmly at me.

"What...is that? Is that what I think it is?" Ember muttered softly as we all went silent. All I did was nod. Everyone stood back to leave Fluttershy and I to this very precious reunion. Fluttershy quietly walked over to me without a sound and looked down at who was in her embrace. And there she was. A barely awake tiny foal with a pale yellow face and a little mane of pink and chocolate brown hair. And she had my eyes.

I was spellbound. I had only very recently become a father when the emperor sent out his declaration of war. I had to leave all that behind after so little time. And now that I was home again... It was just like the first time I ever saw that precious filly. I sired her. I watched over her mother as she grew within that wonderful mare. I witnessed her birth. And I held her in my own two hands when she was not even a minute old. And just liek that day, little Gladesong was placed into my as she looked up at me with my own eyes. And like that day, I cried. I cradled my baby girl to my chest and tried so very hard to be as quiet as possible as I sobbed lightly.

Although I was not the only one who was crying. Gladesong too began to whimper and cry rather quietly as she gazed up at me. This caught me by surprise. It is not like her to cry. Certainly not when she is being cradled. And when I looked down at her, she was looking up at me with big tears streaming down her face. Why so upset in my arms? She was not afraid. Did she see something that upset her? And it was Fluttershy who came to a conclusion first. "Uh oh... I think she didn't expect you to come home with all your hair gone. I don't think she likes your new look."

"Oh, sweetheart... Daddy had to get it all cut off. But it'll grow back, I promise." I whispered to my daughter. I cradled her head with one hand and touched my nose to hers, hoping that being close enough for her to only see my face would keep her from seeing the bandages covering my scalp. And it worked. Her tears stopped flowing and she cooed sweetly as I booped her nose with my own again. Fresh tears still staining my face, I whispered to her. "Daddy didn't know how much he missed you until he saw you again... Love you, sweetie. My little Gladesong."

Fluttershy was soon in tears as well and stepped forward to embrace us both. That precious little filly was tucked safely between her father and mother and sounded very happy and content. This... This reminded me of what I had. No matter what happened out there, or who came into my life, Fluttershy would always have been the first. And my home would always be with her and the family we had made together. "It's...so good to be home."

Not a word was spoken around us. At least until a voice was heard from the next room over. "Hang on, did I just hear who I think I did?"

Sure enough, Smolder came running out of the bedroom and rushed over to us. And little Gladesong's eyes lit up as she saw her favorite dragon looking down at her. "Dra dra! Dra dra!"

"Yeah, your dra dra's home! And she brought your daddy back too, just like she promised!" Smolder spoke with a huge grin and a very giddy smile. She had always been our personal babysitter and looked almost ecstatic to see that precious little filly again. Gladesong was too bundled up to move her limbs, but I could still feel her stirring in her swaddling. She wanted to be held by her favorite dragon. Smolder then pleaded quietly with outstretched, "Can I hold her? Please?"

"Sure. Looks like she really missed you too." I whispered with my daughter being gently passed to the young lady before us. Smolder expertly cradled the baby girl in her arms, even rocking her a bit to soothe her.

"Man, I didn't know how much I missed you... And I really did find your daddy out there. Speaking of which..." Smolder whispered before looking over at a little Changeling peeking out from the doorway she ad just emerged from. "He's not the only one I found. I brought home a friend too. Ocellus, come say hello."

Our new friend cautiously approached with eyes wide in amazement. Ember beat her too it and looked down at Gladesong from above, eyes filled with so many conflicting emotions. I suspect she is really not used to being around very young children. "You really do have offspring..."

"I know I don't really give off any real dad vibes, but that's only because she's a couple months at most. I haven't really settled into it yet." I retorted with some amusement. Finally home after so long and the concept of fatherhood was something I was still trying to get accustomed to.

Ocellus finally looked Gladesong in the eyes while the little filly looked back at the young Changeling mare. And she whispered softly, "She's just...so full of the purest love... Such a happy little thing..."

And Gladesong was only too happy to say hello. Or she at least tried. "La ba!"

We all stared while Smolder snickered under her breath. "I think she's trying to say 'love bug'. You're not the first Changeling she's met."

"I'm not?!" Ocellus squealed as she recoiled from such a sweet greeting from the happiest little filly in Ponyville. She then cracked a giddy smile and said, "Well...yes! I am a love bug! I know I might look kind of scary, but you don't mind, right?"

"La ba! La ba!" Gladesong squealed before Ocellus touched her nose to hers for a sweet little greeting of her own.

Smolder then smirked at us and said, "If this sweet little thing likes Ocellus, then you know she's a good girl. I don't wanna hear any complaints about the new Changeling in town, all right?"

"OK, OK, I admit that she must be a good person if Gladesong is that happy to meet her. Although I was getting that impression at first anyway." Fluttershy giggled while Smolder gently handed our daughter back to us. Although it was then she noticed the other guests standing behind me. And she knew there were more introductions to be made. "Mr. Sky Beak... Don't you want to say hello?"

"Why...yes. Yes, I'd be happy to." The fatherly stallion said while he stepped forward and lowered himself to the floor to avoid towering over us. He leaned over to look down at the little filly in my arms while she gazed up at him with eyes widened with wonder. "My goodness, you're just the most precious little thing I've seen in years..."

He seemed to be forgetting something. And I decided to be the one to remind him. I gently held out Gladesong to him and whispered to my daughter, "This is your grandpa, sweetheart. And he's a wonderful guy."

I saw Sky Beak visibly flinch while Fluttershy giggled as well. Smolder even crossed her arms and said, "Yep, he sure is. Say hi to your granddaughter, papa bird."

"Oh my... I really wasn't expecting to be a grandfather so soon..." My papa bird muttered as he took the swaddled filly into his own two hands. He looked like he was starting to become more than just a little emotional. Gladesong cooed at his touch, his gentle talon stroking her curled mane. "Hello, my dear... Yes, your daddy is right. I'm your grandpa. And...I'm just so happy to finally meet you."

I watched the fatherly hippogriff take my baby girl into his arms and nuzzle her against his one soft feathery face. She giggled innocently even as big wet tears started to stream down his face. He gasped lightly as he muttered, "This...made the entire war worth it to me... I couldn't ask for a more pleasant surprise..."

I reached out and held my own father while he held my daughter. It really felt like...we had finally truly become a real family with those who had become family to me out there. Gladesong finally had a grandfather, something I thought she would never have the joy of knowing in her life. And for a while longer, there were no words shared between us. Sky Beak's fatherly instincts took over as he gently preened Gladesong's mane while she patiently and happily let him do as he pleased.

Ember was patiently quiet while she sat on the sofa towards the back of the room. I think she was really out of her element around the baby in the room and was just enjoying the view. But then I happened to notice that Novo had been...mystifyingly quiet the entire time. When I looked back at her, she was looming over us while looking more than just a bit nervous. She was very stiff, yet had such a look of excited longing in her eyes. I asked quietly, "You OK there, Novo?"

The hippogriff queen muttered more than a bit nervously, "Oh, let's just say my old mama bird instincts are waking up and they want out."

This awoke a certain playfulness in my heart. She was more than knowledgeable about the ins and outs of being a mother. I then asked, "You wanna meet the new baby?"

"You better believe it, honey. If...that's all right." She replied with an almost uncharacteristic hesitation. That was not her baby and this was the first time she had ever my immediate family. I looked at Fluttershy and Sky Beak, both of who displayed an almost cheeky smile. They could sense the maternal energies coming off of that sassy queen. Sky Beak gently set Gladesong down upon her back, body still wrapped in swaddling, and stepped back. Everyone was watching.

Novo stepped forward and gazed down at the smiling filly. Gladesong looked to be very taken with Novo's beautiful and colorful form. I still remained near her, but everyone else was keeping their distance. Upon taking a deep breath, Novo's eyes brightened before she brought herself down to the floor with her jaw resting atop the back of one hand. "Well then... Hello there, sweet pea! I don't think we've ever had the chance to meet until now. What's your name, you sweet little thing?"

Novo's deep and soothing voice just tickled Gladesong's ears and got my baby girl all giggling. And Novo chuckled in turn as she said, "Ohohoho, such a happy little thing you are. And you have your daddy's eyes. Oh, mama's so happy to meet you. Who's the sweetest little thing in town? You are. Oh, yes you are, sweet baby girl."

Just...top notch performance. Novo really knew her way with the youngest of children. She very gently began to undo the swaddling that was restricting Gladesong's movements and promptly held the little filly in both hands while the tiny pegasus reached out to the motherly queen. "That's better. Can't have you tied up all the time. You're done napping now and wanna play, right? Yes you do. Yes you doooo!"

"Wow, she's good." Fluttershy said softly as we beheld Capricorn Island's queen in her element. Novo nuzzled her beak against Gladesong's face on both sides and even let out a beautiful trill in her throat to entertain her. She then gently placed Gladesong on her back and tickled her exposed belly by dragging a single dulled talon over her. Fluttershy then whispered, "I got to learn a few things from her."

"Oh, you sweet thing. I've barely known you for two minutes and I'm already head over hooves for you. Can I be your mama too? Can I be your mama bird?" Novo cooed so sincerely yet playfully. And Gladesong just squealed happily with her little arms reached up to the beautiful queen. Novo took this as an obvious answer. "Then it's agreed! Looks like I'm your Mama Novo now, my baby girl."

Fluttershy and I snickered under our breaths while everyone else around us were thoroughly entertained by her performance. Although Fluttershy then said, "That's very sweet of you, your majesty. But you don't really..."

"Ah ah, not another word! This little lady gets what she wants and she wants this mama bird to be hers, all right?" Novo chirped while sassily waving a finger at us. She smirked boldly as she said, "I won't hear another word of it, OK? This baby girl can never have too many mamas."

"Oh my god..." I muttered before busting into uncontrollable snickering. And Fluttershy had no idea how to respond to that kind of insistence from a bona fide queen.

Gladesong would not stop laughing and giggling at Novo's overwhelming sweetness. She knew exactly how to tickle the fancy of little foals. She tickled Gladesong's belly as she said, "Mmhm, you like that? You want this pretty bird to be your mama too, right? You... Hey now. Look at me, look at me. I'm your mama now."

After a moment more of those adorable antics, Novo slid Gladesong along the floor until she was tucked up beside her while pinned under her great folded wing. Novo then looked our way with a smile and said, "Come to think of it... Why don't you two take the time to reconnect in private while I get a bit more acquainted with this little princess here? You haven't seen each other in too long already."

Fluttershy and I looked around at our guests. Smolder and Ocellus were enjoying the show, but Sky Beak and Ember just looked our way and nodded. My wife and I then shared a gaze. With so many new faces to meet and be introduced to, we had forgotten about what we had missed out on with each other. Fluttershy then looked back at the queen and said, "Thank you, your majesty. We'll be right upstairs. Can I trust all of you to mind the place and Gladesong for a little while?"

Seaspray called out from the doorway leading outside. "Leave it to us, m'lady. No one shall enter on my watch."

We slowly made our way up the stairs and into the master bedroom while I was very careful to mind my head. Angela flew over to her little birdhouse in the corner and watched from her perch before the hatch was closed behind me. My eyes scanned the bedroom that I had spent so many nights in as I found it difficult to process I really was truly back home. Fluttershy climbed onto the bed and patted the side to beckon me over. "Come to bed, dear. It's...been far too long."

Alone with my wife, I all but flopped onto the bed with her immediately embracing me. I let out the heaviest sigh I have breathed in what felt like forever while resting my hand upon Fluttershy's wrist. I heard the tiniest clink of metal and saw why. My wedding ring tapped against the bracelet worn around her hoof. I whispered to her, "I never took this ring off once..."

"Thank you, dear... It was...difficult getting used to being without you and the girls..." She whispered to me with her lips touching my cheek. Fluttershy then added, "I've never gone so long without my closest friends. We still had well wishers who would visit sometimes to check on us and my little friends all around the place did more than enough to make sure I had all the help I needed with Gladesong and Scootaloo, but...it wasn't the same. I missed Rainbow Dash's boasting and confidence. I missed having my time at the spa with Rarity. I missed Twilight's wise advice and chats. I missed Applejack's visits with her baked goods. I missed Pinkie Pie's cheery greetings. But...I missed you most of all. So many missed all of you."

I rolled onto my side as I savored the quiet isolation with the two of us. Everyone downstairs were being very quiet to not let their voices carry through the house, although I think I did hear the occasion laugh from Gladesong. Novo was probably doing a fine job of entertaining her. I put my arm around that lovely pegasus mare and whispered, "It was wise of you to stay behind. Even if you take Gladesong out of the equation, it would've been...miserable for you. You especially have no place in a wartime setting."

"And I believe you. If I know you as well as I think I do, you kept yourself busy during downtime with a typewriter. I'm going to have to do a lot of reading soon." Fluttershy giggled knowingly before giving the tip of my nose a lick. She winked at me and said, "When I heard the war had ended, I dusted off your typewriter and restocked the paper and ink supply for it."

"Thank you, dear... I guess the typewriter is my happy place when you get down to it." I snorted with the slightest chuckle. That little gift from my friends really has become one of my most important assets.

Fluttershy rubbed her hoof over my bandaged head as that smile began to fade. "James... I know you said you're going to be fine. I didn't see anything wrong with how you walk and you're very cognizant about what's happening around you, but... What happened out there? Why is your head bandaged like this?"

"Hammer to the back of the head... Skull fracture." I muttered as Fluttershy responded predictably. She brought a hoof to her lips as her eyes immediately began to glisten with tears. And I was quick to reassure her with my fingers upon her wrist. "Again, I'm gonna be fine. My helmet is the toughest part of my armor. It was just sturdy enough to prevent any permanent damage from being dealt."

"Oh, thank goodness..." Fluttershy wheezed as she quickly dried her tears. She then asked, "But...Pinkie Pie was in a wheel harness. Is she OK too?"

I cracked a crooked smile as I remembered how deceptively minor her injuries turned out to be. "Just a hairline fracture on her hip. She'll have to stay off that leg for a little while."

"Ooh... At least she probably knows how to have fun on wheels." Fluttershy giggled as she tried to find the humor in Pinkie Pie's temporary condition. Fluttershy cradled my bandaged head against her chest, hoof rubbing over it protectively. "And you brought so many new faces home with you... So many new friends. Hippogriffs? Dragons? Harpies? It feels like all of Equestria came together to fight this war."

"Yeah, it was an impressive team effort. Even if many regions couldn't supply fighters, I understand there was a near global effort in fueling the militia on such short notice. It was for the best they didn't get too directly involved though. War just isn't in this world's nature..." I muttered with a sigh of relief. I could scarcely believe how well things turned out in the end. I was dreading to hear what the final body count would be. "I still can't believe we got through that whole mess without losing anyone... Everyone's gonna make it home alive."

"Everyone? Literally everyone survived? That's... Oh my goodness, I didn't think I'd be this relieved to hear that." Fluttershy whispered with such a powerful sigh of relief escaping her lungs. She clung to me tenderly and whispered, "I have so many things I wanna ask, but...I'll just read your journals to get caught up instead. I don't want to trouble you with having to talk about things that...don't make you happy to remember."

"I appreciate that, dear. I was...very thorough in my documentation of events." I retorted before suddenly realizing what she would read in those entries. Some of those journals chronicled events behind closed doors. Events that only she could know of. Events I would need to tell her immediately. "Although...there are some things I should tell you myself."

Fluttershy's eyes brightened as she whispered, "Ooh, that's right. There must've been some nice things that happened out there. It couldn't be all low points, right?"

I sighed in some bitterness as I recalled the sheer disappointment I felt when the war was over. Not because of the victory, but because we literally gained nothing from the entire conflict. All we did gain...was each other. "I can't really say that. There was no prize at the end of the journey. Nothing was really earned in the end. The only thing of value I got of the war...were the friends I made along the way."

My wife brought her lips closer to my ear and whispered a name I knew too well. "Like Ember, right?"

"Yeah... Especially Ember. She's probably the best thing to happen to me out there." I replied while hoping Ember could not hear us through the ceiling. And I had to tell Fluttershy everything about her. "It's a funny story... I wandered into her homeland entirely by accident and we got into a scuffle at first when I shot back at some young punks who harassed me."

"You...went right into the home of the dragons? I heard some really unpleasant things from Spike when he came home from there that one time. He had no desire to ever go back." Fluttershy replied while mentioning an incident I simply was not here to witness. One I had heard of before. But she then asked, "But Ember really doesn't give me that kind of feeling. She's...beautiful and very sweet towards you. I feel like I could just talk to her about anything and she would listen."

"There's a reason for that. Ember's the best thing to ever come out of the dragon lands. She's the only one who knows what a bunch of idiots her people are and was really struggling to keep them in line. Although after all that's happened, I think that might be about to change." I explained as I felt myself longing for the beautiful Dragon Lord downstairs. And I think Fluttershy could tell.

"I hope so. She looks like a really good person. And..." Fluttershy began to say before she paused with a cautiously inquisitive look in her eyes. "The way she talked to you and held you... That's not a way friends act towards each other. Did something...happen out there, James?"

I did not mince words. With a heavy sigh, I spoke the truth to my wife. "I am so in love with her."

She did not appear the least bit surprised. Fluttershy even smiled just a little. "I can tell. And...does she love you?"

"Yeah... We've...done things behind tightly locked doors. Engaged in...wonderful acts of intimacy. But...never as far as you and I have gone." I explained before having to reveal something to Fluttershy that even I did not know at first. "We can't do something like that too quickly. Because...Ember told me about how dragon courtship works."

Fluttershy's eyes widened in sincere curiosity. "Ooh, dragons have courtship rituals? Please, do tell. I'd like to know."

I cracked a smile as I said, "It's probably the best thing about them. It turns out that dragons are dearly loyal and devoted lovers. And it sounds like the way they do romance is an evolutionary trait that came about from residing in such rugged and hostile environments. They can't waste time pursuing a potential mate that doesn't want them. When they finally propose, the answer is final. If denied, they will never be able to bring themselves to pursue that possible lover ever again. Ever."

After a moment of poignant silence, Fluttershy then asked, "And if...you were to ask Ember...and she said yes?"

I paused before I looked my wife in the eye. "Then she would be mine forever."

"That's...beautiful, really. For as scary as dragons have always been to me, I never knew that they take romance so seriously. Now I see why Smolder was so determined to go find you." Fluttershy whispered with a look of awe in her eyes. It must have been quite the enlightening experience. But she then asked, "But the way you two were with each other when we were flying over here... Did you...?"

"No... No, we haven't become mates yet. I did almost say it, but Ember insisted that it's not a good time." I replied while still feeling so conflicted in my heart. I turned my head to gaze listlessly at the ceiling and said, "And...I'm not so sure if I'm even good enough for her. She's the Dragon Lord, dear. Do you think I'm worthy of her?"

Fluttershy scowled at me just slightly, as if disappointed that I would even doubt myself. But that scowl turned into an almost smug smirk before she kissed me upon my forehead. "If you're good enough for Princess Celestia, then you're good enough for any woman who longs for you. And I can tell she adores you."

"Thank you, love... It's just...not something I'm used to dealing with. Celestia and Novo are one thing, but the Dragon Lord herself? That...carries its own nuance." I sighed with a little hope returning to my heart. I closed my eyes as I muttered, "Just don't talk to her about it... Please. That's something Ember needs to decide on her own time. She really is the best woman among her kind. And she was there at my side the entire way once she joined up with the militia. Her and Rain Shine..."

That mentioning of a name she had never heard of caught Fluttershy's attention. "Rain Shine...?"

"Oh... I haven't mentioned her yet." I muttered sheepishly before looking my wife in the eye. "Before I explain, what do you know about the kirin?"

"Ooh, the kirin? Just a little bit, but their culture fascinates me. Living as one with nature? I've always wanted to visit them, but they just live so far away. It would be difficult to go all the way over there." Fluttershy said with some awakened enthusiasm. I should not have been surprised that a nature enthusiast like her would be knowledgeable about them. Although she then asked, "But why them? What do the kirin have to do with the war? You...didn't travel THAT far to the east, did you?"

"Funny you mention that. I thought the exact same thing when I wandered into their village." I snickered with memories of that awkward first encounter coming to the forefront of my mind. "Rain Shine is the chieftain of the Grove of Silence. It's the most western located kirin community in the world. They migrated there well before her time. You're familiar with kirin physiology, right?"

"Yes, I know about that. Five thousand years for kirin maidens? Amazing... I still can't wrap my head around how long they can live without actually being immortal." Fluttershy muttered before she suddenly became more excited. "And...there's a kirin village that close to us? You'll have to take me there sometime. I've always wanted to meet the kirin!"

"Yeah, they'll definitely need to meet you. But about that..." I replied before closing my eyes in thought. I could not believe I was already back home after last seeing Rain Shine mere hours ago. "There's a reason they moved so far from home to be out there. Kirin and humanity...have a certain symbiotic attraction to each other. Something I'm pretty sure isn't mentioned in any of the history books."

"They are? I mean I know by now that the Empty Plains are where the human race lived back then, but...the kirin belong with them?" Fluttershy asked with a growing curiosity in her voice.

I nodded as I felt my heart longing for the company of those wonderful kirin again. "Yeah... I can't explain it. Just being around them puts me at ease. Their auras... They reach out to me while mine does the same. I felt like I belonged with them and they all gave me a wonderful welcome. Rain Shine is no different. She was the only one to follow us onto the battlefield and was a very powerful ally. And we...became closer."

Fluttershy asked softly, "Did you find love together?"

I responded as frankly as I could. "She wants to have children with me."

That response prompted a faint blush upon Fluttershy's face. She knew all too well of the experience of falling in love and starting a family with her man. And I proceeded to explain, "She began to long for me so quickly as if it was natural. I could feel the pull too, but I resisted since...it didn't feel right to let me guard down that fast. But when I did open my heart to her, it felt...right. Like man and kirin belong together. And...I suspect she's not the only one in the village who is longing for me now."

"It...sounds beautiful, the way you describe it. It even sounds admirable. A love...that blooms naturally between two races of people? It...sounds like something out of those romance novels I used to read. But not at all fictional." Fluttershy mused to herself with that blush fading. She sighed almost nostalgically, as if my descriptions of the nature of man and kirin naturally belonging together was instilling some beautiful images in her mind. "I really need to meet them someday, dear. Do you think you can find your way back to them?"

"Yeah, the Grove of Silence is easy to spot. It's inside a forest on a very small mountain covered in it. Just look for a very pronounced and massive hill covered in green." I replied as I imagined the two of us could very easily reach it if we went by air. It would probably even be a relaxing flight on the way out there.

She giggled in delight at the thought of meeting a society of people she had long been fascinated by. Fluttershy then said, "It sounds like you found a very special kind of love. I can hardly wait to meet them."

All I did was nod as I remembered the few times I had been in that village. Even if I was not human, I am sure the kirin would have welcomed me all the same. A people defined by their penchant for peace and tranquility. Although Fluttershy then mentioned a name I did not expect. "And...what about Novo?"

"Novo...?" I muttered as I was at a loss of where to begin.

Fluttershy explained rather firmly, "I remember what you told me about your trip to Capricorn Island, dear. How the two of you were...starting to long for each other. If she's here now... Did she participate in the war too?"

"To a point. She ferried a cadre of her archers out there and has been using the Alabaster to transport supplies throughout the war. And...when we met again..." I explained before I felt that chill in my heart. The cold fury in her voice and eyes when we met again after I had insisted we wait and see what our hearts would tell us at our next encounter. And the sheer relief of realizing how dearly we needed each other. "We... We were so madly in love... We needed each other. Novo dearly wants to crown me as her king someday if possible. And she wants to have precious little royal children with me..."

"Oh my... No wonder she's all over Gladesong. She's a real mother through and through." Fluttershy whispered as she recoiled at the sheer subdued passion in my words. Although she then chuckled and said, "And she's every bit as amazing as you described her. I expected her to be impressive, but I still couldn't have expected her to be...that. She's a queen like no other, isn't she?"

"Hey, she's the best. Or at least that's what she always says." I snickered as Novo's frequent displays of sass still echoed in my memories. "Then again, she has the experience. I think the only ones who've been married longer are the king and queen of... Oh. Did you hear?"

"Hear? About who?" Fluttershy asked as I strongly suspected that the arrival of Orbash and Sunflare was not widely revealed to the outside world yet.

"Right... I should have you know. They came. The king and queen of Equestria themselves. King Orbash and Queen Sunflare. If you've never heard of them, that's kind of the point. They've gone out of their way to stay in the background of Equestria's entire history." I explained in brief for the moment.

Fluttershy just stared at me with wide eyes as she tried to process that information. "You mean...Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have parents?"

"I don't see why they wouldn't. They had to come from somewhere." I retorted with the temptation to laugh building inside me. I then added, "As for them... I really can't do them justice. You have to meet them yourself to understand them. They are...amazing ponies. And terrifyingly powerful. They were wise to lend us their assistance. I just hope they stick around long enough for you to meet them."

"I... I can barely believe there really is a king and queen of Equestria. And that they've existed all this time. I'm still having a hard time processing this... Maybe I'll understand better if I read your journals about them." Fluttershy muttered with such a wandering look in her eyes. Just the very knowledge that the true sovereigns of Equestria were out there must have been difficult to even comprehend. A power among ponies beyond even Celestia and Luna? I too would never have believed it to be possible had I not seen the king and queen with my own eyes.

"Yeah, that might be best. But if you do read that stuff..." I replied while thinking back to that truly harrowing first encounter. I pulled Fluttershy closer into an embrace and whispered, "Please... Don't hold anything against anyone. There were a lot of unknowns at the time."

She nodded without a word and continued to hold me gently. I could still feel her hoof rubbing over my bandaged scalp while she placed little kisses on my head. "My knight in shining armor... It sounds like you met a lot of good people out there."

"I did. Even in some of the most unexpected ways." I muttered while remembering who followed me all the way out there after my departure. "And...Smolder... We're still being cautious. Not until her birthday next year. Now that I know exactly how a dragon's heart works, I have a much better idea of the nuances of dragon courtship."

"Good... Good. She wasn't very good at hiding why she wanted to go find you. I'm glad she came home safe and sound. I hope she didn't get in the way out there. And that she was never in danger." Fluttershy sighed while placing another kiss upon my cheek.

I smiled as I said, "No worries there. She was forbidden from engaging the enemy, but still pulled her weight by deploying our sensor fields whenever we stopped for the night. And she was guaranteed a way out via airship in case the situation got bad. They would never let her die out there. Her and Ocellus."

Fluttershy muttered in thought, "I still can't believe you just...found a Changeling out there. Especially such a nice one. I mean Thorax was one thing, but she's just such a timid little thing... I hope she's as sweet as I think she is."

"Don't worry. I spent weeks bunking with her. Ocellus is the sweetest little love bug you will ever know. She's been nothing but a fine young lady since I first met her. She just wants to be loved..." I said before sighing at the memory of my first day with her. The poor thing... I can only pray her life in Ponyville will be a relatively smooth transition.

"And I believe you." Fluttershy whispered before she kissed me again. "But no more words... Just for a little while. Let me hold you, dear. It's been too long."

"I missed you too, love... I kept that picture you sent me in plain sight... Love you." I muttered as we shared a tender kiss. Fluttershy clung to me with her limbs and even her wings wrapping around me as securely as possible. "Thank you for coming home in one piece..."

We held each other for a good while. It was tempting to just fall asleep for a nap, but that would have been rude to just leave our guests hanging like that. After what felt like a small eternity in just the company of my wife, we finally started to get a bit restless. It was too early to spend too much time in bed. And someone was missing. Fluttershy then whispered to me, "Do you think we should head back down? See what's happening?"

"Probably. Although I really needed this with you, dear." I whispered before Fluttershy kissed me once again. I then took hold of her hoof and rested my wedding ring against her wedding bracelet. "No matter what happens, I will never be able to replace you. You were the first and that will never change."

"I know, my love. I believe that." She whispered before we shared one last kiss. She then gazed lovingly into my eyes and cooed, "I know how your heart works now. And I know I can trust you. And besides... Every new mare who becomes something more to you is another new friend for me. And Novo is an amazing friend, I'm sure."

"She really is... Let's head back down." I retorted with the two of us lazily rolling out of bed, although I had to pause for a moment as another bout of disorientation hit me due to my lingering concussion. Once the hatch over the stairs was raised, we headed back down the stairs while I started to notice a certain...odor in the air. But only for a moment. "Wait... Is someone changing Gladesong's diaper?"

It turns out that was exactly what had just happened. Novo had Gladesong resting on her back and was in the process of securing a fresh diaper around her. All while humming a lovely lullaby deep in her throat. The used diaper was sitting beside her while securely closed up, as was a box of baby wipes and a bottle of powder. The deed done, Novo tickled our daughter's belly with a single finger and cooed, "There you go, princess. All cleaned up and ready to greet your subjects."

"I'll take care of this." Smolder spoke while snatching the used diaper off the floor. But instead of tossing it in the diaper bin in the corner, she carried it towards the front door. Fluttershy and I glanced at each other before we hurried to the bottom of the stairs and peeked past the open front door. Seaspray had stood aside and was wondering what that little dragoness was up to with that used diaper. And what followed was a surprisingly predictable outcome.

With the diaper on her upraised palm, Smolder held it out over the simple wooden fence and took a deep breath. She then unleashed a long torrent of blue fire directly into the diaper for as long as that exhale would hold out. Once the flames ran their course, all that was left was a pile of fine ash that Smolder promptly dumped beyond the edge of the fence. "Doesn't get any easier than that!"

"Well, that's certainly a practical use for a dragon's flame breath. Bravo." Seaspray applauded while Smolder stepped past him to enter the cottage again. He was cracking quite the smirk at Smolder's clever ingenuity.

While Smolder walked past me, I whispered to Fluttershy. "Come to think of it, I don't think we've had to empty the diaper bin once after Smolder moved in."

"You didn't notice? She came up with that idea herself one day. Although I have been getting a lot more use out of it after she went looking for you." Fluttershy explained quietly while she stepped over to Novo while she continued to softly speak to our baby girl. She was just in love with that little filly as if Gladesong was her own. Fluttershy then asked, "Excuse me, your majesty... Did you change her diaper?"

"Of course I did, honey. This little lady needed it and mama wasn't about to leave her like that." Novo explained while Fluttershy just stared in disbelief that a true and honest queen would take it upon herself to change a baby's diaper like that. Even I was taken aback by it. The hippogriff queen took note of Fluttershy's cockeyed stare and said, "Oh, don't you gimme that look, baby. A mama's job is never done and I'm the #1 mama in the world. I'm an old pro at this stuff and always will be."

Novo's flippant disregard for royal protocol just caused Fluttershy to nearly crack up in laughter. My wife looked at me with a huge grin on her face and said, "The more I talk to her, the more I like her!"

"I told you she's awesome." I retorted slyly while Novo continued to fawn over our daughter. She was just putting on a show for everyone in the room. Smolder and Ember were watching from beside the fireplace, the latter looking like she was serving as a guard with all that armor on her. Ocellus sounded like she was in the kitchen somewhere while Sky Beak was relaxing upon the sofa at the back of the room. "She's the best."

"Hey, that's my line!" Novo laughed with Gladesong even laughing with her. Although once she looked at Fluttershy directly, all that joy left her face. "Actually, now that you're here... I've been needing to talk to you for a while, sweetie. Got a minute?"

"Oh? Of course, what would you like to talk about?" Fluttershy asked as she stepped past Novo to be in front of her before resting on the floor.

"Just some girl talk... Honey? James, how about you spend some time with your baby girl for a little while?" Novo spoke up as she lifted little Gladesong up to me. Knowing exactly where this conversation was going, I gently took Gladesong into my hands and carried her over to the sofa where Sky Beak was resting.

Seeing the stallion who had become like a father to me, I got cheeky and said to my daughter while I sat down beside him, "How about we go see your grandpa?"

"Oh my goodness, it's going to take a while for me to get used to that..." Sky Beak chuckled as we both cradled the little filly between us. But my attention was elsewhere. As was everyone else's. All eyes were upon my wife and the queen of Capricorn Island. This was a conversation that could not be avoided and they needed to hear this too.

"So then... I take it James has told you about me." Novo said as I saw her hands starting to fidget and rub over each other. The unflappable hippogriff queen was very visibly nervous in the face of my wife. "And...I'm sure he's told you about...the two of us together."

"He has... I understand you two became something more out there during the war." Fluttershy replied without the slightest hint of disappointment.

Novo nodded and tried to avert her gaze. "I don't want you to think I'm trying to take him from you. He's your man. You were the first. If you're...not in agreement, I can just...leave and never come back. I'll never touch him again if..."

"Your majesty... Your majesty! Really, it's fine!" Fluttershy muttered before having to raise her voice to distract Novo from her own thoughts. She placed her hoof over Novo's hands and said, "It's all right. You're not the first to love him like I do. We discussed this extensively before we understood how his heart works. I know he'll never leave me and our daughter. No matter how many long for him."

"Really? Truly..." Novo muttered softly while Fluttershy could only nod. It was almost alarming to see Novo become so vulnerable, especially before a commoner. Although once calmed, her gaze continued to show unease. "All right... Just...wasn't sure if we were on the same level. Even I wasn't able to believe it at first. But now that we've got that out of the way..."

Novo took a deep breath while she once again had great difficulty looking Fluttershy in the eye. And then... "There's something very important I need to know. What are your thoughts...on your man...having children with other mares?"

I inhaled sharply at how she worded that. Very to the point. And Fluttershy asked calmly, "Do...you want to have children with James?"

The hippogriff queen nodded while leaving her headed bowed. "As many as he can give me... I may be queen, but I am a wife and mother first. And if I'm to find a man to love, he must be willing to give me heirs... And I know James would gladly do that. But...are you all right with that?"

I noticed a smile spread across Fluttershy's lips as she said, "Only if I get to be in their lives too. That's all right with you, isn't it?"

Only then did Novo find the will to look at Fluttershy directly. And she nodded all too happily. "Of course, honey. My babies will be your babies. We're both mamas in one family, right?"

"That's exactly what James and I like the call the whole situation. We're a family. That's all there is to it, right?" Fluttershy replied before her eyes suddenly brightened in epiphany. She then asked, "But while we're on that subject, what are baby hippogriffs like? Are they just the cutest baby birds ever?"

"Oh, here we go..." I muttered under my breath while Sky Beak was too taken with his granddaughter to pay them any mind.

"Oh, you better believe it. You'd be hard pressed to find creatures who have cuter babies than hippogriffs. Just the sweetest little balls of fluff you'll ever see." Novo chuckled before noticing how much Fluttershy's eyes lit up in the face of that subject. Her usual sassy flair returning, Novo then asked, "Come to think of it, you and your hubby seem to have a thing for birds in general."

Fluttershy burst into giggling before she said, "I guess you can say that! I conduct a songbird orchestra for special events in Ponyville, so I do have a soft spot for my feathered companions."

The two of them just talked and talked from then on out while I watched with Gladesong in my arms. Once I got the opportunity, I then whispered to my baby girl. "It looks like you've got another mommy now."

For another hour, our guests made themselves at home. Ocellus even served up some tea with a little help from Smolder. She eventually even asked if she could hold Gladesong after assuming her favorite dragon guise. Smolder helped adjust the placement of her friend's hands and said, "Makes sure you hold her head like this. Keep her close to you."

"Mmhm... Mmhm... Hi there, Gladesong... I'm... I'm Ocellus. Your daddy found me and brought me home. I hope we get to see each other more often from now on..." Ocellus muttered almost nervously as she cradled the tiny filly in her arms. Gladesong was quiet, but she cooed and giggled lightly now and then when Ocellus would nuzzle her draconic snout against my daughter's chin. Fluttershy was watching very warily at first, but quickly relaxed when it became abundantly clear that Ocellus really is as tender as she makes herself out to be.

After a while longer, there was a knock at the door. And we were not ready for what was about to be wheeled in. Seaspray poked his head in and said, "Delivery for one Mr. James!"

"Huh? Wait a minute..." I uttered before some of the stewards of the Alabaster rolled in some large cardboard boxes. And upon lifting the lids... Paper. Piles and piles of neatly sorted printing paper. And they were all covered in text. "Are these all mine?!"

"Most of it, from what I've heard. Some of these were written by others, but they insisted that you keep it since typing is your thing, if you will." Seaspray replied while the boxes were set aside and the stewards departed. Although Seaspray then entered the cottage and looked down at the piles of so many journal entries and shook his head in amazement. "My word, just how much did you write out there?"

"It's amazing how much interesting stuff can happen during downtime in a war that's out in the middle of nowhere..." I muttered as I saw just how much paper I went through after I departed Canterlot to fight in that war. I did more writing than actual fighting! "I can't believe this is almost all mine..."

"And they've all been sorted in chronological order, from what I was told." Seaspray chuckled before he faced us all. His smile began to fade as he said, "With that said... I do believe it is nearly time for us to depart."

The levity in the air all but disappeared at those words. I turned and saw both Novo and Ember looking like they were dreading their inevitable departure. But it needed to happen. They had both been away from their thrones for much too long. Their people needed them.

Sky Beak sighed with such disappointment in his voice as he held me in a hug while we were still seated on the sofa in the back. "I'm so glad I got to see you home, my boy... And to finally meet your family."

"This is your family too now, papa bird... Don't be a stranger. You're always welcome here." I whispered as I held the closest thing to a father I had in Equestria. It was...so surreal having to say goodbye to someone who had been there for me week after week out there. "Tell Ocean and the kids I miss them."

"I will. Please come by again as soon as you can. But take it easy for now. Rest that head of yours." He cooed to me as I buried my face into the fluffy feathers lining his neck.

Ember had nothing to say, but she did gently caress Gladesong's head as she rested in Ocellus' arms. She was one of the few who did not hold Gladesong, but I suspect that was because Ember had very little experience with young children at the time. We all followed her and Novo out of the cottage and down the path until we had crossed the brook in front of it. Ember's subordinates had all lined up and were standing at attention while the Alabaster floated nearby. Novo looked at Ember and said, "You first, Ember. We'll head out once you're on your way."

"Thank you." Ember sighed before placing her helmet back on her head. She faced Fluttershy and said, "It was...an honor meeting you... Just...please watch over this man for me. He's in a very delicate state right now."

"I know... He'll be safe here. And thank you for making sure he survived..." Fluttershy said as she bowed to the Dragon Lord. She then lifted her head and said, "And it really was a pleasure meeting you. I was very pleasantly surprised. You really are the best dragon ever."

"OK, that's enough. Don't butter me up too much." Ember managed to say with a chuckle. But when she faced me, that amusement faded as we locked eyes. All she did was hold out here arms for an embrace. Which I all too eagerly gave her. As I held Ember against me with her head bowed, I heard her whisper. "I know where you are now. I know where to find you. You will see me again."

"I know... Thank you for everything... I wouldn't have made it home without you." I whispered to my beloved. It felt so wrong to say goodbye... Not after everything we had been through together. But it needed to be done. However, when I released her, she did not release me. Ember's embrace was like a vice. Not particularly tight, but her limbs may as well have been made out of stone. When I found that I was still bound, I asked, "Ember...? You...need to let me go."

"I...can't..." I heard her mutter with a voice that was beginning to crack. She did not lift her head to look at me, but spoke regardless. "It feels like...I shouldn't...have to do this... Not now..."

This brought back very uncomfortable memories of late in the war. When Maud Pie took hold of me and refused to let go, convinced I would not return alive. But this was different. I was not in poor health or in danger. I knew why Ember could not let go. It was in her blood. Dragons and their mates are not supposed to be kept apart. We may not have approached each other yet, but we knew it in our hearts. We were practically betrothed by then. And saying goodbye...went against everything her heart was telling her.

No one knew what to say. And I kept my head atop Ember's armored head to at least offer some reassurance. The one person to approach was Novo, who expertly caressed Ember's right spaulder. "Come on, Ember. You know it has to be this way. We all have somewhere we need to be. And he'll be right here waiting for you."

Novo's experienced and motherly tone was just enough of a push for Ember. At a painstaking rate, her arms released me and returned to her sides. But she looked so stiff... So rigid with how she stood there with gaze turned to the ground. As if she was using every once of her will to restrain herself. Even her own subordinates began to draw near out of sheer concern. I asked softly, "Ember...?"

She looked back at her men as they gathered around. And she was quick to look back at them before giving an order. "Hold me back. Get me away from here."

They did not speak, but they still nodded respectfully. The more slender and compact dragons among them took hold of her limbs and body while the burlier dragons took hold off their comrades. As they began to pull her backwards step by step, Ember spoke to me one last time. "See you soon... Right?"

I hurt to see how difficult it was for her to say goodbye. All I could do was wave at her in farewell. But maybe twenty paces away, Ember began to struggle. She started to lean forward, digging her armored feet into the ground for more leverage. This did little at first, but she then began to squirm and growl. Desperately trying to wiggle free as those pleading scarlet eyes rarely looked away from me. It looked like her subordinates were only barely able to overpower her as they struggled to drag her out of sight.

Ember did not speak, but her groans and growls sounded almost painfully desperate. And...was she crying? The harder she struggled, the harder it was to watch. Until I finally could not take it anymore. I called out to them, "Let her go!"

They all froze. Even Ember stopped struggling in response to my plea. The twelve armored dragons appeared to muttered to each other for a second. And they listened. They released Ember as she nearly fell the to the ground. Her response was immediate. She sprinted across the meadow and sailed into my arms, armor and all. I heard the faintest whimper as I held her in my arms while down on one knee, her voice breaking in spite of her fearsome armored appearance. "I'm sorry... I know I'm weak... I just...can't do it..."

I felt a tear of conflicted emotions flow free. I too dreaded having to see her leave, but my heart has always been that of a human. I have never been a dragon. And I almost felt disgusted with myself for not having the capacity to truly understand what was happening in Ember's heart. All I could do was hold her and wonder how we were going to solve this problem. Thankfully, Fluttershy provided an answer. "Ember... Would you...like to stay the night?"

Ember suddenly lifted her head away from me with eyes wide in surprise. As if it never occurred to her to consider that. She looked away from me as we both turned to my wife. "I can do that? You'd let me? Is that...really OK?"

"Yeah, sure! It'd be nice to have another dragon over for a while!" Smolder called out with her hand waving high towards Ember.

Fluttershy just beamed at Ember to show she was being completely serious. Ember then looked up at me, her face hidden behind her helmet. Almost as if she was waiting for my input for the sake of being sure. And I spoke with a soft smile, "Please stay."

The anxiety in her beautiful scarlet eyes fading, Ember spoke just as sweetly. "I will."

Novo laughed from nearby and said, "You know what? I think I'll stick around a little longer too."

"Your majesty?" Seaspray asked while e and all of his men stood in rows beneath the Alabaster, most likely having gathered to give a proper farewell to us.

Now that she had their attention, the queen of Capricorn Island spoke up boldly. "It's been decided! We will be staying grounded until tomorrow. So enjoy yourselves until then! Just remember that we'll be packing up and shipping out at 10:30 AM sharp!"

Just about all of Novo's archers took to the air and joyously flew off for Ponyville for a night on the town once that was all said and done. Only Seaspray and Sky Beak stayed behind a little longer. My father figure trotted up to me and said, "Well, this is a change of pace! I'm going to head into town and see if I can pick up any souvenirs for Ocean and the kids. I'll be sure to stop by tonight before bed, all right?"

"Sounds good, papa bird. Enjoy yourself, Ponyville's every bit as nice as your place." I replied before seeing off that wonderful stallion. Although Ember and I then noticed that Ember's subordinates remained where they were now that they would not be going anywhere until tomorrow.

One of the dragons before us, a big bruiser of a brute, then asked, "So, uh... Now what?"

"Well, since we have almost a full day left... I guess just do as you will. Go to town, see the sights, enjoy yourselves." Ember replied with a shrug of her shoulders. But just as her men started to look rather excited at the prospect of being tourists for a day, she very suddenly pointed at them with a fierce stare. "But I better not hear of any of you starting trouble! Don't harass the locals, got it?!"

The twelve dragons immediately performed awkward salutes before flying off for town. I would have been concerned at any other time, but they knew better than to aggravate Ember by then. She then looked up at me and said, "So then... Until tomorrow morning, you have me. Just...until I know you'll be just fine here without me watching over you. That might be enough to convince me that I can go."

"Thanks for staying, Ember... I'm not ready to say goodbye either." I muttered as we held each other again for just a moment longer. Once we were back inside the cottage, Novo stood right outside the front door while peeking in. "Novo? Whatcha need?"

"Oooooh, I just... Mind if I...borrow your baby girl for a little longer? Just until dinner time? So I can show her around my place?" The queen of Capricorn Island asked rather timidly, not quite stepping inside the house.

All I could do was snicker at how over the moon Novo was for our baby girl. Even Fluttershy burst into a giggling fit as she said, "At this rate, you'll be her favorite godmother! Rarity's gonna be so jealous! Gladesong? Would you like to visit Novo's place?"

Gladesong, who was still cradled in Ocellus' arms, perked up at the mention of Novo's name the unmistakable sound of her voice and started reaching out to the beautiful bird mare who was peeking in through our front door. Ocellus struggled to keep a straight face as she brought the little filly over to our royal guest. I was perfectly willing to let Novo spend some more time with my daughter. I could always catch up with her that evening. The hippogriff queen lifted our baby girl into both hands and nuzzled Gladesong's nose with the tip of her beak. "There's mama's girl! Let's go, honey. Mama Novo's gonna show you how she flies in style! See you all at dinner!"

She did not even bother walking to the Alabaster's gangplank. Novo took to the air with a squealing Gladesong in her arms and flew right up to her private airship to give her new goddaughter a tour of the place. Smolder pointed her thumb at the door and said, "Best mom in the world, huh? Yeah, I'm guessing she just might be!"

"I have a lot to learn from her!" Fluttershy snickered while in just such a good mood. Although she then noticed Ember removing the last of her armor and neatly setting it in a pile next to the coat rack that was holding her helmet. It was the first time she had been completely bare. Now that she could see Ember's beautiful blue body, Fluttershy spoke sweetly. "You really are beautiful, Ember. Most beautiful dragon I've ever seen."

Hearing that from my wife really caught her by surprise. Ember stammered a bit before she said, "Thank you... I've been getting that a lot lately."

With things finally winding down, I went straight to the laundry room past the kitchen and sat myself down at my typewriter. Despite it having not been used since shortly before I departed for the war, it looked to be in pristine condition. Fluttershy really did go out of her way to prepare it for use as soon as I got home. With such a nice day having happened, I felt my creative juices starting to flow as I started to type away on a fresh piece of paper.

I barely got one page done before I was interrupted. Someone leaned against me from behind with their arms draped over my chest. And a familiar voice spoke softly into my ear. "My little warrior poet's back in his natural habitat."

"Yeah, finally... Oh...?" I muttered before Ember started to turn my head to the right. Towards her face. The instant I realized what she was doing, I did not resist. Our lips touched and eyes narrowed. But where Ember's eyes closed, mine stopped just short when I noticed someone out of the corner of my vision Fluttershy was watching from the kitchen. And that silent winking smile told me she knew all too well why Ember could not leave just yet. That war, though ultimately meaningless, brought someone very important into my life.

Ember has been checking on me sporadically throughout the afternoon. Bringing me drinks, sometimes just to watch me do my work, and other times to sit and talk. And she never leaves the room without kissing me goodbye. Although she did have one strange request. That I do not read anything from that journal pile that she wrote. At least for the time being. I did not ask why.

It is just...so good to be home. So much has changed, yet so much has stayed the same. But for right now, it smells like Fluttershy is preparing dinner and the sky outside the window is getting dark. Best to stop here for now. I will pick up where I left off tomorrow. I want to savor what little time I have left while everyone is still here.