My days on Capricorn Island have been nothing short of delightful. I really do feel at home there in ways I do not even back in Ponyville. The constant optimism of the hippogriffs combined with the delicious oceanic cuisine and the delightful crisp and clean architecture and very varied environment makes living here an absolute joy. Maybe my cutie mark holds a double meaning after all. I feel so at peace with all of these beautiful and loving bird horses.

Every day that has gone by, I have spent it in the company of Silverstream and Terramar. Sometimes Princess Skystar has joined in, although it seems some of her time has been taken up by her tutoring on her upcoming role as the island's official ambassador. Sky Beak and Ocean Flow are always happy to have me over, and Sky has even frequently invited me out for a drink at night. He never drinks heavily, although I am sure there is a reason for that. I doubt it is legal for hippogriffs to drink and fly. I wonder how Rainbow Dash gets away with it...

And then...there is Novo. When I showed up on Capricorn Island, I never dreamed I would see someone so beautiful that they eclipsed Celestia herself. Someone so entertaining, yet dignified. Novo is unlike any other woman I know. A rare treasure in this wonderful world of Equestria. And...so difficult for me not to love.

As she requested, I was there by her side all but one night after my prior journal. I still made time to spend one more evening with Silverstream when she requested that I cuddle with her in bed for the night. But every other night has been spent with Novo. Sitting on the balcony and sipping cider while watching the stars, luxurious baths together, and sleeping in the embrace of her comforting wing. Novo makes me feel like the luckiest man in the world when we are alone together. And I am pleased to see her so happy in my presence. She almost never brings up the name of her former king anymore. I think that is a good sign. She is focusing on the here and now.

Of course, it would be remiss of me to downplay my interactions with Novo. The more time we spend together, the harder it is to hide the desires of our hearts from each other. I swear, when we are alone together, it almost feels like we are a proper couple. Novo is ceaselessly doting to me. If she is not doing anything else, she is looking for something to do that would make me happy. And with how difficult it can be for me to think of something she could do for me, she seems to enjoy the challenge of experimenting to surprise me.

It is hard for me to keep my hands off her. That glorious plush plumage all over her simply feels lovely. The form of a gorgeous mare coated in a fine layer of feathers. And she always invites my touch. Although I think that is enough of a recap. I should focus on what happened during the last full day on that island.

I slept well, slowly coming awake as I felt something repeatedly stroking my head and through my hair. As my eyes opened and focused in the dull morning light shining through the curtains, I was greeted by the sight of beautiful Queen Novo gazing down at me with her hand upon my head. She cooed softly at me, "Sleep well, baby?"

"I always get a good night's sleep with you..." I said quietly while tempted to go back to sleep. But I was brought more to my senses as Novo brought her beak to my lips and placed as soft a kiss as her firm beak would allow upon them. I then watched as Novo pushed herself up until she was seated with her back to me. She reached high and groaned as she stretched, her glorious wings spreading wide in an almost courting display. I knew this was not entirely reactionary. She was putting on a show.

I may not be a hippogriff, but I could still appreciate the beautiful wingspan of such a creature. I pulled myself up and crawled behind her before rubbing my hands over their frames. "My bird of paradise looks lovely in the morning light."

"Oooohohoho, she does, hm?" Novo churred as she allowed me to do as I please. My hands slid to the bases of her wings before sliding down her sides and along the curves of her flanks. She sighed almost lustfully before I brought my hands back up and placed them upon her chest while my lips caressed her feathery neck with soft kisses. "Ooooh, baby, you're so good to mama... You keep this up and I'm gonna have another itch to scratch..."

"Oops... I just can't help it sometimes. You're utterly irresistible." I said in an almost joking manner before I released Novo from my grasp. But as I turned around and began to pull myself closer to the edge of the bed to get to my feet, I was hooked in Novo's wing and dragged back down to the bed with my back pressed against Novo's chest. "Whoa... Am I forgetting something?"

"No, not really. Just five more minutes, sugar bear. Please? For your bird of paradise?" Novo cooed sweetly into my ear as she held me from behind in a tender embrace. "Just a little longer... I can't start my day without enough time with you, my sweet honey bun."

God, it was like we were married... And I could not resist her plea. I placed my hand over hers while it rested upon my chest. "Five more minutes, Novo..."

"Thank you, love." She whispered before I felt her beak gently tug on my ear. A moment of tender cuddles later, Novo began to whisper to me. "Can I tell you something, honey? Something important? Before I forget?"

"Go right ahead, Novo." I said softly as I traced my finger over hers.

She tenderly nibbled on my ear before one hand rested upon my upper arm. Over my cutie mark. As her hand slowly slid back and forth over it, she whispered to me. "I want you to know... I'm aware that Celestia brought you along to help heal me... And I'll be honest. I thought she was wasting her time at first. I thought living in mourning was something I just had to deal with. I love Cygnus. I really do. And I don't think I'll ever stop loving him... But you..."

She pulled her hand out from under mine before pinning my hand to my own chest under hers. "You...convinced me to stop crying. To see that...love is something I shouldn't turn my beak up at if it comes knocking. That patient heart of yours... So cautious, but so eager all the same. We're the same, baby... We know what we've been through... We know how we hurt. And...that's something I doubt I'll ever see in a man again... You get me, James. And I get you."

"I know we do, Novo... That's why I.... Why I want to love you..." I whispered softly while gazing directly ahead at nothing in particular. All I was focused on were the sounds going into my ear.

"And believe me, baby. I want to love you too." She cooed to me as a kiss was placed on the back of my jaw. "I want to be happy again... I miss my king, of course, but I know there's someone who understands me like no other... Someone who wants to love me... Someone I can love just as much."

Novo then pulled on my arm to turn me over until I was resting on my back while she gazed down at me with a serene smile. "You...are the best thing to happen to me in decades. And as queen, I don't say that lightly. And...I want to see what the future holds for us, baby..."

"Novo, you're gonna make me blush..." I muttered while feeling the weight of her words weighing on my heart. I will never get used to such praise. Even if it is true when spoken.

"Then go ahead and blush, honey. I ain't gonna hide this from you." She said with a smirk before placing a kiss upon my lips. "My sweet sugar bear... Promise me we'll meet again before long. I know you have a home to return to. A wife and daughter waiting to see you again. But please... Don't forget about me. And don't let go of the love you have in your heart for me... Because...I'm not ever gonna let go of the love that's in my heart, honey."

I closed my eyes, a faint warmth building at the corners. It was true. I had to go home the next day. But at the same time, I did not want to say goodbye to Novo. I had to leave and she could not follow me. And reaching Capricorn Island was not easy. Hundreds of miles from Ponyville with much of that distance covered by ocean. The only reliable way to get there would be by airship. And I know from experience that long-distance relationships are never easy. But I did not want this to end. I placed my hand over hers while it rested upon my chest while I gazed up into her beautiful eyes. "I won't let go... And I want this to work, Novo. We'll figure something out, right?"

She once more brought her beak to my lips so we could share a soft kiss. She spoke softly to me afterward while gazing down at me. "I'll talk with Celestia about that. See if we can get you out here now and then. I know you love this island and just about everything it has going for it. It'd be a crime to keep you away from here."

"Thank you, Novo..." I said quietly as I reached up and stroked her beautiful face. As much as I wanted to stay in bed with her, I knew I had things to do. If this was going to be my last full day on Capricorn Island for a while, I wanted to enjoy it to the fullest. "Anyway... I think five minutes have gone by. I should probably return to my chambers to get dressed."

I did not know why at the time, but Novo gave me a bit of a smirk when I said that. "Yeah, true. And I'm a mare of my word if nothing else. You go ahead and get yourself ready for the day. I'll see you again at the breakfast table."

I reluctantly climbed out of bed and draped my towel from last night over my shoulders for a bit of modesty while walking through the halls. I made it back to my chambers without incident and took a short shower to freshen myself up for the day. But right when I had pulled a shirt over my body after pulling on some pants, I heard a knock at the door.

Not thinking to ask who it could be, I approached the door and opened it while expecting to find someone dropping off breakfast. Instead, I found Novo standing on the other side. "Huh? Oh, Novo! I was just about...to..."

I started to take a step back as Novo began to make her way inside. She even closed the door behind her with her hind leg without taking her eyes off me. "I know what you're thinking. Didn't I say I'd see you at the breakfast table?"

"Uh... Yeah, kind of." I muttered in response as she continued to back me up with the bed behind me.

"Well, I decided I couldn't wait that long for my sugar bear." She said soulfully before reaching out and placing her hands upon my chest and pushing me down onto the bed. I was soon pinned under the beautiful queen as she crawled onto me with those gorgeous eyes gazing down into my own. "We've got some time for a little sugar, honey."

"God, why are you always so sexy, Novo?" I asked with a gasp as my hands roamed over her back. I knew where this was going. And I welcomed it.

"Oh, I'm only sexy for you, baby. And besides, being beautiful comes with the territory. A queen's gotta look her best for her subjects." She said with a confident smirk on her beak. I felt her hind legs shift until her ankles were pressed against my sides, keeping her in place while she whispered sweetly to me. "Let me be good to you, baby. Just like you've been good to me."

I felt her press her lower belly down onto me as a pair of soft mounds pressed against me through the fabric of my pants. Like an old pro, she was masterfully insuring my slowly stiffening equipment was lodged between her soft motherly teats. "Mmmm, you feel that, honey? You like the feel of mama's tits?"

I was amazed by just how eager Novo was for me. I was not surprised a woman of such beauty, grace, and personality could be so good in the bedroom, but her willingness to take the lead was still unexpected. "God, Novo... Are you really just that pent up?"

A deep giggle escaped her beak before she looked me in the eye with a sly smirk. "Baby, when it comes to you? I'm always horny."

I think I bit my lip when I heard that. I felt her pulling and pushing herself back to grind her belly against me. The stimulation was working as I sighed deeply from my rising arousal. But I could not let her do all the work. I wanted any pleasure to be mutual. And so my hands slid down her back and over her full motherly flanks. My fingers dug deep through her plumage, grasping the firm yet soft flesh below.

Novo groaned as I squeezed her sweet spot. A part of her body that she regards with some degree of pride. "Mmm, honey, you don't have to do that... This is all about...you right now... Oh god, yes... Squeeze them, baby... Squeeze my sexy MILF hips..."

"Novo... God, you have such an amazing figure..." I gasped quietly while my fingers and palms continued to caress and knead her beautifully developed flanks. All the while, she continued to put her soft feathered mammaries to work as they continued to squeeze my length through the fabric of my pants.

"Oooooh, you know it, baby." Novo said with a moan as she slid her hands under my head. She panted softly while gazing down at me with such passion in those beautiful eyes. "This body is yours to feel up any time, baby. It's all yours... I'm all yours... Ooooh, kiss me, baby!"

And I did. Novo's beak parted before it once more clamped over my cheeks as her tongue invaded my mouth. I groaned in delight as my tongue reached out to hers, kissing her lovingly as her voice cooed and hummed beautifully in response to my touch and taste. Everything about her... The sound of her voice. The beauty of her form. The touch of her feathers and hands. Her taste... Even her faint scent. All five of my senses were detecting Novo and I was loving it. I wanted her... And she wanted me.

Eyes closed, I released my grip on Novo's curvaceous rump and embraced her with all the love and passion she was showing me. I began to lift my hips to match her sliding gyrations, my shaft pressing against the fabric of my pants and properly being nestled between her teats. As we pleasured each other, one of our hands found its way to the other. Our fingers intertwined, locking together in a lovers grasp. All the while, our kiss continued. Novo dare not let go of me in this moment of bliss. And I dare not let go of her.

We were lusting for each other, our hearts calling out as they thumped against our chests in unison. Beating together through the fabric and feathers between us. I was in love... I kept telling myself that it was much too soon, but my heart would not be convinced otherwise. Ours was a love born of similar pain, of love lost. And a desire to love again. A desire to see the other healed and set right what once went wrong. It was such...a beautiful love as I think about this now. We needed each other as much as we wanted the other. As blessed as I felt feeling this beautiful queen of an angel doing her best to bring me to climax, I knew she felt equally as fortunate.

God, I wanted her so bad... If I were to strip my pants off and try to mount her from behind, I am certain Novo would have been all too willing to receive me. And yet, we had just enough restraint to not go that far. She remained atop me, pinning me down as she used her glorious body to pleasure me even as I pleasured her right back. Her moans in the kiss became shriller, her movements faster and more desperate. The movements of my own hips became more eager. We were so close. And together, we sang into our kiss as our climaxes hit. A warm sticky wetness began to fill my trousers and a potent musky scent filled the air. For all the work it took to get there, it was over all too quickly. Followed only by a warm comforting afterglow as our kiss ended while we gazed into each other's eyes.

"Baby... I... You're..." Novo panted as our hands remained locked together. They would not let go. I did not want to release her yet.

"Novo... You're so..." I too muttered as I breathed deeply in sexual fatigue. I was at a loss for words. During that one exchange, we said so much to each other without actually needing to speak. I could find nothing else to add.

Novo's spare hand gently caressed my face and ran through my hair as she softly whispered to me. "Is there anything I can do to convince you to stay...? Stay here and live with me...? I promise you'll be happy here..."

"I... I would like that, but... I have a home to return to... And I... I don't want my departure tomorrow to be...more difficult than it has to be." I spoke softly, so very tempted to take her up on her offer. Capricorn Island is a lovely place. With lovely people. I would be very happy there. And with Novo... My wonderful bird of paradise. But I knew I could not. Fluttershy is waiting for me. And my children. Scootaloo and precious little Gladesong. I could not leave them. Certainly not now.

Even though there was a glimmer of disappointment in her eyes, Novo still smiled calmly at me. "You're a good man, baby... And I love good men. Just know you're always welcome in my home... My sweet...sweet sugar bear..."

My spare hand rose to her beautiful face, caressing her cheek slowly. "I'll be back... I have to come back... This place is so wonderful... And... I... I want to see you again... To hold you and..."

"To love me?" Novo said softly as she smiled tenderly at me, finishing my sentence for me. She placed a firm yet loving kiss upon my lips while our hands betrayed our reservations, our intertwining fingers displaying the true intentions in our hearts. "Then please... Visit as often as you can... And maybe I'll see if I can visit the mainland more often myself."

"I'll do what I can..." I whispered before lifting my head. Novo responded in kind by lowering hers and placing a kiss upon my lips. "I'll...miss you..."

"You have no idea how much I'll be missing you when you're gone, baby... I'll be dreaming of you to pass the time." Novo said almost snidely before she nuzzled my head with her own. Very reluctantly, she started to pull away as our fingers released our hands. "Now... As much as I'd love to snuggle with my sugar bear for another hour, we really shouldn't keep Celestia waiting. No one likes a cold breakfast."

"Yeah... I'll be right there." I said softly while watching Novo leave the room. But as she did, I saw her look back at me while giving her curvaceous rump a noticeable sway as she left the room. She wanted me so bad and I wanted her. It took a moment to compose myself as I had to remind myself that no matter how hard our hearts were reaching out to each other, such actions would have to wait. I did not want to rush this. I soon got my shoes on and stepped out into the hall and found Novo waiting for me. Just to insure I would not get lost.

I followed Novo through the halls until we were seated out on a familiar balcony around a round metal table. Celestia and Skystar soon joined us before the royal chefs brought out a feast of breakfast foods for us. Seafood omelets, cold peeled shrimp, hot Belgian waffles with fruit. It was as much a feast for the tongue as it was for the eyes. Novo and I were careful to conceal any indication of what had just transpired in my room, although I think Celestia caught on rather quick.

"So, you're going home tomorrow?" Skystar asked while I started on my waffles first so I could enjoy them while they were still hot.

Celestia daintily manipulated her cutlery with magic as she said, "We are. It's been a pleasant stay like every time before, but we can't stay here forever. Duty calls and all that. And I can't leave the burden to my sisters for too long."

Skystar then turned her attention to me. "What about you, James? How was your first time on Capricorn Island? You enjoy yourself?"

"Oh, absolutely. Good food, good culture, good people, and good rulers. This just might be my favorite place in Equestria by this point." I said while making no attempt to hide how much I had come to adore the place and everyone in it. My eyes then glanced at Novo near me as I added, "And I've made good friends here too."

"Oh honey, you've made more than that and you know it." Novo said jeeringly as the tip of her wing reached out and tickled my cheek. I could not help but snicker at her affections, although Skystar was quick to give us a funny glance. That look was so odd that even Celestia got a snicker out of it.

"Wow, Mom... I know James has been a good friend to you, but... What's up with that?" Skystar asked while looking rather perturbed by her mother's enthusiasm. It was particularly awkward for me because Skystar was probably more than a hundred times my age, yet her own mother was getting flirty with me right in front of her.

Novo was quite flippant in the face of her daughter's discomfort while giving her a snide smirk. "What? You have a problem with your mama complimenting a very good man? I ain't sugarcoating anything here."

I let out a laugh before I said, "Ha, you have an awesome mom, Skystar."

"Oh, I'm more than just awesome, baby. I am the best." Novo said boldly while leaning a bit closer to me. "Especially in the bathtub."

"Mother?!" Skystar shrieked at that little zinger while Celestia began to howl in laughter. I too cringed as Skystar looked at us both with a gaze of horror.

"Whoa whoa whoa, it's not like that! We've never done that!" I yelped while waving my hands before me.

"Not yet, anyway." Novo declared while making no attempt to cloak her heart's desires. Now it was my turn to recoil while Novo burst into very hearty laughter. She was so very happy, but Skystar was clearly not sure what to make of her mother's antics. She and I both shut up and focused on our meal for the moment. Celestia and Novo then conversed as they became preoccupied with each other. I heard them bring up the Wabush and Woodech clans, but I do not recall the rest of their conversation.

Celestia and Novo continued to converse even after we had all finished our meal. With nothing else to do, Skystar departed while I followed shortly after. Past the doors, I found myself back in the library. But before I got far, a quiet voice spoke up. "James... Got a minute?"

Skystar had been waiting for me. And I suddenly felt a sinking feeling in my gut upon realizing why. I turned to face her as she approached me, her eyes filled with a look of concern. "What has...been going on with you and my mom since you got here?"

"I don't believe I am at liberty to discuss that." I retorted in an attempt to avoid discussing something I am sure Novo would prefer to keep hidden from everyone else for the time being.

"James... Please. She's my mom. I need to know. And I don't think she'll give me a clear answer on this." Skystar said while being probably the most serious I had seen from her thus far.

With a deep sigh, I relented and tried to be as professional as possible about the whole thing. "Celestia brought me here because she was convinced I am someone who could help heal your mother's broken heart. That's what I've been doing."

"Is that all...? Because...the way she was being with you back there? That's how she was with Dad a lot. And I mean...a lot. She was crazy about him." Skystar explained while still giving me that look. It was almost uncomfortable with how hard she was prying for answers.

I had to be careful here. Telling the daughter of a woman you have been seeing that you may be in a relationship with her... Definitely not a situation I ever dreamed I would be in. I averted my gaze as I spoke. "That's because...your mother and I... We have experienced similar pain... We know...how the other has been hurting. And we... It's a mutual attraction. We're..."

Skystar spoke at the first opportunity she got. "You're...in love with her?"

"I think I'm well on my way to that point..." I said quietly as I looked back out past the glass doors leading out to the balcony. She was still there, chatting it up with Celestia. "Your mother...is very difficult to not fall in love with. Beautiful, colorful, soulful personality... She's probably the single most attractive woman I've ever met in my life. And...I'm honored she adores me as much as she does."

Skystar said nothing for a moment. Although that silence did not last. "I think she loves you too... Like... No, she definitely loves you if she was coming onto you like that..."

All I did was nod. It was such an uncomfortable situation. What more could I say? Skystar soon stepped closer to me and said, "James... I need to request something from you."

I turned and looked at her. She did not look quite as disturbed as I expected to see. Skystar then said, "If my mother really is falling for you... Please. Never hurt her. It was bad enough when we lost Dad. I didn't think she would ever smile again. But if she's really falling in love with you... Please, always be good to her."

"I will. I love seeing her happy." I said softly as the tension in the air began to fade. "But...what about you? Are you OK with this?"

Skystar cracked a crooked smile. "If I was, I know that wouldn't stop her. Mom doesn't let anything get between her and her stallion...um...man. Besides, while I'm...uh...not really sure what to think of this? I mean... Don't expect me to start calling you my dad. But...if Mom's happy with you, that's good enough for me."

The tension started to fade by then. It was not quite as grim as I was anticipating and I was grateful it had passed. Although I almost laughed when she suddenly said, "Oh, and don't go telling me about what you two do when no one's looking, all right? I'm...uh...completely OK staying in the dark about that."

"Haha, sure! Anyway, am I keeping you from anything?" I then asked while wondering if Skystar had been on her way anywhere when she stopped to speak to me.

"Oh, right. Yeah, Admiral Seaspray was supposed to give me more pointers on my new ambassador position. I'm still getting the hang of it. I better not keep him waiting. I'll see you around later, all right?" Skystar explained before I saw her off. But now that I was alone in the library, I went back over to the globe I saw and rotated it again. Once more, my eyes fell upon the vast expanse of wilderness labeled the Empty Plains.

"Almost sounds ominous..." I muttered to myself as I took a closer look. Maybe I had overlooked some tiny text somewhere. But no, there was nothing out there. No landmarks or anything of the sort. There was a small mountain range somewhere if the texturing and color of the globe was anything to go by, but there was nothing written down. I was especially curious as to why that series of mountains in the Empty Plains did not have a name since most mountains do. "I can't help but get the feeling whoever made this globe was hiding something..."

As tempted as I was to approach Celestia and inquire about this, I was certain she would go out of her way to avoid the topic. It would not be the first time she would be adverse to discussing topics of Equestria's past that was not readily available to the public. And the term... The Empty Plains... It sounded meaningful, but not in a good way. Not like it had always been untouched by civilization. More like...something had been there once, but the plains went empty in time.

Rather than dwell on something I would likely never get an answer on, I departed from the library and returned to my chambers to document some of this day on the typewriter that had been provided to me. At least for a little while. A little while later, I heard a knock at the door and turned to see Novo stick her head in. "Am I interrupting anything, James?"

"Nah, I've got time for you." I said while turning in my seat. Novo approached me while showing a pleasant smile. "Can I help you?"

"Well, since this is your last full day on the island..." Novo started to say as her gaze wandered in thought. She then gave me her attention and said, "I want to spend the entire day with you, if you'll have me. Wherever you go, whatever you do, I wanna be there with you."

"Novo... You... I mean I like the idea, but don't you have some duties as queen to tend to? And what about Celestia?" I asked while noticing a few issues that would likely come up were she not around.

Novo gave me a smirk before a hand reached for her brow. It hooked her simple gold crown on her fingers before pulling it off and setting it upon the nearest dresser. "Honey, must I remind you that I'm as queen as they come? If mama wants a day to spend with her sugar bear, she gets it. The queen is out!"

Her flippant disregard to protocol got a good laugh out of me. Novo really is a queen like no other and I adore her for it. I think even Celestia could learn a thing or two from her. "Pah! Good point! But wait, what about Celestia? What's she up to for the day?"

"Oh, old Sunbutt? She's taking the day to do some sightseeing and souvenir shopping for her sisters back home. I doubt we'll bump into her. This mountain's pretty big..." Novo replied before she walked right up to me and looked me in the eye. "But before we do anything else... How about giving mama some sugar?"

"You know I can never turn that down." I said before reaching out and placing a hand upon her neck. Our eyes closed as Novo's beak parted, clamping itself onto my cheeks as our tongues did a dance. I could still taste our breakfast upon her tongue. Brief as it was, Novo's kisses are always invigorating. We soon gazed into each other's eyes as Novo whispered, "Now, suit up, honey. I wanna get outta here before I'm too tempted to drag you into bed for something else."

"You got it." I said before I walked over to the little tub that had been provided to hold my armor while in liquid form. I removed my shoes and stepped in it, allowing the liquid metal to crawl over me and solidify into its regal winged form.

Novo shook her head as she watched me, letting out a whistle. "Boy, I don't know how Celestia and Luna did it. Armor that turns into a liquid when not in use? Special kind of genius right there."

"Yeah, it really does do away with having to bring in an blacksmith to handle any repairs. What about Seaspray? Is he still hung up on this thing and wants his own set?" I asked as I thought back to his reaction to that armor on my first day on the island.

Novo snickered as she averted her gaze. "Oh, you have no idea. Every other day, he brings it up. I think he'd ask me every day if he wasn't afraid of annoying me. Really, I don't know why he's that obsessed over it. Have you even seen the man's armor? I swear the rest of the guards are kinda jealous of his gear."

"Actually, no. I haven't seen Seaspray's armor. Why? What's it made of?" I asked while remembering the colors the other guards wear. Armor coated in gold and silver finishes. What could the captain of the guard himself wear? I know Shining Armor wears a stylized version of the usual guard armor that has a light purple and gold color scheme, but what about Seaspray?

"Oh, you'll have to see it for yourself. I'm not spoiling it for you. Although he almost never wears it on his home turf. Only when he's traveling abroad." Novo replied while she handed me my helmet. "Leave your wallet behind this time. If you need anything, mama's buying."

"Sounds good to me. I have no pockets on this armor anyway." I said while taking my helmet in hand. I followed her out onto the bridge before placing it on my head. "So... Where to, m'lady?"

"Oh, I'm game for whatever you have to offer right now. Any places you've been to that you'd like to revisit?" Novo asked while giving me full permission to take the lead.

I crossed my arms as I tried to recall some of the more notable locales I had seen during my stay. There was that aquarium, I enjoyed my time on the beach, and that walk through that forest was pleasant... Then again, there is a lot on the island I still have not seen. But if there was one place that stood out in my mind, it was probably the most unique place I had seen thus far. "How about we stop by the lake full of stingless jellyfish?"

"Jellyfish Lake? Good taste. You remember the way?" Novo asked while she spread those spectacular wings to prepare for takeoff.

I was momentarily distracted by her glorious wingspan. "Man, you always look so amazing with your wings out... And...um... It's halfway down the mountain, right? I think I remember the view from the top of that waterfall enough to teleport us."

"Oh baby, if you like my wingspan that much, I'll keep my wings out for you to feel up all you want." Novo said with a smirk before getting back to the topic at hand. "Yeah, about that far down. But why take a shortcut? It won't take that long if we go by air. Come on, mama knows the way."

Before I could object, Novo took to the air and flew off. I wasted no time in pursuing her upon my armor's wings as we began to descend the mountain with Novo leading the way. We circled the whole thing gradually from a great distance to have an easy time surveying the rotating mountainside. "See, honey? Ain't this the way to travel?"

"It sure is. It sucks when you have to travel by foot, but it's fun to get around when you can fly." I said while just gliding along with Novo at my side. There probably is not a single place like Capricorn Island anywhere else in the world. It really is its own little slice of paradise on a planet that is about as close to a paradise as one can realistically get. I took note of this and looked at Novo as she came within earshot. "You've done a wonderful job at looking after the place."

"Well, I've tried. I do love my home and my people, so I do what I can, baby." Novo replied with a proud smile while being surprisingly humble with her response. I suppose it is important that a leader do their best to not develop an ego, but it was still unexpected after becoming accustomed to Novo's sass and theatrics by then.

This did bring a new question to my mind. I knew by then that hippogriffs are by no means immortal. There would be far too many of them if they were. And yet Novo and Skystar clearly were due to how long they have been around. And so I asked, "Come to think of it... If hippogriffs aren't usually immortal, how are you and Skystar immortal?"

"Only members of the royal family are immortal, baby. That includes anyone who marries into it. It helps insure that a competent ruler will be there for their people for a long time. Wisdom only grows the longer you've been around." Novo explained rather matter-of-factly as we continued to circle the island.

I decided to wait until we landed before continuing the discussion. We eventually caught sight of the waterfall that feeds into the basin that flows into Jellyfish Lake. Once we set ourselves down upon the cliff, I turned to Novo. "If you don't mind me asking... How exactly does the immortality of the royal family here work? It doesn't sound like its the same as the immortality that Equestria's royal family has."

"Well, you're right. It's not natural. I can't give you all the details though. Trade secret. You'd have to marry into the family for me to give you the full story, honey." Novo retorted with a bit of a smirk. But she then said, "I can at least tell you this. Anyone born into the royal family here is bestowed immortality and the aging process stops at around twenty years. At least until they are crowned king or queen, where the aging begins again and stops in the late thirties or early forties. When the king or queen passes on the crown, the immortality is removed from them and they begin to age naturally again."

"So...the immortality can be voluntarily relinquished." I said softly as I thought this all over. I know what immortality can do to someone who experiences loss too many times and I cannot imagine such a thing meshing well with a mortal mind. I surely would never be able to handle immortality in the long run. It would destroy my psyche in due time. "But...isn't that difficult? Living that long by yourself without friends or family"

Novo nodded solemnly, but her smile did not fade. "That's definitely something that is taken into consideration. It's not advised that a king or queen rule alone. But as you know, we hippogriffs mate for life. And that... That's usually enough. When you're in love and your beloved will be there with you for eternity, you'll be fine. Although in my case, even when I lost Cygnus, I still had Skystar. And don't get me started on Celestia. She's always been there for me. I know we bicker a lot, but trust me when I say I wouldn't have held on this long after losing Cygnus if it wasn't for her. I love that silly Sunbutt and wouldn't change her for the world."

Those words made me smile. I could always tell that for all their silly banter, Celestia and Novo are extremely close friends that truly understand each other. "Yeah, I can tell when you two argue that you're just messing with each other. It's obvious how close you two are and I'm happy for you."

Novo beamed at me as she suppressed a chuckle. "Yeah, just don't go telling her I said that. If anyone's gonna say that to her, mama's gonna do it."

"My lips are sealed, m'lady." I retorted before I approached the cliff overlooking the basin below. The roar of the waterfall was much more pronounced now that there was less solid ground between me and it. "Anyway... You wanna head down?"

"After you, honey bun." Novo said while placing a quick pecking kiss upon my cheek. I smiled at her before spreading my armor's wings and hopping off the cliff, lazily drifting down with my wings serving as a very strong airbrake. I still had to bank a little bit to avoid landing in the water. Upon landing, I looked up to see Novo dive off the cliff and gracefully yet quickly circle the basin before coming in for a landing beside me. I really am amazed by the sheer level of control hippogriffs have in the air. I think only the Wonderbolts or pegasi on their level can match them in response time.

I set my helmet aside on a large rock nearby since I would not be flying for a while. Novo and I then waded into the shallows of the lake as golden yellow objects drifted around under the surface. They responded to our presence with some coming closer. "Looks like the jellies know we're here, honey."

I watched as Novo went even deeper and began to swim along the surface of the lake. With her folded wings slightly angled up as she did, her form strongly brought to mind a swan. She certainly had the grace of one. While she floated a little ways off the water's edge, she turned to look at me. "You wanna join me? Or can you not swim in all that heavy gear?"

"Plate armor isn't as heavy as it looks, to be honest." I said while starting to wade into the shallows. My underlying bodysuit kept my body completely dry, though I know it only went up to the base of my neck. Would it keep the water out if it went above that point? I started to wade in deeper as I added, "Although it is a little too bulky for effective swimming, I guess... Especially with these wings here."

I tried performing the breaststroke to pull myself closer to Novo. I was not really in any danger of sinking, but there was a lot of drag slowing me down. I did not feel any water leaking in through where my underarmor ended at my neck, leading me to suspect it was basically skintight around that section. Novo watched with a knowing smile as I tried to pull myself through the water. "Yeah, this stuff really isn't designed for use in water... It's not that bulky, but still too bulky for effective swimming."

As I tread water, Novo swam up to me and kissed me on the nose. "So much for being a swan at heart, huh? You should head back to shore then. I'd hate to see you have an accident."

Not wanting to spend the next minute or two struggling to get back to shore, I simply used the teleportation spell to get myself back on solid ground. Although I then had an idea. "Hang on! I wanna try something."

I focused on the school of jellyfish that was just under the surface. I focused the magic in both gauntlets, trying to catch them in the levitation spell. But instead of just them, I tried lifting some of the water from the lake, fashioning it into a thick rope with the jellyfish lined in a row. They were much easier to make out than through the rippling surface of the lake. Novo let out a whistle as the jellyfish floated in the rope of water. "Ooh, nice catch. Magic, right?"

"Yep! Just...haven't really done this before." I retorted while moving my hands around to bend the water rope into varying shapes. I knew I did not have to actually move my hands to work my magical grasp, but it was just a force of habit. Novo soon made her way out of the water and stood by me as I magically juggled the jellyfish through the air. I think she was more interested in the magic auras around my arms than anything else.

I eventually released my grasp on the jellyfish and their liquid vehicle and allowed them to drop back into the lake with a splash. After doing so, Novo tapped her finger on my right gauntlet. "I know those colors anywhere. Celestia and Luna's own magic, right? Did they really just up and make this armor for you after you showed up in this world?"

I found her assumption to be rather flattering. "Nah, they didn't make this for me. I don't know the full history behind this armor or my weapons, but I get they were forged for their human allies a long time ago. It just never got any use until I showed up."

"Well, I never knew anything about that. We never really kept much tabs on what goes on with the mainland. If there were humans in Equestria, I never met them." Novo replied while not showing much interest in the topic. Perhaps it was for the best we did not pursue it anyway. "Still, I have to say I never would've taken them for being so skilled in crafting armor... Oh wait, this stuff molds itself depending on the wearer, right? Almost forgot about that."

"Yeah, this is the design it chooses when I wear it. Pretty balanced. That's just the way I like it." I spoke as Novo ran her hand over the vambrace on the back of my right arm. "Would you like to try this on again?"

"Nah, I don't need this armor cramping my style. Mama already looks good enough as is." Novo said in jest as she nuzzled my cheek with her beak. "And besides, how would I get it off without Celestia being here to melt it off of me? I don't know how to use this thing's magic."

"Ooh, good point. Sorry I even suggested that." I said with a chuckle as flashbacks of what happened last time with Silverstream came to mind. It would probably take all day to get back up to the summit if we were halfway down the mountain and neither of us had an exact estimate of where Celestia might be on the island.

Novo and I soon relaxed on the grass at the water's edge after I had melted my armor off and left it in the same shallow dip in the ground nearby as the last time. I rested on my back and gazed at the sky and the rest of the mountain above me. Novo draped a wing over me, providing a comfortable layer of weight as I felt her hand and slightly moist feathers slide under my shirt. "Having a good time, honey?"

"Mmhm... Part of me wishes I showed up here instead of Ponyville. This whole place is...lovely." I mused as I felt Novo rubbing her hand over my chest in a loving manner. I turned to look at her as the gorgeous queen looked back at me. I placed my hand upon my chest, feeling her hand through the fabric above it. A moment later, we reached out to each other as my lips met her beak for a kiss. "You're wonderful, Novo."

"Not as wonderful as you, sugar bear." She whispered sultrily to me as those eyes flashed me a glance of desire. "Maybe I should run away with you. Live on the run as your kidnapped queen hiding as a commoner. We'd have lots of fun out there."

"Novo... You can't be serious." I said with a crooked smile as Novo burst into quiet chuckling. It was a tempting thought, but I knew it was just a joke. Novo is too dedicated to her people to abandon them like that. Even if her heart thinks otherwise.

"Oh, I'm just messing with you, baby. I couldn't leave Skystar in charge like that. The girl has seashells on the brain." Novo laughed before she pulled herself up and rested upon me, her chest upon mine as I found myself comfortably pinned under her beautiful body. She stroked one hand through my hair while gazing lovingly down at me. "But I would if I had nothing else holding me back... I'd follow you to the ends of the earth..."

"You would, huh...?" I said softly as my hand reached up and traced its fingers through the plumage on her neck and up to her cheek. I hardly minded the lingering moisture in her feathers seeping into my clothes. I felt safe in her presence. I wanted to say something sweet to her. Something very precious. But I knew it was still too soon. I did so with Fluttershy two years ago and almost regretted it in due time. I was not willing to take that risk again. But I knew of something else to say. "I think...we would be very happy together."

"You know it, baby. We're together right now.....and I'm very happy." Novo cooed to me as she brought her beak down and kissed me upon the forehead. She then backed up to allow her neck more room to move and brought her face closer to mine. "Kiss me, baby."

I did not object. Her beak parted as my lips did, eyes closing as their two halves clamped onto my cheeks. Our tongues reached out and began to dance, the faint taste of our breakfast lingering in our mouths. We were in love. I cannot deny that now. We were truly in love. All sorts of thoughts flashed through my mind. What if I did end up on Capricorn Island instead of finding myself at the edge of Ponyville two years ago? Would I be Novo's king by now? Would we have had a royal child? What would our marriage be like? Would the people accept us?

The end of our kiss brought my mind back to the present. I felt warm in my cheeks as I breathed heavily, Novo's breaths also being deep and slow as we gazed back at each other. Was she thinking the same thoughts as me? Novo soon whispered as she gave me such a forlorn stare, "I'm gonna miss you so much when you leave..."

"I'm gonna miss you too... You've been...so good to me during my stay." I said quietly with my hand upon her shoulder. But a thought then came to me. Perhaps we could see each other more often. "I'll see if Luna or Nightmare Moon can let us see each other in our dreams..."

"Wait... They can do that? Let us visit the dreams of others?" Novo asked while sounding understandably confused about the whole concept. She barely knew Luna at all and had yet to meet Nightmare Moon. She probably was in the dark about their unique capabilities.

"Yeah, they can. I've done it before. They can project themselves into the realm of dreams. And they can take one to the dreams of others if they wish. We tend to see each other often that way." I explained while also noting that my dreams have been left alone during my stay on the island. Perhaps they really were giving me as much space as possible to let me enjoy myself to the fullest.

Novo's eyes perked up in intrigue, but she then gave me quite a smirk. "Well, if they can, I'm sure to take advantage of the opportunity. Just be warned, baby..."

She then brought her beak close to my ear and whispered most sexily to me. "If you're gonna be there, you better count on my dreams getting very...wet."

"Oh god, Novo... You're not kidding, are you?" I said while feeling both nervous and amused. As much as I knew it was far too soon to do such a thing with her, there are no consequences for such a thing in the realm of dreams. And if what she said that morning was true..... Oh dear.

Novo let out a hearty laugh before kissing me upon my lips. "Oh, you better believe I'm not goofing around here, honey. If you're gonna pay a visit to my dreams, then this queen's sexy butt is gonna be all yours."

The sheer audacity and lack of etiquette in her vocabulary made me burst out laughing for a moment while Novo grinned at her own behavior. As my laughing ran its course, Novo finally stood up. "Anyway, I think that's enough for this little visit. Wanna head somewhere else, sweetheart?"

"Um... How about down by the shoreline? I was only down there once so far." I said as we both began to rise to our feet.

"Sounds good to me. I hardly ever get to go down that far myself." Novo replied while I fetched my helmet and set it upon my head. She then spread her glorious wings before taking to the air while I followed. We descended the mountain in a straight line. A flock of seagulls flew by us as we neared the shore, but Novo replied with a perfect seagull squawk of her own along the way. "Cheeky boys. At least they know who's queen of the seabirds now."

We set down lightly upon the sand, a good deal away from the Alpha sector. It might have been on the other side of the mountain for all I knew. Novo tested her footing as her hands sank into the sand. "Been so long since I last felt sand between my fingers. Personally, I'd prefer the warmer sands of down south."

"Yeah, it's not really a tropical island, is it?" I said while still not entirely used to walking on sand with metal sabatons instead of proper shoes. We soon began to walk along the shore with nary the sight of a hippogriff. Even though they can travel wherever they want very quickly, I guess the more isolated sections of the beach tend to not attract much attention.

It may have been too quiet down there for its own good. Novo and I did not have a lot to say as we wandered the coastline with only the occasional call of a seagull and the unceasing crashing of the ocean waves over the shoreline breaking that silence. Much like before, the sight and sound of the eternally breaking waves caused my thoughts to become more sentimental. Not to the same extreme as last time. I got that all out of my system during that good chat with Ocean Flow several days ago. I think Novo was being affected the same way. She did not smile as we walked and she was not particularly affection either. Her mind was elsewhere.

"The waves have a way of digging up old memories, huh?" I asked when I felt Novo had been silent for too long.

"Yeah, I think they do... Maybe that's why I don't come down here more often." Novo retorted as she turned her gaze to the ocean. She was undoubtedly thinking about her late king. It was best that I did not inquire further.

I tried to distract her from that topic by bringing up something else about the passing off time. "Exactly how long have you been queen by now?"

Novo's eyes glanced up as she hesitated in thought. "Oh...I'm guessing somewhere around two thousand years by now. It's been a long time and I've seen a lot happen, but it gets hard to remember exactly how much time has passed when you've been around as long as I've been."

"I can believe that." I spoke while looking past her at the sea. "You've done a fine job as queen too... No matter how many times the waves come and go."

"Trying to find a witty retort involving the sea, honey?" Novo asked while letting out a quick chuckle. I admit I was trying to find something fitting to say involving the sea and the passage of time, but I was still grasping at straws. "The artist in you never really takes a break, does it?"

"Nah, I guess it never does. I'm the kinda guy who likes to stop and take a closer look at things when they catch my eye." I retorted while unable to hide a smile. Novo reached out and placed an approving kiss upon my cheek while we continued on our way, strolling by the bay.

We did end up coming within view of some docks and there was another of those big hydraulic lifts going up the mountain to one of the lower sectors. It was rather abrupt with just how busy the area got as we were greeted by the sound of commerce. "Huh? Didn't see this coming... I guess airships aren't the only ways off the island."

"Yeah, we've got a number of harbors around the island for sea trade. This one is directly connected to the Beta sector up there." Novo explained as we walked along the outskirts. I decided to take my helmet off and carry it in my arm so my ethereal helmet plume would not draw needless attention. Not that there was any escape from attention. The harbor crews were quick to greet their queen as we passed by. The ocean vessels certainly looked enjoyably vintage, looking like older steamships from the turn of the 20th century back on Earth.

With crews focused on unloading cargo, Novo and I decided to take the time to ride the nearby lift up to the Beta sector. There was already quite a few crates set around it, so we were more or less doing them a favor by taking them up with us. Novo and I stood near the edge to watch the shoreline become increasingly distant. I instinctively looked around, expecting Silverstream and Terramar to be with me due to all the times we had ridden those lifts during my stay, but was reminded that they were not present. "Terramar and Silverstream are probably wondering where I am right now..."

"Sky Beak's kids? You've really endeared yourself to them, huh?" Novo asked as she came up beside me, our eyes cast up at the mountainside we were ascending. "They sure seem fond of you. Especially Silverstream. Every time I saw her in the palace, I thought she was looking for you."

"She probably was." I muttered before looking up at the vast mountain above us. "She's probably looking for me right now..."

"She a good friend to you?" Novo asked sincerely as her gaze met mine.

"Yeah, she's wonderful. Kinda like a friend of mine back home, but a bit more subdued and much more cuddly. She really likes a good hug." I said while a smile made its way across my lips. "I swear she looks and sounds older than she really is. Is that normal for hippogriffs at the onset of adolescence?"

"For the most part, yeah. I guess its the bird in us. Don't worry, it's not like she'll look like she's twenty when she hits sixteen. It'll slow down a bit at some point." Novo explained while sounding and looking genuinely amused at my confusion.

I could not help but think about how the concept must have applied to Novo herself at such an age. "Must've been awkward for you when it happened. No filly has any business looking as hot as you."

Novo just let out a heart guffaw in response. "Ha! I've always been a pretty one, baby. But don't you worry. I didn't find my true colors until I had Skystar. Mama here has always been at her best when she's a MILF."

"You have no shame about that, do you?" I asked before the two of us burst into laughter. Really, Novo is so shameless when it comes to her maternal beauty. She is not lying though. Motherhood has been nothing but a blessing for her outward appearance. Hottest mom in the world, to be frank.

The lift's platform soon came to a stop at the outskirts of the Beta sector while a number of hippogriffs converged on the location to deal with the cargo. Novo and I quietly made our way off so we would not get in the way. "First time in the Beta sector, honey?"

"No, I've been here once before. Kinda had an accident when Silverstream stepped on my armor while I was in the restroom." I replied while thinking back to that weirdness. I really did not expect to step out of the bathroom to find my armor being worn by a silly hippogriff filly.

Surprisingly enough, Novo actually let out a laugh. "Oh right, that! Celestia and I had a laugh when she came back from that. Really, she snatched your armor when you weren't looking? How'd she look in it?"

"Pretty much the same way you did when you tried it on. That armor always molds itself very well to fit its wearer. Just a shame you can't use magic if you don't know how." I explained while we eventually passed right by the very restaurant I had dined in that day. "Anyway, since you know this place better than I do... Any recommendations on where to stop?"

"Hmmm, let mama think..." Novo muttered as her gaze wandered. She soon looked at me and asked, "Well, we got some meaderies here. And they give out samples. Bees tend to fair better at lower altitudes anyway."

"Sounds like a worthwhile destination. Lead on." I replied while Novo led me through the town and towards the edge. The meadery had an orchard set up right behind it that took advantage of a small plateau to hold all the beehives. It even had a catchy name to it. The Beta Birds and Bees Meadery.

The hippogriffs I saw going about their business forewent any safety equipment when collecting honey. I guess their plumage is thick enough to keep the bees out. That, or the bees really are just that docile. Novo got a lot of attention the moment she stepped through the door with customers and employees alike giving her a pleasant greeting. I saw that there were rows of mead casks set on their sides with spigots on the front, ready to dispense fresh batches of mead.

"Grab a glass, honey bear. Plenty to choose from." Novo said as she helped herself to a little from the first cask. I did as well and took a sip. I only took as much for a full mouthful so as to not get greedy. It tasted about as much as I expected. A warm and noticeably sweet flavor, but a little dry as well. The next one was more of the same, but the flavor of honey was stronger and even sweeter. Maybe too sweet. Then came a stronger and darker mead, likely made from the darkest types of honey. Since darker honey is less sweet, I was not surprised by the strength of it. The next ones were infused with varying berries on top of the mead and one even had the taste of apple to it. Cyser, I think they called it. I would have to get Applejack some of that. While it was not much, Novo and I departed the meadery noticeably less sober than we had been when we entered. I had a bit of a haze about my head. Not enough to impair my judgment, but just enough for me to know I was lightly intoxicated.

"Good stuff, hm?" Novo asked as she sidled up to me. I could see the gleam in her eyes and I was quick to recognize it.

"Yeah, mead is quite a bit different from typical wine... Um... Hey, you're not gonna have another episode like earlier, are you?" I said with my choice of words being a bit more direct than I normally would have said had I been completely sober.

Novo just let out a laugh before giving my cheek a nuzzle. "Oh, don't you worry about me, baby. The only man on my mind now is you."

"You flatter me, Novo." I said sheepishly while I pushed back into that nuzzle. We really were a couple of happy lovebirds out for a stroll. I then asked, "So, where to next? Maybe a walk through a forest?"

"Well, we'd have to fly to get to the nearest one in no time. The only problem is Capricorn Island has a very strict law against drinking and flying. I'm sure you can guess why. I'm staying grounded until my head's completely clear. Don't want to set a bad example for my people, you know?" Novo explained while showing a surprising level of awareness of her own condition in spite of her intoxication. I guess not every flier is built as tough as Rainbow Dash.

"Well, maybe I have a way around that." I said while placing my helmet upon my head before I set a hand upon Novo's shoulder. I tried thinking about that forest I have passed through a couple of times. As I flared up the magic on my left gauntlet to cast the teleportation spell, I vividly pictured the outskirts of the forest. A few seconds later in a flash of magic light, I found myself standing just outside said forest with a bewildered Novo in my grasp. "There we go."

"Whoa, whoa, what? Did we just... Ooooh, magic. Right. Well, I guess I can't put a law on drinking and winking." Novo said while letting out a short laugh at the loophole I had used to transport us a ways up the mountain. She then approached the entrance as she then said, "I haven't had a stroll through a forest in a good while..."

"I really enjoyed it when I was out with Skystar and the kids. And it's easy to forget that you're even on an island or mountain in there." I retorted while I followed the queen into the forest. It was every bit as pristine and serene as the last couple of times I had passed through. The twittering of songbirds high in the canopy reached my ears before the trickling of water joined it as we passed a shallow babbling brook flowing near the forest path. I kept glancing up, almost expecting to see Silverstream perched on a higher branch while chatting it up with the rest of the birds.

Novo once more sidled up to me as I stopped to observe the simple flowing stream. "How's your first visit to my home been, honey? Had a good time?"

"Oh, very. If I had to choose between living here or in Ponyville, I would have a very hard time deciding. I love this place." I said quietly while I noticed a lizard scurry through the shallows and out of sight.

Novo reached out and placed a kiss upon my cheek. I turned to face her and could not resist kissing her right back as my lips met her beak. She spoke softly to me, "I'm sure my people would grow to love you too. You know how to be good to us birds."

"Well, I have tried to make a good first impression with them. It's gone pretty nicely." I said while I removed my helmet to allow myself to feel the full sensory experience with the wind blowing through my hair. I then turned my helmet around and beheld the pure white form of the Element of Humanity set into it, the twin dove shapes really speaking to me. "I guess I've always had a type of empathy for birds..."

"I think you might be right, honey." Novo cooed as she draped her wing over me in an embrace before she rested her head against mine. "And you've really spoken to this queen bird's heart since you've gotten here... I'm gonna miss you so bad when you head out tomorrow."

"I'll miss you too, Novo..." I muttered as I put my arm around her, trying not to think about my imminent departure from this little slice of paradise. I certainly was ready to return home to cozy little Ponyville, but so much about this island resonates with me. It almost feels like home. And so many people on it that I have come to adore. Some of them almost feel like family. But Novo... Oh, she is so much more than that.

The beautiful queen let out a loud sigh as she adjusted the grip of her wing around me. "I wish you didn't have to wear your armor to get around more easily... I like it when you're not so hard and bulky."

"Except when we're in bed together, right?" I asked as Novo suddenly burst into raucous laughter. I must have been loosened up a fair amount to have let that slip.

"Good heavens, baby! Is that the mead talking?!" Novo asked while catching her breath. But she then looked me in the eye and backed me up against the nearest tree. "Though to be fair, you're not wrong... I know how you feel, but I don't know how you look down there yet."

"Whoa, Novo! A little soon for that, isn't it?" I retorted while noticing that seductive gleam in her eyes.

"Yeah, I guess it is. And I'm not in the mood to grab a can opener to get to the soft meat inside." Novo said snidely as she poked my armored chest. "Besides, I wanna be sober if I'm gonna give my sugar bear a good time. Gotta wait for my head to get clear first."

"Yeah, I'm the same way. Hard to get turned on when I'm tipsy, to be completely honest." I said while letting out a laugh. The two of us then continued on our way, but I could not resist sliding my hand over Novo's back and then over her curvy feathered rump. She let out a long beautiful churr in response while looking back at me. "You're such a beautiful bird of paradise."

"Careful, James. The other birds might get jealous." Novo replied with a smirk while glancing up at the canopy above us. The local wildlife were still chittering away while hopping and fluttering between branches. It sounded like a territorial dispute if nothing else.

We continued down the path without interruption while no words were spoken. Just such a tranquil forest on a beautiful mountain of an island. I think Novo really wanted to put her wing around me, but the spines on my pauldrons and the general bulk of my armor seemed to deter her. I would often eye Novo, especially when she would happen to walk into the rays of light shining through the gaps in the canopy. She was utterly glowing in those sunbeams. Novo eventually caught me observing her and asked with a smirk on her beak, "See something you like?"

"Your radiance is unparalleled." I said bluntly as she stepped out of the sunbeam before crossing into another. "I don't get it... I thought Celestia and her sisters were the most beautiful creatures in the world, but you outrank them entirely. And you don't even have the more ethereal properties of their bodies. You are just...such a marvel."

"You flatter me, honey. Honestly, most would disagree with you, but it feels so good to hear the opposite for once." Novo said with a delighted smile before she drifted closer to me and placed a kiss upon my cheek. She then lifted her wing just enough to stroke my cheek with a feather. "And I just have to say...you're easy on the eyes too. Especially those eyes and that sweet smile. You're not someone who flashes a grin everywhere you go. You only show it when you need to. Those are rare smiles. And that makes them extra precious, baby."

"Oh, Novo... I'm just not the most optimistic guy around, so I don't smile all the time. Although it's hard to be pessimistic in a world as nice as Equestria..." I tried to explain in minor detail. I know what I am like and something that deeply ingrained in yourself does not fade easily. But maybe that is a good thing.

Novo cast me a more inquisitive gaze as she then asked, "Sounds like wherever you came from has some problems it needs to get out of its system... What's your homeland like?"

"Let's just say after getting a taste of the paradise that I call Equestria, I have no desire to go back. I love this world and I love its people. And that's a lot more than I can say about where I came from." I said while trying to avoid going too deep into it. I did not want to dwell on a world I had no love for that I did not want to return to. And Novo did not need to know the details. As we looked at each other, we brought our brows together and momentarily closed our eyes, our stride briefly coming to a stop. "And your people just might be my favorite so far."

"I can tell, honey... You don't just like us. You genuinely appreciate us." Novo said abnormally softly before we gazed back at each other. "I get the feeling...that you don't take us for granted."

"I guess you can't truly appreciate a world like this unless you've seen both sides of the spectrum." I muttered before we continued on as my gaze focused on the forest path ahead. "A world like this is lovely, but I suppose you don't really know how good you have it in this world when you haven't seen the opposite of it."

I think Novo could detect my darkening mood. She reached out and nuzzled my cheek with her beak to distract me from my unpleasant thoughts. "Don't go thinking about that then, baby. Let mama put some happy thoughts into your head."

Before I could even object, Novo scooped her wing around me and clamped her beak over my face. Like many times before, her tongue snaked its way past my lips to invite my tongue to a waltz. I sighed in relaxation as this unexpected kiss provided a most welcome distraction. I held her as her wing held me, eyes closing as we made out deep in that forest of serenity. Brief as it was, I felt myself smiling as our kiss ended with a string of our saliva still connecting our tongues. Novo gave me a lovely smile as she asked, "Feeling better, honey?"

"Much better." I replied before pulling her into my arms for an embrace. She sighed softly while her great wing tightened its grasp around me. "Thank you..."

"You're very welcome, honey bun. Just remember that there's someone on this island who truly appreciates you." The gorgeous queen cooed to me as she reached out and gently nibbled on my ear for a few seconds. "And I really mean that. Someone special appreciates you, baby."

"And I appreciate her." I whispered back while my words coaxed a delighted giggle from that beautiful queen. It was then that we continued on with our moods having been thoroughly lifted. Before long, the edge of the forest came into view. And beyond that lied the Phi sector.

"There's a post office there, right? You have anything you need to check while we're here?" I asked while remembering the first time I came by.

"Hmmm... Am I expecting anything?" Novo mumbled while rubbing her fist against the underside of her beak. "Oh right, I did order some of my favorite wine. Might be worth it to check its shipment status."

The two of us continued on into town with Novo going on ahead. We both agreed that we might get sidetracked by someone if we were spotted together like back in the meadery. That, and I had a little routine I wanted to indulge in one last time while I was on the island.

I looked around and found a café that happened to be selling popcorn. I purchased a bag of the stuff and sat myself down on a familiar bench while keeping my helmet at my side. "Come on, come all. The candy man is back in town."

The last couple of times I had been in the Phi sector, those five little hippogriff kids remembered me and would always come over for some more scritches. And each time, they would bring another friend. But this time...

I heard the faint fluttering of wings and looked up to see some familiar little hippogriff kids perched on the architecture around me. Then some more showed up. And even more after that. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by roughly two dozen softly colored hippogriff foals. All of them looked at me with eager smiles while being almost uncomfortably quiet. I slowly reached into the popcorn in the bag that was in my hand and held out a handful. "Snack?"

Six of the foals gathered round my hand all at once while I held it out to them and began to pluck up the popcorn kernel by kernel while more came up to have their turn. In a matter of minutes, they had consumed the whole bag's contents. I then removed my gauntlets to soften my grip as the foals started climbing onto bench and even myself to take turns as my hands went to work with my fingertips reaching through their plumage to scritch their heads. "I'm glad I got to see you all one last time. You kids been good?"

They tweeted and chirped happily as the flock surrounded me like a bunch of friendly pigeons. But as I went from foal to foal, a familiar voice spoke up from nearby. "Oooh my goodness, what is papa bear doing with all you cuties?"

I froze as I and all the hippogriff kids looked down the street to see Novo watching us with a smile. She then approached as she continued to speak. "Looks like someone's having fun. Something you not telling me, baby?"

"Yeeeeah, this kinda turned into a new routine for me by accident. I bumped into five of them on my first time in town and I couldn't resist giving them scritches. Way too cute. And they're always such good customers. Right, kids?" I explained before the kids tweeted in agreement with me.

Novo let out a long chuckle before she nuzzled one of the kids who already had a turn. "Well, you babies run along home, all right? Papa bear here's on his last day and he's got a schedule to keep."

Thankfully, I had just finished giving scritches to the last of them. The flock of hippogriff kids bowed as they all cheerfully bid farewell to her. "Bye, Queen Novo!"

The two of us watched the flock take off like swarm of twittering songbirds. I stood up while pulling my gauntlet's back on as I said, "Nothing's cute like a bunch of happy baby birds, huh?"

"You know it, honey. I swear every time I see cute little toddlers like them, my old mama bird instincts always want out bad." Novo retorted with a laugh. I then cast the empty bag into the nearest waste bin and placed my helmet back upon my head. She then placed a kiss upon my cheek and softly said, "A mama's job is never done, you know. But I have to admit I do kinda miss the days when Skystar was a baby bird herself."

"Maybe you should foalsit Gladesong sometime then. I think she would love to spend time with such a big pretty mama bird." I suggested as my thoughts went to my child back home. With my thoughts going to her, I found myself unexpectedly eager to see her again. Just another precious thing to look forward to seeing again when I get back home.

At that suggestion, Novo's eyes lit up. "Oh, you better believe I'll be all over that little cutie. You make sure you bring her next time you come by, all right?"

"Yeah, I've got to bring the rest of my family next time. And my best friends. They'll be sure to enjoy themselves." I replied as I could imagine what each of them would do. Fluttershy would love to swim with the golden jellyfishes, Rainbow Dash would revel at being able to fly all over the island, Pinkie Pie would be eager to try their cuisine, Twilight would likely indulge in the royal library and study the island's history and customs, Applejack would probably sample all the mead the island has to offer, and Rarity would adore visiting the fancy museums and browsing the island's couture and unique jewelry. A place as big as Capricorn Island has something for everyone.

A moment later, I happened to notice how the sun was practically right above the island. Somewhere around noon. "Hm... You think we should grab some lunch while we're out here?"

"Sounds good to me. Come with me. I know a spot you probably haven't checked out yet." Novo said as she led me through the town. After a while of making some twists and turns down the winding streets did we come to the outer edge of town with a restaurant situated right on the cliff overlooking the rest of the mountain below. "They've got some great views with the outdoor seating."

Upon entering, the receptionist gave his queen a hearty welcome and guided us out to the outdoor patio. It was not the fanciest restaurant and the tables were coated in white and blue checkerboard tablecloths to further reinforce the Mediterranean aesthetics the island is known for. The chairs and stool were even painted yellow and brought to mind one of my favorite lunch spots from back on Earth. The lunch rush was fairly busy, which gave us time to really browse the menu.

I set aside my helmet and melted my armor off and left the resulting puddle of liquid metal right behind my chair so it would be unlikely for anyone to step in it. Our table was right up against the perimeter of the patio and gave us a perfect view of the horizon beyond the iron fencing. There were even some seagulls wandering about, no doubt waiting for opportunities to snatch up any scraps left behind. I looked out at the horizon and leaned a little over the edge to look down the mountainside as I said, "Cliffside dining... Nothing else like it."

"You better believe it, honey. They're not too fancy here, but they're a step up from your cheaper cafés. Take a look. They mostly specialize in sandwiches." Novo replied before we started browsing our menus. She was right. Further bringing back memories of my most frequented lunch spot, most of the menu consisted of a variety of toasted sandwiches. I was not surprised to see that no familiar types of lunchmeat were included, but they compensated with a wide variety of fish. What really caught my eye was a crab cake sandwich with all the usual sandwich fixings and a vinaigrette dressing. Novo set her sights on a grilled salmon sandwich instead. Having had our fill of spirits for the time being, we both ordered cold bottles of sarsaparilla.

Novo eyed me from across the little table while I turned my gaze out at the horizon beyond the perimeter of the patio. That smile never left her beak. "I know I've probably asked you this already, but have you enjoyed your time on my island?"

"It's been a wonderful time. This place feels like home... Like...really. I even feel like I found extended family while here." I replied while letting my thoughts wander.

"Family? But I thought you have one back in Ponyville. Your wife and baby girl, right?" Novo asked while not immediately understanding where I was coming from.

I took a few seconds to think out my response. "Oh, I don't mean the family I started. I mean...you know. Like blood kin and the like. Of course, I know I have no blood ties to anyone here, but... I just... I think I found a genuine father figure while I've been here. Someone...who I can trust with my life if I had to."

Novo's eyes widened just slightly as she heard something I doubt she was expecting. "You...found someone you can call your papa? But...what about your..."

"I know what you're thinking. And no, my relationship with my father hasn't exactly been ideal for a long time now. I fear the man. But..." I then turned my gaze up the mountain beyond the roof of the restaurant, almost expecting to see someone familiar soaring through the air out there. "Sky Beak is such a great guy... I've called him 'Papa Bird' a few times."

"Sky Beak... Silverstream's daddy?" Novo asked as she started to smile again. "Yeah, he's one of our best. Seaspray usually has high praise of him and he's good at making our other guardsmen smile. I can see why you'd wish he was your daddy."

"He's been good to me... Like...I see where Silverstream gets her personality..." I muttered as I took a moment to wipe away a budding tear in my eye that I did not anticipate. "I guess I didn't realize how important family was until I realized how long I had gone without it. And...I'm glad to see a father in Sky Beak. He...really understands the importance of not allowing one's impulses to alienate his own kids. And I love him for that."

"I'm really happy for you, baby. It's no good being afraid of your own parents. I'm sure he'll be a good daddy to you if you let him. Hippogriff parents tend to be some of the best around by nature anyway." Novo retorted while really seeming to know what she was talking about. For all of Skystar's complaints early on, Novo and her daughter seem to get along quite well.

"Yeah, I... I wasn't expecting to gain so much during this stay. I know Celestia wanted me to come along for your sake, but..." I muttered before looking up the mountain and seeing a few hippogriffs soaring overhead high above us. "I'm just so glad I came here. I love this place and its people make me smile. I mean I've always adored the ponies of Equestria, but with you hippogriffs... I think it might be something more."

"You really do have the heart of a dove, baby. I wish you could come out here more often and more easily. I know the locals seem to like you too. No doubt because of those scritches you're so good at giving." Novo said in an almost joking manner, bringing back memories of my first day on the island where I was prompted dogpiled by a gaggle of hippogriffs who were overly eager to get some scritches for the first time. I held my head and snickered loudly, remembering how wacky that moment was.

As I looked at my own hand, a thought came to me. Hippogriffs have hands too, but they seem to not know how to give scritches to each other. "Say... Why don't you birds give scritches to yourselves? You've got fingers too."

Novo looked at her own hand for a moment before pointing her fingers at me. "My guess? Too hard a touch. See? Our talons come right out of the front. Sure, we usually file them down to be blunter or rounded, but it's not the same as your softer touch. Although these are really good for scratching an itch."

"Oh, right... I guess my nails and fingertips would provide a more pleasant experience." I retorted while checking my own nails. They were starting to get a bit long. I would have to clip them soon.

It was right around then that our orders were brought out and I was very impressed with what I saw. Our sandwiches were served with a side of sweet potato fries and even long pickle spears that had been soaked in an exotically seasoned liquid. The pickles were something of an acquired taste, but I loved everything about it. It was all a very satisfying visit and although Novo insisted on handling the bill, I just had to put a few bits on the table to provide a tip for such fantastic dining. Once we had departed from the café after I had gotten my armor back on, Novo let out a long cooing sigh of satisfaction that almost sounded like an owl or dove. "Hoooo, that hit the spot. I need to remember to stop by here more often."

"Oh man, it was. Crab cakes on a sandwich? I can't remember the last time anyone did that. So good..." I said while resisting the urge to let out a belch. "I can't remember the last time I ever ate this much fish over such a short timeframe. You birds really know how to eat."

"Maybe I should arrange for you to receive some of our fishing hauls every month so you won't miss out." Novo said as she led me along while giving me a whimsical wink of her eye.

"Oh, now you're just spoiling me. But that would be awesome anyway." I retorted while loving the thought of being able to enjoy a wider variety of fish on a regular basis. Although I doubt I could share it with anyone aside from Smolder or Spike if he happened to be paying a visit. At the thought of Smolder, I lifted my hand before me while almost imagining her own little hand in my grasp. I promised myself that I would hold hands with that precious little dragon lady when I get home.

Just as we were starting to wonder what to do next, I thought I heard someone call out to me. Novo and I glanced around in response to that call only for me to look up just in time to catch something swooping down into my arms. Upon catching it, a familiar voice spoke up. "There you are! Where've you been?! I've been looking for you all day!"

It was Silverstream. I was astounded that she and gone that far down the mountain just to look for me. How many other sectors had she checked? Novo just laughed as she said, "Well, we sent you on a wild goose chase, huh? What's wrong, sweetie? James owe you some money?"

"No, but he owes me a bunch of scritches now!" Silverstream said while looking right at me with such a pout on her beak even as she let out a muffled hisses either from being out of breath or genuinely upset. I was not sure if I should laugh at how frustrated she looked, but I was quick to bring my armored hand to the back of her head and applied gentle scritches against her scalp. Her look of irritation quickly faded and was replaced with one of such deep relaxation. "Ooooh, that's the spot... A little hard, but nice..."

Novo brought a hand to her beak as if trying to stifle a chuckle and failing to do so. She then stepped over to us and asked, "Well, what brings you down here? Skystar looking for me? Something happen I needed to know about?"

It was only then that Silverstream took a good look at my company and suddenly realized who I was with. "Wait, you're... Oh! Oh, I'm sorry, your majesty! I didn't know he was with you!"

"Honey! Honey, it's fine. You tell me what's wrong. You needed to find James here for something, right? What's eating you?" Novo asked while trying to keep the situation civil. Silverstream really looked like she had barged in on something important that she should not have been to see.

"Well... I..." Silverstream muttered before she nuzzled her head up against my cheek. "I just missed you..."

The look on Novo's face became twisted with a myriad of emotions, as if she felt guilty over keeping me away from my little friend or finding Silverstream's reasons to be utterly adorable. She then let out a yawn as she said, "Well, I guess I can leave you two alone for a while. Mama could use a nap right now anyway and I'd prefer to do it in a place with less light. But I will be seeing you again this evening, all right?"

"Yeah, I'll be back up in a while. I'll see you then, Novo." I replied while Novo almost brought her beak to my cheek to give me a parting kiss, but refrained due to Silverstream's presence. She then spread those glorious wings and took to the air before rising high up the mountain and out of sight.

With all distractions gone, my attention turned to Silverstream while she remained hoisted in my arms. She looked at me with those big beautiful purple eyes before she asked an unfortunate question. "You have to go home tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah, I think in the early afternoon." I said while adjusting my grip to hold her up more easily.

She let out a long sigh and a mournful coo as such a profound frown formed on her beak. "I'm gonna miss you... You'll come back sometime, right?"

"Oh, definitely. I've got to visit again. Capricorn Island's easily one of my favorite places in Equestria by now." I retorted as Silverstream's frown quickly turned into an agreeable smile as if mirroring my praise for her homeland.

"Isn't it?! I'm glad you've had such a good time here." She said while nuzzling her head against my cheek. I had just realized that I had dropped my helmet when she came swooping into my arms. She then spoke more softly into my ear, "If you really have to go tomorrow, I wanna spend as much time with you as I can today. All right?"

"Sounds good to me, pretty bird. But...what about Terramar? He know you're out here?" I asked as my thoughts went to her brother. Whenever I have been with her, Terramar was always close by. Maybe he was in a panic over her having slipped away from his watch.

"Oh, don't worry about him." Silverstream dismissively retorted while her beak briefly gnawed gently on my ear. "Besides, I kinda want it to be just us today."

"No distractions, huh? All right, I'm OK with that." I said softly as I started to set Silverstream down. She voiced her disapproval by clinging more firmly to my armored form, so I relented and rose myself back up to a proper standing position. "I guess I can carry you a while longer. But where to for now?"

"Maybe.....the library? Someplace quiet? I just wanna cuddle right now." She asked quietly while I hoped I would not nod off in there after such a filling and satisfying lunch. I did not object and walked along with Silverstream in my arms. I used the levitation spell to snatch up my helmet and place it back upon my head before I could forget. Silverstream guided me through the streets and we did eventually come to a rather wide white building that revealed rows of tall bookcases once we stepped inside. Silverstream voluntarily wiggled out of my grasp once we were past the door and led me along as soft classical music played quietly throughout the library. Not quite silent, but not loud enough to distract any visitors. If anything, it only enhanced the quiet atmosphere for anyone indulging in a good book.

A number of other hippogriffs were browsing or reading, but there was one corner in the back that was completely vacant. I almost found it funny that there were a couple of large beanbag chairs one could lounge around on. And with how satisfying my lunch was, I too was starting to feel a bit drowsy in the quiet confines of the library. "I think Novo wasn't the only one who could use a nap..."

"Huh? You wanna sleep a bit while we're here?" Silverstream asked as I took the opportunity to move a small table, melt my armor off myself where it had been, and then place it back where it had been to cover the puddle of liquid metal to insure no one would accidentally step in it. After placing my helmet upon the table, I sank into one of the beanbag chairs before Silverstream crawled onto me for some promised cuddles. "I could use a nap too. I think I tired myself out looking for you."

"A nap and fluffy bird cuddles? Nice." I muttered as Silverstream draped a wing over me to provide a bit of comfortable weight to help me doze off. I managed to get my arm over her with my hand upon her soft fluffy back. "Sweet dreams, pretty bird."

"Sweet dreams, best friend." Silverstream whispered as she rested her head against mine. In mere minutes, I was out like a light. And I know this because my consciousness drifted to another place while I am able to vividly remember it now.

Possibly due to me having spent so much time on Capricorn Island recently, I found myself in a very similar looking locale with white architecture. But instead of being a town on a mountain, it was situated along cliffs overlooking the sea. Probably my mind projecting what I expect Santorini to look like back on Earth. Or maybe it was the result of my older memories of the fictional Apotos, another city that is uncannily similar to Santorini.

There was a reason my dream was as lucid as it was. I was not alone in this projection upon my eyelids. Just as I was starting to wonder if I should fetch some ice cream, a winged shadow passed over me. Upon glancing up while expecting to see a seagull or pelican, I instead saw a winged equine beginning to turn back around before she came swooping in for a landing before me. The Princess of the Night herself greeted me with mild confusion. "Well, I never expected to find you asleep at these hours..."

"I could be saying the same thing about you. What're you doing in the dreamscape in the early afternoon?" I asked while wondering how it was even possible for Luna to be wandering the realm of dreams when the entirety of Capricorn Island was still being bathed in the light of the sun.

It was then that Luna gave me a bit of a cockeyed stare as she said, "Well, back on the mainland in Canterlot, the sun has almost completely set. You're in a very different time zone, my friend."

"Oh... Oh right! Duh!" I retorted rather loudly as I broke into brief laughter. But this did bring up another question. "Hang on... How do you visit the dreams of those who live on the other side of the planet when they're awake when you're asleep?"

Luna rolled her eyes, likely knowing the inconvenience of carrying such a title while half of her subjects would be unlikely to ever receive a visit in their dreams from her. "That is something of an obstacle when considering the distance... Although I do try to rectify this issue by occasionally browsing the dreamscape during daytime hours, I must confess I cannot be as consistent about it as I would like to be."

"Meh, you can't have everything, right?" I asked while shrugging my shoulders. After turning to look out to the sea again for a few seconds, I turned back to Luna. "So, what brings you over here?"

"I just found it strange to find you asleep at such a time and decided to take the opportunity to partake in some pleasantries with you, my friend. It has been nearly two weeks since I saw you off at the airship docks." Luna explained as she too walked up to the edge of the walkway to peer out over the edge of the cliff below us. "My visits to Capricorn Island have been few and far between since my return, but I always adore their architecture. Especially at night. The way all that white just glows in the moonlight... It was so convenient of you to be dreaming of something familiar when I arrived."

"Yeah, it really is a place unlike any other. I've really been enjoying myself out here too. Great culture, great people, great cuisine. I don't have a single complaint to say. Well, unless we're talking how hard it is to get around the place when you're on foot, but that's not a problem when I'm in armor." I concurred as Luna cast me a knowing smile.

"Yes, there is quite a lot of vertical distance to cover there." Luna added while sounding like she was tempted to let out a chuckle at how true such a thing is. She then looked at me directly and asked, "How is Novo? And Skystar? Oh, and Captain Seaspray? It has been some months since I last saw them."

"Admiral Seaspray, if you please." I said in correction, remembering how annoyed he was when I first mislabeled him. Luna knew where I was coming from as she suddenly let out a laugh while holding a hoof to her face. "Anyway, they're fine. Seaspray's always a hoot to watch and Skystar seems to be undergoing preparation to become Capricorn Island's official ambassador. Sounds like you'll be seeing her more often before long."

"The ambassador? Skystar? Most interesting... I suppose her wanderlust drove her to find some loopholes to travel abroad?" Luna asked while sounding like she knows Skystar enough to know how interested she is in what lies beyond the ocean's horizon. "And what of Novo herself? Has the queen been well? Or...is she still..."

"Novo is...doing much better. Like...a lot better." I said softly while thinking about that beautiful queen. "She may even be dreaming right now. She did say she was going to take a nap after lunch."

"Truly? Then I had best visit her before she awakens." Luna said as she spread her wings. However, she did abstain from departing for a while longer. "It sounds like Celestia's hopes were fulfilled, hm? Although I must know. When you first met her. Did her manner of speech and voice perturb you at all?"

I let out quite a guffaw at that observation. "How'd you know?! I swear she doesn't sound the way she looks at all! She sounds more like a zebra than a hippogriff! I mean it's not a bad thing. It only makes her more interesting and.....extremely hot, if I may be bold. But yeah, it really threw me for a loop when I heard her speak for the first time."

"Yes, her beauty truly is rare. I have seen very few whose outward appearance can rival that of me and my sisters. I think Rain Shine may be the only other who falls into that category at this moment..." Luna retorted while mentioning a name I had never heard of before. But before I could even think about it, Luna asked me another question. "But anyway... Novo. She is better now? Her weeping heart has been soothed?"

"Yeah, she... She doesn't seem to be obsessing over her king anymore. She seems...genuinely happier now." I replied honestly, fully convinced that Novo was no longer hiding behind a smile when others were looking.

Luna tilted her head to one side just slightly as her wings folded. "If I may ask... How did you get through to her?"

I crossed my arms and looked out to the ocean again. I could remember the conversation we had early on during my stay. "She and I...have experienced similar pain. Different experiences, but the same outcome."

"The pain...of love lost?" Luna asked while likely not really having experience in the field. Luna has never seemed like someone who was actively interested in falling in love someday.

"Not just love lost. More like the pain of being on top of the world with someone you're madly in love with only for it all to suddenly and violently end out of nowhere without prior warning. Different scenarios, but the same kind of pain." I explained further before looking down at my royal friend. "I think that...really helped us understand each other. And...let it go deeper than that."

"Deeper...?" Luna asked before she began to circle me, her eyes scanning me closely. "What else has transpired? What is she to you? I do not get the feeling that you have merely healed her aching heart..."

I tensed up slightly. I knew I had nothing to fear from the Princess of the Night, but it was still something I would be wise to show some discretion with. "Well, if I am to be honest... We... She and I... I think we're falling in love."

Luna stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes widening as her mouth opened and stayed agape for a few seconds. "You... Truly? I am well aware of how you and my sister pine for each other, but... Novo? The queen of the hippogriffs? She...longs for you?"

Trying to maintain my composure, I did my best to summarize what I had experienced by then. "Novo is...very entertaining. Extraordinarily beautiful. I've never met a woman like her. And she...she utterly adores me. She calls me...her sugar bear when no one is looking."

Unsurprisingly, Luna burst into laughter at the end of that line. "Oh my goodness! Yes, she certainly sounds like she can't get enough of you!"

I just crossed my arms and failed to hide an uneasy smile. "Yeah, she makes me feel like the luckiest guy in the world when it's just the two of us..."

Luna quickly composed herself while letting out a cough. She then looked up at me and assumed a more respectful poise. "Well... Whatever it is that happens, I do hope that the two of you will prove to be good for each other. What little I have seen from Novo has me believe she deeply values those dear to her."

"Yeah, she told me something along those lines. She really appreciates her friendship with Celestia. Just...uh...you didn't hear that from me, all right?" I said before suddenly remembering what Novo told me a little earlier that day.

"I did not, hm? Very well. I suppose it is not my place to speak for her. But for the sake of time, I believe I should be departing if I am to see Novo before she awakens from her nap. We shall rendezvous another time, yes?" Luna asked as she once again spread her beautiful wings.

"Oh right, no telling how long she will be out. You have a good one, Luna. It was nice talking with you." I replied before I saw my royal friend off. She summoned a portal above us before flying up through it just before it could close behind her. Now alone and without Luna's presence to make my dream more lucid, I carried on while my memory of everything that occurred after that point is a bit hazy.

I awoke to a strange feeling on my face. Like I was being pinched over a wide area. And I quickly found out what the source of the sensation was. Silverstream was gently gnawing on my cheek in her sleep. Not entirely sure what to make off having my cheek tucked between the two halves of her beak, I tried applying scritches to her own cheek. "Hey... Silver? You dreaming of some good eats or something?"

"Mm... Nom... Really chewy..." Silverstream muttered as she slowly started to rise from her slumber. Her big purple eyes soon opened and gazed at me before she gingerly released my face from her beak. "Um... I'm guessing there was no giant marshmallow I was chewing?"

"Only if that marshmallow had the taste of flesh." I said dryly while failing to hide a smirk. Silverstream turned away and stuck her tongue out, not at all pleased at the thought of such a flavor in a marshmallow.

A quick glance at a clock on the far wall revealed we had been out for only a couple of hours at most. The two of us stood up to stretch after crawling out of that beanbag chair before I stuck my foot under the nearby table to retrieve my armor's liquid form. After placing my helmet upon my head, we made our ways out the front door. "So, where to now?"

"Um... Ooh, how about we check out the beach again? But on the other side of the island from last few times?" Silverstream replied as her wings sprang open. I suppose she had a point. There is a lot of coastline to cover down there and I had not even seen half of the shores.

"Well, I can't think of anything better, so sure." I said while I too spread my armor's wings and took to the sky with Silverstream. We went into a long spiraling descent around the mountain on our way down. Not the most expedient way of getting down to the beach, but it made for a great view. I let Silverstream lead since she likely had a better idea of where we had and had not been to yet.

The sounds of crashing waves reached my ears as we came in for a landing. I set down gently with the soft sand shifting under my armored feet. There was no sign of civilization or other beachgoers, so the section of beach we had chosen was left largely untouched by the locals. Of course, all I had to do was look up the mountain to remind myself that I was not on a deserted island. "It's quiet out here... Almost too quiet."

"Uh huh... Kinda just the right place if you wanna get away from everything for a while." Silverstream retorted as she walked along just out of range from the ocean waves washing over the beach. Although she did not stay quiet for long as I looked back towards the mountain for a moment. "Ooh, look what I found!"

"Huh? Whatcha got...there... Um... Are you gonna eat that?" I asked when I turned to Silverstream and found her trotting up to me with a live crab hanging by its arm in her beak. It kept trying to reach her with its other arm, but could not get enough leverage to reach her. "Wow, he looks mad. Don't let him pinch you."

"Yeah, they're always crabby. Get it?" Silverstream joked while speaking clearly through her occupied beak. I reached out to try holding the crab only for it to clamp onto my armored finger with one set of pincers. "Ooh, he is mad. Good thing you're all armored up, huh?"

"Yep, those little things aren't gonna get by this stuff." I said while finding some humor in a grumpy crab futilely attempting to pinch me. But this did not go on much longer as a seagull suddenly swooped by and snatched the crab off me before taking off with it. "Hey! Opportunistic little buzzards, huh?"

"I guess we made it easy for that one." Silverstream laughed at the sudden interruption. We started to take a stroll down the beach, observing the wildlife in their element. Cackling seagulls and even a number of stoic pelicans were about. Although at one point, Silverstream went to go check on a colony of nesting seagulls against my insistence that they should probably be left alone. Not wanting to risk aggravating the imminent chaos that was sure to follow, I ducked into a small forest at the base of the mountain nearby.

There was a fair bit of space between the ocean and the mountain that gave the forest space to flourish. I eventually could not even hear the crashing of the waves anymore. Although I did hear a shrill birdcall that I did not recognize. The altitude sounded off though. Instead of coming from the canopy, it sounded like it came from the forest floor. I eventually paid it no mind since I knew the wildlife on the island, especially the birds, were not accustomed to interacting with people and would not allow me to get anywhere near them. Or so I thought.

I eventually found the spot where the ground started to rise up the mountain itself while still being well within the forest and took a see on a slab of rock sticking out of the incline in the ground. Although when I did, I heard a rustling through some fallen leaves. I scanned the spot to my right and saw what seemed to be a bird of sorts with a long narrow and slightly curved beak walking along. It had no discernible wings or even tail feathers. The form was unmistakable. "A kiwi? Here?"

Having never seen a kiwi up close before, I watched with renewed interest. While I would never find wild kiwis around Santorini back on Earth, I knew that the ecosystems of Equestria have no business perfectly mirroring those of Earth anyway. I was starting to wonder what other exotic species of birds I would find on the island that I had not seen yet. As I watched, the kiwi waddled in my direction and started to eye me at all times. "Kiwis... Might as well call this place Bird Island if I'm finding these here too."

Before I could even think about it, a few more kiwis came out of the brush. And then I found a few on the rock I was sitting on. They all gathered around me as I found them quite adorable to behold, but my opinion started to shift as several hopped up onto my lap and even jumped high enough to perch upon my pauldrons. "OK, this is getting to be a bit much... Where's Taz when you need him?"

Finally deciding I had enough of the kiwi entourage, I stood up with several still perched upon me and started to make my way back through the forest towards the beach. I could not bring myself to shake my passengers off, especially when I considered if the fall would hurt them. But when I did emerge from the forest with all those kiwis around my feet, Silverstream was out on the beach before me while pecking away at a coconut. She quickly detected my approach and looked my way. "Oh, hey! Can you...give me...um... Wow, what did you find this time?"

"What does it look like? I seem to be quite the chick magnet on this island." I retorted while still trying to not cause my passengers to fall off, even if the sand would provide some cushioning. The kiwis were still milling about around my feet while pecking into the sand periodically for any morsels they could find.

Silverstream cracked a crooked grin as she trotted over with her coconut tucked under her wing. "Still, you found kiwis?! They're pretty shy, so almost no one ever sees them down here. I guess you just really have a way with birds, huh?"

"Maybe it's the wings." I muttered dryly while finally getting the idea to use the levitation spell to lift my passengers from my armor and set them down on the sand with the rest of their brethren. They eventually did start to wander away from the two of us while pecking into the sand for anything that could serve as nourishment. "What's next? Soft and cuddly flightless parrots?"

"Oh, we have those too! But on the other side of the island." Silverstream replied before she took her coconut in hand and started pecking away at it again. "Ugh, why're these things so tough to crack? Can you give me a hand with this?"

"Um... Sure, I think I can come up with something." I said while Silverstream passed the coconut to me. I used the magic in my left gauntlet to conjure up a narrow spike of magic ice to serve as a pick of sorts.

"Ooh, cool! You can whip up ice with that magic?!" Silverstream exclaimed while I took the spike in hand and started stabbing away at the spot she had been pecking at. It took some effort, but I managed to chisel away a big enough hole to get her beak through. I then passed it back to her before she asked, "Thanks! Want some?"

"Nah, I never was fond of coconut. Especially the fruit." I retorted while watching my friend stick her beak through the gap and tilt her head back to drink down the milk inside.

"Yeah, I get what you mean. I like the milk, but the fruit is just weird with how chewy it is. Bleh." Silverstream added between gulps of the liquid contents of the coconut. Once she had drank down every last drop, she cast the empty shell aside to serve as food for any scavengers on the beach. Maybe the kiwis would come back for it. "Anyway, what time is it?"

"Probably...time for me to head back up to see Novo. Her nap is probably over by now." I replied while Silverstream started to frown. I was quick to notice why and asked, "Say... Would it be all right if I came by for dinner one last time?"

That brightened the look on her face. "Sure! I'll let Mom and Dad know you'll be there. And... Can we at least fly back up together?"

"Sounds good to me. Let's take the scenic route." I said as I spread my armor's wings. Together, we took to the sky and began to fly up the mountain. Even at reasonable speeds, it was astounding just how big the place was when you start at the bottom. "Man, there's no quick way to travel, even when flying."

"That means more time for us, right?" Silverstream spoke while looking at me as the two of us remained mostly parallel to the other. I noticed her expression slipping every moment or so while glancing at her out of the corner of my eye. I think she noticed my look of concern since she then said, "I'm gonna miss you... I've gotten too used to seeing you every day. It's just so nice to have a friend who's really patient with you, right?"

"I'll miss you too, pretty bird. You've been one of the high points of my time here." I retorted while trying to smile. I did not want to say goodbye either. Silverstream has always made me happy just with her presence and it did not feel good to see her upset in the slightest.

"You sure you can't stay a few more days?" Silverstream asked while not looking particularly hopeful.

"Believe me, I'd like to, but I have friends and family waiting for me back in Ponyville. And I don't want to overstay my welcome. When Celestia leaves, I'll have to leave." I explained while not exactly happy with the thought of having to leave such a lovely slice of paradise. I mean do not get me wrong, Ponyville is a wonderful place too and ideal for anyone who just wants to live a happy life. But Capricorn Island is so hard to bring oneself to depart from.

Silverstream almost sounded upset at part of what I said. "But you'll never overstay your welcome here! Everyone in my family likes you! You could live here forever and we'd never get tired of you!"

"That's a bold thing to assume when you haven't even known me for two weeks, but still..." I muttered while not entirely sure what to say to such a thing. I know Silverstream was just naive and maybe overly trusting of me, but being told that you would never be frowned upon in their company...

I noticed a cliffside rest area that was currently vacant during our ascent and promptly made a detour towards it. Silverstream followed and watched as I sat on a bench. I held an arm out to her, prompting my young friend to come bounding into my arms for an embrace. I just needed a minute after what she had just told me. "I want to say you're overly optimistic, but...that did feel good to hear from you."

"Mmhm... You're my best friend, James..." Silverstream cooed as she pulled my helmet off and nuzzled her fluffy feathered cheek against the side of my face. "I'll never get tired of you... Your patient heart, your amazing scritches, your soft voice...and your rare smile."

"Silver, you really are too sweet..." I muttered as I closed my eyes while draping my wings over her for a double embrace. But it was then that I noticed something about what she said. "Wait... Rare smile?"

"Uh huh... You don't smile all that often. Even when you're having a good time, I don't see you smile all that much. But when you do..." Silverstream explained quietly before I felt her beak nibble softly on my ear for a second. Almost like it was a reflex of sorts. "It's always such a nice smile. Like... Like smiling is something special to you and you only do it when you really need to. I've never seen anyone smile as rarely as you do. Even most of our griffon tourists smile more often than you."

Such a strange thing to assume about me. I suppose she is right, but I do not personally view a smile as something sacred that should not be shown lightly. "Heh... I dunno if it's like that with me... I'm just not the most optimistic person around, so I guess that translates to how I project myself."

"Then it's a good thing you've got me to keep your spirits up!" Silverstream spoke enthusiastically as she nuzzled her beak right under my jaw for a moment. "I'll make sure you're always happy. You deserve to be happy too."

"Thanks... I like making others happy, but it's nice when someone does it for me too." I mumbled while making sure Silverstream was snuggly held in my arms. "You're...such a good girl, Silver. I'm glad I met you."

"And I'm so glad I met you too... My dad saved someone during a weird fall and I ended up finding a new friend in him... Life is weird like that sometimes, huh?" Silverstream asked while almost sounding like she was tempted to laugh.

I then cracked an awkward smirk as I thought back to that first day. "And then he introduced you to the wonders of scritches before a bunch of other hippogriffs tackled him to the road to get some for themselves."

"Ooooooh yeah, that did happen! You sure they didn't hurt you? You sounded like you were in rough shape when I checked on you." Silverstream said with a laugh as she knew exactly what I was talking about.

"Yeah, right before you stood on me." I said with another incriminating smirk as the two of us made eye contact. Silverstream's eyes darted around with embarrassment while I said, "But no, I wasn't hurt. I was just disoriented from getting passed back and forth so much."

"Phew, good. I knew they weren't trying to hurt you, but still..." Silverstream mumbled in relief as her eyes calmed down. It was only then that she realized how we were basically stalling for time. "Um... Shouldn't we be going now? Isn't the queen waiting?"

"Oh shoot, you're right. I don't wanna keep Novo waiting." I yelped quietly before quickly rising to my feet and placing my helmet back on my head. "You lead, Silver."

Moments later, we were once more flying back up the mountain with a bit more haste than before. We finally circled the Ivory Palace once we reached the summit and landed on the bridge just outside the doors. Silverstream then looked up at me inquisitively as she asked, "OK, but before you go... Scritches?"

"Sure thing pretty bird." I muttered softly as I brought my armored hand to her head and began to gently drag my fingertips against her scalp. She cooed and crooned her neck, making sure I got her in all the right spots. "That good?"

"Mmmm, a little more... Right there..." Silverstream sighed before I eventually lifted my hand from her head. She shuddered and shook herself while puffing up like an excited budgerigar before all her feathers settled back down. She then looked up at me and asked, "I'll see you at dinner, right?"

"Count on it. You have a good one, Silver." I said before we shared a brief hug. I watched Silverstream fly off for home, but when I turned to enter the Ivory Palace, I paused when I noticed the two guards standing at the sides giving me most curious stares. And then it occurred to me. They saw me give Silverstream scritches.

Feeling like I was on the verge of being on the receiving end of desperate begging for scritches, I suddenly held out my hands and pointed my armored trigger and middle fingers at them in an almost threatening manner. "No. At ease. No scritches for you."

They continued to eye me in a combination of confusion and interest while I walked by them, turning around and stepped backwards while keeping my fingers trained on them at all times. I was not trying to threaten them. If anything, I was trying to stay out of trouble while also attempting to have some fun with the situation. I mean I could have easily fired off a spell from my fingers if I had to. Once I was well past the doors and in the halls, only then did I lower my arms and briskly walk out of sight down the hall. But the instant I turned a corner, there was a thump as I found myself being blocked my someone towering over me. "Going somewhere, handsome?"

It was Novo. And she was standing tall on her hind legs with a hand on her hip and her other arm reaching out and propped up against the wall with her hand upon the support pillar. I gazed up at her meekly while she gazed down at me with a smirk on her beak. I quietly asked, "Slept well?"

"Yeah, but I would've slept better with my sugar bear under my wing." Novo said while giving me a wink. She then added, "Although I think I got a visitor while I was out. Luna, she can jump into dreams whenever she wants, right?"

"Yeah, that's a little something she and Nightmare Moon can do. They do it every night when they sleep... I guess it must be nighttime in Canterlot right now." I explained while not surprised that Luna made it in time to check on her.

"Well, it was nice to have a little chat with Little Miss Moonbooty. I haven't seen her anywhere near often enough to read her like I do with Celestia." Novo said while catching me by surprise with that playful nickname.

"What is it with you and the posteriors of the royal family?!" I said while bursting into awkward laughter. First Sunbutt and now Moonbooty. What in the world could she possibly call Nightmare Moon? Without incurring her wrath, at that.

Novo smirked as she dropped back down onto her hands. "What? They're big, curvy, and have the sun and moon plastered on the sides. How could I not take a swipe at that?"

"Meh, I guess so. The taller they are, the more mass they have in their bodies and... Well..." I muttered as my thoughts drifted to Celestia and the times we've had some degree of intimacy alone. There is no denying that she has an utterly radiant figure that is only matched by her sisters and Novo herself. And most of her sex appeal comes from her very pronounced flanks. "OK, you've got me there. Celestia does have a very sexy butt. And by proxy, so do her sisters."

"So you do get where I'm coming from. Anyway, that's enough about them." Novo retorted before reaching out and pulling me closer with her wing scooping me from behind, her gorgeous eyes gazing whimsically into mine. "Let's focus on us right now."

"Oh dear, so soon after your nap?" I muttered hesitantly now that Novo was taking charge like the mighty queen she is. Not that I was afraid of what was coming.

"Mmhm. You. Me. My place. Now." Novo whispered sensually before pulling me along and escorting me back to her chambers. Once we were inside, she locked the door and began to manually remove my armor piece by piece. "Just a minute, honey."

While I appreciated her pragmatic approach, I knew it would be much more expedient if I were to simply liquefy my armor. "Wouldn't it be faster for me to use the spell that melts it down?"

"And leave a puddle on my rug? No, I think I'll do it like this." Novo retorted with a bit of a chuckle to her voice. "Besides, it'll be more satisfying if I work to get past the shell and dig into the soft meat."

I almost laughed at that analogy. Probably something she thought up while eating some crab one day. Eventually, I finally stepped out of my armored boots and stood in just my clothes before the beautiful queen. She stepped back without ever taking her eyes off me and soon reclined upon her bed, which still showed signs of prior use. She curled her finger at me as she whispered, "Come join me, baby. Mama missed you."

"Gladly, you beautiful bird of paradise." I retorted while trying to match her wit. As I crawled onto the bed, Novo took me into her arms and rolled over with the two of us sharing an embrace. As much as I enjoyed my time with Silverstream, I was very happy to be back in the arms of the magnificent queen that my heart was beginning to long for. "I missed you too, Novo..."

"You don't know what you've done for me, baby." Novo cooed as her beak placed a soft kiss upon my lips, her eyes gazing into mine as her finger dragged along my cheek. "Celestia's always been there for me, but she couldn't chase the clouds away. Not even the sun's rays can push away a layer of clouds. But you... You created the gentle breeze needed to start to push them away and over the horizon. Now I feel like there really is some light back in my life."

"Novo, I was only..." I started to say before I froze as Novo held my face between her hands. There was such subdued joy and love in those eyes. The kind of deep and sincere love that only a woman with years of experience could show.

"You are the light of my life, James. My sugar bear. My sweet honey bun. My... My..." Novo cooed sweetly to me before she could no longer restrain herself. Her beak parted once again as her eyes closed, clamping over my cheeks as her tongue invaded my mouth. I welcomed it. My heart swelled from the sheer love in her words as I too closed my eyes while my arms snaked around her. We kissed and moaned as we partook in each other's love, so very obsessed with the other. Her joy was my joy. She was in bliss and I took such comfort in knowing I was a big source of that bliss. And I wanted to see that bliss continue.

We gasped hotly when the kiss ended, our tongues connected by a lingering string of saliva. I could see it in her eyes. Those words or adoration were just shy of her openly declaring her love for me. As if she was bending the rules to say it without actually saying it. I so dearly wanted to say it too, but I knew better than to say it that soon. I made that mistake with Fluttershy two years ago and we were both lucky that everything panned out as well as it did. I was not willing to take that risk with someone like Novo. I had to wait. And I think she knew it too. Someone with such passion... She was not hiding her feelings from me, but she has been around much longer than me and is cynical enough to not show her hand too early.

"I wish you could stay forever, honey... I'd... I'd be so good to you..." Novo cooed to me as she brought her head under my chin and began to nuzzle me in a most avian fashion. Her wing would not release me from its embrace.

"I know you would, Novo... You're good to everyone. It's no wonder your people love you." I whispered back to her as I stroked my fingers through her elegant plumage. "I'd do everything I could to be good to you too..."

"You're always good to me, honey... Always." She sighed in delight as her deep luxurious voice hummed in a type of churr. "You're good to your friends... And good to little Silverstream too... That reminds me... Did you enjoy your time with her while I was napping up here?"

"Mmhm. We went down to the beach. I helped her punch a hole in a coconut for her to drink from... And I got swarmed by a flock of curious kiwis." I retorted while thinking back to what had happened only a few hours ago. Quite an entertaining time with that silly bird.

Novo suddenly let out an amused giggle while keeping her head nestled against my neck. "Kiwis, you say? I almost forgot we have those on the island. They didn't give you trouble, did they?"

"Nah, I think they were just curious about me. Perched on me, but never pecked me. Cute little birds and I've never seen them up close before." I smiled as I thought back to those strange little birds. There really is no bird like the kiwi, even among other flightless birds. Although I then felt it necessary to mention something. "I'll be stopping by Silverstream's place for dinner tonight. I'd like to see her family for one more evening. Is that all right?"

Novo did not seem to mind at all and even sounded like she had a plan. "That's perfectly fine by me, baby. Just make sure you save room for dessert because I'll have something ready for you when you get back."

I was really curious of what she had in mind. Considering how Capricorn Island has to get creative with its sweeter treats due to low sugar cane production, I was very intrigued over what the queen herself had in mind for a decadent dessert. "Thanks for letting me know. Now I'll be sure to have enough of an appetite ready for tonight."

"How about I help you work up a proper appetite while we have time?" Novo asked as she started to pull away from me and approached my armor's many pieces on the floor. "Let's get you suited up before we head out to the courtyard."

"Oh, I think I know where this is going." I mumbled as I got up and walked over to her. My underarmor functions like a two-piece bodysuit, so that was easy to get back on. It even seemed to become a single garment once the two halves connected at the waist. I required Novo's aid in putting on most of the hardened components of my armor. "While I have to say it would be a lot more convenient to just melt it down first, you have to respect how much work it takes to get this stuff on the old-fashioned way."

"I'll say. I don't know how you humans do it when there's so much to put on. Even my men don't wear that much." Novo interjected as she fixed the clasps on my cuirass. "Not that I mind. It's like one big puzzle to put together."

I held my arms out to my sides to give Novo as much room to maneuver as possible. She lastly placed my helmet upon my head before cupping my cheek and bringing her beak to my lips for a brief smiling kiss. "Now my knight looks ready to serve his queen. Go fetch your shield and meet me in the courtyard. I'll help you work up that appetite for dinner."

I did just that. I returned to my chambers and affixed the Lunar Shield to my left arm. When I made my way down the halls and out to the empty courtyard, I was soon joined by Novo with a pair of swords tucked under her wing. I was almost expecting to see Celestia with her, yet the Princess of the Dawn was nowhere to be seen. "Celestia won't be joining us this time?"

"I guess. I haven't seen her since she headed out to do some shopping like I said earlier. Makes you wonder what old Sunbutt is up to down there." Novo replied before reaching for one of the sword hilts and handing me a blunt sword for practice. She then drew the other and rose up onto her hind legs to assume a biped stance with her grand wings reaching back to provide balance. Like before, hers was a rapier. "Nothing fancy this time. I just want to test your defenses again and to see how well you do against mine."

"Will do. Ladies first." I retorted while assuming a more defensive stance with my shield ready. Novo kept her spare hand behind her for additional balance and made a few glancing thrusts with her blade as I moved my shield to parry her strikes. Her thrusts became harder and quicker after that, actually putting some force behind her strikes.

"All right, your move!" Novo called out as she adjusted her stance with blade held mostly horizontal to help prepare herself for incoming strikes. I approached carefully with shield ready just in case she would lash out with a counterstrike. I saw her smirk at me, as if admiring or wordlessly applauding my constant use of discretion. When I did finally lash out, Novo still redirected or parried every thrust and swing. She was good. Way too good for me to ever really be on equal footing with.

After a few rounds of alternating between offense and defense, Novo finally reached out for my shield to try and grapple it like more than one time before. This time, I kind of anticipated this move and yanked it around as well to avoid becoming too vulnerable once her hand gripped the rim. I decided to not take chances and hurled myself backwards with a flap of my wings to create some distance and very nearly caused Novo to lose her balance and fall. Her startled yelps as she struggled to remain on her hooves confirmed just how badly I had surprised her. "Whoa! Good move, baby!"

Her words of praise put a smile on my face. I was actually making some progress in our bouts. Novo approached me with a brisk pace and once again tried to work around my defenses. But this time, I was fired up enough to try something unexpected and daring. As she made another thrust, her blade became coated with a layer of billowing blue magical energy as I cast my left gauntlet's magic upon it while the Lunar Shield kept my arm concealed. Novo did not even notice until my levitation spell jerked her sword away along with her arm. "What the...?! Hey! Getting sneaky with me, huh?!"

Novo tried her hardest to regain control and did have a very strong grip, but she could not resist my magic jerking her weapon around. I finally got her sword up right behind her back while she simply would not let go. "Who taught you how to do that?! That's some..."

Novo immediately shut up the instant she realized I had my sword's tip mere inches from her breast. I could not help but smirk at just how badly I had gotten the jump on this immortal duelist. Although I quickly lost that smirk as I realized that I may have done something I was not supposed to. I felt like I really was not supposed to actually win in a duel against Novo under any circumstances. But as I lowered my sword in unease while also releasing Novo's blade from my magical grasp, the beautiful queen before me just smirked like she always does. "Weapons down, honey."

I dropped my sword as directed, as did Novo. But once we were eye-to-eye again, she promptly pulled me into yet another deep and powerful kiss with her tongue wrestling with mine. I did not really press into the kiss this time as I was too confused to really respond. Once Novo broke the kiss and gazed into my eyes, she beamed at me. "You've gotten good, baby. Really, using magic on my own weapon? Cheeky. Very cheeky. I like it."

"Wait, really? You're not mad at me?" I asked earnestly while feeling like I had won due to the use of underhanded tactics. Hardly a fitting victory against a queen who had multiple swordsmanship titles to her name.

"If you keeps you alive, I won't complain." Novo said with a smirk before moving my shield aside to look at my left hand behind it. "Clever move, using your shield to mask your magic use. If they don't see that aura, they won't anticipate it. And really, yanking your opponent's weapon around. I'm sorry, but that just sounds too funny on paper."

"Well, it honestly wouldn't be the first time. I pulled the same thing on my instructor the first time I ever took up the sword and even chased him around with it." I said with a small smirk. Novo's response was much more noticeable as she let out a laugh at the mere thought of it.

"Hoooo, you can be quite a scamp, honey. You just keep doing what you're doing and I'm sure you'll come out of every clash on top." Novo said before nuzzling my cheek. "But anyway... Shouldn't you be heading out for dinner around now? I think a little birdy is waiting for you."

"Oh, right... I guess it is about time for that now. I'll be back, all right?" I said while putting an arm around Novo for an embrace.

Novo draped her wing over me while she spoke softly to me. "Save room for dessert, baby. I mean that. I've got something good in mind for tonight."

With nothing else to do, I returned to my chambers and left behind my armor and weapons before slipping on my shoes and making my way out and into the Omega sector. I was pretty familiar with the layout of the place by now, so I had no difficulty in finding my way to Silverstream's place. The sky was turning a spectacular vermilion hue by then. And upon knocking on the door, I barely waited five seconds before it flung open as a very excited hippogriff filly leaped into my arms. "You made it!"

"Whoa! Hey there, pretty bird. Hope I'm not too early." I yelped as I took a step back while Silverstream hung onto me in an embrace. I walked on in, hoping that I was being expected so as to not feel like I was intruding.

"Hey there, James! We heard you were coming, so we're cooking p a little extra for tonight." I heard Sky Beak say from the kitchen as delightful aromas reached my nostrils. His happy tone reinforced my welcome, making me feel happy to be there. Not wanting to get in the way, I made my way to the couch and took a seat at the edge all while Silverstream never let go of me.

"Scritches before dinner?" Silverstream asked quietly with her beak by my ear.

"Since you asked nicely..." I muttered before bringing my fingers to the back of her neck and reaching deep through her feathers to the tender flesh below. She churred delightfully as my fingers went to work, her embrace only tightening as she reveled at my unique touch. Her plumage puffed up so much like an excited cockatiel and only made it easier to reach through her feathers.

"You just can't get enough of that, huh?" I heard a familiar voice ask as Terramar came up beside us. He looked at his sister with a knowing smirk on his beak as if he found some amusement with how addicted she was to the wonder of scritches.

"Quiet now. Silverstream is in her happy place." She playfully snapped at him with her eyes closed. My fingers started to wander down her back and began to work their way through the feathers over her flank. "Mmmmm, yes... Booty scritches..."

I could not resist letting out a giggle as Silverstream arched her back to really get into my touch upon her flank. Even Terramar started to snicker at just how much his sister was getting into it. I soon muttered, "You birds are so easy to entertain."

"That's not exactly a bad thing." Terramar retorted as he leaned his head towards me. Seeing what he was silently requesting, I brought my other hand to his head to give the colt his own dose of daily scritches. "Mmmm, it's a shame you don't have feathers. You don't know how nice this feels, James..."

"As long as you're enjoying yourselves, I'm happy." I said softly while just finding enjoyment in seeing these two hippogriffs so joyous over receiving scritches. It may be a simple act, but I am sure birds are the only ones who can completely appreciate it. Although I did hear the clinking of dinner plates and silverware before long. "Sounds like dinner's about ready. I think the table is being set."

"Mmmmm, five more minutes?" Silverstream muttered as my fingers scritched up her puffy chest.

"Yeah, I can wait a little longer for some food... This feels too nice." Terramar added while looking a little drunk on relaxation.

"Well... Sure, as long as your folks don't complain." I whispered while knowing that they usually get asked to set the table for dinner. I guess Ocean Flow and Sky Beak noticed what a good time their kids were having and were allowing them to indulge during my last evening with them.

After a few minutes, I heard what sounded like the call of a robin before Ocean Flow's voice reached my ears. "Dinner's ready! You three coming?"

"Awww, that was only three minutes..." Silverstream grumbled in some mild annoyance while she started to get off of me.

"You won't be complaining for long. Just wait until your stomach takes charge." I retorted while following them to the table. We in for a treat when we sat down. Shrimp scampi among a wide variety of vegetables.

I did more listening than talking at first as I indulged in Ocean Flow's cooking. Silverstream chatted about how she and I spent time down at the beach and our encounter with that clan of kiwis. Eventually, Ocean Flow herself looked my way as she asked, "Did you say that you and Princess Celestia have to head back to the mainland tomorrow?"

"Yeah, that's what I was told. I think we're departing in the afternoon." I replied while pulling the shrimp bodies from their crunchy tail shells on my plate. "It was a nine night ten day stay, right?"

"Did you enjoy your stay with us?" Sky Beak asked as he paused between bites.

I made no attempt to hide my thoughts on my stay. "Yeah, absolutely. I'm gonna miss this place... I can't think of a single thing to really complain about. I mean I guess it is tough to get around when you can't fly, but that's not too big an issue."

Sky got a minor chuckle out of my observation. He has probably seen enough tourists on the job to know how cumbersome it can be to get from one sector to another when you are on foot. "Well, just remember that if you're ever in the neighborhood again, our doors are always open. It's been a pleasure having you here, James."

"And it's been a pleasure being here. Thank you." I replied with utmost sincerity. I felt fortunate to have met that wonderful stallion so early on my first day there. Perhaps even moreso for having made a good friend in Silverstream and Terramar. And not to mention Ocean Flow. I almost felt like family to this clan of wonderful birds.

As dinner came to a close, Terramar looked to me and asked, "Is there anywhere you need to be?"

"Well... Novo did want me to come back up right away. It sounded like she was planning to have some dessert ready for us." I retorted as I cleaned my plate. Not a single morsel was spared. "I'll be sure to come back tomorrow to say my goodbyes. I can't leave without doing that, at the very least."

"It'll be nice to see you off, dear. We'll be here, so stop by when you can." Ocean Flow spoke sweetly while giving me such a tender smile.

I helped clear the table on account of it being my last meal with them until my next visit to the island. And when I started to approach the door, Silverstream stuck by my side like an excited dog ready to go for a walk. I even pet her head like one. Ocean Flow stuck her head out from the kitchen and said, "You be sure to come by tomorrow before you fly home! It wouldn't do for you leave without saying goodbye!"

"I will, Mrs. Flow! You'll see me again before then." I called back as Sky Beak and Terramar came around the corner. Sky put his wing over his daughter to apply some form of reassurance or even restraint. I looked at the three of them and asked, "You'll be here tomorrow, right?"

"Oh sure! But if you don't see me here, I'll be stationed up at the Ivory Palace, so I'll be seeing you one way or the other." Sky replied while Terramar seemed to hesitantly be reaching out for a hug.

I got down on a knee and held out an arm to the colt before he stepped forward into my embrace. Silverstream did the same, not wanting to miss out. "Just in case we don't see you... Thanks for being a good friend during your stay, James."

"You too, Terramar." I said softly before whispering to his sister. "You'll see me again tomorrow. I'm not leaving yet."

"You better... If I don't get to see you one more time, I'm gonna cry..." Silverstream muttered as her embrace only tightened. With great reluctance, I bid the happy family of hippogriffs goodbye and made my way out. The sun was setting, so it would likely be almost dark by the time I found Novo back up at the palace.

Having a good idea of where to find Novo, I first had the idea to make my way to that garden balcony that we have spent many an evening together on. And upon stepping out onto the balcony, I was greeted by the setting sun sinking into the sea over the horizon. My ears were promptly greeted by a familiar and luxuriously bold voice. "Just in time, honey bun. You saved room for dessert, right?"

Novo was relaxing upon the sofa like always, her lidded eyes beckoning me to come closer. Which I did. "If I didn't, I've probably gotten some extra room in there by now. Fish digests easily compared to most other meats."

"That it does. Now get over here and give mama some sugar." She cooed as I took a seat beside her. Novo's wing wrapped around me to shield me from the encroaching night chill as my fingers dragged themselves through her lovely plumage. That deep beautiful voice churred lovingly into my ear as she preened my hair. "Mmmm, stay with me tonight, baby... I don't want you out of my sight until dawn."

"Gladly, mama bird." I whispered to her as I felt no desire to go anywhere else for the rest of the day. It was a good day and this was the best way I could think of to end my day. Although at the distant sound of approaching hooves, we both released each other from our embrace. "Is that Seaspray coming?"

"Yep." Novo muttered before the captain of the guard stepped out into the garden with a reasonably sized platter resting upon an upturned hand with a silver domed lid covering it. "Just in time, admiral. Fresh out of the fryer?"

"And cleansed of excess oils, as always." He retorted before setting the platter upon the little table that was normally reserved for ice buckets to hold drinks. "Good evening, Sir James. I hope you won't mind if the queen and I discuss the affairs of today."

"Actually, unless any of those topics happen to be of an urgent nature, I'd rather we catch up tomorrow afternoon. Sound fine to you, admiral?" Novo asked while giving me a bit of a smirk. While someone had to deliver our desserts, Novo only wanted her time to be spent with me without interruption.

"Well, when you put it like that... I suppose it can wait half a day or so." He mumbled for a moment before bowing to his queen with the grace of any butler. "With that said, I shall leave you two for the night. Have a very pleasant evening."

Seaspray departed without so much as a single inquiry as to why Novo and I were together like that. Perhaps he already noticed the dynamics between us by then, or his brief encounter with us on the bridge earlier this week convinced him to not think too hard about the two of us. Regardless, Novo reached for the domed lid while giving me a smirk. "Ready to see what Capricorn Island has to offer in the sweeter departments?"

"Yes, please." I said in earnest as I eyed the platter. I know the hippogriffs have a difficult time sweetening up food due to low sugar cane harvests, so I was very interested about what sort of desserts the queen herself could get. And when the dome was lifted, a faint veil of steam followed as I beheld a simple yet elegant dish of sort. A bowl of bright yellow honey surrounded by spherical balls of baked dough sprinkled with cinnamon. The dish was complimented by a few bars of nougat drizzled with honey. "Such a simple appearance...but it piques one's interest."

A pair of long skewers were provided, possibly toothpicks. We each took one in hand and placed a ball of dough on the tip. Each of us took turns dunking them in the bowl of honey, rotating them to allow the excess golden fluid to ooze off to avoid making a mess. So simple...yet so decadent. Honey really is unlike any other sweetener, having a vast array of flavor depending on its color and viscosity. The honey in that bowl was easily the thinnest and brightest I had ever seen, lending it probably the pinnacle of flavor.

The few nougat bars allowed for a cleansing of our palettes. They did not have the warmth of the soft dough balls, but were delightfully chewy with the bits of almonds in them adding a satisfying bit of grit and crunch. The light drizzle of honey provided a zesty sweet accent, but the unique sweet flavor of the nougat took precedence on our tongues. We spoke little, instead focusing on this simple yet delightful treat that had been provided for us.

"And they say Capricorn Island doesn't do much in the way of sweets... This is fantastic." I finally said as the number of dough balls began to dwindle. My meal at Silverstream's house had been fairly filling, but I was reaching my limit for the night.

Novo pulled her toothpick from her beak while her sets of teeth at the back of her skull chewed away at her sweet treat for a moment. "Mmmm... You know it, baby. We just do more with less."

"That's a very commendable approach." I retorted as I took my last bite and set my toothpick aside. That hit the spot. I could not bring myself to eat another morsel. "Oh man, that did it... The rest is yours..."

"Don't mind if I do." Novo said almost jokingly as she took care of the few remaining treats on the platter. There was not even much honey left in the bowl by the time she was done. "Hoo boy, that does fill you up. Good stuff, hm?"

"Oh yeah... Thank you for this, Novo. It was all excellent." I said with a sigh of satisfaction. I knew I was going to sleep well on a full stomach that night. Although we were then interrupted one more time as Seaspray once more stepped out onto the balcony again, but with another platter on hand that held a teapot and a pair of teacups. "Huh? Forget something, admiral?"

"Oh, I'm just retrieving this... And bringing this along for the two of you. Now, if you'll excuse me..." He replied while passing me the tea tray and taking the used platter and its lid away. I set the tea tray down on the now empty table and poured the two of us a drink.

"Let me guess... Lemon and ginger?" Novo asked as she inhaled deeply the faint steam that rose from the yellow fluid. It did have the unmistakable aroma of ginger on it and the color hinted at the presence of lemon.

"If it is, that's a perfect choice. Good for digestion." I retorted while just musing over my knowledge of tea. Maybe I am becoming something of a tea aficionado by now. Thankfully, the pot had been allowed to cool a bit so that the tea was not too hot to drink. Very warm, but not enough to inflict pain. I sipped lightly from my cup, its warmth heating my body to counter the cooling mountain air. Novo only added to that warmth by wrapping her wing around me.

The two of us sipped away from our cups, refilling them when needed. It felt like we should have had something to say, but no words came. But I could see it in her eyes. And in that smile. So many sweet tender words were rolling around in her head. I wonder what she saw in mine... It must have been something nice since her smile never did fade. Maybe we were just hoping that tomorrow would come and we would be able to spend the full day together. I wanted to tell her that I enjoyed my time on that island. But to do so would carry the admission that my time there was coming to an end. And I did not want to spoil the mood. And so I leaned against that beautiful queen. The queen whose heart pined for me like mine pined for her.

"Time for bed, honey. Let's go wash up." Novo eventually said once the teapot had yielded its final drop. I offered no resistance and followed the beautiful creature down the dimly lit halls to her private chambers, although I did pick up a few necessities at my room along the way. Or I was about to when Novo looked at me from the doorway. "Actually... Grab your armor, honey. There's something I wanna show you first. While we still have time."

"Huh? Oh, uh... OK." I muttered as I was distracted from our current task. I slid my shoes off and stepped into the little tub nearby to allow the liquid metal resting in it to climb over my body and harden into its winged form. I grabbed my helmet as well for the sake of being thorough. I then followed Novo out the hall as I then found her leading me away from the direction that would lead to her private chambers. "So...uh...what're we doing now?"

"You'll see, baby. Just stick with me." The queen replied as I followed along through the halls. We eventually stepped out onto the airship docks with the Olympia still moored at the side. There was no activity on her deck, the crew likely tending to their routines in her bowels or having a good time in the Omega sector instead. There was barely a cloud in the sky as the moon shone down on us and the rest of the mountain's summit. But as we walked, Novo's gait quickened into a brisk trot. "Still keeping up?"

"Um... What're we doing? And why are we out... Hey, where you going?!" I spoke up with increasing volume while I broke into a light jog and then into a run as Novo's gait reached a full gallop. My enchanted legwear insured that I could keep up without trouble, but I was utterly baffled as to what she even wanted to do out there. I would not wait long for an answer.

"Try and keep up, honey!" Novo called out as we rapidly approached the edge of the docks. And Novo did not stop. She spread her glorious wings and dove over the side while I followed right behind her. She quickly pulled out of a dive and went into a high speed yet gradual descent as she began to lead me around the island in a descending spiral with only the moon to light our way.

While confused, I was genuinely intrigued by this nighttime activity I had found myself roped into. The many towns upon the mountain were illuminated by the many lights lining the streets or even just shining through the windows. It almost felt surreal and enchanting as I flew along the gorgeous queen while she took me along for a midnight flight.

Novo slowed down just enough for me to catch up to her. And when I did, she reached out and grabbed my hand before pulling me along and grasping my other until she was right in front of me. We went into a lofty freefall while spinning around as if we had started to perform stunts while skydiving, my helmet's plume and her long tail feathers likely creating a type of colorful pinwheel look to our spiraling bodies.

I probably should have been worried now that we were falling, but it did not feel like we were falling as fast as we could. Our wings and our rapid horizontal rotating was likely adding a lot of drag to slow our descent. And all the while, Novo's gaze never left mine. She was not worried at all. She knew exactly what she was doing. And she just looked so happy as we held hands during our spiraling descent. I finally asked, "You do this often?!"

"Not in a long...long time, honey!" Novo retorted while absolutely beaming at me. She even laughed. Like this was some sort of sacred ritual of sorts. When was the last time she did that? With her king? When Cygnus was still around? That smile was contagious as I too felt one creep across my lips. Although not even a minute after we started falling, Novo glanced down and looked back at me. "Now might be a good time to let go!"

And so we did. Our hands released each other as we broke away while still in a spiraling descent. I spread my wings further to gain more control and swooped away from the approaching mountainside while Novo's pale form did the same. She was easy to keep track of in the moonlight as her plumage almost seemed to glow. We quickly regrouped and continued on our midnight flight around the mountain. It almost felt like we were racing each other at times with Novo getting just ahead of me only for me to pass her for a short while.

After no more than ten minutes, Novo finally started to lead me back up the mountain. While our ascent was not as speedy as our decent, it was still invigoratingly swift as our approach to the Ivory Palace was much more direct than our departure. Novo led me above the airship docks and swooped in for a landing But rather than come to a complete stop, she came in on a glide and touched down while breaking into a trot as she did. My body was not designed for such a landing and had to set down at a complete stop. But I still approached Novo as she laughed at the sky before looking back at me. "Had fun tonight, baby?!"

I was at a loss for words for a moment. That activity... It was something special. Something that she only did under the cover of night. The guards probably had no idea what she was even up to. Then again, they would probably freak out to see their queen going into a freefall like we were doing. I doubt even Celestia was aware of this little ritual of hers. And when we held hands and her gaze met mine as we fell...

I soon stood before Novo in the moonlight as my arm reached around her neck and pulled her closer to me. "You only used to do that with your king, right?"

"Sharp eye, honey... Yes... Every once in a while... When the weather is fair..." Novo retorted as she soon fell silent. I thought her mind was going back to old memories of her beloved husband, but instead... They were only directed at me. She seemed so demure at that moment. Like she was wondering if she made a small mistake for suddenly pulling me into such a sacred ritual without my knowledge. And I understood then why she did it. It was just another unique way of hers to say 'I love you' to me.

There were no words to say. And this time, I made the first move. I brought my lips near her beak as Novo responded knowingly. Her head tilted in one direction as her beak parted and clamped over my cheeks, our eyes closing as our tongues met and began to dance. She sang a song deep in her throat in the form of deep beautiful moaning while I hummed back to her with a song of my own. There was no denying it by that point. We had held each other. We had confided in each other. We had bathed with each other. We had dined with each other. And now we had soared with each other. We were indisputably in love.

All too reluctantly, we allowed the kiss to end as we gazed into each other's eyes in a haze. I had no idea what to say at all. I did not have to since Novo then whispered to me with deep sincerity. "Leave your armor in your chambers and come to mine, my knight. I need you with me tonight..."

"Gladly, m'lady." I whispered back to her as we once more shared a deep and loving kiss. She was just so...addictive. I know I have likely said this before, but I have never known a woman like Novo. Truly one of a kind.

Novo departed first as I waited on the airship dock to give us a bit of distance and to clear my head with the cool night air high on the mountain's summit. After a few minutes, I silently made my way to my chambers and left my armor behind. I brought along a clean pair of boxers, looking forward to feeling Novo's smooth plumage against me in bed.

Novo had turned on a lamp near her bed by the time I arrived and led me into the bathroom. I was expecting a long soak in the bathtub like every prior night I had spent with that wonderful mare. However, instead of lighting more scented candles, she flipped on the lights in the room and opened the door to her rather spacious shower stall. She looked at me over her shoulder as she turned the handles under two separate showerheads, water spewing from above as it gradually rose in temperature. A knowing smirk spread across her beak. "I'd rather stay standing tonight."

I felt a sense of unease come over me. Every night in the bathtub, I felt a sense of security as I kept my lower body concealed beneath the water's surface. But standing up in a shower... I felt like this was asking for trouble. Trusting my instincts for once, I started to inch towards the door. "I...uh...just remembered I forgot something back in my room. If you'll...um...excuse me, I'll just be..."

The moment I turned away, I felt two hands rest upon my shoulders as Novo spoke from just behind me. "Ohohohoho, I don't think so, you're not getting away that easily, sugar bear."

Before I even knew what was happening, Novo was rapidly stripping me of my clothes and soon had me pinned to the wall in her shower stall while she gazed impishly into my eyes. She had thoughtfully left my boxers on for the sake of some modesty. While I was just out of range of the falling water, Novo was getting gradually soaked by it and...looking quite sexy about it, if I must be completely honest. "Don't be coy, baby. I'm not gonna jump you or put you in a tough spot. I just want to hold you in the rain this time, if that's all right."

"Well, when you put it like that... OK then?" I muttered with some trepidation. Though once I stepped into the falling water, I quickly started to relax as Novo left me alone so I could wash my hair. With my eyes closed to avoid the stinging lather, I asked, "You need a hand with anything?"

"Well, since you asked... Think you could get my flanks and tail feathers? It's a little hard to reach, even with a brush." She retorted as I am sure her plumage was soaked right to her flesh. Once I had rinsed my hair thoroughly, I turned to Novo and saw her scrubbed her dulled talons of one hand into the feathers on her head. A thick lather was forming over her as she kept her head out of the water. I then turned my attention to her tail feathers and saw that they were bending much more sharply to the floor now that they were being weighed down by water. I took them in hand and started to firmly slide them through my hand with a layer of shampoo being applied to their entire lengths.

"Ooh, don't pull too hard there, baby. It'll take years for those to grow back if you pluck them." Novo grunted as I made the mistake of not gripping them at their bases first. I rectified this immediately and held the soapy feathers out to make sure they would get properly rinsed. But as I prepared to apply shampoo to Novo's flanks, I paused as I saw that having all her feathers soaked was causing them to cling to her body and really accent the curves of her full motherly hips. I think that may have been the plan since I noticed her look back at me with a smirk. "Something wrong, honey? Or do you see something you like back there?"

"Um... Maybe?" I mumbled before I flinched as Novo gently swung her hips in one direction and giving me a good look at her vulva for the first time. While much of her body may be more bird than mare, her nether regions are still very much equine. I must have been blushing since Novo snickered quite loudly. "Oh, ease up, honey. Even I know you don't go to third base on the first date. But just remember... That sexy butt is all yours."

"Dear god, Novo... Do you have to be this sexy all the time?" I groaned as I tried to be professional as I began to apply shampoo to those glorious flanks.

"I'm the hottest queen in the world, baby. It comes with the territory... Oh god, that's the spot... Mmmm, I bet you like feeling up my MILF hips, don't you?" Novo replied in a teasing manner. I think she really did want me to mount her right then and there. Lord knows a part of me at the back of my mind wanted to throw caution to the wind and make passionate love to that unparalleled queen. But I knew I could not. Not then. And certainly not without Fluttershy knowing about her at first.

Novo thankfully behaved herself for the rest of the shower, though we did end up making out a few times under the falling water. Just...something romantic about holding each other in the shower like that. We could not resist the temptation. Although once out of the shower, Novo respectfully looked away while I placed my soaked boxers in the sink and stepped out in a towel while she went to work with a hairdryer to more speedily dry her plumage. I was in a dry pair of clean boxers in minutes and waited on the bed with only the lamp on the nightstand providing light. Novo was thorough in her efforts and only stepped out of the bathroom once she was as dry as a bale of cotton. And she looked the part as I looked her way and said, "The queen is looking extra fluffy tonight."

"Hey, just because I normally look hot doesn't mean I can't look cute too." Novo chirped as she strutted my way like a courting ostrich. She then relaxed upon the bed with me and asked, "Care to help mama smooth these out before bed?"

"Allow me." I muttered as I started to slide my hands over her feathers repeatedly in order to pack them back down to give Novo her usual sleeker look. Novo hummed beautifully as she reached for a file nearby and began to give herself a little manicure as she waited. She would look at her talons frequently to inspect her progress. "You prefer to keep your talons dull?"

"Well, I'm no griffon, but I don't want my talons getting sharp. Wouldn't want to risk hurting anyone." She retorted sincerely while she continued to file away. I never figured out how to use such a thing on my own fingernails, so everything she did went over my head.

"Yeah, it sucks when your nails or talons get too long and you suddenly scratch yourself during some sort of daily activity. Even worse when you draw blood." I added while thinking of my own mishaps with such a feature. Novo chuckled lightly while also wincing at the thought, probably knowing exactly where I was coming from.

Before long, Novo's plumage had been smoothed out and I was back in her winged embrace. Her head rubbed against mine as I dragged my fingers down her back and through her plush feathers. I wanted to make this moment last. I did not want to think about my imminent departure the following afternoon. Novo's avian hands too caressed my back with her dull talons pleasantly dragging themselves against my flesh as she whispered to me. "I don't want to see you go..."

"I don't want to leave you either..." I whispered back to her. Our time together had been relatively brief, but Novo... She really knows how to make me feel like the luckiest guy in the world. I have seen glimpses of what life must have been like for her king. If I enjoyed myself with her as much as he surely did... A life with that wonderful queen is a life to envy.

"James... Promise me something. Please." Novo whispered before our foreheads rested against the other with those beautiful eyes gazing into mine with deep sincerity and without a shred of her usual bravado. "If we have to say goodbye tomorrow... Promise me it won't be the last time we see each other. I want there to be a light at the end of the tunnel. I want you to be there waiting for me at the end of it."

My response was immediate as my fingers found their way to her hand. "I will. I can't...stay away from this place forever. I adore everything about Capricorn Island. Its culture, its people, its cuisine, its ecosystem, and...you."

I think I noticed tears just starting to build at the edges of her eyes. Novo spoke so sweetly to me as she whispered, "There's so much I want to say to you... And I can see the same words in your eyes too. I want to tell you... But I know it's too soon. Like...something is holding me back. Next time... Next time, I'll tell you what's in my heart, honey..."

"Same here... Next time." I repeated as I placed a kiss upon her beak. One last time, her beak and my lips parted as we clung to each other, kissing with deep tender passion as our tongues began to waltz to the melody of her humming voice. We soon found ourselves under the covers, Novo's wing draped over me in an embrace as we whispered sweet farewells to each other for the night. It was time to sleep.

Morning came and Novo and I found ourselves once more out on a balcony with Celestia and Skystar for a hearty breakfast. Although my rate of consumption was rather low. I think I may have been subconsciously stalling for time and Novo seemed to be doing the same. Skystar and Celestia had finished their plates by the time she and I were only half done. Under the table, we reached out to each other as our hands clasped out of sight. I cannot even really remember what was discussed. I was just filled with a strange type of anxiety in the face of having to say goodbye to such a wonderful place and the queen my heart was starting to long for.

Once breakfast had ended and our plates carted away, I was informed that the Olympia would be departing in roughly three hours at around 1 PM. I knew I had people to say goodbye to, so I excused myself from the table to do just that. I still had to pack my bags anyway. I returned to my chambers and gathered up everything I had brought along and secured them in whatever bags or travel cases I had brought them along in. I also made certain to secure all of the souvenirs I had picked up for my friends back home. Treats, mead, a set of earrings for Smolder, and other little knickknacks. My mood received a boost as I anticipated their delight upon receiving these exotic goods from a land they had scarcely even heard of. I was about to put my armor on, but decided to wait until our departure neared. I was not in the mood to be covered in that metal shell. Knowing where I had to be, I set out for the Omega sector to say my farewells.

I walked at a more leisurely pace once I had crossed the bridge into town. I took in the crisp mountain air and observed the spotless white architecture I had become familiar with. Even giving wordless passing greetings to the hippogriffs who greeted me as I walked by. I was going to miss this place. Even the people I did not personally know had a type of happy atmosphere about them that I deeply appreciated. It was going to be sad for me to leave.

When I came to the home of Sky Beak and Ocean Flow, I lightly knocked on the door and was soon answered as the door swung open. I was expecting Silverstream or maybe Sky Beak, but I instead was greeted by Terramar. "Oh, hey! Morning, James!"

"Hey there, Terra. Just stopping by like I promised." I said as I stepped into the house. Ocean Flow must have known I had arrived since she soon stepped into view in the living room. "Morning, Mrs. Flow. Just wanted to say goodbye before we head out."

"Oh, I'm so glad you remembered to stop by, James. It was a pleasure getting to meet you." The lovely hippogriff housewife replied as she stepped forward and put an arm and wing around me. I embraced her gently, feeling truly welcome in this family of happy bird horses. But a moment later, Ocean Flow's eyes perked up in inquisition. "I just had a thought! When do you have to head out?"

"I think the Olympia departs in maybe two hours from now? Give or take..." I retorted while trying to keep track of how much time was left. I would hate to delay everyone by simply not being there on time.

Ocean Flow pulled away from me as she said, "Perfect! Just give me a little while. I want to give you something to take along with you."

I watched as she went over to the kitchen and quickly went to work on...something. Not wanting to leave before she was done, I got comfortable on the couch in the living room. But as I did, I took note of a glaring absence. "Is Silverstream not here?"

Terramar hopped up onto the couch beside me as he said, "I think she went out to look for you. Maybe she'll be back before you head out?"

"I hope so... I'd hate to miss your sister. She's precious." I retorted while lounging around comfortably. I noticed Terramar inch closer with his head angled toward me. I smirked as I noticed what he wanted and started to drag my fingers through his feathers for some scritches. "It'd be a shame if you didn't get some of these one last time."

"Mmmmm, you know it... It was really nice getting to know you, James. You've been a good friend." Terramar churred as he rotated his head to let me get every spot I could reach. Such a nice and chill colt the guy is. It is nice to have someone a bit more relaxed to serve as a straight man around his more colorful family.

"You're a really good guy too, Terra. I'm glad I got to meet all of you." I said softly while doing all I could to keep the colt happy. After maybe another thirty to forty minutes of just relaxing on the couch and recounting my little adventures on the island with my friend, Ocean Flow approached us with what looked like a repurposed takeout box upon her upturned hand. "Huh? Whatcha got there?"

"Take a look and see, dear." She replied sweetly as I took the box in hand. When I peeked inside, I was in for a pleasant surprise. A variety of sushi was packed in there with barely any room for a little cup of soy sauce. Ocean Flow then winked at me as she said, "A little something for lunch while you're on your way back home."

"Oh man, you're too good to me, Mrs. Flow." I said with a crooked smile as I was left very surprised by such an act of sweetness that really catered to my tastes in dining. I set the box aside and stood up before giving the mare of the house a grateful embrace. "Really, thank you. I'm gonna eat well today."

"You're very welcome, sweetie. You just have a good trip home, all right?" She spoke while giving me an equally tender embrace. But once I looked around, I noticed that the clock on the wall nearby indicated that I had been there for the good part of an hour. And there was still no sign of Silverstream or Sky Beak. Ocean Flow must have noticed my scanning gaze since she then said, "Don't worry about Sky. I'm sure you'll bump into him on your way back to the palace, dear. He's just out making his rounds right now."

"I hope Silverstream finds you soon. She'll be really upset if she doesn't get to say goodbye." Terramar added from next to my feet. I released his mother from my embrace and kneeled beside the colt before I found the both of us sharing a friendly hug. "We'll see you again, right?"

"Of course. I love this place and everything it has to offer. I'll come back as soon as I can." I explained while definitely hoping I would not have to wait too long for my next trip.

Mother and son smiled at me in farewell as I very reluctantly stepped outside. I was expecting to bump into Silverstream right then and there, but looking both ways down the road revealed there to be no sign of that precious filly. Now feeling wistful and even disappointed, I started to make my way back towards the Ivory Palace.

I eventually stood atop the stairs that led to the bridge to the palace and looked back over the Omega sector with my lunch box in hand. I felt genuinely sad to have to leave, even though I would surely be in better spirits once I was back in cozy Ponyville. But just as I was about to turn away, I noticed something rise from the rooftops and soar through the air. It seemed to be coming my way. And I soon smiled as I saw who it was.

"Heeeey, glad I caught you!" I heard a familiar voice call out as the soaring hippogriff came in for a landing. Sky Beak stood before me while clad in his armor. His eyes glanced at the box in my hand before he gave me a smirk of sorts. "Did my wife give you some goodies for the road?"

"Sure did. A whole box of sushi. You guys know what I like. And this time, I'll wait until lunch before I dig into it." I replied while promptly a hearty chuckle from the kindly guardsman. However, my mood then turned a bit more somber as I beheld him before me and realizing that I would not see him again for quite some time. I genuinely felt like I was leaving a place I had come to know as home. "I'll be back at some point... Hopefully soon."

Sky's expression darkened as well. I think even he did not want to say goodbye. He spread one wing and held it out to me, which I happily walked into as we both held each other. He whispered to me, "I know you probably don't have much time to spare, but just know this. Everything I said on that first night? It still stands. Whenever you're in the neighborhood, feel free to stop by. My door's always open to you, James."

"Thank you, Sky... Really, you... I'm really gonna miss you guys." I said quietly as my emotions started to get he better of me. I did everything I could to not cry. I did not want to shed any tears at that moment. "I better get going... I don't know how much longer we have until departure. Just...take care of yourself, all right?"

"Will do, James. You have a good one... Fly safely." He said softly before we unwillingly released each other from our embrace. I turned and walked along the bridge and stopped to look back right when I was before the palace doors. Sky Beak was exactly where I left him at the far end of the bridge. We shared a parting wave of our hand and wing before I went inside. I needed to get ready.

Everything except for my backpack had been collected by the time I had returned to my room. Everything had been tidied up like I had never even been in there. All that remained was my helmet, my backpack, and my tub of liquid armor. Even the typewriter I had been provided with had been removed and the Celestial Sword and Lunar Shield had likely been moved to the Olympia as well. I removed my shoes and stuffed them into my backpack along with the box of sushi before stepping into the tub to allow my armor's liquid form to creep over my body and harden. With backpack hanging from one hand and my helmet being cradled in the other, I took one last look at the room I had been using during my visit before stepping out and proceeding down the hall. Everyone was likely at the Olympia by then.

Stepping out onto the airship dock, I saw that my suspicions were correct. The Olympia was rife with activity as the crew were in the process of turning the ship around to face away from the Ivory Palace. Celestia was watching from the dock as the Olympia's propellers buzzed to rotate the ship. The gangplank soon came back down once the airship was in position. Celestia then looked my way and greeted me with a smile. "All set?"

"I guess... I'm gonna miss this place. I had such a good time." I retorted with a sigh as I looked out at the mountain beyond the edge of the dock. "Do you think I succeeded? Did I...help Novo?"

"Far more than I ever expected you to." Celestia whispered as she nuzzled my ear with her snout. "It's hard for me to remember the last time she was ever this unambiguously happy. She's had something good on her mind even when we're not goofing around with each other."

That coaxed a small smile from my lips, although I still felt a sting of disappointment when I still saw no sign of Silverstream. I was expecting her to see me off at the docks, but still no sign of her. Although my thoughts were distracted as Celestia kissed me upon the cheek. "Thank you, James... It's difficult to describe how hard it is to see a good friend like Novo suffering like that for so long while having no real way to heal her. I've done all I could, but it just wasn't enough. Whatever it is you've done for her... Thank you."

"Yeah... Novo's wonderful. Like...one of the most wonderful women I've ever known in this or any world. She deserves to be happy." I muttered as I looked towards the palace to see none other than Novo herself approaching with Skystar and Seaspray at her sides. "Well, speak of the devil."

"So, time for you two to head out?" Novo asked as she drew near, her eyes focused on me more than anything. "It was a good time having you two here... Anything I can get you before you take off?"

"I think we're completely restocked for the voyage home and we have quite a stash of souvenirs with us too. I think we're both quite satisfied, Novo." Celestia replied with a warm smile on her face. She then stepped forward as the two of them each spread one of their impressive wings and embraced. "It was so good to see you again, Novo. I know we keep saying we should see each other more often, but we just can't seem to arrange enough visits."

"Took the words out of my mouth, honey. You just send word when you wanna swing by again and I'll get ready to roll out the red carpet." Novo said softly as the two old friends held each other with the same tenderness they displayed the moment they saw each other upon arrival.

While Novo and Celestia were thoroughly distracted with each other, I turned to Skystar. I was expecting Silverstream to be with her, but there was no sign of my peppy little friend. Not wanting to give the princess of Capricorn Island any reason to think something was wrong, I gave her a slight smile. "How's the ambassador training going? You getting the hang of it?"

Her response was spoken with an optimistic grin. "Well, I'm still getting the hang of the different protocols and the like, but I think I'm gonna do pretty well with it once I've wrapped my head around the whole thing. I wanna see the world, so I don't wanna miss this opportunity."

Seaspray then joined in as he said, "If I may, I must say that our royal highness shows signs of excelling at such a position. I'm not certain where she suddenly acquired the interest in assuming such a position, but I have high hopes she will suit it quite well."

"That's good to hear. Maybe I'll see you sometime on the mainland." I replied before I was left unsure of how to really say goodbye to Skystar. She made the first move, holding out her own impressive wing for a hug. Which I was all too willing to give the bubbly princess as I put my arms around her. "It was good to get to know you, Skystar. Stay outta trouble, all right?"

"Oh, don't you worry about me. I'll be fine. And...it was really nice to meet you too. Come back sometime soon. I know Mom's going to miss you so bad." She said softly before her wing released me as I turned my attention to Seaspray.

The captain of the guard held out a hand to me, a proud smile upon his beak. "It was a pleasure, Sir James. As far as I am concerned, you are a friend of the royal family and of the island as a whole. I do expect us to cross paths again, my good man."

"The sentiment is mutual, admiral. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here." I retorted as I grasped his hand for a brief shake. After that, I stood by silently while the two of them briefly engaged in conversation and goodbyes with Celestia. Soon after that, the two of us stood at the edge of the gangplank with Novo, Skystar, and Seaspray standing before us. I offered no words as I allowed Celestia to take charge. I was basically along for the ride anyway.

"It was a pleasure getting to see you all again. I really should stop by more often. And I really mean that. See you again soon, Novo. And do try to be good for your mother, Skystar." Celestia spoke as Skystar nervously grinned. Novo just let out a loud chuckle at Celestia's jeering.

Seaspray gave us both a dutiful salute. "Pleasant travels, your highness. And may your sword and shield serve you well, Sir James."

Just as we were about to step towards the gangplank, I received a surprise. Novo stepped forward, her smile fading. "Hold up. You... James... Um..."

"Yes...?" I asked as Novo fell silent. She looked the most indecisive I had ever seen her. She wanted to say something, I could see that much. But no words came.

Skystar seemed to have a good idea of what her mother was up to and spoke quietly to Seaspray. "Maybe we should be going now, admiral..."

"Hm...? Ooooh, I see now. If you will excuse us, your majesty." Seaspray said respectfully before he and Skystar began to walk back towards the palace. Only Celestia remained.

The Princess of the Dawn cast us both an inquisitive gaze. We had a schedule to keep, but she seemed to understand this could not be rushed. "Should I...leave you two...?"

"Please." I said softly as I could see the urgency in Novo's eyes. There was someone that had been left undone that could not be ignored before our departure.

Celestia did not object and headed up the gangplank while using her levitation magic to carry along my backpack and helmet. Now with my arms completely free of anything to get in the way, I turned my attention to Novo as the tufts of feathers on her head that likely served as markers for her ears began to droop. "Novo...?"

Her hand reached for mine as her poise and confidence faded. Her voice became shaky as she quietly pleaded with me, her hand grasping mine. "James... Honey, please... Is there anything I can do to convince you to stay longer? Maybe a week? Another week isn't too much to ask, right?"

My heart sank. I did not want to leave her under any circumstances, but it was time to go home. I had friends and family waiting for me. But I knew why she wanted me to stay. And my heart felt the same way. "I... I really shouldn't... I need to go home..."

A look of fear formed in her eyes. She looked and sounded so vulnerable. Moreso than I have ever seen. Novo leaned closer to me, her voice rising in volume. "But... But you know how I feel, baby! I don't want to see you go yet! You... You know that I..."

I anticipated what she was about to say and brought my hand to her beak, setting my armored fingers upon her beak to silence her. It worked and she stopped speaking while gazing into my eyes. I knew what she was about to say. And I shook my head as I knew it was much too soon. "Don't say it, Novo... Not yet. It's too soon... And...as much as it pains me to say this...we don't know if we'll feel the way we do now next time we see each other."

"Honey, that... That's a horrible thing to say..." Novo muttered as she looked both confused and genuinely hurt. "You know I opened my heart to you. We hippogriffs don’t second guess when it comes to love. I know where my heart lies! You know... I know you know..."

"I know... It's just..." I said with a sigh as I tried to very carefully consider my words. I did not want to fumble it now. "It's still too soon, so... Let's consider this departure a test, all right? Distance makes hearts grow fonder, right? Next time we meet... Next time, we'll truly know where we stand with each other. All right?"

I could see the reluctance in her eyes. Novo desperately did not want to let go. But she was wise enough to understand where I was coming from as her eyes wandered. "Right... I get where you're coming from... I don't want to, but...I guess it would be best if we do that... Heh... To think I used to be more cynical than this..."

"So... Will you wait?" I asked with some concern. I did not want us to part ways on a sour note.

Novo let out a long sigh before her eyes met mine again. "Do I really have a choice? Yes... I'll wait... And I hope I feel what I do now when that day comes. But just remember, honey..."

She brought a hand to her chest as nary a smile remained upon her beak. "You still hold the key to my heart. And I can't trust that key with anyone else."

"I know... I'll take good care of it." I muttered softly as we stood there in the silence of the mountain summit, more than a mile above the sea as it spread out around us. Despite the palace being just to my right and the Omega sector nearby, I felt so isolated with her. And it made me especially reluctant to step away.

"Good... But...one last thing, baby." Novo whispered before her hand rose to her brow and gripped her golden crown. She pulled her head back as the crown was yanked from her head before she looked me in the eye. "One more time. Not as queen, but as a mare."

I felt a feeling in my heart that I still cannot quite describe. Shock? Delight? Pain? Whatever it was, I did not resist. Novo and I brought our faces together, eyes closing as her beak opened and clamped onto my cheeks as our tongues performed one last dance as we held each other. I did not want it to end... But it ended all the same after perhaps a full minute. We gazed at each other in a haze as the kiss ended, Novo whispering mournfully to me. "Be safe, honey bun..."

"I will... Take care, my..." I muttered as I internally debated if I should say something so sweet after insisting that we wait until next encounter to decide on our feelings. But I threw caution to the wind and allowed my heart to speak for me. "My...bird of paradise..."

I saw a faint smile form on Novo's beak, tears forming at the edges of her eyes. With extreme reluctance, I began to step away from that beloved queen and headed up the gangplank. I looked back frequently at her and continued to watch Novo from the deck once I was finally up there. The propellers of the Olympia began to buzz as the majestic airship finally began to pull away from the docks to begin its voyage back to Canterlot on the mainland. All the while, Novo did not move from that one spot as long as we were within sight of each other. Nor did her crown return to her brow.

Celestia stood beside me as I watched Capricorn Island begin to become increasingly distant. It was so sad to see it no longer below me as I knew we were truly leaving it. The Princess of the Dawn spoke softly to me, "We'll see her again, my sunshine. I know how much you two long for each other now."

"I... I wasn't expecting to fall in love while I was there... Certainly not with her..." I muttered as I allowed a few tears to fall. Celestia brought her wing to my face and dried my tears so I would not have to with my armored hands. "Novo is...wonderful..."

"She is... One of the best friends I've ever had. And easily one of the longest friendships I've ever held in my life." Celestia said with a somber smile upon her lips as she too looked back at the mountainous island from over the edge of the deck. "I just wish I could set aside more time for... Wait... Who... Something there?"

My eyes squinted as I saw something rapidly approaching the airship from behind and stepped back as I realized it was about to pass us. Something zipped by the deck and turned around ahead of us before it came right for us. All the while, I heard a familiar voice shrieking at us. "WAAAAAAAIIIIITTTTTT!!!!!"

I saw what was coming and braced myself as I held out my arms. The intruder flew right into my embrace, leaving me both shocked, yet pleasantly surprised at who had chased us down. A familiar pink hippogriff filly looked at me as she clung tightly to my armored body. "You never said goodbye!"

"I tried to find you! Even went by your house this morning! Where'd you go?" I asked as I held Silverstream in my arms. I noticed a few guards start to gather around with spears ready to deal with this intruder, but Celestia was quick to quietly order them to stand down and send word to the engine room to reduce output to an absolute minimum.

Silverstream guiltily glanced every which way as I said that while the Olympia began to decelerate to not put too much distance between us and Capricorn Island. As if to answer my thoguhts about what her parents would think about her boarding the Olympia out of nowhere, I heard the flapping of wings as someone else boarded the deck. "Silverstream, what's wrong with you?! My sincerest apologies, your highness. I didn't notice her chasing after you until she was already well on her way. I'll just take her back home and you can be on your way."

"Oh, it's no trouble, Sky Beak. She didn't get a chance to say goodbye, right?" Celestia replied as I saw Silverstream's father standing at the edge of the deck while looking slightly out of breath. I suppose it was a good thing it was him who noticed her chasing the Olympia and not someone else.

"Hey, it's cool. I would've been disappointed if I didn't get to see her one more time before going home. I'm glad she caught up to us." I added while Sky Beak started to smile and respectfully waited at the edge of the deck for Silverstream and I to enjoy a moment together. I then looked at the precious filly in my arms and asked, "Where'd you go this morning?"

"I thought maybe I'd find you at Jellyfish Lake. I just... I really didn't want to wait, I guess... Sorry... But I still found you before it was too late, right?" Silverstream replied while looking and sounding rather embarrassed that taking the initiative only caused trouble for the two of us.

"Yeah, you did." I retorted before nuzzling my head against hers while Silverstream let out a quiet churr of approval and relief. "I was disappointed when I couldn't find you. Thank you for coming out here to catch us before it was too late."

"I couldn't just let my best friend leave without one last hug..." Silverstream cooed before I felt her beak affectionately nibble on my ear like many times before. "I'm gonna miss you... Bring plenty of scritches next time, OK?"

"Why not now?" I asked as I brought one hand to her back and began to gently apply scritches through her feathers with my armored fingers. I know she prefers it when I am not wearing my gauntlets, but beggars cannot be choosers and I needed to stay in armor while up on deck. I then whispered into her ear, "You be good, pretty bird. I'll miss you."

"I'm...gonna miss you...so much..." Silverstream cooed through the delight of her scritches as she tightened her embrace without letting one hoof touch the floor. "You're my best friend, James... Have fun out there, all right?"

"Will do... See you again, pretty bird." I muttered as I reluctantly set Silverstream down. I watched as she nervously approached her father, knowing she was probably in trouble. Thankfully, being the understanding guy he is, Sky Beak just smiled and patted her on the head. Seeing that this would be the last time I would be seeing that wonderful stallion, I walked over to him and held my arms out to him. He just smiled silently and stepped forward, putting his wing around me. I could only think of one thing to say. "Take care of yourself, papa bird."

I felt Sky Beak twitch when I said that, his breathing becoming momentarily uneasy. I heard him speak quietly with his voice cracking, "Come on, James... You know I can't legally fly when I'm crying, right?"

I do not know why, but that just made me laugh a little. As did he. The two of us shared a brief chuckle before we finally let go as I caught a glimpse of him wiping a tear from his eye. He and Silverstream then spread their wings as they waved goodbye, but not before Sky looked at me one more time. "Take care of yourself, my boy."

That got to me. I felt a sting in my heart, but not in a bad way. I was left literally stunned as Silverstream and Sky Beak took to the air and flew back towards their home. I felt tears forming in my eyes once more as Celestia came up beside me. "Papa bird...?"

I let out a hissing sigh as I tried to composed myself as I wiped my face upon Celestia's wing. "That guy is like a father to me..."

Celestia's response was about what I would have expected. A look of silent shock. I looked at her and managed to smile. "I came to that island expecting a good time. I didn't expect to gain as much as I did. Friends...and even family. And I've never felt the way about another man I never knew before as I have towards Sky Beak. He's...such a great guy."

"It sounds like the hippogriffs left quite an impression on you as a whole and not just that one little family." Celestia said softly as we looked out over the vast ocean before us. "Did you like them?"

"No... I love them. I didn't meet a single hippogriff I did not like. I mean don't get me wrong. I adore the ponies of Equestria. But the hippogriffs... I feel like there's something more with them. And not just because I have an affinity for birds..." I replied while finding myself already longing for some familiar feathered friends. "They're such happy people... Not just innocent people, but happy people. I'm...going to miss them."

"Well then... Now I absolutely need to bring you back here next time I visit. I promise it won't be terribly long before then." Celestia said with a smile as she placed a kiss upon my cheek. The buzz of the Olympia's propellers were starting to become more noticeable as the airship picked up speed. "It'll be some time before we return to Canterlot. Anything I can have the stewards get you?"

"Well... I'd say the only thing I'm in the mood for is some lunch. And Sky Beak's wife already set me up with something great." I retorted as the two of us started to make our way back below deck. With my mood dropping, I was eager to perk myself up with some delicious cooking.

I have been spending the afternoon picking away at this delicious sushi while using the same typewriter I had used during the trip towards Capricorn Island. Such a shame that the visit has ended, but it was such a worthwhile time there. Novo... Silverstream and her entire family... I met such good people there and gained more than I ever expected. I will be happy to see Ponyville again once I get back home, but I love the hippogriffs. Easily some of my favorite people of Equestria, if not genuinely my favorite out of all of them yet.

I wonder if I said the right thing to Novo... I know it has not been long since we first met, but... God, it is so hard not for me to not fall in love with that wonderful woman. Will I feel this way next time we meet? Will our hearts still pine for each other by then? I certainly hope so... I do not want to break her heart. Not after everything she went through with Cygnus. She deserves to be happy. And she deserves to be loved again. And...I so very much do want to love her.

Well, I think that is enough for now. I want to enjoy the evening and Celestia has invited me down into the lounge for a round of Equestrian Heroes. I have heard she plays a mean mage.

Next Chapter: A Shift in Normalcy Estimated time remaining: 129 Hours, 45 Minutes